Rough Sketch

Talbott’s Cove #3.5

by Kate Canterbary

Smart, successful, and sitting pretty at the top of her game, Neera Malik has it all figured out.

Save for the small issue of Gustavo Guillmand.

The artist with a cult—and Instagram—following has a problem and it’s not his preference for shirtless selfies.

No, he has an attitude problem, a minding his own business problem, an infuriatingly sexy problem.

They can’t stand each other and they can’t stay away from each other.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Audiobook, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction

Audiobook

First published October 25, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.

To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com

Reviews

[Isabella. R · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Antithesis Stars ⭐

In Rough Sketch, we are introduced to a free-spirited artist and an uptight corporate who loathe each other on sight.

When renowned artist Gus Guillmand accepts a placement at an elite internet firm, he never expected to feel as if he would be ‘creating art in captivity’. Apart from the frustration he is experiencing he is surprised to find a ‘muse’ in the prim and proper Neera Mallik is all her lush gorgeousness.

"Somehow, in the convoluted maze of human consciousness, I was able to find her desirable and aggravating all at once. I wanted to fuck her and then I wanted to tell her to fuck off."

Neera is unprepared for this pesky artist that seems to have rudely placed himself in her orbit. Unsure of the actual whys, she can’t help being drawn to him and allowing him to get under her skin. She is taken aback with Gus in all his boldness and how much she desires it.

"It was anger and exasperation, and an unwelcome jolt of attraction. That wouldn't do. I would not. I couldn't lust after someone insufferable and argumentative and—and distressingly sexy."

However, in a moment of weakness Neera lowers her guard, and neither are prepared for the fireworks and passion that is unleashed. And holy smokes did this author unveil the big guns. Gus and Neera took their desires to a whole new level.

"All I knew was the aching desire to be filled by him…and to be seen. I didn't want to examine that urge closely, didn't want to uncover its true meaning. But I wanted to feel filthy and depraved and—and gorgeously used."

Kate Canterbary is truly talented. She always delivers well written stories with phenomenal characters who are multi-dimensional, intelligent, strong willed, funny and so damn sexy…. There is no book of hers I wouldn’t try.

[Mia.Mi.Jou (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I've put this off for so long... Truly wonderful addition to the Talbot Cove world. And what a treat it was. Quick and hot, with clever dialogues and amazing characters, I loved the dynamic between them.

[Fiona Fog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attract

I loved falling in love with Neera and Gus. Two complete opposites you’d think wouldn’t fit but the differences is what I loved.

The corporate woman, and the artist in residence. Gus can’t stay away, there’s something about this woman that calls to his soul.

That scene in the car? HOTTER THAN HELL.

I loved catching up with Cole and Owen and seeing how married life was working for them.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella just didn’t work for me. Way too rushed. Way too much instant Lust /love. I did consider bumping this to 3 stars because I liked the characters but overall this book left me dissatisfied (during and after reading) so I didn’t. I LOVED the Walsh series by Kate Canterbary. I’ve liked some of the books in this series and some have been meh for me, but this one just didn’t work at all. Which is disappointing because Neera had so much story to tell. And the man she was paired with had potential too. And please please can we stop with the c word?? It’s just not necessary- the writing is plenty spicy without it.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Fantastic start but then it kind of skipped to the epilogue; if was like someone had pinched the middle of the book. Shame as this showed huge promise

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans

From the very start you can feel the sexual tension between Neera and Gus because she is an uptight executive and he is a free spirit artist. As they get to know each other they find out that they have a lot in common.

This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Jane super booklover📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this novella a lot. But I didn’t really feel a lot connection with the albot cove world. Wich was a bit disappointing. I would love a book about Nate the guy in the bar of jj. I loved the art influence in this book.

[Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook on Read Me Romance podcast 🎧

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was originally written for the Read Me Romance podcast and it felt underdeveloped as a result, whether because it was a novella or because it was written as an audiobook. (Although it wasn’t dialogue driven so I have no idea how it actually worked as an audiobook.) I didn’t understand why Neera and Gus got off on the wrong foot and didn’t completely buy their antagonists to lovers shtick. More of an emotional arc would have grounded the whole thing, especially because Gus is pretty sexually aggressive with her from the jump. That didn’t make for the best consent but I did really enjoy watching Neera wade into the exhibitionist waters.

Characters: Neera is an Indian American internet firm executive VP and chief of staff with a nipple piercing. Gus is a 36 year old Brazilian artist and sculptor who is the artist-in-residence where Neera works. This is set in Silicon Valley, CA and Talbott’s Cove, ME.

Content notes: family planning discussion (FMC does not want kids and MMC respects this), on page sex, sex in public, exhibitionism, anal play, condomless sex (no pregnancy results), alcohol, past inebriation (secondary character), comparison to addict, ableist language

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. This novella didn't do it for me. Gus/Neera's relationship was too intense, hurried and rushed. Did love that Fresh Catch characters Cole and Owen were featured in this book.

I so miss this authors Walsh series and its characters. Good times.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, this was a hot listen. I really enjoy her books and this was no different. Loved this story.

[Em__Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowza! If you need a story to get your engine revving quick-smart, pick up ROUGH SKETCH by Kate Canterbary.

It’s no secret that I am a fan of Canterbary’s writing, and even with this shorter novella length her skill is apparent. Busy career woman Neera Malik and artist Gus Guillmand have been thoughtfully and intelligently crafted. I enjoyed their introspective thoughts. The arguments are passionate, and the banter between them is top-notch. These enemies-to-lovers are driving each other and themselves crazy!

As for the romance? Canterbary’s a master at fanning the flames of attraction and building an intense romance. Simply put, these two were scorching hot and they definitely put on a show for us readers.

ROUGH SKETCH is book 4 in the Talbott’s Cove series. Characters from previous books do make an appearance but no assumed knowledge is presumed; this reads well as a stand-alone book.

I don’t know where Canterbary is taking us next: Be it one of her existing book worlds or a brand new adventure, I am signing up for the ride.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short, sweet and oh so HOT addition to the Talbot Cove world. The attraction was instant and incendiary. I loved watching as Neera and Gus attempt to fight that attraction. I felt like there was smoke coming out of my ereader from how steamy hot things got between these two!
-4.5 Stars!-

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say this was my most fave KC title, nor was it my least favorite and maybe that’s the real problem. It was utterly forgettable. It felt quick and rushed and aside from the hot sex and the exhibitionist tendencies, it felt rather devoid of an actual emotional connection between the MCs. My 2 favorite scenes were when the 2 MCs randomly run into each other at that Indian cafeteria in Berkeley (it sounded like they were at Viks Chaat House so kudos to KC for describing that perfectly) and the group dinner in Maine with Cole and Owen and JJ and Brooke. It was just a meh forgettable book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my first Kate Canterbary book and certainly not my last either. I enjoyed this one. This is the first of the RMR books I've listened to since they switched to the twice a week format and I have to say I really prefer the new format. Of course, I also binge listened it, which helps. All in all, enjoyable and super close to being a 4 star read. I just needed a little bit more at the end. But it's super steamy and a solid listen.

[Samantha || Fictionally Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a hot and super steamy listen!

I loved the contrast between our hero and heroine and the physical attraction and reaction that they have between each other. The constant push and pull from each of them and the banter was one that made my car rides to and from work that much more enjoyable. The steam in this one is off the charts, which made it 10 times hotter than what it could have been. More than likely will be listening to it again today. If you are looking to listen to a quick, hot, and sexy romance novella--this one is your man.

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Quickie review: I listened to Rough Sketch on audiobook via the Read Me Romance podcast. This book was an odd read for me. The first 3/4 was very slow. I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple and they were very stiff and formal with each other. Then out of nowhere the last 1/4th was them getting it on hardcore. It was hot but didn't fit the rest of the book and made the ending feel rushed. Because of that, this book was only okay for me.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Kate book, I've heard good things about her and am going to check out more of her work. I really liked this one.

I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!

Read Me Romance FREE Audiobooks ➝ https://bit.ly/2PzD65g

Listen for FREE here:
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[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really just sex and that's fine, but I definitely needed more relationship building to get to a HEA than we got in the epilogue.

[aarya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a cohesive novella.

[cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

um yes, short and steamy and a good time

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This is a really quick novella, set in the Talbott’s Cove series, telling the story of Neera – right-hand woman to billionaire tech genius and hero of book #1, Cole McLish. Note that it can be read as a standalone, but there is a bit of crossover with characters from the previous books.

With Cole now living with his husband, Owen in Talbott’s Cove, Neera runs things back in Silicon Valley. She’s hard-headed, private and serious, and doesn’t let people get too close, but sexy artist Gustavo Guillmand is starting to get under her skin.

Gus won a 12-month place as artist-in-residence at Neera’s company, but for a man who is used to exploring the great outdoors, he’s creativity is struggling in the plastic world of Silicon Valley. The only inspiration he gets is from straight-laced, sexy, completely infuriating Neera.

Somehow, in the convoluted maze of human consciousness, I was able to find her desirable and aggravating all at once.
I wanted to fuck her and then I wanted to tell her to fuck off.

The antagonism and snark is strong, and it seems there is genuine dislike there, but when Gus gives Neera a push, it becomes clear that there’s also strong lusty feelings between them and neither of them hold back in exploring just how hot they can be together.

Though it’s new, Neera takes Gus with her on a visit to Talbott’s Cove, where the artist gets the chance to let his spirit fly in nature and giving them the chance to explore what is building between them.

I wasn’t backing off, wasn’t giving her an inch of space. No, this woman had me and now she was damn well going to keep me.

It’s a weird dynamic, and I admit that I wasn’t really feeling it, but that’s probably just due to the shortness of the novella and the quick pace that the story has to move at. There is some progression for them, but again it seems really fast and without a whole lot of feeling, but we do get to see where they end up in the epilogue, which was nice.

The highlight of this book for me was Cole, because OMG, the man is hilarious! Between his text conversations with Neera, his bantering with Owen or his presence amongst his friends, he steals every scene he is in, and I loved getting the chance to catch up with him again.

Owen shot me a pointed look. “My advice it to make yourself scarce. There’s room on the boat if that’s something you want to do.”
“Allow me to translate my husband for you,” Cole said. “They physical capacity of my lad’s sailing vessel will accommodate another adult, however, the social-emotional capacity of the vessel is limited to one adult. If you choose to go along with him, please do not expect him to speak to you. Oh, and don’t fall overboard. It’s only adorable when I do it.”

This is an ok read. It didn’t elicit any strong emotions for me either way, but it was fun opportunity to catch up with the Talbott’s Cove crew.

3 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I continue with this review, I love Kate's writing. She has the ability to describe a scene so perfectly that you feel like your sitting there viewing the whole thing (especially that parking lot scene, whoa hot).

I read a few other reviews of this book to make sure I wasn't jumping to conclusions here, and I'm glad that I fell on the same side of the other reviewers. This book starts out a little slow with the uptight executive Neera (aka Cole's right hand lady) and Gus (the in-house artist, bird carver extrodonaire). It almost seemed like there was some kind of backstory there, but you don't get into any of it, just Neera saying there is a ton of birds that are showing up on here desk.

But then BAM it happens, these two start a verbal spitfire (flirt) and it turns into a whirlwind romance with a dose of voyeurism. Then these two end up in Talbots Cove (I loved revisiting my friends there) and then all of a sudden it was like the end of the book. There was a fantastic epilogue but it left me high on this pinnacle and then the cliff just dropped off. Great read overall, but I wish there was a little more to it.

Reviewed by: Paige R.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty disappointing.

Because I didn't read Owen and Cole's story, I had no idea who Neera was. Not that it should matter, but I felt like I was missing huge chunks of story.

Take out the sex scenes and there's little to no plot or interesting story.

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love revisiting Talbott's cove. And this fast, dirty and sassy story of Neera and Gus is just the fix I needed!

The flow of Neera and Gus's relationship is sharp and jagged, but also so, so perfect for the two of them.

I loved Gus's determination to get Neera and to give her what she needed. He pushed her to show her that she needed to be "seen" and he did it in such holy hotness ways!

Neera has been a "kingmaker" her whole adult career. Taking care of others and was content to stand in the shadows.  Then Gus comes along and shines a bright and colorful world that she could live in.

Smart, funny romance is what you get from Ms. Canterbary and this story is both!  Well done!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight laced, good girl who gets the job done meets free spirited, can’t be caged, artist. This is a stand-alone novella within the Taboltt’s Cover series, and there is a lot packed into this story without the sense of being overwhelmed. Mix together serious sexy times with self discovery of what you want in life and learning how to voice those wants plus witty foreplay-esque banter and you have quite the intoxicating recipe. While all of the author’s characters have a sense of realism, the briefly mentioned awkwardness between the hero and heroine hit a new level of realism. A must read if you’re a fan of this author.

[Jill Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great steamy novella by Kate Canterbary! I love Kate’s growly boys, but I think Gus is the dirtiest of the bunch. If you like a short, steamy love story with appearances from old friends of Talbot’s Cove, you will love Rough Sketch!

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit esoteric for me.

Interesting, but not my favorite. Had to finish just to see if it improved. I don’t think I will bother with any others if this is the author’s forte.

[Komal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. When Kate Canterbary delivers, she really, really delivers. The kind of book that leaves your chest hurting because it’s just that good.

[Desiree · Rating 2 out of 5]

not my kind of read