The Body Painter

4.5 stars Looking to listen to a dark, romantic suspense, then this is one for you. I will caution those with triggers to proceed with caution. Once again Ms. Winters delivers a storyline that will hold one’s attention from beginning to end. The dual narration is flawless! Will M Watt will have you drooling over his accent as he mellifluously brings the written words to life. Felicity Foster took a little getting used to but nailed Olin’s character. Olin is down on her luck and needs to find a way to generate some income. After looking incessantly for a position, she manages an interview with “The Master of Trickery.” Upon her arrival, she gets one heck of a shock when she realizes that “The Master” is none other than her high school love, Gilbert. Is this their chance to rekindle what once was? The author has done a remarkable job weaving the past and present as listeners glean the nuances of their lives. It is a slow build with some areas that seem repetitive and ends in a cliffhanger but with everything that is contained within, it is one that is needed to add to your collection. I recommend this audiobook.

My mind is blown, and my heart is in turmoil. I’m reeling from all the secrets and mystery in this audiobook. I love everything Pepper Winters writes, and this is one of her more intense stories. Her character development and story telling abilities are unparalleled. Her writing makes it effortless to imagine the world she’s created. Gil can be quite cruel to Olin. And from some reviews I’ve read, this didn’t go over well for some readers. But me personally, I went into this knowing the trigger warnings and dark aspect of the story. For a lover of dark romances, this [audio]book checks every box and then some. The trauma was graphic and necessary for the storyline, but not good for the faint of heart. But that trauma is what strengthens the bond between Gil and Olin. Especially on Gil’s side. Olin is the only one who’s ever seen him as a person and not a toy to manipulate. His trauma and hard upbringing are why Olin feels he deserves every bit of love and dedication she has to give. Everything he does in life (don’t want to give any spoilers here) is because his life belongs to others, and he has no choices. He really does deserve Olin. That cliffhanger… holy cow! Pepper Winters, you outdid yourself with this one! I can’t wait to get my hands on the second audiobook! Will M. Watt and Felicity Foster are a dream team for this audiobook. They were perfectly cast for their roles. This is such an intense, traumatic, tragic, and passionate story. They embraced the story and embodied their characters. The timing, pitch, pace, characterizations, and tone were exemplary. Listen to this book versus reading it was heartbreaking. It tore me up. The duo narration made this listening experience so much more engrossing. I highly recommend the audio version of The Body Painter! Thank you to Valentine PR for gifting me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. 5 Exceptionally Intense and Gripping Stars! NOLA504NERDS BLOG

4.25stars--THE BODY PAINTER is the first instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult MASTER OF TRICKERY erotic, dark, romantic thriller focusing on body painter Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss. WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers. Told from dual first person perspectives (Gil and Olin), using present day and memories from the past, THE BODY PAINTER follows the rekindling relationship between high school friends Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss. Gil Clark was a loner; a young man whose life was spiralling out of control and the only bright light in his otherwise dark work was classmate Olin Moss. Olin knew something wasn’t right at home where is concerned Gil Clark but her heart wanted more for the young man whose aura screamed heart break and pain. But one night would change everything pushing Olin Moss out of Gil Clark’s life, a night that would control Gil’s future, and all that he touched. Gil Clark’s life has never been easy, and discovering his new ‘canvas’ was the girl he had always loved found Gil caught between head and heart in order to protect the people he loved. As Gil’s life continues to circle the proverbial drain, Olin will be pulled into a nightmare not of her making. THE BODY PAINTER is an emotional, dark, raw and heart breaking story of one man’s battle to survive in a world that is continuously threatening to take him down. A history tormented by betrayal and abuse, Gil is unable to let go of the chains that bind him to the sins of the past. A bit of a Pollyanna, Olin is desperate to save the boy/man that she never stopped loving but saving herself should be her first priority. Pepper Winter’s writes a gritty, abrasive and tragic tale about an ill-fated friendship with disturbing consequences. THE BODY PAINTER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.