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Paint the Sky
A love of art...
A mutual interest in art draws two shy university students together. Ben admires Vinnie’s painting of the university building, so Vinnie invites him to an exhibition of his artwork. From a wealthy family, Ben purchases some of Vinnie’s art and arranges for the artist to personally hang the paintings in his apartment.
Starry, starry night...
Ben commissions Vinnie to paint his portrait, in order to spend more time with the artist. On the night of the sitting, Vinnie fingerpaints the starry night on Ben’s chest... and they kiss. They begin a relationship beneath the night sky, God’s own canvas.
But every relationship has its ups and downs and so it is with theirs. When Ben thinks Vinnie spends too much time with a fellow artist, his jealousy drives a wedge between them and forces Vinnie into the very thing Ben dreads.
Hold tight to your dreams...
Ben and Vinnie will have to walk through fire before they can find one another again. But if they believe, and if they keep their faith in the night sky and each other, just maybe they can make their dreams of love come true.
A mutual interest in art draws two shy university students together. Ben admires Vinnie’s painting of the university building, so Vinnie invites him to an exhibition of his artwork. From a wealthy family, Ben purchases some of Vinnie’s art and arranges for the artist to personally hang the paintings in his apartment.
Starry, starry night...
Ben commissions Vinnie to paint his portrait, in order to spend more time with the artist. On the night of the sitting, Vinnie fingerpaints the starry night on Ben’s chest... and they kiss. They begin a relationship beneath the night sky, God’s own canvas.
But every relationship has its ups and downs and so it is with theirs. When Ben thinks Vinnie spends too much time with a fellow artist, his jealousy drives a wedge between them and forces Vinnie into the very thing Ben dreads.
Hold tight to your dreams...
Ben and Vinnie will have to walk through fire before they can find one another again. But if they believe, and if they keep their faith in the night sky and each other, just maybe they can make their dreams of love come true.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2014
8 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Lily G. Blunt
19 books152 followersLily reviewed for Gay Book Reviews and Sinfully Gay Book Reviews.
Lily launched Gay Book Promotions, an online book promotion service for authors of LGBT+ romance and fiction, in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 9, 2019
Audio - 2.5 stars. The narrator wasn't consistent with Vinnie's. It went back and forth between a man's voice and a woman's voice.
Story - 2 stars
I didn’t like it. There was a lot of immature behavior and ridiculous drama that ended is a lengthy separation between the MCs, Ben and Vinnie. During their separation, Vinnie gets involved in an abusive relationship with another man. Ben is propositioned by one of Vinnie’s brothers. Ben doesn’t go for it, because he’s still in love with Vinnie, who continuously refuses to take his calls or see him. When the two finally get back together, 5 months later, it’s rushed, which only made their separation seem that more absurd.
Story - 2 stars
I didn’t like it. There was a lot of immature behavior and ridiculous drama that ended is a lengthy separation between the MCs, Ben and Vinnie. During their separation, Vinnie gets involved in an abusive relationship with another man. Ben is propositioned by one of Vinnie’s brothers. Ben doesn’t go for it, because he’s still in love with Vinnie, who continuously refuses to take his calls or see him. When the two finally get back together, 5 months later, it’s rushed, which only made their separation seem that more absurd.
March 10, 2020
Loved this book! I felt so many emotions while reading. It is a beautiful love story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 24, 2014
Can love reform one's behaviour? Well, this is definitely the case for Benjamin when he meets Vinnie who turns his world upside down. Until he meets Vinnie Benjamin's idea of a relationship was a blowjob in the backroom of the local gay night club.
Yes, Benjamin's young, free, single and a bit of a man whore to be honest. I just loved the way that his attitude and behaviour transforms once he meets Vinnie at Uni. He falls heavily in love which makes him reconsider his way of life, realising how empty and unfulfilling his life has actually been until now. This had me reminiscing of when I was in my early twenties which feels like another lifetime, but with youth comes the self-confidence of being independent and the thought of being tied to someone forever a frightening thought. Until you meet the right person and then everything looks completely different. After a while you start to long for that person to wake up to in the mornings, knowing someone is next to you all night, every night. It really is something special even after all these years. Benjamin goes through the whole gamut of emotions during this book but comes out the other end the better person for it.
Vinnie is an art student and is more the shy and retiring kind of guy. He has been admiring Benjamin from afar for a while but never plucked up the courage to speak to him, also thinking that he wouldn't be interested in him especially knowing what Benjamin is like. Vinnie had already been hurt before when jilted in a previous relationship and obviously is guarded with his emotions. If he's going to give his heart to anyone he wants to make sure that it isn’t for a quickie and then left on the side. I loved Vinnie, such a caring but as is the nature of artists a sensitive soul who takes everything to heart.
When these two meet it was so sweet and even though Benjamin has fallen head over heels for Vinnie he still has to prove to Vinnie that he isn’t in it for a one night stand. I just loved the way that Vinnie plays him along at the beginning, making Benjamin work and prove himself worthy of a relationship, but once Vinnie lets the final barriers down these two guys just make one hot couple. I loved the way that Vinnie’s feelings, emotions and moods can be seen and viewed through his painting. I guess like any talented artist there is always a piece of themselves that is worked into every picture they paint and this is definitely the case for Vinnie.
They leave Uni and the normal daily drudge of work, job, etc. starts to creep into their relationship and as with anyone once the honeymoon period is over this is then the real test of a relationship. It’s make or break time. I liked this part as it is honest, realistic, no fancy, dreamy frills that you only get in a Mills and Boon romance. It’s down to the hard facts of life.
Vinnie is working on a job at a children’s hospital with another artist called James and jealously raises it’s ugly head on Benjamin’s side. OK, James from the very beginning for me was smarmy and detestable, but Vinnie seemed to like him and I could only take Benjamin’s side on this one. Vinnie starts arriving home late, never phones Benjamin to say he’ll be home later which would be the considerate thing to do. Benjamin starts to get jealous, the chinks in their relationship start to appear, everything escalates out of control until it comes to the inevitable and Vinnie storms out on Benjamin in rage, leaving him high, dry and alone. My heart went out to Benjamin to be honest though for several reasons.
Maybe Benjamin was behaving a little bit like a drama queen and behaving all jealous, but to be honest Vinnie gave him every reason to and didn’t make things better. I think there is nothing worse than expecting you’re loved one home at a certain time and he doesn’t appear. However, when he doesn’t even bother to ring you either to let you know he’ll be late, considering you might be worried sick wondering where he is, this in my books is a really shitty thing and shows total lack of consideration. Yep, totally on Benjamin’s side there! Once mistrust starts to build up it’s a very difficult thing to get out of the way. Benjamin is now so alone it’s heart-breaking. Having experienced this myself, as probably many of us have too, it really is a crappy time for anyone. In my case my worst fears were confirmed and that was then end of a seven year relationship which I thought was still OK. Silly, naive me - lol! This is why my heart was aching for Benjamin at this point, even as time goes by he still can’t get Vinnie out of his mind. Well, this does take time for sure that’s true as anyone who has been through this kind of breakup will know.
