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Under the Paint
In the world’s eyes, Henry and Gwen Henderson have the perfect marriage. Living in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, they are financially well off, good-looking, and respected in the community. They seem to have it all. But everything is not perfect beneath the surface. Each of them suffers from constant pressure to maintain their reputable images and seemingly perfect life. They’ve grown apart from each other, and the stress and mental isolation has caused both of them to develop different addictions.
Everything on the surface seems perfect until Margot Tanner, comes to Detroit after leaving her home in Los Angeles with the goal to start a new life and escape her past. Dangerous people are after her, and even those close to her aren’t safe. Can Henry, Gwen, Margot, their lives suddenly more complicated, find their own happily ever after, or will their individual darknesses swallow them whole?
Everything on the surface seems perfect until Margot Tanner, comes to Detroit after leaving her home in Los Angeles with the goal to start a new life and escape her past. Dangerous people are after her, and even those close to her aren’t safe. Can Henry, Gwen, Margot, their lives suddenly more complicated, find their own happily ever after, or will their individual darknesses swallow them whole?
- GenresRomance
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 31, 2025
A little different to my usual read but as you know I do like a plethora of genres 😉
We have our MC couple, Gwen and Henry just your normal, everyday empty nesters. He works for a prestigious car company whilst she spends her time at church meetings with the ladies. All mundane stuff, until Margot arrives in town, she’s there for a job interview with Henry but also bumps into Gwen in the supermarket. Their lives start to intermingle with one another separately 🤭 but Margot’s past soon catches up with her.
I enjoyed this storyline along with the little twists and the secrets that were bound to come out.
We have our MC couple, Gwen and Henry just your normal, everyday empty nesters. He works for a prestigious car company whilst she spends her time at church meetings with the ladies. All mundane stuff, until Margot arrives in town, she’s there for a job interview with Henry but also bumps into Gwen in the supermarket. Their lives start to intermingle with one another separately 🤭 but Margot’s past soon catches up with her.
I enjoyed this storyline along with the little twists and the secrets that were bound to come out.
June 18, 2025
This was definitely a change up from what I’ve been reading here lately and I’m not even mad about it. I’m telling you what, there towards the end I was nearly biting my nails!! I’ll admit, I got a tad nervous, because I just knew….well. I’m not going to give away any spoilers, but I am hoping there is going to be a follow up on the after lives of Gwen and Henry. What will they do? Where will they go?? Like I need to know!! Y’all do not sleep on this book, you won’t regret it!
June 11, 2025
The best was to categorize this one is a suspenseful (light) darkish romance.
It is a messy story so if you like learning about other people’s drama, this is for you!
It is a slow story and it starts off slow but it gets interesting after a couple of chapters. It gives “normal family on the outside, dysfunctional on the inside.” It did not have the ending I was expecting. It is an unconventional happy ending but it did fit the story. I would love to see a second book.
The writing style was quite interesting too. Instead of a new chapter for each character’s perspective, it was all the important characters perspectives written into a single chapter. For example, it started with the MMC then a page break then the FMC.
It is a messy story so if you like learning about other people’s drama, this is for you!
It is a slow story and it starts off slow but it gets interesting after a couple of chapters. It gives “normal family on the outside, dysfunctional on the inside.” It did not have the ending I was expecting. It is an unconventional happy ending but it did fit the story. I would love to see a second book.
The writing style was quite interesting too. Instead of a new chapter for each character’s perspective, it was all the important characters perspectives written into a single chapter. For example, it started with the MMC then a page break then the FMC.
May 15, 2025
This is not my go to genre and was sent an arc of this by the author.
That being said I actually really enjoyed this book and it’s a 4.25+ read for me.
I enjoyed all the characters and was really invested in the story.
That being said I actually really enjoyed this book and it’s a 4.25+ read for me.
I enjoyed all the characters and was really invested in the story.
July 3, 2025
Wow..
If you want to simultaneously love and hate the characters in a book, then this is it. Loved this so much. I couldn't stop reading.
Really want to find out if there is more to this story... sequel maybe?
If you want to simultaneously love and hate the characters in a book, then this is it. Loved this so much. I couldn't stop reading.
Really want to find out if there is more to this story... sequel maybe?
July 9, 2025
In this book you have the MMC (Henry Henderson) & 2 MFC's (Gwen Henderson and Margot Tanner), where you follow their story on how all their paths cross, how their friendships grow, working relationships develop & sexual relationships....well I'll leave that to your imagination. This book is defiantly a slow-burn with forbidden love, dark past & boss/employee troupes woven throughout the story.
I felt their could have been more on the background of Margot, but hey who is to know whether that is in a 2nd instalment!?
Overall I liked this book, it was a good summer read. Not really dark enough on the dark romance scale for me, but I would absolutely recommend if someone was just starting out on their dark romance journey, as it had a dark flavour to the plot line, suspense & a hint of spice.
I felt their could have been more on the background of Margot, but hey who is to know whether that is in a 2nd instalment!?
Overall I liked this book, it was a good summer read. Not really dark enough on the dark romance scale for me, but I would absolutely recommend if someone was just starting out on their dark romance journey, as it had a dark flavour to the plot line, suspense & a hint of spice.
March 30, 2025
Under The Paint By James Michels had me turning pages. This author never disappoints. This dark romance thriller had me mad at the characters and my heart breaking for them all at the same time. I loved how everything wove together to create such a rich tapestry of events as the book unfolded. Can't wait for more from this author!
June 8, 2025
I wish I could rate this higher, although there is so much potential I just couldn’t t get over the time frames and how the POV’s bounced around.
July 5, 2025
I tried I really did but it’s a no from me.
June 27, 2025
ARC review
Rating: 5.0
Spice: 4.0
This book was insane!! I was HOOKED! The chaos, the drama, the spice, and the challenges make this book so interesting and had me reeled in.
So I have a problem with Diane! I wanted to go in the book and fight her lol.
I love Margot! The way she went back to Cali to talk to her ex to protect Gwen, that was insane but made me happy that Margot stood up for herself.
One big question is, how did Margot not know that Gwen and Henry were a married couple? How did she not see family photos?
Gwen and Henry need more communication, they live life like they are just roommates. They don’t notice the bad each other is doing. I think Margot showed up at a good time, Gwen and Henry did bad but I think that they needed that to truly see how bad their marriage is and that they need to be there more for each other and work on their marriage.
Everything that happened to them felt like a test, like how strong are they and can they go through those hard times and go to each other. It took another woman for them to realize that they have been abandoning each other and they haven't been there for each other.
I am glad that Henry came clean to Gwen and that Gwen came clean too. When they found out that they were with the same girl, that was crazy. I thought it was gonna be worse than what it was.
I was so happy that they all talked about everything and Diane wasn’t the one to tell Gwen.
Margot being with both of them ended up being a wake up call and helping them get their marriage back. Henry and Gwen have a lot to work through after everything, and I hope they can trust each other again.
This book had me emotional and relating to all three of them. I mostly related to Margo but all three of them are relatable. I loved this book and will definitely read it again.
Rating: 5.0
Spice: 4.0
This book was insane!! I was HOOKED! The chaos, the drama, the spice, and the challenges make this book so interesting and had me reeled in.
So I have a problem with Diane! I wanted to go in the book and fight her lol.
I love Margot! The way she went back to Cali to talk to her ex to protect Gwen, that was insane but made me happy that Margot stood up for herself.
One big question is, how did Margot not know that Gwen and Henry were a married couple? How did she not see family photos?
Gwen and Henry need more communication, they live life like they are just roommates. They don’t notice the bad each other is doing. I think Margot showed up at a good time, Gwen and Henry did bad but I think that they needed that to truly see how bad their marriage is and that they need to be there more for each other and work on their marriage.
Everything that happened to them felt like a test, like how strong are they and can they go through those hard times and go to each other. It took another woman for them to realize that they have been abandoning each other and they haven't been there for each other.
I am glad that Henry came clean to Gwen and that Gwen came clean too. When they found out that they were with the same girl, that was crazy. I thought it was gonna be worse than what it was.
I was so happy that they all talked about everything and Diane wasn’t the one to tell Gwen.
Margot being with both of them ended up being a wake up call and helping them get their marriage back. Henry and Gwen have a lot to work through after everything, and I hope they can trust each other again.
This book had me emotional and relating to all three of them. I mostly related to Margo but all three of them are relatable. I loved this book and will definitely read it again.
April 23, 2025
This was a page turner. Darkish romance packed with drama. If you’re looking for a thriller love triangle with a little mystery and spice this one is set to come out June 30th.
Mmc: Henry with his stress at work with his recent promotion and home life with a wife that seems to be growing distant and the home renovations, develops a drug problem just to get him through his day. As a dedicated car dealership general manager he strived to keep his branch at the top hiring a new secretary will just insure that he doesn’t loose track of his calendar. But will the drugs and new secretary Margot turn his life upside down or right side up? What will he do to protect his marriage? Will his own demons come back to bite him in the ass?
Fmc: Gwen is a stay at home wife/mom with an empty house and a husband that works to much. She craves to extend her sexuality but is afraid of what the church will think. In order to protect her name in the eyes of others she keeps her secret desires hidden but it leaves the marriage straining to stay a float. That is until she meets Margot at the local grocery. Now she’s Hiding a secret from not only the outside world but from her husband as well.
Margot moves to Detroit trying to escape her past with nothing but a little clothing and her legal name. Gets the job as the secretary at a car dealership. Finally her life seems to be looking up after making friends with Gwen at the local grocery not knowing she’s working for Gwen’s husband. But always living in fear that her past demons come back to ruin her new life that she’s just starting to love, adding more secrets to the ever growing pile.
Mmc: Henry with his stress at work with his recent promotion and home life with a wife that seems to be growing distant and the home renovations, develops a drug problem just to get him through his day. As a dedicated car dealership general manager he strived to keep his branch at the top hiring a new secretary will just insure that he doesn’t loose track of his calendar. But will the drugs and new secretary Margot turn his life upside down or right side up? What will he do to protect his marriage? Will his own demons come back to bite him in the ass?
Fmc: Gwen is a stay at home wife/mom with an empty house and a husband that works to much. She craves to extend her sexuality but is afraid of what the church will think. In order to protect her name in the eyes of others she keeps her secret desires hidden but it leaves the marriage straining to stay a float. That is until she meets Margot at the local grocery. Now she’s Hiding a secret from not only the outside world but from her husband as well.
Margot moves to Detroit trying to escape her past with nothing but a little clothing and her legal name. Gets the job as the secretary at a car dealership. Finally her life seems to be looking up after making friends with Gwen at the local grocery not knowing she’s working for Gwen’s husband. But always living in fear that her past demons come back to ruin her new life that she’s just starting to love, adding more secrets to the ever growing pile.
June 29, 2025
“Under the Paint” is a compelling dark romance thriller that took me out of my reading comfort zone—and I loved every minute of it. From the very first page, James Michels crafts an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that never lets up.
The story begins with Margot’s abrupt escape from California, though the reasons for her flight remain shrouded in mystery. At first, her journey seems like a simple quest for a fresh start—new home, new job, new friendships—but the veneer of normalcy soon cracks, revealing a far darker reality.
What makes this novel so gripping is the expertly woven deception at its core. Margot is unaware that her boss and lover, Henry, and her newfound best friend (and lover), Gwen, are married to each other. The inevitable collision of these relationships looms ominously, but the path to that revelation is anything but predictable. When Margot’s past violently collides with Gwen’s world, the consequences are devastating, leaving no character unchanged.
Margot is a fascinating protagonist—strong, complex, and the driving force behind the story’s twists. Gwen and Henry are equally well-developed, their flawed, layered personalities adding depth to the narrative. The supporting cast further enriches the story, making every interaction feel significant.
Michels masterfully balances suspense, passion, and psychological tension, keeping the reader hooked until the final page. “Under the Paint” has not only entertained me but also piqued my interest in exploring more of this genre. If you enjoy dark, twisty thrillers with emotional depth, this book is a must-read.
May 4, 2025
Can I start this with I believe this book may be good for other people however with the greatest of apologies
This book for me was a real struggle this is my own thoughts and the unorganised narrative explanation and occasional perspective of the character with no clear motion or build up to the switches throughout this book or for which character.
For example — one second I’m reading about Margot and then it switched to a conversation between two men one obsessive ex and a man called Linus then straight back to Margot and it continued like this also switching between being written from a narrative point to gwen being like I shouldn’t have done that I told her I loved her and I truely ment it back to being described narratively .
I did push on though I wanted to give this book hope I wanted to see if it could flourish so I completed the book the story started to level out and become less chaotic come page 220 bear in mind this book is only 299 pages long.
The actual story started to properly progress starting page 201 there was less mentions of the less needed content and more details of the actual story line and from here it started to get better the plot thickened the story became less chaotic in the story remained in a narratives perspective and then the book ended.
This book for me was a real struggle this is my own thoughts and the unorganised narrative explanation and occasional perspective of the character with no clear motion or build up to the switches throughout this book or for which character.
For example — one second I’m reading about Margot and then it switched to a conversation between two men one obsessive ex and a man called Linus then straight back to Margot and it continued like this also switching between being written from a narrative point to gwen being like I shouldn’t have done that I told her I loved her and I truely ment it back to being described narratively .
I did push on though I wanted to give this book hope I wanted to see if it could flourish so I completed the book the story started to level out and become less chaotic come page 220 bear in mind this book is only 299 pages long.
The actual story started to properly progress starting page 201 there was less mentions of the less needed content and more details of the actual story line and from here it started to get better the plot thickened the story became less chaotic in the story remained in a narratives perspective and then the book ended.
April 26, 2025
This book did not disappoint, being a Dark romance thriller suspense love triangle kept you on your toes! You definitely wanted to know what happens. This book really showed that sometimes under all the paint that there is rawness emotion that needs to be seen that’s what these characters are going through trying to figure out their life and what makes them happy.
MMC: Henry trying to balance a stressful work place, and his struggling marriage to Gwen. When Margot comes in for a job he didn’t know what to do but with being stressed with work and he battles an addiction to try and help but unfortunately it caught up with him. He turns to Margot!
MFC: Gwen struggling trying to find love in a somewhat struggling marriage to Henry and also trying not to be to hide who she really is with her sexuality. When she meets Margot her world turns all around. She couldn’t stop thinking who would judge her even her husband.
2 MFC Margot a newbie arriving trying to find a place in this world where she can be happy. She found that with Gwen and Henry. But with her secrets she was afraid to actually to happy!
Release Date is June 30th
MMC: Henry trying to balance a stressful work place, and his struggling marriage to Gwen. When Margot comes in for a job he didn’t know what to do but with being stressed with work and he battles an addiction to try and help but unfortunately it caught up with him. He turns to Margot!
MFC: Gwen struggling trying to find love in a somewhat struggling marriage to Henry and also trying not to be to hide who she really is with her sexuality. When she meets Margot her world turns all around. She couldn’t stop thinking who would judge her even her husband.
2 MFC Margot a newbie arriving trying to find a place in this world where she can be happy. She found that with Gwen and Henry. But with her secrets she was afraid to actually to happy!
Release Date is June 30th
April 28, 2025
Under the Paint tells the story of Henry and Gwen, a married couple trapped in a tangled web of illicit affairs — without realizing they are both involved with the same person. Caught in the monotony of married life, they find themselves losing passion and intimacy, leading to a deep emotional disconnect. It is through this mysterious person that they reconnect with the world they had been desperately seeking.
The story also explores the illusion of religious piety, questioning who is truly more virtuous: those who appear religious but are driven by greed and ambition, or sinners who maintain genuine faith. It examines how, when someone fails in their commitment to God, others often use it as an opportunity for silent condemnation, elevating themselves as more righteous in the eyes of society.
This novel is a journey of self-discovery — of finding one’s true identity, seeking freedom, and walking the righteous path. Through their relationship with Margot, Henry and Gwen come to realize what has been missing in their lives, ultimately transforming their understanding of love, faith, and self-worth.
Rate:3.5
The story also explores the illusion of religious piety, questioning who is truly more virtuous: those who appear religious but are driven by greed and ambition, or sinners who maintain genuine faith. It examines how, when someone fails in their commitment to God, others often use it as an opportunity for silent condemnation, elevating themselves as more righteous in the eyes of society.
This novel is a journey of self-discovery — of finding one’s true identity, seeking freedom, and walking the righteous path. Through their relationship with Margot, Henry and Gwen come to realize what has been missing in their lives, ultimately transforming their understanding of love, faith, and self-worth.
Rate:3.5
June 7, 2025
Henry and Gwen Henderson are happily married empty nesters, prosperous and respected by church and community. They seem to have it all, but both are hiding dark secrets they're hiding from the other. Then Margot Tanner steps into their lives, looking for a fresh start away from her own troubles, bringing both love and danger in her wake.
I rarely read either romance novels or thrillers, but I received this as an ARC from the author and was happy to give it a try. Change is good, right? In this case, it really was. I found "Under the Paint" to be beautifully plotted, keeping both the romance and the intrigue skimming right along. The story blended the romance and the thriller aspects of the story exceedingly well, providing balance to the suspense just when it was needed. Finally, I guarantee you'll be surprised by the ending--despite my relative inexperience with both genres, I thought I knew what would happen, BUT IT DIDN'T! This is a great summertime read, with 3/5 for spice, 3/5 for violence, but 5 stars overall.
Book is currently available for presale on Amazon; release date June 30.
I rarely read either romance novels or thrillers, but I received this as an ARC from the author and was happy to give it a try. Change is good, right? In this case, it really was. I found "Under the Paint" to be beautifully plotted, keeping both the romance and the intrigue skimming right along. The story blended the romance and the thriller aspects of the story exceedingly well, providing balance to the suspense just when it was needed. Finally, I guarantee you'll be surprised by the ending--despite my relative inexperience with both genres, I thought I knew what would happen, BUT IT DIDN'T! This is a great summertime read, with 3/5 for spice, 3/5 for violence, but 5 stars overall.
Book is currently available for presale on Amazon; release date June 30.
June 8, 2025
This book makes me think of The Perfect Marriage by Geneva Rose, that whole both spouses have things to hide and the tension that could be felt across the whole house.
Gwen is a strait laced, Christian woman, who is very faithful to her religion, and is hiding something very important from her husband of over 20 years. Henry has recently been promoted to general manager at his job, having financial strain because of home renovations his wife wants, and he has a special friend that helps him make it through the day and his wife has no idea! Margot just moved to Michigan from California, she bumps into Gwen at the grocery store, they immediately hit it off, she has an interview with Henry to be his new secretary, the chemistry and connection between Margot and both of them is intense! Neither Gwen or Henry know that Margot knows the other, nor do they realize that Margot’s past is gonna come back for them all!
Thank you to the author for offering me an arc copy of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gwen discover her self, Henry battle his personal demons and needs, and Margot find her confidence!
Gwen is a strait laced, Christian woman, who is very faithful to her religion, and is hiding something very important from her husband of over 20 years. Henry has recently been promoted to general manager at his job, having financial strain because of home renovations his wife wants, and he has a special friend that helps him make it through the day and his wife has no idea! Margot just moved to Michigan from California, she bumps into Gwen at the grocery store, they immediately hit it off, she has an interview with Henry to be his new secretary, the chemistry and connection between Margot and both of them is intense! Neither Gwen or Henry know that Margot knows the other, nor do they realize that Margot’s past is gonna come back for them all!
Thank you to the author for offering me an arc copy of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gwen discover her self, Henry battle his personal demons and needs, and Margot find her confidence!
May 9, 2025
I loved this story! I wouldn’t consider it very far in on the dark romance scale, but that’s me personally. But I also have zero triggers so I may be the wrong person to gauge that scale haha.
In this novel, we follow a couple in a struggling marriage. Gwen, is struggling to maintain perfection within the household, her church, and within her wifely duties. She struggles to feel sexy for her husband and feels that she’s not attractive for him anymore. Her husband, Henry, is the breadwinner, and works long hours at a luxury car dealership. He also struggles to maintain perfection, dealing with a hint of addiction, competitiveness, and his on stressors.
When Margot comes to Detroit to start a new life, she brings more than the baggage in her hand with her. Trouble follows. Margot is the spark in Henry’s life, Gwen’s life, and the town of Grosse Pointe to get the dust moving.
I’d love to see more from this author! My first read by him and definitely won’t be the last! It was a great introduction.
In this novel, we follow a couple in a struggling marriage. Gwen, is struggling to maintain perfection within the household, her church, and within her wifely duties. She struggles to feel sexy for her husband and feels that she’s not attractive for him anymore. Her husband, Henry, is the breadwinner, and works long hours at a luxury car dealership. He also struggles to maintain perfection, dealing with a hint of addiction, competitiveness, and his on stressors.
When Margot comes to Detroit to start a new life, she brings more than the baggage in her hand with her. Trouble follows. Margot is the spark in Henry’s life, Gwen’s life, and the town of Grosse Pointe to get the dust moving.
I’d love to see more from this author! My first read by him and definitely won’t be the last! It was a great introduction.
June 30, 2025
I'm giving this 3.5 stars but rounding up for goodreads. I'm grateful to the author for reaching out with a copy to read and provide an honest review for. I'd like to start out with what I liked most. I do think we got some depth with Henry and Gwen's characters. I was especially interested in Gwen's story. I could relate to her struggling with her sexuality while being in a heavily religious environment. I liked reading about her growth throughout this book. I was a little thrown off that the sapphic spice scenes were fade to black while the others were a little more graphic. Especially since we are supposed to see both of the relationships be equally as strong. Maybe that's just me though. Although this did start slower, things did get pretty fast-paced towards the end. I felt the action ramped up for a bit, which helped things build. I do wish we had gotten a little more of Margot's backstory in this. I feel it would've actually made a stronger case for this being labeled dark romance. There were some dark elements for sure, but it almost felt more like a thriller with romance. I definitely don't hate that concept but was expecting something different when I read that was the genre. Digging a bit more into Margot's past life would've also given added depth for her I believe. I know we got snippets of her past throughout the story, but she kind of always just felt a little too perfect or heroic. Overall though, I would say this is an interesting quick read that has good old-fashioned drama. I do think this will find it's mark with several readers.
Side note: The title of this is kind of brilliant for different reasons. It alludes to the secrets that Henry and Gwen are both hiding. Very clever!
Side note: The title of this is kind of brilliant for different reasons. It alludes to the secrets that Henry and Gwen are both hiding. Very clever!
June 22, 2025
ARC Review: This book brought the miscommunication trope to a whole different level. Both the main characters in this book were "dating" the same woman. When Margot got to town Henry gave her a job as his secretary in the car dealership he managed. His wife Gwen helped her out at the grocery store because it was the right thing to do. She invited her to their church and they become good friends. Henry has a drug problem and confides in Margot instead of his wife. Margot moved to Detroit to get away from her past in California and then her past comes for her loved ones in Detroit. This book gets to like 80% before Henry and Gwen and Margot find out that they were in a secret love triangle. Where do they go next is the problem? Who gets Margot? Do they fix their marriage? Does Margot escape her past?
April 14, 2025
This book is packed full of drama of a married couple who feel from immersion of one another and became stagnant in routine. Henry and Gwen had been through all their life and now they found themselves in the mundane.
Margot coming into town looking for a new start to come away from her past she found herself friending both people within the couple along with caring Marcus
How will Margot, Henry and Gwen come to face themselves and one another? Will the secrets come to surface and damage what has been created?
Not your usual dark romance as this was modern criminal, chaos, drama and violence than the typical dark romance out there, but the amount of intensity will have you gasping to see it through.
Margot coming into town looking for a new start to come away from her past she found herself friending both people within the couple along with caring Marcus
How will Margot, Henry and Gwen come to face themselves and one another? Will the secrets come to surface and damage what has been created?
Not your usual dark romance as this was modern criminal, chaos, drama and violence than the typical dark romance out there, but the amount of intensity will have you gasping to see it through.
June 7, 2025
3.75; I found myself genuinely confused as to how Margot did not put two and two together? Not knowing your friend’s husband’s name just didn’t feel believable. And Gwen not knowing where her friend works? That threw me off too. That said, it was still really entertaining to see how everything played out. Honestly, I think it would’ve been interesting if Margot had stayed and they explored a poly relationship.
There were also several editing issues, which I can overlook since it’s an indie author, but the occasional name swaps between the women were distracting. The pacing felt a little bit off too. Some elements were introduced but never really explored, like Gwen’s desire for things to be rough.
Overall, not a bad read.
There were also several editing issues, which I can overlook since it’s an indie author, but the occasional name swaps between the women were distracting. The pacing felt a little bit off too. Some elements were introduced but never really explored, like Gwen’s desire for things to be rough.
Overall, not a bad read.
June 8, 2025
Twisted Love Triangle w/ Dark Past Shattering Present🖤🖼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed the 2 storylines this book covered throughout. I was constantly thinking “what’s going to happen next?!” I also enjoyed the strong FMCs (each in their own way). As the author note below informs the reader, this is not your typical dark romance book & instead explores relatable, real problems many of us encounter on a daily basis. I found this take on dark romance blended with domestic thriller refreshing.
Author Note: While this book is not the typical dark romance that many are accustomed to, it instead delves into relatable, personal, every day darknesses that millions of people battle with throughout their lives.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed the 2 storylines this book covered throughout. I was constantly thinking “what’s going to happen next?!” I also enjoyed the strong FMCs (each in their own way). As the author note below informs the reader, this is not your typical dark romance book & instead explores relatable, real problems many of us encounter on a daily basis. I found this take on dark romance blended with domestic thriller refreshing.
Author Note: While this book is not the typical dark romance that many are accustomed to, it instead delves into relatable, personal, every day darknesses that millions of people battle with throughout their lives.
May 17, 2025
Honest Arc Review 4.5 star.
Under the Paint took a few chapters to pull me in, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are full of depth, and I really enjoyed the dynamics between Gwen, Margot, and Henry. Linus brought so much tension—I was on edge every time he showed up!
Henry’s growth stood out. He started off pretty unlikeable, but his development was really well done. Margot’s past was heartbreaking but so interesting. And Gwen surprised me the most—she began as a stereotypical housewife but became such a strong, bold character by the end.
One line that really hit me was: “Now she had another choice to make, a much harder choice. Not one of hate or murder, but of love.”
The ending wrapped everything up beautifully. A great read with strong characters and a satisfying conclusion!
Under the Paint took a few chapters to pull me in, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are full of depth, and I really enjoyed the dynamics between Gwen, Margot, and Henry. Linus brought so much tension—I was on edge every time he showed up!
Henry’s growth stood out. He started off pretty unlikeable, but his development was really well done. Margot’s past was heartbreaking but so interesting. And Gwen surprised me the most—she began as a stereotypical housewife but became such a strong, bold character by the end.
One line that really hit me was: “Now she had another choice to make, a much harder choice. Not one of hate or murder, but of love.”
The ending wrapped everything up beautifully. A great read with strong characters and a satisfying conclusion!
April 16, 2025
Ok this one was a great read. The spice is there. The action is there. The fact that Margot is sleeping with two different people and they end up being a married couple was insane. The characters are all very interesting and entertaining. I loved Henry, Gwen, and Margot they all are different but totally relatable. They all have issues that they are working through and it is interesting to see who they turn to when things get hard. I would love to see more about Margot as the book does end where there could be another book.
June 6, 2025
Interesting twist on what really lies “under the paint” of suburbia. Makes you wonder how many people actually find themselves in such situations. I bet more than you would think. My biggest complaint is that it didn’t really seem like anyone actually got a happy ending. Margot was forced to leave behind two people she loved and start over again, while Henry and Gwen retreated back to married life without the spark to their flame. Would a polyamorous marriage been so far off base? Maybe that would have been too intense. Not bad for my first time reading anything by this author overall.
June 11, 2025
I was asked to read and review this by the author themselves. Now let me start by saying I think James has a lot of promise and I really liked his writing style. He effortlessly switched povs and I found it surprisingly easy to follow. There were a few things missing, I found the chemistry between the characters was lacking, I wasn’t really invested in the love story and there were a couple of bits within the storyline that felt like it was missing. I would be keen to see what the author writes next.
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Intriguing plot with dark twists and surprises!
I really enjoyed the storyline and plot of Under the Paint. On the surface, Henry and Gwen Henderson look like they have the perfect life — wealthy, attractive, and respected in their Michigan community — but behind closed doors, it’s far from perfect. Both struggle with the pressure to keep up appearances, and their secrets and addictions make everything even more complicated.
Add in Margot Tanner, who’s running from her dangerous past in LA, and suddenly this “perfect” couple’s life is turned upside down. I loved how the romance mixed with crime thriller moments — the murder and crime elements blended really well into the plot and kept things moving.
I was genuinely curious how the author would handle the fact that Margot was sleeping with both the husband and the wife — and I was pleasantly surprised by how naturally it flowed. I liked that this reveal didn’t come from a third party, like you’d expect, but was woven into the story in a believable way. And I’ll admit, I was happy to see the bad guys get what they deserved!
All in all, this book kept me intrigued from start to finish. If you enjoy romance with dark secrets, crime, and a twist of danger, Under the Paint is worth the read.
Sonya
BookBound and Blushed
I really enjoyed the storyline and plot of Under the Paint. On the surface, Henry and Gwen Henderson look like they have the perfect life — wealthy, attractive, and respected in their Michigan community — but behind closed doors, it’s far from perfect. Both struggle with the pressure to keep up appearances, and their secrets and addictions make everything even more complicated.
Add in Margot Tanner, who’s running from her dangerous past in LA, and suddenly this “perfect” couple’s life is turned upside down. I loved how the romance mixed with crime thriller moments — the murder and crime elements blended really well into the plot and kept things moving.
I was genuinely curious how the author would handle the fact that Margot was sleeping with both the husband and the wife — and I was pleasantly surprised by how naturally it flowed. I liked that this reveal didn’t come from a third party, like you’d expect, but was woven into the story in a believable way. And I’ll admit, I was happy to see the bad guys get what they deserved!
All in all, this book kept me intrigued from start to finish. If you enjoy romance with dark secrets, crime, and a twist of danger, Under the Paint is worth the read.
Sonya
BookBound and Blushed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this read has a bit of everything love, honour , suspense,murder, Infidelity. Had me page turning from start to finish. I didn't want it to be over i am invested i need MORE!!
The story is fantastic it definitely leaves you wanting more. I felt the emotions of the characters the good the bad and the ugly I was definitely invested, I dont want to give away any spoilers.
100% recommended 👌
The story is fantastic it definitely leaves you wanting more. I felt the emotions of the characters the good the bad and the ugly I was definitely invested, I dont want to give away any spoilers.
100% recommended 👌
May 25, 2025
Under the Paint by James Michaels is a powerful and engaging book. The story pulls you in right from the start, with characters that feel real and a plot that keeps moving. The love triangle here was amazingly written and kept you guessing for when it would blow up for the characters. James Michaels has a way of writing that’s honest and emotional. Making it easy to connect with the main characters. It is a well-paced story that sticks with you. A book that’s hard to put down and even though I prefer more spice, this book didn’t disappoint.
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