Wild & Steamy

The Iron Seas #0.4

by Meljean Brook, Jill Myles, Carolyn Crane

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - An Iron Seas novella of 15,000 words: The search for a killer puts Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth's life in danger and her assistant, Constable Newberry, in the line of fire. But Newberry 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?

Vixen by Jill Myles - A shifter novella of 15,000 words: 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.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - A Disillusionists novella of 20,000 words: 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.

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Anthologies, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

119 pages, ebook

First published August 2, 2011

About the author

Book info: I am the author of the Iron Seas steampunk romance series. I've written a guide to the world (including a map) on my website.

I also write a paranormal romance series, the Guardians. That series guide is also on my website, including a "The Story So Far" feature, which allows you to catch up on all of the books that previously released in the series if you start after the first installment.

Goodreads info: I am slowly, slowly adding to my shelves and reviews. It's unlikely that I will join many book discussions (especially of my own work) simply because I don't want to stifle reader conversation.

Bio: Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK! I'm in love with 2 of these authors and unfamiliar with the 3rd, so I have a varied review on this, which is a delightful collection. The two stories I loved (by the authors I know and love) were KINDA wild and steamy, but more than that they were delightful romances set in worlds I love visiting.

"THE BLUSHING BOUNDER" by Meljean Brook
This is set in the steampunk world of the Iron Duke (which I reviewed and LOVED). It is just a really sweet, beautiful story about one of the tangental characters in the main series. I enjoyed it a lot, I was reminded why I think this is one of the best and most interesting steampunk worlds out there, and was definitely craving a WHOLE novel set in the world...I WANT IT NOW! There wasn't a ton of sex in this, but it was a sweet romance, and I thought it was wonderful.

"VIXEN" by Jill Myles
I don't know this author at all, but I have seen her books and wanted to try them out. When you compare it to the previous (and following) novella, this is just kinda waaaay too racy, and porn-y for my PERSONAL tastes. It follows shapeshifters, which I like, but I'm not a big fan of 2 guys and a girl romance, so I dunno. Just not my style. I'll pick up a full-length by her to see if being familiar with her world-building helps understand this piece better.

"KITTEN-TIGER & THE MONK" by Carolyn Crane
THIS IS MY FAVORITE URBAN FANTASY SERIES WORLD. Ahem. I love Mind Games with an unnatural fervor. This was a fantastic glimpse into side characters, adds to the bizarre and comic-book inspired world these characters live in, and it was just a fun ride. There was some steamy stuff in here, and because there was great context and character and history around it, I was sucked in. Definitely can't wait for the next book in the main series, PACKARD I LOVE YOU!!!

Anyway, for 2.99 this is a good buy, and if you are familiar with any of these authors' works, you'll definitely get a kick out of this lovely collection.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

at this time only reading:

** Meljean Brook's The Blushing Bounder ~ 4 stars ~ read on November 4th, 2011. **

This is about the Constable Edward Newberry and his wife, Temperance, who were basically forced to leave America and come to London. Temperance witnesses a murder and sets a series of events in motion.

This is just the sweetest little novella I've ever read and so funny. I can understand why people like historical's because they are so prudish and they just do not communicate. I loved how everything worked out for Edward and Temperance. If you're reading The Iron Seas series, you won't want to miss this.

Favorite line:

"My sister once warned me that a man who blushed so easily was probably a Man With Appetites."

** Jill Myles' Vixen ~ 3 stars ~ read on November 16 - 17, 2011. **

This is about a werefox, Miko, trying to live with her were's sexual influences and failing. It's a cute, quick read and very steamy. It was a bit too light for me but great if you like menages.

** Carolyn Crane's Kitten-tiger & the Monk ~ 4 stars ~ read on 12/8/12 **

This novella finds Sophia searching for The Monk so she can be disillusioned. The problem is it wasn't sanctioned by Packard and when she turns up at the office of the Tanglemaster...he turns out to be her lost love, the one she betrayed.

I was pleasantly surprised by Sophia...even just taking this step says a lot about her but I enjoyed knowing more about her through Robert's eyes. I loved learning all about the good parts of their relationship and I thought they were very sweet together. Robert is a really interesting guy and I'm really curious how the information about him will play out. The only thing I was disappointed about was there wasn't any information relating to what happened in the last book, Double Cross.

[Aoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review only for The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook

4.5 stars

I haven't read the Iron Book #1 yet, so I have no idea about the larger series- but what a fabulous job the author's done here! It's a completely wild world- steampunk on tequila- of steampunk prosthetics, nanobots,and completely wacky contraptions.

In this alternate reality, America is the more conservative society, from where Constable Newberry & his wife Temperance are thrown out for kissing in the streets (yikes!!). Temperance thinks that her husband created the scandal to get his hands on her inheritance, and their marriage is a cold one indeed.

The romance is sweet; and we get a glimpse into the very rich world Ms. Brook has built for us...

Snort-worthy lines-

"This is the first night that you are both in full health since your marriage began. I won’t expect you early tomorrow morning, Newberry.”



“My sister once warned me that a man who blushed so easily was probably a Man With Appetites.”

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ overall, but the individual stories definitely varied in quality and substance.

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook: 3.5-4 stars. This Iron Seas novella featuring Constable Newberry (first name "Edward," in case you didn't know) and his wife, Temperance, is sweet and adds some background and depth to a strong-but-silent secondary character found in the first Iron Seas book, The Iron Duke. Considering this is the last of the available Iron Seas stories that I had to read, I was excited to see little glimpses of characters that I had already learned about (e.g., Mina in her inspector role, mention of the latest published Archimedes Fox story). The story of Newberry and Temperance's romance is itself a sweet story of a married couple who came together over a misunderstanding that, at its heart, was driven (unbeknownst to Temperance at the time) by Newberry's love for her. He is a gentle giant (indeed, we learn in the story that he's a virgin, too), but he feels strongly for Temperance and will do anything - even move her across an ocean and risk her hating him forever - to save her from the consumption that is eating away at her health. Temperance believed (falsely) that Newberry was a gold-digging manipulator who deliberately compromised her into marriage and handing over her inheritance to him. The story does a very good job of showing his (completely pure) motivations and his steadfast dedication to her. Once Temperance understands and accepts his actions as pure and driven by love, the couple and their romance fall neatly into place and ends with the consummation (FINALLY!) of their month-long marriage.

Vixen by Jill Myles: 2 stars. Mehhhhhhh. I got a whole lot of meh out of this short erotica piece. First off, it features themes I avoid in romance - menage and, ultimately, a polyamorous relationship. I tried not to let that cloud my judgment as I forged ahead and dove into this story of a reclusive were-vixen, Miko, who has, up til this story, been denying her natural were-vixen sluttiness (for lack of a more refined term) by remaining a hermit. The two heroes show up when Miko's mother sends them as bodyguards to protect Miko from (illegal) fox hunts that have recently cropped up in the area. The plot in this one is paper thin, and it only serves to advance the "romance" when Miko does TSTL I'm-putting-myself-in-danger-and-you-can't-stop-me things. I just couldn't relate to Miko, both in her waffling over which hunky guy she wanted and in her TSTL moments, and I didn't feel like we learned anything substantive emotionally about the two guys. Also, as a general criticism to the editors, I thought this anthology was marketed in the non-erotic mainstream romance genre, so a story with menage and a long-term m/f/m relationship just doesn't fit into expectations. It just was a disappointment in the end, but was okay as a vehicle for spicy sexytimes.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane: 4 stars. Verrrrrrrrrrry cool. Really liked this story set in the "Disillusionists" world. I was only 10 pages into it, and I had to go online to queue up book 1 of that series on my library requests. This is a second-chance romance story that features an anti-heroine by the name of Sophia, who regrets the path that life and her ability to erase/replace memories have taken her. I didn't think I'd like her, and I actually didn't for a large part of the story. What she did to Robert when they were teenagers in love was heartbreaking. Just the reminiscing that Robert does about their love and their falling out made me want to smack her in the face with a two-by-four. The story and strong world-building yield a setting that is an industrial alternate universe, giving me a feeling of gritty urban life and a sense of general dystopia. We learn secrets on both sides that really help for each of them to trust and understand each other better. The thorough backgrounds and intricate setting definitely left me with the impression that a LOT of thought went into this short piece and the world as a whole. It's got a dark and rather depressing overall vibe, but I really enjoyed this one and, despite my usual aversion to urban fantasy, will definitely check out the series.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brooks

This story was adorable. I'm not sure I will ever be a steampunk fan all the way, but this was incredibly imaginative, fun to read and with a sweet, sweet romance. I would not have called it particularly Wild or Steamy, actually, but I enjoyed it so much that it really didn't matter. I definitely want to read more romances by her, if only I can get over my aversion to the creepier aspects of steampunk.

Vixen by Jill Myles

This was the one story of the group that I felt lived up to the title in that it was both wild and steamy. I had some problems with the heroine in that her characterization felt uneven (deep in some aspects and too shallow in others) and also that I didn't like her much. The plot also faced some problems, most because of the heroine's actions. The hero(s) were perfect to the point of 2-dimensionality. The heros come to protect the heroine who is extremely snippy toward them. She repeatedly endangers herself, just for fun and whims. Meanwhile they clean up around the house and make her food. She felt immature and they felt like the kind of laid back dudes who get along with everyone but don't stick around for long. I couldn't buy in to the romance, and the sex was hot, but not hot enough to make up for that.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane

This story alone blew me away. The heroine didn't start off as particularly likable, but she was interesting, and the writing was good. By the end I was sold on her as a flawed but ultimately good individual, with a true hope for redemption with the hero. I love the depth of emotion she was able to swing through in such a short time period. Not only that, but there was a certain intelligence to it - to the hero, the heroine and the complexity of the story, that all managed to intertwine. The word that comes to mind when I think back on this story is well-crafted. I am definitely planning on reading more by her.

[willaful · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Blushing Bounder" by Meljean Brook.

It’s hard to think of a less likely couple to inhabit an anthology called “Wild and Steamy” then the shy Constable Newberry and his ailing, resentful, proper wife. (Oh, I guess this is steamy as short for steampunk.) This was a sweet story but needed more development. 3 1/2 stars -- the extra half star is for the adorable huge, blushing hero.

"Vixen" by Jill Myles

Now we’re talking “wild” and “steamy.” Miko is a were-fox who’s opted out of relationships, because its her nature to want more than one mate. Then her mother sends her two were-cat bodyguards, because illegal foxhunting is happening nearby. The two men seem to do everything together -- but will they do everything together? It’s a very thin story and set off my “too obvious a fantasy” alarm (the cherry on top was when they clean her house) but I thought the menage was fun. 3 stars. (And by the way, it seems kind of unfair for reviewers to criticize this story for being too porny -- with that title, what did they expect?)

"Kitten-tiger & the Monk" by Carolyn Crane

Am waiting to read this one til I start the series it’s in -- will fill in my review later.

[Beebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for the Meljean Brook story The Blushing Bounder which is a short story prequel in her Iron Seas series.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: August 2, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Self Published
Imprint: N/A
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com


The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook

Author’s Website: http://meljeanbrook.com/
Part of a Series: Yes, Iron Seas 1.5
Series Best Read In Order: Yes
Steam Level: Steamy

Contable Edward Newberry and his wife, Temperance, are "bounders", people whose ancestors fled England when the Horde first attacked, and now that the threat are over, are returning to England. In this universe, while the New World still follows the social mores of what we would call the Regency era (ie a woman's reputation is everything, and any kind of contact between the sexes is frowned upon without a proper chaperone), but England is much more relaxed and practical about such matters.

Temperance was a governess in Manhattan City, and formed a very sweet (and very chaste) friendship with Constable Newberry, whose blushes never failed to charm her. However, she fell very ill with consumption and made the decision to invest the small inheritance she'd gained from her grandfather into a quiet hospice setting at a sanatorium. As she was about to leave, she realized Edward had come to say goodbye to her, only, Edward had different ideas. He kissed her, of all things, which immediately set into motion a hasty marriage and banishment to the awful and filthy city of London.

Temperance might have been able to forgive him, had he merely been overcome by passion, but when she asked him shortly following his marriage if he had planned all of this -- their marriage, his receiving her inheritance, and their move to London -- he confirmed that it had indeed been his plan.

Now dying and miserable, Temperance despises her new husband (though she can't help but to notice the nice fit of his trousers or the way his broad shoulders fill a doorway every now and again), and she merely wants to find some quiet enjoyment before she dies.

Things are never as simple as that, however, because Temperance witnesses a murder in the alley below her bedroom window, and worse, the murderer got a good look at her as well.

Willing to do absolutely anything to protect the woman he adores, Edward puts both his life, and his heart, on the line.

Overall, I of course loved it. In fact, the entire reason that I bought this anthology was I read the EXCERPT ON MELJEAN BROOK'S WEBSITE and got sucked right back into the world of The Iron Seas. While I think that new readers might be fairly lost, any fan of the series will definitely appreciate the cameos and references to other characters, as well as the insights as to the lives and attitudes of bounders.

That said, however, this story could also serve as an admirable intro into the world of The Iron Seas for readers who haven't had the opportunity to read earlier works. Of course, I personally think new readers should immediately go out and read both Here There Be Monsters and The Iron Duke instead, but I'm a bit biased on that front because I enjoyed both of those stories so much.

Recommended for fans of steampunk done the right way, of being forced into a marriage of convenience, and of allowing yourself to finally embrace the love that's been waiting for you all along.

Keywords: Meljean Brook, Steampunk, Steam Level: Steamy Forced Marriage, Marriage to Avoid Scandal, Plain Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Serious Illness or Injury, Series Best Read In Order, Virgin Hero, Virgin Heroine

5/5 Stars

Vixen by Jill Myles

Author’s Website: http://jillmyles.com/
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Hot

Miko is a were-fox, or, as her mother Japanese mother prefers, kitsune. Just like vixens in the wild, were-fox females tend to be extremely promiscuous, needing more than one mate to satisfy their needs.

Determined to avoid mimicking her mother's harem of men, Miko lives in the middle of nowhere in Texas. Her theory? Since she can't control herself around men, the best thing to do is to avoid men altogether.

However, when a local (and illegal) fox-hunting group forms, her mother sends along two very sexy cat-shifters to protect her until the hunters can be stopped. Now, forced to live in close quarters with not one but two extremely desirable men, Miko knows that she can't choose between the delectable Sam and Jeremiah, and luckily for her, she might not have to.

Overall, this one was a lot more enjoyable than I'd anticipated. I'm not typically a fan of polyamory simply because I don't find it realistic, but the fact that Jere and Sam had previously been in a polyamorous relationship made things much more believable to me. Add to that the danger of the fox hunters, and the delicious sexual tension throughout, and this one gets a solid 4/5 from me.

Keywords: Jill Myles, Menage, Polyamory, Shapeshifters, TSTL Moment, Steam Level: Hot


Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane

Author’s Website: http://authorcarolyncrane.com/
Part of a Series: Yes, Disillusionist Trilogy 2.5
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy


Sophia Sidway is a memory revisionist. She has the ability to remove a person's memory from up to a day prior, and to replace them with very realistic memories of her choosing. While she cannot replace emotion, she's become a master of designing replacement memories to coincide with the emotions of the original memory, making her talent both amazing and incredibly dangerous. The daughter of a notorious mob boss, Sophia has used her powers for all sorts of evil over the years, including ruining the life of her one true love, Robert.

Now, she's so very tired of it all, and seeks the Monk, a mysterious and dangerous Disillusionist, known for being able to "reboot" criminals and send them on their way as productive citizens.

Unfortunately for Sophia, the only man who knows how to contact the Monk turns out to be the one man she thought she'd lost forever. Facing Robert is one of the most painful things that Sophia has ever had to do, but she is willing to do absolutely anything to put an end to her life as a revisionist, even if it means opening up old wounds.

WOW. Simply. Wow. While I purchased this book solely for Meljean Brook's story, The Blushing Bounder from the Iron Seas universe, I have to say that this story would've made the purchase worth every penny. I have never had the pleasure of reading Ms. Crane's Disillusionist trilogy (an oversight I intend to rectify as soon as possible), but this story was able to grab me and draw me into a world of dark crime, incredible powers, harrowing danger, and lost love.

An incredibly solid 5/5 Stars, and no joke, I would rate it higher if possible.

Keywords: Carolyn Crane, Estranged Lovers, Serious Illness or Injury, Steam Level: Steamy, Urban Fantasy, Part of a Series, Secret Identity, Tortured Hero, Tortured Heroine.

--

Overall, this anthology is a must-have for fans of paranormal romance. It literally has something for everyone: steampunk, shapeshifters, urban fantasy, polyamory, forced marriages, and estranged lovers. It runs the gamut from a virgin hero and heroine to a rather promiscuous heroine and everywhere in between.

Only $2.99 at Amazon, I would gladly have paid that price for any one of these novellas by themselves, so for all three, this is an incredible bargain, that fans of PNR would be fools not to purchase.

Final rating, a delightfully solid 5/5

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - Iron Seas #0.5 novella

I haven't read Meljean Brook's steampunk series yet so I had no previous notion of the Iron Seas world or characters. First I was amazed by the similar yet so different world Meljean Brook has created: where London is the liberal city compared to the more conservative America, where people have machines transplanted into their bodies to be faster, better. This novella packed so many novelties I kept marveling at all the tiny details which made this alternate universe so different.

The hero of this novella is Constable Newberry, a big yet gentle and soft hearted man whose marriage to his wife is icy to say the least. The couple had to marry because of a stolen kiss and Temperance (the wife) is convinced that her husband married her only for her dowry, not a good start especially since she had tender feelings for him.

Let me just tell you that Meljean Brook makes the most of the length restrictions of this novella and presents the reader with a story able to stand on its own. The Blushing Bounder was a very interesting and sweet steampunk novella set in an astonishing and very rich world. In my opinion if one has already read The Iron Duke and knows some of the mentioned characters of this novella it can be enjoyed even more, so I'll be sure to return and re-read it after I become acquainted with The Iron Duke.

Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Writing: 9/10


Vixen by Jill Myles - A shifter novella

Jill Myles is another new to me author so I had no idea as to what to expect, and maybe that is one of the reasons why Vixen blew me away. It was fantastic and hot, and definitely lived up to title of the anthology as it most certainly was wild and steamy!

I never read about fox shifters so I was a completely blank canvas for Jill Myles to tell me about their characteristics and what makes them so different and unique.

The heroine of this novella is Miko, a werefox who wanting to renounce her quite wild fox-side lives in the middle of nowhere so as to avoid temptation. But she can't avoid it when temptation comes ringing her doorbell :-) Fox hunts are being organized in her neighbourhood and two sexy and drool-worthy cat-shifters were sent as bodyguards to protect her from any harm.

The two heroes were dreamy: one blond the other dark, one teasing and cocky the other quiet and intense, they were black and white opposites of each other but both were charismatic and trustworthy. For me one of the highlights of this novella was the threefold banter between the characters which worked as perfect verbal foreplay. Besides the steamy teasing the playfulness of the characters made this novella fresh and enchanting.

I had a wonderful time with Jill Myles' characters, my only complaint is that I would have loved to stay longer ;-p

Plot: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Writing: 8/10


Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - Disillusionists #2.5 novella

To be honest this novella is the reason why I became interested in this anthology. I loved Mind Games, the first book in Carolyn Crane's Disillusionists trilogy and couldn't wait to revisit the beloved characters and the original world of Midcity again. And Carolyn Crane does not disappoint. Even though the old characters don't make an appearance in this story, Carolyn Crane introduces new ones who are just as complex and fascinating.

I was once again amazed at the incredibly original powers Carolyn Crane has created in this novella. The heroine of Kitten-tiger & the Monk is Sophia, whose special power is "revising memories", i.e. she can enter anyone's mind and erase or supplant memories at will. An incredibly powerful and dangerous talent, and one which weighs heavily on Sophia's conscience. That is why she is searching for the Monk, one of the most feared disillusionist, so he can reprogram her.

Sophia and the hero of the novella, Robert go way back: they grew up together and were each other's first love. I enjoyed how their whole history unfolded bit by bit through flashbacks and memories and we finally learned what happened exactly between these two to make their once sweet and close relationship so hostile and cold.

I forgot why exactly I was fanaticly enthusiastic about Mind Games, but this novella was enough to remind me why: Carolyn Crane's lyrical writing simply enchants the reader with its metaphorical pictures and emotional intensity.

"Staring into her eyes had once been a compulsion, like staring into something vast—the Grand Canyon, or a star-glutted sky—and the harder you looked, the vaster and more impossibly glorious it seemed, and you had to keep looking, to somehow find a way to take it all in."

Not only was the resolution of the novella satisfactory but I enjoyed the journey leading there just as much. Both Sophia and Robert are interesting characters and my heart went out to both of them for suffering so much and all alone.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk was a fantastic novella which I enjoyed immensely. It made me want to return to the Disillusionist universe and re-read Carolyn Crane's novels. And I think that's exactly what I'll do since I have to pass the time somehow while I'm waiting for the release of Book #3.

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Writing: 10/10


Verdict: Based on the title and the sexy cover I was expecting this anthology to be more wild and steamy on the sexual side, but it was only Jill Myles' novella which can be called erotic of the three. Nonetheless, all three stories are well written and entertaining, the first and last introducing the reader to unique and fascinating alternate universes that will leave you blinking. The Blushing Bounder is innocently sweet and heartwarming, Vixen is the hottest and most sensual, and then there is Kitten-tiger & the Monk which has the most beautifully written heartache and emotional depth.

Wild & Steamy is a great anthology on its own, but if you discovered any of the authors thanks to it, make sure to check out their full length novels, I know that's what I'll be doing. :-)

[Kathy (Kindle-aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually did this one in a different order - I first bought it becuase of Brook's Iron Seas story. Knowing that it would likely be my favorite, I read the other ones first (I've learned something as I've read anthologies - especially ones where I buy them because of one particular story).

Overall, I really enjoyed all 3 (and I was quite surprised that I liked one of them).

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook: This one was short but so very sweet. I really liked it because it was the first in this series from a bounder POV (bounders are people from the New World who come back to England after the fall of the Horde). It gives a little taste of what the colonies think of the "infected" buggers in London. I liked Newbury a lot in Iron Duke, and it was nice to see his HEA (even if it did happen before ID).

Vixen by Jill Myles: A were-vixen removes herself from people because her sexual appetite is too great (in the wild, vixens are naturally promiscuous and this translates for the were variety as well). Then hunters threaten her family, her mother sends 2 hot were cats, and I think we can all see where this one is going. Not my usual thing (to be honest, if the word "menage" is in the description, I pass it over), but it works. Probably because it's a short. I don't think I'd read more on this relationship, but I'll check out Myles other, more monogamous reads.

Kitten-Tiger and the Monk by Carolyn Crane: Set in Crane's Disillusionist world, but focused this time on Sophia, Otto's right-hand woman, who is sick of the person she's become. Wow. I never would have thought that I'd feel anything but hate for Sophia, but I actually wanted her to have a HEA by the end. Not saying she doesn't have some more 'splainin' to do, but I'm rooting for her. Wondering what this means for events in book 3. Looking forward to that book even more. I also think that I preferred the 3rd person style in the short to the 1st person POV in the books. Just a personal preference when dealing with these characters.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

$0.99 on Nook

The Blushing Bounder (Meljean Brook) 3.75 star - (Iron Seas #0.4) I really liked this, it was a cute little story featuring Constable Newberry and his wife. I'm not sure how this story would be for someone who hadn't read The Iron Duke though.

Vixen (Jill Myles)

Kitten-tiger & The Monk (Carolyn Crane) 3 stars - (The Disillusionists Trilogy #2.5, Sophia) So first off, aside from a teeny spoiler about the sleepwalkers from Double Cross, you're fine to read this even if you haven't read the rest of the Disillusionist Trilogy. You actually might be better off, I had a hard time getting into this because, well, I hate Sophia. It's hard to develop enough sympathy in a short story for a character who has been such a heartless bitch in the two previous books. Her explanations felt like whiny, childish excuses. And the ending wrapped up way to easily after everything that happened. That being said, it was interesting, and I'd like to see if Sophia plays more of a role in the third book.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty varied collection of shorts not only in genre but in steam level (of the sensual variety) as well

"The Blushing Bounder" by MelJean Brook - is set before Iron Duke and stars Mina's assistant the charming honorable and bashful Constable Newberry and his Missus. I am a big fan of Brook's amazing Iron Seas steampunk world so I was delighted to get an little connected short to hold me over until Steel Heart hits the shelves.

"Vixen" by Jill Myles - not connected to her Succubus series - A female foxshifter acquires two sexy catshifer body guards when a fox hunting club comes to town. This was the steamiest of the trio - FYI - foxshifter females are polyandrous and this one decides that two polar opposite males are just the right number to scratch her itch.



"Kitten-Tiger & The Monk" by Carolyn Crane - this is a disillusionists novella, possibly set after the second book - Sophia is ready to give up her wicked ways and seeks the mysterious 'Monk' to bring about her own disillusionment - I enjoyed this story, even though it's been so long since I read the first that I didn't remember the side characters who turn up in cameos.

[Armina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This goes only for Kitten-tiger & the Monk (The Disillusionists Trilogy 2.5) by Carolyn Crane.

Sophia Sidway, the most powerful memory revisionist and one of the most morally ambiguous side characters in the The Disillusionists Trilogy, is searching for the Monk so she can be disillusioned. She has regrets and wants to stop. Instead she found her lost childhood friend and love Robbie - the Tanglemaster who is the only person who can lead her to the Monk ... .

I liked this story very much. It's a novella between books #2 and #3 but it can easily be read even as an introduction to the series. We receive a good look into the great comic-book inspired world these characters live in. We receive hot moments, human emotions, redemption and love. Can't wait to continue with the final book in the series!

[D.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This review (and rating) is only for Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Caroline Crane.

This novella is a must read for fans of the Disillusionists trilogy because it features the elusive Monk and explains the origins of the Tangle! I got the impression that Ms. Crane meant to explain this in one of the actual books in the trilogy and then couldn't find how to include it. I'm glad that we got to learn about this!

You also learn more about Sophia's background. I don't know that I bought her change of heart - it seems to me that a woman who did things like that for so long couldn't have been misguided but just didn't care about the consequences of her actions.

Overall, a really good read full of Ms. Crane's usual originality. Completely recommended!

[Susi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review was originally posted at Book Lovers Inc.

When I first heard about Wild & Steamy I new immediately that I had to read it. I loved Brook's and Crane's series and well I always wanted to try a Myles' novel because I heard that they are so much fun. Best chance to get all wanted in one book. How could I say no to that?

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook
Newberry was already pretty intriguing in The Iron Duke and I was so looking forward to see his story told. We meet his wife, the shy and unfortunately really sick Temperance. She is a strong woman with a good heart inside but she is full of prejudices. Her lacking understanding of the world she's faced with in London forces her to question her world views.
I loved to see Temperance discover the London of Brook's Iron Sea's world. This story actually happens while The Iron Duke takes place but it also givve a different perspective to what we learned in the first installment. We learn how the Americans see what happened and why they distance themselves.

The Blushing Bounder has a cute and sweet love story about misunderstandings, oldfashioned worldviews, prejudices and how to find love in such a situation. The characters are vivid and shine through Brook's writing. I really enjoyed this one and I'm already dying to read about what will happen next. Steampunk, love, adventure- a great mix you should definitely try out.

Vixen by Jill Myles
This one was so hot. I have to say a have a soft spot for kitsune- fox shifters are just so much naughty fun. *g* Okay so Miko probably isn't the typical kitsune- she lives an isolated life to avoid the temptation social life offers her. she tries really hard to be a good girl but well who cares for those. *wink*

When our heroes join the story the pages practically heat up. Vixen is definitely the hottest story in this anthology. I loved the banter between our 3 protagonists. The contrast between the guys' familiarity with each other and Miko's efforts to stay detachted were a nice contrast that gave this story a nice twist. The actual plot was okay but didn't really kept me glued to the edge of my seat. This story was more about the interaction between the characters than the setting.

I really hope that Myles will write more about these shifters though- the world-building has great potential and I'm sure it would shine more if given some more space.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane
I so missed this series. I really did- it's so unique. In this novella we meet Sophia again, the not so loved revisionist. She played an antoganistic role in the previous books and I was very intrigued how Crane would make me like her. I'm usually not very forgiving with things like that but Crane really succeded.

The plot was fascinating and mysterious- I so wanted to see how this one would work out. Okay I admit I realized rather fast who was who but well it still was a pleasure to see everything unfold and to read about the reasons for our protagonist's actions.

I love the way we are drawn into the setting and story- the descriptions always have a certain mysterious touch to them. I would so love to see what Crane imagines Midcity like. I so can't wait to read book 3. I adore this series - it's refreshingly unique and has a touch of cool you won't find in any other other urban fantasy novels. Can't praise it enough.

Wild & Steamy is one of the best anthology I ever read. I really enjoyed all the stories and never once thought about skipping one (I do this more often than I should). The stories contrast each other in a way that provides a varied entertainment not many anthologies have. Highly recommended read- you shouldn't miss this one.

I give Wild & Steamy 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/08/rev...

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - An Iron Seas novella. The search for a killer puts Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth's life in danger and her assistant, Constable Newberry, in the line of fire. But Newberry 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? (Goodreads)

I adore Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series and liked learning more about the repressed ever stalwart Constable Newberry. This one takes place before The Iron Duke so no fear of being lost or what not. I found the intertwining story lines wonderful with plenty of action and intrigue though I admit to being more in enthralled by the mystery then the romance. Ms. Brooks gives us quite a bit of information about London and the attitudes of the New Worlders.
RATING: B


Vixen by Jill Myles - A shifter novella. 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. (Goodreads)

Ms. Myles writes a erotic enjoyable menage story about a young woman who would rather be alone then at the mercy of her promiscuous fox nature. When her mother sends two gorgeous men to act as bodyguards Miko realizes that she can be faithful with the right incentive. I enjoyed the seamless way the romance intertwines with the mystery with no over the top entanglements or angst. I did feel that Miko got over her issues a little quick but maybe that’s why she was hiding in the woods in the first place. No will power. :) It ended a little abruptly for me-I wished to stay longer and see more of their relationship together.
RATING: C+

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - A Disillusionists novella. 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. (Goodreads)

I have read and re read Ms. crane’s Disillusionists series and cannot WAIT for book 3. Which unfortunately isn’t out till December-Boo. Sophia has an unusual gift-she can “revise” people’s memories. After years of doing this, she is tired and realizes that she has caused more harm then good and wants to be rehabilitated. Doing so requires the help of one of the most dangerous disillusionists in the city-Monk. I liked seeing Sophia finally realize the harm she has wrought and having her deal with someone who not only knows what she is, but can beat her at her own game. Ms. Crane continues to create and evolve characters who aren’t the nicest within a world of illusion and betrayal. Plenty of action and revolution that goes far in explaining the past and the future of this world.
RATING: B

Overall rating: B

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blushing Bounder ~ By Meljean Brook
90pgs

Tempest is sick and now living with, whom she feels is, her deceiving husband in London and the reason she had a falling out with her family in the US. Her husband wishes she would get the infection with the "bug" to cure her illness, but fearing the stories of becoming a zombie after death she refuses. While in her room one night she witnesses a murder in the alley. Tempest's husband is the one on the case and is to keep her safe from the guilty man. Tempest looks closer at her husband and learns a few things, and maybe will save his life and hers.

This was a different story for me. So much here to this world in this short read. The bugs to heal people, and potential zombies. Then we have the steampunk take on the mechanics uses here. Wonderful the way Meljean mixes all this and creates an amazing world in such a short story. I really enjoyed the world set-up and the ideas here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vixen ~ By Jill Myles
95pgs

Miko lives in the country to be away from distractions and interruptions...including men. She's a were-fox and men drive the hormones through the roof as foxes are vixens. Miko has visitors, 2 men visitors, sent from her mother. They are sent to protect her from the new specialized hunts. But the flirting begins, and Miko starts thinking about the one thing she moved to keep from her mind the sting of men and...mating.

Hot and steamy. Sexy! Have the fan ready! Miko and these two delicious men. But not only is the attraction flowing strong, but there is a story here as well. The hunters are out and boundaries are crossed. Oh by far Jill has created a Hot! story here. The whole idea of the were-fox and her needs. Wow! But there is a story here about the hunter issue, but the main focus is on Miko.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kitten-Tiger & The Monk ~ by Carolyn Crane
131pgs

Sophia is sick of herself and what she does to others. She wants rebooted and the only one to do that is The Monk. She has a hint of where to start to find someone who knows where he is, on her path she learns this person is one from her past. A past she thought she had moved past but found she never can. Can she forgive herself and can he forgive her?

This is the story I got this anthology for. I loved reading the first 2 books of Carolyn Cranes Disillustionist series. And this one just adds to the list!

We learn more of Sophia and of The Monk. Oh, I love Robert! We get to see into the Tangle, the curvy twisting highway mess everyone dreads that is ever present here in the city. Of this Tangle we see why it's the way it is. We get just a touch of the stories in the trilogy as well, but it is not needed to have read those to read this. But you might fall in love with the magic created here to pick up the first two books. Great side story!

[AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a wild & steamy anthology...

The Blushing Bounder - A Tale of the Iron Seas by Meljean Brook - 4 stars
Meljean Brook's Iron Seas series is one of my favorite steampunk series. The author's world building is extensive and the story takes the reader to an alternate history of London, complete with airships, nanobots, steampunk contraptions galore, and strangely enhanced humans. This story focuses on Temperance and Edward Newberry, two Americans forced to move to London because of a public kissing indiscretion. (Oh, the shame of it!) Temperance suffers from consumption and is slowly dying unless she takes a transfusion of nanobots that would cure her.

This is definitely steampunk done right, if not just a little bit grotesque. In addition to all the cool gadgets, people in this world have machinery grafted on to their bodies! As this is part of the Wild and Steamy anthology, there is a little steam...

Vixen by Jill Myles - 3 stars
This is the first time I've read a story by Jill Myles and I will definitely look out for more. This is by far the steamiest story of the anthology. Vixen is the story of a were-fox or kitsune named Miko. Kitsunes are known for their voracious sexual appetite. Miko's mother is worried that her little girl/fox is all alone and arranges for two hot were-cats to be her bodyguards. It seems that a local hunter is illegally hunting fox and Miko may be in danger. Werecats Sam and Jeremiah to the rescue!

Oh my, there was a lot of steam factor here. Two hot guys and one sexy fox. Need I say more?

Kitten-Tiger and the Monk by Carolyn Crane - 4 stars
I was struck by the fantastic world created by the author. This story is probably my favorite of the anthology. I loved this story about Sophia, a woman with the power to change memories and Robert, her old flame and a power to be reckoned with. Sophia wants to rid herself of her power and seeks out the Monk to help her out. The Disillusionist World has to be one of the more original series out there and I really must start reading that series soon.

Steam factor - Yes.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy gods, what a mixed bag *this* compilation was. I'll give it 7/10, but that really doesn't cover the range of my reactions to the three separate stories that are really just connected because they're romances/chick-pr0n with a supernatural or fantasy twist.

Firstly Vixen, by Jill Myles. Errrr... yeah. The complex plot and characterisation of this instalment could best be summed up as "Young, sweet, one-tailed kitsune does two hot were-cats at once". The pr0n itself wasn't atrocious, but I had kind of expected more from a 15,000 word story. 5/10 for this one.

Then Kitten-Tiger & the Monk, by Carolyn Crane. This one was slightly better (although ohhhhhhhhhhh, the angst!) The feel was very much like Book 1 of the series, which I remember reading last year. Evidently, I've missed out on major plot arc developments through not having read Book 2, though, because I have no idea where the sleepwalking cannibals come from. This scores slightly higher than Vixen for the mere *presence* of plot (plus TEH pr0nz were not badly written), but still fairly low for the complete lack of any characters I actually gave a damn about. 6/10 for this one.

Finally, we have The Blushing Bounder, by Meljean Brook which TOTALLY justified the compilation's purchase price on its own (yes, I'm biassed to love everything Ms Brook writes - sue me)! *Achingly sweet* without losing the any of the dark grittiness you'd expect from something set in the world of the Iron Duke (or the competence-fest that any scene with Mina Wentworth in it has come to entail), this was the story of Constable Newberry and his wife. Here we have *actual plot*. And *character development*. And Meljean Brook's exquisite talent for both description and making you feel and feel *deeply* with her words. Yeah, basically, I liked this one, in case it's not obvious - it was an 8.5/10 easily.

And I can haz Yasmeen's story now, plz?

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come later... 4.5 stars....I loved, loved, loved this anthology. All three stories were awesome, but I especially liked the Carolyn Crane story, because I think it has a significant plot point in it for the Disillusionists. I'm so happy I read this :)


Sort-of Review

First in this anthology is the Iron Seas short, the Blushing Bounder, was a sweet love story that gave us some background information on Mina's co-worker, Constable Newberry. Newberry has an ailing wife, who doesn't seem to like him very much. We see the prejudice on both bounder and bugger sides in this short. It's the tamest story out of the three, but anything set in the world of the Iron Seas is a must-read to me.

Second is Vixen, by Jill Myles. Whoah. I've never read anything by Myles, but I'm sure I'll be looking her up soon. This story is HOTT! It's about a shifter who has two shifter bodyguards protecting her from a hunter. It was very well written and, ahem, vivid.

Third was Carolyn Crane's Kitten-Tiger and the Monk. This is a Disillusionists story, centering on that bitch Sophia (those of you who have read Double Cross will understand my dislike for Sophia). Anyhow, we get a look at Sophia's history and we finally meet the Monk, who has been a very secret Disillusionist. We see what happened to Sophia that shaped her, and we see her come to a conclusion about her life. By the end of this wonderfully written short story, we see what I hope is a major plot point in the third Disillusionists' novel. I think Sophia is going to be very important, once again.

All in all, this was one of the best anthologies I've read, with all three stories being top notch.

[Caramelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all I liked the book quite a bit, but I don't think the stories fit together very well.

The first story "The blushing Bounder" by Meljean Brook is nicely written, picturing a blushing (what a pun) romance between two ... well, you have to say ignorant (in as positive a way as possible) ... people, with a little sex right at the end. A story set in the world of the Iron Duke, written in the same style, very nice to read.

This is directly followed by a story about a were-fox who would be totally nymphomaniac if she let herself. "Vixen" by Jill Myles is VERY explicit and more pornographic than romantic. It made for quite an abrupt change of pace, though the story in itself is quite nice, if one likes that kind of reading material. I'd have liked a bit of a warning that it would get this racy ...

The third and last novella, "Kitten-tiger & the Monk" by Carolyn Crane has me a bit puzzled. It is set in the Disillusionist world, but the story is kinda long-winded and full of self-hatred and regrets about the past, featuring a heroine who has no self-control at all. The romance just screams "bad idea" to me, plus there is some casual sex not fitting both the protagonists feelings for each other. Not sure what to think about it.

So you have a very tame victorian age romance story, a porn-like were-animal threesome piece and Twilight for adults (insecure, kinda stupid heroine, arrogant and bland hero) novella to complete it. Either the first and the third fit together (on the level of the tame sex scenes), or you put the first and the second stories together as opposites. All three together make for a bumpy read.

[Katie_la_geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild and Steamy is an anthology made up of three stories. The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook, Vixen by Jill Myles and Kitten – Tiger and the Monk by Carolyn Crane.

In my opinion Meljean Brook is the queen of steampunk, nobody does it quite as well as she does and The Blushing Bounder is no exception. The steampunk element was amazing and complimented by a lovely romance, good storyline and likeable characters. It is an awesome novella that fits in well with the rest of the Iron Seas series.

Vixen was my least favourite of the bunch but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. It was well written, had a good story line and good characters. It was also extremely saucy.

Kitten – Tiger and the Monk introduced me to a new series. I haven’t read any of the Disillusionist books but after reading this I most definitely will be. I loved the dark and dreary world this was set in, loved the less than perfect characters and loved the storyline behind it.

Wild and Steamy is one of the better adult anthologies I have read. None of the stories were bad; each had its appeal and was enjoyable.

[Keertana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always a challenge to write a novella about characters we have never been previously introduced to. In the past two novellas I've read from Brook, she has used these miniature snippets to further enhance her already developed characters. In this novella, though, she introduces us to Newberry - the constable we met in The Iron Duke - and his wife. Newberry's marriage, when this story begins, is a mess. Not only is his wife sick and fearful of the nano agents that may cure her, but she believes Newberry married her solely for her dowry. It's a desolate situation and one that could have very easily been dragged out into a full-fledged novel. As it was, condensed, this was still a solid read, one that shed more light on our favorite - and blushing - constable, but it lacked the meticulous details a full novel would have had and that I would have liked. For a novella, though, this was excellent and the mystery - not to mention the portrayal of Mina through an entirely different characters eyes - was all very well-done. Once again, not a must-read for the series, but sure to satisfy fans.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blushing Bounder: Oh, Newberry! Such a sweet, lug of a guy. And here we get to see him muck up his personal life in a rather spectacular fashion. I really love the Iron Seas world and I adore how Meljean Brook brings the lovable constable to life. As a plus, we get some of Mina's uncensored observations and see how Newberry steps up as Mina's protector. Wonderful!

Vixen: Holy hot threesome, Batman! This little gem hit the spot as far as sexy threesomes go. It had the perfect slow buildup and Miko's yen for the two men makes perfect sense in the world that Jill Myles has created. Loved it!

Kitten-tiger & the Monk: This story took me a little longer to get into but, my GAWD, what a world we're given here. Power, despair, loyalty, betrayal... whoa.

Since I ended up enjoying every one of the stories, I'm going to go on record as saying this is one of the best anthologies I've read in a long, long time.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[KarenF · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always hard to rate an anthology as the different stories are sometimes of differing quality. I enjoyed all the stories in this one but some more than others.

I loved the Meljean Brook Iron Seas story (The Blushing Bounder). My only complaint with this tale of Constable Newberry and his wife, Temperance is I wanted it to be longer. It's still a fully realized, beautifully sweet romance. I liked Constable Newberry in The Iron Duke but I love him even more now. He's such a sweet and honorable character. As an additional bonus there was a mention of a new Archimedes Fox dime novel. Can't wait for Heart of Steel!

Vixen by Jill Myles is the "steamiest" story in here. It's a fun, shifter menage story. Nothing overly special but a fun read.

Kitten-tiger and the Monk is the first story I've read in the Disillusionist world. It's the angstiest story in here and I'm still not sure I that I actually liked any of the protagonists. But I enjoyed the comic book type world and I'll check out more in this series.

[Cecilia]

I enjoyed the first story, by Meljean Brook, well enough, but it was really short and simple, and I would have liked a little more development. 3 stars

I DNF'd the other two. The Myles story because the characters were so stock/stereotypish and the situation a weak set up for a menage. Menage stories are not something I actively seek but I've read a few, and I know that they can be done persuasively. This was not one of those. It was basically a fantasy set up of two different two-dimensional lover-types (the serious one, the fun one) and one irresistibly hot woman who "resists" them. Throw in some repetitious language and a weak suspense plot (English ex-pat starts up a fox-hunting club? That hunts at night? Uh huh), and I'm packing it in. 1 star

The Crane story I read the first page, and was completely lost and didn't feel like doing the work to figure out what the heck was going on. I haven't read the other books in the series, but probably will, so I might come back to this one. No star rating on this one.

[Jujubee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy stories outside the norm, and this trio of stories, while shorties, fill my reading heart with fantastical worlds and interesting characters to root for!

Solid 4* for the anthology.

The Blushing Bounder (Iron Seas 0.4) Meljean Brook • Read 02/07/18 4*
I've previously read books 0.5 thru 03 and this remains my fav Steampunk series ever. So well written. Love Constable Newberry!
Vixen (Midnight Liaisons 02.1) Jill Myles/Jessica Sims • Read 03/26/19 3* Light and smexy :)
Kitten-tiger and the Monk (The Disillusionists #2.5) Carolyn Crane • Read 03/29/19 solid 4*

[Alyssa Ricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Blushing Bounder (Brook) 3.5 Stars I liked this short because I like Newberry, but as the beginning I really hated his wife. You don't get to see much of The Inspector, but his reactions to her speaking so frankly are funny.

Vixen (Myles) 2.5 Stars This one was alright, but I was definitely sort of detached. A fox shifter is being guarded by two male cat shifters and apparently foxes have issues with monogamy. They save her and bed her and it wan't bad, but I'm not running out to find a series.

Kitten-tiger & The Monk (Crane) 2.5 Stars I think this would have been rated higher except that I hate Sophia - I just couldn't sympathize with her. The story is well done, but I couldn't get pulled in because of Sophia. I am interested to see how the events in this short influence the final book of the trilogy though.

[Bookwormgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all three stories. I had never read Carolyn Crane before and this short story has sparked my interest in her Disillusionists trilogy.

Meljean Brook's story was sweet and was nice to see the start of the partnership between Newberry and Mina.

Jill Myles was the steamiest of the stories and was less urban fantasy (unlike the other two) and more paranormal romance.

Worth the wait and a good introduction to authors you may not have read yet, but want to check out what their writing is like.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read the Iron Seas story so far, but I really liked it I'm already rating it, since I'm not sure if I'll be reading the others. (I got this as a freebie).

I love the Iron Seas world, and I loved this story. Newberry is just so terribly sweet and devoted. He's willing to hurt himself to save the woman he loves, even if she ends up hating him. That kind of love is precious, and totally not written enough about. *Swoons*