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The Art of Us
An interracial YA Romance with a bit of edge.
Kayla McNeil won an art scholarship to attend a prestigious academy.
She’s excited to improve her craft and determined not to let anything thwart her focus.
But Kayla never anticipated gaining the attention of the guy who ignores everyone else.
Brandon Decker hates to be touched.
His reaction is frightening to others.
Even when it’s an accident.
Brandon harbors deep pain from his past, which affects his ability to open his heart to anyone. Yet, something about Kayla allures him.
Her fearless and artistic nature can either calm the monster inside or push it further.
The more they get under each other’s skin, a connection develops that neither can explain. It brings forth an indescribable desire and the possibility of love. But monsters don’t always stay gone. They have a way of crawling out of the dark, threatening any speck of happiness.
Kayla McNeil won an art scholarship to attend a prestigious academy.
She’s excited to improve her craft and determined not to let anything thwart her focus.
But Kayla never anticipated gaining the attention of the guy who ignores everyone else.
Brandon Decker hates to be touched.
His reaction is frightening to others.
Even when it’s an accident.
Brandon harbors deep pain from his past, which affects his ability to open his heart to anyone. Yet, something about Kayla allures him.
Her fearless and artistic nature can either calm the monster inside or push it further.
The more they get under each other’s skin, a connection develops that neither can explain. It brings forth an indescribable desire and the possibility of love. But monsters don’t always stay gone. They have a way of crawling out of the dark, threatening any speck of happiness.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2020
80 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Symone West
23 books78 followersSymone West is the author of sweet and sexy, sometimes dark, coming of age and adult romance and suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 25, 2021
I really wanted to love this book. There aren’t a ton of mature YA that deal with an abused hero. The interracial aspect was cool too. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t good. At all.
As another reviewer wrote, this was basically a poorly written teen knock off of 50 shades. Frankly, I’ve read better stories on Wattpad. The prologue was intense and entirely misleading because the rest of the story was bland. One dimensional characters who all spoke, thought, and acted the same. “Hm” was used over and over by every character, the insta-love was in full force, and the dialogue was over the top corny.
My favorite quote? “A horny spirit has me hooked beyond escape”. Enough said.
As another reviewer wrote, this was basically a poorly written teen knock off of 50 shades. Frankly, I’ve read better stories on Wattpad. The prologue was intense and entirely misleading because the rest of the story was bland. One dimensional characters who all spoke, thought, and acted the same. “Hm” was used over and over by every character, the insta-love was in full force, and the dialogue was over the top corny.
My favorite quote? “A horny spirit has me hooked beyond escape”. Enough said.
August 28, 2020
*I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
First off, Symone West is one of my favorite authors. I read and loved Flawed Melodies, so I was very excited to read The Art Of Us and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. I loved this book. It follows Kayla, a high senior on a scholarship to an art academy. In this art academy, she meets the mysterious Brandon, a boy who harbors a dark secret that prevents him from wanting to be touched or touch anyone, not even his own family, so heartbreaking. Kayla is determined to figure out what is going on in Brandon’s head and what causing his standoffish nature. Eventually, they fall in love and he opens up to her about what happened to him in his past. In so many books, you read about women’s traumas and how men should be sensitive to learning about their traumas in order to love them correctly, but never the other way around. This book explores that how women should be sensitive to men who also could experience traumas in their past. This book is both thought-provoking and heartbreaking at the same time. But it also takes us through the journey of healing that Brandon has to go through about his past in order to embrace freedom and to accept Kayla’s love.
First off, Symone West is one of my favorite authors. I read and loved Flawed Melodies, so I was very excited to read The Art Of Us and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. I loved this book. It follows Kayla, a high senior on a scholarship to an art academy. In this art academy, she meets the mysterious Brandon, a boy who harbors a dark secret that prevents him from wanting to be touched or touch anyone, not even his own family, so heartbreaking. Kayla is determined to figure out what is going on in Brandon’s head and what causing his standoffish nature. Eventually, they fall in love and he opens up to her about what happened to him in his past. In so many books, you read about women’s traumas and how men should be sensitive to learning about their traumas in order to love them correctly, but never the other way around. This book explores that how women should be sensitive to men who also could experience traumas in their past. This book is both thought-provoking and heartbreaking at the same time. But it also takes us through the journey of healing that Brandon has to go through about his past in order to embrace freedom and to accept Kayla’s love.
November 29, 2020
Art is Love
This was a surprisingly good read. Brandon and Kayla' story wss very intense and filled with pain. This story dealt with so many serious issues we face in life and to see how Brandon and Kayla dealt with it while in their teens was well written. The more Brandon revealed himself to Kayla, the more I liked him. And Kayla was just so fearless that you had to love her. I even liked Brandon and Kayla's friends and how supportive they were of the two even after graduating high school and college. Brandon experienced a trauma that resulted in him being full of aggression and it was good to see how he fought hard to lose that aggression and express his feelings positively. I loved how caring Brandon was even when he didn't know how and how he became less obsessive and controlling to being considerate and understanding. Brandon and Kayla's love story is full of emotions and growth and to see how they ended up is icing on the cake
This was a surprisingly good read. Brandon and Kayla' story wss very intense and filled with pain. This story dealt with so many serious issues we face in life and to see how Brandon and Kayla dealt with it while in their teens was well written. The more Brandon revealed himself to Kayla, the more I liked him. And Kayla was just so fearless that you had to love her. I even liked Brandon and Kayla's friends and how supportive they were of the two even after graduating high school and college. Brandon experienced a trauma that resulted in him being full of aggression and it was good to see how he fought hard to lose that aggression and express his feelings positively. I loved how caring Brandon was even when he didn't know how and how he became less obsessive and controlling to being considerate and understanding. Brandon and Kayla's love story is full of emotions and growth and to see how they ended up is icing on the cake
September 4, 2020
This was everything I have been missing from YA romance!
Kayla is the black female YA lead that I have needed to see. Strong, but vulnerable. Kind & caring but not unrealistically so to the point that she doesn't consider her own needs.
Brandon is imperfect, dark & brooding, which made perfect sense for a traumatized teen boy who experienced what he did.
Their relationship is messy & imperfect like they themselves are. It felt real & relatable with just enough fictional license to keep things moving forward. These two teens grew & changed & adapted together. They weren't unrealistically perfect, but in their imperfections, fit each other just right. I was a little unnerved by how easily Kayla seemed to overcome the climax, but overall, it was fantastic & felt very fresh.
Kayla is the black female YA lead that I have needed to see. Strong, but vulnerable. Kind & caring but not unrealistically so to the point that she doesn't consider her own needs.
Brandon is imperfect, dark & brooding, which made perfect sense for a traumatized teen boy who experienced what he did.
Their relationship is messy & imperfect like they themselves are. It felt real & relatable with just enough fictional license to keep things moving forward. These two teens grew & changed & adapted together. They weren't unrealistically perfect, but in their imperfections, fit each other just right. I was a little unnerved by how easily Kayla seemed to overcome the climax, but overall, it was fantastic & felt very fresh.
December 3, 2020
So. This wasn't written well. At all lol- but the beginning pulled you in enough to get you til the end.
The conversations are wooden and melodramatic. The characters' inner monologue are even more unrealistic and over the top than the things coming out of their mouths and yet- I was entertained. I didn't hate the characters and was almost able to completely suspend my disbelief...until the last 25%. Then it just jumped the shark completely lol
This is pretty much 3.4 stars of some Lois Duncan meets RL Stein and a little Lifetime Movie action thrown in for good measure.
The conversations are wooden and melodramatic. The characters' inner monologue are even more unrealistic and over the top than the things coming out of their mouths and yet- I was entertained. I didn't hate the characters and was almost able to completely suspend my disbelief...until the last 25%. Then it just jumped the shark completely lol
This is pretty much 3.4 stars of some Lois Duncan meets RL Stein and a little Lifetime Movie action thrown in for good measure.
August 3, 2021
Amazingly Mature
This book has a young cast of amazingly mature characters. Moving to a new high school talented artist Kayla soon falls for Brandon. Brandon is extremely popular but due to hidden trauma does not let anyone get close. However, one look at Kayla and he knows he wants to try. Will this high school alpha be able to fight
his demons and love Kayla the way she should be loved? And what dark shadows are still following him? I love Ms West stories! This is the second book I have read….they keep getting better. I have preordered Promise Maker.
This book has a young cast of amazingly mature characters. Moving to a new high school talented artist Kayla soon falls for Brandon. Brandon is extremely popular but due to hidden trauma does not let anyone get close. However, one look at Kayla and he knows he wants to try. Will this high school alpha be able to fight
his demons and love Kayla the way she should be loved? And what dark shadows are still following him? I love Ms West stories! This is the second book I have read….they keep getting better. I have preordered Promise Maker.
February 20, 2022
Really a good story
I really did like this book 📖 I was searching for something good and I couldn't find anything. Then this book 📖 kept coming up on my feed and I was suppose to have read 📚 it awhile back but idk 🤷♀️ what happen. But I'm glad I finally 😌 got to read 📚 it 🙌 I really couldn't put it down. Over coming being touched is powerful when something so traumatic happens to you so young. But all it took was the right person to push you and help you over come it. So glad he did now he can't stop touching her.whats next??
I really did like this book 📖 I was searching for something good and I couldn't find anything. Then this book 📖 kept coming up on my feed and I was suppose to have read 📚 it awhile back but idk 🤷♀️ what happen. But I'm glad I finally 😌 got to read 📚 it 🙌 I really couldn't put it down. Over coming being touched is powerful when something so traumatic happens to you so young. But all it took was the right person to push you and help you over come it. So glad he did now he can't stop touching her.whats next??
June 1, 2022
4,5 stars.
I love almost all about this. I just don't like the stalker made by Annelise, a little bit weird. Worth the read.
I love almost all about this. I just don't like the stalker made by Annelise, a little bit weird. Worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2020
Fantastic!
This was such a good story, that all the elements working in sync. The writer gives us two young adults from different backgrounds and gives us such a sweet romance. The story touches on real life happenings, when you come in contact with not only different backgrounds but when you just.don't understand or get why things happen. There are some very heavy subjects taking place in the story and the writer handles it all with such insight and class. This is not only romance but it is mystery, but it is when bad things happen and when healing comes. So recommend this for next book club read.
This was such a good story, that all the elements working in sync. The writer gives us two young adults from different backgrounds and gives us such a sweet romance. The story touches on real life happenings, when you come in contact with not only different backgrounds but when you just.don't understand or get why things happen. There are some very heavy subjects taking place in the story and the writer handles it all with such insight and class. This is not only romance but it is mystery, but it is when bad things happen and when healing comes. So recommend this for next book club read.
October 26, 2020
First, but not last read from author
Well, I just wanted to say that I really love the writing in this book. I’m not so picky that I won’t finish a poorly edited book, but this one was not that at all! And that is so refreshing! Thank you!
The cherry on top of the good writing is, I actual liked What you wrote! This story could have gone left so many times, but for me, you kept it on track where I didn’t get upset at Kayla for letting Brandon do and say the most outrageous things. I appreciate that, so again, thank you.
And you already know that I have downloaded another book from you! I’m joking the fan club!
Well, I just wanted to say that I really love the writing in this book. I’m not so picky that I won’t finish a poorly edited book, but this one was not that at all! And that is so refreshing! Thank you!
The cherry on top of the good writing is, I actual liked What you wrote! This story could have gone left so many times, but for me, you kept it on track where I didn’t get upset at Kayla for letting Brandon do and say the most outrageous things. I appreciate that, so again, thank you.
And you already know that I have downloaded another book from you! I’m joking the fan club!
September 11, 2020
This is a new author to me- and despite devouring this in one sitting. I didn’t love it.
This is basically the teen version of 50 shades. Except being uncomfortable with some touching, this hero can’t stand touching at all.
Reading this for me was like a car accident. It was so bad I had to finish and couldn’t dare look away. So I can see how people loved it. And maybe had I not read this same shtick 50/11 times then I would’ve enjoyed it too.
Overall. It was just meh for me.
This is basically the teen version of 50 shades. Except being uncomfortable with some touching, this hero can’t stand touching at all.
Reading this for me was like a car accident. It was so bad I had to finish and couldn’t dare look away. So I can see how people loved it. And maybe had I not read this same shtick 50/11 times then I would’ve enjoyed it too.
Overall. It was just meh for me.
September 6, 2020
Im not sure how to review this book so I'm gonna leave it for now
September 12, 2020
Love To The Rescue!
This was an amazing book! Even though this couple, and some of the other characters suffered intense pain. But Love came to the Rescue! The things people do and say to others still astonish me. But if you fix it with love, it can become an amazing thing. Please buy this book. It is definitely a Keeper!
This was an amazing book! Even though this couple, and some of the other characters suffered intense pain. But Love came to the Rescue! The things people do and say to others still astonish me. But if you fix it with love, it can become an amazing thing. Please buy this book. It is definitely a Keeper!
September 13, 2020
Touching
It's been a while since I've written a review but this book and the author are compelling. Kayla and Brandon dealing with their past pains and being able to heal each other without losing who they are individually. Love knows no bounds. Thank you for approaching mental health and depression as it is so easily overlooked.
It's been a while since I've written a review but this book and the author are compelling. Kayla and Brandon dealing with their past pains and being able to heal each other without losing who they are individually. Love knows no bounds. Thank you for approaching mental health and depression as it is so easily overlooked.
September 14, 2020
Lovely story
This book had comedy in it. It has a strong, broken, caring and loving alpha male. The female lead was strong in her own way, yet loving and supportive. I love the characters main and supporting. I did not once get annoyed by anyone in the book. Great job keep writing more loving stories you have a gift of writing.
This book had comedy in it. It has a strong, broken, caring and loving alpha male. The female lead was strong in her own way, yet loving and supportive. I love the characters main and supporting. I did not once get annoyed by anyone in the book. Great job keep writing more loving stories you have a gift of writing.
September 16, 2020
Loved it!
There's just something about both of these characters that you grow to love throughout their journey. This story is so much more than the typical enemies to lovers book. I cheered for Brandon the whole way through as he began to let Kayla touch him and started to open up. I highly recommend this to all romance novel lovers!
There's just something about both of these characters that you grow to love throughout their journey. This story is so much more than the typical enemies to lovers book. I cheered for Brandon the whole way through as he began to let Kayla touch him and started to open up. I highly recommend this to all romance novel lovers!
October 9, 2020
Greta book
This is my first book by this author, idk where she’s been hiding but I’m glad that I got to read her work.
The Art of Us was a high school dark romance. There was a lot of hurt, pain and trauma. However, everything worked out for both the hero and heroine.
It’s a book I’d definitely recommend
This is my first book by this author, idk where she’s been hiding but I’m glad that I got to read her work.
The Art of Us was a high school dark romance. There was a lot of hurt, pain and trauma. However, everything worked out for both the hero and heroine.
It’s a book I’d definitely recommend
September 7, 2020
Be Still My Heart!!!
I truly enjoyed this story. From beginning to end, it’s definitely one that will stay with you. Read this book and you won’t regret it!! Plan on reading it again!
I truly enjoyed this story. From beginning to end, it’s definitely one that will stay with you. Read this book and you won’t regret it!! Plan on reading it again!
September 17, 2020
Wow
I can’t put into words how wonderful this book was to read. It had pain, disappointment, kindness and love. The characters were well developed and I am so happy that Kayla was so understanding. You won’t regret giving this book a chance.
I can’t put into words how wonderful this book was to read. It had pain, disappointment, kindness and love. The characters were well developed and I am so happy that Kayla was so understanding. You won’t regret giving this book a chance.
September 20, 2020
Loooooved it
While I normally don’t like reading books about teens, I couldn’t put this down. I just loved them both so much. Kayla is everything and Brandon is even more. Please do t let their age stop you from reading their story.
While I normally don’t like reading books about teens, I couldn’t put this down. I just loved them both so much. Kayla is everything and Brandon is even more. Please do t let their age stop you from reading their story.
July 29, 2021
Great Read!
Well developed story that allowed you to know the characters. Like watching a movie but sooooo much better. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last💯
Well developed story that allowed you to know the characters. Like watching a movie but sooooo much better. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last💯
September 11, 2020
Good read
I never write reviews however, this book was well written and made me smile and want to cry at parts. One of the best young love stories I’ve read.
I never write reviews however, this book was well written and made me smile and want to cry at parts. One of the best young love stories I’ve read.
September 13, 2020
Growing up
This subject will become a hot topic after the pandemic. So many children open to abuse due to quarantine. Thanks
This subject will become a hot topic after the pandemic. So many children open to abuse due to quarantine. Thanks
September 13, 2020
50 Shades of High School
In-tense! Fan, fan! Sizzle and suspense! I spent the whole day with Brandon and Kayla and jnvite you to do the same. Girl!
In-tense! Fan, fan! Sizzle and suspense! I spent the whole day with Brandon and Kayla and jnvite you to do the same. Girl!
September 16, 2020
Great read
Really great read. I like how the story flowed and was never boring. I also enjoyed both the hero and heroine.
Really great read. I like how the story flowed and was never boring. I also enjoyed both the hero and heroine.
September 17, 2020
Wow
My first time reading from this Author. Well done. So glad be able to read about their different stages in life. Gonna check out other books. Must read.
My first time reading from this Author. Well done. So glad be able to read about their different stages in life. Gonna check out other books. Must read.
September 27, 2020
Intense Love
Brandon and Kayla love story was beautiful and tragic. Brandon was everything heart breaking and he love Kayla unconditionally. True love
Brandon and Kayla love story was beautiful and tragic. Brandon was everything heart breaking and he love Kayla unconditionally. True love
October 18, 2020
Beautiful
Loved the storyline in this book, the prologue had me hooked and couldn’t put the book down. This is my second book I have read from the author, I am a fan for life.
Loved the storyline in this book, the prologue had me hooked and couldn’t put the book down. This is my second book I have read from the author, I am a fan for life.
March 18, 2021
Awesome read! Well-developed characters and a genuinely enjoyable story. I’ll be looking for more from this new-to-me author!
August 19, 2021
Great book
Love the story line .Enjoy the details and like the art part of it .Look forward to other books by the author
Love the story line .Enjoy the details and like the art part of it .Look forward to other books by the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews