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00laura23's review
adventurous
4.0
This is a fun, entertaining, adventurous read. Zeke and Tessa are interesting, complex, intriguing, entertaining characters. I enjoyed them from the start, and their meet-cute started the story off on a solidly good note. Their romance was fun to read with all it’s twists and turns. There is a lot packed into this story – some of which I loved how it was wrapped up and others I wish we had gotten more from. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cschaepe84's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Oooooh, this was cute.
Initially, I had a little harder time getting into the story due to Tessa and Zeke discussing some jargon about their jobs, which is necessary, I get it for the authenticity of the characters and their world, but it kinda made me lose interest at times. Perhaps workplace romance really isn't for me. And then there was all the details about New York that I somehow had trouble seeing in my head, as if only if you lived in New York would you understand it.
Nevertheless, the plot was relatively original, and the story took many turns that I did not expect.
So, we start off with Tessa and Zeke meeting at an art gallery where Tessa is posing as an artist in order to bait a Jurgen, a possible scam artist, as a way to help her friend's friend. At the opening, she notices a hot guy, and begins to flirt with him while she's also trying to stay undercover to rope in the scammer guy. Well, the consequence of this is, in order to keep up pretenses to draw in the scammer guy, she ends up lying to Zeke too that she is indeed, and artist, and Zeke takes the bait. This was fine for a little while, and she never meant to deceive Zeke, until he reveals to her that he HATES lawyers because his ex was a lawyer who cheated on him.
And thus begins the deception.
However, this is only a small part of the story, as the plot becomes more complex than this.
Zeke and Tessa a each fleshed out very well in this story. You look into their worlds separately and see how they collide together. Relationship-wise, each one as a lot of baggage, especially where trust is involved. Although well-before the half-way mark of the book, the jig is up and Tessa reveals that she is indeed a lawyer, something Zeke hated, this is where the REAL story begins, and this is where they truly fall in love and get to know each other.
I really loved it when Zeke decides to tag along with Tessa to be involved in her sleuthing once he sees her in action during one of his own problems that could hurt his career. This is the part where the book truly starts to shine, and where they learn to work together and trust. Even though here, they have broken up, the spark is still there, and Tessa tries to win Zeke back. It works, but the baggage each one carries remains, and they learn to overcome their issues to get back together.
Again, this did lose one star because at times the book dragged, especially when getting into their jobs, but I understand why it was necessary, and only goes to show workplace romance is not for me, as I've had problems with another book like this before. Nevertheless, this book got exciting, and took a turn I didn't see coming, especially at the end where the entire story comes around full circle. I was cheering Tessa and Zeke to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Initially, I had a little harder time getting into the story due to Tessa and Zeke discussing some jargon about their jobs, which is necessary, I get it for the authenticity of the characters and their world, but it kinda made me lose interest at times. Perhaps workplace romance really isn't for me. And then there was all the details about New York that I somehow had trouble seeing in my head, as if only if you lived in New York would you understand it.
Nevertheless, the plot was relatively original, and the story took many turns that I did not expect.
So, we start off with Tessa and Zeke meeting at an art gallery where Tessa is posing as an artist in order to bait a Jurgen, a possible scam artist, as a way to help her friend's friend. At the opening, she notices a hot guy, and begins to flirt with him while she's also trying to stay undercover to rope in the scammer guy. Well, the consequence of this is, in order to keep up pretenses to draw in the scammer guy, she ends up lying to Zeke too that she is indeed, and artist, and Zeke takes the bait. This was fine for a little while, and she never meant to deceive Zeke, until he reveals to her that he HATES lawyers because his ex was a lawyer who cheated on him.
And thus begins the deception.
However, this is only a small part of the story, as the plot becomes more complex than this.
Zeke and Tessa a each fleshed out very well in this story. You look into their worlds separately and see how they collide together. Relationship-wise, each one as a lot of baggage, especially where trust is involved. Although well-before the half-way mark of the book, the jig is up and Tessa reveals that she is indeed a lawyer, something Zeke hated, this is where the REAL story begins, and this is where they truly fall in love and get to know each other.
I really loved it when Zeke decides to tag along with Tessa to be involved in her sleuthing once he sees her in action during one of his own problems that could hurt his career. This is the part where the book truly starts to shine, and where they learn to work together and trust. Even though here, they have broken up, the spark is still there, and Tessa tries to win Zeke back. It works, but the baggage each one carries remains, and they learn to overcome their issues to get back together.
Again, this did lose one star because at times the book dragged, especially when getting into their jobs, but I understand why it was necessary, and only goes to show workplace romance is not for me, as I've had problems with another book like this before. Nevertheless, this book got exciting, and took a turn I didn't see coming, especially at the end where the entire story comes around full circle. I was cheering Tessa and Zeke to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
andthensarahread's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Plot: 3.75
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read another book in this series (My Book Boyfriend). I felt Love is an Art was less captivating overall. I'm not as into art as I am with books, so there was a disconnect on that. I also had a harder time connecting to the characters and felt their conflict was a little forced. It seemed silly that they both were dumped unceremoniously and had the same "trauma" over that, but Zeke still wanted to break it off with Tessa over something minor in my opinion.
It was nice to see a continuation/further story with this friend group. It just didn't catch me like the other book did. Still looking forward to more New York Spark series.
It was overall a light, quick romance. Read if you like: rom com, clean/closed door romance.
Engagement: 4
Characters: 4
Style: 4
Overall Rating: 3.94/5
Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read another book in this series (My Book Boyfriend). I felt Love is an Art was less captivating overall. I'm not as into art as I am with books, so there was a disconnect on that. I also had a harder time connecting to the characters and felt their conflict was a little forced. It seemed silly that they both were dumped unceremoniously and had the same "trauma" over that, but Zeke still wanted to break it off with Tessa over something minor in my opinion.
It was nice to see a continuation/further story with this friend group. It just didn't catch me like the other book did. Still looking forward to more New York Spark series.
It was overall a light, quick romance. Read if you like: rom com, clean/closed door romance.
storiedconversation's review
5.0
Allow me to introduce you to Tessa, a diligent corporate lawyer whose compassionate nature knows no bounds. She's always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Then there's Zeke, another hardworking corporate lawyer, but he carries a heavy burden—he's developed an intense aversion to female lawyers due to a painful betrayal by his lawyer girlfriend.
When Tessa learns that a dear artist friend of hers has been conned out of thousands of dollars by a cunning scam artist who preys on creative souls, she's fueled by righteous anger. Determined to bring this con artist to justice, she hatches a bold plan. Tessa disguises herself as a painter and infiltrates an art gallery, hoping to catch the scammer in the act. There's just one tiny snag—Tessa possesses not one artistic bone in her body. Can she pull off her scheme without arousing the con man's suspicion?
Meanwhile, Zeke happens to be at the same art gallery and crosses paths with Tessa, whom he believes to be a struggling artist. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and their chemistry is impossible to deny. However, as Tessa delves deeper into their connection, she uncovers Zeke's deep-seated aversion to lawyers and his profound trust issues stemming from a past relationship.
Now, Tessa faces her most daunting challenge yet: how to reveal the true purpose of her artistic deception, which was rooted in helping her friend, and the fact that she is, in reality, a lawyer. The real question is, can she win Zeke's trust and heart despite the web of deceit that initially brought them together?
The author of this enthralling tale possesses an unparalleled gift for storytelling. Her narratives are a tapestry of distinctive plots and unforgettable characters, capable of captivating your attention from the very first page right through to the exhilarating finish.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
When Tessa learns that a dear artist friend of hers has been conned out of thousands of dollars by a cunning scam artist who preys on creative souls, she's fueled by righteous anger. Determined to bring this con artist to justice, she hatches a bold plan. Tessa disguises herself as a painter and infiltrates an art gallery, hoping to catch the scammer in the act. There's just one tiny snag—Tessa possesses not one artistic bone in her body. Can she pull off her scheme without arousing the con man's suspicion?
Meanwhile, Zeke happens to be at the same art gallery and crosses paths with Tessa, whom he believes to be a struggling artist. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and their chemistry is impossible to deny. However, as Tessa delves deeper into their connection, she uncovers Zeke's deep-seated aversion to lawyers and his profound trust issues stemming from a past relationship.
Now, Tessa faces her most daunting challenge yet: how to reveal the true purpose of her artistic deception, which was rooted in helping her friend, and the fact that she is, in reality, a lawyer. The real question is, can she win Zeke's trust and heart despite the web of deceit that initially brought them together?
The author of this enthralling tale possesses an unparalleled gift for storytelling. Her narratives are a tapestry of distinctive plots and unforgettable characters, capable of captivating your attention from the very first page right through to the exhilarating finish.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
piperkitty's review
5.0
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resource for the arc here's my honest review from the heart ❤️
Welcome to book 2 in the New York Spark Series by Kathy Strobos.
This is such a nice and easy read that it. It has that lovely causing atmosphere as you are following. As we are following Tessa and Zeke u have enjoyed the slow and explosive part of thier relationship. Especially the team work they and dedication they both share to a cause. I love how each character get there own chapter so we delve into each of them in depth.
It was great tk see how both parties have previously had a messy relationship and how quickly thier miscommunication is dealt with and am so glad it didn't drag on. I would definitely recommend this doe a cosy read at any time of the year.
Welcome to book 2 in the New York Spark Series by Kathy Strobos.
This is such a nice and easy read that it. It has that lovely causing atmosphere as you are following. As we are following Tessa and Zeke u have enjoyed the slow and explosive part of thier relationship. Especially the team work they and dedication they both share to a cause. I love how each character get there own chapter so we delve into each of them in depth.
It was great tk see how both parties have previously had a messy relationship and how quickly thier miscommunication is dealt with and am so glad it didn't drag on. I would definitely recommend this doe a cosy read at any time of the year.
lisaluvsliterature's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed the first book in this series, My Book Boyfriend, and was excited to read this one. I liked the characters and their chemistry was fun. They both had a lot of issues with their last relationship, or even earlier ones. Very similar issues, so they kind of kept pulling away from each other in the same way. It was more than just relationship issues and even job issues. Both had competing co-workers or bosses, exes who seemed to be around just to cause problems, and then there was both their jobs and also the detective work that actually led to their first meeting, and really the biggest obstacle in their budding romance.
I did enjoy all the different things with their jobs though. The figuring out what was going on with a company he’d recommended for portfolios. Her pro bono work to help a woman get her grandmother’s apartment back. And I enjoyed once again all the different characters and hope to read more about who I think the next romance will be, a rock star and his neighbor.
I did have the same issues though, and these are personal issues, not even really bad things. It was just a little long for me, or at least a little too much back and forth between the characters on ending up together. But it didn’t drag or anything, those were just things that I may have skimmed through a bit as I wanted to get to the excitement getting solved and their happily ever after.
I did enjoy all the different things with their jobs though. The figuring out what was going on with a company he’d recommended for portfolios. Her pro bono work to help a woman get her grandmother’s apartment back. And I enjoyed once again all the different characters and hope to read more about who I think the next romance will be, a rock star and his neighbor.
I did have the same issues though, and these are personal issues, not even really bad things. It was just a little long for me, or at least a little too much back and forth between the characters on ending up together. But it didn’t drag or anything, those were just things that I may have skimmed through a bit as I wanted to get to the excitement getting solved and their happily ever after.
starburst3625's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed this book. This is another fun New York City based story from this author. I enjoy seeing the city through her eyes. She really makes it an additional character in many ways. “‘I love checking out the different neighborhoods of New York…Whenever I feel a craving for travel but can’t, I take a trip to a different part. There’s so much to see - and feel.’ Lawyer Tessa, posing as an artist to lure in a scammer who preys on hopeful artists, met Zeke at an art show. Tessa was trapped in her charade by the circumstances, but she and Zeke really connected and started to see each other. Of course, inevitably, the truth had to come out. I actually really liked that the whole book wasn’t built around the false identity and that Tessa didn’t drag it out, but felt the need to come clean on a reasonable timeline. “People make mistakes all the time. What matters is what happens next.” Then we got to see the fallout, working through it, reconciliation, and other subsequent problems that occurred. They were fun characters and so was the story. This story ties to others by the author but reads very well as a standalone. This is a fade-to-black story with some innuendo and a small amount of mild harsh language.
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