A Joint Review for Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire

Posted by Donna  & Jess
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013

Publishers: Atria Books
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages:  488
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

How much is too much to love?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. 

Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire's New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster Abby had her say. 

Now it's time to see the story through Travis's eyes.

General thoughts:
Donna: Ever since I first read Beautiful Disaster, I’ve always wondered what was going through Travis’s mind in some of them emotional and hard times with Abby, and thanks to Jamie McGuire, now I know. 

I was super excited to get this ARC – so that’s  Atria books and NetGalley. It’s definitely one of my most ‘waiting on’ books, so to start it was pure bliss. I love Travis and the gang the first time around but what I was most looking forward too, was seeing what happens behind the scenes with Travis and Shep and of course, America. And let me tell you, it’s fantastic. I love this lot together; they have a great relationship – even though America gives Travis some tough talking too sometimes. ;)

So the big question is…..Abby’s POV to Travis’s POV? And as much as I love Travis, I’m going to say Abby’s. I felt her side of the story was so much more emotional because we didn't know what Travis was thinking at the time, not only that but there’s so much more detail to the story in her POV, rather with Travis’s certain chapters were skimmed through and there’s some details missing. But the main thing, Abby annoyed me from Travis’s POV. She was so freaking stubborn and each and every time, Travis proves he would do anything for her. Despite this though, I still loved Walking Disaster. How could I not? 

Jess: Couldn't believe I got approved for the galley. I was so excited. I remember when I read Beautiful Disaster, I really wanted to know what was going through Travis's head and thankfully...now I know. 

It absolutely didn't disappoint me...in a way. I did feel like something was missing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what that was. It was great being inside Travis's head and I loved every minute of it, but something felt off, and eventually I came to the conclusion that this book probably would have worked much better as a duel POV the first time round. With two completely different characters with their own inner demons, it's always best to have a duel POV in the book...in my opinion. 

Favourite character:
Donna: Travis - of course Travis! He's still my number one! I love him!

Jess: Ha! Like you even have to ask. Travis :) definitely. I'm going to put Shep in there as a second and Trent as a third :)

Favourite quotes:
Donna: “A toast” I yelled, climbing onto a chair. On my way to the top, I stole someone’s beer and held it out in front of me. “To douche bags!” I said gesturing to Brad. “And to girls that break your heart.” I bowed to Abby. My throat tightened. “And to the absolute fucking horror of losing your best friend because you were stupid enough to fall in love with her. ”

Jess: "You can't tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don't belong to you!" Her words ignited a deep anger inside me. I stomped to the bed, planted my hands on the mattress on each side of her thighs, and leaned into her face. "Well, I belong to you!" I screamed. I put so much force behind my words, I could feel the blood rush to my face. Abby met my glare, refusing to even flinch. I looked at her lips, panting. "I belong to you," I whispered  my anger fading as the desire  took over.

After thoughts and final rating:
Donna: Travis captured my heart in Beautiful Disaster and he certainly still has it now. Walking Disaster is a must read for any fans of this series! 4 stars!

Jess: Brilliant. Aside from the something missing that I felt wasn't there. It was wonderful to finally get into his head, see how he ticks. Jamie McGuire had me in Beautiful Disaster from page one. And she still has me in Walking Disaster. I look forward to more from her soon. A solid 4 stars from me :)

A Review for Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Posted by Jess
Published Date: May 26th, 2011
Finished Date: March 10th, 2012
Publishers: Self-published author
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 344


The blurb from Goodreads: The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, 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 needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, 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’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

The Review: "I pounded the mattress with my fists. "You can't tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don't belong to you!" In the second it took him to turn and face me, his expression had contorted into anger. He stomped toward me, planting his hands on the bed and leaning into my face. "WELL I BELONG TO YOU!" The veins in his neck bulged as he shouted, and I met his glare, refusing to even flinch. He looked at my lips, panting, "I belong to you," he whispered, his anger melting as he realized how close we were."

Firstly...whoa! What a fricken rollercoaster of emotions! I can't even begin to express how I feel about this book. There was just so much...of everything in it. 

I've wanted to read this book for so long, and when I decided to pick it up,  I couldn't put it down, I even thought about calling in sick just so I could stay home and read this book. I haven't been this involved in a book since I read Fifty Shades. I couldn't get enough, it was just such a fantastic story about love and anger, and jealousy that you're pretty much left reeling after every chapter ending. This book was never dull, there was always something happening on the page and it was just absolutely fantastic to read. 

I loved Abby, and although she's as stubborn as heroines come I still loved her. Even though I didn't agree with some of her choices I still managed to connect with her and that's what I liked. Now, Travis, ah Travis. I'm not even sure where to start with him, he's pretty much the biggest and baddest boy of book history, he fights in a floating ring, he has sex with countless women, and yet I fell for his charms, just like every other reader before me. Sure, he's not the sort you want to bring home to meet the parents, he's best off as your dirty little secret, and I'm totally ok with that. The relationship between Abby and Travis, well, lets face it, it's not healthy. Abby is stubborn, Travis has a volatile temper and is possessive as well as jealous on top. Not the kind of relationship you want to be getting into, but somehow it McGuire has managed to create it so that they bounce off of one another, they're each others ying and yang. You root for them, and somehow with all their obstacles they still find themselves in each others/Travis's bed. 

Anyway I loved everything about this book, the premise, the characters, the story, the love, the sex, the families, the best friends. Everything, it has everything a book could want. I highly recommend this book but be warned this book does deal with an unhealthy volatile relationship that happens in real life, so if you're sensitive to these sorts of topics or have been a part of a volatile relationship then probably not the best book for you. I also only recommend this book to the older YA becuase of the smoking, drinking, sex and general womanzing.

On a high note, can't wait for this book in Travis's POV and for the book written from his brother Trents pov.

A Review for Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Posted by Donna
Published Date: May 26th, 2011
Finished Date: February 13th, 2012
Source: Bought - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Kindle
Pages: 454 
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The Blurb from Goodreads: The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, 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 needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, 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’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

The Review: “I know you deserve better than me. You think I don’t know that? But if there was any woman made for me…it’s you. I’ll do whatever I have to do, Pidge. Do you hear me? I’ll do anything.”

Wow! When I picked up this book yesterday morning, I only meant to read a chapter or two, but 8 hours later I had completely devoured it and let me tell you – Beautiful Disaster is such an addictive read that I couldn't help  love  it.

When Abby Abernathy starts Eastern University she is trying to put her past behind her, so meeting Travis Maddox; the ultimate bad boy - who fights for fun, drinks, smokes and has the worst reputation, she’s kind of thrown because he definitely wasn’t in her plans. When Travis notices Abby, she’s quick to prove that she won’t be used like any of his other girls. Instead she suggests they become friend and quickly Travis finds a way for Abby to be in his life for longer than they originally planned. What Abby doesn’t realise is that, she’s about to find her match in Travis but how can she be with someone who reminds her of all the things she’s trying to leave behind?

Firstly, I NEED A TRAVIS! And secondly, this book is so frigging awesome. From the first page I was sucked into a compelling and heart-pounding story and I wasn’t released until the very last page and I have to say, I was so disappointed when I finished. Jamie Maguire knows how to write an amazing contemporary romance novel and has really ticked all the right boxes for me. Epic win!

Now, you know I've got to talk about the characters and honestly, they really could compete with Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry characters, if anything I like them more. 

Abby is a sweet, innocent girl but one that stands up for herself and she really cares what people think about her. When she meets Travis, she knows being friends with him can only be just that and it does take her a while to realise her feelings for him and at that point, she's just too stubborn to admit it. She wants to do the right thing and be with the right guy and honestly she doesn't think Travis can be that for her. But as much as I like Abby, she is a frustrating character. Her stubbornness really gets in her way and clouds her mind. There are so many times that I really wanted to grab her and shake her, but she does redeem herself.

Now Travis he's the ultimate bad boy. Not only does he fight for money, he drinks far too much and he uses girls for sex. He's very rash, stubborn and unpredictable but he's also very loveable and such a sweet guy. Meeting Abby really turns his life around. He changes for her and he becomes the best friend anyone could ever be but once his true feelings start showing, he can't control them and soon the sparks start flying. I really wanted to hate him in parts because he does so many jaw-dropping stupid things, but deep down I couldn't. One thing about him which I had to question was, his temper - he gets so angry sometimes and his feelings for Abby really makes him crazy but again like Abby, he redeems himself. And the fact that he has so many swoon-worthy quotes that seriously makes you melt - you can't help fall for him......like this;

“You know why I want you? I didn’t know I was lost until you found me. I didn’t know what alone was until the first night I spent without you in my bed. You’re the one thing I’ve got right. You’re what I’ve been waiting for, Pigeon.” - Travis

“I know we're f***ed up, all right? I'm impulsive, and hot-tempered, and you get under my skin like no one else. You act like you hate me one minute, and then you need me the next. I never get anything right, and I don't deserve you... but I f***ing love you, Abby. I love you more than I've loved anyone or anything, ever. When you're around, I don't need booze, or money, or the fighting, or the one-night stands... all I need is you. You're all I think about. You're all I dream about. You're all I want.”  - Travis

“I feel like any second you're going to figure out what a piece of s**t I am and leave me.” - Travis 

“You can’t tell me what to do anymore, Travis! I don’t belong to you!”

In the second it took him to turn and face me, his expression had contorted into anger. He stomped toward me, planting his hands on the bed and leaning into my face.

“WELL I BELONG TO YOU!” The veins in his neck bulged as he shouted, and I met his glare, refusing to even flinch. He looked at my lips, panting. “I belong to you.” - Travis & Abby

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And yes Travis Maddox is top on my book boyfriend list. How could he not be?  ;) And the epilogue is just P.E.R.F.E.C.T! 

All in all, Beautiful Disaster is a beautiful and touching story about two people that are so wrong for each other, but deep down, they are so right for each other. An absolute amazing read and one I highly recommend.