What do you think?
Rate this book
The Academy of Love #3
A Portrait of Love
Honoria Keyes isn’t the gawky, impressionable fifteen-year-old girl she was when she first met Simon Fairchild. Twelve years have passed, and she’s a successful artist, enjoying her independence to the fullest. Simon has changed, too. Gone is the beautiful, gentle boy of Honoria’s dreams. In his place is a dangerous, damaged man intent on avoiding human contact—and emotions. It would be unthinkable to fall for this difficult, wounded recluse. But then again, Honoria has never been one to do things the easy way …
Simon returned from Waterloo a bitter, broken shell of the man he once was. As if his scarred body and mind aren’t bad enough, he’s also financially dependent on his brother, the duke, while he convalesces. The duke’s fondest wish is for Simon to marry and produce an heir—something Simon has no intention of doing. The one thing he never anticipated? All the unwanted feelings the lovely, talented, and infinitely intriguing Honoria would awaken in him …
Can Honoria and Simon heal the wounds of the past and build a life together? Or will their attempt at happily ever after end up a portrait of failure?
Simon returned from Waterloo a bitter, broken shell of the man he once was. As if his scarred body and mind aren’t bad enough, he’s also financially dependent on his brother, the duke, while he convalesces. The duke’s fondest wish is for Simon to marry and produce an heir—something Simon has no intention of doing. The one thing he never anticipated? All the unwanted feelings the lovely, talented, and infinitely intriguing Honoria would awaken in him …
Can Honoria and Simon heal the wounds of the past and build a life together? Or will their attempt at happily ever after end up a portrait of failure?
344 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2020
About the author
Minerva Spencer
58 books1,782 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Did Not Finish
January 15, 2021✰ DNF @69% ✰
Hmmmm. . .this is awkward. I was not expecting these turn of events, and yet, here we are. To be honest I'm not super surprised, but I am disappointed. A Portrait of Love is the second book in the The Academy of Love series that I've marked as a DNF. I'm not sure what happened because I made it to *checks kindle* SIXTY-NINE PERCENT, *big sigh* my own brain confounds me sometimes.
-ˏˋ Did ANYTHING Work For Me?! ˎˊ-
✧ The Story - SORT OF ✧ I really liked - in theory - where the story was going, and there were a bunch of tropes present in this book that I personally love. Firstly, the romance between Simon and Honey really should've worked for me. I'm not always a huge fan of unrequited love, BUT I liked the way it was set up and was on board to see how things would progress.
I'm a HUGE sucker for scarred heroes returning from war, and I always love watching that storyline play out. In addition both Simon and Honey had mad chemistry. PLUS, the dynamics happening between Simon and his family were really interesting. And I LOVED the IDEA of the arranged marriage plot (i didn't like the execution though). Essentially, there were a lot of great elements at play in THE PORTRAIT OF LOVE , but ultimately the execution fell extremely flat for me.
-ˏˋ What DIDN'T Work For Me?! ˎˊ-
✧ The Slow Pacing ✧ My biggest reason for marking THE PORTRAIT OF LOVE as a DNF was the incredibly SLOW pacing. The book was going at a SNAILS PACE the entire time, and it got the point where I just couldn't anymore. See the main reason I DNF most books is because of the pace (either it's too fast or too slow). What can I say, I'm fickle like that. Now I don't MIND slowly paced books, but please, for love of all that's good and holy, DON'T MEANDER.
And unfortunately, a good chunk of this book felt like one slow ass meandering walk. See Simon and Honey meet when they're young, then they meet again, they. . .don't like each other, insert some fighting, Honey being attracted to Simon but fighting her feelings, Simon acting like a d-bag, rinse and repeat. This happens for a good SIXTY PERCENT of the book. And when the actual plot got going I was just so exhausted that I didn't even care anymore.
✧ Simon & The Doormat ✧ So remember when I said I enjoyed that Honey had this grand unrequited love for Simon? HA. HA. HA. Jokes on me, because it got VERY old and extremely grating almost immediately. Seriously, after a while I just couldn't with Honey, and I honestly couldn't with Simon almost from the jump. See Simon is not the same lighthearted youthful man Honey originally knew. He's battle scarred and carries the marks of his tough life both on the inside and out. NOW, I usually LOVE this archetype. But, for whatever reason there was something about Simon that just didn't. . .click. He was, to put it nicely, a ginormous asshole towards everyone around him for a good majority of the book. He was a douchenozzle to his bother, he treated Honey like crap, and while I felt bad for him, I also didn't. He got to the stage of brooding and anguish where I just wanted to slap him and shout, "YOU DON'T HAVE A MONOPOLY ON EMOTIONAL PAIN!" What made it even worse was the fact that Honey STILL LIKED HIM despite his asshole / woe is me behavior. Seriously, these were the types of thoughts she was having about Simon for the ENTIRE BOOK -
. . .
Oh and OF COURSE while Simon was out there hoeing it up Honey was remaining as pure and fresh as perfectly fallen snow ✨ 🙄 Which, look, I know this is a historical romance, BUT Minerva Spencer made a point to mention that Honey had the opportunity to be with other men while she taught at the Stefani music institute. SOOOOOOOOO. . .what? She was just waiting around for 14 years hoping the universe would reunite her with Simon? MMMkay honey, you do you. It got to the point where Honey would take his asshole behavior and excuse it time and time again, because a. "he's brooding" and b. because she was still holding a torch for him.
uggghhhhhh. . .
By the time Simon and Honey did get together I just couldn't with them anymore. I wish them the best, and I'm glad their weird forced marriage is working out, but idk. . . i'm not in the mood.
-ˏˋ Concluding Thoughts! ˎˊ-
Man. . .now I feel bad. Look I don't think PORTRAIT OF LOVE is a bad book, it's just not the book FOR ME. I think if any of you guys pick this book up you'll have a good time. Maybe my brain wasn't in the right headspace, or maybe I wasn't in a historical romance mood. Whatever the reason, the characters just didn't click with me, I couldn't connect with Simon AT ALL, the smell desperation permeating off of Honey just got to be too much, and also did I mention that Simon was a dick? HOWEVER, I'm not giving up on this series or author. I have faith that her next book will be good, NAY GREAT, and I bet I end up loving it! All in all, I actually do recommend this series and book. Book two and three in this series may not have worked for me, but I think they'll work for most people! So go forth and read my friends!
He was not the man of his youth, he was something far more interesting, subtle, and complex than the fairy tale prince she’d loved as a girl.
Hmmmm. . .this is awkward. I was not expecting these turn of events, and yet, here we are. To be honest I'm not super surprised, but I am disappointed. A Portrait of Love is the second book in the The Academy of Love series that I've marked as a DNF. I'm not sure what happened because I made it to *checks kindle* SIXTY-NINE PERCENT, *big sigh* my own brain confounds me sometimes.
-ˏˋ Did ANYTHING Work For Me?! ˎˊ-
✧ The Story - SORT OF ✧ I really liked - in theory - where the story was going, and there were a bunch of tropes present in this book that I personally love. Firstly, the romance between Simon and Honey really should've worked for me. I'm not always a huge fan of unrequited love, BUT I liked the way it was set up and was on board to see how things would progress.
What stung even more was that Honey had kept Simon Fairchild on a pedestal for fourteen years and he’d not even remembered who she was.
I'm a HUGE sucker for scarred heroes returning from war, and I always love watching that storyline play out. In addition both Simon and Honey had mad chemistry. PLUS, the dynamics happening between Simon and his family were really interesting. And I LOVED the IDEA of the arranged marriage plot (i didn't like the execution though). Essentially, there were a lot of great elements at play in THE PORTRAIT OF LOVE , but ultimately the execution fell extremely flat for me.
-ˏˋ What DIDN'T Work For Me?! ˎˊ-
✧ The Slow Pacing ✧ My biggest reason for marking THE PORTRAIT OF LOVE as a DNF was the incredibly SLOW pacing. The book was going at a SNAILS PACE the entire time, and it got the point where I just couldn't anymore. See the main reason I DNF most books is because of the pace (either it's too fast or too slow). What can I say, I'm fickle like that. Now I don't MIND slowly paced books, but please, for love of all that's good and holy, DON'T MEANDER.
And unfortunately, a good chunk of this book felt like one slow ass meandering walk. See Simon and Honey meet when they're young, then they meet again, they. . .don't like each other, insert some fighting, Honey being attracted to Simon but fighting her feelings, Simon acting like a d-bag, rinse and repeat. This happens for a good SIXTY PERCENT of the book. And when the actual plot got going I was just so exhausted that I didn't even care anymore.
✧ Simon & The Doormat ✧ So remember when I said I enjoyed that Honey had this grand unrequited love for Simon? HA. HA. HA. Jokes on me, because it got VERY old and extremely grating almost immediately. Seriously, after a while I just couldn't with Honey, and I honestly couldn't with Simon almost from the jump. See Simon is not the same lighthearted youthful man Honey originally knew. He's battle scarred and carries the marks of his tough life both on the inside and out. NOW, I usually LOVE this archetype. But, for whatever reason there was something about Simon that just didn't. . .click. He was, to put it nicely, a ginormous asshole towards everyone around him for a good majority of the book. He was a douchenozzle to his bother, he treated Honey like crap, and while I felt bad for him, I also didn't. He got to the stage of brooding and anguish where I just wanted to slap him and shout, "YOU DON'T HAVE A MONOPOLY ON EMOTIONAL PAIN!" What made it even worse was the fact that Honey STILL LIKED HIM despite his asshole / woe is me behavior. Seriously, these were the types of thoughts she was having about Simon for the ENTIRE BOOK -
All those years that she had been yearning for him, he had been undressing countless women.
. . .
Oh and OF COURSE while Simon was out there hoeing it up Honey was remaining as pure and fresh as perfectly fallen snow ✨ 🙄 Which, look, I know this is a historical romance, BUT Minerva Spencer made a point to mention that Honey had the opportunity to be with other men while she taught at the Stefani music institute. SOOOOOOOOO. . .what? She was just waiting around for 14 years hoping the universe would reunite her with Simon? MMMkay honey, you do you. It got to the point where Honey would take his asshole behavior and excuse it time and time again, because a. "he's brooding" and b. because she was still holding a torch for him.
Honey looked at the man who had been her dream for fourteen years. Part of her wanted to hit him with a brick and part of her wanted to weep. But the rest of her knew there was no way to avoid this.
uggghhhhhh. . .
By the time Simon and Honey did get together I just couldn't with them anymore. I wish them the best, and I'm glad their weird forced marriage is working out, but idk. . . i'm not in the mood.
-ˏˋ Concluding Thoughts! ˎˊ-
Man. . .now I feel bad. Look I don't think PORTRAIT OF LOVE is a bad book, it's just not the book FOR ME. I think if any of you guys pick this book up you'll have a good time. Maybe my brain wasn't in the right headspace, or maybe I wasn't in a historical romance mood. Whatever the reason, the characters just didn't click with me, I couldn't connect with Simon AT ALL, the smell desperation permeating off of Honey just got to be too much, and also did I mention that Simon was a dick? HOWEVER, I'm not giving up on this series or author. I have faith that her next book will be good, NAY GREAT, and I bet I end up loving it! All in all, I actually do recommend this series and book. Book two and three in this series may not have worked for me, but I think they'll work for most people! So go forth and read my friends!
November 5, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Well, I'm glad I didn't DNF'ed this one. The pacing is really slow in the 1st half (I kept thinking to myself, is this going somewhere?) but picks up in the 2nd half.
Honoria or 'Honey' has been in love with Simon, Marquess of Sayborn for 14 years since she met him when she was 15. Her father was a portraitist and Simon sat for his portrait one summer. He brought her for ices and rides, basically, treated her real nice. Fast forward 15 years, Honey met Simon again at his brother's estate, the Duke of Plimpton when she was commissioned to draw the Duke's wife and daughter's portrait. Simon has gone through war and suffered scars on his left side of the body, including his face and he's basically a changed person (he isn't the handsome and nice young man that Honey remembers anymore). Things happened and they were caught in a compromising situation. The Duke forced them to marry, but Honey refused, so the Duke made life miserable for Honey's friends. In the end, Honey relented and married Simon but it will be a marriage of convenience. They decided on not having any children just to spite the Duke (yeah, right when contraceptive was so unreliable back then). Before Honey and Simon got their HEA, someone has been trying to kill the Duke and Simon. So, that's pretty much the gist of the story.
The plot is really quite unusual. However, the story is bogged down by the slow pacing in the 1st half. Additionally, the dialogues in the 1st half feel stilted. The flow of the dialogues isn't as smooth. I also feel that Simon is really detestable in the 1st half. He kept being at odds with his brother, the Duke (the brother is forever trying to get him to settle down and have children as he has no son himself so that the line will be unbroken). He was just super immature. He did redeem himself in the 2nd half once he married Honey. I loved the fact that he was honest with Honey when his former betrothed came back into the pic and told Honey literally that she was the only one that he wanted and needed. I thought that this will be another big misunderstanding, but the author didn't make it so. This book isn't littered with a colossal number of misunderstandings, unlike the previous books in the series which is great.
The villain is obvious to me from the beginning. The author did drop hints throughout the book. The Duke's slow poisoning reminds me of the plot from One Perfect Rose. The writing style is great to me as always. Most of the intimate scenes happened after they marry (these scenes are in the 2nd half of the book) and these are open bedroom and explicit.
At the ending, the author includes a few hints on the next book to whet your appetite. It actually made me look forward to the next book. This book actually restored my hope for this series and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Well, I'm glad I didn't DNF'ed this one. The pacing is really slow in the 1st half (I kept thinking to myself, is this going somewhere?) but picks up in the 2nd half.
Honoria or 'Honey' has been in love with Simon, Marquess of Sayborn for 14 years since she met him when she was 15. Her father was a portraitist and Simon sat for his portrait one summer. He brought her for ices and rides, basically, treated her real nice. Fast forward 15 years, Honey met Simon again at his brother's estate, the Duke of Plimpton when she was commissioned to draw the Duke's wife and daughter's portrait. Simon has gone through war and suffered scars on his left side of the body, including his face and he's basically a changed person (he isn't the handsome and nice young man that Honey remembers anymore). Things happened and they were caught in a compromising situation. The Duke forced them to marry, but Honey refused, so the Duke made life miserable for Honey's friends. In the end, Honey relented and married Simon but it will be a marriage of convenience. They decided on not having any children just to spite the Duke (yeah, right when contraceptive was so unreliable back then). Before Honey and Simon got their HEA, someone has been trying to kill the Duke and Simon. So, that's pretty much the gist of the story.
The plot is really quite unusual. However, the story is bogged down by the slow pacing in the 1st half. Additionally, the dialogues in the 1st half feel stilted. The flow of the dialogues isn't as smooth. I also feel that Simon is really detestable in the 1st half. He kept being at odds with his brother, the Duke (the brother is forever trying to get him to settle down and have children as he has no son himself so that the line will be unbroken). He was just super immature. He did redeem himself in the 2nd half once he married Honey. I loved the fact that he was honest with Honey when his former betrothed came back into the pic and told Honey literally that she was the only one that he wanted and needed. I thought that this will be another big misunderstanding, but the author didn't make it so. This book isn't littered with a colossal number of misunderstandings, unlike the previous books in the series which is great.
The villain is obvious to me from the beginning. The author did drop hints throughout the book. The Duke's slow poisoning reminds me of the plot from One Perfect Rose. The writing style is great to me as always. Most of the intimate scenes happened after they marry (these scenes are in the 2nd half of the book) and these are open bedroom and explicit.
At the ending, the author includes a few hints on the next book to whet your appetite. It actually made me look forward to the next book. This book actually restored my hope for this series and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2021
Almost did not finish
I would love this book if the hero did not behave like an ass for most of the times. I also had a problem with a scene in chapter two which I think is unnecessary. The romance between main characters was just not believable.
I would love this book if the hero did not behave like an ass for most of the times. I also had a problem with a scene in chapter two which I think is unnecessary. The romance between main characters was just not believable.
August 30, 2022
4 Stars
Miss Spencer suffers from something I call - "Over plotting". Barring that, the story, the characters and the theme was fun, engaging, steamy and quite delicious!
Miss Spencer suffers from something I call - "Over plotting". Barring that, the story, the characters and the theme was fun, engaging, steamy and quite delicious!
January 1, 2021
Man o man the sparks between Honey and Simon fairly lit my fingertips on fire. This was to be my first book of 2021, but I just couldn't put the book down long enough. If you haven't read any of MS then give this book a try, you won't be disappointed, but trust me, you will want to pick up the other compelling books in the series. Honoria fell in love with Simon when she was only 15. He was a beautiful blue eye young man and she was a tall, gawky and fairly sheltered, so when the sun that was Simon came into her life, what else could she do? Move forward 14 years and Honey has grown into a tall, slender woman who never got over her first love. Enter the new brute Simon, he has been war/hell and back and he has the scars, anger and broken memories to prove it. He isn't the man she remembers and he barely remembers her at all, thanks to the head wounds he had sustained.
The dynamics of Simon and Wyndam's relationship was so compelling. I was eager to read their interactions, just as much as the romance between him and Honey. A fantastic read and I can't wait to read the next in the series. I will take a second to whine about the fact that I have to wait until the last book for the relationship I really was hoping for. Don't want to spoil it, but oh boy!! (rubbing my hands together for the coming explosion!, wowza what a pairing that is going to be!) Well done Ms. Spencer...and oh write faster! :-)
The dynamics of Simon and Wyndam's relationship was so compelling. I was eager to read their interactions, just as much as the romance between him and Honey. A fantastic read and I can't wait to read the next in the series. I will take a second to whine about the fact that I have to wait until the last book for the relationship I really was hoping for. Don't want to spoil it, but oh boy!! (rubbing my hands together for the coming explosion!, wowza what a pairing that is going to be!) Well done Ms. Spencer...and oh write faster! :-)
February 22, 2022
I couldn’t finish it cause the guy was such a dbag, and the heroine had signs of a doormat so it’s a no from me.
Also, it’s not safe at all.
Also, it’s not safe at all.
January 10, 2021
2 stars
2 stars because I actually finished it. There were parts I completely skipped. I'm not a "the end justifies the means" person and there's a lot of that here.
I won't read the others in the series
2 stars because I actually finished it. There were parts I completely skipped. I'm not a "the end justifies the means" person and there's a lot of that here.
I won't read the others in the series
October 22, 2025
The h has been in love with the H for 14 years. Meanwhile, the H has been whoring after being heartbroken over ow marriage. When the MCs meet again, the H is odious to the h. The only thing they had going on was “physical” attraction and even that felt off.
January 12, 2023
Another Minerva book I didn't enjoy.
I gave this one a chance because I'm a sucker for "nerdy" girls crushing on hunks- and then landing them.
However, while the Hero did have his reasons for be hostile and wild, it seemed extreme and not very convincing.
Now the heroine started off great, but I couldn't tell is she was being to combative towards the hero because he was acting like an ass towards his family or because she was embarrassed of her crush years before.
Either way it didn't jive with me and I lost interest- like I do in most MS books.
I gave this one a chance because I'm a sucker for "nerdy" girls crushing on hunks- and then landing them.
However, while the Hero did have his reasons for be hostile and wild, it seemed extreme and not very convincing.
Now the heroine started off great, but I couldn't tell is she was being to combative towards the hero because he was acting like an ass towards his family or because she was embarrassed of her crush years before.
Either way it didn't jive with me and I lost interest- like I do in most MS books.
April 14, 2023
I loved this book! Whenever I pick up a Minerva Spencer book I know I will have an epic love story with heart wrenching emotions read. I was trying to hoard it for times when no interesting book was drawing my attention, but alas I only managed to stop myself from reading it for a month....
I know I will reread this series and all of Minerva's books soon :)
I know I will reread this series and all of Minerva's books soon :)
February 2, 2022
Not bad. It kept my interest.
December 30, 2020
The third talented teacher from the now defunct Stefani Academy for Young Ladies, Honoria Keyes. (Grab book 1 and 2 from the series, if you have not yet,they are throughly enjoyable read).
Ms. S M Laviolette/ Minerva Spencer does it again. No mundane formulae stories by her. She presents a well written, through story of great characters, the female protagonist has a very special talent or skill, ( Honoria is a portrait painter of considerable talent), and the male protagonist with a serious impediment either born with, or a condition that sets them apart or in the case of this book, a badly injured (formerly very handsome) younger brother of a Duke.
Honoria or Honey to her close friends meets Simon Fairchild at 15 when he is painted by her father. She falls in love with the golden handsome Simon and he is in love with his beautiful neighbor Arabella. Honoria is tall girl and is not spectacular by the normal standards, however the way The author describes the beauty and appearance of her characters, it’s more their intellect, personality and talent and not just facial features that defines them. Any how, Simon leaves abruptly as a family emergency and they meet after 15 years and Honoria has lost her father, the most beloved person in her life, and is now a painter of some reknown.
She is invited by the Duke of Plimpton, (Simon’s older brother) to paint his wife and his daughter. Although apprehensive, Honoria heads out to take the commission. Simon has returned back two years ago with severe war injuries healing both his mind and body.
The way the author weaves these strong characters and their interactions and meetings, their conversations is so spot on and no ninny hammer conversations. She builds the depth of her characters through the emotions, dialogues and actions. It’s not just balls and rides in Hyde park. There is romance, despair, deception, intrigue, and strength in overcoming adversity. All narrated with witty dialogues and neatly woven sequence of events. There is definitely a villain out to kill Simon as he is now the heir to the dukedom. But Simon is unaware of the danger. There is Honoria and their struggling relationship and the incidents leading to them getting married is nicely packaged.
The growing heated romance after marriage is lot of humor and load of heat. No fluff here, Simon has to make Honoria realize that though their marriage is not of intense love match ( although Honoria does love him and refuses to let it get in the way), but neither is it in name only. When the widowed Arabella shows up, more angst for Honoria, but the way the author does not make a fool of her readers by sorting out the issues in a mature ways leaves more room for the story rather than childish misunderstandings.
This a story so well written, I enjoy authors who realize their readers enjoy strong stories and not just romantic fluff.
Without revealing any spoilers, this is story of a family, who stand by each other, friends who care for each other and a younger generation who are taught to be sensible and skilled rather than just primp themselves for marriage mart.
Another huge winner by The author is brilliantly talented writing different genres of story telling the only common thread being that all if the stories fall in the 18th or early 19th century British society.
Grab a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Pardon typos if any :)
Ms. S M Laviolette/ Minerva Spencer does it again. No mundane formulae stories by her. She presents a well written, through story of great characters, the female protagonist has a very special talent or skill, ( Honoria is a portrait painter of considerable talent), and the male protagonist with a serious impediment either born with, or a condition that sets them apart or in the case of this book, a badly injured (formerly very handsome) younger brother of a Duke.
Honoria or Honey to her close friends meets Simon Fairchild at 15 when he is painted by her father. She falls in love with the golden handsome Simon and he is in love with his beautiful neighbor Arabella. Honoria is tall girl and is not spectacular by the normal standards, however the way The author describes the beauty and appearance of her characters, it’s more their intellect, personality and talent and not just facial features that defines them. Any how, Simon leaves abruptly as a family emergency and they meet after 15 years and Honoria has lost her father, the most beloved person in her life, and is now a painter of some reknown.
She is invited by the Duke of Plimpton, (Simon’s older brother) to paint his wife and his daughter. Although apprehensive, Honoria heads out to take the commission. Simon has returned back two years ago with severe war injuries healing both his mind and body.
The way the author weaves these strong characters and their interactions and meetings, their conversations is so spot on and no ninny hammer conversations. She builds the depth of her characters through the emotions, dialogues and actions. It’s not just balls and rides in Hyde park. There is romance, despair, deception, intrigue, and strength in overcoming adversity. All narrated with witty dialogues and neatly woven sequence of events. There is definitely a villain out to kill Simon as he is now the heir to the dukedom. But Simon is unaware of the danger. There is Honoria and their struggling relationship and the incidents leading to them getting married is nicely packaged.
The growing heated romance after marriage is lot of humor and load of heat. No fluff here, Simon has to make Honoria realize that though their marriage is not of intense love match ( although Honoria does love him and refuses to let it get in the way), but neither is it in name only. When the widowed Arabella shows up, more angst for Honoria, but the way the author does not make a fool of her readers by sorting out the issues in a mature ways leaves more room for the story rather than childish misunderstandings.
This a story so well written, I enjoy authors who realize their readers enjoy strong stories and not just romantic fluff.
Without revealing any spoilers, this is story of a family, who stand by each other, friends who care for each other and a younger generation who are taught to be sensible and skilled rather than just primp themselves for marriage mart.
Another huge winner by The author is brilliantly talented writing different genres of story telling the only common thread being that all if the stories fall in the 18th or early 19th century British society.
Grab a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Pardon typos if any :)
October 29, 2022
My favorite of this author's so far. It was far more than a generically pleasant read like some of her other books. The hero was particularly well done. His scars and memory issues were well incorporated into the story. His brother the duke was absolutely chilling and I'm hoping he will have his own book for redemption because boy is he almost a villain here. The hero is struggling to get his own life back on track but his brother is doing everything he can to force his to marry and have a son since the duchess is too ill to have any more children and there is only a daughter.
The heroine gets swept up in the whole matter because the hero shows some interest in her and the duke decides she'll do although she is from a lower social class. The hero brutally blackmails her int it and she and the hero make the best of it.
Like all of MS's books I've read so far there is a villain and the bit of danger and I liked how it played out.
The heroine gets swept up in the whole matter because the hero shows some interest in her and the duke decides she'll do although she is from a lower social class. The hero brutally blackmails her int it and she and the hero make the best of it.
Like all of MS's books I've read so far there is a villain and the bit of danger and I liked how it played out.
December 30, 2020
I've been waiting for this so I tried to make myself read it SLOWLY. I failed miserably. There was no way I could put this book down.
I adored both the hero and heroine in this story. Simon is so damaged and fucked up that I just wanted to cuddle him and fix him. And do other things to him. But you don't need to hear about that.
Ahem.
As usual with Ms. Spencer I loved the secondary characters, too. I was excited to see that the duke will make an appearance in book 7. I wish there were some dates for the next 4 books, but at least now I know who is in which book. I already love Freddy and Miles and can't wait to meet Anis and Loreli.
Please write faster Ms. Spenser.
I adored both the hero and heroine in this story. Simon is so damaged and fucked up that I just wanted to cuddle him and fix him. And do other things to him. But you don't need to hear about that.
Ahem.
As usual with Ms. Spencer I loved the secondary characters, too. I was excited to see that the duke will make an appearance in book 7. I wish there were some dates for the next 4 books, but at least now I know who is in which book. I already love Freddy and Miles and can't wait to meet Anis and Loreli.
Please write faster Ms. Spenser.
October 21, 2021
This is a wonderful historical romance set around 1818 in England. The romance is very erotic in flavour and there are numerous sex scenes in which you really feel the H/h's connection. However, this book is very story driven as well and once I started it I needed to finish. There's drama, a scarred hero, internal anguish, attempted murder and some humorous scenes. The historical details are very good and the writing is excellent. I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author. Minerva Spencer also writes under the name S.M. LaViolette. This series is about people that used to work at a school and each is a stand alone, but reading them in order of publication makes sense. 🥰 4.5 stars.
September 13, 2022
Wonderfully written/plot
The characters are so well developed that before the book is half through you are well acquainted with them. Be aware of the clues are dropped throughout the book of who is the villain and who is the hero so see if you can guess.
The characters are so well developed that before the book is half through you are well acquainted with them. Be aware of the clues are dropped throughout the book of who is the villain and who is the hero so see if you can guess.
March 1, 2021
It was the hero . And his lack of maturity . Again and again . This is the reason I didn’t much like the story. Heck, I liked the duke, his brother , more than the hero.
October 24, 2021
Past trauma and misunderstandings feature in this sexy historical romance.
January 1, 2021
Simon is a great romantic hero, very sexy, but Honey is insecure, self-berating mouse, despite the fact that she’s an artist...ugh
December 23, 2022
This book was almost unreadable. I don’t think the author even went back to reread it after she wrote the first draft, because there are so many repeats, plot holes and character changes that do not make sense.
I was already hesitant to read this because I’m not the biggest fan of unrequited love, but Honey seemed like a strong character in the beginning. She moved on with her life, she had good friends, she had a job, she was fine. Simon was also a very convincing damaged hero. Although his war stories changed every time he brought them up, and I could never figure out how long he had actually been gone to war because that also seemed to change, he definitely had some serious trauma from it.
When they got married and went on their weird honeymoon trip I was actually very invested. How was this character going to redeem himself, what was going to make him change, and how would these too seemingly miserable people fall in love? I read the whole book and I still don’t know. After he storms out of her room vowing never to go into her bedchamber again, we enter a whole new book, with whole new characters (Honey’s middle name even changes from Agnes to Elizabeth).
These two are suddenly so in love and super horny for each other, the conflict with Wyndham is abandoned for a new conflict with Bella, and for a third time in this series someone gets shot at by “poachers”. (So many horses have died in this sad book.) Then in literally the last two chapters there is a whole murder plot that is so rushed all the characters become psychic and figure everything out without any clues at all.
God it was awful. I really really really want to read Miles’ book, because the reverse beauty and the beast trope is one of my faves. But I am so nervous after reading this mess.
I was already hesitant to read this because I’m not the biggest fan of unrequited love, but Honey seemed like a strong character in the beginning. She moved on with her life, she had good friends, she had a job, she was fine. Simon was also a very convincing damaged hero. Although his war stories changed every time he brought them up, and I could never figure out how long he had actually been gone to war because that also seemed to change, he definitely had some serious trauma from it.
When they got married and went on their weird honeymoon trip I was actually very invested. How was this character going to redeem himself, what was going to make him change, and how would these too seemingly miserable people fall in love? I read the whole book and I still don’t know. After he storms out of her room vowing never to go into her bedchamber again, we enter a whole new book, with whole new characters (Honey’s middle name even changes from Agnes to Elizabeth).
These two are suddenly so in love and super horny for each other, the conflict with Wyndham is abandoned for a new conflict with Bella, and for a third time in this series someone gets shot at by “poachers”. (So many horses have died in this sad book.) Then in literally the last two chapters there is a whole murder plot that is so rushed all the characters become psychic and figure everything out without any clues at all.
God it was awful. I really really really want to read Miles’ book, because the reverse beauty and the beast trope is one of my faves. But I am so nervous after reading this mess.
December 19, 2022
I cannot express how disappointed I am in this book, after reading Minerva Spencer’s other books! The hero was arrogant and horrible to his family, although he did redeem himself some what later on. But what bothered me the most was the portrayal of the h, so contrary to other women in Ms Spencer’s books. She was a doormat.. she forgave the H everything he did and the only excuse was that she was in love with him for 14 years! What I disliked the most was her acceptance of the woman he previously loved back into their lives. Granted the H was over her by then, but he consistently made his ex part of their lives, riding with her daily and spending time with her. He evens visits her to tell her it’s over between them but conveniently forgets to tell his wife! Ughh.. that really annoyed me and I thought the h should have showed some spunk and given him a run for his money.
So yeah, very disappointed in this book. Hopefully the others are better.
So yeah, very disappointed in this book. Hopefully the others are better.
December 2, 2025
4 stars. a good read. didn't blow me away overall but kept me interested and turning the pages and the steam scenes were super hot. boy did the H know how to talk filth! he was insatiable in the best way.
h is 29 year old spinster painter and granddaughter of a Baron, living with her fellow spinster/widow friends now she has no family left. she fell in love hard with the H when she was just 15 when her father, a famous portrait painter, had been hired to paint a portrait of the 20 year old H. H is a marquess and the younger brother and heir of a duke. at 20, he is in love with and secretly betrothed to a young beauty, a fact which torments our teenage h and breaks her heart when she finds this out. she thought maybe he liked her but really he was only being friendly to and humouring her as a kid.
The main story is set 14 years afterwards. h is now 29 and H is 34. she has not seen him in all that time after he was called home suddenly due to a family tragedy. she has gone on to become an accomplished and sought after painter, but has never fallen in love again. she still dreams of and yearns for the H.
H meanwhile has had a terrible time of life that has turned him from the sweet carefree young man she knew into an angry dissolute rake bent on destroying himself. part of his torment is due to terrible injuries and mental trauma and memory loss etc earned during a long career at war.
they meetvagain after the h is hired by the duke to paint portraits of his wife and daughter. h travels to the duke's home where the H also lives now that he is back from war and is still recovering from cannon blast injuries that have left him heavily scarred and in pain. when they meet, he doesn't even recognise her at first, and is horribly rude and confrontational about a misunderstanding. when he does recognise her, he is momentarily delighted because he used to be fond of her. but she is chilly, disturbed by the angry stranger he has become.
SPOILERS
H is intrigued by her and attracted to her and finds himself finding ways to spend time with her, but she doesn't trust him and doesn't like the man he is now, who constantly lets his family down and argues with and hates his own brother.
she doesnt know why there is such family tension. the H believes his brother is responsible for forcing the love of H's life to marry some old lecherous earl that the beauty was frightened of. this happened just after the H returned home 14 years ago. he found the beauty gone, already wed to a Scottish Earl. The teenage beauty had written H a wrenching heartbreaking letter, saying her heart would belong to him always even if she was forced to give her body to a man she loathed. H was only 20 and powerless to do anything, and his resentment of his brother was so strong that he spiralled into wild ways and drug addiction. his brother came to drag him out of that mess and force recovery. then H went to war, suffered head injuries and long term memory problems and migraines and got himself a death wish, constantly throwing himself into dangerous situations etc. whoever came back from war was damaged beyond endurance and in no state to forgive his brother, esp when his brother is now insistent that, as the heir, he must marry and beget sons before his death wish kills him.
the Duke is a cold man who has suffered himself through losing so many of his babies and heirs shortly after birth and also has a bad marriage and a frail wife unable to have any more kids. plus the duke has now become ill himself and feels the weight of his responsibilities. he was a v nuanced character that I liked a lot and yet later hated a bit at same time due to the strong arm tactics he used on the h.
when the h and H can't contain their lust, they are found together half clothed and she is compromised. Duke insists they must marry and forces them to do so. h is secretly upset because she could immediately see that H didn't want to marry her.
the H is wrapped up with his memories and pining for his lost love and also his anger towards his brother who controls him financially, thus preventing H from realising his dream of being a horse breeder unless H marries according to the duke's wishes. H doesn't want to be a duke and resents his brother's interference in his life.
so anyway, they're forced to marry. they decide to pay back the duke by agreeing they wint have kids. h ia heartbroken that he sees her as a toold.for.revenge and doesnt want a proper marriage or kids, but she is forced to.do it because duke threatens people she cares about.
ENDING SPOILERS
After marriage, the steam between them is hot. they find themselves growing closer. but then there is some other woman drama when the H's former lover, now a widow, returns to hound them. also there's a side plot where a nasty cousin is trying to kill the duke and the H to inherit the dukedom himself.
for me, the murder plot took away from the romance towards the end. the climax of the book was about the murder plot and the trust issues between the h and H got wrapped up through the murder plot rather than the h and H putting in some hard work, which was a bit disappointing, and quite frankly, boring to me who wanted to see heartache and angst and grovel.
CONCLUSION
but anyway, the hero was so hot in this book and the h was so likeable and admirable too. I would definitely read more by this author and hope that her other books have less side plots. the chemistry between the pair and the rampant dominant carnality of the H was a super strong point in this story and I loved those scene.
pros and cons in this one. the side plots made it too long and meant the relationship angst wasn't developed to the max or this would have beena 5 star plus read for me.
h is 29 year old spinster painter and granddaughter of a Baron, living with her fellow spinster/widow friends now she has no family left. she fell in love hard with the H when she was just 15 when her father, a famous portrait painter, had been hired to paint a portrait of the 20 year old H. H is a marquess and the younger brother and heir of a duke. at 20, he is in love with and secretly betrothed to a young beauty, a fact which torments our teenage h and breaks her heart when she finds this out. she thought maybe he liked her but really he was only being friendly to and humouring her as a kid.
The main story is set 14 years afterwards. h is now 29 and H is 34. she has not seen him in all that time after he was called home suddenly due to a family tragedy. she has gone on to become an accomplished and sought after painter, but has never fallen in love again. she still dreams of and yearns for the H.
H meanwhile has had a terrible time of life that has turned him from the sweet carefree young man she knew into an angry dissolute rake bent on destroying himself. part of his torment is due to terrible injuries and mental trauma and memory loss etc earned during a long career at war.
they meetvagain after the h is hired by the duke to paint portraits of his wife and daughter. h travels to the duke's home where the H also lives now that he is back from war and is still recovering from cannon blast injuries that have left him heavily scarred and in pain. when they meet, he doesn't even recognise her at first, and is horribly rude and confrontational about a misunderstanding. when he does recognise her, he is momentarily delighted because he used to be fond of her. but she is chilly, disturbed by the angry stranger he has become.
SPOILERS
H is intrigued by her and attracted to her and finds himself finding ways to spend time with her, but she doesn't trust him and doesn't like the man he is now, who constantly lets his family down and argues with and hates his own brother.
she doesnt know why there is such family tension. the H believes his brother is responsible for forcing the love of H's life to marry some old lecherous earl that the beauty was frightened of. this happened just after the H returned home 14 years ago. he found the beauty gone, already wed to a Scottish Earl. The teenage beauty had written H a wrenching heartbreaking letter, saying her heart would belong to him always even if she was forced to give her body to a man she loathed. H was only 20 and powerless to do anything, and his resentment of his brother was so strong that he spiralled into wild ways and drug addiction. his brother came to drag him out of that mess and force recovery. then H went to war, suffered head injuries and long term memory problems and migraines and got himself a death wish, constantly throwing himself into dangerous situations etc. whoever came back from war was damaged beyond endurance and in no state to forgive his brother, esp when his brother is now insistent that, as the heir, he must marry and beget sons before his death wish kills him.
the Duke is a cold man who has suffered himself through losing so many of his babies and heirs shortly after birth and also has a bad marriage and a frail wife unable to have any more kids. plus the duke has now become ill himself and feels the weight of his responsibilities. he was a v nuanced character that I liked a lot and yet later hated a bit at same time due to the strong arm tactics he used on the h.
when the h and H can't contain their lust, they are found together half clothed and she is compromised. Duke insists they must marry and forces them to do so. h is secretly upset because she could immediately see that H didn't want to marry her.
the H is wrapped up with his memories and pining for his lost love and also his anger towards his brother who controls him financially, thus preventing H from realising his dream of being a horse breeder unless H marries according to the duke's wishes. H doesn't want to be a duke and resents his brother's interference in his life.
so anyway, they're forced to marry. they decide to pay back the duke by agreeing they wint have kids. h ia heartbroken that he sees her as a toold.for.revenge and doesnt want a proper marriage or kids, but she is forced to.do it because duke threatens people she cares about.
ENDING SPOILERS
After marriage, the steam between them is hot. they find themselves growing closer. but then there is some other woman drama when the H's former lover, now a widow, returns to hound them. also there's a side plot where a nasty cousin is trying to kill the duke and the H to inherit the dukedom himself.
for me, the murder plot took away from the romance towards the end. the climax of the book was about the murder plot and the trust issues between the h and H got wrapped up through the murder plot rather than the h and H putting in some hard work, which was a bit disappointing, and quite frankly, boring to me who wanted to see heartache and angst and grovel.
CONCLUSION
but anyway, the hero was so hot in this book and the h was so likeable and admirable too. I would definitely read more by this author and hope that her other books have less side plots. the chemistry between the pair and the rampant dominant carnality of the H was a super strong point in this story and I loved those scene.
pros and cons in this one. the side plots made it too long and meant the relationship angst wasn't developed to the max or this would have beena 5 star plus read for me.
January 2, 2021
Good, but...
When you are enamored by an author, may be your expectations become to high...and that seems to have happened with me for this story. I devour Minerva's stories for their uniqueness, for their depths...but somehow this story did not make such a deep impact. The plot was good, but not unique, and quite predictable. I somehow did not feel the intensity of attraction, nor the depths of the characters. Not that there was no spark, or the story did not have any appeal...it's just a bit less good than her other stories.
When you are enamored by an author, may be your expectations become to high...and that seems to have happened with me for this story. I devour Minerva's stories for their uniqueness, for their depths...but somehow this story did not make such a deep impact. The plot was good, but not unique, and quite predictable. I somehow did not feel the intensity of attraction, nor the depths of the characters. Not that there was no spark, or the story did not have any appeal...it's just a bit less good than her other stories.
February 3, 2021
LOVED this series. Just so different than the usual ton reads. The storylines are amazing. The depth of each character is so well done. I read she has 4 more books in this series which I am psyched about. So GOOD!
March 3, 2025
This book needed another round of editing. Plot dragged in the middle and was repetitive. (Simon is a jerk, Honey bones him anyway, this fixes things. Over and over.) Honey’s middle name changed somewhere along the way when another character named Agnes showed up.
April 17, 2022
I stopped reading at 50% and skipped to the last three chapters. I don't consider this a DNF, because I might still go back and read the rest in future, just not now. It wasn't uninteresting, but it was taking forever to get to the point. And when I skipped to the end, I discovered that the plot relied a lot on secrets and misunderstandings, which I dislike. Sure, the duke (Simon's brother) keeps acting in the best interests of everyone, but it would have helped a lot for him to have EXPLAINED things so that Simon didn't hate him for something like 14 years! And also so that Simon wouldn't have put his first love, Bella, on a pedestal for all that time!
But the other thing I didn't like was Honey / Honoria, who is somewhat of a ninny. Teenage crush or infatuation I can understand, but what's this about never getting over Simon, even knowing that he loved Bella? She met him when she was 15 and spent time with him for a few weeks as he sat for a portrait that her father was painting. And that was it. FOR FOURTEEN YEARS YOU NEVER GOT OVER THIS GUY EVEN THOUGH YOU NEVER SAW HIM AGAIN IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU KNEW HE LOVED ANOTHER? And what is this stupidity about losing her mind every time he kisses her, not thinking of the proprieties? Her inner voice tells her to wake up, but she doesn't want to listen. She doesn't even like this new Simon that he has become, but she lets him kiss her? Urgh!!!
And I also didn't like Simon! I'm a pushover for the "scarred hero" troupe, but Simon was a serious d-bag, and the author committed a sin every romance author should know to avoid: She showed Simon bedding another woman. I know most of the regency heroes were rakes before they met their beloved, but I DO NOT want to see them in bed with their mistress or with a tavern whore! Sure, at that time he hadn't met Honey again (the adult, Honey, I mean) but still--!! Plus, Simon was extremely self-centred and thought only about himself and his pain. He didn't care about anyone else in his life, he made scenes at mealtimes and embarrassed his mother, his brother, and his brother's guests (namely Honey) with the blunt and sarcastic things he said... there was literally NOTHING to admire in Simon.
Also, may I say, considering all the angst Simon had about his failed love affair with Bella, when he finds out the truth he doesn't even seem angry. He was so angry with his brother for "ruining his life" but he wasn't angry that Bella did what she did??? Wasn't that an even worse betrayal? But no, he decides to be nice to her so that other families in the area won't shun her parents, and invites her to ride his horses...??? ARRRGHHHHH.
I bought this because it was $0.99, the sample was promising, there was a scarred hero... sigh. Amanda Quick's Simon in Scandal is still the best Simon I've ever met in a HR (historical romance).
But the other thing I didn't like was Honey / Honoria, who is somewhat of a ninny. Teenage crush or infatuation I can understand, but what's this about never getting over Simon, even knowing that he loved Bella? She met him when she was 15 and spent time with him for a few weeks as he sat for a portrait that her father was painting. And that was it. FOR FOURTEEN YEARS YOU NEVER GOT OVER THIS GUY EVEN THOUGH YOU NEVER SAW HIM AGAIN IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU KNEW HE LOVED ANOTHER? And what is this stupidity about losing her mind every time he kisses her, not thinking of the proprieties? Her inner voice tells her to wake up, but she doesn't want to listen. She doesn't even like this new Simon that he has become, but she lets him kiss her? Urgh!!!
And I also didn't like Simon! I'm a pushover for the "scarred hero" troupe, but Simon was a serious d-bag, and the author committed a sin every romance author should know to avoid: She showed Simon bedding another woman. I know most of the regency heroes were rakes before they met their beloved, but I DO NOT want to see them in bed with their mistress or with a tavern whore! Sure, at that time he hadn't met Honey again (the adult, Honey, I mean) but still--!! Plus, Simon was extremely self-centred and thought only about himself and his pain. He didn't care about anyone else in his life, he made scenes at mealtimes and embarrassed his mother, his brother, and his brother's guests (namely Honey) with the blunt and sarcastic things he said... there was literally NOTHING to admire in Simon.
Also, may I say, considering all the angst Simon had about his failed love affair with Bella, when he finds out the truth he doesn't even seem angry. He was so angry with his brother for "ruining his life" but he wasn't angry that Bella did what she did??? Wasn't that an even worse betrayal? But no, he decides to be nice to her so that other families in the area won't shun her parents, and invites her to ride his horses...??? ARRRGHHHHH.
I bought this because it was $0.99, the sample was promising, there was a scarred hero... sigh. Amanda Quick's Simon in Scandal is still the best Simon I've ever met in a HR (historical romance).
January 6, 2021
A childhood crush
Honoria aka Honey is an accomplished artist schooled by the best her father! Honey is selfish and was forced to face some uncomfortable truths about her jealousy and her childhood was almost unreasonable jealousy where her father was concerned! But Honey is a true and loyal friend as well! Engaged to paint the Duchess of Plimpton and her daughters portrait naming her own fee and terms! Simon is the Dukes younger brother and heir! He is also the man 15 year old Honoria painted and has loved for all these years! A girlish infatuation for the boy he was not the battered and scarred war survivor he has become! A moment of indiscretion viewed by members of the Ton Honey is given an ultimatum which she scoffs at because she has money! But her actions affect her friends livelihood and she and Simon can barely keep their hands off each other!
War does strange things to a man mind and mental health although Simon can be an ass unless you have been around someone in constant pain and broken by war well don't judge!!
Simon wants more from his marriage and all is going well until Bella Simons first love is widowed and poor and turns up in the area! Bella brings secrets and not just from the monster she married! A family member has shown Bella the deep hatred in his heart! Its mind boggling that Honey can't grasp it and Bella takes way to long to voice her concerns!!
Chemistry between Simon and Honey is sizzling hot and leaps off the pages!! Well done!!!
Honoria aka Honey is an accomplished artist schooled by the best her father! Honey is selfish and was forced to face some uncomfortable truths about her jealousy and her childhood was almost unreasonable jealousy where her father was concerned! But Honey is a true and loyal friend as well! Engaged to paint the Duchess of Plimpton and her daughters portrait naming her own fee and terms! Simon is the Dukes younger brother and heir! He is also the man 15 year old Honoria painted and has loved for all these years! A girlish infatuation for the boy he was not the battered and scarred war survivor he has become! A moment of indiscretion viewed by members of the Ton Honey is given an ultimatum which she scoffs at because she has money! But her actions affect her friends livelihood and she and Simon can barely keep their hands off each other!
War does strange things to a man mind and mental health although Simon can be an ass unless you have been around someone in constant pain and broken by war well don't judge!!
Simon wants more from his marriage and all is going well until Bella Simons first love is widowed and poor and turns up in the area! Bella brings secrets and not just from the monster she married! A family member has shown Bella the deep hatred in his heart! Its mind boggling that Honey can't grasp it and Bella takes way to long to voice her concerns!!
Chemistry between Simon and Honey is sizzling hot and leaps off the pages!! Well done!!!
May 25, 2021
A PORTRAIT OF LOVE by S.M. LaVioletter (Minerva Spencer) is the 3rd book of the Academy Of Love. Honoria “Honey” Keyes last saw Simon Fairchild twelve years ago, once beautiful, and gentle young man, but now he returns from Waterloo, a bitter, broken shell of the man he once was. As if his scarred body and mind aren’t bad enough, he’s also financially dependent on his brother, the duke, while he convalesces. The Duke wishes Simon to marry and produce an heir—something Simon has no intention of doing. The one thing he never anticipated? All the unwanted feelings the lovely, talented, and infinitely intriguing Honoria would awaken in him … So, the question is can Honoria and Simon heal the wounds of the past and build a life together? Or will their attempt at happily ever after ends up a portrait of failure? A PORTRAIT OF LOVE is beautifully written about Simon and Honoria—two well-developed characters both in physical sense and in spirit. There is family drama between two brothers, the sultry heat that is so hot that it sizzles the pages, and the climax of the story which lead to a dramatic conclusion. S.M. LaViolette’s writings brings wonderful real protagonists, plenty of action, and passionate romance to life. I received this copy from the author, and this is my honest review.
January 22, 2021
characters list
Wyndham Fairchild, Duke of Plimpton
Duchess of Wyndham - multiple miscarraiges, will die if tries again, delicate icy beauty, stays in her room as invalid but Honey sees strength in her.
Lady Rebecca Fairchild - young lonely, average looking, likes to hunt.
Sebastian Fairchild, gold child/heir to Plimpton, Marquess of Saybrook
Raymond Fairchild, cousin, Wyn found him in squaller, now he is mediocre stewards, fawns on brothers
Bella - beauty of the neighborhood
Honeria - taught painting by dad, works on commission, almost 6 ft talk, average looking, dresses to go unnoticed.
Miles- Seb saved him while being tortured. Has problem with 1 hand from torture
Fredrick ~ finishing governess/ matchmaker, Honoria best friend "delicate, cool beauty"
Serena -garden/botany & sculpture, Duke of Remington's daughter in law, married to youngest son who died in war. Married to Gareth Lockheart (book 2)
Lorelei - poetry & literature, blue stocking opposes marriage, dislikes nobility, "unusual looking with small triangular cat fac and bushy black browns"
Portia - pianist, owner of disbanded school married to Earl of Broughton (book 1)
Annis - languages dreamy, "Fairy like delicacy", lives with grandmother
Wyndham Fairchild, Duke of Plimpton
Duchess of Wyndham - multiple miscarraiges, will die if tries again, delicate icy beauty, stays in her room as invalid but Honey sees strength in her.
Lady Rebecca Fairchild - young lonely, average looking, likes to hunt.
Sebastian Fairchild, gold child/heir to Plimpton, Marquess of Saybrook
Raymond Fairchild, cousin, Wyn found him in squaller, now he is mediocre stewards, fawns on brothers
Bella - beauty of the neighborhood
Honeria - taught painting by dad, works on commission, almost 6 ft talk, average looking, dresses to go unnoticed.
Miles- Seb saved him while being tortured. Has problem with 1 hand from torture
Fredrick ~ finishing governess/ matchmaker, Honoria best friend "delicate, cool beauty"
Serena -garden/botany & sculpture, Duke of Remington's daughter in law, married to youngest son who died in war. Married to Gareth Lockheart (book 2)
Lorelei - poetry & literature, blue stocking opposes marriage, dislikes nobility, "unusual looking with small triangular cat fac and bushy black browns"
Portia - pianist, owner of disbanded school married to Earl of Broughton (book 1)
Annis - languages dreamy, "Fairy like delicacy", lives with grandmother
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
A very sensual, erotic, not easy to put down romance. Spencer sets the plot of a young girl's infatuation with a young buck with good looks, money, position and attracting more women than you can throw a stick at.
Honey's father is a well know artist commissioned to paint a portrait of Simon Fairchild, brother of the Duke of Plimpton. As her father paints Simon's portrait, at fifteen she paints her own copy.
The beautiful man she adores takes her for ices, rides in the park and gives her much of his attention, until he breaks her heart. Fourteen years later, after her father's death, Honey is establishing a career as an artist. When a commission from the Duke of Plimpton takes her to Simon's home, she can't seem to stop her excitement to see him. But the man she knew is now bitter, defensive and scared from his time in the war. In a cat and mouse game, Simon seduces Honey and they're found in a compromising position. It maybe an arranged marriage, but the attraction between them definitely burns up the sheets. Jealousy and a dark villain with the shadow of death will be a constant reminder to be honest, trustworthy and believe in love.
This is a definite keeper. 5+STARS
Honey's father is a well know artist commissioned to paint a portrait of Simon Fairchild, brother of the Duke of Plimpton. As her father paints Simon's portrait, at fifteen she paints her own copy.
The beautiful man she adores takes her for ices, rides in the park and gives her much of his attention, until he breaks her heart. Fourteen years later, after her father's death, Honey is establishing a career as an artist. When a commission from the Duke of Plimpton takes her to Simon's home, she can't seem to stop her excitement to see him. But the man she knew is now bitter, defensive and scared from his time in the war. In a cat and mouse game, Simon seduces Honey and they're found in a compromising position. It maybe an arranged marriage, but the attraction between them definitely burns up the sheets. Jealousy and a dark villain with the shadow of death will be a constant reminder to be honest, trustworthy and believe in love.
This is a definite keeper. 5+STARS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews