Portrait of a Lady

I love the historical romances written by Victoria Vale! I have read the entire Villain series and totally loved the last two books, writing some of my longest reviews--nearly a thousand words each--for those books. I will try not to go on so long in this one! What I like about Ms. Vale's novels is that she is able to pull me right into the story with a great setup and complex characters, making me not want to put the book down. This book starts with a scene of drunken debauchery of five down-and-out friends. One of them comes up with a brilliant idea that they should become male courtesans so that they could live a life of more ease, as some have debts, have been disowned by their family, or want nothing to do with their family. Gentlemen of the era, of course, didn't work proper jobs! In this scene, the author sets up the entire series about the gentleman courtesans… and hinted that the ringleader might have some secrets that will probably only be revealed in his book. The central part of the book starts two years later, discussing the life of one of these courtesans who is hoping for his last keeper (as they call the women) before he breaks into the art scene. I loved the hero and heroine. I felt sorry for the poor girl; she was so meek and timid that she could barely request the services to initiate the relationship, and even after she did, she vacillated between wanting to go forward with her scheme and wanting to back out. As always in this author's books, the sensual scenes range from steamy to erotica. I thought the author did an excellent job showing the world as it would have been at the time. I felt I was in Vauxhall Gardens at the masquerade (where the first meeting between the hero and heroine took place) myself; I can picture it that vividly from the author's words. A thoroughly enjoyable first book of what I believe will be another fantastic series by the author.

Miss Evelyn Coburn is twenty five & refuses to die a virgin. Upon receiving her inheritance, she decides to investigate rumours of a secret London agency which provides the services of male courtesans. The Honourable Hugh Radcliffe is in dire financial straits after being disowned by his family for pursuing a career as a portraitist. Two years ago after a night of drinking & debauchery Hugh & four friends, who are all in need of funds, decide to go into business to form The Gentleman Courtesans. The arrangement with Evelyn is only supposed to be temporary, and Hugh is determined for her to be his last paramour as he needs to concentrate on his art. I’ve been looking forward to this new series & it didn't disappoint. I loved the prologue, which beautifully 'set up' the series & was a great introduction to the five friends & their reasons for agreeing to be part of the agency. I’m totally intrigued by Ben & his needs, so no doubt Mistress will keep the anticipation simmering & his story will be the last! A well written engrossing read, which I read in two sittings. The characters were well portrayed & very likeable & believable. I loved Hugh such a caring thoughtful man & so different from the author’s usual heroes. I loved how Evie gained confidence & I loved how she stood up for Hugh to Marcus. This as more of a slow burn as Hugh took his time to seduce Evie, certainly not what she was expecting but what she needed. They complimented each other in so many ways, the road to their HEA was highly entertaining. A lovely series opener & I look forward to the rest of the series My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I thought that this book was quite original and I really enjoyed it. This read is steamy but it is also has a surprising amount of sweetness. I loved the characters and am thrilled they found one another and happiness. I thought the male courtesan angle was fresh and I'll be honest here, it was nice to see the shoe on the other foot for once, so to speak. I feel that normally, this is only something you see the female characters turn to as an answer to their monetary problems, particularly in this era. Evelyn and Hugh's romance not only captured my attention, it captured my heart. These two were perfect for each other. I loved how the helped ease each other's soul, inspired confidence in the other and really just made the other a better, happier person. I am definately looking forward to more from this series.