Portrait of a Scotsman

Portrait of a Scotsman

  • Downloads:4653
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-08-31 08:51:14
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Evie Dunmore
  • ISBN:0349424136
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

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?

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。

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Reviews

Hanh

Warning! This is a bit more sobering and bittersweet story than the previous two in Evie Dunsmore's Suffragist Ladies series。 It's still decent for what it is, but perhaps not quite enjoyable。 I think there are a couple reasons for this, the first being our protagonist Hattie。 While the previous two novels featured women who had a bit of trauma in their past or cynicism based on experience, Hattie is a sheltered and privileged society lady。 Sure, her family doesn't treat her as well as her smart Warning! This is a bit more sobering and bittersweet story than the previous two in Evie Dunsmore's Suffragist Ladies series。 It's still decent for what it is, but perhaps not quite enjoyable。 I think there are a couple reasons for this, the first being our protagonist Hattie。 While the previous two novels featured women who had a bit of trauma in their past or cynicism based on experience, Hattie is a sheltered and privileged society lady。 Sure, her family doesn't treat her as well as her smart siblings, but she's never really known suffering or despair, even if she's demonstrated with the suffragists。 Therefore, this novel requires that she learn quite a bit in order to walk the walk as it were。 That requires a marriage to self-made Scotsman Lucian Blackstone, who is painted to be quite a beast (and this feels a little gross to me at times。。。 as if he's not a person? I get they're trying to play up the animal magnetism to make Hattie less stuffy but still。) Of course he actually is ruthless when it comes to certain business decisions, but a trip to Scotland gives Hattie perspective about his traumatic past as well as what the miners there face。 Not gonna lie。 It's pretty damn bleak, which is why this novel feels like a departure from the other two, which have the vibrancy of society to buoy them。 This goes deep into photography (which was fun, but also, less about Hattie's painting), labor issues and includes some death as well。 If you're the kind of person who likes to look into the darkness of your heart, then this is for you。 How it plays as a romance, well, it felt a bit disjointed to me。 There are some lovely moments, but overall I had issues with their dynamic, which felt toxic at times。 Not great when it comes to a Suffragist novel。Review based on an ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley 。。。more

Jessica | Bookshelf Binge

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts! I didn’t love this one。 Which is sad because I loved her other books。 A LOT was packed in to the last 15%。 I think if she had picked a couple of major events rather than all of the major events that ever existed, it would have ended on a stronger note。 However, it was just one right after the other and you didn’t have time to really react because of that。 I however love Hattie。 I think she’s a fun protagonist! This one Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts! I didn’t love this one。 Which is sad because I loved her other books。 A LOT was packed in to the last 15%。 I think if she had picked a couple of major events rather than all of the major events that ever existed, it would have ended on a stronger note。 However, it was just one right after the other and you didn’t have time to really react because of that。 I however love Hattie。 I think she’s a fun protagonist! This one just felt a little more forced。 。。。more

Ang

I do like a marriage of convenience book, but this was just so-so for me。

Barbara Rogers

Barbara’s Rating: 3。5 of 5 StarsSeries: A League of Extraordinary Women #3Publication Date: 9/7/21Period: Victorian London/ScotlandNumber of Pages: 448Hattie Greenfield is many things: She attends Oxford where she is studying painting; She is a loving sister and dutiful daughter; She chafes under the close eye her father keeps on her; She is a dedicated suffragist。 While the rest of her family are all astute at business and investments, Hattie hasn’t a clue about that。 Her world is art。 That is Barbara’s Rating: 3。5 of 5 StarsSeries: A League of Extraordinary Women #3Publication Date: 9/7/21Period: Victorian London/ScotlandNumber of Pages: 448Hattie Greenfield is many things: She attends Oxford where she is studying painting; She is a loving sister and dutiful daughter; She chafes under the close eye her father keeps on her; She is a dedicated suffragist。 While the rest of her family are all astute at business and investments, Hattie hasn’t a clue about that。 Her world is art。 That is why she ditched her bodyguard and managed to sneak away from Oxford to attend an art tour that was featuring a painting she dearly wanted to see in person。 What a fateful decision that was! She meets the owner of the exhibit and he kisses her soundly because he mistakes her for someone else。 OOPS!Lucian Blackstone’s reputation is definitely not a good one。 Rumor says he’s ruined more than one peer and who knows what else he may have done。 He is reclusive and few have ever even seen him。 However, Lucian wants to change that reputation because he wants to be able to have more influence in order to make the changes he wants to see in the country。 He needs relationships with men who have more influence than he does, so he can meet other men with more influence。 Then, the perfect solution drops right into his lap – in the form of Miss Hattie Greenfield。 Her showing up to see his painting gave him the perfect idea – he’d marry her – after all, kissing her was certainly not a chore。Hattie and Lucian square off from the beginning, and it was fun to watch them fall for each other despite their best efforts not to do so。 Both hold tightly to past hurts and secrets and overcoming the lack of trust will be a major stumbling block。 Their romance kept me engrossed until about the 93% mark and then I was done with Hattie。 Frankly, I was wishing Lucian would leave her totally alone and find someone who would really love him and appreciate him for who he is。This was my first read by this author and I was really sorry to find it just isn’t my cup of tea。 I was really looking forward to a more romantic read and what I got was a treatise on how great socialism/communism is as well as an introduction to some very rabid feminists。 When I say rabid feminists, I am referring to the female leads in the first two books of the series – and I didn’t read those – and won’t from what I saw in this book。 I love a book with a strong, intelligent female lead, but those two are total shrews。 I’d say I liked 65-70% of this book, but the rest I just really, really didn’t like at all。While I won’t recommend this book – because I wouldn’t read it a second time – I will say that there will be lots of readers who will read it and love it。 Perhaps you’ll be one of those。 I was not。I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more

Rebecca

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review。This series continues to be both entertaining and educational, providing a glimpse into British history alongside a charming romance。 Hattie and Lucien are an interesting match as they find themselves married well before they know much about the other at all, and they have different upbringings and backgrounds- but that gives them a lot of room to teach each other and learn。

KES

Yes - read it。Another good read in the series。 They don't really need to be read in order but it is fun。It's a typical romance but I enjoy learning more about the political and social environments of the time。 It makes for a much more intriguing read。I received an ARC from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing to prepare for my honest review。 Yes - read it。Another good read in the series。 They don't really need to be read in order but it is fun。It's a typical romance but I enjoy learning more about the political and social environments of the time。 It makes for a much more intriguing read。I received an ARC from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing to prepare for my honest review。 。。。more

Janelle (a。rogue。librarian)

This book was another stellar read for me。 I have grown to love this group of strong minded women。 This particular story follows Hattie Greenfield, an artist。 And the romantic interest is this dark and broody Lucian Blackstone。 I loved the "meet cute", the ups and downs of the main dramas (mostly due to a lack of communication) and the strong message that these books hold。 Highly recommend! This book was another stellar read for me。 I have grown to love this group of strong minded women。 This particular story follows Hattie Greenfield, an artist。 And the romantic interest is this dark and broody Lucian Blackstone。 I loved the "meet cute", the ups and downs of the main dramas (mostly due to a lack of communication) and the strong message that these books hold。 Highly recommend! 。。。more

Shannon Collins

Hattie Greenfield is a woman of simple needs。 She needs time to dedicate to her art。 She needs to be out from her family's thumb。 Finally she needs husband who will be the perfect gentlemen。 Everything Lucian Blackstone is not。 The financier turned almost-lord is looking for a wife to elevate his station and Hattie Greenfield will do very nicely。 He does not intend to fall for her wide brown eyes and her hopeful demeanor and yet he finds himself doing just that。 Will Hattie be able to look past Hattie Greenfield is a woman of simple needs。 She needs time to dedicate to her art。 She needs to be out from her family's thumb。 Finally she needs husband who will be the perfect gentlemen。 Everything Lucian Blackstone is not。 The financier turned almost-lord is looking for a wife to elevate his station and Hattie Greenfield will do very nicely。 He does not intend to fall for her wide brown eyes and her hopeful demeanor and yet he finds himself doing just that。 Will Hattie be able to look past his sordid past to see the good in him? Or will she be the talk of the town scandal mongers。I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would。 While I enjoy a good historical romance as much as the next person, Evie Dunmore knocks them out of the park。 Her continual additions to A League of Extraordinary Women are a delight and joy to read。Pros: I enjoyed the flirtations between Lucian and Hattie and how their relationship went through a lot of highs and lows throughout the book。 Big fan of the single bed and two unwilling lovers trope。 Her writing has gained strength throughout her last book, her voice coming on clear and strong。 The ending was the most surprising part to this entire book。 Truly, I loved the agency she gave Hattie, the sheer thought of a romance lead having such agency is wild to me (clearly I need to be reading more)。 Cons: I'm not a fan of the forced marriage due to scandal trope, so their entire start to the marriage was a lot of pained sighs from me。 While I read the other two books in the series, I had trouble remembering who was who in terms of the supporting cast。 9/10 would recommend for those who love historical romances, rougher than normal regency love, Highlanders in disguise, and a love that lets you grow。 As always, thank you to NetGalley, Evie Dunmore, and Jove Publishing for the ARC! 。。。more

Karin

3。5 rounded up。

Kate

Thank you for the ARC book。 Wow! I loved this third book the her series。 The characters are well developed。 The research is the best, which makes it an awesome read。

Edlyn

I have read and enjoyed both of Evie Dunmore's previous novels and was excited to get an opportunity to read an early copy of her upcoming release, "Portrait of a Scotsman。"All of the stories in this series revolve around women's rights, in particular, the suffrage movement in the United Kingdom。 Hattie, the protagonist in this novel, is a bit different than her friends。 She is the daughter of a wealthy and powerful banker who has been allowed to study art at Oxford。 Hattie enjoys the privilege I have read and enjoyed both of Evie Dunmore's previous novels and was excited to get an opportunity to read an early copy of her upcoming release, "Portrait of a Scotsman。"All of the stories in this series revolve around women's rights, in particular, the suffrage movement in the United Kingdom。 Hattie, the protagonist in this novel, is a bit different than her friends。 She is the daughter of a wealthy and powerful banker who has been allowed to study art at Oxford。 Hattie enjoys the privilege of wealth, but her freedom and autonomy are still hindered by the simple fact of being born female。 Which is how she lands in a marriage of convenience after being "compromised" by the hero in our novel, Lucian Blackstone。Mr。 Blackstone is definitely NOT the husband Hattie would have chosen for herself and for a long time she resents being trapped into marriage。 I should have probably disliked Lucian more, but I honestly really liked him。 I also loved that even though he was pretty ruthlessness in getting what he wanted, marriage to Hattie, he was infinitely patient with her and always asked for her consent and respected her wishes when she said no to his advances。 I very much enjoyed reading about Lucian and Hattie slowly learning to trust each other and their time spent in Scotland was my absolute favorite part of their story。 I did not care for the short separation that happened so late in the novel, even though I understand why it took place and its significant, I simply did not like it。 However, their reunion was truly romantic and worth the read。Evie Dunmore always gives her heroines their happy ending without compromising their beliefs and that is just one of the reasons I love her stories and cannot wait for the next installment in her "A League of Extraordinary Women" series。 。。。more

Kori Sulewski (korireads)

3。5 stars - While not my favorite of the series, this was still fun! I’m a sucker for Scottish men (cough cough Jamie Fraser cough cough)。 I love how much research goes into these and how I always leave the books feeling like I learned something。 Plus, it never feels like the history bogs down the story。 The first half was a little slower and too vague for me, but then it gets better! I loved Hattie。I judge my romance books on if I *neeed* to finish it in one sitting, and this took me a few days 3。5 stars - While not my favorite of the series, this was still fun! I’m a sucker for Scottish men (cough cough Jamie Fraser cough cough)。 I love how much research goes into these and how I always leave the books feeling like I learned something。 Plus, it never feels like the history bogs down the story。 The first half was a little slower and too vague for me, but then it gets better! I loved Hattie。I judge my romance books on if I *neeed* to finish it in one sitting, and this took me a few days。 Not sure why, but I wasn’t as hooked as I wanted to be! But overall still a series I’d highly recommend 🙌🏼 。。。more

reading_in_lala_land

I am giving this one 3。5 but am rounding up to 4。 I love this series and I really enjoyed most of this book! Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of Hattie's character so I was a bit nervous going in。 Luckily, I really enjoyed Lucian's character and really enjoyed his and Hattie's banter and chemistry。 It was a quick read and I can't wait for the next book in the series!*Was provided a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review* I am giving this one 3。5 but am rounding up to 4。 I love this series and I really enjoyed most of this book! Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of Hattie's character so I was a bit nervous going in。 Luckily, I really enjoyed Lucian's character and really enjoyed his and Hattie's banter and chemistry。 It was a quick read and I can't wait for the next book in the series!*Was provided a copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review* 。。。more

book bruin

4。5 starsOh my heart! Portrait of a Scotsman was quite the emotional ride。 It was surprisingly angsty, while also being informative and swoony。 Hattie and Lucian both showed great emotional growth throughout the novel and I really enjoyed their character arcs。 It’s a slow burn between them after a compromising quick start, but seeing them stumble, make mistakes, and push each other's buttons actually made me like them more。 It gave them time to come into their own and really fight for what they 4。5 starsOh my heart! Portrait of a Scotsman was quite the emotional ride。 It was surprisingly angsty, while also being informative and swoony。 Hattie and Lucian both showed great emotional growth throughout the novel and I really enjoyed their character arcs。 It’s a slow burn between them after a compromising quick start, but seeing them stumble, make mistakes, and push each other's buttons actually made me like them more。 It gave them time to come into their own and really fight for what they wanted and each other。 I was rooting for Hattie and Lucian from the start and couldn't be more satisfied with their story。 I know some readers will take issue with how the ending unfolds (Don’t worry, it’s a HEA!), but I thought it was perfect for these characters。 That reckoning between Hattie and Lucian was so powerful and I agreed and understood why they both needed that to move forward。 As much as I enjoyed learning the history about what it was like to live during that time period, hazardous mining working conditions, discussions of poverty and class, early photography, marital rights, societal expectations, etc, I did feel that it also bogged down the story at times。 The topics addressed were clearly well researched, but the discussions were sometimes so detailed that I lost sight of the point and/or had difficulty understanding the language。 This is probably just a “it’s me, not you” issue, but it's something to note。Things to look forward to in Portrait of a Scotsman:- Grumpy + sunshine- Forced proximity- Marriage of convenience- Only 1 bed- Slow burn romance, but 100% worth the wait!- Beauty and the Beast-ish/Hades and Persephone-ish vibesCW: classism, discussion of death of family members (drowning & hazardous working conditions related) and poverty, strained family/parental relationships, mentions of suicide (secondary character off page), guns, violence, learning disability, body shaming, gambling addiction (secondary character)*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book* 。。。more

Rachel

I love this series。 I love this characters。 I love this author。 Portrait of a Scotsman did NOT disappoint。 I was worried at the start that, because I relate to Hattie the LEAST of the Extraordinary Women, I would struggle with this book。 Not at all。 Both Hattie and Lucian had wonderful character arcs。 I loved the different angle of the political struggle these characters constantly negotiate。 It was just a warm, lovely book and I can't wait for the rest of the series! I love this series。 I love this characters。 I love this author。 Portrait of a Scotsman did NOT disappoint。 I was worried at the start that, because I relate to Hattie the LEAST of the Extraordinary Women, I would struggle with this book。 Not at all。 Both Hattie and Lucian had wonderful character arcs。 I loved the different angle of the political struggle these characters constantly negotiate。 It was just a warm, lovely book and I can't wait for the rest of the series! 。。。more

GigiReads

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy。 All opinions are my own。Hattie Greenfield, the little ray of sunshine in the suffragist girl gang, is caught in fraganti locking lips with the Lord of the Underworld Lucian Blackstone。 Her father, eager to do business with the mysterious Blackstone, accepted his offer of marriage, and to avoid an even bigger scandal Hattie is quickly shackled to a virtual stranger。 Marriage to the dark and broody Lucian proves to be more than the gently r Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy。 All opinions are my own。Hattie Greenfield, the little ray of sunshine in the suffragist girl gang, is caught in fraganti locking lips with the Lord of the Underworld Lucian Blackstone。 Her father, eager to do business with the mysterious Blackstone, accepted his offer of marriage, and to avoid an even bigger scandal Hattie is quickly shackled to a virtual stranger。 Marriage to the dark and broody Lucian proves to be more than the gently reared Hattie can stand。 She finds out that her hasty marriage wasn’t entirely her fault so with the help of Lucie she tries to leave her husband and escape to France。 But her plans are thwarted by her annoyed spouse and she finds herself on a road trip to the wilds of Scotland and cue Forced proximity and Only One Bed!This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year。 I adored Bringing Down the Duke and loved A Rogue of One’s Own and I wanted to love this one so badly。 I liked Lucian and his dark Hades persona though I do wish he had been less passive and a tad more feral。 He even kidnaps Hattie very politely 😆 He's still deliciously dark and grumpy。 I loved all the delicious tropes。 Added to the previously mentioned ones there's also a major Hades and Persephone, grump-sunshiney vibe。 I enjoyed all the interesting history and back stories that the author so expertly weaves into her books。 I was also pleasantly surprised by the heat level in this book。 It is definitely her steamiest yet。I fell in love with Hattie and her irrepressible personality in the previous books。 This personality is hard to find in her own book。 My sweet artistic, fashion-loving Hattie veers from judgmental shrew to sunshine to, in her own words, a “sanctimonious toad。” Self-awareness is a lovely thing, I suppose。 I hate to say it but for the first half of the book, she was insufferable。 Speaking of the first half of the book, this is a very slow burn and nothing really happened in the first half, the pacing was off throughout but most especially in the first 50%。 I also had a hard time with the lack of chemistry between Lucian and Hattie。 After just finishing a re-read of Duke, I was expecting the same spark between the MC’s that almost leaped off the page。 I thought Lucian and Hattie were sweet at times and they had a few moments that had me looking for the nearest fainting couch but I think the sexy and romantic scenes were often undercut by conversations about heavy topics。 Yes, I love to learn about the history and how terrible the conditions were for working women in the Victorian era but in this book, there were so many different topics addressed such as poverty, working conditions in mines, the plight of married women, and early photography that it really bogged down the romance and the pace of the book。 Overall, the MCs spend more time apart than with each other for about 60% and then there's nothing but romance for about 30% and then the last bit is a suspense。 All that being said this would have easily been a 4。5 star read for me, the way they got to know each other and some of the moments they shared were so sweet and romantic, and while I would have loved a darker more feral Lucian (he’s really a cinnamon roll masquerading as a dark lord)he was still compelling and since I'm very hero-centric I could have forgiven Hattie's bratty behavior。 But then in the last chapters, Hattie makes a decision that put my Kindle in dire peril。 I won’t spoil it here but I hated it with the force of a thousand blazing suns。 While I still got my HEA it was tainted with Hattie’s decisions。 Someone recently told me something like, even bad pizza is still pizza。 I think this definitely applies to this book and its author, even a so-so book from her is still pretty good。 She has a gift with words and her research is clearly meticulous。 I can’t wait for the fourth book and will re-read the first two obsessively。 Recommended with reservations。⭐⭐⭐💫/5🔥🔥🔥/5 。。。more

Laurel Wren

OH MY GOD THIS BOOK。 I used to make fun of middle-aged women for those cheesy duke shirtless-man-on-the-cover books but let me tell y’all they are on to something this slaps。 Evie Dunmore had to have put some kind of drugs in this novel。 Incredible

ChasingLeslie

London banking heiress Harriet Greenfield is trying to balance her love of art education and suffragette sympathies with want of loving husband and traditional marriage。 Self-made financier, Lucian Blackstone, has plenty of money but holds little political or societal influence。 A compromising kiss sets wedding bells a ringing!This is the third book in The League of Extraordinary Women series。 While other characters and themes are mentioned, this book can stand alone。There are parts of this stor London banking heiress Harriet Greenfield is trying to balance her love of art education and suffragette sympathies with want of loving husband and traditional marriage。 Self-made financier, Lucian Blackstone, has plenty of money but holds little political or societal influence。 A compromising kiss sets wedding bells a ringing!This is the third book in The League of Extraordinary Women series。 While other characters and themes are mentioned, this book can stand alone。There are parts of this story I really liked, and others that dragged。 I thought Hattie and Lucian had a great early spark and seemed like they were going to compliment each other well。 But even a road trip to Scotland and forced proximity didn't quite make me feel connected to this couple。 I appreciated the conversations Lucian and Hattie had about classism and human nature, but I didn't like certain things she did at the end of the story。Tropes: Class Difference, CompromisedSteam Rating: 3。5* I received an ARC and this is my honest review。 #PortraitOfAScotsman #NetGalley 。。。more

Belinda

3。5 stars rounded up。 In the 3rd book in The League of Extraordinary Women series by Evie Dunmore, we are taken on an adventure once again through Victorian England, this time quite literally to Scotland。 This installment follows Miss Harriet Greenfield on her accidental journey of marriage with the scrumptious Lucien Blackstone。 She wants love, art, friendship, and equality。 He wants justice, fairness, and means to an end- that just so happens to include Hattie in his plans。 There were several 3。5 stars rounded up。 In the 3rd book in The League of Extraordinary Women series by Evie Dunmore, we are taken on an adventure once again through Victorian England, this time quite literally to Scotland。 This installment follows Miss Harriet Greenfield on her accidental journey of marriage with the scrumptious Lucien Blackstone。 She wants love, art, friendship, and equality。 He wants justice, fairness, and means to an end- that just so happens to include Hattie in his plans。 There were several things I loved about this book, and some things I just simply wanted more of。 I'll go ahead and highlight two of them。 First, Lucien Blackstone has to absolutely be my favorite of Ms。 Dunmore's men。 He is jaded, determined, dark, yet surprisingly thoughtful。 He is a man with some serious growth mindset, and I find that dreamy/admirable。 Hattie on the other hand, fripperish perhaps is the [non]word that comes to mind。 They complement each other very well, to where their tale that is told makes this a strong Extraordinary Women installment, but there was just always so much more I wanted from their partnership。 Especially regarding Hattie's monumental decision at the end。 I am sitting here celebrating her, yet wanting more of THAT journey。 Growth for women free from the expectation of romance! Of course I absolutely want happy endings, but I will just happily dream about Hattie and her badass journey wishing 20% of the book had been dedicated to that。 My second thing is absolutely loved loved loved the feature of some of miner's history in England。 Reading what conditions were relevant and laws on the table was fascinating to learn about, and I absolute commend Ms。 Dunmore on her thorough knowledge being included in such a tale。 One of the huge appeals about this series is the relation of the suffrage movement juxtaposed with the well-loved historical romance genre。 However, she goes the extra mile with the inclusion of worker's rights and it is just so well done here。 And her notes at the end, yes yes yes give us the facts。 I can hardly wait for the 4th installment, where we will finally (hopefully) get Catriona's story。 It has been such a marvelous joy following this series,。 Evie Dunmore is single-handedly revolutionizing historical romances and it is just a thrill to be able to read these books。 。。。more

Biologistreadsromance

4。5-star read!This book is in top 5 most anticipated romances of the year for me。 I reread Bringing Down the Duke and A Rogue of One's Own to get back to their universe right before starting this one。 There was a lot of Hattie in the previous books that I couldn't wait to get to know more about her!Hattie Greenfield was a daughter of a banking tycoon, but enrolled at Oxford University as an art history student where she met her fellow suffragist friends。 What I love most about Hattie's character 4。5-star read!This book is in top 5 most anticipated romances of the year for me。 I reread Bringing Down the Duke and A Rogue of One's Own to get back to their universe right before starting this one。 There was a lot of Hattie in the previous books that I couldn't wait to get to know more about her!Hattie Greenfield was a daughter of a banking tycoon, but enrolled at Oxford University as an art history student where she met her fellow suffragist friends。 What I love most about Hattie's character development here is her transition from being a spoiled and privileged heiress, joining suffrage movement just so she had a purpose, to recognizing the harsh realities of the working class and unfair treatments towards women, and then wholeheartedly putting her efforts and talents into the Cause。 And all of this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for her husband Lucian Blackstone!Lucian from book 2 was a dark and mysterious businessman。 With his low background, he needed to gain access to high society, and from a chance encounter with Hattie, he decided to set his cap on her。 Lucian was ruthless, he got what he wanted, regardless of the means。 But when it came to his stubborn wife, it wasn't so easy, and I appreciate that he had to work for their marriage。 I love all the little things (and big things!) Lucian did for Hattie。 The first half of the book was quite slow and I didn't feel the romantic spark between Hattie and Lucian as much as I had expected。 Their marriage of convenience started off very rocky as the two could-not-be-more-different individuals came together through manipulation。 But the second half was much better when they went off to Scotland for Lucian's mining business trip and there was only one bed! This is where Hattie's character grew stronger。 As with previous books from this author, there are lots of historical events giving us glimpses into the past, this time not of the aristocracy, but of the brutality and danger of the coal mining industry in Scotland。 There are many serious conversations between Hattie and Lucian about their social views and philosophy, how each yearns to improve the unfairness in their own way。 Overall, this book is very well researched and written。 Even though sexy times appear late in the book, they're very steamy! I only wish there were more sexual tension and chemistry in the beginning。 The ending was quite unexpected, but I think it's important for Hattie's character to fully grow, for Hattie to be true to herself, and for their relationship to be solid going forward (don't worry, there's still HEA!) I'd highly recommend this series if you love well written characters and rich history in your historical romance!Tropes: marriage of convenience, sunshine/broody, loose Hades/Persephone retelling, only one bed, class difference, self-made hero。*Special thanks to Berkley Romance and the author for granting me access to the ARC in exchange for my honest review。* 。。。more

Megan

Phenomenal historical romance! I love the way Evie Dunmore writes her romance novels。 The activism and love story are woven together so beautifully。 I definitely adore the way she writes her brooding heroes。 I think this romance was hot and exciting。 I do think the details of suffrage have bogged down the plot a little bit。 That said, I loved Hattie and Lucien together。 I wished there was a sequel to find out more about them。 I like how the women stand up for each other and support their friends Phenomenal historical romance! I love the way Evie Dunmore writes her romance novels。 The activism and love story are woven together so beautifully。 I definitely adore the way she writes her brooding heroes。 I think this romance was hot and exciting。 I do think the details of suffrage have bogged down the plot a little bit。 That said, I loved Hattie and Lucien together。 I wished there was a sequel to find out more about them。 I like how the women stand up for each other and support their friends。 Also, how each heroine is unique and not text book perfect。 Thanks to NetGalley for this incredible romantic preview。 I am an Evie Dunmore fan!! 。。。more

Callie (readitlikerory) Coker

Evie Dunmore is my go-to author for exquisite historical romance stories that have a lot of steam and feel progressive。 The third installment in the League of Extraordinary Women series did not disappoint。 This book focuses on Hattie Greenfield and Lucien Blackstone。 Hattie is a suffragist and feminist, but she's also the heroine that comes from the most money and privilege, which lends an interesting perspective when she is unexpectedly thrown into a marriage to Lucien, who is a self-made Scott Evie Dunmore is my go-to author for exquisite historical romance stories that have a lot of steam and feel progressive。 The third installment in the League of Extraordinary Women series did not disappoint。 This book focuses on Hattie Greenfield and Lucien Blackstone。 Hattie is a suffragist and feminist, but she's also the heroine that comes from the most money and privilege, which lends an interesting perspective when she is unexpectedly thrown into a marriage to Lucien, who is a self-made Scottish businessman known for his ruthless calling in of high society's debts。 This book was the slowest burn of the three books in the series, and it focuses on feminism, privilege, overcoming trauma and fears, and building a respectful relationship。 Hattie begins to question her place in the feminist movement as she realizes that her privilege has shielded her from many of the real-life impacts of being a woman in 1880 English society。 Lucien, an outcast and shadowy figure, relies on emotional detachment and is caught by surprise when his feelings for Hattie begin to swell。 Of the three books in the series, this one relies on an intellectual connection before a physical, which is a bit of a shift that felt fresh。 As always, it's well-written and well-executed and has a number of twists。 This series is one of my most recommended romance series! 。。。more

Christina

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!Evie Dunmore does it again! I love this series so much and this title did not disappoint! This third book in the "A League of Extraordinary Women" series follows Hattie Greenfield, the privileged daughter of a successful businessman who is basically used as a bargaining chip by her family。 She is seen kissing Mr。 Blackstone, a notorious figure in London society, in a gallery full of one-way mirrors and is then forced to Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!Evie Dunmore does it again! I love this series so much and this title did not disappoint! This third book in the "A League of Extraordinary Women" series follows Hattie Greenfield, the privileged daughter of a successful businessman who is basically used as a bargaining chip by her family。 She is seen kissing Mr。 Blackstone, a notorious figure in London society, in a gallery full of one-way mirrors and is then forced to marry him in exchange for rights to a railroad。 Hattie often comes across as a spoiled brat (Mr。 Blackstone even calls her that!), but as the book moves through the trials of marriage and family secrets we see her grow as a person。 This is very much her coming of age and independence in the 1880s where women's rights were few。 I love how Evie Dunmore incorporates historical fiction into the love stories of her books and I leave every single one learning something new! 。。。more

Marie Aitchison

Evie Dunmore has done it again。 🙌🏻💜She made my heart swoon with fabulous characters, complicated love, and slow burning passion。 Portrait of a Scotsman is book three in the League of Extraordinary Women series。 It takes place in London, in 1880 and has some really impactful moments in Scotland, as well。 Hattie Greenfield, who readers know from previous books, meets her match。 👏🏻 I loved that past familiar characters surface along Hattie’s journey, and how unique her own love story is with the i Evie Dunmore has done it again。 🙌🏻💜She made my heart swoon with fabulous characters, complicated love, and slow burning passion。 Portrait of a Scotsman is book three in the League of Extraordinary Women series。 It takes place in London, in 1880 and has some really impactful moments in Scotland, as well。 Hattie Greenfield, who readers know from previous books, meets her match。 👏🏻 I loved that past familiar characters surface along Hattie’s journey, and how unique her own love story is with the infamous Mr。 Blackstone (who may actually be the sweetest, and is now my most beloved character in ALL of the books- seriously, he’s the best)。I really like that this series doesn’t make me want to roll my eyes, like some romance novels do。 The love takes time。 It isn’t instant and overly saccharine。 The story actually allows the reader to see the seeds of love be planted and grow through compromise, appreciation, and truly seeing and supporting another human for exactly who they are, and loving them despite scars or faults。🥺It’s everything I needed。 I value that these novels are HISTORICAL romance and tackle important times in history- largely the women’s Suffrage Movement, equality, and basic human rights, while still giving a healthy dose of steam。 It gets real HOT。 I recommend this story for those of you who enjoy strong female characters, the Victorian Era, and great sexy time。 🥵 Thank you @Netgalley and @Berkleypub for giving me this eARC to review。 I adore this series so much。 You don’t need to read the first two books to find the this one delightful, but sound so does add an extra layer of sparkle。 Get a copy when book 3 is out on September 7th! 。。。more

Claire

I spent an entire Saturday making my way through Portrait of a Scotsman。 Totally worth it。 Hattie is so sweet and human with her learning issues and love for art。 Lucien embodies one of my favorite historical tropes—super brooding bad boy who desperately wants somebody to love him to the point where he makes some bonehead moves to try to force an unsuspecting woman to do so。 I’ve been wracking my brain to try to remember who Lucien reminds me of—he’s not quite a Sebastian, Lord St。 Vincent, but I spent an entire Saturday making my way through Portrait of a Scotsman。 Totally worth it。 Hattie is so sweet and human with her learning issues and love for art。 Lucien embodies one of my favorite historical tropes—super brooding bad boy who desperately wants somebody to love him to the point where he makes some bonehead moves to try to force an unsuspecting woman to do so。 I’ve been wracking my brain to try to remember who Lucien reminds me of—he’s not quite a Sebastian, Lord St。 Vincent, but for some reason I want to say a Sarah MacLean hero? Whomever it is, I loooved him。 I loved his dedication to the Scottish miners, I loved his bumbling ways of trying to figure out his bride, I wanted to hug him for all of the things he went through in his childhood。 Sigh。I have to say that I had to take some time to process the ending because it didn’t end where historical romances generally end—after the hero/heroine is saved from the bad guy。 It kept going!! And I was thrown off!! At first I was like NOOOO HATTIE…… but of course things turned out well for Hattie and Lucien in the end。 So, not only did I love the characters, the developing relationship between Hattie and Lucien, and the relationship between the four girl friends, but I also got a gut punch and some food for thought about my historical romance。 5/5!Thanks to Jove and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my opinions! I’ve already preordered my own print copy! 。。。more

Anusha

I literally check this page one a week just to wish that the expected date is changed (earlier) so I can grab the book as soon as possible, this is one of the addicting series I just cant wait to have the series。 L

Kristin

Lots of escapist fun but something just seemed a tiny bit off。 Never figured out what it was。

Marie Reese

This one was my favorite so far!

Cassie

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore is my favorite book in this "A League of Extraordinary Women" series。 Each book gets successively better!I adore the meticulous historical fiction woven into the steamy enemies to lovers romance。 Learning about women's suffrage in Britain, as well as labor unions and mining life/rights was SO engrossing。 I also thought the chemistry was spectacular, and the spin off Beauty and the Beast was delightful。 The way Dunmore took the moral of that classic story in Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore is my favorite book in this "A League of Extraordinary Women" series。 Each book gets successively better!I adore the meticulous historical fiction woven into the steamy enemies to lovers romance。 Learning about women's suffrage in Britain, as well as labor unions and mining life/rights was SO engrossing。 I also thought the chemistry was spectacular, and the spin off Beauty and the Beast was delightful。 The way Dunmore took the moral of that classic story into her own hands and reshaped it into the actions of a smothered feminist artist who is struggling to find her own place in her male-dominated world was *chef's kiss* delightful!I can't WAIT for the next installment!!!Thanks to Berkley Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Landra Graf

Review to come on Smittenbybooks。com