This is the second book in the "Wicked Deceptions" series by Joanna Shupe.
The story revolves around Simon Winchester (the best friend of both MCs from the first book) - an Earl involved in politics who tries to discover who is this misterious artist that's destroying his image through cartoons; and Lady Margaret Hawkins -  a widow nicknamed "The Half-Irish Harlot" due to a horrible thing in her youth.

I decided to DNF this book after reading 70%.
It was losing my interest from about 40%,but I persisted until today. Reading some 1 star reviews solidified by beliefs that it's not worth continuing.

As you've guessed, Maggy is the artist, and the whole plot revolves around her and Simon getting together.

<b>Content warning: sexual assault, stalking</b>

I will not rate this book, but I want to list a series of good and bad things for everyone interested in knowing more:
+ Maggy's an artist and she actually paints, knows stuff about colors, techniques, etc unlike protagonists in other books who remember from time to time they have a hobby/passion
+ there is a discussion, however minor in comparison to the drama, about a bill drafted for compensating rape/assault victims;if this was more elevated in the story it would have made a great book! 
+ female friendship and no slut-shaming from women to other women
+ our heroine enjoys her widowhood and it's intent to remain one (at least this is what she wants now...we all know that she'll marry in the end..>.>)

- Simon is overly protective for no real reason, besides that he finally had Maggy after all these years
- his hurt is not justified at all( up until 70% he never apologized for the hurt he'd done nor he understand who the actual victim is here; funny given the case he saves rape/assault victims in his spare time and wants to change the law in favor of the victims)
-he is very much slut-shaming the woman he "loves" right before and after being intimate with her! the nerve!!!!>..<
-in my opinion, he also wants Maggy to change who she is, which is a big no-no in my book
- we are told that Maggy hates intercourse due to her past husband and one lover, but here comes Simon and everything is fine -> not a fan mainly because it makes it seem like enjoying oneself depends on feelings for the other, while also saying men can and will enjoy it regardless of who's the partner(s)
-the villains of the story are ludicrous at best...really...glad I don't have to suffer through another silly drama
-after reading another review, I found out Maggy gives up her passion for Simon...horrible!!!!>..< WTF???


So yes, hope these 2 lists are useful for someone.
Unlike the first book where I found the horrible personality of the hero to be accurate in that situation and mostly good for the story(as in normal for the narrative), here I expected to like Simon more (again, based on his introduction in the first book)....unfortunately, I was dissapointed and bored out of my mind when it was clear what sort of character he is.
It felt like the personalities were degrating more and more with each page...a shame really because Shupe can write better.

I'm interested in the 3rd book, but I'm not ready to try it any time soon...maybe it will be better..hopefully!