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Dark Parts of Pretty
Charlie Woods swore she’d never become her mother.
She’s carried her secrets for years—the trauma of her childhood, the death of her father, her mother’s addictions.
She hides it well. The panic. The shame. The loneliness.
She gives herself to anyone just so she can feel:
Beautiful.
Special.
Loved. Even for a moment.
Then Smith shows up. Kind. Steady. Safe.
The first person to see past the surface.
The first to make her think she could be different.
But old patterns don’t let go easily.
And when tragedy hits, Charlie will have to decide—
be the girl who repeats the story, or the one who finally ends it.
Charlie Woods swore she’d never become her mother.
What if it’s too late?
“Tragic, heartfelt, and satisfying,” Dark Parts of Pretty is a gritty, emotional coming-of-age novel about addiction, trauma, and what it really takes to save yourse.
She’s carried her secrets for years—the trauma of her childhood, the death of her father, her mother’s addictions.
She hides it well. The panic. The shame. The loneliness.
She gives herself to anyone just so she can feel:
Beautiful.
Special.
Loved. Even for a moment.
Then Smith shows up. Kind. Steady. Safe.
The first person to see past the surface.
The first to make her think she could be different.
But old patterns don’t let go easily.
And when tragedy hits, Charlie will have to decide—
be the girl who repeats the story, or the one who finally ends it.
Charlie Woods swore she’d never become her mother.
What if it’s too late?
“Tragic, heartfelt, and satisfying,” Dark Parts of Pretty is a gritty, emotional coming-of-age novel about addiction, trauma, and what it really takes to save yourse.
345 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
C. Erin Anderson
2 books90 followersI grew up a daydreamer on the farm, Everclear in my tape deck, happily writing stories in my head—everything from twin girls solving mysteries to a horror about vampire badgers lurking in the coulee behind my house.
Then things changed. I grew up, met a boy…and replaced my writing with a blur of wild nights. Memories so vivid they still crackle with electricity.
My novels, Life of the Party and Dark Parts of Pretty, were inspired by those years—by the things I saw, the things I lived, and the things I’m still figuring out.
Writing is my addiction of choice these days. And this one? I’m not giving up.
.
Then things changed. I grew up, met a boy…and replaced my writing with a blur of wild nights. Memories so vivid they still crackle with electricity.
My novels, Life of the Party and Dark Parts of Pretty, were inspired by those years—by the things I saw, the things I lived, and the things I’m still figuring out.
Writing is my addiction of choice these days. And this one? I’m not giving up.
.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 23, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC of Dark Parts of Pretty. A gritty, anxiety inducing read. This, like book one - did not dissapoint. If like me you read to truly FEEL, this series is the one to watch.
All the stars 🌟
All the stars 🌟
April 13, 2024
Amazing so many twists and turns . Such a rollercoaster of events . Couldn’t wait to read more !!!
September 13, 2025
First off I love this book! The twists,the turns, the plot,the characters were all perfect.
Both Mackenzie’s and Charlie’s story were both heartbreaking and gut wrenching but also beautifully written.
This book kept me wanting more after every page and I was not disappointed at all! This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, have the tissues ready!
Both Mackenzie’s and Charlie’s story were both heartbreaking and gut wrenching but also beautifully written.
This book kept me wanting more after every page and I was not disappointed at all! This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, have the tissues ready!
September 26, 2025
A heartbreaking story following a girl struggling with relationships, addiction, trauma, and every dark part of being pretty while living in the 90s/2000s era
This one covers very, very heavy topics such as trauma, abuse, sexual assault, alcoholism, substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, and more. Please be mindful when jumping into this story if you have triggers. This one is heavy on these topics and is the main focus of this story as the main character navigates all of this through her life.
The Plot:
This story follows a young girl as she is getting ready to finish high school. She has had tragedy strike her family and her relationship with her mom is rocky. Already dabbling with drugs, alcohol, sex, and poor relationship decisions, she already has a reputation. But when a new handsome stranger enters her life not wanting what most men want, she's smitten. But tragedy and disaster seem to follow her like a shadow and things continue to take a turn for the worst. Will she beat fate or be stuck in the never-ending black hole?
As stated before this plot is heavy with potentially triggering, sensitive, and deep topics. I'll be honest, I don't really ever have triggers but this one was hard for me to get through at some points. I could really feel the characters' pain and heartbreak to the point my heart was hurting, and I had a queasy stomach. But I think the author handled it well. I had so many emotions while reading this. Saddness, anger, disgust, heartbreak, unease, repulsion, just so many feels. I wanted to cry at points, scream, rage, and so much more. One thing about the storyline that I didn't enjoy is the back and forth between past and present. I found it to be confusing at times, but I understand what the author was trying to do show her in the present and then her reminiscing about the past in between her highs and lows. All in all this is a very tragic story, but I don't want to spoil anything. This really takes you on a journey of someone who is dealing with trauma and addiction. And at times it felt like there was no way out. But there just might be light at the end of a very dark, winding tunnel.
The characters:
The characters felt very real. They were not perfect in the slightest and their decisions at times were absurd and frustrating, but that's coming from someone who has thankfully never dealt with addiction. So seeing that from a perspective of someone who is, is so eye-opening and mind-blowing. They experienced so much decline, regression, helplessness but also growth and learning, and love. There were times that I hated certain characters but didn't want to. Other times I wanted to scream at them for their bad decisions or the treatment that they accepted. I wanted to hold their hands and tell them it would be alright, that I would aid them in getting the help that they needed. Being a mental health nurse and not being able to help these characters really tugged at my heart and soul because I see stuff like this in my everyday and this story really captures the real-life experiences that I have heard real people talk about. I think the author did a wonderful job designing and presenting these characters and their struggles and demons.
Final thoughts:
If you want a cute, fluffy, feel-good read this one is NOT for you. If you want a rip your heart and guts out read that will really change your perspective on things and are okay with the trigger warnings this one is definitely for you. But make sure you have tissues and good coping skills to use after this one, because you're gonna need them.
If I'm being completely honest this one was a little too heavy for me, but I appreciate the opportunity to read it and get a whole new perspective on certain things.
This one covers very, very heavy topics such as trauma, abuse, sexual assault, alcoholism, substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, and more. Please be mindful when jumping into this story if you have triggers. This one is heavy on these topics and is the main focus of this story as the main character navigates all of this through her life.
The Plot:
This story follows a young girl as she is getting ready to finish high school. She has had tragedy strike her family and her relationship with her mom is rocky. Already dabbling with drugs, alcohol, sex, and poor relationship decisions, she already has a reputation. But when a new handsome stranger enters her life not wanting what most men want, she's smitten. But tragedy and disaster seem to follow her like a shadow and things continue to take a turn for the worst. Will she beat fate or be stuck in the never-ending black hole?
As stated before this plot is heavy with potentially triggering, sensitive, and deep topics. I'll be honest, I don't really ever have triggers but this one was hard for me to get through at some points. I could really feel the characters' pain and heartbreak to the point my heart was hurting, and I had a queasy stomach. But I think the author handled it well. I had so many emotions while reading this. Saddness, anger, disgust, heartbreak, unease, repulsion, just so many feels. I wanted to cry at points, scream, rage, and so much more. One thing about the storyline that I didn't enjoy is the back and forth between past and present. I found it to be confusing at times, but I understand what the author was trying to do show her in the present and then her reminiscing about the past in between her highs and lows. All in all this is a very tragic story, but I don't want to spoil anything. This really takes you on a journey of someone who is dealing with trauma and addiction. And at times it felt like there was no way out. But there just might be light at the end of a very dark, winding tunnel.
The characters:
The characters felt very real. They were not perfect in the slightest and their decisions at times were absurd and frustrating, but that's coming from someone who has thankfully never dealt with addiction. So seeing that from a perspective of someone who is, is so eye-opening and mind-blowing. They experienced so much decline, regression, helplessness but also growth and learning, and love. There were times that I hated certain characters but didn't want to. Other times I wanted to scream at them for their bad decisions or the treatment that they accepted. I wanted to hold their hands and tell them it would be alright, that I would aid them in getting the help that they needed. Being a mental health nurse and not being able to help these characters really tugged at my heart and soul because I see stuff like this in my everyday and this story really captures the real-life experiences that I have heard real people talk about. I think the author did a wonderful job designing and presenting these characters and their struggles and demons.
Final thoughts:
If you want a cute, fluffy, feel-good read this one is NOT for you. If you want a rip your heart and guts out read that will really change your perspective on things and are okay with the trigger warnings this one is definitely for you. But make sure you have tissues and good coping skills to use after this one, because you're gonna need them.
If I'm being completely honest this one was a little too heavy for me, but I appreciate the opportunity to read it and get a whole new perspective on certain things.
August 31, 2025
*Please note, I was sent an early copy of this book to review.*
Having just finished "Life of the Party," I was thrilled to learn that the second book in the series would be rereleased soon.
I didn't think I'd encounter a story more heartbreaking than Mackenzie's, but Charlie's tale is utterly devastating. I was surprised by the depth of insight into her past, never anticipating there was so much to uncover – yet, I found myself completely engrossed.
I'm hesitant to reveal too much to avoid spoilers, but I wholeheartedly give this book five stars. The author masterfully portrays Charlie's story, both before and after the events of Mackenzie's narrative.
Be prepared with tissues at the ready 🥺❤️
Having just finished "Life of the Party," I was thrilled to learn that the second book in the series would be rereleased soon.
I didn't think I'd encounter a story more heartbreaking than Mackenzie's, but Charlie's tale is utterly devastating. I was surprised by the depth of insight into her past, never anticipating there was so much to uncover – yet, I found myself completely engrossed.
I'm hesitant to reveal too much to avoid spoilers, but I wholeheartedly give this book five stars. The author masterfully portrays Charlie's story, both before and after the events of Mackenzie's narrative.
Be prepared with tissues at the ready 🥺❤️
September 20, 2025
90s high-school Grunge meets dark shadows of addiction...
After reading Life of the Party, Mackenzie's story, I was so excited to find out that Dark Parts of Pretty was Charlie's! I loved how the story was told in "Then" and "Now" sections.
Determined not to turn out like her mother, despite her struggles at home and at school, Charlie makes a name for herself, and not the way she exactly hoped for.
There is plot twists galore, and getting to know the characters in an even deeper level keeps you hooked! I finished this book in 4 days!
I really hope there is more to this series!
C.Erin Anderson's Crooked Halos series gives me "Girl in Pieces" vibes, and I am all for it!
After reading Life of the Party, Mackenzie's story, I was so excited to find out that Dark Parts of Pretty was Charlie's! I loved how the story was told in "Then" and "Now" sections.
Determined not to turn out like her mother, despite her struggles at home and at school, Charlie makes a name for herself, and not the way she exactly hoped for.
There is plot twists galore, and getting to know the characters in an even deeper level keeps you hooked! I finished this book in 4 days!
I really hope there is more to this series!
C.Erin Anderson's Crooked Halos series gives me "Girl in Pieces" vibes, and I am all for it!
September 21, 2025
I could not wait for this book to be released! So much so I applied for her ARC and ended up getting a copy! I read the first one in the series, Life of the Party, and was transported to my teenage years and the memories, so when I read the little blurb in the back of the book for this one I knew I had to read it and let me tell you! KEEP THEM COMING! I could not put this one down either. I was crying and reminiscing once again by page 100. These two books cut deep and close to home. I swear she’s in my head putting my stories to paper. You DEFINITELY need to read this series. You WON’T be disappointed.
