I really wanted to like this book. I liked the use of the portraits and the whole idea of the story intrigued me, but I just could not get into this book. I tried to like it. I really did. But it just never engaged my interest and I couldn't force myself to read beyond the first 50 pages. The supporting characters (the best friend & step brother) were far more interesting & entertaining than the main characters and I felt the female lead's reaction to the hero stepping out of a portrait was just a little too ho hum to be believable.
Nice attempt on the "ghost" storyline. This first book in the series was enough to whet my appetite and want to read the rest of the series. I expect the series to improve as it goes on.
