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Watercolors
Luminous Brooks had mastered surviving in gray.
Gray paintings. Gray routines. Gray love. Gray versions of herself that never asked for too much and never felt too loud. After losing her job, falling behind on rent, and watching life close in around her piece by piece, the last thing she expected was an inheritance from a grandmother that failed her decades ago—a massive old-money lake house sitting in the middle of Lynn Beach.
Beautiful.
Quiet.
And filled with memories she spent years trying not to touch.
The rules are live there or lose it.
So Lumi does what she’s always done. She stays small. Minds her business. Keeps her head down. Pretends the water surrounding the property doesn’t make her chest tighten every time she looks at it.
Then there’s her neighbor.
Ashlee “Wave” Reeves— the golden boy of swimming. The man the world watched win over and over again. But retirement left him standing still in a life that no longer fits the way it used to. Now his days revolve around keeping peace, raising the teenage daughter he’s still learning, and trying to figure out who he is outside of being everybody’s idea of perfect.
Lumi was never supposed to become part of that.
But somewhere between late-night talks, paint-stained fingers, quiet laughs across the lake, and tension that lingers long after the moment is over, Wave starts becoming the one place Lumi feels safe enough to unravel.
And that terrifies her.
Because water remembers.
It remembers the summer that changed everything.
The grief she never spoke out loud.
The little girl she used to be before fear made a home inside of her.
Now, with love slowly coloring in the parts of herself she buried years ago, Lumi has to decide if she’s willing to keep surviving in gray… or finally learn how to live in color.
Watercolors is a slow-burning Black romance about healing, softness, grief, yearning, and love that touches every version of who you’ve been.
Gray paintings. Gray routines. Gray love. Gray versions of herself that never asked for too much and never felt too loud. After losing her job, falling behind on rent, and watching life close in around her piece by piece, the last thing she expected was an inheritance from a grandmother that failed her decades ago—a massive old-money lake house sitting in the middle of Lynn Beach.
Beautiful.
Quiet.
And filled with memories she spent years trying not to touch.
The rules are live there or lose it.
So Lumi does what she’s always done. She stays small. Minds her business. Keeps her head down. Pretends the water surrounding the property doesn’t make her chest tighten every time she looks at it.
Then there’s her neighbor.
Ashlee “Wave” Reeves— the golden boy of swimming. The man the world watched win over and over again. But retirement left him standing still in a life that no longer fits the way it used to. Now his days revolve around keeping peace, raising the teenage daughter he’s still learning, and trying to figure out who he is outside of being everybody’s idea of perfect.
Lumi was never supposed to become part of that.
But somewhere between late-night talks, paint-stained fingers, quiet laughs across the lake, and tension that lingers long after the moment is over, Wave starts becoming the one place Lumi feels safe enough to unravel.
And that terrifies her.
Because water remembers.
It remembers the summer that changed everything.
The grief she never spoke out loud.
The little girl she used to be before fear made a home inside of her.
Now, with love slowly coloring in the parts of herself she buried years ago, Lumi has to decide if she’s willing to keep surviving in gray… or finally learn how to live in color.
Watercolors is a slow-burning Black romance about healing, softness, grief, yearning, and love that touches every version of who you’ve been.
608 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
May 8, 2026
I read this in 12 hours.. all 640 pages because it was that good. This book is going to make you sit in your feelings some serious. I was so invested in these characters. Lumi, Wave, Ashley, Kit, Lowe, Kendrell, Vari … they all added much needed substance to this story. New beginnings, old wounds resurfacing, found family, and just living life the best you know how by yourself until God puts people in your corner that you no longer have to do it alone.
This book was amazing. My first Evelyn Latrice book and it definitely won’t be my last.
This book was amazing. My first Evelyn Latrice book and it definitely won’t be my last.
May 15, 2026
2.5/3 ⭐️
The plot in this story was good however, the book was 70% inner dialogue and very little dialogue between characters which led me to start skimming through at around 54%. I felt like the characters were in their head and talking to themselves for most of the book. I honestly feel like this book could have been 300 pgs because many times I felt like I was reading but nothing of significance was happening. The daughter’s secret scenario could have been made into a novella since it didn’t really add to the story in my opinion. This may be the last book I try by this author because I don’t think her writing style is for me, it was so poetic it started to feel forced.
The plot in this story was good however, the book was 70% inner dialogue and very little dialogue between characters which led me to start skimming through at around 54%. I felt like the characters were in their head and talking to themselves for most of the book. I honestly feel like this book could have been 300 pgs because many times I felt like I was reading but nothing of significance was happening. The daughter’s secret scenario could have been made into a novella since it didn’t really add to the story in my opinion. This may be the last book I try by this author because I don’t think her writing style is for me, it was so poetic it started to feel forced.
May 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Evelyn has once again demonstrated her inventiveness when it comes to black characters. I enjoyed how Wave and Ashley entered Lumi's gloomy life and added color. I wish there had been more of Lumi's past—we know she experienced trauma but I just wanted to see more of the relationships in her family, like we got with Wave. It was refreshing and unique to read about swimming and skating as outlets outside of the usual sports. The slow pacing was comforting, and I loved how each character represented a color. With Lumi, Wave was very patient and attentive. Ashley was very direct and vulnerable, and that's exactly the kind of love Lumi needed to heal herself in a way she was unaware of. I appreciate how the chapter header became more colorful with every chapter, reflecting Lumi's inner feelings and growth.
May 10, 2026
The water you feel, see, embrace, and touch. The water weighed you down, but only if you let it. The water if nothing else, healed you. Watercolors is definitely one for the books and will leave its mark.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
September 2, 2026
2.5⭐️ Every now and then when I’m posting my review on Instagram, I get push back because my caption is too long. You can’t go over 2200 characters and sometimes I’m over 3000. This works my nerves because I have to revise all that I’ve written and condense it so that I’m able to post it. I feel that this author could’ve strongly use some pushback as well to cut down the 600+ pages of repetitive scenes and dialogue.
This is my second book by this author and I honestly can’t figure out why she’s intent on making every book she writes 600 pages or more. There’s so much extra fluff, extra internal thoughts, and drawn out dialogue that makes the read feel like a marathon.
Example (my own exaggerated ex): I felt a sudden pang in my stomach which caused me to realize that I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. The thought of food made my mouth water and think of how I could relieve myself from food deprivation.
Just say “I’m hungry” 🤦🏾♀️
I don’t need every conversation to be deep and lyrical. Talk to me normal, make it plain.
I adore this gorgeous cover! A few of the conversations/scenes between Lumi and Wave were genuine and stimulating, particularly when they were talking about healing through art and and water. I like that he gave her a soft place to land and was open to hearing her story and just being there for her. I also like the found family aspect and everyone coming together really nicely as though they belonged together all along.
I was not keen on the Ashley side story at all in the end. What happened to Tasha? She just left for good never to be seen or heard from ever again?
This is my second book by this author and I honestly can’t figure out why she’s intent on making every book she writes 600 pages or more. There’s so much extra fluff, extra internal thoughts, and drawn out dialogue that makes the read feel like a marathon.
Example (my own exaggerated ex): I felt a sudden pang in my stomach which caused me to realize that I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. The thought of food made my mouth water and think of how I could relieve myself from food deprivation.
Just say “I’m hungry” 🤦🏾♀️
I don’t need every conversation to be deep and lyrical. Talk to me normal, make it plain.
I adore this gorgeous cover! A few of the conversations/scenes between Lumi and Wave were genuine and stimulating, particularly when they were talking about healing through art and and water. I like that he gave her a soft place to land and was open to hearing her story and just being there for her. I also like the found family aspect and everyone coming together really nicely as though they belonged together all along.
I was not keen on the Ashley side story at all in the end. What happened to Tasha? She just left for good never to be seen or heard from ever again?
May 7, 2026
drowning in waveland 🏊🏾♀️🌊
And when it comes to representation of “US” - Evelyn does that continuously. Watercolors is the reminder that “pain won’t define me anymore” as eloquently stated by Lumi. When I open a book by Evelyn, I know I am going to get a story that is engaging, thought provoking, riddled with gems and centered in black love. This one, yeah, exceeded my expectations – not just because of the HEA but because it was like peeling back the layers that had been hidden and realizing, that I too deserve to live in color. So thank you, Evelyn for penning this beautiful story.
Lumi, Wave, and Ashley stole my heart – equally. There would be no Watercolors without those three. The side characters brought a good balance to the story, as well. But their story demonstrates love in multiple facets – not just in a romance stance, but in family, friendships, healing, growth, and even through the challenges. My heart was consistently shattered throughout but healed, at the same time. As someone who constantly lives in the grey, I saw a ton of myself – staying in the background, hiding from the world, avoiding all attention. That was basically Lumi’s character. Lumi suffered a breakup, lost her job, and was forced to return to the very place that caused her significant heartache. Returning to Lynn Beach brought all the harsh memories to the forefront, and I was concerned it would cause more setbacks than good. Seeing Lumi take back ownership of her life and allowing color to take up space was heartwarming.
Wave and Ashley? LOVED them! The father-daughter duo bulldozed their way into Lumi’s life, and I was so tickled. This was another display of love. I truly believe Ashley’s bond with Lumi healed both of their hearts. Ashley was Lumi’s “lil girl” in every sense of the phrase and every black girl deserves to be someone’s “lil girl”. Their banter, safety, and security shown so positively on page was what I needed. #girlhood I don’t have many words for Wave – but he was a WHOLE man! When Wave told Lumi “if you want my heart...you can have that too” I was swooning. It took a strong man to show Lumi and at times, Ashley, they were worthy of love and not a victim of their circumstances.
Watercolors is a slow burn, but it burned oh so good! I appreciated the pace, the development of the characters, the tension, and eventual “aha moments.” I enjoyed every bit of this story; a few parts had me fighting the tears, and there is heavy content so practice self-care. May all the colors of the rainbow provide the light in dark places. Another must read story!
https://readnliftwithshar.medium.com/...
**arc / beta review
And when it comes to representation of “US” - Evelyn does that continuously. Watercolors is the reminder that “pain won’t define me anymore” as eloquently stated by Lumi. When I open a book by Evelyn, I know I am going to get a story that is engaging, thought provoking, riddled with gems and centered in black love. This one, yeah, exceeded my expectations – not just because of the HEA but because it was like peeling back the layers that had been hidden and realizing, that I too deserve to live in color. So thank you, Evelyn for penning this beautiful story.
Lumi, Wave, and Ashley stole my heart – equally. There would be no Watercolors without those three. The side characters brought a good balance to the story, as well. But their story demonstrates love in multiple facets – not just in a romance stance, but in family, friendships, healing, growth, and even through the challenges. My heart was consistently shattered throughout but healed, at the same time. As someone who constantly lives in the grey, I saw a ton of myself – staying in the background, hiding from the world, avoiding all attention. That was basically Lumi’s character. Lumi suffered a breakup, lost her job, and was forced to return to the very place that caused her significant heartache. Returning to Lynn Beach brought all the harsh memories to the forefront, and I was concerned it would cause more setbacks than good. Seeing Lumi take back ownership of her life and allowing color to take up space was heartwarming.
Wave and Ashley? LOVED them! The father-daughter duo bulldozed their way into Lumi’s life, and I was so tickled. This was another display of love. I truly believe Ashley’s bond with Lumi healed both of their hearts. Ashley was Lumi’s “lil girl” in every sense of the phrase and every black girl deserves to be someone’s “lil girl”. Their banter, safety, and security shown so positively on page was what I needed. #girlhood I don’t have many words for Wave – but he was a WHOLE man! When Wave told Lumi “if you want my heart...you can have that too” I was swooning. It took a strong man to show Lumi and at times, Ashley, they were worthy of love and not a victim of their circumstances.
Watercolors is a slow burn, but it burned oh so good! I appreciated the pace, the development of the characters, the tension, and eventual “aha moments.” I enjoyed every bit of this story; a few parts had me fighting the tears, and there is heavy content so practice self-care. May all the colors of the rainbow provide the light in dark places. Another must read story!
https://readnliftwithshar.medium.com/...
**arc / beta review
May 10, 2026
I adore Evelyn Latrice’s work — To the Moon is one of my all‑time favorite romances, and I still think about Tangled Hearts. She knows how to write emotion, tension, and characters who stay with you long after the last page.
But Watercolors just didn’t land for me.
The story follows Lumi, Wave, and Ashley. Lumi returns to Lynn Beach, a place filled with painful memories. Wave, a retired Olympic swimmer, also returns home after retirement and discovers he has a daughter. As Lumi tries to heal and Wave learns how to navigate fatherhood, a romance forms between them.
The message is powerful, and I know many readers will connect deeply with the themes. But the execution wasn’t there. At over 600 pages, the story still felt like it lacked depth. Instead of being immersed in the characters’ emotional worlds, I felt like I was being told about their emotions, motivations, and experiences. Scenes were summarized instead of lived. Moments that should have hit hard were explained rather than shown through action and dialogue.
For a book this long, that level of telling isn’t justifiable — it made the story feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
The characters felt flat, the emotional beats muted, and the perspective didn’t feel unique in the way Evelyn’s stories usually do. I’m used to shedding tears when I read her books, and this time… not one. The subject matter deserved more emotional weight, more interiority, more lived‑in humanity.
To sum it up, it felt like a story trying to check off the boxes romance readers expect rather than offering a unique take on the single dad romance trope and childhood trauma.
I still love Evelyn Latrice and will absolutely read whatever she writes next but Watercolors wasn’t the reading experience I hoped for.
But Watercolors just didn’t land for me.
The story follows Lumi, Wave, and Ashley. Lumi returns to Lynn Beach, a place filled with painful memories. Wave, a retired Olympic swimmer, also returns home after retirement and discovers he has a daughter. As Lumi tries to heal and Wave learns how to navigate fatherhood, a romance forms between them.
The message is powerful, and I know many readers will connect deeply with the themes. But the execution wasn’t there. At over 600 pages, the story still felt like it lacked depth. Instead of being immersed in the characters’ emotional worlds, I felt like I was being told about their emotions, motivations, and experiences. Scenes were summarized instead of lived. Moments that should have hit hard were explained rather than shown through action and dialogue.
For a book this long, that level of telling isn’t justifiable — it made the story feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
The characters felt flat, the emotional beats muted, and the perspective didn’t feel unique in the way Evelyn’s stories usually do. I’m used to shedding tears when I read her books, and this time… not one. The subject matter deserved more emotional weight, more interiority, more lived‑in humanity.
To sum it up, it felt like a story trying to check off the boxes romance readers expect rather than offering a unique take on the single dad romance trope and childhood trauma.
I still love Evelyn Latrice and will absolutely read whatever she writes next but Watercolors wasn’t the reading experience I hoped for.
May 12, 2026
Watercolors had me emotionally unemployed for two straight days. Before work, during work, in the bath, on breaks… if I had free time, my Kindle was OPEN. I was in Lynn Beach minding everybody’s business like somebody auntie with a folding chair on the porch.
Evelyn Latrice really sat down and gave us grief, healing, friendship, family, found family, love plus emotional damage wrapped up in one beautiful story. One minute I was giggling and kicking my feet, the next minute I was staring at the ceiling stressed out asking Evelyn why she thought any of this was okay for my blood pressure.
Lumi touched my heart deeply. If you’ve experienced trauma young, parts of her story are going to hit differently. Watching her carry heartbreak, fear, disappointment, loneliness while still trying to figure herself out made me want to climb into the book and hug her myself. Seeing her slowly stop shrinking herself plus start taking up space again was beautiful in such a tender way.
Now Wave… Lord help me. That man was caring, patient, emotionally aware, intentional, fine — like that was just regular behavior. The way he loved Lumi softly without trying to force or rush her healing had me MELTING. But baby when he blew up on Lumi? Oh I was side-eyeing him so hard I almost had to put the book down. Thankfully Kit, Marlowe plus MY man Kendall gathered him immediately because sir… absolutely not.
KENDALL? Yeah that became my baby by the end of the book. I love me an underdog because they may stumble, but when it matters they SHOW UP. Kendall called Wave out exactly the way a big brother should — no sugarcoating, no babying him, just raw honesty. At first I just knew he was going to get on my nerves, somehow Evelyn had me rooting for him hard by the end.
Lil Girl truly became Lumi’s baby in every way that mattered. She came into Lumi’s life with that slick little mouth, big personality, even bigger heart — unknowingly bringing so much healing with her. Their bond felt warm, safe, gentle, full of love. Watching them care for each other touched me deeply. Every Black girl deserves to feel loved, protected, seen, cherished the way Lil Girl plus Lumi loved each other.
Slow burn for sure. BABY IT WAS COOKING LOW AND SLOW. Every interaction, tension, vulnerability, patience, softness had me giggling one minute plus clutching my chest the next.
By the end I felt healed, stressed, comforted, attacked, loved, emotionally dragged all at once.
Evelyn Latrice, count your days respectfully because this book did something to me.
P.S. Vari plus Ashley’s story definitely has more left to tell. I NEED that standalone immediately because I am not ready to let them go yet.
Evelyn Latrice really sat down and gave us grief, healing, friendship, family, found family, love plus emotional damage wrapped up in one beautiful story. One minute I was giggling and kicking my feet, the next minute I was staring at the ceiling stressed out asking Evelyn why she thought any of this was okay for my blood pressure.
Lumi touched my heart deeply. If you’ve experienced trauma young, parts of her story are going to hit differently. Watching her carry heartbreak, fear, disappointment, loneliness while still trying to figure herself out made me want to climb into the book and hug her myself. Seeing her slowly stop shrinking herself plus start taking up space again was beautiful in such a tender way.
Now Wave… Lord help me. That man was caring, patient, emotionally aware, intentional, fine — like that was just regular behavior. The way he loved Lumi softly without trying to force or rush her healing had me MELTING. But baby when he blew up on Lumi? Oh I was side-eyeing him so hard I almost had to put the book down. Thankfully Kit, Marlowe plus MY man Kendall gathered him immediately because sir… absolutely not.
KENDALL? Yeah that became my baby by the end of the book. I love me an underdog because they may stumble, but when it matters they SHOW UP. Kendall called Wave out exactly the way a big brother should — no sugarcoating, no babying him, just raw honesty. At first I just knew he was going to get on my nerves, somehow Evelyn had me rooting for him hard by the end.
Lil Girl truly became Lumi’s baby in every way that mattered. She came into Lumi’s life with that slick little mouth, big personality, even bigger heart — unknowingly bringing so much healing with her. Their bond felt warm, safe, gentle, full of love. Watching them care for each other touched me deeply. Every Black girl deserves to feel loved, protected, seen, cherished the way Lil Girl plus Lumi loved each other.
Slow burn for sure. BABY IT WAS COOKING LOW AND SLOW. Every interaction, tension, vulnerability, patience, softness had me giggling one minute plus clutching my chest the next.
By the end I felt healed, stressed, comforted, attacked, loved, emotionally dragged all at once.
Evelyn Latrice, count your days respectfully because this book did something to me.
P.S. Vari plus Ashley’s story definitely has more left to tell. I NEED that standalone immediately because I am not ready to let them go yet.
October 2, 2026
This was a story of Triumphant LOVE after loss. Loss of innocence for two characters, one in the worst way possible and the other through unforseen circumstances and a lack of guidance. Each of them seeing a kinship in one another.
Lumi has hit rock bottom. She is on the brink of being homeless and the last resort is to accept inheritance from people that shifted her whole life negatively. However, returning to the place that broke her, eventually helps her find acceptance in the woman she has become...the mistakes she has made, and the pain she has endured. Learning to allow herself to be loved leaves space for her lil girl Ashley, who seems to be comforted by Lumi's sadness. She too understands deep loss, they see each other. Their connection was special. While this was a love story it was love with her lil girl first.
Big Ashlee aka Wave was a retired decorated olympic swimmer. He thought he was about to be chilling when his life gets turned upside down. The perfection he once sought out in life is no longer enough. Ish is messy and he is doing his best to navigate it while showing up as both a father and man. Y'all I was so weak for Wave. Like damn I'm getting too easy in my old age. He made space in his life, in his heart to see Lumi. To allow her to have a safe place in him, while helping her move past her fears.
There were so many scenes that I felt deeply and some damn near broke me:
🖼️ The art gallery I would have folded like a lawn chair you hear me 😫
🏊🏾♀️Ashley and her secret 😢 lawd
🏥 The hospital scene and Lumi revealing some of her secrets. That broke me down, you could feel her pain 😭
👩🏾🎨When Lumi was painting in the pool, talking to herself and revealed even more to Wave 😢
🛹 Vari celebrating young Splash 💦 at his competition, was the sweetest thing.
Some might feel like the Vari situation was unrealistic, and maybe it was. The truth is there are plenty of men that make the choice he did unashamed. This was a story with tons of layers, but in the end it led back to love and family and I loved it!
Lumi has hit rock bottom. She is on the brink of being homeless and the last resort is to accept inheritance from people that shifted her whole life negatively. However, returning to the place that broke her, eventually helps her find acceptance in the woman she has become...the mistakes she has made, and the pain she has endured. Learning to allow herself to be loved leaves space for her lil girl Ashley, who seems to be comforted by Lumi's sadness. She too understands deep loss, they see each other. Their connection was special. While this was a love story it was love with her lil girl first.
Big Ashlee aka Wave was a retired decorated olympic swimmer. He thought he was about to be chilling when his life gets turned upside down. The perfection he once sought out in life is no longer enough. Ish is messy and he is doing his best to navigate it while showing up as both a father and man. Y'all I was so weak for Wave. Like damn I'm getting too easy in my old age. He made space in his life, in his heart to see Lumi. To allow her to have a safe place in him, while helping her move past her fears.
There were so many scenes that I felt deeply and some damn near broke me:
🖼️ The art gallery I would have folded like a lawn chair you hear me 😫
🏊🏾♀️Ashley and her secret 😢 lawd
🏥 The hospital scene and Lumi revealing some of her secrets. That broke me down, you could feel her pain 😭
👩🏾🎨When Lumi was painting in the pool, talking to herself and revealed even more to Wave 😢
🛹 Vari celebrating young Splash 💦 at his competition, was the sweetest thing.
Some might feel like the Vari situation was unrealistic, and maybe it was. The truth is there are plenty of men that make the choice he did unashamed. This was a story with tons of layers, but in the end it led back to love and family and I loved it!
