I already loved Asher from Beautifully Awake so I'm happy that he got his own story because I did want to learn more about him and boy, does Asher have a lot to share. He is lovable in the sense that he cares so much about the people who are dear to him, he will do anything for them with no limit. He just doesn't do committed relationships and lives life in the fast lane and for the moment because life is too short to do it any other way. That didn't make much sense in the first book but once the reasons for Asher's motto are revealed, it sinks in why he is the way he is. Asher isn't a broken guy by any means, he just takes the bull by the horns and goes with it. Because Asher isn't broken, he has the capacity to give so much of himself and it's sad to think that he doesn't want to give his heart away, that is, until he crosses paths with an old friend from the past, someone from before all the bad things happened in life. Talia, someone that was briefly mentioned before in the first book, but was an important part of the past of both Asher and Chase, reappears. Talia's got secrets, that much was implied, but her secrets run much deeper and complicated than anyone would have guessed. I think my eyes bugged out a little when her whole story spilled out and it was crushing. Talia is different from Lili in that she is older and more mature and because of her difficulties in life along with her responsibilities, she never let life bring her down too far where she couldn't climb back up. Talia is incredibly resilient and intelligent, but also very practical and looks at situations from a whole-picture perspective because her decisions don't only impact her. I loved the rekindling of the friendship between Asher and Talia because there was a side of them revealed that hadn't been seen before in any of Asher's other relationships, even with his family and Chase. In all truthfulness, I actually love Chase more than Asher, but Asher is a really stand up guy in so many ways. Talia herself is a pillar of strength to be admired. There's some major events that happen in this book, the kind that are life changing, so that by the time I got to the Epilogue, I went into it warily remembering exactly what happened in the Epilogue from Beautifully Awake and crossed my fingers that it wouldn't be nearly as dramatic and suspenseful. Well, there is a surprise tucked away in there that hits the heart, but there's also some beautiful lessons to take home, too. Beautifully written...heart-ripping...Better than the first book, "Beautifully Awake." Asher is a find and so is Talia. I was so engrossed in the book that I didn't do what I usually do which was skip ahead in my mind to formulate the ending ... that's a good thing in storytelling btw. The ending was so heartfelt and poignantly written. Loss is hard and it hurts, but, I also did feel the immense love! P.S. I loved Sierra and her unabashed personality! She was a standout.
What do You think about Beautifully Done (2014)?
Loved it! I didn't expect that kind of an ending..... I cried, sobbed and wanted more.
—Pritzy
I loved the book I really did but then I read the epilogue and ruined the book for me.
—Tanya
Geez, that epilogue REALLY got to me. *sniffs* Beautifully Done, ladies. Thank you!!!
—kendra
