White Trash Beautiful

By Teresa Mummert

A word-of-mouth bestseller that’s captivating readers with its honesty, grit, and headstrong heroine, White Trash Beautiful is a story for anyone who has ever felt trapped in life, cheated by love—and longed for something more . . .

Cass Daniels isn’t waiting for her knight in shining armor. She knows that girls like her don’t get a happily ever after. Not if you live in a trailer with your mom, work at a greasy spoon diner, and get leered at by old men. Maybe that’s why she puts up with Jackson—her poor excuse for a boyfriend, who treats her like dirt. Cass has learned to accept her lot in life. That is, until he walks into her diner. . . .

His name is Tucker White, and he’s different from any man Cass has ever known. Tall, tattooed, and bad-ass gorgeous, he’s the lead singer of the rock band Damaged. From the moment they meet, Tucker sees something in Cass he just can’t shake. Something beautiful. Something haunted. Something special. And he’s determined to find out what it is—if only he can get her to open up and let him in. . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Release date: Jul 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781476758879

Teresa Mummert

TERESA MUMMERT is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her work includes word-of-mouth bestselling, White Trash Trilogy, which landed her a three-book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster. She is also the author of the wildly popular Honor Series which chronicles the taboo romance between a student and her college professor. To date, she's written over twenty-five novels and plans for many more releases in the future.

Book preview

CHAPTER

One

I’M NOT NAÏVE. I know I don’t get the happily-ever-after. My knight in shining armor took the highway detour around this godforsaken shit hole. I’ve made peace with that. That doesn’t mean I’m going to lie down like a doormat and let every cocky prick in the trailer park have his way with me.

I’ll be right there, I snarled at Larry. He is the cook here at Aggie’s Diner, and he is also Aggie’s husband. His hair is long and greasy, hanging in thick, gray clumps around his weathered face. He is almost always a mean and nasty old man.

I turned back to my heavyset, middle-aged customer with a quick smile as he continued to leer at my chest. I slid the milk for his coffee across the table, making sure it tipped into his lap accidentally.

I’m a waitress, not a whore, I warned through gritted teeth. I tucked a strand of my dirty-blond hair (which some would call dark wheat) that had fallen loose from its ponytail behind my ear and gave a loud sigh. Cass Daniels was a lot of things, but not that.

It was always the same. Some guy pulls off the main highway and decides to try out a little local joint, maybe try his chances at getting lucky with a waitress. Some even took him up on it. But I wasn’t that kind of girl. Besides, I had a man of my own. My blond hair and blue eyes were nothing but a curse sometimes.

I made a beeline to the back, my empty tray held tightly between my fingers as I talked myself out of hitting Larry upside his damn head.

I hit the bell five minutes ago, Cass, he scolded. I ignored him as he went on and on as I put the hot plates onto my tray, burning my fingers. I rolled my eyes and walked back out to the floor as he continued, getting louder as I walked away.

Don’t act like you’re the only one in the trailer park who can carry a plate of food. You ain’t nothin’ special!

I slapped my tray down on table four with a little more force than I intended, biting back my tears. I didn’t need some low-rent cook in a run-down diner telling me I wasn’t worth a damn. I forced a smile at the elderly lady in front of me.

Her hand moved on top of mine as I placed her dish in front of her. It startled me, and I had to force myself not to pull back.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not special, she said in a hushed tone.

I smiled as a single tear escaped my eye and trailed down my cheek. I pulled my hand free and wiped it away quickly, looking at the dingy peach-colored walls to hide my crying. Enjoy your meal. My voice cracked with my words.

I turned quickly and made my way across the dining room and out the back entrance marked EMPLOYEES ONLY. I pulled my pack of cigarettes from my apron and stared at the box while I walked to the corner of the building. I hadn’t had one for four days, but I couldn’t force myself to throw the pack away.

I stared off at the trailers that were on the other side of the parking lot. A tattered fence lined the area with an array of signs that read KEEP OUT. I snorted.

No one went in there unless the person had no choice. The fence just kept us away from the people who mattered.

I held the lighter to the end of my cigarette and closed my eyes as I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the delicious smoke.

That’ll kill ya, you know, a deep voice called from in front of me. My eyes shot open. A man in worn-out dark-wash jeans and a formfitting, dark-gray T-shirt that read I’M WITH THE BAND stood in front of me, motorcycle helmet in hand. His head was cocked to the side, and a half grin played across his lips. His hair was dark brown and unruly, but something told me he took time to make it look so effortlessly disheveled. His arms had elaborate tattoos to the wrists, and his blue eyes were bright in the sun. This was the guy your mama would warn you about—if your mama wasn’t too high to function. He stood at least a foot taller than my own five foot three. I guessed he was near my age of twenty-three, or maybe a couple of years older.

Not fast enough. I rolled my eyes and took another drag. He laughed as he ran his fingers over his hair from back to front and nodded, then turned to walk to the front door of the diner. He stopped for a moment, his back to me as if he had something to say, but didn’t. He opened the door and disappeared inside instead without a backward glance.

At least my shitty life was entertainment for someone else. I held my cigarette sideways, glaring down at it before flicking it off into the dirt of the parking lot. I stood and straightened my apron, wiping the now-drying tears from my face, and went back to work.

Mr. Dark and Dangerous was sitting in a booth in my section and I cursed under my breath. I was a magnet for bad boys; only in my world, it meant beatings and heartbreak.

Welcome to Aggie’s Diner. My name is Cass and I’ll be your waitress. Can I start you off with something to drink? I slapped a menu down in front of him. I did my best to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. It never did. I raked my eyes over the tattoos that crawled out from under his T-shirt sleeves in intricate, swirling patterns.

Tucker White. He grinned. That smile must get him whatever he wanted.

My eyes snapped back to his. Do you want something to drink, Tucker White? I tried not to sound impatient. I didn’t want to exchange witty banter with some hot guy fresh off the highway. I wanted to go home and take a hot shower, if we even had hot water. This job barely paid the bills, and with my mom’s mouth to feed, we could hardly afford luxuries such as water, let alone solid meals or cable.

I’ll have a beer, sweetheart. Whatever you recommend. His smile didn’t waver.

I glanced around the diner and back to him. I was sure he could read the Are you fucking kidding me? look on my face. This wasn’t the place for exotic delicacies or fancy beers. I’m not your sweetheart.

Challenge accepted. He laughed.

These guys were all the same. I sighed. I’ll grab you a Bud. I turned on my heel and made my way into the back to grab him a beer out of the fridge.

Cass, what are you doing with my beer? Larry called from behind the cook line.

It’s for a customer, I called over my shoulder. I’ll pay you back when he settles the check. I pushed through the kitchen doors and got away from Larry before he could start screaming again.

I set the bottle down in front of Tucker and wiped the condensation on my hand onto my apron.

Thanks. He winked and twisted the top off the bottle. He tipped it up to his lips and began to drink, his eyes still locked on me.

I grabbed my pen and order pad from my apron pocket and waited for him to finish his drink. Have you decided on what you want? I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I had been on them for seven hours now and they ached.

Oh, yeah. His eyes slowly trailed down my body as his tongue flicked out over his lips, wetting them. Burger and fries. He set his bottle down on the table and spun it in his fingers. His cell phone rang and he rolled his eyes, picking it up to answer the call. Tucker speaking.

I’ll get that right out to ya. I smiled politely and went to place the order. Larry was fuming. He was seconds from ripping into me when the bell above the door chimed. I turned around and caught sight of Jackson.

Hey, Jax. I smiled and walked toward him to meet halfway across the room. He ran his hands through his dirty long, brown hair. His skin was flushed and his emerald eyes were glazed over. Drugs had really done a number on him. He was slim but not muscular, tall but always hunched over.

I need some money. His jaw was clenched and his voice barely a whisper. He wiped his hands over his stained white T-shirt.

Jax, I don’t have any money.

Jackson grabbed my arm just above the elbow, pulling me closer. His breath reeked of liquor.

It’s fucking important, Cass. I need it now.

I knew he had no patience. He was impossible to reason with when he was using. I took a step back.

Can I get a refill, sweetheart? Tucker called from his table, holding up the bottle.

Who the fuck is that? Jackson’s eyes blazed with anger.

Just a customer, I whispered. Just a minute! I called back to Tucker, who was watching Jackson and me.

I won’t have any money until the end of my shift, Jax. You know that. I placed my fingertips on his chest and he knocked them away.

Tucker had moved next to me. His fingertips grazed my back, startling me. "I have to run, so won’t be able to eat, but here is what I owe you, and more than enough to make up for the trouble." His eyes darted to Jackson, sizing him up.

I was speechless. I’ve never known anyone to give something without wanting something in return. The simple touch from his fingertips sent my body into a frenzy, and I struggled to slow my heart rate back to normal, worried Jax could feel it thudding in my arm.

See you later, sweetheart. Tucker shot me a wink before popping a toothpick in his mouth and smiling at Jax, sliding in between us to get to the front door.

Jackson didn’t care about this guy. All he saw was the stack of bills in my hand.

Thanks. Have a good day, I called after Tucker as he ran a hand through his hair and left through the front door. I didn’t know if he did it out of pity or kindness, but my faith in humanity was momentarily restored, even if the guy was a cocky asshole. The bell signaling the order was ready dinged, and my eyes drifted back to Jackson.

Perfect timing. Jax smiled and grabbed the twenty from the top of the small stack of bills in my hand.

Jax, wait, I called after him, but he had already turned to leave as quickly as possible.

I counted the money I had left. Just enough to cover the meal. Fucking perfect. A motorcycle revved angrily outside the door and took off, growing quieter as it drove away.

Order up, Cass, Larry hissed from the kitchen. Fuck. I grabbed the burger and fries and set it on the farthest table in my section. At least I would get to eat some real food today. I picked up a hot fry and popped it in my mouth, my eyes roaming over the dingy blue curtains that didn’t match anything else in the place. I wanted to be selfish and eat every last bite, but my mind wandered to my mother. I grabbed a to-go box and slipped the food inside. As soon as I could take another break, I would take her the food. She was hungry, I was sure, and didn’t do much of anything for herself, let alone cook.

Another hour slipped by. I was busy, but never enough to make this job worth it financially. Not that there were any other options.

I’m takin’ a break! I slipped off my apron and made eye contact with Marla, the other waitress at Aggie’s. She nodded and I grabbed the box of food I had saved and went out the back. I made my way across the dusty parking lot and through the fence to the trailer park.

Mom, I called as I opened the trailer door. Mom? I made my way down the narrow hall, avoiding the bucket that sat on the floor to catch water when it rained. I leaned against the wood paneling as I slipped by it. I pushed open the door to the master bedroom. I stopped short. Jax and my mother sat in a cloud of cigarette smoke, dazed and disoriented. A thin rubber tube was tied around her arm and a needle jutted out of her vein.

I told you not to bring that shit around here again, Jax, I screamed. Jax’s green eyes were bright and glazed against the bloodshot white surrounding the irises.

Disgusted, I threw the food on the floor in front of me, then rushed to my mother’s side, carefully pulling the needle from her arm.

She fucking likes it. It shuts her the fuck up. Jax motioned to my mother, who was practically catatonic.

I was the spitting image of her, only with a thinner body, fewer years on my face, and more self-respect.

Was this what my future looked like?

My mother used to be a good person before her mind went. When Daddy left us, he took her sanity with him. She soon lost the sparkle in her eyes, and next went any reason or logic. She didn’t bathe or feed herself. She sat in her own filth until I did something about it.

You promised me you wouldn’t do that anymore. You promised. Tears formed in my eyes, but I struggled to keep them from falling.

Jax ignored me and tightened the belt around his arm. I balled my hands into tight fists and stormed out of the trailer, slamming the flimsy door behind me. My mind flashed to all the other girls my age who were just graduating from college, stepping into a bright future full of possibility.

I wouldn’t allow myself to look over my shoulder at the trailer again. I didn’t need a reminder of what I was.

CHAPTER

Two

IWIPED MY EYES as I slipped back in the employee entrance at the diner. I grabbed my apron and tied it on quickly over my all-black uniform and then began cleaning my empty tables. I scrubbed, taking my anger out on the old, dilapidated beige Formica tops. I hated this place, my life . . . myself. I sighed finally and sank down into a booth, my head in my hands. The bell chimed above the door and I didn’t have any energy left to see who it was.

Can I get that burger now, sweetheart?

I glanced up through my hands and stared into Tucker’s dark, stormy blue eyes, which seemed even brighter than they had when I’d last seen them just two hours ago.

You know there are much better restaurants around here, and I’m still not your sweetheart, I said drily.

But the service here is amazing. He smiled and winked at me, revealing deep dimples in his cheeks as he slid into the booth on the bench across from me. Combined with his great hair and dark brows over those beautiful eyes, it made him butterfly-worthy eye candy. Jax used to make my stomach fill with butterflies when he smiled at me. But they fled with my dreams a long time ago.

You okay, Cass? Tucker asked quietly.

How did he know my name? Right, I’d told him when I took his order. I was surprised he still remembered it. Most people left this place and never looked back. It felt incredibly personal having him address me by something other than Miss or Hey, you.

I’ll get you that burger. I sighed as I put my hand on the table to push myself up. His hand landed on mine and I jumped at the unexpected contact. Maybe it was the years of having to shield myself from my mother’s boyfriend of the week, but I hated to be touched, even if that touch caused my heart to race the way it was now. My flinching was now commonplace with any human contact. He glanced at my hand and at me, slowly sliding his fingers back. He swallowed and nodded.

I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. Did he want to watch me cry? Did he not get enough of my humiliation the first time he stopped in? That’s why he’d left in such a hurry, no doubt. I put in the order as Larry eyed me curiously, but he didn’t say anything.

I lingered by the waitress station, not wanting to go back over to Tucker’s table. He was the only customer I had. I was sure it was obvious to him that I was avoiding him. I glanced over my shoulder at him. He stared out the dirty window, lost in thought. I let myself have a minute to eye him up and down. His jeans looked dirty and well worn, but upon closer inspection, it appeared he paid to have his clothes look as if they were falling apart. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the station. What an asshole. He actually paid money to look poor. I looked over my shoulder again, and this time my eyes landed directly on his. I blushed and grabbed a bottle of ketchup, taking it over and setting it on the table in front of him.

You want a beer? I tucked a long, straight strand of hair behind my ear. What was I doing? Larry was going to have a fit.

Tucker smiled and gave a quick nod. "You do still owe me one from earlier."

I turned on my heel and went into the kitchen. Larry raised his spatula as I opened the fridge and grabbed two beers, and I gave him an evil glare, silently warning him not to fuck with me. He wiped the spatula on his tattered apron and flipped the burger over. I owed Tucker for being so generous. That was what I told myself. I was only being nice to return the favor.

I’d had all the shit I could take for one day. With a mental shrug, I slipped out the door. I hoped Larry didn’t see the beers and make good on his threat to get me fired. His wife was only half as mean as he was, and I was sure that was the only reason I still had this job. It was my only escape from the life that sat just across the dusty parking lot. This place may have looked as if it should have been condemned years ago, but it was my sanctuary.

I set the beers on the table and slipped into the booth across from Tucker. He grinned and grabbed my bottle, twisting the cap off for me before taking care of his own. I managed a genuine smile and picked up my beer.

Tucker took a long drink from his beer before sighing and tilting the bottle in his hand to read the label. So . . . that asshole from earlier . . . His voice trailed off and his eyes stayed glued to the label of the bottle as if it had the answers to his questions. I took a drink and eyed him suspiciously. Why did he care? Was he just making small talk? That’s all this was. Clearly I was his entertainment for the night.

Boyfriend, I sighed, and began to peel the label from my drink. The alcohol warmed my body quickly. On an empty stomach, the effects took hold much quicker.

Tucker nodded and drank his beer until the bottle was empty. That’s a shame.

His bark is worse than his bite. That wasn’t the least bit true, but I wasn’t about to admit how weak I actually was to a total stranger.

Maybe someone needs to muzzle him.

What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?

He laughed and spun his bottle in his hand before his eyes connected with mine.

Depends. He leaned forward on his elbows. You gonna leave that asshole?

I sat back in my seat, completely shocked by his forwardness.

The bell dinged, signaling his food was ready, and I jumped. I’ll go get that. I smiled awkwardly as I rushed to the kitchen.

Tryin’ to make you some extra cash tonight? Larry made a disgusting motion with his hips that made bile rise in my throat.

I shook my head. Fuck off, you old perv! I grabbed the food and stormed away angrily. I was mostly angry at myself. Why did I sit down with the guy in the first place? If Larry decided to make small talk with Jax about this, there would be hell to pay.

I set the food on the table and nodded politely at Tucker before turning to leave.

Wait! You aren’t going to keep me company? I could hear the smile in his voice. It pushed me over the edge. I knew what guys like him wanted; it was what all guys wanted.

I turned around and took three steps, closing the gap between us. I placed my hands on the table and leaned in closer to him. He smelled of coconut. That caught me off guard. It was the beach, the scent of freedom wafting from his hair.

I’m not some fucking whore. You can’t buy my time.

He sat back in his seat, taken aback by my remark. I knew I was taking out my anger at Larry on him, but I couldn’t stop myself.

I just wanted some company, and you looked like . . .

I looked like what? An easy lay? I crossed my arms over my chest.

Nothing about you is easy, that much I can already tell. He grinned as he picked up his burger and took a big bite, then dropped it back on his plate, his eyes staring ahead of him.

My stomach growled with hunger, and I turned and stormed away, completely taken aback by his response.

I didn’t approach Tucker again until I was certain he was finished eating. I dropped off his check without a word. I watched from the kitchen as he dug some cash out of his wallet and dropped it on the table. He looked around one last time and left. The sound of his motorcycle growled in the distance.

I sighed and went to his

Reviews for White Trash Beautiful

[burritapal · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Too made up

[stella mastrogianni · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is a soul-searching trip for the main character, with enough scenes you can relate to. Nice writing and building the character's life. On the negative, I would expect more from tucker as a person, more involved and active in the story.. good reading..

[sheila1957 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cass has a mother and a boyfriend who do drugs together. She works trying to hold their family together but has dreams of leaving the trailer park and getting a better life in Teresa Mummert’s WHITE TRASH BEAUTIFUL, the first book of her WHITE TRASH trilogy. As Cass works one morning in the diner, Tucker White, lead singer of rock group Damaged, comes in to eat. Cass is rude and Jax, her boyfriend, comes in giving her grief. Tucker tries to help her but she pushes him away. Tucker returns and eventually Cass softens her attitude towards him. She does not know who he is until after he leaves for the last time. When she does discover who he is she wonders what he sees in her. Can they leave their pasts behind them? Is there a future for them? Are they destined to be two people whose lives connected for just that moment?I enjoyed WHITE TRASH BEAUTIFUL. Teresa Mummert paints a picture of Cass’ life that cannot be glossed over. It is ugly and hard. She has to deal with too little money, too many demands on the money she earns, and drug addiction and alcoholism in those she loves. She watches as their lives are out of control and she tries to control what she can but it is bigger than she can handle. I admire Cass for the strength to stay and fight for their lives. Unfortunately she has also fallen into the same trap as her mother. She stays because she has been told she is worthless, that she cannot make her life better. When Tucker comes into her life, he is just another person who wants too much. She cannot believe he wants her for no other reason than she is worth loving. Cass and Tucker spend much of the story at odds over her worth. I loved Tucker. He is caring, loving, and supportive. He is open with her. I have to admit I wish Tucker were in my life. I wanted to know what happened. It is a good thing I had an e-book or I would have read the ending before I was too far along in the novel. I wanted that happy ever after for Cass. She went through so much. Her decisions were not always the best ones but she was trying to become independent. I liked that about her. She was always trying, even through her pain she tried to make things better. The ending was very emotional for me. I did not think she would get her HEA. I kept hoping she would but so afraid that she would not. Then I discovered this is a trilogy. I do not know if I can take these emotional roller coasters.WHITE TRASH BEAUTIFUL is a great beginning for this trilogy. I love Cass and Tucker. I want to see what happens to them. I want everything to work out for them. I am so into them.I received this book free from the publisher via netgallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[sunmtn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Teressa Mummert blends in many of the “white trash” stereotypes into her story about a poverty stricken young woman who still has a spark of hope for a better life. I had to sit back and think about this story a bit before I could write this review because I wasn’t sure how I felt at the end. There were aspects about the protagonist, Cass Daniels, that left me feeling frustrated and conflicted while at the same time, I kept trying to justify her thoughts and behavior because I wasn’t walking in her shoes. Mummert does a great job of setting a dreary, pessimistic tone in the first scene, even in the first sentence. She creates a disheartening, discouraging environment where it is easy to feel “beaten down” and hopeless. The story is told in first person from Cass Daniels’ POV. Cas has managed to squash down the sadness, frustration, and anger that pervade her existence, but those feelings are still simmering at the surface. Cass is a fighter, though; she still tries to push back and refuses to be a victim. Mummert is successful in showing that it’s hard to fight the urge to feel like a victim, and, at times in the story, I see Cass slipping into that role. The setting of the story takes place around the Savannah, Georgia area, and I can’t help but note the significance and symbolism of this setting. Savannah was burned long ago, but has risen and is now thriving. Cass lives in a tiny town on the outskirts of Savannah with limited opportunity to visit. How apt, Savannah is where Cass should be, but it’s still out of reach, still unobtainable, just like her dreams. Cass is a realist; she knows there is no “knight in shining armor” going to ride in and rescue her. She knows that knight is never coming her way, but she still is able to acknowledge he’s out there. She still holds on to hope. Ironically, a dark-haired, blue-eye knight does arrive at the restaurant where she works. However, he’s on a motorcycle instead of a horse, and his armor has been replaced by worn-out looking jeans and a tee-shirt saying, “I’m with the band.” Cass is wary of Tucker. Men like him only flirt with women like her for a good time, never for anything serious. It’s easy for Cass to think that men see women as whores, and I can understand her faulty thinking since she grew up with a mother who sold her body as a way for the family to survive. Tucker is extremely interested in Cass and isn’t deterred by her brush-offs. He keeps grinning and telling her, “I like a challenge.” Tucker’s POV isn’t given in this story, and I advantages and disadvantages in doing this. On the one hand, Mummert keeps the reader guessing about his attraction to Cass. Is she just a conquest for entertainment, or does he really care about her? When Tucker finally tells Cass the story about his childhood, his motivations become more believable to me. On the other hand, by not getting his POV, Mummert misses the opportunity to fully develop his character. Tucker’s last name is White, and only upon my second reading did I catch the symbolism of this. Tucker grew up in similar circumstances to Cass, but, now he’s a rising rock star on his way to success, the implied label of “trash” has been dropped. Furthermore, the name of his band, “Damaged” certainly applies to the majority of the characters in this story. These symbolic names just reinforce Mummert’s theme of never giving up because you can overcome the obstacles in your path to happiness. The central conflict in the book is whether Cass is courageous enough to pursue a brighter future. Cass is tethered to her past by her drug addicted boyfriend, Jackson, and her mother who seems to have given up on life and uses drugs as a form of escape. Meanwhile, Cass is desperately trying to make things better. She works tirelessly to save money to escape their run-down trailer and her dead-end job. She keeps her savings hidden so that Jackson and her mother can’t steal it to buy more drugs. I applaud her efforts until I realize she still has this grandiose idea that she can take her mother and Jackson with her, and then everything will work out. Cass doesn’t realize that you can’t help those who refuse to be helped and to try to do so will only end in disappointment. Cass doesn’t love Jackson and perhaps never did. How can you love someone who physically abuses you and tells you how worthless you are? Although Cass presents a tough persona to others, she is weak around Jackson. She allows him to hurt her. Even though her behavior may seem confusing, it is typical of abused women to do this. Jackson definitely fits the profile of an abuser. He’s insecure about his manhood, so he puts Cass down to make himself feel better. He uses her to lash out at a world that has finally broken his spirit. I really wanted to despise Jackson, and by the end there is no doubt that I did. However, he wasn’t always this way or Cass wouldn’t continue to have him in her life. When she was younger, he played an important role in protecting Cass from school bullies and her mother’s frequent “boyfriends.” He helped support Cass and her mother financially after their father abandoned them. Unfortunately, he was sucked into world of drugs, and now he is nothing more than a slave to its destructive power. His hateful words and Cass’s willingness to believe them remind me of this quote from the movie Pretty Woman:People put you down enough you start to believe it... the bad stuff is easier to believe, you ever notice that? --Pretty WomanThis book reminded me in some ways of Pretty Woman. The stories are completely different, but both Cass and the main character in the movie have the same defeatist attitude at times, and, in both cases, it takes a man to awaken them to the possibilities that await them and to nudge them to move forward. Cass is drawn to the love and affection that Tucker offers her, yet she refuses to embrace it because of some misplaced loyalty to Jackson and her mother. Much of the book focuses on her inner conflict over believing her current life is what she deserves versus reaching out to Tucker and all the promise and goodness he represents. I admit, at times, I think she brings some of the heartache on herself. Her fear and guilt cause her to be indecisive throughout much of the book, and the tragedy that ensues is devastating. The book is a swirl of darkness and light, hopelessness and hope. Cassie deserves happiness, and in the end, she puts faith in herself and works hard to find that HEA. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[uanbookaddict · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't get this book out of my head! Oh my! I want to tell everyone everything about this book, but I can't! If you haven't read it, you MUST do so! Whew, my head is still wrapped up in this heart warming and heart breaking book! Between the drug abuse, domestic violence, love gained and love loss, you will be reading this like a match of ping pong. And the emotions, well, they will grab a hold of you. They will have you laughing, loving, crying, hating, and cheering all at the same time!
I can't express how much I loved this book! I haven't found a book very recently that has taken me on such a journey that I don't want to find my way back! There is nothing like a little bit of reality mixed with fantasy. These two are an volatile combination that is sure to knock your socks off and leaving you panting for more. I can honestly say that I cannot wait for the next book in this series! Teresa Mummert is truly a great writer!

[megan · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book but it was just ok. I got frustrated with how slow it dragged on and Cass's reluctance to actually do anything. She spent the whole book saying how much she hated her life yet wouldn't do anything about it. And I didn't understand why Tucker is so drawn to her and so fiercely loyal when she's not willing to completely be with him at first and then later leaves him. And the way he's just so willing to leave the band makes me angry to be honest. There just wasn't enough there.

[schatzi_5 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Well, I have to say that I had serious reservations going into this book, but I figured...why not? I should have listened to my inner voice.So, basically, the main character, Cass, spends the first page of the book saying that she might be white trash, but she isn't a doormat to anyone - and then promptly spends the next several pages proving that, among other things, she is nothing but a liar. She allows her druggie boyfriend, who not only supplies Cass' addict mother with drugs but also physically and emotionally abuses Cass, to pretty much run roughshod over her life. And Cass seems relatively content to remain in that situation until Tucker comes along. Tucker, for reasons unknown and un-understandable to me, falls in love with Cass, who does nothing but be rude to him during their first meeting, and is determined to save her.Ugh.And the book is even worse than my summary sounds. I disliked the character of Cass immensely. Look, I grew up dirt poor, and "white trash" was something that I heard more than once in reference to myself and my family. No sense in covering that up. And the situation sucks, especially when there is significant abuse involved (which there also was in my case). That kind of environment, I believe, breeds two types of people. The first is a person who is determined that, no matter what, come hell or high water, s/he is getting out and is going to make something of her/himself. That person uses the situation as fuel for something better. And that person realizes that s/he might have to claw every inch of the way, but NOTHING and NO ONE is stopping them from getting out. And then there is the second person, who is so flooded with misery until a switch inside of him/her is flipped and s/he is determined to STAY miserable. That person lashes out, pulling equally unstable people into his/her web of interaction, surrounding her/himself with people who are going to make her/him miserable - because misery is what they know, and misery is what they accept, and misery is what, somehow, brings them comfort. I am not saying that the first person has some sort of strength or the second person has some sort of character flaw; these are just my observations. And fortunately, I was the first type of person. Cass, unfortunately, is the second type. She doesn't seem like she REALLY wants to leave, even though she's saving up money for an apartment; the company she keeps is proof enough of that. She annoyed me to no end; she could be a total jerk to those who were trying to help her or who could have helped her, which I do recognize as a coping mechanism, but she never DID anything. She was just content to be caustic and stay in her situation, and as someone who came from a situation just as bad, IF NOT WORSE, than hers...I just can't tolerate that, even in a fictional character.Tucker, on the other hand, is more like the first type - but he has saddled himself with some sort of crazy rescuer problem, where he HAS to save poor Cass from herself. Other than that, Tucker seems incredibly underdeveloped as a character. His whole purpose of existing was to rescue Cass. Meh.So, yeah, not a fan of this book. At all.

[CaseyDunbar · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A bit slow. I skipped a large portion of the middle because it was dragging on so much.

[breakingbooks-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book lacks continuity in time and objects. For example she starts a pot of coffee says good morning to her mother and then is able to pour the coffee directly after? There are more throughout, but that is a prime example. Also, she leaves the diner pulling off her apron before and rushes home, but the next morning she gets dressed in the trailer and puts on an apron before she goes to work? The characters are a underdeveloped and boring.

[jgrwriter · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"White Trash Beautiful" by Teresa Mummert had a terrific concept, that was not stretched to its fullest potential. Without going too much into details about the book, I would like to first point out the positive aspects of the novel. I liked the look into the lifestyle of someone such as Cass and the emotional turbulence that she constantly endured. I also sympathized with her situation, in relation to Jax and her mother. I enjoyed the character of Tucker as well, although I do not believe that his relationship/attraction with Cass was developed enough. There was a bit of storyline developing that was also needed. This novel could have very well been twice its size or a series. There were also multiple typos throughout, including some obvious ones. I do want to reiterate that the concept was appealing, just not developed enough.

[corazie · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was very almost a one star. The gorgeous cover saved it.

This book annoyed me so much. It infuriated me. It made me sigh and roll my eyes. I had to push myself to finish it. I hoped that it would get better at the end, but it didn't. Not for me anyway.

But I can see the draw of this book. The title is pretty excellent. And I think that a lot of people will like it. It's the kind of story that most Young Adult readers will probably lap up.

I found the writing terribly immature. It was like a thirteen-year-old's over excited fan-fiction about whichever boyband crush she has at that moment. But it was trying to be older than that. It was written in such a young way that I was confused when Cass and Tucker went to a bar - wasn't she too young to drink? But no. She's supposed to be college leaving age, not the fifteen year old girl the writing seemed to portray her as.

Cass? She annoyed me from the very very start. This whole book was one great big woe-is-me pity party for her. She was so plain, with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and freckles on her heart shaped face. Yeah right. Oh, and she was super skinny too, skinnier even than her junkie mother who didn't eat a scrap in this entire novel.

Tucker was alright. He's probably the reason this got two stars. He saw through Cassie's crap and told her to get real. Then he went and ruined it all towards the end.

The end. You've got to be bloody joking. The character's hit their all-time most juvenile at the end.

I don't think I could put myself through the next book, sorry Teresa Mummert. Your writing is just not my cup of tea. In fact, it's like Dandelion and Burdock to me. Eeww.

[books007_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't really even know how to express what I think about this book. Was it a dud? No, not really. Was it a hit? No, not really.Cass is in a abusive relationship with her drug addictive boyfriend, Jax. They live in a trailer park, in a run down trailer, with her mother - who is also a drug addict - while she works at a nearby cafe. She doesn't leave because, while he is abusive, he wasn't always that way and he was the one man who hasn't left her and her mother. Enter Tucker. The unexpected prince come to her rescue, even though it takes a while for her to really see that. (And she is definitely no princess.) Can she trust him? Can he handle her & all the mess that surrounds her?I gotta admit...Cass & Tucker both drove me crazy!?! I did like their characters enough but their actions just didn't always seems to fit their emotions. I felt a disconnect at times because of that (just too unrealistic.) Maybe if we had gotten more of Tucker's point of view? And it defintely had a darker side to it (so if you are looking for a light read - this isn't it.)Am I glad I read it? Yes. Will I read more by this author? Not sure. I received this book in exchange for an honest review for netgalley.

[lisa.hines · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You can find this review at My Favorite Things (heffroberts.blogspot.com)White Trash Beautiful by Teresa Mummert will get under your skin and into your heart from practically the first page! An touching story of family, abuse and how love makes a difference.Audible Audiobook "Review: White Trash #1: White Trash beautiful"If you could sum up White Trash Beautiful in three words, what would they be?-Love conquers all!What other book might you compare White Trash Beautiful to and why?-Oh, I don't think I've really ever read anything quite like this. Um, the abuse both characters suffered in Jessica Sorensen's "Callie & Kayden" series and maybe Julianne's painful experience in Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard.Which scene was your favorite?-The scene where they were dancing in the hotel room and probably the very last scene in the book which I won't describe due to spoilers.Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?-This book hurt. People suffer the abuse that Cass suffered every day, it's tragic, but at least for a fairy tale moment this girl found her handsome white knight to rescue her along the way. Well, it wasn't smooth going in the book either. There were loads of speed bumps along the way.But, it made for an excellent story.Any additional comments?-Grace Grant is an excellent performer and I find myself looking for audiobooks that she specifically has narrated. The skills of the performer make a huge difference for the book and she is just fantastic!***QUOTES***I’m not naïve. I know I don’t get the happily ever after. My knight in shining armor took the highway detour around this godforsaken shit hole. I’ve made peace with that. That doesn’t mean I’m going to lie down like a doormat and let every cocky prick in the trailer park have his way with me. -Cass “I’m not your sweet- heart.”“Challenge accepted.” He laughed.These guys were all the same. I sighed. -Cass “please don’t regret me, Cass.” His voice was barely audible as he ran his thumb over my cheek, catching the stray tear that had betrayed me. His words unleashed a floodgate. -Tucker “Tucker, the sky is the limit for you. My limit is the tattered fence around this trailer park.” -Cass I can still smell you all over me. I can’t stop thinking about you. — Tuck -Tucker He put his finger to my lips to stop me from talking. “The only thing I ever wanted out of my life was someone to share it with.” -Tucker

[angieanzaldua · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this book. It was entertaining. I was rooting for Cass and Tucker to work out but also the whole rock star thing is a little intimidating. I really wanted her to kick her no good boyfriend to the curb but it showed what kind of person she is. she thinks of others before herself. I loved how she bloomed and gained a little confidence. The relationship between Cass and Tucker is steamy and had me wondering if my phone was gonna catch fire. This is a must read.

[macyj_8 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is another book that sucked me in based on the cover. Every time I saw it I had to pause and read the blurb. I love the simple yet powerful image.

As for the story I have to say the first half of the book was great. I was really into the story and the characters. I felt so bad for Cass and the life that she was having to live and wanted so much for her to finally be able to get out. Tucker made me think of a "Rocker Prince Charming" and I wanted so much for Cass to trust him and see that she could do better in the world.

The second half of the book though fell a bit short for me. I started to get a little tired of Cass and her inability to see that she deserved more than her abusive, dirty addict of a boyfriend. She repeatedly would go on and on about the fact that underneath it all he was still a good guy and that he wasn't like this before. After awhile I just wanted to yell "Wake up! He's never going to change, stop being stupid!"

Tucker was great but like some others have said he needed to be more developed, more back-story. Part of me wishes I could have read some of this from his POV as well and then I could have gotten a better understanding of him and what he saw in and felt for Cass (not that there was anything wrong with her but I don't know if I buy the whole insta-love connection with them).

All in all I really enjoyed the story I just wanted a little more!