Review: Where Beauty Lies (Beneath the Glitter #2) by Elle & Blair Fowler

Release date: August 13th 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

The London sisters return in this charming new novel about love, friendship, and the perils of fame. Despite their very public arrest, Ava and Sophia London are about to discover that in L.A. there's no such thing as bad press. Suddenly, they are the hottest "It" girls in town and are one step closer to making their brand, London Calling, a household name. Their newfound celebrity status takes them jet setting to New York City to expand their brand into fashion and home goods. Their first stop is fashion week, where they're about to put on their inaugural fashion show...but not if their rivals have anything to say about it. The same unseen enemies responsible for framing them in L.A. are back - and determined to ruin the sisters for good this time. Can Ava and Sophia find out who's trying to destroy them before it's too late?

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh. My. Gosh. Where Beauty Lies completely surpassed the first book. Not that Beneath the Glitter wasn't great. It certainly was (see my review for proof). But this is the first time in a long time I've read a sequel that just made me want to rate it way out of my traditional scales. Like, giving it 10 out of 5, or jumping up and down on my bed and doing somersaults repetitively. Okay, that's a little dramatic. But that's just how much I've enjoyed the book.

Where Beauty Lies is fast paced, humorous, fashionable, mysterious and exciting by the pages. You absolutely don't want to put it down once you start reading. And I mean that from the heart because I literally starved myself a few hours just to keep going in hopes of unveiling what comes next. The story was undoubtedly arousing. I loved that the mystery and adventure continued in the second book, where the sisters find themselves once more being targeted by someone closer than they think, as they embark on a new venture. Not only has the writing intensified-sucking you in more into their lives-but the Fowler sisters have enhanced the inclusion of romance. 

Sophia and Ava both face the complications in relationships. But luckily, it all worked out the way I wanted it to in the end, especially with that little interesting facts surrounding Sophia's very protective boyfriend and the twists surrounding her love interest. I also liked how selfless both were in being willing to sacrifice what their hearts desired for the people around them. Speaking of, readers are once more granted the satisfaction of having the return of their friends and those cute little doggies. Minor characters don't always shine, but in Where Beauty Lies, they add to the fun. 

The entire ride was filled with problem solving, recovering precious pets, coping with relationships and trying to make a decision about who they truly wanted to be with, and most importantly, strengthening their relationship as sisters-which remains an unbreakable bond that readers will continue to admire from the first book to the second. 

I can't praise the story enough. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. Where Beauty Lies was so light, sweet, thrilling, a bit emotional, lovable  stylish, and irresistibly funny. If you love chick lit with humor, romance, and adventure then you're guaranteed to adore this series. I don't want it to end. Please, Fowler sisters, GIVE ME MORE!!

Review: Beneath the Glitter by Elle & Blair Fowler

Released: September 4th 2012 

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

*Paperback ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Welcome to a place where dreams are made.  And where nothing—and no one—is ever what it seems.

After their make-up and fashion videos went viral on YouTube, sisters Sophia and Ava London are thrust into the exclusive life of the Los Angeles elite.  Here fabulous parties, air kisses, paparazzi and hot guys all come with the scene. Sophia finds herself torn between a gorgeous bartender and a millionaire playboy, and Ava starts dating an A-list actor.  But as they’re about to discover, the life they’ve always dreamed of comes with a cost.

Beneath the glitter of the Hollywood social scene lies a world of ruthless ambition, vicious gossip…and betrayal.  Someone close to them, someone they trust, is working in the shadows to bring the London sisters falling down. And once the betrayal is complete, Sophia and Ava find themselves knee-deep in a scandal that could take away everything they care about, including the one thing that matters most—each other.

An enthralling, lighthearted, irresistible, and romantic story surrounding two rising stars that are not only close sisters but best friends facing an adventurous journey together. 

Beneath the Glitter was very enjoyable, not that I'm surprised. This novel has some similarities to the lives of the Fowler sisters and what it is they do, so fans of contemporary, chick lits, and quick paced funny reads will certainly find delight in this one. 

Sophia and Ava are far from each other but quite alike at the same time. Both share the same admiration and consideration for the other, and of course, the sister bond is something to always love in any story. The eldest London plays that role remarkably well. Her decisions are never made unless carefully thought out, while the youngest London, Ava, is more of the risk taker so to speak. What I love about the sisters is their protectiveness for each other and their need to motivate and encourage the other. Of course there were times when the relationship was tested but they managed to overcome their issues and not lose their focus on what's more important to them.

I know plenty of people are saying this novel is all about fashion and beauty but not true. Sure there's reference to the aforementioned and going to hip parties around L.A, but that is apart of their brand. Aside from the cuteness, there are other aspects of the novel contributing to an interesting story and that I think helps to balance things out. 

I would say Beneath the Glitter is more about the relationship of the sisters, how becoming stars takes them into a world where they might trust the wrong people, love the wrong guys, but find some keepers along the way. Again, it focuses on the importance of family and friends, not to mention staying true to yourself. I've learned a great deal of that throughout the story, especially from one character in particular. Giovanni.

Giovanni was kind of like the wise character offering good and meaningful advice to Sophia. Everything he said made sense, and along with the sisters', Giovanni's character had relevance  in the story. 

I also enjoyed the romance side. I liked how both sisters ended up with guys they deemed as perfect in the beginning but towards the end realized perfection wasn't always right. But, I felt that the end was a bit rushed where Ava's part was concerned when her feelings were requited. That was my only issue with the book, other than that, I loved the fact that it's obviously going to continue, being that the ending wasn't exactly an ending to a story. So, can't wait to read the next and I do recommend you read this one.