What do you think?
Rate this book
The Nude: full-length historical romance
Upon my honor! If not for that shocking painting... It has ruined everything. A handsome marquess promises to repair my tattered reputation. But how can I trust him or his clever kisses when he's clearly hiding a deep, dark secret of his own? Praise for The "AH, SUCH GOOD READING!" Awarded Best Book of the Week! ~ Long and Short Romance Reviews "...one of the best historical romances that I have read in the last few years." ~ The Romance Studio "McFalls' tale is a wonderful combination of mystery, suspense and romance." ~ Romantic Times BookReviews "The romance between Elspeth and Nigel and the road they traveled to reinstate her trust was a sensual delight while being sweet and poignant all at the same time." ~ Kwips and Kritiques "I would totally recommend The Nude to anyone looking for something a bit off the typical Regency formulaic track." ~ Rakehell For anyone who craves intriguing Regency romances by Mary Balogh, Jo Beverley, Jennifer Ashley, and Cheryl Bolen...discover the secrets behind The Nude! Other **If you enjoy hard-pounding action and check out Dorothy's The Huntress. **If you enjoy a sexy Regency romp, Dorothy's Lady Iona's Rebellion. **If you were want a sweet historical romance, Dorothy's award-winning Traditional Regency, The Marriage List, will be sure to please. **If you enjoy steamy paranormal romances, check out the hunky heroes in The Protector A Wizard for Christmas, Neptune's Lair, and Mystical Seduction. **If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery series, search for Flowerbed of State and The Scarlet Pepper under her pen name Dorothy St. James. Critics have called The White House Gardener Mystery series "fast-paced" and "spunky."
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
About the author
Dorothy McFalls
27 books146 followersDorothy McFalls resides in an artsy beach community in South Carolina with her sexy sculptor husband and their not so new puppy (Iona) and playful kitty (Suki). An environmental urban planner by profession and wildlife biologist by education, she gave up her day job to devote her time to writing in 2001. She writes romantic adventure fiction, Regency romances, and short stories."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 18, 2010
Widowed Lady Mercer has always harbored a secret crush on the artist known as Dionysus, until a nude portrait of her shows up at an affair of the ton. With her reputation in tatters, Elsbeth accepts an invitation to a house party from Nigel, Marquess of Edgeware. For some mysterious reason of his own, Nigel insists on repairing her standing in society. As she is drawn to the kind man, she realizes someone is trying to kill him. Is it Dionysus, the reclusive artist whose identity no one knows? His cousin Charlie who stands to inherit his estate? Or his trusted friend George who might be involved in smuggling? The Nude is a good murder mystery in addition to a worthy and engaging historical romance. It kept me guessing whodunit until the end.
May 12, 2014
This book has the flavor (not the premise) of Girl with a Pearl Earring -- the story explodes when Countess Elspeth Mercer finds herself at the center of a very public scandal.
An exhibition of a painting titled "The Nude" that looks shockingly like Elsbeth has set all of the tongues in Regency London wagging. This isn't the first time the painter, Dionysus, has caused havoc in her life.
Nigel, the Marquess of Edgeware, a reclusive but powerful figure in the ton, has connections with Dionysus and reasons to protect the artist's true identity.
From here the story switches to one of regency or historical romance and moves swiftly from there.
A very interesting read!
An exhibition of a painting titled "The Nude" that looks shockingly like Elsbeth has set all of the tongues in Regency London wagging. This isn't the first time the painter, Dionysus, has caused havoc in her life.
Nigel, the Marquess of Edgeware, a reclusive but powerful figure in the ton, has connections with Dionysus and reasons to protect the artist's true identity.
From here the story switches to one of regency or historical romance and moves swiftly from there.
A very interesting read!
May 28, 2013
I picked this one up in the kindle store. This is Regency period historical romance. This book as released in 2009. The author is Dorothy McFalls.
Elsbeth is taken in by her uncle after the death of her monstrous husband. She is left in debt and to earn her keep she agrees to chaperone her two cousins during the season.
Nigel was orphaned and raised by his uncle. Now he is in control of his estate. He is also responsible for the mysterious painter Dionysus.
When the painter spotted Elsbeth he rushed back to his studio and did a portrait of her. The only thing is he painted her in the nude. The painting was his personal fantasy and meant for his eyes only.
However, the painting was displayed at a showing and Elsbeth's reputation was in ruins. But, not only that, her cousins chances of making good marriages were also in jeopardy.
Elsbeth makes it her mission to discover who this Dionysus is and why he is out to ruin her.
Nigel is mortified when he finds the painting was displayed. He feels it is his responsibility to restore Elsbeth's reputation and that of her cousins.
In the meantime, Nigel is dealing with a sinister plot to have him murdered.
Several mysteries are at play here. One mystery is obvious to the reader, but the characters remain ignorant. The other mystery is left up to all of us to try and solve.
The focus of the story is on the romance between Nigel and Elsbeth. The mysterious painter lurks in the background of their relationship continuing to reek havoc and the murder plot may be linked to the painter. Danger and intrigue increases as does the love Nigel feels for Elsbeth.
For her part, Elsbeth must learn to trust Nigel and let go of her shame and pain and allow herself to heal emotionally.
I loved Nigel! He was not a perfect man. He had made his mistakes in life, but he was not an overbearing alpha male type. He was strong willed, stubborn at times, and naïve and too trusting in some cases, but he was also a man of principles and did whatever he must to protect the lady he loved . He questions and doubts his abilities and his worth at times and is really hard on himself. Can Elsbeth help him overcome his doubts and restore his confidence?
Elsbeth lives a lie where her first marriage is concerned. She keeps the secret of her abuse feels as though she can never marry again because she is barren. She doesn't know if she will ever be able to trust a man in a normal way . Can Nigel's love help her heal?
Will they be able to have a normal relationship?
They will have to come to terms with the other issues such as Nigel's being the target of a murder plot and of course the mysterious painter of The Nude.
This is a very enjoyable historical romance. Not the usual fluff Regency period romances can be. There are real issues at play here, and are handled very well. Love conquers all is always a sigh worthy story that leaves you with a good feeling when the book is finished.
Overall I give this one an A.
Elsbeth is taken in by her uncle after the death of her monstrous husband. She is left in debt and to earn her keep she agrees to chaperone her two cousins during the season.
Nigel was orphaned and raised by his uncle. Now he is in control of his estate. He is also responsible for the mysterious painter Dionysus.
When the painter spotted Elsbeth he rushed back to his studio and did a portrait of her. The only thing is he painted her in the nude. The painting was his personal fantasy and meant for his eyes only.
However, the painting was displayed at a showing and Elsbeth's reputation was in ruins. But, not only that, her cousins chances of making good marriages were also in jeopardy.
Elsbeth makes it her mission to discover who this Dionysus is and why he is out to ruin her.
Nigel is mortified when he finds the painting was displayed. He feels it is his responsibility to restore Elsbeth's reputation and that of her cousins.
In the meantime, Nigel is dealing with a sinister plot to have him murdered.
Several mysteries are at play here. One mystery is obvious to the reader, but the characters remain ignorant. The other mystery is left up to all of us to try and solve.
The focus of the story is on the romance between Nigel and Elsbeth. The mysterious painter lurks in the background of their relationship continuing to reek havoc and the murder plot may be linked to the painter. Danger and intrigue increases as does the love Nigel feels for Elsbeth.
For her part, Elsbeth must learn to trust Nigel and let go of her shame and pain and allow herself to heal emotionally.
I loved Nigel! He was not a perfect man. He had made his mistakes in life, but he was not an overbearing alpha male type. He was strong willed, stubborn at times, and naïve and too trusting in some cases, but he was also a man of principles and did whatever he must to protect the lady he loved . He questions and doubts his abilities and his worth at times and is really hard on himself. Can Elsbeth help him overcome his doubts and restore his confidence?
Elsbeth lives a lie where her first marriage is concerned. She keeps the secret of her abuse feels as though she can never marry again because she is barren. She doesn't know if she will ever be able to trust a man in a normal way . Can Nigel's love help her heal?
Will they be able to have a normal relationship?
They will have to come to terms with the other issues such as Nigel's being the target of a murder plot and of course the mysterious painter of The Nude.
This is a very enjoyable historical romance. Not the usual fluff Regency period romances can be. There are real issues at play here, and are handled very well. Love conquers all is always a sigh worthy story that leaves you with a good feeling when the book is finished.
Overall I give this one an A.
August 30, 2014
Widow Elsbeth, Lady Mercer, lives in the mercy of her aunt and uncle and acts as a chaperon for their two daughters. Unfortunately her reputation turns to shambles in from of the entire ton during an art exhibit where a nude painting from the mysterious painter, Dionysus, is revealed and it looks exactly like her.... unfortunately, the title of the painting is "The Nude".
With the ton turning on the entire family, the curator of the art exhibit, Lord Ames, contacts the only person who can help set this to right, Nigel, Marquess of Edgeware. Nigel is a recluse with powerful ties to Society. As Dionysus' "keeper", he vows to set things right with Lady Mercer's reputation and holds a country gathering.
This isn't the first time that Elsbeth has felt Dionysus' in her life. She originally married her abusive husband because gifted her with paintings that were actually done by Dionysus. She fell in love with the man who painted them, and when she discovered who her husband truly was, she lived in fear until the day he died.
Forced to accept his invitation to visit the countryside, she uses the time to questions the servants about Dionysys while Nigel takes the time to get to know her better, realizing that he has found the woman whom he has been looking for. Unfortunately, all the secrets that stand between them makes it seem impossible for them to be together.
The characters of the book at first were very two dimensional to me making it hard to get into the book, but once in, I didn't want to put the book down! I greatly enjoyed that this book was not only a romance but a good mystery as well. This is a definite re-read for the future.
With the ton turning on the entire family, the curator of the art exhibit, Lord Ames, contacts the only person who can help set this to right, Nigel, Marquess of Edgeware. Nigel is a recluse with powerful ties to Society. As Dionysus' "keeper", he vows to set things right with Lady Mercer's reputation and holds a country gathering.
This isn't the first time that Elsbeth has felt Dionysus' in her life. She originally married her abusive husband because gifted her with paintings that were actually done by Dionysus. She fell in love with the man who painted them, and when she discovered who her husband truly was, she lived in fear until the day he died.
Forced to accept his invitation to visit the countryside, she uses the time to questions the servants about Dionysys while Nigel takes the time to get to know her better, realizing that he has found the woman whom he has been looking for. Unfortunately, all the secrets that stand between them makes it seem impossible for them to be together.
The characters of the book at first were very two dimensional to me making it hard to get into the book, but once in, I didn't want to put the book down! I greatly enjoyed that this book was not only a romance but a good mystery as well. This is a definite re-read for the future.
September 4, 2012
Elsbeth had gone through hell in her first marriage and swore she'd never allow herself to be shackled to another man...ever. It had been her love for the allusive artist, Dionysus, whose paintings touched the very core of her soul, which had been behind her choosing her first husband. Then after the abusive monster died, she accepted financial help from her uncle in payment for her becoming the governess to his two marriageable daughters. Life settled down until the day she went to a gallery showing Dionysus work and found herself again in the center of a scandal. He had painted a nude of her!! But how? Who was this man who had the power to disrupt her sanity, her very life.
Nigel, Marquess of Purbeck, showed an interest in her situation and took it upon himself to save her reputation. Except, instead, he tarnishes it almost beyond repair. Then to make matters worse, he puts her life in jeopardy.
This book is written so well that it flows from page to page and the building emotion continues throughout. I felt as much pain for Nigel as I did for Elsbeth and had to continue reading to make sure they got their happy ending. It was well worth the time spent. Should be a best seller!
Nigel, Marquess of Purbeck, showed an interest in her situation and took it upon himself to save her reputation. Except, instead, he tarnishes it almost beyond repair. Then to make matters worse, he puts her life in jeopardy.
This book is written so well that it flows from page to page and the building emotion continues throughout. I felt as much pain for Nigel as I did for Elsbeth and had to continue reading to make sure they got their happy ending. It was well worth the time spent. Should be a best seller!
November 30, 2014
2 and 1/2 stars--The premise was a creative one, and the copy itself was fairly clean (only a handful of mistakes that would not have otherwise bothered me much). But there were too many inconsistencies to make this an enjoyable read for me: a heroine who couldn't decide if she was in love with and afraid of the hero; a hero who was both a sweet gentleman and a deceitful jerk (sometimes in the same scene); a wound that was sore and "angry" and red by day only, but was inconsequential when amorous activities were involved; actions whose motivation were either unknown or didn't make sense. Yes, it's fiction, and sometimes a reader has to make a leap of faith to go with the story. But this story asked me to leap too many times.
May 9, 2017
Despite the lies told and secrets kept in The Nude, this was a very entertaining novel.
Elsbeth's uncle invites her to live in his home after her husband dies in battle and leaves her penniless. Elsbeth, Lady Mercer, is a young widow who is happy to be free of her abusive husband. While acting as the chaperone for her two cousins, she and much of London are scandalized when a nude painting of her is unveiled at an art exhibition. Dionysus, the mysterious artist, immediately becomes a person of interest to Elsbeth as she struggles to defend her reputation and uncover his identity.
Nigel Purbeck, the Marquess of Edgeware, is "the keeper" of Dionysus. He offers to help Elsbeth restore her good name.
I won't spoil the great mysteries in the book, but it isn't difficult to figure out who Dionysus is. The identity of the master mind behind the murders was a surprise to me. For a good part of the book, I enjoyed following the clues trying to unravel the secret. Once it became apparent who Dionysus was, I began wondering if the man was schizophrenic. At times, I thought his friends might not be real people, but simply other personalities that lived inside his head. I even considered a this-has-all-been-a-dream ending. I thought this book might end by saying this story was just the imaginings of an abused woman who was suffering from PTSD. The ending didn't WOW me, but the book was quite enjoyable nonetheless. I didn't mind the mix of mystery and romance at all. Dorothy McFalls gave me the perfect balance of intrigue and passion.
Elsbeth's uncle invites her to live in his home after her husband dies in battle and leaves her penniless. Elsbeth, Lady Mercer, is a young widow who is happy to be free of her abusive husband. While acting as the chaperone for her two cousins, she and much of London are scandalized when a nude painting of her is unveiled at an art exhibition. Dionysus, the mysterious artist, immediately becomes a person of interest to Elsbeth as she struggles to defend her reputation and uncover his identity.
Nigel Purbeck, the Marquess of Edgeware, is "the keeper" of Dionysus. He offers to help Elsbeth restore her good name.
I won't spoil the great mysteries in the book, but it isn't difficult to figure out who Dionysus is. The identity of the master mind behind the murders was a surprise to me. For a good part of the book, I enjoyed following the clues trying to unravel the secret. Once it became apparent who Dionysus was, I began wondering if the man was schizophrenic. At times, I thought his friends might not be real people, but simply other personalities that lived inside his head. I even considered a this-has-all-been-a-dream ending. I thought this book might end by saying this story was just the imaginings of an abused woman who was suffering from PTSD. The ending didn't WOW me, but the book was quite enjoyable nonetheless. I didn't mind the mix of mystery and romance at all. Dorothy McFalls gave me the perfect balance of intrigue and passion.
January 23, 2021
Meh. Some of the concepts were really intriguing and it was a surprisingly realistic (if a bit surface-skimming) take on some of the effects of PTSD for a romance novel. Of course, some of those effects wavered when necessary for the romance but still... To actually have them there at all is impressive. So often heroines from bad marriages in these books appear unbothered by what they've gone through, you know? Not to mention the emotional/mental issues that the hero's upbringing brought about actually being spelled out and somewhat thought-on by the hero. Both of them had fairly impressive handles on a lot of their issues and there was actual communication (not enough, of course, never enough). Some of the supporting characters were charming AF. But I can't say I find the twist at the end at all satisfying/believable and some of the plot threads dangled about unnecessarily. Writing was decent, descriptions were lush, plot moved fairly well... But some concepts were repeated ad nauseum and that interrupted things somewhat.
April 12, 2025
2.5 The whole premise of a woman who is pursued and chased and doted on by the perfect guy while she is cruel and selfish and dismissive in return got old real fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
February 15, 2016357pgs, Lady Elsbeth Mercer believes all her misfortunes are caused by the mysterious painter Dionysus. She married her first husband in the belief that he was an artist who spoke to her soul, only to find out that he was an abusive man whose only saving grace was to die on the battlefield. Just as she starts to feel comfortable in society, Elsbeth is once again the subject of gossip when her face appears on the latest nude painted by Dionysus. Nigel, the Marquess of Edgeware, is determined to help Elsbeth clear her name while guarding Dionysus 19 true identity. When his plan to restore Lady Mercer 19s respectability backfires, they are forced to marry. Then, just as she believes Nigel truly is a man she can trust, thoughts of Dionysus and a mysterious plot to kill Nigel threaten to destroy their tenuous relationship.
September 17, 2011
Really 2.5 stars....this was a decent historical romance, but there are a billion really GOOD historical romances out there, so I am baffled as to why this was in hardcover. It had some flaws - it felt a bit like a first novel, but upon reading the suthor bio, she has been around for years! It was either hastily written or overzealously edited, as some of the scene transitions just aren't there.
The mystery is alright, and the relationship 'black moment' drawn out rather well, but the heroine is so wishy washy, her new husband's cousin used to witness and participate in her abuse at the hands of her first husband - yet she never feels that she should tell him this! Ther hero and heroine's communication problems are so bad it just becomes frustrating by the end.
The mystery is alright, and the relationship 'black moment' drawn out rather well, but the heroine is so wishy washy, her new husband's cousin used to witness and participate in her abuse at the hands of her first husband - yet she never feels that she should tell him this! Ther hero and heroine's communication problems are so bad it just becomes frustrating by the end.
October 15, 2014
I absolutely adored this story so full of mystery, suspense and romance. A little bit of everything really. Definitely a story I would read again. Yes you may figure out who a certain artist is early on, but there are still plenty of unsolved mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Thoroughly enjoyed this and would most definitely recommend. I just didn't want to put it down. Finished this a couple days ago and it still is with me just there even after reading another book. A favorite book that's for sure. Such a very sweet and well deserved ending. Though some did get their ending which may have been not so sweet. :)
September 5, 2013
I wasn't sure going into this book if I was going to like it, but I ended up loving this book. I got this book through the Kindle app, and I devoured it in 48 hours, I wasn't able to put my tablet down. The story of 'The Nude' is set in Regency England, around the doings of the aristocracy. I give this book 5 stars because it truly is such a moving and well written novel. It evoked powerful emotions in me, and words can't even describe how it made me feel.
October 11, 2013
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book- was carried into the story. However, I found it difficult to continue with the confusion of the dark Lord's moods and the constant reference to lustful feelings. I felt the author was trying to convince me that he loved her, but truly the scenes described and the way with which it was worded was simple lust, not love. I enjoy a great romance, but this was not it.
June 28, 2015
I have double feelings regarding this novel. On the one hand the plot is original and different from other Regency novels I read, the themes touched are interesting and throw light on overlooked aspects of life for women in Regency period. On the other hand I found some parts of the plot lacking and incongruous, that's why I gave only three stars.
On the whole it was an enjoyable reading, but it caused me to frown a little too often.
On the whole it was an enjoyable reading, but it caused me to frown a little too often.
October 21, 2012
Well, this was disappointing. It sold itself as historical fiction set in the art world of the 1800s. And it started well, with the unveiling of a controversial painting at an exhibition. But alas, it quickly devolved into a bodice-ripper and never recovered. Well written, and with an adequate plot, but a bodice-ripper none the less. Pity. I think the author is capable of something much better.
February 24, 2013
I easily could have given this book 4 stars, but I don't think the steamy love scenes are necessary. The story, and characters were wonderful. It was very well written, and I read another from this author that was not steamy, so I was sad about that. Overall, great book, just too steamy for my tastes.
January 30, 2016
Historical being my favorite in the romance genre I can say this book is a pretty good one. I actually give it a 3.5 stars. It has all those traditional elements that make you like the heroine, despise the villain and love the rogue. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
October 22, 2012
I enjoyed this book prinicipally because the characters were so well drawn. My only complaint would be the heroine's inability to figure out the true identity of the artist, despite all the evidence being right under her nose.
November 12, 2013
it was a good story. I loved Nigel but elsbeth was annoying. Nigel did everything he could to prove his love and she just kept pushing him away. Annoyingggg. but the story and the mystery overall was a great read.
January 14, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. I was intrigued right from the beginning when a painting depicting the main character, in her birthday suit, is revealed. This book was fresh, passionate, full of suspence, and an over all delightful read. One of my favs!
March 11, 2014
I could not finish this. It was poorly written. The plot was horrible, simple, cliche, and predictable. I hoped and hoped it wouldn't turn out the way it did. I made it almost to the end, then thought, "Why bother reading? It's just more time I'll never get back." Save your time.
April 10, 2014
While the book included both a great mystery and romance, the ending did not wrap up the loose ends sufficiently. The character development was good, but the conclusion was more fairy tale than real-life.
July 27, 2011
It was okay. I only picked it up because I was at the library and saw on the back cover "Regency" and thought about Jane Austen. I have to say it was a fast read and fairly predictable.
September 14, 2012
"The Nude" is filled with vivid landscapes, larger than life characters, and a love story that will pull at your heartstrings.
December 3, 2014
While I enjoyed most of this book, it was quite a lot of flummery over a plot that is easily guessed. It kept me occupied for a while though.
February 9, 2016
A little predictable, but not bad.
Want to Read
August 21, 2013In The Sweet and Spicy Regency Collection - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...
August 27, 2013
ok book, i skipped A LOT of it. liked the H, the h was...unforgiving hard and cold most of the book. sex was good
April 25, 2014
First time reading a book by this Author. What a pleasant surprise. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction with a twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews