Etta Millhouse has always had big musical ambitions to match her big voice, but she’s also got three very big problems - the addiction she won’t admit to, her godmother’s illness she can no longer ignore, and her godmother’s useless business partner (who she wishes she could ignore).
Keeping an eye on Arielle’s bad business decisions is the last thing Etta wants to do when she’s offered the chance to record a demo with a top producer. But, a promise is a promise, even if it has her reaching for another pick-me-up... And then another. And then one more.
When the secret she must keep for her godmother, Felicity, sends her drug habit spiralling out of control, can Etta battle her demons in time and make her dream happen? Or, will her music career be over before it’s even begun?
My thoughts:
I have really enjoyed reading the Arielle Lockley book series. B-Side is book 2.5 and instead of following Arielle we get to know Etta who is the goddaughter of Felicity. I really enjoyed getting to know Etta, she is pretty messed up and to be honest not very nice at times. However her character has hidden depths and is well written.
Her past is revealed throughout the book and she has had a difficult life. Although I wouldn't use that as a reason to excuse her behaviour. I liked the fact that I didn't love all aspects of the main characters personality. It was good to find a way to appreciate her character even with her flaws. This didn't mean I couldn't enjoy B-Side in fact I think it helped me like it even more.
The story moved quickly and kept my attention. I really enjoyed how we got to see things from the point of view of Etta. I could understand at times where she was coming from and why she was so spiky with Arielle.
B-Side is different from the other books in the Arielle Lockley series. However I quite enjoyed the change in direction. The tone of the book is darker with an overall heavier and emotional theme.
Overall:
Another brilliant book from Elle Field that has a well written and complex character. I can't wait to continue reading the remaining books in the series.
B-Side is engaging, emotive with a strong character!
Five stars from me!
Thank you to Elle Field who kindly sent me a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
About Elle Field
Elle Field writes coming of age romantic comedies, and is the author of the Arielle Lockley series and Geli Voyante's Hot or Not. She grew up in Yorkshire, then moved to Scotland to study International Relations and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews.
Elle now lives in London with her boyfriend and their cat. She's a massive fan of sunshine, giraffes, The Killers, Audrey Hepburn movies, playing Scrabble and tea. Oh, and reading, of course!
Find out more about Elle by reading her blog - http://www.ellefield.co.uk - or by following her on Twitter: @ellefie
Amazon UK links for Arielle Lockley series
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Thank you for your reviewing B-Side. So pleased you enjoyed the book. x
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, thank you for sending me a copy! x
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