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Creative Differences
Mackenzie Levi Smith is New York’s most sought-after celebrity photographer, focused on her studio, Divine Expressions, and too busy for distractions. Then comes Jackson Porter, a world-famous painter with talent and attitude to spare. When they are paired for the Visionaries exhibit, their creative clash sparks undeniable chemistry. Heated debates turn into late nights and stolen kisses as passion blurs into something real. Beneath their tension lies shared grief, vulnerability, and the longing to be seen. As the exhibit nears, they discover that love, like art, is messy, and sometimes the masterpiece is born from chaos.
- GenresRomance
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 16, 2026
I love me a YEARNER
this was intense in such a small package. Then tension between Mackenzie and Jackson was literally oozing through the pages. The kn page chemistry. The banter. The yearning. All in 95 pages. 😍
“I think love looks like freedom. Like being seen and still being safe. It’s partnership. It’s laughter after hard days. It’s wanting each other even when it’s inconvenient” 🥹😍
this was intense in such a small package. Then tension between Mackenzie and Jackson was literally oozing through the pages. The kn page chemistry. The banter. The yearning. All in 95 pages. 😍
“I think love looks like freedom. Like being seen and still being safe. It’s partnership. It’s laughter after hard days. It’s wanting each other even when it’s inconvenient” 🥹😍
November 7, 2025
A really cute short sweet read no notesss
June 12, 2025
A full novella
This is a debut and I have to say it didn’t read like one. We got two very complete characters and a complete story. There was tension and angst and love, just everything I love when it comes to a forced proximity workplace romance. I can’t wait for the next and I hope it’s Angelou and _ _ _ _.
This is a debut and I have to say it didn’t read like one. We got two very complete characters and a complete story. There was tension and angst and love, just everything I love when it comes to a forced proximity workplace romance. I can’t wait for the next and I hope it’s Angelou and _ _ _ _.
October 12, 2025
Super Cute
I absolutely loved Jackson & Mackenzie’s love story. Started as enemies-to-lovers, being in forced proximity. I’m happy Mackenzie didn’t allow her past to keep overpowering her future. I’m happy that Jackson saw through Natalie’s bs. Jackson didn’t shy away from his emotions and went after what he wanted. Thank you DH for a beautifully written story. Can’t to see more of them in the future.
I absolutely loved Jackson & Mackenzie’s love story. Started as enemies-to-lovers, being in forced proximity. I’m happy Mackenzie didn’t allow her past to keep overpowering her future. I’m happy that Jackson saw through Natalie’s bs. Jackson didn’t shy away from his emotions and went after what he wanted. Thank you DH for a beautifully written story. Can’t to see more of them in the future.
January 5, 2026
Mackenzie & Jackson story was good. Teaches you that love is patient and it’s a love intent for you that you don’t have to rush or question.
October 15, 2025
I liked it
This is how you write a short book. It’s engaging with no filler details. The author told the story well. I can’t wait for book 2
This is how you write a short book. It’s engaging with no filler details. The author told the story well. I can’t wait for book 2
October 28, 2025
(4.5)
I loved the book, it was a great little novella. They were two forces placed together who were bound to collide, and when they did they both created beautiful chaos.
Mackenzie was set on being closed off to love, and anything that could taint her image/career. Jackson was self-aware, but needed something or someone to bring him back to life. Together they made art, they made chaos, they made love… Even when Mac got in their way, there was nothing that could hold back the love between them.
I loved the book, it was a great little novella. They were two forces placed together who were bound to collide, and when they did they both created beautiful chaos.
Mackenzie was set on being closed off to love, and anything that could taint her image/career. Jackson was self-aware, but needed something or someone to bring him back to life. Together they made art, they made chaos, they made love… Even when Mac got in their way, there was nothing that could hold back the love between them.
July 31, 2026
Mackenzie and Jackson have both been through so much. But Mackenzie is letting last hurts keep her from her future. But the tension on the project is beginning to show. But when they finally get it together, THEY FINALLY GET IT TOGETHER 😃😁❤️❤️
September 8, 2025
Interesting read
November 7, 2025
4.5 stars
DH Renfroe really showed out with this one. I’m still sitting here shooketh that a book under 100 pages had me grinning, kicking my feet, and clutching my chest like that. Like—how did she manage to give full character arcs, tension, and real grown-folk emotion in novella length? That’s talent, baby.
Mackenzie and Jackson? Whew. That’s that “two storms colliding and somehow making sunshine” type of love—-AND I WANT IT! The chemistry jumped straight off the page—messy, magnetic, and deliciously chaotic. You could feel every push and pull between them. One minute they’re creating art, next they’re creating chaos, and somehow it’s all still love. What really gagged me though is how complete it felt. I’ve read 400-page novels that didn’t touch me like this. It’s giving masterclass in efficiency and emotion. DH Renfroe didn’t waste a word—just intentional storytelling from top to bottom. If this is how she’s starting her pen game? Oh, I’m locked in.
DH Renfroe really showed out with this one. I’m still sitting here shooketh that a book under 100 pages had me grinning, kicking my feet, and clutching my chest like that. Like—how did she manage to give full character arcs, tension, and real grown-folk emotion in novella length? That’s talent, baby.
Mackenzie and Jackson? Whew. That’s that “two storms colliding and somehow making sunshine” type of love—-AND I WANT IT! The chemistry jumped straight off the page—messy, magnetic, and deliciously chaotic. You could feel every push and pull between them. One minute they’re creating art, next they’re creating chaos, and somehow it’s all still love. What really gagged me though is how complete it felt. I’ve read 400-page novels that didn’t touch me like this. It’s giving masterclass in efficiency and emotion. DH Renfroe didn’t waste a word—just intentional storytelling from top to bottom. If this is how she’s starting her pen game? Oh, I’m locked in.
November 23, 2025
Bayybbbeeeee… this little novella swept me right up into its arms. The sensuality, the tenderness, the way love was held so intentionally on these pages… Whew. It sat soft in my chest the whole time I read it.
Creative Differences gave me the same emotional heartbeat I feel every time I rewatch Really Love on Netflix and you KNOW that’s one of my favorite films. That quiet, vulnerable Black love… that artistic, intimate unraveling between two people who see each other clearly? Renfroe captured that energy effortlessly.
This story is beautiful, grounded, and emotionally rich in a way that made me pause just to feel it. A true gem for anyone who wants Black romance that’s sensual, vulnerable, and grown.
Definitely one I’ll be recommending again and again
Creative Differences gave me the same emotional heartbeat I feel every time I rewatch Really Love on Netflix and you KNOW that’s one of my favorite films. That quiet, vulnerable Black love… that artistic, intimate unraveling between two people who see each other clearly? Renfroe captured that energy effortlessly.
This story is beautiful, grounded, and emotionally rich in a way that made me pause just to feel it. A true gem for anyone who wants Black romance that’s sensual, vulnerable, and grown.
Definitely one I’ll be recommending again and again
June 3, 2025
First I am shook this is the authors debut. She did a phenomenal job writing this story. Mackenzie and Jackson’s story was real. Our photographer FMC has built a fortress around her heart and our painter MMC is closed off and brooding. The tension and angst *chefs kiss* a few moments ai wanted Mackenzie to get it together but it all ended very happy in the end! Go read the book you will have no regrets!
July 31, 2026
Real love is partnership and safety, not survival
Reading this novella will have you believing in that epic love, that once in a lifetime grand type of love that even touches the souls of the loved ones of the couple. Well, once they stop letting fear and their pasts rule and get over their pride and egos to allow the blessings of love that the universe has been waiting for them to accept.
Mackenzie and Jackson's relationship progressed from a raging dumpster fire to a simmering volcano. As each other's unconsciously chosen muses, they created their best work to date for their collaborative collection and, for the first time, truly opened their hearts to the possibility of forever love and happiness with another person. It was not a smooth nor easy journey, but it was consistent adoration, respect, support, and friendship. Except for that one moment that almost broke them.
Now, I absolutely despise third act breakups or when an author uses miscommunication/ misunderstanding between MCs as a plot device and not simply a single triggering incident. The intentional lack of trust that Mackenzie displayed, without even attempting to let Jackson explain the truth of the situation instead of the lies she told herself was ridiculously heartbreaking, for both of them. To be holding on to the old pain that triggered her in that moment after all that time and then assign that same hurt to Jackson was not only unfair to him but spoke to her emotional immaturity and the healing she clearly needed some professional help to overcome (not mentioned in the book btw but she really needed to talk to therapist). But Jackson knew Mackenzie was his heart, and he waited patiently for her to reconcile their love was worth the risk and come back to him.
Reading this novella will have you believing in that epic love, that once in a lifetime grand type of love that even touches the souls of the loved ones of the couple. Well, once they stop letting fear and their pasts rule and get over their pride and egos to allow the blessings of love that the universe has been waiting for them to accept.
Mackenzie and Jackson's relationship progressed from a raging dumpster fire to a simmering volcano. As each other's unconsciously chosen muses, they created their best work to date for their collaborative collection and, for the first time, truly opened their hearts to the possibility of forever love and happiness with another person. It was not a smooth nor easy journey, but it was consistent adoration, respect, support, and friendship. Except for that one moment that almost broke them.
Now, I absolutely despise third act breakups or when an author uses miscommunication/ misunderstanding between MCs as a plot device and not simply a single triggering incident. The intentional lack of trust that Mackenzie displayed, without even attempting to let Jackson explain the truth of the situation instead of the lies she told herself was ridiculously heartbreaking, for both of them. To be holding on to the old pain that triggered her in that moment after all that time and then assign that same hurt to Jackson was not only unfair to him but spoke to her emotional immaturity and the healing she clearly needed some professional help to overcome (not mentioned in the book btw but she really needed to talk to therapist). But Jackson knew Mackenzie was his heart, and he waited patiently for her to reconcile their love was worth the risk and come back to him.
December 3, 2025
Love is patience
A just about perfect bite sized love story featuring 2 hard heads that seem intent on not letting love win!
What do you get when you have 2 artists that are thrust together for an exhibition? Disagreements, sure. Creative differences, of course. But underneath it all, maybe just a smidge of magic for Mackenzie and Jackson. It won’t come easy. Mackenzie is distrustful of men after her fiancée did her wrong. It’s been years but she’s thrown herself into what she can trust: her undeniable talent and building her career. Jackson is dealing with a different kind of heart ache and is convinced that forever is not for him. He’s not actively looking g for it but seems to believe that the kind of love his parents had isn’t possible now.
That’s the set up for these creatives (she with photography and he with paint) to not only work together to make something magical and impressive, but it might also allow them to see the possibility of “more”.
Beautifully written. The emotions were real and believable. The arguments were genuine and the sexy sexy times and the reverence it held was reflected on the page. Will definitely read more from this author!
A just about perfect bite sized love story featuring 2 hard heads that seem intent on not letting love win!
What do you get when you have 2 artists that are thrust together for an exhibition? Disagreements, sure. Creative differences, of course. But underneath it all, maybe just a smidge of magic for Mackenzie and Jackson. It won’t come easy. Mackenzie is distrustful of men after her fiancée did her wrong. It’s been years but she’s thrown herself into what she can trust: her undeniable talent and building her career. Jackson is dealing with a different kind of heart ache and is convinced that forever is not for him. He’s not actively looking g for it but seems to believe that the kind of love his parents had isn’t possible now.
That’s the set up for these creatives (she with photography and he with paint) to not only work together to make something magical and impressive, but it might also allow them to see the possibility of “more”.
Beautifully written. The emotions were real and believable. The arguments were genuine and the sexy sexy times and the reverence it held was reflected on the page. Will definitely read more from this author!
October 10, 2025
Gave me the feels!!!!
For this to be D.H. Renfore’s first release, she did an amazing job crafting a story that felt full and layered—even as a novella. The writing pulled me in, and the storyline kept me entertained the whole way through.
Mackenzie and Jackson were so uniquely them—two people trying to piece themselves together while figuring out if those missing parts could be found in each other. I just know Ms. Della was up there in the pearly gates working overtime on those two, lol!
Mackenzie did get on my nerves a bit with all the comparisons between her past and present, but I get it—she needed that reminder to trust her instincts.
For this to be D.H. Renfore’s first release, she did an amazing job crafting a story that felt full and layered—even as a novella. The writing pulled me in, and the storyline kept me entertained the whole way through.
Mackenzie and Jackson were so uniquely them—two people trying to piece themselves together while figuring out if those missing parts could be found in each other. I just know Ms. Della was up there in the pearly gates working overtime on those two, lol!
Mackenzie did get on my nerves a bit with all the comparisons between her past and present, but I get it—she needed that reminder to trust her instincts.
January 21, 2026
Liked it a lot
I liked a lot about this. The writing was good and I enjoyed the dialogue, the overall storyline and their supportive families. And I adored Nina. Mackenzie was a little maddening but at least she realized it. lol
What nudged this to a 3.5 for me was the fact that, for me, a lot of what led to the level of declarations and feelings that were professed in the end seemed to be skimmed over. I felt the raw heat between them but the progression to the intense feelings after that? I didn't really feel it, though I still enjoyed the read. The editing was another minor issue for me, too.
Still gonna read the next book.
I liked a lot about this. The writing was good and I enjoyed the dialogue, the overall storyline and their supportive families. And I adored Nina. Mackenzie was a little maddening but at least she realized it. lol
What nudged this to a 3.5 for me was the fact that, for me, a lot of what led to the level of declarations and feelings that were professed in the end seemed to be skimmed over. I felt the raw heat between them but the progression to the intense feelings after that? I didn't really feel it, though I still enjoyed the read. The editing was another minor issue for me, too.
Still gonna read the next book.
March 3, 2026
Novella
This story follows two artists forced into collaboration, each fiercely protective of their own creative vision. What starts as tension over style and control slowly shifts into something far more intimate — because when passion fuels art, it has a way of blurring lines.
What I loved most was how real it felt. Beneath the sparks and creative clashes, there were emotions that couldn’t be painted over. Vulnerabilities surfaced. Truths had to be faced. And for a novella, it carried surprising emotional weight.
Short in length, but not in impact.
A beautiful debut that absolutely packed a punch — and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
This story follows two artists forced into collaboration, each fiercely protective of their own creative vision. What starts as tension over style and control slowly shifts into something far more intimate — because when passion fuels art, it has a way of blurring lines.
What I loved most was how real it felt. Beneath the sparks and creative clashes, there were emotions that couldn’t be painted over. Vulnerabilities surfaced. Truths had to be faced. And for a novella, it carried surprising emotional weight.
Short in length, but not in impact.
A beautiful debut that absolutely packed a punch — and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
December 31, 2025
Another gem I picked up during BRAE this year! Kept seeing other Bookstagrammers recommend this, too.
Beautifully written—from the parental advice, the art, the love scenes OMG. I wish I could see the art and the photos theg made.
Wish they had more tension in the beginning, but their blooming love was something to witness. I like what Jackson said about his parents love—how it was steady. May we all experience a consistent, slow burning candle type of love like that 🙏🏾
Intrigued by Angelou and Nina so I will read their book next!
Beautifully written—from the parental advice, the art, the love scenes OMG. I wish I could see the art and the photos theg made.
Wish they had more tension in the beginning, but their blooming love was something to witness. I like what Jackson said about his parents love—how it was steady. May we all experience a consistent, slow burning candle type of love like that 🙏🏾
Intrigued by Angelou and Nina so I will read their book next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
The Artistry of Love 💕
Hmmm, it’s the arts 🎭 & NY a tristate representation …again 🤩🤷🏾♀️‼️However, “Creative Differences” required no review curves. Meanwhile, this book was a great frenemies to lovers read…with serendipitous artistic expressions materialized, harmonized & personified 🥰😉🤭‼️“Creative Differences (Porter Brothers Series - Book 1)” was a well constructed novella. The both the Smith & Porter families are generational renaissance thespians. This Porter Brothers series should be interesting & entertaining 🤭🍿👀📗‼️
Hmmm, it’s the arts 🎭 & NY a tristate representation …again 🤩🤷🏾♀️‼️However, “Creative Differences” required no review curves. Meanwhile, this book was a great frenemies to lovers read…with serendipitous artistic expressions materialized, harmonized & personified 🥰😉🤭‼️“Creative Differences (Porter Brothers Series - Book 1)” was a well constructed novella. The both the Smith & Porter families are generational renaissance thespians. This Porter Brothers series should be interesting & entertaining 🤭🍿👀📗‼️
May 24, 2026
4.5⭐️
This may have been a shorter read, but it still felt full and complete like a whole story instead of just a quick novella. The pacing, emotion, and character development all came together so well.
I absolutely loved the tension between Mackenzie and Jackson. The chemistry was 🔥 from the start, and their interactions kept me locked in the entire time.
Overall, this was such a beautiful story, and now I’m already looking forward to Angelou and Nina’s story because I need more from this world immediately.
This may have been a shorter read, but it still felt full and complete like a whole story instead of just a quick novella. The pacing, emotion, and character development all came together so well.
I absolutely loved the tension between Mackenzie and Jackson. The chemistry was 🔥 from the start, and their interactions kept me locked in the entire time.
Overall, this was such a beautiful story, and now I’m already looking forward to Angelou and Nina’s story because I need more from this world immediately.
June 12, 2026
This was a sweet story about two individuals one who’s a painter and the other a photographer. Both are famous/sought out in their own right. But what happens when they are picked to do a collaboration for an art exhibit? A LOT!!!!! I think I loved the banter and the build up the most. Jackson and Mackenzie had so much chemistry that everyone saw it but them. When they finally gave in, it was electric. Omg got me wanting to find a painter with dreadlocks and is tall, dark and handsome. Definitely enjoyed this book and I hope there is a book two with his brother and her best friend.
July 17, 2026
Creative Differences is my first read by D.H. Renfroe, and I loved everything packed into these 100 pages. Two artists, each expressing love and life through different mediums—one with a brush, the other with a camera—create a story that feels both intimate and inspiring.
Jackson and Mackenzie prove that sometimes the most beautiful masterpieces aren't painted or photographed alone—they're created together. One brushstroke and one click at a time, they become picture-perfect through each other's lens.
A quick, heartfelt romance that leaves a lasting impression.
Jackson and Mackenzie prove that sometimes the most beautiful masterpieces aren't painted or photographed alone—they're created together. One brushstroke and one click at a time, they become picture-perfect through each other's lens.
A quick, heartfelt romance that leaves a lasting impression.
September 4, 2025
Quick read and a complete story - Loved it!
Mackenzie & Jackson got me out here in my feelings! This 79-page read gave us so much yearning, banter, and heat, I ain't even know what to do with myself. I was mad it ended, but I already know this is just the start for the Porter brothers. Definitely hoping Angelou is next cause l'm tryna see what he's got going on. I'm crossing my fingers for more of Mac and Jack in the next books🤞🏾
Mackenzie & Jackson got me out here in my feelings! This 79-page read gave us so much yearning, banter, and heat, I ain't even know what to do with myself. I was mad it ended, but I already know this is just the start for the Porter brothers. Definitely hoping Angelou is next cause l'm tryna see what he's got going on. I'm crossing my fingers for more of Mac and Jack in the next books🤞🏾
January 2, 2026
Creative Differences is what I'm expecting when I read a novella. Though it's short, DH Renfroe gives readers well developed, diverse characters and an engaging, well-paced narrative. The writing is also captivating. I highly recommend Creative Differences and I look forward to reading more of the author's catalog.
Spice rating: 2/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent
Spice rating: 2/5
Content warnings:
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent
January 5, 2026
Baby…the tension, the banter, the LOVE 😮💨 I really enjoyed watching Jackson and Mackenzie’s journey unfold. Two insanely talented artists in their own right coming together to create one beautiful, chaotic masterpiece. And the forced proximity!!!! YES PLEASE.
That little tying-up scene??? Ooooh I said oh y’all are really getting into it 👀🔥 You could feel everything through the pages…the chemistry, the emotion, all of it. Such a good book.
That little tying-up scene??? Ooooh I said oh y’all are really getting into it 👀🔥 You could feel everything through the pages…the chemistry, the emotion, all of it. Such a good book.
January 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I found myself smiling at several parts. I really liked Nina and Mac friendship. I felt like one scene was a "he's a good man savanna" moment.I loved seeing Jackson and Mac love story unfold. I appreciated how it was centered around art and how they connected that way. This book was truly a good read. I'll definitely be reading about the brothers and more from this author and
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Mac and Jackson
The tension felt emitted from these two in the beginning was very intriguing. Two creatives find love during an art exhibit. This was a short novella and boy was there a lot of hunching. I enjoyed the gaming dynamic in which Jackson went to his dad for advice. The two couldn't deny how they felt for each other and there was this constant pull and chemistry that everyone saw.
The tension felt emitted from these two in the beginning was very intriguing. Two creatives find love during an art exhibit. This was a short novella and boy was there a lot of hunching. I enjoyed the gaming dynamic in which Jackson went to his dad for advice. The two couldn't deny how they felt for each other and there was this constant pull and chemistry that everyone saw.
July 6, 2026
This was my first book by this author, but it was a very solid entry for me. Her writing is really beautiful. I like how she’s able to mix comedy in without changing the entire mood of the story. McKenzie and Jackson felt so grown like they just felt like real adults, because a lot of times in stories people can have the number age, but their character still feel young and that wasn’t the case here. I will definitely be continuing in the series and reading from this author.
June 5, 2025
Chaotically Beautiful
I love a good slow burn. You could feel the tension between Jackson and Mackenzie before they even made it into the same room. But once the flame was ignited it burned furiously and sexily. I look forward to what’s to come from the Porter Brothers. Nina and Angelou 👀
I love a good slow burn. You could feel the tension between Jackson and Mackenzie before they even made it into the same room. But once the flame was ignited it burned furiously and sexily. I look forward to what’s to come from the Porter Brothers. Nina and Angelou 👀
January 30, 2026
absolutely adored
Mackenzie and Jackson showed us the complexities of falling. It’s a little messy, it’s a little frustrating, and it’s a whole lot satisfying! These two are the definition of I don’t really hate you, I’m just not sure how to love you…yet! When they do figure things out, it's beautiful. Happy Reading y’all!💋
Mackenzie and Jackson showed us the complexities of falling. It’s a little messy, it’s a little frustrating, and it’s a whole lot satisfying! These two are the definition of I don’t really hate you, I’m just not sure how to love you…yet! When they do figure things out, it's beautiful. Happy Reading y’all!💋
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews