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Black Sheep #2
The Duke's Portraitist
The duke, his secretary, the widowed companion and the ambitious painter… but just who is sending seemingly random strangers to the duke?
Mr James Hammond is happy to be employed by the Duke of Brinshire as his secretary, but it’s fairly dull at Staineybank, and there’s not much in the future to look forward to, and now the duke’s new heir has arrived, bringing an army of female relations to disrupt this quiet life.
Mrs Henry Hastings came to Staineybank as companion to the new heir’s wife, but now that Rowena is married and with a new baby to dote on, Georgie isn’t needed so much. She’s making herself useful helping James with his work, and finds him a sympathetic listener, but sometimes a little sympathy can have disastrous consequences.
Mr Lance Chamberlain has reached the pinnacle of his ambitions — he’s made both his fortune and his reputation as a portrait painter, and he’s betrothed to the daughter of a marquess. What more is there to aspire to? But a letter inviting him to Staineybank to paint the heir’s wife leads him into a bewildering position — he’s not expected, and although the duke is welcoming, his secretary asks rather too many questions. And perhaps his life isn’t as settled as he’d thought…
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 2 of a 6 book series.
Mr James Hammond is happy to be employed by the Duke of Brinshire as his secretary, but it’s fairly dull at Staineybank, and there’s not much in the future to look forward to, and now the duke’s new heir has arrived, bringing an army of female relations to disrupt this quiet life.
Mrs Henry Hastings came to Staineybank as companion to the new heir’s wife, but now that Rowena is married and with a new baby to dote on, Georgie isn’t needed so much. She’s making herself useful helping James with his work, and finds him a sympathetic listener, but sometimes a little sympathy can have disastrous consequences.
Mr Lance Chamberlain has reached the pinnacle of his ambitions — he’s made both his fortune and his reputation as a portrait painter, and he’s betrothed to the daughter of a marquess. What more is there to aspire to? But a letter inviting him to Staineybank to paint the heir’s wife leads him into a bewildering position — he’s not expected, and although the duke is welcoming, his secretary asks rather too many questions. And perhaps his life isn’t as settled as he’d thought…
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 2 of a 6 book series.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2026
About the author
Mary Kingswood
106 books502 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 29, 2026
All. The. Stars! Oh my goodness gracious, Mary Kingswood just gets better and better. This feels like an old fashioned epic family drama. Much more involved than even the earlier books in this series, which really just set up the events in this book. Be prepared, you will weep over this one. I read all afternoon Sunday, finished it in the night. Didn’t want it to end! I admit, I miss Captain Edgerton and the gang, but I have a feeling he will make an appearance before the end, as the mystery was just hinted at here. I normally read her new releases on the day. Somehow I missed this until now, even though I pre ordered it. I guess it means I don’t have to wait as long for the gardener’s story. The first chapter is intriguing! Highly recommended!
May 17, 2026
The Duke’s Portraitist by Mary Kingswood is an absolute gem of a Regency romance. If you love traditional, clean historical fiction with intelligent characters and beautifully layered plots, this book deserves a top spot on your reading list. Mary Kingswood is one of my favourite authors , delivering an immersive world of diverse and interesting characters and subplots. What makes this story stand out is the wonderful depth of its main characters and their naturally evolving relationships.
Kingswood crafts a beautifully paced, slow-burn romance built on mutual respect, witty dialogue, and genuine emotional connection.The story is further enriched by the author's meticulous attention to historical detail. The vivid exploration of the Regency art world and the rigid social etiquette of the era adds fantastic interest to the narrative. Combined with an engaging mystery subplot that keeps the pacing brisk, this book delivers the perfect balance of suspense and romance. It is a highly satisfying, character-driven escape that I couldn't put down. Although the novels can be read as seperate complete stories the ongoing plot of Mr Goodenough is intriguing. As part of a six book series this book leaves me anxious to read the next instalment.
Kingswood crafts a beautifully paced, slow-burn romance built on mutual respect, witty dialogue, and genuine emotional connection.The story is further enriched by the author's meticulous attention to historical detail. The vivid exploration of the Regency art world and the rigid social etiquette of the era adds fantastic interest to the narrative. Combined with an engaging mystery subplot that keeps the pacing brisk, this book delivers the perfect balance of suspense and romance. It is a highly satisfying, character-driven escape that I couldn't put down. Although the novels can be read as seperate complete stories the ongoing plot of Mr Goodenough is intriguing. As part of a six book series this book leaves me anxious to read the next instalment.
May 17, 2026
Mary Kingswood is absolutely the best in Regency Romance.
I am not sure what it is about Mary Kingswood writing that just captures my heart. Is it the characters, her style of writing, her story lines or all of these! Wonderful new series. If you read one of her books you’ll want to read all of her series!
I am not sure what it is about Mary Kingswood writing that just captures my heart. Is it the characters, her style of writing, her story lines or all of these! Wonderful new series. If you read one of her books you’ll want to read all of her series!
May 16, 2026
Another delightful entry in the series set at the Duke of Brinshire's estate, with several romances and a mysterious character unveiled. Mary Kingswood's traditional Regency romances are the best!
Her books are character-driven, faithful in tone and plots to the genre sources (Austen and Heyer), take their time, and don't make me twitch at anachronistic behavior and language like lesser entries do.
I enjoy the series format of returning to the same characters and setting over time, introducing just a few new characters each time.
Her books are character-driven, faithful in tone and plots to the genre sources (Austen and Heyer), take their time, and don't make me twitch at anachronistic behavior and language like lesser entries do.
I enjoy the series format of returning to the same characters and setting over time, introducing just a few new characters each time.
May 18, 2026
I enjoyed this book much more than the first instalment of the Black sheep series, the Duke's architect. There I had found the characters too bland with nothing much happening . The Duke was the only entertaining character. In this second instalment ( well, third if you include the prequel novella), the plot is multi layered without ever becoming confusing, the characters have greater depth and come to life. I suppose it could be said that the different subplots come to a convenient satisfactory end or as in the case of the valet's true identity do not always add anything to the overall story, yet for me it did not distract from the picture of the group of very different people living in Staineybank. There is still of course no advance on the mysterious solicitor Mr Goodenough. Interesting name!
There is one loose end, concerning the adulterated tea leaves, perhaps the addition of some penny royal leaves?....but for what purpose and by whom? Maybe time will tell.
My favourite characters have to be Lily and Lance. An impossible romance , yet Mary Kingswood excelled at making it both powerful, yet light. I can imagine a resolution for their dilemma, of course, but not just yet!
It is all very enjoyable and kept me wanting to turn the pages. It can read as a standalone, but better to start from the beginning as very little is said on why all these characters form part of the Duke's household.
Very much looking forward to the next book which of course I have pre-ordered!
There is one loose end, concerning the adulterated tea leaves, perhaps the addition of some penny royal leaves?....but for what purpose and by whom? Maybe time will tell.
My favourite characters have to be Lily and Lance. An impossible romance , yet Mary Kingswood excelled at making it both powerful, yet light. I can imagine a resolution for their dilemma, of course, but not just yet!
It is all very enjoyable and kept me wanting to turn the pages. It can read as a standalone, but better to start from the beginning as very little is said on why all these characters form part of the Duke's household.
Very much looking forward to the next book which of course I have pre-ordered!
May 19, 2026
The fictitious attorney, Mr. Goodenough, has sent yet another guest to Staineybank, the Duke of Brinshire's estate. This time, it's the fabulously-named artist, Lancelot Chamberlain. Welcomed by the duke, as the previous surprise guests have been, Lance is commissioned to paint a portrait of Rowena, the heir's wife. The artist's own complicated romantic journey will partially evolve in this book, but it isn't the only one. James Hammond, the duke's secretary, is tediously copying his employer's journals for posterity. He is occasionally helped by widow Georgie Hastings, who arrived with Rowena as the first mysterious guest sent by Mr. Goodenough. With Rowena now married to the heir and reveling in motherhood with their first child, Georgie feels useless and unnoticed. Her attempt to be helpful often puts her in company with Mr. Hammond. Their quiet romance travels a bumpy road.
In the background is the continuing mystery of Mr. Goodenough's identity and the question of why he keeps sending people to Staineybank. That will not be answered until the end of the series, if the pattern in the author's previous books is followed. I love Mary Kingswood's books. I get sucked into the worlds she creates from the very first page. It will be a long four months until Book 3.
In the background is the continuing mystery of Mr. Goodenough's identity and the question of why he keeps sending people to Staineybank. That will not be answered until the end of the series, if the pattern in the author's previous books is followed. I love Mary Kingswood's books. I get sucked into the worlds she creates from the very first page. It will be a long four months until Book 3.
May 17, 2026
A Good Blend of Mystery and Romance
Although it is numbered book 2 in the Black Sheep series, it is the third part of the story which began with an unexpected elevation to the aristocracy. The book is layered with small mysteries, behind which there is a greater mystery- the apparently orchestrated bringing together of certain people at a certain place, at a certain time. Each book has a romance at the heart of the story, plus the complications of relationships that do not work out as expected. Mary Kingswood’s books are always enjoyable and entertaining and The Black Sheep series does not disappoint.
Although it is numbered book 2 in the Black Sheep series, it is the third part of the story which began with an unexpected elevation to the aristocracy. The book is layered with small mysteries, behind which there is a greater mystery- the apparently orchestrated bringing together of certain people at a certain place, at a certain time. Each book has a romance at the heart of the story, plus the complications of relationships that do not work out as expected. Mary Kingswood’s books are always enjoyable and entertaining and The Black Sheep series does not disappoint.
May 23, 2026
Other reviewers have called this book rambling, and that may be a good description. It certainly more complex than the usual cozy Regency. The romantic focus is not on the portraitist who frankly can seem a little shallow, or his valet, who is a missing gentry, but two minor characters, the secretary, and the Duchess’s companion. There seem to be a lot of loose threads in this one and the characters while more mature than some of the other books the author has written all seem to have if not a touch of sadness at least a maudlin air. Will look forward to more resolution in the next book.
August 21, 2026
A clean Regency romance, the second of a series, though you don't need to have read its predecessor to enjoy it. As always with Mary Kingswood, it is well written and shows an understanding of the conventions of the time. There is a touch of mystery but this is subsidiary. The title is misleading, as the book is not centred on the portraitist, and his is not the chief romance. I have given it four rather than five stars because there is no clear main focus and as a result the novel does not cohere as well as it might: but it is still enjoyable.
May 16, 2026
rambling tale that captures British Upper Ton
Of course, I’m sure it captures the idealized versions of how the Upper 10,000 live BETWEEN the “Season” and “Little Season”, but their day to day, pleasant and gentle existences, happily ensconced with their nearest and dearest, and even their uncomplaining adherence to duty despite personal preferences, creates a soft, hazy, beautiful world which suddenly you awaken from and think “has it been that much time already?”
Of course, I’m sure it captures the idealized versions of how the Upper 10,000 live BETWEEN the “Season” and “Little Season”, but their day to day, pleasant and gentle existences, happily ensconced with their nearest and dearest, and even their uncomplaining adherence to duty despite personal preferences, creates a soft, hazy, beautiful world which suddenly you awaken from and think “has it been that much time already?”
May 16, 2026
Excellent as always
Once again Mary brings wonderful characters to life on the pages of this book. Love that there are several mysterious situations happening under the duke’s roof. I miss the lawyers from previous series but the Hammonds’ curiosity and logic adds to the fun. Can’t wait for the next book in the series
Once again Mary brings wonderful characters to life on the pages of this book. Love that there are several mysterious situations happening under the duke’s roof. I miss the lawyers from previous series but the Hammonds’ curiosity and logic adds to the fun. Can’t wait for the next book in the series
May 18, 2026
She’s done it again!
Another fabulous book from Mary Kingswood, and a series that promises to be just as wonderful and captivating as all the others! I just wish I could read the rest of the series right now rather than wait. Oh well, good things come to those that wait and I am completely convinced that it will be worth the wait!
Another fabulous book from Mary Kingswood, and a series that promises to be just as wonderful and captivating as all the others! I just wish I could read the rest of the series right now rather than wait. Oh well, good things come to those that wait and I am completely convinced that it will be worth the wait!
May 19, 2026
I love this series, too. Such an excellent writer of wonderful novels
The characters are always so interesting and true to life. I always enjoy the plot twists & turns and I love that the mysteries are resolved for the most part but some are left hanging for the next book. Can’t wait!
The characters are always so interesting and true to life. I always enjoy the plot twists & turns and I love that the mysteries are resolved for the most part but some are left hanging for the next book. Can’t wait!
May 20, 2026
Ended too soon!!
The love and mysteries keep growing! Who tainted the tea? Was the duke's son murdered? Will Lily and Lance ever realize their love? So many threads to tie up, and who will be the fake lawyer's next delivery?
I love this series and only wish the installments would come out quicker!
The love and mysteries keep growing! Who tainted the tea? Was the duke's son murdered? Will Lily and Lance ever realize their love? So many threads to tie up, and who will be the fake lawyer's next delivery?
I love this series and only wish the installments would come out quicker!
May 20, 2026
Kisses only
This book really follows three MCs which is a bit weird. I guess they needed the Portraitist to bring in the mystery and follow the script of the Duke bringing in people to his home. I enjoyed reading about Georgie and Jamie. I enjoyed Lance’s story less. He seemed fickle to me. All in all this was an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
This book really follows three MCs which is a bit weird. I guess they needed the Portraitist to bring in the mystery and follow the script of the Duke bringing in people to his home. I enjoyed reading about Georgie and Jamie. I enjoyed Lance’s story less. He seemed fickle to me. All in all this was an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 22, 2026
So far, this series is intriguing. There is not just one plot line which makes for an engaging read. When a new person mysteriously is invited to visit the Duke, there is always a back story which we don't know. Figuring it out is fun and stretched out during the course of the book, but the secondary plot lines are an extra bonus.
May 17, 2026
Two typos - not bad for an author in hosp for awhile! (an at instead of as and a of/off I think). As per usual one of my favorite character constructors.
Bravo Mare.
Lily and you know... but for that to happen. Oh dear.
Bravo Mare.
Lily and you know... but for that to happen. Oh dear.
May 22, 2026
As always, well written
Mary Kingswood is on my shot list of skilled authors. All, her books are wonderfully conceived and well written..now on to her next book in this series coming out later this year.
Mary Kingswood is on my shot list of skilled authors. All, her books are wonderfully conceived and well written..now on to her next book in this series coming out later this year.
May 23, 2026
another great read from Mary Kingswood
Mary Kingswood has become my favorite author. This book was a bit of a surprise with some different characters and themes. I really enjoyed and of course I anxiously await the next in this series.
Mary Kingswood has become my favorite author. This book was a bit of a surprise with some different characters and themes. I really enjoyed and of course I anxiously await the next in this series.
May 27, 2026
Mystery deepens
Well that got interesting. We have two couples, a possible poisoning and a hidden identity. Whoever mr. Goodenough is he sure keeps the Duke's household guessing.
Well that got interesting. We have two couples, a possible poisoning and a hidden identity. Whoever mr. Goodenough is he sure keeps the Duke's household guessing.
June 10, 2026
A Wonderful Read
As always, another wonderful book in this series - Black Sheep. Mary Kingswood builds a mystery through her series, yet each book is satisfying in itself. Looking forward to the next one!
As always, another wonderful book in this series - Black Sheep. Mary Kingswood builds a mystery through her series, yet each book is satisfying in itself. Looking forward to the next one!
June 16, 2026
Beautiful Babies
I loved this book as much as the other, although it made me a little sad. I remembered how I felt when I lost my first two babies. I can’t wait for the mystery of Mr. Good enough is solved.
I loved this book as much as the other, although it made me a little sad. I remembered how I felt when I lost my first two babies. I can’t wait for the mystery of Mr. Good enough is solved.
May 17, 2026
Another delightful installment
Ms. Kingswood has become one of my favorite authors, and this is an excellent entry in the Black Sheep series.
Ms. Kingswood has become one of my favorite authors, and this is an excellent entry in the Black Sheep series.
May 20, 2026
I’m very much enjoying this series and finding the next addition to the Duke of Brinshire’s household. Mary Kingswood never disappoints.
May 21, 2026
This one is interesting because the story of the Duke's portraitist is still up in the air.
May 21, 2026
Another Wonderful Story!
I hate when the story ends. I love all the characters and hate to say goodbye. Can’t wait for the next book!
I hate when the story ends. I love all the characters and hate to say goodbye. Can’t wait for the next book!
May 21, 2026
3.75
June 16, 2026
Always a great read
Mary never disappoints. This book has a slightly different manner, but as always very satisfying. The slight differences made the story even more intriguing.
Mary never disappoints. This book has a slightly different manner, but as always very satisfying. The slight differences made the story even more intriguing.
July 26, 2026
captivating
Enjoyed this story with its twists and turns. Definite read. Still waiting to finds answers to all the mysteries. Great!
Enjoyed this story with its twists and turns. Definite read. Still waiting to finds answers to all the mysteries. Great!
August 10, 2026
such a fun and delightful series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews