Scan barcode
A review by annick
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
🤯😌🙌🏻. This exceeded expectation. I rarely give 5.0. And I already gave 4.75 for the previous two books in this series.
This book trumps my feelings and favour for the other books of the series. I can’t think of anything I’d want to edit in this book that detracts from the delight I had in reading it.
I love the nonlinear progression of intimacy on cognitive, sensual, sexual and emotional levels
🔎the multiple layers of discussion on social justice really felt nuanced and Considered. The authors note at the end gives further information on how they grounded the plot in real experiences 1880s England and Scotland.
🗺️diversity rep is rather good by the standards of this subgenre of period romances. The FMC shows neurodivergent traits similar to dyslexia and adhd. The MMC shows signs of ptsd. Secondary character is in a stable lesbian relationship, and none of the characters indicate judgment or negative views on this.
⛏️ the Scottish sections has really improved on the London sections earlier on. I sense the writer hesitate to write about classist stuff in London society. And instead prefer to move the plot to Scotland and the main pairing. Good choice to break the mold and not include a fashion episode for the fmc. (Instead it is only passingly mentioned in the epilogue)
🫦The awakening of her desire to a mix of erotic, endearing, and woven into the plot. It was tasteful and sweet to enjoy as character development as well as spice.
🎞️The plot and ending were not as cliched as most contemporary romances. I particularly liked the effort to not tie up loose ends. It just needs more time for it to be less rushed . The third act separation in two parts makes sense.
This book trumps my feelings and favour for the other books of the series. I can’t think of anything I’d want to edit in this book that detracts from the delight I had in reading it.
I love the nonlinear progression of intimacy on cognitive, sensual, sexual and emotional levels
🔎the multiple layers of discussion on social justice really felt nuanced and Considered. The authors note at the end gives further information on how they grounded the plot in real experiences 1880s England and Scotland.
🗺️diversity rep is rather good by the standards of this subgenre of period romances. The FMC shows neurodivergent traits similar to dyslexia and adhd. The MMC shows signs of ptsd. Secondary character is in a stable lesbian relationship, and none of the characters indicate judgment or negative views on this.
⛏️ the Scottish sections has really improved on the London sections earlier on. I sense the writer hesitate to write about classist stuff in London society. And instead prefer to move the plot to Scotland and the main pairing. Good choice to break the mold and not include a fashion episode for the fmc. (Instead it is only passingly mentioned in the epilogue)
🫦The awakening of her desire to a mix of erotic, endearing, and woven into the plot. It was tasteful and sweet to enjoy as character development as well as spice.
🎞️The plot and ending were not as cliched as most contemporary romances. I particularly liked the effort to not tie up loose ends. It just needs more time for it to be less rushed . The third act separation in two parts makes sense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gun violence, and Classism
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, and Alcohol