Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Beautiful Catastrophe

Rate this book
For two years Shay Daniels has been stuck in the past—stuck in a pain so deeply overwhelming that she constantly feels as if she's drowning. A chance meeting gives her her first breath of fresh air, but it could be her final downfall. He's stuck wondering what could have been—letting the pain of everything he's lost simmer within his broken heart. She's the first thing that has made him feel like himself again in years. He might be able to love her—he wants to—if he could only manage to live in the present. Devastating pasts. Uncertain futures. Life is supposed to move forward, but what if all it does is revolve in a heartbreaking circle? What if every step you take toward making yourself whole again only leads you closer to another beautiful catastrophe?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2016

53 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Katheryn Kiden

18 books93 followers
Katheryn was born in Maine and has lived there her entire life. Growing up, she was the only girl out of five children. Out of four loving, but hard-assed, brothers she has been set on fire TWICE, shot at, left with a burning car and a five gallon container of gas, scared out of her mind every time they got behind the wheel, and has enough hilarious stories and amazing memories to fill a million books. It made her independent and every female character she writes reflects strength and independence.
Katheryn books are full of page turning suspense, humor, and enough steam to overheat your e-reader.
"There are no weak women, just weak moments."

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
86 (71%)
4 stars
26 (21%)
3 stars
7 (5%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
October 15, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (10/15/18)!💝

Blurb:
For two years Shay Daniels has been stuck in the past—stuck in a pain so deeply overwhelming that she constantly feels as if she's drowning. A chance meeting gives her her first breath of fresh air, but it could be her final downfall.

He's stuck wondering what could have been—letting the pain of everything he's lost simmer within his broken heart. She's the first thing that has made him feel like himself again in years. He might be able to love her—he wants to—if he could only manage to live in the present.

Devastating pasts.

Uncertain futures.

Life is supposed to move forward, but what if all it does is revolve in a heartbreaking circle?

What if every step you take toward making yourself whole again only leads you closer to another beautiful catastrophe?
Profile Image for Freya Barker.
Author 83 books1,907 followers
September 4, 2016
Bolster your hearts when you dive in—this is by far the most tragically beautiful book I’ve read. But despite the unexpected waterfall of feels Katheryn Kiden was able to draw from my wrinkled and withered heart with her insightful, intelligent and deeply emotional writing, I was left feeling hopeful.

The single thread through the entire story is a LOVE bigger than life. A love so powerful that nothing will stop the heart from which it flows. So clearly directed that it ultimately always finds its intended target.

I’m still reeling, from both the story and the clear emotional investment made by this outrageously talented author.
But in a very, very good way.
The universe has a plan.
And I’m hopeful.
Profile Image for T.H..
Author 40 books1,006 followers
September 7, 2016
It's hard to put into words a review for a book that touched you so deeply, it left you staring off into space once you finished reading.

A Beautiful Catastrophe was indeed beautiful, heart breaking and absolutely brilliant. I loved every page and the feeling the author was able to pull from my soul. The characters were heart felt, genuine and real. Deacon and Shay are an incredible duo as well as the secondary characters Tyler and Mia. During portions of the novel I felt myself smile through the dialogue, cringing at moments of pain and crying tears of sadness for loss.

Excellent story with a breathtaking ending that will have you in tears.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,468 reviews293 followers
September 22, 2016
This book...this book...aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh. It took me a minute (or 27% to be honest) to fully connect to the characters, to the story, to the journey, but once that happened I couldn't stop reading. The heartbreaking, strength building, friendships, enter-twining relationships that occur between everyone in this story are amazing. I laughed, cringed, rooted and cried..I cried like a little baby. It was amazing..you are so connected to this story, this love that you live, laugh, love and lose right along with them. Ms. Kiden brought this story to life with amazing color, beauty, strength and love and you felt it. Good job friend.

**Side note...YOU OWE ME ALCOHOL...lots of it. Ok now I'm done..lol**

**Arc received from author in exchange for sexual favors and a review from her Applebee's drinking buddies at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls **
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 23, 2016
Shay Daniels holds herself completely responsible for a traumatic event in her past. For the last two years, she's been stuck in a pain so deep, and consuming, that only physically fighting, in an illegal fighting ring, can give her a brief respite. She keeps herself isolated from everyone, including family, until fate steps in, and she meets a person the could throw her a life jacket, or ruin her completely. Deacon has been stuck in a nightmare for the last two years, to the point where his close friends are deeply worried about him, as the pain of everything he went through, simmers in his destroyed heart. When he meets Shay, she sparks something that he hasn't felt in a while, and it scares the hell out of him. But fate keeps stepping in, and he can't seem to stay away from her. As the two get closer, and start to heal, secrets come out that have more heartbreak written all over them. So will Shay and Deacon keep moving forward, or will they drown in the sorrow?!

A Beautiful Catastrophe seems too sacred to post a review about, as there are no words that I can type, that will convey properly how completely moving this story was. I'm going to try to do it justice, but I'm warning everyone right now, it will be an epic fail, as this story is so powerful, that it really needs no words from me. Katheryn Kiden has always been able to flip my dramatic girly girl emotions, but she took them to new levels with this brilliant book that came straight from her heart. I always like to use humor, but in this instance, only emotional gushing will do, as her EPIC writing has left me bawling, even though I see the absolute beauty in it. I'm giving Katheryn Kiden a standing ovation, because she opened her soul up, and was brave enough to write something so personal to her. (I'm seriously tearing up again.) So I'm going to just end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMENDING A Beautiful Catastrophe to everyone!
Profile Image for Chasing Away Reality.
516 reviews30 followers
November 14, 2016
Talk about a book hangover! I just wanted to curl up in a ball in bed to process all my feelings. This has to be the most difficult review that I've ever written. I'm at a complete loss for words to express how much I truly love this book and how it affected me. I don't think I've ever read a book that has ripped my heart out and had me aching with the pain of loss and still feeling a bit of hope in the end. I don't know how the author was able to write even one page. And if you make it all the way through this book, or if you don't, please read the author's letter at the end. This isn't your typical romance, and I hope my review doesn't scare you away from taking a chance on A Beautiful Catastrophe. Deacon and Shay have a unique story, which is skillfully told and exquisitely written.

This book will definitely be one that stays with me for a long time. Before you begin A Beautiful Catastrophe, make sure you have an entire day to yourself where you can curl up in a quiet place and experience these two lost souls and their journey. You're going to need the distraction-free time and lots of tissues (maybe a box). I spent most of the time reading through blurry, tear-filled eyes. A few times, I had to stop completely to let it all out. Deacon and Shay broke my heart. Their pain was so palpable from the first page. And the author was masterful in conveying the emotions they were experiencing. I felt both of their losses, heartache, and struggles immensely. I also felt all the love and joy they were able to experience and accept. It took time to put aside the thoughts of losing their loved ones and be able to live their lives guilt-free. But, somehow, Deacon and Shay are able to find a love that outshines all the bad and hold on for dear life.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
604 reviews48 followers
September 26, 2016
A Beautiful Catastrophe. Where do I even begin with this book’s review? It’s been two weeks since I turned the last page and I still don’t have my emotions in check about this book. Kiden literally tore my heart out with this book, and I doubt she’ll return it any time soon. I’m not even joking when I say just thinking about A Beautiful Catastrophe still wells up tears. This story isn’t your typical romance. Sure, there’s the excitement of trying something new, falling in love, and even a bit of drama thrown in, but that’s not the underlying theme of this book.

A Beautiful Catastrophe is not only about the love between these two characters, but the harsh reality that love doesn’t always win. Love cannot save someone’s life, but it can comfort them and bring them peace. Kiden’s own tragic losses play a key role in this story because she has faced insurmountable pain with the loss of her brothers. Losing someone is never easy, but that kind of pain never leaves you. It burrows deep inside of you and melds into your very being until you can’t go a single day without thinking of the person or persons missing in your life.

A Beautiful Catastrophe is simply a more realistic view of the work where things don’t always go as planned and how they can affect the future. It is not an easy read and I strongly suggest a bottle of your favorite wine, or whiskey in my case, with a full box of Kleenexes. Anyone who has felt this kind of pain will relate to the story, but to Kiden’s personal tragedies. While this book may result in your worst ugly cry of your life, it will help you heal the wounds you may have. Without going into details, I felt relieved after the emotional cloud lifted from reading this book and my outlook on life changed a little bit. Cherish the ones you have, remember the ones who have gone on, and leave a lasting mark for those who will come after you.
Profile Image for Candy Box.
386 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and let me tell you I believe I have been missing out on an awesomely amazing one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book!

**Tissues Needed**

I do not want to spoil this book and posting a review will be hard without doing so. So I am going to tell you how this book made me feel.

Deacon and Shay will forever be in my heart. The relationship they had was one that once you've experienced there's no getting them out of your head.
The things they experienced even before meeting would break any one. But they seemed to drift through life until the heart of one he loved with everything literally trips into his arms.

One heart stops beating in one but has other important plans in someone else's life. Not knowing and knowing is a pain that no one knows until the ones you love DON'T KNOW!
I could definitely relate to this book because my grandmother had alzheimer for a better part of 10 years in the last part of her life.
I could totally relate to Shay during this part of the book.
Always hold onto love even when you know it's not going to be long before you don't have the physical person to love and hold anymore. Cherish the good moments even if there far and few between.
Much thanks to the author for this Ugly Cry. I needed it badly.
I will be purchasing a signed paperback of this book as soon as they go on sale.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ☆☆☆☆☆
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,643 reviews47 followers
October 23, 2016
I am ruined....
I am sad.....
I feel like I can't even put into words how amazingly beautiful this book was!
It was right from the heart, it struck me in my heart and gave me so many emotions that I cried myself to sleep when I finished.
I'm not sure anything I write in this review will do this book justice, just that everyone should read it!
It's heartwarming yet heart wrenching.
It's love that has an expiry date.
When you get to the end you will understand
I have a book hangover from finishing it.
I did laugh though in parts despite the emotional moments but all in all it's an outstanding story that will have you question your own life!
My favorite quote is:
“Here’s to you and here’s to me. If we should ever disagree … well then, f&@k you and here’s to just me.”
A big thank you with hugs to author Katheryn for writing this. If you read the note from her at the end you will know what I mean. Make sure you read it!
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
December 28, 2017
I'm a sucker for emotional reads and if someone says to me "this will make you cry" then I'm up for the challenge. Yes, I did cry, but not as much as I thought I would or was led to believe I should. However, I adored this story. Two broken souls that would probably drown apart, yet together may be each others life saver. It is either that or it could destroy them altogether. At times I could have throttled the characters, such was my investment in their lives and I was desperate for these two to work themselves out so they had a chance. But ultimately this was a story of loss, friendship and love, where love has the power to conquer all.

“We’ll never be normal, Deacon. Our lives are catastrophic.” “Normal is subjective.���
Profile Image for Arica Shupe.
232 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2016
A BEAUTIFUL CATASTROPHE
by Katheryn Kiden


This is the first book i've read by this author and i'm not sure how to do a review of this book. The emotions and feelings that follow you as you go through the ups downs and just day to day joys and heartaches of life between Shay and Deacon. The relationship that forms between the two and those around them are truly emotional and real you could actually feel the ups and downs as you travel with them. This book took me on an emotional journey that hit home pretty hard with me as i've experienced quite a few of these issues in my personal life and in my career. I still haven't got my emotions back under control but has really truly helped me put some things in better perspective. I thank Katheryn Kiden for that. This book is truly a beautiful heartfelt and breaking read that i'm so glad a friend gifted me with and i will so be paying that forward in the future.

Profile Image for Melanie.
431 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2018
3.5 stars

"Two damaged people don’t make an undamaged one if thrown together."

A Beautiful Catastrophe is a touching journey about 2 souls who have lost loved ones in their lives. Shay and Deacon are both not really living but thanks to destiny these broken souls find some healing.




Couple: Shay Daniels & Deacon York
8 reviews
March 15, 2021
Love in action at its best

I loved the highs and lows of emotions. The rawness of feeling cold, or heartbroken is made so real Thankyou for putting your life out here, Kathryn Kiden. This is the first book I have read of yours. It was exciting, tearjerking, loving, embracing friendships, living on the edge and finally brave. I would recommend any newly married couple read this to realise how precious life is. God be with you.
Profile Image for Kathryn Adair.
227 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2018
This story broke me. I loved the chemistry between characters. The love, the struggle, the fight for each other for love, to move on from heartbreak and their pasts.
It shows you fate is real and to not give up.
The ending was beautiful and heartbreaking my tears wouldn't stop. Please read this book it fits the title perfectly
Profile Image for Karen Sullivan.
4 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2019
Book worth reading

I'm writing this after just finishing reading ur book i have no words to describe how I feel at the moment i felt like I was living through the book and through ur life at the end i have also never cried from reading a book until today i hope u see this review so u know I'm sending my love all the way from England
60 reviews
June 11, 2020
Beautiful

What a read. I must have gone through every emotion possible. It was funny in places & tugged on the heart strings. I live vicariously through books & I certainly felt like I
lived through this one. A very emotional read & so beautifully written. I will definitely read more by this author.
Profile Image for Samantha.
40 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
I started with giving 4 ⭐️s being really 4.5 but after reading the letter from the author after the book ends has to move it to the 5. Understanding more about the author and how she came to writing the book changed a lot of how I originally saw the story. And I was bawling throughout all of part 2.
Profile Image for Lynsey Sabin.
91 reviews21 followers
November 6, 2017
Lost for words

I am honestly lost for words. Here I am, sitting bawling like a baby while trying to see the screen to write this review. This has been a beautiful, heartbreaking, soul shredding read but it has been oh so worth it. Buy it, read it and prepare to fall in love.
Profile Image for Bobbi Gallaher.
19 reviews
October 23, 2018
Two thumbs up

I knew it was coming. But still I cried my eye out. I love books like this. But sometimes I wish at the last minute things would change and there would be a happy ending. Either way awesome book. 👍👍👍👍
Profile Image for Michele DeLuca.
Author 5 books14 followers
October 27, 2018
Nicely done.

When you want to read a love story that feels real, this one is it. Although some events are created for the plot the author admits the emotions are true and they feel that way. I enjoyed this book.
90 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2018
Beautifully sad

I often cry reading books but this one had me bawling my eyes out. Love and death isn't always pretty but it's a major part of life. This book was amazing. Do yourself a favor and read this book but don't forget to have a box of tissues while you do!
4 reviews
October 15, 2022
Yes! This book has ALL the feels!

I love books that make me truly feel things, and boy does this book deliver. I had to work hard to hold back tears throughout the book, and by the end it was no use. I was crying. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Deborah.
516 reviews23 followers
October 14, 2018
This story was beautiful and amazing and it gutted me. Even amidst the sorrow there was joy and a hopefulness that enticed a smile even as I was destroying a box of tissues. More...I need more.
Profile Image for Karine.
1,314 reviews15 followers
dnf
December 2, 2020
It’s not the book. It’s me.
DNF NO RATING
Profile Image for Brianna Manuel.
13 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2021
Broke my heart into millions of pieces but it was worth it. Brb while I still go cry over this book.
Author 18 books167 followers
October 2, 2016
Want a book hangover? Read this book!

I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of A Beautiful Catastrophe by Katheryn Kiden. It's been one week since I finished Shay and Deacon's story, and I can't stop thinking about their epic and beautiful love story. From the untimely meeting to the bumps in the journey to the deeper connection they share underneath everything -- their world is crafted in a believable, they're-my-friends-next-door manner. You will root for this couple to get together, stay together, and defy all odds.

I've read several of Katheryn's books, and they're all good. This one stands out. Far above the rest. This one was a risk, and you can feel the emotion with every page turn. It bleeds into you, and I didn't want it to stop. I purposely read slower because I didn't want the story to end.

This is my top read for 2016 thus far. I highly recommend this book and Katheryn too.
Profile Image for Rough Draft Book Blog.
475 reviews53 followers
October 2, 2016
A Beautiful Catastrophe by Katheryn Kiden
Shay & Deacon
BEAUTIFUL AND BREATH TAKING
5 Catastrophic stars

Brace yourselves, this one is catastrophic and unpredicted. This is a love story for the ages. It's warmth and powerful words will take you on a journey so shattering yet rewarding that your heart will never be the same. It's profound, it's tragic, and yet it's even comical at times. I was glad I got to read this one. I'm sure there will be people out there that will knock this story for the simple fact that it's not all hearts and flowers. Well, get a clue peeps.. LIFE is NOT all hearts and flowers. This book is amazing! I am forever changed after reading this.

Shay is suffering from the loss of a loved one and recuperating from a heart transplant. She's a lost soul, wondering through life without any direction. She believes herself to be not worthy of the new life she's been given. Her life is about to take on a whole new meaning...

Enter Deacon! Deacon is a doctor at the hospital Shay goes to have her new ticker checked up on. He is also suffering a great loss and therefore he is also going through the motions of life almost the same way Shay is. When their two worlds collide will they explode into a million pieces or will they be the glue that mends their broken lives back together?

The supporting character cast isn't too large. Tyler is Shay's doctor and also Deacon's BFF. He and his wife Mia are very compassionate and caring to both Shay and Deacon, but also, very witty as well. The only other supporting character that bares mentioning is August, Shays friend. He's there for her when she needs to release some anger.

The storyline is absolutely perfect. The characters prevailing and relatable. The tension is a slow build, but oh so damn worth it. The pacing is an even keel and the writing style effortless to read. This is my first Katheryn Kiden book, but it won't be my last. Loved it!
Profile Image for Jen Wildner.
271 reviews39 followers
September 15, 2016
There are literally zero words I can write to give this book one ounce of what it deserves. Zero. None. But I'm gonna try because I want everyone to read it. To feel the emotions seeping off the pages, into your heart and soul. It is like no other book I've ever read, it could be because of the part truths. But my bet is because the author wrote every single word with her heart, her bleeding heart. If you want a beautiful heartbreaking story that will pull at your heart, leave tears running down your face, and give you so much hope you feel your heart beat right out of your chest, this is it. There isn't one other book you will ever read that will come anywhere close to the way this book makes you feel. It's not for the faint of heart, it's not for the romantic, it's for the believer. And a believer is what you will become, what you will be rooting for while you read Shay's journey. It's not easy, it's definitely not pretty, it's a beautiful catastrophe.
Profile Image for Dawn.
441 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2016
Where the heck do I begin? I heard this book was emotional. I heard this book was going to rip my heart out & I heard that this book will stay with me for a really long time. I then read this book and OMG they weren't kidding! It hurt my heart so bad but it also made me smile and laugh too.

Shay was broken. She's been broken for a while and it made my heart ache for her. I wanted to give her a hug and tell her it's ok to keep going. I wanted her to be happy. Then in comes Deacon, who has his own pain and secrets, but chooses to hide them. He feels this pull towards Shay, but doesn't want to feel it. Doesn't think he should be feeling it. However, Shay doesn't let him off easy. There's laughter and fun times that neither would let themselves have before they met each other. There's tears and sadness. There's arguments and stubbornness.

A Beautiful Catastrophe brought me to tears. It's only the 2nd book that has ever made me cry to the point I couldn't stop them from falling. It was a beautiful, but heart breaking story and so very well written. The details were pictured and the emotions were felt. The feels! Oh my, did I have all the feels and I loved every single one. This book had many parts from the author's past and if you continue to read the note at the end of the story, you will understand everything. This novel definitely lives up to it's name. "A Beautiful Catastrophe" explains it to a T.

To Author Katheryn Kiden...Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful novel. You are amazing and wonderful and talented and I just want to give you a big hug for taking a risk and putting yourself out there.
86 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2016
I read this book as an ARC for 2 girls who love books blog. I'd read the blurb and thought....yeah, let's give it a try...not my normal genre but wow, am so glad I did. I smiled throughout and my husband discovered me laid on the bed crying!!! What an emotive subject and book!!!

Shay and Deacon collide into each others worlds and immediately it's a roller coaster. Both of them left grieving for their nearest and dearest and secrets of their own. I kinda guessed part of the outcome of the storyline but was completely bowled by the twist.

The tale of two lovers become one, who depend on each other but tear each other apart at the same time and give each other all they need too survive and live. Their friends are key roles in holding them together during tough cycles and share such special places in the book.

Part 2 was the part that unravelled me more. Shay shows such strength and sensitivity for someone who has endured so much. Sobbing my way through the last few pages was really tough.

And then it truly hit me....the notes from the author are something that would break any heart. I commend her bravery in writing such a poignant and complex story.

Read this story. You really must.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.