Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the First BOTM of February 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Happy Reading!


Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Synopsis:
London banking heiress Hattie Greenfield wanted "just" three things in life:

1. Acclaim as an artist.
2. A noble cause.
3. Marriage to a young lord who puts the gentle in gentleman.

Why then does this Oxford scholar find herself at the altar with the darkly attractive financier Lucian Blackstone, whose murky past and ruthless business practices strike fear in the hearts of Britain's peerage? Trust Hattie to take an invigorating little adventure too far. Now she's stuck with a churlish Scot who just might be the end of her ambitions....

When the daughter of his business rival all but falls into his lap, Lucian sees opportunity. As a self-made man, he has vast wealth but holds little power, and Hattie might be the key to finally setting long-harbored political plans in motion. Driven by an old revenge, he has no room for his new wife's apprehensions or romantic notions, bewitching as he finds her.

But a sudden journey to Scotland paints everything in a different light. Hattie slowly sees the real Lucian and realizes she could win everything—as long as she is prepared to lose her heart.

Going toe-to-toe with a brooding Scotsman is rather bold for a respectable suffragist, but when he happens to be one's unexpected husband, what else is an unwilling bride to do?

This book is popular. There are five holds on the copy at the library. They have another copy ordered and I have the second hold on that one. Hope I can get actually get my hands on the book before the end of February.

Oleander wrote: "This book is popular. There are five holds on the copy at the library. They have another copy ordered and I have the second hold on that one. Hope I can get actually get my hands on the book before..."

Thanks for the warning on that. I had that problem with Never Fall for Your Fiancé.

Sadly, I couldn't finish this one. I hope some of you will enjoy reading it and I will read everyone's comments in February to see if I want to pick it up again.

I was able to get a copy from my library. Hope other people can read it in time. This was the first book I have read in the series. Evie Dunmore packs a lot into her story. There are social justice issues, revenge, social climbing, women’s education
gambling, romance and marriage all rolled into one story. The book was well written but a little too many issues all at once in one story. There are discussion questions in the back of the book. If any one is interested I will take a picture and send a link. My plot summary https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Maureen wrote: "I was able to get a copy from my library. Hope other people can read it in time. This was the first book I have read in the series. Evie Dunmore packs a lot into her story. There are social justice..."

Did it work ok as a stand-alone?

Joanna “Does it work as a stand alone?”
Yes it does. There are discussion questions at the end of the book for a book club. I took pictures if anyone wants a link.

Maureen wrote: "Joanna “Does it work as a stand alone?”
Yes it does. There are discussion questions at the end of the book for a book club. I took pictures if anyone wants a link."



In that case...

I love this one so much! SBD blue collar self made man! I cannot wait to reread it!😍

I just got this today from the library

I was able to get it from my library. I want to join this read but I’m also on edge that I won’t like it 🧐.
I also have the other February read “in bed with highlander” so if this one doesn’t work out, I’ll hop on the other.

I've to start too. I'm reading a Pride and Prejudice variant which would have fit our war heroes trope beautifully. let me finish that one off and then to this.
I'm actually going nuts. all my botms and monthly challenges I'm scrambling for time and references for books.

I just read the first chapter and I am trying to remember if this was included in the last book....as it seems so familiar. I am through chapter 4. I read the first 2 books and enjoyed them. I do not remember much about Hattie. I am getting the impression she is the rich wallflower.

Leena, each Pride and Prejudice variation? I've been collecting a shelf for this type.

I'm finishing Dangerous Love from the de Warenne Serie and then I ill start the BOTM

Our hero has a chipped tooth and I love it. I have an image of Fight club type of guy. Lean, tough, and little wild. I’m barely 2 chapters in so I have no idea if my dream is going to hold up. I wish.

Up to chapter 9. I will say I read the previous 2 books and liked them a lot. But for the life of me can't remember them(view spoiler)[ I am liking the book so far but not loving it. The H is intriguing the h seems a bit bland. I understand Hattie has a learning disability plus (yes it was a big thing...she is left-handed) I guess we had to have the monument lost in the love of a picture to give us the kiss. But so far, I need a bit more to convince me that she is someone that I want to read more about. Blackstone has my interest. (hide spoiler)]

Read this back in December. Terrible memory for details but if I can get it back out of the library then I'll join in. My feelings about this book were mixed. If I could I would have given star-ratings for various sections/elements, rather than the book as a whole. Some things really worked for me, others not so much. And like you @Merry, Blackstone held my interest. And for me, Hattie not so much

Hi Cath and Petra. Looking forward to your thoughts on the book. Through chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ I liked finding out how Blackstone chipped his tooth and how he is a self-made man. I should be more understanding about Hattie's reluctance on her wedding night, but.....she is just too bland. When you have a character as strong as Blackstone and Hattie feels a need to paint...but just kinda...and not well. I just am feeling like she is written strongly enough. It is out of balance for a book. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 16 (view spoiler)[ Blackstone is written to have a backstory, but I am having problems relating to Hattie. I understand making a mistake and finding out that Blackstone manipulated the marriage. I mean running off to France after 3 days is a bit much. But Hattie just doesn't have much of a storyline other than being upset. I am having some problems keeping my interest up. I am halfway through the book and just don't care about this couple. (hide spoiler)]

I'm currently reading the BOTM 2.
@Sandra,mostly the ones that are available on Scribd, epub etc. But I'll Captain of Her Fate isn't really a P&P spin off. its taken elements. but,this would have fit our needs t months trope.
BTW : Have tou read" the Bachelors" by E.S.Cartet? It's a reverse P&P -penniless Darcy, :))

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ My point of view only. I understand the author is writing to get across her message. But it comes at the loss of the of the story being a romance. I have started skimming. (hide spoiler)]

Leena wrote: "I've to start too. I'm reading a Pride and Prejudice variant which would have fit our war heroes trope beautifully. let me finish that one off and then to this.
I'm actually going nuts. all my bot..."

Don’t stress yourself out trying to keep up! It’s ok to not read it all too. Just do what suits you. I have been trying to put less requirements on my reading, which is helping me enjoy it more.

sound advice- taken, stored and locked in to use.

I am done with this book. Here is my review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Do not read it until you finish your book read.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Leena wrote: "I've to start too. I'm reading a Pride and Prejudice variant which would have fit our war heroes trope beautifully. let me finish that one off and then to this.
I'm actually going nu..."

This is my only BOTM read for this month. Some months I read all of them. This is not one of the topics I usually read plus I liked the authors first 2 books, so I wanted to participate. (Also it ticked off a box on the list for my RATA)

My library copy has come in. Yay! I started it last night, and am part way through Chapter 5. I'm liking it so far. I read the first two books a while ago. I liked some aspects of both, but ended up not completely satisfied with either book. I'm hoping this one is a more consistent read, as the author is a little more experienced at writing now.

Some thoughts on the opening chapters: I like both heroine and hero so far, although (view spoiler)[ we haven't seen much of the hero yet. But he is sexy, rich, Scottish, apparently a self-made man, and has a soft spot for needy charities. What's not to like LOL.

The heroine is interesting. I like that she's not the perfect model beauty, but feels like a real person with her less than perfect body and frizzy hair. Already we can clearly see how family and societal expectations are limiting her life, and she wants to break free. It's done well so far. I remember in the second book finding the heroine too bitter, but so far Hattie's character is likeable.

The kiss took me by surprise, and I thought it was ridiculous and just too out of the blue, until the author revealed that Blackstone assumed Hattie was there for *ahem* other reasons. LOL. Cleverly done. Hattie's shock and innocence felt real. She has been so sheltered. I liked her new realisation that her painting lacks life. Her eyes are being opened to the real, adult world her parents have so carefully protected her from.

The suffragette ideas are being gradually introduced. In the second book, I felt it was too overdone but hopefully in this book it plays an important but not overwhelming role in the story. (hide spoiler)]

At the moment I'm looking forward to the rest of the book.

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "This is my only BOTM read for this month."

Me too, maybe? Maya Banks isn't my fav so I'll skip that one, but I might consider trying the Karen Hawkins book later this month if I can fit it in. I haven't read any of hers before. Portrait of a Scotsman was already on my tbr so no brainer. (Plus ticks off a box for my RATA challenge too :)

I like that we have differing choices for the BOTM. There's usually at least one I wtr. Something for everyone.

Jan, I agree I enjoy have several BOTM of choose from. Enjoyed your spoiler points.

I've had a busy week so I only made slow progress so far. I'm up to chapter 13th. I like both MCs. Merry about your comment (view spoiler)[I dont' find Hattie as very bland, at least not yet. She is in school, has her own interests, and also seems to take charge too. Yet she is sheltered as all well-bred women generally were. I absolutely adored that Lucien got a few flyers about marriage. It shows he is not arrogant about his bedroom abilities. (hide spoiler)]
On the note of bland heroines. We see so many of them lately. They are created and made to look bland on purpose I think. Authors seems to think that's what readers want. Hattie is definitely on a scale of blandness. I hope it is a trend that will go away soon because I remember in my teenage years reading about french heroines that were never bland. They were always the most beautiful, the most ingenious, smart, and kind but also dramatically "cursed" by their circumstances

I've read the first book by this author and liked it fine. What bugs me is that she trying to explain the historical period instead of showing me. In this case she shows me Blackstone who seems more like a venture capitalist of today yet he is dealing with the same old prejudices from 19th century which we all know so well already like not acceptance into society.

Jan wrote: "My library copy has come in. Yay! I started it last night, and am part way through Chapter 5. I'm liking it so far. I read the first two books a while ago. I liked some aspects of both, but ended u..."

Hi Jan I am glad you were able to get the book and are enjoying it so far.
(view spoiler)[ yes that kiss was a shock but what a great beginning of the book. I also enjoyed Hattie's honesty about her paintings. I think she is realizing she needs to experience life before she can paint those emotions. (hide spoiler)]

Jan, The Karen Hawkins book is seriously funny, especially when the first half and then obviously it doesn't hold up. it's a very particular scene and I cannot tell.you how many times I retold others about it. The entire curse involving the natural elements is just so.cool. I couldn't remember the name of the series and now I'm going to reread them.

I've never read any of Evje Dunmore's bks. they are all in my tbr, but I'm.a little apprehensive on picking it up. I'm.going to try and squeeze this one in

I always enjoy an active BOTM as seeing different points of view is fun.

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "I always enjoy an active BOTM as seeing different points of view is fun."

Yes me too. It's always interesting to see different points of view. I like it when other's comments make me rethink a book or a character etc.

I'm up to Chapter 9 now and still enjoying so far. (view spoiler)[I can see why Hattie and Blackstone have to marry, but I'm not sure how much Blackstone manoeuvred it by taking Hattie into a room that he knew had two-way mirrors. I hope they are kind to each other and give each other a fair shot at a relationship.

We have found out more about Blackstone's background now - illegitimate and started out as an apprentice. He really has come a long way. He admits to himself that he has used blackmail and other dodgy methods to get there. I like that he's honest with himself, but I'm a little uncomfortable about some of his possibly ruthless treatment of others in the past. (hide spoiler)]

Leena wrote: "Jan, The Karen Hawkins book is seriously funny, especially when the first half and then obviously it doesn't hold up. it's a very particular scene and I cannot tell.you how many times I retold othe..."

Thanks Leena. You've got me intrigued about the book now :)

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "Through chapter 16 [spoilers removed]"

I feel the same Merry. (view spoiler)[I am skipping so much. there is basically no drama or plot moving this story forward. I am irked by everything but specially nice but plain Scottish people, no personality assistants and Hattie always but always answering by repeating the last words person she is talking to said. (hide spoiler)]

I'm done with this book. The cover is pretty but what a shame that this book represents the romance genre to outsiders.

I'm just checking in occasionally to see what others are feeling about this book. I read it back in October and really enjoyed it. I liked it more than book 2 and almost as much as I liked book 1. I took so many notes that the job of writing any kind of review felt arduous. I've been sitting on it since. It's at least a 4* read for me. That could change if I ever sit down and consider my notes and write a review.

In my honest opinion (lol) I have always wanted to say that......I think this is one of those books you either love it or not.

i will start this one next week.

I read this one when it was first published in September of 2021. I really enjoyed the read.

Starting today!

I am excited to hear your thoughts on the book.

hi, has anyone read Angeline Fortin. She's written historicals with Scots.
1.A Laird to Hold.
2. A Scot to Remember
3. A Question for the Ages
4. A Good Scot is Hard to find
5. A Scot Worth Having
6. A Question Worth Asking.

A series surrounding the Mackintosh brothers.

Leena wrote: "I'm currently reading the BOTM 2.
@Sandra,mostly the ones that are available on Scribd, epub etc. But I'll Captain of Her Fate isn't really a P&P spin off. its taken elements. but,this would have ..."

Thanks!

I'm almost at the end of the book. One of the things I like more in Evie Dunmore books is the historical part, the little pieces she introduce in the story that takes us to the time period. I like boks where I can feel the History, being Historical Romances I think it's important. I'm always googling aspects of the story, but maybe that is not a plus one to everyone else.

I like the book. I've loved the 2 previous ones, sadly I don't remember very well of the details of the previous books, but I think that when the serie it's finished it will go for the reread shelf 😉

About Lucian and Hattie it's a strange relation. (view spoiler)[ I was not prepared for the twist, almost in the end... (hide spoiler)] Usually, during the book, Hattie had annoyed me. Despite, her need to have a cause, I think she's right when she says to Lucie, she's only there for the food... (view spoiler)[she doesn't commit with any thing till the end. She leaves the miners without ending the job she had proposed to them, only because L. didn't do what she asks of him and she doesn't really try to know why... I think that explains some things. (hide spoiler)]

Lucien is a self made men with a lot of baggage, when we falls in love with H. he as a hell of a time adapting is all life to this new situation, he even tried, but some things are just to much, let's se how it ends...

Overall, I think it's a favourite !

Sandra, I am glad you enjoyed this one. I liked the previous 2 books but this one didn't quit click with me. I will plan to read her next book.

Sandra I started to read your comment but it strays into spoiler territory and I'm only about half way through the book. Can you please use spoiler tags? Thanks, Jan.

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "Through chapter 16 [spoilers removed]"

I'm up to Chapter 19. I'm going back to read the spoiler comments of where I'm up to. Merry, I mostly agree with your Chapter 16 spoiler. (view spoiler)[ At about half way through the book, I'm feeling disappointed in the lack of romance so far and the behaviour of Hattie, which to me borders on b*tchy. I get her reservations about her marriage and the marriage bed, but it doesn't make for a very romantic story.

I read for pleasure and escapism and I would rather read a more romantic style of book (e.g. Lisa Kleypas Devil In Disguise, (published around the same time as this one.) That one kept my interest and enjoyment all the way through, and I could really feel the connection between the MCs. This book on the other hand has a pretty tepid romance, and I'm struggling with the book a bit at this point. I'm a bit annoyed by this 'misunderstandings' trope. A short and real conversation between them would clear up so many issues :(

I hope the book improves. I will read on, however. Not ready to give up yet :) (hide spoiler)]