Review: Artistic Pursuits

Reviewed by Jen
 

FBI agent Frank Jennings and Interpol operative Leslie Carlton are thrown together by the theft of some antique windows in Milwaukee. The windows are very valuable and Leslie believes they could tie into an international art thievery case he has been working for years.

The men aren't sure what to make of each other at first. They are attracted to one another, but neither knows whether the other is gay --and both are wary of getting involved with someone on the job. It doesn't take long, though, before they give into their desires and fall into bed. The book follows the men as they try to solve their case and navigate their growing relationship.

I must say that the sex in this book is really well done. It's very hot; it's satisfying; and it's realistic. Every single sex scene was a winner. In the bedroom (and the shower), we really see the passion these men have for each other. However, the relationship didn't work for me in every way. My biggest beef was with the dialogue. People simply don't talk the way these characters do. For instance:

"You look like alabaster, do you know that?" Frank asked as he moved closer, their chests touching. "A perfect alabaster god, and you are right here in my bedroom."

Not to mention all the times Frank asks Les if he does (insert awesome sex-type thing) only for him, or tells him how "responsive" or "vocal" he is, or whatever. Or when he calls him "sweetheart." It just didn't ring true. Nor did the declarations of love and the overhaul of one of their lives --after essentially only a week or two in each other's company.

The crime-solving part of the story moved well and provided a good backdrop for the romance. And we got a solid secondary character in FBI agent Karl. I liked both our leading men and I liked them together. But I would have liked the relationship better with a little more realism, especially in the speed of which they developed their emotional connection. 3 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Artistic Pursuits

by Andrew Grey

Release Date: February 13, 2012

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press