Author: Trina Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages/Word Count: 226 Pages
At a Glance: A really good romance, with vivid characters, lots of sexy times, and a gentle humor
Blurb: Phil Alcorn is a vivacious artist living a lonely life. He has hundreds of acquaintances, dozens of casual lovers, but few know his real story. His best friend has found the love of his life, but that leaves Phil with a lot more time to think about the man who opened his eyes to a new and terrifying world one winter night eighteen months ago. Will Archer has spent his life competing around the world for the US Swim Team, but his mind frequently drifts toward the hills of San Francisco, where Phil lives amidst the fog.
Sparks flare hot in the bedroom, and their friendship deepens each time the two meet. Keeping their arrangement on the down low prevents friends’ inquisitions into their relationship. Will’s heart beats for the artist whose paintings and sculptures move his soul, and Phil’s antics fill Will’s stressful life with laughter. Phil has never believed in happy ever after, but he’s drawn to Will over and over.
Despite their deepening connection, they fear that if they change the rules now, the very thing that captivates them will disappear. Can the pair create a masterpiece all their own, or will their fears drown any chance at happiness?
Review: This book is from the same world as In Dreams He Came. It is a fully standalone book, however, and follows two of the secondary characters to their own HEA. I start this review by saying this, as the opening scene of WaterColors is of the two MC’s in bed. Phil is an artist and a swimmer and was pivotal in helping his friends get together in the first book. Will is a part of the swim team, a fulltime professional swimmer, and met Phil during Dreams. Their attraction to each other is acute, and the sex is stunning in its intensity; it makes a dramatic opening for the story. Will wants a forever and only love, but Phil has major commitment issues. What I loved about this story opening was just how quickly I was immersed in the book. By the end of the prologue I was hooked and totally invested in the story.
Trina Lane set up a timeline that was believable for this story. Will had to arrange meetings with Phil over many months before an emotional connection was made, and even though the physical relationship remained hot, it also grew comfortable for Phil, and he learned to look forward to their meet-ups. Phil’s character was established in one location that Will returned to frequently, while Will himself travelled for training and swimming competitions all over the world. There was an added bonus to all of the character interactions, as the reader is aware of what Will wants, and the humor that this creates carries over throughout the story. The visits are a pleasure to read as the characters are fleshed out in each one, and the reader learns more about each man as they learn about each other. More time is spent with Phil, as we need to know more of his past and why he has the issues he does, and his anticipation and fears are equally exposed.
I enjoyed the flow of this story, as the steps the characters made towards each other made sense to me, the reader, and fit within the calendar the book follows. The conversational tone of the book is also fitting to the age of the characters and is something I appreciate in a good book. There are conflicts in the book as there would be in life, and the author dealt with them in a realistic manner, involving the reader in the process. This book was an easy read, as Trina Lane made us connect with the story, eager to follow along with the guys as they figured out their relationship and grew closer together. This was a really good romance, with vivid characters, lots of sexy times, and a gentle humor throughout, and I completely enjoyed my time with it.
You can buy WaterColors here:
In Dreams He Came is one of my favorite books. It’s a comfort read for me. When I found out Phil was getting his story I had to buy it. I loved it. I love the way that Ms Lane tells a story. The timeline is believable and any conflicts are realistically settled I will be re reading this book as well .