Beyond Beautiful

Jan Bornstein
Back Channel Press (2006)
ISBN 9780976759096
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (6/08)


First time author Jan Bornstein’s book “Beyond Beautiful” is a real winner.  This book has it all; glamour, suspense, drama and fictional stories about the rich and famous.  I was immediately drawn into the story and did not put it down until the end.  I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the characters in the other two books of the trilogy.     

Jenna Bradford appears to have born with a silver spoon in her mouth.  Daughter of a highly successful movie executive, Jenna has become famous in her own right as a rock star.  Beautiful, talented and smart, she has it all when mega star rocker Scott Tenny walks into her life.  When he approaches her with interest in pursuing a relationship, Jenna walks away because she does not want to get involved with someone who is going through a divorce.  Months later, after a failed relationship and the death of a family member, Jenna meets up with Scott again.  She recognizes that this is something special and starts a relationship with him. 

This should be the best time of Jenna and Scott’s life as they fall in love.  But an accident that leads to tragedy causes Jenna to start having reoccurring nightmares that seem very real.  As they try to get to the root of the problem, the story that unfolds is horrific as Jenna is forced to face pure evil.  Scott proves himself over and over again as Jenna tries to reconcile her past and present while living in a fishbowl as the press pursue her relentlessly. 

The author really has an excellent grasp of the human psyche and does a wonderful job of tying emotions and feelings into the story.  If you enjoy a good romance, suspense or stories about the rich and famous, you will totally enjoy “Beyond Beautiful.”  I cannot wait to see what Jan Bornstein comes up with in the second book of the trilogy “Sweet Emotions”. 


Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)


Jenna Bradford, daughter of an actor and a model, grew up loving music.  She especially loved rock ‘n roll.  Jenna is a successful rocker having built a career and a band.  She has won awards and is famous. Scott Tenny had a successful career that was nearly destroyed by drugs and alcohol.  He rebuilds his profession and life.  When the two collide they have an instant attraction.   However there’s a problem, he’s still married.

Both Jenna and Scott are constantly in the spotlight.  Reporters swarm to snap a picture or get a tidbit of gossip.  Jenna saw other people, like Derek, a football player.  She tried to push Scott away but he persisted.  When her father passed away he rushed to her side.  His presence helps her to realize that they care about each other. 

An automobile accident causes Jenna to lose a baby conceived with Derek. She and Scott are devastated.  The aftermath brings forth a nightmare hidden deep in Jenna’s soul.  Secrets, affairs, nightmares and media all attempt to destroy the love these two rockers have for each other.  Can their relationship survive the fishbowl of fame?

“Beyond Beautiful” by Jan Borstein is well written.  Ms. Bornstein is a very talented writer.  She paints a picture of life of the famous, with the media hounding them.  The plot reads like a roller coaster ride, leaving the reader breathless and awaiting the next thrill not knowing whether to scream or laugh.  Jenna and Derek are well-developed characters, coming to life before the reader’s eyes.  The story is one of pain, heartbreak, love and triumph.  Readers will eagerly await the next installment.  I recommend “Beyond Beautiful” to those that enjoy fiction, love stories and rock ‘n roll.

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