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Master of Trickery Duet #1
The Body Painter
“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow…
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow…
300 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2019
About the author
Pepper Winters
89 books16.7k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: [email protected]
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: [email protected]
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews
August 27, 2019
"If I was brutally honest with myself, I was mostly in love with her and I’d never even said hello."
I had to read this book sectionally. Only because I promised myself I would not DNF it, nor would I make my final judgement until and unless I've read that last page. I knew I had to leave my review for a handful of days after release day, because for all intents and purposes - Pepper Winters deserves any and all success with her releases, and I wanted to give myself time to try and understand this book. Unfortunately, the case seems to be that whilst I will continue to support and read Pepper's future material, this book will never be for me.
_______________
The line between Romance and Romanticization
Firstly, this is a note that there will be spoilers sprinkled across this review, so read with your own caution.
No matter how much I love a good 'dark' romance, I will always differentiate between romanticization and romance itself. The romanticization of a toxic relationship can be very detrimental to those reading, especially in this genre - where I know that there are young readers. No matter how many trigger warnings you forewarn a reader with, (which there weren't any, but that's an entirely different bone to pick) there will always be some form of absorption when you read new information.
I have read a lot of romance that does tackle dark themes as well as abusive relationships in the "correct" manner. Wherein, both parties realize that it is a abusive relationship and either get help or walk away. That being said, we all love our happily ever afters and our romances to be coated in all sorts of sugar, I know I do. Yet, sometimes we also love reading about stories with a sense of realism, with problems that people face in real life. These are the stories that are the most dangerous when done "wrong." When a little girl or boy, becoming a young adult perceives the behaviors in the book to be true and justified. This was my constant fear with The Body Painter.
I have mentioned in the past that I have been in very toxic relationships but in this instance, for the life of me, and I didn't know why - I kept thinking to myself, "What if I had a daughter in Olin's position?" or "What if I had a son in Gil's position?"
This book made me uncomfortable, and not in the way that gripped me. I did not like a single damn character. The relationship between Olin and Gil was toxic to its core. I spent most of my time fearing for Olin because I felt Gil would snap at her at any moment. I understand that kindness is a virtue, and at first I thought Olin was being both strong and brave. As the story went on however, I felt like grabbing Olin and getting the fuck away from Gil together. There was so much foreshadowing of physical abuse and dialogue that made me want me to throw my damn kindle.
Let me walk you through some examples;
1) Let's start by the dialogue and the way Gil and Olin spoke to each other. I almost feel like I was able to stomach the constant back and forth between the two MC's because I thought somewhere down the line, Olin would stand up for herself. I knew that the end of the book would try and "justify" his cruelty towards her, but there should be no justification for treating and talking to a girl like she's an object. None.
▶︎“I’m going to fuck you and then you’re walking out that door and never coming back.” The lace of alcohol in his tone didn’t slur but added a cruelty that only sent more fire into my already bleeding need."
▶︎“I promised myself I’d be as cruel as necessary to keep you away. That I’d hurt you all over again if that’s what it took. But...I’m too fucking weak. You’re perfect. You’ve always been perfect.”
2) These are threats, that on the surface level - manipulate you into thinking that Gil is about to hurt her. Even if he means a third party will hurt her, these are all manipulations of violence and promises of abuse.
▶︎Gil:“I’m better off alone, believe me.”
Olin: “You need medical attention.”
Gil: “So will you if you don’t leave.”
▶︎“His eyes flashed with history. Of the time he’d physically hurt me. Of the time his words had the power to stop my heart.”
3)The constant danger of physical abuse and fear that Gil is going to be "pushed too far," is the terror that drives Olin to be cautious. Yet, she keeps coming back. There is nothing called being "pushed too far" that equates to physical violence. This is not a justification, nor should it be to anyone reading.
▶︎"But what if he doesn’t ask me to leave next time? What if he threw me out physically? What if he hurt me like he had when I’d pushed him too far at school?"
▶︎“For fuck’s sake, Olin.” His eyes flashed, reminding me all over again of the nastiness he was capable of. “I told you to go! Don’t make me hurt you.”
4) The repetition bothered me too much. He would treat her like shit, she would go away only to come back the next day. Rinse and repeat. This isn't romance at all, this is something you see on a psychologists pamphlet that lets you know you're not in a working relationship. Gil would say such awful things and Olin would justify it herself.
▶︎"He’d bit me, licked me, devoured me, and ordered me to never go back. But he’s hurting..."
▶︎“I didn’t want you then, and I don’t want you now. You’re embarrassing yourself, Olin. Chasing after a man who has no intention of ever being with you again.”
5) Olin started pissing me off and soon as she inherently became a carpet. Gil would be an ass to her and she would be bothered that they didn't get to keep kissing or fucking. Then I felt a mixture of confusion and irritation because she genuinely wanted Gil to reach his breaking point in the most poisonous way. The main heroine wondering if she was safe or not with her supposed love interest is not something I really look for in a romance...
▶︎"“I think there is a connection.” I looked up briefly, studying how close I was to pushing him over the edge.
Push harder.
Earn answers.
Be prepared to run if he snaps."
▶︎“Yes, I’m very lucky Gilbert was there. I’m safe with him.”
Are you?
Are you truly?”
▶︎"I’d lied for him. I’d drained myself of everything at his request.
6) Eventually, there was two scenes that completely threw me over. The first one entailed Gil mocking Olin's sanity because she was concerned about the bruises and cuts he sported. The second was an incident where Olin "slipped," and then Gil went on to ask her to lie to the police without giving her any fucking reason other than to trust him, right after he hurt her.
▶︎“Why? Did you not see his injuries?” The bruise on his jaw. The cut on his lip. Gil stiffened as if I’d given away all his secrets. Shoving hands into his hoodie pocket, he stormed toward a trestle table chock-full of glass jars containing brushes and rags. “She’s seeing things. I actually fear for her mental stability. Get rid of her, will you, Miller?”
▶︎“Wh-what happened?” I licked my lips, wincing as another throb of pain found me.
He jerked as if I’d slapped him. “You slipped.”
...
“I slipped? How?” I didn’t slip. I was slammed into the door.
...
“Wait...” I swallowed hard. “You did this to me?” I ripped my hand away. “You knocked me out?”
He hunched, his green eyes flashing. “I didn’t mean to. I only meant to unbalance you. I just wanted your phone. But...I pushed too hard. You tripped and fell against the door.”
...
“So, you thought it would be better to maim me?”
“I deserve everything you have to say to me.” His hands curled into fists. “But...first, I need you to do something for me.”
7) Lastly, through all of this, Gil finds it in himself to blame Olin for it all.
▶︎“What do you want from me, Olin?” His sigh was endlessly heavy. “You push me until I snap. You taunt me until I retaliate. You’re not supposed to be in my life, yet you barged in anyway.” His eyes flashed. “This is your fault. You made it all so fucking complicated.”
“You’re blaming me for all of this?”
He nodded, moving forward and stopping in front of my chair-shield. “All of it.”
The Finale
In the end, I guessed the twist and I also ended up feeling very repulsed in general by this story. I felt like if the main concern was . Pepper Winters has written some of my favorites in the past and to say I was looking forward to this for a year is the truth. I fell in love with the synopsis the first time I read it and the teasers after that only added to my love.
It is with such a heavy heart that I write this review, and during writing this review, I thought I read a different book to everyone else. Toxicity is not romance, it should not be marketed as such. I don't think I have the energy to read the second book, regardless if it clears things up, simply because this book took such a massive emotional chunk out of me. The storyline felt lost to me because Gil and Olin kept going back and forth with the "stay away from me," "no wait, I need you" plot. I tried folks, I really did.
----Prior Reading----
The Body Painter ★ Most Anticipated
Expected publication: Summer 2018
Beautiful Artwork by ©️Shane Turner. His work gives me goosebumps and completely gets me excited for The Body Painter.
I had to read this book sectionally. Only because I promised myself I would not DNF it, nor would I make my final judgement until and unless I've read that last page. I knew I had to leave my review for a handful of days after release day, because for all intents and purposes - Pepper Winters deserves any and all success with her releases, and I wanted to give myself time to try and understand this book. Unfortunately, the case seems to be that whilst I will continue to support and read Pepper's future material, this book will never be for me.
_______________
The line between Romance and Romanticization
Firstly, this is a note that there will be spoilers sprinkled across this review, so read with your own caution.
No matter how much I love a good 'dark' romance, I will always differentiate between romanticization and romance itself. The romanticization of a toxic relationship can be very detrimental to those reading, especially in this genre - where I know that there are young readers. No matter how many trigger warnings you forewarn a reader with, (which there weren't any, but that's an entirely different bone to pick) there will always be some form of absorption when you read new information.
I have read a lot of romance that does tackle dark themes as well as abusive relationships in the "correct" manner. Wherein, both parties realize that it is a abusive relationship and either get help or walk away. That being said, we all love our happily ever afters and our romances to be coated in all sorts of sugar, I know I do. Yet, sometimes we also love reading about stories with a sense of realism, with problems that people face in real life. These are the stories that are the most dangerous when done "wrong." When a little girl or boy, becoming a young adult perceives the behaviors in the book to be true and justified. This was my constant fear with The Body Painter.
I have mentioned in the past that I have been in very toxic relationships but in this instance, for the life of me, and I didn't know why - I kept thinking to myself, "What if I had a daughter in Olin's position?" or "What if I had a son in Gil's position?"
This book made me uncomfortable, and not in the way that gripped me. I did not like a single damn character. The relationship between Olin and Gil was toxic to its core. I spent most of my time fearing for Olin because I felt Gil would snap at her at any moment. I understand that kindness is a virtue, and at first I thought Olin was being both strong and brave. As the story went on however, I felt like grabbing Olin and getting the fuck away from Gil together. There was so much foreshadowing of physical abuse and dialogue that made me want me to throw my damn kindle.
Let me walk you through some examples;
1) Let's start by the dialogue and the way Gil and Olin spoke to each other. I almost feel like I was able to stomach the constant back and forth between the two MC's because I thought somewhere down the line, Olin would stand up for herself. I knew that the end of the book would try and "justify" his cruelty towards her, but there should be no justification for treating and talking to a girl like she's an object. None.
▶︎“I’m going to fuck you and then you’re walking out that door and never coming back.” The lace of alcohol in his tone didn’t slur but added a cruelty that only sent more fire into my already bleeding need."
▶︎“I promised myself I’d be as cruel as necessary to keep you away. That I’d hurt you all over again if that’s what it took. But...I’m too fucking weak. You’re perfect. You’ve always been perfect.”
2) These are threats, that on the surface level - manipulate you into thinking that Gil is about to hurt her. Even if he means a third party will hurt her, these are all manipulations of violence and promises of abuse.
▶︎Gil:“I’m better off alone, believe me.”
Olin: “You need medical attention.”
Gil: “So will you if you don’t leave.”
▶︎“His eyes flashed with history. Of the time he’d physically hurt me. Of the time his words had the power to stop my heart.”
3)The constant danger of physical abuse and fear that Gil is going to be "pushed too far," is the terror that drives Olin to be cautious. Yet, she keeps coming back. There is nothing called being "pushed too far" that equates to physical violence. This is not a justification, nor should it be to anyone reading.
▶︎"But what if he doesn’t ask me to leave next time? What if he threw me out physically? What if he hurt me like he had when I’d pushed him too far at school?"
▶︎“For fuck’s sake, Olin.” His eyes flashed, reminding me all over again of the nastiness he was capable of. “I told you to go! Don’t make me hurt you.”
4) The repetition bothered me too much. He would treat her like shit, she would go away only to come back the next day. Rinse and repeat. This isn't romance at all, this is something you see on a psychologists pamphlet that lets you know you're not in a working relationship. Gil would say such awful things and Olin would justify it herself.
▶︎"He’d bit me, licked me, devoured me, and ordered me to never go back. But he’s hurting..."
▶︎“I didn’t want you then, and I don’t want you now. You’re embarrassing yourself, Olin. Chasing after a man who has no intention of ever being with you again.”
5) Olin started pissing me off and soon as she inherently became a carpet. Gil would be an ass to her and she would be bothered that they didn't get to keep kissing or fucking. Then I felt a mixture of confusion and irritation because she genuinely wanted Gil to reach his breaking point in the most poisonous way. The main heroine wondering if she was safe or not with her supposed love interest is not something I really look for in a romance...
▶︎"“I think there is a connection.” I looked up briefly, studying how close I was to pushing him over the edge.
Push harder.
Earn answers.
Be prepared to run if he snaps."
▶︎“Yes, I’m very lucky Gilbert was there. I’m safe with him.”
Are you?
Are you truly?”
▶︎"I’d lied for him. I’d drained myself of everything at his request.
6) Eventually, there was two scenes that completely threw me over. The first one entailed Gil mocking Olin's sanity because she was concerned about the bruises and cuts he sported. The second was an incident where Olin "slipped," and then Gil went on to ask her to lie to the police without giving her any fucking reason other than to trust him, right after he hurt her.
▶︎“Why? Did you not see his injuries?” The bruise on his jaw. The cut on his lip. Gil stiffened as if I’d given away all his secrets. Shoving hands into his hoodie pocket, he stormed toward a trestle table chock-full of glass jars containing brushes and rags. “She’s seeing things. I actually fear for her mental stability. Get rid of her, will you, Miller?”
▶︎“Wh-what happened?” I licked my lips, wincing as another throb of pain found me.
He jerked as if I’d slapped him. “You slipped.”
...
“I slipped? How?” I didn’t slip. I was slammed into the door.
...
“Wait...” I swallowed hard. “You did this to me?” I ripped my hand away. “You knocked me out?”
He hunched, his green eyes flashing. “I didn’t mean to. I only meant to unbalance you. I just wanted your phone. But...I pushed too hard. You tripped and fell against the door.”
...
“So, you thought it would be better to maim me?”
“I deserve everything you have to say to me.” His hands curled into fists. “But...first, I need you to do something for me.”
7) Lastly, through all of this, Gil finds it in himself to blame Olin for it all.
▶︎“What do you want from me, Olin?” His sigh was endlessly heavy. “You push me until I snap. You taunt me until I retaliate. You’re not supposed to be in my life, yet you barged in anyway.” His eyes flashed. “This is your fault. You made it all so fucking complicated.”
“You’re blaming me for all of this?”
He nodded, moving forward and stopping in front of my chair-shield. “All of it.”
The Finale
In the end, I guessed the twist and I also ended up feeling very repulsed in general by this story. I felt like if the main concern was . Pepper Winters has written some of my favorites in the past and to say I was looking forward to this for a year is the truth. I fell in love with the synopsis the first time I read it and the teasers after that only added to my love.
It is with such a heavy heart that I write this review, and during writing this review, I thought I read a different book to everyone else. Toxicity is not romance, it should not be marketed as such. I don't think I have the energy to read the second book, regardless if it clears things up, simply because this book took such a massive emotional chunk out of me. The storyline felt lost to me because Gil and Olin kept going back and forth with the "stay away from me," "no wait, I need you" plot. I tried folks, I really did.
----Prior Reading----
The Body Painter ★ Most Anticipated
Expected publication: Summer 2018
Beautiful Artwork by ©️Shane Turner. His work gives me goosebumps and completely gets me excited for The Body Painter.
Want to read
August 18, 2019LIVE EARLY! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Thanks for my ARC! AN EX & A NEMESIS…COURTESY PEPPER! [rubs hands together]
Book 1 in duet.
LIVE EARLY! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow.
Books in Master of Trickery duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Body Painter
Book 2: The Living Canvas
ARC provided to me by author Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for my ARC! AN EX & A NEMESIS…COURTESY PEPPER! [rubs hands together]
Book 1 in duet.
LIVE EARLY! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow.
Books in Master of Trickery duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Body Painter
Book 2: The Living Canvas
ARC provided to me by author Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
OMG I can't believe I have been chasing this book since last year so as you can expect this book right here had my anticipation levels sky rocketing!! I had such high expectations for this book!!
So looking at my rating of 3 stars I liked it but I didn't love it..And it pains me to rate it as such..
Me and books have been in a real weird place of late, if this is what a book funk feels like I want off of it!!
This took me a while to get into, it even took me longer than normal to finish, it just didn't grab me like I was hoping it would, and yes I'm in a minority when it comes to my rating. And in this case I'm thinking it's definitely me and not the book!! For me it just didn't engage me like I was hoping it would, it moved slowly and not a lot really occurred with the length of the book we were presented with. So I'm sorry to say that I really struggled with this one..
Buutttt ignore my rating, ignore my review and get one clicking because as I said I'm in a minority when it comes to this book!!
August 20, 2019
Gil & Olin took my whole life energy and I *mentally* kicked them on the face too many times while I was reading this book but still that end gave me WTF vibes... 😳😳😳 I'm giving 3 stars because it was so frustrating the push&pull between Gil & Olin. I found it too much but still I hope you don't mind my rating and you give a chance to this story. Who knows maybe you'll love it more than I did...👍
And now I'm literally dying to read 2nd book! Ugh hopefully soon... 😬😬😬
And now I'm literally dying to read 2nd book! Ugh hopefully soon... 😬😬😬
Read
August 18, 2019LIVE EARLY!! Available Now Everywhere
THE BODY PAINTER (Master of Trickery #1)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YWaNCT
iBooks: https://apple.co/2Hg3Gt6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VtSlj4
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Jfilbg
Nook: http://bit.ly/30nG66r
Amazon.uk: https://amzn.to/2KGmzsg
Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/2OZmJz3
Amazon.au: https://amzn.to/2z1F7fU
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2MoiE5w
THE BODY PAINTER (Master of Trickery #1)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YWaNCT
iBooks: https://apple.co/2Hg3Gt6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VtSlj4
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Jfilbg
Nook: http://bit.ly/30nG66r
Amazon.uk: https://amzn.to/2KGmzsg
Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/2OZmJz3
Amazon.au: https://amzn.to/2z1F7fU
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2MoiE5w
August 25, 2019
3 STARS
It's no secret that Pepper Winters is a master when it comes to crafting intricate and captivating stories, and the Master of Trickery duet is no exception. It was beautifully written, twisted with secrets, and smothered with pain.
Unfortunately as much as I wanted to love it, I struggled immensely to get into the story. Much like all Pepper's books, this one was lengthy. And while there's a riveting story at the core of it, it's also muddled with too much unnecessary description and back and forth between the characters that did nothing to drive the story forward and slowed the pacing down. It took me about 5 days to get through the first 60% of this book, but I was riveted to the pages on the last 40% of it.
Gil & Olin have a history that's riddled in heartache. But when fate reunites them years after through sheer happenstance, Olin no longer recognizes the boy she once gave her heart to. He's cold, aloof, and wants nothing to do with her. She doesn't understand what happened all those years ago to make him disappear from her life and she's determined to get answers this time around. Admittedly I struggled a lot with Olin and her almost naive nature when it came to all things Gil. As much as I love a good a-hole, I wanted to rip my hair out from their constant and consistent back and forth and Olin's forgiveness of his ruthless treatment. Over half the book is spent on the I-want-you-but-I-can't-have-you, I-hate-you-but-not-really, go-away-but-come-back dance. It was extremely frustrating. There's a lot of internal monologue and some flashbacks to the past to explain what led them to the people they are today. There's plenty of secrets and twists interwoven into their story, but there was simply too much unnecessary detail along the way that took most of the intensity out of the story for me.
That aside, there's still an extremely gripping story here. One that's impossible to not want more of. And my quibbles aside, I was still left with my jaw on the floor by the end and desperately wanting the next book. Don't let my rating deter you. This is definitely worth the read, especially for any fans of this author. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this duet!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Our attraction exploded. Our togetherness ruptured. It burned. It ached. It wanted.
It's no secret that Pepper Winters is a master when it comes to crafting intricate and captivating stories, and the Master of Trickery duet is no exception. It was beautifully written, twisted with secrets, and smothered with pain.
Unfortunately as much as I wanted to love it, I struggled immensely to get into the story. Much like all Pepper's books, this one was lengthy. And while there's a riveting story at the core of it, it's also muddled with too much unnecessary description and back and forth between the characters that did nothing to drive the story forward and slowed the pacing down. It took me about 5 days to get through the first 60% of this book, but I was riveted to the pages on the last 40% of it.
Gil & Olin have a history that's riddled in heartache. But when fate reunites them years after through sheer happenstance, Olin no longer recognizes the boy she once gave her heart to. He's cold, aloof, and wants nothing to do with her. She doesn't understand what happened all those years ago to make him disappear from her life and she's determined to get answers this time around. Admittedly I struggled a lot with Olin and her almost naive nature when it came to all things Gil. As much as I love a good a-hole, I wanted to rip my hair out from their constant and consistent back and forth and Olin's forgiveness of his ruthless treatment. Over half the book is spent on the I-want-you-but-I-can't-have-you, I-hate-you-but-not-really, go-away-but-come-back dance. It was extremely frustrating. There's a lot of internal monologue and some flashbacks to the past to explain what led them to the people they are today. There's plenty of secrets and twists interwoven into their story, but there was simply too much unnecessary detail along the way that took most of the intensity out of the story for me.
That aside, there's still an extremely gripping story here. One that's impossible to not want more of. And my quibbles aside, I was still left with my jaw on the floor by the end and desperately wanting the next book. Don't let my rating deter you. This is definitely worth the read, especially for any fans of this author. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this duet!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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August 17, 2019
Live amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WN88FN3
5 STARS
“You are in my mouth, up my nose, in my fucking blood. I need to see you. I want you as broken as you’ve made me.”
What a ride, I devour it in one sitting!The body Painter was everything I wanted and even more!I'm speechless, I was hooked from the very start and I was mesmerized, the writing was flawless and the unique characters were so addictive that I just couldn't put it down!
This is happening whenever I start a new book from Pepper Winters, she has a way with her words that make me feel like I'm a part of the story!The storyline is fantastic and I loved how is told in past and present!Gil and Ollin are perplexed,intense,full of tension,passionate and stubborn!I could find similarities in these two and I enjoyed their story!
“Gil had been the boy I’d wanted to marry. He’d belonged to me like I’d belonged to him. But then he’d become a monster...and no one knew why. "
The ending left me craving for more!This book was everything and I cannot wait for the next book!
5 STARS
“You are in my mouth, up my nose, in my fucking blood. I need to see you. I want you as broken as you’ve made me.”
What a ride, I devour it in one sitting!The body Painter was everything I wanted and even more!I'm speechless, I was hooked from the very start and I was mesmerized, the writing was flawless and the unique characters were so addictive that I just couldn't put it down!
This is happening whenever I start a new book from Pepper Winters, she has a way with her words that make me feel like I'm a part of the story!The storyline is fantastic and I loved how is told in past and present!Gil and Ollin are perplexed,intense,full of tension,passionate and stubborn!I could find similarities in these two and I enjoyed their story!
“Gil had been the boy I’d wanted to marry. He’d belonged to me like I’d belonged to him. But then he’d become a monster...and no one knew why. "
The ending left me craving for more!This book was everything and I cannot wait for the next book!
August 11, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
upload image
📚 “If you knew me, you’d run from me.” His voice thickened. “You should run. Please, God. Run.” 📚
GOD, I've been waiting for this book for too long!!! I even embarrassingly stalked Pepper until the ARC reached my Kindle. LOL 🙈
In the past, she wrote that this was one of her darkest duets, and I'll admit I was worried. But around 50% I thought: "This is it? What exactly is dark in here?!?" 😂
Until, suddenly... BOOM!!!! 💥💥💥
Everything exploded like only Pepper Winters knows- and I was left gaping, trying to catch my breath!
📚 “Kiss me?
Love me?
Now die for me.
I’m sorry....” 📚
I love Pepper's writing style. Her special characters and gloriously broken men (that makes you want to pounce and jump them at the same time! 😂), her original story lines that keep you awake until the wee hours of the night and her ability to tell a story full of suspense and sexiness that includes lots of details- and each one matters... "The Body Painter" is no different.
📚 “You are in my mouth, up my nose, in my fucking blood. I need to see you. I want you as broken as you’ve made me.” 📚
This book was everything Pepper promised us, and more... Well, I had no doubt, but I'm glad I was right- the long wait was so worth it!💃
And the end...? It Killed Me! Fucking KILLED ME!!!
I can't wait to find out what happens next!!! 😱😱😱
So sit tight and get ready for a CRAZY ride! 👏👑
https://youtu.be/wKOEJs602uk
***I received an ARC from the author for an objective review***
upload image
📚 “If you knew me, you’d run from me.” His voice thickened. “You should run. Please, God. Run.” 📚
GOD, I've been waiting for this book for too long!!! I even embarrassingly stalked Pepper until the ARC reached my Kindle. LOL 🙈
In the past, she wrote that this was one of her darkest duets, and I'll admit I was worried. But around 50% I thought: "This is it? What exactly is dark in here?!?" 😂
Until, suddenly... BOOM!!!! 💥💥💥
Everything exploded like only Pepper Winters knows- and I was left gaping, trying to catch my breath!
📚 “Kiss me?
Love me?
Now die for me.
I’m sorry....” 📚
I love Pepper's writing style. Her special characters and gloriously broken men (that makes you want to pounce and jump them at the same time! 😂), her original story lines that keep you awake until the wee hours of the night and her ability to tell a story full of suspense and sexiness that includes lots of details- and each one matters... "The Body Painter" is no different.
📚 “You are in my mouth, up my nose, in my fucking blood. I need to see you. I want you as broken as you’ve made me.” 📚
This book was everything Pepper promised us, and more... Well, I had no doubt, but I'm glad I was right- the long wait was so worth it!💃
And the end...? It Killed Me! Fucking KILLED ME!!!
I can't wait to find out what happens next!!! 😱😱😱
So sit tight and get ready for a CRAZY ride! 👏👑
https://youtu.be/wKOEJs602uk
***I received an ARC from the author for an objective review***
August 27, 2019
“Something unique and special and absolutely terrifying.”
In her indomitable writing style, Pepper Winters spins a dark twisted tale of star-crossed lovers filled with tension, angst, “look-away” moments, and mystery. And…of course, sizzling, intense erotic moments that steal away your breath, if not, your heart. This book is the beginning of a heartbreaking story that no one can guess where it's going. I suspect some readers are miffed with the huge “cliffy” at the end. I do not feel this way because a “cliffy” is half the fun of reading your favorite author; imagining in your mind to where it will all lead and being surprised if you are right…or wrong. And the sheer fact that this story does linger and has this impact is testimony to the author’s power behind her pen. It is never the usual fare with Ms. Winters!
The character development is painstakingly constructed through the presentation of events 7 years in the past and the present day. It is told from the dual viewpoints of Gil, the dark male protagonist, and Olin, the female protagonist. The past is detailed to us only from the viewpoint of Gil which is telling in its own way if you think about this.
Gil is a complex character who really isn’t written to be very likable. He is written to tell us of consequences of a person’s evil deeds…and perhaps his own. That he loves Olin is made obvious in the beautiful words in his heart and put in his mouth at times by the author. He left Olin after they fell in love in school and now he is adamant that she stays away from him because she is in danger. Yet, Olin senses her one true love is suffering and she is determined to help.
Olin has her own sorrows to bear but she is determined to make it through. The abuses she suffered as a youth were different than those suffered by Gil and her history may explain her determination to keep trying to get through to Gil despite being rejected over and over again. I disagree with those who say she is written as a weak character. We meet her in the present still surviving despite the fact that she lost her love and the ability to do the one thing she loved…to dance. Answering the ad of The Body Painter as she was desperately looking for a job is how they reunite.
These two characters are developed through an intricate plot that leaves the reader stunned and constantly guessing along with Olin…
“Stop trying to connect dots that aren’t there, Olin.” - Gil
This is neither a quick or light read. It is however a worthwhile read. I personally am on tether hooks anxiously awaiting the next book. I have no doubt that Pepper Winters has some literary magic up her sleeve. She has certainly set the stage with this dark, inventive, surprising…no shocking story.
I recommend this experience to lovers of romance…keep in mind it is erotic and darker.
“Though I am often in the depths of misery, there is still calmness, pure harmony and music inside me. I see paintings or drawings in the poorest cottages, in the dirtiest corners. And my mind is driven towards these things with an irresistible momentum.”—Vincent Van Gogh (This quote taken from the last two sentences of Epigraph before the book.)
In her indomitable writing style, Pepper Winters spins a dark twisted tale of star-crossed lovers filled with tension, angst, “look-away” moments, and mystery. And…of course, sizzling, intense erotic moments that steal away your breath, if not, your heart. This book is the beginning of a heartbreaking story that no one can guess where it's going. I suspect some readers are miffed with the huge “cliffy” at the end. I do not feel this way because a “cliffy” is half the fun of reading your favorite author; imagining in your mind to where it will all lead and being surprised if you are right…or wrong. And the sheer fact that this story does linger and has this impact is testimony to the author’s power behind her pen. It is never the usual fare with Ms. Winters!
The character development is painstakingly constructed through the presentation of events 7 years in the past and the present day. It is told from the dual viewpoints of Gil, the dark male protagonist, and Olin, the female protagonist. The past is detailed to us only from the viewpoint of Gil which is telling in its own way if you think about this.
Gil is a complex character who really isn’t written to be very likable. He is written to tell us of consequences of a person’s evil deeds…and perhaps his own. That he loves Olin is made obvious in the beautiful words in his heart and put in his mouth at times by the author. He left Olin after they fell in love in school and now he is adamant that she stays away from him because she is in danger. Yet, Olin senses her one true love is suffering and she is determined to help.
“Gil was complex. He had secrets and tempers and love that didn’t make sense, but beneath all that complexity was utter simplicity. He needed me as much as I needed him. He always had. And that broke me into a million pieces because he’d torn us apart to survive without each other and look at what we’d become.” – Olin
Olin has her own sorrows to bear but she is determined to make it through. The abuses she suffered as a youth were different than those suffered by Gil and her history may explain her determination to keep trying to get through to Gil despite being rejected over and over again. I disagree with those who say she is written as a weak character. We meet her in the present still surviving despite the fact that she lost her love and the ability to do the one thing she loved…to dance. Answering the ad of The Body Painter as she was desperately looking for a job is how they reunite.
“You’re so strong. Strong enough to push me away, even when I tell you you’re in danger. Strong enough to give me everything you have, all because you’re selfless. Strong enough to forgive me, even though I’m the reason you’re in trouble.” His nose nuzzled mine. “I need to know how you can do all that, endure everything you have, and still be good…because I…I’m really fucking struggling.” – Gil
These two characters are developed through an intricate plot that leaves the reader stunned and constantly guessing along with Olin…
“Stop trying to connect dots that aren’t there, Olin.” - Gil
This is neither a quick or light read. It is however a worthwhile read. I personally am on tether hooks anxiously awaiting the next book. I have no doubt that Pepper Winters has some literary magic up her sleeve. She has certainly set the stage with this dark, inventive, surprising…no shocking story.
I recommend this experience to lovers of romance…keep in mind it is erotic and darker.
“The air crackled and wept around us, full of regret and remorse. Regret for what? Remorse for who?” – Olin (This particular sentence caught my attention for its sheer beauty. Pepper Winters is such a great writer!)
May 18, 2022
Second chance romance between two broken people
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌏
Character development: 🤒😌🙃
The heroine: Olin - She is a former dancer who lost her career aspirations when she was in an accident. The used car lot where she worked most recently had closed down two months ago and she has been out of work ever since. She is getting desperate for a job and applies for a position as a living canvas for a popular body painter.
The Hero: Gil - he has become popular as the hooded figure on YouTube that is seen painting the bodies of naked women. He is gruff, grouchy and bad tempered. He has a commission to paint something specific and needs a new model to work on.
The Story: When Olin goes to interview for the job as the model for a popular body painter she is stunned to find her former high school boyfriend Gil. He seemed to hate her and wanted her gone immediately. There was a time when they were in love and he just disappeared from her life. He now seems to be a monster who wants nothing to do with her.
The book was told in dual points of view and narrated by Will M. Watt and Felicity Foster. The book takes place in Great Britain and both narrators have British accents and pleasant voices. Each narrator read their own parts within each chapter, so the male narrator didn’t have to do female voices and vice versa. That is my favorite kind of narration.
The story was told partly in flashbacks to when they were in school, when they first met and Gil watched Olin and fell in love with her. He came from a bad background where he was always worried about where he was abused and he was held back in school twice by their teacher who had it out for him. He saw Olin as such a good and honest person and was surprised that she wanted to be friends with him.
The blurb didn’t indicate that this was a second chance romance. I usually stay away from those because I don’t like it when the main characters have a whole history together that took place prior to the story beginning. So my rating reflects that a bit. I do love Pepper Winters writing though, especially her captive romance works. I still plan to read a few more of her series that I haven’t gotten to yet.
Though the story was good, especially if you like dark romance romance between two broken people and secrets that take time to come to light. Personally I like a Hero that is more put together and I just didn’t get why Olin put up with Gil and pined after him given that he treated her like crap, both when they were young and again when she meets him seven years later. I get that she wanted to know why he left her the way he did, but really does it matter? He treated you bad, why should the reason matter? Even if he had a good reason, should you give him another chance to hurt you again?
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌏
Character development: 🤒😌🙃
The heroine: Olin - She is a former dancer who lost her career aspirations when she was in an accident. The used car lot where she worked most recently had closed down two months ago and she has been out of work ever since. She is getting desperate for a job and applies for a position as a living canvas for a popular body painter.
The Hero: Gil - he has become popular as the hooded figure on YouTube that is seen painting the bodies of naked women. He is gruff, grouchy and bad tempered. He has a commission to paint something specific and needs a new model to work on.
The Story: When Olin goes to interview for the job as the model for a popular body painter she is stunned to find her former high school boyfriend Gil. He seemed to hate her and wanted her gone immediately. There was a time when they were in love and he just disappeared from her life. He now seems to be a monster who wants nothing to do with her.
The book was told in dual points of view and narrated by Will M. Watt and Felicity Foster. The book takes place in Great Britain and both narrators have British accents and pleasant voices. Each narrator read their own parts within each chapter, so the male narrator didn’t have to do female voices and vice versa. That is my favorite kind of narration.
The story was told partly in flashbacks to when they were in school, when they first met and Gil watched Olin and fell in love with her. He came from a bad background where he was always worried about where he was abused and he was held back in school twice by their teacher who had it out for him. He saw Olin as such a good and honest person and was surprised that she wanted to be friends with him.
The blurb didn’t indicate that this was a second chance romance. I usually stay away from those because I don’t like it when the main characters have a whole history together that took place prior to the story beginning. So my rating reflects that a bit. I do love Pepper Winters writing though, especially her captive romance works. I still plan to read a few more of her series that I haven’t gotten to yet.
Though the story was good, especially if you like dark romance romance between two broken people and secrets that take time to come to light. Personally I like a Hero that is more put together and I just didn’t get why Olin put up with Gil and pined after him given that he treated her like crap, both when they were young and again when she meets him seven years later. I get that she wanted to know why he left her the way he did, but really does it matter? He treated you bad, why should the reason matter? Even if he had a good reason, should you give him another chance to hurt you again?
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
August 21, 2019
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
-"I want you as broken as you've made me."
Olin Moss moved back to Birmingham, England a couple years ago when her dancing dreams went up in flames. Now she's just trying to make ends meet, so when she see's an interesting ad looking for the perfect living canvas she decides to apply. She then comes face to face with body painter Gil Clark, who is known as the Master of Trickery. He's an incredibly talented artist who has become an online sensation with his you tube videos. He's masculine with harsh features, and a cold, clinical, disciplined personality. He seems forever angry, and shuts down his emotions. He's sinfully beautiful, and soon Olin feels like she's drowning in need and desire. He portrays himself as a heartless monster, but Olin looks beyond the dark surface. As she tries to get close to him he attempts to remain unreadable. He has his own demons and past, and won't let anyone too close. The problem is his head and his body are at war. He wants Olin, but is determined to try and resist her. Will he give in to what's been inevitable from the start, or will they continue to be nothing but artist and canvas?
-This was a dance. A dance of colours and need.
-Our attraction exploded. Our togetherness ruptured. It burned. It ached. It wanted. Whatever connection he'd tried to deny, beat him into acceptance.
-"Once I kiss you, you're mine."
-He'd kissed me as if he'd been drowning.
-A kiss like that couldn't be given and then taken away. A kiss like that demanded further investigation.
-"I was yours the very first day we spoke."
The Body Painter (Master of Trickery Duet #1) by Pepper Winters is a sexy, dark, emotional, intense story about a tortured artist surrounded by mystery and secrets. It's a unique romance full of love, passion, angst, tension, and suspense. I look forward to The Living Canvas, the conclusion to this couple's story.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2z70AEc
(ARC provided by author)
-"I want you as broken as you've made me."
Olin Moss moved back to Birmingham, England a couple years ago when her dancing dreams went up in flames. Now she's just trying to make ends meet, so when she see's an interesting ad looking for the perfect living canvas she decides to apply. She then comes face to face with body painter Gil Clark, who is known as the Master of Trickery. He's an incredibly talented artist who has become an online sensation with his you tube videos. He's masculine with harsh features, and a cold, clinical, disciplined personality. He seems forever angry, and shuts down his emotions. He's sinfully beautiful, and soon Olin feels like she's drowning in need and desire. He portrays himself as a heartless monster, but Olin looks beyond the dark surface. As she tries to get close to him he attempts to remain unreadable. He has his own demons and past, and won't let anyone too close. The problem is his head and his body are at war. He wants Olin, but is determined to try and resist her. Will he give in to what's been inevitable from the start, or will they continue to be nothing but artist and canvas?
-This was a dance. A dance of colours and need.
-Our attraction exploded. Our togetherness ruptured. It burned. It ached. It wanted. Whatever connection he'd tried to deny, beat him into acceptance.
-"Once I kiss you, you're mine."
-He'd kissed me as if he'd been drowning.
-A kiss like that couldn't be given and then taken away. A kiss like that demanded further investigation.
-"I was yours the very first day we spoke."
The Body Painter (Master of Trickery Duet #1) by Pepper Winters is a sexy, dark, emotional, intense story about a tortured artist surrounded by mystery and secrets. It's a unique romance full of love, passion, angst, tension, and suspense. I look forward to The Living Canvas, the conclusion to this couple's story.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2z70AEc
October 23, 2019
”We’d always been made for each other. Time had ripped us apart, but fate had brought us back.”
This is book 1 of a duet. It ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger, so you will need to read book 2.
Characters:
Olin: outside she seems all put together, but the reality is that her parents don’t care about her and they are always gone so she takes care of herself and is lonely. Gil and dancing are what bring her happiness.
Gil: he definitely doesn’t come from a good home. “I live in a whore house. My father is an alcoholic and a pimp. I don’t know which of his whores is my mother. She’s probably dead from overdosing. My room is next to a whore’s whose clients make it impossible to sleep. There’s never any food in the house. My father hates me and loves to prove it.” ☹️
My Thoughts:
Pepper is one of my favorite authors, but I'm sad to say this book won't go on my favorites shelf. 😢
I didn't experience many other emotions besides frustration and irritation. Why couldn't Gil reveal his secrets?? And why did Olin constantly put up with Gil's crap???? 🤔🤔. I definitely wanted throw my kindle across the room many, many times.
These two Drove Me Crazy!!! The push / pull was non-stop and I got exhausted with their relationship, or lack thereof. It's clear they belong together, but something is keeping them apart and the reader has no idea what. And, because the secret wasn’t revealed, the story became repetitive. Olin runs to Gil and tries to help him, he pushes her away, she runs back to him to help, begs to know what's going on with him, he pushes her away, she runs back to him again, he can't resist her and they get physical, then he pushes her away. Rinse.....Repeat. Argh 😤
“I tried to have an honest, adult conversation with you, and you tried shaming it with lies.” I shook my head, disappointed and distraught that the boy I’d never gotten over had turned into such a short-tempered, unbreakable male. “I’ll go. I won’t annoy you with my presence anymore. You’re not telling me the truth, but I’ve got the message. Don’t worry.”
I brushed past him, my spine tense and knees quaking. “You won.”
“I flew to him, following old patterns of caring for him, protecting him, ready to be everything he needed because that was how it’d been between us. A partnership. A vow that we would always, always look after the other.”
Ok....it’s admirable that she wants to stay true to a vow, but honestly this just made her seem like a doormat. And Gil.....well, he was just mean sometimes. Definitely not who I wanted my H & h to be. 😕
The book flips back and forth between the past and the present. The past is told from Gil's POV and the present is told from Olin's POV. This allows the reader to understand the foundation of their deep connection.
”There had once been an incredible us.
A blistering connection between a privileged girl and a poor boy who weren’t from the same existence.”
Revisiting the past was just as frustrating as the present. These two just couldn't catch a break. For me, I find it hard to stay engaged when the H/h never seem to win. I need a few bread crumbs along the way where the main characters get the upper hand every once in awhile, but that didn't happen. In the past and in the present these two had outside forces that kept them apart and they always seemed to be defeated and heartbroken.
At 63% you find out someone is murdering people. ”Another murder. Third girl this year. All the same motive. Body painted and left to starve, all while she was right in front of the police’s noses—”
“She was painted to match the treetops where he’d hidden her." .
That twist felt like it came out of nowhere and I was a little thrown and confused why the author waited so long to introduce this element.
I had a hard time staying engaged and actually skipped quite a few pages. With the doozy of a cliffhanger though, I’m determined to finish book 2. I’m hoping that now that a portion of the secret is revealed things will progress better in the next book.
Quotes:
“I was useless against him when he begged.
I’d let him guide our path when we were younger; happy to let him be in control because I trusted him impeccably. I loved having the honour of being the only one he talked to. The only one permitted to be close to him, to know his secrets, to walk beside him.”
“I’d fought for his affection only to receive emotional scars as my reward.”
“Gil had been the boy I’d wanted to marry.
He’d belonged to me like I’d belonged to him.
But then he’d become a monster...and no one knew why.”
“I was in love with her because she was pure grace. She had a way of hypnotising me, calming my dismal thoughts, and anchoring me firmly in the moment.”
“I have friends. I have company. But...none of them fills up the holes inside me like you do. It’s like...I only need you.”
This is book 1 of a duet. It ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger, so you will need to read book 2.
Characters:
Olin: outside she seems all put together, but the reality is that her parents don’t care about her and they are always gone so she takes care of herself and is lonely. Gil and dancing are what bring her happiness.
Gil: he definitely doesn’t come from a good home. “I live in a whore house. My father is an alcoholic and a pimp. I don’t know which of his whores is my mother. She’s probably dead from overdosing. My room is next to a whore’s whose clients make it impossible to sleep. There’s never any food in the house. My father hates me and loves to prove it.” ☹️
My Thoughts:
Pepper is one of my favorite authors, but I'm sad to say this book won't go on my favorites shelf. 😢
I didn't experience many other emotions besides frustration and irritation. Why couldn't Gil reveal his secrets?? And why did Olin constantly put up with Gil's crap???? 🤔🤔. I definitely wanted throw my kindle across the room many, many times.
These two Drove Me Crazy!!! The push / pull was non-stop and I got exhausted with their relationship, or lack thereof. It's clear they belong together, but something is keeping them apart and the reader has no idea what. And, because the secret wasn’t revealed, the story became repetitive. Olin runs to Gil and tries to help him, he pushes her away, she runs back to him to help, begs to know what's going on with him, he pushes her away, she runs back to him again, he can't resist her and they get physical, then he pushes her away. Rinse.....Repeat. Argh 😤
“I tried to have an honest, adult conversation with you, and you tried shaming it with lies.” I shook my head, disappointed and distraught that the boy I’d never gotten over had turned into such a short-tempered, unbreakable male. “I’ll go. I won’t annoy you with my presence anymore. You’re not telling me the truth, but I’ve got the message. Don’t worry.”
I brushed past him, my spine tense and knees quaking. “You won.”
“I flew to him, following old patterns of caring for him, protecting him, ready to be everything he needed because that was how it’d been between us. A partnership. A vow that we would always, always look after the other.”
Ok....it’s admirable that she wants to stay true to a vow, but honestly this just made her seem like a doormat. And Gil.....well, he was just mean sometimes. Definitely not who I wanted my H & h to be. 😕
The book flips back and forth between the past and the present. The past is told from Gil's POV and the present is told from Olin's POV. This allows the reader to understand the foundation of their deep connection.
”There had once been an incredible us.
A blistering connection between a privileged girl and a poor boy who weren’t from the same existence.”
Revisiting the past was just as frustrating as the present. These two just couldn't catch a break. For me, I find it hard to stay engaged when the H/h never seem to win. I need a few bread crumbs along the way where the main characters get the upper hand every once in awhile, but that didn't happen. In the past and in the present these two had outside forces that kept them apart and they always seemed to be defeated and heartbroken.
At 63% you find out someone is murdering people. ”Another murder. Third girl this year. All the same motive. Body painted and left to starve, all while she was right in front of the police’s noses—”
“She was painted to match the treetops where he’d hidden her." .
That twist felt like it came out of nowhere and I was a little thrown and confused why the author waited so long to introduce this element.
I had a hard time staying engaged and actually skipped quite a few pages. With the doozy of a cliffhanger though, I’m determined to finish book 2. I’m hoping that now that a portion of the secret is revealed things will progress better in the next book.
Quotes:
“I was useless against him when he begged.
I’d let him guide our path when we were younger; happy to let him be in control because I trusted him impeccably. I loved having the honour of being the only one he talked to. The only one permitted to be close to him, to know his secrets, to walk beside him.”
“I’d fought for his affection only to receive emotional scars as my reward.”
“Gil had been the boy I’d wanted to marry.
He’d belonged to me like I’d belonged to him.
But then he’d become a monster...and no one knew why.”
“I was in love with her because she was pure grace. She had a way of hypnotising me, calming my dismal thoughts, and anchoring me firmly in the moment.”
“I have friends. I have company. But...none of them fills up the holes inside me like you do. It’s like...I only need you.”
August 20, 2019
50% into the book. And the writer still doesn't get to the point.
A heads up : 50% of the book is repetitive. There is no head, body, structure of any sort. Every other chapter is a switch b/w the past & the present. And really nothing happens. You're merely spending a week at best both in the past & present with the heroine just being needy, not understanding the meaning of no, annoying the brains out of both the reader & the hero (we're supposed to believe that it's just unresolved conflict) I thought "no meant no?" Be it a woman or a man. She just doesn't leave. She's clingy, desperate, sugary sweet despite the Hero treating her like crap without providing a reason, although again we're "supposed to believe" there is a reason - it just won't be told to us until the climax and then I'm sure there'll be this major conflict/torture (hero's sob story) "I was just doing it to protect you/for your own good blah blah" . Same old BS. Guess what, we ain't buying this crap anymore.
There's a problem? Talk about it & finish it off asap, move on. Write your literature, don't waste your reader's time. Take a chapter or 2 don't take up more than half of the book for a simple conversation for goodness sake. It's nerve wracking & not in a good way.
Don't give me the "but life is complicated" crap. It is, but not like it takes half a book to write about 2 days.
Goes to the DNF rack.
A heads up : 50% of the book is repetitive. There is no head, body, structure of any sort. Every other chapter is a switch b/w the past & the present. And really nothing happens. You're merely spending a week at best both in the past & present with the heroine just being needy, not understanding the meaning of no, annoying the brains out of both the reader & the hero (we're supposed to believe that it's just unresolved conflict) I thought "no meant no?" Be it a woman or a man. She just doesn't leave. She's clingy, desperate, sugary sweet despite the Hero treating her like crap without providing a reason, although again we're "supposed to believe" there is a reason - it just won't be told to us until the climax and then I'm sure there'll be this major conflict/torture (hero's sob story) "I was just doing it to protect you/for your own good blah blah" . Same old BS. Guess what, we ain't buying this crap anymore.
There's a problem? Talk about it & finish it off asap, move on. Write your literature, don't waste your reader's time. Take a chapter or 2 don't take up more than half of the book for a simple conversation for goodness sake. It's nerve wracking & not in a good way.
Don't give me the "but life is complicated" crap. It is, but not like it takes half a book to write about 2 days.
Goes to the DNF rack.
August 18, 2019
I have no idea why I love this book so much. There are definite things missing, like more of a faster plot and the complete obliviousness of the heroine in this book mind of drove me crazy; but, for some reason, the combination of characters and situations just worked perfectly. The fragility of Gil & Olin’s relationship felt believable and never became exhausting for me as a reader. The alternating POV enables the reader to bond with both of them and strengthened my understanding of both characters. Any time I read this author, I know I'm going to be in for an sensual emotional journey, and this time was no different. As always, Pepper Winters didn't disappoint, but left me wanting more.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 5/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 3/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 5/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 5/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 3/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2019
4,5 “on pins and needles” stars
How could you leave us like this Pepper??????????????
I NEED to know what will happen next! You are just enjoying torturing us I know it!
Okay folks, what’s this book about and should you read it or not.
About reading it or not, know that you must love a big dose of mystery in your romance, tortured and flawed hero AND there are some scenes, few luckily, very very very hard to read because …abuse.
I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil your fun about this but I honestly skipped said scenes because it was too hard for me.
You see when the author does her job properly, as in The Body Painter, I am totally invested in the characters. I hurt with them. And when they have to go through some specific kind of violence, when it’s more than hinted at, I suffocate and just want to throw up.
That’s what happened to me here, I simply could not stand it. This emphasizes the stellar job done by Pepper Winters writing this gripping story.
The Body Painter is about what you could call soul mates or star-crossed lovers.
Olin and Gil met in high school and both were very lonely, both were abused in their own ways. The story is told between past from Gil’s point of view and present from Olin’s.
The flash backs were fewer than the present chapters and did not disrupt the flow of the story, just added some light on the character’s reaction and their backstory.
Gil is one of these tortured, flawed, dark yet luminous heroes Pepper has the knack to write. In all the books that I have read by her she has never written a “simple” two-dimensional hero.
Gil is complex, hiding deep secrets.
At the beginning of the story, we get that he is poor, lives in an abusive house (I won’t call it home) and that school is like a haven for him. He eats his only meal at school, sprays deodorant on his clothes as he can’t wash them every day and stays in his corner. Distant. Friendless. Aloof and closed off with everyone.
He’s always been attracted to Olin, her kindness, her light.
When he’ll be “forced” to accompany her to the bathroom, they will form a close bond. From the first moment on it’s like an invisible cord links these two together. Fight all they want, it will always be present. That attraction. That feeling to be SEEN by the other. Two souls recognizing their mate.
Olin will be hated by some of you.
I want to say it as I know some of my friends don’t like a female character who forgives everything. Who does not seem to put herself before others. Who will always accept from the male character.
I loved Olin. Because I think choosing kindness above meanness, forgiveness above resentment is the strongest thing someone can do.
She will support and help Gil all along. She will see right through his rough exterior. She will find the gentleness, the tender heart below the cold façade.
They were together for some blissful months in school until Gil broke up with her. Without any explanation.
Years after, in the present of the story, Olin will meet him again by a twist of fate.
Circumstances have changed. Olin is really desperate and went through incredibly hard times. She’s been tested by life in the harshest way. And through it all she survived. Alone.
Because under her kind appearance hides a real will of iron.
All her dreams have been shattered yet she is going on.
Gil… Gil is more tortured than ever. Darker. Hurting.
When these two meet again, the attraction is still sizzling.
Countless times Gil will push her away. He will be cold at best, mean at worst.
Yet Olin will come back again and again. Some will call her a fool I call her a knight.
I won’t delve further into the plot. Just know that Gil have secrets weighting him down. He is a haunted man. He’s always protected Olin but at what cost?
Gil is a protector at heart but he is also a lost man.
I guessed his secret or at least part of it as one piece is missing but I think I guessed the missing part too. We’ll see in the next book.
I loved:
-the secrets, the ordeals, the tortured souls because Pepper writes dark, flawed heroes like none others;
-the complexity of Gil. He should be dark yet he shines. He thinks he is undeserving of Olin’s love. He thinks he deserves all his punishment, all that’s happened to him whereas it’s that unfair life and horrible adults who backed him in that corner. He wants to be kind and make sweet love to Olin but fears he’ll only have brutal sexual intercourse with her;
-the goodness of Olin and her enormous strength. She’s been alone all her life and that’s why when she needs to think, to regroup, when she is lost, she needs to be alone. This was a revelation to me as I recognize so much of me in Olin’s need to be alone to feel at peace when life is harsh. She has been through so many things that would have shattered anyone yet she still walks life with her chin high. Olin was kind, selfless, loving and brave.
I didn’t love:
-the cliffhanger duh!
Recommend it? Totally if you think you can handle it.
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
How could you leave us like this Pepper??????????????
I NEED to know what will happen next! You are just enjoying torturing us I know it!
Okay folks, what’s this book about and should you read it or not.
About reading it or not, know that you must love a big dose of mystery in your romance, tortured and flawed hero AND there are some scenes, few luckily, very very very hard to read because …abuse.
I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil your fun about this but I honestly skipped said scenes because it was too hard for me.
You see when the author does her job properly, as in The Body Painter, I am totally invested in the characters. I hurt with them. And when they have to go through some specific kind of violence, when it’s more than hinted at, I suffocate and just want to throw up.
That’s what happened to me here, I simply could not stand it. This emphasizes the stellar job done by Pepper Winters writing this gripping story.
The Body Painter is about what you could call soul mates or star-crossed lovers.
Olin and Gil met in high school and both were very lonely, both were abused in their own ways. The story is told between past from Gil’s point of view and present from Olin’s.
The flash backs were fewer than the present chapters and did not disrupt the flow of the story, just added some light on the character’s reaction and their backstory.
Gil is one of these tortured, flawed, dark yet luminous heroes Pepper has the knack to write. In all the books that I have read by her she has never written a “simple” two-dimensional hero.
Gil is complex, hiding deep secrets.
At the beginning of the story, we get that he is poor, lives in an abusive house (I won’t call it home) and that school is like a haven for him. He eats his only meal at school, sprays deodorant on his clothes as he can’t wash them every day and stays in his corner. Distant. Friendless. Aloof and closed off with everyone.
He’s always been attracted to Olin, her kindness, her light.
When he’ll be “forced” to accompany her to the bathroom, they will form a close bond. From the first moment on it’s like an invisible cord links these two together. Fight all they want, it will always be present. That attraction. That feeling to be SEEN by the other. Two souls recognizing their mate.
Olin will be hated by some of you.
I want to say it as I know some of my friends don’t like a female character who forgives everything. Who does not seem to put herself before others. Who will always accept from the male character.
I loved Olin. Because I think choosing kindness above meanness, forgiveness above resentment is the strongest thing someone can do.
She will support and help Gil all along. She will see right through his rough exterior. She will find the gentleness, the tender heart below the cold façade.
“But Olin...she shone with sincerity. She made me wonder what it would be like to trust her. To have the luxury of her friendship, knowing she’d have my back because that was who she was. She wasn’t fake. She didn’t protect others for recognition or reward. She helped others because she was good.”
They were together for some blissful months in school until Gil broke up with her. Without any explanation.
“Gil had been the boy I’d wanted to marry. He’d belonged to me like I’d belonged to him. But then he’d become a monster...and no one knew why. “
Years after, in the present of the story, Olin will meet him again by a twist of fate.
Circumstances have changed. Olin is really desperate and went through incredibly hard times. She’s been tested by life in the harshest way. And through it all she survived. Alone.
Because under her kind appearance hides a real will of iron.
All her dreams have been shattered yet she is going on.
Gil… Gil is more tortured than ever. Darker. Hurting.
When these two meet again, the attraction is still sizzling.
Countless times Gil will push her away. He will be cold at best, mean at worst.
Yet Olin will come back again and again. Some will call her a fool I call her a knight.
I won’t delve further into the plot. Just know that Gil have secrets weighting him down. He is a haunted man. He’s always protected Olin but at what cost?
Gil is a protector at heart but he is also a lost man.
I guessed his secret or at least part of it as one piece is missing but I think I guessed the missing part too. We’ll see in the next book.
I loved:
-the secrets, the ordeals, the tortured souls because Pepper writes dark, flawed heroes like none others;
-the complexity of Gil. He should be dark yet he shines. He thinks he is undeserving of Olin’s love. He thinks he deserves all his punishment, all that’s happened to him whereas it’s that unfair life and horrible adults who backed him in that corner. He wants to be kind and make sweet love to Olin but fears he’ll only have brutal sexual intercourse with her;
-the goodness of Olin and her enormous strength. She’s been alone all her life and that’s why when she needs to think, to regroup, when she is lost, she needs to be alone. This was a revelation to me as I recognize so much of me in Olin’s need to be alone to feel at peace when life is harsh. She has been through so many things that would have shattered anyone yet she still walks life with her chin high. Olin was kind, selfless, loving and brave.
I didn’t love:
-the cliffhanger duh!
Recommend it? Totally if you think you can handle it.
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
August 13, 2019
Sometimes a story comes along which takes you by your scruff and shoves you right in the midst of a swirling, dangerous storm. The events unfold all around you and you watch helplessly your favorite characters take a beating,bleed, hurt, ache, cry and wail. This is such a story!
“You haven’t changed. You hurt me when we were younger and you’ve hurt me now.”
“Congratulations, Gilbert, you’re successfully the only man who’s broken my heart. Twice.”
This is the most Unique love story I've ever read, I've never come across this subject before
Undeniably brilliantly written tale of abject love, yearning and craving with tears of blood.
Olin Moss and Gilbert Clark are caught in a maelstrom of colorful emotions that will blow their lives to smithereens eventually. Friends since high school, they surprisingly get reacquainted as The Body Painter and his Canvas, when she answers his advert.
I know they still love each other
I know they pine for each other
Then why...oh why is Gil so stubborn in his resistance....uuurrghhhh!!
He's the most annoyingly heroic hero I've ever read. Wrapped in secrecy and enveloped in misery, his heart is is shredded with want while his brain is crying with need
"He needed me as much as I needed him. He always had. And that broke me into a million pieces because he’d torn us apart to survive without each other and look at what we’d become."
To box this story in any Pre-set norm would be malicious, it's more than/not a romance. It’s a novel that defies genre. It’s fiction, suspense, romance, mystery all woven together to create an unforgettable story that will shake your faith, your trust and your beliefs.
It has a powerful grip, won't let you move, won't let you get distracted. Emotional powerhouse that will corrode your senses, frustrate you till you are ready to pull your hair out and weep for both - O and Gil.
“Pay me in answers. I’ll accept those.”
“That’s a currency I can’t afford.”
Pepper is an emotional writer, all her thoughts are splattered on the pages, her heart bleeds out in the words. I could feel it, taste it, see it, sense it and choked on it. It was like badger ING my head against the wall at times....most of the times. As Olin keeps knocking on Gil's heart door, I wanted to bust it open, Pull him out and make him confess his feelings and soothe his fears, much like Olin wanted to. But as they say- be careful what you wish for!! the secret when uncovered was the MOST DANGEROUS THING EVER!!!
"A man who earns money by turning others into a chameleon might also be a chameleon himself."
How will they ever survive this heinous and monstrous truth between them ?
How will Gil be able to camouflage his true identity?
Won't this truth ultimately end Olin?
I CANNOT wait for The Living Canvas to see where pepper takes us next.
All I see is blind curves and dead ends!!
"The Master of Trickery had tricked me enough.
It was time for the truth.
Even if it killed...everything."
#WritePepperWrite..I seriously can't take the suspense anymore..
5 stars- poisonous kisses that steal your breaths
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“You haven’t changed. You hurt me when we were younger and you’ve hurt me now.”
“Congratulations, Gilbert, you’re successfully the only man who’s broken my heart. Twice.”
This is the most Unique love story I've ever read, I've never come across this subject before
Undeniably brilliantly written tale of abject love, yearning and craving with tears of blood.
Olin Moss and Gilbert Clark are caught in a maelstrom of colorful emotions that will blow their lives to smithereens eventually. Friends since high school, they surprisingly get reacquainted as The Body Painter and his Canvas, when she answers his advert.
I know they still love each other
I know they pine for each other
Then why...oh why is Gil so stubborn in his resistance....uuurrghhhh!!
He's the most annoyingly heroic hero I've ever read. Wrapped in secrecy and enveloped in misery, his heart is is shredded with want while his brain is crying with need
"He needed me as much as I needed him. He always had. And that broke me into a million pieces because he’d torn us apart to survive without each other and look at what we’d become."
To box this story in any Pre-set norm would be malicious, it's more than/not a romance. It’s a novel that defies genre. It’s fiction, suspense, romance, mystery all woven together to create an unforgettable story that will shake your faith, your trust and your beliefs.
It has a powerful grip, won't let you move, won't let you get distracted. Emotional powerhouse that will corrode your senses, frustrate you till you are ready to pull your hair out and weep for both - O and Gil.
“Pay me in answers. I’ll accept those.”
“That’s a currency I can’t afford.”
Pepper is an emotional writer, all her thoughts are splattered on the pages, her heart bleeds out in the words. I could feel it, taste it, see it, sense it and choked on it. It was like badger ING my head against the wall at times....most of the times. As Olin keeps knocking on Gil's heart door, I wanted to bust it open, Pull him out and make him confess his feelings and soothe his fears, much like Olin wanted to. But as they say- be careful what you wish for!! the secret when uncovered was the MOST DANGEROUS THING EVER!!!
"A man who earns money by turning others into a chameleon might also be a chameleon himself."
How will they ever survive this heinous and monstrous truth between them ?
How will Gil be able to camouflage his true identity?
Won't this truth ultimately end Olin?
I CANNOT wait for The Living Canvas to see where pepper takes us next.
All I see is blind curves and dead ends!!
"The Master of Trickery had tricked me enough.
It was time for the truth.
Even if it killed...everything."
#WritePepperWrite..I seriously can't take the suspense anymore..
5 stars- poisonous kisses that steal your breaths
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow me :
[email protected]
https://twitter.com/BookBistroBlog
www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
https://Bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
June 12, 2020
I love dark romance as much as the next reader, but there’s a fine line between romance and the romanticisation of toxic, destructive ‘romance’. The Body Painter left me close to tears, filled with gratitude that this finally ended and saddened because the content left me with absolute unease. In this twisted illustration of romance, there’s so much bitter hatred and uncalled for threats, it shocked me that this author, known for her unconventional dark romances, released this darker contrast.
I’d fought for his affection only to receive emotional scars as my reward.
Olin Moss and Gilbert Clarke frustrated me to no end. One moment, Olin can’t stomach Gil’s attitude and the next she can’t seem to stay away—this went on and on for innumerous chapters, it gave me an unfortunate, severe complex as well as leaving me feeling equally frustrated and nauseated that this kind of content was released. Between a self-destructive romance and the noxious back and forth, I had a ceaseless headache and constant tumultuous emotions. It isn’t easier to read this when neither character contained memorable qualities, or underwent significant character growth to make them more likeable.
I could’ve stomached Gil’s attitude and treatment towards Olin because I assumed somewhere down the line Olin would develop a backbone and finally defend herself against the mistreatment she’s subjected to. Of course this romance “justified” Gil’s actions, but at the end of the day there’s no justification to excuse Gil’s veiled threats to hurt Olin, or the scene where Olin “fell” and Gil demanded Olin lie to the authorities because Olin should “trust” him. Eventually—not surprising—Gil blames Olin. For everything.
“What do you want from me, Olin?” His sigh was endlessly heavy. “You push me until I snap. You taunt me until I retaliate. You’re not supposed to be in my life, yet you barged in anyway.” His eyes flashed. “This is your fault. You made it all so fucking complicated.”.
In the end, I wasn’t invested in Gil’s motivation or shocked by the reason behind his actions. I kind of anticipated the, I assume intended to be surprising, twist reveal. Shame, because I love this author and her dark romances, but this one wasn't meant to be for me.
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August 20, 2019
***ARC GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW***
This is a story about Gil and Olin. Gil is aka Gilbert Clark. It's about Olin re-discovering her first love, Gil, when she goes to an appointment through an advertisement. It's about Olin trying to figure out why Gil hates her. Why Gil left her? What broke them in the past? Along with all of these questions, there's underlying suspense and a murder mystery going on.
With such an intriguing plot, why 3 stars? Let me explain. We'll start with the great parts.
Just like every Pepper Winters book, the story sucked me in. I FELT for the characters right off the bat. That rarely happens. But with a Pepper Winters story, you bet I'm feeling for the character from the very first page. That's the beauty of the author's writing.
She makes you FEEL.
She makes you listen to every heartbeat of an author. The soul of the story. She makes you root for the characters. She makes you heart pound with anxiety. She makes you blush with all those steamy scenes. She makes you feel a little too much for every character. And she delivers all of it in this book.
However, you must remember that this is the first part of the duet. With that comes cliffhangers. Untold stories. Keeping up with the secrets for the next books. This book took it too far.
The entire book was spent in Olin trying to get something out of Gil. Some sort of admission. Some truth of why they ended up the way they did. For the entire book, Gil is trying to find out who Gil is running from. Despite Gil's THOUSANDS OF WARNING TO STAY AWAY, Olin just doesn't listen.
Like a classic stubborn, stupid, heroine, she does exactly what she isn't supposed to do. She gives repeated chances to Gil no matter what he does. This book was frustrating to read. At one point, I wanted to throw my kindle on a wall or bang Gil's head on it. Because that guy needed to talk. Nothing could've made it worse in his life.
Moreover, if I had to explain what happened in this book, it was NOTHING. Absolutely nothing much happened in the book. I feel like the author tried to keep a little too many secrets for the next part of the duet, but in doing so, she gave us nothing for this book. There's a cliffhanger at the end of the book (like in all duets), but I saw the mystery/suspense revealed so far down the book, it's not even funny. So you won't be as shocked by the mystery towards the end too.
However, the writing was such that it made you believe that a lot was happening. It made you feel the intensity of the situation. It stirred emotions. But if you open your eyes, and look at the book objectively, this book didn't seem to have a lot going. And that's what disappointed me.
Will I read the next book? Yes.
Will I still read Pepper Winters books? Hell Yea.
I'm never going to enjoy every book by my favorite authors. Doens't mean I don't like that author.
This book was a bit of a miss for me. But I am liable to change my view when I read the next book in the duet..!!
This is a story about Gil and Olin. Gil is aka Gilbert Clark. It's about Olin re-discovering her first love, Gil, when she goes to an appointment through an advertisement. It's about Olin trying to figure out why Gil hates her. Why Gil left her? What broke them in the past? Along with all of these questions, there's underlying suspense and a murder mystery going on.
With such an intriguing plot, why 3 stars? Let me explain. We'll start with the great parts.
Just like every Pepper Winters book, the story sucked me in. I FELT for the characters right off the bat. That rarely happens. But with a Pepper Winters story, you bet I'm feeling for the character from the very first page. That's the beauty of the author's writing.
She makes you FEEL.
She makes you listen to every heartbeat of an author. The soul of the story. She makes you root for the characters. She makes you heart pound with anxiety. She makes you blush with all those steamy scenes. She makes you feel a little too much for every character. And she delivers all of it in this book.
However, you must remember that this is the first part of the duet. With that comes cliffhangers. Untold stories. Keeping up with the secrets for the next books. This book took it too far.
The entire book was spent in Olin trying to get something out of Gil. Some sort of admission. Some truth of why they ended up the way they did. For the entire book, Gil is trying to find out who Gil is running from. Despite Gil's THOUSANDS OF WARNING TO STAY AWAY, Olin just doesn't listen.
Like a classic stubborn, stupid, heroine, she does exactly what she isn't supposed to do. She gives repeated chances to Gil no matter what he does. This book was frustrating to read. At one point, I wanted to throw my kindle on a wall or bang Gil's head on it. Because that guy needed to talk. Nothing could've made it worse in his life.
Moreover, if I had to explain what happened in this book, it was NOTHING. Absolutely nothing much happened in the book. I feel like the author tried to keep a little too many secrets for the next part of the duet, but in doing so, she gave us nothing for this book. There's a cliffhanger at the end of the book (like in all duets), but I saw the mystery/suspense revealed so far down the book, it's not even funny. So you won't be as shocked by the mystery towards the end too.
However, the writing was such that it made you believe that a lot was happening. It made you feel the intensity of the situation. It stirred emotions. But if you open your eyes, and look at the book objectively, this book didn't seem to have a lot going. And that's what disappointed me.
Will I read the next book? Yes.
Will I still read Pepper Winters books? Hell Yea.
I'm never going to enjoy every book by my favorite authors. Doens't mean I don't like that author.
This book was a bit of a miss for me. But I am liable to change my view when I read the next book in the duet..!!
August 18, 2019
Lately it's taking me longer to get through books and this is fine because I want to make sure I enjoy the stories I'm reading but with this new Pepper Winters book it only took me about four days to read it and that's really fast for me. This means that I really, really enjoyed this story. I was pretty hooked!
Olin and Gil... what can I say about them except that their story made my heart ache so much. I loved the deep and pure connection they had ever since they were teenagers, the pull and push between them as adults and their sensual chemistry that was simply explosive. The Body Painter was definitely one of the author's more erotic books. I mean, her books are always pretty erotic but this one was extra hot hot hot.
Not surprisingly the writing was extremely beautiful. I'm used to Pepper's prose being exquisite but she once again really slayed it in that department. I just can't get enough of her writing. I could read her books all day long, really.
Now I'm not going to say this was the best book I've ever read by Pepper Winters because some things in the story were a little predictable and Gil not being able to tell his big secret when Olin kept asking over and over was also getting a tiny bit frustrating eventually but I won't say that took a lot away from my enjoyment. Of course there was a cliffhanger at the end so if you don't like those I'd suggest you wait until the second book (which is also the last one) is released because it's a big one.
Also, this is not Pepper's darkest book ever. She's written much darker stuff and this one isn't a dark romance but there are certain things happening, especially to Gil when he was in high school that aren't the easiest to read about. So that deserves a bit of a warning, I'd say.
Overall, The Body Painter was a great read that I couldn't get enough of. I'm considering it one of my favorite books by Pepper Winters for sure. It wasn't just a romance, it was also thrilling and mysterious as well. You won't know what's going on for a while and although some things will be revealed, even when you reach the end there are still so many questions. I can't wait for the second book. I need it in my life now!
Olin and Gil... what can I say about them except that their story made my heart ache so much. I loved the deep and pure connection they had ever since they were teenagers, the pull and push between them as adults and their sensual chemistry that was simply explosive. The Body Painter was definitely one of the author's more erotic books. I mean, her books are always pretty erotic but this one was extra hot hot hot.
Not surprisingly the writing was extremely beautiful. I'm used to Pepper's prose being exquisite but she once again really slayed it in that department. I just can't get enough of her writing. I could read her books all day long, really.
Now I'm not going to say this was the best book I've ever read by Pepper Winters because some things in the story were a little predictable and Gil not being able to tell his big secret when Olin kept asking over and over was also getting a tiny bit frustrating eventually but I won't say that took a lot away from my enjoyment. Of course there was a cliffhanger at the end so if you don't like those I'd suggest you wait until the second book (which is also the last one) is released because it's a big one.
Also, this is not Pepper's darkest book ever. She's written much darker stuff and this one isn't a dark romance but there are certain things happening, especially to Gil when he was in high school that aren't the easiest to read about. So that deserves a bit of a warning, I'd say.
Overall, The Body Painter was a great read that I couldn't get enough of. I'm considering it one of my favorite books by Pepper Winters for sure. It wasn't just a romance, it was also thrilling and mysterious as well. You won't know what's going on for a while and although some things will be revealed, even when you reach the end there are still so many questions. I can't wait for the second book. I need it in my life now!
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Want to read
December 9, 2023Update: I may have once wanted to read this but after a very thorough, explanatory and well-critiqued review on the problematic interchangeability of romance vs. romanticism (by a very well-judged GR reader) I've decided that I won't be reading this at all. A big shame since I was nothing less than thrilled when this book first announced itself into the romance world, but I'm not the target audience for this type of "dark romance" and I don't imagine I ever will be.
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I MUST READ THIS 😱😵😱
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I MUST READ THIS 😱😵😱
August 23, 2019
I had to think on this. I was into it mostly, I was loving the heartache and the push and pull. I really liked the characters, was completely intrigued by everything that was happening, despite the fact that I found Olin's begging a bit infuriating. I understood this all consuming epic love she was feeling, but at some points even I wanted her to walk out the door, find some self respect and move on with her life.
The secrets had my mind reeling. This was an edge of your seat suspenseful read and even though I suspected one aspect of the plot, the rest had me completely perplexed. I never read the blurb, still haven't, so I went in knowing nothing which made for a highly addictive storyline cloaked in mystery and secrecy. And the bomb that was inevitably dropped in the end, the big reveal, even though I 100% predicted that part, was pretty mind blowing and worked with the story. It was the handful of scenes that catalyzed everything, the events in the PAST that tore Olin and Gil apart... it felt so CRAZY. Too over the top. I feel like it could've been executed differently, better. Some of those scenes in the past played out like a bad soap opera and I was not feeling it. It was just so over the top, that's all I can say and it took me way out of the book.
Am I anxious for book 2? Yes. I'll definitely be reading. But I'm a bit disappointed in how book 1 played out.
The secrets had my mind reeling. This was an edge of your seat suspenseful read and even though I suspected one aspect of the plot, the rest had me completely perplexed. I never read the blurb, still haven't, so I went in knowing nothing which made for a highly addictive storyline cloaked in mystery and secrecy. And the bomb that was inevitably dropped in the end, the big reveal, even though I 100% predicted that part, was pretty mind blowing and worked with the story. It was the handful of scenes that catalyzed everything, the events in the PAST that tore Olin and Gil apart... it felt so CRAZY. Too over the top. I feel like it could've been executed differently, better. Some of those scenes in the past played out like a bad soap opera and I was not feeling it. It was just so over the top, that's all I can say and it took me way out of the book.
Am I anxious for book 2? Yes. I'll definitely be reading. But I'm a bit disappointed in how book 1 played out.
Want to read
June 10, 2018★The Body Painter...
An Ex and a Nemesis
Master of Trickery.
A body canvas.
Forbidden.
Passion.
Art.
Sign me up for this journey immediately!
“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow
An Ex and a Nemesis
Master of Trickery.
A body canvas.
Forbidden.
Passion.
Art.
Sign me up for this journey immediately!
“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”
The headline caught my attention.
“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”
The second line piqued my curiosity.
“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”
The third made me scowl.
“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”
The fourth made me shudder.
“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”
The final made my heart race.
I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.
I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.
I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.
But I didn’t.
I applied.
My interview is tomorrow
October 29, 2019
So I was initially attracted to the originality of this story and this does have that in absolute spades.
The idea of a body painter was just so out there in terms of unique plotline add in the mystery of the narrative and I was always going to read this.
Now I do love this author a lot she is a phenomenal writer and I can not fault her in that regard and although I did enjoy this to an extent it wasn't my favourite.
I can't really go into this too much plot-wise here as this would be so easy to spoil so I am going to try and elaborate what did and didn't work here for me while trying to be as obscure as possible.
When Olin desperate for work answers a job add to be a living canvas she didn't expect to have her past collide with her future in such a dramatic fashion.
Gil Her first love that smashed her heart to pieces as a teenager is the artist in question and this is just the beginning of there angsty suspenseful journey.
So I really liked the way this used a past and present storyline it worked fabulously.
I also loved the sheer magnetism of the characters involved and when they came together as one it was majestic in its physical intensity.
Initially, the ongoing mystery here tantalised me, unfortunately, the obscurity dragged on for too long.
I needed more of a reason than what Gil was giving us, anything to just whet and sustain my curious appetite for more, I would have been satisfied with a tiny sliver of information, but we get absolutely nada from him, the man is locked up super tight.
The Young Gil we are introduced to well I came to the conclusion he makes really illogical and stupid decisions, but I also understood to a point why he did and I felt for him and the tragic consequences of his actions.
And Olin the girl seemed to have no form of self-preservation I also wanted to scream at her to have some self-respect in regard to Gil and just go, whatever his reason's it's obvious he doesn't want you around.
How many times does he have to say it before you get the message, the meaner he was the more she pushed.
That push and pull just went on forever though it was so dragged out it was bloody frustrating.
I also started to draw my own conclusions into just what Gil might be hiding and I was mostly correct and I did somewhat guess the twist.
That finale here though was super shocking though I'll give you that, Jaw-dropping.
So as I said I did have some issues with this but despite those reasons, I still need the conclusion like now.
If you like your romance rather toxic and angsty then this delivers on that front this has massive angst with a huge dash of suspenseful mystery and tortured lovers.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Body Painter (Master of Trickery Duet, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 11, 2024
I loved this and yet I didn't.
Yes that makes no sense, I know. The Body Painter is so full of beautiful imagery, powerful writing and emotion that spills from its pages into your very soul. I loved every single word that was written, really enjoying the dual point of view. All the present day is from Olin's perspective, and makes up the majority of the book, with brief glimpses of their past from Gil's viewpoint. For me that worked well, allowed each narrative to have it's own voice and feel, rather than become overloaded and confusing.
This story will leave your emotions bleeding, your heart torn into a thousand pieces. It will have you doubting your sanity and there are twists that will break you. Pepper Winters is a master of writing broken and deeply flawed characters, Olin and Gil are no exception to that.
However a star was lost because parts of this dragged, it became a little too repetitive and irritation set in that so much centred around what we weren't told in this story. I felt like I was watching a tumble drier throwing the same emotions around in the same pattern on an endless cycle. I got that Olin had been broken by Gil's disappearance, I got that Gil had some big secret, I got that there was danger and also that this pair had explosive chemistry. I got that by 30% into the book, and by 40% and by 50%, which is when I got to skimming just to feel as though I was making progress.
Oh and if you are going to write about the English education system find out how it works please. Students are NOT held back a YEAR on the whim of a teacher. (We don't have grades over here - unless you're talking about exam results!) A simple query in the Facebook readers group would have prevented the huge faux pas. I've taught for nearly 30 years and have only known a handful of students to re-do a year. This has ALWAYS been with parental and student agreement and based on them having missed a substantial part of an academic year due to ill health. Over here a teacher CANNOT hold you back and make you re-do a year. In fact WE get hauled over the coals regarding why the student hasn't made sufficient progress! Oh and we don't have high schools (other than private ones), they're secondary schools. Which you can leave at 16 to go to college or do an apprenticeship.
Yes that makes no sense, I know. The Body Painter is so full of beautiful imagery, powerful writing and emotion that spills from its pages into your very soul. I loved every single word that was written, really enjoying the dual point of view. All the present day is from Olin's perspective, and makes up the majority of the book, with brief glimpses of their past from Gil's viewpoint. For me that worked well, allowed each narrative to have it's own voice and feel, rather than become overloaded and confusing.
This story will leave your emotions bleeding, your heart torn into a thousand pieces. It will have you doubting your sanity and there are twists that will break you. Pepper Winters is a master of writing broken and deeply flawed characters, Olin and Gil are no exception to that.
However a star was lost because parts of this dragged, it became a little too repetitive and irritation set in that so much centred around what we weren't told in this story. I felt like I was watching a tumble drier throwing the same emotions around in the same pattern on an endless cycle. I got that Olin had been broken by Gil's disappearance, I got that Gil had some big secret, I got that there was danger and also that this pair had explosive chemistry. I got that by 30% into the book, and by 40% and by 50%, which is when I got to skimming just to feel as though I was making progress.
Oh and if you are going to write about the English education system find out how it works please. Students are NOT held back a YEAR on the whim of a teacher. (We don't have grades over here - unless you're talking about exam results!) A simple query in the Facebook readers group would have prevented the huge faux pas. I've taught for nearly 30 years and have only known a handful of students to re-do a year. This has ALWAYS been with parental and student agreement and based on them having missed a substantial part of an academic year due to ill health. Over here a teacher CANNOT hold you back and make you re-do a year. In fact WE get hauled over the coals regarding why the student hasn't made sufficient progress! Oh and we don't have high schools (other than private ones), they're secondary schools. Which you can leave at 16 to go to college or do an apprenticeship.
August 18, 2019
⭐️ 5 "O" Stars ⭐️
It’s always a challenge writing a review that does justice to Pepper Winters’s books! The Body Painter nearly killed me with the level of feels it delivers! Angst is bleeding from the pages of this story, despair and agony, utter love and passion! A pure amalgam of sensations that got to me deeply! Pepper Winters uses her superb poetic prose to keep you riveted to this unique story and makes it even more addictive!
"Then you went and kissed me and the liess fell apart."
"That kiss meant nothing."
"That kiss meant everything."
Gilbert Clark! Aaah, that tortured hero broke my heart with the anguish he lives with! He might be the most shattered protagonist I’ve ever read. He’s got secrets that might get Olin in danger and he makes everything possible to make her hate him. The feelings he has for her are so palpable even when he uses his jerk tactics to keep her at arm’s length. It got me so frustrated all the back and forth between these two broken characters!
Olin is not deterred though by Gil’s recurrent punitive behavior. She remembers the young man he was back in high school; the one who stole her heart. She’s so determined to save him from his demons. She is truly caring and supportive! I really liked this heroine!
The push and pull is constant between this couple and reaches explosive levels of passion. Omg, the sexy scenes are sincerely so touching, intense and pure hunger!
"Hearts can change. Hearts can camouflage into strangers."
The Body Painter was unputdownable! The highs and lows, the fervently charged atmosphere, the intrigue that only kept getting more interesting with each new elements of the big puzzle revealed. I just can’t wait for the second novel in The Master of Trickery Duet with this shocking ending.
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
September 1, 2019
ne kadar boş bir kitaptı.
Bütün kitap boyunca Gilbert'ın Olin'i neden bıraktığını, neden böyle davrandığını öğrenmeye çalıştık Olin'le birlikte.O kadar gereksiz bir uzatmaydı ki. O kadar saçmaydı ki.
Pepper, cidden kitabı 2017'de yazmaya başlamışsın, silmişsin, tekrar yazmışsın falan da keşke uğraşmasaymışsın. İzlediği diziden etkilenip böyle bir kitap yazmayı planlamışta.. olmamış ya. Tears of Tess ve Pennies 'in erkek karakterleri nerede
(bu arada ikisi de adamın dibidir dflkjg)
Gilbert Clark nerede.
Böyle en sona, en son bölüme bütün kitabın açıklamasını, böyle saçma sapan bir açıklamayı eklemekte ne bileyim. İzlediği dizide rahibenin yaptığı şeyi getirmiş okula uyarlamış, rahibe değil de bu sefer öğretmen yapmış yapacağını. BU NE YA abi bu n e ben artık bıktım.
Ve de samimiyetsizdi. Boş. Bomboş.
Bütün kitap boyunca Gilbert'ın Olin'i neden bıraktığını, neden böyle davrandığını öğrenmeye çalıştık Olin'le birlikte.
Böyle en sona, en son bölüme bütün kitabın açıklamasını, böyle saçma sapan bir açıklamayı eklemekte ne bileyim. İzlediği dizide rahibenin yaptığı şeyi getirmiş okula uyarlamış, rahibe değil de bu sefer öğretmen yapmış yapacağını. BU NE YA abi bu n e ben artık bıktım.
Ve de samimiyetsizdi. Boş. Bomboş.
August 13, 2019
Okay, I am on the fence with this one. I hadn't read a romance book in a while and this one certainly wasn't just romance. It was part romance, part thriller. Also, this is a Pepper Winters book and she is my Queen. Her Indebted Series will forever be my number one dark romance. Jethro Hawk has my soul.
So, I was very excited to read this. It was steamy but oh so frustrating ! I guessed the twist early, but of course the writing kept me going.
Gil and O didn't hook me as characters as much as I wanted to. I found that the book could have been a lot shorter given that much doesn't really happen. There was just more Ollin being frustrated with Gil but giving into him and more Gil being a rude pina colada to O. The steamy scenes were fantastic and the premise really good but overall, this book didn't have the usual Pepper vibes. At least for me.
I am very curious to see what happens in the next book though!
3.5 Stars from me.
*ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
So, I was very excited to read this. It was steamy but oh so frustrating ! I guessed the twist early, but of course the writing kept me going.
Gil and O didn't hook me as characters as much as I wanted to. I found that the book could have been a lot shorter given that much doesn't really happen. There was just more Ollin being frustrated with Gil but giving into him and more Gil being a rude pina colada to O. The steamy scenes were fantastic and the premise really good but overall, this book didn't have the usual Pepper vibes. At least for me.
I am very curious to see what happens in the next book though!
3.5 Stars from me.
*ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
August 13, 2019
”How could a man who surrounded himself in barricades suddenly leave himself wide open for attack?”
I loved this book.
I love Pepper Winters.
She is my absolute favorite guilty pleasure author and read. If I ever want to indulge myself into some troubled men / troubled women I ALWAYS go to her— her writing never fails me.
I love how Pepper creates the relationships that she does. The heart-wrench filled / angst filled ones. The troubled boy, the troubled girl. The troubled past. I LOVE THE TROUBLE! LOL! Give me all of your turmoil and trouble, Pepper! I’m stingy.
I also really loved how Pepper created such dynamic characters and I think the use of her dual first person POV helps with that immensely. Getting the past and present and the girls POV and the boys really helped build this story into what it was. The writing and time-line building was genius.
Not only allll of that— but her story line is completely original. I loved the entire concept and felt the characters filled their parts perfectly. The way these character shift and change, really kept me flipping the pages.
If this book surprised me the way that it did. I can only IMAGINE what the next book will do to me. RUIN MY LIFE, PEPPER! Do it. I dare you.
I loved this book.
I love Pepper Winters.
She is my absolute favorite guilty pleasure author and read. If I ever want to indulge myself into some troubled men / troubled women I ALWAYS go to her— her writing never fails me.
I love how Pepper creates the relationships that she does. The heart-wrench filled / angst filled ones. The troubled boy, the troubled girl. The troubled past. I LOVE THE TROUBLE! LOL! Give me all of your turmoil and trouble, Pepper! I’m stingy.
I also really loved how Pepper created such dynamic characters and I think the use of her dual first person POV helps with that immensely. Getting the past and present and the girls POV and the boys really helped build this story into what it was. The writing and time-line building was genius.
Not only allll of that— but her story line is completely original. I loved the entire concept and felt the characters filled their parts perfectly. The way these character shift and change, really kept me flipping the pages.
If this book surprised me the way that it did. I can only IMAGINE what the next book will do to me. RUIN MY LIFE, PEPPER! Do it. I dare you.
September 3, 2019
ARC provided by Netgalley through Xpresso Book Tours!!
3.50 Stars
Let me start out by saying that Pepper Winters is one author I love to read. This book was one that I found took me awhile to get through it. There was just to much back and forth with the main characters that I would skim over most of their conversations. The idea behind the book was great and heartbreaking. I just couldn't stand that Olin let Gil talk and treat her like that without standing up for herself. The scenes when they are "together" were hot and the times when Gil actually showed emotion for his "O" was amazing. I really want to read the second book( I have a feeling that it might be a lot better than this one) so I can see how these two will end up.
3.50 Stars
Let me start out by saying that Pepper Winters is one author I love to read. This book was one that I found took me awhile to get through it. There was just to much back and forth with the main characters that I would skim over most of their conversations. The idea behind the book was great and heartbreaking. I just couldn't stand that Olin let Gil talk and treat her like that without standing up for herself. The scenes when they are "together" were hot and the times when Gil actually showed emotion for his "O" was amazing. I really want to read the second book( I have a feeling that it might be a lot better than this one) so I can see how these two will end up.
August 23, 2019
This is a hard review for me to write, the simple fact is that I liked the book I just didn't love it. I am a fan of Pepper Winters and have LOVED everything of hers I have read but for some reason I just couldn't connect with Gil and Olin, now I have to mention that there is A LOT going on in my real life right now that may be interfering with the ability to really dig my teeth in or it could be my head space right now isn't what is needed for this darker read. But as I said I did like the book, just didn't love it.
Gil and Olin were high school sweethearts for a lack of a better term, they were young and in love. She had a semi hard life and his life totally blew, I mean it seriously couldn't get much worse. They had found solace in each other until they didn't and now several years later they are thrown into one another's paths again but this time fate was much, much crueler.
I enjoyed the flash backs between the present and the past. I loved the little nicknames Gil had for Olin, just about every animal or fruit that started with the letter "O", and I enjoyed the story line. One thing that I didn't like was that there is no warning of sexual abuse anywhere from what I have seen and there is a scene that happens right there on page so I feel there should have been some warning about it. Yes we know with dark romances, dark reads that there is sometimes non-con/dubious/rape but usually if it happens on the page there is a warning about it. So consider this your warning.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, which I had figured out long before the ending, so I am looking forward to reading the next book, THE LIVING CANVAS, to see how things play out and see if Gil and Olin will somehow, someway get their HEA.
I would recommend this book to lovers of the dark romance genre.
Happy Reading!!!
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
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Initial thoughts:
It took me four days to finish this book when I would normally finish it in one or two. I liked it but didn't love it, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and I knew what the cliffhanger was going to be once I figured out the teachers angle.
Gil and Olin were high school sweethearts for a lack of a better term, they were young and in love. She had a semi hard life and his life totally blew, I mean it seriously couldn't get much worse. They had found solace in each other until they didn't and now several years later they are thrown into one another's paths again but this time fate was much, much crueler.
I enjoyed the flash backs between the present and the past. I loved the little nicknames Gil had for Olin, just about every animal or fruit that started with the letter "O", and I enjoyed the story line. One thing that I didn't like was that there is no warning of sexual abuse anywhere from what I have seen and there is a scene that happens right there on page so I feel there should have been some warning about it. Yes we know with dark romances, dark reads that there is sometimes non-con/dubious/rape but usually if it happens on the page there is a warning about it. So consider this your warning.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, which I had figured out long before the ending, so I am looking forward to reading the next book, THE LIVING CANVAS, to see how things play out and see if Gil and Olin will somehow, someway get their HEA.
I would recommend this book to lovers of the dark romance genre.
Happy Reading!!!
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Initial thoughts:
It took me four days to finish this book when I would normally finish it in one or two. I liked it but didn't love it, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and I knew what the cliffhanger was going to be once I figured out the teachers angle.
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