Taking Back Beautiful

by Devon Hartford

First he helped me take my beauty back. Then he took me... For the first time in her life, Daphne Bowman wants to get in shape. She wants her beauty back and she’s determined to get it. The last thing she’s looking for when she signs up for a membership at Body Fitness is a love connection. Apollo Armstrong is a personal trainer with an emotional hole in his heart that he is trying to fill with the love of a good woman. He’s tired of meaningless dates with meaningless women who have nothing to offer but their bodies. He wants a real connection. From the moment they meet, their connection is electric. But is it enough to keep them together forever? TAKING BACK BEAUTIFUL is a fast read with loads of sweet and sexy feels, the scorching hot sex you expect, and the happy ending you demand. Both kinds. Recommended for ages 18+

Genres: Romance, Erotica

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2016

About the author

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE::
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Devon-...

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Love Yourself Stars

A cute read overall and I generally enjoy romances written by men, just for a different perspective. The sexy times and this chick's easy come, never ending Big O fest had me laughing my ass off through most of the hottness, though.

[Megan Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...this book hits home with me...I mean it probably will for most women!! I'm trying not to spoil...but what woman out there doesn't have some type of issue with their body? This book gives women hope in a way...geez no spoilers is hard!! LOL.. It's an inspiring story how it's never to late to try to better yourself as a woman or man even, and also what we see personally in the mirror that we don't like....well it might just turn a hunky guy or vice versa on!! It's a HEA which every woman/guy needs also!!

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book is slightly different than the others that I've so far read by this author. It held my attention the whole time and I've read it in one sitting.
It started so intriguing and than as the story continued I couldn't help myself but to cheer for the heroine. Now, as I've mentioned before, this book is different from what I'm used to. I wished for much higher connection between the main characters, a deep one. But I'm going to blame that on the lenght of the story. All in all, I did enjoy it and I would recommend.

[Ginette]

DNF @ 25%.....just could not connect with the characters

[Mandy Jamerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick happy read. A book that is set in reality and makes me wish it was me instead.

[Bookworms Devouring Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazingly funny and it definitely has its tantalizing sexy scenes.

I was entirely taken by the fact that this amazingly curvy women has so many insecurities about herself and no matter what she stuck to her guns and wanted to Take Back her Beautiful.

I love a good book about Curvy women who find love it definitely takes away the books who make women perfect and that not only do perfect find love but so do curvy women.

I do love the theme behind the story that despite your flaws there is someone out there who will love you because of them, and will see past them and see there real you. I did think this book was a bit fast paste but I wouldn't change Daphne and Apollos story, it was perfect, cute, and incredibly funny.

I wish I had more to say about this book but it being a short story it's kind of hard to put my thoughts altogether without spoiling it.

I recommend this TBB to everyone out there who enjoys a great laugh, and some Hot, seductive, and racy scenes that will rock your socks off.

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!!!

~Extreme Bookaholic's Blog

[Booklover · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, i couldn't take another sentence of this woman putting herself down and swooning over this Greek God. The inner monologues went on and on and on.

The first few chapters were just:












It was overdone.

And I am a curvy woman myself but I cannot stand books with women who think like this.

This is how I felt while reading it.

[Sharla Metheny-ybanez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne has always been self doubting her beauty and body all her life; she decides that she's going to face those insecurities and join a gym; and not just any gym either; the one in Hollywood where all the beautiful people go!

Apollo, a gorgeous hunk of a man happens to be a fitness trainer; he's going through a really rough time; losing a parent and just questioning his choices when it comes to women!

What happens when these two collide? Will Daphne continue her journey to finding her beauty? Or will self doubt creep in and stop her from grasping that coveted body she's dreamed about?
Will Apollo continue his quest for these meaningless, plastic Barbie dolls? Or can he look past the outside and see a real gem? Or does the outside even matter???
This fun, hot steamy sex filled romp will have you breathless with anticipation, page after page!!'

[Genice Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Devon has done it again. I love all this authors books and this one is no exception. This story starts with Daphne deciding to take back her life. She joins a gym to lose weight and become healthy. I have to say when she first starts at the gym I can understand everything going through her head. You really connect with her as she goes for the first time. All the things shes thinking and does. Devon did a great job. She was perfectly imperfect! I cant pinpoint one thing alone in this book that made it so great it was just everything. You could really connect with the characters and understand what they were going through. Also theres no cheating and no drama which makes the book even better. I'd usually say more but I dont want to give spoilers so all I can say is buy this book. It was such a great story.

[Paul Triegaardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, is what I say!! Once again Devon has written an amazing novel. I was really sad to finish it and hope that Devon considers expanding Taking back beautiful.
A really easy read with humour which made me chuckle so loud that my husband came to ask what I was laughing at. In true Devon fashion, it's steamy and romantic with a happy ending.
A feel good novel.
A recommended read.

[beth myrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book

I think with more effort it could have been a way better read. For one, these characters were so immature acting for their ages. And I don't even know what to say about the cellos. I really wanted to like this because of all the potential the storyline had, but the writing and characterization just didn't work for me.

[Lisa Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... Another fabulous book by the very talented Devon Hartford. I was engrossed from the first page and didn't put it down until I'd finished it. Daphne is adorable and Apollo is swoon worthy and hopefully you will love them too.. I just loved how the story flowed from sad to happy

[Amandajane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author and this was good but I didn't love it like I have others from him. Also, I don't love the cover. There is no way I would be drawn to pick this up just from the cover (and yes, I am that kind of shallow- I do judge etc.) Anyway, it was an enjoyable read.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, I liked both Apollo and Daphne and thought that they made a cute couple.

[Leighanne Cooper nottingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

!!

I'm a huge fan of Devon's books but this one just wasn't very good. The beginning was funny with Daphne going to the gym the first time. We've all been there but then it just got corny from that point on..

[Samantha Sheeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! I related very much to this story!!! Another Masterpiece as always!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Back Beautiful is absolutely without a doubt a true romance industry game-changer. This is an unbelievably powerful story that will quietly ravish every part of your heart. It will dig deeper then you can ever imagine in a very short period of time. With an incredibly transforming journey as this one, time doesn’t make or break it because it’s dependent solely upon the heart. The heart doesn’t offer concern for something as trivial as time for its intentions and designs go far beyond its limited power and reach. It is futile to fight what the heart wants. Such an endeavor will only lead to utter failure and complete ruin. However, if we choose to follow the leading of our heart, we will be gifted with boundless joy and complete fulfillment.

Daphne sees in the mirror the interpretation of who she is according to those around her. She has known only scrutiny, scorn, and dismissal. No one ever stopped to tell her that she is beautiful just the way she is. Until the day that Apollo walks into her life. He sees what others have continuously overlooked, and he refuses to allow her to walk around feeling unappreciated and unloved. Everyone deserves respect but they also need to be complimented and built up. He refuses to allow Daphne to spend another minute just floating aimlessly through life, so he is determined to help her the best way he can by volunteering to become her personal fitness trainer. Can a simple decision to take change of her health lead to bigger and wide-reaching life changes, or will Daphne find the challenge to be more then she handle?

We are all unique for a very special reason. If we never existed, there would be an empty pocket left in this world never to be filled. I wonder if anyone has ever stopped to realize that no one ever seems to truly want to understand and soak in the phrase of beauty only being skin deep. There is also a good reason why we weren’t created to look back at ourselves all day long but instead we only see each other. If the focus of our lives is only on ourselves, then we will never be able to accomplish the goals and purpose of our existence.

Watching the journey of Daphne and Apollo slowly and beautifully take shape truly took my breath away. They changes we seem them undertake without them realizing what was happening was a precious gift to be given. I felt like I received such an incredible privilege to meet, fall in love, and savor every second with these two amazing characters. They will claim your hear before you know what’s happening, and you will find yourself willingly handing it over. There is no fight with such perfection and excellence. There is only appreciation and adoration.

Devon Hartford never fails to reveal new and deeper layers of his writing. He isn’t afraid to challenge you and push you into thinking outside your comfort zone. In fact, he wants you to dare to think and feel what you never dreamed of before. What is life if is it not filled with exhilaration, daring, and hope. However, above all he writes to help you conquer the fear of love. Love is not a bad four letter work, but instead it is a heavenly verb that calls to the very core of our being and pulls at us with such deep and complete longing. What is life if it is not one filled to overflowing with love?

[nounoumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars !
Very nice read ! a bit short but never the less a "1 sitting - don't disturb me - reading".
the 1st chapter sets the tone. Loneliness of a hot hunk. A bear boned cello playing woman who wants to take back her beauty. ( powerfull lesson here ! and finally - FINALLY - a curvy woman in the lead )
It's hard not to smirk with those sexual innuendos, so hard....so so hard ....but so much fun !
I had a feeling there were many things unsaid, many things that could have been more elaborated but the real LOVE story is there. Happy ending and all flowers and hearts .
Without giving away any spoilers, here are some gifs with the emotions I had while reading !

start reading and meet Apollo and Daphne


get your body in shape


sex scene ... wow..









let's cool down


happy ending

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK this book kind of hit home with me , cause I was always the girl with the not skinny body. I so felt for Daphne when she walked into the gym for the first time . All those perfect bodies are so intimidating. Then walks in the man of your dreams but you just don't know it yet . After a visit to his dad's grave , Apollo has an instant attraction to Daphne and trains her , and the sparks fly and boy do they fly. As they work at their friendship there is something more under the surface.
I absolutely enjoyed this book , the characters were so sweet and you can't help but fall in love with each character. Daphne just reminded me of most of the women in the world , we don't know how beautiful we are and we always have that one part of our body we hate. She was so sweet and so likeable . You felt all her insecurities and you just wanted to hug her in the beginning . As you read though you start cheering for her and you see her transform from shy little church mouse to a woman that is sexy and so self assured . Apollo is the alpha male that is hurting from his loosing his dad and tired of just being a lay to all the self absorbed skinny women in the gym . He wants something more from his life and when he sees Daphne , he just knows that she is the woman for him . You can see him actually grow up as you read into the book. He doesn't care that she is a little cushy , she is the softness to his hardness . Just watching him with Daphne is actually swoon worthy , he is protective and dominate but also he lets go to be himself around her . He doesn't have to be the fake muscle head like he is around the people in the gym . I really like this couple together and as individuals . They were sweet and sexy .
The person I wanted to punch was Fiona , the receptionist at the club. She so reminded me of the mean girls at school. Thinking herself as perfect and no one else can be her friend . She just got under my skin and took me back to high school.
This was a great afternoon read for me . You are taken on a sexy sweet ride through pain and a bit of prejudice . There are scenes that will make you laugh out loud , squat fucks to be precise. You will giggle over the inadequacy of each character and how they get through them . The only thing I wish the author would of done cause I wanted it lol. I really wanted Daphne to have it out with Fiona. It would of just been the icing on the cake for me . The author has written a quirky , sweet read that will have you cheering for the couple one min and the next min you will be swooning and trying to cool down your kindle . So if you want a sweet happily ever after read that you can read in an afternoon , Check out TAKING BACK BEAUTIFUL . You won't be disappointed .

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest Devon Hartford novel is just what you need when you want a short, sharp and sexy read. Without massive drama or suspense, you are able to enjoy the playful banter and steamy moments without any stress. But more than that, Mr. Hartford touches on a very real subject. Body image. Daphne starts going to a gym to take back her life and help her feel good about herself. So many women, and men, have doubts about their appearance. Whether it’s a tummy not flat enough or thighs that jiggle too much, most people have something that they aren’t happy about in regards to their body.



And yet we realise through Daphne, that even if we aren’t size zero, we can be happy in our own skin. My favourite part from the story is this:

*“The issue is me. Me. Taking back my beauty. Not for anyone else. For me.”*



It perfectly sums up the truth. What we should all strive for. Putting ourselves first. And when that happens, people will love who we are, flaws and all. Daphne is lucky enough to find someone who loves her. Apollo is definitely a man any woman would want. Sweet, sensitive but also knows how to mark his territory ;) And oh, squats will never be the same. I feel like I should join a gym…

*"Two more."

"Are you sure?" I nearly gasp. His pelvis is right behind mine. If I were to suddenly sit down, I would sit right on his muscular lap. And we all know what's in men's laps.*



And let me tell you, while reading this part, I wondered if they were still talking about squats or something else ;)

The characters are likable, relatable and sincere. There are definitely lots of funny moments to make you giggle and lots of moments to get you hot under the collar. Very hot under the collar. Mr. Hartford has delivered another great read which, takes you away from your life but also makes you think. About life, love and the ones closest to us.

[Saskia 'follow my shoes' Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. Its so outside of the norm, its refreshing! <3
Its not the typical bad boy meets girl, its more focused on real life love and situations. A girl who is insecure about her size not being the ''norm'' expected of society, decided she wants to make a change. She has issues we all have, our size and shape and is convinced no man could want to be with her. This really hits home as a female, and this is what made the book intriguing to me, it drew me in! From the start to finish I couldn't put it down! I wanted more!!
Then you have the ''nice guy'' who ticks all of the boxes, and who you think is ''Mr Perfect'' but actually he has some irl issues going on too.
Then you have the typical 'bitch' who literally doesn't get her way, and doesn't get the interest and attention she is seeking!
I love the bank and forward banter and bits of humour, for a short read, this is balanced out just right throughout the book.
This book makes it apparent that we all have hangups, we all have issues that we carry from youth in to adulthood. It also highlights having to deal with negativity and behaviour of others, who in general just have a bad attitude, due to being so narrow-minded; yet we are able to take some control in our lives, and make changes, but only ones that benefit us. That we need to remember to look outside the box/expectations of society, because everyone had different tastes, and its NOT always the individual (main character) with the floors, its actually other people who just have ignorant bad attitudes and terrible social skills - which make them the ugly people! . We learn to embrace life, embrace ourself as an individual and accept that we are beautiful, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, its inside as well as outside that is what makes attractive.
I understand that this book is a novella, I would love to read more based on the same 2 characters, with more depth and inner connection for these 2! But wow well done Devon! 5 star book!!

[Audrie Cruz-Sealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. So Daphne is not comfortable with her weight and decided she is going to do something about it…she is going to take her beauty back. So she walks into a gym and feels super out of place…the people who work the front desk look at her like she is one of the ones that is going to start but quit within the week.

Well she starts working with a personal trainer named Apollo. He is tall, fit, and super good looking. Apollo is tired of these plastic girls that are super shallow. He is looking for something real and after working with Daphne…she might be the one. He loves her curves…he wants her to be healthy…but he loves her softness.

She can’t believe that Apollo is pursuing her…why her?

Daphne has great friends that are super funny and give her great advice…

“Love isn’t romance. Love is work. Take my kids for example.” “Dylan and Nicholas? What about them?” “No, take them!” She pleads. “Just for the weekend!”

So she gives Apollo a chance. Now you might think that he was named after Apollo…the Greek god but he was actually named after Apollo Creed from Rocky. Now I am a huge Rocky fan…have seen all of them…I was super shocked that Daphne has never seen Rocky… I mean who hasn’t seen Rocky.

Well that is a great date night for Daphne and Apollo…

“It’s about Rocky Balboa. The bossiest badass ever to enter the ring.” “It’s not violent, is it?” I ask. “I’ll tell you when to close your eyes. The part when Rocky cuts a guy’s head off with a chainsaw is pretty gruesome.”

It was a cute story about confidence…true love…real love…

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs at your heart strings at the first chapter and doesn’t let go!

You immediately fall in love with Apollo Armstrong, who has been dealing with the devastating loss of his father. In his younger years he may have been a player, but he seems to be at that impasse in life to find the love his parents had.
Is it divine intervention (Apollo’s dad, from above) or just coincidence?
Enter Daphne Bowman, ready for a change herself. She doesn’t realize it’s about to happen as she steps into Body Fitness, in her attempt to take back her beautiful. Thankfully, she is snubbed by Fiona (Ms. Fashion Forty) the receptionist at the health club; and is assisted by Apollo, who personally sees to her training session.
What happens from there is hot and heavy. Daphne is unique compared to the other girls Apollo has come into contact with and he likes it. Apollo makes his interest in Daphne known at the very beginning, which is something new for Daphne and maybe even a little confusing.
Taking Back Beautiful has everything in this quick read: Lovable characters; Daphne is a woman most women can identify with (well at least this reviewer can), she has a sarcastic inner monolog that you just can’t help but love her for! Apollo, the hunky, hot trainer, tired of the dating game and looking for the right woman, and always in the background is the bitchy, hot mess, Fiona, who can’t seem to get why Apollo isn’t interested in her. There was so much of this book that touch me on a personal level, I couldn’t help but love it! Great Job Devon, I couldn't give it enough stars!

[Author Kiara Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the way Devon developed the characters right off the bat. Apollo is immediately showcased as a typical hard bodied pretty boy, but it becomes quickly apparent there's a lot more depth to him than meets the eye. Daphne's outlook on life is cynical at best at the beginning of the story, but once Apollo shows her her potential and encourages her to look within herself to find her self-worth she slowly begins to change gears, develops some self-esteem, and Apollo becomes everything she needs in life- a genuine man who sees past outward appearances. Daphne's goal: get fit and feel the burn...she ends up feeling the burn alright...right between her thighs when she meets Apollo. Apollo is her trainer at the gym she joined. His goal: to make her feel as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside (though he personally thinks she's beautiful as soon as he meets her). I was a little surprised that a HEA scene began to develop only midway through the book, but the further I read, the happier it got. This story was about a real topic that women struggle with on a daily basis- weight issues. Yet women often forget that there ARE men out there who look past outward appearances; some even love their women with a little cushion. And yes, even hard bodied hotties find plump women attractive. Tacking Back Beautiful is a perfect example of this; not all men want a stick thin waif of a woman. Devon pulled this concept off flawlessly. Bravo!

[Nellie ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this one was okay. I enjoyed the beginning during Apollo and Daphne's first meeting because Daph is a funny gal and somehow some of her thoughts are almost the same as mine. I can also relate to her even a little bit but it's just ehh in the middle.

It's good that Apollo is not just all looks and hot body because he loves books (and can be a dork about it so, I want), and it's good that he wasn't afraid of commitment. I was kinda touched about what he said during his sort of confession:

"You wouldn't know this, but me and you have the same easy thing my parents had. That best friend thing. I've never had that with anybody. But I do with you."

Aside from this, I just kind of feel like they still lacked the emotional bond. Obviously the story happened in the span of weeks, months, even years but aside from the few words of love exchanged and the frequent boning, I still wasn't convinced of how genuine their feelings are for each other. I liked how he proposed though. It wasn't this huge surprise or whatever but the gesture did it in a way.

Just an odd thing though, Apollo is 28 yet he believes that he's already "halfway to dead." I know his dad died at 52 so that must be why but bruh. BRUH. You're 28. Some dudes in their late 30s or early 40s feel even younger than you. Don't stress over that. <3

[Tracy Trixy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mr Hartford :)
Well what can i say... another fab book written by Devon Hartford.
We start with Daphne who wants to take back her beautiful (though we as readers aren't given a reason as to why and whats happened previous to make her feel this way)
and Apollo who has recently lost his father and is struggling with his grief. I particularly liked his opening scene in the graveyard, It showed how he's feeling and allowed us an insight into his grief, and why he feels that his life has taken the direction it has.

I Love the chemistry that we have between Daphne and Apollo and that the focus of this book for me is the positivity for Daphne to want to change herself, and that she found her Mr Right. Mr Hartford got it bang on with the inner dialogue that runs through Daphne's head, her inner voice and i myself loved the fact that i could relate to that :) As always brilliant book writing, and some of the scenes are HOT ;)
So why the four stars.... Although i loved the story i wanted more... i want more background for Daphne and although we're told about the dates that these two go on, there's not enough details for me.... i would like to see the relationship progress. That being said, would definitely recommend this book!

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGOMGOMG!!! How to write something if I don't like to write spoilers? So, I'm not going to write anything at this moment, just ...
This story has everything... Romance, Love, passion, hard work, lots of laughs, and a lot more. Read it!! It's a BEAUTIFUL story!
This story is short but very meaningful. I can promise you that more than 2 million readers are going to agree with me. A lot of female young and no so young ladies struggle with overweight and it's a constant battle that has to be fought every single day. But it's so true, those feelings Daphne shared... Wow, you just put in words what and how people felt. When you reach your point of no return and start working on something after years of failing...it's just amazing. And the title is so right...after all the fights you reach the point where you are just that...beautiful... In and out.
I didn't like that it was super short, but that's the way it was. And as usual, I liked it and loved it, thank you, again.
I'd like to write all this and a lot more but as you can read (and hope you'd understand) it's impossible not to write spoilers!!! As soon as it is permitted I'm gonna write it all!!

[Linda Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, Devon Hartford has done it again. This book is different from his other ones. The title says it all. I absolutely loved this story, it was amazing. Leave it to Devon to have the insight on how a woman feels an how she wants to look. He tells from a woman's perspective of how she wants to get back into shape get her body back, an not going to let anything or anyone get in her way.
This is a hot, steamy, sexy story, of how one woman takes it to a upper class gym an not let the slim, beautiful ladies stop her from getting her beautiful back.
She meets her trainer an he falls for her, he wants her, one thing leads to another an she can't believe he really wants her. She is afraid he is just messing with her, but proves to her that's not the case, that he really does want her.
Devon shows that a woman can do anything she wants , when she puts not only her mind but heart into it.
I hope there is more coming about the lovely couple. I really hated to get to the end it was a fantastic story.
It's amazing when you are not looking for love but possibly find it in the strangest places.

This review was done by lindas love of romance authors ( lindasbookreviews )

[Julie Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that pulls you in and makes for an emotional read. It prompts you to ponder over many things, including the natural order of things; birth, love, life and death.
It gives us a little optimism that we can take back some control in our lives; we move so fast, we forget to step back and review. And it inspires you to own your decisions about lifes direction. Gives a little hope.
Author gives an small insight into how some of us more volumptuous ladies have to deal with everyday narrow mindedness. The negativity of their actions and words. He also highlights how the negativities picked up in youth, carry forward into adulthood and sometimes we still don't have the solutions, but instead the author cleverly shows us how to be accepting, embracing and understanding that we are who we are, the greater value of inner beauty and that there is someone for each of us.
This is a feel good novella, thought provoking, makes you smile, cringe, laugh and acknowledge.
It also contains one of the best words in the english language; Hooha!
Highly recommended for a quick enjoyable read.

[Michele Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I never hide the fact that I love Devon's writing and Taking Back Beautiful is no exception.

I always find it a refreshing change when the main female character is a plus size "normal" lady and as usual Devon does not disappoint.

Daphne decides she wants to get fit and "take back beautiful" for herself. She bites the bullet and joins the local gym, setting up an induction with a personal trainer. She arrives for her induction and receives what she thinks to be the usual treatment and she starts to doubt herself.

Apollo arrives for work as Daphne is stood at the desk waiting to be assisted. He ends being the one who checks her in, or tries to when he comes across a problem. He ends up being the one to help her through her induction.

Does Daphne succeed in "taking back her beautiful" and does Apollo assist in that?

If you love Devon's work as much as I did and the change of having a plus size main female character then you'll love Taking Back Beautiful. Yet again Devon at his finest