anastasiaadamov's review
5.0
in the sea of historical romance novels this one stood out as one of the most interesting in a long while.
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
I truly enjoyed reading this book.
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
First in series - The Gentleman Courtesans First by author - Victoria Vale
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I got the kindle edition of this book for free and then used some Audible bonus money for the audio version. I am exploring romance novels with the hopes of writing one.
Will I read more of the series / author?Probably Not Maybe Highly Likely
I liked the story. It's probably the best of the romances I have read so far. The sex scenes were a bit hack, but the characters were likable. The only reason I may not continue with the series is that it's only available on Audible, so I'd have to pay for each recording. I will see if the public library has any of Vale's other books for audio download.
The narrator was Darcy Stark. Mr. Stark did a great reading.
Source: Own (Audible)
The cover of this book was over-the-top. The man on the cover did not represent Hugh at all.
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I got the kindle edition of this book for free and then used some Audible bonus money for the audio version. I am exploring romance novels with the hopes of writing one.
Will I read more of the series / author?
I liked the story. It's probably the best of the romances I have read so far. The sex scenes were a bit hack, but the characters were likable. The only reason I may not continue with the series is that it's only available on Audible, so I'd have to pay for each recording. I will see if the public library has any of Vale's other books for audio download.
The narrator was Darcy Stark. Mr. Stark did a great reading.
Source: Own (Audible)
The cover of this book was over-the-top. The man on the cover did not represent Hugh at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
fbullock01's review
5.0
What a fantastic swoonfest! I'm not usually a big beta hero fan, but Hugh definitely made me a fan. That grand gesture and that paint scene. 😍❤🔥This book had the perfect amount of angst, tears, and love. I will say it's not as erotic as her other books, but honestly, I did not miss that one little bit. Don't get me wrong, you still have tons of heat and steam in this beauty added with a love you can really root for and believe in. I adored this book and can't wait for the others! ❤
muffreadsreview71's review
5.0
Evelyn and Hugh
Portrait of a Lady is a steamy historical read. Loved the characters Hugh and Evelyn. I loved the book and definitely recommended that you read it!!
Portrait of a Lady is a steamy historical read. Loved the characters Hugh and Evelyn. I loved the book and definitely recommended that you read it!!
honniker's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. This is what I've been looking for in an erotic novel. A good story, more than one sex scene, and no BDSM. I wish I could find more like this. I really enjoyed the story as well as the relationship between Evelyn and Hugh. I highly recommend this one.
miolla's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
bella1109's review
4.0
Quite an original premise. I've only read about female courtesans and never about male courtesans.
The hero, Hugh, took up this line of work so he would be able to pursue his dreams of becoming a renowned portraitist. He was adamant that once his painting was displayed at the exhibition (so that he will become famous and received a regular commission), he would stop being a male courtesan. He would also like to settle down and have a family of his own. I'd guess this desire stemmed from the fact that he was banished from his family as his father who happened to be an Earl, did not like the fact that he wanted to become a portraitist. Along came Evelyn, a spinster of 25 years old, who would like to experience passion before she died. She was extremely shy and a wallflower to boot (I love a wallflower heroine!). Little that they know that this business arrangement would turn into so much more.
Well, Ms. Vale is a new-to-me author. I was a bit apprehensive about approaching her works as erotica isn't really my thing, but surprisingly, this book was pretty low on steam (is this even an erotica?). I would consider the steam level as 3 out of 5.
The story had a good flow. I quite like Ms. Vale's writing style. The main characters were likable as well. You could definitely empathize with them. Ms. Vale also featured some other side characters that would be the main character in the next books of the series. This book was quite low on angst considering that male courtesans was the subject matter (angst would be high in my experience from the other books featuring female courtesan, the road to HEA would be filled with obstacles!). The obstacle in this book was about how Hugo and Evelyn perceived themselves (she thought that he was only in it for the money and he was having trouble convincing her otherwise as she overheard him saying otherwise to his friends).
I am definitely interested to read the rest of the series.
The hero, Hugh, took up this line of work so he would be able to pursue his dreams of becoming a renowned portraitist. He was adamant that once his painting was displayed at the exhibition (so that he will become famous and received a regular commission), he would stop being a male courtesan. He would also like to settle down and have a family of his own. I'd guess this desire stemmed from the fact that he was banished from his family as his father who happened to be an Earl, did not like the fact that he wanted to become a portraitist. Along came Evelyn, a spinster of 25 years old, who would like to experience passion before she died. She was extremely shy and a wallflower to boot (I love a wallflower heroine!). Little that they know that this business arrangement would turn into so much more.
Well, Ms. Vale is a new-to-me author. I was a bit apprehensive about approaching her works as erotica isn't really my thing, but surprisingly, this book was pretty low on steam (is this even an erotica?). I would consider the steam level as 3 out of 5.
The story had a good flow. I quite like Ms. Vale's writing style. The main characters were likable as well. You could definitely empathize with them. Ms. Vale also featured some other side characters that would be the main character in the next books of the series. This book was quite low on angst considering that male courtesans was the subject matter (angst would be high in my experience from the other books featuring female courtesan, the road to HEA would be filled with obstacles!). The obstacle in this book was about how Hugo and Evelyn perceived themselves (she thought that he was only in it for the money and he was having trouble convincing her otherwise as she overheard him saying otherwise to his friends).
I am definitely interested to read the rest of the series.