Veena’s review of Dilemma In Yellow Silk (Emperors of London, Book 5) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 12 Apr 16
With this newest entry in her Emperors series, Ms. Connolly takes us back into the bosom of the delightful Strenshall family. Marcus Aurelius is in the right place at the right time to help Viola Gates escape the armed men who come hunting for her. Viola, it turns out, is yet another daughter of the old Pretender, who has been tucked out of sight and hidden in the English countryside as daughter to the Strenshall estate steward. As they flee from the country and dodge the plots that threaten their lives, it is inevitable that romance with a strong touch of lust flowers to life.
As it turns out Marcus and Viola were childhood playmates. Perhaps more might have developed between them, but, with their knowledge of Viola’s roots, they were separated once Marcus was old enough to train to take over in his father’s footsteps one day. Viola still cherishes soft emotions for Marcus, but, as the estate steward’s daughter, there is definitely a class difference between them. In fact, his parents had planned that she would someday take over as housekeeper of the family seat. But fate has different plans for them.
When Marcus arrives with his father on this trip, he finds Viola tuning the Harp. He joins her in making music together and suddenly it’s as if the intervening years have disappeared and they’re back to the friendship they once enjoyed, with a little twist of sexual tension. However, things quickly take a sinister turn when her father is attacked in his home and Marcus springs into action, taking Viola to a hidden house that her father has prepared for such an eventuality. Unfortunately, this house doesn’t prove to be so safe and they are forced to flee from their pursuers on a public coach bound for London.
As they spend time together, Marcus determines that Viola is the right helpmeet he needs in his life and determines to pursue marriage with her, freeing him to act on the sexual tension that simmers between them. Safely arrived in London, Marcus’s family is not necessarily happy with his decision but rally around to support their cause. Viola definitely arouses the passion in Marcus, who is known for his calm to the extent that they make the gossip pages.
The story starts off with a bang and definitely ends with a nice bang. The middle drags just a bit as Viola and Marcus indulge in mad, crazy love making or spending time with the family as Julius helps them with the plot to keep Viola safe. There is the inevitable confrontation with the Dankworths, but it is Alconbury, heir to the duke of Norwich, who intrigued me in this book. I sense a possibility that he’s moving toward the Emperor’s side of the line and that there might even be a romance forthcoming featuring him. This is a series I am definitely enjoying and look forward to the next book in anticipation.
Grade: B
Summary:
Ever ready to do the right thing, The Emperors of London act bravely—and when it comes to matters of the heart, impetuously…
Despite her cover as the daughter of the land steward for Lord Malton, Marcus Aurelius, spirited Viola Gates is tied by birth to the treacherous Jacobite legacy. Not that this keeps her from falling for the dashing Lord from afar. Despite his staid demeanor, Marcus is devastatingly handsome—and hopelessly beyond her reach. Then Viola’s father is mortally wounded and her secret identity revealed, sending her straight into danger’s path—and Marcus’s arms…For years, he’d only known her as a wild child, the tempting—and forbidden—daughter of his trusted steward. But when Viola’s life is threatened, Marcus must act as duty—and his barely contained passion—dictates. Ferrying the bold beauty on an eventful journey to safer quarters, he offers her the protection of his name. Their tempestuous union might succeed in vanquishing their enemies, but will the chivalrous lord and his unsuitable wife surrender to the power of love?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
