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Merissa (12684 KP) rated Beautiful Facade in Books

Feb 2, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
Beautiful Facade
Beautiful Facade
Kathryn S Rose | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BEAUTIFUL FACADE is the debut novel from Kathryn S Rose and she pulls no punches (literally) with the subjects she covers in this novel - drink, drugs, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel, told from the first perspective of the main female character. It was pretty clear from the start that Winter wouldn't end up with Liam, and their picture-perfect life wasn't as good as she imagined. I did enjoy the question mark over who was with him and was glad I was wrong. I won't say more as I don't want to ruin it!

The scene-setting was very well done, with a bunch of flawed characters as the supporting cast. If I had to say anything negative about this book, it would be the copious amount of alcohol that was drunk for the majority of the story, plus the number of texts and missed calls Winter had. If I had that many from one person in that amount of time, I'd be worried about their mental health!

On the whole, this was a great, smoothly-paced story that held my attention from beginning to end, that I have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 2, 2021
  
Some Kind of Truth
Some Kind of Truth
Westley Smith | 2024 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
SOME KIND OF TRUTH is a dark mystery crime thriller about a reporter on the search for truth. Steve James has gone through his own trauma that is similar to that of the girl on the USB stick he anonymously receives. After receiving the approval of his editor, he goes to small-town USA - Hanover if you want the particulars - to find out just what happened.

This was a good story that had me turning the pages, even as I suspended reality. Steve, and the local journalist helping him, Amy, go around the town and surrounding areas, going into houses, and making discoveries that should have been reported to the police.

There were a few errors that I spotted, just as Lance Corporal Lewis Brenner changing to Lance Corporal Kyle Brenner and Private Lewis Lomax. They weren't enough to spoil my reading but they were noticeable.

Steve was a sympathetic character to begin with, but his constant musings about drink and alcohol became monotonous, even knowing the reasons why he used them as a crutch. He can see things others might miss, although he is not infallible.

A dark and gritty story that I can definitely recommend.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 13, 2024
  
The Demons of Wychwood
The Demons of Wychwood
Isobel Starling | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE DEMONS OF WYCHWOOD tells the story of Felix and Kit. Felix is a working-class man who has a side job of preparing the evening's entertainment, including food, drink, and any 'accessories' that may be needed. Kit is one of the upper class who attends said evenings. Felix is also a bit of a voyeur and likes to watch Kit in particular. However, he sees more than he bargains for one night and ends up saving Kit's life. This is the event that really starts this story.

I read this story in one sitting! Once I'd started it, I didn't want to put it down. Kit and Felix work so well together, in so many differing ways, I couldn't help but root for them. The General was a real piece of work with no redeeming qualities. I had everything crossed in the hope he would pay for his crimes.

This is the first book by this author I have read, but it won't be the last. A well-written story, with excellent characters and pacing, and a world I want to return to, to see who will be next, I can definitely recommend this work.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 15, 2025
  
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Sweet Virginia  (2017)
Sweet Virginia (2017)
2017 |
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
377. Sweet Virginia. Pretty great random choice by me, again. Twisted tale of a small town murder plot. Three friends are hanging out at a bar playing cards. I'm assuming they own the place, because when a guy wanders in off the street and asks for a bite to eat and a drink, one gets up and tells him they're closed and be on his way. Instead of leaving the stranger asks him, Are you Mitchell? The response is what you expect, who wants to know, blah, blah. Slightly bothered, the stranger leaves. Mitchell goes back to the card game, until the door opens once again and the stranger comes in guns blazing, and all three end up dead. It was here I thought, Mitchell should have locked that door! So that happened, the news quickly spreads through the small town, and we meet Sam, a former rodeo champ now motel owner operator, and he is having an affair with the wife of one of the dead men, yea. And oh yea, the killer, Elwood, is staying at guess who's motel? Also, guess who recognizes Sam from his rodeo days and start a pretty decent friendship. Elwood is actually a semi normal dude when he's not out killing people for money. So who hired him? Well, I can't tell you everything! It really was a well told tense tale. Well acted, Jon Bernthal as Sam, Christopher Abbott as Elwood, were pretty awesome, with Imogen Poots and Rosemarie DeWitt great as the supporting cast! Cool flick, I say, do.