Kinsley Moore and Lucas Graham make great friends. They make even better friends with benefits…
Kinsley Moore doesn’t believe in love. As an independent, self-determined entrepreneur, she has other things to worry about. Besides, she knows guys are incapable of commitment, so there’s no use getting close.
But when she meets Lucas Graham, her new landlord’s flirty, sexy son, she’s more than up for some casual fun.
Lucas is in no way looking for a relationship either, so when he’s offered a no-strings, strictly friends-with-benefits hookup with a beautiful girl, the opportunity is too good to pass up. He’s not able to give his heart away, so it’s perfect Kinsley prefers to keep emotions out of their arrangement.
Except when Lucas and Kinsley start to feel something more, their complicated pasts threaten to overshadow any chance they might have at a future together.
Can Lucas prove he’s capable of love? Can Kinsley believe she is enough?
**This book is for readers over the age of 18 due to strong
When she’s not making confetti as head honcho over at The Confetti Bar (theconfettibar.com), co-dreaming with creative women through Monarch Workshop (monarchworkshop.com), and blogging about her health & wellness journey going sugar-free at Simple Unsweet (simpleunsweet.com), Jessica loves to spend her nights getting caught up in imaginary worlds. She lives in central CT with her husband, Clifford, and the cutest cat EVER, named Curious. She loves colorful things, making people smile, things that smell good, and is obsessed with lemon water. And glitter. Lots of glitter. She also loves, well…love. (She’s a sucker for a sweet story.) You can check out what she’s up to at jshbooks.com and on Instagram (@jshbooks) Want to know anything else? Feel free to say hi at lovejshbooks@gmail.com!
This book had me wanting to savour every single word and wanting to race to the finish to see how it all ended at the same time. I love the friends-to-lovers trope and this book was a particularly indulgent treat. With its easy flow, fantastic chemistry and witty banter it hit all the right spots and was impossible to put down.
Usually when reading a book there is one character I love more than the other but these two were so evenly matched in wit and quirk that I fell in love with both with them. Kinsley was fantastic. Independent and ambitious without being so hard that you couldn’t see her softer bits. Lucas is successful and has an air of mystery without being dominating and his sweeter moments made all my squishy bits swoon. Together they seemed to jump off the pages.
Their chemistry was so hot, and though this book is relatively low on the angst-factor, there was still plenty of sexual tension to keep things exciting. I loved being inside Lucas’ head as he explored his growing attraction towards Kinsley. The losing battle he fought against his feelings and the shakey grasp he had on his control around Kinsley made everything that much hotter. And trust me, this book was hot enough already.
There are a host of loveable characters and a couple occurrences that had me full-on belly laughing. There were moments so hot it had me biting my lip and others so sweet I was smiling through the happy tears. As I said in the beginning: this book is a pure indulgent treat! I have one big criticism of this book though. I was just too damn short. Not because I felt I missed anything, but just because I wished I could spend more time revelling in Kinsley and Lucas’ romance.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
If you are a fan of friends with benefits trope, Crazy Beautiful by Jessica Serra Huizenga might be the book for you. Since this book was a very quick read, readers might enjoy the banter and chemistry between heroine and hero. I enjoyed this book but however I felt it started off a bit slow for me in the beginning and so I didn’t feel a connection to the heroine as I would have liked. Overall, a decent fun read.
A fun and enjoyable story with friends who became lovers. What is not to like?? Kinsley and Lucas started first as friends and their status next changed into lovers well a more complicated version of it cause rules say not to involve feelings. As you can see everything is pretty simple but what will happen when you can't control your feelings which start to grow for the other person??
Questions will be answered after you finish reading it, cause i'm not saying anything..so get into it I highly recommend it plus it has very enjoyable dialogues and some really steamy scenes will definitely raise the temperature and i'm hoping you will adore it as much as I did and of course i'm looking forward to the next novel the author will create.
Crazy Beautiful was a friends with benefits romantic comedy. It was a fun, steamy, sexy read. Kinsley and Lucas aren't looking for a relationship or anything too heavy. They agree to be friends who sleep together, that way no feelings get involved.
Kinsley has got her life together. She is a successful floral designer catering weddings, funerals, and christenings and has just moved into a cute cottage (owned by Lucas's dad). Lucas has just started up a capital investment company with his best friend Logan. He's only had one serious relationship and a handful of flings, but when he meets Kinsley, the attraction is obvious. The chemistry between them was off-the-charts steamy and they had an easy friendship full of banter.
Kinsley is scared having been burnt by her father and an ex-boyfriend. She doesn't trust easily or believe in love. But soon those pesky things called feelings start to develop between them.
Lucas and Kinsley were both great characters. The story isn't heavy on the angst and there isn't that much drama. This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading other books in the series.
Have I mentioned before my love of the friends to lovers trope?? How about my obsession with friends with benefits?? How about romantic comedies?? I know you're all well aware of these tropes and genres being akin to my crack...Crazy, Beautiful was like hitting my trifecta and I'm not even a betting woman... The premise here is simple really, two strangers meet, witty banter ensues, cue sexy times and *BOOM* they might just have found something neither of them knew they wanted, and therein lies the beauty of this delightful debut, because while the friends with benefits plot has been done copious times before, Crazy, Beautiful, was fun, sexy and witty, with enough angst to draw you in, and keep you turning the pages, nothing about this book felt overdone, nothing felt tired, the dynamic between Kinsley and Lucas captured my attention, the chemistry between them felt real and raw, their friends hijinks kept me giggling and I. COULD. NOT. PUT. IT .DOWN!!
Kinsley has her life together, she's started her own successful business as a floral designer for weddings, christenings, funerals and such, she's just moved into a place she can call her own, life is good, sure there's no men beating down her door, but she's content focusing on her career. Lucas is focused on his career too, after starting up a capital investment firm with his best friend, time is a commodity he doesn't seem to have much of, his company is going from strength to strength, he's played the field and sowed some oats but right now staying away from the fairer sex seems to be working for him. Their chemistry is undeniable and when the opportunity to explore the budding connection between them arises, a sure fire FWB deal seems like the way to go. As their physical relationship continues and their friendship grows stronger, soft touches, and sweet smiles come to mean more, until they can't deny that what they have is deeper than just sex.
"You're crazy"
"And you're beautiful."
Crazy, Beautiful was the perfect balance of sexy and sweet, it was funny and light while still tugging at your heart strings, everything about this book was enjoyable, I didn't want to put it down, and as I turned the last page, I couldn't help but hope that I hadn't heard the last of these characters, with their quirky and spirited friends. If you're looking for something light, fun and sexy, Crazy, Beautiful definitely won't steer your wrong.
full review to come on this amazing arc I received from the author!! she's an awesome storyteller! check her out!
2/15 This story brings together two people who think they do not need love but in the end discover that love can sneak up on you when you least expect it and will not be ignored once the heart finds who it wants. Jessica Serra Huizenga’s writing style flowed well and kept pace in this storyline. She writes with heart and humor and heat.
(Lucas) Now it’s my turn to play dirty. “When’s the last time you had sex?”
She looks up as if thinking about it before standing up straight. “I guess it’s been awhile.” She then looks me square in the eye before asking what turns out to be the game-ending question: “Want to help fix that for me, friend?”
And to think I didn’t want to come tonight.
This was a quick read that drew me in with the chemistry between not only Kinsley and Lucas but ALL of the characters. The best friends and the supportive father and co-workers… I look forward to MORE! It may be wishful thinking but it seemed to me like JSH left openings for additional stories for Kinsley’s BFF Kelley and Lucas’s BFF Ryan.
“Stick to casual hookups if you’re lonely and you won’t get hurt”
This was a delight to read, A Friends to lovers Romantic Comedy about two souls not wanting Love but finding in it anyway.
Kinsley and Lucas chemistry jumped of the pages, that felt real and raw it drew me in and I could not stop reading. I loved that we watched them start this crazy yet beautiful friends with benefits relationship and fall in love.
“it’s just sex Lucas. As friends. No strings. I’m not looking for a relationship”
I enjoyed all characters, the banter and laugh I am really looking forward more from this author. Cray Beautiful is a fantastic Lazy Sunday read, with a great cup of coffee never leaving the bed till you finish.
“You’re crazy “ “And you’re beautiful”
This was a low-angst drama, very Sexy and I mean sexy!!
‘ I’m comfortable, he positions himself between my legs and pulls me to the edge of the desk by the backs of my knees. He moves his right hand back up to grip my hip, and uses his left to guide himself inside me……’
Cute, funny a perfect “Ang Friendly” debut that I am glad I had the opportunity to read.
What is not to like about a friends with benefits relationship? Especially one that is so full of chemistry that you can't literally put it down? From the stand out cover to the attention grabbing synopsis, Crazy Beautiful will leave you wanting for more. Not having read other works by the author before, I was intrigued with the overall story and it didn't disappoint at all. At the beginning we get to meet Kinsley Moore, a self-determined entrepreneur who just signed a lease to her new house, one that she is eager to make a proper home/work space. Being a workaholic herself, Kinsley doesn't date much but a chance encounter with Lucas Graham changes everything. Their undeniable chemistry that brought them closer as friends, but it was evident right away that both of them wanted something more without the commitment part. It's Lucas that comes up with the plan to take their friendship to another level, but neither of them expected to feel so much more for one another. Now they'll have face their pasts in order to create a new future together.
I really enjoyed Lucas and Kinsley's chemistry, they both fit so well as a couple that it's hard to stop reading their funny and romantic scenes. The author did a good job creating a strong woman that knows exactly what she wants in terms of her career. What Kinsley lacks is the ability to have a life outside of work that we get more information on throughout the book. She has really fought her way to becoming the woman that she is today and that made her a very likable character. Lucas is a total sweetheart and hilarious! He is also very flirtatious and a workaholic who happens to know how to have fun. The minute he saw Kinsley, he knew that she was going to be his no matter what, and he made that happen. All in all, the story was sweet and full of steamy chemistry to keep you reading until the very end. I would highly recommend it! :)
***ARC provided as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.***
What an incredible Contemporary Romance debut for Jessica Serra Huizenga!! It’s not very often that a new-to-me author manages to capture my complete, unwavering attention from the very first page, all the way through the end of the book. Ms. Huizenga has gained a new, loyal fan here. I 100% loved everything about this book! The wittiness, the steam factor, the characters, the plot – everything!
“You’re crazy,” she says playfully. “And you’re beautiful.”
So about this wonderful book… Lucas and Kinsley were not looking for love or anything remotely close to it. They met and had an attraction to each other (I mean, both being attractive and all, who can blame them?) and became great friends. Then…their heavy attraction lead to them becoming friends with benefits. With both on the same page of not expecting anything more, nothing could go wrong right?
WRONG.
Silly them for thinking that they could just stay friends…with benefits. Ha. You see, they had an undeniable connection and chemistry that quite frankly sizzled off the pages. I could feel it. They both had suffered some heartache in the past that kept them from moving forward, but the more they spent time together, the harder it became to stay just friends.
I genuinely loved reading about Lucas and Kinsley and learning about each one individually. They were truly great characters and I enjoyed seeing them both grow and connect even more as I turned (or, uh, swiped) the pages. Lucas is what I would consider swoon-worthy without an ounce of a doubt. And Kinsley? Well, I usually have issues with female lead characters in books, but not with her. She was funny, down to earth, witty, and a well-rounded character.
The ending had to be my most favorite part!! Being a hopeless romantic, I can’t help but root for a HEA each and every time, and Lucas and Kinsley sure did deserve theirs! FIVE FANTASTIC STARS!! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series (standalone!).
Crazy Beautiful by Jessica Serra Huizenga, a new-to-me author, blew me out of the water with this book! I loved how the story flowed and the way the author develops the personalities of the two leads, making you fall totally in love with BOTH Kinsley and Lucas.
First, I love the friends to lovers storyline (though, it's probably more accurate to say friends-with-benefits) Kinsley doesn't believe in happily-ever-after love (with good reason) or that she will ever be "enough" for any man to want to spend the rest of his life with and Lucas has his own issues with relationships, not wanting to deal with what he saw his father go through after losing his mother, so after they meet and things progress, they enter into the "no strings attached, lasts as long as it lasts" arrangement...until they both start to have feelings!
"But this, right now, with Lucas? It's hard to describe, but it's as if he's holding me so close that all of my broken pieces are fitting perfectly back together."
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book! This is the first book I have read from this author, but definitely won't be the last!
This was one hell of an addictive read! Super sexy, sweet and funny; I found it impossible to put down!
Lucas and Kinsley were instantly attracted to each other and while neither of them could deny that attraction, they weren't willing to admit to themselves (let alone anyone else) that they could see potential for more. So they settled for a 'friends with benefits' deal.
Their witty banter, budding friendship and hot, sexy times make for a beautiful story, but it was their vulnerabilities and reluctance to put themselves out there that made these characters believable and heart-breaking. Love was something they both thought they could never have and so they avoided being honest about their true feelings. It made for one angst-ridden ride.
This well-written sexy and fun début left me wanting more! 4.5 sweet stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick easy to read romantic comedy. Love the development of the relationship between the characters. A real page turner. I won this book through Goodreads.
I received a copy of Crazy Beautiful from Jessica Serra Huizenga via Inkslinger PR in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
This was a really fun story to read from start to finish. I love how Kinsley and Lucas started off friends which then lead to friends with benefits and only one rule nothing serious. I love books like this I have a slight obsession with them. The chemistry between of these wonderful characters made me swoon and the sexy steamy scenes throughout topped it off for me. I loved everything about this book and I can't wait to see if the other characters we met in this book get their own books also.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Reviewed by Elizabeth from Kinky Kittens Book Blog
A beautiful story of two people who don't believe in love. So they end up having a friends with benefits type of relationship. Kinsley has secluded herslef form love and even friendship love with Kelley. She holds everyone at arms length until the handsome and irresistible Lucas rocks on up to her cottage. Lucas doesn't believe he's capable of loving someone, especially after his mother died. He vowed to never let himself get hurt like his dad did after her passing. But Lucas and Kinsley had the easiest relationship, witty banter, real friendship, understanding of each other.
I couldn't put this book down and I wanted to read it as fast as I could to see the outcome but in the same breath I didn't want it to end. I wanted more of Lucas and Kinsley. I even loves the side characters, especially Eli and Ryan.
I love the friends to lovers troupe and this is a pretty good example of a perfect way to transition from friendship to lovers to happily ever after!
Review of Crazy Beautiful - Jessica Serra Huizenga 3.5*
A short sexy, friends with benefits read.
We all need a man like Lucas in our Life. He is hot, confident , successful and can fix things. Unfortunately for woman kind he is a commitment phobe.
All of this changes when he briefly locks eyes with a sexy florist. Little does he realise that their paths will cross again as she is comically revealed as his fathers new tenant who he has been entrusted to look after.
What starts of as friends with benefits soon turns to more than they both expected. But will they admit their real feelings towards each other before it's too late.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting a light easy romantic read.
Friends to Lovers, Romantic Comedy, Witty Banter, Sexy scenes, YES PLEASE! This book has all of the above and more. Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine. I will read and devour just about any book with this trope. This one was definitely fun though and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in one sitting and still wanted to go back and read again afterwards. This was my first book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more.
This was a really great story. It was a cute boy meets girl type of story with both characters having painful pasts. We dont find out about Kinsley's past until the end, but find out about Lucas' a little earlier. I really loved the characters; they were so real in their emotions and dialogue I felt pulled into the story and found this one hard to put down. Great new adult romance!
First, can I just say, this cover! I love the vibrancy of the colors and patterns (and sexy intrigue!) What I found within the pages was all of the above, but more. It was also a story told with heart, meaning, and... fun! I love me a good romance, but am often left feeling a little wanting when the characters don't have depth. Not the case with Kinsley & Crazy Beautiful! I adored this book and if you want to join her journey through self-discovery, healing, and crazy love, pick up this book--also makes a great beach/summer read <3
I won a signed copy of this book and was excited to read it. This was a very quick read and only took me a few short hours to finish it. The writing style had an ease to it that made it easy to devour. I have been reading some intense books lately, so it was nice to grab something quick and light.
This book is about two characters, Lucas and Kinsley. The chapters are from both points of view which normally bothers me, but this flowed together nicely. I will say that I wish there was more to these characters. I feel some parts felt rushed and I would have liked to have more detail/development in certain areas. Overall, it was a fun read and I enjoyed both Lucas and Kinsley. I will definitely look at some more reads from the author.
Just when you think that you've read all of the friends with benefits genre novels, one will pop up and make you rethink it all. What I love most is that I also get to meet a new author in the process. Picking up Crazy Beautiful, I followed the story of Kinsley and Lucas as they try to 'scratch that itch' while keeping their hearts and emotions under lock and key. Considering they're friends, these two saw it as an opportunity to keep their friendship just as strong without the inconveniences and heartaches of a relationship.
4 breath taking dreams
I couldn't help laughing every so often at the antics between these two as they tried to toe around what was so obvious for us readers. I enjoyed watching them come to term with their feelings for one another and even those they wished they didn't have because of them. Jessica Serra Huizenga's writing style is one that kept me captivated from the very beginning and then wanting more from her. Ican't wait to see more from this author in the near future.
My first book by this author and I loved it. The character development was amazing and the plot kept me hooked from page one. Kinsley Moore and Lucas Graham are both a little broken. Kinsley has never been good enough for any man in her life and Lucas saw the torture his father went through over his mother, but neither can deny the attract toward one another. So, what do two perfectly sane people do? Friends with benefits of course, and what could possibly go wrong? I love broken characters who fix each other and love the tension that builds because of it. Jessica Serra Huizenga hit this one out of the park! I smiled and rooted for this couple the entire book.
Oh yeah, a friends with benefits book. Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways. Crazy Beautiful was a fun, flirty and sexy read. I pretty much grinned the whole way through it. I love watching characters stumble all over themselves like they do when they set rules in a relationship. It’s so much fun. This was the first book I’ve read of Huizenga’s and I have to say I was impressed. There was the right mix of humor, heat and drama.
Kinsley is determined, stubborn and independent. She’s got a sassy side and knows what she wants. She’s also broken from her past and knows she wants nothing to do with love. This leads her into a friends with benefits relationship with her landlord’s son. Lucas is charming, sexy and afraid to commit. He tried it once and it wasn’t for him. The witty banter between these two is fabulous and kept me giggling. And the chemistry was explosive (the desk anyone?). The character development was well done for a rom-com. Both Kinsley and Lucas had their own flaws, insecurities and strengths. And I loved the secondary characters as well. I love Lucas’ dad. Can I adopt him (I think I have a large adopted family by now…)?
This is definitely the perfect light and funny read. It has sweet spots and steamy spots, everything you could ask for in a rom-com. It is light on angst and drama. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. For more reviews, visit
ARC received for an honest review. Read & Share Book Reviews.
5 Beautiful Ranunculuses (say that 5 times fast. I dare ya!)
I am in LOVE with this Crazy Beautiful debut from Jessica Serra Huizenga! 110% in LOVE!!!! This book made my heart happy and my soul smile! Once I started I couldn't put it down! Captivated by the friends to lovers story line with it's sweet and sexy, well developed characters...*siiiiigh* OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE! If it was possible I'd grab this book and scrunch it's cheeks and give it a big ol kiss and maybe a little tongue and some coat room action. Now that's LOOOOOVE!
Kinsley has been through more than anyone her age should have to endure. Traumatic and heart breaking events from the past have forced her to erect a fortress around her heart. She's independent, self sufficient, and like hell if she needs a man or love to complete her. Love isn't in her vocabulary and her trust isn't easily gained.
"I hate to sound like such a cynic when it comes to love, but the truth is I just don't believe it really exists. At least not in any lasting always-forever-and-a-day kind of way."
Lucas has a hard time letting people in. He believes in love, but he's not in any rush to find it. Currently fresh out of a five year relationship he's on a no sex spree. Crazy.. right?! What sane 28yr old guy goes on a no sex spree? Yah.
Here's where the crazy starts heheheeh! 'I bet we could be friends--friends with benefits, even--and not let it get weird.' ...as if! lol
When Kinsley and Lucas meet, the attraction is undeniable, the sexual tension off the charts. They give each other a run for their money. With love and support from such great friends, they get some sense knocked into them and they're eyes opened from a new perspective.
Kinsley and Lucas sitting in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
'He has such a way of making me feel out of control, I figure the best way to counter that is to gain the upper hand. Ever since we met I felt some sort of connection, and, as crazy as it sounds, I already feel so comfortable around him. Like I can be myself. We can go from serious to joking to flirting in a matter of seconds and he doesn't seem to judge me. He rolls with it, which is refreshing and fun.'
A friends to lovers story chalked full of witty banter, sexy times, heart break, regret and a love so pure and strong it'll definitely stand the test of time. I cannot wait to see what Jessica has in store for us next!
Kinsley Moore and Lucas Graham make great friends. They make even better friends with benefits…
Kinsley Moore doesn’t believe in love. As an independent, self-determined entrepreneur, she has other things to worry about. Besides, she knows guys are incapable of commitment, so there’s no use getting close.
But when she meets Lucas Graham, her new landlord’s flirty, sexy son, she’s more than up for some casual fun.
Lucas is in no way looking for a relationship either, so when he’s offered a no-strings, strictly friends-with-benefits hookup with a beautiful girl, the opportunity is too good to pass up. He’s not able to give his heart away, so it’s perfect Kinsley prefers to keep emotions out of their arrangement.
Except when Lucas and Kinsley start to feel something more, their complicated pasts threaten to overshadow any chance they might have at a future together.
Can Lucas prove he’s capable of love? Can Kinsley believe she is enough?
**This book is for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and explicit sexual content**
Thoughts:
This story brings together two people who think they do not need love but in the end discover that love can sneak up on you when you least expect it and will not be ignored once the heart finds who it wants. Jessica Serra Huizenga’s writing style flowed well and kept pace in this storyline. She writes with heart and humor and heat.
(Lucas) Now it’s my turn to play dirty. “When’s the last time you had sex?”
She looks up as if thinking about it before standing up straight. “I guess it’s been awhile.” She then looks me square in the eye before asking what turns out to be the game-ending question: “Want to help fix that for me, friend?”
And to think I didn’t want to come tonight.
This was a quick read that drew me in with the chemistry between not only Kinsley and Lucas but ALL of the characters. The best friends and the supportive father and co-workers… I look forward to MORE! It may be wishful thinking but it seemed to me like JSH left openings for additional stories for Kinsley’s BFF Kelley and Lucas’s BFF Ryan.
I received this book for free from Goodreads for an honest review.
I have given Crazy, Beautiful 4.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Kinsley Moore is an independent woman who has made a great success out of her small business for floristry. Lucas Graham is a confident, successful man who has started up a capital investment firm with his best friend Ryan. Kinsley does not believe in love and Lucas is not looking for a relationship. But as soon as Kinsley and Lucas lay eyes on each other, it's an instantaneous connection you can feel between them that has flared. From then on, they can't keep their hands off each other (literally!). Trying to balance the friends with benefits deal and not letting your true emotions get in the way of lust is pretty hard. As their feelings start to develop, it's just a matter of time before one has to admit their love for the other, hoping that it won't ruin their friendship.
I loved this book, inside and out. I thought that the main characters connected well with each other, especially when it came down to their fun, flirtatious and witty ways. Some of the things Kinsley said made my jaw drop because I loved the confidence and control this woman was capable of showing.
The chemistry between Kinsley and Lucas was admirable. Oh! Don't get me started on the sex scenes, I was literally on the edge of my seat just reading over and over what was happening. It felt somewhat real and raw.
My reasoning for not giving this book 5 out of 5 stars was simply because I felt that the ending was cut too short and quick, with events I think should've taken another 50 or so pages to be explored more in depth but nonetheless I can't wait to see what's in store for the next book!!
Overall, I thought Crazy, Beautiful had a great balance of sexy, fun and sweet throughout the book, which will keep you from putting it down! I found it hard to stop reading (minus having to sleep and go to work). Definitely a great read for the late teen and adult readers of the world. Thank you Jessica Serra Huizenga for blessing me with such a wonderful read to the beginning of my 2016!
Crazy Beautiful is cute, fun, and heart-warming read. I knew from the first page in I was going to love this book, and I did. Not only do you fall in love with Lucas and Kinsley, but you fall hard for the secondary characters as well. By the end of the book I was so in love with Lucas, and I wanted to be Kinsely's best friend.
I can't begin to tell how much I enjoyed Jessica's writing style. She is definitely on my list of instant read authors. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book in the series.
Disclaimer: Slightly-biased review as I’m married to the author. ;)
This was my first romance novel to read and (from a guy’s point of view) was a great book!
What made the story so engaging was the narrative style. From chapter to chapter, the story’s narration flips between the two protagonists, Kinsley and Lucas. Reading the differences in narrative style and tone gives each character a truly unique voice—and ones that are believable and relatable. Seeing the story unfold from their points of view helps with understanding their thought process as they struggle with issues of insecurity and moving forward from their pasts, as well as their reasons for engaging with each other. And you genuinely enjoy the characters! You *want* them to connect closer, both figuratively and, um, literally. ;)
Unfortunately, since I have not read any other romance novels, I can’t compare to other books in the same genre. But friends, family and online reviewers/readers who have read this book as well with past experience in reading these types of novels say they LOVE it.
So, take this male-first-time-romance-reader’s word for it or find out for yourself. If you're looking for a story that hooks you in, give Crazy Beautiful a read.
Every find a new author you have never read before, and are so glad you gave them a chance? That is how I felt with this book! I loved every second of it. I laughed. I cried. I was happy and giddy. All key elements for me to really enjoy a story.
Kinsley moves to a new place to start her growing floral business. There she meets a sweet older man who she feels a connection too. He is her landlord, and when he is away he tells her to call his son if there is anything she needs. From the second she calls Lucas, the crazy starts. Here is where I laughed so hard I was crying. IS there a better way to make a first impression than with no pants on??
Lucas is all work and no play. He hasn't dated in so long, he forgot when his last actual date was. He doesn't have time for an non work related things. He is off to rule the world and isn't playing around.
When Lucas and Kinsley meet, there is an instant connection. There chemistry is crazy. They fit together perfect and balance each other. But, they decided to be friends with benefits.. because neither wants to admit that they are crazy about the other person.
I loved this story. One of the best I have read in a ling time. I am so glad I gave a new author a shot!
Well what to say. This was a very modern take on romance lit, at least in my opinion (avid period romance reader.) But this is in no way a bad thing. I really enjoyed characters that were actually well thought out and weren't just over the top. The main female was the perfect any-women, totally relatable and I know this may sound weird but the part were the main male asks about a condom and she was shes on the pill but they use the condom any way just makes my day. Its simple, and likely odd that I pointed it out but I shouted "yes" that the part. Any smart women worth her salt knows that no contraception is 100% and all I can say is "woohoo," one small leap for smart decision making. Now back to the review, I really enjoyed the sotry line though the putting a reference to the film The Notebook...really? And lastly steamy sex scene, check, flamable...not so much but it did totally fit with the "vibe" of the book. I will be passing the read onto my girl friends to be sure so I hope I get to read more of Mrs Huizenga's work, even if it isnt my regular cup of tea.