The Beauty of Us: A Fusion Novel

I loved this beautiful amazing book. it was in many ways like our heroine, Riley. it was strong, confident, smart, sweet, sexy, funny and genuinely fun to be around. my favorite part of this book though is Riley stating again and again that she doesn't do drama. Everytime drama came to her door, she was like nope. it was amazing and refreshing to read such an adult attitude. Even the story didn't contain much excess drama or when it did it was handled maturely and calmly. I loved how Riley took charge of her life and was a strong woman with a strong group of women supporting her. The group dynamics are always one of my favorite parts of a Kristen Proby book and this was no exception. The women shine in this series and the men support and love and don't have to step in and take over. it is a wonderful, beautiful healthy dynamic that she has created and it is what keeps me coming back each and every time.
I highly recommend this book for a light but amazing read. Each character shines in their own way and make each book better than the last.

This book s a story line with no character development. Proby's predictable cute dialogue. Since her "Seattle" series her book have become less and less engaging. I loved her Seattle series, thought her Under the Big Sky series was good. The other series made me feel that she is focused on turning out books - not writing stories that the reader can live in.

Five friends and a dream of setting up a business that would make them happy and fulfilled.
Addie, Cami, Kat, Riley and Mia did this by building SEDUCTION, a restaurant with aphrodisiac dishes in Portland.
Three friends were able to find their Prince Charming.
Riley Gibson was looking for hers.

Responsible for the marketing area of the restaurant, she thought it would be easy to find her perfect match over the internet, and she signed up for 4 of them. But with each new date, a disappointment. The men were immature, exploitative or sexual predators.
Talking about it with her friends, a bar customer overhears their conversation and gives his opinion on the subject.
Upon introducing himself to them, Riley is astonished to discover that he was the producer of the TV show they would record in a few days, Trevor Cooper.

Trevor was tall, handsome, friendly, good-humored, geek (he loved playing PS4 online with friends) and was very interested on Riley.
But he never mixed work and women. EVER.
Riley proved himself to be a welcome exception.

However, for Riley and Trevor be together there were several factors not so welcome.
The first one was that he did not live in Portland, and her life was all there.
Then Trevor seemed to be very coveted by other women, including his ex-wife.

How to deal with distance, internet threats and a passionate heart?
Riley would soon find out...
4 stars

A swoon-worthy hero? Check! A strong-willed, intelligent heroine? Check! A scorching hot, seductive romance? CHECK! I've never met a Kristen Proby book I didn't love, and the author has impressed me once again with her captivating new release, The Beauty of Us. Fans of the author’s Fusion Series will recognize our heroine, Riley Gibson, as Seduction’s resident marketing and publicity expert, who’s next in line to get her chance at a Happily Ever After. The spotlight on her love life also comes with an exciting opportunity for the ladies at Seduction – an opportunity helmed by our charming hero, Trevor Cooper. With The Beauty of Us, Kristen Proby writes a dreamy, blush-inducing romance, capable of sweeping you off your feet and keeping you riveted from start to finish.

With the anticipation of Seduction – the restaurant Riley co-owns with her four close friends – being featured on a popular television show, Riley’s career is an undeniable success. Her romantic life? Not so much. Enter Trevor Cooper, a handsome bespectacled television executive producer intent on proving Riley’s streak of bad luck with men has come to an end. There is the issue of potentially jeopardizing their work relationship, but their chemistry is too palpable to ignore. A whirlwind romance commences, complete with sparks, witty banter, and several intimate encounters that’ll set your cheeks on fire.

While the romance between Riley and Trevor is undoubtedly the top reason to dive in to The Beauty of Us, it’s the author’s character building that keeps me coming back to the Fusion Series with each new release. The women of Seduction are not only empowered and accomplished, but they’re loyal and caring, especially when it comes to their tightknit group of friends. It’s so much fun to be a part of their easygoing camaraderie and I love getting new updates on the lives of characters I’ve gotten to know and love throughout the series. As for the men of Fusion…Trevor is a noteworthy addition. There's something inherently romantic about a hero who worships the heroine and Trevor is nothing if not romantic. Every word that came out of his mouth either had me smiling, blushing, or swooning, and, like Riley, I found it impossible not to fall for his many charms.

If you’re a hopeless romantic looking for a love story that’s sweet, light on angst, and with plenty of heat, The Beauty of Us is a must-read. Riley and Trevor’s story is an entertaining new installment in the Fusion Series and I can’t wait to get my hands on Mia’s story next.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Fusion keeps getting better and better! The Beauty of Us was so wonderfully refreshing in whole its geeky sexiness!

Kristen Proby always gives a very heartfelt and genuine love story, and this book is no exception, therefore a pleasure to read from start to finish. From the moment they met, I really felt in Riley’s shoes: her feelings, her doubt, her resolution and her craving for love and connection.

Riley, Fusion’s PR and one of the quintet of beautiful women that amke this restaurant the stellar success that it is, has been going through a series of horrible dates, seriously horrific – and hilarious, lol – so the last thing she expects when venting with girls about one such delightful episode, is that a seriously HOT and insightful client gives her some words of advice, and some nerdy corrections, LOL!

When it turns out that the handsome and charming stranger is none other than Trevor, the producer of the show in which their restaurant will be main feature, well, let’s just say that things immediately start to get interesting! Much to Riley’s chagrin, or should I say luck?! ;)

Yep, even with the embarrassment of the situation, from that very first glimpse, their sizzling attraction is undeniable, and it was easy to see that not even their gigantic will to resist and keep it professional, had any chance to stop what was indeed meant to be.

Neither had much resistance, honestly, and how could they, with those beautiful packages and off the charts magnetism. This type of chemistry, so real you, as a reader can feel it, just has they do, can’t be beat. And hello, did I say, smoking hot geek?! *cue sighing*

Trevor was indeed a nice and delicious on his own, treat in the Fusion gang, and how he showed Riley how she should be treated and all she deserved, made me fall in love with him, right along with her. And we could FEEL them truly fall for one another.

Their love develops organically, and for my pleasure, in the perfect paced development. It was incredible and always exciting to see the rest of the Fusion women and man, and OMG, how could Riley not be the sassy woman that she is with that kickass granny?!

I loved her Nana so much, and hope she makes an appearance in Mia’s book!

The way Trevor was devoted and genuinely loved her, and was attentive to her when they were together in Portland, made me soon and warm in the heart, but I also wanted to kick his ass – or at least slap him in his head by some things he did/reacted later on. Riley was amazing all throughout the story and I felt incredibly connected to her, and what she was feeling, and can’t even explain it myself. I guess that is Kristen Proby’s gift right there!

The Beauty of Us – perfect title, btw – fits perfectly with the rest of this amazing series, and reflects why it’s one of my all time favs. Ok, all of KP’s are, but these beautiful and successful women have a special place in my heart, because they represent the contemporary woman, and like Riley herself describes, contemporary and independent women, that love their man with values, a man’s man, that will love and cherish them, but also respect their personality. And that is exactly how every Fusion men is, and I couldn’t adore them more! And with that tease of epilogue, oh boy, I can’t wait to see how Kristen Proby will disentangle that mess that is Mia’s life at the moment! <3 <3 <3 <3

“Are your knees feeling weak?” “They always feel weak when I’m with you.”

“When you smile at me, it’s like a light has been turned on in a dark room.” “I’d do anything for that smile.”

From sassy and strong women to swoon worthy alpha males, The Beauty of Us is amazing story.

Told from dual points of view, The Beauty of Us follows the story of Trevor and Riley. Riley couldn’t be more thrilled over the possiblity of Seduction being featured on TV. It will be hard work and will turn everyone’s life upside down, but she just can’t turn down the opportunity of a lifetime. What she didn’t plan on was Trevor. Riley had just decided to swear off men, when Trevor appeared and turned her world upside down. Men like him are few and far between and even though Trevor is only in town for a short while, Riley can’t stay away….When Trevor originally lands in Portland, he had every intention on just keeping things all about business…that was until he met Riley. He knew he should stay away, but can’t fight the pull he feels towards her….

The Beauty of Us is a fabulous addition to the Fusion Series. I thought this book was incredibly well written and loved the story-line. The characters were fun and easy to connect with. I loved Riley as a lead. On the outside, she is strong and independent with a sassy mouth to boot. But, on the inside, she wants what every woman wants. She want to be loved and cherished and taken care of. The problem is all the men in Portland are a disgrace. But, Trevor was about to prove that there are still some good men out there. Trevor is thoughtful and pays attention. He’s hardworking and determined. And in the bedroom, he is a total alpha. He is the perfect mix of sweet and seduction. Sure, Trevor is not perfect. In fact, he had a few moments where I wanted to slap him silly, but I liked the fact that he wasn’t 100% perfect. It just drew me to him even more. The connection these two shared was just beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of Trevor’s devotion and affection for Riley. Together, these two make a scorching hot pair with chemistry that demands to be explored.

The Beauty of Us was a terrific read from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters and the story from the very first page and could not stop myself from devouring Trevor and Riley’s story. It was sweet, sinful and downright swoon worthy. The Beauty of Us had just the right amount of friendship, drama, steam and romance. A very enjoyable read that leaves you begging for more.

4.5 Stars

One of my favorite things about Kristen Proby's books is that the characters just plain love one another. They fall in love, it's genuine and heartfelt, they are honest about it (at least in their internal dialog) and they don't play games. This makes it, in a lot of ways, a smooth ride. I know when I am reading one of her books, it always makes me feel like I have curled up in a comfy chair, with a glass of wine and a book. It's comfortable, it is soothing, and you enjoy it.

This books was no different, and it was absolutely a pleasure to read.

Riley and Trevor meet when he visits Seduction a few days before he is scheduled to start filming the TV show in the restaurant. He is the producer of the show that is being filmed and works for the network. (This show and what it is about is addressed in the previous book, but if you haven't read it, not to worry, you are given enough info to know what is going on without reading the others...although, you really should as they are all good). The attraction is instant, and the circumstances around the meeting really set the expectations they have of one another.

There is a reluctance to become involved because they are essentially colleagues, and because they are in Portland and he works in Los Angeles, so, as Trevor says, geography is not on their side. That said, their attraction is strong, they want one another physically, and they like one another. More than once, Trevor thinks how much he likes Riley, how much he respects her. And, Riley feels the same about Trevor. Again, that comfortable feeling of enjoyment, you know they are in it for the long haul, and they both are aware of this...no one is going to be surprised be their feelings in this.

They have chemistry, the attraction is obvious, and you feel the connection. I loved that the distance, thing, the idea that they are going to be long distance, is kept in the background. It is not ignored, but there is an understanding very quickly that the distance isn't going to stop the relationship.

So often in books where the is en "end" date to the romance, the leaving of the person is the entire conflict, the whole thing they have to work past. I loved that in this, that was an issue, but it was not one that was going to stop them, it wasn't going to be the "thing" that was their roadblock.

Ironically, it is this understanding that messes things up for them a bit, but saying more is a spoiler...and it all works out. Trevor is, well, a man, and thinks that just because he knows what he is thinking, Riley will too. Any one who has ever had a male in their lives, brother, father, significant other, friend, jogging partner, will relate to this particular thought process of so many men.

Because they love one another, and this is a romance, Trevor figures out the problem. And, in a way that will have you teary. If it doesn't, read it again, it is beautiful,it is perfect, and it tells you once again, how much Trevor loves Riley, he pays attention and he gets what would mean the most to her.

I had a small issue at the end, as I think the loose ends were not tied as neatly as they could have been, and not totally plausibly (there was not enough discussion, in my opinion, between the principles who would need to be involved) so there is some doubt there. But, on the other hand, you believe in Riley and Trevor, and you know that they are committed to being together, and at the end of the day, that is what you need to believe for a romance to really work.

I recommend this title.

Each book in Kristen Proby’s Fusion series so perfectly captures the dynamic personalities of its Heroines. These women could be any one of us, hard-working, trying to live our best lives and seeking that connection with a person that not only loves and accepts us exactly as we are, but is also making it their life’s let us shine bright. The Beauty of us, it all of that and more. It’s about love that is easy to fall into, but that there always challenges, but if you are willing to work at it, the results are absolute magic.

Riley Gibson has had to suffer one too many of a fool and she is way too bad@$$ for that noise!! But from that sprouts a connection with Trevor Cooper, which is purely electric. They have banter that is clever, funny and oh so sexy. But it goes so, so much deeper. Riley and Trevor are wonderful characters, but they have flaws and make mistakes that are steeped in real life. But it’s watching how they work through them that really struck a chord with me.

While I adore the love story between each of the Fusion couples, it is relationship between these five women that has completely captured my heart. They are friends, business partners, but most of all, they are sisterhood, who show up for each other regardless of the circumstance armed with wine frozen dairy delights and their unconditional love. But even more than that, this is such a fantastic modeling of how female relationships really are and can be. We always hear how women are so (pick one - horrible, nasty, mean) to each other and they sometimes are, but this is a shining example of how a collective of women are each other's tide – raising each other up to do better and be better. It makes you want to wish them to step off the page and join you on the couch for your GNI. (Girls Night In)

While I am a bit melancholy that the Fusion series is winding down, it also has me excited to not only see how Kristen wraps up the Fusion series with Mia’s story, but what she does next. The Beauty of Us has all of the swoony goodness to tide me over until then. So. Very. Good. Enjoy!!

Happy reading!!!

Laurie’s Rating: 5 STARS!!

Riley is a marketing exec working with her four best friends at their jointly-owned cabaret bar/restaurant Seduction. She’s just convinced all the partners that a food television special would help boost Seduction into the upper echelon of restaurants, and feels really good about their prospects. In fact, her professional success is far more assured than her personal success as Riley’s suffered many a bad date. She’s pretty much given up on finding a decent man. While lamenting it one night at the bar, a stranger offers some sage advice–and Riley’s mortified to learn that this gentleman of wisdom is the producer of the network special, Trevor Cooper.

Trevor is a 37 year-old divorced man whose had his share of difficult relationships. His ex-wife was a two-timer and he’s still reeling from that betrayal. He finds Riley to be attractive, but he wants to keep things professional. However, he sees how disappointed she is by the schlumps she dates and decides to offer her one “perfect” date so she can experience a fun night out with a decent man. And, then Trevor’s caught: he wants more.

Only, Trevor is only supposed to be in Portland for a few weeks while he films the Seduction special. It’s not long enough to build anything real, is it?

Riley and Trevor make the most of their short time together, soon deciding that they might need to take this relationship into long-distance mode, but that’s not really where their hearts lay. And, it’s complicated by some (over-the-top) dramatics by two women in Trevor’s past. For me, that was a bit messy–and unrealistic–and those interactions are the capstone of Riley’s issues with separation. She needs direct communication, on the regular, and Trevor’s inability to provide it leads Riley to stand up for herself and make a painful choice. I liked how she stood on her own, rather than caved for a poor substitute of her needs. Riley’s a strong gal, and she knows her worth. Meanwhile, Trevor made an abrupt shift into “Clueless” the second he boarded his plane for LA. Not that he didn’t get a clue when his pals stepped into the picture and pried his eyes wide. And, his grand gesture was pretty sweet.

There’s lost of love and sexytimes packed into this shorter novel, and fans of the series will love this return to Seduction and the sexy gals who run it. It’s the fourth book in the series, but reads well on its own. And, the end sets up the final book–romance for snarly chef Mia–with a dramatic flair. I’m really looking forward to reading it!

Meet the 5 women that are the creators and owners of Seduction. Riley, Addison, Cami, Kat and Mia opened their restaurant/bar less than 2 years ago and since then they have had great success. Their business has brought love or been the foundation of their relationships to most of these women. In the first book – Listen to Me we meet Addison who falls in love with the hired musician – Jake. In Close to You the second book we read about Cami who has always been in love with her best friends brother Landon. The previous book before this is Blush For Me about Kat the bartender and Ryan the wine seller. So I am definitely excited to see how their location ‘Seduction’ brings Riley and the TV show producer Trevor together. Also to hopefully get a glimpse and more information on who Mia might end up with in the book coming out this December No Reservations (Fusion, #4.5) ❤

As always Kristen Proby wrote a book with the perfect balance of sweet and sexy and the perfect mix of light and easy. This feel good book has the right amount of emotion and barely any stress. Which is exactly what I needed and love to read. Plus this comes to no surprise, because I love anything written by Kristen Proby. I have LOVED every book in the Fusion series and look forward to the last book (I assume) coming out at the end of this year.

Trevor and Riley hit it off instantly and the friendship comes fast. Both are hiding feelings of wanting to be intimate but are causally hanging out and texting. Their adorable and I knew that when it finally happened it would be magic. Spoiler alert – it was better than magic.

Riley and Trevor are adorable together and seem to figure each other out pretty well. Things steam up fast and it works for them. Except there is that scary date of when Trevor returns to LA where he lives and is no longer filming the restaurant in Portland. The two seem to do the best the can to keep it off their minds and get serious and addicted to one another. The whole time I am reading I am waiting for the other show to drop just like Riley is. They are just too perfect for each other, and I knew there had to be something to break them up.. at least for a little bit. IT BETTER BE JUST FOR A LITTLE BIT. Like I said they are PERFECT for each other.

The shoe of course drops and it breaks my heart but thankfully Kristen Proby knows how to put it back together again as always ❤ Perfect ending to a perfect book and a perfect additional to an already perfect series. Get my drift here? This series is PERFECT! lol

Riley is beyond fed up with men after enduring one bad date after another. The story opens with her venting to Kat and Mia at closing time following her latest dating catastrophe much to the amusement of the man sitting at the end of the bar finishing his drink. When she realizes that man is none other than the executive producer of the TV show due to start filming them in a few days, she is completely mortified but Trevor goes out of his way to set her mind at ease and to show her that not all men are complete idiots.

Trevor can rock anything from a suit to a t-shirt and jeans, and even his glasses and gamer personality work for Riley in a big way. He knows better than to mix business with pleasure, but Riley’s sparkling personality, sense of humor, kindness and beauty all call to him in a way that he knows he will not be able to ignore. Once he convinces Riley to let him take her on a real date to show her exactly how a woman should be treated, they are both feeling the sparks flying and it is only a matter of time until they give in.

I love the camaraderie of the ladies in this series, and true to past experience, The Beauty of Us contains some very funny moments as they let off some steam on their girls nights. Trevor has his own set of online gamer friends who play into the story a bit but he is also quickly accepted into the circle of men who have found love with Riley’s friends as well. He and Riley quickly find a balance between their professional relationship and personal one, and they definitely have some fan-yourself moments behind closed doors too! I was completely enjoying this story up until about the 75% mark. It wasn’t a shock that Trevor was eventually going to have to go back to L.A. for his job and that he and Riley were going to have to figure out whether a long distance relationship could work or what their future would like. Riley has some abandonment issues and that alone would have been enough to create a touch of drama. The additional challenges that were thrown at them from not one but two different sources just felt completely unnecessary and detracted from the rest of the book for me.

Now, just one woman remains standing: Mia, the chef with a big attitude and a bigger heart. It looks like a blast from her past is about to make a reappearance in her life and she drops a bomb on her friends in the closing lines of this story that has me curious to see how that story will play out in the future!

I think each story gets better and better. I started The Beauty of Us last week at the gym, let me say that was a big mistake. Not that it was a bad book. NO, The Beauty of Us is AMAZING! I was dying of laughter at the beginning. We have Riley complaining to the girls about her dating life that is going horrible when this guy eavesdrops on the whole conversation. Basically gives the pep talk that not all guys are bad, and drops the bombshell that he's Trevor Cooper from Best Bites. With that kind of opening I was definitely in a treat. Seriously, the story gets better, you wonder how can that happen, well it does.

In The Beauty of Us, the focus is on Riley and Trevor's relationship. Riley is a no nonsense kind of girl who speaks her mind. Good thing Trevor isn't intimidated, because she can't be a little brash at times. However, she's done playing games. She's almost done with men when Trevor comes into her life. Now Trevor isn't looking for love. I mean after his divorce he's kind of done, but Riley intrigues him. Even enough to say it might be worth tangling with a co-worker. Trevor is so awesome. Oh my gosh he totally had me melting. Swoon-factor definitely yes. He makes being a nerd HOT! Seriously, he can whip out his lightsaber for me.

As you guys can tell I loved The Beauty of Us. I was definitely entertained by the story. It's one of the stories that grabbed my attention from the first page. I make it sound easy, but Trevor does have some crazy ladies that kind cause trouble in the story. Yep, they are pretty crazy, I'm surprised they didn't go even more crazy. Hey it was enough drama to have me worry a little. I seriously can't wait for Mia's story, because that one is going to be good. However, The Beauty of Us I think of another word, but AMAZING. Totally LOVED Riley and Trevor. I would definitely give them a try.

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss.

Riley Gibson has worked her tail off to market the restaurant she founded with her best friends. Now that she has landed a spot on a major TV show for the restaurant, they are getting the attention she has worked so hard to build. She doesn’t expect to have sparks fly with the show’s producer, Trevor Cooper, but that’s exactly what happens as they work closely together.

Their first meeting had me grinning from ear to ear with glee, and that grin continued as we learn more about Trevor and his own quirks. While he and Riley don’t share a lot of their favorite pastimes, they are both confident enough to share and hope the other accepts what they find.

These two have an immediate chemistry, despite Riley’s miserable recent attempts at dating, and Trevor’s determination to show her what a good date should feel like made me fall in love with him even faster than I would have. He kept my adoration as he worked to showcase Seduction as the classy establishment the women had envisioned and continued to work for it’s success.

The Fusion series always has me feeling like I’m hanging out right along side this tight knit group of women. It is always fun to return to their world, get a quick update on each woman’s life and focus on what’s new at Seduction. As more me join their ranks the antics between the women only ramp up as they know their men are watching and enjoying the show.

This book was a fun, light addition to the Fusion series. It has everything I have come to expect in a Kristen Proby tale: a flirty, feisty heroine, a determined, protective hero, strong friendships, fun twists, and enough drama to keep things moving without being over the top.

This is hands down my favorite Fusion series book. The chemistry and the relationship - just everything - is fantastic.

These characters are so wonderful together and apart. Trevor is a fantastic hero. I loved him from the very first moment I met him. He is charming and witty, and his interactions with the girls is great. I also love that he is attentive and loving with Riley, and he accepts her for who she is. Riley is my favorite heroine of the group. She is sassy and smart, and she is not scared to put people in their place. Every single time she stands up for herself and their relationship, I just fell more and more under her spell. These two together, though, are something special. The way interact and are attentive with each other is magical. With each page, I became infatuated with their love.

The Fusion series has been such a delightful set of stories. They are light and fun with low conflict and angst, but this one is my absolute favorite. Like the other books in the series, it is also low on the conflict and drama, but there is enough to keep reader interest. Readers are also going to like the heroine's reaction to the conflict as well as the hero's resolution to the conflict, and Kristen Proby delivers another wonderful conclusion that not only wraps up the story but also leaves readers excited for the next book in the series.

If you are looking for a light book with a host of fantastic heroines and good hearted heroes, this is the series for you. With each book, readers get romance and steam with a low-angst story, making the perfect relaxing, low-stress read.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Five Amazing Stars

I was completely excited to receive this delightful fourth book of this most romantic and wonderful series, Fusion. Written by by the most amazing author, Kristen Proby. I have so thoroughly enjoyed every book of this most fabulous series so far. I just couldn't wait to read this one too!

As Riley Gibson announced she was now finished. She entered the bar area to see the two friends who were still working there. She approached Kat, who was their manager, and the sexiest, nicest woman around. She was just gorgeous standing next to Mia, their head master chef at Fusion. They'd both had such an exhausting day. Now they were resting having a nice drink.

Kat was trying to explain how she deals with men herself. Yes the male species can really get annoying at times. You may never find out something perfect. As the girls starred at the guy still at their club. He just laughed at their remarks.

Riley seemed to suck at this whole idea of dating. She found it so difficult meeting the men in her life she was simply so lost not even knowing what to do next. Every time she'd chat to a guy she was scared thinking he only wanted sex. She felt such a slut. Now maybe she has just got to meet a nice guy for once.

Trevor Cooper was chatting at their bar with these three of ladies about what Riley should really do in her life. He was the sweetest guy, so totally gorgeous and so perfect too. Riley know felt thought there was still hope!!

I so thoroughly adored this wonderful, most playful book of true friendship and love. Such a most fabulous book!!

* I recommend this book to everyone!!

3.5 stars

Riley Gibson is the PR at Seduction, the restaurant she and her girlfriends own. Her dating life is filled with douchebags and Riley finds herself swearing off dating unless she can met someone worthwhile. And enter Trevor. He's smart, sexy in glasses, and has the smoothest lines she's ever heard. Is this guy for real or what?

Trevor Cooper is the executive producer of the show filing Seduction for network tv. He doesn't date colleagues, but one look at Riley has him really wanting to ignore that rule. An opportune chance comes up when he overhears how bad Riley's dating life is and he finds himself offering to show her how a real date should go. A win-win for him if things work out they way he hopes they will..and he's really, really hoping they will!

I enjoyed Riley and Trevor as a couple. They had sizzling chemistry and their quirky banter made the book an easy read. Their personal drama caused occasional road bumps (nothing overtly jarring) but lead to Riley asserting herself in dramatic fashion with Trevor. Groveling is always a good way to get back in good graces and Trevor does it with style!

The Beauty of Us was a solid read full of witty banter, cute geek references, and a swoon-worthy chemistry that drew me in for the start! Riley and Trevor's great connection and easy-going relationship made this light hearted contemporary romance a quick and easy read. I'm looking forward to the fireworks between Mia and her cooking adversary in the next book!

I am absolutely loving the ladies of this series. Proby has given as some of the most capable, driven, and intelligent women I've read. These character driven stories are a great mix of work and play. I love seeing them in their element, doing what they love. The relationship side of the story opens them up even more to us, giving us a complete picture. I can't get enough.
Riley and Trevor, oh boy *fans self*. Those two had chemistry that was off the charts! They were just so perfect for one another. I loved how they complimented one another so well. Watching them grow closer to one another and really develop as a couple was fun to see. It was interesting the way they reacted to situations and dealt with the stresses of their lives and relationship.
I was surprised to find that some of the drama felt a bit forced. That being said, it did add a new dimension to the story. This aspect created a feeling of frustration and concern in me. I found myself flying through the pages to see how things would be dealt with. Other areas such as distance and working relationship felt more organic, fit the story, and were easier for me to relate to. While I wasn't always happy with what was going on, I was focused and engaged, desperate to see how things would turn out.
Proby is one of my favorite authors. I can't help but get lost in everything she writes. On top of giving us a captivating story with The Beauty of Us, she did an amazing job setting up the next book in the series. I am dying to find out what is going to happen!!

