Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Gavin McGrath’s art career is in ruins, his health is failing, his wife’s left him because of his promiscuity, and he’s alienated people in the industry with his aggressive and arrogant behaviour.

But when a full pot of red paint falls on his current canvas, apparently ruining it, it brings a change in his life he never expected. A strange, beautiful young man appears in his studio as his companion and Muse. Matteo is from another time but he understands artists all too well—and now his place is with Gavin.

Matteo brings devotion and inspiration across the centuries, forcing Gavin to take stock of his life and his behaviour in the months he has left to him. Eventually Gavin realizes he must reconsider the capacity for love he’s always scorned—before it’s too late for both him and Matteo.

NOTE: This book was previously published by Amber Allure in October 2009.

Book Review

When there is too much negativity, life becomes an unending struggle, like trying to pull out of quicksand and getting nowhere. Painter Gavin McGrath, of 'Muse' by Clare London, has lost his direction. Gavin is trying to avoid facing the inevitable by ignoring it. As we all know, that doesn't work. Problems can't be ignored; if left unattended, they only fester and become worse. Gavin needs a muse, one who will help him see that his talent is still there but it's deep inside. It must be rekindled and his faith in him must be restored.

Among other things, red is the color of masculinity, sexuality, and motivation. When the color red takes center stage in Gavin’s life, so does a beautiful, passionate young man with odd clothing, an eye for art, and an understanding of artists. His name is Matteo and he becomes the sunshine, brightness, and vitality that Gavin so desperately needs. At first, Gavin treats Matteo like he's been treating his wife, the art critics, dealers, and everyone else in his life. Unlike those people, Matteo doesn't take offense; he lets Gavin rant and rave, but he also doesn't go away. As time passes, Gavin starts reevaluating his life and a burden is lifted. Gavin has regrets, but he also has Matteo, his muse. With little direction, Gavin begins to see how the color red is influencing his life. He becomes more productive, painting like a fiend, all with red in the paintings. Before, in Gavin's life, this was all that was important, but now, Matteo is what matters most.

This is a poignant story of two men united against all odds and reason, brought together to give them both another chance. It's beautiful and it's sad. Although the story does not have a traditional happy ending, Matteo and Gavin get what they want—to be together. Clare has created an intense, almost haunting story, written in the brilliant prose she's so good at. I was dazzled by Clare's ability to create such emotion and empathy for Mateo and Gavin. Matteo was perfect, no other way to describe him, and Gavin seems to prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Love inspires the best in all of us and it was never as true as Matteo and Gavin’s case. I recommend this read to those who like a different kind of love story, written in intensely beautiful prose. Thank you, Clare, for a touching, thoughtful story that will stay with me for a long time.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 14000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	08-May-2016
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Muse-Clare-London-ebook/dp/B01FBHNKQM