Rough Sketch

5 Antithesis Stars ⭐<br /><br />In Rough Sketch, we are introduced to a free-spirited artist and an uptight corporate who loathe each other on sight. <br /><br />When renowned artist Gus Guillmand accepts a placement at an elite internet firm, he never expected to feel as if he would be ‘creating art in captivity’. Apart from the frustration he is experiencing he is surprised to find a ‘muse’ in the prim and proper Neera Mallik is all her lush gorgeousness.<br /><br /><b>"Somehow, in the convoluted maze of human consciousness, I was able to find her desirable and aggravating all at once. I wanted to fuck her and then I wanted to tell her to fuck off."</b><br /><br />Neera is unprepared for this pesky artist that seems to have rudely placed himself in her orbit. Unsure of the actual whys, she can’t help being drawn to him and allowing him to get under her skin. She is taken aback with Gus in all his boldness and how much she desires it. <br /><br /><b>"It was anger and exasperation, and an unwelcome jolt of attraction. That wouldn't do. I would not. I couldn't lust after someone insufferable and argumentative and—and distressingly sexy."</b><br /><br />However, in a moment of weakness Neera lowers her guard, and neither are prepared for the fireworks and passion that is unleashed. And holy smokes did this author unveil the big guns. Gus and Neera took their desires to a whole new level.<br /><br /><b>"All I knew was the aching desire to be filled by him…and to be seen. I didn't want to examine that urge closely, didn't want to uncover its true meaning. But I wanted to feel filthy and depraved and—and gorgeously used."</b><br /><br />Kate Canterbary is truly talented. She always delivers well written stories with phenomenal characters who are multi-dimensional, intelligent, strong willed, funny and so damn sexy…. There is no book of hers I wouldn’t try.

I don't know why I've put this off for so long... Truly wonderful addition to the Talbot Cove world. And what a treat it was. Quick and hot, with clever dialogues and amazing characters, I loved the dynamic between them.

<strong>Opposites Attract</strong><br /><br />I loved falling in love with Neera and Gus. Two complete opposites you’d think wouldn’t fit but the differences is what I loved.<br /><br />The corporate woman, and the artist in residence. Gus can’t stay away, there’s something about this woman that calls to his soul. <br /><br />That scene in the car? HOTTER THAN HELL. <br /><br />I loved catching up with Cole and Owen and seeing how married life was working for them. <br /><br /><br /><br />

This novella just didn’t work for me. Way too rushed. Way too much instant Lust /love. I did consider bumping this to 3 stars because I liked the characters but overall this book left me dissatisfied (during and after reading) so I didn’t. I LOVED the Walsh series by Kate Canterbary. I’ve liked some of the books in this series and some have been meh for me, but this one just didn’t work at all. Which is disappointing because Neera had so much story to tell. And the man she was paired with had potential too. And please please can we stop with the c word?? It’s just not necessary- the writing is plenty spicy without it.

3.5<br />Fantastic start but then it kind of skipped to the epilogue; if was like someone had pinched the middle of the book. Shame as this showed huge promise

<b>4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans</b><br /><br />From the very start you can feel the sexual tension between Neera and Gus because she is an uptight executive and he is a free spirit artist. As they get to know each other they find out that they have a lot in common. <br /><br />This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up. <br /><br />For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

<b>Listened to audiobook on Read Me Romance podcast</b> ?

This was originally written for the Read Me Romance podcast and it felt underdeveloped as a result, whether because it was a novella or because it was written as an audiobook. (Although it wasn’t dialogue driven so I have no idea how it actually worked as an audiobook.) I didn’t understand why Neera and Gus got off on the wrong foot and didn’t completely buy their antagonists to lovers shtick. More of an emotional arc would have grounded the whole thing, especially because Gus is pretty sexually aggressive with her from the jump. That didn’t make for the best consent but I did really enjoy watching Neera wade into the exhibitionist waters.<br /><br /><i>Characters:</i> Neera is an Indian American internet firm executive VP and chief of staff with a nipple piercing. Gus is a 36 year old Brazilian artist and sculptor who is the artist-in-residence where Neera works. This is set in Silicon Valley, CA and Talbott’s Cove, ME.<br /><br /><i>Content notes:</i> family planning discussion (FMC does not want kids and MMC respects this), on page sex, sex in public, exhibitionism, anal play, condomless sex (no pregnancy results), alcohol, past inebriation (secondary character), comparison to addict, ableist language

I liked this novella a lot. But I didn’t really feel a lot connection with the albot cove world. Wich was a bit disappointing. I would love a book about Nate the guy in the bar of jj. I loved the art influence in this book.

Meh. This novella didn't do it for me. Gus/Neera's relationship was too intense, hurried and rushed. Did love that Fresh Catch characters Cole and Owen were featured in this book.<br /><br /> I so miss this authors Walsh series and its characters. Good times.