Zoe Etheridge packed her bags and said goodbye to her small town Texas life. Her dad's dying wish was that she followed her dreams in New York City, and she was bound and determined to make that happen. It was only a day or so into her trip when she realized she might have bitten off more than she could chew.
Zoe assumed that the Shower & Shelter Artist Collective was open to any artist who needed a place to live in the city. She had no idea that landing a spot in the house was highly competitive, and seeing how she wasn't a formally trained artist, she wasn't quite sure how to compete.
She called the collective on her way into the city and spoke with the manager, Lane Alexander. He quickly made her realize she was in a David versus Goliath type situation, but decided to meet with her nonetheless. She knew she had to impress him when they met, but she assumed it would be with her unique approach to painting. It wasn't until she stared into his baby blues that she realized she wanted him to be impressed by more than just her art.
Brooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
I have enjoyed the rest of the Shower and Shelter series, but this book was particularly fun. First, we finally got to see what it is like to live at the Shower and Shelter collective. Second, I loved Zoe and her confidence and naivety. She comes to New York to live her dream as an artist, not knowing that there is an application process and a wait to get in at S & S. Luckily, Lane lets her audition and is very impressed with her. I loved the chemistry between Zoe and Lane! The way that they kept trying to keep their relationship professional, had me rooting for them when they finally gave in!
Content: clean (some kissing)
Book 3 in the Shower and Shelter series, but it can be read independently.
Stepping out on faith Zoe followed her dream to become an artist but found something else along the way. She had no idea she would meet her true love and then had to hide their love until her two years were pup at the artist shelter. Loved the characters and their vulnerabilities. Great book
Naive, small town girl, Zoe Etheridge, has her sights set on joining the famed Shower & Shelter Artist Collective in New York City. However, she is vexed to find out that slots for the much coveted Collective are very competitive. Notwithstanding, Collective manager, Lane Alexander, gives Zoe the benefit of the doubt and meets with her asking her to demonstrate her painting skills. Zoe's unconventional, freestyle method to painting showcases her talent for Lane, but it's the artist herself that has him most captivated. Despite their immediate chemistry, Zoe and Lane have to set aside any romantic notions and stay within the "no dating" rules of the Collective if Zoe wants to keep her spot. But as their feelings for one another grow- and competition vies for Zoe's attention- the two find it more and more difficult to mask their feelings.
I so loved this story! My hopes were dashed with the "no dating" rule and I wondered if Zoe and Lane's budding romance would survive. St. James beautifully portrayed the emotional struggle the two endured from pining for one another, to jealousy over potential romantic rivals, to the culmination of their romantic hopes! One of the best in this series, in my humble opinion!
This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
This is probably my favorite in this series (the 6th book comes close). I love the quasi cinderella flavor to it.
Zoe is a strong young woman who finds herself out of her element & uncertain about her lack of training.
Lane is normally the rational business mind who takes care of the practicalities of S&S, but finds himself emotionally moved by both Zoe & her art.
It leaves him struggling to keep his professional distance. Which confuses Zoe & almost pushes her away. But it also allows her to focus on improving her art during her S&S tenure and begin making a name for herself in the art world.
The strength of love it takes to hold back on your own desires because you want what's best for the one you love is the most romantic love of all! 🥰
I feel like every book I listen to by Brooke St James becomes my new favorite.
I love the people and storylines she creates.
This was about Zoe. She left Texas to pursue her art career in NYC not understanding that S&S was a competitive place to get into.
Lane decided to meet with her anyway after hearing her story and he’s captivated by her artwork and by Zoe herself. But since he’s the financial director and the right hand man to the owner, he won’t allow himself to act on his feelings while Zoe is an artist in the house.
I loved Lane and Zoe. They were so sweet together. She was so innocent and lacking pretense. I loved that about her.
I like how each book in this series has its own plot, and I liked it and the characters here, but it have a little bit of cliché moments and dialogue and it's annoyingly repetitive. Unfortunately, the romance is mainly physical, nothing above physical attraction and the eagerness to kiss or touch…etc.
the rest of the books in this series are just like the first three but with different plots , they are too heavy on physical attraction with so many thighs and hips and other body parts ,and too repetitive. Each one gets ⭐️⭐️ Except the last one, it gets ⭐️ because I was waiting for it and it was a huge disappointment.
These books are clean, cute and predictable and move pretty fast. I would say though, my biggest complaint is all of her covers 😂, I don’t like most covers when they put a couple on it. It’s better, in my opinion, to leave it to the imagination. I usually don’t think the men look very manly. Often times the Description is not what I envision so by looking at the cover it messes it up for me a little bit.
This is the third installment of the S&S series I have read. I looked forward to reading it, as I enjoyed #1 and #2. Ms. St. James definitely did not disappoint with Zoe's story. From page 1 until I finished the book, she captivated me, and I savored every page. The concept of S&S sounds wonderful, and it's great to enjoy being part of the artist's experiences. From Zoe's hometown through New York, you are carried along smoothly and enjoyably. Now on to #4.
She's done it again! Another clever story with unusual characters, a poor "family" and a multitude of good friends who offer their encouragement, she's off to New York City with her God given extreme talent, her bus ticket, and very little money. She has no profile but offers to paint a picture to prove herself worthy. I never tire of these very stories written by St. James. If you give her a try, you might be pleasantly surprised, too.
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Zoe Etheridge moved from Texas to New York City and planned to get housing at Shower and Shelter Artist collective not knowing there was a waiting list. When she interviewed with manager Lane Alexander, he was impressed and due to one of the artists backing out of her spot, she was able to get in quickly. She didn’t plan on falling in love with Lane. A tender story about culture shock, trusting God, and timing.
I enjoyed this slow burn, sweet and clean, romance. I didn't want to leave it. I so loved these characters and their aims to be professional and respect each other. There were plenty of swoooony moments. I loved the art emphasis and Lane's protectiveness. The other guy was such a wonderful addition that I couldn't believe and some scenes could not stop without finishing. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
First off, this is number three and you need to read it third. This one was my very favorite so far! I love how they love each other, even with forced distance. I loved how things worked out in the end too! Super sweet romance with awesome banter and no swear words! It just said (cuss) which I also loved! Great story that kept me up entirely too late!
Zoe stepped out in faith to follow her dream to New York to become an artist. Little did she know she would meet a friend and supporter and someday fall in love. I was very proud of the self-control this couple displayed to follow the guidelines of the S&S and to restrain from physical activity.
I enjoyed reading this book just as much as I have all the other books in this series so far. I can't wait to continue reading the books in this series.
This has been my favorite of all of Ms. St. James’ books that I have read. I laughed out loud, I cried and I fell in love with the characters. What a great story!
This book was really good. I love Brook St. James clean Christian romance novels. The book had my attention the whole time and I am mad that I did not read the series from the beginning lol. I think it is a sweet love story but I wish that lane was a little more romantic. Some of it was predictable but overall it was really good. I plan on reading the rest of the series.
This was such a sweet and precious story. I loved the heroine and her sweet personality. Who wouldn't love the handsome and protective hero? The story was an easy read and the story line was inspiring. I over this story and highly recommend it
This was one of my favorite by Brooke St. James. I definitely related to Zoe because she was raised by her grandparents. Further, I don't think the book was a cheesy as some of her novels. It was a short, more realistic story!
I won this book via Goodreads giveaway. I have not read the first 2 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. It's a great quick read. This is the first Christian/inspirational romance novel I have ever read and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. It was well written and quite innocent. It's very different from my usual genres (I'm ok with cussing and sex scenes if you haven't seen my shelf). I also like reading YA so I'm also ok with innocence as well. Super cute read is my best (or worst) description for the book. Haha. But I liked it a lot!