Member Reviews
Autumn V, Reviewer
Left to deal with the aftermath of broken relationships and deferred dreams, two opposites are left no other choice but to work together. But are they strong enough to follow the dance fate has in store?
Author Hope Malory blends together a tale focusing on the themes of love, forgiveness, acceptance, and love in Rhythm in Blue.
After learning a shocking and hurtful truth, talented dancer Brenner McLemore fights to stay strong as the life she once had begins to crumble around her. Despite her desire to move forward to start anew, Brenner’s plans backfire resurfacing old painful memories of the past. I recognized Malory’s protagonist as a strong fighter, someone who’s face numerous hardships yet still found the courage to keep pushing forward. However, a few chapters in the character development of Brenner comes to a slow tempo; not only is the amount of tragedy in her life profound, it’s also an overkill. The abundance of suffering Brenner endures time and time again should provide the story with steps into the sub plots and fully develop the main plot of the story, the romance between Brenner and Garrett Davenport. Instead the romance is lightly touched on and suddenly turned into full whirlwind of passion without depth or originality.
As the plot continued, I noticed less of a genuine connection between Brenner and Garrett. Their interactions, although brief and heartfelt at times, does not give off the intention of love. In looking at the story’s entirety I believe the issue rests Malory’s world building, going from death of her parents, to a college sexual assault, her fiance cheating, lost opportunities, and hidden family secrets that overshadowed the rest of the story.
By the near end of the book I felt exhausted and confused. The author packed several b & c stories into the novel that by the time the rising action took place, it felt forced and rather difficult to stay interested. Perhaps if Malory’s personal tragedies happened in intervals within a series rather than one book, the plot wouldn’t seem so cramped.
The use of literary devices were structured well, yet without the proper use of narrowing down the amount of characters and sub plots, the novel became a letdown. I was looking forward to a high-spirited character who, without so many personal developments, can overcome one to two tragedies and finally find love while achieving her dreams. Clique but entertaining none the less.
If you are interested in fast paced insta-romance with only a few conflicts, then Rhythm in Blue may not be an enjoyable read for you.
RATING 4/10!
