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Beneath the Facade
Dr. Melody Haywood thought Dove Pointe would be her sanctuary, a place to rebuild her life after grief and heartbreak. But when her veterinary clinic, Sunshine Ark, becomes entangled in a string of brutal murders, the idyllic lakeside town turns into a nightmare. Determined to protect her reputation and her livelihood, Melody has no room for distractions—especially not love. Yet a chance encounter with Rathe Schafer, a charismatic real estate mogul, threatens to unravel the walls she’s built around her heart.
Rathe came to Dove Pointe to grow his empire, but his priorities shift when he meets the gentle yet fiercely determined veterinarian. As the town’s secrets grow darker and Melody’s life hangs in the balance, Rathe must prove that love can be both her refuge and her strength. Can he reach her before the killer does—or will the town’s deadly secrets destroy their chance at happiness?
Rathe came to Dove Pointe to grow his empire, but his priorities shift when he meets the gentle yet fiercely determined veterinarian. As the town’s secrets grow darker and Melody’s life hangs in the balance, Rathe must prove that love can be both her refuge and her strength. Can he reach her before the killer does—or will the town’s deadly secrets destroy their chance at happiness?
- GenresSuspense
551 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
6 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
About the author
Devin Em
7 books13 followersDevin Em writes diverse romances with smart, strong heroines and powerful, emotionally evolved heroes who will do anything for the women they love. Generous spice and HEA guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 15, 2024
When rich developer Rathe moves to Dove Pointe to live in a house his deceased aunt left him, he gets more than he expected when he meets the beloved town vet Melody. There’s also secrets afoot in the cozy quiet town.
Overall this was entertaining. I liked Melody and Rathe, they’re a cute couple and their relationship while not insta love did develop quickly. Melody is very sweet although in her head too much and Rathe is pretty much the perfect book boyfriend.
This is a longer book with a host characters. We start with a mysterious murder but it doesn’t really come back up for a while. Once we meet our MCs we spend the majority of the first act getting to know them, the townspeople and watching relationships blossom. While this was engaging because you like all the characters,there was a point where I thought “hey what’s happening with that murder?”, because as much as I liked Melody and Rathe, I was even getting tired of the sex scenes. Once the mystery starts to ramp up the story has more conflict. I wasn’t surprised by reveal but the other did surprise me a little.
Overall entertaining, but I would’ve liked more from the epilogue. Solid 3.75-4 stars. Give it a try.
Overall this was entertaining. I liked Melody and Rathe, they’re a cute couple and their relationship while not insta love did develop quickly. Melody is very sweet although in her head too much and Rathe is pretty much the perfect book boyfriend.
This is a longer book with a host characters. We start with a mysterious murder but it doesn’t really come back up for a while. Once we meet our MCs we spend the majority of the first act getting to know them, the townspeople and watching relationships blossom. While this was engaging because you like all the characters,there was a point where I thought “hey what’s happening with that murder?”, because as much as I liked Melody and Rathe, I was even getting tired of the sex scenes. Once the mystery starts to ramp up the story has more conflict. I wasn’t surprised by reveal but the other did surprise me a little.
Overall entertaining, but I would’ve liked more from the epilogue. Solid 3.75-4 stars. Give it a try.
December 29, 2024
**Beneath the Facade** by Devin Em is a debut novel that immerses readers in a captivating blend of romance and mystery, all set against the evocative backdrop of a lake steeped in rich history. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective, which, while offering a broader scope of the story, requires some adjustment from readers as they navigate the various characters and their intertwined fates.
At the outset, the book delves into an extensive history of the lake, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past. While these historical details are intriguing and serve to enhance the setting, they do feel somewhat overwhelming at times. As the story progresses, this historical context takes a backseat, leaving readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the lake’s significance throughout the characters' journeys.
The protagonists, Melody and Rathe, are depicted with undeniable chemistry, yet their relationship often relies heavily on exposition rather than natural dialogue and shared experiences. This "telling" approach can make it difficult for readers to fully immerse themselves in the emotional nuances of their connection, as their moments together sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that comes from genuine interaction. As a result, the relationship feels somewhat one-dimensional, leaving readers craving more dynamic exchanges that could illuminate their bond.
Despite these challenges, **Beneath the Facade** stands as a commendable effort from Ms. Em. The narrative offers moments of intrigue, particularly within its mystery elements, which add layers of complexity to the plot. These twists keep readers engaged, providing a sense of anticipation as they unravel secrets alongside the characters. The pacing, although at times uneven, ultimately contributes to an enjoyable reading experience, especially for those who appreciate the interplay of romance and suspense.
Beneath the Facade presents a compelling storyline enriched by its mysterious undertones and historical depth. While the novel is not without its imperfections—most notably in character development and narrative execution—it definitely showcases the potential of Devin Em as a storyteller. This debut makes for a rewarding read, especially for fans of the genre, and it leaves a hopeful anticipation for Ms. Em's future works.
At the outset, the book delves into an extensive history of the lake, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past. While these historical details are intriguing and serve to enhance the setting, they do feel somewhat overwhelming at times. As the story progresses, this historical context takes a backseat, leaving readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the lake’s significance throughout the characters' journeys.
The protagonists, Melody and Rathe, are depicted with undeniable chemistry, yet their relationship often relies heavily on exposition rather than natural dialogue and shared experiences. This "telling" approach can make it difficult for readers to fully immerse themselves in the emotional nuances of their connection, as their moments together sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that comes from genuine interaction. As a result, the relationship feels somewhat one-dimensional, leaving readers craving more dynamic exchanges that could illuminate their bond.
Despite these challenges, **Beneath the Facade** stands as a commendable effort from Ms. Em. The narrative offers moments of intrigue, particularly within its mystery elements, which add layers of complexity to the plot. These twists keep readers engaged, providing a sense of anticipation as they unravel secrets alongside the characters. The pacing, although at times uneven, ultimately contributes to an enjoyable reading experience, especially for those who appreciate the interplay of romance and suspense.
Beneath the Facade presents a compelling storyline enriched by its mysterious undertones and historical depth. While the novel is not without its imperfections—most notably in character development and narrative execution—it definitely showcases the potential of Devin Em as a storyteller. This debut makes for a rewarding read, especially for fans of the genre, and it leaves a hopeful anticipation for Ms. Em's future works.
January 14, 2025
What did I just read?
Is it a murder mystery? A romance? I wasn't sure. The story is long and drawn out and I struggled to finish this book.
It starts out with a murder, and then morphs into the Melody and Rathe meeting and next thing you know they're revered by the residents of this small sleepy town, as a hot couple to watch—a la like Brangelina, back in the day—when neither them are famous Worldwide.
As for Melody and Rathe, and I can't believe I'm saying this—there were too many sex scenes in this book AND when does a woman have to beg for sex—I'll wait—almost never, I daresay. The begging, his touch and she's putty in his arms— practically every time, began to annoy me and I started skipping those parts.
There is a point in the story (with the lost dog) where I held my breath in anticipation of something happening, much like the characters, but that went nowhere, and it seemed to be set-up like there was going to be a payoff.
When the pieces are eventually put together by the investigating detective, the culprit was quickly arrested based on a flimsy premise in my opinion. What was Antonovich's obsession with Melody? He went beyond a Red Herring when he crossed the line he crossed, it was a plot deflection.
Tell me. Why did the killer kill a beloved character? It seemed too close to home and too messy. Who were the women that were killed at the beginning of the story and in the middle? There was no backstory for one of the dead women, and ultimately they were just plot devices.
I thought the last pivotal arc of the story had the right amount on the edge of your seat tension and the rescue attempt was movie-worthy. Lastly, the epilogue! Where was it? It was disappointing to read basically an Architectural Digest magazine article about a house. This was an huge opportunity missed to let readers be a part of this couple's next chapter in life.
Would I read another book by this author? Yes! She is talented, though this story and its pacing missed the mark for me. I'm intrigued by the potential story of Gaelen and Rachel, and I'll definitely check it out if it's written.
Finally—as I like to say, different strokes, so—don't let this review deter you from reading this book if the synopsis is intriguing to you. Happy Reading!
ARC
Is it a murder mystery? A romance? I wasn't sure. The story is long and drawn out and I struggled to finish this book.
It starts out with a murder, and then morphs into the Melody and Rathe meeting and next thing you know they're revered by the residents of this small sleepy town, as a hot couple to watch—a la like Brangelina, back in the day—when neither them are famous Worldwide.
As for Melody and Rathe, and I can't believe I'm saying this—there were too many sex scenes in this book AND when does a woman have to beg for sex—I'll wait—almost never, I daresay. The begging, his touch and she's putty in his arms— practically every time, began to annoy me and I started skipping those parts.
There is a point in the story (with the lost dog) where I held my breath in anticipation of something happening, much like the characters, but that went nowhere, and it seemed to be set-up like there was going to be a payoff.
When the pieces are eventually put together by the investigating detective, the culprit was quickly arrested based on a flimsy premise in my opinion. What was Antonovich's obsession with Melody? He went beyond a Red Herring when he crossed the line he crossed, it was a plot deflection.
Tell me. Why did the killer kill a beloved character? It seemed too close to home and too messy. Who were the women that were killed at the beginning of the story and in the middle? There was no backstory for one of the dead women, and ultimately they were just plot devices.
I thought the last pivotal arc of the story had the right amount on the edge of your seat tension and the rescue attempt was movie-worthy. Lastly, the epilogue! Where was it? It was disappointing to read basically an Architectural Digest magazine article about a house. This was an huge opportunity missed to let readers be a part of this couple's next chapter in life.
Would I read another book by this author? Yes! She is talented, though this story and its pacing missed the mark for me. I'm intrigued by the potential story of Gaelen and Rachel, and I'll definitely check it out if it's written.
Finally—as I like to say, different strokes, so—don't let this review deter you from reading this book if the synopsis is intriguing to you. Happy Reading!
ARC
December 4, 2024
I got an advance copy of this book and I'm glad I took a chance on it. Beneath the Facade is the kind of book that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It weaves sizzling romance, a compelling mystery, and the kind of small-town atmosphere that makes you wish Dove Pointe were real (despite the murders!).
The chemistry between Melody and Rathe is off the charts. Their connection is intense, emotional, and completely addictive. From their banter to the steamy love scenes (and trust me, they are steamy!), you’ll find yourself rooting for them with every interaction. Melody’s gentle but fiery determination paired with Rathe’s confident, take-charge attitude creates a dynamic that’s both heartwarming and undeniably sexy.
And the mystery? While not over the top, I found it satisfying. The darker secrets of Dove Pointe unravel at a thoughtful pace, keeping you engaged. Each clue adds to the tension, and the way Melody and Rathe become entangled in the danger makes their bond feel even more urgent and real. It’s the perfect balance of suspense and swoon-worthy moments.
The small-town vibes are spot-on, complete with quirky residents and a close-knit community that’s endearing. Add in a cast of vibrant and memorable side characters, and you’ve got a world you’ll want to immerse yourself in. I loved Melody's staff and Yodit had me wishing she were my friend.
If you’re looking for a book that delivers sizzling romance, an intriguing mystery, and all the cozy charm of a small town with a dark side, Beneath the Facade is your next must-read. Highly recommended for anyone who loves their love stories with a side of suspense and danger!
The chemistry between Melody and Rathe is off the charts. Their connection is intense, emotional, and completely addictive. From their banter to the steamy love scenes (and trust me, they are steamy!), you’ll find yourself rooting for them with every interaction. Melody’s gentle but fiery determination paired with Rathe’s confident, take-charge attitude creates a dynamic that’s both heartwarming and undeniably sexy.
And the mystery? While not over the top, I found it satisfying. The darker secrets of Dove Pointe unravel at a thoughtful pace, keeping you engaged. Each clue adds to the tension, and the way Melody and Rathe become entangled in the danger makes their bond feel even more urgent and real. It’s the perfect balance of suspense and swoon-worthy moments.
The small-town vibes are spot-on, complete with quirky residents and a close-knit community that’s endearing. Add in a cast of vibrant and memorable side characters, and you’ve got a world you’ll want to immerse yourself in. I loved Melody's staff and Yodit had me wishing she were my friend.
If you’re looking for a book that delivers sizzling romance, an intriguing mystery, and all the cozy charm of a small town with a dark side, Beneath the Facade is your next must-read. Highly recommended for anyone who loves their love stories with a side of suspense and danger!
January 23, 2025
Won-der-ful Read…
Beneath The Facade is a Won-der-ful read. From beginning to end you are taken on an exploration of life, love and the wonders of self growth.
The storyline and the characters are both fascinating and detailed. The twist is so interesting that it will have you guessing until the very end. And even then, you given an unexpected turn.
Melody and Rathe has a chemistry that makes you look at yourself and your own relationships. Their relationship is total fiya… TEAM BAXTER AND CHOUCHOU.
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and dag-nabit. It won’t be last. I need to find out about Gaelan.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
Beneath The Facade is a Won-der-ful read. From beginning to end you are taken on an exploration of life, love and the wonders of self growth.
The storyline and the characters are both fascinating and detailed. The twist is so interesting that it will have you guessing until the very end. And even then, you given an unexpected turn.
Melody and Rathe has a chemistry that makes you look at yourself and your own relationships. Their relationship is total fiya… TEAM BAXTER AND CHOUCHOU.
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and dag-nabit. It won’t be last. I need to find out about Gaelan.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
June 8, 2025
Awesome read. Great story with a complicated narrative.
May 20, 2025
Beneath the Façade by Devin Em is a beautiful book, from the cover to the content and is additionally enhanced by a tasteful assortment of illustrations. It is unusual for novels to contain drawings, but I found their inclusion only augmented my enjoyment. Devin Em starts her book with a shocking scene of maliciousness that is as palpable as it is disturbing. This sense of uneasiness permeates the rest of her narrative as readers embark on an extremely smoldering love story. I am reading this book as an ARC, but it is currently available on Kindle and is well worth the read! Dr. Melody Haywood is a well-respected and well-loved veterinarian with a thriving business in idyllic Dove Pointe; however, even with her many accomplishments she still feels a sense of unworthiness. When she meets a newcomer, wealthy real estate developer, Rathe Schafe, she is smitten but hesitant. On the other hand, Rathe is instantly sure that Melody will be a special part of his life. Even as the pair starts to bond, Ms. Em keeps her readers on edge as undercurrents of unrest and violence come to the surface. I was hard-pressed to identify the true villains of this story, but I certainly enjoyed guessing. Rathe and Melody are fiery together; the book is lengthy and expertly layered with surprises and extremely well-developed characters. In fact, I am hopeful that two of the secondary characters (Rachel and Gaelen) will end up in their own story eventually.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews