Lady Corinna Chase was an artist, although due to the restraints of society she wasn't exactly recognized as one.  She was interested in nothing but getting accepted to the Royal Academy of Arts, which wasn't likely to happen.  But that didn't stop her from dreaming. 

Famous but reclusive artist John Hamilton is living with his dying uncle in town.  He is an inspiration to Corinna, and when they meet she's thrilled.  But things aren't adding up and she's soon on to his ruse – he isn't related to the Earl of Lincolnshire at all.  But his reasons for pretending are admirable – he simply wants to secure a divorce for his sister so is pretending to be John Hamilton for his brother-in-law.  

The story of their relationship continues, bringing in family and friends but never really takes off with drama, emotion or anything gripping.  There's a mystery, there are secondaries with stories but the book drags and doesn't really seem to build to a conclusion.   

I wanted to like this book but it really bogged me down.  I never connected with Corinna, although Sean was a stronger character.  I couldn't connect with Rachael and her storyline either.  With historical romance being one of my favorite genres I tend to be harder on them than other genres, so that might account for my feelings on this one.  But try as I might, I couldn't love this story.  

Reviewed for The Road to Romance by Sue Waldeck

April 2008