Mary Wine

Wow. From the love interest's name, Syon, to the lack of any good feeling toward women, I hated the part of this book that I read. I'm pretty sure that this author doesn't like women at all, doesn't know how amazing and strong they really are.

The love interest is a bad boy rocker who continues to kiss the protagonist, Kate, even though she says no every time. Syon (ugh) and his bandmates talk shit about women constantly. Kate's characterization is inconsistent at best, and no one in the story treats her well.

I have no idea why a woman who started her own business and has a reputation as a consummate craftsperson would agree to travel on a tour bus with a man (and his friends) who treat her with so little respect. Oh, and she apologizes for shit that's not her fault. I will not be reading any of this author's other books.… (mehr)

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
This was my first steampunk that I have read in a long while and I was all in for this, it was utterly delightful. I am not sure why I took so long to read it but thank goodness for the "Romanceopoly Reading Challenge" to get me to read books from my TBR that I have really been neglecting. I absolutely adored this one so dearly, and while it was far from perfect, as a steampunk romance, it was such a solid read and I can't wait to explore more as it has me itching for this intriguing world.

Summary
In this one we have our heroine, Janette Aston, who sneaks into the Illumists guard to discover secrets, only to be discovered by the formidable warrior and protector of the order, Darius Lawley. Janette has been forbidden most of her life to even be curious about the Illuminists and what they are about, but her mother secretly fed her science and math so that she would be ready when her time came. Darius, is a protector and warrior for the order, and protects their interests and laws no matter the cost...until Janette. There was an instant connection between Darius and Janette but their chemistry was forbidden by her father. But when through a course of events, Janette's life is in danger, she is brought to the order and she is discovered to have a fate different than any she could have imagined. But can she embrace the hidden passion that Darius brings out in her...

My Outlook
This was such a captivating read and the relationship that builds between Darius and Janette was so fascinating to me. Their chemistry is off the charts, and maybe I forgot, but this author actually writes such solid spice. For those that are new to steampunk, its basically where you mix science, historical, and paranormal aspects together. Think Sherlock Holmes but with supernatural elements. Its really a fascinating sub genre that has always intrigued me but I haven't really read that much of it. I have also been curious about Mary Wine's backlisted stories and I have to admit this was so much better than I could have hoped for. It definitely intrigued and fascinated me on a deep level and the world building on this was just enough to keep you fascinated but the focus is the ROMANCE. So if you don't really want the romance, and just steampunk, maybe skip this one here. But if you love a good romance focus, then this one might be for you. I am also intrigued by the other players involved and seeing how that developed in the companion novel.

Overall View
I found this one to be so interesting and I can't wait for more. Its a story of the magic of science and a victorian era that we never actually got to experience except for a small glimpse, Mary Wine, really captured the essence of steampunk in a brilliant unique way while being true to the romance...

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:3
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.25… (mehr)

Highland Heat
3 Stars

With her reputation in tatters, Deidre Chattan is forced to accept her banishment to the abbey. But even amongst the nuns, Deidre cannot escape her impulsive nature, and she soon finds herself agreeing to a masquerade that lands her on the doorstep of Quinton Cameron. A powerful highland laird and nobleman, Quinton is fascinated by Deidre's fiery spirit and is determined to have her for his own. Can Deidre and Quinton overcome their clash of wills to find happiness together?

Series note: This is a direct continuation of the events in book #2.

Highland Heat is similar both in structure (Deidre held captive in Quinton's castle as he tries to seduce her) and pacing (the first half is slow but picks up halfway) to the first two installments.

Quinton and Deidre have great chemistry, but their romance is undermined by the couple's inability to communicate, which ultimately leads to a prolonged and unnecessary separation. In fact, Quinton isn't even present for about 1/3 of the book.

The best aspects of the story, and in fact the series as a whole, have been the inclusion of historical figures and events. This time period in Scotland following the assassination of King James I with its political machinations and upheavals is fascinating, and Wine manages to weave it all seamlessly within the narrative.

In sum, although this is the weakest book, the series has been enjoyable overall, and I will be reading more of Wine's work soon.… (mehr)

Rock Steady
4 Stars

Rock guitarist for the phenomenally successful band, Toxsin, Matthew Brimer aka Ramsay, has women falling all over themselves for him. Annoyed by his inability to commit, Ramsay's latest short-lived conquest tricks him into getting a completely inappropriate tattoo. When sparks fly between Ramsay and Jewel Ryan, the gifted tattoo artist hired to fix the eyesore, he convinces her to join the band on tour.

One of those rare cases where the sequel is significantly better than the first book as the irritating issues in Rock Me Two Times, i.e., the rampant misogyny and doormat heroine, are absent here.

As with many reformed rakes, Ramsay's womanizing ways conceal a painful past and a fear of rejection. In Jewel, he is both terrified and delighted to have found a woman who sees past his flirtatous facade to the lonely man in search of a real connection.

Unlike Kate in book #1, Jewel has sufficient self-respect to recognize that becoming involved with Ramsay will only lead to heartbreak. She makes him work hard to win her heart and her trust, and calls him out on his attitude when necessary.

Unfortunately, it appears that Dawn Ryder has decided not to continue with the series so Taz and Drake's stories are left unresolved.… (mehr)