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The Artist
Creating love from darkness is the greatest art…
Living a bohemian lifestyle in Paris is wonderful for Teddy Dandridge, but disastrous for his finances. His unconventional artistic creations find few buyers. After a year of failure, he returns to England to fulfill a portrait commission for a wealthy family, but he finds a different, source of inspiration secreted away in their sprawling house.
Isolated and rejected by his family, Phineas Abernathy haunts the west wing like a ghost. A physical deformity has locked him away from society for all his life. Filling his days with reading and drawing, he dreams of a life that seems unachievable…until irreverent, opinionated Teddy explodes into his quiet world
Intrigued by the kind and creative man beneath the ungainly exterior, Teddy gives Phin nightly drawing lessons. A private friendship is born as the men share life stories, future hopes and a growing attraction. Phin agrees to pose for a portrait in which Teddy tries to illustrate the depth and beauty he sees in him. He also guides the eager virgin in the ways of love between men.
When persecutors from Phin’s past arrive at the house, the slights and hurts he has suffered his entire life boil over. He must at last be brave enough to emerge from his cocoon and venture into an often cruel and judgmental world. And Teddy must decide what matters most to him.
Living a bohemian lifestyle in Paris is wonderful for Teddy Dandridge, but disastrous for his finances. His unconventional artistic creations find few buyers. After a year of failure, he returns to England to fulfill a portrait commission for a wealthy family, but he finds a different, source of inspiration secreted away in their sprawling house.
Isolated and rejected by his family, Phineas Abernathy haunts the west wing like a ghost. A physical deformity has locked him away from society for all his life. Filling his days with reading and drawing, he dreams of a life that seems unachievable…until irreverent, opinionated Teddy explodes into his quiet world
Intrigued by the kind and creative man beneath the ungainly exterior, Teddy gives Phin nightly drawing lessons. A private friendship is born as the men share life stories, future hopes and a growing attraction. Phin agrees to pose for a portrait in which Teddy tries to illustrate the depth and beauty he sees in him. He also guides the eager virgin in the ways of love between men.
When persecutors from Phin’s past arrive at the house, the slights and hurts he has suffered his entire life boil over. He must at last be brave enough to emerge from his cocoon and venture into an often cruel and judgmental world. And Teddy must decide what matters most to him.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
13 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
131 books698 followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 21, 2018
~4.5~
Set in 1902 England, The Artist begs the question, What makes a person beautiful?
Phineas has been hidden away by his family for twenty years. Born with a craniofacial anomaly (close-set, asymmetrical eyes, protruding forehead, weak chin) and meromelia (a shorter malformed left arm), Phin thinks of himself as a monster because it's how he's been treated. He keeps to his wing of the house and loves his wild garden where all kinds of creatures live; the garden is his sanctuary.
When an artist is commissioned to paint his younger sister's portrait, Phineas finds color in an otherwise grey and drab world.
Teddy is dashing and lives outside polite society. Once a bohemian in Paris, Teddy is trying to make a living painting respectable portraits of young ladies. Teddy wears his hair long, and his eyes sparkle.
I loved the way Teddy and Phin's friendship developed. Teddy pushes Phin outside his comfort zone and makes Phin question his lot in life. Teddy becomes Phin's teacher, his one and only friend. Phin doesn't think someone as handsome as Teddy could desire him, but Teddy sees much more than Phin's external appearance. Teddy is an artist; he sees beauty where others don't.
This is a slower-paced novel completely focused on the relationship between the men. The MCs are vibrant, complex characters. They spend time together in the evenings: Teddy giving Phin art lessons and painting Phin's portrait in an abstract style, and Phin yearning for Teddy's touch.
Hurt/comfort stories are my kryptonite; watching Phin become a man—not a child as his butler would have it and certainly not a feeble-minded "cripple" as his family treats him—made me tear up something fierce. Phin's family made Phin feel like a burden, an eternal source of shame.
I hated Phin's mother. She was a capricious, judgmental, selfish woman who expected gratitude and obedience for not putting her son in a mental institution—her kind, intelligent, beautiful boy. How could anyone be so blind?
I can't say I liked Phin's father, cousin, or brother more, but his sister, initially appearing as superficial and mean as the rest of her family, showed some maturity as the story progressed.
The most interesting secondary character, however, was Ledbetter, Phin's butler and caretaker. I happen to agree with Teddy regarding Ledbetter's vile behavior, but Phin had allegiance to the man, even after all Ledbetter had done to keep Phin and Teddy apart and make sure Phin never escaped his misery. I think Ledbetter relied on Phin as much (maybe more so) than Phin depended on him.
The story is lower on the steam, but Phin's sexual awakening is a wonder to behold. The last scene in the book makes creative use of paint on a rather unusual canvas.
My one criticism is that the ending, a warm, tentative HEA, feels somewhat rushed. At one point, months go by while Phin and Teddy are apart. Phin makes a brave decision and truly grows as a person, yet we're not privy to this on page. It's merely summarized in retrospect. I was terribly disappointed.
Even so, The Artist packs much emotional depth into a shorter novel. It's well written, descriptive, and nuanced. I highly recommend for fans of historical romance.
Set in 1902 England, The Artist begs the question, What makes a person beautiful?
Phineas has been hidden away by his family for twenty years. Born with a craniofacial anomaly (close-set, asymmetrical eyes, protruding forehead, weak chin) and meromelia (a shorter malformed left arm), Phin thinks of himself as a monster because it's how he's been treated. He keeps to his wing of the house and loves his wild garden where all kinds of creatures live; the garden is his sanctuary.
When an artist is commissioned to paint his younger sister's portrait, Phineas finds color in an otherwise grey and drab world.
Teddy is dashing and lives outside polite society. Once a bohemian in Paris, Teddy is trying to make a living painting respectable portraits of young ladies. Teddy wears his hair long, and his eyes sparkle.
I loved the way Teddy and Phin's friendship developed. Teddy pushes Phin outside his comfort zone and makes Phin question his lot in life. Teddy becomes Phin's teacher, his one and only friend. Phin doesn't think someone as handsome as Teddy could desire him, but Teddy sees much more than Phin's external appearance. Teddy is an artist; he sees beauty where others don't.
This is a slower-paced novel completely focused on the relationship between the men. The MCs are vibrant, complex characters. They spend time together in the evenings: Teddy giving Phin art lessons and painting Phin's portrait in an abstract style, and Phin yearning for Teddy's touch.
Hurt/comfort stories are my kryptonite; watching Phin become a man—not a child as his butler would have it and certainly not a feeble-minded "cripple" as his family treats him—made me tear up something fierce. Phin's family made Phin feel like a burden, an eternal source of shame.
I hated Phin's mother. She was a capricious, judgmental, selfish woman who expected gratitude and obedience for not putting her son in a mental institution—her kind, intelligent, beautiful boy. How could anyone be so blind?
I can't say I liked Phin's father, cousin, or brother more, but his sister, initially appearing as superficial and mean as the rest of her family, showed some maturity as the story progressed.
The most interesting secondary character, however, was Ledbetter, Phin's butler and caretaker. I happen to agree with Teddy regarding Ledbetter's vile behavior, but Phin had allegiance to the man, even after all Ledbetter had done to keep Phin and Teddy apart and make sure Phin never escaped his misery. I think Ledbetter relied on Phin as much (maybe more so) than Phin depended on him.
The story is lower on the steam, but Phin's sexual awakening is a wonder to behold. The last scene in the book makes creative use of paint on a rather unusual canvas.
My one criticism is that the ending, a warm, tentative HEA, feels somewhat rushed. At one point, months go by while Phin and Teddy are apart. Phin makes a brave decision and truly grows as a person, yet we're not privy to this on page. It's merely summarized in retrospect. I was terribly disappointed.
Even so, The Artist packs much emotional depth into a shorter novel. It's well written, descriptive, and nuanced. I highly recommend for fans of historical romance.
October 6, 2018
I liked The Artist by Bonnie Dee, so I went back and forth on my rating, wondering if I was being too hard on the story by giving it only 3-stars. However, there was something about the style of the story that made me feel more removed from the characters and kept my rating from creeping upwards.
I really enjoyed having a main character who was physically very different from the typical male MC in romance. I read my fair share of romances with amputees or people missing limbs, but to have an MC with a facial abnormality is pretty rare. I loved that Bonnie Dee wasn't afraid to go there, and I got a good sense of Phin's isolation and his complicated relationship with his family. I really liked Phin and I think he carried the story.
I also liked Teddy, though I understood him a bit less. I wasn't as sure why he was so drawn to Phin as I felt that the relationship moved a little fast for me, but I enjoyed Teddy's openness and bohemian nature.
Bonnie Dee is very talented and a versatile storyteller, but she tends to feel a little "show-y" and I sometimes get a feeling like the emotions are being dictated to me. That happened in this story quite a bit. Something about it felt a little inorganic, which kept me from truly loving the book.
All in all, still a very nice effort from Ms. Dee, who always delivers thoughtful, interesting stories.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I really enjoyed having a main character who was physically very different from the typical male MC in romance. I read my fair share of romances with amputees or people missing limbs, but to have an MC with a facial abnormality is pretty rare. I loved that Bonnie Dee wasn't afraid to go there, and I got a good sense of Phin's isolation and his complicated relationship with his family. I really liked Phin and I think he carried the story.
I also liked Teddy, though I understood him a bit less. I wasn't as sure why he was so drawn to Phin as I felt that the relationship moved a little fast for me, but I enjoyed Teddy's openness and bohemian nature.
Bonnie Dee is very talented and a versatile storyteller, but she tends to feel a little "show-y" and I sometimes get a feeling like the emotions are being dictated to me. That happened in this story quite a bit. Something about it felt a little inorganic, which kept me from truly loving the book.
All in all, still a very nice effort from Ms. Dee, who always delivers thoughtful, interesting stories.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
September 3, 2018
Bonnie Dee rarely ever disappoints me. Love this one!
September 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The Beauty and the Beast trope is one of my favorites, so I am always eager to pick up a story in this style. I think Dee does a great job here weaving this theme into the book. It is clear from the start that Phin has been hidden away by a family that is ashamed of him and is too embarrassed for anyone to see his less than perfection. It is also clear right away that Phin has internalized their attitude to the point that he believes he is truly grotesque and that somehow they are protecting him from others by keeping him virtually a prisoner in his own home. Dee does a particularly nice job here making it clear that Phin is a flawed narrator and that the way he sees what is happening is totally different from reality. I enjoyed seeing him blossom here from someone who is so sheltered and accepting of his lot, to a man who is able to reach for what he wants and gain confidence to stand up for himself.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The Beauty and the Beast trope is one of my favorites, so I am always eager to pick up a story in this style. I think Dee does a great job here weaving this theme into the book. It is clear from the start that Phin has been hidden away by a family that is ashamed of him and is too embarrassed for anyone to see his less than perfection. It is also clear right away that Phin has internalized their attitude to the point that he believes he is truly grotesque and that somehow they are protecting him from others by keeping him virtually a prisoner in his own home. Dee does a particularly nice job here making it clear that Phin is a flawed narrator and that the way he sees what is happening is totally different from reality. I enjoyed seeing him blossom here from someone who is so sheltered and accepting of his lot, to a man who is able to reach for what he wants and gain confidence to stand up for himself.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 26, 2018
4.5 Stars
Beautifully told story about an unlikely couple. This is a refreshing read, especially for a historical tale. It was heartbreaking and hopeful throughout and I loved the evolution of Phin's confidence.
Beautifully told story about an unlikely couple. This is a refreshing read, especially for a historical tale. It was heartbreaking and hopeful throughout and I loved the evolution of Phin's confidence.
October 22, 2018
Goodness, how can anyone not love this book?
Superlative!
Superlative!
September 3, 2018
When finanacial disasters force Teddy Dandridge to leave Paris and return to England, he is commissioned by a wealthy family to paint a portrait of their daughter who is about to be presented to society. Phineas Abernathy has spent his entire life isolated and secreted away by the family for his physical deformities. When Phineas comes across Teddy painting, their worlds will never be the same but will society or more importantly the Abernathy family let Teddy and Phineas find happiness?
Once again Bonnie Dee has brought history to life with her respect of the times with wonderful attention to detail all while bringing a lovely story to life in The Artist. You want to feel bad for Teddy because he had to come home from Paris and in one regard his dreams were dashed but he doesn't let that stop him because he is still able to do his painting and you just know that he still has so much to offer the artistic world. As for Phin, I found myself so angry at his family especially his mother. Even taking into consideration the times and how women did not have the say they do today I still found myself wanting to just slap her silly for not standing up for her boy. Watching Phin find his voice is heartbreaking at times but its also very heartwarming.
I feel like I am on the verge of giving away too much of Teddy and Phin's story so I think I'll end the review but I do want to say I love how everyone in this tale has a place in both the couple's journey and the book as a whole. There really is no "throwaway" characters in The Artist and that is not always easy to do for an author but Bonnie Dee has done it wonderfully. As I mentioned above, as you read her work you can understand and almost see her respect for the past and yet this is a lovely work of fiction that entertains from beginning to end. If you've never read Bonnie Dee before than The Artist is an awesome place to start and if you are like me and devour nearly all her work than you don't want to miss this one.
Once again Bonnie Dee has brought history to life with her respect of the times with wonderful attention to detail all while bringing a lovely story to life in The Artist. You want to feel bad for Teddy because he had to come home from Paris and in one regard his dreams were dashed but he doesn't let that stop him because he is still able to do his painting and you just know that he still has so much to offer the artistic world. As for Phin, I found myself so angry at his family especially his mother. Even taking into consideration the times and how women did not have the say they do today I still found myself wanting to just slap her silly for not standing up for her boy. Watching Phin find his voice is heartbreaking at times but its also very heartwarming.
I feel like I am on the verge of giving away too much of Teddy and Phin's story so I think I'll end the review but I do want to say I love how everyone in this tale has a place in both the couple's journey and the book as a whole. There really is no "throwaway" characters in The Artist and that is not always easy to do for an author but Bonnie Dee has done it wonderfully. As I mentioned above, as you read her work you can understand and almost see her respect for the past and yet this is a lovely work of fiction that entertains from beginning to end. If you've never read Bonnie Dee before than The Artist is an awesome place to start and if you are like me and devour nearly all her work than you don't want to miss this one.
Read
August 22, 2018(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.)
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
August 20, 2020
There’s a lot to like about this story. I liked that it wasn’t just someone who was not conventionally handsome, but rather someone with obvious facial abnormalities and a family who kept him secluded because of it. I enjoyed watching Phin come out of his shell, and how Teddy being an artist allowed him to see Phin’s true beauty, despite what others perceived as ugliness. However, I just couldn’t quite connect with the story. While I felt Phin’s loneliness, I didn’t really get a read on any strong emotion coming from Teddy, which didn’t allow me to feel any strong emotion between the two
November 15, 2018
Bored. DNF @ 51%.
September 8, 2018
A Lovely Story!
A lovely tale of strength, overcoming obstacles and falling in love for Phin & Teddy. I love historical MM romantic stories. These are the stories I first found this interesting genre M on M. ‘Beautiful is in the eye of the beholder’. Is a true statement and underlined in this book. I love this author, too!
A lovely tale of strength, overcoming obstacles and falling in love for Phin & Teddy. I love historical MM romantic stories. These are the stories I first found this interesting genre M on M. ‘Beautiful is in the eye of the beholder’. Is a true statement and underlined in this book. I love this author, too!
December 12, 2025
"Beauty is in the eye on the beholder". Poor, sweet Phin, born with several defects, is kept away from the rest of his wealthy family, considered an embarrassment. When Teddy, a painter, arrives to do Phin's sister's portrait a touching friendship develops between these two men.
As much as I loved this story with it's magnetic plot and the growing friendship, it sometimes seemed a little drawn out making it a rather slow read, but not enough to put me off at all. A totally wonderful tale.
As much as I loved this story with it's magnetic plot and the growing friendship, it sometimes seemed a little drawn out making it a rather slow read, but not enough to put me off at all. A totally wonderful tale.
October 29, 2018
I was gifted this book by the author after putting out a book recommendation request for M/M MCs with disabilities/deformities/illnesses who find a partner who sees beyond their "issue" and lives HEA.
THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT. ❤️
Phineas Abernathy was born with unique, prominent facial features and a stunted, short left arm and small, underdeveloped hand.His family hides him away in a separate wing of their house, keeps him separate from the rest of his siblings with his own manservant and has not given him opportunities to advance himself or make friends/relationships. Teddy Dandridge is an openminded, untethered artist who dreams of making a living as a serious painter and who experiments in new styles. For now he's stuck making portraits of debutantes, including the Abernathy's daughter, Rose.
This story gave me some "retelling" feels, which I love. I love retellings, especially M/Ms. Now I don't think this is what the author intended, however the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera all came to mind while I enjoyed this book.
The two men must overcome an overbearing family, a distrusting and protective manservant, a society that shuns those who might appear different and even their own insecurities to come together as partners. Definitely recommended... this was a beautiful, exploratory and triumphant love story.
THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT. ❤️
Phineas Abernathy was born with unique, prominent facial features and a stunted, short left arm and small, underdeveloped hand.His family hides him away in a separate wing of their house, keeps him separate from the rest of his siblings with his own manservant and has not given him opportunities to advance himself or make friends/relationships. Teddy Dandridge is an openminded, untethered artist who dreams of making a living as a serious painter and who experiments in new styles. For now he's stuck making portraits of debutantes, including the Abernathy's daughter, Rose.
This story gave me some "retelling" feels, which I love. I love retellings, especially M/Ms. Now I don't think this is what the author intended, however the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera all came to mind while I enjoyed this book.
The two men must overcome an overbearing family, a distrusting and protective manservant, a society that shuns those who might appear different and even their own insecurities to come together as partners. Definitely recommended... this was a beautiful, exploratory and triumphant love story.
September 4, 2018
Two artists with very different backgrounds are at the center of this story of painful isolation, growing self-awareness, and an unexpected love that changes both main characters from the inside out. Set at the beginning of the twentieth century, when modern, abstract art was just about to take off, it is a showcase for the strength of a creative drive that can have a range of consequences on an artist’s life as well as his personality. It was interesting for those reasons alone, but what kept me turning the pages was the interpersonal drama between Teddy, a free spirit who is fighting for the freedom of expression, and Phineas, a physically disfigured man who has been basically imprisoned by his family “for his own good” and slowly learns that the world “out there” might have a space for him – if he can find the courage to go for it.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 1, 2018
A very sweet story. I loved how fun loving and kind Teddy was and how he pursued his dreams of painting. He was perfect for Phineas and helped him come out of his shell. It was nice to see Phin accept himself and take charge of his life. I also admired how he took joy in his old life and developed interests despite a terrible existence in his family home. They are a wonderful couple! The rest of Phin's family was okay- so fixated on how others perceived them. Both of Phin's brothers were such losers.
January 16, 2020
What a beautiful story. I loved how the characters (and Phin in particular) grew separatly as well as together. The secondary characters weren't less three-dimensional or complex than the protagonists, which is always great.
July 20, 2023
I loved the story of Phineas and Teddy. Lots of dramatic moments but also so sweet, slow building and happy. Both Phineas and Teddy grow together. This book reminded me of a play. It definitely could be a movie. I hope there is a sequel.
March 28, 2020
Yawn...
Much to drawn out for me. I found it rather boring and finally gave up halfway through what could have been a good story.
Much to drawn out for me. I found it rather boring and finally gave up halfway through what could have been a good story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews