What do you think?
Rate this book
Stroke of Genius
Crispin Hawke is revered by the ton & tales of his bed skills whispered behind every fan. Grace Makepeace is determined to wed a titled lord, but her bluntness leaves much to be desired. So to gain their acceptance, she commissions Crispin–and asks for love lessons on the side.
Can an artistic genius transform an awkward heiress into the most sought-after original without falling for her himself?
Can an artistic genius transform an awkward heiress into the most sought-after original without falling for her himself?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Mia Marlowe
35 books389 followersMia's work has been featured in PEOPLE magazine's Best of 2010 edition. One of her books is on display at the Museum of London Docklands next to Johnny Depp memorabilia. Her books have been tapped for numerous awards including RomCon's Reader's Crown, RT Reviewers Choice and Publishers' Weekly named her
Touch of a Rogue
one of their 10 Best Romances!
Do you want to know when Mia's next book is available? Sign up for her newsletter!
Do you want to know when Mia's next book is available? Sign up for her newsletter!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 7, 2013
This is a historical romance between American heiress Grace Makepeace and master sculptor Crispin Hawkins. Grace and her family visit England because her mother wants her to find a titled husband. They hire Crispin to sculpt Grace’s hands, and when he sees her he realizes she is the woman who has been appearing in his dreams. Despite their initial quarrels, Grace also feels a special connection and their love story begins.
Crispin is unconventional and charmingly inappropriate. He’s a flawed hero who walks with a limp and was raised in a whorehouse, but underneath his self-deprecating humour is a sweet man who has never been truly loved. He feels he is not good enough for her, regardless of his wealth. He is a self-confident artist but an insecure man. At one point he says to her “I found my art and suddenly I was important. But it was only because of what I could do, not for who I was. Inside, I’m still nothing.”
Grace embraces her feelings for him, and despite her mother’s pressure that she marry aristocracy, she knows Crispin is the only man for her. I liked that Grace went after what she wanted and saw Crispin for the man he truly was.
There was a lot of chemistry between both as they slowly accept that they belong together despite the conflicts thrown their way. I enjoyed reading the Pygmalion chapter headings. The author presents a twist regarding Crispin’s parentage that I did not find relevant and was too coincidental, but it did not detract from the storyline. My favourite part was the bantering between them. A short epilogue or longer ending would’ve been good too, but we do get a nice HEA.
Crispin is unconventional and charmingly inappropriate. He’s a flawed hero who walks with a limp and was raised in a whorehouse, but underneath his self-deprecating humour is a sweet man who has never been truly loved. He feels he is not good enough for her, regardless of his wealth. He is a self-confident artist but an insecure man. At one point he says to her “I found my art and suddenly I was important. But it was only because of what I could do, not for who I was. Inside, I’m still nothing.”
Grace embraces her feelings for him, and despite her mother’s pressure that she marry aristocracy, she knows Crispin is the only man for her. I liked that Grace went after what she wanted and saw Crispin for the man he truly was.
There was a lot of chemistry between both as they slowly accept that they belong together despite the conflicts thrown their way. I enjoyed reading the Pygmalion chapter headings. The author presents a twist regarding Crispin’s parentage that I did not find relevant and was too coincidental, but it did not detract from the storyline. My favourite part was the bantering between them. A short epilogue or longer ending would’ve been good too, but we do get a nice HEA.
July 26, 2015
His cock cheered this information with a standing ovation.
Well, that's one of us who's enthused.
At first, I wanted to quit reading because the writing was poor. Then, I decided to sit back and enjoy the hilarity. Towards the middle, the hilarity subsided, and it was just a run-of-the-mill "romance" novel. The characters read their lines, and the sex was rote.
Well, that's one of us who's enthused.
At first, I wanted to quit reading because the writing was poor. Then, I decided to sit back and enjoy the hilarity. Towards the middle, the hilarity subsided, and it was just a run-of-the-mill "romance" novel. The characters read their lines, and the sex was rote.
March 12, 2015
This is a truly delightful and fun love story. A pull-no-punches, talented, and esteemed artist of questionable birth falls hard for a smart and statuesque Boston heiress who refuses to marry for anything less than true love. Authentic, funny, and heartwarming, this historical romance is a winner.
Crispin Hawke is a sexy, arrogant, and supremely confident and talented artist, highly respected (but also whispered about) among polite society. When he meets Grace Makepeace, whose mother has commissioned Crispin for a sculpture of her daughter’s hands, he is stunned to discover that this unprepossessing young American heiress is the woman who has haunted his dreams. And it scares him to death.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog : http://bit.ly/1AhmrAe
Crispin Hawke is a sexy, arrogant, and supremely confident and talented artist, highly respected (but also whispered about) among polite society. When he meets Grace Makepeace, whose mother has commissioned Crispin for a sculpture of her daughter’s hands, he is stunned to discover that this unprepossessing young American heiress is the woman who has haunted his dreams. And it scares him to death.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog : http://bit.ly/1AhmrAe
May 18, 2013
Steamy...I like it!
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. The whole genius artist meets American in London didn't really interest me. But I thought I would try it out and Im glad I did! This author really knows how to weave a scene and put you under a spell. I liked all the seductiveness in it. Everything was nice and steamy but very tastefully done.
It did feel like the ending was a little abrupt and I would have liked an epilogue.
But still a great read...check it out!!
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. The whole genius artist meets American in London didn't really interest me. But I thought I would try it out and Im glad I did! This author really knows how to weave a scene and put you under a spell. I liked all the seductiveness in it. Everything was nice and steamy but very tastefully done.
It did feel like the ending was a little abrupt and I would have liked an epilogue.
But still a great read...check it out!!
March 30, 2015
This book was okay. Nothing special and not anything that I would probably re-read. It reminded me too much of the old harlequin romance novels that I could find in the back of my grandmother's closet. While I would read it, I never knew what I was going to get!
July 6, 2010
Cute funny sexy and romantic all at once. I love Emily Bryan's books!
March 15, 2020
2 Stars
July 11, 2019
5 stars because I'm being generous and this was super exciting at the end. I was crying out loud (aka squealing) at each new revelation. Oh god, the drawing of Grace at the end...I would have been so embarrassed if that were me.
Towards the end of the book, it seemed like every man wanted to marry her.
I had a feeling that Crispin was the bastard son of an aristocrat. Also, it works out that Richard already has a son (with Mary) that he'll be able to continue his line with. I was wondering how Crispin and Grace were going to be allowed to get married since her parents didn't want her marrying a commoner. Surprisingly, her parents, especially her mom, didn't make any protest at all to her marrying Crispin.
This book does remind me of a book by Jane Goodger where the girl falls in love with the artist, who is half-brother/brother to the nobleman she is supposed to marry.
Towards the end of the book, it seemed like every man wanted to marry her.
I had a feeling that Crispin was the bastard son of an aristocrat. Also, it works out that Richard already has a son (with Mary) that he'll be able to continue his line with. I was wondering how Crispin and Grace were going to be allowed to get married since her parents didn't want her marrying a commoner. Surprisingly, her parents, especially her mom, didn't make any protest at all to her marrying Crispin.
This book does remind me of a book by Jane Goodger where the girl falls in love with the artist, who is half-brother/brother to the nobleman she is supposed to marry.
October 21, 2021
The Pygmalion plot was a fun trope to explore, but there were WAY too many totally unbelievable plot bunnies going on. The half-brother bit was just excruciating, and most of the secondary characters were ridiculous rather than fun or lending insight into the main characters.
March 28, 2019
Fun and sexy. Some passages sounded scratchy.
December 8, 2021
I think this is really under rated.
January 15, 2018
I'm not normally into period romances, but I enjoyed this book
July 21, 2011
I read the back cover blurb of this book and groaned. Haven’t we read this before? But then when I got into the book, there’s a couple things in the blurb that are just plain wrong. So if the same thing happens to you when deciding to try this book or not, read it anyway. Someone didn’t do it justice when they wrote that darned blurb.
Grace and her family are visiting England from Boston, and her mother has decided that having a sculpture done of Grace’s hands by premier artist Crispin Hawke will help place her high among the season’s ton, making her chances of snagging a titled lord much easier.
Grace would rather stay among her books than deal with such things, but she does meet with the artist, who is rude and too familiar for her tastes. He also intrigues her, so at her mother’s insistence Grace finds herself in Crispin’s studio the next morning.
And then starts Grace’s education in matters of pleasure in between their banter and Crispin’s unexplained bouts of guilt when it comes to seducing Grace. They are total opposites and in the beginning they don’t attract. Sparks fly instead, Grace not giving in to Crispin’s hauteur even though he’s a commoner, though one in high demand. Of course, they finally do attract and things take off, more sparks of a totally different nature, but then Crispin has to make a difficult decision for himself when that wanted titled lord that he, himself, brings on the scene does take an interest in Grace.
There is a side story with Wyckham, Crispin’s valet, and Claudette, Grace’s French maid. At times this element seems to go a little overboard, but over all it works well enough with the rest of the story.
I really like the snippits we see of Crispin’s growing-up years, just enough to know why he’s turned out the way he has, like his life has been waiting for Grace to liven and lighten things up for him, to show him how life should be lived.
A good story that has its moments but is weighted down at others. The main characters, however, are worth the read in the way they overcome their differences and do what is best for them, instead of what everyone else wants.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Grace and her family are visiting England from Boston, and her mother has decided that having a sculpture done of Grace’s hands by premier artist Crispin Hawke will help place her high among the season’s ton, making her chances of snagging a titled lord much easier.
Grace would rather stay among her books than deal with such things, but she does meet with the artist, who is rude and too familiar for her tastes. He also intrigues her, so at her mother’s insistence Grace finds herself in Crispin’s studio the next morning.
And then starts Grace’s education in matters of pleasure in between their banter and Crispin’s unexplained bouts of guilt when it comes to seducing Grace. They are total opposites and in the beginning they don’t attract. Sparks fly instead, Grace not giving in to Crispin’s hauteur even though he’s a commoner, though one in high demand. Of course, they finally do attract and things take off, more sparks of a totally different nature, but then Crispin has to make a difficult decision for himself when that wanted titled lord that he, himself, brings on the scene does take an interest in Grace.
There is a side story with Wyckham, Crispin’s valet, and Claudette, Grace’s French maid. At times this element seems to go a little overboard, but over all it works well enough with the rest of the story.
I really like the snippits we see of Crispin’s growing-up years, just enough to know why he’s turned out the way he has, like his life has been waiting for Grace to liven and lighten things up for him, to show him how life should be lived.
A good story that has its moments but is weighted down at others. The main characters, however, are worth the read in the way they overcome their differences and do what is best for them, instead of what everyone else wants.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
April 2, 2013
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
Early today I finished Stroke of Genius by Mia Marlowe. I must that I did enjoy this steamy read. Believe me there are some pretty hot scenes in this story. However, that's not the only reason I liked the story. So, let me share why I like the story.
First off, I'm partial to American heiresses as heroine (not that I'm one, but I just love when Americans cross the pond to stir up trouble. Not intentionally, just happens). Grace Makepeace's mother is hoping that Grace can catch the eye of a titled lord. Cause that's every mothers dream.
Grace's mother figures hiring the exclusive sculptor, Crispin Hawkins, to make a sculptor of Grace's hands will set her off in the eyes of the ton. Silly mothers. However, Crispin desires Grace and he's not sure why. So, there is so much heat between them.
I did enjoy Stroke of Genius for a couple of reason: 1) The chemistry between Grace and Crispin. 2) Who doesn't enjoy an American heiress as a heroine. 3) Surprisingly Crispin does have some morals, but you know they get toss out the window when he has the hots for the heroine. 4) A twist about his heritage. Let me tell you I was surprise.
Overall, Mia Marlowe does have a way with writing witty conversation and hot heroes. Seriously, I love the banter between the hero and heroine. So, if you are looking for a hot hero and an American heiress I would suggest taking a look at Stroke of Genius.
Early today I finished Stroke of Genius by Mia Marlowe. I must that I did enjoy this steamy read. Believe me there are some pretty hot scenes in this story. However, that's not the only reason I liked the story. So, let me share why I like the story.
First off, I'm partial to American heiresses as heroine (not that I'm one, but I just love when Americans cross the pond to stir up trouble. Not intentionally, just happens). Grace Makepeace's mother is hoping that Grace can catch the eye of a titled lord. Cause that's every mothers dream.
Grace's mother figures hiring the exclusive sculptor, Crispin Hawkins, to make a sculptor of Grace's hands will set her off in the eyes of the ton. Silly mothers. However, Crispin desires Grace and he's not sure why. So, there is so much heat between them.
I did enjoy Stroke of Genius for a couple of reason: 1) The chemistry between Grace and Crispin. 2) Who doesn't enjoy an American heiress as a heroine. 3) Surprisingly Crispin does have some morals, but you know they get toss out the window when he has the hots for the heroine. 4) A twist about his heritage. Let me tell you I was surprise.
Overall, Mia Marlowe does have a way with writing witty conversation and hot heroes. Seriously, I love the banter between the hero and heroine. So, if you are looking for a hot hero and an American heiress I would suggest taking a look at Stroke of Genius.
April 2, 2013
Overall "Stroke of Genius" is an engaging and at times amusing read. Crispin is a delightful break from the typical British gentry protagonist. What American reader can resist a self made man? And an artist at that! The Makepeace's are a lovely little family. It's a nice change of pace to read about a female character who's NOT so dreadfully all alone in the world. The companionship between Mr. Makepeace and Crispin gave hope to me as the reader and was a fresh change of pace in a novel. Grace and her father are trying to please her mother but Grace begins to realize she has her own opinions and desires. Grace is believably innocent which enhances the plot as it ticks along. The sparks between Grace and Crispin are enticing, enhanced by the mystery of the doppelganger. Lastly, the editing and Marlowe's writing style are better than most other books I've read. The writing is so perfect that I'm very rarely distracted by a misspelling or out of place word. Anyone who likes romance will love this book!
September 2, 2013
What a terrific book! Grace and Crispin had phenomenal chemistry and wicked banter that left me smiling long after the book ended. Grace is the perfect amount of innocence and curiosity blended with an aloofness that is endearing. Crispin is so different than the typical historical romance hero, a self-made commoner artist with a flirtatious tongue and a bum leg. The sparks flew fast and furious between them. Grace's parents were wonderful additions, especially her dad, also a self-made wealthy & down to earth man. And oui oui, I loved Claudette, the French maid!
The love scenes were both sensual and erotic yet tastefully done. They fit in perfectly w/ the feel of the story. The villains and scandalous elements were spot on & quite fun. I'm typically not a fan of historical romance stories, but is this is the kind of work that Ms. Marlowe puts out, I'm inclined to pick up some more of her books. Well done!
The love scenes were both sensual and erotic yet tastefully done. They fit in perfectly w/ the feel of the story. The villains and scandalous elements were spot on & quite fun. I'm typically not a fan of historical romance stories, but is this is the kind of work that Ms. Marlowe puts out, I'm inclined to pick up some more of her books. Well done!
March 17, 2016
DNFat 93 pages in. The premise of the story was good but I just couldn't get into it. The male love interest is just a self absorbed dick and the heiress is just blah. The writing was poor and I really just couldn't get into it. Not to mention that the characters in this book seem to condemn love, especially Grace's stereotypical French maid who just seems to spit on it and thinks it's all useless except for self love. Which just angers me. Now if that is any indicator for the rest of the story and how the maid talks about having possible affairs after marriage, then I say this book stinks.
I am not into a whole bunch of unnecessary drama. Reading about people who are unfaithful or are putting ideas that love is stupid into a dimwitted girls head is not what I would consider enjoyable. It's such a shame because the baseline story could be so good. Another novel lost to bad writing. RIP.
I am not into a whole bunch of unnecessary drama. Reading about people who are unfaithful or are putting ideas that love is stupid into a dimwitted girls head is not what I would consider enjoyable. It's such a shame because the baseline story could be so good. Another novel lost to bad writing. RIP.
March 20, 2015
First let me say I'm actually only rating this 4.5/5 because the editing errors made me twitch. There really were not that many, but calling Crispin by the name of Crisping stopped the wonderful flow in this book. Don't panic. That one error is not the only reason I dropped half of a star.
Now, on to the important stuff. LOVED this book. The characters were fantastic. Crispin with his brooding, his wit, and his talent. Top that all off with a lot of hard work to earn what he has now. You couldn't help but feel for Grace's character. Her mother is obsessed with class and pushing her daughter into it. Her father is at least more down to Earth. She has low self esteem, but also an inner strength that makes her banter with Crispin so great. The plot was interesting and even included a very indecent proposal. Last, it had a HEA to make you sigh. Great story!
Now, on to the important stuff. LOVED this book. The characters were fantastic. Crispin with his brooding, his wit, and his talent. Top that all off with a lot of hard work to earn what he has now. You couldn't help but feel for Grace's character. Her mother is obsessed with class and pushing her daughter into it. Her father is at least more down to Earth. She has low self esteem, but also an inner strength that makes her banter with Crispin so great. The plot was interesting and even included a very indecent proposal. Last, it had a HEA to make you sigh. Great story!
July 16, 2021
I have never read a book by Emily Bryan before but I will definitely look out for her books! I really enjoyed this book. There were some things I didn't like so much, some things that were too convenient but it was a good read and I ended the book with a smile so I gave it 5stars.
January 18, 2014
A new favorite for the genre. HOT encounters, characters you can really come to love, and some surprising twists. I would give my hair for another book about these two, a sequel, even hotter than this one! LOL
Only minor complaints, like the overuse of some words, some modern language that didn't fit with the time period, and the ending was SO frustratingly short. No thoughts of contraception, which had to have been on their minds, considering the time period and Grace's precarious place in life. Not a perfect story, but one I really loved.
Only minor complaints, like the overuse of some words, some modern language that didn't fit with the time period, and the ending was SO frustratingly short. No thoughts of contraception, which had to have been on their minds, considering the time period and Grace's precarious place in life. Not a perfect story, but one I really loved.
April 13, 2013
Stroke of genius is a great historical romance that has a touch of humor and enough "ooh la la" to keep a secret smile on your face. I loved the characters, they each had there own personality to make them a real player in the book. I loved the build up of the book and was engaged to the end. Unfortunately, the end was a little too abrupt for my taste, but that didn't detract from the story as a whole. Stroke of genius is definitely worth your time.
May 26, 2013
Good read. Gentle flirtation that turns the heat up and makes one's heart do flips.
Favorite Quotes: Loc. 430 "You may drape her with pearls and shower her with diamonds, but nothing so becomes a woman as silence"
The next one I thought was funny and sad at the same time:
Loc. 1223-1224 "Mam'sell, a husband is not to love. A husband is to bring home the money and chop the wood to keep the house warm."
Favorite Quotes: Loc. 430 "You may drape her with pearls and shower her with diamonds, but nothing so becomes a woman as silence"
The next one I thought was funny and sad at the same time:
Loc. 1223-1224 "Mam'sell, a husband is not to love. A husband is to bring home the money and chop the wood to keep the house warm."
September 2, 2013
I enjoyed the book and liked both characters. Crispin is nice with a touch of Dr. House. Grace is level-headed and curious.
The humor was a nice touch and the secondary romance was rather cute.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the ending. Way too abrupt. After spending so much quality time with the characters, I would have wanted an epilogue or a better resolution for them: Dorset, Olivia, Mr. Wickerly, etc. And again, I want to see Dorset again.
The humor was a nice touch and the secondary romance was rather cute.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the ending. Way too abrupt. After spending so much quality time with the characters, I would have wanted an epilogue or a better resolution for them: Dorset, Olivia, Mr. Wickerly, etc. And again, I want to see Dorset again.
January 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Cripin and Grace. The sexual tension between the 2 was amazing. I loved the beckering back and forth. It was a very fun read and a really good romance.
I would love to read a story about the brother. I think he would make a fun story with his problem and maybe over coming it. also then they could bring Crispin and grace back to help him out.
I would recommend this book and I will also try more by this author.
I would love to read a story about the brother. I think he would make a fun story with his problem and maybe over coming it. also then they could bring Crispin and grace back to help him out.
I would recommend this book and I will also try more by this author.
May 4, 2011
3.5 really - I found this quite enjoyable. Loved the artist character, but found the ending a little rushed and unsatisfying (the use of the Pygmalion story was great, but it was never finished - very irritating!). Coincidences used to solve plot points were fun, but the story wasn't quite strong enough for the writer to get away with them and not jar the reader.
April 10, 2012
This was actually my second read-through, but no less enjoyable. I loved the interplay between the story of Pygmalion told in the chapter headers, and the action in the story. Didn't realize the first time-- this author now writes under the name Mia Marlowe. (Sort of a pity, since I liked this much better than I've liked Marlowe's paranormal-laced titles.)
May 7, 2013
The Characters were very likable even if the story was fairly predictable. I really enjoyed the play between Crispin and Grace and the way that the author described the character's thoughts. I can't put my finger on it, it was definatly different from most and took some getting used to, but I grew to enjoy it. I am looking forward to my next Mia Marlowe read.
May 15, 2013
This is a wonderful story with great interactions between all the characters. Even the relationships between the servants and their employers are expressed with such humor that you cannot help but enjoy them. This story includes a hardened man, a woman who does whatever she pleases, a French maid that is willing to explain to her mistress the things she knows of men, and a lot of steamy romance.
July 31, 2013
Ahhh...Crispin. I think he may be my new favorite romantic hero. Who wouldn't love a uber-talented, smart-alecky sculptor who only wants to be appreciated for what he is inside. This book has some wonderful dialog, and the romance is sweet and convincing. This Kindle book is a great value and a great read.
May 12, 2013
Really enjoyed this! Mia has a special way with words, both modern and historical, and this book was eminently readable. I flew through Crispin and Grace's story.
Nice use of epigraphs to set the scene for each chapter.
Nice use of epigraphs to set the scene for each chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews