Beautiful Oblivion discussion

Maybe Im missing something, WHY was it a secret? I couldn't find where that was in the book....why didn't she just tell Trent at the beginning (when she DIDNT want to go out with him) "I can't see you because Im with ____________" and that would have been that! Why couldn't she tell him WHO he was?

Because Cami knew TJ's secret and he asked her not to tell. And at the end when Trent said that "everyone" knew that he'd been in love with her forever.... TJ knew it and didn't want her to tell for obvious reasons. Right?

If you go back to Travis and Abby's books the whole family thought he was an advertising exec in CA. It wasn't until the end of Walking Disaster that we found out that he was actually deep undercover FBI. So since Trent's story is paralleling Travis and Abby's it made since that TJ wouldn't want anyone to know about him hence the secret.

I think Cami should have been up front about who her boyfriend was, she didn't need to divulge what he was doing as a job, this whole scenario did not sit well for me at all! And it just doesn't seem believable that everyone is going to be happy happy about the situation when it all came out in the end. Cami crossed a major NO GO boundary that would leave a major mess behind it. At best she should have not gone there, at worst she should have finished with her boyfriend before becoming friends and eventually more with Trenton!

The more I read from everyone else and I went back and re-read the last chapter... but I just "feel" like there was more to the story that I was missing.

I don't know, it just didn't flow for me, I felt like there was suppose to be MORE to the secret. The feeling was so strong I swore I actually was missing something.

Elise wrote: "Because Cami knew TJ's secret and he asked her not to tell. And at the end when Trent said that "everyone" knew that he'd been in love with her forever.... TJ knew it and didn't want her to tell fo..."

I think I must have missed the part where he told her NOT to tell anyone what he was doing.....I just feel like at the beginning of her and Trents relationship when she didn't want to go out with him it would have been very simple to say "Im with Thomas, Trent, we can't see each other, Im dating your brother..."
She didn't have to tell him ANYTHING about what Trent was doing, NOTHING. Eck, it is disappointing to me that I feel this way about the storyline.....

Chris,
I understand how you feel. In all honesty, WHILE I was reading this book I got aggravated. Having read the other three books, and then reading the "big reveal" on the last page, put it all together for me. The problem that I have with this book is that it's the fourth repeat of the same timeline. If McGuire follows her pattern, the next book will be from Trent's point of view, explaining more from HIS side (like what happened with Cami's abusive father and brother's? Etc). We will also know what TJ was doing while he was In town because he was obviously with Trent and his family. The real bummer will be that it will be a fifth story about the SAME TIMELINE.
Maybe McGuire has a long plan for this approach but I for one am anxious to get past the Year of the Circle.

Elise wrote: "Chris,
I understand how you feel. In all honesty, WHILE I was reading this book I got aggravated. Having read the other three books, and then reading the "big reveal" on the last page, put it all together for me. The problem that I have with this book is that it's the fourth repeat of the same timeline. If McGuire follows her pattern, the next book will be from Trent's point of view, explaining more from HIS side (like what happened with Cami's abusive father and brother's? Etc). We will also know what TJ was doing while he was In town because he was obviously with Trent and his family. The real bummer will be that it will be a fifth story about the SAME TIMELINE.
Maybe McGuire has a long plan for this approach but I for one am anxious to get past the Year of the Circle. "

Agreed!

this is not stand alone book, if you didn't read the rest of them, you may not understand why TJ always in secret, of course, who is TJ, you may find at the end.

we do love Maddox brothers, therefore, you may not in love with TJ becuase he always treats Cami as nothing, even he may in love with her, when you find who he is, maybe you just like me that you forgive him and hope he will get his soul mate one day

Chris wrote: "The more I read from everyone else and I went back and re-read the last chapter... but I just "feel" like there was more to the story that I was missing.

I don't know, it just didn't flow for m..."

I get that, but I think more will be revealed in Thomas' book. She says on her website his book is next.

Jo wrote: "this is not stand alone book, if you didn't read the rest of them, you may not understand why TJ always in secret, of course, who is TJ, you may find at the end.

we do love Maddox brothers, theref..."

I loved the book. I love the way she wove Travis and Abbys story into Trent and Cami's. Is it as intense and Beautiful Disaster? No, but then Trent isn't as intense as Travis, they are two different characters. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

The "secret" totally ruined the book for me. TJ knew who Cami was and knew his brother was in love with her but he still choose to pursue her and even flew her out to Cali. If my sister ever did what TJ did to Trenton there wouldn't be a "kissy, kissy it's okay" scene like the end of the book. I lost all respect for TJ, not for what he did to Cami (which was awful) but what he did to his own brother. JM is such a better writer than this drivel. I hope the other Maddox Brothers are better than this one. :-(

Meredith wrote: "The "secret" totally ruined the book for me. TJ knew who Cami was and knew his brother was in love with her but he still choose to pursue her and even flew her out to Cali. If my sister ever did wh..."

i agree with you
TJ crossed a line, hello bro code
but then so did Cami
and i don't get the HEA in the end, with the whole TJ and Cami thing in any other story you would be looking at a whole lot of after mess.

I agree that TJ/Thomas crossed the Bro code knowing Trent loved Cami . . .

I didn't LOVE this book. But I liked it, and will read on. I am actually going to her book signing on Wednesday.

Didn't you all know it was Thomas by like 40% with the whole California thing . . . I did.

Oh, and I HATED that Cami's family was a "C" family like Trent's is a "T" one. DUMB.

What is confusing for me is the "peacocking" hashtags leading up to this and the cover . . . the peacock tat was a single line blurb. NOT a big deal, the poppies more were . . . did I miss something???

Chris wrote: "The more I read from everyone else and I went back and re-read the last chapter... but I just "feel" like there was more to the story that I was missing.

I don't know, it just didn't flow for m..."

Me too! At the end it was a secret from the readers but Trent and TJ knew who each other were, right? Remember when Trent saw her with him? So I guess the secret was his job. Hmph.

Chris wrote: "The more I read from everyone else and I went back and re-read the last chapter... but I just "feel" like there was more to the story that I was missing.

I don't know, it just didn't flow for m..."

Oh Thank Goodness! I thought I was the only one who thought the secret was a bit of a flop. I thought I missed it. I didn't really understand the significance. Especially if Cami was in the know about how TJ and Trent were connected.

She said that when her and Thomas started dating that he wanted to keep their relationship quiet. That is why she didn't tell Trent because Thomas didn't want her to.

Maxandmo wrote: "Chris wrote: "The more I read from everyone else and I went back and re-read the last chapter... but I just "feel" like there was more to the story that I was missing.

I don't know, it just did..."

I can't remember that Trent saw her with him...? Did I miss anything?

I swore he saw her with him but I could be wrong. Maybe that's why it didn't seem like a secret to me! Lol!

Lol ok :-)))

About this secret, although I figured it out from very early on and kinda ruined the surprise for me (which is why I was crossing my fingers for another twist), I honestly believe there is a second secret that has yet to be told, maybe in the following Maddox Brothers books?

In the final chapter, TJ said something along the line of "They know about you, about us, but not about me. That's enough, for now."

"BUT NOT ABOUT ME." I blame my inner Sherlock but don't you think that's implying that Thomas is keeping ANOTHER secret? Something about his job maybe? Or something more personal?

@Erika- this is revealed in Walking Distastet. He's an FBI Agent and recruits Travis

Elise wrote: "@Erika- this is revealed in Walking Distastet. He's an FBI Agent and recruits Travis"

Really? I really need to back read that book. So THAT really is just the secret? Nothing more? I'm kinda let down =(

Erika Etherviere wrote: "Elise wrote: "@Erika- this is revealed in Walking Distastet. He's an FBI Agent and recruits Travis"

Really? I really need to back read that book. So THAT really is just the secret? Nothing more? I..."

me too

Please don't judge me but early on when it was starting to get obvious who TJ was based on the text, I was kinda hoping for an ultimate twist that it's their dad (lol, major disgusting moment) but then again a Maddox boy can't be like that.

Before I read the books and I've been reading all these crazy reactions of shock, I was like… what can something be so crazy to instill this kind of reaction? Is the heroine an ex-con, escort or something? haha

Ahh, I think I do too many lateral thinking puzzles.

@Erika - no way would I judge because I DIDN'T figure it out! Ha ha! But I've read Walking Disaster a few times. That's why I remembered about TJ being an FBI agent.

Wouldn't it have been such a twist if it was their dad though? Lol (I know I know, I'm disgusting) XD

The whole thing just didn't sit we'll with me if the four brothers are as close as we are led to believe Thomas as the older protective brother would never have moved in on a girl Trent was so obviously in love with as Travis states in the book.

The whole book felt rushed / missing something whilst dragging in other places. I hated the whole baby doll tattoo thing she could have done the peacock one here instead.

Maybe this book was intended as a prequel to Thomas' story idk.

Did anyone else find it strange the neither Tyler or Taylor are featured in this book?

Yeah I kinda wondered whether or not Thomas, having been away alot did actually know how 'in love' Trenton was with Cami because it is not Thomas's M.O to shit on one of his brothers, he spends his life looking after them. I also wonder whether, maybe Thomas is actually in the closet gay? Maybe he loves Cami as a friend and they had an arrangement to keep people off his back? Just a thought, cos I don't think he would do that to one of his brothers, and there definitely seems like there is more to the 'secret', not just his work?

Pia wrote: "Yeah I kinda wondered whether or not Thomas, having been away alot did actually know how 'in love' Trenton was with Cami because it is not Thomas's M.O to shit on one of his brothers, he spends his..."

Interesting comment Pia... the 'secret' can't just be about his work. Right from the beginning he has been a closed case, very secretive, solid, quiet and family orientated. No way would he cross into one of his brothers territory, and make a move or take their girl.

The whole 'gay' thing would slot into his character quite easily ... and personally I think this would just build his character qualities even more and make him

10 x HOTTER!!!!

gay is an interesting idea
Cami was his beard but he would still have known it would hurt Trent surely.

there has to be another secret he has right?
it cant just be the FBI thing we have know that all along

They slept together so he can't come out as gay. Even still, being an FBI Agent isn't secret to family members etc.
Even if TJ knew Trent was better for Cami, she still slept with brothers which should bother all of them.

Maxandmo wrote: "They slept together so he can't come out as gay. Even still, being an FBI Agent isn't secret to family members etc.
Even if TJ knew Trent was better for Cami, she still slept with brothers which s..."

that's how i felt and that why i didn't believe the HEA
such a close family unit would implode over this sort of scandal
a brother shagging his younger brothers long term crush/ love
Travis even said in WD that Cami was a line he wouldn't cross cos of Trent
so Thomas doing that was not cool

Jamie McGuire just posted the title and synopsis of the next Maddox brothers book and it's clear yhat the gay twist is not hsppening.

this is it

Beautiful™ Redemption

(Maddox Bros #2): Release date TBA. The second of four novels chronicling the exciting, romantic, and sometimes volatile road to love for the Maddox brothers. The loves and loss of Thomas Maddox, the eldest Maddox brother, is told from the point-of-view of Liis Lindy, a no-nonsense agent of the FBI.

Thats kinda stink, I know T.J. and Cami slept together but I was more thinking along the lines of Thomas was trying to not be gay, struggling with it but thats not whats happening Okey dokey then.
I still don't see Thomas just outright crossing that line with a brother. He either didn't know how in love Trenton was with Cami (and I do think that's a possibilty Trenton and Travis were far more involved, Thomas had more of a fatherly role and was away alot too) or there SHOULD be more to it than what has been revealed because it goes against Thomas's character completely!
The more I think about it the more unhappy I am about that whole storyline and if his book is going to be yup he did make a move on his bros love, he fell in love with Cami, she chose his brother and he's had to move on broken hearted then falls for another FBI agent then that just bites! LAME! Thomas deserves more than that. We've had all the previous books where Thomas has been there for his brothers, raised them when his Dad fell apart and so on and then in this book all of a sudden he's breaking the bro code and taking his brothers longtime love. Doesn't fit!

Well isn't that a shame "no gay twist" for Thomas.

Surely there has to more to the whole Thomas thing ... if he is not gay ... then what. I don't buy that he would knowingly cross the Bro boundary. The snippets we have heard from the beginning about him don't fit into what this book wants us to believe.

ARRGH!!! Hope it is clear as mud in the next book and that Thomas is madly swept of his feet by someone deserving of his love!

Sarah wrote: "this is it

Beautiful™ Redemption

(Maddox Bros #2): Release date TBA. The second of four novels chronicling the exciting, romantic, and sometimes volatile road to love for the Maddox brothers. Th..."

Sarah wrote: "this is it

Beautiful™ Redemption

(Maddox Bros #2): Release date TBA. The second of four novels chronicling the exciting, romantic, and sometimes volatile road to love for the Maddox brothers. Th..."


Dear Jamie,
Please stop making the female love interest's first and last name begin with the same letter. It's getting annoying.

I wanted to read this book for more of Travis and Abby. First off the secret of who TJ is, that's just gross. Sleeping with brothers? Gross again. How can you not compare the 2 in everything? Lastly I don't believe with how much these guys love each other that TJ would go for his brother's girl who he's been in love with forever. I think I'll leave with good memories of Travis and Abby.

I must be blind because I totally did not put it together until the last page who TJ was. I was so enjoying the story that I wasn't thinking that much. I loved how she intertwined Beautiful Disaster with this one. I didn't think it was the same. I don't remember that much of Cami/Trents story in the first one so this was all enjoyable for me. While I agree she should have just ended the relationship with TJ a lot sooner, still doesn't change my mind about the story. I loved this book and the storyline. I guess I read it as when TJ/Cami met, they didn't really "know" who the other one was. But that is just me. Sometimes I don't pick up on the clues right away and just get lost in the love story. I am looking forward to the next books in this series for sure.

Pia wrote: "I think Cami should have been up front about who her boyfriend was, she didn't need to divulge what he was doing as a job, this whole scenario did not sit well for me at all! And it just doesn't se..."

Pia wrote: "I think Cami should have been up front about who her boyfriend was, she didn't need to divulge what he was doing as a job, this whole scenario did not sit well for me at all! And it just doesn't se..."

I actually feel that TJ was the one that didn't want anyone in his family to know he was seeing her and the reason for that is because he knew Trent was in love with Cami forever. TJ is the one that first went to the NO GO. There are boundaries and he crossed it first and that is why Trent said he didn't feel guilty in the end. I actually agree with him.

Elise wrote: "Chris,
I understand how you feel. In all honesty, WHILE I was reading this book I got aggravated. Having read the other three books, and then reading the "big reveal" on the last page, put it all t..."

Although it's the same TIMELINE, its different people's accounts of it. Personally I felt Walking Disaster was totally an unnecessary book. A Beautiful Wedding picked up after Beautiful Disaster so that was not the same exact timeline. Even if Thomas' story could possibly be the same timeline, it will be from a whole different perspective because he was not around much and I think his book will push the real reason for him asking Cami to keep their relationship a secret.

Erika Etherviere wrote: "About this secret, although I figured it out from very early on and kinda ruined the surprise for me (which is why I was crossing my fingers for another twist), I honestly believe there is a second..."

Yes Thomas has another secret which was revealed in Walking Disaster.

Pia wrote: "Thats kinda stink, I know T.J. and Cami slept together but I was more thinking along the lines of Thomas was trying to not be gay, struggling with it but thats not whats happening Okey dokey then.
..."

Not that I don't think Thomas is a great guy but do we really know much about Thomas? We got alot of background on Trent because he was around alot in the first book but we had only a cameo of Thomas and the twins. So we don't know whats really going on in his head. Maybe he was also in love with Cami and took a shot at her but kept it a secret because he knew Trent would be upset. It's still a dick move but we don't yet know his reasons.

Karen wrote: "Pia wrote: "I think Cami should have been up front about who her boyfriend was, she didn't need to divulge what he was doing as a job, this whole scenario did not sit well for me at all! And it jus..."

I hear what your saying Karen and I suppose we won't find out until Thomas's book comes out. I just didn't think from the previous books that it had been established enough that Trenton had loved Cami forever so to speak. There was obviously interest there but it's only basically a comment from Travis in this book and Trenton's thoughts that reveal his true feelings, so I did think it was possible that TJ hadn't been aware of just how much Trenton had felt for Cami.
Even though we only got little tidbits of Thomas in the previous book I think they were pretty revealing as to his character. I may be wrong but he came across to me as one who took on the responsibility of his family, father and brothers when they lost their mother. I truly do not feel that it fits with his character to just simply break the bro code as it seems at this point he has, and I will be more than disappointed if that is how it pans out. Only time will tell :(

Crystal wrote: "I wish the next book was in Trenton's POV because there were plot lines that I wanted to see resolved but I won't be reading TJ's book to find out if they are because I loathe him. I almost always ..."

Thats what I'm unsure on Crystal, did TJ know exactly how much Trenton felt for Cami, yeah Travis knew, but did TJ? It doesn't fit his character to betray Trenton the way it looks like he has. I also don't think he was her dirty little secret, at all. The reasons for him keeping her a secret aren't completely clear at the moment, whether it be his job or his brother but again I can't see it being that. The whole way it ended up, Trenton's comment about TJ knowing so too bad included seemed flippant and just not believable.
I'm actually gutted for TJ because he has done everything he can for his family, taken on responsibilty for them from a young age and if he did actually knowingly betray Trenton, (still can't see how he could have) but, if he did he must have loved her alot. There is far more to TJ than seems to have come through in this book and I think he deserves more than the heartbreak he is feeling now. And Trenton also deserved a HEA that wasn't tainted by the brother triangle storyline he was given!

Lively comments going on here... and I would like to add my two cents worth to the brew. Interesting how we form our opinions and align them with who we like.

Firstly -
Crystal wrote "I wish the next book was in Trenton's POV because there were plot lines that I wanted to see resolved but I won't be reading TJ's book to find out if they are because I loathe him ..."

Why would Thomas turn against his brother? Although they were only little snippets we are led to believe that Thomas supported, nurtured and loved his family, when their mother died. I reckon that he probably didn't even realise that Trenton had feelings for Cami, and why would he, he was probably far too busy meeting the needs of his family and unaware of what and who his brothers day to day conversations and interests involved. Thomas reminds me of someone I grew up with, who was and is still very secretive. That's just how some people are, they do not do it to hurt or be deceptive. Sometimes when you have given so much of yourself away you just want to keep as much as you can close.

I also would like to hear Trenton's POV as well, so we are able to see what was happening behind the scenes. Regardless I still align myself with Thomas and know that it would take a lot to turn me against him.

More to come ...

Pia wrote "The reasons for him keeping her a secret aren't completely clear at the moment, whether it be his job or his brother but again I can't see it being that. The whole way it ended up, Trenton's comment about TJ knowing so too bad included seemed flippant and just not believable ..."

I totally agree and like I said above, this does not fit with Thomas. I'm happy for Trenton and Cami (even though she started building or leading her relationship with Trenton deeper and didn't end it with TJ sooner), but why did it have to be at the expense of Thomas. Is he really the bad person here or was he just being his normal self and keeping the people and things he cared about close to his chest? Do people who give up their lives to protect their family, friends and the general population callously tramp upon someone they love? I don't believe so!

As for Trenton's comment about TJ knowing was flippant, not believable and on the whole a dick thing to say!

Pia wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pia wrote: "I think Cami should have been up front about who her boyfriend was, she didn't need to divulge what he was doing as a job, this whole scenario did not sit well for me at a..."

I don't think that TJ was being callous with Cami. I believe he loved her. I think he did know that Trent loved Cami but he had a shot and that is probably what made him not want to tell Trent. Possibly he wanted to break the news in a better way? Who knows? But I don't think Trenton's comment about TJ knowing was flippant or a dick thing to say. I think Trent was being honest. Clearly, he's had conversations with TJ about Cami because Travis sure as hell knew. So I get him not feeling guilty and I totally get his comment. I can't rush to any judgements on TJ (Thomas) because I don't know his thinking. There's only been a cameo's of him. I will wait until his book because I'm sure we will get a better understanding of what he actually did and why he did it.

Sue wrote: "I must be blind because I totally did not put it together until the last page who TJ was. I was so enjoying the story that I wasn't thinking that much. I loved how she intertwined Beautiful Disas..."

I loved the book too and I am looking forward to the next one. I found the story to be enjoyable too.