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Intaglio #1
Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins
Set against the backdrop of the modern art scene, Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins follows Ava Brooks, art student and graffiti artist, as she begins a wildfire relationship with fellow student, sculptor Cole Thomas. Their sudden connection results in a passionate affair which sparks a series of increasingly vivid dreams. In them, Ava finds herself drawn into a memory of another life: one that she and Cole shared. As each dream brings the memory of her past closer, the two of them must unravel the events that once tore them apart, or risk repeating the same mistakes all over again. (Volume 1 of 2).
318 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
74 people want to read
About the author
Danika Stone
14 books335 followersDanika Stone is an author, artist, and educator who discovered a passion for writing fiction while in the throes of her Masters thesis. A self-declared bibliophile, Danika now writes novels for both teens (Switchback, All the Feels and Internet Famous) and adults (Inescapable: A Ghost Story, Sip Sip Bang Bang, Edge of Wild, The Dark Divide and Fall of Night). When not writing, Danika can be found hiking in the Rockies, planning grand adventures, and spending far too much time online. She lives with her family and a houseful of imaginary characters in a windy corner of Alberta, Canada.
Ms. Stone is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency.
Ms. Stone is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 11, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Danika Stone.)
Ava is an art student, and so is Cole. When they meet they’re instantly attracted to one another, but while they get to know each other a little better, they hold off from immediately starting a physical relationship.
Ava and Cole have both had difficult upbringings, and have both had mother problems, so relate to each other completely. There is more to their history than either know though, as both begin experiencing vivid dreams in which they are together and then separated in a previous life.
What is Ava and Cole’s real history though? How is this expressed in their art? And will the past repeat itself?
This was an interesting read that delivered more than your average contemporary romance, with strong art themes and a side story of a relationship in a previous life.
Ava and Cole were both quite serious characters, who liked to express themselves through their art. Their attraction to each other was heady and infectious, and sucked the reader right in, and it was easy to see how they felt about each other.
I liked how the author incorporated both Ava and Cole’s different art forms into the story, and I liked finding out about the background to Ava’s work which was graffiti. It was really nice to see the way that the passion between Ava and Cole spilled into their art work, and how they supported each other when the other needed it.
There was some sex in the story, but it wasn’t really erotic, and was dealt with quite maturely.
I was a little disappointed by the storyline of the dreams though. All the way through the book we get glimpses into both Ava and Cole’s dreams, and get this tale of how they were possibly together in a former life, and that there may even have been a love triangle, but then the book ends without this being explained. I can only assume that this storyline will continue in the sequel to this book, but it just felt like there was a lot of build-up, without a big finale. I did enjoy the book overall though, and it will be interesting to see how this storyline develops in the next book.
Overall; an interesting contemporary romance revolving around two artist who have met in a previous life.
6.5 out of 10.
Ava is an art student, and so is Cole. When they meet they’re instantly attracted to one another, but while they get to know each other a little better, they hold off from immediately starting a physical relationship.
Ava and Cole have both had difficult upbringings, and have both had mother problems, so relate to each other completely. There is more to their history than either know though, as both begin experiencing vivid dreams in which they are together and then separated in a previous life.
What is Ava and Cole’s real history though? How is this expressed in their art? And will the past repeat itself?
This was an interesting read that delivered more than your average contemporary romance, with strong art themes and a side story of a relationship in a previous life.
Ava and Cole were both quite serious characters, who liked to express themselves through their art. Their attraction to each other was heady and infectious, and sucked the reader right in, and it was easy to see how they felt about each other.
I liked how the author incorporated both Ava and Cole’s different art forms into the story, and I liked finding out about the background to Ava’s work which was graffiti. It was really nice to see the way that the passion between Ava and Cole spilled into their art work, and how they supported each other when the other needed it.
There was some sex in the story, but it wasn’t really erotic, and was dealt with quite maturely.
I was a little disappointed by the storyline of the dreams though. All the way through the book we get glimpses into both Ava and Cole’s dreams, and get this tale of how they were possibly together in a former life, and that there may even have been a love triangle, but then the book ends without this being explained. I can only assume that this storyline will continue in the sequel to this book, but it just felt like there was a lot of build-up, without a big finale. I did enjoy the book overall though, and it will be interesting to see how this storyline develops in the next book.
Overall; an interesting contemporary romance revolving around two artist who have met in a previous life.
6.5 out of 10.
August 13, 2013
Art can be revealing, connecting artist and viewer in unexpected ways. It can be healing, connecting the broken pathways of the mind. And it can hurt, bringing memories long buried to the fore. In Danika Stone’s Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins, art is all of this and more.
An angry young woman has moved from painting illegal graffiti—two steps ahead of the law—to studying art in college. Her graffiti-born style attracts the eye of a newly famous painter and his agent, while her incisive opinions attract the ear of a young sculptor, equally angry, equally determined to succeed.
The author’s prose evokes the sense and flow of shape and color, the hidden hints of the artistic muse, and the gradual coming to life of something hidden in memory or imagination. “[A]bstraction blurring with hints of reality” builds into something wonderful, and the reader is pulled along in the artistic venture just as surely as in the romance and mystery of the protagonists’ lives. Relationships are convincing and fun with nicely phrased dialog, clear and sensual love-making, and powerfully raw emotions. Surprising revelations are beautifully timed and satisfying. And the muse speaks as surely through history and the mystery of tea-leaves as through color and form.
A beautiful story where colors and time bleed equally and the creative process takes center stage, Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins is highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy by the author with a request for my honest review and I honestly loved it.
An angry young woman has moved from painting illegal graffiti—two steps ahead of the law—to studying art in college. Her graffiti-born style attracts the eye of a newly famous painter and his agent, while her incisive opinions attract the ear of a young sculptor, equally angry, equally determined to succeed.
The author’s prose evokes the sense and flow of shape and color, the hidden hints of the artistic muse, and the gradual coming to life of something hidden in memory or imagination. “[A]bstraction blurring with hints of reality” builds into something wonderful, and the reader is pulled along in the artistic venture just as surely as in the romance and mystery of the protagonists’ lives. Relationships are convincing and fun with nicely phrased dialog, clear and sensual love-making, and powerfully raw emotions. Surprising revelations are beautifully timed and satisfying. And the muse speaks as surely through history and the mystery of tea-leaves as through color and form.
A beautiful story where colors and time bleed equally and the creative process takes center stage, Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins is highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy by the author with a request for my honest review and I honestly loved it.
August 3, 2016
Find more reviews on What She Reads
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"And then they half-ran, half skipped the last eight blocks to her apartment, their bodies connected by their crossed arms. Half a block away, their combined shadow looks like wings of a single sea bird, wheeling in a bright sky. Two blocks further, and they looks like two boats, alone on an endless ocean. One block from that, and their joined bodies merged into a symbol of infinity."
This book was beautiful and poetic, scarring and catastrophic.
COVER
I didn't know how i felt about the cover imagery at first. I thought a little cheesy but then as i was reading the book i was amazed if fit the book perfectly. It almost reminds me of the Gone with the Wind cover with Clark Gable on the front showcasing love but a destructive undertone (as we can see ships crashing in the back)
THE PLOT
The story is about an Art Student Ava she uses mediums of oils and acrylics creating true images of her dreams as well as her more dangerous medium spray paint, her tag well known as Booker. One day after class she finally has a conversation with another student in her core art class, a Sculptor named Cole. She has an instant connection with him, which excited but scares her at the same time. She feels as if she has known him before and he feel exactly the same way.
We are then intercepted by Kip another known graffiti artist notoriously known for his rebel against the war. He meets Ava at his art show and himself and his agent want to offer their working services to Ava getting her into an documentary and showcasing her work.
Ava and Cole both come from a troubled background. Ava's mother disappeared after abusing a six year old Ava while her father was away in Europe playing for the Symphony Orchestra. Cole grew up with a strict military father and troubled mother then at the age fourteen his older sister was killed on her first deployment from the US Army, leaving the family broken.
Ava dreams of a time once past which involve herself, Jonathan & Thomas (Kip & Cole) two love interests which appear to be part of her past life, and once she wakes she paints scenes from these dreams confusing both Cole and Kip.
To me this book is about love in all aspects. It shows us how beautiful but destructive love can be whether it be falling out with your first, second or even third love, losing the love of a parent or sibling and even gaining love; the hopes and the fears we face when we feel we might lose it. Love is powerful.
CHARACTERS
I like Ava as a person, she's had to deal with a lot and she's making something of her life the way she knows how. She a very cautious person due to her abusive mother but she eventually lets people in. I love that she has become a independent and strong woman.
I'm kind of in love with Cole, he was quiet but authoritative at the same time and he is good for Ava, their relationship is rocky and they both have a lot to learn to make it work. Kip, I DO NOT like Kip. I feel like he's one of those guys who expects everyone to drop what they're doing so he can be in control, which is exactly the opposite of how Ava treats him (Yay for Ava).
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to own the second book, which of course i'll need to get on paperback now :).
I give this a rating of...4*
-
"And then they half-ran, half skipped the last eight blocks to her apartment, their bodies connected by their crossed arms. Half a block away, their combined shadow looks like wings of a single sea bird, wheeling in a bright sky. Two blocks further, and they looks like two boats, alone on an endless ocean. One block from that, and their joined bodies merged into a symbol of infinity."
This book was beautiful and poetic, scarring and catastrophic.
COVER
I didn't know how i felt about the cover imagery at first. I thought a little cheesy but then as i was reading the book i was amazed if fit the book perfectly. It almost reminds me of the Gone with the Wind cover with Clark Gable on the front showcasing love but a destructive undertone (as we can see ships crashing in the back)
THE PLOT
The story is about an Art Student Ava she uses mediums of oils and acrylics creating true images of her dreams as well as her more dangerous medium spray paint, her tag well known as Booker. One day after class she finally has a conversation with another student in her core art class, a Sculptor named Cole. She has an instant connection with him, which excited but scares her at the same time. She feels as if she has known him before and he feel exactly the same way.
We are then intercepted by Kip another known graffiti artist notoriously known for his rebel against the war. He meets Ava at his art show and himself and his agent want to offer their working services to Ava getting her into an documentary and showcasing her work.
Ava and Cole both come from a troubled background. Ava's mother disappeared after abusing a six year old Ava while her father was away in Europe playing for the Symphony Orchestra. Cole grew up with a strict military father and troubled mother then at the age fourteen his older sister was killed on her first deployment from the US Army, leaving the family broken.
Ava dreams of a time once past which involve herself, Jonathan & Thomas (Kip & Cole) two love interests which appear to be part of her past life, and once she wakes she paints scenes from these dreams confusing both Cole and Kip.
To me this book is about love in all aspects. It shows us how beautiful but destructive love can be whether it be falling out with your first, second or even third love, losing the love of a parent or sibling and even gaining love; the hopes and the fears we face when we feel we might lose it. Love is powerful.
CHARACTERS
I like Ava as a person, she's had to deal with a lot and she's making something of her life the way she knows how. She a very cautious person due to her abusive mother but she eventually lets people in. I love that she has become a independent and strong woman.
I'm kind of in love with Cole, he was quiet but authoritative at the same time and he is good for Ava, their relationship is rocky and they both have a lot to learn to make it work. Kip, I DO NOT like Kip. I feel like he's one of those guys who expects everyone to drop what they're doing so he can be in control, which is exactly the opposite of how Ava treats him (Yay for Ava).
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to own the second book, which of course i'll need to get on paperback now :).
I give this a rating of...4*
June 2, 2013
*Thank you Danika for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Well, after flipping back and forth, back and forth, I decided to write about book 1 & book 2 in one review. The story flows so amazingly well, that it's hard to say that one books ends and another begins.
I can't remember another novel that deals with past lives' memories resurfacing in the present. I loved this concept. I was absolutely drawn into the plot because of it. I have to say, though, honestly, the synopsis is a tiny bit misleading because the focus of the novel (until on into book 2) isn't about their past lives and how to stop it from recurring - they're struggling to deal with the present. Ava's dreams are occurring but the connection between the "dreams" and actual "memories" isn't put together until book 2. We, as the reader, grasp what's actually going on. But the characters, Cole & Ava, don't yet.
Ava is an amazing character - she's full of attitude and amazing talent. She's a graffiti artist! How freaking awesome is that! I totally wish I could do that! She's going to school and using her art to deal with her anger issues. I adore her father - he's so insanely quirky. Ava was a angry teen - after living with her mother and dealing with all of which that entailed, she began "defacing" public property with her art. Of course, now she's trying to do things the legal way, so rather than using the train station as her canvas, she's using actual canvas.
Cole, a man who uses his hands & brute force to create amazing sculptures, is a classmate of Ava's. He's automatically drawn to her. Their relationship goes through ups and downs. Especially when Cole decides to take Ava home to meet his dear ole dad & step-mom. His family history isn't exactly a bed of roses either. The loss of Cole's sister was a huge earthquake as far as his family relations went.
This novel has taken me a while to get through - that's not because it was bad or slow. It's because...oh how do I say this and not make it sound like a negative - because it's not?... the plot sequence and events that the characters are muddling through make you think. They make you pause, put the book down, and ponder what you just read. It's definitely not an easy Sunday afternoon read. It's one that you become enthralled with. You don't want to let go of the characters. Even when life put a kink in my reading schedule, going nearly a week before I could stop and pick it back up, I still knew exactly what was going on and was just as connected as the characters.
Okay, so overall, what did I think? I really, really enjoyed this series (bk 1 & 2). I enjoyed reading it and enjoyed moving through the lives of the characters. I wasn't bouncing around squealing when I read these novels because these novels take on very emotional topics. But I was glued to the pages and obsessed with the characters and the conflict...
So...a rating... Hmm...
Okay, so I have to say that I'd give it 4 stars. I mean, honestly, I haven't read a novel like this in quite a while.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars for both book 1 & 2
Well, after flipping back and forth, back and forth, I decided to write about book 1 & book 2 in one review. The story flows so amazingly well, that it's hard to say that one books ends and another begins.
I can't remember another novel that deals with past lives' memories resurfacing in the present. I loved this concept. I was absolutely drawn into the plot because of it. I have to say, though, honestly, the synopsis is a tiny bit misleading because the focus of the novel (until on into book 2) isn't about their past lives and how to stop it from recurring - they're struggling to deal with the present. Ava's dreams are occurring but the connection between the "dreams" and actual "memories" isn't put together until book 2. We, as the reader, grasp what's actually going on. But the characters, Cole & Ava, don't yet.
Ava is an amazing character - she's full of attitude and amazing talent. She's a graffiti artist! How freaking awesome is that! I totally wish I could do that! She's going to school and using her art to deal with her anger issues. I adore her father - he's so insanely quirky. Ava was a angry teen - after living with her mother and dealing with all of which that entailed, she began "defacing" public property with her art. Of course, now she's trying to do things the legal way, so rather than using the train station as her canvas, she's using actual canvas.
Cole, a man who uses his hands & brute force to create amazing sculptures, is a classmate of Ava's. He's automatically drawn to her. Their relationship goes through ups and downs. Especially when Cole decides to take Ava home to meet his dear ole dad & step-mom. His family history isn't exactly a bed of roses either. The loss of Cole's sister was a huge earthquake as far as his family relations went.
This novel has taken me a while to get through - that's not because it was bad or slow. It's because...oh how do I say this and not make it sound like a negative - because it's not?... the plot sequence and events that the characters are muddling through make you think. They make you pause, put the book down, and ponder what you just read. It's definitely not an easy Sunday afternoon read. It's one that you become enthralled with. You don't want to let go of the characters. Even when life put a kink in my reading schedule, going nearly a week before I could stop and pick it back up, I still knew exactly what was going on and was just as connected as the characters.
Okay, so overall, what did I think? I really, really enjoyed this series (bk 1 & 2). I enjoyed reading it and enjoyed moving through the lives of the characters. I wasn't bouncing around squealing when I read these novels because these novels take on very emotional topics. But I was glued to the pages and obsessed with the characters and the conflict...
So...a rating... Hmm...
Okay, so I have to say that I'd give it 4 stars. I mean, honestly, I haven't read a novel like this in quite a while.
Overall Rating: 4 Stars for both book 1 & 2
January 17, 2013
Intaglio: The Snake and the Coins was a really enjoyable book. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the material as well as the sensuality of it! When I received my e-copy of the book, I did not look at the cover to get a sense of what was to come... but it was hot, my dear readers. Children, middle grades, and young adults really need not apply.
Ava and Cole are students at the same art college. They share a class together whose teacher is one of those teachers with whom you never quite connect. For this novel, however, this might be the catalyst that drives the connection between these two lovely people.
Whirlwinds, high high emotions, and a lot of sexy moments complete this book. Just enough intrigue and undercurrent of a story so much deeper and more intangible than we will ever fully comprehend. Hints at a past together that started long, long before their current lifetime reach them only through visions, dreams, and moments that escape as quickly as they arrive. The author does a really good job at peppering these "memories" throughout the story in bite-sized pieces such that the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed by a side story that requires a completely separate focus of attention.
I had the tiniest problem while reading the book, and I am absolutely certain it is 100% something that exists within me, the reader. I felt the erupting emotions of Ava overwhelmed from time to time. I am absolutely positive that is the intention of the author, but her emotions would explode violently only to settle back to normal in very short span of time. The author did an excellent job holding my hand through the explosion back down to "settled" but I still can't imagine existing within a relationship where emotions are so highly volatile. Maybe this is the norm for a lot of the readers of this novel, and it will resonate believably as such ... but for me, for my personality, it's the kind of thing that's a dealbreaker within a relationship. It will NOT be a dealbreaker for me for the rest of the series, however!
This book is wonderful, sensual, gripping, powerful, and highly enjoyable. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!
Disclaimer: I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Ava and Cole are students at the same art college. They share a class together whose teacher is one of those teachers with whom you never quite connect. For this novel, however, this might be the catalyst that drives the connection between these two lovely people.
Whirlwinds, high high emotions, and a lot of sexy moments complete this book. Just enough intrigue and undercurrent of a story so much deeper and more intangible than we will ever fully comprehend. Hints at a past together that started long, long before their current lifetime reach them only through visions, dreams, and moments that escape as quickly as they arrive. The author does a really good job at peppering these "memories" throughout the story in bite-sized pieces such that the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed by a side story that requires a completely separate focus of attention.
I had the tiniest problem while reading the book, and I am absolutely certain it is 100% something that exists within me, the reader. I felt the erupting emotions of Ava overwhelmed from time to time. I am absolutely positive that is the intention of the author, but her emotions would explode violently only to settle back to normal in very short span of time. The author did an excellent job holding my hand through the explosion back down to "settled" but I still can't imagine existing within a relationship where emotions are so highly volatile. Maybe this is the norm for a lot of the readers of this novel, and it will resonate believably as such ... but for me, for my personality, it's the kind of thing that's a dealbreaker within a relationship. It will NOT be a dealbreaker for me for the rest of the series, however!
This book is wonderful, sensual, gripping, powerful, and highly enjoyable. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!
Disclaimer: I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2013
Ripples from multiple lives affect past, present and future.
Intaglio are techniques in art in which an image is created by cutting, carving or engraving into a flat surface. The two novels that follow the lives of three artists (Ava, Cole, and Kip) grab the reader's imagination and attention from the first page. Past lives intrude into dreams to help the three lovers deal with their present problems, or do these memories interfere? Decisions made in the past might cause them to repeat mistakes unless they each learn control and make positive changes.
An intaglio print is created by etching lines into a plate, filling the plate with ink and pressing it onto a flat surface. An artist can then change the etched lines and create a new image with the same plate, using it over and over again. During the process previous lines might intrude into the new print like ghost images or echoes. A clever artist makes changes by various techniques to eradicate the old image or blend it into the new one. Ava must learn to blend her past with her present to create a new and better life. Unfortunately ripples from her past experiences with Cole and Kip affect her decisions. She must tread lightly to avoid ruining the new intaglio print of her life.
During the first book, the reader explores the present lives of the characters and learns about the mystery of their past lives together. Will they be doomed to repeat their mistakes or can they blur the lines and create a new future? It's a story filled with love, hate, fear, and sorrow. As readers we pick sides and hope for the best outcome. The first book is satisfying on its own, but the reader does not experience the full story until the completion of the second book, Intaglio: Dragons All The Way Down. I recommend both books to readers who enjoy love, art, and life.
Intaglio are techniques in art in which an image is created by cutting, carving or engraving into a flat surface. The two novels that follow the lives of three artists (Ava, Cole, and Kip) grab the reader's imagination and attention from the first page. Past lives intrude into dreams to help the three lovers deal with their present problems, or do these memories interfere? Decisions made in the past might cause them to repeat mistakes unless they each learn control and make positive changes.
An intaglio print is created by etching lines into a plate, filling the plate with ink and pressing it onto a flat surface. An artist can then change the etched lines and create a new image with the same plate, using it over and over again. During the process previous lines might intrude into the new print like ghost images or echoes. A clever artist makes changes by various techniques to eradicate the old image or blend it into the new one. Ava must learn to blend her past with her present to create a new and better life. Unfortunately ripples from her past experiences with Cole and Kip affect her decisions. She must tread lightly to avoid ruining the new intaglio print of her life.
During the first book, the reader explores the present lives of the characters and learns about the mystery of their past lives together. Will they be doomed to repeat their mistakes or can they blur the lines and create a new future? It's a story filled with love, hate, fear, and sorrow. As readers we pick sides and hope for the best outcome. The first book is satisfying on its own, but the reader does not experience the full story until the completion of the second book, Intaglio: Dragons All The Way Down. I recommend both books to readers who enjoy love, art, and life.
January 18, 2013
Emotionally powerful immersion into the intertwined lives of two troubled artists. Danika Stone is obviously well versed in all mediums of art. Her descriptions paint the scenes in your mind's eye so you can actually see and feel the paint fly and the stones chip. Ava Brooks paints in all mediums, including spray-cans in a trainyards. Cole Thomas carves figures out of stone. They meet in an art class and have an instant connection, as if they'd known each other before.
Both Ava and Cole are bothered by disturbing dreams, images, flashes of memories, grief and death. Ava paints scenes she could not have seen in this life that seem familiar to Cole. Another artist, Kip, is mingled in their lives and dreams. He too, recognizes a scene from Ava's painting and is determined to find their connection. Meanwhile, Ava's past life is revealed to the reader with the growing realization that all three of these people's lives are interconnected.
Book 1 ends in a stalemate of sorts. Kip is temporarily out of the picture, but I expect him to reappear in book 2 to cause more trouble for Ava and Cole. Although some of the dream sequences are repetitive and Ava and Cole's hot and cold romance circle around the same fears, that of leaving and being left, Ms. Stone leaves no doubt that Ava and Cole are hot for each other and sincerely believe they are meant for one another. I expect book 2 to unravel this assurance and pitch the characters into another demonic or hellish pit from which they will have to climb out.
Formatting needs work, but the story was enjoyable with engaging characters struggling with deep-seated trauma.
Both Ava and Cole are bothered by disturbing dreams, images, flashes of memories, grief and death. Ava paints scenes she could not have seen in this life that seem familiar to Cole. Another artist, Kip, is mingled in their lives and dreams. He too, recognizes a scene from Ava's painting and is determined to find their connection. Meanwhile, Ava's past life is revealed to the reader with the growing realization that all three of these people's lives are interconnected.
Book 1 ends in a stalemate of sorts. Kip is temporarily out of the picture, but I expect him to reappear in book 2 to cause more trouble for Ava and Cole. Although some of the dream sequences are repetitive and Ava and Cole's hot and cold romance circle around the same fears, that of leaving and being left, Ms. Stone leaves no doubt that Ava and Cole are hot for each other and sincerely believe they are meant for one another. I expect book 2 to unravel this assurance and pitch the characters into another demonic or hellish pit from which they will have to climb out.
Formatting needs work, but the story was enjoyable with engaging characters struggling with deep-seated trauma.
November 21, 2012
INTENSE AND EMOTIONAL
When Ava Brooks meets Cole Thomas a fellow art student. There is an immediate attraction between them. Ava is a painter, but also is not averse to spray painting graffiti on public buildings. Cole is a sculptor. But it is clear right from the beginning of this that Ava and Cole share a deeper connection. Both are having dreams, hinting at a past life where they knew one another. It's obvious from this that there was something dark in this previous life.
When another artist Kip arrives on the scene the tension between the three is racked up another notch. Both Ava and Cole don't have the best past histories with their families, which adds to their unstable emotions.
This is the first book in the series. I did like it, although I generally prefer to read more upbeat stories. Both Ava and Cole are complex characters. The backdrop to the story is set in and around the modern art scene. This is a well written story. With fairly well developed characters. The writing is also flowing and descriptive.
ARC was provided by the author
When Ava Brooks meets Cole Thomas a fellow art student. There is an immediate attraction between them. Ava is a painter, but also is not averse to spray painting graffiti on public buildings. Cole is a sculptor. But it is clear right from the beginning of this that Ava and Cole share a deeper connection. Both are having dreams, hinting at a past life where they knew one another. It's obvious from this that there was something dark in this previous life.
When another artist Kip arrives on the scene the tension between the three is racked up another notch. Both Ava and Cole don't have the best past histories with their families, which adds to their unstable emotions.
This is the first book in the series. I did like it, although I generally prefer to read more upbeat stories. Both Ava and Cole are complex characters. The backdrop to the story is set in and around the modern art scene. This is a well written story. With fairly well developed characters. The writing is also flowing and descriptive.
ARC was provided by the author
December 7, 2012
I reviewed this book on Amazon: Can you change your future, or are you destined to repeat past mistakes? The instant attraction between art students Ava, a painter, and Cole, a sculptor, is more than chemistry--although there's plenty of that to go around too. They're linked by a shared past, and by shared emotional trauma in the present. The well-drawn supporting cast includes Ava and Cole's art-school friends, an older generation dealing with their own problems, and a celebrity artist with a mysterious interest in Ava. This book, the first in a two-part series, sets up the story of two young people trying to make a relationship work even as they struggle to become their true selves. Art-lovers will appreciate the famous pieces of art that show up at turning points in the book, and the author's vivid descriptions of the artistic process. The past is speaking to Ava and Cole through their art...will they listen?
December 18, 2012
This is a unique paranormal romance. We have no vampires or werewolves. Instead, we have impassioned college students whose past lives are tangled up in their present.
The characters are painters and sculptors, and the author does an exceptional job of immersing us in the world of art. I felt their passion and their need to create. I could see the colors on the canvas, and feel the chisel vibrating in my hand.
The story is well-written, though at times it moved too slowly for me. The romance and friendships are drawn out, especially in the first third of the book. I would have liked a bit more focus on the paranormal/past lives aspect of the story, which I found fascinating.
This is book #1 of 2, and there is no definitive ending here. Consequently, this one doesn't function well as a stand-alone read. But I'm looking forward to finding out where the characters lead me in book #2.
The characters are painters and sculptors, and the author does an exceptional job of immersing us in the world of art. I felt their passion and their need to create. I could see the colors on the canvas, and feel the chisel vibrating in my hand.
The story is well-written, though at times it moved too slowly for me. The romance and friendships are drawn out, especially in the first third of the book. I would have liked a bit more focus on the paranormal/past lives aspect of the story, which I found fascinating.
This is book #1 of 2, and there is no definitive ending here. Consequently, this one doesn't function well as a stand-alone read. But I'm looking forward to finding out where the characters lead me in book #2.
February 2, 2013
First book for the Intaglio series, the motive of the story is not only love, but using negative energy to create something beautiful. I like the way the author thinks, although I prefer Chim to Cole, the characters are pretty cool.
July 23, 2014
Bellissimo! <3
“Make your choice” Oliver said “Everyone has one. Doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you can change the things you hate. Because nothing is ever predestined.”
Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Make your choice” Oliver said “Everyone has one. Doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you can change the things you hate. Because nothing is ever predestined.”
Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
March 15, 2018
Emotionally powerful immersion into the intertwined lives of two troubled artists. Danika Stone is obviously well versed in all mediums of art. Her descriptions paint the scenes in your mind's eye so you can actually see and feel the paint fly and the stones chip. Ava Brooks paints in all mediums, including spray-cans in a trainyards. Cole Thomas carves figures out of stone. They meet in an art class and have an instant connection, as if they'd known each other before.
Both Ava and Cole are bothered by disturbing dreams, images, flashes of memories, grief and death. Ava paints scenes she could not have seen in this life that seem familiar to Cole. Another artist, Kip, is mingled in their lives and dreams. He too, recognizes a scene from Ava's painting and is determined to find their connection. Meanwhile, Ava's past life is revealed to the reader with the growing realization that all three of these people's lives are interconnected.
Book 1 ends in a stalemate of sorts. Kip is temporarily out of the picture, but I expect him to reappear in book 2 to cause more trouble for Ava and Cole. Although some of the dream sequences are repetitive and Ava and Cole's hot and cold romance circle around the same fears, that of leaving and being left, Ms. Stone leaves no doubt that Ava and Cole are hot for each other and sincerely believe they are meant for one another. I expect book 2 to unravel this assurance and pitch the characters into another demonic or hellish pit from which they will have to climb out.
Formatting needs work, but the story was enjoyable with engaging characters struggling with deep-seated trauma.
Both Ava and Cole are bothered by disturbing dreams, images, flashes of memories, grief and death. Ava paints scenes she could not have seen in this life that seem familiar to Cole. Another artist, Kip, is mingled in their lives and dreams. He too, recognizes a scene from Ava's painting and is determined to find their connection. Meanwhile, Ava's past life is revealed to the reader with the growing realization that all three of these people's lives are interconnected.
Book 1 ends in a stalemate of sorts. Kip is temporarily out of the picture, but I expect him to reappear in book 2 to cause more trouble for Ava and Cole. Although some of the dream sequences are repetitive and Ava and Cole's hot and cold romance circle around the same fears, that of leaving and being left, Ms. Stone leaves no doubt that Ava and Cole are hot for each other and sincerely believe they are meant for one another. I expect book 2 to unravel this assurance and pitch the characters into another demonic or hellish pit from which they will have to climb out.
Formatting needs work, but the story was enjoyable with engaging characters struggling with deep-seated trauma.
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