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Soul Unique
Greer Landon is a successful art gallery owner. She has created an empire by discovering and developing new artists. When she agrees to visit an art school in Boston, she encounters a woman, Hayden Rowe, whose paintings take her breath away. Greer realizes Hayden is not a student, but lives in a remote wing of the school and the maddeningly frustrating headmaster is her mother. Mesmerized by Hayden and her art, Greer learns the young woman has Asperger syndrome. Hayden awakens something in Greer she didn’t know she was capable of. Having suffered from a profound loneliness for most of her life, Greer develops an overshadowing love and protectiveness toward Hayden. As she learns more about Hayden and her heartbreaking family situation, Greer is amazed at how courageous and brilliant she is. Can there be a future with a woman like this, and will Hayden, who can only put words to her emotions through her paintings, return her feelings?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
7 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books225 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 29, 2017
Great read! one of the best book that i've read where one of the main character was dealing with autism/asperger and phobia of crowd of people...well defined and developed cast of characters..she never made her feel different just loved for who she was..well written and recommended to all
September 3, 2021
A tender story of love, differences and art. It grabbed my heart from the first page and never let go.
June 13, 2016
4 1/2 Stars. This book was wonderful. I've just started reading Gun Brooke's books, and this is my favorite so far. It was beautifully written, warm and made you feel good. The paintings were well detailed and described so you could see it in you mind. I can't remember reading another LesFic book with a main character having Asperger's, so I appreciate Brooke writing about it.
The romance was sweet, but still passionate. And you grew to like both main characters very quickly.
This book only makes me more excited to read more of Brooke, and I easily recommend this.
The romance was sweet, but still passionate. And you grew to like both main characters very quickly.
This book only makes me more excited to read more of Brooke, and I easily recommend this.
July 28, 2015
Move over Graeme Simsion and your Rosie Project. Gun Brooke has given us a interesting look at the life of a lesbian artist with Asperger's.
I wasn't sure about this novel initially as the writing seemed stiff and stilted. I recognize that the author needed the reader to feel the robotic and logical approach Hayden Rowe took to every conversation with Greer. Expressions we take for granted can mystify someone who interprets things literally.
I am happy I waded through the first awkward chapters as I was rewarded with a sweet love story and an honest and interesting look at a couple who learn to overcome their differences and find a connection most of us can only dream of.
Kudos to Brooke for a well rounded cast of characters, a good adversary and enough knowledge of the art world to pull the reader into her description of the the paintings and the visual display of emotions Hayden would not have otherwise been able to express.
Add in a very hot sex scene or two and this novel was a pleasure to read.
I wasn't sure about this novel initially as the writing seemed stiff and stilted. I recognize that the author needed the reader to feel the robotic and logical approach Hayden Rowe took to every conversation with Greer. Expressions we take for granted can mystify someone who interprets things literally.
I am happy I waded through the first awkward chapters as I was rewarded with a sweet love story and an honest and interesting look at a couple who learn to overcome their differences and find a connection most of us can only dream of.
Kudos to Brooke for a well rounded cast of characters, a good adversary and enough knowledge of the art world to pull the reader into her description of the the paintings and the visual display of emotions Hayden would not have otherwise been able to express.
Add in a very hot sex scene or two and this novel was a pleasure to read.
April 18, 2021
Though this borders on insta-love, it didn’t set my eyes rolling. The romance was just sweet and warms the heart; and Hayden’s character had me wanting to be protective of her as well.
A wonderful read. High 4+
A wonderful read. High 4+
November 16, 2018
Liked this one even more on my second read so I'm upping the rating from 4 to 4.5 stars.
April 21, 2019
4.5 stars.
Well, that was a wonderful surprise.
I started reading this book without reading any of the reviews, and that is unusual for me. I've never read anything by Gun Brooke, and Soul Unique seemed interesting enough to start with. But honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
I really really liked this book. It was such a beautiful and enjoyable read.
Well, that was a wonderful surprise.
I started reading this book without reading any of the reviews, and that is unusual for me. I've never read anything by Gun Brooke, and Soul Unique seemed interesting enough to start with. But honestly, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
I really really liked this book. It was such a beautiful and enjoyable read.
July 2, 2015
This book is a feel-good romance about a talented painter with Asperger's and a gallery owner.
Nothing excites art gallery owners more than to be the first to discover amazing and hopefully unknown talents they can showcase to the world (and make a ton of money doing it). Roped into visiting an art school run by the rich, pretentious and ambitious Leyla Rowe, gallery owner Greer Landon, inadvertently discovers just such a talent, but not among the students. Hidden away in an upstairs room is Ms. Rowe's own daughter Hayden who suffers from Asperger's but wields a mean paintbrush. Greer is aghast at Hayden's situation, and immediately moves to protect and nurture her. But then her feelings for Hayden go beyond protectiveness and admiration...
This is a fast and easy read. No unnecessary angst, no major complications, no ethical or moral dilemmas to ponder over. Imagine if all lesfic MCs were this logical and practical, most of our favorite books would be half the length :)
The pairing is here is atypical, so you never know what's gonna happen next. And that's the best part of the book. It's quite a page-turner in that sense. The romantic in me loved how fast and smooth the two main characters' relationship progressed. But the skeptic in me heard alarm bells ringing.
Romance lovers should find the book just up their alley. However, people who want their lesfic with a little more substance (or realism, or angst, or depth) will find it a bit wanting. The rest of my review consists of my usual nitpicking over plot elements. Feel free to ignore completely if all you want to read is an enjoyable, upbeat romance, which the book delivers beautifully.
4.3 stars
This is advanced review copy from Netgalley
P.S. Is it just me or do the ladies on the cover look like fembots? ;)
Nothing excites art gallery owners more than to be the first to discover amazing and hopefully unknown talents they can showcase to the world (and make a ton of money doing it). Roped into visiting an art school run by the rich, pretentious and ambitious Leyla Rowe, gallery owner Greer Landon, inadvertently discovers just such a talent, but not among the students. Hidden away in an upstairs room is Ms. Rowe's own daughter Hayden who suffers from Asperger's but wields a mean paintbrush. Greer is aghast at Hayden's situation, and immediately moves to protect and nurture her. But then her feelings for Hayden go beyond protectiveness and admiration...
This is a fast and easy read. No unnecessary angst, no major complications, no ethical or moral dilemmas to ponder over. Imagine if all lesfic MCs were this logical and practical, most of our favorite books would be half the length :)
The pairing is here is atypical, so you never know what's gonna happen next. And that's the best part of the book. It's quite a page-turner in that sense. The romantic in me loved how fast and smooth the two main characters' relationship progressed. But the skeptic in me heard alarm bells ringing.
Romance lovers should find the book just up their alley. However, people who want their lesfic with a little more substance (or realism, or angst, or depth) will find it a bit wanting. The rest of my review consists of my usual nitpicking over plot elements. Feel free to ignore completely if all you want to read is an enjoyable, upbeat romance, which the book delivers beautifully.
4.3 stars
This is advanced review copy from Netgalley
P.S. Is it just me or do the ladies on the cover look like fembots? ;)
April 21, 2021
Great story!
A sweet tender lovestory about a young amazing painter and an older gallery owner. Hayden is a well written strong character. She is portrayed in a respectful way. Greer's a little bit of an ice queen until you get to know her better. She is caring, protective and enjoyable to deal with. The supportive characters are also a pleasure to read about. Except for one, what a nasty miserable person. Soul Unique is a great romance and the author did an excellent job in describing the paintings in detail. It was as if I stood behind the painter and could admire her work in person. I can highly recommend Soul Unique.
A sweet tender lovestory about a young amazing painter and an older gallery owner. Hayden is a well written strong character. She is portrayed in a respectful way. Greer's a little bit of an ice queen until you get to know her better. She is caring, protective and enjoyable to deal with. The supportive characters are also a pleasure to read about. Except for one, what a nasty miserable person. Soul Unique is a great romance and the author did an excellent job in describing the paintings in detail. It was as if I stood behind the painter and could admire her work in person. I can highly recommend Soul Unique.
June 7, 2019
3.4 stars
It was intriguing to read a story about falling in love with someone who is autistic. Granted, Hayden is extremely high functioning, but her social anxieties makes things challenging for the couple. The narrative was enjoyable and fast paced, so I didn’t get bored.
With that being said, I personally am not of fan of Brook’s writing. The characters felt one dimensional and lacked any real substance. It’s too simplistic. Even the mother who is made to be the villain is not that interesting.
This story is highly rated so I was a bit disappointed. Overall I’d give it a “meh”. Perhaps I’m being a bit critical, but this one didn’t do it for me.
It was intriguing to read a story about falling in love with someone who is autistic. Granted, Hayden is extremely high functioning, but her social anxieties makes things challenging for the couple. The narrative was enjoyable and fast paced, so I didn’t get bored.
With that being said, I personally am not of fan of Brook’s writing. The characters felt one dimensional and lacked any real substance. It’s too simplistic. Even the mother who is made to be the villain is not that interesting.
This story is highly rated so I was a bit disappointed. Overall I’d give it a “meh”. Perhaps I’m being a bit critical, but this one didn’t do it for me.
Read
December 15, 2024I loved this book and I think it might be Gun Brooke's best,which is saying a lot, because several of her books are regular rereads for me. She took some big risks and I think they really paid off. I'll definitely come back to this one again and again.
August 27, 2016
My first book by this author. Truth be told, I had actually been interested in this specific book for a while now, but two things kept me away. I think, and I could be wrong here, but I think I had briefly tried one of the author’s other books and couldn’t get into it. It was a science fiction book, and if she hasn’t written anything like that, then I’m obviously thinking of someone else. (I looked it up, I am thinking of and indirectly referring to Protector of the Realm, the first book in a science fiction series by this author – mind you, there’s a reason it isn’t on a DNF, or paused shelf – I’d read the sample, not attempted to read the book).
The second reason for my hesitation is something that I would normally not allow to influence me. The cover. The cover with two fake looking 3d avatars. I’m the kind of person, who is sometimes drawn to off-ball covers, but something about 3d avatar covers pushes me away, and so, I was pushed away because of the cover.
Characters
One point of view – that of Greer Landon.
Greer Landon - art gallery owner (a network of galleries, not just one), has a big reputation in the art community. Her age, if given, isn’t clear. She’s apparently older than Hayden, though I’m not sure how much older. Several comments, which would lead one to think ‘much older’ could also be ‘much more experienced’ type comments, which can be made regardless of age. She is also wealthy. Whether from her own efforts or family money is unclear.
Hayden Rowe - 25(?) – from an old family with lots of money. Aspergers’ syndrome. Very bad relationship with mother and father who, apparently, have no ability to deal with the facts involving their daughter (more the mother who can’t handle it, and a father who doesn’t help the situation, but still, both). Has good/close relationship with grandmother, though grandmother had a stroke a year ago. Book opens with Hayden living in an art school, in one wing of it, on a cot. Art school owned by her mother. The same mother who treats her daughter like a stupid retarded (I use that specific word on purpose) moron.
Others: India and Erica – India is Greer’s assistant, and Erica is India’s partner. If it isn’t clear, everyone in this sentence is a lesbian.
Hayden’s mother, Leyla Rowe, – bitchy small woman, who is in her late 50s, who wants her art school to be endorsed by Landon. Bitter over losing control of her daughter when daughter was around 14, but sees her as a thing, a broken thing.
Hayden’s grandmother, Isabella Calthorpe Rowe, – sharp witted woman who is currently in a rich-person’s nursing home like place. The Calthorpe part is important – that’s the name of the family from the dawn of time (or something like that).
Penelope Moore – a neighbor of Greer’s who Hayden paints. Famous author.
Romance
Hayden and Greer’s romance started slowly. They have something of an instant connect (at least as far as I can tell from only Greer’s point of view; and her insight into Hayden’s feelings). At times I worried that things might lean a little too far into a certain icky territory. It depended on how much Greer saw Hayden as an independent woman with her own thoughts and desires. Instead of, say, the way Leyla Rowe saw her daughter – as someone incapable of caring for themselves, and probably needs to be locked away from the public. There were times when Greer almost tipped into that direction, but she kept on the ‘sane’ side of the line.
Because of Hayden’s ‘condition’, aspergers, Greer wanted to take things slow, to really make sure everyone knew what was happening and agreed with everything. Her attraction to Hayden, though, made things hard for Greer. And, at times, Hayden pressed/pushed Greer on the issue.
Despite, or because of this, their relationship and romance grew somewhat naturally – and was something of a treat to read. Bah, I looked up how to spell aspergers and treat came from me seeing ‘treatment’ out of the corner of my eye. Hehe. I don’t know what “Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong” means.
Sex
As I’m sure some want to know, yes there is graphic sex in this book. Eventually. Other than kissing and the like, the ‘heavy’ stuff starts with something like 80% of the book already over. It was descriptive, graphic, and I liked it. I have nothing more to say on the subject.
Location
Most of the book takes place in Boston. I have a strong sense of Leyla Rowe’s art school, particularly Hayden’s wing of it; a strong sense of Greer’s home, an unexpected strong sense of the grandmother Rowe’s place. But if it wasn’t for the fact that the word Boston was used at some point, I would have no idea I was in Boston. Not exactly a negative, just an FYI, don’t read this as something like a travel guide to Boston (for that: look at a travel guide, or if you want fiction, pick up a book by Robert B. Parker, especially one of the Spenser ones that doesn’t mention heading off to some other location).
Some part of the action takes place in Chicago as well. Briefly.
Plot
A person with a high level of acclaim in the art community is asked by an art school person to come by her place and potentially ‘endorse’ the school. That person of influence being Greer Landon, and the person with the art school being Leyla Rowe. I do not know Landon’s background, though the area she lives in, and vague hints left here and there indicate that she comes from some form of money and the like. Which I mention, because one of the things I wanted to say, in reaction to the first sentences I had written, involved how Leyla came from the kind of money and family background that is very deep and ancient. And Greer . . .. So having things being flipped like this . . . .
But then I recalled that the ‘old family’ was Leyla’s husband, daughter, and mother-in-law. I don’t actually know Leyla’s background. Plus, everything seemed to indicate that Greer didn’t exactly spring up out of nowhere. Though there are indications that Leyla was something of a ‘social climber’.
So then. Rowe kept very strongly more or less begging Greer Landon and her assistant India, to have Greer stop by. To make her stop, Greer finally agrees. She finds a bitchy short woman who is full of herself once Greer arrived at Rowe’s school. That being Rowe herself. She then is introduced to the ‘advanced class’ being taught by some ‘maestro’ from Italy. Whose name is instantly recognized by Greer. But not in a good way. Greer was one of the people instrumental in getting this fraudster to flee Italy. He isn’t a good painter and isn’t a good teacher.
Before Greer could relay any of this information, she overhears someone basically saying just that. A young woman who is instantly attacked by this ‘maestro’, and by Leyla Rowe. I have to stop just calling Leyla by the name of Rowe, because the young woman also has that name. Hayden Rowe, being Leyla’s daughter, makes her comment then leaves (though after Greer says that Hayden is correct).
Leyla and maestro talk in a corner. Greer looks over the students’ easels and says something about leaving, but they say they have some stuff set up in a gallery, so Greer decides to look at it. She isn’t exactly ‘blown away’ by any of it until she rounds a corner and is. Deeply impacted emotionally by gazing upon a painting hanging on the wall. She demands to know who did that painting. Turns out that it was Hayden’s work.
Somewhere along the way, Hayden’s wing of the school is visited by Greer. She sees more brilliant artwork. Etc. Etc.
For various reasons, Greer agrees to endorse the school but only if Hayden assists, and that ‘maestro’ guy is terminated.
Greer Landon feels protective of Hayden, and as the book progresses, they grow closer.
Overall
As the saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover (see, I can have a review where I express something in the beginning, then follow it up in the end). That works for books and people. If you let a label like ‘Aspergers’ syndrome’ get in your way, to guide your actions and reactions to someone, to allow you to use it as a screen to block the real live person beneath then you will miss out on life, love, happiness. You can, of course, put anything in that label section. Race, creed, nationality, gender, socio-economic class, political affiliation, anything. Heh, that reminds me of a particular segment on a British show I loved (the show I loved, not specifically the segment) – ‘I can’t date him! He’s a Tory!’ (not exact quote, I don’t recall exact quote, though ‘but he has a massively large penis’ might be in there as well).
My point about all that, of course, was more directed at myself instead of anything in the book itself (though that mother sure did seem hung up on that ‘condition’ her daughter had). Myself in that the cover kind of threw me and made me question whether I should try this book.
Glad I got passed that, eh? Or had someone pick the book for me to read for a challenge and therefore ‘push’ me into reading it. Because I rather loved the book. And I’m not saying that lightly. This is both the first day of February, and the first time this year that I felt a book was so good that it broke the scale (or, in other words, is one I’d put on my relatively smallish 5.5 shelf).
February 1 2016
The second reason for my hesitation is something that I would normally not allow to influence me. The cover. The cover with two fake looking 3d avatars. I’m the kind of person, who is sometimes drawn to off-ball covers, but something about 3d avatar covers pushes me away, and so, I was pushed away because of the cover.
Characters
One point of view – that of Greer Landon.
Greer Landon - art gallery owner (a network of galleries, not just one), has a big reputation in the art community. Her age, if given, isn’t clear. She’s apparently older than Hayden, though I’m not sure how much older. Several comments, which would lead one to think ‘much older’ could also be ‘much more experienced’ type comments, which can be made regardless of age. She is also wealthy. Whether from her own efforts or family money is unclear.
Hayden Rowe - 25(?) – from an old family with lots of money. Aspergers’ syndrome. Very bad relationship with mother and father who, apparently, have no ability to deal with the facts involving their daughter (more the mother who can’t handle it, and a father who doesn’t help the situation, but still, both). Has good/close relationship with grandmother, though grandmother had a stroke a year ago. Book opens with Hayden living in an art school, in one wing of it, on a cot. Art school owned by her mother. The same mother who treats her daughter like a stupid retarded (I use that specific word on purpose) moron.
Others: India and Erica – India is Greer’s assistant, and Erica is India’s partner. If it isn’t clear, everyone in this sentence is a lesbian.
Hayden’s mother, Leyla Rowe, – bitchy small woman, who is in her late 50s, who wants her art school to be endorsed by Landon. Bitter over losing control of her daughter when daughter was around 14, but sees her as a thing, a broken thing.
Hayden’s grandmother, Isabella Calthorpe Rowe, – sharp witted woman who is currently in a rich-person’s nursing home like place. The Calthorpe part is important – that’s the name of the family from the dawn of time (or something like that).
Penelope Moore – a neighbor of Greer’s who Hayden paints. Famous author.
Romance
Hayden and Greer’s romance started slowly. They have something of an instant connect (at least as far as I can tell from only Greer’s point of view; and her insight into Hayden’s feelings). At times I worried that things might lean a little too far into a certain icky territory. It depended on how much Greer saw Hayden as an independent woman with her own thoughts and desires. Instead of, say, the way Leyla Rowe saw her daughter – as someone incapable of caring for themselves, and probably needs to be locked away from the public. There were times when Greer almost tipped into that direction, but she kept on the ‘sane’ side of the line.
Because of Hayden’s ‘condition’, aspergers, Greer wanted to take things slow, to really make sure everyone knew what was happening and agreed with everything. Her attraction to Hayden, though, made things hard for Greer. And, at times, Hayden pressed/pushed Greer on the issue.
Despite, or because of this, their relationship and romance grew somewhat naturally – and was something of a treat to read. Bah, I looked up how to spell aspergers and treat came from me seeing ‘treatment’ out of the corner of my eye. Hehe. I don’t know what “Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong” means.
Sex
As I’m sure some want to know, yes there is graphic sex in this book. Eventually. Other than kissing and the like, the ‘heavy’ stuff starts with something like 80% of the book already over. It was descriptive, graphic, and I liked it. I have nothing more to say on the subject.
Location
Most of the book takes place in Boston. I have a strong sense of Leyla Rowe’s art school, particularly Hayden’s wing of it; a strong sense of Greer’s home, an unexpected strong sense of the grandmother Rowe’s place. But if it wasn’t for the fact that the word Boston was used at some point, I would have no idea I was in Boston. Not exactly a negative, just an FYI, don’t read this as something like a travel guide to Boston (for that: look at a travel guide, or if you want fiction, pick up a book by Robert B. Parker, especially one of the Spenser ones that doesn’t mention heading off to some other location).
Some part of the action takes place in Chicago as well. Briefly.
Plot
A person with a high level of acclaim in the art community is asked by an art school person to come by her place and potentially ‘endorse’ the school. That person of influence being Greer Landon, and the person with the art school being Leyla Rowe. I do not know Landon’s background, though the area she lives in, and vague hints left here and there indicate that she comes from some form of money and the like. Which I mention, because one of the things I wanted to say, in reaction to the first sentences I had written, involved how Leyla came from the kind of money and family background that is very deep and ancient. And Greer . . .. So having things being flipped like this . . . .
But then I recalled that the ‘old family’ was Leyla’s husband, daughter, and mother-in-law. I don’t actually know Leyla’s background. Plus, everything seemed to indicate that Greer didn’t exactly spring up out of nowhere. Though there are indications that Leyla was something of a ‘social climber’.
So then. Rowe kept very strongly more or less begging Greer Landon and her assistant India, to have Greer stop by. To make her stop, Greer finally agrees. She finds a bitchy short woman who is full of herself once Greer arrived at Rowe’s school. That being Rowe herself. She then is introduced to the ‘advanced class’ being taught by some ‘maestro’ from Italy. Whose name is instantly recognized by Greer. But not in a good way. Greer was one of the people instrumental in getting this fraudster to flee Italy. He isn’t a good painter and isn’t a good teacher.
Before Greer could relay any of this information, she overhears someone basically saying just that. A young woman who is instantly attacked by this ‘maestro’, and by Leyla Rowe. I have to stop just calling Leyla by the name of Rowe, because the young woman also has that name. Hayden Rowe, being Leyla’s daughter, makes her comment then leaves (though after Greer says that Hayden is correct).
Leyla and maestro talk in a corner. Greer looks over the students’ easels and says something about leaving, but they say they have some stuff set up in a gallery, so Greer decides to look at it. She isn’t exactly ‘blown away’ by any of it until she rounds a corner and is. Deeply impacted emotionally by gazing upon a painting hanging on the wall. She demands to know who did that painting. Turns out that it was Hayden’s work.
Somewhere along the way, Hayden’s wing of the school is visited by Greer. She sees more brilliant artwork. Etc. Etc.
For various reasons, Greer agrees to endorse the school but only if Hayden assists, and that ‘maestro’ guy is terminated.
Greer Landon feels protective of Hayden, and as the book progresses, they grow closer.
Overall
As the saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover (see, I can have a review where I express something in the beginning, then follow it up in the end). That works for books and people. If you let a label like ‘Aspergers’ syndrome’ get in your way, to guide your actions and reactions to someone, to allow you to use it as a screen to block the real live person beneath then you will miss out on life, love, happiness. You can, of course, put anything in that label section. Race, creed, nationality, gender, socio-economic class, political affiliation, anything. Heh, that reminds me of a particular segment on a British show I loved (the show I loved, not specifically the segment) – ‘I can’t date him! He’s a Tory!’ (not exact quote, I don’t recall exact quote, though ‘but he has a massively large penis’ might be in there as well).
My point about all that, of course, was more directed at myself instead of anything in the book itself (though that mother sure did seem hung up on that ‘condition’ her daughter had). Myself in that the cover kind of threw me and made me question whether I should try this book.
Glad I got passed that, eh? Or had someone pick the book for me to read for a challenge and therefore ‘push’ me into reading it. Because I rather loved the book. And I’m not saying that lightly. This is both the first day of February, and the first time this year that I felt a book was so good that it broke the scale (or, in other words, is one I’d put on my relatively smallish 5.5 shelf).
February 1 2016
February 17, 2016
I was provided with an ARC of this book via NetGally in exchange for an honest review
Reading this book was like slipping your feet into a comfortable pair of slippers after a long hard day at the office.
I was 'in' the book from the very first page and didn't leave until I emerged, with a satisfied sigh, a few hours later.
Here's what comes to mind as some notable/interesting points that may help others decide if the novel is for them (although, let's face it, you know you're in pretty safe hands picking up a book written by someone as experienced as Ms Brooke).
First person view: I found it interesting that the author made specific reference in the acknowledgements to this being her first 'first person view' novel and, I hope this doesn't sound arrogant, but I agree with her that it just wouldn't have worked for the reader to have insight into Hayden's thought process. First person view novels are often poorly executed IMHO but this is a spectacular contradiction to the trend. Often in first person books I'm aware that it's first person because I find myself craving an alternate lens. I didn't get that feeling once during this book. First person was the perfect lens through which to view both Greer and Hayden
- Length? The novel felt particularly short - not so much that the story felt incomplete (thank goodness - although a little more on this later) just more in terms of actual word length/read time. It literally only took me an evening to read. I'm not sure what they cost for this novel will be but it's something to consider if 'word count for your buck' feels important to you
- Epilogue Although I was happy enough where the story ended overall, the epilogue was pretty clunky and I wonder why, when the novel was short anyway, the author didn't expand out some of the storylines summarised in the epilogue out into a few more chapters. I kinda felt like the author had all these ideas of what would happen to the characters but ran out of steam / motivation to actually write them so just chucked them in a lazy epilogue instead. It wasn't enough to wreck the ending / take me out of the story but I anticipate that it will irritate some readers.
- I agree with one of the other reviewers -- the verbal description of items (paintings) usually accessed visually was masterfully done. I'm not a huge art fan but I found the description of art (mainly Hayden's works through which she expresses her feelings) very clear and easy to visualise and not at all patronising to the non-initiated reader, which I appreciated.
- There was very little angst in this book. Just enough to give our characters some hurdles to overcome . For me there was just enough challenge to keep the character's lives (somewhat) realistic and therefore relatable and falling on the *romantic, dreamy sigh* side for me but it does go close to creating a world which is a bit too perfect so you might want to think twice if this sort of thing annoys you
- Usually I couldn't care less what the cover looks like - it's the world I'm interested in but... for a book about creating beautiful art it seems rather sacrilegious to have such an ugly, amateurish cover.
Overall, if you're already a fan of Ms Brooke then this won't let you down and those unfamiliar with the author's work could do much worse than starting with Soul Unique.
Reading this book was like slipping your feet into a comfortable pair of slippers after a long hard day at the office.
I was 'in' the book from the very first page and didn't leave until I emerged, with a satisfied sigh, a few hours later.
Here's what comes to mind as some notable/interesting points that may help others decide if the novel is for them (although, let's face it, you know you're in pretty safe hands picking up a book written by someone as experienced as Ms Brooke).
First person view: I found it interesting that the author made specific reference in the acknowledgements to this being her first 'first person view' novel and, I hope this doesn't sound arrogant, but I agree with her that it just wouldn't have worked for the reader to have insight into Hayden's thought process. First person view novels are often poorly executed IMHO but this is a spectacular contradiction to the trend. Often in first person books I'm aware that it's first person because I find myself craving an alternate lens. I didn't get that feeling once during this book. First person was the perfect lens through which to view both Greer and Hayden
- Length? The novel felt particularly short - not so much that the story felt incomplete (thank goodness - although a little more on this later) just more in terms of actual word length/read time. It literally only took me an evening to read. I'm not sure what they cost for this novel will be but it's something to consider if 'word count for your buck' feels important to you
- Epilogue Although I was happy enough where the story ended overall, the epilogue was pretty clunky and I wonder why, when the novel was short anyway, the author didn't expand out some of the storylines summarised in the epilogue out into a few more chapters. I kinda felt like the author had all these ideas of what would happen to the characters but ran out of steam / motivation to actually write them so just chucked them in a lazy epilogue instead. It wasn't enough to wreck the ending / take me out of the story but I anticipate that it will irritate some readers.
- I agree with one of the other reviewers -- the verbal description of items (paintings) usually accessed visually was masterfully done. I'm not a huge art fan but I found the description of art (mainly Hayden's works through which she expresses her feelings) very clear and easy to visualise and not at all patronising to the non-initiated reader, which I appreciated.
- There was very little angst in this book. Just enough to give our characters some hurdles to overcome . For me there was just enough challenge to keep the character's lives (somewhat) realistic and therefore relatable and falling on the *romantic, dreamy sigh* side for me but it does go close to creating a world which is a bit too perfect so you might want to think twice if this sort of thing annoys you
- Usually I couldn't care less what the cover looks like - it's the world I'm interested in but... for a book about creating beautiful art it seems rather sacrilegious to have such an ugly, amateurish cover.
Overall, if you're already a fan of Ms Brooke then this won't let you down and those unfamiliar with the author's work could do much worse than starting with Soul Unique.
May 4, 2021
The writing is very formal, yet emotive and descriptive. The beautifully written way the paintings were portrayed really sprung them to my imagination.
The deep emotions the main character Greer has for the younger artist, Hayden with Asperger's was endearing.
Hayden's traumatic past with her narcissist mother was confronting but I loved her stoic determination and her adoration for Greer.
It was incredibly touching.
The deep emotions the main character Greer has for the younger artist, Hayden with Asperger's was endearing.
Hayden's traumatic past with her narcissist mother was confronting but I loved her stoic determination and her adoration for Greer.
It was incredibly touching.
September 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book - but there again I love books about someone who is different - often Author's find it difficult to "hold" the disability / difference for the whole book as the character mysteriously morphs into a "normal person." This was not an issue here & the depiction of love was very beautiful, worth the read in itself. Thank you, Gun.
September 1, 2021
Never… judge a book by its cover. Never!
I was checking on Jae’s Sapphic Reading Challenge, and someone recommended this book under the Neurodiverse characters’ list. I’m so glad I’ve read the comment and pick up this book because the book is beautiful. The cover doesn’t do it justice.
I love Brooke’s writing style. Her ability to described the painting are amazing; it’s like the painting is literally in front of me. The book is all in Greer's POV; at first, you’d not be sure what’s going on with Hayden; you’ll guess what‘s on Hayden mind just like Greer does, but then you saw Hayden’s paintings through Greer, and suddenly you have access to Hayden’s POV. I thought it’s a brilliant setting because that painting Hayden giving to Greer really got me *feeling very emotional*
Both Greer and Hayden are wonderful and lovable. I don’t usually go for instant love, but Brooke crafts their relationship beautifully. The weak spot in this book is Hayden’s mother, Leyla; I’m not sure what’s her motivation toward Hayden really is. It’s a really odd character, but I could overlook that because I love the rest of it that much! I hope people could give this book a chance and don’t judge it by its cover. Did I say that already? I need to repeat it: Never judge a book by its cover. 🤣
Also, when Greer described Hayden as grey eyes, shoulder-length black hair, and full lips, I don't know why but I instantly think of Angelina Jolie as Legs in the movie Firefox(1996) lol
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I was checking on Jae’s Sapphic Reading Challenge, and someone recommended this book under the Neurodiverse characters’ list. I’m so glad I’ve read the comment and pick up this book because the book is beautiful. The cover doesn’t do it justice.
I love Brooke’s writing style. Her ability to described the painting are amazing; it’s like the painting is literally in front of me. The book is all in Greer's POV; at first, you’d not be sure what’s going on with Hayden; you’ll guess what‘s on Hayden mind just like Greer does, but then you saw Hayden’s paintings through Greer, and suddenly you have access to Hayden’s POV. I thought it’s a brilliant setting because that painting Hayden giving to Greer really got me *feeling very emotional*
Both Greer and Hayden are wonderful and lovable. I don’t usually go for instant love, but Brooke crafts their relationship beautifully. The weak spot in this book is Hayden’s mother, Leyla; I’m not sure what’s her motivation toward Hayden really is. It’s a really odd character, but I could overlook that because I love the rest of it that much! I hope people could give this book a chance and don’t judge it by its cover. Did I say that already? I need to repeat it: Never judge a book by its cover. 🤣
Also, when Greer described Hayden as grey eyes, shoulder-length black hair, and full lips, I don't know why but I instantly think of Angelina Jolie as Legs in the movie Firefox(1996) lol
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December 26, 2017
So I initially gave this 4 stars, but after coming down from my food high yesterday and reflecting on the scene that had me lmao so hard a friend thought I'd lost the plot, I just had to increase it to 5 stars.
It's just a really sweet romance told from one MC's POV which surprisingly paints the complete story for the reader rather well. This is me building up my age gap tolerance so I can deal with 'Truth and Measure'. :)
It's just a really sweet romance told from one MC's POV which surprisingly paints the complete story for the reader rather well. This is me building up my age gap tolerance so I can deal with 'Truth and Measure'. :)
August 4, 2015
I felt this book is pretty rushed, but writing in a Asperger Syndrome main character in lesfic is a first. Thanks to the author for introducing diversity.
May 4, 2022
◦ Soul Unique
◦ Author :Gun Brooke
◦ MC Greer Landon & Hayden Rowe
Greer walks into a school thinking she would help a new artist and give them feedback on their new work. She did not realize her world would change.
Hayden was a unique soul. Hayden’s mother was ashamed of her, she kept her in the dark her whole life. Her grandparents saved her and made sure she had the skills to make it in the world. Hayden’s Grandmother was a strong and brave woman. She didn’t let her change in her health stand in the way of her protecting Hayden.
Greer was taken with Hayden from day one. When Hayden reached out for help, Greer made it her business to look out for her .
The story has a great support characters that help add to the meat of the story.
This is a beautiful story. It’s a story about accepting and loving someone despite their differences. And while we might not agree with someone’s journey it’s ok to love and support them through it.
I highly recommend this book! 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love Gun Brooke books hands down!
◦ Author :Gun Brooke
◦ MC Greer Landon & Hayden Rowe
Greer walks into a school thinking she would help a new artist and give them feedback on their new work. She did not realize her world would change.
Hayden was a unique soul. Hayden’s mother was ashamed of her, she kept her in the dark her whole life. Her grandparents saved her and made sure she had the skills to make it in the world. Hayden’s Grandmother was a strong and brave woman. She didn’t let her change in her health stand in the way of her protecting Hayden.
Greer was taken with Hayden from day one. When Hayden reached out for help, Greer made it her business to look out for her .
The story has a great support characters that help add to the meat of the story.
This is a beautiful story. It’s a story about accepting and loving someone despite their differences. And while we might not agree with someone’s journey it’s ok to love and support them through it.
I highly recommend this book! 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love Gun Brooke books hands down!
August 30, 2015
This was a uncommon but nice and sweet read. I have never read a book with Asperger's syndrome before, but I really like how the author didn't make the condition the focus of the book. Hayden is just what she is, a remarkable lady who is lovely in her own way, Asperger or not. And Hayden's directness is really quite refreshing and endearing, especially in the funny scenes! The romance is very straightforward but still very sweet (with the requisite hot scene lol) and I would actually love to have read more. :D
Anyway, this book reminded me a little of The Witness by Nora Roberts. The protagonist didn't have any condition in it but her super social awkwardness is just as cute as Hayden. :)
Anyway, this book reminded me a little of The Witness by Nora Roberts. The protagonist didn't have any condition in it but her super social awkwardness is just as cute as Hayden. :)
September 11, 2023
I love gun brooke.
God loving someone without knowing if they love you back is terrifyingly soul crushing. I dont know how she does it
God loving someone without knowing if they love you back is terrifyingly soul crushing. I dont know how she does it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
This is my favorite Gun Brooke book to date. I have been trying to read more books with neurodiverse characters and this one was long overdue for reading. It wasn't perfect, and reading it years after publication has made some aspects outdated, but we need more books like this one. Will revisit this one again.
September 28, 2024
5 stars. I hugged my kindle while smiling like a damn fool after finishing this book and it is going into my ‘Comfort Reads’ folder because I will definitely be reading this gem again. It was the most charming and adorable romance. This is such a sweet, low angst story. The writing is good, the pacing is steady, and the romance is absolutely lovely.
I adored both of the main characters, Greer and Hayden. Hayden has Asperger’s and because of that she has been mentally and emotionally abused by her awful mother since she was a child. My heart hurt for her but I loved that she stood up to her mother and that Greer was by her side. Hayden is a brilliant artist and she’s kind and very likable. Greer was wonderful as well and I loved how much she loved Hayden and how she was so patient and letting Hayden make the moves relationship wise so that she would be comfortable because Hayden has a thing about touch. It. was. beautiful. Their chemistry was great and their relationship made me swoon. I also appreciated that there is no third act break up. There’s no big relationship drama at all just these two lovely women falling in love. They communicated with each other if there were issues and that’s always my favorite thing.
I loved watching these two fall into a loving and healthy relationship, I loved seeing Hayden (and Greer) stand up to her terrible mother and I loved how much both of them grew as people. This was amazing and I cannot wait to read it again.
I adored both of the main characters, Greer and Hayden. Hayden has Asperger’s and because of that she has been mentally and emotionally abused by her awful mother since she was a child. My heart hurt for her but I loved that she stood up to her mother and that Greer was by her side. Hayden is a brilliant artist and she’s kind and very likable. Greer was wonderful as well and I loved how much she loved Hayden and how she was so patient and letting Hayden make the moves relationship wise so that she would be comfortable because Hayden has a thing about touch. It. was. beautiful. Their chemistry was great and their relationship made me swoon. I also appreciated that there is no third act break up. There’s no big relationship drama at all just these two lovely women falling in love. They communicated with each other if there were issues and that’s always my favorite thing.
I loved watching these two fall into a loving and healthy relationship, I loved seeing Hayden (and Greer) stand up to her terrible mother and I loved how much both of them grew as people. This was amazing and I cannot wait to read it again.
October 20, 2016
First off let me say that I am an aspie and I read it primarily for this angle (while appreciating the genre as well). You can get the gist of the story from the summary or other reviewers.
This is the first book written by a neurotypical featuring a character with Asperger's that is done in such a classy and respectful manner that I have ever read. I got to sleep late last night as I was up finishing this, because of the aspie angle. Highly recommended. The writing is superb and so are the characters. Now, the aspie character here is a bit more extreme on the angles showcased than I am, but it is not as extreme as usual, I can still see myself in it. What I think I liked most was that the author was bright enough not to attempt to characterize the inner world of someone with AS when she is neurotypical. I loved that because most that do, do it horribly. This was excellent. Very well done. I hope to see others including AS characters and doing it in a similarly excellent manner.
This is the first book written by a neurotypical featuring a character with Asperger's that is done in such a classy and respectful manner that I have ever read. I got to sleep late last night as I was up finishing this, because of the aspie angle. Highly recommended. The writing is superb and so are the characters. Now, the aspie character here is a bit more extreme on the angles showcased than I am, but it is not as extreme as usual, I can still see myself in it. What I think I liked most was that the author was bright enough not to attempt to characterize the inner world of someone with AS when she is neurotypical. I loved that because most that do, do it horribly. This was excellent. Very well done. I hope to see others including AS characters and doing it in a similarly excellent manner.
September 10, 2015
Very well written and lovely story. The developing relationship between Greer and Hayden is heartwarming and intense. It was nice following Hayden's awaking into the outside world with the support from Greer. The secondary characters, with the exception of Leyla, were a great addition in the lives of Hayden and Greer. All in all a wonderful book of friendship, understanding and love.
September 20, 2015
A sweet romance between Greer and Hayden, who is a brilliant artist who has Asperger syndrome. There aren't much twist and turns on the plot, except a psychotic mother who controls every aspect of Hayden's life until Greer comes into picture. Some of Hayden's straightforwardness actually made me laugh when reading the book, only it felt a bit short!
September 22, 2018
2.5 stars.
I was a little disappointed with this book. When I read the synopsis, I thought it would be so much more...........
I loved Hayden's character. I did feel the chemistry, but sadly the only thing that made me continue, were the scenes between Hayden and Greer. Everything in between was very boring to me. I do like Gun Brooke's books, but this wasn't one of my favorites. I think the first person narrative, is often a struggle for me to start with.
I was a little disappointed with this book. When I read the synopsis, I thought it would be so much more...........
I loved Hayden's character. I did feel the chemistry, but sadly the only thing that made me continue, were the scenes between Hayden and Greer. Everything in between was very boring to me. I do like Gun Brooke's books, but this wasn't one of my favorites. I think the first person narrative, is often a struggle for me to start with.
August 26, 2015
In all honesty this is probably a 3.5 star book, but I've rated it 4 due to the no half star ratings (which I truly wish Goodreads would implement).
Nothing happens in this book that you can't see coming from a mile away, but the characters do spend time together and the love story is sweet. The secondary characters also add value, although they could have been fleshed out more in some cases.
Hayden's character is the true winner here, and I have to give Gun credit, usually books told in the first person mean that the other lead is often not as fleshed out but here Hayden is a full character who the reader can both understand and sympathise with. This is also a characterisation we rarely ever see in fiction, let alone in lesfic, so the story's worth a read for that alone.
There were some flaws (under the spoiler tag for those who prefer to not know elements of the plot) but they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All told though, this is a sweet love story with an interesting premise that's worth the read.
Nothing happens in this book that you can't see coming from a mile away, but the characters do spend time together and the love story is sweet. The secondary characters also add value, although they could have been fleshed out more in some cases.
Hayden's character is the true winner here, and I have to give Gun credit, usually books told in the first person mean that the other lead is often not as fleshed out but here Hayden is a full character who the reader can both understand and sympathise with. This is also a characterisation we rarely ever see in fiction, let alone in lesfic, so the story's worth a read for that alone.
There were some flaws (under the spoiler tag for those who prefer to not know elements of the plot) but they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All told though, this is a sweet love story with an interesting premise that's worth the read.
June 8, 2015
* ARC received via NetGalley.
Soul Unique is about a talented artist, who has Aspergers and has been basically locked up by her overbearing mother, and the gallery owner who discovers her.
Both Hayden and Greer are very interesting characters and play off each other well. It's very heart warming the way Greer supports, protects, and, encourages Hayden without treating her like an invalid. Their interaction is fun to read. The way Hayden takes everything so literal is very cute and there is a line of her's that had me laughing really hard. Aside for Hayden's crazy mother, everything flows fairly easily for the two ladies, which is perfectly fine, not every book needs angst or drama to leave an impression. Gun Brooke also does a good job of describing Hayden's paintings to the point I could picture them in my mind.
Cute characters, sweet love story, satisfying conclusion, and made me want to start painting again. Great book!
Soul Unique is about a talented artist, who has Aspergers and has been basically locked up by her overbearing mother, and the gallery owner who discovers her.
Both Hayden and Greer are very interesting characters and play off each other well. It's very heart warming the way Greer supports, protects, and, encourages Hayden without treating her like an invalid. Their interaction is fun to read. The way Hayden takes everything so literal is very cute and there is a line of her's that had me laughing really hard. Aside for Hayden's crazy mother, everything flows fairly easily for the two ladies, which is perfectly fine, not every book needs angst or drama to leave an impression. Gun Brooke also does a good job of describing Hayden's paintings to the point I could picture them in my mind.
Cute characters, sweet love story, satisfying conclusion, and made me want to start painting again. Great book!
July 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. It was a really sweet story about unconditional love with characters I loved reading about. This book had me laughing out loud on so many occasions. I was very disappointed when the book ended because I could read so much more about these two beautiful characters and their growing relationship. I most definitely recommend this book.
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