"the cutting edge" by ace collins

About the book (from the publisher): Leslie Rhoads may have grown up in a small town, but is on the verge of becoming a supermodel in the Big Apple, when the 24-year-old is chosen to grace the cover of Style magazine and star in the controversial Passion Nights’ perfume ads. But before she can step into the spotlight, Leslie is assaulted by a drug gang and disfigured with a broken scotch bottle. Without her perfect face, she is lost and no amount of surgery can ever make her what she once was. Now trying to hide her face from the world, Leslie encounters more trouble as she seeks to rebuild her life: unrequited love, thoughts of suicide, and her assailant out to finish the job. Little does she know that a young girl named Angel will turn it all around, showing Leslie the joy and potential in life and the fact that love truly is blind.

My take: The Cutting Edge is a story about a woman who learns that true beauty comes from within. Following a horrible attack, Leslie, a model who relied on her looks for everything, is left with a disfigured face and a life she never expected. As she struggles through her new reality, she begins to realize that inner beauty is far more important than outer beauty.

I really enjoyed parts of The Cutting Edge. The suspense thread was great; while I spent most of the book thinking I had it all figured out, as I approached the end of the novel, I learned that I didn't. The twists in The Cutting Edge definitely kept me on my toes! I also appreciated the impact Leslie had on Angel, and vice versa.

What I didn't enjoy so much was the Leslie character. I understand that she was a self-absorbed model, making her transformation as she learned the truth about beauty much more marked than if she had been an average girl ... but I just didn't care for her. She did grow on me by the end, but I spent so much time not caring about her that it was hard to be truly invested when her life was at stake.

I also had trouble getting into the story in the first chapter. After that, though, I flew through the pages. The Cutting Edge is a quick and enjoyable read, and I think romantic suspense fans will enjoy it.

I also have to mention the cover. Isn't it gorgeous? Abingdon Press always does such a great job with its covers. I knew I wanted to read this book the instant I saw the cover!

My rating: 3.5 stars

Buy the book.

About the author: Ace Collins is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than 60 titles, including The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Darkness Before Dawn, and Lassie: A Dog's Life. Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, Fox and Friends, Entertainment Tonight, The Early Show and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advance reading copy of this book for review from Abingdon Press through its early reader program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”