ARC REVIEW: Veiled in Blue by Lynne Connolly

It is up to the Emperors of London to protect the throne—without risking their hearts… 
Governess Eve Merton would have fallen into serious trouble on her walk home if a handsome stranger had not stopped to help her. But when Mr. Vernon gives her a lift on his horse, he makes no secret of his attraction. As a well brought-up young lady, Eve does her best not to notice, but when he sets about courting her, she knows she’s in trouble. For she has a secret: she is the daughter of a deposed king, which means not only is she without a dowry, but also that her life is in danger…

Little does Eve know that Mr. Vernon has secrets of his own. In truth, his name is Julius, Lord Winterton, and he’s well aware that Eve is the offspring of the Old Pretender. In order to save his sister, he must convince Eve to wed—though he wants nothing to do with love. But as the two grow closer and an attempt is made on Eve’s life, Julius may realize that fighting his heart’s true desire is a battle most pleasurably surrendered…


“Lynne Connolly writes Georgian romances with a deft touch. Her characters amuse, entertain and reach into your heart.” —Desiree Holt  “Plots, deviousness and passion galore…a truly enjoyable read.” –Fresh Fiction on Temptation Has Green Eyes

This was what he was born for, and this was the woman he was born for.

At last.

His heart stopped as he gazed at her. Then, with one steady thump, it went back into action. A part of his life had died with that cause, but not a part he would ever mourn. He was freshly made because of this woman.

So this was a time period I don't normally read, correct me if I'm wrong but this was 17th century England. I'm saying 17th century because of the gawdy clothing and powdered wings, whoever decided they should stop wearing them was a Godsend. But while I am not a fan of 17th century fashion I enjoyed the story very much. I love a good historical romance when a good mystery and some suspense worked into it. Especially this story because while it is fiction, there were quite a few actual facts.

Eve Merton is a governess and a vicar's daughter, outwardly there's absolutely nothing extraordinary about her aside from her beauty which she believes to be more of a curse. The fact that she may be the granddaughter of a desposed King means nothing too her, she is simply Eve Merton and would never fit in that world. When Julius Vernon, comes into her life she's hesitant about exploring her feelings for him let alone looking at him as a prospective husband. As far as she knows Julius is a man of business come to see his employer, soon he will leave her quiet little village.

But Julius Vernon is not just a man of business, he's also the Earl of Winterton, and when he first sents eyes on Eve he knows something is different about her. Aside from the fact that she is a princess she also affects him unlike any woman ever has, his late wife included.

His fierce tones, so possessive, thrilled her to the core. The sheer passion in his words filled her with excitement. Her pulse throbbed, her heart beating so hard it shortened her breath. 

"You want me so much?"

"Never doubt it."

The story gets to the point fairly quickly, Eve and Julius' hunger for one another burned up the pages from the get go, in this the author was very realistic in her relationship building so while the characters are deeply attracted to each other, the love comes slowly. Since this was the 6th book in the series there was mention of previous couples but nothing confusing. I am intrigued about Augustus and Helene though, hopefully they will be getting their own books too.