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Don't Look at Me
Haven:
A diligent hand carved this hole in my face.
It stole my confidence, my identity, and ended my short-lived career as a broadcast journalist.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Ugly.
And expected to get over it and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge the grotesquely unattractive.
Quest:
It’s been three years since I was kicked out of the Army for nearly killing the opposition’s militia commander with my bare hands.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Angry.
And expected to forget the nightmares that hold me hostage and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge a dishonorably discharged ex-soldier.
Don’t Look at Me is a modern-day Beauty and the Beast tale—reversed and twisted. Because even the ugly need a good story, and even the beautiful are ugly deep down.
A diligent hand carved this hole in my face.
It stole my confidence, my identity, and ended my short-lived career as a broadcast journalist.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Ugly.
And expected to get over it and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge the grotesquely unattractive.
Quest:
It’s been three years since I was kicked out of the Army for nearly killing the opposition’s militia commander with my bare hands.
I am now unemployed. Alone. Angry.
And expected to forget the nightmares that hold me hostage and move on.
Go on living life as usual—as if the world doesn’t judge a dishonorably discharged ex-soldier.
Don’t Look at Me is a modern-day Beauty and the Beast tale—reversed and twisted. Because even the ugly need a good story, and even the beautiful are ugly deep down.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2018
60 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Grider
19 books149 followersJ.P. Grider is a New Adult and Young Adult author who is a sucker for a good love story - whether it's reading one or writing one. And when she's not reading or writing a fairy tale, she's living one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 9, 2018
Haven works for a local news station. She presents the news every night on the TV. Recently, women have been attacked and they have scars on their face. Haven wants to report that story. One night, Haven is attacked. She has ugly, deep scars on her face and they hurt. Haven is afraid of people’s reactions, so she just stays inside her apartment.
One day, Haven does go outside to visit her favorite bookstore. The owner of that bookstore recently died and his grandson, Quest, is now the owner. Quest doesn’t want to be the owner of the bookstore, but he’ll try it. Quest recognizes Haven and he doesn’t care about her scars. The very first meeting between Quest and Haven wasn’t very pleasant, but they slowly grow closer to each other when they get to know each other.
Haven and Quest are great characters. Haven is smart, loving, sweet and genuine. She becomes stronger and more confident. Haven loves books. She loves going to the bookstore and she was close to Quest’s grandfather. She has a dream for that bookstore. Haven hates how she looks, but Quest makes her feel better and prettier. He doesn’t care how Haven looks. He wants to help her. Quest is broody and cold at first, but he slowly changes. He cares about Haven.
I loved Don’t Look at Me. It’s emotional, beautiful and unique. This novel is about loving yourself, finding happiness at a place you don’t expect it and finding love with a person you don’t expect. Quest and Haven have changed each other’s life for the better. They don’t care about pasts or looks. They love unconditionally.
Don’t Look at Me is based on the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. There were several elements I recognized, like the villain and the books and the ‘beast’. In this book the ‘beast’ is Haven and that’s a nice twist on the fairytale, because it are always the men that are the ‘beast’. I liked it that Haven wasn’t a ‘beast’ from the start, because I was wondering how and when she would become one and I could read the impact of that night on her life.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
One day, Haven does go outside to visit her favorite bookstore. The owner of that bookstore recently died and his grandson, Quest, is now the owner. Quest doesn’t want to be the owner of the bookstore, but he’ll try it. Quest recognizes Haven and he doesn’t care about her scars. The very first meeting between Quest and Haven wasn’t very pleasant, but they slowly grow closer to each other when they get to know each other.
Haven and Quest are great characters. Haven is smart, loving, sweet and genuine. She becomes stronger and more confident. Haven loves books. She loves going to the bookstore and she was close to Quest’s grandfather. She has a dream for that bookstore. Haven hates how she looks, but Quest makes her feel better and prettier. He doesn’t care how Haven looks. He wants to help her. Quest is broody and cold at first, but he slowly changes. He cares about Haven.
I loved Don’t Look at Me. It’s emotional, beautiful and unique. This novel is about loving yourself, finding happiness at a place you don’t expect it and finding love with a person you don’t expect. Quest and Haven have changed each other’s life for the better. They don’t care about pasts or looks. They love unconditionally.
Don’t Look at Me is based on the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. There were several elements I recognized, like the villain and the books and the ‘beast’. In this book the ‘beast’ is Haven and that’s a nice twist on the fairytale, because it are always the men that are the ‘beast’. I liked it that Haven wasn’t a ‘beast’ from the start, because I was wondering how and when she would become one and I could read the impact of that night on her life.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
April 28, 2018
One of my favorite Disney movies of all times is Beauty and the Beast, so it comes as no surprise that when I heard Don’t Look At Me is a reverse retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I knew I had to read it.
Haven Quinn is a newscaster in Stratford. Although it is the career she wanted, the timing of it is less than ideal especially when she gets out of work at 3AM. Recently, there has been a string of slashings in the area. Women are being attacked and left horribly scarred. One night while leaving work and walking to her car alone, Haven becomes the slasher’s next victim. Only this time, she got the worst of his brutality. Left with many scars all over her face, including a deep puncture wound has left Haven terribly wounded and feeling like she looks like a beast. She becomes a hermit in her own home afraid to be among people because of her hideous looks.
Quest Vescovi is back in town after the death of his grandfather. A grandfather whom he has not seen or spoken to since he was a young boy because Quest’s father and him had a falling out. His grandfather left his bookstore to Quest and a will which states he needed to keep the bookstore open for five years in order to get his inheritance. Quest is also going through his own turmoil after being less than honorably discharged from the army. Like Haven, he has his own scars he is dealing with only his scars are in the inside.
Haven and Quest are both scarred in their own way. Can they both be what each other needs to open up and learn how to accept themselves for who they actually are?
There are no words to express how much I loved this story. It was heartfelt and often times, emotional. Haven is a survivor. Imagine being brutally attacked and disfigured just walking to your car. The emotions that you would go through knowing you will never look the same way again. The media puts so much emphasis on beauty and what women should look like that it comes as no surprise that Haven feels ugly, like a beast, afraid to show herself to people in fear of what they may think of her. In a lot of ways, I am sure most women can relate to Haven and the inner turmoil she goes through when it comes to looks/beauty. Also, unlike the Disney classic, Haven is not so much a beast in action and mannerisms. She is very sweet and down to earth, kind and loving. She is such a well thought out character that you can’t help but to root for her and want her to be happy.
Quest is battling his own demons, but he can’t help feeling an attraction to Haven. He sees beneath her scars to the beautiful woman she truly is. Little by little he gets her to open up to him and they start to fall in love. Quest, I sometimes felt, acted older than his 25 years. I guess in part that is due to being in the military and overseas and also because of what he went through while being overseas. In a way, the military forces you to grow up. What can I say about Quest? He is every girls dream guy. He is sweet and kind. He does have a bit of a dark side to him, but that just makes him all the more endearing. He is a man’s man with a lot of heart. He doesn’t find it easy to open up about his past, but with Haven it is different. He can be himself and in the process he slowly begins to heal.
The mystery of the slasher does come out eventually. I did have my own thought on who it could be and he was quite creepy.
One other aspect I loved about the story is it takes place in NJ and PA. I live in NJ so it was nice hearing about the towns and also the Poconos area of PA. I also got a huge thrill about the mentioning of classic novels and then out of nowhere one of my all time favorite romance books was mentioned in the story. I was like “Yes! J.P. Grider you have fantastic taste in books!”
All in all, Don’t Look At Me is such a wonderful modern day tale of Beauty and The Beast that should not be missed. For me it was a 5 star read. The story broke my heart shattering it to a million pieces, only to be pieced back together again little by little. If you love emotional stories with a sweet and tender romance that slowly builds as the main characters get to know one another, then you will fall in love with this story just like I did.
Haven Quinn is a newscaster in Stratford. Although it is the career she wanted, the timing of it is less than ideal especially when she gets out of work at 3AM. Recently, there has been a string of slashings in the area. Women are being attacked and left horribly scarred. One night while leaving work and walking to her car alone, Haven becomes the slasher’s next victim. Only this time, she got the worst of his brutality. Left with many scars all over her face, including a deep puncture wound has left Haven terribly wounded and feeling like she looks like a beast. She becomes a hermit in her own home afraid to be among people because of her hideous looks.
Quest Vescovi is back in town after the death of his grandfather. A grandfather whom he has not seen or spoken to since he was a young boy because Quest’s father and him had a falling out. His grandfather left his bookstore to Quest and a will which states he needed to keep the bookstore open for five years in order to get his inheritance. Quest is also going through his own turmoil after being less than honorably discharged from the army. Like Haven, he has his own scars he is dealing with only his scars are in the inside.
Haven and Quest are both scarred in their own way. Can they both be what each other needs to open up and learn how to accept themselves for who they actually are?
There are no words to express how much I loved this story. It was heartfelt and often times, emotional. Haven is a survivor. Imagine being brutally attacked and disfigured just walking to your car. The emotions that you would go through knowing you will never look the same way again. The media puts so much emphasis on beauty and what women should look like that it comes as no surprise that Haven feels ugly, like a beast, afraid to show herself to people in fear of what they may think of her. In a lot of ways, I am sure most women can relate to Haven and the inner turmoil she goes through when it comes to looks/beauty. Also, unlike the Disney classic, Haven is not so much a beast in action and mannerisms. She is very sweet and down to earth, kind and loving. She is such a well thought out character that you can’t help but to root for her and want her to be happy.
Quest is battling his own demons, but he can’t help feeling an attraction to Haven. He sees beneath her scars to the beautiful woman she truly is. Little by little he gets her to open up to him and they start to fall in love. Quest, I sometimes felt, acted older than his 25 years. I guess in part that is due to being in the military and overseas and also because of what he went through while being overseas. In a way, the military forces you to grow up. What can I say about Quest? He is every girls dream guy. He is sweet and kind. He does have a bit of a dark side to him, but that just makes him all the more endearing. He is a man’s man with a lot of heart. He doesn’t find it easy to open up about his past, but with Haven it is different. He can be himself and in the process he slowly begins to heal.
The mystery of the slasher does come out eventually. I did have my own thought on who it could be and he was quite creepy.
One other aspect I loved about the story is it takes place in NJ and PA. I live in NJ so it was nice hearing about the towns and also the Poconos area of PA. I also got a huge thrill about the mentioning of classic novels and then out of nowhere one of my all time favorite romance books was mentioned in the story. I was like “Yes! J.P. Grider you have fantastic taste in books!”
All in all, Don’t Look At Me is such a wonderful modern day tale of Beauty and The Beast that should not be missed. For me it was a 5 star read. The story broke my heart shattering it to a million pieces, only to be pieced back together again little by little. If you love emotional stories with a sweet and tender romance that slowly builds as the main characters get to know one another, then you will fall in love with this story just like I did.
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March 29, 2018THIS BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE AT MOST ONLINE BOOK RETAILERS.
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW. I AM THE AUTHOR, BUT I WANTED TO TELL YOU WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK.
I wrote this book, because all of the Beauty and the Beast style books are about the beautiful heroine and the ugly or scarred hero. I wanted to reverse this. Because why SHOULDN'T the boy fall in love with the ugly girl?
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW. I AM THE AUTHOR, BUT I WANTED TO TELL YOU WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK.
I wrote this book, because all of the Beauty and the Beast style books are about the beautiful heroine and the ugly or scarred hero. I wanted to reverse this. Because why SHOULDN'T the boy fall in love with the ugly girl?
November 25, 2018
Sorry to say that this was a waste of my time.
The dialogues of this book were simple and plain. Without any emotions or feelings. And there were too many "Oh's" there. "Oh, no." "Oh, sorry." Oh, oh, oh. Boring.
This wasn't a romance. Not one romantic thing happened in this book. The Heroine and Hero only kiss at 95%. At the very, very end. And all before that, well there was friendship I suppose. But a fickle one. And then at 95% from one to 1000, a kiss, then skip 3 months later and then the engagement. Yeah. Not cool.
I have to admit, that I didn't like this book from the beginning. This book could only be written, because Heroine was so dumb and naive. She left her work in the middle of the night, without anyone escorting her to her car. Said car is not at her work, no! She leaves it at a coffee shop, miles away so that she can get some exercise in the mornings. Dumb! That's where she's attacked (surprise!) by a serial-attacker. She knew exactly how dangerous it was for women to be out at night in this area. So the entire story was set upon her being stupid.
And the police force was put in a very bad light in this book. Every cop was unprofessional and unhelpful. They had no clue about the attacker, or her being attacked. It was all very weird and unprofessional.
So I didn't like this one, at all.
The dialogues of this book were simple and plain. Without any emotions or feelings. And there were too many "Oh's" there. "Oh, no." "Oh, sorry." Oh, oh, oh. Boring.
This wasn't a romance. Not one romantic thing happened in this book. The Heroine and Hero only kiss at 95%. At the very, very end. And all before that, well there was friendship I suppose. But a fickle one. And then at 95% from one to 1000, a kiss, then skip 3 months later and then the engagement. Yeah. Not cool.
I have to admit, that I didn't like this book from the beginning. This book could only be written, because Heroine was so dumb and naive. She left her work in the middle of the night, without anyone escorting her to her car. Said car is not at her work, no! She leaves it at a coffee shop, miles away so that she can get some exercise in the mornings. Dumb! That's where she's attacked (surprise!) by a serial-attacker. She knew exactly how dangerous it was for women to be out at night in this area. So the entire story was set upon her being stupid.
And the police force was put in a very bad light in this book. Every cop was unprofessional and unhelpful. They had no clue about the attacker, or her being attacked. It was all very weird and unprofessional.
So I didn't like this one, at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2018
I picked this one up on a whim, because I recently signed up for KindleUnlimited.
Content: Mostly clean. No sex (not even close). Moderate language (there are several F bombs). Some violence, because the premise of the story is about a woman who is attacked and her face disfigured.
I really liked this one. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but puts the girl in the role of beast. The entire premise, and arc and characterization were really well done. I loved the hero and their relationship progressed in a very realistic way. This book was deeper and more complex than a lot of what I've been reading lately. There were a lot of different plot threads woven together really well.
Content: Mostly clean. No sex (not even close). Moderate language (there are several F bombs). Some violence, because the premise of the story is about a woman who is attacked and her face disfigured.
I really liked this one. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but puts the girl in the role of beast. The entire premise, and arc and characterization were really well done. I loved the hero and their relationship progressed in a very realistic way. This book was deeper and more complex than a lot of what I've been reading lately. There were a lot of different plot threads woven together really well.
March 25, 2018
Haven wanted to be a news reporter and she was on the right track. She already had a job at a local news station and she was doing a story about a local slasher who had been attacking local girls, leaving two distinct marks on their faces. Everything is going well for her. When the owner of a local bookstore that she frequented passes away, she is told to go to the house of his grandson in order to discuss the will. Apparently, he has given her a book collection worth half a million dollars. She might have a problem claiming her books though, because the grandfather is forcing his grandson to keep the bookstore open for 5 years before allowing her to claim the books. The grandson, Quest, has no interest in owning this bookstore and simply wants to go back to wallowing in the sorrow of his military discharge.
When Haven is attacked by the slasher, her face seems to be even more ruined than the other girls. She knows that her career as a news reporter is over, and she doesn't want to face the Quest again. She simply wants to disappear, but the people around her keep pushing her to go back to her normal life.
This has officially been the best Beauty and the Beast retelling that I have ever read before! In fact, it helped me out of the book slump I had started to go into recently. It is simply so addictive and the storyline is slightly dark but definitely realistic. Haven truly learns to accept herself, which she had never really done even before having her beauty taken from her. Quest learns to accept himself and come to terms with being discharged from the military. I won't say why, even though it is technically in the summary, simply because it is a big reveal of the book that I personally enjoyed reading on my own. All I will say is that it really added to his character.
The plot flows well and the worldbuilding is good for a book that is supposed to take place in the "real world" I find that realistic books sometimes forget about worldbuilding, which can really take me out of a story. This book succeeds at that.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fairytale retellings or anyone who likes a romance novel in general. This book is amazing and y'all should definitely check it out.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
When Haven is attacked by the slasher, her face seems to be even more ruined than the other girls. She knows that her career as a news reporter is over, and she doesn't want to face the Quest again. She simply wants to disappear, but the people around her keep pushing her to go back to her normal life.
This has officially been the best Beauty and the Beast retelling that I have ever read before! In fact, it helped me out of the book slump I had started to go into recently. It is simply so addictive and the storyline is slightly dark but definitely realistic. Haven truly learns to accept herself, which she had never really done even before having her beauty taken from her. Quest learns to accept himself and come to terms with being discharged from the military. I won't say why, even though it is technically in the summary, simply because it is a big reveal of the book that I personally enjoyed reading on my own. All I will say is that it really added to his character.
The plot flows well and the worldbuilding is good for a book that is supposed to take place in the "real world" I find that realistic books sometimes forget about worldbuilding, which can really take me out of a story. This book succeeds at that.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fairytale retellings or anyone who likes a romance novel in general. This book is amazing and y'all should definitely check it out.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
November 28, 2018
I was actually really peeved by this story. It was very predictable and pretty bland, which surprised me because the plot was SO interesting. This could have been a really great suspenseful read and it was just..blah.
Haven is an idiot. There. I said it. There is a known slasher on the loose and despite KNOWING and ADMITTING that she shouldn't walk to her car by herself, she does. Like an idiot. That's not a spoiler, it's pretty damn obvious that's exactly what's going to happen. Not to mention her friends are all like "you really shouldn't." and she's like "it's fine, I've got mace." and they're just like "okay, see you tomorrow." Take 10 minutes and walk your damn friend to her car. Just saying. Throughout the rest of the book Haven is just so wishy washy. She's very back and forth with Quest and her attitude about everything just got on my nerves. I didn't feel sympathetic towards her even though I know I SHOULD. I think that's a testament to how she was written. I've been sympathetic towards villains in stories and this one couldn't even make me sympathetic to the actual victim.
Quest was a...weird character. He was very feminine to me. Maybe that's a personal grievance, but I like the men in my books to be stronger. Given that he was a Lt. Colonel in the Army, I just expected him to be more rough and tumble and instead he was more tears and insecurities. I just wasn't a fan.
The other thing I didn't like was the constant time hops. She gets attacked and then bam it's two weeks later. Then it's three months later. Then it's three weeks later. Then it's another three months. Then it's four months. It was just too much. I wanted to know what was going on during those months. Maybe that was part of why I never felt sympathetic toward Haven; I never saw any growth or development with her. I never felt her actual angst. The most we really got was her wearing sunglasses and covering her scars and then mentioning her insecurities.
The dialogue was a little old fashioned, saying things like "we've only been going together for four months." I can literally hear my 87 year old grandmother saying that. I'm sorry if that's harsh, but I am a stickler for natural, age appropriate dialogue.
For those of you looking for an extremely clean book, this is the one for you. They barely kiss in this book and the small kiss they have is basically G rated.
I gave this a two star because I was able to finish it, even though I skimmed it. I reserve the one stars for DNF books. Unfortunately, I do not recommend this book.
Haven is an idiot. There. I said it. There is a known slasher on the loose and despite KNOWING and ADMITTING that she shouldn't walk to her car by herself, she does. Like an idiot. That's not a spoiler, it's pretty damn obvious that's exactly what's going to happen. Not to mention her friends are all like "you really shouldn't." and she's like "it's fine, I've got mace." and they're just like "okay, see you tomorrow." Take 10 minutes and walk your damn friend to her car. Just saying. Throughout the rest of the book Haven is just so wishy washy. She's very back and forth with Quest and her attitude about everything just got on my nerves. I didn't feel sympathetic towards her even though I know I SHOULD. I think that's a testament to how she was written. I've been sympathetic towards villains in stories and this one couldn't even make me sympathetic to the actual victim.
Quest was a...weird character. He was very feminine to me. Maybe that's a personal grievance, but I like the men in my books to be stronger. Given that he was a Lt. Colonel in the Army, I just expected him to be more rough and tumble and instead he was more tears and insecurities. I just wasn't a fan.
The other thing I didn't like was the constant time hops. She gets attacked and then bam it's two weeks later. Then it's three months later. Then it's three weeks later. Then it's another three months. Then it's four months. It was just too much. I wanted to know what was going on during those months. Maybe that was part of why I never felt sympathetic toward Haven; I never saw any growth or development with her. I never felt her actual angst. The most we really got was her wearing sunglasses and covering her scars and then mentioning her insecurities.
The dialogue was a little old fashioned, saying things like "we've only been going together for four months." I can literally hear my 87 year old grandmother saying that. I'm sorry if that's harsh, but I am a stickler for natural, age appropriate dialogue.
For those of you looking for an extremely clean book, this is the one for you. They barely kiss in this book and the small kiss they have is basically G rated.
I gave this a two star because I was able to finish it, even though I skimmed it. I reserve the one stars for DNF books. Unfortunately, I do not recommend this book.
May 2, 2018
Deal with it. Get over it. Move on. Have surgery. Take these pills. It’s amazing the expectations that can be thrown at someone who has been on the receiving end of a traumatic event and the utter lack of support that can occur. To be fair, most people have never gone through what either Haven or Quest have gone through.
In Haven’s case, losing your confidence and sense of identity can cause stagnation in someone’s ability to function around others; particularly when you’re an on-air personality whose livelihood is dependent upon her looks. Granted, growing up in a family with an overly judgmental parent who artificially shapes that identity can make trying to figure out who you are that much more difficult.
For Quest, being forced to cope psychologically with the loss of lives due to his action or inaction was damning to his psyche and ability to cope with stress.
But they’ve both been given a second chance. A second chance to realize that they’re more than the sum of their fears…their insecurities…that now they have the chance to become comfortable in their own skin as love and acceptance breaks down the emotional scars that have been disabling them from truly living.
First and foremost, this is a story about love and learning to be comfortable in our own skin. It’s also a romance. Second chances. And finally, most definitely a reverse beauty and the beast tale because I do have to agree that it’s “about time the pretty boy falls in love with the ugly girl”.
This review was originally posted by me on The Romance Reviews website.
In Haven’s case, losing your confidence and sense of identity can cause stagnation in someone’s ability to function around others; particularly when you’re an on-air personality whose livelihood is dependent upon her looks. Granted, growing up in a family with an overly judgmental parent who artificially shapes that identity can make trying to figure out who you are that much more difficult.
For Quest, being forced to cope psychologically with the loss of lives due to his action or inaction was damning to his psyche and ability to cope with stress.
But they’ve both been given a second chance. A second chance to realize that they’re more than the sum of their fears…their insecurities…that now they have the chance to become comfortable in their own skin as love and acceptance breaks down the emotional scars that have been disabling them from truly living.
First and foremost, this is a story about love and learning to be comfortable in our own skin. It’s also a romance. Second chances. And finally, most definitely a reverse beauty and the beast tale because I do have to agree that it’s “about time the pretty boy falls in love with the ugly girl”.
This review was originally posted by me on The Romance Reviews website.
May 2, 2018
If I were to choose a story that marked my love for reading or if I were to mention the title of the story from which I took my first lesson that would be “Beauty and the Beast”. So how can I not like “Don’t Look at Me”? Yes, I had very high expectations and yes, I wanted to experience that lesson in the most beautiful way possible, adapted to our modern times. And I had my expectations met.
The blurb describes perfectly the condition each character is in when they meet. They don’t expect too much from people. They don’t expect to be understood, but they both recognize a scarred soul. What I mostly liked about this book is how the author presented their problems. If Quest has army scars, that marked his soul, that made him angry, Haven has her scares out in the open. So now the question is: what’s worse: having visible or hidden marks? J. P. Grider does not say that one character is in a worse state than the other, or at least I do not perceive this book like that. They meet, they are scared and don’t trust each other, but soon discover the beauty in one another.
The amount of emotion, the feelings are so well captured. I was right there feeling angry and lost and happy and beautiful with our main characters. The author has an excellent way with words and I am so happy to have been introduced to her work! The action is not boring at all, even if the story is more focused on the characters.
So I do advise you to read it and I hope you’ll like it as much as I did. All my 5 stars and my appreciation for a great story go to “Don’s Look at Me” by J. P. Grider.
The blurb describes perfectly the condition each character is in when they meet. They don’t expect too much from people. They don’t expect to be understood, but they both recognize a scarred soul. What I mostly liked about this book is how the author presented their problems. If Quest has army scars, that marked his soul, that made him angry, Haven has her scares out in the open. So now the question is: what’s worse: having visible or hidden marks? J. P. Grider does not say that one character is in a worse state than the other, or at least I do not perceive this book like that. They meet, they are scared and don’t trust each other, but soon discover the beauty in one another.
The amount of emotion, the feelings are so well captured. I was right there feeling angry and lost and happy and beautiful with our main characters. The author has an excellent way with words and I am so happy to have been introduced to her work! The action is not boring at all, even if the story is more focused on the characters.
So I do advise you to read it and I hope you’ll like it as much as I did. All my 5 stars and my appreciation for a great story go to “Don’s Look at Me” by J. P. Grider.
February 28, 2018
This is one of the best contemporary retellings of a fairy tale that I have read, ever. It is a modern-day Beauty and the Beast tale that is twisted and reversed. The story follows our two protagonists. The first being Haven, a young woman who is working as a broadcast journalist until she is attacked one night. The man that attacks her cuts up her face, leaving it heavily scared with gashes and a large hole. Her confidence is destroyed that night and she believes that her life will never go back to normal. Fearing that the world outside will judge her for being "ugly", she hides away in her house.
The second being Quest, a young man who was discharged from the army for trying to fix a wrong. He is now plagued by nightmares of what he has done. His whole perspective of himself has been warped and he feels that he is no longer good enough. Both Haven and Quest meet under circumstances that neither expect and grow a friendship with each other.
I loved the time that was spent building Quest and Haven's relationship. Each perspective felt distinct and each of their voices was genuine. This story had me feeling for both of the characters and each had my heart the entire time. I'm glad that this was as great as I thought that it sounded. Also, it takes place in a bookstore for a good portion, which is almost always a plus.
This was a great example of a story taking elements from a fairy tale but using them in the best ways.
I cannot recommend this enough.
*I was given a copy of this book for free from the author, for an honest review*
The second being Quest, a young man who was discharged from the army for trying to fix a wrong. He is now plagued by nightmares of what he has done. His whole perspective of himself has been warped and he feels that he is no longer good enough. Both Haven and Quest meet under circumstances that neither expect and grow a friendship with each other.
I loved the time that was spent building Quest and Haven's relationship. Each perspective felt distinct and each of their voices was genuine. This story had me feeling for both of the characters and each had my heart the entire time. I'm glad that this was as great as I thought that it sounded. Also, it takes place in a bookstore for a good portion, which is almost always a plus.
This was a great example of a story taking elements from a fairy tale but using them in the best ways.
I cannot recommend this enough.
*I was given a copy of this book for free from the author, for an honest review*
April 25, 2018
Haven is the on air personality for a news station. She is interested in being an investigative report so when she decides to look into a serial slasher who has been attacking women her life was forever changed as she become his next and most injured victim. Her injury was not conducive to her job so now feeling ugly she hides out in her apartment and the only place she goes is the library.
Quest has been discharged from the military but he feels ugly on the inside. Years later the trauma from the memories of what he had seen and done still remains with him and his adjustment to civilian life has been a challenge. He has inherited his grandfather’s bookstore under the condition that he keep it open for five years which is how he meets Haven.
These two are perfect for each other as they both are damaged in their own way. Quest helps her realize that she is still beautiful and there is much more to her than her looks while Haven shows him he is much more than his past. This is an emotional story filled with drama and healing.
Quest has been discharged from the military but he feels ugly on the inside. Years later the trauma from the memories of what he had seen and done still remains with him and his adjustment to civilian life has been a challenge. He has inherited his grandfather’s bookstore under the condition that he keep it open for five years which is how he meets Haven.
These two are perfect for each other as they both are damaged in their own way. Quest helps her realize that she is still beautiful and there is much more to her than her looks while Haven shows him he is much more than his past. This is an emotional story filled with drama and healing.
March 2, 2018
I was sent a copy in exchange for a review.
Contemporary romance- loosely a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Reminded me a little of the recent TV series. Role reversal as Haven, the female protagonist is the 'Beast' after being disfigured in a brutal attack one evening. Quest, our hero, even though he has been dishonourably discharged from the army, is, in my opinion, both 'Beauty' (handsome guy, unrecognised hero) and a little 'Beast' as he's got mental scars from his military experience and family issues. They don't actually hit it off at first but slowly they get to know each other. Circumstances change. People change.
A real emotional read with a touch of drama and suspence. Who is behind the vicious attacks on local women? So not just your run of the mill- boy meets girl love story.
Contemporary romance- loosely a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Reminded me a little of the recent TV series. Role reversal as Haven, the female protagonist is the 'Beast' after being disfigured in a brutal attack one evening. Quest, our hero, even though he has been dishonourably discharged from the army, is, in my opinion, both 'Beauty' (handsome guy, unrecognised hero) and a little 'Beast' as he's got mental scars from his military experience and family issues. They don't actually hit it off at first but slowly they get to know each other. Circumstances change. People change.
A real emotional read with a touch of drama and suspence. Who is behind the vicious attacks on local women? So not just your run of the mill- boy meets girl love story.
March 19, 2018
Don,t Look At Me!
I gor this ARC from the author for free to read and in return give a honest review!
A clean crime and romance thriller which starts at a easy pace at first but reading along the story
its getting more interesting and turns into a high level psychological story!
Telling about face slashing and the aftermatch!
The fear of meeting again and more of the fear showing the face again in public!
the problems coming up being left with mental and physical scars!
Overal the story is good, as it has all ingredients for a best and good running story!Crime , emotions tension and love! as well as sadness and fear!!
So ,yes! nice story all over!
For me as to give a honest review, worth a 4.6 star!
I gor this ARC from the author for free to read and in return give a honest review!
A clean crime and romance thriller which starts at a easy pace at first but reading along the story
its getting more interesting and turns into a high level psychological story!
Telling about face slashing and the aftermatch!
The fear of meeting again and more of the fear showing the face again in public!
the problems coming up being left with mental and physical scars!
Overal the story is good, as it has all ingredients for a best and good running story!Crime , emotions tension and love! as well as sadness and fear!!
So ,yes! nice story all over!
For me as to give a honest review, worth a 4.6 star!
April 25, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. It was a bit different from my usual reads but I am trying to branch out and so glad I did.
Haven is a beautiful woman who is on the fringes of the jobs she really wants. She is diligently working the night shift at the news station to get the exposure and kudos to become the next Diane Sawyer. She has been reporting on the recent exploits of a sadistic male attacking women and leaving them with permanent reminders of their attack. She knew better but, tired and wanting home, she walked to her car alone and will forever bare the results.
With a passive aggressive mother who believes everything should be just so and perfect, Haven now has to face the world looking anything but. This story follows her bravery as she navigates in an image obsessed world. The dread she faces with simple things like buying groceries and seeing friends. The main force she has spurring her on and giving her back her strength and self belief is Quest.
Left his grandfather's bookstore to run, but with stipulations, Quest is not in the best of moods when he meets Haven for the first time. She seems to perfect to be believed. As time goes on and they spend it with each other her inner light shines so brightly that it helps Quest beat back his own darkness. A turmoil and anger he has been harbouring for several years.
Likable characters and well written story I highly recommend this book.
Haven is a beautiful woman who is on the fringes of the jobs she really wants. She is diligently working the night shift at the news station to get the exposure and kudos to become the next Diane Sawyer. She has been reporting on the recent exploits of a sadistic male attacking women and leaving them with permanent reminders of their attack. She knew better but, tired and wanting home, she walked to her car alone and will forever bare the results.
With a passive aggressive mother who believes everything should be just so and perfect, Haven now has to face the world looking anything but. This story follows her bravery as she navigates in an image obsessed world. The dread she faces with simple things like buying groceries and seeing friends. The main force she has spurring her on and giving her back her strength and self belief is Quest.
Left his grandfather's bookstore to run, but with stipulations, Quest is not in the best of moods when he meets Haven for the first time. She seems to perfect to be believed. As time goes on and they spend it with each other her inner light shines so brightly that it helps Quest beat back his own darkness. A turmoil and anger he has been harbouring for several years.
Likable characters and well written story I highly recommend this book.
February 27, 2018
I was sent a copy in exchange for a review.
This book takes you all over the map. It is so good, I could not put it down.
The back and forth between the two leads is worth the wait for. They seem to go slow, then zoom then step back again. It is all worth it though. They truly need each other and it shows.
I was slightly surprised by the reveal, though that character did give me the creeps in general. But not quite enough to be sure it was him. This book drained me emotionally and left me stunned for a few hours after reading it.
I have been lucky enough to get copies of JP Grinder books given to me and have loved each and every one. There is just something about hte writing style that makes you come back for more.
This book takes you all over the map. It is so good, I could not put it down.
The back and forth between the two leads is worth the wait for. They seem to go slow, then zoom then step back again. It is all worth it though. They truly need each other and it shows.
I was slightly surprised by the reveal, though that character did give me the creeps in general. But not quite enough to be sure it was him. This book drained me emotionally and left me stunned for a few hours after reading it.
I have been lucky enough to get copies of JP Grinder books given to me and have loved each and every one. There is just something about hte writing style that makes you come back for more.
March 8, 2018
Two damaged souls help each other, over come their scars and emotional unrest.
Haven, a beautiful News presenter becomes a victim to a violent knife attack, having her face severely mutilated, she finds eventual solace in the bookshop she has been going to since a child.
Quest has had demons to deal with since his return from the forces. Unfortunately, he found that the enemy may not be on the opposing side. He finds solace in his grandfather's bookshop, which had been bequeathed to him on his grandfather's demise.
This is a romance, and so much more. A truly unique storyline.
Haven, a beautiful News presenter becomes a victim to a violent knife attack, having her face severely mutilated, she finds eventual solace in the bookshop she has been going to since a child.
Quest has had demons to deal with since his return from the forces. Unfortunately, he found that the enemy may not be on the opposing side. He finds solace in his grandfather's bookshop, which had been bequeathed to him on his grandfather's demise.
This is a romance, and so much more. A truly unique storyline.
April 24, 2018
Omg!!! It was so good. Quest has some scars that you can’t see and is so angry with himself that he can’t always see the good in others that he doesn’t trust. Haven is a tv news anchor that gets hurt and has to heal but can’t always trust people. Quest and Haven meet when Quest grandfather passes away and leaves him the book store that Haven loves. Together they start a friendship till Quest gets news that his mother is in the hospital and leaves and stops talking to Haven. Will something good happen for those two? Do they heal? A must read to find out the truth.
March 25, 2018
I was given an ARC in exchange for honest review.
This was a great book! It had the perfect mix of mystery and romance and kept you guessing until the very end.
Haven is just starting her career when she is attacked. She has to deal with her scars on the outside and inside. Enter Quest dealing with his own scars from his time spent in the army. It takes his grandfather and a little bookstore to help heal them both.
Modern day beauty and the beast but better. Pick up this book to read, you won't regret it!
This was a great book! It had the perfect mix of mystery and romance and kept you guessing until the very end.
Haven is just starting her career when she is attacked. She has to deal with her scars on the outside and inside. Enter Quest dealing with his own scars from his time spent in the army. It takes his grandfather and a little bookstore to help heal them both.
Modern day beauty and the beast but better. Pick up this book to read, you won't regret it!
May 2, 2018
Tear Jerker!!! I fell completely in love with Haven & Quest...what an emotional rollercoaster...love the strength and love they both gained by enduring horrific situations which ultimately brought them together. Such a great story line...I could not put it down!!! ... This is my first book from JP Grider and it definitely won't be my last!! You should try it!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 27, 2018
A good story, and no predictable characters. There's an underlying thread of hope, but also violence. Do we trust too easily?
Do we follow our own dreams or are our dreams dependent on what others want of us? I really enjoyed Hope and Quest.
I received this ebook for free from the author, and I try to leave a review for every book of fiction that I read.
Do we follow our own dreams or are our dreams dependent on what others want of us? I really enjoyed Hope and Quest.
I received this ebook for free from the author, and I try to leave a review for every book of fiction that I read.
Read
April 24, 2020I DNF'd this one at 40%. I really loved the idea of a reverse Beauty and Beast, but it was just way too slow for me.
Want to read
March 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/30/2020)! 🎁
April 4, 2018
3.5 rounded up.
March 25, 2018
I am a big JP Grider fan so I was thrilled to receive an arc in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book started off slow but then I realized, 'hmmm, i'll bet that's the point'....I'll get to the brilliance behind that in a second. Usually with this type of book, the pivitol plot twist has already occurred. So the character is already self-loathing, having no self-esteem. In this book, we meet Haven first.....I thought that was pure brilliance. It turns out, the pace of the book makes complete sense..... We learn who she is, her goals and dreams. When 'it' happens, we already love her so we feel it with her, for her. These things happen slowly.....she goes through the phases of grief, she tries to carry on, she tries to learn how to accept things (does she??? hmmm).
Quest also has some things he's trying to adjust to. I'm trying not to spoil here.....I thought it all wrapped up very nicely to a really great, believable ending. The two main characters were great, love them. Her mother tho....gawd!!!!
I also live in Pennsylvania, so I liked the fact that I'm familiar with some of the landmarks mentioned in the story. I just wish the grandfather actually had a bookstore near here......love him!!! ......'apple pie AND lasagna?!?.... Send me a picture!!!!'..... lol, great characters.
Quest also has some things he's trying to adjust to. I'm trying not to spoil here.....I thought it all wrapped up very nicely to a really great, believable ending. The two main characters were great, love them. Her mother tho....gawd!!!!
I also live in Pennsylvania, so I liked the fact that I'm familiar with some of the landmarks mentioned in the story. I just wish the grandfather actually had a bookstore near here......love him!!! ......'apple pie AND lasagna?!?.... Send me a picture!!!!'..... lol, great characters.
April 11, 2018
Grab a box of tissues before you sit down to read this book. Amazingly written, you’ll be carried away to a romance reminiscent of a fairy tale with twists and turns along away.
March 23, 2018
I was provided an ARC copy of this book to review.
I LOVE this story! A perfect roller coaster of emotion. Love, danger, a strong comeback and a yin and yang of personalities that work so well together.
It’s a great break from the YA I generally read.
I LOVE this story! A perfect roller coaster of emotion. Love, danger, a strong comeback and a yin and yang of personalities that work so well together.
It’s a great break from the YA I generally read.
Read
April 8, 2017This sounds so intriguing!
April 9, 2018
Don’t Look at Me is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where instead of the guy being the beast, it’s the girl who turns ugly. I thought that a unique perspective, and a refreshing one, because-as the author puts it-why can’t the girl be ugly and have the guy fall for her regardless?
The story tells the tale of a girl named Haven who fell in love with a bookshop at the age of nine and goes there every time she gets the chance since. As an adult, she frequently buys books there whenever she gets her paycheck and can afford to after paying rent and taxes and being an adult. She loves to read anything and everything.
Quest is a young man who is freshly back from being in the Army, where he was released due to a painful secret. After his grandfather passes, he is shocked to discover his grandfather left the books that were originally his-signed Earnest Hemingway first editions-to a girl that he’s never met before. Convinced she managed to somehow trick his grandfather into giving the books to her, their first meeting is less than ideal.
Fast forward a bit, and while arguing over books, and Haven trying to convince him to keep the bookstore going, she is attacked by the Slasher, a hooded guy going around and slashing women’s faces, and making the ugly. She is now stuck at home, with plenty of time to read, because of how ugly she is.
Vanity is one of the few things I never understood about people, so Haven’s choice of ignoring the world because she’s ugly-though people tell her she’s really not-really bothered me. To me it seemed a bit of an overreaction…you have a deep scar on your face, and that makes you instantly unattractive? Scars can be beautiful, but it took most of the book for Haven to realize this.
I also identified the Slasher right away, but I was surprised to find that it was also *SPOILER*. I really liked the bit of trickery that the author did there.
The ending of the book was a happy one, sweet and warm. I liked how there were little nods towards the original telling-the bookstore, the beast, the love between the main characters. It was a well written retelling of the original, and my hat goes off to the author!
Overall, I give the story 5/5 stars for a job very well done!
{Review also posted at my blog Pass Me That Book}
The story tells the tale of a girl named Haven who fell in love with a bookshop at the age of nine and goes there every time she gets the chance since. As an adult, she frequently buys books there whenever she gets her paycheck and can afford to after paying rent and taxes and being an adult. She loves to read anything and everything.
Quest is a young man who is freshly back from being in the Army, where he was released due to a painful secret. After his grandfather passes, he is shocked to discover his grandfather left the books that were originally his-signed Earnest Hemingway first editions-to a girl that he’s never met before. Convinced she managed to somehow trick his grandfather into giving the books to her, their first meeting is less than ideal.
Fast forward a bit, and while arguing over books, and Haven trying to convince him to keep the bookstore going, she is attacked by the Slasher, a hooded guy going around and slashing women’s faces, and making the ugly. She is now stuck at home, with plenty of time to read, because of how ugly she is.
Vanity is one of the few things I never understood about people, so Haven’s choice of ignoring the world because she’s ugly-though people tell her she’s really not-really bothered me. To me it seemed a bit of an overreaction…you have a deep scar on your face, and that makes you instantly unattractive? Scars can be beautiful, but it took most of the book for Haven to realize this.
I also identified the Slasher right away, but I was surprised to find that it was also *SPOILER*. I really liked the bit of trickery that the author did there.
The ending of the book was a happy one, sweet and warm. I liked how there were little nods towards the original telling-the bookstore, the beast, the love between the main characters. It was a well written retelling of the original, and my hat goes off to the author!
Overall, I give the story 5/5 stars for a job very well done!
{Review also posted at my blog Pass Me That Book}
April 2, 2018
Haven is a broadcast journalist, reporting on a string of slashing incidents taking place in the neighborhood. That's her job, but her passion includes reading...stopping by her favorite bookstore and saying a quick hello to Mr V.
Until one night the unthinkable happens...when your career is based on appearances, and you become scarred on the outside, it seeps into your soul as well. No job, ugly, no social life...
Quest was discharged from the military years before for doing what was right, now he finds himself unemployable, angry, and unsocial. Plagued by nightmares, when you are dealing with demons on the inside, it's only a matter of time before they seep through to the outside.
When Haven and Quest meet, it's all due to the bookstore Haven loves, and Quest can't get far enough away from. Without realizing how much alike they are, one scarred on the outside, one scarred on the inside, can they find a common ground to help one another.
I love the idea of a Modern day reversal of Beauty and the Beast. Don't Look At Me is beautifully written. Haven and Quest are well defined characters that struggle with their own demons throughout the book, but find a way to help each other through them. The other characters throughout the book add a great element to modern day issues of control as well as obsession, in a creepy sort of way.
I would highly recommend Don't Look At Me to anyone who loves a modern day spin of fairy tales...as old as time! LOL It's a story of love, and having the ability to find beauty from within as well as having the confidence to face anything.
Until one night the unthinkable happens...when your career is based on appearances, and you become scarred on the outside, it seeps into your soul as well. No job, ugly, no social life...
Quest was discharged from the military years before for doing what was right, now he finds himself unemployable, angry, and unsocial. Plagued by nightmares, when you are dealing with demons on the inside, it's only a matter of time before they seep through to the outside.
When Haven and Quest meet, it's all due to the bookstore Haven loves, and Quest can't get far enough away from. Without realizing how much alike they are, one scarred on the outside, one scarred on the inside, can they find a common ground to help one another.
I love the idea of a Modern day reversal of Beauty and the Beast. Don't Look At Me is beautifully written. Haven and Quest are well defined characters that struggle with their own demons throughout the book, but find a way to help each other through them. The other characters throughout the book add a great element to modern day issues of control as well as obsession, in a creepy sort of way.
I would highly recommend Don't Look At Me to anyone who loves a modern day spin of fairy tales...as old as time! LOL It's a story of love, and having the ability to find beauty from within as well as having the confidence to face anything.
August 20, 2018
Rating: 4.0 stars
I am really not sure what to think of this book. I enjoyed myself reading it. The writing was very well written and the plot was never at a stand still. Here is the problem with the "big twist" , I saw it coming from page one, so when it happened , I screamed " I KNEW IT !! " out loud in public...OOPS LOL.
I have to say that I flew through it and it kept me entertained the whole way through. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, which should say enough in itself. I loved the main characters, I think they were well developed and brought things to the table that I appreciated because they were real, raw, and emotional. I loved the "evil mom" too, and I could understand her POV. I also loved the grandfather, and felt so much pain for him.
I loved Quest, he was such a sweetheart, damaged by the war. He did what was right, regardless of his dismissal from the military. His chemistry with Haven was a little bit off.
It's funny because the relationship doesn't take off until more than half way through the book, but I felt like they didn't have as much together moments to make it believable so it felt more insta-lovey than I like. Still I liked them together, they complemented each other very well.
I am really not sure what to think of this book. I enjoyed myself reading it. The writing was very well written and the plot was never at a stand still. Here is the problem with the "big twist" , I saw it coming from page one, so when it happened , I screamed " I KNEW IT !! " out loud in public...OOPS LOL.
I have to say that I flew through it and it kept me entertained the whole way through. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, which should say enough in itself. I loved the main characters, I think they were well developed and brought things to the table that I appreciated because they were real, raw, and emotional. I loved the "evil mom" too, and I could understand her POV. I also loved the grandfather, and felt so much pain for him.
I loved Quest, he was such a sweetheart, damaged by the war. He did what was right, regardless of his dismissal from the military. His chemistry with Haven was a little bit off.
It's funny because the relationship doesn't take off until more than half way through the book, but I felt like they didn't have as much together moments to make it believable so it felt more insta-lovey than I like. Still I liked them together, they complemented each other very well.
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