Artistic Appeal

I have been waiting to see how Dieter's case plays out and how Brians story unfolds. I adored Nicolai. Having a physically challenged character as the main character was such a fresh character. Nicolai is not damaged. He is very adept in himself. He knows he will never hear again and it doesn't bother him. Brian handles his attraction and feelings for Nicolai like a true champ. In my book that makes Brian a true prince. I also liked Zoe and how she brought such fun and charm and smiles to the story especially when she explains the birds and bees to her dad. I laughed my head off.

I liked how the two stories unfolded so well together. We not only got closer for Gerald and Dieter but a fresh romance with Brian and Nicolai and a bit of drama with the court case, Brian's ex and Nicolai's ex.

If you like a fast-paced story with well-flesh characters, unique characters, deaf men, cute kids and some man-love you will love this book. You don't have to read the first book but it does help you understand who Dieter and Gerald are and why Brian took over the case.

Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This is the second book in the Art Stories series by Andrew Grey. My review is on the audio version of this book narrated by John Solo. This story is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Austria. I have read a few books by this author and have found them all to be enjoyable reads. This story picks up where the first book of this series left off except the focus is on different characters. We met both of these characters in the first book and I really believe that in order to truly enjoy this book, you must read the first book of this series, Legal Artistry before you read this story. The plot of this story continues with the appeals process to get the paintings belonging to Dieter Krumpf back from the Austrian government. Brian Watson has become the lead attorney working along with Gerald and Dieter to get the painting back where they belong. During a Christmas party, Brian is introduced to Nicolai. Nicolai has been restoring and cleaning the paintings that have already been returned to Dieter. Brian’s daughter, Zoe, is the first to notice Nicolai. Curious about his hand gestures, she points Nicolai out to her father. Brian is instantly taken with the handsome man who is deaf. As the story progresses we get to see how the relationship between Brian and Nicolai progresses and how Brian’s ex-wife and Nicolai’s ex-boyfriend interfere with their relationship. The chemistry between Nicolai and Brian is sweet and loving, and I loved how the relationship between Nicolai and Brian’s daughter Zoe was portrayed. The pacing was a little slow at times and I felt that the conflicts in the story were glossed over and resolved too quickly. The ending was very good. I loved how the relationship between Nicolai and Brian was able to develop and how the story tied in with the story of Dieter and Gerald from the first book. The characters in this story were interesting and likable. John Solo does it again. I love the way that this narrator tells a story. As usual, he brings the characters to life.




PLOT: 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
NARRATION: 5 Stars

Review Copy of Artistic Appeal provided by the Dreamspinner Press LLC I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club

I really don't think it's possible for Mr. Grey to write anything except great books and Artistic Appeal exceeded my expectations. This is the follow up to Legal Artistry and continues with the process of trying to retrieve stolen art from the Austrian government. Along the way love has been found by the lawyers involved in the case. Gerald and Dieter were first to fall in love and then they take it upon themselves to help out their friend and fellow lawyer Brian.
Brian meets Nicolai at a party and soon they start dating. It seems their relationship is not going to go very far since they have to deal with so many things keeping them apart, an ex-wife and an ex-boyfriend, to name a few. But they do overcome all those and more while figuring out how they fit in each others lives. They were such a strong couple and I loved the way Brian learned ASL to show Nicolai how much he meant to him.

As usual, Andrew has delivered another 5 star story. I loved Artistic Appeal, as I have all of his books, but this one has a little extra in it. Because Nicolai is deaf, Brian and his daughter, who both love Nicolai, learn American Sign Language, which is the most beautiful part of the book, they learn it because of love, not because they have to. I really can't say anything else because if I do, I will want to tell all and I don't want to do that to other readers.
Andrew, all of your books provide inspiration for me. Each and everyone are special in their own way. Do not ever change your style, it is perfect the way it is.