One word makes him freeze. And with his silence, I walk away. Leave it to me, the unintentional abstinence queen, to get pregnant after my first time. Nothing hurts more than walking away from Devlyn after I share the news. The decision is impulsive and painful... and I regret it instantly. Not long ago, I envied my friends. Envied their lives, their relationships, their opportunity to move forward. I wanted what they have. Now, it is my turn. But loving Devlyn Templar isn't that simple. Sharing a life with him comes with its own challenges-heavy baggage and severe insecurity. Every day, we navigate those obstacles together. And just as we find our groove, another complication gets hurled in our direction. One that refuses to be ignored.
USA Today Bestselling Author Persephone Autumn lives in Florida with her wife, crazy dog, and two lover-boy cats. A proud mom with a cuckoo grandpup. An ethnic food enthusiast who has fun discovering ways to veganize her favorite non-vegan foods. If given the opportunity, she would intentionally get lost in nature.
For years, Persephone did some form of writing; mostly journaling or poetry. After pairing her poetry with images and posting them online, she began the journey of writing her first novel.
She mainly writes romance and poetry, but on occasion dips her toes in other works. Look for her non-romance publications under P. Autumn.
Abstract Passion is the conclusion to the Artist duet. I have been invested with Shelly from the time she was first introduced in the Bay Area Series. She was the perfect daughter, sister and friend to so many and I needed her to find her one and only!
The character growth in this book was stellar. Devlyn and Shelly had to go through some situations, much sooner than planned, but overcame them with so much grace. Life threw them curveballs and that just allowed them to rise and soar as a couple. Dev finally believing that people who truly love him won't run out on him and Shelly finally giving her heart to someone so truly accepting of it was just so beautiful.
Gahhh these two were perfection! So deserving of all the love and hope in the universe! I have loved each and every couple in this series! I'm a bit bummed that it has come to an end. Truly bittersweet!! These characters are gonna stick with me for a very long time!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🔥 Tropes: MW, reverse age gap, surprise pregnancy Series: Artist Duet #2, Bay Area #8
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Shelly shares some news with Devlyn that shocks him. She freaks out and leaves, which devastates Devlyn. Shelly instantly regrets leaving. Shelly returns to him and they talk through their fears together. As they navigate their new lives, they work through their challenges together and build a beautiful life with one another.
This is a sweet story about love, trust, and growth. I was happy to see that Shelly realized she freaked out and running wasn't the answer. Devlyn recognized that he needed to work through some childhood trauma from his mom to better his own well being as well as his relationship with Shelly. They both love and trust one another with everything that they have. They worked on themselves so they could grow individually, as well as a couple, to build a beautiful life together.
Devlyn is one of the sweetest men I've ever read about. He's so in love with Shelly. She is everything to him and he would do anything for her. I melted every time he called her his Andromeda 🥺 I loved that Devlyn wanted to work on himself so he did not project his trauma onto his child. It's hard to do trauma work, but he was willing to do whatever he needed to do so his child would have the best life 😭
Thank you to Persephone and Wildfire Marketing for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Abstract Passion by Persephone Autumn brings the emotional conclusion of Devlyn and Shelly's roller-coaster romance. This was all about loving self more so that they can love the other person more.
We left Shelly and Devlyn at a heartbreaking point. Shelly just came to she has become pregnant unexpectedly and it was a shock for Devlyn. They were both shocked. And now they have to work together to have a stronger relationship and become better for their baby. And for that Devlyn has to work through his issues.
Shelly has always been more mature and emotionally stable than Devlyn. It may have been due to her age or due to Devlyn's complex relationship with his less than loving parents. Shelly has been the nurturer in this relationship. But we see a great about of character growth in Devlyn here. He faced his demons rather than avoiding and hiding. Shelly became more confident about her feelings. Together they became a stronger couple here. They had a lot of obstacles. Outer forces making it harder for them. They had to deal with their own complicated feels. But they have such and sweet and soulful connection and that's why they found their happily ever after.
Abstract Passion is book two in the Artist Duet by Persephone Autumn and is an emotional and touching conclusion to Devlyn and Shelly’s romance. This continues straight on from Blank Canvas and the heartbreaking cliffhanger which left poor Devlyn totally shocked and confused by Shelly’s announcement. He goes into full on crisis mode because he thinks she has left him. She is the light in his darkness so he is sure he won’t survive without her. Shelly thankfully realises she had panicked and her actions were irrational so she goes back to him.
“Loving you was inevitable, Shelly Reed. And I will keep you forever, if you let me.”
They were both scared but processed their fear differently. They must now deal with their doubts and prepare for the future, but Devlyn is optimistic it will all work out. Their journey isn’t an easy one as they try to overcome more obstacles. The author develops their relationship beautifully, the continued growth of their love and trust builds so they become better and stronger for each other.
I adored the way he loves and appreciates Shelly, and how determined he is to sort out his mental health issues and be the best version of himself. I thought his therapy sessions were so insightful about his upbringing and how his mother twisted his way of thinking. My heart went out to him as we hear about more about the awful things she did. I cheered on his determination to work through his demons and make sure his past doesn’t affect them. Shelly was so kind and thoughtful as she tries to replace his hurt with her affection and passion, helping him heal.
Devlyn is a wonderful and extraordinary character I will never forget. The way he loved Shelly was so sweet especially when he called her his Andromeda. I adored the special smile he had just for her and the connection they shared was palpable at times. It was so nice seeing him happy and excited about life after all he’d endured. Just like Shelly, all I wanted to do was wrap Devlyn in my arms and hug him. I can’t thank Persephone Autumn enough for making my beautifully broken boy Devlyn, into a strong and loving man.
It was so much fun catching up with Cora, Gavin, Jonas, Autumn, Micah and Peyton. What a fantastic bunch of friends and family they are to Shelly and it was fantastic how they accept Devlyn into their group. I totally recommend this duet and after you have met this couple, you will want to catch up on the rest of the Bay Area series. Shelly and Devlyn give hope to anyone who wonders if they will ever find true love. A stunning story and one of my favourite this year.
After reaching the end of Blank Canvas i couldn't wait for more of this story! I immediately started looking forward to this second installment. I picked it up and got right back into the Artist Duet. I really enjoyed this second book so very much!
Devlyn and Shelly's journey continues! Right from the start, my heart and i were pulled right back in by these two and their story.
I didn't know how these two would tackle things and that had me even more glued to their story. Once again, I loved how both Devlyn and Shelly had me going through many emotions from the beginning of their story to the end. From the fears they had to the love that poured from them, I related to these two very much.
I find such beauty when someone can bare their soul, the rough edges to the smooth that make up the art of who we are. Devlyn and Shelly showed that in spades with their duet.
With Abstract Passion, Ms.Autumn has created a great duet that shows what it means to open your heart and be human. She reminds us all we've got this and that fellow readers is one of the many reasons why this story and it's characters painted their ways onto my heart. I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! 💙🎨🌸
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
This book was everything I was hoping for after that ending in Blank Canvas! Devlyn & Shelly’s story was so emotional and had me turning pages, unable to put the book down. It was filled with hope of a future that neither of them thought possible. Insecurities were at the forefront of this relationship, making them have to work hard to build a future.
This was the last book in the duet and the series, and I’m still not ready to let go yet! All of these characters have left such an impression on my heart! I have enjoyed this Bay Area Duet series from beginning to end, but I will say that this last duet of Blank Canvas and Abstract Passion was definitely my favorite. I love that the characters are flawed and the emotions are so close to the surface, allowing us to feel what they do.
I’ma fan of this author, her writing style and the creativity in creating this world, and characters. It makes me want to live in it and be a part of their group! If you love characters you can connect with, a world you’d love to sink into and emotional rollercoasters, then this book and series is for you!!
Abstract Passion is the conclusion to the Artist duet. This is such a sweet and emotional story about love, trust, and growth between this beautiful couple as they navigate their new lives.
I really enjoyed the maturity level in this duet. Even though this is a reverse age gap, both Shelly and Devlyn had a lot of challenges to overcome.
When Shelly realizes she's overacted by running away, she overcomes her fear and returns to make things right.
When Devlyn recognizes that he needed to work through some childhood trauma, he takes it upon himself to seek a therapist to not only better his own well-being but also help his relationship with Shelly.
You guys, these two love and trust one another with everything that they have. It's so beautiful how they work on themselves as an individual so they can come together as a couple.
I absolutely loved this duet. This entire series. You won't want to miss out.
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is book 2 in the Artist Duet. This was so so so anticipated after the emotional cliffhanger book 1 left us with. Dev and Shelly were such a beautiful couple. The pure honesty, compassion and love between them was so touching and rare. I can’t say enough about the character development in this book. It blew me away. These characters in this book, were so different from the characters in book 1. Dev has worked through so much of his damaged past, he has opened up with Shelly, and works on facing and healing . The two of them are faced with so much change and obstacles in the little time they have been together, and they’ve done so with so much grace. This is a touching story about falling In love, learning to trust and live again, and making a beautiful life with your soulmate. I don’t wanna touch on any more of the plot because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. All I can say is this duet is a must read. Dev and Shelly are an experience, one who should be experienced by everyone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have really enjoyed each of the couples in this series, but I think Shelly and Devlyn are going to forever steal the top spot. She is the kindest, sweetest, yet fiercest, and loyalist friend you could have. Devlyn is introverted and damaged from years of trauma yet still so hopeful now that some has shown him what real love truly feels like. This story is complicated and simple all at the same time. Navigating your fears, processing them, and then letting go of things in life that don't benefit us so we can completely embrace the people and things that really matter. I have voluntarily left this review.
This has been an amazing series by Persephone Autumn and I am so very sad to say goodbye to these characters that have become friends. Each and every book totally consumes you and I have loved being a part of this world. Devlyn and Shelly’s book was very emotional and the pain and anguish that Devlyn had to endure due to his mother was heart wrenching to say the least but in Shelly he has found a woman who is by his side and will help to lift him and accept him for the man he is. I have been a huge fan of Ms Autumn for a long time and I find that with each and every book she writes I fall more in love with her writing. I highly recommend this series and I would have to say that Shelly and Devlyn are my most favourite characters and the book covers are just phenomenal. Congratulations to Ms Autumn on another outstanding read.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The cliffhanger from book one of this duet had me screaming at Shelly, so it was great to dive right back in to see the outcome of that.
Life definitely threw a lot at this couple and they had to work hard together to get through them all.
Devlyn is one of the sweetest men ever!
The personal growth this man took over this duet was beautiful. I loved that we get to see him work through all the trauma of his past and how hard that can be.
This second part of this duet is all about growth and passion. Both Shelly and Devlyn grow as individuals and as partners. Watching them learn to stand up for themselves without getting lost in the weeds was satisfying and special. I loved how they supported each other with the love of family and friends.
This second part of this duet is all about growth and passion. Both Shelly and Devlyn grow as individuals and as partners. Watching them learn to stand up for themselves without getting lost in the weeds was satisfying and special. I loved how they supported each other with the love of family and friends.
Shelly and Devlyn. God do I love this book. Seeing Devlyn's growth was like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly. It was beautiful. Shelly and Devlyn's relationship builds and molds into something much more brilliant. Seeing how they concluded made my heart melt. I loved their story and I want more. I always want more.
The second book of the artist duet is a beautiful, colorful finale.
The continuing story of Devlyn and Shelly is so beautifully written you can feel the love falling from the pages. You can "see" the colors in their world.
These characters, especially Devlyn, are so complex and rich that it makes the reader really become one with him and, by association, Shelly. Devlyn's path to self-forgiveness and self-discovery was powerful, and it was fulfilling to see. I was rooting for Devlyn's success.
Shelly is a beautiful soul; I could understand some of her hesitations. Her love for Devlyn was everything he needed, and in turn, Devlyn's love for Shelly is what dreams are made of.
The relationship between Shelly and Devlyn is passionate and possessive. The chemistry is exactly what the other needs. To read how their love blooms and becomes even richer is poignant.
Ms. Autumn has the ability to take the reader into the world she creates and makes the reader really become invested in her characters, and I found myself cheering them on to their happily ever after.
I wish I could see the artwork that Devlyn creates.
The conclusion to Shelly and Devlyn story was packed full of so much emotional turmoil, heartache, anger, passion, and love. It was a continuation of a heartfelt journey between two phenomenal characters that deserve all the love and I couldn’t wait to continue it with them.
The growth that both Shelly and Devlyn go through as individuals and as a couple was such a wonderful thing to experience with them. The emotions that they both needed to navigate through to get to their well-deserved happy ever after broke my heart and had tears running down my face, but then when they finally work through it, my heart just soared for them both. Life threw them a lot of curveballs, but Shelly and Devlyn were mature enough to wade through them all as a couple. These two were absolutely perfect and I loved them together.
Such a beautifully written duet with amazing characters and a storyline that at times broke my heart but then pieced it back together at the end. Such a sweet, heartwarming and wonderful story from start to finish.
I started writing this series in 2018, before I'd even hit publish on my first book. To say it's difficult bidding farewell to these characters is putting it lightly. They've been with me for 4 years. They'll always be here and be a part of me, but not having another duet in the works is... strange.
We'll get one last glimpse in this world in January, when the novellas for Reese and Penny release, but they are side stories and don't continue the current timeline.
Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, shared a cover reveal or teaser, left a comment, or been any part of this series with me. I appreciate each and every one of you.
I can seriously read a book by this author once a week! Her fast paced writing style and amazing characters never disappoint! This book was no exception. This is book two in the Artist Duet. We pick up exactly where we left off. Oh boy! These two have their hands full in the best possible way. Shelly and Devlyn love each other with all of their hearts! As Devlyn is getting the help he needs their relationship is just growing stronger. Can he get past his family dysfunction and have a future with Shelly? This story was emotional but passionate, intense but loving. Shelly and Devlyn were made for each other and I truly enjoyed their journey. I can’t Wait to read what Persephone has planned next for her readers.
I absolutely love Persephanie Autmn's writing it is so emotionally written, and it gives you all the sweet loving vibes. Shelly and Devlyn are starting their lives and it was so beautifully written. Devlyn will have you swooning for him as he really steps up to be the person Shelly and the baby need. Shelly struggles with some anxiety as the pregnancy progresses but he is right there supporting her. This book was the best ending a love story could have. We see them both overcome some issues in the past and grow as their relations ship evolves. What a phenomenal series I could not get enough, if you love wonderful contemporary stories this one is a must read. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
The second part of this series did not disappoint! Once again, I was swept away by Shelly and Devlyn’s journey. Their relationship flourished beautifully, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of Devlyn as he faced his fears and tackled some of the toughest subjects from his past. It was inspiring to see his growth, both as a partner and as an individual. This story isn’t just about romance; it’s a testament to self-improvement and the power of love in healing. Great read!!
Devlyn and Shelly in this one are so much more. I never thought these two could have grown and developed so much. But they did and it's so freaking amazing to see. And of course, the love they have for each other is wonderful.
I have loved all of the couples from all the duets. While Autumn and Jonas are still my favorite couple, I have fallen in love with Shelly and Devlyn too. This book made me cry several times and only hope I will find a love like them someday