Charlotte Bennington is in Paris studying art and has no interest in love and marriage.  All that changes when she meets fellow artist Paul de Sainte at a ball.  Paul sets out to challenge Charlotte’s beliefs about life.  Charlotte is both attracted to Paul’s talent and frightened by the hunger he awakens in her. 

Portrait of Desire is a view inside the social changes during the early 1900’s.  Charlotte and Paul flaunt society by openly living together without the benefit of marriage.  Since both are talented artist, society adopts an attitude of acceptance to their life style.  Kate September’s revelation of that period in history is very compelling.  A very enjoyable read.