Insecurity is a subject that faces everyone at one time or another. Strength of character lies not in the possessions a person obtains but in the wisdom that helps them become who they were meant to be. A Cruel Kind of Beautiful travels the pathway of raw sensuality and courageous bravery. Whether it be learning to face fears or helping to dry away those rainy day tears, Ms. Hazen keys in on the emotions that make a person tick and strikes a chord to the heart.
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A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen
Sex, Love and Rock & Roll #1

Not a fan of New Adult books but this one grabbed me from the beginning and made me think first of Cinderella but with a guy in the lead role. The first scene was one of the best meet-cutes I have ever read.

As I continued reading I realized that Jacob was a keeper with a big family secret and that Jera’s main problem with relationships was not one I can relate to and yet…thinking back four or so decades…it does make a bit of sense and perhaps more than a bit. She grated a bit at times when she ran or didn’t listen or became afraid for reasons I couldn’t quite understand but she also had great talent as a musician-songwriter and was a good friend and bandmate. Jacob…well…he was a book boyfriend worthy of being on THE Wall of Fame for book boyfriends! Family guy, caring, interested, puts others first, willing to give up what others might see as important for what he believes truly is important. I am not going to give the plot away but will say that eventually Jera gets her head on straight and takes a chance…and once she does it seems that things begin to fall in place for her, Jacob and those around them.

I liked the band members and want to hear more about The Red Letters Band. What makes Danny and Jax tick and how will the band get their record deal?

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An entertaining New Adult story, about a young woman, Jera, who's still in college and showing her talent for music by playing the drums in a struggling band and also writing some of their lyrics. She's never had a loving relationship with a guy and now finds trust and the thought of sex something she will never succeed in. Then she meets Jacob, a handsome, charismatic young man who's good looks and kindness make her wish for things long forgotten. He's perfect, in looks and attitude, but that's his problem, there has to be more.

A sweet character study, I loved Jacob, Jera was a real rock & roll gal and her band members were great fun. The story's full of great humour, a little sex and lot's of love. ( )