What do you think?
Rate this book
Senses #6
Love Comes to Light
A Senses Series Story
Artist Arik Bosler is terrified he might have lost his creative gift in the accident that left his hand badly burned. When he’s offered the chance to work with renowned artist Ken Brighton, Arik fears his injury will be too much to overcome.
He travels to Pleasanton to meet Ken, where he runs into the intimidating Reg Thompson. Reg, a biker who customizes motorcycles, is a big man with a heart of gold who was rejected by most of his family. Arik is initially afraid of Reg because of his size. However it’s Reg’s heart that warms Arik’s interest and gets him to look past the exterior to let down his guard.
But Arik soon realizes that certain members of Reg’s motorcycle club are into things he can’t have any part of. Reg can’t understand why Arik disappears until he learns Arik’s injury was the result of his father’s drug activity. Though neither Reg nor Arik wants anything to do with drugs, the new leadership of Reg’s club might have other ideas.
Artist Arik Bosler is terrified he might have lost his creative gift in the accident that left his hand badly burned. When he’s offered the chance to work with renowned artist Ken Brighton, Arik fears his injury will be too much to overcome.
He travels to Pleasanton to meet Ken, where he runs into the intimidating Reg Thompson. Reg, a biker who customizes motorcycles, is a big man with a heart of gold who was rejected by most of his family. Arik is initially afraid of Reg because of his size. However it’s Reg’s heart that warms Arik’s interest and gets him to look past the exterior to let down his guard.
But Arik soon realizes that certain members of Reg’s motorcycle club are into things he can’t have any part of. Reg can’t understand why Arik disappears until he learns Arik’s injury was the result of his father’s drug activity. Though neither Reg nor Arik wants anything to do with drugs, the new leadership of Reg’s club might have other ideas.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2016
27 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 12, 2016
*** Heartwarming tale of hope and love ! *** This tackles physical flaws in people and show how they are overcome. Gentle Arik has a damaged hand that is keeping him from his love of painting, and it's affecting his sanity.
A famous artist asks him to come for a two week class, and Ken and his partner Patrick, make him welcome. Big, bald biker, Reg, runs the gas station where Arik stopped; he was terrified of the large man. Reg can't stop thinking about the small, beautiful, blue-eyed, blonde.
Reg sees him again and gets to talk with him at dinner with Ken and Patrick. It's a slow process, but Arik finally relaxes around him. Several things are happening that put the men together, like the project, the art lesson at the children's home, etc.
Reg then asks Arik on a dinner date, and they ride on Reg's Harley, which Arik liked - a lot ! Each man is an artist in their own medium, plus they are happy being in each others space.
But, when Arik sees something that terrifies him, he submerges into silence where no one can get to him.
Reg doesn't give up. Truths are brought to light that rock Reg and he and Arik talk, reunite, and and reveal.
We have wonderful characters, different in size, but similar in other ways, as they relate on so many levels. The story flows and we get the pleasure of their hot sexiness. Andrew Grey melds his characters in this amazing series. Each tale stands alone.
The epilogue is a delightful glimpse into the future.
It's glorious ! ENJOY !
=====================
A famous artist asks him to come for a two week class, and Ken and his partner Patrick, make him welcome. Big, bald biker, Reg, runs the gas station where Arik stopped; he was terrified of the large man. Reg can't stop thinking about the small, beautiful, blue-eyed, blonde.
Reg sees him again and gets to talk with him at dinner with Ken and Patrick. It's a slow process, but Arik finally relaxes around him. Several things are happening that put the men together, like the project, the art lesson at the children's home, etc.
Reg then asks Arik on a dinner date, and they ride on Reg's Harley, which Arik liked - a lot ! Each man is an artist in their own medium, plus they are happy being in each others space.
But, when Arik sees something that terrifies him, he submerges into silence where no one can get to him.
Reg doesn't give up. Truths are brought to light that rock Reg and he and Arik talk, reunite, and and reveal.
We have wonderful characters, different in size, but similar in other ways, as they relate on so many levels. The story flows and we get the pleasure of their hot sexiness. Andrew Grey melds his characters in this amazing series. Each tale stands alone.
The epilogue is a delightful glimpse into the future.
It's glorious ! ENJOY !
=====================
July 24, 2016
Oh, Greg Tremblay, how do I love the sweet, sweet sounds of your narration? A lot.
This is a simple, sweet story with low angst about letting go the past and moving on with your future. One of the things I love about Greg Tremblay's narration of Love Comes To Light is the way he brings Arik and Reg to life. For Tremblay it's not just reading words on paper, he makes the characters seem alive. Tremblay perfectly captures the newfound confidence Arik begins to feel under the mentorship of Ken and Patrick, and Reg's almost unconditional love.
I loved the way Reg broke through Arik's walls and called him on his shit when Arik was trying to use his past as an excuse for not moving on.
My biggest complaint is actually the way too sweet and everything's come up roses ending. It is just a little too over the top perfect for me. The rest of the story felt pretty realistic, if overly optimistic and sweet at times, but the HEA ending felt like it took sweet and magnified it to the nth degree.
But for those who not only love a sweet story, but a super awesome, everything is perfect ending, you'll be in seventh heaven.
For me, the narration is what made the story shine. I really enjoyed it. I admit I haven't read any of the other books in the Senses series, however, I was easily able to follow along, never felt like I was missing anything, and look forward to checking out the rest of the series.
Audio copy of Love Comes To Light provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 19, 2020
I keep reading Andrew Grey books because ultimately they're feel good stories, but they are also very simplistic. There are a lot of convenient plot devices in this one that kind of bugged me. I liked Reg well enough, he's a sweet teddy bear of a guy inside a little bit of a scary biker package. But Arik annoyed me. I felt like for someone who had worked so hard in his life previously he gave up way to easily after his injury. That and how convinced he was that his life was over when the injury was so recent. My hand injury was not anywhere near as severe, 7 stitches and slicing a nerve, but it still took over a year before my hand felt like it was mostly back to normal. Sure Arik's injury is incredibly severe and life changing, but there hasn't been enough time to fully see what the ramifications would be and he's already given up.
Still I liked Reg and Arik as a couple and it was great to see all the rest of the guys. This was a sweet story that relies on the emotional undercurrents to sell things. Since the basis was a little shaky for me it made the whole tree a little shaky, but I still enjoyed my read well enough. Happy to have completed this series and see all of these guys in their happily ever after.
Still I liked Reg and Arik as a couple and it was great to see all the rest of the guys. This was a sweet story that relies on the emotional undercurrents to sell things. Since the basis was a little shaky for me it made the whole tree a little shaky, but I still enjoyed my read well enough. Happy to have completed this series and see all of these guys in their happily ever after.
March 19, 2016
The ‘Senses’ series is one of my absolute favorites, and it’s always a treat to see a new book published and looking forward to reading it for the first time. This latest installment nicely rounds out the collection by bringing back Ken and Patrick from book one; they are hosts to Arik, an artist recovering from his right hand getting severely burned in an accident. While there, Arik runs into Reg who is a biker and, at first glance, personifies Arik’s fears. But as the men get to know each other it becomes clear they both have things they need to deal with before they can move forward. Their romance is a slow burn, they encounter more than one obstacle, but perseverance gets them where they need to be. As fantastic as the previous five stories, ‘Love Comes to Light’ carries a message of hope and is a beautiful reminder that the human spirit is what counts when creating art – and being happy - not the human body and whatever condition it happens to be in.
Arik knows what fear is like. He has encountered it since being a young child and thinks he has seen the last of it, when an accident injures his right hand to the point that he can no longer hold a brush to create the detailed works in oil and other media his creativity drives him to produce. Despite his fear of never being able to paint again, at least not the way he wants, he agrees to work with Ken when the well-known painter calls him based on a contest Arik participated in before the accident. Arik is hesitant but is too tempted not to go. Ken makes him face the truth of his injury, challenges him to get over it, and gets Arik to a point where he realizes that it is up to him to find a way to deal with his past so he can move into the future.
Arik’s personal life is in as much of a mess as his professional/creative one. He is not exactly tall, and has suffered for it, so when he runs into biker Reg, who customizes motorcycles and has a heart of gold, Arik’s first reaction is to run for the hills. But there is something about Reg that draws him, not least the tall man’s advances and interest. Reg is not at all what Arik expects based on his looks, and the more time they spend together, the more attracted Arik finds himself. But Reg is also a member of a motorcycle club, and what goes on there makes Arik retreat quickly and completely. It brings back some of the most horrible memories of his childhood, and he refuses to even talk to Reg any longer. Reg sure has his hands full dealing with that obstacle!
As if these issues were not enough to make anyone wonder if life is trying to make them give up, there are other issues Arik and Reg have to deal with. Luckily Ken and Patrick are there to help, as well as Reg’s old friend Slasher. Arik and Reg's tale is suspenseful, deeply emotional, and held my attention from page one to the very end. Very powerful!
If you’re interested to see what happens when two men with dark and sometimes lonely pasts meet and realize they are attracted to each other, if you liked the themes and tone of the other books in this series, and if you’re looking for an intensely emotional read with lots of fear, hard decisions about what to live for, and a heartwarming romance, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. What a great addition to a stunning series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Arik knows what fear is like. He has encountered it since being a young child and thinks he has seen the last of it, when an accident injures his right hand to the point that he can no longer hold a brush to create the detailed works in oil and other media his creativity drives him to produce. Despite his fear of never being able to paint again, at least not the way he wants, he agrees to work with Ken when the well-known painter calls him based on a contest Arik participated in before the accident. Arik is hesitant but is too tempted not to go. Ken makes him face the truth of his injury, challenges him to get over it, and gets Arik to a point where he realizes that it is up to him to find a way to deal with his past so he can move into the future.
Arik’s personal life is in as much of a mess as his professional/creative one. He is not exactly tall, and has suffered for it, so when he runs into biker Reg, who customizes motorcycles and has a heart of gold, Arik’s first reaction is to run for the hills. But there is something about Reg that draws him, not least the tall man’s advances and interest. Reg is not at all what Arik expects based on his looks, and the more time they spend together, the more attracted Arik finds himself. But Reg is also a member of a motorcycle club, and what goes on there makes Arik retreat quickly and completely. It brings back some of the most horrible memories of his childhood, and he refuses to even talk to Reg any longer. Reg sure has his hands full dealing with that obstacle!
As if these issues were not enough to make anyone wonder if life is trying to make them give up, there are other issues Arik and Reg have to deal with. Luckily Ken and Patrick are there to help, as well as Reg’s old friend Slasher. Arik and Reg's tale is suspenseful, deeply emotional, and held my attention from page one to the very end. Very powerful!
If you’re interested to see what happens when two men with dark and sometimes lonely pasts meet and realize they are attracted to each other, if you liked the themes and tone of the other books in this series, and if you’re looking for an intensely emotional read with lots of fear, hard decisions about what to live for, and a heartwarming romance, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. What a great addition to a stunning series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 6, 2016
This is book 6 in Andrew's senses series. It is about Arik who has lost the use of his hand to paint, which was his life, due to an accident. He wins a contest to study with one his idols Ken. Even though he cant paint anymore (so he thinks) he goes. Upon meeting Ken and his partner he finds that there is more to painting than use of his hands. He meets Reg and they have chemistry but Arik is intimidated by him. They get to know each other and Arik gets feelings for him. Reg is a big tattooed biker guy but nothing like Arik thinks. He is sweet and kind and great for him. They get together and thru some misunderstanding Arik doesn't want to see him anymore. In the end they have their HEA and Andrew takes you on a journey of love and understanding of your limitations. You fall in love with all these characters. Have to say I loved the supporting characters in this story as well. You will see what I mean when you read it. Reviewed by Jodi Marinich from Alpha Book Club .
February 29, 2016
Love Comes to Light was a beautiful story of healing and letting go of your past.
Arik had to let go of what happened to him in his past so he could face a future that he looked forward to. When he meets Reg he is intimidated by him but I love the journey the two of them took together to heal Arik. I loved the kids that were in the story and especially Bobbie Jo, she was a great addition to their story.
Once again Andrew Grey has written a very warm and caring story that will pull you in
I always enjoy his books and I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
Arik had to let go of what happened to him in his past so he could face a future that he looked forward to. When he meets Reg he is intimidated by him but I love the journey the two of them took together to heal Arik. I loved the kids that were in the story and especially Bobbie Jo, she was a great addition to their story.
Once again Andrew Grey has written a very warm and caring story that will pull you in
I always enjoy his books and I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2016
4.5 stars...rounded up to 5. I really enjoyed this one and loved Arik and Reg together. It was nice catching up with Ken and Patrick from the first book in the series. I've really enjoyed this series, I just enjoy Andrew Grey's books.
June 7, 2016
A fight to the finish and I just made it. Barely. I am surprised and disappointed. Moving on.
September 30, 2018
Kinda bland book about a struggling artist Arik. He is struggling not just due to finances but because of an injury that has limited his ability to paint. He can't turn down the chance to learn from a master, though, so he agrees to spend some time with Ken (from book 1 of the series.) He is initially scared by the outward appearance of Reg, who owns the gas station/repair shop in town. However, Reg soon puts him at ease, especially with the way that he treats children. Though some felt like Arik harped too much on his issue with painting, I understood why he grieved and saw it as a loss.
March 15, 2016
Arik Bosler is an Artist that needs to learn how to channel his talent through something other than his dominant hand after an accident left him permanently scarred, and limits his use. When renowned Artist Ken Brighton gives Arik the chance to do just that, Arik is convinced it’s a waste of time. The more time Arik spends with Ken, his family and close knit circle of friends, Arik reconsiders. But it’s the indomitable spirit of young man in a wheelchair with a handicap that could very well kill him, and a little girl with a similar issue with her hand that finally prove to Arik that anything is possible, if you want it bad enough.
Reg is the owner of the local repair shop and from the first glance; Arik is terrified of the big man. Reg is intrigued though. He wants to get to know the beautiful stranger that is fierce enough to stand up for himself when he feels trapped, but hides his eyes and trembles when Reg or any of his big, biker friends even look at him. Reg will have to use all his patience and perseverance if he wants to stake a claim to Arik, teach him how to communicate and show Arik that he can be loved, scars and all.
This is the final book in the Senses series, and I am going to miss my visits to Pleasanton. This series is all about learning how to live with your disability; letting down your guard to not only let someone in, but let them help you as well. And most important, find love and a family. Arik has been alone for a long time, and now with his hand, he has resigned himself to a solitary life. Reg is a gentle giant. He was raised right with morals and integrity, but he too has not had the best luck with romance. It is not the smoothest ride for these two, but you know what they say, when you fall off you have to climb right back up in the saddle!
I liked catching up with some of my favorite characters from earlier books, and how little Jerry played an important role in this story. The thing I have loved about every book in this series is how Grey created these characters with disabilities and showed that even though they struggle and life is far harder at times because of their handicap, they can overcome it, they can live a life full of love and happiness, and most important, they are strong.
If you like stories where your characters have to fight for that happy ever after and deserve every second of it, look no further.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Reg is the owner of the local repair shop and from the first glance; Arik is terrified of the big man. Reg is intrigued though. He wants to get to know the beautiful stranger that is fierce enough to stand up for himself when he feels trapped, but hides his eyes and trembles when Reg or any of his big, biker friends even look at him. Reg will have to use all his patience and perseverance if he wants to stake a claim to Arik, teach him how to communicate and show Arik that he can be loved, scars and all.
This is the final book in the Senses series, and I am going to miss my visits to Pleasanton. This series is all about learning how to live with your disability; letting down your guard to not only let someone in, but let them help you as well. And most important, find love and a family. Arik has been alone for a long time, and now with his hand, he has resigned himself to a solitary life. Reg is a gentle giant. He was raised right with morals and integrity, but he too has not had the best luck with romance. It is not the smoothest ride for these two, but you know what they say, when you fall off you have to climb right back up in the saddle!
I liked catching up with some of my favorite characters from earlier books, and how little Jerry played an important role in this story. The thing I have loved about every book in this series is how Grey created these characters with disabilities and showed that even though they struggle and life is far harder at times because of their handicap, they can overcome it, they can live a life full of love and happiness, and most important, they are strong.
If you like stories where your characters have to fight for that happy ever after and deserve every second of it, look no further.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
March 31, 2016
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
This is a very sweet romance with one of those "rising from the ashes" type of stories... a man who thinks he's lost everything, only to find that he's gained so much more. I thought the plot was incredibly interesting, and there were a lot of weaving stories that worked together nicely.
But I also didn't like a few things, which added together to make this a novel that I struggled to be absorbed in.
The relationship between Arik and Reg: I'm not a fan of insta-love. It's very popular with some people, so I don't think it's a negative here, but just not something I personally want to read. Reg is already feeling possessive about Arik when they've only known each other for a few minutes... growling when someone comfortingly touches Arik's hair!
There are other aspects of the relationship that I can't talk about because they'd be spoilers, but I think it moved waaaaaay too quickly.
The dialogue: Now, I'm reading an ARC copy, so this might change in the final version, but I found the dialogue stilted and unnatural, often lacking contractions.
The pacing: The entire novel felt too rushed. Emotionally-taxing scenes would come and go in just one page, so as a reader I never had time to process, relate, and feel empathy with the characters. I wish this novel had been about 1/3 as long again, to flesh out a lot of scenes that were too abrupt.
Again, a really excellent premise, but just a few issues that alone would have been fine, but together made this one that I wasn't able to fully enjoy.
Read the full review on Just Love Romance .
March 17, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Arik is completely defeated. An injury to his hand has left him unable to paint, something he loves to do more than anything and is also how he makes his living. When he gets the chance to work with Ken Brighton, a painter he looks up to, he moves to a new town. He forms a new group of friends who see past his injury and encourage him to find new ways to paint and to create.
One of Arik's new friends is big biker Reg who he finds terrifying but interesting. Reg thinks Arik is adorable and his quiet, protective nature is a perfect fit for Arik. Reg also pushes Arik to face both his fears and past when his druggie mother shows up.
The sad and difficult issues in this story are offset by a lovely gentle romance and a cute orphan named Bobbie Jo. Bits of this story were a little predictable but I teared up at the right times and grinned a fair bit too. Love Comes to Light left me smiling and satisfied.
Arik is completely defeated. An injury to his hand has left him unable to paint, something he loves to do more than anything and is also how he makes his living. When he gets the chance to work with Ken Brighton, a painter he looks up to, he moves to a new town. He forms a new group of friends who see past his injury and encourage him to find new ways to paint and to create.
One of Arik's new friends is big biker Reg who he finds terrifying but interesting. Reg thinks Arik is adorable and his quiet, protective nature is a perfect fit for Arik. Reg also pushes Arik to face both his fears and past when his druggie mother shows up.
The sad and difficult issues in this story are offset by a lovely gentle romance and a cute orphan named Bobbie Jo. Bits of this story were a little predictable but I teared up at the right times and grinned a fair bit too. Love Comes to Light left me smiling and satisfied.
March 15, 2016
Love Comes To Light by Andrew Grey (MM/Romance)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
*****5 STARS*****
I love Andrew Grey's books and his "Senses" series are one of my favs by this author. Book 6 introduces us to Arik, who is an artist but his hand was hurt in an accident. He was brilliant, but he lost all hope when he couldn't paint like he used to. Then he got a surprise. His fav artist invites him to spend a week with him and Arik braves the visit. There he meets Reg.
I adored Reg, He was big, tough and rough looking, but the guy had the heart of gold. I love reading about misunderstood guys like him. He and Arik were so sweet and cute together. The author put enough angst without making the story too dramatic, yet kept it engaging. Grey puts a lot of human emotions in his books and that's why I'm so attracted to reading his stories.
Arik and Reg brought out the best in each other. There are characters from previous books in this story and I always like reading about their progress. Can't wait for the next book.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
*****5 STARS*****
I love Andrew Grey's books and his "Senses" series are one of my favs by this author. Book 6 introduces us to Arik, who is an artist but his hand was hurt in an accident. He was brilliant, but he lost all hope when he couldn't paint like he used to. Then he got a surprise. His fav artist invites him to spend a week with him and Arik braves the visit. There he meets Reg.
I adored Reg, He was big, tough and rough looking, but the guy had the heart of gold. I love reading about misunderstood guys like him. He and Arik were so sweet and cute together. The author put enough angst without making the story too dramatic, yet kept it engaging. Grey puts a lot of human emotions in his books and that's why I'm so attracted to reading his stories.
Arik and Reg brought out the best in each other. There are characters from previous books in this story and I always like reading about their progress. Can't wait for the next book.
August 24, 2016
3.5 stars
I liked this more than the last couple of Grey's books I've read. I liked Reg and how sweet he was.
In the end though I felt like it was rushed.
I also wanted Arik to
Overall it was a good read.
I liked this more than the last couple of Grey's books I've read. I liked Reg and how sweet he was.
In the end though I felt like it was rushed.
I also wanted Arik to
Overall it was a good read.
March 25, 2016
An absolutely perfect ending to a series that I have loved. As always, Andrew's characters jump off the page and grab your heart. And particularly in this case (though this is certainly true with about 95% of Andrew's characters) you absolutely cannot help but give your heart to Arik and Reg. As their relationship develops, the insecurities of both men really do just hurt your heart, especially with their specific past issues on a collision course.
Another wonderful aspect to this book is getting to revisit characters from other novels in the Senses series and see how they have flourished since their final turn of the page.
Another wonderful aspect to this book is getting to revisit characters from other novels in the Senses series and see how they have flourished since their final turn of the page.
April 19, 2016
M/M. This author has some very good ideas as topics for his books but his writing style just doesn't give me the emotion or depth I would like to feel when reading them. I'm sure its just a personal thing with me and lots of others will enjoy these heartfelt stories.
July 3, 2016
An Andrew Grey book always takes me to my happy place, but this one is really something special.
July 30, 2017
This was a sweet fairly routine romance but perhaps this just wasn't the right time for me to read it. Every one just came off to perfect and understanding and Arik's problems seemed somewhat small. Arik and Reg fall in love fairly fast especially considering Arik was supposedly afraid of Reg when they first met. I'm still a little foggy on Arik's life up to when he met Reg. It all seems a little unbelievable he was able to make a living right off the bat as an artist. For me Arik's whole character just lacked believably. His financial backing, his "struggle" to paint yet is able to do it by the end of the book. His fear of drugs and big guys yet is able to overcome them. For me this could have been overlooked but when
August 6, 2017
Arik needs to learn that lesson that true creativity is a matter of the heart not the body and inspiration is a part of the spirit. But that pursuing your passions takes a lot of heard work. Reg is a big man who has worked hard to make a life for himself. But his own world gets shaken up as well. But together they begin to build each other up and find hope as they begin now new paths.
July 15, 2017
I love this series (and this author)! Each book has such a feel good, heartwarming love story with wonderful MC's and secondary characters.
Each book can be read individually but the the characters do appear in the other stories so reading them all in sequence is well worth it!
Each book can be read individually but the the characters do appear in the other stories so reading them all in sequence is well worth it!
August 10, 2017
Audiobook
shelved-incomplete
March 27, 2019dnf / ridiculous and simplistic
April 30, 2019
3.75/5 stars
October 28, 2025
I enjoyed this sequel much more than the previous ones, largely because Greg Tremblay’s narration was superb.
March 19, 2017
Another wonderful book to a great series. Love Andrew Grey...a must read.
March 17, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
It probably has something to do with my career, but I have found that I quite enjoy romances in which one of the main characters has a disability of some sort. Because of this, I was more than willing to shuffle a book or two around on my schedule so that I could squeeze Love Comes to Light in for a read. It didn’t hurt any that Grey was the author and someone whose books I’ve wanted to read more of. Add to that the motorcycle club element and I was raring to go.
I suspect most people would have difficulty adjusting to the loss of use of their dominant hand. Things you take for granted and actions you don’t realize how easy they are to complete, suddenly become impossible. For Arik, that loss is magnified because he is an artist and he no longer possesses the fine motor control needed to paint as he did before. Despite the fact that he has given up on ever being an artist again, he jumps at the chance to meet his idol when Ken Brighton calls and offers him the chance to work together for two weeks. Although Arik has no intention of painting, Ken soon challenges him to reconsider his decision to end his career without try alternate mediums. But the accident that injured Arik’s hand is not the only obstacle he must overcome as he harbors a rather deep-seated fear of men much larger than him and at barely 5 foot nothing, that’s a lot of men. So it’s only fitting that his unexpected love interest, Reg, is the embodiment of that fear. With the help of Ken, Patrick (Ken’s mute partner), and Reg, Arik begins to come to terms with the fact that although he may never be the painter he once was, that his life as an artist is not over, nor are his dreams of a family.
Love Comes to Light was an enjoyable read for me. I will admit that there were times when Arik’s defeatist attitude became too much to stomach, but as it stemmed from more than just the accident I wasn’t surprised to see it flare up more than once – but I was surprised to see Reg call him out on it after Arik’s meeting with his mother. So I powered through, hoping to see him overcome his doubts and fears, and for the most part he did. I really liked seeing how Arik relearned the basics at Ken’s urging and began developing a new style. While Ken may have been the catalyst for Arik’s exploration, it was Patrick’s words of wisdom and insight into his artistic loss that really helped Arik embrace it. But it was Reg who helped guide Arik toward accepting that a relationship, love, and a family were not off the table due to his injury. I enjoyed Reg’s character and liked how Grey used the situation with the undesirable elements within the motorcycle club as not only a turning point in Arik and Reg’s relationship, but also to illustrate that not all MCs are one-percenters. I love a good MC romance and I’ll readily admit that while I couldn’t live the lifestyle, the novels involving one-percenter clubs really ratchet up the bad boy-danger quotient and make for scintillating reading. Yet it was refreshing to read about an MC that was meant to be a club of motorcycle enthusiasts and how the members like Reg were not happy with the recent changes. My only wish is that there had been a bit more shown about the changes that took place between the last chapter and the epilogue, but I can’t really talk about the specifics because I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed Love Comes to Light and hope to read more of Grey’s work, especially Ken and Patrick’s story.
It probably has something to do with my career, but I have found that I quite enjoy romances in which one of the main characters has a disability of some sort. Because of this, I was more than willing to shuffle a book or two around on my schedule so that I could squeeze Love Comes to Light in for a read. It didn’t hurt any that Grey was the author and someone whose books I’ve wanted to read more of. Add to that the motorcycle club element and I was raring to go.
I suspect most people would have difficulty adjusting to the loss of use of their dominant hand. Things you take for granted and actions you don’t realize how easy they are to complete, suddenly become impossible. For Arik, that loss is magnified because he is an artist and he no longer possesses the fine motor control needed to paint as he did before. Despite the fact that he has given up on ever being an artist again, he jumps at the chance to meet his idol when Ken Brighton calls and offers him the chance to work together for two weeks. Although Arik has no intention of painting, Ken soon challenges him to reconsider his decision to end his career without try alternate mediums. But the accident that injured Arik’s hand is not the only obstacle he must overcome as he harbors a rather deep-seated fear of men much larger than him and at barely 5 foot nothing, that’s a lot of men. So it’s only fitting that his unexpected love interest, Reg, is the embodiment of that fear. With the help of Ken, Patrick (Ken’s mute partner), and Reg, Arik begins to come to terms with the fact that although he may never be the painter he once was, that his life as an artist is not over, nor are his dreams of a family.
Love Comes to Light was an enjoyable read for me. I will admit that there were times when Arik’s defeatist attitude became too much to stomach, but as it stemmed from more than just the accident I wasn’t surprised to see it flare up more than once – but I was surprised to see Reg call him out on it after Arik’s meeting with his mother. So I powered through, hoping to see him overcome his doubts and fears, and for the most part he did. I really liked seeing how Arik relearned the basics at Ken’s urging and began developing a new style. While Ken may have been the catalyst for Arik’s exploration, it was Patrick’s words of wisdom and insight into his artistic loss that really helped Arik embrace it. But it was Reg who helped guide Arik toward accepting that a relationship, love, and a family were not off the table due to his injury. I enjoyed Reg’s character and liked how Grey used the situation with the undesirable elements within the motorcycle club as not only a turning point in Arik and Reg’s relationship, but also to illustrate that not all MCs are one-percenters. I love a good MC romance and I’ll readily admit that while I couldn’t live the lifestyle, the novels involving one-percenter clubs really ratchet up the bad boy-danger quotient and make for scintillating reading. Yet it was refreshing to read about an MC that was meant to be a club of motorcycle enthusiasts and how the members like Reg were not happy with the recent changes. My only wish is that there had been a bit more shown about the changes that took place between the last chapter and the epilogue, but I can’t really talk about the specifics because I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed Love Comes to Light and hope to read more of Grey’s work, especially Ken and Patrick’s story.
June 10, 2016
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
4.5 stars
Artist Arik Bosler was severely burned in a fire in a meth lab in his parents’ home. He suffered several burns on his body, but the major damage was to his hand—the hand in which he held his paint brush—and although he can still visualize painting, his hand is no longer capable of the fine work he once produced. The damage to his psyche is far greater than the damage to his hand, however, and he readily admits that his parents were never more than names on his birth certificate. They were alcoholics and drug users who weren’t capable of being parents, never mind the kind of parents a young boy needs to guide him, so why he responded to his mother’s plea to come to their home and help his father is something even he can’t understand.
All these things add up to one very mixed up and messed up young man. When he’s offered the opportunity to work with Ken Brighton (Love Comes Silently), he quickly accepts and then worries that perhaps he should have turned down the chance to work with the famous artist since he’s no longer worthy. Those of us who have followed the Senses series know that Ken and his mute partner, Patrick, have hearts as big as the great outdoors, and of course, they welcome Arik into their home. Ken encourages Arik to relearn how to paint, or to consider using other mediums, and Patrick shares his story of losing his voice after being an opera singer, helping Arik see that he’s not the only one in the world who has to begin again and that it’s very possible to start over.
Help comes in an unexpected package. He meets Reg Thompson, a big, burly, bald biker, and at first, he’s afraid of the big man, but soon realizes that Reg is not what he appears to be. And later, he learns so much more from Reg, including the fact that Reg has fallen for Arik and is willing to help him and support him in whatever way he needs. But Reg won’t tolerate Arik feeling sorry for himself, and because of that, he makes a huge difference in Arik’s recovery. Unfortunately, the couple has a setback when Arik spots a drug deal going down among some of the bikers in Reg’s club. Arik’s anxiety escalates and he bolts, fearing a repeat of what happened with his parents.
It’s not as simple to resolve that issue as it may seem on the surface since more than just Arik and Reg are involved once Reg takes a “no drugs on premises” stance with the club. Will they survive the backlash from the gang members? Is there any hope for them as a couple after this mess? And will Arik be able to overcome his disability and paint again?
I enjoy Andrew Grey’s writing and generally find myself rating the ones I like best at 4 hearts, but this one was a cut above. There was something edgier about this story. Perhaps it’s the combination of the presence of characters that we’ve met in the past, as well as the children in the foster home which has held a prominent role throughout the series, added to the very real danger posed by the drug dealers, and the impact of Arik’s family on his own injuries—both physical and emotional. The author captured my heart with Arik and Reg, and I really need to inch this one up a notch to 4.5 hearts. If you enjoy hurt-comfort, men with children, an element of danger, and a heartwarming love story, no doubt you will enjoy this one as much as I did.
4.5 stars
Artist Arik Bosler was severely burned in a fire in a meth lab in his parents’ home. He suffered several burns on his body, but the major damage was to his hand—the hand in which he held his paint brush—and although he can still visualize painting, his hand is no longer capable of the fine work he once produced. The damage to his psyche is far greater than the damage to his hand, however, and he readily admits that his parents were never more than names on his birth certificate. They were alcoholics and drug users who weren’t capable of being parents, never mind the kind of parents a young boy needs to guide him, so why he responded to his mother’s plea to come to their home and help his father is something even he can’t understand.
All these things add up to one very mixed up and messed up young man. When he’s offered the opportunity to work with Ken Brighton (Love Comes Silently), he quickly accepts and then worries that perhaps he should have turned down the chance to work with the famous artist since he’s no longer worthy. Those of us who have followed the Senses series know that Ken and his mute partner, Patrick, have hearts as big as the great outdoors, and of course, they welcome Arik into their home. Ken encourages Arik to relearn how to paint, or to consider using other mediums, and Patrick shares his story of losing his voice after being an opera singer, helping Arik see that he’s not the only one in the world who has to begin again and that it’s very possible to start over.
Help comes in an unexpected package. He meets Reg Thompson, a big, burly, bald biker, and at first, he’s afraid of the big man, but soon realizes that Reg is not what he appears to be. And later, he learns so much more from Reg, including the fact that Reg has fallen for Arik and is willing to help him and support him in whatever way he needs. But Reg won’t tolerate Arik feeling sorry for himself, and because of that, he makes a huge difference in Arik’s recovery. Unfortunately, the couple has a setback when Arik spots a drug deal going down among some of the bikers in Reg’s club. Arik’s anxiety escalates and he bolts, fearing a repeat of what happened with his parents.
It’s not as simple to resolve that issue as it may seem on the surface since more than just Arik and Reg are involved once Reg takes a “no drugs on premises” stance with the club. Will they survive the backlash from the gang members? Is there any hope for them as a couple after this mess? And will Arik be able to overcome his disability and paint again?
I enjoy Andrew Grey’s writing and generally find myself rating the ones I like best at 4 hearts, but this one was a cut above. There was something edgier about this story. Perhaps it’s the combination of the presence of characters that we’ve met in the past, as well as the children in the foster home which has held a prominent role throughout the series, added to the very real danger posed by the drug dealers, and the impact of Arik’s family on his own injuries—both physical and emotional. The author captured my heart with Arik and Reg, and I really need to inch this one up a notch to 4.5 hearts. If you enjoy hurt-comfort, men with children, an element of danger, and a heartwarming love story, no doubt you will enjoy this one as much as I did.
March 20, 2016
This is another Andrew Grey's Brilliant Works of Art. It's the last one of the Senses Series which were totally amazing. As in all of his Senses books it brings home another real life situation and the struggles the character goes through to overcome. The story line is strong and the characters are very believable. They bring you into their world as if you were right there with them. Arik Bosler is an artist who had a great future ahead of him until he had an accident that burned and scarred his right hand. His early years consisted of parents who were so caught up in drugs and doing their on thing that Arik was pretty much on his own at an early age. Surrounded by drug addicts and the world of drug buys that he swore he would never be around that again. When he heard 6 months prior that his family needed him, he went to them only finding his father was cooking Meth. An explosion happened and Arik was right in the midst. Since then Arik could not paint, not even a paint brush. This put him into a deep depression. Then another well-known artist, Ken Brighton, called him on the phone and wanted him to come to his home to work on a project with him. Arik didn't know what to do figuring he would just talk to him briefly and leave. On his way he stops and gets gas and a big, muscular man named Reg came up to him. Arik had a fear come over him since he was hardly five foot and the man was well over 6. Little did he know he would see Reg again. When he arrived at Ken's, he tells him of his disability and not able to paint. Seeing what Arik had done in the past from a painting that Ken had bought, Ken knew what Arik was capable of. He encouraged him and mentored him making him believe that the painting he envisioned came from the head and the heart. That he could retrain his hand to bring out what he wanted. Arik stayed with Ken for several weeks finding that spark again. After he arrived at Ken's, he meets Reg again, still afraid, but seeing him at the children's home and his reaction to the children, Arik was captivated by Reg. The attraction between them got stronger and Arik got over his fear. This is a journey of a man who overcome the odds to paint once more. With the help of his new friends and the love that grew between all of them....the possibility of a new life arose. Arik's past kept haunting him and he couldn't let the past go and move forward. When he met Reg's motorcycle friends at the station he sees a buy going on. That caused Arik to run...He couldn't get into that kind of life again. Staying away from Reg for several days and secluding himself in his rented home, he proceeds to paint bringing out the dark past in his painting. Finally Reg gets him to talk and Reg himself didn't want that around him. But the people in the motorcycle club who were involved were out for revenge. Reg was shot. Arik realized how he felt about this wonderful man. Arik is able to understand what he had to do to move his life into a greater future.. If you love MM Romance, Love, and the struggles that life can hold, you will love this. Andrew did a great job in portraying the love that Arik and his friends had that brought Arik into the light Into a world of a future he didn't think he had anymore and the support he would always have. Highly recommend this one.
April 4, 2016
5 Heart Review by Tammy
Arik Bosler is an incredibly talented artist who has to regain his creative gift after his hand was badly burnt. As far as Arik is concerned there is no hope, he has limited feeling and mobility in his right hand and he just can’t use his left hand for anything artistic. When Arik receives an invitation to work with renowned artist Ken Brighton he accepts without thinking. After Arik arrives in Pleasanton reality comes crashing down on top of him, he can no longer paint, he can barely draw with pencils! Ken won’t hear of him leaving though as he can see that all Arik needs is time to heal and somebody who understands what he’ going through.
The first person Arik met in Pleasanton happens to be the incredibly large tattooed biker Reg. Reg owns and operates the only service station in Pleasanton and happens to be one of Ken and his family’s best friends. Although Reg is attracted to Arik, Arik is terrified of Reg because of his size and the fact that he rides a motorcycle. Reg determines that he’s going to win over Arik and sets out to do just that. As Arik is working with Ken and his husband on different ways and techniques of first drawing then painting, Arik slowly gets to know Reg and comes to realise he’s just a big teddy bear. What convinces Arik that Reg is a big softie is the way that Reg interacts with little Bobbie Jo when they go to help out at the Children’s Orphanage. Reg gets Arik to go riding with him and after his initial fear and reservations Arik has a ball and falls in love with riding but only behind Reg!
Arik has a rude shock one day after another incredible date with Reg, he stumbles across some members of the Motorcycle Club that Reg is a member of smoking and selling drugs in the toilet at Reg’s Service Station. It sends Arik straight back to when he got burnt as a result of his parent’s drug habits. Reg is at a loss as to why Arik won’t see him or speak to him. When he finds out the reason Reg is livid, he doesn’t do drugs, he doesn’t sell drugs and he certainly doesn’t want them around his place of business! The good thing that arises from the drug issue is that Arik is pretty much forced to face what happened and to deal with it and it brings both Reg and Arik closer together.
I was devastated to learn that Love Comes to Light is the last instalment of the Senses Series. I’m afraid I’m one of those people who wants a series I’ve fallen in love with to be never-ending. The main characters in all of the Senses Series books are very easy to fall in love with and every book will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with them all. If you haven’t read Andrew Grey’s Senses Series, you are seriously doing yourself a disservice!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Arik Bosler is an incredibly talented artist who has to regain his creative gift after his hand was badly burnt. As far as Arik is concerned there is no hope, he has limited feeling and mobility in his right hand and he just can’t use his left hand for anything artistic. When Arik receives an invitation to work with renowned artist Ken Brighton he accepts without thinking. After Arik arrives in Pleasanton reality comes crashing down on top of him, he can no longer paint, he can barely draw with pencils! Ken won’t hear of him leaving though as he can see that all Arik needs is time to heal and somebody who understands what he’ going through.
The first person Arik met in Pleasanton happens to be the incredibly large tattooed biker Reg. Reg owns and operates the only service station in Pleasanton and happens to be one of Ken and his family’s best friends. Although Reg is attracted to Arik, Arik is terrified of Reg because of his size and the fact that he rides a motorcycle. Reg determines that he’s going to win over Arik and sets out to do just that. As Arik is working with Ken and his husband on different ways and techniques of first drawing then painting, Arik slowly gets to know Reg and comes to realise he’s just a big teddy bear. What convinces Arik that Reg is a big softie is the way that Reg interacts with little Bobbie Jo when they go to help out at the Children’s Orphanage. Reg gets Arik to go riding with him and after his initial fear and reservations Arik has a ball and falls in love with riding but only behind Reg!
Arik has a rude shock one day after another incredible date with Reg, he stumbles across some members of the Motorcycle Club that Reg is a member of smoking and selling drugs in the toilet at Reg’s Service Station. It sends Arik straight back to when he got burnt as a result of his parent’s drug habits. Reg is at a loss as to why Arik won’t see him or speak to him. When he finds out the reason Reg is livid, he doesn’t do drugs, he doesn’t sell drugs and he certainly doesn’t want them around his place of business! The good thing that arises from the drug issue is that Arik is pretty much forced to face what happened and to deal with it and it brings both Reg and Arik closer together.
I was devastated to learn that Love Comes to Light is the last instalment of the Senses Series. I’m afraid I’m one of those people who wants a series I’ve fallen in love with to be never-ending. The main characters in all of the Senses Series books are very easy to fall in love with and every book will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with them all. If you haven’t read Andrew Grey’s Senses Series, you are seriously doing yourself a disservice!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 24, 2016
Arik feels that his days as an artist on the rise are over now that he’s suffered horrible burns to his dominant left hand. Unaware of the damage to his hand culminating in the apparent end of his burgeoning career, one of his idols, Ken Brighton, extends an invitation to collaborate on a project, an offer which Arik simply cannot turn down before meeting the man. Arik also has an innate fear of large men, so when he meets biker and repair shop owner Reg when Arik stops for fuel while driving to Ken’s home for a two week stay, he’s immediately beset with an intimidation factor that leaves him cowering inside his own vehicle.
Reg creates custom designs on motorcycles in addition to repairing vehicles at his station, and he and his primary staffer, Slash, are part of the local motorcycle club. At first glance Reg seems an intimidating hulk of a man, but in reality he has a generous heart and a gentle soul, and he is immediately drawn to Arik. He must use all of his considerable skills if he is to capture Arik’s heart for his own and help the other man believe he’s worth loving. Unfortunately, a situation within the MC could be the very thing that keeps the two men from achieving their happily ever after.
This is the last story in the Senses series, and it brings together past characters along with Arik and Reg’s new beginnings. Arik’s struggles to develop different ways of using his scarred hand to create the art that lives inside him are tempered by the difficulties faced by Jerry, a young man with a severe disability we met in a previous book, who serves as an inspiration as well as a reality check for Arik. Adjusting to life with a permanent disability is an emotional battlefield, and the psychological damage is as compelling as the physical. Mr. Grey presented both with authenticity and compassion.
Every twist and turn of this story broke and rebuilt my heart a little. Reg’s emotional struggles as defined by his reality and his willingness to reach out for love despite his fears, Arik’s devastating background explained in such a way that I couldn’t help but want to pull him in for a hug and a reassuring pat on the back. Mr. Grey has an amazing ability to fully immerse you in a story, creating emotional bonds between the reader and his characters. I’ve come to expect very high quality from this author, and this story does not disappoint.
Main characters not overloaded with angst, peripheral characters helping to fill out the world in the story, and the chemistry between the pair serving as a slow burn buildup offer another wonderful foray into Mr. Grey’s incredible talent!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
Reg creates custom designs on motorcycles in addition to repairing vehicles at his station, and he and his primary staffer, Slash, are part of the local motorcycle club. At first glance Reg seems an intimidating hulk of a man, but in reality he has a generous heart and a gentle soul, and he is immediately drawn to Arik. He must use all of his considerable skills if he is to capture Arik’s heart for his own and help the other man believe he’s worth loving. Unfortunately, a situation within the MC could be the very thing that keeps the two men from achieving their happily ever after.
This is the last story in the Senses series, and it brings together past characters along with Arik and Reg’s new beginnings. Arik’s struggles to develop different ways of using his scarred hand to create the art that lives inside him are tempered by the difficulties faced by Jerry, a young man with a severe disability we met in a previous book, who serves as an inspiration as well as a reality check for Arik. Adjusting to life with a permanent disability is an emotional battlefield, and the psychological damage is as compelling as the physical. Mr. Grey presented both with authenticity and compassion.
Every twist and turn of this story broke and rebuilt my heart a little. Reg’s emotional struggles as defined by his reality and his willingness to reach out for love despite his fears, Arik’s devastating background explained in such a way that I couldn’t help but want to pull him in for a hug and a reassuring pat on the back. Mr. Grey has an amazing ability to fully immerse you in a story, creating emotional bonds between the reader and his characters. I’ve come to expect very high quality from this author, and this story does not disappoint.
Main characters not overloaded with angst, peripheral characters helping to fill out the world in the story, and the chemistry between the pair serving as a slow burn buildup offer another wonderful foray into Mr. Grey’s incredible talent!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews