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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.
mephala's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Portrait of a Lady is a perfect blend of romantic sweetness and sensual hot eroticism.
I was curious about this book since I’ve read an introduction to the series, novella - Tempting the Bluestocking. It introduced an intriguing and unique premise: gentlemen working as courtesans and wealthy heroines buying their services. This story added even more to it, promising a story of a shy wallflower and struggling artist.
First of all, I just adore how Victoria Vale developed the relationship between Evelyn and Hugh. It’s sweet and gentle - even awkward - when it needs to be, but also incredible sensual and hot.
From their first encounter during a masquerade, Hugh and Evelyn are magical together. There’s this electric undertone, a shimmering chemistry there that fits dynamic of their developing relationship so well.
Lots of it comes from Hugh, who is a wonderful hero; he’s so gentle and caring in the way he approaches Evelyn and her inexperience when it comes to sex. Yes, their relationship starts because of it, but the build up to the heroine actually loosing her virginity is so well done. For me it’s not really a strangers to lovers trope, or even friends to lovers one. It’s something unique, a blend of the two. Hugh and Evelyne slowly become friends while also becoming lovers, making their connection that much stronger.
What’s more, while exploring their physical relationship, they help each other grow as persons.
At first it seems it would only be Evelyn, who with Hugh’s help opens herself up to new things, starts to see how strong and beautiful she really is. How her shyness is not a burden to those who claim to care for her.
But it’s not only her; Hugh, with Evelyn’s help, sees what a talented artist he really is, how much he can convey in his art. She supports his career choice, immediately standing by him while his family shunned him out years ago.
I really liked the dynamics of artist and his muse here, it wasn’t weird or exploitative. It actually cemented how they are truly soulmates.
Going back to their physical relationship, all the sex scenes are beautifully intimate and sensual. There’s a lot of sweet spice to it, a wonderful blend of scorching hot and romantic. Most of it comes from Hugh being very tactile hero, which I simply adore. There’s a lot of small touches between Evelyn and him, and oh, how he kisses her. Victoria Vale writes kisses very well.
Portrait of a Lady is very swoony, romantic, and has a lot of heart and charm in it. I highly recommend it!
I was curious about this book since I’ve read an introduction to the series, novella - Tempting the Bluestocking. It introduced an intriguing and unique premise: gentlemen working as courtesans and wealthy heroines buying their services. This story added even more to it, promising a story of a shy wallflower and struggling artist.
First of all, I just adore how Victoria Vale developed the relationship between Evelyn and Hugh. It’s sweet and gentle - even awkward - when it needs to be, but also incredible sensual and hot.
From their first encounter during a masquerade, Hugh and Evelyn are magical together. There’s this electric undertone, a shimmering chemistry there that fits dynamic of their developing relationship so well.
Lots of it comes from Hugh, who is a wonderful hero; he’s so gentle and caring in the way he approaches Evelyn and her inexperience when it comes to sex. Yes, their relationship starts because of it, but the build up to the heroine actually loosing her virginity is so well done. For me it’s not really a strangers to lovers trope, or even friends to lovers one. It’s something unique, a blend of the two. Hugh and Evelyne slowly become friends while also becoming lovers, making their connection that much stronger.
What’s more, while exploring their physical relationship, they help each other grow as persons.
At first it seems it would only be Evelyn, who with Hugh’s help opens herself up to new things, starts to see how strong and beautiful she really is. How her shyness is not a burden to those who claim to care for her.
But it’s not only her; Hugh, with Evelyn’s help, sees what a talented artist he really is, how much he can convey in his art. She supports his career choice, immediately standing by him while his family shunned him out years ago.
I really liked the dynamics of artist and his muse here, it wasn’t weird or exploitative. It actually cemented how they are truly soulmates.
Going back to their physical relationship, all the sex scenes are beautifully intimate and sensual. There’s a lot of sweet spice to it, a wonderful blend of scorching hot and romantic. Most of it comes from Hugh being very tactile hero, which I simply adore. There’s a lot of small touches between Evelyn and him, and oh, how he kisses her. Victoria Vale writes kisses very well.
Portrait of a Lady is very swoony, romantic, and has a lot of heart and charm in it. I highly recommend it!
happily_after_heas's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katy's review
5.0
I read an ARC, and REALLY enjoyed it. Now I'm disappointed I'll have to wait for the rest of the series...
I don't write (and try not to read) spoiler reviews, but here's the scoop: Men courtesans. Because why not? Women get to be mistresses, so this group of gentlemen decides they should be able to solve their financial issues the old-fashioned way too. This book gives the setup and introduces the cast of characters, then focuses on one of the courtesan crew in particular and his client.
Victoria Vale writes super steamy regency, but this one doesn't have the abusive themes that The Dove/Villain/Butterfly had or the BDSM of many of her other books. Just pretty straightforward steamy sex. That's actually OK--parts of the Villain were tough.
The characters are well-developed, as usual for Vale, and easy to like. The story is also well-developed, and the plot is good. Just makes me look forward to the rest of the stories.
I don't write (and try not to read) spoiler reviews, but here's the scoop: Men courtesans. Because why not? Women get to be mistresses, so this group of gentlemen decides they should be able to solve their financial issues the old-fashioned way too. This book gives the setup and introduces the cast of characters, then focuses on one of the courtesan crew in particular and his client.
Victoria Vale writes super steamy regency, but this one doesn't have the abusive themes that The Dove/Villain/Butterfly had or the BDSM of many of her other books. Just pretty straightforward steamy sex. That's actually OK--parts of the Villain were tough.
The characters are well-developed, as usual for Vale, and easy to like. The story is also well-developed, and the plot is good. Just makes me look forward to the rest of the stories.
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