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Chance Encounters #2

Beautiful Stranger

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Claudia: The last thing I want is a sugar daddy.
I might only be twenty-four, but I've always been the sensible one. From my boring call centre job right down to my practical wardrobe; impulsive and extravagant are not part of my usual vocabulary. Ascot, the home of British horse racing might be my home as well, but the filthy rich visitors blocking my route home are more a nuisance than a thrill.

Until one of them catches my eye... And I can't help myself but invite him into my home.

Peter: It was the worst day of my life, until suddenly it wasn't.
All my life I've worked hard to make it to the top of my field, to give my wife all she’s ever wanted. After a day of sipping champagne and watching the races, an indiscretion of hers with a colleague changes my picture-perfect middle class life forever. I haven't a clue where I'm going, I just know I can't stand the sight of either of them and I run; right into the arms of a girl nearly half my age.

Is it still cheating, if she's done it to me first? I'd like to think not. It's just a chance at a new beginning.

It all begins with a chance meeting at the side of the road. Neither of them could foresee just where their one night of passion would lead. Can love conquer all, from class differences to age gaps?

Read on and find out.

This contemporary romance features an older man and a younger, curvy woman and the various challenges such a relationship may bring.

Chance Encounters is a series of stand-alone novellas set in jolly old England, following a set of loosely connected people as they find love in unexpected places. What do they have in common? When they meet, it is purely by chance, yet passion strikes immediately. They'll have to deal with the consequences of their actions once the sun comes up...

Available titles:
One Night Stand
Beautiful Stranger
Only a Taste

Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2015

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About the author

L. Moone

60 books108 followers
L. Moone writes steamy romance about big, brooding and devoted men who fall fast and love hard.

Her heroes might think they’re unworthy—but that won’t stop them from losing their hearts. Whether husky, grumpy, or cinnamon roll sweet, they’ll do anything for the women they love. And the heroines? They might act fierce and independent, but they've already melted just for him.

💖 Steamy, messy instalove

💖 Damaged, self-sacrificing heroes who put her first

💖 Dad bods, curvy girls and everything in between

💖 All the drama, all the feels, and a heartfelt and healing HEA—every time.

If you love obsessed book boyfriends, sassy heroines, and romance that makes your heart ache before putting it back together again, you’re in the right place.

📩 Grab your FREE book & start reading today at lmoone dot com

If you're an avid reader & reviewer/book blogger and are interested in any of my books, please do reach out about joining my review team. :)

(P.S. If you love a little magic with your romance, check out her Paranormal & Fantasy books as Lorelei Moone!)

NOTE: She used to publish under her old pen name Hedonist Six.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
November 7, 2016
Arc copy of "Beautiful Stranger" was provided by author for an honest review.

Hedonist six keeps a story honest and as real as possible, no insta-love here, well except for me I fell in love with Peter and Claudia.
Claudia is a twenty four year old young women who works as an representative for a company near her home in Ascot, lovely quite Ascot most of the year with exception of the week on the horse races then her city becomes inundated leaving her to sit in long traffic lines and being annoyed over it.
However on her way home she spots a fancy convertible pulked over with a obviously well off man in the drivers seat with his hands on top of his head, pulling over to check on him, she discovers a handsome well put together man with slight grading at the temples, who has had one too many drinks . Though the little birds on her shoulder warns her not to invite the drunk man she just met to her home, she just can not leave him on the side of the road, before she even thinks more she finds herself driving his converatboe back to her home. Peter and Claudia though relative strangers bit it off and are quite comfortable with one another and the more these two talk and drink the more they discover, such as the reason Peter was on the side of the road. Peter had been at the races with his wife and co- workers only to catch his wife and business partner going at it like two teenage kids and finding out that while he has been working six days a week to provide all she wants, she has been cavorting with his buddy Chris. So after that a few drinks seemed a logical next step, not wanting. To go home and face more going to Claudia's was a great option. The comfort these two feel only serves to heighten the sexual attraction. Leading to a night of passion.
Not alone night stands turn into working romances and this was one of those, but these two often thought of each other, when Peter was finally divorced form his reached out to Claudia wanting to take her for a real date . These two do date, even spend time living together with challenges along the way, especially when Claudia has in the back of her mind what she heard freinds of his saying to him about her being after his money after that every offer he made to help her even if it did not involve money became an affront another wedge she allowed to come between them.
Eventually Claudia , realizes that Peter was my reyong to control her with his money, or his experience , just that he was trying to encourage her to do something she likes.
Amongst the drama a beautiful relationship forms, with hot sex, support and eventually love !
Absolutely recommend reading Hedonsit six stories I have not been disssapointed yet!
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,855 reviews468 followers
November 7, 2016
This is the second book by this author that I have read. The first book I liked but had some issues with. So I was expecting to find the same with this book, however I was pleasantly surprised.

This book, while a relatively short read, was very entertaining. The characters were a surprise and yet worked well for me. I loved the older man/ younger woman scenario and really wish that the author made this a longer book so we could experience the full depth of their relationship.

With a few hot scenes, a lovely budding relationship, and a promise of more that could come, the author created a refreshing story that you can totally relate to plus puts a smile on your face.

I am so happy this book was better than the last. Now if the author can make them a bit longer so we can get the full effect, that would be awesome.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,742 reviews348 followers
November 17, 2016


When I first had read about Hedonist Six's series Chance Encounters, I was intrigued as I love the whole idea of love at first sight and also finding love in the most unexpected places. I am a sucker for romantic tales and love stories. I think because I love them so much, I had placed a higher expectation on this book, and I was a little disappointed as to me it didn't strike me as a strong love story. Sure it had a lot of sexual activity and outdoor sex and had a small touch of romance, but overall it just didn't grab me. The book starts with the setting of it being the Ascot Horse Race weekend and Claudia is on her way home from work. She has planned for a quiet weekend until she sees a beautiful classic car and a hot silver fox -Peter which is what I imagined he looked like standing out in the rain as his car is stuck. A spur of the moment thinking, Claudia invites him back to her house and they get to know one another and she learns he has had an awful day. What follows next is a night of passion, and then he disappears back to his "real world." Months pass, and he has Claudia on his mind; he invites Claudia as his date to the races and the pair connect and realize that there is chemistry sizzling in the air and the pair finally despite their age and wealth differences start a beautiful relationship.

If you are wanting a quick romance read that is just your usual love story with not a lot of other storyline or plot happening then Beautiful Stranger by Hedonist Six is the read for you.
Profile Image for Mal ✨ | Tales Of A Bookbug.
699 reviews46 followers
November 17, 2016
A sensual and realistic novella!
I've liked Hedonist Six's writing style ever since I read her Just Another Day At The Office stories.She writes about realistic characters with problems and flaws.None of them are super hot models or playboy assholes or special snowflakes.Just normal people with everyday problems like the rest of us.

Beautiful Stranger, the second novella in the Chance Encounter series features Claudia and Peter.
Claudia is a twenty four year old young woman who works at a call center.She is stuck in the traffic while going to her home, when she notices a car on the side of the road.She gets out to see if someone might need her help and finds Peter who is quite drunk.She unexpectedly invites him back to her house.

Peter is a forty-something hardworking,effluent banker, who has just found out that his wife has been cheating on him while he has been working his ass off.They have a connection and spend the night together but they don't rush into things.Peter does his best to go through the divorce and other stuff, putting his life back together and maintaining distance from Claudia in the time in order to sort things out.

Though there is a huge age gap between them,their relationship unfolds beautifully and slowly.It doesn't weird at all and its beautiful to read about.
But at the same time Claudia also has to deal with the fact that some people think she might be after his money.She is quite hurt by it and lets it affect their relationship.Will Claudia finally accept the fact that Peter just wants to help her and love her or will she be stubborn and let go of a wonderful chance at happiness?
Read the book to find out!

Give this novella a chance, you'll definitely love it!It's a sweet,sensual and believable romance which will make you wish for your own perfect stranger!
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,408 reviews43 followers
February 7, 2017
Title: Beautiful Stranger
Author: Hedonist Six

4 unexpected stars




If there's one thing I try to do every time I pick up a new books, it's to go in expecting everything and nothing, and even more so with an open mind. Here I am, having expected to find a direct link between Beautiful Stranger and One Night Stand that lets me go back and revisit our couple, Lucy and George, from the first instalment, but as I read along, I realized that Beautiful Stranger is an entirely standalone novel that so far has the setting as their only common aspect. Which, I must point out, was not something that turned me off - on the contrary, it had me hooked, I kept wondering how Hedonist Six would make this second instalment as interesting, if not more so, than the first? It didn't take long to find out how. In Beautiful Stranger, we're introduced to 24 year old Claudia and in his 40s Peter, who meet when Claudia's car breaks down on the side of the road.

4 breath taking dreams



Considering that Peter's regular tactics of throwing money at a problem to sold it doesn't work with Claudia when she continues to maintain her independence, I enjoyed watching these two find their balance and the way that they can be together albeit their own trust issues. Hedonist Six has a way of pulling in her readers and keeping them captivated, and Beautiful Strangers is no exception.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books






50 Book Reviews
Professional Reader





Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
February 7, 2017
Beautiful Stranger is about a chance meeting and second chances. "Everything happens for a reason."

Peter is a Banker who thrives in his job but this is about to change when he finds out that his wife is cheating on him.

Claudia works in a call centre and painting is her hobby. She is quite talented but is very cautious about decision making. She lives a humble life and always saves for a rainy day.

It's the Ascot horseracing season where the roads are very busy and being stuck in traffic is quite the norm. Claudia's day hasn't been easy and being caught in a traffic jam in her old "banger" is the last thing she wants. She spots a "posh" car in a lay by and on impulse she pulls in to see if the driver is in need of assistance. Peter is a little worse for wear and is not sure of his destination. He ends up going home with Claudia to make his decision and they end up in a lustful night.

Peter is quite the gentleman and always aims at doing the decent thing whereas Claudia is very stubborn. It could be put down to her age and her principles! When things go south, she refuses to take Peter's advice. Not being interested in financial help is understandable but it doesn't hurt to listen to someone else's advice every now and again. Things have to get worse before they get better!

This is a short read. The story is interesting, the characters are fairly believable and it has a good ending.

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from IndieSage PR. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
November 1, 2016
First let me say that I really don't like the cover! She looks like she's dead and he's checking for her pulse! LOL! Secondly let me say that I really liked the book. Good thing we don't always judge a book by it's cover! The story was very sweet, funny, sexy, emotional and real. Not every girl wants to be taken care of financially even if the guy is really hot! I liked the relationship between Claudia and Peter and Claudia's mum was a riot! Good job!

Profile Image for Angala Fox.
662 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It is an older man, younger woman romance about Peter and Claudia who meet on the side of the road after Peter catches his wife cheating on him. They have a one night stand and he doesn't contact Claudia again until his divorce is final. After many bumps in the road, they prove that there is a connection between them despite their age difference.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Hedonist Six's books.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,935 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2025
Claudia is fiercely independent, a bit prickly and distrustful—traits that made her decision to take a stranger home all the more surprising. Honestly, I’m still not sure if it was the man himself or the temptation to drive his sexy car that sealed the deal for her. Peter, meanwhile, was having one of the worst days of his life when Claudia pulled up in her old beater to check on him. Before you know it, he finds himself sitting in her backyard and opening up to Claudia over a glass or two of wine. Their sizzling attraction ignites into a passionate encounter that surprises them both. However, the morning after isn’t nearly as awkward as Claudia anticipated with an undeniable spark between her and this irresistibly charming man. But just as things heat up, Claudia’s mother arrives unexpectedly, and Peter makes his excuses. I appreciated that Peter waited until he was free to finally reach out to Claudia again, though a text or two in those intervening months wouldn’t have hurt to show he was thinking about her. One thing I didn’t like was the first flash of Peter’s wealth. Arranging a private dress fitting for Claudia at her home felt a bit too much before they’d even been on their first date. And then there was the date itself, where Peter left Claudia to fend for herself among his snobbish colleagues. It was painfully clear he didn’t like them any more than she did, making his behavior feel insensitive and somewhat out of character. It seemed like Peter was trying to fit Claudia into a mold that felt a little condescending. Peter’s tendency to throw money at problems was one of his less appealing traits. The scene where he casually offers to buy Claudia a new car when hers breaks down was more tone-deaf than tender. Her frustration and tears were completely understandable, yet Peter just couldn’t grasp why she didn’t want to accept his offer. Even when he encouraged Claudia to pursue her art instead of settling for another dead-end job, his well-meaning suggestion only ended up pushing her away. Claudia’s insecurities were relatable, but her reaction to Peter’s offers of support felt a bit immature at times. Relationships are about partnership and compromise, something Claudia seemed to overlook in her rush to assert her independence. Thankfully, she eventually comes to her senses, albeit with a little nudge in the right direction. Overall, this story had its highs and lows, but the emotional complexity of Claudia and Peter’s relationship made it a realistic and captivating read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mal.
588 reviews
January 6, 2025
A sensual and realistic novella!
I've liked Hedonist Six's writing style ever since I read her Just Another Day At The Office stories.She writes about realistic characters with problems and flaws.None of them are super hot models or playboy assholes or special snowflakes.Just normal people with everyday problems like the rest of us.

Beautiful Stranger, the second novella in the Chance Encounter series features Claudia and Peter.
Claudia is a twenty four year old young woman who works at a call center.She is stuck in the traffic while going to her home, when she notices a car on the side of the road.She gets out to see if someone might need her help and finds Peter who is quite drunk.She unexpectedly invites him back to her house.

Peter is a forty-something hardworking,effluent banker, who has just found out that his wife has been cheating on him while he has been working his ass off.They have a connection and spend the night together but they don't rush into things.Peter does his best to go through the divorce and other stuff, putting his life back together and maintaining distance from Claudia in the time in order to sort things out.

Though there is a huge age gap between them,their relationship unfolds beautifully and slowly.It doesn't weird at all and its beautiful to read about.
But at the same time Claudia also has to deal with the fact that some people think she might be after his money.She is quite hurt by it and lets it affect their relationship.Will Claudia finally accept the fact that Peter just wants to help her and love her or will she be stubborn and let go of a wonderful chance at happiness?
Read the book to find out!

Give this novella a chance, you'll definitely love it!It's a sweet,sensual and believable romance which will make you wish for your own perfect stranger!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
December 31, 2016
Susan Reviewed on behalf of Mytimeoutbookblog

I give Beautiful Stranger (Book 2 - Chance Encounters) 5 stars for grabbing me quickly and keeping me intrigued throughout. The characters were interesting, their stories entertaining and the lessons learned were great.

Hedonist Six has written a great story about accepting change and learning from life. It dealt with bad things happening in someone's life and overcoming them; a kind of self-discovery.

Peter and Claudia are opposites. It's June, the one week in June that the Royal Ascot races take place. While traveling home in the chaos of traffic this event makes, she discovers an AC Cobra on the side of the road with a man hunched over the steering wheel. She stops, and this is where it begins. Can they overcome their differences?

Claudia de Wit is twenty-four years old, sensible, and works in a boring call centre job.
She has a practical wardrobe; flashy she is not. In her spare time she loves to paint and is actually quite an artist but never wanted to do it for a living because she felt it wasn't a wise career choice. Could she be wrong?

Peter Layton has worked hard to make it in the banking industry to provide for his wife. Her indiscretion with his colleague changes his perception of his life and has him running in the opposite direction. What new ventures await him?

Beautiful Stranger (Book 2 - Chance Encounters) is a romance novel about two totally opposite people meeting under the weirdest circumstances. It's true what they say about opposite attract.

I loved this book, it's characters, and the overall story.
1,345 reviews10 followers
February 16, 2017
The description of this book needs to be written a little
differently. I thought this book was about adultery. On Peter’s
part, as in he was the one cheating on his wife. But the actual
cheater was his wife. The book is well written and such
a good but quick read.

When Claudia finds Peter he’s sitting on the side of the road
in his car. It's because he just found out he's been sleeping
with his friend. Claudia being the sweet person she is taking
home with her comma and takes care of him. The first time
in a long time Peter has someone taking care of him instead
of the other way around. Peter being quite wealthy, trying to
impress her by showing her how much money he has. But
this is the wrong approach and what happened at the party
has her running away. Claudia doesn't want to have to
depend on anyone else. But after telling Peter that maybe
this was his new start with leaving his wife. He feels that he
has to help her but then also just didn't work out his favor
and has her kicking him out. Now we just have to hope she
comes to her senses or he may lose his one true love.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy these books as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,884 reviews65 followers
March 14, 2025
Beautiful Stranger is Book 2 of Chance Encounters. It's a steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, curvy girl gets her millionaire romance. Claudia is a 24 year old sweet and curvy girl. She works in a call center and is an artist. Peter is a hunky, 41 year old investment banker who is wealthy. Claudia stops to see if he needs help when he is pulled over on a busy road. He admits he's been drinking, so she offers to drive him to her place. He is upset after having caught his wife cheating that day. The two have an emotional connection, and things get hot and steamy as they share a passionate, magical night. He leaves but says it's not goodbye. Fast forward 4 months, he is now fully divorced and wants to see Claudia again. Both have been pining for each other. As they reconnect, Claudia has doubts they are too different to make a relationship work. She's struggling financially and doesn't want to be a project. But the connection is still there. I loved these two together. They really saw each other and had insane chemistry. The third act break up killed me, but luckily, we got a great HEA. I'm so glad they were able to work through their struggles and support each other’s dreams. I loved Peter so much. He was such a gentleman and treated her so well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,117 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2015
I was gifted a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing that I noticed when I started reading the book was how true to life and genuine, Hedonist Six writes her characters and her plot.

Claudia De Wit, is your average twenty four year old, plodding along in life. She may not like her job so much, but at least she has one. She is caring and helpful and a bit short tempered. There’s no airs and graces about her, nor is she portrayed as a beautiful skinny girl. Keeping Claudia true to life helped me to create a real image of her in my mind, which in turn helps to keep the story interesting.

It’s whilst Claudia’s returning home from work that we are first introduced to Peter. Peter is a sexy older man, in a flashy car, who looks like he’s lost all hope in the world. Beneath the exterior, he is a loveable guy who feels lost and used. I like Peter’s character a lot. You get the sense that he’s mature and more worldly than Claudia, but although he may have money, he The first thing that I noticed when I started reading the book was how true to life and genuine, Hedonist Six writes her characters and her plot.

Claudia De Wit, is your average twenty four year old, plodding along in life. She may not like her job so much, but at least she has one. She is caring and helpful and a bit short tempered. There’s no airs and graces about her, nor is she portrayed as a beautiful skinny girl. Keeping Claudia true to life helped me to create a real image of her in my mind, which in turn helps to keep the story interesting.

It’s whilst Claudia’s returning home from work that we are first introduced to Peter. Peter is a sexy older man, in a flashy car, who looks like he’s lost all hope in the world. Beneath the exterior, he is a loveable guy who feels lost and used. I like Peter’s character a lot. You get the sense that he’s mature and more worldly than Claudia, but although he may have money, he The first thing that I noticed when I started reading the book was how true to life and genuine, Hedonist Six writes her characters and her plot.

Claudia De Wit, is your average twenty four year old, plodding along in life. She may not like her job so much, but at least she has one. She is caring and helpful and a bit short tempered. There’s no airs and graces about her, nor is she portrayed as a beautiful skinny girl. Keeping Claudia true to life helped me to create a real image of her in my mind, which in turn helps to keep the story interesting.

It’s whilst Claudia’s returning home from work that we are first introduced to Peter. Peter is a sexy older man, in a flashy car, who looks like he’s lost all hope in the world. Beneath the exterior, he is a loveable guy who feels lost and used. I like Peter’s character a lot. You get the sense that he’s mature and more worldly than Claudia, but although he may have money, he doesn't come across as some arrogant, posh person. He is full of warmth and compassion, and is aware of other peoples feelings and needs.

The story is told from Claudia’s point of view and apart from a couple of small sections, the story revolves around just the two characters.

There are a few scenes that get quite racy in parts, but its not all the way through the book and it’s done tastefully, there’s no bondage, weird stuff etc.

I did have a couple of niggles with the story, which had me thinking, ‘well that happened very quickly’, or ‘surely that would be illegal’ (neither to do with the racy parts), but then on reflection, I realised that I’d had those thoughts due to how real the story felt, and I had to remind myself that it is a fictional book, which is a credit to the author.

The plot is beautifully thought out and with it only being a short story, it won’t take you days to find out what happens between Claudia and Peter, and whether two people from different backgrounds can work together.

This was the first book that I had read by Hedonist Six, but I doubt it will be my last. come across as some arrogant, posh person. He is full of warmth and compassion, and is aware of other peoples feelings and needs.

The story is told from Claudia’s point of view and apart from a couple of small sections, the story revolves around just the two characters.

There are a few scenes that get quite racy in parts, but its not all the way through the book and it’s done tastefully, there’s no bondage, weird stuff etc.

I did have a couple of niggles with the story, which had me thinking, ‘well that happened very quickly’, or ‘surely that would be illegal’ (neither to do with the racy parts), but then on reflection, I realised that I’d had those thoughts due to how real the story felt, and I had to remind myself that it is a fictional book, which is a credit to the author.

The plot is beautifully thought out and with it only being a short story, it won’t take you days to find out what happens between Claudia and Peter, and whether two people from different backgrounds can work together.

This was the first book that I had read by Hedonist Six, but I doubt it will be my last. come across as some arrogant, posh person. He is full of warmth and compassion, and is aware of other peoples feelings and needs.

The story is told from Claudia’s point of view and apart from a couple of small sections, the story revolves around just the two characters.

There are a few scenes that get quite racy in parts, but its not all the way through the book and it’s done tastefully, there’s no bondage, weird stuff etc.

I did have a couple of niggles with the story, which had me thinking, ‘well that happened very quickly’, or ‘surely that would be illegal’ (neither to do with the racy parts), but then on reflection, I realised that I’d had those thoughts due to how real the story felt, and I had to remind myself that it is a fictional book, which is a credit to the author.

The plot is beautifully thought out and with it only being a short story, it won’t take you days to find out what happens between Claudia and Peter, and whether two people from different backgrounds can work together.

This was the first book that I had read by Hedonist Six, but I doubt it will be my last.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews186 followers
November 16, 2016
Claudia is a 24 year old that has always been sensible, not really taking chances. And she really has no hidden desire to hang out with the well to do people, until the day she rescues Peter on the side of the road. Peter's wife has just thrown him for a loop, and he realizes that he's spent all of his adult life working his tail off. But a chance meeting on the side of the road, changes both of their lives for the better! Beautiful Stranger was a quick, and super sexy story, that threatened to melt my kindle. I really enjoyed the plot, and the character development was good. I just wish that it had been longer, because I would have loved to keep reading about this couple, plus it made the ending a bit rushed. Hedonist Six's easy writing style had me devouring the story fast, and a few twists kept me on my toes. This was the first book that I've read by her, and it won't be my last!
75 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2016
Well written, sweet romance about two people from different social spheres who connect by chance through an act of kindness, embarking on a journey of love and self-discovery. Claudia is a young, working class woman who meets Peter while he is suffering from marital crisis and betrayal. Their different social stations provide plenty of material for some humorous moments, as well as conflicts. Claudia’s well-intentioned mother made me cringe and laugh at the same time. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,936 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2025
This is such a fantastic book! Claudia, on a whim, helps a man parked by the roadside. His name is Peter, and he just caught his wife cheating on him. Yes, this story begins with an explosion of spice, leading to an excellent relationship between Peter and Claudia. Claudia is quite impulsive and jumps to incorrect conclusions, but she also makes things right. Peter is a great guy who balances Claudia in many ways. I love books by this author, and I can't wait for the next one to come out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,918 reviews
March 4, 2025
This is the first book I have read from this series, I liked getting to know Claudia and Peter, to see how they handled things and navigated the ups and downs of life. I believed in their connection and chemistry and enjoyed seeing them together. I would have liked to have seen some more from Peter's side personally, and I would have liked to have seen some more of them a little later on, to see how their relationship and their personal lives were going.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina.
870 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2016
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sweet romance about a young woman, Claudia who meets an older man Peter, right as he is going through some rough life changes. What starts out as fluke turns out to be the perfect love match. Loved it!, even though Claudia got on my nerves with some of her stubbornness and stupidity at times. Glad to see they patched things up in the end.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,323 reviews48 followers
December 29, 2016
I enjoyed the story about Claudia and Peter. Their meeting was a bit shaky, he had just found out his wife had cheated and was just lost. This is not an insta love but there is a connection. They have a lot of growing and finding of their own wants and desires. I liked the pace, the issues that came up and how they were handled.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
2,011 reviews30 followers
February 9, 2024
Bought this when I realized it was part of a series I was reading.
Started with a fun encounter between two strangers, one in need of help. Then they step into a relationship and she's too immature and he's only wanting to help since he's older and wants to save her the trouble without be condescending but, since she's immature, she takes everything the wrong way, and presumes a lot about his financial situation. Too many make-up sex and that was getting on my nerves.
80 reviews
March 1, 2025
Another steamy one for the books. What starts as a one night stand becomes forever. I like the way she writes I gave this 3 because I didn’t love it, just simply liked it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Holly.
2,963 reviews
March 25, 2025
The story was enjoyable and interesting.
One night stand and love from first sight.
He falls for her but first his life must be sorted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lucia.
591 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2016
Short but full length British small village/town romance between a younger woman and an older man

Beautiful Stranger is a short but full length British small village/town romance between a younger woman (twenty-four) and an older man (forties). One thing I will say is you do have to be open minded to instant attraction and hookups to truly enjoy this book.

The two characters, Peter and Claudia, have a sizzling chemistry, hooking up as strangers for an unexpected one night stand. However, that initial attraction continues to build for both characters, despite going separate ways and time passing that slows the initial fast pace of their relationship down (and deals with circumstances in their lives). Both characters complement each other nicely, despite being in complete opposite points in their lives, their flaws and difficulties adding a realistic connection between the characters and readers. Both characters are likeable and will draw you in to their story.

Beautiful Stranger is a short but full length, well written book with a decent plot, romance, steamy scenes and drama to keep things interesting from start to finish. Also, while this is the second book in a series, be assured you can read it as a standalone read. I really liked how very realistic the settings and mannerisms of the characters were for a British romance rather than how ‘British’ can be perceived. There were some twists making it not fully predictable. The book, in terms of being erotic, is not really anymore hardcore than you find in a lot of contemporary romances. Beautiful Stranger does have a HEA ending making this a standalone read.

Overall, I enjoyed this short but full length romance and would recommend this book.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews34 followers
November 7, 2016
Beautiful Stranger is yet another great, quick ready by Hedonist Six. I enjoy these reads by Hedonist Six so much! Great characters and great story line that flows easily!

Peter is a banker that is devoted to his job and has just found out that his wife has cheated on him with a co-worker of his. Peter is distraught and beside himself when he pulls over on the side of the road one day. That is when he meets Claudia, a total stranger that offers to help him.

Claudia is a young lady that is content with her job in a call center and has a passion for painting. Claudia has had a rough day and is ready to just get home when she gets stuck in traffic. Claudia soon notices a nice car that is pulled over to the side of the road and decides that she will stop to offer the driver help if they need it. What she doesn't expect to find is Peter all distraught and upset. When Claudia offers him a ride home, they end up going home together and the rest is history. Some very passionate times with these two.

