This was steamy! I prefer the heroine to be the insecure one and for the hero to help her heal and grow, but still, I liked this story. Unfortunately none of the other sisters’ stories appear to include my favored tropes, or else I’d be interested to read more. Liked the truly bluestocking heroine, though that aspect of her tale, like her supposed plainness, drops off from the tale pretty quickly. ( )

'You think that no one sees you, and yet you want to be seen. You want people to know that there is more to you than mere bloodstock.I can help you,I can show that person,but only if you will let me see her.'


PLOT

Lady Cressida Armstrong is the plain one of her Sisters. She's more interested in Science, than marrying a rich man and pleasing her Father. He's desperate to see her married, but he thinks it unlikely that a respectable man will take a liking to her, especially since the last one ran away with no warning.

Giovanni di Matteo is an Italian Painter, famed for his reputation as the best in the business. But he's unhappy, he's bored of the 'perfect' pictures that people want him to paint. He wants to paint pictures with emotion, that show the truth.

When Cressida's Father commissions Giovanni to paint some portraits of his sons, It's Cressida who sparks Giovanni's imagination. He wants to paint her, and show her that Art isn't always precise and controlled like she thinks it is. They challenge each other's beliefs, and in doing so, a Romance blossoms between them, changing how they both view the world.

OPINION

I was a bit worried that I wasn't going to be able to get into this book. The first few pages were quite slow, but once the scene was set, and I'd been introduced to all the characters, the story really got going. The relationship between Cressia and Giovanni is beautiful, they both have secrets, and they both try not to give into the passion that's clearly between them. I loved the suspense that came with their relationship, and the mystery of not knowing if they'd be together or not.

THE AUTHOR

This book was written by Margeurite Kaye, who sent me a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. I know I'll be looking for more of her books, because this one was incredibly well written, the language used was beautiful, the characters were full of depth, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. ( )

THE BEAUTY WITHIN by Marguerite Kaye is an exciting Regency Historical Romance. An artist and a mathematician makes quiet the pair. Both rebellious toward their fathers,both lonely,low self esteem,but will they be able to find love and happiness. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,and the eye can see beauty when others see a plain Jane. Giovanni di Matteo an artist who paints beautiful portraits,but has lost his inspiration,he's lonely, until suddenly and unexpectantly he meets Cressie... Lady Cressida Armstrong is clever,lonely,considered plain,adores math, and is determined never to marry,but suddenly and unexpectantly meets Giovanni... A tale of passion,love,and compassion. A historical romance with a unique plot and characters who will engage the readers. Ms. Kaye is a wonderful storyteller,who has written with passion,and her characters are realistic and encourages us all to look a little deeper for "The Beauty Within". A must read! I would highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a twist. Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews ( )