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Artist's Dream
Cassie Parker has grown used to denying her sexuality. Her father, the fire-and-brimstone Reverend Parker, has made that a necessity. Raised in a web of secrets, sadness, and under the heavy hand of her father's righteous wrath and intolerance, Cassie turns to her art to fill the hole in her heart and erase the memory of a mother who abandoned her in childhood. Then Luke Winston enters her life. Strong, mysterious, and beautiful, Luke sparks Cassie's desire, and takes her heart to places she's never known. Soon Cassie can no longer deny her attraction to women - and especially to Luke.
When Cassie's father makes an unexpected visit, the intrusion on her new life explodes as dark family secrets are revealed. Will Cassie choose a life without family...or a life without love?
When Cassie's father makes an unexpected visit, the intrusion on her new life explodes as dark family secrets are revealed. Will Cassie choose a life without family...or a life without love?
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2005
38 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
53 books1,549 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 9, 2024
4⭐️ Another great book by Gerri Hill. I listened to the audio on this one and Abby Craden’s voices are fantastic.
I loved both MCs and felt like they were real people that could be friends with.
The anger from Cassie’s father was intense and that made the book better in my view.
I loved both MCs and felt like they were real people that could be friends with.
The anger from Cassie’s father was intense and that made the book better in my view.
November 2, 2019
Cassie Parker is a woodcarving artist who had a tough childhood. Her mother abandoned her when she was a child, leaving her to be raised by her father, a reverend with staunch Christian and homophobic beliefs. Now in her late twenties, she is struggling with her sexuality until she meets Luke Winston. Their mutual attraction is so strong that fighting it is futile. But when Cassie’s father makes an appearance, Cassey will have to choose between her family or her love life…
This is a good lesbian romance audiobook with a side of family drama. Gerri Hill knows how to build up the chemistry between her characters and ‘Artist’s dream’ is no exception. It took me some time to warm to Cassie’s character but once the reasons why she’s so repressed were revealed, it was easy to like her. Despite Cassie’s determination to ignore her feelings, her attraction to Luke is so powerful that it’s impossible to ignore. Once their connection is established, the author works her magic and the sex scenes are well written and hot.
The secondary characters play a fundamental role in the story, specially Cassie’s best friend and her father. When I read this book a few years ago, I found Reverend Parker a bit stereotyped but now I think that there are more people like him that I’d like to believe. He is a hateful character who has twisted reasons for his actions. I would have liked Ms. Hill to include more family background to the plot instead of dropping a bomb without much further development, in my opinion, the story could have been better by providing a better closure to some unresolved issues in Cassie’s life. However, I understand that the balance is more in the romance than the family drama.
The audiobook edition is narrated by Abby Craden, who has read a few of Ms. Hill’s books. Her voices are perfect for each character, specially that husky undertone of Luke’s voice. Her performance of Reverend Parker is powerful and believable, there are a few scenes between father and daughter in which Ms. Craden captures their emotional turmoil perfectly. It brings the story to life in a commanding manner. Once again, not only she doesn’t disappoint but she makes the end result so much better.
Available for free with the Scribd subscription.
Overall, a good lesbian romance with a side of family drama. 4 stars for the story, 5 stars for the narration. Average 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a good lesbian romance audiobook with a side of family drama. Gerri Hill knows how to build up the chemistry between her characters and ‘Artist’s dream’ is no exception. It took me some time to warm to Cassie’s character but once the reasons why she’s so repressed were revealed, it was easy to like her. Despite Cassie’s determination to ignore her feelings, her attraction to Luke is so powerful that it’s impossible to ignore. Once their connection is established, the author works her magic and the sex scenes are well written and hot.
The secondary characters play a fundamental role in the story, specially Cassie’s best friend and her father. When I read this book a few years ago, I found Reverend Parker a bit stereotyped but now I think that there are more people like him that I’d like to believe. He is a hateful character who has twisted reasons for his actions. I would have liked Ms. Hill to include more family background to the plot instead of dropping a bomb without much further development, in my opinion, the story could have been better by providing a better closure to some unresolved issues in Cassie’s life. However, I understand that the balance is more in the romance than the family drama.
The audiobook edition is narrated by Abby Craden, who has read a few of Ms. Hill’s books. Her voices are perfect for each character, specially that husky undertone of Luke’s voice. Her performance of Reverend Parker is powerful and believable, there are a few scenes between father and daughter in which Ms. Craden captures their emotional turmoil perfectly. It brings the story to life in a commanding manner. Once again, not only she doesn’t disappoint but she makes the end result so much better.
Available for free with the Scribd subscription.
Overall, a good lesbian romance with a side of family drama. 4 stars for the story, 5 stars for the narration. Average 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 24, 2020
Scribd made my next choice easy as they have many of Gerri Hill’s audio books now. So I picked Artist’s Dream, originally published by Bella Books in 2005 and re-published as an audio book in 2019 - together with Tantor Media – narrated by the fabulous Abby Craden.
Cassie Parker broke away from her overbearing religious father years ago and lives the artist life in Sonoma County, California. At age 33 she’s finally happy even if her youth was anything but. Mother left when she was 4 years old and her distrustful preacher father took all control and gave her no room to breathe let alone discover the world on her own.
Cassie thinks she’s doomed as far as romantic relationships go. Any and all attempts with men fail utterly. She doesn’t feel anything for them. She would be much more interested in women, if only her father’s voice would not be in her head, making her too scared to even contemplate it. Then everything changes when she locks eyes with Luke Winston. Their mutual attraction is evident and Cassie can’t fight her feelings any longer. Until suddenly daddy returns for Thanksgiving. Will she choose for her new love or will she revert back to being the good daughter.
"I’ve been thinking maybe you’re doing this to punish me in some way," he started.
"I know you can’t possibly understand this. You won’t even allow yourself to try."
"Understand? It’s unnatural," he hissed.
"Do you think I wanted this?" she asked. "Don’t you think I fought these desires?"
"The Devil’s temptation."
"No. That’s what you taught me to believe, but no."
"It is against God’s will," he stated.
"How can you say that? For the first time in my life I feel something for someone. Al these years, I’ve dated men but I was never attracted to them. But because of your teachings, I would never consider that it was because I was attracted to women. Because you taught me it was wrong."
"It is wrong," he insisted.
"You would rather I spend my life alone? Miserable, like you?"
"It would be better than the Hell you’ve invited."
The audio book was fun. Abby was very convincing as the fire-and-brimstone preacher. She brought all the drama with her narration where in the book it felt like Hill was milking it a bit too much. You should really give this one a go. The romance is swoon worthy.
f/f Cassie hears the mermaids singing
Themes: traumatized youth, Reverend Parker, mom did a runner, woodcarving artist, architect, eagle in flight, family drama, choices to make, letters, available on Scribd.
4.5 Stars
Cassie Parker broke away from her overbearing religious father years ago and lives the artist life in Sonoma County, California. At age 33 she’s finally happy even if her youth was anything but. Mother left when she was 4 years old and her distrustful preacher father took all control and gave her no room to breathe let alone discover the world on her own.
Cassie thinks she’s doomed as far as romantic relationships go. Any and all attempts with men fail utterly. She doesn’t feel anything for them. She would be much more interested in women, if only her father’s voice would not be in her head, making her too scared to even contemplate it. Then everything changes when she locks eyes with Luke Winston. Their mutual attraction is evident and Cassie can’t fight her feelings any longer. Until suddenly daddy returns for Thanksgiving. Will she choose for her new love or will she revert back to being the good daughter.
"I’ve been thinking maybe you’re doing this to punish me in some way," he started.
"I know you can’t possibly understand this. You won’t even allow yourself to try."
"Understand? It’s unnatural," he hissed.
"Do you think I wanted this?" she asked. "Don’t you think I fought these desires?"
"The Devil’s temptation."
"No. That’s what you taught me to believe, but no."
"It is against God’s will," he stated.
"How can you say that? For the first time in my life I feel something for someone. Al these years, I’ve dated men but I was never attracted to them. But because of your teachings, I would never consider that it was because I was attracted to women. Because you taught me it was wrong."
"It is wrong," he insisted.
"You would rather I spend my life alone? Miserable, like you?"
"It would be better than the Hell you’ve invited."
The audio book was fun. Abby was very convincing as the fire-and-brimstone preacher. She brought all the drama with her narration where in the book it felt like Hill was milking it a bit too much. You should really give this one a go. The romance is swoon worthy.
f/f Cassie hears the mermaids singing
Themes: traumatized youth, Reverend Parker, mom did a runner, woodcarving artist, architect, eagle in flight, family drama, choices to make, letters, available on Scribd.
4.5 Stars
May 23, 2025
Once I get on a Gerri Hill binge, it's hard to stop.
July 19, 2012
This was a very pleasing story. Once again the character development and interaction are spotlighted here, as in other books by this author. Though the progression of the two protagonists was a bit fast to be remotely believable.
I was extremely pleased in the beginning to learn that one of our main characters was a recovering alcoholic that didn't drink. I thought maybe for once we'd be spared the wine drinking in every scene that often has me wondering if i'm the only lesbian that doesn't drink wine. unfortunately, not far into the book the other characters show complete lack of consideration and drink wine every time they get together, every time they eat, even upon waking up. wtf. unfortunately it's not just this author. it seems all lesfic author insist we become wine drinkers.
Despite those few annoyances, i would still highly recommend this book. The description of the artists and what they did, the carvings, the paintings, the beauty of the architecture, was all very enjoyable to read about. And as mentioned in the other reviews, the emotional turmoil that lingers with Cassie from her upbringing, is sure to resound in many readers. The editing also appears to be much better than some of her other books.
4.5 stars, enjoyable read overall.
I was extremely pleased in the beginning to learn that one of our main characters was a recovering alcoholic that didn't drink. I thought maybe for once we'd be spared the wine drinking in every scene that often has me wondering if i'm the only lesbian that doesn't drink wine. unfortunately, not far into the book the other characters show complete lack of consideration and drink wine every time they get together, every time they eat, even upon waking up. wtf. unfortunately it's not just this author. it seems all lesfic author insist we become wine drinkers.
Despite those few annoyances, i would still highly recommend this book. The description of the artists and what they did, the carvings, the paintings, the beauty of the architecture, was all very enjoyable to read about. And as mentioned in the other reviews, the emotional turmoil that lingers with Cassie from her upbringing, is sure to resound in many readers. The editing also appears to be much better than some of her other books.
4.5 stars, enjoyable read overall.
October 9, 2024
I actually really liked this book. I liked the plot, it was really simple. Just an artist coming to terms with who she is and who she loves and it was sweet. HOWEVER, I just could not stand her best friend who spent over 10 years trying to convince her that she was gay. Like excuse me?? Just because she turned out to be a lesbian, that did not mean that her friend could harass her about her sexuality especially after she asked her multiple times to stop!! That was so so so annoying. And also how no one had any sympathy for the main character’s terrible relationship with her father. Like everyone had a super loving family except for her and no one was supporting her AT ALL!! Poor girl. But overall, I liked it, especially the ending. 7/10
May 25, 2025
A good story - I really struggle with certain characters & the Preacher in this is one of those. Just so alien - but I know are real - but trying to get my head round them is a real problem. Loved the story, though.
PS: I hope the person who ‘found’ my kindle enjoyed this!
PS: I hope the person who ‘found’ my kindle enjoyed this!
September 4, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
November 22, 2021
Listening to a book you can closely relate to is always an emotional experience. I enjoyed this book in lots of ways. It also made me angry that people can have so much hatred for the LBGTQ+ community.
As usual, I love Gerri Hill/Abby Craden.
As usual, I love Gerri Hill/Abby Craden.
February 18, 2021
I tend to enjoy novels with religious themes or backstory to them, whether treated positively or negatively as I can associate with both pretty well. And Gerri Hill has several in her back catalogue that fit into that teme, so I've been slowly going through them, and I just finished this one.
And uggh. I have such mixed feelings about this. 75% of the way through the book this would have been an easy 4-4.5 star rating. I really loved all of the characters. Cassie just needs so many hugs. Her religious trauma was real and described in a very believable way. And Luke was wonderful and I really loved their dynamic together. Her best friends, Kim and Lisa were great too. I really loved seeing them all interact.
I also so really like the concept of chosen family being a point in this book as well and spoken about directly. For being such an understood concept in my irl queer circles, I don't see it in fiction terribly often.
But I hated, hated the last 10% of this book. And surprisingly not because of the bigoted father- I kinda like how he was depicted.
Really mixed feelings in this book. I've enjoyed many of Gerri Hill's books, and while I really did like a lot of this book and these characters, other parts of the book didn't do it for me. 2.5/5
And uggh. I have such mixed feelings about this. 75% of the way through the book this would have been an easy 4-4.5 star rating. I really loved all of the characters. Cassie just needs so many hugs. Her religious trauma was real and described in a very believable way. And Luke was wonderful and I really loved their dynamic together. Her best friends, Kim and Lisa were great too. I really loved seeing them all interact.
I also so really like the concept of chosen family being a point in this book as well and spoken about directly. For being such an understood concept in my irl queer circles, I don't see it in fiction terribly often.
But I hated, hated the last 10% of this book. And surprisingly not because of the bigoted father- I kinda like how he was depicted.
Really mixed feelings in this book. I've enjoyed many of Gerri Hill's books, and while I really did like a lot of this book and these characters, other parts of the book didn't do it for me. 2.5/5
April 6, 2023
3⭐️ to my lazy lesfic listen this weekend. I enjoyed this. I liked the MCs and their friends. I found their backgrounds interesting.
It was super romantic. Some family drama (you'll have that). Did it all get resolved fairly easily? Yes, but hey, it's an escape.
Could have done with a dog. Just saying.
The cover and typeface are criminal. The audio was free/included on audible, and luckily, I didn't look at the cover before starting. Awful.
I would recommend this quick listen :)
It was super romantic. Some family drama (you'll have that). Did it all get resolved fairly easily? Yes, but hey, it's an escape.
Could have done with a dog. Just saying.
The cover and typeface are criminal. The audio was free/included on audible, and luckily, I didn't look at the cover before starting. Awful.
I would recommend this quick listen :)
September 12, 2021
5 stars
This was fun, cute, nice MCs with great chemistry and there was just enough drama that it was interesting without getting over the top. All in all I was really happy while reading it.
I would have appreciated more resolution at the end, but as far as I'm concerned it wasn't a big enough problem to dock points for it.
This was fun, cute, nice MCs with great chemistry and there was just enough drama that it was interesting without getting over the top. All in all I was really happy while reading it.
I would have appreciated more resolution at the end, but as far as I'm concerned it wasn't a big enough problem to dock points for it.
July 25, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. I liked the characters, and it was fun to read a book set in a location that is familiar to me. The narration was excellent.
December 3, 2025
Update after 2025 listen:
It’s truly amazing how sapphic fiction has evolved over the years. When this paperback came out, coming out stories were so common. There weren’t safe places for the LGBTQ community to find themselves represented and these books made us feel it was okay not only to come out, but that we weren’t alone. That we could be happy, find friends that we could relate to and they provided hope that we weren’t destined for a life of misery.
But now, unless it’s a coming out later in life story or YA book about first loves, most are focused on lived experiences. Where coming or being out is no longer the issue - it’s stories about marriages, children, careers, academia, or finally finding the right person to settle down with. The characters are vast - witches, shapeshifters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, chefs. So while I still love having this classic and others like it to go back and listen to, it’s incredible having witnessed the progression from then to now. We know we’re okay, we have found our places and now we can just be entertained, moved or enlightened. One of the bright spots of the times we are living in.
Original review from 2019:
Just finished this audiobook and OMGGGGG... swoon, swoon, SWOON. Full disclosure - this is one of my all-time favorite lesfic romances that I read once a year (and have since it was published back in 2005) and if I had to move to a tiny house and could only take 10 books (god forbid) this would be one. So naturally I would have high expectations for the audiobook because of how much the story has meant to me over the years.
Wise woman that she is, Gerri Hill and/or Bella Books hired Abby Craden to do the narration for it. Really - Abby has honed her craft to the point where she has very few equals. She's just fabulous and knocked this one out of the park, as she has with so many of Gerri's (and many other author's) books. There is absolutely nothing better than having a book written by Gerri at the top of her game performed by a narrator at the top of hers. Heaven. This is on a short list of audiobooks I'll be listening to over and over again.
It’s truly amazing how sapphic fiction has evolved over the years. When this paperback came out, coming out stories were so common. There weren’t safe places for the LGBTQ community to find themselves represented and these books made us feel it was okay not only to come out, but that we weren’t alone. That we could be happy, find friends that we could relate to and they provided hope that we weren’t destined for a life of misery.
But now, unless it’s a coming out later in life story or YA book about first loves, most are focused on lived experiences. Where coming or being out is no longer the issue - it’s stories about marriages, children, careers, academia, or finally finding the right person to settle down with. The characters are vast - witches, shapeshifters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, chefs. So while I still love having this classic and others like it to go back and listen to, it’s incredible having witnessed the progression from then to now. We know we’re okay, we have found our places and now we can just be entertained, moved or enlightened. One of the bright spots of the times we are living in.
Original review from 2019:
Just finished this audiobook and OMGGGGG... swoon, swoon, SWOON. Full disclosure - this is one of my all-time favorite lesfic romances that I read once a year (and have since it was published back in 2005) and if I had to move to a tiny house and could only take 10 books (god forbid) this would be one. So naturally I would have high expectations for the audiobook because of how much the story has meant to me over the years.
Wise woman that she is, Gerri Hill and/or Bella Books hired Abby Craden to do the narration for it. Really - Abby has honed her craft to the point where she has very few equals. She's just fabulous and knocked this one out of the park, as she has with so many of Gerri's (and many other author's) books. There is absolutely nothing better than having a book written by Gerri at the top of her game performed by a narrator at the top of hers. Heaven. This is on a short list of audiobooks I'll be listening to over and over again.
August 28, 2015
Gerri Hill lesbian romance checklist:
- vegetarian protagonist?
Check. And the anvil's a bit heavy this time.
- lust at first sight?
Check.
- drinking of wine?
Check. In the afternoon. In the evening. During the night. Alone. In groups...
- cat?
Uh, no, no cat.
This story was really unnerving in its first half/ two thirds because:
- the protagonist knows she's a lesbian.
- her lesbian best friend knows she's a lesbian.
- she won't admit to her lesbian best friend that she's a lesbian.
Why? Because her religious dad told her it's bad.
She's not religious.
She's seen her dad twice in 6 (six!) years.
She's 33 years old.
She doesn't even care about him.
What?? Why??!!
When she comes out things get a little more interesting. BUT the author stretches suspension of disbelief a bit thin:
- the love interest happens to have a crush on the protagonist's art before even meeting her
- the protagonist happens to have a flat tire during a thunderstorm (how? We don't know. It just happens) and the love interest happens to be driving by. And the thunderstorm happens to be strong enough to force the potagonist to sleep at the love interest's place.
- the protagonist's dad shows up and happens to be carrying which he had no intention of giving to her.
- the final flaw: the protagonist's happens to be a !
- vegetarian protagonist?
Check. And the anvil's a bit heavy this time.
- lust at first sight?
Check.
- drinking of wine?
Check. In the afternoon. In the evening. During the night. Alone. In groups...
- cat?
Uh, no, no cat.
This story was really unnerving in its first half/ two thirds because:
- the protagonist knows she's a lesbian.
- her lesbian best friend knows she's a lesbian.
- she won't admit to her lesbian best friend that she's a lesbian.
Why? Because her religious dad told her it's bad.
She's not religious.
She's seen her dad twice in 6 (six!) years.
She's 33 years old.
She doesn't even care about him.
What?? Why??!!
When she comes out things get a little more interesting. BUT the author stretches suspension of disbelief a bit thin:
- the love interest happens to have a crush on the protagonist's art before even meeting her
- the protagonist happens to have a flat tire during a thunderstorm (how? We don't know. It just happens) and the love interest happens to be driving by. And the thunderstorm happens to be strong enough to force the potagonist to sleep at the love interest's place.
- the protagonist's dad shows up and happens to be carrying which he had no intention of giving to her.
- the final flaw: the protagonist's happens to be a !
December 23, 2020
I felt so much for Cassie. She tries so hard to hide a big part of herself. Her father was cruel and preached hell and damnation so much that she fears to be true to herself. When she meets Luke her feelings rise up to the forefront and she can’t deny herself any more. I love Luke. She never pushes Cassie. Even when Cassie’s father shows up and Cassie goes into hiding herself mode. Luke sees the true beauty and potential in Cassies wood carvings. Luke knows she has her own issues and she tries to full support Cassie in hers. I love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
This one...i’ve re-read it 9 times of so now. And I Will continue re-Reading this. More then 5 stars. Number 10 in my top 10 books.
3 december 2019 I’ve listened to the audio version now. Wow!!!! Abby Craden does such a great job! Her voices are precise. Luc’s voice is so hot🔥. By listening to the audio it was like it was a new book again for me. I will definitely be re-listening to this one as many times as I read it.
I miss these kind of books by Gerri Hill.
3 december 2019 I’ve listened to the audio version now. Wow!!!! Abby Craden does such a great job! Her voices are precise. Luc’s voice is so hot🔥. By listening to the audio it was like it was a new book again for me. I will definitely be re-listening to this one as many times as I read it.
I miss these kind of books by Gerri Hill.
April 16, 2011
Not fond of the names she picks for the characters.
December 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the concept, loved the love at first sight, and loved the characters, specially the heroine Cassie and her struggles with her father.
April 16, 2024
Despite the flawless narration from Abby Craden I didn't love this one.
Cassie was way too whiny and fearful because of her upbringing from her preacher daddy and I just got really tired of it.
Cassie was way too whiny and fearful because of her upbringing from her preacher daddy and I just got really tired of it.
September 11, 2021
I loved this sapphic romance between an artist and an architect.
Cassie is the daughter of a Reverend and was basically raised to fear burning in hell. This stunted her ability to even know who she was until the sight of a certain woman takes her breath away.
I was so happy the angst level stayed at a realistic level and wasn’t overblown. This was such an enjoyable romance to read.
Cassie is the daughter of a Reverend and was basically raised to fear burning in hell. This stunted her ability to even know who she was until the sight of a certain woman takes her breath away.
I was so happy the angst level stayed at a realistic level and wasn’t overblown. This was such an enjoyable romance to read.
November 24, 2022
4 stars. This book was so romantic. The way that Cassie and Luke fell for each other was lovely. They are both such likable characters. Luke is swoon worthy. I love that woman so much. Cassie is very relatable and such a caring and sweet person. I could not stand her father and all of the emotional damage he caused and that reveal at the end had me shook. I genuinely didn’t see it coming and wish we could’ve gotten a bit more about it. A very good read and I really enjoyed the self discovery that Cassie went through to get her HEA with Luke. A heartwarming and deeply romantic book and one I can definitely see myself reading again.
August 18, 2014
4.5 just because things between Luke and Cassie progressed so fast... sort of a love at first sight thing..
Basically a story of a acceptance of one's self and going past fears caused by misguided beliefs.
All of the characters are likeable, 'cept for Cassie's high and mighty dad (of course).
Basically a story of a acceptance of one's self and going past fears caused by misguided beliefs.
All of the characters are likeable, 'cept for Cassie's high and mighty dad (of course).
June 27, 2015
The personal struggle to realize and embrace your talent and true self.
March 29, 2024
A little triste but nice story. Especially love the eagle!
September 1, 2025
4.25 Stars
November 16, 2019
I appreciate how the book explores the damage conservative religious views can have on LGBTQ+ people,and found parts of the MCs inner struggle to be depicted in an authentic and engaging way. And it was a short, easy audiobook to listen to.
Other than that,it didn't have much going for it.
I did not like any of the characters or the dialouge,nore ship any of the couples.
My biggest annoyance as somewhone who have studied art for years ,was that I didn't find their lives as artists believable at all. Who could possibly buy and fix up they're own house,with a studio to work in,own a car, support themselves fully before they're 30 , solely by selling carved wooden animals at fares? No one, that's who!!!
I love that there are more wlw romances out there, but this one, unfortunately ,was just not for me.
Other than that,it didn't have much going for it.
I did not like any of the characters or the dialouge,nore ship any of the couples.
My biggest annoyance as somewhone who have studied art for years ,was that I didn't find their lives as artists believable at all. Who could possibly buy and fix up they're own house,with a studio to work in,own a car, support themselves fully before they're 30 , solely by selling carved wooden animals at fares? No one, that's who!!!
I love that there are more wlw romances out there, but this one, unfortunately ,was just not for me.
September 20, 2015
Firstly, I love the book. Secondly, I hate the title.
"Artist's Dream" highlights the contradiction of mind versus body, of repression, denial, religion, making choices, the effects of a bad childhood, fear of doing wrong, fear of intimacy, craving intimacy, building walls, private space, keeping people at a distance, wanting approval, vulnerability, family, friends, cowardice, strength, love and hatred.
Having to choose between family and love is something very difficult to understand. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in how the choice affected Cassie. The book merely touched upon the pain I was expecting. I wanted more. Still, it became a haunting read. Revered Parker was familiar in so many ways and reminded me of a few people. He didn't surprise me. I had heard it all before.
Other than that, I absolutely adored Luke's character. I found myself flattered by her and Cassie's flirting. Also, it is the only book I've deliberately had to put down because I got too turned on. Certain scenes are extremely saucy! I have never, ever read juicy published fiction like that. That...took me completely off guard.
"Artist's Dream" highlights the contradiction of mind versus body, of repression, denial, religion, making choices, the effects of a bad childhood, fear of doing wrong, fear of intimacy, craving intimacy, building walls, private space, keeping people at a distance, wanting approval, vulnerability, family, friends, cowardice, strength, love and hatred.
Having to choose between family and love is something very difficult to understand. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in how the choice affected Cassie. The book merely touched upon the pain I was expecting. I wanted more. Still, it became a haunting read. Revered Parker was familiar in so many ways and reminded me of a few people. He didn't surprise me. I had heard it all before.
Other than that, I absolutely adored Luke's character. I found myself flattered by her and Cassie's flirting. Also, it is the only book I've deliberately had to put down because I got too turned on. Certain scenes are extremely saucy! I have never, ever read juicy published fiction like that. That...took me completely off guard.
March 27, 2019
Wood carver Cassi is lying to herself, and she knows it. But accepting you'll always be alone is easier than confronting the fear of losing her only family if she admits she's gay. But when Cassie meets Luke Winston, she must make a choice: accept her truth - and Luke's love - or continue to keep her father in her life.
A good read about the struggles to and the peace that comes with admitting/living your truth.
A good read about the struggles to and the peace that comes with admitting/living your truth.
November 7, 2011
really loved this book. It's a quick read and I've read it about 3 times. It's one of the books I grab when I want to get lost in a book.
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