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The Art of Us
Eighteen-year-old Charlee Parker met the love of her life in a parking lot—a leggy brunette with a valedictorian medal hanging from her rear-view mirror and an attitude as biting as a Boston winter.
Alexandra Woodson was guarded, a nineteen-year-old orphan set on a bright future in hospitality administration. She never imagined an art student with a penchant for cheesy pick-up lines and stealing parking spaces would crack her rigid exterior and claim her heart.
For four years, theirs was an enviable love—evergreen and growing. Unbreakable…
Until it broke.
Now, after five years on the opposite side of the country, Alex’s work brings her back to Boston. When, by chance, they meet again, Charlee and Alex are swept up in a whirlwind of heart-rending history, tossed between past and present, and lovers old and new. Will their lingering connection be enough to convince them that some loves are meant to last? Or should the past remain in the past?
79,500 words
Alexandra Woodson was guarded, a nineteen-year-old orphan set on a bright future in hospitality administration. She never imagined an art student with a penchant for cheesy pick-up lines and stealing parking spaces would crack her rigid exterior and claim her heart.
For four years, theirs was an enviable love—evergreen and growing. Unbreakable…
Until it broke.
Now, after five years on the opposite side of the country, Alex’s work brings her back to Boston. When, by chance, they meet again, Charlee and Alex are swept up in a whirlwind of heart-rending history, tossed between past and present, and lovers old and new. Will their lingering connection be enough to convince them that some loves are meant to last? Or should the past remain in the past?
79,500 words
218 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2017
79 people are currently reading
2546 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Hughes
9 books483 followersKL Hughes is an American poet and fiction author writing in multiple genres. Growing up in a small town of just over 1500 people, she spent much of her time inventing various ways to entertain herself as well as others. Whether it was through vocal performances of original children’s songs or theatrical re-enactments of books, movies, and actual events, Hughes showcased her extensive imagination and creativity at a very early age.
She began writing poetry at the age of nine, a passion that rapidly grew and expanded to include short stories, novellas, and eventually novels. Throughout elementary school and high school, Hughes won several contests and competitions focused in original poetry and short-story composition.
After graduating valedictorian of her high-school class, Hughes went on to pursue and earn a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Theatre Arts and English Literature. Her collegiate studies allowed her to develop and hone her skills in poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, and fiction prose.
Working as a writer full-time, Hughes lives in the United States with her wife and their Dalmatian. When not writing, she enjoys theatre and film, travel, visits to old cemeteries and haunted houses, putting on one-woman musicals for her wife, long walks and hikes, and family time.
She began writing poetry at the age of nine, a passion that rapidly grew and expanded to include short stories, novellas, and eventually novels. Throughout elementary school and high school, Hughes won several contests and competitions focused in original poetry and short-story composition.
After graduating valedictorian of her high-school class, Hughes went on to pursue and earn a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Theatre Arts and English Literature. Her collegiate studies allowed her to develop and hone her skills in poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, and fiction prose.
Working as a writer full-time, Hughes lives in the United States with her wife and their Dalmatian. When not writing, she enjoys theatre and film, travel, visits to old cemeteries and haunted houses, putting on one-woman musicals for her wife, long walks and hikes, and family time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
March 3, 2018
'Ylva-Publishing ARC provided in exchange for a honest review'
4.5stars!
A remarkable grit filled work of good penmanship in an emotionally charged romantic love story of performance in its own right,this book is a vivid and powerful rendering of the unparalleled lives of both extraordinary leads. Some readers will also enjoy certain parts of this storyline which dealt with art and peek into the mind of one of the leads who's preeminent style was an echo or focus in this book because of her passion and love that she shared both on her canvases and towards the only 'ONE' person that she ever truly loved. The real strength of this story is the great storytelling,their P.O.V, the exceptional writing,the good chemistry,the support of their friends & family and also the author's other ideas etc. Ms.Hughes delivers the most probing,well-rounded cast of characters,free-flowing dialogue,fast-paced,insightful relationship,family & friendship biography to date in this seemingly endlessly and surprisingly winner/book-- a story that is truly both a heady intellectual study of lives with ups & downs problems but eventually coming back as one and also a literary page-turner for everyone because its that good!
4.5stars!
A remarkable grit filled work of good penmanship in an emotionally charged romantic love story of performance in its own right,this book is a vivid and powerful rendering of the unparalleled lives of both extraordinary leads. Some readers will also enjoy certain parts of this storyline which dealt with art and peek into the mind of one of the leads who's preeminent style was an echo or focus in this book because of her passion and love that she shared both on her canvases and towards the only 'ONE' person that she ever truly loved. The real strength of this story is the great storytelling,their P.O.V, the exceptional writing,the good chemistry,the support of their friends & family and also the author's other ideas etc. Ms.Hughes delivers the most probing,well-rounded cast of characters,free-flowing dialogue,fast-paced,insightful relationship,family & friendship biography to date in this seemingly endlessly and surprisingly winner/book-- a story that is truly both a heady intellectual study of lives with ups & downs problems but eventually coming back as one and also a literary page-turner for everyone because its that good!
November 3, 2017
Edit: I am changing my rating to 4 1/2 Stars. I originally only rated this 4 stars, but I keep thinking about this book and I think my rating was a little too low.
This was really good and emotional. I’m not kidding about being emotional; I lost track on how many times I was flat out crying. I love when a good book can make you feel, and this book definitely did.
What happens when you run into your soulmate after being apart for five years? Charlee and Alex are about to find out. That’s it, that’s all you’re getting for a summary. It’s the main storyline in a nutshell and I don’t want to spoil anything.
I have read other books where characters supposedly found their soulmate. I have never quite believed it as much as this book. Wow, talk about a connection the two mains had. The chemistry was just off the charts. You knew without a doubt that these two were meant to be together, you just don’t know if they would be together.
I have never read Hughes before, but damn she can write. This book was so emotional and heart wrenching in places. But it was also warm and about being a family, blood and otherwise. The characters where all so incredibly fleshed out. They were realistic and you felt their emotions and what they were going through. Even the secondary characters were wonderful. Actually, they were some of the better secondary characters I have read in a while.
Anyone who has read a chunk of my reviews knows a pet peeve of mine is flashbacks. I honestly can’t stand them. This book is filled with them. Did I mind them? I can’t believe I am saying this but no I did not. They were well written and added to the story. This story could not have been told correctly without them. This is one of the first times I can recall flashbacks being so meaningful and necessary to the story.
Romance fans that are looking for a good emotional read don’t pass this book up. This book was way better than I expected and I have a feeling others will enjoy it too. I feel like now I have to run and read another of Hughes’ books. (Netty, I know you have been telling me to read Popcorn Love for over a year, I’m finally listening now.) If Hughes’ others books are anywhere as good as this one, I know I will enjoy them.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
This was really good and emotional. I’m not kidding about being emotional; I lost track on how many times I was flat out crying. I love when a good book can make you feel, and this book definitely did.
What happens when you run into your soulmate after being apart for five years? Charlee and Alex are about to find out. That’s it, that’s all you’re getting for a summary. It’s the main storyline in a nutshell and I don’t want to spoil anything.
I have read other books where characters supposedly found their soulmate. I have never quite believed it as much as this book. Wow, talk about a connection the two mains had. The chemistry was just off the charts. You knew without a doubt that these two were meant to be together, you just don’t know if they would be together.
I have never read Hughes before, but damn she can write. This book was so emotional and heart wrenching in places. But it was also warm and about being a family, blood and otherwise. The characters where all so incredibly fleshed out. They were realistic and you felt their emotions and what they were going through. Even the secondary characters were wonderful. Actually, they were some of the better secondary characters I have read in a while.
Anyone who has read a chunk of my reviews knows a pet peeve of mine is flashbacks. I honestly can’t stand them. This book is filled with them. Did I mind them? I can’t believe I am saying this but no I did not. They were well written and added to the story. This story could not have been told correctly without them. This is one of the first times I can recall flashbacks being so meaningful and necessary to the story.
Romance fans that are looking for a good emotional read don’t pass this book up. This book was way better than I expected and I have a feeling others will enjoy it too. I feel like now I have to run and read another of Hughes’ books. (Netty, I know you have been telling me to read Popcorn Love for over a year, I’m finally listening now.) If Hughes’ others books are anywhere as good as this one, I know I will enjoy them.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
November 4, 2017
I enjoyed The Art of Us very much. Once I started, I just could not put it down. I even reread some parts right away, and it went straight into my favorites. Bravo KL Hughes!
5 stars
Nov 3, 2017
5 stars
Nov 3, 2017
September 6, 2018
My second book by the author, the first one was Popcorn Love, I found it too cheesy. The Art Of Us however was a second chance romance written superbly right.
The first time Charlee met Alex, they got into a serious argument over parking spot, the insults and banters were grins and highlights worthy. The second time they met, the banters were followed with sex. What??? They had sex after the 2nd meet, oh noooo.. Instant much? I didn't mind such scene though because kudos to Ms.Hughes, the story was interesting from the start, their tale was told from the past and present + they did it in the library.
*hides my face, sorry dad and sis... both are librarians*
Anyways, they were in a relationship for 4 years then Alex got a career opportunity so she moved and they settled to a long distance relationship but it failed and left both brokenhearted.
After 5 years of separation, Alex returned and now the wonderful, magical world of romance began. They were both in relationships with other people but onced they accidentally saw each other again at Charlee's art exhibition, it was like Mission Impossible's lighting the fuse scene+the theme song.
I absolutely love this story, Alex and Charlee had the spark, the bite, the chemistry+biology and physique that I usually looked for in a couple. Vinny [Alex's sister] Cam [Charlee's bff] Gabby and Drew [Charlee's parents] formed a bond when Alex and Charlee became a couple. Choosing a/two favorite character was impossible, I loved them all.
This book is pricey, USD9.99 and not available on KU. I still consider myself as a Lesfic virgin but the love scenes I've read.. I can still blush..
Anyways just get the damn good book already and lets gush over it.
The first time Charlee met Alex, they got into a serious argument over parking spot, the insults and banters were grins and highlights worthy. The second time they met, the banters were followed with sex. What??? They had sex after the 2nd meet, oh noooo.. Instant much? I didn't mind such scene though because kudos to Ms.Hughes, the story was interesting from the start, their tale was told from the past and present + they did it in the library.
*hides my face, sorry dad and sis... both are librarians*
Anyways, they were in a relationship for 4 years then Alex got a career opportunity so she moved and they settled to a long distance relationship but it failed and left both brokenhearted.
After 5 years of separation, Alex returned and now the wonderful, magical world of romance began. They were both in relationships with other people but onced they accidentally saw each other again at Charlee's art exhibition, it was like Mission Impossible's lighting the fuse scene+the theme song.
I absolutely love this story, Alex and Charlee had the spark, the bite, the chemistry+biology and physique that I usually looked for in a couple. Vinny [Alex's sister] Cam [Charlee's bff] Gabby and Drew [Charlee's parents] formed a bond when Alex and Charlee became a couple. Choosing a/two favorite character was impossible, I loved them all.
This book is pricey, USD9.99 and not available on KU. I still consider myself as a Lesfic virgin but the love scenes I've read.. I can still blush..
Anyways just get the damn good book already and lets gush over it.
December 4, 2017
5 Stars.
I don't do angst. I don't mind it in small doses but I generally don't gravitate to it. Unless it is as well written as Hughes has done in this fabulous book. At first I thought I would breeze right through the book it was so good. But I couldn't. I had to read a chapter or two and take a break. Because, you know, I don't do angst. And there are flashbacks. I don't mind it, but I know some readers do not. But wow. This story goes back and forth to college years to present to post college to break up and back again. The timelines are running parallel. But somehow you know within a sentence or two what time period we are in. Only once or twice I had to reread a bit to figure out where we were in the timeline. I was amazed just how well Hughes was able to navigate this mode of storytelling without it being confusing. It was effective in her hands.
The main characters, Alex & Charlee were great and all, but I LOVED Charlee's parents, especially her mother, Gabby. They embraced Alex and her sister Vinny and Charlee's BFF, Cam into their family. Gabby was as much a parent to Alex and Cam as she was to Charlee.
Makes my Top 10 list for 2017.
I don't do angst. I don't mind it in small doses but I generally don't gravitate to it. Unless it is as well written as Hughes has done in this fabulous book. At first I thought I would breeze right through the book it was so good. But I couldn't. I had to read a chapter or two and take a break. Because, you know, I don't do angst. And there are flashbacks. I don't mind it, but I know some readers do not. But wow. This story goes back and forth to college years to present to post college to break up and back again. The timelines are running parallel. But somehow you know within a sentence or two what time period we are in. Only once or twice I had to reread a bit to figure out where we were in the timeline. I was amazed just how well Hughes was able to navigate this mode of storytelling without it being confusing. It was effective in her hands.
The main characters, Alex & Charlee were great and all, but I LOVED Charlee's parents, especially her mother, Gabby. They embraced Alex and her sister Vinny and Charlee's BFF, Cam into their family. Gabby was as much a parent to Alex and Cam as she was to Charlee.
Makes my Top 10 list for 2017.
November 9, 2017
“I want to do it right, because loving her is the purest thing I’ve ever done. It’s the purest thing I’ve ever had.”
Soul Mates. The Art of Us takes the concept of soul mates to a whole new level. I don’t think I’ve ever read an angst-filled read quite like this book.
Five years after Alex left for the coast and they drifted apart, Charlee cannot sleep at night but spends all her time painting beautiful memories of her true love and soul mate Alex. Alex returns to Boston with girlfriend Kari in tow and struggles with her own memories.
The opening scenes grab you and force you to fall in love with Charlee and Alex. Of course, there can be no one else. Be gone eight-month relationship Chris. Haul your unsuspecting ass outta here. Kari? We barely knew you but you’re smart enough to notice the emotional detachment and distance Alex has for you. Sorry you had to fly all this way. Once Alex locks eyes on Charlee it’s game over for anyone remotely connected to these two and what they still mean to each other.
I found myself overwhelmed to the point of numb by the three-quarter mark of this novel. The crying, the emotions on their sleeves, the crying, so much crying over their love lost. The reluctance on Alex’s part to renew what they had for fear of losing it once again, it was all so exhausting. And then K.L. Hughes pulls reality out of this swamp of emotions and memories of a love so pure nothing and no one could compete with it. She laughs at her own drama-llama offering. She uses Cam and Vinny to pull our lovestruck couple back to earth. Cam lets Charlee know that the world is carrying on and no, she is not the centre of the universe and yes, she has been ignoring the other people in her life. Vinny is much blunter with Alex when she tells her that “Dehydration is a bitch.” Enough with the crying already. I loved it and it pulled me back into the story.
I love an angst filled romance, I do. The Art of Us might have exceeded even my love for drama but it is written so well that I couldn’t look away. I had to know all the details of this couples long overdue HEA.
Wow, what a read.
ARC received from publisher with thanks for an honest review.
Soul Mates. The Art of Us takes the concept of soul mates to a whole new level. I don’t think I’ve ever read an angst-filled read quite like this book.
Five years after Alex left for the coast and they drifted apart, Charlee cannot sleep at night but spends all her time painting beautiful memories of her true love and soul mate Alex. Alex returns to Boston with girlfriend Kari in tow and struggles with her own memories.
The opening scenes grab you and force you to fall in love with Charlee and Alex. Of course, there can be no one else. Be gone eight-month relationship Chris. Haul your unsuspecting ass outta here. Kari? We barely knew you but you’re smart enough to notice the emotional detachment and distance Alex has for you. Sorry you had to fly all this way. Once Alex locks eyes on Charlee it’s game over for anyone remotely connected to these two and what they still mean to each other.
I found myself overwhelmed to the point of numb by the three-quarter mark of this novel. The crying, the emotions on their sleeves, the crying, so much crying over their love lost. The reluctance on Alex’s part to renew what they had for fear of losing it once again, it was all so exhausting. And then K.L. Hughes pulls reality out of this swamp of emotions and memories of a love so pure nothing and no one could compete with it. She laughs at her own drama-llama offering. She uses Cam and Vinny to pull our lovestruck couple back to earth. Cam lets Charlee know that the world is carrying on and no, she is not the centre of the universe and yes, she has been ignoring the other people in her life. Vinny is much blunter with Alex when she tells her that “Dehydration is a bitch.” Enough with the crying already. I loved it and it pulled me back into the story.
I love an angst filled romance, I do. The Art of Us might have exceeded even my love for drama but it is written so well that I couldn’t look away. I had to know all the details of this couples long overdue HEA.
Wow, what a read.
ARC received from publisher with thanks for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2017
This here is an angsty, longing, frustrating, brilliant read. In fact, even reading The Art of Us took me longer than usual because the feelings get TOO REAL. Especially for those who've had significant exes or are dating people who broke off from something deep. It puts an uncomfortable layer of insecurity to the read. Somewhat painful, but effective. Totally what KL Hughes wants from me, I'd reckon. Or, at least it'd make her feel great to cause these feelings.
I'd say for my personal taste, this has a much higher dosage of pining and relationship-based angst than I'd care to partake. I believe Alex and Charlee's love runs deeper and more convincing than sooooo many books of lesfic's past. I appreciate it. I'm glad I read it because KL Hughes is an AMAZING writer. God, it's so well-written and clever. Characterization and theme were certainly on point. She's the author of Popcorn Love, an all-time favorite and I'm honored to read more from her.
For the sheer talent of Hughes, I'll bump this to a steady four stars. Give it a read. It'll affect you, I'm sure.
I'd say for my personal taste, this has a much higher dosage of pining and relationship-based angst than I'd care to partake. I believe Alex and Charlee's love runs deeper and more convincing than sooooo many books of lesfic's past. I appreciate it. I'm glad I read it because KL Hughes is an AMAZING writer. God, it's so well-written and clever. Characterization and theme were certainly on point. She's the author of Popcorn Love, an all-time favorite and I'm honored to read more from her.
For the sheer talent of Hughes, I'll bump this to a steady four stars. Give it a read. It'll affect you, I'm sure.
January 4, 2018
Well that's a good start for the year! Unbelievable chemistry! You can't miss reading this one ..
November 3, 2017
When you pick up this book be prepared for your heart to be ripped out of your chest. This book knocked me flat out more than a time or two. You can literally feel your heartbreak right along with the main characters. A fantastic emotional ride that is chock-full of angst and emotion.
Charlee and Alex meet early on in college. There is an instant connection, and they spend the next years blissfully in love, head over heels. When school ends Alex is offered an amazing career opportunity on the opposite coast. They thought they could overcome the distance, make it through this intersnship, but instead, it broke them.
Five years later Alex has returned to NYC. she thought she could handle being back but the emotions and loss of Charlee are overwhelming. Everywhere she goes brings back a flood of memories of better times. The book flashes back between Charlee and Alex's romance to current day. When Alex and her lost love meet back up the chemistry pops right off the page. Tension, angst, romance this book is deliciously full of it all. I'm not kidding when I say this book pulls at your emotions. A felt my heartbreak with them, I felt their joy, their pain. KL Hughes takes you on one hell of a ride. So good!
Charlee and Alex meet early on in college. There is an instant connection, and they spend the next years blissfully in love, head over heels. When school ends Alex is offered an amazing career opportunity on the opposite coast. They thought they could overcome the distance, make it through this intersnship, but instead, it broke them.
Five years later Alex has returned to NYC. she thought she could handle being back but the emotions and loss of Charlee are overwhelming. Everywhere she goes brings back a flood of memories of better times. The book flashes back between Charlee and Alex's romance to current day. When Alex and her lost love meet back up the chemistry pops right off the page. Tension, angst, romance this book is deliciously full of it all. I'm not kidding when I say this book pulls at your emotions. A felt my heartbreak with them, I felt their joy, their pain. KL Hughes takes you on one hell of a ride. So good!
October 19, 2018
I admit that I’m not really a fan of popcorn love but after reading this I will give it a try again.
Goodness! This book will give you so much feels.
From the first page I already got a vibe that this will go straight to my favorites.
Is there more of this?
Nice execution of second chance storyline.
So, if you’re a fan of those I would totally recommend you this.
Charlee and Alex will be added to my top ten fav couples.
You just have to read this to appreciate it.
Lots of crying. Cheesy lines. Flash backs.
I wish there’s an Epilogue. :(
If this will be made into anmovie I will be the first one to buy the ticket.
Re-Read: I was surprised to know that this is a Clexa fic. Another reason for + 3 stars 😂👌🏽
4.5
Goodness! This book will give you so much feels.
From the first page I already got a vibe that this will go straight to my favorites.
Is there more of this?
Nice execution of second chance storyline.
So, if you’re a fan of those I would totally recommend you this.
Charlee and Alex will be added to my top ten fav couples.
You just have to read this to appreciate it.
Lots of crying. Cheesy lines. Flash backs.
I wish there’s an Epilogue. :(
If this will be made into anmovie I will be the first one to buy the ticket.
Re-Read: I was surprised to know that this is a Clexa fic. Another reason for + 3 stars 😂👌🏽
4.5
February 7, 2019
Cue Barbra Streisand singing "The Way We Were".
No I'm not reminiscing about an ex, I'm thinking about a few years ago when I read the fan fiction version of this and bawled my eyes out.
Exceptionally well written, this story will no doubt tug on your heartstrings if you ever had your heart broken and especially if you're not over that certain someone yet. Though it's angsty there are some great secondary characters who bring some much needed levity every now and then.
There's not much else I can say that hasn't already been said about this story. If you haven't read it yet make sure to at least add it to your to read list because even though you'll need a box of tissues, it will be worth it.
The only minor issue I had were the constant flashbacks, which I'm not a fan of. Overall rating for this emotional roller coaster is 4,5*.
No I'm not reminiscing about an ex, I'm thinking about a few years ago when I read the fan fiction version of this and bawled my eyes out.
Exceptionally well written, this story will no doubt tug on your heartstrings if you ever had your heart broken and especially if you're not over that certain someone yet. Though it's angsty there are some great secondary characters who bring some much needed levity every now and then.
There's not much else I can say that hasn't already been said about this story. If you haven't read it yet make sure to at least add it to your to read list because even though you'll need a box of tissues, it will be worth it.
The only minor issue I had were the constant flashbacks, which I'm not a fan of. Overall rating for this emotional roller coaster is 4,5*.
November 26, 2017
Whoa! I am seriously exhausted. This book in a single word has to be EMOTIONAL. The feelings this book extracts are so real. You feel everything. It felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. Also, because of that I am seriously having trouble writing this review. How Hughes managed to write it I don't know. But she did and she managed to blow me off my feet.
To help you understand I found that one minute I'm happy, cheerful even. Then the next sad and angry even. Then I feel this need to curl into a tight ball and hide under my duvet never to show my face again. But then I feel this urge to hurl my kindle out of the nearest unopened window. Now anyone who can generate that much emotion through words on a page deserves to receive a 5 star rating. Maybe this book should have some kind of warning. I say that with a pinch of salt. It doesn't just feels like it.
I really wanted to put the book down but I couldn't.It was always just one more page. Now that I have finished it I just want a week of uninterrupted sleep. I feel exhausted. If Hughes wanted her readers to feel then I'd say she succeeded. It is really well written. It is some of the best writing that I have had the pleasure of reading. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
To help you understand I found that one minute I'm happy, cheerful even. Then the next sad and angry even. Then I feel this need to curl into a tight ball and hide under my duvet never to show my face again. But then I feel this urge to hurl my kindle out of the nearest unopened window. Now anyone who can generate that much emotion through words on a page deserves to receive a 5 star rating. Maybe this book should have some kind of warning. I say that with a pinch of salt. It doesn't just feels like it.
I really wanted to put the book down but I couldn't.It was always just one more page. Now that I have finished it I just want a week of uninterrupted sleep. I feel exhausted. If Hughes wanted her readers to feel then I'd say she succeeded. It is really well written. It is some of the best writing that I have had the pleasure of reading. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
December 9, 2018
This book gave me a headache. So thanks Joc for suggesting it, because I can at least knock it off my TR-list.
In another way though, it's a multiple no-thanks for a lot of other reasons, here are the top 3 :
> Flashback Bombing : the writing keep jumping from present to past and so on.
> the five-year-long grieving widows : I'm confused by the sheer stupidity of the two mains and I don't think I had the answer to that one question that I kept asking myself all the time : why hasn't the artist FOLLOWED ? you can paint anywhere!
> Way over the top love / love drama : so much so that it was a relief when both mains are put straight by their relatives. But still I can't help but wonder why it took them so damn long ???
It's a very irritating story , but well-written, with most of the secondary characters nicely done.
In another way though, it's a multiple no-thanks for a lot of other reasons, here are the top 3 :
> Flashback Bombing : the writing keep jumping from present to past and so on.
> the five-year-long grieving widows : I'm confused by the sheer stupidity of the two mains and I don't think I had the answer to that one question that I kept asking myself all the time : why hasn't the artist FOLLOWED ? you can paint anywhere!
> Way over the top love / love drama : so much so that it was a relief when both mains are put straight by their relatives. But still I can't help but wonder why it took them so damn long ???
It's a very irritating story , but well-written, with most of the secondary characters nicely done.
November 27, 2017
Liked it despite the boat ton of the sads and bad feels. Doing twin story arcs via flash backs is a tricky beast. I was confused several times when a scene change happened with no nudge that a shift in time happened as well. A simple 'Then' and 'Now' accompanying the scene separator would have insta fixed that.
It's really a story of second chances. Didn't fall in love with it (see the above sads and bads) but I liked it well enough.
It's really a story of second chances. Didn't fall in love with it (see the above sads and bads) but I liked it well enough.
December 21, 2017
This was probably one of the most angst ridden novels I have read all year. It literally kicked the wind out of me more than once with this heart breaking tale of second chance love.
Charlee and Alex met in college and fell madly in love and knew they had met their soul mates. Unfortunately when Alex is offered an important job at the other side of the country they just can’t make the long distance work. They both love each other enough not to ask the other to give up on their dreams but they know they will never truly get over the love they have for one another. They struggle to get on with their lives and can’t seem to make it work without daily pangs of love for one another. When Alex’s work moves her back to Boston and they bump into one another it’s obvious to them both that they never stopped loving one another. But can they have their second chance? And how do they tell their now partners about their undeniable love without hurting them.
This is possibly the most angst filled book I’ve read this year. It swept me up and made my heart ache so bad that I cried more reading this book than I have in a while. Both Charlee and Alex don’t want to hurt anyone and their honourable and caring nature just endeared them to the reader more. They had chemistry that made the air leave the room and it just added to the angst and foreboding when they didn’t give in to their needs. I think they fact that these main protagonists never hated each other after their break up made their reconnection even more explosive.
I did feel that the scenes jumped back and forth between past and present with no clear line of definition of where in their relationship you are at that time. There were moments I thought that they had finally followed their feelings only to find out in fact they had but it was when they were together the first time round at college.
The secondary Characters were fantastic and in particular Gabby, Charlee’s Mum. She was warm, and generally caring and her moments in the story made me want these characters to make it more than ever before. I’d also love a story about Cam or Vinny because those two rocked their character personalities and I’d definitely be friends with them both.
Great book that I look forward to rereading again very soon.
4 stars
Charlee and Alex met in college and fell madly in love and knew they had met their soul mates. Unfortunately when Alex is offered an important job at the other side of the country they just can’t make the long distance work. They both love each other enough not to ask the other to give up on their dreams but they know they will never truly get over the love they have for one another. They struggle to get on with their lives and can’t seem to make it work without daily pangs of love for one another. When Alex’s work moves her back to Boston and they bump into one another it’s obvious to them both that they never stopped loving one another. But can they have their second chance? And how do they tell their now partners about their undeniable love without hurting them.
This is possibly the most angst filled book I’ve read this year. It swept me up and made my heart ache so bad that I cried more reading this book than I have in a while. Both Charlee and Alex don’t want to hurt anyone and their honourable and caring nature just endeared them to the reader more. They had chemistry that made the air leave the room and it just added to the angst and foreboding when they didn’t give in to their needs. I think they fact that these main protagonists never hated each other after their break up made their reconnection even more explosive.
I did feel that the scenes jumped back and forth between past and present with no clear line of definition of where in their relationship you are at that time. There were moments I thought that they had finally followed their feelings only to find out in fact they had but it was when they were together the first time round at college.
The secondary Characters were fantastic and in particular Gabby, Charlee’s Mum. She was warm, and generally caring and her moments in the story made me want these characters to make it more than ever before. I’d also love a story about Cam or Vinny because those two rocked their character personalities and I’d definitely be friends with them both.
Great book that I look forward to rereading again very soon.
4 stars
May 5, 2023
I'm going to go ahead and point out that I've never seen an episode of The 100 and have no attachment to those characters. Those that do will probably like this more because they already have a context to this story that I lack. And while it isn't technically fan fiction (names were changed to protect the innocent and all that), this is definitely Clexa fanfic. So as someone coming to this without Clexa-tinted glasses here are the ways this novel did not work for me:
1. The narrative structure is confusing. This jumps between Charlee and Alex's perspectives in both the past and the present. There is no indication with narrative point of view I'm reading or which time period I'm in, which made following the narrative really difficult. I mean, it's not rocket science, so it does eventually become obvious, but it would sometimes take a few paragraphs to contextualize what I was reading.
2. The angst is the entire plot. Don't get me wrong. I love angst. My favourite novel is super-duper angsty, but the angst in that novel is driving to a purpose and has a clear context why it exists. This is simply angst. Nothing here makes sense. They meet; they hate each other; they have hate sex in a library; they have a great love for years; they break up; they don't speak for five years but continue to obsess about the other the entire time; they meet again; they're clearly still in love but do nothing to move their story along. It was tiresome. Again, maybe this works as a serialized fan fiction where the author doesn't have to fully contextualize these characters because the reader is already familiar with them and their contexts, but for someone coming in blind... It did not work. At all. And, also, why did they break up? Charlee is an artist and can literally move anywhere. It was so contrived!
3. Charlee and Alex are horrible people. This is probably a me problem more than a narrative problem, but if you're still obsessed with your ex--and I do mean OBSESSED, maybe you shouldn't be in a relationship with another person? This really bothered me because both characters are in relationships with other people and it's clear neither one cares about this other person who clearly deserves more.
This is the third novel I've read by KL Hughes and it's definitely her weakest.
1. The narrative structure is confusing. This jumps between Charlee and Alex's perspectives in both the past and the present. There is no indication with narrative point of view I'm reading or which time period I'm in, which made following the narrative really difficult. I mean, it's not rocket science, so it does eventually become obvious, but it would sometimes take a few paragraphs to contextualize what I was reading.
2. The angst is the entire plot. Don't get me wrong. I love angst. My favourite novel is super-duper angsty, but the angst in that novel is driving to a purpose and has a clear context why it exists. This is simply angst. Nothing here makes sense. They meet; they hate each other; they have hate sex in a library; they have a great love for years; they break up; they don't speak for five years but continue to obsess about the other the entire time; they meet again; they're clearly still in love but do nothing to move their story along. It was tiresome. Again, maybe this works as a serialized fan fiction where the author doesn't have to fully contextualize these characters because the reader is already familiar with them and their contexts, but for someone coming in blind... It did not work. At all. And, also, why did they break up? Charlee is an artist and can literally move anywhere. It was so contrived!
3. Charlee and Alex are horrible people. This is probably a me problem more than a narrative problem, but if you're still obsessed with your ex--and I do mean OBSESSED, maybe you shouldn't be in a relationship with another person? This really bothered me because both characters are in relationships with other people and it's clear neither one cares about this other person who clearly deserves more.
This is the third novel I've read by KL Hughes and it's definitely her weakest.
November 14, 2022
This was an exhausting read. The writing was beautiful, descriptive and emotional but the amount of unnecessary drama and sobbing were way too much for my taste. The constant jumping between past and present was also confusing at times.
And I just couldn't stop thinking, was all that torture really necessary? Why are these two adult women behaving like teenagers and just couldn't sit and talk to one another? Communicate, people, it's not really that hard!
Hell, if the love of my life is moving across the country I'd just quit my job and move with her instead of feeling like someone is cutting my heart open every single day. And it wouldn't even cross my mind to date anybody else until I know for certain we've exhausted all possibilities of being together and salvaging our relationship. But I guess that's just me.
And I just couldn't stop thinking, was all that torture really necessary? Why are these two adult women behaving like teenagers and just couldn't sit and talk to one another? Communicate, people, it's not really that hard!
Hell, if the love of my life is moving across the country I'd just quit my job and move with her instead of feeling like someone is cutting my heart open every single day. And it wouldn't even cross my mind to date anybody else until I know for certain we've exhausted all possibilities of being together and salvaging our relationship. But I guess that's just me.
November 11, 2017
ARC provided by YLVA in return for an honest review.
I wanted to read this story because I enjoyed Popcorn Love and this had good reviews. I was hesitant though, because past/present romances are not a favourite of mine.
This isn’t a ‘fun’ book, in that it’s very angsty and there’s a lot of pining. Also, there was no separation to show when a flashback was starting within a chapter, (by that I mean use of italics or some other formatting) which did make this hard to read, because the majority of the characters appear in both the past and present, and sometimes the time jumps weren’t immediately apparent.
The other problem I had was that, while the flashbacks showed how Alex and Charlee fell in love and built their relationship, the present was just them pining for each other, whining to friends and family, and being in completely wrong for them relationships. That both of them had other partners to get rid of didn’t help, as that was always going to be the outcome, but it dragged on (for Alex anyway) way too long.
I did enjoy the backstory, and I loved the secondary characters (probably more than the leads to be honest, at least in the present) but the present day angst was too much for me, I was with most of the secondary characters and just wished they’d clean up their mess and get on with it. I did appreciate that Hughes didn’t feel the need to make either of their other partners ‘bad guys’, just people that they didn’t quite fit with but had settled for.
This is well written and Hughes does a wonderful job of making you feel the longing and pain of their separation and the immediacy of their feelings once they are back in one another’s orbit, she also gives attention to how difficult a break up can be on family and friends, especially when there’s no real ‘bad guy’. I give it 3.5 stars but have rounded up.
I wanted to read this story because I enjoyed Popcorn Love and this had good reviews. I was hesitant though, because past/present romances are not a favourite of mine.
This isn’t a ‘fun’ book, in that it’s very angsty and there’s a lot of pining. Also, there was no separation to show when a flashback was starting within a chapter, (by that I mean use of italics or some other formatting) which did make this hard to read, because the majority of the characters appear in both the past and present, and sometimes the time jumps weren’t immediately apparent.
The other problem I had was that, while the flashbacks showed how Alex and Charlee fell in love and built their relationship, the present was just them pining for each other, whining to friends and family, and being in completely wrong for them relationships. That both of them had other partners to get rid of didn’t help, as that was always going to be the outcome, but it dragged on (for Alex anyway) way too long.
I did enjoy the backstory, and I loved the secondary characters (probably more than the leads to be honest, at least in the present) but the present day angst was too much for me, I was with most of the secondary characters and just wished they’d clean up their mess and get on with it. I did appreciate that Hughes didn’t feel the need to make either of their other partners ‘bad guys’, just people that they didn’t quite fit with but had settled for.
This is well written and Hughes does a wonderful job of making you feel the longing and pain of their separation and the immediacy of their feelings once they are back in one another’s orbit, she also gives attention to how difficult a break up can be on family and friends, especially when there’s no real ‘bad guy’. I give it 3.5 stars but have rounded up.
December 18, 2023
I listen to this one over and over. One of the best audible credits I have ever spent.
2nd Listen -- took a long road trip with my wife, she hadn't read the book. She really enjoyed it but she thought the ending was a bit long.. I still love it and think it is worth picking up either in ebook or audiobook form. ** 1st listen -- I pre-ordered this on audible and started it the moment it notified me it had been downloaded. This is a book I could listen to over and over again. I typically only buy audiobooks I have read and loved. It was also narrated by Abby Craden. She always does a great job of narrating. The choice of narrator can really make or break the audio version of a great book. This is such an awesome book. If you haven't done so already pick it up. Audiobook was great so if you have a long drive it would be perfect.
1st Reading - Wow... this book was a fantastic read. I can see Hughes becoming one of my favorite authors. It is too soon to tell, but both of the books I have read have been really good reads. I enjoyed her first book, but loved this one. I highlighted more moments in this book than any other book I have read. It has several laugh out loud moments, and a few crying moments. The range of emotion Hughes delivers is what makes this book memorable. This isn't a book that will quickly fade from your memory. I put it on my favorites list, and will reread in the future. I really hope we see a couple of follow up novels in the future. I wouldn't mind checking in with Alex and Charlee and reading about a couple of other characters finding their loves. This book is so worth your time. ARC provided by YLVA Publishing for honest review.
2nd Listen -- took a long road trip with my wife, she hadn't read the book. She really enjoyed it but she thought the ending was a bit long.. I still love it and think it is worth picking up either in ebook or audiobook form. ** 1st listen -- I pre-ordered this on audible and started it the moment it notified me it had been downloaded. This is a book I could listen to over and over again. I typically only buy audiobooks I have read and loved. It was also narrated by Abby Craden. She always does a great job of narrating. The choice of narrator can really make or break the audio version of a great book. This is such an awesome book. If you haven't done so already pick it up. Audiobook was great so if you have a long drive it would be perfect.
1st Reading - Wow... this book was a fantastic read. I can see Hughes becoming one of my favorite authors. It is too soon to tell, but both of the books I have read have been really good reads. I enjoyed her first book, but loved this one. I highlighted more moments in this book than any other book I have read. It has several laugh out loud moments, and a few crying moments. The range of emotion Hughes delivers is what makes this book memorable. This isn't a book that will quickly fade from your memory. I put it on my favorites list, and will reread in the future. I really hope we see a couple of follow up novels in the future. I wouldn't mind checking in with Alex and Charlee and reading about a couple of other characters finding their loves. This book is so worth your time. ARC provided by YLVA Publishing for honest review.
August 25, 2024
"Loving her is the purest thing I’ve ever done. It’s the purest thing I’ve ever had."
4.5.
This book is a stunning blend of beauty and poetry. Every character is likable, and I found myself loving Gabby, Cam, and Vinny almost as much as the protagonists, Alex and Charlee. The journey to their happy ending was slow and torturous, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
4.5.
This book is a stunning blend of beauty and poetry. Every character is likable, and I found myself loving Gabby, Cam, and Vinny almost as much as the protagonists, Alex and Charlee. The journey to their happy ending was slow and torturous, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
October 20, 2021
This is my first book of K.L., and she’s a fantastic storyteller. I’ve read a few reviews before getting my hand at this book, I except angst, but I didn’t know my heart would get wrenching on so many levels. It feels so real, so related, and too personal that I may have a few ugly cries (´༎ຶོρ༎ຶོ`) When the angst level is high enough, at some point I think I don’t even care how sappy the ending was. I just want them back together.
August 4, 2024
5+⭐️ “It hurts the way your first deep breath hurts when you break the surface. When you have been under water too long. It’s fast and sharp. Dizzying. But it’s the best feeling in the world. That breath. Because it’s exactly what you need.” - The Art of Us, KL Hughes
This quote says it better than anything I can say. I adored this book. It took my heart in a fist, shattered it, then pieced it back together, one poetic sentence at a time, leaving it painfully but beautifully bruised at the end.
The love and chemistry between the main characters Charlee and Alex was possibly the most visceral I have experienced in any book. And this bled into the gorgeous relationships between them and the wonderful supporting characters that made the most heartwarming found family.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and Abby Craden was exquisite, breathing even more life into this superb story.
The Art of Us, for me, truely was a masterpiece that made my heart simultaneously cry and sing. This one will linger long after the final word.
This quote says it better than anything I can say. I adored this book. It took my heart in a fist, shattered it, then pieced it back together, one poetic sentence at a time, leaving it painfully but beautifully bruised at the end.
The love and chemistry between the main characters Charlee and Alex was possibly the most visceral I have experienced in any book. And this bled into the gorgeous relationships between them and the wonderful supporting characters that made the most heartwarming found family.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and Abby Craden was exquisite, breathing even more life into this superb story.
The Art of Us, for me, truely was a masterpiece that made my heart simultaneously cry and sing. This one will linger long after the final word.
November 24, 2017
This is an emotional book where the past and the present are interlaced and it’s impossible to understand the present without the past. Both characters made each other and it is also impossible understand Charlee without Alex, and vice versa. This is a passionate and sometimes sad book about people who deserve second chances.
June 19, 2020
5-
"It's beautiful."
"It's beautiful."
November 2, 2017
This is my first novel from this author. It’s a book full of strong emotions and it pulled me in instantly.
The combination of the past and the present in this story was excellent written. And KL has a wonderful way, to make you feel everything the characters are feeling. And she also describes, explains and draws everything and everybody in a perfect way. You really can imagen Charlee’s art or the loft where she lives or as they struggling with all the emotions.
Charlee and Alex meet again after a few years apart on either side of the continent. They were together for four years and drifted apart because of work and work chances. They never had really broken up. And after Alex comes back again and they met randomly, everything is coming back. They struggles with old and new feelings, disappointment and the actual partners.
I was laughing and one or two times crying during the journey of Charlee and Alex. It’s a precious tale about love, family (chosen and related), friendship and chances. The second characters are a group of people everybody want’s to have in their life, warm, loving and supporting people. They are well developed with own issues to fight. The whole story is realistically. And I very much loved the conversations and the wit. It makes me often smile or laugh. And as another plus were the steamy and wonderful love scenes.
I’m really looking forward to another story from K.L. Hughes.
My rating 4,5 stars.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for a honest review.
The combination of the past and the present in this story was excellent written. And KL has a wonderful way, to make you feel everything the characters are feeling. And she also describes, explains and draws everything and everybody in a perfect way. You really can imagen Charlee’s art or the loft where she lives or as they struggling with all the emotions.
Charlee and Alex meet again after a few years apart on either side of the continent. They were together for four years and drifted apart because of work and work chances. They never had really broken up. And after Alex comes back again and they met randomly, everything is coming back. They struggles with old and new feelings, disappointment and the actual partners.
I was laughing and one or two times crying during the journey of Charlee and Alex. It’s a precious tale about love, family (chosen and related), friendship and chances. The second characters are a group of people everybody want’s to have in their life, warm, loving and supporting people. They are well developed with own issues to fight. The whole story is realistically. And I very much loved the conversations and the wit. It makes me often smile or laugh. And as another plus were the steamy and wonderful love scenes.
I’m really looking forward to another story from K.L. Hughes.
My rating 4,5 stars.
Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for a honest review.
August 18, 2020
Oh, this beautiful book about star-crossed lovers absolutely slayed me! I was figuratively clutching my chest through 90 percent of it. And in Abby Craden's capable hands, it was up there with one of the best. In fact, this has inspired me to create an Abby's Greatest Hits Goodreads shelf that includes this, Pages for You, Alone, Turbulence, Ask, Tell and Ask Me Again. And I've pinpointed exactly why these have affected me so - Abby performs vulnerability and longing like no other. You FEEL every single moment. Her skill is nothing short of greatness. This story was a dream for die-hard romantics. Charlee and Alex meet in college and have a near perfect life together until circumstances force them apart. That they didn't part because they no longer loved one another is what makes this so tortuous. As the years pass, they do all they can to move forward without the other. When their lifepaths bring them back into each other's orbit, can they leave the past in the past, or will they be able to recapture what they once had? The descriptive language in this book is so deliciously swoon-worthy that I actually ached listening to it. Usually I finish one audiobook and can move on to another relatively swiftly but this one moved me so much that I needed to sit in the feeling a while. This is a must-buy audiobook, and I also need the paperback to live on my shelves. Loved it.
November 16, 2017
The Art of Us follows the lives of Charlee and Alex who met at college, fell in love, graduated and followed their separate dreams.
Ms Hughes creates an homage to love. She writes about love with such delicacy you are drawn into the characters and their story. When Alex, who is a woman of few words,speaks of love it takes your breath away.
We learn that a love story is more than two people in love. Friends and families are intertwined in their story and affected by the ripples of Charlee and Alex’s decisions.
I am reminded of the Romantic period in literature where love was the character driving the poems and stories. Ms Hughes captures this for me.
I highly recommend this novel and am excited to read more of her books.
Ms Hughes creates an homage to love. She writes about love with such delicacy you are drawn into the characters and their story. When Alex, who is a woman of few words,speaks of love it takes your breath away.
We learn that a love story is more than two people in love. Friends and families are intertwined in their story and affected by the ripples of Charlee and Alex’s decisions.
I am reminded of the Romantic period in literature where love was the character driving the poems and stories. Ms Hughes captures this for me.
I highly recommend this novel and am excited to read more of her books.
November 5, 2017
Left me wanting more....
June 13, 2020
Okay - I’m not sure if my rating is because I wasn’t feeling great today or my heart has taken vacation.
I’m giving this a three star rating because for all the chemistry this book has between the characters, why are they so dense about getting back together? I’ve also never been a fan of relying on friends and family to do your communicating for you. So when a book is heavy on that end, I tend to not like it as much.
Also, it felt like 65% of this book was tears falling, soft sobs, running noses, tear soaked pillow cases etc. My gosh, I was dehydrated just reading this book. 🤦♀️
Again, maybe I’m off my sensitivity game - but this one was annoying more than sweet, IMO.
I’m giving this a three star rating because for all the chemistry this book has between the characters, why are they so dense about getting back together? I’ve also never been a fan of relying on friends and family to do your communicating for you. So when a book is heavy on that end, I tend to not like it as much.
Also, it felt like 65% of this book was tears falling, soft sobs, running noses, tear soaked pillow cases etc. My gosh, I was dehydrated just reading this book. 🤦♀️
Again, maybe I’m off my sensitivity game - but this one was annoying more than sweet, IMO.
February 8, 2018
Truly beautiful but not easy going. This could have been over the top angsty but Hughes builds up an incredible cast of supporting characters around Charlee and Alex that holds the whole story together. It's very powerful and deeply moving.
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