Romance at Heart Magazine: review of A Fine Work Of Art by Shelby Reed

Title: A Fine Work Of Art
Author: Shelby Reed

Published in 2003 by Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-84360-359-4

College Professor Elizabeth Gilstrom has just ended her 10 year marriage to her unfaithful husband Stuart. Having just found evidence of his latest infidelity, she realizes that her life with her cheating spouse has been nothing more than wasted time. Elizabeth couldn't compete with the much younger woman her husband preferred and because of that her self doubts were at an all time high. Luckily for her, she had her job as a graduate art history teacher to see her through. Once upon a time, the arts were a major part of Elizabeth's life. She gave it all up however for the security that Stuart presented. Elizabeth wanted to be the ideal wife, and so her dreams of being an artist were suppressed. Her success as a teacher is shown in the talents of her pupil’s endeavors, and for that her life is fulfilled.

Even though Elizabeth knows she should be in a sense grieving for her failed marriage, she just can't keep her glances and thoughts off of one of her students. Boone McCrea is in short, every woman’s fantasy. With his dark good looks, and perfectly sculpted muscular form, Elizabeth’s' pulse speeds up whenever she happens to look his way. As a big appreciator of fine art, Elizabeth sees in Boone a beauty that she longs to find for her own life. Boone's coveted and heated glances at Elizabeth leave her with feelings of a sensuality she has long since kept under wraps. Unfortunately for them both, her career is important and so she keeps Boone at arms length despite their obvious mutual attractions. That is until Boone finds away to chip away at her defenses, and introduce Elizabeth to the fine arts of seduction.

At 24 years old, Boone McCrea has wisdom in him that far exceeds his age. A true artist in nature and circumspect, he has a raw talent within him that longs to be set free. When He paints, his entire being is thrown into his work, and the results are no less than spectacular. His love life however isn't all that he wants for it to be. Boone finds that women his age do not have similar wants and needs as him. His past relations with one of his models have resulted in a friendship that many misconstrue as an on going relationship. Elizabeth is no exception. As his teacher, he sees in her a kindred soul who shares the same passion for painting as he does. He also sees a beautiful and sexy woman that his body can’t help but desire.

Boone knows that he unsettles the prim and proper Elizabeth with his frank questions about her personal life. As he slowly knocks away at the armor she has built around herself, he finds himself falling more and more for a woman who won't let him any closer than what propriety will allow. As her student Boone understands, as a man, he does not. Giving Elizabeth the distance she asks for isn't hard for Boone, as a true gentleman, he turns down the heat and manages to stay away. Luckily for him, Elizabeth does not. When she shows up at his soccer game, he knows that despite her hesitations, she wants nothing more than to be wrapped in his tight embrace and caressed by his strong artistic hands. Boone decides to lay it all on the line and lets Elizabeth know that he wants her in his life and in his bed.

Elizabeth and Boone meet in the vortex of a passionate and whirlwind affair. Neither can deny the raging fire that has managed to burn a path across their lonely souls. Boone has the power to bring light back into Elizabeth’s darkness. It is through him that she can once again dare to dream and believe in herself. He awakens in her; the beautiful and vibrantly sexy woman that she never knew existed. Elizabeth knows that Boone is an all or nothing type of guy. But she doesn’t know if she has that much to offer him. She sees his talent and thinks herself someone that may hold him back because she is older. Not knowing that it is her who inspires Boone to even greater heights. At turns jealous of the company Boone keeps, Elizabeth starts to push him away as she constantly brings their age difference into their newfound relationship. Boone knows that his feelings for Elizabeth are genuine, but he knows he also has to prove to her that numbers are not important to him. Can two astonishingly compatible souls meet and fall in love despite the fall out that is expected from their peers? Can Elizabeth overlook all that she sees important, and take a chance on a love so electrifyingly hot that it leaves her heart in flames? Shelby Reed writes of love, sex, passion and a bundle of romance that is designed to penetrate even the staunchest of hearts.

I found A FINE WORK OF ART to be much more than just an older woman younger man sex fest. There was a lot of loving going on, but the actual romance far surpassed the erotica with a poignancy that doesn't normally come into play in such relationships. I rooted for Elizabeth to snag her man and not let the younger women get him. I found Boone to be utterly sexy, yet sweet and giving when it came to Elizabeth’s feelings and needs. He literally sweeps her off her feet, and takes her on a fantastic journey of pleasure filled bliss. As the two struggle to overcome misunderstandings and confusion, their characters grow and learn and a perfect love story is played out to the fullest. I recommend A FINE WORK OF ART because it is a wonderful romance and erotica combined. The sex absolutely scorches, and the romance flourishes with a warmness that allows the reader to believe in the sincerity of Elizabeth and Boones love. Published by the sinfully outstanding Elloras Cave and available as of 2003, A FINE WORK OF ART will embrace your heart within a masterpiece of triumphant love.

Happy reading,

Joann Ruffen

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