As a female artist, Artemisia struggles for full acceptance by the royal academy. Darius, an art critic and an earl's son, wants to help her find the recognition she deserves based on her merits. But when their alliance turns to love, can they overcome social barriers?

This was an interesting book with a unique storyline. The discrimination that Artemisia faces plays a significant role, but ultimately the message is one of hope. As an artist, she isn't constrained by the same strictures as a debutante. The physical aspects of her relationship with Darius can flourish freely. So the book is deeply passionate without being particularly graphic.

Darius is intelligent but a bit stodgy in the beginning. His demeanor quickly changes when he falls under Artemisia's spell. She reminds him of the artistic nature he had suppressed to do his duty as a nobleman's son. These two characters have more than attraction between them: they fit together, each making the other a better version of themselves. This book is quietly beautiful, an engaging, emotional read with a satisfying ending.

I received and read an advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary and unsolicited review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Good book. The story opens as Artemisia arrived at the Royal Academy of Arts to hear their decision on her acceptance into that group. She is confident of that approval as she is well aware of her talent. She was furious when they turned her down for the flimsiest of reasons. Though they unbent enough to offer her a second chance, Artemisia's fury is evident in her rebuttal. I loved her parting shot as she makes it clear she suspects their intentions.

Darius Rutherford is a well-known art critic as well as being the heir to an earldom. His initial reaction to Artemisia is typical of a man of that time. He thinks she is too forward, too flamboyant, and doesn't know her place. He is not happy when the Academy asks him to judge her work, with the implication that he is to follow their lead. He prides himself on his honesty.

Artemisia and her sister go to Kent, where Artemisia plans to paint a collection that will guarantee her acceptance. Three weeks later, Darius shows up and manages to look at her work while she isn't there. Though blown away by what he sees, he also knows what is expected of him and has a decision to make. I was disappointed by his sneakiness and laughed out loud when Artemisia arrived to confront him. I loved how she got his attention and challenged him to remain there and get to know her as an artist.

Over the next few weeks, Artemisia and Darius spend a great deal of time together. It was fascinating to see Artemisia's process as she put her heart and soul into her work. I also enjoyed seeing her educate Darius on what it is like to be a woman in a man's world. It was an eye-opening experience for him, and I liked the evolution of his attitude. As they got to know each other better, the initial sparks of attraction between them began to grow. However, there are some trust issues that they need to overcome. Artemisia worries that Darius will use their passion against her, while Darius wonders if Artemisia uses it to influence his decision. It made me happy to see them talk about it rather than let their questions drive a wedge between them.

As their attraction grows stronger, so do the feelings that accompany it. Though Darius has ideas for their future, Artemisia sees too big a gap between them. I ached for her as she saw no hope for her love to go anywhere. She is well-aware of the obstacles, while Darius expects things to go his way. It was fantastic to see Darius's determination to see that Artemisia gets the respect she deserves, and I enjoyed how he carried it out. However, some of Artemisia's fears resurface, and she flees to protect herself and Darius. I hurt for him and liked how his love for her gave him the strength he needed to overcome the obstacles. I loved how well he knew her and how he used that knowledge to show his love. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was great.

If you like Historical Romance that are not very long then I recommend this one.

I loved the story . Such a good quick read.

I have always been fascinated by books that talk about the time when women had few legal and economic rights. When they were victims of a patriarchal society. When they had to subordinate first to their fathers and, then, to their husbands. And, of course, the husbands had to be chosen by their fathers. Women were not entitled to an education, and their only role was to marry and have children. Being a woman at the time this book is set in was hard. But being a talented woman who wants to stand side by side with men was extremely difficult, and not always possible. Something like that required unprecedented courage and determination.
Those two characteristics describe our heroine, Artemisia Stansfield, and her struggle to get the recognition she deserves for her art, in a man’s world. But neither her talent nor her desire is enough to be accepted in that male world. Obtaining a deadline in which it has to prove that it is as valuable as the other members seem amazing. But she does not account for the obstacles that the academy will try to put in her path to success. She does not account for the feelings that Darius Rutherford will arouse in her. The man who is sent to spy on her is the one who will shake her and cause a multitude of emotions. But are those feelings mutual? What will come out of it all?
I am amazed by the fact that the author has not written a classic love story that takes place in this period. Balls, a drama about marriages, or ladies in distress is so common in historical fiction. But with her incredible talent for words, this author has created a work that glorifies the struggle of women for equality. For the perseverance and determination of a woman to fight for her place in this male world. But also for love, as an essential part of life. Success, education, and love as unity. The characters are fantastically constructed, with enough depth for the reader to be able to identify and understand their actions. Artemisia as a young, strong, and independent woman is a truly amazing character that will long remain in the memory of readers. And Darius, a man that women would dream of today. Loyal and consistent, with enough love, understanding, and support for his beloved, he is a perfect hero.
If you are looking for a slightly different story from the past, which will delight you with its unique storyline and amazing characters, you should read it. Believe me, you will enjoy it.

A lot of times, a woman has to use the weapons at her disposal to succeed where men would have an easier path to victory. Sometimes that weapon is in fact a man, though. Until Darius shows her ways she can undermine the Academy, Artemisia is willing to give up her dream. But this isn’t a case of a man swooping in to save the day. He has to risk his reputation as a viscount, as well. They truly are in the fight together, even if Darius has to prove this to her time and again.

I thought Darius was absolutely wonderful. Not only is he super supportive of Artemisia and her dreams, but he’s also supportive of current and future women’s dreams—and he does something about it. He’s more than his words; he puts them into action. I quite loved him.

Artemisia (named after Artemisia Gentileschi—if you don’t know her story, check it out here) has to fight for recognition and the renown she deserves. The men in the Royal Academy refuse her a place with them. They tell her she should be satisfied (read: complacent) with being allowed to be just an associate with them and not a full member. All because she’s a woman. Together with Darius she figures out how to make her mark in the field that wants to shun her, and it’s satisfying to watch her do so.

I’m guessing her sister Addy is going to get her own book because the story with her man was very vague, and I wanted to know more!

This title had a lot going on within it.
We have a woman trying to be an artist and a painter in a men's world, and though she is greatly talented, she isn't advancing.
A heir to a dukedom gave up painting and became a critic while handling estate affairs. When he is sent to spy on our heroine, things start to heat up between them.
I think that though there was a lot going on, it was well paced and very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to finding more by this author.

I’ve become a big fan of Bronwyn Scott. She excels at crafting love stories where the heroines are not fluffy debutantes, but strong women with intelligence and opinions. She mentions in her authors notes that this is a story of liberation, and it truly is, but I appreciate that she keeps to the social norms of the time, as much as she can. The heroine isn’t always comfortable taking a stand, and she considers regrets at her decisions. She was raised to be self-sufficient and independent, but that arose out of necessity more than desire.

This is just a truly lovely romance, taking its time to allow the hero and heroine to really understand each other.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.