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Blank Canvas of You

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Two worlds collide by the paint brushes that turn a blank canvas into an all-encompassing journey of a love that may abound.

When Mega Dakar lost the love of his life, he started seeing things through a different lens. So much so that painting no longer was his peace. While wrapped up in a job gone wrong, Mega discovers the unparalleled perfection of a new friend, Ms. Mona Lisa Sutton.

For Mona Lisa Sutton, the owner of the Picturesque Art Gallery in Hackensack, NJ, life wasn’t always a fairytale. Between her mother leaving her for dead and her father’s scandalous ways, she had to fight for her black girl magic both physically and mentally. Who would have thought as she finds herself, she also finds solace in a world of chaos?

Together, Mega and Mona Lisa experience the creation of a portrait… hand painted by life’s unexpected pop-up shops of the past, the present, and the possible future. Will their love for art frame and protect such a masterpiece, or will the blank canvas display despair and detriment?

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2023

27 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Lamartz Brown

6 books24 followers
Lamartz Brown: Author, Poetic Pen Lyricist, and Emerging Entertainment Mogul

From the vibrant streets of Paterson, New Jersey, emerges Lamartz Brown, a literary force reshaping the landscape of Contemporary Urban Literature. Graduating magna cum laude from Berkeley College, Lamartz's journey took flight with "Built On Broken Pieces," a gripping exploration of family dynamics and urban realities. Followed by the soul-stirring "Blank Canvas of You," his narrative brush stroked the transformative power of love amidst life's chaos. Most recently, "Back Down Memory Lane" further delves into the raw complexities of memory, trauma, and personal growth.

Behind these narratives lies not just a storyteller, but an architect of emotions and a champion of voices. As the founder of Life Lyrics Entertainment and the Poetic Pen Lyricist, Lamartz nurtures emerging talents, sculpting platforms for the unheard to resonate.

Beyond the inked pages, Lamartz embraces the roles of husband and father, grounding his pursuit of literary excellence in the enduring beauty of family. With each word penned, he forges a legacy that transcends pages, painting a vivid tapestry of urban life, love, and resilience.

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20 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,578 reviews104 followers
July 3, 2023
First read by this author, and I loved the vibe of this read. I was immediately thrust into action with these characters and couldn't put it down. Mega had a rough childhood and was the epitome of getting it out the mud. Meeting Ruby and being invited into her home was initially a dream come true, but Mega soon learned of her greed and ulterior motives. During the job at the top of the story, Mega could sense that something was off, but he pushed those feelings aside to get the job done. Unfortunately, he was spot on with his feelings, and it was too late to stop the tragedy from happening. 💔 If he was ready to hang up his hat and get out before, those feelings are tenfold now after Tone's betrayal.

As Mega prepares to exit, he honors his brother A'shai's request for one more job, to secure his future. Then he lays eyes on an angel, Miss Mona Lisa! As he bulldozes himself into her life, he finds peace, calm and safety that he had not experienced in a long time. However, he still has unfinished business to attend to, and hope that it doesn't interrupt the flow with Mo. Mona Lisa is a talented artist, who has never been able to enjoy her gift, as she was constantly trying to please her bitter father; and dealing with abandonment issues. Mr. Sutton was just miserable, and was horrible to his daughter, because he couldn't get a grasp on his own feelings. 🤬 Now that twist threw me! Damn! How small is the world? That situation could have been disastrous for Mega and Mona, but glad that was resolved quickly and with minimal damage.

Now, A'Shai how did you leave loose ends dude? I was invested in him and Gina already, then that ending just me staring at the page, like how did that happen? Looking forward to the seeing how this all plays out. Really enjoyed this read. Great work! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for melanatedbookjunkie.
302 reviews57 followers
March 18, 2023
“Blank Canvas of You” was a phenomenal read! This is Lamartz second release and I see tremendous growth in his writing! I was blown away by this story!

We are introduced to Mega and Mona Lisa. Mega spent so much of his life hustling. He gets tired of the constant state of paranoia, risks to his life, and losing loved ones. He’s ready to leave that life behind and be legitimate. Mona Lisa is young, beautiful and a proud owner of an art gallery.

Mega owns a barber shop right next to Mona Lisa and when they met it was instant attraction. Both of them were carrying pain from past relationships and trauma. I loved how open and honest they to one another. I enjoyed their banter, sexual tension and the ease of their time together. Their mutual love of art was beautiful and really solidified their connection.

I really loved the mix of urban and contemporary romance elements. This story has those sweet and precious moments coupled with an edge and street life. It was a perfect balance and kept things really interesting.

I really loved Mona and Megan’s best friends Gina, and Ashai. They were unfiltered and hilarious! Both of them were straight with no chaser. 🤣🤣

The character development was SEAMLESS! We really got an in depth view of these characters and their past. The plot was exciting with plot twists that I didn’t see coming. The important of friendship and loyalty to those you loved were a huge themes in this story! “Money”, “Power”, “Respect”, “It's the key to life. In the words of Mega and Ashai.

This story is a must read! I really loved the perspective of black romance through the writing of a male. Lamartz has to be a romantic at heart because he has a way with words! 🥰

I highly highly recommend this book!! It’s a 5 star read hands down!
Profile Image for Qiana.
350 reviews64 followers
March 7, 2023
When you think of B. Love Publications, you think of the ladies that are on that team that give us nothing but romance reads. Although, Lamartz isn't the first fella signed to this publisher, him being a male makes you wonder if he's writing romance books like his pen sisters. And if so, can a man accurately pen a love story? Blank Canvas of You is a love story, but a man's rendition of it, which isn't meant to be an insult. You get to experience the characters falling for each other, but it isn't filled with all those swoon-worthy details you're used to. Personally, I can appreciate it, and was actually surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. It was perfect blend of the streets and love, and gave off movie vibes. "'Money,' A’shai mouthed. 'Power,' I followed up. 'Respect,' A’shai echoed. 'Is the key to life,' I finished."


Mega is a man that's looking to turn his life around. After losing one of his brothers, he wants nothing more to do with the game he's tied to. "I keep asking myself why are we doing this. Our bank accounts are stacked, we wealthy. What's the point?" Deciding to put his all into his barbershop, Major Cutz. When arriving to his shop one day, his eyes land on The Picturesque Art Gallery, and something inside of him awakens. Reigniting old feelings in him that he fought so hard to suppress. When his curiosity gets the best of him, he meets Mona Lisa, the woman that will change his life in more ways than he can fathom. "When I was around Mo, she brought something out of me that I had locked in a vault. I was painting again and looking forward to our next encounter. With everything that had happened within the past few months, none of it mattered when I was with her. It was like she created a different world, and it was just me and her in it. How she managed to do that, I would never know. What I did know was I couldn't get her off my mind."


Mona Lisa has spent her entire life trying to make her dad proud. With her mom abandoning her at a young age, he's all she has left, and his approval means so much to her. Her painting and owning her own art gallery is her dream come true. But because of her mother's sketchy history, her dad isn't so accepting of her career choice. "My dad never realized how painting made her feel, how the different colors brought together inspired me, how it lifted me when I was at my lowest. All he saw was abandonment, loss, and fear when looking into the eyes of his daughter who was an artist." Now dealing with abandonment issues and daddy issues, she finds solace in the handsome man that happens upon her art gallery. "My heart rate sped up for some reason. Mega being in my personal space had to be voodoo, because I was falling for him."


As I previously stated, this book did have urban elements. Although Mega was in "the game", it wasn't the drug game. There was robbing, there was killing, there was sex, there was trauma bonds, and there was even a nice little plot twist. Lamartz did a great job of compiling all of these elements and making this a very interesting read. Pair that with the cover, and you have a five star read. If this is how he's starting off, I can't wait to see what else has in store under B. Love Publications. Great job, Lamartz! If you're looking to add more male authors to your rotation, I recommend giving Lamartz and Blank Canvas a shot.

Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,018 reviews
June 30, 2024
love paints new possibilities

Mega came up hard and life’s circumstances molded him into the man he was. He made no time for nothing but getting money by any means necessary with his boys/brothers. They were all about money, power, respect - it’s the key to life. Not knowing that jealousy had took root in their brotherhood.

Mona Lisa was a young woman who finally pursued her dreams and opened up an art studio. She no longer allowed others dreams for her to hold her back. This didn’t sit well with a certain person and only compounded her childhood trauma and pain. She still wanted their approval and support but got disdain and verbal abuse instead.

Mega and Mona Lisa meet and sparks fly. But there were secrets yet to be revealed. This was a great story of two people who’ve experienced pain and were doing what they could to make the most out of the hands they were dealt while still pursuing their own dreams and cautiously each other. Mega was mature in his thoughts and mindset and I appreciated his wisdom and the conversations he had with Mo. Mo was dealing with deep hurt from men who proclaimed to love her, but she didn’t let it hold her back from being open to Mega. They had some people who wanted them to fail, jealousy, unhealthy relationships, unhealed trauma, and life and death situations to deal with. Family can hurt you, even the ones that you chose that are not blood, it’s all apart of life and how you choose to deal with it.
Great read!
Profile Image for Crystal Luckey.
755 reviews31 followers
April 5, 2023
What an introduction...

All Mona wanted to be in life was an artist, but with her dad not supporting her the way he should, her best Gina did, until Mona decided to finally chase her dream. Mega was a man who was not to be messed with and went for what he wanted. When him and Mona met, it was instant attraction, but they both had doubts. Both of their love for art is what bought them together and almost tore them apart. Throw in a crazy loud bestfriend and a mean brother, this was story I couldn't get enough of. With all the action that was in this story and the love between Mona and Mega, I was hooked. I don't know if the author has plans for another book with these couples, but I hope he does!!! Great introduction Lamartz...
Profile Image for Jibria.
302 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2023
Shai

What a man what a man! Shai and Mega were both honest, open and did not play about the ones they loved! I can't wait for part two!
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews157 followers
February 16, 2024
3.5 🥰😍🤩

3.5 🥰🫣😜

Check Content Warnings

Trope: Black love, guy falls 1st, betrayal, family secrets

Enjoyment: 4⭐

Character development: 3⭐

Emotional: 2⭐

Sweet: 3 ⭐

Romance: 4⭐

Heat\steam: 3⭐

Intrigue: 3⭐

Action: 1 ⭐️

Violence: 4⭐

Story\plot: 3 ⭐

World Building: 3 ⭐

Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Kaneisha Brown.
3 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
When I say I absolutely loved this book!!!!! Blank Canvas of you is a well written urban love story that includes an array of romance, friendship, betrayal and action. The two main characters are Mega Dakar and Mona Lisa Sutton who come from two vastly different worlds, but bond through the love are art. Both carry trauma wounds that run deep but they seem immerse themselves in each other. Then you have their best friend A’Shai Blaze and Gina Thompson who provide spurts of comic relief and support to Mega and Mona Lisa.

This is my second read from this author and not only do I appreciate the growth in his writing style but also appreciate how well thought out this love story is. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for love in its purest art form!!
Profile Image for Shannon Gee.
758 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2023
wow

Wow is all I could say after reading this book! This story read as if I was watching it on a movie screen. The amount of details in the book made you feel like you were apart of the story itself. I loved the twists and turns in this story. They most definitely had you setting on edge while reading. If you haven’t read a book by Lamartz then you are definitely missing out!!
Profile Image for Shamaya Mickens.
69 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2023
loved this!

I absolutely LOVED this book! Lamartz did an AMAZING job bringing these charavters to life. Reading Mega & Mona story was beautiful especially how everything unfolded & came around full circle. I loved how Mega took a chance on love again after losing Mya & showing Mona that she deserves love & the right way. This book kept me wanting more there were so many secrets & even more deceit & the drama did NOT disappoint. I need more of A'shai & Gina story so hopefully thats coming soon
Profile Image for Carolyn King.
2,444 reviews42 followers
March 14, 2023
Good Book

This is my first time reading a book by this author. All I can say this book was good. I love the romance and action in this book. I love both couples. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for Nikita.
343 reviews17 followers
February 25, 2023
Blank Canvas of You

This was entertaining and vivid, like front row seats to the drama, some action, sex and complex relationships. Mona and Mega gave everything in this, I was feeling the intensity and intoxicating energy they had with each other. I was rooting for a happy ending so badly, my nerves 😆. They both strengthen each other with words and action and that was beautiful to read/see, picturesque. Gina and A’shai had me in stitches. Gina is the perfect ‘down for you’ friend. Now that ending, please tell me there will be a book for A’shai cause I need to know…
Profile Image for Ruby.
647 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2023
Great First Read!!!

I really enjoyed reading Mega and Mona's book. I loved their relationship and how they loved each other. All of the banter between the characters was definitely a highlight. Passion, love, jealousy, secrets and drama were all included in this story which made this a hard to put down book. This is the first time reading a book written by Mr. Brown and I have to say that he hit it out of the park. I just hope A'shai book is next.
947 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2023
Great read

Moving interesting story keep me on edge can't wait to see what happened in next book great characters 😊 great read
443 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2023
Great debut!

This was a great debut! I enjoyed the journey of Mona and Mega. Each character was well developed and I loved being able to see both shine—especially Mona. All of the parents in this one were clearly troubled souls and needed therapy BAD!

A’shai and Gina were nice additions too and I can see a second story on the horizon. I feel like it’ll be more complex since A’shai still has a survival mentality and Gina is happy, but also has a troubling past. I can’t wait to read what’s next!
Profile Image for Quana.
41 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2023
You have outdone yourself with this one!

This book was definitely worth the 5stars i have given! I couldn’t put this book down! Such an Amazing storyline from start to end! Well put together! I loved Mona and mega but i would loved to hear more about A’SHAI! A well written book i loved it!
Profile Image for Samantha Earle | The Book Brief .
37 reviews
January 26, 2026
5 ⭐️ Lamartz Brown, what are your PO Box details so I can send you your flowers? 🧐 This was such a great read to kick off the New Year. 🥳

Mega and Mona approached each other with maturity—no unnecessary fluff or going back and forth, despite their personal struggles. So refreshing! 🥰

The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And the ending? 👀

I am so looking forward to reading A’Shai and Gina’s story later in the year. 🍿
Profile Image for Robert White.
224 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2023
This Author I swear is before his time this is his second Novel, but the way he writes it's like he's been here forever. This book to me is about two lost soul finding each other to experience magic love. I'm talking about Mega Dakar and Mona Lisa. I love how the Author talk about seeking Therapy how it's okay. Now for the characters I could not stand Ruby and Tone they made me sick man just dirty. From the beautiful cover and this story I was blown away Can't wait, to see what this amazing Author has in works for us next love it excellent read Highly recommend.
Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,823 reviews58 followers
May 3, 2023
review

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters were interesting, the plot, while predictable, flow well, and I enjoyed the ride all the way to the awesome cliffhanger.

I like the fact that the intimate scenes and the moments of violence were not gratuitous. This is a good addition to any library.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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