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The Art of Love #5
Blown
The Art of Love is risking your career for a fake engagement that could unravel your web of lies…
Rafe Hawthorne is a master glassblower with a commitment problem. He loves his life of artistic and romantic freedom, but the older he gets, the more he realizes he needs help to reach the heights of the glass world. As much as he hates to admit it, his old rival, Jake Mathers, might be the only person who can help him level up his career.
And Rafe has something Jake desperately needs, too.
Jake has always been the charming sweet-talker with more talent than anyone else in the room. He has the connections, the know-how, and the ambition to take the glass world by storm. At least, everyone thinks he does. In reality, Jake has built his career on a mountain of lies. The only true things about him are his desire to move to the UK and his feelings for Rafe.
When all those lies suddenly unfurl, will the fallout take Rafe down, too, or will the two men come together to save each other and make the lies true?
Blown is a fake engagement, rivals to lovers romance with enough heat to melt glass!
Rafe Hawthorne is a master glassblower with a commitment problem. He loves his life of artistic and romantic freedom, but the older he gets, the more he realizes he needs help to reach the heights of the glass world. As much as he hates to admit it, his old rival, Jake Mathers, might be the only person who can help him level up his career.
And Rafe has something Jake desperately needs, too.
Jake has always been the charming sweet-talker with more talent than anyone else in the room. He has the connections, the know-how, and the ambition to take the glass world by storm. At least, everyone thinks he does. In reality, Jake has built his career on a mountain of lies. The only true things about him are his desire to move to the UK and his feelings for Rafe.
When all those lies suddenly unfurl, will the fallout take Rafe down, too, or will the two men come together to save each other and make the lies true?
Blown is a fake engagement, rivals to lovers romance with enough heat to melt glass!
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceLGBT
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
29 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
295 books1,142 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 7, 2025
Blown is the fifth book in ‘The Art of Love’ series. This stars Rafe, the eldest Hawthorne son, and Jake Mathers, American and fellow glassblower. This is told in third person from Jake and Rafe’s pov.
I love this series and the Hawthorne family. I hope this isn’t the last book in the series, maybe there are some ‘lost’ Hawthornes lurking around that can be drawn into the family.
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t add much to it. The story starts with Rafe furious at himself for going to pick up Jake at the airport and going through with the fake fiancé scheme so Jake can move to England. The fake fiancé angle isn’t really a secret within the family. Jake is talkative and pretty much tells everyone. The author does a good job of introducing the family members who appeared in the other books a little at a time so the reader isn’t overwhelmed.
Rafe and Jake are a volatile couple. Rafe can’t stand Jake for multiple reasons. First Rafe is broody, ambitious, he wants to be world renowned, envied, admired, and that’s his problem. His ego gets easily hurt and he knows that Jake is far more talented than he is. When at the conservatory Rafe and Jake worked together and they made a good team, but Jake hogged the limelight and he also told elaborate stories, or lies. Rafe couldn’t stand that either, so why is he helping Jake? The answer is part of the story. Jake is the opposite of Rafe, he’s bouncy, talkative, and charming, and has no desire to be world famous. He has ADHD and makes up wild stories. Jake is extremely insecure. His parents hated him because he was gay, and he was beat up at school. All he’s wanted was too be liked and loved, so he makes up stories for people to like him. Those lies catch up with him in the States, so he asked Rafe to marry him so he could immigrate to England. England felt like home to Jake and he really wanted to move there. There’s a lot of push and pull between the two men with Rafe questioning himself on why he’s going along with Jake’s scheme, and Jake trying to figure out how to keep Rafe interested in him because Jake believes he’s no one of value. The only thing he is skilled at is glassblowing, in fact he’s quite talented and can imagine new designs and how to work them easily, even better when he works with Rafe. The author did a great job of creating distinct characters, with Jake being the easiest for me to identify with as a character. I could believe in Jake and Rafe as a couple.
The one part of the story I had problems with, was the confrontation with the famous glassblower. The author wrote part of the scene where Rafe mentions to Jake, while with that glassblower, that this way Jake wouldn’t have to marry Rafe to become a citizen. I understand this was written so Jake would freak out since he wanted to marry Rafe at this point and now, he thought Rafe didn’t want him. But this info spoken by Rafe, could’ve been used against Jake by the glassblower to save themselves. Also, the deal was not to give the video to anyone else until the glassblower fulfilled their promise. Instead, Rafe immediately sent the video to other glassblowers making them promise to keep it secret, of course they didn’t. I don’t understand why Rafe didn’t wait until the famous glassblower completed their promise. For me, this whole confrontation scene with the promises was weak and felt like it was created for story tension, but instead it came across as manipulative to get the reader to feel a certain way.
I found Blown to be an entertaining read, with Rafe and Jake interesting characters. The one weak spot in the story is the confrontation scene with the famous glassblower and how Rafe’s comment, and the video for me, made the scene less realistic, and more about just trying to finish the story. This is the big confrontation and is an important scene, unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I did like this story, but not as much as some of the other books in this series. I give this book 4 Stars.
I received and ARC from the author. This is my hones and unbiased opinion.
I love this series and the Hawthorne family. I hope this isn’t the last book in the series, maybe there are some ‘lost’ Hawthornes lurking around that can be drawn into the family.
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t add much to it. The story starts with Rafe furious at himself for going to pick up Jake at the airport and going through with the fake fiancé scheme so Jake can move to England. The fake fiancé angle isn’t really a secret within the family. Jake is talkative and pretty much tells everyone. The author does a good job of introducing the family members who appeared in the other books a little at a time so the reader isn’t overwhelmed.
Rafe and Jake are a volatile couple. Rafe can’t stand Jake for multiple reasons. First Rafe is broody, ambitious, he wants to be world renowned, envied, admired, and that’s his problem. His ego gets easily hurt and he knows that Jake is far more talented than he is. When at the conservatory Rafe and Jake worked together and they made a good team, but Jake hogged the limelight and he also told elaborate stories, or lies. Rafe couldn’t stand that either, so why is he helping Jake? The answer is part of the story. Jake is the opposite of Rafe, he’s bouncy, talkative, and charming, and has no desire to be world famous. He has ADHD and makes up wild stories. Jake is extremely insecure. His parents hated him because he was gay, and he was beat up at school. All he’s wanted was too be liked and loved, so he makes up stories for people to like him. Those lies catch up with him in the States, so he asked Rafe to marry him so he could immigrate to England. England felt like home to Jake and he really wanted to move there. There’s a lot of push and pull between the two men with Rafe questioning himself on why he’s going along with Jake’s scheme, and Jake trying to figure out how to keep Rafe interested in him because Jake believes he’s no one of value. The only thing he is skilled at is glassblowing, in fact he’s quite talented and can imagine new designs and how to work them easily, even better when he works with Rafe. The author did a great job of creating distinct characters, with Jake being the easiest for me to identify with as a character. I could believe in Jake and Rafe as a couple.
The one part of the story I had problems with, was the confrontation with the famous glassblower. The author wrote part of the scene where Rafe mentions to Jake, while with that glassblower, that this way Jake wouldn’t have to marry Rafe to become a citizen. I understand this was written so Jake would freak out since he wanted to marry Rafe at this point and now, he thought Rafe didn’t want him. But this info spoken by Rafe, could’ve been used against Jake by the glassblower to save themselves. Also, the deal was not to give the video to anyone else until the glassblower fulfilled their promise. Instead, Rafe immediately sent the video to other glassblowers making them promise to keep it secret, of course they didn’t. I don’t understand why Rafe didn’t wait until the famous glassblower completed their promise. For me, this whole confrontation scene with the promises was weak and felt like it was created for story tension, but instead it came across as manipulative to get the reader to feel a certain way.
I found Blown to be an entertaining read, with Rafe and Jake interesting characters. The one weak spot in the story is the confrontation scene with the famous glassblower and how Rafe’s comment, and the video for me, made the scene less realistic, and more about just trying to finish the story. This is the big confrontation and is an important scene, unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I did like this story, but not as much as some of the other books in this series. I give this book 4 Stars.
I received and ARC from the author. This is my hones and unbiased opinion.
February 19, 2025
Having seen, in person, glass blowing on the Venetian island of Murano and also in a tiny factory on the island of Gozo; having been invited to try it out, I could relate on a certain level to this story. I could certainly relate to the classes that Rafe teaches and I can say that glass blowing truly is an amazing art. I think that alone would have drawn me to this story but I have been following the ups and downs of the Hawthorne family from book 1, when Rafe was still over in the US, on his residency at Cornell.
Now he is back home, back with the family. He has his hot shop, his classroom, all his equipment and he is about to have the company of a fellow glassblower, one who he has very mixed feelings towards. Rafe and Jake were both students at Cornell, both doing a residency but Rafe's experience of Jake has not been the happiest, he blames Jake for stealing all the limelight and ruining his chances of an apprenticeship that, he had hoped, would rocket him to fame in the glassblowing world. He and Jake are about to be reunited though he is questioning why he ever said yes...
Jake hates his life in the US and has burned every bridge. He has however a yearning to live in the UK, in his very soul he feels as though it is home and so, with nothing really left to lose he asks Rafe to marry him, for a visa, so Jake can make his home in the UK. Rafe agrees, Jake comes to Hawthorne house and the pair begin their fake engagement. Of course the family know but this is Rafe's family, a family where anything goes and they see beyond the fake, they also begin to see through Jake's web of lies, a web he knows he needs to stop weaving before his world comes crashing down around him. Before he loses Rafe who he is truly developing feelings for.
Merry Farmer writes from the heart, proven by the author's note at the end of the book. She puts her everything into each story, the level of research is evident and it is worth it. Not only does the story feel real but the characters do too. These are real people, perhaps they are a little eccentric but they are British aristocracy! The place, their roles, their work with the community, everything about the story has a place, fits within the now developing timeline which began in book 1 and continues to grow. She finds the perfect balance between engaging us with her current couple, in this case Rafe and Jake, yet at the same time ensuring we remain in contact with the entire family and each of their relationships. It is beautiful.
Blown, and all the books which make up The Art of Love, feel like home, they feel like coming home to an eccentric family, they make me certainly, wish that I could call in for a visit, join in a family picnic, shop from the website and visit the Renaissance Fair! Funny, engaging, romantic, angsty - how could they not be given the arc of each story, and each with its own HEA these are stories that reach into your heart, take hold and will not let go. They are also stories which explore the many aspects of the rainbow spectrum and I love them for that too. If you want to try Blown but have not yet met the family I urge you to start at the beginning. If you have met the family, pick up Blown and discover the master of glass blowing, the eldest son, Rafe and the man who could win his heart if he can find a way to be honest.
Now he is back home, back with the family. He has his hot shop, his classroom, all his equipment and he is about to have the company of a fellow glassblower, one who he has very mixed feelings towards. Rafe and Jake were both students at Cornell, both doing a residency but Rafe's experience of Jake has not been the happiest, he blames Jake for stealing all the limelight and ruining his chances of an apprenticeship that, he had hoped, would rocket him to fame in the glassblowing world. He and Jake are about to be reunited though he is questioning why he ever said yes...
Jake hates his life in the US and has burned every bridge. He has however a yearning to live in the UK, in his very soul he feels as though it is home and so, with nothing really left to lose he asks Rafe to marry him, for a visa, so Jake can make his home in the UK. Rafe agrees, Jake comes to Hawthorne house and the pair begin their fake engagement. Of course the family know but this is Rafe's family, a family where anything goes and they see beyond the fake, they also begin to see through Jake's web of lies, a web he knows he needs to stop weaving before his world comes crashing down around him. Before he loses Rafe who he is truly developing feelings for.
Merry Farmer writes from the heart, proven by the author's note at the end of the book. She puts her everything into each story, the level of research is evident and it is worth it. Not only does the story feel real but the characters do too. These are real people, perhaps they are a little eccentric but they are British aristocracy! The place, their roles, their work with the community, everything about the story has a place, fits within the now developing timeline which began in book 1 and continues to grow. She finds the perfect balance between engaging us with her current couple, in this case Rafe and Jake, yet at the same time ensuring we remain in contact with the entire family and each of their relationships. It is beautiful.
Blown, and all the books which make up The Art of Love, feel like home, they feel like coming home to an eccentric family, they make me certainly, wish that I could call in for a visit, join in a family picnic, shop from the website and visit the Renaissance Fair! Funny, engaging, romantic, angsty - how could they not be given the arc of each story, and each with its own HEA these are stories that reach into your heart, take hold and will not let go. They are also stories which explore the many aspects of the rainbow spectrum and I love them for that too. If you want to try Blown but have not yet met the family I urge you to start at the beginning. If you have met the family, pick up Blown and discover the master of glass blowing, the eldest son, Rafe and the man who could win his heart if he can find a way to be honest.
June 9, 2025
A fake engagement is sought, a real one develops
In this magical series about Hawthorne Estate and its family members comes the story of Rafe, the glassblower and oldest son of the Hawthornes. He's been caught by Jake Mathers, who admits to being a compulsive liar and needs help. Jake fabricates stories that cannot be verified and creates excuses to further his glassblowing art, all while leaving others gasping for air in the room.
Jake is clearly talented, but he has lied his way out of the lives of so many that his craft can now only flourish elsewhere. Jake and Rafe were members of the Corning glass masters group, where Jake's presence consistently upstaged or marginalized Rafe. So, why would Rafe answer the phone when Jake called, unless there was a potentially salvageable connection?
Jake wants to enter into a fake marriage with Rafe to escape the many lies he has told others and start fresh in England. As rivals, their distance has made it challenging for Rafe to accept Jake's request for assistance.
Even on the first day of their new adventure, Rafe is deceived, and Jake feels disappointed. He vows to change and admits his growing fondness for Rafe as the story progresses. The narrative is beautifully told, with Merry Farmer's prose and vivid descriptions providing a strong English connection to the glassblowing community. Her writing also transitions the story from mere narration to an emotional experience through its immersive scene-setting.
As a compulsive liar, Jake believes he possesses the benefit of being able to tell when others are lying. This skill proves useful when the two find themselves in the company of a revered glass artist, whose endorsement of their work would be immensely advantageous. However, Jake suspects there is another motive at play beyond the appreciation of the innovation that Rafe and he have created.
The story concludes with a happy-ever-after ending where the bad guys receive their just deserts, creating a conclusion that is both sweet and satisfying, all without straying from the enchanting world that Ms. Farmer has crafted for us.
In this magical series about Hawthorne Estate and its family members comes the story of Rafe, the glassblower and oldest son of the Hawthornes. He's been caught by Jake Mathers, who admits to being a compulsive liar and needs help. Jake fabricates stories that cannot be verified and creates excuses to further his glassblowing art, all while leaving others gasping for air in the room.
Jake is clearly talented, but he has lied his way out of the lives of so many that his craft can now only flourish elsewhere. Jake and Rafe were members of the Corning glass masters group, where Jake's presence consistently upstaged or marginalized Rafe. So, why would Rafe answer the phone when Jake called, unless there was a potentially salvageable connection?
Jake wants to enter into a fake marriage with Rafe to escape the many lies he has told others and start fresh in England. As rivals, their distance has made it challenging for Rafe to accept Jake's request for assistance.
Even on the first day of their new adventure, Rafe is deceived, and Jake feels disappointed. He vows to change and admits his growing fondness for Rafe as the story progresses. The narrative is beautifully told, with Merry Farmer's prose and vivid descriptions providing a strong English connection to the glassblowing community. Her writing also transitions the story from mere narration to an emotional experience through its immersive scene-setting.
As a compulsive liar, Jake believes he possesses the benefit of being able to tell when others are lying. This skill proves useful when the two find themselves in the company of a revered glass artist, whose endorsement of their work would be immensely advantageous. However, Jake suspects there is another motive at play beyond the appreciation of the innovation that Rafe and he have created.
The story concludes with a happy-ever-after ending where the bad guys receive their just deserts, creating a conclusion that is both sweet and satisfying, all without straying from the enchanting world that Ms. Farmer has crafted for us.
February 25, 2025
I am a big fan of The Art of Love series, but I wasn’t sure about this one for a long while. I absolutely didn’t like Jake and the chaos he left in his wake. As a pathological liar, Jake’s charm and charisma didn’t make up for it, and he didn’t seem to care. Finally, after about halfway into the book, the real part of Jake, someone who realized he had a problem and wanted to change, came through, and I found that there was so much more to him. I could actually like him and feel that he was someone Rafe deserved and Rafe was someone Jake deserved , making him want to be a better person. Jake had good instincts, which stood them well at the end. Rafe and Jake both had natural talent, and they worked and collaborated well together. Even though I didn’t like the lying, I could appreciate his golden retriever personality, his ability to exchange banter with Rafe in the oddest of situations (loved the time in the booth at the Renaissance Faire), and the way he could nudge Rafe out of himself and work to bolster Rafe’s sense of his artistic self worth. Jake really showed up when needed, and Rafe showed an understanding for Jake that helped further their emotional and romantic connection.
I appreciated all the research the author had to put into the information on glassblowing. I remember seeing glassblowers at the Seattle Center in Seattle many years ago and it was fascinating. I was glad for Wikipedia and Google, also, when I needed more information, clarification or a definition. The author puts the same detail into research with the other artistic endeavors of the other characters in the series so we get educated as we read good romances.
I thoroughly enjoy this whole series and look forward to Nelly getting his book. I wonder if his romantic partner has “passed through” one of the previous books, or if there will be a new guy (or maybe guys) on the horizon. Can’t wait to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I appreciated all the research the author had to put into the information on glassblowing. I remember seeing glassblowers at the Seattle Center in Seattle many years ago and it was fascinating. I was glad for Wikipedia and Google, also, when I needed more information, clarification or a definition. The author puts the same detail into research with the other artistic endeavors of the other characters in the series so we get educated as we read good romances.
I thoroughly enjoy this whole series and look forward to Nelly getting his book. I wonder if his romantic partner has “passed through” one of the previous books, or if there will be a new guy (or maybe guys) on the horizon. Can’t wait to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
Here's Merry Farmer's "Blown." It's the fifth novel in her new series, The Art of Love.
["The Art of Love is risking your career for a fake engagement that could unravel your web of lies…
Rafe Hawthorne is a master glassblower with a commitment problem. He loves his life of artistic and romantic freedom, but the older he gets, the more he realizes he needs help to reach the heights of the glass world. As much as he hates to admit it, his old rival, Jake Mathers, might be the only person who can help him level up his career.
And Rafe has something Jake desperately needs, too.
Jake has always been the charming sweet-talker with more talent than anyone else in the room. He has the connections, the know-how, and the ambition to take the glass world by storm. At least, everyone thinks he does. In reality, Jake has built his career on a mountain of lies. The only true things about him are his desire to move to the UK and his feelings for Rafe.
When all those lies suddenly unfurl, will the fallout take Rafe down, too, or will the two men come together to save each other and make the lies true?"]
This series is really good at the dual-first-person-POV, where both characters are hyper-anxious about something, where both characters under the allusion that the other person can/will fix it, and where both characters are sucky at communicating their feelings and their troubles. It's a great way to push the plot along and adding suspense, but its angsty and rude.
However! It does make the reward of falling in love and a HEA all the more worth it.
These two didn’t have it easy. It was constant work and doubts and reassurances and second/third/fourth chances. But they had each other..and the entire Hawthorne clan.
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, anxiety, and more.
#thrown #painted #decorated #forged #blown #theartoflove #theartofloveseries #merryfarmer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The Art of Love is risking your career for a fake engagement that could unravel your web of lies…
Rafe Hawthorne is a master glassblower with a commitment problem. He loves his life of artistic and romantic freedom, but the older he gets, the more he realizes he needs help to reach the heights of the glass world. As much as he hates to admit it, his old rival, Jake Mathers, might be the only person who can help him level up his career.
And Rafe has something Jake desperately needs, too.
Jake has always been the charming sweet-talker with more talent than anyone else in the room. He has the connections, the know-how, and the ambition to take the glass world by storm. At least, everyone thinks he does. In reality, Jake has built his career on a mountain of lies. The only true things about him are his desire to move to the UK and his feelings for Rafe.
When all those lies suddenly unfurl, will the fallout take Rafe down, too, or will the two men come together to save each other and make the lies true?"]
This series is really good at the dual-first-person-POV, where both characters are hyper-anxious about something, where both characters under the allusion that the other person can/will fix it, and where both characters are sucky at communicating their feelings and their troubles. It's a great way to push the plot along and adding suspense, but its angsty and rude.
However! It does make the reward of falling in love and a HEA all the more worth it.
These two didn’t have it easy. It was constant work and doubts and reassurances and second/third/fourth chances. But they had each other..and the entire Hawthorne clan.
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, anxiety, and more.
#thrown #painted #decorated #forged #blown #theartoflove #theartofloveseries #merryfarmer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
February 24, 2025
Rate and Jake’s Story . . .
Rafe Hawthorne, a master glassblower, is on his way to Heathrow airport in the crushing morning traffic, convinced he must be crazy to be picking up his worst enemy and offering him a place to stay while he was here! Although honking his horn didn’t do anything to change the traffic pattern, it was an old habit he had picked up in America… and needed to drop! And why is he offering a kindness to Jake Mathers who had done him no favors and cost him quite a few opportunities for his own professional development. Both of them had residencies at the Corning Museum of Glass the year before, But Jake was one of the most brilliant glass artists Rafe had ever witnessed and cost him recognition in the glass world. So he hoped the American got a dose of being ignored as travelers passed him by without recognition. Then Rafe’s dad called as he was almost at the arrivals garage, saying how excited he was that Jake would be staying with them. He was eager to meet Jake since the family knew he meant something to Rafe, even if he kept denying it. What his dad didn’t know if that Jake wanted to immigrate to the UK and had asked Rafe to marry him so he could permanently move! He didn’t say yes, but Jake was invited here to talk it over.
Despite Jake’s charm, most people don’t realize that much of what he tells others are actually lies to enhance their opinion of him. He works to convince Rafe that they should have a fake marriage and help him with a spousal visa so he can stay here in the UK. Rafe wasn’t sure why he didn’t just apply for a Global Talent visa since he would only need proof that he is at the top of his craft, and his connections should help with that. But that could actually expose the lies he has told. Will those lies come tumbling out at some point and ruin everything that had been growing between them? Was he lying about his feelings for Rafe too? Or would the two of them remain together and make it all become real?
Rafe Hawthorne, a master glassblower, is on his way to Heathrow airport in the crushing morning traffic, convinced he must be crazy to be picking up his worst enemy and offering him a place to stay while he was here! Although honking his horn didn’t do anything to change the traffic pattern, it was an old habit he had picked up in America… and needed to drop! And why is he offering a kindness to Jake Mathers who had done him no favors and cost him quite a few opportunities for his own professional development. Both of them had residencies at the Corning Museum of Glass the year before, But Jake was one of the most brilliant glass artists Rafe had ever witnessed and cost him recognition in the glass world. So he hoped the American got a dose of being ignored as travelers passed him by without recognition. Then Rafe’s dad called as he was almost at the arrivals garage, saying how excited he was that Jake would be staying with them. He was eager to meet Jake since the family knew he meant something to Rafe, even if he kept denying it. What his dad didn’t know if that Jake wanted to immigrate to the UK and had asked Rafe to marry him so he could permanently move! He didn’t say yes, but Jake was invited here to talk it over.
Despite Jake’s charm, most people don’t realize that much of what he tells others are actually lies to enhance their opinion of him. He works to convince Rafe that they should have a fake marriage and help him with a spousal visa so he can stay here in the UK. Rafe wasn’t sure why he didn’t just apply for a Global Talent visa since he would only need proof that he is at the top of his craft, and his connections should help with that. But that could actually expose the lies he has told. Will those lies come tumbling out at some point and ruin everything that had been growing between them? Was he lying about his feelings for Rafe too? Or would the two of them remain together and make it all become real?
February 24, 2025
This is book five in the author’s Art of Love series and this one features Rafe, the eldest of the Hawthorne siblings.
When approached by his American nemesis in the glass blowing world about marrying him in order to gain a visa so he could stay in England, Rafe couldn’t believe the audacity of the man!
Jake would give almost anything to be able to live in England permanently and Rafe was the only person who could help him that hadn’t already turned his back on him. He KNEW he had a problem and he was trying damn it, all he wanted was for Rafe to marry him and then he’d seek help except, after everything he’d done in the past, could Rafe REALLY trust him?
This was a new plot twist for me, even with as much as I read, this was my first time to come across this particular issue and I thought it made for a great, original story. I especially loved the glass blowing angle—I seriously stopped mid paragraph in chapter three and had to get on YouTube to watch a couple of video demonstrations and it was SO COOL!!! I would love to be able to watch it live in person!
One other thing I noticed, in the previous book, Forged, pagan ceremonies played a fair sized part in the story and if that was a concern to anyone, rest assured, although it was mentioned here a couple of times, it played no part in this one.
I loved both Jake and Rafe. Although they had totally different personalities and life experiences, they both struggled with their own insecurities and I couldn’t help but feel for each one of them, they were both just so sweet I wanted to give ‘em both a big hug!
This book contains a slow burn and, even though it has low to medium angst, I still recommend it, the guys are just too sweet. 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but this is my honest opinion.
When approached by his American nemesis in the glass blowing world about marrying him in order to gain a visa so he could stay in England, Rafe couldn’t believe the audacity of the man!
Jake would give almost anything to be able to live in England permanently and Rafe was the only person who could help him that hadn’t already turned his back on him. He KNEW he had a problem and he was trying damn it, all he wanted was for Rafe to marry him and then he’d seek help except, after everything he’d done in the past, could Rafe REALLY trust him?
This was a new plot twist for me, even with as much as I read, this was my first time to come across this particular issue and I thought it made for a great, original story. I especially loved the glass blowing angle—I seriously stopped mid paragraph in chapter three and had to get on YouTube to watch a couple of video demonstrations and it was SO COOL!!! I would love to be able to watch it live in person!
One other thing I noticed, in the previous book, Forged, pagan ceremonies played a fair sized part in the story and if that was a concern to anyone, rest assured, although it was mentioned here a couple of times, it played no part in this one.
I loved both Jake and Rafe. Although they had totally different personalities and life experiences, they both struggled with their own insecurities and I couldn’t help but feel for each one of them, they were both just so sweet I wanted to give ‘em both a big hug!
This book contains a slow burn and, even though it has low to medium angst, I still recommend it, the guys are just too sweet. 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but this is my honest opinion.
February 6, 2026
Rafe Hawthorne is a talented but commitment‑averse glassblower who knows he needs help if he wants to rise to the top of his field. Unfortunately, the one person with the skills and connections to get him there is also the man who nearly ruined his career: his old rival, Jake Mathers. Jake, meanwhile, has built his reputation on a carefully maintained web of lies. The only truths he’s certain of are his desire to move to the UK and his long‑buried feelings for Rafe. When his façade finally collapses, he turns to the one person who could save him — and proposes a fake engagement that might benefit them both. As their rivalry turns into partnership and their fake relationship starts feeling dangerously real, the two men must decide whether they can turn all the lies between them into something true.
I went into this one hoping for a satisfying rivals‑to‑lovers arc, but the story never quite delivered on the emotional potential between Rafe and Jake. The sheer number of lies Jake was juggling — and the fallout from them — overwhelmed the romance, making it hard to root for the relationship. On top of that, Rafe’s constant anger and resentment toward Jake took up so much space that their connection never had room to breathe. There was a real chance for these two to build something meaningful, but the layers of deception and conflict kept pulling the focus away from the love story. In the end, the tension overshadowed the tenderness, leaving the romance feeling more frustrating than fulfilling. This was an MM story with mature content.
I went into this one hoping for a satisfying rivals‑to‑lovers arc, but the story never quite delivered on the emotional potential between Rafe and Jake. The sheer number of lies Jake was juggling — and the fallout from them — overwhelmed the romance, making it hard to root for the relationship. On top of that, Rafe’s constant anger and resentment toward Jake took up so much space that their connection never had room to breathe. There was a real chance for these two to build something meaningful, but the layers of deception and conflict kept pulling the focus away from the love story. In the end, the tension overshadowed the tenderness, leaving the romance feeling more frustrating than fulfilling. This was an MM story with mature content.
February 9, 2025
This is a book I found hard to get into, I hate people who lie and Jake - it is basically his life.
Rafe, back from a residency in the US, is battling his disappointment not being able to achieve what he wants - his art being displayed and the feelings Jake is bringing out.
Jake is the charming guy but his life is a house of cards, built on lies and it's finally catching up on him. His solution - more lies and this time he is involving Rafe into it.
But I had faith in Merry and she didn't disappoint. Both have lots of baggage to unpack and when Rafe starts to see his life and especially the love his family has for him, through Jake's eyes, he starts to embrace it.
I love how Jake is starting to open up, confessing what he is doing and working on his compulsive lies.
There is definitely chemistry between these two and they also complement each other, Rafe brings the structure, the love and family Jake needs and Jake pushes Rafe to believe in himself and his art.
Add the usual Hawthorne family and their unapologetic and loving acceptance.
I would have loved to see Jake confronting his family and how his life will be with Rafe and the other Hawthornes.
Some parts are a bit unbelievable, I would think the British government would look more closely into a relationship then Merry describes but you can feel her love for the UK and her thorough research into permanent visa in this story.
Rafe, back from a residency in the US, is battling his disappointment not being able to achieve what he wants - his art being displayed and the feelings Jake is bringing out.
Jake is the charming guy but his life is a house of cards, built on lies and it's finally catching up on him. His solution - more lies and this time he is involving Rafe into it.
But I had faith in Merry and she didn't disappoint. Both have lots of baggage to unpack and when Rafe starts to see his life and especially the love his family has for him, through Jake's eyes, he starts to embrace it.
I love how Jake is starting to open up, confessing what he is doing and working on his compulsive lies.
There is definitely chemistry between these two and they also complement each other, Rafe brings the structure, the love and family Jake needs and Jake pushes Rafe to believe in himself and his art.
Add the usual Hawthorne family and their unapologetic and loving acceptance.
I would have loved to see Jake confronting his family and how his life will be with Rafe and the other Hawthornes.
Some parts are a bit unbelievable, I would think the British government would look more closely into a relationship then Merry describes but you can feel her love for the UK and her thorough research into permanent visa in this story.
February 9, 2025
Both Rafe and Jake are very talented glass blowers who knew one another during their residency. Each man felt an attraction to the other, but never acted on it.
Rafe is a more laid back guy, has a desire to be better at his craft and be recognized for it, and has an amazingly supportive and free spirited family.
Jake is seen as a charming sweet talker, but he craves attention, and is really just desperate to be liked. Unfortunately, he goes about it in the wrong way, often telling lies and embellishing things. His childhood was not good and led to him using fabrication as a coping mechanism - something he knows he needs to stop, but can't. He projects an exuberant exterior to hide just how vulnerable he truly is.
Their previous attraction is amplified once they are spending so much time together, their chemistry is off the charts, and a deeper connection starts building until they are each surprised by feelings of love. But their journey to HEA has some more hurdles for them to overcome - as if the lying wasn't enough!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be quite entertaining, with fully developed MC's, a believable love story, and a bunch of secondary characters that add so much to the story. The ups and downs and twists had me anxious to know how it would turn out.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rafe is a more laid back guy, has a desire to be better at his craft and be recognized for it, and has an amazingly supportive and free spirited family.
Jake is seen as a charming sweet talker, but he craves attention, and is really just desperate to be liked. Unfortunately, he goes about it in the wrong way, often telling lies and embellishing things. His childhood was not good and led to him using fabrication as a coping mechanism - something he knows he needs to stop, but can't. He projects an exuberant exterior to hide just how vulnerable he truly is.
Their previous attraction is amplified once they are spending so much time together, their chemistry is off the charts, and a deeper connection starts building until they are each surprised by feelings of love. But their journey to HEA has some more hurdles for them to overcome - as if the lying wasn't enough!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be quite entertaining, with fully developed MC's, a believable love story, and a bunch of secondary characters that add so much to the story. The ups and downs and twists had me anxious to know how it would turn out.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
Rafe didn’t like what Jake had done when they were both blowing glass at Corning but then Jake asks him to marry him so he could get a visa. Jake had burned his bridges in the US but he also liked being in Britain better, he had a problem lying. He told Rafe that he could get him in with Helene a well know glass blowing artist if they would get married. They were working together on a set of dishes that would be unique. Later they saw Helene but she told Rafe that she was interested in what he was working on but didn’t know Jake. Rafe got upset because he was lied to again but then she shows up to see what they were doing and they showed her. After a class found some of the pieces of the collection missing, Helene posted pictures of the items she stole and the one she made. Found out that she has been stealing ideas from other glass blowers, they went to Paris and confronted her and video taped all of the pieces of ideas she had stolen and her confession she didn’t know. Made her tell the truth online whose idea that was and get recommendations for a talent visa for Jake. Things worked out for them and she got her just desserts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2025
Rafe Hawthorne is a master glassblower he loves his life of artistic and romantic freedom, but he realises he needs help to reach the heights of the glass world. As much as he hates to admit it, his old rival, Jake Mathers, might be the only person who can help him level up his career. Jake has always been the charming sweet-talker with more talent than anyone else in the room. He has the connections, the know-how, and the ambition to take the glass world by storm. At least, everyone thinks he does. In reality, Jake has built his career on a mountain of lies. The only true things about him are his desire to move to the UK and his feelings for Rafe.
Another unputdownable book, I love the Hawthornes, they are free spirits, hugely talented & such a supportive family. I loved Rafe & Jakes journey to a HEA it wasn’t easy as Jake is his own worst enemy but
Rafe was, mostly, there for him & when disaster struck they worked together to resolve things. Well written, fast paced, strong characters, sizzling chemistry all made for a riveting book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Another unputdownable book, I love the Hawthornes, they are free spirits, hugely talented & such a supportive family. I loved Rafe & Jakes journey to a HEA it wasn’t easy as Jake is his own worst enemy but
Rafe was, mostly, there for him & when disaster struck they worked together to resolve things. Well written, fast paced, strong characters, sizzling chemistry all made for a riveting book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 11, 2025
Rafe Hawthorne is another of the artistically talented Hawthornes featured in Farmer’s previous four Art of Love books. From the title, you might guess Rafe’s medium is glass. He’s returned from a residency at Corning Glass in New York, and is teaching classes as well as creating merchandise to sell at the family’s Renaissance Faire.
Enter Jake Mathers, another former Corning artistic resident, who calls Rafe out of the blue – to ask Rafe to marry him! The real reason behind the sudden proposal quickly comes out. Jake is broke. A compulsive liar, he has alienated all his fellow artists and his own family. Jake is an over-the-top personality who constantly seeks attention.
Rafe and Jake come to an agreement, though it takes time and an encounter with another liar for Jake to really get serious. That section with the famous artist Hélène Rénard was probably the best in the book.
As usual, Farmer has created a solid story which can be read as a stand alone (though I do recommend the previous books in the series!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enter Jake Mathers, another former Corning artistic resident, who calls Rafe out of the blue – to ask Rafe to marry him! The real reason behind the sudden proposal quickly comes out. Jake is broke. A compulsive liar, he has alienated all his fellow artists and his own family. Jake is an over-the-top personality who constantly seeks attention.
Rafe and Jake come to an agreement, though it takes time and an encounter with another liar for Jake to really get serious. That section with the famous artist Hélène Rénard was probably the best in the book.
As usual, Farmer has created a solid story which can be read as a stand alone (though I do recommend the previous books in the series!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2025
This is the fifth book in The Art of Love series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Rafe Hawthorne and Jake Mathers. Both Rafe and Jake are glass blowers and know each other from their training in Corning. While both a proficient glass blowers Jake earned a reputation as an attention seeker and embellisher. No one realizes that Jake uses fabrication as a coping mechanism to hide how vulnerable he truly is. When he burns all his bridges, he goes to the place where he always felt he belongs, England. While Rafe is happy to be back home with his family, he realizes that he will not break through to glass greatness without some help. And that help comes in the form of Jake. Marrying someone just so that they can get citizenship does seem a little over the top, but when has a Hawthorne ever done anything the easy way! This is their story. It is written well and is easy to read. Another great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2025
This series by Merry Farmer is so vivid that I really want to visit the imaginary art school that is featured in them because I feel like it’s real. This volume of the series has Rafe being talked into hosting a rival glassblower called Jake who wants Rafe to marry him so Jake can move to England. Ms. Farmer never does her research haphazardly and has obviously been talking to some glassblowers to get the facts about it right. This is one of the things that makes her writing so good because she makes things real even though it’s a novel.
These two guys have a history and I really enjoyed the way that Ms. Farmer has her characters work their way through their problems. As with the other books in this series we get lots of time seeing characters from the other books and hopefully ones that feature in the next book. Was that a ghost I heard?.
These two guys have a history and I really enjoyed the way that Ms. Farmer has her characters work their way through their problems. As with the other books in this series we get lots of time seeing characters from the other books and hopefully ones that feature in the next book. Was that a ghost I heard?.
February 23, 2025
Blown is the 5th book in the The Art of Love-series and it’s the story of Rafe and Jake.
I didn’t like Jake that much in the beginning of the story because of his compulsive lying but he grew on me very soon. His intention was good but not always clear. He turned out to be the perfect match for Rafe, who is also the very first person to accept him for who he is.
I love this series about the Hawthorn family. And I’m also learning about some forms of art that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Quotes:
- Sometimes when the world turned upside down and things became intense, you needed a moment of passion to remind yourself what really mattered.
- It was so much more than he ever could have dreamed of. He might have been a fake fiancé, but he was determined to be the best real husband in the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t like Jake that much in the beginning of the story because of his compulsive lying but he grew on me very soon. His intention was good but not always clear. He turned out to be the perfect match for Rafe, who is also the very first person to accept him for who he is.
I love this series about the Hawthorn family. And I’m also learning about some forms of art that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Quotes:
- Sometimes when the world turned upside down and things became intense, you needed a moment of passion to remind yourself what really mattered.
- It was so much more than he ever could have dreamed of. He might have been a fake fiancé, but he was determined to be the best real husband in the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
I absolutely adore The Art of Love series, and Blown is another fantastic addition! The entire Harthrow family is so compelling, and each member has their own unique and intriguing journey.
Rafe and Jake’s relationship is an emotional rollercoaster—filled with passion, rivalry, and undeniable chemistry. Their fake engagement adds just the right amount of tension, and watching their feelings deepen amidst career struggles and personal challenges is captivating.
Merry Farmer has a way of making every love story feel authentic and heartfelt. If you love MM romance with artistic passion, high stakes, and swoon-worthy moments, Blown is a must-read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rafe and Jake’s relationship is an emotional rollercoaster—filled with passion, rivalry, and undeniable chemistry. Their fake engagement adds just the right amount of tension, and watching their feelings deepen amidst career struggles and personal challenges is captivating.
Merry Farmer has a way of making every love story feel authentic and heartfelt. If you love MM romance with artistic passion, high stakes, and swoon-worthy moments, Blown is a must-read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
Lies, Lies & More Lies!
This story clearly shows how dangerous lies can be.
Rafe and Jake know each other from before - they are both very talented Glass Blowers.
I must admit that I sat on tenterhooks for most of this story - just waiting for somthing really bad to happen and when it did - WOW! I mean, the suspense and drama was out of the park - it was absolutely brilliant.
Besides this I loved the family ties and support and how our two main characters managed to sort out their feelings for each other leading to a most pleasing happy ever after.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am quite happy to recommend it.
This story clearly shows how dangerous lies can be.
Rafe and Jake know each other from before - they are both very talented Glass Blowers.
I must admit that I sat on tenterhooks for most of this story - just waiting for somthing really bad to happen and when it did - WOW! I mean, the suspense and drama was out of the park - it was absolutely brilliant.
Besides this I loved the family ties and support and how our two main characters managed to sort out their feelings for each other leading to a most pleasing happy ever after.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am quite happy to recommend it.
February 10, 2025
Is there something more?
Jake is American, too charming, and a compulsive liar. Marked by an unhappy childhood, rejected by his family as a teenager because his gay nature doesn’t fit in their bigotry, he seeks attention by any means necessary. When the house cards of his lies collapses, he reaches out to Rafe Hawthorne to help him gain a UK visa through a fake marriage. Rafe, who has been at the receiving end of his lies during their stage at a prestigious glass museum, is not very enthusiastic, but reluctantly agrees to help him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jake is American, too charming, and a compulsive liar. Marked by an unhappy childhood, rejected by his family as a teenager because his gay nature doesn’t fit in their bigotry, he seeks attention by any means necessary. When the house cards of his lies collapses, he reaches out to Rafe Hawthorne to help him gain a UK visa through a fake marriage. Rafe, who has been at the receiving end of his lies during their stage at a prestigious glass museum, is not very enthusiastic, but reluctantly agrees to help him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2025
Sweet easy read. The characters were fun and interesting. It was nice reading about them working together. At first I thought it was hard to empathise with Jake because of all the lies but I felt like there was a good explanation and development.
This is book five in the series but it’s possible to read it as a standalone. However the previous ones will probably give a better understanding of the side characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five in the series but it’s possible to read it as a standalone. However the previous ones will probably give a better understanding of the side characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2025
This is book five in The Art of Love series and this story is another great addition. Each story can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading them all to get a feel for the family that appears as characters and side characters, this is master glassblower Rafe and his rival Jake’s story and we get a story that is set in a web of lies including a fake engagement but as they spend more time together their feelings and connection towards each other grows and their chemistry is off the charts but can they untangle the web to get their Hea. Good read.
February 21, 2025
This was a very entertaining story, and I’m sure others will love it as well. Life in Hawthorne, House is never as it seems, and there is always something going on. Rafe Hawthorne and Jake Mathers start a fake relationship, but what starts off as lies soon turns into the real deal and whatever problems they had with between each other and in their personal lives are soon resolved and they head towards there happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2025
Sweet and entertaining read. Both characters are strong and really sweet even if at first it's not easy at first to empathise with Jake but we can kind of understand why he's as he is, and it's heartwarming to see how Rafe accepts him and try to be here for him. As in previous books, I was impressed by how detailed the art featured is described and explained.
This is the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone even if we have interactions with characters from previous books.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone even if we have interactions with characters from previous books.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2025
Life may not always be what it seems. Rafe and Jake are rivals in the glass blowing world. Rafe, is a talented master blower and Jake is a charmer who uses his charm to mainly fool everyone. When they start working together, they get to know themselves and each other on new levels. Both man have history and are damaged. This is a story about deep secrets hidden and unknown. The exploration of personalities and the discoveries are riveting. The Hawthorne family do their thing and and are amazing. Good story, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2025
'And if he played his cards right, maybe he and Jake could play around some more. It was all just fun, after all. It wasn’t like he was falling head over heels in love with Jake or anything.'
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun rivalry romance. From the blurb, I thought I would like Rafe more, but I actually connected more with Jake. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and had his insecurities. He and Rafe were complete opposites, so I liked the way their dynamic evolved over the course of the book. They also had great chemistry. 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun rivalry romance. From the blurb, I thought I would like Rafe more, but I actually connected more with Jake. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and had his insecurities. He and Rafe were complete opposites, so I liked the way their dynamic evolved over the course of the book. They also had great chemistry. 4 stars.
February 23, 2025
Unique and sweet steamy M M romance. Continuing through this wonderful family series this story integrated a character surprising mental illness and another with his own more common internal battles. Reading these two coming together and helping one another while they both fall/accept that they've fallen in love was such a fun and refreshing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2025
This was a great addition to this brilliant series. Though not a lover of "fake" relationship trope, this story has such great main characters, Rafe and Jake. The interaction and banter between them was just so good. Alongside their relationship development was an underlying plot with plenty of twists and turns keeping you hooked until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2025
4-*
This is the sevond book in the series. Jake and Rafe are a right pair. I found parts of their fynamic and interaction unbelievable and Rafe a bit gullible. Near the end they both let prentences go and fight for what is theirs and in the process find the true path to the other's heart. It was fun catching ip with the eccentric, creative Hawthorrne family members and their loved ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the sevond book in the series. Jake and Rafe are a right pair. I found parts of their fynamic and interaction unbelievable and Rafe a bit gullible. Near the end they both let prentences go and fight for what is theirs and in the process find the true path to the other's heart. It was fun catching ip with the eccentric, creative Hawthorrne family members and their loved ones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
This was a really good story.
While I had some difficulty with Jake's compulsive lying problem, I did eventually begin to like him. He started to become a man that was worthy of Rafe's time and love.
Well developed characters, a story that you get immersed in, lots of angst and an overload of feels.
Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I had some difficulty with Jake's compulsive lying problem, I did eventually begin to like him. He started to become a man that was worthy of Rafe's time and love.
Well developed characters, a story that you get immersed in, lots of angst and an overload of feels.
Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2025
Lies Turn To Love
Jake desperately wants to move to the UK and leave all his troubles behind in the US. When he rings up Rafe for a favour, Rafe knows he should say no… These two dance in such a push-pull relationship of attraction, mutual talent and trust/distrust, I loved how they found common ground in creating art together. The Hawthorne family is such a lovely and loving group of people - I’m looking forward to reading more!
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