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Paint by Number #1
Paint by Number
When New York painter Devon Starr gives up his vices, his muses depart along with them. Devon needs a change, but when his father’s stroke brings him home to Alaska, the small town where he grew up isn’t what he remembers. Enrique Salazar remembers Devon well, and he makes it his personal mission to open Devon’s eyes to the rugged beauty and possibilities all around them. The two men grow closer, and just as Devon begins to see what’s always been there for him, they’re called to stand against a mining company that threatens the very pristine nature that’s helping them fall in love. The fight only strengthens their bond, but as the desire to pick up a paintbrush returns, Devon also feels the pull of the city. A man trapped between two worlds, Devon can only follow where his heart leads him.
282 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2020
28 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 23, 2020
The commercialization of art and its consequences for (some) artists is at the center of this thoughtful novel about Devon, a painter who has lost his way. What would it be like to only be able to produce your art when you’re drunk – but you’re an alcoholic? What a dilemma! I can’t even imagine, but reading Devon’s story helped me come closer to understanding. When he goes home to Alaska to help care for his father after a stroke, Devon runs into his second problem – and that is all about his personal life. And as if those two issues weren’t enough, Devon also gets involved in fighting off a ruthless mining company that threatens to destroy the landscape whose beauty Devon had almost forgotten. The result is an emotional tale about rediscovering his passion, finding his home, dealing with unexpected romantic tension, and all of that while figuring out how to get rid of unwanted exploitation.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 9, 2020
The writing was not enough to connect me to the characters and feel for them... Has a good storyline though...
March 3, 2021
Grey never lets me down. Real, believable characters, small tpwn Alaska, real issues getting resolved. Almost too smooth, but fun to read.
April 6, 2021
Sigh. So the plot was actually awesome. It's a great storyline. Plus, the setting was really well done. It all felt authentic.
But the writing was really clunky. That is not how people speak. Exposition was dropped awkwardly into conversation right and left. Some sections were written so strangely that, even reading through a couple of times, I never could figure out what was happening.
The bones of the story are really great, but the execution was so poor that it was a chore to get through.
But the writing was really clunky. That is not how people speak. Exposition was dropped awkwardly into conversation right and left. Some sections were written so strangely that, even reading through a couple of times, I never could figure out what was happening.
The bones of the story are really great, but the execution was so poor that it was a chore to get through.
September 22, 2020
They explain their feelings a tad too much for it to be believable and other than the fact that they looked at each other and realised they were in love and that they were each other's home without much interaction with each other. They didn't seem to have a single conversation that wasn't, "I feel *this* about you and *this* is why.
Not a bad story line, and worth a read if you have time but a little lackluster.
Not a bad story line, and worth a read if you have time but a little lackluster.
September 20, 2020
I’m a big Andrew Grey fan and one of the major reasons why is the emotion he brings to his characters and his stories and I really felt it in this book. This story has so many levels of passion and love and it’s definitely one of my favorites from Andrew Grey.
Devon is a successful artist in New York, seemingly living his dream, but it’s not as good as it should be. He’s lost his passion and it’s starting to show in his work. He’s concerned that when he gave up his vices he gave up his muse, but then he receives a call that his father had a stroke, asking Devon to come home to Alaska and help him recover. Going back to Alaska means confronting a whole other set of demons for Devon.
Returning to Alaska means facing his first love Craig as well as intriguing Enrique and what happens for Devon opens all kinds of new doors. He learns that what he felt for Craig may no longer hold the same kind of pull, and Enrique, well there’s a new pull toward him and the life he wants to show Devon. He connects with him, and the beauty of their surroundings and that passion reignites. They face some challenges though as they work to protect the land they love so much from some shady miners trying to take over.
There is a lot to this story as Devon rediscovers his passion for art, Alaska and Enrique and it is told so beautifully. The setting is gorgeous and I think Andrew Grey does a fantastic job of painting that picture for the reader (pun totally intended). I loved feeling like I was there and getting to know these characters. This story was passionate, emotional and powerful and I fell completely in love with Devon and Enrique! Definitely a new favorite for me!
Devon is a successful artist in New York, seemingly living his dream, but it’s not as good as it should be. He’s lost his passion and it’s starting to show in his work. He’s concerned that when he gave up his vices he gave up his muse, but then he receives a call that his father had a stroke, asking Devon to come home to Alaska and help him recover. Going back to Alaska means confronting a whole other set of demons for Devon.
Returning to Alaska means facing his first love Craig as well as intriguing Enrique and what happens for Devon opens all kinds of new doors. He learns that what he felt for Craig may no longer hold the same kind of pull, and Enrique, well there’s a new pull toward him and the life he wants to show Devon. He connects with him, and the beauty of their surroundings and that passion reignites. They face some challenges though as they work to protect the land they love so much from some shady miners trying to take over.
There is a lot to this story as Devon rediscovers his passion for art, Alaska and Enrique and it is told so beautifully. The setting is gorgeous and I think Andrew Grey does a fantastic job of painting that picture for the reader (pun totally intended). I loved feeling like I was there and getting to know these characters. This story was passionate, emotional and powerful and I fell completely in love with Devon and Enrique! Definitely a new favorite for me!
September 23, 2020
When Love Strikes Back
This is another of those slow burn, sweetly drawn, and all-too-inevitable romances by Andrew Grey that keeps you engaged without too much agita but when it comes up for air is a a fresh breath.
Read the blurb to get the drift. Small town Alaska boy Devon returns home when his father has a stroke after striking it big as an artist in New York. He's a recovering alcoholic to boot, and terrified of meeting up again with Craig, the now married man who did not return his crush, and Enrique, the other whom he was sniffing around before he left home. That's one dynamic.
The other dynamic is the complications that can arise when a big business opportunity is presented to a small town, an opportunity that will severely impact the town's environment. This is what brings Devon and Enrique closer together as they lead the fight to usurp those plans.
What I did not expect was the almost cosmopolitan attitude of the town's people when it came to virtually everything that stereotyping would have tilted one way. That's an Andrew Grey hallmark and one which serves this story well.
You know what's going to happen--but not how--and how this will end, but so what? It's not exactly a plot with the intensity of the Itinirod but rather clean sled ride home.
This is another of those slow burn, sweetly drawn, and all-too-inevitable romances by Andrew Grey that keeps you engaged without too much agita but when it comes up for air is a a fresh breath.
Read the blurb to get the drift. Small town Alaska boy Devon returns home when his father has a stroke after striking it big as an artist in New York. He's a recovering alcoholic to boot, and terrified of meeting up again with Craig, the now married man who did not return his crush, and Enrique, the other whom he was sniffing around before he left home. That's one dynamic.
The other dynamic is the complications that can arise when a big business opportunity is presented to a small town, an opportunity that will severely impact the town's environment. This is what brings Devon and Enrique closer together as they lead the fight to usurp those plans.
What I did not expect was the almost cosmopolitan attitude of the town's people when it came to virtually everything that stereotyping would have tilted one way. That's an Andrew Grey hallmark and one which serves this story well.
You know what's going to happen--but not how--and how this will end, but so what? It's not exactly a plot with the intensity of the Itinirod but rather clean sled ride home.
June 20, 2021
I am underwhelmed at best.
Meh.
It was fine. I find the addition of these underlying dramatic subplots to be unnecessary in most books lately. It really didn’t make sense for Devon to get so involved in the whole thing. At the beginning, I was reminded of the film Big Eden. Not sure if that was intentional or not. I also thing having Enrique be Latino (…I guess I’m assuming that, since it never really says. Maybe he was supposed to be Italian?) instead of indigenous was a lost opportunity. Also, Craig was a wasted opportunity. Didn’t like the inclusion of the kids either and the “your kids are so awesome” bit in chapter 10 or 11 made me roll my eyes.
The dialog is clunky and there were a few spots that were repetitive. The timeline didn’t always make sense. And basically I knew the minute they were alone in the woods together they would hook-up. Talk about a trope. It felt weirdly rushed to me. Like, it took so many chapters to get them to that point, that the author just wanted to get it over with.
So…yeah. A big Meh from me on this one.
Meh.
It was fine. I find the addition of these underlying dramatic subplots to be unnecessary in most books lately. It really didn’t make sense for Devon to get so involved in the whole thing. At the beginning, I was reminded of the film Big Eden. Not sure if that was intentional or not. I also thing having Enrique be Latino (…I guess I’m assuming that, since it never really says. Maybe he was supposed to be Italian?) instead of indigenous was a lost opportunity. Also, Craig was a wasted opportunity. Didn’t like the inclusion of the kids either and the “your kids are so awesome” bit in chapter 10 or 11 made me roll my eyes.
The dialog is clunky and there were a few spots that were repetitive. The timeline didn’t always make sense. And basically I knew the minute they were alone in the woods together they would hook-up. Talk about a trope. It felt weirdly rushed to me. Like, it took so many chapters to get them to that point, that the author just wanted to get it over with.
So…yeah. A big Meh from me on this one.
September 1, 2020
Another beautiful story by Andrew Grey. If you are a fan, you know to expect a wonderful, sweet and sexy story with lots of feels. If you never read an Andrew Grey, then what are you waiting for and give this a try.
Devon is an artist from Alaska that is kinda hitting a low spell. Worry he only could produce when he was drinking and partying, he was struggling worse with his sobriety. Then a call from home that his dad had a stroke sends him back to face his demons. Craig his first love, unrequited as Craig was straight and the reason his heart broke and he left home and his best friend Enrique that he could have loved but didn’t want to hit the same path he did with Craig and lose his best friend. Now he has to face them both.
And a threat to the beauty of their home arises.
This is a story with a gorgeous setting, compelling characters, and interesting storylines.