May 7, 2026
ARC Review
Y’all, I took my time with this book and absolutely devoured it! Evelyn unfolded their story so beautifully. The way she paints friendship, found family, and soul bonds is truly amazing. A man seeing a woman, knowing she’s his, and helping her come into herself will always do it for me. The words of affirmation, the patience, and the way he kept the ball in her court had me swooning.
Wave was hit with a major secret in the beginning, but instead of spiraling, he faced it head-on. I loved that about him. And although they definitely bumped heads at times, I loved watching their connection grow naturally and seeing how easy they fell into each other.
I highly recommend picking this one up and meeting Lumi, Wave, Ashley, and Vari. You will not be disappointed. 💕
Y’all, I took my time with this book and absolutely devoured it! Evelyn unfolded their story so beautifully. The way she paints friendship, found family, and soul bonds is truly amazing. A man seeing a woman, knowing she’s his, and helping her come into herself will always do it for me. The words of affirmation, the patience, and the way he kept the ball in her court had me swooning.
Wave was hit with a major secret in the beginning, but instead of spiraling, he faced it head-on. I loved that about him. And although they definitely bumped heads at times, I loved watching their connection grow naturally and seeing how easy they fell into each other.
I highly recommend picking this one up and meeting Lumi, Wave, Ashley, and Vari. You will not be disappointed. 💕
May 11, 2026
This was such an enjoyable read 🌊🎨💕 4.5
I absolutely loved the first 80%, and while I felt a little indifferent about the last 20%, it was still a really good story overall. The found family trope is one of my favorites, and Evelyn does it so well. I already can’t wait to read more about this family.
I absolutely loved the first 80%, and while I felt a little indifferent about the last 20%, it was still a really good story overall. The found family trope is one of my favorites, and Evelyn does it so well. I already can’t wait to read more about this family.
May 26, 2026
4.5🌟
First the cover of this book is so beautiful.
Second Evelyn knows how to write a found family story.
Now on to the rest…Lumi had my heart from beginning to end.
Ashley and Wave both needed Lumi and vice versa.
The metaphors between what each color meant to Lumi was heartbreaking.
All the side characters Vari, Kit, Marlowe and Kendell made the story even more enjoyable.
I’m still sitting with this story and I can’t wait for more with this crew.
First the cover of this book is so beautiful.
Second Evelyn knows how to write a found family story.
Now on to the rest…Lumi had my heart from beginning to end.
Ashley and Wave both needed Lumi and vice versa.
The metaphors between what each color meant to Lumi was heartbreaking.
All the side characters Vari, Kit, Marlowe and Kendell made the story even more enjoyable.
I’m still sitting with this story and I can’t wait for more with this crew.
June 3, 2026
A very long and emotional story
The author told her story with this one. I could feel the characters and every emotional side Ashley and Wave went through. When you add Lumi to the storyline, the story begins to synchronise with the theme. The title will become clearer as Wave and Lumi connect. No spoilers, but the part of the story about his new relationship and his family was very deep. The most unexpected family members helped Wave grow. The spacing with his and Lumi's story needed the slow burn effectively to allow his relationships to flourish.
The author told her story with this one. I could feel the characters and every emotional side Ashley and Wave went through. When you add Lumi to the storyline, the story begins to synchronise with the theme. The title will become clearer as Wave and Lumi connect. No spoilers, but the part of the story about his new relationship and his family was very deep. The most unexpected family members helped Wave grow. The spacing with his and Lumi's story needed the slow burn effectively to allow his relationships to flourish.
June 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ this book talked about a lot of heavy subjects (childhood sexual abuse, family dysfunction, grief and loss, and teen pregnancy). The MFC has a lot of emotional trauma she is forced to confront while trying to build a new life for herself. The MMC gets a huge shock that turns his whole life upside down while trying to plan his next phase of life. There’s a lot going on. I loved this book cause at the heart of it is family and that doesn’t always mean the people you share DNA with. Sometimes the family you were born into can be the ones who hurt you the most. I thought this was a really good representation of community and support within the black family. I really hope there is a follow up to this book. I would love to see how this family evolves over 2 or 3 years. I would definitely recommend it but be aware of the tiggers.
August 3, 2026
6⭐️ This book had my from page 1 until the end! I love how we got to see how grief and old trauma can haunt and hurt people in different ways.
The way the people and moments in Lumi life started reflecting as the color she stop seeing and going after so young was heartwarming.
Wave 🌊 to be a black man and continue to strive to be perfect when when the ones closest to you show you that you don’t can be hard but I’m glad he let the two men he loved 🥰 love on him !
Let’s not forget Ashley and Vari because baby boy said I’m young but I know what I’m ready for and that’s you !!
The way the people and moments in Lumi life started reflecting as the color she stop seeing and going after so young was heartwarming.
Wave 🌊 to be a black man and continue to strive to be perfect when when the ones closest to you show you that you don’t can be hard but I’m glad he let the two men he loved 🥰 love on him !
Let’s not forget Ashley and Vari because baby boy said I’m young but I know what I’m ready for and that’s you !!
August 1, 2026
This book was 20% relevant, 80% boring dialogue/inner dialogue that was repetitive as hell & had no significance. The way everyone talked in circles made me want to ~jump out of the plane I was reading this on~
June 16, 2026
I resonate with Watercolors much more than 19th Hole, but this one is definitely a slower burn. 19th Hole has a bit more spice and grabs you faster.
June 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Stars
Watercolors by Evelyn Latrice completely stole my heart.
Lumi arrives in Lynn Beach believing she's starting over after watching every part of her life fall apart. What she doesn't realize is that this new beginning will force her to confront the pain, grief, and memories she's spent years trying to outrun.
Then there's Wave a recently retired swimming legend whose carefully planned future is thrown off course by an unexpected change in his life. When their worlds collide, neither of them is prepared for what follows.
But the true heart of this story? Lumi and Ashley.
What starts as an annoying interruption when the neighbor's daughter keeps wandering over quickly becomes one of the most beautiful relationships I've read all year. Both carrying their own hurts, Lumi and Ashley find healing, understanding, and comfort in one another. Their bond was tender, authentic, and unforgettable.
And Wave? That man had me swooning. He saw Lumi for who she truly was and refused to let her hide behind her fears. His patience, consistency, and quiet devotion made every interaction between them feel meaningful. This wasn't a rushed romance—it was a slow, intentional love story that unfolded beautifully page by page.
Evelyn Latrice didn't just write a romance. She crafted a story about healing, found family, grief, second chances, and learning how to live in color after surviving in shades of gray. The writing is vivid and immersive, bringing every emotion, conversation, and relationship to life.
If you love:
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Found family
✨ Emotional healing journeys
✨ Patient, intentional heroes
✨ Complex, beautifully developed characters
✨ Stories that make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between
then Watercolors deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
This book was beautiful from beginning to end, and it's a story that will stay with me long after the final page. 💙🎨🌊
Watercolors by Evelyn Latrice completely stole my heart.
Lumi arrives in Lynn Beach believing she's starting over after watching every part of her life fall apart. What she doesn't realize is that this new beginning will force her to confront the pain, grief, and memories she's spent years trying to outrun.
Then there's Wave a recently retired swimming legend whose carefully planned future is thrown off course by an unexpected change in his life. When their worlds collide, neither of them is prepared for what follows.
But the true heart of this story? Lumi and Ashley.
What starts as an annoying interruption when the neighbor's daughter keeps wandering over quickly becomes one of the most beautiful relationships I've read all year. Both carrying their own hurts, Lumi and Ashley find healing, understanding, and comfort in one another. Their bond was tender, authentic, and unforgettable.
And Wave? That man had me swooning. He saw Lumi for who she truly was and refused to let her hide behind her fears. His patience, consistency, and quiet devotion made every interaction between them feel meaningful. This wasn't a rushed romance—it was a slow, intentional love story that unfolded beautifully page by page.
Evelyn Latrice didn't just write a romance. She crafted a story about healing, found family, grief, second chances, and learning how to live in color after surviving in shades of gray. The writing is vivid and immersive, bringing every emotion, conversation, and relationship to life.
If you love:
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Found family
✨ Emotional healing journeys
✨ Patient, intentional heroes
✨ Complex, beautifully developed characters
✨ Stories that make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between
then Watercolors deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
This book was beautiful from beginning to end, and it's a story that will stay with me long after the final page. 💙🎨🌊
May 14, 2026
Perfection!
This may be my favorite Evelyn Latrice story to date!
I loved everything about it. The family, the friendship, the community, all within just a few characters was everything. The pacing was so easy to follow and navigate. I went into this story ready to brace myself from the impact of childhood trauma, but it was written so well, and softly, that it was easy to digest. This was so much more than a typical romance. This was a healing journey. This was growth. This was an awakening. I'm so happy that everyone was able to realize what was important and not letting fear or pride get in their way of peace and happiness. I would love to follow the journey of this family. Especially Kendall & Ashley. This was a phenomenal read!
This may be my favorite Evelyn Latrice story to date!
I loved everything about it. The family, the friendship, the community, all within just a few characters was everything. The pacing was so easy to follow and navigate. I went into this story ready to brace myself from the impact of childhood trauma, but it was written so well, and softly, that it was easy to digest. This was so much more than a typical romance. This was a healing journey. This was growth. This was an awakening. I'm so happy that everyone was able to realize what was important and not letting fear or pride get in their way of peace and happiness. I would love to follow the journey of this family. Especially Kendall & Ashley. This was a phenomenal read!
August 2, 2026
Watercolors was wonderful!
I have to be honest…it took me a minute because I refused to be pulled out of my book slump from another book (series). But believe you me…the characters from “The Gulf” are everything. I love Wave and Lumi, Ashley and Vari. The whole entire crew is just hilarious. I found myself laughing at so many parts of the book. The humor picked up where the grief dropped things off. I also appreciate the realistic struggles and the wisdom. My favorite part of the book is when Vari stepped up—with that one liner…IYKYK! I had hearts in my eyes!!! Evelyn Latrice touches on SO MANY sensitive topics in this book. I’m glad our stories are being written!
I have to be honest…it took me a minute because I refused to be pulled out of my book slump from another book (series). But believe you me…the characters from “The Gulf” are everything. I love Wave and Lumi, Ashley and Vari. The whole entire crew is just hilarious. I found myself laughing at so many parts of the book. The humor picked up where the grief dropped things off. I also appreciate the realistic struggles and the wisdom. My favorite part of the book is when Vari stepped up—with that one liner…IYKYK! I had hearts in my eyes!!! Evelyn Latrice touches on SO MANY sensitive topics in this book. I’m glad our stories are being written!
June 15, 2026
I finished Watercolors by @evelynlatrice today. I was avoiding this book for some reason. I have no idea why. I’m so glad I stopped that shit. Idk if yall have ever experienced this, but when I was little, sometimes my sisters would stand on my back. Stay with me lol
Don’t ask me why… we were children doing children things. Good times. Anyway, this book was heavy in that it reminded me of that weight pressing you down into the ground(and that weight could be so many things in this world)… but then it also felt like that sudden feeling of weightlessness or relief, even freedom… when they finally got off your back.
That’s what this book gave. The joy that comes from letting things go. I laughed, I cried, and I crewed again. 5 stars! Would read again.
Don’t ask me why… we were children doing children things. Good times. Anyway, this book was heavy in that it reminded me of that weight pressing you down into the ground(and that weight could be so many things in this world)… but then it also felt like that sudden feeling of weightlessness or relief, even freedom… when they finally got off your back.
That’s what this book gave. The joy that comes from letting things go. I laughed, I cried, and I crewed again. 5 stars! Would read again.
July 25, 2026
This book !!!!!! BEAUTIFULLY written, 10/10 no notes. Every word on every page was necessary. Oh to be seen by a man like Wave 🥰 … his patience, his thoughtfulness and his intention — chefs kiss 💋. The true definition of “love is patient, love is kind”.
I absolutely adored the relationship between Ashley & Lumi, I cried during a few of their moments together 💞 Kendall definitely surprised me near the end, his words of wisdom to both Wave and Lumi was exactly what they needed to hear.
Evelyn, I want a spinoff about Splash & Vari 👀 let’s make that happen 🤞🏽
I absolutely adored the relationship between Ashley & Lumi, I cried during a few of their moments together 💞 Kendall definitely surprised me near the end, his words of wisdom to both Wave and Lumi was exactly what they needed to hear.
Evelyn, I want a spinoff about Splash & Vari 👀 let’s make that happen 🤞🏽
July 28, 2026
I have so much to say about this book that I don’t even know what to say. It made my heart flutter beginning to end. It made my eyes water… A LOT. So many gems throughout that I intend to carry with me in my own life. SOOOO many gems, man. I feel so many emotions at once that I don’t even know how to do a review for this one 😂
I’ve never done a 6 star read in my life. This story hit home during a time I’m very vulnerable for different reasons. This is the first 6 star rating, 100%.
I’ve never done a 6 star read in my life. This story hit home during a time I’m very vulnerable for different reasons. This is the first 6 star rating, 100%.
October 4, 2026
I will say this book is my favorite book by this author. I really like Lumi as the FMC especially the relationship she had with the MMC daughter Ashley. I love that Ashley was named after her father and the swimming connection. I do feel like this book focuses on healing and grief in a way that I truly appreciate. Overall good book
May 27, 2026
4.5⭐️ & 2🌶️
Sometimes a book captures your attention from the first sentence. Sometimes the first chapter. That was my experience with Watercolors. The first chapter was written so beautifully I put it down at the end because I knew I wanted to take my time and savor this story.
Lumi is carrying so many secrets from her past and we are indirectly introduced to them at the very beginning. Lumi is the FMC you fall for quickly because you want to see her win. I loved everything about her relaxed demeanor and her honesty.
She didn't hold back her thoughts and her tongue was sharp in the best way. Her love was even stronger. But it was her love with "her girl" that I loved to experience.
Wave. A man full of beautiful words for the one his heart fell for. His perfect heart that he had to work on because perfection can cost you the things you love.
Life has a way of shaking things up and in three months Wave experienced more emotions than he probably did all together as a 30 fold medalist and an Olympic Swimmer. He learned how to handle situations with care and not perfection.
Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this book is heavy on the developing relationships between the main characters. There were moments where I found myself eager to get back to the relationships my heart became attached to most.
I loved the way the water was tied into every character. The connection of the water and art. Water and life. Water and love.
✨Strangers to Lovers
✨Found Family
✨Slow Burn
✨Family Secrets - ask about triggers (SA, car accident, death
Sometimes a book captures your attention from the first sentence. Sometimes the first chapter. That was my experience with Watercolors. The first chapter was written so beautifully I put it down at the end because I knew I wanted to take my time and savor this story.
Lumi is carrying so many secrets from her past and we are indirectly introduced to them at the very beginning. Lumi is the FMC you fall for quickly because you want to see her win. I loved everything about her relaxed demeanor and her honesty.
She didn't hold back her thoughts and her tongue was sharp in the best way. Her love was even stronger. But it was her love with "her girl" that I loved to experience.
Wave. A man full of beautiful words for the one his heart fell for. His perfect heart that he had to work on because perfection can cost you the things you love.
Life has a way of shaking things up and in three months Wave experienced more emotions than he probably did all together as a 30 fold medalist and an Olympic Swimmer. He learned how to handle situations with care and not perfection.
Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this book is heavy on the developing relationships between the main characters. There were moments where I found myself eager to get back to the relationships my heart became attached to most.
I loved the way the water was tied into every character. The connection of the water and art. Water and life. Water and love.
✨Strangers to Lovers
✨Found Family
✨Slow Burn
✨Family Secrets - ask about triggers (SA, car accident, death
July 8, 2026
I really do love this story and these characters but I think about 200 pages can be cut from this story. I fell in love with these characters but alot of the story drags on to me. Overall, this is a beautiful love story and I love the found family aspect. Lumi and her Ashley’s/ee’s are some of my favorite characters I’ve read in a while.
June 29, 2026
This book was good at first. I moved past the part where his 17 year old daughter that he never knew he had came knocking on his door. We all know I dont like surprise kids/pregnancies but I could not move past the daughter also being pregnant when she went to meet her dad and then not even telling him until she almost dies. Another thing, I cant get over this 19 year old boy (who is about to be a professional skate boarder) staying and wanting to become a step daddy to the baby of a girl he has known for 2 months. This is just too unrealistic to me. At that point, I just started skimming the rest of the book because i really didnt care anymore. Idk, this book just wasnt for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
I love Wave & Lumi together. I love the patience & grace they both had for one another. Lumi’s trauma will make you want to wrap her up in a hug & never let go. Her growth will make you smile ear to ear. Wave becoming a father that genuinely loved his daughter will make you smile. Lumi overstepped when it came to Wave parenting his daughter.
Ashley was a teenage girl grieving while trying to find a connection to her father whose doorsteps she was left on.
The relationship between Lumi & Ashley was a bit inappropriate to me. Lumi needed to find friends her age.
Ashley was a teenage girl grieving while trying to find a connection to her father whose doorsteps she was left on.
The relationship between Lumi & Ashley was a bit inappropriate to me. Lumi needed to find friends her age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Good
Pros: This was a really good story. I loved Wave,Lumi and Ashley. I loved how they became a little family. There were a few times that I LOL’d.
Cons: The overuse of ‘You always’ was so annoying. I skimmed a lot because it felt like a lot of rambling. Also the story about Lumis best friend kind of felt just thrown in there.
Pros: This was a really good story. I loved Wave,Lumi and Ashley. I loved how they became a little family. There were a few times that I LOL’d.
Cons: The overuse of ‘You always’ was so annoying. I skimmed a lot because it felt like a lot of rambling. Also the story about Lumis best friend kind of felt just thrown in there.
July 26, 2026
Good
This book was good and. Very emotional. It also had a lot of depth to it. It was poetic in a way.
Lumi is living her life in the gray area trying not to let the trauma from her past swallow her whole. Until she is left with an inheritance she prefers not to claim and her current lack of stability which inevitably drags her back to the house that she was running away from. A house that hold secrets she’d rather not repeat and memories that still scar her. Right across the lake is a retired swimmer, Wave, who doesn’t know what’s next for him after retirement until a seventeen year old secret shows up on his door step that knocks him off his pivot. These three souls heal and find solace in each other.
My heart broke for Lumi. The things she endured as a child was so heartbreaking. The fact that she had no one to lean on or to protect her was so disheartening. Aside from that though, at some points she got on my nerves. I hated how she always interfered when wave tried to discipline Ashley because Ashley DEFINITELY needed it. She should’ve stayed out of that hospital situation because wave wasn’t saying anything wrong nor was it her place to stop him. Also her making the situation about her and revealing her trauma in that moment of all times was ridiculous. That was definitely not the right time to make things about her.
Wave was the perfect MMC. I love him ! That man was so patient and kind. He was never afraid to drop a bag either! I loved how he loved on the people he cared about. I also loved how he took his time with Lumi and handled her with the utmost care. He was also a great father even though he wasn’t given much time to adjust.
Ashley was too grown! She had her moment where I liked her but far more moments when she had me rolling my eyes at her. She got away with way too much. It got to the point where the adults in her life behaved like her friends instead of adult roles. The way she lashed out on wave at times was unfair considering it was never his fault that he wasn’t a part of her life. I know she was grieving but there way too many times where she was just downright too grown and disrespectful. I hated how everyone made it seem like wave was wrong for how he came at her at the hospital. She needed to be told about herself!
Vari was cool. I loved his confidence and how he was sure of himself despite the hardships he faced. I loved how well he treated Ashley. He was a little grown too. I didn’t like how he’d act like he was wave’s equal when it came to certain things. It just seemed none of the teens in this book knew anything about properly respecting their elders.
There were some errors in the story. Also there were some things that didn’t quite get answered at all that I’d expect to get answered considering how lengthy the book is. Like what happened to Lumi’s grandfather? Why was her mom the way she was? What did her grandmother do or didn’t do in regards to defending/protecting her?
At some point I was ready for the book to be over. It was good but at the some point a lot of things were just talked in circles instead of getting to the point. Also that reveal with Ashley wasn’t even shocking. I guessed what it was early on in the book because there were so many dead giveaways.
This book was good and. Very emotional. It also had a lot of depth to it. It was poetic in a way.
Lumi is living her life in the gray area trying not to let the trauma from her past swallow her whole. Until she is left with an inheritance she prefers not to claim and her current lack of stability which inevitably drags her back to the house that she was running away from. A house that hold secrets she’d rather not repeat and memories that still scar her. Right across the lake is a retired swimmer, Wave, who doesn’t know what’s next for him after retirement until a seventeen year old secret shows up on his door step that knocks him off his pivot. These three souls heal and find solace in each other.
My heart broke for Lumi. The things she endured as a child was so heartbreaking. The fact that she had no one to lean on or to protect her was so disheartening. Aside from that though, at some points she got on my nerves. I hated how she always interfered when wave tried to discipline Ashley because Ashley DEFINITELY needed it. She should’ve stayed out of that hospital situation because wave wasn’t saying anything wrong nor was it her place to stop him. Also her making the situation about her and revealing her trauma in that moment of all times was ridiculous. That was definitely not the right time to make things about her.
Wave was the perfect MMC. I love him ! That man was so patient and kind. He was never afraid to drop a bag either! I loved how he loved on the people he cared about. I also loved how he took his time with Lumi and handled her with the utmost care. He was also a great father even though he wasn’t given much time to adjust.
Ashley was too grown! She had her moment where I liked her but far more moments when she had me rolling my eyes at her. She got away with way too much. It got to the point where the adults in her life behaved like her friends instead of adult roles. The way she lashed out on wave at times was unfair considering it was never his fault that he wasn’t a part of her life. I know she was grieving but there way too many times where she was just downright too grown and disrespectful. I hated how everyone made it seem like wave was wrong for how he came at her at the hospital. She needed to be told about herself!
Vari was cool. I loved his confidence and how he was sure of himself despite the hardships he faced. I loved how well he treated Ashley. He was a little grown too. I didn’t like how he’d act like he was wave’s equal when it came to certain things. It just seemed none of the teens in this book knew anything about properly respecting their elders.
There were some errors in the story. Also there were some things that didn’t quite get answered at all that I’d expect to get answered considering how lengthy the book is. Like what happened to Lumi’s grandfather? Why was her mom the way she was? What did her grandmother do or didn’t do in regards to defending/protecting her?
At some point I was ready for the book to be over. It was good but at the some point a lot of things were just talked in circles instead of getting to the point. Also that reveal with Ashley wasn’t even shocking. I guessed what it was early on in the book because there were so many dead giveaways.
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