War Paint (States of Love) by Sarah Black at Dreamspinner Press
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Military/Former Military / Artists/Actors/Musicians/Authors / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 25-May-2018 |
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Military/Former Military / Artists/Actors/Musicians/Authors / Romance |
Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 25-May-2018 |
There’s an art to love.
Mural artist Ben has come from Tel Aviv to Atlanta to work on a commission. A successful artist, he’s still lonely and isolated after his family’s rejection. Ben is charmed and surprised when local soldier Eli mistakes him for homeless, and brings him a cup of coffee and a biscuit. This gesture opens the door. Eli is lost, trying to make sense of a future without the Army after a combat injury ends his career.
Art gives them a new language and a path forward. But lost men can reach out, desperate to hang on to anyone close. Is what they find together real, and the kind of love that will last?
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
“Painting is the passage from the chaos of the emotions to the order of the possible.” ~ Balthus
Ben, of 'War Paint' by Sara Black, has been expressing his artistic genius on the sides of buildings all over the world. His art is inspirational and thought-provoking, while still fitting into his clients’ idea of what they think his mural should look like. Sometimes, it's a delicate balance between what Ben wants to represent and what the client thinks should be there, but he's an excellent diplomat, often able to sway his employer to accept his ideas, even if he has to alter them a little.
While Ben is in Atlanta, studying the wall of his latest project, an attractive young man named Eli comes over to the bench on which Ben is sitting with his little dog, David, and offers him coffee and a biscuit. Apparently, Eli mistakes Ben's scruffy-look for an unfortunate person and, as a random act of kindness, offers him food. Although this gesture warms Ben's heart, he doesn't quite know what to think of Eli, who, although young, looks much older than he should. After talking a while, Ben realizes how lost Eli actually is. He expected the armed services to be his life-long career, but when he was severely wounded, he had no idea what else he can or wants to do. Ben doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to sex, so he soon suggests that he and Eli be 'creative' in bed. When Ben realizes that Eli is interested in photography, he encourages him to develop his ability. Ben usually works alone, but he can't resist letting Eli become a part apprentice. When Eli comes up with a special addition to the mural, he's not only found an expression for his pain, but he's also learned what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
I loved Ben and Eli and David the dog, of course. The intensity in this book is awesome as well as the humor. I cracked up when Ben jokes that with names like Ben, Eli, and David they could start a rock band and call it 'The Old Testaments'. There's so much sincerity and honesty in this book; it made my heart ache. My only “complaint” is that the book ended. I was not ready to let Ben and Eli go. I wanted to see what they did with the rest of their lives, that I am convinced will be together. Thanks, Sarah, for a heartfelt tale.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Format | ebook |
Length | Novella, 88 pages/26610 words |
Heat Level | |
Publication Date | 25-May-2018 |
Price | $3.99 ebook |
Buy Link | https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/war-paint-by-sarah-black-9614-b |