Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady by Victoria Vale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an interesting read for me in that I love period pieces especially from England, Scotland and oh those uber sexy Highlanders. But, this novel is written almost from the male perspective of things, as the main male character is an escort of sorts.

Evelyn refuses to die a spinster, not that she is close to death but man alive it feels more and more like it every day. She learns of an agency that helps “pair” women with men that will take care of their any need. She decides to pursue this avenue and cross one thing off her list, losing her virginity.

Hugh is an artist that is just hoping to make it into the Summer Exhibition with one of his paintings. He has come so close every year but he feels like this is final his shot. When another opportunity arises to “care” for another woman, he accepts but feels like this will be his last customer. He couldn’t imagine just how right he was.

Evelyn and Hugh have a wonderful connection and he is super sweet and patient while tending to her every want and need. They find themselves moving further and further away from a client relationship and into a romantic relationship. Neither wanting to think the other would want that, refusing to see what is right before their eyes.

Both Evelyn and Hugh have somewhat strained family relationships, though Hugh wins that by a mile. His father disowned him upon hearing he wanted to study art. His siblings have little choice but to go along with their father’s wishes and cut Hugh out of their lives. Evelyn has reached her maturity unmarried so she has received her inheritance and the family doesn’t quite understand her desire to remain single. Once the word is out though, that she is dating Hugh, her mother and sister reappear.

A great new perspective putting the man in the position of escort, not one story normally told. I got a new understanding of some of the workings of the era (whether an actual truth or not, my mind’s eye could appreciate it). Seeing Hugh and Evelyn struggle to live their true lives was one I could relate to, and seeing them not recognizing what is right in front of them also rang true. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy without expectation. 4 ½ stars for my first read.




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