Beautiful Survivors (Five Forgotten Souls Book 1) Kindle Edition

I really liked this book when I read it almost a year ago. It was released 8/2017 and there is still NO follow-up. Unfortunately, this happens A LOT with C.M. Stunich. She's a great writer, spins amazing stories, but doesn't follow through on a series. I've been waiting for at least 5 other series to release a new book and nothing. Until she releases a full series, I'm done reading her books. I get so wrapped up in the story and she constantly leaves her fans hanging.

In all honesty, I have found that if CM Stunich decided to write a story about a wet paper bag I would be all over it. She writes beautifully, and the stories are amazing. Beautiful Survivors is a reverse harem story about a group of kids in foster care who love each other and are trying to navigate life in the system while trying to stay together and take care of each other. It was very real, and has a grittiness to it. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer, not that the length was bad, I just can't get enough. This was an amazing start to a new series, and I can not wait for book 2. I'm excited to see where CM decides to take it.

I actually like this series more than Stunich's Rock-Hard Beautiful series, which I really enjoyed when they first came out. I'm a sucker for slow-build romance, and while this wasn't actually that slow-build, it was a lot less sexual than her rock star books. Not to say that there wasn't any sex! And whooo boy, the sexual tension was nerve wracking.I love that she included a disabled character. It's very hard to find a well-written book in which one of the main characters has a disability. Plus, Maddox seems super hot.I also like that Merit does things that aren't moral- like with Nash. You know what I'm talking about. She knew that was she was doing wasn't right and was upfront about that. So often reverse harem characters always do the right thing, but Merit shows just how human she is when she's with Nash. Even if Nash is a bit of an idiot (talking about Clea, here!)The only thing I didn't like was that I couldn't really tell Maddox and Gunner apart from each other. Nash is the reckless one, Merit is the willful one, and Hitch is the wild card, but from what I could tell, Maddox and Gunner are both the protectors. I'd like to see a little more character development from them in the future.All in all, a wonderful read that deals with real issues about abandonment, family, and the foster system. A little more development, which we'll probably get in book 2, and it would be perfect!

This book gripped me from the beginning and didn't let go! Sometimes life is hard and it suck and you have to make your own happiness. Merit is in foster care with Nash. Gunner. Maddox. and Hitch. Life is hard but they stick together, they are family but Merit has feelings for all of them. They all have feelings for her to. I like where this book is headed. It's gearing up to be an RH (Reverse Harem) so it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I loved it! The author isn't afraid to put real struggles and emotions into her writing and its easy to connect to the characters. The only minor drawbacks are that its a short book, fine with me but again not for everyone. I honestly think shorter for this was good because it does give you an emotional gut punch more than once. The characters are teens, but with the harsh life they have lived are aged more than they should be. Poor kids. This is not a YA book though. Overall I really loved the book! I cant wait for more!

*Spoilers*Super intrigued with this one.Though, I will admit the cover needs updating. It doesn't suit the story in my opinion.The story itself though! So good! This is the first book in a "slow burn reverse harem". I wish it was longer. I felt like I wanted to get to know more about each of the guys. We learn plenty about Merit and her past and even a little bit about Finny/Hitch. But we don't get that much insight into the other boys backgrounds.I really like the 'family' they've built and how Hitch kind of throws a kink in everything. Their interactions seem totally perfect. They make perfect sense for their situation (in my opinion).I can't WAIT to see what happens, how things work out legally considering they're kind of on the run at the end.I'm just ready to learn more about everybody and everything that's happening and for her relationship with ALL the boys to progress. I like the pace of things though. It works well.

This author's books are quickly becoming some of my favorites, especially her reverse harem ones. Beautiful Survivors was intense, gritty, raw, passionate, and addicting.Our heroine, Merit, grew up in the foster system along with our heroes: Nash, Maddox, Gunner, and Hitch. In and out of foster homes over the years, they developed an unbreakable bond. What used to be brotherly affection is turning into something more for Merit and her guys. One night changes everything for Merit and she's forced to go on the lam.The story is well written (like everything this author writes!) and it kept me up late desperate for more of Merit's story. I enjoyed getting a peek inside Merit and I look forward to reading more about her guys and watching her relationship with them unfold.

When I got to the end of this book I literally shouted. I couldn't believe that was it and how quickly I had devoured jt. I really loved this. I'm a big fan of CM Stunich's books anyway so I had high ish expectations for Beautiful Survivors and it met them all. I love Nash, I think he's my favourite character so far. Looking forward to reading more.

Like this book. Felt it was a little quick during one part went from friends to sex in 2.5 seconds which was a bit unreal. But i like the story. Nice read

Great book

Great start to the series. I did think the blurb was a bit misleading, making me wonder where Hitch was at the start of the book, so was a little taken aback at how he entered into the picture. Its great that they've got a past, but its so distant that I doubt she should be calling him 'best friend' when its been years since she's seen him, and he definitely wasn't one of the ones making the group home bearable - he came into the home just before she left and was rude and horrible to her. He doesn't fit into the picture the same as the other guys do. This book was a great set up for the MCs though - we get to see a bit of their past and how they fit together. The situation that has them leaving with Merit isn't great, and was potentially far fetched (she could have just run, not had it end the way it did, so hopefully that is a lead up to something bigger in the next novel and not just left as her now on the run from the law rather than anything substantial). I am also hoping we get a good storyline now that we know the MCs, and not just 5 delinquents roaming the streets and exploring their new relationship status.

CM is one of my go to authors...can she do any wrong?I love the premise of this book damaged broken teens finding comfort,friendship "home" in each other. Though to be fair I'd have been slightly more comfortable had the characters been older it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.The RH genre has quickly become one of my faves and this series I have no doubt will be right up there with the best.