“Lady in Red” was a unique romance novella about a woman, Charlotte, who wants to be an artist in Regency-era England. The romantic hero in the story, Flynn, also was an artist, and the two meet when she masquerades as a boy to get her foot in the door on a job painting a cathedral.

Charlotte is unmasked early in the story, and she and Flynn soon after become romantically involved.

The main disappointment of this story is that it was so short. I wanted to read more about Charlotte and Flynn because they had such a unique relationship. In other romance novels, the women are usually governesses or writers or just plain old noblewomen who don’t do much of anything. That both the hero and heroine were artists gave a fresh, interesting twist to Regency romance. I’ll definitely look for more from this author.

What’s it About? Lady Charlotte Beaumont is considered a disappointment to everyone around her and all but ignored but she used that time to grow her talent for painting beyond the usual accomplishments of the ladies in her class. In order to make one of her dreams come true she disguises herself as “Charlie” so that she can work on getting recognized for her artistic talents. Unfortunately her biggest competition, and problem is Flynn Rutledge who is determined to prove his own worth. When “Charlie’s” true identity is discovered, Flynn is not only shocked but completely attracted to the talented woman, except she’s a lady of the ton and he considers himself so far beneath her socially.



Overall reaction to the story? For such a short story (novella length), there’s a lot going on in The Lady in Red and it’s all good fun! Charlotte’s masquerading as a man definitely changed things up a bit but in a good way. As a couple Finn and Charlotte worked really well, they had art in common and were a pair of oddballs among society. I loved the chemistry between them and that Charlotte wasn’t what you would call a conventional beauty.

The Lady in Red was my first time reading Kelly Bowen but I enjoyed myself enough to want to pick up another book by her in the future. Especially if she writes unconventional characters like Finn and Charlotte.

I will say that the cover is a bit misleading, this is NOT a Christmas romance. Not a holiday celebration in sight but that’s okay because this novella is a treat anyway.

Click It or Skip It? Click it.

I did not finish this book. I don't know if it was timing or what, but I couldn't really connect with it.

I really loved this quick read by Kelly Bowen! It was definitely a different type of historical romance since the heroine spent much of the story disguised as a man. But I think this made me enjoy it that much more. We see this relationship build on friendship alone before Flynn discovers that Charlie is a woman. Once that discovery is made, the romance takes over.

Loved this little glimpse into the Season for Scandal series!!

I’ve enjoyed every installment in this series so far and though this novella veered a little from thread of the main books, it was still a hit for me. This story had nothing to do with the Chegarre & Associates firm who does such a great job fixing problems for the ton. But it’s linked to the other installments by the enigmatic and thoroughly fascinating King character. This is a man who can make anything happen. Here, he is helping Lady Charlotte find a post as an artist.

Charlotte is very gifted at her craft, but no one would ever take a Lady seriously as an artist. So King sets her up with a phony male identity to work on a major project. Her unwitting partner is Flynn Rutledge, a talented artist from the wrong side of the tracks with a chip on his shoulder and a distaste for aristocratic women. Thank Goodness, he only knows Charlotte as “Charlie,” at least for a time.

Since it’s a novella, the story moves quickly and the deception about Charlotte’s gender doesn’t last too long. I really liked how self-possessed this heroine is. She boldly goes after what she wants, yet she is warm-hearted and careful with Flynn’s feelings. As for the hero, he’s got some issues from his last lady-love that make him do some bone-headed stuff, but it’s not so egregious that I couldn’t forgive him. He’s a good guy at his core—he loved his mom and he wants to make her proud—it’s just that ex of his really did a number on him. It’s hard for him to trust and, even sometimes, to believe in himself.

The story follows the path you would expect, but it’s a good ride.

More than anything, though, it left me more convinced than ever that I need a King book. Do you hear me Kelly Bowen?? I need it now.

Rating: B/B+

~~Reviewed by Monique~~

Lady Charlotte Beaumont has brought her forgery of a Van Dyck painting in order to sell it, and have enough money to be able to pay for lodgings and find a position, far from the family that ignores her. The man she came to see, “King”, sees immediately that the work is fake, but he has a something that will enable her to use her talents: a second painter is needed for a mural commissioned by a church in Coventry. In 1818, a woman would never be allowed to proceed, but a young man would, and so is born Charlie Beaumont, who shall not reveal who he really is. The other painter is Finn Rutledge, whom Charlotte thinks is the most beautiful man she has ever seen…

When I chose to read THE LADY IN RED, there was no blurb available, and as I am not especially fond of women passing as young men, I am not sure if I would have chosen to read it, but then again it is Kelly Bowen, who has not failed me in the past, or should I now say, Kelly Bowen who has never failed me. However, I did have a few minor issues with this novella: I would have liked to have known how an aristocrat came to know King, a shady character, and the ways to dispose of forged art. Also, I wondered how two people without any formal training in oil painting could have possibly achieved such proficiency in this specific medium that they would be chosen for such a lofty enterprise. Charlotte is not conventionally pretty; she is too tall, broad-shouldered, but her transformation into young Charlie seemed to have occurred speedily and rather miraculously, still, I feel THE LADY IN RED, in spite of these shortcomings, merits 5 stars, and here’s why.

