Thursday, December 14, 2017

Pre-Release Review: Just Like Honey by Ajax Bell



BLURB

CAN HE PAINT HIS MUSE INTO 36 VIEWS OF SEATTLE?

Artist Ryan Ikeda’s domestic bliss shatters after an invitation to join a career-launching gallery show in 1990s Seattle. His artistic uncertainty and secret desires, dangerous as turpentine and flame, threaten to torch his bond with Ben, his handsome boyfriend and muse.

Suddenly, instability rocks every aspect of Ryan’s life: his grandmother’s sinking health, his friends moving on to new jobs, even his apartment is endangered. Worst of all, Ben’s work demands more time away from home, the overload of changes jeopardizing the stability of their open relationship.

Ryan’s long-time friends advise him to jump headlong in to the colorful Seattle art scene. However, Ryan’s deep examination of his creative needs outline new demands for his life with Ben. Striving for both balance and success, Ryan faces the greatest risks of his personal and professional life.

Just Like Honey peeks inside working artists’ studios, cruises the 1990s Seattle bar scene, and eavesdrops on artists gossiping about their competitors at hot gallery shows, while Ryan and Ben explore the communication and tenderness required for a deep, open relationship.


Goodreads  ~  Preorder it @ Amazon

Release Date: 12/15/2017




4 Stars!

When I requested this book, I failed to read the part where it features an open relationship between the MCs, so even if it's not my cup of tea, I forged forward and read it, even if I don't really understand the concept, so I will not get into that and try not to let my thoughts on the matter color my review other than in this paragraph. 

Ryan and Ben were very likable and relatable, for the most part. They had great chemistry and they seemed to fit well together, despite the fact that Ben's work and Ryan's artistic endeavors and their insecurities play a big part in creating troubles in their relationship. 

The secondary characters gave depth to the story and even if I wish I could've throat-punched Travis, even he had a purpose in the book.  

The book is well-written and I think the author has a great grasp and did a lot of research in the era and art, as it's obvious with the detail she put into the story. Some parts of it dragged a bit, as perhaps there was too much detail, but other than that, the book is poignant, angsty, interesting and gives the reader a view into what Seattle had to offer in the artistic circles in the 90's. Recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***



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