I read this ages ago and went to check my review and I never wrote about it.

Anyways thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a young love romance that is rediscovered after several years. Jackson hires Peyton to design the restaurant he bought. Definitely a slow burn with (imo) a rushed ending. Decent read with potential to be a page turner (love me a slow burn that turns up the heat) but not something I am going to re-read for the sake of an in depth review.

2.5 stars.
It was cute , quick and easy.
Felt very insta-lovey even though they have been together before.
But it was alright.

This book was a great read, that I really did not want to put down. The characters Peyton and Jackson are so perfect for each other. The sheer chemistry between was amazing!! You could really understand how drawn they were to each other from the moment they are in the room together. Their back story threw me for a loop. I did not expect that!! Bravo to the author for that bit of creativity. My heart also broke for Peyton in multiple parts, which is a sign of great writing.

Some of the things that I would say about the book is that I wanted more steamy scenes between Peyton and Jackson. Some stolen kisses and moments that went almost to far would have been great. They did have their moments, but I just wanted more.

Complementary copy given for honest review.

Sweet, easy read! This was a fast read about reignited feelings and past love.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This book was just okay. Nothing memorable or exciting about it. Just another contemporary romance with not much depth to it.

***I received this book from Netgalley***

This was the first book that I read from Laura Pavlov and it will not be the last!!! I loved Peyton and Jackson's story. Life and emotions sometimes get in the way of love. I am glad that they found their way back to each other.

This was cute, fun read that didn't actually capture me but managed to keep a smile on my face throughout the book. Considering the field in which our protagonist worked in, the story actually pulled me in more. Although there isn't that much unique or original story in the plot, the story manages to captivate you till the end somehow.

Loved this second chance love story so much. I have to thank netgalley and the publishers for giving me a chance to read this one. What a wonderful lovestory spanning more than a decade between the two lovely protagonist. This one gave me all the fills. I loved how the book started with the reunion between Payton and Jackson. When payton was forced to work with Jackson as her client it became clear where the story was heading. I agree with Jackson that Payton and Sebastian were never a good match togather! Payton was doing all right with her life until Jackson came back. This stories follows a series of flashbacks between past and present lives of jackson and payton. All in all enjoyed it a lot. It was a good one.

3 1/3 Star Review.....

Beautifully Damaged is my first read by Laura Pavlov Laura, and though I usually avoid stories written from a third person POV, the author made the concept work in this instance. I’m always a sucker for second chance romance and enjoyed the history between the two main characters. Unfortunately, even though their relationship spans many, many years; I did feel there was a connection missing in the here and now. Overall, the book showed good world building and provided a believable storyline, and I’m sure I will read more by this author.

Beautifully Damaged follows Peyton Kroft and Jackson Vance, childhood sweethearts torn apart by tragedy when they were eighteen years old. Now, Jackson is back in Peyton’s life, and old feelings resurface with new hopes.

I didn’t not like this book, in fact, I found Peyton’s character charming and believable. I loved how her career was so important to her, and was championed throughout the novel. Jackson’s character arc was a little less appealing; I wasn’t sure why someone so hellbent on staying away from his old love would deliberately reinsert himself in her life, and then consistently reassure her that he didn’t want to start things up again.

The storyline of Jackson’s tragedy when they were teenagers tugged on my emotions however, and I felt for everyone involved. Without ever being an active character, Chloe’s presence was felt, as well as other inactive characters, like Joseph. For me, these people brought the story to life and made it real.

As for Peyton and Jackson as a couple, I did enjoy the romance once it got going. The ending was a bit too repetitive for me, but it didn’t detract from my overall impression of their relationship.

Peyton’s friends and family were good additions (aside from Elle’s southern “drawl”, let the girl have attributes other than her accent!) and her relationship with her father was one of my favourites. Nothing warms my heart more than a family with an estranged parent realising that they’re complete on their own. One of my favourite tropes!

I got a chance to read an advance copy of Beautifully Damaged by Laura Pavlov. The opinion I’m about to disclose is my own.

I really wanted to thoroughly enjoy this book and, while it had potential to be a quality story, I think I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it because it needed a better editor. Or maybe just one person to offer constructive criticism.

The bones of the story were solid. It’s a second chance at first love story with a bit of political drama thrown in. The back half of the novel was certainly the better half. The concept itself is one of my favorite tropes. I enjoy angst and there was a fair amount of that involved in this story too. It had all the elements to thrill me.

But I had a hard time being thrilled because I kept getting distracted by a few odd choices. First of all, I love nicknames as much as anyone and the nickname of “Peanut” is not a bad one, but shorten it to “Pea” and it’s not so charming anymore. Also the name of the restaurant their working, while it had an interesting backstory, did not roll off the tongue very well. There were a few times where the dialogue sounded overly formal as well.

But the strangest choice in the whole story, that really made me pause, was the choice to have a man push a grown woman around in a jogging stroller. I am sure the author thought this would be cute. In the sense that it illustrates how badly Jackson wants to talk to Peyton, it almost succeeds. But it’s a strange device to use to keep your two main characters talking, especially when you don’t bother to make the conversation they have a meaningful one.

There was also the issue that this author seemed awkward writing children. There was a flashback chapter where ten year olds sound like fourteen year olds and then a present day chapter where a toddler talks with strange speech impediments that would never sound the way they’re spelled.

None of these things are major story components but they all remove you from the world that’s being described to you. It was sometimes hard to push past those moments.

Occasionally, Jackson’s indecisiveness grated on my nerves as well. It felt a lot like he was leading Peyton on for most of the book. The author mostly justified his mental state in the narration but sometimes the justification didn’t work.

It is my opinion that this story and this author have the potential to write wonderful stories, but they need a stronger critical voice involved to help with some of these awkward choices.

Not a bad book at all, but it could have been much better. If you are a fan of second chance romances and don’t think any of the things I brought up would pull you out of the story then feel free to ignore my opinion. My opinion isn’t the definitive one. Read it and decide for yourself.

This was my first experience reading this author's work but it definitely won't be the last -- I enjoyed this book so much! I read it in less than 2 days because I couldn't put it down. It's a beautiful, emotional second-chance romance that could also be considered romantic suspense because of the secondary storyline which really added to the whole experience of this read. I loved Peyton and Jackson's characters so much -- these two were heartbreakingly in love with one another and true soulmates. The introduction of their friends and family members just added to their journey--I'm hoping we get Elle & Maverick's story next!! If you're looking for angst, suspense, emotional feels and an intense, interesting plot, I highly suggest Beautifully Damaged. 5-star read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.