Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter - Trinket Sisters, book 1

For Emma Trinket, life is a delicate balancing act between loving her family and pursuing interests they don’t understand. When the opportunity arises to finally impress them with her job as a computer programmer, she jumps at it even if it means immersing herself in a world she’s despised since childhood. Unfortunately the one man who could crush her prospects is also the best person to help her navigate the lessons she needs to be a success. Artistic expression is both Carter Anderson’s safe space and his livelihood, but his fading inspiration has him worried about his place in life. His encounters with Emma spark a passion to create that he hasn’t felt in years and he isn’t ready to let go of his new muse even if she’s threatening the sanctity of his art world with her digital technologies. As each tries to gain an advantage from the other, Emma and Carter discover they actually might be more compatible than they thought. Will that be enough to unify their opposing missions or will the real differences between pixels and paint tear them apart?

I'm really not a fan of books written in the present tense; it takes way too long to get into the story enough for it to quit bothering me. But once at that point, I did really enjoy this book, just as I expected from a Kristi Ann Hunter novel. It is full of the author's delightful sense of humor (I laughed so hard during one scene in particular), engaging characters, and encouraging message.

Weirdly, in spite of being an artist myself, I connected way more with Emma than Carter. When it comes to the vast majority of art, be it classical or modern, master or amateur, there's a very narrow window that I truly enjoy. And I make art because I enjoy the process and the results, not because of overwhelming emotion or the desire to make a statement. It mystifies me when people find deep emotion or hidden meaning in something that was only meant to be precisely what I depicted. But maybe that proves some of Carter's points in the story; art is certainly a very personal experience.

I really look forward to reading Amy's story--this book hinted at layers of depth and hurt behind that fashionable façade, and I can't wait to see where she ends up!

Trinket Sisters
1. Pixels and Paint
2. (2024)

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M White - The Imposters, book 1

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor. Pneumonia lands Sir Merritt Livingstone behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare. Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems.

It was enjoyable, just not my favorite by the author. The plot was twisty and intriguing, with an unexpected but thrilling conclusion. The main characters were all very likeable--Merritt, Marigold, Yates, Xavier. Maybe too likeable, in the case of Marigold? All together, Marigold's special skills strain credulity a bit--I mean, she's a trapeze artist, an actress, able to memorize whatever she reads or hears (at least short term), and is on the cutting edge of fashion, not to mention being titled gentry. Oh, and she cooks, sews, and has circus animals essentially as pets. All are explained in her backstory, but . . . it's a lot, without much balance in flaws. I guess I found her likeable, but too special and perfect to be relatable. However, I did really like that Merritt starts out sick and physically disadvantaged--a novel introduction for a hero!

I am terribly curious what went down between Gemma and Graham to cause such animosity; at least they're the leads in book 2! Side note about Graham Wharton: same name (essentially) as Graham, Lord Wharton, hero of Kristi Ann Hunter's novel A Defense of Honor. What are the chances?

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

The Imposters
1. A Beautiful Disguise
2. A Noble Scheme