Sassy,independent, and feisty heroine. Check! Nerdy, sweet and sexy hero. Check! Yup, combine those two, you have a recipe for one delectable and swoonworthy romance. The Fusion Series has been a delight to read but I got to say The Beauty Of Us is hands down my favorite of the series.

Dating sucks and that is something Riley Gibson can happily agree on. Trying to meet guys is kinda hard when she is always busy working and so when she tries online dating...let’s say, epic fail!!! And so when she finally meets a guy that she is truly interested in, she can’t do anything about it since he is the television producer who will be spotlighting the restaurant that she co-owns with her friends.

Trevor Cooper is the geeky, sweet and sexy hero that will easily melt your hearts. It doesn’t take long for him and Riley to hit it off and with the sexual tension brewing between them, it was only a matter of time till these two find themselves tangled in the sheets. So will Trevor be able to show Riley that the only guy that she needs to see, date, and love is him?

The Beauty of Us is your sticky as molasses love story that was playful, light, and sexy. Everything about this book was a gem from the characters and their deep close friendship and the palpable love that they each have for their men. So if you are looking for a story that is downright beautiful, sweet, and adorable then this book is for you.

Once again, Kristen Proby delivers a sexy and sincere story, served like a delightful dish, savoring every moment, full of spark and utterly endearing.

Now it’s Riley to share her story and to meet her match, named Trevor, the sexy geek and producer of a culinary channel.

I think I loved Trevor from the first moment. Falling for his witty charms and personality. I was so excited to read about Riley. All her friends were falling in love and being happy but it wasn’t in the cards her yet. Until Trevor.

I enjoyed the great chemistry and sexy banter, making me freaking smile so many times that I lost count. I get attached to Riley and her friends, who are running Seduction, a restaurant filled with sexiness, amazing dishes, with a reputation that precedes them.

Mixing pleasure and business has never been so more tempting and enticing. Riley was unlucky when it comes to men and when Trevor decided to prove her there’s more to offer than some bad experiences, all her willpower to stay away went through the window. I enjoyed their interactions and seeing these two falling in love, just with this hint of drama to get me captivated.

Strong and stubborn women working hard for their dream job, sexy and so endearing men who stole their heart, food and wine in between, a recipe for something great and amazing. It’s always a pleasure to read about this bunch of lovely and colorful ladies. Next book, please!

One of the things that I love about Kristen Proby is that she always delivers a well written book with characters that you cannot help but to fall in love with, that's just what happened to me when I read THE BEAUTY OF US. I absolutely adored this story so much that I didn't want it end because of the dynamic between the two characters. Riley was smart, witty, independent and strong. Trevor was a alpha male in disguise with his glass and handsome nerdy look, you would never know that from the first time you read of him that he was this alpha male hiding behind those lenses. The chemistry between the two of them was explosive and the easy banter between the two of them will leave you laughing your butt off. And of course we get to see the other girls and their men, I just love these characters so much that I don't know what I am going to do once Mia book comes out because I know it will be the end for me. It will be a sad day for me once that happens because thanks to Kristen Proby I have garnered a relationship with these characters and that's one of the many things I love about her writing. You have no choice but to get a close with her characters and have a connection with them even though they are fictional. Bring on more books with characters for us to fall in love with Kristen!!!!

One of my absolute FAVORITE things about Kristen Proby is that she gives us smart, quick-witted, unforgettable characters who dig themselves so deep into our hearts, that we have no choice but to adore them. Some of my all time favorite characters of hers come from her Fusion Series…Riley and Trevor being two of them! These two, from the very beginning I knew they were going to be favorites of mine. Riley, I knew a while ago, since the beginning of this series, but Trevor just stole my heart with his sexy, geeky heart almost INSTANTLY! The instant attraction was on point, followed by a sexual chemistry that you just couldn’t deny.

There are so many characters to know and love in THE BEAUTY OF US and in this series in general, but no one steals the spotlight…no one stands out more than the other, with the exception of our beautiful heroine and nerdy hero, of course. It flows perfectly. It’s incredibly well written, of that I had no doubt, and the storyline was exciting, sexy, hilarious, sweet, and at times, pretty intense. Like Kristen Proby’s previous work, it’s the absolute PERFECT ROMANCE! You will laugh. You will cry. You will fall in love. THE BEAUTY OF US has EVERYTHING you could ever want in a contemporary romance.

*ARC provided by the publisher*

This was another great read in the Fusion series !! I have enjoyed getting to know all these strong independent women that KP has given us. They have strong work ethics , great sense of family and friendship and of course they are all funny with their own unique styles and stories. They complement each other so well you sometimes don't even need the men - ok that was a lie but you get my point !! As always KP delivers a genuine love story with all the draws -

Riley and Trevor have one of those funny run ins that ends up being so much more ironic when they then realize who they are to each other. Riley has come off a round of bad dating and funny stories. Trevor has a more serious and troubled back story that could possibly pose a risk. Having to work together for the filming of the TV show should be easy enough BUT throw in an extreme sexual tension and amazing chemistry and you have yourself a great story. Their relationship isn't without issue but when it is good it is SO GOOD !! Sadly what happens when the job is done and real life creeps back in - Trevor needs to leave to go back home and despite the fact he quickly finds a way to fix his issue it just might be too little too late.

Okay I will admit Kristen Proby and the Seduction restaurant is a favorite of mine but I can say how relatable Riley Gibson is to me. From the beginning we see a woman who is like all of us just wanting a man to be loved, cherished and wanted. Here is a woman who has centered her whole life on her business and now that all of her friends are finding their own happily ever after's she wants to be in that group as well. I loved that Trevor is a dream come true everything she has been searching for in a man finally showing her what it could be like. The love and friendship that blooms between them is unique and in a way shows us that a man like Trevor does exist when we least expect it and this is why I love this series. Awesome book and if you never read this series before you better get to it this is a series you don't want to miss.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.

I've enjoyed every book in Kristen Proby's Fusion series so very much. With each new book, I get a little more of these characters I've come to enjoy and respect and the friendships I just love. The Beauty in Us was a fun and sexy read and a great addition to the series.

I liked Riley and Trevor and their story so much! They had great chemistry and with that came fantastic banter. It was wonderful to watch them grow from strangers to friends to more. The pace of their relationship just felt right, plus it gave me time to learn more about both of them separately before really shipping them as a couple. Add to that the prominence of some of my favorite characters from earlier in the series and I was one happy reader. This book was sexy, swoony and funny, with plenty of feels. 

I can't wait for the next book in the Fusion series. I neeeeed Mia's story. 

Riley and Trevor made me swoon, smile and even cry a bit. This story was high on romance, passion and beauty.

What made me really happy is that although outside drama caused quite a bit of angst, the hero was absolutely perfect in how he handled everything that came his way. From the start Trevor showed Riley how a woman is to be cherished, treasured and loved. I adored that Trevor was a geeky yet sexy gamer and that intelligence and smarts is why he fit so well with the sassy Riley. She had a yearning to feel loved and seeing almost all of her friends settling down drove home how lonely she was. The previous recent dates seemed to be frog after frog and Trevor truly proved that princes do exist.

I can't wait for Mia to find her HEA and after this epilogue let's just say there's a whole lot of unanswered questions and actually a lot of things make sense now.

5 Passionate stars ✨

Sisterhood and seduction = Friendly, Flirty, Fun

What makes the Fusion series so enchanting is that despite the tempting love connections, Ms. Proby shows how strong the bonds of friendship are. Riley, Kat, Addison and Mia have not only built a business, they've created a family. Through all of the broken hearts, the hookups and settling down, love between these friends is the glue that makes it all worthwhile. Everything else is just the icing on the cake. The Beauty of Us puts Riley is in the hot seat. Her quest for Mr. Right lands her in some sticky situations. Will she every find the perfect guy? Trevor is sweet, sexy and full of surprises. When business and romance collide will he risk it all for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Kristen Proby proves that she can seduce any heart with this hard to resist series. Will be sad to see it end.

Throw out your thoughts of pocket protectors and taped glasses. Nerdy has a new face and it’s sexy!

Riley has dated the worst of the worst and lived to tell about it. She didn’t expect Trevor to be everything she was looking for when he walked into Seduction, but his gaming ways won her over in more ways than one. Just like with any sought after game, for these two, it takes more than one try to win the prize.

The Fusion Series has built reader nirvana in the most delicious way. These friends have given us plenty of laughs and a few tears, while blending their make shift family together as one. The Beauty of Us continues the journey with tons of laughs, nerdy hotness, and just enough sexy to make Trevor and Riley your next book obsession.

Kristen Proby, you have outdone yourself again! This book was so enjoyable; it had everything that I love about Kristen’s books in it. The Beauty of Us was the fourth book the Fusion series, this time we get to see Riley fall in love with her old-fashioned gentleman caller. Riley and Trevor might be my new favorite couple in the series. Riley’s Grandmother was a scene stealer, she was hilarious. And like the other books, I love the bond between these 5 women. Trevor reminded me so much of my husband when he was playing his video games. The epilogue (didn’t see that coming) has me wanting Mia’s book ASAP!!