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The Apartment Novels #2
The Blank Canvas
Ethan is gone, but Lily will never be the same.
She’s done living her life for other people. She moves out of her father’s house. She starts saying yes to drinks with friends.
But there’s one thing she won’t give the apartment, where her and Ethan spent countless passion-filled hours. They never exchanged names, but their relationship was more real than anything they had ever experienced in their lives.
Ethan left to give Lily a chance to be happy. But consumed with thoughts of her, he can’t help wondering if he made a huge mistake. than’s looking for a second chance, and this time, all his cards are on the table. Can their love survive the real world?
The Blank Canvas is the passionate climax to Amanda Black’s The Apartment.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
Praise for The Apartment:
"Amanda Black’s erotic debut is sure to melt your e-reader. Five scorching stars!” - Amazon bestselling author Sydney Logan
She’s done living her life for other people. She moves out of her father’s house. She starts saying yes to drinks with friends.
But there’s one thing she won’t give the apartment, where her and Ethan spent countless passion-filled hours. They never exchanged names, but their relationship was more real than anything they had ever experienced in their lives.
Ethan left to give Lily a chance to be happy. But consumed with thoughts of her, he can’t help wondering if he made a huge mistake. than’s looking for a second chance, and this time, all his cards are on the table. Can their love survive the real world?
The Blank Canvas is the passionate climax to Amanda Black’s The Apartment.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
Praise for The Apartment:
"Amanda Black’s erotic debut is sure to melt your e-reader. Five scorching stars!” - Amazon bestselling author Sydney Logan
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
2 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Black
20 books73 followersAmanda Black was born and raised in the Midwest, where she still lives with her husband and spoiled-rotten dogs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art before deciding that she actually needed to pay some bills, which is when she took a position as an ophthalmic technician.
For the past few years she’s been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she’s not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.
For the past few years she’s been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she’s not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 6, 2015
3.5 - "The cuter your face gets, the more I want to sit on it." Stars!
The Blank Canvas is the second book in Amanda Black’s The Apartment Novels series. It was enjoyable, but I didn’t find it as emotionally engaging as the first book.
”I’m happy for the first time in years, and the only thing I’m high on is you.”
After Ethan’s shock departure at the end of The Apartment I expected there to be more in the way of fireworks between the two of them upon his return, but apart from his family giving a good talking too, Lily just seemed happy to let him step back into her life and dictate every step of their blossoming relationship.
Ethan was the dominant character in their initial meetings though, so I suppose it is to be expected that he will step back into that role when they reconnect. This story still had the heat of the first book, but whereas The Apartment was dirty-sexy, The Blank Canvas is more sweetly-sexy, and delayed gratification is definitely the name of the game.
I enjoyed seeing Ethan and Lily get their ‘Happily Ever After’, but I kind of expected more from the author after the heat and originality of the first book, The Blank Canvas was a little too ‘cut & dried’ for me.
One thing is for certain, this series shows that Amanda Black without doubt has great talent, it’s a little ‘raw’ right now in my opinion, what with the overuse and repetition of certain words (purr, purred, purring, whine, whined) throughout the book, and the ease in which everything was resolved, it all felt a little rushed this time, but I am definitely on the lookout for more work from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The Blank Canvas is the second book in Amanda Black’s The Apartment Novels series. It was enjoyable, but I didn’t find it as emotionally engaging as the first book.
”I’m happy for the first time in years, and the only thing I’m high on is you.”
After Ethan’s shock departure at the end of The Apartment I expected there to be more in the way of fireworks between the two of them upon his return, but apart from his family giving a good talking too, Lily just seemed happy to let him step back into her life and dictate every step of their blossoming relationship.
Ethan was the dominant character in their initial meetings though, so I suppose it is to be expected that he will step back into that role when they reconnect. This story still had the heat of the first book, but whereas The Apartment was dirty-sexy, The Blank Canvas is more sweetly-sexy, and delayed gratification is definitely the name of the game.
I enjoyed seeing Ethan and Lily get their ‘Happily Ever After’, but I kind of expected more from the author after the heat and originality of the first book, The Blank Canvas was a little too ‘cut & dried’ for me.
One thing is for certain, this series shows that Amanda Black without doubt has great talent, it’s a little ‘raw’ right now in my opinion, what with the overuse and repetition of certain words (purr, purred, purring, whine, whined) throughout the book, and the ease in which everything was resolved, it all felt a little rushed this time, but I am definitely on the lookout for more work from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 6, 2014
Note: This ebook was provided by Full Fathom Five via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Blank Canvas is the second book in The Apartment Novels series by author Amanda Black and one that I've been itching to get my hands on ever since I had the pleasure of reading the first book less than a month and a half ago. I loved having requested and being approved to read and review the book on the very day it was released, though it was close to midnight already on my end, and I got through the whole thing in one sitting. You know how you anticipate the release of a book in a series and then it ends up not meeting your expectations? Well, The Blank Canvas didn't meet my expectations; it EXCEEDED them! ^.^
"Once again: backwards."
Two people very much in love. When the truth about their identities and circumstances are revealed, they both decide it's time to do the right thing. One stays to fight for what they have, the other leaves. The former finally decides to do something for themselves, a choice not really out of selfishness but for a want for happiness. The latter finally decides to do something for someone else, a choice made out of selflessness for the first time in their life. Yet, they find no joy at this juncture of their love story. What was supposed to be a new beginning seemingly became an end that left them both miserable.
"Now she was the center of his universe...but how could he make her believe it?"
Ah, Ethan and Lily. If ever there were two lead characters who deserved a chance at a happily ever after, it would be these two. Ethan Foster spent a decade with a woman who made him feel as if he wasn't worthy of his family's love and used him for his talent and money. On the other hand, Lily Blake has taken care of everyone else around her, putting her own needs on hold. When these two met in the first book, you just knew that they would end up becoming each other's world. There was just something about each of them that drew them into what may be considered an unconventional relationship, but even without the names and information, it really was a give and take affair that developed into something more.
When Ethan left at the end of book one, my heart broke for Lily and now, learning the reasons behind Ethan's decision, my heart broke for him as well. And once again, I found myself rooting for these two. I went into this sequel having my own preconceived ideas of what would happen and when they didn't, I was actually pleasantly surprised. Why? Because the author took the story in a direction that I wasn't expecting and in a way that made me fully appreciate just how unique a love story Ethan and Lily had. Reading this book made me fall in love with them all over again.
The Blank Canvas feels like a second chance romance because that's exactly what the two lead characters had before them--a second chance at their love story. In some ways, it's like reading about two people falling in love for the first time and experiencing everything for the first time: the courtship, the wooing, etc., something Ethan and Lily didn't go through in The Apartment. In others, it's a continuation of a love story that was never meant to end. If anything, these books have confirmed that I am now truly a fan of Amanda Black's.
And speaking of ends, there's a surprise at the end of the book that had me grinning from ear to ear when I saw it. ^.^ However, I shall end this particular review by giving this beautiful love story five stars and will highly recommend it to my fellow bookaholics. Just remember to read the first book before diving into this one so that you don't get lost. Both books are so worth the time you'll put into them. This one joins the first on my list of favorite reads for the year. ♥
The Blank Canvas is the second book in The Apartment Novels series by author Amanda Black and one that I've been itching to get my hands on ever since I had the pleasure of reading the first book less than a month and a half ago. I loved having requested and being approved to read and review the book on the very day it was released, though it was close to midnight already on my end, and I got through the whole thing in one sitting. You know how you anticipate the release of a book in a series and then it ends up not meeting your expectations? Well, The Blank Canvas didn't meet my expectations; it EXCEEDED them! ^.^
"Once again: backwards."
Two people very much in love. When the truth about their identities and circumstances are revealed, they both decide it's time to do the right thing. One stays to fight for what they have, the other leaves. The former finally decides to do something for themselves, a choice not really out of selfishness but for a want for happiness. The latter finally decides to do something for someone else, a choice made out of selflessness for the first time in their life. Yet, they find no joy at this juncture of their love story. What was supposed to be a new beginning seemingly became an end that left them both miserable.
"Now she was the center of his universe...but how could he make her believe it?"
Ah, Ethan and Lily. If ever there were two lead characters who deserved a chance at a happily ever after, it would be these two. Ethan Foster spent a decade with a woman who made him feel as if he wasn't worthy of his family's love and used him for his talent and money. On the other hand, Lily Blake has taken care of everyone else around her, putting her own needs on hold. When these two met in the first book, you just knew that they would end up becoming each other's world. There was just something about each of them that drew them into what may be considered an unconventional relationship, but even without the names and information, it really was a give and take affair that developed into something more.
When Ethan left at the end of book one, my heart broke for Lily and now, learning the reasons behind Ethan's decision, my heart broke for him as well. And once again, I found myself rooting for these two. I went into this sequel having my own preconceived ideas of what would happen and when they didn't, I was actually pleasantly surprised. Why? Because the author took the story in a direction that I wasn't expecting and in a way that made me fully appreciate just how unique a love story Ethan and Lily had. Reading this book made me fall in love with them all over again.
The Blank Canvas feels like a second chance romance because that's exactly what the two lead characters had before them--a second chance at their love story. In some ways, it's like reading about two people falling in love for the first time and experiencing everything for the first time: the courtship, the wooing, etc., something Ethan and Lily didn't go through in The Apartment. In others, it's a continuation of a love story that was never meant to end. If anything, these books have confirmed that I am now truly a fan of Amanda Black's.
And speaking of ends, there's a surprise at the end of the book that had me grinning from ear to ear when I saw it. ^.^ However, I shall end this particular review by giving this beautiful love story five stars and will highly recommend it to my fellow bookaholics. Just remember to read the first book before diving into this one so that you don't get lost. Both books are so worth the time you'll put into them. This one joins the first on my list of favorite reads for the year. ♥
November 10, 2014
Rating: 2.5
I'll preface by saying that I absolutely loved "The Apartment" and was left reeling by the ending. I spent weeks obsessing on how Lily and Ethan's story was going to proceed. In my mind, I had imagined a lot of angst and groveling and a long road to Ethan winning back Lily's trust and heart. I anticipated bumps and missteps and lots of yelling and crying. I wanted her to hold him accountable for up and leaving her. As a reader, I was as emotionally devastated as Lily and I needed a big blow up.
I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say that I wasn't prepared for how easy Lily forgives. Steamy sex scenes, despite the fact they aren't supposed to be having sex, don't make up for a lack of story and loose ends.
I'm sad to say that the easiness of this book took most of the fire and passion that I felt from the first book and left me feeling a bit let down. :(
I'll preface by saying that I absolutely loved "The Apartment" and was left reeling by the ending. I spent weeks obsessing on how Lily and Ethan's story was going to proceed. In my mind, I had imagined a lot of angst and groveling and a long road to Ethan winning back Lily's trust and heart. I anticipated bumps and missteps and lots of yelling and crying. I wanted her to hold him accountable for up and leaving her. As a reader, I was as emotionally devastated as Lily and I needed a big blow up.
I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say that I wasn't prepared for how easy Lily forgives. Steamy sex scenes, despite the fact they aren't supposed to be having sex, don't make up for a lack of story and loose ends.
I'm sad to say that the easiness of this book took most of the fire and passion that I felt from the first book and left me feeling a bit let down. :(
November 23, 2014
Read more of this review and others @
The Book Wranglers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: Full Fathom Five
Heat: Warm
Rating: *** 3.5 out of 5 stars
Provided by: NetGalley
Now that Ethan has run away from what could have been a promising future with Lily she's left to pick up the pieces.
Lily
Lily's affair with Ethan inspired her to finally take charge of her life. With a broken heart, she decides that it's time to end things with Scott even if it will leave her by herself now that Ethan is gone. She finally stands up to her father and explains that she can no longer live her life for him, or anyone else for that matter. Slowly but surely she branches out and makes friends, even with Ethan's family hot on her trail to bring her into the mix.
Despite giving the appearance of moving on with life after Ethan, Lily has kept the little apartment where it all started. If she can't have the man that she's fallen for the least she could do is have all of the wonderful memories that they created in the apartment.
Ethan
Leaving Lily was one of the hardest things that Ethan has ever done in his life. He'd finally found a purpose, a reason, a safe haven where he could be himself. Although their relationship was initially built on 'Don't ask. Don't tell' and a heated affair, Ethan knew that they had wondered into uncharted territory. The moment that he'd kissed her he knew something was different with Lily. Try as he might, he could no longer ignore the pull of their connection.
Since he's been gone his life has taken a twisted turn. He's consumed with all things related to Lily. Eating has become an afterthought. Only painting her image helps keep his sanity and keep her alive in his heart. Time and time again he questions if he made the right decision to disappear from her life and give her a true chance at happiness with her fiancé. When the opportunity to possibly win her back shows up at his door he can't help but to take a leap of faith and hope that she'll forgive him. He's going to great lengths to woo her.
Now that Ethan is back Lily has to make a choice. Allow him to win her heart all over again or shy away from what she really wants. With all obstacles out of the way Ethan and Lily have to decide if their love was just passion and lust, or a love that only few truly experience in life.
The Best Thing:
This was a cute sequel to The Apartment. While I did miss the heated chemistry from book one, I thought book two offered more depth into the relationship that Ethan and Lily were building. Once again, the overall build-up led to a smooth climax at the end. I enjoyed seeing where the rest of the friends and family ended up after a period of time.
The Worst Thing:
Again, while I love the sweet contemporary love story that The Blank Canvas gave, I was a bit disappointed. Book one was jammed packed with this unbelievable chemistry and yearning that Ethan and Lily had for one another. You could feel the connection in the pages throughout the story and it heightened the reading experience. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't expecting to have something similar or a little more in book two. I appreciate the change up to a certain extent, however The Apartment read more like an Erotic Contemporary while The Blank Canvas read like a lighthearted Contemporary. I love both genres but the sequel didn't live up to what I was hoping for.
The Book Wranglers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: Full Fathom Five
Heat: Warm
Rating: *** 3.5 out of 5 stars
Provided by: NetGalley
Now that Ethan has run away from what could have been a promising future with Lily she's left to pick up the pieces.
Lily
Lily's affair with Ethan inspired her to finally take charge of her life. With a broken heart, she decides that it's time to end things with Scott even if it will leave her by herself now that Ethan is gone. She finally stands up to her father and explains that she can no longer live her life for him, or anyone else for that matter. Slowly but surely she branches out and makes friends, even with Ethan's family hot on her trail to bring her into the mix.
Despite giving the appearance of moving on with life after Ethan, Lily has kept the little apartment where it all started. If she can't have the man that she's fallen for the least she could do is have all of the wonderful memories that they created in the apartment.
Ethan
Leaving Lily was one of the hardest things that Ethan has ever done in his life. He'd finally found a purpose, a reason, a safe haven where he could be himself. Although their relationship was initially built on 'Don't ask. Don't tell' and a heated affair, Ethan knew that they had wondered into uncharted territory. The moment that he'd kissed her he knew something was different with Lily. Try as he might, he could no longer ignore the pull of their connection.
Since he's been gone his life has taken a twisted turn. He's consumed with all things related to Lily. Eating has become an afterthought. Only painting her image helps keep his sanity and keep her alive in his heart. Time and time again he questions if he made the right decision to disappear from her life and give her a true chance at happiness with her fiancé. When the opportunity to possibly win her back shows up at his door he can't help but to take a leap of faith and hope that she'll forgive him. He's going to great lengths to woo her.
Now that Ethan is back Lily has to make a choice. Allow him to win her heart all over again or shy away from what she really wants. With all obstacles out of the way Ethan and Lily have to decide if their love was just passion and lust, or a love that only few truly experience in life.
The Best Thing:
This was a cute sequel to The Apartment. While I did miss the heated chemistry from book one, I thought book two offered more depth into the relationship that Ethan and Lily were building. Once again, the overall build-up led to a smooth climax at the end. I enjoyed seeing where the rest of the friends and family ended up after a period of time.
The Worst Thing:
Again, while I love the sweet contemporary love story that The Blank Canvas gave, I was a bit disappointed. Book one was jammed packed with this unbelievable chemistry and yearning that Ethan and Lily had for one another. You could feel the connection in the pages throughout the story and it heightened the reading experience. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't expecting to have something similar or a little more in book two. I appreciate the change up to a certain extent, however The Apartment read more like an Erotic Contemporary while The Blank Canvas read like a lighthearted Contemporary. I love both genres but the sequel didn't live up to what I was hoping for.
August 8, 2017
After a really hot prequel, this was a snooze fest. Understood - it's supposed to be a slow burn but instead, it was just boring. Yawn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2014
The Blank Canvas, Amanda Black
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica.
I loved The Apartment, I didn’t know how on earth someone could write a book which would engross me, where the couple don’t know each others almost til the end, where they’re having hot and steamy sex from their first meeting, where one of them is already in a relationship. I was wrong though – this one gripped me, and made me need the rest, especially with that cliff-hanger at the end!! ( and everyone by now knows I Hate Those!!) Even the “cheating” aspect – which I don’t like – was made into something I could understand and sympathise with. Scott was really more a good friend, a type of adopted brother than a lover. Luckily I have this one for review, and hadn’t read the first, so bought that and was able to go straight on – no waiting. Its how I prefer to read these duo/trilogies, wait til each part out and go back to back.
So how did book two stand up? Well, we start with poor Lily still trying to cope with Ethan’s surprise departure. Why? Why did he do it? Why didn’t he say anything? Did their time together mean nothing? Did she scare him off with her talk of love and ending her engagement? She’s so full of questions, and no way of contacting him, she doesn’t know where he is or if she’ll ever see him again. Lily is a strong lady though, and she knows its time to try to move on. Yes she’s grieving but she still needs to live, so she puts a brave face on and makes some changes. Scott – she talks to him and after a bit of upset he agrees with her, they weren’t right for each other. She takes over the apartment Ethan had and moves in, putting her own stamp on it. She starts going out with her friends and Ethan’s family are among them. They’d guessed her secret, and are horrified at the way she’s been left and angry with him. I was feeling he’s been a real jerk but...then we get Ethan’s view, where he doesn’t want to ruin her life, where he’s scared she’ll give up Scott for him, and regret it when she knows him better, where he thinks she’ll end up hating him and he can’t bear to do that to her. He still thinks he’s not good enough for his family or for Lily to love. Rachel did a real number on him!
I love him though, and once I properly understood his reaction it made it easier to take. Lily too with her own unique view and nature helps me understand him. Then Eric tracks him down, and with the knowledge that Lily has still broken off with Scott and Eric’s (forceful!!) persuasion that maybe he could still be in with a chance he returns.
Its a lovely story, full of passion. The first book has such erotic, sensual scenes I thought they couldn’t be topped, but now they know more about each other it adds another layer on to the lust, a true love which shines through. Ethan’s way of wooing Lily, his insistence on taking time is so special, and the pages are on fire each time they are together. Its carnal, erotic sex, but also varied, tasteful, sensual, seductive, and not page after page of the same old boring, thrusting, moaning we too often get. That gets dull and I find myself skipping pages to get back to the story. This though is appropriate, fits the story and is a charm to read. His family too have each had this lightening effect instant love, so they understand and are able to make him see that its real, its not going to go away. They really are a terrific boost when he needs it, put him in his place when its warranted, show him the way forward, what to do and when, and support him all the way. Its all new to him, when he left with Rachel she was older and he fresh out of college and never dated, and she’d made him think they didn’t want him. Being with her ever since means dating and learning about someone new is all a different and unknown experience for him.
Stars: Five, its a great read and very unusual. I loved it
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica.
I loved The Apartment, I didn’t know how on earth someone could write a book which would engross me, where the couple don’t know each others almost til the end, where they’re having hot and steamy sex from their first meeting, where one of them is already in a relationship. I was wrong though – this one gripped me, and made me need the rest, especially with that cliff-hanger at the end!! ( and everyone by now knows I Hate Those!!) Even the “cheating” aspect – which I don’t like – was made into something I could understand and sympathise with. Scott was really more a good friend, a type of adopted brother than a lover. Luckily I have this one for review, and hadn’t read the first, so bought that and was able to go straight on – no waiting. Its how I prefer to read these duo/trilogies, wait til each part out and go back to back.
So how did book two stand up? Well, we start with poor Lily still trying to cope with Ethan’s surprise departure. Why? Why did he do it? Why didn’t he say anything? Did their time together mean nothing? Did she scare him off with her talk of love and ending her engagement? She’s so full of questions, and no way of contacting him, she doesn’t know where he is or if she’ll ever see him again. Lily is a strong lady though, and she knows its time to try to move on. Yes she’s grieving but she still needs to live, so she puts a brave face on and makes some changes. Scott – she talks to him and after a bit of upset he agrees with her, they weren’t right for each other. She takes over the apartment Ethan had and moves in, putting her own stamp on it. She starts going out with her friends and Ethan’s family are among them. They’d guessed her secret, and are horrified at the way she’s been left and angry with him. I was feeling he’s been a real jerk but...then we get Ethan’s view, where he doesn’t want to ruin her life, where he’s scared she’ll give up Scott for him, and regret it when she knows him better, where he thinks she’ll end up hating him and he can’t bear to do that to her. He still thinks he’s not good enough for his family or for Lily to love. Rachel did a real number on him!
I love him though, and once I properly understood his reaction it made it easier to take. Lily too with her own unique view and nature helps me understand him. Then Eric tracks him down, and with the knowledge that Lily has still broken off with Scott and Eric’s (forceful!!) persuasion that maybe he could still be in with a chance he returns.
Its a lovely story, full of passion. The first book has such erotic, sensual scenes I thought they couldn’t be topped, but now they know more about each other it adds another layer on to the lust, a true love which shines through. Ethan’s way of wooing Lily, his insistence on taking time is so special, and the pages are on fire each time they are together. Its carnal, erotic sex, but also varied, tasteful, sensual, seductive, and not page after page of the same old boring, thrusting, moaning we too often get. That gets dull and I find myself skipping pages to get back to the story. This though is appropriate, fits the story and is a charm to read. His family too have each had this lightening effect instant love, so they understand and are able to make him see that its real, its not going to go away. They really are a terrific boost when he needs it, put him in his place when its warranted, show him the way forward, what to do and when, and support him all the way. Its all new to him, when he left with Rachel she was older and he fresh out of college and never dated, and she’d made him think they didn’t want him. Being with her ever since means dating and learning about someone new is all a different and unknown experience for him.
Stars: Five, its a great read and very unusual. I loved it
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Want to read
June 27, 2020The Blank Canvas by Amanda Black
Ethan is gone, but Lily will never be the same she’s done living her life for other people.
There’s one thing she won’t give up: the apartment, where her and Ethan spent countless passion-filled hours.
Ethan left to give Lily a chance to be happy. But consumed with thoughts of her, he can’t help wondering if he made a huge mistake. Ethan’s looking for a second chance, and this time, all his cards are on the table. Can their love survive the real world?
DNF 35%
So I must start by saying that while I finished the first book in this series, I had struggled with it. But I really wanted to see where the characters ended up and had optimistically hoped that I would be able to read this book. It once again started great, I loved how it flowed from the first book to this one, a great transition. But sadly I just can’t sit through reading it, just not holding my attention at all, I think that I personally am struggling with the authors writing style. Just not for me.
Ethan is gone, but Lily will never be the same she’s done living her life for other people.
There’s one thing she won’t give up: the apartment, where her and Ethan spent countless passion-filled hours.
Ethan left to give Lily a chance to be happy. But consumed with thoughts of her, he can’t help wondering if he made a huge mistake. Ethan’s looking for a second chance, and this time, all his cards are on the table. Can their love survive the real world?
DNF 35%
So I must start by saying that while I finished the first book in this series, I had struggled with it. But I really wanted to see where the characters ended up and had optimistically hoped that I would be able to read this book. It once again started great, I loved how it flowed from the first book to this one, a great transition. But sadly I just can’t sit through reading it, just not holding my attention at all, I think that I personally am struggling with the authors writing style. Just not for me.
December 18, 2014
Having really enjoyed the first book, this one was a little bit of a let-down. There were aspects I really loved and aspects I disliked.
What I loved:
The flow from the first book to the second.
That Lily found her feet, she was able to stand up to Scott and her father and kept her integrity, she had a lot of strength.
That Lily was a forgiving person, she wasn't interested in playing head games and was able to forgive Ethan and move on.
Ethan "I know there's still a dirty boy inside there who's dying to come out and play."
The families on both sides, especially Eric, Maggie and Emma.
What I didn't love:
The book felt too drawn out for me - too many sex scenes (there, I said it!), not enough drama. I was hoping that Rachel would make an unexpected appearance and turn things upside down for a while, but no - it was almost smooth sailing through the entire story.
Overall, taking the first book into consideration, it was a lovely, steamy, sexy read.
What I loved:
The flow from the first book to the second.
That Lily found her feet, she was able to stand up to Scott and her father and kept her integrity, she had a lot of strength.
That Lily was a forgiving person, she wasn't interested in playing head games and was able to forgive Ethan and move on.
Ethan "I know there's still a dirty boy inside there who's dying to come out and play."
The families on both sides, especially Eric, Maggie and Emma.
What I didn't love:
The book felt too drawn out for me - too many sex scenes (there, I said it!), not enough drama. I was hoping that Rachel would make an unexpected appearance and turn things upside down for a while, but no - it was almost smooth sailing through the entire story.
Overall, taking the first book into consideration, it was a lovely, steamy, sexy read.
May 2, 2015
The Blank Canvas picks up right where The Apartment ends...with Lily trying to figure out what spooked Ethan to the point that he skipped town. During his absence, she shows a lot of maturity and growth, especially in dealing with her friends, fiancé, and her dad.
Once Ethan decides to come back with a little help from his brother, we see another side to him. A more mature and self assured Ethan. An Ethan who deals with his demons head on and opens up more.
All he wants is Lily back and how he goes about doing that is heart warming.
Their encounters are filled with lots of sex, I found that to be a very intriguing concept. Normally steamy sex scenes are just that, scenes. Sometimes filler, sometimes a segue. In this case, it was the actual character development. I loved it.
The Apartment Novels are truly stories to fall in love with.
Once Ethan decides to come back with a little help from his brother, we see another side to him. A more mature and self assured Ethan. An Ethan who deals with his demons head on and opens up more.
All he wants is Lily back and how he goes about doing that is heart warming.
Their encounters are filled with lots of sex, I found that to be a very intriguing concept. Normally steamy sex scenes are just that, scenes. Sometimes filler, sometimes a segue. In this case, it was the actual character development. I loved it.
The Apartment Novels are truly stories to fall in love with.
December 28, 2014
NetGalley Free Book
Lily had a quick romance with her best friends brother and then he disappeared and took her heart with her. Ethan took off so Lily could live a good life without him but cannot get her out of his system. Now how can either one of them really live without the other?
This book was written fairly well but it missed something that really captured my attention. The story line was decent but typical love story fasion. The saving grace of this novel was the sex scenes. Hot and tempting to say the least. The characters were missing a certain element that really brought them to life.
The ending was once again very predictable but that is what is expected in a love story like this one. Ethan just needed to man up a bit more. He was too sappy for me and self absorbed.
Lily had a quick romance with her best friends brother and then he disappeared and took her heart with her. Ethan took off so Lily could live a good life without him but cannot get her out of his system. Now how can either one of them really live without the other?
This book was written fairly well but it missed something that really captured my attention. The story line was decent but typical love story fasion. The saving grace of this novel was the sex scenes. Hot and tempting to say the least. The characters were missing a certain element that really brought them to life.
The ending was once again very predictable but that is what is expected in a love story like this one. Ethan just needed to man up a bit more. He was too sappy for me and self absorbed.
January 4, 2015
3 1/2 stars...good story, all happy ending
I adored the first book in this series and was very much looking forward to more of Ethan and Lily's story, and this was a good enough second book. It was basically one whole novel describing their eventual happy ending. It's like the two were too much in love, and there was very little tension. The only real tension was the couple trying to stay away from one another sexually! A little too much of an exaggerated attraction, sorta unrealistic how hot they were for one another (the conversations were a little cringey). That said, I do like the characters, and the secondary characters are also good...all their friends, Lily's dad George. And the novel is intelligently written, with some moments of humor that I enjoyed. I do indeed look forward to more from Amanda Black!
I adored the first book in this series and was very much looking forward to more of Ethan and Lily's story, and this was a good enough second book. It was basically one whole novel describing their eventual happy ending. It's like the two were too much in love, and there was very little tension. The only real tension was the couple trying to stay away from one another sexually! A little too much of an exaggerated attraction, sorta unrealistic how hot they were for one another (the conversations were a little cringey). That said, I do like the characters, and the secondary characters are also good...all their friends, Lily's dad George. And the novel is intelligently written, with some moments of humor that I enjoyed. I do indeed look forward to more from Amanda Black!
November 23, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Okay, so I liked this one slightly better than The Apartment, but at the same time, it wasn't what I was looking for. The emotional connection felt a little too much like insta-love, and they got SOOO mushy! To be completely honest, the whole thing was annoying. He had this whole elaborate set up so that they could actually have sex again?! Nothing more romantic? I get that the art gallery thing was extremely romantic, but he didn't lead with, oh, I don't know? A proposal? An offer to move in together? For crying out loud it was all about sex with these too….super frustrating.
Okay, so I liked this one slightly better than The Apartment, but at the same time, it wasn't what I was looking for. The emotional connection felt a little too much like insta-love, and they got SOOO mushy! To be completely honest, the whole thing was annoying. He had this whole elaborate set up so that they could actually have sex again?! Nothing more romantic? I get that the art gallery thing was extremely romantic, but he didn't lead with, oh, I don't know? A proposal? An offer to move in together? For crying out loud it was all about sex with these too….super frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2015
Maybe it would have been better staying as a blank canvas?
This really was PWP (Porn without Plot).
After Ethan returns there is very little angst before they are mauling each other again with the contrived proviso set by Ethan that they not 'consummate' their new relationship until he fulfills a grand gesture. It was all just an excuse to try and add some build up to the UST which frankly didn't work.
This could all have been achieved with an extra one or two chapters in the previous book.
I like to support new authors - particularly ones I have enjoyed online but I want to be honest too...
This really was PWP (Porn without Plot).
After Ethan returns there is very little angst before they are mauling each other again with the contrived proviso set by Ethan that they not 'consummate' their new relationship until he fulfills a grand gesture. It was all just an excuse to try and add some build up to the UST which frankly didn't work.
This could all have been achieved with an extra one or two chapters in the previous book.
I like to support new authors - particularly ones I have enjoyed online but I want to be honest too...
November 25, 2014
The continuation to The Apartment. We start off where it ended, Lily is alone in Ethan´s apartment, determined to break up with her fiancee and finally move out from her Dads house.
Can she make it through this heartbreak? And now that she´s good friends with all of Ethan´s family, can she keep them when he left them all?
The HEA we all wanted Lily & Ethan to get, and he´ll work for it.
Fast paced read, smutty fluff and feelings in a great combo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Can she make it through this heartbreak? And now that she´s good friends with all of Ethan´s family, can she keep them when he left them all?
The HEA we all wanted Lily & Ethan to get, and he´ll work for it.
Fast paced read, smutty fluff and feelings in a great combo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 5, 2014
A fantastic conclusion to one of my favorite erotic romances.
The Blank Canvas picks up right where The Apartment ends...with Lily trying to figure out what spooked Ethan to the point that he skipped town. During his absence, she shows a lot of maturity and growth, especially in dealing with her fiancé and her dad. Once Ethan comes home, he also shows a lot of maturity, which was nice to see. I love relatable characters, and Ethan and Lily are definitely relatable.
I'm such a fan of Amanda Black. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
The Blank Canvas picks up right where The Apartment ends...with Lily trying to figure out what spooked Ethan to the point that he skipped town. During his absence, she shows a lot of maturity and growth, especially in dealing with her fiancé and her dad. Once Ethan comes home, he also shows a lot of maturity, which was nice to see. I love relatable characters, and Ethan and Lily are definitely relatable.
I'm such a fan of Amanda Black. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
November 8, 2014
Part 2 To The Apartment & Boy Oh Boy Did It Deliver...
While Ethan & Lily Are The Book The Minor Characters Still Shine Through Balancing It Out Perfectly ..
This Book Has Humour .. Passion & Love In Abundence ..
I'm Looking Forward To The 3rd Installment ..
While Ethan & Lily Are The Book The Minor Characters Still Shine Through Balancing It Out Perfectly ..
This Book Has Humour .. Passion & Love In Abundence ..
I'm Looking Forward To The 3rd Installment ..
January 30, 2015
Sequel to The Apartment. And the last half of Ethan and Lily's story, this book was the 2nd of 2 that I read years ago I'm it's serialized form, online. It was one of my favorites of that genre. A romantic and erotic story, I loved every word!!
November 10, 2014
absolutely not as great at the apartment. This was rushed characters that we felt for in book one totally did 360 in personality. I felt the author could of gave us more emotion.
November 6, 2014
"The Blank Canvas," by Amanda Black is a sweet book. The characters are likable and the sex scenes are hot. I wish the story had a bit more complexity but I liked it.
November 11, 2014
Ethan and Lily
Ah.......such a nice ending to Ethan and Lily's story. Can't wait to see what else Amanda Black has in store.
Ah.......such a nice ending to Ethan and Lily's story. Can't wait to see what else Amanda Black has in store.
December 15, 2014
I should have read book 1 first before trying to get into this one. Other then that I liked it.
June 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
My full review can be found here.
My full review can be found here.
June 30, 2015
happy ending
July 5, 2015
5 SWEET STAR
the sequel was really good, ethan really tried hard to win lily back and their love became stronger...
the sequel was really good, ethan really tried hard to win lily back and their love became stronger...
November 16, 2015
1,5 Stars.
You need to learn how to build a good plot. Not like this one. Everything was pointless...
You need to learn how to build a good plot. Not like this one. Everything was pointless...
July 10, 2015
Felt a little rushed.
August 21, 2015
Nope.sorry not for me.
March 5, 2016
so much love!
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