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A Duet #2

Color Me Pretty

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“I'm living through the ugly.”

I've done it this time. I've really screwed up. I've made a mistake, and I'm afraid that it's going to cost me everything – my family, my career and most importantly, Emmett Sinclair. He saw the beauty inside of me, looked past what I was becoming on the outside, and gave me his trust. Everyone thinks I tried to kill myself; I think I made a mistake. They all say I'm halfway to the grave; I say I've been reborn. Nobody knows what I'm going through, so I'm going to have to fight harder than ever before. The problem is, I no longer know exactly what it is I'm fighting for.

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2013

48 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read

About the author

C.M. Stunich

177 books14.4k followers
C.M. Stunich is a self-admitted bibliophile with a love for exotic teas and a whole host of characters who live full time inside the strange, swirling vortex of her thoughts. Some folks might call this crazy, but Caitlin Morgan doesn't mind - especially considering she has to write biographies in the third person. Oh, and half the host of characters in her head are searing hot bad boys with dirty mouths and skillful hands (among other things). If being crazy means hanging out with them everyday, C.M. has decided to have herself committed.

She hates tapioca pudding, loves to binge on cheesy horror movies, and is a slave to many cats. When she's not vacuuming fur off of her couch, C.M. can be found with her nose buried in a book or her eyes glued to a computer screen. She's the author of over thirty novels - romance, new adult, fantasy, and young adult included. Please, come and join her inside her crazy. There's a heck of a lot to do there.

Oh, and Caitlin loves to chat (incessantly), so feel free to e-mail her, send her a Facebook message, or put up smoke signals. She's already looking forward to it.

Stalk me, please!
www.cmstunich.com
www.facebook.com/cmstunichauthor
www.twitter.com/CMStunich

I'm also on Goodreads, Spotify, Google +, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,562 reviews35.9k followers
July 7, 2013
4 Reborn Stars!!!

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‘Color Me Pretty’ left off right where ‘Paint Me Beautiful’ left off... If you haven’t read book 1 in the series, you need to before you start this!

Claire is in the hospital after having a breakdown that appears to be a ‘suicide attempt’, she is getting transferred to a facility for at least 72 and is unable to see Emmett, the only person in the world that sees the real her. Claire wants to use this as a fresh start. To renew herself. She wants to be ‘New Claire’, but it’s not as easy as it seems...
Even rebirth can’t cure all your demons.

Her family is doing what they think is right for Claire, but no one asks her what she wants. What she needs. No one cares about that. Except for Emmett. Oh Emmett Sinclaire... I love Emmett. I hate how her family blames Emmett and looks down on him for loving/being there for Claire. All Emmett wants to do is be there for Claire and show her there is a different way.
“I want you to know that if you fall, I’ll be there to catch you.”

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While at this facility, she meets a girl named Kylie she becomes friends with. Kylie has her own issues, but she gets Claire to open up some. After her 72 hours are up, Claire gets to go home with Emmett. She struggles- overcoming an ED is not easy. Not at all. But she has support through Emmett, and now Kylie. She is starting to realize some of the things she thought about life and herself aren’t true.
I guess I’ve learned sometimes, skinny is ugly. Sometimes it’s scary. Sometimes it’s deadly.

She still loves modeling, but knows her obsession will kill her. She has to find other positive things to occupy her time. She still can follow her dreams and be part of the fashion world. Emmett buys her a sewing machine and she starts to create her own designs. She also uses poetry as an outlet.
Dear me,
I want to be pretty while alive
Not on the outside, but
Inside where my heart beats fierce
And my soul glows brighter than that sun.

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I was so proud of Claire in this book. She showed tremendous strength. Her recovery wasn’t easy, but she was determined to succeed. Emmett is the best guy ever. He is just there for Claire. Sometimes thats what people really need. Someone to just be there. Accept them. Love them. Not lecture them and force them into things. No one can truly get help unless they want to help themselves. Emmett has gotten over his past demons and he knows that better than anyone. I really love . He was just so sweet and supportive.

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This series deals with some pretty heavy topics. Eating disorders, cutting, suicide attempts- just so you are forewarned. But Claire’s story is truly beautiful. I very much enjoyed both of these books. I love this author’s writing style. The one and only complaint I have is how the book ended. Although I loved how it ended- it felt a little unresolved for me. I would have really loved an epilogue to see . Overall, an emotional journey of a girl trying to get her life together with the help of a guy who loves and accepts her no matter what. 4 beautiful stars!

See this recovery thing, it comes in stages. We don’t just get to wave a magic wand and grab onto a happily ever after, but if we don’t fight, if we follow the path our hearts know is right, eventually we can make our way there. I’m on the path and I’m moving forward. It’ll take time, but it’ll happen.

Profile Image for Kirsty.
386 reviews73 followers
June 25, 2013
"Oh where's my epilogue?" That was my first thought when I wrapped up this book.

Anyway, I'm gonna say it.. C.M. Stunich might just be my favourite author. Ever. I have yet to read a book by her, and I've read 7 now, that I don't like. With every word she writes not only do I read it, I feel it. I've been introduced to many different characters that she has created and every single one of them has been different, all unique and yet at the same time they all have one thing in common - not one of them are perfect. Everybody has their flaws whether they are big or small, they are still there.

Emmett Sinclair and Claire Simone are no exception to the rule. I'm just going to go ahead and assume that if you are reading this review then you have read the first one in the series and therefore know where we left Claire - half dead. Her parents will have you believe she tried to commit suicide, but not Claire. Claire just wants to be reborn.
"Claire, even when you think there's only one road to your destination, you can always find a scenic detour."

I loved Claire's journey in this book. It was the most painfully beautiful journey I've read about. She was so determined to get better, not for anybody else in her life, but for herself. It wasn't an easy journey by any means but it was so realistic. Nothing about it was rushed and I believed every word I was reading.

Once again Emmett's love for Claire absolutely shone through on every single page. So many in his position I'm sure, would have run a mile had they been faced with what he has. The love of his life, his girlfriend, battling an awful illness and he does all he can to be there for her and see it through. I think everybody in life could do with an Emmett Sinclair. He didn't enable Claire and neither did he push her, he knew her limits and he helped her reach her goals. He was perfect.
"Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl."

We are introduced to a new character in this book - Kylie. Claire meets Kylie in a facility she is sent to. I loved their easy, yet deep friendship. Both of them are struggling through the cards they have been dealt but they just click and work. Kylie helped Claire see life in a new life and in return, Claire gave Kylie reasons to believe in her life. To not just give up. It was stunning to witness.

I wish I could talk about everything I loved in this book but it would simply be too much. I love the authors writing and in my eyes she seems to be able to do no wrong. Well, maybe just a little wrong. I wanted an epilogue, but maybe their story just wasn't supposed to end in that way. Who knows :)
"You can be beautiful as a size two or a six or sixteen or a six thousand. It doesn't matter. The body is just a byproduct of the mind, and although we can't control everything, we can control a lot. Perception is half the battle."

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
March 18, 2020
🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the series are FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Cath.
852 reviews
July 27, 2013
I'm sure many a teenage girl can recognise Claire's insecurities.....just a shame there aren't enough Emmett's in the world to save them all.....x
Profile Image for Heather M. Orgeron.
Author 22 books2,832 followers
July 3, 2013
I am writing this as a guest review for Sugar and Spice Book Reviews.

This is the second book in a duet. Do not read this review if you have not already read Paint me Beautiful as it will contain spoilers.

"I don't know how Sleeping Beauty felt when she awoke from her enchanted sleep, but if it is anything like the way I feel right now, then I can guess she was one pissed off princess."

Color Me Pretty picks up right where Paint me Beautiful left off. It begins with Claire in the hospital, waking up after accidentally killing herself. She is hurt and confused. She is disgusted by the feeding tube and worrying over how many calories they are pumping into her body. She refers to herself as being reborn and sees herself with new eyes. It's like she can finally really see her body and she is horrified.

"A scream builds in my throat. I see sallow skin wrapped around bone and knees that are bigger than my calves... My fingers are so little, long and thin, like witch hands."

In Claire's mind she remembers being huge and fat, but with her eyes she can see how terrifyingly skinny she actually is.

"This is you, Claire. And you're not fat. You're skinny, Claire. You're skinny and you're dying. That's the truth, so get over yourself and deal with it or they'll deal with it for you."

She awakens to her mom, dad and Marlena. Her family believes that she is suicidal and also blames her beloved Emmett for allowing her to get so skinny and almost dying. They call him a pervert and a freak for sleeping with her while she has been so sick. Her family will not accept him in her life. They arrange for her to be sent to a treatment facility, which legally she must go to for a 72 hour evaluation. Claire has her family removed from the hospital. Emmett visits her and agrees to pick her up after her 72 hours and bring her home with him.

"'If it wasn't for Emmett, I'd be dead right now...Not because I meant to die or tried to kill myself, but because I would've never realized that anything was wrong, not even with something like this..."

Her family returns on the day that she is to be taken to the treatment center. When Claire informs her family that she will be going home with Emmett they leave.

While at the treatment facility, Claire meets Kylie, a suicidal girl who will become her new best friend and a very big part of her recovery.

"I'm disgusting. Skinny is supposed to be pretty and perfect, desirable. But none of this is."

Although Claire realizes how disgustingly skinny she is, she is at war with her mind. When a person has believed something for so long, it is hard to change that. She still sees calories and food as the enemy. She has to force herself to eat. Every meal is a battle.

"If anything, I guess I've learned that sometimes, skinny is ugly. Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes it's deadly"

Emmett is AMAZING! He seems to always know exactly what Claire needs. He knows even when she doesn't. Emmett never makes her feel like a failure in her weak moments. He distracts her from her problems rather than throwing them in her face. Emmett doesn't think she is gross. He is in love with her truly and deeply.

"Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl."

This book is Claire's battle through anorexia. Emmett, Kylie and Lianna(the fashion designer from book one) are the key people that help her along the way. Her journey is not easy and at times heart breaking. But, it is also a story about falling in love and self discovery.

"Sometimes people are born with a bit of pain inside of them and sometimes that pain grows and morphs, changes, becomes something bigger than we are and tries to consume us. I am not alone, and I am not the only person who has suffered through this, but I am one of the ones who's going to come out the other side."

Stunich did an amazing job with these books! Along with shedding light on a very serious illness. She created characters that are charming and loveable.
Profile Image for Jenn Green.
515 reviews23 followers
August 7, 2013
My soul hurts so bad that I feel like it's going to crack in half and erase me from existence. I can't even breathe anymore without feeling a little stitch of anguish, a small thrill of agony.

If I had to describe this series in one word it would have to be emotional, so very freakin emotional & so sooo friggin many emotions -devastated, scared, shocked, gut wrenchingly sad, proud, sometimes giddy & sooo much more. CM Stunich will tear your heart out with this one and very slowly put it back together again.

From the very first moment we come into this world, it's a struggle to survive. A rough and tumble journey of epic proportions awaits us, taunts us, even as we lie there wet and scared, mouths open to cry, eyes squinched shut with tears. It's a gasping breath of surprise that escapes us then, a strange, forgotten memory where we all wonder what we've gotten ourselves into. It's no different the second time.

B1 was about the destruction & death of Claire Simone while B2 was about re-birth & recovery. Recovery isn't easy and it most definitely does not happen overnight, but with the help of Emmett it might be possible. It will be hard, there will be alot of tears and some screaming, Claire's internal struggles were sometimes hard to read.

Things have to get worse before they get better -it's a rule of the universe. Progress doesn't always mean flying forward at light speed. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to step back and take a look around. I have to do this or I'll never get better.

Oh & the moment she finally SEES there really is a problem almost broke me. But no matter how hard or ugly it got, Emmett was right there to support her however she needed it. That man really has a beautiful soul and I'm so very glad they found each other. On a side note, I just have to say that her family kinda pissed me off, quite a bit actually. I won't dive into the why's, due to personal reasons/experiences-I may never stop, but they could have handled things so very differently. Sorry if I'm ranting, this series really hit a nerve with me. It was a rough journey and I can't imagine anyone but CM Stunich taking me on it, but I'm glad I did it. This author is truly amazing.

"Claire, even when you think there's only one road to your destination, you can always find a scenic detour."

Live for them. Live for him. Live for me.
Profile Image for Jackles.
831 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2021
Perfect ending

What a perfectly written ending to this duet. If you’re searching for a book that will give you hope and faith that there can be greater things to come, this duet is for you. Claire’s struggle is one that many have and is empowering to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Profile Image for MRS..
372 reviews
October 20, 2024
WORTH

The second book in this series is about self worth and overcoming in the best ways if you have the strength for it.
Profile Image for Sugar and Spice Book Reviews.
462 reviews172 followers
July 5, 2013
*This Review is being done by Heather O. one of our reviewers and will also be listed under her personal goodreads account*

This is the second book in a duet. Do not read this review if you have not already read Paint me Beautiful as it will contain spoilers.

"I don't know how Sleeping Beauty felt when she awoke from her enchanted sleep, but if it is anything like the way I feel right now, then I can guess she was one pissed off princess."

Color Me Pretty picks up right where Paint me Beautiful left off. It begins with Claire in the hospital, waking up after accidentally killing herself. She is hurt and confused. She is disgusted by the feeding tube and worrying over how many calories they are pumping into her body. She refers to herself as being reborn and sees herself with new eyes. It's like she can finally really see her body and she is horrified.

"A scream builds in my throat. I see sallow skin wrapped around bone and knees that are bigger than my calves... My fingers are so little, long and thin, like witch hands."

In Claire's mind she remembers being huge and fat, but with her eyes she can see how terrifyingly skinny she actually is.

"This is you, Claire. And you're not fat. You're skinny, Claire. You're skinny and you're dying. That's the truth, so get over yourself and deal with it or they'll deal with it for you."

She awakens to her mom, dad and Marlena. Her family believes that she is suicidal and also blames her beloved Emmett for allowing her to get so skinny and almost dying. They call him a pervert and a freak for sleeping with her while she has been so sick. Her family will not accept him in her life. They arrange for her to be sent to a treatment facility, which legally she must go to for a 72 hour evaluation. Claire has her family removed from the hospital. Emmett visits her and agrees to pick her up after her 72 hours and bring her home with him.

"'If it wasn't for Emmett, I'd be dead right now...Not because I meant to die or tried to kill myself, but because I would've never realized that anything was wrong, not even with something like this..."

Her family returns on the day that she is to be taken to the treatment center. When Claire informs her family that she will be going home with Emmett they leave.

While at the treatment facility, Claire meets Kylie, a suicidal girl who will become her new best friend and a very big part of her recovery.

"I'm disgusting. Skinny is supposed to be pretty and perfect, desirable. But none of this is."

Although Claire realizes how disgustingly skinny she is, she is at war with her mind. When a person has believed something for so long, it is hard to change that. She still sees calories and food as the enemy. She has to force herself to eat. Every meal is a battle.

"If anything, I guess I've learned that sometimes, skinny is ugly. Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes it's deadly"

Emmett is AMAZING! He seems to always know exactly what Claire needs. He knows even when she doesn't. Emmett never makes her feel like a failure in her weak moments. He distracts her from her problems rather than throwing them in her face. Emmett doesn't think she is gross. He is in love with her truly and deeply.

"Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl."

This book is Claire's battle through anorexia. Emmett, Kylie and Lianna(the fashion designer from book one) are the key people that help her along the way. Her journey is not easy and at times heart breaking. But, it is also a story about falling in love and self discovery.

"Sometimes people are born with a bit of pain inside of them and sometimes that pain grows and morphs, changes, becomes something bigger than we are and tries to consume us. I am not alone, and I am not the only person who has suffered through this, but I am one of the ones who's going to come out the other side."

Stunich did an amazing job with these books! Along with shedding light on a very serious illness. She created characters that are charming and loveable.
Profile Image for Sara Bree High.
214 reviews10 followers
July 11, 2013
Color Me Pretty (A Duet, #2) Color Me Pretty by C.M. Stunich

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Color me pretty

This book kept me AWAKE!
Do not read this book if you have not read Paint me Beautiful. I feel you need both to grasp the full impact of this story. Ok- on to the good stuff!

"Sometimes people are born with a bit of pain inside of them and sometimes that pain grows and morphs, changes, becomes something bigger than we are and tries to consume us. I am not alone, and I am not the only person who has suffered through this, but I am one of the ones who's going to come out the other side."


Holy shit! Omg! Wowza- freaking A!
Color me Pretty comes right back to where we ended in Paint me beautiful.
Our Claire is in the hospital, slowly waking up and living with the reality of almost killing herself.

"I'm disgusting. Skinny is supposed to be pretty and perfect, desirable. But none of this is."

Claire is hurt! Claire is worn down! Claire thinks she is disgusting...Claire breaks my ❤.
I ache for her, the constant battle she wars in her own head.

"A scream builds in my throat. I see sallow skin wrapped around bone and knees that are bigger than my calves... My fingers are so little, long and thin, like witch hands."

Can she see with her eyes what we see? Can she really ever be able to look in mirror and not see imperfections.

"This is you, Claire. And you're not fat. You're skinny, Claire. You're skinny and you're dying. That's the truth, so get over yourself and deal with it or they'll deal with it for you."

Her family is scared. They are worried and want her in treatment, they blame Emmett. Tension is high.
I love Emmett- sorry Mom, Dad and Marlena. (Sister)
I'm not sure I am always on board all the time with him, but I think he is doing the best he can! He takes care of her with his heart.
In the treatment facility. She meets a friend who will help in her recovery. While on the outside her family is not dealing well, and Emmett waits..

"Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl."

He loves her, inside. He helps her and understands her. He never makes her feel like a coward, he always sees her beauty inside. Their love is real and beautiful to read, it feels like your sneaking in on a conversation you should not hear. It's intimate and cherished.
(Again I really love him. As a Mom. I can get why Claire's mom might wanna kill him, lol)
Her family just wants her well, healthy and most important ALIVE! Fear rules their choices and heart.
Claire is at war always with her body image, calories and food. Her life is a struggle, she is in pain. Inside and out! Kylie was a nice addition to the story and added a depth and understanding too. Plus the wonderful Lianna.. She is a gem!

Again as in book one Anorexia the character knocks you on your ass and takes no prisoners. The disease is ugly and raw, CM Stunich takes it out and laid it on table for everyone to see. No apologizes.. Here it is! See it and feel the struggle. This series is amazingly raw- real and beautiful.
It's a must read... ❤ Love, self discovery and healing... it's beautiful and pretty!

















View all my reviews
Profile Image for The Real Housewives of Romance Book Blog.
118 reviews49 followers
August 19, 2013
Reviewed by Heather as a guest review for Sugar and Spice Book Reviews.

This is the second book in a duet. Do not read this review if you have not already read Paint me Beautiful as it will contain spoilers.

I don't know how Sleeping Beauty felt when she awoke from her enchanted sleep, but if it is anything like the way I feel right now, then I can guess she was one pissed off princess.

Color Me Pretty picks up right where Paint me Beautiful left off. It begins with Claire in the hospital, waking up after accidentally killing herself. She is hurt and confused. She is disgusted by the feeding tube and worrying over how many calories they are pumping into her body. She refers to herself as being reborn and sees herself with new eyes. It's like she can finally really see her body and she is horrified.

A scream builds in my throat. I see sallow skin wrapped around bone and knees that are bigger than my calves... My fingers are so little, long and thin, like witch hands.

In Claire's mind she remembers being huge and fat, but with her eyes she can see how terrifyingly skinny she actually is.

This is you, Claire. And you're not fat. You're skinny, Claire. You're skinny and you're dying. That's the truth, so get over yourself and deal with it or they'll deal with it for you.

She awakens to her mom, dad and Marlena. Her family believes that she is suicidal and also blames her beloved Emmett for allowing her to get so skinny and almost dying. They call him a pervert and a freak for sleeping with her while she has been so sick. Her family will not accept him in her life. They arrange for her to be sent to a treatment facility, which legally she must go to for a 72 hour evaluation. Claire has her family removed from the hospital. Emmett visits her and agrees to pick her up after her 72 hours and bring her home with him.

If it wasn't for Emmett, I'd be dead right now...Not because I meant to die or tried to kill myself, but because I would've never realized that anything was wrong, not even with something like this...

Her family returns on the day that she is to be taken to the treatment center. When Claire informs her family that she will be going home with Emmett they leave.

While at the treatment facility, Claire meets Kylie, a suicidal girl who will become her new best friend and a very big part of her recovery.

I'm disgusting. Skinny is supposed to be pretty and perfect, desirable. But none of this is.

Although Claire realizes how disgustingly skinny she is, she is at war with her mind. When a person has believed something for so long, it is hard to change that. She still sees calories and food as the enemy. She has to force herself to eat. Every meal is a battle.

If anything, I guess I've learned that sometimes, skinny is ugly. Sometimes it's scary. Sometimes it's deadly

Emmett is AMAZING! He seems to always know exactly what Claire needs. He knows even when she doesn't. Emmett never makes her feel like a failure in her weak moments. He distracts her from her problems rather than throwing them in her face. Emmett doesn't think she is gross. He is in love with her truly and deeply.

Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl.

This book is Claire's battle through anorexia. Emmett, Kylie and Lianna(the fashion designer from book one) are the key people that help her along the way. Her journey is not easy and at times heart breaking. But, it is also a story about falling in love and self discovery.

Sometimes people are born with a bit of pain inside of them and sometimes that pain grows and morphs, changes, becomes something bigger than we are and tries to consume us. I am not alone, and I am not the only person who has suffered through this, but I am one of the ones who's going to come out the other side.

Stunich did an amazing job with these books! Along with shedding light on a very serious illness. She created characters that are charming and loveable
Profile Image for Francis.
37 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2013
"From the very first moment we come into this world, it's a struggle to survive. A rough and tumble journey of epic proportions awaits us, taunts us, even as we lie there wet and scared, mouths open to cry, eyes squinched shut with tears. It's a gasping breath of surprise that escapes us then, a strange, forgotten memory where we all wonder what we've gotten ourselves into."

This book was a difficult read for me. I mean it was such a great book, well written to a T. But the reality of it is, it's an ugly subject Anorexia , not only that but Depression , Self-harm , and Suicide all of these are touchy and intense subjects. But these things are REAL. They EXIST. And this story gives you the nitty gritty. All of the ugly you can take, drags you into the mind of Claire Simone..and lets you know exactly how she feels inside and what she's going through. And it's a tough ass cookie to crack.

"I realize absently that I hate myself. Maybe that's my problem? I just hate my own soul. How fucked up is that?"

And then slowly, she begins to heal, begins to mend and she sees that there is more to life than all of the ugliness she has been experiencing and all of the demons she has been fighting. She has these inner battles with herself that push her beyond the brink. And you feel her pain, you feel the struggle. But she finally gets to the point where she's determined to change.

To LOVE.

To LIVE.

To be.


"Right now, I'm living through the ugly. One day, I hope it can be beautiful again. I want to paint the world with pretty, to color the earth with joy and life and substance."

"See this recovery thing, it comes in stages. We don't just get to wave a magic want and grab onto a happily ever after but if we don't fight it, if we follow the path our hearts know is right, eventually we can make our way there."


Claire was almost alone, almost. Emmett Sinclair was her rock. He was determined to love her for all that she was, all that she wasn't..including all of her ugly. Her demons took a back seat when Claire realized that she in fact was capable of loving. And that she had been all along.

Emmett Sinclair is like a rock at the edge of the shore, and I am the waves that crash over and around it, desperate to be a apart of something different but unable to make the change."

And then it hits her, and you see it coming...and you feel it. Man her recovery just meant so much to her, it was everything. It meant pure freedom.

"You can be a beautiful as a size two or a six or sixteen or a six thousand. It doesn't matter. The body is just a byproduct of the mind, and although we can't control everything, we control a lot. Perception is half the battle."

I wasn't aware that this is actually a second book. I read this book before the first and I thought that it could be read as a stand alone, but in reality, you'll get the whole story once you read the books in order. All in all, even with all the ugliness of the subjects at hand in this book, the reality of it is that it is indeed real. These demons exist, they haunt people on a constant every day basis..and the brutal truth is, they don't always end up like Claire Simone.

"It's not just my parents who come to see me, not just my friends, but also my worst enemies. Self-Harm sits next to bulimia who's holding hands with Depression. I ignore them all and focus on Anorexia who's smiling at me from the end of the catwalk. My demons have come to cheer me on, to see what I've become without them, and I know that they'll be there, watching and waiting. But they're not a threat, not anymore. As long as I have love for myself, it fills that hole that's deep down inside, and there's nobody in the world that can take that away from me."
Profile Image for Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads.
566 reviews102 followers
July 11, 2013
Color me pretty

This book kept me AWAKE!
Do not read this book if you have not read Paint me Beautiful. I feel you need both to grasp the full impact of this story. Ok- on to the good stuff!

"Sometimes people are born with a bit of pain inside of them and sometimes that pain grows and morphs, changes, becomes something bigger than we are and tries to consume us. I am not alone, and I am not the only person who has suffered through this, but I am one of the ones who's going to come out the other side."


Holy shit! Omg! Wowza- freaking A!
Color me Pretty comes right back to where we ended in Paint me beautiful.
Our Claire is in the hospital, slowly waking up and living with the reality of almost killing herself.

"I'm disgusting. Skinny is supposed to be pretty and perfect, desirable. But none of this is."

Claire is hurt! Claire is worn down! Claire thinks she is disgusting...Claire breaks my ❤.
I ache for her, the constant battle she wars in her own head.

"A scream builds in my throat. I see sallow skin wrapped around bone and knees that are bigger than my calves... My fingers are so little, long and thin, like witch hands."

Can she see with her eyes what we see? Can she really ever be able to look in mirror and not see imperfections.

"This is you, Claire. And you're not fat. You're skinny, Claire. You're skinny and you're dying. That's the truth, so get over yourself and deal with it or they'll deal with it for you."

Her family is scared. They are worried and want her in treatment, they blame Emmett. Tension is high.
I love Emmett- sorry Mom, Dad and Marlena. (Sister)
I'm not sure I am always on board all the time with him, but I think he is doing the best he can! He takes care of her with his heart.
In the treatment facility. She meets a friend who will help in her recovery. While on the outside her family is not dealing well, and Emmett waits..

"Emmett makes me forget that I'm an anorexic-bulimic-depressed monster. He makes me feel like just a girl, just a careless, beautiful girl."

He loves her, inside. He helps her and understands her. He never makes her feel like a coward, he always sees her beauty inside. Their love is real and beautiful to read, it feels like your sneaking in on a conversation you should not hear. It's intimate and cherished.
(Again I really love him. As a Mom. I can get why Claire's mom might wanna kill him, lol)
Her family just wants her well, healthy and most important ALIVE! Fear rules their choices and heart.
Claire is at war always with her body image, calories and food. Her life is a struggle, she is in pain. Inside and out! Kylie was a nice addition to the story and added a depth and understanding too. Plus the wonderful Lianna.. She is a gem!

Again as in book one Anorexia the character knocks you on your ass and takes no prisoners. The disease is ugly and raw, CM Stunich takes it out and laid it on table for everyone to see. No apologizes.. Here it is! See it and feel the struggle. This series is amazingly raw- real and beautiful.
It's a must read... ❤ Love, self discovery and healing... it's beautiful and pretty!













Profile Image for S. Policar.
Author 24 books135 followers
July 26, 2013
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Color me Pretty is the sequel to Paint to me Beautiful and it's job very well. The story reads as a very long epilogue to the first book as the reader follows Claire on the start of her road to recovery.
The editing on this book was far better than PMB's and I only spotted two small errors.
Paint Me Beautiful and Color Me Pretty are books that prove to the world that change can happen if the person really wants it to. It's not a thing that can be forced on a person, or guilted into doing. The person them self truly needs to find that spark that screams "I don't want this anymore. I want to change."
The support of friends and family is a key role in these books as they are in real life when it comes to the topics of this book as well as topics of a similiar nature. Again I urge people, give these books a chance and then be the best damn Emmett Sinclair you can be, it may save someone's life. If you're a Claire Sinclair, then learn from her and grow and blossom just like she did and realize you are not alone in your battle.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws



Profile Image for Marilyn's Book Blog.
109 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2013
This series is a very powerful series. This is the follow up to Paint Me Beautiful. Claire Simone is still suffering from Anorexia in this book, but she has been reborn. The first book focused on Claire basically heading down the path to anorexia and accepting the fact that she is anorexic. Finally, she gets to rock bottom which leads into book two.


I loved watching Claire grow and change in book two. She became accepting of who she is and the demons she will have to struggle with for the rest of her life. Claire is a very strong person even though some may perceive her as weak because of her disorder. She is very bound and determined to overcome her anorexia...to learn how to deal with it and live the rest of her life.


Emmett continues to make a presence in this book. I really like him a lot. He does everything he can to help Claire. He may not have all the answers to help her, but he is willing to try anything to make her feel better. I really felt sorry for him because he got such a bad rep with Claire's family. They pretty much decided he was part of her problem and in no way could be part of her recovery. They tried very hard to keep the two of them apart.


This brings me to Claire's family. I REALLY disliked them. They were so pushy with her and wouldn't listen to anything she had to say. I know her parents loved her and wanted her to get better, but I would get frustrated for Claire because they would never LISTEN to her. I absolutely could not stand Claire's sister Marlena. It was kind of like she was the one who was running the show when it came to the family. I wanted to yell at their parents and tell them not to listen to everything Marlena had to say. What did she know about dealing with anorexia anyway? I think I am still frustrated with her.


This book is all about growth. How Claire was able to fight back from rock bottom. I liked that it seemed real in that once Claire decided she wanted to get better, she was not automatically better. She had to struggle just as any person fighting an eating disorder or addiction has to struggle.


I enjoyed everything about this series except the ending. I needed more. I felt like there were some things that were left somewhat unresolved. I wanted to see final confrontations and how they would work out, but I didn't really get that. Other than the ending, the series kept me completely interested. I was so curious to see what was going to happen with Claire, Emmett, and Claire's family.


Because of not being completely satisfied with the ending, I am giving this book 4-STARS.

For all of my reviews, go to www.marilynbookblogger.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Amanda Stover.
46 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2013
I received an ARC for an honest review
I reviewed this book for the book blog So Many Books So Little Time

Synopsis:
“I'm living through the ugly.”

I've done it this time. I've really screwed up. I've made a mistake, and I'm afraid that it's going to cost me everything – my family, my career and most importantly, Emmett Sinclair. He saw the beauty inside of me, looked past what I was becoming on the outside, and gave me his trust. Everyone thinks I tried to kill myself; I think I made a mistake. They all say I'm halfway to the grave; I say I've been reborn. Nobody knows what I'm going through, so I'm going to have to fight harder than ever before. The problem is, I no longer know exactly what it is I'm fighting for.
Review:
I loved this book more than the first!! It took me little to no time to finish it, I just had to know what the outcome would be for not only Claire but for Claire and her relationships. I believe that she has finally realized that she hit rock bottom and that her behavior was not only destructive to herself but to her family as well. At first only Emmett understands what Claire is going through and all her family wants to do is keep him away, Claire is sent to rehab where she meets an amazing new friend Kylie, they have an immediate connection.
“I want you to know if you fall, I’ll be there to catch you” ~ Emmett
There are a lot of unexpected twists throughout this book, Emmett does an amazing job trying to keep Claire going in the right direction, and amazingly enough she wants to do it for not only him but for herself.
“You are so Fucking Beautiful, he tells me, and I have no idea to respond to that. My usual thoughts would center on how untrue that was, how hideous I really was, but today, I just let the compliment hit and settle deep down inside of me.” ~ Claire
“It’s the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I have finally colored myself pretty with my own shades, blended my own joy and my own desire into something palpable.” ~Claire

I could not put this book down; I needed to know what was going to happen for these two….. I need more!!!! I think this book covers a topic that is not seen often and C.M. Stunich has done an amazing job capturing the struggles of someone with an eating disorder. This book had me on the edge of my seat….I definitely give it a whole hearted 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Arrowood.
53 reviews14 followers
July 31, 2013
5 emotional stars

I'm not going to review the first book in this "duet" because to me it feels like one big book broken in two parts. This review will be for both books.

Are you ready to be shocked!?!?!?! Here it is: I loved this book. Are you shocked? ....No? Oh. Yeah, neither am I.

This author continues to amaze me. She has no problems about digging in deep to sensitive, controversial, or even taboo issues. The book, or duet, is a beautiful representation of her fearlessness.

Claire Simone is a girl who suffers through depression, anorexia, self-harm and bulimia. She is extremely ambitious, to a fatal fault. There some aspects of her character that I just couldn't relate to. I'm no fashionista, and I don't give one iota about designer labels. But, there were many things I could relate to as well. The feeling that you're not good enough and you never will be. Not being understood by everyone around you, your goals, you motives, your actions. And love. Loving your family even if they unknowingly bring you harm. Guarding yourself against the love of a man only to find out that his love feeds your soul. I get that.
Marlena... yeah, sorry to say, but in my mind I am the fictitious Claire and I won't forgive her. Never. I cannot stand people who force their will on others, thinking that there is no possible way that they are wrong. Grrr.
Emmett <3 <3 <3 His love, loyalty and support of Claire was awe-inspiring. He understood Claire and no matter much it hurt or scared him, he recognized her needs and did what was right.

It's difficult to describe my feelings on this story. It was depressing and infuriating and at the same time, it was uplifting and beautiful. The first book centered around Claires rapid descent into oblivion, and the second was about her slow, arduous climb back up- to the Claire she was meant to be. Claire frustrated me often, but every time she made a little progress I felt my heart lift a little. I didn't just want her to survive her illness, I wanted her to kick it in the teeth and leave it in the dust.

The story ends full of hope, love and healing. That's no spoiler since it's practically in the title. I was hurt and disturbed by this story, but by the end I felt like floating. :)
Profile Image for Justine.
2,148 reviews79 followers
July 3, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a little bit better than book one, well a whole star better lol. I think because Claie is still struggling but she is in a better place, a happier place. C.M. Stunich is such an amazing writer that when you pick up her books you only put it down when you have finished it. This is what happened with Clor Me Pretty, I flew through it and when I finished I was left wanting more. I love that the story contains a darker topic, well two darker topics now, but it still has a silver lining. Also I love that each of C.M.'s books has an underlying message.
I love Claire even more in this novel. I'm glad that she finally realized that what she had been doing was destroying her and that she finally wants to get better or try to. I did like how realistic the story was, there is no cure for anorexia it is a disease that stays with you forever, as evidenced by Claire's "angel/ demon" on her shoulder each telling her something different. I'm glad that Kylie was in the picture too. I fell that without each others support at least one or both of them may not have made it. I found Kylie to be a very intriguing charcater and I wouldn't mind her having a spin off novel ;)
C.M. Hits another one out of the park! This is one of the reasons that she is one of my favourite authors. If you haven't already read this series you need to go grab it, you won't be disappointed. Hopefully we eventually get more of Claire and Emmett's story and like I hinted at Kylie's lol.
Profile Image for pinK.
479 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2013
For every ounce of heartbreak in Paint Me Beautiful, Stunich has given a pound of beauty in Color Me Pretty. When I woke up and saw this book in my email, I did a happy dance all over my living room. I had been in complete turmoil since I was left with Claire dying on the bathroom floor. I had to know what was going to happen!!

I DEVOURED this book in just two hours. In all of my reading experience, I have never cared as much about a fictional character as I do for Claire Simone. Her story is completely heartbreaking and totally beautiful.

Throughout the course of reading this book, I cried, I prayed, I walked on egg shells, and I developed a huge smile with tears in my eyes. Watching Claire transform into the beautiful woman that she truly is inside was absolutely breathtaking. I rarely reread books, but this is a duet of books that will be reread often for me. This story is too beautiful to only enjoy once.

Just like the first book, I highly recommend this one. Of course, if you read the first book, there's no doubt in my mind that you will be craving this second installment. I can't help but feel that Claire's story could continue *hint hint*, but even as it is, the ending is absolutely perfect. I couldn't imagine a better ending to Claire's story.

Note: I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Holly *Confessions of a Lit Chick*.
239 reviews33 followers
September 3, 2015
This novel discusses subjects such as: depression, anorexia, bulimia, self harm and suicide.

C. M. Stunich is one of my favourite writers. She often handles subjects that are sensitive and often controversial. She handles them with sensitivity and dignity. I love her writing style, it's blunt and real. Often gritty and poetic. She doesn't paint serious subjects pretty, she writes it how it is, usually with a subliminal message at the end.

The messages I received from these novels were:
You are not alone.
An illness doesn't define.
It's okay to have help.

But, I feel that for every reader it will be different.

“Dear Me, I want to be pretty while alive
Not on the outside, but inside where my heart beats fierce and my soul glows brighter than the sun
Burn, burn brightly, so fiercely that even the sun can't compare, even the moon can't compete.
And the smile that taints my full lips looks like the blossoms on the branches of our favorite tree.
Search and find me with you warm heat, strong lips and become a part of me until you leave a brand new whole where love lives and pretty breathes.
All of this because I finally love you enough – will always love you enough because I finally see how much that I believe in you.” - (poetry excerpt from Color me Pretty)




Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
June 24, 2013
I liked this book better then the first one in the duet probably because of the happiness in it. Yes it's about Claire's journey but it's how she does it that makes the story. It's also about that one person who sticks by your side through good times and bad and that's why I fell so hard for Emmett, "aren't we all? The best we can do is embrace the half-alive bit, see where it takes us because eventually, we all succumb to that other side of ourselves. We just have to make sure that when we do," Emmett puts the fingers of one hand under my chin and leans in close to me, teasing my mouth with his lips. "We have no regrets. that we go knowing we spent every last drop." When someone threatens Claire's support system she becomes a fighter, "say it," I growl and she snaps her gaze to mine. "Say it and prepare to never effing see me again. Belittle Emmett, be disgusted with him for sleeping with me. I know you want to." I did wish that the ending went on a little bit longer I would have loved to see what happens between Claire and her family.
Profile Image for Kara.
763 reviews30 followers
January 8, 2014
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...

Rating: 4 stars

Witness Claire's rebirth was beautiful and empowering. Being able to watch her grow into her skin and becomes the woman she wants to be has left me speechless. Claire has proven that she is strong and has shown that our dreams can grow and transform just as we do as humans. Claire stands up for what she believes in and what/whom she wants. She doesn't give up the fight or back down. She keeps reaching all the way to the end. CM's words continue to cut me deep in their power and beauty. She can take a dark, serious situation and help me see the beauty and growth from it with her words. Very powerful. Emmett, I still love him. There's more internal talk in this series than dialogue but when Emmett talks, you listen because what he has to say is always deep & meaningful. Well and he's ruggedly handsome so of course he's got my attention. Come along for this soul searching journey of pain, fear, growth, and rebirth. Give this a try!!
Profile Image for Kami.
Author 2 books71 followers
September 8, 2013
This book starts right where the first one left off. Claire is in a hospital after her accidental suicide attempt with a feeding tube in her nose. Her family is ready to send her to rehab or have her institutionalized. Claire only wants Emmett. Claire has to decide on her own to get better and to heal. She can't be forced to change. She sees her body as it really is. The body dysmorphia is gone. Claire is reborn. Her family doesn't understand her. Emmett understands and he loves her no matter what. Claire's journey is difficult. This is a heavy subject and the writing describes it without flinching. This story is so emotional and yet amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. 5 stars.
Profile Image for IC.
876 reviews48 followers
July 21, 2013
An amazing ending to an incredible story.

Claire Simone has had a rebirth and now she has to try and overcome her depression, anorexia, and bulimia by herself.

She has her family trying to force her to change but she knows she has to want to change and figure out how herself.

This book has changed the way I think about anorexic and bulimia. It's that the person who has the disorder has to learn how to change themselves and no one can help them. You have to just be there and support them whether they eat or not. Like Emmett did for Claire.

C.M. is one of my favorite authors because of the characters she makes and they way she writes there journeys.
Profile Image for Kelly.
35 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2013
I love C.M. Stunichs books all of them.....this series touches on a subject that a lot of girls suffer from and C.M. wrote it beautifully!! You felt all the anxiety, pain, trauma, doubt, depression, self detest that Claire suffered from, but you also felt the love, strength, self assurance, and pride she finally found in herself and you root for her all the way!!! She climbs out of the hole she dug for herself and eventually climbs the mountain that is herself and conquers it.....GREAT SERIES!!!
Profile Image for Autumn.
261 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2024
Claire Simone is reborn and with Emmett by her side she begins her reintroduction to the world. She struggles to find her place and not backslide into the hell she lived in before. This book is about recovery and not letting the monsters of self doubt and loathing consume you. it is finding yourself in a sea full of expectations and failures. it is facing all that makes you afraid and standing strong rather than submitting. It is about love and reconciliation. It is deep and powerful and after reading it i felt cleansed.
Profile Image for Micah .
182 reviews23 followers
June 25, 2013
It's really good. A really great follow-up to the first one. The first one was so dark and dismal; it had to be, given the subject matter. And this one was filled with such hope and love.

I would have loved one more chapter. I always feel that way...but I would have liked more closure with her family.

Emmett...how do you not love that man? I don't think he actually exists on this planet.
Profile Image for Crystal.
119 reviews
July 4, 2013
I have two words for this book, hell the whole series … FUCKING AMAZING!!! In book one you see Claire go down the hill and almost lose to her demons. In this book she is on the path back up and to healing. These books are amazing! The writing is wonderful and the emotions you feel and see are just fantastic!
Profile Image for Kat.
73 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2013
This duet series is the beautiful journey of Claire Simone. The author did an amazing job dealing with these difficult issues. Emmett Sinclair was sweet and caring and thoughtful and simply amazing. He is my newest book boyfriend. I give the series 5 stars. I just wish there was an epilogue. Wonderful job CM Stunich this story will be in my heart for a long time.
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