Stevie‘s review of Rogue in Red Velvet (Emperors of London, Book 1) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 04 Aug 14
Disclaimer: I actually read and enjoyed an early draft of this novel, back when some of the characters were going by different names and not all the subplots were in place. I’ve also had email discussions with Lynne Connolly about her plans to write one or more novels set around the time of the Jacobites. So when I realised that the novel that I’d offered to review actually contained elements of both, I was very keen to see how well she’d pulled the two together.
The first book in a new series is always challenging for both reader and author, with lots of scene-setting, character introductions, and establishing of recurring themes, along with plot threads that might not come to fruition until several books in the future. Then on top of all that, there’s the need for a gripping main plot that can be set up and resolved in the course of a single novel, leaving the reader both satisfied that a conclusion has been reached and keen to revisit the characters and setting in order to find out more about both.
For the most part, Rogue in Red Velvet succeeds in all those objectives. I’d have liked to have seen more of Alex and Connie getting to know each other, prior to making their separate journeys to London, and while the rumblings of political undercurrents are probably sufficient for most readers, I could have done with more. On the other hand, once we’re in London, the plot moves along very smoothly from a writing-craft point of view, if not in terms of how the characters would view things (there are ups and downs aplenty for them!). We also get to see enough secondary characters, especially those members of Alex’s extended family who are called upon to help him and Connie out of their difficulties, to want to know more about all of them in subsequent stories without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of names and personalities that have to be remembered.
Connie’s fiancé makes for an excellent villain, and I’m equally keen to find out more about others in his family and about just what plots and machinations they all have brewing. Hopefully, later books will dig more into the political and social rivalries of the time, as I’ve found with the author’s other Georgian romances.
All in all, a good, solid start to a new series, and a story that makes me anxious to know when the second in the series is due out.
Grade: B
Read Veena’s review here.
Summary:
If Connie loses her standing in society, she risks losing everything…except Alex.
When country widow Constance Rattigan finds herself in a notorious London brothel instead of at the altar, only one person can save her from the auction block. Alex Vernon walked away from Connie once before, when he discovered her engagement. Now that her fiancé has betrayed her, Lord Ripley doesn’t intend to leave her again. But Connie has other ideas… She won’t marry him until her name is cleared.
Alex decides to make Connie’s wishes come true, but it’s not that easy, even with the help of his powerful relatives known as the Emperors of London.
Read an excerpt.