If you like artists, recovering alcoholics, beautiful settings, and second chances you will love this!
Devon is an artist from Alaska that is kinda hitting a low spell. Worry he only could produce when he was drinking and partying, he was struggling worse with his sobriety. Then a call from home that his dad had a stroke sends him back to face his demons. Craig his first love, unrequited as Craig was straight and the reason his heart broke and he left home and his best friend Enrique that he could have loved but didn’t want to hit the same path he did with Craig and lose his best friend. Now he has to face them both.
And a threat to the beauty of their home arises.
This is a story with a gorgeous setting, compelling characters, and interesting storylines.
If you like artists, recovering alcoholics, beautiful settings, and second chances you will love this!
October 1, 2020
Paint by Number was another great story by Andrew Grey. This story, like most of Andrew’s books is sweet and full of feelings. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Devon and Enrique. I like that these two have a long history between them. Friends to Lovers is one of my comfort tropes. I thought that I might have a hard time with this book since Devon is a recovering alcoholic and that subject tends to be a touchy one for me, but Andrew handled the subject well. I also like the fact this this story took places in Alaska. Unlike the last few books I read from Andrew, this one really sucked me in. It’s written very well (not surprising), has compelling characters and beautifully described settings.
If you’ve never read a book from Andrew Grey and even if you have, I highly recommend this one.
If you’ve never read a book from Andrew Grey and even if you have, I highly recommend this one.
August 13, 2020
I have a corner in my heart reserved for Andrew Grey stories because of the underlying romantic themes. And it seems like there’s always two conflicts to overcome. A personal one with one MC and an overlying conflict in which both MCs need each other.
This book was no different in that regard. There was a long history between Enrique and Devon, growing up together until Devon was able to get out of Alaska and build his life as an artist in New York.
When Devon’s father has a stroke, he finds himself back home in Alaska where not only does he find the answers to his questions, but finds the closure he needs to find the life he really wants.
Incredibly written, with breathtaking views I could see in my head.
This book was no different in that regard. There was a long history between Enrique and Devon, growing up together until Devon was able to get out of Alaska and build his life as an artist in New York.
When Devon’s father has a stroke, he finds himself back home in Alaska where not only does he find the answers to his questions, but finds the closure he needs to find the life he really wants.
Incredibly written, with breathtaking views I could see in my head.
March 1, 2025
MC Devon Starr is a painter, living and working in New York. For many years, he was only able to work successfully when he was drunk and his inspiration has deserted him since he dried out and accepted he was an alcoholic. He goes home to Alaska to look after his dad who has had a stroke but his problems follow him there. He meets up with his first love, Craig, whom he knew was straight and didn’t feel the same way. However, Devon has outgrown those old emotions but unfortunately, Craig had been hiding his bisexuality when they were younger and still has unrequited feelings for him. Meanwhile, Devon has also reconnected with Enrique, whom he had also had feelings for when younger. Enrique is also a recovering alcoholic, so the two men are able to bond over their shared difficulties.
As Devons’ dad slowly improves, Devon rediscovers his passion for painting in the landscape of his youth. A landscape that is being threatened by a gold mining company and that will ultimately destroy the small town they live in and their way of life. Devon and Enrique use their skills to expose what is happening to the wider world and thwart the potential destruction. At the same time, their relationship develops and deepens to the point that Devon decides to stay and only go back to New York when necessary.
As Devons’ dad slowly improves, Devon rediscovers his passion for painting in the landscape of his youth. A landscape that is being threatened by a gold mining company and that will ultimately destroy the small town they live in and their way of life. Devon and Enrique use their skills to expose what is happening to the wider world and thwart the potential destruction. At the same time, their relationship develops and deepens to the point that Devon decides to stay and only go back to New York when necessary.
January 1, 2021
Almost 4 stars. Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of his books, and this is one of his newer ones. I really liked both of the characters, and the back story in Alaska. This was a well written, thought out story of a homecoming, two people who fall in love and a town they are able to help. There really aren't any surprises, but the journey of the story is very well done.
July 26, 2024
The famous artist is reeling from his latest show in New York, which did not go well, and his father just had a stroke, so he goes home to take care of him. Home is Willow, Alaska, and a mining company is setting up camp near the town. A lot happens, mostly the artist gets his talent back and finds a new boyfriend in Willow, and I'm not going to give away the ending. Wonderful, wonderful book.
September 13, 2020
A bit too much toxic masculinity in the bad guy scene for my taste. I always hope for less belligerence. The story was nice. 3.5
Read
October 23, 2020[did not finish] stopped at 17%, doesn't interest me.
November 22, 2020
Nice read
This was a very nice read. The story of recovery and renewal was inspiring. I only gave it four stars because this story was very similar to other stories of old loves reconnecting and getting back some “ mojo” they lost.
This was a very nice read. The story of recovery and renewal was inspiring. I only gave it four stars because this story was very similar to other stories of old loves reconnecting and getting back some “ mojo” they lost.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews