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A Painted Summer
Darby Sparks has lived a very sheltered life. As a homeschool graduate, a small town resident, and the only child of two over-protective parents, she’s dreamed of chasing big dreams. But big dreams take big courage. So in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, Darby leaves the only life she’s ever known and sets off for California to test her skills in Hollywood. It works...until she runs out of money. That wasn’t part of her spur-of-the-moment plan, and she finds herself stuck in an unfamiliar city with too much pride to call home for help.
With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. Lennon needs help and finds it in Darby. What he doesn’t expect is her odd aversion to his place of business...or his attraction to her. As for Darby, to call her new job unfamiliar is the world's biggest understatement. But to call her mutual attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.
Previously published as part of the Just One Summer collection.
With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. Lennon needs help and finds it in Darby. What he doesn’t expect is her odd aversion to his place of business...or his attraction to her. As for Darby, to call her new job unfamiliar is the world's biggest understatement. But to call her mutual attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.
Previously published as part of the Just One Summer collection.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
20 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Amy Matayo
26 books502 followersAmy Matayo is an award winning author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, Sway, In Tune With Love, A Painted Summer, and The End of the World. She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don't feel sorry for her--she's super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn't put it to good use.
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2017
Darby is a very sheltered young lady and now, she's spending the summer learning to spread her wings and overcome her fears, with help from Lennon, her boss. I love watching Darby learn about herself and to learn to think for herself. She is so fierce about making it on her own. Lennon is a great character, one who always kept me guessing. He's pretty wise for only being in his mid-20s, yet there's not a cocky bone in his body.
So what is Darby doing for the summer? This home school graduate is in Los Angeles, trying to make it as an actress and is working in a tattoo parlor in the meantime. I think some tattoos are very artistic and special when there's a meaning connected to them. Although I personally don't want one, I found these descriptions interesting.
I loved the growth and the subtle romance in this story and my summer spent here was enjoyable. This is a sweet coming-of-age book.
Content: mild romance
So what is Darby doing for the summer? This home school graduate is in Los Angeles, trying to make it as an actress and is working in a tattoo parlor in the meantime. I think some tattoos are very artistic and special when there's a meaning connected to them. Although I personally don't want one, I found these descriptions interesting.
I loved the growth and the subtle romance in this story and my summer spent here was enjoyable. This is a sweet coming-of-age book.
Content: mild romance
January 3, 2018
This is a 91-page novella that I quite enjoyed. Due to its short length, it was obviously a quick read but I felt the author did a good job developing the characters and story-line despite the limited number of pages.
Both main characters were quirky and likable. There are a few timeline and editing issues but overall this was very well done. Definitely worth taking the time to read. I am not by any means a judgemental person but this gave me some food for thought.
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Content: Clean
Both main characters were quirky and likable. There are a few timeline and editing issues but overall this was very well done. Definitely worth taking the time to read. I am not by any means a judgemental person but this gave me some food for thought.
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Content: Clean
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November 28, 2018
Matayo has a way of drawing a reader into the heart of her characters. Meet Darby Sparks - who on first meeting her we discover she is afraid of ... everything. Well she's convinced herself she is. We soon realise that she has a slightly warped view of herself when it comes to fear.
Darby is working as a receptionist, come office lackey for a gifted artist who displays his art on people's bodies, ala, a tattooist. Meet Lennon Dixon. Darby thinks she's got her boss all figured out. She puts him in her own make-believe box and the more she gets to know him, the more she comes to realise she's underestimated him. Sure, she's crazy for the guy ... and the more she gets to know him the more her feelings for him develop.
But is Lennon to cool for Darby? And will their boss/employee situation stop anything romantic happening between them? And will Darby's fear of 'everything', naivete and general insecurity push him away?
I wouldn't have picked this combination - hey, who's guilty of doing the pigeon-holing now? And that's what makes this short romance such fun to read. Two kooky characters, with much more to them that meets the eye, help each other to discover the real person inside.
Bravo, Ms Matayo, once again on a fabulous character-driven story.
Darby is working as a receptionist, come office lackey for a gifted artist who displays his art on people's bodies, ala, a tattooist. Meet Lennon Dixon. Darby thinks she's got her boss all figured out. She puts him in her own make-believe box and the more she gets to know him, the more she comes to realise she's underestimated him. Sure, she's crazy for the guy ... and the more she gets to know him the more her feelings for him develop.
But is Lennon to cool for Darby? And will their boss/employee situation stop anything romantic happening between them? And will Darby's fear of 'everything', naivete and general insecurity push him away?
I wouldn't have picked this combination - hey, who's guilty of doing the pigeon-holing now? And that's what makes this short romance such fun to read. Two kooky characters, with much more to them that meets the eye, help each other to discover the real person inside.
Bravo, Ms Matayo, once again on a fabulous character-driven story.
January 10, 2021
Wow...
Talk about breaking down stereotypes, Matayo does an insanely good job in this intriguing novella. When Darby moves from her small town filled with fear, but a longing to break through that fear, everything seems to fall apart. When she’s on her last bit of money, she takes a chance and walks into a tattoo parlor needing a job. Lennox decides to take a chance on this new employee who seems afraid of everything. As their friendship develops, they both must conquer their preconceived notions. I really loved seeing how they both peel back the layers to see what is underneath the surface. The courage it takes to overcome your fears and do something new really can bring a whole new life and adventure.
Of course we know not everyone has this fairytale experience of moving to the big city, but Darby and Lennox’s romance will tug at your heart. However, this novella has a deeper message, which I believe is truly important. It speaks to being courageous, standing up for your dreams, and breaking out of the shell everyone expects of you. It touched my heart and made me wish it was a full length novel, and yet being wholly satisfied at the end of the book. Thank you Matayo for always having a deeper message in your books that speaks to our heart and dreams.
Talk about breaking down stereotypes, Matayo does an insanely good job in this intriguing novella. When Darby moves from her small town filled with fear, but a longing to break through that fear, everything seems to fall apart. When she’s on her last bit of money, she takes a chance and walks into a tattoo parlor needing a job. Lennox decides to take a chance on this new employee who seems afraid of everything. As their friendship develops, they both must conquer their preconceived notions. I really loved seeing how they both peel back the layers to see what is underneath the surface. The courage it takes to overcome your fears and do something new really can bring a whole new life and adventure.
Of course we know not everyone has this fairytale experience of moving to the big city, but Darby and Lennox’s romance will tug at your heart. However, this novella has a deeper message, which I believe is truly important. It speaks to being courageous, standing up for your dreams, and breaking out of the shell everyone expects of you. It touched my heart and made me wish it was a full length novel, and yet being wholly satisfied at the end of the book. Thank you Matayo for always having a deeper message in your books that speaks to our heart and dreams.
March 4, 2021
Life for Darby Sparks has always been controlled, quiet, simple, and uneventful until she takes a chance on her own and moves to LA. Then life becomes so out of control and she can’t believe she really works in a tattoo parlor. Lennon is the owner of this tattoo parlor and he seems to break all of Darby’s preconceived ideas of what a tattoo guy should be like.
This book is so enjoyable to read. For one thing, the author has a wonderfully quirky way of telling all the thoughts and feelings of these characters. I laughed and sighed, many times with the characters and all that happened between them. The other reason I enjoyed this book, is because I have always had a fascination with tattoos. My children have many, and I even got one. I really do think they can be works of art.
Amy Matayo is a wonderful author. She spins a tale so smoothly and artfully that I knew exactly what Darby was feeling.
It’s a sweet romance with lots of humor, drama, and wonderful verbal banter between the two main characters.
There are even some deep thoughts throughout this book.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend everyone to read it, that is if you’re not afraid of needles!
This book is so enjoyable to read. For one thing, the author has a wonderfully quirky way of telling all the thoughts and feelings of these characters. I laughed and sighed, many times with the characters and all that happened between them. The other reason I enjoyed this book, is because I have always had a fascination with tattoos. My children have many, and I even got one. I really do think they can be works of art.
Amy Matayo is a wonderful author. She spins a tale so smoothly and artfully that I knew exactly what Darby was feeling.
It’s a sweet romance with lots of humor, drama, and wonderful verbal banter between the two main characters.
There are even some deep thoughts throughout this book.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend everyone to read it, that is if you’re not afraid of needles!
May 12, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary;
Darby and Lennon's story and fall in this novella, was so well done. Interesting setting, back story, and fun moments as they get to know each other, and Darby (Sparky), get to know each other. Darby's poverty, her will to create and write, her hope for her future, and her originality all made for a cute, fun, humorous novella. Lennon's heart, his kindness to her, and his help with her finding herself, her place, her way in the city, all so well crafted and done. A gradual finding of her place, her heart, and her craft as Lennon works his.
Darby and Lennon's story and fall in this novella, was so well done. Interesting setting, back story, and fun moments as they get to know each other, and Darby (Sparky), get to know each other. Darby's poverty, her will to create and write, her hope for her future, and her originality all made for a cute, fun, humorous novella. Lennon's heart, his kindness to her, and his help with her finding herself, her place, her way in the city, all so well crafted and done. A gradual finding of her place, her heart, and her craft as Lennon works his.
August 26, 2017
This was a cute, quick, and fun read. I enjoyed it so much and it's clean!
December 27, 2017
cute novella
March 24, 2019
Not very believable. The main character seemed immature and naive, especially after we learn more about her "boss" who owns the tattoo parlor.
December 13, 2022
A Painted Summer
Good book. Very short. I didn’t see the ending coming so quick. The writer tells a good story and I liked the characters.
Good book. Very short. I didn’t see the ending coming so quick. The writer tells a good story and I liked the characters.
January 5, 2016
Painted Summer is a fun short story about a girl trying to find herself. In the process she discovers that stereotypes can be inaccurate and her dreams may not be what she really wants.
I am giving Painted Summer 3 stars because while it is well-written and a fun read, I would not personally recommend it. 1. I find it interesting that in a book about prejudice and stereotyping, the heroine is totally a stereotype. 2. The language used strikes me as questionable. While no actual curse words are used, they are hinted at. 3. I am disappointed by the religious views of the characters in this story. I feel like the story portrays that being a nice person who doesn't judge others is enough, but in reality, only Christ is enough.
I am giving Painted Summer 3 stars because while it is well-written and a fun read, I would not personally recommend it. 1. I find it interesting that in a book about prejudice and stereotyping, the heroine is totally a stereotype. 2. The language used strikes me as questionable. While no actual curse words are used, they are hinted at. 3. I am disappointed by the religious views of the characters in this story. I feel like the story portrays that being a nice person who doesn't judge others is enough, but in reality, only Christ is enough.
April 17, 2016
I read Amy Matayo's, A Painted Summer, as part of the novella anthology, Just One Summer. Out of the four novellas in this anthology, A Painted Summer was one of my top 2 favorites. For a novella, the characters were well-developed and I fell in love with Lennon right along with Darby. He was the most swoon-worthy of all the Heroes in the anthology. The only problem with this novella was that I wanted more. Although great as a novella, it would have been an amazing standard length romance novel. So much more could have been done with Lennon's back story, as well as Darby's. Amy's style of writing is first-rate and I will undoubtedly continue to read more of her work.
June 2, 2022
This Needs to be Required Reading.
I picked up this book because a tattoo artist paired with a homeschooling graduate is appealing, and what could possibly go wrong?
Yes, it's only a novella, but A Painted Summer is a deep story. A sweet story, yes, but full of truths about who we are and who other people are, and how maybe neither is set in stone.
And it's a romance, so I was game anyway.
I'm making my child read this (one day when he's not seven), and if I ever have a daughter, this will be on *her* required reading list.
Second reading:
I 💗 this book. So much.
I picked up this book because a tattoo artist paired with a homeschooling graduate is appealing, and what could possibly go wrong?
Yes, it's only a novella, but A Painted Summer is a deep story. A sweet story, yes, but full of truths about who we are and who other people are, and how maybe neither is set in stone.
And it's a romance, so I was game anyway.
I'm making my child read this (one day when he's not seven), and if I ever have a daughter, this will be on *her* required reading list.
Second reading:
I 💗 this book. So much.
April 21, 2016
I thought the characters and story were well developed for being a novella. I felt like I really knew the characters and what they were about. It was good to see Darby work through her insecurities and find her own way.
This wasn't my favorite book by Amy Matayo but I'm always on the lookout for her books. She has a gift for writing. I believe this was first published in a collection of novellas, Just One Summer.
This wasn't my favorite book by Amy Matayo but I'm always on the lookout for her books. She has a gift for writing. I believe this was first published in a collection of novellas, Just One Summer.
September 7, 2016
This was my first Amy Matayo read. A few people who also read Julie Presley recommended her to me. I loved this novella! The protagonist is real and quirky and awkward in so many relatable ways. The story is sweet, but not saccharin. I really appreciate how Amy paces the story so that there isn't all of the fluffy extra explanations to build the plot---- the plot is good enough to work on its own. This is a great read for young adults, too.
December 13, 2015
It's a short read, but a fun one. Darby is just odd enough to be interesting. Lennox is just interesting. And sweet. Homeschooled girl with too many fears setting out on her own and working in a tattoo shop. Wish it could have been a little longer to see more character development. I like Amy Matayo's edgy feeling writing that doesn't cross a line. She has a great writing voice.
January 18, 2016
I enjoyed this one! I liked how it played with our notions of putting people in a box, and also, the ideas about fear running our lives.
My one downer was an inconsistency in the book... At the beginning she says his eyes are blue, then brown, then blue again...but that was it. Otherwise a good read!
Part of the Just One Summer collection.
My one downer was an inconsistency in the book... At the beginning she says his eyes are blue, then brown, then blue again...but that was it. Otherwise a good read!
Part of the Just One Summer collection.
February 22, 2016
A Painted Summer - PG
Violence: none
Language: no offensive language
Sex: no sex, some kisses
Oh, SWOON. What a story! What a lambasting of stereotypes. Amy Matayo has been a home-run so far, and this novella did not disappoint.
Violence: none
Language: no offensive language
Sex: no sex, some kisses
Oh, SWOON. What a story! What a lambasting of stereotypes. Amy Matayo has been a home-run so far, and this novella did not disappoint.
March 11, 2016
Cute quick read.
May 8, 2017
Loved it
This was a very good and enjoyable book. I loved the interaction between Darby and Lennon. I wish the book had gone on longer.
This was a very good and enjoyable book. I loved the interaction between Darby and Lennon. I wish the book had gone on longer.
December 3, 2016
Loved Darby/Sparky and Lennon so much. Great build up in the story --- but I do wish we would have more of their eventual relationship - where it goes - rather than just making a good guess :)
November 14, 2016
Just One Summer Collection
*Great!
*Great!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews