Walking Disaster

Beautiful #2

by Jamie McGuire

How much is too much to love? Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster.

Can you love someone too much?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, College, Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Jamie paved the way for the New Adult genre with the international bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Her follow-up novel, Walking Disaster, debuted at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists in all four categories. Beautiful Oblivion, book one of the Maddox Brothers series, also topped the New York Times bestseller list, debuting at #1. In 2015, books two and three of the Maddox Brothers series, Beautiful Redemption and Beautiful Sacrifice, respectively, also topped the New York Times, as well as a Beautiful series novella, Something Beautiful. In 2016, Beautiful Burn made an appearance on the New York Times and USA Today, and was also named iBooks' Romance Book of the Year. The same year, A Beautiful Funeral also topped the New York Times bestseller list.

Novels also written by Jamie McGuire include: apocalyptic thriller and 2014 UtopYA Best Dystopian Book of the Year, Red Hill; the Providence series, a young adult paranormal romance trilogy; Apolonia, a dark sci-fi romance; and several novellas, including A Beautiful Wedding, Among Monsters, Happenstance: A Novella Series, and Sins of the Innocent.

Jamie is the first indie author in history to strike a print deal with retail giant Wal-Mart. Her self-published novel, Beautiful Redemption hit Wal-Mart shelves in September, 2015.

Jamie lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with her husband, Jeff, and their three children.

Find Jamie at www.jamiemcguire.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Instagram.

Reviews

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite bad boy is back!!!! ♥♥

From the heart wrenching and tear jerking prologue, to the romance, to the bad ass fights, and to the surprising, heart-racing epilogue, this book is a must-read for any fan of Beautiful Disaster!

It’s important to note though that this book should absolutely be read AFTER Beautiful Disaster. It is not a stand alone, but rather it completed the story of Beautiful Disaster allowing you to experience the full extent of Travis’ all-consuming love for Abby.

There are extra scenes at the beginning and end that weren’t mentioned at all in BD and a few scattered throughout the book but for the most part, it follows the story we already know and love but tells the other side. If you ever wondered what happened in between all the Travis scenes, this book fills in all those blanks.

There are a lot of scenes featuring either just Travis, or Travis and Shepley (with some brilliant dialogue), or Travis and his brothers/family. And even the scenes with him and Abby are different again because you’re seeing and experiencing the story completely though his eyes.

Jamie McGuire truly did a wonderful job of getting us right into Travis’ head.

I loved that she started right at the beginning. The prologue takes place when Travis is 3 and it really sets up his whole character. It gives the reason behind what made him into the man we have come to know and, I’m not going to lie, I cried. Holy heart wrench!

“One of these days you’re going to fall in love, son. Don’t settle for just anyone. Choose the girl that doesn’t come easy; the one you have to fight for, and then never stop fighting. Never.”

I really, truly love Travis. With all my heart. And this book really cemented that love. For anyone who thought Travis was a little over-the-top crazy, I encourage you to read this book because it gives us insight into his thoughts and feelings that put a measure of reason and logic (or at the very least, understanding) behind his actions.

I loved watching Travis try to figure Abby out. She was just so different than every other girl he’d met and it was so cool watch him working through (and sometimes fight) his feelings for everything from just talking to her to convincing her to take part in the “bet”.

“I stopped a ridiculous grin erupting across my face. “If you win, I’ll go without sex for a month.” She raised an eyebrow. “But if I win, you have to stay with me for a month.” …One side of her mouth turned up… “Anything is worth watching you try abstinence for a change.” … Her reply sent a rush of adrenaline through my veins… I felt like a king. No way this fucker was going to touch me.”

I found myself constantly smiling and chuckling over his thoughts. I just loved his bad boy logic. It was hilarious at times, and at other times really made my heart clench.

“It might sound hypocritical to the women who have passed through my apartment door, but if they carried themselves with respect, I would have given it to them.”

Fair point, Travis!!

“Abby’s gray eyes darkened and targeted me. “It’s not funny. Do you want the whole school to think I’m one of your sluts?”
My sluts? They weren’t mine. Hence them being sluts.

“It was kind of cool how she watched me as I talked. Almost like she was both hanging on to every word, and amazed that I knew how to read.”

You really get to see the complete “Travis” picture with this book – you see his hope, his pain, his anger, and his desperate love for and need for acceptance by this one girl who has completely taken over his heart.

“I wanted to tell her. Jesus, did I ever want to mouth the words, but I could barely admit it to myself, much less her. Deep down, I knew I was a piece of shit, and she deserved better, but that was also the one thing that stopped me. She was my opposite: innocent on the surface, and damaged deep within. There was something about her I needed in my life, and even though I wasn’t sure what it was, I couldn’t give into my bad habits and fuck it up.”

The thing about Travis is that he’s not perfect. Boy, does he have flaws! But I think that is a huge part of why we all love him so much. There is something about an imperfect, flawed character trying so hard to be functional that just tugs each one of my heart strings. On one hand, yes, he undeniably has some temper issues but you see him go through a lot of growth over the course of the book, and at the same time, he’s also just a guy who just desperately, with all his heart, is truly, madly, deeply, head-over-heels in love with his girl and is trying his very best to be everything she deserves.

“You need to walk away, Pidge. God knows I can’t walk away from you.”

While there were a lot of new scenes in the book, there was also a big chunk in the middle that I found to have less new material and rather be extremely paralleled to BD. In an effort to not make this book to identical to BD, a lot of the dialogue was cut and there were parts of the book where, despite my love for Travis and Abby, the story always didn’t convey that same epic feeling that BD did. But at the same time, it really worked for this story because otherwise, it would have been too similar. This is why I feel this book is really a companion novel to BD. It is for the hard core fans of Travis and Abby who already know their connection, are already in love with their characters, have experienced the story through Abby’s eyes and just want MORE. Because in that respect, it most certainly delivers! How rare a treat is it to get an entire ‘alternate POV’ book?

Travis and Abby have this crazy, consuming functional/dysfunctional relationship that is just so addictive. The “I belong to you” scene gave me shivers. I think that might be one of the single best lines/scenes of any book EVER written. Absolutely heart-poundingly beautiful.

“You can’t tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don’t belong to you!”

Her words ignited a deep anger inside me. I stomped to the bed, planted my hands on the mattress on each side of her thighs, and leaned into her face.

“Well I belong to you!” I screamed. I put so much force behind my words, I could feel all my blood rush to my face. Abby met my glare, refusing to even flinch. I looked at her lips, panting. ” I belong to you,” I whispered.

And the EPILOGUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh my gosh!!! I don’t want to say a SINGLE word about it because I don’t want to spoil it at all for anyone but I’ll just say that it takes place several years after where Beautiful Disaster left off and it had my heart RACING!!! I never saw that ending coming but omg it was PERFECT! I loved it. Freaking loved it!! The book is worth reading for the epilogue alone. It left Travis and Abby’s story off in SUCH a wonderful place and at the same time, left me wanting to know more about the stories of the rest of the swoony Maddox brothers.

My heart is truly happy ♥

“At the end of it all, I’m yours.”

4.5 stars

**PS. I did not re-read Beautiful Disaster before reading this because I just didn’t have the time but I have read BD several times and the story was very clear in my head. If you remember BD well then I don’t think you have to re-read right before. But if you are fuzzy on any of its details, then definitely re-read first because Walking Disaster truly is the other half to BD and you come away with it knowing every side of Travis and Abby’s story.

My Casting for Travis:




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I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[is mee... kissa]

OooooooooooooooooohmyGod. I am so getting my hands on this as soon as it's out! Stuff everything else! Thank you Jamie MacGuire!
... but please don't ruin this story for me. It's one I like very much.


––> A picture is worth a thousand words

Cover - Oh hello! That is a big arm! I'm liking the tattoos.

***

Teasers!!!!!!!
Prologue:
http://issuu.com/atriabooks/docs/walk...

Snippet from Chapter 2: Backfire
“What are you doing?” Shepley said. He stood in the middle of the room, a pair of sneakers in one hand, a dirty pair of underwear in the other.
“Uh, cleaning?” I said, shoving shot glasses into the dishwasher.
“I see that. But...why?”
I smiled, my back turned to Shepley. He was going to kick my ass. “I’m expecting company.”
“So?”
“The pigeon.”
“Huh?”
“Abby, Shep. I invited Abby.”
“Dude, no. No! Don’t fuck this up for me, man. Please don’t.”
I turned, crossing my arms across my chest. “I tried, Shep. I did. But, I don’t know.” I shrugged. “There’s something about her. I couldn’t help myself.”
Shepley’s jaw worked under his skin, and then he stomped into his room, slamming the door behind him.
I finished loading the dishwasher, and then circled the couch to make sure I hadn’t missed any visible empty condom wrappers. That was never fun to explain.
The fact that I had bagged nearly every beautiful co-ed at Eastern was no secret, but I didn’t see a reason to remind them when they came to my apartment. It was all about presentation.
Pigeon, though. It would take far more than a good presentation to bag her on my couch. At this point I was taking it one step at a time. If I focused on the end result, I could easily fuck it up. She noticed things. She was farther from naive than I was; light years away. This operation was nothing less than precarious.
I was in my bedroom sorting dirty laundry when I heard the front door open. Shepley usually listened for America’s car to pull in so he could greet her at the door.
Pussy.
Murmuring, and then the closing of Shepley’s door was my signal. I walked into the front room, and there she sat: Glasses, her hair piled on top of her head, and what might have been pajamas. I wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d been molding in the bottom of her laundry hamper.
It was so hard not to bust into laughter. Never once had a female come to my apartment dressed like that. My front door had seen jean skirts, dresses, even a see-through tube dress over a string bikini. A handful of times, spackled-on makeup and glitter lotion. Never pajamas.
Her appearance immediately answered why she’d so easily agreed to come over. She was going to try to nauseate me into leaving her alone. If she didn’t look absolutely sexy like that, it might have worked, but her skin was impeccable, and the lack of makeup and the frames of her glasses just made her eye color stand out even more.
“It’s about time you showed up,” I said, falling onto my couch.
At first she seemed proud of her idea, but as we talked and I remained impervious, it was clear that she knew her plan had failed. The less she smiled, the more I had to stop myself from grinning ear to ear. She was so much fun. I just couldn’t get over it.
Shepley and America joined us again. Abby was flustered, and I was damn near lightheaded. She went from doubting the fact that I could write a simple paper to questioning my penchant for fighting. I kind of liked talking to her about normal stuff, preferable to the awkward task of asking her to leave once I bagged her. She didn’t understand me, and kind of wanted to, even though I seemed to piss her off.
“What are you...the Karate Kid? Where did you learn to fight?”
Shepley and America seemed to be embarrassed for Abby. I don’t know why; I sure as hell didn’t mind. Just because I didn’t talk about my childhood much didn’t mean I was ashamed.
“I had a dad with a drinking problem and a bad temper, and four older brothers that carried the asshole gene.”
“Oh,” she said simply. Her cheeks turned red, and at that moment, I felt a twinge in my chest. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it bugged me. I immediately tried to make her feel better. “Don’t be embarrassed, Pidge. Dad quit drinking. The brothers grew up.”
“I’m not embarrassed.” Her body language was opposite her words. I struggled to think of something to change the subject, and then mentioning her sexy, frumpy look came to mind. Her embarrassment was immediately replaced by irritation, something I was far more comfortable with.
America suggested watching TV, but the last thing I wanted to do was to be in a room with Abby, unable to talk to her. I stood. “You hungry, Pidge?”
“I already ate.”
America’s eyebrows pulled in. “No, you haven’t. Oh...er...that’s right. I forgot. You grabbed a...pizza? Before we left.”
Abby was embarrassed again, but anger quickly covered it.
I opened the door, trying to keep my voice casual. I’d never been so eager to get a girl alone—especially to not have sex with her. “C’mon. You’ve gotta be hungry.”
Her shoulders relaxed a bit. “Where are you going?”
“Wherever you want. We can hit a pizza place.” I inwardly cringed. That might have been too eager.
She looked down at her sweat pants. “I’m not really dressed.”
I grinned. She had no idea how beautiful she was. That made her even more appealing. “You look fine. Let’s go, I’m starvin’.”
Once she was on the back of my Harley, I could finally think straight again. My thoughts were usually more relaxed on the bike. Abby’s legs had my hips in a vice grip, but that was oddly relaxing, too. Almost a relief.
The weird urge I felt around her was disorienting. I didn’t like it, but then again, it reminded me that she was around, so it was as comforting as it was unsettling. I decided to get my shit together. Abby might be a pigeon, but she was just a fucking girl. No need to get my boxer briefs in a bunch.
Besides, there was something under the good girl facade. She hated me on sight because she’d been burned by someone like me before. No way was she a slut, though. Not even a reformed slut. I could spot them a mile away. My game face slowly melted away. I’d finally found a girl that was interesting enough to get to know, and a version of me had already hurt her.
I barely knew the girl, and the thought of some jackhole hurting Pidge infuriated me. Abby associating me with someone that would hurt her was even worse. I gunned the throttle as I pulled into the Pizza Shack. That ride wasn’t long enough to sort out the clusterfuck in my head.
I wasn’t even thinking about my speed, so when Abby jumped off my bike and started to yell, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I went the speed limit.”
“Yeah, if we were on the Autobahn!” She ripped the wild bun down and then brushed her long hair with her fingers.
I couldn’t stop staring while she re-wrapped the long, caramel strands, and then tied them back again. I imagined that was how she looked first thing in the morning, and then had to refer to the first ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan to keep my dick from getting hard. Blood. Screaming. Visible intestines. Grenades. Gunfire. More blood.
I held the door open. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, Pigeon.”
She angrily stomped past me and into the restaurant, ignoring my gesture. It was a damn shame; she was the first girl that I had ever wanted to open the door for. I’d been looking forward to that moment, and she didn’t even notice.

Chapter 8 Teaser
Shepley walked out of his bedroom pulling a T-shirt over his head. His eyebrows pushed together. “Did they just leave?”
“Yeah,” I said absently, rinsing my cereal bowl and dumping Abby’s leftover oatmeal in the sink. She’d barely touched it.
“Well, what the hell? Mare didn’t even say goodbye.”
“You knew she was going to class. Quit being a cry baby.”
Shepley pointed to his chest. “I’m the cry baby? Do you remember last night?”
“Shut up.”
“That’s what I thought.” He sat on the couch and slipped on his sneakers. “Did you ask Abby about her birthday?”
“She didn’t say much, except that she’s not into birthdays.”
“So what are we doing?”
“Throwing her a party.” Shepley nodded, waiting for me to explain. “I thought we’d surprise her. Invite some of our friends over and have America take her out for a while.”
Shepley put on his white ball cap, pulling it down so low over his brows I couldn’t see his eyes. “She can manage that. Anything else?”
“How do you feel about a puppy?”
Shepley laughed once. “It’s not my birthday, bro.”
I walked around the breakfast bar and leaned my hip against the stool. “I know, but she lives in the dorms. She can’t have a puppy.”
“Keep it here? Seriously? What are we going to do with a dog?”
“I found a Cairn Terrier online. It’s perfect.”
“A what?”
“Pidge is from Kansas. It’s the same kind of dog Dorothy had in the Wizard of Oz.”
Shepley’s face was blank. “The Wizard of Oz.”
“What? I liked the scarecrow when I was a little kid, shut the fuck up.”
“It’s going to crap every where, Travis. It’ll bark and whine and … I don’t know.”
“So does America … minus the crapping.”
Shepley wasn’t amused.
“I’ll take it out and clean up after it. I’ll keep it in my room. You won’t even know it’s here.”
“You can’t keep it from barking.”
“Think about it. You gotta admit it’ll win her over.”
Shepley smiled. “Is that what this is all about? You’re trying to win over Abby?”
My brows pulled together. “Quit it.”
His smile widened. “You can get the damn dog…”
I grinned with victory.
“…if you admit you have feelings for Abby.”
I frowned in defeat. “C’mon, man!”
“Admit it,” Shepley said, crossing his arms. What a tool. He was actually going to make me say it.
I looked to the floor, and everywhere else except Shepley’s smug ass smile. I fought it for a while, but the puppy was fucking brilliant. Abby would flip out (in a good way for once), and I could keep it at the apartment. She’d want to be there every day.
“I like her,” I said through my teeth.
Shepley held his hand to his ear. “What? I couldn’t quite hear you.”
“You’re an asshole! Did you hear that?”
Shepley crossed his arms. “Say it.”
“I like her, okay?”
“Not good enough.”
“I have feelings for her. I care about her. A lot. I can’t stand it when she’s not around. Happy?”
“For now,” he said, grabbing his backpack off the floor.

=D I like!

[Allana Kephart]

The fact this even EXISTS!



And it's from TRAVIS' POINT OF VIEW!







But I have to wait like...almost 8 months, now.



Whyyyyyyyy...

December 10th, 2012

SO! I am STUPID and just now found the prolog for Walking Disaster...

At first I was like-



And then I read it I was like-



[image error]

And now I'm like--





IS IT FRIGGIN' 2013 YET?!

December 31st, 2012

As of tomorrow it is officially 15 weeks until this book is on shelves and, yes, in my possession. Fifteen weeks is 105 days. 105 days is 151,200 minutes. 151,200 minutes is 9,072,000 seconds, which is also 9.072E15 nano seconds...

...

Dammit-



3/22/2013

OH. MY. GOD.



ONE WEEK. FOUR DAYS. ONE WEEK AND FOUR DAYS OH EM GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I'm gonna die.

Must...breathe...

[Akanksha❤ Søren♰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ME ^ when I got the Walking Disaster ARC
~~~~~


ME ^ while reading Walking Disaster
~~~~~~~~



Writing my review, exams just got over :P


Thank you Netgalley for the ARC~
____________

WOW.. The UK cover is just BLOWN!!


So is the US one!!


~~~~~~~

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

Trent, Thomas, Taylor and Tyler get their own books AND.. *ta ta ta ta* Abby and Travis will have cameos in those books.. *Squeeeeeeee*



__
Cover >> ❤_❤

2nd April 2013, COME QUICK!!! I need me some fucking Travis!!! :D

___

I would always play, and I would always fight.
Hard. - Travis❤
I have never sobbed so much just by reading a prologue! :'(
Prologue

___

Cant wait for this book, so till then I am going to be reading 'Beautiful Disasters' over and over again until I know what content is what which page and which chapter.
___

Travis Is Coming bitchesssssssssssss!!!

____

Snippets!!

One last teaser from Walking Disaster…
Shepley jogged around the front of the Charger, and then slid into the driver’s seat. “I’m still taking the official position that this is a bad idea.”
“Noted.”
“Then where?”
“Steiner’s.”
“The jewelry store?”
“Yep.”
“Why, Travis?” Shepley said, his voice more stern than before.
“You’ll see.”
He shook his head. “Are you trying to run her off?”
“It’s going to happen, Shep. I just want to have it. For when the time is right.”
“No time any time soon is right. I am so in love with America that it drives me crazy sometimes, but we’re not old enough for that shit, yet, Travis. And … what if she says no?”
My teeth clenched at the thought. “I won’t ask her until I know she’s ready.”
Shepley’s mouth pulled to the side. “Just when I think you can’t get any more insane, you do something else to remind me that you are far beyond bat shit crazy.”
“Wait until you see the rock I’m getting.”
Shepley craned his neck slowly in my direction. “You’ve already been over there shopping, haven’t you?”
I smiled.

I.Want.Me.A.Travis. *sobs*

From Chapter 2
“What are you doing?” Shepley said. He stood in the middle of the room, a pair of sneakers in one hand, a dirty pair of underwear in the other.
“Uh, cleaning?” I said, shoving shot glasses into the dishwasher.
“I see that. But...why?”
I smiled, my back turned to Shepley. He was going to kick my ass. “I’m expecting company.”
“So?”
“The pigeon.”
“Huh?”
“Abby, Shep. I invited Abby.”
“Dude, no. No! Don’t fuck this up for me, man. Please don’t.”
I turned, crossing my arms across my chest. “I tried, Shep. I did. But, I don’t know.” I shrugged. “There’s something about her. I couldn’t help myself.”
Shepley’s jaw worked under his skin, and then he stomped into his room, slamming the door behind him.
I finished loading the dishwasher, and then circled the couch to make sure I hadn’t missed any visible empty condom wrappers. That was never fun to explain.
The fact that I had bagged nearly every beautiful co-ed at Eastern was no secret, but I didn’t see a reason to remind them when they came to my apartment. It was all about presentation.
Pigeon, though. It would take far more than a good presentation to bag her on my couch. At this point I was taking it one step at a time. If I focused on the end result, I could easily fuck it up. She noticed things. She was farther from naive than I was; light years away. This operation was nothing less than precarious.
I was in my bedroom sorting dirty laundry when I heard the front door open. Shepley usually listened for America’s car to pull in so he could greet her at the door.
Pussy.
Murmuring, and then the closing of Shepley’s door was my signal. I walked into the front room, and there she sat: Glasses, her hair piled on top of her head, and what might have been pajamas. I wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d been molding in the bottom of her laundry hamper.
It was so hard not to bust into laughter. Never once had a female come to my apartment dressed like that. My front door had seen jean skirts, dresses, even a see-through tube dress over a string bikini. A handful of times, spackled-on makeup and glitter lotion. Never pajamas.
Her appearance immediately answered why she’d so easily agreed to come over. She was going to try to nauseate me into leaving her alone. If she didn’t look absolutely sexy like that, it might have worked, but her skin was impeccable, and the lack of makeup and the frames of her glasses just made her eye color stand out even more.
“It’s about time you showed up,” I said, falling onto my couch.
At first she seemed proud of her idea, but as we talked and I remained impervious, it was clear that she knew her plan had failed. The less she smiled, the more I had to stop myself from grinning ear to ear. She was so much fun. I just couldn’t get over it.
Shepley and America joined us again. Abby was flustered, and I was damn near lightheaded. She went from doubting the fact that I could write a simple paper to questioning my penchant for fighting. I kind of liked talking to her about normal stuff, preferable to the awkward task of asking her to leave once I bagged her. She didn’t understand me, and kind of wanted to, even though I seemed to piss her off.
“What are you...the Karate Kid? Where did you learn to fight?”
Shepley and America seemed to be embarrassed for Abby. I don’t know why; I sure as hell didn’t mind. Just because I didn’t talk about my childhood much didn’t mean I was ashamed.
“I had a dad with a drinking problem and a bad temper, and four older brothers that carried the asshole gene.”
“Oh,” she said simply. Her cheeks turned red, and at that moment, I felt a twinge in my chest. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it bugged me. I immediately tried to make her feel better. “Don’t be embarrassed, Pidge. Dad quit drinking. The brothers grew up.”
“I’m not embarrassed.” Her body language was opposite her words. I struggled to think of something to change the subject, and then mentioning her sexy, frumpy look came to mind. Her embarrassment was immediately replaced by irritation, something I was far more comfortable with.
America suggested watching TV, but the last thing I wanted to do was to be in a room with Abby, unable to talk to her. I stood. “You hungry, Pidge?”
“I already ate.”
America’s eyebrows pulled in. “No, you haven’t. Oh...er...that’s right. I forgot. You grabbed a...pizza? Before we left.”
Abby was embarrassed again, but anger quickly covered it.
I opened the door, trying to keep my voice casual. I’d never been so eager to get a girl alone—especially to not have sex with her. “C’mon. You’ve gotta be hungry.”
Her shoulders relaxed a bit. “Where are you going?”
“Wherever you want. We can hit a pizza place.” I inwardly cringed. That might have been too eager.
She looked down at her sweat pants. “I’m not really dressed.”
I grinned. She had no idea how beautiful she was. That made her even more appealing. “You look fine. Let’s go, I’m starvin’.”
Once she was on the back of my Harley, I could finally think straight again. My thoughts were usually more relaxed on the bike. Abby’s legs had my hips in a vice grip, but that was oddly relaxing, too. Almost a relief.
The weird urge I felt around her was disorienting. I didn’t like it, but then again, it reminded me that she was around, so it was as comforting as it was unsettling. I decided to get my shit together. Abby might be a pigeon, but she was just a fucking girl. No need to get my boxer briefs in a bunch.
Besides, there was something under the good girl facade. She hated me on sight because she’d been burned by someone like me before. No way was she a slut, though. Not even a reformed slut. I could spot them a mile away. My game face slowly melted away. I’d finally found a girl that was interesting enough to get to know, and a version of me had already hurt her.
I barely knew the girl, and the thought of some jackhole hurting Pidge infuriated me. Abby associating me with someone that would hurt her was even worse. I gunned the throttle as I pulled into the Pizza Shack. That ride wasn’t long enough to sort out the clusterfuck in my head.
I wasn’t even thinking about my speed, so when Abby jumped off my bike and started to yell, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I went the speed limit.”
“Yeah, if we were on the Autobahn!” She ripped the wild bun down and then brushed her long hair with her fingers.
I couldn’t stop staring while she re-wrapped the long, caramel strands, and then tied them back again. I imagined that was how she looked first thing in the morning, and then had to refer to the first ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan to keep my dick from getting hard. Blood. Screaming. Visible intestines. Grenades. Gunfire. More blood.
I held the door open. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, Pigeon.”
She angrily stomped past me and into the restaurant, ignoring my gesture. It was a damn shame; she was the first girl that I had ever wanted to open the door for. I’d been looking forward to that moment, and she didn’t even notice. *sobs*

Chapter 8
Shepley walked out of his bedroom pulling a T-shirt over his head. His eyebrows pushed together. “Did they just leave?”
“Yeah,” I said absently, rinsing my cereal bowl and dumping Abby’s leftover oatmeal in the sink. She’d barely touched it.
“Well, what the hell? Mare didn’t even say goodbye.”
“You knew she was going to class. Quit being a cry baby.”
Shepley pointed to his chest. “I’m the cry baby? Do you remember last night?”
“Shut up.”
“That’s what I thought.” He sat on the couch and slipped on his sneakers. “Did you ask Abby about her birthday?”
“She didn’t say much, except that she’s not into birthdays.”
“So what are we doing?”
“Throwing her a party.” Shepley nodded, waiting for me to explain. “I thought we’d surprise her. Invite some of our friends over and have America take her out for a while.”
Shepley put on his white ball cap, pulling it down so low over his brows I couldn’t see his eyes. “She can manage that. Anything else?”
“How do you feel about a puppy?”
Shepley laughed once. “It’s not my birthday, bro.”
I walked around the breakfast bar and leaned my hip against the stool. “I know, but she lives in the dorms. She can’t have a puppy.”
“Keep it here? Seriously? What are we going to do with a dog?”
“I found a Cairn Terrier online. It’s perfect.”
“A what?”
“Pidge is from Kansas. It’s the same kind of dog Dorothy had in the Wizard of Oz.”
Shepley’s face was blank. “The Wizard of Oz.”
“What? I liked the scarecrow when I was a little kid, shut the fuck up.”
“It’s going to crap every where, Travis. It’ll bark and whine and … I don’t know.”
“So does America … minus the crapping.”
Shepley wasn’t amused.
“I’ll take it out and clean up after it. I’ll keep it in my room. You won’t even know it’s here.”
“You can’t keep it from barking.”
“Think about it. You gotta admit it’ll win her over.”
Shepley smiled. “Is that what this is all about? You’re trying to win over Abby?”
My brows pulled together. “Quit it.”
His smile widened. “You can get the damn dog…”
I grinned with victory.
“…if you admit you have feelings for Abby.”
I frowned in defeat. “C’mon, man!”
“Admit it,” Shepley said, crossing his arms. What a tool. He was actually going to make me say it.
I looked to the floor, and everywhere else except Shepley’s smug ass smile. I fought it for a while, but the puppy was fucking brilliant. Abby would flip out (in a good way for once), and I could keep it at the apartment. She’d want to be there every day.
“I like her,” I said through my teeth.
Shepley held his hand to his ear. “What? I couldn’t quite hear you.”
“You’re an asshole! Did you hear that?”
Shepley crossed his arms. “Say it.”
“I like her, okay?”
“Not good enough.”
“I have feelings for her. I care about her. A lot. I can’t stand it when she’s not around. Happy?”
“For now,” he said, grabbing his backpack off the floor.

[BookHeroin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't forget to check out the Playlist at the end of this review



Walking Disaster is Travis's POV From Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. So you need to read BD first!


Lets start by saying VAVAVOOM!!
That was absolutely extraordinary! If you know me you'll know how much i love books with boy POV, BUT Walking Disaster is THE BEST.




That prologue was something else! god it was simply devastatingly beautiful. The raw emotions were overwhelming, it was really heart breaking, since Travis was so young and not only him but i also felt so sad for his brothers and dad. Broke my heart. And the fact that he kept remembering what she said, but i think he misunderstood her. what he got was-->
When the sad went away, I would always play, and I would always fight. Hard.

I tried to remember everything she told me. I tried to glue it to the inside of my head: Play. Visit Dad. Fight for what I love. That last thing bothered me. I loved Mommy, but I didn’t know how to fight for her


This is the same story as Beautiful Disaster but with new scenes. and new feelings. It allows you to be inside Travis Maddox's head. and wow! simply wow! if you hated Abby in BD you'll definitely hate even more in this one. she was a... wait for it >>BITCH <<
I have a lot of reasons to hate her, first she wasn't a great character, she didn't held that appeal of a good heroine! she's #$^$&
i can't even find words! and it doesn't have anything to do with Jamie poor ability to create outstanding characters - just go read the Providence series O.O, with the exception of Walking Disaster of course! Second, she has Travis's attention! EVERYONE HATES HER!

I really believe that Travis deserves someone better than Abby. She was what he wanted but not what he needed in my opinion. She left him, over and over again!





what is wrong with you! she just kept leaving him! and act like an ignorant idiot! Travis is a sensitive guy! people might think he's an arrogant man whore! but no he's so much more than that. And when you read this story you'll see it that there is a lot more to him than beautiful disaster shows!
i really think that Jamie is a poor writer, i mean okay she created BD which EVERYONE LOVED but... if you noticed that book was a little vague! now okay Walking disaster explained A LOT but still how could she knows that she would be able to write from his POV , i really think that book should have been better, but nevertheless i gave it 5 stars because i loved the idea of it . In this one i had this whole new view to those characters. all of them. i liked Brazil. Hated Adam. And especially Parker! i was a little sad for him in BD but!! no! he.is. an.ass

The epilogue was jaw dropping! it was a combination between A OMG. AWWW. WHAT. OH MY GOD. THAT IS ASDFGHJKL. I LOVE HIM. I THINK I LIKE ABBY A LITTLE. A WHAT?? . W.H.A.T

It was amazing, satisfying for the end of an amazing journey. and after it i think i liked Abby. but just during the epilogue. other than that no.

I'm not gonna give any spoilers about what happen in the book, because they are suck, even when there are warnings , sometimes you can't help your self, but after you read it you end up hating your self!

But because a lot of you guys -who didn't read the book-has been asking for a new teaser and here it is.
(It's thanks giving morning! )
“Look, Pidge. It’s snowing.”
She turned to face the window. “It kind of feels like Christmas,” she said, lightly pressing her cheek against my skin. A sigh from my throat prompted her to look at me. “What?”
“You won’t be here for Christmas.”
“I’m here, now.”
I pulled my mouth into a half smile, and then leaned down to kiss her lips. Abby pulled back and shook her head.
“Trav . . .”
I held on tight and lowered my chin. “I’ve got less than twenty-four hours with you, Pidge. I’m gonna kiss you. I’m gonna kiss you a lot today. All day. Every chance I get. If you want me to stop, just say the word, but until you do, I’m going to make every second of my last day with you count.”
“Travis—” Abby began, but after a few seconds of thought, her line of sight lowered from my eyes to my lips.
Not wanting to hesitate, I immediately bent down to kiss her. She kissed me back, and although I’d just meant for it to be short and sweet, my lips parted, making her body react. Her tongue slipped into my mouth, and every part of me that was warm-blooded male screamed for me to go full steam ahead. I pulled her against me, and Abby let her leg fall to one side, welcoming my hips to fit tightly between her thighs.
Within moments, she was naked beneath me, and it took just two quick motions for me to remove my clothes. Pressing my mouth against hers, hard, I gripped the iron vines of the headboard with both hands, and in one quick movement, pushed myself inside her. My body instantly felt hot, and I couldn’t stop moving or rocking against her, unable to control myself. I moaned into Abby’s mouth when she arched her back to move her hips against mine. At one point she flattened her feet on the bed so she could raise up to let me slip inside of her fully.
With one hand on the iron, and the other on the nape of Abby’s neck, I rocked into her over and over, everything that had happened between us, all the pain I’d felt, forgotten. The light from the window poured in as beads of sweat began to form on our skin, making it a little easier to slide back and forth.
I was just about to finish when Abby’s legs began to quiver, and her nails dug into my back. I held my breath and thrust into her one last time, groaning with the intense spasms throughout my body.
Abby relaxed against the mattress, her hairline damp, and her limbs limp.
I breathed as if I’d just finished a marathon, sweat dripping from the hair above my ear and down the side of my face.
Abby’s eyes lit up when she heard voices murmuring downstairs. I turned on my side, scanning her face with pure adoration.
“You said you were just going to kiss me.” She looked at me the way she used to, making it easy to pretend.
“Why don’t we just stay in bed all day?”
“I came here to cook, remember?”
“No, you came here to help me cook, and I don’t report for duty for another eight hours.”
She touched my face, her expression preparing me for what she might say. “Travis, I think we—”
“Don’t say it, okay? I don’t want to think about it until I have to.” I stood up and pulled on my boxers, walking over to Abby’s bag. I tossed her clothes to the bed, and then yanked my T-shirt over my head. “I want to remember this as a good day.”
It seemed not long after we awoke, it was lunchtime. The day raced by, far too fucking fast. I dreaded every minute, cursing the clock as it approached the evening.

My Travis













The best book Trailer i'v seen about this book
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire (Book Trailer)

WALKING DISASTER PLAYLIST




Make sure to follow my reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS WITH A HUGE CAVEAT! Plus HELPFUL ADVICE when reading this book.

5 Mega stars for TRAVIS
3 Stars for content and execution
Equals 4 overall stars

I'm so glad Crista and I decided to do a buddy read of Walking Disaster for the blog Swept Away By Romance. My anticipation and expectations for this book were off the charts and frankly, a little...or perhaps a lot...unrealistic. It was a great relief to have her as a sounding board as we both discovered together that the realities of this book were not what we had expected.

I'm NOT saying Walking Disaster is a bad book. Quite the contrary, as I thoroughly LOVED being in Travis's head, gaining a better understand of his character, and finding him sexier and more swoon-worthy than ever! I'm simply saying that Walking Disaster is STRICTLY a companion book to Beautiful Disaster. IT CAN NOT STAND ON ITS OWN! Walking Disaster enhances Beautiful Disaster's love story, nothing more.

I know that many readers will love this book no matter what. That said, the story is somewhat disjointed and for the general reader to fully appreciate and get the most from this book, I recommend the following:

• YOU MUST READ BEAUTIFUL DISASTER FIRST. THAT IS IMPERATIVE!!!

• If you've already read Beautiful Disaster, I suggest you read it again before starting this book.

• When you become annoyed with Abby...and you will...re-read her point-of-view from Beautiful Disaster, as Travis is reacting solely to her dialogue. I can not stress this enough!! Abby is a remarkable heroine and one of my all-time favorite characters, but sadly comes across as mostly bitchy and shrewish with very little character presence in this story.

Once I recognized Walking Disaster for what it is–a captivating companion to Beautiful Disaster–I had a BLAST reading this book. Crista and I had lots of fun discussing and swooning over Travis and his bigger-than-life character. The epilogue was nothing short of spectacular, and it, alone, makes this book worth reading.

And now...I'm off to re-read Beautiful Disaster–one of my all-time favorite books–with a whole new perspective on this all consuming and addictive love story.

Here's the link to Crista's review.

Song note: The Fighter, by Gym Class Heroes, is one of the songs featured on Jamie McGuire's Walking Disasters playlist. I can't listen to this song without thinking of Travis. For me it's his theme song!

http://youtu.be/8TzCLpgbJ_g

*ARC issued to Swept Away By Romance courtesy of Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS for anyone who hasn't read Beautiful Disaster yet, and if you are thinking of starting this series, even if they are both sort of the same, I do recommend you start with Beautiful Disaster first :)

My Review of Beautiful Disaster can be found here.


This is a dysfunctional Romance.

And just like in my review of Beautiful Disaster , I will quote Deb Caletti

“Love at first sight should send you running, if you know what's good for you. It's your dark pieces having instant recognition with their dark pieces. You're an idiot if you think it means you've met your soul mate.“
-Stay by Deb Caletti.

This happens to so so so many people, to many us and we do not even realize it. For example, someone who had an alcoholic parent and swears they will never be caught up with someone like that, only to grow up and marry and alcoholic – it happens.

Let’s think of Twilight for a moment.
I hate using Twilight for this example -Many people loved that story (me included). Why? It’s not a healthy relationship, Edward is a manipulative and extremely old person, and that’s reason enough for it being bad; BUT still, many people loved it and it is a good love story. It shows that no matter how many obstacles you face love triumphs in the end.

Now, what does this have to do with Walking Disaster or Travis?
Edward and Travis are complete opposites. Edward is this good and nice old school guy, he doesn’t sleep around with a bunch of girls, he wants to protect Bella’s virtue, he’s beautiful and simply put: perfect. Travis, on the other hand, is completely tattooed (which is not a bad thing, but in the eyes of our society these days, it isn’t exactly the best thing) he’s messy, temperamental, sleeps around with many girls and most definitely wants to be with Abby. They're opposites, and the same goes with Bella and Abby, not much in common.

So... what was the point of this?
The one thing both stories seem to have in common: Both argue that true love is the one thing that matters and that it exists. That even if you are a hundred freaking years old or you’re a crazy mess that seems to be way beyond repair, or you have a troubled past or you're and awkward plain and boring mess; there is still someone out there to love you, you still get a shot at that happy ending – or never ending, in Twilight’s case.

Abby and Travis are a disaster, both separately and together- and yes I know everyone keeps emphasizing this, and that it is the title, but it's the truth. This is what we all want, not exactly the disaster thing, but what I believe we all want, deep at heart, is to know that no matter how flawed we are or how hopeless and disastrous we can be, we can still find someone to love us. And sometimes that means that the other person will be just as much of a disaster or more, maybe if we’re lucky that will not be the case. The one goal is to try and be better, try to become the best version of ourselves, be as good as we can be, become Beautiful.

This is why I think the stories are so popular.
I don't think they are a good example to follow, or that their relationship is good. But it's a fun, intense, passionate, addictive and entertaining love story.

Now let's talk about Travis's Point of View.
This book was a really interesting and refreshing experience for me. I have re-read books before, but never fully and completely, I usually skim the pages and focus on my favorite parts. I have also read sequels where the book is now told from the guy’s point of view, but they usually are a continuation to the story, not the exact same one but with a different POV. Walking Disaster was really the same as Beautiful Disaster, but with Travi’s thoughts and showing what he did or where he went when he wasn’t with Abby, and it was great. I loved it, I also re-read Beautiful Disaster at the same time, so comparing them and looking at both their thoughts was fascinating, plus, it seems like Jamie McGuire already had in mind to make Travis’s book when she originally wrote Beautiful Disaster, it just all connected perfectly, and not once did it felt forced. I don't really know if those were her intentions from the beginning, but it was all just done really well. Bonus points for that.

Oh and... I sort of hated really disliked Abby in this book?
Travis’s point of view was a little bit difficult to read. From Beautiful Disaster I knew Abby was really bitchy and stubborn and also very irrational at times, but it was easy to follow her, especially knowing that Travis would do anything for her. In Walking Disaster you can see how it all hurts Travis and I really, honestly could not help but wish that he would leave her alone because Abby was not good for him. And really neither was him for her. I basically wanted the to break up. I really really wanted them to break up.

But the ending had already been written before, so there wasn't much to be done there, I just got a little bit frustrated.

All in all it was a good book, and I definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoyed Beautiful Disaster, it really helps you understand Travis and see this love story from a new perspective :)


************************
(This part was written when Walking Disaster had first been announced)

*Cover Update!*

That cover!


This book!!!


Wait - 2013? 2013!!!!!!!!! what is wrong with you people!?!


I need this Right NOW!

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

edited 10/4
Looking back at my notes without the haze of rage, I see that my hatred for Travis blinded me to this book's number 1 issue.

7. Copy - Paste - Publish
Jamie McGuire plagiarised substantial chunks of Beautiful Disaster and marketed this as a new book. It's not just the dialogue but there are things on every single page that is almost a word for word copy of BD. I know this is the same story from a different point of view, so some repetition should be expected, but this is beyond ridiculous. The proof? Take a look at this little gem:

Beautiful Disaster (Abby's POV):
Shepley put his hand on Travis' shoulder. "We've all had a lot to drink. ..."

Walking Disaster (Douchebag's POV):
Shepley put his hand on Travis's shoulder. "We've all had a lot to drink. ..."

For reals? Are you friggin kidding me? I mean come on. Not only are Abby and Travis' thoughts exactly the same, Travis fucking refers to himself as Travis. It doesn't get anymore obvious than that. Either he became an even bigger asshole and started referring to himself in third person (not entirely unbelievable come to think of it) or Jamie McGuire didn't even bother to edit her blatant copy and pastes. I guess this just shows you how much effort she put into 'writing' this book. Honestly I'm baffled. Capitalism at it's finest.


original review 3/4

DISASTROUS

BD was a page-turner. Despite the obviously dysfunctional, abusive relationship and annoying characters, there was a very readable, unputdownable quality about it. As I was reading WD, I was hoping to get to know Travis, understand him and maybe like him. I thought McGuire would soften out his flaws and explain the reasons behind his actions... Nope. All his unlikeable qualities? She added a thousand and then threw gasoline on the fire.

Walking Disaster why do I NOT love thee? Let me count the ways..

1. The Insta-love.
At least with BD, there was a build up. In this one it was love at first sight and we didn't even get to see the first meeting. WTF?

2. The Writing Cliches.
e.g. Comparing Abby to crack. I couldn't get enough...I'm addicted...I need more... Yadayada. Lame.

3. Abby.
At least I could understand some her actions through her thought process in BD. In Travis' POV, her indecisiveness was infuriating. She has no redeeming qualities besides being pretty. She was just there, being controlled by Travis. Not a good heroine at all.

4. Travis' Arrogance.
He acts like God's gift to women. Granted, McGuire wrote his VERY fictional world that way. There's really not one girl besides Abby that couldn't resist a tattooed, chain smoking, alcoholic, violent manslut? Really?

5. "Bagged"
I couldn't tell you how much I hate this word. I would rather him use fucked, screwed, laid, humped...anything. Why was sex referred to as bagged... Every. Single. Time? And it was A LOT of times considering he did more 'bagging' than a friggin' Costco employee. God I seriously wanted to throw my screen at times. What really drove my dislike home was:

....in an attempt to break free of the flock of baggable females that usually crowded my desk

A flock of baggable females?....What in the world? Who the hell speaks/thinks like this? I am Travis' age and nobody I know uses the terms flock, baggable and females in the same sentence. He honestly speaks like an immature virgin with no sexual experience whatsoever.

Now the thing that made me want to punch Travis in the face...

6. His Misogyny
I'm a fan of Contemporary New Adult, therefore I've read the whole reformed player story a million times before. Usually the heros love sex and they love women. Just not sex with one woman. Travis is a whole different story. This guy HATES women. Actually not just hates women, he despises, loathes and abhors them. Yes despite having no standards and sleeping with everything that moves he is the most misogynist, sexist pig I've ever had the non-pleasure of reading about.

If you've had sex with him... you're a skank.
If you've had sex before the first month.... you're a slut.
If you even showed interest in a guy you're not dating... you're a vulture

Ugh don't even get me started on the repeated vulture metaphor. It's repulsive. That and the way he treats women. His attitude towards them directly corresponded to their sexual behaviour. To say he was bitchy and judgemental is an understatement. I just didn't get it.


So yes, as you can tell, I did not like this book. I will not be finishing this book. I will not be reading anything else by Jamie McGuire. The slut shaming in BD, I could deal with. The degradation of women in this book I could not.

This read like a bad fan-fic. It felt lazy, designed to maximise profits for the author and her publishing company. It was not what should've been written by a NYT best-selling author.

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 1 out of 5]

The was time I head want really the I and seriously only couch angry one thing don't sigh bad can't he this who bribe dumb like thought get wasn't about this believe was how even had my this to that me pretty angry be Travis book a shown I made is pointless stake to was wasted effing that as portrayed my head attempt nothing being ridiculous time as new at started and happened when somehow raging on skimmed trying and you not to that the make time the hurts what more as stupid think second money the rehash bad kitchen pointless about half hell was epilogue boring noise horny it back.

Fin.

[Ava · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review contains unmarked spoilers.

Can you despise a book but still enjoy reading it?

That's a question I've often asked myself while reading Jamie McGuire's two DISASTER books, because while I spend most of my time wanting to throw them off cliffs, they're also very readable and engrossing. It's not quite a train wreck that you can't look away from - more like staring at a naked man peeing in a plaza fountain.



Wait, that's not particularly enjoyable.

Actually, ignore that. I'm drunk. A little. Not really. Not at all. I've just had a rough fucking week, okay?

McGuire isn't going to win any awards for her gorgeous writing style; that's for sure. It's really quite meh; on a scale of E.L. James to Laini Taylor. There's not a lot to say about it, besides being endlessly average.

WALKING DISASTER is angst. Really. The whole story is just a bunch of angst and slut-shaming and bagging vultures. Oh, I should probably explain. Travis calls every woman (except for Abby) who shows an interest in him a vulture, and instead of saying "we had sex" or "we banged" or even "we fucked", he goes for the charming "I bagged her". I mean, there's also the I-murdered-her-and-stuck-her-in-a-body-bag kind of bagged, but I really wouldn't put it past him.

If you want a short version of WALKING DISASTER, here it is: Travis wants to sleep with Abby. Abby says no. Abby sleeps in Travis's bed and does a bunch of questionable things that make Travis think they're more than friends, but no. Abby goes out with a guy named Parker sometimes. Travis beats the shit out of people. Angst. Angst. Angst. They get together. They break up. Travis bangs and throws out women like trash. Wash, rinse, repeat. Gangsters and Vegas and tattoos and really unrealistic fighting. Babies and a stupid ending.

The story of Travis and Abby is one of complete and utter chaos. At times, Abby could be a strong, likable female character who wouldn't take any shit from Travis. But more often, she submitted to Travis' controlling demands and partook in the slut-shaming of the very women she had often defended. I felt like McGuire couldn't get a grip on Abby; her personalities and actions were so different. I had a hard time believing it was all the same character. She's pretty much the definition of hot-and-cold.

If I ever had the chance to speak to Travis - to tell him only one sentence - it'd be kind of obvious, seeing as my hatred for him knows no bounds.



Okay, I know Petyr Baelish probably isn't the best person to tell someone to go fuck themselves, but give me a break.

Travis is literally one of the worst male characters I've ever encountered in all my years of reading. Actually, he's probably in the top five. I genuinely cannot understand how anyone could have an ounce of respect, admiration, or love for this violent, awful misogynist. He has no sense of self-control or humiliation, and someone needs to SIT HIM THE FUCK DOWN AND TELL HIM TO GET OFF HIS HIGH HORSE. He tore apart an entire bedroom, smashed furniture - just because Abby had left without telling him.

Travis is a fucking psychopath. A PSYCHOPATH, NOT A HIGH-FUNCTIONING SOCIOPATH.



He treats everyone - even the people he supposedly respects - horribly, and he's more of a mother to Abby than a boyfriend.

Abby, you can't wear that.

Abby, you can't do that.

Abby, you can't be a fucking person and stand up for yourself.

I was convinced that by the end of WALKING DISASTER, he would've went to the veterinarian and gotten Abby a microchip so he could always find her if she ran away. He reduced her to his pet.

By the way, since when does the FBI recruit unstable, uncontrollable, dangerous men?



Answer: since Will Graham but please just ignore that part he's my baby and he needs love and medical care and teddy bears

I'm talking about Travis. Travis begins working for the FBI. It's funny, I think, because in a lot of new adult books I read, the main characters end up successful from careers that are not suited for them at all. Kind of a "fuck it, let's make the male love interest into a gang-busting government worker!" for NO REASON AT ALL.

I don't think there is a single character in WALKING DISASTER that I enjoyed completely. Hell, the only person I didn't want to strangle was . . . oh, wait.

No one.

America, Abby's best friend, could be really smart at times (like when she slapped some common sense into Abby and told her to stay away from Travis) but she also shipped them and encouraged them to get back together, even after witnessing all the shit Travis had put Abby through. Her boyfriend, Shepley, Travis' cousin, is also annoying as hell. Even Parker, supposedly the 'nice guy' and Abby's boyfriend, was a disrespectful asshole at times. To be fair, I'd take Parker over Travis any day, but still.

I can count, with one hand, the amount of women who weren't 'sluts', 'whores', 'vultures', or 'skanks' by the definitions of every fucking person in this book. With the exception of Travis' mother in the beginning, and Kara, Abby's other roommate, every woman in WALKING DISASTER was sexualized. Not even Travis' bartender friend, who he had no desire to sleep with, was safe from his frat brother's attentions.

So, basically, this book was shit and if I write any more, I'm going to get incredibly frustrated and end up breaking someone's face. This whole book felt like it was McGuire's subtle-but-not-subtle-enough response to her critics, defending every negative thing we had to say.

[adinda widya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*full review to come*



oohhh lalala ... buttercup !!!
how i love that picture. thats how i pictured travis and pigeon in my mind <3 :D :p

but its too far awayyyyy



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[cεℓтïcεяαƨ мυƨε]

2013???

20FREAKING13




Am I being tested




What did I do to deserve this



UGH!!!
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I just can't...

[Karla Mae (Reads and Thoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S ALL WORTH THE WAIT!

All the waiting for the cover, blurb, excerpts, pre-order and arc openings. It's all so worth it.

Two years. I waited two long years for this book to finally come out! To say I was excited was an understatement. I was beyond excited! I was peeing-in-my-pants-I-just-can’t-wait-excited! Why wouldn’t I be excited? We could finally get inside the head of The Travis Maddox and he’s the one I consider as my first ever book-boyfriend so squeal for the excitement and expectations.

Walking Disaster follows exactly the plot line of Beautiful Disaster but the new lines and dialogues and parts makes my reading experience seems like I was reading an entirely new book. If I haven’t read the first book, Walking Disaster could be considered a stand-alone one.

The Prologue was pretty powerful. I guess this is the part that I loved the most. It’s a great way to open up the story of Travis. Just from the Prologue you could immediately understand where he's coming from and as the story progress you get to see the meaning behind his actions. Reading this story in Travis head opens me up to understanding his anger management issues, possessiveness, fighting, his perception about love and relationships and his hot and cold feelings about Abby - which leads me into the conclusion that Travis Maddox is indeed a Softie - vulnerable and can feel things and could easily be hurt.

In beautiful Disaster I do hate some or most of Abby's decisions but there I tend and tried to understand her situations since her arguments are valid but I’m not entirely saying that I loved her there but she indeed does things that are likeable and not so likeable. Upon reading this I get to see the side that we see only glimpses on the first book – the parts where she inflicted great pain to Travis. I’m pro-Travis all the way so maybe I'm being biased but she hurt him in countless ways. I ache for every thing that this girl does and says that causes our guy to be miserable - the continuous push and pull on their relationship is too much. Mostly, I ache for those simple gestures that Travis does for her that seems nothing to her but very much a big thing for him.

Since Walking Disaster is the other side of the story – It’s not only Travis that we get to see here becasue we also get to see more of Shepley - I honestly find myself enjoying his parts and his relationship with America! Oh and how he's secretly this hopelessly romantic guy. ;)

Oh and Parker - You guys should remember him. You would also get to know his TRUE story here.

The Maddox Family rules this book! I love their manly bond with each other - From their father to the sons. Hmm. I'm honestly looking forward in reading about Travis' brother’s story. They quite picked up my interest after reading this one.

I gave Walking Disaster 5 star rating but that doesn’t mean I don't have a bit of hesitations or comments or not so good thing about it such as:

Why Travis is head-over-heels in love with Abby? I know he finds his peace with her and stuff like that but I don't think the story justified as to why Abby really caught the heart of Travis. I only get to see her not so good side here.

Another thing, I continuously say that this is in Travis's POV right? Then why does it feel like I get to hear Abby here from time to time? I know the other side of the story is there but the voice of the story pretty much sounds like Abby (I feel like it since I do a review reading of Beautiful Disaster before reading this one)

The Epilogue - Honestly I'm gushing over it! I like it in a very good way but I'm pretty much skeptical about it in another. No matter how much I love the HEA on it I was left confused about that certain twist to it, I don’t know its relevance or the importance of it. I was satisfied ye but I just can't quite figure out why the sudden opening of that epilogue. I understand the need to put that first part of the epilogue but it seems to be misplaced on the story – maybe it’s a hint that there could be more for this? Even though the ending screamed the end already? I don’t know. I just don’t think that first part of the epilogue is much needed.

Travis Maddox is one of those characters that made its mark on me and would surely and always have a space in my heart - he's forever etched into it. I believe that it is possible to love Travis Maddox more after reading this one! Walking Disaster is like taking a step back into a world that you’re oh so familiar with. You would surely, laugh, smile, swoon, ache but definitely enjoy every minute of it! I just love Travis Maddox!

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Initial thoughts: Some of you are probably thinking "Ye Gods, Rose, you said you weren't going to touch this one, so why did you read it?"

Several factors. Curiosity is not my best friend. It nags at me until I relent, even for books that I (sometimes, not often) say I will put them down and not have anything to do with them EVER again. But when opportunity presents itself - I swallow my qualms and break my own boundaries. You put a book in front of me, it's like putting a saltine cracker in front of one of my good friends from my undergrad uni days - you're asking me to pick it up.

I surfed NetGalley Friday morning, looking at some of my approvals (I think I upped a review that day as well). I saw "Walking Disaster" listed and went to look at the description. I did not know that NG had the first 250 grab. I didn't get a chance to look at the email until after the fact (and by then, it was over). But I saw the description, saw that it was "Read Now", and thought "Oh, do I dare? McGuire and I do not have a fond history as far reading her work is concerned, and I'm mindful of so many controversies surrounding this series, and I think Travis is an abusive jerk and..."

*click*

Yeah, it played out like that. So I was one of the first 250 people to get this galley, though on what end of that scale, I've no idea. Afterwards, I started to have regrets, but not just for the content of the book. I thought people would think I went into this to "hate read", but honestly it was more academic (okay, maybe a little bit for the snark and pending train wreck, but not primarily).

One of the things I wanted to do in this pre-review was write a fanfic-ish dialogue between characters that I would consider my "book boyfriends" trying to determine why Travis wouldn't make it into a formal "Order" of sorts. In the same breath, I wanted to use that to examine the intricacies of "book boyfriends" in a humored, constructive, and introspective way.

I had Samwise from Lord of the Rings, Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice", Daemon Black from the Lux series, Tamaki from Ouran High School Host Club, Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist, Aladdin from "Disney's Aladdin" (not really a book boyfriend, but throwing in an obligatory Disney prince seemed like a punchline I wanted to use, especially given the link with BD/WD to "Lady and the Tramp"), among other characters including an erotica hero. And I knew I could write in those voices because I know the characters very well and could hear them chattering in my head, complete with humor lines I think anyone would be able to appreciate, regardless if they've read the works they're from or not. Then I realized I'd probably get into trouble with that because of having to put a disclaimer, asking permissions from some of the creators of these characters, and then facing the utter mortification that people would not get what I was trying to do with it. Thinking it would be too long for the review space as well, I scrapped the idea. (I still have part of the draft of that on MS Word, but I don't know if I'll ever finish it.)

Instead, I'll keep with the academic nature of this review and give you a song that jumped in my mind the minute I finished this book. The song's called "Paralyzed" by Rock Kills Kid. If you can listen to the song, even if it's not your chosen genre, try it. Listen to the lyrics especially (or read them if you care to). Some of you may already know it because it was the ending theme to the 2008 horror movie "Prom Night".

Tell me seriously that the lyrics in that song don't have some tie to Travis Maddox when you think about him and his reckless actions - in a sensual way, in a destructive way, in a way that seems blind and repetitive and full of being stuck in the same emotional place. I think they do, though I think the subject of that song has more complex, insinuated issues than Travis had in the TWO BOOKS within which he's featured. McGuire really could've used this book to do so much introspection with Travis's character, but for anyone who's read BD - that wasn't likely to happen. BD was all about the trainwreck, the so-called whirlwind romance, the crushing on the tattooed, damaged hero and the girl who loves him, the in-fights, the shock factor, the drama. So now with "Walking Disaster", we're reading the same story, but from the hero's perspective. What do we learn?

I could answer "next to nothing", but that wouldn't be entirely accurate. We don't learn that much more about Travis's family than in the first book (except for the prologue), some scenes are rehashed, some scenes are new, some are expanded slightly. Instead I'll say that on Travis's part, from a mental perspective - Travis barely owns up to his mistakes. He is not a male mind I want to walk through in any capacity, and I'm a bonafide sapiosexual - I like walking through minds and digging into what people know. I value introspection and depth of character/one's person.

Travis still shames people for who or how often they engage their sexuality (slut or virgin), he makes no apology for ordering Abby around (he defends telling her what to wear), he engages in reckless behavior without real remorse for what he's done (except maybe a few times, one of which had a spark of which I could give McGuire credit for), and he's generally a jerk for all of the book.

We also learn that Jamie McGuire cannot separate herself from negative reviews surrounding her work, because the level of authorial intrusion in this book is worse than the first book, and it's more blatantly panning certain criticisms that were of the first work. My take on this: don't read reviews of your work, positive or negative if you cannot weigh the balance of them and learn to separate yourself and your work from them. Focus on the story that you're trying to tell. Even if it has its problems, there are still people who may recognize its problems and still find enjoyment in it to a certain degree, but for all intents and purposes, glorifying the problems further that you had previously, acknowledging them and then proceeding to DEFEND them, does no one any favors.

And it never helps to screw with your critics, because you might end up learning something from them.

Full review:

"Walking Disaster" proved to be its title in more ways than one. And it's not just on the note of its tattooed "hero" with a penchant for violence. Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox could not be any further from a romantic hero in the healthiest sense of the term. He's careless, manipulative, misogynistic, angry, needy, violence glorified. I had to wonder on so many levels exactly why people were so drawn to him. Why people consider him to be a "book boyfriend" among other things.

You might recall I proposed this very same question in my reading of "Beautiful Disaster." I think that was a huge factor in my mind as I sat down to read this book, and I sincerely wanted to learn the reason, because even if I considered the former book one of the worst romances I'd read, I still wanted to truly see if Travis had any significant weight or dimensions to his respective character. I wondered if McGuire would delve into the kind of things that shaped Travis to be the person that he was in present terms, and to figure how he could treat some of the people he loves the way he did.

I think more are attached to the "image" rather than the actual projected realities that are often attached to "bad boy" characters. That can be problematic because in some details, people think the characters can get away with these things. That it's simply "fiction" and that supposedly has no bearings on the reality of what people want in their relationships. But then I have to ask - if it's not what people really want, why are these tendencies portrayed as being desirable? Is that not contradicting?

People may consider a "bad boy" and think of a cocky swagger, a teasing smile, tattoos on a chiseled body, a washboard torso you can run your hands down, strong embraces (or overarching physical strength in general), but underneath those ideal physical and visual cues exists a damaged man, one at the end of his rope. While he may lash out at the wrongs the world has dealt him in ways that one may not always agree with, there exists some spark of kindness, some measure of redemption that lies beneath that hurt and he actively works towards that. Some of us, as readers, want to tease it like a stray thread from a tapestry and unravel it, hoping that it can reveal the person underneath. Someone good, strong, warm, careful yet assertive in his explorations, sweet, sexy, savvy, funny.

Travis Maddox isn't any of these things. Not from the portrayal that this book gives him, not by his actions, his thoughts, his overarching disrespect and disregard for anyone he loves or cares about including himself. The author also lacks ability to use any faculties in this retelling to truly delve and shape the character into anything that might invest into building the sort of character Maddox is. To be blunt, I couldn't help but feel this respective retelling was a lazy effort in its entirety because it really didn't bring that much more to the table than the previous book, and if anything made certain aspects either worse for wear, or taking a turn towards the absurd (the ENDING especially).

You guys already know the story, so I won't give a recap of events. Rather, I'll speak on what little new information this novel offers. In the prologue, Travis speaks upon the death of his mother as being the aspect that spurred him to "keep fighting" in the scheme of his life. I think many would say it's a difficult thing to lose a parent so young, and with a prolonged illness. Especially in the measure of having to say goodbye (I had to say goodbye to a grandmother who had complications from a massive stroke in a similar way). But the problem I had with McGuire's prologue was that there were many details missing as well as contradictory for the count. There's no indication of the illness Travis's mother suffered, how long she suffered, how old Travis was when he lost her (though it was implied that he was very young), and further - I did not understand the measure of fighting in the context of his mother's final words to Travis. I could understand - you know, a mother in desperation telling her son to live and experience all the things that this life has to offer, but the "fighting" bit never did make sense, especially with the overarching novel to consider.

I believe that is the only true explanation as to why Travis turns out to be an "angry" person, but even then, it's not substantiated because we never get an idea of what Travis's life was like with his mother, why he revered her so much, and how that played into his relationship with Abby. Fast forward several years later, Travis is a man who acts like a damaged boy, and while there could be potential to explore in detail what makes Travis regress and lash/act out in the way he does, McGuire never truly does it.

It's further confirmed by the fact that Travis justifies his mistreatment and stances in many forms. His voice comes across as bitter for much of the narrative. He hates on Shep and America's relationship because they're happy and doesn't hesitate to call Shep a "pussy". He hates on Parker because of his wealth and propensity to pick up the damaged girls that Travis leaves behind (which really isn't given any kind of specificity in this work). He hates on America for her weight and tendency to follow Shep around like a puppy, only "without the poop." (His words, not mine.)

And it's interesting that the most frequent subject of Travis's controlling, patronizing ways often ends up being the professed love of his life, Abby. "Hair like a porn-star" Abby who embodies this picture perfect image of a pigeon/dove in his mind. Something of an image of purity (though he criticizes Abby for being a virgin, which apparently he thinks is unheard of for a college age woman. He also shames her not so subtly for knowing where to find condoms.)

In a more mature narrative, you might find that there are dimensions that might try to address how a person like Travis would exert his crudeness in the false belief that it conveys love, but WD is not any measure close to that. It plays upon the drama, the conflict for the sake of conflict, without any true resonating factors or details. Travis is desired in light of his negative traits, and while WD could've used the space to expand from BD, where it was a problem, it managed to make the entire measure worse.

I think part of this was McGuire's inability to separate her narrative from her critics and properly expand details. The authorial intrusion in the previous novel had more to do with pushing along the story narrative and glorified elements that were problematic for the sake of drama, often bending characters into positions where desire, which would normally not be a part of the equation, suddenly was. Yet in this form of the story, Travis actually defends many of the actions he takes against the surrounding people in his life. He calls out "sluts" for what they wear or how they deserve to be treated after one night stands, thinks virginity among any college student is unheard of, and even berates Abby for what she's wearing and has the audacity to say "Call it sexist, but it's true."

A sexist comment is a sexist comment. No matter the darned package it's wrapped in. It's a backhanded insult to try to justify it that way. And there have been many critics who have called McGuire's narrative on these problematic elements, including the fact that Travis seems like a psychotic character, and there were a few references in this narrative that sounded eerily close to justifying his behavior in that way - from his own voice.

Travis has issues that would be intolerable if he were an actual living, breathing person. There was one moment in the narrative when Travis has a one-night stand in a drunken stupor that he completely blanks out on and is full of utter remorse, especially when he has this disconnect in the grocery store when he's trying to buy things for Abby in apology. But when you think about it, that's not a true measure of guilt as much as it is a gesture to KEEP HER THERE. To control her, to possess her. He even buys a wedding ring thinking that they will be together eventually after the biggest screw-up in their relationship to date. His rampage after the Vegas trip was just as disturbing as the first book, only we see a little more of the depression that he goes through in Abby's absence. I'm still weary of saying that was a worthy portrayal, but at least it was somewhat addressed.

The biggest telltale sign that McGuire was flipping off her critics, and also a sign of further contention for the problematic elements in this work - the epilogue, which takes place 11 years after they're married. I didn't expect to be laughing as hard as I did when I read the ending because it's not only so far from the plane of belief, I was also trying to offset horror at the implied notations behind this particular set of scenes. I do not know how anyone can take those resulting measures seriously. Travis, with his respective issues, would never be an FBI agent - his anger is too far along the scale for that, even with an 11 year window to change within. The fact that their children would be predispositioned to enacting violence at school, defending their mother from crude commentary, and one of the children beating up another girl for having a crush on her brother is just sad to me, because it automatically negates any growth that Travis might've had for his supposed former disposition to violence. And also on the note of a secret that Travis keeps from Abby for years that she suddenly forgives in a matter of moments, especially considering the weight/gravity of that notation on her personal safety/well-being, well, let's just say that I highly doubt anyone would be so quick to suddenly forgive that in the measure of screwing anyone who thought their marriage wouldn't last or saying in so many terms "It's okay, because I love you."

Rubbish.

I think in putting this book down, I'm done with reading any future works of Jamie McGuire. For reals this time. Because her storylines are far too removed from the measure of anything realistic, desirable, or worthwhile that I could personally find in this. I will say that on the measure of having "book boyfriends" - I think we'll all have different tastes in what we find attractive in people, and that's something worth respecting. Some of us are turned on by different things - personalities, interests, physical features, emotional bonds, things of that nature. For me, Travis would never be a person I follow in his purported image because his thoughts, actions, rationalizations and sense of person are truly disturbing to me, and so far removed from reality and placed in the sake of drama that I could not support that, nor could I tolerate it in this respective narrative.

Overall score: 0.5/5

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Atria Books.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars <3



I’m going to start right off and say... If you loved Beautiful Disaster, you will love this! If you didn’t love Beautiful Disaster (depending on the reason) you still may love this! Being in Travis’s head was way better than Abby’s :D

My Travis and Abby


“You’re not her type”

“I’m everyone’s type!”


“It just sucks that I finally found the girl worth having and she’s too good for me.”

It was great to see Travis’s pov! Now, I have a lot of book boyfriends, I’ll be the first to admit it. But Travis has been towards the top of the list since I read BD around a year ago! I just love him!!! He is still as lovable as ever, bad ass tattoo’d fighter with a good heart! <3



I know April 2nd can’t come fast enough... but know this- you won’t be disappointed!









“You can’t tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don’t belong to you!”

“Well I belong to you!”

Full review to come after release date... but one of the best parts of this book- There is an epilogue! A good one that takes place years after BD ends!!! 11 years to be exact


**Thanks to NetGalley for ARC as an exchange for a honest review**

[Annejhoyce]

EVEN JUST SEEING THE FREAKING TITLE MAKES ME SWOON!!



I NEED THIS BOOK NOW. 2013?! Jamie McGuire, you're killing me here girlfriend.

[KAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I just finished devouring “Beautiful Disaster,” which was told in Abby’s POV, and discovered this companion book told in Travis’ POV. Having already fallen head over heals for Travis, this read was a no brainer for me. I couldn’t wait to get inside his head and hear him tell his side of the story.

Travis is so adorably adorable it is insane. This flawed, beautiful man proved time and time again he would go to any lengths to prove his love. Ahhhhh, the deepest sigh!!

Even though you are re-reading the same storyline as “Beautiful Disaster,” it just felt new because Travis was giving his account of the events, and told from a totally different perspective. We also get a more in depth view into his relationship with his father and four brothers.

And speaking of which, each brother has their own “Beautiful” book that I cannot wait to dive into. Luckily this series has been out for a few years, so all the books are available.

Catch you later, as I have four more delectable Maddox brothers waiting in the wings to swoon over!!

[xrysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided a long time ago I would feed on the vultures until a dove came along .
A pigeon.
Travis


“Abby being in my room made it feel like home, and the emptiness no longer seemed right.”
Abby


OMG this book was amazing . Even though I was reading the same story being in Travis head was an amazing experience .

Travis for the first time in his life is getting overwhelmed by a girl.
She is brave , intelligent and beautiful but he knows that she is hiding something from him. In the beginning his only purpose is to get into her pants but she made it clear to him.She wants to be only his friend.

Obviously, the friend-thing never works . The more they spend time together , the more he is falling in love with her.
Abby is innocent and damaged and he is scared to date her because she is different.

She's different , Shepley.
She's good.

However Travis has learned a few things in his life.
Love hard.
Fight harder.


He is willing to change for her and fight to win her love.
The change is not easy when you have to compete someone like Parker but when you have an ally like America nothing is impossible.

You Mad Dog are exactly what I came here to protect from.
.... Even with your epic fuck up , you might just be what she needs.

Travis is hot tempered and impulsive.Being with Abby is what he needs and even if he hasnt admited his feelings for her it is pretty obvious that he is madly in love with her.
Here is the part where Abby annoyed me.
They were acting like a couple and yet she wouldnt admit it that she loved him.


It takes her a while to understand it and then

they are finally a couple.


Around her he feels a whole human being instead of an angry man .


Yet Travis keeps fucking up things but it's not always his fault.







The book's prologue was heart breaking.
It was so sad to read about their mum's death :'(





Finally, the book's epilogue made my cry a lot but they were happy tears.



Walking disaster and beautiful disaster will stay with me forever. It's hard to forget Travis and Abby after these books.
I cried , I laughed , I loved Travis and I'm really glad that I read these books.

"Each anniversery was a victory.
A middle finger to everyone who thought we wouldnt last.
Even though we'd pull each other through hell
we'd found heaven."

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Girl, you have got some nerve!

I've never been one of those people to highlight into oblivion while reading, but girl, did I regret not highlighting the fuck out of Beautiful Disaster! Let me point out that I read it a couple of months ago and only read it once. Apart from the memory of reading a book walking the thin line between something I am indifferent to and something I hate, there is nothing else about this book that lingers in my mind. So, imagine my frustration when I start reading Walking Disaster and catch myself experiencing some weird-ass déjà vus on every page. I blink in confusion for a while until I realize that my subconscious is aware that I have actually read this before. I know, I know, you'll say it's the same story and it's normal, but this is not the kind of déjà vu I'm talking about.

Anyways, I quickly thank God for all the technology stuff I own and load both books on two different devices and there it is: The ultimate proof that Jamie McGuire did nothing but copy and paste. Girl, you have got some serious nerve doing this and calling it a new book. It's fine by me, I'm not even going to finish this lazy-ass book-wannabe. But think about all the people who actually liked Beautiful Disaster and became your fans. I will shed a tear for these people.

I refuse to accept that someone has slightly changed a story they've already published and are now selling this shit as a separate book. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say story because we all already know that the author did not push even a couple of thousand of her brain cells into creative thinking. I actually have a sweet small example here:

Beautiful Disaster:

"We did the dishes together in silence, with Toto asleep at our feet. He dried the last dish and set it in the rack and then led me down the hall, holding my hand a bit too tight."

Walking Disaster:

"We did the dishes together in silence, with Toto asleep at our feet. I dried the last dish and set it in the rack, and then reached down for her hand to lead her down the hall."

Bitch, I already read that, do I look stupid? Don't you think I know they did the dishes together with Toto at their feet? It was supposed to be different from Travis' point of view; people are different, they are impressed by different things and observe things around them differently. Like I said, I don't have a kind of highlight madness or something, but believe me when I say there are a lot of examples like that. Actually, the whole Walking Disaster is a sum of slightly re-written Beautiful Disaster text. This I call milking at its finest and don't and will not tolerate. I am so pissed I spent several from my precious hours on this planet to read this, I am going to eternally hate myself for my stupid issue with series.

[Paige (TheBookVulture)]

Wait, this is gonna be a series?



After the absolute fucking train wreck that was Beautiful Disaster, there is seriously gonna be another one.





Excuse me, I've gotta go throw up.



What the actual fuck?




Well, fuck.

Book one was fucked up enough. Now we get book two. This is bound to be EVEN MORE fucked up because - of course - it's from our beloved disgusting, STD ridden male lead, Travis. Travis is a sick fuck. He is psycho. He is a stalker. He is obsessive. He is in dire need of anger management.


Dear Travis,

Sincerely, Me.


Abby. Abby doesn't give a fuck about Travis' controlling nature. She doesn't stand up for herself. She doesn't give a fuck that he bashes the fuck out of people for money. Hell, she bets on his fights. She doesn't care that he has fucked the entire female population and continues to fuck chicks even when she's present. She doesn't even care that he calls her the most God-awful nickname, Pigeon. She lets Travis control her. And I'm telling you all right now, THAT'S NOT FUCKING NORMAL.


Dear Abby,
Simply because you're SO infuriating,

I'll do it for you. Kill you, that is. But hey, you should thank me. I mean, it's only a matter of time before Travis bashes the fuck out of you. My killing you will actually save you. So, you're welcome.
Sincerely, Me.


Abby would be better off filing a restraining order. Her relationship with Travis is never going to last. He is FAR too controlling. He barely gives her space to breathe. But hey, he fucked her up. At the end of book one, she fucking ENCOURAGES him to BASH UP HER FUCKING FRIENDS. WHAT.THE.FUCK. THIS IS NOT FUCKING NORMAL. I AM SO FUCKING ANGRY.

I AM TOO ANGRY FOR WORDS.

Basically, this is going to be the same book, just from someone elses POV. There will be all the elements from the first book; sex, alcohol, gambling, more sex, beating the fuck out of people etc, etc.
[image error]

I have one last thing to say...
Congratulations Miss. McGuire. Your lovely sorry excuse for a book got picked up by a publisher, made into a trilogy, and movie rights sold. Your absolutely disgusting behaviour has been rewarded. So for that, I congratulate you.
But I'll let you in on a little secret... Karma is a real bitch.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★! The Beautiful series, book 1 & 2. Read both books together concurrently! A truly unforgettable experience!

“When you’re around, I don’t need booze or money or the fighting or the one-night stands … all I need is you. You’re all I think about. You’re all I dream about. You’re all I want.”

There have been over 18,000 reviews of this series already, so why must I post another one? Well, I do feel the need to say something in tribute of the one and only Travis ‘Mad Dog’ Maddox!

But first, I did something different – I read both books together concurrently and I really enjoyed it. Abby’s POV (book 1) serves as the backbone of the series and then Travis’ POV (book 2) adds to it and it’s such a treat to read his thoughts and feeling – to get even closer to the enigma that is Travis Maddox.
Whether you are planning to re-read or if you have not read series yet, I highly recommend you read them together in tandem. The experience was epic! Here is the order I recommend:

Book 1 – Chapter 1
Book 2 – Prologue, Chapter 1 & 2
Book 1 – Chapter 2
Book 2 – Chapter 3, 4, 5 & 6
Book 1 – Chapter 3 & 4
Book 2 – Chapter 7, 8, 9 & 10
Book 1 – Chapter 5
Book 2 – Chapter 11
Book 1 – Chapter 6
Book 2 – Chapter 12
Book 1 – Chapter 7
Book 2 – Chapter 13
Book 1 – Chapter 8
Book 2 – Chapter 14
Book 1 – Chapter 9
Book 2 – Chapter 15 & 16
Book 1 – Chapter 10
Book 2 – Chapter 17
Book 1 – Chapter 11 & 12
Book 2 – Chapter 18
Book 1 – Chapter 13 & 14
Book 2 – Chapter 19
Book 1 – Chapter 15 & 16
Book 2 – Chapter 20, 21 & 22
Book 1 – Chapter 17
Book 2 – Chapter 23
Book 1 – Chapter 18
Book 2 – Chapter 24
Book 1 – Chapter 19 & 20
Book 2 – Chapter 25
Book 1 – Chapter 21 & 22
Book 2 – Chapter 26 & 27
Book 1 – Epilogue
Book 2 – Epilogue (be sure to save for last!)

The story opens up with Travis and Abby both attending Eastern University. She is a freshman, but Travis has a few years of College under his belt. Abby’s best friend, America is dating Travis’ cousin/roommate, Shepley. Their first meeting takes place at one of Travis’ underground fights hosted by the “Circle”. He spots her in the crowd and is instantly smitten and so their whirlwind romance begins. Nothing short of a roller-coaster with Abby’s secrets and Travis’ past. They are perfect together, yet their story will be filled with many ups and downs:

“Now that it’s over, I wish I could have all the bad stuff back… just so I could have the good.”

Travis ‘Mad Dog’ Maddox is larger-than-life. He is everything I could ask for in a hero and so much more. Until he met Abby he was an enigmatic, hard, cocky, short-tempered and unattainable man-whore. It is revealed early on that he lost his mother at age three and was left to be raised by his oldest brother while his father recovered from the loss of his wife. His mother had this advice for him on her death bed:

“One of these days you’re going to fall in love, son. Don’t settle for just anyone. Choose the girl that doesn’t come easy, the one you have to fight for…”

He grew up not letting anyone in. He has love for his five brothers and his father plus his cousin, but no woman has ever held his attention until Abby.

“I decided a long time ago I would feed on the vultures until a dove came along. A pigeon. The kind of soul that didn’t impede on anyone; just walked around worrying about its own business, trying to get through life without pulling everyone else down with its own needs and selfish habits. Brave. A communicator. Intelligent. Beautiful. Soft-spoken. A creature that mates for life. Unattainable until she has a reason to trust you.”

Abby Abernathy has a past and secrets. Attending Eastern University is a new beginning for her. She has it all planned out from staying focused and keeping her distance to the type of man she wants to date. Travis does not fit the bill:

“He was the worst kind of confident. Not only was he shamelessly aware of his appeal, he was so used to women throwing themselves at him that he regarded my cool demeanor as refreshing instead of an insult.”

Instead she agrees to be his friend:

“His eyes widened and he quivered with howling laughter. “Oh my God! You’re killing me! That’s it. We have to be friends. I won’t take no for an answer.”

But all too soon they spend all their time fighting their attraction to each other. Abby manages to be annoying about it while Travis is intense, adorable, possessive and insecure all at once. Because Abby is what Travis wants you’ll find yourself rooting for him and for them and for their happily-ever-after.

“You like Pigeon,” he said defensively. “It’s a dove, an attractive girl, a winning card in poker, take your pick. You’re my Pigeon.”

Jamie McGuire is an excellent storyteller! Travis Maddox is an unforgettable hero! The Beautiful series is an epic must-read!

“I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.”

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[Vishous · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc courtesy of netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

i looooove you netgalley!!!!!






I waited so long to be in his head and it was verra verra good!
I must say that I was expecting something more. I don't know was the reason to that the reason that it was the same story but from his POV, but I did miss something. Nothing much, but I had a feeling like it was more like narration of the story and less how he felt. Again I repeat myself, maybe it was only because I knew the whole story and therefor maybe I experienced it differently :) But that doesn't change my rating and I did find it amazing because I was finally in his head!

I read so many reviews of "Beautiful Disaster", lots of them bad and lots of them good. The main problem with bad reviews was that people start to experience the book to intense. Just because I like to read about obsessed psychos doesn't mean I will look for them in my private life. I do understand that this series is young adult/new adult and that some "kids" could develop not so good illusions what to want in boys and think that some actions which are wrong are good. But I also repeat myself that this is fiction and your actions must never be under influence of book characters. The reason I am telling this is because when you read "Walking Disaster"... well you will definitely think that he is missing something in his head :)
No, some of his actions are not normal for a young man in college, or any age, in a relationship, and no it is not good sign if he brakes everything around himself when they break up, and no it is not healthy to be obsessed with someone so much, but I repeat this is fiction and in this fiction I love this bad boy that needs to be fixed :)


*In his POV I thought of Abby as a selfish b*tch , but then again I never did like her that much :)
*I love how he thinks that he belongs only to her...
*I love how he feels that he can finally breath when he is next to her
*I simply love all of his "mental" problems :)
*I loved this book and I loved being inside his head and my thoughts for him will always be the same:

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is featured on Throwback Thursday @ https://readrantrockandroll.com/2018/...

This second installment in the Beautiful series reveals Travis’s story and begins back when he was just three years old with the passing of his mother. As Travis grows older he endures many stuggles including an alcoholic father. As a college student he dates plenty of women, but never falls in love, until the moment he meets Abby. His world turns upside down as he tries to figure her out and win her heart at the same time.

“Maybe it was just me. Maybe it was just me and her. Maybe together we were this volatile entity that would either implode or meld together. Either way, it seemed the moment I met her, my life had been turned upside down. And I didn’t want it any other way.”

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this one because of the fact that it’s basically the same story told in the first book, but it turned out to be much more than that. There were new scenes included and readers will obtain a deep understanding into what’s made Travis the the way that he is and just how much he truly loves Abby.

This is a page turner that’s written well and easy to read. The characters are so full of depth and emotion, you become part of them. Jamie McGuire remains one of my favorites and I want to read everything she writes.

My rating on this one is 5*****

[FreakChiq · Rating 4 out of 5]

 
Travis! <3
The RD can't come soon enough!

UPDATE:
Travis Maddox… Gosh, how I missed ya. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

I loved being in Travis’ head. Seeing the story of him and Abby through his eyes was like chocolate cake for my shipper heart. I enjoyed the book very much, yet at times something didn’t feel quite right. I was missing something and I didn’t know exactly what until the “goodbye sex” scene or rather the morning after, when Travis’ world came crashing down on him for the first time. Angst! I was missing angst—that feeling us girls yearn for in every romantic movie or book. Knowing that everything will be alright in the end; that they’ll overcome every hurdle and hardship they’ll face, lessened the angst a lot. And that’s why I can’t give Walking Disaster the same rating I gave the first book.

Walking Disaster is a must read for every Travis & Pigeon fan, but it didn’t quite reach the level of emotions I was feeling while reading Beautiful Disaster.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So.

It all started quite a few months ago when I was quietly going about my business. Until something hit me like a sledgehammer in the head.


This.

Then of course half the reading community seemed to hate it, so obviously that seemed to be my call.


That resulted into one day of obsessive reading till I was stumbling my way through normal people activities the next day:

And all-day fantasies about bare-chested, tattoo-clad, gorgeous, manwhore 20-year-old fighters:

While desperately trying to cling on to little fragments of patience till the HE-POV came out.

Until 4 days ago, when my dormant fantasies took the reins of my weak and feeble restraint and I was plunged (wholeheartedly) into the head of this crazy-assed, son of a bitch Travis Maddox.

Now, why do I prefer the HE-POV.


Is it because men cut out all the bullshit from point one?

Is it because I can feel the drama but not the whining?

Or maybe, is it because I frankly care more about what he thinks than about what she thinks?

This story exhausted me the first time and pulled at my heartstrings the second time around.

For the first time since I was a little kid, hot tears burned in my eyes and dripped down one of my cheeks. Unable to restrain myself, I reached out for Abby, wrapped her small frame in my arms, and planted my lips on hers. Her mouth was cold and stiff, so I cradled her face in my hands, kissing her harder, desperate to get a reaction.
“Kiss me,” I begged.
Abby’s kept her mouth taut, but her body was lifeless. If I let her go, she would have fallen. “Kiss
me!” I pleaded. “Please, Pigeon! I told him no!”








“Well, I belong to you!” I screamed. I put so much force behind my words, I could feel all the blood rush to my face. Abby met my glare, refusing to even flinch. I looked at her lips, panting. “I belong to you,” I whispered, my anger fading as desire took over.








Every anniversary was a victory, a middle finger to everyone who thought we wouldn’t last...
I took a deep breath, and shut the bedroom door behind me. Even though we’d put each other through hell, we’d found heaven. Maybe that was more than a couple of sinners deserved, but I wasn’t going to complain.







The rest is f*cking history.

[Lucia · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Travis and his Pigeon:

"Leaving emotions at the door, and replacing it with numbness, or anger - which was much easier to control - was easy. Letting yourself feel made you vulnerable."

This is Travis's motto. He thinks that people ruled by emotions are weak. He is rough boy, living carefree life, depending on noone. He has his ideal girl dreamed-of in his head, he has just never met her yet. Until Abby comes into his life. She is different, refreshing and she doesn't succumb to his charms as every other girl. And most importantly, she turns his life upside-down. Now, Travis finally discovered a real challenge...

I never judged Travis. Yes, he used to be a manwhore and pig but he never forced anyone to anything and he never ever had bad intentions. He is just angry young man, full of his personal turmoils. Being it Travis's head was unforgettable experience. Unfortunatelly, his thoughts were chaotical amd all over the place. I wished author paid more attention to storytelling and editing and tidied up the flow of the story to make reading more enjoyable experience for her readers.

* I received ARC from NetGalley as an exchange for honest review *

More reviews on my blog Reading Is My Breathing

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the “Beautiful “ series is done in Travis’s POV!! I have been planning to read the Maddox brothers series but I first wanted to refresh my memory on the romance of Travis and Abby! It is a very good thing I did as there were so many things I had forgotten about this story!!!

One of the issues I have always had with this story was how annoying Abby was! I really became angry with her on how she treated Travis! Reading his POV actually made my irritation with her even worse because now I had his thoughts and the knowledge of how hard he always tried for her!
Even with my annoyance with Abby though, I still enjoyed this read and now I’m eager to continue on to be in the world of the Maddox brothers! If they are anything like Travis, I’m in for some swoon worthy reads!!! Lol

[Ninoska Goris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Español - English

Esta es la versión de Travis de Maravilloso Desastre.

Travis pasa sin intermedio de mujeres, apuestas y violencia a estar totalmente abrumado por Abby, quien le ha asegurado que solo serán amigos, pero mientras mas tiempo pasan juntos mas le gusta.

Así que decide luchar y esta vez, aunque no sea con los puños, será más fuerte.

Travis es más crudo y adorable. Lo adoro!

✨✨✨

This is Travis' version of Beautiful Disaster.

Travis goes from women, gambling and violence to be totally overwhelmed by Abby, who has assured him that they will only be friends, but the more time they spend together the more he likes her.

So he decides to fight and this time, even though is not with his fists, it will be stronger.

Travis is more raw and adorable. I love it!

[Kimberly Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me too, Britney. Me too.

I think I suffered from high expectations on this one. I thought we were going to get all this new information about their relationship and I didn't feel like that happened. I felt like a lot of the conversations were the same almost verbatim but with pronouns changed.

I understand I will probably be in the minority on this and would appreciate people not jumping on me. :)

I will say, that the epilogue completely saved me and I had a huge smile on my face when I finished. Oh, and I LOVE that my favorite line stayed in this one, "WELL I BELONG TO YOU!".

[• Lisa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 UNFORGETTABLE MADDOX STARS.



I'd like to start this review by raising a toast to the most infuriating, dysfunctional, addictive, up and down, head over heels in love couple in the history of book writing ~ To Travis and Abby, long live your messed up Love, you have entertained and horrified your readers in equal measure and I can't help but love it and here are my thoughts ...

I had funny tummy, girly yummy feelings throughout this book. I have said it before, and I'll say it again. Nothing, I mean nothing starts the love of a book for me than a bad boy with softy insides. Travis won me over in Beautiful disaster, with this story I was an absolute goner.

Reading Beautiful disaster I desperately wanted to be in Travis' head (much like most readers). But in Walking disaster I missed having Abby about, I wish somehow the two books could be squished together, a dual POV in one book would have been more preferable for my reading experience.

The book largely tipped in the favour of Travis and I have to add that I actually disliked Abby for most of the book. I know that a lot of readers share the same feelings. Normally a dislike for a character takes away the enjoyment of a book for me and in someways it did, but mostly it added to testament of the authors ability to create an engaging storyline.

Travis' POV was just plain heartbreaking ~Tears, laughter, anger, passion, soul shaking, ground making love ... Forever. Love him or loathe him Travis Maddox is a character never to be forgotten.

Travis Maddox


Abby Abernathy


I was Crying at the Prologue, feeling forever at the Epilogue and addicted with all that in between ~ truly unforgettable.



Read BD FIRST (its a must)! Then move on to this diamond in the rough you won't regret it.

5 full out I ❤this book stars.