Vinnie takes off and stays with James not making things better and through all this Vinnie's brothers Theo and Finn provide the biggest support for Benjamin. They know Vinnie is still pining for Benjamin, but neither Benjamin nor Vinnie are giving any ground or prepared to approach the other. It just always amazes me how stubborn people can be at times.The support from Vinnie’s brothers however was so heart-warming, I could just feel the love these brothers have for each other. Of course we also mustn’t forget the big older sister either who I reckon keeps her brothers all in order quietly anyway – lol! So four siblings all told and Vinnie is the baby. Well, the way he acts at time I must say he did have some very younger sibling qualities for sure.
The only thing I felt for me that went a bit over the top was the fact that during this time Finn, Vinnie’s older brother, comes out of the closet. We already know that Theo is bi but I got the impression he’s possibly a little more into men than the other way round. This was the point to be honest where my imagination was just stretched a little too far beyond the realms of credibility. Three brothers and they are all gay? Ah sorry, but realistically I don’t think so somehow. I have one younger brother, happily married who has a wonderful daughter which means I get a gorgeous niece to spoil and adore. I only have the one brother, he is supportive, my best friend and confidante, we joke around, but he’s straight as they come. Maybe two brothers out of three being gay, or another cousin, nephew, etc. OK, believable. But three brothers from three are gay? Even as a gay man myself, for me it just felt there was a little too much of the gay – lol! It is probably only me that had a few problems with the plausibility of this situation or plot device and maybe there are real situations where all brothers are gay when there is more than two, however statistically speaking I’m afraid I’m not really convinced. I’m always willing to be proved wrong for the better though, so please if anyone can enlighten me with a real situation then I would be more than delighted to hear about it. Always willing to live and learn. It didn’t however detach me from the story too much and once I just accepted the idea was totally invested in the book.
Let me however not distract you from what is only for me a personal minor small point in a story that truly is an emotional ride with a beautiful HEA. Needless to say without giving too much away, Benjamin has to be patient and he is which pays off as Vinnie is seriously not happy with James. Well, in the end the family had to get him away from the piece of shit that James is and bring him home in a cloak and dagger operation. Poor Vinnie I just felt so sorry for him, hurting, alone and in another relationship which was poisoning him slowly but surely. However, I guess it was exactly this that showed him how much he had with Benjamin despite the fact that nobody is perfect and Benjamin is by no means an exception either.
There are some harrowing moments for Benjamin to pull through and I could just feel his loneliness without Vinnie. It was truly upsetting for me to read how he was suffering from missing Vinnie, but at the same time clutching on to every last straw thrown his way that might eventually bring Vinnie back to him. His patience pays off and I was only glad and relieved to see how they gradually got back together to form a relationship that is now possibly stronger than it ever was before. This meant the book ended on a beautiful high point and that did produced a warm, gooey feeling inside.
Yes, Benjamin's young, free, single and a bit of a man whore to be honest. I just loved the way that his attitude and behaviour transforms once he meets Vinnie at Uni. He falls heavily in love which makes him reconsider his way of life, realising how empty and unfulfilling his life has actually been until now. This had me reminiscing of when I was in my early twenties which feels like another lifetime, but with youth comes the self-confidence of being independent and the thought of being tied to someone forever a frightening thought. Until you meet the right person and then everything looks completely different. After a while you start to long for that person to wake up to in the mornings, knowing someone is next to you all night, every night. It really is something special even after all these years. Benjamin goes through the whole gamut of emotions during this book but comes out the other end the better person for it.
I craved a best friend, someone to talk to and share my life as well as my bed. One-night hook ups had inexplicably lost their appeal.
Vinnie is an art student and is more the shy and retiring kind of guy. He has been admiring Benjamin from afar for a while but never plucked up the courage to speak to him, also thinking that he wouldn't be interested in him especially knowing what Benjamin is like. Vinnie had already been hurt before when jilted in a previous relationship and obviously is guarded with his emotions. If he's going to give his heart to anyone he wants to make sure that it isn’t for a quickie and then left on the side. I loved Vinnie, such a caring but as is the nature of artists a sensitive soul who takes everything to heart.
When these two meet it was so sweet and even though Benjamin has fallen head over heels for Vinnie he still has to prove to Vinnie that he isn’t in it for a one night stand. I just loved the way that Vinnie plays him along at the beginning, making Benjamin work and prove himself worthy of a relationship, but once Vinnie lets the final barriers down these two guys just make one hot couple. I loved the way that Vinnie’s feelings, emotions and moods can be seen and viewed through his painting. I guess like any talented artist there is always a piece of themselves that is worked into every picture they paint and this is definitely the case for Vinnie.
We never moved much beyond this – aroused and hard and grinding. Anything more and he would back off. We hadn’t talked about it yet. I knew we should, but I let it pass each time, fearful of making him runaway.
They leave Uni and the normal daily drudge of work, job, etc. starts to creep into their relationship and as with anyone once the honeymoon period is over this is then the real test of a relationship. It’s make or break time. I liked this part as it is honest, realistic, no fancy, dreamy frills that you only get in a Mills and Boon romance. It’s down to the hard facts of life.
Vinnie is working on a job at a children’s hospital with another artist called James and jealously raises it’s ugly head on Benjamin’s side. OK, James from the very beginning for me was smarmy and detestable, but Vinnie seemed to like him and I could only take Benjamin’s side on this one. Vinnie starts arriving home late, never phones Benjamin to say he’ll be home later which would be the considerate thing to do. Benjamin starts to get jealous, the chinks in their relationship start to appear, everything escalates out of control until it comes to the inevitable and Vinnie storms out on Benjamin in rage, leaving him high, dry and alone. My heart went out to Benjamin to be honest though for several reasons.
Maybe Benjamin was behaving a little bit like a drama queen and behaving all jealous, but to be honest Vinnie gave him every reason to and didn’t make things better. I think there is nothing worse than expecting you’re loved one home at a certain time and he doesn’t appear. However, when he doesn’t even bother to ring you either to let you know he’ll be late, considering you might be worried sick wondering where he is, this in my books is a really shitty thing and shows total lack of consideration. Yep, totally on Benjamin’s side there! Once mistrust starts to build up it’s a very difficult thing to get out of the way. Benjamin is now so alone it’s heart-breaking. Having experienced this myself, as probably many of us have too, it really is a crappy time for anyone. In my case my worst fears were confirmed and that was then end of a seven year relationship which I thought was still OK. Silly, naive me - lol! This is why my heart was aching for Benjamin at this point, even as time goes by he still can’t get Vinnie out of his mind. Well, this does take time for sure that’s true as anyone who has been through this kind of breakup will know.
Vinnie takes off and stays with James not making things better and through all this Vinnie's brothers Theo and Finn provide the biggest support for Benjamin. They know Vinnie is still pining for Benjamin, but neither Benjamin nor Vinnie are giving any ground or prepared to approach the other. It just always amazes me how stubborn people can be at times.The support from Vinnie’s brothers however was so heart-warming, I could just feel the love these brothers have for each other. Of course we also mustn’t forget the big older sister either who I reckon keeps her brothers all in order quietly anyway – lol! So four siblings all told and Vinnie is the baby. Well, the way he acts at time I must say he did have some very younger sibling qualities for sure.
The only thing I felt for me that went a bit over the top was the fact that during this time Finn, Vinnie’s older brother, comes out of the closet. We already know that Theo is bi but I got the impression he’s possibly a little more into men than the other way round. This was the point to be honest where my imagination was just stretched a little too far beyond the realms of credibility. Three brothers and they are all gay? Ah sorry, but realistically I don’t think so somehow. I have one younger brother, happily married who has a wonderful daughter which means I get a gorgeous niece to spoil and adore. I only have the one brother, he is supportive, my best friend and confidante, we joke around, but he’s straight as they come. Maybe two brothers out of three being gay, or another cousin, nephew, etc. OK, believable. But three brothers from three are gay? Even as a gay man myself, for me it just felt there was a little too much of the gay – lol! It is probably only me that had a few problems with the plausibility of this situation or plot device and maybe there are real situations where all brothers are gay when there is more than two, however statistically speaking I’m afraid I’m not really convinced. I’m always willing to be proved wrong for the better though, so please if anyone can enlighten me with a real situation then I would be more than delighted to hear about it. Always willing to live and learn. It didn’t however detach me from the story too much and once I just accepted the idea was totally invested in the book.
Let me however not distract you from what is only for me a personal minor small point in a story that truly is an emotional ride with a beautiful HEA. Needless to say without giving too much away, Benjamin has to be patient and he is which pays off as Vinnie is seriously not happy with James. Well, in the end the family had to get him away from the piece of shit that James is and bring him home in a cloak and dagger operation. Poor Vinnie I just felt so sorry for him, hurting, alone and in another relationship which was poisoning him slowly but surely. However, I guess it was exactly this that showed him how much he had with Benjamin despite the fact that nobody is perfect and Benjamin is by no means an exception either.
There are some harrowing moments for Benjamin to pull through and I could just feel his loneliness without Vinnie. It was truly upsetting for me to read how he was suffering from missing Vinnie, but at the same time clutching on to every last straw thrown his way that might eventually bring Vinnie back to him. His patience pays off and I was only glad and relieved to see how they gradually got back together to form a relationship that is now possibly stronger than it ever was before. This meant the book ended on a beautiful high point and that did produced a warm, gooey feeling inside.
March 5, 2020
I've read this author before. This was a MM contemporary story set in the UK. I listened to the audiobook. Main characters were Ben, an aspiring author and Vinny na aspiring painter. Told all from Ben's POV. Great set of supporting characters.
October 4, 2015
Beautiful love story, sensuous and artistic like the cover itself, with some darker moments and the light of the starry sky leading the way to the happy ending.
This was my first audio book and the first from this author so I didn't know what I was going into. Now that I've finished it, I am glad this was my first experience with both as it was really good.
I must confess I couldn't connect with the characters right away and, yes, as stated in the beginning, it seemed to me too similar to every other romance book I've read. It was about two guys meeting each other, one shy and one very outgoing, one having to work to pay his college, the other being paid for every whim he had all his life by his family. It was interesting but nothing special.
I don't know exactly how, but by the time Vinnie and Ben kissed for the first time they have grown on me and from there on my interest was nailed. The dynamics of their relationship with all the caution, the secrets, the gentle moments and the fights grew more and more interesting by the minute.
One thing that made a really lasting impression on me in this book was precisely I'd also like to congratulate the author for But that was one of the things that brought it closer to reality.
With many interesting secondary characters, like Vinnie's brothers and Cliff, the back stories of the main characters and the few additional twists and turns, this book turned out to be a gallery of moods and situations, captivating enough to draw you into the next chapter.
The narration was great as well, I loved the accents and the way Joel Leslie gave a distinct voice to each character so even when there were three or more people having a conversation it was easy to get who is saying what.
Highly recommendable for everyone who likes characters who don't put all their cards on the table from the start and wants few drops of bitterness on the way to make the end sweeter.
This was my first audio book and the first from this author so I didn't know what I was going into. Now that I've finished it, I am glad this was my first experience with both as it was really good.
I must confess I couldn't connect with the characters right away and, yes, as stated in the beginning, it seemed to me too similar to every other romance book I've read. It was about two guys meeting each other, one shy and one very outgoing, one having to work to pay his college, the other being paid for every whim he had all his life by his family. It was interesting but nothing special.
I don't know exactly how, but by the time Vinnie and Ben kissed for the first time they have grown on me and from there on my interest was nailed. The dynamics of their relationship with all the caution, the secrets, the gentle moments and the fights grew more and more interesting by the minute.
One thing that made a really lasting impression on me in this book was precisely I'd also like to congratulate the author for But that was one of the things that brought it closer to reality.
With many interesting secondary characters, like Vinnie's brothers and Cliff, the back stories of the main characters and the few additional twists and turns, this book turned out to be a gallery of moods and situations, captivating enough to draw you into the next chapter.
The narration was great as well, I loved the accents and the way Joel Leslie gave a distinct voice to each character so even when there were three or more people having a conversation it was easy to get who is saying what.
Highly recommendable for everyone who likes characters who don't put all their cards on the table from the start and wants few drops of bitterness on the way to make the end sweeter.
February 12, 2015
I loved this book and am a huge fan of Lily’s work. She manages to create characters that you just cannot help but fall in love with. Ben falls for Vinnie falls for Ben, simple right? Wrong! This pair of star crossed lovers make Romeo & Juliet look like pretenders.
Vinnie has a wonderfully artistic streak and is struggling to make his art pay, he simply does it for love. Then he falls in love with Ben and his art takes on a new life of it’s own.
At times I wanted to hug them, and then smack their heads together, but then again the course of true love never did run smoothly and if it did we wouldn’t have a page turner to read which this was.
Good times and bad, love and loss, this book really does have it all. Plus it is all set in the UK so I can relate to the places mentioned.
I do hope there will be more from these two, but if this is it for them then I am happy with what I got. The characters (all of them) were believable and well thought out which made me connect to them totally.
This book was my guilty pleasure at lunchtimes and I found myself totally absorbed in these characters to the point where I had tears in my eyes while reading and had to keep one eye on the time so I wasn’t late back (which I nearly was a couple of times)
Wonderful job from a wonderful author who really does understand how, like an artist, to show the light and shade in the picture being painted by the words.
Vinnie has a wonderfully artistic streak and is struggling to make his art pay, he simply does it for love. Then he falls in love with Ben and his art takes on a new life of it’s own.
At times I wanted to hug them, and then smack their heads together, but then again the course of true love never did run smoothly and if it did we wouldn’t have a page turner to read which this was.
Good times and bad, love and loss, this book really does have it all. Plus it is all set in the UK so I can relate to the places mentioned.
I do hope there will be more from these two, but if this is it for them then I am happy with what I got. The characters (all of them) were believable and well thought out which made me connect to them totally.
This book was my guilty pleasure at lunchtimes and I found myself totally absorbed in these characters to the point where I had tears in my eyes while reading and had to keep one eye on the time so I wasn’t late back (which I nearly was a couple of times)
Wonderful job from a wonderful author who really does understand how, like an artist, to show the light and shade in the picture being painted by the words.
March 7, 2019
I respect an author who says my stories are full of love, romance, and angst. Right up front she said angst. You know what? I really enjoyed this book and I didn’t think it was all that sappy or overly angst. In fact, yes there were flaws but at no time did I think about not continuing on. The protagonist’s drama was really just dumb-stuff couples go through.
October 6, 2014
Review will be posted soon at GGR-Review dot com.
October 26, 2020
Audible Review
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable performance, so-so story.
I enjoyed the beginning of Ben and Vinnie's story, although Ben was a little pushy with Vinnie at first- wanting to almost treat him like a kept man. I mean, I wouldn't have minded for myself personally, but I could see where it was too much for Vinnie, considering they really didn't know each other all that well. And that's the thing- things moved very quickly between them, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I kind of wished Ben had slowed down a little.
But then things went downhill from there. Although Ben still was a little pushy I didn't appreciate Vinnie and his actions, at all. Talk about things moving quickly, yeah, that didn't sit well with me. I didn't understand how he was able to move on like he did. I really felt bad for Ben. I liked that he never gave up, even when it was uncomfortable for him.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but I was happy things all worked out.
Joel Leslie's performance was wonderful as usual!
*Borrowed through AE.
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable performance, so-so story.
I enjoyed the beginning of Ben and Vinnie's story, although Ben was a little pushy with Vinnie at first- wanting to almost treat him like a kept man. I mean, I wouldn't have minded for myself personally, but I could see where it was too much for Vinnie, considering they really didn't know each other all that well. And that's the thing- things moved very quickly between them, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I kind of wished Ben had slowed down a little.
But then things went downhill from there. Although Ben still was a little pushy I didn't appreciate Vinnie and his actions, at all. Talk about things moving quickly, yeah, that didn't sit well with me. I didn't understand how he was able to move on like he did. I really felt bad for Ben. I liked that he never gave up, even when it was uncomfortable for him.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but I was happy things all worked out.
Joel Leslie's performance was wonderful as usual!
*Borrowed through AE.
September 10, 2019
This is a great story that kept me entertained throughout. Ben and Vinnie are great together if only they could communicate more, it would avoid a lot of problems. I hate what happened to Vinnie and was really glad that Ben was there for him to help him get through everything. The narrator did a great job with all of the characters and with the story.
August 28, 2019
While I'm not a huge fan of romances with huge gaps in the relationship, I thought this one worked. The conflict wasn't too major and they kept in touch throughout the estrangement.
I did love how everything on their Sunday afternoons seemed to be huge gestures of love. It was sweet. The painting aspect just showed how destined they were to be together.
I enjoyed this audio and would recommend a listen.
I did love how everything on their Sunday afternoons seemed to be huge gestures of love. It was sweet. The painting aspect just showed how destined they were to be together.
I enjoyed this audio and would recommend a listen.
August 26, 2019
This was a sweet, second chance romance. My favorite part was Leslie's voice for Vinnie.
September 27, 2015
3.5/5 stars Audio review...
Ben and Vinnie are college students that come from very different backgrounds, yet they share a mutual interest… each other. Ben comes from money. His parents pay his tuition, bought him a car and he works for the family business. Vinnie has struggled to make ends meet, working for two years to save up the money to pay for college. His parents were killed when he was still young, his two older brothers Finn and Theo stepped up and provided for the three of them as well as their sister in order to keep them all together and in their family home.
Ben finally works up the nerve to approach Vinnie one day in the courtyard at school, admiring Vinnie’s art work. Ben is determined to get to know the sexy, shy, blonde painter better, so he goes to Vinnie’s art show and winds up buying every painting he has on display. In a short period of time, the two go from friends to roommates and then lovers. They never really work on their communication though. So when they hit a rough patch, arguments start, accusations are made and Vinnie walks out.
Ben is determined to get his lover back, but is he too late? Has Vinnie already moved on?
This book read like a trip to London for me. There were descriptives of scenery, the different phrases and wording used in the UK that mean something different than they do here in the US. I loved that aspect of the book; it was like an escape while I was listening. I thought that the way the relationship between Ben and Vinnie played out gave it strong roots. At first it seems sudden, almost like insta-love. But they don’t actually go all the way, for lack of a better term, until they are together for a few months. So it was the hesitancy there, the time taken to explore and learn each other that made the fast moves early on believable.
Then there was a bit of predictability with the artist Vinnie worked with on the mural. As soon as Ben met the guy I felt the same way about him as Ben did and knew what was fixing to happen. Hoped I was wrong, sadly I was not, and that pulled me out of the story for a little while. Thankfully, they found their way back to each other and came out the other side stronger in the end.
There is something very entertaining about a British accent to me, so I quite enjoyed listening to Leslie give the characters a voice. The only real issue I had was the tones he chose for Ben and Vinnie were similar, so at times I was confused as to who was speaking. He didn’t so much narrate the book as told the story of Ben and Vinnie, so I felt like I was right there with them throughout.
Overall, it was an enjoyable listen, just a few hiccups along the way. If you like stories with a heart, a good bit of angst, and characters that have to figure out who they are and what they want to be, then I think you will enjoy this one.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Ben and Vinnie are college students that come from very different backgrounds, yet they share a mutual interest… each other. Ben comes from money. His parents pay his tuition, bought him a car and he works for the family business. Vinnie has struggled to make ends meet, working for two years to save up the money to pay for college. His parents were killed when he was still young, his two older brothers Finn and Theo stepped up and provided for the three of them as well as their sister in order to keep them all together and in their family home.
Ben finally works up the nerve to approach Vinnie one day in the courtyard at school, admiring Vinnie’s art work. Ben is determined to get to know the sexy, shy, blonde painter better, so he goes to Vinnie’s art show and winds up buying every painting he has on display. In a short period of time, the two go from friends to roommates and then lovers. They never really work on their communication though. So when they hit a rough patch, arguments start, accusations are made and Vinnie walks out.
Ben is determined to get his lover back, but is he too late? Has Vinnie already moved on?
This book read like a trip to London for me. There were descriptives of scenery, the different phrases and wording used in the UK that mean something different than they do here in the US. I loved that aspect of the book; it was like an escape while I was listening. I thought that the way the relationship between Ben and Vinnie played out gave it strong roots. At first it seems sudden, almost like insta-love. But they don’t actually go all the way, for lack of a better term, until they are together for a few months. So it was the hesitancy there, the time taken to explore and learn each other that made the fast moves early on believable.
Then there was a bit of predictability with the artist Vinnie worked with on the mural. As soon as Ben met the guy I felt the same way about him as Ben did and knew what was fixing to happen. Hoped I was wrong, sadly I was not, and that pulled me out of the story for a little while. Thankfully, they found their way back to each other and came out the other side stronger in the end.
There is something very entertaining about a British accent to me, so I quite enjoyed listening to Leslie give the characters a voice. The only real issue I had was the tones he chose for Ben and Vinnie were similar, so at times I was confused as to who was speaking. He didn’t so much narrate the book as told the story of Ben and Vinnie, so I felt like I was right there with them throughout.
Overall, it was an enjoyable listen, just a few hiccups along the way. If you like stories with a heart, a good bit of angst, and characters that have to figure out who they are and what they want to be, then I think you will enjoy this one.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
November 16, 2014
4 star review by Cindy
Ben and Vinnie are frustrating and the perfect examples of people who need to work on their communication skills.
When they meet, Vinnie is all shy and wary and Ben starts off pushing too hard and too fast. But Ben learns from his mistakes and soon realizes that something worth having does take time and patience, so he backs off and learns to give Vinnie the space he needs to process the feelings he’s having and the way he feels about Ben.
Vinnie has been badly hurt before and his distrust of Ben at the beginning is understandable but it really does makes his behavior later on in the story all the more puzzling.
Ben is a man who falls in love for what’s is probably the first time in his life. He quickly realizes that winning Vinnie over is going to be different than he first thought and watching him try to figure out the best way to prove that he’s looking for more than just a hookup is endearing. He tries so hard while winning Vinnie over and his entrancement with the handsome artist made me smile.
The angst, when it comes, isn’t unexpected but I did find it a little confusing. Vinnie ended up coming across like a bit of a spoiled brat. The fact that he couldn’t seem to understand Ben’s jealousy and frustration with Vinnie’s co-worker, who comes across as someone completely unlikable to the reader, really doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. At the beginning of the story, Vinnie is so judgemental about Ben’s behavior and what he thinks he’s sees and the fact that he can’t see James’ smarmy machinations made me angry. I found the inevitable explosion a little irritating and the behavior of both men made me want to smack them.
The main side characters in this story are Vinnie’s family. Once they decide they like Ben, they seem to remain firmly on his side while still supporting and loving their little brother. There is one thing about the three brothers that bothered me a little but I don’t want to say too much and give it away. It’s something that should be discovered by reading the story but I did find it a little unbelievable.
For the most part though, I liked all the characters of this story and I found them well written even if their behaviour wasn’t always easy to understand. I found it easy to connect with them all except for Finn, who I never did decide if I liked or not, and James, who I hated.
I did find that the story dragged at times, particularly at the beginning and near the end when the two men are trying to find their way back to each other. Other than that, it was an interesting story and the happily-ever-after ending is a good reason to get through the parts that bogged me down a little.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Ben and Vinnie are frustrating and the perfect examples of people who need to work on their communication skills.
When they meet, Vinnie is all shy and wary and Ben starts off pushing too hard and too fast. But Ben learns from his mistakes and soon realizes that something worth having does take time and patience, so he backs off and learns to give Vinnie the space he needs to process the feelings he’s having and the way he feels about Ben.
Vinnie has been badly hurt before and his distrust of Ben at the beginning is understandable but it really does makes his behavior later on in the story all the more puzzling.
Ben is a man who falls in love for what’s is probably the first time in his life. He quickly realizes that winning Vinnie over is going to be different than he first thought and watching him try to figure out the best way to prove that he’s looking for more than just a hookup is endearing. He tries so hard while winning Vinnie over and his entrancement with the handsome artist made me smile.
The angst, when it comes, isn’t unexpected but I did find it a little confusing. Vinnie ended up coming across like a bit of a spoiled brat. The fact that he couldn’t seem to understand Ben’s jealousy and frustration with Vinnie’s co-worker, who comes across as someone completely unlikable to the reader, really doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. At the beginning of the story, Vinnie is so judgemental about Ben’s behavior and what he thinks he’s sees and the fact that he can’t see James’ smarmy machinations made me angry. I found the inevitable explosion a little irritating and the behavior of both men made me want to smack them.
The main side characters in this story are Vinnie’s family. Once they decide they like Ben, they seem to remain firmly on his side while still supporting and loving their little brother. There is one thing about the three brothers that bothered me a little but I don’t want to say too much and give it away. It’s something that should be discovered by reading the story but I did find it a little unbelievable.
For the most part though, I liked all the characters of this story and I found them well written even if their behaviour wasn’t always easy to understand. I found it easy to connect with them all except for Finn, who I never did decide if I liked or not, and James, who I hated.
I did find that the story dragged at times, particularly at the beginning and near the end when the two men are trying to find their way back to each other. Other than that, it was an interesting story and the happily-ever-after ending is a good reason to get through the parts that bogged me down a little.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
June 8, 2015
3.75 stars
Oh so close to a 4 star rating but not quite there.
Did I enjoy Paint The Sky? ABSOLUTELY! Were there things about it that drove me crazy? ABSOLUTELY!
I loved the writing. Let me repeat, I LOVED THE WRITING. Now that you know I loved the writing I going to say that at times, epecially in the beginning, I felt it was too descriptive. Here's an example "Choosing lightweight, comfortable clothing from my ample wardrobe to wear for the morning, I dressed in front of the full-length mirror. After adding gel to my fashionably wayward hair, and slipping a single gold stud into my ear, I admired the final look with a smile." For me that was too much. However, most of the writing was beautiful and the descriptions painted a very real story for me. A story that captured my heart and kept me glued to the page.
I loved both main characters. Vinnie and Ben were each very likable in their own way. Ben was a playboy and Vinnie was the shy art student. Together they made the perfect couple. A couple you wanted to root for and see happy. Vinnie's brothers and sister were great supporting characters. One brother, Finn, was a bit of a snake at one point but I forgave him easily.
The story was good. It was a bit predictable at times but the romantic moments more than made up for it. My biggest issue was the big misunderstanding. I found this one to go on just a tad too long. The author does a good job but it still was a stretch for me. There was just too many missed opportunities. I also didn't understand Vinnie's family not getting more involved at that point. They were very involved in his life before he and Ben seperated yet they didn't do enough to help him when he was obviously miserable without Ben.
Paint The Sky does have a happy ending and it's a beautiful romance. I laughed, I cried, I raged and I swooned. This book has it all, including a few great sex scenes. Although not perfect, I would recommend Paint The Sky and I would definitely read more from this author. And OMG, lets all take a moment to appreciate the GORGEOUS cover. GAH!
Oh so close to a 4 star rating but not quite there.
Did I enjoy Paint The Sky? ABSOLUTELY! Were there things about it that drove me crazy? ABSOLUTELY!
I loved the writing. Let me repeat, I LOVED THE WRITING. Now that you know I loved the writing I going to say that at times, epecially in the beginning, I felt it was too descriptive. Here's an example "Choosing lightweight, comfortable clothing from my ample wardrobe to wear for the morning, I dressed in front of the full-length mirror. After adding gel to my fashionably wayward hair, and slipping a single gold stud into my ear, I admired the final look with a smile." For me that was too much. However, most of the writing was beautiful and the descriptions painted a very real story for me. A story that captured my heart and kept me glued to the page.
I loved both main characters. Vinnie and Ben were each very likable in their own way. Ben was a playboy and Vinnie was the shy art student. Together they made the perfect couple. A couple you wanted to root for and see happy. Vinnie's brothers and sister were great supporting characters. One brother, Finn, was a bit of a snake at one point but I forgave him easily.
The story was good. It was a bit predictable at times but the romantic moments more than made up for it. My biggest issue was the big misunderstanding. I found this one to go on just a tad too long. The author does a good job but it still was a stretch for me. There was just too many missed opportunities. I also didn't understand Vinnie's family not getting more involved at that point. They were very involved in his life before he and Ben seperated yet they didn't do enough to help him when he was obviously miserable without Ben.
Paint The Sky does have a happy ending and it's a beautiful romance. I laughed, I cried, I raged and I swooned. This book has it all, including a few great sex scenes. Although not perfect, I would recommend Paint The Sky and I would definitely read more from this author. And OMG, lets all take a moment to appreciate the GORGEOUS cover. GAH!
August 31, 2014
Here I am reviewing one of my fave authors.
First of all, I've to say that I loved this book. The love story between the two guys was really strong since the first few pages and I thought:"Please, don't let them split up."
Unfortunately, not everything goes how I hoped for.
Plus, a third person will really add more problems to the couple.
You'll find love, hurt, scary past, heartbreaking, pain and more.
Will they stay together? Will they break up? If so, will they find their way back?
Read it and you'll see!!
First of all, I've to say that I loved this book. The love story between the two guys was really strong since the first few pages and I thought:"Please, don't let them split up."
Unfortunately, not everything goes how I hoped for.
Plus, a third person will really add more problems to the couple.
You'll find love, hurt, scary past, heartbreaking, pain and more.
Will they stay together? Will they break up? If so, will they find their way back?
Read it and you'll see!!
October 24, 2015
The first thing that hit me with this story was the British accent of the narrator. I hadn’t realized it had been so long since I had heard my own native accent spoken on tape. After a while Joel’s voice had me immersed in the story.
After a while I wanted to bang the main character’s heads together. Ben and Vinnie are lovely but they don’t communicate and so they end up arguing, making up, and starting the cycle over, and over.
Vinnies brothers are funny and likable, although I did want to punch Finn a couple of times, until he found his love interest.
The final character I want to mention is James. I have a few friends who would love to teach him a lesson if he were a real person. Men like that only belong in one place—jail. He pounces on the cracks in Vinnie and Ben’s relationship, and takes advantage of Vinnie’s great nature.
My favorite bit had to be the painting. All through the book is the painting of the night sky, but the best two (to me) are: the one Vinnie does on Ben’s skin (on the book cover) and the one they do together at the end. They are both beautifully described and so romantic.
After a while I wanted to bang the main character’s heads together. Ben and Vinnie are lovely but they don’t communicate and so they end up arguing, making up, and starting the cycle over, and over.
Vinnies brothers are funny and likable, although I did want to punch Finn a couple of times, until he found his love interest.
The final character I want to mention is James. I have a few friends who would love to teach him a lesson if he were a real person. Men like that only belong in one place—jail. He pounces on the cracks in Vinnie and Ben’s relationship, and takes advantage of Vinnie’s great nature.
My favorite bit had to be the painting. All through the book is the painting of the night sky, but the best two (to me) are: the one Vinnie does on Ben’s skin (on the book cover) and the one they do together at the end. They are both beautifully described and so romantic.
January 20, 2018
This book was Great. The Writing. The Narration. All great. Absolutely nothing wrong with this book and Narration. The Author and Narrator both did a fantastic job. I have to admit that I originally got this book because of the cover. It’s just so Pretty! And I’m glad I did take the chance on this one.
But man... I wish I would have known this book would rip my Heart out and make me cry. Jesus. And. I am sooooo unbelievably Mad at Vinnie. I mean really I kinda hated him for like half the book.. LOL. I just have so many questions I want(ed) to ask him. And Ben. I feel so bad for Ben.
These two Characters Ben & Vinnie, meet at the end of college. They start of slow as friends. End up as roommates. And work their way to boyfriends. It’s so obvious that Ben loves Vinnie right off, like everlasting Love. But Vinnie loving Ben the same way is questionable. So much heartache in this book. But ultimately ends in a HEA.
But man... I wish I would have known this book would rip my Heart out and make me cry. Jesus. And. I am sooooo unbelievably Mad at Vinnie. I mean really I kinda hated him for like half the book.. LOL. I just have so many questions I want(ed) to ask him. And Ben. I feel so bad for Ben.
These two Characters Ben & Vinnie, meet at the end of college. They start of slow as friends. End up as roommates. And work their way to boyfriends. It’s so obvious that Ben loves Vinnie right off, like everlasting Love. But Vinnie loving Ben the same way is questionable. So much heartache in this book. But ultimately ends in a HEA.
April 5, 2015
1.5 stars for chick with dicks.
I love this cover, it's what attracted me to this book to start with. Unfortunately, reading this book has been a painful experience for me. The characters act like immature brats one moment, the next I swear they were chicks who loved drama. The writing, while not grammatically incorrect, was childish and the story had no flow.
And Vinnie's brother, the eldest, was a dickhead (yes Finn, I'm talking about you, you asshole!). What kind of family tries to sleep with the person your younger brother is in love with, just because they have some issues to deal with and they're momentarily separated? A major dick, that's who! Better to be all alone with no siblings than have those who try to stab you in the back.
1.5 disappointing stars!
I love this cover, it's what attracted me to this book to start with. Unfortunately, reading this book has been a painful experience for me. The characters act like immature brats one moment, the next I swear they were chicks who loved drama. The writing, while not grammatically incorrect, was childish and the story had no flow.
And Vinnie's brother, the eldest, was a dickhead (yes Finn, I'm talking about you, you asshole!). What kind of family tries to sleep with the person your younger brother is in love with, just because they have some issues to deal with and they're momentarily separated? A major dick, that's who! Better to be all alone with no siblings than have those who try to stab you in the back.
1.5 disappointing stars!
October 10, 2015
DISCLAIMER: I was provided a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
My only real complaint is that it wasn't longer. I wanted more. When things got rocky, I wanted to experience more of that. When things were good, I wanted to experience everything. The characters were likable and fit well together. On another level, the narrator of the audio book was perfect. He made the characters sound different enough that you could easily tell who was speaking without doing crazy voices as some attempt to do. I enjoyed the entire experience and intend to read more by this author.
My only real complaint is that it wasn't longer. I wanted more. When things got rocky, I wanted to experience more of that. When things were good, I wanted to experience everything. The characters were likable and fit well together. On another level, the narrator of the audio book was perfect. He made the characters sound different enough that you could easily tell who was speaking without doing crazy voices as some attempt to do. I enjoyed the entire experience and intend to read more by this author.
April 12, 2015
Probably less than 3 stars but I tend to save 2 or less for truly shit books and this was not that. The concept of the book was very good. The way it was written and carried out...not so much. It felt...I can't think of word that doesn't come across as super insulting and I hate doing that so I'll say maybe not as mature as others I've read. I never fully understood what went so wrong between these two that they had to be apart and in pain for so long which made it very frustrating. Grrr, I don't know, someone else find a better way to explain it!! lol
September 2, 2014
This book really deserves 5 stars just for the cover which is beautiful. This is a good story. It gets a bit heartbreaking in the middle but I love all the other characters interactions, Vinnie's brothers for example. For me the problem was that there were several places where I thought the story had ended and then there was more but if you like a bit (lots) of angst with your HEA then this is for you
January 11, 2015
I loved how the cover of this book is a theme through the whole book, its very creatively used. The two main characters are very sweet, and I really wanted them to find their happiness. They get together very quickly, but then things come between them and they separate for a while. Its very painful for them both, and is a bit angsty. But in the end everything turns out more than good, I really loved how it all ended up
October 21, 2015
Loved this book. Would listen to Ben and Vinnie's story or even Vinnie's brothers stories with glimpses into Ben and Vinnie's life.
First time I have listened to Joel Leslie's voice, loved it, great job
First time I have listened to Joel Leslie's voice, loved it, great job
March 14, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. Okay, I will admit it; the cover attracted me to this book. I mean Starry Night on a naked chest? Yes, please!
May 6, 2015
I feel like this book had the perfect amount of drama. I really enjoyed this book, finished this in one day because I didn't want to put it down.
October 24, 2015
If I could give this book a ten I would. I loved it. A wonderful story, with wonderful characters. Well written, and a great story line.
September 25, 2017
Recensione a cura di Elbereth per Feel The Book
Scrivere questa recensione richiede una grande forza, perché mi trovo in conflitto con me stessa. È meraviglioso quando inizi a leggere un libro che ti attira fin dalle prime pagine, ma cosa succede quando all’improvviso la storia prende una piega deludente?
Subentra persino l’irritazione e la sensazione di star perdendo tempo, perché un libro che sarebbe potuto essere un capolavoro in realtà si rivela tutt’altro. Ed è davvero brutto dover dire queste parole ma, purtroppo, “Dipingere il cielo” mi ha lasciato tanta amarezza.
Ben e Vinnie, dopo anni di sguardi fugaci e incontri casuali, hanno il coraggio di avvicinarsi, di conoscersi e godersi il vero amore. Sono due artisti, entrambi con i propri problemi e le proprie preoccupazioni, ma fin dal loro primo saluto hanno la sensazione di completarsi a vicenda e di aver trovato finalmente la serenità. C’è un momento in particolare, e anche l’unico degno di tutto il libro, che mi rimarrà impresso per sempre. È dolce, poetico e maledettamente profondo. Ovviamente non ve lo racconterò, ma dovete sapere che il disegno di un cielo notturno determinerà il rapporto tra Ben e Vinnie.
Ma la storia si sviluppa troppo velocemente e, in realtà, è un miscuglio di eventi. Non ho avuto l’opportunità di godermi le emozioni dei due protagonisti, perché ciò che viene raccontato sembra solo una lunga lista di azioni monotone. I pensieri, le emozioni, sono lasciati in secondo piano, per dare spazio al semplice muoversi e agire dei protagonisti.
Dallo svegliarsi al mattino, al vestirsi, dallo spostarsi in macchina fino ad arrivare a casa.
Forse pretendo troppo, ma per l’inizio della storia mi sarei aspettata molto di più, invece Ben e Vinnie in un attimo si ritroveranno a convivere, a voler stare insieme per sempre, fino a quando tutto non verrà rovinato e verranno raccontate delle scene e delle situazioni oltre l’assurdo.
Ecco, proprio per questo il mio voto non può non essere negativo. Se si cerca una storia più profonda, una storia che lasci il segno, “Dipingere il cielo” non fa per voi.
Editing recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
Scrivere questa recensione richiede una grande forza, perché mi trovo in conflitto con me stessa. È meraviglioso quando inizi a leggere un libro che ti attira fin dalle prime pagine, ma cosa succede quando all’improvviso la storia prende una piega deludente?
Subentra persino l’irritazione e la sensazione di star perdendo tempo, perché un libro che sarebbe potuto essere un capolavoro in realtà si rivela tutt’altro. Ed è davvero brutto dover dire queste parole ma, purtroppo, “Dipingere il cielo” mi ha lasciato tanta amarezza.
Ben e Vinnie, dopo anni di sguardi fugaci e incontri casuali, hanno il coraggio di avvicinarsi, di conoscersi e godersi il vero amore. Sono due artisti, entrambi con i propri problemi e le proprie preoccupazioni, ma fin dal loro primo saluto hanno la sensazione di completarsi a vicenda e di aver trovato finalmente la serenità. C’è un momento in particolare, e anche l’unico degno di tutto il libro, che mi rimarrà impresso per sempre. È dolce, poetico e maledettamente profondo. Ovviamente non ve lo racconterò, ma dovete sapere che il disegno di un cielo notturno determinerà il rapporto tra Ben e Vinnie.
Ma la storia si sviluppa troppo velocemente e, in realtà, è un miscuglio di eventi. Non ho avuto l’opportunità di godermi le emozioni dei due protagonisti, perché ciò che viene raccontato sembra solo una lunga lista di azioni monotone. I pensieri, le emozioni, sono lasciati in secondo piano, per dare spazio al semplice muoversi e agire dei protagonisti.
Dallo svegliarsi al mattino, al vestirsi, dallo spostarsi in macchina fino ad arrivare a casa.
Forse pretendo troppo, ma per l’inizio della storia mi sarei aspettata molto di più, invece Ben e Vinnie in un attimo si ritroveranno a convivere, a voler stare insieme per sempre, fino a quando tutto non verrà rovinato e verranno raccontate delle scene e delle situazioni oltre l’assurdo.
Ecco, proprio per questo il mio voto non può non essere negativo. Se si cerca una storia più profonda, una storia che lasci il segno, “Dipingere il cielo” non fa per voi.
Editing recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
November 7, 2019
Narration: Joel Leslie narrated this MM Contemporary Romance. I like his voice, and I thought it fit the story. There was a good cadence to his reading, and the sound was great. I listen to audiobooks at my day job, and this was easy for me to follow as I moved around. The story was based in Cambridge, and I thought the accent he used was good, but it could have been better. I’m warming up to Joel as a narrator.
Story: The story was a bit slow at first. I actually stopped it and started another because it just wasn’t hitting what I wanted. After that second book, I thought I’d give this one another try, and I’m glad I did. Once I was a little more invested, I really enjoyed the story.
I found myself looking forward to the characters and what happened to them. I loved how the time in the story moved forward so that this wasn’t a love-at-first-sight. Paint the Sky was written in Ben’s point of view, and we learn at the start that he’d been watching Vinnie for more than a year. In the beginning, he was kind of a slut as well. He’s ready to give all that up for Vinnie, though. He wants to be a writer, but his dad wants him to help in the family business because his brother was incompetent.
Vinnie is the typical lone artist going to College with Ben. His backstory is tragic, but he seems to have overcome that. His brothers are amazing, and I liked reading about them. There’s a great dynamic there.
When I read the blurb and parts of the story, I think the author was going for more of a jealousy-caused-problems relationship, and she wrote Ben’s side well for that. However, I felt more for him by that point than Vinnie. Either way, I was cheering for them until the end.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, and I hope she’ll have more audiobooks out soon!
Story: The story was a bit slow at first. I actually stopped it and started another because it just wasn’t hitting what I wanted. After that second book, I thought I’d give this one another try, and I’m glad I did. Once I was a little more invested, I really enjoyed the story.
I found myself looking forward to the characters and what happened to them. I loved how the time in the story moved forward so that this wasn’t a love-at-first-sight. Paint the Sky was written in Ben’s point of view, and we learn at the start that he’d been watching Vinnie for more than a year. In the beginning, he was kind of a slut as well. He’s ready to give all that up for Vinnie, though. He wants to be a writer, but his dad wants him to help in the family business because his brother was incompetent.
Vinnie is the typical lone artist going to College with Ben. His backstory is tragic, but he seems to have overcome that. His brothers are amazing, and I liked reading about them. There’s a great dynamic there.
When I read the blurb and parts of the story, I think the author was going for more of a jealousy-caused-problems relationship, and she wrote Ben’s side well for that. However, I felt more for him by that point than Vinnie. Either way, I was cheering for them until the end.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, and I hope she’ll have more audiobooks out soon!
November 7, 2019
Narration: Joel Leslie narrated this MM Contemporary Romance. I like his voice, and I thought it fit the story. There was a good cadence to his reading, and the sound was great. I listen to audiobooks at my day job, and this was easy for me to follow as I moved around. The story was based in Cambridge, and I thought the accent he used was good, but it could have been better. I’m warming up to Joel as a narrator.
Story: The story was a bit slow at first. I actually stopped it and started another because it just wasn’t hitting what I wanted. After that second book, I thought I’d give this one another try, and I’m glad I did. Once I was a little more invested, I really enjoyed the story.
I found myself looking forward to the characters and what happened to them. I loved how the time in the story moved forward so that this wasn’t a love-at-first-sight. Paint the Sky was written in Ben’s point of view, and we learn at the start that he’d been watching Vinnie for more than a year. In the beginning, he was kind of a slut as well. He’s ready to give all that up for Vinnie, though. He wants to be a writer, but his dad wants him to help in the family business because his brother was incompetent.
Vinnie is the typical lone artist going to College with Ben. His backstory is tragic, but he seems to have overcome that. His brothers are amazing, and I liked reading about them. There’s a great dynamic there.
When I read the blurb and parts of the story, I think the author was going for more of a jealousy-caused-problems relationship, and she wrote Ben’s side well for that. However, I felt more for him by that point than Vinnie. Either way, I was cheering for them until the end.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, and I hope she’ll have more audiobooks out soon!
Story: The story was a bit slow at first. I actually stopped it and started another because it just wasn’t hitting what I wanted. After that second book, I thought I’d give this one another try, and I’m glad I did. Once I was a little more invested, I really enjoyed the story.
I found myself looking forward to the characters and what happened to them. I loved how the time in the story moved forward so that this wasn’t a love-at-first-sight. Paint the Sky was written in Ben’s point of view, and we learn at the start that he’d been watching Vinnie for more than a year. In the beginning, he was kind of a slut as well. He’s ready to give all that up for Vinnie, though. He wants to be a writer, but his dad wants him to help in the family business because his brother was incompetent.
Vinnie is the typical lone artist going to College with Ben. His backstory is tragic, but he seems to have overcome that. His brothers are amazing, and I liked reading about them. There’s a great dynamic there.
When I read the blurb and parts of the story, I think the author was going for more of a jealousy-caused-problems relationship, and she wrote Ben’s side well for that. However, I felt more for him by that point than Vinnie. Either way, I was cheering for them until the end.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, and I hope she’ll have more audiobooks out soon!
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