This was a good end to the Mastery of Trickery Duet. It didn't wow me like the first book but it was good and definitely worth the read.
I enjoyed the raw beauty of the characters and their journey. Also the development of two other characters and their role in Olin and Gil's story was beautiful.
What made the book a little monotonous was Gilbert's self-loathing and martyrdom. By the end of the first book, as a reader, we got it-- he didn't like himself or feel worthy of love and help-- especially from Olin. So when it came up on every other page in book two, it got old. Same goes for Olin and her constantly having inner dialogue to explain to herself and justify her "weaknesses." I admit I skimmed when these parts came up.
I did enjoy the truth in the story and how the characters found redemption.
There was one character in the book that was an integral part of the story but also didn't make sense. He kind of popped out of no where (sort of-- it's hard to explain without giving spoilers) from book one. I felt he was used to throw us off on the suspense part of the story being too predictable. So while he fit the story, I think, either another known character should have been used or better development of this character should have occurred.
Overall, a fantastic story that had all the suspense, darkness, and beauty I've come to admire in a Pepper Winters novel.
D 4/5

This read was frustrating! Being I am a huge fan of this author for me it was lacking! I was reading the first book and almost DNF reading! I was so frustrated with the characters of Gilbert and Olin. This author has a way of pulling you in and hooking you into her story world! This was not the case with this read. She always has me hook, line and sinker! I wanted Olin to be more decisive and not so wishy washy. Gilbert and his story did not come until the second book. Just needed more and less frustrating characters. Not something I thought I would say! I am off to the next read. Not sure about this one.

I received this ARC from the publisher at my request via Net Galley. The opinions written are solely my own. Thank you Net Galley!

The much anticipated sequel to The Body Painter was such a beautiful conclusion for two characters you cane to know and fall for.

Gil was complex and had such a troubled background, Olin was the girl of his dreams and all that was good in this world to him. While sad, and heartbreaking circumstances drove them apart in youth, they managed to reconnect due to an ad Gil posted looking for a living canvas to paint, Olin being down on her luck, answers the ad.

I don’t think it’s a secret that pepper winters is one of my favorite adult romance authors, I devour her books.

It started off right where it left off, the action was all in they beginning but after.....it just kind of slowed down. I did like how we got introduced to Gils daughter, and how we saw more of his best friend in this story. We also got a little more explanation as to why his uncle was blackmailing him the way he was. The steaminess between Gil and Olin though, was almost non existent until the end. I will say the epilogue, was beautiful!!!!! 3.75/5⭐️

What a fantastic book! Pepper Winters took me on an emotional marathon with this conclusion to the Mastery of Trickery Duet. Book One, The Body Painter, left me in turmoil wanting to know what happens to Olin and Gil. This book, The Living Canvas, had me on pins and needles waiting to find out why Gil was doing what he was doing and what the outcome would be. A truly fantastic thriller and an absolute Must Read!

The Living Canvas by Pepper Winters is part of duet series she wrote and is an incredible book that has incredible characters and imagery. I was so excited to read this book because I have heard so many good things about it. I’m a fan of Pepper Winters writing and this book lived up to all the amazing reviews! I loved Olin and Gil’s backstories, they are dark and full of so much angst. They truly make this story so powerful and the long period of time this story spans between the other book and how effortlessly it flows together. I love Olive Oyl and how she is able to just be a young child and have so much drama and tragedy in her life and yet mean so much to so many people. The characters are well written and brought to life as if they are people you see every day and have known forever. I highly recommend this book and the duet series. Five star book! I love how a much needed topic for men is talked about and not stigmatized in this book and I appreciate that. Victims are given a voice and I like how well it’s done in this story.

I am a huge Pepper Winters fan and this book was so much MORE amazing than the first one!! Full of twists and turns, and in true Pepper fashion, unputdownable!!! I simply loved it and I am sad it is over. I cannot wait for her next work. I recommend it.

I had hope after Book 1, but sadly the second one didn't work for me...
I didn't DFNed, but I certainly skipped pages, so that's not a good sign.

This book was the second book of the Master of Trickery Duet and I could not put it down. This book focused Gil facing the consequences of choices made and learning that family is what you make, even if you didn't see it coming. Olin on the other hand is learning to let go of the past, even if the decision hurts. I enjoyed the first book of this duet but I loved this one so much more. So good!

Dark and hot, just the way I love! This book was an excellent follow up to the first book I read and had me panting and needing breaks often, because it was so intensely dark and hot! Must read for my fellow dark romance fans, sure to give you exactly what you’re wanting in the genre! Well written, engrossing, and unputdownable!
Will make sure I buzz it up!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommend this book to everyone. Can't wat to read more from this author.

Woah, this book was intense and so unexpected!! It is the long awaited second book in the Duet, and so much more amazing than the first book!! I literally could not put this book down!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

couldn't wait to get to this book. the hardships Olin and Gill had to face to get to where they ended up, should never have to happen to anyone in a lifetime, let alone in a few years. Pepper Winters writing is tremendous. Love how this book ended. they sure did deserve a happy ending.

First, you have to read the previous book to understand all. This one starts at the exact moment the previous ended.
I was blown apart with so many emotions running through me while reading this, it was hard to process them all. I want to give feedback spoiler-free so let me just say, there are raw emotions, guilt, terrible pain, unfairness and so much cruelty I wanted to shake the responsible for ruining innocent lives. But most of all there is pure love that finds its way in the midst of all horrible things happening.
There are so many secrets and I can't help wondering what outcome would there be if people were honest, forthcoming and brave from the beginning. The assumptions and bad decisions in the name of protecting each other are also making things worse.
Furthermore, I understood her reasoning but her bipolar behavior and indecision were making me crazy. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book despite my love-hate-love relationship, it's just that I was so consumed by the book it was like living it through the characters.
In the end, they finally get their HEA, despite or because of all the obstacles.

I needed this book the second I was done The Body Painters so I was super excited to get it! The Living Canvas did not let me down! This book was so good and be warned just as hot 🥰 as the first! I can not wait to read more!!!

I was so excited to get my hands on this sequel! It was just as good as the first one and I loved every minute of it.

I highly recommend this book!

Well I must say after reading The Body Painter and liking it just enough to want the end of Olin and Gil's story but definitely not loving it I was very surprised and pleased with how Ms. Winters redeemed herself with The Living Canvas.

At the beginning I felt it was written very much in the same vein as book 1 but it picked up very quickly and the story just took off with enormous steam and I just had to know how it was all going to end.

I really didn't connect much with both Gil and Olin in the first book but when you get the whole story and see the full picture the connection becomes very intense very quickly.

I really didn't think I would recommend this duet but believe me that book 2 really makes it all worth it.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Hot hot hot!!
Love pepper books and this did not disappoint. I devoured it in one sitting. Loved the blurb and was so excited to dive in.

Was an entertaining and must read kind of duet. I was so happy and honored to get a copy of both books through netgalley. Beautifully done. While the second book wasn’t quite as fast paced as the first, I still really enjoyed it.

This is a duet. Read The Body Painter first which ended with a cliffhanger.
Olin Moss has big dream to be a dancer but her plan was disrupted – she is emotionally and physically scar. Now living back home in England she is barely making rent so when an ad for a job came up she did not hesitate to apply. Said job is a living canvas…naked! What happened when she came face to face with her new boss Gil Clark aka the man who broke her heart seven years prior?
Second book, we will find out who Gil really is and all that came with his complicated life. Olin found herself in a sticky situation too thanks to Gil but you can’t blame a man who would sacrifice anything for his daughter. I feel really bad for Gil – he was dealt a shitty card at a young age. A tortured soul who is determined to make everything right but it is an uphill battle. This book is a little faster than the first. It’s also more interesting as we get all the unanswered questions. The plot continues to be intense, drama, suspense, surprises at every turn for the first half. Then, the story is a bit lighter with focus on the four main characters, how relationship evolve, how they navigate life after tragedy, and ultimately HEA. Over all, this duet is dark and emotional. A broken hero and his road to redemption. It’s about unconditional love between lovers and also father and daughter. IT’s about forgiveness and a second chances.

This is book two and the conclusion to the Master of Trickery series, and you need to read book one (The Body Painter) before indulging in this one. This is a heavier and darker read. Book one held lots of secrets that caused so much pain and suffering. Book two we get some answers and a price has to be paid. We know the 'Hero' is tormented, we know the 'Heroine' is self sacrificing, but when is enough enough? Both struggling to let the other go, yet at the same time, neither are able to freely do so. They try and try, but a magnet keeps pulling them together. Most of the anguish that takes place in this book takes place internally within the characters. While there is a lot going on in their lives and in the story, it is a slow paced story. This isn't a quick read. It is a beautifully crafted story, but at the same time, it felt there was a lot of redundancy. (Same thing with happened in book one.) As it is a darker read, there isn't much going on to being lightness to it, though there are a couple laughs taking place between the characters here and there. Due to the subject matter and the sexual content, this book is suitable for mature readers.

*I received a copy of this book through Netgalley.