Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire Series: The Maddox Brothers #1
Publisher: Atria on July 1, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 337
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.
Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt.
Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red.
As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.
At A Glance
Not the best book but I loved it.
The Good
Beautiful Oblivion is a weird case for me. There is a lot of it I didn’t like, but I loved reading every word. I think I am just obsessed with this series and spin-off so much that I don’t care if the books aren’t perfect. So if someone gave this book 2 stars, I would get it, just like if they gave it 5 stars.
Cami is a bit flip-floppy for me but I still liked her. She felt real. I was surprised how spontaneous she ended up being. Once she started working for a tattoo shop she got a whole bunch of tattoos when she said she would never get one, then even walked away with a nose piercing. At first I thought she was crazy, but hell, I kind of respected her tenacity. I felt her pain when she was hanging out with Trent while dating T.J.. Awkward! Both were great guys, so it was a hard choice.
Trent was awesome. He was just so damn adorable with a side of wickedness. He was kind of a brat too, which I liked. He had a hot temper but it was worth it just for his hot bod. Bwahahahaha! I loved how deeply he felt for Cami. I wish he would have went for her sooner but hey, what’s done is done.
The big mystery throughout the novel was both intriguing and annoying. And the reveal at the end, literally the last page, I am still not sure how I feel about it. It was definitely a surprise.
The Bad
I was outraged by Cami’s family situation and it was never resolved. It was a good portion of the story, so what the hell???
The dramatic secret Cami had to keep just pissed me off once I found out what it was. Why all the drama? So unnecessary. But I still may have liked it, lol. I can’t make up my mind! That’s why I put it in both the good and bad section.
I hated Reagan, Cami’s best friend and roommate. What a selfish, unworthy bitch! What she did to her boyfriend was not right. Just a personal annoyance.
This book took place the same time at Beautiful Disaster. I didn’t like it. I wanted something new.
The Snuggly
Cami and Trent wait forever to have sex, ugggg!!! I wanted my smooshy smooshy time sooner. But when it came, I was happy.
Final Thoughts
Despite the stupid things that annoyed me, I loved reading this book. It had the feel of Beautiful Disaster, which I also loved. It wont be for everyone but hey, it worked for me, and that’s all that matters. hehehehehe 😉 Very recommended.
Quotes
“I was just thinking now was as good a time as any to acknowledge that you’re perfect and it wouldn’t suck if you fell madly in love with me anytime soon.”
“It’s good for him. No man should get every woman he wants. Keeps their douchebaggery to a tolerable level.”
“Is your ass jealous of the amount of shit that comes out of your mouth?”
“I was in trouble. Big, disastrous, Maddox trouble.”
Karen Blue
It actually sounds really interesting. Was it a stand-alone? I like complex family issues, since I can relate. I might have to check this book out.
Jennifer Bielman
Oh, I just noticed the series didn’t get posted. So weird. This is the first of The Maddox Brothers Series, which is a spin off the Beautiful Disaster series.
Shane Morgan (@itchingforbooks)
I’ve been curious about this series for a while now but haven’t gotten the chance to start it. Seems like it can go both ways for readers. I’m intrigued about the family issues and other aspects that weren’t resolved. That would be upsetting indeed but I’m glad you enjoyed it for the most part. Good review.
Jennifer Bielman
I would really recommend it. Have you read the Beautiful series?
Brandi Breathes Books
Hmm intrigued about an engrossing but annoying mystery
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, it was an odd choice of mystery for the end.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I haven’t read anything by this author, I was a little reluctant because of all the mixed reviews but this does sound interesting, your review has me curious!
Is there cheating since Cami has a boyfriend but is also hanging out with Trent?
A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Jennifer Bielman
There isn’t really cheating since Trent and Cami are not together when it happens, but it is close.
Melliane
I have the first book but I still need to read it I confess.
Jennifer Bielman
Hope you love it.
ailyn
didn’t you say that she had a boyfriend as well?
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, her boyfriend is one of the guys.
ailyn
honestly- i would have just given it a 1 or 2… because I don’t know why I’m reading a girl who doesn’t know what she wants.
Kristin
Nice review. I loved BD but didn’t care for the retelling second book. So I skipped this book as well thinking it wouldn’t live up to the first. Glad to see you really enjoyed it. I may have to give this one a shot.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it sucked that it was in the same time frame but it was a different story.
Melissa
That’s how I felt about Beautiful Disaster! I hated and loved it at the same time! I was so conflicted!! lol
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, same here. This series and spin off is crazy.
Jaclyn Canada
That is all that matters LOL!! I’m glad you enjoyed it even if it had problems. It’s that overall feeling about the book that counts the most IMO
Jennifer Bielman
True, overall feeling always wins out.
Anna
A good book makes our emotions come alive. My guess is the rating will not be accurate, because everyone has different buttons. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
Jennifer Bielman
For sure! Some people will not like this book at all.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..yeah we need more smooshy time. I enjoyed this one too
Jennifer Bielman
smooshy time is so important. 😀
Lekeisha
Still haven’t read this one yet! I’ve had it since it’s release, but haven’t given it a second thought. I shall try harder, and based on your review (plus countless others) I need to get to it soon. Great review as always.
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, I held on to this one too. Don’t know why.