The Viscount's Unconventional Lady 

by Virginia Heath 

5 out of 5 

Synopsis 

The notorious viscount

And the most gossiped-about lady…After years as a diplomat in the Napoleonic Wars, Lord Eastwood is reluctant to return to London society. His scandalous divorce has made him infamous, not to mention cantankerous! To halt the rumor mill, he should marry a quiet noblewoman—instead it’s bold, vibrant artist Faith Brookes who’s caught his attention. They are the least suitable match, so why is he like a moth to a flame?

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

Review 

Faith is an assistant to her portrait-painting father. When a new commission comes their way, she gets to find out the truth behind the infamous Lord Eastwood, who divorced his wife and left their unborn child behind.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Faith Brookes is from an artistic family, with a famous painter as a father, and a talented opera singer for a mother. Society loves her family for what they can provide, both artistically and in the form of gossip; but the Brookes will never be accepted into the upper ranks.

Faith has a strange freedom to persue her love of art, working alongside her father, with dreams of selling her own work.

Piers Eastwood is the mysterious son of the Earl of Writtle. He has never spent much time in society, and since he came back from Europe without his wife, he has ignored the rumours surrounding him and his failed marriage.

Busy with important government work, Piers is reluctant to take part in the family portrait his father has commisioned. Especially as Faith seems to have the same, vibrant personality as his ex-wife.

This was a lot of fun. I really liked the relationships of the main characters with their respective families.

The Brookes were refreshing... opinionated. Having been brought up on the outskirts of society, in a bohemian lifestyle, Faith and her sisters have a lot more freedom than many girls. They are all free to establish what they want to do in life, without worrying about conforming to all of society's expectations. Their parents also have strong opinions, and can lose their common sense when they are carried away by an artistic fit.

It all fit in well with the period. I never felt like the modern ideals of the Brookes' clashed with the era.

Piers relationship with his family is great, they are all so supportive. I especially liked the relationship he has with his niece, who clearly has him wrapped round her little finger!

The plot is bigger than just the budding romance between Faith and Piers. It was a little predictable, but it was still enjoyable to follow.

I really liked this book, and I really hope we get to see what happens with Faith's sisters in the future books.

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