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Artistic License
"Picasso would have loved his face."
When of the world’s prestigious art collections comes to the resort town of Queenstown, New Zealand, shy art student Sophy James is immediately drawn to the pieces on display – and to the massive, silent, sexy presence keeping watch over them. She’s completely fascinated and attracted by the striking planes and angles of his unusual face, and can’t resist sneaking out her pencil when he’s not looking.
Security consultant Mick Hollister is used to women looking at his ugly mug – but not with the genuine pleasure he sees in the face of the girl with the charcoal-smudged fingers and terrible skills at covert surveillance. A security breach brings the two into fast and furious collision, and an unlikely friendship begins to blossom. And an even more unlikely – and very reluctant – love.
Introvert Sophy is content with her independence and solitude. She’s never looked for a long-term relationship, and isn’t sure she wants one now. Mick, apparently born with a face that not even a mother could love, has given up all hope of having one.
They have nothing in common. They shouldn’t even like each other. And they can’t stay away from one another.
When of the world’s prestigious art collections comes to the resort town of Queenstown, New Zealand, shy art student Sophy James is immediately drawn to the pieces on display – and to the massive, silent, sexy presence keeping watch over them. She’s completely fascinated and attracted by the striking planes and angles of his unusual face, and can’t resist sneaking out her pencil when he’s not looking.
Security consultant Mick Hollister is used to women looking at his ugly mug – but not with the genuine pleasure he sees in the face of the girl with the charcoal-smudged fingers and terrible skills at covert surveillance. A security breach brings the two into fast and furious collision, and an unlikely friendship begins to blossom. And an even more unlikely – and very reluctant – love.
Introvert Sophy is content with her independence and solitude. She’s never looked for a long-term relationship, and isn’t sure she wants one now. Mick, apparently born with a face that not even a mother could love, has given up all hope of having one.
They have nothing in common. They shouldn’t even like each other. And they can’t stay away from one another.
178 pages, ebook
First published December 11, 2013
143 people are currently reading
2331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
February 13, 2017
This was a delightful, quick read and a really good short romance (I mostly like my romances longer, so I mean this as a compliment). Sophy and Mick were outstanding together and the story was very sweet.
This is one of the best depictions I've read of an introverted character who also has a healthy dose of the shy (bordering on debilitating social anxiety). Or, at least, she's a whole lot like my oldest daughter and I recognized her so well in this. Sophy is an artist (unlike my daughter), so I totally bought her being drawn to Mick whose face is "interesting". He's big and tough and has very intimidating features and I loved how consistently that's depicted. I also love how he's got a core kindness and fundamentally protective nature that shows through in all his actions (and not just with Sophy). His pain at being considered unreasoningly violent, even by those who should know better, was really engaging to me. So I loved how the two fit so well together. Sophy honestly finds him uniquely beautiful even as he can become that restful place she needs to feel freely safe.
I was deeply engaged in both almost immediately. And fell in love with each over the course of the story. I particularly liked how well they communicated (despite Sophy's difficulties) and the lack of stupid misunderstandings getting in their way.
The only thing dragging this down, even a little, is that the plot has a few contrivances that seemed rather unlikely piled all together. That and some of the secondary characters (like Mick's family) being a bit too one-dimensional keep this from an absolute knock out of the park. I'm still rounding up to five stars, mind, but it bears mentioning that there are weaknesses if you want to look for them.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene in the book and it's well integrated and well depicted. Being such a short book anyway, that puts this on the verge of the middle of my steam tolerance (but I have to admit still on the low-side if I'm forced to measure closely).
This is one of the best depictions I've read of an introverted character who also has a healthy dose of the shy (bordering on debilitating social anxiety). Or, at least, she's a whole lot like my oldest daughter and I recognized her so well in this. Sophy is an artist (unlike my daughter), so I totally bought her being drawn to Mick whose face is "interesting". He's big and tough and has very intimidating features and I loved how consistently that's depicted. I also love how he's got a core kindness and fundamentally protective nature that shows through in all his actions (and not just with Sophy). His pain at being considered unreasoningly violent, even by those who should know better, was really engaging to me. So I loved how the two fit so well together. Sophy honestly finds him uniquely beautiful even as he can become that restful place she needs to feel freely safe.
I was deeply engaged in both almost immediately. And fell in love with each over the course of the story. I particularly liked how well they communicated (despite Sophy's difficulties) and the lack of stupid misunderstandings getting in their way.
The only thing dragging this down, even a little, is that the plot has a few contrivances that seemed rather unlikely piled all together. That and some of the secondary characters (like Mick's family) being a bit too one-dimensional keep this from an absolute knock out of the park. I'm still rounding up to five stars, mind, but it bears mentioning that there are weaknesses if you want to look for them.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene in the book and it's well integrated and well depicted. Being such a short book anyway, that puts this on the verge of the middle of my steam tolerance (but I have to admit still on the low-side if I'm forced to measure closely).
December 26, 2014
I was utterly charmed by this love story and stayed up very late last night to finish it.
This book is talk about a bit because it has an "ugly hero" but as the heroine never sees him that way I don't either. He is very large and built and this factors into the story.
The heroine's introversion is compelling in how that way of being plays out in the process of falling love. It really well done and feels so true.
The romance between them processes so naturally. It is a wonderful read.
There is some interesting side drama and his parents are simply awful as is his "ex". But both of the leads have good friends and while I think the issue of the hero's family could have been better and more complexly developed along with a few other side issue, the main romance is so very good.
I love find a promising new writer!
This book is talk about a bit because it has an "ugly hero" but as the heroine never sees him that way I don't either. He is very large and built and this factors into the story.
The heroine's introversion is compelling in how that way of being plays out in the process of falling love. It really well done and feels so true.
The romance between them processes so naturally. It is a wonderful read.
There is some interesting side drama and his parents are simply awful as is his "ex". But both of the leads have good friends and while I think the issue of the hero's family could have been better and more complexly developed along with a few other side issue, the main romance is so very good.
I love find a promising new writer!
January 17, 2020
Low angst, feel-good (non-queer) f/m romance that begins when Sophy James, a graduate art student who values her independence and alone time, meets "ugly" security consultant Mick Hollister by having a near-fatal asthma attack. That wasn't her plan or anything. She was just sketching him, totally engrossed in his artistically beautiful face (Picasso would have loved it!). And then there was a terrorist with a smoke bomb, and she, uh, got in his way and he knocked her over? Totally humiliating. And let's not even TALK about what came out of her mouth when he showed up in her hospital room.
This isn't quite a romantic comedy, but the narration is profoundly funny, and each character has their own distinct voice. Sophy's narration is rich and vibrant. Instead of "She felt shy around him" we get "She wasn't sure what it was about the man, but he reduced her from a shy person with manners to the walking personification of a blush. On her personal scale of social terror, he was more intimidating than the senior art lecturer, a man who drove most of his students to drink or copious amounts of cake."
Mick's dry style is best reflected by his first lines, describing Sophy: "The girl had the reflexes of a suicidal turtle and some serious art chops. She had captured his ugly mug with a stick of charcoal - and the worst attempt at covert surveillance he had witnessed since his days of pubescent Army training."
I kept wanting to highlight my favorite passages until I realized that would be half the book.
The conflict in their budding romance is fairly straightforward: Sophy is wary of surrendering her independence to a relationship, and Mick is insecure about his appearance but able to get over it if Sophy would just get on board. They essentially end up dating without Sophy being willing to admit it, pushed together even more closely when they realizes she's possibly being stalked, but it takes some unscrambling in her head for them to achieve Happily Ever After. I was so glad they did, because patient, generous, loyal Mick totally deserved it. And I was glad for Sophy too, haha. (She just didn't need it as much as he did, you know?)
This isn't quite a romantic comedy, but the narration is profoundly funny, and each character has their own distinct voice. Sophy's narration is rich and vibrant. Instead of "She felt shy around him" we get "She wasn't sure what it was about the man, but he reduced her from a shy person with manners to the walking personification of a blush. On her personal scale of social terror, he was more intimidating than the senior art lecturer, a man who drove most of his students to drink or copious amounts of cake."
Mick's dry style is best reflected by his first lines, describing Sophy: "The girl had the reflexes of a suicidal turtle and some serious art chops. She had captured his ugly mug with a stick of charcoal - and the worst attempt at covert surveillance he had witnessed since his days of pubescent Army training."
I kept wanting to highlight my favorite passages until I realized that would be half the book.
The conflict in their budding romance is fairly straightforward: Sophy is wary of surrendering her independence to a relationship, and Mick is insecure about his appearance but able to get over it if Sophy would just get on board. They essentially end up dating without Sophy being willing to admit it, pushed together even more closely when they realizes she's possibly being stalked, but it takes some unscrambling in her head for them to achieve Happily Ever After. I was so glad they did, because patient, generous, loyal Mick totally deserved it. And I was glad for Sophy too, haha. (She just didn't need it as much as he did, you know?)
August 9, 2016
4 to 4 1/2 stars
"You don't have to give up everything when you share your life with someone. You make allowances; you make compromises. But what you get back in return should make it worthwhile. If it seems like a sacrifice, if it doesn't seem worth it - only then should you not be in that relationship. You hear me?"
I've been wanting to read this one for quite some time and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It was different and it made me smile and laugh often. I enjoyed the dynamics, connection and relationship between Sophy and Mick, as well as the various supporting characters.
There were a lot of moving moments between the two of them and I loved how even when Sophy was struggling with her own insecurities and concerns, she was also cognizant of how much he meant to her, of the ways in which he'd been wounded emotionally, and of not wanting to hurt him despite her fears about risking her heart, autonomy, and the simplicity of her lifestyle.
Mick isn't drop dead gorgeous or even considered attractive by societal standards and he's been the target of some cruelty as a result, but Sophy sees him and she truly thinks he is beautiful.
Sophy was actually trembling with anger.
"I don't..." She swallowed the harsh words and tried again. "I don't understand. Why? I don't get it."
The look he gave her hit her directly in the throat.
"Sophy," he said, and the very ordinariness of his voice brought tears stinging to her eyes. "Look at me."
She moved so quickly that he didn't have time to retreat. Her hands came up hard against his jaw, gripping his dear head between her palms and forcing his face to meet hers. She pressed her forehead to his and felt her lashes sweep the curve of his brow.
"I do look at you," she said fiercely. "I haven't stopped looking at you for days. And I will never understand her."
His arms were achingly slow to come around her and then they tightened in a compulsive movement, hard bands across her back, enveloping her in warm, firm muscle.
It wasn't the crescendo peak of a grand seduction scene. It was a quiet embrace of deep, even breaths and shared comfort. And love. For that instant of time, it was a touch of love, given freely, without strings, conditions or promises.
This story left me in a good, happy place when I was done and pleased I'd taken the journey.
"You'll know if it's right."
"People always say stuff like that," Sophy burst out. "But what if it's not right? What if you make a horrible mistake and people get hurt?"
"Well, you will make mistakes. And people will get hurt. Unfortunately, that's life. But that doesn't automatically negate all the good stuff. And it doesn't mean that you should make some sort of pre-emptive strike against taking the risk in the first place."
Sophy let out a sigh, examining the toes of her shoes as they scuffed in the gravel.
"You're a wise woman, Ma," she said lightly after a moment.
"I think so," agreed Marion serenely.
"Did you get that last bit from Oprah?"
"Cosmopolitan."
I've recently learned that 'Elle Pierson' also wrote Act Like It which I've heard positive things about. I added that one to my collection a little while back so I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in future.
"You don't have to give up everything when you share your life with someone. You make allowances; you make compromises. But what you get back in return should make it worthwhile. If it seems like a sacrifice, if it doesn't seem worth it - only then should you not be in that relationship. You hear me?"
I've been wanting to read this one for quite some time and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It was different and it made me smile and laugh often. I enjoyed the dynamics, connection and relationship between Sophy and Mick, as well as the various supporting characters.
There were a lot of moving moments between the two of them and I loved how even when Sophy was struggling with her own insecurities and concerns, she was also cognizant of how much he meant to her, of the ways in which he'd been wounded emotionally, and of not wanting to hurt him despite her fears about risking her heart, autonomy, and the simplicity of her lifestyle.
Mick isn't drop dead gorgeous or even considered attractive by societal standards and he's been the target of some cruelty as a result, but Sophy sees him and she truly thinks he is beautiful.
Sophy was actually trembling with anger.
"I don't..." She swallowed the harsh words and tried again. "I don't understand. Why? I don't get it."
The look he gave her hit her directly in the throat.
"Sophy," he said, and the very ordinariness of his voice brought tears stinging to her eyes. "Look at me."
She moved so quickly that he didn't have time to retreat. Her hands came up hard against his jaw, gripping his dear head between her palms and forcing his face to meet hers. She pressed her forehead to his and felt her lashes sweep the curve of his brow.
"I do look at you," she said fiercely. "I haven't stopped looking at you for days. And I will never understand her."
His arms were achingly slow to come around her and then they tightened in a compulsive movement, hard bands across her back, enveloping her in warm, firm muscle.
It wasn't the crescendo peak of a grand seduction scene. It was a quiet embrace of deep, even breaths and shared comfort. And love. For that instant of time, it was a touch of love, given freely, without strings, conditions or promises.
This story left me in a good, happy place when I was done and pleased I'd taken the journey.
"You'll know if it's right."
"People always say stuff like that," Sophy burst out. "But what if it's not right? What if you make a horrible mistake and people get hurt?"
"Well, you will make mistakes. And people will get hurt. Unfortunately, that's life. But that doesn't automatically negate all the good stuff. And it doesn't mean that you should make some sort of pre-emptive strike against taking the risk in the first place."
Sophy let out a sigh, examining the toes of her shoes as they scuffed in the gravel.
"You're a wise woman, Ma," she said lightly after a moment.
"I think so," agreed Marion serenely.
"Did you get that last bit from Oprah?"
"Cosmopolitan."
I've recently learned that 'Elle Pierson' also wrote Act Like It which I've heard positive things about. I added that one to my collection a little while back so I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in future.
February 19, 2023
4.75 stars.
If I could just read books that gave me this feel, I would be so happy.
I adored the two protagonists so much. Sophy is an artist who sees the beauty in Mick. I love that she is both strong and fragile. I’m not a fan of her fighting things with him but the fear of not having enough time to yourself and to be alone seems very real.
They were just so genuine together and I adored how each valued the other.
It was incredibly sweet. And the ending made me so happy.
I think the drama was a little out of nowhere and inexplicable but it made for a fun book and didn’t make me stressed out. So I can live with that.
If I could just read books that gave me this feel, I would be so happy.
I adored the two protagonists so much. Sophy is an artist who sees the beauty in Mick. I love that she is both strong and fragile. I’m not a fan of her fighting things with him but the fear of not having enough time to yourself and to be alone seems very real.
They were just so genuine together and I adored how each valued the other.
It was incredibly sweet. And the ending made me so happy.
I think the drama was a little out of nowhere and inexplicable but it made for a fun book and didn’t make me stressed out. So I can live with that.
February 21, 2016
Originally posted at Chachic's Book Nook.
Act Like It by Lucy Parker surprised me with how good it was. I even included Lainie and Richard in my recent list of favorite literary couples. I immediately wanted to read more books written by the author but saw that she only had one title that was out. Then I followed her on Twitter and discovered that she self-published another book under a different name: Artistic License by Elle Pierson. To make things even better, the Kindle edition was available for free for a few days. Of course, I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could (also because I was gently nudged by my friend Angie).
Going by how Act Like It sucked me in, I knew I should start reading Artistic License on a weekend or I would lose a lot of sleep. I was right. I read most of the book on a Saturday and ignored everything else that I had to do (as usual, I was supposed to do some chores). I couldn't put it down once I got in the swing of things. It was just too much fun to read about Sophy and Mick. I liked the unusual circumstances of their meeting, and how that incident brought them together. While there's initial attraction, both of them weren't looking for a relationship so they started off as unlikely friends. Unlikely because at first glance, it seems that they don't have much in common. In spite of their differences, they soon realize that they're able to read and understand each other very well. Sophy is an introvert and is painfully shy. She rarely opens up to strangers, only her family and friends truly see her bright and vibrant personality. She's happy in her solitude and she immerses herself in her art. For some reason, she instinctively trusts Mick from the moment they meet and she quickly lets her guard down around him. Mick has a tough exterior, matched by his looks, but is really such a sweet guy. He's had some nasty experiences in the past and definitely deserves all the friends that he could get. He needs people to back him up and stand up for him, and Sophy becomes on of those people in just a short amount of time.
I think the transition from strangers to friends to lovers felt very natural in Artistic License. Even as friends, both Sophy and Mick were wary of each other. They're both observant types, and they were careful around the other person. I thought Sophy's introvert nature was a huge factor in this. Also, Mick has his own reasons for not getting too close to someone else. I also think it gave their romance an unusual flavor. While I have always been classified as an extrovert, there are times when I think I'm an introverted extrovert. I could relate to Sophy needing her alone time, and trying to reconcile the idea of opening herself up enough to let another person into her life. She's worried of what she has to give up in order to be in a relationship, even if she does want to be with that person. It is a pretty big step for anyone, especially for someone who recharges by being by herself. Mick is the perfect gentlemen in the sense that he gives Sophy all the space that she needs. I really liked that there wasn't any unnecessary drama between them. They were honest with each other and there were no mind games. All the conflict were from external factors. There's a dash of mystery and suspense in this story, but the focus is definitely the development of Sophy and Mick's relationship. I really liked how the secondary characters played a part in the love story, like Mick's best friend Sean had some fun scenes and Sophy's mom also gave some great advice.
I also enjoyed reading about the Queenstown setting of the book. It's a refreshing choice of setting, not the more common US or UK locations in romances. I've never been to New Zealand but now I want to visit it because of the descriptions in Artistic License. Seems like a great place for a vacation. The author shared this picture of the setting on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/_LucyParker/statu...
No matter what name she writes under, I will definitely be watching out for this author's next book. I hope one will be released sooner rather than later!
Act Like It by Lucy Parker surprised me with how good it was. I even included Lainie and Richard in my recent list of favorite literary couples. I immediately wanted to read more books written by the author but saw that she only had one title that was out. Then I followed her on Twitter and discovered that she self-published another book under a different name: Artistic License by Elle Pierson. To make things even better, the Kindle edition was available for free for a few days. Of course, I grabbed a copy and read it as soon as I could (also because I was gently nudged by my friend Angie).
Going by how Act Like It sucked me in, I knew I should start reading Artistic License on a weekend or I would lose a lot of sleep. I was right. I read most of the book on a Saturday and ignored everything else that I had to do (as usual, I was supposed to do some chores). I couldn't put it down once I got in the swing of things. It was just too much fun to read about Sophy and Mick. I liked the unusual circumstances of their meeting, and how that incident brought them together. While there's initial attraction, both of them weren't looking for a relationship so they started off as unlikely friends. Unlikely because at first glance, it seems that they don't have much in common. In spite of their differences, they soon realize that they're able to read and understand each other very well. Sophy is an introvert and is painfully shy. She rarely opens up to strangers, only her family and friends truly see her bright and vibrant personality. She's happy in her solitude and she immerses herself in her art. For some reason, she instinctively trusts Mick from the moment they meet and she quickly lets her guard down around him. Mick has a tough exterior, matched by his looks, but is really such a sweet guy. He's had some nasty experiences in the past and definitely deserves all the friends that he could get. He needs people to back him up and stand up for him, and Sophy becomes on of those people in just a short amount of time.
I think the transition from strangers to friends to lovers felt very natural in Artistic License. Even as friends, both Sophy and Mick were wary of each other. They're both observant types, and they were careful around the other person. I thought Sophy's introvert nature was a huge factor in this. Also, Mick has his own reasons for not getting too close to someone else. I also think it gave their romance an unusual flavor. While I have always been classified as an extrovert, there are times when I think I'm an introverted extrovert. I could relate to Sophy needing her alone time, and trying to reconcile the idea of opening herself up enough to let another person into her life. She's worried of what she has to give up in order to be in a relationship, even if she does want to be with that person. It is a pretty big step for anyone, especially for someone who recharges by being by herself. Mick is the perfect gentlemen in the sense that he gives Sophy all the space that she needs. I really liked that there wasn't any unnecessary drama between them. They were honest with each other and there were no mind games. All the conflict were from external factors. There's a dash of mystery and suspense in this story, but the focus is definitely the development of Sophy and Mick's relationship. I really liked how the secondary characters played a part in the love story, like Mick's best friend Sean had some fun scenes and Sophy's mom also gave some great advice.
I also enjoyed reading about the Queenstown setting of the book. It's a refreshing choice of setting, not the more common US or UK locations in romances. I've never been to New Zealand but now I want to visit it because of the descriptions in Artistic License. Seems like a great place for a vacation. The author shared this picture of the setting on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/_LucyParker/statu...
No matter what name she writes under, I will definitely be watching out for this author's next book. I hope one will be released sooner rather than later!
June 4, 2015
This is a gentle story about two unlikely people falling in love. Two things are remarkable in this witty, contemporary story set in New Zealand. First, Mick Hollister is ugly, and second, the process of how difficult it is to give up oneself in a relationship is contemplated.
Mick is not scarred or slashed. Mick was not in a debilitating fire. Mick is not deformed. He is not hiding his hideousness behind a mask. In the words of author Elle Pierson, "The others [Mick's security co-workers] looked like escapees from a Tom Ford runway. He looked like Henchman Number Two in an action flick." And artist Sophy James finds him utterly fascinating. What I found compelling was that the author emphasized Mick's un-hero-like appearance, made even more pronounced by his brawn. I could totally relate, and I expect most of us have met a man who is not handsome in the traditional way to be compelling and attractive regardless. But his ugliness impacted how Mick reacted to most women, and it was endearing to see how he and Sophy misread each other's romantic cues based on those expectations.
For her part, Sophy is a very shy woman in social situations, but witty and adorable with her close friends and family. She is private, but clearly confident in her art. She has learned to embrace her quiet side, and I liked that her parents did not make her feel inadequate because she did not act like an extrovert. Mick believes her reticence has something to do with his appearance, while she is just uncomfortable in conversation with a stranger. "It was probably a damning indictment on her character that she wanted to ask him about his parents just so they could both retreat into a safe, sulky silence."
I enjoyed the banter in the book, but felt the tonality was limited. Mick's thoughts sounded a lot like Sophy's. I needed to hear a more masculine voice coming out of Mick.
One area of conflict is Mick's relationship to his family. Sophy's observation of Mick's sorrow is one of the gentle, beautiful moments in the book. "The worst she usually saw of family dysfunction was on the screen, where fractured and hostile relationships were played for laughs. There was nothing entertaining about it in person."
This style of introspection becomes deeper in the last portion of the book. Privacy and containment are very, very important to Sophy. Falling in love with Mick challenges that notion. "But how do you reconcile opening up completely, sharing your life completely with another human being, while still being whole within yourself?" This a question that someone truly falling in love for the first time will ask herself. Does Mick have the right answer?
Mick is not scarred or slashed. Mick was not in a debilitating fire. Mick is not deformed. He is not hiding his hideousness behind a mask. In the words of author Elle Pierson, "The others [Mick's security co-workers] looked like escapees from a Tom Ford runway. He looked like Henchman Number Two in an action flick." And artist Sophy James finds him utterly fascinating. What I found compelling was that the author emphasized Mick's un-hero-like appearance, made even more pronounced by his brawn. I could totally relate, and I expect most of us have met a man who is not handsome in the traditional way to be compelling and attractive regardless. But his ugliness impacted how Mick reacted to most women, and it was endearing to see how he and Sophy misread each other's romantic cues based on those expectations.
For her part, Sophy is a very shy woman in social situations, but witty and adorable with her close friends and family. She is private, but clearly confident in her art. She has learned to embrace her quiet side, and I liked that her parents did not make her feel inadequate because she did not act like an extrovert. Mick believes her reticence has something to do with his appearance, while she is just uncomfortable in conversation with a stranger. "It was probably a damning indictment on her character that she wanted to ask him about his parents just so they could both retreat into a safe, sulky silence."
I enjoyed the banter in the book, but felt the tonality was limited. Mick's thoughts sounded a lot like Sophy's. I needed to hear a more masculine voice coming out of Mick.
One area of conflict is Mick's relationship to his family. Sophy's observation of Mick's sorrow is one of the gentle, beautiful moments in the book. "The worst she usually saw of family dysfunction was on the screen, where fractured and hostile relationships were played for laughs. There was nothing entertaining about it in person."
This style of introspection becomes deeper in the last portion of the book. Privacy and containment are very, very important to Sophy. Falling in love with Mick challenges that notion. "But how do you reconcile opening up completely, sharing your life completely with another human being, while still being whole within yourself?" This a question that someone truly falling in love for the first time will ask herself. Does Mick have the right answer?
June 14, 2024
Reading because of @Elizabeth
Also, love my library for having an audio copy available 😌
This is really a test for me, I don't know how to rate this honestly a 3.5~ maybe?
I love the FMC, I felt like I understood her and I could relate: Her wanting her space, her being embarrassed, having trouble talking to new people, over-thinking and more.
The MMC was so sweet with her, I loved their interactions and how it all started. They felt very complementary for one another.
The issue is that besides that, I didn't really care about the 'other' stuff that happened. I just wanted more of them talking, getting to know one another, accepting each other and being together.
Also, love my library for having an audio copy available 😌
This is really a test for me, I don't know how to rate this honestly a 3.5~ maybe?
I love the FMC, I felt like I understood her and I could relate: Her wanting her space, her being embarrassed, having trouble talking to new people, over-thinking and more.
The MMC was so sweet with her, I loved their interactions and how it all started. They felt very complementary for one another.
The issue is that besides that, I didn't really care about the 'other' stuff that happened. I just wanted more of them talking, getting to know one another, accepting each other and being together.
May 3, 2020
I liked it, even if it took me a bit longer to finish.
A silent broody hero and a talented shy heroine, their slow dance toward falling in love was a pleasure to watch. The story was a bit all over the place, with lots of things happening - and not being very necessary. But the characters were adorable.
His palpable discomfort actually eased her nerves. Social misfits unite.
Loved the art references, the chemistry and some funny moments. Something was missing though, it's hard to put a finger on it. At times I felt like the author tried a bit too hard and went over the top... And yet I still wanted something more.
A nice weekend read with sooome action, a liiitle suspense and lots of sweetness.
A silent broody hero and a talented shy heroine, their slow dance toward falling in love was a pleasure to watch. The story was a bit all over the place, with lots of things happening - and not being very necessary. But the characters were adorable.
His palpable discomfort actually eased her nerves. Social misfits unite.
Loved the art references, the chemistry and some funny moments. Something was missing though, it's hard to put a finger on it. At times I felt like the author tried a bit too hard and went over the top... And yet I still wanted something more.
A nice weekend read with sooome action, a liiitle suspense and lots of sweetness.
September 12, 2016
Wow. I did not expect this level of awesomeness.
Dear author, PLEASE write more books!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear author, PLEASE write more books!!!!!!!!!!!
September 4, 2020
4 stars! A short, but extremely sweet read.
This story is about Sophy and Mick, who are basically opposites but somehow fit together perfectly. Sophy is a painfully shy art student, and Mick works as security for a rich art collector. They meet when her art class visits the exhibit where he works. Some dramatic stuff happens, and Mick agrees to pose for a sculpture competition she plans to enter. From that point on, they gradually start to develop a friendship/relationship.
Considering how short this story is, it really didn't read like a novella. I didn't feel like their connection was stunted or rushed, as I frequently feel when reading stories this length. Their relationship progressed naturally, although with an added dose of awkward considering Sophy's anti-social personality. This is just a very sweet read, one of those stories that made me feel all gooey inside. :)
Safe
This story is about Sophy and Mick, who are basically opposites but somehow fit together perfectly. Sophy is a painfully shy art student, and Mick works as security for a rich art collector. They meet when her art class visits the exhibit where he works. Some dramatic stuff happens, and Mick agrees to pose for a sculpture competition she plans to enter. From that point on, they gradually start to develop a friendship/relationship.
Considering how short this story is, it really didn't read like a novella. I didn't feel like their connection was stunted or rushed, as I frequently feel when reading stories this length. Their relationship progressed naturally, although with an added dose of awkward considering Sophy's anti-social personality. This is just a very sweet read, one of those stories that made me feel all gooey inside. :)
Safe
April 8, 2016
I really loved this book. How refreshing to read about an imperfect hero who is self-conscience with his looks. I loved Mick and Sophy! This was a really sweet romance and I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 27, 2020
It's a sweet story but by my calculations about 49% of the time I don't get along with Parker's transitions or pacing. This was one of those times.
LP fans will enjoy (and so did I with this nice reserved man and shy woman.)
LP fans will enjoy (and so did I with this nice reserved man and shy woman.)
Read
July 15, 2023 dnf %36
i tried to read a couple of chapters because my friends read and recommend this to me so i was hopeful BUT the writing did not work for me😭 i would like to read more dialogue but fmc would say things like "he said that to me, he told me he likes this bla bla", i would like to READ him saying those things 😩
also i didn't feel a chemistry between them🫣🫣
i tried to read a couple of chapters because my friends read and recommend this to me so i was hopeful BUT the writing did not work for me😭 i would like to read more dialogue but fmc would say things like "he said that to me, he told me he likes this bla bla", i would like to READ him saying those things 😩
also i didn't feel a chemistry between them🫣🫣
June 25, 2023
I revisites this one, loved it just as much the second time despite already knowing the mystery.
...............................
This one really hit the spot for me. The MCs weren't simplistic, but weren't bogged down by too much baggage either. It's a love story with hints of danger and mystery, but primarily a love story.
A shy art student meets a gruff security guard. But he's more than a security guard and she's actually a successful artist as well.
The story takes place in Queensland, Australia where a renowned private art collection is on display. Sophy and Mick take note of each other but nothing would have ever come of it if not for a series of quirky exchanges taking them both out of their comfort zones.
Sophy could be a little trying with her fear of relationships, but I felt the author didn't take it too far and her fear isn't silly.
The side characters were interesting too. I particularly LOVED how Sophy told off the evil sorta-OW.
The other thing I liked was that Mick wasn't handsome. Mind you... he's build like a brick shit house. And Sophy needs a model for her sculpture of Hades. Hmmm...
Safety is fine
...............................
This one really hit the spot for me. The MCs weren't simplistic, but weren't bogged down by too much baggage either. It's a love story with hints of danger and mystery, but primarily a love story.
A shy art student meets a gruff security guard. But he's more than a security guard and she's actually a successful artist as well.
The story takes place in Queensland, Australia where a renowned private art collection is on display. Sophy and Mick take note of each other but nothing would have ever come of it if not for a series of quirky exchanges taking them both out of their comfort zones.
Sophy could be a little trying with her fear of relationships, but I felt the author didn't take it too far and her fear isn't silly.
The side characters were interesting too. I particularly LOVED how Sophy told off the evil sorta-OW.
The other thing I liked was that Mick wasn't handsome. Mind you... he's build like a brick shit house. And Sophy needs a model for her sculpture of Hades. Hmmm...
Safety is fine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
Original read 6/8/14.
Re-read 8/21/15.
Re-read 4/29/17
Such a sweet love story where their relationship slowly develops. He isn't a good looking guy but she likes him for the person he is.
-------
4/29/17 - For a romance that only has one sex scene, this is one of my faves. I rarely read MF anymore, but this one is a keeper. So sweet and I love the developing relationship between Mick and Sophy.
Re-read 8/21/15.
Re-read 4/29/17
Such a sweet love story where their relationship slowly develops. He isn't a good looking guy but she likes him for the person he is.
-------
4/29/17 - For a romance that only has one sex scene, this is one of my faves. I rarely read MF anymore, but this one is a keeper. So sweet and I love the developing relationship between Mick and Sophy.
January 7, 2020
Artistic License was a short, sweet, slow burn romance. I loved the fact that Mick is not handsome but Sophy proved that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I loved how their friendship turned into love but honestly the pace was just so slow that I was bored.
March 30, 2015
Absolutely endearing! Exactly what a sweet, contemporary romance should be. Set in New Zealand, the story revolves around a young, extremely introverted sculptor, Sophy, and her unlikely friendship that turns into more with Mick, who would make the New Zealand rugby team look like a bunch of toddlers.
Elle Pierson has created a totally swoon-worthy character in the person of Mick Hollister, the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, an Alpha who is not a jerk, protective without being stifling, sensitive without being a doormat. I fell in love with his cubist face and Greek God like body the way Sophy did. How refreshing to have a male character NOT espouse the bland features of cover models that populate every other romance novel.
The author also managed to create a good female character in Sophy. I related very much to her awkward social outcast persona. Even though it is a bit of a cliche to have the female heroine of a romance be the socially awkward yet beautiful but doesn't know it girl, as well as having her confront the bitchy ex, I still think the author managed to write it in a new, interesting way. However, nothing can come close to the perfection that is Mick Hollister :)
What I didn't like: All the drama and suspense felt over the top. The heroine keeps ending up in the hospital when she is not being lusted over by pretty much every single male character in the novel. Lol
Overall, it was an extremely well-written, humorous, tender, poignant, short but satisfying read for anyone in the mood for a light rather than heavy or dark read.
Elle Pierson has created a totally swoon-worthy character in the person of Mick Hollister, the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, an Alpha who is not a jerk, protective without being stifling, sensitive without being a doormat. I fell in love with his cubist face and Greek God like body the way Sophy did. How refreshing to have a male character NOT espouse the bland features of cover models that populate every other romance novel.
The author also managed to create a good female character in Sophy. I related very much to her awkward social outcast persona. Even though it is a bit of a cliche to have the female heroine of a romance be the socially awkward yet beautiful but doesn't know it girl, as well as having her confront the bitchy ex, I still think the author managed to write it in a new, interesting way. However, nothing can come close to the perfection that is Mick Hollister :)
What I didn't like: All the drama and suspense felt over the top. The heroine keeps ending up in the hospital when she is not being lusted over by pretty much every single male character in the novel. Lol
Overall, it was an extremely well-written, humorous, tender, poignant, short but satisfying read for anyone in the mood for a light rather than heavy or dark read.
February 14, 2023
Mick (H) and Sophy (h) were so sweet. Sophy is a shy, awkward, and reserved art student and Mick is a burly security guard with some sensitivities about his appearance (he's unconventional looking but Sophy finds him attractive from the start) and his family (who are just awful). They meet when Sophy's touring an art exhibit that Mick is working at and after a bit of chaos, they start slowly becoming friends. Which of course turns into them dating, except both have reservations about relationships, although Sophy more so. It's a slow burn but their relationship was so well-developed, I loved it. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (a former fling of H's says some nasty things and an om is interested in h, but there's no drama) and neither are virgins.
I was surprised that there were a couple suspenseful type scenes since I thought it would just be fluff and sweetness, but I liked their inclusion. This story just made me smile and the focus stayed on the main characters working through their feelings and wants. I really liked that Sophy wanted to base a sculpture on Mick. Mick was a bit bossy and very protective, which I also liked. A couple of side characters featured heavily like Sophy's cousin who's also her roommate and Mick's supportive and funny best friend. Both Sophy's family and Mick's family also had scenes and the contrast between them was drastic since Sophy's parents were amazing. There's one steamy scene, which was really good and the epilogue was an aww-inducing 11 month jump ahead for their HEA.
Thanks to Jess for recommending this!
I was surprised that there were a couple suspenseful type scenes since I thought it would just be fluff and sweetness, but I liked their inclusion. This story just made me smile and the focus stayed on the main characters working through their feelings and wants. I really liked that Sophy wanted to base a sculpture on Mick. Mick was a bit bossy and very protective, which I also liked. A couple of side characters featured heavily like Sophy's cousin who's also her roommate and Mick's supportive and funny best friend. Both Sophy's family and Mick's family also had scenes and the contrast between them was drastic since Sophy's parents were amazing. There's one steamy scene, which was really good and the epilogue was an aww-inducing 11 month jump ahead for their HEA.
Thanks to Jess for recommending this!
February 25, 2016
Very likable contemporary romance. I loved the characters especially the introverted artist heroine Sophy.
This author is a pseudonym for Lucy Parker whose other book Act Like It has been cluttering up my feed recently. Now I understand why. It's a modern romance but with the charm contemporary romances had before the advent of NA and YA.
Her fingernails were cut short and workmanlike, but were painted in pink and white stripes. The smartphone leaning dangerously from the pocket of her loose dress was a similarly aggressive shade of candyfloss, which seemed a crime against an otherwise perfectly decent model. She was the most overtly feminine person he had met since his kindergarten days, when small girls came bedecked with bows, ruffles and sparkly purses.
This author is a pseudonym for Lucy Parker whose other book Act Like It has been cluttering up my feed recently. Now I understand why. It's a modern romance but with the charm contemporary romances had before the advent of NA and YA.
Sophy dropped back among the pillows and stared at the ceiling. She felt as if someone had picked her up and moved her to a new square on the chessboard when she wasn't looking. Everything still looked familiar, but the view was different and she wasn't quite sure where she was, or if she was happy to be here.
June 30, 2016
This did not work for me. I did not connect. The heroine's voice felt more like an 18 year old than a 24 year old woman. The hero felt like he was more of a mentor to her than someone who wanted a romance with her. He said all the right things...that she was attractive, etc., but I did not feel it. I love books where the heroine is shy and timid and nerdy and the hero is someone completely opposite from her, but Sophy's behavior just felt forced. Out of no where her repeating how she was always tongue tied around men, she mentioned the guys she was previous with. I wish I would have highlighted it to quote the way the heroine said it. Weird.
The verbiage and inner monologue did not work for me. The hero used verbiage like "milk teeth". (Loc 427)
The characters had no chemistry. Nothing happened.
The verbiage and inner monologue did not work for me. The hero used verbiage like "milk teeth". (Loc 427)
The characters had no chemistry. Nothing happened.
March 28, 2016
2.5 stars.
Cute, but nowhere near as delightful and technically well-executed as Act Like It.
Cute, but nowhere near as delightful and technically well-executed as Act Like It.
June 14, 2020
LUCY PARKER DID THAT
March 9, 2023
Goodness. This book. It took me forever to read because it’s barely readable. It needs editing and formatting so incredibly bad. I read a lot of badly written stuff but this was one of the worst. The author changes topic really quickly and also jumps from one scene to the next with absolutely no transition. It’s third person but we’re getting random streams of consciousness. So it just reads really weirdly. Really choppy. It’s only 157 pages but took forever because I had to go back and reread so many things. They’ll be doing something and talking and then the character will have a thought but it takes a hot minute to realize that’s what it is because the thought is so off topic and not italicized. I felt like I had ADD. I’m addition to all that the author is from New Zealand and so there were a lot of words and phrases that I didn’t know. I knew that going in and was fine but on top of how badly it was edited it just cussed more headache.
The actually story was just okay too. The characters were hard to pin down. We’re being told that their one way but they don’t feel that way during the story. The h is super socially awkward and hurts the H a few times because she gets stressed out and doesn’t phrase things right but honestly on page she reads as really callous. She’s sweet to him when it counts but I’m just used to a more different type of personality with my shy hs. I loved when his rude mom forgets that he has celiacs and puts a roll on his plate and the crumbs get everywhere and she switches her plate with his. So there were times when she was adoring.
I liked how protective the H was. He gets visibly upset when she does things like not locking the door and he shows up every time the h calls or needs him. We don’t get a ton of J/P scenes because the h is so jumpy he doesn’t want to scare her off. He takes control a few times and gets upset when he finds out the dude friend is around but no like real alpha action.
It’s a low steam read. There’s only one sex scene. The two of them are very affectionate though which I liked. He holds her hand a lot and kisses her fingers etc. She climbs into his lap and falls asleep on him.
The stuff with Jennifer was oddly done. In the beginning when he’s stressed about the h Sean asks him if his emotions about Jennifer again and the H says something along of the lines of like finally, not. So I was under the impression that the Jennifer thing was going to be more of an issue. When the H describes it he was more upset at his other coworker being involved in the bet then Jennifer. He seemed to not even like or care about Jennifer at all. The h really cares about Jennifer though and Jennifer seems to really care about the h but like why?!? Jennifer only slept with the H for a bet anyways so why would she care if he has a girl now? This whole thing felt like really manufactured drama.
In the end I didn’t hate it. It’s short enough and there are enough interesting and entertaining scenes that I was able to finish but I wouldn’t read anything else by this author unless she got a new editor.
The actually story was just okay too. The characters were hard to pin down. We’re being told that their one way but they don’t feel that way during the story. The h is super socially awkward and hurts the H a few times because she gets stressed out and doesn’t phrase things right but honestly on page she reads as really callous. She’s sweet to him when it counts but I’m just used to a more different type of personality with my shy hs. I loved when his rude mom forgets that he has celiacs and puts a roll on his plate and the crumbs get everywhere and she switches her plate with his. So there were times when she was adoring.
I liked how protective the H was. He gets visibly upset when she does things like not locking the door and he shows up every time the h calls or needs him. We don’t get a ton of J/P scenes because the h is so jumpy he doesn’t want to scare her off. He takes control a few times and gets upset when he finds out the dude friend is around but no like real alpha action.
It’s a low steam read. There’s only one sex scene. The two of them are very affectionate though which I liked. He holds her hand a lot and kisses her fingers etc. She climbs into his lap and falls asleep on him.
The stuff with Jennifer was oddly done. In the beginning when he’s stressed about the h Sean asks him if his emotions about Jennifer again and the H says something along of the lines of like finally, not. So I was under the impression that the Jennifer thing was going to be more of an issue. When the H describes it he was more upset at his other coworker being involved in the bet then Jennifer. He seemed to not even like or care about Jennifer at all. The h really cares about Jennifer though and Jennifer seems to really care about the h but like why?!? Jennifer only slept with the H for a bet anyways so why would she care if he has a girl now? This whole thing felt like really manufactured drama.
In the end I didn’t hate it. It’s short enough and there are enough interesting and entertaining scenes that I was able to finish but I wouldn’t read anything else by this author unless she got a new editor.
January 11, 2018
Loved it! Another well written and developed story by author Lucy Parker.
I loved the characters, especially the fact that Sophie is an introvert; a courageous introvert that doesn't let that stop her from living her life. At the same time, the author doesn't shies from showing us the particulars of what make us introverts. It was nice to read a story in which love isn't shown as "all healing".
Her relationship with Mick was sweet and cute...except when it was HOT, lol
There were a number of moments that made me laugh out loud; like the moment when Sophie gives Mick a cup of tea _ black tea! _ in a Snoopy cup.
Trust me; you have to read it to see why it was so funny.
Sophie's clumsiness and Mick's good heart will surely stay with me for a long time.
Definitely recommended to readers who want to read romances that take their own sweet time, without feeling the urge to kill an overbearing, asshole alpha "douche".
P.s- Now can we have Sean's book? :D
I loved the characters, especially the fact that Sophie is an introvert; a courageous introvert that doesn't let that stop her from living her life. At the same time, the author doesn't shies from showing us the particulars of what make us introverts. It was nice to read a story in which love isn't shown as "all healing".
Her relationship with Mick was sweet and cute...except when it was HOT, lol
There were a number of moments that made me laugh out loud; like the moment when Sophie gives Mick a cup of tea _ black tea! _ in a Snoopy cup.
Trust me; you have to read it to see why it was so funny.
Sophie's clumsiness and Mick's good heart will surely stay with me for a long time.
Definitely recommended to readers who want to read romances that take their own sweet time, without feeling the urge to kill an overbearing, asshole alpha "douche".
P.s- Now can we have Sean's book? :D
Read
January 1, 20212.5? 3? It was fine but definitely lacking the magic I come to rely on from this author under her other pen name. That said, I was happy to finally knock this off my tbr after having it sit there for over a year.
August 14, 2016
A real struggle for me with too much telling, not enough showing.
March 27, 2017
Partly, I was out of it while reading a lot of this book. Partly, it's that same old problem where the super-shy character still has a great friend (and apparently other friends she can call on for rides and things?). WE DON'T ALL HAVE THAT. Even now, at ten years older than the character, I don't have a lot of people in the area I could comfortably call on.
December 1, 2017
4.5 stars! Like other readers, I only found out about this book because I'm a huge fan of Lucy Parker, Pierson's other alias. Artistic License is an early effort though it definitely has glimmers of Parker's wit and strong characterizations in her more recent books.
I really like the theme of life as an introvert in this story, almost more than any other aspect. It's such an unusual topic in romance writing, and as an introvert I completely relate to the heroine's reserve and strong need for lots of solitary time in her life. Sophy is an artist who finds creativity in solitude. She's not a hermit and she's not really that shy but she is a true introvert in that she requires lots of time away from people. She uses that time to reflect, to create, and to observe others. Her strong observation skills, in fact, propel some of the story's initial plot forward because at the very start of the novel, Sophy is sketching in a museum, happily observing others around her, and more specifically the fascinating face of a security guard on duty, when all hell breaks lose. A stranger with a grenade suddenly appears on the scene and chaos ensues. Sophy is mildly injured after being knocked to the ground by the security guard, but thanks to her keen observational skills, she is able to identify the bomber's accomplice. (I will add quickly that this scene felt a little jarring and out of place overall in a book that is relatively quiet, in the best sense of the word.) Sophy had been operating under the illusion that she was sketching inconspicuously, but that was not the case, as the security guard had been quietly observing her while she was sketching him. Using Sophy's accident as an excuse to see her again, he visits her in the hospital and with her abandoned sketchbook in hand.
Though Sophy is mortified that Mick viewed her sketches before returning her art, it does provide her with an opportunity to reveal to him that she finds him a wonderful object to portray. Mick's skepticism leads to one of the other major themes of the book, which is his apparent unattractiveness. I could not ever visual him well but I think part of that speaks more to how he is represented through Sophy's eyes. She sees character and strength and integrity when she looks at him, and so we never really learn the color of his hair or eyes or any specific facial features. Alternatively, there are some conventionally beautiful people in this book, such as Mick's best buddy, but Sophy finds them uninteresting to look at because all of their features are blandly symmetrical. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder in this novel, and it's a wonderful message that plays out in numerous small and wonderful scenes. I love that Mick gets Sophy too and understands her reluctance to share too much of her life with him even while craving a life together. They work it out and it's very believable, just as is Sophy's attraction to a man mocked for his looks. I also appreciate that they talk to each other and work through the obstacles that could have separated them. For instance, Mick has been mocked all his life for his looks, but one lovely conversation in which Sophy tells him that she loves looking at him convinces him to set aside his anxieties with her.
There were a couple of small things that stopped this book just short of a complete five-star read for me. The suspense elements never really worked well, as I was always keen to get back to Sophy and Mick's courtship. Also, the book is a little on the short side and I wouldn't have minded a little more time with these two wonderful characters. Plus, it's set in New Zealand, which I loved as a setting.
I really like the theme of life as an introvert in this story, almost more than any other aspect. It's such an unusual topic in romance writing, and as an introvert I completely relate to the heroine's reserve and strong need for lots of solitary time in her life. Sophy is an artist who finds creativity in solitude. She's not a hermit and she's not really that shy but she is a true introvert in that she requires lots of time away from people. She uses that time to reflect, to create, and to observe others. Her strong observation skills, in fact, propel some of the story's initial plot forward because at the very start of the novel, Sophy is sketching in a museum, happily observing others around her, and more specifically the fascinating face of a security guard on duty, when all hell breaks lose. A stranger with a grenade suddenly appears on the scene and chaos ensues. Sophy is mildly injured after being knocked to the ground by the security guard, but thanks to her keen observational skills, she is able to identify the bomber's accomplice. (I will add quickly that this scene felt a little jarring and out of place overall in a book that is relatively quiet, in the best sense of the word.) Sophy had been operating under the illusion that she was sketching inconspicuously, but that was not the case, as the security guard had been quietly observing her while she was sketching him. Using Sophy's accident as an excuse to see her again, he visits her in the hospital and with her abandoned sketchbook in hand.
Though Sophy is mortified that Mick viewed her sketches before returning her art, it does provide her with an opportunity to reveal to him that she finds him a wonderful object to portray. Mick's skepticism leads to one of the other major themes of the book, which is his apparent unattractiveness. I could not ever visual him well but I think part of that speaks more to how he is represented through Sophy's eyes. She sees character and strength and integrity when she looks at him, and so we never really learn the color of his hair or eyes or any specific facial features. Alternatively, there are some conventionally beautiful people in this book, such as Mick's best buddy, but Sophy finds them uninteresting to look at because all of their features are blandly symmetrical. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder in this novel, and it's a wonderful message that plays out in numerous small and wonderful scenes. I love that Mick gets Sophy too and understands her reluctance to share too much of her life with him even while craving a life together. They work it out and it's very believable, just as is Sophy's attraction to a man mocked for his looks. I also appreciate that they talk to each other and work through the obstacles that could have separated them. For instance, Mick has been mocked all his life for his looks, but one lovely conversation in which Sophy tells him that she loves looking at him convinces him to set aside his anxieties with her.
There were a couple of small things that stopped this book just short of a complete five-star read for me. The suspense elements never really worked well, as I was always keen to get back to Sophy and Mick's courtship. Also, the book is a little on the short side and I wouldn't have minded a little more time with these two wonderful characters. Plus, it's set in New Zealand, which I loved as a setting.
March 4, 2023
Note: I just found out Elle Pierson also writes as Lucy Parker, who is an author I adore!
What an awesome book! I love Sophy and Mick! I loved this author's writing style and the way she developed this sweet romance.
This book was such a nice surprise and such a break from the norm. In this book, our hero Mick is not handsome. Wait...what? How can I still enjoy a book where the hero isn't getting hit on all the time and has a man-whore past because literally NO woman can say no to him? *note sarcasm* Oh, it was sooooo nice to read a book about an ordinary guy. Sophy is an artist and she loves the planes and angles of his face. These two were amazing together.
This book is a bit of a slow burn romance. Mick and Sophy become good friends and develop trust between each other before they hop in bed. I guess I've just been reading too much predictable, formulaic garbage and I'm getting cynical. This book was a nice change and a refreshing and believable story with two MCs I loved.
What an awesome book! I love Sophy and Mick! I loved this author's writing style and the way she developed this sweet romance.
This book was such a nice surprise and such a break from the norm. In this book, our hero Mick is not handsome. Wait...what? How can I still enjoy a book where the hero isn't getting hit on all the time and has a man-whore past because literally NO woman can say no to him? *note sarcasm* Oh, it was sooooo nice to read a book about an ordinary guy. Sophy is an artist and she loves the planes and angles of his face. These two were amazing together.
This book is a bit of a slow burn romance. Mick and Sophy become good friends and develop trust between each other before they hop in bed. I guess I've just been reading too much predictable, formulaic garbage and I'm getting cynical. This book was a nice change and a refreshing and believable story with two MCs I loved.
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