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Beautiful

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Skylar Woods unknowingly drew Wyatt Smith toward her. He wanted … needed to learn everything about her. Though he sensed her beauty was more than just skin deep, Wyatt struggled to understand the sadness she attempted to mask with an amazing smile.

When Skylar’s eyes met Wyatt’s for the first time, her breath caught and she couldn’t look away from the new guy standing in the school office smiling at her. The connection only grew when Wyatt sat next to her in English class, allowing Skylar to dare to believe he might actually be interested in getting to know her.

For the first time in months, she felt alive.

The moment Wyatt expressed an interest, the notes started again … the ones that reminded her of a past she could never move beyond—the event that changed her life forever and robbed her of any chance of happiness.

Never believing the rumors being spread around school about Skylar, Wyatt made sure he went out of his way to prove how much he cared about her.

But when the past resurfaces, will Wyatt stand by her side? Or will he turn against her like everyone else?

PLEASE NOTE - Due to adult content and a sensitive date rape scene this book is recommended for readers 16+

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2016

12 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

Ella Bordeaux

2 books72 followers

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5 stars
174 (56%)
4 stars
69 (22%)
3 stars
43 (13%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews861 followers
July 1, 2016
5 Words: Judgement, school, friendship, trauma, family.

Mixed feelings with this one - if I hadn't have read it so soon after books with similar themes I probably would have rated it higher.

That said, it was a good book.

I loved the portrayal of high school. I loved how these teens were teens, even if it made me angry that rape culture had become so prevalent, how victim blaming and slut shaming was OK. I also loved the strong friendship between Skylar and Michelle, how Michelle just knew.

The only bad point was the creepy vibes I got from Wyatt at the start, but this is probably because those creepy vibes echoed Edward from Twilight. Not my cup of tea.

I liked how the ending has left me wanting more! I don't know if it was done purposefully to leave the story hanging pending another installment, or it it was a very very clever way to end everything
Profile Image for Eshita Dey.
104 reviews48 followers
March 29, 2017
The book was a bit unrealistic and much cliched.
Profile Image for Angie Crabtree-Liezel and Angie's Book Blog.
507 reviews33 followers
June 15, 2016
Wow! I'm so happy I decided to request Beautiful by Ella Bordeaux or as we know her Kelly Elliott. It was a much needed change from everything I have been reading.

Beautiful is exactly what it's name says, it's beautiful, but it's also heartbreaking, raw and deep. We are taken on a roller coaster of emotions as we dive into the life of Skylar and Wyatt. Skylar known as the school whore and Wyatt as the hot quarterback.

Skylar, who had everything once before, popularity, the hot boyfriend, tons of friends, her innocence, get's everything taken away in a blink of an eye. Due to rumors that are vicious and not true she is shunned by half the school and bullied by the other half. I felt so bad for her. This is where I connected to her on an emotional level. She only has 2 friends, 1 being her twin brother. No matter what she went through and despite if she wanted to be there or not, there was something in her that wouldn't let people break her completely. No matter how hard they tried. I admire that from her.

Then in walks Wyatt, the hot quarterback from New Mexico everyone wants but he only sees one girl. He heals Skylar's fractured soul. He sees her for who she truly is. Not what everyone else wants him to see.

"I see someone who, if she puts her mind to something, she can do anything she wants. And I see someone very strong who has put up with a lot of bullshit yet still walks with her head held high. You're pretty damn awesome if you ask me."

But the one that we hold closest can also be the one who hurts us the most.

I absolutely love Beautiful! The ending sucked since I didn't know it was a cliff but it still was an amazing, sweet, fast paced read that had me tapping my kindle every few seconds to see what happened next. I don't care if you are a Kelly Elliot fan. This book was different in it's own way. It addresses every issue that teens face, sex, rape, drugs, and bullying. There are quite a bit of cuss words but I recommend this to any high school teen or even young adult and adult.

I was going to give this book 4 stars for the cliff since it wasn't disclosed when I received the arc but the writing is just to phenomenal that I can't justify taking a star away for that reason. It's seriously that good!
Profile Image for Lisa Gerkey.
Author 5 books26 followers
June 11, 2016
I have read over the description and info for this book but I can’t find anything warning readers that there is a cliffhanger. I don’t do well with surprises like this because I read so many books that I pick and choose very carefully when it comes to cliffhangers and multi book series. I would normally wait until all books are available because many times, by the time the next book is released, I feel that I have forgotten too much to care if I read the next one. That’s a shame with this one because Beautiful was really just beautiful for the most part.
Skylar is a victim of bullying until the new guy shows up at her school. Wyatt is perfect, at least in the beginning. He doesn’t let what the “in crowd” has to say about Skylar stop him from becoming her friend and it doesn’t take long before the two have found that their friendship has turned to love. The book is simply amazing, one that I would recommend to everyone, especially older teens and young adults to read. But then Skylar and Wyatt go off to college together and all of a sudden Wyatt seems to be changing and putting their relationship at risk in what appears to be a major way when the book ends…
As a reader, the majority of the book was five stars. It was amazing. However, I was so disappointed in the change in Wyatt and the cliffhanger I ended up mad that I spent so much time with it. I have never been aware that the author did that with her books, but I will for sure wait around to read reviews for the next one before I preorder or buy it.
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,859 reviews81 followers
March 17, 2017
Nasty cheerleaders
Bullies of all walks of life
Mean notes
Horrid pictures
Pushing and shoving
Taunting, name calling

Just a regular day in high school for senior Skylar Woods. She has two allies. One is her brother and the other is her best friend. That is until a new boy moves to town...Wyatt is like a dream come true.

Everything seems perfect until the everyday things overwhelm the dreaming. It's harder to fight for something you don't feel you deserve than believe the lies. Skylar struggles and Wyatt waits. But for how long and will it matter?

My honest opinion is it was good. There are parts that move too fast. Generally speaking though, there's not a solid timeline so its hard to tell. I think the biggest connection I felt to the whole story was the ending and I'm pissed- or I would be if book two wasn't waiting on my kindle as I type this. Good luck and one click book two, Forever Beautiful ASAP. Trust me you will want it ready and waiting too!

Review for New Chicks On The Blog
Profile Image for Tricia Mccoy.
288 reviews
October 21, 2020
Loved!

Omg I dont even know where to begin!! My emotions were all over the place! Sad, mad, happy, worried...and everything in between!! Cliffhanger but at least I can dive right into the next because i wouldn't want to have to wait to see what happens!!
675 reviews
October 26, 2016
A high school romance that follows onto college , but don't for one second think that's all there is to the story .
This book has sensitive issues ranging from bullying to rape so be warned.
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,020 reviews79 followers
November 16, 2016
Wyatt a very fine gentleman...

I loved this from the first to the last page. I'm not crazy about a cliffhanger but so it be. Now for book 2. How long till it comes out. Hello lol
Profile Image for Autumn Breier.
2,354 reviews
June 22, 2017
4.5 out of 5 Stars

Re-Read in June 2017

Beautiful is the first book in the Beautiful Duet. I really enjoyed Beautiful and can't wait to continue with the series. I loved Wyatt and Sky.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,096 reviews93 followers
June 14, 2016
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~ 4.5 Beautiful Stars ~

Beautiful is the debut novel for Ella Bordeaux. Well I think we have a winner here!!

I know this book was classified as a Young Adult book, but I have to say that I think it leans more towards a Mature YA book. This is a book I don’t believe anyone under the age of 16 or 17 should read. Not because it is loaded down with sex, because it isn’t, but the theme of this story is about a very serious topic. Ella also touches on a date rape situation that could be a trigger for some or not appropriate for someone younger.

I do feel I need to give the readers a warning though….this book is NOT a standalone novel. It ends with a Cliffhanger and it wasn’t a very nice one :( That is why I personally took off a 1/2 star from this rating. I really don’t like cliffhangers, but I will read them if I am aware of them. There is nothing worse than going into a book and being completely shocked at the end of the story….that’s not the end, but you have to wait to get the ending you were hoping for. So if you aren’t a fan of Cliffy’s then I would wait until the second book comes out in the fall.

Now that I got that off my chest….let me tell you how much I actually LOVED this book and these characters. I am a complete sucker for a sweet High School romance book. I love when a story and characters can take me back to my school days and have me reminiscing :) Even though this book touches on a serious topic, there was still a great message behind it and a very sweet love story!!! I believe that this book will touch many readers and for many different reasons. It covers something that we see in schools everyday and it is so sad that it happens. But what I loved was how the author portrayed these characters. Not only Skylar and Wyatt but some of the secondary characters also…like Mitch, Michelle and Skylar and Wyatt’s parents. They played an important part in this story as well.

But it was both Skylar and Wyatt who stole my heart in this book. Wyatt is the boy you want your daughter to find while in school. He was sweet, strong and also very patient. I loved that he thought for himself and never let anyone sway his beliefs. Even though he is high schooled age in this story, he still had me swooning ;) As for Skylar….she was phenomenal !!! I loved her character. She was such a strong girl, in amongst such serious heartache. My heart broke for her on so many occasions, but I also felt proud of her for enduring everything she did and coming out stronger in the end.

I would recommend Beautiful to everyone who loves a sweet high school love story, but that touches on your inner most emotions too. I know I am looking forward to the next book to see where Wyatt and Skylar go from here.

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Profile Image for Angie.
68 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2016
Completely captivating, at times I forgot I was reading a YA novel.

Kelly Elliott (under the Pen name Ella Bordeaux) gives us a beautiful story about survival, strength, overcoming tragedy and blossoming young love! Elliott's style of writing and her books have always been phenomenal so her adjusting her style to that of a YA read didn't seem like a stretch at all to this reader! The storyline and characters are given room to blossom and grow as we follow along! The lead characters heartbreaking tragedy is one sadly many today have been a victim of!

My heart began pounding as the dizziness got worse. I tried to lift my arms, but it felt like dead weight.

The only thing I could do was barely whisper, "Why?" My body shut itself down, and everything went black.

In Beautiful we meet Skylar, a young girl with all her dreams ahead of her. Sadly we see how one night can alter those beautiful dreams and turn those into a living nightmare. How trusting a friend can led to the ultimate of betrayals. How friends turn to enemies, whispers and taunts can shred a person straight to their soul! To say high school has been tough for Skylar is quite the understatement! She has endured so much at the hands of "friends". She must stay focused, get thru high school, get outta this town....far away from all the talk, the lies!

Wyatt, and All American kid with his stars aligned and the world at his feet. Transferring to a new high school in Texas, he has no worries. Ready to take on what's ahead on this new venture! Everything changes once he see's her!!!

I tried to pull my eyes away from her, but I couldn't stop staring. Her smile was breathtaking, and her eyes sparkled each time she looked over at me.

He had to meet her, who was she...how could one simple smile, glance make him feel this way? After all Skylar has endured she is very apprehensive to befriend Wyatt. However, Wyatt wouldn't allow others or their comments to sway him. He was determined to know Skylar, not the stories he was told but the REAL Skylar. Skylar has always had a very supportive family but seems to blossom under the support, friendship and love shown by Wyatt. Can others allow that love to grow? Will others do all they can to destroy Skylar and any chance of happiness she is searching for?

We watch and as in most relationships we see them have their ups, downs.....their happy, their sad. We watch as the truth finally is revealed about that night that forever changed Skylar. How she finds the strength to face that head on!

Can those demons stay buried for Skylar? Can she ever truly put her complete trust in another, in Wyatt. Is he worthy of that trust?

Yes, this does end in quite the cliffhanger but never fear the second book will be released later this year!! Truly you want this book this Beautiful story in your reading library!
Profile Image for Tanya.
200 reviews17 followers
June 8, 2016
Beautiful by Ella Bordeaux wasn't a book that I was prepared for. It took me out of the real world and I was stuck in the book. The story took over and all I could do was keep reading along as all kinds of thoughts ran through my head. This wasn't an easy book to read because it had some really hard parts, but that's what made this book so powerful.

Skylar has suffered a lot and it's something she faces daily. The bullying does not stop and the rumors continue. Then Wyatt shows up, new boy at her school, and he isn't like anyone. He doesn't believe the rumors and he goes straight to the source, straight to Skylar. Skylar can't believe that this handsome boy is going to HER for the truth. Can Skylar accept that Wyatt is there for her in good intentions?

Skylar, I just want to wrap you up in a big hug and shield you from the world but you do an amazing job at handling everything yourself. Except I was pretty mad that you don't believe Wyatt. That boy is crazy about you! I understand though. All that bullying is hard. I think this is a great book to teach people just how hard a toll bullying takes on a person. I think Skylar was a beautiful character.

Wyatt, I have nothing but good things to say about you. Wyatt is a character that is strong and I love that he doesn't go with the crowd or peer pressure. He is his own person and he follows his own path. He really knows what he wants and I am so glad that he doesn't let others influence his decisions. I am so happy that he pursues Skylar. He is just her perfect guy for her. And he melted my heart every time he called Skylar Angel. Talk about swoon!

Beautiful is a book that you will devour in one sitting because there is no way that you can stop. As I was reading I was feeling the growth of Skylar and Wyatt. The book is written in a long time span and I love it. It was easy to follow along and as the book was moving forward in time I didn't notice the time gap because it was written well, it flowed well. What I was very EMOTIONAL about was that ending! I was not expecting that at all. This book left me shocked at the end. I am still reeling right now. Because SERIOUSLY, I did not even see that coming! But yeah, enough of my small outburst there. Just go read this book.
Profile Image for Jac.
235 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2016
Beautiful is Ella Bordeaux début YA novel...

Meet Skylar Woods who had friends, boyfriend who loved her, brothers who love and protect her, until one night the person who Skylar least expected took something that no woman, teenager or girl should ever experience.
Meet Wyatt Smith all star quarterback moves to a new town, new school and see's the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. She looks like an Angel and has to know everything about Skylar Woods.

Parts of this story will be hard to read as what Skylar experienced and still experiences is something that will rip old wounds open. When Skylar meets Wyatt she starts to feel alive again after so many months of torture from her class mates. The bulling starts up again with the notes and harsh words from other peers but Skylar stays strong. She starts to learn to trust others and Wyatt brings back the old Skylar.
Wyatt ignores the rumours from the other class mates about Skylar and works out the truth. He sticks by Skylar and helps for her to be the the person she once was. Both him and Skylar experience a few road blocks but will be able to work it out. Wyatt will not give up on Skylar as he loves her so deeply that she is his soul mate.

Both characters become very mature as what they have to experience and it's good to see but can also be hard as you don't want them to grow up too fast but they will be prepared for whatever life has to throw at them once they are out in the real world.

The story will what you to be turning the next page after next page and you'll find that you have probably read the whole story in one sitting but who complaining...
Ella has written the tense scenes really well and you'll feel the emotion pouring out of the words.
One very emotional read...

In the very beginning some parts felt a bit scripted but very quickly it became one very strong, emotional read.

Ella Bordeaux aka Kelly Elliott has written yet another amazing story especially a YA novel. Being the first novel under her pen name I wouldn't expect anything less from Ella (Kelly).

Be prepared Beautiful will leave you with a cliffhanger and you'll be demanding for the second story ASAP.

Until then get reading this amazing story...

Well Done Ella (Kelly)!!!

Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
June 6, 2016
Beautiful is a the first book in what seems to be a very promising series written by Ella Bordeaux. Although this is the first book under Kelly Elliott's pen name Bordeaux, it's not this author's first rodeo in the book world. Elliott has been wowing fans for sometime in the new adult and contemporary romance genres. So, it wasn't a far fetch to scale it back and deliver a YA novel to add to her reader fan base. But could she still deliver her trademark reads minus the steamy sex scenes?
I'm happy to tell you yes. Whether Elliott writes as Bordeaux or herself, her story is every bit as captivating as it has always been, her characters as loveable, and her writing style just as addictive.
In Beautiful, Elliott gives us the story of a young girl traumatized by a family friend living in small town Texas. To say Skyler has it rough in high school would be an understatement. It isn't until Wyatt moves to town that Skyler is worthy of love.
My only criticism of this book would be that Wyatt is too good to be true. High School quarterback, hot new kid in school who never glances at another girl and is utterly romantic, patient to the core might be a bit more than your average boy in high school. But that's why we love our book boyfriends right? Elliott gives us yet another man to swoon over with Wyatt. His patience and love make not only Skyler but the reader fall in love with yet another one of Elliott's men.
With all that said, Elliott or Bordeaux rather, is well on her way to another successful venture this time as a YA novelist. I can only dream of what she will conquer next.
Profile Image for Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG).
852 reviews11 followers
May 29, 2016

