Carter (Behind Those Eyes
) explores the life of Islam, a tortured American artist who leaves his adopted London for hometown New York City to jump-start his artistic career. In New York he re-establishes a relationship with his brother Micah, who he became separated from after their mother's death. Before Islam leaves London, however, he falls for the mysterious Adrianne, and their destinies, Islam soon learns, are intertwined: she is married to the billionaire who owns the Manhattan gallery where Islam will be working, and his new job will put the lovers in frequent close contact. Erotic interludes abound as Adrianne and Islam each seek to fill the emptiness in each other and avoid detection by Adrianne's husband. Loving descriptions of artists from Kandinsky to Klimt pepper the text and help provide a firm grounding for the characters. However, the novel ends on a very off note that damages any emotional investment the reader has made. Excepting the last few pages, this is a solid effort. (Oct.)
