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A review by jelkebooks
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You know, at the start of this book I was quite liking this book. I honestly thought the set up was really interesting, and the whole situation made me really sad for Hattie. I think the start of this book really makes you sympathize with both main characters, but especially her because she's way less in control of the situation. I just thought it was very different from most historical romances I've read, and I just thought it was really well executed as well.
However, then we go to Scotland, we actually have these two characters fall for each other, and this book just completely lost me. I don't know, Hattie became kind of whiny. She also felt extremely out of touch with reality, even if she was trying to do the right thing. She kind of gave me the ick. Contrary to popular opinion though I also did not like Lucian, like at all. He was so close to being a massive red flag for me. He was just such an ass, and his tragic backstory really did not excuse his behaviour, in my opinion. I also feel like at no point throughout this book did he ever respect Hattie. It just made me feel a bit disgusted. I can't buy a romance when it feels like the male main character does not respect the female main character in the slightest.
So yeah, needless to say I didn't get into the romance either. I just didn't think they had any chemistry. I barely understand what they even saw in each other. I guess that opposites attract but these two had absolutely nothing in common with each other, and I truly don't see them ever actually working out together. Like mentioned before I also feel like there was an extreme lack of respect coming from his side, and that just never fares well for a relationship.
The ending of this book was also just terrible. It get really intense out of nowhere, for no real reason. It felt extremely out of place. I didn't get it. On top of that we also got a third act breakup that was almost immediately resolved, making the timing feel so extremely off. It just really wasn't well written in the end.
However, then we go to Scotland, we actually have these two characters fall for each other, and this book just completely lost me. I don't know, Hattie became kind of whiny. She also felt extremely out of touch with reality, even if she was trying to do the right thing. She kind of gave me the ick. Contrary to popular opinion though I also did not like Lucian, like at all. He was so close to being a massive red flag for me. He was just such an ass, and his tragic backstory really did not excuse his behaviour, in my opinion. I also feel like at no point throughout this book did he ever respect Hattie. It just made me feel a bit disgusted. I can't buy a romance when it feels like the male main character does not respect the female main character in the slightest.
So yeah, needless to say I didn't get into the romance either. I just didn't think they had any chemistry. I barely understand what they even saw in each other. I guess that opposites attract but these two had absolutely nothing in common with each other, and I truly don't see them ever actually working out together. Like mentioned before I also feel like there was an extreme lack of respect coming from his side, and that just never fares well for a relationship.
The ending of this book was also just terrible. It get really intense out of nowhere, for no real reason. It felt extremely out of place. I didn't get it. On top of that we also got a third act breakup that was almost immediately resolved, making the timing feel so extremely off. It just really wasn't well written in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Grief, Physical abuse, and Ableism
Minor: Suicide and Sexual assault