5 Stars!

Oh man... really? Watch out for the cliffhanger at the end because it totally just left me yelling at my kindle! I can't believe it, and I don't want to believe it! There is no way my all consuming, heart warming, smile splitting, hot as heck Wyatt could do such a thing. Man... I fell in love with him, and I hope to still be in love with him after I get my needy hands on book 2. Hmm... I wonder how long I have to wait? As you can tell, I really liked this story. It started off in high school and ended in college. It's crazy to think how mean girls can be in high school. It really makes me happy I don't have any! My heart broke for Skyler and everything that she endured during her senior year. The filth she had to deal with was so sad. I'm so happy that Wyatt came around and was able to bring her happiness and tear down her walls. Seeing Skyler let loose for once and enjoying life again was nice. When the song Beautiful came on, at that special moment, it was perfect! So perfect it brought tears to my eyes. Every time I hear that song now, I'm going to be thinking of this book! I also loved her best friend Michelle who was her brother's girlfriend.. Their conversations always had me cracking up. Especially when Michelle would tell her about her sex life! Skyler was constantly gagging, and I was constantly laughing! Skyler's mom also had some funny comments that got my smiling! I am looking forward to reading book 2 because I am dying to know what is going to happen with all the characters! I have to admit, I'm a little nervous, but sooo excited at the same time!


~ Juls
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
498 reviews53 followers
June 7, 2016
Beautiful is the phenomenal debut YA novel by Kelly Elliott, writing under the pen name of Ella Bordeaux. Elliott has been swooning us with her writing abilities since 2012, and her young adult style is just as swoonworthy and fabulous.

From a gut wrenching first chapter to the very last page, Beautiful will have you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book touches on on bullying, a growing problem that is far too common amongst teens and young adults. It's a story of hope, of being strong, and being yourself.

Wyatt's character is strong and solid, the ideal "bring home to your parents" kinda guy. He marches to the beat of his drum. He doesn't allow anyone or anything to influence his decisions other than his own observations. A perfect role model. He loves hard and fiercely and he's got his eyes on Skylar.

After a tragedy changes Skylar's life, she kind of prefers to stay in the shadows and not bother with many people. She is a true example of strength. When Wyatt comes walking into her life, she becomes the center of attention again.

Will Skylar be able to handle to mounting attention? Will Wyatt's love and support be enough to get her throughthe challenging times headed her way? And can their relationship overcome the hardest battle of all?

I adored this book and absolutely can't wait for the conclusion, Forever Beautiful, which is expected to be released later this year. So yes, Beautiful does end on a bit of a cliffy, but its not horrible. Go forth and 1 click...you wont be disappointed.

http://amzn.to/22MloYD
Profile Image for Julie Kirby.
921 reviews13 followers
May 25, 2016
Well I never..........

What a great story, although it had a difficult story matter, which was dealt with in an impeccable way, it certainly keeps you all in... not wanting the book to finish, but wanting to know what happens...

Skylar, what a heck of a situation to be in, Brothers best friend, totally taking advantage of the situation, she would never have seen that coming. Also the dreadful treatment and bullying she endured as a result.

Oh Mr McDreamy, Wyatt, for someone so young, he came across as someone so much more mature that his years. But his age and inexperience does show through occasionally.

Their first meeting held a very strong connection, even though Skylar was very apprehensive about the 'new boy' and who can blame her after everything she has been through.

Wyatt was a real sweetheart, who saw Sky for WHO she was and not what everyone told him she was. I was so happy for Sky to be getting such positive attention. He really helped her to overcome the hurt she had been feeling. They both have very loving families, who'd do anything for them and I'm glad her family were all behind Wyatt.

Ahh Prom night, so beautiful.

I was really feeling all the 'feels' for the both, especially when the truth finally came out, Sky really handled it with such grace and pose.

Hmmm... College ..... They were both settling into college life quite well, but Sky's demons were coming back at full force, poor girl. Loved that we got to meet Skip, Sky's big brother.

Wow what an ending.... please please can we have Forever Beautiful --- Like NOW!
Profile Image for Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction).
646 reviews71 followers
June 8, 2016
While this may sound trite... Ella Bordeaux's Beautiful is an absolutely Beautiful story.

High School can be a cold, hard and unforgiving place. Unfortunately that is the world that Skylar lives in. She made it through an awful experience only to have lies spread about her. People whispering, bullying, shunning her - this is now her life. Instead of the many friends she used to have her world has narrowed down to one and her brother. Enter in new boy Wyatt. Gorgeous, football player and has a mind of his own! Does it get any better than that? He doesn't pay one bit of attention to the rumors flying around about Sklar. She intrigued him from the moment he saw her and he was determined to get to know her.

Wyatt and Skylar... so absolutely perfect together. Watching their interactions was so heartwarming. Seeing Skylar open back up after everything she endured filled me with such hope. And Wyatt's thoughtful gestures just warmed my heart.

There is some sensitive subject matter that is covered in Beautiful. But Ella Bordeaux handled it both with class and realistically. It is important to remember how often these issues really occur. And the fact that she didn't shy away from portraying the ugly aftermath, yet also painted a beautiful story of hope shows the depth and skill of her writing.

Skylar and Wyatt's story is NOT done! And I cannot wait to see how the rest if their story unfolds!

I definitely recomend this beautiful story!

I received a complimentary copy of Beautiful in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Dulce.
128 reviews33 followers
January 2, 2017
ASfthjfkdfk. What kind of cliffhanger is this?!!
Admittedly, the book felt slightly dragged which raised my expectation that it would end on good terms, but NO. It had to end right when things were getting hyped.

Let me clarify that this book is pure drama. All about love, high school, family, friends, etc. Starting off with the unfortunate and dreadful moment when Skylar got raped by her big brothers best friend. No one in the town of Texas believed her side of the story until Wyatt who came from New Mexico was immediately captivated by Skylar's beauty and was more than willing to get to know her better and hear hee side of the truth. Wyatt is insanely attractive, charming, athletic, and sweet; basically, he is the guy of Skylar's dream.
Skylar felt insecure about Wyatt's feelings for her from the shunning comments and words that tormented her in high school and the degrading rumors that spread about her. Not soon enough, she also accepted her feelings for Wyatt are mutual but drama persists to crumble their relationship.
The title for this book is too cliche. I gave this 4 stars becuase the characters are entertaining and depite the fact that every chapter it takes turns from Wyatt's and Skylar's perspective, they fill you in with details about one another that make you gush over them. However, there is so much jealousy here. I'm not sure what to make of this.
Profile Image for Heather Carver.
603 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2016
I freaking LOVED this book!!! It was hard to believe it was a YA book!! I was a little shocked at the ending. I NEED book two immediately.

Skylar is dealing with stuff that no one should have to deal with let alone a teenager. She can't wait to graduate college and move away. She never expected the new guy in town would help her survive the rest of high school. She didn't think he'd stand by her side after the rumors flew.

Wyatt is to die for. He's the boyfriend that parents wish for their daughters. He has a heart of gold. He wants Skylar and he isn't afraid of what other people think. He forms his own opinion before he decides what to do. He also doesn't let what others think about him affect what he does. He follows his heart and what he wants.

This book had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was sneaking away to read this book. I couldn't read it fast enough. Now that the end is here I want to cry that I don't have book two right now. There has to be some sort of misunderstanding!! I will be downloading Forever Beautiful as soon as it goes LIVE! I can't miss out on how this series is going to go. I can't wait to see more from Michelle, Mitch and Skip also.
Profile Image for MegL.
922 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2016
First please take the warning at the bottom of the synopsis seriously. Certain parts of this book may be too graphic for teens under 16.

When he first saw her, he knew he was in the presence of an angel. Wyatt knew instantly that he needed to know everything about her. To understand the reasoning behind the sadness in her eyes. Constantly being faced with her past through the rumors going around her school, Skylar hasn’t truly been happy. After meeting Wyatt, she felt like she was finally living again. Until the bullying gets worse and her past resurfaces in the worst possible way.

My heart hurt for Skylar. To be shunned by everyone in her community after what she went through yet still find the strength to push forward was something I truly admired about her. I loved the support system that she had at home. I liked how Wyatt stood up for Skylar when he hardly even knew her. He didn’t judge her based on her past, just embraced who she was in the present. It was sweet how he took the time to build a friendship with her instead of trying to rush into something more. I thought the writing was pretty good though it seemed a little rushed in some areas. The ending definitely took me by surprise. So not cool!! I can’t wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Holly Craft.
76 reviews8 followers
Read
June 9, 2016
The title says it all.. Beautiful

Wow what an amazing debut novel from Ella! She definitely knocked it out of the park with the YA genre. It makes you feel like you're back in high school all over again. It makes you think of all the ugly things that goes on but then also the beautiful things as well.

For Skylar it's all about the ugly until a certain hottie comes into the picture. Skylar was dealt with a crap hand of things and the rumors in high school makes it even worse. Then Wyatt shows up in town and her school and he instantly feels that connection to her, he's just drawn to her. He plays football so of course he with the "in" crowd automatically and they warn him about Ella. Wyatt of course doesn't believe those rumors so he sets out to have Ella trust him. Ella of course has a hard time trusting people.

This is such a beautiful journey that these two take on. It's definitely a bumpy one but oh so worth it... until the end when it ends in a cliffhanger so be aware! I know a lot of people aren't fond of those but it's truly a wonderful story about young love you don't want to miss. Hoping that the next story will be out soon!
Profile Image for Kristy.
781 reviews
August 14, 2016
I know three stars doesn't seem like a great rating, but I did like it. It just didn't bring anything new to the YA genre that really stood out. I liked Skylar, her best friend, one of her brothers, sometimes her other brother, and her parents. Wyatt was a good guy, but just too sugary sweet and unbelievably good.

Overall, there is a tragic event in Skylar's life, which is followed by bullying. Then once she has someone good in her life, everyone tries to sabotage it ...lots of misunderstandings, miscommunications, etc. Those things wear me out after a while. Just communicate, people!!

Side note: I don't know if kids are just meaner in general these days, but I went to a pretty large high school and back then there were no digital cameras, cell phones, etc. If someone had an issue--especially girls--punches were thrown and hair was pulled lol. Those were the days!

It does have a cliffhanger ending (I knew this going in, because I met the author at a book event and she told me upfront that it did), and I definitely plan to read the sequel.
162 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2016
Beautiful is a great YA Book. It deals with tough situations that are sadly too common these days. What I like most is the realness of the story. You can totally see yourself as Skylar and feel her pain she lives with everyday. Wyatt (swoon) enters the scene and changes her whole outlook on life. He makes her feel again and see the future again. Now, just like real life, nothing ever comes easy. Skylar and Wyatt face a lot of obstacles in addition too what has happened to her in her short life. The secondary characters, both the good ones and bad ones are written very well and I wanted to high five, slap, junk punch and kiss them all at the same time. While the ending of the story is a little cliffy please know that your not totally dangling. If you really take in to account everything that happens in the story you will know in your heart that it is only additional obstacles and they will overcome in their own way. Totally recommend #ReadOn
98 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2016
This YA debut novel by Ella Bordeaux (Kelly Elliott's pen name) is a must read for anyone of any age. Although the book takes place in high school, it deals some very tough situations that unfortunately are all too common and made the main character Skylar grow up far too soon! Through actions, not of her own, she was made to suffer the consequences and backlash resulting in her ultimately feeling like an outcast...until she meets Wyatt. Refusing to believe the rumors, Wyatt makes it his mission to truly get to know Sky. In getting to know her, he sees the special girl she is and wants her to realise just how BEAUTIFUL she is.

Will her classmates stop fuelling the viscous rumors? Will Sky accept she is worthy of happiness despite her past? Will the sheild around her heart crack and let love in?

This book does end in a cliffy but Ella will give us book 2 Forever Beautiful Oct. 11th, 2016.
Profile Image for Jennifer Sons.
403 reviews18 followers
June 7, 2016
The one thing I love about YA books is the honesty & raw emotions a lot of them have. This one did NOT disappoint in at all! It's a beautiful story of second chances, friends, enemies & love! I just wanted to jump in & hug Skylar so many times!

Skylar is in high school & has went through something that is VERY real but no one should ever go through! The whole school turns against her until HE walks in the school. Wyatt is amazing! He sees the real Skylar. He wants to get to know her! They have to endure real obstacles & having a teenager myself, I see this stuff every day! It's raw & real! Kids can be so cruel & this book highlights the good, bad & ugly!

I can't tell you how much I loved this book! It's definitely in my top 5 books this year! It has a bit of a cliffhanger but nothing that you can't live with! It just makes me want to read more from this author! Amazing job!!
Profile Image for Michelle Ballard.
365 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2016
After one night of something Sky didn't want she turned into the outcast of the town and school. This is her last year in high school and she is so excited to get it over with so she can finally leave this town behind her and never look back. That was until he showed up in the office one day..... Wyatt is moving from New Mexico to play football in a Texas high school to get noticed by the college scouts. This high school needs a good quarterback and that is what he is a damn good quarterback. When Wyatt is in the office getting all his paperwork straight with his parents the most beautiful girl comes in and starts talking with the office lady. Wyatt just hopes he gets to see her again, and what do you know they have a few classes together.. Will Wyatt still be interested in Skylar even after he finds out her past??
Profile Image for Laura Berry.
170 reviews
June 14, 2016
I just knew I would love this book as I am a huge fan of Kelly Elliott.
I was hooked from start to finish and didn't want to put it down. I read this book in a couple of hours.

It really was beautiful. The title was perfect.
I loved Wyatt and Sky's relationship. It was understandable why she pushed him away based off of everything that she had been through after a very traumatic experience. This left me wondering how people could be so cruel towards others.

Wyatt was perfect for her. He never let what anyone said influence his feelings towards her, like others did.

That ending though! I wasn't expecting it to end on a cliffhanger so all readers should be warned, however, I'm hoping it not as it seems and Wyatt hasn't done what we all think he has. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
Profile Image for Gienelle.
91 reviews
June 26, 2016
Loved the book and everything in it except Wyatt. He's a good guy but too much. He's too good to be true and I know he's only fictional but I think that's the point he's only fictional yet his character is too good to be true.

"That was when it happened.
Leaning over, Wyatt kissed my forehead and whispered, “Good night, my beautiful angel. Dream about me.”
I was pretty sure, in that moment, the walls around my heart collapsed.”


See?? Who fckin does that. He's like made of cheeseballs with full of fluttery punchlines and flowery words and I want to punch him hard in the face. Ugh *rolls eyes*

Love the storyline, hate Sky's past. Love Michelle, hate Jenny (this bitch is the queen of all bitches). Love the cliffhanger, hate Wyatt. Skylar defo needs a new man in his life and I loved how there's justice for Sky. People like Charlie should beat the hell out and rot in jail forever
Profile Image for Lisa Callen.
101 reviews
June 21, 2016
'Beautiful' by Ella Bordeaux is a story about a young woman who goes through hell by the hands of some bullies at her school.

Skylar was a happy young woman until that fateful night with her brothers best friend that changed her life forever.

Wyatt is the new man on town. He instantly takes an interest in Skylar.

The bullies don't like this and make Skylars life miserable and they are determined to split them up.

They make it through high school and the bullying and they go to college to start their happily ever after. But currently destiny is against them.

Ella Bordeaux is the pen name of Kelly Elliott. She has done an amazing job on this book and I can't wait for the next book - Forever Beautiful.
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