An art forger and an art critic, class difference, deep familial trauma, hidden identity, lying and spying, a slow-slow-burn - this was so compelling. I love how Lowell explores art circles in Victorian England in each of her books, showing their various political causes and their intersecting interests with their colleagues in the sciences and trade. I loved getting an inside peak at the business of art forging, and appreciated how Lowell navigates toxic familial relationships with respect and nuance. And I was so moved to see our art critic fully fleshed out on page. Alan's determination to forge a name (literally) for himself, as well as a path and a career and a future, in spite of everything he endured growing up, makes him a perfect match to Nina, brazen and lonely and determined to not give up even when everything is (literally) sold out from under her.

The backstory here for both characters is difficult to read - I'll include a note with spoiler warning in content warnings - but this doesn't ever feel gratuitous. These characters feel fully realized, and their moments together - and the way they built their own happily-ever-after - were just right. Highly recommend Joanna Lowell to anyone who loves Victorian-era romance that explores characters in and decidedly outside the aristocracy, with a specific focus on the art world, and gorgeous prose.