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Unbeautiful #1-2
Unbeautiful Series: The Complete Set
Unbeautiful Series Books 1 & 2EmeryYou want to know my secrets? What lies beneath the pretty? The scars I can't let anyone see? The scars tied to my secrets?On the outside I appear normal. Some might even say perfect.They say that I'm a pretty girl. They say I should be happy. They say that I have nothing to be angry about. That I'm popular. A cheerleader. That I'm perfect.Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.But all they see is what's on the outside.On the inside I'm raw, open, bleeding. Scars that can't seem to heal the wounds.Carrying dark secrets about who I really am.How afraid I am to tell the truth. And it's slowly killing me.RylerTattoos. Piercing. Scars. The guy who can't speak.Gothic freak. Mute. Punk. I've heard it all.They say that I'm probably dangerous. They say people should stay away from me. They say. They say. They say.But who are they anyway?To decide what I am.They don't know what's hidden beneath the scars. Beneath the piercings and tattoos.The secrets I keep hidden beneath the silence.Maybe if they knew, they wouldn't fear me so much. Then again, maybe they'd fear me more.UntamedEmeryNo matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to escape my family's world. Their madness controls my life, just like insanity consumes my mind. Sometimes it's hard to tell what's real. Sometimes it's hard to tell who I really am. The person everyone sees? Or the one I keep trapped inside? I wonder which person Ryler sees. Just like I wonder who I can trust. Wonder. Wonder. Wonder.I wonder too much. I wish I could just find a way to escape it all and finally be free. RylerI live a double life and sometimes I hate myself for it. Watching Emery fall apart—pretending I don't care—is killing me inside. I want to tell her the truth, but I also want a new life. Want. Want. Want.I want too much. Sometimes it's hard to tell what I really desire. I wish I could be free from the confusion, free from this life.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
193 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sorensen
419 books20.1k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 19, 2015
First my laptop craps the bed and now my cell phone keeps acting up!
This was a decent, but somewhat forgettable story. It was entertaining enough, but its nothing I haven't read before. I liked Ryler a lot, but Emery began to annoy me in book 2 not gonna lie.
3.5 stars!
This was a decent, but somewhat forgettable story. It was entertaining enough, but its nothing I haven't read before. I liked Ryler a lot, but Emery began to annoy me in book 2 not gonna lie.
3.5 stars!
August 8, 2015
Pretty good
This book was totally unexpected to me. I didn't have a great idea of what it was about. I was a bit leary at the beginning because of all the talk of hookups and the stereotypical ex hookup that comes back to haunt the story. But that went away quickly, and this book was full of secrets and mysteries. There was a lot of poetry like writing, and i usually don't like poetry and other writings like that, but this i did. Some of the events and actions took me by surprise, and there were some unexpected happenings. Overall a pretty decent story, though I am still left with questions.
This book was totally unexpected to me. I didn't have a great idea of what it was about. I was a bit leary at the beginning because of all the talk of hookups and the stereotypical ex hookup that comes back to haunt the story. But that went away quickly, and this book was full of secrets and mysteries. There was a lot of poetry like writing, and i usually don't like poetry and other writings like that, but this i did. Some of the events and actions took me by surprise, and there were some unexpected happenings. Overall a pretty decent story, though I am still left with questions.
August 23, 2015
3 Stars, OK for me
I truly loved both Ryler and Emery BUT I wanted so much more than what we actually got of them.. The storyline itself was good but took over their story if that makes sense. I also wanted more from the ending, it was good, yes but again, left me still wondering and not completely satisfied!!!!!
I truly loved both Ryler and Emery BUT I wanted so much more than what we actually got of them.. The storyline itself was good but took over their story if that makes sense. I also wanted more from the ending, it was good, yes but again, left me still wondering and not completely satisfied!!!!!
March 19, 2015
Intense, mysterious, emotional story
February 26, 2016
I liked the idea behind this story but unfortunately a little too predictable for me, that said this is a short sweet read that concludes nicely.
June 26, 2018
Intense
I honestly had no clue what I was walking into with this book. There’s so much suspense and danger in every chapter, even your brain feels like its walking a tightrope over eggshells.
Emery just wants freedom. We never really know for sure from what, but we get the sense she’s been extremely sheltered, but has also been witness to very terrible things. Things her own parents have done.
Riler wants to escape his childhood. The childhood that was doomed from the beginning, all leading to two years in juvie and a permanent record keeping him from moving on. Instead of freedom, he finds himself stuck between the FBI and a group of very dangerous men, all surrounded by more secrets that he could fathom.
These two find each other when Emery is able to move out on her own, into the apartment above Riler’s. Both looking for real connection, what they find with each other is a whole lot more than double lives and secrets. Unfortunately, the secrets they both horde could be what tears them apart.
I honestly had no clue what I was walking into with this book. There’s so much suspense and danger in every chapter, even your brain feels like its walking a tightrope over eggshells.
Emery just wants freedom. We never really know for sure from what, but we get the sense she’s been extremely sheltered, but has also been witness to very terrible things. Things her own parents have done.
Riler wants to escape his childhood. The childhood that was doomed from the beginning, all leading to two years in juvie and a permanent record keeping him from moving on. Instead of freedom, he finds himself stuck between the FBI and a group of very dangerous men, all surrounded by more secrets that he could fathom.
These two find each other when Emery is able to move out on her own, into the apartment above Riler’s. Both looking for real connection, what they find with each other is a whole lot more than double lives and secrets. Unfortunately, the secrets they both horde could be what tears them apart.
October 21, 2021
I really like the first book in the series. I was intrigued by Ryler's past and Emery's family and hometown situation. I liked the buildup of their relationship and seeing both of them start to open up to each other.
The second book kind of lost me a bit. I still thought it was interesting but it became less about their relationship and more about the evil deeds of her family and Ryler's double life. This would have been fine if the ending hadn't left most of my questions unanswered. I felt that it was so much buildup and then everything wrapped up in a couple of pages. We don't even know what the FBI discovered or what the punishment was except "they were in jail". Ok, what charges? What happened? Why was Ellis killed? I feel like I needed a longer epilogue or something else.
The second book kind of lost me a bit. I still thought it was interesting but it became less about their relationship and more about the evil deeds of her family and Ryler's double life. This would have been fine if the ending hadn't left most of my questions unanswered. I felt that it was so much buildup and then everything wrapped up in a couple of pages. We don't even know what the FBI discovered or what the punishment was except "they were in jail". Ok, what charges? What happened? Why was Ellis killed? I feel like I needed a longer epilogue or something else.
February 1, 2019
Brilliant
What a amazing series. Loved every part of it. They way Jessica Sorensen writ this was brilliant. Just enough of everything that it wasn't too dark, or romances, or violent. It was a brilliant plot line full of secrets that had more depth then any book I have read in awhile. Loved it!
What a amazing series. Loved every part of it. They way Jessica Sorensen writ this was brilliant. Just enough of everything that it wasn't too dark, or romances, or violent. It was a brilliant plot line full of secrets that had more depth then any book I have read in awhile. Loved it!
February 6, 2018
Interesting
What a very interesting book. All of the secrets, I was confused a lot. I am not sure I really got the point of the book, but it was interesting to unlock the secrets of the mysterious town.
What a very interesting book. All of the secrets, I was confused a lot. I am not sure I really got the point of the book, but it was interesting to unlock the secrets of the mysterious town.
May 27, 2018
Great story
Sorensen did an outstanding job with this story the characters draw you into their world and keep you wanting more.
Sorensen did an outstanding job with this story the characters draw you into their world and keep you wanting more.
August 10, 2018
Wow
Wow what a great read could not follow at first made no since but the more I read it the more since it made it make you wonder how close to real life this book is
Wow what a great read could not follow at first made no since but the more I read it the more since it made it make you wonder how close to real life this book is
March 22, 2020
"Because for the first time ever, it feels like I've finally found my wings"
September 17, 2023
Okay, Im feeling like Im missing something after seeing how this book is rated 4.15, but here goes nothing.
Even though I read almost straight through these books, Im giving it a 2. Here is why.
1. Emery and Ryler have very few genuine interaction throughout this whole story. The chemistry seems fine at first but then all the relationship building just ceases for the current drama to take over and then its all just sexual tension or whatever.
2. The biggest issue that bothered me THE WHOLE TIME. Was Emery’s bracelet and the Ralingsford symbol in her home. Literally the second that they were mentioned, I knew something was up. A camera or a bug or a tracker. Something. And then throughout BOTH books. The characters, who are supposed to be paranoid, cant seem to figure out why Emerys father knows whats going on? I call BS. It might not seem like a big deal, but this was so freaking annoying and I was screaming to myself the whole time. Time after time Im thinking that she will figure it out. But they just ignore it until the last few chapters? Its just so capital D, Dumb.
3. Nothing surprised me in this story. Nothing pulled at my heart strings either. Whenever I found out something, Id be like, okay now what? It just wasnt particularly memorable in any way. I wish that the author had cooled it with Emery and Ryler moaning about how they have to lie to eachother and instead used that time to develop an actual relationship or more complex story.
My last two points are more minor issues.
4. The poetry that Emery and Ryler write are the same format and thats silly to me. Why would you write two distinct characters and give them the same inner voice? Its not the biggest deal but it seems like it would have been easy to switch up the formats to give them individuality, y’know?
5. Typos. They werent everywhere but there were some that were just so blatant to me. For example, We’ll instead of Well, and doubled up words, that had me re-reading sentences over and over.
Now, I will give Jessica Sorensen credit for writing a story that engaged me and had me wanting to find out what would happen. However, in the end this story absolutely did not deliver. For how dramatic a story this was, the ending was EXTREMELY anticlimactic. I was honestly a little shocked by how it ended. I think I would describe it as like, a fade to black kind of ending. At 85% I was wondering how it could possibly be tied up. Answer: it wasnt. I was left frustrated and wondering what on earth I was reading this for. My reviews are not normally this long but this book was notable in that it had so much
potential for a thrilling story and it just fell totally flat. Jessica Sorensen has some great books, this is not one of them.
Even though I read almost straight through these books, Im giving it a 2. Here is why.
1. Emery and Ryler have very few genuine interaction throughout this whole story. The chemistry seems fine at first but then all the relationship building just ceases for the current drama to take over and then its all just sexual tension or whatever.
2. The biggest issue that bothered me THE WHOLE TIME. Was Emery’s bracelet and the Ralingsford symbol in her home. Literally the second that they were mentioned, I knew something was up. A camera or a bug or a tracker. Something. And then throughout BOTH books. The characters, who are supposed to be paranoid, cant seem to figure out why Emerys father knows whats going on? I call BS. It might not seem like a big deal, but this was so freaking annoying and I was screaming to myself the whole time. Time after time Im thinking that she will figure it out. But they just ignore it until the last few chapters? Its just so capital D, Dumb.
3. Nothing surprised me in this story. Nothing pulled at my heart strings either. Whenever I found out something, Id be like, okay now what? It just wasnt particularly memorable in any way. I wish that the author had cooled it with Emery and Ryler moaning about how they have to lie to eachother and instead used that time to develop an actual relationship or more complex story.
My last two points are more minor issues.
4. The poetry that Emery and Ryler write are the same format and thats silly to me. Why would you write two distinct characters and give them the same inner voice? Its not the biggest deal but it seems like it would have been easy to switch up the formats to give them individuality, y’know?
5. Typos. They werent everywhere but there were some that were just so blatant to me. For example, We’ll instead of Well, and doubled up words, that had me re-reading sentences over and over.
Now, I will give Jessica Sorensen credit for writing a story that engaged me and had me wanting to find out what would happen. However, in the end this story absolutely did not deliver. For how dramatic a story this was, the ending was EXTREMELY anticlimactic. I was honestly a little shocked by how it ended. I think I would describe it as like, a fade to black kind of ending. At 85% I was wondering how it could possibly be tied up. Answer: it wasnt. I was left frustrated and wondering what on earth I was reading this for. My reviews are not normally this long but this book was notable in that it had so much
potential for a thrilling story and it just fell totally flat. Jessica Sorensen has some great books, this is not one of them.
June 7, 2016
I am a big Jessica Sorenson fan. I like her characters. They are always a mixture of strengths and weaknesses, making them well-rounded. The main characters in the Unbeautiful Series don't disappoint.
Emery is perfection on the outside, but broken, maybe even crazy, on the inside. Ryler looks rough, a little scary, with his piercings and tattoos but has a hidden beauty inside. They both want a fresh start, a second chance with life. They have an instant connection, but it's complicated.
Their story starts out veiled in secrecy. So few details are given that Emery is a mystery. What is going on in her town, her house, her brain? We know Ryler's backstory, but nothing makes sense about her. As their relationship develops some, truth emerges and their paths intersect in multiple ways. This isn't a pretty love story. Unbeautiful depicts the ugly parts of humanity; violence, drugs, and cruelty beyond imagination. It also shows the beauty of love; caring for someone's well-being over your own safety. It showcases the difference between reality and illusion.
I enjoyed this series, but would have liked for it to have taken more time with the relationship between Emery and Ryler. I would have loved to spend more time with them together, watch their relationship evolve. It seemed to jump from physical attraction and budding trust to something very deep. I would have preferred to be along for the in-between. Still a good read.
Emery is perfection on the outside, but broken, maybe even crazy, on the inside. Ryler looks rough, a little scary, with his piercings and tattoos but has a hidden beauty inside. They both want a fresh start, a second chance with life. They have an instant connection, but it's complicated.
Their story starts out veiled in secrecy. So few details are given that Emery is a mystery. What is going on in her town, her house, her brain? We know Ryler's backstory, but nothing makes sense about her. As their relationship develops some, truth emerges and their paths intersect in multiple ways. This isn't a pretty love story. Unbeautiful depicts the ugly parts of humanity; violence, drugs, and cruelty beyond imagination. It also shows the beauty of love; caring for someone's well-being over your own safety. It showcases the difference between reality and illusion.
I enjoyed this series, but would have liked for it to have taken more time with the relationship between Emery and Ryler. I would have loved to spend more time with them together, watch their relationship evolve. It seemed to jump from physical attraction and budding trust to something very deep. I would have preferred to be along for the in-between. Still a good read.
July 12, 2015
Broke Me...
I thought by now am blasé about what I read or what I see on the news, about life in general. Apparently not. The story of Emery broke my heart into a thousand pieces. Are parents like hers for real? Unfortunately yes. Isn't it on CNN all this past week about the body of a four year old found in a trash bag by the beach? I am not saying that is what happened to her. For that you have to read the book to find out. Rylee's story is also all that not new. Young men like him once they by mistake, or life, have their lives derailed, it will take a colossal effort and a high dose of luck to get back on the right track. Alas for some, they never get any break. They are ruined for life.
I don't mean to be philosophical or anything, but the story of Emery and Rylee made me question man's cruelty to man. Or the depravity that lives in the heart of some so called parents. This book is not dark, but it is not pretty either. The love between the two protagonists was beautiful though. There are also some good people who helped them out, although they are both each other's champion. Read it, and you will never regret it. It is different (in a way), it is poignant, and above all, romantic (in a way too).
I thought by now am blasé about what I read or what I see on the news, about life in general. Apparently not. The story of Emery broke my heart into a thousand pieces. Are parents like hers for real? Unfortunately yes. Isn't it on CNN all this past week about the body of a four year old found in a trash bag by the beach? I am not saying that is what happened to her. For that you have to read the book to find out. Rylee's story is also all that not new. Young men like him once they by mistake, or life, have their lives derailed, it will take a colossal effort and a high dose of luck to get back on the right track. Alas for some, they never get any break. They are ruined for life.
I don't mean to be philosophical or anything, but the story of Emery and Rylee made me question man's cruelty to man. Or the depravity that lives in the heart of some so called parents. This book is not dark, but it is not pretty either. The love between the two protagonists was beautiful though. There are also some good people who helped them out, although they are both each other's champion. Read it, and you will never regret it. It is different (in a way), it is poignant, and above all, romantic (in a way too).
May 1, 2016
I have never suggested a romance book to my husband.
My husband Ryan is ALL MALE we're talking the kinda Alpha that makes you think of the bad guy in most 80s teen movies. Yup. I married the Johnny "sweep the leg" type not the Daniel "karate kid" type.
But I love the bad guy. I'm not exactly the Sandra Dee type myself lol.
That said, he likes his meat red, his beer cold and his books about war, history, or politics. I have never EVER had the urge to suggest he read one of my books. But this one was the first.
As soon as I read the last page I ran into the living room and told him to pull it up on his kindle.
If ever there was a book that was enough action, adventure, suspense , mystery and a little bit of horror, to interest my husband, THIS IS IT!
Not just my husband but it is the perfect amount of everything to literally suggest to everyone over 18 that I know.
#makethisbookamovie
My husband Ryan is ALL MALE we're talking the kinda Alpha that makes you think of the bad guy in most 80s teen movies. Yup. I married the Johnny "sweep the leg" type not the Daniel "karate kid" type.
But I love the bad guy. I'm not exactly the Sandra Dee type myself lol.
That said, he likes his meat red, his beer cold and his books about war, history, or politics. I have never EVER had the urge to suggest he read one of my books. But this one was the first.
As soon as I read the last page I ran into the living room and told him to pull it up on his kindle.
If ever there was a book that was enough action, adventure, suspense , mystery and a little bit of horror, to interest my husband, THIS IS IT!
Not just my husband but it is the perfect amount of everything to literally suggest to everyone over 18 that I know.
#makethisbookamovie
December 13, 2016
Jessica Sorensen Unbeautiful Series: The Complete Set
Emery finally gets up the courage to leave her parents and a past life behind, but what she doesn't realize is that her past, and present are about to collide, when she meets Ryler. Jessica Sorenson really delivers with this book, leaving you wanting more and to know how they make it out of the darkness that has swallowed them both and in to the light. That could mean the promise of a fresh start that they both desperately need.
Emery finally gets up the courage to leave her parents and a past life behind, but what she doesn't realize is that her past, and present are about to collide, when she meets Ryler. Jessica Sorenson really delivers with this book, leaving you wanting more and to know how they make it out of the darkness that has swallowed them both and in to the light. That could mean the promise of a fresh start that they both desperately need.
March 16, 2016
I like the plot and the characters, especially Ryler. I'm a sucker for any wounded hero and he easily stole my heart. The issues I had were it seems like I was missing something while reading. A situation or person would be mentioned but no other explanation. After talking to a book friend of mine she told me I would have enjoyed this series better if I would have read Violet & Luke's story before hand. I would have gotten a glimpse at Ryler life and it would have filled in the gaps. So while I enjoyed this story and the suspense I highly recommend reading the previous story mentioned above to get the full reading experience. 4 Stars!
June 2, 2015
Unbeautiful
I really enjoyed this series. It had me really wondering what the he** was going on with this crazy a** town!!
Ryler and Emery were so adorable together and so patient with each other. Ugh I hated hated hated Emery's parents horrible people!!!
All in all a good love story with some mystery and suspense mixed together.
I really enjoyed this series. It had me really wondering what the he** was going on with this crazy a** town!!
Ryler and Emery were so adorable together and so patient with each other. Ugh I hated hated hated Emery's parents horrible people!!!
All in all a good love story with some mystery and suspense mixed together.
August 9, 2015
Nothing UnBeautiful About It
This was a beautiful series about this series. Yes, there are two broken people that eventually heal together. Many of the reviews made me believe this was going to be too dark and depressing. For me that was far from the truth. Thankfully I caught this in a complete set leaving me with a no cliffhanger HEA ending.
This was a beautiful series about this series. Yes, there are two broken people that eventually heal together. Many of the reviews made me believe this was going to be too dark and depressing. For me that was far from the truth. Thankfully I caught this in a complete set leaving me with a no cliffhanger HEA ending.
September 17, 2020
Wow
This series was not what I expected but it was good. So much happened. Man Em had a tough life. I don't know how she didn't want to end it. Ryler was sexy and deep. They really bonded. Wish we could get more of them two together and being in love. This series had a ton of surprises. Wish they were longer tho.
This series was not what I expected but it was good. So much happened. Man Em had a tough life. I don't know how she didn't want to end it. Ryler was sexy and deep. They really bonded. Wish we could get more of them two together and being in love. This series had a ton of surprises. Wish they were longer tho.
April 21, 2015
WOW
Jessica never disappoints. Her stories always grab you from the first few words until you can't believe your so far into the story. This story was surreal. A secret society that exists for pure evil. Sins against your own children. But truth alwAys sets you free
Jessica never disappoints. Her stories always grab you from the first few words until you can't believe your so far into the story. This story was surreal. A secret society that exists for pure evil. Sins against your own children. But truth alwAys sets you free
August 10, 2015
Very interesting plotline, suspenseful, and very sad at times. The twist was totally unexpected and the direction that it went in after the 1st of many twists was really good. This has some very dark scenes with physical and psychological abuse. All I can say is "bad parents".
August 29, 2015
Ryler deserved
A better book. I loved him in previous books, but he got a convoluted unbelievable mess of a story. I hate that all the promise a book about Ryler could've been was wasted.
A better book. I loved him in previous books, but he got a convoluted unbelievable mess of a story. I hate that all the promise a book about Ryler could've been was wasted.
November 19, 2015
I got these on Kindle Unlimited which was great! Kindle dying in the middle when the charger is at my other house? Not so great! This story was amazing! I loved Ryler and Emery but I really wish I had gotten more out of the ending? Either way. Great great great somewhat quick read!
March 11, 2016
Was a great read
Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. Compelling characters that are broken but somehow find a way to fit. It's not a typical love story but that's what makes it work.
Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. Compelling characters that are broken but somehow find a way to fit. It's not a typical love story but that's what makes it work.
November 29, 2016
Completely complete
I live this two book set it confused me at first to get the unbeautiful name but in finishing get it now. We are who we are secrets and scars. Please give this book and other series by this author a try.
I live this two book set it confused me at first to get the unbeautiful name but in finishing get it now. We are who we are secrets and scars. Please give this book and other series by this author a try.
January 15, 2017
Wonderful story
Unbeautiful is a story about Emery and Ryler. Emery is a beautiful girl who has come from a very sheltered and abusive world and Ryler is a mute who is working undercover for the FBI. I truly enjoyed reading this story. 5 stars
Unbeautiful is a story about Emery and Ryler. Emery is a beautiful girl who has come from a very sheltered and abusive world and Ryler is a mute who is working undercover for the FBI. I truly enjoyed reading this story. 5 stars
Want to read
January 3, 2016March 9th
March 26, 2015
Different from what I typically read... Suspense with a bit of romance. Got me hooked very quickly. Liked the twists and turns. Enjoyed it!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews