All Things Beautiful

What a beautiful book, I enjoyed the painting aspect. It was interesting to learn different things about the subject. The connection between Leighton and Casey is undeniable and palpable.

Casey and Leighton tiptoe around their attraction throughout to book, and it's written in such a way that you are begging for them to embrace their attraction.

I also enjoyed all the characters in the book, I thought they all brought something to the book, Stefan was one of my favourites, being Leighton's best friend and co-worker and sounding board and the way he could press her buttons was funny.

This slow-burn, age-gap, student/teacher romance really hits the spot and kept me entertained and gripped throughout, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great book and I highly recommend it...

Catherine Bartram via NetGalley

Once in a while, you find a story that takes you on a journey. A rollercoaster ride of emotions. A page turner that is not only engaging, but heartstopping, and memorable. The characters are well written, deep, fully fleshed out, and thoroughly engaging. You just fall in love with them. I didn't want this story to end.

Georgia Powell via NetGalley

Casey is a struggling but talented artist who is trying to figure out how to raise her 2 year old son while elevating her creativeness and making a name for herself in the art world. Leighton Vaughn is an art atelier who is just settling into herself after a difficult divorce from her violent husband and now focusing on her daughter and teaching.

When Casey receives a scholarship to the Vaughn Atelier, she is over the moon and ready to give it her all. Upon meeting, there is an immediate attraction to one another despite the complicated situation of their teacher and student relationship. Despite their attempts to hide their feelings, they are unable to stay away and their desire for each other builds.

I really liked the intense nature of their interactions and the well-paced flow of their growing relationship. I also enjoyed the passion and execution of art processes as it felt true to the characters motivations. Both of the main characters have an admirable commitment to their children and the maturity to properly communicate through problems in a healthy way...

Lily Birks via NetGalley

Art is love and love is art. All Things Beautiful is a great example of that statement. An age gap, teacher-student, single mom story that will pull at all your heartstrings...

For Casey Norford life is going well at last. She’s the recipient of a full scholarship to Atelier Vaughn: the art school of her role model Leighton Vaughn. If she can learn how to be as good a painter as her, Casey’s future will be bright and she will finally be able to give her son Andy the life he deserves. When she steps into the atelier she didn’t expect to be swept away with both the talent of Leighton and the woman herself. While Casey works on her skills, she falls hard for her teacher and that just can’t happen.

Leighton Vaughn is making her dream a reality. After surviving an abusive marriage, Leighton worked very hard to build a safe life for her and her daughter. She’s finally at a good place in life, teaching talented young painters and running her own gallery. She is especially excited about this group of students. Well to be honest, especially excited about teaching one Casey Norford. Leighton sees a talent in her work that she rarely comes across. When she meets her protégée in person, she quickly learns Casey is much, much more than just a talented artist. Leighton’s past haunts her and made her wary of love, but can this extraordinary woman break through her defenses?

From page one you’ll want the very best for these two women. The instant thread that runs between Casey and Leighton is palpable. Because of the nature of their professional relationship they can’t do anything about it and it actually hurts to read about how they can’t be together…until their resolve crumbles and they just can’t stay away anymore. Of course that brings along a whole other set of problems and it escalates in horrific ways.

Even through all that, you just know in your heart of hearts that these two amazing women belong together. And that in and of itself is a remarkable feat Erdell accomplishes. And I haven’t even started to talk about the sizzle and heat Casey and Leighton create when they physically get to explore each other! That’s a fire that will be impossible to extinguish.

I loved diving deep into the world of art and painting. Half the time the specifics went over my head, seen as I am not an art connoisseur at all. The descriptive imagery Erdell uses though brings the art and this story to life. Although art plays a big part in the story, it never derives from the intense connection Casey and Leighton build between the easels and beyond the atelier.

The story contains references to an abusive relationship and includes an extremely violent situation related to that. So if you are triggered by that, it’s best to know it upfront.

Alaina Erdell proves, once again, she can write a damn good story. Get ready to dive into Casey’s and Leighton’s story, you certainly won’t regret it!

Reading With Caz for @readingwithcaz via NetGalley

A slow burn between an art school owner/instructor and a talented scholarship student. The book starts with insta attraction and progresses from there on this forbidden romance. The heavy subject of abuse is not mentioned in the blurb so heads up if that’s a trigger. This brings some heaviness to what appeared to be a light romance but I enjoyed the read. Bonus points for the epilogue and its artistic grand gesture...

Silvia Manolache via NetGalley