Art of Sin (Illusions Duet) by LM Halloran
My rating: 5+++ of 5 stars
I always have insanely high expectations when it comes to LM Halloran’s books. From my first taste of her writing in Breaking Giants, I knew I’d finally found an author who, unwittingly, ticked all of my boxes when it comes to my reading sensibilities. Knowing that I had put the author on an almost insurmountable pedestal, I tentatively read another of her works. This next book was also like a breath of fresh air and I realised that she was most definitely not a one trick pony. With each subsequent book, I found myself savouring each and every word the author had written, even in genres and tropes that I tend to avoid.
When I heard about, and read the synopsis for, the Illusions Duet, I knew the story was bound to be another resounding success. When I read the first chapter in the author’s reader group, I was left in a state of unrest awaiting the anticipated review copy to arrive in my inbox.
From the start of the book, I did something very rare for me. I read the book non-stop cover to cover. I am not a patient person and can easily become sidetracked but surprisingly, I found myself 100% entranced by the characters and the storyline.
Gideon Masters is a man on the edge, and it's now my job to bring him back to safe ground.
The first line in the book told me Gideon and Deirdre were going to ensare me and by the end of the first chapter, I had so many unanswered questions. Quite often in books, one character dominates the other, in the literary sense, but in this story, each character equally captured, intrigued, and fascinated me leaving me in awe of their strengths and attributes when it came to the parts they played in the storyline.
This man is a black hole; fascinating from far away, deadly if you get too close.
The art angle was unique in this book and added a further layer to what is a sexually inspired piece of fiction. The sexual undercurrents between Deirdre and Gideon were tangible from the first page and only built as the story progressed. Deirdre is openly curious about experiencing sex with multiple partners and Gideon is just the man to satisfy her needs and boy does he satisfy them. Enter Finn! Gideon and Finn together could send anyone’s emotions into orbit, including mine!
He's burned onto the backs of my eyelids, a light so brilliant I won't see the darkness at its core until it's too late.
Despite the erotic theme to this story, the book offers readers an insight into the mind of an artist and adds a juxtapose position when the corresponding mind is that of a publicist. Deirdre is less bohemian in her approach to life compared to Gideon despite both having had their futures carved out for them as a result of their pasts. It’s Deirdre’s past, however, that adds the suspense element to the story and when it becomes apparent that her past has been resurrected, there is only one person who can help her, Gideon. Having protected those closest to her her whole life, the question is will Deirdre trust her instincts in order to deal with her past once and for all or will she do what she has always done and face her demons alone?
I won't be any man's puppet. Not ever again.
It is at this point that Art of Sin pauses to take a much-needed breath and to enable its readers to return to reality. Fortunately, the finale to this duet is right around the corner. I for one can’t wait.
We have to let the animals inside us off the leash or bad things happen.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Blurb
Gideon Masters is a wild god.
Worshipped for his bold paintings as much as his divine looks, he’s the art world’s biggest celebrity. Under normal circumstances, our paths would never cross.
But when his extracurricular activities threaten a high-profile business deal, I’m forced to take him as a client. My task : keep him out of the tabloids for six months. Jobs, including mine, hang in the balance.
But Gideon doesn’t want a publicist.
He wants a new muse.
As I fall deeper under his sinful spell, a lifetime of secrets and carefully crafted lies unravels. Too late, I remember the sinister truths they protect:
I am already someone’s masterpiece.
And the original artist wants me back.
*Art of Sin is book one of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. But don't worry, book two, Sin of Love will be released March 27th!
*This duet takes place in the world of the Vision Series but can be read as a standalone.
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