Crazy Beautiful Lies

by Kathryn L. James

Blake DeLuca is a manwhore with a reputation to prove it.

Jenna Capwell thought she had the perfect life until tragedy happens and betrayals unfold. In a chance meeting, Blake mistakes her for the call girl from an elite escort service. Jenna wants nothing more than a carefree, reckless night of passion, so she plays the part, and plays it well. When their paths cross again, Blake stops at nothing to see her again...even uses blackmail.

She knows what kind of man he is and yet she falls for him during their angsty relationship. He reminds her time and time again not to get attached to him and he doesn't know what he's about to lose until the table is turned and she makes a bold decision. One that changes the rules of the game and one that brings him to his knees. Can she survive another heart break and can he survive her betrayal?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult

283 pages, ebook

First published December 14, 2015

About the author

Kathryn James lives in a southern small town with her husband and kids. Being a hopeless romantic, she loves to read and write about bad-boy sexy alpha males and a strong heroine. She weaves her characters along a roller coaster ride full of angst before they reach their HEA. The beach is one of her favorite places to relax and write. But most days, when she’s writing, you can find her snuggled under a blanket in a recliner with her sweet apricot poodle curled up beside her. She’s launched her novel Crazy Beautiful Lies in December 2015, wrote a short Crazy Beautiful Kiss featured in an anthology, Story of A Kiss. She's releasing Chasing Wicked April 18, 2017.

Reviews

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna was a happily married woman until a tragic accident struck and with it, lies were uncovered and everything she thought was true, no longer is. Reeling from the loss of her husband and the betrayal she decides to have a little fun. After a case of mistaken identity and a moment of impulsivity, she plays high-end escort to Blake – a rich playboy. Jenna writes it off as a night of fun, never to be repeated again until she crosses paths with Blake again and he makes her an offer that’s difficult to refuse.



This book was pretty sexy and it had it’s share of angst and drama as the two of them struggled to get their shit together. I loved the playfulness between them and their chemistry was pretty great. Blake went above and beyond to get Jenna to agree to his no strings relationship but as she worked to break down his walls, secrets were revealed and through interference from well-meaning, if misguided, friends – and from Jenna’s herself- some curveballs were thrown their way and it resulted in a few forks in their road to a HEA.




All in all an enjoyable, angsty and sexy read. It had it’s share of clichéd tropes but there were a few surprising and refreshing twists added. If you enjoy drama and a romance that doesn’t follow a straight path, I’d recommend you read this.



(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[NMmomof4]

DNF @ 58%. The h was completely annoying and needy. She was a total doormat and allowed the H to do thing after thing to hurt her and just came rushing back (and apologizing to him for leaving). She "loved" him after the first month of their arrangement (or maybe even sooner), which would be fine but she then became really naggy and whiny and overall just plain annoying IMO. Had to put on my dnf shelf after the H arranged for the 2nd time for a OW to give the h a false impression that he was not being faithful -- stupid immature games that don't fit the type of professional people these characters are supposed to be. I skimmed ahead, and it doesn't seem to get any better either...

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why would you ever think I could run away from you? All I want to do is run toward you."

Words to describe it: Sexy. Intense. Page-turner. Heartbreaking. Sweet.

Jenna thought she already felt the most painful thing in the world when she lost someone important to her, but the tragedy seemed to be subtler than the betrayal that she discovered. She didn’t have any inkling that it was happening, and it was the ultimate slap in the face. But when she meets Blake in a chance encounter, and he mistook her for the call girl from an elite escort service, she finally threw caution into the wind and succumb to a reckless, unforgettable night of passion. What she didn’t expect was to cross paths again with Blake.

It’s a small world after all.

Blake doesn’t do hearts and flowers and relationships. He f@&ks and leaves them. He always remind her about it, but she couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Despite his reminders, his warnings. How could she not? Blake can be ruthless and brutally honest, but he can be sweet and thoughtful and really, really great in bed. He has his past and his secrets he didn’t want to share at first, but the more they get closer, the walls that surrounds his heart starts to crumble. And just when everything seemed to be okay, she did something that brought them to square one.

Jenna was a brave one to risk it. I didn’t expect she’d do it, among all of the things she can do, she did it. Wow. It took some guts right there. She did it because she thought it was right, and Blake needs it to finally free himself from his past.

It wasn’t just Jenna and Blake that you’d love in the story. You get to adore Pip – Blake’s driver and bodyguard who became Jenna’s greatest supporter and cheerleader. I think Jenna stood and fought for their ‘love’ because of Pip’s motivation. And their’s Colin and Blake’s sister – who were meddling too much that initially caused trouble for the both of them, but all went well in the end.

The blurb was interesting enough that I thought should give this a try, but I didn’t expect I’d love it. Just as when you thought Kathryn James gave you an epic scene, she did some twist that would continually knock you off your seats. It has the element of surprise, and unpredictability that would make you turn the pages until you finally reach the end, and the HEA you will crave. It’s sexy, romantic, with the right amount of angst and drama. It’s a definite must-read.



Review originally posted on my blog

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[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy Beautiful Lies by Kathryn L. James was one of those books that I thought I would be entertained with after reading the blurb. I was so much more than entertained by this emotionally charged read. I laughed out loud, cried and felt every emotion possible as I read this delicious book. There were times I wanted to reach in and strangle the characters as well as fall in love with them myself! I am new to Kathryn L. James as an author, but now that I have read this story, I am sure to seek her out in the future.

The story starts with some devistating news for Jenna Capwell. Not only had she lost the man she intended to marry, but she found out who he really was in the process. She decides to let herself have some fun, when a man at her best friend's house mistakes her for a call girl. After all, a one night stand may be just what she needs to get over her past. She is 3000 miles from home, she will never see him again; r so she thought!

This is an outstanding read! Just when I thought things would go a certain way, the plot twisted and turned in unexpected ways. The chemistry between these two amazing characters is off the charts! I was sad to see it end!

[Tarina Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy binge-read book hangover, Batman. I literally gorged myself on this book and finished it in a little more than four hours. I sat in the parking lot of the grocery store to finish it because I was at 93% and couldn’t stand to leave it unfinished.

This is a heart wrenching, gut clenching romance. From the very start the emotional turmoil in Crazy Beautiful Lies grabs hold and won’t let you go. The depth and range of feelings you’ll experience will leave you reeling – the passion, the pain, the bliss, the longing – you’ll go through the highs and lows right along with Jenna.

When Blake suggests the ‘friends with benefits’ deal with Jenna, you know that’s not going to end well – it never does. And it doesn’t. Then it does. Then it doesn’t again. Blake screws it up so many times you wonder where Jenna gets the strength to keep going. My heart literally ached for them and there were times I doubted I was going to get my happy ever after. Right up until the very end, I was worried the author was going to pull a Nichols Sparks.

There are a couple of flow issues with the story, but they are small. The introduction of a few peripheral characters and their involvement in Blake’s backstory got a little confusing, but I was able to figure it out fairly easily. Could it have been explained a little better? Sure, but it’s a minor point and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.

There are issues with the formatting. Please, please, please don’t the let it distract you. Suck it up, push through it, and chalk it up to lessons learned by a new author – you won’t regret it, I promise!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the description of this story, but OMG it was so much better than I imagined. Jenna Capwell was living what she thought was the perfect life. When tragedy strikes, losing the love of her life, she also finds out secrets that smash her heart completely from the betrayal. As she goes to uncover more of the truth, she has a chance encounter with Blake DeLuca, who mistakes her for the call girl he hired. Jenna decides to do something crazy and has the best night of her life. When she runs into him back at home, he wants to continue where they left off. She knows he's a manwhore, but she decides to agree to his proposal of a couple of months, no strings attached. Feelings grow despite all of the rules, but can either of them survive another heartbreak?

WOW WOW WOW! My heart physically hurt all through this story. The character development is great, with secondaries that need their own story. A emotional, gut wrenching, and well written story line flows very smoothly. Well placed humor had me spitting out my drink while reading, and the sexy scene goodness is simply EXPLOSIVELY HOT! Kathryn L. James' easy writing style had my attention from the very beginning, pulled an ugly cry out of me, and kept me on my toes the entire journey. I'm very excited to read more from this author, and I happily HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[MegL · Rating 5 out of 5]

One accident. One tragic accident was all it took to turn Jenna's world upside down. One accident unveiled all of the hidden truths. After being betrayed by the one person she thought she knew, Jenna no longer believes in love. Blake doesn't do relationships and he definitely doesn't date the same woman twice. One service call. That's all it took for Blake to realize, he needed to see her again. When fate gives him a second chance with the Jenna, he knows he wants to keep her close.

Crazy Beautiful Lies is fast paced, enticing and unlike anything I've read this year. There was never a dull moment and I seriously could not get enough of this book. The story is in Jenna's POV, though I wish we could have gotten into Blake's head a bit. I like how Jenna decided to step out of her comfort zone and do what she needed to do to make herself happy. Blake on the other hand gave me whiplash from all of his mood swings. There are plenty of twists and drama to keep you on your toes, as well as a little humor. This is a love story about experiencing new things, taking chances and being a little reckless. I was not ready for this book to end. For this to be Kathryn L James' debut novel, I can honestly say that I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Naughty Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. I loved so many things about this book. Blake and Jenna's story was interesting, captivating and bubbling with chemistry. I loved all the unexpected twists and turns in the story line. I loved the feels. I was crying only pages into chapter 1. I loved the humor and the playful interactions of the characters. This book was crazy good!

[Shellby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ugly cry book for me. I felt the pain that Jenna went though. However this is also a story that will make you smile and laugh like crazy. You will get caught up in this crazy beautiful love story!

[Taylor Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! I ended up staying up until 3AM even though it was a weekday and I had to be up in the morning! It made me laugh, cry, and caused my heart to beat a little faster. I highly recommend it!

[Sherry Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read with lots of good steamy moments.

[Jennifer Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending yes

The whole book is fantastic. Her man has a second family and she goes on a night of hotness with an even hotter guy.

The middle of this love story was fantastic. The last two chapters are made to be re read over and over again.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy Beautiful Lies from Kathryn L. James was a great 5+ star read.
Romance, Hot Alpha

This was a great read that kept me turning the pages late into the night.

Blurb:
Jenna Capwell thought she had the perfect life until a tragic accident reveals betrayals, lies, and deceit. Left broken, she believes love is just an empty four letter word.
Six months later her path crosses with Blake DeLuca, who mistakes her for the call girl he hired from an elite escort service. Jenna’s moment of shock lasted less than a second before she decided to play the part—and played it well. The sizzling sex was unforgettable.
When fate places them together again, Blake stops at nothing to see her again. He’s everything she should run from. A man-whore with the reputation to prove it. He never dates women more than once, yet propositioned Jenna with a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement.
Hearts become involved and shatter. She made a decision that changed the rules of the game—took the risk of losing him in order to give him what he needed. Can she survive losing him? Can he survive her betrayal?

Jenna has a heartbreaking loss and discovers a betrayal by the one person that she trusted the most. This experience causes her to shut herself off to relationships.

We meet Blake when he mistakes Jenna for a call girl, which she takes full advantage of with some great sex. Fate will step in and bring these two together again.
After accepting a proposition from Blake, a no-strings fling for 3 months. Will they both be able to keep their feelings out of it?

The emotions are all over the place and there’s lots of sex between these two hot people. We have a moody alpha male who doesn’t know the word “No”. The characters in the book added a great element, we have meddling sisters and Blake’s driver Pip who was great to Jenna. There is also a really great twist that will throw you for a loop. Crazy Beautiful Lies is a must 1-Click read.
You will love it. Thank you Kathryn for a great read.



ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club


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[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must say, I was a bit disappointed by this book. The premise and excerpt were all about a girl getting her groove back in a very sexy manner--and don't let me steer you wrong, the book is sexy--but it really wasn't the romp I thought it would be.

Jenna loses the love of her life months before their wedding, and then finds out he was living a double life with her--sad. She tries to get over it on a trip to LA and ends up meeting Blake and being mistaken for a call girl. She rolls with it because she's feeling low and Blake's keen interest lights her up. Their one night is sexy and fun and completely out of character for this successful businesswoman. She leaves without a goodbye, taking the memories of that experience to bolster her self-esteem--and then runs into Blake again a few weeks later in NYC while out with mutual friends.

Blake doesn't want to keep Jenna, he does want to have her, though, and proposes a short (three month) no-strings fling for while he's in town. She reluctantly agrees, and the sexytimes roll!

Thing is, Jenna's not a no-strings gal, and the more time she spends beneath Blake, the more she wants this to BE MORE. It's kinda formulaic, and I had some serious issues with the melodrama and catfighting in the book. Plus, Blake's a billionaire playboy sex god security firm and nightclub and sex club owning manipulative guilty conscience with daddy issues. He's a lot to keep up with, and he's quixotic and moody and able to jet off in his private plane at a moment's disgruntlement. Jenna's an orphan who pulled herself up by her bootstraps, survived the loss of love, the betrayal of love, and now she's coddling a 6' 3" alpha male who won't take no for an answer. She runs at every chance and sometimes Blake seeks her out and sometimes she fights for a second (third?) chance. If you are into books with more sex than sense, this is a book you are going to want to pick up.

[lizp · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for the story of Jenna and Blake- really good

minor flaw that bothered me-1 Star for the 1st couple of chapters:
The whole title for the story comes from the lies that are exposed in the first couple of chapters. However it is their description as "beautiful" that doesn't sit right with me. These lies are hurtful, not beautiful, despite the author's attempt to make them seem so. I wanted to see some more resolution with Ryan and what he did. It wasn't believable to me how Jenna dealt with that. The devastation that comes from such a betrayal and secret wasn't really felt. What she did with the email doesn't seem real- what woman would do that? Especially right after her supposed "soul mates" death. I mean get real. That was just too much. Too unbelievable.

I would have liked a letter or something left behind from Ryan with an explanation. I know in real life, it might have played out like this, with all the unknowns, but as a reader, I wanted more details of the "why" behind his actions- it doesn't make sense. Colin tells her that Ryan loved her- that he left enough to take care of her, that he wanted to marry her, but it doesn't explain why he felt the need to do what he did. There was a quick blurb mentioned that he was afraid of being alone, afraid of that if she left him, he would have his fallback, but why did he feel like she might leave him? Why would he marry her with this whole secret life? She was in love with him, so why did he feel the need to get a "back up plan" to begin with? Those unanswered questions bother me. Would he have left Jenna eventually? Would he have kept both? Did he really love her? Actions speak louder than words, so I am left wondering...

[Lisa Mccrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this popped up on my Kindle I was hopeful that this age old "just sex no strings" story would offer more than just the same story retold by a different author. It did and I am glad. This book was definitely worth the time. Hot, sexy, angsty all rolled up in one. I finished it in one sitting so...

I loved that the drama started immediately. Jenna wasn't a shy timid heroine but she wasn't overbearingly independent either. She was the right mix of sass and sweet and I didn't mind reading her. UNTIL she fell in love, then she became a bit cliche` but still not too bad.

Blake was the typical alpha male with a heart. Well, one that was well-hidden and needed to be freed by the sassy sexy Jenna. I loved how they pushed and pulled each other and their first meeting was just as good as their last. The only issue I had was the author couldn't decide if Jenna lived in a condo, townhouse or apartment. Every time she went home or talked about home it was something different but I had an ARC so maybe it will be fixed in the novel. So 4 stars for this no-strings to lovers novel.

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[Jackie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you found out your dead fiancé had a secret life. Probably not what Jenna Capwell did.

Manwhore, Blake DeLuca call for an escort girl and Jenna just happens to be in the wrong place at the right time. They share a sexually charged night together and Jenna sneaks out, assuming she will never again lay eyes on Blake.

Jenna goes back to her bakery and resumes her life. That is until Colin calls inviting her to a new club opening. There she runs into Blake and the sparks fly. Blake is used to getting anything he wants and he wants Jenna for a certain period of time.

Blake shows Jenna he has a soul and can be good and fun-loving. The drama takes over and it is on again off again.

In a last ditch effort, Jenna does something to set Blake off. Now the question is can they get past that.

4 stars

[shelly hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH HELL YEAH....DEFINITELY A FIVE STAR BOOK!

I read books like other people breath! I have been looking and reading my heart out looking for a really gooood romance.
Too impress me this much I have to be laughing hysterically from a book or emotionally moved. There were parts that brought tears to my eyes.

The characters are well developed. Even secondary characters are well developed. This is not your typical read where you eye roll or wish the author would hurry up and get to the point. The angst is so long you get pissed off or disgusted waiting for the next development.

The female character has a spine which I loved. She is no push over ever in this story. The male lead wasn't over the top where you want to kick him in the nut's.

The sex is not so over the top that their positions actually bored you. It was

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna’s a good girl, about the live her dream of being married and starting a family. Tragedy happens and she learns on that day love is a fairy tale that she doesn’t believe in anymore.

Trying to figure things out she meet the ultimate man that could make or break her all over again. She is trying to live a carefree life and he offers her an offer that she doesn’t want to walk away from just yet.

Blake is captivated by her straight forwardness and surprised that all she wants from him is time, nothing more and nothing less. With Jenna by his side, he finds the one thing that he never thought he was capable of.

Great read, hard to put down and some parts will make you cringe and others will make you want to cry. You feel the pain and understand why it’s so hard for Jenna to trust again let alone let any man especially the likes of Blake DeLuca into her heart.

[lady007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. could. not. put. it. down!

I found myself laughing out out and gasping out OMG! The book peeked my interest in the beginning and never let up only to escalate into passion with the two characters. Their connection heated up my kindle as their passion burned into every word I read. I loved their story. I could see this a beautiful movie EASILY. If your looking for suspense,drama, romance,mystery,comedy.......its all here in this ONE book. I believe this author is my new favorite. Oh, and fell in love with beautiful bad boy, Blake! Mmmm

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Z ALRIGHT hang on for the ride

You won't be the same when you finish reading this story. I don't know who is more nuts than the other Blake or Jenna. I am thinking it's acceptable if you are rich the crazier the better.
If you aren't rich, you are committed to an mental health facility. Jenna was allover the place with emotion. Blake wasn't any better. How could she not know something was up with her ex Ryan going back to California so often? Some things just don't compute. I guess love does make you Z.

[Rina Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how they met

I loved how they met. An intense beginning to an even more relationship. No matter how hard Blake fights his feelings he keeps getting sucked into the mutual attraction.

[Sarah Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

I absolutely loved this book! It is a true love story with a few twists. From to broken people not looking for love but ended up falling in love with each other. I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A sexy read about two people finding love, even though they aren't looking for it. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories that involve loss and heartbreak, and finding trust and redemption.

[Sassy Southern Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! Absolutely loved it!!!! I had trouble putting the book down, life kept getting in the way of my reading....but I was so excited when I was able to delve into it again! I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will only say this: it wasn't what I expected, it was more!!!

[Shelly Knudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love

Sometimes the Best of things happen without planning. When karma brought two damaged people together the end result was beautiful.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

New author for me and great read! It was good writing, grammatically correct, fast paced, romantic and good plot. Definitely read it.

[Sarah Crocket-tone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great novel of finding love when one starts to doubt if it is even real

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really good book.