Title: The Bright Side of Darkness

Author: KeiraKnox1

Genre / Style / Sub-Genre: Romance, TeenFic, ContemporaryLit

Tags: #blind, #comingofage, #diverser, #friendstolovers, #heartbreak, #lovetriangle, #romance, #highschool, #teen

Reviewer: SueLou66

Summary: Worlds collide when a formerly overweight teen befriends a blinded football player and is forced to confront her growing feelings for the boy who lost it all.

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Tay Statin had always thought a perfect high school career was his God-given right. He had it all; perfect grades, scholarships to big-name schools, and football skills. Everything someone like him needs in Tennessee.

But all that is stripped away when a car accident takes away his brother and his chances at a Division I scholarship. Although his body healed, his vision hasn't. He might never play football again, and the prospect has left him bitter and unhappy.

Emori Hagen was "the fat girl" all her life. She grew accustomed to people laughing at her. But, with the help of her determination, she lost all the weight and finally achieved the body of her dreams. The only thing left to remind her of her past is the aching feeling every time she eats an apple instead of a cookie.

What Emori isn't expecting on her return to school is to find a broken Tay Statin who no longer smiles, rarely speaks, and doesn't care about anything or anyone around him. He's just existing. But the pain in his eyes is something she understands all too well. Can Emori help him find the hope he has lost?

Review: Emory, who was bullied throughout her school years, decided to work on losing weight to get revenge on her bullies, but mostly, she wanted to have the body she always desired. After the summer break, she returned to school unrecognizable. Guys who wouldn't give her the time of day before are now noticing her natural beauty. While she's not a fan of the attention, a part of her is proud to be turning heads, which includes a past friend who never judged or bullied her and shows interest in becoming more than just friends.

Tay, an amazing football player and top student, loses his sight in a freak accident. He and Emory grew up together as neighbors, and he never judged her for her weight. While there's a lot of guilt and self-pity, Emory can pull him through by being there for him, even when she tries to push all of his friends away.

The author does a beautiful job of creating Emory and Tay as complex and believable characters who have you rooting for their happily ever after.  The twists and turns of the story keep you engaged. Just when you think Emory will choose her most recent friend's interest, the author throws in her leaning toward the crush she had on Tay since they were children. Sometimes, I wanted to smack Tay on his head because of his understandable poor attitude, and then I wanted to hug him because of his apparent struggles.

When the author creates jealousy, misunderstandings, and barriers in Tay and Emory's relationship, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.  I might have rolled my eyes at times at their immature behavior, but that's what made this story feel so real.

I recommend this story to those who enjoy reading about relatable, real characters, teen stories, and love triangles. The Bright Side of Darkenss will not disappoint you. The end is charming but abrupt. Who doesn't love a happily ever after?

To the Author: I would love to see these characters' story continued. You have a way with creating characters that your readers can relate to. I appreciate the twists and turns that kept me wondering what was going to happen. Thank you for sharing your sweet story.

About the Author: KeiraKnox1 is a political science major with a minor in nonprofit management. As an avid writer, KeiraKnox1 likes to write characters who are flawed, vain, and sometimes have undesirable personality traits to make them more realistic to the reader. They enjoy reading, writing, and coffee. And is an aspiring social worker and Wattpad Ambassador.