Masking a problem doesn’t fix it. No matter how long you keep it covered.
We all hide behind masks. Whether that be a forced smile to a loved one after a long day. A sympathetic frown of concern to someone that doesn’t really matter to you. Or a professional face at work after an almighty row at home. The fact is, we all do it. We do it because we want to be prettier on the outside than we truly are on the inside. We do it to hide the cracks that have formed due to life. But what about the people who are forced to wear masks? The people who are forced to hide their true colours because society says so?
Life has thrown its fair share of crap at Lois Johnston, and the one thing that has kept her sane and going for the last seven years is her husband, Nathan. But what happens when the one person that is keeping you safe from yourself leaves, taking not only your heart, but your sanity with them as well?
For the first time in a long time Lois is about to remove the mask that was forced upon her years ago. But what’s matured underneath after years of heartache and hiding is something even uglier than before. Life has twisted her into a monster, and she’s about to set it free.
C.A.Bell is an erotic fiction author and naughty poet who was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England, but now resides in the much more rural county of Shropshire.
She is author to numerous erotic fiction stories, including, Femme Fatale: The Agency, Pretty Masks: A Twisted Tale of Revenge, Angel, Suave and many more.
She spans the erotic genres with her writing from romance and chick-lit to thriller and suspense. She always tries to remain original and keep you guessing right until the very end.
As well as putting together her own collections of short stories and poetry, she is also a contributor to many anthologies and online magazines.
I feel like I need to do a reaction video after reading this book. It completely blew my mind. Mental illness is more common than many of us even realize and the author took us right into the mind of a woman suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). I think what threw me was the fact that Lois' illness wasn't initially evident from the start. It's when her husband betrayed her that shite really hit the fan. Lois was so unpredictable and I actually loved that I had no clue what would happen next. Although this story was short, the author provided enough information to garner sympathy for her character and I was totally on board the crazy train. I had to be right? Because I was cheering her on in her madness. This was an interesting read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories that are dark and twisted.
Release Date: March 21, 2017 Genre: Erotic Thriller POV: Heroine - 1st person Steam: 3.5 out of 5 Book Type: Standalone
I'm speechless right now. Like my brain is blank and I can't even begin to process. I don't even understand what I just read, but I do know that I'm in awe and I absolutely love with this book. It's short, soooo not sweet, completely mental but somehow so hot, I couldn't put it down. This book consumed me. I devoured every single word, fed on every sentence like a drug. It's crazy, it's insane but it intrigues a part of me that I'll never admit to having.
Having a mental illness is not uncommon. It affects a lot of people and it's absolutely amazing to see this author put it into perspective. To fall into the headspace of someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder and see things from their point of view. It's amazing to see what they go through and it gives me a whole new appreciation for people who suffer from DID.
This book starts off amazing. Every word is gold. It's an edge of your seat read that will have you biting on your nails the whole time. You never know what's going to happen. It's awesome. When Lois' husband does her wrong, things go crazy and she snaps. Everyone thinks she's crazy and she needs help, but the craziest part is that she's aware of what she's doing. Absolutely amazing read and I recommend this to everyone who needs a little crazy in their life.
Intense reading from start to finish. Raw anguish has ruled most of Lois life. She has been abused, hurt and at times misunderstood. Those that were supposed to love and help her really didn't, nothing in her life has gone as it should. It seemed that instead of really helping her cope and understand all that happened or the diagnosis so she could move on and deal in a normal way, they just kept going over and over the stuff that caused the problem and mask it with pills. I felt sorry for her, even the one person who needed to support her the most let her down and in such a massive way. I could understand her anger and the need for revenge, though I know most people would deal with it in a different way most would still need some form to get their own back if only so they could let it go. I found this to be a sad and disturbing read, but at the same time it gave me pause to understand a little bit more about how certain depression and mental illness can affect sufferers in the various forms. Also how sometimes conventional treatment isn't always the way to go. This is a deep story of abuse, betrayal, revenge and mental illness. If any of those subjects is a trigger for you as a reader then I would think carefully about reading this book. That said, I did enjoy it, my mind was opened to more understanding for those suffering this form of illness. A lot of thought was put into the writing of such sensitive subject matter and I'm sure the author did a fair bit of research. I just felt extremely sad for Lois, no one put the time into finding out how to help her properly and she took blow after blow to knock her down. I hope she found peace in the end. Why the 5 stars? well I feel that the way it was written there was a good flow, it is also quite a brave book to write as it isn't a conventional story.
