I thought this was well written but I couldn't connect with the characters at all which is a but disappointing! It did keep me hooked though as I needed to know what happened, and it didn't disappoint 😊

A solid and enjoyable epistolary - by way of mixed media and transcripts - thriller, The Ugly Truth slowly unravels a chilling mystery and examines the perils of social media, mental health, abuses of power, and the dangers of parasocial relationships.

"The Ugly Truth" by L.C. North is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of self-identity, societal pressures, and the search for authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances. The narrative centers on a protagonist grappling with her own insecurities and the impact of beauty standards on her life.

North’s writing is raw and candid, effectively capturing the protagonist’s internal struggles and emotional turmoil. The dialogue is sharp, and the character development is profound, allowing readers to connect deeply with the protagonist's journey. The author skillfully weaves in themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexity of relationships, making the emotional stakes feel very real.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and those around her. North’s exploration of societal norms and the often harsh realities of self-image is both illuminating and poignant, prompting readers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and worth.

Overall, "The Ugly Truth" is a compelling read that resonates with anyone who has ever felt pressure to conform to external standards. L.C. North delivers a powerful narrative that is both entertaining and deeply insightful, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that tackles important social themes.

A really gripping read but sadly had a disappointing ending. It felt rushe4d at the end without a proper explanation of what had happened.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book is based on the dilemma of who you believe in the morass of news in the press, social media interactions and influencers / bloggers. It features 'interviews' and comments from Melanie's past and present, swapping from person to person, date to date and method of delivery at a dizzying pace. I think it displays how difficult it is to ascertain the truth amongst the many ways to communicate that is available currently but I found it completely disjointed. It became difficult to maintain my interest in the actual story and I gave up at 15%.

***3.5 Rounded Up***

Melanie Lange has disappeared. Her father says she is safe and being cared for after a breakdown. Her best friend and EX Husband say she has been kidnapped. The media is divided.

Who's side are you on #savemelanie #helppeter

I had a great time with this book. I love a bit of mixed media. I think it sends a message on the power of social media and what we say online and the effect it can have ona person. I thought this was going to be 5 stars from me but for me the ending just fell short and didn't feel enough for me it was wrapped up too quickly and felt like explanations were glazed over after the build up throughout the book. Still an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK and L C North for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. So sorry this fell through the cracks and only just getting to it.

Another great book from Lauren / L.C. North! Always enjoy her gripping style and great plot twists. This wasn’t her best in my opinion but I still enjoyed

Sorry but I couldn't finish this. The way it was written wasn’t for me. I just couldn't get into it.

I loved the format of this book! The way it is written as tweets, documentaries, and interviews is exactly the method to suck a person in, exactly the same as if you see a story like this on social media in real life.

It highlights the damage that can be caused by a simple comment or message online - I think we often forget that people on social media are real people, and it is so easy to sit behind a keyboard typing whatever, and thinking there will be no repercussions or impact.

I was hooked from the first page, and couldn't get through this story fast enough - fantastic read!

Thank Thank you Random House and Netgalley and I'm sorry I took so long to read this - wish I'd read it sooner!.
This book really will keep you guessing to the end.
The storyline was told from various viewpoints and although now and again it was difficult to following, it was certainly good.
I would recommend and need more by this author please.

"Love Under Contract" by Cassie Connor is a charming and engaging romantic novel that effortlessly blends heartwarming moments with irresistible chemistry. The story centers around Emma, a dedicated lawyer, whose professional life intertwines with James, a charismatic architect, on a high-stakes project.

Connor's narrative is a delightful journey filled with humor, tenderness, and genuine emotion as Emma and James navigate the complexities of their growing attraction amidst professional challenges. The characters are skillfully developed, each possessing their own ambitions and vulnerabilities, which adds depth and authenticity to their evolving relationship.

The novel excels in its well-paced plot, witty dialogue, and the palpable chemistry between Emma and James, ensuring the reader is captivated from start to finish. Connor's skillful storytelling delivers a romance that is both passionate and uplifting, making it a perfect choice for anyone in search of a heartwarming escape.

In conclusion, "Love Under Contract" showcases Cassie Connor's talent for crafting compelling love stories that resonate deeply. It's a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression, promising to delight fans of contemporary romance with its blend of emotional depth and romantic allure.

An intriguing story of a young woman living in the public eye, and the price she pays for it.

It gave Daisy Jones and the Six vibes with its interview style layout. The story is also told with newspaper articles, test messages, journal entries, chat room comments etc, a whole mix of media.

It touches on some very pertinent and sensitive topics and really gives you an inside view into a celebrity life and difficulties and behaviours of the paparazzi and how it impacts the mental health of the famous. It seems like it was heavily influenced by #SaveBrittney and her conservatorship and Princess Diana.

It was a different read which I enjoyed, but it was little slow for my liking. I also wouldn't quite classify this as a “thriller”.

Unfortunately I have not been able to connect with this book and after multiple attempts have had to mark as dnf.

This story will keep you guessing. It was a great story told from many viewpoints which although was sometimes hard to follow but necessary to the plot. This is my first book by this author and I will certainly be looking for more

This book didn’t feel like a thriller to me. It doesn’t read like a mystery. It’s more like a contemporary fiction book. It lacks twists and turns. I found this boring and everything was so predictable

This book honestly gave me chills! It’s a fantastic mystery and will have you gripped from the first page until the last !
If you’re looking to completely get lost in a story then look no further!
Would highly recommend

This book isn't quite the thriller or suspense fiction it's billed as; rather, it feels like a Netflix documentary in transcript form. While it initially captivates with its narrative, it loses steam towards the end, as expected. It chronicles Melaine's life from fame to scrutiny, with commentary from friends and another perspective from Peter. Though some twists may surprise, the predictable outcome and swift pace make it a quick, albeit genre-misplaced, read.

Didnt grip me as much as I hoped after reading previous reviews although I did enjoy the narrative style and the multiple points of view of the story

Really enjoyed the multiple viewpoints in this book and it makes for a very addictive, compulsive read. So many narrators means you don't know who to trust.

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more, all I can say in wow what a book!!!