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Fresh Canvas
Meet Amantha Adams.
She despises her name, women's shapewear, and her ex.
After a decade of crusty minivans, mom buns, and PTA meetings for her son, Amantha has faded into a washed-up, unrecognizable version of herself. When her life gets turned upside down, she is forced to confront her identity crisis head-on, but she doesn’t have the faintest clue where to begin.
She starts by retracing her steps and returning to the beloved museum where she used to work. What she doesn’t expect to find is a fresh batch of mom guilt, an insufferably hot coworker who loathes her, and mysterious criminal activity that she has no choice but to investigate (with the help of the aforementioned sexy coworker, of course).
If she fails, Amantha risks losing more than just her job.
Can Amantha withstand the pressures of motherhood, her new career, and find herself in the process?
Or will she lose her son, her passion, and possibly the love of her life?
She despises her name, women's shapewear, and her ex.
After a decade of crusty minivans, mom buns, and PTA meetings for her son, Amantha has faded into a washed-up, unrecognizable version of herself. When her life gets turned upside down, she is forced to confront her identity crisis head-on, but she doesn’t have the faintest clue where to begin.
She starts by retracing her steps and returning to the beloved museum where she used to work. What she doesn’t expect to find is a fresh batch of mom guilt, an insufferably hot coworker who loathes her, and mysterious criminal activity that she has no choice but to investigate (with the help of the aforementioned sexy coworker, of course).
If she fails, Amantha risks losing more than just her job.
Can Amantha withstand the pressures of motherhood, her new career, and find herself in the process?
Or will she lose her son, her passion, and possibly the love of her life?
- GenresRomance
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
17 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 26, 2025
i FLEW through this book!
it’s a sweet romance book with a bit of “whodunnit” mystery & a lot of healing ❤️🩹
i love a contemporary romance that does more than just show two people that fall in love. i want depth & subplots & meaning ! and this definitely had that!
i loved the setting of the art museum & the emphasis on art. i love a good enemies to lovers trope as well! i do wish this would’ve been a bit more of a slow burn because the “enemies” part didn’t last very long, and the mmc was kinda just awful at the beginning. but then we saw the real him & i really loved his character.
there were times i wanted to scream at the characters to just TALK to each other & for people in their (mid to late?) thirties they did feel pretty immature & juvenile at points.
all in all, i really enjoyed this book. it kept me invested throughout & there were some fun twists as well. i would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet clean read!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐 a few minor swear words
it’s a sweet romance book with a bit of “whodunnit” mystery & a lot of healing ❤️🩹
i love a contemporary romance that does more than just show two people that fall in love. i want depth & subplots & meaning ! and this definitely had that!
i loved the setting of the art museum & the emphasis on art. i love a good enemies to lovers trope as well! i do wish this would’ve been a bit more of a slow burn because the “enemies” part didn’t last very long, and the mmc was kinda just awful at the beginning. but then we saw the real him & i really loved his character.
there were times i wanted to scream at the characters to just TALK to each other & for people in their (mid to late?) thirties they did feel pretty immature & juvenile at points.
all in all, i really enjoyed this book. it kept me invested throughout & there were some fun twists as well. i would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet clean read!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐 a few minor swear words
April 30, 2025
It was a privilege to be a part of the ARC team for this book and read it before release! Melissa really outdid herself with her debut. Fresh Canvas is the perfect mix of mystery and romance, and had me at all hours to finish it, both staying up late and getting up early to read what happens next! The characters are so relatable, and Melissa perfectly captures what it can be like to lose oneself after motherhood through Amantha's journey. And without any spoilers, I loved the second from our swoony love interest, which offered great insight into Val's character and touched on healing from another perspective. The rest of the characters really jump off the page too, from Amantha's ex you'll love to hate, to her loveable son and out-there boss, Fresh Canvas is filled with incredibly real characters that drive the story. Not only that, but the chemistry between the two leads is tangible as they work together to solve a mystery.
March 20, 2025
Omg I am in love!!!!
Melissa goes deeper than any other romance I've read into the realm of pain, mom guilt and conflicting emotions that are not often talked about in fiction. If you're expecting something light hearted and cozy you'll get that but brace yourself with an added measure of relatable feelings that might bring you to tears.
There are so many fun twists and turns I wasn't expecting that made it hard to put down. The dialogue and humor was so fun and in point I was laughing at so many of the clever phrases used. Melissa has a way with words and humor! They make the book almost lighthearted even with the deep themes.
My only critique was, in my own opinion, there was a bit too much mushy gushy love especially in the middle which slowed the plot down a little. But that's the only thing! Other than that this thing is pretty much perfect!!!
Melissa goes deeper than any other romance I've read into the realm of pain, mom guilt and conflicting emotions that are not often talked about in fiction. If you're expecting something light hearted and cozy you'll get that but brace yourself with an added measure of relatable feelings that might bring you to tears.
There are so many fun twists and turns I wasn't expecting that made it hard to put down. The dialogue and humor was so fun and in point I was laughing at so many of the clever phrases used. Melissa has a way with words and humor! They make the book almost lighthearted even with the deep themes.
My only critique was, in my own opinion, there was a bit too much mushy gushy love especially in the middle which slowed the plot down a little. But that's the only thing! Other than that this thing is pretty much perfect!!!
March 17, 2025
Melissa Lark’s debut novel was an emotional ride!! When Amantha Adams learns her husband is having an affair, she’s forced to confront the fact that she sacrificed her identity for her marriage, and she must rediscover the pieces of who she once was. This book is filled with witty writing, captivating characters, and a sizzling romance! I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
June 16, 2025
This book will have you in stitches from page one! Amantha’s personality oozes through the pages and she is quite possibly the most relatable adult female character I’ve ever read. Val is a dream, and the banter between the two is top tier. The plot and subplots are beautifully crafted and masterfully woven together to create this must-read, five-star work of art!
April 24, 2025
I am SO IMPRESSED with Melissa & this story!!!! How is this her debut novel?!? It had everything I wanted in a book!! It was romantic & witty with characters that felt so real and relatable. I loved the blend of humor & sweet moments not just with Val, but Amantha’s mom and son! The emotional moments were so real and intentional. Do yourself a favor and read Fresh Canvas!!!
May 1, 2025
FRESH CANVAS
by: Melissa Lark
by: @melissalarkauthor
•I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~When her life gets turned upside down, Amantha is forced to confront her identity crisis head-on, but she doesn’t have the faintest clue where to begin, so she starts by retracing her steps and returning to the beloved museum where she used to work. What she doesn’t expect to find is a fresh batch of possibilities…
“This is your life. Imagine you have a new, fresh canvas. You get to be the artist.”
-FRESH CANVAS, may be a debut novel, yet this story is full of vigor, a well-thought out plot, well-developed and relatable characters, vivid details, humor, and it has the ability to move you with all the feels. This is a story that doesn’t shy away from life’s twists and turns and will invite you right from the start to be part of this story. It will easily grab your heart and keep you thoroughly invested till the last word on the page, and have you excited for more to come from this dear author. Themes of loss, grief, patience, hope, happiness, healing, and joy are weaved throughout. Watching dear characters find themselves and rise above hurt, to being content and happy was inspiring. This is a story filled with great sparks of chemistry, tension flying off the pages, plot twists and turns, swoony moments, heartfelt emotions, a touch of mystery, and most importantly, the discovery to knowing and feeling enough! This is a moving and awesome story worth reading!
📚🙌🏻❤️🎨✨
“For the first time—in possibly my whole life-I
thoroughly knew who I was. My name was Amantha Adams, and I was enough.“
•Content: Social pressures of womanhood & motherhood, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Grief/loss of a loved one, divorce & infidelity, mild-alcohol drinking, theft/forgery, steamier kisses/mild innuendo.
“I don’t want anyone else. I want you, because I love you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Love is a gift. It’s when we offer it freely to others that we grow.”
#melissalarkauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
“A name is just a name. But who you are? Now
that’s the good stuff.”
by: Melissa Lark
by: @melissalarkauthor
•I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~When her life gets turned upside down, Amantha is forced to confront her identity crisis head-on, but she doesn’t have the faintest clue where to begin, so she starts by retracing her steps and returning to the beloved museum where she used to work. What she doesn’t expect to find is a fresh batch of possibilities…
“This is your life. Imagine you have a new, fresh canvas. You get to be the artist.”
-FRESH CANVAS, may be a debut novel, yet this story is full of vigor, a well-thought out plot, well-developed and relatable characters, vivid details, humor, and it has the ability to move you with all the feels. This is a story that doesn’t shy away from life’s twists and turns and will invite you right from the start to be part of this story. It will easily grab your heart and keep you thoroughly invested till the last word on the page, and have you excited for more to come from this dear author. Themes of loss, grief, patience, hope, happiness, healing, and joy are weaved throughout. Watching dear characters find themselves and rise above hurt, to being content and happy was inspiring. This is a story filled with great sparks of chemistry, tension flying off the pages, plot twists and turns, swoony moments, heartfelt emotions, a touch of mystery, and most importantly, the discovery to knowing and feeling enough! This is a moving and awesome story worth reading!
📚🙌🏻❤️🎨✨
“For the first time—in possibly my whole life-I
thoroughly knew who I was. My name was Amantha Adams, and I was enough.“
•Content: Social pressures of womanhood & motherhood, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Grief/loss of a loved one, divorce & infidelity, mild-alcohol drinking, theft/forgery, steamier kisses/mild innuendo.
“I don’t want anyone else. I want you, because I love you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Love is a gift. It’s when we offer it freely to others that we grow.”
#melissalarkauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
“A name is just a name. But who you are? Now
that’s the good stuff.”
April 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5, rounded up!)
GENRE
-romantic women's fiction with a dash of mystery
CONTENT
-🤬: infrequent mild language (4 d, 1 h)
-❤️: make outs (one with male shirt removed)
-⚠️: infidelity (present), divorce, death of parent (present, heart attack), death of spouse (past, cancer)
While there are a lot of hard topics brought up in Melissa Lark's debut, I absolutely loved it! I consumed the whole thing in like a nine-hour period. So yes, I did stay up past bedtime.
Amantha Adams is recently divorced and trying to figure out who she is after a decade of giving everything to motherhood. She gets a job as a curator's assistant at the art museum where she used to work. This means that she has to work with the grumpiest of men, Val Russo. When Amantha realizes one of the paintings in the museum is a forgery, she and Val have to work together to uncover the culprit.
This novel is dual POV, but I think we get more of Amantha's POV than Val's, which makes sense because we get to see her character grow so much. I could relate to Amantha in so many ways. While our stories are different, we both experienced immense grief and loss in a short period of time. Melissa did an excellent job at portraying those emotions; I could FEEL Amantha's grief and heartache, and it moved me.
This isn't a rom-com, but it does have funny moments, and the BANTER! Y'all, the banter is good. It's a true enemies-to-lovers, which somehow makes the reveal of Val's past and his softening so much more meaningful.
There was an excerpt of book two included in the back of the paperback, and I am SO looking forward to that one too!
Overall, I highly recommend. Amantha learns what we all need reminding of from time to time—you are enough. You are worthy just as you are.
Favorite Quotes:
-"I would love to be a janitor!" I said, flinging the door open. "Because right now, I would love nothing more than to piss you off!"
-I glared up at the man towering over me. How in the world was there still space in my seething brain for attraction? I clenched my fists to stop myself—either from punching his handsome face or satiating my need to fully explore his bottom lip. Both options seemed equally delicious.
-Although he wore a simple white t-shirt and gray sweats, he could have worn a trash bag with those glutes and I'd still be drooling.
-"I wanted to tell you this before, but I was a coward. Amantha, I love you. I'm maddeningly in love with you. And I'll spend forever proving it, if you'll let me."
Thank you so much for sending me a copy of this book, Melissa! All opinions are my own.
GENRE
-romantic women's fiction with a dash of mystery
CONTENT
-🤬: infrequent mild language (4 d, 1 h)
-❤️: make outs (one with male shirt removed)
-⚠️: infidelity (present), divorce, death of parent (present, heart attack), death of spouse (past, cancer)
While there are a lot of hard topics brought up in Melissa Lark's debut, I absolutely loved it! I consumed the whole thing in like a nine-hour period. So yes, I did stay up past bedtime.
Amantha Adams is recently divorced and trying to figure out who she is after a decade of giving everything to motherhood. She gets a job as a curator's assistant at the art museum where she used to work. This means that she has to work with the grumpiest of men, Val Russo. When Amantha realizes one of the paintings in the museum is a forgery, she and Val have to work together to uncover the culprit.
This novel is dual POV, but I think we get more of Amantha's POV than Val's, which makes sense because we get to see her character grow so much. I could relate to Amantha in so many ways. While our stories are different, we both experienced immense grief and loss in a short period of time. Melissa did an excellent job at portraying those emotions; I could FEEL Amantha's grief and heartache, and it moved me.
This isn't a rom-com, but it does have funny moments, and the BANTER! Y'all, the banter is good. It's a true enemies-to-lovers, which somehow makes the reveal of Val's past and his softening so much more meaningful.
There was an excerpt of book two included in the back of the paperback, and I am SO looking forward to that one too!
Overall, I highly recommend. Amantha learns what we all need reminding of from time to time—you are enough. You are worthy just as you are.
Favorite Quotes:
-"I would love to be a janitor!" I said, flinging the door open. "Because right now, I would love nothing more than to piss you off!"
-I glared up at the man towering over me. How in the world was there still space in my seething brain for attraction? I clenched my fists to stop myself—either from punching his handsome face or satiating my need to fully explore his bottom lip. Both options seemed equally delicious.
-Although he wore a simple white t-shirt and gray sweats, he could have worn a trash bag with those glutes and I'd still be drooling.
-"I wanted to tell you this before, but I was a coward. Amantha, I love you. I'm maddeningly in love with you. And I'll spend forever proving it, if you'll let me."
Thank you so much for sending me a copy of this book, Melissa! All opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
Swoon, giggle, sigh, cry, and repeat. What a remarkable read. I can’t wrap my brain around the amazingness of this debut! I was not prepared for the depth, inspiration, validation, and growth of this story. When I say I cried my eyes out at certain scenes, then giggled and swooned the next, believe that you need this story.
“Loss is loss, Amantha.”
Amantha. A dedicated mom drowning in grief from her husbands choices and mom guilt. Picking herself up for her son proves the good that can come from choosing yourself and seeing your worth.
“You’re trouble, aren’t you,”
Val. Broody and handsome Val, his grief and loss is tucked inside leaving him with the grumpy exterior everyone sees. When we finally see his vulnerable side it’s therapeutic.
“Trouble, trouble, trouble.”
Fall in love with
🎨Enemies to more
🎨Grumpy MMC
🎨Paint balling
🎨Supply closets
🎨Kissing in the rain
🎨Office Romance
🎨Pottery Class
🎨Mystery
🎨Masterpieces and the world of Art Galleries
🎨Growth, Self Worth, Apologies, and healing.
Find your passion. Your spark. And jump head first into what you can build. I appreciated the light after depression and the care in panic attack situations. These characters were growing and learning and I felt like I was learning and groaning along with them. Grief effects us in different ways and comes in waves. Healing brings peace.
May 6, 2025
Melissa freaking Lark! Are you even kidding me?! How on earth are you just barely writing your first book? This was so DANG good!!
I loved the story line. It started out with so many emotions, I literally cried. I couldn’t believe how real it felt. And then the enemies to lovers come into play, and I wasn’t sure if I could like Val. Thhhheeeennnn, he totally redeems himself and the chemistry is so sizzly. Throw in some mystery, and you have got the whole package here!!
I loved the romance, all the hard and real feelings, the heartache and heartbreak, the families, the swoooon… LOVED IT!
I definitely recommend this book. It’s available now, so run and snag yours!
I loved the story line. It started out with so many emotions, I literally cried. I couldn’t believe how real it felt. And then the enemies to lovers come into play, and I wasn’t sure if I could like Val. Thhhheeeennnn, he totally redeems himself and the chemistry is so sizzly. Throw in some mystery, and you have got the whole package here!!
I loved the romance, all the hard and real feelings, the heartache and heartbreak, the families, the swoooon… LOVED IT!
I definitely recommend this book. It’s available now, so run and snag yours!
March 18, 2025
Oh. My. Gosh.
I’M LITERALLY OBSESSED.
Fresh Canvas is such a beautiful and witty story about motherhood, growth, and letting yourself fall in love. Not to mention, an art murder mystery and perfect banter? What more could you ask for?!
A few of my favorite things:
- The EMOTIONAL DEPTH. Amantha and Val, you have my heart. 🥹
- Kate. Period. 💅
- The iconiccc quotes. I was giggling and kicking my feet for real.
- The character arcs and family dynamics. 🫶🏻
p.s. Chapter 39 is *chef’s kiss*.
I’M LITERALLY OBSESSED.
Fresh Canvas is such a beautiful and witty story about motherhood, growth, and letting yourself fall in love. Not to mention, an art murder mystery and perfect banter? What more could you ask for?!
A few of my favorite things:
- The EMOTIONAL DEPTH. Amantha and Val, you have my heart. 🥹
- Kate. Period. 💅
- The iconiccc quotes. I was giggling and kicking my feet for real.
- The character arcs and family dynamics. 🫶🏻
p.s. Chapter 39 is *chef’s kiss*.
May 10, 2025
What a fabulous debut novel by Melissa Lark! This book had everything- snarky banter, kissing in the rain, journey of self discovery… all with some mystery elements sprinkled in. Amantha spoke to me as a mama who at times feels that she’s lost herself. Her growth from insecure to self-confident and resilient was perfection. Val was such a grump! However, he redeemed himself eventually. As a self-proclaimed artist, I loved how the MCs worked within an art gallery. I had my suspicions on who was behind all the shenanigans at the gallery, but wasn’t completely sure until I finished the book. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a fresh (ha, get it?) debut with some sizzling kisses and a dash of mystery.
May 15, 2025
LOVED this book!! So emotional, fun, sarcastic, and all the good things I love in a book! Loved the romance twists and turns and dual POV. Plus a little mystery that I didn’t actually guess the ending (huge win!). Can’t wait to read the next one!
April 3, 2025
A low spice closed door book full of witty banter, a little mystery, and a whole lot of kissing! 🫠🔥😍 An enemies to lovers trope that will have you laughing, maybe even crying, cringing, swooning, and feeling like hardship can be overcome and happy endings can still happen for everyone!
Val is a true grouch of a man at first, and his first meeting with Amantha has her frustration for the man wound up in tight knots despite his model like figure. Notwithstanding all of this, the two of them find themselves together quite often. 😏
Amantha is a single momma trying to figure out who she is and what she deserves to have after such a hard blow in life. Her strength in moving forward is so admirable and watching her character growth throughout the book was inspiring!
Amantha and Val together are fire and ice! I love it so much!! The tension, the energy, the arguments. All of it so believable. The mystery in the art museum adds a fun twist to the plot of the story that creates even more depth (for better or worse 😜) into Val and Amantha’s relationship. The passion between the two of them melts me! 🫠 I don’t want to give anything away, but just know you’ll be going on a rollercoaster with these too! So buckle up and enjoy the ride, it’s a good one!
All thoughts are my own. A very special thank you to the talented and sweet author Mellisa Lark for my advanced readers copy! It truly was a pleasure to read your debut novel! 😍
Val is a true grouch of a man at first, and his first meeting with Amantha has her frustration for the man wound up in tight knots despite his model like figure. Notwithstanding all of this, the two of them find themselves together quite often. 😏
Amantha is a single momma trying to figure out who she is and what she deserves to have after such a hard blow in life. Her strength in moving forward is so admirable and watching her character growth throughout the book was inspiring!
Amantha and Val together are fire and ice! I love it so much!! The tension, the energy, the arguments. All of it so believable. The mystery in the art museum adds a fun twist to the plot of the story that creates even more depth (for better or worse 😜) into Val and Amantha’s relationship. The passion between the two of them melts me! 🫠 I don’t want to give anything away, but just know you’ll be going on a rollercoaster with these too! So buckle up and enjoy the ride, it’s a good one!
All thoughts are my own. A very special thank you to the talented and sweet author Mellisa Lark for my advanced readers copy! It truly was a pleasure to read your debut novel! 😍
May 12, 2025
Was excited to read this debut from this new novelist. Was really impressed. Loved the chemistry, and was especially interested in her overcoming her horrible first marriage. I loved the voice of the book, was really fun. Can’t wait to read more by Melisa!
April 11, 2025
Melissa Lark wrote a full bodied book about a full bodied FMC with a unique name that demonstrates love, growth, and change. Anyone who has ever had a heartbreaking betrayal should read this book, anyone who loves watching women become self-assured should read this book, and anyone who is passionate about art should read this book!
The mystery, the romance, and the unexpected plot twist will keep you captivated through the whole book.
The mystery, the romance, and the unexpected plot twist will keep you captivated through the whole book.
April 1, 2025
I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVEEEEE this book with my entire being. 💛 Amantha’s sass and her story is so intriguing that you’re hooked from the beginning. And Val.🤤 I love a good enemies to lovers and that man is HOT and backs up those good looks with the way he loves the women in his life. And the playful banter between them is perfection.😍
This book is written so perfectly for women who have lost themselves in motherhood, are dealing with grief, and are on a journey to rediscover themselves. As a mom of young children myself, Amantha felt SO RELATABLE. It was so easy to put myself in her shoes which is why I love her so much! I laughed out loud and cried with both leads. I also have never wanted to physically injure a book character more in my life than Amantha’s ex. 🙃 I’ll be a Melissa Lark fan for life with stories like this!
April 6, 2025
I really enjoyed the ARC of this book (the receiving of which did not influence my review). It's a fun story with sassy characters, romance, and a mystery. Some steamy kisses, but nothing more than that. Touches on issues of infidelity, divorce, depression/low self-esteem, grief, and co-parenting (but it's not as heavy as that list makes it sound - it has a very positive message).
March 30, 2025
This book is incredible!!
Amantha Adams, she is by far the most relatable woman in a book I have read in a long time! She discovers her husband’s infidelity and has to relearn who she is outside of being a wife, homemaker, and mom.
Val Russo….oh he is swoony, stubborn, and downright perfect! 🫠♥️ his heart is closed off and he does not want to open himself up to love again. (Guys his story…😭😭)
There is hilarious banter, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mystery, steamy (not spicy) romance scenes, beautiful art, phenomenal character development, and self discovery!!
Just a taste of what you will get with this book:
‘Val’s mouth popped open. “Excuse me? Who runs into someone, then takes back an apology?”’
“I only apologize to decent people who deserve it, thank you very much. You happen to be neither of those things.”
Amantha I love the fiery spirit you found in yourself!! ♥️♥️
Amantha Adams, she is by far the most relatable woman in a book I have read in a long time! She discovers her husband’s infidelity and has to relearn who she is outside of being a wife, homemaker, and mom.
Val Russo….oh he is swoony, stubborn, and downright perfect! 🫠♥️ his heart is closed off and he does not want to open himself up to love again. (Guys his story…😭😭)
There is hilarious banter, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mystery, steamy (not spicy) romance scenes, beautiful art, phenomenal character development, and self discovery!!
Just a taste of what you will get with this book:
‘Val’s mouth popped open. “Excuse me? Who runs into someone, then takes back an apology?”’
“I only apologize to decent people who deserve it, thank you very much. You happen to be neither of those things.”
Amantha I love the fiery spirit you found in yourself!! ♥️♥️
March 29, 2025
Where to even begin! This book was sooo good!! I laughed, cried, wanted to punch something and someone(a few someone’s), literally jump for joy, and swoon. This book has it all from page 1! My kids kept interrupting me at one point, right at the point where one of my favorite quote is said “Mom was right. Sacrifice was a part of motherhood. Disappearing wasn’t…Each version of myself had tried her best. Through perseverance, they had all let me to this. To now.”
My shoulders relaxed and I was reminded of how hard and gloriously wonderful motherhood can be!! I connected with this on so many levels. Thank you Melissa for delivering one of my new favorite books!!
My shoulders relaxed and I was reminded of how hard and gloriously wonderful motherhood can be!! I connected with this on so many levels. Thank you Melissa for delivering one of my new favorite books!!
April 25, 2025
So this is a debut novel from a first time book release author, Melissa Lark. I am grateful for the opportunity she gave me to read her book.
So this book is written a little differently having more chapters written from the FMC point of view, but she did this to better portray what was going on with her, her struggles, and her transformation. She shows Amantha as a newly divorced single mother. She’s given her whole life to being a mother and thought that was all she was able to be, thinking she had to completely give up her previous life.
As the story goes along, she decides to return to working as an assistant to the museum curator and rediscovers her love for art and this other part of her life. She also mets Val who is a grumpy, silent, handsome man. Their interactions are oil and water. They definitely get under each others skin.
Val likes everything just so, his house is spotless, always dressed classy and wearing a straight face. They both end up wrapped up in discovering a art work being forged and as they work together to figure out the crime, you guessed it. They fall for each other.
I smiled, laughed, and got frustrated with them for some of the way they were acting. They story gets wrapped up smoothly and the romance is sweet.
I would recommend giving this book a read and giving the debut novel a shot.
Enemies to lovers. Grumpy man. Hesitant female. Age gap reversed.
Oh and did I mention to MMC’s arm tattoos? Or the nicknames?
{closed door}
———
I will be doing a write up on this in a couple more weeks. But for now, it was a great debut novel Melissa. Comes out in about a month 3/27.
So this book is written a little differently having more chapters written from the FMC point of view, but she did this to better portray what was going on with her, her struggles, and her transformation. She shows Amantha as a newly divorced single mother. She’s given her whole life to being a mother and thought that was all she was able to be, thinking she had to completely give up her previous life.
As the story goes along, she decides to return to working as an assistant to the museum curator and rediscovers her love for art and this other part of her life. She also mets Val who is a grumpy, silent, handsome man. Their interactions are oil and water. They definitely get under each others skin.
Val likes everything just so, his house is spotless, always dressed classy and wearing a straight face. They both end up wrapped up in discovering a art work being forged and as they work together to figure out the crime, you guessed it. They fall for each other.
I smiled, laughed, and got frustrated with them for some of the way they were acting. They story gets wrapped up smoothly and the romance is sweet.
I would recommend giving this book a read and giving the debut novel a shot.
Enemies to lovers. Grumpy man. Hesitant female. Age gap reversed.
Oh and did I mention to MMC’s arm tattoos? Or the nicknames?
{closed door}
———
I will be doing a write up on this in a couple more weeks. But for now, it was a great debut novel Melissa. Comes out in about a month 3/27.
March 26, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒗𝒂𝒔}
🖼️ Release Date: April 30, 2025 🖼️
.
.
.
(Sigh) Don’t mind me over here just swooning over this story 😍 Melissa Lark definitely hit this one clear out of the park! Guys, this book was so much fun! The banter was ✨phenomenal✨ and the romance was to die for 🤩 I love that there was a mystery element to this story because it certainly added an exciting touch to the book!
Amantha (NOT Samantha or Amanda) was in desperate need of a change in her life. After having spent many years living solely for her son and absent husband, she found that she had lost her identity somewhere along the way. When in a dramatic turn of events, Amantha’s life gets a fresh canvas after a messy divorce, she flounders a bit as she tries to find her grounding in this “new” life back at her old job at the Chicago Legacy Art Museum.
Val Russo, a curator at the museum, was in search of an assistant. What he was not in search of was an attractive fiery woman to enter his life and turn it on its head, but that’s what he got the first day Amantha stepped foot back into the museum. Try as he might to deny his feelings towards her, there was a certain✨spark✨there that made it impossible for these two to stay apart!
Val & Amantha were fire & ice and I absolutely ate it up! Their banter was positively hilarious and I loved the fact that they genuinely disliked each other at first 🤭 This was such a good enemies-to-lovers/workplace romance story, filled with some of the best characters; Melissa Lark did a fantastic job with her first book!
Content note:
• fairly steamy kisses
.
.
.
Thank you, Melissa, for allowing me to read an arc of your new book 🩵
{𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒗𝒂𝒔}
🖼️ Release Date: April 30, 2025 🖼️
.
.
.
(Sigh) Don’t mind me over here just swooning over this story 😍 Melissa Lark definitely hit this one clear out of the park! Guys, this book was so much fun! The banter was ✨phenomenal✨ and the romance was to die for 🤩 I love that there was a mystery element to this story because it certainly added an exciting touch to the book!
Amantha (NOT Samantha or Amanda) was in desperate need of a change in her life. After having spent many years living solely for her son and absent husband, she found that she had lost her identity somewhere along the way. When in a dramatic turn of events, Amantha’s life gets a fresh canvas after a messy divorce, she flounders a bit as she tries to find her grounding in this “new” life back at her old job at the Chicago Legacy Art Museum.
Val Russo, a curator at the museum, was in search of an assistant. What he was not in search of was an attractive fiery woman to enter his life and turn it on its head, but that’s what he got the first day Amantha stepped foot back into the museum. Try as he might to deny his feelings towards her, there was a certain✨spark✨there that made it impossible for these two to stay apart!
Val & Amantha were fire & ice and I absolutely ate it up! Their banter was positively hilarious and I loved the fact that they genuinely disliked each other at first 🤭 This was such a good enemies-to-lovers/workplace romance story, filled with some of the best characters; Melissa Lark did a fantastic job with her first book!
Content note:
• fairly steamy kisses
.
.
.
Thank you, Melissa, for allowing me to read an arc of your new book 🩵
April 28, 2025
"...his underlying message had been constant. Love. If there was one thing I was sure of, it was that Val Russo knew how to love."
Fresh Canvas by Melissa Lark
This was a debut novel? I am stunned and amazed at how talented Melissa is. Her writing flows, her plot is well-thought out, her characters are very well-developed, and her depictions and descriptions of scenes/settings is very vivid. I felt myself drawn into the story and many times had a hard time putting the book down.
I absolutely loved the mystery in this. I had my guesses of who was the culprit, but honestly I was so wrong. I loved that she keeps you guessing the whole time.
These characters were so believable and real. Their raw emotions were so palpable, and I could feel their joy, their pain, their angst, their passion throughout the story come right off the page. Melissa writes truly wonderful characters.
I would give this one a 4.5 stars, and here is why:
I struggled with connecting with Amantha, only because I am not a mom yet, and therefore have not felt those emotions of losing your identity or oneself. I did kind of struggle with how Amantha felt about motherhood in the beginning of the story, but I like how her feelings about it ended up at the end. If you have struggled with fertility or have longed to be a mother, you might struggle with those aspects as well.
The tension between Amantha and Val was off the charts. Their chemistry was wow! I loved that Val helped her on her journey to loving herself more. That aspect was beautiful. I have struggled with feeling good about my body and appearance in the past, so I appreciated and connected with that part. I love when my own MMC/husband tells me I look nice or beautiful. Their kissing scenes do get really steamy at times, but nothing goes past kissing. I really appreciated that Val respects her in that way. And that she set the boundary of waiting to be physically intimate.
I do recommend this book by Melissa. Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to more of her writing.
Favorite Parts:
Chemistry between Val and Amantha
Mystery
Workplace romance
Finding herself again
Solving crime
Messages of finding love and loving after heartbreak
Mental Health rep-both MCs
Content Guide:
Language: mild- multiple infrequent use of d*mn, h*ll; character uses middle finger pointed at another character
Sexual Content: Closed-door: Innuendos; very passionate, long kissing (a couple scenes involves the man without his shirt; some involving tongue not descriptive, growls, moans, ear nipping); playful butt smacking; sexual talk and thoughts (not detailed); lots of physical attraction-two main characters ogle each other when they aren’t wearing much clothing
Violence/gore: mild-child's arm get broken (not described)
Substance Use: mild-alcohol drinking several times at museum events
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: two religious exclamatories-"Good Lord"
Other: While she loves her son, FMC is not content with her life as a mother in the beginning (this could be triggering to those who long for motherhood), miscarriage (mentioned), cancer/death from cancer (discussed as something from the past), divorce (heavy, on page), child custody battle (on page), infertility struggles (mild), forgery/theft, brief mention of a woman with a woman as her date, character has memories of attending therapy
Book Info:
Series: Fresh book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Romance Level: Closed-door 3
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Publisher: Indie
POV: dual
Debut
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
Fresh Canvas by Melissa Lark
This was a debut novel? I am stunned and amazed at how talented Melissa is. Her writing flows, her plot is well-thought out, her characters are very well-developed, and her depictions and descriptions of scenes/settings is very vivid. I felt myself drawn into the story and many times had a hard time putting the book down.
I absolutely loved the mystery in this. I had my guesses of who was the culprit, but honestly I was so wrong. I loved that she keeps you guessing the whole time.
These characters were so believable and real. Their raw emotions were so palpable, and I could feel their joy, their pain, their angst, their passion throughout the story come right off the page. Melissa writes truly wonderful characters.
I would give this one a 4.5 stars, and here is why:
I struggled with connecting with Amantha, only because I am not a mom yet, and therefore have not felt those emotions of losing your identity or oneself. I did kind of struggle with how Amantha felt about motherhood in the beginning of the story, but I like how her feelings about it ended up at the end. If you have struggled with fertility or have longed to be a mother, you might struggle with those aspects as well.
The tension between Amantha and Val was off the charts. Their chemistry was wow! I loved that Val helped her on her journey to loving herself more. That aspect was beautiful. I have struggled with feeling good about my body and appearance in the past, so I appreciated and connected with that part. I love when my own MMC/husband tells me I look nice or beautiful. Their kissing scenes do get really steamy at times, but nothing goes past kissing. I really appreciated that Val respects her in that way. And that she set the boundary of waiting to be physically intimate.
I do recommend this book by Melissa. Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to more of her writing.
Favorite Parts:
Chemistry between Val and Amantha
Mystery
Workplace romance
Finding herself again
Solving crime
Messages of finding love and loving after heartbreak
Mental Health rep-both MCs
Content Guide:
Language: mild- multiple infrequent use of d*mn, h*ll; character uses middle finger pointed at another character
Sexual Content: Closed-door: Innuendos; very passionate, long kissing (a couple scenes involves the man without his shirt; some involving tongue not descriptive, growls, moans, ear nipping); playful butt smacking; sexual talk and thoughts (not detailed); lots of physical attraction-two main characters ogle each other when they aren’t wearing much clothing
Violence/gore: mild-child's arm get broken (not described)
Substance Use: mild-alcohol drinking several times at museum events
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: two religious exclamatories-"Good Lord"
Other: While she loves her son, FMC is not content with her life as a mother in the beginning (this could be triggering to those who long for motherhood), miscarriage (mentioned), cancer/death from cancer (discussed as something from the past), divorce (heavy, on page), child custody battle (on page), infertility struggles (mild), forgery/theft, brief mention of a woman with a woman as her date, character has memories of attending therapy
Book Info:
Series: Fresh book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Romance Level: Closed-door 3
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Publisher: Indie
POV: dual
Debut
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 14, 2025
If your life was a blank canvas, you what would you create? 🎨🖌️🖼️
✨ Fresh Canvas✨
When Amantha’s world comes crashing down, she has a second chance at creating the life of her dreams. 💕
Oh my goodness! Have you ever read a book and immediately wanted to become best friends with the author? @melissalarkauthor is absolutely hilarious! One chapter into this book and I knew this book was solid literary gold. 🏆
If you like sizzling hot (no-spice) romances with a healthy dash of humor and a good dose of mystery, you will LOVE this book! ❤️
If you are a mom who lost yourself along the way, you NEED this book. 📕
Expect:
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Forbidden romance (coworkers)
❤️ MMC - brooding, tall, dark, handsome Italian 🫠
Amantha, our FMC, spent years making herself smaller until she turned into a doormat. Now free of her terrible ex (who I wanted to kick in th crotch every time he talked or texted), Amantha discovers that she is a fiesty, fiery, brilliant, and beautiful goddess. 🥹
Favorite side characters:
💖 Amantha’s therapist (we all should get one!)
💖 Kate, her new work bestie who would ☠️ any guy that hurts Amantha AND gets Amantha into a new pair of jeans for the first time in a decade!
💖 Susan, her AMAZING mom!!!
💖 MMC’s sister, Camille - who literally smacks sense into him.
💖 The couch (iykyk)
Favorite parts:
💕 The intensity of the enemies to lovers is so perfect!
💕 He cooks Italian food for her 🍝
💕 Their banter & teasing 😘
💕 Discovering Val’s many secrets
💕 Kissing in the rain
💕 Paintball & swimming date
💕 The closet at work 😉
💕 He basically worships her body (the same body she had been embarrassed about)
Intimacy Level 3 - as sizzling hot as possible without getting steamy or spicy, descriptive making out, his shirt off, swimsuits, discussions of desire & attraction but choosing to wait, sleeping snuggled next to each other (clothed)
Mild profanity
Content: Cheating spouse, divorce, grief, losing loved one to death, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, emotionally manipulative ex
✨ Fresh Canvas✨
When Amantha’s world comes crashing down, she has a second chance at creating the life of her dreams. 💕
Oh my goodness! Have you ever read a book and immediately wanted to become best friends with the author? @melissalarkauthor is absolutely hilarious! One chapter into this book and I knew this book was solid literary gold. 🏆
If you like sizzling hot (no-spice) romances with a healthy dash of humor and a good dose of mystery, you will LOVE this book! ❤️
If you are a mom who lost yourself along the way, you NEED this book. 📕
Expect:
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Forbidden romance (coworkers)
❤️ MMC - brooding, tall, dark, handsome Italian 🫠
Amantha, our FMC, spent years making herself smaller until she turned into a doormat. Now free of her terrible ex (who I wanted to kick in th crotch every time he talked or texted), Amantha discovers that she is a fiesty, fiery, brilliant, and beautiful goddess. 🥹
Favorite side characters:
💖 Amantha’s therapist (we all should get one!)
💖 Kate, her new work bestie who would ☠️ any guy that hurts Amantha AND gets Amantha into a new pair of jeans for the first time in a decade!
💖 Susan, her AMAZING mom!!!
💖 MMC’s sister, Camille - who literally smacks sense into him.
💖 The couch (iykyk)
Favorite parts:
💕 The intensity of the enemies to lovers is so perfect!
💕 He cooks Italian food for her 🍝
💕 Their banter & teasing 😘
💕 Discovering Val’s many secrets
💕 Kissing in the rain
💕 Paintball & swimming date
💕 The closet at work 😉
💕 He basically worships her body (the same body she had been embarrassed about)
Intimacy Level 3 - as sizzling hot as possible without getting steamy or spicy, descriptive making out, his shirt off, swimsuits, discussions of desire & attraction but choosing to wait, sleeping snuggled next to each other (clothed)
Mild profanity
Content: Cheating spouse, divorce, grief, losing loved one to death, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, emotionally manipulative ex
December 6, 2025
"𝑩𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒚. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑰𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘, 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒗𝒂𝒔. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕.”
This story was so good. I am really glad I read it before Book 2 because we meet Kate and Brandon here first, and now I cannot wait for their book.
Amantha’s life changes fast after she catches her husband cheating. She has to rebuild her life, find a job, and figure out who she is again. That leads her back to her love of art and to a very funny first meeting with Val. If you like enemies to more... THIS is your book! They do not get along at first, but her strong personality and great resume land her the job at the museum he works for. Working with Val is rough at first but gets easier over time, and then as the walls come crumbling down real feelings start to grow. As she gets to know the real Val and lets him see the real Amantha, she realizes he not only accepts her, but is truly attracted to her just as she is.
But Val is a widower who is not sure if he can love again. Can he make apace for Amantha in a heart that is still so full of his late wife, and would it be fair to Amantha? Amantha has doubts too because reminders of his late wife are everywhere. While they sort out their feelings, they also uncover a museum mystery that puts many jobs at risk. There is a lot at stake for both their hearts and their careers.
A total rollercoaster of emotions with this one! Great chemistry, great banter, and a mystery I did not guess.
I gave this 4.5 rounded to a 5 star read!
Content notes:
• Some language
• Innuendo
• Cancer
• Infidelity
• Playful butt smacks
• Closed Door: 3
• Side character suggested to be gay
• A line Christian readers may want to know about: “Each day, I begged any deity that existed to help dull the pain.”
This story was so good. I am really glad I read it before Book 2 because we meet Kate and Brandon here first, and now I cannot wait for their book.
Amantha’s life changes fast after she catches her husband cheating. She has to rebuild her life, find a job, and figure out who she is again. That leads her back to her love of art and to a very funny first meeting with Val. If you like enemies to more... THIS is your book! They do not get along at first, but her strong personality and great resume land her the job at the museum he works for. Working with Val is rough at first but gets easier over time, and then as the walls come crumbling down real feelings start to grow. As she gets to know the real Val and lets him see the real Amantha, she realizes he not only accepts her, but is truly attracted to her just as she is.
But Val is a widower who is not sure if he can love again. Can he make apace for Amantha in a heart that is still so full of his late wife, and would it be fair to Amantha? Amantha has doubts too because reminders of his late wife are everywhere. While they sort out their feelings, they also uncover a museum mystery that puts many jobs at risk. There is a lot at stake for both their hearts and their careers.
A total rollercoaster of emotions with this one! Great chemistry, great banter, and a mystery I did not guess.
I gave this 4.5 rounded to a 5 star read!
Content notes:
• Some language
• Innuendo
• Cancer
• Infidelity
• Playful butt smacks
• Closed Door: 3
• Side character suggested to be gay
• A line Christian readers may want to know about: “Each day, I begged any deity that existed to help dull the pain.”
August 24, 2025
I was influenced big time by my comments section in my last post (but also Melissa’s fantastic social media reels😜) to read her debut novel! Let me tell you- it did not disappoint!!!
Amantha Adams’ life has been turned upside down after great loss. On a mission to reclaim her identity (per direction from her therapist), she re-enters the workforce at the same museum where she started. Add in a meet-hate with grumpy Val, a curator with a hard exterior, Amantha has her work cut out for her. As she navigates life, love and every twist her story takes, she learns just how much strength she has.
I loved Amantha & her character arc. She went THROUGH IT at the beginning of this story, and I was eager to see how she found love after her marriage ended. She was honest and had realistic feelings and grew to see her worth as the book went on. I loved that Melissa infused so much of herself into this book. My boy mama heart hopes to see a bond with my little like Amantha had with her son. 🥹
Val is a wounded grump with a cinnamon roll center, and there’s nothing more fun to read than him yearning for Amantha. Through his pain, he still recognized his attraction and eventual love for her to be a lasting one. I appreciated his willingness to grow and support Amantha as her life continued to evolve.
I appreciated the mystery aspect of this book too! It definitely added to the growing bond between the main couple!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I look forward to Kate’s book! 🤩🫶🏻
CW: This is a closed-door romance with make-outs and mild language. It includes mentions of death of a parent, death of a partner, and infidelity.
Amantha Adams’ life has been turned upside down after great loss. On a mission to reclaim her identity (per direction from her therapist), she re-enters the workforce at the same museum where she started. Add in a meet-hate with grumpy Val, a curator with a hard exterior, Amantha has her work cut out for her. As she navigates life, love and every twist her story takes, she learns just how much strength she has.
I loved Amantha & her character arc. She went THROUGH IT at the beginning of this story, and I was eager to see how she found love after her marriage ended. She was honest and had realistic feelings and grew to see her worth as the book went on. I loved that Melissa infused so much of herself into this book. My boy mama heart hopes to see a bond with my little like Amantha had with her son. 🥹
Val is a wounded grump with a cinnamon roll center, and there’s nothing more fun to read than him yearning for Amantha. Through his pain, he still recognized his attraction and eventual love for her to be a lasting one. I appreciated his willingness to grow and support Amantha as her life continued to evolve.
I appreciated the mystery aspect of this book too! It definitely added to the growing bond between the main couple!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I look forward to Kate’s book! 🤩🫶🏻
CW: This is a closed-door romance with make-outs and mild language. It includes mentions of death of a parent, death of a partner, and infidelity.
June 25, 2025
This story packs it all!
Amantha is in her I Can Do It With A Broken Heart era! And you aren’t going to want to miss it!! It’s been a few weeks since I finished this book and I’m still very much thinking about it.
This story packs it all! Healing after heartbreak. Witty banter for days. Sizzling chemistry. Fantastic characters with meaningful growth journeys. A side of mystery. The kind of emotional ride that leave a permanent mark on your heart. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that depicted the complexity of motherhood so perfectly. The mom guilt and physically aching with wanting the best for your child. Also the way you can feel like a stranger to the you that existed before you held the tile of mom. Before you put parts of yourself on a shelf to pour everything into being the best mom you could be. I absolutely love the journey of reclaiming her voice and power that Amantha goes on. The whole book I was rooting for her and the ending was absolutely perfect!
And we can’t forget Val! He’s swooooony in the best ways and oh my heart his backstory. I cried for him. Seeing him go from a grump with walls around his heart to fully falling for Amantha. *happy sigh* I just loved it so much! He deserved every bit of that happiness and sunshine that Amantha brings.
I’m still in complete awe that this was Melissa Lark’s debut. Cannot recommend enough!!
Heat- so many delicious kisses
CW- death of parent on page, infidelity and divorce, loss of spouse (past/ mentioned), cancer (past)
Amantha is in her I Can Do It With A Broken Heart era! And you aren’t going to want to miss it!! It’s been a few weeks since I finished this book and I’m still very much thinking about it.
This story packs it all! Healing after heartbreak. Witty banter for days. Sizzling chemistry. Fantastic characters with meaningful growth journeys. A side of mystery. The kind of emotional ride that leave a permanent mark on your heart. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that depicted the complexity of motherhood so perfectly. The mom guilt and physically aching with wanting the best for your child. Also the way you can feel like a stranger to the you that existed before you held the tile of mom. Before you put parts of yourself on a shelf to pour everything into being the best mom you could be. I absolutely love the journey of reclaiming her voice and power that Amantha goes on. The whole book I was rooting for her and the ending was absolutely perfect!
And we can’t forget Val! He’s swooooony in the best ways and oh my heart his backstory. I cried for him. Seeing him go from a grump with walls around his heart to fully falling for Amantha. *happy sigh* I just loved it so much! He deserved every bit of that happiness and sunshine that Amantha brings.
I’m still in complete awe that this was Melissa Lark’s debut. Cannot recommend enough!!
Heat- so many delicious kisses
CW- death of parent on page, infidelity and divorce, loss of spouse (past/ mentioned), cancer (past)
October 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!!
Fresh Canvas by @melissalarkauthor
A wonderful book that encircles growth, divorce, grief, and love (both of self and partner). Amantha’s life unravels when she discovers her husband’s dark secret and a family loss. After her controlling exhusband drags out the divorce for custody of their son, Amantha has to put herself back out in the working world with her passion for art curation, but one of the senior curators might get in her way with his grumpy attitude but stunning looks. 😍
Val has told himself he had to be single and that he has to block out all relationships after the loss of his wife. All was going well until the new assistant to the co senior curator at the museum throws his world off balance. Can he resist her sassy hotness? Or will he make a mistake and fall for this beautiful and sassy woman?
This book had me in all my emotions. After having gone through a similar mentally and emotionally unstable relationship with my now ex-husband (minus a kid) and him trying to drag things out, I felt all the things Amantha felt. Reading through Amantha’s growth was like reading through my own. Her and Val’s relationship growth was so much fun to read! The witty banter had me laughing and the emotions this book has within it are just amazing! Also hummingbirds are a huge thing for my family too and I have a hummingbird tattoo on my wrist! 🩵
Fresh Canvas by @melissalarkauthor
A wonderful book that encircles growth, divorce, grief, and love (both of self and partner). Amantha’s life unravels when she discovers her husband’s dark secret and a family loss. After her controlling exhusband drags out the divorce for custody of their son, Amantha has to put herself back out in the working world with her passion for art curation, but one of the senior curators might get in her way with his grumpy attitude but stunning looks. 😍
Val has told himself he had to be single and that he has to block out all relationships after the loss of his wife. All was going well until the new assistant to the co senior curator at the museum throws his world off balance. Can he resist her sassy hotness? Or will he make a mistake and fall for this beautiful and sassy woman?
This book had me in all my emotions. After having gone through a similar mentally and emotionally unstable relationship with my now ex-husband (minus a kid) and him trying to drag things out, I felt all the things Amantha felt. Reading through Amantha’s growth was like reading through my own. Her and Val’s relationship growth was so much fun to read! The witty banter had me laughing and the emotions this book has within it are just amazing! Also hummingbirds are a huge thing for my family too and I have a hummingbird tattoo on my wrist! 🩵
July 29, 2025
Relatable, sexy with some mystery to boot.
As a busy Mom of 5, finishing a book in 1 week?! Now, that's a major feat.
This book blew me away. I love her writing style. Her way with words draws you in and paints such vivid pictures.
I was first drawn in at the beginning. My
heartstrings pulled and even though it wasn't my own experience, it was somehow relatable? The body image issues, the mom pressure/guilt, the marriage thoughts and worries. All of it! But then Val entered the picture and suddenly I couldn't get enough!! If I wasn't reading, my thoughts would be dragged back to that art gallery!
The ending was picture perfect while also cheering for her bravery to stand up to her ex. I was so proud of her!! All of the people and questions I had, were buttoned up nice and tight, which I appreciate. I want to read more about Amantha and Val!! I also cant wait for Kate's story. Can you please hurry and finish?! 😅🤣
I really loved that besides the sexy factor of the love story, there was a lot of real-life moments throughout the whole book. Life isn't perfect, and it was fun to read a story that still had a massive happy ending, but with real-life and real problems thrown in there. It was hopeful, not just light. Highly recommend!!! 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 😍
As a busy Mom of 5, finishing a book in 1 week?! Now, that's a major feat.
This book blew me away. I love her writing style. Her way with words draws you in and paints such vivid pictures.
I was first drawn in at the beginning. My
heartstrings pulled and even though it wasn't my own experience, it was somehow relatable? The body image issues, the mom pressure/guilt, the marriage thoughts and worries. All of it! But then Val entered the picture and suddenly I couldn't get enough!! If I wasn't reading, my thoughts would be dragged back to that art gallery!
The ending was picture perfect while also cheering for her bravery to stand up to her ex. I was so proud of her!! All of the people and questions I had, were buttoned up nice and tight, which I appreciate. I want to read more about Amantha and Val!! I also cant wait for Kate's story. Can you please hurry and finish?! 😅🤣
I really loved that besides the sexy factor of the love story, there was a lot of real-life moments throughout the whole book. Life isn't perfect, and it was fun to read a story that still had a massive happy ending, but with real-life and real problems thrown in there. It was hopeful, not just light. Highly recommend!!! 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 😍
November 16, 2025
Content: kissing only (descriptive), mild language, no violence. Other considerations: death of loved ones (cancer, heart attack), affair, anxiety/panic attacks, side character brings same-sex date (literally mentioned in just one sentence).
Genre/Tropes: Women’s Fiction with romance (and mystery subplot), single mom, widower, enemies to lovers, coworkers, grief and healing.
My thoughts: Is it terrible of me to say a book with so many heavy topics (affair that leads to divorce, losing a spouse to cancer, coming to terms with single-mom life and trying to balance to many things) was such a fun read? There were several times where I could just feel my heart aching, like it was breaking in two along with Amantha. (My phone also doesn’t like your name—sorry, girl.)
But amidst all the heavy, Amantha’s sense of humor shines through and I loved all the teasing (or rather taunting as it truly started out) between her and Val. I love how the two of them share openly even though they don’t have to, after the cracks to the facade have been seen. And I so admire Amantha’s courage to speak her mind as the story progresses, rather than staying in the confined box she shrank into when she was with her ex.
I think especially if you are a mom there will be many moments you can relate to (whether you are a single, working, or stay at home mom).
Favorite aspects/moments:
🖼️ the couch!
🖼️ kissing in the rain
🖼️ paintball fight
🖼️ Val meeting Anthony
🖼️ Meeting family members
🖼️ every time he grabs her wrist
🖼️ Amantha finding herself again
🖼️ every time Val turns on the charm
🖼️ Kate. She is fire. Cannot wait for her book to come out!
Genre/Tropes: Women’s Fiction with romance (and mystery subplot), single mom, widower, enemies to lovers, coworkers, grief and healing.
My thoughts: Is it terrible of me to say a book with so many heavy topics (affair that leads to divorce, losing a spouse to cancer, coming to terms with single-mom life and trying to balance to many things) was such a fun read? There were several times where I could just feel my heart aching, like it was breaking in two along with Amantha. (My phone also doesn’t like your name—sorry, girl.)
But amidst all the heavy, Amantha’s sense of humor shines through and I loved all the teasing (or rather taunting as it truly started out) between her and Val. I love how the two of them share openly even though they don’t have to, after the cracks to the facade have been seen. And I so admire Amantha’s courage to speak her mind as the story progresses, rather than staying in the confined box she shrank into when she was with her ex.
I think especially if you are a mom there will be many moments you can relate to (whether you are a single, working, or stay at home mom).
Favorite aspects/moments:
🖼️ the couch!
🖼️ kissing in the rain
🖼️ paintball fight
🖼️ Val meeting Anthony
🖼️ Meeting family members
🖼️ every time he grabs her wrist
🖼️ Amantha finding herself again
🖼️ every time Val turns on the charm
🖼️ Kate. She is fire. Cannot wait for her book to come out!
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