Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ & Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟.2
This side of beautiful by Tiye was written so nicely and touched on some heavy topics. This book is about irresistible love, unwavering resilience, redemption, and acceptance. In the beginning of the story, Janae got on my nerves; her character felt very self-destructive. But once you get a very up-close and personal look at Janae and the trials life has thrown her way, you start to understand her a lot more and will root for her character to get the happily ever after she truly deserves. Landon's character also kind of irritated me with his self-centeredness when it came to Janae and what he thought best suited her, but in reality, he was her number one support system and knew she could overcome what she was going through. I just wish he had made it a little easier for Janae to help him. But overall, this story is beautiful; the character development is amazing! The epilogue could easily be a tearjerker. Fair warning! Highly recommend.

The audiobook is a dual narration, narrated by Taryn Delaney and Myles Washington! They both brought depth to the characters, were easy to listen to and understand, and both of their voices fit the characters. Listened at 1.8x speed.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•black romance
•mental illness | health

Thank you, NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Honey Blossom Press for the audiobook and ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this read, but there were times when I fought to get to the end. Initially, I thought Janae was selfish in her action, but as the story went on, I could understand why. I enjoyed reading about her growth and fighting through her personal battles from beginning to end. I also enjoyed the exploration of mental health, overcoming personal struggles, family trauma, and healing throughout. The love between Janae and Landon was raw and refreshing, and I'm glad we got to witness both the ups and downs. I feel like so many people can find themselves in this book and would be well-received by many.

Music themed and spicy - yes! This was a beautifully written story, and I was engaged throughout the book. Tiye is an exceptional storyteller. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book is a raw, beautifully written journey of two broken souls finding safety in each other. A fallen singer battling bipolar disorder and the weight of public judgment is forced on tour with a quiet, guarded guitarist who’s just as lost in his own silence.

What starts as tension and distance slowly melts into understanding, then into something deeper—something neither of them expected. It’s not just about music or fame—it’s about healing. About learning to trust someone enough to let them stay, even when you’re at your lowest.

Two lonely hearts, shutting out the world—but never each other.

Intimate, emotional, and honest in all the best ways. This story doesn’t glamorize the pain—it honors the fight, and celebrates the quiet, steady love that rises from it.

This book completely wrecked me in the best way possible. It was raw, emotional, and so carefully crafted. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but now I know one thing for sure—I need more from this author ASAP.

The way she tackles mental health is thoughtful and deeply compassionate. You can tell she poured real care and understanding into every word. It’s not an easy read—there’s weight to this story—but it’s told with such honesty and beauty that it stays with you long after the last page.

I’ll absolutely be adding the physical copy to my shelf. This one’s going to stick with me for a long time.

ARC Review

Pub date: May 6, 2025

*Please check trigger warnings*

"This Side of Beautiful" was the perfect title to depict Janae and Landon's love story.

Janae and Landon are both musicians. Janae is a fallen hip hop star who is on the path to rising again and showing the world that her past doesn't define her future, all with coming to terms with her mental illness. Landon is a guitarist who plays in a band, is also dealing with his hidden struggle, and coming to terms with defining it.



Their story deals with different mental health battles, addiction, family issues, heartbreak, pain, trauma, hurt, second chances, and love. Through all these things, this story will take you on an emotional, sometimes painful, but beautiful ride that leads to an amazing love story. When I started reading this story, I thought to myself that Janae and Landon are either going to ruin each other or help each other grow and continue to be each other's "life jackets" in a healthy way. I am so glad the author showed us the down of someone dealing with mental health but also with therapy and support the ups of it. Janae and Landon's connection was one of a kind and I am so happy that in the end they both were able to come to terms with their mental health, themselves, and finally soar individually and together.

Thank you, Netgalley and Homey Blossom Press, for my advance copy for my honest review.

If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be: ✨Redemption ✨

This book took me on a journey of love, pain, & redemption. This book showed me that doing the work to heal your mental is crucial.

This book follows Janae who is a musical icon that fell from grace after some decisions that altered the way people saw her. She was spiraling and no one saw her. She is working tirelessly to gain her popularity amongst the music world again when she meets Landon.

Landon sees Janae’s heart and they build a beautiful connection that could become more. However, Landon is fighting his own demons and needs to get himself together.

I loved every minute of this book. It was so raw and real.

I can’t even begin to put into words how beautiful this story was. It took me on a rollercoaster that was very emotional but it was written in a way that made me not was to put it down. It was a raw and real depiction of mental health and the journey of healing. I enjoyed this so much. I wish I could experience it again for the first time!

Janae Warner is a former star trying to ascend again after her past behavior made her a bad taste in everyone's mouths. Landon is a guitarist whose band is giving her a second chance. With both of them wrestling with hidden pain, is it love, or codependency? And will they heal together, or consume each other?

This book will break you down and put you back together again. It's a rollercoaster, fraught with all of the emotions that come with overcoming issues like theirs while falling in love. It is a heavy read, and there are times when that will not balance, so be forewarned. But it is raw, and beautiful as well. Janae's insistence in forging a new life, and her reluctance to accept full accountability in her old one was a frustrating tale that I have to confess, triggered me in a very specific way. As did Landon's need to rescue but not save himself. But I love the way they were open to love, the way they embraced the good, and tried to avoid hurting each other. The supporting cast was great in this and showed the full range of people around you in the industry, and personally. Landon and his parents journey will make you proud when you push through, and although there were times when it didn't seem Janae's growth was matching, she did both try and push through. It was a devastatingly emotional story with enough payoff in joy to keep you locked in; a sexy, fanciful love with enough real life struggle to keep you grounded. I loved it.

TWs for drug abuse, addiction and recovery, past sexual abuse, episodes of mental breakdown.

Mental illness and neurodivergent rep

Yall ever read a book that breaks your heart so beautifully!! This was my first book by the author and won’t be my last! The way she writes about mental health shows that she not only did her research but cares this story was heavy I ain’t gonna hold you but so wonderfully written I can’t wait to get the paperback

This Side of Beautiful by Tiye left me deep in my feelings and invested in Janae and Landon's journey to happily ever after. Janae Warner, a former hip-hop/soul artist fighting for a comeback after a very public fall from grace, is currently facing challenges. Amidst her struggles, she reconnects with Landon Hayes, a quiet, brilliant guitarist in a rising band – someone she'd previously left hanging. Despite his initial desire to keep his distance, Landon feels an undeniable pull towards Janae, drawn to taking care of her even as he faces his own challenges. This Side of Beautiful chronicles the raw, challenging, and deeply emotional journey they go on as they learn how to grow together and apart. Their story felt incredibly realistic, depicting mental health and substance use challenges with care and respect amidst personal and family struggles. This romance is a thoughtful, powerful exploration of healing, trust, and finding love in the midst of profound personal battles. I loved this book and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a raw, emotional love story that grapples honestly with real issues.

Star Rating: 4.5 stars

This was a beautifully written love story centered on redemption, healing, and the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma. Janae, a former child star, has endured immense pain that led to her fall from grace—but her journey back to herself is both emotional and inspiring. Landon, a deeply complex and guarded man, becomes a steady presence in her life, guiding her with patience and understanding. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their shared experiences with trauma make their bond even more powerful. I appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from tough topics, showing how unhealed wounds can carry into adulthood, but also how love and therapy can be transformative. While some parts may be triggering, this story ultimately celebrates healing, second chances, and the strength it takes to love again. I’m grateful to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this heartfelt book.

What happens when a singer on the comeback and a quiet guitarist try to fight their attraction while on a music tour. Sparks, love, secrets and truths

This Side of Beautiful tells a story of two people in the music industry developing a relationship and bonding while on tour. Janae Warner is stepping back into the spotlight after a few years due to a downward spiral that left her in a negative light with fans. Landon Hayes, a gifted guitarist, and his band are in hot demand. When their manager decides to schedule Janae to tour with The Hollow Bones, Janae and Landon never expected their mutual attraction would bring a calming effect and allow them to gravitate to each other. Past traumas, family issues and struggles, are emotional storms each harbor, that they are secretly searching for that one person that can “really see their struggle” and be a support to them. A calmness at the end of the storm.

I must say Janae and Landon will take readers on an emotional journey in this book. The struggles they both endured at times could break a lesser person. Readers will see Janae’s growth but continue to see her struggle and at times may become frustrated with her actions. Now the same can be said of Landon, especially when he has no filter. LOL. However, when Landon loves, he loves hard and always maintains structure. At a point the struggles and past become too much that lead to actions that may cause a rift so devastating, there may be no way to salvage the budding relationship Janae and Landon were building.

Note: I received an advanced copy from Honey Blossom Press via-NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This story has a great character arc. The main character starts at a very low point, its almost disturbing to be in her head when the book starts but its beautifully built and so well done. The setting is also beautiful. Loved it. I

TIYE had me deep in my *feels* with this one! Janae and Landon’s story is messy, emotional, and full of angst—everything I adore in a heartfelt read. This book felt like a heartbreak anthem wrapped in hope, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

Their journey is raw and real, showing how love can bloom even in the midst of pain and healing. TIYE’s writing is so powerful—it’s impossible not to root for these two as they navigate their beautifully imperfect connection. And that note to the readers? WOW. It’s truly life-changing and has the potential to save so many lives.

💔 *If you’ve ever loved while healing, this story will speak to your heart.* 💔

This was a really beautiful love story. Reading the redemption and healing of Janae was touching. She went through so much, and she definitely deserved her second chance in the spotlight. Landon was such a complicated man. He was exactly what Janae needed in this journey she was on. He truly became her life jacket and moral compass. I couldn't get enough of these two. Learning that each of them went through childhood trauma was heartbreaking. I was so glad that Janae's therapist was advocating for her not to give up on Landon. Check your triggers because some aspects of this book were hard to read, but it led to both characters' healing and finding lasting love.

What to expect:
- rockstar romance
- Black MCs
- broken MCs with hidden struggles/past trauma
- forced proximity
- slow burn friends to lover
- dual pov

From the Author's Note, you know this will be an angst-driven romance focused not only on love but healing from past trauma, second chances, mental health and, most importantly, forgiveness. Their love story is told in a realistic and raw way. They understand, support, and uplift each other, letting themselves finally be vulnerable with someone else. It's beautiful.

If I could give this book more stars I definitely would. This book was phenomenal. I could not put it down. Dealing with mental health, love, healing and second chances.


I love the chemistry between Janae and Landon. Dealing with past traumas of their own. It never stopped the feelings they had for each other. Most definitely a must read.

Thank you Honey Blossom Press for letting me an ARC of this book.

This story focuses on Janae and how she had a fall from grace. Janae was a childhood star that suffered from childhood trauma. And that childhood trauma caused her to spiral out of control. Then she meets Landon and she begins wanting to have a romantic relationship with him.
Landon tells Janae that he doesn't want that. He tells her that he will prefer to just be friends. But Janae doesn't just want a friendship with him. I love this story because it focuses on childhood trauma. And how that trauma if not treated can manifest into your adult life. I'm very thankful for the publisher and author for. Giving me the opportunity to review this book.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!