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Beautiful #2

Beautiful Lies

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Gifted artist. Drug addict. A beautiful liar with the soul of a poet.
Connor Vincent.
Once upon a time, my foolish heart believed that my love would be strong enough to fix him.
How very wrong I was.
We soared to the greatest heights and crashed to the lowest depths together.
Starting over wasn’t possible.
Yet here he was, heart in hand, asking for another chance.
Only a fool would agree.
But when it comes to Connor, I’ve always been a fool.

My muse. My bluebird of happiness. The cunning thief who stole my heart.
Ava Christensen had been the best thing in my life, but I ruined us.
One more chance to get it right.
I would show her that I’ve changed. I’m not hell-bent on self-destruction anymore. I won’t be careless with her. Not again.
This time everything will be different.
But once again my past catches up to me, and I’ll have to prove that I’m stronger than my addiction. Stronger than my secrets and lies. Strong enough to be the man she deserves.
No more secrets. No more lies.
They say that truth is beauty … they’re lying.

*Beautiful Lies is the second book in The Beautiful Series but it can be read as a complete standalone.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2018

458 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read

About the author

Emery Rose

18 books1,797 followers
Emery Rose is a former New Yorker currently living in London, and loves creating angsty, emotionally-charged stories with all the swoons, spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

When she's not busy crafting love stories with swoon-worthy, flawed heroes and the strong heroines who bring them to their knees or immersed in a good book, you can find her experimenting with new recipes, listening to her vinyl collection, or traveling the globe in search of sunshine and the perfect wave.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,409 followers
January 22, 2019
Good thing he went to her parents and apologized/tried to win them over, otherwise I would have been very disappointed. Despite the hero was a good (but weak) man, I was on the heroine's mother's side - what mother wouldn't try to prevent her daughter dating a drug addict?! Romance or not, I would never believe any woman would encourage her daughter to be with a drug addict. No disrespect toward addicts and I fully support, when ppl find their new way; but the main plot was based on their past relationship and his addiction/behavior was the main problem.

Safety: so, the guy wasn't loyal to the heroine for 100%, yep, he was celibate during their last separation (18 months), but also because of his injury/scars. They had many break-ups in the past and he was with OWs. The heroine didn't put her nun-dress on and slept with OMs -> best part of the book. She wasn't celibate during their last separation (bravo, girl). Just to be clear - he wasn't a Saint and he definitely was with OWs.

So rare we have a book with a heroine, who didn't freeze for months/years/decades, but tried to move on with her life. Floved this aspect of the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,064 reviews2,873 followers
September 12, 2018
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description~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
So this turned out to be quite an enjoyable little book. I had originally signed up for it because after reading the blurb I thought it would be a good candidate for my "stepping out" challenge. It sounded like it would be messy, angsty, and full of things I usually avoid like the plague. Especially considering the subject matter (drug addiction). Surprisingly, it wasn't very angsty at all. *shrug* However, I didn't find this a disappointment in the least. It was very well written. It was well paced, and I never grew bored or felt the need to skim. It is told in a dual POV format, and we also have some jumps back and forth from past to present. This can be problematic sometimes for me, but it worked very well in this case. Plus, the book isn't bogged down with them. The plot was engaging, sweet, and heartbreaking at times. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Connor and Ava's relationship over the course of the ten years. I just couldn't completely feel Ava's pain because when the book starts Connor has been clean eighteen months (I think). I am going to assume we maybe see more of that type of thing in the first book? Last, this was all wrapped up in a decent happy for now. 


~HERO~
CONNOR...Connor was pretty much the perfect book boyfriend. He was sweet. He owned his mistakes. He was trying to get his shit together. My heart ached for all him and Killian had been through, and his love for Ava knew no bounds. I loved him.


~HEROINE~
AVA...I loved Ava just as much as Connor. I was expecting a heroine that pushed away a lot, but she opened her arms as a friend and then more, pretty quickly. She was also feisty. She was strong. She was sweet, and she loved Connor even when he couldn't love himself. 


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~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
This book wasn't too heavy on secondary characters. Killian and Eden (the couple from book one) being the two primary ones. That said, I am super interested in Tate. As well as Kiera, and Zeke. 


~HEAT LEVEL~
LOW. This wasn't an overly spicy book. We get a couple of sex scenes, but they were milder in nature, but it worked.


~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
LOW...again, I was expecting something a bit more angsty here. As to sexual histories, well I am a bit confused on this matter myself. Connor and Ava had known each other for ten years. First as friends from the ages of 14-16, then as boyfriend and girlfriend until she broke up with him 18 months before this book started. They were each other's first, and I assumed that from 16 years of age until they broke up they had been a couple with no sexual encounters with other people. Now, when they break up the heroine does move on and has a f-ck buddy (Zeke -- They end things quite quickly at the start of the book), and the hero stays celibate. What confuses me if that they have the "condom" talk and both mention they have always used condoms with other people. So I can only assume that over the course of those eight years they were an on and off couple with each sleeping with other people? Again, perhaps this information is more clear in the first book of the series? In any case, there wasn't really any OW or OM drama (Zeke don't count since he was a nice guy and didn't cause any issues for the couple).


~IN THE END~
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Was it perfect? Almost. I wanted a little more angst and emotion in regards to Connor's addiction and how it affected Ava over the years.
Would I recommend it? Yes, undoubtedly. That said, although this could technically be read as a standalone it would be MY recommendation to read book one first. I have a feeling that there is a lot of backstory pertaining to this couple in that book.
Who would enjoy this book? Readers who don't like a lot of drama or angst.description 


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Profile Image for Jenny Lovez Bookz.
665 reviews150 followers
May 6, 2022
This was a straight forward second chance romance. I enjoyed it. Connor being a recovering addict kept a straight path to win his girl back. It was never really a long shot and I expected a bit more angst given his & Ava's history, but still enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for AJ.
3,255 reviews1,072 followers
September 3, 2018
“Do you believe in soul mates...?”
“How could I not? I met mine when I was fourteen.”


4.5 achingly beautiful stars!


Wow, what a beautiful book! An emotional, heartfelt story that made me feel everything as a man fights for redemption, and two soulmates search for their way back to each other. It’s a gorgeously slow-burning second-chance-romance that is sweet, passionate and functional with ALL the feels, and I loved every moment of it.

Connor and Ava were introduced in the first book of this series, Beneath Your Beautiful, and though you can read this as a standalone be aware that there are things that happen in the first book that lead in to this one, and you may find yourself a little bit confused at times, but it all becomes clear so you should be able to get by.

Connor is the younger brother of Killian, hero from Beneath Your Beautiful. The two boys grew up together with a drunken, abusive father and without their mother after she ran off with another man when they were young. At 14, Connor met Ava. Though they were from completely different backgrounds, they needed each other and they formed a strong friendship that eventually shifted into first love, and they became everything to each other. They were true soulmates who dreamed of a future together, but then Connor lost himself to drugs, and in doing so he lost everything. He lived a solitary and dangerous life for years, but now he’s back, clean and sober, desperate to make amends to the people he loves, and desperate to reclaim the love that he so thoughtlessly through away.

She’d always been my girl. It didn’t matter who she was with or how long we were separated by time or distance, Ava would always be mine. I knew in my heart that nobody could ever love her the way I do. It simply wasn’t possible.

Ava Christensen had been the best thing in my life but I ruined us.

Oh, how I love Connor! He has made mistakes, he knows he has hurt the people that love him, but he is determined to stay clean and get his life back, and that comes through so clearly. We can feel his remorse, his embarrassment and his devastation at the chaos that he caused, and the longing that he feels to rebuild the relationships that he destroyed. His battle feels real, and my heart ached for him as he tried so hard to do the right thing.

I didn’t want to be broken anymore. I didn’t want her to be left to pick up the pieces. She deserved better than that.

And Ava is such a kickass heroine. Strong, sassy and confident, she has always loved Connor and she knows that deep down she still does, and though she’s done her best to be there for him in the past, she’s also shown that she’s not prepared to put up with the lifestyle that he chose. She has tried to move on, but when Connor makes it clear that he wants her back, all of those old feelings she has tried to forget about come roaring back, despite her fears of what it all means and the confusion that it causes.

Maybe you couldn’t choose the person you fell in love with. Over the years, I’d tried so many times to steel my heart against Connor, but he always came in like a wrecking ball. He knocked down all the walls, destroyed the foundation, and left me with the rubble. Our brand of love would never made an after-school special. It was ugly and gritty and soul-destroying. Connor and I…there had been so many obstacles in our way.
But for a while, our love had been beautiful, and it had been everything.
How could you hate someone and love them at the same time?

