Piñatas and Paintbrushes

Hearts of Snow Lake, Book 3

By: Ashton Cade

Narrated by: Cam Walker

Sebastian:

He’s a shining star, I’m a black hole. Complete opposites. And just like our astronomic counterparts, there’s no way Marty’s light is ever going to brighten me. Black holes don’t let any light escape. They devour it all. And that’s what will happen to Marty if he doesn’t keep his distance from me. I want to warn him, but there’s a selfish part of me that can’t do it. Like a moth, I’m drawn to Marty’s light. I know I should stay away — for his sake more than mine — but I can’t.

A better man would do the hard thing and stay away. Not me. The fact that this time the easy way lines up with my self-centered desire to spend more time with him, is only a bonus. He doesn’t know that I’ve already declared this over in my head. Part of me is determined to give this a real go and not lose my chance with him because if I back out now and regret it later, it could be too late.

Which is worse? Missing my chance, or opening myself up to the agony I already know so intimately?

Marty:

Me: I know what I’m doing, and I know Sam’s not after anything serious. It’s fine. I can handle it.

Narrator: He could not handle it.

Some folks say I live in a dreamworld. It's partly true; I run a party planning business in the idyllic town of Snow Lake and I love every minute of it. But when I watch my friends partner up and look so happy, I hide my sadness. Nobody needs to know how deep that particular pit goes.

When Sebastian arrives in Snow Lake, I bring him a welcome basket, like I do for everyone. But when I actually take in that muscular frame and artist's mystique, I practically want to organize a parade complete with marching band and an interpretive dance about how much he turns me on. So what if he says he only wants a casual thing? A hookup is better than not getting my hands on that body. And besides, how can he not fall in love with me? I'm charming. I deserve love. Right? Right?

©2019 Ashton Cade (P)2020 Ashton Cade

Marty and Sebastian

Beautifully written and narrated. Sebastian is on a break and trying to paint and his depression sends them to dark places, Marty is a party planner and he gets Sebastian to help for a Festival and flirt, but Sebastian doesn't believe he deserves to be happy after losing his fiance in a freak accident, but it takes awhile and a HEA is achieved

Amazing listen!

This is another amazing addition to this series. I love Marty and Sebastian! This is such a beautiful story. Ashton Cade really pulls me right into this story and I absolutely love Cam Walker brings this story to life. I love listening to this story and Cam really made me love this story even more.

Sweet love story

The third book in a great series! So glad to get Marty’s story. Aston Cade doesn’t disappoint! Doesn’t miss Sebastian and Marty’s story!

Really enjoyed it

I read the series when it was first published and love all the books. When I got the opportunity to get this audiobook I didn't hesitate. The audiobook is as enjoyable as the printed book is. I hadn't heard of the narrator Cam Walker before and felt he did a wonderful job. I didn't remember so much of the dialogue being internal. Maybe reading it, I just didn't think about it. But Cam Walker did a great job conveying the internal thoughts of the MCs. His tone seemed right. This audiobook is definitely going on my repeat listen list.

Theme song: You light up my life

Plot: A very sunshine/grump trope; the past visits and won’t go away
Feels: Marty is so endearing you truly root for him, while you want to shake Sebastian sometimes. Sebastian's story was heart-breaking.
Drama: I am so not a fan of MM stories with bitchy villainesses that create drama to move the plot along and Ugh you get two in this
Heat: 1/5
Characters: Holy moly one nasty old biddy (doesn’t deserve to be called a ‘lady’) and the evil twin sister of Sebastian’s lost fiance
Pacing: Good flow
Length: Not too long
Ending: HEA
Performance: Good narration - one comment I have is that you can hear the inhalation at every pause.