REVIEW: BEAUTY FROM PAIN BY GEORGIA CATES

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.

Kindle Edition, 326 pages

Published January 29th, 2013 

Where to find Beauty from Pain:

Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  B&N

Where to find Georgia Cates:

website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

*** 4 Stars***

1) Laurelyn. I liked Laurelyn from the moment I met her on the plane even though the only thing I knew about her at that point was that she was capable of some witty observations about her best friend, Addison. Within pages we learn that she's a musician, she's from the south, she's not interested in a relationship with Addison's brother, and she's trying to put some distance from herself and a bad relationship. When Laurelyn receives a most unusual proposition from Lachlan (aka Jack Henry) I must admit I paused a moment to question her sanity. I mean maybe it's the mother in me, but who in their right mind agrees to have an intense 3 month relationship with a man when you don't even get to know his real name??!! He could be Jack the Ripper for heaven's sake! But since this is fiction and I know I have to suspend reality, I did. I just went with it. So advice...just go with it...don't question it, just accept and move on. So move on I will. As Laurelyn tries out this new relationship she discovers that she likes the security and boundaries that it provides. It makes her feel safe and free to say and do things she might not normally do. She finds herself enjoying her time and the routine that develops in the days, weeks, and months that pass. During this time we find that she has a poor example for a mother and a father, a real reason to have trust issues with anyone (especially a man), and powerfully strong desire to become successful without any outside help. For such a young woman, Laurelyn has a solid head on her shoulders and handles this Australian adventure with such confidence and grace--I'm not sure I could have been as cool as she was in any of the given situations she found herself in.

2) Lachlan/Jack Henry. I kinda thought this guy was a prick a first. I mean who does this? He treats women like he's ordering off a menu--I think I'll take that one over there this time...ugh. I obviously got past my disdain for his methods and while I think they were a smidge over the top, I suppose I understand why he did what he did. If I was a wealthy, single, bazillionaire with tons of people trying to use me for their gain, I would probably have to resort to some interesting methods to find companionship too. I actually started to like him more after some of his sweet gestures or surprising her with an unexpected kindness. Then Audrey arrives in the picture and Jack Henry's story becomes even more interesting when we learn that this stalker ex-girlfriend that is trying to win him over in a most unusual and destructive way. I think the way he handled her was when I was officially on Team Jack Henry...up to that point I liked him but hadn't been completely swayed by his behavior. Once I decided to like Jack Henry I found him charming and I loved the funny scenes with his family. 

3) The story. On the surface this story is about two consenting adults entering into a 'relationship' based on some messed up theory that they can avoid the pitfalls all other relationships seem to fall prey to. This story line would be meaty enough but Georgia Cates also throws in subplots about Laurelyn and her ex, Jack Henry and one of his exes, a glimpse of their families, and a hint of a story with Ben and Addison and Zac. It seems like a lot and it is, but it's not unmanageable. I think Cates gives us enough with each of these plot points to feed our hunger but not enough to satiate us. Which leads me to my final point...

4) The Mother Effing Cliffhanger. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times...Cliffhangers give me a little bit of reader rage...especially if the story is good and I've been sucked into the world of the characters. Needless to say, I was sucked into this world and when I finished reading this I felt like I need to either seek solace in my favorite alcoholic beverage or trash my Kindle in a temper tantrum. I'll let you decide which one I did.

Luckily for you by the time we post this blog, the second book in this series will be released and in the process of working its way to e-readers everywhere. Happy reading...and here's to hoping that there's NO CLIFFHANGER!!! Or I might have to die. 

**4 stars**

This is another recommendation from my co-blogger extraordinaire, and I do have to say I feel bad she has to re-read all of this stuff with me because I am codependent. And being codependent I do thoroughly enjoy reading with her. When she said "You have to read this book!" I asked no questions ! 

1) Laurelyn. So I thought this girl was absolutely nuts. I love me a good story about a youngish girl and the wealthy guy, totally cliche, I know but I like what I like. But this took that whole scenario and did a 180 on me by their entire relationship being anonymous. Yes, I guess it would take the pressure and expectation out of the equation, but I truly know nothing about this anyway since I have been with the same guy since I was 15. I thought sometimes she acted way older than her age because of her current and past experiences. This caused me a lot of feelings of dislike towards Addison. Chick needs to grow up a bit, yes? She was flighty with her treatment of her supposed BFF so I was glad (sorry!) that she wasn't as present in most of the book as I figured she would be. The set up with her sperm donor and mother, and ex-lover was consistent throughout the story, but mostly unresolved so I am thinking we are going to get a lot of information for these plots in Beauty from Surrender. Two other things we love with a passion is the setting in Australia and that this girl is a rocker. Well, country rocker, but musician all the same and I cannot wait for more of that in the next installment! 

2) Lachlan/Jack. So this successful, handsome man is on one of those "I am not looking for love complexes." Does this get old? No! Want to know why? Because they're going to fall and they're going to fall hard and I for one love reading about it. Usually it's the result of some past trauma or issue, but his biggest problem just seems to be his money and the fact that his father worked all the time. I loved the experiences with his family and one scene especially with his brother and some *ahem* photos. (Isn't that the worst thing ever when you give an inch and people take a mile and start swiping through all of you pics on your phone!) This scene made me laugh so hard. I loved seeing his interactions and his growth as their relationship evolved. Other than that, Jack Henry is the ultimate bachelor and I think he feels this is the only way he can have an intimate relationship and ensure that people don't turn into a gold digger. I have a feeling that one or more of his past relationships are also going to cause a boatload of drama coming up in book two. The end. Oh...Emmm...Gee! Heart shattered for this guy! 

3) The story. I was so crazy surprised and in love with the depth of the story that is this book. The setting in Australian sucked me in and it talks about all of these beautiful places and wineries. Then, the glam life of going to the Sydney Opera and being wined and dined by this generous man. I loved the Aussie talk and was quite satisfied with the pacing and thought the writing was great. Not to keep kicking the dog repeating stuff that has already been said, but the secondary plot kept things interesting and not all sex all the time. This is my favorite part...when they're communicating and the dialogue is strong and the characters have to deal with issues or just live. 

4) Cliffy, you suck. I had an idea that there was going to be a cliffhanger since Shelley had read the book before, like I said. I am in denial at this point I think. Thank goodness the second one is already out, because I would be sad to have to wait 6 months or whatever it has been for this one. I don't know how all of you did it, if you're following this series! Just whoa! 

Just from this one book Georgia Cates will definitely be a frequent flyer on my to be read this! Cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us, besides making us feel like dying! (And if you read the angsty books that I do, you will know that this is the ultimate compliment!)