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Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
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4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
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Showing posts with label Iron Seas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iron Seas. Show all posts
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Fire & Frost Anthology
Fire & Frost
Authors: Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child…but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed and rejected nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything…or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. Maybe Veronica can finally get some peace and quiet so she can work on her computer. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear—and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go…
What I’m talking about:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims
Midnight Liaisons series
Estrella is an anomaly in her pack--she is a liger: half tiger, half lion. While she doesn't really fit in with her tiger pack, she is not accepted at all by the lion pack. Estrella had always been told she was sterile, and she believed that right up until she realized that she was going into heat. Now with only a week's notice, she needs to find someone she likes to service her needs and be the father of her child.
The one man she truly desires is her alpha, Vic. But since she thinks he could never be interested, she goes through the motions of dating and looking for a mate.
Speed Mating is a fun and sexy little story. There is a bit of humor and light-heartedness throughout the novella. I liked that the story stayed in Estrella's POV for the duration of the tale because it elevated the tension without knowing Vic’s true feelings. The pair are a joy to watch as they come together.
Bottom line: Cute, sexy shifter story. Lots of fun.
4 stars.
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane
Code of Shadows 0.5
Readers of Ms. Crane’s first release in this series, Mr. Real, will recognize Vicky as Alix’s Great Aunt who left Alix all of her worldly possessions - including a computer program that brings to life objects from photos. One need not have read Mr. Real to enjoy this novella.
Vicky is in danger and in hiding from crime syndicate boss, Salvo. She’s used her knowledge of witchcraft and computer programing to bring to life Max, former Chicago police officer recently killed in the line of duty, to be her bodyguard.
The story opens about three months after Vicky first conjured Max. I liked that Max knows he's been conjured from a photo (and the “real” Max is dead). Max is more human that most as he contemplates life, the existence of a soul, falls in love with Vicky, and learns to let go of the daughter he orphaned after his murder.
The opening of the novella is very exciting. We have no idea why Salvo is after Vicky, only that he is relentless in his pursuit. The action is suspensefully written, keeping this reader glued to the pages. In addition, the book has a heart and tackles powerful emotions. The concepts of life, death and love are wonderfully interwoven into the thrilling tale.
The story switches POV between Vicky and Max. We learn of their mutual yet secret desire and admiration for the other. I loved how Vicky pushes Max and how Max teaches Vicky to learn to let go. As the story progresses you learn how perfectly matched the pair is. It's lovely to see the give and take between the individuals.
Bottom line: Exciting action with heart. As a fan of Mr. Real, I enjoyed “history lesson” about how the computer codes came to be.
4 stars
Wrecked by Meljean Brook
Iron Seas series
Five years ago, Elizabeth Jannsen ran from her powerful father, who subsequently sent highly-trained hunters to collect her and bring her home. Caius Trachter was the only one to ever capture her, but she was able to make a dangerous escape. (2 years prior to the start of this story.)
Now Elizabeth's father has caught up to her, and she must make a quick exit. Little does she know that Caius is watching, nor does she know that he has loved her since the day he met her.
I must share with you that I am completely in awe of Ms. Brook’s storytelling and of the tales she spins. She is simply a master at her craft. Wrecked is no exception, further cementing the Iron Seas series as one of the Top 5 series among the current romance genre.
Elizabeth has every reason to run from her father, and when you find out why, I imagine your jaw will drop just like mine. Knowing that she has little chance to escape Caius, Elizabeth makes the decision to trust the man that once tried to turn her in. The pain and heartache, loneliness and internal torment of both Elizabeth and Caius is portrayed with an absolute care for detail. Elizabeth loves her father, but he is a madman and she cannot see a way out of her situation without someone's death. She wants to trust and believe Caius, but she isn't certain how. This creates emotional conflict and amazing tension. The emotional depth of the novella is on par with a story two to three times its length.
In addition, the details of the ship, voyage and world are wonderfully woven into the tale. The action--hunt and chase--are thrilling and suspenseful.
The story reaches beyond the two primary characters without stretching thin the plot of and time allotted to the primary tale. For example, I adore Captain Harker who is the captain of the ship on which Elizabeth attempts her escape. He is a supporting character with a ton of integrity. His actions give Elizabeth the ability to trust another human. It is endearing how he cares for her in his own polite way.
The ending of the story was “perfect” for the situation and again brought forward an array of emotions, but this time a bit different from the earlier scenes. It was a touching, albeit simple, way to wrap up the tale... perfect.
I absolutely loved this novella. *sigh* I cannot say enough about how great the Iron Seas series is. This novella is a stand alone and can be enjoyed by all. It is a sweet romance, suspenseful action, exquisite steampunk world and all around wonderful story.
Bottom line: Amazing adventure full of rich detail and complex storytelling that will blow you away.
5 stars
Overall, Fire & Frost offers three wonderful tales, each very different, but all exciting, romantic and fun!
My Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Liaisons
Code of Shadows:
Iron Seas:
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Review: Tethered by Meljean Brook
Tethered
Author: Meljean Brook
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Penguin ebook
Iron Seas #2.5
Genre: Steampunk Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Surviving on the treacherous Iron Seas requires a heart of steel…but how can Yasmeen hope to survive when her heart has already been stolen by Archimedes Fox…?
Tethered along the south dock of Port Fallow, Captain Yasmeen Corsair’s magnificent new airship, Lady Nergüi, awaits its departure with adventurer and treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox. But this time, Yasmeen, a fearless mercenary who has always prided herself on a heart of steel, has reasons to worry when Miles Bilson, an acquaintance from Archimedes’ earlier smuggling days, sends an urgent message requesting help.
With a past marked by betrayal, Archimedes wonders what his former partner could want—other than revenge. Yasmeen fears that Bilson could threaten everything Archimedes holds dear. Though both Archimedes and Yasmeen love the exhilaration of veering wildly off course, neither is prepared for where there newest risk will take them…or what it might cost them.
What I’m talking about:
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Tethered is a wonderful novella set in Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series set sometime after the second book, Heart of Steel. Although this story can be read stand alone, it does build upon the events in the second book, and therefore, contains some spoilers from Heart of Steel. Also, I feel those that have read the series will have more emotional investment in the characters.
The story opens with hilarious letters sent between our hero, Archimedes Fox and his sister, Zenobia. Their correspondences set the mood for the story, and although there are extremely serious moments during the book, the letters serve as a reminder that the characters know how to laugh at themselves and enjoy life.
An old associate of Archimedes shows up on board the Lady Nergüi, and soon Fox and Yasmeen find themselves on a rescue mission for which they did not willingly volunteer. But no matter the circumstances, Archimedes and Yasmeen seem to always be on step ahead of the nefarious Miles Bilson.
I adore how much Archimedes loves Yasmeen. Knowing she is carries much sorrow from the loss of her previous airship and its crew, he finds a way to help her deal with the painful memories without compromising the woman she is. The fact that he danced for her, joked and played, then finally loved her so that good memories would replace the bad is so wonderful.
Throughout the entire story, the interaction and play of emotions between Archimedes and Yasmeen is amazing. Ms. Brook has a gift for putting heart and soul into words, allowing an array of emotion and sentiment to leap off the pages. The pair are playful with their words and actions. They accept the other for who they are and accommodate differences out of love. Whether through quiet introspection and subsequent actions or passionate outbursts, the pair can communicate at a level that would make real life couples envious. I adore how much they love one another.
Although there are a few known players in this book, Ms. Brook creates a handful of colorful characters unique to Tethered. She gives each character enough background and page time to provide this novella with the richness of a full-length story. And our villain, Bilson, is desperate and cruel with the shine of a new penny. I wanted to strangle him more than once.
In conclusion, Tethered is an excellent story and perfect sample of Ms. Brook’s storytelling talent in the steampunk romance genre. The depth and range of the plot, characters, and actions are on par with that of a full-length novel. The plot twists are exciting; they never feel contrived, and the story flowed well. The action and adventure kept me on the edge of my seat, but it’s the characters and their stories that give this story and series real heart.
My Rating:
|
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4.5 stars,
Iron Seas,
Meljean Brook,
novella,
Penguin Publishing,
romance,
steampunk,
Twimom Review
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2
comments
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday Conversations 09/29/2012
Magnificent Misfits
Looking at the rather insane collection of books that line the shelves above my desk, it occurred to me that almost all of them have a good bit in common. One of those things is the use of that most relatable underdogs: the misfit. Be it the hero, heroine, or sidekick (especially when the sidekick gets their own book the next time around!!), a misunderstood protagonist makes for a yummy read. From John Matthew in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood to Nucking Futs Nix in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark, and Mina Wentworth in Meljean Brook's The Iron Seas, misfits rock.
Let's chat... Who are your favorite literary misfits and why?
Friday, August 31, 2012
Quickie Review: Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook
“Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City”
Author: Meljean Brook
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Iron Seas #1.5
ISBN: #978-1101564639
Genre: Steampunk Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book *it can also be found in the mass market edition of The Iron Duke (Jan. 2012)
Book Source: Author
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Eight months after The Iron Duke, can their marriage survive a new danger?
After Mina is called in to investigate the murder of an aristocratic bounder, her husband Rhys—known to the world as the Iron Duke—must overcome his fear for his new bride before his need to protect her tears them apart. But when she invites him to join her at the murder scene, a search for a mysterious killing machine puts her in more danger than ever before…a danger that leads straight back to Rhys.
What I’m talking about:
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The Invisible City is a lovely epilogue, yet completely stand alone novella, to the first book in Ms. Brook’s Iron Seas series, The Iron Duke. Newcomers to this marvelous series could read and enjoy this story, but it is a real treat to fans of Mina and Rhys... seeing them in action after they’ve been married for a few months.
The story centers around the daily lives of newly married couple Inspector Mina Wentworth and “The Iron Duke,” Rhys Trahaearn. The pair have a deep and richly full backstory which makes up The Iron Duke, so I will not go into that here. Although Rhys has always been the center of public attention (being hailed as the country’s savior from the Horde occupation), now Mina must endure similar notoriety. There is humor in how Mina deals with the press and society, and even more so in how she adapts to Rhys’s oppressive concern for Mina’s well-being. It is a joy to watch the pair continue to adjust to one another, learning to deal with the quirks and to love whole-heartedly.
Mina is called in to investigate the murder of Viscount Redditch, a man who was very vocal about wanting to prevent factories from installing automatons. The novella follows the inspector as she pieces the clues together. Tied into the murder is Mina and Rhys’s “adopted daughter,” Anne, which creates a personal component to the story. This added “glitch” gives heart to what could be just another murder mystery. Overall, the clues are easy to follow and the whodunit entertaining, even providing a couple twists despite the shortened length of the story.
The best part of the book is following Mina and Rhys as they continue to struggle with insecurities over marriage and their place in one another’s lives. For fans of the series, it’s more than an epilogue - there is no “riding off into the sunset,” but rather a glimpse at a favorite couple as they proceed forward in life. The Invisible City is an delightful novella for both fans of the series and newbies alike.
My Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Berkley Sensation,
Iron Seas,
Meljean Brook,
novella,
romance,
steampunk,
Twimom Review
|
0
comments
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Review: Riveted by Meljean Brook
Riveted
Author: Meljean Brook
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Iron Seas #3
ISBN: #978-0425256046
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (416 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher, Author
About the book:
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A century after a devastating volcanic eruption forced Iceland’s inhabitants to abandon its shores, the island has become enshrouded in legend. But the truth behind the legends is mechanical, not magical—and the mystery of the island a matter of life and death for a community of women who once spilled noble blood to secure their freedom.
Five years ago, Annika unwittingly endangered that secret, but her sister Källa took the blame and was exiled. Now Annika serves on an airship, searching for her sister and longing to return home. But that home is threatened when scientific expedition leader David Kentewess comes aboard, looking to expose Annika’s secrets. Then disaster strikes, leaving David and Annika stranded on a glacier and pursued by a madman, with their very survival depending on keeping the heat rising between them—and generating lots of steam…
What I’m talking about:
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Although Riveted is the third book in the Iron Seas series, it is a completely stand alone story. The only knowledge you need from the prior books is the history of Ms. Brook's world - one where the Horde (Khan's) invaded much of Europe and Africa, infecting the people with nanoagents and ruling for a long time. However, she explains much of the basics along the way, so newcomers can jump right in. You can also check out Ms. Brook’s Iron Seas Primer on her website HERE.
The story follows Annika Fridasdottor and her journey to find her sister, Källa. Annika left her small, isolated (and completely hidden from the outside world) settlement to travel the New World as an engineer on an airship, and for four years, she was unsuccessful in her quest. It was fate that brought David Kentewess into her life. David, a vulcanologist headed to iceland aboard Annika's ship, is searching for the small village his mother hailed from so that he can fulfill her dying wish. It doesn't take long for David and Annika to realize his mother is from the same place as Annika.
First, a bit about our main couple. Annika is a kick-butt heroine in her own quiet, subdued way - although she would disagree that she is even a heroine. She is fiercely loyal, smart and unique. Living most of her life in isolation, she has an almost innocent nature, yet she is extremely knowledgable and capable. She is mostly on her own, making few friends and keeping even those at a distance. She feels a fast rapport with David, who is a bit of a loner himself. David’s mother and several of his father’s native people were killed in a huge accident caused by inventor Paolo di Fiore. David himself was grossly disfigured, losing two legs, a hand and one of his eyes. Although he has supplemented his losses with nanoagents and prosthetics, he is regarded by most in the New World as a monster. The fact the Ms. Brook can turn a damaged man who isn't handsome into a sexy hero says a lot about her mad writing skills. Since neither Annika nor David is “proper” or adheres to society’s conventions allows for a genuine relationship to develop beyond all expectations (and I love it!).
There are so many layers in this story. The first as mentioned, is Annika’s search for her sister. The next involves David’s wish to find his mother's home and Annika's opposing desire to keep her village hidden and protected. David’s unquenchable need to locate this mysterious village is what first brings him to Annika. After unsuccessfully attempting to garner any information about Annika’s home, he lays his cards on the table. It was because of his abruptness and honesty, followed by a genuine apology, that allows Annika to trust David. This is a perfect example of how the pair breaks through protocol and expectations to reconcile, thus creating a stronger bond.
Another layer of the story revolves around the di Fiore family - Paolo, a father whose visions and ideas rival those of DaVinci, and Lorenzo, the psychotic son willing to do anything to make his father's wishes come true. Early on, David has a run in with Lorenzo, who attempts to hire David for his father’s latest project. Although David turns down the offer, it’s not the last we see of Lorenzo. This part of the story caused a bit of nail biting for me, but kept me glued to the pages--eager to find out how David and Annika would right the wrongs occurring around them.
Although the storytelling and intricately woven plots make this book well worth the read, it is the powerful emotions the story stirs that make it a favorite. Time and time again - scene after scene - I was absolutely blown away by the intensity and genuine honesty of raw emotions aroused within myself. First, there is the innocent desire that two lonely people feel for one another. It is sweet and even slightly erotic. Ms. Brook brought the lust to a slow, simmering boil that eventually exploded on the pages.
Next there is the determination in both David (to see that his mother's final wishes are met) and Annika (to protect her village and people). In the scene when David bears all about his mother’s death, I teared up. I was torn. I felt for both and wished to find a solution to this dead end. It was so well written.
The entire situation with the di Fiore family brought an array of emotions to the surface. It was so hard for me to read Annika and David go through what they did - to witness them pretend everything was okay when it wasn’t.
I could go on and on about the many scenes that stole my heart. However, when David proclaims his love to Annika and Annika’s subsequent goodbye to David are probably my favorites. Just thinking about them now causes my heart to swell and frankly my eyes to tear up. I wish I was more articulate and could describe the immense emotional reactions. But my longing to see the couple happily together grew as their longing to love one another deepened. Love it!!
Riveted is a love story at its core. The love of a man and woman, the love of a person for his/her family, the love for life, the love of home. All of these are so wonderfully detailed and described. The story warmed me from the inside out and I know it will stick with me for a long while.
So I’ll just conclude with WOW! What an absolutely wonderful book. Like I said before, I cannot put into words how lovely Ms. Brook’s writing truly is. Her world-building skills and ability to detail the scene without overburdening the reader is superb. The multifaceted story lines are interesting and captivating. But it’s the characters and their journeys that will keep you thinking about the book long after you’ve put it down.
My Rating:
|
Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
and has also earned the title of one of...
Reviews in the Series:
"Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City"
Labels:
5 stars,
Berkley Trade,
Iron Seas,
Meljean Brook,
My Favorite Books,
romance,
steampunk,
Twimom Review
|
1 comments
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Review: Wild and Steamy
Wild and Steamy
Release Date: Aug. 3, 2011
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Steampunk, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
What I’m talking about:
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“The Blushing Bounder” by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas Story)
Summary: While the search for a killer puts Constable Newberry’s life in danger, he faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?
Twimom’s Take: If you are a fan of Meljean’s Iron Seas series, you will enjoy this brief look into Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth and Constable Newberry’s first case. However, if you’ve never read the series, this is a perfect introduction to Meljean’s Iron Seas. Newbury is so sweet, and I love the inspector and Newberry’s relationship. It is an easy story to follow and has a satisfying plot for the novella length.
Rating: 4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
“Vixen” by Jill Myles
Summary: Miko’s denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn’t want to choose between both men…it wants them both.
Twimom’s Take: This is a cute, stand alone shifter story by one of my favorite authors. The three main characters had great chemistry and dialogue. The story is enjoyable, full of fun and play. And oh, by the way... it is a HOT as hell menage.
Rating: 4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
“Kitten-Tiger & the Monk” by Carolyn Crane (Disillusionists Story)
Summary: Sophia Sidway, Midcity’s most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption…but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.
Twimom’s Take: OMG! I am totally hooked on Ms. Crane’s urban fantasy series! The mythology is very original and different than anything I’ve read before. I wish now I’d started at the beginning of the series (this novella takes place between 2nd and 3rd books.) I am going to be reading the series ASAP! I was not lost - and the story is fine as a stand alone, but Sophia made references to people and events that I wonder if I would have known about had I read the first two books.
Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
My Rating for the Book:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday Snippet #85
Heart of Steel
Author: Meljean Brook
Berkley Sensation
November 1, 2011
“You have no idea who you’re up against.” His gaze left Yasmeen and fell to the knife at the actress’s throat. His lips curled. “Do you think I care whether she dies? Go on, slit her --”
The crack of Yasmeen’s pistol cut off the rest. Mattson’s brains splattered against the foyer wall. His body dropped, gun clattering against the wood floor -- and luckily, not discharging on impact.
Eyes wide, Zenobia lifted her bound hands and touched the blood sprayed across her cheek and temple. She startled from her stupor and almost tripped over Mattson’s boots when the actress suddenly shrieked, ducking and covering her ears. A bit late for that -- though if she kept screaming, Yasmeen might shoot her just to shut her up.
She tucked the weapon back into her sash and crossed the room to nudge Mattson’s thigh with her toe. Dead. Yasmeen knew many people who seemed to function well without brains, but her bullet had definitely done this one in. Blood pooled beneath his head.
“A hell of a mess,” Yasmeen said, and slipped her blade between Zenobia’s wrists, slicing through the ties. She did the same to the woman’s gag. “If you need to vomit, I suggest you do it on him. There’s less to clean up.”
“Thank you,” Zenobia rasped. The corners of her mouth were raw. “But I don’t need to.”
Then she glanced down at Mattson’s face, bent over, and did.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Review: Heart of Steel
Heart of SteelAuthor: Meljean Brook
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Iron Seas #2
ISBN: #978-0425243305
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
As the mercenary captain of the Lady Corsair, Yasmeen has learned to keep her heart as cold as steel, her only loyalty bound to her ship and her crew. So when a man who once tried to seize her airship returns from the dead, Yasmeen will be damned if she gives him another opportunity to take control.
Treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox isn’t interested in the Lady Corsair — he wants her coldhearted captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. To reclaim it, Archimedes is determined to seduce the stubborn woman who once tossed him to a ravenous pack of zombies, but she’s no easy conquest.
When da Vinci’s sketch attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco — and straight into their enemy’s hands. But as they fight to save themselves and a city on the brink of rebellion, the greatest peril Yasmeen faces is from the man who seeks to melt her icy heart…
What I’m talking about: |
Book #1 of The Iron Seas series, The Iron Duke (review HERE) was hands down the best book I read last year, so it was with great anticipation that I opened the cover of Heart of Steel. I can tell you right now, I was NOT disappointed!
Although it takes place in the same intricately-crafted, alternate world as Duke, Heart has its own feel and rhythm, primarily due to the differences in the main characters (who were introduced in the first book). Yasmeen and Archimedes are not Mina and Rhys, and this story is a reflection of their uniqueness. One could easily read Heart of Steel as a stand alone - but this series is SO incredible, I don’t suggest you skip the first book.
The story opens shortly after the conclusion of The Iron Duke, with Yasmeen seeking out the sister of the famed adventurer, Archimedes Fox, to inform her of her brother’s death. However, when Yasmeen arrives, she discovers that someone has beaten her to the home and plans to rob Yasmeen of the expensive da Vinci sketch she stole from Fox. Soon after that, she is taken captive by the not-so-dead Fox himself - who also wants the valuable sketch.
Yasmeen is a mercenary, a Captain and a trained assassin. She is accustomed to dodging danger and surviving the rough side of life. She enjoys her freedom and feeling the wind on her face as she travels from port to port. Ms. Brook does an excellent job of creating a tough woman that doesn’t “go soft” for a man. Yasmeen cares fiercely for her crew and those she finds worthy of her trust and loyalty. She can love another and will show compassion, but on her own terms. She’s happy in her life, which doesn’t change because she falls for Fox. It’s just amazing story-telling!
Archimedes Fox is determined to fall in love with Yasmeen. He is taken by her ways and exotic look. He is a man that is used to being chased, hunted and surviving close calls, and as such, understands where he fits in Yasmeen’s life. As expressed in this quote, Fox understands and appreciates all that is Yasmeen:
Perhaps drugging the woman he intended to fall in love with wasn’t the accepted method of kindling a passionate romance, yet Archimedes considered it the most sensible way to proceed.
Yet, he is no push-over to her demanding personality. I LOVE that he stands behind her - not as a subservient man, but to always have her back. He is unafraid to express himself, but is willing to live by her rules. They truly are the perfect fit.
The story flows seamlessly and has a bit of a mystery at its center. As Yasmeen and Fox work together to figure out who has stolen the sketch, they discover several little sub-plots, which all weave together to create one fantastic story. And the humor... just sublime. Without giving spoilers, I felt that the “neat and tidy” ending was a great little twist away from what I assumed would occur.
Once again, Ms. Brook builds a fantastic adventure on the backs of amazing characters. I seriously cannot say enough about how phenomenal I find the world of The Iron Series, and now I’ll stalk Meljean patiently wait for the next book (Molten - late next year).
My Rating: |
Stories in the Series:
Burning Up - contains Iron Seas Novella
The Iron Duke (The Iron Seas 1)
Wild & Steamy - contains Iron Seas Novella
Heart of Steel (The Iron Seas 2)
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