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The Lords of Eton #1
Le Portrait de Lady Wycliff
"Durant ces dix dernières années, Harry, comte de Wycliff, n’a pas ménagé ses efforts pour reconstituer la fortune dilapidée par son père. Néanmoins, un objet continue à lui échapper : le portrait de sa mère adorée peint par Gainsborough. Seule Louisa Phillips, une jeune veuve à la beauté fascinante, détient la clé pour le retrouver. Harry parviendra-t-il à la convaincre de l’aider ?"
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
672 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
80 books1,666 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 13, 2018
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff by Cheryl Bolen is book One in The Lords of Eton Series. This is the story of Harry, the Earl of Wycliff and Louisa Phillips.
Harry is doing everything he can be legal or illegal to gain the fund to get back everything that was lost by his parents. Harry's father gambled away after thing but now that his parents are dead he has been working to fix what was lost. When he goes to the house where they had lived to see about buying it and getting back some personal items back he finds a women there....Louisa. Louisa is a widower who husband did not leave her anything and she is trying to take care of her family and herself. Louisa doesn't know who out right owns the house but she has had an interaction with him. So to help Louisa with her dire need of money he hires her to help him find the owner. But along the way they are finding each other and their feelings.
Really sweet romance that you can't put down....loved it!
Harry is doing everything he can be legal or illegal to gain the fund to get back everything that was lost by his parents. Harry's father gambled away after thing but now that his parents are dead he has been working to fix what was lost. When he goes to the house where they had lived to see about buying it and getting back some personal items back he finds a women there....Louisa. Louisa is a widower who husband did not leave her anything and she is trying to take care of her family and herself. Louisa doesn't know who out right owns the house but she has had an interaction with him. So to help Louisa with her dire need of money he hires her to help him find the owner. But along the way they are finding each other and their feelings.
Really sweet romance that you can't put down....loved it!
June 11, 2020
Lord Wycliff has returned after being gone for ten years. His father lost the family home. Harry goes to see if he can buy the home back from the widow of the man who took it from his father. Louisa Philips has just found out her husband left her nothing when he died. He did not even own the house. She agrees to help Harry find the owner with Harry. He will help her. Also the portrait of his mother is missing too. They set out to find the lord who Louisa just saw briefly one time. Can they work together to do this?
May 15, 2018
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
3 stars
Harry was on a mission to get back what was rightfully his but somewhere along the way; he finds himself captivated by Louisa. She’s everything he can’t have yet he yearns to hold her and make her his own. Will he lose his heart?
I really struggled to get into this one. The story was slow paced and at times became monotonous.
Louisa was an interesting character and I couldn’t help but sympathise with the situation she found herself in. She was fiery, stubborn and had a kind heart. She wanted to make a difference to women and children regardless of their status.
Harry and Louisa - their chemistry was somewhat disappointing. They gave each other yearning looks but it lacked in passion and heat.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read but it felt like a battle, trying to get to the end. There wasn’t anything exciting going on and everything just blended in together. Everything good literally happens right at the end when the mystery is finally solved. Sadly, this one wasn’t for me!
3 stars
Harry was on a mission to get back what was rightfully his but somewhere along the way; he finds himself captivated by Louisa. She’s everything he can’t have yet he yearns to hold her and make her his own. Will he lose his heart?
I really struggled to get into this one. The story was slow paced and at times became monotonous.
Louisa was an interesting character and I couldn’t help but sympathise with the situation she found herself in. She was fiery, stubborn and had a kind heart. She wanted to make a difference to women and children regardless of their status.
Harry and Louisa - their chemistry was somewhat disappointing. They gave each other yearning looks but it lacked in passion and heat.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read but it felt like a battle, trying to get to the end. There wasn’t anything exciting going on and everything just blended in together. Everything good literally happens right at the end when the mystery is finally solved. Sadly, this one wasn’t for me!
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March 30, 2021Determined protagonists!
Blue stockings, reformed pirate lords, a mislaid valuable portrait, carriage journeys across the wilds of Cornwall, all make for an exciting time. Unfortunately the whole picture just didn't quite unfold as one would hope. Still I did enjoy Louisa Phillips and the very focused Earl of Wycliff's story.
A NetGalley ARC
Blue stockings, reformed pirate lords, a mislaid valuable portrait, carriage journeys across the wilds of Cornwall, all make for an exciting time. Unfortunately the whole picture just didn't quite unfold as one would hope. Still I did enjoy Louisa Phillips and the very focused Earl of Wycliff's story.
A NetGalley ARC
May 10, 2018
For the past decade Harry, the Earl of Wycliff, has worked feverishly to reclaim all that his father had lost. He still has to buy back the London townhouse where there was a Gainsborough portrait of his beloved mother. However the impossibly young, stunningly beautiful widow Louisa Phillips now lives in the house.
Louisa is opinionated & fights for a number of causes, Harry is desperately trying to restore his family fortunes & thinks ‘a lord’ is behind his father’s misfortunes. I struggled at the beginning to like both Harry & Louisa, he lied to win Louisa’s help & she hates men after a disastrous marriage. The pace does lag to begin with but gradually increases as they set out to find the portrait. I also gradually liked Harry & Louisa more & by the end of the book they had certainly grown on me. It was an enjoyable read with an adventure & a secondary romance, I look forward to more in the series as Sinjin & Alex deserve their HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Louisa is opinionated & fights for a number of causes, Harry is desperately trying to restore his family fortunes & thinks ‘a lord’ is behind his father’s misfortunes. I struggled at the beginning to like both Harry & Louisa, he lied to win Louisa’s help & she hates men after a disastrous marriage. The pace does lag to begin with but gradually increases as they set out to find the portrait. I also gradually liked Harry & Louisa more & by the end of the book they had certainly grown on me. It was an enjoyable read with an adventure & a secondary romance, I look forward to more in the series as Sinjin & Alex deserve their HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 13, 2018
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff by Cheryl Bolyn is the first in the Lords of Eton series. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and am giving my honest review.
Harry, the Earl Of Wycliff has been earning money to get back what his father gambled away and lost. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means lying to Louisa Phillips a widow, to get it.
Louisa Phillips is strong and opinionated. She was sold to her husband who was not a nice man. When he died, he left her with nothing. Not even the house she lived. Based on her past experiences, she is not fond of men.
Harry and Louisa must work together to find the elusive benefactor and reclaim some of Harry's family possessions.
As the story goes, you can see how the couple grows and learn from each other. The best part of the book I thought was the bad dash across England to find the elusive benefactor. All in all, I loved this story and highly recommend it.
Harry, the Earl Of Wycliff has been earning money to get back what his father gambled away and lost. He will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means lying to Louisa Phillips a widow, to get it.
Louisa Phillips is strong and opinionated. She was sold to her husband who was not a nice man. When he died, he left her with nothing. Not even the house she lived. Based on her past experiences, she is not fond of men.
Harry and Louisa must work together to find the elusive benefactor and reclaim some of Harry's family possessions.
As the story goes, you can see how the couple grows and learn from each other. The best part of the book I thought was the bad dash across England to find the elusive benefactor. All in all, I loved this story and highly recommend it.
May 15, 2018
A classic tale of something lost and something found which will bring our hero and heroine together. Louisa Phillips has lost her husband and as is the case sometimes, she finds herself left with little to nothing to live on and does not really know who owns the property she resides in. The house she inhabits was once owned by the family of Lord Harry Wycliff, but was lost by his parents along with a lot of other family property. Harry is determined to regain by fair or foul means all that was gambled away and restore his family name. As they meet, Harry is captivated by Louisa and tries to balance his attraction to her with his desire for her property. Louisa's sister Elle has also had a very hard time of it and they both just want security. Thus begins a search to find the answers to secrets held by her deceased husband and trying to unlock the mystery of who owns the home A little suspense, adventure and intrigue leads them on a journey to find the answers they seek. Can they uncover the truth as well as form a bond between them? An entertaining story that will keep you turning the pages. I read this book through NetGallery
May 17, 2018
Cheryl Bolen begins a new series (The Lords of Eton) with The Portrait of Lady Wycliff, the story of Harry Blassingame, the Earl of Wycliff, as he searches for the missing portrait of his late mother. Harry has spent the last eight years restoring the family fortunes lost by his late father, a decent man sorely lacking in ability as a gambler. Harry would prefer to keep his own counsel as to exactly how he has refilled the Wycliff coffers, but it wasn’t through gambling. Well, not exactly, anyway.
The last property on Harry’s list is the London house on Grosvenor Square, now in the possession of a young widow, Louisa Phillips. Surely it won’t be difficult to convince her to sell.
Louisa holds no admiration for the aristocracy, and no grief over the loss of her much older and unloved husband, who bought her from her unscrupulous father when she was fifteen years old. In fact, she holds very little admiration for men in general. She prefers to be an independent woman, with a secret of her own.
But, she discovers to her great distress, she can’t sell the house to Harry because she doesn’t own it. How will she and her younger sister Ellie manage now?
Against her better judgment, Louisa teams up with Harry to peel an onion of mysteries: Who is the shadowy “benefactor” who actually owns the house and apparently owned Louisa’s husband, too? Did Phillips and his secret backer deliberately set out to ruin the Wycliff family? And what has become of the missing portrait of Lady Wycliff, which should have been hanging in the Grosvenor Square house?
Louisa and Harry set off on a wild tour of Cornwall in search of answers, posing as Mr. and Mrs. Smith and (definitely against Louisa’s better judgment) sharing rooms—and, chastely, beds—in country inns along the way, fighting their growing admiration for each other, convinced an aristocrat and a bluestocking have no future together.
Will they find the benefactor? The portrait? The answers? True love? Well, this is a romance, of course, but the road to Happily Ever After is always an adventure. In this case, a thoroughly enjoyable adventure, populated with charming characters—Louisa’s sister Ellie and Harry’s cousin Edward have a few adventures of their own—and the always interesting background of Regency England.
The last property on Harry’s list is the London house on Grosvenor Square, now in the possession of a young widow, Louisa Phillips. Surely it won’t be difficult to convince her to sell.
Louisa holds no admiration for the aristocracy, and no grief over the loss of her much older and unloved husband, who bought her from her unscrupulous father when she was fifteen years old. In fact, she holds very little admiration for men in general. She prefers to be an independent woman, with a secret of her own.
But, she discovers to her great distress, she can’t sell the house to Harry because she doesn’t own it. How will she and her younger sister Ellie manage now?
Against her better judgment, Louisa teams up with Harry to peel an onion of mysteries: Who is the shadowy “benefactor” who actually owns the house and apparently owned Louisa’s husband, too? Did Phillips and his secret backer deliberately set out to ruin the Wycliff family? And what has become of the missing portrait of Lady Wycliff, which should have been hanging in the Grosvenor Square house?
Louisa and Harry set off on a wild tour of Cornwall in search of answers, posing as Mr. and Mrs. Smith and (definitely against Louisa’s better judgment) sharing rooms—and, chastely, beds—in country inns along the way, fighting their growing admiration for each other, convinced an aristocrat and a bluestocking have no future together.
Will they find the benefactor? The portrait? The answers? True love? Well, this is a romance, of course, but the road to Happily Ever After is always an adventure. In this case, a thoroughly enjoyable adventure, populated with charming characters—Louisa’s sister Ellie and Harry’s cousin Edward have a few adventures of their own—and the always interesting background of Regency England.
June 11, 2018
I've read and loved a couple of books by Cheryl Bolen up to now but somehow I couldn't get into this one. I started it, put it away, restarted, ...it went on and on and when I read it, it felt like it went on for ages.
I can't even say why I couldn't get into it but somehow neither the characters nor the story got me.
Sure, I understood that Harry, Lord Wycliff wanted to buy back everything that his father had lost and that it was in Louisa's interest to help him find the owner of the estate but I couldn't feel it. Okay, sure, Louisa's need was obvious as she needed the money to live after having been left with nothing when her husband died.
The pace was rather slow and even though there were times when a lot happened and things got messy and adventurous - somehow it still felt rather slow.
This book and I were not meant to be, I might try to read it again though and I'll definitely read other books by the author because I know that I loved the other books by her that I've read.
I can't even say why I couldn't get into it but somehow neither the characters nor the story got me.
Sure, I understood that Harry, Lord Wycliff wanted to buy back everything that his father had lost and that it was in Louisa's interest to help him find the owner of the estate but I couldn't feel it. Okay, sure, Louisa's need was obvious as she needed the money to live after having been left with nothing when her husband died.
The pace was rather slow and even though there were times when a lot happened and things got messy and adventurous - somehow it still felt rather slow.
This book and I were not meant to be, I might try to read it again though and I'll definitely read other books by the author because I know that I loved the other books by her that I've read.
May 25, 2018
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.
This is the first in this new series, and is the story of Harry, the Earl of Wycliff and Louisa Phillips.
For the past decade Harry has been working to reclaim all that his father had lost. The last item he needs is a London townhouse where there is a Gainsborough portrait of his beloved mother. However, a recently widowed Louisa is occupying the house and the portrait is gone. These two agree to work together to solve the mystery as there is a benefit to both of them. However neither has been completely honest.
I really struggled with this one. The beginning is terribly slow, which is made worse as you don't really connect with either character.
The last third of the story is where all the action is, and I unfortunately never really bought in to the love story. There is one scene where they declare their feelings and the dialogue was so sappy I actually groaned.
I'd give it 2.5 stars
This is the first in this new series, and is the story of Harry, the Earl of Wycliff and Louisa Phillips.
For the past decade Harry has been working to reclaim all that his father had lost. The last item he needs is a London townhouse where there is a Gainsborough portrait of his beloved mother. However, a recently widowed Louisa is occupying the house and the portrait is gone. These two agree to work together to solve the mystery as there is a benefit to both of them. However neither has been completely honest.
I really struggled with this one. The beginning is terribly slow, which is made worse as you don't really connect with either character.
The last third of the story is where all the action is, and I unfortunately never really bought in to the love story. There is one scene where they declare their feelings and the dialogue was so sappy I actually groaned.
I'd give it 2.5 stars
June 16, 2020
It's about sexual attraction.
I don't like books in which the hero thinks he needs to have sex all the time whether he is married or not! In historical romances, aristocratic or wealthy men felt they were entitled to.receive the services of a courtesan or mistress, with occasional romps with tavern wenches, who are also paid for their services! I don't read modern romances because men now think they have the right to frequent, free, sex, no strings attached. Books shouldn't reinforce the myth that men promulgate, that sex is love, or sex leads to love!
I don't like books in which the hero thinks he needs to have sex all the time whether he is married or not! In historical romances, aristocratic or wealthy men felt they were entitled to.receive the services of a courtesan or mistress, with occasional romps with tavern wenches, who are also paid for their services! I don't read modern romances because men now think they have the right to frequent, free, sex, no strings attached. Books shouldn't reinforce the myth that men promulgate, that sex is love, or sex leads to love!
January 20, 2021
I don't like DNFing books. But this one really annoyed me. My normal sunny suspension of disbelief for a romance novel took a battering - it was accumulative, just things on top of things. Sorry Ms Author, but this was a no-go for me :(
I finally lost interest - when Louisa fell over the cliff and wailed, that was it for me when she greeted him with a smiling face about two seconds later!
I finally lost interest - when Louisa fell over the cliff and wailed, that was it for me when she greeted him with a smiling face about two seconds later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2018
A classic historical romance with likeable characters and an entertaining plot.
The downside was that everything happened at the end of the book and some part were a bit slow.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley
The downside was that everything happened at the end of the book and some part were a bit slow.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley
May 30, 2018
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff by Cheryl Bolen
Book #1: The Lords of Eton Trilogy
Source: Author
My Raring: 5/5 stars
Let me tell y’all what! If you aren’t familiar with the work of Cheryl Bolen and you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend checking out her thoroughly engaging and entertaining offerings. My latest read, The Portrait of Lady Wycliff, took me on an adventure from London through the English countryside and back to track down a scoundrel hellbent on destroying a good man and his family. With romance, danger, and deceit, this one has a bit of everything for the historical romance enthusiast. Here’s the skinny:
Plot: Harry, the Earl of Wycliff has spent the last decade recouping the vast fortune lost by his late father. Though the money is certainly important, Harry is also interested in reclaiming all the property, both large and small lost through his father’s poor habits. With a single-minded focus and determination, Harry has nearly reached his goal; all that is left to reclaim is his family home in London.
Louisa Phillips is happily widowed, proudly outspoken, and in a world of financial trouble if her late husband’s solicitor is to be believed. With little in the way of prospects, a life time ahead of her, and her younger sister coming to live with her, Louisa has nothing of value except her writing career and the home she shared with her late husband.
As it turns out, Louisa doesn’t own the home she lives in, she has no idea who does, and a very charming and certainly not-to-be-trusted man, Harry, Earl of Wycliff wants the home. With nothing left to do but accept his offer, Louisa embarks on an adventure that will change to course of her life.
Characters: As always, Bolen has provided a cast of characters that is meant to enliven not just the present read, but the series as a whole. Harry and his two friends, Sinjin and Alex are introduced in their last days at Eton together where they promise one another, no matter the circumstances, they will always be there should anyone of the trio need help. Though Harry is the focus of this book, his two great friends have their role to play and certainly enrich the read as they do Harry’s life. They are there when Harry calls and more than willing to run headlong into danger for their friend.
Louisa is a bit of prickly character, but that has everything to do with the circumstances of her life. She hasn’t yet met a man, including her father, who has treated her well and has no expectations of ever doing so. She is reveling in her widowhood and looking forward to spending the rest of her life fighting for social change. Though she doesn’t initially trust Harry, Louisa understands her position is precarious, and she must take control of her own life and future rather than relying on a man. As the plot and the danger unfolds, Louisa mellows just a bit and that makes her a far more likeable character. Once her prickly edges are smoothed, Louisa is quite lovely and heroine well worth rooting for.
The Bottom Line: Once again, I fell into Cheryl Bolen’s book like the embrace of an old friend. She is just my kind of historical romance writer with dashing and daring men, and women who are always confident, outspoken, and somewhat ahead of their time and place. Bolen doesn’t write shrinking violets or uppity, wimpy aristocrats and that is one of the things I enjoy most about her books. Louisa and Harry seem to be such an unlikely match, but everything about their relationship and its progression is absolutely natural and plays well with the overall plot. The plot itself has just enough of all the things it needs: just enough romance, just enough intrigue, and just enough danger! I am so excited for the next two books in this series and just can’t recommend this book enough to readers.
Book #1: The Lords of Eton Trilogy
Source: Author
My Raring: 5/5 stars
Let me tell y’all what! If you aren’t familiar with the work of Cheryl Bolen and you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend checking out her thoroughly engaging and entertaining offerings. My latest read, The Portrait of Lady Wycliff, took me on an adventure from London through the English countryside and back to track down a scoundrel hellbent on destroying a good man and his family. With romance, danger, and deceit, this one has a bit of everything for the historical romance enthusiast. Here’s the skinny:
Plot: Harry, the Earl of Wycliff has spent the last decade recouping the vast fortune lost by his late father. Though the money is certainly important, Harry is also interested in reclaiming all the property, both large and small lost through his father’s poor habits. With a single-minded focus and determination, Harry has nearly reached his goal; all that is left to reclaim is his family home in London.
Louisa Phillips is happily widowed, proudly outspoken, and in a world of financial trouble if her late husband’s solicitor is to be believed. With little in the way of prospects, a life time ahead of her, and her younger sister coming to live with her, Louisa has nothing of value except her writing career and the home she shared with her late husband.
As it turns out, Louisa doesn’t own the home she lives in, she has no idea who does, and a very charming and certainly not-to-be-trusted man, Harry, Earl of Wycliff wants the home. With nothing left to do but accept his offer, Louisa embarks on an adventure that will change to course of her life.
Characters: As always, Bolen has provided a cast of characters that is meant to enliven not just the present read, but the series as a whole. Harry and his two friends, Sinjin and Alex are introduced in their last days at Eton together where they promise one another, no matter the circumstances, they will always be there should anyone of the trio need help. Though Harry is the focus of this book, his two great friends have their role to play and certainly enrich the read as they do Harry’s life. They are there when Harry calls and more than willing to run headlong into danger for their friend.
Louisa is a bit of prickly character, but that has everything to do with the circumstances of her life. She hasn’t yet met a man, including her father, who has treated her well and has no expectations of ever doing so. She is reveling in her widowhood and looking forward to spending the rest of her life fighting for social change. Though she doesn’t initially trust Harry, Louisa understands her position is precarious, and she must take control of her own life and future rather than relying on a man. As the plot and the danger unfolds, Louisa mellows just a bit and that makes her a far more likeable character. Once her prickly edges are smoothed, Louisa is quite lovely and heroine well worth rooting for.
The Bottom Line: Once again, I fell into Cheryl Bolen’s book like the embrace of an old friend. She is just my kind of historical romance writer with dashing and daring men, and women who are always confident, outspoken, and somewhat ahead of their time and place. Bolen doesn’t write shrinking violets or uppity, wimpy aristocrats and that is one of the things I enjoy most about her books. Louisa and Harry seem to be such an unlikely match, but everything about their relationship and its progression is absolutely natural and plays well with the overall plot. The plot itself has just enough of all the things it needs: just enough romance, just enough intrigue, and just enough danger! I am so excited for the next two books in this series and just can’t recommend this book enough to readers.
May 9, 2018
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff is the first book in Cheryl Bolen's fabulous new series, The Lords of Eton.
Harry is the Earl of Wycliff, his mother and father are both dead, and in the years since their demise, Harry has done everything in his power to earn enough money to buy all the items that his father lost to gambling. Not just bits and bobs, but estates too. It is when he is trying to purchase back his parents' old London home that he first meets beautiful widow Louisa Phillips.
Louisa lives in the house but she is barely making ends meet. Her late husband left her nothing when he died. It was not a love match by any means, but his loss still affects her if only because of the dire straits she is left in. Harry believes that she owns the house and visits her there in order to offer to buy it from her. He is shocked to learn that not only does she not own the house, but that she has no idea of who does. Her husband never owned the house, a benefactor did, but she had no idea who that was. She does remember once seeing the man, but it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack trying to find out who he is. Regardless, Harry is determined to try and as Louisa is the only one who has any idea what the man looks like, and knows that he is a Lord from Cornwall, he hires her help. He hates that she has been left in dire straits so he kills two birds with one stone by offering her a home to live in and an annuity that will keep her and her younger sister comfortable in the future. He hopefully will find the owner of the house and buy it back, which in turn will leave Louisa far from penniless.
This story was really the epitome of opposites attracting. Louisa very much looks down on aristocrats who have had the world given to them purely because of their birth. She hates that they don't speak up for the poor and especially hates how the penal system is run. Harry, on the other hand, is the ultimate aristocrat, oh he may have a bit of a seedy past when it comes to how he earned his fortune, but he still can't see how the poor are suffering and how it's his job to do something about it. I loved reading how Louisa helps to open his mind to what is going on around him. Of course the more time they spend together the more they start to realise that they are very much attracted to each other. Can they have a future together or are they just too different? What of the mysterious owner of the house, will Harry ever be able to find him and take back the family home?
There was so much happening in the story that there was never a slow moment. There was such a beautiful relationship developing between our main couple. BUT also there was a nice little relationship forming between Harry's friend and Louisa's sister. It was a very sweet subplot with quite an amusing scene between the two couples happening when it was time to travel back to London. Add to that what Harry finds out about the owner of his family home and the major drama that follows and you will understand how I can say that it's a book that you don't want to put down until you find out just how it ends.
I enjoyed every delicious moment of this book and recommend it wholeheartedly.
Harry is the Earl of Wycliff, his mother and father are both dead, and in the years since their demise, Harry has done everything in his power to earn enough money to buy all the items that his father lost to gambling. Not just bits and bobs, but estates too. It is when he is trying to purchase back his parents' old London home that he first meets beautiful widow Louisa Phillips.
Louisa lives in the house but she is barely making ends meet. Her late husband left her nothing when he died. It was not a love match by any means, but his loss still affects her if only because of the dire straits she is left in. Harry believes that she owns the house and visits her there in order to offer to buy it from her. He is shocked to learn that not only does she not own the house, but that she has no idea of who does. Her husband never owned the house, a benefactor did, but she had no idea who that was. She does remember once seeing the man, but it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack trying to find out who he is. Regardless, Harry is determined to try and as Louisa is the only one who has any idea what the man looks like, and knows that he is a Lord from Cornwall, he hires her help. He hates that she has been left in dire straits so he kills two birds with one stone by offering her a home to live in and an annuity that will keep her and her younger sister comfortable in the future. He hopefully will find the owner of the house and buy it back, which in turn will leave Louisa far from penniless.
This story was really the epitome of opposites attracting. Louisa very much looks down on aristocrats who have had the world given to them purely because of their birth. She hates that they don't speak up for the poor and especially hates how the penal system is run. Harry, on the other hand, is the ultimate aristocrat, oh he may have a bit of a seedy past when it comes to how he earned his fortune, but he still can't see how the poor are suffering and how it's his job to do something about it. I loved reading how Louisa helps to open his mind to what is going on around him. Of course the more time they spend together the more they start to realise that they are very much attracted to each other. Can they have a future together or are they just too different? What of the mysterious owner of the house, will Harry ever be able to find him and take back the family home?
There was so much happening in the story that there was never a slow moment. There was such a beautiful relationship developing between our main couple. BUT also there was a nice little relationship forming between Harry's friend and Louisa's sister. It was a very sweet subplot with quite an amusing scene between the two couples happening when it was time to travel back to London. Add to that what Harry finds out about the owner of his family home and the major drama that follows and you will understand how I can say that it's a book that you don't want to put down until you find out just how it ends.
I enjoyed every delicious moment of this book and recommend it wholeheartedly.
May 15, 2018
Eton - 1804
Harold (Harry) Blassingame, now the Earl of Wycliff, had once been eagerly looking forward to returning to Cartmoor Hall at the end of the term. He and parents used to have great fun together. Now at age 18, he will be leaving Eton but not for Cartmoor. His parents have both passed away and now due to a lack of funds, the Hall is being let to others. Before leaving Eton, Harry and two of his friends have one last get together to discuss what they will be doing in the future. Harry says he plans to go to sea as a type of pirate and make his fortune.
London - 1812
Back in England, Harry is now a wealthy man. He wants to get back what was once his home in London. But it is occupied by a young and very beautiful widow, Louisa Phillips. Married off to an old and mean old man, Louisa is happy that he is now dead. However, she has been left with very little money and certainly not enough to care for herself and her younger sister, Ellie. Louisa and Ellie have strong political views and believe that people should be equal.
As Harry and Louisa get to know one another, they are trying to discover who now owns the home that Harry lived in. It is all quite a mystery and they find themselves off on a quest to find out who this person is.
At the beginning of this book, I was a bit bored as there seems to be too much political dialogue that I simply did not care for. But, I stuck it out and the story got better. As with all of Cheryl Bolen’s books, this book is clean with very little sexual innuendo scenes.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Harold (Harry) Blassingame, now the Earl of Wycliff, had once been eagerly looking forward to returning to Cartmoor Hall at the end of the term. He and parents used to have great fun together. Now at age 18, he will be leaving Eton but not for Cartmoor. His parents have both passed away and now due to a lack of funds, the Hall is being let to others. Before leaving Eton, Harry and two of his friends have one last get together to discuss what they will be doing in the future. Harry says he plans to go to sea as a type of pirate and make his fortune.
London - 1812
Back in England, Harry is now a wealthy man. He wants to get back what was once his home in London. But it is occupied by a young and very beautiful widow, Louisa Phillips. Married off to an old and mean old man, Louisa is happy that he is now dead. However, she has been left with very little money and certainly not enough to care for herself and her younger sister, Ellie. Louisa and Ellie have strong political views and believe that people should be equal.
As Harry and Louisa get to know one another, they are trying to discover who now owns the home that Harry lived in. It is all quite a mystery and they find themselves off on a quest to find out who this person is.
At the beginning of this book, I was a bit bored as there seems to be too much political dialogue that I simply did not care for. But, I stuck it out and the story got better. As with all of Cheryl Bolen’s books, this book is clean with very little sexual innuendo scenes.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 17, 2018
Publisher's Description:
For the past decade Harry, the Earl of Wycliff, has worked feverishly to reclaim all that his father had lost. Only one item remains elusive: the Gainsborough portrait of his beloved mother. And the impossibly young, stunningly beautiful widow Louisa Phillips holds the key to finding it. If only he can persuade her to help him . . .
My Thoughts:
I love Cheryl Bolen's writing style. This book, however was a bit of an exception. I liked the book with it's danger and mystery but could not love it. It took me longer than usual to wade my way through it. I was excited to start reading and breezed through the first few chapters then found myself bogged down.
I did eventually finish reading it but had to force my way through the middle chapters. The ending chapters are once again as exciting as the beginning.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames. The sensuality is mild and almost non existent in this mysterious sort of story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
For the past decade Harry, the Earl of Wycliff, has worked feverishly to reclaim all that his father had lost. Only one item remains elusive: the Gainsborough portrait of his beloved mother. And the impossibly young, stunningly beautiful widow Louisa Phillips holds the key to finding it. If only he can persuade her to help him . . .
My Thoughts:
I love Cheryl Bolen's writing style. This book, however was a bit of an exception. I liked the book with it's danger and mystery but could not love it. It took me longer than usual to wade my way through it. I was excited to start reading and breezed through the first few chapters then found myself bogged down.
I did eventually finish reading it but had to force my way through the middle chapters. The ending chapters are once again as exciting as the beginning.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames. The sensuality is mild and almost non existent in this mysterious sort of story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 8, 2018
I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Portrait of Lady Wycliff is the first book in Cheryl Bolen’s new series The Lords of Eton about 3 aristocratic young men who were best friends at Eton and their continuing friendship and adventures. Harold Blassingame the seventh Earl of Wycliff has spent the last several years as privateer in order to recover all that was lost by his fathers gambling. Successful in his endeavours he needs only to reclaim Wycliff House in Grosvenor Square. He discovers to his dismay the the widow of the man who won it from his father does not own the house, that it belongs to a mysterious lord who it appears engineered his fathers downfall. Louisa Phillips is concerned to discover that her hated late husband has left her nothing and since she is the only one who can recognize the mystery lord she joins forces with Harry, Lord Wycliff and they set off on a journey to Cornwall to solve the mystery and find his mother’s missing portrait. A very enjoyable read, not steamy at all. Publishing Date May 15, 2018 #ThePortraitOfLadyWycliff. #NetGalley
March 4, 2022
An imperfect mmatch
Louisa has recently been widowed by the man who'd bought her from her father. After years of marriage to the miserable man, on his death she learns that he was a sham. The home she shared with him was not his house, the jewels he'd given to her when they were to be seen in public were set with intentionally flawed stones; he'd left her penniless.
Harry had left England to try to earn enough money to return home and recover the family's name and his fathers reputation. His first task was to reclaim the family home, no matter the cost, and after that was accomplished, he wanted to find a wife.
Things don't go as planned when Harry goes to inquire if the new owner is willing to sell the house. Instead of finding the evil man who'd taken everything of his father's, the person in charge of the residence is a tiny, beautiful, young woman who's recently been widowed.
As they speak, they finally come to an agreement that they can help each other achieve their unique goals. Well written and entertaining, the characters draw you in with the personalities and opinions. A truly thought filled, endearing story.
Louisa has recently been widowed by the man who'd bought her from her father. After years of marriage to the miserable man, on his death she learns that he was a sham. The home she shared with him was not his house, the jewels he'd given to her when they were to be seen in public were set with intentionally flawed stones; he'd left her penniless.
Harry had left England to try to earn enough money to return home and recover the family's name and his fathers reputation. His first task was to reclaim the family home, no matter the cost, and after that was accomplished, he wanted to find a wife.
Things don't go as planned when Harry goes to inquire if the new owner is willing to sell the house. Instead of finding the evil man who'd taken everything of his father's, the person in charge of the residence is a tiny, beautiful, young woman who's recently been widowed.
As they speak, they finally come to an agreement that they can help each other achieve their unique goals. Well written and entertaining, the characters draw you in with the personalities and opinions. A truly thought filled, endearing story.
August 18, 2019
This is the first in a series of stories about three aristocratic lads who bonded at Eton and vowed to always be there for each other. Years later, Harry, the Earl of Wycliff, a wealthy man again, is now reestablishing his family’s honor by reclaiming the possessions his father so carelessly lost. To complete his task, Harry must align himself with the beautiful widow, Louisa Phillips, a bluestocking who is the only person who might lead him to his greatest prize, his deceased mother’s Gainsborough portrait. Together, they journey through Cornwall in search of the painting, a trip that leads to suspense and danger. I found a Regency England map online, and tracked the trip as they traveled, from Minehead to Tintagel, then south to Bodmin, on to the coast, to Penryn, then north again to Cuthbert Falwell near Lands End. What an adventure! I love the way this author weaves the social, political, and geographical mores of the time into a charming and entertaining story. I can always count on Cheryl Bolen to write realistic and beautiful Regency romances.
May 17, 2018
Harry, Lord Wycliff lost everything when his father gambled away their estate and died along with his mother not long after of grief. For 10 years he worked earn the money to buy back the estate and reclaim his property including a portrait of his mother. Louisa Phillips, a bluestocking, reformist, and widow of the man who won his father’s estate resides at his London property and he wants to buy it back along with the portrait. But the portrait is gone and Louisa discovers her husband did not own the property and he left her with little money. She agrees in return for financial security to travel with to Harry to Cornwall to find the portrait and the property owner. Along the way there are near death experiences, imprisonments, crazy lords, and other mad cap adventures. Nice Regency romance with plenty of humor and drama.
May 28, 2018
Lord Wycliff lost everything to someone who meant for his family to have nothing. As soon as he gets out of school, he seems to find his fortune so he can buy his family's home and all the possessions back. Especially a portrait of his mother. Louisa, who is widowed, now lives in Wycliff house. He seeks to buy the house but someone else owns it and he has to find them as Louisa doesn't know it is. Louisa is a very well read woman, interested in politics and she has a secret. When Louisa and Lord Wycliff set out to find the person who owns the house and portrait, they pretend to be husband and wife. I loved this book. It was full of adventures, secrets and falling in love. I love Cheryl Bolen. She delivers a great book every time. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation.
August 13, 2022
several of this author's books use the trope of 'lying rake sets off to use a lady for his own nefarious purposes, grows surprising conscience along the way', and i admit, it's a pretty great recipe. never knew I'd enjoy this trope but there we are. I think this is mostly due to Bolen's aptitude for pairing the rakes' self-serving, unprincipled actions with the far more above-board-ness (is this a word??) of strong-minded ladies, who slowly sway said rakes to their sides. It's a solid plot!
also loved the quest-like aspect of this particular plot, with the H/h chasing a mysterious evil-doer all over Cornwall and overcoming various obstacles along the way. the villain was a bit cartoonish, but that rarely bothers me in this type of book. very satisfying plot overall and good ending, if a bit abrupt
also loved the quest-like aspect of this particular plot, with the H/h chasing a mysterious evil-doer all over Cornwall and overcoming various obstacles along the way. the villain was a bit cartoonish, but that rarely bothers me in this type of book. very satisfying plot overall and good ending, if a bit abrupt
May 25, 2018
Lord Harry Wycliff has spent years trying to recover everything his father lost (everything the family had). His goal in this story is to purchase the family’s London home from its current owner. Louisa Phillips is a young widow, left with almost nothing, and a bluestocking with radical political views. She lives in the house. The two of them discover that she can’t sell him the house because she doesn’t own it. They strike out together to find the mysterious lord who holds the house. During their search, they fall in love. This will not, however, be an easy and immediate happily ever after. Mistrust and secrets between the two could seriously hinder their chance for happiness.
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff is a wonderful introduction to a new series, The Lords of Eton (who are also introduced in this story). Both the hero and heroine possess strength and a determination to overcome the hardships handed to them in life. The complex plot is full of mystery, danger, secrecy (with a little dishonesty on the part of the hero), romance, and a dose of humor. The secondary love story between Louisa’s sister and Harry’s cousin is sweet and helps bridge the divide between them. This is a good first story that leads me to believe the new series will be an interesting one.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff is a wonderful introduction to a new series, The Lords of Eton (who are also introduced in this story). Both the hero and heroine possess strength and a determination to overcome the hardships handed to them in life. The complex plot is full of mystery, danger, secrecy (with a little dishonesty on the part of the hero), romance, and a dose of humor. The secondary love story between Louisa’s sister and Harry’s cousin is sweet and helps bridge the divide between them. This is a good first story that leads me to believe the new series will be an interesting one.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
April 30, 2018
A classic romance embedded with a slice of intrigue, that created a bond between Harry and Louisa, one in which he is on a path in search of a devious, mean-spirited, and dangerous recluse, in the hopes of retrieving his family heirloom. She is trying to secure financial security for her sister and herself, Who was on the verge of being bartered off to the most decrepit of individuals for the sake of money, just like what had happened to her. A timeless innocence interwoven and maligned with the greed of unscrupulous and vindictive men. This path would put their brewing relationship to the test, and their lives in jeopardy with death hanging over their heads.
May 15, 2018
The Portrait of Lady Wycliff by Cheryl Bolen
Louisa Phillips has lost her husband and she finds out she has very little money, clothes and jewelry and no home at all. She learns of her living situation and her late husbands relationships with others that she doesn't know their names.
Lord Harry Wycliff just wants to buy back the house he had grown up with but nobody will divulge the information as to who really owns it. He wants to get everything back that his family had lost: paintings and other articles.
Louisa and her sister Elle have been out walking with the lord and his cousin, Edward.
The Lord and her speak of writings that she mentioned and they discuss them. Lot of politic views then private matters.
The Lord wants to get the information and is willing to pay her. She has been writing secretly for money about the rights of others.
Harry wants to not only find the benefactor and set Louisa up in a small house as her husband had swindled her out of everything and take his fathers seat in Parliament.
They come up with a list of Lords and set out traveling to visit each til they find the benefactor.
Some of their secrets are divulged as they travel. Mishap down a cliff and infection as time goes on...loved hearing of the Cornwall landscape.
Love castle detailed descriptions. They are from different classes and will never be together.
It's amazing how the women help. They are full of surprises!
Love the action, adventure, mystery and clues that lead them all to get the answers they seek. Travel and a bit of romance are also welcome.
Love that the three men series will continue in the next book. An excerpt is enclosed. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Louisa Phillips has lost her husband and she finds out she has very little money, clothes and jewelry and no home at all. She learns of her living situation and her late husbands relationships with others that she doesn't know their names.
Lord Harry Wycliff just wants to buy back the house he had grown up with but nobody will divulge the information as to who really owns it. He wants to get everything back that his family had lost: paintings and other articles.
Louisa and her sister Elle have been out walking with the lord and his cousin, Edward.
The Lord and her speak of writings that she mentioned and they discuss them. Lot of politic views then private matters.
The Lord wants to get the information and is willing to pay her. She has been writing secretly for money about the rights of others.
Harry wants to not only find the benefactor and set Louisa up in a small house as her husband had swindled her out of everything and take his fathers seat in Parliament.
They come up with a list of Lords and set out traveling to visit each til they find the benefactor.
Some of their secrets are divulged as they travel. Mishap down a cliff and infection as time goes on...loved hearing of the Cornwall landscape.
Love castle detailed descriptions. They are from different classes and will never be together.
It's amazing how the women help. They are full of surprises!
Love the action, adventure, mystery and clues that lead them all to get the answers they seek. Travel and a bit of romance are also welcome.
Love that the three men series will continue in the next book. An excerpt is enclosed. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
June 1, 2018
A different and delightful love story
I loved this book! Harry the Earl of Wycliffe who spent 10 years as a pirate after he left Eton to earn his fortune after his father died penniless He meets Louisa Phillips who is living in the London home he is trying to reclaim and discover s she does not own it either She does not trust men and he doesn't like bluestocking s, They embark on a journey through Cornwall looking for a mysterious Lord-all the while falling in love and not admitting it. And getting into life threatening danger which keeps the reader turning pages until the very end, I love Cheryl Bolen books and this one will not disappoint!
I loved this book! Harry the Earl of Wycliffe who spent 10 years as a pirate after he left Eton to earn his fortune after his father died penniless He meets Louisa Phillips who is living in the London home he is trying to reclaim and discover s she does not own it either She does not trust men and he doesn't like bluestocking s, They embark on a journey through Cornwall looking for a mysterious Lord-all the while falling in love and not admitting it. And getting into life threatening danger which keeps the reader turning pages until the very end, I love Cheryl Bolen books and this one will not disappoint!
June 30, 2020
Harry’s father lost everything in a card game. The result was that both of his parents died shortly after. He became a pirate to restore the family fortunes. Now all that’s left is to rebuy the London Town house and most important his mother’s portrait. That’s how he meets Louisa. Her husband was the one who won everything from his father. It turns out that her husband didn’t leave the house to her and his mothers portrait is missing. Louisa agrees to help him find out who owns the house now in return he will purchase a house for her and set up an income for her. This is more complicated than either had anticipated and leads to an interesting adventure.
August 17, 2020
3.25 STARS
I story itself was enjoyable, but I didn't care for either H/h until the end. The H lies to the h from the beginning. Even when he gets the information that caused him to lie he continues. I dislike with a passion when this happens. Someone else lets the h know he has lied. I did enjoy the ending because she doesn't let him off the hook right away. The h was a bluestocking, and I understood her passion but she just didn't click with me.
The story was suspenseful and I liked the secondary character's. There is a bad villain who kept the story interesting.
This is a clean story, only a few kisses. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance. (ljb)
I story itself was enjoyable, but I didn't care for either H/h until the end. The H lies to the h from the beginning. Even when he gets the information that caused him to lie he continues. I dislike with a passion when this happens. Someone else lets the h know he has lied. I did enjoy the ending because she doesn't let him off the hook right away. The h was a bluestocking, and I understood her passion but she just didn't click with me.
The story was suspenseful and I liked the secondary character's. There is a bad villain who kept the story interesting.
This is a clean story, only a few kisses. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance. (ljb)
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