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Beater
A young man has to deal with emotional and physical abuse inflicted upon him by his fiance.
229 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 24, 2017
Pretty decent read. The beginning really pulled me in and then it slowed down for the bulk of the story. It had me wondering when ish was going to hit the fan, but instead it was more like dropping inconspicuous hints along the way. And then the last maybe 10% of the book it all came out and I didn't even see it coming. Props to Mr. Smith for shining light on domestic violence in a way other than the obvious. I was hoping for a little more of a punch during the story before the end, that would have probably driven me to give a 5 star rating. Nonetheless I enjoy the author's writing style and will continue to read his other works.
February 1, 2011
Kim and Todd were brother and sister from the same mother, Linda. They lived with her and Kennedy who is Todd's biological father. This is something that really put a strain on Kim and Todd's relationship. Kennedy had several children from other women and had to try to work to support all of his children. He would get very violent with his wife. She always told Todd to promise her never to hit a woman.
Kim and Todd just couldn't get along because he accused her of not doing something that he told her to do, and he blamed her for something that happened. She felt terrible and she had to get away from there. Her and Todd didn't see each other for 10 years.
Kim gets a great new job and an apartment. She is told that her new boss Rachel is a hard person to work for. (It kind of reminded me of "The Devil Wears Prada". She was that kind of a boss.) She runs into her brother and really doesn't want anything to do with him. Rachel decides to take Kim out to eat to kind of get to know her better, when who do they run into but Kim's brother Todd. Rachel is very interested in Todd and they start dating. Kim is worried because she doesn't want to get fired if things don't work out between them. Todd has some friends that are kinda strange, but Bubba ends up really being a true friend and helping him out. Rachel has some secrets in her life and Kim is determined to find out what is going on.
I was very surprised at the ending at what the secrets were and what happened at the end. This book deals with real issues that people face. I was very sad to read that the author grew up in a home where his father abused his mother , but I am glad to hear that she was a survivor of it. I am lucky that I did not grow up in this type of environment. I really appreciate the life I had growing up and feel really sorry for the people that have to go through domestic violence. Brian Smith really writes about important issues that people face, and he did an excellent job writing this book. I was glad to see that the book had some humor as well. Kim and Todd's Aunt had three unique cats! Brian W. Smith is becoming one of my favorite authors because his writing is very unique and keeps everything fresh and interesting. This is one book that I didn't want to put down--it was that good!
Kim and Todd just couldn't get along because he accused her of not doing something that he told her to do, and he blamed her for something that happened. She felt terrible and she had to get away from there. Her and Todd didn't see each other for 10 years.
Kim gets a great new job and an apartment. She is told that her new boss Rachel is a hard person to work for. (It kind of reminded me of "The Devil Wears Prada". She was that kind of a boss.) She runs into her brother and really doesn't want anything to do with him. Rachel decides to take Kim out to eat to kind of get to know her better, when who do they run into but Kim's brother Todd. Rachel is very interested in Todd and they start dating. Kim is worried because she doesn't want to get fired if things don't work out between them. Todd has some friends that are kinda strange, but Bubba ends up really being a true friend and helping him out. Rachel has some secrets in her life and Kim is determined to find out what is going on.
I was very surprised at the ending at what the secrets were and what happened at the end. This book deals with real issues that people face. I was very sad to read that the author grew up in a home where his father abused his mother , but I am glad to hear that she was a survivor of it. I am lucky that I did not grow up in this type of environment. I really appreciate the life I had growing up and feel really sorry for the people that have to go through domestic violence. Brian Smith really writes about important issues that people face, and he did an excellent job writing this book. I was glad to see that the book had some humor as well. Kim and Todd's Aunt had three unique cats! Brian W. Smith is becoming one of my favorite authors because his writing is very unique and keeps everything fresh and interesting. This is one book that I didn't want to put down--it was that good!
September 4, 2015
A breath of fresh air
I really enjoyed this book. The Story need to be told because Woman are NOT the only people that are Victims of domestic violence. This book was an EXCELLENT read an I will be buying more of his books
I really enjoyed this book. The Story need to be told because Woman are NOT the only people that are Victims of domestic violence. This book was an EXCELLENT read an I will be buying more of his books
October 29, 2019
Beater
This perspective about domestic violence presents yet another way of educating the public. Kim and Todd had already experienced so much. Then Rachel etched her tumultuous ways into the equation. The element of surprise with that plot line was something else. I'm so glad Kim and Todd reconciled. I wonder what happened to Cupcake.
As always this author always presents a educational takeaway with his books. He never misses a beat!
This perspective about domestic violence presents yet another way of educating the public. Kim and Todd had already experienced so much. Then Rachel etched her tumultuous ways into the equation. The element of surprise with that plot line was something else. I'm so glad Kim and Todd reconciled. I wonder what happened to Cupcake.
As always this author always presents a educational takeaway with his books. He never misses a beat!
March 6, 2020
Great intentions
The author attempted to highlight the horror of domestic violence and he succeeded. He even wrote on how woman aren’t the only partners being abused in relationships. Men are also victims. It was a great topic to write on but the foundation of the story was flimsy and predictable.
The author attempted to highlight the horror of domestic violence and he succeeded. He even wrote on how woman aren’t the only partners being abused in relationships. Men are also victims. It was a great topic to write on but the foundation of the story was flimsy and predictable.
July 10, 2020
Shocking!
Filled with domestic drama and sheds extreme light on domestic violence. Rachel definitely has a secret and Todd will be the very last to find out. Running from what she claims is an ex-husband while trying to start her new life, her abusive, controlling and devilish ways catch up with her in an ultimate way. This is definitely a shocking page turner
Filled with domestic drama and sheds extreme light on domestic violence. Rachel definitely has a secret and Todd will be the very last to find out. Running from what she claims is an ex-husband while trying to start her new life, her abusive, controlling and devilish ways catch up with her in an ultimate way. This is definitely a shocking page turner
March 14, 2020
A great read
Mr. Smith is a great writer who always has a twist in his novels that you never see coming. His story about men being abused is rarely talked about but definitely goes on. He showed us that abuse not on scars the victims but the family as well.
Mr. Smith is a great writer who always has a twist in his novels that you never see coming. His story about men being abused is rarely talked about but definitely goes on. He showed us that abuse not on scars the victims but the family as well.
July 19, 2020
Surprising ending
I really liked this book. The ending was a complete shocker making me want to know details of the plot twist in the end. I need a part 2 maybe from Rachel's daughter.
I really liked this book. The ending was a complete shocker making me want to know details of the plot twist in the end. I need a part 2 maybe from Rachel's daughter.
June 2, 2024
Split personality
As expected, I was not prepared for the ending. Brian W Smith books always saying "wait, what" because just when you think you have it figured out then here comes the twist. I knew Rachel was the aggressor but she was Jekyll and Hyde.
As expected, I was not prepared for the ending. Brian W Smith books always saying "wait, what" because just when you think you have it figured out then here comes the twist. I knew Rachel was the aggressor but she was Jekyll and Hyde.
December 10, 2024
Great story
This story was everything. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. The ending really blew my mind. But I am so glad that Todd and Kim ended the story making amends with each other.
This story was everything. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. The ending really blew my mind. But I am so glad that Todd and Kim ended the story making amends with each other.
September 21, 2017
This was an excellent read. The ending really gives the readers a twist that they will not expect. I am a official Brian W. Smith fan. This is a MUST read.
December 24, 2018
a story to the flip side of domestic violence. This time the male character is the victim. Several twists and turns, and I wasn't expecting some of what I read.
October 14, 2019
Wow... good read
What a great way to tackle issue that gets overlooked, minimized, and/ or made fun of. I definitely didn't see that twist at the end coming. Great job!
What a great way to tackle issue that gets overlooked, minimized, and/ or made fun of. I definitely didn't see that twist at the end coming. Great job!
November 24, 2019
I get the story line of the book but the twist on the character Rachel didn’t fit for me. The book could have been a little more than what it was(my opinion).
April 3, 2020
Another wild plot twist I did not expect or would’ve imagined. BWS is truly the plot twist King!
July 10, 2020
Shocking and jaw dropping secret that you will never figure out. A must read!
September 28, 2020
I knew it! I knew it! This is the first story where I figured out the twist! Man, I love his stories! Don’t want to spoil it so on to the next book!
February 20, 2021
What a read, the ending was jaw dropping. Yes men can be affected and this was a tale of terror, just stunned by the ending!
March 21, 2022
Wow!
I'm almost speechless. This was not the ending that I was expecting. Talk about red herrings. I have nothing to add.
I'm almost speechless. This was not the ending that I was expecting. Talk about red herrings. I have nothing to add.
August 7, 2023
Totally worth the binge read!!!
So far, I love every book I've finished by Brian W. Smith! This was no exception -- ready for the next one 🤗
So far, I love every book I've finished by Brian W. Smith! This was no exception -- ready for the next one 🤗
June 21, 2012
Beater
by Brian W. Smith
Reviewed by: Delonya Conyers
May 2010
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Todd and Kim are half-siblings whose tragic upbringing spawned deep rooted resentment that drove a wedge between the two that continues to foster well into adulthood. Each sibling blamed the other for the tragedy that claimed the life of their mother, Linda. Kim’s anger is directed at Todd for it was his father, Kennedy who was responsible for their mother’s death. Todd is upset that on the night the tragedy occurred Kim stood frozen in fear unable to come to his mother’s aid or even call for help. Losing their mother to domestic violence should have brought the two closer together but it forces a separation where they don’t see each other for ten years.
Coincidence places them both at a Subway’s restaurant and provides a chance for Kim and Todd to reconnect. However the issues that caused Kim to run out of the therapy session ten years prior still exist for her. Todd would like to move forward but Kim isn’t as willing. Kim’s unwillingness only increases once Todd begins dating her boss, Rachel. Already feeling pressured by Todd to mend their relationship Kim doesn’t want the added strain of Todd’s relationship with Rachel jeopardizing her career. But unbeknownst to either sibling Rachel is the catalyst that will help them mend their relationship.
Rachel’s aggressive personality has worked well for her in the corporate world. But her aggression isn’t just limited to the boardroom as Todd will shortly discover. When Rachel’s violent tendencies are displayed against Todd will a promise he made to his dying mother prevent him from defending himself? Or will he silently suffer the same type of abuse his mother did at the hands of his father? With Beater author Brian W. Smith does an excellent job exposing the flip side of domestic violence where women are the perpetrators.
What did you like best about the book?
It was refreshing to see domestic violence through a different perspective showcasing victims that are usually overlooked.
What did you dislike about the book?
The book started off well but experienced a lag when the siblings met up again as adults. Todd’s friends were very cliché and one dimensional. Unfortunately Kim became one dimensional as well when she reached her adult years, losing the spunk she had when readers were first introduced to her.
How could the author improve this book?
The story needs to flow throughout the entire novel not just the beginning and ending. Correcting this problem would provide readers with a more intense read.
March 28, 2010
Seek-and-Find
Regrettably there is a lot of pain, hurt and guilt between Kim and Todd, siblings who haven't seen or heard from one another in well over ten years. Todd moved to Atlanta in the hopes of reconnecting. In the four years he's been in town, he's yet to do so. On a food run with the boys after a basketball game, Todd and Kim see one another. Ecstatic, Todd is quick to embrace and ready to rekindle. Kim, on the other hand, is still fighting past demons. Is there reconciliation for this family?
Newly employed, Kim is trying to get in good with her new boss, Rachel. From her old assistant, Megan, and the security guard, Lucas, Kim learns that her new boss is very private when it comes to her personal business, is in debt and thriving to remain a success at work. While trying to impress her boss at lunch, Todd and Rachel make some sort of connection, inviting Todd further into the folds of Kim's life.
While reaping the rewards that come from dating a six-figure older woman, Todd also finds himself struck by Rachel's directness and belligerence. Because he's never been in this situation, he's quick to excuse her tantrums. It's not long before Todd is trying very hard to keep a promise he made his mother.
On a good trail at work, Kim finds herself suspiciously curious about Rachel's past. Will what she learns jeopardize her future? Even worse, will it further destroy the non-existent relationship between her and Todd?
BEATER makes for an excellent premise. Unfortunately, for this reader the story falls short. The relationship between Todd and Rachel is rushed, and Kim's suspicion is summed up too quickly. I don't want this to be a spoiler, but I believe the ending cheapens the storyline and takes away from the impact that the author was going for. With such an intense and serious topic, I wanted more of a suspenseful plot to keep me page turning. As the story hits its climax, it dribbles instead of the full onslaught that readers will crave. The cover is a definite MISS, and there are editing issues.
On a positive note, I really liked that BEATER is very different from the majority of the books being sold nowadays. Sadly, I think that this is the final book I'll be reading by this author. While I really like him, I want him to hire impartial people (developmental editing) to help his work meet its full potential; not only books that he authors but also books he publishes. Sometimes we allow things to cloud our judgment and this may be the case with his work.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Regrettably there is a lot of pain, hurt and guilt between Kim and Todd, siblings who haven't seen or heard from one another in well over ten years. Todd moved to Atlanta in the hopes of reconnecting. In the four years he's been in town, he's yet to do so. On a food run with the boys after a basketball game, Todd and Kim see one another. Ecstatic, Todd is quick to embrace and ready to rekindle. Kim, on the other hand, is still fighting past demons. Is there reconciliation for this family?
Newly employed, Kim is trying to get in good with her new boss, Rachel. From her old assistant, Megan, and the security guard, Lucas, Kim learns that her new boss is very private when it comes to her personal business, is in debt and thriving to remain a success at work. While trying to impress her boss at lunch, Todd and Rachel make some sort of connection, inviting Todd further into the folds of Kim's life.
While reaping the rewards that come from dating a six-figure older woman, Todd also finds himself struck by Rachel's directness and belligerence. Because he's never been in this situation, he's quick to excuse her tantrums. It's not long before Todd is trying very hard to keep a promise he made his mother.
On a good trail at work, Kim finds herself suspiciously curious about Rachel's past. Will what she learns jeopardize her future? Even worse, will it further destroy the non-existent relationship between her and Todd?
BEATER makes for an excellent premise. Unfortunately, for this reader the story falls short. The relationship between Todd and Rachel is rushed, and Kim's suspicion is summed up too quickly. I don't want this to be a spoiler, but I believe the ending cheapens the storyline and takes away from the impact that the author was going for. With such an intense and serious topic, I wanted more of a suspenseful plot to keep me page turning. As the story hits its climax, it dribbles instead of the full onslaught that readers will crave. The cover is a definite MISS, and there are editing issues.
On a positive note, I really liked that BEATER is very different from the majority of the books being sold nowadays. Sadly, I think that this is the final book I'll be reading by this author. While I really like him, I want him to hire impartial people (developmental editing) to help his work meet its full potential; not only books that he authors but also books he publishes. Sometimes we allow things to cloud our judgment and this may be the case with his work.
Reviewed by: Crystal
April 29, 2010
Todd and Kim did what all siblings do; fight, make fun and constantly stay at odds. The one thing they did have in common was the love they had for their mother, who suffered abuse from Todd’s father Kennedy, that made Kim despise her stepfather. As they witness painful events over and over again, it ended up pulling them further apart than closer together. When tragic hits their home and the unthinkable happens it separates the two for ten years.
When they reunite, they make very little attempt to salvage their relationship and things seem as if they won’t get any better for the two. After Todd gets involve with Rachel, Kim’s boss there is more turbulence between the two, but the skeletons in Rachel’s closets begin to surface forcing Kim to step in an protect her younger brother. Although Todd betrays the role of being the happy well kept younger lover of Rachel, he has some embarrassing secrets himself that almost ends his life. Fortunately there is a light to the end of this dysfunctional tale that exposes secrets, lies and people for who they really are.
Brian did an awesome job keeping me entertained throughout the entire novel. It had some really funny parts in it, like the aunties cats and Cupcake putting the blame on Kim for eating things she wasn’t supposed to eat, that had me rolling for a minute. However I loved this story and the twist was the icing on the cake. Awesome way to betray a story of abuse because it laid out facts, with a storyline that kept me interested. There is nothing more to say, but awesome read.
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
When they reunite, they make very little attempt to salvage their relationship and things seem as if they won’t get any better for the two. After Todd gets involve with Rachel, Kim’s boss there is more turbulence between the two, but the skeletons in Rachel’s closets begin to surface forcing Kim to step in an protect her younger brother. Although Todd betrays the role of being the happy well kept younger lover of Rachel, he has some embarrassing secrets himself that almost ends his life. Fortunately there is a light to the end of this dysfunctional tale that exposes secrets, lies and people for who they really are.
Brian did an awesome job keeping me entertained throughout the entire novel. It had some really funny parts in it, like the aunties cats and Cupcake putting the blame on Kim for eating things she wasn’t supposed to eat, that had me rolling for a minute. However I loved this story and the twist was the icing on the cake. Awesome way to betray a story of abuse because it laid out facts, with a storyline that kept me interested. There is nothing more to say, but awesome read.
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
May 16, 2014
When he can refrain from hitting her it is commendable. But what if the roles were reversed? What if she can't keep her hands to herself? What is he to do? Especially if he can not recognize he's being abused. Brian W Smith creates a role reversal. Todd had a front row seat in an abusive household and he makes a vow to never raise his hands to strike a woman. Think its impossible for a man to be beaten by his woman, think it can't happen to you? Take a stroll through the pages of "Beater" to see how the scenes unfold and how easy anyone can get sucked into an abusive relationship. The trick of survival is knowing and understanding what is abuse and that it is ok to run once the first sign appears. This book is well written and an easy read. Be brave and take a chance but refrain from going to the end before it is time.
November 8, 2016
As a featured Author of 2016's NBCC, I selected "Beater" as my book club's selection of the month but unfortunately it was just an ok read for me.
Coming out the gates with an intensely captivating opening, "Beater" had potential to be a 5 star read. However, it strings you along to a predictably twisted ending that reads much like a straight to DVD B-List movie. Although the intrigue of male abuse drew me in, it lacked edge but was full of mystery, light hearted humor and short chapters that made for an easy read.
Coming out the gates with an intensely captivating opening, "Beater" had potential to be a 5 star read. However, it strings you along to a predictably twisted ending that reads much like a straight to DVD B-List movie. Although the intrigue of male abuse drew me in, it lacked edge but was full of mystery, light hearted humor and short chapters that made for an easy read.
March 25, 2016
When you see crazy, believe it
I'm struggling with the way I want to approach this review. You f there was ever a time I felt completely middle of the road this is it. While I can appreciate the complexity of the subject matter I struggle with the predicability. This novel was well written but not in way to make me feel as if I couldn't put it down. The subtle or not so subtle clues sprinkled throughout the writing created intrigue but gave away too much simultaneously. The twist was not usual but at the same time not a surprise.
EyeCU Reading ..... Approved
I'm struggling with the way I want to approach this review. You f there was ever a time I felt completely middle of the road this is it. While I can appreciate the complexity of the subject matter I struggle with the predicability. This novel was well written but not in way to make me feel as if I couldn't put it down. The subtle or not so subtle clues sprinkled throughout the writing created intrigue but gave away too much simultaneously. The twist was not usual but at the same time not a surprise.
EyeCU Reading ..... Approved
January 31, 2017
This was a good read. Todd's love for his mother & her horrific death caused him to have displaced anger toward his sister. I liked the fact the storyline moved at a good pace. It was interesting that Todd continously looked at Rachel as a challenge despite her negativity & bullying nature. I found this book to be well written as far as feelings were expressed. The unexpected turn of events were quite astonishing & has me ready to read more books by this author.
October 4, 2011
Ok just finish reading this book, and when I tell this book is a must read, IT IS A MUST READ.I'm afraid too write anything else because I may spoil ir for the rest of you guys. But this book had a twist out this world.Brain as done it again
August 29, 2012
He has done it again!! .. Beater was a real page turner that Rachel was something else. Mr smith always leaves me speechless.I be so dizzy with all the twist and turns that's goes on in his books.
Great read.5 stars!!
Great read.5 stars!!
March 16, 2011
OUCH this was tough to see it from the flip side but oh was it needed. But these are OUR people that we live amongst...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews