A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen

Nov 21, 2017 Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance

3.5 STARS

I let all the air slide out of my lungs. When his scent rides in on my next indrawn breath, I let go for the first time in a long time.

This was a new to me author that hooked me with the blurb. I'm a sucker for a good rocker romance, especially if it has quirky writing and humor to beat. After finishing, I can tell you three things:
1. This author is clearly immensely talented and I'll most definitely be checking out all of her future releases.
2. The plot was incredibly uniqu ...more

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Dec 21, 2017 Kaylin (The Re-Read Queen) rated it really liked it

Shelves: almost-great, romance, new-adult

3.5 Stars

Confession time?

I only read this because I used to read Hazen's fan fiction.

Scratch that-- I pre-ordered this book because I used to read her fanfiction. I have never preordered a romance in my life. But the stories Hazen wrote for The Vampire Diaries fandom (still listed on Goodreads!) were some of the strongest 'amateur' fiction I've ever read.

All that meaning? I had high expectations for this. Some of them were met, and some weren't.

Something I was completely satisfied with was t ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 ☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ rated it it was amazing

I give this book 5 out of 5 Head Banging Stars! I just loved this hilarious and rock worthy romance! Jera was absolutely hilarious and just my type of girl!
She was in a rock band and had a hilarious sarcastic attitude. Jacob was just the perfect guy and totally swoon worthy!
This book was hilarious, had a great plot, fantastic characters, sweet romance and had rock n roll, all that made a rock chick like me have the happiest of feels!
I loved this story and think it was well written. I highly reco ...more

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Feb 07, 2018 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

4.5 stars

A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is my first book by Michelle Hazen, but it won’t be my last. While it had a bit more angst than I normally like, the characters drew me in and their crazy, mixed up lives kept me there. This is a new adult story with a twist because while the characters are 20 and 21, the problems they face and decisions they must make are way beyond their years. I loved the gritty side of this story because it felt real, every day people’s lives are changed forever sometimes i

4.5 stars

A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is my first book by Michelle Hazen, but it won’t be my last. While it had a bit more angst than I normally like, the characters drew me in and their crazy, mixed up lives kept me there. This is a new adult story with a twist because while the characters are 20 and 21, the problems they face and decisions they must make are way beyond their years. I loved the gritty side of this story because it felt real, every day people’s lives are changed forever sometimes in a good way and sometimes not and you can either roll with the punches or lay down and give up, these two roll but not without it taking its toll on them personally. I loved their resilience, I loved that they made mistakes but were big enough to own them, and I loved watching them grow as the feelings between them intensified.

Jera McKnight is a young woman, a drummer in a grunge/rock garage band playing small gigs in Portland, daughter of a former rock star, college student by day, bartender by night, and best friends with one of her male band mates. After a few romances gone bad in particular one a year and a half ago, Jera has decided that her making her bad a success is all she needs because men don’t understand her enough to stay and then Jacob Tate throws her morning paper through her window and her life is changed forever.

Jacob Tate is well known on campus for giving up his baseball scholarship following a family emergency last year. Working more jobs than even he can keep count of to keep a roof over his head and pay his tuition, the last thing Jacob needs is a woman in his life but something about Jera calls to him and he can’t help but pursue her even when she makes it clear all they can ever be is friends.

I don’t want to ruin this story for anyone because the way it unfolds kind of took my breath away. I will say that Jacob is good at helping Jera see she deserves someone in her life that puts her first and he is more than willing to be that guy. Jera’s band in on the cusp of being discovered which leads to some big decisions that have to be made adding to the stress in her life with her band mates and her manager father. Jacob is juggling way more than any young man should ever have to juggle and I won’t say more but suffice it to say my admiration for him grows with each page. These are two very busy young people with a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, but somehow they manage to carve out moments of time to really get to know one another as friends, as confidants, and eventually more.

If you are wanting a wham bam sex filled new adult book, A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is not for you, but if you want a book that builds a relationship while slowly unveiling each and every piece of the character’s lives and written in a way that makes the reader feel every emotion then look no further, this is the book for you. I’m sold on this author’s unique storytelling and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

...more

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Dec 03, 2017 Brandy Roberts rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed A Cruel kind of beautiful with a story line that had me anticipating every page and characters that intrigued me to the point were I wanted to know their stories the things they let no one see . The way Jera and Jacob met in such a meet cute kind of way that had me laughing while also silly grinning . Jera is dealing with a lot of Insecurity thanks to her ex she hasn't felt anything for the male population until one hottie that blushes no less breaks her window , she's also a ve ...more

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Dec 03, 2017 Marie Vasquez rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs-reviewed

I just love taking a chance on a “new to me author” and falling in love with their stories. This is my first from Michelle Hazen and I totally loved it. I thought it was going to be a typical rock star romance, but it turned out to be much, much more.

Her characters were totally relatable and I fell in love with them almost instantly. Jera is a quirky almost neurotic chick with dreams of making music that speaks to people. She and her two band mates have a great friendship and share the same int ...more

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Oct 08, 2017 Heather Fleet rated it it was amazing

So much love for this book. Review to come.

*Update*

It's been a few weeks since I've finished this book, and man...I STILL can't stop thinking about it. There is so much to love about Jera's character. She's not only a sassy rocker girl, but a heroine that you can totally hang with if she were real. She's incredibly relateable, in other words, so much so that I wanted to jump into the pages and hug her. It's a sucky deal what she goes through, (no spoilers here, people) but what I love the most, ...more

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Nov 30, 2017 Tori rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, coming-of-age, e-book, humor, kick-arse-heroine, family, series, review-for-smexybooks, romance-contemporary, dirty-talk

Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/11/review-...

Favorite Quote: “Men are like beautiful agents of Satan, spreading insecurity and misery throughout the world.”

Jera McKnight has a full plate with her indie band, college, and work. Wholeheartedly embracing celibacy after her last boyfriend blamed her for his performance issues in the bedroom, Jera is definitely not on board with the gorgeous man who just threw a newspaper through her living room window.

Jacob Tate has his ow ...more

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Nov 24, 2017 Isha Coleman rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads, netgalley

Insecurity is a subject that faces everyone at one time or another. Strength of character lies not in the possessions a person obtains but in the wisdom that helps them become who they were meant to be. A Cruel Kind of Beautiful travels the pathway of raw sensuality and courageous bravery. Whether it be learning to face fears or helping to dry away those rainy day tears, Ms. Hazen keys in on the emotions that make a person tick and strikes a chord to the heart.

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Sep 21, 2017 Reads & Reviews rated it it was amazing

I’m always on the lookout for a good rock & roll romance. When I read a rock & roll romance I expect the music to be a character, not a prop. Don’t just give me a character that happens to be a musician. I want to feel the music through the characters, know why they play, see how, without the music, they only half exist. With Cruel Kind of Beautiful, Michelle Hazen does that and more.

Cruel Kind of Beautiful is book one in Hazen’s Sex, Love, & Rock & Roll trilogy featuring the band members of The I’m always on the lookout for a good rock & roll romance. When I read a rock & roll romance I expect the music to be a character, not a prop. Don’t just give me a character that happens to be a musician. I want to feel the music through the characters, know why they play, see how, without the music, they only half exist. With Cruel Kind of Beautiful, Michelle Hazen does that and more.

Cruel Kind of Beautiful is book one in Hazen’s Sex, Love, & Rock & Roll trilogy featuring the band members of The Red Letters, a post-grunge rock band out of Portland. I loved that she chose to start this promising trilogy with a female drummer, because how often does that happen? Jera McKnight is at the center of Cruel Kind of Beautiful, her quirky nature and lyric-filled soul driving the story from beginning to end. She’s that friend that you can hang out with while listening to music and eating your weight in ice cream. But, Jera has some issues (who doesn’t) and even as her music career looks like it’s taking off, her personal life looks grim. Enter Jacob Tate.

Jacob Tate is that guy. We all either know him or want to know him. He’s handsome, funny, he blushes, he’s caring and patient and sexy as hell. He meets Jera and almost from the start knows she’s the one. Only problem is Jera has sworn off relationships and friend-zones him. Did I mention that Jacob is patient? Watching Jacob wear Jera down is not only fun, but it’s sweet and feels real. There’s no over the top drama, just a guy who likes a girl (who secretly likes the guy). Hazen writes the scenes of them together and falling in love as if she looked into the minds of her readers.

Here’s why I loved Jera: she is easily anyone of us. She had a crappy boyfriend in high school that left her with enough insecurities to fill a book. Each relationship since then has just reinforced her belief that she isn’t good enough. It affects her entire life from her relationship with her parents to her inability to have an orgasm. Sound familiar? Except for her best friend, Danny (who just happens to be The Red Letters’ bass player) she doesn’t trust anyone enough to really be herself. Even when a major record label wants to sign The Red Letters, Jera can’t get past the thought that this is her only chance at success. At times I wanted to thump her on the head, but I always understood where she was coming from.

The secondary characters in Cruel Kind of Beautiful are fantastic. Danny, Jera’s best friend, could almost be classified as the third side of a love triangle with Jera in the middle. Friends since 8th grade, Jera and Danny couldn’t be any closer, though their relationship isn’t remotely sexual. He’s her person, the one she trusts, the one she writes music with, the one she depends on. He’s quiet but always paying attention and you know that there’s something simmering below the surface. I admit, I fell in love with him. Jax, The Red Letters’ lead singer and guitarist isn’t as fleshed out, but Hazen does a great job of conveying his insecurities despite his talent and good looks.

All of these things make for a fantastic read, but it’s Jera’s belief that she’s frigid and her inability to have an orgasm that makes this book standout. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve read a romance that tackles this and I can’t understand why as statistics show that it’s an issue for women. While I wouldn’t say Cruel Kind of Beautiful is a textbook for orgasm, I will say that Hazen hits on key elements of getting there: trusting your partner and getting out of your head. Kudos to her for bypassing the “orgasm for everyone” that we typically get in our romance books which, as much as I enjoy that fantasy, can leave readers feeling like they just don’t measure up.

5 stars for Cruel Kind of Beautiful. Heat level: 3

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback. ...more

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Nov 15, 2017 Kelly rated it it was amazing

What a gem! Hazen's characters are refreshing and real, the music and banter and rippling sexual tension absolutely perfect. I read this book hungrily until the last page. ...more

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Dec 11, 2017 Jody rated it it was amazing

Shelves: new-adult, contemporary, opposites-attract, recurring-series, rock-star-romances, romances-with-kids

As a reader obsessed with rock star romances I found myself charmed by this character-driven romance set amidst the backdrop of a rock band’s early rise to fame. Issues of self-esteem, accepting obligations, and all the expected ups-and-downs young rockers face in an attempt to not sacrifice their creativity for promised shots at fame abound in this compelling read. With a romance that builds slowly and satisfyingly it all leads to an ending that had me cheering and hopeful for the next installm As a reader obsessed with rock star romances I found myself charmed by this character-driven romance set amidst the backdrop of a rock band’s early rise to fame. Issues of self-esteem, accepting obligations, and all the expected ups-and-downs young rockers face in an attempt to not sacrifice their creativity for promised shots at fame abound in this compelling read. With a romance that builds slowly and satisfyingly it all leads to an ending that had me cheering and hopeful for the next installment.

Jera McKnight comes from musical genes as her father had his own brush with music fame before it all slipped away. While she wants to forge her own musical path she still feels the pressure of trying to reach the heights he never did and with him as their band’s manager the pressure is ever-present. While she’s finding some success in the music world, it’s her love life that’s suffering. After her most recent break-up where she was made to feel as though she were the problem and that her inability to orgasm led to him feeling emasculated, she’s sworn off relationships. The moment she makes that decision though is the moment she meets a young man who tempts her beyond reason and has her struggling even more with her self-image in an attempt to feel worthy of him. It’s a rocky road to romance that sometimes left me frustrated by her actions as she jumped to conclusions while assuming the worst. She let her fears rule her in matters of the heart and became her own worst enemy as she put pressure on herself where none was needed. She’s strong-willed in so many ways but when it comes to trust and love it’s clear she’s a bit leery. Luckily for her, the man whose heart she’s been captivated by never gives up on her on their way to a sweet and sexy HFN romance.

Jacob Tate was once the star of the baseball team, the young man every girl wanted and the one every guy wanted to be. The day his parents died though is the day everything changed, the day he discovered what his real priorities are, and became a responsible man despite his young age. For him, life became all about his siblings and work, until the day he sent a newspaper through Jera’s window. He’s instantly attracted to her but senses her hurt and proposes to move their relationship at a snail’s pace while they grow closer together and reveal mutual fears and insecurities. Jacob’s the quintessential book boyfriend. He’s sweet, sexy, and unwaveringly supportive. He’s devoted to his family and sacrifices much to see those he cares about happy. He doesn’t like lies and asks for nothing more than the truth from Jera and her belief in his feelings for her and his dedication to their future. He’s extremely understanding and never pushes Jera for more than she can give until the day she pushes him away which forces her to finally start judging others on their own merits. Jacob’s a drool-worthy character, a delight with his words and deeds. He was the highlight of this story and has been providing nightly fodder for my dreams since I finished reading this book.

This is more than just your average rock star romance. It’s a tale full of heart and soul that gives ample time to Jacob and Jera and their fragile connection which pulled at my heartstrings and had me rooting for them from start to finish. Jera’s tired of changing for others and just wants to be loved for herself, while Jacob is the quintessential caretaker who longs to see Jera have faith in him. He thrives at taking care of others while she’s learned not to count on the men who have claimed to love her and it all leads to an intense relationship that was the driving force in this story. Together they’re a delightful couple with a connection teeming with sexual tension that didn’t come to fruition until late in the story in a scene that was sweet and scorching. Surrounding this larger-than-life main couple was a cast of equally memorable secondary characters who have me longing to see their stories told. Jera’s bandmates are a quiet support to her, sexy and mysterious, and they’re a formidable band as they stick up for each other and their vision when temptations arise. Danny’s the one in the band who fixes things, the one who keeps them steady, but he has his own disappointing past when it comes to love. He too has been made to feel unworthy and his heartache is palpable when he lets his true feelings show. There’s an air of mystery to him and I look forward to his story being told next. Jax is the lead singer, cool and confident, and is quite happy in the spotlight. He’s popular with the ladies and seems happy to be playing the field. Behind the bad boy rocker facade though lies a little boy with mommy issues. He too has never felt good enough and used his talent to get attention as a child which is why he’s so desperate to get fame now. For him, fame means love as that’s what his mother taught him long ago and his story has me equally intrigued. All these characters, with all their imperfections and foibles, make for a memorable story that pulled me in from the very start. I look forward to where life will take The Red Letters and recommend this book to fans of rock star romances looking for a bit of originality. ...more

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Dec 27, 2017 Jamie Ellis rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Awesome ending...

This book was good. Jera kind of made me mad though. Its called communication and trust woman!! Really loved Jacob I want one.....he is so worthy of a book boyfriend.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis

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Dec 05, 2017 Samantha rated it it was amazing

I've been following Michelle's work, through her kindle worlds books and other fanfiction, for a while, so I knew "A Cruel Kind of Beautiful" would be a special kind of amazing. It did not disappoint.

Jera is wonderfully flawed and genuine narrator with a humorous and biting narrative voice that lends this book a beautiful authenticity. Her insecurities about her love life and her artistic life tug at your heartstrings, they're so relatable. Jacob is everything a smart woman really wants in a ma ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 The Reading Realtor Michelle Diomede rated it it was amazing

A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen

I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC.

I loved this book! This author takes problems, real life problems, that no one likes to talk about and puts flesh and bones on them. Jera is so beautifully flawed. She’s an aspiring drummer and songwriter for an up and coming band. Jacob...how to describe Jacob. Yum is just to simple. I don’t want to give away any of this book, so you’ll just have to trust me, Jacob is a good guy. He’s everything that makes a woman sw ...more

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Sep 16, 2017 G.L. Jackson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

What's a girl to do when she believes with all her heart that she's terrible between the sheets? Swear off boyfriends forever, of course, and throw all her energy into her part-time gig as a drummer for an up-and-coming rock band.

Until she meets Jacob, a kind and conflicted engineering student formerly on the fast track to a career in baseball. Opposites attract in the best sort of way. What follows is an exercise in heat, patience, and learning the true meaning of trust.

A Cruel Kind of Beautif ...more

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Nov 10, 2017 Adele Buck rated it it was amazing

I don’t usually read New Adult - I’m a little too far past the age to be patient with people making bad decisions, and so much of NA seems to skew that way. With that out of the way, I loved this book. Jera was an especially relatable heroine: someone for whom sex and trust don’t come easy (and yes, the two are related in a very realistic way). Her past boyfriends have laid their lack of patience and experience at her door, thinking that sex should be turnkey-easy every time.

Enter Jacob, a guy w ...more

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Feb 10, 2018 Maria11 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Sweet read

A sweet read. Jera is a definite head case emo girl. I can relate though. She just wants to be good enough for everyone and doesn’t feel worthy not even with her parents. I think we all go through that at one time or another on our lives. Jera takes it to extreme and at times I want to punch her in the face.

Jacob is wonderful and he sure sucks up a great deal of crap from Jera. He is going through so much and Jera is in her own little head space.

The music stuff is interesting. Wish t ...more

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Dec 04, 2017 Faith89 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

copy received for honest review
This book caught my attention because Jera is a female drummer in a band
The book started off pretty good but slowed down somewhere in the middle. I liked the characters especially Jacob. He is a pretty good guy. He made a lot of sacrifices for his family. He was pretty amazing. Jera was a character that I often lost patience with. She had some issues that almost cost her happiness. I liked the story overall. The writing was pretty good. I look forward to reading mo ...more

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Aug 04, 2020 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/4/2020)! 🎁

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Aug 06, 2020 Michele rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So enjoyed this!

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Dec 10, 2017 Kristi Potter rated it it was amazing

Such an engaging read! This book was already in my rear view mirror by the next day and eagerly awaiting the next one. I loved basically every character in this book, Danny especially. Danny, the boy who the heart eyes emoji was invented for.

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Jan 26, 2018 poppy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was a really good read and I really enjoy it.Jera and Jacob were fantastic characters this book had me laughing at them at times and I really liked the chemistry between them, it was a super read and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Dec 18, 2017 J. R. rated it it was amazing

I was having trouble sleeping the other night and picked this book up. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Stayed up the entire night to read it. Michelle Hazen turns some of the common seen roles around and it is our female MC who is in a band on the verge of a career breakthrough. Jacob is a guy with a lot on his plate, and he is sweet and kind and I loved him so. Oh, and he was HOT. There is tons of sexual tension and the ending was perfection. Can't wait for the next one!!
...more

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Nov 07, 2017 Jezabell Girl rated it really liked it

Shelves: new-adult, arc-netgalley

Such a sweet romance that gave me all the feels ❤️

I was expecting an a-typical rock star romance but this was the complete opposite, telling the story instead of a young and upcoming band trying to secure a record deal. The story about the band is only part of the overall book theme though as this focusses mainly on two characters: Jacob and Jera who find themselves meeting, unexpectedly, and immediately feeling an attraction to one another. Jera is avoiding boys after a string of unfortunate at ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Silvia rated it it was amazing

Absolutely loved this book! Jera is a college student and the drummer in a band. She’s a total bad@ss on the drums but is filled with insecurities when it comes to men. Jacob attends the same college. He’s had to take on some major responsibilities after a tragedy. The chemistry between them was PERFECTION! I loved their banter. It hooked me from their first meeting! These characters were so real to me. Jacob was so mature about how he handled everything from his family to Jera. I can’t wait to ...more

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Nov 29, 2017 Obsessive Book Nerd Lauren rated it it was amazing

Let me just say, my two favorite romance tropes are rockstar and sports. A CRUEL KIND OF BEAUTIFUL was both. Now, to be clear, Jera and her band The Red Letters are trying to hit it big and Jacob due to unforeseen events, had to quit the college baseball team. But this book was just so fun and well written. Hazen wove a story about how "the one" loves all of you no matter what and I absolutely loved that about A Cruel Kind of Beautiful.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest re ...more

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Nov 30, 2017 Natalie Casey rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I'm so happy I read this! I absolutely loved this book! It was everything I wasn't expecting, and so much more than I could've wanted! This is a book with all the feels, a great story line, and characters who you can relate to. I love how Jera is portrayed, she's so relatable, and Jacob,,swoon!! 💖💖💖
I can't wait to read the rest of the series
I'm voluntarily leaving a review for this ARC ...more

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Dec 04, 2017 Faith89 rated it liked it

Shelves: arc-review, netgalley

copy received for honest review
This book caught my attention because Jera is a female drummer in a band
The book started off pretty good but slowed down somewhere in the middle. I liked the characters especially Jacob. He is a pretty good guy. He made a lot of sacrifices for his family. He was pretty amazing. Jera was a character that I often lost patience with. She had some issues that almost cost her happiness. I liked the story overall. The writing was pretty good. I look forward to reading mo ...more

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Aug 17, 2020 Brie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen
A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is a witty and sexy new adult trilogy that revolves around an up and coming indie band, The Red Letters. Author Michelle Hazen brings to her latest romance contemporary love, laughter, charm and a deep streak of vulnerability. She writes with authenticity in dealing with issues of self-worth, dealing with the price we pay for subjugating our needs to please others, and how do you ask for what you want in relationships and deali A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen
A Cruel Kind of Beautiful is a witty and sexy new adult trilogy that revolves around an up and coming indie band, The Red Letters. Author Michelle Hazen brings to her latest romance contemporary love, laughter, charm and a deep streak of vulnerability. She writes with authenticity in dealing with issues of self-worth, dealing with the price we pay for subjugating our needs to please others, and how do you ask for what you want in relationships and dealing with powerful agents.
Here is the down and dirty:
Jera McKnight, studying at Portland University, plays the drums and writes lyrics for her indie band. Living in the house she inherited from her grandmother, Jera is not interacting too deeply with life after her latest break up. Her luck with the opposite sex has stalled since her last boyfriend convinced her she is terrible in bed.
Jacob Tate was ‘the’ up and coming baseball star at her school until a family situation radically changed his plans. Now he goes to school part-time while working various jobs. Sweet and charming, Jacob has been dealt a rough hand but has shouldered the responsibility like a pro. A responsibility that has him not looking for anything permanent as he can’t handle much more.
From the first moment Jacob accidently throws a newspaper and breaks her front window, the chemistry between Jera and Jacob is clear. It is written with compassion, humor and authenticity.
Things ramp up when Jera’s band gets their shot at fame. A record company has heard their demo and asks for a meeting. This stirs up several issues with other members of the band. Jera has to decide if she’s finally willing to take a chance and play with the big boys.
Even with the serious undertones, I laughed throughout this entire book at Jera’s snarky outlook on her life, her friends, her family, and the new guy she just met.
Jera, at twenty-one, is still coming into her own. I love that she isn’t so damaged or burdened by emotional luggage that half the book is spent with her love interest acting as an impromptu therapist. Talented, determined, and intelligent, this is a woman who deserves the best and is well on her way to getting it. The issues behind her battered self-esteem needs addressing and Hazen chooses an issue that is very common to women but not talked much about it. She and Jacob click instantly but her fear of getting hurt again causes her to friend zone him right out of the gate.
The romance is slow to develop. Hazen gives Jera and Jacob ample time to get to know one another. Establishing a friendship before the added intimacy of sex, their chemistry is ripe with humor, hope, and sexual tension as Jera struggles to overcome her fears of failure. Jacob is almost too perfect, however, Hazen gives him a robust personality and just enough flaws to keep us from writing him off. His quiet nature and innate maturity is a good counterbalance to Jera’s more gregarious and edgy nature.
Jera’s friends and family are a huge part of her life and jump in with love and plenty of unwanted advice. Jera is self-aware with an edge as she internally debates the pros and cons of dating Jacob. I appreciated the time and effort Hazen spent showcasing Jera’s relationships with her family and friends. Jera’s very close to her parents while the bond between her and Danny, the band’s bassist and her best friend, is unbreakable. Besties since high school, Danny has always been there for her and when push comes to shove, he gives it to her straight.
I enjoyed reading Jera and Jacob’s story and can’t wait for book two. My only point of contention was Jacob and his situation. There were so many unanswered questions that I felt a little left out and manipulated. Regardless, Michelle Hazen has an engaging voice for NA and definitely an author to watch.
...more

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