Book Review!✨

Thank you so much to @netgalley @evietheauthor and @berkleyromance for an uncorrected eARC.

First of all... I am so behind on this review. This book came out months ago and I have just now finished this book. BUT... I have a lot of thoughts on this book.

Hello Bookish Friends! This is the third book in the series A League of Extraordinary Women.

Lucian Blackstone and Hattie Greenfield are dynamic characters. I am so intrigued by their romance in the 1800s changing in London. Lucian is the Scottish rogue and outcast. Hattie Greenfield comes from a line of very successful British high society members. She is a gentry and he is not. They are essentially opposites in every regard. Lucian's character is so interesting because he has a troubled past. I love morally grey characters. I also loved the author's comparison to Blackstone as Heathcliff. Hattie is the character that every young girl can identify with. She is sheltered naive and tricked into a marriage.

The fact that they hate each other adds another layer to their complex bond. They are very complex characters. The aspect of women's rights is central to this book. The girls from the other books make a significant impact on the way Hattie handles her problems. I personally love learning about the women's suffrage movement in the London 1800s. I found this historical aspect to make the book so much more focused and grounded. I love their banter and witty conversations. However, on the flip side, if you are expecting it to be like every other bodice ripper, you are mistaken.

Evie Dumore's other books are also historically accurate and highly involved with the politics of the time. I don't want to give away the whole plot, but the mystery behind Lucian's morally grey character arc has a lot to do with the mines in Scotland, and this book was very enlightening. Dunmore's writing style has always captivated me. She loves to incorporate major historical events with the character's lives. I am personally captivated by all of these events in history. While incorporating historical events she makes the characters so much more dynamic. If you haven't read one of her books I highly recommend it.

Such a delightful conclusion to the this series. I love that this book was secretly pushing a pro-labor agenda as well as being a spicy love story as well. And that ending?? OH WAS IT JUST PERFECT!

This was a departure for me and I found it to be a fun, entertaining departure. Not exactly my favorite genre but I did enjoy it. Hattie is a heroine I can get behind and I have a weak spot for anything that involves Scotland. Definitely will recommend to my romance readers!

I absolutely could not get into this book. 40% into it absolutely nothing had happened besides Lucian and Hattie being forced to get married and them not having sex. This is the most drawn out book I have ever read.

I sadly didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first two books in this series. I'm just not a huge fan of romances that hinge on miscommunication. I did like the characters, though, and thought the rest of the story was fun. Just not quite my cup of tea.

This book was absolutely everything, and I simply could not put it down... right up to the end. I understand why things went the way they did, but I just did not like them. I had instead wished for a very different ending, which would have made it a solid 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC (and apologies for the late review).

Third in her series of Extraordinary Women, Dunmore has knocked it out of the park. Other than just one little misstep, PORTRAIT OF A SCOTSMAN is the historical romance book I've been waiting for.

Hattie Greenfield is an heiress. She's well-bred according to Victorian standards, but deep down she's wild and non-conforming. Lucian Blackstone has cultivated an enormous fortune and a dangerous reputation, but now he needs respectability to advance his goals. Tricked and then trapped into a scandal-quenching marriage, Hattie finally realizes why her suffragist friends have been working so hard to change the laws concerning married women.

I didn't expect Hattie's story to be my favorite of the series (so far), but it definitely is. She is endearing and brave, and her growth through the book feels genuine. Lucian is a fairly typical "bad boy" with a heart of gold. I appreciated that Dunmore had the pair communicating during their conflicts. It grates on my nerves when conflict occurs because MCs make assumptions and don't talk to each other.

The only misstep, to my mind, occurs near the very end of the book. Avoiding spoilers, I'll just say I think Hattie's decision felt a little jarring. A bit more insight into Hattie's mind would have gone a long way. It didn't feel like the right point for a twist, and it definitely pulled me out of the story. I was confused until I got a better sense of what she was doing.

Overall, I'd give PORTRAIT 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 because I really did enjoy it. Hopefully Catriona's book will be even better!

Evie Dunmore is a great author and she does a great job writing this book. I love the main characters and seeing previous books' characters back in this book.

EVIE DUNMORE IS MY QUEEN! This is absolutely the best book in her series. I cried and I laughed and I fell in love with this story over and over. It was perfectly about love but also finding yourself and your independency -- something all women can relate no matter which time period they're from.

3.5/5 stars

That ending… was a surprise. It’s always interesting to see how separation and divorce worked in other centuries, but that felt rushed. It may have worked better as a sequel? I wanted to know more about Hattie’s time in France and Lucian’s search for her. Even the process of him acquiring the dog. Her leaving for France would have been a good cliffhanger. And I think them learning how to love each other (again) without the shadows of vengeance, familial expectations, and Society would have been the better feminist(TM) storyline.

Diverse reads:
- Hattie is dyslexic, even if that’s not what’s it’s called yet.

Portrait of a Scotsman is the third book in the A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore, and was also another of my most anticipated reads for this summer! Not only because I really enjoy the series, (I DO!), but also because this is Hattie’s book, and I have been SO curious for her story since we met her in the first book. I’m so thrilled to have finally read this!

As I mentioned above, Portrait of a Scotsman is all about Hattie! She has been so intriguing since the beginning of the series, and I really wanted to know more about her. I love her so much more than I expected! Add Lucian into the mix, and they are perfection. I very much enjoyed their story and watching their relationship blossom as I turned the pages. I was invested in their story! (I also really enjoyed getting to see the characters from the previous books as well! It’s so great to get a fun little update on them.)

I really, really enjoy the storyline for this book (and series)! Not only because I love reading about the women’s suffrage, but also because I don’t read nearly enough historical fiction, (including romances), and this series definitely makes me want to read them more. I definitely need more books like this in my collection, and I’m beyond thrilled to see so many are coming out soon!

I also want to add that while I started reading the physical version of this book, immediately switched the audiobook once I found out that Lucian was a Scotman… with a lovely Scottish accent. SO worth it! I ended up reading along with the book while I listened to the audiobook, and it really is the best experience ever. If you can do both, then please do both! Lol! Oh and the narrator for the book is Elizabeth Jasicki, who also narrated the previous books in the series!

Overall; Portrait of a Scotsman was a great addition to this absolutely fantastic series! Now I will be anxiously waiting to get my hands on the fourth book in the series, which as of this moment is currently untitled and without a release date. I can only assume that it is Catriona’s story, and I can’t wait to read it as well!

This is the third book in this romance series about a groups of friends--"new women"--in the 1880s in England. I almost didn't read this, because I felt that the second book was really disappointing. After reading some reviews on Goodreads, I decided to give it a try. For me, this book was definitely an improvement on #2. I found the characters more believable and their romance more interesting. I am not a fan with what the author did at the end. No spoilers here, but I will say that the plot took a somewhat odd turn. Up until that point, it would have been a 4 star read for me.

Hattie is a widower and a banking heiress. She meets Lucian, a financier with a murky past, and is instantly attracted to him. She soon finds herself at the altar against her will and on the way to Scotland. She starts seeing Lucian in a new light and thinking he might not be as bad as everyone fears him to be…
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This was a good book, but not my favorite of the series. I really liked Lucian, but Hattie kind of hit the mark for me, especially towards the end. The book series is about strong independent women and I’m excited for the next book in the series. My favorite book so far has been A Rogue of Ones Own!

Book Review
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

**Free copy received from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“A man immune to female charm was a dangerous creature when charm was one’s chief line of defense.”

Story: 19%
This third installment in A League of Extraordinary Women picks up fast as Hattie Greenfield finds herself alone among the renowned art collection of London’s most notorious financier Lucian Blackstone. When Blackstone himself appears, the chemistry and passion between them radiates off the page and burns bright in their first kiss. This moment is one of the strongest inciting incidents I’ve ever read. From here, the plot lines are so transparent and yet not predictable. It’s apparent that Hattie and Lucian will end up together. Still, the beauty of this story is the journey they take in discovering one another and themselves. I was captivated by the complete storm of events and emotions their relationship undergoes from beginning to end. The climax of the story had me quite literally gripping my kindle for dear life. As the story finds its conclusion, I was a bit thrown by the timing of Hattie’s decision to leave Lucian. Yet, the final scene was utterly redemptive and satisfying.

Writing Style: 20%
I am addicted to this series and love Dunmore’s ability to write compelling characters within a well-researched world. I’m elated with how well Dunmore has plotted out her characters in this book. Hattie and Lucian have such obvious desires and needs that are easily met in each other, but misconceptions and circumstances place them at odds with one another. Dunmore leads her characters to these perfect moments when understanding dawns and love can bloom. Her research of the suffrage movement, laws, political figures, and cultural impact of the area is spot on and adds a rich layer of history.

Characters: 20%
Hattie Greenfield and Lucian Blackstone are flawlessly drawn characters who meet at precisely the right moment in time. Hattie has been walking this dangerous line between the silly and silent female pretense expected of her and the suffragette and activist she is at heart. Yet, she knows that the time to seriously consider suitors has come. Likewise, Blackstone has reached a point in his business career where the nefarious dealings of his past no longer serve his pursuits. If he is to truly break into the high social circles he desires, he will need a wife of good standing. Their meet-cute of mistaken identity is steamy and exciting, propelling the story towards its critical inciting incident. While their marriage starts out as one of propriety, they need up needing precisely who the other person is; they just don’t realize it until the conclusion. Additionally, Hattie and Lucian have rich backstories that strengthen their character foundations. When they each learn the other’s history, their relationship takes a new shape as they fall in love.

Supporting Elements: 17.5%
Dunmore is nothing but consistent with her research into the historical elements of 1880 and the suffrage movement. This series is a perfect historical fiction with the right amount of grounding in the area while focusing on how it impacts the characters. One whimsical example of this is Dunmore’s nod to popular romance novels during this period, leading to a fantastic scene between Hattie and Lucian. I loved the theme of breaking social expectations for women and how Hattie and Lucian’s love journey allowed them to become who they really are.

Expectations: 19%
I expected this book to be good, and it was. Although I think Annabelle and Sebastian’s story will remain my favorite, this was the best-written novel of the series. The plotting of the story and characters is spot on! Just about every interaction is necessary. My only discrepancy with this book was Hattie’s decision towards the book’s conclusion. I understand why she had to leave. However, I just think it comes at an abrupt moment. Despite this, overall, I truly enjoyed this book!

Total Rating: 95.5% / 100%

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as it is more than a romance. Issues include the suffragette movement, the inequality of the classes, the plight of the miners in Victorian England. Hattie is not just the genteel lady of the manor, but is eager to learn more about the world she lives in, being part of the suffragette movement. When she meets Lucien Blackstone, a relationship develops but is not on a straightforward path. I recommend this book and thank NetGalley for the opportunity.

I was so glad to have read this third book in the series by Evie Dunmore. She absolutely nailed it again! Each heroine in the series is different but written so well.

The character of Hattie is so fascinating. She is a woman who was born of privilege and yet understood that women were not given the same rights as men. She is a creative and passionate heroine. Lucien Blackstone is a Scottish ruthless business man who came from nothing and constantly calculates. When he sees an opportunity to get the prestige he craves by marrying Hattie, he takes it. Only, he gets more than he bargained for and risks losing his heart in the process.

Thank you to @berkley for the chance to read and review this!

Historical romance has such a special place in my heart. Hattie & Lucian's story was absolutely perfect. I just loved it so much!

Hattie was such an incredible woman, so strong-willed, quick-witted and so strong. I loved how she continuously went out of her way to make the world a better place. She was just so charming and you couldn't help but want her to achieve the happiness and love she absolutely deserved. Lucian on the other hand was such a scoundrel and I loved him for it. Yes his original goal of marrying Hattie was not the best, but I promise he more than makes up for it throughout the book! This story was just so incredibly sweet and endearing and I just wish it never ended.

Also Scotland is my ultimate travel destination so being able to travel with them and experience that time with them was so grand!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the e-ARC copy and physical gifted copy!

this is book 3 in the League of Extraordinary Women series and focuses on Hattie Greenfield, who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a marriage with a man she finds completely brutish. as one can suspect, they fall in love. it was so fun to be back in this world and I will forever read anything @evietheauthor gives us. this wasn’t my favorite in the series but I thoroughly enjoyed it and the spice was 🔥🔥🔥. I appreciated the social commentary on classism and income inequality in addition to the continuous theme in the series of fighting for women’s rights. if you love Bridgerton I HIGHLY recommend checking this series out!

I loved this series for the unique romances, but also for the way it championed women's rights. This third book in the series is my favorite and also had me feeling very emotional. Hattie and Lucien's romance was beautiful to read and I loved getting to know the real Lucien. Hattie became so much stronger throughout the book and it was fun to watch her change and grow into the person she wanted to be. This series will captivate you and totally steal your heart!

Portrait of a Scotsman was my first foray into Evie Dunmore's writing, and I must say the bar was set high for me. Her first two novels in the A League of Extraordinary Women series had received high praise, I've been a historical romance fan or decades, I adore strong female characters, and I have a particular weakness for Scottish leading men. How could I not love it wholly and completely?

Hattie and Lucian are such well-written, developed, swoon-worthy characters, and the chemistry between them was palpable. The only thing I struggled with was the amount of time spent and focus on aiding the tenants and the miner families. And it seems silly to write that out. I am all for advocating and fighting for what's right. But every time it was brought up, my enjoyment dipped because I just started focusing on... reality, to be honest. I was not able to immerse myself fully in this novel as a romance because every other chapter reminded me how far we've had to come and how far we have left to go, and off I would go, overthinking.

Not everyone will have the same reaction to this as me - I didn't expect to have this reaction. I still plan on reading the first two novels. Now that I've been grounded in Dunmore's storytelling (which was objectively fantastic, my own overthinking notwithstanding), I know I'll love them even more.

If you have a love of historical romances and strong, feminist women fighting for others, this is the perfect novel for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the free advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.