What do you think?
Rate this book
Seduction #2
Portrait of Seduction
Salzburg, 1805
Greta Zwieg forges masterpieces. With her copies on their walls and the original paintings safely hidden, the noble families of Austria can rest assured their treasures will survive Napoleon's advances. But now Greta's uncle is changing the rules, selling her counterfeits as originals. Greta abhors the deceit. Anxious for her family's safety in a perilous time, she is nevertheless determined to put things right.
Oliver Doerger is living a lie of his own. Acting as valet for his aristocratic half brother, Oliver thwarts an attempt on Greta's life and is overwhelmed by the forbidden passion that flares between them. Although he's not truly a servant, he is a bastard and a spy—certainly no match for a woman of such exquisite quality.
Though both fear discovery, they cannot resist each other. When the truth comes out, and the city falls into chaos, Greta and Oliver will be forced to choose—love or duty?
Greta Zwieg forges masterpieces. With her copies on their walls and the original paintings safely hidden, the noble families of Austria can rest assured their treasures will survive Napoleon's advances. But now Greta's uncle is changing the rules, selling her counterfeits as originals. Greta abhors the deceit. Anxious for her family's safety in a perilous time, she is nevertheless determined to put things right.
Oliver Doerger is living a lie of his own. Acting as valet for his aristocratic half brother, Oliver thwarts an attempt on Greta's life and is overwhelmed by the forbidden passion that flares between them. Although he's not truly a servant, he is a bastard and a spy—certainly no match for a woman of such exquisite quality.
Though both fear discovery, they cannot resist each other. When the truth comes out, and the city falls into chaos, Greta and Oliver will be forced to choose—love or duty?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
134 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Lofty
15 books220 followersTwo time RITA-nominated and multiple RT Reviewers' Choice-winning author Carrie Lofty has over twenty-five books to her name--or four names, to be precise. Her paranormal (as
Lindsey Piper
) and historical romances from Pocket have been described as "nuanced and superbly realized" (The Chicago Tribune) and "sexy, brutal and somehow innocent" (All About Romance).
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 19, 2014
Well, this book has been a welcome surprise. Something in the cover and plot description made me think this would be a slow paced and rather tame romance with a big emphasis on the historical background, which is Napoleon's invasion to Austria. I'm glad to say that neither of these assumptions of mine came true. This was fast, sexy and while the historical events were featured in the plot, they did NOT steal the show from the romance.
Gretta is a woman of noble birth living with her uncle after the death of her parents. Her talent lies in creating forgeries of famous paintings and initially, this was not a bad thing since the families who wanted to get their wealth out of Saltzburg before the war, ordered those paintings to put them in place of the real ones they shipped away. On a night to the opera, a rebel tries to attack the duke and when he fails to do so, gets Gretta as hostage. Good thing that Oliver is there, disguised as his brother's valet to save her and thus the story begins. The attraction between those two feel is mutual, strong and seemingly undeniable. But Gretta is planning not to repeat the same mistakes her mother did that caused her untimely death and she just wants a little bit of fun before her wedding to a man of her uncle's choice. Soon though it becomes apparent that the feelings between her and Oliver are more than lust and she will have to make a choice since the time is running out.
What can I say about the chemistry between Oliver and Gretta? It was pulpable, hot and fiery. Those two were just made for each other, there was never any doubt about that. Oliver was proud, protective, calm, strong and steady; a man who was determined to make up for the mistakes he'd made in his past and getting advantage of Gretta certainly is not the way to do that. Gretta on the other hand while she was a strong and stubborn woman, she was terrified of her uncle which, with what she'd witnessed from her parents' treatment, was very logical and realistic. It was good to see her growing up and becoming her own person.
There is also the matter of Gretta's uncle selling some of her paintings as originals that puts Gretta in trouble, Oliver's mysterious friend coming alive after many years and of course Napoleon's invasion to the city, but like I said in the beginning, the focus is the romance; have no doubt about that. I loved the pace and the writting and now I'm looking forward to read Song of Seduction which some of my GR friends say is at least as good as this one.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Gretta is a woman of noble birth living with her uncle after the death of her parents. Her talent lies in creating forgeries of famous paintings and initially, this was not a bad thing since the families who wanted to get their wealth out of Saltzburg before the war, ordered those paintings to put them in place of the real ones they shipped away. On a night to the opera, a rebel tries to attack the duke and when he fails to do so, gets Gretta as hostage. Good thing that Oliver is there, disguised as his brother's valet to save her and thus the story begins. The attraction between those two feel is mutual, strong and seemingly undeniable. But Gretta is planning not to repeat the same mistakes her mother did that caused her untimely death and she just wants a little bit of fun before her wedding to a man of her uncle's choice. Soon though it becomes apparent that the feelings between her and Oliver are more than lust and she will have to make a choice since the time is running out.
What can I say about the chemistry between Oliver and Gretta? It was pulpable, hot and fiery. Those two were just made for each other, there was never any doubt about that. Oliver was proud, protective, calm, strong and steady; a man who was determined to make up for the mistakes he'd made in his past and getting advantage of Gretta certainly is not the way to do that. Gretta on the other hand while she was a strong and stubborn woman, she was terrified of her uncle which, with what she'd witnessed from her parents' treatment, was very logical and realistic. It was good to see her growing up and becoming her own person.
There is also the matter of Gretta's uncle selling some of her paintings as originals that puts Gretta in trouble, Oliver's mysterious friend coming alive after many years and of course Napoleon's invasion to the city, but like I said in the beginning, the focus is the romance; have no doubt about that. I loved the pace and the writting and now I'm looking forward to read Song of Seduction which some of my GR friends say is at least as good as this one.
ARC provided by NetGalley
June 20, 2016
Lofty’s Song of Seduction is one of my five star romances. I thought it was clever, thoughtful, multi-layered, well-characterised, romantic and sexy. So I came to this hoping for a similar experience. Alas, not to be.
Frankly, this book felt like it was written by an entirely different author. And it’s 2.5 mediocre stars for me.
Oliver, the hero, is the most interesting character, but that’s not saying very much. Bastard brother and sort of government agent in Salzburg. On reading that this book was about him I thought we’d get some political intrigue and that the skills Lofty had applied to music in the first book might come into their own with that. However, he’s an agent disguised as a valet and he felt far more valet than agent. It was all very superficial.
Greta [oof, terrible name] the heroine, is a virgin poor relative. She’s an artist making copies of pictures and finds they’re being sold as the real thing by her eeeeevil uncle. Somehow Oliver gets involved in trying to retrieve them. She’s sort of a tedious Mary Sue. There’s nothing wrong with her and it’s diffciult to work out what she and Oliver see in one another beyong attraction.
Lofty’s language danced the right side of too fruity in ‘Song’, it tips over the edge in this book, however. It’s all clumsy and a bit too much.
Then there is the melodrama. My God. One can convey a sense of peril without exclaiming: INCOMING MASSIVE PERIL. It all felt a bit silly. Like a Lifetime movie.
I finished it, it wasn’t awful, just a bit much in all the wrong ways. Lofty writes excellent sex though, I’ll give her that, but it doesn’t do much for me when it’s between characters I’m not liking very much.
Frankly, this book felt like it was written by an entirely different author. And it’s 2.5 mediocre stars for me.
Oliver, the hero, is the most interesting character, but that’s not saying very much. Bastard brother and sort of government agent in Salzburg. On reading that this book was about him I thought we’d get some political intrigue and that the skills Lofty had applied to music in the first book might come into their own with that. However, he’s an agent disguised as a valet and he felt far more valet than agent. It was all very superficial.
Greta [oof, terrible name] the heroine, is a virgin poor relative. She’s an artist making copies of pictures and finds they’re being sold as the real thing by her eeeeevil uncle. Somehow Oliver gets involved in trying to retrieve them. She’s sort of a tedious Mary Sue. There’s nothing wrong with her and it’s diffciult to work out what she and Oliver see in one another beyong attraction.
Lofty’s language danced the right side of too fruity in ‘Song’, it tips over the edge in this book, however. It’s all clumsy and a bit too much.
Then there is the melodrama. My God. One can convey a sense of peril without exclaiming: INCOMING MASSIVE PERIL. It all felt a bit silly. Like a Lifetime movie.
I finished it, it wasn’t awful, just a bit much in all the wrong ways. Lofty writes excellent sex though, I’ll give her that, but it doesn’t do much for me when it’s between characters I’m not liking very much.
May 28, 2011
Greta is a 20 year-old orphan who lives off the charity of her uncle. But she earns her keep, painting forgeries for him. And she bides her time for the day he will arrange a proper marriage for her, as he has long promised.
During a family trip to the opera, Greta finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time, and is taken hostage by a political zealot. Her life is saved by an unlikely hero... the valet of one of the other guests. Of course, no one realizes that Oliver is much more than a valet. He is really half-brother to Christopher, the man he pretends to serve. He's actually undercover, using his position as an overlooked servant to learn political secrets. He and Christopher are worried about the future of their Austrian home and know it's only a matter of time before Napoleon advances there.
Despite his much lower station, Greta is drawn to Oliver in a way that she can't deny. And through a series of events, she ends up a guest in Christopher's home. At that point, things escalate quickly between her and Oliver. Unfortunately, they both expect their love affair to be fleeting. Greta has been promised to a man of her uncle's choosing and Oliver knows that she is far beyond his reach. But this is a love story, after all... and the fun is in watching the two of them break down the walls between them. That, and watching their amazing sexual chemistry unfurl. We're also treated to some action as the story progresses, surrounding Greta's forged paintings and a shifty man from Oliver's past.
I really enjoyed this book. Both characters were so sympathetic. I liked them both and found myself very invested in their relationship. The sex was hot, especially seeing Oliver take the dominant position, despite his subservient role in the outside world. I was grateful, too, that it didn't cross over into BDSM (which I don't really enjoy.) It was just right for my taste.
Some of the secondary characters had clear backstories of their own. After a little digging, I found that they were featured in a previous work, Song of Seduction . But I never felt like I was missing anything.
All in all, it was a good book with hot sex, romance, and a happy ending. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
During a family trip to the opera, Greta finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time, and is taken hostage by a political zealot. Her life is saved by an unlikely hero... the valet of one of the other guests. Of course, no one realizes that Oliver is much more than a valet. He is really half-brother to Christopher, the man he pretends to serve. He's actually undercover, using his position as an overlooked servant to learn political secrets. He and Christopher are worried about the future of their Austrian home and know it's only a matter of time before Napoleon advances there.
Despite his much lower station, Greta is drawn to Oliver in a way that she can't deny. And through a series of events, she ends up a guest in Christopher's home. At that point, things escalate quickly between her and Oliver. Unfortunately, they both expect their love affair to be fleeting. Greta has been promised to a man of her uncle's choosing and Oliver knows that she is far beyond his reach. But this is a love story, after all... and the fun is in watching the two of them break down the walls between them. That, and watching their amazing sexual chemistry unfurl. We're also treated to some action as the story progresses, surrounding Greta's forged paintings and a shifty man from Oliver's past.
I really enjoyed this book. Both characters were so sympathetic. I liked them both and found myself very invested in their relationship. The sex was hot, especially seeing Oliver take the dominant position, despite his subservient role in the outside world. I was grateful, too, that it didn't cross over into BDSM (which I don't really enjoy.) It was just right for my taste.
Some of the secondary characters had clear backstories of their own. After a little digging, I found that they were featured in a previous work, Song of Seduction . But I never felt like I was missing anything.
All in all, it was a good book with hot sex, romance, and a happy ending. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
November 29, 2013
I loved the hero, got annoyed by the heroine, enjoyed the different setting (it's NOT England, Scotland OR America!), and lost direction all throughout this book.
The heroine is an artist who gets treated like crap by her uncle but she still does everything he asks her, no questions asked. I really didn't understand the hold he had on her.. he treated her parents like crap, he uses her and sells her to the highest bidder, and she just keeps her mouth closed and goes with the flow because... he allows her to live with her? he circulates her art even tho its fake? she thinks he's secretly really 'taking care' of her? I didn't understand!!
The hero was all for propriety and secrecy in regards to how he lives his life. He's also the well-played white knight so he gave my heart a flutter or two :)
The setting in Salzburg was nice since we also had to deal with the fear of the incoming short angry French man. Although you don't get to see much of the city because they mostly stay indoors, we do get a little flavor of the culture with their random German mixed into their conversations. I can't say I found the language romantic, but I did like the variety and the authenticity.
It took me a while to read this because I have this pet peeve when it comes to rich woman/servant man couples. If done correctly, we could enjoy a blossoming love of two people from different life styles. Here however it went the route of making it feel like the hero was the heroine's sex toy instead of a relationship. She liked that he was "dominant" but it still felt like she was using him while he seemed to have genuine feelings for her. I dunno.. I just felt a little squeemish about their 'relationship'. In the end I just felt disappointed.
The heroine is an artist who gets treated like crap by her uncle but she still does everything he asks her, no questions asked. I really didn't understand the hold he had on her.. he treated her parents like crap, he uses her and sells her to the highest bidder, and she just keeps her mouth closed and goes with the flow because... he allows her to live with her? he circulates her art even tho its fake? she thinks he's secretly really 'taking care' of her? I didn't understand!!
The hero was all for propriety and secrecy in regards to how he lives his life. He's also the well-played white knight so he gave my heart a flutter or two :)
The setting in Salzburg was nice since we also had to deal with the fear of the incoming short angry French man. Although you don't get to see much of the city because they mostly stay indoors, we do get a little flavor of the culture with their random German mixed into their conversations. I can't say I found the language romantic, but I did like the variety and the authenticity.
It took me a while to read this because I have this pet peeve when it comes to rich woman/servant man couples. If done correctly, we could enjoy a blossoming love of two people from different life styles. Here however it went the route of making it feel like the hero was the heroine's sex toy instead of a relationship. She liked that he was "dominant" but it still felt like she was using him while he seemed to have genuine feelings for her. I dunno.. I just felt a little squeemish about their 'relationship'. In the end I just felt disappointed.
November 24, 2024
Another excellent historical romance set in Salzburg Germany at the time of Napoleon. The heroine is a painter and I really enjoyed the descriptions of her work, very true to life especially the way she say color and shape. I can’t quite give this four stars because the ligaments of the construction feel too familiar, even while the primary substance is unique. I don’t know how to articulate that better… it felt both like a typical romance and something a bit more.
June 11, 2023
Boring narrator and too much of a spy story and lead up to the Napoleonic Wars for my taste. I'm sure it's better in print but the narrator was so monotone and no accents or differentiation between characters listening to it was difficult.
August 28, 2011
Portrait of Seduction is a great second installment to the Seduction Series. With great characters, fascinating plots and a beautiful romance, this is another Lofty novel you must read!
Greta Zwieg has an undeniable talent as an artist. Obviously, since her tyrannical Uncle is able to sell her forged copies of the family’s masterpieces off as originals. Since he is her guardian, she has no choice but to go along with his plans. She knows she just has to bide her time until he attains enough money and marries her off to a worthy candidate. Then she will be free to paint what she wants when she wants.
Oliver Doerger is an illegitimate son of a respected nobleman living in secret with his half brother as a valet. He lives this charade in order to protect his family and to gain intelligence concerning threats against Salzburg with Napoleon’s impending invasion. One night, he saves Greta’s life at the opera and that night changes them both forever. Now they are facing an attraction that is sure to doom them both. With the countries uncertain future and their drastically different social classes, Greta and Oliver must decide if they will let societies rules dictate their future...or make their own.
Lofty is an author that I have come to love and adore. Reason being is that she never disappoints. Her characters are absolutely fantastic and she always takes them on an exciting journey that readers will enjoy immensely. She writes heartfelt and emotionally compelling stories that will keep you intrigued throughout the pages. It’s always a delight to read her work.
Fans of Song of Seduction (book one in the Seduction series) will find plenty of familiar characters here. Oliver being one character we had the pleasure of meeting before, yet this time the meeting is much more enjoyable! In this match between Oliver and Greta, you have an interesting situation with their completely different social stations. Which is why Oliver’s bold attitude with Greta was so much more thrilling in this book. While you would expect Oliver to have a timid and shy disposition towards such a lady, that is certainly not the case. When they were not in public, Oliver flirted with her as any man would and it was just as delightful to read about as it was for Greta to experience.
Greta was a great match for him. Her character was a gentle well breed lady, who was on the verge of reaching for something more. Meeting Oliver gave her the courage to really push herself into new boundaries. Lofty seems to always add great dimension to her characters and their artistic passions. As she did with Mathilda in Song of Seduction, Lofty makes it easy for readers to connect with how strongly art affects their views of the world. Greta has a great eye for art and color and you experience this with her at various points throughout the novel.
Portrait of Seduction has an interesting and well thought out plot. The story contains a wonderful cast of characters, some good and some bad, but all of them entertaining. You also have two characters with a very steamy passion to heat up the pages. Their romance is one that will certainly thrill you and tug at your heartstrings. I also enjoy the place and time period that is used in the Seduction series. Both novels are set in Salzburg, Germany in the 19th Century where Lofty always mixes in the turmoil and history of that time period.
I have to admit, as much as I hate to, that I did not enjoy this one as much as Song of Seduction. A book which is probably somewhere on my ‘top ten keepers’ list. I think it’s because I loved the music background in that novel and also the hero and heroine in that novel were stunning. Really, I should have known going into this novel that the previous installment would be hard to beat. STILL, Portrait of Seduction is a grand novel. One filled with suspense, drama, passion and of course, who could forget...plenty of seduction. You will find a great read with this novel.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
Greta Zwieg has an undeniable talent as an artist. Obviously, since her tyrannical Uncle is able to sell her forged copies of the family’s masterpieces off as originals. Since he is her guardian, she has no choice but to go along with his plans. She knows she just has to bide her time until he attains enough money and marries her off to a worthy candidate. Then she will be free to paint what she wants when she wants.
Oliver Doerger is an illegitimate son of a respected nobleman living in secret with his half brother as a valet. He lives this charade in order to protect his family and to gain intelligence concerning threats against Salzburg with Napoleon’s impending invasion. One night, he saves Greta’s life at the opera and that night changes them both forever. Now they are facing an attraction that is sure to doom them both. With the countries uncertain future and their drastically different social classes, Greta and Oliver must decide if they will let societies rules dictate their future...or make their own.
Lofty is an author that I have come to love and adore. Reason being is that she never disappoints. Her characters are absolutely fantastic and she always takes them on an exciting journey that readers will enjoy immensely. She writes heartfelt and emotionally compelling stories that will keep you intrigued throughout the pages. It’s always a delight to read her work.
Fans of Song of Seduction (book one in the Seduction series) will find plenty of familiar characters here. Oliver being one character we had the pleasure of meeting before, yet this time the meeting is much more enjoyable! In this match between Oliver and Greta, you have an interesting situation with their completely different social stations. Which is why Oliver’s bold attitude with Greta was so much more thrilling in this book. While you would expect Oliver to have a timid and shy disposition towards such a lady, that is certainly not the case. When they were not in public, Oliver flirted with her as any man would and it was just as delightful to read about as it was for Greta to experience.
Greta was a great match for him. Her character was a gentle well breed lady, who was on the verge of reaching for something more. Meeting Oliver gave her the courage to really push herself into new boundaries. Lofty seems to always add great dimension to her characters and their artistic passions. As she did with Mathilda in Song of Seduction, Lofty makes it easy for readers to connect with how strongly art affects their views of the world. Greta has a great eye for art and color and you experience this with her at various points throughout the novel.
Portrait of Seduction has an interesting and well thought out plot. The story contains a wonderful cast of characters, some good and some bad, but all of them entertaining. You also have two characters with a very steamy passion to heat up the pages. Their romance is one that will certainly thrill you and tug at your heartstrings. I also enjoy the place and time period that is used in the Seduction series. Both novels are set in Salzburg, Germany in the 19th Century where Lofty always mixes in the turmoil and history of that time period.
I have to admit, as much as I hate to, that I did not enjoy this one as much as Song of Seduction. A book which is probably somewhere on my ‘top ten keepers’ list. I think it’s because I loved the music background in that novel and also the hero and heroine in that novel were stunning. Really, I should have known going into this novel that the previous installment would be hard to beat. STILL, Portrait of Seduction is a grand novel. One filled with suspense, drama, passion and of course, who could forget...plenty of seduction. You will find a great read with this novel.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
May 30, 2011
It appears as though Carrie Lofty hit her stride with Portrait of Seduction. While it contains the same flowing and elegant prose as Song of Seduction, the story of this book felt more powerful and engaging. My emotions rode along the same waves as that of our main characters, Oliver Doerger and Greta Zwieg, as they struggled to overcome their class differences.
Greta, our heroine, is an artist. But unfortunately, due to her uncle's more sinister pursuits, she's forced to create forgeries of famous works of art. The sales of those works keeps their family afloat, ensuring the futures of Greta's cousins Theresa and Anna and her own. Greta enjoys attempting to mimic the techniques of the greats, but she wants her uncle to sell them as the copies they are--not the originals he claims, making mockeries of the buyers. At times, she's wracked with guilt and attempts to convince him otherwise, but her uncle won't be swayed.
Oliver is working in his brother's household as a valet, but his real pursuit is as a spy, learning valuable information to protect Lord Venner and his young family. One evening, a man from his past makes an appearance at the opera on the same fateful evening Greta is held at knifepoint while in the company of her uncle and cousins. Oliver--having spent time in the Prussian army, saves her life from the hands of the madman.
Greta can't stop thinking of that fateful evening at the opera nor the man who so selflessly came to her rescue. Her uncle invites Oliver to their home for dinner, and thus begins an attraction neither can deny when Oliver steals a kiss from Greta on the terrace under the moonlight.
Greta seeks adventure and love, and despite being haunted by her parents' mistakes, her feelings for Oliver grow. She struggles with their class difference, while Oliver is tormented by caring for someone enough to want to throw caution to the wind.
I loved the roller coaster of emotions Lofty put me through. She really kept me turning pages right until the end. And when Greta suffers a loss I didn't see coming, the way Oliver handles it endeared me to him all the more. I love his quiet strength and his determination to allow Greta to come her own conclusions about their relationship.
One thing unique to this book is the way Lofty uses art to portray Greta's emotions. She mixes colors for her art based on how she feels, and one of her nervous habits is organizing and reorganizing her tools of the trade. This bit of fidgeting made her seem more real to me--more human than this perfect heroine. And her desire for adventure touches a chord with each of us. But sometimes, adventure gets us more than we bargained for.
All in all, this is a book I could say I would read again. It's one of my favorite romance reads this year.
Greta, our heroine, is an artist. But unfortunately, due to her uncle's more sinister pursuits, she's forced to create forgeries of famous works of art. The sales of those works keeps their family afloat, ensuring the futures of Greta's cousins Theresa and Anna and her own. Greta enjoys attempting to mimic the techniques of the greats, but she wants her uncle to sell them as the copies they are--not the originals he claims, making mockeries of the buyers. At times, she's wracked with guilt and attempts to convince him otherwise, but her uncle won't be swayed.
Oliver is working in his brother's household as a valet, but his real pursuit is as a spy, learning valuable information to protect Lord Venner and his young family. One evening, a man from his past makes an appearance at the opera on the same fateful evening Greta is held at knifepoint while in the company of her uncle and cousins. Oliver--having spent time in the Prussian army, saves her life from the hands of the madman.
Greta can't stop thinking of that fateful evening at the opera nor the man who so selflessly came to her rescue. Her uncle invites Oliver to their home for dinner, and thus begins an attraction neither can deny when Oliver steals a kiss from Greta on the terrace under the moonlight.
Greta seeks adventure and love, and despite being haunted by her parents' mistakes, her feelings for Oliver grow. She struggles with their class difference, while Oliver is tormented by caring for someone enough to want to throw caution to the wind.
I loved the roller coaster of emotions Lofty put me through. She really kept me turning pages right until the end. And when Greta suffers a loss I didn't see coming, the way Oliver handles it endeared me to him all the more. I love his quiet strength and his determination to allow Greta to come her own conclusions about their relationship.
One thing unique to this book is the way Lofty uses art to portray Greta's emotions. She mixes colors for her art based on how she feels, and one of her nervous habits is organizing and reorganizing her tools of the trade. This bit of fidgeting made her seem more real to me--more human than this perfect heroine. And her desire for adventure touches a chord with each of us. But sometimes, adventure gets us more than we bargained for.
All in all, this is a book I could say I would read again. It's one of my favorite romance reads this year.
July 21, 2011
Single sentence summary: Greta paints because she loves it but she paints copies because her uncle demands it in order to make up for him having to take of her all these years but when he starts to sell the copies as originals, things are going to change.
This book wasn’t bad by any means (3.5 Stars is means it was a good book). It just dragged at times and at other times the action with the characters felt nonstop. There was a lot going on but the pacing was a little off for me. The book would have great action sequences and then breathing room but where that breathing room happened didn’t work for me at all the time. It created an uneven pacing for me. It took me about a fourth of the book before I could really get into it and I enjoyed it all but I felt that I could have put it down and I wasn’t going to lose too much.
I liked Oliver and Greta, but I didn’t love them. The sexual tension was pretty intense but since I didn't love the couple, I struggled with it a bit. I wanted to find out how their happily ever after happened and that is what kept me reading. Greta wasn’t a real strong female but she wasn’t weak either. She was somewhere inbetween and Oliver was the same. They didn’t have any qualities that really ended up standing out for me.
There were some really great moments in this book (like the Opera scene near the beginning) and other times where I just wanted the story to move forward. The ending was good too and I liked how it all worked out in the end. The historical aspect of this novel was unusual. I don’t think I’ve read a single other historical romance that was based outside of either London or France. That was a refreshing aspect, but may also have been a distraction as I was trying to figure out what was going on Austria at the time instead of being fully engaged in the book.
I enjoyed Portrait of Seduction. It was an entertaining historical romance. 3.5 Stars.
I received this ebook from the publisher via netgalley.
This book wasn’t bad by any means (3.5 Stars is means it was a good book). It just dragged at times and at other times the action with the characters felt nonstop. There was a lot going on but the pacing was a little off for me. The book would have great action sequences and then breathing room but where that breathing room happened didn’t work for me at all the time. It created an uneven pacing for me. It took me about a fourth of the book before I could really get into it and I enjoyed it all but I felt that I could have put it down and I wasn’t going to lose too much.
I liked Oliver and Greta, but I didn’t love them. The sexual tension was pretty intense but since I didn't love the couple, I struggled with it a bit. I wanted to find out how their happily ever after happened and that is what kept me reading. Greta wasn’t a real strong female but she wasn’t weak either. She was somewhere inbetween and Oliver was the same. They didn’t have any qualities that really ended up standing out for me.
There were some really great moments in this book (like the Opera scene near the beginning) and other times where I just wanted the story to move forward. The ending was good too and I liked how it all worked out in the end. The historical aspect of this novel was unusual. I don’t think I’ve read a single other historical romance that was based outside of either London or France. That was a refreshing aspect, but may also have been a distraction as I was trying to figure out what was going on Austria at the time instead of being fully engaged in the book.
I enjoyed Portrait of Seduction. It was an entertaining historical romance. 3.5 Stars.
I received this ebook from the publisher via netgalley.
May 18, 2011
Just like Song of Seduction, Portrait of Seduction was another refreshing historical romance.
Set in Salzburg in 1805, with Napoleon and his army advancing, Greta Zweig is a talented painter living with her uncle and two cousins. She forges great works while the originals are hidden for safe-keeping. However, Greta is soon horrified to find out that her uncle is actually selling her forgeries as if they were the originals.
Greta's secret is soon found out by Oliver Doerger – a valet and someone with a few secrets of his own- a man who saved her life. Although the two are from different worlds, they are drawn to each other more and more, all the while knowing that they can never truly be together, as Greta's uncle has arranged a marriage for her.
Portrait of Seduction is another historical romance full of passion and intensity, but this time mixed with intrigue and the threat of invasion of a foreign army. In no part of the story did the plot lag, and all the characters – down to the smallest – were fleshed out.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book, and started reading with high expectations. I was not disappointed!
Set in Salzburg in 1805, with Napoleon and his army advancing, Greta Zweig is a talented painter living with her uncle and two cousins. She forges great works while the originals are hidden for safe-keeping. However, Greta is soon horrified to find out that her uncle is actually selling her forgeries as if they were the originals.
Greta's secret is soon found out by Oliver Doerger – a valet and someone with a few secrets of his own- a man who saved her life. Although the two are from different worlds, they are drawn to each other more and more, all the while knowing that they can never truly be together, as Greta's uncle has arranged a marriage for her.
Portrait of Seduction is another historical romance full of passion and intensity, but this time mixed with intrigue and the threat of invasion of a foreign army. In no part of the story did the plot lag, and all the characters – down to the smallest – were fleshed out.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book, and started reading with high expectations. I was not disappointed!
Read
July 3, 2013This is my first dnf-shelf book. Of course I have left a book unfinished before. Although the number of it could not reach five or so.. but since I have an account here on goodreads it is my first. Anyway.. I want to explain, I've been caught up for like two months or maybe longer, been living in books. Then I had to go to another country (Norway) in the middle of reading this book, for a study related course. It has been two weeks since I last read one page of a novel.
And now I realized I can't continue reading this. It is little to do with the book. little to do with the parts I remember anyway..
So it may be a little uptight for my taste. character's are too formal. and I got bored sometimes throughout the story. But then again.. it could be all about my mood and nothing else. Normally I would have finished it. Hell I've finished much more undeserving books.
So for all the reasons above I will not rate this. But this is a serious and intelligent read if anyone wonders. And maybe someday I'll begin again from the page one.
And now I realized I can't continue reading this. It is little to do with the book. little to do with the parts I remember anyway..
So it may be a little uptight for my taste. character's are too formal. and I got bored sometimes throughout the story. But then again.. it could be all about my mood and nothing else. Normally I would have finished it. Hell I've finished much more undeserving books.
So for all the reasons above I will not rate this. But this is a serious and intelligent read if anyone wonders. And maybe someday I'll begin again from the page one.
July 6, 2011
***This book was received as an ARC from NetGalley***
Having read a lot of historical romance over the years, I am always on the lookout for books that are set in non-traditional countries (and by this, I mean, France, England, Scotland - which I would guesstimate make up about 85% of most historical romances)...so when I saw this one was set in Austria, I was immediately intrigued. Added to that, since I studied the French Revoluation in high school (and my mom being a French teacher) I am interested in various periods of history where France/french personalities play a significant role. So this book was a winner for me. I was immediately draw into the story of Greta and Oliver as their relationship developed. The historical period made a suitable backdrop for Greta's "talents" and Oliver's past and present positions. I will definately be looking forward to more books by Ms. Lofty in the future.
Having read a lot of historical romance over the years, I am always on the lookout for books that are set in non-traditional countries (and by this, I mean, France, England, Scotland - which I would guesstimate make up about 85% of most historical romances)...so when I saw this one was set in Austria, I was immediately intrigued. Added to that, since I studied the French Revoluation in high school (and my mom being a French teacher) I am interested in various periods of history where France/french personalities play a significant role. So this book was a winner for me. I was immediately draw into the story of Greta and Oliver as their relationship developed. The historical period made a suitable backdrop for Greta's "talents" and Oliver's past and present positions. I will definately be looking forward to more books by Ms. Lofty in the future.
May 8, 2011
Carrie Lofty brings her characters to life in this tale set in Salzburg, Austria on the cusp of war with Napoleon. Greta Zwieg is busy forging paintings for her uncle who she finds out is selling them as originals. All she wants to do is paint her own originals so that she can satisfy her own artistic talents.
Greta meets Oliver Doerger, when he saves her life at the hands of a madman. Oliver is posing as his half brothers valet in order to spy on the political goings on within Austria and to protect his family. Greta looks down at Oliver at first when she discovers he is only a valet, but there is an attraction. Oliver discovers Greta's secrets and threatens at first to expose her but a kiss will keep him quiet.
Wonderful story filled with torment, awakenings, family values and lots of sensual tension.
Greta meets Oliver Doerger, when he saves her life at the hands of a madman. Oliver is posing as his half brothers valet in order to spy on the political goings on within Austria and to protect his family. Greta looks down at Oliver at first when she discovers he is only a valet, but there is an attraction. Oliver discovers Greta's secrets and threatens at first to expose her but a kiss will keep him quiet.
Wonderful story filled with torment, awakenings, family values and lots of sensual tension.
May 21, 2011
Reviewed at: Library of Lights
Date reviewed: 22 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=312
I was expecting a very laid back historical romance when I picked up Portrait of Seduction by Carrie Lofty. I was really surprised that instead of a slow paced story, I was served with a deliciously sexy and fast paced story instead. If you're looking for something fast and historical, then this story is the answer to your prayers.
This story is about two awkward people coming together and I enjoyed it immensely. Would definite read it again soon. Highly recommended to historical fiction lovers.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
Date reviewed: 22 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=312
I was expecting a very laid back historical romance when I picked up Portrait of Seduction by Carrie Lofty. I was really surprised that instead of a slow paced story, I was served with a deliciously sexy and fast paced story instead. If you're looking for something fast and historical, then this story is the answer to your prayers.
This story is about two awkward people coming together and I enjoyed it immensely. Would definite read it again soon. Highly recommended to historical fiction lovers.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
August 28, 2016
Kõrgest soost preili armub teenrisse ning avastab endas hulljulge ja seiklushimulise külje. Oliver Doergeri ontlik ning korrektne käitumine on raskesti tulnud töövõit tema metsiku nooruse käitumise üle. Koos õhutavad nad üksteist rikkuma ühiskonna norme. Tulemuseks on sensuaalne teekond teineteise ning iseenda ihade tundma õppimisel.
Mul on alati olnud nõrkus impulsiivse ning loogikavastase käitumise vastu, kui asi puutub armumisse. Selles raamatus rahuldasid seda nõrkust mõlemad peategelased. Eriti sümpaatsed olid just Oliveri pingutused ühest küljest ahvatlustele vastu panemises, teisalt aga Gretale mulje avaldamises.
Sündmused toimusid 1805-ndal aastal Salzburgis, Napoleoni pealetungi kartuses.
Hinne: 3.5
Mul on alati olnud nõrkus impulsiivse ning loogikavastase käitumise vastu, kui asi puutub armumisse. Selles raamatus rahuldasid seda nõrkust mõlemad peategelased. Eriti sümpaatsed olid just Oliveri pingutused ühest küljest ahvatlustele vastu panemises, teisalt aga Gretale mulje avaldamises.
Sündmused toimusid 1805-ndal aastal Salzburgis, Napoleoni pealetungi kartuses.
Hinne: 3.5
August 15, 2015
Four and a half stars.
Lovely romance set in the waning days of a free Salzburg before Napoleon's advances.
Greta Zwieg is an artist. Compelled by her uncle to copy masterpieces, she longs for the freedom to paint as her own muse leads.
Oliver Doerger acts as a valet for his legitimate half brother, the esteemed Lord Venner. He also acts as his eyes and ears with more freedom than most servants. But he isn't free to pursue love either.
Ms. Lofty writes convincingly about the passion that these two ultimately cannot resist, as well as their sense of duty to their families and responsibilities. Beautiful characterizations and interesting plotting support the appeal.
Lovely romance set in the waning days of a free Salzburg before Napoleon's advances.
Greta Zwieg is an artist. Compelled by her uncle to copy masterpieces, she longs for the freedom to paint as her own muse leads.
Oliver Doerger acts as a valet for his legitimate half brother, the esteemed Lord Venner. He also acts as his eyes and ears with more freedom than most servants. But he isn't free to pursue love either.
Ms. Lofty writes convincingly about the passion that these two ultimately cannot resist, as well as their sense of duty to their families and responsibilities. Beautiful characterizations and interesting plotting support the appeal.
May 26, 2011
Great writing, but I just couldn't get into the setting: Austria during the Napoleon conflict. If you love unusual historical novels filled with intrigue and mystery set outside of England, you will love this novel. Lofty does a great job crafting a believable sense of time and place. I liked how unusual heroine was as well--she's the painter of reproduction portraits.
May 21, 2011
The best thing about this one? The setting! The characters are all Austrian. I did feel that it slowed down a bit in the middle, but overall I was entertained, and enjoyed reading about a part of the world virtually ignored in romance novel land.
November 26, 2011
Really liked the unconventional hero and heroine, which seems to be a hallmark of Carrie Lofty's unusual historicals. If you're looking for something not set in London ballrooms, you should definitely check out Lofty.
July 11, 2012
Loved, loved this book. Carrie Lofty is a master storyteller. The novel pulls you into a complicated, passionate love affair between a guilt-ridden, tortured musician and the virtuoso that is the only woman he could love.
October 18, 2016
Contained interesting, attention capturing details. If I were the author, I'd work a tad more on character development and the depth of character within the main protagonists.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews