Bec McMasterRecensioner

DNF. 10% in and he's already fantasizing about her nipples. Uh, no. The only thing I hate more than cliffhangers (and love triangles) is instalust.

In the third book in the London Steampunk series, Rosalind Hucker is the humanist revolutionary known only as Mercury, and she’s willing to do anything to fight for the rights of humans in London. After she’s falsely blamed for an act of terrorism, she and her outlaw band of freedom fighters have gone into hiding. While on a mission aboveground, she runs afoul with her greatest adversary and the only man worthy enough to revive her frozen heart.
Sir Jasper Lynch, Guild Master of the Nighthawks (the police force that patrols the city), has only three weeks left to find and capture Mercury, or he will be executed. He’s also a rogue blue blood (a person illegally infected with the craving virus) and has kowtowed to the Echelon (the London aristocracy of blue-bloods) for years. He finally tracks Mercury down but never expected the humanist leader to be a woman. After she seduces him and escapes, he vows not to be made a fool of again, but then he hires a new secretary at the office, not realizing that the secretary and Mercury are one and the same.
Wow! I absolutely loved these characters. Rosa is a remarkably strong woman. Whether she’s acting as the sexy kickass Mercury or the intelligent, seductive Mrs. Marberry (the secretary), she wrapped the stoic, coolheaded Lynch around her little finger. Lynch was immensely attracted to both women, and he was constantly fighting with himself and feeling guilty for each time he furthered his relationship with each woman. Though he wasn’t technically cheating on either of them, he was in his mind, and it threatened to tear him apart. Both Rosa and Lynch have tragic pasts, which shaped them into the dedicated, stubborn people they’d become.
I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters, especially Garrett and Perry, two of Lynch’s fellow Nighthawks, whose book is coming up next. Leo Barrons was awesome as always and is my favorite character throughout the series. The main characters from the previous two books didn’t play much of a role in this one, which was disappointing, but I understand why there weren’t around. I liked how this book painted the Nighthawks (whom are mostly rogue blue bloods) in a positive light since not all blue bloods are cruel and vindictive, even the ones in the Echelon.
Though the story ends with a HEA, I’m surprised there hasn’t been a mention in any of the books I’ve read so far about the differences in the H/h’s lifetime expectancies. Blue bloods are kind of like vampires and they do age, but at a slower rate. For example, Lynch has been a blue blood for 40 years, infected with the virus at age 15, so he’s technically been alive for 55 years. He looks as though he’s in his 30s. By the time Rosa grows old and dies, he’ll be middle-aged.
Anyway, Ms. McMaster’s writing is strong and concise with enough description that doesn’t overpower the plot. There are some fragment sentences, but each fragment is actually a continuation of the previous sentence. There aren’t many sex scenes in this series (all occurring in the second half of the books), but sexual tension sparks hot between the H/h in each story.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this ebook from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

In the fifth book in the London Steampunk series, Lady Aramina Duvall is living a double life. As the Duchess of Casavian and the only female blue blood on the Council of Dukes (the ruling body of the Echelon, the London aristocracy), she has to watch her back at every turn and hide her emotions and feminine needs behind an icy veneer. Mina wants to destroy the House of Caine, but the Duke of Caine’s dashing son constantly throws her off balance. She doesn’t know if she can trust Leo Barrons, but both her heart and her body secretly wants him.
Leo is also a blue blood (a person infected with the craving vampire-like virus) and serves on the Council in his father’s stead. Along with several other people, he’s secretly planning to destroy the prince consort and end his reign of tyranny. Even though the Houses of Caine and Casavian hate one another, Leo is obsessed with Mina and can see beneath her cold, calculated shell. But then Leo is ousted from the Council and the prince consort demands his head. Believing Mina betrayed him, he fears everything he’s worked for is about to go up in smoke. Instead, it starts the revolution.
Leo and Mina have great chemistry, but there’s not a lot of romance in this book. The main plot focuses more on the revolt with the H/h’s love story second.
Leo is a strong, guilt-hardened man who’s lost everything and is determined to keep the one bright light in his life—Mina—even though he doesn’t really trust her. Though he lost so much, he gained more in return, and it was really nice seeing him finally be open with his sisters, brother, and their extended family. Leo was already one of my favorite characters, and now he’s tied in with Blade as my favorite hero.
Like most of the heroines in this series, Mina is very secretive and refuses to accept the help she needs for the longest time. Her inability to trust stems from countless betrayals in her past that makes her uncertainty and coldness understandable. Since she’s a blue blood, she has increased speed and strength, and I loved that she and Leo worked together as a team.
Blade, the hero from book one, and his rookery gang played a large role in this story, and it was great seeing him and Honoria again. I definitely enjoyed seeing Charlie and Lark together, and the wedge that finally drove between the young couple is quite heartbreaking. Will and Lena, Lynch and Rosalind, and Garrett and Perry (the other heroes and heroines from the series) had minor roles, but I understand that the book would’ve been way too crowded if everyone played a big on-page role in the revolution.
I was really looking forward to Leo’s story, but I’m a little disappointed. Though I loved all the revolt scenes as the humans and rogue blue bloods/the Nighthawks finally fought back and stood up for their rights, Leo and Mina’s relationship mimicked the stories that came before (the hero being willing to trust and start a relationship while the heroine refuses to give him a chance).
There are some unanswered questions/loose ends, the biggest one being how the humans, blue bloods, and verwulfen will coexist and make peace. That will probably be addressed in the spin-off series, but I really would’ve liked to have read what changes will be made in this book since it wraps up the London Steampunk series.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this ebook from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

In the fourth book in the London Steampunk series, Perry Lowell is hiding from a dark and painful past, and she does her best to avoid the Echelon—the London aristocracy of blood-drinking blue bloods. As a rogue blue blood (a person illegally infected with the craving virus) and the only woman officer in the Nighthawks (the police force that patrols London), she’s closed herself off to her feminine desires and prefers to act like a man. Perry has been secretly in love with her partner Garrett Reed for years, but she’s never expressed her feelings for him.
Garrett is fully aware of Perry as a woman, but that wasn’t so until a month earlier when their platonic friendship took a hit. As the Acting Guild Master of the Nighthawks, it’s up to him and his fellow Nighthawks to solve the murder of two young women. But as he’s unraveling the mystery, more and more questions are brought to light, some of which revolve around Perry and her past.
I really liked Garrett. He’s struggling to make headway in his new position as guild master, and the virus in his blood is growing stronger every day, which is threatening his life and sanity. Though he has secrets, he was mostly open about them with Perry and was willing to give a relationship between them a chance.
In the previous book, Perry was a tough, take-no-bull kind of woman, but she was so vulnerable in this story. She kept so many secrets, not trusting anyone, and refused to hand over important information in the murder case. She kept pushing Garrett away, and it grew frustrating after a while.
As usual with books in this series, the sexual tension between the H/h is ripe throughout the story, but there are only two sex scenes near the end.
Though I enjoyed the story, I sometimes had a hard time following what was going on because there wasn’t a lot of description in some scenes. The repeated use of he/she instead of names also led to confusion. There are some unanswered questions, but there’s also a big lead-in to the next book, so I’m sure those loose ends will be tied up soon. I cannot wait to read book five in the series!
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this ebook from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

In the second book in the London Steampunk series, Lena Todd has left the rookeries of Whitechapel to carefully maneuver through the glamorous yet backstabbing world of the Echelon—the London aristocracy of blood-drinking blue bloods—and she’s constantly living in fear. She needs to make an advantageous match as a blood thrall to live a comfortable life in high society, but she just can’t go through with it. With her illusions finally shattered, she starts working for the underground humanist movement that seeks to elevate the status of humans in the city.
Will Carver is known and feared as the Beast. He’s the only free verwulfen (werewolf) in all of England and Scotland, but there’s a price on his head. When he’s asked by the Council of Dukes to help negotiate a peace treaty with the verwulfen from the Scandinavian Empire, he agrees if only the persecution of verwulfen in England would be outlawed. On the same night, he learns about Lena’s violent, unwanted suitor. They’re thrown together by circumstance. Lena teaches Will how to properly move throughout society, he protects her from those wishing her harm, and their attraction finally burns out of control.
I didn’t like Lena at first. She would flirt and play games with Will, not realizing how much her teasing actually hurt and upset him. I found it strange she even returned to the Echelon, knowing how horrible and cruel most of those people were, and that her life would most likely be in danger. She also kept a lot of secrets, which landed her in trouble. Once she finally wised up and trusted Will with her problems, I started to like her much better.
Will is a wonderfully tormented character. Plus, he’s a virgin! He hates being a verwulfen, but he also embraces the strength, power, and reputation that come from it, so he just feels torn up inside.
Three years have passed since book one. Blade, Honoria, Leo, and other great secondary characters return, and awesome new characters are introduced, like Mercury.
Though I enjoyed the story for the most part, the pacing was a little slow in the beginning but finally picked up. The descriptions are detailed and concise, not overblown and lengthy. I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this ebook from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

In the first book in the London Steampunk series, Honoria Todd and her younger siblings are in hiding from the Echelon, the cruel London aristocracy, and trying to survive the dangerous streets in the rookeries.
Blade has built up a reputation as a monster. Since he controls the rookeries and protects the people living there from violent human gangs and from the Echelon alike, the people must pay him or trade with him for his protection. Honoria has been living in Blade’s territory for months, not paying dues. After they finally meet, she has little choice but to fall in line.
OMG! I love this book! Honoria and Blade are wonderful, three-dimensional, in-depth characters. They love hard and fight even harder. The chemistry between them sizzles. Blade’s rough, uncouth accent is so damn sexy. He’s a yummy mixture of a violent, self-loathing, protective, and honorable man.
I adore the secondary characters: Will, Rip, Esme, Leo, Lena, and Charlie. All of them provide focus and the meaning of family for the H/h.
Though I really enjoyed the world building, I found some of it a little difficult to keep straight because so much was going on.
The blue bloods are a group of pseudo-vampires, and most of them are part of the Echelon. They were once human, but now they’re infected with the craving virus, which is considered an honor. Only rich, affluent men are allowed to become blue bloods, and they feed from blood thralls/slaves (human women and other men who do not belong to one of the noble houses). There are exceptions to this rule, however. If the blue bloods lose control of their need for blood and transcend into the Fade, they become vicious, mindless vampires, and must be killed.
Blade is a rogue blue blood, meaning he was illegally infected with the virus, so the Echelon wants him dead.
There are some unanswered questions/loose ends. Since Blade is a blue blood, he will slowly age and live for countless years as long as he doesn’t turn into a vampire. Honoria will grow old and die as a regular human while he’s still fairly young. This doesn’t seem like a real HEA to me, and I hope this issue will be resolved in a later book.
Anyway, the story is tight, well written, and kept my attention. Will’s story is up next, and I cannot wait to read it.
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this ebook from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

In book 1.5 in the London Steampunk series, John “Rip” Doolan is learning how to deal with the craving virus that’s forever changed his life. Six months earlier, a vampire nearly killed him, and his friend and boss Blade (the leader of the Whitechapel rookery gang) saved Rip’s life by turning him into a Blue Blood, a type of vampire. Now, Rip craves blood, and he’s struggling to stay in control. To do so, he does his best to stay away from Esme, the only woman he’s ever really wanted.
Esme has secretly loved Rip for years, but he’s never shown interest in her as a woman, only as a friend. She’s willing to serve as his blood thrall in order to help him through his problems, but he spurns her advances. Will her hopes and dreams of a future with him ever come to pass?
I really enjoyed this novella, but poor communication kept Rip and Esme apart for a long time. They’re both strong, stubborn, loveable characters. She’s infinitely patient, which is wonderful because he’s very insecure when it comes to trusting himself to not hurt her.
The characters from book one returned, and it was especially nice to see Blade again (he’s my favorite hero in the series!). This story is a standalone, but it’s best to read the other books as well, just to get a better understanding of the Echelon, the Blue Bloods, and their societal problems.
Unfortunately, there were some typos, and I’m not meaning the Cockney dialect. For example, the word “pretty” was used in the place of “pity.”
Anyway, I’ve read the other books in the series and enjoyed them, and this one is no exception. I haven’t read the spin-off series yet, but I plan to. Ms. McMaster certainly knows how to weave a fun, exciting, heartwarming tale, and I definitely recommend her books.
4 Stars

Raised by her grandparents, Hadley Monroe only wants to escape her small Southern town and finally start living her life, but she’s stuck working dead-end jobs and taking care of her ailing grandmother. She’s already lost her grandfather, so she’s desperate to help Gramma. Then a mysterious man shows up at her house, and she makes a deal with him.
Death wants to know why humans always ask for more time when he comes to reap their souls. Hadley’s tenacity intrigues him, so he gives her a month to answer his question, never expecting his unending existence to change forever.
I really enjoyed this short story. Death isn’t portrayed as a gnarled old grim reaper as he is in most horror books or movies, but he’s not a typical romance hero either. He was a very interesting character and surprisingly human.
Hadley is a strong woman. I liked the twist at the end, but I saw it coming.
Overall, this is a good, emotional story with a romantic subplot, and I would like to read more stories along this vein.
4 Stars

Interesting premise. There are more books, but different characters each book.

Interesting twist on vampires. I kinda liked it, and I might read more but they don't have any more at my local library.

I loved the London Steampunk world; I wasn't ready to give it up. So here is the first book in The Blue Blood Conspiracy, which takes up soon after the ending of the original series. Haven't read it? STOP HERE! Go back and read it if you like vampires, werewolves, and steampunk. If you don't like those ideas, then I'll cut to the chase and suggest this book isn't for you.

So you've read the original five books, right? Mission: Improper features Caleb Byrnes and Ingrid Miller. Blue blood and verwulfen, whatever will come of this pairing? You know the author will have those steamy hot sparks flying!

Recommended for fans of the series.

Mission: Improper
4 Stars

Series note: This is book #1 in the London Steampunk spin-off series. Reading the original story arc is crucial to understanding the evens in this installment as there are numerous references to past events as well as characters from the first arc.

This installment begins a new story arc in the aftermath of the revolution 3 years prior. In the interceding time, Nighthawk Caleb Byrnes and Verwulfen Ingrid Miller (both characters from the first arc) have met and disliked one another intensely despite their physical attraction. Now they must once again work together on a case as agents of a new agency called the Company of Rogues.

It's been a while since I finished the previous book, but it was easy to become immersed once again into Bec McMaster's original and engrossing Steampunk world. At first, the references to Byrnes and Ingrid's initial meeting were confusing as it seemed I had missed a book or novella. But that is not the case as these events take place off page. Nevertheless, all the salient information is quickly provided and the story continues from there.

While Byrnes and Ingrid are likable characters with intriguing backstories, their romance does not really resonate. They are both afraid of commitment, and their eventual acceptance of their love for one another feels forced.

That said, the suspense plot revolving around the mass disappearance of an entire neighborhood in engrossing and the secondary characters are very intriguing, especially Kincaid and Ava.

All in all, this spin-off has tremendous potential and I look forward to continuing.

To Catch a Rogue
3.5 Stars

This installment continues from where the previous one ended as the Company of Rogues travel to the Blood Court of St. Petersburg to rescue their enigmatic leader, the Duke of Malloryn. To aid in their mission, Charlie Todd enlists the aid of his fellow thief from the rookeries, Lark Rathinger, who is also the only girl he has ever loved. But Lark's is keeping a dangerous secret that might just put the entire company at risk.

While the kidnapping and rescue elements of the plot are exciting and action-packed, the romance leaves much to be desired. This is mainly due to the fact that neither Charlie nor Lark are sufficiently interesting characters to warrant their own book, and their second-chances relationship is bland and boring. There is very little chemistry to speak of and their emotional connection feels forced.

In contrast, the developments in the suspense plot are much more appealing. The Blood Court is a fascinating and terrifying setting, and the questions revolving around Dmitri's amnesia and Lark's true identity make for engrossing reading.

In the aftermath of his capture and torture, Malloryn's already enigmatic character becomes all the more appealing, and it will be interesting to see how he comes to terms with his past and his relationship with his mysterious bride. Looking forward to it!

From London, With Love
4 Stars

The novella focuses on the human Queen, Alexandra, as she copes with the aftermath of her despicable Blueblood husband's ruthless rule and abhorrent treatment of her. Convinced by the council that she must marry and produce an heir, Alexandra plays host to visiting diplomats and local aristocrats all vying for her hand. Unfortunately, someone has decided to take the opportunity to remove Alexandra from the throne permanently.

An entertaining epilogue to the series that ties up all the loose ends. All of the couples from the previous books put in an appearance and their bickering and banter are delightful.

The romance between Queen Alexandra and her loyal advisor, Sir Gideon Scott, is sweet. They have strong chemistry and their interactions are engaging.

The assassination plot is cleverly interwoven into the narrative although it is obvious from the start who is behind it all.

This is the final book in this particular arc, but Bec McMaster has hinted at more to come and there are definitely characters and potential storylines available for continuing. The possibility of a revolution amongst the Blood Court is particularly intriguing as well as the upcoming treaty talks between the Russian Bluebloods and the Scandinavian Verwulfen. Hopefully, it will materialize.

The Mech Who Loved Me
4.5 Stars

Series note: Ava's character is first introduced in book #4 of the first London Steampunk series. There are also numerous references to events from that series as well as the first book in this spin-off, and as such, it is recommended that the books be read in order.

The Company of Rogues continues to investigate the mystery surrounding the Dhampire conspiracy. When several blue bloods are found dead from a mysterious disease, Nighthawk criminologist, Ava McLaren, is partnered with the enigmatic mech, Liam Kincaid, to investigate the sinister case.

Despite her interest in autopsies and toxic plants, Ava McLaren is a shy, sweet and endearing heroine, and it is wonderful to see her coming out of her shell as Kincaid literally seduces the pants off her. Kincaid is incredibly sexy and his backstory is particularly compelling. The manner in which he copes with his personal traumas and ultimately overcomes his prejudices against blue bloods due to his association with Ava is inspiring.

Ava and Kincaid have the best chemistry since Blade and Honoria (Kiss of Steel) and their physical relationship is one of the more earthy and steamy in both this and the prior series. While the resolution to their HEA is quite obvious from the start, it is still delightful to experience Ava and Kincaid's journey toward love and fulfillment.

Unlike the first book, the actual conspiracy plot takes a back seat to the romance. Nevertheless, there are several exciting action scenes and one or two twists along the way.

Overall, an excellent continuation and I am looking forward to Gemma and Obsidian's book next. It will be interesting to see how McMaster rehabilitates his character.

Dukes Are Forever
4.5 Stars

In the aftermath of their forced marriage, Auvry Cavill, Duke of Malloryn, suspects that his bride, Adele Hamilton, may be in league with his enemies. To prove his suspicions one way or the other, he decides to engage in the unthinkable - the seduction of his wife.

Malloryn and Adele long-awaited showdown more than lives up to expectations. Their banter and chemistry have been a highlight of the previous installments, and their love/hate relationship continues to play out with each giving as good as they get. Seeing Malloryn engage with the one woman who can bring him to his knees is immensely satisfying.

The resolution to the ongoing Blueblood Conspiracy has some intense and exciting moments. Nevertheless, much of the action has already played out in earlier books, and as such, it is the romance that truly shines.

In sum, an excellent conclusion to the arc. There is one final epilogue novella to complete the series.

You Only Love Twice
3 Stars

Good development for the ongoing story arc, but the romance is disappointing.

The world of Bec McMaster's London Steampunk is fascinating, and her original take on vampirism is displayed to full effect in this installment particularly with regard to the origins, motivations and conflicts of the various dhampir characters. The plot to destroy London and kill the Queen moves in a new direction with the introduction of the mysterious assassin known as the Chameleon. The twists and turns involving the identity of the killer make for engaging reading, and the ultimate explanation is both surprising and satisfying.

Unfortunately, the exciting world-building and compelling storylines are undermined by the lackluster romance. Obsidian and Gemma's second chance at love is flat and uninspired. Neither character is sufficiently fleshed out, and the flashback scenes to their first meeting do not actually provide any insight into how they feel for one another. Readers are presented with the facts of their love-affair, but not the emotion behind it.

Moreover, Obsidian and Gemma's relationship is completely overshadowed by the few interactions between Malloryn and his bride-to-be, Adele Hamilton. Their snarky wordplay and intense chemistry highlight the deficiencies in the primary couple's connection.

Finally, the cliffhanger ending is exceedingly annoying. The only redeeming factor here is that the series is now complete so there will be no waiting to find out what happens next.

Just because the author mentions machines etc does not make this book steam punk. The storyline was promising albeit very slow to develop overall the book is alright. I can't give more than 3 stars.

I liked the first 2/3 or so a bit better than average, it's second chance, revenge, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, and I thought they were handled well. After they're together though, which is usually the part I like best since I'm only so-so about the enemies-to-lovers trope, things actually went downhill and I ended up just wanting it to be over already. So that was disappointing. There were two big drawn-out action scenes, and a fair amount of setup for future books, which was a lot for that point in the book, but my main problem was that out of nowhere all the characters started making really dumb mistakes. The facepalm sort, that made me want to either roll my eyes, or kinda cringe. When a blatant mistake leads to a whole scene, it's a little harder to care about that drama, because all of it could and should have been avoided if they hadn't been so simple-minded in the first place. And events are less interesting when they're just the obvious consequences you could have seen from a mile off anyway. So it ended up kinda losing me, but I did like that first part, so I'm still giving it 3 stars.

Enemies to Lovers isn't a favorite of mine, so I was not as into the relationship aspect in this one. But I am still pleased to have read it.

I enjoyed most of the previous series, but this one just did not grab me at all and I was bored, and happy for it to eventually be over. I'm not going to give up on this sequel series yet though, this one might have just been a dud.

Nothing was particularly off-putting about this one, I just didn't get that drawn into it.

This is definitely my favorite of this follow-up series. I liked both leads in the original series, and it's nice to see them grown up and their relationship evolving. Lots of sweet moments, and their feelings felt backed up by their history and actions as well, which is nice. There's an Anastasia element that strains belief a bit, but it was also kinda fun, so I was willing to go along with it. The rescue mission had a few major failings that were a little hard to watch, the whole group of professionals not foreseeing totally foreseeable things, but overall I was entertained and happy to see how everything would play out.

I am in the minority, but I didn't find this very enjoyable or good. I've liked this fictional world, but this book didn't add much to it. The heroine was a bit of a brat, the characters all had to be more incompetent than usual not to immediately just solve the case already, and there was a lot of repetitiveness. It's disappointing to end the series on this off note. If I could warn my past self not to bother, I would actually. But some of the steam was well done, so at least it wasn't a total wash.

YES I CANNOT WAIT TO READ PERRY AND GARRETT'S STORY!!!! I love this idea of a novella to set up a book. I am so glad I can move right on to this! I love stories with tough, tomboy heroines, and am so excited for the angst!