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Beauty in the Ashes

Micalea Smeltzer (Goodreads Author)

3.85 · Rating details · 738 ratings · 161 reviews

Standalone Dark Contemporary Romance

Some stories are a fairytale...but this isn't one.

Caelan Gregory’s life fell apart the night he went home and opened the door to find his whole family murdered. Since then, his life has held no meaning. He’s angry. He’s bitter. He’s barely human anymore. There’s nothing left to remind him of the straight A student, and football quarterb ...more

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Published July 15th 2014 (first published July 1st 2014)

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May 03, 2019 Karina rated it did not like it · review of another edition

I couldn't. I tried I just couldn't. It didn't even start off good and got worse as I continued. I felt like a HS guy wrote this. Eff this, eff that, effing effer. If you need to curse that much in any book to make your point across then you need to reevaluate the English language and your feelings. Glad this book was given to me for free. Someone at the secondhand store will surely enjoy this. I just couldn't.

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Jul 16, 2014 Stephanie D rated it it was ok

I should have never read the book. The previous reviews were all hinting it, I just thought it would be interesting. But ackkk!! I can't lie. It was heartbreaking for me. So, almost 2/3 of the story have been building about them. And suddenly, shit like that happens???

How do you expect readers to accept that 1/3 without that much build up. Not to mention, Memphis should have been mentioned at the synopsis from the start. It was unfair for readers to root for him.

I get that this book is about f ...more

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Nov 28, 2016 Natalie ✩★ The Biblioholic ★✩ rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary, addiction

It was really hard to rate this book in the end. Why? Because I almost didn't make it.

It doesn't happen often. It was written well and it was honest and for most of the story I was hovering close to a 5. Not quite there but I was really enjoying myself. I love broken heros and Caelen was devastating. The horrors of his past still haunted him and it seemed the only things he wanted in life were drugs and alcohol. That is utnil Sutton showed up in his life. From their first encounter I was rooting ...more

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Aug 05, 2014 Heather rated it liked it

Shelves: overdrive, kindle

Well, damn.
I think there are many people who will love this story. I was ALMOST one of them. Unfortunately.....(view spoiler) ...more

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Jul 26, 2014 Jenny - TotallybookedBlog added it

Our Rating:
First 80% of story: 41/2 Stars
Last 20% of story: 1Star
Caelan: 5Stars for the majority of the story until his character was let down.
Sutton: 4stars until ‘that which shall not be named happened’ then ✯ Star
Writing: 4Stars

‘He was right. What we had…it couldn’t be defined as love. It was different…infinitely more.’

Gitte: You know what; there’s some books where you finish reading and you think…what the hell happened here? When a story suddenly doesn’t play out remotely how you expected, i ...more

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Jan 11, 2015 1-Click Addict Support Group rated it it was amazing

Micalea Smeltzer is not a new to me author, having read her work previously, but Beauty in the Ashes was next level! I thought I was prepared going in, but I still had to put my iPad down a couple times because my heart hurt, and I couldn’t see through the tears. This wasn’t an easy read at times, but I am so glad that I read this beautiful book.

Caelan and Sutton are two broken people who are trying to make their way in the world. They happen to find each other at a time when each need someone Micalea Smeltzer is not a new to me author, having read her work previously, but Beauty in the Ashes was next level! I thought I was prepared going in, but I still had to put my iPad down a couple times because my heart hurt, and I couldn’t see through the tears. This wasn’t an easy read at times, but I am so glad that I read this beautiful book.

Caelan and Sutton are two broken people who are trying to make their way in the world. They happen to find each other at a time when each need someone to lean on, and through their shared pain, try and help the other heal.

My heart hurt for both of them, even though they had each suffered through horrible pasts, they were trying to deal in the only way they knew how. Caelan took a less than desirable approach, but still knowing what he went through I understood his choices, I don’t agree with them but I understood.

At around 70% my heart broke, and this was the point at which I didn’t know if I could take anymore but I pushed through and I’m so glad that I did. Sometimes you read a book, and you know that it’ll stay with you for a long time to come, and Beauty in the Ashes is that book for me. Micalea you have outdone yourself and written something remarkable. Yes, you destroyed me but then you also put me back together and made me believe in love again. ~ Tamara, 5 stars

~~~

This is the first book I have read by Micalea Smeltzer and after I finished I had to ask myself, "Why haven't you read this author before!?" I was was absolutely blown away by this book.

Beauty in the Ashes is classified as a dark romance, I would say it's a contemporary with some dark plot points. It's definitely not the dark type of romance I am used to reading. The characters are so three dimensional and well written, you feel their pain and triumphs pouring off the pages.

This book had me in tears, so much so that I couldn't read the pages. Sutton and Caelan were literally laid bare and open before the reader's eyes. Emotionally twisted and 100% refreshing, this book was a huge 5 star read for me.

Beauty in the Ashes is a full length standalone.

~ Erin, 5 stars ...more

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Jul 19, 2014 Sue Czarnomski rated it liked it

What happened here? I loved this book up to the 2/3 point, but then it all went south for me. Not only was the ending an enormous disappointment, but it was rushed. This book had progressed so nicely, the story detailing the painful pasts that tormented both Caelan and Sutton. While their relationship was toxic at times, it wasn't just based on sex--it had grown to mutual love; both of them professing it to the other. They shared a bond and trusted each other with details of their devastating fa ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Nancy The book junkie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, books-to-review

Review to come!

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Dec 13, 2016 ♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ rated it really liked it

Its good that I did not read the GR opening line before I read the book – or else I might not have read Beauty in the Ashes by Micalea Smeltzer at all. As I am not a fan of dark romances.
From the beginning on you feel the whole story is darker and twisted – it never feels like unicorns and rainbows – but it always leaves you hoping.
The characters are incredible even with all their flaws – and flaws is a very nice and soft word for some stuff that is going on here.
I can not say to much about t ...more

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Jul 07, 2014 Gemma Weir rated it really liked it

Check out more of my reviews on my blog www.gemmareadstoomuchforittomenormal....

Beauty in The Ashes is the new standalone novel by Micalea Smeltzer; I was given this ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review so here goes...

Ok so the good bits...

• Caelan, he’s a tormented soul I wanted to give him a massive hug.

• Sutton, she’s almost as damaged as him and I wanted to hug her too.

• This book made me ugly cry!

And the not so good bits...

• I really disliked Memphis for me he just came across ...more

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Dec 08, 2016 Romance Readers Retreat rated it really liked it

3.5 Stars

I don't even know where to start with this review. I both loved and hated this book and I don't know which is greater. I loved the original cover but it is extremely misleading along with the blurb so I understand why the author decided to change it. The new cover is just as gorgeous yet more appropriate for the story.
This story was angsty and dark and emotional and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through but it's the last 20-25% that I didn't really like. That ending came ...more

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Jul 20, 2014 Everything Marie rated it it was amazing

Let's start off by saying that I am a HUGE fan of Micalea's and absolutely couldn't wait for this book! The cover and the blurb alone sucked me in and I just HAD to devour it! Okay, now that's been said...HOLY SHIT! What did I just read??!??? This book is FAR from what I ever expected! I thought this would be your typical romance, with a little angst....WRONG!!! So wrong! The author actually warned me in saying that this book was nothing like her previous works and I should have listened!

So, le ...more

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May 27, 2014 ❤️Melanie G. rated it really liked it

****4+ "I Live For You" Stars****

I must say this book took me by surprise. The writing was amazing and the story was phenomenal.

Sutton & Cael were both broken ans searching for an escape. They found that in each other however they could only escape for so long before reality came crashing back.

The supporting characters in this story were a perfect blend to the main characters and it made the story flow perfectly.

I will say that this story broke my heart time and time again. I cried, cheered f ...more

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Feb 09, 2014 Regina Bartley rated it it was amazing

This is not your average love story in the best possible way. Five gut wrenching, tear jerking, hate you, but love you forever stars. Micalea Smeltzer's best work yet!

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Jul 25, 2014 Karen Anderson rated it really liked it

Would have been a 5* for me IF the last part of the book was a different outcome, i jst don't understand how that happened, im confused & after reading a beautiful story very disappointed ...more

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May 08, 2014 Stefanie Kral rated it it was amazing

Shelves: received-arc, read-for-blog, favorite-read-books, beta-read, read-in-2014

✯✯6 Beautiful Stars!!✯✯

We were opposites in every way.
She was the Beauty to my Beast.-Caelan

There is such things I want to say about this book. I had the privilege of being a BETA reader for this book. And, it's the 3rd one I've done for Micalea. I honestly don't know why she needs them because she is such a talented fantastic author who puts everything into her books. It took her 5yrs to write this and I can honestly say I'm glad she did because I got to be a part of it. I know that might s ...more

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Apr 18, 2014 Kat DM rated it it was amazing

Beauty In The Ashes
By Micalea Smeltzer
5-painting ✩★✩★✩'s

Gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a standalone.

Caelan & Sutton, what a rollercoaster ride. This is a tear-jerker type of read. Two broken and lost souls cross paths.

Caelan is a druggy and an alcoholic and is very attracted to Sutton but is very much in denial. Coming home to a house that you once called home with your whole family murdered, doesn't sound like you have much to live for. My heart broke f ...more

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Jul 23, 2014 Three Chicks rated it really liked it

4 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Beauty in the Ashes is an emotional story about two broken people who are so damaged from their past that they are not sure if they will ever be whole again. I felt for both Caelen and Sutton and wanted them to find their HEA.

Caelan is living his life day by day and drowning himself in drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of this past. I don’t want to go into too much detail about what happened in his life to cause this pain and anger and for him to be in this dark worl 4 Star Review by Jen Skewes

Beauty in the Ashes is an emotional story about two broken people who are so damaged from their past that they are not sure if they will ever be whole again. I felt for both Caelen and Sutton and wanted them to find their HEA.

Caelan is living his life day by day and drowning himself in drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of this past. I don’t want to go into too much detail about what happened in his life to cause this pain and anger and for him to be in this dark world. He is just so angry at the word and to be honest in some ways he has every right to be. The other people in his apartment complex only know one side of Caeln and that is the mean angry, drunk guy who is always yelling at them for making too much noise. No one understands him or even cares to get to know him For the past six years he has turned to his addictions to help him feel numb. He is addicted to drugs and alcohol. But the one love and passion that he does have is for painting which he seems to do often. When he meets his new neighbor Sutton, things change for him. There is something about Sutton that he is drawn to. He knows she is different. And the harder he tries to push her away the more she makes it difficult to do so.

Sutton has her own past that she is running from. There is something about Caelan, besides his good looks, that intrigues her. She sees the pain in his eyes and knows that there is a story behind that pain but is not exactly sure what it is. When she does find out she doesn’t judge him or pity him. She is there for him and gets him. Sutton and Caelan have chemistry and this undeniable passion for each other. When they are together they are explosive. They start to feel when they are with each other,which scare the both of them. The walls that they have both built begin to crumble. They need each other, and hope that together they can become whole. But how can two people who are so broken heal again? Is depending on someone who is just as broken as your are, healthy and the best way to move on? Is the love they have for each other strong enough to survive?

I loved both Caelan and Sutton and my heart just broke for them for all that they went through. I felt the love, the passion but also the need that they had for each other. This book was dark at times and Caelan was at times a complete jerk. But knowing what he went through and where his anger was coming from it was completely understandable. What Sutton went through will break your heart and make you sick. She was a strong girl at times but also had her weaknesses. I felt the pain and the fears that she felt. I just wanted to see these two beautiful yet broken people be happy.

Micalea Smetzler did a wonderful job with this book. It deals with very real and very deep issues. This book is so different from I am used to from Micalea, but I think she did an wonderful job with those issues. There was a twist and an ending that honestly I did not see coming but I have to say it as real and so true to the story. It was the perfect ending to this story. With that being said I wished that I saw more of a buildup to the relationship between Sutton and the secondary characters in this book. But overall I loved this book and cannot wait to see what Ms. Smelter has in store for us next.
...more

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Feb 10, 2014 Kendall {Book Crazy} rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, favorites, blog-tours, beta-read

I was desperate for this book! I was asked to beta read it by the author so I got to read it quite a bit earlier than when it was released! I love all this author's other books as well, so I always look forward to the next book from her! This book was absolutely amazing! I was always begging the author for more chapters I was enjoying it that much! The plot was brilliant! It developed at the perfect pace and everything about it was so beautiful, but so dark! I was expecting the plot to be quite I was desperate for this book! I was asked to beta read it by the author so I got to read it quite a bit earlier than when it was released! I love all this author's other books as well, so I always look forward to the next book from her! This book was absolutely amazing! I was always begging the author for more chapters I was enjoying it that much! The plot was brilliant! It developed at the perfect pace and everything about it was so beautiful, but so dark! I was expecting the plot to be quite dark after I read the synopsis and read the prologue, but it was a lot darker than I expected! It did get darker and then it started to turn light though! There were also a few pretty hot scenes too, which I loved! There was also a lot in the plot and I found it very emotional! The plot had tragedy, love and redemption in it, which just made this book up itself even more! The characters were amazing! Sutton was the main female character and she was snarky with a side of nice lol! She was such a nice, everyday person, but she had a bit of a devilish side to her as well! She loved to wind her love interest up and push his buttons to get a reaction out of him! Let's just say that Sutton got more than she bargained for sometimes though ;) I just overall loved Sutton and she grew a lot in this book! I wasn't expecting her to grow quite as much as she did, but her changes made her an even more amazing character! Caelan was the main male character and he was such a broken character! He had seen something that would break even the strongest of people! And trust me, Caelan was a very strong character! Caelan turned to painting to deal with his grief, but he also turned to alcohol! I could see how badly he was struggling with everything and it broke my heart! Caelan came such a long way in this book though! He was a completely different guy at the end to what he was at the beginning! I was so overjoyed at his changes because he was a much happier guy now that he was able to cope with his demons! I loved that this book was written from both Sutton and Caelan's point of views! This was definitely the right thing to do because of what happens in the book! It also helped me connect with both characters more! The ending of this book was so beautiful, but so unexpected! I was expecting it to end with a happy ever after, and it did, but it ended completely differently to any happy ever after I've read! I loved that the author took this step to change the ending of her book and not make it so everyday! I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I wasn't expecting another book, but I don't think it's going to be about Sutton and Caelan! I can't wait to read it though! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning! I know that the author had difficulty getting the cover the way she wanted, but damn she made the right choice! It looks so freaking hot! Big thank you to Micalea for asking me to beta read Beauty in the Ashes and to Stephanie's Book Reports for having me on the Blog Tour! ...more

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Jul 15, 2014 N Swaffar rated it it was amazing

Rating: 5 Wonderful Stars (but it so deserves more)

Reviewed by: Neilliza

This is the story about two broken souls finding each other and saving each other.

I love all the characters in this book, except for Marcus. Who is a real piece of work, which you will find when you read the book. Of course I cannot forget about Memphis, the very hot and understanding friend. Who also helped Sutton out, without asking for anything in return. Even though I loved Caelan, I cannot help but also love Memphis. If you read the book you’ll see what I mean.

I love Sutton, even with her past she is as strong as a person can be. She is sassy and strong-willed. Caelan is a bad boy, according to people looking at him from the outside, but Sutton knew there was more to him than what she sees. No one knows why he is the way he is, until Sutton came along.

The first time they met, they both felt a high on meeting each other. Neither one would admit to that feeling, Caelan acted like he hated her and Sutton loved getting a rise out of him. As days pass they went back and forth, they enjoyed the banter that went with them seeing each other. They knew there was something between them, so the first time Caelan kissed Sutton to shut her up, they felt the pull they had on each other. Day after day, they thought of each other and couldn’t stop. Until one day they reached a new level on their weird relationship, neither one could stay away from each other. Weeks passed, months passed, then they fell in love. They knew their love, their relationship is a destructive one, but neither wanted to let go. They loved each other too much and needed each other to live, to feel alive. They live for each other. No one else gets them, but each other. They shared their painful past with each other, that no one could ever understand.

Will they stay together and make it?
Or will staying together break them into pieces?
Read and find out.

This book hooked me from the beginning, there was no part of the booked that I didn’t like. This story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I don’t cry too much when it comes to books, I’m not soft like that. Yes books touch my heart all the time, but not a lot really makes me cry; breaks my heart and fall in love at the same time. This book is that, this book is so beautifully written that I am in love with it. I’m so glad I read this book, It made me wish I had more time in my day to finish it all in one day, but as a grown up I have to work and be with my family. So I read it as much as I could and I love it so much. I really really love this book, I cannot say that enough.

...more

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Jun 09, 2014 Becca rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Micalea Smeltzer has absolutely slayed me! Beauty in the Ashes is without a doubt one of my favorite books of all time. Writing a review that does this novel justice seems almost impossible because I honestly don’t know what to say to describe my experience with this beautiful story. Just as our lives are all incredibly unique, this book will touch every reader in a different way. For me, reading Sutton and Caelan’s journey was incredibly eye-opening as I grew to recognize pieces of myself in th Micalea Smeltzer has absolutely slayed me! Beauty in the Ashes is without a doubt one of my favorite books of all time. Writing a review that does this novel justice seems almost impossible because I honestly don’t know what to say to describe my experience with this beautiful story. Just as our lives are all incredibly unique, this book will touch every reader in a different way. For me, reading Sutton and Caelan’s journey was incredibly eye-opening as I grew to recognize pieces of myself in these characters that I never even realized existed. The writing was exquisite, perfectly capturing the haunting emotions and dizzying whirlwind of falling in love at rock bottom. Pulling me in from the very first page and holding me captive until the last, every moment of Sutton and Caelan’s powerful journey resonated through me as I read this inimitable story.

Both survivors of brutal, bloody and life-altering tragedy, Caelan and Sutton were connected by an unspoken understanding of one another’s darkest secrets and deepest pain - their souls each recognizing the other as a kindred spirit. In addition to the undeniable connection this couple shared, they also exuded a sizzling chemistry that only made this novel that much more addictive. Filled with soaring highs and devastating lows that constantly threatened to consume them both, Caelan and Sutton’s relationship was equal parts promising and tragic, destructive and thrilling. I found myself utterly overwhelmed by the emotions Micalea Smeltzer so expertly infused into this story. There were several moments where I came close to launching my iPad across the room because every single time the characters stumbled I was right there falling down beside them.

One of things I’ve come to love about this novel is the unexpected direction in which Micalea Smeltzer took this story. For a while I didn’t understand where Caelan and Sutton’s journey was headed, mostly because it wasn’t what I would have predicted and to be honest, the ending took me by complete surprise. However, looking back on the storyline as a whole, I am absolutely content. Happy even. Nothing about Sutton and Caelan’s story was formulaic or predictable so I both respect and admire an ending that stayed so true to the characters and the lives they had led. Plus, that epilogue absolutely lifted my heart to incredible heights and filled me with a sense of peace. Micaela Smeltzer truly outdid herself with this novel and I am left in complete awe of her exemplary storytelling abilities and her beautiful gift for creating and nurturing deeply emotional connections with her readers. Do not miss out on this book. Beauty in the Ashes is hands down an absolute must read! ...more

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Jul 03, 2014 Kim rated it it was amazing

I was gifted this copy of Beauty in the Ashes, and so in return I am writing an honest review. This story starts out with a tragedy with Caelan and his family, this immediately had me hooked, pulled into this story in a way I had been missing for a long time. This first chapter gave me the feeling that I was going to be drawn into this book and I was. I am not a very fast ready, life just gets in my way sometimes so it took me a couple of days to read this book and I hated putting it down to dea I was gifted this copy of Beauty in the Ashes, and so in return I am writing an honest review. This story starts out with a tragedy with Caelan and his family, this immediately had me hooked, pulled into this story in a way I had been missing for a long time. This first chapter gave me the feeling that I was going to be drawn into this book and I was. I am not a very fast ready, life just gets in my way sometimes so it took me a couple of days to read this book and I hated putting it down to deal with life. As this story continues we find that Caelan is tortured and struggling with life, with alcohol and drug abuse, he is angry at everyone and hates dealing with people. Woman are only there to service a need, but never kept around. When Sutton moves in to the apartment building just across the hall from Caelan, she soon discovers that she has a very unfriendly neighbor.
Sutton is running, running from her family and her past, she also has her demons that she doesn’t want to share with anyone. But with that said, she see’s something in this angry neighbor of hers that she can’t deny. This man that she cannot avoid or deny is slowly becoming a kinder and gentler soul with Sutton. They share this unspoken bond that seems to give Caelan some comfort and peace that he greatly needs. I was very intrigued and kept reading hoping the next page would reveal Sutton’s secret, this secret that she keeps from everyone. Ultimately we find out this secret and how Sutton still continues to run from her past. They embark on a friendship that gradually grows and the trust that they share is so moving. Of course as we can figure out since we are reading a romance novel, Caelan and Sutton fall for each other in a way that is deep, very deep, I loved the story of these two and I only wanted their love to work out. I will not say anything else about this story line or plot, because I hate spoilers. I loved this story, I am sooo happy this book crossed my path and I decided to read it. I will say this one is going on my top 10 books of 2014, I am recommending this one to anyone that will listen. There are so many twist and turns, I thought how can this happen? Why is this happening? What are they going to do now? But it works, and I loved the outcome. This will be a book that I read again. I am giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. I LOVED IT!!!!
KimGrayLovesBooks
http://kimgraylovesbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kim.gray.520...
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Jul 19, 2014 Arti rated it liked it

Let me just start this review off by saying, I have never read a book like this and nor do I ever want to. Anything I predicted would happen, didn't. I wish I had payed more attention to the description, because its all there. This is not a fairytale romance and it really is a dark contemporary romance.

I went into this book expecting a romance of two people with broken pasts who fight and resist, but eventually come together and fall in love. It was not even close to that. This is more on the da Let me just start this review off by saying, I have never read a book like this and nor do I ever want to. Anything I predicted would happen, didn't. I wish I had payed more attention to the description, because its all there. This is not a fairytale romance and it really is a dark contemporary romance.

I went into this book expecting a romance of two people with broken pasts who fight and resist, but eventually come together and fall in love. It was not even close to that. This is more on the dark side than the sweet romantic side. The main focus is on Caelan and Sutton's demons and how together they attempt to live and conquer them. And this really does take over the entire book. Your heart will be breaking for these characters at many different parts throughout the book all the way to the epilogue. You won't be able to predict what's going to happen and you really will be experiencing this story along side the characters. Micalea Smeltzer did an excellent job capturing the emotion and the darkness that was needed in this story.

Caelan and Sutton were phenomenally written characters and they really could not have been written any better. Their stories were indescribable and I can't even imagine their pain. It was heartbreaking. That is the only word I can use to describe it. I have never read a character similar to Caelan's and I will always remember him.

Caelan and Sutton's relationship throughout the entire book was the title. It was beauty in the ashes. There really isn't anything else to say about it.

This brings us to my biggest issue with this book. The ending. I was cringing the entire time while reading it and no matter how many ways I try looking at it, it just doesn't work for me. After being so emotionally invested in these two characters, throwing in a third one who everyone thought was gone, is not cool. After the Romeo and Juliet moment, Memphis was not supposed to jump back in. Any positive feelings I had towards this book, went away after that. To not give any more spoilers away, if you read this book, read it with an open mind and not with a planned out story line.

This book will meet your expectations and exceed it, but I would not recommend it to anyone who can't handle a dark romance. I know that I will never be able to read this book again. Reading it one time was more than enough.

But the cover is gorgeous.

More at: notclassique.blogspot.com ...more

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Jul 05, 2014 Valia Lind rated it it was amazing

There's so much to say about this book. And I will say it. Once I come to terms with my emotions. Because I'm going to need a minute. Or a few days. SO GOOD!

GIVEAWAY for THIS BOOK ON THE BLOG OPEN TILL 7-25-14
http://valialind.blogspot.com/2014/07...

This book is NOT for everyone. I know Micalea has said it and it's worth repeating. This book is not a fairytale, it's not about two people living happily ever after. At least not in the way conventional books write about. It is a NA Standalone Dark C There's so much to say about this book. And I will say it. Once I come to terms with my emotions. Because I'm going to need a minute. Or a few days. SO GOOD!

GIVEAWAY for THIS BOOK ON THE BLOG OPEN TILL 7-25-14
http://valialind.blogspot.com/2014/07...

This book is NOT for everyone. I know Micalea has said it and it's worth repeating. This book is not a fairytale, it's not about two people living happily ever after. At least not in the way conventional books write about. It is a NA Standalone Dark Contemporary Romance. Just a warning :)

That being said, I found this book amazing. No, I've never had my family murdered or gone through what Sutton has gone through, but at the same time, I can relate to the brokenness of both characters. And these two are beyond broken. They're shattered. It hurts to read their story, it pains you as a reader to see what kind of a life they've lived, but at the same time, it gives you hope that things can get better.
I think it was particularly relatable for me to read this book because I saw this kind of life in my line of work. I saw first hand how broken people can be. And I saw it when there was no hope. I'm not saying this book will leave you all warm and fuzzy at the end. It probably won't. I will be honest and say that I cried reading the last couple of chapters because they touched my heart.
Did I want a different ending? A part of me did. But at the same time, I understood the decisions these two had to make and the maturity they both arrived at, at the end.
That's what I loved most about the book. Is the growth of both Caelan and Sutton. The understanding that sometimes the hardest decision is the best one and that sometimes we need to let go, rebuild, start over.
It's hard to review this book without giving much away, but I want people to read it, because it's a story that deserves to be read.
It is DARK and TWISTED and filled with broken people, but just like the title says, there is Beauty in the Ashes and this story has proven that in it's pages. Micalea did a fantastic job, crafting a story that will stay with you long after you've read the last word. Prepare for the feels! ...more

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Jul 17, 2014 Carrie rated it it was amazing

Beauty In The Ashes we meet Sutton and Caelan, They live across the hall from each other. It all starts with Caelan being an Arties wanting his quiet so he can work and Sutton making too much noise, And Caelan just busting in to Sutton’s Apartment to tell her to keep the noise down…. Well not in them nice of words. Sutton turns it into a game with Cael, She likes to get under his skin. Everyone on their floor cowers to him but her, she’s not scared. In fact she finds herself looking for ways to ...more

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Jul 20, 2014 Michelle rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars. I'm really impressed with this book. Caelan and Sutton are 2 broken people who live across the hall from each other. They start out antagonizing each other and eventually settle into a physical relationship. From there, they start to reveal their demons to each other. As much I enjoyed Caelan's POV and felt his pain and suffering, I hated how he treated Sutton and he wasn't winning any points with me on rooting for him to be Sutton's love interest. He didn't have much to offer her and ...more

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May 25, 2014 Kristen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-stars, artists

An honest story of life, love, living, and learning with the MOST fantastic ending!

Have you ever heard The Fray's lyric: "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same"? I feel like that lyric encompasses Beauty in the Ashes to a tee. What a beautiful book! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Micalea Smeltzer, for surprising me in the most fantastic way with the ending to this story. Thank you for taking a risk to make a credible and truly worthwhile statement. Thank you for a gritty ...more

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Jul 30, 2014 Magic Within the Pages rated it it was amazing

Reviewer: Donna
Rating: 5 Stars

**Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**

I'm not usually one for crying through books but this book had me so tied up in knots! It was emotionally draining and i will confess, my eyes did well up on a few occasions.

The story is based around the lives of Caelan and Sutton. They both have really dark pasts and find it hard to live in the world and put the past behind them. Caelan was a popular kid at school and one night, while he sneaks out of hi ...more

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Jul 27, 2014 Parlethia Browning rated it it was amazing

GREAT BOOK!!!

I know a lot of people didn't like the ending of this book. But my interpretation of the story is this:

We have Caelan who's tragic event would send anybody into a dark world of drugs and alcohol. Then there's Sutton who's tragic event is every women's nightmare. So we have two badly broken people who are drawn to each other because of these tragic events. They see and feel the pain they each carry with them everyday. They helped bring one another out of their darken worlds and into ...more

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Jul 04, 2014 Kim Walker rated it it was amazing

Having the word beauty in the title of this was perfect because it was a beautiful book. It made me laugh and made me cry.

The book introduces you to Sutton and Calean. Two people who have had lives that have been nothing short of easy. These two meet in an apartment complex where they live and the story follows them trying to become better people, overcoming their pasts, and trying to move forward. But life is difficult, moving on can be hard, and trying to learn to live again is a huge challen ...more

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About Micalea Smeltzer

Micalea Smeltzer

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Micalea Smeltzer is a twenty-something author from Northern Virginia. She has four dogs, which is as crazy as it sounds. As a recent kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.