A Lesson in the Disparity Between Expectations and Reality: A Review

This review was initially shared on Dec 1, 2023, on a former platform. In my quest to maintain harmony and unity, I've decided to repost this review, preserving its essence and integrity.

Book: Beautiful Beginning (Is This Love? Book 1)
Author: J. Nichole
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Coming of Age
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
E-Book
First Person Dual POV
 Release Date: 12/14/23 Pre-Order Now!


Disclosure: I would like to clarify that this review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) provided by the talented author, J. Nichole. I want to assure my readers that this is not a paid review, and all opinions expressed here are my honest and unsolicited thoughts on the book. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.



Journey Thompson entered college with the hope of discovering a love story as enchanting as her parents'. But as graduation approaches, she finds herself still searching for that magical connection. That is, until a fateful sunny day when Journey and her girlfriends are leaving a coffee shop and a captivating introvert named Chaz Brown collides with her, causing her iced mocha to cascade down her shirt. Chaz, preferring the shadows to the spotlight, is not one for drawing attention to himself. He finds solace in the comfort of his home and dreams of utilizing his political science degree to combat the injustices of the world, with a particular focus on empowering future leaders. However, their accidental encounter thrusts him from the sidelines to the forefront of popularity as he becomes the SGA President.

 Beautiful Beginning is such a heartfelt novel about growing up and realizing that expectations do not equate to reality. This is by far one of the most relatable books I've read. While I tend to find myself more drawn to fantasy books, Nichole has such a unique way of writing that it made me realize that the prospect of reading books about normal life was just as great as reading fantasy. 

Journey, a dreamer at heart, had always believed in the fairy tale version of love. However, as she navigates the realities of life, she realizes that it's not always a bed of roses, no matter how desperately she longs for it to be. It is during her unexpected encounter with Chaz that her rose-colored glasses are forcibly removed, unveiling the complexities of love and relationships. While at times Journey's demands may come off as frustrating, stepping into her shoes allows us to empathize with her perspective and understand that we too would feel the same way.

Chaz possesses an impressive intellect, yet he may appear lacking in ambition. His true passion lies in transforming the world and achieving justice and equality for not only people of color but also the underprivileged. However, he resists placing himself in uncomfortable situations, choosing instead to remain within the confines of his comfort zone. While it may be tempting to label him as obstinate, there is an undeniable admiration for Chaz. Despite his reluctance to step into the spotlight, he tirelessly advocates for the marginalized members of society, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. His commitment to uplifting the smaller crowd around him mirrors what he would do if he were in a more populous city. Chaz's complex character compels us to appreciate his unique approach to making a difference, even if it diverges from conventional expectations.

Journey and Chaz's connection is undeniable. It pains me to think that, despite their contrasting visions for their futures, they push each other outside of their comfort zones. Their love blossomed in the idyllic world of university, where everything seemed rosy. However, as their relationship evolved over the course of a year, they learned valuable lessons about the stark contrast between expectations and reality. They endured challenges that tested their resilience and ultimately grew as individuals. Their journey together granted them a profound understanding of self-discovery, the pursuit of truth, and the power of hope.

If you're searching for a captivating story that defies expectations and takes you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, understanding, and hope, then Beautiful Beginning is the perfect book for you.