Vanessa North
Self-Published
Reviewed by Nancy
5 out of 5 stars
Summary
Jeffrey Kuyper was a once-in-a-generation talent and I was his muse.
Jeffrey's death shocked the art world and upended my life. His last portrait is an intimate reminder of our final weeks together. Now it's up for auction and I want it more than anything. When a cold-mannered man in a dark suit outbids me, I'll agree to anything to buy it from him--even a weekend in his bed.
My Review
So unexpectedly beautiful.
Oliver Conklin is grieving for his lover of 5 years, who died in a car crash a year ago.
Jeffrey Kuyper was an artist and a Dom inspired by his young, submissive lover.
Now Jeffrey’s estate is up for grabs and all Oliver wants is his last painting. With just a wave of the paddle, the Dark Collector, a big fan of Jeffrey’s work, is now its owner.
He agrees to sell Oliver the painting on the condition he spend the weekend with him and do whatever he asks.
Oh, how I wanted to hate the Dark Collector. He took advantage of Oliver and disregarded his grief. It was his smile, his soft expressions and tenderness that warmed me up to him. Their sex is kinky, passionate, and so full of emotion. Oliver likes the feeling of being “owned”, but he remembers that this is nothing more than an arrangement they made.
Gradually, the Dark Collector helps Oliver find himself and find peace.
“Is that what I’m doing? Making peace? I watch myself in the mirror as I lick the last few drops away. How long has it been since I’ve cared at all about the person I see in the mirror? Can the muse exist when the artist does not? How can this stranger, whose name I don’t even know, see me if I can’t?”
This is an exquisitely written story that explores a man’s grief, love, and healing. The ending is sweet and made me cry happy tears.