Scarlet Devices

Steam and Seduction #2

by Delphine Dryden

DRIVEN TO WIN.
DRAWN TO LOVE.
 
Fresh from university, Eliza Hardison is determined to crusade for workers’ rights until her cousin Dexter, the Makesmith Baron, prevails on her to represent Hardison House in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally.
 
The competition is fierce, but only one opponent really matters to Eliza. Dexter’s protégé, Matthew Pence, was always like a big brother to her. But now she’s grown up, and Matthew has made a break from Hardison House with his own business venture—and made his own entry in the rally.
 
Matthew intends to win while keeping Eliza safe on the perilous route from New York to San Francisco. As the threats escalate through treacherous skies and uncharted American wilds, though, Eliza and Matthew must work together, discovering a bond deeper than either could have imagined…but is winning the rally more important than winning at love?

   

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Adventure, Fiction, Science Fiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

I write contemporary and erotic romance, and sometimes steampunk romance! To contact me, go to my website or find me on social media.

Reviews

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - I liked it. I ended up liking Scarlet Devices, but it takes a good bit to get rolling.

Initially the hero's attempts at being protective toward the heroine and her railing against those attempts become quite tedious, but once the pair strike out for the west coast as competitors in the Steam and Sky rally the story really picks up steam (and a steamy connection begins to develop between the pair.) There is plenty of peril along the way, an evil villain (complete with mustache-twirling-worthy exposition of his evil plan) and some life lessons (given by some interesting side characters) that move the pair from the adversarial relationship of their childhoods to a partnership and more.

I've liked both of Dryden's Steam and Seduction stories and am looking forward to more.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I tried my first steampunk romance and enjoyed it, I have made efforts to try various authors in the genre to establish my tastes and find new authors to love. This was my first by Ms. Dryden. While it wasn't a knock out of the park for a few reasons, it did leave me willing to give her stuff another go.

Scarlet Devices was the second book in a series and while I made it through without reading the first book, I wouldn't say that I did it easily. So that being said, I would recommend reading these in order. There wasn't an issue of spoilers so much as I felt that I missed the introduction to the author's steampunk world which gave me a few wobbly moments before I got my reading legs under me.

Eliza Hardison, cousin to the Makepiece Baron, Dexter Hardison, has recently graduated from Vassar with idealistic plans to improve conditions for the working class, maintain her independence, and work as an inventor for her cousin. The reappearance of Matthew Pence, who was once her cousin's apprentice and now getting set to start out on his own, brings back memories of all the annoying times he tried to stop her from participating in the inventions and projects because they were no place for a lady due to danger and propriety. She will rub Matthew's nose in it when she wins the cross-country Air and Steam Rally race.

Matthew is struck by how grown up Eliza is from that precocious freckled-faced girl who poked into things at the factory causing him no end of fear that she would get hurt in an industrial accident that he would be blamed for. On the cusp of starting his own company with Dexter's blessing and request to keep an eye on Eliza during the race, he realizes that she has come into her own. She is still precocious, but she is also capable. She must still remain hands off to him if he really wants to make his own way. He fears that she doesn't understand how competitive and dangerous a cross country race through some of the roughest and untamed parts of the American Dominion can be. Someone doesn't want the racers to succeed. Clues lead to a wicked conspiracy.

The general plot of this story had me anticipating it even before I started reading. I loved the idea of the cross country race and the dangerous shadowy conspirator who ruthlessly made the race even more dangerous than just the rugged countryside. I am always intrigued by steampunk gadgetry and the parallel universe world building that goes on and there was no exception with this book.

That all being said, I struggled at times with the story that brought me up close to the action, but then drawing away into passive voice that just gave me a few lines telling me something occurred. I couldn't stay engaged for long periods of time because of it.

My second issue was the character of Eliza. For half the book, she came across as a spoilt child. She had her naive ideals and blindly surged ahead with no thought to anything outside her needs or desires. Everyone's words, behavior and actions were tainted by her prejudice. I'm all for a heroine with a backbone and standing up for her beliefs, but she just came across as rude and childish. Her first attempts to seduce Matthew only lacked an offering of money to come across as treating him as her whore. He called her on it too when he gently held her off and I respected him all the more for it. It was hard for him to resist the woman he loved, but he didn't want something he saw as special to have the first time get treated like a science experiment- which she did. He didn't want to compromise her because she had no intentions of getting married and he didn't want to lay with someone who hated him, but wanted to use his body to teach herself about men. See? Not pretty.

Does she stay this way? No, which is why I didn't end up hating the romance. She was still in denial until nearly the end, but she grew up a lot and became a worthy heroine. Eliza was very stubborn so it took a few near death situations for her to admit her feelings to Matthew. I was just so happy she left behind most of her undesirable traits that I let this stuff go.

Matthew and Eliza together, once she opened her eyes and stopped acting like a petulant idiot, was a nice part of the story. They are both innocent in the way of relationships. It was refreshing that the author made their few encounters have that awkward first time feel. I know this is a romance and people expect sexy times to be titillating and I do too, but once in a while its good when an author writes the 'for real'. Virgins and near virgins aren't experts on sex. Where they really shined was the build of respect for the other's skills and the knowledge that they were equals and partners. To survive, they had to work together and they finally did. They rescued each other and comforted each other. Strongest part of the story as far as I was concerned.

The villain and his part of the plot added the danger element and I was truly disgusted by his brand of vice and evil, but the character himself didn't move me to strong feelings. In many ways, I was struck by the fact that he was more lucky than smart when he got away with so much under the nose of the rest of the world.

Now I want to go back and get Dexter and Charlotte's story as well as move on to the next adventure.

I can definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy a solid steampunk world and two near innocent, but steamy lovers on a cross country adventure together.

My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers

E: I read and reviewed Dryden’t first steampunk Gossamer Wing last year and found it very enjoyable. So when I received Scarlet Devices for review I was excited. When I found myself making notes of quotes I enjoyed early in the story I knew I was in for a treat. I liked how this was set in the same world but took place in a different geographic area with threats outside of the spy game.

Marlene: I had heard so many good things about Gossamer Wing, that I actually bought it from Amazon, so when the the second book in the series came up for review, I decided it was high time I read the first one. Gossamer Wing was absolutely delicious. (Review at Reading Reality) The alternate history is a treat, and the author makes the “fake relationship” really zing! Scarlet Devices was just as much fun, but uses a different setting and new characters to explore a vast new part of her world.

E: Dryden combined the temperance movement, women’s rights, universal suffrage, and the steampunk equivalent of The Amazing Race as Matthew and Eliza learn who they are and what is really important. Eliza was interested in engine and tinkering with them but she focused her activities towards equal rights and protection for the common worker. Her efforts were rather futile and after a discussion with her cousin and his wife, Charlotte, she decided to take Dexter up on his offer and pilot his new vehicle in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally. She also agreed because winning would have the added benefit of annoying her cousin’s former apprentice, Matthew. Matthew thought he was rather enlightened and forward thinking but the last thing he wanted was Eliza participating in anything as potentially dangerous as the rally. Since he was unable to stop her, he decided he would watch out for her as best as he could but he wasn’t expecting the extent of danger along the race course. Watching them strike sparks off of each other as they worked together was very entertaining.

Marlene: The Sky and Steam Rally created a ton of opportunities for dangerous adventure and suspense, and the progression of Matthew’s and Eliza’s relationship fit incredibly well within the framework of miles raced, checkpoints and obstructions. As they traveled across the U.S., their own personal journeys, both towards each other and towards a decision about what they each really wanted out of life, proceed in tandem. Their relationship uses the trope about former childhood frenemies discovering they aren’t children any longer, while the race gave them each a chance to see what they themselves, and the other, were really made of. The dangerous conditions of the race, and the bonding between all the participants, also reminded me a lot of the Iditarod, the sled dog race between Anchorage and Nome. It is extremely dangerous, incredibly real, and even the losers get a prize because of just how difficult the race is.

E: I like those points you made regarding progression of the race and their personal journey. Now that you have brought it up, I can see the resemblance to the Iditarod. Like that race the updates tend to contain how many racers are left. As I was reading Scarlet Devices, I kept trying to count and figure out exactly how many competitors were left at each race pit stop. I thought the variety of different reasons people left the competition said a lot about the inherent danger of a rally along with some very effective sabotage. The mystery behind the sabotage was also fascinating on a couple of layers. It seemed as if the competitors while they were willing to form alliances were also on the look out for interference but were not expecting any outside concerns besides the unpredictable environment. Having a third player so to speak involved really increased the stakes for not just Matthew and Eliza but the other racers.

Marlene: The shifting alliances between the racers made it difficult to figure out what the big threat was, which ramped up the tension and sense of danger within the story. It made sense that they formed very loose teams, it seemed like a less formal version of the Tour de France teams. It added to the verisimilitude because it seemed logical. The deeper the logic layers, the easier to suspend disbelief on the parts that were less grounded in reality. The real mystery behind the interference with the race and with Eliza personally turned out to be a bit “out there”. I guessed who it was, and eventually why, but the evil dude himself was a bit past the crazysauce stage. Including the classic supervillain “I’m going to tell you my entire plot before I kill you spectacularly” speech. BWAHAHAHA

E: The overall villain was more of a parody of a villain especially in his final scenes. He certainly had extremely elaborate plans but I could see his underlying motivation was relatively solid. I did find myself very fascinated by the potential glimpse of one of his henchmen and what it could mean for the future in this series. As entertaining as I found the villain, I thought Eliza and Matthew’s mental and emotional journey was extremely touching. I loved seeing Matthew go from thinking, “Charlotte would make an excellent role model for Eliza: beautiful, unassuming, ladylike and comfortable in the role of administering a large, if unconventional, estate.” To realizing, “he wanted to keep her safe so he could have her all to himself and do wicked things to her.” And finally knowing Eliza was a trusted partner who didn’t need to cossetting. In the same vein Eliza moved from wanting to beat Matthew in the race because it would irritate him to realizing how much he meant when she thought he was dead. I also have to say that I loved how Dryden handled their sex scenes. They were full of humor, intensity, exploration, and shameless wonder.

Marlene: I did laugh out loud while Matthew was thinking what a great role model Charlotte would be for Eliza; from Gossamer Wing we know that Charlotte is considerably more than appears on the surface. In a lot of ways, Eliza IS following in Charlotte’s footsteps, she just isn’t aware of how much! But I agree with you that the emotional journey Eliza and Matthew make towards each other is the heart of the story. The rigors and danger of the trek make them see each other as adults, and not the children they used to be. Matthew goes through the stage of continuing to want to protect Eliza to realizing that she is a partner as capable, albeit in different ways, as he is. Eliza also has to come towards Matthew, she starts out fearing that any emotional attachment will make her “less than” the man she married, and law and custom still support that view. It takes the danger of the race, and the changes that Matthew goes through, for Eliza to trust that marriage does not have to mean subservience–with the right partner.

And oh my goodness are Eliza and Matthew sweet and sexy when they finally give in. (fanning self)

E: Yes, *pauses in memory* such wonderful scenes. The promise Dryden showed in Gossamer Wing did not let me down in Scarlet Devices. I thought the change in setting and main characters really expanded her world and kept me captivated. The mixture of challenges, threats, and personal growth had me rooting for Matthew and Eliza from their first scene together. I will admit I wish I knew how the events affected the rally organizers and the future of this race. Even though I thought the villain was overdone I enjoyed the overall story. With this second installment, Dryden has moved to the very short list of authors whose Steampunk is on my to-buy list.
I give Scarlet Devices a B+

Marlene: Scarlet Devices certainly lives up to the promise of the series title: Steam and Seduction, because it definitely has heaping helpings of both! The world-building in this series continues to shine as we explore the vast North American continent and discover the differences from the world we know. The whole concept of seeing the Great Plains and Rockies from an airship while they are still unspoiled is enough to take your breath away. Or my breath, at least. But it’s the way that the relationships are developed that keeps you turning pages. The romance between Matthew and Eliza was beautiful because it took their personal growth into account; they needed to discover who they really were before they could be ready for each other. I love it when the romantic HEA is the icing on the cake for the heroine, and not the whole cake, and they both needed to grow up for that to be possible.

The villain was overdone, but in the best melodramatic tradition, which made for scenery chewing fun to bring the adventure part of the story to a fitting conclusion. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Dryden’s next steampunk story: Gilded Lily.
I give Scarlet Devices a B+

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Eliza has always seen Matthew as a bit of an annoyance. When they both enter the Sky and Steam Rally, however, her opinion of him begins to change. When the rally takes a deadly turn, they learn they will need to rely on each other if they want to make it home alive.

Opening Sentence: The old men sitting in the front row presented Eliza Hardison with a uniform front of disapproval as she took her place at the lectern.

The Review:

Eliza has always treasured her independence and views marriage as an institution that will hamper her ability to experience all that life has to offer. The annual Sky and Steam Rally is one such experience, a cross country race that is sure to be exciting. Eliza’s excitement is dampered by the presence of her cousin’s protégé, Matthew Pence, a man who has often seen himself as her protector, which has resulted in Eliza constantly being annoyed by him. Learning that her cousin has asked Matthew to watch out for her during the Rally does nothing to help her disposition.

For his part, Matthew has recently realized that his overprotective feelings toward Eliza are the result of him having feelings for her that extend beyond friendship or his desire for his mentor’s approval. The only problem is she doesn’t seem to like his presence much. The Sky and Steam Rally is just the opportunity he needs to get Eliza to see him in a different light. Will his efforts be successful? And when the race takes a deadly turn, will they both be able to make it back home in one piece?

Before starting this book, I was worried that I’d feel lost, as I hadn’t read book one, and steampunk novels can sometimes be confusing if you pick up in the middle. Luckily, while I did have some confusion about how the geography of the world worked, it ended up having no bearing on how much I enjoyed the story. This book was just fun from start to finish, with not one boring segment to be found. I even found myself looking forward to my son’s 1am wakings because it meant I could read more. Well, that could be a slight exaggeration, but my enjoyment of the book certainly helped me stay awake!

Eliza and Matthew are just brilliant together, whether it be at the beginning of the novel when they’re bickering back and forth, or later on, when their feelings toward each other have changed and their romance has started. This is the first time I find myself saying that a book’s love scenes are charming. That’s really the only word I can think of to describe them. I had a smile on my face the entire time. There’s humor to be found in the book as well, and I often found myself laughing out loud. The characters truly come to life and have wonderful personality.

The one negative thing I might say is that I did find myself a little confused over the villain’s motives behind sabotaging the rally. In the end though, I was just enjoying myself too much to be really upset about it.

Overall, this book was a delightful, light, and fun read. I’ll be going back and reading the first book as soon as I can, and I’m very excited that I have book three on hand to review. Fans of steampunk and fans of romance in general should really check this series out!

Notable Scene:

“Is that very uncomfortable?” she asked Charlotte, as she watched her cousin’s wife shift in poorly-hidden irritation on the thick cushion. Eliza thought it must be horrible, as it looked like the equivalent of carrying a large medicine ball tucked under one’s rib cage. “I wonder you can breathe. It must be so unpleasant.”

Charlotte shook her head. “Not precisely. It’s…oh, how to put it? It was never explained very well to me, and now I see why. Difficult to put into words. It can be uncomfortable, but the real problem is you simply can’t put the thing down when you get tired of it. There it is, darling creature, getting bigger every day. I fully expect to adore it, but good heavens, what I wouldn’t give right now just to have a few minutes without it weighing on me. Especially in this heat. Even oxen get to shed the yoke at the end of the day.”

Eliza giggled. “Charlotte, I don’t think you’re supposed to say that. And it’s hardly hot yet. I may even go back in for a shawl.”

“You’re quite right,” Charlotte agreed. “I’m always unbearably warm these days, though. And as for what I’m supposed to say, I think I’m supposed to either tell you it’s all a miracle and I’ve never felt more like a woman, or terrify you half to death by telling you only the most gruesome bits, in the most repellent terms possible.”

“Exactly. I’m usually more inclined to believe the latter. Miracles bore me. You may proceed with the horrors whenever you’re ready.”

FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Scarlet Devices. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not sure why I keep seeing this series labeled erotica, as it's not. Two mildly graphic sex scenes = mainstream, in my mind. The focus is definitely story over sex. (Not a big deal to me, but I can think of a few people who might miss out on this series because of it.)


Sort of a childhood friends-to-lovers story. I enjoyed watching Eliza and Matthew learn to look at each other in a new light, as their bickering turned into friendly banter and their prickliness turn to warmth.

The external conflict made sense and was fun in a slightly OTT way. I did lose interest during the resolution though, as it seemed both too convenient and distracting from the romance. Would have preferred watching the h/h establish their relationship/interact with friends and family, to be honest. The coda didn't quite do it for me, for the romance.

Still, I can see myself reading this one again, and am definitely looking forward to book 3.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd book in the Steam and Seduction Novels by Delphine Dryden. New author for me and I've read two books now. I am torn as I haven't really been hooked by the characters but I see a lot of potential with this series. This book only briefly mentions the main couple from her first book Gossamer Wings, and this second book while not as great from a couple standpoint did have a better plot. It would be worth it to try a third.

[Deb Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delphine Dryden's latest book in the Steam and Seduction series is all about the steam. Scarlet Devices is a Steampunk romance, with steam powered flying machines, steam powered cars and some steamy love scenes. Dryden sets her story during the Victorian era, in an alternative world where the United States is called The Dominion. The world Dryden has created is just similar enough to our own to ground readers and draw them into the adventure of the Sky and Steam Rally, a transcontinental race which leave Eliza and Matthew with plenty of questions and some serious steamy tension!

What I liked:

Not everyone is familiar with Steampunk and some of you may be wondering about what that essentially means. The Urban Dictionary defines it this way:

Steampunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan "What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner." It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes.


I have been reading steampunk since it's inception and I have always really liked it. Some authors do it justice and make it interesting and a cross between historical fiction and science fiction and others just sort of try, but don't quite succeed. Delphine Dryden succeeds... and how! Scarlet Devices is the second book in her Steam and Seduction series. I liked just about everything about this book. From the beautiful cover to the preview of the next book in the series, Gilded Lily. Dryden has created a world that is not unlike our own during the Victorian Era, but there are of course some major differences.

The world building for this series is quite elaborate and my take a little bit of concentration to figure out, but once you understand the logistics of steampunk it all falls into place. I loved the fact that Dryden chose a sky race as the setting for this novel. The American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally features companies who are attempting to be the winner in a transcontinental race from New York to San Francisco. But there are also some other underlying issues at hand. Several people have 'gone west' in the months leading up to the rally and have never been heard from again. The roles of women are still rigid and unbending during this time period. The Temperance Movement is gearing up and rights for workers is at the forefront.

This is the backdrop for a very interesting love story. Eliza is just finishing college and she is dead set on making a change in the world. I liked her tenacity and her attitude. When her cousin suggests she might see a bit of the world if she enters the Sky and Steam rally it seems like just the opportunity to make a change in her life. Unfortunately, Dexter asks his friend Matthew to watch over her during the race. Matthew thinks it very inappropriate for her to race at all and it's on from there. Eliza and Matthew have a history and he has always come across as dismissive and uncomplimentary where she is concerned. These two make quite a pair and once they get over their issues with each other, sparks of a different kind start to fly.

I thought Dryden did an amazing job with character development in this book. Eliza starts out as bright eyed innocent, but soon learns that the world she lives in isn't quite at simple as it seems. Matthew starts out with some very clear ideas on what he believes a woman's role is, but in the end he realizes Eliza's worth and becomes her biggest supporter. I thought the author was able to make the changes in the characters realistic and believable. It was a wonderful part of the book.

This book was filled adventure, after adventure as the race across the country heats up. Eliza and Matthew learn a lot about each other and even more about themselves. I loved the secondary characters and I am glad that Barnabas' story will continue in the next book in the series. The drama was interesting and showed the resourcefulness of the characters and certainly provided a lot of conflict. It was all very well done.

What I didn't like:

Matthew's disapproving nature in the beginning of the book was a little hard to digest. I am glad that the author chose to make him see the light toward the second two thirds of the book. He was a bit too abrasive for me in the start and I wondered if she would be able to redeem him... I shouldn't have worried.

Bottom Line:

This is a great steampunk romance and demonstrated to me why I like this sub-genre so much. Dryden uses the steampunk elements with a deft hand and allows the romance to take center stage. I loved the Sky race theme and I felt like this book ratcheted up the tension for the series as a whole. Looking forward to the next one.

[Grace Fonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun adventure that I enjoyed. Eliza and Matthew are two individuals who have known each other, but never really get to spend a whole lot of time to one another. I like how Eliza and Matthew get to know each other. There was a lot of chemistry and twists during the course of the race and the book.

Lots of Flirting Between Our Characters, Great Back Story

One of the things that I like is that at the beginning we get the back stories of both Eliza and Matthew in a way that’s not typically done. I also really love how he stops to help Eliza. There also seems to be a lot of flirting between the two of them. Plus when he sees Eliza in a dress and being part of society and how pretty she looks in the dress, it’s a very different Eliza than the one that he has always known. Eliza thinks that Matthew is nothing but her cousin’s right hand man.

The Race and Opportunity for Adventure, Temperance Society

The Race was really interesting. I also like how Matthew is there to help keep an eye on Eliza for her cousin Dexter. Her cousin doesn’t want anything bad to happen to Eliza. So the race is divided into many parts. I thought that there were a lot of interesting characters for the race. The race is exciting and very different people have reasons. Plus you get to know them as characters. Also Matthew is impressed by Eliza’s skills during the race. She also is competing against others. I also like how Eliza and Matthew’s relationship starts to develop during the course of race. Of course there is the Temperance Society that detest women drivers and that they are making Eliza’s life difficult, but she handles it very gracefully and doesn’t make it known how much they are hurting her feelings. Eliza doesn’t understand why they can’t see what she is trying to do.

The Romance

The Romance is the big highlight of this book for me. I felt that the scenes between Eliza and Matthew were so well done. At times both characters have some pretty intense moments. I also like how at times, Matthew tries to protect and look out for Eliza, but finds her to be able to handle things. I also like how when the other ladies refuse to serve her lunch, they get a speech about charity and the spirit of giving. When she does get lunch there are strawberries instead of soggy bread. The scenes between Eliza and Matthew are intense. I totally loved the way the relationship developed slowly and that there are moments that are just so wonderful between them. Their lovemaking scene was mouth waveringly hot and the build up to that moment was perfect.

Twists, Tragedies, and Unexpected Moments

So many things happen during the race. Their were some characters who I became some sort of attached to during the race and then tragedy struck quite a few of them and it was very sad in a way, because there are rumors that there are pirates who are stealing people and people are disappearing. I thought that who the villain turned out to be was interesting. Matthew finds out what happens to a certain person he has been looking for thanks to Eliza’s keen powers of observation and knows that something has changed him. They are not sure. I totally loved the way the villain justifies his actions and how he tries to frame Eliza for something she doesn’t do. There was a lot of things that came out and how the villain got undone.

Overall, a good steampunk book.

Rating:

Four Hearts

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This is the second book in the Stream and Seduction series which is set in a steampunk type setting. This book follows on from Gossamer Wing although it's not essential to have read that first as this is easily read as a standalone novel. Set in a world that follows an alternate timeline this book features all the technology that this genre is noted for with the addition of a romance.

Eliza Hardison is a young woman who is determined to right what she sees as wrongs. Strongly believing that workers rights are sometimes abused Eliza wants nothing more than to publicise the cause. She's an independent young woman with a flair for the mechanical and is reluctantly persuaded by her cousin the very talented Makeshift Baron to take part in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally. As Eliza is an adventurous sort the idea of a race both on land and in the air somewhat appeals to her.

The Makeshift Baron asks his protege Matthew Pence to watch out for Eliza whilst they both tackle the journey. Matthew has known Eliza for several years but the child he remembers is no more. In her place is a young woman who both challenges and yet fascinates him at the same time. Both Eliza and Matthew take the race incredibly seriously as winning would be both a great coup and wonderful achievement for the victor. The perilous journey will pit them against each other but will also throw them both together.
Things are not as straightforward as they should be though as sabotage is suspected right from the off. The arduous journey is made more dangerous as incidents begin to escalate and unfortunately it's soon clear that someone is out to subvert the rally.

Matthew's fascination for Eliza deepens as they face explosive trials together and it's clear that the forward thinking Eliza is not immune to him. Eliza is attracted to Matthew but has a world of her own to conquer that might not include a man! What started out as a race to win quickly becomes a race just to survive.

This was undoubtedly fun to read and kept reminding me of those old films that showed silly races with flying machines! It was quite easy to picture the events as they unfold and was very easy to follow. It's a different style to the first book though - Gossamer Wing, as there is a lot less espionage present here. What the author has delivered is a tale of action, adventure with more than a dash of romance. Writing that takes the reader on a great adventure against an odious villain who deserves to be taken down.

Overall this book was full of intrigue and deception not to mention likeable lead characters. So rare to read about characters that truly work together without one trying to dominate the other. This was a delightful foray into the steampunk genre and I would happily read more from Ms. Dryden.

[Lizzie Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book and read it, I loved it so much that I went to the book store to pick up the first book in the series. I know, I am horrible at starting in the middle of a series. But in all honesty I wasn't sure if I would like it. I have never read a steampunk romance before and I wasn't sure what to expect.

I will say this: what I found in this genre was a completely captivating story that was combined with amazing descriptions, enthralling story line and characters I couldn't help to love. I will be reading these books more and more in the future. If you haven't ventured into this genre yet, please do so. You won't know what your missing until you do!

Scarlet Devices was everything I evidently needed it to be. I loved it. Only my best friend understands when I call her and tell her she needs to buy this immediately.

I loved the characters. Eliza was amazing and she really came into her own by the end of this book. Because of her age she constantly had something to prove.

Matthew is so sweet in this book. Even when he is being disapproving of Eliza's decisions, he comes around in the end. Giving her someone to lean on when she needs it.

I loved the romance aspect of this novel. I couldn't imagine a better couple for this book! I was even glad there was enough danger mixed into the story that I didn't feel like a straight romance novel.

Hands down, the Steam and Seduction Series is going to be one of my new favorites! How about you?

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main plot involving a steam car and airship rally sounded neat but the rest of the plot elements became even more ridiculous as the story went on. I also wasn't invested in Eliza and Matthew's love story. It's a shame; the secondary characters, save the over-the-top villain(s) were interesting.

[E_bookpushers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/02/03/...

Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: 4 Feb
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher

Driven to win. Drawn to love.

Fresh from university, Eliza Hardison is determined to crusade for worker’s rights until her cousin Dexter, the Makesmith Baron, prevails on her to represent Hardison House in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally.

The competition is fierce, but only one opponent really matters to Eliza. Dexter’s protégé, Matthew Pence, was always like a big brother to her. But now she’s grown up, and Matthew has made a break from Hardison House with his own business venture—and his own entry in the rally.

Matthew intends to win while keeping Eliza safe on the perilous route from New York to San Francisco. But as the threats escalate through treacherous skies and uncharted American wilds, Eliza and Matthew must work together, discovering a bond deeper than either could have imagined… but is winning the rally more important than winning at love?
This blurb came from the author’s website.

E: I read and reviewed Dryden’t first steampunk Gossamer Wing last year and found it very enjoyable. So when I received Scarlet Devices for review I was excited. When I found myself making notes of quotes I enjoyed early in the story I knew I was in for a treat. I liked how this was set in the same world but took place in a different geographic area with threats outside of the spy game.

Marlene: I had heard so many good things about Gossamer Wing, that I actually bought it from Amazon, so when the the second book in the series came up for review, I decided it was high time I read the first one. Gossamer Wing was absolutely delicious. (Review at Reading Reality) The alternate history is a treat, and the author makes the “fake relationship” really zing! Scarlet Devices was just as much fun, but uses a different setting and new characters to explore a vast new part of her world.

E: Dryden combined the temperance movement, women’s rights, universal suffrage, and the steampunk equivalent of The Amazing Race as Matthew and Eliza learn who they are and what is really important. Eliza was interested in engine and tinkering with them but she focused her activities towards equal rights and protection for the common worker. Her efforts were rather futile and after a discussion with her cousin and his wife, Charlotte, she decided to take Dexter up on his offer and pilot his new vehicle in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally. She also agreed because winning would have the added benefit of annoying her cousin’s former apprentice, Matthew. Matthew thought he was rather enlightened and forward thinking but the last thing he wanted was Eliza participating in anything as potentially dangerous as the rally. Since he was unable to stop her, he decided he would watch out for her as best as he could but he wasn’t expecting the extent of danger along the race course. Watching them strike sparks off of each other as they worked together was very entertaining.

Marlene: The Sky and Steam Rally created a ton of opportunities for dangerous adventure and suspense, and the progression of Matthew’s and Eliza’s relationship fit incredibly well within the framework of miles raced, checkpoints and obstructions. As they traveled across the U.S., their own personal journeys, both towards each other and towards a decision about what they each really wanted out of life, proceed in tandem. Their relationship uses the trope about former childhood frenemies discovering they aren’t children any longer, while the race gave them each a chance to see what they themselves, and the other, were really made of. The dangerous conditions of the race, and the bonding between all the participants, also reminded me a lot of the Iditarod, the sled dog race between Anchorage and Nome. It is extremely dangerous, incredibly real, and even the losers get a prize because of just how difficult the race is.

E: I like those points you made regarding progression of the race and their personal journey. Now that you have brought it up, I can see the resemblance to the Iditarod. Like that race the updates tend to contain how many racers are left. As I was reading Scarlet Devices, I kept trying to count and figure out exactly how many competitors were left at each race pit stop. I thought the variety of different reasons people left the competition said a lot about the inherent danger of a rally along with some very effective sabotage. The mystery behind the sabotage was also fascinating on a couple of layers. It seemed as if the competitors while they were willing to form alliances were also on the look out for interference but were not expecting any outside concerns besides the unpredictable environment. Having a third player so to speak involved really increased the stakes for not just Matthew and Eliza but the other racers.

Marlene: The shifting alliances between the racers made it difficult to figure out what the big threat was, which ramped up the tension and sense of danger within the story. It made sense that they formed very loose teams, it seemed like a less formal version of the Tour de France teams. It added to the verisimilitude because it seemed logical. The deeper the logic layers, the easier to suspend disbelief on the parts that were less grounded in reality. The real mystery behind the interference with the race and with Eliza personally turned out to be a bit “out there”. I guessed who it was, and eventually why, but the evil dude himself was a bit past the crazysauce stage. Including the classic supervillain “I’m going to tell you my entire plot before I kill you spectacularly” speech. BWAHAHAHA

E: The overall villain was more of a parody of a villain especially in his final scenes. He certainly had extremely elaborate plans but I could see his underlying motivation was relatively solid. I did find myself very fascinated by the potential glimpse of one of his henchmen and what it could mean for the future in this series. As entertaining as I found the villain, I thought Eliza and Matthew’s mental and emotional journey was extremely touching. I loved seeing Matthew go from thinking, “Charlotte would make an excellent role model for Eliza: beautiful, unassuming, ladylike and comfortable in the role of administering a large, if unconventional, estate.” To realizing, “he wanted to keep her safe so he could have her all to himself and do wicked things to her.” And finally knowing Eliza was a trusted partner who didn’t need to cossetting. In the same vein Eliza moved from wanting to beat Matthew in the race because it would irritate him to realizing how much he meant when she thought he was dead. I also have to say that I loved how Dryden handled their sex scenes. They were full of humor, intensity, exploration, and shameless wonder.

Marlene: I did laugh out loud while Matthew was thinking what a great role model Charlotte would be for Eliza; from Gossamer Wing we know that Charlotte is considerably more than appears on the surface. In a lot of ways, Eliza IS following in Charlotte’s footsteps, she just isn’t aware of how much! But I agree with you that the emotional journey Eliza and Matthew make towards each other is the heart of the story. The rigors and danger of the trek make them see each other as adults, and not the children they used to be. Matthew goes through the stage of continuing to want to protect Eliza to realizing that she is a partner as capable, albeit in different ways, as he is. Eliza also has to come towards Matthew, she starts out fearing that any emotional attachment will make her “less than” the man she married, and law and custom still support that view. It takes the danger of the race, and the changes that Matthew goes through, for Eliza to trust that marriage does not have to mean subservience–with the right partner.

And oh my goodness are Eliza and Matthew sweet and sexy when they finally give in. (fanning self)

E: Yes, *pauses in memory* such wonderful scenes. The promise Dryden showed in Gossamer Wing did not let me down in Scarlet Devices. I thought the change in setting and main characters really expanded her world and kept me captivated. The mixture of challenges, threats, and personal growth had me rooting for Matthew and Eliza from their first scene together. I will admit I wish I knew how the events affected the rally organizers and the future of this race. Even though I thought the villain was overdone I enjoyed the overall story. With this second installment, Dryden has moved to the very short list of authors whose Steampunk is on my to-buy list.
I give Scarlet Devices a B+

Marlene: Scarlet Devices certainly lives up to the promise of the series title: Steam and Seduction, because it definitely has heaping helpings of both! The world-building in this series continues to shine as we explore the vast North American continent and discover the differences from the world we know. The whole concept of seeing the Great Plains and Rockies from an airship while they are still unspoiled is enough to take your breath away. Or my breath, at least. But it’s the way that the relationships are developed that keeps you turning pages. The romance between Matthew and Eliza was beautiful because it took their personal growth into account; they needed to discover who they really were before they could be ready for each other. I love it when the romantic HEA is the icing on the cake for the heroine, and not the whole cake, and they both needed to grow up for that to be possible.

The villain was overdone, but in the best melodramatic tradition, which made for scenery chewing fun to bring the adventure part of the story to a fitting conclusion. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Dryden’s next steampunk story: Gilded Lily.
I give Scarlet Devices a B+

[vyoletkyss · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favourite of the trilogy. Loads of fun. Very much enjoyed the story.

[Karla Mcmaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but a tad predictable

[Lilybeth12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable second foray into the series.

[Megan Macy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this pulled in characters from the first book for their own story. Again, quick, easy read.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine is fighting an uphill battle with no end in sight. Times may have changed enough to support females with their rights for more in the public society but old prejudices die hard and for the heroine, she is still scoffed at and ignored. To be fair, she's rather like a pit bull with a bond when it comes to voicing her opinions and her refusal to appear weak or vulnerable and this strong unapproachable attitude to life has gotten her nowhere. Growing up, she was treated like the annoying little sister by the employee of her cousin and this has instilled in her this need for recognition and winning. She at first turns down the offer for her to drive the steam engine in the race across the country but when the hero makes it know he's also participating, she immediately agrees because she needs to prove to him she is important and strong.

Meanwhile, the hero spent his childhood not knowing why he had these desires for his employer’s cousin but he knew it was wrong. Now, all grown up with some experience with woman, he can realize that all the mean things he said to her was because he really wanted her and had no idea how to express it. Now, she's a stunning woman who drives him to protect her and keep her safe even knowing how strong willed she is and rather shrill when it comes to that sort of thing. She's so determined to be respected that she ends up putting up this wall that keeps everyone out. But the hero is just as determined to see those walls fall down and as they embark on this adventure, he takes every opportunity he can to prove to her she wants him as much as he wants her. But their dangerous adventure has suddenly taken a deadly turn as sabotage and murder abound on their way across the land. Bit by bit, he begins to realizes that the stories of opium addiction, slave labor and general darkness are true and the one responsible is making sure his operation is never discovered. Too bad the race takes them right through the poppy fields. Now, it's no longer a race to prove who is the best or the hardest headed but rather it becomes a fight for survival.

The hero will do anything to keep the heroine safe but he knows now that she's stronger than she looks and she has his trust 100%. He loves her and though she won't marry him for fear of her loss of independence, he will keep on loving her until the end of his days.

I found this book to be an interesting mix of humor and drama. Some parts, particularly near the end in the prison scene where the hero is drugged had me grinning with joy. While other times, when the hero saves the group from pirate attacks only to comprehend the fact that he's just killed a lot of people had my stomach in knots with sympathy for his pain and his guilt. The characters were quite enjoyable. The heroine was not the typical female lead I like because she was so damn stubborn and dismissive of anything that interfered with her goals but while she was obsessive and cold at times, at her heart she was insecure and it was obvious. She needed so much to be taken seriously that first of all, no one listened to her and secondly, she pushed people away because of it. She did open up (pun intended) to the joys of sex with the hero and had always been curious about have relations with a man but while the scenes were hot and heavy, they too had an underlining tone of humor which I quite liked. In terms of the plot, I was a bit on the fence about it. It seemed like there was a pattern where one moment it was be quite and the next out of nowhere came this life or death situation. I kept wondering, is this really the world they live in that violence would be so casual? While at the same time, it's obvious neither characters were hardened adventures. The whole opium thing with the crazy drug lord and the over the top religious woman who following the characters around was a bit off putting but okay in the end. I didn't like this book as much as the other 2 in the series but I adore the steampunk genre and the humor of this book made up for another problems

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Devices is the second book in the Steam and Seduction series and tells the story of Matthew Pence and Eliza Hardison.  If you remember Dexter from Gossamer Wing, Matthew is his employee and Eliza his younger cousin.  It could probably be read as a standalone without reading the first book of the series as the story goes in an entirely different direction…literally.

Its been four years since Matthew has seen Eliza.  Matthew remembers a pesky girl with freckles following him around, but now he sees a beautiful woman with a competitive streak to match his own.  Fresh from university, Eliza is ready to see what the world has to offer her.  She refuses to bow down to society’s expectations and become the docile wife of an aristocrat.  If Eliza could win the cross country Sky and Steam Rally, she would be financially set to do as she pleases.  Matthew tries his damnedest to talk Eliza from entering the dangerous competition, its no place for a genteel lady like Baron Hardison’s cousin.  Plus, Matthew needs the money to invest in his new business.  So when Eliza refuses to back down and challenges Matthew to beat her in the race, Matthew makes it his job to protect her.

The Pace:  This took a while to build up some steam, but once it got going, I was hooked.  The long journey from New York and San Francisco got a bit tedious in places, but the twists and turns kept it interesting.

The Romance:  I really loved Eliza and Matthew as a pairing.  Eliza was the daring virgin and Matthew was the man refusing to ruin her virtue without the promise of marriage.  A nice change up for this type of setting.  Eliza was definitely playing hard to keep but there wasn’t really any big relationship angsts…not like in the first book anyway.  Matthew was completely adorable, even though he claimed to be the “large predator”.  The passionate scenes between Eliza and Matthew were steamy and a bit humorous, and even though the lovin’ wasn’t as frequent as I was spoiled to from Gossamer Wing, it fit perfectly with the flow of the story.

“Oh, you mean you’ve never done that thing you just did?  You seemed quite good at it.”
“How would you know?” he pointed out.
Eliza shrugged.  “If I ever gain a basis for comparison perhaps I’ll report back.  In the meantime, carry on as you did, it was splendid.  Aren’t we long past the part where we worry about what nice gentlemen and ladies do?”
“I suppose we are.”
“If we’re debauching one another, we might as well do the thing properly.  Why are your trousers still on?”
“No good reason springs to mind.”

The Danger:  From flammable cow dung to poisonous gasses to air pirates, this book was filled with danger around every corner.  Someone is trying to stop the rally and will do everything imaginable to prevent the racers from reaching the finish line.  Then there is the El Dorado Foundation Ladies’ Society for Temperance and Moral Fortitude who attack Eliza with offensive placards at every checkpoint and are determined to get her out of the race just for being female.  It doesn’t take long to reveal the big villain, but it keeps you guessing about who can be trusted and who will be killed or taken out of the race next.

I’m really loving this series.  Ms. Dryden mixes the perfect amount of seductive humor in a world filled with danger and steam (pun intended).  I love her bold heroines and the men set out to tame them…its not like they will be successful but its fun to watch them try.  I will move on to Gilded Lily very soon.

Reviewed for The Blogger Girls

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Hardison, granddaughter to the great crusader of rights Eliza Chen and cousin to Dexter Hardison, is on a crusade to reform workers' rights. She thinks there's something nefarious when workers "go west" and never return. She doesn't get respect for her lectures on the issue as she's seen as young and female. What does she know?

She's sidetracked when her cousin Dexter (from the previous book in the series) asks her to take Charlotte's place in the Sky and Steam Rally. While she's reluctant to do so, Charlotte convinces her to do it as she's young and the trip across the Continent will be a big eye opener into who she is as a person. And since Eliza has lead a life of privilege it'll be good to see how other people live. She also agrees to go on the trip to rub into the face of Matthew Pence, one time protege and heir of Dexter. He's striking out on his own with his own clockwork company.

Matthew saw Eliza as the little cousin of Dexter. He never saw her as anything more until he bumps into her at Dexter's birthday party and realizes she's no longer the little girl with the freckles on her face. He's reluctant to let Eliza go on the journey alone, so he's determined to see her through it.

I like road trip books and this one is done in a steampunk way. There's dirigibles and steam vehicles. There's also the two characters who are sort of friends turned lovers. And there's also a baddie who wants to take down the other competitors. There's a bit of a who dun it and who's going to die next vibe to it as Eliza and Matthew have to stay safe and stay on top of the game. However, towards the end I did find it weird that neither Matthew or Eliza sent a wire back to Dexter to inform them of what was happening.

I love the characters, I love the sound of them. They sound modern, don't get wrong. We aren't given a specific timeframe, but we've lead to assume it's after 1848 and on Dryden's website she says it's not Victorian. So me thinks perhaps Edwardian. In the first book, Charlotte wishes ladies maids didn't go out of fashion. And while there were ladies maids in Edwardian times, the structure wasn't as rigid as in the Victorian times. And I don't think it would be based later on unless Dryden is completely ignoring the War.

I do love that Dryden goes there with certain things. For instance, we know from history that people just weren't into bathing. It wasn't the norm and you think my goodness people must of smelled (especially after horse riding or any type of riding) and to start getting intimate? So when Matthew does a bit of oral and comments on her taste, what does Eliza say? She wishes she had a bath since they'd been on the road all day. And while he comments that she tasted like the Earth, c'mon who goes there!??!?! So I really much liked that scene.

This is my third Dryden novel (the first was one of her CR) and it's the second HR where the hero thinks and declares his feelings first. I really like that device. I really like that that drives the males in her novels to do certain things and to act a certain way, while the heroines are left to figure out their emotions about love because they are focused on other things. The heroines are very much wanting their independence and wanting to not be defined by marriage and all that Society dictates mothers and wives to be. I also like that the women have to go on missions alone and while the heroes aren't left on the sidelines it's really about the heroine. So I appreciate the "forward modern woman" Dryden presents in her novels.

P.S.
FRED. That is all.

[Pretty Sassy Cool · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

I don’t mind saying I was very much looking forward to reading Scarlet Devices by Delphine Dryden, the second book in her steampunk series Steam and Seduction. The first book Gossamer Wing in the series was my introduction to the world of steampunk and I loved it. This book was no disappointment. Slightly different in flavor from its predecessor, it nevertheless delivers a rocking good tale filled with adventure, quirky characters and yes steam in all its varying presentations.

We meet Eliza Hardison, cousin to Dexter, the Makesmith Baron and hero from Gossamer Wing. She is ‘bluestocking’ and fits very uncomfortably in this man’s world. She is, however, unafraid of stirring the pot with somewhat unfortunate consequences at times. She is a young woman on the cusp of taking her place in the world, if only she knew what that was going to be.

Enter Matthew Pence, Eliza’s childhood friend, and occasional tormentor, often her protector and the infernal voice of reason. He has always viewed Eliza as a sort of younger sister and often infuriated her by preventing her more dangerous hijinks. But Eliza is all grown up now and Matthew is gobsmacked and drawn to her in ways that have nothing to do with brotherly oversight.

The action takes place during a very interesting rally combining steam cars and dirigibles. Both Matthew and Eliza are entrants in the Steam and Sky Rally traversing the Dominions from east to west coast. The way is not easy and fraught with a campaign to discredit Eliza by some very officious temperance ladies and an apparent conspiracy to stop the race from taking place.

There is terrific UST between inexperienced Eliza and sweet protective Matthew. There are not a lot of steamy scenes, but what is there is perfect for these characters and very, very steamy.

I loved this story. It has the interesting machinery of steampunk, wild west atmosphere, pirates in air ships and a well done romance with the perfect amount of steam. Very fun. I’m really looking forward to more in this series. (oh and I loved how many times I got to use the word steam in this review!)

For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Stream and Seduction series which is set in a steampunk type setting. This book follows on from Gossamer Wing although it's not essential to have read that first as this is easily read as a standalone novel. Set in a world that follows an alternate timeline this book features all the technology that this genre is noted for with the addition of a romance. Eliza Hardison is a young woman who is determined to right what she sees as wrongs. Strongly believing that workers rights are sometimes abused Eliza wants nothing more than to publicise the cause. She's an independent young woman with a flair for the mechanical and is reluctantly persuaded by her cousin the very talented Makeshift Baron to take part in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally. As Eliza is an adventurous sort the idea of a race both on land and air somewhat appeals to her.
The Makeshift Baron asks his protege Matthew Pence to watch out for Eliza whilst they both tackle the journey. Matthew has known Eliza for several years but the child he remembers is no more. In her place is a young woman who both challenges and yet fascinates him at the same time. Both Eliza and Matthew take the race incredibly seriously as winning would be a great coup and wonderful achievement for the victor. The perilous journey will pit them against each other but will also throw them both together.
Things are not as straightforward as they should be though as sabotage is suspected right from the off. The arduous journey is made more dangerous as incidents begin to escalate and unfortunately it's soon clear that someone is out to subvert the rally. Matthews fascination for Eliza deepens as they face explosive trials together and it's clear that the forward thinking Eliza is not immune to him. Eliza is attracted to Matthew but has a world of her own to conquer that might not include a man! Unfortunately what started out as a race to win quickly becomes a race just to survive. This was undoubtedly fun to read and kept reminding me of those old films that showed silly races with flying machines! It was quite easy to picture the events as they unfold and was very easy to follow. It's a different style to the first book though - Gossamer Wing, as there is a lot less espionage present here. What the author has delivered is a tale of action, adventure with more than a dash of romance. Writing that takes the reader on a great adventure against an odious villain who deserves to be taken down.
Overall this book was full of intrigue and deception not to mention likeable lead characters. So rare to read about characters that truly work together without one trying to dominate the other. This was a delightful foray into the steampunk genre and I would happily read more from Ms. Dryden.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ORIGINAL POST: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...

SCARLET DEVICES: a Hotter Penelope Pitstop

E-Galley provided by publisher via Net Galley for review purposes. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions granted herein are my own except as noted.

When I was a young girl, in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a Hanna Barbera cartoon called the PERILS OF PENELOPE PITSTOP. It was sort of steampunk, with an Around the World in Eighty Days vibe. But what was unique about it, as a cartoon at that time, was that the heroine was an independent woman traveling around in her little race car. Not so uniquely, everything was pink and she was pretty much shaped like a short Barbie doll.

This book, and the quest to be an independent woman in a man’s world, reminded me a lot of that cartoon from my youth. But it is not that it was cartoonish at all. Instead it was a well thought out story with complex world building, a good romance and fully developed characters.

The cover would be fabulous except there are NO TRAINS in the story. I’m not sure trains even exist in Dryden’s world. What do exist are steam powered cars, roadsters really, and personal flying devices somewhere between a hang glider, dirigible and balloon. Unlike many steam punk pieces SCARLET DEVICES doesn’t rely on a different set of physics involving ether and magnetos. It’s just still set back in the Victorian period and has a different political structure but, as far as I could tell the geography and most of the cities are the same. As in our 1800s, the world is filled with technological improvements and the story deals with the facilitation of transcontinental travel. .

Actually. Dryden did a great job world building here and, even though this is the second book in the series it does stand alone quite well. The sexy times do not start on page one, and they are hot hook ups but not really kinky.

The characters are interesting and even some of the supporting characters are fully sketched. Both Eliza and Matthew are very three-dimensional, intelligent, noble and sexy characters. Neither is the standard issue! The direction of the story is predictable, but it is a romance so the outcome is rather ipso facto. How you’re going to get to the foregone conclusion is where the story is found. And theree is a lot of story, much danger, adventure, and heroics. The villain is not well developed, other than to demonstrate that he is mad, but while he is important to the plot, he plays a small part in the pages of the book. Dryden does an admirable job creating a romance where the characters all grow through their travail and gain understanding as well as love. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SCARLET DEVICES.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, I almost never read steampunk books. When I do, though, I absolutely love them. One look at the cover of Scarlet Devices, and I knew it was going to be a fun steampunk read with some romance and a lot of attitude.

When Eliza's cousin Dexter asks her to race in the American Dominion Sky and Air Rally, she isn't sure whether she wants to enter or not. Instead, she'd rather continue on in her work for workers' rights. But when her childhood friend Matthew berates Eliza for even thinking of entering, she can't help but want to prove him wrong and enter the race. Matthew is determined to look out for Eliza as someone begins to sabotage the rally as the racers get closer and closer to their destination in San Francisco. Eliza and Matthew are forced to work together to finish the race alive, only to discover some undeniable steam in their own relationship along the way…

The very first aspect that drew me to this novel was the steampunk. The characters are driving steam cars and dirigibles in a race representing companies around the world to win the prize money. While Eliza isn't the only woman in the race, there is definitely a lot of repercussion from society when she agrees to enter. Oh, but don't worry, she has the dashing Matthew to protect her along the way. While Eliza was a headstrong woman who knew her way around a steam car, Matthew provided the perfect companion to bicker and stir up trouble with. The pair of them were so entertaining and I loved the instant chemistry and quirky nature of their relationship.

Not only are the steampunk and romance spot on, but the mystery revolving around who is sabotaging the race and what awaits the racers at the end add even more intrigue to the story. Who's killing of the racers? What's in the West that's so dangerous? We don't know! All we know is that Matthew is not going to stand down, and Eliza is determined to stand right by his side. The stubborn nature of the main characters create a story full of twists and turns they must navigate as they quarrel with each other along the way.

Even though I didn't read the first book of this series, I was able to immerse myself into the story and fall in love with every single one of the characters and the mechanical world they live in. If you haven't read anything by Delphine Dryden yet, then you must! Her Steam and Seduction series is full of passionate romance and a steampunk world full of gadgets, gears, and intriguing mayhem.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/06...

It’s a race across the American Dominions in Delphine Dryden’s imaginative Scarlet Devices . This second outing for the Steam and Seduction series features an exciting land and air race with technological wonders that will spark your imagination. As with the first Steam and Seduction story, Gossamer Wing, I greatly enjoyed Ms. Dryden’s alternate history America and her characters’ unique steampunk creations.

At the center of Scarlet Devices are Eliza Hardison and Matthew Pence. Eliza is a Vassar grad with dreams of changing the world. But for all her theories and good intentions, Eliza knows little of the real world. With the encouragement of her cousin and his wife, she breaks out of her comfort zone to participate in the Sky and Steam Rally. I liked Eliza’s intelligence and pluck, and it was interesting to watch her grow as a character over the course of the story. As for Matthew, he’s an inventor with a quick mind and a protective bent. He’s known Eliza all her life and at the request of his friend and former employer (Eliza’s cousin), he plans to watch over Eliza during the rally. I liked Matthew, but he definitely underestimated Eliza and it was nice to see him realize her potential. Eliza and Matthew have a natural chemistry that comes from being lifelong friends, but their romance was the weak point for me in Scarlet Devices . Their romance starts out understated to the extreme and then jarringly goes into high gear – I wish it had been a bit more organic, as it almost felt like an afterthought to the excitement going on around Eliza and Matthew.

A dastardly drug lord villain adds danger to Scarlet Devices , keeping the story moving at a quick clip. Add in some interesting secondary characters and appearances by past and future Steam and Seduction protagonists, and you have a solidly entertaining read. All in all I enjoyed Scarlet Devices and I’m looking forward to reading the next Steam and Seduction novel, Gilded Lily.




Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for Steampunk romances, I love the world that is created, the unusual stories that are written and even the beautiful covers the draw my eyes to these books, Scarlet Devices is the second book in the Steam and Seduction series and I thoroughly enjoyed this addition. Ms. Dryden has created this unique world with interesting characters and twists and turns that keep you reading until the end.

Eliza Hardison is young, just graduated from university and ready to make a difference in the world, she is the youngest member of The Society for the Study and Improvement of Workplace Reform and is out to help those in need. She wants to help those who claim their loved ones have “Gone West” never to be heard from again. And although she thinks she knows the world around her, Charlotte, her cousin’s wife believes Eliza should see the world outside of her privileged life and talks her into entering the Sky and Steam Rally race.

Matthew Pence use to work for Dexter, Eliza’s cousin but has his own business now and is entering the race on behalf of his own company and Dexter has asked him to look after Eliza while they travel to San Francisco. Eliza is apprehensive about traveling with Matthew as she has always resented him, she feels he is always trying to restrict her actions and it shows as he is very disapproving in the beginning of the race. However as they travel through the dangerous country (the United States, called The Dominion in this world) they find they must lean on each other, as they face pirates, illness, sinkholes and even mobs of women who belong to the Foundation Ladies Society for Temperance and Moral Fortitude that hate everything that Eliza represents and let her know it. The danger brings Eliza and Matthew closer as they realize how they feel toward each other, they just must stay alive long enough to have a future.

I love the alternate world that Ms. Dryden has created for the series, things are just familiar enough that you can recognize the place or situation but she tweaks it just a bit. The story has mystery, intrigue, and romance with enough danger to keep you interested.

Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind

Copy from publisher for an honest review

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's post is on Scarlet Devices by Delphine Drysen. It is the second in her Steam and Seduction series. It is 279 pages long and is published by Berkley Sensation. The cover has the two main characters on it with a steam train behind them. The intended reader is someone who likes steampunk, romance, and travel stories. There is mild foul language, sex, and mild violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of the main characters moving as needed over the course of the story. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- DRIVEN TO WIN. DRAWN TO LOVE.
Fresh from university, Eliza Hardison is determined to crusade for workers’ rights until her cousin Dexter, the Makesmith Baron, prevails on her to represent Hardison House in the American Dominion Sky and Steam Rally.
The competition is fierce, but only one opponent really matters to Eliza. Dexter’s protégé, Matthew Pence, was always like a big brother to her. But now she’s grown up, and Matthew has made a break from Hardison House with his own business venture—and made his own entry in the rally.
Matthew intends to win while keeping Eliza safe on the perilous route from New York to San Francisco. As the threats escalate through treacherous skies and uncharted American wilds, though, Eliza and Matthew must work together, discovering a bond deeper than either could have imagined…but is winning the rally more important than winning at love?


Review- This is a fun second in the Steam and Seduction series. The characters were fun, the plot was really interesting, and I liked traveling in this world. The real plot is about people who have gone missing. The race is just the way to get there. Eliza is fun, she is a very well educated wealthy woman, who wants to make a difference in the world. Matthew wants to make his own way in the world. Together they both want to win this race. But something more is going on the background of the race. People have been going missing and no one knows anything about it. So with the race, the missing persons, and the romance, this is one fast-paced story. If you read the first one and liked it, then you will like this one too.


I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.

[Christyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet Devices is the second book in the Steam and Seduction series by Ms. Dryden. I probably should've read them in order - only because I think the first book probably had more world building. Despite this I did manage to get an idea of this world. Full of adventure, action and romance I enjoyed this steampunk romance! It does start off a little slow but it also does pick up as the rally gets under way.

Eliza, grew on me. I will admit I wasn't super fond of her in the beginning but she did a lot of growing, by the end of the book I was cheering her on - and genuinely liked her. Matthew and Eliza together were really great, I enjoyed the romance aspect of the story. Matthew, though was my favorite - seriously he's a sweetie - he had his own growing to do (though not as much as Eliza), he was a nice venture away from all the alpha, he-men I see - not to say he doesn't have his moments but he is a softer, sweeter hero, a very genuine good guy. Their relationship shined because it wasn't just the romance, it was the respect for each other - their skills, knowledge, and personalities that really helped it shine. They leaned on each other - there wasn't a whole bunch of pushing each other away just because, they really became equals.

The villain was identified early on though not necessarily all of his doings. He was a vile little POS who seemed to get away with these things based more on luck than any smarts, and for the most part had his henchman/pirates do all the dirty work, and those temperance ladies (though they were inadvertently helping him). The things he did were disgusting, I was hoping for some unfortunate fate to befall him - prison seems too good for him.

I would've liked some wrap up about some of the other characters we were introduced to - Cantlebury, Lavinia Speck, Madame Barsteau, and even the other few racers who survived but could not continue the race - like Whitcombe.

Overall it was a fun and entertaining read - though probably best read in order - I still enjoyed it!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in a fantastic new steampunk series, this story follows Eliza Hardison and Matthew Pence on a road and air race across the country. It is already considered dangerous because of the rumors of harmful gases in the area of the mountains they will have to cross to reach the west coast. Add to that the sabotage attacks that begin before the race has even started, and it makes for an exciting cross country race to the finish for Eliza and Matthew. She has known him since she was young, and feels he’s always tried to stifle her creativity, but he sees it as trying to protect her from her dangerous activities. They start out the race as rivals, and of course he’s keeping an eye out for her protection as well, but as they continue on and more attacks occur, they begin to learn more about each other’s motivations and feelings and realize that working together they can do anything. I loved all the inventive steam devices and Eliza and Matthew’s creativity and mechanical know how that enables them to keep their vehicles running despite the hard terrain and mishaps they encounter. The villain of the piece and his elaborate enterprise was wonderfully evil and I couldn’t wait for his defeat as well as Eliza and Matthew’s triumph. I look forward to reading more books in this series, and seeing more in this delightful steampunk world.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I haven't read the first book of the series, so my feelings and understanding towards this book might be skewed*

I liked this for the most part. I probably wouldn't read it again, but while I was reading it the suspense and adventure really kept me hooked. It unfortunately took a while(around 30-35%) for me to start like one of the MCs.

There was just something about this read that I wasn't too fond of, and I can't put my finger on what it was. I liked the MCs for the most part, I was a fan of the mystery portion, and I really loved the concept of the land and air rally. I think some of my dislike definitely had to do with the lack of world building.
Unless all of the world building was done in the first book, then this is my fault and not the writing. I just felt like we were thrown into this world without really knowing what was going on or what it was like. It was a bit disorienting.

I am very very excited to read the next book about Barnabas called "Gilded Lily", but honestly I sort of wish it was about Phineas. I think he is such an interesting and intriguing character. So mysterious and that scene towards the end of this book has you really scratching your head as to what's a lie and whats the truth.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I liked the cover. I love Steampunk fashion but I had never read a Steampunk based book before and I didn't realize it had it's own vernacular as well as it's own spin on the historical world.

This story involves a cross country steam and sky race. Oh...and an evil opium drug lord.

It was a smart, well written book. None of the characters were super intriguing, but they were interesting. The romance was charming, I liked the play between Matthew and Eliza.

I've seen this book listed as erotica...it's not. It's a pretty standard romance in an interesting setting. I will definitely give another Steampunk novel a try.