Review: Watercolors by Trina Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Publish Date: January 12, 2015
Reviewed by: Heller
How I got this book: E-Arc from Publisher
Phil Alcorn is a vivacious artist living a lonely life. He has hundreds of acquaintances, dozens of casual lovers, but few know his real story. His best friend has found the love of his life, but that leaves Phil with a lot more time to think about the man who opened his eyes to a new and terrifying world one winter night eighteen months ago. Will Archer has spent his life competing around the world for the US Swim Team, but his mind frequently drifts toward the hills of San Francisco, where Phil lives amidst the fog.
Sparks flare hot in the bedroom, and their friendship deepens each time the two meet. Keeping their arrangement on the down low prevents friends’ inquisitions into their relationship. Will’s heart beats for the artist whose paintings and sculptures move his soul, and Phil’s antics fill Will’s stressful life with laughter. Phil has never believed in happy ever after, but he’s drawn to Will over and over.
Despite their deepening connection, they fear that if they change the rules now, the very thing that captivates them will disappear. Can the pair create a masterpiece all their own, or will their fears drown any chance at happiness?
I didn’t realize going into this that it was a companion book to another or a sequel depending on how the first book reads. I didn’t find it at all a standalone book. There were characters and situations that felt very established and that I was jumping midway into the proceedings. It was easy to figure things out though so I didn’t feel lost for long time. There was a lot of commentary that seemed to happen off page and I’m not sure if that’s the author’s style or these moments were scenes that fit in between events that happened in the first book. There were also a lot of time jumps in the read that made it a bit choppy. In the end we hear about quite a few significant moments second-hand rather than experience it which I found frustrating.
So I’m a bit conflicted with how to rate this read because of my issues. I did enjoy the characters and their journey together. Despite Phil’s reticence in forming any kind of long term relationship I didn’t find this to be an angsty but rather a light, sweet read. A bit gooey but I did like it and I’ll check out Gabe and Nick’s story in the first book if only to see where Phil and Will fit into that dynamic.
I’m giving Watercolors a B-