Portrait

by Lily Kay

Sierra Andrews has one hard and fast rule: Never fall in love. Because history has taught her that no attachments equal zero heartache. If she only could suppress this pesky suspicion that perhaps there is someone she could trust. Thankfully she’s a realist, which means a relationship with Matt Howard would only end in disaster. Why?

He’s a rat-bastard.

He’s her roommate.

He's her best friend.

Or he was her best friend until he decided to bump uglies with his advisor. Now Sierra and Matt can't seem to get along, and their friends can't handle the tension between them.

When Matt starts looking into his past, he’s forced to make some hard choices—with or without Sierra. Follow the clues where they lead him or leave well enough alone. And when forced to confront the growing tension between them, will Sierra break her cardinal rule for him, no matter the results? Because taking a chance on love might be the best decision of their lives.

Warning: This book has a scene that insinuates sexual assault, which may be a trigger.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2018

About the author

Lily has been writing and reading stories since she was in grade school. After finishing her Ph.D., Lily had a stint in Academia as an evaluation researcher. She teaches sociology part time and may drop a concept or two into her writing. When she's not teaching or writing, she's frolicking in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two children, and two furry friends.

Reviews

[Paula (on hiatus)]

Oh no, no, no. This is a total AVOID-AT-ALL-COSTS. Hero is a 21 yr old college-ed who has been having an affair with his professor for 6-8 months who just happens to be a married woman 10 years older then him. He is heroine's roommate & BF.

Heroine is also 21 and she has an issue with him screwing a married woman. She feels that he lacks morals. There is a reason behind why she thinks this and him for his behavior, however, this reader did not care to find out so it was a DNF.

Favorite line:

“You go through men like toilet paper,” he declared.
“Toilet paper? I go through men like toilet paper and, what, men create shrines with every chick they date?”

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Matt and Sierra which was a friends to lovers story with a lot more substance than many. Sierra had a traumatic event in her past which affected all her relationships. Matt had a difficult childhood with his mum leaving. Together they deal with their past while wanting to be together but constantly fighting to remain friends so as not to hurt each other. I loved their friends and will be looking for more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually gave Portrait a 4.5 Star review because it is just that good. Lily Kay has done it again with a more heavier, angsty relationship between Matt and Sierra. I am so happy that these were the two characters she chose as a follow up to Compose. I enjoyed the character development. I interact with adults this young daily and the language was so on point! I also like the spectrum of relationships in the book from the friend group to the romance duo to the alternative lifestyles presented. This was a great read and I am looking forward to the next installment in The Arts Series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had been hurt in the past so she has a wall around her heart. She shares a place with him and she is best friends with him. Could he be the one to help heal her? Will it end in disaster? Love may finally heal her

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book - about friendship, love and for better or worse families. Sierra and Matt have been friends throughout college, this is poignant look at a relationship between them and the roll families and friends play. It has some beautiful and emotional moments.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant love story between Sierra and Matt. This is a well written story, which is emotional and about friendship, families, and love. I was totally intrigued and hooked throughout, and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of 21 years old friends, Louie, Sierra, Emmy, Nick, Dave, Matt, go to university.
Their lives and past are different, but they share friendship, love, help, understand, hope.
Very nice lovely story, easy and fast to read, young characters.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!❤
An endless bundle of intrigue pack with emotions that keep you on edge wanting to go the pages! Exciting, intense, edgy, a myriad of emotions, suspense filled twists and passionate chemistry! An amazing must read!

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The book is wellwritten and fastpaced. I loved the chemistry between Matt and Sierra.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romance read. The story is a well written read. The characters are good. The story is emotional read, is about friendship, family, and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me ans I loved everything about this book...very well written...loved the storyline...loved the characters and the group of friends!

[Brandy Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by this author, and let me tell you I was so drawn in by this story!

[Cristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I read from this author and look forward to reading more, the characters were well written and the storyline was good, I could not put my Kindle down until the end.

[Wendy Madigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Real characters, with real life issues. Excellent story telling that made me laugh and cry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing romance story, it is emotional with twists. Good chemistry with the characters. Well-written. I liked the book and it was a pleasured to review it.

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Second-rate and pedestrian. The writing is banal and the characters all read as if they've been assembled from an Ikea flatpack.