Brush Strokes

I didn't know to much about the book when I requested it from Netgalley. But it featured Art and a M/M romance. What more could you want?

Todd Navarro is halfway through college, trying to juggle his art studies with work and avoid the ongoing feud between the gallery where he works and the one next door. When his best friend Mela invites him to a frat party, he meets athlete Daniel Berger, who doesn't fit Todd's preconceived notions about jocks. After an unexpected night together, a romance seems possible, until Todd discovers that what they have in common could also drive them apart.

'Why would you look at it that way? Because it's easier than being helpless and sad.'

This book has one of the best M/M romances I've read in a while. After Todd and Daniel meet at a party, they end up spending all night with each other. Reading about their night is sweet, charming yet it's not cliched. I think the best thing about it is their chemistry, you can feel in the pages. I mean, that's some great writing. You instantly want them to be together, and when things go wrong you spend the rest of the book willing them to get together. The romance is subtle yet epic. It keeps you intrigued right till the very end.

I also love, the storyline of Todd trying to save the art gallery that he works for. I'm a sucker for this in books, to see our characters work hard for their end goal. It really makes me root for them. This storyline adds another layer to the plot, it makes it so the romance isn't alway centre stage and it's refreshing.

Now, I think a real highlight in this book is its representation. It has a character who's hard of hearing. I've never read about this in a book before and I have to say, it made me quite emotional. You can feel the characters struggle and the sadness, yet it doesn't stop his life or his dreams. I think that's so inspiring, and I hope it inspires others who are hard of hearing. It has certainly made think twice. I love it when a book does this.

'It wasn't until I started spending time with other people with hearing loss that I stopped feeling like I was the odd piece in the puzzle somehow.... Sometimes, especially in large groups, it's easy for people to forget to not have several conversations at the same time or interrupt each other. It's tiring for me to read lips... I'm proud of who I am, but it blows when other people forget who I am.'

This is E.S's first novel and to be honest that surprises me. It's self assured and the writing is confident. The book is complex, funny, sweet. It left me feeling so hopeful. In my opinion that's the mark of a great book and a great writer. I'm looking forward to see what she does in the future. Whatever it is, I'll be reading it.
I can't recommend this book. I read this book in two days and that never happens.

I have to Thank Netgalley and InterludePress for giving me a copy of this book in return for an honest review. It comes out on the 12th of March and you can preorder now. Don't miss this one.

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me an Arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Okay I’m gonna Start off by saying I’m now obsessed with this book.
I literally couldn’t put it down so I read it in one sitting.
I instantly fell in love with these characters and found myself wanting to know all about them.
The plot was amazing and super unique.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
One of my favourite reads so far this year.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥 Heat Level: 1/NA

Such a touching story about finding your passion and your place!!

This story is a young adult story about finding yourself. Following Todd and his passion for art and the art gallery where he works. It’s his safe place and a place he loves and realizes he needs to try and save it. There are many dynamic characters and great families and friends. The story for me reflected a bit of a coming-of-age and self-discovery for Todd. His love of art never wavered but his belief in himself and his worth and ability to ask for help showed his growth.

I liked that the author is true to the age group of college studies in the final years of study and the anxiety that goes with what comes next. Throughout the story anxiety in mentioned and reflected true to form and with such heart, I could relate. Something as simple as picking up the phone can cause anxiety and E.S. has incorporated these real-life changes into her writing to make it that much more real and heartfelt.

Daniel was a wonderful character and so strong given his hard of hearing. I enjoyed the ever-present connection between Daniel and Todd and while miscommunication and the classic ‘not talking about our thought or feelings’ usually annoys me, the way E.S. approached this was endearing and worked so perfectly with these characters. It’s a slow-burn crush that neither seems to act on but Todd is finally brave and they get their happy ending.

I loved the Kids & Canvas, art class Todd runs and those kids are just so loveable!

My only notes are that it took a while to figure out what Sandwich was. Sandwich is a rabbit! Also, I wasn’t sure who Evan was at first. From the story, he could have been either an ex or the brother, but obviously, as the story progressed, the brother part became clear.

This story was well written and with so much love and understanding for Todd and Daniel. I don't think the blurb does the book justice as there is so much more to the book! I enjoy this and look forward to seeing more from E.S. Karlquist. 

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