Kelly Bowen creates a sumptuous atmosphere, not in gilded riches but in nuances and subtlety. Few authors are able to write with the special touch that allows me to read “in colour”: THE LADY IN RED is all sepia tones and candlelit glow, highlighted with vibrant bursts of colour. The artistic milieu is beautifully recreated; I could see where Charlie and Finn worked, his reticence at having to share his art with a young pup, and eventually accepting Charlie for “his” talent. And this is where Ms. Bowen shines: Finn and Charlie learn to be friends, have heart to heart talks – and let it be noted that their backstories are complete, believable, and fascinating – all this without any idiocy regarding Charlotte’s gender. In fact, the event leading to Finn’s discovery of Charlie being a woman is absolutely brilliant, and contrary to what usually happens with this sort of trope: it is the turning point of the story, and a twofold marvel.

The romance is so very beautiful because it is based on art, mutual respect, honest communication, shared passions, and selflessness. The conversations Finn and Charlie/Charlotte – both sides of Charlotte must be included here as both identities are significant in the exchanges – are meaningful, profound, and moving. Kelly Bowen has again wowed me with her scintillating prose, her superb dialogues, dramatic images, her perceptiveness, and the ease with which she expresses her characters’ feelings and emotions, all this splendour concluding with a perfect epilogue.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

A lovely tale by Kelly of an aristocratic young lady, Charlotte Beaumont who has been ignored all her life by her family. They have no idea that she is a talented painter and when she applies for an artistic commission she knows that if Society and her family find out there will be a scandal that she would never come back from. She will be working and living with an artist that is remarkably talented and of low birth, someone she would never be allowed to even talk to him. She is so determined to get this commission that she even disguising herself as a young man to hide her true identity.

Flynn Rutledge is a talented painter who thinks that this commission will bring him the recognition he deserves from the Art community and he will finally leave behind his common background. When he finds out that he is sharing the commission with a young nobody he is furious. When he sees how talented the boy is he is impressed. When he finally sees through her disguise he is shocked to his core that a she is a lady

Kelly writes a beautiful story that has loneliness, determination, redemption, and love. Two people that are so different in every conceivable way find that they also want the same things in life. Flynn wants Charlotte but he will not force her into a life of hardship and deprivation. Charlotte doesn't care how she and Flynn will live, she has had all the advantages of a privileged upbringing and she was lonely and miserable, she knows what she wants and will have to convince Flynn that they should be together.

I loved this Holiday novella by Kelly. She is an amazing talent that really digs deep into her characters, her plots and the historical accuracy that makes her a phenomenal writer of Historical Romance. She is one of my go-to authors and cannot wait for her next book.

I love a Kelly Bowen historical romance, and I really enjoyed this holiday novella, The Lady in Red.
Lady Charlotte Beaumont is an artist and practices her craft in secret. She disguises herself as a man in order to work with two artists and live her dreams. Flynn Rutledge is one of those artists, and he and Charlie connects. They become friends, but Charlotte’s secret looms and threatens their developing relationship. Charlie offering Flynn are absolutely endearing together, Kelly Bowen does an excellent job of developing their romance. The Lady in Red is a quick, excellent historical romance with the magic of the holidays.

ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

Kelly Bowen rights strong heroines that don’t follow the convention of the day and provides them opportunities to follow their dreams. Her latest, Lady in Red, is no exception. Charlotte is the unseen daughter – not pretty enough to fit into society and make a smart match – essentially ignored by her parents. She uses the time alone to hone her considerable art talent. When an opportunity to paint the final scenes in a new chapel, she blackmails her way into the commission. Her partner in the work, Flynn Rutledge, has a chip on his shoulder that Charlotte helps him move past. Together they find they are amazing.

After seeing the Women in Paris art exhibit several weeks ago, this novella particularly resonated. Charlotte gives up everything to be the artist she is meant to; but at the same time she gains everything she needs.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella.

4.5 Stars

Lady Charlotte Beaumont is of no use to her father, the earl, or to her brothers. She's too tall, too broad shouldered, and not beautiful in any traditional sense. She is regularly sent away to their country estate, chaperoned by an indifferent aunt. Over the years, Charlotte has taken the art training she received as a child and has perfected her skills to become a truly formidable artist. However, the world isn't yet ready for a female artist to be accepted or successful. In order to pursue her dream, and to get away from her indifferent family, Charlotte approaches a mysterious man, known as King, with a devil's bargain. King is a powerful force, one not to be trifled with, but he is willing to make a deal with Charlotte. He will arrange that she is granted the remaining open spot on a prestigious project if she is willing to repay his request when he summons her. Charlotte agrees, and is transformed into "Charlie" Beaumont, and sets off to obtain her dream.

Flynn Rutledge at first appears to be the poster child of a temperamental artist who is suffering with lack of inspiration. He can't believe that his partner in designing murals for this church project is an unknown young boy, who no one has heard of, and who looks like a mere teenager. Charlie's initial conversations are met with anger, sarcasm, and suspicion. Flynn is suspicious, because he is assuming that Charlie knows of the great scandal in his past, and is only waiting for the opportune moment to fling that information in Flynn's face. Flynn is a talented and dedicated artist, but his reputation took a serious hit when he became involved in an affair with a notorious widow. Believing himself in love, he publicly proposed, and suffered the humiliation of being soundly rejected. The widow's friends declared that the son of a prostitute had no business trying to marry into their ranks. While Flynn's pride was greatly damaged, his heart wasn't, but he developed an intense hatred for titled aristocrats.

Slowly, Charlie's calm nature overcomes Flynn's hostility. Flynn sees Charlie's genuine talent, and finds the inspiration that had been eluding him recently. The two of them agree on the handling of the project and begin a comfortable and amicable working relationship, with mutual respect on both sides. The status quo is interrupted when an attack on Charlie leaves her injured, and Flynn discovers her gender while rendering aid.

Surprisingly, Flynn doesn't threaten to reveal Charlotte's secret, or insist that she leave the project. He does ask for her reasons, and he's sympathetic to the plight of a woman with her talent who has no outlet for it. The new facet to their relationship leads to a sizzling affair and a deepening of their bond of friendship. Charlotte told Flynn all the facts about herself, except that she is a titled lady. When their project is over, Flynn learns that Charlotte is an earl's daughter, and feels betrayed and used all over again. Will he be able to overcome his prejudice, or will he throw away the chance at a great love?

I am always leery of reading stories with characters masquerading as the opposite gender, as I have a hard time believing they could be successful. However, the description of Charlotte's appearance made me believe she could pull off appearing as a youth, without making her appear to be ugly. I love Flynn's reaction to her, how he studied her, and found the loveliness in her. I love that he made her feel beautiful and respected her talent as an artist and as an equal. In turn, Charlotte is very good for Flynn. She provided inspiration to him when he floundered, she made him think, and she provided him with a sense of self worth when the world scorned him. I find it amazing that a woman who was valued so little by her own family was able to become such a determined and caring person. The romance between Flynn and Charlotte developed beautifully and their sexual chemistry is hot. THE LADY IN RED is another amazing read from Kelly Bowen, and it concludes with a grand gesture of love from Charlotte which is pure perfection.

3.5 Stars

I was a little bit, aka a lot, deceived by the cover into thinking I had gotten my hands on a historical romance Christmas book. Now the former part of that is correct, however the latter, the ‘Christmas’ part is not. Ignore the cheerfully lit Christmas tree in the background it’s telling porkies. But, in retrospect I can’t be too angry about it, I enjoyed the book too much. It’s all about wallflower Lady Charlotte Beaumont is used to being ignored by everyone, servants and family alike,so has used this to her advantage by becoming an exceptional artist. Only now she wants to break out of the restrictions placed upon her and use this skill. Enlisting the help of a very dangerous man, she manages to find a position…as Mr Charlie Beaumont a young aspiring artist. What could go wrong? Apart from an attractive fellow artist Flynn Rutledge finding out her secret identity…

Although, as I have pointed out already, this isn’t a Christmas book, it does have all the hallmarks of an uplifting Christmas tale. We have a heroine who striving to improve herself and live her dreams; we have a grumpy hero coming to terms with a sordid past all bound together with the power of their friendship, and then eventual romance, to make each character become more than they could have alone. It’s heart warming stuff.

What I liked most about this novella, is that Bowen managed to pack such a powerful romance in such a small package. Charlotte and Flynn were friends first and had formed a mutual liking and respect for one another without the complication of a romantic relationship. This solid foundation led a strong connection between them both when the truth was eventually revealed.

This is a great novella and can be read as a standalone, I haven’t read previous books in this series but I didn’t need to, and is definitely worth a look at this winter season.

Really enjoyed this - my first by Bowen, and it won't be my last. The pacing and character building were perfect.

The Lady in Red by Kelly Bowen (historical, Forever Yours, December 2017)
This historical romance is a novella set in Kelly Bowen’s A Season for Scandal series and is a delightful romance between two artists. Lady Charlotte Beaumont has aspirations of making lofty art that is generally denied women. She uses all of the resources at her disposal to get an opportunity to get a commission to paint a mural at a church. Her wish is granted and she disguises herself as a man to complete the job with another artist, Flynn Rutledge. For most of the story, Flynn does not know Charlotte’s secret. It isn’t until Charlotte is injured that Flynn realizes that she is a woman. Fortunately, he has come to respect and admire her talent and her work.

Once the secret is out, a relationship between the two develops very quickly. The biggest stumbling block is Charlotte’s aristocratic heritage and Flynn’s belief that all aristocratic women are users. But Charlotte has a plan to prove her love to Flynn that works wonders. This is another quick read, but one that made my heart so very happy. I am a big fan of this entire series.

The Lady in Red by Kelly Bowen is the story of a woman who goes to great lengths to chase her dreams, and gets a reward even bigger than she'd imagined.

Lady Charlotte Beaumont has been largely ignored by her family for years. This absence of notice has meant she's been able to hone her artistic talents in secret, developing unmatched skills in reproductions and in creating her own stunning paintings. In desperation to change her fortunes, she turns to a known criminal to try to sell one of her forgeries – one he recognizes isn't the real thing. In return for the whereabouts of the real painting she's credibly copied, he agrees to help her. The result is a disguise and a chance to work as one of two craftsmen on a commission of Renaissance murals for St. Michael's. It's her dream job, even if she has to pretend to be a young man to get it.

Flynn Rutledge has learned the hard way that he and the nobility don't mix after a failed love affair and more worriedly, a loss of his artistic drive. Though he's got the commission to work on the murals at St. Michael's from his previous accreditation, he has lost the spark of ingenuity. That is, until 'Charlie' comes to work with him. His youthful partner helps him divine the nature of the murals that will be the talk of the town when completed. They work well together, Charlie offering Flynn friendship and quiet confidence that helps restore his lack of faith in himself. But when Flynn finds out that Charlie is really Charlotte, will it ruin their friendship or be the start of something even better?

What a lovely novella! Though the cover indicates a Christmas scene, it's light on the holiday theme as there are no extended holiday scenes. It's the time period just before Christmas when the story takes place which makes it a holiday novella, but really one that could be read any time of year.

I really enjoyed how the author was able to take Charlotte and her position in society and come up with a credible way to have her achieve her dream of working on the murals. Under the guise of attending the Haverhall School for Young Ladies, an upright and well respected school that doubles as a place where women are able to achieve more lofty goals, Charlotte becomes Charlie and gains her place at Flynn's side.

Flynn and Charlie's friendship develops honestly and cements their loyalty to each other even before Flynn discovers that Charlie is really Charlotte. It's a slow burn romance, but leads to some sexy scenes. The artistic scenes are well written and make for an interesting backdrop to the story. The conflict comes in later, as Flynn discovers Charlotte's real identity and has to make choices that will affect their future. In the end Charlotte's dreams come true, and she finds a partner worthy of her in Flynn. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

This review has been posted at Harlequin Junkie and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted at sale sites.

This was wonderful. I enjoyed how Charlotte goes against society so she can prove herself but also show us that women are worth more than just being a wife.

Charlotte is part of the aristocracy. Her family is disappointed by her and how she does conform to what society says her role is. She has talent and wants those around to see it. So to prove herself she meets a deal with what some would call the devil. Doing this brings her to Flynn. Doing this gains her respect and love. It also gets her to see where she wants to be and gains her strength and confidence.

Flynn is angry at aristocracy and life in general. It is Charlotte as Charlie that helps him let go but also see life differently. Charlotte has him expand his views but also gains his respect. He gets his passion back. Along the way he also gets himself back. He is reminded as to what is important and what isn’t. This is Charlotte’s doing. when he learns the truth of Charlie/Charlotte he gives Charlotte the respect she deserves and doesn’t look down on her. He believes in her and her talent.

these two are fun to watch. they help each other find their footing and way. They help each other see who they are as individuals but also together. Each one gains respect and loyalty from the other. They find love and passion with each other. Both grow and become who they are meant to be. Both gain the strength to stand up for themselves and what they want as well.

The romance is a slow burn and the friendship and respect is there from the beginning after Flynn gets less prickly. The story is fast paced, entertaining and shows us friendship, love and respect. It shows us how our gender shouldn’t matter only our talent and views. Flynn shows this to Charlotte and gains more in the process. He gains love and someone to trust and spend his life with in this truly sweet and entertaining book.

Lady Charlotte Beaumont is willing to risk everything to follow her passion for painting. She has been ignored most of her life so she uses the only dangerous means available to her to secure the second painter slot for a dream commission. She is disguised as a man, Charlie Beaumont. The other painter, Flynn Rutledge, is a brilliant painter, but he hasn't done a significant piece in 5 years. Charlie, with her frank assessment of Flynn's work, helps him work his way back to joy in his work again, but what will happen when he finds out her true identity?

Ms. Bowen has written a beautiful novella invoking such powerful and passionate emotions as Charlie and Flynn inspire each other to create a masterpiece. The depth of their characters was slowly teased out throughout the story and I couldn't put the book down. I was sad to see this story end as I wanted more of these two and Charlotte's promise to the elusive man who got her the commission in the first place. One small criticism is that the cover and title don't really match the storyline or the description of Charlotte. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this story for regency romance fans.

I was super excited to return to this world when I saw that a new novella was going to be released!

While this story didn't have the drama of the previous novels, it still had all the charm I love.

These two have a fabulous connection! It starts with a love of painting but grows into a mutual respect for each other's artistry and attitude. Not only do they make each other better artists but they make each other stronger individuals and watching that develop was great. They make such a wonderful pair!

Having them establish that personal connection makes a solid foundation for a romance to blossom. It isn't a shallow romance that grows between these two rather a soul-deep love that only makes them stronger. The romance definitely had a slow burn vibe to it which is hard to do in a novella but it's achieved extremely well here.

I'm not sure what was missing from the book for me to only give it 4 stars. Perhaps it was the fact that it took me a few chapters to get fully emerged into the story? Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!

Kelly Bowen is an incredible writer. I adore her writing style and the way she crafts her characters. I will say that the first chapter had me thinking I was surprise getting King's book, which turned out not to be the case (and I'm glad because I want a tome for that). This story involves some of my favorite tropes: a woman having to disguise herself like a man to be taken seriously, competence porn, and an angsty hero who gets his act together quickly. Definitely a novella that's perfect for the holidays and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it!

Publisher's Description:

Lady Charlotte Beaumont has spent her whole life being ignored. By her parents, her brother, even the servants. So she was secretly able to develop her talent for painting well beyond the usual watercolors. Too bad no one will let her actually use it-women are rarely accepted into the Royal Academy. But when a connection at the Haverhall School for Young Ladies gets Charlotte her dream commission, she'll do whatever it takes to make it work. Including disguising herself as "Charlie."

Flynn Rutledge has something to prove. His lowly upbringing is not going to stop him from achieving his artistic dreams. This commission is the key to his future, and his partner, an unknown youth in oversized clothes who is barely old enough to shave, doesn't exactly inspire confidence. But Charlie does inspire Flynn's artistic passion-something he worried he might have lost forever. For all his street smarts, nothing can prepare Flynn for the shock of Charlie's true identity. He doesn't care that she's a woman, but a lady of the ton is a different matter altogether . . .

My Thoughts:

I was in love with the character of the heroine immediately. I am an artist also and even in more modern times female artist often get pushed aside and replaced by their male counterparts.

Lady Charlotte Beaumont, Charlie, has an extraordinary artistic talent, but like most females of the era it is looked upon as something that she could perhaps teach to other genteel young ladies but not to be taken seriously.
Flynn Rutledge has also had much to overcome. First and foremost his own artistic talent has brought him to the attention of ladies who want for his body and not his mind.
Charlie is chosen along with Flynn to create two panels that will be displayed in a church. Disguised as a young lad, Charlie endeavors to do her best with her work and in the meantime to encourage the confidence of Flynn which is lacking after his breakup with his lady mistress.
Will this unusual pair carry their relationship to a higher degree or will the revelation that Charlie is actually a highborn lady be the end of things between them?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames. After Flynn discovers that Charlie is a woman sparks fly and the intimacy between them ensues.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The Lady in Red by Kelly BowenFor a novella, this was quite a full story. We get Lady Charlotte Beaumont who cannot be considered a good painter because of her gender. Then there is Flynn Rutledge who has not been considered for the Royal Academy because of his background. When these two each get a chance to work on a job together, Charlotte is first brought in as Charlie. Yes, the method of getting her on the job are a little overly complicated and, yes, there is a bit of an overused plot-line but this was a fast read and very enjoyable.



This novella comes out December 5

Three and a half stars

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley