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The Velvet Basement #3
The Painted Heart
They were selling her. It didn't make any sense. She, Miss Elspeth James, was the governess. She prepared the girls to be selected as Painted Sisters she didn't become one. And what made it all the worse was that it was to him, that arrogant, cold and infuriating Mr Blackburn. She would have walkout out, left the Hurley twins, her beloved charges and the ridiculous proposal if it wasn't for one thing. The girls were in danger. Serious danger. There were whispers of secret bidding, astronomical prices for the beautiful tattooed skin minus the girl. One of the girls was being harassed by the Hurley’s nephew. The Hurleys were too old and far too eccentric to see the threat.
If she accepted the deal, had her body tattooed and became Mr Blackburn’s living art, his Painted Sister, she would become a very wealthy woman. Wealthy enough to do something to protect the girls.
The Painted Heart is a dark Victorian Romance with a rickly sensual, gothic feel.
If she accepted the deal, had her body tattooed and became Mr Blackburn’s living art, his Painted Sister, she would become a very wealthy woman. Wealthy enough to do something to protect the girls.
The Painted Heart is a dark Victorian Romance with a rickly sensual, gothic feel.
401 pages, ebook
First published November 20, 2016
66 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Elsa Holland
16 books82 followersElsa Holland writes lush, sensual stories set in Victorian England. They skirt the edge of gothic eroticism and dark romanticism giving them a rich, moody feel (which has nothing to do with the bowl of chocolates at the side of her keyboard or the pictures she chooses for her desktop). Her heroines walk fearlessly through the dark and her heroes are exactly the kind of men you secretly want to find there.
She lives with her Viking-stock husband and her follow-you-everywhere dog, in semi-tropical Queensland, Australia.
She lives with her Viking-stock husband and her follow-you-everywhere dog, in semi-tropical Queensland, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 12, 2017
Review written: April 11, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☀
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book for review as a result of an author call for reviews. I have not been paid in any way for this review, nor did I agree to write a positive review.
This is easily the best book of this series. As we delve deeper into the world of the Velvet Basement, each book explores a different area of sexual interest. Previous books include different types of kink and this one includes living canvases, living art - full body tattoos - that are owned and shown off to other wealthy collectors. This is the first book with a plot that extends outside the kink and the couple and the first book to include a mystery. Both are wonderful.
Elspeth and Blackburn (seen in previous books) have an explosive chemistry. And when I say explosive, that's what I mean. They rub each other the wrong way from the start and just can't stop fighting for a second. Elspeth's backstory is hugely important in this as is her current employment. She serves as governess for the Living Canvases, the young women who will become Painted Sisters.
There were some mechanics of the world of the Painted Sisters than confused me. Holland needed to explain some it a bit better. For example, many Painted Sisters had some form of sexual relationship with their owner via contract. But Painted Sisters also are called sisters for a reason. Later discussions indicated that a Living Canvas was only painted when a Collector was tired of her sexually. This didn't make a lot of sense to me and I found myself confused as to why a Collector would not want the physical relationship after she was painted.
But the great terror of being a Painted Sister is not the sex or lack thereof. It's a Skinner, someone who takes their skin before they die naturally since a Painted Sister was often skinned after her death. And yes, that means she is murdered for her skin. It's an outlawed practice, having been stamped out previously, that has seemingly crept out of the shadows once again. So Elspeth, who has a strong emotional attachment to her girls is bound to finding this threat and keeping the Canvases and Sisters safe.
Elspeth and Blackburn's story is the most distressing one of the Velvet Basement series. Her determination to not be owned by him and his equal determination to take what he wants end up in a series of fights. Elspeth's only consideration is keeping her girls safe even as her body betrays her desire to break out of her narrow role in this world. Blackburn is determined to win Elspeth and equally determined to do it without giving her any of himself. It's a supremely foolish move but one that makes sense for him. Blackburn wants Elspeth and the major thing that draws him to her is painful. But while it's shared pain that pushes them together, it's something else they share that drives them apart. Any discussion about what binds them cannot be done without series spoilers but, it's painful, it's ugly, and it's indescribably emotional.
I think the characterization here is superior to previous books with both Elspeth and Blackburn's backstories and current motivations making considerable sense and making their relationship interesting. I liked the visibility of other characters in the world of the Velvet Basement and the clear tie-ins with the previous book (The Bound Heart). This is also probably the most passion-filled of the books and I'm not just talking about the sex. Elspeth is a passionate character: passionate about those she protects and cares for, passionate about her refusal to be a Painted Sister, passionate about her pain, passionate in her feelings. Blackburn doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve but he sure has one and it's in a lot of danger from Elspeth.
Page 5.
This review is ©April 2017 by Monique N.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☀
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book for review as a result of an author call for reviews. I have not been paid in any way for this review, nor did I agree to write a positive review.
This is easily the best book of this series. As we delve deeper into the world of the Velvet Basement, each book explores a different area of sexual interest. Previous books include different types of kink and this one includes living canvases, living art - full body tattoos - that are owned and shown off to other wealthy collectors. This is the first book with a plot that extends outside the kink and the couple and the first book to include a mystery. Both are wonderful.
Elspeth and Blackburn (seen in previous books) have an explosive chemistry. And when I say explosive, that's what I mean. They rub each other the wrong way from the start and just can't stop fighting for a second. Elspeth's backstory is hugely important in this as is her current employment. She serves as governess for the Living Canvases, the young women who will become Painted Sisters.
There were some mechanics of the world of the Painted Sisters than confused me. Holland needed to explain some it a bit better. For example, many Painted Sisters had some form of sexual relationship with their owner via contract. But Painted Sisters also are called sisters for a reason. Later discussions indicated that a Living Canvas was only painted when a Collector was tired of her sexually. This didn't make a lot of sense to me and I found myself confused as to why a Collector would not want the physical relationship after she was painted.
But the great terror of being a Painted Sister is not the sex or lack thereof. It's a Skinner, someone who takes their skin before they die naturally since a Painted Sister was often skinned after her death. And yes, that means she is murdered for her skin. It's an outlawed practice, having been stamped out previously, that has seemingly crept out of the shadows once again. So Elspeth, who has a strong emotional attachment to her girls is bound to finding this threat and keeping the Canvases and Sisters safe.
Elspeth and Blackburn's story is the most distressing one of the Velvet Basement series. Her determination to not be owned by him and his equal determination to take what he wants end up in a series of fights. Elspeth's only consideration is keeping her girls safe even as her body betrays her desire to break out of her narrow role in this world. Blackburn is determined to win Elspeth and equally determined to do it without giving her any of himself. It's a supremely foolish move but one that makes sense for him. Blackburn wants Elspeth and the major thing that draws him to her is painful. But while it's shared pain that pushes them together, it's something else they share that drives them apart. Any discussion about what binds them cannot be done without series spoilers but, it's painful, it's ugly, and it's indescribably emotional.
I think the characterization here is superior to previous books with both Elspeth and Blackburn's backstories and current motivations making considerable sense and making their relationship interesting. I liked the visibility of other characters in the world of the Velvet Basement and the clear tie-ins with the previous book (The Bound Heart). This is also probably the most passion-filled of the books and I'm not just talking about the sex. Elspeth is a passionate character: passionate about those she protects and cares for, passionate about her refusal to be a Painted Sister, passionate about her pain, passionate in her feelings. Blackburn doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve but he sure has one and it's in a lot of danger from Elspeth.
Page 5.
This review is ©April 2017 by Monique N.
April 7, 2017
Best book by Elsa Holland so far! I love how she can create a world that sucks you in instantly and never lets you go. I found myself reading this at every opportunity, and thinking about it when I wasn't.
Elsbeth is a wondrously strong woman with amazing values. Her backstory makes her a perfect, breathing character, and her love for the Canvases and her fellow Painted Sisters feels so real.
Blackburn, too, is an enticing man, with his many facades and secrets. He is a man of means, and determination, who went from the bottom and is successfully heading to the top.
Elsbeth is a wondrously strong woman with amazing values. Her backstory makes her a perfect, breathing character, and her love for the Canvases and her fellow Painted Sisters feels so real.
Blackburn, too, is an enticing man, with his many facades and secrets. He is a man of means, and determination, who went from the bottom and is successfully heading to the top.
April 12, 2017
Review written: April 11, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☀
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book for review as a result of an author call for reviews and my review of the ARC copy is here. This review is for the as-published Kindle edition of this book.
This is easily the best book of this series. The world of the Velvet Basement explores different areas of sexual interest. This book includes living canvases, living art - full body tattoos - that are owned and shown off to other wealthy collectors. The Painted Heart is the first book with a plot that extends outside the kink and the couple and the first book to include a mystery. Both are wonderful.
There were some mechanics of the world of the Painted Sisters than confused me and needed to be better explained. Specifically, the issue of sex before and after a Canvas is painted seemed odd to me. Also, the way Blackburn wins one of the arguments felt off.
The great terror of being a Painted Sister is a Skinner, someone who takes their skin before they die naturally. And yes, that means she is murdered for her skin. It's an outlawed practice that has seemingly crept out of the shadows once again. So Elspeth, who has a strong emotional attachment to her girls is bound to finding this threat and keeping the Canvases and Sisters safe.
The characterization here is superior to previous books. Elspeth and Blackburn (seen in previous books) have an explosive chemistry. And when I say explosive, that's what I mean. They rub each other the wrong way from the start and just can't stop fighting for a second. Blackburn is determined to win Elspeth and equally determined to do it without giving her any of himself. His courtship is unique and fascinating to watch. while it's shared pain that pushes them together, it's something else they share that drives them apart. Any discussion about what binds them cannot be done without series spoilers but, it's painful, it's ugly, and it's indescribably emotional.
I liked the visibility of other characters in the world of the Velvet Basement and the clear tie-ins with The Bound Heart. This is also probably the most passion-filled of the books and I'm not just talking about the sex. Elspeth is a passionate character: passionate about those she protects and cares for, passionate about her refusal to be a Painted Sister, passionate about her pain, passionate in her feelings. Blackburn doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve but he sure has one and it's in a lot of danger from Elspeth.
When reviewing an ARC copy, grammar, spelling, and typos tend to get ignored since they can be cleaned up before final publication. Unfortunately, as with previous books in this series, they persist in the published book. The Painted Heart has run on sentences; suffers from inappropriate commas and apostophes; and is riddled with incorrect verb usage, character name shifts, and typos. Even with two editors listed, these issues are not addressed in this book. The first thing I checked when I got the Kindle edition was to check the character name shift and it was still there. I'm not sure if it's a case of the wrong file being uploaded or if these issues are not being caught.
In the end, this edition gets 3 stars only because I loved the story as much as I did. The editing is still in serious need of help.
This review is adapted from the ARC review, is ©April 2017 by Monique N., and is crossposted to Amazon.com
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☀
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book for review as a result of an author call for reviews and my review of the ARC copy is here. This review is for the as-published Kindle edition of this book.
This is easily the best book of this series. The world of the Velvet Basement explores different areas of sexual interest. This book includes living canvases, living art - full body tattoos - that are owned and shown off to other wealthy collectors. The Painted Heart is the first book with a plot that extends outside the kink and the couple and the first book to include a mystery. Both are wonderful.
There were some mechanics of the world of the Painted Sisters than confused me and needed to be better explained. Specifically, the issue of sex before and after a Canvas is painted seemed odd to me. Also, the way Blackburn wins one of the arguments felt off.
The great terror of being a Painted Sister is a Skinner, someone who takes their skin before they die naturally. And yes, that means she is murdered for her skin. It's an outlawed practice that has seemingly crept out of the shadows once again. So Elspeth, who has a strong emotional attachment to her girls is bound to finding this threat and keeping the Canvases and Sisters safe.
The characterization here is superior to previous books. Elspeth and Blackburn (seen in previous books) have an explosive chemistry. And when I say explosive, that's what I mean. They rub each other the wrong way from the start and just can't stop fighting for a second. Blackburn is determined to win Elspeth and equally determined to do it without giving her any of himself. His courtship is unique and fascinating to watch. while it's shared pain that pushes them together, it's something else they share that drives them apart. Any discussion about what binds them cannot be done without series spoilers but, it's painful, it's ugly, and it's indescribably emotional.
I liked the visibility of other characters in the world of the Velvet Basement and the clear tie-ins with The Bound Heart. This is also probably the most passion-filled of the books and I'm not just talking about the sex. Elspeth is a passionate character: passionate about those she protects and cares for, passionate about her refusal to be a Painted Sister, passionate about her pain, passionate in her feelings. Blackburn doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve but he sure has one and it's in a lot of danger from Elspeth.
When reviewing an ARC copy, grammar, spelling, and typos tend to get ignored since they can be cleaned up before final publication. Unfortunately, as with previous books in this series, they persist in the published book. The Painted Heart has run on sentences; suffers from inappropriate commas and apostophes; and is riddled with incorrect verb usage, character name shifts, and typos. Even with two editors listed, these issues are not addressed in this book. The first thing I checked when I got the Kindle edition was to check the character name shift and it was still there. I'm not sure if it's a case of the wrong file being uploaded or if these issues are not being caught.
In the end, this edition gets 3 stars only because I loved the story as much as I did. The editing is still in serious need of help.
This review is adapted from the ARC review, is ©April 2017 by Monique N., and is crossposted to Amazon.com
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Blurb:
They were selling her. It didn't make any sense. She, Miss Elspeth James, was the governess. She prepared the girls to be selected as Painted Sisters she didn't become one. And what made it all the worse was that it was to him, that arrogant, cold and infuriating Mr Blackburn. She would have walkout out, left the Hurley twins, her beloved charges and the ridiculous proposal if it wasn't for one thing. The girls were in danger. Serious danger. There were whispers of secret bidding, astronomical prices for the beautiful tattooed skin minus the girl. One of the girls was being harassed by the Hurley’s nephew. The Hurleys were too old and far too eccentric to see the threat.
If she accepted the deal, had her body tattooed and became Mr Blackburn’s living art, his Painted Sister, she would become a very wealthy woman. Wealthy enough to do something to protect the girls.
The Painted Heart is a dark Victorian Romance with a rickly sensual, gothic feel.
Blurb:
They were selling her. It didn't make any sense. She, Miss Elspeth James, was the governess. She prepared the girls to be selected as Painted Sisters she didn't become one. And what made it all the worse was that it was to him, that arrogant, cold and infuriating Mr Blackburn. She would have walkout out, left the Hurley twins, her beloved charges and the ridiculous proposal if it wasn't for one thing. The girls were in danger. Serious danger. There were whispers of secret bidding, astronomical prices for the beautiful tattooed skin minus the girl. One of the girls was being harassed by the Hurley’s nephew. The Hurleys were too old and far too eccentric to see the threat.
If she accepted the deal, had her body tattooed and became Mr Blackburn’s living art, his Painted Sister, she would become a very wealthy woman. Wealthy enough to do something to protect the girls.
The Painted Heart is a dark Victorian Romance with a rickly sensual, gothic feel.
April 15, 2017
Elsa Holland's books go from strength to strength, this is by far my favourite and I loved the first two so that should put it into perspective how crackalicious this one is.
The lush world and prose is still there but this book brings in some darker undertones which are delicious and I want more (note to author - please write faster).
What I loved where the strength of the characters, Elspeth is no shrinking violet and Blackburn, well he is just the thing dark desires are made of.
I don't want to give away spoilers except to say the whole book is a sequence of thrust and parry ... and yum.
The lush world and prose is still there but this book brings in some darker undertones which are delicious and I want more (note to author - please write faster).
What I loved where the strength of the characters, Elspeth is no shrinking violet and Blackburn, well he is just the thing dark desires are made of.
I don't want to give away spoilers except to say the whole book is a sequence of thrust and parry ... and yum.
May 23, 2019
Elspeth James’ world is safe and predictable. Mr. Blackburn recognizes there is much more to the upright Miss James as her inner fire taunts his cold exterior. When a seemingly straightforward business deal starts to blur the lines drawn are no longer about the exterior but painting hearts long isolated.
Elsa Holland opens reader’s minds to beauty that many might overlook with characters that are uncommonly alluring. Mr. Blackburn and Elspeth James were studies in contradictions as frailty vs. fortitude, glorious vs. monstrous, desire vs. denial struggled for balance in this work. Not only does this author confidently expose her characters inner darkness but she shows that it is essential to their being whole. This couple triggered each other as self-sabotage set the tone in how they approached their irresistible yet adverse gravitation to the other. Ms. Holland's grasp of her characters fears and shortcomings as she manipulated their flaws to present their relationship unfold was a ferocious emotional dance of domination that this author guided with expertise.
As with her other work Elsa Holland confronts the confines of traditional historical romance and introduces fascinating and introspective subject matter with portrayals and circumstances that are diverse and paradoxical. The Painted Heart is a story that will give readers an evolved outlook on love and its infinite designs.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this work can be read as a stand alone.*
Elsa Holland opens reader’s minds to beauty that many might overlook with characters that are uncommonly alluring. Mr. Blackburn and Elspeth James were studies in contradictions as frailty vs. fortitude, glorious vs. monstrous, desire vs. denial struggled for balance in this work. Not only does this author confidently expose her characters inner darkness but she shows that it is essential to their being whole. This couple triggered each other as self-sabotage set the tone in how they approached their irresistible yet adverse gravitation to the other. Ms. Holland's grasp of her characters fears and shortcomings as she manipulated their flaws to present their relationship unfold was a ferocious emotional dance of domination that this author guided with expertise.
As with her other work Elsa Holland confronts the confines of traditional historical romance and introduces fascinating and introspective subject matter with portrayals and circumstances that are diverse and paradoxical. The Painted Heart is a story that will give readers an evolved outlook on love and its infinite designs.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*While part of a series this work can be read as a stand alone.*
September 7, 2018
Riveting and intense. No holds barred love story.
Victorian romance combines an erotic underground and sinister undertones, yet delivers a compelling love story. Story unveils the darkly sensual world of the Collector's and their Painted Sisters.
The contractual agreement between the powerful Collectors and their tattooed living art floats somewhere between paid escort, mistress, and indentured servant. By showing the complex variables negotiated for each individual relationship, the author avoided skewing towards the repugnant. However I wish a positive relationship had been detailed as well as the negative.
Fascinating characters, especially the hero Blackburn. I felt conflicted about Blackburn's background, not necessarily a bad thing since it kept my interest. On one hand I wanted more background details. On the other, the mystery just worked. The heroine was a strong figure but her rebellious antics and self-deception becomes a bit too protracted. Regardless, I couldn't help but become wrapped up in their romance and looking forward to the HEA.
Really enjoyed the unusual aspects of the book. Recommend to mature readers who don't mind graphic sensual elements.
I did have one problem with the storyline. (*Semi-spoiler) The hero's past identity and actions which had inadvertently harmed the heroine was never fully resolved.
Also the editing was not great. There were some misspellings, i.e. 'rouge' instead of 'rogue', and punctuation errors. However it wasn't bad enough to pull me out of the story.
I do hope the author continues with the story of Meredith.
Victorian romance combines an erotic underground and sinister undertones, yet delivers a compelling love story. Story unveils the darkly sensual world of the Collector's and their Painted Sisters.
The contractual agreement between the powerful Collectors and their tattooed living art floats somewhere between paid escort, mistress, and indentured servant. By showing the complex variables negotiated for each individual relationship, the author avoided skewing towards the repugnant. However I wish a positive relationship had been detailed as well as the negative.
Fascinating characters, especially the hero Blackburn. I felt conflicted about Blackburn's background, not necessarily a bad thing since it kept my interest. On one hand I wanted more background details. On the other, the mystery just worked. The heroine was a strong figure but her rebellious antics and self-deception becomes a bit too protracted. Regardless, I couldn't help but become wrapped up in their romance and looking forward to the HEA.
Really enjoyed the unusual aspects of the book. Recommend to mature readers who don't mind graphic sensual elements.
I did have one problem with the storyline. (*Semi-spoiler) The hero's past identity and actions which had inadvertently harmed the heroine was never fully resolved.
Also the editing was not great. There were some misspellings, i.e. 'rouge' instead of 'rogue', and punctuation errors. However it wasn't bad enough to pull me out of the story.
I do hope the author continues with the story of Meredith.
May 30, 2017
Yesterday, I was roughly 75% through with this book and at that point, I put it down because I knew I that I wanted to be able to finish this book uninterrupted. Any time I read part of this book and had to stop for whatever reason, I found myself in a bit of a book hangover, the story still lingering in my mind, waiting until I had the chance to get back to it. I told myself yesterday that the day would not end without me finishing it. That is exactly what happened.
Last night before I fell asleep I finished this book and when it was over I found myself having to bite my tongue from screaming "I want more!" and waking up my husband. No joke. I know I swore up and down that The Bound Heart is my favorite, but that was before I read this book. OMG...I was hooked from the very beginning and fell in love with Mr. Blackburn. I can't put into words how much I love this book and the amazing feelings I felt while reading and how transported I was with the words on the pages. I can not wait to read more by Elsa Holland and she has become an instant buy author for me.
Last night before I fell asleep I finished this book and when it was over I found myself having to bite my tongue from screaming "I want more!" and waking up my husband. No joke. I know I swore up and down that The Bound Heart is my favorite, but that was before I read this book. OMG...I was hooked from the very beginning and fell in love with Mr. Blackburn. I can't put into words how much I love this book and the amazing feelings I felt while reading and how transported I was with the words on the pages. I can not wait to read more by Elsa Holland and she has become an instant buy author for me.
May 11, 2025
Enjoyed this very much. Elspeth was a very strong heroine, and Blackburn an enigmatic hero. The plot was a unique one. The elderly twins were creepy, and the entire premise of the Painted Sisters had an otherworldly feel. This book is #3 in a series. Although I usually begin at the start of a series, I read this one first because it’s an E2L. I just ordered #2.
I had a couple of quibbles:
1) Although Elspeth continued to resist Blackburn she still succumbed to his seduction too quickly for my liking, and
2) The copy I read had so many typos (some major) that it detracted from the story.
I had a couple of quibbles:
1) Although Elspeth continued to resist Blackburn she still succumbed to his seduction too quickly for my liking, and
2) The copy I read had so many typos (some major) that it detracted from the story.
November 18, 2017
Wonderful
Another amazing and unique story: not just an interesting erotic/historical romance but also a complex story with a powerful hero and heroine. You will not regret giving it a whirl !
I give it 5 stars inspite of the once again appalling proof reading- words missing, misspelling, dollars spent in an English shop (!?!?), drapes instead of curtains I could go on. Get a new editor or proof reader who actually reads what you've written because it's wonderful inspite of mistakes.
Cannot wait for next book!
Another amazing and unique story: not just an interesting erotic/historical romance but also a complex story with a powerful hero and heroine. You will not regret giving it a whirl !
I give it 5 stars inspite of the once again appalling proof reading- words missing, misspelling, dollars spent in an English shop (!?!?), drapes instead of curtains I could go on. Get a new editor or proof reader who actually reads what you've written because it's wonderful inspite of mistakes.
Cannot wait for next book!
October 24, 2020
The Painted Heart: A Beauty and the Beast (The Velvet Basement Series) Book 3
The love story of Elspeth and Blackbun. An old evil has come back, love find, and bargains made. Elspeth is the governess for the Painted Sisters. For many years she when unknown by all until Blackbun saw her. He wanted her as his canvas. She say "no" until her girls are put in danger. Elspeth will became his Painted Sister for his help. Will she find happiness? Great story.
The love story of Elspeth and Blackbun. An old evil has come back, love find, and bargains made. Elspeth is the governess for the Painted Sisters. For many years she when unknown by all until Blackbun saw her. He wanted her as his canvas. She say "no" until her girls are put in danger. Elspeth will became his Painted Sister for his help. Will she find happiness? Great story.
July 14, 2017
It get a point deducted for rushing through the end. It builds up so beautifully, but the last three chapters are lacking. The whole problem with the skinners is is not really resolved and the relationship between the main characters jumps like three gears without any further explanation. Just too many questions left out in the open.
August 2, 2017
I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN
Really good writing I enjoyed every page thank you, I liked that the characters didn't just fall into it it was earned
Really good writing I enjoyed every page thank you, I liked that the characters didn't just fall into it it was earned
April 3, 2018
The Painted Heart
This story started out kind of slow and on the darker side, but after a while the story grows on you
This story started out kind of slow and on the darker side, but after a while the story grows on you
May 28, 2019
A 4 star erotic regency romance read marred slightly by a rather annoying female lead, a ton of grammatical issues and probably 30 to 40 pages too many.
January 10, 2020
Have read all three books
Loved them An exotic and erotic mix of suspense and romance. A totally different world that begs to be explored. Can't wait!
Loved them An exotic and erotic mix of suspense and romance. A totally different world that begs to be explored. Can't wait!
April 8, 2020
Love this!
Great book. Loved the characters and the angst. There is a dark history in the Victorian era. Very enjoyable and a change from fluffy romances.
Great book. Loved the characters and the angst. There is a dark history in the Victorian era. Very enjoyable and a change from fluffy romances.
February 27, 2018
I love the Velvet Basement series and Elsa Holland’s writing. Ive been remiss about the review for this book, until the reread I just completed. I love Blackburn and Elspeth just as much this time around!
Elspeth has had colorful & dangerous life experiences, but has spent the last 10 years or so as a governess to the Painted Sisters. They are women who Collectors (very wealthy, powerful men) purchase for the sole purpose of tattooing their full body, to be a piece of living art.
Blackburn is a dominating man, with a shady past & even more confusing feelings. He’s so used to hiding behind a blank stare that Elspeth rarely ever gets to see beyond the mask he wears, at least until she spends time with him and learns him and his twitches.
Blackburn and Elspeth are fiery characters, both with an iron will. They’re willing to fence for the win of a deal, and I like the guts she displays and the fact that he respects her enough as an opponent to let her have some say in her destiny. If they’re fiery during exchanges, they really light the bedroom on fire!
There is a spin-off series about the Painted Sisters. I believe it is those who’ve been rejected by their Collectors are seeking out new lives. The Velvet Basement series continues as well.
Elspeth has had colorful & dangerous life experiences, but has spent the last 10 years or so as a governess to the Painted Sisters. They are women who Collectors (very wealthy, powerful men) purchase for the sole purpose of tattooing their full body, to be a piece of living art.
Blackburn is a dominating man, with a shady past & even more confusing feelings. He’s so used to hiding behind a blank stare that Elspeth rarely ever gets to see beyond the mask he wears, at least until she spends time with him and learns him and his twitches.
Blackburn and Elspeth are fiery characters, both with an iron will. They’re willing to fence for the win of a deal, and I like the guts she displays and the fact that he respects her enough as an opponent to let her have some say in her destiny. If they’re fiery during exchanges, they really light the bedroom on fire!
There is a spin-off series about the Painted Sisters. I believe it is those who’ve been rejected by their Collectors are seeking out new lives. The Velvet Basement series continues as well.
January 5, 2020
Wonderful book!
I cannot praise this book enough! What a breath of fresh air in todays' historical romances!
The plot was unique and the writing superb! After reading the book you could almost believe that these societies existed. The writing was that good!
The steamy scenes were not over done with campy language and were placed in appropriate places in the book ( not just in there to be in there ).
We need more historical romances like this! This type of writing is sadly lacking in today's cookie cutter, conveyer belt, churned out romances!
I stayed up all night reading this book, I could not put it down!
I am so glad I found this book (accidently) while perusing Amazon.
I cannot praise this book enough! What a breath of fresh air in todays' historical romances!
The plot was unique and the writing superb! After reading the book you could almost believe that these societies existed. The writing was that good!
The steamy scenes were not over done with campy language and were placed in appropriate places in the book ( not just in there to be in there ).
We need more historical romances like this! This type of writing is sadly lacking in today's cookie cutter, conveyer belt, churned out romances!
I stayed up all night reading this book, I could not put it down!
I am so glad I found this book (accidently) while perusing Amazon.
April 22, 2017
A must read!
Elsa Holland has done it again. Characters are well written and very appealing. Many unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book / series. Can't wait to read the next book!
Elsa Holland has done it again. Characters are well written and very appealing. Many unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book / series. Can't wait to read the next book!
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