“I’m on a healing journey and I don’t see how that leaves room for dating…”
Amethyst Andersen looked around one day to find herself stuck in the same familiar rut of work and motherhood. She then decided that she would only focus on things that brought her joy.
Nathaniel Hutchins wanted to be the one to bring her joy, especially when that was the one piece he has been without for so long since the loss of his parents in college eight years ago.
These two are on individual healing journeys to get rid of loss and grief to find joy, and possibly love along the way.
4.5 - Thank you Briyanna Michelle for my gifted ARC.
Nate and Amethyst are all kind of green flags. They had me smiling and blushing. I just know whenever my next relationship will be i hope they court me being clear about what they want. These two took their time and enjoyed intimacy in different ways to really connect to each other. With this time around Nate was not letting his college crush go. Even if that means still being a billionaire artist while becoming an art teacher just to be around his future wife.
Nate’s healing journey was probably one of the top highlights while the other was how they adored God together. His character was so open and raw that it helped amethyst in ways that made her open for love again. Especially after the divorce from her child’s father, Brandon. Yeah there’s some tough moments in here that make the story feel more real and ultimately the story shows exactly how good true love can get.
P. S. Big daddy Nate didn’t mind spending that money and when he asked to taste her in that classroom 🥰🤤. Their spice when that part of intimacy took place was very delicious.
"Paint Our Love" is a beautiful second-chance romance. Its slow burn quality is appealing, and I appreciated that it wasn't dragged out. Nate and Amethyst made me smile and blush throughout the story.
Nate and Amethyst met in college as mere acquaintances, but Nate had a serious crush on her, even though their relationship never developed beyond that. Years later, Nate has become a famous artist, while Amethyst is a single mother, and they unexpectedly cross paths again. This time, Nate is determined not to let this opportunity slip away.
It’s both cute and interesting to see how they learn from each other and build each other up without judgment. It’s heartwarming to witness Amethyst rediscover her spark and heal from her past while embracing her identity outside of being a mom. At the same time, Nate learns to accept that he is free to love and provide for someone special.
Paint Our Love is a breathtaking story of healing, identity, and love that reminds us that joy and grief can truly coexist. Briyanna Michelle delivers a billionaire romance that is both emotionally rich and beautifully tender, centering Amethyst and Nathaniel “Nate” on their journey toward love while carrying the weight of their own scars. Amethyst is a mother who has given so much of herself to nurturing others that she often forgets to honor the woman she still is. Her identity as “mom” overshadows her desires, dreams, and the parts of her that long to be seen and loved as a whole person. That’s where Nate enters. He doesn’t just admire her strength—he sees her, all of her. With every gentle “Sunshine,” every word of encouragement, and every quiet moment of presence, Nate helps Amethyst reclaim her womanhood without diminishing her motherhood. What makes their story so compelling is that both characters are healing—not perfectly, not completely, but actively. Nate carries grief that threatens to consume him, and Amethyst shoulders the exhaustion of survival while questioning her worthiness of love. Yet they don’t wait to be “fixed” before loving each other. Instead, they make the brave choice to heal together, learning that love can be found on the same path as healing, and that the journey, though messy, can be beautiful. The romance itself is everything you want in a billionaire love story—luxurious, magnetic, and full of swoon-worthy moments—but it’s also layered with deep emotional intimacy. Nate isn’t just a wealthy man; he’s a partner who encourages Amethyst’s strength while offering his vulnerability in return. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the way they choose each other again and again, despite grief and self-doubt, that makes their story unforgettable. Briyanna Michelle gives us a love story that is soft, passionate, and deeply affirming. Paint Our Love is a reminder that even in the thick of loss and uncertainty, joy can exist, and love can bloom. Amethyst and Nate’s journey proves that healing doesn’t have to be solitary—and sometimes the greatest gift is finding someone who sees your soul as a masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
~ Billionare MMC ✔️ ~ Divorcee, single mama FMC ✔️ ~ Slow burn ✔️ ~ Healing journey ✔️
The way I DEVOURED this in one sitting. I was layed up here kicking my feet and giggling. I haven’t done that in a long time lmao.
The MMC, Nate, is a billionaire artist who is cosplaying as an art teacher at a school in his hometown. He’s not just there to do a favor for his cousin, but to hopefully run in to this girl from college who he vowed he’d never let get away again & shoot his shot if given the opportunity.
Nate has been IMMEDIATELY added to my book boyfriend roster. The daddy energy this man gives and how he took care of our girl Amethyst was everything. Prepare to be kicking your feet and giggling…also turn that fan on cause it’s boutta get hot in here 🥵😩
The FMC, Amethyst, is a divorced, single mama who is navigating her self love journey and discovering what she loves outside of being a mom. She has kinda sworn off relationships & is just focusing on herself and her child.
Amethyst is a hardworking individual and through all her hardships, she is just trying to allow herself to feel. She doesn’t want to rush anything, just see how things go in her life. I enjoyed seeing her re-discover who she is outside of mom life and healing from her ex.
This was messy, spicy, beautiful, and sweet. You will be swooning.
Thank you, Briyanna Michelle, for my advance copy of Paint Our Love.
This story touched me deeply. Amethyst’s focus on healing and motherhood was raw and so relatable, and I loved how the author showed that joy and love can still bloom even in the midst of grief. Nathaniel stood out as the kind of man who not only showed up with patience and steadiness but also loved Amethyst so much that he was willing to focus on his own healing too. His desire to become the best version of himself not just for her, but for himself made their love feel even more powerful.
What I appreciated most is how this wasn’t just about falling in love. It was about two people learning that healing doesn’t mean shutting love out, and that sometimes the softest, most restorative love comes when you give yourself permission to embrace joy again.
As Briyanna beautifully wrote, “Love can be found on the same path of healing.”
Briyanna’s writing gets better everytime. Nate is intentional, passionate and vulnerable. I love his character. Amethyst is a strong mother and brave young do the work on herself to push past her the hurt that was keeping her stuck . I really like both characters. They transparent and did not play games in their relationship. I loved that they supported each other emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. 5 stars for me.
Loved this book read in on less than two days. Everyone needs a friend like Rachel. She made sure she stayed open minded. Love a man who quiets the haters. He shut down the talk with one conversation. Great series would definitely recommend reading
I want to say while I rated 3 stars, I want to make it clear that i didn’t HATE this or anything. I just had some issues with it thst knocked off a star sadly. I want to give the author credit for the concept as I LOVED it and every character felt like their own person which I really appreciated. It touched on many hard topics such as grief, acceptance, and the shame that comes with being a POC wanting to go to therapy. I’m glad everything worked out in the end . Very cute at times, easy, and a fast read.
Let’s touch on my issue that made this less enjoyable for me..NATHAN. i’m so sorry, don’t get me wrong he was cute at times and i appreciated him not only healing himself and helping someone else heal BUT oh my god.. this man was intense and actually creepy as fuck. he would say he’s not rushing Amy then immediately come off strong asf, would try and pressure her into saying things, and literally so much more. He didn’t love Amy, he was obsessed with her and it was scary LOL. He spends years breaking his personal assistance’s back then fires her over Amy which was so stupid. He also was willing to let his cousin down over this woman when in reality she wasn’t even feeling it as much as he was at this point. I mean imagine going to your boss and disclosing information like that when you know the person you want wants to take it slow and literally threaten to quit before you even start the job if they had a problem with it… just to add the list of creepy, he takes pictures of her without her consent and records her laughing to listen to later.. also without her consent.
It was cute at the end of the book because he wasn’t so intense and creepy but be prepared to deal with a creep 80% of the book before it becomes cute.
sidenote; The body paint chapter was SO BEAUTIFUL 🥹🎨
Paint Our Love is a beautiful love-at-first-sight, second-chance romance. It’s slower than I expected but not dragged out and every moment felt intentional. Both characters are loveable, both are healing, and while there’s no heavy tension, the story still grips you in that way where you find yourself kicking your feet and rubbing them together as you read.
I know Nate is the artist in the book, but Briyanna’s words deserve their own place in an art museum. My GOODNESS. The imagery, the emotion, the way she crafts their journey it’s pure magic.
Yes, there were a few transitions where I had to pause and figure out who was speaking, but it didn’t take away from the experience. This was the slowest of burns, and my goodness did it burn beautifully. To witness the breakdown and the rebuilding of these two characters touched my heart in ways I can’t even explain. I literally dreamed about them.
The love on these pages? Timeless. The words, the story, the ending it’s the perfect love story.
My biggest takeaway actually came from the acknowledgments: You are more than your titles and duties. I didn’t know how much I needed that reminder until I read it here.
I needed this story. I needed these words. Thank you, Briyanna Michelle
I really think that Briyanna Michelle can’t write anything wrong. This book was so beautiful. The way grief was described was amazing, especially from the POV of a man willing to be vulnerable and show all of himself to the woman he loved.
Nate was putting pressure!!!! And I really enjoyed that. He was so intentional with how he was going to be with Amethyst.
Amethyst’s journey was lovely to read about. Her defining herself as more than a mother, coming out of the shell she created to protect herself, and being willing to let someone’s son in was very nice to see.
I just wish we had gotten more of Nate and Amethyst’s daughter when she was younger at the end of the book. I really think that would have been the perfect addition.
Briyanna Michelle’s Paint Our Love is a heartfelt, faith-centered romance that beautifully captures what it means to heal, grow, and open oneself to love again. At its core, this story follows Amethyst Andersen, a devoted mother who decides to step away from the rut of routine and only pursue things that bring her joy, and Nathaniel Hutchins, a billionaire artist-turned-art teacher who has quietly carried the weight of grief since losing his parents eight years ago. Michelle does an excellent job of weaving together themes of grief, healing, faith, and romance in a way that feels both tender and authentic. Nate and Amethyst aren’t your typical romance leads—they’re grounded, emotionally mature, and intentional about what they want. Both characters are brimming with green flags, making their relationship not only aspirational but also refreshingly realistic. Their intimacy extends far beyond the physical, showing that true connection comes from shared vulnerability, deep conversations, and spiritual alignment. One of the standout aspects of the novel is Nate’s journey. His raw openness about his pain and his commitment to faith not only highlight his character depth but also become a source of strength for Amethyst as she learns to trust and love again after her divorce from Brandon. His willingness to pursue her wholeheartedly—even stepping into a role as an art teacher to remain close—adds both charm and devotion to his character arc. Michelle doesn’t shy away from the tougher realities of healing and love. The moments of struggle and reflection make the story feel genuine, reminding readers that true love isn’t without its challenges. Yet, through it all, the relationship between Nate and Amethyst demonstrates just how good and fulfilling love can be when it’s built on clarity, respect, and faith. Paint Our Love is more than just a romance—it’s an ode to second chances, the power of healing, and the joy of finding love that feels divinely aligned. For readers who enjoy tender, faith-driven love stories with characters that make you blush, smile, and reflect on your own journey, Briyanna Michelle delivers a moving and memorable read.
This man caressed the back of her neck because it was perfect for nerve regulation (anxiety)…
A rich black man who is thoughtful, self-aware, and in therapy as a part of his healing journey😏😳🤭….
Spectacular- give me 14!!!
This was an ARC read that I had the honor to be a part of and when I tell you I thoroughly enjoyed this- I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED!
For me, it was all the MMC. The way he moved so intentionally- my God! ——
Plot/storyline: MMC was a nerd in college and missed out on the FMC. Years and a whole lot of life later- they reconnect. Chemistry: their friendship functioned as a good foundation. Although our MMC made it clear from the beginning he was interested but willing to wait. spice: when I say “looks like a cupcake but will put you through a mattress”... I was shocked. I had to close the book and look at the cover again. Not full of spice scenes but when the spice arrives…🥵😈🤭 Drama: no external drama, healing journey for the both of them.
——
Our MMC’s emotional intelligence made this 🥷🏽 so much more attractive.
When he cried in that kitchen🥹...Those non-traditional stress-relief activities🤬…Those vibe checks🤩…
The eye contact for intimacy. Not just sexually!
— Now, let’s code switch the review tone: Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓 ⬇️ ——
“pen game 🔏✅” moment:
Shouldn’t be a surprise but our MMC.
The way the author wrote the MMC was pure gold.
While our FMC was also on a healing and growth journey- I enjoyed the insight and perspective from our MMC’s POV.
With so much attention being on the MMC’s healing journey and self awareness- it allowed me as a black woman to see what leadership and partnership looked like while healing.
Yes, growth and development should be done by both parties but it was nice to read about the MMC holding the brunt of the burden until our FMC was ready.
The pressure was not on her to initiate, push, encourage him because he was already in position and doing the work!
Even more beautiful was the way the author showed their communication throughout this process.
_____
This book will definitely push you into the lovergirl, soft life, all the vibes territory!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this read!
Paint Our Love was exactly the kind of palette cleanser my soul needed. Briyanna Michelle crafts a heartfelt, faith-centered romance that doesn’t just tug at your emotions—it holds space for grief, growth, healing, and the courage it takes to love again.
At the heart of the story are Amethyst Andersen, a devoted mother reclaiming her joy after years of routine and divorce, and Nathaniel Hutchins, a billionaire artist-turned-art teacher who has quietly carried the weight of losing his parents eight years ago. Their paths cross in the most meaningful way, and what unfolds is a romance built on emotional maturity, spiritual grounding, and intentional connection.
Michelle excels at developing characters who feel lived-in and real. Nate and Amethyst are both green-flag leads—compassionate, self-aware, and deeply intentional about the love they’re building. Their intimacy goes far beyond the physical; it lives in shared vulnerability, honest conversations, and a spiritual alignment that makes their bond feel both soft and sacred.
Nate, especially, is a standout. His openness about his grief, his unwavering pursuit of Amethyst, and the quiet devotion he shows in every gesture make him one of the most memorable male leads I’ve read in a while. Even when certain moments felt a little too intuitive—almost eerie in how well he seemed to know her—the depth of his care and commitment came through with sincerity.
Michelle doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of healing after heartbreak. The moments of reflection, discomfort, and faith-driven growth give the story a beautiful honesty. Through it all, Nate and Amethyst remind readers that love rooted in clarity, respect, and purpose is a love worth holding onto.
Paint Our Love by Briyanna Michelle is a beautifully crafted romance that delivers everything you want in a love story and more. This novel centers around Amethyst and Nate, whose connection spans from their college days to a life-changing reunion that proves some bonds are truly meant to last.
What makes this story particularly compelling is Nate's unwavering certainty about his feelings. From the moment he saw Amethyst in college, he knew she was the woman he wanted. This isn't instalove—it's a deep recognition that transcends time. When they reconnect years later, that same conviction drives the narrative forward with authentic emotion and purpose.
Briyanna Michelle has crafted what truly feels like a perfect Black love story. The characters feel authentic, their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, and their love story unfolds with the kind of respect and devotion that makes you believe in happily ever after. The author doesn't shy away from real life complexities while still delivering the romance readers crave.
Paint Our Love succeeds because it understands that the best love stories aren't just about two people finding each other—they're about two people choosing to build something beautiful together, complete with all the complications and joys that real life brings. Briyanna Michelle has created characters you'll root for from beginning to end.
What an inspiring and emotional story. Paint Our Love follows Amethyst, a divorced single mom, and Nate, a billionaire still living with the loss of his parents. Both are on separate healing paths, yet their journeys intersect in the most uplifting way.
The healing exercises they shared were some of my favorite moments—unique, moving, and exactly the kind of soul work that makes a slow burn feel so worth it. Nate didn’t just fall for Amethyst; he embraced her and her daughter Gemma as a package deal, and that added so much depth to his devotion.
It’s rare to see grief handled with such tenderness in romance. This wasn’t just about falling in love, but about finding joy again, learning to trust, and choosing life after loss. Such a sweet and powerful book.
Also loved the shout-out to Black-owned businesses like The Urban Tea Room and The Hydrated Hottie—I’m already looking into their products.
Huge thanks to Briyanna Michelle for letting me read this ARC early!
Thanks to Briyanna for the ARC of paint our love ❤
I love a good second chance at love, where 2 people who have been through so much finally get their HEA. Briyanna Michelle has become one of my favorite indie authors and I really enjoy her writing. Her latest release Paint Our Love is part of the sweetest lessons series, including 5 other releases.
This story follows the FMC Amethyst she is a divorced, single coparenting mom and her 8-year-old is her entire world. she doesn't have time for dating outside of parenting and her career. the MMC Nathaniel suffered a big loss at the end of college, and he hasn't been the same since. That grief affected the way he approaches women, relationship, and also caused him to stay away from his small town due to all the memories that live there.
Love the way the author blends two people who are on different healing journey and show that you both work on yourself while finding love with each other. These 2 characters crossed paths in college and this time around the MMC was determined to make her his wife. This is a slow burn, but the yearning makes it all worth it. If you love a cozy, slow burn, contemporary romance, second chance at love, a billionaire that spends his money well on his FMC, stands up for her, learns to talk about his feelings and emotions you will love this book.
Normally I don’t like slow burns, but this one I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved how this story told the healing journey of two broken souls determined to grow and heal their way to loving one another.
Me, personally, could relate to Amethyst. We want a man to show interest and put in the effort but also pace it so it’s not overwhelming or too much. And I appreciated the fact that Nate applied pressure and reassurance to Amethyst, but also let her know that he wasn’t in a rush and he was on her time.
Nate definitely applied pressure and it made me think how would I be able to handle a man like Nate if I actually met him. It also made me think I need to take a break from these romance books because these are the men in our real lives! Lmaooo
Nate was everything and more than what Amethyst needed: he was patient, reliable, attentive, a leader, a provider, protector, and a spiritual man! That man prayed with and for her!! Oh, and he was a pleaser!!
(3.75) Nate was a MAN, honey. I loved the intention, emotional intelligence, and the patience that he had with Amethyst. The way that he spoiled her, affirmed her, and served as a safe space for her was chefs kiss. Plus sir had a filthy mouth (gotta watch those shy nerdy types😉). This story was a beautifully touching and emotional ode to not just healing, but self discovery & learning who you are outside of your roles. I think my favorite part of this book was that it challenged the notion that you have to be completely healed before you can be in a relationship with someone. Because honestly sometimes your healing is best done through relationship & connection with others. Even though at times they both felt as if they weren’t ready (her more than him), they leaned into those anxieties and pushed through it. They didn’t hinder each other’s healing, but instead with patience, love, vulnerability, intimacy, encouragement & mutual respect they both traveled their own individual journeys to healing, but together. It was beautiful to witness.
There’s something so healing about seeing yourself in a book, a representation of your culture, slang, etc. Healing reading about a black man/woman healing, a black woman being loved like she’s supposed to be.
In this, you meet Nate and Amethyst. They met in college, just acquaintances, but Nate was down bad for Amethyst. Though it never becomes more than Nate secretly crushing on her. Years later, Nate is a famous Artist, and Amethyst is a single mother and they cross paths again. This time Nate won’t let this chance escape him. The entire time reading this I was either smiling or crying. It was so cute and interesting seeing them learn from each other and build each other up. Interesting and heart-warming seeing Amethyst get her spark back and Nate learning and accepting he is free to love and to provide. Lord, I could just go on and on, but I don’t want to spoil it more than I have.
This story has so many self reflective gems in it. As a mother and wanting to step into the world of content creation this books has so many elements to start with. Amethyst was so guarded and had to shield who she truly was in an already broken marriage. Single for 5 years Mr. Nate gave her a new meaning to courting. They both dealt with grief or the loss of someone, but the way they helped each other was so beautiful. Nate was a man that knew what he wanted and he was so open, honest, and soft with her and I’m so glad she was actually accepting to his energy. Nate said his piece to her ex husband and that man left that well alone. They didn’t ask each other for anything but communication, effect, time, and patience. Nerds up 1 million. They loved each other beautifully.
I was given the opportunity to ARC this book for the author and throughly enjoyed every minute of it.
This is a definite read for all the girls who love a soft love. Nathaniel gave Amethyst nothing but princess treatment from the time she reenter his life.
The FMC and MMC met when they were at a stage of healing and finding themselves but didn’t let that get in the way of them finding love. I love how Nathaniel loved Amethyst out loud and was very intentional with what he wanted from her. He showed her right away that he would play no games behind her.
This book showed just how important it is for a man to also self heal. It showed black man struggle in silence and sometimes it goes over looked
If you are looking for a palate cleanser this is the book for you.
This was an amazing read! This was an arc I was honored to read. I loved the way the author depicted how anxiety and grief could hold you back but doesn’t have to stop you from achieving the life you desire. Nathaniel and Amethyst love story was moving and drew me in instantly. This is a must read if you love a MMC who is the definition of he will do anything to bring her peace, a FMC who is navigating finding herself and being open to love after being hurt, and two people who are on two separate healing paths but heading toward the same direction!
I really enjoyed this sweet love story about grief and healing. Briyanna Michelle was very delicate when it came to talking about grief in this book and how two people can both be going through something but help each other at the same time. The way Nate & Amethyst took care of each other, showed compassion and took their time was so sweet to read. I felt like a friend watching my two friends love story. If you like a gentle love story with some spice and that shows how two people can be broken but still love each other properly then this book is for you.
A cute, feel-good story about two individuals learning to trust themselves again and embrace what they truly deserve— despite the limitations they’ve placed on themselves. I loved how Nate stood on business when it came to Amethyst, showing consistency and care. And Amethyst’s growth, as she pushed past her reservations and chose to move forward, made her journey even more rewarding to watch.
I have two more books from this author but it was good to start with this one so I could get a feel for the authors writing.
Anyway, this book was a good book of healing and overcoming other people’s bs that they place on you. If you’re not careful you can become consumed with how other people see you, their qualms or whatever can the hinder your growth. It also shows that healing and therapy works for both men and women!
Paint our Love was a Arc book and the moment I saw it was from one of my favorite authors I just knew it was going to be a good read. I loved Amethyst and Nate story. Nate said I’m not looking for a girlfriend I want a wife!!! This man played no games about Amethyst and anyone could get it!! That’s a good man Savanah 🤣🥰 Briayanna Michelle hands down it’s another yes!!!! 🙌🏾