Bright SideAuthor: Kim Holden
Series: Bright Side #1
Published by: Do Epic LLC
Publication Date: July 4, 2014
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Secrets.
Everyone has one.
Some are bigger than others.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you ...
And some will end you.Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks.
They both feel it.
But they each have a reason to fight it.
They each have a secret.And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you …
And some will end you.
Once upon a time, I fell in love with Colleen Hoover’s writing. Then one day, she posted about a book called Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher. I fell in love again. So when Colleen posted about Bright Side by Kim Holden, I didn’t hesitate and bought the book without even fully seeing what it’s about. It turned out to be another worthwhile risk, because Bright Side is a wonderful book.
This is told from Kate and Keller’s POVs. Kate is a California girl, born and raised in San Diego. When she gets the opportunity to go to college in Minnesota, she jumps at it. As we get to know Kate, we slowly discover her past, what she has been through and lost. The thing is, Kate doesn’t let anything get her down; she’s outgoing, fun, and yes, always looks at the bright side.
We actually don’t get much of Keller or his perspective at first. A lot of the book is spent getting to know Kate, which I actually like because it’s more friendship oriented. In fact, the friendships in this book are so much fun and beautiful. I love how she gravitates towards those who obviously need a friend, and pulls them out of their shells.
Her friendship with Gus also plays a huge role in the story. Gus has been her best friend since they were little, so they are incredibly close. But don’t worry, there’s no love-triangle. They have a wonderful dynamic, and you can feel the love they have for one another.
Eventually Kate and Keller grow closer. Even though Kate never wanted to fall in love, she does. Both of them are harboring some pretty big secrets, though. All I will say is, I was not expecting hers. His, yes. But hers is a doozy. It’s a beautiful relationship, really. They impact each other in a profound way, one that left my heart feeling both light and heavy. Get the tissues ready!
Now, I’m not going to lie. During the entire first 20% of the book, I flirted with the idea of setting it aside. The word “dude” is used excessively (196 times throughout the book) and it drove me crazy. Listen, I’m from California and “dude” is in my vocabulary, and I have no problem when characters say it in the books I read. However, reading someone constantly say it, is just annoying. That’s my own personal peeve, so take it as you will.
Ultimately, though, Bright Side is a very touching, emotional read. I’m extremely glad that I didn’t stop reading it, because it was so worth it. And now, I can’t wait to read the next book, which will feature Gus.
Oh wow! This really does sound good. I get the repetitiveness though, it would be annoying. Lucky you didn’t put it down *wink*
Woah that number of times dude is used would drive me insane as well! But I’m glad as a whole you really enjoyed it, and the lovely California setting as well. I’ve always wondered about Colleen Hoover’s recommendations and it sounds like they’ve both pulled through!
If it’s that emotional, I’ll read it later. But I’ve added it to my list, that’s a great review and I love touching stories 🙂
I have this one too, Christy, but I’m waiting to be in the right mood for it, because a lot of my friends said to prepare tissues just like you. Glad you liked it! Emotional and touching reads are my favs, so I’m pretty sure that I’ll like it too, even though to use the word dude 196 times is a little concerning O.O
Did you seriously count all the dudes? I love you Christy!!
Okay, I see this will be yet another one I need to add to my pile. You suck. 😛
It seems like Colleen Hoover can do no wrong, both as a writing, and via her recommendations. Aside from the first 20%, this book sounds positively delightful! Thanks for the review because I probably wouldn’t have given this title a second look on account of the boring cover.
So basically you’re saying trust all of Colleen Hoovers rec’s? 😉 Looks like it’s paid off so far though! And yay for the friendships, and focusing on that more at first. But, now I really want to know her secret. Ha dude, yeah, dude can get annoying fast, dude. (Sorry) 😉
*head desk* I bought Mud Vain because of you, guess I need to buy this one too.
Glad to see it got better for you, I would get annoyed at the repetitiveness, as well. I never would have picked this one up [the cover hearts my heart]if you hadn’t pointed it out. Adding to the TBR!
I can deal with a rough start. I also need to know this secret! LOL Yea, I think I need to check this one out.
Yup, Ms. Hoover does make great recs! I heard of Chocolate Lovers from her too!
LOL your little dude rant. I had that with a characters name a bit back. In 12 chapters his name was said like 500 times. It was WAY overboard. Glad this one ended up working for ya!
That’s a hell of a lot of dudes. I think once you overlook how annoying that is. it sounds like a brilliant story. As soon as you mentioned that Colleen Hoover recommended it, I assumed it couldn’t be half bad. Your review just confirms it. Now I’m dying to know what her explosive secret is. I’m super nosy like that.
Brilliant review <3
This sounds like an interesting read and I’m curious about her secrets. The characters sound likable as well. I can see how the word dude getting used 196 times getting annoying! This reminds me that I really really need to read Colleen Hoover as well! I keep meaning to but somehow it hasn’t quite happened yet.
ugh lol I think Dude should never be used in books. I cringe when I hear it outside of it. But it sounded like a worthwhile read and somehow with all these reviews I have never heard of it o.0
Oh girl! Why you must torture me like this!! Now I have to wait for another book!…LOL.
Great review, and duly noted dude 🙂
I don’t know if I can handle that many “dudes,” but I like those emotional reads. I’ll put this on the maybe list 🙂