Found the romance to take a bit long to start then to develop, but it was a beautiful story nevertheless and it was lovely to see Artemisia come into her own and then the love happen between them throughout

In Portrait of a Forbidden Love we meet Artemisia, an artist who has been given a chance to impress the Royal Academy of Arts. At the same time Darius, an art critic is tasked with keeping an eye on Artemisia. It’s safe to say that sparks begin to fly between this pair but will Artemisia find her way in the art world.

Even though this book is primarily a romance I really enjoyed the way that the author showcased Artemisia’s artistic ability and her struggle for recognition. The way she was determined to be acknowledged as an artist in her own right especially as a female artist. Which was an often fruitless battle for equality especially in that era. Both characters had strong personalities especially Artemisia. To succeed she has had to be bold, brave and determined which also made her so likeable to me. Darius was a great hero a little misunderstood to begin with until you begin to see snippets of his understanding nature. They make a wonderful pairing even if the journey to a happy ever after doesn’t necessarily run quite smoothly.

The pace of the plot was good throughout and it was very easy to lose myself in Darius and Artemisia’s story. There is a brilliant battle of wills to begin with which makes things all the more interesting. This in turn revealed a more playful and fun side to their personalities which was shown through their interactions. A lovely chemistry also shines through in Portrait of a Forbidden Love which combined to create a romantic and intriguing story.

Right from the beginning the storyline and characters drew me in. I found it difficult to put the book down! Recommended

Portrait of a Forbidden Love is a sexy Regency romance by Bronwyn Scott and is a standalone book.

Artemisia Stansfield is an artist and her goal is to join The Royal Academy of Arts. The problem is that the Academy is only open to men no matter how talented Artemisia or any woman is. The story begins where Arta is in front of the board of the Academy waiting to hear if after her artist father's nomination for her to join she has been accepted. Not surprisingly they try to turn her down but after she argues her case they compromise and give her 4 months to supply them with paintings that stand out and will make them think twice about her application to join them. With that in mind, she goes with her sister to Kent where she can concentrate wholly on her art.

Aristocratic art critic, Darius Rutherford who is also a member of the Academy's board is tasked by them to travel to Kent to oversee what Arta is doing and to hopefully find something to use against her so that she definitely won't have an opportunity to fight their rejection of her. They have no intention of changing their decision. Darius being on the board is something that has really annoyed Arta because he isn't even an artist. What she doesn't know is that he used to be one but because of his father and expectations, he gave it up many years ago.

You can imagine how angry she is when Darius turns up in Kent 3 weeks later, trying to see her work and not her before sneaking off back to London. She convinces him to stay, to see her at work and then to make his decision.

The time they spend together sees them learning so much about each other, there is a definite attraction between them as time passes, but will it go anywhere? Can it go anywhere when not only might he be part of her rejection to the academy but also he is an aristocrat and she isn't the same class as he is?

This was one of those stories that captured my attention from the very first pages. I loved the aspect of a woman trying to break into a male-orientated society and it tickled me reading about how she ever wondered if women would ever be accepted as artists especially if they wanted to paint things other than flowers and landscapes. I couldn't help but think of Frida Kahlo and how Arta would have loved to know that women like her would one day take the art world by storm.

The romance between Arta and Darius was beautiful and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love. All in all, this was a great book and I am happy to recommend it.

This story has a fascinating theme. It's full of pertinent historical detail that illustrates the struggle of female artists at this time. The chemistry between Artemisia and Darius in this slow-burn, but ultimately passionate romance is memorable. The emotional connection deepens as the couple get to know each other, and support the other through the conflicts they face.

The character and story development are notable, and it's an enjoyable reading experience.

I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I thoroughly enjoyed this and was drawn in from the beginning
A clever plot and a realistic portrayal of women in the art world during the Victorian era

A triumph

I just loved this story, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. Artemisia Stanford is struggling to get the recognition she deserves for her art, in a man’s world. Darius Rutherford, Viscount St. Helier, an art critic, is tasked with overseeing her work in progress. At first, they seem to be at loggerheads but gradually as they spend time with each other, so their understanding of each and their feelings towards each other change. There are some beautiful winter settings on the coast, with cosy meals around an open fire. Darius has been brought up to believe in duty comes first, so he is face with a dilemma of duty versus love. There are some truly heartfelt moments and the way that Darius really understood what Artemisia was all about, was very engaging. I have read a number of books by this author and they are always a good read with engaging characters. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Portrait of a Forbidden Love sets out its stall from the opening pages. The characters are engaging, as is the underlying cause of the plot - the unfairness of Victorian society. What the story cleverly shows is how, it is not only women who are blocked from progression, but the ludicrous hierarchy of the privileged class also dictates happiness to those with titles. Bronwyn Scott's wonderful choice of names - Artemisia and Darius - enchanted me, and the depth of her understanding of their situations carried me through their troubled and surprisingly heated romance, along a winding road of rules, doubt and manipulation. As a card-carrying member of several art galleries, I am aware of the difficulties faced by women artists in the past. To find a story which explores the subject with clear headed research and determination required by these pioneers is an absolute joy.

Artist Artemisia Stansfield has four months to prove herself to the Royal Academy of Arts in order to become an academian after being rejected once. When she finds out that aristocratic art critic, Darius Rutherford, has been snooping in her studio, so she & her sister Addy go to the farmhouse in Kent, which their Great Aunt bequeathed them where she can paint in peace. Until Darius turns up on the doorstep.
I loved Artemisia who was fighting a uphill battle to be recognised as an artist in 1819, the author painted a vivid picture of her struggles. Darius is heir to an earldom so expected to marry well & soon as he’s thirty five, he gave up his painting to please his father but has become an renowned art critic. I loved the chemistry between the pair & how their relationship developed & overcame the hurdles thrown in their way. A well written engrossing, entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

4.5 stars

A very interesting read. The heroine is an artist who takes on the Art establishment. The hero is the heir to an earldom, as well as an art critic, who wants her to be treated fairly. Artemisia does have a back story that might be a trigger for some people and although her father was supportive at that time he hasn't been very useful in her campaign with the Royal Society. There are links here to the famous artist Artemisia and her history. Our heroine and sister go to a coastal town to paint and Darius follows to assess the work. I thought the story was a very well crated one and the denouement a delight. I wonder if there will be a story for Addy, the sister. I like Bronwyn's writing so heatily recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.