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Color His World: A Smalltown Spicy Romance
This grumpy, wounded introvert with a bad attitude is definitely not falling miserably in love with his sunshine neighbor.
“Maybe a change of scenery will be good for you, Dutch.”
That's what my editor told me. As if transplanting from San Francisco to Haven—aka nowhere—New York would change my situation.
I still couldn't write and I couldn't tell anyone why. Not my publisher, not my family, not even my editor.
It was my dark, cataclysmic secret.
Telling the truth could end my career, but saying nothing eroded my trust and ability to put words on the page.
My last chance to save my career was this lakeside cottage and a six month deadline.
What I didn't count on was her. Phoebe Valentine. My sole neighbor who would not be ignored. No matter how much I tried to push her away, she kept showing up. She was sunshine and color, chaos and laughter, warmth and healing. She was everything I didn't deserve.
But I was starved for it. Starved for her. In ways I've never known.
And this place by the lake with its own mysteries became more than solace. Even the town sparked something inside of me I thought I'd lost forever.
Haven.
n. a place of safety or refuge.
What if my haven was actually Phoebe? And loving her was what unlocked the door to the light and the words I missed more than breath.
And being loved by her gave me the strength to tell the truth. Come what may.
This grumpy, wounded author with a bad attitude is irrevocably in love with his sunshine neighbor. And he's never letting her go.
“Maybe a change of scenery will be good for you, Dutch.”
That's what my editor told me. As if transplanting from San Francisco to Haven—aka nowhere—New York would change my situation.
I still couldn't write and I couldn't tell anyone why. Not my publisher, not my family, not even my editor.
It was my dark, cataclysmic secret.
Telling the truth could end my career, but saying nothing eroded my trust and ability to put words on the page.
My last chance to save my career was this lakeside cottage and a six month deadline.
What I didn't count on was her. Phoebe Valentine. My sole neighbor who would not be ignored. No matter how much I tried to push her away, she kept showing up. She was sunshine and color, chaos and laughter, warmth and healing. She was everything I didn't deserve.
But I was starved for it. Starved for her. In ways I've never known.
And this place by the lake with its own mysteries became more than solace. Even the town sparked something inside of me I thought I'd lost forever.
Haven.
n. a place of safety or refuge.
What if my haven was actually Phoebe? And loving her was what unlocked the door to the light and the words I missed more than breath.
And being loved by her gave me the strength to tell the truth. Come what may.
This grumpy, wounded author with a bad attitude is irrevocably in love with his sunshine neighbor. And he's never letting her go.
- GenresSteamy
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2026
About the author
Taryn Quinn
101 books1,028 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Taryn Quinn, is the bestie combo of bestselling authors Taryn Elliott and Cari Quinn.
We’re both fur moms and happily single.
We bonded over our love of music and reading and love to incorporate our crazy ideas into sprawling, shenanigan-filled books where an HEA is a promise. If you love found families, you’re guaranteed to find ones you wish were your own by the end of our books.
☕️ Pour a cup of coffee and join us. We’re glad you’re here.
We’re both fur moms and happily single.
We bonded over our love of music and reading and love to incorporate our crazy ideas into sprawling, shenanigan-filled books where an HEA is a promise. If you love found families, you’re guaranteed to find ones you wish were your own by the end of our books.
☕️ Pour a cup of coffee and join us. We’re glad you’re here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 21, 2026
The Best Kind of Love Story
I love a book where the characters have past hurts and then they become friends, then lovers and support each other to the point that they heal. Phoebe and Dutch understand and get each other. My best comment about this book? I read it on Amazon Unlimited but bought it after I finished it. It is that good!
I love a book where the characters have past hurts and then they become friends, then lovers and support each other to the point that they heal. Phoebe and Dutch understand and get each other. My best comment about this book? I read it on Amazon Unlimited but bought it after I finished it. It is that good!
April 21, 2026
Welcome to Haven!!! OMG what a start to a new series. I seriously had a hard time having to adult because all I wanted to do was devour Color His World.
Atticus Dutch. Grumpy, hurting Dutch. He's an author who can't find his words. No it's not really writers block, it's pain and betrayal. His editor recommended leaving San Francisco and he ended up in Haven, NY. Best move ever! Enter Phoebe Valentine, his neighbor. She is the epitome of joy and sunshine. She's an empath, who can sense his pain.
Gah!!! I so fell in love with this couple from the get-go. It took a little bit for Dutch to warm up to her, and while she gave him space, she stuck by him. They are couple goals - the banter, the understanding, the protectiveness, and the chemistry. It is writing perfection!!
Atticus Dutch. Grumpy, hurting Dutch. He's an author who can't find his words. No it's not really writers block, it's pain and betrayal. His editor recommended leaving San Francisco and he ended up in Haven, NY. Best move ever! Enter Phoebe Valentine, his neighbor. She is the epitome of joy and sunshine. She's an empath, who can sense his pain.
Gah!!! I so fell in love with this couple from the get-go. It took a little bit for Dutch to warm up to her, and while she gave him space, she stuck by him. They are couple goals - the banter, the understanding, the protectiveness, and the chemistry. It is writing perfection!!
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April 20, 2026Absolutely loved Dutch, Phoebe and Mouse!!! To have the support of the likes of these two would be amazing!!! Phoebe is a very strong heroine. She loves completely!! Dutch and how he realizes what love can offer. And Mouse…..he stole the show. I loved how much he loved these two so much and how he had an active part (I felt like) in getting them together. Love conquers a lot when given freely and honestly. I LOVED this book!!!!!!
April 20, 2026
Amazon
Dutch did not come to this small town to fall for his sunshiney, savior of a neighbor. He also didn't come here to be adopted by a huge dog that looks like a beast but is actually more like a...Mouse? And yet, that's exactly what's happened. Has been happening since the dog found him on his back on the beach, and Phoebe saved him right after. But, he has a deep distrust of people now, and is suffering from writer's block because of it. If he wants his gorgeous ray of sunshine to stick around, he'll have to trust her with his deepest, darkest secret.
Phoebe's been mostly the sole resident on the lake for awhile now, until a mysterious new neighbor moves in. Like anyone in their small community, she tries to be a good neighbor and goes around to the house to welcome him. Unfortunately, it doesn't go well because he's decidedly prickly and unfriendly, a jerk really. But when she finds him on his back, having slipped in the snowstorm on the beach, she has to help him to his house, and stay and take care of him...and even fall for the gorgeous grump. She and the dog that's adopted them both, Mouse, can't help but want to stay by his side even when he does his best to push them both away.
Phoebe and Dutch and the sweetest dog, ever, Mouse, are one of my new favorites! The authors made sure to infuse them with extra heart to go along with all the spicy. Dutch had a lot of distrust to get passed, but Phoebe and Mouse were up to the challenge of claiming his bruised heart. I already know I'm going to love this new small town series, because it starts off with a heartfelt, seriously delicious grumpy/sunshine couple and their adorable dog.
ARC provided by the authors for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.
Teasers from Taryn's Facebook Page.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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April 23, 2026
Color His World: A Small Town Spicy Romance is the beginning of the new Haven Series by Taryn, and if you are a devout reader of her previous books / series (Oblivion, Crescent Cove, Brooklyn Dawn), you just know that not everything is as it seems, and things get very, very spicy, very, very quickly.
We open the book with Phoebe Valentine - Mural Artist and Empath, who has lived in Haven, NY, her whole life. Phoebe is a gentle soul, full of happiness, colour and sunshine, she is someone who everyone loves. She lives with the emotional scars of being a member of a family in which only one of the four siblings is noticed by her parents. Her brother almost made the NHL and his every whim is catered to by their parents.
Atticus Dutch is an author who specialises in dark and twisted psychological thrillers, often based loosely on real life events. He has writers block due to a profound / unexpected betrayal which has shaken his self worth and belief. His editor sends him to Haven, to the lakeside cabin next door to Phoebe in the hope that he can get his creative juices flowing again.
Dutch is a grumpy, totally withdrawn from people, loner and just the right side of handsome for Phoebe to decide that she needs to help him get out of his dark grey period. Then enter Mouse, the sweet stray dog who adopts both of them and is the bridge which shows these two that they are far better together than apart.
Dutch trusts no one since the betrayal and it takes all of Phoebes light and colourful personality to get him to open up and let the healing begin. He believes that he doesn't deserve her and that he will dim her light too much if she is with him, but he is drawn back to her time and time again, even when his insecurities and paranoia nearly end their blossoming love story before it gets to start.
There are a number of stories within this book, the pain of betrayal, the ability to overcome personal trauma, self resilience / belief even without any positive paternal affirmation, and how two people who are broken in very different ways can come together to create one beautiful and all encompassing love story.
Taryn has outdone herself this time. the first / promo book to this series is 'Tis The Dang Season, although you don't need to read it before this book to enter this series, it is a brilliant book and sets the scene for the fantastic, colourful and wonderful world which Taryn has created for all of us to spend hours getting lost in.
We open the book with Phoebe Valentine - Mural Artist and Empath, who has lived in Haven, NY, her whole life. Phoebe is a gentle soul, full of happiness, colour and sunshine, she is someone who everyone loves. She lives with the emotional scars of being a member of a family in which only one of the four siblings is noticed by her parents. Her brother almost made the NHL and his every whim is catered to by their parents.
Atticus Dutch is an author who specialises in dark and twisted psychological thrillers, often based loosely on real life events. He has writers block due to a profound / unexpected betrayal which has shaken his self worth and belief. His editor sends him to Haven, to the lakeside cabin next door to Phoebe in the hope that he can get his creative juices flowing again.
Dutch is a grumpy, totally withdrawn from people, loner and just the right side of handsome for Phoebe to decide that she needs to help him get out of his dark grey period. Then enter Mouse, the sweet stray dog who adopts both of them and is the bridge which shows these two that they are far better together than apart.
Dutch trusts no one since the betrayal and it takes all of Phoebes light and colourful personality to get him to open up and let the healing begin. He believes that he doesn't deserve her and that he will dim her light too much if she is with him, but he is drawn back to her time and time again, even when his insecurities and paranoia nearly end their blossoming love story before it gets to start.
There are a number of stories within this book, the pain of betrayal, the ability to overcome personal trauma, self resilience / belief even without any positive paternal affirmation, and how two people who are broken in very different ways can come together to create one beautiful and all encompassing love story.
Taryn has outdone herself this time. the first / promo book to this series is 'Tis The Dang Season, although you don't need to read it before this book to enter this series, it is a brilliant book and sets the scene for the fantastic, colourful and wonderful world which Taryn has created for all of us to spend hours getting lost in.
April 21, 2026
Color His World: A Smalltown Spicy Romance (The Haven Series Book 1) by Taryn Quinn is an unlikely romance that develops between neighbors. Horror novelist Atticus Dutch moved into a New York lakeside town next door to mural artist Phoebe Valentine. Phoebe, just being herself, shone her sunshine into the darkness Dutch swam in because of a betrayal he still struggled with, as he tried to overcome writer's block. Phoebe carried emotional scars from her family, where she and her 2 siblings were always overlooked while their former NHL brother was catered to in every way. Yet she remained a gentle soul with a giant, caring heart. Finding Dutch on the beach after he fell down the incline, she reached down and helped him up, and in the process became a new force in his life that he would not only want but crave. Dutch has internalized the pain of a betrayal by a close friend as he attempts to move forward in Haven, a small New England town with its own mysteries and secrets. Dutch is a black-and-white kind of guy who lives with shades of gray, while Phoebe is a burst of sunshine with colors popping up all around her. She adds color and happiness to his now drab, gray existence as genuine care and attraction spark between them. A beautiful, big, white, fluffy dog named Mouse adopted both Dutch and Phoebe, turning them into a small, ready-made family.
Color His World: A Smalltown Spicy Romance is a new series set in Haven, New York, featuring Dutch and Phoebe's romance. The story includes steamy scenes, secrets, trauma, suspense, and family dynamics, with a guaranteed HEA. Fans of Taryn Quinn can expect quality writing and an engaging, ongoing series.
There is an extensive back catalog of books available to read while one waits for a new book to be published. My favorite Taryn Quinn rotation reads are the hot rockstar Oblivion series and the Crescent Cove series, where surprise babies are so prevalent that it is recommended newcomers not drink the town’s water.
Color His World: A Smalltown Spicy Romance is a new series set in Haven, New York, featuring Dutch and Phoebe's romance. The story includes steamy scenes, secrets, trauma, suspense, and family dynamics, with a guaranteed HEA. Fans of Taryn Quinn can expect quality writing and an engaging, ongoing series.
There is an extensive back catalog of books available to read while one waits for a new book to be published. My favorite Taryn Quinn rotation reads are the hot rockstar Oblivion series and the Crescent Cove series, where surprise babies are so prevalent that it is recommended newcomers not drink the town’s water.
April 22, 2026
This first book in a new series jumps straight in with a glimpse of Phoebe’s beautiful, artistic creativity. I love this author's descriptive writing, descriptions which always give me a wonderful visual accompaniment to their skilled words. These descriptions throughout the book provided some great imagery and ensured I got lost in Phoebe’s world for a lovely moment in time.
Phoebe’s a great character and I loved her. Her feisty, kind, yet no nonsense attitude had me hooked from the start. Her effervescence was endearing. She’s intelligent, fun and witty, I guess you could call her quirky too.
Dutch on the other hand is a deep and complicated character, full of secrets and angst. Distrustful and guarded, quick to shut down, he carries some pain inside him that he tries to hide by mostly keeping to himself. He’s actually not unlikable, once you get past the moody, prickly facade, and it’s there for a reason as is revealed when the somewhat suspenseful plot unfolds. I couldn’t wait to see how long it would take Phoebe to break through his cool demeanour.
They might have come together unexpectedly and, despite the obvious differences in their personalities, their relationship develops fast. I would say they are actually a perfect match. As the saying goes, opposites attract, and these differences only serve to draw them closer, each getting what they need from the other, creating sparks and tons of chemistry.
I thought the pacing of the book was just right, with a great balance of fun, humor, steam and drama. I loved it and spent most of my time reading with a big old smile on my face.
Phoebe’s a great character and I loved her. Her feisty, kind, yet no nonsense attitude had me hooked from the start. Her effervescence was endearing. She’s intelligent, fun and witty, I guess you could call her quirky too.
Dutch on the other hand is a deep and complicated character, full of secrets and angst. Distrustful and guarded, quick to shut down, he carries some pain inside him that he tries to hide by mostly keeping to himself. He’s actually not unlikable, once you get past the moody, prickly facade, and it’s there for a reason as is revealed when the somewhat suspenseful plot unfolds. I couldn’t wait to see how long it would take Phoebe to break through his cool demeanour.
They might have come together unexpectedly and, despite the obvious differences in their personalities, their relationship develops fast. I would say they are actually a perfect match. As the saying goes, opposites attract, and these differences only serve to draw them closer, each getting what they need from the other, creating sparks and tons of chemistry.
I thought the pacing of the book was just right, with a great balance of fun, humor, steam and drama. I loved it and spent most of my time reading with a big old smile on my face.
April 22, 2026
What a sweet and deeply heartwarming novel. Dutch and Phoebe are relatable characters who meet at exactly the right time when they need each other most. Truly a couldn’t-put-it-down piece of perfection.
Author Atticus Dutch channels the dark and twisted corners of his mind into psychological thrillers. Then he suddenly experiences a betrayal so severe it has stalled his ability to write and he can’t tell anyone why. His editor sends him to a mostly remote lakeside cabin to find his mojo again. Dutch just wasn’t expecting a stray dog, or his sunshiny neighbor, to suddenly adopt him when all he wants is to be left alone.
Artist Phoebe Valentine has lived in Haven, New York her entire life. Now, living in her dream home on the lake, with her studio just steps away, she finds there is a new resident in the only other house near hers. Even though Dutch is grumpy and withdrawn Phoebe can’t help but keep trying to reach out to him, especially when a sweet stray insists on adopting them both.
With a deadline creeping up Dutch is desperate to get his next book started and it seems local lore may be just the inspiration he needs. But his inability to trust anyone may destroy his growing relationship with Phoebe along with his ability to write. Though he feels his paint splattered neighbor is so much more than he deserves, maybe she’s just what he needs.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
Author Atticus Dutch channels the dark and twisted corners of his mind into psychological thrillers. Then he suddenly experiences a betrayal so severe it has stalled his ability to write and he can’t tell anyone why. His editor sends him to a mostly remote lakeside cabin to find his mojo again. Dutch just wasn’t expecting a stray dog, or his sunshiny neighbor, to suddenly adopt him when all he wants is to be left alone.
Artist Phoebe Valentine has lived in Haven, New York her entire life. Now, living in her dream home on the lake, with her studio just steps away, she finds there is a new resident in the only other house near hers. Even though Dutch is grumpy and withdrawn Phoebe can’t help but keep trying to reach out to him, especially when a sweet stray insists on adopting them both.
With a deadline creeping up Dutch is desperate to get his next book started and it seems local lore may be just the inspiration he needs. But his inability to trust anyone may destroy his growing relationship with Phoebe along with his ability to write. Though he feels his paint splattered neighbor is so much more than he deserves, maybe she’s just what he needs.
I received an ARC and freely offer this review.
April 25, 2026
Taryn Quinn's newest series starts off with an addicting, swoony romance in Color His World. I love Quinn's small-town romances, and Haven is a spectacular addition to their repertoire. Set in upstate NY, Haven is a stunning lakeside town filled with small-town charm, characters who are full of personality, and constant snowy weather that's perfect for getting snowed-in together (IYKYK!). This story is a grumpy x sunshine romance filled with secrets, pain, healing, and heat. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be rooting for the characters throughout.
Phoebe and Dutch are complete opposites who actually have more in common than they realize. Both are creatives by nature, but their paths took them in different directions in the arts. Phoebe is a successful local artist, while Dutch is a wildly successful author who is struggling to find inspiration for his next book. Dutch has been through the wringer, and Phoebe is exactly who he needs to bring him from darkness to light. I loved watching these two fall in love. Their journey is full of bumps and bruises, but they do find their happily ever after, and I was there for every step of it!
Quinn's deft pen made me feel every single emotion that the characters were feeling. I found myself truly connecting with Phoebe and Dutch, cheering them on from the very start. I can't wait to see what's to come with the Haven series. Knowing Quinn, we're in for a wild ride! 5 stars
Phoebe and Dutch are complete opposites who actually have more in common than they realize. Both are creatives by nature, but their paths took them in different directions in the arts. Phoebe is a successful local artist, while Dutch is a wildly successful author who is struggling to find inspiration for his next book. Dutch has been through the wringer, and Phoebe is exactly who he needs to bring him from darkness to light. I loved watching these two fall in love. Their journey is full of bumps and bruises, but they do find their happily ever after, and I was there for every step of it!
Quinn's deft pen made me feel every single emotion that the characters were feeling. I found myself truly connecting with Phoebe and Dutch, cheering them on from the very start. I can't wait to see what's to come with the Haven series. Knowing Quinn, we're in for a wild ride! 5 stars
April 20, 2026
Color His World is a brand new series by Taryn Quinn and wow did they start it off with a bang.
Have to say this might be my on favourites of their books.
All starts with a author named Dutch and a artist named Phoebe and a dog name Mouse.
They all find each other and I love it.
He is struggling with his next book and his publisher rents him the house on Lake Providence right beside Phoebe. She has been painting a mural on the ceiling of a local cafe.
They see each other the day he moves in but doesn't got well lol
Dutch goes for walk at the lake and lands on his back.. enter Mouse. A stray who won't let him alone
Not sure is Mouse adopts them or they adopt him. Way too cute
Dutch has major trust issues because of what is friend/agent did to his last book and Phoebe tries to help.
He learned of the folk lore of the lake and the mystery car and missing kids. It starts the writing vibes again. After getting together and enjoying each other Dutch blows up at her because he thinks she is reading his new book but she has a special vibe thing about people.
After he realizes she didn't read it he says he is sorry and explains everything that happened to him so she understands the trust issues.
Let's just say they get their HEA after dealing with all of it.
Have to say this might be my on favourites of their books.
All starts with a author named Dutch and a artist named Phoebe and a dog name Mouse.
They all find each other and I love it.
He is struggling with his next book and his publisher rents him the house on Lake Providence right beside Phoebe. She has been painting a mural on the ceiling of a local cafe.
They see each other the day he moves in but doesn't got well lol
Dutch goes for walk at the lake and lands on his back.. enter Mouse. A stray who won't let him alone
Not sure is Mouse adopts them or they adopt him. Way too cute
Dutch has major trust issues because of what is friend/agent did to his last book and Phoebe tries to help.
He learned of the folk lore of the lake and the mystery car and missing kids. It starts the writing vibes again. After getting together and enjoying each other Dutch blows up at her because he thinks she is reading his new book but she has a special vibe thing about people.
After he realizes she didn't read it he says he is sorry and explains everything that happened to him so she understands the trust issues.
Let's just say they get their HEA after dealing with all of it.
May 23, 2026
4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, funny, forced proximity, neighbours to more, steamy contemporary small town romance between Phoebe, the cheerful female artist lead, and Dutch, the grumpy male author lead, coping with a betrayal induced writer’s block and trying something new at his editor’s insistence. I laughed out loud at the antics of the dog who claimed both lead characters, especially Dutch, and appreciated the kindness with which both characters approached him. I enjoyed Phoebe’s career satisfaction and her joy in sharing art with others. I empathised with Dutch’s emotional distress, and enjoyed seeing him start to look for a way out. I enjoyed the relationship building, and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the setting and meeting other characters. I enjoyed the threatened justice for Dutch’s antagonist, and the fact that this didn’t overshadow the story (and I wish it were a viable solution in real life). I enjoyed the support that Phoebe’s family and friends provided. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
April 20, 2026
This was a wonderful start to the new Haven series! Small town feels with lots of spicy, sexy time thrown in. Dutch has had his world fractured by his supposed best friend and agent so he seeks solace in the small town of Haven, New York. He is trying to find the words to finish his novel but the betrayal has left him doubting everything and his world feels so dark.
Phoebe is such a bright, sunny person who shows her sunshine personality in her work with bright colors. She meets her next door neighbor and feels his hurt and pain but also the attraction and pull to Dutch. Phoebe can't turn away from helping Dutch but can she push past all his boundaries and edginess.
Throw in Mouse the stray dog who has adopted these two and is consistently pushing them together. Can Dutch lower his guard and let Phoebe in and trust her intentions? This story will capture you and you will want to read until the end.
Phoebe is such a bright, sunny person who shows her sunshine personality in her work with bright colors. She meets her next door neighbor and feels his hurt and pain but also the attraction and pull to Dutch. Phoebe can't turn away from helping Dutch but can she push past all his boundaries and edginess.
Throw in Mouse the stray dog who has adopted these two and is consistently pushing them together. Can Dutch lower his guard and let Phoebe in and trust her intentions? This story will capture you and you will want to read until the end.
April 20, 2026
COLOR HIS WORLD is the first in a new smalltown romance series by Taryn Quinn. Author Atticus Dutch has temporarily relocated to Haven, New York, to regroup and to shake off the difficulty writing he’s had since discovering a soul-crushing betrayal. To his surprise, the sunshine-y artist next door seems to have the ability to blow the dark clouds away. Phoebe Valentine is a muralist, and her joyful confidence in herself and the world around her is just the balm those around her can bask in. To her surprise, the gruff new neighbor turns out to be an excellent fellow dog owner, and she wants to help ease his obvious pain.
Taryn Quinn has written another engaging page-turning delight, and I couldn’t put Phoebe and Dutch down. Their friends and neighbors provide a real support as they get to know each other and in Dutch’s case, learn (again?) that the world is not always out to get you. A warm and joyful read to start a delicious new series.
Taryn Quinn has written another engaging page-turning delight, and I couldn’t put Phoebe and Dutch down. Their friends and neighbors provide a real support as they get to know each other and in Dutch’s case, learn (again?) that the world is not always out to get you. A warm and joyful read to start a delicious new series.
April 21, 2026
Opposites attract in the first book of the Haven Series, Color His World, by Taryn Quinn. The book features Dutch and Phoebe, but the star of the show is Mouse, the dog that won't give up on his people...no matter how hard Dutch tries!
If Dutch were a color, they would be gray and black. Phoebe, on the other hand, is all colors of the spectrum. Dutch writes horror and is very solitary. Phoebe is an artist painting murals and store exhibits, but also is driven to help people she feels need her help. After a betrayal he can't understand and a cross-country move, Dutch is now the next door neighbor to a perky, colorful, and beautiful woman. Dutch's interactions are acerbic at first, but you just can't stop Phoebe's personality.
I so enjoyed this book and seeing the release of trauma and the personal growth they went through as they became closer to each other. I can't wait for the next book in this new series by Taryn Quinn.
If Dutch were a color, they would be gray and black. Phoebe, on the other hand, is all colors of the spectrum. Dutch writes horror and is very solitary. Phoebe is an artist painting murals and store exhibits, but also is driven to help people she feels need her help. After a betrayal he can't understand and a cross-country move, Dutch is now the next door neighbor to a perky, colorful, and beautiful woman. Dutch's interactions are acerbic at first, but you just can't stop Phoebe's personality.
I so enjoyed this book and seeing the release of trauma and the personal growth they went through as they became closer to each other. I can't wait for the next book in this new series by Taryn Quinn.
April 21, 2026
I loved this new series!
Atticus Dutch (aka Dutch) is an author that has writer's block but is hiding something that's causing his block and tons of pain. He is sent from California to go live on a lake in NY hoping that the change will help him begin writing again.
Phoebe Valentine is just sunshine in human form. She's an artist that's often dotted with paint. She's also an empath. All of a sudden she notices that the house that sits closest to her has a new neighbor and before she knows it, she sees him lying on the beach in the middle of a snowstorm. To make it even more interesting, a dog shows up next to them and adopts them as parents even though they're not together.
Can this ray of sunshine help him find his way back to writing? What's the secret that he's trying to escape? Who gets the dog? This was a fun read that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Atticus Dutch (aka Dutch) is an author that has writer's block but is hiding something that's causing his block and tons of pain. He is sent from California to go live on a lake in NY hoping that the change will help him begin writing again.
Phoebe Valentine is just sunshine in human form. She's an artist that's often dotted with paint. She's also an empath. All of a sudden she notices that the house that sits closest to her has a new neighbor and before she knows it, she sees him lying on the beach in the middle of a snowstorm. To make it even more interesting, a dog shows up next to them and adopts them as parents even though they're not together.
Can this ray of sunshine help him find his way back to writing? What's the secret that he's trying to escape? Who gets the dog? This was a fun read that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
April 22, 2026
Oh how I loved Color His World! Dutch, Phoebe and Mouse just made my month! Novelist Atticus Dutch has been sent to Haven, NY to work on his novel. He recently had a huge betrayal in his life and has an awful case of writer's block. He's mad at the world but fortunately for him, his neighbor is one of the happiest people on the planet! Artist Phoebe Valentine loves life and loves that she is able to make a living with her art. When she sees her new neighbor take a tumble in the snow, she heads out to assist him. The two encounter a friendly dog that decides to adopt them both! Now can this grumpy writer and sunshiney artist find happiness together and move forward with their lives and careers together? This was a fun small town romance that kept me glued until the final page. I can't wait to read more about the residents of Haven and especially the Valentine siblings. Color His World was small town perfection!
April 24, 2026
Color His World is the first book in a new series by Taryn Quinn.
Phoebe is a free spirit. An artist who has lived in Haven, New York her whole life. She knows everyone, and everyone knows her. She has a house on the lake, with a studio mere steps away. Seems ideal. Until the new neighbor arrives.
Dutch is a writer who's been given an ultimatum of sorts from his publisher. Go sequester yourself in this lake house in Haven, New York until you get your book written. On deadline. Sure. No problem. Dutch is bringing LOTS of baggage with him. LOTS.
Dutch is a grump, but Phoebe wins him over. She has help from a four-legged friend, Mouse, who basically adopts the two of them. The more time Phoebe and Dutch spend together, the more undeniable their attraction. And when they act on it?
WHEW! The sweet and smexy-ness you know Taryn Quinn can deliver!
Overall, a very quick read, even at some 200+ pages, because the world building is AMAZING. When's the next book?
Phoebe is a free spirit. An artist who has lived in Haven, New York her whole life. She knows everyone, and everyone knows her. She has a house on the lake, with a studio mere steps away. Seems ideal. Until the new neighbor arrives.
Dutch is a writer who's been given an ultimatum of sorts from his publisher. Go sequester yourself in this lake house in Haven, New York until you get your book written. On deadline. Sure. No problem. Dutch is bringing LOTS of baggage with him. LOTS.
Dutch is a grump, but Phoebe wins him over. She has help from a four-legged friend, Mouse, who basically adopts the two of them. The more time Phoebe and Dutch spend together, the more undeniable their attraction. And when they act on it?
WHEW! The sweet and smexy-ness you know Taryn Quinn can deliver!
Overall, a very quick read, even at some 200+ pages, because the world building is AMAZING. When's the next book?
May 26, 2026
Probably for longer than I should admit, I've been reading romantic fiction for the easy feeling or for the pleasure of the craft. Too often they're mutually exclusive. Some romance books are short and hot, predictable tropes, but you don't need much more than that. Others, you commit for the long haul, get invested in the characters, and arrive at your HEA. I love books by Taryn Quinn because you get the whole package - the spice and everything nice in her writing, the humor between the main characters, the depth of the story, the quirks of her female character balanced with the often-stoicism of male leads. Color His World does not dissappoint. I was invested as I watched their relationship play out through humor and trauma and small-town drama that just makes your heart smile. 10/10 recommend the read if you're committed to a longer story with heat and depth, with a side of puppy love.
April 28, 2026
What do you get when you pair a tortured, broken author with an actual ray of sunshine and goodness? You get Atticus Dutch and Phoebe Valentine, residents of Haven, NY, neighbors, and the ultimate grumpy/sunshine couple.
Taryn Quinn gave us a taste of Haven and all of it's quirky small town charm in 'Tis the Dang Season, and when the ladies decided to expand this world, I did my own little happy dance. I am a sucker for small town romance, and TQ has it down to perfection, so I couldn't wait to see what they had in store for us with the new series.
Dutch and Phoebe are magic, truly. Her, with her innate kindness, nurturing, and light, him with his secrets, his woundedness, his shadows, somehow make the most perfect couple and one of my favorite that I've met lately. And Mouse, oh my gosh, he truly may be the star of this story, because he loves with abandon, and I absolutely adore him.
I can't wait to see what TQ has in store for Phoebe's brother, Lance, because I know that it's going to be awesome. In the meantime, welcome to Haven. You're going to love it here. ❤️
April 25, 2026
Way to go Taryn Quinn as this book checked off all the boxes of an excellent read!!!
Phoebe is a ray of light that shines through every situation, including a grumpy author that moves in next door.
Atticus Banks is a well known author that has been sent to Haven, a small town in NY, by his editor to try to cure his writers block. He is very bitter after a friend betrayed his trust and now has to deal with his neighbor Miss Phoebe Sunshine who has rescued him after a bad fall on the ice. On top of that, a huge white mountain of fluff has now adopted both of them. Where did this dog come from????
OMG!! I LOVE the characters in this book and a big lovable mush that Banks names Mouse is a scene stealer throughout the story. Phoebe breaks down all of Banks' walls and the spicy chemistry these two have are off the charts!! Five star read!
Phoebe is a ray of light that shines through every situation, including a grumpy author that moves in next door.
Atticus Banks is a well known author that has been sent to Haven, a small town in NY, by his editor to try to cure his writers block. He is very bitter after a friend betrayed his trust and now has to deal with his neighbor Miss Phoebe Sunshine who has rescued him after a bad fall on the ice. On top of that, a huge white mountain of fluff has now adopted both of them. Where did this dog come from????
OMG!! I LOVE the characters in this book and a big lovable mush that Banks names Mouse is a scene stealer throughout the story. Phoebe breaks down all of Banks' walls and the spicy chemistry these two have are off the charts!! Five star read!
April 23, 2026
I am loving this small town and the group of characters that we are getting to know! Phoebe, Dutch, and a lovable dog have a very intersting meet up. Right from the start I was all in. I love her personality, the talent and that quirkiness that makes her so special. Dutch is a grump, likes to be by himself, and the story flows well to dig into his past. The connection between Phoebe and Dutch is strong, a pull that's hard to fight. The spice is high, the sweet is on point, there are smiles and laughs, and so much to enjoy about this read. We're given an amazing first step in this new series and I'm so excited for more!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 21, 2026
This is a 'take the day off to read kind of book' because once you start you won't want to put it down!
Dutch arrives in Haven in an editor-imposed exile, hoping that distance from a life-altering betrayal will finally allow him to write again. But his plans for solitude are quickly disrupted. His neighbor, Phoebe—bright and full of sunshine—makes it difficult for him to cling to his gruff, dark persona. And when he finds himself adopted by Mouse, the walls he’s built begin to crack even further.
Set in the magical town of Haven, this is a captivating story filled with heart, healing, and appearances from familiar friends.
Dutch arrives in Haven in an editor-imposed exile, hoping that distance from a life-altering betrayal will finally allow him to write again. But his plans for solitude are quickly disrupted. His neighbor, Phoebe—bright and full of sunshine—makes it difficult for him to cling to his gruff, dark persona. And when he finds himself adopted by Mouse, the walls he’s built begin to crack even further.
Set in the magical town of Haven, this is a captivating story filled with heart, healing, and appearances from familiar friends.
April 29, 2026
Who doesn’t get excited about a new series from Taryn Quinn? I’ve been waiting for this one since I saw the tease that it was coming out. And I was NOT disappointed. I love when this author adds onto their small town worlds.
Dutch and Phoebe are the epitome of grumpy and sunshine. Dutch is all dark - from the books he writes to all that is around him. Phoebe is full of happiness and color. I love how she doesn’t give up on him. Not so much from the relationship standpoint, but from the entire living and believing in himself.
And now I find myself wanting to read a book written by Atticus Dutch.
Dutch and Phoebe are the epitome of grumpy and sunshine. Dutch is all dark - from the books he writes to all that is around him. Phoebe is full of happiness and color. I love how she doesn’t give up on him. Not so much from the relationship standpoint, but from the entire living and believing in himself.
And now I find myself wanting to read a book written by Atticus Dutch.
April 20, 2026
Dutch is renting the Henderson cottage next door to Phoebe. He's angry & hurting after being betrayed by his former best friend. After a bad fall, Phoebe recues & then befriends him. And he's adopted by a stray dog, that they name Mouse. (Mouse was a wonderful addition to this romance!)
Phoebe's sunshiny attitude helps Dutch slowly heal & as she pulls him out of his shell, a steamy relationship ensues. I enjoyed how Phoebe's brother steps up to help catch the bad guy! Definitely recommend this feel good romance with a happy ending!
Phoebe's sunshiny attitude helps Dutch slowly heal & as she pulls him out of his shell, a steamy relationship ensues. I enjoyed how Phoebe's brother steps up to help catch the bad guy! Definitely recommend this feel good romance with a happy ending!
April 23, 2026
Phoebe and Dutch. Oh how I love a grumpy sunshine!! Phoebe is everyone's friend. She has this uncanny way of knowing what a person needs and Dutch needs a lot. Dutch is trying to just finish his book. Okay start it really but who's keeping track. I loved these two. Their meeting is highly irregular but to add in a dog from outta no where is amazing chemistry. The dog is one of my favorite characters by far. Well at least as far as the animal form goes. Destiny certainly has her say in what happens to these two.
April 24, 2026
Very sweet story. Author Dutch has writer’s block after betrayal and has moved cross country to unblock. He happens to move in next door to Phoebe right before a bad storm and she rescues him. He is very grumpy and she is very NOT. He gets some inspiration for his writing, serious chemistry with Phoebe, and a bit of help dealing with his betrayers in his newfound home. I love that she is just completely herself with him from the start. And he accepts it and grudgingly (at first) likes it and her. Loved it.
May 3, 2026
OMG! A new series!!! Grumpy author who has lost his voice, well not his voice but his words which is even worse. His editor/publisher has sent him to a remote town and in the middle of a snow storm he meets his neighbor while he is moving in. She is a quirky wonder and his total opposite and just what he needs. I am not going to tell you anything more except I read this nearly in one setting. I put it down long enough to finish my work and was back at it. Cannot wait for more!
**Received this ARC from the author for review**
**Received this ARC from the author for review**
May 18, 2026
Wonderful want!
You have once again written a captivating, page turning, laughing, sexy, sprinkled tears, and thoroughly amazing book. The entirety, both captured and motivated me until the end. respectfully, I have my first critique, or should I say desire? I would've liked more elaboration with the Christopher situation, and for Dutch, on his "lost and found piece". Anyway, I am anxious as always for the next slice of Haven (and for all of your books). Thank you. Sincerely, Chris Hamel, Quincy, MA
You have once again written a captivating, page turning, laughing, sexy, sprinkled tears, and thoroughly amazing book. The entirety, both captured and motivated me until the end. respectfully, I have my first critique, or should I say desire? I would've liked more elaboration with the Christopher situation, and for Dutch, on his "lost and found piece". Anyway, I am anxious as always for the next slice of Haven (and for all of your books). Thank you. Sincerely, Chris Hamel, Quincy, MA
May 28, 2026
Phoebe and Dutch are neighbors and both in creative based careers. She’s an artist and he’s an author. He’s very protective of himself and his work and has definite walls up. Phoebe is sunshine and kindness. She helps him and he keeps pushing her away. When he pushes too much she gives him space and he realizes that’s not what he really wants. Her ability to read his feelings and what he needs helps her to break through to him and once that happens their chemistry if off the charts! Despite seeming like opposites, they are a perfect and supportive match for each other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Must read romance
I absolutely loved this story. It's about Dutch who meets his neighbor Phoebe who actually rescues him. With his dog, who isn't his dog Mouse can they bring happiness back to this broken man. Fast and so steamy, hilarious and well written. I loved the characters, they're well developed and fascinating. It's the perfect romance and I want more. It's a once started couldn't put down read and I loved it.
I absolutely loved this story. It's about Dutch who meets his neighbor Phoebe who actually rescues him. With his dog, who isn't his dog Mouse can they bring happiness back to this broken man. Fast and so steamy, hilarious and well written. I loved the characters, they're well developed and fascinating. It's the perfect romance and I want more. It's a once started couldn't put down read and I loved it.
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