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A Life Less Beautiful
Ellis Hughes has loved the girl next door since he was ten-years-old. She was his sun, moon, and every visible star in a clear night sky. She was also his biggest regret.
When a terrible accident rips Ellis and Harlow apart, it shatters both their hearts beyond repair. More than a decade later, Ellis has paid his penance, but his regret still lingers, and the love he once harbored for his childhood sweetheart has never faded.
What Ellis believes has been destroyed forever, slowly comes back to life, only for a cruel twist of fate to intervene. Knowing he cannot live his life without Harlow in it, he faces the ultimate test of selflessness.
He must sacrifice his own heart to mend hers.
When a terrible accident rips Ellis and Harlow apart, it shatters both their hearts beyond repair. More than a decade later, Ellis has paid his penance, but his regret still lingers, and the love he once harbored for his childhood sweetheart has never faded.
What Ellis believes has been destroyed forever, slowly comes back to life, only for a cruel twist of fate to intervene. Knowing he cannot live his life without Harlow in it, he faces the ultimate test of selflessness.
He must sacrifice his own heart to mend hers.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2017
About the author
Elle Brooks
18 books440 followersHello...
I'm a little neurotic; I function on a tiny amount of sleep and a huge amount of caffeine. I love green skittles and have an irrational fear of stormy weather. When I’m not writing about super hot college guys, you can generally find me googling them...All in the name of research of course. I can be persuaded to do just about anything with the promise of a good book or a bottle of bubbles. Oh, and I also love to write.
I'm a little neurotic; I function on a tiny amount of sleep and a huge amount of caffeine. I love green skittles and have an irrational fear of stormy weather. When I’m not writing about super hot college guys, you can generally find me googling them...All in the name of research of course. I can be persuaded to do just about anything with the promise of a good book or a bottle of bubbles. Oh, and I also love to write.
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June 7, 2017
REVIEW CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON MY BLOG
👉 KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
A LIFE LESS BEAUTIFUL: Is a standalone Contemporary Romance Novel by Elle Brooks.This book is written in dual POV and smoothly transitions between Past to Present. This was my first book by this author but it most definitely won't be the last, she pulled so many emotions out of me so I'm keen to see if she'll do that again.
I'll try my hardest not to divulge any spoilers.
Ellis Hughs has been in love with the girl next door Harlow since he moved into the neighbourhood right beside her house since he was ten years old. She was his sun, his moon and the girl who hung the stars just for him. She was his everything. He can’t recall a time when his heart didn’t beat for her, it’s always been her.
We meet tomboy Harlow aged ten, who would rather hang out with her twin brothers and his friends to girls her own age any day, even if they were a lot older than her. Apart from one boy and his name was Ellis, he and her were the same age and freakier even still was they had birthdays on the exact same day.
They meet under unusual circumstances when the twins introduce her to their new friend, the boy who lives next door, not a good time to meet someone when you're holding a BB gun in your hand, and then to shooting him in the knee by accident.
That was the day I met my best friend, and it was many more years before I realised it was also the day I stumbled upon my soul mate.
The summer of 1994 saw the change in their blossoming friendship, this is when things started to change, stepping over that line of just friends to more.
First date
First kiss
First love
First sexual relationship
First heartbreak
PAST: She hasn’t seen Ellis for ten years until a wake of a town resident, both now in their thirties, he was sent to prison for a crime he committed. One snap decision that would change the shape of their lives forever. This is the first time they will see each other, will their love still be strong or did it die under lock and key?
MY THOUGHTS: This book was so beautifully written, you get all the feels and angst as they move up from the ages of ten to adult life to when they reconnect, where they try and heal, find their footing again, as lovers, or just ships that have sailed in the night. You get so caught up in their love, their story, and then the rug is pulled out from under you, it's brutal, it's heartbreaking, but it was written in the stars. Like a fish out of water I was left gasping at the finality of it all, an ending quite like no other.
I'm in turmoil with how this ended, I loved everything about this book up until the ending, I'm staying strong with my rating but if I was to factor that ending and how it ended I would rate lower, but because I'm taking the whole book in all it's entirety it's getting my 4 stars.
To sum it all up, I highly highly recommend this, the love these two felt towards each other pours off the pages, your heart beats in time to theirs, you may be on the outs looking in but you feel, live through every hurdle these two faced, they definitely will leave a stamp on your heart, a love like no other.
June 12, 2017
I'm not really sure how to rate this book. I liked writing very much but a couple of things really bothered me... But still pls do not mind my rating and give a chance this book. Who knows maybe you will end up loving it more than me? 😉😉
August 5, 2017
*****4.5 or 5 STAR*****
. . .I haven't decided yet. I will say that this was a fantastic read. It has everything you need for a 5 STAR read except. . .it ends on a fucking cliffhanger. There's no cliffhanger, it just ends. I'm emotional right now.
Review to come.
. . .I haven't decided yet. I will say that this was a fantastic read. It has everything you need for a 5 STAR read except. . .
Review to come.
June 5, 2017
I don't even know what to say.
I'm just heartbroken. Completely, heartbroken.
My heart feels heavy & sad & happy. I'm all over the place. I always love getting my hands on books that touch on topics that are real and powerful.
Elle did that and more so much more.
This was my first book by this author, I went in thinking one thing, and barely came out alive. Two souls meet when they are just kids, share a friendship, a bond, that would have them love each other forever. These two were unbelievably hard to not fall so in love with. This book is written in dual POV. From kids, to teenagers, to lovers, to heartbreak. Every moment of these too lives I felt like I was right there staring at them, laughing with them, squirming with all of there firsts. First kisses, first loves, first times. If my heart could just beat out of my chest I swear it would have.
A moment changes it all. Tears them apart for 10 years.A decade. And a unexpected loss brings them face to face after so long. You finally see the reactions, the heart pounding love. I swear you could hear my heart beat a mile away.
Ellis & Harlow.
I haven't felt this broken in quite some time over a book. The ending is just too much. My soul aches. Read this book, there aren't enough ways I can say it. Read and fall into a pure, gut wrenching love story to beat all love stories. My eyes burn, my heart aches, but I swear I would read this book again and again. Bring on the tears.
Thank you for reminding why I love to read, Elle.
I'm just heartbroken. Completely, heartbroken.
My heart feels heavy & sad & happy. I'm all over the place. I always love getting my hands on books that touch on topics that are real and powerful.
Elle did that and more so much more.
This was my first book by this author, I went in thinking one thing, and barely came out alive. Two souls meet when they are just kids, share a friendship, a bond, that would have them love each other forever. These two were unbelievably hard to not fall so in love with. This book is written in dual POV. From kids, to teenagers, to lovers, to heartbreak. Every moment of these too lives I felt like I was right there staring at them, laughing with them, squirming with all of there firsts. First kisses, first loves, first times. If my heart could just beat out of my chest I swear it would have.
A moment changes it all. Tears them apart for 10 years.A decade. And a unexpected loss brings them face to face after so long. You finally see the reactions, the heart pounding love. I swear you could hear my heart beat a mile away.
Ellis & Harlow.
I haven't felt this broken in quite some time over a book. The ending is just too much. My soul aches. Read this book, there aren't enough ways I can say it. Read and fall into a pure, gut wrenching love story to beat all love stories. My eyes burn, my heart aches, but I swear I would read this book again and again. Bring on the tears.
Thank you for reminding why I love to read, Elle.
June 9, 2017
4 H E A R T B R O K E N stars!!!!
Eu nem sei o que dizer sobre esse livro...
Ainda estou tentando me recuperar...
Com toda a certeza esses dois ficarão pra sempre marcados na minha memória e no meu coração!
Não tô sabendo lidar, sério!
Meu coração está aos cacos...
Eu nem sei o que dizer sobre esse livro...
Ainda estou tentando me recuperar...
Com toda a certeza esses dois ficarão pra sempre marcados na minha memória e no meu coração!
Não tô sabendo lidar, sério!
Meu coração está aos cacos...
June 8, 2017
"True love stories never have endings.”
Yet, the ending of this book was heart breaking and heartwarming. Those two things meshed together in the most beautiful way resulting in a truly stunning end. From around the 2% mark Elle held my heart in her hand, she stole my breath and held onto it tight. I straight up devoured this book whole and I loved every breathtaking second.
