The Artful Bargain

The Brit Brothers #1

by Audrey Lynden

Amid swirling rumors, can two creatives reveal their true colors and find genuine love?

For curator Claire Beaumont, her upcoming steampunk exhibition at the Lafferty Museum isn’t just an innovative show, it’s a chance to redeem her late father’s reputation in the art world. All she needs is a metal masterpiece created by renowned sculptor Sinjin Reid. But when she arrives at his lakeside estate the sculpture is nowhere to be found. To find the truth, she teams up with the charming but reclusive artist to expose the museum's suspicious director as a thief.

After his ex-wife’s cruel betrayal, Sinjin is hesitant to trust anyone again. As he and Claire concoct a plan to trap the fraudulent museum director, their attraction deepens. They strike a deal to stage Claire’s exhibition in a new venue using Sinjin’s priceless sculpture as bait.

But as Claire embraces her passion for curating—and Sinjin—a shocking revelation threatens to compromise her reputation. Can Sinjin overcome his painful past and move forward enough to trust her?

THE ARTFUL BARGAIN is a romantic adventure with a caper twist, an anti-heist, and a nod to the modern art world. It explores the challenges and rewards of trust, passion, and creative integrity.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2023

About the author

Audrey Lynden writes contemporary romances and sets them in her beautiful home state of Wisconsin. There are always fun happenings, interesting histories and quirky traditions that happen in the many charming towns around the state. They happily find their way into her stories.

She’s a mom to three incredible sons and has a Hollywood crush on her husband. He was once described looking like a combination of Chris Noth and George Clooney and he’s never forgotten. Their home has always included a menagerie of pets. At least one or two rescue dogs, several hamsters, a pair of birds, frogs and a turtle named Maury.

As a journalism major, she’s inclined to keep up with news, but dives deep into celebrity gossip for fun. She has a love for magazine subscriptions because they drop in her mailbox like Christmas gifts. Flipping through the pages, she always finds story nuggets for her novels.

Reviews

[Michelle McCraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Artful Bargain is a well-researched romp through the art world starring a museum curator heroine and an artist hero. There is a fun cast of characters - plucky friends, engaging allies, and villains aplenty, in addition to a sexy British hero and a determined heroine. PLUS a pair of adorable pooches! Set in Wisconsin, the story is also a love letter to the author's hometown. The Artful Bargain is an enjoyable romance that kicks off a series of standalone romances.

[Dawn McGill Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I was going to enjoy this one when on one of the first pages it said, "in her Han Solo yelled, I have a bad feeling about this." Did I mention Sinjin has dogs named Fred and Ginger?? This was a fun read and I enjoyed learning all about the art world!

[Jill Lamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artfully entertaining!!! Audrey Lynden's "The Artful Bargain" is an irresistible tale filled with loveable, caring and witty characters all woven together against the backdrop of the Wisconsin art world.
Twisting plots and unscrupulous villains add to the intrigue of this fast-paced and lively read.
The sparkling banter and electric connection between Claire and Sinjin will remain with you long after the book has ended.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a romance, and this was a good one.  There were some spicy moments but not over the top.  There was also a bit of a mystery, which kept me intrigued.

Claire Beaumont is a curator for the Lafferty museum and is about to put on her first show.  She's trying to make a name for herself and also redeem her late artist father’s reputation.  In order to do this, she needs a piece by sculptor Sinjin Reid in the show.  When the two meet sparks start to fly.  Sinjin has been betrayed by his ex-wife and doesn't know if he can trust anyone ever again.  But the two must work together to draw out the fraudulent museum director and have him taken away.  Can they get over their differences to get the job done even though Claire is keeping a secret of her own?

I loved the art aspect of this book.  It definitely made for an interesting story.  The potential of an art heist and trying to stop it kept my attention. There was a great list of characters, and the drama between them was entertaining. The chemistry between Claire and Sinjin was steamy, and I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed.  There were definitely some good twists in the book as well. I would recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a romance with some twists.

[Carla Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as a masterpiece in oils contains many layers, so, too, does Audrey Lynden’s debut novel, The Artful Bargain. On the surface, it’s presented as a romantic caper involving a reclusive sculptor and a harried curator eager to prove her worth. It’s a fun romp containing an anti-heist, an inventive steampunk exhibit, engaging side characters, and plenty of art world shenanigans. But it also has a much deeper emotional core, as seen in the way the two main characters—Claire and Sinjin—change and grow over the course of the story. At the start, both have experienced their fair share of pain and heartbreak. They’re hesitant to trust each other, yet that’s exactly what they have to do if they hope to defeat the noxious gallery director who is intent on ruining their lives. As they team up together, coming up with clever schemes worthy of Danny Ocean, I couldn’t help but root for them—not only to succeed but to realize how much they need each other. As the story unfolds, the twists and turns will keep you reading, eagerly turning those pages in the hopes that these two characters will get the happy ending they so richly deserve. Without giving anything away, I can attest this is a truly satisfying novel, perfect for those chilly fall days when all you want to do is curl up on the couch and read.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚰️ Mini Review ⚰️

This book was so good!!! I like the banter and chemistry between the two right off the bat. I know it's called The ARTful bargain, but I did love that there was so much art talk. It was beautiful honestly. Some twists and turns and I enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more of The Brit Brothers series!

[Wesenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey Lynden
The Artful Bargain


I am always happy when I have discovered a new author! I just competed reading The Artful Bargain by Audrey Lynden. Perhaps because I’m an artist and avid reader, this novel had just the right combination of art knowledge, strong characters, intrigue, plot twists, and romance. Claire Beaumont, up-and-coming curator of a steam punk art show, must make her name with this show. Steam punk becomes “steamy” in other ways, as well, as she tangles with the famous sculptor Sinjin Reid. Also what makes it special are characters like the “berserk mama” and the charming dachshund duo, Fred and Ginger. Claire is perceptive and smart—ready to deal with the complex Sinjin. It is important to me as a reader that Claire is portrayed as a strong character having deep, long-lasting friendships with other women such as her longtime friend Lucy. The novel will not disappoint.
At the end of the book is a little enticement: The first chapter of To Sense A Passion, Brit Brothers Series #2. This will be published in February 2024.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series called the Brit Brothers.

The series is a romance, but it also has lots of art info as well as a deep dive into family dynamics.

The book is set in a small town outside Milwaukee called Lake Bluff. Claire is a curator for a Milwaukee museum. Claire is in Lake Bluff to secure a sculpture from artist Sinjin Reid that will be included in her steampunk exhibit.

Sinjin has no intention of letting Claire have the sculpture because Sinjin knows that his ex-wife and her boyfriend (who happens to be Claire’s boss) want to take his sculpture.

Claire and Sinjin divise a plan to catch the two grifters.

Claire also has a secret. Her dad, David Raffen, was a famous artist. Claire actually painted a series with her dad as a tribute to her mom. This series caused a stir in the art world thanks to a jealous art critic.

The book does a nice job of balancing Claire and Sinjin’s romance with both of the art centered plot lines.

I like the fact that we meet Sinjin’s other two brothers which makes me want to read the next book in the series.

Since I have a membership to the Art Institute in Chicago and go there about two times a month, I loved those references.

The book has a medium spice level. It’s a great combination of intrigue and romance.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Artful Bargain is a debut novel by Audrey Lynden that is multilayered, just like a masterpiece in oils. It's a romantic caper between a reclusive sculptor and a driven curator who hopes to prove her worth. It's a fun romp featuring a steampunk exhibit, an anti-heist, and engaging side characters. In addition to their changing throughout the story, Claire and Sinjin also have a deeper emotional core. Each has experienced heartbreak and pain at the start of their relationship. The noxious gallery director is intent on destroying their lives, so they must learn to trust each other to survive. They work together and come up with clever plans like Danny Ocean. There was a lot on my mind because I wanted them to succeed and realize the importance of each other. As you turn the pages, you will be engaged and surprised by the events unfolding in the story.. This is one of the best books I've ever read. It captivated me from beginning to end and found myself wishing to read it repeatedly.

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been to an art museum?🎨
If so, do you have a favorite?
Alyssa and I recently went to the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay in Paris, and they may have ruined us forever on visiting any other museums. I don’t know much about art, so I typically go through museums quite ignorantly.
That Artful Bargain by Audrey Lynden was both educational and entertaining for me!
Claire Beaumont is curator for the Lafferty Museum, she has personal reasons this showing needs to be a success! But a mystery starts to unfold and lies by multiple people are starting to surface, including her own. This was a fast paced read that has a little of everything you want from a great book, including romance!
I hope you get a chance to read The Artful Bargain!
Thank you @katerockbooktours for this gifted copy!
The Artful Bargain was published on 9/12/23 and is available now! You can find this on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Barb Tramte]

Good book, looking forward to the next one.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun and will appeal to a broad audience. Mystery, romance, art, a potential heist, and lots of adventure make this a thoroughly enjoyable escape from life for a bit. I loved the writing style, the characters, and I'm hoping to read more from this author!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Rupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with The Artful Bargain, Audrey Lynden’s latest contemporary romance and the first in a series set in my home state of Wisconsin. Yes, I love all the references to an area of the state I love best, but the chief reason for my adoration are her characters. Museum curator, Claire Beaumont, is on a mission. She needs one particular piece to add to her first major exhibit featuring artwork with a steampunk theme. She goes to collect the piece, a sculpture titled Coal or Steam, only to find that its British creator, Sinjin Reid, knows nothing about the exhibition. Claire realizes that she’s has been set up to fail by her loathsome boss, Larry. Sinjin realizes that Larry and his ex-wife are trying to steal his sculpture. After his ex-wife trapped him into marriage and then cheated on him, Sinjin has big-time trust issues. Claire’s got a huge secret, one that could ruin her and any chance she might have with a career in the art world or a relationship with Sinjin. Still, Sinjin and Claire agree on two things: they both hate Larry and want to take him down, and they are wildly attracted to each other. Together, they devise a plan to make Claire’s exhibit a success while setting a trap for Larry and his ex-wife. Perhaps the defining aspect of Lynden’s writing is the secondary characters who represent the kind of love and warmth we all want from our friends and family. It’s a world one can step into and never want to leave.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @Audrey_Lynden_Author for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

First off, I loved that this creative story was set in my home state of Wisconsin. I think I fall into the pages a little more quickly when I recognize places and towns.

Secondly, I was delighted by how fun this story was. I went in thinking it might be more of a detective procedural. But no, it has quirky characters, fantastic art references, and a blooming romance. And, to top it off, there is trouble in the art world - a mystery of sorts, a villainous fraud, and it may take a “sting” to snag him.

The characters are interwoven in each other’s personal and professional lives, which makes this even more interesting, but it adds some good depth, too. It brought in elements like trust issues, revenge, and creative integrity.

If you’re looking for an entertaining caper with a cast of characters that will endear themselves to you, including two dachshunds, Fred and Ginger, don’t miss this one.

Thank you @KateRockBookTours and @Audrey_Lynden_Author for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so colorful and vibrant! Touted as a romantic caper with an artful twist, this book has a little bit of something for everyone: mystery, intrigue, witty banter, art appreciation and…romance!

Main character Claire Beaumont - who is the daughter of a famous artist herself - was sent to acquire a sculpture from renowned sculptor Sinjin Reid. As a last-ditch effort to raise money to save the Lafferty Museum, her plans are thrown into a tailspin when Sinjin claims to know nothing of the acquisition. Further complicating things, she discovers that he owns some of her father’s works…and doesn’t divulge her connection to his collection until after she’s caught snooping through his things.

I like the way both characters are able to overcome their trust issues and work together to root out the scheme that almost compromised what they love most. Also, I like the way the scenes and dialogue felt very realistic and lifelike. The doing was absolutely perfect, too!

[Karen Campanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this delightful, romantic mystery! Being born and raised in Wisconsin (the Four Seasons for sure!) myself- it was so fun to read about the Witch’s house, Kohler, WI Ave, MKE, Door County, Foo Fighters, Stevie Nicks, CHI and Italy -where I just happened to be visiting when finishing it. Great story Audrey Lynden! Can’t wait to read more by you.

[Rosalie Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Artful Bargain transported me to a captivating place. I cared about the interesting characters. The plot was intricate enough to keep me reading, with the unraveling of lives and a satisfying, sweet resolution.

[Amy Schilz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this for the most part! I live in Wisconsin and reading a good book by a local author was awesome! My only complaint was that the ending seemed rushed- I would have loved a bit more from the resolution. But I will 100% read book 2. Check this one out!!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romantic adventure! Great characters and lots of background about the art world. A perfect blend with a little humor thrown in! Loved it!

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Sinjin and Claire was interesting. It was kind of a hard read, the dialogue felt really stilted. But overall a good story.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Saanchi]

Why did I read this? No stars at all.