Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
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Storyline Overview
Let’s just say, “Beautiful Ugly” delivers everything Feeney fans crave—a marriage teetering on the edge, twisted secrets that feel just a little too close to home, and a final reveal that will leave you rethinking the characters long after. At the heart of this tale is a couple who seem picture-perfect but are anything but. As layers peel back, lies weave themselves into truth until you’re drowning in a sea of ‘Wait, what?’ moments. Oh, and the title? Perfectly on the nose. Beauty here is only skin-deep.
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Writing Style Analysis
Feeney’s signature bite is in full force here. Her chapters are short, sharp, and compulsively readable, making it impossible to put the book down. The dual timelines? Chef’s kiss. The present-day tension is gut-wrenching, while the past slowly unveils the emotional wreckage that led them here. The alternating perspectives feel authentic—like eavesdropping on whispered confessions. Just beware: you’ll suspect everyone, including yourself, by the end.
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Moral Themes
Beneath the suspense, Feeney explores themes of betrayal, obsession, and self-perception. How far will we go to protect appearances, even when those appearances are cracking at the seams? “Beautiful Ugly” challenges the reader to rethink beauty as something more internal—and hauntingly destructive.
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Final Thoughts
This is classic Feeney, but with an emotional gut punch I wasn’t ready for. It’s a psychological thriller with teeth—just when you think it’s over, it bites you again. Oh, and that ending? I may have audibly gasped. Rating: 
☆ (4/5)