Elle has penned this novel with a seamlessly, perfect fluidity. Each and every word was flawless. Past and present beautifully came together and told a story of first love, heartache, pain and second chances. The angst lover in me fell deep at the push and pull that is played out over the pages. The angst lover in me loved the the intense connection that you cannot help but feel from these characters as they battle with their hearts & minds. The angst lover in me adored that passion that Elle poured into her words that just screamed with emotion and deep feeling. If you're not an angst lover but love to truly feel and connect with a story, then this is the book for you!
Harlow and Ellis are a sensational pairing. Elle wrote them in such a honest, yet raw way. She played their emotions and feelings out so clearly that as a reader I felt EVERY SINGLE THING.
From beginning to end I loved this soulful, sensational read. Packed with love, intensity and emotion. 5 breathtaking beautiful stars.
Yet, the ending of this book was heart breaking and heartwarming. Those two things meshed together in the most beautiful way resulting in a truly stunning end. From around the 2% mark Elle held my heart in her hand, she stole my breath and held onto it tight. I straight up devoured this book whole and I loved every breathtaking second.
Elle has penned this novel with a seamlessly, perfect fluidity. Each and every word was flawless. Past and present beautifully came together and told a story of first love, heartache, pain and second chances. The angst lover in me fell deep at the push and pull that is played out over the pages. The angst lover in me loved the the intense connection that you cannot help but feel from these characters as they battle with their hearts & minds. The angst lover in me adored that passion that Elle poured into her words that just screamed with emotion and deep feeling. If you're not an angst lover but love to truly feel and connect with a story, then this is the book for you!
Harlow and Ellis are a sensational pairing. Elle wrote them in such a honest, yet raw way. She played their emotions and feelings out so clearly that as a reader I felt EVERY SINGLE THING.
From beginning to end I loved this soulful, sensational read. Packed with love, intensity and emotion. 5 breathtaking beautiful stars.
August 10, 2017
REVIEW: 2 STARS
"She was effortless, it took no exertion or strength to love her, and when I was with her she made everything brighter." (sic)
This is going to be a case of my thoughts don't mesh with others' thoughts. I know that I am in the minority here, and I completely understand that, but I am feeling slightly underwhelmed by this book. It may be something as simple as connection, or as big as story issues, but either way, it just felt drab to me. I felt like I was reading with a cloud over my head the entire time because we already knew something was going on. It was hinted at quite a bit, and the past to present lent us the notion that it wasn't going to be a good outcome.
To start, I honestly felt next to nothing in regards to an emotional connection to this storyline. I was told this was a super emotional, might-need-tissues kinda read. Nope. As for characters, I liked HIM more than HER. I was able to connect with Ellis and I felt his emotions more, but Harlow felt a little off putting and cold. I don't know why. All the words were there to tell me differently, but I just didn't feel this one emotionally. I do know that I was being told what to feel, and I read those words....but the actual buildup to the secret felt like it was slow. I was honestly frustrated overall with the secrecy and jumping between past and present the most. I feel like once we got to a certain point, the back and forth needed to stop because it wasn't relevant to the pacing of the story anymore.
In the beginning, I was settling in for a fun friends to lovers book. I loved where we started out age-wise and how we got to see them grow together -- the falling in love, the growing up, the natural progression in their relationship. I enjoyed that part immensely, but by the time I got to 70%, it felt monotonous. It felt like a low intensity discussion about everything going on. It was the most uneventful book I've ever read, and the subject matter should have been anything but. There were glossed over situations and they didn't even add any moments to ponder. There was nothing up and down about this, no give and take for me, no emotional turmoil to pull me in. I wanted to see it through because I needed to know what happened, but this wasn't an amazing read for me, by any means. I felt very frustrated with the lack of depth I felt while reading this book. Was it well written? To a degree, I felt that we had a full story, but I didn't have enough of it to grab me and hold me hostage. But, I'm not a skimmer or a back page reader, so I had to see it through. For the record, the ending did NOT bother me in the slightest either.
To note: I cringed at the use of some sayings that are not local to this country, so you definitely knew the author was from across the pond, yet the story was based in the States. Does that normally bother me? Not normally, but I think it just added to the problems I was encountering while reading this book. I purchased this book, so I feel the need to mention that another round of editing could have been made to clear up some slight grammar/punctuation issues.....and sadly, the spelling of names changed during the book as well. It was my first book by this author, but I will give her a go again, because I did feel like she could tell a story and maybe this one just didn't work for me.
However, bonus points: I'm well versed in all things heart related. Maybe a little too much.
What did I love? I absolutely LOVED all the quotes between chapters. Those were beautiful and I felt like they were a good indication of what was going on in the book, emotional or not. I looked forward to those.
"The only thought I can make sense of is that I know I don't want to exist in a world where Harlow doesn't."
"She was effortless, it took no exertion or strength to love her, and when I was with her she made everything brighter." (sic)
This is going to be a case of my thoughts don't mesh with others' thoughts. I know that I am in the minority here, and I completely understand that, but I am feeling slightly underwhelmed by this book. It may be something as simple as connection, or as big as story issues, but either way, it just felt drab to me. I felt like I was reading with a cloud over my head the entire time because we already knew something was going on. It was hinted at quite a bit, and the past to present lent us the notion that it wasn't going to be a good outcome.
To start, I honestly felt next to nothing in regards to an emotional connection to this storyline. I was told this was a super emotional, might-need-tissues kinda read. Nope. As for characters, I liked HIM more than HER. I was able to connect with Ellis and I felt his emotions more, but Harlow felt a little off putting and cold. I don't know why. All the words were there to tell me differently, but I just didn't feel this one emotionally. I do know that I was being told what to feel, and I read those words....but the actual buildup to the secret felt like it was slow. I was honestly frustrated overall with the secrecy and jumping between past and present the most. I feel like once we got to a certain point, the back and forth needed to stop because it wasn't relevant to the pacing of the story anymore.
In the beginning, I was settling in for a fun friends to lovers book. I loved where we started out age-wise and how we got to see them grow together -- the falling in love, the growing up, the natural progression in their relationship. I enjoyed that part immensely, but by the time I got to 70%, it felt monotonous. It felt like a low intensity discussion about everything going on. It was the most uneventful book I've ever read, and the subject matter should have been anything but. There were glossed over situations and they didn't even add any moments to ponder. There was nothing up and down about this, no give and take for me, no emotional turmoil to pull me in. I wanted to see it through because I needed to know what happened, but this wasn't an amazing read for me, by any means. I felt very frustrated with the lack of depth I felt while reading this book. Was it well written? To a degree, I felt that we had a full story, but I didn't have enough of it to grab me and hold me hostage. But, I'm not a skimmer or a back page reader, so I had to see it through. For the record, the ending did NOT bother me in the slightest either.
To note: I cringed at the use of some sayings that are not local to this country, so you definitely knew the author was from across the pond, yet the story was based in the States. Does that normally bother me? Not normally, but I think it just added to the problems I was encountering while reading this book. I purchased this book, so I feel the need to mention that another round of editing could have been made to clear up some slight grammar/punctuation issues.....and sadly, the spelling of names changed during the book as well. It was my first book by this author, but I will give her a go again, because I did feel like she could tell a story and maybe this one just didn't work for me.
However, bonus points: I'm well versed in all things heart related. Maybe a little too much.
What did I love? I absolutely LOVED all the quotes between chapters. Those were beautiful and I felt like they were a good indication of what was going on in the book, emotional or not. I looked forward to those.
"The only thought I can make sense of is that I know I don't want to exist in a world where Harlow doesn't."
July 7, 2017
Oh My GOSH!
Ellis Hughes has loved the girl next door since he was ten-years-old. She was his sun, moon, and every visible star in a clear night sky. She was also his biggest regret.
When a terrible accident rips Ellis and Harlow apart, it shatters both their hearts beyond repair. More than a decade later, Ellis has paid his penance, but his regret still lingers, and the love he once harbored for his childhood sweetheart has never faded.
What Ellis believes has been destroyed forever, slowly comes back to life, only for a cruel twist of fate to intervene. Knowing he cannot live his life without Harlow in it, he faces the ultimate test of selflessness. He must sacrifice his own heart to mend hers.
Let's first talk about the cover of this ebook, such a handsome face that I had to find out the description. Once I read the description of the book I was so intrigued that I didn't even think twice about getting.
This book is filled with so many ups and downs for Ellis and Harlow. I cried so much and honestly the end well now I'm still reeling from it. This book so reminded me of The Mist. When the survivors felt like they had to do something and the only thing to do was to utterly give up with full hearts and anchored thoughts. Well anyway that's what I thought of with this story. I was so shocked at the book that as I right this review I am still reeling. How one mistake can alter your life for an eternity.
I loved this book so I recommend it to anyone who is In love with love, the idea of love and unwavering devotion then this is all you!
Ellis Hughes has loved the girl next door since he was ten-years-old. She was his sun, moon, and every visible star in a clear night sky. She was also his biggest regret.
When a terrible accident rips Ellis and Harlow apart, it shatters both their hearts beyond repair. More than a decade later, Ellis has paid his penance, but his regret still lingers, and the love he once harbored for his childhood sweetheart has never faded.
What Ellis believes has been destroyed forever, slowly comes back to life, only for a cruel twist of fate to intervene. Knowing he cannot live his life without Harlow in it, he faces the ultimate test of selflessness. He must sacrifice his own heart to mend hers.
Let's first talk about the cover of this ebook, such a handsome face that I had to find out the description. Once I read the description of the book I was so intrigued that I didn't even think twice about getting.
This book is filled with so many ups and downs for Ellis and Harlow. I cried so much and honestly the end well now I'm still reeling from it. This book so reminded me of The Mist. When the survivors felt like they had to do something and the only thing to do was to utterly give up with full hearts and anchored thoughts. Well anyway that's what I thought of with this story. I was so shocked at the book that as I right this review I am still reeling. How one mistake can alter your life for an eternity.
I loved this book so I recommend it to anyone who is In love with love, the idea of love and unwavering devotion then this is all you!
June 6, 2017
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
**Carla's Five Star Epic Review
OMG! What do I even write? That I am heartbroken? That I need a good stiff drink? That I need a therapist STAT? Yes, I definitely think a book therapist should be a legit thing! I have read other books by this author, and they were good-real good, but she has hit it out of the park with this one! It is simply beautiful!
Ellis and Harlow met as children, became best friends and then eventually became a couple. Not just any couple but the perfect couple. They were happy living in their perfect little bubble of bliss right up until the moment life knocked them to the ground, not just once but over and over again. What happens when you meet your soulmate, but outside forces seem determined to keep you apart?
This book was everything, everything I tell you! Through her words, Elle has weaved a powerful story that will certainly grip your heart! It is a story that will build you up and break you down. It will make you laugh and most certainly make you cry! It will keep you turning the pages desperately hoping that these two deserving people will ultimately find their happily ever after.
Elle Brooks has been at the top of my favorite author's list for a while now, but with this book, she has reached "rock star" status! Absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2017!
**Carla's Five Star Epic Review
OMG! What do I even write? That I am heartbroken? That I need a good stiff drink? That I need a therapist STAT? Yes, I definitely think a book therapist should be a legit thing! I have read other books by this author, and they were good-real good, but she has hit it out of the park with this one! It is simply beautiful!
Ellis and Harlow met as children, became best friends and then eventually became a couple. Not just any couple but the perfect couple. They were happy living in their perfect little bubble of bliss right up until the moment life knocked them to the ground, not just once but over and over again. What happens when you meet your soulmate, but outside forces seem determined to keep you apart?
This book was everything, everything I tell you! Through her words, Elle has weaved a powerful story that will certainly grip your heart! It is a story that will build you up and break you down. It will make you laugh and most certainly make you cry! It will keep you turning the pages desperately hoping that these two deserving people will ultimately find their happily ever after.
Elle Brooks has been at the top of my favorite author's list for a while now, but with this book, she has reached "rock star" status! Absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2017!
June 9, 2017
I’m going through all kinds of emotions reading this. I have been through elation, butterflies in my stomach, anger, love, compassion.
What a lovely couple Ellis and Harlow are, they are so in tune with each other, even after a long absence, they really ‘get’ each other.
I have loved following these two since they were 10 years old, and now in adulthood. That must have been a hard subject to research and write about, but I think you have done it so thoughtfully.
I have to be honest and say that I have had to put the book down and take a break, it has been an emotional read, and still have the ending to deal with! I think it’s going to be a tough one to get through, but I have only put it down when I had to go into work!
The final chapter, WOW! So selfless OMG! I couldn’t believe what I was reading at first, to do that for someone, really goes above and beyond the realms of true love.
Ellis and Harlow had such a deep connection and a love so pure, they have all the trappings of a full and secure future, what a way to end! And I sincerely hope there is a short novella or sequel to come, to be left hanging like that! Well what can I say, but PLEASE!
Heart breakingly beautiful story, with twist and turns that have you hoping that it really does work in their favour, you can’t but help keep turning the pages to get all the details.
What a lovely couple Ellis and Harlow are, they are so in tune with each other, even after a long absence, they really ‘get’ each other.
I have loved following these two since they were 10 years old, and now in adulthood. That must have been a hard subject to research and write about, but I think you have done it so thoughtfully.
I have to be honest and say that I have had to put the book down and take a break, it has been an emotional read, and still have the ending to deal with! I think it’s going to be a tough one to get through, but I have only put it down when I had to go into work!
The final chapter, WOW! So selfless OMG! I couldn’t believe what I was reading at first, to do that for someone, really goes above and beyond the realms of true love.
Ellis and Harlow had such a deep connection and a love so pure, they have all the trappings of a full and secure future, what a way to end! And I sincerely hope there is a short novella or sequel to come, to be left hanging like that! Well what can I say, but PLEASE!
Heart breakingly beautiful story, with twist and turns that have you hoping that it really does work in their favour, you can’t but help keep turning the pages to get all the details.
June 27, 2017
GAH!!! Elle... you own my heart and soul... this book... is just... GAH!!! wow!
Elle has woven a tale so intricate, so beautiful, so raw... it couldn't be less beautiful if she tried!
You meet Harlow and Ellis at the tender age of 11. Their meeting is pretty intense! especially for Ellis. :). This encounter brings them into a tried and true friendship that spans decades.... they experience soooo much together.. the happy and sad.. the pain and love. Most of those emotions seem to go hand in hand.. and it is so true for them.
Ellis and Harlow suffer through their love... Epic and beautiful.. and so very tragic. There is sooooo much I want to say about this amazing story.. but you just have to dive in... guard your heart, and bring the tissues!
Another amazing and beautifully written story by Elle... can't wait for where she takes us next....
Elle has woven a tale so intricate, so beautiful, so raw... it couldn't be less beautiful if she tried!
You meet Harlow and Ellis at the tender age of 11. Their meeting is pretty intense! especially for Ellis. :). This encounter brings them into a tried and true friendship that spans decades.... they experience soooo much together.. the happy and sad.. the pain and love. Most of those emotions seem to go hand in hand.. and it is so true for them.
Ellis and Harlow suffer through their love... Epic and beautiful.. and so very tragic. There is sooooo much I want to say about this amazing story.. but you just have to dive in... guard your heart, and bring the tissues!
Another amazing and beautifully written story by Elle... can't wait for where she takes us next....
June 7, 2017
A powerful and heartbreaking story of love. What would you do for the one you love more than anything? A heartbreaking and emotional read.
A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks was a 4.5 read for me.
A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks was a 4.5 read for me.
June 8, 2017
I have read all of Elle's books and with each one she amazes me and leaves me with a book hangover that lasts for days. This story of Ellis and Harlow... wow, just wow. If you love an angsty book that's full of surprises, grab your tissues, a glass of wine, and hold on for the ride.
June 19, 2017
Honestly I have no words! This book has destroyed me! I write this whilst ugly crying!! This book is about true love! A heart stopping breathtaking love story! This book made me laugh smile cry and ugly cry even more! This book is amazing and is beautifully written! I would happy give this book 6stars! Ps buy some tissues! 💜 that ending! 😱😢😤😨😰😭🤧
June 8, 2017
I’m sitting here staring at my computer screen, trying for the life of me to come up with the right amount of words to even scratch the surface of the literal amazingness that is this book….and you know what?! I’ve already decided that no words I can tell you could even come close to capturing what it was like to read and experience and feel every breathtaking word this book. My words just aren’t good enough to show you what this book is like, or to capture how truly unforgettable it is.
My words just won’t be able to do it….but even still, I’m going to try with all I have to show you how much you NEED this book in your life because this book, this story, and Elle Brook’s exceptional writing deserve it.
A Life Less Beautiful is one of the most unforgettable, all-feeling, and soul touching books I have EVER read.
This book is the definition of what it means to be a damn good book. It has a story that is thoughtfully crafted, emotions that are visceral and beyond authentic, characters that are easy to love and root for, and it packs a literal power and meaning to it that you will NEVER forget. Honestly, when I think about this book, I think about what it made me feel, what it allowed me to believe in, and what it gave me with these characters along the way…and really I just think about how I know I will never forget one piece of this story.
A Life Less Beautiful is a story that sticks with you. Forever. It’s a book that takes ahold of your heart, your very soul really. It’s a book that makes you, and breaks you, and gives you every emotion under the sun. This story is one that pushes you to your very emotional limit and threatens to shatter you on every page, yet in the same breath and on those same pages, allows you to feel the most meaningful and genuinely breathtaking love you will ever experience.
This book is real. This book is the definition of an honest to goodness love story. This book is meaningful in every possible way. This book is mesmerizing and consuming through every page. This book is life. This book is love. This book is Harlow and Ellis.
What Elle Brooks so extraordinarily created in this book is something that left me breathless, made me cry my eyes out on more than one occasion, and left me in awe of what she created between these two dynamic characters.
As I sit here writing this review I am truly struggling with what to tell you about this book because I want to tell you it all. And I truly mean, I want to tell you EVERYTHING because this book and its magnificence deserves to be shouted from every rooftop in the world. And that is not an exaggeration on my part. Trust me, this book deserves that kind of sentiment. I want to tell you all about these characters, and this story, and what they’ll give you as you feel and live and breathe every word of it with them….but I also don’t want to tell you anything about this book because I don’t want to take away anything of what it will be like for you to read this book.
If there is one thing I could tell you about this book, besides the fact that it is utterly amazing, it would be to go in blind. Just jump in heart first and be prepared to feel it all with Harlow and Ellis. Jump right into this book and thick of it all and live it. Live it. Breathe it. Feel it. And embrace it all as it comes because that will literally give you it all as you read and experience this story. Trust. Me.
A Life Less Beautiful is a second chance love story that weaves together an emotional and beyond meaningful past and present of Ellis and Harlow. Told with the perfect combination of both, this story allows you to be with them every step of the way as they fall, as they break, as they try to pick themselves back up, just to willingly fall all over again. Their story in this book is one of raw emotion, true connection, and a love that you will feel in the deepest parts of your heart and soul.
Every turn of the page dives you deeper into how things came to be with them, and pushes you along with them, closer to a future that they equally crave and fear.
What I loved about the way this story was told was that the seamless interweaving of the past and present allowed me to get so much with both of these characters. It allowed me to see it all with them. I got to experience where it all started, from that first meeting to that first kiss to every first in between. I got to be there as their young love blossomed into more than they ever could have imagined, and I got to be there with them as it was all torn apart. And boy did those pieces hurt like a mother. Then I got to be there as they tried to put it all back together again, as they tried to overcome the mountains of hurt and pain between them, and as they tried to see what could be if they gave their love and their hearts one more chance.
That second chance at it all is the life and breath of this story. It is what makes this book the exceptional thing that it is, and it is that blend of past and present, joy and hurt, hate and love, and hope and fear that makes this story the best amount of everything. This book is one that will make you feel it all. To the point that sometimes that emotion will overwhelm you and consume you and own you, but only in the absolute best way because it will give you Harlow, Ellis, and everything those two share together.
It is that emotion and those extraordinary characters that make this book one of the best I have ever read.
What I loved about Harlow and Ellis was the evolution I saw and experience with them both. I got to be with them at so many stages of their lives and their relationship, and got to see how they grew and changed yet still stayed true to their endearing selves, which invested me so wholly and truly in every part of them and in every piece of what they shared together. Elle Brooks does the most phenomenal job of keeping you with those two, in heart and head, in such an authentic way that sears you to them. Those two still own my heart, and I officially do not want it back from them because I never want to forget what I got with them, and what they allowed me to feel and think along the way.
I am 100% positive that these characters will stay with me for the rest of time, and that is a true testament to what she so brilliantly created with them in this story.
Harlow was a fierce, fiery, and vibrant girl with some serious personality who owns herself and her choices. She is a fighter that girl, and she will awe you with her strength and tenacity through it all. When the punches keep coming, she keeps fighting, yet through this book you also get to see a softer side to her where her true vulnerability and heart lies…and that, well that is everything. Ellis Hughes now, well that is a man guaranteed to steal your heart with all he has. He is a man who is inherently good, endearing in every possible way, and thoughtful. So damn thoughtful. Ellis is a man who will melt your heart, while simultaneously making it beat a bit faster with all that he gives you. That combined with his honesty and protectiveness for those he loves will have you giving your heart over to him in no time flat.
Both of these characters are real, so beautifully genuine, and they have real connection that fires and builds and grows through every single page of this story.
And let me tell you now, what you get between these two will make you blush, will make you feel it all, and will show you even more of why those two need to be together. What Harlow and Ellis share is deep. It’s real. It’s practically tangible through every page of this story with what you get with them, and it is given life by Elle Brooks’ extraordinary writing. What you feel between them, how it brings your heart and your very soul to the edge of it all, and the breathtaking, heated, emotionally passionate, and love and anguish filled moments it gives you with them will pull you to them in every way possible…and I am telling you, you will never want to let them go.
So buckle up, strap in, and prepare yourself and your heart for the ride and story of a lifetime.
As I said in the beginning of this review, there is no way that my words will do the right amount of justice for this story, these characters, or what this book is and what it gives you. My words just aren’t good enough to capture even a part of this amazing story, but trust me when I say that you NEED this book in your life this very second.
You need to feel it. You need to embrace it. You need to be open to it. You need to take it in and let it awe you, because I promise you if you open yourself up to this story and these characters it will do just that.
A Life Less Beautiful is a story of what could be, what should be, what will be, and everything in between. This book is one of love and anguish, first, second, and many more chances, and two characters who seem to have it all stacked against them, yet still find themselves being pulled so fiercely back together again. This is a story of love and heartbreak, friendship and family, hope and fear, and the power of choice and fate and life.
This book is one of the most powerful, meaningful, and emotional stories I have ever read, and I truly can’t say that enough.
I am telling you that no matter what you think or believe or feel while reading this book, you will NEVER forget it, or what this story and its characters give you. I think it is quite literally impossible to forget any part of this story, or what Harlow and Ellis so authentically and emotionally give you because it is that damn good, that damn real, and that damn perfect. Don’t get me wrong, this book is an emotional roller coaster that will have you feeling a gamut of different emotions, but that is what makes it the extraordinary thing that it is, and that is what sets it apart.
And when you reach that last page, and experience those last lines of what this story so breathtakingly gives you, you will do so feeling the meaning, the impact, the power, and the true love they hold.
And that my friends is just part of what makes A Life Less Beautiful one of the most beautiful, all-feeling, and unforgettable books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
So please, I beg of you, read this book. Read it. Feel it. Embrace it. Live it.
It would be wrong not to, trust me.
My words just won’t be able to do it….but even still, I’m going to try with all I have to show you how much you NEED this book in your life because this book, this story, and Elle Brook’s exceptional writing deserve it.
A Life Less Beautiful is one of the most unforgettable, all-feeling, and soul touching books I have EVER read.
This book is the definition of what it means to be a damn good book. It has a story that is thoughtfully crafted, emotions that are visceral and beyond authentic, characters that are easy to love and root for, and it packs a literal power and meaning to it that you will NEVER forget. Honestly, when I think about this book, I think about what it made me feel, what it allowed me to believe in, and what it gave me with these characters along the way…and really I just think about how I know I will never forget one piece of this story.
A Life Less Beautiful is a story that sticks with you. Forever. It’s a book that takes ahold of your heart, your very soul really. It’s a book that makes you, and breaks you, and gives you every emotion under the sun. This story is one that pushes you to your very emotional limit and threatens to shatter you on every page, yet in the same breath and on those same pages, allows you to feel the most meaningful and genuinely breathtaking love you will ever experience.
This book is real. This book is the definition of an honest to goodness love story. This book is meaningful in every possible way. This book is mesmerizing and consuming through every page. This book is life. This book is love. This book is Harlow and Ellis.
What Elle Brooks so extraordinarily created in this book is something that left me breathless, made me cry my eyes out on more than one occasion, and left me in awe of what she created between these two dynamic characters.
As I sit here writing this review I am truly struggling with what to tell you about this book because I want to tell you it all. And I truly mean, I want to tell you EVERYTHING because this book and its magnificence deserves to be shouted from every rooftop in the world. And that is not an exaggeration on my part. Trust me, this book deserves that kind of sentiment. I want to tell you all about these characters, and this story, and what they’ll give you as you feel and live and breathe every word of it with them….but I also don’t want to tell you anything about this book because I don’t want to take away anything of what it will be like for you to read this book.
If there is one thing I could tell you about this book, besides the fact that it is utterly amazing, it would be to go in blind. Just jump in heart first and be prepared to feel it all with Harlow and Ellis. Jump right into this book and thick of it all and live it. Live it. Breathe it. Feel it. And embrace it all as it comes because that will literally give you it all as you read and experience this story. Trust. Me.
A Life Less Beautiful is a second chance love story that weaves together an emotional and beyond meaningful past and present of Ellis and Harlow. Told with the perfect combination of both, this story allows you to be with them every step of the way as they fall, as they break, as they try to pick themselves back up, just to willingly fall all over again. Their story in this book is one of raw emotion, true connection, and a love that you will feel in the deepest parts of your heart and soul.
Every turn of the page dives you deeper into how things came to be with them, and pushes you along with them, closer to a future that they equally crave and fear.
What I loved about the way this story was told was that the seamless interweaving of the past and present allowed me to get so much with both of these characters. It allowed me to see it all with them. I got to experience where it all started, from that first meeting to that first kiss to every first in between. I got to be there as their young love blossomed into more than they ever could have imagined, and I got to be there with them as it was all torn apart. And boy did those pieces hurt like a mother. Then I got to be there as they tried to put it all back together again, as they tried to overcome the mountains of hurt and pain between them, and as they tried to see what could be if they gave their love and their hearts one more chance.
That second chance at it all is the life and breath of this story. It is what makes this book the exceptional thing that it is, and it is that blend of past and present, joy and hurt, hate and love, and hope and fear that makes this story the best amount of everything. This book is one that will make you feel it all. To the point that sometimes that emotion will overwhelm you and consume you and own you, but only in the absolute best way because it will give you Harlow, Ellis, and everything those two share together.
It is that emotion and those extraordinary characters that make this book one of the best I have ever read.
What I loved about Harlow and Ellis was the evolution I saw and experience with them both. I got to be with them at so many stages of their lives and their relationship, and got to see how they grew and changed yet still stayed true to their endearing selves, which invested me so wholly and truly in every part of them and in every piece of what they shared together. Elle Brooks does the most phenomenal job of keeping you with those two, in heart and head, in such an authentic way that sears you to them. Those two still own my heart, and I officially do not want it back from them because I never want to forget what I got with them, and what they allowed me to feel and think along the way.
I am 100% positive that these characters will stay with me for the rest of time, and that is a true testament to what she so brilliantly created with them in this story.
Harlow was a fierce, fiery, and vibrant girl with some serious personality who owns herself and her choices. She is a fighter that girl, and she will awe you with her strength and tenacity through it all. When the punches keep coming, she keeps fighting, yet through this book you also get to see a softer side to her where her true vulnerability and heart lies…and that, well that is everything. Ellis Hughes now, well that is a man guaranteed to steal your heart with all he has. He is a man who is inherently good, endearing in every possible way, and thoughtful. So damn thoughtful. Ellis is a man who will melt your heart, while simultaneously making it beat a bit faster with all that he gives you. That combined with his honesty and protectiveness for those he loves will have you giving your heart over to him in no time flat.
Both of these characters are real, so beautifully genuine, and they have real connection that fires and builds and grows through every single page of this story.
And let me tell you now, what you get between these two will make you blush, will make you feel it all, and will show you even more of why those two need to be together. What Harlow and Ellis share is deep. It’s real. It’s practically tangible through every page of this story with what you get with them, and it is given life by Elle Brooks’ extraordinary writing. What you feel between them, how it brings your heart and your very soul to the edge of it all, and the breathtaking, heated, emotionally passionate, and love and anguish filled moments it gives you with them will pull you to them in every way possible…and I am telling you, you will never want to let them go.
So buckle up, strap in, and prepare yourself and your heart for the ride and story of a lifetime.
As I said in the beginning of this review, there is no way that my words will do the right amount of justice for this story, these characters, or what this book is and what it gives you. My words just aren’t good enough to capture even a part of this amazing story, but trust me when I say that you NEED this book in your life this very second.
You need to feel it. You need to embrace it. You need to be open to it. You need to take it in and let it awe you, because I promise you if you open yourself up to this story and these characters it will do just that.
A Life Less Beautiful is a story of what could be, what should be, what will be, and everything in between. This book is one of love and anguish, first, second, and many more chances, and two characters who seem to have it all stacked against them, yet still find themselves being pulled so fiercely back together again. This is a story of love and heartbreak, friendship and family, hope and fear, and the power of choice and fate and life.
This book is one of the most powerful, meaningful, and emotional stories I have ever read, and I truly can’t say that enough.
I am telling you that no matter what you think or believe or feel while reading this book, you will NEVER forget it, or what this story and its characters give you. I think it is quite literally impossible to forget any part of this story, or what Harlow and Ellis so authentically and emotionally give you because it is that damn good, that damn real, and that damn perfect. Don’t get me wrong, this book is an emotional roller coaster that will have you feeling a gamut of different emotions, but that is what makes it the extraordinary thing that it is, and that is what sets it apart.
And when you reach that last page, and experience those last lines of what this story so breathtakingly gives you, you will do so feeling the meaning, the impact, the power, and the true love they hold.
And that my friends is just part of what makes A Life Less Beautiful one of the most beautiful, all-feeling, and unforgettable books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
So please, I beg of you, read this book. Read it. Feel it. Embrace it. Live it.
It would be wrong not to, trust me.
June 13, 2017
Once again Elle Brooks has made my heart soar and then ripped it from my chest. I can't even. This book is full of so MUCH. A rollercoaster ride is putting it mildly. I cried and cried and cried, then I yelled at Elle (she's a friend lol) for destroying me... she then felt her job was done. She is correct in that assumption. She wrote a strong, enthralling, compelling, spellbinding, and heart-breaking book about two people who find their true loves in one another at an early age. That love never diminishes, it only grows and becomes even purer as time goes on. How much would you sacrifice for the person who has owned your heart since the age of 10? Ellis will do anything for Harlow... and he does.
Warning: Have tissues handy as this is a great big ugly cry book.
Warning: Have tissues handy as this is a great big ugly cry book.
June 27, 2017
The words I want to describe this book include amazing, heartbreaking and beautiful. This story was all of those and so much more! I absolutely loved the dual POVs as well as the story both being in the present but then taking us to the past.... this I really enjoyed. Ellis and Harlow, two people who started as friends, then became best friends and then formed a relationship together were just perfect for each other. That ending...... Wow!! You will need tissues, you have been warned.
June 8, 2017
5 Heartbroken Stars
‘I'm not so confident that my beautiful heart can survive Ellis Hughes twice.’
Where to even begin with this review? I've been a fan of Elle Brooks since I discovered her through FBBF16, I adore her The Promises Series: Promises Hurt, Forgotten Promises & Empty Promises. and Reveal. But this book has taken Elle’s writing up to a whole new level. My mind is officially blown, and my book hangover is strong after this one!
Elle may be Satan. My heart cannot take it. If you're wanting a light hearted, feel good read then this is definitely not the book for you. However, if you want a book that will make you really feel, that'll unrelentingly tug at your heartstrings, with characters you'll be completely invested in, then you're looking at the right book. This book will shatter your heart, have you crying for most of it, but it’ll show the sacrifices we make for those we love, how love can overcome anything and the importance of forgiveness and acceptance.
‘I never contemplated how terrifying it could be to love someone.’
Something I really loved about the layout of this book was that Elle included a famous quote about love at the beginning of each chapter, some of which happen to be my favourite literary quotes. I think this added a sophistication to the novel, as well as making the emotions the characters were feeling even more accessible and emotive. Each quote was perfectly chosen to summarise the chapter and its tone, which I found to be very original and creative.
The love Ellis and Harlow share is beautiful, unconditional, and never ending. Brooks creates a magical and emotional story about friendship, forgiveness, acceptance, grief, sacrifice, family, first loves and second chances. This is a tragic love story that'll stay with you long after you read the last page…
‘ “Really?” I ask sceptically, “and why’s my ICD one of the best parts of me?” His face is still buried in my chest, but my tone is reflective enough of the confusion on my face.
“Because…” Kiss. “It keeps…” Kiss. “Your beautiful heart beating.” Kiss.’
Finally, that ending. Leaving the ending quite ambiguous was a really powerful literary device for Elle to use, it's down to you, the reader, to decide how it ends. It's kind of like how there's 2 endings to How I Met Your Mother, there's the one ending that will destroy your soul and rip your heart out and make you want to deck the writers for putting you through that after 9 flipping seasons! And then there's the perfect, happy ending that makes you feel like you can accept that you don't get anymore HIMYM episodes but glad that it ended the way it did because it feels like closure (that or I just get incredibly invested when I binge watch tv shows). Well this is similar, it's down to whether you believe Ellis’s phone call was from Logan or Harlow. On the one hand, I want to beg Elle for a sequel but if the characters don't get the ending I'm envisioning, then I think my heart may shatter into a million billion teeny tiny splinters.
‘I'm not so confident that my beautiful heart can survive Ellis Hughes twice.’
Where to even begin with this review? I've been a fan of Elle Brooks since I discovered her through FBBF16, I adore her The Promises Series: Promises Hurt, Forgotten Promises & Empty Promises. and Reveal. But this book has taken Elle’s writing up to a whole new level. My mind is officially blown, and my book hangover is strong after this one!
Elle may be Satan. My heart cannot take it. If you're wanting a light hearted, feel good read then this is definitely not the book for you. However, if you want a book that will make you really feel, that'll unrelentingly tug at your heartstrings, with characters you'll be completely invested in, then you're looking at the right book. This book will shatter your heart, have you crying for most of it, but it’ll show the sacrifices we make for those we love, how love can overcome anything and the importance of forgiveness and acceptance.
‘I never contemplated how terrifying it could be to love someone.’
Something I really loved about the layout of this book was that Elle included a famous quote about love at the beginning of each chapter, some of which happen to be my favourite literary quotes. I think this added a sophistication to the novel, as well as making the emotions the characters were feeling even more accessible and emotive. Each quote was perfectly chosen to summarise the chapter and its tone, which I found to be very original and creative.
The love Ellis and Harlow share is beautiful, unconditional, and never ending. Brooks creates a magical and emotional story about friendship, forgiveness, acceptance, grief, sacrifice, family, first loves and second chances. This is a tragic love story that'll stay with you long after you read the last page…
‘ “Really?” I ask sceptically, “and why’s my ICD one of the best parts of me?” His face is still buried in my chest, but my tone is reflective enough of the confusion on my face.
“Because…” Kiss. “It keeps…” Kiss. “Your beautiful heart beating.” Kiss.’
Finally, that ending. Leaving the ending quite ambiguous was a really powerful literary device for Elle to use, it's down to you, the reader, to decide how it ends. It's kind of like how there's 2 endings to How I Met Your Mother, there's the one ending that will destroy your soul and rip your heart out and make you want to deck the writers for putting you through that after 9 flipping seasons! And then there's the perfect, happy ending that makes you feel like you can accept that you don't get anymore HIMYM episodes but glad that it ended the way it did because it feels like closure (that or I just get incredibly invested when I binge watch tv shows). Well this is similar, it's down to whether you believe Ellis’s phone call was from Logan or Harlow. On the one hand, I want to beg Elle for a sequel but if the characters don't get the ending I'm envisioning, then I think my heart may shatter into a million billion teeny tiny splinters.
June 5, 2017
Tragically beautiful...
Having read the Promises Hurt series by Elle Brooks, I kinda knew what to expect going into this story. Sadness, tears, moments of, "Did I just read that right?" Only I wasn't prepared for this at all. Can I just point out that this was the first time EVER that I haven't read the blurb on the back cover before going in. And do you know what? I'm so glad I didn't. Going into this story completely blind was somewhat thrilling. Although, my anxiety may have to disagree.
A Life Less Beautiful is just that. Beautiful, and tragic, a tale of two souls bound together at a young age. Inseparable, with their whole entire lives ahead of them. A whole world of possibilities to look forward to together. That is, until tragedy strikes the young lovers, forcing them apart.
Almost a decade later they are thrown into each others lives again and we learn of the heartache that forced them apart all those years ago, and when we do, it's far more heartbreaking than we could have ever imagined. You have to ask yourselves this. How do you come back from that? Is it even possible?
— I held my breath for a second, registering the way his heart was swiftly fluttering beneath my palm like a hummingbird's wings. That's all the reassurance I didn't know I needed. I instantly felt a little of my tension dissolve.
"I can't speak for you," he confessed, "but I don't feel like I'm about to lose anything. It can't be defined as a loss when it seems so much more like all I stand to do is gain."
Even after years of being away from each other, Ellis and Harlow still hold on to the love they only ever felt for each other. Only love isn't easy, and sometimes, there's a whole other world out there preparing to tear you apart at any given chance, any moment, just waiting...
— "I've often wondered if maybe I was a bad person in my former life, because once the punches began rolling in, I don't think they ever stopped."
Elle has always delivered the right words to force me in a state of physical and mental exhaustion, through real, hyperventilating ugly tears that had the capability of knocking the air from my lungs. A Life Less Beautiful was no exception. I'm just glad I wasn't alone.
— "My heart giving out hadn't killed me, but the sound of Ellis Hughes crying felt like maybe it could."
Gah.. TISSUES, GUYS!! Hold on. It's about to get a whole lot worse.
— "Really? And why's my ICD one of the best parts of me?"
At this point I'm already a mess, and then I read the reply.
— "Because it keeps your beautiful heart beating."
Now, this is what sets Elle aside from others. There are sentences that make you sit back, sigh, and hold your breath as you try and relay the words you've just imbedded in your greedy little brain. Paragraphs that are so deep and painful, but beautifully executed that you wonder how the hell the author does it.
But despite the inevitable tears that become uncontrollable at times, there's also lots of belly laughs and snorts that come right along with them.
— "Calling me pretty is as bad as naming my junk after a Care Bear. It definitely deflates a guys ego."
I had Share Bear, FYI.
As the story developed, we got to watch the struggles Harlow and Ellis face as they learn to let go of past events and find a way to first let friendship find its way into their hearts again, and then take a hold of the one thing that never truly left either of them and maybe, just maybe give it a second chance. And that is love.
A Life Less Beautiful was a unique and gripping story that left me feeling all kinds of sad. But do not let that put you off. The beauty in the story was something other worldly. Something magical. Something simply stunning. A must read, and one I will be sure to go back to once my heart has healed.
— "Harlow already has my heart; her name was written on it from the first moment I met her, and it's been hers ever since. This just makes it official."
Having read the Promises Hurt series by Elle Brooks, I kinda knew what to expect going into this story. Sadness, tears, moments of, "Did I just read that right?" Only I wasn't prepared for this at all. Can I just point out that this was the first time EVER that I haven't read the blurb on the back cover before going in. And do you know what? I'm so glad I didn't. Going into this story completely blind was somewhat thrilling. Although, my anxiety may have to disagree.
A Life Less Beautiful is just that. Beautiful, and tragic, a tale of two souls bound together at a young age. Inseparable, with their whole entire lives ahead of them. A whole world of possibilities to look forward to together. That is, until tragedy strikes the young lovers, forcing them apart.
Almost a decade later they are thrown into each others lives again and we learn of the heartache that forced them apart all those years ago, and when we do, it's far more heartbreaking than we could have ever imagined. You have to ask yourselves this. How do you come back from that? Is it even possible?
— I held my breath for a second, registering the way his heart was swiftly fluttering beneath my palm like a hummingbird's wings. That's all the reassurance I didn't know I needed. I instantly felt a little of my tension dissolve.
"I can't speak for you," he confessed, "but I don't feel like I'm about to lose anything. It can't be defined as a loss when it seems so much more like all I stand to do is gain."
Even after years of being away from each other, Ellis and Harlow still hold on to the love they only ever felt for each other. Only love isn't easy, and sometimes, there's a whole other world out there preparing to tear you apart at any given chance, any moment, just waiting...
— "I've often wondered if maybe I was a bad person in my former life, because once the punches began rolling in, I don't think they ever stopped."
Elle has always delivered the right words to force me in a state of physical and mental exhaustion, through real, hyperventilating ugly tears that had the capability of knocking the air from my lungs. A Life Less Beautiful was no exception. I'm just glad I wasn't alone.
— "My heart giving out hadn't killed me, but the sound of Ellis Hughes crying felt like maybe it could."
Gah.. TISSUES, GUYS!! Hold on. It's about to get a whole lot worse.
— "Really? And why's my ICD one of the best parts of me?"
At this point I'm already a mess, and then I read the reply.
— "Because it keeps your beautiful heart beating."
Now, this is what sets Elle aside from others. There are sentences that make you sit back, sigh, and hold your breath as you try and relay the words you've just imbedded in your greedy little brain. Paragraphs that are so deep and painful, but beautifully executed that you wonder how the hell the author does it.
But despite the inevitable tears that become uncontrollable at times, there's also lots of belly laughs and snorts that come right along with them.
— "Calling me pretty is as bad as naming my junk after a Care Bear. It definitely deflates a guys ego."
I had Share Bear, FYI.
As the story developed, we got to watch the struggles Harlow and Ellis face as they learn to let go of past events and find a way to first let friendship find its way into their hearts again, and then take a hold of the one thing that never truly left either of them and maybe, just maybe give it a second chance. And that is love.
A Life Less Beautiful was a unique and gripping story that left me feeling all kinds of sad. But do not let that put you off. The beauty in the story was something other worldly. Something magical. Something simply stunning. A must read, and one I will be sure to go back to once my heart has healed.
— "Harlow already has my heart; her name was written on it from the first moment I met her, and it's been hers ever since. This just makes it official."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
5 Crowns
Harlow and Ellis were 11 years old when they met. Best friends and partners in crime, as they grew so did their feelings and they soon fell in love. Inseparable and tethered together by an intense love that nothing can break… and then tragedy strikes and the love that seemed so indestructible, shatters into tiny pieces. That was 10 years ago, 10 years that Harlow has struggled through without the other half of her heart. But Ellis is back and against all odds the embers of their lost love start to re-ignite.
Will they be able to move past the past and look towards a future together? Or are they destined to be pulled apart?
How far would you go for true love?
Blimey this is a seriously emotional book. Told from dual POV in both the present and past, we learn everything about our main protagonists and man did it at times hurt my heart. I use the phase emotional rollercoaster a lot in my reviews and that is because I love a good angsty romance; and this my friends is that and a little bit more.
Now I have to really rein myself in with this review as it would be so easy to get carried away. Writing down my thoughts and the emotions that this book pulled out of me, but without giving the game away and spoiling the whole bloody book just isn’t possible. What I can assure you is that once you have read this book you will totally get where my head and heart are at the moment. This is a book that will blindside you so much that it will leave you needing a few days to gather your thoughts on it. One of those books that you re-read the last couple of chapters to get it straight in your mind.
And how does it end… well you need to read it yourself and make your own decision on that. I am happy with how I felt it ended, I would just read carefully and think about what you are reading. You will be in a heart palpitating state, or certainly I was hence why I had to re-read when I was feeling a little calmer. Will it be everybody’s cup of tea? Show me a book that is. But what this book is, (and it really is) is a beautiful love story. A story of selflessness, of compassion and it was a pleasure to read.
Elle Brooks is without doubt a fantastic writer. She has a beautiful way of telling a story. Every book she writes has this way of grabbing you and immersing you in the story with characters that are not just relatable, but more importantly are loveable as well. Her story structure is always unique and the phrasing she uses has a real poetic flow to it. She is certainly a talent that continues to grow and grow with every book she publishes.
A beautiful story about how far people are prepared to go for love. I loved it and I hope you will too, but if I had a request it would be a novella to complete the story and show us a glimpse into the future… I am not too proud to beg at this point either!
Harlow and Ellis were 11 years old when they met. Best friends and partners in crime, as they grew so did their feelings and they soon fell in love. Inseparable and tethered together by an intense love that nothing can break… and then tragedy strikes and the love that seemed so indestructible, shatters into tiny pieces. That was 10 years ago, 10 years that Harlow has struggled through without the other half of her heart. But Ellis is back and against all odds the embers of their lost love start to re-ignite.
Will they be able to move past the past and look towards a future together? Or are they destined to be pulled apart?
How far would you go for true love?
Blimey this is a seriously emotional book. Told from dual POV in both the present and past, we learn everything about our main protagonists and man did it at times hurt my heart. I use the phase emotional rollercoaster a lot in my reviews and that is because I love a good angsty romance; and this my friends is that and a little bit more.
Now I have to really rein myself in with this review as it would be so easy to get carried away. Writing down my thoughts and the emotions that this book pulled out of me, but without giving the game away and spoiling the whole bloody book just isn’t possible. What I can assure you is that once you have read this book you will totally get where my head and heart are at the moment. This is a book that will blindside you so much that it will leave you needing a few days to gather your thoughts on it. One of those books that you re-read the last couple of chapters to get it straight in your mind.
And how does it end… well you need to read it yourself and make your own decision on that. I am happy with how I felt it ended, I would just read carefully and think about what you are reading. You will be in a heart palpitating state, or certainly I was hence why I had to re-read when I was feeling a little calmer. Will it be everybody’s cup of tea? Show me a book that is. But what this book is, (and it really is) is a beautiful love story. A story of selflessness, of compassion and it was a pleasure to read.
Elle Brooks is without doubt a fantastic writer. She has a beautiful way of telling a story. Every book she writes has this way of grabbing you and immersing you in the story with characters that are not just relatable, but more importantly are loveable as well. Her story structure is always unique and the phrasing she uses has a real poetic flow to it. She is certainly a talent that continues to grow and grow with every book she publishes.
A beautiful story about how far people are prepared to go for love. I loved it and I hope you will too, but if I had a request it would be a novella to complete the story and show us a glimpse into the future… I am not too proud to beg at this point either!
June 6, 2017
Who said that love was easy has never truly love not one day. Love is an emotion that contains hundreds of different feelings. Love is pain, hurt, happiness, and home. Ellis and Harlow these were the two most complicated characters because they struggled through so much, yet there never seems to be that light at the end of the tunnel for them. This story was so beautifully written yet it will rip your soul out a little. This was a differently a read that took me to a whole new level. I loved how this was a sugary sweet story it made you ache to give the two characters a happy ending not just an ending. These two loves even as beautiful as it was, and it was also of kind of sad. I seriously cried with this story. When I started this story, I knew it would be on another level and it was. If you never got lost in a book then read this one it will make your heart ache. Ms. Brooks did such an excellent job with this story because even though it ripped me I need more. This is a book that needs to read. This story makes you wonder if love comes without pain is it really love because it is built on a foundation of a million different emotions . This is a must read story .
REVIEW BY LINDSEY
REVIEW BY LINDSEY
July 27, 2017
The beginning of this book really sucks you in. I also liked the pacing of the flash back scenes. However, I feel like the flashback scenes should have ended at the 50/60% mark and more should have happened at the present. By 50% the reader already knows why Ellis was in jail so the mystery/questions the reader had were pretty much already answered except for why he was writing a suicide letter in the beginning. The present aspects of this book moved so slowly...I admit I skimmed the last half entirely. The progression of Harlow's illness was predictable as well. All in all, I liked the characters and the first half of the book but I have issues with the second half.
But that ending...man, I don't even know what to think. It's left sort of open ended? Maybe? You can interpret it as a good ending, or a really, really shitty ending (for the characters). I took it as latter, which left me feeling really uneasy and hoped there was an epilogue or something....
I would not recommend this book to those who want a very clear happy ending/like books wrapped up neatly.
But that ending...man, I don't even know what to think. It's left sort of open ended? Maybe? You can interpret it as a good ending, or a really, really shitty ending (for the characters). I took it as latter, which left me feeling really uneasy and hoped there was an epilogue or something....
I would not recommend this book to those who want a very clear happy ending/like books wrapped up neatly.
June 28, 2017
Elle has woven a tale so intricate, so beautiful, so raw... it couldn't be less beautiful if she tried!
You meet Harlow and Ellis at the tender age of 11. Their meeting is pretty intense! especially for Ellis. :). This encounter brings them into a tried and true friendship that spans decades.... they experience soooo much together.. the happy and sad.. the pain and love. Most of those emotions seem to go hand in hand.. and it is so true for them.
Ellis and Harlow suffer through their love... Epic and beautiful.. and so very tragic. There is sooooo much I want to say about this amazing story.. but you just have to dive in... guard your heart, and bring the tissues!
Another amazing and beautifully written story by Elle... can't wait for where she takes us next....
This review was originally posted on Perusing Princesses
June 8, 2017
There is not enough words to describe how I felt reading this book. In any language. It simply took my breath away. Ms Brooks has a way with her words that always leaves me speechless. And this book was no different. No. It was so much more.
In here we meet Ellis and Harlow. Best friends. Best couple. Best everything. Nothing could keep them apart. Nothing and no one.
Both of them are so hard not to love. You simply can't hate them. It's impossible.
I knew Elle will not create a normal drama where there is a bad breakup because of misunderstanding or because they are off to college. No. She has to take your heart squish it slowly and then put into a mincer. When your heart is nothing but pieces, she is slowly picking all the pieces and expertly mending them together.
There is not enough stars to rate this book. It's simply a masterpiece that lands as first on my reading list for this year. It will be hard to move it from its spot.
5 beautiful stars.
Thank you for writing it. Thank you for giving us Harlow and Ellis.
In here we meet Ellis and Harlow. Best friends. Best couple. Best everything. Nothing could keep them apart. Nothing and no one.
Both of them are so hard not to love. You simply can't hate them. It's impossible.
I knew Elle will not create a normal drama where there is a bad breakup because of misunderstanding or because they are off to college. No. She has to take your heart squish it slowly and then put into a mincer. When your heart is nothing but pieces, she is slowly picking all the pieces and expertly mending them together.
There is not enough stars to rate this book. It's simply a masterpiece that lands as first on my reading list for this year. It will be hard to move it from its spot.
5 beautiful stars.
Thank you for writing it. Thank you for giving us Harlow and Ellis.
June 8, 2017
I needed a couple of days to process this book before I could write a review.
Ellis and Harlow meet when she accidentally shoots him in the knee with a BB gun.
Harlow doesn't like Ellis to begin with because when her mum made her go to Ellis's house to apologise, she knew he was laughing at her.
After the mistake has been cleared up, they become best friends and from a child friendship a love story more powerful than any you've read before is Born.
I don't want to give the full story away. All I'll say is from the very first few words to the final word, I was gripped.
This story broke my heart, I couldn't even talk about it after I finished the book.
Their love is so strong, and their need to protect each other is absolute.
Be prepared to cry and cry I lot.
Elle Brooks, will pull you into a world where mistakes are made and forgiven. Where you will pray that it all works out and it does, just not in the way you expect.y
Ellis and Harlow meet when she accidentally shoots him in the knee with a BB gun.
Harlow doesn't like Ellis to begin with because when her mum made her go to Ellis's house to apologise, she knew he was laughing at her.
After the mistake has been cleared up, they become best friends and from a child friendship a love story more powerful than any you've read before is Born.
I don't want to give the full story away. All I'll say is from the very first few words to the final word, I was gripped.
This story broke my heart, I couldn't even talk about it after I finished the book.
Their love is so strong, and their need to protect each other is absolute.
Be prepared to cry and cry I lot.
Elle Brooks, will pull you into a world where mistakes are made and forgiven. Where you will pray that it all works out and it does, just not in the way you expect.y
June 8, 2017
A Lie Less Beautiful is a stand alone, second chance romance story. Ellis and Harlow have know each other most of their lives. They were childhood friends, then first loves, and then they were torn apart by a tragedy for ten years. Will they make it or is the only way Ellis can mend Harlow's heart is to sacrifice his?
I'm such a sucker for childhood loves and second chance love stories; so I knew I had to read this one. It made me feel so many emotions. It's a beautifully written, heart wrenching story. I don't mean that as a negative, I plan to reread this one so I can experience it again. Mrs. Brooks pulled out all the punches with this one; if you like second chance romance you must read this one.
I'm such a sucker for childhood loves and second chance love stories; so I knew I had to read this one. It made me feel so many emotions. It's a beautifully written, heart wrenching story. I don't mean that as a negative, I plan to reread this one so I can experience it again. Mrs. Brooks pulled out all the punches with this one; if you like second chance romance you must read this one.
June 8, 2017
A Life Less Beautiful by the beautiful Elle Brooks .....a beautifully written love story about second chances. I immediately fell in love with the relationship between Ellis and Harlow and all the ups and downs they went through always sharing that great love. I absolutely loved this book, and everything about it. The captivating storyline, the wonderful characters, the way it flowed...though it went from past to present it was always consistent and flowed easily. A worthwhile read. This beautiful love story will most definitely end up finding a place in your hearts as it has mine. Loved it!!
Can't Stop Reading gives A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can't Stop Reading gives A Life Less Beautiful by Elle Brooks 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 4, 2017
If, like me you take every opportunity to sneak in a bit a reading, then beware. I finished this book whilst sat on a packed commuter train from London. I found myself staring out of the window after I read the last word, frantically blinking and trying not to cry in front of a carriage full of strangers. Read in public at your own risk.
This book does not follow the established path. Told in dual POV, both current and past, this dual layering of the plot lines weave together to create a novel which is vibrant yet with an unexpected undercurrent of sadness.
The character development is everything I have come to expect from this author. The bond between Ellis and Harlow so real, so very tangible, that I almost defy the reader not to make an emotional connection with them.
For all the words I could write for this review, at its very core, this book is simply beautiful, dignified and brave. It put me through the emotional wringer and I would still have gone back for more. And that ending? Just perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This book does not follow the established path. Told in dual POV, both current and past, this dual layering of the plot lines weave together to create a novel which is vibrant yet with an unexpected undercurrent of sadness.
The character development is everything I have come to expect from this author. The bond between Ellis and Harlow so real, so very tangible, that I almost defy the reader not to make an emotional connection with them.
For all the words I could write for this review, at its very core, this book is simply beautiful, dignified and brave. It put me through the emotional wringer and I would still have gone back for more. And that ending? Just perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 16, 2017
4.5 Broken Heart Starts (my broken heart)
OMG...it just ended. Why did it just end?? I need more, so much more!! This is such an emotional read and I am just left speechless on the ending. Ellis and Harlow has such a wonderful story with so many twist and turns in their paths but without them they wouldn't be the characters that they are...strong, fierce, loyal and so much in love.
This book had me feeling everything and then...????? Elle Brooks did an amazing job on this story. It is beautifully written and told just a beautifully. I however want closure!! Need closure!! Great read.
OMG...it just ended. Why did it just end?? I need more, so much more!! This is such an emotional read and I am just left speechless on the ending. Ellis and Harlow has such a wonderful story with so many twist and turns in their paths but without them they wouldn't be the characters that they are...strong, fierce, loyal and so much in love.
This book had me feeling everything and then...????? Elle Brooks did an amazing job on this story. It is beautifully written and told just a beautifully. I however want closure!! Need closure!! Great read.
July 5, 2017
I really didn't know what to think of this book. I loved Harlow and Ellis and together they were prefect. When I found out that Ellis was being released from prison for murder, I torn between wanting it to be the accident that happened or something worse. I do wish they had more time together though. But THAT ENDING omg, I really didn't know what to think. I love how Ellis did that for her but at the same time how does Harlow feel. The ending killed me
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