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Power & Beauty #2
Trouble & Triumph: A Novel of Power & Beauty
Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, producer, and actor T.I. proved himself a powerful storyteller as well with the publication of his debut novel Power & Beauty. Now he follows up with his second riveting street-lit epic, Trouble & Triumph.
T.I.’s explosive sequel picks up the story of Paul “Power” Clay and Tanya “Beauty” Long, as Power takes over his mentor-turned-arch-enemy’s street empire, looking to turn it legit, while Beauty rises ever-higher in a glamorous world of fashion and celebrity. An authentic voice of the street, in the vein of Sistah Souljah and other successful authors of contemporary African-American commercial fiction, T.I. is a rap music legend who has lived at every strata of society, and whose hard life experience adds truth and fire to Trouble & Triumph.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2012
46 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 21, 2012
Trouble and No Triumph
Characters Power and Beauty are back in this sequel, “Trouble & Triumph.” Like many readers I opened this book with expectations that issues and questions brought to light in book one would be addressed and that there would be closure with these characters, possibly a happily ever after. Unfortunately that did not happen. Like the first book, this is divided by its characters. You get Power’s story and then Beauty’s, a chapter at a time, with a heavy dose of a subplot surrounding another character. But there is no ‘united’ story. With not much going for itself, readers may quickly lose interest.
What could have been a good follow-up to “Power & Beauty” quickly morphed into what seemed a book used as a bridge for another possible book. Simply put, this book is a stretch. A long, drawn out stretch, unnecessarily wordy that derails with its subplot. There are still issues and questions up in the air and an ending that may make some readers question why they read this book in the first place. I know I did. Though well-written, also like its predecessor, “Trouble & Triumph” is sterile and seemed absent of T.I.’s presence.
Reviewed by: Toni
Characters Power and Beauty are back in this sequel, “Trouble & Triumph.” Like many readers I opened this book with expectations that issues and questions brought to light in book one would be addressed and that there would be closure with these characters, possibly a happily ever after. Unfortunately that did not happen. Like the first book, this is divided by its characters. You get Power’s story and then Beauty’s, a chapter at a time, with a heavy dose of a subplot surrounding another character. But there is no ‘united’ story. With not much going for itself, readers may quickly lose interest.
What could have been a good follow-up to “Power & Beauty” quickly morphed into what seemed a book used as a bridge for another possible book. Simply put, this book is a stretch. A long, drawn out stretch, unnecessarily wordy that derails with its subplot. There are still issues and questions up in the air and an ending that may make some readers question why they read this book in the first place. I know I did. Though well-written, also like its predecessor, “Trouble & Triumph” is sterile and seemed absent of T.I.’s presence.
Reviewed by: Toni
November 24, 2022
I was unaware this was a series. I found this audiobook while doing another search for a title. I decided to listen to it. The male narrator is pretty good, and kept me listening. The storyline is alright to me, pace is decent, and wondered how they thought Beauty was married twice. She did not marry the first Japanese, but she did marry the superstar one, Seiji, which seemed to happen unbelievably to me. Yet, the first wedding was meant to end abruptly like it did; was it really a sleepwalking-nervous-breakdown?
Some parts were a tad bit intriguing; yet happened or moved pretty fast to me to build up a relationship in such a long time apart, and other parts I didn't want to see happen which was obvious like Irving's end. But you would really give $30M to someone who is not related or truly family, and also the cause for your end. Hm. I am not sure if there is a third part, trilogy, or this is it. I do not even know if I want to go to the first book either.
Overall, it was alright read, and could finish it and listen to the story as a whole.
Some parts were a tad bit intriguing; yet happened or moved pretty fast to me to build up a relationship in such a long time apart, and other parts I didn't want to see happen which was obvious like Irving's end. But you would really give $30M to someone who is not related or truly family, and also the cause for your end. Hm. I am not sure if there is a third part, trilogy, or this is it. I do not even know if I want to go to the first book either.
Overall, it was alright read, and could finish it and listen to the story as a whole.
September 7, 2017
Trouble & Triumph was good I wasn't disappointed at all. Had me at the beginning to the end. I do know Beauty was making me mad though lol she kept running from Power knowing dang well she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Her friends and sister knew she wanted that boy and was telling her to stop running. But her little husband going to be one mad dude if he's actually alive from the explosion that was at that house. Also, I am hoping that Beauty sister isn't one of many who had died, and even the driver I want them alive. But is Power bride to be alive with her parents like the wait is killing me. I wish T.I. will hurry up and put out book 3.
June 16, 2018
This is just just OK. I wanted to really like this read, but Not! It’s a good storyline, well written, with good characters, so how does it fail? I just Do Not Know, all I can say is that I was bored and I was glad when I was as done reading and two more books donated to the library🤷🏽♀️
August 27, 2017
Wow
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Few Spoilers Here & There...
This book Trouble & Triumph was good as the first one. I wish T.I. will hurry up and put out book 3. Also, I'm upset because I want to know if Beauty sister got killed. I'm like why she invited her sister and going to leave her she's blind but smart. I wish she didn't attend the wedding with the explosion. Also, I do wonder if Power bride to be or Beauty husband got killed.
And I hope in the next book Slim dies because he is a headache, and pain in everybody ***. He's crazy as you know what and people are sitting trusting that fool once again. And Rashaun or Rashad or whatever is trusting that crazy fool to soon after a while he's going to die too.
Lastly, Beauty always marrying someone for the wrong reason and the person always ends up In a Mob of some sort. And she doesn't love them and stay running from Power until the end I'm still mad at her for leaving her sister.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Few Spoilers Here & There...
This book Trouble & Triumph was good as the first one. I wish T.I. will hurry up and put out book 3. Also, I'm upset because I want to know if Beauty sister got killed. I'm like why she invited her sister and going to leave her she's blind but smart. I wish she didn't attend the wedding with the explosion. Also, I do wonder if Power bride to be or Beauty husband got killed.
And I hope in the next book Slim dies because he is a headache, and pain in everybody ***. He's crazy as you know what and people are sitting trusting that fool once again. And Rashaun or Rashad or whatever is trusting that crazy fool to soon after a while he's going to die too.
Lastly, Beauty always marrying someone for the wrong reason and the person always ends up In a Mob of some sort. And she doesn't love them and stay running from Power until the end I'm still mad at her for leaving her sister.
November 7, 2012
Trouble & Triumph picks up where Power & Beauty left off, with the daring capture and imprisonment of Paul "Power" Clay by Charles "Slim" Simmons. Slim, once the provider, father-figure and mentor to Power, wants him dead like all the rest of the people closest to him now that paranoia has taken over and Slim has literally lost his mind.
Tanya “Beauty” Long makes the ultimate sacrifice and agrees to marry her current beau, the very rich, powerful and connected Kato Yamamoto, if he can convince the Japanese underground to step in on their behalf and save Power’s life.
The successful rescue of Power turns everyone's world on an axis and the story takes off from there.
Much like Power & Beauty, Trouble & Triumph waits till the end to get into the real action of the book. Much of the beginning is overdrawn and lengthy. Yes, there are great plots building. Yes, you anticipate several different scenarios unfolding. Yes, you are still cheering for Power & Beauty and hoping for the downfall of Slim. However, with all of the great buildup, the climax is not only rushed, but it is lackluster. I was thoroughly disappointed.
Also, the ending was a conclusion of sorts, but there are a few loose ends that may lead to a book three for Power & Beauty. All in all, Trouble & Triumph was a good read and I was entertained. Although at times I had to force myself to continue through the monotony, if there is in fact a book three, I will definitely pick it up if only to see where this story ends.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviews
Tanya “Beauty” Long makes the ultimate sacrifice and agrees to marry her current beau, the very rich, powerful and connected Kato Yamamoto, if he can convince the Japanese underground to step in on their behalf and save Power’s life.
The successful rescue of Power turns everyone's world on an axis and the story takes off from there.
Much like Power & Beauty, Trouble & Triumph waits till the end to get into the real action of the book. Much of the beginning is overdrawn and lengthy. Yes, there are great plots building. Yes, you anticipate several different scenarios unfolding. Yes, you are still cheering for Power & Beauty and hoping for the downfall of Slim. However, with all of the great buildup, the climax is not only rushed, but it is lackluster. I was thoroughly disappointed.
Also, the ending was a conclusion of sorts, but there are a few loose ends that may lead to a book three for Power & Beauty. All in all, Trouble & Triumph was a good read and I was entertained. Although at times I had to force myself to continue through the monotony, if there is in fact a book three, I will definitely pick it up if only to see where this story ends.
Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviews
October 4, 2012
Overall good sequal but a very abrupt ending.
October 15, 2012
Okay, glad there was a sequel but it got a little long winded in the middle with her going to Japan and then with Slim's breakdown. Had the potential to be a great follow up.
November 13, 2012
Absolutely loved it!! I read it in one day!!
December 18, 2012
A good quick read. Lots of drama and action, however not as good as the first book, but still an ok book.
January 30, 2018
This book picked up right where the last one left off. It had its highs and lows but overall it was a good read. The ending however was rather abrupt. It left me with many unanswered questions. Hoping a part 3 is coming because there are still unresolved issues between Power and Slim that need to be settled. Overall, this was a suitable follow up.
May 17, 2020
I can honestly say this book was way better than the first. The world wasn't very descriptive but the characters became more developed and the plot started to make more sense. The ending could of been better but overall I enjoyed it. I gave it 3.5 stars but still dont think writing is for Tip Harris.
July 9, 2021
Uhm! Really!! The ending?! Overall it was a good read for a sequel. It kept me engaged, but got a lil long winded in the middle of the book to the point that I was waiting for the turn of events to happen. Then the turn of events happened quickly with an abrupt ending. Donating both books to the little library so another reader can enjoy the books.
October 14, 2022
It took awhile for me to finish but it was okay. I started listening to the audio version; which turned out better for me to finish the book. It sucks that the series ended on a cliff hanger. I hope they make a part three. So many questions but lil to no answers
April 24, 2020
I hated how it ended! Had to reread a few times to make sure I understood what The author wanted me to believe happened. Good book but not better than book 1.
May 29, 2020
Part 2
They grew up,
Power and Beauty
They grew up,
Power and Beauty
April 23, 2022
The story was good and a good read, but I didn't like the ending, I feel like I needed more.
November 12, 2023
An enjoyable read
January 8, 2013
(FROM JACKET)When his mother, Charlotte, was killed, Paul "Power" Clay and his closest friend, Tanya "Beauty" Long, fell under the spell of a savvy and ruthless Atlanta businessman named Slim, who promised to protect them.
Wise beyond her years, Beauty always knew that the only person she could rely on was herself. It didn't take long for the levelheaded young woman to recognize the simmering violence beneath Slim's street charm. But getting away from him wasn't easy, and it came at a heartbreaking price: turning her back on Power. Escaping to the glamorous catwalks of the Big Apple, she's worked her breathtaking good looks and quick wit to build a thriving fashion business. Despite her success, she's still haunted by the pain of leaving Power behind. Money and new men cannot erase the memory of the true love she denied.
To Power, Slim's world held everything he thought he wanted: women, wealth, power, authority. He discovered too late that Slim Simmons isn't just a businessman-he's a ruthless killer who will turn on anyone he thinks is getting in his way. He is the monster who murdered Charlotte. Now, he controls the fate of her only son.
But neither Slim nor Power count on Beauty. Like Slim, she is a master who will manipulate, seduce, and sacrifice to get what she wants. She's never let anything stop her from her fulfilling her desires, and she will broker a dangerous bargain to save the only man she's ever loved. But is saving Power worth sacrificing herself-body and soul? Will his youthful ambitions lead him to redemption-or deeper into the darkness? Will they both become everything they swore they'd never be?
A tale of gangstas and sistas, money masters and politicians, that moves across the globe from Paris to New York, Atlanta to Tokyo, the Caribbean to California, "Trouble & Triumph" is a hip-hop mash-up of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, desire, greed, family, politics, and absolution-and of two unforgettable young starcrossed lovers from the streets who will risk everything for their dreams...and for each other.
Wise beyond her years, Beauty always knew that the only person she could rely on was herself. It didn't take long for the levelheaded young woman to recognize the simmering violence beneath Slim's street charm. But getting away from him wasn't easy, and it came at a heartbreaking price: turning her back on Power. Escaping to the glamorous catwalks of the Big Apple, she's worked her breathtaking good looks and quick wit to build a thriving fashion business. Despite her success, she's still haunted by the pain of leaving Power behind. Money and new men cannot erase the memory of the true love she denied.
To Power, Slim's world held everything he thought he wanted: women, wealth, power, authority. He discovered too late that Slim Simmons isn't just a businessman-he's a ruthless killer who will turn on anyone he thinks is getting in his way. He is the monster who murdered Charlotte. Now, he controls the fate of her only son.
But neither Slim nor Power count on Beauty. Like Slim, she is a master who will manipulate, seduce, and sacrifice to get what she wants. She's never let anything stop her from her fulfilling her desires, and she will broker a dangerous bargain to save the only man she's ever loved. But is saving Power worth sacrificing herself-body and soul? Will his youthful ambitions lead him to redemption-or deeper into the darkness? Will they both become everything they swore they'd never be?
A tale of gangstas and sistas, money masters and politicians, that moves across the globe from Paris to New York, Atlanta to Tokyo, the Caribbean to California, "Trouble & Triumph" is a hip-hop mash-up of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, desire, greed, family, politics, and absolution-and of two unforgettable young starcrossed lovers from the streets who will risk everything for their dreams...and for each other.
Currently reading
December 31, 2012I have just began reading the novel "Trouble & Triumph" by my favorite rapper T.I. The novel is about two lifelong friends Power and Beauty. Power and Beauty are not truly brother and sister but have a bond like no other due to Slim who took the two under his wing in Atlanta, Georgia. The story unfolds in Paris, where Beauty's fiancee Kato receives a phone call in the middle of the night. Kato answers the phone and it is Beauty. Power has been captured by men and taken somewhere unknown. Like any loved one Beauty becomes scared and calls the only person she knows (besides Slim) to handle this type of business. Beauty tells Kato that she is scared these are bad men that will do something to Power. Kato stalls, not trying to help Beauty one bit. She then puts their marriage up for grabs by saying she would marry him (no question) if he saved Power or if he doesn't that she'd leave and never see him again. Instead of handling it then Kato asks why she didn't call Slim to handle the problem and she says because she fears the men who captured Power are some of Slim's guys. In the next chapter Power was taken by those same men back to Atlanta (his home) and is in his apartment. Slim comes to get him so that they can pay respects to one of their goons 'Dre' who just recently died. Not knowing whether Slim is still a good guy or bad guy.
February 12, 2015
Beauty has went on with her life...making a life with rich men to finance her career in fashion. All the while wrestling with the guilt yet desire for her 'brother' and lover. The lines have been crossed and their upbringing taunts her yet her body still yearns for his touch. Power has found himself penniless, on the run from Slim and confused as to what happened to the man that raised him as a son. Never one to remain downtrodden, Power finds himself in the midst of another illegal entity that promises to be just as lucrative if not moreso. Although life has went on, he still keeps up with the whereabouts and antics of his Beauty.
Trouble & Triumph is an easy read...nothing to brag about. A tale of youngsters that are bound by love and loyalty, yet their love crosses unchartered boundaries. Secrets are revealed and they find themselves battling revenge as well as lust. This edition to its' prequel was really not developed enough for me to say it served its purpose. Just as the ending has a closed door but it was left unlocked. I would not be surprised if the author's don't add another notch to the storyline, but it's so not needed. I was not impressed at any moment during this read. 2.88
Trouble & Triumph is an easy read...nothing to brag about. A tale of youngsters that are bound by love and loyalty, yet their love crosses unchartered boundaries. Secrets are revealed and they find themselves battling revenge as well as lust. This edition to its' prequel was really not developed enough for me to say it served its purpose. Just as the ending has a closed door but it was left unlocked. I would not be surprised if the author's don't add another notch to the storyline, but it's so not needed. I was not impressed at any moment during this read. 2.88
November 10, 2012
This was a decent follow up to Power and Beauty. It kind of dragged in some parts, especially when Beauty's fiancee died and then the next thing you know she got married. As the book ended the drama picked up, left me wondering if we will ever find out how Power, Beauty and her sister's lives end up.
March 23, 2013
Contrary to some of the reviews I read, I actually enjoyed book 2. I was thoroughly excited about Power and Beauty being reunited (if only for a moment) and hope they dont think they're going to get away with not making a book 3. I have to find out about Slim, Beauty, and Power and where they will end up next.
April 1, 2013
No joke, T.I. should be writing a prime-time TV drama. This was so soap opera-ish, in both the good and bad meaning of that term, that I want him to collaborate with Shonda Rhimes on something I can watch while painting my nails on a Tuesday night.
March 5, 2013
Enjoyed the story for the most part. But the ending was way too abrupt and all the interesting stuff happened "off screen". We've spent two whole books waiting for Power & Beauty to reunite. Would've preferred a longer denouement and extended reunion to reward us for our patience!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2012
It was just ok. The book took a long time to develop the story line and it didn't wrap up any loose ends.
November 7, 2012
dope!
November 20, 2012
Loved it, left me wanting more..... I really hope there is a book 3 in the works. I have some unanswered questions.....this can't be the end....
January 5, 2013
Loved The Love Story Of Power And Beauty. . The Second One I Must Say Was Better A Lot Of Questions Was Answered And The Ending Was Unbelievable!!
December 28, 2012
It had it's moments, but it didn't flow well for me. I didn't know it was the second, but it doesn't make me want to read the first book. Sorry, T.I.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews