Stevie‘s review of Dilemma in Yellow Silk (Emperors Of London, Book 5) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 12 Apr 16
I’m loving my regular encounters with the Emperors of London and their various friends and relations – not to mention their enemies. So far they’ve never failed to deliver on adventure and intrigue, and, obviously, romance. I’m particularly enamoured of the glimpses we also get of differing strands of society (often with a definite small ‘s’) and how they relate and react to those in the higher echelons of Society (definitely with a capital ‘S’). This book is no exception, opening as it does with great excitement at Haxby Hall, as the servants clean the rooms and generally prepare for the return of the Marquess of Strenshall and his family.
Helping them is Viola, daughter of the Marquess’ land steward, and a very distant cousin to the family. Of a similar age to the Marquess’ children, she falls between two levels of society – equally at home working in the Hall and on the estate, or taking music lessons and playing hostess with the younger members of the family when they’re in residence at the Hall. Her particular favourite out of the latter group has always been Marcus Aurelius, Earl of Malton, the Marquess’ heir, even though he seems to have grown more distant from her as his responsibilities in Town and on the estate have increased.
Marcus’ return to Haxby this time, however, is complicated by the revelation that the recent fall from a horse in which Viola’s father broke his ankle was no accident. He and the Marquess have been guarding papers that prove Viola’s true birth – and her legacy as one of the legitimate daughters of James Stuart, the Old Pretender, and his first wife. But now enemies of the Emperors – and of the Crown – are attempting to steal the papers, as well as planning to kidnap Viola in order to marry her off to one of their supporters.
Viola and Marcus flee to another family property, but their enemies seem to be everywhere – ahead and behind – and they are forced to disguise themselves and travel to London by stage coach. Naturally, I love all the historical details we got surrounding their journey and fellow passengers. The drama continues in London as Marcus and Viola make plans to marry in order to assure her safety. Their union is both passionate and tempestuous, with the interesting ways they find for resolving their differences making great gossip for the scandal sheets.
This is most definitely my favourite out of the series so far, although I believe the next will be Julius’ story and I’ve been looking forward to that one for a long time.
Grade: A
Read Veena’s review here.
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:
