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City Beautiful
Patrick Thompson is all city, all the time. A young doctor, once full of passion, now disillusioned by the practice, he sets off across the country, intent on a small breather before a fresh start.
Ivy Lang loves the country way. So much so that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. The life is perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
He’s waiting for something to inspire him.
She finds inspiration all around her.
But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?
Ivy Lang loves the country way. So much so that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. The life is perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
He’s waiting for something to inspire him.
She finds inspiration all around her.
But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?
Unknown Binding
First published June 26, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 12, 2015
Medium angst romance between 'City' doctor who is kind of at crossroads in his career and 'Beautiful' inn-owner h, an ex med school graduate who is now living close to the earth.
The loss of h's family due to various diseases causes her to live a life thats now healthy and green and her inn is a place where corporate execs go to experience that. She meets the H who is driving across the country to join his new practice and something resonates so she drags him off to her place where they have a ONS. But its more than that, h's quirkiness touches H and her lifestyle is really attractive to him. As a doc he sees how people are their own worst enemies so he admires how h took her health in her own hands.
They part. h pointblank refuses to give H her number, she just wants it to stay a fling. H is unhappy. In the months after that he misses her and is unable to move on with anyone else. Meanwhile the surprise pregnancy trope comes into play. H finds out when he comes back and is supportive. It irritated me how h was pushing H away all the time. Yes she had lost everyone she loved and was afraid of caring again - but H was so good to her, I felt like banging her head with a pan at times. Then there is the miscarriage - this is why I hate this trope, first the pregnancy to bring them closer and then with the miscarriage the upset h was pushing H even more away saying they had no reason to be together.
The H perseveres and convinces h to date and eventually there is a HEA and epilogue with kids. I felt like H deserved a small sainthood or something,lol.
A 3.5 stars read.
Safety : Safe romance
The loss of h's family due to various diseases causes her to live a life thats now healthy and green and her inn is a place where corporate execs go to experience that. She meets the H who is driving across the country to join his new practice and something resonates so she drags him off to her place where they have a ONS. But its more than that, h's quirkiness touches H and her lifestyle is really attractive to him. As a doc he sees how people are their own worst enemies so he admires how h took her health in her own hands.
They part. h pointblank refuses to give H her number, she just wants it to stay a fling. H is unhappy. In the months after that he misses her and is unable to move on with anyone else. Meanwhile the surprise pregnancy trope comes into play. H finds out when he comes back and is supportive. It irritated me how h was pushing H away all the time. Yes she had lost everyone she loved and was afraid of caring again - but H was so good to her, I felt like banging her head with a pan at times. Then there is the miscarriage - this is why I hate this trope, first the pregnancy to bring them closer and then with the miscarriage the upset h was pushing H even more away saying they had no reason to be together.
The H perseveres and convinces h to date and eventually there is a HEA and epilogue with kids. I felt like H deserved a small sainthood or something,lol.
A 3.5 stars read.
Safety : Safe romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2015
Short and sweet -- and oh so much more! Patrick and Ivy truly made me swoon, oooh, and aah! C.M. Foss has written a beautiful gem with a creative and immensely enjoyable love story to be treasured. Its simplicity and complexity meshed into a deeply meaningful relationship, along with some very happy and fun-to-read dialogue. The story setting was new and refreshing and made everything about this one extra-special.
I highly recommend City Beautiful for a wonderful feel good reading pleasure.
I highly recommend City Beautiful for a wonderful feel good reading pleasure.
June 27, 2015
It's live early!!!!!
http://www.amazon.com/City-Beautiful-...
http://www.amazon.com/City-Beautiful-...
June 22, 2015
Dude. This was such a feel good story. Then it rips your heart out. Then it makes you feel good again. I snorted while laughing which I only do when I'm laughing too hard. C.M. Foss has such a gift for making her characters feel so real and relatable. The way she describes scenery makes you feel like you're there, looking right at it. I loved the earthy feel to this book, the wholesomeness of it and the way two people from two different worlds can collide and find something truly amazing.
I highly recommend this read. Lots of laughs, and tears, and sex...oh yes...some very deliciously naughty scenes. I loved this book!
I highly recommend this read. Lots of laughs, and tears, and sex...oh yes...some very deliciously naughty scenes. I loved this book!
July 22, 2015
This book. OH MY GOODNESS. THIS BOOK. It literally made my heart swoon, then broke it all to little pieces, and then slowly put it back together again.
After having endured a hard life, Ivy is finally where she wants to be. She is running an inn, living on her land and animals, and content as can be. Until one night…
“And what else could one night be?”
“One night?” She cocked her head at me. “One night could change everything.”
And that one night sure did change everything for both her and Patrick. The two of them together were fantastic. Ivy is so feisty, confident and sure of herself, while Patrick is the complete opposite, just trying to figure out what he wants.
“I did not have a stick up my ass.”
“You kind of did.”
“You fell for it.”
She snorted and shoved at me shoulder. “I kind of did.”
I have read all of CM Foss’ work so far and this is by far her best book. I LOVED IT!! It made me laugh A LOT, it made me cry A LOT, and it made me swoon A LOT. Plus, it was sassy and sexy! I adored the entire cast of characters, especially Connie and Luke. I look forward to many more books from Ms. Foss! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
~~~
Wow.
CM Foss has completely outdone herself. From almost the first page, this book had me smiling goofily at my Kindle and occasionally (frequently) giggling out loud like a blushing schoolgirl. Ivy and Patrick were so adorably awkward, quirky and strange. My heart wrapped itself around them almost immediately.
Patrick is a big city doctor in the process of transplanting himself from Dallas to New York. Ivy is a reformed big city dweller who has made her living off the land (basically) in the middle of nowhere. Their introduction was unconventional, hilarious, and – like the characters themselves – quirky.
This was not love at first sight. Patrick comes off as a high maintenance douchebag and Ivy might be a little crazy. Somehow, despite all the reasons they shouldn’t work, they wind up spending the day and then the night together and oh – does it ever work. Big. Goofy. Grin.
“Come with me. I’m gonna make you the best meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
The statement wasn’t intended to be prophetic, but neither Ivy nor Patrick could have predicted how they’d ultimately change each other’s lives.
This story. It made me fall in love. It left me sitting there with that stupid dopey grin on my face, laughing and highlighting all the sweet, funny, lovely lines. And then it broke my fucking heart. It shattered me. Left me gutted and hurting. And then, so carefully and sweetly, Ms. Foss pieced me back together again, smoothing all the broken pieces with tenderness and humor until that dopey grin was back.
This is an incredibly beautiful, emotional and riveting love story. I loved both Patrick and Ivy. They’re perfect for each other and they were so fun to read about. Their relationship, for all its highs and lows, made me laugh out loud over and over again – the dialogue in this book was just so perfectly captured.
I didn’t want this book to end, but it could not have ended better and I left it behind with a happy, satisfied feeling (and that damn dopey grin). ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
~~~
Right before I picked up City Beautiful, I read a book that I just adored. And that left me in a conundrum. What to read next? What could possibly compare? On the recommendation of my friend, Shelly (yeah, ^^ that one), I grabbed a hold of this book. She said it would make me laugh and smile and cry. She said she loved it and thought I would too. Don't tell her I said this but....she was right.
Bags packed, car loaded. Dr. Patrick Thompson is driving cross-country, headed for a new beginning. His destination is New York City but it's not in New York he finds the freshness he's been looking for.
A chance meeting with Ivy Lang opens his eyes, and has the potential to change his life. But can a city boy and a country girl still find the beauty in life when fate intervenes once again?
City Beautiful is my first foray into C.M. Foss' writing and I loved it. It was charming, playful, sarcastic and funny as hell. Seriously, there are some great lines here, and it gave me the expression "unintentional vagina twerking", so there's that.
The dialogue is so real and natural; I could picture these conversations happening around me, including me, in front of me. I wish for that, actually. That would be super cool. Except for the heart-breaking ones... I mean, I was moved to tears by the words alone, so actually participating might have killed me a little bit.
Come to think of it, C.M. Foss has a lot to answer for. She built me up, then tore me down. I was prepared -- and even if I hadn't been, I think there was some level of foreshadowing that would have alerted me to what was to come -- but that doesn't mean her wonderful words didn't sock me right in the feels anyway. They did. And the way she expressed what these characters must have been feeling was perfect. Seriously, I ached for Ivy and Patrick. Ached. She didn't minimize what they were feeling, particularly Patrick, which would have been so easy to do, and I felt what he was saying in my hurting heart.
I really wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy this one after my previous read. It seemed unfair to pick it up when I did, and yes, I might have noticed a couple of small moments that felt like some depth was missing (or maybe I just wanted more of this book?), but still... Ms. Foss made me laugh and smile and cry, just like I was told she would. She gave me sarcastic, quirky, kinda crazy Ivy. And she gave me wonderful, kind, open Patrick. A rock, not just for Ivy but for me too. He was, to quote Shelly, when I bugged her with messages about this book, "the BEST." Damn it, she was right about that too. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
After having endured a hard life, Ivy is finally where she wants to be. She is running an inn, living on her land and animals, and content as can be. Until one night…
“And what else could one night be?”
“One night?” She cocked her head at me. “One night could change everything.”
And that one night sure did change everything for both her and Patrick. The two of them together were fantastic. Ivy is so feisty, confident and sure of herself, while Patrick is the complete opposite, just trying to figure out what he wants.
“I did not have a stick up my ass.”
“You kind of did.”
“You fell for it.”
She snorted and shoved at me shoulder. “I kind of did.”
I have read all of CM Foss’ work so far and this is by far her best book. I LOVED IT!! It made me laugh A LOT, it made me cry A LOT, and it made me swoon A LOT. Plus, it was sassy and sexy! I adored the entire cast of characters, especially Connie and Luke. I look forward to many more books from Ms. Foss! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
~~~
Wow.
CM Foss has completely outdone herself. From almost the first page, this book had me smiling goofily at my Kindle and occasionally (frequently) giggling out loud like a blushing schoolgirl. Ivy and Patrick were so adorably awkward, quirky and strange. My heart wrapped itself around them almost immediately.
Patrick is a big city doctor in the process of transplanting himself from Dallas to New York. Ivy is a reformed big city dweller who has made her living off the land (basically) in the middle of nowhere. Their introduction was unconventional, hilarious, and – like the characters themselves – quirky.
This was not love at first sight. Patrick comes off as a high maintenance douchebag and Ivy might be a little crazy. Somehow, despite all the reasons they shouldn’t work, they wind up spending the day and then the night together and oh – does it ever work. Big. Goofy. Grin.
“Come with me. I’m gonna make you the best meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
The statement wasn’t intended to be prophetic, but neither Ivy nor Patrick could have predicted how they’d ultimately change each other’s lives.
This story. It made me fall in love. It left me sitting there with that stupid dopey grin on my face, laughing and highlighting all the sweet, funny, lovely lines. And then it broke my fucking heart. It shattered me. Left me gutted and hurting. And then, so carefully and sweetly, Ms. Foss pieced me back together again, smoothing all the broken pieces with tenderness and humor until that dopey grin was back.
This is an incredibly beautiful, emotional and riveting love story. I loved both Patrick and Ivy. They’re perfect for each other and they were so fun to read about. Their relationship, for all its highs and lows, made me laugh out loud over and over again – the dialogue in this book was just so perfectly captured.
I didn’t want this book to end, but it could not have ended better and I left it behind with a happy, satisfied feeling (and that damn dopey grin). ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
~~~
Right before I picked up City Beautiful, I read a book that I just adored. And that left me in a conundrum. What to read next? What could possibly compare? On the recommendation of my friend, Shelly (yeah, ^^ that one), I grabbed a hold of this book. She said it would make me laugh and smile and cry. She said she loved it and thought I would too. Don't tell her I said this but....she was right.
Bags packed, car loaded. Dr. Patrick Thompson is driving cross-country, headed for a new beginning. His destination is New York City but it's not in New York he finds the freshness he's been looking for.
A chance meeting with Ivy Lang opens his eyes, and has the potential to change his life. But can a city boy and a country girl still find the beauty in life when fate intervenes once again?
City Beautiful is my first foray into C.M. Foss' writing and I loved it. It was charming, playful, sarcastic and funny as hell. Seriously, there are some great lines here, and it gave me the expression "unintentional vagina twerking", so there's that.
The dialogue is so real and natural; I could picture these conversations happening around me, including me, in front of me. I wish for that, actually. That would be super cool. Except for the heart-breaking ones... I mean, I was moved to tears by the words alone, so actually participating might have killed me a little bit.
Come to think of it, C.M. Foss has a lot to answer for. She built me up, then tore me down. I was prepared -- and even if I hadn't been, I think there was some level of foreshadowing that would have alerted me to what was to come -- but that doesn't mean her wonderful words didn't sock me right in the feels anyway. They did. And the way she expressed what these characters must have been feeling was perfect. Seriously, I ached for Ivy and Patrick. Ached. She didn't minimize what they were feeling, particularly Patrick, which would have been so easy to do, and I felt what he was saying in my hurting heart.
I really wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy this one after my previous read. It seemed unfair to pick it up when I did, and yes, I might have noticed a couple of small moments that felt like some depth was missing (or maybe I just wanted more of this book?), but still... Ms. Foss made me laugh and smile and cry, just like I was told she would. She gave me sarcastic, quirky, kinda crazy Ivy. And she gave me wonderful, kind, open Patrick. A rock, not just for Ivy but for me too. He was, to quote Shelly, when I bugged her with messages about this book, "the BEST." Damn it, she was right about that too. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
July 27, 2017
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: I'm not sure why, but I kept putting this one off. I know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I think that might've been it. I understand the reasoning for the image now, but it made it look kind of boring to be honest. With how many books I read, a cover will make me look at a synopsis or not. I was close to passing this by, but I'm glad I didn't. This book has some hard times, so I wouldn't say it was all sweet...but the book had a feel good feeling to it. I really enjoyed their relationship. It was a fast and intense connection, but it was written in a way that I felt it was believable and didn't feel the urge to roll my eyes.
Storyline: This is Ivy and Patrick's story. The meet at a roadside booth that sells produce and other goods. Patrick is starting a new job in NYC and is driving that way from Dallas. They have an exciting meeting, and Ivy ends up inviting Patrick to her inn for the night. They spend the day together, and end up giving into their strong attraction and spend the night together heating up the sheets. They don't exchange contact info (per Ivy), and Patrick goes on his way. 3 months later, Ivy finds out she's pregnant. Before she can contact him, he ends up coming back to her inn with his coworkers for a team building trip. That's as far as I'll go...but know that there are some ups and downs, and the couple get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Ivy and Patrick's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I read this relatively fast, with no slow parts. It was a form of instalove, but I didn't find it cheesy at all.
H rating: 4 stars. Patrick. I loved how loyal and supportive he was with Ivy during their hard times.
h rating: 4 stars. Ivy. I liked her a lot, even with her kookie ways.
Sadness level: Moderate. I didn't get teary, but I could see how someone might.
Heat level: Moderate. They did have good chemistry, and heated up the sheets.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had good closure and a HEA. It had a sweet epilogue with a jump into the couple's future to allow us to see their happiness and success (just like I like my epilogues).
Worth the $?: It was part of my scribed membership, so definitely yes. I'd say it would still be worth the $3.99 on Amazon.
Overall Opinion: I'm not sure why, but I kept putting this one off. I know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I think that might've been it. I understand the reasoning for the image now, but it made it look kind of boring to be honest. With how many books I read, a cover will make me look at a synopsis or not. I was close to passing this by, but I'm glad I didn't. This book has some hard times, so I wouldn't say it was all sweet...but the book had a feel good feeling to it. I really enjoyed their relationship. It was a fast and intense connection, but it was written in a way that I felt it was believable and didn't feel the urge to roll my eyes.
Storyline: This is Ivy and Patrick's story. The meet at a roadside booth that sells produce and other goods. Patrick is starting a new job in NYC and is driving that way from Dallas. They have an exciting meeting, and Ivy ends up inviting Patrick to her inn for the night. They spend the day together, and end up giving into their strong attraction and spend the night together heating up the sheets. They don't exchange contact info (per Ivy), and Patrick goes on his way. 3 months later, Ivy finds out she's pregnant. Before she can contact him, he ends up coming back to her inn with his coworkers for a team building trip. That's as far as I'll go...but know that there are some ups and downs, and the couple get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Ivy and Patrick's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I read this relatively fast, with no slow parts. It was a form of instalove, but I didn't find it cheesy at all.
H rating: 4 stars. Patrick. I loved how loyal and supportive he was with Ivy during their hard times.
h rating: 4 stars. Ivy. I liked her a lot, even with her kookie ways.
Sadness level: Moderate. I didn't get teary, but I could see how someone might.
Heat level: Moderate. They did have good chemistry, and heated up the sheets.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had good closure and a HEA. It had a sweet epilogue with a jump into the couple's future to allow us to see their happiness and success (just like I like my epilogues).
Worth the $?: It was part of my scribed membership, so definitely yes. I'd say it would still be worth the $3.99 on Amazon.
June 19, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
I have to say this was my very first time reading this author, so I didn’t know what I would be getting. If it is anything like her Facebook page, you know there would be plenty of laughs and goats (the author lives on a farm and has plenty of goat sightings for us) What I will say now is that I will pick up anything that she writes from now on.
The story begins with Ivy Lang; a beautiful city girl on the verge of losing the only last relative she has alive. She is now alone in this world, she sets out on her journey of finding peach and she does just that.
Ivy Lang loves her country life. So much that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. It’s perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
Patrick Thompson has just finished his residency in Dallas. Except he feels something is missing in his life, he just doesn’t know what it is. Needing to make a change in his life he decides to move to New York. I know you’re all thinking Dallas and New York are kind of the same thing- big cities, but not to him, he wants a fresh new start.
So he packs up his brand new Mercedes, yes not only is he brand spanking hot, he’s also um how do I say this, stuck up. Let’s say he needs to let his hair down, or rumple it up. It’s at one of his pit stops on his road trip that he meets Ivy.
She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.
Okay, so their first meeting wasn’t normal, she was helping someone give birth in the back of a shed and he was trying to tell her she was out of her mind. You could feel the love growing between them, but not really. What you could feel was his curiosity about this girl. She was so very different from the regular girls that he has been known to gravitate to.
Sensing that Patrick needs to dirty himself up, or let loose and have fun, she invites him to spend the night. Now before you get ahead of yourself, it was nothing sexual. You see Ivy owns a B&B, so she offers him a room for the night, and he accepts, much to his own surprise.
But wait it gets better, not only is he staying she has invited him over to help milk the goats. So picture if you may a man who I think irons his jeans, wears Polo and loafers going to milk goats. I told you this was like CM’s real life, she does love herself some goats and I couldn’t wait to see how he would do smiling them and neither could Ivy.
When I gulped, I caught a whiff of his scent, which made my heart flutter, and I wanted to sway into the heat of his body.
Whoa. When was the last time I felt that? A middle school crush? Maybe.
Ivy knows that he is only there for one night, on his way to New York to start fresh, but yet she doesn’t understand the need to be with him for the time that he is there.
I considered him for a long moment while inwardly shuddering at the explanation of his diet. “Come with me. I’m gonna make you the nest meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
Patrick has no idea what is happening. He doesn’t know how to answer the voices calling to him, pulling him to her. But he knows that he doesn’t want to leave without knowing what she feels like. With a pull stronger than she can fight off, she finally gives into her feelings for once.
In just that moment, I was aware of everything about him. Once again his scent, but also his temperature, the feel of his denim jeans, even through my own. How hard his body was under the softness of his cotton shirt. The masculine feel of his arm pressing against mine. Our closeness alone. The fact that we were this close. Alone.
But now what happens when it’s time to leave. This was just a pit stop for him. He has a plan and his plan doesn’t include her, or anyone for that matter. Or does it?
I knocked on her front door and waited until it swung open. She stood in front of me, barefoot and beautiful. Her incredible hair was still wet from the shower, braided loosely over her shoulder. Back home it was a look that women spent hours trying to make look authentic, and she pulled it off effortlessly. She wore a pair of jean shorts that revealed her strong, toned legs and loose-fitting white tee. That was it. Nothing special about it, except her.
When he finally goes on his way, it is to no one’s surprise that he can’t seem to forget the beautiful country girl that keeps invading his thoughts. So when push comes to shove, he bulldozes himself into her life. Except she wasn’t expecting him to come at all, which makes the story even more beautiful.
This book will make you laugh, did I mention the goats? It will make you grin something silly. It will make your heart soar and then crash but in the end your heart is not only mended it is bigger. You can see that love is always there, but what are you willing to do to get it? What will you do when you finally find something that inspires you? What happens when all the inspiration around you doesn’t give you that same feeling than when he’s next to you? It becomes City beautiful!
I have to say this was my very first time reading this author, so I didn’t know what I would be getting. If it is anything like her Facebook page, you know there would be plenty of laughs and goats (the author lives on a farm and has plenty of goat sightings for us) What I will say now is that I will pick up anything that she writes from now on.
The story begins with Ivy Lang; a beautiful city girl on the verge of losing the only last relative she has alive. She is now alone in this world, she sets out on her journey of finding peach and she does just that.
Ivy Lang loves her country life. So much that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. It’s perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
Patrick Thompson has just finished his residency in Dallas. Except he feels something is missing in his life, he just doesn’t know what it is. Needing to make a change in his life he decides to move to New York. I know you’re all thinking Dallas and New York are kind of the same thing- big cities, but not to him, he wants a fresh new start.
So he packs up his brand new Mercedes, yes not only is he brand spanking hot, he’s also um how do I say this, stuck up. Let’s say he needs to let his hair down, or rumple it up. It’s at one of his pit stops on his road trip that he meets Ivy.
She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.
Okay, so their first meeting wasn’t normal, she was helping someone give birth in the back of a shed and he was trying to tell her she was out of her mind. You could feel the love growing between them, but not really. What you could feel was his curiosity about this girl. She was so very different from the regular girls that he has been known to gravitate to.
Sensing that Patrick needs to dirty himself up, or let loose and have fun, she invites him to spend the night. Now before you get ahead of yourself, it was nothing sexual. You see Ivy owns a B&B, so she offers him a room for the night, and he accepts, much to his own surprise.
But wait it gets better, not only is he staying she has invited him over to help milk the goats. So picture if you may a man who I think irons his jeans, wears Polo and loafers going to milk goats. I told you this was like CM’s real life, she does love herself some goats and I couldn’t wait to see how he would do smiling them and neither could Ivy.
When I gulped, I caught a whiff of his scent, which made my heart flutter, and I wanted to sway into the heat of his body.
Whoa. When was the last time I felt that? A middle school crush? Maybe.
Ivy knows that he is only there for one night, on his way to New York to start fresh, but yet she doesn’t understand the need to be with him for the time that he is there.
I considered him for a long moment while inwardly shuddering at the explanation of his diet. “Come with me. I’m gonna make you the nest meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
Patrick has no idea what is happening. He doesn’t know how to answer the voices calling to him, pulling him to her. But he knows that he doesn’t want to leave without knowing what she feels like. With a pull stronger than she can fight off, she finally gives into her feelings for once.
In just that moment, I was aware of everything about him. Once again his scent, but also his temperature, the feel of his denim jeans, even through my own. How hard his body was under the softness of his cotton shirt. The masculine feel of his arm pressing against mine. Our closeness alone. The fact that we were this close. Alone.
But now what happens when it’s time to leave. This was just a pit stop for him. He has a plan and his plan doesn’t include her, or anyone for that matter. Or does it?
I knocked on her front door and waited until it swung open. She stood in front of me, barefoot and beautiful. Her incredible hair was still wet from the shower, braided loosely over her shoulder. Back home it was a look that women spent hours trying to make look authentic, and she pulled it off effortlessly. She wore a pair of jean shorts that revealed her strong, toned legs and loose-fitting white tee. That was it. Nothing special about it, except her.
When he finally goes on his way, it is to no one’s surprise that he can’t seem to forget the beautiful country girl that keeps invading his thoughts. So when push comes to shove, he bulldozes himself into her life. Except she wasn’t expecting him to come at all, which makes the story even more beautiful.
This book will make you laugh, did I mention the goats? It will make you grin something silly. It will make your heart soar and then crash but in the end your heart is not only mended it is bigger. You can see that love is always there, but what are you willing to do to get it? What will you do when you finally find something that inspires you? What happens when all the inspiration around you doesn’t give you that same feeling than when he’s next to you? It becomes City beautiful!
October 19, 2015
City Beautiful is a mesmerising story and I can honestly say that I didn't want it to end.
Ivy has made a beautiful life for herself in the country away from the hustle and bustle of towns, but by doing so she has also isolated herself from meeting anyone and settling down! Although with her natural beauty she isn't short of admirers, she just isn't interested in any of them.
Patrick is flying high as a doctor and is taking on more by moving to New York, he is a true City man, smartly dressed and has life seemingly worked out.
But driving to his new work destination in his pride and joy, he decides to stop and take a moment.
This moment will change both Ivy and Patrick's lives.
I can't tell you how much I loved this story, it's just effortless to read, pouring of the pages and consuming your soul at the same time. This isn't any easy road for either of the characters, they both have to fight and work hard for themselves and each other. But by letting another person in and giving fate a chance, anything can happen.
This book is about following the path that you find yourselves on, sometimes it's a deviation from what you first thought it would be, but that's the beauty of life it can change in an instant and sometimes for the better. Take that chance if it feels right and don't look back xx
Massive 5* and I can't wait to read more from CM Foss xx
Ivy has made a beautiful life for herself in the country away from the hustle and bustle of towns, but by doing so she has also isolated herself from meeting anyone and settling down! Although with her natural beauty she isn't short of admirers, she just isn't interested in any of them.
Patrick is flying high as a doctor and is taking on more by moving to New York, he is a true City man, smartly dressed and has life seemingly worked out.
But driving to his new work destination in his pride and joy, he decides to stop and take a moment.
This moment will change both Ivy and Patrick's lives.
I can't tell you how much I loved this story, it's just effortless to read, pouring of the pages and consuming your soul at the same time. This isn't any easy road for either of the characters, they both have to fight and work hard for themselves and each other. But by letting another person in and giving fate a chance, anything can happen.
This book is about following the path that you find yourselves on, sometimes it's a deviation from what you first thought it would be, but that's the beauty of life it can change in an instant and sometimes for the better. Take that chance if it feels right and don't look back xx
Massive 5* and I can't wait to read more from CM Foss xx
July 7, 2015
Maybe I should just start calling Cm Foss
The "GOAT"... aka
The Greatest of All Time!
**SIGH**
City Beautiful is dreamy.
It embodies everything that makes a book perfect:
Flawless, impeccable writing with such vivid detail, lovable characters that weave their way into your heart, fits of giggle snorts, a few tears, and of course more than enough romance to rev up your heart and make you swoon!
Ivy and Patrick are EPIC!
This couple truly makes my heart happy!
My obsession, errr um, love for CM Foss continues to grow...
I LOVE YOU, Doll!
Your #1 Fan ;)
May 31, 2015
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of CM Foss here at Southern Belle Book Blog. She’s feisty, a bit crazy (in the very best way. Always the best way), and she is one of my dearest friends in this book world. Good grief, writing a review for her books though? It’s impossible. There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe my love for City Beautiful. She has outdone herself.
This isn’t your generic love story. Not even close. If anything, it’s just about as unconventional as they come, but that’s why I enjoyed it so much. I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say and not say, and the very last thing I want to do is ruin this book for you. So let’s go for vague, yea?
The story of Ivy and Patrick is unique, fun, a bit sad, and a whole lot of romantic. As in, like…a lot of romance. It’s sweet, charming, make your heart pitter-patter romance (within reason). It’s a well-rounded novel that will cause laughter, tears, and major swoon within a few short hours. City Beautiful is a fun read, and before you know it, half of the day will be gone and you’ll be at The End. It’s one of THOSE kinds of books.
These characters are wonderful individually but together, they just…fit. They make sense. Foss has developed Ivy & Patrick in such a way that you’ll instantly feel like long lost best friends, and that friendship only gains strength along the way. You’ll care, you’ll love, and you’ll hurt with them. There’s something about the way Foss wrote it that makes you feel at home and a part of their lives. While the pair faces hardships, it always feels like their connection is strong. There’s doubt and heartbreak, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking “It HAS to be okay. They’re…they’re…THEM!” You know what I mean? They took an imperfect scenario and made it perfect for their lives. You’ll just fall hopelessly in love with this duo, I swear it.
The biggest aspect of City Beautiful that I love is how unique it is. It’s not your same ole same ole, that’s for sure. These differences combined with Foss’ stellar writing hooked me right from the get go. No expectations, no predictions, I was just going with the flow and riding out the crazy twists and turns with the characters. It’s been a long time since I sat down in the AM to begin a book, and made myself stop everything until I was finished. It just wasn’t a story that I could pause. I needed to know what the next step was in this relationship and where they would end up. I HAD to know.
Overall, Foss has hit a home run. She’s taken your basic love story and flipped it on its head. Everything you’ve come to expect? Forget it all and dive into Ivy & Patrick’s crazy yet calming world. It’s everything I love in a book, and it’s done perfectly. Foss’ humor, heart, and romantic side shine through in City Beautiful, and I love her even more for bringing this book into our lives.
<3 Erin
This isn’t your generic love story. Not even close. If anything, it’s just about as unconventional as they come, but that’s why I enjoyed it so much. I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say and not say, and the very last thing I want to do is ruin this book for you. So let’s go for vague, yea?
The story of Ivy and Patrick is unique, fun, a bit sad, and a whole lot of romantic. As in, like…a lot of romance. It’s sweet, charming, make your heart pitter-patter romance (within reason). It’s a well-rounded novel that will cause laughter, tears, and major swoon within a few short hours. City Beautiful is a fun read, and before you know it, half of the day will be gone and you’ll be at The End. It’s one of THOSE kinds of books.
These characters are wonderful individually but together, they just…fit. They make sense. Foss has developed Ivy & Patrick in such a way that you’ll instantly feel like long lost best friends, and that friendship only gains strength along the way. You’ll care, you’ll love, and you’ll hurt with them. There’s something about the way Foss wrote it that makes you feel at home and a part of their lives. While the pair faces hardships, it always feels like their connection is strong. There’s doubt and heartbreak, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking “It HAS to be okay. They’re…they’re…THEM!” You know what I mean? They took an imperfect scenario and made it perfect for their lives. You’ll just fall hopelessly in love with this duo, I swear it.
The biggest aspect of City Beautiful that I love is how unique it is. It’s not your same ole same ole, that’s for sure. These differences combined with Foss’ stellar writing hooked me right from the get go. No expectations, no predictions, I was just going with the flow and riding out the crazy twists and turns with the characters. It’s been a long time since I sat down in the AM to begin a book, and made myself stop everything until I was finished. It just wasn’t a story that I could pause. I needed to know what the next step was in this relationship and where they would end up. I HAD to know.
Overall, Foss has hit a home run. She’s taken your basic love story and flipped it on its head. Everything you’ve come to expect? Forget it all and dive into Ivy & Patrick’s crazy yet calming world. It’s everything I love in a book, and it’s done perfectly. Foss’ humor, heart, and romantic side shine through in City Beautiful, and I love her even more for bringing this book into our lives.
<3 Erin
July 11, 2015
Beth: Ashley never leads me wrong when it comes to a fantastic read as she’s the one who has led me to this particular author. I have without a doubt found a new author I will be ready to immediately 1-click. CM Foss’s City Beautiful is a gorgeously written story which leaves its reader with a belly full of flutters and a happy heart despite its roller coaster events. There were so many laugh out loud moments and butterfly inducing scenes. The witty banter and character interactions in Foss’s novel is spot on to what I absolutely adore in a great book. The two main characters, Patrick and Ivy, come right off the pages for me and without a doubt would transform so fluidly onto screen. Patrick is the best mix of alpha and beta which is a characteristic in book boyfriends I absolutely love. Her writing flows in a way that allowed me to not just be stuck in words on a page but painted a clear and concise picture in my mind. This story feels REAL. Not many authors I currently read possesses this talent so when I find it, I’m hooked. This definitely won’t be the last book by CM Foss I pick up and will without a doubt be a re-read for me which I feel is the highest compliment I can pay an author.
Ashley: I have been a fan of CM Foss since her first book Shiver, which was a great read. I enjoyed seeing her progression as an author in Swoon, which was a fantastic read. But she has truly blown it out of the water with City Beautiful! Every now and again when reading, I have this feeling where I know I’m in the midst of something really special and it makes me hang on to every word, every character, every feeling. I can only describe this feeling as “book magic.” City Beautiful has book magic in abundance. There is not one thing I didn’t love about this story and there is not one thing I would change about it either. CM is so adept at mixing humor with heartbreak that I often found myself laughing out loud at the beginning of a chapter and reduced to tears by the end of it. Her stories always feel like they have come full circle by the end, but I particularly loved the feeling of completion that I got when I finished the epilogue of City Beautiful. I left the book immediately wanting to dive back in and re-read it again and I can’t think of a better endorsement for a book than that.
Ashley: I have been a fan of CM Foss since her first book Shiver, which was a great read. I enjoyed seeing her progression as an author in Swoon, which was a fantastic read. But she has truly blown it out of the water with City Beautiful! Every now and again when reading, I have this feeling where I know I’m in the midst of something really special and it makes me hang on to every word, every character, every feeling. I can only describe this feeling as “book magic.” City Beautiful has book magic in abundance. There is not one thing I didn’t love about this story and there is not one thing I would change about it either. CM is so adept at mixing humor with heartbreak that I often found myself laughing out loud at the beginning of a chapter and reduced to tears by the end of it. Her stories always feel like they have come full circle by the end, but I particularly loved the feeling of completion that I got when I finished the epilogue of City Beautiful. I left the book immediately wanting to dive back in and re-read it again and I can’t think of a better endorsement for a book than that.
August 18, 2015
I am stunned happy!!!!
And delighted, blissful, thrilled, captivated, intoxicated… ah let’s throw merry and bright in there as well.
To say this was book perfection is an understatement. It is precisely perfect. The ENTIRE time I was tickled pink as I read. I am not new to this amazing author and I’ve loved her work before, but this book here is just phenomenal in my type of perfect reads.
It had amazing built characters, who easily and openly fell for each other. These are characters who you quickly took a liking too. The storyline itself is new and lovely. Fresh and different. The effort in the words as you read were easy to soak in. It’s classic. You had no need for eye rolling because the plot was so overboard and unbelievable. There weren’t any weak characters who you became bored with. In fact with every read I always wished something would happen or if I had my way this would happen but in City Beautiful the story happened just the way it was supposed to.
Chance meeting, no strings leads to a beautiful, humorous, affecting, pleasurable story. No doubt one you’ll ever forget. I have easily pushed this up to the top of my most favorite 2015 reads!!!
I didn’t highlight much as I read, not because (obviously) it wasn’t good, but because I just read and felt it. Every scene was important. Each moment was distinctive. How can you pick and choose certain lines to make more important when the whole book was exceptional.
“You okay?”
“I have to leave tomorrow.”
“I know.”
“But I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you right now.”
“It’s crazy, isn’t it?”
“Completely.”
On my last note, I must say when you get the title, just take a second and smile. Feel it. I did. Doing it now.
And delighted, blissful, thrilled, captivated, intoxicated… ah let’s throw merry and bright in there as well.
To say this was book perfection is an understatement. It is precisely perfect. The ENTIRE time I was tickled pink as I read. I am not new to this amazing author and I’ve loved her work before, but this book here is just phenomenal in my type of perfect reads.
It had amazing built characters, who easily and openly fell for each other. These are characters who you quickly took a liking too. The storyline itself is new and lovely. Fresh and different. The effort in the words as you read were easy to soak in. It’s classic. You had no need for eye rolling because the plot was so overboard and unbelievable. There weren’t any weak characters who you became bored with. In fact with every read I always wished something would happen or if I had my way this would happen but in City Beautiful the story happened just the way it was supposed to.
Chance meeting, no strings leads to a beautiful, humorous, affecting, pleasurable story. No doubt one you’ll ever forget. I have easily pushed this up to the top of my most favorite 2015 reads!!!
I didn’t highlight much as I read, not because (obviously) it wasn’t good, but because I just read and felt it. Every scene was important. Each moment was distinctive. How can you pick and choose certain lines to make more important when the whole book was exceptional.
“You okay?”
“I have to leave tomorrow.”
“I know.”
“But I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you right now.”
“It’s crazy, isn’t it?”
“Completely.”
On my last note, I must say when you get the title, just take a second and smile. Feel it. I did. Doing it now.
October 18, 2015
City Beautiful is one of my favorite types of books, a stand-alone story interwoven into a common universe, as then we get some teaser cameos by some old friends from the other stories!
What started as a possible remake of Doc Hollywood turned into something beautiful with a lot of humor, charm, sexy sizzle, and not a short supply of sadness.
The story flowed really quickly without feeling rushed and I winced when some overly pointless drama was about to ensue, but it was neatly diverted. That was quite frankly a bit refreshing.
What started as a possible remake of Doc Hollywood turned into something beautiful with a lot of humor, charm, sexy sizzle, and not a short supply of sadness.
The story flowed really quickly without feeling rushed and I winced when some overly pointless drama was about to ensue, but it was neatly diverted. That was quite frankly a bit refreshing.
July 18, 2015
Loved
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had a little bit of a different storyline, as far as where/how they lived, which I liked and enjoyed reading about. I liked both the H and the h. They each had their moments but I didn't ever want to really slap them like I often do in a story :)
They were good people, the side characters were great, there wasn't any unnecessary drama, just a little craziness and tragedy that is life sometimes. It was sweet and I really enjoyed it! Definitely recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had a little bit of a different storyline, as far as where/how they lived, which I liked and enjoyed reading about. I liked both the H and the h. They each had their moments but I didn't ever want to really slap them like I often do in a story :)
They were good people, the side characters were great, there wasn't any unnecessary drama, just a little craziness and tragedy that is life sometimes. It was sweet and I really enjoyed it! Definitely recommend!
March 22, 2016
3.5
It's a shame this book has not yet reached its full potential here in Goodreads. If you're looking for a feel-good read after an emotionally exhausting one, this one is for you. I'm confident I could have finished this in one sitting but I wanted something to look forward to in the morning. Turns out I made a good call.
Btw, thanks Goodreads for constantly providing me book recommendations and hints. I appreciate it so much! :)
It's a shame this book has not yet reached its full potential here in Goodreads. If you're looking for a feel-good read after an emotionally exhausting one, this one is for you. I'm confident I could have finished this in one sitting but I wanted something to look forward to in the morning. Turns out I made a good call.
Btw, thanks Goodreads for constantly providing me book recommendations and hints. I appreciate it so much! :)
July 27, 2015
Loved this book but loved Patrick more.
September 3, 2015
What a beautiful romance!
Totally fell in love with these two main characters and their love story!
Full review to be written soon...
Totally fell in love with these two main characters and their love story!
Full review to be written soon...
September 7, 2015
To say I love this book is an understatement!
September 13, 2015
Very sweet story.
October 9, 2015
Cute story with an original story line.
June 19, 2015
SO FLIPPING GOOD!!!!
Review by Natasha Gentile
I have to say this was my very first time reading this author, so I didn’t know what I would be getting. If it is anything like her Facebook page, you know there would be plenty of laughs and goats (the author lives on a farm and has plenty of goat sightings for us) What I will say now is that I will pick up anything that she writes from now on.
The story begins with Ivy Lang; a beautiful city girl on the verge of losing the only last relative she has alive. She is now alone in this world, she sets out on her journey of finding peach and she does just that.
Ivy Lang loves her country life. So much that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. It’s perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
Patrick Thompson has just finished his residency in Dallas. Except he feels something is missing in his life, he just doesn’t know what it is. Needing to make a change in his life he decides to move to New York. I know you’re all thinking Dallas and New York are kind of the same thing- big cities, but not to him, he wants a fresh new start.
So he packs up his brand new Mercedes, yes not only is he brand spanking hot, he’s also um how do I say this, stuck up. Let’s say he needs to let his hair down, or rumple it up. It’s at one of his pit stops on his road trip that he meets Ivy.
She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.
Okay, so their first meeting wasn’t normal, she was helping someone give birth in the back of a shed and he was trying to tell her she was out of her mind. You could feel the love growing between them, but not really. What you could feel was his curiosity about this girl. She was so very different from the regular girls that he has been known to gravitate to.
Sensing that Patrick needs to dirty himself up, or let loose and have fun, she invites him to spend the night. Now before you get ahead of yourself, it was nothing sexual. You see Ivy owns a B&B, so she offers him a room for the night, and he accepts, much to his own surprise.
But wait it gets better, not only is he staying she has invited him over to help milk the goats. So picture if you may a man who I think irons his jeans, wears Polo and loafers going to milk goats. I told you this was like CM’s real life, she does love herself some goats and I couldn’t wait to see how he would do smiling them and neither could Ivy.
When I gulped, I caught a whiff of his scent, which made my heart flutter, and I wanted to sway into the heat of his body.
Whoa. When was the last time I felt that? A middle school crush? Maybe.
Ivy knows that he is only there for one night, on his way to New York to start fresh, but yet she doesn’t understand the need to be with him for the time that he is there.
I considered him for a long moment while inwardly shuddering at the explanation of his diet. “Come with me. I’m gonna make you the nest meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
Patrick has no idea what is happening. He doesn’t know how to answer the voices calling to him, pulling him to her. But he knows that he doesn’t want to leave without knowing what she feels like. With a pull stronger than she can fight off, she finally gives into her feelings for once.
In just that moment, I was aware of everything about him. Once again his scent, but also his temperature, the feel of his denim jeans, even through my own. How hard his body was under the softness of his cotton shirt. The masculine feel of his arm pressing against mine. Our closeness alone. The fact that we were this close. Alone.
But now what happens when it’s time to leave. This was just a pit stop for him. He has a plan and his plan doesn’t include her, or anyone for that matter. Or does it?
I knocked on her front door and waited until it swung open. She stood in front of me, barefoot and beautiful. Her incredible hair was still wet from the shower, braided loosely over her shoulder. Back home it was a look that women spent hours trying to make look authentic, and she pulled it off effortlessly. She wore a pair of jean shorts that revealed her strong, toned legs and loose-fitting white tee. That was it. Nothing special about it, except her.
When he finally goes on his way, it is to no one’s surprise that he can’t seem to forget the beautiful country girl that keeps invading his thoughts. So when push comes to shove, he bulldozes himself into her life. Except she wasn’t expecting him to come at all, which makes the story even more beautiful.
This book will make you laugh, did I mention the goats? It will make you grin something silly. It will make your heart soar and then crash but in the end your heart is not only mended it is bigger. You can see that love is always there, but what are you willing to do to get it? What will you do when you finally find something that inspires you? What happens when all the inspiration around you doesn’t give you that same feeling than when he’s next to you? It becomes City beautiful!
Review by Natasha Gentile
I have to say this was my very first time reading this author, so I didn’t know what I would be getting. If it is anything like her Facebook page, you know there would be plenty of laughs and goats (the author lives on a farm and has plenty of goat sightings for us) What I will say now is that I will pick up anything that she writes from now on.
The story begins with Ivy Lang; a beautiful city girl on the verge of losing the only last relative she has alive. She is now alone in this world, she sets out on her journey of finding peach and she does just that.
Ivy Lang loves her country life. So much that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. It’s perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.
Patrick Thompson has just finished his residency in Dallas. Except he feels something is missing in his life, he just doesn’t know what it is. Needing to make a change in his life he decides to move to New York. I know you’re all thinking Dallas and New York are kind of the same thing- big cities, but not to him, he wants a fresh new start.
So he packs up his brand new Mercedes, yes not only is he brand spanking hot, he’s also um how do I say this, stuck up. Let’s say he needs to let his hair down, or rumple it up. It’s at one of his pit stops on his road trip that he meets Ivy.
She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.
Okay, so their first meeting wasn’t normal, she was helping someone give birth in the back of a shed and he was trying to tell her she was out of her mind. You could feel the love growing between them, but not really. What you could feel was his curiosity about this girl. She was so very different from the regular girls that he has been known to gravitate to.
Sensing that Patrick needs to dirty himself up, or let loose and have fun, she invites him to spend the night. Now before you get ahead of yourself, it was nothing sexual. You see Ivy owns a B&B, so she offers him a room for the night, and he accepts, much to his own surprise.
But wait it gets better, not only is he staying she has invited him over to help milk the goats. So picture if you may a man who I think irons his jeans, wears Polo and loafers going to milk goats. I told you this was like CM’s real life, she does love herself some goats and I couldn’t wait to see how he would do smiling them and neither could Ivy.
When I gulped, I caught a whiff of his scent, which made my heart flutter, and I wanted to sway into the heat of his body.
Whoa. When was the last time I felt that? A middle school crush? Maybe.
Ivy knows that he is only there for one night, on his way to New York to start fresh, but yet she doesn’t understand the need to be with him for the time that he is there.
I considered him for a long moment while inwardly shuddering at the explanation of his diet. “Come with me. I’m gonna make you the nest meal you’ve ever had. It’s gonna change your life.”
“One dinner is going to change my life?”
I smirked at him. “With me it will.”
Patrick has no idea what is happening. He doesn’t know how to answer the voices calling to him, pulling him to her. But he knows that he doesn’t want to leave without knowing what she feels like. With a pull stronger than she can fight off, she finally gives into her feelings for once.
In just that moment, I was aware of everything about him. Once again his scent, but also his temperature, the feel of his denim jeans, even through my own. How hard his body was under the softness of his cotton shirt. The masculine feel of his arm pressing against mine. Our closeness alone. The fact that we were this close. Alone.
But now what happens when it’s time to leave. This was just a pit stop for him. He has a plan and his plan doesn’t include her, or anyone for that matter. Or does it?
I knocked on her front door and waited until it swung open. She stood in front of me, barefoot and beautiful. Her incredible hair was still wet from the shower, braided loosely over her shoulder. Back home it was a look that women spent hours trying to make look authentic, and she pulled it off effortlessly. She wore a pair of jean shorts that revealed her strong, toned legs and loose-fitting white tee. That was it. Nothing special about it, except her.
When he finally goes on his way, it is to no one’s surprise that he can’t seem to forget the beautiful country girl that keeps invading his thoughts. So when push comes to shove, he bulldozes himself into her life. Except she wasn’t expecting him to come at all, which makes the story even more beautiful.
This book will make you laugh, did I mention the goats? It will make you grin something silly. It will make your heart soar and then crash but in the end your heart is not only mended it is bigger. You can see that love is always there, but what are you willing to do to get it? What will you do when you finally find something that inspires you? What happens when all the inspiration around you doesn’t give you that same feeling than when he’s next to you? It becomes City beautiful!
June 27, 2015
***ARC PROVIDED FROM AUTHOR AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL BLOG TOUR***
5 STARS – City Beautiful is Sweet, Sexy and Smart. But most of all its touching and totally heartfelt.
“She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.”
Patrick is getting ready to make a big move, beginning a new chapter in his life, in a new city, and starting his career in a private practice. He’s excited for what lies ahead and the change of scenery he desperately needs. He’s become bored, and has recently found his passion for practicing medicine waning.
Ivy is a country girl right down to her very soul. She’s lost all of her family to sickness in way form or another and with the exception of a select few she’s very much alone. None of this really bothers her too much as she’s started fresh, left the big city behind years ago. Blazing her own path and starting over with a clean slate has brought back the young woman she once was, focused and determined. Now she’s passionate about animals, helping others, food from farm to table, and her Inn. She finds her days filled with physical and satisfying work, falling into bed most nights exhausted, only to get up the next day and do it all over again.
When Patrick finds himself at a nearby road stand on his road trip from Dallas to New York City he couldn’t have been prepared for what he would find, a young woman, attempting to deliver a baby on a concrete floor in the middle of nowhere. Stunned by the sassy beauty, Patrick finds himself entranced by this, sarcastic, gorgeous and quirky woman. A woman who is not afraid to tell it like it is, ever it seems.
“Never in my life had I had such an intense attraction, coupled with instant friendship. I felt like I’d known her for years instead of mere hours.”
Ivy is unwillingly drawn to this handsome stranger, who makes her knees weak and her brain short circuit from the moment they meet. Coaxing her out of her self-imposed anti-social behaviour, Patrick lights up all of the parts of her she thought had burned out long ago. Unable to resist spending just a few more hours this man, she gives into her desire and she invites him to spend the night at The Green House before continuing on his journey, as a guest of course.
“So a naked male stranger held more than a little allure. Even just a glimpse of naked. Sure, those were inappropriate thoughts. Terribly unprofessional. But it was Monday. All bets were off on Mondays.”
Ivy and Patrick’s attraction is evident from the moment they meet, but what made them sizzle for me, was their banter, their stubbornness, and their undeniable chemistry. They thoroughly enjoy pushing each other’s buttons and it’s completely impossible not to fall in love with both of them. What starts out as a one night stand for both of them, turns out to be so much more. One night is enough to truly change them both, forever.
“Focus on the good. And then don’t forget about it.”
CM Foss has a gift for creating the most heartwarming, emotional, funny and seductive stories. She gives us characters that you cannot help but fall head over heels for. They are quirky, funny, independent, impassioned, stubborn and authentic. I think I fell just as in love with Ivy as I did with Patrick in this story. The characters, the story, the setting and the writing create a book so fantastic; I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Foss’s style of writing totally sucks you into her stories and hours later you’re wondering, oh I’m finished, how did that happen? You’ll find yourself swooning, sighing, snort laughing, blushing, tingling, crying, cursing and in the end grinning. Grinning for the journey and the characters you just had the experience of meeting and spending a few hours with. In the end City Beautiful will leave your heart feeling squishy, full and warm from the all of the unforgettable feels you just had at the hands of a truly spectacular book.
“ I wasn’t a city girl anymore, but city had his ways.”
5 STARS – City Beautiful is Sweet, Sexy and Smart. But most of all its touching and totally heartfelt.
“She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her.”
Patrick is getting ready to make a big move, beginning a new chapter in his life, in a new city, and starting his career in a private practice. He’s excited for what lies ahead and the change of scenery he desperately needs. He’s become bored, and has recently found his passion for practicing medicine waning.
Ivy is a country girl right down to her very soul. She’s lost all of her family to sickness in way form or another and with the exception of a select few she’s very much alone. None of this really bothers her too much as she’s started fresh, left the big city behind years ago. Blazing her own path and starting over with a clean slate has brought back the young woman she once was, focused and determined. Now she’s passionate about animals, helping others, food from farm to table, and her Inn. She finds her days filled with physical and satisfying work, falling into bed most nights exhausted, only to get up the next day and do it all over again.
When Patrick finds himself at a nearby road stand on his road trip from Dallas to New York City he couldn’t have been prepared for what he would find, a young woman, attempting to deliver a baby on a concrete floor in the middle of nowhere. Stunned by the sassy beauty, Patrick finds himself entranced by this, sarcastic, gorgeous and quirky woman. A woman who is not afraid to tell it like it is, ever it seems.
“Never in my life had I had such an intense attraction, coupled with instant friendship. I felt like I’d known her for years instead of mere hours.”
Ivy is unwillingly drawn to this handsome stranger, who makes her knees weak and her brain short circuit from the moment they meet. Coaxing her out of her self-imposed anti-social behaviour, Patrick lights up all of the parts of her she thought had burned out long ago. Unable to resist spending just a few more hours this man, she gives into her desire and she invites him to spend the night at The Green House before continuing on his journey, as a guest of course.
“So a naked male stranger held more than a little allure. Even just a glimpse of naked. Sure, those were inappropriate thoughts. Terribly unprofessional. But it was Monday. All bets were off on Mondays.”
Ivy and Patrick’s attraction is evident from the moment they meet, but what made them sizzle for me, was their banter, their stubbornness, and their undeniable chemistry. They thoroughly enjoy pushing each other’s buttons and it’s completely impossible not to fall in love with both of them. What starts out as a one night stand for both of them, turns out to be so much more. One night is enough to truly change them both, forever.
“Focus on the good. And then don’t forget about it.”
CM Foss has a gift for creating the most heartwarming, emotional, funny and seductive stories. She gives us characters that you cannot help but fall head over heels for. They are quirky, funny, independent, impassioned, stubborn and authentic. I think I fell just as in love with Ivy as I did with Patrick in this story. The characters, the story, the setting and the writing create a book so fantastic; I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Foss’s style of writing totally sucks you into her stories and hours later you’re wondering, oh I’m finished, how did that happen? You’ll find yourself swooning, sighing, snort laughing, blushing, tingling, crying, cursing and in the end grinning. Grinning for the journey and the characters you just had the experience of meeting and spending a few hours with. In the end City Beautiful will leave your heart feeling squishy, full and warm from the all of the unforgettable feels you just had at the hands of a truly spectacular book.
“ I wasn’t a city girl anymore, but city had his ways.”
July 5, 2015
** ARC provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions for an honest review. **
5 beautiful Life changing stars!
This was such a feel good story, even if at the one moment I was crushed and it ripped my heart, it was still beautiful, full of hopes and good vibes!
Not your usual romance story!
Review to come.
****************************************************************
** ARC provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions. **
City Beautiful is a book full of feel good vibes, surprising and at the same time so real. It was a beautiful story about life changes. Trust me, get ready for a wonderful journey through life, to the unexpected encounters, love at first sight, loss, and hope.
What so appealing about this book? Everything, but mostly its refreshing side, definitely not your usual romance. Their story was a breath of fresh air.
When a city guy (Patrick) a countryside woman (Ivy) met, by accident, it was like they meant to be. It wasn't strange or forced, just like one of the beautiful encounters that could influence for your whole life.
Patrick is a doctor, once full of passion, but was unsure of the path, lead for his future. He was very meticulous, annoyed by the people he could met, a little uptight. He was at a point in his life, beginning to put things in perspective. With his work, he had so little time to socialize. He was lonely but fine with it. He was feeling a void in his life, but didn't exactly figured out what it was.
Ivy is a woman full of life, witty and quirky. She was light, and Patrick noticed that.
I love her weirdness, selfless. She succeeded in her place to make people happy, like she could make a difference.
She found what brought her true happiness, and each day, she did her best to maintain it.
She's running The Green House, when guests can enjoyed the quiet, peace and the magic of the place.
And the story ... Sigh. I loved how two people from different world collided and experienced something so truly amazing, heart-warming.
Their story was just EPIC, so different.
Things could be insane, but also so natural, and I loved the craziness in this story, and how throughout the story, the author succeeded to build so solid foundations around something what maybe could be just a fling, and that was so fantastic! What about their chemistry? Just mind-blowing, with some delightfully steamy sex scenes!
There is something about this book so attracting, pulling, earth feel, and making you enjoying it so much, like you experienced it. You're gonna laugh, smile a lot, at one point of the story you're gonna want to cry and then you're smiling again!
I really have a crush on this book, I highly recommend it!
5 beautiful Life changing stars!
This was such a feel good story, even if at the one moment I was crushed and it ripped my heart, it was still beautiful, full of hopes and good vibes!
Not your usual romance story!
Review to come.
****************************************************************
** ARC provided by the author via Southern Belle Promotions. **
City Beautiful is a book full of feel good vibes, surprising and at the same time so real. It was a beautiful story about life changes. Trust me, get ready for a wonderful journey through life, to the unexpected encounters, love at first sight, loss, and hope.
What so appealing about this book? Everything, but mostly its refreshing side, definitely not your usual romance. Their story was a breath of fresh air.
When a city guy (Patrick) a countryside woman (Ivy) met, by accident, it was like they meant to be. It wasn't strange or forced, just like one of the beautiful encounters that could influence for your whole life.
" But I’d never felt…this. This strange pull that happened so quickly."
Patrick is a doctor, once full of passion, but was unsure of the path, lead for his future. He was very meticulous, annoyed by the people he could met, a little uptight. He was at a point in his life, beginning to put things in perspective. With his work, he had so little time to socialize. He was lonely but fine with it. He was feeling a void in his life, but didn't exactly figured out what it was.
Ivy is a woman full of life, witty and quirky. She was light, and Patrick noticed that.
I love her weirdness, selfless. She succeeded in her place to make people happy, like she could make a difference.
She found what brought her true happiness, and each day, she did her best to maintain it.
She's running The Green House, when guests can enjoyed the quiet, peace and the magic of the place.
And the story ... Sigh. I loved how two people from different world collided and experienced something so truly amazing, heart-warming.
Their story was just EPIC, so different.
Things could be insane, but also so natural, and I loved the craziness in this story, and how throughout the story, the author succeeded to build so solid foundations around something what maybe could be just a fling, and that was so fantastic! What about their chemistry? Just mind-blowing, with some delightfully steamy sex scenes!
There is something about this book so attracting, pulling, earth feel, and making you enjoying it so much, like you experienced it. You're gonna laugh, smile a lot, at one point of the story you're gonna want to cry and then you're smiling again!I really have a crush on this book, I highly recommend it!
July 11, 2015
Complimentary copy received by the author in exchange for an honest review
It is no secret that I adore C. M. Foss. Both of her previous novels were – and still are – 5 star reads for me, and “City Beautiful” surpassed my expectations tremendously, leaving me with the meanest book hangover I have not experienced for a long time. But it is the kind of hangover that I crave , and I am so thrilled about it, actually.
Now, as usual, there is no reason to recap the story for you, and this review may also be slightly shorter than others because there are so many twists and turns that I do not wish to unearth for you. You all know how much I loathe spoilers – but here are my thoughts.
The way Ivy has moved forward after having experienced one traumatic event after the other is admirable; she is a fighter, plain and simple, and how she has chosen to lead her life is actually quite fascinating. Has she completely overcome her past heartaches? No, of course not, and I was a bit sad with the way she held herself back from truly living her life to the fullest in the beginning…But it is understandable.
And then Patrick comes along…What. A. Guy. At a crossroads in his life, I absolutely loved seeing how he became infatuated with Ivy, and how spending only 24 hours with her made him take stock of his life; he may not have changed the course of his path right away, but I loved reading how he developed throughout his and Ivy’s journey in life. That is the beauty of this story, in my opinion: the way one meeting with another person has the ability to change you in some way or another.
Miss Foss possesses a knack of writing romance novels that are so realistic: her characters could be your neighbours – the cool ones ;-) – that you would like to spend an evening or two with, and her ability to paint a vivid scene in colours with her words is just beautiful. She has a no-nonsense, no-filter type of writing that I hope you will see as well once you read her books. Finally, I love how she manages to make me both cry and laugh within the span of one scene, because that shows so much talent.
All the characters in “City Beautiful” have an important role to play, and I am glad to see Lissa and Ethan in particular – the main characters of “Shiver” – and Ivy’s friend, Ginnie, was such a joy to get to know as well.
If you are looking for a romance novel with quirky, loveable characters…one that provides humour mingled with the heartache…If you want some swoony scenes mixed with the sexy…and if you long to lose yourself in a book that will both surprise and astonish you: this is the book for you. I highly recommend it to all romance lovers, and I know that I will read this book over and over again in the years to come.
Miss Foss: thank you, again, for causing a major book hangover. I am one happy bookaholic.
It is no secret that I adore C. M. Foss. Both of her previous novels were – and still are – 5 star reads for me, and “City Beautiful” surpassed my expectations tremendously, leaving me with the meanest book hangover I have not experienced for a long time. But it is the kind of hangover that I crave , and I am so thrilled about it, actually.
Now, as usual, there is no reason to recap the story for you, and this review may also be slightly shorter than others because there are so many twists and turns that I do not wish to unearth for you. You all know how much I loathe spoilers – but here are my thoughts.
The way Ivy has moved forward after having experienced one traumatic event after the other is admirable; she is a fighter, plain and simple, and how she has chosen to lead her life is actually quite fascinating. Has she completely overcome her past heartaches? No, of course not, and I was a bit sad with the way she held herself back from truly living her life to the fullest in the beginning…But it is understandable.
And then Patrick comes along…What. A. Guy. At a crossroads in his life, I absolutely loved seeing how he became infatuated with Ivy, and how spending only 24 hours with her made him take stock of his life; he may not have changed the course of his path right away, but I loved reading how he developed throughout his and Ivy’s journey in life. That is the beauty of this story, in my opinion: the way one meeting with another person has the ability to change you in some way or another.
Miss Foss possesses a knack of writing romance novels that are so realistic: her characters could be your neighbours – the cool ones ;-) – that you would like to spend an evening or two with, and her ability to paint a vivid scene in colours with her words is just beautiful. She has a no-nonsense, no-filter type of writing that I hope you will see as well once you read her books. Finally, I love how she manages to make me both cry and laugh within the span of one scene, because that shows so much talent.
All the characters in “City Beautiful” have an important role to play, and I am glad to see Lissa and Ethan in particular – the main characters of “Shiver” – and Ivy’s friend, Ginnie, was such a joy to get to know as well.
If you are looking for a romance novel with quirky, loveable characters…one that provides humour mingled with the heartache…If you want some swoony scenes mixed with the sexy…and if you long to lose yourself in a book that will both surprise and astonish you: this is the book for you. I highly recommend it to all romance lovers, and I know that I will read this book over and over again in the years to come.
Miss Foss: thank you, again, for causing a major book hangover. I am one happy bookaholic.
July 10, 2015
He’s waiting for something to inspire him.
She finds inspiration all around her.
But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
OMG That right there is just AMAZING and totally sums up how I felt and OMG I could not have loved this story more if I tried. I enjoyed the other books I read by this author , they were unique and so easy to read and relate to. But this story just went to a whole new level for me and I am so thrilled that I signed on to read for the tour.
Ivy has suffered much loss in her young life and the quick glimpse we get of her in New York is one of a girl on a mission to change her life and set a new path. Seeing her 3 years down the road in the country living the simple life was breathtaking. I was amazed by her hard work , how far she had come and everything she was accomplishing on her farm and with the Green House. This girl finds peace and happiness everywhere but she doesn't really ever leave the farm. A chance meeting at the roadside farm stand just may have our country girl finding beauty in other places and other people , even city people !!
Patrick has spent his years studying and working his butt off to become a DR. Now leaving the city of Dallas for a great opportunity in New York he is feeling less enthusiastic than he should. Looking forward to his alone time road trip he sets off on his new adventure searching for something but what he doesn't know...
Ivy and Patrick have such a simple interaction I love it. It was pure and real and so easy to appreciate. Ivy is amazing with people and I loved her eagerness to show Patrick the wonders of the way she lived. Patrick was so open to her despite the fact that he had always been very set in his ways. You can't help but smile and laugh with them as they share simple experiences with one another. Their short period of time together ends oddly by Ivy's choice and they continue on their journeys apart. Patrick throws himself into his new job and tries to settle back into city life. Unable to get Ivy off his mind he seems very restless. A retreat with his office sends him back to the life he has been craving and takes us on a new adventure ! Ivy is funny in the sense that she lives this simple life and appreciates all things but yet she is horrified to do certain things that you usually cannot avoid in life. With Patrick's help she too changes her ways and views. It really is beautiful the ways they both change yet help change one another bringing themselves closer than ever.
There is such emotion and heartbreak in this story but thankfully the amazing beauty and love is so healing that you can move on and still enjoy what there is to offer. The ending was magical and I was sad to say goodbye !!
She finds inspiration all around her.
But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
OMG That right there is just AMAZING and totally sums up how I felt and OMG I could not have loved this story more if I tried. I enjoyed the other books I read by this author , they were unique and so easy to read and relate to. But this story just went to a whole new level for me and I am so thrilled that I signed on to read for the tour.
Ivy has suffered much loss in her young life and the quick glimpse we get of her in New York is one of a girl on a mission to change her life and set a new path. Seeing her 3 years down the road in the country living the simple life was breathtaking. I was amazed by her hard work , how far she had come and everything she was accomplishing on her farm and with the Green House. This girl finds peace and happiness everywhere but she doesn't really ever leave the farm. A chance meeting at the roadside farm stand just may have our country girl finding beauty in other places and other people , even city people !!
Patrick has spent his years studying and working his butt off to become a DR. Now leaving the city of Dallas for a great opportunity in New York he is feeling less enthusiastic than he should. Looking forward to his alone time road trip he sets off on his new adventure searching for something but what he doesn't know...
Ivy and Patrick have such a simple interaction I love it. It was pure and real and so easy to appreciate. Ivy is amazing with people and I loved her eagerness to show Patrick the wonders of the way she lived. Patrick was so open to her despite the fact that he had always been very set in his ways. You can't help but smile and laugh with them as they share simple experiences with one another. Their short period of time together ends oddly by Ivy's choice and they continue on their journeys apart. Patrick throws himself into his new job and tries to settle back into city life. Unable to get Ivy off his mind he seems very restless. A retreat with his office sends him back to the life he has been craving and takes us on a new adventure ! Ivy is funny in the sense that she lives this simple life and appreciates all things but yet she is horrified to do certain things that you usually cannot avoid in life. With Patrick's help she too changes her ways and views. It really is beautiful the ways they both change yet help change one another bringing themselves closer than ever.
There is such emotion and heartbreak in this story but thankfully the amazing beauty and love is so healing that you can move on and still enjoy what there is to offer. The ending was magical and I was sad to say goodbye !!
July 14, 2015
**TARA'S 5 BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL STARS REVIEW**
Patrick Thompson is a big city guy, moving from Texas to NYC. The road trip leads him to small town Virginia, pulling over at a road side stand looking for a bite to eat. Instead he gets Ivy. Ivy is a big city girl turned small town organic farmer who runs an Inn. These two start out as polar opposites. You know what they say, opposites attract!
When Patrick decides to spend the night at the Inn before continuing his journey he doesn't expect for so many things in his life to change during his short 30 hour stay at The Green House.
" She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her."
Continuing on with his journey to New York, he settles in at a medical practice, but he can't seem to get Ivy off his mind. He dreams of her, wonders what she is doing and what new meal ideas she has come up with.
Three months after parting ways, everything changes for Ivy when Patrick returns to Virginia with his colleagues for a work retreat on her farm.
"My eyes were burning as I looked down at the girl who had me in knots from the first time we met. Or maybe she untied me."
The secret she has been holding onto could be the catalyst that changes these two from a one night stand to something more or it could send Patrick running back to New York severing all contact.
I FLOVED everything about this book. CM hooked me from the start, so much so I read 90% of the book in one sitting.
The characters, ahhh Ivy and I had to separated at birth. We are so much alike. I loved her quick wit and love for all things natural. Let's face it, Patrick is every bit the hot doctor whose bones you want to jump.
The storyline was sweet and sad all rolled in one. There is lots of angst, lots of sex (nothing overly descriptive which I am all for), lots of laughs and a small amount of heart break.
Not every relationship in romance novels need to be butterflies and roses all the time, and this story certainly is not. It was written in such a beautiful way that even the tough times flowed with ease and kept me enthralled in their brief love affair. The ending was perfect in relation to how the story unfolded.
The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face, but I will admit I want more!!!
This is a definite must read.
Patrick Thompson is a big city guy, moving from Texas to NYC. The road trip leads him to small town Virginia, pulling over at a road side stand looking for a bite to eat. Instead he gets Ivy. Ivy is a big city girl turned small town organic farmer who runs an Inn. These two start out as polar opposites. You know what they say, opposites attract!
When Patrick decides to spend the night at the Inn before continuing his journey he doesn't expect for so many things in his life to change during his short 30 hour stay at The Green House.
" She was the kind of beautiful I’d expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her."
Continuing on with his journey to New York, he settles in at a medical practice, but he can't seem to get Ivy off his mind. He dreams of her, wonders what she is doing and what new meal ideas she has come up with.
Three months after parting ways, everything changes for Ivy when Patrick returns to Virginia with his colleagues for a work retreat on her farm.
"My eyes were burning as I looked down at the girl who had me in knots from the first time we met. Or maybe she untied me."
The secret she has been holding onto could be the catalyst that changes these two from a one night stand to something more or it could send Patrick running back to New York severing all contact.
I FLOVED everything about this book. CM hooked me from the start, so much so I read 90% of the book in one sitting.
The characters, ahhh Ivy and I had to separated at birth. We are so much alike. I loved her quick wit and love for all things natural. Let's face it, Patrick is every bit the hot doctor whose bones you want to jump.
The storyline was sweet and sad all rolled in one. There is lots of angst, lots of sex (nothing overly descriptive which I am all for), lots of laughs and a small amount of heart break.
Not every relationship in romance novels need to be butterflies and roses all the time, and this story certainly is not. It was written in such a beautiful way that even the tough times flowed with ease and kept me enthralled in their brief love affair. The ending was perfect in relation to how the story unfolded.
The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face, but I will admit I want more!!!
This is a definite must read.
December 28, 2015
City Beautiful was one of the top reads of my friend Maggie and when given the chance to read it I took it instantly. This is my second CM Foss book, after previously having read Jock, and I fell in love with the story and these wonderful characters she created.
Told in dual POV, City Beautiful follows Ivy and Patrick, two very different, but somewhat similar characters. After enduring as much loss as she could in the big city, Ivy moved away from all the commotion. She’s now settled in a little rural area, where she owns a bed and breakfast, and a little farm that she’s incredibly proud of. Despite having everything she needs, she’s lonely and emotionally detached from every possible suitor. In comes Patrick who’s on a cross country trip, from Texas to New York, where he’s set to start his new job. After a day and night of heartwarming sharing, a night they said will only stay that, they find themselves in a bit if a predicament when the unexpected happens.
One thing I loved about this story, as with every CM Foss, is that the love story and the characters’ development, or self discovery in this case, take center stage and that for me is always a plus. I adored seeing Ivy show Patrick how to let go, how to let go of a stiff suit in exchange for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. But more than anything I was mesmerized by the change in Ivy – her emotional transformation was shown to us through pages and pages on incredible tender moments between her and every other character in this book.
The writing is what made this book a top read for me – it flows naturally and beautifully, it’s easy to follow and get lost in this country world the author has created. CM Foss painted vivid images of this little farm, of a city girl who’s alluring not only for the hero, but for the reader as well – I would leave the city in a heartbeat if I could go and spend just a few days in the company of Ivy and Mr Moto and learn to take advantage of all the things self sufficient life has to offer.
5 ‘city beautiful’ stars for this story that shows that you can find happiness when you least expect it, in the weirdest of circumstances. It takes one moment to change your life forever.
***ARC given by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Told in dual POV, City Beautiful follows Ivy and Patrick, two very different, but somewhat similar characters. After enduring as much loss as she could in the big city, Ivy moved away from all the commotion. She’s now settled in a little rural area, where she owns a bed and breakfast, and a little farm that she’s incredibly proud of. Despite having everything she needs, she’s lonely and emotionally detached from every possible suitor. In comes Patrick who’s on a cross country trip, from Texas to New York, where he’s set to start his new job. After a day and night of heartwarming sharing, a night they said will only stay that, they find themselves in a bit if a predicament when the unexpected happens.
One thing I loved about this story, as with every CM Foss, is that the love story and the characters’ development, or self discovery in this case, take center stage and that for me is always a plus. I adored seeing Ivy show Patrick how to let go, how to let go of a stiff suit in exchange for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. But more than anything I was mesmerized by the change in Ivy – her emotional transformation was shown to us through pages and pages on incredible tender moments between her and every other character in this book.
The writing is what made this book a top read for me – it flows naturally and beautifully, it’s easy to follow and get lost in this country world the author has created. CM Foss painted vivid images of this little farm, of a city girl who’s alluring not only for the hero, but for the reader as well – I would leave the city in a heartbeat if I could go and spend just a few days in the company of Ivy and Mr Moto and learn to take advantage of all the things self sufficient life has to offer.
5 ‘city beautiful’ stars for this story that shows that you can find happiness when you least expect it, in the weirdest of circumstances. It takes one moment to change your life forever.
***ARC given by the author in exchange for an honest review***
July 1, 2015
"That was it. Nothing special about it, except her."
City beautiful.
I love the name and it perfectly describes this story. Because it is beautiful. Its unorthodox, but no less beautiful. This is opposites attract mixed in with in a very big, not very great, messy situation and amidst all of that. Love. In the most imperfectly perfect way possible that I think only CM Foss can pull off.
I loved Blondie and City!!
Sigh.
She's happy with a simple, easy life
He's looking for bigger, better.
They stumble upon each other and change each others life in the most chaotic, beautiful way.
"It was a sort of chaotic beauty."
I loved how both characters evolved in this. Patrick, to out it honestly, had a stick up his ass! While Ivy was more laid back and witty, even a little awkward at times (which I loved by the way!) She has walls up around her and isn't always easy to get through to. Both evolve and change and grow and it was a wonderful part to the story.
"When we first met, you said you were going to change my life. I don't think either of us knew how true that would end up being."
Their story didn't start off typical, nothing about their story is typical or normal. But its one of my favourite by far. There was so many obstacles in their way, choices they had to make. It was funny, witty, emotional and down right heart warming. This is just the perfect example of love is love. You can't always predict it, plan it. Its not always perfect or easy but it's no less beautiful than any other love story. I want to read this for the first time again and I want to cherish every word and be taken on this whirlwind journey over and over. I can't wait to see what's next from CM!
City beautiful.
I love the name and it perfectly describes this story. Because it is beautiful. Its unorthodox, but no less beautiful. This is opposites attract mixed in with in a very big, not very great, messy situation and amidst all of that. Love. In the most imperfectly perfect way possible that I think only CM Foss can pull off.
I loved Blondie and City!!
Sigh.
She's happy with a simple, easy life
He's looking for bigger, better.
They stumble upon each other and change each others life in the most chaotic, beautiful way.
"It was a sort of chaotic beauty."
I loved how both characters evolved in this. Patrick, to out it honestly, had a stick up his ass! While Ivy was more laid back and witty, even a little awkward at times (which I loved by the way!) She has walls up around her and isn't always easy to get through to. Both evolve and change and grow and it was a wonderful part to the story.
"When we first met, you said you were going to change my life. I don't think either of us knew how true that would end up being."
Their story didn't start off typical, nothing about their story is typical or normal. But its one of my favourite by far. There was so many obstacles in their way, choices they had to make. It was funny, witty, emotional and down right heart warming. This is just the perfect example of love is love. You can't always predict it, plan it. Its not always perfect or easy but it's no less beautiful than any other love story. I want to read this for the first time again and I want to cherish every word and be taken on this whirlwind journey over and over. I can't wait to see what's next from CM!
July 5, 2015
Have you ever thought about it, you know leaving everything behind and starting over in a completely different place and have a completely different path to the one you had? That was Ivy did. She had gone though so much heart ache that the path she had chosen had no appeal. I mean she has an adverse reaction to being in any where near a hospital or Doctors office. So she move and starts over.
Patrick was set to make his "Dream" come true. To have a private practice in the city. He is on his way to what he feels will be a change of pace from his life in Dallas, but stops to stretch his legs.
Okay that is all your gonna get about the book. I don't want to give anything away because this is one book that you have to read. It is a book that will have you day dreaming about that question... Have you ever thought about leaving the life you have set out for yourself. What would happen if we stopped along the way and found something better.
Patrick and Ivy have that life that we all just dream of they took the chance and made their carefully planned out plans a thing of the past. They give into chance and find the elusive happiness that we all dream of.
I loved it every single word written on every single page. You will love how it isn't really insta love but a realization of how someone can make a huge impact in your life. That was Ivy, Ivy is the impact that changes Patrick into a better person. For Ivy, Patrick is the love, no attachment she never though she would be able to make with another. Beautiful.
This book spans a years giving you the struggles that come with life. A life that is more than just living but a life worth living. You will be captivated while you read about their loves. So settle in and get ready for new beginnings and a life not planned.
Patrick was set to make his "Dream" come true. To have a private practice in the city. He is on his way to what he feels will be a change of pace from his life in Dallas, but stops to stretch his legs.
Okay that is all your gonna get about the book. I don't want to give anything away because this is one book that you have to read. It is a book that will have you day dreaming about that question... Have you ever thought about leaving the life you have set out for yourself. What would happen if we stopped along the way and found something better.
Patrick and Ivy have that life that we all just dream of they took the chance and made their carefully planned out plans a thing of the past. They give into chance and find the elusive happiness that we all dream of.
I loved it every single word written on every single page. You will love how it isn't really insta love but a realization of how someone can make a huge impact in your life. That was Ivy, Ivy is the impact that changes Patrick into a better person. For Ivy, Patrick is the love, no attachment she never though she would be able to make with another. Beautiful.
This book spans a years giving you the struggles that come with life. A life that is more than just living but a life worth living. You will be captivated while you read about their loves. So settle in and get ready for new beginnings and a life not planned.
December 30, 2015
The thing I enjoy most about CM Foss as a writer is her wit, humor, and the fact that her characters are just...REAL. Like, you want to go to The Green House and have a cup of coffee and milk a couple goats with Ivy kind of real. She makes you fall in love with the characters, so much so that you feel like you are right there experiencing everything right alongside Patrick and Ivy. You shake your head at some of the choices they make, laugh at their conversations, cry through their pain, and experience the butterflies and fluttering hearts as they examine the possibility of loving each other.
What begins as a rumbling stomach on a road trip from Dallas to New York to begin his new life, Patrick Thompson meets Ivy Lang at a roadside stand. She talks him into staying the night at her inn, and from there, Patrick's whole world is flipped upside down. She truly changed his vision of the future- is city life really all it's cracked up to be?
"She was the kind of beautiful I'd expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her."
Ivy has experienced great loss in her life- so much so that she closed herself off emotionally long ago. Her love and passion is for simplicity; real food, her goats, and her inn, The Green House. Will Patrick break down the walls she so artfully crafted around her tender heart, or will she shut him out as well?
This is CM Foss's finest work to date, and I look forward to whatever she writes next. And whenever I see daisies, I will be reminded of this beautiful story that broke me and healed me simultaneously.
What begins as a rumbling stomach on a road trip from Dallas to New York to begin his new life, Patrick Thompson meets Ivy Lang at a roadside stand. She talks him into staying the night at her inn, and from there, Patrick's whole world is flipped upside down. She truly changed his vision of the future- is city life really all it's cracked up to be?
"She was the kind of beautiful I'd expect to see back home. City beautiful. Except there was nothing city about her."
Ivy has experienced great loss in her life- so much so that she closed herself off emotionally long ago. Her love and passion is for simplicity; real food, her goats, and her inn, The Green House. Will Patrick break down the walls she so artfully crafted around her tender heart, or will she shut him out as well?
This is CM Foss's finest work to date, and I look forward to whatever she writes next. And whenever I see daisies, I will be reminded of this beautiful story that broke me and healed me simultaneously.
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