Really loved this romance! I was really invested in the couple and honestly just wish the book could have been longer because i loved them so much!!

DNF

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.

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.

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, but since I have to in order to post the review, I’ll give it a three since I did only read half of it.

This isn’t my typical sort of story that I find myself drawn to, I like art, but the art scene isn’t really something I’m hugely familiar with, but the combination of the cover and the description intrigued me enough to give it a chance. I fully expected to be disappointed. I am very happy to say that the story proved me wrong and I most definitely wasn’t disappointed. Despite how much I enjoyed the story as a whole I can’t rate it at 5 stars because some of the scenarios put in place to drag out the relationship drama were too convoluted for my liking. If not for those ridiculous scenarios being deployed to keep the characters apart longer this might have been at least a 4.5 star read. Nonetheless, this is definitely a story I can recommend. The chemistry between the leads is palpable. The supporting characters serve a purpose. Best of all the ending didn’t feel rushed because the author solved a lot of the main drama with several chapters to spare to provide a satisfying ending. It was a well-paced, well-written, and engaging story that I was thrilled to have received an ARC for. I can sincerely recommend this book for a fun quick read.

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.

This was a well written debut with likeable characters who had good chemistry from the start. The author’s tone was engaging and the art world setting was interesting. There was a scene with the two leads at the exhibition which was really sweet and steamy and really grabbed me. However, as much as I enjoyed the build up between the two up to that point, their scenes felt a little mechanical after that and the conflict between towards the end felt forced and unnecessary. Overall though it was a very good debut novel.

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

Jenny O'Toole is a professional. She is dedicated to her job and struggles to let people into her life. In contrast, Blake Harrison is an up-and-coming queer installation artist with her life on display through her art. When Jenny is called to the museum to deal with what might be a tantrum because of an incorrect build, it is loathing at first sight. But as they keep get pushed together, will that loathing turn into something more?

Unfortunately, I just wasn't a fan of this one. I did not find any of the characters very believable or relatable. Additionally, some of the language used (especially in the sex scenes) just kind of...threw me off. There's a good chance that was just me as a reader but it did negatively effect my experience reading this book. Ultimately this book just wasn't for me.

**Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had a great time with this book. I wished for more Jenny and Blake before page 100 - which is indicative of how engaging their relationship was. I wanted more clarity on Blake's past and a sense of who she was more specifically. The supporting characters - Davis and Amy particularly - were wonderful. I could see this world while reading. If anything, I want more time with Blake and Jenny before things fall apart with the texts from Ned.

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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.

• 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.

I liked the premise, but felt the story was a little lacking. Blake is an artist who has had one night stands while Jenny is a workaholic at a law firm. They have little in common, but their initial meeting is one of attraction. When Blake and Jenny finally get together, they have an argument soon after. I felt they got together too quickly. I enjoy enemies to lovers stories but this one didn't seem realistic. 3/5

I am always excited for debut authors and their first published book so when I found out this was one, I was excited to jump right in. From the description one might think this is an enemies to lovers genre to it was more a dislikes to lovers, or basically wrong first impressions.

We have Jenny, a lawyer by trade and ready to help her best friend at a gallery that is dealing with a rather difficult artist threatening to bale on her exhibition. Blake, the said artist, is not at all happy with how the gallery carpenter's messed up on one of her installations and is taking it out on said best friend of Jenny's. Jenny shows up to help in her lawyer mode, some things might have been said and overheard that 'Diva' was brought up and there you have dislike right off the bat. I loved the friction Blake and Jenny have right from the start, and as the story moves along at a very nice pace, the ice between them start to melt (hey it is Boston in the winter so there will be snow/ice <smile>).

I enjoyed the dialog with the characters, and there is lots of it, which I love in a book. The supporting characters are also fun with their interactions, except for Jenny's boss, jerk. There is misunderstandings between Blake and Jenny, the opening night for Blake was a major one, again words overheard and misunderstanding, but it does give you a better sense of how sensitive Blake is.

Among the building relationship story line, there is also a bit of art theft going on, or at least art copying, that bring some intrigue to the story. Overall a great debut novel for Ms. Sapphire and I look forward to picking up more books from her.

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but would have written the same opinion if I had come across this author on my own.

To see my Amazon review, it is under CC-Artsy Romance

Blake is an up and coming artist, as long as she can keep her temper at bay. She is a perfectionist and everything at the gallery must be to her specifications in order for the installation to be what she wants. This is what is going on and the gallery manager has his friend and gallery lawyer talk to her about the specs. Jenny talks to Blake that if she doesn't fulfill the contract, she will have to file a lawsuit. Blake is able to comply, but not willingly.

As Blake is making modifications, Jenny stops by and even offers to help. This sparks a tentative friendship. As the installation evolves so does the relationship between the two women.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

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.

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

This was the first book from the author that I've read (I'm not sure if there are more) but I really enjoyed the story and her writing. This book was a close "5 star book" for me, so I'd say I'd rate it more at 4.5 stars.

I loved how the characters were written, the way they met and kept meeting, their chemistry...all of it. Blake and Jenny are basically opposites in the way that they live their lives, but they still work. Not only do they complement each other, but they found similarities in places where most people wouldn't make the connection.

There was a bit of a lead-up to them getting together, so the relationship didn't feel rushed. Like the summary says, it's not love at first site. Possibly attraction at first site, but I really enjoyed seeing them going from not liking each other to the undeniable chemistry/fate. The book felt complete once it ended.

The only slight issue I had was the constant self doubting of Blake. I'm fine with her being portrayed as having a lot of self doubt at times, since I believe most artists do, but it got a little repetitive when it came to being good enough for Jenny. I wished she realized her self worth a bit more, even by the end of the book.

Overall, great book that I would definitely recommend.

The writing was good however, I felt like there was no interest/spice in the characters. and unfortunately, that ruined my experience. I'm sure many will like the book and rightly so.

thank you for the author and her team.

Radiant features Blake Harrison as an emerging artist who is in Boston to host a lighting room museum installation. Blake initially comes off as a temperamental artist when she meets lawyer, Jenny O’Toole, when Blake fails to potentially meet the requirements of the museum contract. Even though their initial meeting is contentious on both sides, there is also an element of attraction. But Blake gets the distinct vibe that Jenny is straight. However, we learn that she is just deeply in the closet.

Although the main characters appear to not have much in common an eventual romance does ensue. Overall this was a decent debut from Judy Sapphire with character chemistry, some intrigue, and highlights of Boston. 3 stars

I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.