Definitely a cute and sweet clean romance. I generally liked both main characters and the conceit of having them work together as they did for a opposites attract dynamic. While I thought the twin relationship was a touching component, there was something about the family relationships that just didn't land- it felt very much like a caricature of a main character who is "not like other girls" against the backdrop of very two dimensional supporting characters in her family. While there were aspects of this book that are absolutely a fun bit of escapism, that robbed me of a certain amount of buy in to truly get invested in the story. As someone who loves a sweet romance, I really wanted to love this, but my final thoughts are that while I don't regret reading it, it didn't leave much of an impression or quite live up to expectations (which admittedly might've been pretty high)

well, this one wasn't for me.

It was so hard to get through; it was really slow, and yet nothing really developed till the end. I didn't find any chemistry between the main characters; it just went flat and boring.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet, opposites attract rom-com. Both main characters are unique individuals with varying interests that intersect in unexpected ways. Emma and Carter will endear themselves to readers as they navigate their changing lives as well as the prospect of new love. The dialogue was spot on, filled with plenty of witty banter, perfect for the rom com genre. Fans of inspy contemporary fiction will definitely want to check this one out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have heard great things about this author's work and knowing that this is her first contemporary romance, I jumped at the chance to read it! The premise of opposites attract, with Carter being an artist and Emma being a computer programmer was fun. There were so many scenes that had me laughing (especially the diner scene lol).

Emma's dynamic with her twin sister was one of my favorite parts of the story. I'm all about a complicated family relationship arc and this one definitely had one. Emma's journey of recognizing how she masked parts of herself because of her family's standards was very real and I loved how Carter made her feel comfortable with showing her true self.

I felt there wasn't really a balance between seeing the main characters' trying to understand the others' passions. I understand that Emma had to find an appreciation for art because of her project, but Carter didn't put much effort into personally appreciating technology or her work. I also felt that the faith elements were sometimes just thrown in unnaturally.

Overall, a sweet romance!

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.

Pixels and Paint was a fine read. I've read some of this author's historical novels, so it was fun to read a contemporary from her.

I struggled a bit in the beginning with the characters and how the story focused on art (just not my interest), but as I kept reading, it got better.

Emma's sister bugged me initially because of the almost snobbish way she critiqued fashion choices...but she did get a little better towards the end, which was nice.

All in all, I liked Pixels and Paint. It was a cute read and I liked the romance for the most part.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Let me preface my review by saying this: I would read all the Trinket sisters' stories.

Pixels and Paint was a delightful, light read, It is the story of the Trinket sisters, navigating their lives with expectations as well as horrors of compliance, and Carter on the other hand. There are a lot of learning moments for us as the reader too, getting a peek into the world of art and tech and how they are brought together in a not-so-frictionless manner.

Some highlights from my copy;
"It's easier to fix mistakes on canvas than it is in real life." (obvious, but a good reminder)
"Go code a pumpkin or whatever needs to happen to make this fairytale work." (funny)
"For the past two months you've been trying to get me to feel something when I look at art. Congratulations. I finally feel something. I feel betrayed. Good-bye Carter." (sassy)

I originally didn’t review because I had too much going on but I was able to pick it back up and it was a cute book. Glad I tried it

Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter is a sweet rom com. I wasn’t sure what to think of this book when I started reading, but it quickly won me over. The characters are lovable and flawed and fairly unique in literature. At the heart, this novel is light hearted and fun, with deeper meaning about relationships and what art is. I highly recommend this book. It’s so fun and you won’t regret picking it up. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Wow, what a super cute and fun story! I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s historical romances and I was beyond excited when she announced she was writing contemporary stories as well!
I’ve been dying to read Pixels and Paint since it released and it most definitely did not disappoint! I loved Emma and I could so relate to her tendency to be a people-pleaser. Her growth and character journey touched my heart deeply as I have similar struggles.
I also loved Carter! He’s such a sweet, caring, and swoon-worthy hero!
I also loved Carter’s grandparents, they were such fun!
I know very little about the art world or computer programming, but this book truly gave me a deeper appreciation for both worlds while always being easily understandable and never “over my head.”
The faith story in this book was done beautifully, and I loved how the characters’ faith in Jesus was woven organically into the very fiber of who they are.
Pixels and Paint was a delight to read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
Highly recommend!
I cannot wait for Kristi Ann Hunter’s next book. I’m assuming Amy will be featured in the next Trinket Sisters novel, and I’m super excited about her story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

With Pixels and Paint, Hunter delivers a fresh take on contemporary romance with all the hilarity and heart readers of the genre will treasure. I was enthralled with the opposites-attract contrasts between the leading couple, and I deeply appreciated the flipped stereotypes throughout the story.

The comedic timing of Hunter’s style is spot-on in this contemporary setting. Fans of her past work in the Regency genre will be happy to hear her voice is applied quite well in the 21st century, especially in pop culture references, snarky humor, one hilarious (and brave!) bit that unfolds at a diner, and in little details like trivial pursuit and droning philosophical artists.

The interplay between Carter and Emma, from the intriguing first scene of their meeting, is clever and full of tension. Their relationship evolves from offering perspective on art and its merits and emotion to one of friendship and camaraderie. The connection between them is easy, and every time they are together on page it’s delightful to witness just how their opposite personalities fit. My favorite part about their romance is how each inspires some soul-searching and sacrifice in opening a space and life to another person.

Aside from the romance aspect, the secondary characters appropriately play influential parts in Emma’s and Carter’s lives. Carter’s grandparents, especially, are endearing and lend witty wisdom at the right moments. I adored the platonic friendship Emma shares with her bff and boss, Jason — that’s just another way this novel is non-stereotypical. And, Emma’s family and sister are a significant part in the larger themes of the novel, particularly in exploring identity and the dangers of compartmentalizing relationships.

Fans of Melissa Tagg and Bethany Turner should check out Hunter’s first foray into the contemporary genre — I’m hopeful and highly anticipating the buzz this story will create!

Thank you to the Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.

I have long been a fan of Kristi Ann Hunter. And I've been stalking her Goodreads page to see if she had any new releases coming up. And there was nothing and nothing and nothing. And then wham! One day, she had a CONTEMPORARY new release coming. I was shocked. She's always written historical fiction. So I wasn't sure how things would go with her switching genres, but I knew I wanted to check it out. One thing that was a little off-putting to me though was the cover. I can't say that I'm a fan. The characters look a little too cartoony. I'm not the biggest fan of these illustrated types of covers anyway. And I think it was the cover added to the genre switch that had me putting off picking this book up immediately. I finally got a place where I knew I needed to read a review book, and so I chose this one.

I've got to say that Kristi Ann Hunter did the genre switch well. I didn't feel like historical fiction speech patterns were coming out in her writing here, which I imagine might be one of the more challenging parts of switching genres. I was hooked decently early. And I even stayed up until midnight one night reading Pixels and Paint.

Let's talk about Emma. She grew up in a creative family. Her mother and aunt own a clothing boutique, and her twin sister, Amy, has since joined the boutique as a clothing designer. Emma doesn't feel like she fits in with her family. But she allows them to dictate her life in many ways. Amy creates a "look book" for Emma and fills her closet with designer clothing that she's styled with jewelry, a handbag, and shoes to complete each outfit. Emma only wears these outfits to functions she attends with her family. When she was in college, Emma found an entirely new approach to life. She realized that she could dress for comfort, which has resulted in her wearing yoga pants, leggings, and pajama pants with oversized hoodies in her every day life. She also became a computer programmer. And she has no understanding or appreciation for art at all. As a matter of fact, she kind of hates it.

Carter is an artist. He sees Emma at an art gallery showing that she attended with and for her sister. He watches her across the room because she seems contradictory. She is fashionably dressed but doesn't appear to appreciate the art. She almost doesn't even seem comfortable in her own skin. And for the first time in years, Carter is inspired. But you can see how there might an issue with an artist dating someone who practically hates art. When Emma takes on a design project that she initially didn't even want, she soon becomes passionate about the project, and she enlists Carter to become her teacher in appreciating the arts.

Since I was a programmer before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I could immediately see that Emma's job of programming code could be viewed as art...just a different medium. So there was a period where I was a little annoyed that Emma and even Carter couldn't see that. I appreciated her journey to finding herself. And Carter also goes through some transitions as well.

One thing that didn't bother me when I was reading, but I feel like is necessary to mention in the analysis of Pixels and Paint is that these characters were claiming to be Christians. They do mention God, Jesus, going to church, and even some outreach. But I struggled with the character's relationship with Jesus because neither one of them reached out to pray or read Scripture when they were faced with difficulty. It felt like a convenient thing to add to the book to check the Christian box. I didn't see their faith propelling them to action or driving them back to relation with Christ even though He was mentioned once or twice.

Favorite quotes:
-A big of peanut butter M&Ms is not worth the agony I will endure over the next hour as the visions before me burn through the backs of my eyes and imprint themselves in my brain.

This quote reminded me that there were a lot of mistakes in my galley edition for review. I am sure those were corrected in a final editing pass.

-"My point is, even if this is the end with him, even if you cry into your cornflakes for a few weeks, you're better for this time you had with him. Don't count it all bad."

I liked this quote because I felt this when I was dating as well. With each relationship, I felt I was being refined as well as refining what it was I was looking for in a spouse and getting closer and closer to the mark each time. I don't regret the past relationships that I had because of what they taught me and how they led me to where I am now.

-"The way you see the world isn't the only way to see it."

I can definitely be guilty of this. Sometimes my way of thinking can be so ingrained that it literally surprises me when others disagree. It's not that I think I'm always right. It's just that sometimes I forget that others see things differently than I do.

In the end, I think Kristi Ann Hunter did a good job with her first published contemporary novel. I enjoyed Pixels and Paint. I was pulled into her story from the beginning the same way I have found myself pulled into her historical fiction stories. At no point did I think this book sounded like historical fiction which means she did her job well switching genres. I liked Carter and Emma. I appreciated their journey even when some things felt a little obvious, and even despite the lack of religious backbone given to the story or characters. Overall. I think Pixels and Paint gets 4 Stars, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series with Amy's story. Have you read Pixels and Paint? What did you think? Let me know!

3.5 Stars

In Pixels and Paint, Kristi Ann Hunter steps away from her regency roots and into a contemporary romcom, and I enjoyed this book as much as I did Hunter’s Hawthorne House series. But if I had to choose one era over the other, the regency books win out.

I loved how Carter’s interest in Emma stemmed from him wanting to figure her out and how, as he got to know her better, he saw the real her and not the costume she wore for her family. At the same time, on Emma’s end of the story, I can’t imagine how exhausting trying to be someone different for her family and her co-workers had to be.

This story is a more light-hearted, palate-cleanser read that might be a good choice after you’ve finished something that leaves you with an emotional hangover. Or if you’re just in the mood for something with a little more fluff and a little less depth (but there is definitely growth in both characters through this one)

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kristi Ann Hunter for an arc copy of Pixels and Paint for a fair review.

An enjoyable, sweet, and quick read full of good, heart-warming vibes for an opposites-attract style slow-burn romance. Sadly, I finished it neither loving nor hating the book.

I enjoyed Emma’s character journey and her growth of discovery about how to engage with her family to show them who she is as a person rather than being who they wanted her to be. Carter didn’t seem to find a cord for me and wasn’t my cup of tea as a love interest. Both of them could be very immature at times was off-putting.

The pacing and conflicts of the book could have been a little neater. I felt there were some slow points where the book goes on a detour. I am a big art lover, who enjoys a good discussion about a piece of work, different eras, and styles of paintings. I did find at times the discussions got a bit repetitive in this book, even as far as going to arguments that didn’t add the tension I believe they were intended to.

This was a fun read! Overall, I really enjoyed this. I'm a lover of Christian Fiction, and this felt up my alley. There were some times I felt like the arguments about viewing art got a bit outrageous, but the love story was fun! This was a good, quick read! It was a clean romance and had som interesting perspectives.

I received an advanced copy to review, all opinions are my own.

Pixels and Paint
by Kristi Ann Hunter
Pub Date 04 Jul 2023
Oholiab Creations,Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Christian| General Fiction \(Adult\)| Romance


I received Pixels and Paint to review from Oholiab Collab, Independent Book and Netgalley:


Keeping her family happy and following interests they don't understand is a delicate balance for Emma Trinket. She jumps at the chance to finally impress them as a computer programmer even though it means immersing herself in a world she despises.


In a sad twist of fate, the man who could crush her prospects is also the person who can help her succeed.


Carter Anderson's life depends on his artistic expression, but fading inspiration has him concerned about his future. In Emma, he finds inspiration that he hasn't felt for years, and even though her digital technologies threaten to destroy his art world, he isn't ready to let go of his new muse.


As Emma and Carter try to gain an advantage from each other, they discover they are actually more compatible than they thought. Can that unify their opposing missions or will the real differences between pixels and paint tear them apart?


I give Pixels and Paint five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed the characters and the Opposites attract trope was well written. I also loved the depth this book brought. So much more than just a romance story.

Really loved and enjoyed!

This is an opposites attract story about a computer coder and a painter. Super cute combo.

Emma Trinket is a coder in a family of artists and she struggles to relate to them. Like a good sister and daughter, she goes to art events. At one, she meets Carter Anderson who is a very famous artist that she has no clue about. They become unlikely friends and more while Carter starts teaching Emma about the secret behind appreciating art.

As silly as this concept could seem, I found it very entertaining. I really liked reading about these characters and watching their relationship develop. I also appreciated the maturity and personal growth of the characters. The romance was very cute.

The whole art project thing was a bit over my head and I didn't care that much. But what it brought out in the characters was really satisfying.

Recommend!
Thank you to Net Galley for the free copy to review.

Cute romance! I like how it shows that you dont have to think the same things in order to love each other. My favorite part, however, was when Emma finally was able to share her real self with her family, without having to hide parts.

Finished it in one day! Do recommend.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the arc in exchange for an honest !

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.