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Fugly #1
Fugly
A Contemporary Romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
My name is Lily Snow. I am twenty-five years old, and despite being born with an unattractive face, I have never doubted who I am: smart, driven, and beautiful on the inside.
Until I met Maxwell Cole.
He’s handsome, excessively wealthy, and the owner of Cole Cosmetics. It’s been my dream to work for this man for as long as I can remember. The good news is he wants to hire me. The bad news is he wants me for all the wrong reasons. Ugly reasons.
In exchange, he’s offered me my dreams on a silver platter. The job. The title. A beautiful future. But this man is as messed up and ugly as they come on the inside. I’m not sure anyone can help him, and he just might take my heart down with him.
(STAND ALONE NOVEL)
My name is Lily Snow. I am twenty-five years old, and despite being born with an unattractive face, I have never doubted who I am: smart, driven, and beautiful on the inside.
Until I met Maxwell Cole.
He’s handsome, excessively wealthy, and the owner of Cole Cosmetics. It’s been my dream to work for this man for as long as I can remember. The good news is he wants to hire me. The bad news is he wants me for all the wrong reasons. Ugly reasons.
In exchange, he’s offered me my dreams on a silver platter. The job. The title. A beautiful future. But this man is as messed up and ugly as they come on the inside. I’m not sure anyone can help him, and he just might take my heart down with him.
(STAND ALONE NOVEL)
ebook
First published September 15, 2015
About the author
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
89 books4,205 followersBecause Mimi wants to focus on writing and her freakin' awesome fans, she does NOT monitor this site. PLEASE GO TO her Facebook
FAN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MimiJ...
or her website:
www.mimijean.net, and sign up for her newsletter if you want the latest FREEBIES and news!
****
MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who writes insane plot twists that will have you burning through the pages. Whether it’s Romance, Suspense/Thriller, or Fantasy, there are always big heroes to root for, smart and resourceful heroines, and a ton of heart pumping excitement in every story.
Mimi lives with her extremely patient husband (“Be right there! Just one more page, honey!”), two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.
FAN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MimiJ...
or her website:
www.mimijean.net, and sign up for her newsletter if you want the latest FREEBIES and news!
****
MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who writes insane plot twists that will have you burning through the pages. Whether it’s Romance, Suspense/Thriller, or Fantasy, there are always big heroes to root for, smart and resourceful heroines, and a ton of heart pumping excitement in every story.
Mimi lives with her extremely patient husband (“Be right there! Just one more page, honey!”), two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.
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May 28, 2016
RATING 4.5 STARS
Fugly is book one in the Fugly series by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. I love anything Mimi Jean writes, and this was no exception. With this one, though, I read the synopsis, and thought I had some idea of what I was getting ready to read but I was really not prepared for this. This book, for me anyway, is really about loving yourself, knowing that the beauty you carry on the inside makes you beautiful on the outside as well. And if someone that comes in to your life can’t see that beauty, then they aren’t worth the time you spent thinking about them.
Lily Snow comes from a family that loves each other and will do anything for each other, maybe even a little too much, as in her mother. No matter what, though, she has always known that her family loves and supports her, no matter what. Lily is physically fit, has a great body, beautiful blonde hair, but not a face that she considers beautiful. Has she been ridiculed for it? Yes? But even so, she went to college, got her degree, interned, and is now ready to get the job of her dreams for Cole Cosmetics, as junior sales manager. For Lily, this is just a stepping stone for bigger and better things she has planned for her future. Plus the fact that the company is owned and run but the man of many of her late night fantasies, Maxwell Cole.
Max is one of the hottest bachelors Chicago harbors. He has everything, money, power, and from what he portrays in the media, he is just as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. Lily can’t wait to interview with him. Things, though, didn’t go as planned. And Lily realized that Max wasn’t the man she thought he was at all. Still, Lily finds herself offered the job of a lifetime, everything she could ever have dreamed of. There are some very unusual strings attached, though.
Max and Lily’s journey is a very unusual and difficult one. Lily always thought she had accepted her looks. Max has a way of making her question everything while infuriating her at the same time. These two push each other’s buttons and at the same time fuel a heat between them that can’t be extinguished. As in true Mimi Jean fashion, there is plenty of humor in this but also, plenty of heat, because when these two do get together, they burn up the pages.
To say the relationship between these two is complicated is an understatement to be sure. Max challenges Lily in a way no one ever has. Also in true Mimi Jean fashion, she throws in some big shockers. I’m pretty sure I heard myself gasp! And the ending! By the way, after reading this, I can now brag that I have read every single one of MJP’s books. And every single one of them is amazing and unique. I can’t wait for book two in this series due out later this year, It’s a Fugly life. I need to add that I finished this book last night, almost a full twenty-four hours ago, and I still haven’t shaken it. I woke up this morning thinking about these two. So I guess that’s what makes a book successful, when the characters wedge themselves into your head and won’t let go. And MJP completely succeeded.
Fugly is book one in the Fugly series by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. I love anything Mimi Jean writes, and this was no exception. With this one, though, I read the synopsis, and thought I had some idea of what I was getting ready to read but I was really not prepared for this. This book, for me anyway, is really about loving yourself, knowing that the beauty you carry on the inside makes you beautiful on the outside as well. And if someone that comes in to your life can’t see that beauty, then they aren’t worth the time you spent thinking about them.
Lily Snow comes from a family that loves each other and will do anything for each other, maybe even a little too much, as in her mother. No matter what, though, she has always known that her family loves and supports her, no matter what. Lily is physically fit, has a great body, beautiful blonde hair, but not a face that she considers beautiful. Has she been ridiculed for it? Yes? But even so, she went to college, got her degree, interned, and is now ready to get the job of her dreams for Cole Cosmetics, as junior sales manager. For Lily, this is just a stepping stone for bigger and better things she has planned for her future. Plus the fact that the company is owned and run but the man of many of her late night fantasies, Maxwell Cole.
Max is one of the hottest bachelors Chicago harbors. He has everything, money, power, and from what he portrays in the media, he is just as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. Lily can’t wait to interview with him. Things, though, didn’t go as planned. And Lily realized that Max wasn’t the man she thought he was at all. Still, Lily finds herself offered the job of a lifetime, everything she could ever have dreamed of. There are some very unusual strings attached, though.
Max and Lily’s journey is a very unusual and difficult one. Lily always thought she had accepted her looks. Max has a way of making her question everything while infuriating her at the same time. These two push each other’s buttons and at the same time fuel a heat between them that can’t be extinguished. As in true Mimi Jean fashion, there is plenty of humor in this but also, plenty of heat, because when these two do get together, they burn up the pages.
To say the relationship between these two is complicated is an understatement to be sure. Max challenges Lily in a way no one ever has. Also in true Mimi Jean fashion, she throws in some big shockers. I’m pretty sure I heard myself gasp! And the ending! By the way, after reading this, I can now brag that I have read every single one of MJP’s books. And every single one of them is amazing and unique. I can’t wait for book two in this series due out later this year, It’s a Fugly life. I need to add that I finished this book last night, almost a full twenty-four hours ago, and I still haven’t shaken it. I woke up this morning thinking about these two. So I guess that’s what makes a book successful, when the characters wedge themselves into your head and won’t let go. And MJP completely succeeded.
November 19, 2017
When I started reading Fugly last December, I expected an emotional story from, Lily, our FMC, an "ugly" woman who had been subjected to negative reactions for 25 years. I wanted to know her struggles. How did she cope? Did this supposed defect reduce her chances of success? Love? Friendship?
Max, our male protagonist, is the head of a successful cosmetics company and he suffered from a debilitating psychological disorder called Cacophobia, which is a latent phobia of ugly or malformed people. He literally would shake with disgust upon seeing an "ugly" person. When he met Lily, he couldn't even look at her.
A bit of an aside, if you please. If you've read Making Faces you'll recall that the FMC's formative years were spent knowing she wasn't what could be termed pretty, her soul, however, was beautiful. Fern had a real strength and beauty that transcended the superficial. There were messages cleverly interwoven throughout Making Faces, expositing on the long-held theory of beauty and the beholder but not only that, it showed that a beautiful soul was worth knowing and loving, and the love story was authentic.
So, yes, I read Fugly expecting a protagonist who possessed a strength of character; compassion; tenacity. If I did get any of these, it was lost in translation and in an absurd plot so poorly done, it left me unsatisfied.
The story was teetering on being a comedy- which would have been acceptable- except it was unpersuasive as such. Likewise the romantic elements: why would Lily subject herself to being used by Max only to then turn around and accuse him of using her? Well, duh. Why did Max fall in love with Lily? She wasn't even that likeable; moreover, she was just so gawdawful snarky- an expected/accepted self-defense mechanism- yet, it was exasperating.
Overall, the characters' struggles were handled with a distinct lack of depth and compassion, the love affair was, in fact, troubling, and the repercussions of their relationship were absurd and exaggerated.
October 17, 2019
An emotional and thought provoking treasure. An incredibly moving read about facing our fuglies laced with Mimi Jean’s signature snarky fun.
Lily Snow has lived her entire life knowing she’s beautiful… on the inside. Even though she’s a very smart, driven career woman she’s also aware that her face is not on par with the rest of her. But it really doesn’t matter, no one has everything, and she does have everything she needs to get what she wants. Which is to own her own cosmetics company. But before she can do that, she’s applying for the job at Cole Cosmetics that will help her achieve her goal. She knows she’s perfect for the job, what could possible go wrong?
Maxwell Cole is seemingly perfect. He’s successful and intelligent, drop dead handsome with a personality to match because he claims to love women’s souls. But underneath that gorgeous façade and clever marketing ploy he’s hiding his own ugliness he’s been trying to fix for years. How can a woman with a face he can barely stand to see help him?
One of the many reasons I like Mimi’s books is because they all have some inspiring tidbit or some sort of lesson, but Fugly is in a league all its own. It hit my heart straight on. I think any woman that reads this story can connect with it because no one is perfect and sometimes we tend to let our own insecurities and negative thoughts lead us.
From the beginning, Fugly grabbed my attention and made me wonder what Lily meant about her ugliness. That first paragraph set a poignant tone and I couldn’t stop reading until the very end.
Lily is a wonderful heroine with her own awesome girl power. I wanted her to succeed, to accomplish her goals and to be happy. Max is a loveable alpha male jerk who despite his very serious issues could see Lily’s inner beauty.
I enjoyed their snarky, abrasive yet very enjoyable and addicting banter. Their unconventional relationship, their back and forth and unusual romance kept me very engaged. It was great how they were so candid and honest with each other. Of course with their openness also came intimacy which moved their relationship to cute, sweet, swoony and sexy. But the centre of it all is how Max was working on overcoming his issues and Lily realized she needed to work on hers.
I know I’m being a bit vague on the plot and I'm not doing it justice, but trust me when I say that this is a wonderful book that will captivate and inspire you and should be enjoyed without spoilers. It made me laugh, smile, cry and then smile all over again.
Fugly is a standalone, contemporary romance told from the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending and no cliff-hangers.
Fugly's pinterest board -> https://www.pinterest.com/mimijeanrom...
Read first chapter -> http://www.mimijean.net/fugly.html
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/2iy4TCF
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
"It takes the ugly truth of reality and makes it beautiful." ~ Hannah R. on Fugly
Lily Snow has lived her entire life knowing she’s beautiful… on the inside. Even though she’s a very smart, driven career woman she’s also aware that her face is not on par with the rest of her. But it really doesn’t matter, no one has everything, and she does have everything she needs to get what she wants. Which is to own her own cosmetics company. But before she can do that, she’s applying for the job at Cole Cosmetics that will help her achieve her goal. She knows she’s perfect for the job, what could possible go wrong?
Maxwell Cole is seemingly perfect. He’s successful and intelligent, drop dead handsome with a personality to match because he claims to love women’s souls. But underneath that gorgeous façade and clever marketing ploy he’s hiding his own ugliness he’s been trying to fix for years. How can a woman with a face he can barely stand to see help him?
One of the many reasons I like Mimi’s books is because they all have some inspiring tidbit or some sort of lesson, but Fugly is in a league all its own. It hit my heart straight on. I think any woman that reads this story can connect with it because no one is perfect and sometimes we tend to let our own insecurities and negative thoughts lead us.
From the beginning, Fugly grabbed my attention and made me wonder what Lily meant about her ugliness. That first paragraph set a poignant tone and I couldn’t stop reading until the very end.
Lily is a wonderful heroine with her own awesome girl power. I wanted her to succeed, to accomplish her goals and to be happy. Max is a loveable alpha male jerk who despite his very serious issues could see Lily’s inner beauty.
I enjoyed their snarky, abrasive yet very enjoyable and addicting banter. Their unconventional relationship, their back and forth and unusual romance kept me very engaged. It was great how they were so candid and honest with each other. Of course with their openness also came intimacy which moved their relationship to cute, sweet, swoony and sexy. But the centre of it all is how Max was working on overcoming his issues and Lily realized she needed to work on hers.
“There was a huge difference between accepting and conquering. Accepting meant one tried to work around an issue, knowing it would never change. Conquering meant one pushed the obstacle out the way... He had his ugly. I had mine. He owned it. I didn’t.”I also want to give a shout out to Lily’s parents, who were overprotectively awesome. I think I’m going to grow up to be like her mom. They didn’t just provide comic relief, they had a hand in Lily’s inner beauty. So that can’t go unmentioned.
I know I’m being a bit vague on the plot and I'm not doing it justice, but trust me when I say that this is a wonderful book that will captivate and inspire you and should be enjoyed without spoilers. It made me laugh, smile, cry and then smile all over again.
Fugly is a standalone, contemporary romance told from the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending and no cliff-hangers.
Fugly's pinterest board -> https://www.pinterest.com/mimijeanrom...
Read first chapter -> http://www.mimijean.net/fugly.html
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/2iy4TCF
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
November 19, 2015
Seriously...this book, man.
I picked this book up out of curiosity to see how the author would handle the subject. As it turns out...not well! Once I finished it, I was like...what in the hell was the point of any of it? The thing that the author was building up throughout all of it? Self-love and blah blah blah? What was the point of any of this--the entire book--if it's shot to hell in the end anyway? The author wrote a book about a woman who was unattractive. Even still, she loves herself. And then in the end? So seriously...what in the fuck was the point of any of this? The author tries to play off ...but I wasn't buying it. It was a cop-out excuse. There was no point to the entire book with that ending. I should've just gone with my initial instincts and DNFed it as soon as I opened it.
Lily is such a pathetic excuse for a character. Max is constantly insulting her, in both words and actions, and all she's focused on is how hot and gorgeous he is. He uses her as ugly-curing therapy, practically treating her like a zoo animal, and all she can think about is how ripped his body is and how gorgeous he is all around. He honest to God sits there and stares at her in order to build a tolerance to her ugliness! It's so fucking dehumanizing. He's utterly revolted by her, spending more time looking at her breasts than he does at her face because he honestly can't stand to look at it, and she's all awww poor guy and his phobia!! And that, right there, was my biggest problem with this novel. The feelings of it never came off genuine. There are parts in which the author has Lily feeling angry or upset by something he says or does...but it's forgotten two seconds later.
He's repulsed by her face, offers her plastic surgery, treats her like a zoo animal, uses her for his therapy, agrees with her when she calls herself "fucking ugly." This girl should've ditched in the middle of getting her MBA at Stanford and should've instead invested in earning an undergrad in How To Love Yourself. Actually...wait. Scratch that. Lily is so pathetic that loving herself may be too much to ask for...so even getting a two-year diploma in how to tolerate herself might be a good start at this point!
Oh, oh!! And the best part? She goes around not being super angry or mad when he treats her like crap...but when she finally does get mad? And takes it out on him? The authors makes her wrong for doing so!! I was honestly waiting for her to finally put him in his place and was disappointed when it finally happened. These authors love to do this to their female protagonists: make them take crap from the H over and over again...and when they finally stand up for themselves? Make them wrong for doing so and suffer consequences. The author bypassed all the times that Lily should've been right and justified in her anger...and then makes her finally flip on the one time that it comes back to bite her in the ass. I just...I fucking can't.
I don't get why she's made to be in the wrong anyway? Lily feels like Max sold her out in order to come out on the other side unscathed. He's been elsewhere and avoiding the company and hasn't been picking up her calls. He's also been super vague about his plan. I didn't blame her for feeling like he'd been playing her. But she's not allowed to be angry, is she? Max later tells her that she should've trusted him...but why hadn't he trusted her? All the crap that happens at the end could've been avoided if he'd not only told her his plan to begin with, instead of giving vague statements about how he's prepared, but also that he should've answered his fucking phone or called her the whole time the story was breaking! He should've called her when the paparazzi showed up...but he doesn't. She spends forty minutes on the phone spilling her guts about Max...and he doesn't call that entire time? She had to take time to plan on where she's going, pack her stuff...and he doesn't call in that entire time? Bullshit. The author just conveniently wanted to keep it from being Max's fault. She even has Lily conveniently excuse him for this BS:
And then Lily is the one in the end apologizing to him. She's the one, in the end, begging him to take her back.
The author also likes to keep telling the reader, through Lily, how good of a person Max is. But really? He's not. He exploits women in order to sell his products. I don't give a shit what his phobia is because, in the end, he uses it in order to take advantage of women's insecurities and sell his own products. The messages that he spouts to the world, about inner-beauty and loving yourself etc etc etc, he doesn't actually believe in them himself. Because of his phobia to ugliness, he believes none of what his company represents. So, again, I don't give a shit what his phobia is because he's making bank at the end of the day.
On top of that, he shouldn't have brought her into this mess without full-disclosure anyway! He pursued her even after he knew someone was writing a book about his ugly-therapy sessions. He pursued her even though he knew that book would ruin her and have her face splashed across papers, headlines calling her ugly and all this other BS. But he doesn't! He wanted what he wanted and he went for it, damn the collateral in the process! Above, Lily says that Max didn't want to drag her into this mess...but that's what he did by not disclosing everything to her fully, isn't it? He took the choice away from her and then put the blame entirely on her shoulders.
The plot itself wasn't the only problem I had with this book. The author's writing also came off very amateur to me. She tends to spend a lot of time on unnecessary descriptions, like clothing changes and settings. A lot of that BS isn't necessary and just felt like filler. I honestly don't need the author to be describing character's clothing and each scene change. Sometimes, the descriptions just felt really stupid and out of place. At the beginning, Lily, high on anger, adrenaline and fear, storms into Max's officer in order to give him a piece of her mind. And what's the first thing the author does? Give a descriptions of the entire room, from the shelves to the view! Like...this girl is super angry at this point...she's not gonna have time to catalogue the entire room and relay this information to the reader, being all I'm super, super pissed but hmm...he's got bookshelves with awards here, a whiteboard with writing there and a view he doesn't appreciate! The author tends to include a lot of these unnecessary details.
And then when details do matter? The author leaves them out. There's a part in which they're checking into a hotel. Lily sounds unsure as she's checking in, being all uhhh it should be under this name??, and the clerk at the desk just gives her the keys to the room?? Sorry, but ain't no hotel gonna do that, especially when it's an executive suite at a Four Seasons. The clerk at the desk didn't ask for a credit card or ID or anything and just handed the keys over, even though Lily is checking under Max's name.
The author also seems to have a dislike of celebrities? Not only does she have Lily body-shame a woman mentally, but the author also includes a scene in which Lily overhears women vomiting at an industry party. The inclusion of this was unnecessary and didn't help the book one bit, other than to make Lily and the author look bad.
Lily's encounter with an actress she's only just met and doesn't know at all:
And at the same event:
Disgusting. Shame on the author.
I picked this book up out of curiosity to see how the author would handle the subject. As it turns out...not well! Once I finished it, I was like...what in the hell was the point of any of it? The thing that the author was building up throughout all of it? Self-love and blah blah blah? What was the point of any of this--the entire book--if it's shot to hell in the end anyway? The author wrote a book about a woman who was unattractive. Even still, she loves herself. And then in the end? So seriously...what in the fuck was the point of any of this? The author tries to play off ...but I wasn't buying it. It was a cop-out excuse. There was no point to the entire book with that ending. I should've just gone with my initial instincts and DNFed it as soon as I opened it.
Lily is such a pathetic excuse for a character. Max is constantly insulting her, in both words and actions, and all she's focused on is how hot and gorgeous he is. He uses her as ugly-curing therapy, practically treating her like a zoo animal, and all she can think about is how ripped his body is and how gorgeous he is all around. He honest to God sits there and stares at her in order to build a tolerance to her ugliness! It's so fucking dehumanizing. He's utterly revolted by her, spending more time looking at her breasts than he does at her face because he honestly can't stand to look at it, and she's all awww poor guy and his phobia!! And that, right there, was my biggest problem with this novel. The feelings of it never came off genuine. There are parts in which the author has Lily feeling angry or upset by something he says or does...but it's forgotten two seconds later.
He's repulsed by her face, offers her plastic surgery, treats her like a zoo animal, uses her for his therapy, agrees with her when she calls herself "fucking ugly." This girl should've ditched in the middle of getting her MBA at Stanford and should've instead invested in earning an undergrad in How To Love Yourself. Actually...wait. Scratch that. Lily is so pathetic that loving herself may be too much to ask for...so even getting a two-year diploma in how to tolerate herself might be a good start at this point!
Oh, oh!! And the best part? She goes around not being super angry or mad when he treats her like crap...but when she finally does get mad? And takes it out on him? The authors makes her wrong for doing so!! I was honestly waiting for her to finally put him in his place and was disappointed when it finally happened. These authors love to do this to their female protagonists: make them take crap from the H over and over again...and when they finally stand up for themselves? Make them wrong for doing so and suffer consequences. The author bypassed all the times that Lily should've been right and justified in her anger...and then makes her finally flip on the one time that it comes back to bite her in the ass. I just...I fucking can't.
I don't get why she's made to be in the wrong anyway? Lily feels like Max sold her out in order to come out on the other side unscathed. He's been elsewhere and avoiding the company and hasn't been picking up her calls. He's also been super vague about his plan. I didn't blame her for feeling like he'd been playing her. But she's not allowed to be angry, is she? Max later tells her that she should've trusted him...but why hadn't he trusted her? All the crap that happens at the end could've been avoided if he'd not only told her his plan to begin with, instead of giving vague statements about how he's prepared, but also that he should've answered his fucking phone or called her the whole time the story was breaking! He should've called her when the paparazzi showed up...but he doesn't. She spends forty minutes on the phone spilling her guts about Max...and he doesn't call that entire time? She had to take time to plan on where she's going, pack her stuff...and he doesn't call in that entire time? Bullshit. The author just conveniently wanted to keep it from being Max's fault. She even has Lily conveniently excuse him for this BS:
“You are completely amazing and strong and such an ass and you should’ve told me what you were doing or called me when the shit hit the fan, but nevertheless, I’m sure you had your reasons, which now, knowing you as I do, had to have been because you didn’t want to drag me into all this and you were trying to insulate me because that’s just the sort of guy you are.”
And then Lily is the one in the end apologizing to him. She's the one, in the end, begging him to take her back.
The author also likes to keep telling the reader, through Lily, how good of a person Max is. But really? He's not. He exploits women in order to sell his products. I don't give a shit what his phobia is because, in the end, he uses it in order to take advantage of women's insecurities and sell his own products. The messages that he spouts to the world, about inner-beauty and loving yourself etc etc etc, he doesn't actually believe in them himself. Because of his phobia to ugliness, he believes none of what his company represents. So, again, I don't give a shit what his phobia is because he's making bank at the end of the day.
On top of that, he shouldn't have brought her into this mess without full-disclosure anyway! He pursued her even after he knew someone was writing a book about his ugly-therapy sessions. He pursued her even though he knew that book would ruin her and have her face splashed across papers, headlines calling her ugly and all this other BS. But he doesn't! He wanted what he wanted and he went for it, damn the collateral in the process! Above, Lily says that Max didn't want to drag her into this mess...but that's what he did by not disclosing everything to her fully, isn't it? He took the choice away from her and then put the blame entirely on her shoulders.
The plot itself wasn't the only problem I had with this book. The author's writing also came off very amateur to me. She tends to spend a lot of time on unnecessary descriptions, like clothing changes and settings. A lot of that BS isn't necessary and just felt like filler. I honestly don't need the author to be describing character's clothing and each scene change. Sometimes, the descriptions just felt really stupid and out of place. At the beginning, Lily, high on anger, adrenaline and fear, storms into Max's officer in order to give him a piece of her mind. And what's the first thing the author does? Give a descriptions of the entire room, from the shelves to the view! Like...this girl is super angry at this point...she's not gonna have time to catalogue the entire room and relay this information to the reader, being all I'm super, super pissed but hmm...he's got bookshelves with awards here, a whiteboard with writing there and a view he doesn't appreciate! The author tends to include a lot of these unnecessary details.
And then when details do matter? The author leaves them out. There's a part in which they're checking into a hotel. Lily sounds unsure as she's checking in, being all uhhh it should be under this name??, and the clerk at the desk just gives her the keys to the room?? Sorry, but ain't no hotel gonna do that, especially when it's an executive suite at a Four Seasons. The clerk at the desk didn't ask for a credit card or ID or anything and just handed the keys over, even though Lily is checking under Max's name.
The author also seems to have a dislike of celebrities? Not only does she have Lily body-shame a woman mentally, but the author also includes a scene in which Lily overhears women vomiting at an industry party. The inclusion of this was unnecessary and didn't help the book one bit, other than to make Lily and the author look bad.
Lily's encounter with an actress she's only just met and doesn't know at all:
I put on my work hat and lifted my chin. I wasn’t pretty, but I had self-esteem. And healthy eating habits. So there.
And at the same event:
After listening to several women vomiting in the stalls, and trying my best not to get anything on my dress as I went up to bat, I practically ran from that bathroom. Those poor women. What would possess them to do that to their bodies on a regular basis?
Disgusting. Shame on the author.
December 6, 2016
♦ ETA ~ Kindle freebie 12/6/16 ♦
4.5 ★'s
Cacophobia...it's a real thing! It means the fear of ugly things...I had to look it up! Why you might ask...well, the H in the story, Max, actually has this phobia and unfortunately for the h, Lily, apparently her face is really ugly.
Lily goes for a job interview with Max, who is the CEO of a makeup company. She is more than qualified but he brushes her off. Not one for taking no as an answer, Lily confronts him. Well, Max, likes what he sees and decides to take Lily on...in more ways than one.
Not only will she work for him but she agrees to help him with his phobia in exchange for him mentoring her. Things are pretty intense between these two and they literally push each other's buttons.
Lily is so out of her league...she's never had a date, been kissed and definitely never had sex. And of course, Max, is sex on wheels and she just can't help herself. However, she doesn't come across as whiny or annoying.
So, what's wrong with her face? Well, that's the million dollar question AND...we don't get to find out till the end. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not because it was very hard not to focus on it. I read that the author did that so you would get to know Lily on the inside and it worked to a point.
But these two are really steamy together. Max is definitely a dirty talker and for someone that hasn't had much experience, Lily certainly goes to town with a few things!
Max and Lily agree to be totally honest with each other and it was interesting to see their insecurities come out, mainly Lily's because we don't get Max's POV till the end. Max makes some mistakes by withholding information and that leads to all kinds of drama.
I think one of the most interesting things was I wasn't really sure if these two would end up together especially after everything goes down. And I was a little disappointed with the change that happened with Lily...it was a little cliché. Plus, I wish we would've had more of the after.
Favorite quote:
♥ "I think it's because when I look at you, I see us. and we're beautiful together."
4.5 ★'s
Cacophobia...it's a real thing! It means the fear of ugly things...I had to look it up! Why you might ask...well, the H in the story, Max, actually has this phobia and unfortunately for the h, Lily, apparently her face is really ugly.
Lily goes for a job interview with Max, who is the CEO of a makeup company. She is more than qualified but he brushes her off. Not one for taking no as an answer, Lily confronts him. Well, Max, likes what he sees and decides to take Lily on...in more ways than one.
Not only will she work for him but she agrees to help him with his phobia in exchange for him mentoring her. Things are pretty intense between these two and they literally push each other's buttons.
Lily is so out of her league...she's never had a date, been kissed and definitely never had sex. And of course, Max, is sex on wheels and she just can't help herself. However, she doesn't come across as whiny or annoying.
So, what's wrong with her face? Well, that's the million dollar question AND...we don't get to find out till the end. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not because it was very hard not to focus on it. I read that the author did that so you would get to know Lily on the inside and it worked to a point.
But these two are really steamy together. Max is definitely a dirty talker and for someone that hasn't had much experience, Lily certainly goes to town with a few things!
Max and Lily agree to be totally honest with each other and it was interesting to see their insecurities come out, mainly Lily's because we don't get Max's POV till the end. Max makes some mistakes by withholding information and that leads to all kinds of drama.
I think one of the most interesting things was I wasn't really sure if these two would end up together especially after everything goes down. And I was a little disappointed with the change that happened with Lily...it was a little cliché. Plus, I wish we would've had more of the after.
Favorite quote:
♥ "I think it's because when I look at you, I see us. and we're beautiful together."
Want to read
December 15, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (12/12/2016)
Stand-alone book 1.
BLURB:
My name is Lily Snow. I am twenty-five years old, and despite being born with an unattractive face, I have never doubted who I am: smart, driven, and beautiful on the inside.
Until I met Maxwell Cole.
He’s handsome, excessively wealthy, and the owner of Cole Cosmetics. It’s been my dream to work for this man for as long as I can remember. The good news is he wants to hire me. The bad news is he wants me for all the wrong reasons. Ugly reasons.
In exchange, he’s offered me my dreams on a silver platter. The job. The title. A beautiful future. But this man is as messed up and ugly as they come on the inside. I’m not sure anyone can help him, and he just might take my heart down with him.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/fugly-Fugly-Bo...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
September 23, 2015
2.75 - 3 stars
"He removed his lips and replaced them with his hands, massaging and pinching, while his hips ground and his mouth sucked the skin from my neck like a juicy buffalo wing."
yeah okay. so that was strange.
"He removed his lips and replaced them with his hands, massaging and pinching, while his hips ground and his mouth sucked the skin from my neck like a juicy buffalo wing."
yeah okay. so that was strange.
December 27, 2016
3.5 stars
Amazon Freebie
First, if you have a feminist bone in your body then AVOID THIS BOOK. I don't. *shrug*
This author has some serious writing skills and I had some Lol (the real kind) moments that involved the MC's brother.
My biggest issue was the ending. I know she put out a book 2 and thank God for that because this ending just didn't cut it. However it gives too much away so I think I'll pass on the 3.99 for the next book.
It's true, Max is repulsed by Lily's face. He has a phobia of ugly ppl. Yes this SUPER sucks for the h but noone made her agree to the arrangement. And he WANTS to change and has been doing weird therapy for 7 years trying to conquer it.
I was sucked into this story and the writing but unfortunately I was never really sold on the relationship. The grand gesture/ major misunderstanding ( yes, they are combined) came too close to the end and was kind of glossed over in comparison to how important it was.
Oh! The other part and possible reasons I had a hard time was I could not Picture the h! All I got was awesome body, uglier than ugly face and gorgeous blonde wavy hair. Her face was not described at all until the "epilogue" in which I had gotten it all wrong.
I would try another book by this author.
Amazon Freebie
First, if you have a feminist bone in your body then AVOID THIS BOOK. I don't. *shrug*
This author has some serious writing skills and I had some Lol (the real kind) moments that involved the MC's brother.
My biggest issue was the ending. I know she put out a book 2 and thank God for that because this ending just didn't cut it. However it gives too much away so I think I'll pass on the 3.99 for the next book.
It's true, Max is repulsed by Lily's face. He has a phobia of ugly ppl. Yes this SUPER sucks for the h but noone made her agree to the arrangement. And he WANTS to change and has been doing weird therapy for 7 years trying to conquer it.
I was sucked into this story and the writing but unfortunately I was never really sold on the relationship. The grand gesture/ major misunderstanding ( yes, they are combined) came too close to the end and was kind of glossed over in comparison to how important it was.
Oh! The other part and possible reasons I had a hard time was I could not Picture the h! All I got was awesome body, uglier than ugly face and gorgeous blonde wavy hair. Her face was not described at all until the "epilogue" in which I had gotten it all wrong.
I would try another book by this author.
September 23, 2015
The thing I struggled the most with in this book was the face of the heroine. Honestly, I just couldn't imagine a women with fit, drop dead gorgeous body, amazing hair, but extremely ugly face without birth defects. I could not imagine a face so ugly that could not be fixed or helped with make up. Or a face so ugly that people would say such horrible things to her face and behind her back about it. I don't think I have ever called anybody ugly, that is such repulsive name to use and it was hard to imagine so many people being that inconsiderate.
Anyway, can anybody imagine that gorgeous women on the book cover have a face ugly AF? I personally had a trouble seeing it...
It was an interesting story,but I can't say I haven't read anything like it before. It was a different approach to the subject of 'accepting yourself' and 'loving yourself' and even though the book did not contain cliches found in Ugly Betty or The Princess Diaries or any other book/movie where unattractive girl turns into swan, the book contained cliches non-less. The twist of the story was way too predictable and made me dislike the heroine instantly, although I really liked her till the conflict. And ending was wrapped up too quickly without really sending the authors intended message. It would have been 4 stars but because of the unsatisfied ending, I can't give it more than 3.
Do I recommend reading it? I am not sure. One the one hand, it was entertaining and kind of different from the usual romance books where everybody is so fucking gorgeous, one the other hand, the ending left me unsatisfied and a bit disappointed.
Anyway, can anybody imagine that gorgeous women on the book cover have a face ugly AF? I personally had a trouble seeing it...
It was an interesting story,but I can't say I haven't read anything like it before. It was a different approach to the subject of 'accepting yourself' and 'loving yourself' and even though the book did not contain cliches found in Ugly Betty or The Princess Diaries or any other book/movie where unattractive girl turns into swan, the book contained cliches non-less. The twist of the story was way too predictable and made me dislike the heroine instantly, although I really liked her till the conflict. And ending was wrapped up too quickly without really sending the authors intended message. It would have been 4 stars but because of the unsatisfied ending, I can't give it more than 3.
Do I recommend reading it? I am not sure. One the one hand, it was entertaining and kind of different from the usual romance books where everybody is so fucking gorgeous, one the other hand, the ending left me unsatisfied and a bit disappointed.
July 13, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff does a good job of leaving me speechless at the end of her books.
Fugly, a stand alone novel from Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. This book is different from other books Mimi Jean has written, it's not your Mama's Billionaire Romance for sure, while it has the smart ass and snarky humor that you expect with her books this one delves into a subject matter that a lot women have issues with. How others "see" us and how they "perceive" us and how we see and perceive our selves. Mimi Jean left me speechless at the end of the book. I wanted more, I wanted her to draw it out more I really didn't want this book to end. Mimi Jean writes from the heart in this book; it takes the ugly truth of reality and makes it beautiful.
Lily Snow was named after the flower because her mother thought the flowers were elegant and timeless and beautiful and Lily is on the inside. Lily has overcome the fact that people recoil when they look at her, she has come to expect it. But as usual once they get to know her they love her. She is a strong person, loyal and is fearless. She knows what she wants and when she sets her mind to something there is no changing her mind, and what she wants is a job at Cole Cosmetics. Her long term goal is to own her own cosmetic business and she wants to learn from the best and the best is Maxwell Cole. But her expectations are smashed when she meets him, he's a bastard and a hypocrite. For all his posturing and claiming that a woman should embrace her inner beauty he can't stand to look at Lily.
Max Cole has a problem and Lily is exactly who he needs, he offers her a job. Max is beautiful beyond perfect the opposite of Lily. Where she is ugly he is beautiful, where she is beautiful on the inside he is a hideous monster and he wants her help to fix what’s wrong with him. Max bring out all the insecurities Lily has ever had and spending time together Max starts to see Lily for who she really is, he sees the beauty of Lily. Together Max and Lily fit together perfectly like two sides of a coin. But all is not copacetic at Cole Cosmetics, and things from Max’s past threaten to tear them apart. Can Lily's insecurities survive what is to come or will her fugly win out?
Overall, this book was outstanding. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff does a good job of leaving me speechless at the end of her books.
Fugly, a stand alone novel from Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. This book is different from other books Mimi Jean has written, it's not your Mama's Billionaire Romance for sure, while it has the smart ass and snarky humor that you expect with her books this one delves into a subject matter that a lot women have issues with. How others "see" us and how they "perceive" us and how we see and perceive our selves. Mimi Jean left me speechless at the end of the book. I wanted more, I wanted her to draw it out more I really didn't want this book to end. Mimi Jean writes from the heart in this book; it takes the ugly truth of reality and makes it beautiful.
Lily Snow was named after the flower because her mother thought the flowers were elegant and timeless and beautiful and Lily is on the inside. Lily has overcome the fact that people recoil when they look at her, she has come to expect it. But as usual once they get to know her they love her. She is a strong person, loyal and is fearless. She knows what she wants and when she sets her mind to something there is no changing her mind, and what she wants is a job at Cole Cosmetics. Her long term goal is to own her own cosmetic business and she wants to learn from the best and the best is Maxwell Cole. But her expectations are smashed when she meets him, he's a bastard and a hypocrite. For all his posturing and claiming that a woman should embrace her inner beauty he can't stand to look at Lily.
Max Cole has a problem and Lily is exactly who he needs, he offers her a job. Max is beautiful beyond perfect the opposite of Lily. Where she is ugly he is beautiful, where she is beautiful on the inside he is a hideous monster and he wants her help to fix what’s wrong with him. Max bring out all the insecurities Lily has ever had and spending time together Max starts to see Lily for who she really is, he sees the beauty of Lily. Together Max and Lily fit together perfectly like two sides of a coin. But all is not copacetic at Cole Cosmetics, and things from Max’s past threaten to tear them apart. Can Lily's insecurities survive what is to come or will her fugly win out?
Overall, this book was outstanding. I would recommend this book to everyone.
August 15, 2016
This is what I thought I was going to see when I dived into this story. I was pleasantly surprised that it went so much deeper than that. I thought it would be superficial and predictable. I'm so glad I was proven wrong. It shone a light on the 'fugly' voice that many of us hear and dared us not to bow down and accept our flaws, but to conquer them. To realize our greatness despite them. It was also a glaring example of how society and the media has warped our views of self-worth and self-esteem and how desperately these false ideals need to be abolished.
Thank you Mimi Jean Pamfiloff for not being afraid.
Lily is physically ugly. She knows it and isn't surprised that others know it too. It's been a fact of her life. She knows that true beauty is within and always thought that she owned her 'deformity'. However, meeting her idol, Maxwell Cole, calls into question her true beliefs. You see, Max suffers from cacophobia, which is the fear of ugliness, and when Lily applies for a coveted job within his company, at first he wouldn't even giver her a chance. He couldn't bear to look at her. He saw her ugliness and just couldn't deal. Lily doesn't take his disrespect lightly and cusses him out, giving him the opportunity to see that she was more than her unattractive face. He ends up hiring her and asking her to help him conquer his fears. Once she agrees, true beauty blossoms between them.
"I can't focus on work. Not knowing you're here, suffering and in need of a good fucking." Max to Lily
"I think it's because when I look at you, I see us. And we're beautiful together." Max to Lily, about being able to look at her face consistently
My only real disappointment was with the ending. Although I appreciated Max's POV, I needed to see something that showed this couple as a real couple. I think the fact that I read the blurb for the second book kinda turned me off. I'm not amused by the direction the story is taking :(
XO
July 23, 2021
This story was very different but will ring true with so many women. The book had a big entertainment factor and I love both characters but the underlying message that comes from this story will be one that many of us can resonate with.
What is beauty? What is ugly? what is perfection?
Is it really in the eye of the beholder or is it in the eyes of every woman who looks at herself in the mirror? Getting older, getting bigger we question our self worth - that face that stares back at us in the mirror has always been the same - sometimes its not good enough and at time (I know) I havent liked it.
Fugly is not about a woman looking for acceptance, but that inner voice (you know the one) that derails you. The voice that tells us women that we don't deserve to love ourselves because we are not perfect. We know that voice is toxic but we listen to it dont we?
This story was inspiring - it really was. It tells you not to give up and trust the ones you love. They love you and you deserve to be loved. There is a reason they love you.......so when that fugly voice raises its fugly head, take a moment and try and see yourself through their eyes.
first read for me from this writer. Great story and all women should read it.
What is beauty? What is ugly? what is perfection?
Is it really in the eye of the beholder or is it in the eyes of every woman who looks at herself in the mirror? Getting older, getting bigger we question our self worth - that face that stares back at us in the mirror has always been the same - sometimes its not good enough and at time (I know) I havent liked it.
Fugly is not about a woman looking for acceptance, but that inner voice (you know the one) that derails you. The voice that tells us women that we don't deserve to love ourselves because we are not perfect. We know that voice is toxic but we listen to it dont we?
This story was inspiring - it really was. It tells you not to give up and trust the ones you love. They love you and you deserve to be loved. There is a reason they love you.......so when that fugly voice raises its fugly head, take a moment and try and see yourself through their eyes.
first read for me from this writer. Great story and all women should read it.
October 26, 2015
Wow. What a refreshing read. The heroine wasn’t beautiful!! As a matter of fact she was "labeled" as very unattractive when it came to her face. You would think this would cause for us to have a self-doubting insecure character, but thankfully that was not the case. For the most part, she was confident and independent and never let her appearance negatively affect her personality. I have read some of this writers previous work, and I hate to admit, but I wasn’t that big of a fan. This was such a pleasant surprise. The writing style and character development was solid throughout. My only complaint is that the ending felt incredibly rushed. An epilogue at very least would have easily made this a 5 star read for me. It was still an enjoyable and fulfilling read that I would easily recommend.
September 15, 2015
Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I think I have found my new favorite book, and once again, I am in awe of Mimi Jean Pamfiloff for her ability to write a story that is so unique, so engaging, and just so true that it hurts.
My bookshelves are inundated with books where the heroine is so beautiful that every man falls over himself when he looks at her. Or the heroine sees herself as plump, but in reality she has soft curves. Or she is otherwise some gorgeous freak of nature that can’t see it herself, but literally blinds a man with her beauty.
Fugly is a first for me where the physical appearance of the heroine, Lily, is what everyone deems to be extremely unfortunate. Not just plain. Downright freakishly ugly. Despite her outer appearance however, she has always relied on her inner beauty. She is smart, educated, quick witted and driven. But when she meets Maxwell Cole, the marketing genius CEO of a cosmetics company, she has her perceptions of beauty and ugly set on their head.
Max is outwardly perfect. But his outward beauty seems to house an ugly soul. It is only when Lily gets to know him and see herself through Max’s eyes that she is able to truly understand that it is not her outer ugly that has kept people away. It just may be the notion that because of the ugly, she felt she deserved less than everyone else.
This book set me through a myriad of emotions. I was disappointed for Lily and the way she unwittingly allowed the ugliness to invade her soul. I was angry at Max for the way he treated Lily. I was heartbroken at the words that Lily had to endure and act as if the names and comments didn’t bother her. But mostly I was sad for the way we all let the insecurities creep in and fail to see ourselves the way those that love us see us. Flaws and all. And find it beautiful.
My only regret is that the story had to end. I have loved getting to know Lily and Max and long to hear more about these two damaged and recovering souls.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I think I have found my new favorite book, and once again, I am in awe of Mimi Jean Pamfiloff for her ability to write a story that is so unique, so engaging, and just so true that it hurts.
My bookshelves are inundated with books where the heroine is so beautiful that every man falls over himself when he looks at her. Or the heroine sees herself as plump, but in reality she has soft curves. Or she is otherwise some gorgeous freak of nature that can’t see it herself, but literally blinds a man with her beauty.
Fugly is a first for me where the physical appearance of the heroine, Lily, is what everyone deems to be extremely unfortunate. Not just plain. Downright freakishly ugly. Despite her outer appearance however, she has always relied on her inner beauty. She is smart, educated, quick witted and driven. But when she meets Maxwell Cole, the marketing genius CEO of a cosmetics company, she has her perceptions of beauty and ugly set on their head.
Max is outwardly perfect. But his outward beauty seems to house an ugly soul. It is only when Lily gets to know him and see herself through Max’s eyes that she is able to truly understand that it is not her outer ugly that has kept people away. It just may be the notion that because of the ugly, she felt she deserved less than everyone else.
This book set me through a myriad of emotions. I was disappointed for Lily and the way she unwittingly allowed the ugliness to invade her soul. I was angry at Max for the way he treated Lily. I was heartbroken at the words that Lily had to endure and act as if the names and comments didn’t bother her. But mostly I was sad for the way we all let the insecurities creep in and fail to see ourselves the way those that love us see us. Flaws and all. And find it beautiful.
My only regret is that the story had to end. I have loved getting to know Lily and Max and long to hear more about these two damaged and recovering souls.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 10, 2015
I was curious to read this book because of the title and also because its wrote by my favorite author. My first impression of the book was ok, i though this was another romantic story with a dark and damaged guy but my opinion totally changed after i read the book. This book hit close my life, Lily accept she was ugly and believed she cannot get a happy ending with a guy. In my case, humble aside i believe IM pretty even with my weird curves, but at the age of 16 i had a operation for my scoliosis that changed my body, i was born anew. every time i looked the mirror i feel and ugly because i had a new body, i didn't feel like myself at time until one day i said to my "ugly voice" this was the new me so be yourself and accept body even if one of boobs is noticeable more bigger than the other. I embrace my self like the character did. This book is easy to read, have a drama but a good final, NO CLIFFHANGERS. anyway, read the book you will enjoy it.
Another awesome job of MImi jean, one day i will hug you, i promise to turn off my wheelchair.
Another awesome job of MImi jean, one day i will hug you, i promise to turn off my wheelchair.
October 23, 2016
Fugly is my first read by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff and I know it won't be my last. This beautiful, sweet, sexy, sometimes heartwrenching story explores the concept of ugliness in all its guises, and I found it very thought-provoking and introspective. I would challenge anyone to read this book and not stop and think about society's definition of beauty and how completely messed-up it is.
Lily has been raised in a loving, nurturing environment and always been made to feel important, valued and loved. This is despite the fact that her face isn't conventionally pretty and it doesn't match her hot bod. Lily is super smart and fiercely career-orientated with a definite life plan in mind. She has always considered herself to be above the derision and hostility she faces and feels happy in her own skin.
All that changes when she meets Maxwell Cole - hot, CEO of Cole Cosmetics and a bit of an evangelist when it comes to true beauty. His motto is real beauty is soul-deep rather than skin-deep, and he's adored by women the world over for his refreshing views. However, that's all a carefully controlled marketing image that feeds the brand - Or is it?
Lily and Max challenge each other in so many different ways and I adored their relationship progression. Their witty back and forth had me in stitches and when the sexy times arrive it was definitely worth the wait. I spent the first part of the book detesting Max and calling bs on his supposed cacophobia. I'll be the first to admit that I thought it was a made-up condition and I was initially skeptical. However, I've since discovered that it is a real condition and I became more emphatic toward Max, especially as he was trying so hard to overcome it.
We have two contrasting parental set-ups here which is interesting. A lot of Max's issue arise from his dysfunctional childhood and bitch of a mother. Lily's parents are awesome if a little bit overbearing and too protective at times. Polar opposites.
I enjoyed the setting and that the corporate environment was realistically portrayed.
I greatly admired Lily and felt for her as everything she thought she knew about herself came crashing down around her. I could understand how she acted as she did toward the end even if I was screaming at her to cop the hell on!
I LOVE Mimi's writing - it was wonderfully eloquent and oh so witty. I laughed my ass off reading this book. The pacing was spot-on.
The ending was a bit abrupt and if a second book hadn't been written I would've been grossly unhappy with that epilogue. However, I knew there was a second book so it didn't faze me.
All in all, this was an amazing read and a great introduction to this author.
Can be read as a standalone with a HEA and no cliffhanger.
Actual 4.5 Stars.
Lily has been raised in a loving, nurturing environment and always been made to feel important, valued and loved. This is despite the fact that her face isn't conventionally pretty and it doesn't match her hot bod. Lily is super smart and fiercely career-orientated with a definite life plan in mind. She has always considered herself to be above the derision and hostility she faces and feels happy in her own skin.
All that changes when she meets Maxwell Cole - hot, CEO of Cole Cosmetics and a bit of an evangelist when it comes to true beauty. His motto is real beauty is soul-deep rather than skin-deep, and he's adored by women the world over for his refreshing views. However, that's all a carefully controlled marketing image that feeds the brand - Or is it?
Lily and Max challenge each other in so many different ways and I adored their relationship progression. Their witty back and forth had me in stitches and when the sexy times arrive it was definitely worth the wait. I spent the first part of the book detesting Max and calling bs on his supposed cacophobia. I'll be the first to admit that I thought it was a made-up condition and I was initially skeptical. However, I've since discovered that it is a real condition and I became more emphatic toward Max, especially as he was trying so hard to overcome it.
We have two contrasting parental set-ups here which is interesting. A lot of Max's issue arise from his dysfunctional childhood and bitch of a mother. Lily's parents are awesome if a little bit overbearing and too protective at times. Polar opposites.
I enjoyed the setting and that the corporate environment was realistically portrayed.
I greatly admired Lily and felt for her as everything she thought she knew about herself came crashing down around her. I could understand how she acted as she did toward the end even if I was screaming at her to cop the hell on!
I LOVE Mimi's writing - it was wonderfully eloquent and oh so witty. I laughed my ass off reading this book. The pacing was spot-on.
The ending was a bit abrupt and if a second book hadn't been written I would've been grossly unhappy with that epilogue. However, I knew there was a second book so it didn't faze me.
All in all, this was an amazing read and a great introduction to this author.
Can be read as a standalone with a HEA and no cliffhanger.
Actual 4.5 Stars.
September 11, 2015
Fugly - Mimi Jean Pamfiloff - A 5 star read and a standalone !
Lily is 25 years old and doesn't have a perfect face, she does have the body and hair to die for, but not the face. However, she is beautiful inside. When she applies for a job, Maxwell Cole isn't the man who she thought he was and she so eloquently tells him so ! He likes her feisty character and offers her a job on her strange terms! Can she follow through with her request and can she keep her heart intact ?
I don't usually do romance novels but I knew I had to read this as I absolutely love Mimi's style of writing, you really don't know what is going to come next. This book sucked me in and transported me right into Lily's world. Lily knows she's not beautiful and knows that she has to make the most of the hand she has been dealt, however she is a truly lovely person underneath - and beauty is only skin deep. I love Lily's banter, her foul mouth is hilarious and usually at the most inappropriate moments.
I found myself feeling all the emotions during this book ....the sadness, cringing, and those real laugh out loud moments! I really didn't want this book to end, I needed just that little bit more.
Lily is 25 years old and doesn't have a perfect face, she does have the body and hair to die for, but not the face. However, she is beautiful inside. When she applies for a job, Maxwell Cole isn't the man who she thought he was and she so eloquently tells him so ! He likes her feisty character and offers her a job on her strange terms! Can she follow through with her request and can she keep her heart intact ?
I don't usually do romance novels but I knew I had to read this as I absolutely love Mimi's style of writing, you really don't know what is going to come next. This book sucked me in and transported me right into Lily's world. Lily knows she's not beautiful and knows that she has to make the most of the hand she has been dealt, however she is a truly lovely person underneath - and beauty is only skin deep. I love Lily's banter, her foul mouth is hilarious and usually at the most inappropriate moments.
I found myself feeling all the emotions during this book ....the sadness, cringing, and those real laugh out loud moments! I really didn't want this book to end, I needed just that little bit more.
February 24, 2017
Reading this book proved to be interesting enough, because its heroine it’s not the usually good looking/beautiful, with a lot of self-esteem girl; on the contrary, the heroine’s face is ugly and she is aware of it. I enjoyed this book so much and besides its drama, it had some funny scenes as well.
September 19, 2015
3.25 stars
December 15, 2016
LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT.
I couldn't put it down!!!!!!!!!
I couldn't put it down!!!!!!!!!
September 30, 2015
“I think it's because when I look at you, I see us. and we're beautiful together.”
Where to start? Wow this book was a beautiful surprise. I am in awe. We have read many books about the super hot boss and the not so pretty new employee and for some reason or fate they always end up together. Right? Well, this is where this book is different from the others! The story of Max and Lily will make you cry, laugh and what's really important : Will make you understand that you MUST learn to love yourself and learn to overcome your fears. Of course not everything in real life is that easy, but that's why I loooved this book. It was as real as it could get.
It's safe to say that we have been there. We all have insecurities. Sometimes we wake up feeling beautiful, other times we feel like the ugliest thing in the world.
In this story we have Max. He has Power, money, a beautiful face and yes, he is an arrogant with a HOT as SIN body! To an outsider he has it all.
On the other side we have Lily. Very intelligent with a big heart. She doesn't sugarcoat things. What they have in common? Both are damaged. Can they work together? Can they help each other? Can they learn to love each other?
It's true, Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder. But sometimes the most beautiful people have the ugliest souls and the not so pretty people have the most beautiful souls.
This book is a journey. An inspirational one.
I strongly recommend this. Happy Reading!
October 12, 2015
To be honest lately I am not in the mood of romance books at all. But while exploring my alternatives I ran by accident into fugly and there was a voice inside me calling me to change my mind and read. And this voice proved to be right because I ended up reading in in one shit. I guess I had a tiring day for something deep but nevertheless fugly was one of the sweetest books I have read lately. Funny also dramatic with a fresh and modern language and most of all with two of the most likeable main characters ever. Judging from the cover I admit it I thought it would be just another typical romance story you know alpha male damaged guy falls in love with his virgin assistant but I was glad to realize I was totally wrong and I am pretty sure that especially women will appreciate the meaning of this book and maybe they will see their own self in the eyes of the main heroine. How many times you looked yourselves in the mirror and you found them ugly I admit it I have done it more than once. How wrong was that and know that I am older and wiser I understand how bad was torturing myself and letting that little devil inside me instead of believing into myself. This is actually the message that beautifully the writer wants to pass how important is to encourage ourselves and don’t give importance to outer beauty and the superficial things and overcome our own insecurities Admit how many of you turned to feel bad about your face, your body, your hair how many times you wished you were taller or thinner. Worth it?
Our main heroine Lilly Snow God I said I loved her? Is a person who has learned to accept herself.She has learned to rely on her own self, on her own abilities. She is smart, talented, intelligent, confident and never stopped pursuing her onw dreams besides knowing she is not beautiful but everything is questioned when she meets Max Cole the king of perfection. Or maybe not? Max Cole is the dream of every woman. Hot, alpha male who can have every woman in his bed just if he orders it. But as far as his character or better his soul this definitely is his ugliest part. Suffering from a disorder called cacophobia (fear of ugly things) and this is Max’s attitude that makes our heroine feel kind of worthless to be loved by a man. But when Lily gets to know more and more Max she finally understands that it not the fact that being ugly that holds us back from people but it is the idea that being ugly that makes us feel that we don’t deserve what other people do.
Lily with her charismatic character entered into Max’s life to change it. And it was actually weird that max was the man who actually saw her like no one did but in the same time he couldn’t stand by her. This book created many and different feelings to me. Frustration tears, fun and this is of the books that reading it you will take so many things. You know sometimes people and I mean all of us really forget that no one is perfect and we can become really mean to other people with our attitude and we also judge from appearances and fugly covers this society problem and how important is to overcome this ugly side of ours and let the light we have to warm our souls.
Thank you Mimi. And please we want more of Lily and Max.
September 10, 2015
Wow!!! Ok, first I'm going to say I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. Don't let that scare you away, as it has for me in the past. This is the first time I've ever received one. I'm going to tell you this book is amazing!! I don't know how Ms.Pamfiloff does it!
Ok, so we start our story with Lily Snow. Mid twenty's, rocking body, smart,determined, awesome career and very ugly. Never letting that stop her getting what she wants because she knows she's a beautiful person on the inside, and that's what counts...right? Then we meet Max Cole. Gorgeous, single, rich, body to die for, Ceo of C.C. Cosmetics. The company's genious marketing targets the not so beautiful women, claiming you don't have to be a supermodel to feel like one. With that Lily feels confident when she applies for a junior marketing position with C.C. Cosmetics....that is in till Max looks her, or tries to, look her in the face. He can't she's to ugly, what a fake!!
From this moment on I can't go into more detail without spoiling the book. What I can say is that from there this story is amazing. It takes us into cheering for Lily and hating Max, to laughing out loud at Lily's use of " dirty " language, to feeling sorry for Max ( what? ), watching two people actually help each other on conquering their inner " Fugly", to crying at the end because Ms.Pamfiloff hits it on the head!! We all have our inner ugly yelling at us at times and this book taught me to shut it up! I not only enjoyed this book but it taught me something, opened my eye's to the thought I'm not alone. So thank you Ms.Pamfiloff your story was more than beautiful, it was a gift. This story will stay with me forever. I hope it does with anyone who reads it. Highly highly recommend this book to everyone!
Ok, so we start our story with Lily Snow. Mid twenty's, rocking body, smart,determined, awesome career and very ugly. Never letting that stop her getting what she wants because she knows she's a beautiful person on the inside, and that's what counts...right? Then we meet Max Cole. Gorgeous, single, rich, body to die for, Ceo of C.C. Cosmetics. The company's genious marketing targets the not so beautiful women, claiming you don't have to be a supermodel to feel like one. With that Lily feels confident when she applies for a junior marketing position with C.C. Cosmetics....that is in till Max looks her, or tries to, look her in the face. He can't she's to ugly, what a fake!!
From this moment on I can't go into more detail without spoiling the book. What I can say is that from there this story is amazing. It takes us into cheering for Lily and hating Max, to laughing out loud at Lily's use of " dirty " language, to feeling sorry for Max ( what? ), watching two people actually help each other on conquering their inner " Fugly", to crying at the end because Ms.Pamfiloff hits it on the head!! We all have our inner ugly yelling at us at times and this book taught me to shut it up! I not only enjoyed this book but it taught me something, opened my eye's to the thought I'm not alone. So thank you Ms.Pamfiloff your story was more than beautiful, it was a gift. This story will stay with me forever. I hope it does with anyone who reads it. Highly highly recommend this book to everyone!
September 19, 2015
Engaging, but with Some Flaws
Our heroine is fugly with a great body. While reading this book, I looked for "ugly" girls and women everywhere I went. There weren't any. There were women and girls with interesting faces, unusual features, but no one was ugly. There were women and girls who didn't take care of themselves, those who didn't do anything with their hair or use make-up. (Not that I think that "done" hair and make-up make some one pretty.) My point is, there are many different kinds of looks. But no one is ugly. The heroine took time with her make-up, her hair, her clothing. When a person does that, they look good. They may not have the "classic" beauty look, but they still look good. I found it unrealistic that Lily went to work in the beauty/fashion industry. That being said, I really enjoyed the book. Lilly was so funny. I loved her banter with Max. I loved the way she stood up for herself. The sex was hot, hot, hot. I recommend the book.
Our heroine is fugly with a great body. While reading this book, I looked for "ugly" girls and women everywhere I went. There weren't any. There were women and girls with interesting faces, unusual features, but no one was ugly. There were women and girls who didn't take care of themselves, those who didn't do anything with their hair or use make-up. (Not that I think that "done" hair and make-up make some one pretty.) My point is, there are many different kinds of looks. But no one is ugly. The heroine took time with her make-up, her hair, her clothing. When a person does that, they look good. They may not have the "classic" beauty look, but they still look good. I found it unrealistic that Lily went to work in the beauty/fashion industry. That being said, I really enjoyed the book. Lilly was so funny. I loved her banter with Max. I loved the way she stood up for herself. The sex was hot, hot, hot. I recommend the book.
September 12, 2015
This is one of the most thought provoking books I have read. It took me back to the years I was so insecure and down about myself.
I realise there is no need for anyone to feel they are not good enough. I wish I had Lilly's balls!!
:'( I am going through so many emotions right now. My first thought is how I would love my 14 year old sister in law to read this, but then I thought EVERY teenage girl needs to read this!!!!! Of course the sex scenes are a no go for the teens. But fugly is a very powerful book.
I realise there is no need for anyone to feel they are not good enough. I wish I had Lilly's balls!!
:'( I am going through so many emotions right now. My first thought is how I would love my 14 year old sister in law to read this, but then I thought EVERY teenage girl needs to read this!!!!! Of course the sex scenes are a no go for the teens. But fugly is a very powerful book.
October 26, 2015
Fugly by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
When I was 20 a man broke up with me because I wasn't pretty. He told me that I was pretty much the perfect woman and he knew he was a shallow bastard, but he just couldn't get over the fact that I just wasn't pretty. I thanked him for his honesty, hugged him, and wished him a nice life.
When I saw the title of this book, I hesitated. Did an ugly girl dare read a book called Fugly? I was terrified and hopeful. I wasn't sure if I should read it or not, but I thought maybe it would be one of those emotional reads.
Unfortunately, much like the relationship with the man mentioned above, the book was just a trainwreck. I wish I could say I liked it, that I identified with it, but I just didn't. It's insta-love at its worst. The hero has a phobia of ugly people. And I suppose that's well done but wow. The heroine is a mess. That's actually handled mostly well, too. But everything else requires so much suspension of disbelief that I just never could find myself emotionally invested at all. I kept turning the pages more because I had to see how the author wrapped it up rather than because I had any real care if the characters worked out their issues or not.
Let me add that she has an ugly face but a "tight little body" (the hero's words.) If you're going to write a book about an ugly chick, I'd appreciate it if she were actually ugly. Some of this stuff seriously almost offended me.
I won't go on. Skip this one. I wish I had.
Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Title: Fugly
Series Title & Book #: Stand-alone
Continuing plot or functional as stand-alone:
Overall feel: I think it's meant to be emotional, but mostly it was just unbelievable
Smexy level: Okay, I guess
Best for: Avoiding
Read or Skip It? Skip It
When I was 20 a man broke up with me because I wasn't pretty. He told me that I was pretty much the perfect woman and he knew he was a shallow bastard, but he just couldn't get over the fact that I just wasn't pretty. I thanked him for his honesty, hugged him, and wished him a nice life.
When I saw the title of this book, I hesitated. Did an ugly girl dare read a book called Fugly? I was terrified and hopeful. I wasn't sure if I should read it or not, but I thought maybe it would be one of those emotional reads.
Unfortunately, much like the relationship with the man mentioned above, the book was just a trainwreck. I wish I could say I liked it, that I identified with it, but I just didn't. It's insta-love at its worst. The hero has a phobia of ugly people. And I suppose that's well done but wow. The heroine is a mess. That's actually handled mostly well, too. But everything else requires so much suspension of disbelief that I just never could find myself emotionally invested at all. I kept turning the pages more because I had to see how the author wrapped it up rather than because I had any real care if the characters worked out their issues or not.
Let me add that she has an ugly face but a "tight little body" (the hero's words.) If you're going to write a book about an ugly chick, I'd appreciate it if she were actually ugly. Some of this stuff seriously almost offended me.
I won't go on. Skip this one. I wish I had.
Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Title: Fugly
Series Title & Book #: Stand-alone
Continuing plot or functional as stand-alone:
Overall feel: I think it's meant to be emotional, but mostly it was just unbelievable
Smexy level: Okay, I guess
Best for: Avoiding
Read or Skip It? Skip It
"See you at the office, Mr. Cole. And thank you for the weekend, especially for the part where you put your dick inside me. It was interesting."
September 22, 2015
How many of us question our worth based upon our looks, weight, age, etc? Sure, we applaud our good days by calling ourselves cute, attractive and maybe even pretty; yet, deep down we seem to wish for more. Is it curlier hair, straight hair, to be taller, shorter, bigger boobs, smaller boobs, etc? No matter what we have we seem to want more. Well, "Fugly" is absofreakingly brilliant because it features a main character, Lily Snow, who is a wonderful person and who with the love of family and friends has learned to accept herself as the homely person she is. However, all of this changes when she applies for a job she is highly qualified for with C.C. Cosmetics headed by none other than Max Cole, the most gorgeous man on Earth.
Unfortunately, Max has a problem, he is cacophobic. What is cacophobia you ask? It is the fear of ugly. Yep, it's real and I had never heard of it either before this book. At first Max refuses to hire Lily but then decides she can be useful to his therapy. While Lily is fearful of getting over her head and falling in love, Max is the one who should worry. This book is an adventure in self discovery and grabbing what you want, no deserve, whilst taking no prisoners. The characters grow to learn that settling in life doesn't make you happy, nor does fame. What makes us truly happy is finding the courage to ride into war and fight for what we deserve.
This little standalone book is chocked full of arrogance, comedic moments, profound truths and hot monkey love. Well done Ms. Pamfiloff. Well done!!!!!
Unfortunately, Max has a problem, he is cacophobic. What is cacophobia you ask? It is the fear of ugly. Yep, it's real and I had never heard of it either before this book. At first Max refuses to hire Lily but then decides she can be useful to his therapy. While Lily is fearful of getting over her head and falling in love, Max is the one who should worry. This book is an adventure in self discovery and grabbing what you want, no deserve, whilst taking no prisoners. The characters grow to learn that settling in life doesn't make you happy, nor does fame. What makes us truly happy is finding the courage to ride into war and fight for what we deserve.
This little standalone book is chocked full of arrogance, comedic moments, profound truths and hot monkey love. Well done Ms. Pamfiloff. Well done!!!!!
September 9, 2016
I really liked this one. The only thing I did not like and it is preventing me from giving the book 5 stars is the conflict.
I liked the last chapter when we got Maxwell Cole's POV.
I saw some reviews where people could not picture someone having an amazing body, but an ugly face. Isn't there a name for that type of girl "butter face" or something? I am not sure. Anyway, I loved Lily. I am worried that in book 2 I hope the author does not have Lily make another stupid mistake like she made in book 1. I had to skim those scenes because it pained me.
I really liked the relationship between Lily and her brother, John. Their scenes made me laugh. I hope John gets his story.
I liked the last chapter when we got Maxwell Cole's POV.
I saw some reviews where people could not picture someone having an amazing body, but an ugly face. Isn't there a name for that type of girl "butter face" or something? I am not sure. Anyway, I loved Lily. I am worried that in book 2 I hope the author does not have Lily make another stupid mistake like she made in book 1. I had to skim those scenes because it pained me.
I really liked the relationship between Lily and her brother, John. Their scenes made me laugh. I hope John gets his story.
October 13, 2016
Wow, this book really hit home for me and it was extremely well-written. The writing style reminded me of eating cotton candy - light, sweet, and wonderful. It pulled me in and before I knew it, I'd eaten it all. I admit that I almost didn't buy this book because of some of the reviews. And now, after having read it, that pisses me off. Read this book! The people who gave it lower stars because they don't think anyone can be truly ugly have obviously never been stared at or listened to hurtful comments (especially by children). As someone whose face has been scarred by cancer, I have. And I know this book is about a person's 'inner' negative voice, but let me tell you, it's the one's from the outside that are the most destructive. Those casual comments never let you forget - and if I had any criticism of the book, it would be that Max was never taken to task for a lot of the things he did and said. But anyway, this book has a ton of heart and I highly recommend it.
December 26, 2015
I was truly intrigued by this book, as when I looked at the cover the woman on it definitely didn't look fugly! (I do judge books by the cover, I admit it:) I really liked the book but I felt that the ending was rather short. Would have loved an epilogue of a couple years from now. Love the issues this book brought forward and it made me think about how people perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. This book was funny, thoughtful, sexy and heart wrenching at times. 4 stars. Stand alone with a HEA.
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