We all have a past, and in Abby Abernathy's case, sometimes that past is a dark one that we'd really rather forget about for a while. In the critically acclaimed novel Beautiful Disaster, Abby has done a great job of creating a brand new life for herself that's far away from the person she used to be.
Abby is now the epitome of perfection, and as such, she ventures off to college. The fact that her new wardrobe rivals that of the girl next door, and also the fact that she no longer curses like a sailor or drinks like a fish, is proof that Abby is a very different person, indeed.
It's difficult to know whether it was fate, or sheer coincidence that brought Travis Maddox into Abby's life. Travis was the type of person Abby knew she wanted nothing to do with. He was the campus "heartthrob" and resident "bad boy". It isn't long before he sets his sights on Abby, and he becomes even more determined when he finds out that she wants nothing whatsoever to do with him.
Travis is determined to win Abby's affections one way or another, and a bet seems to be the best way to do that. Travis challenges her to a bet that will offer them one of two results: Either Travis will refrain from sex for a month, or Abby will live in Travis' apartment for a month. Abby has obviously done a great job of painting the new picture of her life for Travis, who still has no idea that she has a dark past. It won't be long, however, and he'll begin to understand that he's in for a few surprises with this new "relationship" that he wasn't counting on.
Jamie McGuire was born and bred in Oklahoma, having graduated from the Autry Technology Center with a degree in Radiography. She leads a "charmed" life herself, as the wife of a cowboy in Enid, Oklahoma. She loves to spend time with her three children on their thirty-acre ranch, and her well-written contemporary novels are taking the world by storm. Expect more great stories from this incredible author in the near future.
"Okay, personally, I highly recommend this book because it's just so... wow! I absolutely loved it! I believe that those who have done whatever it takes to solve bad problems and difficult obstacles in order to save their relationship can relate to this book at various points. I mean I know I did, especially with the book's surroundings (college, roommates, parties, the language, gambling, friends, falling in love, such INTENSE emotions, and drama). Everything about Beautiful Disaster was simply amazing in my opinion and very well written. Every character had me wanting to read more, especially Abby and Travis (the two main characters from the book). This is surely a book I couldn't put down. 5 stars!"
— Sam (5 out of 5 stars)
A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller about a good girl dangerously drawn to the ultimate bad boy.
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.
Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.
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“Beautiful Disaster is insanely addictive. Beautifully sexy, beautifully intense, and beautifully perfect. Jamie McGuire has written a damn good book.”
— Jessica Park, New York Times bestselling author“Amazing—readers will sigh and cringe and sigh again…A hell of a love story.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)" I had read this book before and was in love with it. I decided to get the audioversion to listen to while I walked. Honestly I didn't remember so much drama when I read it before. Good book, but gets a little old by the end. "
— Tiffany, 9/1/2016" This book keeps you thinking and leaves you inspired. "
— Melissa, 4/19/2016" This... was not a good book. I read it in hopes of finding some kind of beautiful, hopeful, possibly angsty romance. Instead I got an inconsistent main character, a really creepy love interest, and what was possibly the worst ending to any romance novel I've ever read. I mean, come on... *spoiler alert* they get married in VEGAS and she gets a tattoo of her own name. Her. Own. Name. I mean, the story sounded good. When I started, I really was hoping for the best. But I was ridiculously surprised at the events that took place. I mean, they didn't 'hate' each other at all, which is kind of what I was led to believe from the blurb. Travis, the love interest, was creepily clingy and obsessed with Abby to the point where I felt uncomfortable even reading it. Abby claims to be a good girl (and yes, I know she had a bad past) but then she exploits herself doing all these things... and the fact that Travis called her Pigeon really turned me off towards their romance because... well, Pigeon, for lack of a better explanation. The side characters had depth to an extent, but I kept mixing them all up and their names gave me a headache. The part with the *spoiler again* fire was cliche and unbelievable, as was most of the plotline. Abby gave way to Travis and his obsessive ways far too easily, and the way Travis acted around Abby was not only unrealistic, but a complete turn-off to their romance. So, overall, if you're looking for a LONG (it wasn't long, persay, but the part of the story that the blurb described was over before I even hit 50%), winding romance with a guy who is a little too attached, this is the book for you. If you like gambling, fistfights, people getting tattoos with their own names and their creepy pet names for others, inconsistent main characters, jetting off to Vegas to get married, and if you have a weird fetish for pigeons, by all means go ahead. If not... I'd recommend picking something else up instead. "
— Celestial-Blue, 2/20/2014" I was rrrrrreeallllyyy close to giving this book 4 stars. Even after reading scathing reviews and looking at the book with a more critical mind, I still enjoyed it. But at around the 3rd quarter of the book, it starting taking an extra ridiculous turn and suddenly it was too much for me to overlook. Hence, 2 stars. "
— Elle, 2/15/2014" This book is just so amazing! I was addicted from the first few pages. And I love how it shows Travis's personality- he looks like a typical bad boy on the outside but he's actually really sweet and caring once you get through the outer layer. It was an emotional roller coaster for me since I have book feelings when I'm reading something I really love. :-) "
— Anagha, 2/7/2014" Absolutely loved this book! great love story. "
— Corinne, 2/4/2014" This was my attempt to broaden my reading a bit...oddly addictive but overall just way too weird/fluffy for me. "
— Elizabeth, 1/21/2014" Was captivated by the book right away....but read it knowing I would be reading the next book. I am extremely interested in the other point of view. "
— Debbie, 1/13/2014" I rate this book 3.5 stars. It did have me hooked and I did enjoy it. Believable story which I liked. And great character development. I liked how Abby was so casual and gave Travis a run for his money. Which all women should do. Recommended easy read. *** "
— Jess, 1/8/2014" One of my first non paranormal romances and start of a whole new genre. :) "
— Em, 12/31/2013" It was somewhat .... A disaster. "
— Nadine, 12/20/2013" best book I have ever read "
— Sussan, 11/19/2013" Absolutely loved this book. I read it several times and also read the follow on book from Travis' point of view. "
— Georgia, 10/25/2013" I got lost in this book! it was excellent! "
— Cindy, 9/23/2013" I have read a lot of books lately and this one is my fav. I got to about 80% done and I went back and read it again because I was too sad to finish it. "
— Jenny, 9/10/2013" Just not for me. I didn't like it and dragged myself to finish it. I was hoping something would turn out interesting along my journey but I'm just disappointed. Too fantastical for my taste. "
— Gel, 7/7/2013" A mediocre book with a predictable story. While reading I kept checking my progress to see if I was almost done with it. I toyed with the idea of reading the next book only to find out its the same story but from Travis' point of view! Wow that's an original concept. I think I'll pass! "
— Tara, 2/17/2013" What a book. I loved it. It was super. Just no words come close to describing. Hate me if you will, but I am not here to please you sorry chumps. "
— Jane, 2/17/2013" This book was reccomended by a friend of mine, and it was okay. "
— Katelyn, 9/21/2012" i totally loved it i was happy that the characters were not vampaires lol and the situation. was real or as close to real life. i really enjoyed the story line "
— Toye, 8/28/2012" Loved it! Read it in what would have been one sitting if my ereader hadn't died! "
— Tenora, 8/12/2012Jamie McGuire, a New York Times bestselling author, has penned the young adult paranormal romance Providence series and the contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster. She has a degree in radiography, is a graduate of Autry and Oklahoma Northern College, and is a full-time writer. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children.
Emma Galvin won the 2011 Audie Award for best fiction narration, was a finalist for the Audie Award in 2012, and won six AudioFile Earphones Awards for her narrations. A graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, her film appearances include My Suicidal Sweetheart, A Perfect Fit, and The Big Bad Swim. She has performed in several regional theater productions, including Love Punky, The Power of Birds, and The Realm.