Ansel Bray, an artist known around the world for his tragic hiatus from the canvas. Ansel Bray, a broody, handsome man not known by me, at all. Long dark hair, blue eyes, and dimpled cheeks. I’ve never met her, but her image is imprinted in my mind. An angel muse who inspires me to paint again. There is something about him. Something that spurs a need to be as close to him as possible. A need to … need to be as close to him as possible. A need to find out why.
There is something about her. Something that draws me in. Something that urges me to find out what her presence means.
Why does the girl in his painting look so much like me?
Who is this girl, and why can I see her so vividly?
I shouldn’t fall in love with him.
I shouldn’t fall in love at all.
But fate plays her hand.
But fate has other plans.
The lines of my life will blur.
The needs of my heart will change.
What a beautiful mess we’ve made.
more
Max Monroe took me on quite the unexpected journey in The Girl in the Painting. The amount of feelings present in the storyline and the interesting way this writing duo brought their hero and heroine together, even before they met in person, captivated me as did the fact that they are both artists, albeit in different fields, who have lost their passion due to circumstances out of their control.
Ansel Bray and Indy Davis have pasts that have scarred them, and it’s those scars that have made them lose some of the joy that they once had for a livelihood that used to hold so much wonder as well as comfort in their lives. And they contemplate as do readers as they begin to understand how everything turned the way it did in the characters’ present lives, if there’s a way to do more than just exist…if there’s a way to find their passion again, and perhaps even find someone who feels the exact same way, offering them both an opportunity to come alive again despite the obstacles and extenuating circumstances that still seem to be holding them back.
Artists, in any capacity, can definitely be a broody bunch, especially when they’re struggling or dealing with personal issues, and that’s so the case with Ansel Bray, but when he gets a new lease on life, he literally starts to see things differently and his eyes open up to an entirely new perspective as well as a new quest, so to speak, for his life, both professionally and personally.
The path that brought these two into each other’s lives almost seemed fated, and while Ansel and Indy had their ups and downs as they began their friendship, they find something with one another that they had been missing, causing Indy, especially, to reassess who she is and what she wants while also gaining insight into ideas that allow her to make the changes she needs to make, redefining and challenging herself in all areas of her life.
I’m a reader who adores authors who don’t confine themselves to certain tropes or genres…who willingly step outside their tried and true storylines, growing as storytellers and crafting multifaceted characters who change significantly as their stories are told. And even before The Girl in the Painting, I felt like Max Monroe was that kind of writing duo, and with the release of Ansel and Indy’s book, I can wholeheartedly say that they are, in fact, extremely talented writers with a wide range of story ideas and the gumption to write them all.
4 Poison Apples
I think what first pulled me in about this book was the cover. It was just so beautiful. I can’t tell you how tired I am of seeing another faceless set of abs gracing another book. I can’t be the only one who is looking for something unique and beautiful both on the inside and outside of a book. Yeah, yeah… abs are gorgeous but I’m bored. Anyway, nothing about this book is boring! This is a cover I would proudly show off on my shelf… and not just the spine; I’d have this baby face out! So yes, the gorgeous, unique cover pulled me in first. But this duo of authors are a powerhouse, this book’s like art!
These characters came alive with each word written! Ansel and Indy were characters readers are going to relate to… I felt for both of these people. They are impossible to not feel for them. I felt this pull for them… the problems and just plain trauma that they faced hurt my heart. I’m not huge into highlighting a story as I read… I do take notes since I write reviews… but I found myself highlighting so many of these quotes. Things like… “My soul knows your soul.” My heart signed with contentment. Everything about this book sucked me in!
I’m defiantly used to more of these authors humor… this does have some humor! I’m not sure they can write without putting humor into it. But, it is full of heart… like it’s exploding at the seams with heart. Max Monroe give you a bit of whiplash with how your heart feels sad one minute and happy with contentment the next. It’s an incredible talent!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
This is the first time I read a book by these amazingly talented authors and I’m completely astonished.
I honestly never expected to read a story like this one. In fact, I didn’t read the blurb AT ALL. And while I was desperate to know what the book was about, I decided to go blindsided and wait to see where the story would take me. And I wasn’t disappointed. Not in the least.
This book was about second chances, pain, forgiveness, and love.
Max Monroe made sure to show us all the beautiful imperfections of Ansel and Indy. How such unique characters were able to overcome the worst even when they felt there wasn’t a reason to keep moving forward.
Two souls that were bound to be together from the very beginning to be the strength to each other and also the happiness in the darkest times.
You will definitely find a beautiful writing, well placed scenes, characters like no others and the perfect pace to be more and more engrossed with The Girl In The Painting.
Their story still resonates in my heart and I’m pretty sure this won’t change in the time being. I think it will grow because books like this one deserve to be remembered till eternity.
The Girl in the Painting by Max Monroe is the story of Ansel and Indy.
Ansel is a artist but hasn’t painted in a year due to a accident. Indy goes to see some paintings with her sister and boyfriend. There she sees paintings of herself and it starts a mystery for her. Ansel doesn’t know why he painted the women that would be his muse. But when they meet feelings are engaged.
Enjoyed their story.
Pretty sure when I first got hooked on Max Monroe books I showed up for the humor and stayed for the sweet romance. These days, with these writers trying new things, I’m here for it all—sweet romance, laugh out loud scenes, and in The Girl in the Painting, something I’d never read before: a character who starts out like Ansel—a character who’s lost his vision. While the back story to his vision loss and how exactly his transplant works is not the focal point of this novel, it was such a unique start to a novel. These writers asked me to think about something I don’t think about very often and while I can’t speak to the accuracy of what they described, it definitely made me think about Ansel and what he was struggling with. But, as I said, this part of the novel was more about getting us to the next part than anything else. We fast forward a few years and get to meet Indy—the girl who seems to be the girl in the painting. As their stories entwine, them being together is obviously inescapable—despite an obvious obstacle—and the one question, which I pretty much guessed early on, remaining is how is he painting her like this when he never knew her before? You’ll get answers and a sweet epilogue too.
If you’ve come to Max Monroe for the funny, stay for the sweet romance. We think you’ll be glad you did.
Indy & Ansel story is such a refreshing story, sexy and sweet with all the chemistry and humor you can always get from these talented authors. It got me laughing and pulling my heart out, this book is definitely going to become a must read from Max Monroe. You will be devouring it until the very end.
“To my soul, I know this isn’t some random coincidence.”
I’m totally surprised by this story. I’ve read a lot of books from Max Monroe but none of them has played with my emotions so much. The Girl in the Painting made me unable to decide what I believe more… coincidence or maybe destiny?
The characters in this book have experienced an amazing journey that led them to the point where the only question they can ask is ‘HOW?’. Both of them have experienced moments in their lives that have left it’s mark. Their first meeting was amazing because as it turns out India was a muse for the broody artist Ansel even before the man saw her with his own eyes. But a friendship began to form between tchem and with time it turned into something deeper. But will secrets and difficult experiences give a chance for another love?
Max Monroe has created a moving story that tells us to believe in the magical power of fate and that you can get up even after the hardest experiences. And all of that is beautifully dressed in the artistic world of painting and music. Romanticism in its pure form!
4.5 Amazing Stars!
“I just know you. My soul knows your soul. It’s crazy and insane, but it’s the only way I can explain it.”
The Girl in the Painting took me by surprise. This story isn’t the usual funny/quirky light-hearted romance we’ve come to expect from this writing duo. What you’ll find instead is a moving and emotional romance, which includes a storyline some people have very real issues reading about, so beware. Both main characters had backstories that affected them deeply and later brought them together, linked by a tragic incident, or what can only be explained as fate. While one had thankfully overcome adversity and been given a second chance the other was still traumatized by a painful loss suffered years ago. Sadly, the connection that brings them together soon threatens to tear them apart when it’s revealed. Even though I grappled over some issues, the HEA ending ultimately overruled my doubts; I loved this story, I’m happy to say!
“The girl in the paintings. The girl in my mind. The girl who owns my heart.”
Ansel Bray was a successful artist until a horrific accident left him blind until an experimental surgery restored his eyesight and he started painting, again. Now, the art world is abuzz when some of his work is included in a new art exhibition, a year later. It’s the first time he’s shown anything in over five years, since before his accident, and it includes a painting Ansel had done recently, of an imaginary muse that he’s pictured in his mind, for the last year. When Ansel meets the woman he’s been obsessed with, he knows he can’t let her get away.
“Her beauty is unmatched. She is everything I’ve imagined, pictured, painted. She is…breathtaking.”
Indigo ‘Indy’ Davis has been going through the motions of living; she’d suffered a loss that still affected her, years later. The classically trained musician teaches music at a private school and gives private classes in the afternoons, all without touching her beloved instrument. Although Indy’s had a boyfriend, Matt, for a year they don’t see each other often, due to his job and travel. So when he insists they go and attend an art opening, something Indy isn’t interested in, she agrees to accompany him. Much to Indy’s surprise, there’s a painting that bears an uncanny resemblance to her.
“To my soul, I know this isn’t some random coincidence. This beautiful woman standing in front of me, Indy Davis, is her. The girl I’ve been picturing inside my mind over the past year.”
This is the point, when these two meet and begin to interact, that the story takes off at breakneck speed and I had a sense of foreboding while reading nonstop. I loved Ansel and Indy, they’ll have you believing in fate and destiny!
“You affect me in ways no one ever has, and I know this is insane for you. I know this is terrifying, but my heart has already made her choice.”
I am not sure anything I say can do this book justice. Max Monroe brought such a haunting and beautiful story that just keeps replaying over and over.
The characters is this book are fantastic and impossible not to fall in love with.
From the moment I read chapter one I was hooked, curious and needed to know more. Ansel is broody and moody due to his haunting and tragic past. He has an amazing support system in his Brother Bram. You will love the banter between these 2 as you get to know them more. There is so much depth to this story! Be prepared. I am secretly hoping that Bram will get his own story.. Yes, he is that amazing and supportive.
Have you ever had a connection with someone immediately? You felt like you already knew them, but had no idea why? This is how the relationship with Ansel and Indy is. It is beautiful to be apart of. Destiny and fate definitely intervene where these two are concerned. How can they be so drawn to one another?
Indy is also amazing. You just love her from the beginning. She is such a strong character that grows so much with this story. Like Ansel, Indy also has a haunting past that she has worked hard to move past. What is it about Ansel that attracts her and makes her want to know more?
Be ready to experience EVERY emotion possible. It is gut wrenching, breath taking and also offers the same quirkiness that we all love from Max Monroe. Definitely a top read!
Max Monroe stole my heart with this touching and passionate story. Once you get into the meat of the story, the twist isn’t hard to figure out, but surprisingly enough, I was ok with that because of the emotion from both characters.
Now, there were some things that I think could have been done a little differently in order to add a bit more realistic and heart-wrenching drama and a few holes were left open for me BUT, overall, this story really spoke to me. It had a bit of a romantic-paranormalish aspect to it (you’ll see what I mean).
One of my favorite parts was the music included within the story; some I knew, a few I didn’t.
It did take me a few chapters to get fully vested in Ansel and Indy separately, and even together.
With all that being said, there was something about this story that resonated with me. Maybe it was the idea of second chances or the beauty in having continued hope when your world seems dark, but the concept of this was truly beautiful to me. Once I became fully invested into the lives of these characters, I was excited to see what fate had in store for them along the way to their destination.
**And I know I can’t be the only one who needs a story about Bram, amiright?!?!
So I am one of those people who will just blindly read an author without even looking at the synopsis. I have become such a huge fan of Max Monroe’s rom-com’s that I am just in…doens’t matter what the book is about. I just don’t care. So blindly I went in and was absolutely blown away.There is undoubtedly a twist which I think is easily figured out, but I didn’t care- figuring it out didn’t ruin anything for me. The character growth of these two was unbelievable. The transformation is astonishing. These two have an undeniable connection, one that couldn’t be explained – some would call it fate.Ansel – a broody, tortured artist and Indy a broken, yet healing young lady – their paths cross in the most innocent ways and their connection palpable. Their NEED to get to know each.Max Monroe have indeed shown themselves to be versatile with this contemporary romance. Keep them coming!
This one judo kicked me right in the feels, I honestly wasn’t expecting that. I didn’t read the synopsis so I wasn’t 100% sure what I was diving into. Holy wow what a beautiful and unique story. I’m still thinking about Ansel and Indy a couple of days later. I was totally sucked in and I did not want to put it down. I liked that it was different and that’s why it will stick with me for awhile.
Inspiring, beautiful, incredible journey about love and fate. Ansel is an amazing painter until one night everything goes dark but then he gets another chance at seeing and his world shifts. Indy’s passion is music but something has caused her to only live a half-life with music as the focus. Ansel’s new paintings are of a beautiful woman he’s never met then Indy shows up at his exhibit and is stunned to be looking at herself on the canvas. What happens when the painter meets his muse? How will Indy react to Ansel? Is there a chance that these once lost souls will help each other find love? To say anymore gives away the beauty of this journey. Truly a wonderful cast of characters that had me feeling all of their highs and lows as they navigated unexpected waters. I read this book using Kindle Unlimited.
I found Max Monroe last year when I first read one of their books and absolutely fell in love with their writing and have not looked back. The Girl in the Painting I felt was a bit different than previous books by this writing duo and loved it just as much as everything else I have read by this author.
Ansel Bray and Indy will steal your hart from the very beginning. Ansel is in some ways your typical artist, brooding and grumpy, but much has happened to him. Indy was feisty, sweet and caring. But don’t get me wrong, these characters have quite a journey before we reach the end. The story had a few surprises along the way that had me captivated.
The Girl in the Painting by Max Monroe is a book that should just be read and enjoyed without any spoilers. There may be some things some readers may not like, but this is truly a great read, with great characters and a captivating story. I loved it and cannot wait to read even more from this author.
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading
This book…. ok so it was just fantastic!! I mean yeah it was all the feels a little laughter some tears a lot of sweet love it’s just so good.
Ansel is a famous painter who lost his eye sight and can’t paint. How can he be more popular after his accident everyone wants his art because he can’t create any more. A risky procedure will change all that. Not only will he create beauty he will continue to see his muse and paint because of her the mysterious lady.
Indy is a music teacher who is just living at best one night at an art gallery for a painter she has no desire to see her life changes. How is there a painting of her?
A whole bunch of events lead to her questing her life choices and regrets.
Will they find true love? Has fate made an appearance in their lives can they fight the crazy attraction and sparks?
I love Max Monroe books but this one was so good I think it was my favorite it was just spectacular. They said it wasn’t their usual writing style but it was a gripping story that hooked me from page 1.
I hope they write more stories like this! I mean we all love Thatch but Ansel was just so good
This was my first read by Max Monroe. The only books I’d seen before were contemporary billionaire books, so I was 100% expecting light and fluffy (even though the blurb is not light nor fluffy).
Welp. That’s what happens when I assume.
The Girl in the Painting was a heck of a lot more angst than I expected. Ansel, our broody painter, starts the book blind after a terrible car accident. Fast forward a few years, our Heroine Indy attends a showing and sees a painting that looks eerily like herself. Ansel has been seeing images of Indy for years, never knowing that she was a real life person and not just a figment of his imagination.
The connection between Ansel and Indy feels fated, inevitable, cosmic even. There are forces drawing them together; forces that neither can resist.
I could see the writing on the wall early on. While TGINTP (phew, say that five times fast) was emotional and entrancing, the angst felt forced at times. And there is one scene that affected my opinion of Indy, and not for the better.
Still a great read and I’ll be seeking out more from Max Monroe.
Ansel and Indy story is amazing, and so real. When I first started reading the book, I had problems laying it down… This is a new book from Max Monroe, a stand-alone like they never have written before. And like all books to Max Monroe, this is so amazingly good. If you want a different love story, this is the right book for you.. Max Monroe outdid them self!!
The feels!!!
This books is packed with all the feels and I am absolute in love! This might be my favorite Max Monroe book yet!
Ansel Bray is the definition of broody artist with a tortured soul. But underneath that layer of gruffness is an amazing man. He’s mysterious but kind, lost but talented, funny but broken. He’s a little bit of everything, but only a select few get to see that side of him. He’s raw and passionate and those traits extend well beyond just his artwork.
Indigo is a bit of a tortured soul herself. She’s sort of going through the motions of life, and what’s even more confusing to her is this inexplicable draw she has to Ansel. She’s intriguing and reserved, and I enjoyed watching her take the reins on her own happiness in this story.
This book is amazing. It’s nothing like I expected and took me on a journey I won’t soon forget. It’s definitely not the type of story I’m used to from this author duo (though admittedly I haven’t read their entire catalog), but I wouldn’t change a thing. Grab some tissues and settle in for a binge read. Your heart is going to love this one.
For this book, Max Monroe gets all the stars!
This was the most intriguing unique but also highly enjoyable book! There was mystery involved, great banter and sizzling tension!
It was holding my attention until I had to find out what happens!I just had to finish!!
I really loved the characters, the banter, the whole storyline and how things eventuate is so riveting and unlike anything I have EVER read before!
Im not sure what more to say but just know this book definitely needs to be a must read on your tbr list!
Ansel is so broody but I really thought it was no wonder he is like that due to certain circumstances!
Indy really has had a difficult few years but meeting Ansel is something you will never see coming!
Absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to see what the authors have up their sleeves next!
NO SPOILERS!
The Girl in the Painting was a unique and emotional standalone romance about love, loss, and fate. It was unlike anything I’d read before, and I couldn’t get enough of everything. Max Monroe made me swoon so hard over the storyline and characters, and I loved the journey they took me on. I fell fast and hard for Ansel, Indy, and their unforgettable love story, and I know you will too. The Girl in the Painting was another MUST READ from the brilliant author duo, Max Monroe, and I would HIGHLY recommend it!