We see pieces of Connor and Ava’s past together which shows their strong connection, which is still very clear in their interactions in the present. Their strong friendship is the base of everything between them, and they easily fall back into their familiar patterns, but through every moment the chemistry of heir attraction sizzles, and as they begin spending time together once again and Connor shows Ava how much he has changed, she begins to see glimpses of the boy she once loved. Though she is understandably reluctant to trust her heart to him again.

How many times could I let him break my heart? At nineteen, he destroyed me. At twenty-four, I was still picking up the pieces.

This is such a beautiful love story. There is SO much love between Connor and Ava, but there are very real obstacles standing in their way. They have a lot to sort through in order to find their way back to each other, and they do that realistically and functionally, and I could feel everything building between them as they opened up and poured their hearts out to each other.

“When I lost you, I not only lost a boyfriend, I lost my best friend.”
He closed his eyes. “Ava…”
“I’ve missed you,” I said, being more honest than I’d been in a long time. “So much.”

And as they found their way back to each other, I was so consumed by this romance. It’s beautifully emotional, passionate and sexy, and you can feel the connection between the two of them through every heartachingly beautiful moment.

My heart has been broken by you so many times…so many times, Connor.”
I pulled her into my arms and held her. She leaned into me, her cheek pressed against my chest. “Baby, please…I’ll do whatever it takes to make this work.
Anything.”
“Anything?” she asked, her voice muffled.
“Anything that doesn’t require letting you go. Because I don’t know how to do that. I’ve never found a way.”

But Connor’s struggle with sobriety is a constant thing, and the pressures on him as he tries to reclaim his life are a challenge. And he’s still keeping one secret close to his chest, one that has the potential to derail the trust that he has fought so hard to reclaim.

This is just as much the story of Connor reclaiming his life after all he’s been through, as it is a second-chance-romance, and the two elements are woven together perfectly to create a character-driven story that has depth and emotion, and it completely captured my heart.

I loved it! 4.5 stars.

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Jen.
766 reviews116 followers
September 20, 2018
God, this book was just fantastic!! I fell in love with Connor and Ava's story and I didn't want to end. Emery Rose had me hanging on her every word... her writing is so DAMN GOOD!! With their heartbreaking past and all the trials and tribulations they went through—my heart hurt for both of these characters. With a dash of angst, a sprinkle of heartache, and a whole lot of love, Beautiful Lies was a winner for me!! I can't wait for Beautiful Rush!!!
Profile Image for Annie Brewer.
Author 14 books788 followers
October 5, 2020
Ahhhhh!!! I just finished this and it was everything!!! Everything!! I love this authors’ writing. Her characters are so real and tragically flawed and the journey to redemption is heartbreaking but so worth it!!

Connor and Ava were perfection!! I have a habit of reading the second book in her series without reading the first but luckily they’re standalones. I gotta read Killian and Eden’s book now. And also Keira’s book too. I loved all the characters (except a few that I wanted to stab in the non-existent hearts)! Connor and Killian had a great relationship, though rocky at times. But Kill was a great big brother and Connor was just misunderstood. And oh so amazing!! I hated how he was mistreated. My heart broke the most for him. Such a great guy!! All he was put through, but he came out on top. So strong and loving. I loved the dynamics for all the different relationships.

The journey back to each other was so messy for Ava and Connor but there was no one more perfect for the other. I highlighted so much in my book, so many profound quotes that touched my soul. Oh sweet Connor. His transformation from age 14-24 had my emotions all over the place. Lost boy to a brave and selfless man despite all the obstacles in his path. There was a lot but he loved Ava so fiercely, it broke my heart to watch him self-destruct.
Ava was a strong heroine. She met Connor when they were 14, after an awful event that stole her life. Once they met...it was beautiful and messy all at once. She always made him feel like he was loved. And he made her feel cherished despite the circumstance that lead her to change her persona. They just fit so perfectly, complimenting each other. But their love wasn’t always enough to save them from themselves or their pasts.
The rollercoaster would give you whiplash but I enjoyed the ride nonetheless as it made them grow as individuals, which I loved witnessing. No amount of distance or time changed the love they felt for one another. These two were just meant to be so when they finally reunited, even during some rough patches, it solidified their bond all the more.
So well done!
I couldn’t give this story any less than 5⭐️. It deserves more! Connor and Ava are 5⭐️ characters themselves and the story- how it was interwoven with the part was a solid 5 as well. Plus the side characters were just awesome! Everything about this book was awesome. I must read the other 2 books now. This author has become an automatic one-click now.



Profile Image for Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction.
1,132 reviews853 followers
July 10, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.

This book really surprised me in all the best ways. Connor and Ava's love story really captured my heart.

What I really loved about this book was how I fell into the characters' lives so easily. Connor and Ava were characters that I connected with immediately. They were complex characters with backstory that made everything emotional and interesting. They were so relatable and likable. It was so easy to get emotionally invested in these characters. I also really love the secondary characters in this series.

The author really drew me into the story. I really loved the flashbacks to the past that let the reader get a deeper look into the characters. The entire story was compelling and kept my interest. The emotional connection that the author creates with this story is incredible. I felt so invested in these characters and their story. The writing style is just beautiful. The flow of the story is perfect and the narration is smooth and welcoming.

The romance in this book was like fire. Connor and Ava had such a deep connection that it was a palpable thing. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts and simply scorching. You could feel the love between these two.

Overall, this was an emotionally charged story that captured my heart. I fell so in love with these characters and their story is so memorable. This book will pull on your heartstrings as you watch Connor and Ava find their way back to each other. This was such a great second chance romance and I absolutely recommend it!

More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Profile Image for charly & raine.
53 reviews
September 15, 2018
My review for Beneath your Beautiful started with “If ever I wanted to be in someone’s corner it would be Killian Vincent”. Well this story is of the younger more sensitive brother, Connor. There is a special place in my heart for a sad broken boy and Emery has a way of delivering him in a book that you just can’t surpass. I thought I fell hard for Killian but Connor slayed me.

“Turned out that stars needed darkness to shine” From the prologue to the end my heart shattered for Connor so many times.

Connor is an extremely talented artist and tattooist, a good-natured and fun guy. He had made mistakes but he owned them, and he was doing his ultimate best everyday to deal with his addiction and become a better man. Ava was his true love, but he had burnt her too many times for her to trust him again. Ava had always loved Connor; they were enamored with one another. She had so many beautiful memories of a very different Connor, before he chose his mistress, heroin. That was it for her, he’d made his choice, but deep down as she learnt over the years, her heart would always belong to her first love.

Ava is a stunning and courageous woman, she knew she was vulnerable when it came to Connor she had to protect her heart. She was physically strong and dealt with challenges and people with a great attitude. “If Ava were a tree, she’d be a willow. They bend, but they don’t break.” I really liked her. You can’t help but feel for both of them. They have chemistry like no other; they know each other’s bodies that intimately their passionate sex scenes were HAF.

This was a truly beautiful story of their relationship from the past to the present. The mystery of his whereabouts is revealed and new characters introduced. Some you will love, others you won’t. You will love the ease of how this book flows it is so descriptive and well written, it feels like it is playing out right in front of your eyes with the author’s attention to detail bringing it to life. It is a roller coaster of a ride for all of us and I enjoyed every high and low along the way.

I genuinely can’t wait to get my hands on Beautiful Rush! It’s going to be epic. A new author I’m going to be watching very closely.
Profile Image for Andrzejewski Amy.
384 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2018
I loved the beautiful series. There was so much that went into both stories. I really liked the first book, Beneath Your Beautiful, Killian and Eden's story. But I feel in love with Conner and Ava's story. It is a second chance romance. Conner is a broken soul but Ava can see past it. She sees the kind man inside who has been misguided and misunderstood. She believes in him. All he has to do is realize that he is all she needs. Once the story gets to the end Conner realizes all that and then some.
I understood Conner's history with addiction and him working a program. The author took alot of time seeing what all goes into working a Twelve Step program. She also was right on point with alcoholism and addiction. Sometimes it can take many years if ever to fix the damage caused by it. I would like to see maybe another spray in due time come out about the Vincent brothers sister, Keira.

“A tree doesn’t float in space. It has roots and it’s firmly planted in the ground , so you need to show that when you sketch a tree. You want to feel the texture of the bark. Show the way the branches are attached to the trunk and the leaves to the branches. He told me to study the negative space between the branches. Branches are never straight. To give a tree life, you need to show the kinks and knots. The gnarled trunk. The shadows and the heavier weighted lines. Trees are so complex. They’re perfectly imperfect.” -Ava

When you love someone , you give them the power to destroy you. With a careless word. A look. A gesture. You know how to hurt them more deeply than anyone else ever could. Love makes you vulnerable, exposed, your soul bared to them. - Conner
Profile Image for Annie Dyer.
Author 64 books1,145 followers
September 13, 2018
Beautiful story

Deep, soulful and intoxicating characters are brought to life by an author with a talent for making prose beautiful. Connor Vincent was troubled, is still troubled. With a problematic family, he found solace with Ava, a sparky, independent young woman with her own demons. Now a recovering addict, his only craving is her. But how can they have a beautiful future when lies from the past still haunt them?
I love Emery Rose’s writing. She gives us heartbreaking heroines and heroes through sometimes poetic prose. This book tackles some issues; it’s gritty and sometimes challenging and I loved every minute of the ride.
Profile Image for Yazmin Martinez.
83 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2018
Ava & Connor's story was so good. I loved them both so much. The story was well written and beautifully done. Emery Rose is an author I will continue to follow.
Profile Image for The MasqueReader .
537 reviews71 followers
January 20, 2022
BROKEN HEARTS! KEEPING SECRETS & FORGIVING PASTS!
AND WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE!

There was so much that I adored about this book! Connor stole my heart with every new piece of himself that he revealed. How could I not love him, after everything he's been through. And how absolutely PERFECT Ava was for him. The way that she handled everything...and I do mean EVERY LITTLE THING made me love her more. I had no doubt going in that Connor and Ava were meant to be and that absolutely nothing should stand in their way. However, these two had a lot of growing to do and obstacles to clear in order to come back together and make it last!

Their path back to each other felt a lot like going home, as if their newest moments and memories were just being pulled from their past. These two had so many little traditions that it was so hard for them not to fall back into old habits but this time in order to make it last, they needed to confront all of their past. I loved the forgiveness and growth between EVERYONE that existed in this story.

I ADORE the new character introduced and it made my heart so incredibly happy seeing the two brothers from this series get everything they deserved FINALLY!
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
2,002 reviews154 followers
May 17, 2024
Not one of her best. I was bored and annoyed. I only gave it 3 because I actually finish this.
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,483 reviews
September 29, 2018
I read an ARC of the first book in this series and loved that book a lot, so I was eagerly anticipating this book releasing! I then saw sign-ups for the Blog Tour, but couldn't sign-up because I was away on holiday at the time! I grabbed a copy of this book as soon as I came home and made it my next read! After reading, I can say that I loved this book just as much as the first book! I was instantly drawn back into the characters world and it only took me a few sittings to read because I couldn't put it down! I did try and take my time reading it, but I failed lol! I loved the direction that the plot went in and it had a lot of romance in it and it was written so beautifully! There were quite a few seriously hot scenes in this book too! The plot also had a few twist and turns in it and these really shook the plot up and changed things! There wasn't a lot of action and suspense though! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Connor was the main male character and he was a secondary character in the first book and went through a lot, so I couldn't wait to get inside his head! I loved Connor in this book! He had come a long way and tried his best to stay on the straight and narrow! This made me have a lot of respect for him because he had battled a lot! Connor was also seriously hot and I loved the way he was with his love interest! He was very protective of her, even though he had no reason to be lol, and it was easy to see how much he loved her and wanted what was best for her! Ava was the main female character and love interest of Connor! I could completely understand why Ava was so resistant to let Connor back into her life in this book! They had been through a lot together and Ava was protecting herself from more heartache! Ava was also easy for me to connect with and I admired her for what she had been through with Connor and yet she still cared about him and wanted him to be the best guy he could be! It was easy to see how much Ava cared for Connor and she supported him a lot and helped him as best she could! I loved that this book was written from both Connor and Ava's point of views! I was expecting it to be after I read the synopsis and the first book was also written from dual pint of view! I'm really happy that this book was written from both characters point of views because it helped me connect more with Connor and Ava and understand them more as they were both going through their own struggles! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot too! I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! It says that it's going to be the final book, which does make me sad, but I can't wait to read more from this author! There also isn't a release date for the next book, but it did say at the end of this book that the next couple are going to be Deacon and Keira's story, so I can't wait to read it once it releases and find out more about the characters! The cover for this book is also stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and it's seriously hot! I love how well it suits the cover for the first book and the cover image definitely suits Connor and Ava's relationship!
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,533 reviews101 followers
August 6, 2019
This is the second book in the Beautiful series. I loved the first book, Beneath Your Beautiful so there was not a question I’d be reading this one.

Connor Vincent brother of the hero of the first book, played a role in the first book. He was a broken character then so I think all fans of the first book want to see how he does in his own story. He is a gifted and talented artist but he’s also an addict and because of his addiction he has ruined all his relationships. In the first book he had gone to rehab and then disappeared when he got out. Halfway through the books he comes back and now we see things from his view. One of the reasons he’s come back it to win his childhood sweetheart back. But she is the one he hurt the most with his lies and actions. She’s not about to ever trust him again even though she’s never been able to forget him.

From the opening scene this book was full of Connor’s pain. I don’t mean this in a bad way and I certainly don’t want to scare any potential reader away, but both Connor and Killian from the first book had a horrific childhood and they still bare the scars, Connor in his drug addiction. I’ve never experienced it nor any close family but to me it seems the author captured everything. We feel for Connor and all that he does to escape and his terrible sense of failure. It seems his only hope is Ava so he’s determined to get her back. For Ava, Connor has always been her knight in shining armor. They’ve know each other since they were in school. Ava was bullied but Connor was there for her and stopped it for the most part. As they grew older, their closeness changed and they were almost inseparable until he broker her heart. Will she forgive him and who will he do in sobriety.

I love this story. It’s so real and honest and even though the reader hates what Connor does we can’t help but feel for him. One thing I should note though as I know it’s a deal breaker for some readers. While apart from each other they both have other partners. I was OK with it since they weren’t together but I know it bothers many a reader.
Now on to the third book!!
Profile Image for Dana Proctor.
120 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I would prefer a “grand gesture”☺️ Another great FMC and another adorable brother. Can’t wait to read Keira’s story. She’s got spunk!
Profile Image for Paulette.
737 reviews20 followers
August 31, 2018
Absolutely fell in love with this book and Connor. From the very start of this book I was rooting for him. Actually, even from the last story I was championing his cause in my own mind. I just knew there had too be more to his story. Guess what, I was right. There is so much there below the surface. Don’t get me wrong, this guy has issues and I certainly don’t condone things that he did. However, we get to take a look beyond the surface to get a deeper glimpse of the hell he and Killian experienced. I have to admit I really wanted to go further into his addiction to see what was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The whole dynamic with Ava and Connor was totally believable. As much as I love Connor it’s easy to see why Ava would be more than skeptical of getting back with him. The author has weaved such an interesting story where we get to see how everyone plays into one another’s life without even realizing what they’re doing or the repercussions they set in motion. Backstories are brought forth and new characters are introduced who figure prominently, as well as old characters brought back to complete the circle. We even get to look into Ava’s life and see what everyday hell she’s going through. Let’s face it everyone has a story has to tell.

This is a book with all the feels and more. It draws you in where you feel the butterflies in your stomach. Her use of words to describe Connors art, you can actually picture it in your minds eye. She paid attention to all the detail. If you’re looking for angst and drama, smiles and swoons, tears and love, then read this story. You won’t be sorry. This book compelled me to read it in one sitting.

There is more than one theme in this book. There is hopeful redemption, second chance love, friends forever, sibling reconnection. Most of all there is everlasting true devotion. It is a heartbreaking, beautiful read that connects, the heart, mind and soul.

I’m so looking forward to the next story in this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
September 16, 2018
Beautiful Lies is the second book in The Beautiful Series, and while it's Connor's story, I still recommend that you read Beneath Your Beautiful (Book 1) first to see Connor's past in color as he was present in Killian's story. Anyway, this story takes place after all the chaos of Connor's choices, and he's gotten help & is doing better in life, except he lost Ava, the women that he's never stopped loving. Now he's decided that he wants to get her to give him one more chance to show that he's not that same man that ruined their relationship, and it's an emotional journey. Honestly, I would love to give every last beautiful detail of this story, but I won't ruin it for others, so that's the only description I'm willing to give. I'm so glad that the amazingly talented, and highly addictive, Emery Rose gave us Connor's story, because he was a mess in Book 1, but now it's the aftermath of all of his mess ups, and it was emotional for me, because I really fell for him here. Yeah, I know I said that whole emotional thing before, but seriously, it was that moving that it needed to be said more than once. I LOVED how realistic Connor's journey was as a recovering addict, because that's not something that ever goes away. And yeah, it took Ava a bit to really give him a shot as friends, which made a push & pull situation that was very frustrating, but again realistic in the telling, as burnt bridges aren't rebuilt overnight. They never did lose their chemistry, so when it was too much, they finally gave into some sexy time that lit the sheets up. And it was great to see what Killian & Eden were up to, along with some other amazing secondaries that added more depth to this story. Finally, there were a few twists that came out of left field, which had my f-bombs dropping like crazy, as I didn't see one or two of them coming. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series, and CANNOT WAIT for more! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Georgie.
377 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2018
I was waiting for this book from the moment we met Connor and Ava in Killian and Edens book!

This story was full of so much hurt and angst with a long line of misunderstandings and past pain that you knew it was always going to make Connor and Ava's struggle seem almost too difficult for them to get through.

Connor stole a piece of my heart in book one.

He was clearly a broken soul, born from a childhood of abuse and rejection. You cannot help but feel a pang for all he has been through - whether it be through his own misgivings or someone else's.

Ava was this beacon of shining light that I adored from the very first sentence.

She bought such a balance and calm to Connors turmoil!

But no great love story can achieve greatness without its own fair share and of angst and this story did just that!

I love everything about this second book in The Beautiful Series.

It was perfect for me in everyway!!

- Perfect slow burn!!
- Perfect amount of inner dialogue & dialogue between characters!!
- Perfect length to be able to lose myself in the depth of the characters and storyline!!

Connor and Ava's story is a credit to Emery Rose - as her second book this one was phenomenal!

I am gobsmacked that this is only her second!!!

The writing was seemless and the ebb and flow of the storyline was an absolute joy to read!!

I couldn't recommend this book and this series more!!

So excited to see what comes next either in this series or simply by this author!!!

Big fan!!!!
Profile Image for Bex_Book_Revieux.
812 reviews57 followers
September 11, 2018
Beautiful Lies

*I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Let me just say first, as I get older it gets harder to read these NA romance books, because I can see my children in these characters.

Emery Rose does an excellent job building and explaining the hearts and lives of Ava and Connor, even if you haven't read the first book.

Connors heart, and mind, were damaged from an early age thanks to a physically and mentally abusive father; and a mother who abandoned her sons without a backward glance.

Ava had what appeared to be an idyllic life with the perfect family, and whatever she could want. Except her mother is hyper critical, and a situation with a young man when she was 14 changed how she viewed herself forever.

This book examines the last 10 years of Connor and Ava's relationship, his drug abuse and lies, and her growth into a strong young woman capable of so much.

But at the ten year point can they walk their way back to each other? Is Ava pushing too hard? Will Connor ever do the work needed to accept himself, and will he ever be fully honest with those that love him so much?

This book is not an easy one to read, but it's so important! Thank you Emery for weaving a story that heals the damage Ava and Connor carry, and thank you for forcing us to take a deeper look at our own remaining sadness and how to grow past it. I'm excited for Deacon and Keira's story.
Profile Image for Trish Kitty Taylor  ***narniaandbeyond***.
571 reviews46 followers
September 13, 2018
Considering this is only the authors second book, I’m once again blown away with her ability to so effortlessly pull me into this beautiful story, wrap Connor & Ava’s story of second chance love around my heart & force me to fall so helplessly in love with this flawed, broken, yet utterly gorgeous hero.

Connor & Ava truly have been through the wringer since they were teenagers & I loved how Emery gave enough flash backs into their past to help me understand who they were as individuals as well as together. I felt it was important to see the flaws that had crept in to their relationship over time & what brought them to this heartachingly sad & uncertain moment in life. The hard facts of their here & now & the haunting reality of the untold damage that came with broken promises, lies & secrets.

The writing was fantastic from start to finish & the creative detail ~ just wow. It says a lot when words alone can paint such beautiful images when you close your eyes, so vivid & real you can almost see them, touch them. It’s a magical & wonderful gift an author can share with a reader & for me Emery nailed that.

The plot had a good balance of angst, heartache & passion to keep me turning the pages. I loved the twists & turns that I never expected. I loved that no matter how hard their past had been, faith, hope & courage was their guiding light.. And love of course. Can never forget about love.

Another fabulous read in what is fast becoming & cracking series.







Profile Image for Shiney.
278 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2018
The music lover in me adores when a book that has a playlist. It gives the story an additional emotional aspect, a connection that makes it feel real. I love the imperfect struggling characters in this series. Connor and Ava are just this, imperfect.

Connor is broken man. Abused, abandoned, an addict.. but he is loved. If only Connor can realize his own worth. With a little effort he may be able to glue all the broken pieces and parts back together.
Ava is angry! Connor holds an everlasting piece of her heart, but she just can't bare to be with him, or talk to him anymore. Too many lies and hurts. Maybe just one too many days of not knowing if he was dead or alive... did she count his days away like the Wafia song?

But maybe, just maybe, they can start over. Tea and coffee, like strangers. All the happy could be lasting this time. But no, Miami comes back. Miami reveals.. more.. beautiful lies.

"I'll love you until we're old and gray and even long after that when our bodies decay... my soul will find yours... always."
I think the lonely man on the moon would definitely be jealous of this love. Imperfect apart and perfect together. A bittersweet happy ending.

I hope there is more to this series. It seems like it could go either way. Two great books about the Vincent boys, but it could also be much more. Fingers crossed for more. Definitely recommend The Beautiful Series.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
September 8, 2018
The best kind of angst, deeply moving emotions, and true love all come to play in a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness with Beautiful Lies. Having not read the previous book there were moments when I felt like I was missing something, but that took nothing away from the magic of Connor and Ava’s story so I give my seal of Britt always reads out of order approval here for stand alone status! Beautiful lies is guaranteed to hit you in the feels. Emery Rose doesn’t sugar coat the very real battles and trauma both Connor and Ava have been through in this. What she does though, is give you pure beauty.
The honest, realistic, and raw way she brings these characters to life in such a poetic way is breathtaking. Connor is a very flawed man. Fighting the uphill battle against his addiction and his past every single day I found myself honestly proud of him before even really getting to know him in depth. Ava was equally as inspiring with her own strength. There was quite a bit of growth for both of them throughout the story.
Between healing and forgiveness while finding their way back to each other both of them grow into people you just want to stand up and cheer for. That combined with the kind of passion and soul deep connection that only exists with true love made for a book that’s nearly impossible to put down. Beautiful Lies is the ultimate second chance read!
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,392 reviews18 followers
July 2, 2020
This is only my second book by Emery Rose & I officially need to read the rest of her books! I knew Connor & Ava’s book would be amazing but this was the perfect ending to their story.

There was so much more to their story than I thought there would be. I judged Connor pretty harshly in the first book. But he stole a piece of my heart with his story. He was so sweet, felt things so much deeper than other people & stronger than even he knew.

Ava was perfect for Connor. I loved learning about their past. Although I really didn’t like her mom or sister. I really enjoyed reading about these two rekindling their friendship & then their romance.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
164 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2019
Connor and Ava's book is perfect



I was first introduced to Connor and Ava in Beneath You Beautiful. I did not have a very great impression of Connor from that story and was a little worried about his book. Good gosh I was completely wrong. Connor is not the perpetual screw up like I thought he was. His childhood and his artistic nature made him a perfectly imperfect man just trying to prove to himself and the world that he can be the white knight and doesn't have to hide behind his brother. His love for Ava and trying to do right for her was beautiful and at times heartbreaking because he didn't feel worthy of anyone especially not her. Seeing into their past and watching their relationship grow also showed how strong they were together and how they needed each other to be whole. This was an absolutely beautiful book and I'm an so happy I was wrong about Connor.
Profile Image for Megan.
546 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2018
Connor and Ava

Gah!! I’m such a sucker for a second chance and Emery Rose wrote this one perfectly. Going into this book, I loved Ava and was definitely not team Connor. That changed pretty quickly though as I realized that these two were made for each other. Their story has all the feels and I totally loved it!

After discovering Emery Rose this week, I’m totally a forever fan. Can’t wait to read whatever comes next!
Profile Image for Maike.
880 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2021
I did not love Ava and Connor as much as I loved Killian and Eden, but I still really liked this. Even though this whole series suddenly went in a directly I did not expect. But it's fine, I'm just along for the ride.

It kinda felt like a whole chunk of story was missing in the beginning though, that was a bit annoying.
Profile Image for Tasha Talks Books Blog.
1,125 reviews35 followers
September 15, 2018
Painful but so good

The love and passion that can come from those whom thought they were broken, was so powerful. This is a must read for sure. It kept my attention throughout the entire story and I love me some Connor!!! I just want to love and hug him all at once.
Profile Image for G.Booklover.
21 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2018
This book was really good. I have to say that Emery is becoming one of my favourite authors. Both her books were amazing and I can't wait for Deacon's and Keira's story. Well done Emery your writing is very good and your books were both beautiful.
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