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Creeping Beautiful #3
Gorgeous Misery
Wendy Gale isn’t the kind of girl you marry. She’s not even the kind of girl you date. She’s not a friend with benefits, she’s not one-night-stand, and regardless of what she thinks, she has never been a rebound.
Wendy Gale is kind of girl you kidnap and lock in your basement so she can’t ever escape. She’s the kind of girl you tie up. You put a collar on her. A leash. Handcuffs. You chain her to things and gag her mouth. A blindfold isn’t a bad idea, either.
Because Wendy Gale is the kind of girl you grab on to—any way you can—and you never let go.
Wendy. Babe. You only need to know one thing about me, OK?
I will never let go.
Wendy Gale is kind of girl you kidnap and lock in your basement so she can’t ever escape. She’s the kind of girl you tie up. You put a collar on her. A leash. Handcuffs. You chain her to things and gag her mouth. A blindfold isn’t a bad idea, either.
Because Wendy Gale is the kind of girl you grab on to—any way you can—and you never let go.
Wendy. Babe. You only need to know one thing about me, OK?
I will never let go.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
149 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Huss
116 books9,016 followersJ.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 15, 2022
(3.9 Stars)
Wendy, Wendy, Wendy…Get Ready For Chaos! Nick, Merc and Wendy take center stage in book three of the creeping beautiful series. Dive back into the Company and all its dark twists! This interweaves all the company characters and stories so it helps if you have read the other books. I can’t say much as I don’t want to give anything away but be prepared for spies, secrets and international assassins in this dark thriller that gives you a glimpse behind the curtain. I did feel I needed a cheat sheet as there are so many prior characters that intertwine so it can get a little confusing, at least for me it did. Brace yourself too as we get a whopper of cliffhanger in preparation for the final book which brings us back to Indie, McKay & Adam. Told in multiple POVs.
Wendy, Wendy, Wendy…Get Ready For Chaos! Nick, Merc and Wendy take center stage in book three of the creeping beautiful series. Dive back into the Company and all its dark twists! This interweaves all the company characters and stories so it helps if you have read the other books. I can’t say much as I don’t want to give anything away but be prepared for spies, secrets and international assassins in this dark thriller that gives you a glimpse behind the curtain. I did feel I needed a cheat sheet as there are so many prior characters that intertwine so it can get a little confusing, at least for me it did. Brace yourself too as we get a whopper of cliffhanger in preparation for the final book which brings us back to Indie, McKay & Adam. Told in multiple POVs.
October 27, 2022
Third installment in the Creeping Beautiful series, Gorgeous mystery surprised me, in a good and not so good way.
In this opus, the story shift and we follow Nick and Wendy's story. Or should I say, stories. Since The Company series, Nick has always intrigued me, and having his point of view and a book focused on him just elated me. But, unfortunately, all that anticipation fell flat with a Nick who wasn't exactly how I have been picturing him all along. He is a assassin but when it comes to Wendy, it feels like he walks on eggshells. With reason, of course. Wendy an assassin herself, appeared to be almost weak, at least way too vulnerable, again with reason. But OMG, compared to Indie, Sasha or Sydney's Wendy's vulnerability becomes boring.
I loved the back and worth between present, past, far past, but in the end, I often came back yo Wendy's insecurity and missed moments with Nick.
When Merc and Sasha come playing, though, the plot evolved and unfurled brilliantly, without the never-ending repetitions that drive me crazy. I am now diving into the fourth and last opus, with the certainty that the author's genius will have my heart beating erratically and blow my mind like she usually does.
In this opus, the story shift and we follow Nick and Wendy's story. Or should I say, stories. Since The Company series, Nick has always intrigued me, and having his point of view and a book focused on him just elated me. But, unfortunately, all that anticipation fell flat with a Nick who wasn't exactly how I have been picturing him all along. He is a assassin but when it comes to Wendy, it feels like he walks on eggshells. With reason, of course. Wendy an assassin herself, appeared to be almost weak, at least way too vulnerable, again with reason. But OMG, compared to Indie, Sasha or Sydney's Wendy's vulnerability becomes boring.
I loved the back and worth between present, past, far past, but in the end, I often came back yo Wendy's insecurity and missed moments with Nick.
When Merc and Sasha come playing, though, the plot evolved and unfurled brilliantly, without the never-ending repetitions that drive me crazy. I am now diving into the fourth and last opus, with the certainty that the author's genius will have my heart beating erratically and blow my mind like she usually does.
January 24, 2022
Just when I think J.A. Huss can't get any better, she writes Gorgeous Misery. The way this author's mind works is beyond incredible. Truly. I'm sure I've said it before, but I'd love to be able to peek inside her mind for just a few minutes to see just how it all works. I picture numerous tabs open much like on a computer, as she puts together a story. And with this book, the crazy amount of info that my feeble brain had to absorb, just put me in awe once more at just how intricate a tale this is. How this entire expanded universe that started way back when with Huss's early work has continued to grow and simply put, blows me away each and every time.
Where do I even start??? This time around we get the heart of Wendy Gale's story. Another Zero girl, groomed to take care of business as only she can. We get the current day, interspersed with chapters from the past, as Nick Tate shares how he and his Wen not only found each other but have been each other's 'cure' with each passing year. How they live their nomadic lives yet have real homes that are theirs and theirs alone.
But any Company business thought in the past is never quite far away from either of them as they are at times some of the more jagged pieces to this magnificent puzzle Huss continues to create. I'm always at a loss to try and figure out just what is happening as I take my time with each sentence, never wanting to miss a thing for fear of being even more confused than I already am.
There are many familiar names we get to 'meet' again, as Nick tries his hardest to take care of particular issues while always wanting to move heaven and earth in order to protect his Wendy. A certain charm stood out with his book, even more so than even prior ones in this series, as the love shared between Nick and Wendy, even in times of turmoil and confusion felt as solid as is possible when it comes to this vast array of characters. You really want them to make it. To be able to figure out a life that isn't always dangerous or secretive. I just like them both and want them to succeed in whatever form that may be.
Then the last 25 percent or so comes into view and all the scattered puzzle pieces start to fit. And as usual, I'm left with my mouth hanging open, saying: "OMG. OMG" several times as I close my e-reader. What is brought to light and revealed as I crossed the finish line is a cliffhanger that rattled me bigtime. Not in a bad way per se, but shook that afore-mentioned feeble brain like I couldn't believe. Which is not entirely true because I need to remind myself that this is J.A. Huss book so why am I so surprised?!
Gorgeous Misery, from its gorgeous cover to the superb words inside that includes the jaw-dropping ending, is clearly one of Huss's best to date for me, no doubt about it. I'm sure, however, that I say that with each new book from her but there is something special about this one and I can't wait to see what happens next because folks, my mind is blown with revelations and secrets uncovered that need to be explained pronto.
This is one helluva story and I happily give this glorious mind*&k, and I say that with much love and respect, a huge 5+ stars!
Where do I even start??? This time around we get the heart of Wendy Gale's story. Another Zero girl, groomed to take care of business as only she can. We get the current day, interspersed with chapters from the past, as Nick Tate shares how he and his Wen not only found each other but have been each other's 'cure' with each passing year. How they live their nomadic lives yet have real homes that are theirs and theirs alone.
But any Company business thought in the past is never quite far away from either of them as they are at times some of the more jagged pieces to this magnificent puzzle Huss continues to create. I'm always at a loss to try and figure out just what is happening as I take my time with each sentence, never wanting to miss a thing for fear of being even more confused than I already am.
There are many familiar names we get to 'meet' again, as Nick tries his hardest to take care of particular issues while always wanting to move heaven and earth in order to protect his Wendy. A certain charm stood out with his book, even more so than even prior ones in this series, as the love shared between Nick and Wendy, even in times of turmoil and confusion felt as solid as is possible when it comes to this vast array of characters. You really want them to make it. To be able to figure out a life that isn't always dangerous or secretive. I just like them both and want them to succeed in whatever form that may be.
Then the last 25 percent or so comes into view and all the scattered puzzle pieces start to fit. And as usual, I'm left with my mouth hanging open, saying: "OMG. OMG" several times as I close my e-reader. What is brought to light and revealed as I crossed the finish line is a cliffhanger that rattled me bigtime. Not in a bad way per se, but shook that afore-mentioned feeble brain like I couldn't believe. Which is not entirely true because I need to remind myself that this is J.A. Huss book so why am I so surprised?!
Gorgeous Misery, from its gorgeous cover to the superb words inside that includes the jaw-dropping ending, is clearly one of Huss's best to date for me, no doubt about it. I'm sure, however, that I say that with each new book from her but there is something special about this one and I can't wait to see what happens next because folks, my mind is blown with revelations and secrets uncovered that need to be explained pronto.
This is one helluva story and I happily give this glorious mind*&k, and I say that with much love and respect, a huge 5+ stars!
January 24, 2022
It feels like I have been holding my breath for SO long, but we are back in the world of The Company! J.A. Huss is converging her two worlds of "Old Company" and "New Company" in this third installment in the Creeping Beautiful series!
I still remember first reading about the "Company" in the story, Come. I instantly fell in love with James Fenici, Harper Tate, Sasha Cherlin and Nick Tate. Even though the characters told us how far and wide the Company reached, it still felt like something small and intimate. It wasn't until I started reading about other shadow organizations in Julie's series - "The Silver Society" in The Misters, "The Way" in the Bossy Brothers series, that I started actually feeling that this organization, no matter what name it is being called, is bigger and badder than anything I could ever imagine. And no matter how many attempts our beloved characters make to eradicate this organization, it just won't die. It keeps resurfacing, with new people in charge. When we started the Creeping Beautiful series, we learned that Adam Boucher is the leader of the new "Company 2.o" and through this series, as well as the Bossy Brothers series, we've been getting to know who the new generation of Zero girl assassins are. And they are formidable!
Here in Gorgeous Misery, we finally get the whole story of exactly who "Creepy Wendy" really is. She popped up all over the Bossy Brothers series, and yeah, she really did come off as creepy. She's a little blonde Zero, a ninja assassin and no one, I mean, no one, wants to fuck with her. Except for Nick Tate. He's been in and out of Wendy's life since she was five years old, and they've gotten to a point where he would move heaven and earth to make sure she will ALWAYS be with him.
Julie weaves the most intensely complex, multi-layered stories that my mind truly can't wrap around in just one sitting. I read what's happening, but then have to read it again because it's almost too much. It's hard to figure out who are the masterminds, who are the crazy ones, and if they are crazy AND a mastermind at the same time. And I'm not just talking about Donovan Couture when I say this!
It was so awesome to see the old Company players back on the scene in this book. Sasha, Merc and his trusted pilot friend Harrison, are along for the ride this time around, and I devoured this story, SO excited to see the two worlds of old and new Company coming together. So many interwoven storylines. So many revelations. I've been dying to know what these people have been doing for the past ten years between when their story ended and we started the new Company with Adam and Indie, McKay and Donovan. And when we get to that convergence, Julie hits us with the mother of all cliffhangers! I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
Hang on tight for a wild and crazy ride! If you've been on this journey from the very beginning, you are going to eat this story up and feel every emotion catching up with these characters. Even if you just started with Creeping Beautiful, trust me, you are going to lose your shit by the time you get to the end of this book!
I still remember first reading about the "Company" in the story, Come. I instantly fell in love with James Fenici, Harper Tate, Sasha Cherlin and Nick Tate. Even though the characters told us how far and wide the Company reached, it still felt like something small and intimate. It wasn't until I started reading about other shadow organizations in Julie's series - "The Silver Society" in The Misters, "The Way" in the Bossy Brothers series, that I started actually feeling that this organization, no matter what name it is being called, is bigger and badder than anything I could ever imagine. And no matter how many attempts our beloved characters make to eradicate this organization, it just won't die. It keeps resurfacing, with new people in charge. When we started the Creeping Beautiful series, we learned that Adam Boucher is the leader of the new "Company 2.o" and through this series, as well as the Bossy Brothers series, we've been getting to know who the new generation of Zero girl assassins are. And they are formidable!
Here in Gorgeous Misery, we finally get the whole story of exactly who "Creepy Wendy" really is. She popped up all over the Bossy Brothers series, and yeah, she really did come off as creepy. She's a little blonde Zero, a ninja assassin and no one, I mean, no one, wants to fuck with her. Except for Nick Tate. He's been in and out of Wendy's life since she was five years old, and they've gotten to a point where he would move heaven and earth to make sure she will ALWAYS be with him.
Julie weaves the most intensely complex, multi-layered stories that my mind truly can't wrap around in just one sitting. I read what's happening, but then have to read it again because it's almost too much. It's hard to figure out who are the masterminds, who are the crazy ones, and if they are crazy AND a mastermind at the same time. And I'm not just talking about Donovan Couture when I say this!
It was so awesome to see the old Company players back on the scene in this book. Sasha, Merc and his trusted pilot friend Harrison, are along for the ride this time around, and I devoured this story, SO excited to see the two worlds of old and new Company coming together. So many interwoven storylines. So many revelations. I've been dying to know what these people have been doing for the past ten years between when their story ended and we started the new Company with Adam and Indie, McKay and Donovan. And when we get to that convergence, Julie hits us with the mother of all cliffhangers! I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!
Hang on tight for a wild and crazy ride! If you've been on this journey from the very beginning, you are going to eat this story up and feel every emotion catching up with these characters. Even if you just started with Creeping Beautiful, trust me, you are going to lose your shit by the time you get to the end of this book!
January 30, 2022
There are a few authors who, to me, are “read the moment the book is released” authors - and J.A. Huss is at the top of this list. I was cleaning up my GR lists and I have read every single book she’s written and loved them all.
As with her previous releases, I downloaded and read the book in one session with a night’s sleep in between.
What is fascinating to me is how all of the worlds have spun into a spiderweb of awesomeness. You can really start anywhere in any of the series and get hooked.
Specifically, “creepy” Wendy is a character who appears here and there and I was very intrigued to find out more about her. Loved this “episode” in the saga, and cannot wait for more!
As with her previous releases, I downloaded and read the book in one session with a night’s sleep in between.
What is fascinating to me is how all of the worlds have spun into a spiderweb of awesomeness. You can really start anywhere in any of the series and get hooked.
Specifically, “creepy” Wendy is a character who appears here and there and I was very intrigued to find out more about her. Loved this “episode” in the saga, and cannot wait for more!
January 25, 2022
I started reading Gorgeous Misery and in the blink of an eye I was done and wanting more!
I was sure I knew who the bad guy was and the next thing you know, I was sure it was someone else. And then I was worried it was someone else again. And finding out Creepy Wendy isn't so creepy was a nice bonus! As usual, Julie just blew away every thing I thought I knew.
I loved this book and highly recommend!
I was sure I knew who the bad guy was and the next thing you know, I was sure it was someone else. And then I was worried it was someone else again. And finding out Creepy Wendy isn't so creepy was a nice bonus! As usual, Julie just blew away every thing I thought I knew.
I loved this book and highly recommend!
January 27, 2022
You never really know what you are getting into with a book by JA Huss except that you will be in for an unexpected ride with so many twists and turns. I am always excited when I start a new book of hers and that was the case when I started the third book in the Creeping Beautiful series, Gorgeous Misery. We not only get Nick and Wendy, but so many favorites as well and I just devoured this book. Could not stop reading.
Nick is not a good man, but there is so much more to him than we ever knew. He will do whatever it takes for Wendy and I loved that about him. He has reasons behind everything he does, even when we do not agree. With Wendy, we learn so much about her, her past and who she is. As always, The Company is heavily involved in unexpected ways. As she does repeatedly, we get nuggets of what is happening from this author, even as we have more questions. As I continued to read, I was captivated and left with my mind blown yet again. I cannot wait for the next book!
Happy reading!
Nick is not a good man, but there is so much more to him than we ever knew. He will do whatever it takes for Wendy and I loved that about him. He has reasons behind everything he does, even when we do not agree. With Wendy, we learn so much about her, her past and who she is. As always, The Company is heavily involved in unexpected ways. As she does repeatedly, we get nuggets of what is happening from this author, even as we have more questions. As I continued to read, I was captivated and left with my mind blown yet again. I cannot wait for the next book!
Happy reading!
February 8, 2022
UPDATE: I just purchased and listened to the audio book. In addition to being a great writer, Julie also picks the best narrators for her books. Hathaway Lee, Joe Arden, and Troy Duran do an exceptional job bringing this book to life. I loved it.
Gorgeous Misery is the third book in the Creeping Beautiful series by ja Huss. I don’t know what to say except that I love this story as well as everything I’ve read by this author, and I’ve read and listened to every one of her books. This series is special because it takes me back for visit in an early world she created. Come, the first book I read by ja Huss was my introduction to the Company, and this secret society. I have fond memories of the stories and the characters.
If you have read any of the books in the Company, you know what a Zero girl is. Wendy Gale is a Zero girl: a trained assassin. This is the job she born to do, and she is good at it. Nick Tate is a Zero too. He has known Wendy since she was a child. He loves her, but she doesn’t believe it. She thinks she is his second choice. Nick needs to show her the truth. He also needs her help for a project.
I love this story told in two timelines that bring the past and the present together. Many characters that I love, like Merc and Sydney and the main characters from this series are together again in a suspenseful, tense, and completely unexpected chain of events.
JA Huss is the queen of the unexpected. I am hooked on her books which never disappoint. Her characters are intriguing, complicated, and multilayered. Gorgeous Misery is a tight, dark, fast paced drama that captured me from the start. All the plot twists kept me guessing about everything from who to trust to what is going to happen next. There is no doubt that this author knows how to tell a story. She puts me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and flipping my stomach every time.
The ending is a big cliffhanger, but thank God Julie writes fast. The final chapter, Lovely Darkness releases in March. I suggest starting this series as soon as possible. You won’t be disappointed.
Review posted on Badass Bloggettes
Gorgeous Misery is the third book in the Creeping Beautiful series by ja Huss. I don’t know what to say except that I love this story as well as everything I’ve read by this author, and I’ve read and listened to every one of her books. This series is special because it takes me back for visit in an early world she created. Come, the first book I read by ja Huss was my introduction to the Company, and this secret society. I have fond memories of the stories and the characters.
If you have read any of the books in the Company, you know what a Zero girl is. Wendy Gale is a Zero girl: a trained assassin. This is the job she born to do, and she is good at it. Nick Tate is a Zero too. He has known Wendy since she was a child. He loves her, but she doesn’t believe it. She thinks she is his second choice. Nick needs to show her the truth. He also needs her help for a project.
I love this story told in two timelines that bring the past and the present together. Many characters that I love, like Merc and Sydney and the main characters from this series are together again in a suspenseful, tense, and completely unexpected chain of events.
JA Huss is the queen of the unexpected. I am hooked on her books which never disappoint. Her characters are intriguing, complicated, and multilayered. Gorgeous Misery is a tight, dark, fast paced drama that captured me from the start. All the plot twists kept me guessing about everything from who to trust to what is going to happen next. There is no doubt that this author knows how to tell a story. She puts me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and flipping my stomach every time.
The ending is a big cliffhanger, but thank God Julie writes fast. The final chapter, Lovely Darkness releases in March. I suggest starting this series as soon as possible. You won’t be disappointed.
Review posted on Badass Bloggettes
February 2, 2022
I’m always excited to start a new JA Huss book and when the third instalment of the Creeping Beautiful landed on my kindle I jumped right in. At the start I had trouble concentrating on the story but as I continued to read I realised just how much it was needed to build the story of Nick and Wendy.
I never knew I liked Nick so much until I saw him with Wendy. He really is a nice guy to the ones he cares about the most.
I was floored, yes jaw dropping floored with the revelation at the end. Bring on book 4. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
I never knew I liked Nick so much until I saw him with Wendy. He really is a nice guy to the ones he cares about the most.
I was floored, yes jaw dropping floored with the revelation at the end. Bring on book 4. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
June 4, 2022
Nick Tate!!!
This book is redemption! I was so stinkin miffed with the way Sasha and Nick ended in Wasted Lust. This book brings everything back and makes all right with the world. Well, as right as can be when filled with corruption, conspiracies, crazy assassins and PSYOPS. Jump the train to crazy town and hold on for the most intense srory I've ever read. Throw in Merc for bonus points because I missed him too.
This book is redemption! I was so stinkin miffed with the way Sasha and Nick ended in Wasted Lust. This book brings everything back and makes all right with the world. Well, as right as can be when filled with corruption, conspiracies, crazy assassins and PSYOPS. Jump the train to crazy town and hold on for the most intense srory I've ever read. Throw in Merc for bonus points because I missed him too.
January 25, 2022
Nick Tate. Wendy Gale.
Gah. I have been in love with Nick Tate for a very long time. He always has the best dark intentions and when we meet up with him and Wendy it still holds true. I mean after all, he could have just left her to fend for herself but....
I loved every single word and every single minute of this book. It was a little romance wrapped up in a deep secret that I have learned to enjoy and savor like a really good bite of pizza. You don't want it to end, but you know sooner or later you have to walk away.
I have enjoyed this characters for so long that it is nice to see them get the proper send off they deserve.
Gah. I have been in love with Nick Tate for a very long time. He always has the best dark intentions and when we meet up with him and Wendy it still holds true. I mean after all, he could have just left her to fend for herself but....
I loved every single word and every single minute of this book. It was a little romance wrapped up in a deep secret that I have learned to enjoy and savor like a really good bite of pizza. You don't want it to end, but you know sooner or later you have to walk away.
I have enjoyed this characters for so long that it is nice to see them get the proper send off they deserve.
September 13, 2024
BROTHERS!?!?!?!?!
January 23, 2022
This author never disappoints with her stories and I love being sucked into her world. I loved the twist and turns and seeing previous characters from The Company books and if you haven’t read those they are a must! I really enjoyed Nick and Wendy and can’t wait for the last book in this series.
January 28, 2022
Wow! Where to start? J.A. Huss’ latest installment in her Creeping Beautiful series, Gorgeous Misery, everything that the early reviewers say it is. It is a wild ride. It is full of twists and turns. Best of all, Ms. Huss masterfully weaves together several of her series and shows just how interconnected they are.
Beyond the crazy good story weaving, Grogeous Misery gives long time fans like myself, another perfect look at some loved, hated and misunderstood characters. Creepy Wendy…she is not so creepy. Adam Boucher and Nick Tate? They are every bit as questionable and untrustworthy as ever. Merc and Sasha? As much as I love these two, they are mere catalysts to the real action going on.
I was hooked from the start, and couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot going on and the storytelling drew me in deep. There were so many times that I questioned what was real and what was an illusion. The ending is a huge cliffhanger, that left my jaw hanging wide open! Thankfully, readers have just a few weeks to wait for what is sure to be an incredible end to the Creeping Beautiful series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Beyond the crazy good story weaving, Grogeous Misery gives long time fans like myself, another perfect look at some loved, hated and misunderstood characters. Creepy Wendy…she is not so creepy. Adam Boucher and Nick Tate? They are every bit as questionable and untrustworthy as ever. Merc and Sasha? As much as I love these two, they are mere catalysts to the real action going on.
I was hooked from the start, and couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot going on and the storytelling drew me in deep. There were so many times that I questioned what was real and what was an illusion. The ending is a huge cliffhanger, that left my jaw hanging wide open! Thankfully, readers have just a few weeks to wait for what is sure to be an incredible end to the Creeping Beautiful series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
January 31, 2022
Creepy Wendy is not so creepy after all...
I have know of Wendy for so long that it feels so good to know her story. And I love everythimg about it, the good and the bad parts. This little girl deserves her HEA.
Nick.... Nick Tate is just full of surprises. And I love the way he is with Wendy, so patient and loving.
And I won't spoil the fun but "seeing" these old company characters again was sure a good blast from the past
Getting some answers was great but my gosh I have now like a hundred more LOL, that I hopefully expect get answered in the next book.
I have know of Wendy for so long that it feels so good to know her story. And I love everythimg about it, the good and the bad parts. This little girl deserves her HEA.
Nick.... Nick Tate is just full of surprises. And I love the way he is with Wendy, so patient and loving.
And I won't spoil the fun but "seeing" these old company characters again was sure a good blast from the past
Getting some answers was great but my gosh I have now like a hundred more LOL, that I hopefully expect get answered in the next book.
June 13, 2025
Wow, I just didn’t see that coming! There is so much information in this book. Ms. Huss has done it again. I’ve waited years for Nick’s story and she did not disappoint! Although it’s a cliffhanger, it didn’t leave me feeling devastated because I have to wait 2 months for the next book. I’m just absorbing all of it. Awesome writing and the narrators did a phenomenal job with the audiobook. Can’t wait to see how it all works out in the end!
August 3, 2025
A must read!
This book has all the things we love about JA Huss books, the twists and the lies and the details that tie so many things together. Nobody can set up a story like this author and this book does not disappoint.
This book has all the things we love about JA Huss books, the twists and the lies and the details that tie so many things together. Nobody can set up a story like this author and this book does not disappoint.
January 28, 2022
*** Gorgeous Misery is book three in the Creeping Beautiful series and should be read after book one and two. This review may contain spoilers if you are not yet caught up in the series. ***
Wendy Gale is a well-known company assassin, a Zero girl, and someone that you DO NOT want to mess with. And although we have witnessed many Wendy encounters... she has remained shrouded in mystery...
Nick Tate is a ghost who has been dead for years. But this ghost has spent his years hunting Zero girls... but not Wendy... Wendy is special...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gorgeous Misery is the latest mind-bending story in the mesmerizing Creeping Beautiful saga. From anyone on the outside, Nick and Wendy may seem like an assassin odd couple. But when you grow up under the rule of the company... you have to make your own rules once in awhile...
Just when you thought the company had spilled all of its secrets… holy smokes, here comes the woman I never thought we would get to know... aka Creepy Wendy. She and Nick have lived their lives in the darkest of shadows with very few people at their side... and nowadays they can only rely on each other... or can they...
This is the Company story I didn't know I was waiting for! Not only are Wendy and Nick getting a storyline of their own, but there is some stuuuffffff going down in the ranks that reintroduces not only the characters from the beginning of the Creeping Beautiful series, but some company old-timers like Merc and Sasha as well!
This book had a relatively quiet beginning, with the introduction of Wendy and Nick's sweet, yet hard to define, relationship. After starting with their uniquely complicated love story, the plot is then seamlessly woven into what I have come to expect from this series.... an absolutely riveting tale... with a killer cliffhanger...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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Wendy Gale is a well-known company assassin, a Zero girl, and someone that you DO NOT want to mess with. And although we have witnessed many Wendy encounters... she has remained shrouded in mystery...
Nick Tate is a ghost who has been dead for years. But this ghost has spent his years hunting Zero girls... but not Wendy... Wendy is special...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gorgeous Misery is the latest mind-bending story in the mesmerizing Creeping Beautiful saga. From anyone on the outside, Nick and Wendy may seem like an assassin odd couple. But when you grow up under the rule of the company... you have to make your own rules once in awhile...
Just when you thought the company had spilled all of its secrets… holy smokes, here comes the woman I never thought we would get to know... aka Creepy Wendy. She and Nick have lived their lives in the darkest of shadows with very few people at their side... and nowadays they can only rely on each other... or can they...
This is the Company story I didn't know I was waiting for! Not only are Wendy and Nick getting a storyline of their own, but there is some stuuuffffff going down in the ranks that reintroduces not only the characters from the beginning of the Creeping Beautiful series, but some company old-timers like Merc and Sasha as well!
This book had a relatively quiet beginning, with the introduction of Wendy and Nick's sweet, yet hard to define, relationship. After starting with their uniquely complicated love story, the plot is then seamlessly woven into what I have come to expect from this series.... an absolutely riveting tale... with a killer cliffhanger...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
http://nightbirdnovels.com/2022/01/28...
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
January 26, 2022
I am so completely in love with this series! Few series have grabbed my attention and kept it like this one has. The writing is deliciously provocative, and the story is dark and intense and utterly enthralling. I swear, this expanded Company story—that dates all the way back to the Rook & Ronin books—seriously never fails to amaze me with just the sheer intricacy of it. I honestly don’t even know how JA Huss keeps it all straight. I couldn’t even hope to grasp it all, but I do so love trying!
Gorgeous Misery mainly revolves around Nick Tate and Wendy Gale— their roles in the overall Company plot and their personal relationship with each other. There is so much more to Nick Tate than anyone realizes. I would go so far as to call myself a Nick Tate fan now. Yes, he has shades of evil mastermind. Yes, he hunts down little blonde zero girls… usually to kill them, but not always. But he will do anything for the people he loves. He will sacrifice anything to keep them safe… or in Wendy’s case, sane. And there is no doubt he loves Wendy Gale. At the heart of this Machiavellian romp we call Gorgeous Misery is their love story. Is their relationship all kinds of F’d up? You bet. But no love is perfect… especially one born of the Company.
You’re also going to see some characters that are old favorites, both from this series and other related series. A few more of those puzzle pieces are going to slot into place, but the overall picture is still a bit of a mystery. This book answers many questions and creates even more. And isn’t that why we love JA Huss’s books? She certainly never lets us get complacent. To say this is a book you won’t want to put down would be an understatement. It’s more like a book you can’t put down. And I have to tell you, the revelation at the end of this book is going to 100% blow your mind! You will not see it coming and it will leave you reeling. And you won’t be able to preorder Lovely Darkness—the last book in this phenomenal series—fast enough. I, for one, cannot wait to see how this series wraps up!
* I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All of my opinions are honest and entirely my own.
Gorgeous Misery mainly revolves around Nick Tate and Wendy Gale— their roles in the overall Company plot and their personal relationship with each other. There is so much more to Nick Tate than anyone realizes. I would go so far as to call myself a Nick Tate fan now. Yes, he has shades of evil mastermind. Yes, he hunts down little blonde zero girls… usually to kill them, but not always. But he will do anything for the people he loves. He will sacrifice anything to keep them safe… or in Wendy’s case, sane. And there is no doubt he loves Wendy Gale. At the heart of this Machiavellian romp we call Gorgeous Misery is their love story. Is their relationship all kinds of F’d up? You bet. But no love is perfect… especially one born of the Company.
You’re also going to see some characters that are old favorites, both from this series and other related series. A few more of those puzzle pieces are going to slot into place, but the overall picture is still a bit of a mystery. This book answers many questions and creates even more. And isn’t that why we love JA Huss’s books? She certainly never lets us get complacent. To say this is a book you won’t want to put down would be an understatement. It’s more like a book you can’t put down. And I have to tell you, the revelation at the end of this book is going to 100% blow your mind! You will not see it coming and it will leave you reeling. And you won’t be able to preorder Lovely Darkness—the last book in this phenomenal series—fast enough. I, for one, cannot wait to see how this series wraps up!
* I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All of my opinions are honest and entirely my own.
June 30, 2022
This book commences in the same time period as when book 2 ended, however it is featuring different characters at the start (obviously I haven’t read the whole thing yet) I’m a bit ticked off about this as Wendy is a new character to me because I haven’t read any of the other series and right now I want to know about Donovan. I don’t care about Wendy. She’s a pissy little assassin. Apparently she’ll kill you if she stays in one place too long. Charming. I’ve at least heard mention of Sasha, Merc and a few others and read the short novella about Nick. Take me back to Boucher House, please.
After two days more of reading - Are Nick and Wendy the most boring couple in the universe or what? I can’t believe how this story is dragging on with hardly any plot. Birthday cards and Christmas trees are the highlights. It’s taking me forever to wade through.
Finished and I still maintain that nothing of interest happens. There are oblique references to Santa Barbara, Kansas City and now some island but no details. We’re told that Nick tracks down Zero girls and assassinates them yet are not given one concrete example. How does he hear about a girl, locate her and then exterminate her, etc. Wendy supposedly goes out on jobs but we aren’t given a clue as to what they are. What makes Sasha, Wendy, Indie and perhaps a few others so unique that they don’t deserve to die like the other Zeros?
The book ends with the players finally arriving in Louisiana and they are hopefully going to address Donovan’s predicament. On to book four.
After two days more of reading - Are Nick and Wendy the most boring couple in the universe or what? I can’t believe how this story is dragging on with hardly any plot. Birthday cards and Christmas trees are the highlights. It’s taking me forever to wade through.
Finished and I still maintain that nothing of interest happens. There are oblique references to Santa Barbara, Kansas City and now some island but no details. We’re told that Nick tracks down Zero girls and assassinates them yet are not given one concrete example. How does he hear about a girl, locate her and then exterminate her, etc. Wendy supposedly goes out on jobs but we aren’t given a clue as to what they are. What makes Sasha, Wendy, Indie and perhaps a few others so unique that they don’t deserve to die like the other Zeros?
The book ends with the players finally arriving in Louisiana and they are hopefully going to address Donovan’s predicament. On to book four.
January 31, 2022
Book 3 in this Creeping Beautiful series from Julie, and what a headrush you get from this one!! We're back with The Company and this one interweaves from all previous books with plot twists galore and a big 'well I did not see that coming' at the end! Brace yourselves!!
Wendy is one of the Zero girls, a female assassin you do not want to mess with, who has popped up in several books / series along the way, nicknamed 'Creepy Wendy' very aptly, we get the low down on her and Nick Tate from past / present tellings from knowing each other since she was little, to their nomadic wanderings in trucks, with Nick having fallen for Wendy and would do anything to keep her protected.
Plenty of old Company players around in this one with Sasha and Merc. It never fails to amaze me the complex story lines Julie weaves together, but it's not until you take a step back and take a look over many of the different series that Julie has written, where you see just how much The Company is involved in and how big it's reach is - quite a scary thought really!
Captivated and mind blown, expect the unexpected as usual with Julie, nothing is as it seems. Can't wait for Lovely Darkness to cap it all off!
Wendy is one of the Zero girls, a female assassin you do not want to mess with, who has popped up in several books / series along the way, nicknamed 'Creepy Wendy' very aptly, we get the low down on her and Nick Tate from past / present tellings from knowing each other since she was little, to their nomadic wanderings in trucks, with Nick having fallen for Wendy and would do anything to keep her protected.
Plenty of old Company players around in this one with Sasha and Merc. It never fails to amaze me the complex story lines Julie weaves together, but it's not until you take a step back and take a look over many of the different series that Julie has written, where you see just how much The Company is involved in and how big it's reach is - quite a scary thought really!
Captivated and mind blown, expect the unexpected as usual with Julie, nothing is as it seems. Can't wait for Lovely Darkness to cap it all off!
January 21, 2022
Just when you think you know what is going on in these books, Huss springs another mindf*ck on you. You don't have to read all the company books, but I would recommend it because there are a lot of past characters that show up or that are mentioned in this book. A cheat sheet would be great!
Nick Tate has always been a mystery man in the past books. We get to know Nick very well in this book. In my opinion, he is a very stand-up guy despite the jobs that were forced on him. Even with Nick the surprises and mysteries still pop up.
Wendy Gale. Honestly, I never really thought that much about her until this book. I guess she blends into the background until she is needed upfront. Very true to the Company way.
It is said in the book that the entire world is a stage and we all have parts we have to play. That everything has been scripted in some way or another. This is when the other characters come into play. Boston Brothers, Dumas Family, The Company Crew, Ford...Hence the parts played in this script.
I have to stop here as I am afraid I will give too much away.
Nick Tate has always been a mystery man in the past books. We get to know Nick very well in this book. In my opinion, he is a very stand-up guy despite the jobs that were forced on him. Even with Nick the surprises and mysteries still pop up.
Wendy Gale. Honestly, I never really thought that much about her until this book. I guess she blends into the background until she is needed upfront. Very true to the Company way.
It is said in the book that the entire world is a stage and we all have parts we have to play. That everything has been scripted in some way or another. This is when the other characters come into play. Boston Brothers, Dumas Family, The Company Crew, Ford...Hence the parts played in this script.
I have to stop here as I am afraid I will give too much away.
January 25, 2022
Book Three of the Creeping Beautiful series was more than I could've hoped for. There's just so much to unpack as JA Huss exposes layer after layer of her brilliant Company world. You know the feeling when you're older and figure out the way things really were years back? Multiply by 1,000 and you'll be in step with Nick, Wendy and the rest. While this book is told from the points of view of Nick and Wendy, there's also Merc's (yes! MIT recruit and scary dude who actually loves Sydney.). There is so much going on and everything is essential. We are going back to the explosion in Santa Barbara and connecting so many dots. Un-dead Nick Tate is running like crazy in his attempt to keep Wendy (yes, Creepy Wendy) 'cured' and alive. Easier said than done, as plots converge and generations of connivers are about to have their minds blown.
As Merc observed,"That's the whole problem with breaking things. You either have to put the back together or throw them away."
This book had my attention, my gut, my heart. Incredible!
As Merc observed,"That's the whole problem with breaking things. You either have to put the back together or throw them away."
This book had my attention, my gut, my heart. Incredible!
January 25, 2022
Ok, I'm going to start out by saying this... J.A Huss is a flippin brilliant story teller!!
I know you only have to have read this series to know what is happening with these characters in the here and now but I HIGHLY recommend reading ALL the books that pertain to ANY of these characters and The Company because it gives you SO much more to devour.
I feel like I have known Wendy ever since she was a very young child in the mountains living running her little table in the back of her father shop.
I'm not going to say much more than this entire series is a MIND BLOWING experience and I have NEVER read ANYTHING like this in all the years I have been reading.
J.A Huss TRULY is brilliant and I can't wait to see how this series wraps up in the final installment!
I love and hate all of the character I think, well except McKay, that man is hard to dislike no matter what he does.
This is TRULY an eye opening experience in this world!!
I know you only have to have read this series to know what is happening with these characters in the here and now but I HIGHLY recommend reading ALL the books that pertain to ANY of these characters and The Company because it gives you SO much more to devour.
I feel like I have known Wendy ever since she was a very young child in the mountains living running her little table in the back of her father shop.
I'm not going to say much more than this entire series is a MIND BLOWING experience and I have NEVER read ANYTHING like this in all the years I have been reading.
J.A Huss TRULY is brilliant and I can't wait to see how this series wraps up in the final installment!
I love and hate all of the character I think, well except McKay, that man is hard to dislike no matter what he does.
This is TRULY an eye opening experience in this world!!
January 26, 2022
Every time I think JA Huss can't make things even more twisted and convoluted, she proves me wrong but in only the very best of ways. While the author may not use my vision of the string on the wall method of planning (so strange she mentioned this in her EOB's when that's what I had planned on putting on my review about 1/2 way through this story), I envision the string theory in my head because that's how I have to in order to follow the story. Again, in the best of ways. JA Huss is a masterful storyteller and I go in to these stories knowing that I think I know something but I know NOTHING lol and I really do like it that way. She can surprise me, keep me entertained, keep me guessing and in the end still knowing nothing really, I thank her anyway. THAT is mastery. Nick is the lynch pin of this entire story, or is it Wendy? It could go either way but in any case, I am here for the journey.
January 25, 2022
Brilliant
This is the third book in this marvelous series about Indie, Adam and McKay, and so the story continues with Creepy Wendy’s story. She has popped up in a lot of the books and now’s our chance to find out more about her. If your a fan of the Company series there are some big names coming back and some of my all time favourites. It’s really great how all the characters from past books are coming together. As I read this book the tension building and feeling what is going to happen and I know it’s going to be spectacular and I feel apprehensive I don’t want to see anyone hurt but can’t help feeling something is imminent and everyone meeting up, my anxiety levels are hitting the roof but the cliffhanger at the end Wow I never saw that coming and now I need the next book. Julie you are an amazing writer. Thank you for another awesome book x
January 25, 2022
Gorgeous Misery
Well, what can I even say!? If you know Julie A Huss, then you’ll know you are in for an absolute treat with this piece of fictional gold!
I have been totally enraptured with this story from the very start of Creeping Beautiful but this book has kicked it up another hundred notches! I feel like I’ve spent some quality time with some of my oldest and most dangerous friends. The nostalgia was absolutely real!
This book very much focusses on the some of our other well known characters from some of Julie’s other insanely well written stories and it was like coming home and true to form, there’s a tonne of mind blowing twists and turns, a whole load of side stories and an enormous amount of intricate plot layering. This is hands down some of my favourite writing ever and I could NOT put it down!
Well, what can I even say!? If you know Julie A Huss, then you’ll know you are in for an absolute treat with this piece of fictional gold!
I have been totally enraptured with this story from the very start of Creeping Beautiful but this book has kicked it up another hundred notches! I feel like I’ve spent some quality time with some of my oldest and most dangerous friends. The nostalgia was absolutely real!
This book very much focusses on the some of our other well known characters from some of Julie’s other insanely well written stories and it was like coming home and true to form, there’s a tonne of mind blowing twists and turns, a whole load of side stories and an enormous amount of intricate plot layering. This is hands down some of my favourite writing ever and I could NOT put it down!
January 29, 2022
** I was given a copy of this book by the author to read and review.**
GORGEOUS MISERY is the third installment in the Creeping Beautiful series. It should be read in the order that the author intended to get full comprehension of the story.
GORGEOUS MISERY concentrates on Wendy and Nick but you do get to catch up with Merc and Sasha (which is perk to me!). There is so much going on and so much little detail that you know just like any other Huss book you have to pay attention to because in the end you always know the little things JA Huss mentions turn into the big things you need to know and GORGEOUS MISERY is no different. I loved the suspense factor it kept me so intrigued to see where it was all going.
JA Huss kept me on your toes and leaves hanging at the end. Thankfully there isn't a long wait in-between books three and four. I cannot wait for what is next!
GORGEOUS MISERY is the third installment in the Creeping Beautiful series. It should be read in the order that the author intended to get full comprehension of the story.
GORGEOUS MISERY concentrates on Wendy and Nick but you do get to catch up with Merc and Sasha (which is perk to me!). There is so much going on and so much little detail that you know just like any other Huss book you have to pay attention to because in the end you always know the little things JA Huss mentions turn into the big things you need to know and GORGEOUS MISERY is no different. I loved the suspense factor it kept me so intrigued to see where it was all going.
JA Huss kept me on your toes and leaves hanging at the end. Thankfully there isn't a long wait in-between books three and four. I cannot wait for what is next!
March 29, 2022
So I finished this the day before the release of the final book Lovely Darkness. This book was good, I found it went back and cleared up or reminded the reader/listeners things about the company and different different characters. I have been a huge fan from the start with this whole "Company" storyline, right down to make lots of note and family trees just so I could try and keep track (I am glad I did) It was nice learning a few new things about a couple of characters that have only really been mentioned in passing in other books and then reuniting with others from the past.
I have speculating about what is to come, but only a little as Julie and I dont think the same and she has amazing twists that always get me. For some reason I feel there are going to be some tear coming in Lovely Darkness, just a gut feeling.
I have speculating about what is to come, but only a little as Julie and I dont think the same and she has amazing twists that always get me. For some reason I feel there are going to be some tear coming in Lovely Darkness, just a gut feeling.
August 26, 2022
WOW - I can't even with these company books - man oh man how they draw you in and make you feel like you are a part of it all like you are right smack dab in the middle of it. This one was no different - although I did feel like I was in it - this one was a little bit more subdued than some of the others - don't get me wrong it had the twist and turns like the others did - the jaw dropping moments were I went WTF - that lovely cliffhanger of a moment, but it did it in a little different way. almost softer way - at least to me. That is what I love so much about JA HUSS she continuously surprises me with each and every book she writes - although some of the characters may overlap and some of the storylines - each and every book is so unique and has its own way of making you just be in AWE - you truly never know what you are going to get and that is why I keep coming back!!!
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