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Blank Slate
"Glad you found time in your very busy schedule to join us."
Colby:
I only agreed to model nude for a community art class because I needed the money. I figured it would be easy, fun even. But that was before I came sprinting into the studio on the first day, late and viciously hungover, and found myself face-to-face with Axel Hawthorne. Suddenly I was stripping down in front of the very man who had blown me off after a brutally hot night on the dance floor…and letting him draw me. Hot tempered and abrasive, I knew there was more to Axel than met the eye. As the term went on I decided I was going to figure out why an award-winning artist was teaching local art classes. And why I couldn't get his stupid, gorgeous face out of my head.
"You don't know what you do to me."
Axel:
It had been one year since a devastating incident had robbed me of my ability to paint. I was ready to live out the rest of my days in a state of abject misery…and then Colby Stevens wormed his way into my life. Passionate, self-assured, and more than a decade younger than me, I was intoxicated by him. Suddenly I was making art again, filling canvas after canvas with his body and my desire. As our working relationship segued into something more, I allowed myself to consider that he might be the key to starting fresh. But healing would be an uphill battle…would I be able to start over with a blank slate?
Blank Slate is a steamy contemporary romance with hurt/comfort and enemies-to-lovers themes, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
Colby:
I only agreed to model nude for a community art class because I needed the money. I figured it would be easy, fun even. But that was before I came sprinting into the studio on the first day, late and viciously hungover, and found myself face-to-face with Axel Hawthorne. Suddenly I was stripping down in front of the very man who had blown me off after a brutally hot night on the dance floor…and letting him draw me. Hot tempered and abrasive, I knew there was more to Axel than met the eye. As the term went on I decided I was going to figure out why an award-winning artist was teaching local art classes. And why I couldn't get his stupid, gorgeous face out of my head.
"You don't know what you do to me."
Axel:
It had been one year since a devastating incident had robbed me of my ability to paint. I was ready to live out the rest of my days in a state of abject misery…and then Colby Stevens wormed his way into my life. Passionate, self-assured, and more than a decade younger than me, I was intoxicated by him. Suddenly I was making art again, filling canvas after canvas with his body and my desire. As our working relationship segued into something more, I allowed myself to consider that he might be the key to starting fresh. But healing would be an uphill battle…would I be able to start over with a blank slate?
Blank Slate is a steamy contemporary romance with hurt/comfort and enemies-to-lovers themes, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2018
63 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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February 22, 2018No rating, didn't get very far, the writing didn't grab me.
February 24, 2018
This is the second book I've read from this author and it's quite different in tone to the first one but still thoroughly enjoyable.
I did mention the odd prologue in my progress update and I have to say, I do find it strange having a sneak peek into a scene which is contemporary to the narrative rather than a past event setting up the story.
That aside, the opening of this had me laughing and fuming at the same time through Colby and Axel's initial meeting. They were ultimately a perfectly matched pair though with a believable relationship development.
I liked the whole premise of the story and that it was relatively slow burn into the develop of feelings even after the lusting and the sexing got off to a shaky start!
They were both sweet and very hot together and I liked the setting and the secondary narratives.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I did mention the odd prologue in my progress update and I have to say, I do find it strange having a sneak peek into a scene which is contemporary to the narrative rather than a past event setting up the story.
That aside, the opening of this had me laughing and fuming at the same time through Colby and Axel's initial meeting. They were ultimately a perfectly matched pair though with a believable relationship development.
I liked the whole premise of the story and that it was relatively slow burn into the develop of feelings even after the lusting and the sexing got off to a shaky start!
They were both sweet and very hot together and I liked the setting and the secondary narratives.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 28, 2018
Opposites attract in the best way!
I completely enjoyed this story of Axel and Colby, an artist and student, who meet one night while out clubbing. To say that Axel behaved like a total douche would be putting it mildly. Then the next day, Colby shows up for his new on-campus job as a model for an adult ed life drawing course. And the course instructor is none other than - you guessed it - Mr. Douchey! Good thing first impressions aren't always right. And, good thing Colby knows a good thing when he sees one. And that he doesn't take no for an answer.
This book had one of my favorite romance tropes: older man, younger man. And yet Colby, the 21-year-old student, seems the be the more savvy of the two. However, both are so terrified of words like relationship and boyfriend that it takes them ages to admit to themselves that what they have could be great!
Blank Slate is Louisa Keller's second book. Her first, Fragile Ground, is excellent as well, and I look forward to reading what she writes next!
I completely enjoyed this story of Axel and Colby, an artist and student, who meet one night while out clubbing. To say that Axel behaved like a total douche would be putting it mildly. Then the next day, Colby shows up for his new on-campus job as a model for an adult ed life drawing course. And the course instructor is none other than - you guessed it - Mr. Douchey! Good thing first impressions aren't always right. And, good thing Colby knows a good thing when he sees one. And that he doesn't take no for an answer.
This book had one of my favorite romance tropes: older man, younger man. And yet Colby, the 21-year-old student, seems the be the more savvy of the two. However, both are so terrified of words like relationship and boyfriend that it takes them ages to admit to themselves that what they have could be great!
Blank Slate is Louisa Keller's second book. Her first, Fragile Ground, is excellent as well, and I look forward to reading what she writes next!
February 27, 2018
Oh, my word, how I loved this story. It is wonderful. One of the best enemies-to-lovers story I have read in a long time. I just couldn’t stop reading. The writing is beautiful, flowing, and smooth. It is refreshing and unpredictable. It has all the feels.
The character development is outstanding. Colby and Axel are wonderful characters. I fell in love with Colby right from the start. He is a twenty-one-year-old student, very mature for his age, but also with the vibrancy of his youth. He is like a ray of sunshine. And to be honest, I fell in love with Axel as well. The thirty-five-year-old artist is harder to read, but you feel that he is struggling and that he is not rude for rudeness-sake. The age gap of fourteen years should be significant, but it is anything but. They fit so perfectly, so seamlessly.
The author did a wonderful job leading the reader through their journey from enemies to lovers. How the bratty student can become one’s muse. Little by little, step by step they are growing towards one another. I saw the walls come crumbling down. I loved that Colby didn’t give up on Axel, although he said – they both said – he was not good at relationships. Well, he is the best for relationships. And then when they come together, the fireworks go off. Their chemistry is amazing. Even when they hate each other, I felt the undercurrent of attraction. The sex is scorching hot, but there is more. I loved that they could joke together and that there was a gentleness, a tenderness, among the sparks.
It is evident that Axel has suffered a great deal, and again, the author eases the reader into it. The way Colby reacted was amazing, so mature and understanding. I could hug him for it.
When you write a review, you shouldn’t compare books. In this case, I think I can as I want to compare this book with this author’s debut novel Fragile Ground. I already loved that book. This book I loved even more. Louisa Keller is my new one-click author.
Highly recommended.
The character development is outstanding. Colby and Axel are wonderful characters. I fell in love with Colby right from the start. He is a twenty-one-year-old student, very mature for his age, but also with the vibrancy of his youth. He is like a ray of sunshine. And to be honest, I fell in love with Axel as well. The thirty-five-year-old artist is harder to read, but you feel that he is struggling and that he is not rude for rudeness-sake. The age gap of fourteen years should be significant, but it is anything but. They fit so perfectly, so seamlessly.
The author did a wonderful job leading the reader through their journey from enemies to lovers. How the bratty student can become one’s muse. Little by little, step by step they are growing towards one another. I saw the walls come crumbling down. I loved that Colby didn’t give up on Axel, although he said – they both said – he was not good at relationships. Well, he is the best for relationships. And then when they come together, the fireworks go off. Their chemistry is amazing. Even when they hate each other, I felt the undercurrent of attraction. The sex is scorching hot, but there is more. I loved that they could joke together and that there was a gentleness, a tenderness, among the sparks.
It is evident that Axel has suffered a great deal, and again, the author eases the reader into it. The way Colby reacted was amazing, so mature and understanding. I could hug him for it.
When you write a review, you shouldn’t compare books. In this case, I think I can as I want to compare this book with this author’s debut novel Fragile Ground. I already loved that book. This book I loved even more. Louisa Keller is my new one-click author.
Highly recommended.
November 8, 2018
Meh.
Technically, the writing was decent (except the over-abundance of the word 'like' in Colby's first person POV, we get it, he's a college student) but the story wasn't all that great.
We immediately get off to a bad start with an entirely unnecessary prologue that served zero purpose and made me super annoyed. Then we get Axel who's an asshole for nearly the first 75% of the book, to the point where I just didn't buy Colby being so ~entranced~ by him, at least not in a good way. The author kept hinting at some dark past that broke him, but when we actually find out what happened, I was really underwhelmed...you mean he was SUCH a dick just because of that? Get the fuck over it. It takes ages for them to get together and then time moves in these weird skips and all this stuff is completely glossed over, so they go from fuck buddies to in lurve and it feels pretty random.
I made it through, but just barely. Not giving up on the author just yet, but if the next book of theirs is a bust I might have to call it.
Technically, the writing was decent (except the over-abundance of the word 'like' in Colby's first person POV, we get it, he's a college student) but the story wasn't all that great.
We immediately get off to a bad start with an entirely unnecessary prologue that served zero purpose and made me super annoyed. Then we get Axel who's an asshole for nearly the first 75% of the book, to the point where I just didn't buy Colby being so ~entranced~ by him, at least not in a good way. The author kept hinting at some dark past that broke him, but when we actually find out what happened, I was really underwhelmed...you mean he was SUCH a dick just because of that? Get the fuck over it. It takes ages for them to get together and then time moves in these weird skips and all this stuff is completely glossed over, so they go from fuck buddies to in lurve and it feels pretty random.
I made it through, but just barely. Not giving up on the author just yet, but if the next book of theirs is a bust I might have to call it.
March 13, 2018
Nah
I was really coming to like this author but she wrote this book slightly like an unrequited love for about 90% of the book. Colby was head over heals for axel, and he couldn't care less about Colby beyond hooking up and painting him. I hate that, when you only see a character in love 10% of the book. Dang Louisa.
I was really coming to like this author but she wrote this book slightly like an unrequited love for about 90% of the book. Colby was head over heals for axel, and he couldn't care less about Colby beyond hooking up and painting him. I hate that, when you only see a character in love 10% of the book. Dang Louisa.
February 25, 2018
* I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
This is my second book by Louisa Keller and as much I liked Fragile Ground Axel and Colby's story is much better.
It was difficult to stop reading. It was interesting and refreshing - it is not often that we can read about painters in books and I think it was my first MM story with MC like Axel. This book is just different than others, it is UNIQUE . It is also absolutely unpredictable . I mean, sure there is HEA in the end, but the road from really bad start in the club to this really nice and believable epilogue is long and complicated.
This book has been one of the most enjoyable reads in the last few months. It was a perfect mixture of feelings, drama, sex and angst. There was no insta-love, we could watch both MCs grew closer and create a real relationship. The drama here was fully understandable, even though sometimes I wanted to ask Axel what was wrong with him. The age difference (14 years) that normally might be almost too big for me felt like nothing this time - Colby and Axel worked together good enough that it was impossible to see imperfections. And then sex.... that was freaking HOT, like SCORCHING HOT!
It took me some time to warm up to Axel and honestly I expected something more dramatic from "the accident" but it was reasonable for a person who needs his hands. It was good to see all those walls he had built around himself falling down. I liked Colby right from the start, but his declarations about sleeping with half of the city population were quite weird. Apart from that, he was friendly, smart, hard-working, sexy and ambitious so he was like the perfect boyfriend material.
I can't say that I liked everything - I didn't like prologue. It felt like this scene from Titanic where Jack paints Kate Winslet and I had troubles reading because I was eye-rolling so hard. I just didn't feel it. Later, when this scene is repeated somewhere in the middle of the story it was great.
All in all, I recommend this book to all MM book lovers because it is really good.
This is my second book by Louisa Keller and as much I liked Fragile Ground Axel and Colby's story is much better.
It was difficult to stop reading. It was interesting and refreshing - it is not often that we can read about painters in books and I think it was my first MM story with MC like Axel. This book is just different than others, it is UNIQUE . It is also absolutely unpredictable . I mean, sure there is HEA in the end, but the road from really bad start in the club to this really nice and believable epilogue is long and complicated.
This book has been one of the most enjoyable reads in the last few months. It was a perfect mixture of feelings, drama, sex and angst. There was no insta-love, we could watch both MCs grew closer and create a real relationship. The drama here was fully understandable, even though sometimes I wanted to ask Axel what was wrong with him. The age difference (14 years) that normally might be almost too big for me felt like nothing this time - Colby and Axel worked together good enough that it was impossible to see imperfections. And then sex.... that was freaking HOT, like SCORCHING HOT!
It took me some time to warm up to Axel and honestly I expected something more dramatic from "the accident" but it was reasonable for a person who needs his hands. It was good to see all those walls he had built around himself falling down. I liked Colby right from the start, but his declarations about sleeping with half of the city population were quite weird. Apart from that, he was friendly, smart, hard-working, sexy and ambitious so he was like the perfect boyfriend material.
I can't say that I liked everything - I didn't like prologue. It felt like this scene from Titanic where Jack paints Kate Winslet and I had troubles reading because I was eye-rolling so hard. I just didn't feel it. Later, when this scene is repeated somewhere in the middle of the story it was great.
All in all, I recommend this book to all MM book lovers because it is really good.
February 26, 2018
Another enjoyable read from Louisa Keller!
The characters were interesting and held their own but were also great together. I loved the sniping back and forth between two. Understandable after the way they first met but then I think it just became their thing and enjoyed it.
Colby is a student out to make some extra money by sitting for a life drawing class where the teacher happens to be the hook up from the night before who was a rude a-hole but totally hot!
Axel is an artist recovering from an accident and heartbreak but, needing money, he takes up a teaching role. His first class, the model is late and is unfortunately the guy he was completely rude to the night before.
Axel is perfect in his surliness and angst. He comes across slightly harsh but it works well for him, especially as a coping mechanism. Colby is his perfect counterbalance and wants to show Axel how great he and his work are though subtle is best. The dance the two play is catty and endearing at times, feelings shining through as they are felt by both characters.
I love Eleanor as Colby's BFF but she fades out towards the end and we don't really hear from her once the MC'S start working together. The ending also felt slightly anticlimactic, I was expecting a big blow out between the two. Not to say that the ending isn't completely cute and the epilogue is just typical of the two together. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Louisa and of MM romance.
I received an ARC from the author and am happily giving a review.
The characters were interesting and held their own but were also great together. I loved the sniping back and forth between two. Understandable after the way they first met but then I think it just became their thing and enjoyed it.
Colby is a student out to make some extra money by sitting for a life drawing class where the teacher happens to be the hook up from the night before who was a rude a-hole but totally hot!
Axel is an artist recovering from an accident and heartbreak but, needing money, he takes up a teaching role. His first class, the model is late and is unfortunately the guy he was completely rude to the night before.
Axel is perfect in his surliness and angst. He comes across slightly harsh but it works well for him, especially as a coping mechanism. Colby is his perfect counterbalance and wants to show Axel how great he and his work are though subtle is best. The dance the two play is catty and endearing at times, feelings shining through as they are felt by both characters.
I love Eleanor as Colby's BFF but she fades out towards the end and we don't really hear from her once the MC'S start working together. The ending also felt slightly anticlimactic, I was expecting a big blow out between the two. Not to say that the ending isn't completely cute and the epilogue is just typical of the two together. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Louisa and of MM romance.
I received an ARC from the author and am happily giving a review.
February 23, 2018
💞🔥👬 Is Axel's model muse ready and able to help him restart his life from a Blank Slate?!
February 22, 2018
👍👍A highly emotionally charged 👬romance that knocked my socks off, loaded with 🔥 steamy passion and plenty of angst, but essentially a story of a bruised and emotionally wounded artist who fears his attraction for a college student.
Axel, the older of the two MCs, acts gruff and starts the book as a first class jerk, but his new male model succeeds in bringing him out of his shell. Their rocky start eases into a benign acceptance and then explodes into the passion both have been avoiding. Colby, the college senior of the pair, is patient and upbeat, making Axel a priority in his crowded study and work schedule and pushing Axel out of his comfort zone.
I loved this pair and, in addition to the angst and passion, like in her previous (and equally excellent) novel Fragile Ground, Keller peppers their relationship with the caring acts and gestures that really make this a full blown romance! A quick, highly recommended read with a picture perfect ending!:-)
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 22, 2018
👍👍A highly emotionally charged 👬romance that knocked my socks off, loaded with 🔥 steamy passion and plenty of angst, but essentially a story of a bruised and emotionally wounded artist who fears his attraction for a college student.
Axel, the older of the two MCs, acts gruff and starts the book as a first class jerk, but his new male model succeeds in bringing him out of his shell. Their rocky start eases into a benign acceptance and then explodes into the passion both have been avoiding. Colby, the college senior of the pair, is patient and upbeat, making Axel a priority in his crowded study and work schedule and pushing Axel out of his comfort zone.
I loved this pair and, in addition to the angst and passion, like in her previous (and equally excellent) novel Fragile Ground, Keller peppers their relationship with the caring acts and gestures that really make this a full blown romance! A quick, highly recommended read with a picture perfect ending!:-)
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 24, 2018
Carefree college senior Colby hooks up with an older guy, Axel, one night but after he satisfies Axel , he is dismissed out of hand. Colby gets really angry with the way he is tossed aside and ends the night frustrated and disliking Axel for his attitude.
The following day Colby shows up for an art class modeling job only to find Axel is the instructor. Colby isn't sure he wants to continue the modeling through the end of the class because Axel again treats him horribly. Colby really needs the funds so he decides to suffer through. As the story progresses we find Colby becoming infatuated with the still snobbish Axel as we become aware that Axel has some serious issues to deal with.
There is wonderful character development throughout the story. Usually we find out early what each characters issues are but Louisa Keller slowly divulges the details as the we get deeper into things. You never actually find out Axel's entire issue until three quarters of the way in.
What can these two bring to each other that might make a relationship work? Some of the side characters are of interest especially Colby's friend Eleanor. An engaging, fast paced read I can easily recommend.
The following day Colby shows up for an art class modeling job only to find Axel is the instructor. Colby isn't sure he wants to continue the modeling through the end of the class because Axel again treats him horribly. Colby really needs the funds so he decides to suffer through. As the story progresses we find Colby becoming infatuated with the still snobbish Axel as we become aware that Axel has some serious issues to deal with.
There is wonderful character development throughout the story. Usually we find out early what each characters issues are but Louisa Keller slowly divulges the details as the we get deeper into things. You never actually find out Axel's entire issue until three quarters of the way in.
What can these two bring to each other that might make a relationship work? Some of the side characters are of interest especially Colby's friend Eleanor. An engaging, fast paced read I can easily recommend.
February 23, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this book because of how much I enjoyed Louisa Keller's first book, Fragile Ground, and I was so happy to find that Blank Slate is even better. I loved everything about it and I could not put it down! This book is beautifully written with very compelling characters and enough angst to keep it interesting. Colby and Axel have a rough start to their relationship and neither of them are happy to find out that they have to work together. Colby is intrigued by Axel but put off by his snarky attitude. Axel is stunned when his passion for painting is reignited by being around Colby. Their path to a HEA is not an easy one but it is filled with passion, emotion and caring. My very favorite books are ones that make me emotional and draw me into the story so much that I actually hate for it to end so this one will be going into my re-read file. I can't wait to read Louisa Keller's next book.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
April 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this read. Nothing beats a short read that can still make you feel all of those feels. Colby and Axel meet with a insta-lust encounter that starts off well but crashes and burns. Unfortunately, they end up having to work together and have to navigate their feelings for each other. Axel is a broken man who doesn’t really have any hope left but I loved the fact that Colby was the perky outgoing influence that Axel needed to break out of his shell.
I enjoyed how the relationship was enemies to lovers which is one of my favorite trope but I also like that the characters became good friends to each other, not just lovers. I have to say the ending was one of my favorite of all time. It truly showed the love between them an was so sweet. I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll just say to read this heartwarming story and when you get to the end you’ll laugh with happy tears.
I enjoyed how the relationship was enemies to lovers which is one of my favorite trope but I also like that the characters became good friends to each other, not just lovers. I have to say the ending was one of my favorite of all time. It truly showed the love between them an was so sweet. I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll just say to read this heartwarming story and when you get to the end you’ll laugh with happy tears.
February 24, 2018
An excellent read
This is the first story I have read by Louisa Keller and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Colby is a genuine nice guy, a college student trying to get by, he takes a job nude modelling for an adult art course. The course tutor, Axel had made his name as an artist, but an accident left him with no confidence, unable to cope with the idea of painting again, leaving him teaching to make rent.
The chemistry between the two men sparkled off the pages, and I loved the descriptions of how they viewed each other as they learned more about one another.
A beautiful story about second chances and not giving up on people, even if it takes effort and time to break down barriers.
This is the first story I have read by Louisa Keller and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Colby is a genuine nice guy, a college student trying to get by, he takes a job nude modelling for an adult art course. The course tutor, Axel had made his name as an artist, but an accident left him with no confidence, unable to cope with the idea of painting again, leaving him teaching to make rent.
The chemistry between the two men sparkled off the pages, and I loved the descriptions of how they viewed each other as they learned more about one another.
A beautiful story about second chances and not giving up on people, even if it takes effort and time to break down barriers.
February 25, 2018
Louisa Keller's Blank Slate is phenomenal! Her writing style is elegant and flawless. She crafts her characters into the most believable people. They draw you in and don't let go until their story is told. And you'll love every minute of it!
I fell completely in love with Colby and Axel. Colby is a college senior with an indomitable spirit and a feel good attitude towards sex. Axel is an artist approaching middle age, who's sure his career is on the downhill slide. When they come together, Colby won't take no for an answer. I have a feeling I'll be reading this book again and again. Thank you Louisa!!
I fell completely in love with Colby and Axel. Colby is a college senior with an indomitable spirit and a feel good attitude towards sex. Axel is an artist approaching middle age, who's sure his career is on the downhill slide. When they come together, Colby won't take no for an answer. I have a feeling I'll be reading this book again and again. Thank you Louisa!!
March 24, 2018
This author writes beautifully. The prologue has so much emotion packed into it, I wondered how the rest of the book was going to be written. Axel and Colby are such different characters but you really feel them when it is in their POV. I enjoyed the sass between the two of them and even though I sometimes felt that Axel was a little bit "woe me" I still really liked both characters in their own way. Colby's character is truly amazing, especially when he is interacting with Axel both when they disliked each other and when they liked each other. I am excited to read more from this author! And side note.. if you have not read Fragile Ground by this author, READ IT.. it is also great!
February 20, 2018
This book is filled with a conflicted artist who after a devastating betrayal has lost the ability to paint and the young man who through trial by fire becomes his muse and lover. This is one of the best books I have read of the "enemies to lovers" trope. Every page is excitingly new with focus on the individuals rather than their intimacy but their riveting intimacy packs a wallop also. This is a definite "keeper" to pull out and read every once in a while because every character is impacting and palpably real.
February 22, 2018
Colby Stevens is an impoverished student who poses nude for an art class to supplement his income. After a night out at a nightclub when he hooks up, he is shocked to discover the tutor of the art class is the same guy, Axel Hawthorne a renowned and acclaimed artist.
Axel is in a dark place after an accident trashed his career.
This story follows the pair as they dance around each other, fighting their growing attraction and lust. The sex scenes are extremely hot but work so well complementing the storyline. This is such a great read. There is everything packed in to an evenings read.
Axel is in a dark place after an accident trashed his career.
This story follows the pair as they dance around each other, fighting their growing attraction and lust. The sex scenes are extremely hot but work so well complementing the storyline. This is such a great read. There is everything packed in to an evenings read.
March 1, 2018
Two damaged characters in their own rights for their own reasons fight tooth and nail to keep everything the same way it is while they know its not what either needs. In real life, things may not have worked out the way they did in Blank State by Louisa Keller. However these characters fight through all of the ugly without even intending to find a way to start again.
I loved their struggle.
"I feel like you just stripped me bare and turned me into something...beautiful."
I loved their struggle.
"I feel like you just stripped me bare and turned me into something...beautiful."
April 9, 2018
A sow burner
I vacilliated for the first half of the book between telling myself I liked this book and I didn't like this book. However, Colby and Axel grew on me and I really came to care for them. Yes, the storyline is familiar, the broken heart now cautious and the heart that has never been caught but the rendering of this tale was balanced, with some angst, some humour and just everyday life. Also, there are some good secondary characters, a best friend and brother with some useful observations.
A nice read.
I vacilliated for the first half of the book between telling myself I liked this book and I didn't like this book. However, Colby and Axel grew on me and I really came to care for them. Yes, the storyline is familiar, the broken heart now cautious and the heart that has never been caught but the rendering of this tale was balanced, with some angst, some humour and just everyday life. Also, there are some good secondary characters, a best friend and brother with some useful observations.
A nice read.
February 26, 2018
This is a May/December, second chance love story. Colby is a student that finds himself modeling for his last hook-up. Axel is an artist. That thinks he has lost everything and finds himself instructing an art class.
Axel is rough, rude and just trying to survive. Colby has is life a head of him. His biggest challenge with be capturing Axel's heart.
This is a sweet story.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Axel is rough, rude and just trying to survive. Colby has is life a head of him. His biggest challenge with be capturing Axel's heart.
This is a sweet story.
I received a copy for an honest review.
February 23, 2018
This is a well written book with the author doing a great job developing the characters and weaving a story filled with pain ,healing and finding real love. Colby has to work hard to get Axel to loosen up and become whole again. It was interesting to watch their relationship grow and blossom. This is a beautiful story well worth reading.
March 24, 2018
Colby and Axel have a bit of a complicated set of interactions, almost completely due to Axel having issues, but he eventually gives in to what he wants. Colby is a player. Axel is a bit broken from a previous relationship. Neither wants a relationship...until they do. Great interactions between characters, not just the main characters.
February 21, 2018
A wonderful book about recovering, and healing, with characters who are a joy to read.
Axel's journey from pain and deception to trust and love is one you won't forget easily.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
Axel's journey from pain and deception to trust and love is one you won't forget easily.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
May 1, 2018
The range of emotions in this book
Is breathtaking. Love lost, love avoid only to have love come barreling through with both guns locked and loaded. I loved these characters and enjoyed reading their story.
Is breathtaking. Love lost, love avoid only to have love come barreling through with both guns locked and loaded. I loved these characters and enjoyed reading their story.
March 6, 2018
I usually don’t read books with significant age differences but I really liked this one. It was a perfect mix of cliches I love and surprises.
March 8, 2018
3.5/5 stars
March 15, 2018
Delightful.
This is a lovely story. The grumpy artist and the cherubic model might sound a not cliché, but it certainty makes for an entertaining read.
This is a lovely story. The grumpy artist and the cherubic model might sound a not cliché, but it certainty makes for an entertaining read.
Read
November 21, 2022DNF @ 36%
As a self-acclaimed curmudgeon, I tried to give Axel the benefit of the doubt but OOF. He was massively unlikeable. No, thanks.
As a self-acclaimed curmudgeon, I tried to give Axel the benefit of the doubt but OOF. He was massively unlikeable. No, thanks.
February 15, 2026
2.75 stars
March 11, 2018
Vibrant story, strong characters and subtle interchanges between characters. Hot and steamy.
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