Wow!!!! I was totally not expecting what I found between the pages of this amazing little story. I'd never read anything before by this author and what I found was some very deep and thought provoking writing that deals with a woman that has mental health issues that have been built upon a foundation of a dark and tragic past. The story tells us about how she has been dealt so much hurt in her life and how she deals with the consequences of the anger she feels towards those who have done her wrong. She is Lois Johnston, wife of Nathan Johnston. He is her rock until her life suddenly falls apart and she finds herself in a dark place once again. The story has some sex and violence as she goes all out on a mission to get her revenge. I loved her character and the way that her calculating mind worked, I found myself willing her on even though what she does is very wrong but it was quite liberating to live it through her eyes and become X, to then go on a rampage of payback for all the bad things she had been put through at the hands of others. This was an exciting and thrilling story that emotionally pulled me in so much that I couldn't put down and read it in one go. A brilliant 5 Stars!
Having read a book by this author previously I knew I wasn’t in for a nice romantic read but I’m not quite sure I was expecting what I did read. There is one thing about this author and that is she does dark and revenge and she does it well! It’s a relatively short story but do not let that put you off it was crammed full of action which starts on the very first page and doesn’t let up until the end. An ending by the way I did not see coming at all! I will say I didn’t think I would be able to get through this story as the first chapter hit me very hard as it voiced some of my fears in my personal life but I’m glad I read on as the story took a very different direction. I do think this book had potential to be longer – I know I certainly would have been happy to read more – especially maybe some more about X! I was captivated from the very beginning until the last word and even after I was still thinking – what did I just read! There were some great twists and turns – some very unexpected ones too! I definitely can’t wait to read more by this author.
The thing that drew me to this book was after reading some of the reviews. The subject of DID or Dissociative Identity Disorder is one I am familiar with after researching the subject recently. I wanted to see how the author had approached the subject, and I was not disappointed.
The story begins tenderly as a married couple Nathan and Lois attempt to rekindle their failing marriage. The author immediately draws you into the story them wham! You are hit with his secret infidelity.
This is the driving theme of the story, as Lois begins a journey of revenge. The dialogue between the characters immerses you in the whole story. The constant battle Lois has with her past, and her alter ego is imaginatively dealt with. Using her thought process and memories as a vehicle to make the reader feel her anguish and pain. The sex scenes are hot, but not overly dramatized as some I have read.
I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that it is a fantastic read and you need to buy it to find out how the story ends.
There are a lot of people out there who have the same condition as Lois, and it is a heart wrenching tale. But we all wear masks of one kind of another, but this book allows you to peel away this particular mask, and see the person behind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can recommend it.
This is a story that i would love to see has a movie! I don't normally would agree to making a great story into a movie but this story has been so beautifully written with all its dark moments in it, I would love to see the world to experience/see what people can protentionally come to when things go very bad. Also brings to light the stigma to mental health and the way some people deal with it. Lois has gone though so much in her life. My heart hurts for her.. I wanted to let X have her way with her uncle and I don't dislike her for her revenge either. I also felt her piece at the end has well, so many emotions I have for her.. I wanted to take her hand and say everything will be ok but it shows we all have a breaking point but it depends on how we react and control our actions.
Pretty Masks was a delightful, dark and well written short from C.A.Bell. Again, I didn’t read the blurb so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started it but it was so good! I read it in one sitting as it isn’t that long, but also the story hooked me in. I love how Bell doesn’t shy away from showing a side to people that other authors tend to avoid. For example I wanted to shake Lois’ mother, she was so frustrating as a character and don’t get me started on the husband! I love how broken Lois was, barely holding it together in some parts and then so deviously brilliant in others. This little taboo read takes a look at what’s behind the mask that we wear in society. It looks at what lurks beneath the pretty, perfect face that hides dark, murderous secrets and the twists and turns will keep you from looking away. This is admittedly my first book by C.A.Bell (although I do have her poetry book in my tbr pile) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This review is only short because I don’t give away too much; my only gripe is that I wanted more! I would’ve loved for it to be longer.
Five stars because I couldn't stop reading & I read this book in one day.
My heart broke for Lois and her situation, without giving details away, she has had a tough time and hides it all day to day (many of us can relate) one day she can't wear the mask any more and she deals with things in her own way. This story is an exciting roller coaster.
I felt like I wanted to learn more about Lois, her earlier years and fuller story. I really liked her a lot, thank you for exploring mental health issues in a terrific story.
The subject matter in Pretty Masks is very dark and disturbing, not least because it tackles the issue of mental health. We meet Lois, who on the outside appears to be your average married woman. When she is betrayed by her husband, however, she reveals a life history of tragic events and experiences. The story unravels a mind twisted with pain and suffering, but there is no happy ending when the Pretty Masks are removed… Suffice to say, I believe this book is a good read. A very good read.
This is the 2nd book by C A BELL that I have read and I bloody loved every part of it! There was nothing I didn't enjoy about this book and it had me gripped from the first page.
Pretty Masks is a dark and tragic story and one that will stay with you forever. It is full of twists and suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This is an absolutely amazingly written and well thought out story and one I would recommend to anyone.
I was given an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. I gave it 5 stars.
Pretty Masks was a fantastic little surprise. I was not expecting what C.A Bell delivered so impeccably.
It is surprisingly quite dark which for me was one of the reasons I absolutely LOVED it. It's raw and it's gritty and it delivers quite a deep and powerful message in it's few short pages. The concept of this book is rather interesting, that we all have this mask that hides the truth beneath.
Packed full with twists and turns and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I had goosebumps reading this.
The only thing that would have made this story even better for me? Is if it had been a full length novel.
C.A. Bell never disappoints and Pretty Masks is no different, so go ahead and one click.
Oh wow what a story it had me gripped from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
Lois has been through hell and back with what has happened to her and I don't blame her for her revenge in this book. Her alter ego/split personality "x" is one messed up lady but as I said before you can kinda understand why she takes revenge on the men that have done her wrong the only one i wanted to see her get to was her uncle but boy did she make up for it with the others.
Don't want to spoil the story for you. it's dark and twisted and I loved it. C.A. Bell what a cracking book its my first book by this author it certainly won't be the last.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was intrigued with the blurb. It didn't disappoint. This is a story that could strike a cord with anyone, sometimes we all hide behind a mask and hide the real you.
This is a story of betrayal, heartache, revenge and loss, the ending was unexpected and I suppose I can understand why it ended like that. We all try and escape what is happening in our lives, and we all go different ways about it.
This book isn't for the faint hearted.
A copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story that i would love to see has a movie! I don't normally would agree to making a great story into a movie but this story has been so beautifully written with all its dark moments in it, I would love to see the world to experience/see what people can protentionally come to when things go very bad. Also brings to light the stigma to mental health and the way some people deal with it. Lois has gone though so much in her life. My heart hurts for her.. I wanted to let X have her way with her uncle and I don't dislike her for her revenge either. I also felt her piece at the end has well, so many emotions I have for her.. I wanted to take her hand and say everything will be ok but it shows we all have a breaking point but it depends on how we react and control our actions.
I absolutely applaud CA BELL for this book. The ending? Freaking FABULOUS! Pretty Masks is a bit of a different read. It's twisted..for sure... Lois is one messed up chick. She's had a rough go of it, for sure. This one is a shorter read, sexy in a really weird and messed up way. It really draws you in, kinda likel those vids you see where you just know the person is gonna get messed up but you just can't quit watching, yeah, it's just like that...you're not sure if you're loving it, liking it, or just gotta keep reading because it's SO different. Mental disorders are nothing to scoff at...We all know the difference between fiction and life, or we should, so don't pick on this book because it doesn't end the way you think it should...Celebrate the fact that this books ending is way more true to life than any perfect little hea could be. This is a first read for me by C.A Bell, but now it's time to dive in to another.
I loved this short tale. I got lost in the incredible world inside Lois's head and then found myself again wound inside this tale by the perfectly orchestrated writing style of the lovely CA Bell. This is my first read by this author and won't be my last x
Ok so this is a very deep dark story about a woman Lois who has been dealt such an unfair hand in life. From ever since she was 11 and she went through an awful ordeal which she somehow managed to keep blocked away. Until the end when she found her husband had cheated on her. Life really can suck sometimes and this poor woman really had a raw deal. We all wear those pretty masks from time to time and pretend we are fine when we are not but often those feelings do come to the surface and for Lois they did come to surface. Revenge can be sweet and she certainly got her revenge, But at what cost? Did it make her happier in the end? I'm sure we've all had those feelings like X had but most of us keep them as just that feelings and don't act on them but Lois did, She acted on them. X helped her get through what she was going through at the time but X was no good for her in the end and she soon realised, but it was too late! Ok this book will not be to everyone's taste but I Love Deep and Dark stories and this was no exception I loved the story it drew me in immediately from page one, and I loved the character Lois, I'm sure we have all been through tough times like Lois and would have loved for someone like X to be there for us and of helped us get revenge we so deserved. Lois's character really called out to me and I so wanted to help her. Not many books make me feel like that. I felt I wanted that revenge for her. This book also shows us that in real life we don't always get that happy ending.
I've not read a book like this in a while. it was good to get back to a darker themed genre.I found myself turning the page with a need to see how the story developed and I have to say I was disappointed when the end came... because I could have read more! I've given a 4 star purely on that reason. I wanted more simple as that. if you want darker, taboo and even a little 'human nature' scary, This is for you. The story tackles some deep issues that are handled with care and sensitivity. I found myself turning the page with a need to see how the story developed and I have to say I was disappointed when the end came... because I could have read more! I've given a 4 star purely on that reason. I wanted more simple as that. if you want darker, taboo and even a little 'human nature' scary, This is for you.
OMG I CAN'T NOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS BOOK. I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED IT IN ONE SITTING WANTING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT. I LOVED HOW CLEVER THE STORYLINE WAS AND FOR TAKING AN ISSUE LIKE MENTAL HEALTH. THROUGHOUT WE GET TO SEE INSIDE THE HEAD OF LOIS. IT MAKES YOU QUESTION PEOPLE AROUND YOU AND THE MASK THAT PEOPLE WEAR ON A DAILY BASIS INCLUDING OURSELVES. I REALLY HOPE THE AUTHOR WRITES MORE IN THIS GENRE AS I FEEL THIS HAS BEEN HER BEST BOOK BY FAR SHE HAS WRITTEN.
When I heard C.A. Bell was writing a new book, I knew I had to read it. This book is nothing like her others. It is captivating, and a bit creepy. I love a great book that keeps me thinking, and this one did it. I loved the characters, and the plot was amazing. If you are looking for something to keep you guessing than pick this one up.
Brilliant dark and twisted novella from CA Bell. Lois is hiding behind a pretty mask which successfully covers up what is going on inside her head. When her life takes a turn for the worst she is hell bent on revenge and plans the course her life will take from now on.
Definitely one to one click as it will keep you hooked from start to finish and leave you looking for more.
I was given Pretty Masks as an ARC review, and when I read it, I couldnt put it down, i give it 5 stars, only because i couldn't give it 10!!. It is intense, captivating, it drawns you in so much that you lose track of time!! INCREDIBLE!! a MUST read!!
This story is a heartbreaker to some and triumph to others. How many of us wear a mask? Probably all of us, some have horrific things to hide. Like Lois, such a terrible history. Then she meets the man of her dreams, what could possibly go wrong? Read it, there are plenty of surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed Lois' journey, however painful.
Pretty Masks By C.A. Bell 5 Amazing, gripping, gritty stars.
I was sent this ARC for an honest review and after I’d read many works from the author, this was an opportunity not to be missed.
Wow, this novella is totally different to what I am use to reading by C.A. Bell, an erotic thriller delivered in pure style. This is a dark tale, full of twists, suspense, deep and powerful. The entire book had me hooked, eager to discover what was hiding behind Lois and hell, what a mask she wore.
Hell as no fury like a woman scorned! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Wow! What a dark and sexual story that will keep you turning the pages. The twist is definitely in the tale. Enjoy!
This book will take you on a wild and wonderful adventure that will hit you with all the feels. Literally read this in one sitting. This author has never disappointed me with any of their books, they have all been fantastic and will always leave you wanting more.
Prepare yourself for a journey into a world of revenge and madness…this is Lois’s story and her emotional and mental struggle to maintain her sanity as her world crumbles around her…she is a woman on a mission aided and abetted by X…..together they wreak havoc in the name of vengeance..
This was a most unexpected premise and at times the emotional and dark content made difficult reading….Lois is a deep and complex character….she has been cruelly abused and her ability to maintain a hold on reality is so tenuous but there is also a ruthless method and logic to her actions
I am not sure I could label this an enjoyable experience..at times it made me feel uncomfortable but it was also wonderfully written, thought provoking and provided an intimate and disturbing insight into the tortured mind of an individual with mental illness…
Amount of sex 3 / 5 How explicit 3 / 5 Story 4 / 5 Overall: 4 / 5
Pretty Masks by C. A. Bell is a dark and twisted psychological thriller, unlike any that I have read. The story is powerful, the characters are complex, and I was hooked from the beginning. The author took me on an intense roller coaster ride, one that had me captivated and awestruck! It’s dark, gritty and definitely not for those looking for something light and sweet!
I recommend you do not read any spoilers before beginning Pretty Masks. Therefore, I am purposely not going to discuss any of the details. I feel it may take away from your experience if you read too much about the plot.