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A review by twin1213
This Side of Beautiful by Tiye
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Tiye did a great job with showing how the music industry can be difficult to navigate especially when dealing with mental health challenges. Janae was trying to make her comeback to the music scene after some poor choices she made in her career causing a lot of backlash and for people to write her off. No one knew what she was dealing with and why she made the choices she did but no one seemed to care. When she first ran into Landon, there was something there that they both felt but neither wanted to act on right away.
While they were on tour together, they both were drawn to each other even if just as friends at first and he was the constant she could turn to when she reached those low moments that could cause her to make bad decisions. They both were battling their own demons and when Janae finally opened up to him with her mental health challenges and what she was dealing with it brought them closer in a a way. Landon was dealing with his own mental health challenges but unlike Janae he didn't want to get the help that he needed which is another stigma with men of color that don't necessarily want to seek professional help when warranted. However, I am happy that he was able to deal with his situation so that he could be a better friend and partner for Janae and I was happy they did not give up on each other.
This was a slow burn love story with Janae and Landon but it kept you engaged wanting to see how it was going to go for them as a couple and rooting for Janae to overcome in her life and in her career. I also appreciated how she discussed the sensitive topics brought up in the book.
Thank you to Honey Blossom Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
While they were on tour together, they both were drawn to each other even if just as friends at first and he was the constant she could turn to when she reached those low moments that could cause her to make bad decisions. They both were battling their own demons and when Janae finally opened up to him with her mental health challenges and what she was dealing with it brought them closer in a a way. Landon was dealing with his own mental health challenges but unlike Janae he didn't want to get the help that he needed which is another stigma with men of color that don't necessarily want to seek professional help when warranted. However, I am happy that he was able to deal with his situation so that he could be a better friend and partner for Janae and I was happy they did not give up on each other.
This was a slow burn love story with Janae and Landon but it kept you engaged wanting to see how it was going to go for them as a couple and rooting for Janae to overcome in her life and in her career. I also appreciated how she discussed the sensitive topics brought up in the book.
Thank you to Honey Blossom Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.