The Art of Endings by Nia Forrester
A Review By: SY
The last time Trey Denison was a “boyfriend” he was seventeen years old, and then a family tragedy forced him to grow up fast and take charge of raising his sister, Tessa. So for the past sixteen years, he had no time, and no inclination for a serious relationship. But that was before Shayla. Trey helped her face demons from her past so that they might have a future. But now he must face his own . . .
Darren Parsons loves his life. He has a rewarding career and just about any woman who sparks his interest. The problem is, the spark–and his interest–in women have both been diminishing over time and he’s beginning to yearn for more. Unfortunately, ‘more’ comes in the form of Paige Freeman, his dead best friend’s former fiancée. And that’s a line Darren has promised himself never to cross . . .
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2024
An installment in a Series? Yes, Book 2
Narrator (s): Allan Monteilh
"Art" is the second installment in the "Secret" series, continuing the story of Trey and Shayla, while going a bit deeper into the complicated history between Darren and Paige. The point of view for "Art" was pointedly male, examining the feelings and motivations behind the actions of both Trey and Darren.
Playboy-turned-boyfriend, Trey, seems as if he is finally ready to settle down when he is faced with a situation that teeters on the edge of damaging the relationship that he and Shalya are building. One of D.C.'s finest, Darren is reconciling the feelings that he's always had for an old love, but for a variety of reasons, felt undeserving of her. Similar to book 1, listeners wait for the impact of the men's respective choices to cause collateral damage to their relationships, but what they observe may not be what they're expecting. This installment didn't seem to have quite the same gravitas and suspense that permeated "Secret," but is a well-written installment nonetheless. What is present, is the realistic manner in which these characters navigate trauma and consciously decide to move forward differently.
Allen Monteilh narrates the entirety of "Art" and provides a tone that borders upon the remorse and apprehension in the title - and given the circumstances of Trey and Darren, feels rather appropriate.
Reading Recommendation? Yes
Rating: 3 (It's aight)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence
