The Art Series Collection

IN FOUR gripping novels, author Andrew Grey brings to life an incredible journey of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of justice. Grey skillfully intertwines the worlds of art, intrigue, and romance in this captivating series he has said was inspired by the real-life story of Maria Altmann. Maria, an elderly Jewish refugee in Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles, and her young lawyer, Randy Schoenberg, embarked on a nearly decade-long battle against the government of Austria. Their mission was to regain Gustav Klimt’s iconic masterpiece, “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” which had been stolen by the Nazis from Maria’s relatives in Vienna just before the outbreak of World War II. [Author Image Property of Andrew Grey]

In the first entry, Legal Artistry, Dieter Krumpf embarks on a poignant mission to recover his family’s art collection, left behind during their desperate escape from the grip of the Nazis. In his quest, he joins forces with the talented and charming lawyer Gerald Young, who initially doubts the likelihood of the paintings being returned and the difficulty and impracticality of suing in Austria.

Nevertheless, Dieter’s sincerity resonates with Gerald; plus, he’s hot for him (professional red flag?! :)), and as his bond with Dieter deepens, so does his resolve to win the case. In their quest for justice, to reclaim the lost paintings, their journey may lead them to find something even more valuable and precious than rare art: true love!

In the thrilling second installment, Artistic Appeal, Attorney Brian Watson steps into the spotlight as he takes over the case to secure the return of the famous painting “The Woman in Blue.” Yet when friends Gerald and Dieter extend an invitation to their Christmas party, he wonders if there isn’t some match-making meddling in the air? Their plan to arrange an introduction between Brian and a friend fails as Nicolai, a deaf art restorer, is the one who catches Brian’s interest. This encounter leads to a tale of romance and the breaking down of walls and guardedness as the two men set out to forge a new and meaningful connection.

However, pursuing Nicolai will be challenging for Brian. After a bad breakup, Nicolai struggled to regain his independence, and he’s hesitant to give up his hard-earned freedom once again. To complicate matters, Brian faces competition from Justin, Nicolai’s ex, who is trying to win him back. Nicolai’s hesitance is just one of the numerous challenges Brian is facing. After being married to a woman for nearly a decade, Brian has to navigate the difficult task of informing his mother, ex-wife, and young daughter about his love for another man. On top of that, he is handling a potentially groundbreaking court case and striving to convince Nicolai that love is not about dependency but connection and support.

In Artistic Pursuits, a new branch of the series, we’re introduced to FBI agent Frank Jennings and Interpol agent Leslie Carlton. Frank is seeking redemption, while Leslie is on the hunt for a thief. Their undeniable attraction ignites when they cross paths while collaborating on a high-stakes case to recover a one-of-a-kind triptych of exquisite Tiffany windows. Following an intense and passionate one-night stand, Leslie is called back to London to further pursue the investigation.

As the case escalates, Leslie returns to the United States and is reunited with Frank. However, their unresolved feelings threaten to complicate their professional endeavours. Can these dedicated detectives navigate their deepening connection while relentlessly chasing the trail of the stolen artwork and the cunning perpetrator responsible for its theft?

Finally, in the last installment of the series, In Legal Tender, Timothy Besch left home at eighteen to escape his tumultuous relationship with his mother. Despite the upheaval, he remained devoted to visiting his grandfather, who imparted invaluable lessons on love and life. Following his “Grampy’s” passing, Timothy discovered a family legacy far exceeding his wildest dreams. Inside the house that Timothy loves so much is a cache of coins with historical value—and a mystery: one of the coins isn’t supposed to exist.

In memory of his grandfather, Timothy sets out to ensure the coins are honoured. In his determined effort to prevent the authorities from seizing his grandfather’s coins, he encounters Joiner, an attorney at Gerald and Brian’s firm. Joiner’s unmistakable desire for Timothy contrasts with Timothy’s reserved, guarded demeanour. There are aspects of Timothy’s history and present circumstances that he’s unwilling to disclose, even to the hot, handsome individual assisting him with the complexities of his legal situation.

In Grey’s writing, I consistently look forward to his genuine portrayal of same-sex desire and the multifaceted contexts in which it unfolds, encompassing environmental, social, emotional, and, of course, physical/sexual dimensions. He delves into the experiences, behaviours, and conversations from the perspective of a gay man, often drawing from his own encounters, I’m sure, or those of individuals from his life he is familiar with; it’s highly relatable for gay/queer male readers like myself. From the newbie twenty-odd-year-old, like Dieter Krumpf, to the mature gay man, like Brian Watson, Grey’s characters feel recognizable and both amusing and sympathetic depending on the narrative situation. While extensive, thoughtful research is undeniably valuable to any genre, and always appreciated, I am particularly drawn to the authenticity of an “Own Voices” reading experience, especially in Gay Romance.

Whenever I read a blurb to a gay/MM romance novel, I never honestly know if the plot has been given any real meat or if it’s an afterthought to the “will they/won’t they/of course, they will, so let’s get it on” romance between the hot guys. And that’s fine if one is looking for less complexity and more “fluff” or, say, simplicity, an easy, cozy reading experience. I vastly prefer depth to my characters’ personalities and relationships, including their backstories. What is the impetus for this destined meeting between fated loves? Here, Grey’s characters are fully fleshed out and three-dimensional, thoughtfully incorporating persons with disabilities, complicated familial dynamics, and the characters’ personal demons and secrets, just to name a few of the myriad captivating elements that make up his Art Series.

As I immersed myself in these novels, I was struck by the author’s ability to keep me engaged with the sophistication of his writing and the level of care and meticulous attention to detail regarding the art and historical aspects of the interconnected stories. The four narratives possess a rich complexity and an intricate, fascinating interplay that impressed me. The series, heck, each individual novel, reads cinematically. I can picture with ease the flow from one scene to the next, from one conversation to the other.

The romances are compelling, passionate, and incredibly steamy, adding rich layers of anticipation and excitement. Yet, they don’t overshadow the story elements pertaining to the varied art pieces and our protagonists’ dramatic pursuit of them. The legal intricacies, international intrigue, and each character’s connection to specific art pieces were seamlessly interwoven with the romantic and sensual/sexual aspects of the narratives. Grey has really outdone himself with this compelling series.

Legal Artistry is available for purchase at amazon.ca, amazon.com, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.

Artistic Appeal is available for purchase at amazon.ca, amazon.com, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.

Artistic Pursuits is available for purchase at amazon.ca, amazon.com, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.

Legal Tender is available for purchase at amazon.ca, amazon.com, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.

Or purchase the entire Art Series on one eBook at amazon.co, amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.

For more information about Andrew Grey, follow him on Instagram, & Facebook. Also, check out his website.