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Windsor Diaries #1
Victorian Scoundrel
It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over form the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Prince Edmund of Wales back to the past and 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition.
Alice soon discovers Edmund has struck up a friendship with their great-grandfather, Prince Albert, and his mischief making entails leaving a dinosaur-sized footprint in history. She also meets Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton, and the Prime Minister, Sir John Russell. The Prime Minster finds her odd, to say the least.
It's only when Alice falls for the handsome Earl Swinton does she realize the dangers of time travel. How can she give her heart to a man from the past while striving to stop Edmund from changing time with his forward thinking ideas?
Alice soon discovers Edmund has struck up a friendship with their great-grandfather, Prince Albert, and his mischief making entails leaving a dinosaur-sized footprint in history. She also meets Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton, and the Prime Minister, Sir John Russell. The Prime Minster finds her odd, to say the least.
It's only when Alice falls for the handsome Earl Swinton does she realize the dangers of time travel. How can she give her heart to a man from the past while striving to stop Edmund from changing time with his forward thinking ideas?
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First published June 29, 2011
200 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Burkhart
44 books417 followersJust a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, and 2 sons. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.
I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me.
I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 3, 2015
All’s well that ends well... At least that was supposed to be for some of our characters, but especially for our whole society of the 21st century ... I mean 19th ... 21st!
It is normal to expect complications when the time travel is possible and the time machines are not well guarded, especially when the one who puts his mind to do the journey has everything it takes to succeed.
Interesting, and in my opinion quite hard to do it, is to create a thread of the story that will not drag, but draw attention, make you curious when all the characters appear to be the good guys. Mrs. Burkhart succeeded such a plot because if everything seems to proceed as planned by our characters (and their plans and interests do not always support one another) there will still be tension, uncertainty, even despair, and climaxes. Some of them, because Mrs. Burkhart, generous as she is, will offer one for each character, plus one for all of them together. And the characters deserve that! I have enjoyed each one of them. Somewhat alike (I have already said that all of persons seem to be good and understanding) they have their own individuality that will influence the course of their history... world history…
So, where the "drama" coming from, from where comes the tension, the possible failure or danger? What could be worse or as bad as changing the history, as our century time travel theorists warn us to be possible? And so, it is the time to talk about the romantic side of the story. Love stories, past or present, or present but which bloomed in the past, possible and impossible given the conditions, the morals and... the time will entwine with the interests of Alice and Edmund. But will they entwine enough to influence their decisions and good intentions? And how long is the road to Hell, and what form will the hell take? (I can think of only one scene that, if it was somehow more veiled, more Victorian, it wouldn't have lost any of its significance and it would have allowed me to give the book to my daughter.)
Regarding the historical past and the contemporary world build by the author, they are the ones you know and not so much. Steampunk elements, not many, but also some that seem to be of a magical sort will be peppered here and there, where they will be needed as explanation, way of doing, or atmosphere.
And because it is a time travel back in the Victorian age, I must mention how the author put together the mores of the two eras. She skillfully plays on the line dividing the proper from improper. Even if there are one or two broken rules, one with possible disastrous effects according to the old society, our characters provide us a pleasant picture of the way they adapt and hmmm… control their actions.
But let's not forget that this is just the first volume of The Windsor Diaries, so something must go wrong. What will that be, you will see for yourself if you read The Victorian Scoundrel. I loved it.
It is normal to expect complications when the time travel is possible and the time machines are not well guarded, especially when the one who puts his mind to do the journey has everything it takes to succeed.
Interesting, and in my opinion quite hard to do it, is to create a thread of the story that will not drag, but draw attention, make you curious when all the characters appear to be the good guys. Mrs. Burkhart succeeded such a plot because if everything seems to proceed as planned by our characters (and their plans and interests do not always support one another) there will still be tension, uncertainty, even despair, and climaxes. Some of them, because Mrs. Burkhart, generous as she is, will offer one for each character, plus one for all of them together. And the characters deserve that! I have enjoyed each one of them. Somewhat alike (I have already said that all of persons seem to be good and understanding) they have their own individuality that will influence the course of their history... world history…
So, where the "drama" coming from, from where comes the tension, the possible failure or danger? What could be worse or as bad as changing the history, as our century time travel theorists warn us to be possible? And so, it is the time to talk about the romantic side of the story. Love stories, past or present, or present but which bloomed in the past, possible and impossible given the conditions, the morals and... the time will entwine with the interests of Alice and Edmund. But will they entwine enough to influence their decisions and good intentions? And how long is the road to Hell, and what form will the hell take? (I can think of only one scene that, if it was somehow more veiled, more Victorian, it wouldn't have lost any of its significance and it would have allowed me to give the book to my daughter.)
Regarding the historical past and the contemporary world build by the author, they are the ones you know and not so much. Steampunk elements, not many, but also some that seem to be of a magical sort will be peppered here and there, where they will be needed as explanation, way of doing, or atmosphere.
And because it is a time travel back in the Victorian age, I must mention how the author put together the mores of the two eras. She skillfully plays on the line dividing the proper from improper. Even if there are one or two broken rules, one with possible disastrous effects according to the old society, our characters provide us a pleasant picture of the way they adapt and hmmm… control their actions.
But let's not forget that this is just the first volume of The Windsor Diaries, so something must go wrong. What will that be, you will see for yourself if you read The Victorian Scoundrel. I loved it.
July 20, 2014
Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart is a 2011 Desert Breeze publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book one in the Windsor Diaries Series.
It is 2011 and Alice and Edmund Windsor are time tripping all the way back to 1851. It's a slippery slope and Alice is well aware of the dangers they could possibly create by causing a ripple effect if they do anything at all to disrupt history. No sooner do they “land” at Buckingham Palace, Alice's necklace ends up being taken from her which has her stranded in the past. She has her hands full trying to keep Edmund from doing something stupid and trying to get that necklace back. She also finds herself really attracted to Grayson Kentfield. Despite the obvious trouble a relationship with someone from the past would cause, Alice can't seem to help herself.
Meanwhile Edmund is having his own flirtation with Kiera Russell.
Alice is beside herself with worry when Edmund strikes up a friendship with their great grandfather, Prince Albert. Edmund is determined to show off things to Albert he really shouldn't be sharing. It's only a matter of time before some folks start putting two and two together. Grayson being one of them.
So, the dilemma Alice wanted to avoid becomes unavoidable and a hard choice must be made. The past or the future, or a leave behind the man she has fallen in love with. But what if he turned out be a Victorian Scoundrel?
Stephanie Burkhart is fast becoming one my favorites. Anytime I have a chance to read one of her novels I do not hesitate. The Windsor Diaries is a unique series falling into the Steampunk Science fiction genre as well as the historical romance genre. All the characters are whimsical and fun and had me thinking about a flying time machine and where I would go if I could and how fun it might be to rub elbows with my ancestors. However, I do think we would all find the temptation to give them a sneak peak into the future would be irresistible and we would not know what effect that might have. Also, we could find ourselves in Alice's predicament by falling in love with someone not of our own time period. What a heart wrenching choice that could turn into. However, in this instance the tampering with history will cause some problems for Edmond, Alice, Grayson and Kiera and their time traveling days are not yet behind them.
This series promises wonderful adventure and colorful characters, intrigue and suspense. Overall this is a great start to the series and since I'm a clod and read these books out of order, I can tell you that the next book in the series is just as good, maybe even a little better as danger lurks in the shadows for this foursome. Stay tuned! 4.5 rounded to five
This is book one in the Windsor Diaries Series.
It is 2011 and Alice and Edmund Windsor are time tripping all the way back to 1851. It's a slippery slope and Alice is well aware of the dangers they could possibly create by causing a ripple effect if they do anything at all to disrupt history. No sooner do they “land” at Buckingham Palace, Alice's necklace ends up being taken from her which has her stranded in the past. She has her hands full trying to keep Edmund from doing something stupid and trying to get that necklace back. She also finds herself really attracted to Grayson Kentfield. Despite the obvious trouble a relationship with someone from the past would cause, Alice can't seem to help herself.
Meanwhile Edmund is having his own flirtation with Kiera Russell.
Alice is beside herself with worry when Edmund strikes up a friendship with their great grandfather, Prince Albert. Edmund is determined to show off things to Albert he really shouldn't be sharing. It's only a matter of time before some folks start putting two and two together. Grayson being one of them.
So, the dilemma Alice wanted to avoid becomes unavoidable and a hard choice must be made. The past or the future, or a leave behind the man she has fallen in love with. But what if he turned out be a Victorian Scoundrel?
Stephanie Burkhart is fast becoming one my favorites. Anytime I have a chance to read one of her novels I do not hesitate. The Windsor Diaries is a unique series falling into the Steampunk Science fiction genre as well as the historical romance genre. All the characters are whimsical and fun and had me thinking about a flying time machine and where I would go if I could and how fun it might be to rub elbows with my ancestors. However, I do think we would all find the temptation to give them a sneak peak into the future would be irresistible and we would not know what effect that might have. Also, we could find ourselves in Alice's predicament by falling in love with someone not of our own time period. What a heart wrenching choice that could turn into. However, in this instance the tampering with history will cause some problems for Edmond, Alice, Grayson and Kiera and their time traveling days are not yet behind them.
This series promises wonderful adventure and colorful characters, intrigue and suspense. Overall this is a great start to the series and since I'm a clod and read these books out of order, I can tell you that the next book in the series is just as good, maybe even a little better as danger lurks in the shadows for this foursome. Stay tuned! 4.5 rounded to five
September 22, 2011
This is the first Victorian Steampunk I ever read, and I loved it! With the setting so vibrant and the time travelers so personable, this story was fun from cover to cover.
October 13, 2011
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Victorian Scoundrel was my first steampunk romance, and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The steam-powered machines were seamlessly woven into the storyline, so that I hardly noticed the oddity of their presence in the historical setting. Time travel also played a big role in the plot with the author exploring the ramifications of time travelers doing things that might alter the time line which is something I always enjoy thinking about. There was a decent dose of history too, with real-life personages, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, their three oldest children, and Prime Minister John Russell playing secondary roles. Prince Albert and his work organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851 was a pivotal part of the plot. Readers even get a two-for-one on the romance element. I can say without reservation that the romance was truly romantic to me, and it's been a while since I've read a book where that was true. The sexual tension was wonderful, and while there were only two moderately descriptive love scenes between one of the two couples, they were very sensual. Everything just melded together into a fun, engaging story that was really a pleasure to read.
Instead of having only two main protagonists, Victorian Scoundrel has four and all of them are very likable. We have present day fictional royals Edmund and Alice. They and their families are in part patterned after the current, real-life British royals and share the same surname. Both Edmund and Alice have difficulty dating in the present day, because they can't seem to find anyone who isn't gold-digging or simply looking for the prestige that would come from being seen with a royal. They both desire to find relationships with partners who like them for themselves, so for them, traveling back in history where they can pretend to be commoners is a treat. Edmund (ala Prince Harry) is an adorable red-head who is thoroughly charming but has a penchant for getting into mischief. His cousin Alice is the level-headed one who follows Edmund back in time to make sure he stays out of trouble, but then can't resist the pull of her heart toward handsome Lord Swinton aka Grayson who I loved too. He is a real gentleman who truly cares about people. He is working with Prime Minister Russell to pass an alternative fuel bill that would cut down on the coal dust and soot that blankets London. What I appreciated most about Grayson was that he was a highly intelligent man to figure out what was going on with Alice and Edmund all on his own by simply putting the clues together. While I would have to say that Alice and Grayson's relationship was the primary focus of this story, Edmund certainly wasn't left out in the cold in the romance department. He got his own love interest in the form of the Prime Minister's daughter, Kiera, a sweet young woman who is a bit selective about her suitors but finds a kindred spirit in Edmund.
Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty. I really enjoyed the environmentally conscious, “go green” theme. There was just enough adventure and intrigue to keep me engaged. The conflict was pretty minimal as there are no actual villains in the story. Those who act a bit underhandedly only do so for the greater good. Occasionally the author used an odd word choice which didn't seem to fit as well in context as another word might have, and I found it a bit curious that she chose to use the modern word for certain things rather then its historical counterpart (eg. purse instead of reticule, glasses instead of spectacles), but since this is a fantasy story I decided to let it slide. The only real complaint I have is that the author does have a tendency to overuse certain character gestures such crossing arms, pursing lips and raking fingers through hair. Normally I like details like this but the frequent repetitions could be a bit grating. Otherwise, Victorian Scoundrel was a really enjoyable story. Ms. Burkhart even managed to throw in a big twist and a cliffhanger ending that has me already eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Windsor Diaries. I wanted to growl in frustration when I found out that it's not due to be released for another year. Perhaps in the meantime, I'll have to check out some of the author's other works.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"4.5 stars" Victorian Scoundrel was my first steampunk romance, and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The steam-powered machines were seamlessly woven into the storyline, so that I hardly noticed the oddity of their presence in the historical setting. Time travel also played a big role in the plot with the author exploring the ramifications of time travelers doing things that might alter the time line which is something I always enjoy thinking about. There was a decent dose of history too, with real-life personages, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, their three oldest children, and Prime Minister John Russell playing secondary roles. Prince Albert and his work organizing the Great Exhibition of 1851 was a pivotal part of the plot. Readers even get a two-for-one on the romance element. I can say without reservation that the romance was truly romantic to me, and it's been a while since I've read a book where that was true. The sexual tension was wonderful, and while there were only two moderately descriptive love scenes between one of the two couples, they were very sensual. Everything just melded together into a fun, engaging story that was really a pleasure to read.
Instead of having only two main protagonists, Victorian Scoundrel has four and all of them are very likable. We have present day fictional royals Edmund and Alice. They and their families are in part patterned after the current, real-life British royals and share the same surname. Both Edmund and Alice have difficulty dating in the present day, because they can't seem to find anyone who isn't gold-digging or simply looking for the prestige that would come from being seen with a royal. They both desire to find relationships with partners who like them for themselves, so for them, traveling back in history where they can pretend to be commoners is a treat. Edmund (ala Prince Harry) is an adorable red-head who is thoroughly charming but has a penchant for getting into mischief. His cousin Alice is the level-headed one who follows Edmund back in time to make sure he stays out of trouble, but then can't resist the pull of her heart toward handsome Lord Swinton aka Grayson who I loved too. He is a real gentleman who truly cares about people. He is working with Prime Minister Russell to pass an alternative fuel bill that would cut down on the coal dust and soot that blankets London. What I appreciated most about Grayson was that he was a highly intelligent man to figure out what was going on with Alice and Edmund all on his own by simply putting the clues together. While I would have to say that Alice and Grayson's relationship was the primary focus of this story, Edmund certainly wasn't left out in the cold in the romance department. He got his own love interest in the form of the Prime Minister's daughter, Kiera, a sweet young woman who is a bit selective about her suitors but finds a kindred spirit in Edmund.
Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty. I really enjoyed the environmentally conscious, “go green” theme. There was just enough adventure and intrigue to keep me engaged. The conflict was pretty minimal as there are no actual villains in the story. Those who act a bit underhandedly only do so for the greater good. Occasionally the author used an odd word choice which didn't seem to fit as well in context as another word might have, and I found it a bit curious that she chose to use the modern word for certain things rather then its historical counterpart (eg. purse instead of reticule, glasses instead of spectacles), but since this is a fantasy story I decided to let it slide. The only real complaint I have is that the author does have a tendency to overuse certain character gestures such crossing arms, pursing lips and raking fingers through hair. Normally I like details like this but the frequent repetitions could be a bit grating. Otherwise, Victorian Scoundrel was a really enjoyable story. Ms. Burkhart even managed to throw in a big twist and a cliffhanger ending that has me already eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Windsor Diaries. I wanted to growl in frustration when I found out that it's not due to be released for another year. Perhaps in the meantime, I'll have to check out some of the author's other works.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2011
Alice and Edward Windsor travel back in time to 1851, to find their Great-Great-Grandfather Prince Albert at the time of his Great Exhibition. Mindful that Edward is up to mischief, Alice has to follow her errant cousin back in time, to try to minimise the ripple effects from his time spent in the past. Upon arrival, it becomes clear that Edward is determined to leave much more than a fingerprint in time, his obsession with introducing his distant relative to the flying machine driving him to do something stupid. However, Alice finds herself with another problem in the shape of the Grayson Kentfield. The hunky Lord finds himself fascinated with the lovely, if not slightly quirky, Alice and sets out to see if he can ignite their already simmering chemistry. Can Alice stop her cousin from leaving a dinosaur sized footprint in the past at the same time as trying not to give her heart to a man from the past? The Prime-minister of the time is very suspicious of the motives of the strangers who apparently appear from thin air; will they manage to escape back to 2011 without arousing everyone’s suspicion as to why they are there?
This one is a difficult one for me to review but I’m going to try. I will warn you, there will be spoilers but hopefully not monstrous ones. This isn’t my first steam-punk novel, but I did particularly enjoy this one. Steam punk has always been explained to me as a historical novel with one thing out of time; a kind of “What-if” novel if you like (e.g. what if there were cars in the 1600’s). I particularly enjoyed that the thing that was “out-of-time” were Alice and Edward themselves. Both characters were fun and what was enjoyable was the contrast between them. Alice was a little fussy and straight laced whereas Edward was the loveable rogue who was completely oblivious as to the consequence of his actions. The banter between them was very sibling like and fun to read; I love reading family relationships such as this one and it gave the novella a nice taste of humour.
There are two main relationships that develop over the course of the novella although I will admit that only one actually caught my attention. Grayson Kentfield sounded like a scrummy mix of modern thinking man and dashing gentleman. He saw the lovely Alice outside the Palace and she caught his eye immediately. She stood out to him because she was wearing 2011 garb but she kept his attention with her personality. The way that he chose to court her, honestly and with respect to her feelings, was really quite sweet and I truly wanted them to work. The first time he took her for a walk (I know, how sweet :D) and kissed her, I got warm and fuzzy feelings. My only issue with him was the way that he kept trying to make her glasses off but it didn’t annoy me as much as the constant references to her Dyslexia and how it affected her. Her disability really had no bearing on the story and this meant that the numerous references just felt odd and out of place; maybe it will have a purpose in book two and I shall be forced to eat my words :D The sex scenes were few but very sweet, which was fitting for the time. The secondary relationship between Kiera and Edward really didn’t develop enough for me to care for much for them in this story; through never really seeing anything from her POV in the story, I felt that she got lost in the tale. I can tell already that she will feature quite heavily in the next story, so I will probably care more about them then.
I have only one complaint about this story but I can’t really mention what it is without giving away a ginormous spoiler. There is a particular development in the story that everyone accepts without a second blink. Throughout this story, everyone from the 1800’s is very accepting of things that should seem strange to them in that time. I know it enabled the story to flow better, but I felt there should have been more conflict and bewilderment about the holes in the stories the main characters have to tell to explain away their sudden appearance at the Palace. Maybe it’s just me being fussy, but it was all far too easy!
Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging.
This one is a difficult one for me to review but I’m going to try. I will warn you, there will be spoilers but hopefully not monstrous ones. This isn’t my first steam-punk novel, but I did particularly enjoy this one. Steam punk has always been explained to me as a historical novel with one thing out of time; a kind of “What-if” novel if you like (e.g. what if there were cars in the 1600’s). I particularly enjoyed that the thing that was “out-of-time” were Alice and Edward themselves. Both characters were fun and what was enjoyable was the contrast between them. Alice was a little fussy and straight laced whereas Edward was the loveable rogue who was completely oblivious as to the consequence of his actions. The banter between them was very sibling like and fun to read; I love reading family relationships such as this one and it gave the novella a nice taste of humour.
There are two main relationships that develop over the course of the novella although I will admit that only one actually caught my attention. Grayson Kentfield sounded like a scrummy mix of modern thinking man and dashing gentleman. He saw the lovely Alice outside the Palace and she caught his eye immediately. She stood out to him because she was wearing 2011 garb but she kept his attention with her personality. The way that he chose to court her, honestly and with respect to her feelings, was really quite sweet and I truly wanted them to work. The first time he took her for a walk (I know, how sweet :D) and kissed her, I got warm and fuzzy feelings. My only issue with him was the way that he kept trying to make her glasses off but it didn’t annoy me as much as the constant references to her Dyslexia and how it affected her. Her disability really had no bearing on the story and this meant that the numerous references just felt odd and out of place; maybe it will have a purpose in book two and I shall be forced to eat my words :D The sex scenes were few but very sweet, which was fitting for the time. The secondary relationship between Kiera and Edward really didn’t develop enough for me to care for much for them in this story; through never really seeing anything from her POV in the story, I felt that she got lost in the tale. I can tell already that she will feature quite heavily in the next story, so I will probably care more about them then.
I have only one complaint about this story but I can’t really mention what it is without giving away a ginormous spoiler. There is a particular development in the story that everyone accepts without a second blink. Throughout this story, everyone from the 1800’s is very accepting of things that should seem strange to them in that time. I know it enabled the story to flow better, but I felt there should have been more conflict and bewilderment about the holes in the stories the main characters have to tell to explain away their sudden appearance at the Palace. Maybe it’s just me being fussy, but it was all far too easy!
Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging.
September 13, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
A trip through time will always leave a footprint, the question is: how big and how destructive to the future will it be? That is a question that Their Royal Highnesses, Edmund and Alice Windsor, will have to answer as they go tripping backwards in time.
Ms. Burkhart gave me a delightful Victorian tale with just a slight fantastical historical twist. This story won't be found on the pages of a newspaper unless it’s the National Enquirer. Her story lines took me through many plot twists and turns, and time travel and fantasy kept me wondering, guessing and wish to know what was to happens next.
Her narrative may seem stilted at first, but the further I read, the more I got that Victorian feel, and what at first seems to be a flaw turns out to be its strength. The author's use of fantastical gadgets in the Victorian era give this a slight steampunk taste. Her characters are enigmatic, eclectic and all worth their weight in gold especially the Royals, Alice and Edmund, whose personalities constantly kept me turning pages. They didn’t lessen my admiration for the other characters in the book, from the ordinary to the sublime. The romance in the first episode in this series is sweet and naughty at the same time. Yet even when naughty it has that Victorian properness to it.
The hero is Earl Grayson Swinton, and he many times comes to the rescue of our heroine, Alice, who’s left to her own devices by her mischievous Cousin Edmund. The love scenes are pretty modern in taste for our very improper couple. They delve into the forbidden fruit of passion with both feet and leave their audience fanning themselves.
This is the perfect romance to read while sitting on a wrap-around porch on the swing sipping a cold lemonade and enjoying the last vestiges of summer. It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode.
A trip through time will always leave a footprint, the question is: how big and how destructive to the future will it be? That is a question that Their Royal Highnesses, Edmund and Alice Windsor, will have to answer as they go tripping backwards in time.
Ms. Burkhart gave me a delightful Victorian tale with just a slight fantastical historical twist. This story won't be found on the pages of a newspaper unless it’s the National Enquirer. Her story lines took me through many plot twists and turns, and time travel and fantasy kept me wondering, guessing and wish to know what was to happens next.
Her narrative may seem stilted at first, but the further I read, the more I got that Victorian feel, and what at first seems to be a flaw turns out to be its strength. The author's use of fantastical gadgets in the Victorian era give this a slight steampunk taste. Her characters are enigmatic, eclectic and all worth their weight in gold especially the Royals, Alice and Edmund, whose personalities constantly kept me turning pages. They didn’t lessen my admiration for the other characters in the book, from the ordinary to the sublime. The romance in the first episode in this series is sweet and naughty at the same time. Yet even when naughty it has that Victorian properness to it.
The hero is Earl Grayson Swinton, and he many times comes to the rescue of our heroine, Alice, who’s left to her own devices by her mischievous Cousin Edmund. The love scenes are pretty modern in taste for our very improper couple. They delve into the forbidden fruit of passion with both feet and leave their audience fanning themselves.
This is the perfect romance to read while sitting on a wrap-around porch on the swing sipping a cold lemonade and enjoying the last vestiges of summer. It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode.
July 8, 2014
Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart is Book One in ‘The Windsor Diaries’ series and is an intriguing look at the conundrum of time travel with the added twist of an alternate past being explored. Edmund Windsor and Alice Windsor are royalty in 2011 but have the invaluable opportunity to interact with their forebears in 1851 but Alice is attempting to make sure that her cousin Edmund does not substantially change history, only to fall afoul of the dreaded potential paradox herself. Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton develops a fascination for the unusual female, Alice, but his suspicions about her and Edmund are almost too fantastical for him to accept. He will have to balance his obligations to his country and the desires of his heart but unfortunately, time may be his enemy.
This steampunk romance blends fact and fantasy in an enjoyable tale. There are interesting quirks such as the use of ‘whuzzies’ which allow messages to be exchanged once the owner’s scent is known, a heroine who has overcome a significant learning disability, and a search using magic and science for alternative fuel sources. I was a little surprised that there didn’t seem to be any difficulty with the cousins sharing a hotel
room despite being opposing sexes but I have to admire the tenacity and daring that allows them to travel to the past and experience history firsthand. The reader should be reminded that this is the first in a series and the story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but it is a fun and exciting tale that will stir one’s imagination and whet the appetite for more adventures involving these intriguing characters.
A copy of this story was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This steampunk romance blends fact and fantasy in an enjoyable tale. There are interesting quirks such as the use of ‘whuzzies’ which allow messages to be exchanged once the owner’s scent is known, a heroine who has overcome a significant learning disability, and a search using magic and science for alternative fuel sources. I was a little surprised that there didn’t seem to be any difficulty with the cousins sharing a hotel
room despite being opposing sexes but I have to admire the tenacity and daring that allows them to travel to the past and experience history firsthand. The reader should be reminded that this is the first in a series and the story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but it is a fun and exciting tale that will stir one’s imagination and whet the appetite for more adventures involving these intriguing characters.
A copy of this story was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2011
If you haven’t read any steampunk novels, you must read Stephanie Burkhart’s Windsor Diaries Book One: Victorian Scoundrel. It’s one of the most fun and interesting books that I have read recently. I absolutely loved it from the first page and I never lost my excitement for this wonderful story. Our electricity went out during a severe thunderstorm, and I was thrilled that I had this ebook to continue reading. While the rest of the family complained about no TV, I was curled up reading Stephanie’s riveting time-travel book.
Burkhart’s dialogue is a lively mix of humor and depth. I adored the interaction between all the endearing characters. Although the cousins have a close relationship, Alice, Princess of York, feels a need to watch Edmund, Prince of Wales, constantly so his influence in the Victorian Age won’t alter events in their modern world. Their escapades in going back to 1851 will keep readers turning the pages – I know I couldn’t stop reading to see what the cousins planned to do next.
The romance between Alice and Grayson Kentfield, an earl in 1851, makes for an interesting conflict. How can their love survive with Alice living in the present and Grayson being from the past? I’m looking forward to seeing what decisions these two characters make regarding their future together in the next book.
I could tell Burkhart did her research and the historical facts are incredibly well-done.
It's definitely a favorite book of mine for 2011. I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the next book in the Windsor Diaries series. Burkhart gives readers an exceptional, unforgettable story in this first book, Victorian Scoundrel in her new series.
Burkhart’s dialogue is a lively mix of humor and depth. I adored the interaction between all the endearing characters. Although the cousins have a close relationship, Alice, Princess of York, feels a need to watch Edmund, Prince of Wales, constantly so his influence in the Victorian Age won’t alter events in their modern world. Their escapades in going back to 1851 will keep readers turning the pages – I know I couldn’t stop reading to see what the cousins planned to do next.
The romance between Alice and Grayson Kentfield, an earl in 1851, makes for an interesting conflict. How can their love survive with Alice living in the present and Grayson being from the past? I’m looking forward to seeing what decisions these two characters make regarding their future together in the next book.
I could tell Burkhart did her research and the historical facts are incredibly well-done.
It's definitely a favorite book of mine for 2011. I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the next book in the Windsor Diaries series. Burkhart gives readers an exceptional, unforgettable story in this first book, Victorian Scoundrel in her new series.
August 22, 2015
Originally posted on Reading Romances
"Damn you, Alice," said Edmund. He grabbed her in a tight embrace.
Her head began to spin. "We have another adventure, Ed."
"Indeed we do."
This is the second book by Stephanie Burkhart that I’ve read, and I chose this one because I adore time travel romances, it’s one of my favorite sub genres so of course I was curious and intrigued by the blurb. In the end I say: want to try something a little different than a historical, time travel or steampunk romance? Go for Victorian Scoundrel, it has a bit of each. And that's not at all a bad thing.
The narrative is very descriptive and the story has a touch of steampunk - which I LOVED. We begin this adventure jumping right into the time travel and I was a little lost at the beginning - I felt like it was perhaps the second page or that I missed something. I tend to like my romances when they take their time introducing the characters before the conflicts start and, while I liked Alice and Edmund, I didn't form a deep connection with them.
I don’t want to ruin by telling too much of what happens, since time travels tend to go on a similar path, with a boy and a girl from different times falling in love. This one ends with a cliffhanger, so be careful! For that reason I don’t recommend reading as a stand alone novel.
Copy provided by the author in exchange of a honest review.
"Damn you, Alice," said Edmund. He grabbed her in a tight embrace.
Her head began to spin. "We have another adventure, Ed."
"Indeed we do."
This is the second book by Stephanie Burkhart that I’ve read, and I chose this one because I adore time travel romances, it’s one of my favorite sub genres so of course I was curious and intrigued by the blurb. In the end I say: want to try something a little different than a historical, time travel or steampunk romance? Go for Victorian Scoundrel, it has a bit of each. And that's not at all a bad thing.
The narrative is very descriptive and the story has a touch of steampunk - which I LOVED. We begin this adventure jumping right into the time travel and I was a little lost at the beginning - I felt like it was perhaps the second page or that I missed something. I tend to like my romances when they take their time introducing the characters before the conflicts start and, while I liked Alice and Edmund, I didn't form a deep connection with them.
I don’t want to ruin by telling too much of what happens, since time travels tend to go on a similar path, with a boy and a girl from different times falling in love. This one ends with a cliffhanger, so be careful! For that reason I don’t recommend reading as a stand alone novel.
Copy provided by the author in exchange of a honest review.
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September 5, 2011A wonderful historical, paranormal steampunk read this was. The author really had me hooked from the first chapter. The two cousins, Alice Princess of York and Edmund the Princes of Wales go off into time travel. Alice feels the need to watch Edmund as he likes to cause a bit of trouble. Alice follows Edmund one day and they end up back in 1851. Alice has to make sure Edmund doesn’t change a thing back in the victorian age or things will change. At the same time Alice enjoys the company of an Earl, Grayson Kentfield. Now she really has some thinking to do and I will be happy to see what happens with these two in the next book.
I loved the humor in this read along with the historical facts. You can tell the author did a wonderful job in her research. This new series is going to be a big hit. She has me hooked. This is a must read.
I loved the humor in this read along with the historical facts. You can tell the author did a wonderful job in her research. This new series is going to be a big hit. She has me hooked. This is a must read.
March 1, 2015
I was initially intrigued by the steampunk aspect of this book and drawn into the world the author creates. One of the best elements of the book is the real and passionate romance between the characters. The time travel feature of this book was fabulously written however; the characters are extremely naïve, throwing themselves into situations just to cause trouble. The plot driven scenarios were available for the characters and just served as a means to further the storyline. People that like to read Victorian literature would enjoy reading this book.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 21, 2011
Time travel paranormal, historical and steampunck, Victorian Scoundrel is a lovely and lively story that will keep you entertained from the first to the last page. S. Burkhart is great at painting appealing characters who keep you riveted to their adventures and romances.~ Mona Risk.
August 10, 2011
See my review over at The Pen & Muse http://thepenmuse.net/archives/3324
August 30, 2015
I love novels in which there is time travel so when I see the plot I couldn't wait to read it and I was not disappointed. It's an exciting book, fun, light, easy to read with appealing characters and a beautiful love stories. I found myself engrossed in this book and wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Edmund wants to convince Prince Albert to build a dirigible so creates a time machine to move in 1851, the year when there was the Britain's Great Exhibition. Alice, worried of trouble that always combines her cousin, follows him on his journey through time. It's important that he does not leave his prints but ends up leaving hers. She meets Prime Minister with Grayson, an earl really fascinating. The Prime Minister is intrigued by the code on the Alice's necklace and takes it to examine. Alice can't return in 2011 without her necklace. Grayson instead stole her heart. She knows that can't love him: how can get engaged to a man living in another era? The attraction she feels for him is really strong and even Grayson always thinks to Alice. Will Grayson and Alice live their impossible love story? Will the cousins recover the necklace and return safely and without leaving marks in their time?
All the characters are really cute, likeable: Alice, timid and brave trying to hide herself behind her glasses, Grayson, gallant, sweet, protective, Edmund, fun and ready to combine new trouble.
The story is well plotted, with a fast pace and great dialogue. Original and funny some inventions, particularly I adore whuzzie, a very special way of communicating.
Good debut for this new series: I can not wait to read the next adventure of Alice and Edmund!
I recommend it to anyone who loves historical novels and stories with time travel.
Edmund wants to convince Prince Albert to build a dirigible so creates a time machine to move in 1851, the year when there was the Britain's Great Exhibition. Alice, worried of trouble that always combines her cousin, follows him on his journey through time. It's important that he does not leave his prints but ends up leaving hers. She meets Prime Minister with Grayson, an earl really fascinating. The Prime Minister is intrigued by the code on the Alice's necklace and takes it to examine. Alice can't return in 2011 without her necklace. Grayson instead stole her heart. She knows that can't love him: how can get engaged to a man living in another era? The attraction she feels for him is really strong and even Grayson always thinks to Alice. Will Grayson and Alice live their impossible love story? Will the cousins recover the necklace and return safely and without leaving marks in their time?
All the characters are really cute, likeable: Alice, timid and brave trying to hide herself behind her glasses, Grayson, gallant, sweet, protective, Edmund, fun and ready to combine new trouble.
The story is well plotted, with a fast pace and great dialogue. Original and funny some inventions, particularly I adore whuzzie, a very special way of communicating.
Good debut for this new series: I can not wait to read the next adventure of Alice and Edmund!
I recommend it to anyone who loves historical novels and stories with time travel.
July 10, 2015
I give this book five stars I loved it can't wait to see what happens next!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Edmund and Alice in this steampunk adventure.
Meet Alice who sees her cousin Edmund sneaking into the time travel machine at the time travel institute in Cambridge, he's headed to London 1851 but why? Alice decides it's in her and his best interest to follow him into the past to keep him out of trouble. Before she knows what's really happening she finds herself accepting an invitation with the handsome lord Swinton and trying to figure out why Edmund is visiting with their many times great grandfather Prince Albert? While Alice tries to discover what Edmund is involved with in this new time period she finds herself slowly falling for the dashing Lord Swinton who has been kind enough to escort her to various engagements. She doesn't dare fall in love with someone in the past but sometimes the heart has other plans.
Between lord Swinton and trying to prevent her cousin from changing history Alice has her work cut out.
This time travel steampunk romance adventure is so much fun. Sexy lord Swinton, courageous, smart Alice, adventurous Edmund and many others you'll meet. A page turner, great writing that will leave you wanting more the story is fast paced, sexy and exciting but still leaves enough time for you to really fall in love with the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Edmund and Alice in this steampunk adventure.
Meet Alice who sees her cousin Edmund sneaking into the time travel machine at the time travel institute in Cambridge, he's headed to London 1851 but why? Alice decides it's in her and his best interest to follow him into the past to keep him out of trouble. Before she knows what's really happening she finds herself accepting an invitation with the handsome lord Swinton and trying to figure out why Edmund is visiting with their many times great grandfather Prince Albert? While Alice tries to discover what Edmund is involved with in this new time period she finds herself slowly falling for the dashing Lord Swinton who has been kind enough to escort her to various engagements. She doesn't dare fall in love with someone in the past but sometimes the heart has other plans.
Between lord Swinton and trying to prevent her cousin from changing history Alice has her work cut out.
This time travel steampunk romance adventure is so much fun. Sexy lord Swinton, courageous, smart Alice, adventurous Edmund and many others you'll meet. A page turner, great writing that will leave you wanting more the story is fast paced, sexy and exciting but still leaves enough time for you to really fall in love with the characters.
August 8, 2015
I read the second book in this series a few years back. It was full of wibbly wobbly timey whimey goodness, so when I got the chance to review the first book in the series, I was thrilled.
This book is a quick steampunk read and a great start to the series. I love Alice and Edmond Windsor. It was great to finally see how the story started.
The story combines all the wonderful things that make steampunk such a great genre, while adding a touch of romance between Edmund and Keira, the prime minister's daughter and Alice and Grayson.
The mixture of present day and Victorian times makes the book all the more interesting. Something about this series reminds me of the Doctor Who epis set in Victorian England. I expect to see Strax, Vastra and Jenny at any given time. Maybe its just the time frame, or maybe its the time travel element of the story or maybe I still love working Doctor Who into everything I can.
But back to the story, Edmund is making mischief in Victorian times and Alice is trying to make sure he doesn't succeed in messing up the timeline. Burkhart really pays attention to detail in this book in regards to The Great Exhibition and The Crystal Palace.
If you are looking for a great way to get into the steampunk genre, this is a good series to start with and I can assure you the second book is just as good.
This book is a quick steampunk read and a great start to the series. I love Alice and Edmond Windsor. It was great to finally see how the story started.
The story combines all the wonderful things that make steampunk such a great genre, while adding a touch of romance between Edmund and Keira, the prime minister's daughter and Alice and Grayson.
The mixture of present day and Victorian times makes the book all the more interesting. Something about this series reminds me of the Doctor Who epis set in Victorian England. I expect to see Strax, Vastra and Jenny at any given time. Maybe its just the time frame, or maybe its the time travel element of the story or maybe I still love working Doctor Who into everything I can.
But back to the story, Edmund is making mischief in Victorian times and Alice is trying to make sure he doesn't succeed in messing up the timeline. Burkhart really pays attention to detail in this book in regards to The Great Exhibition and The Crystal Palace.
If you are looking for a great way to get into the steampunk genre, this is a good series to start with and I can assure you the second book is just as good.
May 11, 2012
This book was literally 'just okay.'
The characters seemed *really* juvenile. Their mistakes, trip-ups, and the situations they find themselves in and by which the entire plot is driven are all completely avoidable. Not only are they avoidable, but if they had acted with any sense at all none of this would have happened.
I get that there are steampunk elements to this, and that's what initially drove me to pick it up. Timetravel is fun and all, but the steampunk world was where it was at for me.
Unfortunately that's not the main motivating factor here. It's more of a method for getting around inconsistencies and technologies that wouldn't have otherwise been possible.
Overall, I don't think I'm the right audience for this book/series, so I won't be perusing the follow-ups.
The characters seemed *really* juvenile. Their mistakes, trip-ups, and the situations they find themselves in and by which the entire plot is driven are all completely avoidable. Not only are they avoidable, but if they had acted with any sense at all none of this would have happened.
I get that there are steampunk elements to this, and that's what initially drove me to pick it up. Timetravel is fun and all, but the steampunk world was where it was at for me.
Unfortunately that's not the main motivating factor here. It's more of a method for getting around inconsistencies and technologies that wouldn't have otherwise been possible.
Overall, I don't think I'm the right audience for this book/series, so I won't be perusing the follow-ups.
December 20, 2014
When I agreed to read this as part of a Review Tour, I liked the premise of the book and had been looking for a good steampunk romance. Unfortunately, what I really wanted was a modern day steampunk, not an actual Victorian era steampunk. The characters in this book travel back to Victorian England and the book takes place in history. I also made the bitter mistake of reading this while listening to The Immortal Empire by Kate Locke. The two are as different as night and day, even though both can be classified as Steampunk.
I found this to be too dry and fussy for my liking. I struggled to read it, and finally after 2 months and I had only gotten through 3 chapters, I threw in the towel and called it quits. I really hate to DNF a book, but this one just didn't do it for me. If you like time travel and historical romances, then do give this one a try.
I found this to be too dry and fussy for my liking. I struggled to read it, and finally after 2 months and I had only gotten through 3 chapters, I threw in the towel and called it quits. I really hate to DNF a book, but this one just didn't do it for me. If you like time travel and historical romances, then do give this one a try.
October 4, 2012
I have a growing interest in steampunk, and having read some of Ms Burkhart's previous books I was intrigued to see what she would make of this genre. She steamrollered it! Pardon the pun.
I wondered how the story would finish and no I'm not going to give as spoiler. I'll only say the end was unexpected, riveting and right up until the last page I had no idea how the author was going to solve the difference in time to my satisfaction. At the end of the book the only frustration I had was that I had no more pages to read, and the second book in the series hadn't been released.
Even if you've never tried steampunk, if you enjoy a good book this is one you'll love. Well done Ms Burkhart, I look forward to reading the second book in the Windsor Diaries.
I wondered how the story would finish and no I'm not going to give as spoiler. I'll only say the end was unexpected, riveting and right up until the last page I had no idea how the author was going to solve the difference in time to my satisfaction. At the end of the book the only frustration I had was that I had no more pages to read, and the second book in the series hadn't been released.
Even if you've never tried steampunk, if you enjoy a good book this is one you'll love. Well done Ms Burkhart, I look forward to reading the second book in the Windsor Diaries.
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