Drawing Lessons

Drawing Lessons #1

by Julia Gabriel

The estranged young wife of a Senator.
A dark and brooding French artist.
An artistic collaboration.
A sizzling hot romance.

Praise for Drawing Lessons ...

“What a sigh-worthy tale! The relationship between Marie and Luc is a slowly growing burn. One that isn’t an insta-love relationship, it builds with each lesson, making it much more romantic ... There are twists and turns in this story that one will not expect, which is a delightful surprise. Ms. Gabriel does an amazing job of making the reader want to turn every page and savor it.” — InD’Tale Magazine

“Gabriel paints white-hot sex scenes."— Kirkus
Reviews

“ Drawing Lessons is an old fashioned romance with a bucket-load of modern problems. A great read for a chilly autumn night."— Happily Ever After Thoughts Blog

Thirty-year-old Marie Witherspoon has spent her entire life as an accessory to other people’s political careers—first her father’s, then her husband’s. But then her husband—a United States Senator and rising political star in Washington—dumps her for his gossip blogger mistress, and Marie is left to build a new life that has nothing to do with politics or campaigns or keeping up appearances. When her best friend tries to cheer her up with a gift certificate for drawing lessons, Marie expects to rekindle an old hobby. Nothing more than that. She definitely doesn’t expect Luc Marchand. Sexy. Gorgeous. Infuriating. French. His teaching methods are unorthodox, to say the least.

It’s been twelve long years since professor Luc Marchand’s life was shattered by a former student. Forced out of academia, he’s walled off his heart and his career. He’s been warned about his beautiful new student and her powerful family—but the more he sees her, the more powerless he becomes to resist her.

When the senator calls off the divorce to bolster his re-election prospects, Marie must hatch a plan to gain her freedom once and for all. But Luc has a few secrets of his own ... secrets that ignite a high-stakes political scandal neither Luc nor Marie see coming. As the noose of her former life tightens around her, will Marie find the strength to escape—without walking away from the only person who truly sees her?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Fiction, Contemporary, Thriller, Erotica

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2015

About the author

Julia Gabriel writes contemporary romance that is smart, sexy, and emotionally-intense (grab the tissues). She lives in New England where she is a full-time mom to a teenager, as well as a sometime writing professor and obsessive quilter (is there any other kind?). If all goes well, she’ll be a Parisienne in her next life.

Reviews

[Leta McCurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep saying that romance novels are not at the top of my reading list because I normally find the story lines shallow or strained -sometimes just enough of a skeleton to hold together all the grunting and groaning. That being said, for some reason, I’ve read several of this genre recently. I liked Drawing Lessons by Julia Gabriel. It did have a good story and well-defined characters in the male and female lead, Luc and Marie, Marie’s rat of a husband and her self-centered parents. Gabriel has a delicate touch when it comes to the intimate scenes. She probably does the best job I’ve read so far of making a scene sexy without beating the reader over the head with descriptions of every lick, pant, and body part. My favorite lines in the book are when Luc says “When you walked into my studio that first day, I didn’t think I want this woman. I thought I want to belong to this woman. What woman doesn’t want a man like that?? It was a fun, satisfying read. A leading man to love, a woman who finds her courage, a husband and villain parents to hate.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should never have read the teaser to book two. But how could I not? It was there. Argh!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/4/2021)! 🎁

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, bitter-sweet romance, Drawing Lessons starts slowly and keeps escalating, drawing the reader along with Marie as she embarks on an adventure into art. Having lived the life of a pawn, Marie has been used and abused by both her husband and parents, all for the sake of political gain. She is window dressing, posed and displayed so that her husband looks good and can win votes. When Marie receives a gift of drawing lessons from her best friend, she is reticent and upon meeting Luc she finds herself retreating into herself. Luc's approach to art is unusual and unorthodox, however in the process he challenges Marie and slowly draws her out. Teaching Marie to see without looking, Marie begins to realise just how little of her true self exists. Having been thrown out of her home by her husband who is filing for divorce, she has very little emotional strength to fall back on. In learning to see opens her eyes to the facts that are beyond the obvious, and she quickly begins to develop a taste for something more. Falling in love with Luc is perhaps not the smartest thing she ever did, and posing for him is less than wise, but it brings her to a place where she starts to make her own choices. The romance in this story is deeply touching, making one long to be worshiped in the way Luc worshiped Marie. Just when she thinks her life is going to take a new path, her despicable husband revokes his decision to file for divorce. He employs underhand methods to pin her down, and her parents aid and abet him. Just when one thinks all is lost, Marie gets the break she needs and she makes her stand. I loved Luc's character and delighted in Marie's growth and emotional development. It made me realise that we as women need to take time out to learn about who we are and how to nurture ourselves. Although I purchased a copy of this book some time back, I also received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

**Received in exchange for an honest review**

I've had this book for, forever. I started reading it the other night and I classed it as finished last night.

BUT! I've decided to make another collection for such books like this.

You see, It's not that the book was badly written or anything but it lacked that something that would normally grab me and suck me in.

I got as far as Marie and Luc heading back to the wall where he kissed her and gave in.

Marie is a soon to be devorcee of a congress man who's got a mistress he intends to marry.

She's taking drawing lessons after her friend treated her with a gift, and Luc is the teacher. I can hear his french accent in my head even though every accent I 'hear' reading is the same american voice... for some reason.

I'm going to pop it in the TBC'ontinued' file for a later date. I may pick it back up

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Could not put it down for a second. Wondering when the sequel will be out?

[Melanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from eBook Discovery, and here is my independent, voluntary review: Drawing Lessons is the loveliest romance I've read in quite a while. It's tender, steamy, interwoven with angst and anger, and peppered with moments of danger. When dutiful daughter/wife Marie's ambitious politician husband dumps her for his mistress, she recovers quickly and is glad to move on - it was a Washington DC dynastic marriage, love had little to do with it, and her controlling jerk husband ruthlessly suppressed her. When a friend gives her drawing lessons as a gift, Marie has a chance to resume an old favorite pastime. Lucas, her teacher, has a hidden past, is an accomplished artist and lover, and they begin a pleasurable sensory exploration which morphs into a steamy love affair. Luc paints Marie - she's lover, muse, inspiration and everything to him - but nude portraits of a senator's estranged wife have unforeseen political consequences. Those consequences fall heavily on both Luc and Marie, forcing them to either give up their love, or find a way to escape Marie's nasty husband and conniving parents. No spoilers, but this is a riveting and suspenseful domestic abuse thriller, a political thriller, and a highly sensuous erotic romance, all in one book, and I couldn't stop reading till the end. Julia Gabriel's snapshot descriptions and detailed characters breathe life into every page. Her plot steams with sensuous sexuality, and it enrages with depictions of the myopic greed and selfish evil of the Washington political scene.

[Toyenlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing lessons is a very captivating and intriguing story. Marie is the wife of a senator who filed for divorce and wants to marry his mistress but revoked it to save his electoral campaign without regard for her feelings. Marie met Luc in the course of the divorce and fell in love with him but they have to fight for their love against her senator husband. "I received this book for free from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".

[Azzie Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

This was an amazing book to read.I'm sorry to say I've never read anything by this author and I don't know why. This was a great find,it was a free book I found on amazon and boy am I glad I picked it up.Never heard of her before but I will be picking up the next book.I want to see where she takes Lue and Marie. Can't wait to get on that merry go round and see where it will take us. HAPPY READING EVERYONE.

[Coffee Chat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written romance moved along at a good pace. The characters were interesting and likable. The story was more romantic because the relationship developed over time . I enjoyed reading this book and recommend. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheer perfection!

Miss Gabriel is a new to me author and I decided to take a chance with her duet, “Light and Dark”. Oh my!!! I am so very glad I did! This first book, “Drawing Lessons” was outstanding. I love Luc and Marie. Their chemistry was off the charts! Marie’s husband? Not so much.

[Venise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willing to See

Marie Witherspoon is a Senator's wife being cheated on and ridiculed, while she has a dear friend Nishi Bhat helping her cope the separation she didn't wish for. Marie took art courses in college, so Nishi payed for art lessons to help Marie hone her ability and relieve her stress. The art teacher is Luc Marchand, his methods unexpected and impressionable.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Emotionally charged sex scenes! Fell in love with the characters and would highly recommend!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

this book is one that shows how evil and don't care how they use to get to the top in Washington D.C.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read. I discovered it unexpectedly but enjoyed reading it.

[Ginik912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, kept you reading to see what would happen next... some unbelievable..but not observe.
StYed up until 1AM as I thought I was near he end, couldn’t put it down..

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing Lessons, Julia Gabriel
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre:  Romance.
Well, I told myself “ no more books Jeannie, not til that list is down” but....the cover on this caught my eye. I’m an artist too as well as a reader, and it just drew me in. I rarely look at covers ( except to avoid any with Barbie pink and swirly gold writing!) but somehow this book wouldn’t leave me, and eventually I gave in and clicked “request”. I am so glad I did!!
It’s one of those romances that start slowly, where the reader can see what they think is going on and is urging action – and it doesn't happen. Julia taunts us with promises of what could be, and then we get a second chance when the scene is set up once again. Its  fabulous, perfect pacing, realistic romance and characters and a gripping read. First we’re taken along an art journey with Marie and Luc where his teaching methods are at times very... unusual....and at others very realistic. “Draw what you see not what you think you see” is something all students hear at some point. Then her other life, the one where she’s still a Senators wife, intrudes. Her pushy parents want a reconciliation, despite her telling them she doesn’t, how unhappy she was etc. etc. They really are cold people. Poor Julia and thank goodness she had such a great friend in Nishi. No wonder she blossomed under Luc’s warmth and attention – though there was more to their relationship than that, its easy to see how she was in the mind to need someone like him. He’s a real romance hero, good looking, wonderful accent, and of course so full of fabulous and sensual ideas. He’s got a dark past too, and was just perfect in his role. I loved him – who wouldn’t.
Just when all’s going well, when she’s basking in Luc’s love the bomb drops, with Richard calling off the divorce. Her parents are ecstatic, she’s commanded to drop Luc by Richard, and the family move everything to get her back into position. Her love and relationship with Luc is passed off as a fling, and she’s dressed up and trotted out for the cameras. She’s trapped, can’t see a way out – she can’t just leave as Richard has shown her through some very dangerous ways that she’s vulnerable, and that he can ruin Luc too. The hallways of Power really are dirty and coming from that background she knows how easy it is to get dirty deeds covered up. How can she leave Luc, but then how can she not when she’s risking his life and career.
Its a wonderful read, full of romance and emotion, drama, power plays, and so so believable. One of those that has the reader pondering what they would do, and thinking of ways for Beth to escape ( well that’s me anyway!) Its easy to say Beth should stand up to them but she’s been the dutiful daughter, the dutiful wife for so long and they hold all the aces. She’s trapped and distraught and I wanted to cry with her. Then there’s a sliver of light, a glimmer of hope....
Just when I was able to breathe a sigh of relief and relax for them, Julia gives an intro to the next book and ...dammit... I NEED that one now!
Stars: Five, an incredibly moving and realistic romance and one to savour and re read.
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publishers

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Gabriel, Author: Drawing Lessons – Book 1 A love story with Luc Marchand and Marie Witherspoon

Summary: A love story about a woman that finds passion and true love for the first time at age 30. The teacher is a sexy as sin artist and Frenchman who will teach her to feel and get out of her head. It is refreshing to see a story unfold with each lesson instead of jumping into bed after their first introduction.

Marie Witherspoon is a 30 year old woman that has never felt passion or true love. She has acquiesced to her parents and then her husband’s direction for her life. Marie’s husband was picked by her parents, to a congressman that is a cold and heartless SOB with a mistress and all. Her husband, Richard Macintyre, filed for a divorce, Marie begin to see that she really was mentally and verbally abused by him and glad that she was no longer with him.
This sentiment was not what her parents wanted. Her father, a former Senator, was now a Lobbyist and needed Richard to help in get his client a Defense Tech Firm. Her mother’s company is a Professional Fund Raiser company and she is determined to get Marie back with Richard ASAP. After all, both her and her husband’s businesses needed Richard. They have never supported their daughter in anything.

Luc Marchand, a sexy as sin Frenchman and artist gives drawing lessons. When Marie starts her private lessons, they both feel the chemistry, but don’t act on it. And, Marie loves that French accent and how he says her name. With each lesson, they each find out more about the other until finally give into their feelings. With tender and HOT HOT sex, they both fall in love.

Then the soon to be X-Husband announces to Marie that he is not getting a divorce. HE states that he is losing in his re-election and she is needed until at least he is re-elected. Richard simply moves her out of her apartment and back into their home. She is not allowed to see or talk to Luc, in fact she is watched by a body guard, and her phone is monitored. She is latterly a prisoner in her own home.

What can Marie do now? She loves only Luc, but she doesn’t want her husband to ruin him. She must find an answer and fast.
What a wonderful heartfelt love story that you don’t want to miss.
This is my first introduction to Ms. Gabriel’s books and I am pleased to have found a great author. Oh, did I mention that there is a sequel to this book. Yea!

“I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie is a 30 year old wife of a senator who is going through a divorce. Her soon to be ex-husband has never appreciated her and her parents expect her to be the perfect daughter. She feels trapped in a life she doesn’t want until her best friend buys her drawing lessons for her birthday.
Luc Marchand is an artist who is hiding from past hurts painting portraits of the wealth to earn a living. He doesn’t want a relationship until Marie walks through his door for her first lesson. Luc allows Marie to be herself and helps her to see herself.
Will Marie be able to go against the expectations of others to secure the future she wants?
I have to admit that when I started to read this book I wasn’t sure if it was going to grab my attention but after the first couple of chapters I found I had to know what happened. Marie does seem to be a rather weak character to start with but I feel that’s more from being down trodden and manipulated by her family and husband. Her wants and needs have always came second to everyone else and even as she copes with divorcing her cheating husband she is expected to do as she is told. After meeting Luc Marie starts to evolve and goes looking for her own happiness which happens to be Luc. Luc is an artist with a lot of pain in his past but when he meets Marie he knows that he wants to be with her even when people warn him off.
This is a truly beautiful tale of two people finding each other against the odds. It doesn’t go smoothly but eventually Marie manages to do what she has to.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a romance it is defiantly worth a read and I would happily read a book by this author again.
Independent reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock

[tyrianpurple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Gabriel - Drawing Lessons

Marie Witherspoon. Ex senator wife. 30 y.o.
Luc Marchand. French. Artist. 37 y.o.

Surprisingly good. Matured storyline, fully-developed character. The chemistry is there. The instant passion in the early story didnt shock me and bother me because of it placed in before we got to know both character. I usually resent an instalust book. But the way Luc seduced Marie, with as a matter of fact reason, left me breathless, no room to argue. Because hey, with that kind of logical reason to be intimate, would you be mad to be taken advantages of? Never. It just made you look like a hypocrite, both to admit you were seduced by such an honest act. Effortlessly seduced.

I was not even stop reading to taking notes for a review. The book immersed me in so much i cant took my eyes off it. At first, i almost passed this one. The book cover didnt impressed me. The proportion of the sketch and the crayon is just not right. The placing seems odd, because the color clearly not in the same tone. It would be great to make the background sephia like the sketch, then move the sketch to bottom half, the crayon to bottom up with the title and all. Beside those, well, the titling clearly not comersil. Drawing lesson? Is it a kindergarten book or tutorial book? Too honest, not intriguing.

ARC is provided by Author/Publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you for the chance to review the book.

[Al97 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not like this book for one reason only. It is also the reason why I quit the book after 8-9 chapters. I know it's stupid to totally disregard a whole over one reason but in my defence, this reason tops my "make it or break list" criteria list for books.

I dont like this book is because of the whole "lets deflower the reserved chick" theme or as Luc likes to put it "Lure her out" of her "composed exterior" or"to peel back some of that reserve in his paintings, get her to reveal herself". I think this whole "control"over her sexual pleasure is pretty crap shit. I do not like the whole "teacher/student" complex. Now kid me not I have read my fair share of teacher/student novels and have loved them BUT these books didn't defame or belittle the students knowledge, experience(sexual/life) or feelings. There was equality. The teacher (usually male) wasn't some put together, in control of his feelings and thoughts being. He was flawed much like the student.

To put it simply so you dont have to listen to me rant on and on...I hate the whole "lets bring on her sexual awakening and show her was pleasure really feels like" theme. Its plain embarrassing to read because it belittles the main character which in this case is Marie.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Um'd & Aah'd for a while putting this on Goodreads because it's not the type of book I usually read, but then I thought actually bugger that, it's a book and I'm reading again.

So here are a few of my thoughts; the plot, while not great was good enough to keep me entertained and swiping to the next page. The characters were interesting enough for me to give a damn and want to find out what happened to them at the end of the story. I will admit to wanting to find out what happened to Richard et al but not enough to read the sequel.

I will also admit that the cover of my Ebook was not as...drug store romance as this one so I thought I'd give it a go (please insert joke about books and covers).

My verdict: if you're on a plane and looking for something mindless & easy to read this is a good book to choose. If you are stuck on holiday with family & it's raining and pouring this is a good book to read. If you have a new baby and love reading but need something light that can be interrupted often for feelings, diaper changes and other small child distractions and interruptions - and trust me i speak from experience ;) basically this book isn't good and it isn't bad, it's nice...

[Rachel C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this story so many times... and yet this wasn't the same story. I loved it from the very first page. It started off simple, then morphed into something complex, which was beautifully done. The thing I liked most about this book was that it actually had a well developed plot, even if it was a tad bit unbelievable at times. It wasn't one of those stories that just focuses in on the sex and on nothing else. But, oh la la, those scenes... *fans face* I think the only thing I didn't like was Marie's odd complacency; it jarred me out of the story sometimes because it was so overdone. Seriously, I would've run much, much sooner. The senator husband is such a dickhead (XD).

This is definitely a book I'd recommend, especially for those who like (or even prefer) the sweeter side of erotica and romance. Just don't go in reading it thinking that it's not a typical romance (because it totally is). Even with it's being somewhat typical, though, It's officially one of my favorites.

[Note: Review also posted on LibraryThing; Received in LibraryThing Member Giveaway in exchange for honest review]

[Victoria Hanlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly sexy and entertaining read!
I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last.
Luc is a totally hot hero, a little damaged but enough to know when he’s found the woman he wants and what to do with her. Of course, he’s wary and knows he’s in danger of losing his heart, but he can’t resist Marie.
For her part, Marie has some serious baggage to sort out…a cheating husband, and his vicious mistress, parents that only see Marie as a vehicle to help insure their political agenda. Luc teaches Marie to see not only what is in front of her but to see inside herself. He shows her what real caring and adoration looks like. Bolstered by his love, Marie fights to free herself from her family’s shackles and demands others respect and value her as well.
This was a very romantic and satisfying read and I highly recommend it!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually go for romance novels, but this one is well worth it. Marie and Luc must fight against enormous odds. I loved seeing Marie blossom into an empowered and strong woman. I adored her friend Nishi and her ability to be just what Marie needs when she needs it. Luc is clearly in need of love and he and Marie heal each other. The villain here, Richard, is the perfect husband to hate. I relished his embarrassment. I was drawn to this book by the cover and the author does a phenomenal job keeping the artistic process in the story through out. This is an enthralling combination of star crossed lovers and handsome foreign teacher themes. I anxiously await the sequel as well. I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary love story was very wonderfully put together. Marie is devastated after her husband leaves her and his mistress tells the world about them. Marie is young and depressed as this was not the way she saw her life going. She decides to take up drawing classes to keep her mind off of everything. Her French instructor is very hot! He also helps her to see the world in ways that she never would have before. Her eyes are opening up and it feels as if she is coming into herself and being who she is really meant to be. Her husband eventually gets in contact with her and wants another chance. Marie is too far gone and has fallen for another man. I loved this story and will check out more from this author!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical book about love. Marie is married to a cheater who happens to be a senator. He is not redeemable. She has been given a gift by a friend for drawing lessons. There she meets Lux, a French artist. He takes her and shows her what live is all about. His past comes out and it looks like the end. But her husband, can we even say ex...there hasn't been a divorce yet, steps in and cause of politics wants her back, by any means. This is not a complete story. Just a HFN ending. Another book should be out soon. Julia Gabriel please make it real soon.

[RJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would make a great Lifetime TV movie. There is an unhappy woman that does not how unhappy she is until her best friend (rich, beautiful, exotic) gives Marie drawing lessons as a gift. The art insrtuctor is a sexy French man. I find him to aggressive and Marie very naive. Yet the story has a few unexpected twists. A decent romance book to read on a holiday.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Throughout the book I wanted to strangle Marie. I mean I just can't stand this type of woman. But as I got to understand the things she went thru I appreciated the way the writer let you know why she was so damaged and how she recovered. I ended up enjoying the writing more than the story line. Complex and filled with a range of emotions.

[Amy Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the first book i had read from this author. the plot was well developed and the characters had depth. marie and luc are characters you can definitely fall in love with as you learn of their story!
*won this book from librarything*