Portrait of a Lover [Mass Market Paperback]

Julianne MacLean (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2006

A picture of deception . . .

Annabelle Lawson knew nothing about the breathtaking stranger she met on the train—only that he'd make an ideal model for the budding young artist . . . and that she desired him more than she believed possible. But after she'd been seduced, she learned that she'd also been betrayed.

The man she thought she loved was really Magnus Wallis—a scoundrel like his father before him, the loathed cousin of Annabelle's benefactor, the honorable Earl of Whitby.

A landscape of love . . .

No longer the naively romantic girl who would tumble for a rogue, Annabelle cannot avoid a reunion with the despicable Magnus, who wants to include her portraits in his new London gallery. She means to show him her coldest face—but upon seeing him again, her every intention melts from the heat of his touch. It is clear that Magnus still burns with love for her. But is he still the villain he once was, or can he be reformed into a man Annabelle can dare to love?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julianne MacLean fell in love with some of the classic romances—Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice—while completing her degree in English literature. Then she decided that she needed a "real job," but after a brief stint as a government auditor, she realized she just didn't care enough about numbers matching up. So a month before her wedding, she sat down and wrote the first paragraph of a romance. Now fifteen years, a husband, and a daughter later, Julianne is a happy, fulfilled, stay-at-home mom and a devoted romance writer.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060819359
• ISBN-13: 978-0060819354
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #607,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author, Julianne MacLean (who also writes under the pseudonym E.V. Mitchell), came to the romance genre after completing a degree in English literature from the University of King's College in Nova Scotia. She fell in love with some of the classic romances - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice - and after a brief stint as a federal government auditor, decided to try her hand at becoming a modern day romance writer.

She is a three time Rita Finalist and winner of numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers Choice Award, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the Greater Detroit Romance Writers Booksellers' Best Award.

She is a devoted wife and mother, and loves to travel. She has lived in New Zealand and Ottawa, and is now settled happily in Nova Scotia, while working on her latest historical romance.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My new favorite Julianne MacLean!!, February 24, 2006

By 

Viv (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portrait of a Lover (Mass Market Paperback)

It was hard to top "To Marry The Duke", but Julianne MacLean has done it. This book had it all: sensuality, strong emotions, sexual tension, and neverending love.

While on a train trip to Scotland, Magnus finds himself seated across from the lovely 21-year-old, Annabelle. The chemistry sizzled immediately between them and they are instantly enchanted with each other. The catch is, Magnus realizes that this young beauty is the adopted sister of his estranged cousin, Lord Whitby. Magnus knows if he reveals his identity to her, she would flee the train and snuff out these budding feelings he has, so he deceives her by giving her a false name.

Over the course of the summer, they arrange clandestine meetings so that Annabelle may paint his portrait and to spend time together. Ultimately falling madly in love with each other.

The lies he must tell to keep his identity secret become overwhelming. Magnus knows the affair must come to an end as well as his charade and cruely breaks off his relationship with the only woman he will ever love.

Fast forward thirteen years, the star-crossed lovers reunite and Magnus will stop at nothing until she is bound to him forever.

This tale of unrequited love touched my heart and I hated for the story to end. The only gripe I had was waiting so long for "POAL" to come out and reading it in a matter of hours. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Emotional Read That Won't Let Go!, May 3, 2006

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portrait of a Lover (Mass Market Paperback)

Annabelle Lawson let her heart rule her actions once before and she learned a very valuable lesson...at the hands of her brother's cousin and enemy Magnus Wallis. A chance meeting on a train these two people connect and spend a summer together, talking, sharing a passion neither of them can ignore...but Annabelle has no idea the man who has captured her heart is Magnus. He has lied about his name and when their summer of idyll is over...her heart is broken.

Years later Magnus is back claiming he is a different man. He was wrongly accused of so many things because of his father's past...he now just wants to put that troubled past where it belongs and claim the love of his life. He may have been living in America but he has not forgotten Annabelle or the way he feels when he is with her. Will he be able to fix the hurt he dealt her so long ago?

This was an amazing read. We met Magnus in "Love According to Lily" and he was not a nice guy...at all. Ms. MacLean's talent shines with her ability of turning Magnus from baddie to the ultimate hero. The lucky reader will be able to experience this romance from the very beginning. First meeting to the happy ending with everything in-between. Ms. MacLean evokes all sorts of emotions with this read. I highly recommend this author.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!, March 9, 2006

By 

Nikki (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portrait of a Lover (Mass Market Paperback)

I'm a bit biased ... I've read almost all of Julianne MacLean's books so I always know I'm getting a good read when I plunk my money down. But Portrait of a Lover surpassed my expectations - it's my favourite book of this author's so far and I couldn't put it down!
Annabelle Lawson is a talented painter with a tortured past. Thirteen years ago she met a man on a train and fell quickly in love with him, even though she knew his lack of fortune would be an issue for her family. It turns out, the man she fell in love with deceived her and she's left broken hearted.

Thirteen years later, Magnus reenters Annabelle's life and she vows never to let him touch her heart again. But will she be able to keep her distance from him?

I remember reading Love According To Lily (the book before Portrait of a Lover) when we were briefly introduced to Annabelle and Marcus and thinking it would make a great story. I was happy to see those characters revisited and the story of their journey was exciting and real.

I loved, loved, loved this story and if you like bad boys at all (who doesn't?) you should buy this book. You won't be disappointed!