The Veiled Heart: The Velvet Basement Series

The Veiled Heart is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of the dark road love sometimes follows before it finds happiness. It's a tale of hope and never giving up. Max and Lily defy who and what they should be and make you love them for it. It's erotic notes and lush overtones make for breathtaking can't-put-down reading. I can't wait for the next in the series.

Fantastic! Atmospheric, beautiful, and very, very different from the run-of-the-mill. From the moment when the heroine buys condoms, I was captivated. Definitely one of the better books I've read in a while. Parts of it make for harsh reading, but Max was amazing and swoon-worthy.

I definitely enjoyed reading this book. True, there were a lot of sexual situations related in this book but they seemed to fit well into the storyline. I would like to read another book written by Elsa Holland.

This book was ok, but could have been better. Don't get me wrong, I love some great sex scenes in books, but this was way too much. I ended up skimming over pages, cause I got tired of reading the same old thing over and over again. The base storyline was great and the somewhat surprising ending was appreciated. I just think it could have been much better without the repetitive sex scenes.

I enjoyed reading this book, however there is more sexual content than I am used to reading in this type of novel. Quite an interesting subject matter for this time period. I would read more by this author.

I had about sworn off of historical romances because they were beginning to get so predictable. This book is definitely not predictable. It was fun, sexy and was deeply engrossing. Can't wait to get more of Elsa Holland's books.

It makes me so disappointed when I cannot read what looks likes an interesting love story because the writer thinks the story will not be good without the use of filthy words like the f... word. If writers are going to use this kind of language, then please warn us so we don't buy your books!!

My Review
The very first thing that struck me about this novel was the cover! it's absolutely stunning and evokes images of an early Victorian erotica, mixed with a twinge of gothicka! beautiful and alluring...your eyes are naturally drawn to the models lips in the cloud of netted veil.
From the very first page i was like a fish chasing the bait! my lip was nibbled and my interest was well and truly piqued. but by the second chapter, i was hooked, caught, hook line and sinker!
This story is very unlike anything else on the market at the moment! Yes, it's certainly erotic, and yes, it's a historical romance...but it's so much more than either of those things! This is a story that worms its way into your heart.
Miriam is a deeply hurt and confused character, she longs for some excitement and for her womanly sensuality to finally be recognised.
Lord Worthington is a kind but overly confident gentleman. He has far too many faucets to his character to even attempt to sum him up really....but i defy you not to fall a little in love with the rogue.

Elsa Holland has written a thoroughly thrilling and sensual romance that will warm your heart and give you hope, hope that you can always be more than your ''lot'' in life, hope that you can find someone who will see past your past and a hope that the future can be whatever the hell you want it to be!
Thoroughly enchanting! Ms Holland, you have a new fan!
4.5 very well deserved stars!

I think I have discovered a new favourite author. I haven't read an erotic historical story in quite awhile and I can't even remember how I stumbled across this author but am I glad I did. From the first paragraph I was hooked and remained until the last sentence. This is a little darker than most stories in this genre which was a pleasant surprise. There are selfish, cruel evil men, a sexy knight in shining armour and a damaged but fiercely strong, brave heroine. The heroine is what made me love this book so much. Usually in this genre the women are weak and helpless, just waiting for some one to swoop in and save them. Not Lily. She is all about going against the social norms and trying to live her life on her own terms. Something that was not easily done in that time period. Enter Max a man with a secret but someone who is willing to accept Lily for who she really is and wants to be. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the writing. Can't wait to read more of Ms. Holland's books. Would definitely recommend.

3.5 stars

I don’t often read historical romances, certainly not the Victorian age, as I’m not really into the way women were treated back then. Which was also the case for Miriam, but Elsa Holland has put some great twists in here to keep it very interesting.

A woman back then, trying to save other woman, it’s not an easy feat. When on her first night out, she meets Max, she has no idea who he is. Though there is this immediate attraction between them, that they fully explore. While things might seem to move fast, there is always a part they hold back from each other.

Together they explore, and we get a sensual and intriguing love story. The focus is very much on what is growing between Max and Miriam, and the time set is excellent for how their relationship develops.

The Veiled Heart was a remarkable story, that to me was a nice in-between story, if you want something different than what you are used to. Even if you’re not really into historical novels, but you do like romance and plenty of sensuous scenes, give this one a try.

Loved this book. I have never read a regency romance like this and loved it. This author as moved to the top of my Must Follow list. The pain was heartbreaking. The love was unforgettable. The ending was a shocking. Yes, our hero is far from perfect but his road to love was blocked at several turns. Reading book 2 now. I was not sure with the type of sex it was about if I wanted to read it but I've in love with it too.

This is a different historical romance which I thoroughly enjoyed. As other reviewers have pointed out, there is marital abuse and also sex scenes in this book but the author handles both with sensitivity and taste. Both Miriam/Lily and Max are believable characters who you learn to care about and want to see them make it work out. Overall, a beautiful and sensuous romance that evokes the time period.

Although the author uses a cliched premise for this book, ie, the H is hiding his real identity from the h, she does it with such thought and care you cannot help but follow the story to the end. The h and H are both interesting and flawed in their own way. Both struggling to move away from the past that haunts them. I was so impressed and looked to see if there were any more books from this author, can't wait for the next one! Some violence, sex is throughout book, but it follows the storyline and doesn't feel added on.

I absolutely adore this book. I don't read romance very often, and when I do it's paranormal romance, but I was in the mood for something different so I decided I'd give this a try. Right away it became a favorite. I read this using Kindle Unlimited, but now can't wait to purchase the paperback. Where to start a review of this book? What did I love? Everything. Just, everything.

First, and most important to me, personally, our heroine and hero are drawn to each other right away. I love this. I am always immediately turned off when a couple has an "I hate you/I hate you more" vibe. Not the case here. Even better, there is a wonderful reason these two are so drawn to each other, it's not just love at first sight. Now, about our couple.

Lily is fantastic. She been used and broken terribly but hasn't let that ruin her. She is the epitome of making lemonade from life's lemons, but without being unrealistically over-confidant. Max is a dream, just completely perfect in a wonderfully human way. The two of them together are magical. Neither of them is perfect, but they are perfect together. And the sex. The majority of romance novels describe one, maybe two, sex scenes and then imply the rest. Not this one. There is no shortage of steamy sex scenes (though that isn't all this book is).

The setting is beautiful, rich, and convincing. Victorian England isn't a favorite of mine, but thanks to this book I'm searching out more of it.

I would also like to mention the author's writing. I personally love more detailed, evocative writing, and this book has it without being overwrought and flowery. The author's writing is vivid and beautiful.

I just can't say enough good things about this book and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.

The sexual content is a little strong for my taste. However, the way this story is told it actually fits appropriately. The abuse "Lilly" went through and her brother Maurice who allowed it to happen, I wish there would have been more harsher consequence for being a jerk. I'm not sure how her husband died or his aside of the family I would of liked to have a little but more background. Overall a great read

I was pulled into the story from the first page! "Lily" has had a horrific marriage, although everyone else thinks it was perfect. She doesn't trust men , but is irresistibly drawn to Max. I just loved Max. He was so gentle with her and never gave up on her. A very different, sexy, romance.

Both characters have depth and heart aplenty, and there's enough sizzling scenes sprinkled throughout to keep you coming back for more. I can't wait to begin reading the second standalone in this series, and I plan on starting it right after I hit the Submit Review button below!…and I'm off;)

I absolutely LOVE Elsa Holland's pieces. Minus a few errors here and there with spelling and or a lack of words, or too much word(s), theses pieces were Magnificent. The Beauty, Imagery, the believability of your stories –I think even fans of Danielle Steel (of which, I am,) would be very impressed by these pieces. I am so looking forward to the third installment with Mr. Blackburn.

I absolutely loved this book! The strength of this herioine was amazing. She was broken but not destroyed and was able to learn to not only live again but also love again. This wasn't the typical insipid historical romance where the heroine is a innocent miss whose problems are really only trivialities. This is a fully sensual read that isn't afraid to face the darkness that resides in society.

My first book of Elsa Holland and thank goodness I chanced upon The Veiled Heart in Kindle Unlimited. I am now a fan. Ms Holland is a compelling storyteller. You can't help but fall in love with Lily and Max, feel their struggles, their pain .... and their triumph.

Elsa Holland’s debut novel is a lush and intelligent sparkle in an easy to read genre. Despite some grammar and spelling difficulties, i find the novel alluring, sexy and provocative. The story is compelling and fits beautifully. The Victorian setting is enticing and romantic. Elsa transported me into a world where love, abuse, power and possession are discussed through the vale of lace, velvet, and passion.

Beautiful cover and beautiful writing. Elsa Holland invents the most unusual and intriguing story lines and throws her characters in the deep end right from the get-go. Plenty of romance, chivalry and strong characters.

Intensely passionate. Beautifully written. Completely enthrall one. Historically accurate and completely believable, I felt like I was there while Max lifted Lily's veil. If you love historical romance, you'll love this.

This is an enchanting love story that makes your heart warm and brightens your day. This story is unique in its tale, with characters that you immediately relate to and embrace. Lily is sassy and has attitude that comes from surviving a difficult life and Max is simply goregous. A wonderful romance.

From the very first chapter, it was apparent what a fantastic writer Elsa Holland is! As I listened to the words being read aloud on my Kindle Fire, The Veiled Heart: The Velvet Basement sounded like a classical chorus of finely tuned instruments being played! I was mesmerized by the breathtakingly beautiful, romantic story, poetic from start to finish! This historical, Victorian Era novel was an emotional reminder of the plights women faced in the late 1800's. I loved that it was so very different from my everyday reads. Thank you, Kylie Scott, for gifting me this wonderful, standalone novel.

My Rating: 4 Stars