After a couple of nights with Claudia, Peter knows that he has to get his head together and go forward with the divorce and get all of that finalized. He does this and stays away from Claudia while he is in the middle of this mess so that he can get things done. When Peter does go back to her, they have a some difference and Claudia is not willing to listen to anything that Peter has to tell her so this causes problems. Will these two get past these problems and be able to move on with their lives together? You have to read this one to find out! Such a good read that you will be glad you picked up! I can't wait for more of the Chance Encounters from Hedonist Six!
Profile Image for Scarlett Ian.
342 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2016
This was my first book by Hedonist Six and I must say I am very impressed. She didn't write your typical love story. I like that Peter is older than Claudia – their age gap is significant enough to almost be too old (one of her friends jokingly calls him her sugar daddy); he is 41 and she is 24. Throughout the book it seems like they are closer in age thought; there are times when he comes across as younger than his age & she appears older than her age, at least maturity & responsibility wise. This does not appear to be a typical insta-love story. Yes there is undeniably an instant connection between the two, but as the story progresses we begin to think that it might just be lust, and not love. I like that the author kept me guessing as to what the outcome would be.
I love that this story takes place in England – it's on my list of places I want to visit eventually so I love reading about it. The lingo, the culture, everything about England seems fun to me. I must say, when she decided to take Peter home while he sobered up I got so frustrated; is that ok in England or did her parents just NOT tell her not to bring strangers home?! Things didn't turn out nearly as I thought they would at first (with her bringing home a stranger but also with their relationship in general) and I was pleasantly surprised. These two characters are from such different walks of life; there were moments where I got a serious 'Pretty Woman' vibe from their encounter. I do like that no matter how many times she doubts him or their relationship, Peter seems determined to prove to Claudia how much she means to him.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
January 10, 2017
4 star review
Read and reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
Beautiful Stranger is the second book in the Chance Encounters series by Hedonist Six, although part of a series these stories can be read as standalones. I am really enjoying this series so far; the books all have their own unique storyline and underlying moral to them but also involve the loveliest and most realistic characters I have read about. I think the definite underlying feel for this story is about second chances in varying walks of life from relationships, careers to just starting fresh all over again. As with the other books in the series (I read them out of order!) the characters encounter real life, day to day problems and I really enjoyed reading this book which is Claudia and Peter’s story.
I really liked Claudia, she might have been young but she knew what she wanted out of life and I thought she seemed quite mature for her age. Peter was a great character, clearly suffering from the situation he found himself but such a gentleman! The connection and chemistry between these two was great!
I think I will definitely be reading more of Hedonist Six’s work as I find their writing style really easy to read and the stories just flow beautifully. I definitely recommend this book and indeed this series if you are looking for nice, short reads that aren’t rushed and with great relatable and likeable characters.
Profile Image for Judy Miracle.
1,198 reviews12 followers
January 11, 2017
After reading One Night Stand I had to jump into Beautiful Stranger and read more in Hedonist's Chance Encounters series. Let me tell you Hedonist knows how to write a story with characters that are realistic with everyday problems and flaws. Its not cut and dry everything perfect.

In Beautiful Stranger we get Claudia and Peter. Claudia works in a call center and while stuck in traffic sees a car along the side of the road and being the person she is, she pulls over to see if the person is in need of some help. There she meets Peter whom is quite drunk and without hesitation invites him home....

Peter is a hardworking banker who just found out some damning information about his wife. A wife he gave his all to just to have it thrown in his face (I'm not telling you what he found out I don't like spoilers read the book for yourself!! HAHA) When he meets Claudia there is this instant connection between the two of them they cant explain.

There is an age difference between them with Peter being in his 40's and Claudia only 24 but the relationship that they build and you see unfold before your reading eyes is one that you don't even take consideration into what their ages are. And trust me I'm one who is always skeptical about reading and older man younger woman story. But this one in true Hedonist fashion is one of taste and just an overall sweet and believable read that it works.
Profile Image for Barrie Mac.
1,735 reviews170 followers
November 14, 2016
being penned an older man/younger woman book, it really isn't mentioned except briefly in an argument. The reader knows the age difference is there but it's not an issue. This story is set in England. Peter is 41 and has just found out his wife is having an affair. Twenty four year old Claudia is driving home from work and sees a beautiful Ascot pulled over on the side of the road. She gets out to ask the man if he needs help. She finds Peter drunk and not wanting to drive. Without thinking about it, she invites him back to her place to recover. He ends up staying longer till he can find a place of his own. Being older, he seems to know what she needs and tries to force her hand at living her life the way she wants instead of the way it is now. Naturally this leads to arguments. In order for this to work, Peter needs to let her do what she wants to do at her pace and Claudia needs to learn how to do it. Interesting read.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
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