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed this as a sequel in the Crooked Halos Duet series, it had that coming of age element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall feel of this, It writes a strong realistic concept and enjoyed how the characters were used during this storyline. The overall story was so well written and enjoyed how good C. Erin Anderson wrote this and am excited for more. It had that element that I was expecting from the first book of this and enjoyed getting back into this world and characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
This book was so good and so sad at the same time. It really shows how your actions can lead to certain consequences. Such a rollercoaster of emotions and my heart just broke for Charlie 💔 She’s an addict who’s trying to get through the pain and scars that life has left. Unfortunately she’s just used, and led deeper into the rabbit hole, by the people around her. A bright light shows up via Smith. Unfortunately “normal” relationships are a little new for Charlie. I was really rooting for her throughout the whole story
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
September 30, 2025
The way the timeline flipped back and forth kept me hooked, and when the pieces finally clicked? Flawless. The exploration of a toxic mother and fractured family ties cut deep — layered with loss, addiction, & grief. It hit so close to home with those first-love/high school feels 💖 — and the way it all wrapped up? Perfection. I’ll let you discover whether it broke me or healed me 🤗
This book begged to be annotated — the outfit descriptions had the characters playing like a movie in my mind. The dynamics between the group had that fun, messy energy of a sitcom, add in the nostalgia of only having a home phone/dial up internet, Maury on the TV, and the era’s mentality with all its blind spots - nailed the vibe, no notes..
It’s gritty, messy, and raw in the best way:
⚡️ Good boy x troubled girl romance
💔 Hidden trauma + grief
🎓 High school/college-age angst
🥀 Feminine rage + mental health rep
🪦 Loss of Family
💊 Drugs + addiction rep
🎶 small-town x city
🌶️ Fade-to-black spice (YA/NA crossover, age-appropriate but still swoony 👀)
𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒀𝑨/𝑵𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 90’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒈𝒊𝒂, 𝒂𝒅𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑻𝑩𝑹 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚!
This book begged to be annotated — the outfit descriptions had the characters playing like a movie in my mind. The dynamics between the group had that fun, messy energy of a sitcom, add in the nostalgia of only having a home phone/dial up internet, Maury on the TV, and the era’s mentality with all its blind spots - nailed the vibe, no notes..
It’s gritty, messy, and raw in the best way:
⚡️ Good boy x troubled girl romance
💔 Hidden trauma + grief
🎓 High school/college-age angst
🥀 Feminine rage + mental health rep
🪦 Loss of Family
💊 Drugs + addiction rep
🎶 small-town x city
🌶️ Fade-to-black spice (YA/NA crossover, age-appropriate but still swoony 👀)
𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒀𝑨/𝑵𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 90’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒈𝒊𝒂, 𝒂𝒅𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑻𝑩𝑹 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚!
September 14, 2025
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the arc team to read this, and give an honest review before it comes out to everyone else. Content wise it was a hard book to read. But there was strength mixed in there with real world issues people do face. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it.
September 27, 2025
This book was just as amazing as the first. Erin is an amazing author, I can’t wait for more. Charlie had such character growth. I really loved the back and forth. Made me miss when I was growing up before technology took over. Even though I received an arc of this book, I will be buying it. I really want a signed copy.
September 19, 2025
I was selected as an arc reader for this book and absolutely loved it!
This book was a roller-coaster of emotions, I loved the characters and hated them page by page. Amazing story.
now I will go and read book 1!
This book was a roller-coaster of emotions, I loved the characters and hated them page by page. Amazing story.
now I will go and read book 1!
September 20, 2025
I loved this book. The characters are perfect. The plots, twists and turns is wonderfully written. The main characters story will touch your heart. When I can't put a book down it is a 5 star read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2025
I read the first book of this series and could not wait to read Charlie's story. Such emotional heartache for Charlie and Smith. I recommend reading this series and make sure you have tissues handy. I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
September 19, 2025
What a story line and parents can control children and they children can become them in the same actions to the complete opposite of ways..
September 20, 2025
I was excited to read Charlie's story. She had a lot of trauma to work through, and I'm glad that eventually she was able to figure things out!
4.5 ⭐ rounded up!!
4.5 ⭐ rounded up!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews