The Art of Love

The Art of Love by Ali Vali is a romance that will delight fans of her signature Vali character arcs. Architect Jolly Andolini, confident and accomplished in her professional life yet fumbling in love, meets rising art star Margot “Mimi” Mulle in a scenario that tests both their hearts and loyalties. As gallery owner Bianca Griffin sets her sights on Jolly, the story follows the classic Vali trajectory: the protagonist is challenged, tempted, and forced to confront her own desires and vulnerabilities before discovering a deeper understanding of herself. Vali’s signature handling of romantic tension, loyalty, and self-discovery shines through, as Jolly’s journey unfolds with humor, heartbreak, and undeniable chemistry. With high-stakes emotional stakes, witty interplay, and a satisfying resolution true to the Vali arc, The Art of Love is a must-read for Vali fans.

A. Braddock via NetGalley

...I did find this story to be a quick read that kept my attention to the end...Overall, The Art of Love is a messy and emotionally gratifying story.

Jolly is a talented architect and despite designing structures meant to stand the test of time, she is rather inept at maintaining the same standard for her love life. She is confident, successful, loyal and a smokin hot butch. She quickly became my favorite character. Mimi is an artist that has worked tirelessly at her craft and has slowly inched her way toward success. She has managed to finally be showcased and wants Jolly to accompany her to her first major art show...

Now for the wrench aka Bianca Griffin. To be honest, I didn’t really feel that Bianca was the villain that I’d believe she’d be. Jolly is the architect designing Bianca’s new house and so they have a bit of history but it’s only at Mimi's art show that Bianca is really able to scope out the goods, so to speak. Bianca is a beautiful and successful woman whose allure is underrepresented. She has a spark of attraction to Jolly right away and when she discovers that Jolly and Mimi are stepsisters, it’s all systems go!...

Overall, it's the sweet love story that develops between Mimi and Jolly that I really enjoyed the most. It was the electric chemistry and undeniable connection that had me turning pages well into the night...The love between Mimi and Jolly had been building for most of their lives and they just needed a push to admit it. That push comes in the form of a stunning woman whose unapologetic pursuit of Jolly finally acts as the catalyst for the central romance.

I found Vali’s writing style to be clear, mature and easy to read. Vali created characters that I cared about and was rooting for. I really appreciated the pace of the story and was happy I didn't have to wait until the end to see Mimi and Jolly get together. Special nod to their first intimate scene. It was really sweet and so special, especially considering that it was Mimi’s first time ever. I felt it added so much to the story and made me really appreciate their love story. The journey we take with Mimi and Jolly is such a rewarding and realistic one. We get a beautiful sapphic love story, triplets, drama and the creation of a beautiful family. I found this to be an emotional and thought provoking story that I definitely enjoyed.

I do recommend The Art of Love for readers who are looking for a sweet, emotionally complex character driven sapphic romance. A lot happens in this book and you will definitely remain entertained. I believe the love story between Mimi and Jolly is the real deal and will be appreciated by those who choose to give this book a shot.

Jacqueline Clemente via NetGalley

A book full of interesting characters and things I've not come upon before.

Mimi and Jolly and their relationship drew me in. Step-sisters yes, but best friends also. And Mimi has been in love with Jolly for a very long time now. but all is not clear cut especially when others become involved or in between.

We are meeting people as a reader who already know so much about each other. So we learn and think and see this in a different way than if we came to a pair who just met and see them form a relationship.

Jolly and Mimi were so cute. I loved seeing them together and how they interacted. The word cherish comes to mind...

I love the passions for what the women do in this book. They don't always face easy pathway but their choice to fight to do what they love was really inspiring.

I'd love to read more from this author and soon. She had a real lovely way of writing. Her characters leaped off the pages and made me always intrigued to read more.

Kate Th via NetGalley

Ali is one of my favorite authors and I have yet to read a book I didn't love. This one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story and loved the dynamic between the main characters. I recommend...

KAYZANN C via NetGalley

Jolly is architect who finds connections rebuilding old buildings but can never find it in her personal life. Mimi is a rising star in the art world who invites Jolly to be her date at an event showing her work they are stepsisters who loves and cherish each other. Bianca is the gallery owner who is showcasing Mimi works when she sees Jolly she set on getting with her and when Mimi sees the sparks she decides to push them to get despite the feelings she has for Jolly. While I like that Bianca goes for what she wants she needs to learn there are boundaries...I enjoy the read great moments...characters were great love Jolly the most...

ER❤️3650 H. via NetGalley