Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 Review copy provided for an honest review. 
 4 Stars 
 From the prologue of this book we are immediately thrown into a dark and desolate hell. Kudos to Ms. Grayson for writing a wretched scene that leaves the readers completely captivated and turning pages. 
 Unbeautifully Loved is the first book in the Breathe Again series. A lot of times in first books they seem to be overloaded with character introduction and background history. I didn't feel that with this book, the balance between past and present was perfect. We get flashbacks to her life with Dex that fill in the unknown, and paint a very clear picture of the hell she was forced to live through. 
 Lexie is on the run from her abusive ex. Her only concern is to stay one step ahead of Dex and keep herself and her son safe. It's a fairly common storyline, with some very original twists. Not only does she have to stay hidden from the ex, someone else is after her as well. Lexie is fortunate to have a best friend, Molly who will do anything to keep her safe. She is a selfless person and added a lot to the story. After their sixth time moving in the last eight months, Molly finally finds them a place to call home. 
 Dex was her first in many ways and she has vowed he will be her last. He left her completely shattered emotionally and mentally. 
 Unexpectedly she meets Lukas and his alpha, bossy, stubborn ass won't let her hide from him. He storms into her life and doesn't give her a chance to refuse. I absolutely adored him. There was an immediate connection they have for one another and they are unable to fight it. I really liked the way their relationship formed. Given her past I was prepared for chapter after chapter of her fighting him at evry turn. I'm not saying she met him and immediately hopped in his bed, her resistance was definitely there it just didn't drag on and on. 
 Given the emotional prologue you jump right into, we know from the beginning Lexie's past catches up to her, we just don't know when or how. I had anxiety throughout the entire book waiting for THE moment. I will say Lexie did act stupid at times. When trying to stay hidden away from an abuse psycho it's not a great idea to use your own name, leave your doors unlocked, throw away creepy packages that are sent to you and tell no one....And when your bossy cop boyfriend tells you to stay in his house and lock the door that may be a good plan. Not drive all over town grabbing food for dinner and clothes from your own house. That's really my only issue with the book. Having gone through what she was forced to endure, there were times she was portrayed as clueless. I didn't think it fit well with her character. However, the storyline was very strong and it helped you pull through the head-shaking moments. 
 There are quite a few characters we are introduced to that will be part of the following books. We are left with some unanswered questions that I am sure will tie into future books as well. 
 If you love a suspense book that is jammed packed with drama and twists and turns, you will love this. The way she writes description is spectacular. She pulls you right into every scene with a real and lasting image. It's a love story with a lot of action, mystery and heart. I'm completely addicted to this new series and can't wait for book two.