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Ashley James's "Beautiful Mess," brought to life by narrators CJ Bloom and Alex Kydd, is a steamy and engaging audiobook that throws together the delightfully mismatched Paisley and the brooding Conway in a small-town setting ripe with awkward history and undeniable chemistry. Bloom perfectly captures Paisley's bubbly, sunshine-infused personality, while Kydd embodies Conway's gruff exterior, hinting at the simmering intensity beneath.
Book Description
I’m pretty in pink dipped in sunshine and sweet Southern smiles.
He’s blue collar wrapped up in a gruff summer storm with a scowl.
He also happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.
Not only is Conway Levine grumpy, arrogant, and entirely too handsome for his own good, with the salt and pepper scruff lining his sharp jawline and his thick, corded arms, but he also had a front row seat fourteen years ago to a drunken night so mortifying I can’t look him in the eye without feeling the shame all over again.
Living in a small town makes avoiding him impossible, even more when you add in the fact that his daughter is friends with mine.
When a little tardiness and a whole lot of bad luck lands me partnering with him at our children’s school, I’m certain I won’t survive.
Before I know it, the dread from having to work with him turns into a burning desire impossible to ignore when his once stone cold demeanor shifts into longing, heated stares, and somehow, he knows all the right things to whisper in my ear to get under my skin… and my dress.
Between his filthy mouth and stifling need to devour me any chance he gets, the chemistry we share between the sheets quickly becomes something out of my wildest dreams.
Except Conway doesn’t do relationships, and I’m not built for casual.
But I couldn’t quit him even if I tried.
When all is said and done, will I be able to protect my already tattered heart or will it end up shattered into a million beautiful, messy pieces?
About Ashley James
Ashley James is a romance author who enjoys writing (and reading) LGBTQIA+ books. She is from Washington State—and no, not Seattle—and currently resides in South Carolina with her two kids and hairless kitties, Goose, Maverick, and Houston. Ashley is introverted and slightly (okay, majorly) awkward. She refuses to make this section sound like a tacky dating app profile, so she won't be telling you how much she enjoys music, how she thoroughly enjoys dancing and singing in her kitchen, despite not being able to carry a tune, and she won't be telling you about her love of toxic and broken fictional men.
My Thoughts
Ashley James's "Beautiful Mess," brought to life by narrators CJ Bloom and Alex Kydd, is a steamy and engaging audiobook that throws together the delightfully mismatched Paisley and the brooding Conway in a small-town setting ripe with awkward history and undeniable chemistry. Bloom perfectly captures Paisley's bubbly, sunshine-infused personality, while Kydd embodies Conway's gruff exterior, hinting at the simmering intensity beneath.
The premise itself – falling for your ex-boyfriend's father – is deliciously scandalous, and James navigates this taboo with a compelling blend of humor and heartfelt emotion. The mortifying backstory between Paisley and Conway adds a layer of tension that makes their reluctant partnership at their daughters' school all the more fraught. Their initial dread crackles with unspoken attraction, expertly conveyed through the narrators' contrasting tones and the author's sharp dialogue.
As their forced proximity leads to heated glances and whispered words, the transition from animosity to undeniable desire feels organic, albeit intensely passionate. The narrators excel at portraying this shift, with Bloom's playful banter eventually giving way to breathless longing and Kydd's gravelly voice softening with surprising tenderness. Their intimate scenes are particularly well-executed, leaving the listener with no doubt about the characters' scorching connection.
However, the core conflict lies in Conway's aversion to relationships and Paisley's desire for something more meaningful. This push and pull creates a compelling dynamic, raising the stakes beyond mere physical attraction. While the "he doesn't do relationships" trope is familiar, James infuses it with enough emotional depth to keep the listener invested in whether Paisley can truly break through Conway's hardened exterior.
"Beautiful Mess" is a well-paced and thoroughly entertaining audiobook. Bloom and Kydd's narration elevates the story, bringing Paisley and Conway's messy, complicated, and ultimately captivating romance to vibrant life. If you enjoy steamy small-town romances with a touch of forbidden allure and compelling narration, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
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