๐๐๐๐ I came to South Africa on a mission to safeguard the Tyree Empire. To accomplish that, I live by three simple rules โ Keep your head down. Stay in the shadows. Protect the family. I already know how one small distraction could result in deadly consequences. I have the scars on my body to prove it. And she just might be the biggest distraction of all.
๐๐๐๐๐ Running away is never the answer but when people from your most intimate circle betray you, they donโt leave you much choice. So, I leave it all behind to run back to a forgotten life that has long since moved on without me. Itโs been exhausting living outside of my truth, stifling my desire to do the one thing I have always found solace in โ painting. I'm desperate for freedom. I need a fresh start. I'm ready to reintroduce myself. What I do not expect, is that this new chapter comes with unavoidable terms and conditions to protect me from dangers lurking in the City of Gold. Including the unexpected presence of โ Himโฆ
I loved Liam from theย trilogy, although he didnโt say much. I loved that he lived and breathed the adage, โActions speak louder than wordsโ.
In The Beauty of Him, Leila helps to peel back his varied layers, providing insight into his buried hurts and pains. The relationship between them also grounds Leila in her whirlwind journey of self-discovery and acceptance, especially in a world where women are constantly expected to suppress their identity and voice.
Jane continues to use her words as an artistย wouldย paintย on canvas.ย She has succeeded in creating a colourful but multi-layered art piece that, at first glance, seems simple but, upon closer inspection, reveals the granularity and complexity of the characters, the textures of their lived experiences, the strokes of pain that define who they end up becoming and the colour that manifests when acceptance and reciprocity exist.
Jane explores multiple themes that many readers will resonate with and that will serve as fodder for many book club discussions such as identity, loneliness vs. being alone, trauma, suicide ideation and betrayal. There is also enough spice to keep the heart rate high but done with such tasteful appreciation of the love that exists between the characters.
Although it is a big book 600+ pages, the pacing keeps the story interesting and the unexpected plot twists keep you riveted to the storyโs development. It was also great to catch up with Dom and Dilia from The Journals!
The Beauty of Him takes the reader on a whirlwind journey of stunning lyrical prose, heartfelt emotion, real intimacy with action and mystery scenes that cause you to hold your breath as you follow Liam and Leilaโs journey through the streets of the Northern Johannesburg Suburbs.
Can we take a moment to absorb and appreciate how absolutely stunning the cover of this book is? All the colours and all the details literally just pop and I am obsessed! J.D Kizza is a South African author and I just knew, the moment I saw this book, that I had to read it! It was such an good, suspenseful read that kept my eyes glued to the pages throughout the story. I loved the world, set mainly in Johannesburg City and Rustenburg but with a fictional twist such as the company that plays a huge role in this story. I loved being able to envision the sort of surrounding in each scene because of this!
I enjoyed the way this book started, it really built the story. I loved learning about Tyree International and the role Leila's mother plays in the company. The security aspect of this story was really cool, I loved that the Tyree family had security detail because what's sexier than a body guard? Leila's passion for painting was beautiful and I really love the painting initiative in the story, travelling between hospitals to bring life and love to pediatric wards. This book is a spin-off of the Journals of He series and even though you can feel that a story has taken place prior to this, you never feel lost because everything is explained so naturally.
I loved that the character's in the Tyree family are of Irish and Ugandan descent, that was a really cool aspect to add. Liam is absolutely amazing, I enjoyed getting to know him and figuring out his past. He is a character that really represents PTSD, trauma and other mental health issues. The plot was really well done as well, there was a good amount of mystery and action I loved it. I didn't see the plot twist coming at all! The ending was so sweet and I can't wait to see what's in store for the Tyree brothers!
Another masterpiece by JD Kizza who is also a nurse.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
This is Liam's and Leila's love story. It was great reading about Dom and Dilia as well. I enjoy seeing characters from previous books in new books. This is a new series but has connections to The Journal Trilogy, which I absolutely love. It's also set in South Africa and by a local author which are 2 more points in it's favour. I also liked the rapport between the two main characters and the relationship they share with other characters.
Liam is in charge of security at Tyree International and Leila is the daughter of the CFO at Tyree International. She loves to paint and gets a job painting hospitals with the matriarch of the business. But Leila has a secret and Liam has deep scars. Will they be able to overcome these challenges to be together?
Another masterpiece by JD Kizza who is also a nurse.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
This is Liam's and Leila's love story. It was great reading about Dom and Dilia as well. I enjoy seeing characters from previous books in new books. This is a new series but has connections to The Journal Trilogy, which I absolutely love. It's also set in South Africa and by a local author which are 2 more points in it's favour. I also liked the rapport between the two main characters and the relationship they share with other characters.
Liam is in charge of security at Tyree International and Leila is the daughter of the CFO at Tyree International. She loves to paint and gets a job painting hospitals with the matriarch of the business. But Leila has a secret and Liam has deep scars. Will they be able to overcome these challenges to be together?
Lady Janeโs prose is straight-up poetry - so well crafted that I found myself lingering on her sentences, sometimes rereading them just to savor that effervescent tingle they left in my mind.
She expertly weaves human truths into the rich, gripping interiority of her characters. Absolutely brilliant! A big chunk of the book is told through the narratorโs POV, which isnโt something I usually see. Youโd think that might lean heavy on exposition, but the interiority is so raw and immersive that it almost feels like you're reading someones diary, as it delves deep into the charactersโ most private thoughts and emotions.
Youโre not just observing; youโre in every scene, which makes the reading experience intensely sensorial. And the fact that all this unfolds in my neck of the woods? Even better.
Killer characterisation, gorgeous prose, and a plot packed with romance AND action that crisscross seamlessly. Well done, Jane! ๐๐ผ
I absolutely loved this book! It was so well-written, and the story was just so beautiful. You really get sucked into the characters' lives and get super invested in them. The slow build has you on the edge of your seat the whole time, and the stolen moments really push up your heart rate. The steam is well done and so hot. And the plot? Refreshing. Exciting. And I love that it's set in South Africa. I still can't stop thinking about these characters; I keep forgetting they're not real. Definitely a book you can get lost in. I would highly recommend it. This author is incredibly talented.
Just happened to be on a trip in Joโburg walking the streets of a local mall, and I always check out the local books stores everywhere I travel to. Alas Rosebank mall had this book that took me off a short book slump, I put what was reading down for this and oh boy! This was amazing. I love Liam. Complex characters are everything to me. And the added intrigue of recognizing the setting of the story- The devotion of him just came out 2days ago canโt wait to dive into that one! Iโll definitely back track and read Domโs story too. This was such a great surprise!
Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense! The Beauty if Him hooked me from the very first page and didnโt let go until the end. Set against the mesmerizing and gritty backdrop of South Africa, this story introduces us to two unforgettable charactersโLiam, a man bound by duty and loyalty, and Leila, a woman seeking freedom and redemption. Their worlds collide in a blend of romance, danger, and family legacy, leaving readers breathless with every twist and turn.
โจ What I Loved:
Captivating Storyline: From the get-go, the story pulls you in. The plot flows seamlessly, filled with action, suspense, and romance. Complex and Colorful Characters: Liam and Leila are so well-developed. Theyโre flawed, fierce, and incredibly relatable, making it impossible not to root for them. Vivid World-Building: The descriptions of South Africaโs vibrant yet shadowed streets are fantastic, making you feel as if youโre right there with the characters. Plot Twists: Just when you think you have it all figured out, thereโs another twist waiting to keep you on your toes! And as a bonus, I was lucky enough to design the cover for this captivating story! ๐
If youโre looking for a thrilling read with romance, high stakes, and intricate family dynamics, The Beauty if Him is for you. Perfect for fans of romantic thrillers who love complex relationships and a dash of intrigue. Highly recommend!