The Muse

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Shane East, Siiri Scott - epilogue

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

A gorgeous stand-alone forbidden romance with magical elements! 

Fall in love with The Muse, a sweeping romance set in a modern-day Paris that's full of magic, art, mysteries, and passion from number one NYT best seller Lauren Blakely, performed by Shane East!

The first time a woman stepped out of a painting, I thought I was seeing things. The second time, I thought I was going mad. The night she emerged from a Renoir, I felt something else entirely - a deep stirring of desire, and the wish to get to know the brilliant beauty who's been trapped inside a painted garden for years.

She can only come out at night in the Musée d'Orsay, where I work. There, after hours, we wander through galleries, with the Van Goghs, the Monets, and the Toulouse Lautrecs the only witnesses to our midnight kisses and, soon, our trysts. She opens her heart to me, and I learn her story. But she keeps secrets, too - ones I hope to unravel. Why she was trapped. Why Renoir is hunting her. And why artwork in famous museums across the world are starting to disintegrate. Why I, too, seem to be the only person who can repair the masterpieces.

As I fall deeper for the woman who's trapped in a museum, I'm caught up in another side of Paris after dark - one inhabited by forgers, ghosts of famous artists and, impossibly, by muses. But someone is after the woman I'm falling in love with, and it's up to me to save her, even if it means losing everything I've found with her....

With an epilogue performed by Siiri Scott.

©2021 Lauren Blakely Books (P)2021 Lauren Blakely Books

Simply Beautiful

This book is one of the most beautiful books I have EVER read. From start to finish I was swept away, entranced by this lovely and fascinating story. Julien and Clio stole my heart-and left me sighing and smiling while they did it.

Julien made me smile from the moment I started the book. I can't draw to save my life, but I can appreciate art. I loved seeing his passion and love for art pop off the page. But there's something special about him and I truly enjoyed his journey of discovery in this book. I refuse to give any spoilers, but I'll say I messaged the Author and said I wanted to be like Julien when I grew up!

I was caught up in Julien and Clio's romance. That attraction, that connection. Their first kiss, and setting of that kiss, made me swoon. I loved the way they interacted with one another and how they truly connected to each other-it was absolutely, 100% believable.

I loved the supporting cast of characters here-all of them. From the paintings to the people, everything just worked so well to balance and complement each other. I may never make it to these wonderful museums to see such works, but Lauren Blakely has taken me there in my mind for sure. This book is so rich and lush-I promise you'll be captivated.

The audio of this book?? Shane East just nailed it. Absolutely nailed it. There's so many accents he pulls off here-I was definitely impressed. He captured Julien perfectly and you can feel the emotions pouring out of him as he performs this beautiful book. And Siiri Scott gave a lovely performance in the epilogue.

While this may not be the typical Lauren Blakely book, The Muse is a romance for sure. There is so much more to it than that though. There's mystery and magic all rolled up into this fantastic love story. Be prepared to get swept away! This is a book I'll come back to time and again. I absolutely loved it-and can't wait for more books like this from the Author. I highly recommend this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could!!

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

While magic isn't my thing I have to admit that even with this being something completely different for this author, It was still 100% a Lauren Blakely book. The characters were everything I love in romance books and the story line was so original. I have never read or listened to a book with the people in the paintings coming to life. I really enjoyed Julien's passion for art and the mystery of the paintings. If you love Paris, Art and Magic you will love this book!

The narration was exactly what I expect for Shane East. He has many voices and accents to give everyone their own voice.

Loved this story!

Lauren Blakely is taking me to Paris again! I love when we travel together, and this is a brand new kind of trip. Magical and mysterious, we enjoy beautiful art, coming to life intertwined with danger and romance. Julian has always loved art, and when he sees it come to life after hours, he is intrigued. Especially with one. Clio is beautiful, but could she be real? She is in the picture. These two take a journey like no other, full of intrigue and love. And just when you think you know what is going to happen, Blakely takes us in a completely different direction. I love the history and imagery in this one, making me feel like I am there. The story is captivating and exciting. Much different than the normal romantic comedy, Blakely shows her versatility and talent with the pen and captured my heart.

I do believe Lauren writes with a narrator in mind because a better choice could not have been made. Shane East, with his alluring voice captures each character. Accents are spot on, emotions perfect, this man is the perfect fit giving this masterpiece the class it deserves. And then we finish with the incredible Siiri Scott bringing it all to a conclusion with a fabulous performance. I loved it!

5 All the Starry Nights Stars!!

I’m not going to lie….when I heard about this newest book by Lauren Blakely and I read the blurb, I was a little concerned by what this book was about. It sounded to me like paranormal, time travel, etc. I knew it would have romance in it, but I couldn’t really wrap my head around it. But, being the hard core Lauren Blakely fan that I am, I gave it a try… and I LOVED IT!!!

Just as I was beginning to listen to the audiobook, Ms. Blakely released an updated blurb that really got me excited about what I was about to spend the next several hours listening to. This is a completely different book than I’ve read by her in the past, but in all the very best ways.

For the most part this book takes place inside the walls of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris with Julien and Clio as our H/h. There is breathtaking details when some of the most famous paintings are described making me feel like I was viewing the latest exhibits of master artists. I could feel the passion and beauty of Julien and Clio and the art they’re interacting with. There are moments of joy, pain, suspense and most importantly love. There were definitely moments of nail biting tension as things reach a crescendo; what was going to happen? Would love conquer all? How does what’s happening affect Julien and Clio?

I really don’t want to give too much away with this review because this is a book you MUST read and/or listen to or both! Shane East does a spectacular job of bringing to life Ms. Blakely’s words with grace and vibrancy. The more I listened the more I fell in love with this book. The secondary characters in this book are part of the fabric of this story with their own ideocracies adding a richness to each scene. Bravo to Ms. Blakely for stepping outside the box a little bit to bring us a book that is not to be missed!!

A whole new level of Brilliance ! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read

The Muse is a whole new level of greatness for Lauren Blakely. I love her Ron-Com’s and the wittiness of her characters. In this story she tales you on an art filled journey with characters falling in love with art and each other. Brilliance!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magical Love Story

I really enjoyed this magical and mysterious love story set in art museums in Paris. Does the woman really step out of the painting? Is she real? This is a different but wonderful story by Lauren Blakely. Shane East narrates beautifully.

Art Lovers Rejoice

I truly enjoyed this audible creation by Lauren Blakely. If you’ve ever wondered what may have been behind the scenes of your favorite Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet paintings, this book is for you! It was fun with interesting characters and Shane East brings this to life. It’s definitely one I will listen to again.

A sweet and romantic adventure!

What a beautiful adventure! Admittedly, magic isn't the sort of thing I look for in romance reading, and admittedly, I wasn't sure how I was going to take this book. It seems like it's not your usual LB tale, but it so many ways, it is. It's definitely reminiscent of Night at the Museum, but it's so much more. And to my surprise, I loved every minute of it.

Julien, an art history major interning at the museum where his sister is a curator, finds himself the recipient of a phenomenon. After sunset, the paintings he studies come to life. It seems like such a treat to have his passions dance around and play to their heart's content. At first, Julien thinks he's gone mad, but he soon realizes that isn't the case at all. When Clio steps out of a painting, he's captivated by her beauty, and finds himself falling for her. That's when everything takes a kind of turn, and adventures ensue. That's all I'll say on that.

Shane did an exceptional job narrating. He captures all the feelings, and the descriptions are so detailed, you see everything as you're listening. Like a friend of mine, I found myself looking up the paintings so I could see them as the story progressed. Lauren tells a beautiful, sensual, funny, adventurous treat. With the vivid descritions, it's an almost-tactile experience for the reader. I wasn't sure how much I'd like this, but I absolutely loved it. The backdrop of lovely, romantic Paris makes it even more magical. Although a different feel, there's no doubt that this is a Laure Blakely love story. Brava!!

And Siiri Scott's epilogue is beautiful.

Worth many many Stars!!!

OMG! This is so...so....awesome! And that doesn't even come close to describing this story! This is my new favorite!!! So different than any of Lauren's other audiobooks but I think it is her best!!! AND, it didn't hurt to have Shane in my ears for it either! I cannot wait to relisten!!!!! WOW!!!

Magical and amazing!

The Muse is the first book in the Beautiful Magic series by the talented Lauren Blakely. I love when my favorite authors start a new series, I get all giddy. I'm especially loving this one since it's about Muses, artwork coming to life and love. Julien works for the Musée d'Orsay and art is in his blood. He never imagined that the paintings he loves so much would actually come to life, step out of their frames and dance for him. He might be crazy, but what a way to go! Clio is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, and she just happens to be trapped in a Renoir. He fell for her before they even spoke, but after nights of stealing kisses, and wandering through paintings and sharing their stories, he learns that something is wrong. Paintings all over the world are starting to fade and he might be the only one who can save them. But at what cost? Losing the only woman he's even loved? Is it worth it? This story is just so lovely! I smiled a lot. Even shed a few tears. It's magical, mysterious and inspiring! I was an Art History minor in college and this just spoke to my soul! I could picture every painting and piece of art in my head and Lauren's attention to detail warmed my heart! It's different from Lauren's other romances, but you won't be disappointed in the way it makes you feel!

Audio: Shane, be still my heart! He did such an amazing job as Julien and his accents are incredible. Siiri was also fantastic! As always, Lauren is the queen of casting narrators!

What a magical journey

The first book in the Beautiful Magic series sees paintings coming to life for Julian Garnier. Julian, an intern at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, gets more than he bargained for when he spends his nights at the museum. Not only are paintings coming to life, but they are also starting to disintegrate before his very eyes. Falling in love with the beautiful woman from a Renoir was not his plan, but spending every evening with Clio, walking, talking and romancing is just enough to make them both fall. A bit of a whodunnit mystery, with Julian and Clio racing against the clock to try and find out what’s happening to the paintings so that they can do whatever it takes to remove the curse, and save them before they’re permanently damaged. Sadly the cure is going to take a lot more from them than just time. Ooh to get into Lauren Blakely’s mind. I cannot comprehend what it takes to come up with such a fantastical romance, I’m in awe. Lauren’s a firm favourite of mine, and she never disappoints, add in narration from Jason Clarke and this audio really does come to life.

A beautiful escape

A wonderful escape into a different world full of art, beauty, magic, muses and more. Lauren has outdone herself with this magical novel and with Shane East narrating I was in audio heaven.