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Art of Love #5
Covered In Paint
Artists See Things Differently, Including Love
In his 42 years of living, Drake Barrymore had seen the best and worst life had to offer. He had loved and lost a wife. He had managed to raise his son alone. But now all he can think about is a woman who is way too young for him. Dr. Brooke Daniels has an enticing body, a kiss-me mouth, and a sharp gaze that questions all the excuses he tries to make.
On his canvasses Drake can often cover the truth with paint, but he knows all too well that strategy doesn’t work in real life with its real problems. Yet all he can see without Brooke in his life is more loneliness than he's already known. Regardless of the challenges, he has to take a chance on loving her, no matter what the future brings.
In his 42 years of living, Drake Barrymore had seen the best and worst life had to offer. He had loved and lost a wife. He had managed to raise his son alone. But now all he can think about is a woman who is way too young for him. Dr. Brooke Daniels has an enticing body, a kiss-me mouth, and a sharp gaze that questions all the excuses he tries to make.
On his canvasses Drake can often cover the truth with paint, but he knows all too well that strategy doesn’t work in real life with its real problems. Yet all he can see without Brooke in his life is more loneliness than he's already known. Regardless of the challenges, he has to take a chance on loving her, no matter what the future brings.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
About the author
Donna McDonald
255 books603 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 20, 2021
I loved Brooke and Drake's romance the most so far, I think. Mostly because they had a little less drama than the other couples in this series :)
January 16, 2015
I've loved every book I've read by Donna but this one touched me so much. Knowing how hard this had to be to write amazed me by how much I loved it. It's a wonderful story that should not be missed. If you a long time fan of Donna's then be prepared it;s awesome. If you are new to Donna's books, then what are waiting for, you have a huge list to read after this one.
This is my favorite of this series so far and I've adored all the others
This is my favorite of this series so far and I've adored all the others
March 8, 2018
AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL STORY!!!!
This was such an amazing book I don't think I have the words to do it justice! It was so beautifully written with such caring and understanding of some of the issues that come into our lives and how much the family and friends around us can make all the difference in our lives! I absolutely love all of the characters portrayed in this series! Each book gets better and better and I hope Donna keeps bringing them back in other stories because they make my heart smile! This story is so romantic, so steamy, so sweet, so enthralling. I really liked the two main characters Brooke and Drake...... I enjoyed that they were able to be so honest with each other. That gave the book such depth... I don't think I will every forget this perfect story and the way the author so tenderly handled the dilemmas that life can bring to any of us and was still able to keep It Joyful, Heartwarming And Funny!!!
This was such an amazing book I don't think I have the words to do it justice! It was so beautifully written with such caring and understanding of some of the issues that come into our lives and how much the family and friends around us can make all the difference in our lives! I absolutely love all of the characters portrayed in this series! Each book gets better and better and I hope Donna keeps bringing them back in other stories because they make my heart smile! This story is so romantic, so steamy, so sweet, so enthralling. I really liked the two main characters Brooke and Drake...... I enjoyed that they were able to be so honest with each other. That gave the book such depth... I don't think I will every forget this perfect story and the way the author so tenderly handled the dilemmas that life can bring to any of us and was still able to keep It Joyful, Heartwarming And Funny!!!
July 20, 2021
Such a great series
Brooke and Drake’s story was another great one by Donna McDonald. I love how Drake and Brooke’s relationship grows. Can’t wait to read the final book in this series.
Brooke and Drake’s story was another great one by Donna McDonald. I love how Drake and Brooke’s relationship grows. Can’t wait to read the final book in this series.
February 6, 2019
Perfection
October 6, 2019
Lost interest at 8% DNF
February 27, 2017
This is the final installment of the Art of Love series.
In this one, Drake is an artist and an art professor and Brooke, Jessica’s daughter, is a philosophy professor. Drake knows that he has something for the young, elusive Brooke, but something is holding him back. And Brooke’s obsessive fear concerning Drake’s job, more so his constant exposure to young, perky breasts, has her feeling insecure and lost, until you realize that there’s an underlying health concern behind the reasoning.
Quick and easy. Story had true-to-life characters that didn’t necessarily leap off the page, but you could empathize and relate in some way. The love story was honest and hopeful, and the wrap-up was clean and simple albeit a bit too convenient.
In this one, Drake is an artist and an art professor and Brooke, Jessica’s daughter, is a philosophy professor. Drake knows that he has something for the young, elusive Brooke, but something is holding him back. And Brooke’s obsessive fear concerning Drake’s job, more so his constant exposure to young, perky breasts, has her feeling insecure and lost, until you realize that there’s an underlying health concern behind the reasoning.
Quick and easy. Story had true-to-life characters that didn’t necessarily leap off the page, but you could empathize and relate in some way. The love story was honest and hopeful, and the wrap-up was clean and simple albeit a bit too convenient.
January 24, 2015
I have truly enjoyed this entire series, and love how the author has woven them all together. We have patiently waited for this one, but now I realize how emotionally tough this must have been on the author; it was wonderfully written, and the charm and magic of this couple remained in tact through all of there ups and downs. Drake Barrymore is gorgeous, brooding, charming, poetic and loyal, the type of guy that any girl would dream of; he has suffered a great deal of loss with the death of his wife, and he deserves some true happiness. Brooke is beautiful, smart, witty, reserved and hopelessly charmed by the mature and sexy artist, which scares her. Little did she know the battle she was about to face, and the pain that it would cause Drake.
Loved that we got to revisit with all our friends from the previous series, and I really hope that Donna will dedicate a story to Brandon and Chelsea, as I have a feeling that it would be just as special as all the rest. However, I am so looking forward to the story of Joe and Jillian; something tells me it will be the most fun and playful! Thanks Donna for the continuation of this series, as it just keeps getting better and better!
Merged review:
The Art of Love continues to be a precious series!
I have truly enjoyed this entire series, and love how the author has woven them all together. We have patiently waited for this one, but now I realize how emotionally tough this must have been on the author; it was wonderfully written, and the charm and magic of this couple remained in tact through all of there ups and downs. Drake Barrymore is gorgeous, brooding, charming, poetic and loyal, the type of guy that any girl would dream of; he has suffered a great deal of loss with the death of his wife, and he deserves some true happiness. Brooke is beautiful, smart, witty, reserved and hopelessly charmed by the mature and sexy artist, which scares her. Little did she know the battle she was about to face, and the pain that it would cause Drake.
Loved that we got to revisit with all our friends from the previous series, and I really hope that Donna will dedicate a story to Brandon and Chelsea, as I have a feeling that it would be just as special as all the rest. However, I am so looking forward to the story of Joe and Jillian; something tells me it will be the most fun and playful! Thanks Donna for the continuation of this series, as it just keeps getting better and better!
Loved that we got to revisit with all our friends from the previous series, and I really hope that Donna will dedicate a story to Brandon and Chelsea, as I have a feeling that it would be just as special as all the rest. However, I am so looking forward to the story of Joe and Jillian; something tells me it will be the most fun and playful! Thanks Donna for the continuation of this series, as it just keeps getting better and better!
Merged review:
The Art of Love continues to be a precious series!
I have truly enjoyed this entire series, and love how the author has woven them all together. We have patiently waited for this one, but now I realize how emotionally tough this must have been on the author; it was wonderfully written, and the charm and magic of this couple remained in tact through all of there ups and downs. Drake Barrymore is gorgeous, brooding, charming, poetic and loyal, the type of guy that any girl would dream of; he has suffered a great deal of loss with the death of his wife, and he deserves some true happiness. Brooke is beautiful, smart, witty, reserved and hopelessly charmed by the mature and sexy artist, which scares her. Little did she know the battle she was about to face, and the pain that it would cause Drake.
Loved that we got to revisit with all our friends from the previous series, and I really hope that Donna will dedicate a story to Brandon and Chelsea, as I have a feeling that it would be just as special as all the rest. However, I am so looking forward to the story of Joe and Jillian; something tells me it will be the most fun and playful! Thanks Donna for the continuation of this series, as it just keeps getting better and better!
February 9, 2015
I've been anxiously waiting almost 2 years since I read the last book in this series (Commissioned in White). If you've read this entire series as I have, you've probably missed the Larson family. We got glimpses into the angst and push/pull of Brooke and Drake in the 2 previous books.
While this storyline was not what I was expecting, I was not disappointed.
"I will never, ever take being with you for granted. It's not in my nature. I may be possessive and demanding and too intense at times, but you will never, ever go ignored. You're all the dreams I've been having come to life. All I want is to enjoy you...if you'll let me." -Drake (swoon)
Brooke and Drake had a few hurdles to overcome to get a chance at happily ever after (12 year age difference, teenage/college son returning home after a year away, Drake's famous art showcasing the love he had for his deceased wife, a possible health problem for Brooke, and more). All of this made for a compelling storyline that made it relatable to the reader. This book has it all with angst, steamy sex scenes, humor, and love...not just romantic love between the 2 main characters, but also among the Daniels and Larson families who support and love each other.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would highly recommend reading the entire series in order to understand the roles of the supporting characters and their relationships with each other. I hope there is a story on the horizon for Brandon and Chelsea...this book certainly set them up for a future book. However, it looks like we'll be getting Jillian's story next with Carved In Wood. Looking forward to it!
While this storyline was not what I was expecting, I was not disappointed.
"I will never, ever take being with you for granted. It's not in my nature. I may be possessive and demanding and too intense at times, but you will never, ever go ignored. You're all the dreams I've been having come to life. All I want is to enjoy you...if you'll let me." -Drake (swoon)
Brooke and Drake had a few hurdles to overcome to get a chance at happily ever after (12 year age difference, teenage/college son returning home after a year away, Drake's famous art showcasing the love he had for his deceased wife, a possible health problem for Brooke, and more). All of this made for a compelling storyline that made it relatable to the reader. This book has it all with angst, steamy sex scenes, humor, and love...not just romantic love between the 2 main characters, but also among the Daniels and Larson families who support and love each other.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would highly recommend reading the entire series in order to understand the roles of the supporting characters and their relationships with each other. I hope there is a story on the horizon for Brandon and Chelsea...this book certainly set them up for a future book. However, it looks like we'll be getting Jillian's story next with Carved In Wood. Looking forward to it!
January 18, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
In this fifth book of Donna McDonald’s ART OF LOVE series, she has brought such depth and emotion. Drake has loved and tragically lost and is hesitant to enter into a long term relationship again even though he is attracted to the feisty, younger Brooke Daniels. Drake, a 42 year old art professor and father to 19 year old Brandon, is still in the prime of his life and is questioning whether he will ever find real love again. Brooke, a 30 year old philosophy professor, is skeptical about love, but feels at her age she should be thinking more about a future mate and children. Is Drake “the one”? With overwhelming complications working against them, they work hard at developing a relationship that can sustain through all the good times and bad.
Reading about Drake and Brooke’s budding and developing relationship challenges will subject the reader to many different emotions. The story line rings so true to real life experiences. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an excellent read. If you have not read the first four books in this series, they are amazing too!
In this fifth book of Donna McDonald’s ART OF LOVE series, she has brought such depth and emotion. Drake has loved and tragically lost and is hesitant to enter into a long term relationship again even though he is attracted to the feisty, younger Brooke Daniels. Drake, a 42 year old art professor and father to 19 year old Brandon, is still in the prime of his life and is questioning whether he will ever find real love again. Brooke, a 30 year old philosophy professor, is skeptical about love, but feels at her age she should be thinking more about a future mate and children. Is Drake “the one”? With overwhelming complications working against them, they work hard at developing a relationship that can sustain through all the good times and bad.
Reading about Drake and Brooke’s budding and developing relationship challenges will subject the reader to many different emotions. The story line rings so true to real life experiences. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an excellent read. If you have not read the first four books in this series, they are amazing too!
January 20, 2015
Why are we limited to 5 Stars ?? This book should have way more than 5 stars, I loved it!!!
To me reading one of Donna McDonald's books means that I'm going to have everything that I love about romance novels. Her writing is highly emotional, sprinkled with humor and characters that are well developed and that you know and love before you reach the end. You are sure to experience laughter tears highs and lows while reading her stories. Some of her books are based around touchy subjects for some. This is one of those books.
I was extremely moved by the way Ms McDonald handled the subject of a breast cancer scare in Covered in Paint. My family has been touched by this disease many times so I could relate to the characters and I'm impressed by the grace and dignity in which it was approached.
This entire series is one of my all time favorites to start with, there is an entire cast of Amazing characters that we as fans have grown to love and I think this book was the best so far.
One-Click this book quick and fall in love with Drake and Brook's story now.
To me reading one of Donna McDonald's books means that I'm going to have everything that I love about romance novels. Her writing is highly emotional, sprinkled with humor and characters that are well developed and that you know and love before you reach the end. You are sure to experience laughter tears highs and lows while reading her stories. Some of her books are based around touchy subjects for some. This is one of those books.
I was extremely moved by the way Ms McDonald handled the subject of a breast cancer scare in Covered in Paint. My family has been touched by this disease many times so I could relate to the characters and I'm impressed by the grace and dignity in which it was approached.
This entire series is one of my all time favorites to start with, there is an entire cast of Amazing characters that we as fans have grown to love and I think this book was the best so far.
One-Click this book quick and fall in love with Drake and Brook's story now.
January 15, 2015
Deb's Review:
Covered in Paint by Donna McDonald is such a fabulous book, and the "Art of Love series" is nothing to sneeze at. I adore every book. The Larson's are a family to behold, even the extended branch. When I think of emotional bonding books, Donna McDonald comes to the top of the list. Her character's are enlightening, charming, down to earth with a strong dose of passions that make my toes curl.
Finally we get Brooke's story, this heroine was kept in my mind since the first time she was introduced in a previous book. I think because of her brassiness from the beginning Brooke had the knack of raising everyone's blood pressure. (Gotta like a gal who can do that) Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
Covered in Paint by Donna McDonald is such a fabulous book, and the "Art of Love series" is nothing to sneeze at. I adore every book. The Larson's are a family to behold, even the extended branch. When I think of emotional bonding books, Donna McDonald comes to the top of the list. Her character's are enlightening, charming, down to earth with a strong dose of passions that make my toes curl.
Finally we get Brooke's story, this heroine was kept in my mind since the first time she was introduced in a previous book. I think because of her brassiness from the beginning Brooke had the knack of raising everyone's blood pressure. (Gotta like a gal who can do that) Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...
July 11, 2015
Yes, there is life after 25
One of the reasons I love this series is because Donna McDonald shows that life occurs for people over 25. The New Adult genre seems to be so prevalent, that if you are 32, you start to feel ancient.
Anyway, stepping off the soapbox, Brooke's mother had married into the Larsen clan. Brooke finds herself attracted to another professor, who is also an artist. There are a number of issues that they have to deal with as their relationship grows. But they handle them with the help of her new step-family and Drake's son.
Family, love, loyalty, lust, trust, frustration and a lot of humor.
One of the reasons I love this series is because Donna McDonald shows that life occurs for people over 25. The New Adult genre seems to be so prevalent, that if you are 32, you start to feel ancient.
Anyway, stepping off the soapbox, Brooke's mother had married into the Larsen clan. Brooke finds herself attracted to another professor, who is also an artist. There are a number of issues that they have to deal with as their relationship grows. But they handle them with the help of her new step-family and Drake's son.
Family, love, loyalty, lust, trust, frustration and a lot of humor.
January 22, 2015
Yeah for body art!
I love the straightforward way McDonald writes. The story moves swiftly and the give and take between Brooke and Drake is so much fun to read. This is a sexy fun read in spite of the heart wrenching subject of breast cancer. The subject is handled with skill and empathy. It is so much more satisfying to read about actual adult relationships instead of teens who have not lived enough to appreciate real true love, yet. The entire series is very good reading and I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND Not just Covered in Paint but all of the Art of Love series.
I love the straightforward way McDonald writes. The story moves swiftly and the give and take between Brooke and Drake is so much fun to read. This is a sexy fun read in spite of the heart wrenching subject of breast cancer. The subject is handled with skill and empathy. It is so much more satisfying to read about actual adult relationships instead of teens who have not lived enough to appreciate real true love, yet. The entire series is very good reading and I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND Not just Covered in Paint but all of the Art of Love series.
January 25, 2015
I absolutely love this author. I have enjoyed every book in each series she has written. This book did not disappoint. The Larson clan and those closely associated with them are a riot. I'm aware the storyline in this book might have been difficult to write, but it was dealt with in a great way. Given who Brooke's mother was I assumed she was more understanding of art but watching her begin to appreciate it was beautiful and touching. Drake is an awesome character and so is his son. Two heroes in one house. If you have read her other series, I recommend doing so.
May 16, 2016
I really loved Brooke and Drake's story. Their relationship took a bit to get going but once it did not even sickness was going to stop it. I love how the Larson's have just took Brooke right in as their blood relative. They love her and her mother very much and now they are welcoming Drake and his son as well. I was so glad the scare they had was nothing serious after testing. But I was touched that Drake was bound and determined to do what he had to do to be with her. I have loved this series and would recommend it to anyone! Great job Donna!
January 24, 2015
I had to stop what I was reading as soon as I had time following the release of this book, the latest in the Art of Love Series. I just could not put the book down wanting to know how things panned out with Drake and Brooke. I had a few very late nights/early mornings just so I could finish it. It even took me away from my own writing. As with all of Donna's books I loved it and though I keep saying this, I am eagerly waiting on the next installment just to keep track of the Larsons.
January 20, 2015
Love overcomes many hurdles
Ms. McDonald gives us another intriguing story about love between older and younger. This time she includes the angst of a young woman finding a lump in a breast. I could identify with this even though I was much older when mine were found and the diagnosis was cancer. I survived due to early detection. The only thing I found lacking was that this disease doesn't have to be a death sentence.
Ms. McDonald gives us another intriguing story about love between older and younger. This time she includes the angst of a young woman finding a lump in a breast. I could identify with this even though I was much older when mine were found and the diagnosis was cancer. I survived due to early detection. The only thing I found lacking was that this disease doesn't have to be a death sentence.
November 3, 2015
Humor and drama all wrapped together.
The author brought the characters alive. The blend of humor and drama were perfect. She kept me reading with the balance. One minute you are laughing the next your heart strings are being tugged. This is worth the time. You love the characters and the roles played. They are your family or someone you know.
The author brought the characters alive. The blend of humor and drama were perfect. She kept me reading with the balance. One minute you are laughing the next your heart strings are being tugged. This is worth the time. You love the characters and the roles played. They are your family or someone you know.
January 23, 2015
I've been waiting for Brooke and Drakes story for forever and it was worth it.
Touching moving sweet
Seeing how they both deal with situations is interesting given their age difference and life experiences
Loved it
What's next for the Larson family?
Touching moving sweet
Seeing how they both deal with situations is interesting given their age difference and life experiences
Loved it
What's next for the Larson family?
August 30, 2015
This Family Is A Hoot
I just love the Larson family, with so many of them......so I know so much laughter and glee awaits me. Brooke is a lovely young lass with a troubled heart, and body. She is a survivor though, and I need to see her grow into a matron!
I just love the Larson family, with so many of them......so I know so much laughter and glee awaits me. Brooke is a lovely young lass with a troubled heart, and body. She is a survivor though, and I need to see her grow into a matron!
August 28, 2015
Absolutely love this series
Each book in the Art Of Love series keeps me so entertained. I love this author and her humor. A few parts make me tear up, but many more parts make me ROFL and wish for a family just like it.
Each book in the Art Of Love series keeps me so entertained. I love this author and her humor. A few parts make me tear up, but many more parts make me ROFL and wish for a family just like it.
August 17, 2016
Covered In Paint
Absolutely fantastic! This series shows love and romance in a down to earth way. Funny, serious, loving, hurtful. All of the things couples experience along the way.
Absolutely fantastic! This series shows love and romance in a down to earth way. Funny, serious, loving, hurtful. All of the things couples experience along the way.
February 17, 2015
Lovely story.
August 22, 2015
I have rated so only because I didn't understand the character of Drake, he was very confusing. The story was nice and much intense and I have cried and smiled a lot , especially to the end.
May 28, 2015
The two college professors. It was absolutely adorable how he proposed to her!! Enjoyed this book very much.
July 23, 2015
Found a new favorite family and author. Thank you so much - these were all wonderful and waiting on Carved in Wood.
August 29, 2015
Only thing I liked was update on characters in previous books.
This story never grabbed me..skipped much of it.
This story never grabbed me..skipped much of it.
October 13, 2015
Covered in Paint!!
I'm so invested in this crazy Larson crew and all their extended family! Another great story! Another great and crazy wedding!
I'm so invested in this crazy Larson crew and all their extended family! Another great story! Another great and crazy wedding!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews