What do you think?
Rate this book
Radiant
Blake Harrison’s star is rising. Preparing for her new museum installation, she’s trying to navigate her work, her newfound fame, and her reputation for volatility. She’s also trying to abide by her “monastic before a show” rule, and has no idea what to do about the stunning lawyer who insults her and entrances her in equal measure.
Jenny O’Toole is in a professional and romantic rut. Her career as a corporate lawyer is stifling, she's closeted at work, and her current relationship is with Netflix and wine. She’s not looking for a new girlfriend, and if she was, she certainly wouldn’t chase an irrational, pretentious conceptual artist like Blake Harrison.
It’s dislike at first sight—but when the artist and lawyer keep running into each other, the loathing turns to lust. As they weather Boston’s frigid winter, Blake and Jenny navigate their deepening feelings, and hope that their budding relationship can weather everything coming between them.
Genre: Romance
Jenny O’Toole is in a professional and romantic rut. Her career as a corporate lawyer is stifling, she's closeted at work, and her current relationship is with Netflix and wine. She’s not looking for a new girlfriend, and if she was, she certainly wouldn’t chase an irrational, pretentious conceptual artist like Blake Harrison.
It’s dislike at first sight—but when the artist and lawyer keep running into each other, the loathing turns to lust. As they weather Boston’s frigid winter, Blake and Jenny navigate their deepening feelings, and hope that their budding relationship can weather everything coming between them.
Genre: Romance
266 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2022
About the author
Judy Sapphire
2 books2 followersJudy Sapphire is an attorney and writer who makes her home up and down the New England seacoast. She has worked as a corporate and a public interest lawyer, in state government, and on political campaigns. She is an avid reader and a sporadic artist with a penchant for outdoor sculpture parks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 27, 2022
3.75 Stars. This was a very solid debut book. I often talk about how the publisher Bella, has an unbelievable talent in finding good new authors, and I think Judy Sapphire will soon be joining that list. While I wasn’t blown away by this, it was enjoyable and absolutely an above average read, which to me means even more considering it is a debut. There is some really good potential here and I think with a little more experience, Sapphire could have a big hit on her hands. I’m actually surprised this doesn’t have more reviews/ratings. I believe this opposites attract, enemies to lovers –more like dislike to lovers- story would appeal to more people. I can’t help but wonder if the cover is not doing the story justice. I have to be honest but it was personally throwing me off. The cover was saying to me erotica. Yes, there were some pretty steamy sex scenes here, but this book is about art, lawyers, chemistry, and some angst. I just don’t get any of those feelings when I look at that cover -even though I like the way the cover looks-.
I mentioned good potential and I saw that in how I just loved the way this book started. These two women, while there is an instant physical attraction, do not get off on the right foot. As readers we get to watch this hostility play out, that is actually surrounded in sexual tension, and lots of fun to read. The romance itself was pretty angsty, lots of that push-pull that some people will enjoy reading while I know others might not. I was up for some angst so I didn’t really mind it, but I did have one slight issue with the romance. The romance was really built on sexually attraction and chemistry. Which is good don’t get me wrong, but the relationship never goes to a deeper level for my tastes. I like more of a whole body and soul connection, where this seemed more body focused. However, I’m okay reading romance of all kinds so in the end this was fine for me, I just didn’t love it.
I got a lot of enjoyment out of the characters jobs. One character is basically like putting an accountant and lawyer together, and the other is an up and coming artist. I’m not really into modern art, but I still loved hearing about it and how the installations worked and made the characters feel. If you are an art fan, I would definitely recommend this one as the author’s love for art really shines through. And while a forensic accounting attorney -or whatever the other main’s job was actually called- doesn’t sound that interesting, I thought the job was well written and there was a good court scene that I quite enjoyed reading.
TLDR- This was a book that I would definitely recommend to people who enjoy opposites attract, lots of tension, and sexual chemistry. This is not a book that has a deeper romance, but the romance worked well for the story. I would also recommend this book to art loves as it is a major theme throughout the whole book, and the art parts are well written. This was a good read and a very solid first book for Sapphire. I believe her books will only get better and I would read her again in a heartbeat. I also think this book is a little under the radar so far and hope it gets some more readers since I believe there are plenty of readers out there that would enjoy this.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
I mentioned good potential and I saw that in how I just loved the way this book started. These two women, while there is an instant physical attraction, do not get off on the right foot. As readers we get to watch this hostility play out, that is actually surrounded in sexual tension, and lots of fun to read. The romance itself was pretty angsty, lots of that push-pull that some people will enjoy reading while I know others might not. I was up for some angst so I didn’t really mind it, but I did have one slight issue with the romance. The romance was really built on sexually attraction and chemistry. Which is good don’t get me wrong, but the relationship never goes to a deeper level for my tastes. I like more of a whole body and soul connection, where this seemed more body focused. However, I’m okay reading romance of all kinds so in the end this was fine for me, I just didn’t love it.
I got a lot of enjoyment out of the characters jobs. One character is basically like putting an accountant and lawyer together, and the other is an up and coming artist. I’m not really into modern art, but I still loved hearing about it and how the installations worked and made the characters feel. If you are an art fan, I would definitely recommend this one as the author’s love for art really shines through. And while a forensic accounting attorney -or whatever the other main’s job was actually called- doesn’t sound that interesting, I thought the job was well written and there was a good court scene that I quite enjoyed reading.
TLDR- This was a book that I would definitely recommend to people who enjoy opposites attract, lots of tension, and sexual chemistry. This is not a book that has a deeper romance, but the romance worked well for the story. I would also recommend this book to art loves as it is a major theme throughout the whole book, and the art parts are well written. This was a good read and a very solid first book for Sapphire. I believe her books will only get better and I would read her again in a heartbeat. I also think this book is a little under the radar so far and hope it gets some more readers since I believe there are plenty of readers out there that would enjoy this.
An ARC was given to me for a review.
February 19, 2022
Art.
I picked this up because I was attracted to the cover, lol. It's a love story between a corporate lawyer and an installation artist and I think it's a decent debut, although it wouldn't be the book that puts Judy Sapphire on the map. The characters would interest readers who enjoy art but I thought they were a bit stereotypical. Jenny is an overworked lawyer, buttoned up with no social life. She's really good at what she does but her boss has always been a problem. She doesn't get the opportunity to shine, she thinks she can't come out at work so I'm not sure why she's still with this firm. Blake is an artist, famous for the type of art that is out of my league when it comes to appreciating them. She sleeps around and she has a volatile artist temper.
Jenny and Blake get off on the wrong foot, a misunderstanding leads to an exchange of words, but they also discover an intense attraction between them and are unable to stay away. The emotions that the characters experience for each other are strong, too strong at times in my opinion but the chemistry is definitely there.
I enjoyed this romance to an extent, it's definitely a decent debut and I hope to see more books by Sapphire.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I picked this up because I was attracted to the cover, lol. It's a love story between a corporate lawyer and an installation artist and I think it's a decent debut, although it wouldn't be the book that puts Judy Sapphire on the map. The characters would interest readers who enjoy art but I thought they were a bit stereotypical. Jenny is an overworked lawyer, buttoned up with no social life. She's really good at what she does but her boss has always been a problem. She doesn't get the opportunity to shine, she thinks she can't come out at work so I'm not sure why she's still with this firm. Blake is an artist, famous for the type of art that is out of my league when it comes to appreciating them. She sleeps around and she has a volatile artist temper.
Jenny and Blake get off on the wrong foot, a misunderstanding leads to an exchange of words, but they also discover an intense attraction between them and are unable to stay away. The emotions that the characters experience for each other are strong, too strong at times in my opinion but the chemistry is definitely there.
I enjoyed this romance to an extent, it's definitely a decent debut and I hope to see more books by Sapphire.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 3, 2022DNF
This book really didn’t work for me and I really struggled with it but eventually gave up at the 51% mark.
First of all, here are some things I liked about it. The cover is great, I don’t usually like ones with faces, but the is one is really appealing. Second, the story revolving around an artist sounded interesting and I like that the arts are included.
Unfortunately, i just couldn’t continue with it. There are some narrative choices that just didn’t appeal to me, for example:
1. One of my least favorite ways to read a dual POV is when it switches and the story rolls back and I have to read the same event *again* that I just read, but from the other MCs POV. This happens consecutively for the first *four* chapters. We don’t get any new information, only how hot and sexy both MCs consider each other.
2. Many instances in the narrative has some line of dialogue in quotes, dropped into the conversation but stating the character didn’t say it. The “not said” dialogue slows down the flow and pulled me out of the story too many times.
3. The characters spend a lot of time apart, a lot of the narrative focuses on them going about their days, doing random things and working, which I didn’t feel added anything to the overall story. The two MCs barely interact for a lot of the story, and it’s difficult to believe they have chemistry. Neither of them comes across as very likable either. Blake especially is described in a very odd way.
4. Conversations often have single lines of dialogue separated by long passages of internal monologue, which is all right if done sparingly but it’s overused and makes the conversations seem very slow-paced and heavy. The overall narrative is quite internally focused and has long passages of just the character’s thoughts without any real action or dialogue.
Add in a storyline filled with mis- and non-communication, and it’s a pass for me. I can’t really give it a rating because maybe things improve in the second half.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book really didn’t work for me and I really struggled with it but eventually gave up at the 51% mark.
First of all, here are some things I liked about it. The cover is great, I don’t usually like ones with faces, but the is one is really appealing. Second, the story revolving around an artist sounded interesting and I like that the arts are included.
Unfortunately, i just couldn’t continue with it. There are some narrative choices that just didn’t appeal to me, for example:
1. One of my least favorite ways to read a dual POV is when it switches and the story rolls back and I have to read the same event *again* that I just read, but from the other MCs POV. This happens consecutively for the first *four* chapters. We don’t get any new information, only how hot and sexy both MCs consider each other.
2. Many instances in the narrative has some line of dialogue in quotes, dropped into the conversation but stating the character didn’t say it. The “not said” dialogue slows down the flow and pulled me out of the story too many times.
3. The characters spend a lot of time apart, a lot of the narrative focuses on them going about their days, doing random things and working, which I didn’t feel added anything to the overall story. The two MCs barely interact for a lot of the story, and it’s difficult to believe they have chemistry. Neither of them comes across as very likable either. Blake especially is described in a very odd way.
4. Conversations often have single lines of dialogue separated by long passages of internal monologue, which is all right if done sparingly but it’s overused and makes the conversations seem very slow-paced and heavy. The overall narrative is quite internally focused and has long passages of just the character’s thoughts without any real action or dialogue.
Add in a storyline filled with mis- and non-communication, and it’s a pass for me. I can’t really give it a rating because maybe things improve in the second half.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2022
I decided to read Radiant by Judy Sapphire for a couple of reasons. The blurb sounded really good. This is also the author’s debut novel, and I love finding new writers whose works I like. I’m happy to say I really liked this novel.
This is very much a character driven, enemies-to-lovers romance with a thread of angst running through the whole book. It’s quite intense and will grab your interest from page one. Both of the main characters are interesting and strong-willed. Both have careers that pretty much consume their daily lives. Blake Harrison is an up and coming artist preparing for a major show in a museum in Boston. Jenny O’Toole is a corporate lawyer, overworked and unhappy with her current job. Their first meeting is very acrimonious, but the two can’t seem to forget each other. With every meeting that connection seems to get stronger, almost in spite of themselves.
The characters, both main and secondary are interesting and easy to connect with. The story itself had me hooked from the beginning. I did wonder sometimes if these two women would ever figure out how much they really wanted and needed each other. That’s the mark of a good romance with lots of conflict.
I’m quite impressed with this debut novel and will be looking for more from this author. If you love a good enemies-to-lovers tale with great characters and lots of angst, try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
This is very much a character driven, enemies-to-lovers romance with a thread of angst running through the whole book. It’s quite intense and will grab your interest from page one. Both of the main characters are interesting and strong-willed. Both have careers that pretty much consume their daily lives. Blake Harrison is an up and coming artist preparing for a major show in a museum in Boston. Jenny O’Toole is a corporate lawyer, overworked and unhappy with her current job. Their first meeting is very acrimonious, but the two can’t seem to forget each other. With every meeting that connection seems to get stronger, almost in spite of themselves.
The characters, both main and secondary are interesting and easy to connect with. The story itself had me hooked from the beginning. I did wonder sometimes if these two women would ever figure out how much they really wanted and needed each other. That’s the mark of a good romance with lots of conflict.
I’m quite impressed with this debut novel and will be looking for more from this author. If you love a good enemies-to-lovers tale with great characters and lots of angst, try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
3.4 star rating
Two women meet at a juction of discord, attraction becomes evidential but so does presumptions. Then comes one of them instantly becoming a Knight in armour to save the other distressing situation.
It was a pleasant read however I am not sure the images potrayed earlier of the characters appropriately followed through in later chapters. Early on Blake is a confident, ladies woman and accomplished artist then she later on is potrayed as not confident, insecure amd very much timid emotionally. And the reverse is potrayed of her co-character.
Two women meet at a juction of discord, attraction becomes evidential but so does presumptions. Then comes one of them instantly becoming a Knight in armour to save the other distressing situation.
It was a pleasant read however I am not sure the images potrayed earlier of the characters appropriately followed through in later chapters. Early on Blake is a confident, ladies woman and accomplished artist then she later on is potrayed as not confident, insecure amd very much timid emotionally. And the reverse is potrayed of her co-character.
February 21, 2022
This book centres around an artist and a lawyer - two careers that possibly are by and large on opposite sides of the spectrum. Blake is a gruff, stubborn artist whereas Jenny is no-nonsense, overworked lawyer. I liked the way Sapphire set the scene of their initial meeting, as both Jenny and Blake were attracted physically to each other but disliked each others personality. An auspicious start, but one that I love to read and see shift into romantic feelings.
This is where, for me, this book didn't sway me. Yes, they were attracted to each other but the romantic development outside of this wasn't developed in a way that felt realistic. Their time together is fraught with tension and although some might see this as passion, I couldn't help but be distracted by the intensity of the drama. I couldn't engage with either character, let alone with the romantic entanglement.
A good debut and I'm looking forward to reading what's next from Sapphire.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is where, for me, this book didn't sway me. Yes, they were attracted to each other but the romantic development outside of this wasn't developed in a way that felt realistic. Their time together is fraught with tension and although some might see this as passion, I couldn't help but be distracted by the intensity of the drama. I couldn't engage with either character, let alone with the romantic entanglement.
A good debut and I'm looking forward to reading what's next from Sapphire.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2022
• Radiant
• Author Judy Sapphire
• Blake Harrison & Jenny O’Toole
The two main characters of this story are like oil and water, they don’t mix. (Because they fight it )
Jenny an overworked lawyer who hates her life, pretty much. She doesn’t have a social life and almost feels in a rut.
Blake is a talented artist. She is getting ready to present her work at a museum, but conflict arises.
Blake and Jenny have a confrontation at the museum and can’t seem to stand each other from jump. Although the stars have it aligned, and they keep running into each other.
These two main characters have nothing in common, other than the fact that they are much to involved in work and things that don’t make them happy. There is definitely a slow warm up between the two. But the sparks that fly and the attraction is felt. This is an opposites attract book, and two people who connect despite everything.
Its a wonderful book from a new author. The details in this book are great and makes the reader really feel a part of the book.
I enjoyed the book and the sex scenes were amazing.
Check this book out!
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the Arc
Exchange for an honest Review.
• Author Judy Sapphire
• Blake Harrison & Jenny O’Toole
The two main characters of this story are like oil and water, they don’t mix. (Because they fight it )
Jenny an overworked lawyer who hates her life, pretty much. She doesn’t have a social life and almost feels in a rut.
Blake is a talented artist. She is getting ready to present her work at a museum, but conflict arises.
Blake and Jenny have a confrontation at the museum and can’t seem to stand each other from jump. Although the stars have it aligned, and they keep running into each other.
These two main characters have nothing in common, other than the fact that they are much to involved in work and things that don’t make them happy. There is definitely a slow warm up between the two. But the sparks that fly and the attraction is felt. This is an opposites attract book, and two people who connect despite everything.
Its a wonderful book from a new author. The details in this book are great and makes the reader really feel a part of the book.
I enjoyed the book and the sex scenes were amazing.
Check this book out!
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the Arc
Exchange for an honest Review.
August 31, 2023
“What are you going to draw?” Another whisper.
“You,” Blake said. And as she said it, she knew it would be true. She would draw Jenny. She would sit in silence and gratitude, drawing Jenny.
3.5 stars. This was really sweet book, a slow burn, dislike to love, opposites attract romance between an artist and a lawyer who have what seem to be really different sensibilities, but they're actually more like than they think.
Blake is an experimental and conceptual artist, though she does a lot of traditional work as well, and Jenny is a lawyer attached tangentially to the gallery where Blake is doing her latest installation. They get off to a rocky start, and I ended up really liking their slow journey to attraction and understanding each other. There really is something about books about artists that I gravitate towards, and this worked for me a lot better than the last one I read. I didn't mind the ways that they misunderstood each other at first, because it provided a lot of good tension at the basis of their relationship, and we as readers could see behind their veneers and why they would work well together. The chemistry was really well-written, really natural. The drawing scenes were just as lovely as anything I could have wanted or expected out of a book in this genre, and Blake and Jenny also had a few really emotionally charged and sensual scenes that made me love their relationship.
I do think I would have preferred if (in a book that was paced like this, where they actually took a good long time before even acknowledging that they had feelings) there hadn't been a third act conflict. It just felt a little totally off-kilter, to have spent so much time building up towards admitting that they have feelings for one another, and then what seems like a short while later, they were already having relationship and communication troubles. I'm also going to be annoying and say what I always say: I wish this had been longer. There are so many little things working in the background of their stories that I just wish could have been fleshed out more. Michael, in the end, isn't a completely 2-dimensional character, but I still felt like he was, because Jenny's job didn't get enough focus. The same can be said for the plot with Blake and the person from her past accusing her of theft. I also wanted them both to spend more time with their friends. There's a lot in the story that could have used more polish. This is one where I really vacillated on whether or not I wanted to round up or round down on this 3.5 stars. I think that the characters were really well-written; it had a great, classic premise; it was sexy and swoony; it was really easy to read; and a lot of the discussions about art and the art world were actually really engrossing. So I guess even if it wasn't super memorable, I definitely had more good feelings than bad.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Islay Jacobs, and it was really great. If I'm not mistaken, this was my first read from her and I had no complaints about her voices and narration style; it reminded me of a pleasant mix of some of my faves. A book I would overall recommend, and I'd love to see what the author does next.
January 31, 2022
Jenny O'Toole has been working doggedly for five years as a corporate lawyer. Her demanding boss has her working evenings and weekends too. She also hasn't dated since breaking up with her ex over two years ago. Blake Harrison in a contemporary artist. Coming off a major recognition in the art world she is setting up a new exhibit at a Boston art museum. When Blake threatens to walk after a mix-up with the exhibition space Jenny is called in to help resolve the situation. Her best friend is the curator for the exhibit and Jenny does legal work pro bono for the museum. The blurb says dislike at first sight. I call it lust and miscommunication.
The story has them crossing paths until they can't deny the attraction. There is a lot of description of art that I found enthralling but others might think is too much. The author adds subtle richness like Blake sketching Jenny's ex on the subway and catching a snippet of her conversation. (Blake never knows of the connection.) There is sizzling attraction and eventual steaminess. But I never feel I know Blake as more than a stereotype impassioned genius artist. This book has a big pet peeve for me in romances. I don't like after the MCs have connected for either of them to be intimate with someone else. It might fit the character but it makes the main romance feel less sustainable. This is a strong debut novel from Judy Sapphire and I will look for future books from her. And on a personal note it makes me want to return to Boston and walk the city and visit the beautiful art museums there.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story has them crossing paths until they can't deny the attraction. There is a lot of description of art that I found enthralling but others might think is too much. The author adds subtle richness like Blake sketching Jenny's ex on the subway and catching a snippet of her conversation. (Blake never knows of the connection.) There is sizzling attraction and eventual steaminess. But I never feel I know Blake as more than a stereotype impassioned genius artist. This book has a big pet peeve for me in romances. I don't like after the MCs have connected for either of them to be intimate with someone else. It might fit the character but it makes the main romance feel less sustainable. This is a strong debut novel from Judy Sapphire and I will look for future books from her. And on a personal note it makes me want to return to Boston and walk the city and visit the beautiful art museums there.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2022
Oh, this book was fun!
Blake is an up and coming contemporary artist just breaking into art-work stardom and Jenny is an overworked, underappreciated lawyer looking for someone to share her life with. This is very much so an opposites attract kind of book - in the very best way possible. We get lots of really fun side characters and great chemistry between Blake and Jenny, all wrapped up in a love letter to Boston.
I honestly was up far too late reading this book, but it was worth it. It had a really great perspective on both of the main character's lives and careers, and really did a great job of making them both lovable and understood. Sometimes finding a balance between the serious-straight laced character and the care-free one can be a bit difficult, but this book did it well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!
Blake is an up and coming contemporary artist just breaking into art-work stardom and Jenny is an overworked, underappreciated lawyer looking for someone to share her life with. This is very much so an opposites attract kind of book - in the very best way possible. We get lots of really fun side characters and great chemistry between Blake and Jenny, all wrapped up in a love letter to Boston.
I honestly was up far too late reading this book, but it was worth it. It had a really great perspective on both of the main character's lives and careers, and really did a great job of making them both lovable and understood. Sometimes finding a balance between the serious-straight laced character and the care-free one can be a bit difficult, but this book did it well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!
February 17, 2022
Jenny O’Toole has worked as a corporate lawyer and she just doesn't like it. Probably because her boss Michael is constantly after her to do more. Only 24 hrs. a day but he expected her there, always. That was where she was when her BF Davis needed some help when artist Blake Harrison had told him that she was going to pull her show from the gallery where Davis worked. Seems the wall’s, light, etc. weren't what she wanted. He needed Jenny to review the contract Blake had signed.
Blake Harrison worked herself to the top of the art world. Not an easy job for any artist but one she plans on keeping. Now she has Jenny to contend with. Didn’t help that Jenny was beautiful and Blake has promised to not start any relationship or even one-night-stands. But as time passed both women couldn’t help but reach out for the other.
Now some lack luster artist Ned was trying to steal her show telling everyone who'd listen that Blake stole the concept from him. With the date set for Blake to make her way back to NY Jenny now has the job of trying to fix the problem. But she knows Blake will be leaving soon.
This is Ms Sapphire’s first book and she has done a remarkable job writing a story with interesting characters following a smart plot. Simply a very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
Blake Harrison worked herself to the top of the art world. Not an easy job for any artist but one she plans on keeping. Now she has Jenny to contend with. Didn’t help that Jenny was beautiful and Blake has promised to not start any relationship or even one-night-stands. But as time passed both women couldn’t help but reach out for the other.
Now some lack luster artist Ned was trying to steal her show telling everyone who'd listen that Blake stole the concept from him. With the date set for Blake to make her way back to NY Jenny now has the job of trying to fix the problem. But she knows Blake will be leaving soon.
This is Ms Sapphire’s first book and she has done a remarkable job writing a story with interesting characters following a smart plot. Simply a very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
December 19, 2022
This story has a strong emotional current running through it, basically because of the intensity of one of its protagonists, Blake, a New York artist who is succeeding with her installations and who is going to open a new exhibition in Boston
Blake and Jenny first meet in a mishap, Blake is trying to pressure the assistant curator of the museum where his exhibition is mounted, Jenny is a lawyer for a prestigious firm that does pro bono legal help for the museum, so that first meeting is going to create a great misunderstanding and mistrust between the two women, which at the same time is rejection and attraction.
Blake is of course passionate and belligerent and gruff. Jenny is calculating, calm and orderly. Nothing in common with each other. But the story is, in that respect, amazing in the way it shows what lies beneath the appearances of the two of them, mostly on Jenny's part.
I found it to be a strongly sensual and heartfelt story, surprising at times and quite well finished, in my opinion.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
Blake and Jenny first meet in a mishap, Blake is trying to pressure the assistant curator of the museum where his exhibition is mounted, Jenny is a lawyer for a prestigious firm that does pro bono legal help for the museum, so that first meeting is going to create a great misunderstanding and mistrust between the two women, which at the same time is rejection and attraction.
Blake is of course passionate and belligerent and gruff. Jenny is calculating, calm and orderly. Nothing in common with each other. But the story is, in that respect, amazing in the way it shows what lies beneath the appearances of the two of them, mostly on Jenny's part.
I found it to be a strongly sensual and heartfelt story, surprising at times and quite well finished, in my opinion.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
August 4, 2022
3.5 stars - I enjoyed reading this and thought it was a good story. I heard about this book on sapphic booktok and put it on hold at my library as soon as I heard about it.
The premise of the story is a corporate lawyer meets an artist and they go from enemies to lovers. I found the story easy to follow and read the book pretty quickly. I wish there had been a bit more character development and more to the romance other than both characters thinking each other were hot, because by the end I was still thinking “they barely know anything about each other.” That being said I did really enjoy the book, especially as a first book from the author. I would definitely read more from this author if she came out with another book!
The premise of the story is a corporate lawyer meets an artist and they go from enemies to lovers. I found the story easy to follow and read the book pretty quickly. I wish there had been a bit more character development and more to the romance other than both characters thinking each other were hot, because by the end I was still thinking “they barely know anything about each other.” That being said I did really enjoy the book, especially as a first book from the author. I would definitely read more from this author if she came out with another book!
June 14, 2022
🔥 Debut
This was an excellent debut from Sapphire. I am definitely a fan and interested in reading her work, rather it's about Jenny and Blake or a whole new cast of characters 😀
This was an excellent debut from Sapphire. I am definitely a fan and interested in reading her work, rather it's about Jenny and Blake or a whole new cast of characters 😀
January 31, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
Blake is an installation artist on the cusp of becoming famous while Jenny is a junior partner in a law firm who hates her boss and her job. They meet when she is called to the museum where Blakes has threatened to walk out and not install her creation. Jenny is sure the artist is just another diva and is ready to read her the riot act about violating contractual obligations.
Sapphire has created two intelligent and strong characters who are very nearly antisocial because they’re too busy hiding from life by overworking, whose lack of self-esteem threatens to drown them, who both want someone who truly sees them for who she is. They both deny their attraction to one another and very nearly sabotage their relationship by over-thinking everything. They finally get over themselves near the end of the book.
This book has writing that is excellent, pacing that makes reading deep into the night a delight, and a storyline that is unique.
The ending seems rushed and a bit too easy considering the amount of conflict they’ve each caused for most of the book.
However, if you enjoy books where the characters seemingly have nothing in common, but manage to fall in love anyway, this book is for you. If you love books where the conflict is more soul searching than angsty, this book is for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
Blake is an installation artist on the cusp of becoming famous while Jenny is a junior partner in a law firm who hates her boss and her job. They meet when she is called to the museum where Blakes has threatened to walk out and not install her creation. Jenny is sure the artist is just another diva and is ready to read her the riot act about violating contractual obligations.
Sapphire has created two intelligent and strong characters who are very nearly antisocial because they’re too busy hiding from life by overworking, whose lack of self-esteem threatens to drown them, who both want someone who truly sees them for who she is. They both deny their attraction to one another and very nearly sabotage their relationship by over-thinking everything. They finally get over themselves near the end of the book.
This book has writing that is excellent, pacing that makes reading deep into the night a delight, and a storyline that is unique.
The ending seems rushed and a bit too easy considering the amount of conflict they’ve each caused for most of the book.
However, if you enjoy books where the characters seemingly have nothing in common, but manage to fall in love anyway, this book is for you. If you love books where the conflict is more soul searching than angsty, this book is for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
February 5, 2022
Radiant by Judy Sapphire is an enemies to lovers - corporate meets art world romance. Jenny an overworked under-appreciated lawyer has a less than successful run-in with Blake an up and coming modern art artist but despite all of that there is an underlying explosive attraction.
So I do love the enemies to lovers trope quite a bit and the first half of the book did deliver that in spades. Lots of cutting remarks, misunderstandings, with a swirl of attraction - all of that tension was written really well by the author. The slow burn lead up to the eventuality and consumption of their attraction was particularly good.
I did like the introduction of the plot element which made the circumstances interesting but I think I struggled with the angst portion of this book which relied on communication or the lack of it to drive the plot forward. There’s lot of pining in this book and so even after the resolution of said angst and when they were apart, I couldn’t fathom the “why” both were keeping their distance in spite of their feelings. This was a quick and easy read and for a debut author, a really great start. 3.75🌟s
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So I do love the enemies to lovers trope quite a bit and the first half of the book did deliver that in spades. Lots of cutting remarks, misunderstandings, with a swirl of attraction - all of that tension was written really well by the author. The slow burn lead up to the eventuality and consumption of their attraction was particularly good.
I did like the introduction of the plot element which made the circumstances interesting but I think I struggled with the angst portion of this book which relied on communication or the lack of it to drive the plot forward. There’s lot of pining in this book and so even after the resolution of said angst and when they were apart, I couldn’t fathom the “why” both were keeping their distance in spite of their feelings. This was a quick and easy read and for a debut author, a really great start. 3.75🌟s
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2023
Radiant is a perfect name for this exquisite novel because it’s how it made me feel. On the surface, you have two women, seemingly opposite: Blake Harrison, a demanding artist, and Jenny O’Toole, an uptight overworked corporate lawyer. Negative assumptions about the other are made during their first couple of meetings and each woman struggles to come to terms with the magnetic pull they feel toward the other.
Appreciation for art is woven through the fabric of this book and being able to see Blake’s art through Jenny’s eyes is magnificent. As Jenny begins to understand who Blake is deep down, the more Blake’s talent shines through.
The questions continuously running through each character’s head while valid, often inhibit them from moving forward. Their first kiss is absolutely exquisite and happens in the perfect setting. Not only do they need, but they also crave one another. Their bodies and souls are made to be entwined and it’s clear they are meant to be together.
Appreciation for art is woven through the fabric of this book and being able to see Blake’s art through Jenny’s eyes is magnificent. As Jenny begins to understand who Blake is deep down, the more Blake’s talent shines through.
The questions continuously running through each character’s head while valid, often inhibit them from moving forward. Their first kiss is absolutely exquisite and happens in the perfect setting. Not only do they need, but they also crave one another. Their bodies and souls are made to be entwined and it’s clear they are meant to be together.
November 1, 2023
Oh, this book was fun!
Blake is an up and coming contemporary artist just breaking into art-work stardom and Jenny is an overworked, underappreciated lawyer looking for someone to share her life with. This is very much so an opposites attract kind of book - in the very best way possible. We get lots of really fun side characters and great chemistry between Blake and Jenny, all wrapped up in a love letter to Boston.
I honestly was up far too late reading this book, but it was worth it. It had a really great perspective on both of the main character's lives and careers, and really did a great job of making them both lovable and understood. Sometimes finding a balance between the serious-straight laced character and the care-free one can be a bit difficult, but this book did it well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!
Blake is an up and coming contemporary artist just breaking into art-work stardom and Jenny is an overworked, underappreciated lawyer looking for someone to share her life with. This is very much so an opposites attract kind of book - in the very best way possible. We get lots of really fun side characters and great chemistry between Blake and Jenny, all wrapped up in a love letter to Boston.
I honestly was up far too late reading this book, but it was worth it. It had a really great perspective on both of the main character's lives and careers, and really did a great job of making them both lovable and understood. Sometimes finding a balance between the serious-straight laced character and the care-free one can be a bit difficult, but this book did it well.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2022
What an enjoyable read from a first time author! The blurb and cover caught my eye so I was very curious which way the story would go. I was not disappointed.
In the beginning both MC's are convinced they don't like the other one despite the attraction and confusion they feel when they are near each other. It was a great ride seeing the story unfold between them and seeing them come to terms with their attraction.
The art and lawyer stuff in the book is a very nice addition to the romance and it was interesting reading those parts without it to be too boring or detailed.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the beginning both MC's are convinced they don't like the other one despite the attraction and confusion they feel when they are near each other. It was a great ride seeing the story unfold between them and seeing them come to terms with their attraction.
The art and lawyer stuff in the book is a very nice addition to the romance and it was interesting reading those parts without it to be too boring or detailed.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
A "will they, won't they" love story that Had me from the first chapter. A passionate artist in the bed and in her studio meets a number crunching lawyer and sparks fly in a room that reminds one of a hot summer day by the pool. Both MC's were fluent in the language of their own arts, numbers have angles and flow and are just as beautiful as the colors in a sketchbook. They are both devoted lovers to their crafts, but when they find one another? Crack a window because it gets hot in there:) The legalese was enthralling and the foray into visual art was captivating. Very much enjoyed this read.
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2022
Judy Sapphire is a new author with her first book, and I have feeling that she will continue with more great books
A great well written book with a story that is easy to follow , I really liked both characters Jenny and Blake.
The story is a clash and attract theme, will they won't they with some hot moments.
Would I recommend: Yes if you're looking for that relaxing read
A great well written book with a story that is easy to follow , I really liked both characters Jenny and Blake.
The story is a clash and attract theme, will they won't they with some hot moments.
Would I recommend: Yes if you're looking for that relaxing read
February 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this debut - compelling characters, prettier writing than I normally expect in romance (and I read a lot of romance!), great sex scenes, and a fun plot. Definitely a read into the night kind of book, with mental images to linger in your head for days.
February 7, 2025
Harrison and O'Toole story is such an inspiration
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews