The description had me intrigued but I found the story disappointing. I was expecting more debauchery set against the background of Venice, however the only remotely scandalous thing that happened on the page was Sophia sneaking out to pose for a painting. The story would probably be considered a clean romance which was not what I thought it would be. The story was a quick read; I think it took me all of 30 minutes. It was in no way bad, and I found some of the tongue in cheek humor fun. I probably would of have liked it more had I read the Pamela Stephen books where the Sophia and Henry first appear and knew better what to expect from her as an author.