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The Elders and Welders Chronicles #1
Prince of Hearts
Prince of Hearts: A Victorian Steampunk Romance
London: 1896. Airships rule the skies, and automatons run the tracks at Ascot. Since the Great Exhibition of 1851, Her Majesty's Empire has been powered by the Steam Revolution and Welding science. It is a time of glorious innovation and dangerous civil unrest. But Miss Aline Finch, prim, plain career girl, has more important things on her mind than the state of the Empire.
After her employer, the handsome but insufferable criminologist, Professor Romanov, hares off for parts unknown in a slightly-illegal dirigible, stranding her in France, she has finally had enough. In a fit of pique, she decides to marry her long-time and very proper suitor, quitting Romanov for good.
The last thing the Professor expects to come home to is his secretary's mutiny. Finch's timing couldn't be any more inconvenient, for a serial murderer from Romanov's past has set his sights on her. Romanov must keep her close if he has any chance of protecting her life—and the dangerous secrets the murderer threatens to expose. For the Professor is much, much more than he seems, and the secrets that he keeps are centuries old—and hidden deep in his heart.
When the Professor discovers Finch is to wed, however, he is forced to confront the truth of the matter: he doesn't just want his secretary back to protect her. He wants her in his bed. Forever. Aline fights Romanov's seduction, but she's no match for her own unruly desires, or the truth of her own heart.
But when the Professor's true identity is exposed, destroying the very foundations of Aline's conception of reality, will the Professor lose her forever? Or will the murderer succeed in his evil plot to destroy them both before they can find their happy ending?
Warning: this sensual romance will put the steam in steampunk.
London: 1896. Airships rule the skies, and automatons run the tracks at Ascot. Since the Great Exhibition of 1851, Her Majesty's Empire has been powered by the Steam Revolution and Welding science. It is a time of glorious innovation and dangerous civil unrest. But Miss Aline Finch, prim, plain career girl, has more important things on her mind than the state of the Empire.
After her employer, the handsome but insufferable criminologist, Professor Romanov, hares off for parts unknown in a slightly-illegal dirigible, stranding her in France, she has finally had enough. In a fit of pique, she decides to marry her long-time and very proper suitor, quitting Romanov for good.
The last thing the Professor expects to come home to is his secretary's mutiny. Finch's timing couldn't be any more inconvenient, for a serial murderer from Romanov's past has set his sights on her. Romanov must keep her close if he has any chance of protecting her life—and the dangerous secrets the murderer threatens to expose. For the Professor is much, much more than he seems, and the secrets that he keeps are centuries old—and hidden deep in his heart.
When the Professor discovers Finch is to wed, however, he is forced to confront the truth of the matter: he doesn't just want his secretary back to protect her. He wants her in his bed. Forever. Aline fights Romanov's seduction, but she's no match for her own unruly desires, or the truth of her own heart.
But when the Professor's true identity is exposed, destroying the very foundations of Aline's conception of reality, will the Professor lose her forever? Or will the murderer succeed in his evil plot to destroy them both before they can find their happy ending?
Warning: this sensual romance will put the steam in steampunk.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2013
185 people are currently reading
1983 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Foxe
3 books238 followersI write Steampunk Romance. I am self published and loving it! I also publish Historical Romance under Maggie Fenton. Thief of Hearts is finally finished and available for purchase!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 14, 2017
Steampunk, but not annoyingly so. I think why it's not annoying is because neither of the characters is "enhanced." Enhanced is the word used for people with iron enhancements. Almost everyone has an Iron Necklace, which is a breathing apparatus that keeps people alive after the Fog descended and killed people after a war in the Crimea. After the Iron Necklace, people get enhancements to fix things or beautify. Finch, the female mc, has an allergy that makes any enhancement impossible and the Professor, the male mc, doesn't need one.
Finch is the Professor's secretary and Jill of all trades. She's more of a personal assistant. He is a criminologist and solves murders, while often leaving on mysterious trips she's not invited on, much to her annoyance. Their relationship is cute, with him nettling her and her responding with sarcasm. While he's gone on one of his mysterious trips, Finch quits after having to do one too many odious tasks in his absence. The Professor is not pleased when he returns, especially since Finch is in danger. For quite a long time, someone has been murdering people and casting suspicion upon the Professor. But now the killer has started targeting women who resemble Finch and leaving spectacles on them, like Finch wears. The Professor thus returns to his endangered secretary having quit and absolutely refusing to return.
I enjoyed the banter between the two main mc's in this book. It's often times amusing and reading from each main character's POV helps. I liked the plot and the plethora of dead bodies. Could've been more on the solving the murder part, since I pretty quickly guessed all of the guilty persons. But for a book only 225 pages long, I feel it did a good job and it was a nice change of pace to read. Not sure about the second book in this series, I'm more so hoping for a book featuring the reclusive Duke.
Finch is the Professor's secretary and Jill of all trades. She's more of a personal assistant. He is a criminologist and solves murders, while often leaving on mysterious trips she's not invited on, much to her annoyance. Their relationship is cute, with him nettling her and her responding with sarcasm. While he's gone on one of his mysterious trips, Finch quits after having to do one too many odious tasks in his absence. The Professor is not pleased when he returns, especially since Finch is in danger. For quite a long time, someone has been murdering people and casting suspicion upon the Professor. But now the killer has started targeting women who resemble Finch and leaving spectacles on them, like Finch wears. The Professor thus returns to his endangered secretary having quit and absolutely refusing to return.
I enjoyed the banter between the two main mc's in this book. It's often times amusing and reading from each main character's POV helps. I liked the plot and the plethora of dead bodies. Could've been more on the solving the murder part, since I pretty quickly guessed all of the guilty persons. But for a book only 225 pages long, I feel it did a good job and it was a nice change of pace to read. Not sure about the second book in this series, I'm more so hoping for a book featuring the reclusive Duke.
July 23, 2014
3.5 Steam Heart Stars!
He'd killed for her, and he was afraid he'd do so again and again until his father's blood boiled like lava through his veins, and he'd drown in the darkness...
She'd made him love her, and he hated her for it.
I've never ventured into reading steampunk, but this book was good and not so heavy on the "steampunk".
Prince of Hearts, was a cute book, the heroine was quirky, funny and head over heels in love with the hero, even though she was loathe to admit it. Finch, is secretary to Professor Romanov, an esteemed criminologist in London. He's demanding, controlling and arrogant, and Finch can't stand him, at least that's what she tells herself. The last straw is when his two hell hounds push her into the Thames, she decides to quit and marry Charlie Netherfield so that she can finally settle down. At 33 years old her time is running out.
But her plans are delayed when Romanov decides to leave her in London, on a secret mission, he leaves her to look after his dogs and she has to wait for his return. I really liked Finch, she's nerdy, a complete klutz and a very opinionated heroine although she could also be fragile at times.
But he had kissed her, and she had felt the world as she knew it fragment around her. And it was terrifying because she knew that more that her body had been surrendered to Sasha. He'd not asked for anything else, and he'd not want anything else, but somewhere along the way, her heart, traitor that it was, had fallen at his feet, filled with foolish love.
And she feared he would trample it
Romanov, was the epitome of the broody and tortured hero, although I'm used to way more intense heroes, I really did like him!
I honestly have no idea how to review this book because, it seems a bit absurd even though I really enjoyed it! The story centers around a serial murder case that Romanov has been investigating for three years. Each victims heart is removed from her chest, for all intents and purposes the murders point to him being guilty. It seems the murderer is trying to implicate as the actual serial killer. Romanov has deep dark secrets, and Finch starts to see a side to him that she would have never imagined. While Romanov begins to realise that Finch means a lot more to him than he thought.
My only complaint would be the non existent build up. I didn't really feel any sexual tension between Romanov and Finch, just banter so when things suddenly heated up at about 60% it all felt kind of disconnected. Don't get me wrong there were some really steamy scenes in this book, but I needed the story to build momentum so a few heated moments earlier on in the story would have helped.
"Perhaps you're right. There is a darkness inside of you that I can never fix, not in a dozen lifetimes. Only you can do that."
"It't not easy," he said.
"All you have to do us to forgive yourself, Sasha.
Anyway, I'll definitely be continuing this series.
He'd killed for her, and he was afraid he'd do so again and again until his father's blood boiled like lava through his veins, and he'd drown in the darkness...
She'd made him love her, and he hated her for it.
I've never ventured into reading steampunk, but this book was good and not so heavy on the "steampunk".
Prince of Hearts, was a cute book, the heroine was quirky, funny and head over heels in love with the hero, even though she was loathe to admit it. Finch, is secretary to Professor Romanov, an esteemed criminologist in London. He's demanding, controlling and arrogant, and Finch can't stand him, at least that's what she tells herself. The last straw is when his two hell hounds push her into the Thames, she decides to quit and marry Charlie Netherfield so that she can finally settle down. At 33 years old her time is running out.
But her plans are delayed when Romanov decides to leave her in London, on a secret mission, he leaves her to look after his dogs and she has to wait for his return. I really liked Finch, she's nerdy, a complete klutz and a very opinionated heroine although she could also be fragile at times.
But he had kissed her, and she had felt the world as she knew it fragment around her. And it was terrifying because she knew that more that her body had been surrendered to Sasha. He'd not asked for anything else, and he'd not want anything else, but somewhere along the way, her heart, traitor that it was, had fallen at his feet, filled with foolish love.
And she feared he would trample it
Romanov, was the epitome of the broody and tortured hero, although I'm used to way more intense heroes, I really did like him!
I honestly have no idea how to review this book because, it seems a bit absurd even though I really enjoyed it! The story centers around a serial murder case that Romanov has been investigating for three years. Each victims heart is removed from her chest, for all intents and purposes the murders point to him being guilty. It seems the murderer is trying to implicate as the actual serial killer. Romanov has deep dark secrets, and Finch starts to see a side to him that she would have never imagined. While Romanov begins to realise that Finch means a lot more to him than he thought.
My only complaint would be the non existent build up. I didn't really feel any sexual tension between Romanov and Finch, just banter so when things suddenly heated up at about 60% it all felt kind of disconnected. Don't get me wrong there were some really steamy scenes in this book, but I needed the story to build momentum so a few heated moments earlier on in the story would have helped.
"Perhaps you're right. There is a darkness inside of you that I can never fix, not in a dozen lifetimes. Only you can do that."
"It't not easy," he said.
"All you have to do us to forgive yourself, Sasha.
Anyway, I'll definitely be continuing this series.
September 13, 2025
Reread 2025
Chapter 4 is my favourite!
Reread February 2018 -
I loved this just as much second time around as I did first. These two have some very amusing banter. But by far when Professor Romanov really sees Finch for the first time is my favourite part, the author wrote his shock so well.
Original review -
4.5
I ADORED THIS BOOK
This popped up when I was looking at something completely different and after reading the description I decided to give it a go. I'm trying to broaden my reading choices past just fluffy sex books. Now I'm sat asking myself why it took me so long to try a historical or steampunk book. It's a bit early to say seeing as this is my first book of this type but I'm pretty sure the others won't come up to this standard.
It took me a while to get into, but when I finally did the world created here was so clear. I love the historical setting mixed with all the mechanical advancements. It's just so different.
Add onto that a strong heroine who doesn't take crap from anyone.
"She was a modern, independent woman of the Steam Age. And she was British. She'd soldier on."
And a grumpy, demanding and mysterious man.
"Brilliant, insufferable, and ... Well, it would be foolish to try and deny it. He was truly, devilishly handsome."
One of my favourite parts was when Sasha took his blinkers off and really looked at Finch for the first time. His shock was so funny and endearing. Even him running off in a panic about his sudden feelings for her was amusing.
"He wanted her madly. It was as if he'd woken up one day to find that his parochial little secretary had been replaced by some alluring she-demon determined to make his life a torment. But he supposed Finch had not changed so much as he'd been forced to take the blinders off and see the truth. He was smitten."
This was also surprisingly hot. I'm not sure why I thought it wouldn't be, but the way in which their sexual exploits were told made me feel a bit naughty for reading about it.
"Dear God, he burned for her. He wanted to take Finch right there and then, no ceremony, no pretence. He wanted to take her against the desk, quick and hard, like some marauding barbarian. Just to show her who was in charge of this little dance of theirs. And then he wanted to carry her over to that shoddy little cot of hers, throw that pink robe into the grate, and make painfully slow, revoltingly sweet love to her all night long."
*fans self*
"She had been thoroughly debauched by the Professor. Numerous times."
So yes, I loved it. The setting, the characters, the mystery, the build-up, the bit of angst. All of it.
Chapter 4 is my favourite!
Reread February 2018 -
I loved this just as much second time around as I did first. These two have some very amusing banter. But by far when Professor Romanov really sees Finch for the first time is my favourite part, the author wrote his shock so well.
Original review -
4.5
I ADORED THIS BOOK
This popped up when I was looking at something completely different and after reading the description I decided to give it a go. I'm trying to broaden my reading choices past just fluffy sex books. Now I'm sat asking myself why it took me so long to try a historical or steampunk book. It's a bit early to say seeing as this is my first book of this type but I'm pretty sure the others won't come up to this standard.
It took me a while to get into, but when I finally did the world created here was so clear. I love the historical setting mixed with all the mechanical advancements. It's just so different.
Add onto that a strong heroine who doesn't take crap from anyone.
"She was a modern, independent woman of the Steam Age. And she was British. She'd soldier on."
And a grumpy, demanding and mysterious man.
"Brilliant, insufferable, and ... Well, it would be foolish to try and deny it. He was truly, devilishly handsome."
One of my favourite parts was when Sasha took his blinkers off and really looked at Finch for the first time. His shock was so funny and endearing. Even him running off in a panic about his sudden feelings for her was amusing.
"He wanted her madly. It was as if he'd woken up one day to find that his parochial little secretary had been replaced by some alluring she-demon determined to make his life a torment. But he supposed Finch had not changed so much as he'd been forced to take the blinders off and see the truth. He was smitten."
This was also surprisingly hot. I'm not sure why I thought it wouldn't be, but the way in which their sexual exploits were told made me feel a bit naughty for reading about it.
"Dear God, he burned for her. He wanted to take Finch right there and then, no ceremony, no pretence. He wanted to take her against the desk, quick and hard, like some marauding barbarian. Just to show her who was in charge of this little dance of theirs. And then he wanted to carry her over to that shoddy little cot of hers, throw that pink robe into the grate, and make painfully slow, revoltingly sweet love to her all night long."
*fans self*
"She had been thoroughly debauched by the Professor. Numerous times."
So yes, I loved it. The setting, the characters, the mystery, the build-up, the bit of angst. All of it.
April 5, 2018
2.5 stars.
This could have been really good. If only the heroine had not been quite so door-mattish. So plain and unattractive (and this was emphasised ad nauseum) So badly dressed (had she no self-respect?) If only the hero had not been quite so damaged. So filled with self-loathing. So oddly dumb. So fantastically beautiful-looking that the contrast with her unattractiveness was too stark.
I did enjoy the story, and the concept was cool. I like the way this author writes and have read her HR novels(under Maggie Fenton) with pleasure. But the heroine, Aline, annoyed me quite a bit.
How she put up with this man for 5 years as his secretary was beyond me. He was pretty much a pig to her. To top it off, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s unattractive- suddenly he thinks she is beyond hot? I am never convinced that a man can suddenly feel a desperate sexual attraction for a woman he has been working with for 5 years, when up to that point he has not even noticed her as a woman. And has had a number of mistresses.
So I have many reservations about this story. Not sure what the gambling addiction aspect was supposed to mean, either. That she was a risk-taker? She also wrote these penny dreadfuls that were so clearly based on her own relationships it was a bit naff. And kind of pathetic. I think that is how I saw her in the end. Kind of pathetic. She was a nice person. But not my kind of gal.
I will read the next one to see how it develops and hope for a more equal partnership, but coming off The Kraken King I am not holding my breath.
This could have been really good. If only the heroine had not been quite so door-mattish. So plain and unattractive (and this was emphasised ad nauseum) So badly dressed (had she no self-respect?) If only the hero had not been quite so damaged. So filled with self-loathing. So oddly dumb. So fantastically beautiful-looking that the contrast with her unattractiveness was too stark.
I did enjoy the story, and the concept was cool. I like the way this author writes and have read her HR novels(under Maggie Fenton) with pleasure. But the heroine, Aline, annoyed me quite a bit.
How she put up with this man for 5 years as his secretary was beyond me. He was pretty much a pig to her. To top it off, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s unattractive- suddenly he thinks she is beyond hot? I am never convinced that a man can suddenly feel a desperate sexual attraction for a woman he has been working with for 5 years, when up to that point he has not even noticed her as a woman. And has had a number of mistresses.
So I have many reservations about this story. Not sure what the gambling addiction aspect was supposed to mean, either. That she was a risk-taker? She also wrote these penny dreadfuls that were so clearly based on her own relationships it was a bit naff. And kind of pathetic. I think that is how I saw her in the end. Kind of pathetic. She was a nice person. But not my kind of gal.
I will read the next one to see how it develops and hope for a more equal partnership, but coming off The Kraken King I am not holding my breath.
July 11, 2016
3.5 stars!
This book was soooo fun! The world-building is cool and the creativity of it came close to what I think of Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas world. The heroine is a little miss prim and proper but with a feisty side and is just all around freakin adorable. I liked the hero as well, although his characterization seemed a little whacky sometimes. I loved the humor throughout as well.
The not so good stuff: the romance happened way too fast, the “mystery” was not much of a mystery at all, and the relationship angst was pretty stupid in the second half, which made the otherwise-likeable lead characters a bit annoying.
So yeah, it wasn’t perfect, but I still enjoyed it :)
This book was soooo fun! The world-building is cool and the creativity of it came close to what I think of Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas world. The heroine is a little miss prim and proper but with a feisty side and is just all around freakin adorable. I liked the hero as well, although his characterization seemed a little whacky sometimes. I loved the humor throughout as well.
The not so good stuff: the romance happened way too fast, the “mystery” was not much of a mystery at all, and the relationship angst was pretty stupid in the second half, which made the otherwise-likeable lead characters a bit annoying.
So yeah, it wasn’t perfect, but I still enjoyed it :)
December 22, 2014
Miss Aline Finch it determined to hand in her two week resignation to her handsome, dashing and thoroughly irritating boss, Professor Romanov. She is to be married to her fiancee and Charlie and move with him so he can continue his archaeology studies in Egypt. However, there is much more to the the Professor than there appears and now that he is faced with the prospect of a life without the very prim and proper Miss Finch he realises he never wants to let her go...especially when a danger from his past threatens not only his own life, but Aline's as well.
Why do I always end up finding some of my favourite reads just through a pure whim? I decided to give Prince of Hearts a try as the cover caught my eye and I liked the sound of the blurb, I made a very wise decision. Prince of Hearts was an exciting read with a heroine I loved, a hero I lusted after and a new and interesting steam punk world to delve in to.
The heroine of the tale, Aline Finch, is described as prim and plain; however, that impression doesn't last long as you get to know her, she was smart, funny and full of surprises. Romanov was handsome and dashing, with of course the obligatory tragic past and centuries worth of secrets, all of which amounted to him being completely irresistible. I loved watching as the chemistry between them grew until he began so her as more than the secretary he loved harass and she stopped seeing him as just her employer. The banter between them added a spark to their relationship which I steadily watched ignite in to passion and I enjoyed every word.
Prince of Hearts also had a paranormal element to the story, one which will continue on to the next book as vampires are also added to the mix. The world that Foxe has started to build up is interesting and I can't wait to see this develop on in her next book, a book that I will definitely be reading. However, the main focus was on the romance, but a plot wasn't forsaken and the danger lurking in the background not only made the book more exciting but it kept events moving on steadily and tied in smoothly with revealing more of Romanov's past.
I highly recommend you give this book a chance it was good start to the Elders and Welders series and I can't wait to read more.
July 25, 2013
4.5 stars - No blurb this time around because the official one does a good job of laying out the story. I really liked Prince of Hearts, the first book in the Elders and Welders series, which has a nice steampunk Victorian era backdrop and a world that includes some paranormal-ish elements. Plus the writing had a nice fun energy to it.
I liked both the great quirky leading lady, and the gorgeous immortal leading man with a tormented past that makes him feel he's a monster. There was good tension building and payoff in the romantic steam department for this pair and an interesting set up for the next pair. I did have a nit with the world building in that I'd have liked to have had a teeny explanation about the 'why' of the Elder/Welder technology worked but that was really a minor nit since I was able to just 'go with it.'
I was lucky enough to snag Prince of Hearts as a kindle freebie, but I'd have still liked it if I'd paid for it and would have bought the next book right now if were already out. Prince of Hearts was a pleasant surprise.
I liked both the great quirky leading lady, and the gorgeous immortal leading man with a tormented past that makes him feel he's a monster. There was good tension building and payoff in the romantic steam department for this pair and an interesting set up for the next pair. I did have a nit with the world building in that I'd have liked to have had a teeny explanation about the 'why' of the Elder/Welder technology worked but that was really a minor nit since I was able to just 'go with it.'
I was lucky enough to snag Prince of Hearts as a kindle freebie, but I'd have still liked it if I'd paid for it and would have bought the next book right now if were already out. Prince of Hearts was a pleasant surprise.
May 13, 2014
Wow! Steampunk is not something I came to on my own. I was forced into it by a creative writing instructor who said I needed to broaden my horizons. I've loved it ever since and this book is a great example of why everyone should give the genre a try. There's just enough history, just enough sexy, and just enough suspense. Loved it.
October 14, 2024
Adult, historical steampunk Twilight written by Lisa Kleypas and Olivia Atwater's lovechild, starring a dramatic male lead and a mousey FL with a temper and a gambling addiction. Need I say more?
January 2, 2014
A light, fun, very enjoyable and pretty steamy read, ladies and gents! I will definitely recommend this to any fans of steampunk romance.
I only heard about Margaret Foxe last December and I confess that her marvellous cover swayed my opinion into buying and reading the book almost immediately. The main hero being a Russian prince was just a big, fat bonus point. *grinning*
The plot is essentially an easy to follow murder mystery slash romance, the world-building is thorough, but what really got me was the main heroine, Miss Finch was just riddled with wonderful flaws.
She was a horrible gambler, a penny dreadful story writer and a formidable blue stocking. I just adored her! You see, Miss Finch has been a long term secretary for Professor Romanov and she has had enough.
He is an impossible, stubborn, overbearing, extremely demanding and driven by his obsession with solving murder mysteries employer. He is also brooding and dark and a beautiful man with a string of mistresses following him around. She can't stand him, he doesn't notice her enough, and yet... nothing is as it seems. You know what is going to happen, right?
They will fall madly in love with each other among the danger and the impossibility of it all.
So if you need a bit of warmth and laughter in one of my favorite genres to start new year with a bang, this will be a nice reading choice. I'm going to read book #2 at some point, and hope you'll give Prince of Hearts a go.
I only heard about Margaret Foxe last December and I confess that her marvellous cover swayed my opinion into buying and reading the book almost immediately. The main hero being a Russian prince was just a big, fat bonus point. *grinning*
The plot is essentially an easy to follow murder mystery slash romance, the world-building is thorough, but what really got me was the main heroine, Miss Finch was just riddled with wonderful flaws.
She was a horrible gambler, a penny dreadful story writer and a formidable blue stocking. I just adored her! You see, Miss Finch has been a long term secretary for Professor Romanov and she has had enough.
He is an impossible, stubborn, overbearing, extremely demanding and driven by his obsession with solving murder mysteries employer. He is also brooding and dark and a beautiful man with a string of mistresses following him around. She can't stand him, he doesn't notice her enough, and yet... nothing is as it seems. You know what is going to happen, right?
They will fall madly in love with each other among the danger and the impossibility of it all.
So if you need a bit of warmth and laughter in one of my favorite genres to start new year with a bang, this will be a nice reading choice. I'm going to read book #2 at some point, and hope you'll give Prince of Hearts a go.
January 2, 2015
I picked up this book because of my recent participation in Steampunk Day at a local museum. I was a bit wary of this, because I don't typically like historicals. I was relieved to discover that this was far from historical!
This book starts off with adventure. I really loved Finch. She's a perfect, mousy, mess! She has no sense of fashion, she's sassy, wears her glasses like armor, she's bookish and smart. I just loved the endearing messiness of her.
And Sasha...he's something. Gotta swoon for a tortured hero! He thinks he's a villain, but he's really a good guy...if a little messed up. I was not always a fan of the way he treats Finch, like she's really a fragile little bird, but he gets it together by the end.
The mystery and action are incredible, and the sexual tension is thick through the whole story. Not just for Finch and Sasha, but also for Christiana and Drexler. The world building is wonderfully done, and I really love Finch's penny-dreadful.
Ending with a neat HEA and a teaser for the next book, I'm hooked on this series!
This book starts off with adventure. I really loved Finch. She's a perfect, mousy, mess! She has no sense of fashion, she's sassy, wears her glasses like armor, she's bookish and smart. I just loved the endearing messiness of her.
And Sasha...he's something. Gotta swoon for a tortured hero! He thinks he's a villain, but he's really a good guy...if a little messed up. I was not always a fan of the way he treats Finch, like she's really a fragile little bird, but he gets it together by the end.
The mystery and action are incredible, and the sexual tension is thick through the whole story. Not just for Finch and Sasha, but also for Christiana and Drexler. The world building is wonderfully done, and I really love Finch's penny-dreadful.
Ending with a neat HEA and a teaser for the next book, I'm hooked on this series!
January 12, 2018
I am soooo kicking myself right now for a couple of reasons: 1. I waited way to long to pick this freakin awesome book up off my TBR mountain and 2. I can't go get the rest of the backlist right now because of my new years resolution. I made a resolution not to buy anything other than 2018 published books, otherwise whatever I read has to come out of my TBR to read. Because I wanted to pair down my TBR...what the hell was I thinking??? Now I have to wait until the backlist comes up on my Paperbackswap...who knows how long if ever that will be or it comes across as free on my Bookbub feed. I can't say how thrilled I was with this story, even though steampunk isn't a go to genre for me, I really enjoyed this world and the storyline and come heck or high water I will get the next one. I will have to coax someone into gifting it to me. :-)
November 7, 2014
Finally! A romance I can sink my teeth into and enjoy the sexy times along with the story! I love me some Victorian paranormal steampunk romance. OK, this is the only one I've read and I'm hooked.
It still has some romance dualism that I don't like aka brutish alpha male and clutzy-always-needing-saving-damsel-in-distress. But! Foxe brought some nuances to our two love-birds and I appreciated it. Sasha and Finch were fun, fun, fun.
I'm pretty impressed when I can get some good sexy times and a fantastic story!
It still has some romance dualism that I don't like aka brutish alpha male and clutzy-always-needing-saving-damsel-in-distress. But! Foxe brought some nuances to our two love-birds and I appreciated it. Sasha and Finch were fun, fun, fun.
I'm pretty impressed when I can get some good sexy times and a fantastic story!
September 4, 2017
Nicely done Steam Punk, this story fluctuated between 3&4 stars as I read but was a definite 4 by the end.
Aline Finch is a stuffy, dowdy little woman who works for the narcissistic, demanding Professor of Criminology, Augustus Romanov (aka Sasha). She's worked for him for 5 Loooooong years and is ready to quit with a vengeance. But there's a lot to the Professor that she doesn't know and there are those who would use her connection to him for evil.
The first half had me riveted, but it got kinda predictable in the second half. But the volatile relationship and chemistry between the MCs more than makes up for that. There was a time around 60% where I got fed up with how little power Aline's character had, but then that changed, til towards the end she was the one holding all the cards (well except for the villains).
I wish the Professor hadn't been such a womanizer for the 5 years she worked for him. He even had her be the one to break it off with his mistresses. Granted, at the time, she didn't think much of him anyways, but it wasn't necessary to the plot imho.
Aline doesn't know her employer; the Professor, nearly as well as she thinks she does when she decides to quit. But he knows her more than she thought he did. Then there's her dusty boring beau who she finally agrees to marry. When the Professor finds out that he losing her in more ways than one, the gloves are dropped and he shows a side of himself that's not nearly so contained and suave as he wants to be. But Aline isn't giving in without a fight!!!
Really enjoyed this one and will prob re-read again. Loved the romance. There's a lot of pushing away by both MCs but the chemistry is so HOT between them, that you don't mind so much.
Safety is pretty good
Aline Finch is a stuffy, dowdy little woman who works for the narcissistic, demanding Professor of Criminology, Augustus Romanov (aka Sasha). She's worked for him for 5 Loooooong years and is ready to quit with a vengeance. But there's a lot to the Professor that she doesn't know and there are those who would use her connection to him for evil.
The first half had me riveted, but it got kinda predictable in the second half. But the volatile relationship and chemistry between the MCs more than makes up for that. There was a time around 60% where I got fed up with how little power Aline's character had, but then that changed, til towards the end she was the one holding all the cards (well except for the villains).
I wish the Professor hadn't been such a womanizer for the 5 years she worked for him. He even had her be the one to break it off with his mistresses. Granted, at the time, she didn't think much of him anyways, but it wasn't necessary to the plot imho.
Aline doesn't know her employer; the Professor, nearly as well as she thinks she does when she decides to quit. But he knows her more than she thought he did. Then there's her dusty boring beau who she finally agrees to marry. When the Professor finds out that he losing her in more ways than one, the gloves are dropped and he shows a side of himself that's not nearly so contained and suave as he wants to be. But Aline isn't giving in without a fight!!!
Really enjoyed this one and will prob re-read again. Loved the romance. There's a lot of pushing away by both MCs but the chemistry is so HOT between them, that you don't mind so much.
Safety is pretty good
March 30, 2014
When something hits the spot, you can't always articulate why it's just what you needed. Sometimes there aren't words. So just imagine the moan that you might hear if you caught someone (me) stealing an illicit spoonful of nutella from the jar. That sound about summarizes my feeling for this book.
Look, I love romance, but I am also pretty picky about it. A lot of it can't get past my jaded, cynical heart. Or, all too often, it upsets my feminist sensibilities. But this book just hit all the right notes for me. Romance heavy to be sure, but the steam punk world building was solid and wasn't treated as just a mere back drop to the sexy times. But that romance was oh-so-good. Some of the best I've read in a while. Aline and Sasha's interactions were sweet, funny, smartly character driven, and sexy. I like that they already had an established relationship when the book began. That stood out to me, it felt different. At first they seem past the point of being romantically attracted to one another, and this set-up made the onset of their romantic feelings all the more intriguing.
I also must say that I thought this author excelled at writing an alpha-male who was actually thoroughly likable. He reminded me a lot of Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes. I read so many romances that present utter douches as the ultimate fantasy man, that I'm uber excited when I find a genuine good one. This is a good one!
My only criticism is that the back and forth between Sasha and Aline as to whether or not they should really be together got a little tedious at the end. It felt forced to drag out the tension just a little longer. Which, was still arguably some delicious tension to read, so I'm not complaining too much.
Look, I love romance, but I am also pretty picky about it. A lot of it can't get past my jaded, cynical heart. Or, all too often, it upsets my feminist sensibilities. But this book just hit all the right notes for me. Romance heavy to be sure, but the steam punk world building was solid and wasn't treated as just a mere back drop to the sexy times. But that romance was oh-so-good. Some of the best I've read in a while. Aline and Sasha's interactions were sweet, funny, smartly character driven, and sexy. I like that they already had an established relationship when the book began. That stood out to me, it felt different. At first they seem past the point of being romantically attracted to one another, and this set-up made the onset of their romantic feelings all the more intriguing.
I also must say that I thought this author excelled at writing an alpha-male who was actually thoroughly likable. He reminded me a lot of Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes. I read so many romances that present utter douches as the ultimate fantasy man, that I'm uber excited when I find a genuine good one. This is a good one!
My only criticism is that the back and forth between Sasha and Aline as to whether or not they should really be together got a little tedious at the end. It felt forced to drag out the tension just a little longer. Which, was still arguably some delicious tension to read, so I'm not complaining too much.
January 27, 2014
10 out of 10 stars
(Seriously- like twelve out of ten, it’s THAT good!)
I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book. Anyone who loves a good steampunk romance should not miss out on this. The entire concept was brilliant, with the awesome historical aspects weaved throughout (like Jack the Ripper!) and morphed into a fictional story with incredible machines and cyborg type creatures.
We meet Aline Finch, an overworked personal assistant with a penchant for gambling and a desire for adventure. She can’t stand her employer, constantly at odds with him, a tall dark man who goes by Professor Sasha Romanov.
With the proper mix of foreshadowing, spectacular characters and a plot that keeps the reader on their toes, Margaret Foxe has spun a vivacious tale that you won’t be able to put down. The writing style is flawless- the editing superb, and there’s just enough going on where the reader is enthralled but not overwhelmed. With a few steamy scenes (yes 18+ only please,) and a whole lot of action, mystery and intrigue I’d recommend this to everyone…which I kind of have been…seriously, I can’t stop telling all of my friends. So, go get yours! Now! What are you waiting for? Stop reading this review and go read Prince of Hearts!
Reviewed on behalf of The Review Board
(Seriously- like twelve out of ten, it’s THAT good!)
I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book. Anyone who loves a good steampunk romance should not miss out on this. The entire concept was brilliant, with the awesome historical aspects weaved throughout (like Jack the Ripper!) and morphed into a fictional story with incredible machines and cyborg type creatures.
We meet Aline Finch, an overworked personal assistant with a penchant for gambling and a desire for adventure. She can’t stand her employer, constantly at odds with him, a tall dark man who goes by Professor Sasha Romanov.
With the proper mix of foreshadowing, spectacular characters and a plot that keeps the reader on their toes, Margaret Foxe has spun a vivacious tale that you won’t be able to put down. The writing style is flawless- the editing superb, and there’s just enough going on where the reader is enthralled but not overwhelmed. With a few steamy scenes (yes 18+ only please,) and a whole lot of action, mystery and intrigue I’d recommend this to everyone…which I kind of have been…seriously, I can’t stop telling all of my friends. So, go get yours! Now! What are you waiting for? Stop reading this review and go read Prince of Hearts!
Reviewed on behalf of The Review Board
June 15, 2015
Brilliant, brilliant book. Absolutely one of the best steampunks I've read in a long while. The only concern I had was that the antagonist was a little easy to discern. But regardless of having a good idea of who the villain was, there was never a boring moment in this book.
Solid characters, just the right touch of romance, and a smattering of humor; it was damn near flawless conglomeration. I don't think I could have ask for more. 5 stars.
Solid characters, just the right touch of romance, and a smattering of humor; it was damn near flawless conglomeration. I don't think I could have ask for more. 5 stars.
June 5, 2018
4.5 stars! A teeny bit slow to start off but when it gets interesting - it gets interesting quick! A splendid combination of my most favourite things - Steampunk, Egyptian mythology and sexy, passionate LoVe!
November 16, 2013
It was amazing! Steampunk Romance Fans, read this NOW!!!
August 18, 2018
3.5 stars!
I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this gem, all I remember is reading the opening lines, and suddenly I was reading the last page of the book. Amazing how that happens :P
The characters, Professor Romanov and Aline, were well written. They, quite frankly, made this book for me. Their banter, the slow burn romance, everything. Absolutely everything.
I will say the world building was very limiting. There was so much potential to explore so many of the little details. But, the characterization, for me, made up for the lack of world building.
I'm so utterly surprised by this book. I do believe the story could've been edited a round or two more, but it's self-published so I won't complain.
Do yourself a favor, if you love witty love interests, fun banter, a little bit of steampunk, and a classic slow burn romance, pick up this book!
Forget the low Goodreads rating! I'm so glad I did! I typically don't read anything below 4 stars, but I'm so glad I didn't consider the rating before I picked this one up!
I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this gem, all I remember is reading the opening lines, and suddenly I was reading the last page of the book. Amazing how that happens :P
The characters, Professor Romanov and Aline, were well written. They, quite frankly, made this book for me. Their banter, the slow burn romance, everything. Absolutely everything.
I will say the world building was very limiting. There was so much potential to explore so many of the little details. But, the characterization, for me, made up for the lack of world building.
I'm so utterly surprised by this book. I do believe the story could've been edited a round or two more, but it's self-published so I won't complain.
Do yourself a favor, if you love witty love interests, fun banter, a little bit of steampunk, and a classic slow burn romance, pick up this book!
Forget the low Goodreads rating! I'm so glad I did! I typically don't read anything below 4 stars, but I'm so glad I didn't consider the rating before I picked this one up!
July 29, 2015
Review originally published on http://www.TracingTheStars.com
This, ladies and gentlemen, was my very first steampunk novel. Though I'm still acclimating to the steampunk genre, this book was fantastic on so many wonderful levels that it could have probably been about shifters (a genre I absolutely loathe) and I still would have given it five stars. Though not perfect, and it did induce a few eye-roll moments, it hit my key factors for a five star rating: excellent characters, excellent romance, excellent world building and the OMG MOAR flag was even triggered. I am already standing in line, eagerly waiting for book #2, A Dark Heart, to be released in November.
So, lets talk about Steampunk. I have always watched from the sidelines, loving the amazing costumes, liking the overall concepts behind steampunk and am fans of steampunk media such as League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing, Wild Wild West, and Steam Powered Giraffe. I've never read steampunk, though. When Prince of Hearts came my way via recommendation, I was a bit hesitant. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to separate my normal rating standards from the fact that I might just not understand or end up not liking steampunk as a literary genre.
It's true. I didn't end up liking steampunk as a literary genre. I ended up loving it.
Now, I have no idea if this book includes steampunk genre standards. It is a Victorian steampunk, and I understand there is a bit of slight variation between this and American / wild west style steampunk. I do have the sudden urge to go on a steampunk bender and read anything with gears on the covers, though, to find out.
One thing that did make me snort with a roll of the eyes, which may or may not be genre-typical, is the fact that some objects and concepts in Prince of Hearts seemed to be flippantly made into steampunk by sticking the word steam in front of them. Steam carriage. Steam torch. Steam wireless. Steam. Steam. Steam. I let this little annoyance slide, though, but I don't think it was necessary to call a torch / lighting device a 'steam torch' just to make it seem more steampunk.
The other thing that, again, I don't know if it is steampunk typical - was the reference to famous people of the time period, like Freud and Edison. The Edison reference really irked me, actually, because Edison was not an inventor. He was a shoddy businessman who stole technology from other, real scientists like Tesla. Also, the male protag's (Sasha) identity and ancestry also made me a bit annoyed, wondering why it was so necessary to make these people famous. I would much prefer if he had been a bit ordinary in his background with an extraordinary story. That aside, I do feel the author handled his story rather well, so I couldn't hold my own famous-people-in-fiction-angst against the book.
So, with all my ineptitude regarding steampunk revealed, lets get down to the story and characters. The story involves a prim and proper Aline Finch who has a hidden wild-streak and is secretary/personal assistant to the mysterious Professor Romanov. Romanov, or Sasha, is a 'crime investigator', though his true identity and past are far more interesting. He is much older than he appears, carrying within his chest a Da Vinci Heart that keeps him from aging. He is part of a council of Da Vinci Heart carrying Elders, though he is an outcast because of his origins (which I'm not going to reveal. Go read the book.)
When we enter into their story, we find an Aline Finch who has had quite enough of the Professor's eccentric ways. She's giving him her two weeks, whether he gets it or not, and has plans to marry an archaeologist. There is a serial killer about, however, who is targeting women that resemble Finch and seems to have plans of framing Sasha. When Sasha finds out that Finch has flown the coup, he chases after her for fear of her safety and because the heart he doesn't have isn't willing to let her go.
Finch. I adored her character, rounded spectacles and all. She may be proper on the outside, but inside is a fiery woman who doesn't give Sasha an inch, holds her own in their war of words and has no qualms about going after what she wants, as soon as she figures out exactly what that is. The possible calm, boring life of being married to her bo Charles, or the unending but heart-pounding drama of Sasha. The chemistry between Sasha and Finch sizzles through the pages, driving the story forward.
There were some things about this book that I wasn't expecting, and I'm not going to say what they were, because I hope they catch you off guard too. There were other parts that were obvious but didn't deter from my overall enjoyment of the book.There is 'debauchery' in this book, too, including a few ripped corsets, but I have zero issues with this. This is certainly recommended, however, for mature readers.
The world building in this book was superbly done, steam-labeling everything aside. You get a real good sense of the events, places and time periods without being suffocated by details. There is a good feeling of background and history, including the Crimean war and the Steam Age, and the history carries into the story with as much impact as the character development and murder-mystery plot. There is alchemy, science, automaton mechatronics and things leaning more towards the paranormal. I found it all rather neat and the book never hit a single dull spot.
I think this book has certainly wet my taste buds for steampunk!
This, ladies and gentlemen, was my very first steampunk novel. Though I'm still acclimating to the steampunk genre, this book was fantastic on so many wonderful levels that it could have probably been about shifters (a genre I absolutely loathe) and I still would have given it five stars. Though not perfect, and it did induce a few eye-roll moments, it hit my key factors for a five star rating: excellent characters, excellent romance, excellent world building and the OMG MOAR flag was even triggered. I am already standing in line, eagerly waiting for book #2, A Dark Heart, to be released in November.
So, lets talk about Steampunk. I have always watched from the sidelines, loving the amazing costumes, liking the overall concepts behind steampunk and am fans of steampunk media such as League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing, Wild Wild West, and Steam Powered Giraffe. I've never read steampunk, though. When Prince of Hearts came my way via recommendation, I was a bit hesitant. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to separate my normal rating standards from the fact that I might just not understand or end up not liking steampunk as a literary genre.
It's true. I didn't end up liking steampunk as a literary genre. I ended up loving it.
Now, I have no idea if this book includes steampunk genre standards. It is a Victorian steampunk, and I understand there is a bit of slight variation between this and American / wild west style steampunk. I do have the sudden urge to go on a steampunk bender and read anything with gears on the covers, though, to find out.
One thing that did make me snort with a roll of the eyes, which may or may not be genre-typical, is the fact that some objects and concepts in Prince of Hearts seemed to be flippantly made into steampunk by sticking the word steam in front of them. Steam carriage. Steam torch. Steam wireless. Steam. Steam. Steam. I let this little annoyance slide, though, but I don't think it was necessary to call a torch / lighting device a 'steam torch' just to make it seem more steampunk.
The other thing that, again, I don't know if it is steampunk typical - was the reference to famous people of the time period, like Freud and Edison. The Edison reference really irked me, actually, because Edison was not an inventor. He was a shoddy businessman who stole technology from other, real scientists like Tesla. Also, the male protag's (Sasha) identity and ancestry also made me a bit annoyed, wondering why it was so necessary to make these people famous. I would much prefer if he had been a bit ordinary in his background with an extraordinary story. That aside, I do feel the author handled his story rather well, so I couldn't hold my own famous-people-in-fiction-angst against the book.
So, with all my ineptitude regarding steampunk revealed, lets get down to the story and characters. The story involves a prim and proper Aline Finch who has a hidden wild-streak and is secretary/personal assistant to the mysterious Professor Romanov. Romanov, or Sasha, is a 'crime investigator', though his true identity and past are far more interesting. He is much older than he appears, carrying within his chest a Da Vinci Heart that keeps him from aging. He is part of a council of Da Vinci Heart carrying Elders, though he is an outcast because of his origins (which I'm not going to reveal. Go read the book.)
When we enter into their story, we find an Aline Finch who has had quite enough of the Professor's eccentric ways. She's giving him her two weeks, whether he gets it or not, and has plans to marry an archaeologist. There is a serial killer about, however, who is targeting women that resemble Finch and seems to have plans of framing Sasha. When Sasha finds out that Finch has flown the coup, he chases after her for fear of her safety and because the heart he doesn't have isn't willing to let her go.
Finch. I adored her character, rounded spectacles and all. She may be proper on the outside, but inside is a fiery woman who doesn't give Sasha an inch, holds her own in their war of words and has no qualms about going after what she wants, as soon as she figures out exactly what that is. The possible calm, boring life of being married to her bo Charles, or the unending but heart-pounding drama of Sasha. The chemistry between Sasha and Finch sizzles through the pages, driving the story forward.
There were some things about this book that I wasn't expecting, and I'm not going to say what they were, because I hope they catch you off guard too. There were other parts that were obvious but didn't deter from my overall enjoyment of the book.There is 'debauchery' in this book, too, including a few ripped corsets, but I have zero issues with this. This is certainly recommended, however, for mature readers.
The world building in this book was superbly done, steam-labeling everything aside. You get a real good sense of the events, places and time periods without being suffocated by details. There is a good feeling of background and history, including the Crimean war and the Steam Age, and the history carries into the story with as much impact as the character development and murder-mystery plot. There is alchemy, science, automaton mechatronics and things leaning more towards the paranormal. I found it all rather neat and the book never hit a single dull spot.
I think this book has certainly wet my taste buds for steampunk!
November 11, 2022
Such a fun read! Unbeknownst even to themselves, the FMC and MMC are in love with each other for 5 years. The casual intimacy gave it away immediately and it was so joyful to read. The steampunk elements combined with supernatural characters was quite the treat. I'll definitely finish the series.
Kindle
5
Kindle
5
April 14, 2025
A fast-paced steampunk romance/adventure with clockwork cyborgs, vampires, and a His Girl Friday vibe. The banter crackles, the hero is SUPER dramatic, the heroine is ultra-competent (but also a secret author/gambling addict) who has had just about enough from the hero. Great fun!
Read
February 6, 2023rtc
February 23, 2020
I hadn't read anything steam punk in a while so this seemed like a good idea. However, it was still the tired ol' trope with vampires and immortal hearts and incredible power imbalance. Add some grammatical and blatant editorial errors (using wrong names for uncle AND one of the main characters) turned me off a lot.
The only reason it earned 2 stars is because I liked the descriptions of the tech they used. Although it would have been nice if ONE of the people in the story wore a functioning iron necklace.
The only reason it earned 2 stars is because I liked the descriptions of the tech they used. Although it would have been nice if ONE of the people in the story wore a functioning iron necklace.
September 18, 2014
24/12/2013 - having a re-read of this prior to reading book 2 in the series, A Dark Heart. I forgot how much I loved this book! :) This is a definite favourite - I don't think I will grow tired of reading this one. I love Aline and Sasha as individual characters and together.
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4.5 stars - I REALLY enjoyed this, just a bit light on the world-building for me to give 5 stars, but a definite favourite. Just by chance I saw a review in my recent updates on this book and thought I would take a look. I was looking for the next thing to read and it happened to be available to borrow on the kindle lending library so I thought I would give it a go.
Well I am very glad that I did - and I would have been just as pleased even if I had paid for it. It has an interesting storyline, with a setting that is mainly steampunk but with PNR mixed in too. It's quite a unique premise and it was very enjoyable. I found the characters immediately likable and interesting, the story engrossing and the secondary characters also great - in fact I hope we learn more about each of them in future stories in the series. It was also well-paced and didn't want to put it down.
This has a bit of everything that makes a good book in my perception - romance, murder-mystery, humour, adventure and even a happy ever after.
My main criticism would probably be that I think I would have liked to have a little more in the way of world-building and the history behind the scientific elements, but then I wonder if that is left to be told in future stories as part of the other characters' history perhaps? There was no info-dumping, which was great, and we learn history and current events as we go. I think you learn enough for everything to make sense, but it would have been cool to understand more about the different scientific inventions. I think instead Foxe focuses on her characters more heavily, which is definitely a good thing as they are created very nicely, but I hope to learn more about the world in future stories in this series.
I thought the hero and heroine were very well-done - our heroine is at once vulnerable and fragile, but strong and feisty of spirit. I loved her strange quirks, such as the gambling and secret writing of the Chronicles. I also didn't feel she turned into a complete sap at any point and stayed strong throughout.
The hero was to some extent the typical strong, dark, brooding hero with a tortured past, but although he thought certain things made him a monster and made him hate himself, he actually wasn't all woes-me like some heroes can be, which gets irritating. I also enjoyed the interplay and teasing/bantering between our H/H and the dry sense of humour. He is also not afraid of openly showing his true feelings when the time comes.
The romance was nicely done I felt, as our hero and heroine have known each other for some time, but have not realised their feelings until certain events unfold, so it gives them more of a connection and adds to the realism of their relationship, rather than the insta-love that I get rather tired of reading about in other books. It also seemed that the discussions between them about love seemed more touching and real because of this - you really FELT the emotions with them as they experienced them.
Oh and the sex scenes, very well done I thought, especially if you like romance/sex with the benefit of the relationship behind it rather than just from lust alone - really great build up between them and definitely HOT when it came to it!
Although some elements of the plot were kind of predictable, there was still a bit of mystery around what exactly was happening and the motivations behind the villain and a few surprises along the way. The overall story was very satisfying.
We even had a happy-ending that wasn't too sappy thankfully (although I like romance, I am not really into sap, so this worked well for me). If this is Foxe's debut novel I am really looking forward to more from her and this series.
-----------------
4.5 stars - I REALLY enjoyed this, just a bit light on the world-building for me to give 5 stars, but a definite favourite. Just by chance I saw a review in my recent updates on this book and thought I would take a look. I was looking for the next thing to read and it happened to be available to borrow on the kindle lending library so I thought I would give it a go.
Well I am very glad that I did - and I would have been just as pleased even if I had paid for it. It has an interesting storyline, with a setting that is mainly steampunk but with PNR mixed in too. It's quite a unique premise and it was very enjoyable. I found the characters immediately likable and interesting, the story engrossing and the secondary characters also great - in fact I hope we learn more about each of them in future stories in the series. It was also well-paced and didn't want to put it down.
This has a bit of everything that makes a good book in my perception - romance, murder-mystery, humour, adventure and even a happy ever after.
My main criticism would probably be that I think I would have liked to have a little more in the way of world-building and the history behind the scientific elements, but then I wonder if that is left to be told in future stories as part of the other characters' history perhaps? There was no info-dumping, which was great, and we learn history and current events as we go. I think you learn enough for everything to make sense, but it would have been cool to understand more about the different scientific inventions. I think instead Foxe focuses on her characters more heavily, which is definitely a good thing as they are created very nicely, but I hope to learn more about the world in future stories in this series.
I thought the hero and heroine were very well-done - our heroine is at once vulnerable and fragile, but strong and feisty of spirit. I loved her strange quirks, such as the gambling and secret writing of the Chronicles. I also didn't feel she turned into a complete sap at any point and stayed strong throughout.
The hero was to some extent the typical strong, dark, brooding hero with a tortured past, but although he thought certain things made him a monster and made him hate himself, he actually wasn't all woes-me like some heroes can be, which gets irritating. I also enjoyed the interplay and teasing/bantering between our H/H and the dry sense of humour. He is also not afraid of openly showing his true feelings when the time comes.
The romance was nicely done I felt, as our hero and heroine have known each other for some time, but have not realised their feelings until certain events unfold, so it gives them more of a connection and adds to the realism of their relationship, rather than the insta-love that I get rather tired of reading about in other books. It also seemed that the discussions between them about love seemed more touching and real because of this - you really FELT the emotions with them as they experienced them.
Oh and the sex scenes, very well done I thought, especially if you like romance/sex with the benefit of the relationship behind it rather than just from lust alone - really great build up between them and definitely HOT when it came to it!
Although some elements of the plot were kind of predictable, there was still a bit of mystery around what exactly was happening and the motivations behind the villain and a few surprises along the way. The overall story was very satisfying.
We even had a happy-ending that wasn't too sappy thankfully (although I like romance, I am not really into sap, so this worked well for me). If this is Foxe's debut novel I am really looking forward to more from her and this series.
October 21, 2013
There is something truly wonderful about an author who knows how to write a scene. No, don't laugh at me! I can hear those snorts of derision at even the suggestion that some authors can't write a scene. Well, it's true. Some authors can't write a scene. I'm sorry, but it's the truth and someone has to say it.
Fortunately, Margaret Foxe knows how to write a scene. Prince of Hearts, book one in the Elders and Welders Chronicles is a Victorian steampunk romance. Sprinkled with a hearty dose of abominations, vampires, and other-worldly creatures, of course. And it's quite the entertaining read!
It's London, 1896 and Aline Finch, secretary to the renowned criminologist Professor Romanov, has just about had it with her employer. She's about to give her notice, finish her two weeks, get married in a simple service to her perfectly acceptable fiance, and honeymoon in Egypt while her fiance, Charlie, conducts an archaeological expedition. If only the Professor would let her get a word in edgewise. And if he hadn't disappeared for over a month when he promised to return in two weeks.
What Aline doesn't know is exactly who - and what - her employer is. To the world in 1896 London, he is Professor Alexander Romanov. To the other 12 Elders, he is Ivan Alexander Ivanovich, favorite son of Ivan the Terrible. Oh, and he's over three hundred years old. A killer has been taunting Sasha (as he is known to a few trusted friends) for most of his existence, murdering women and extracting their hearts . . . while they are still alive. What Sasha and the other Elders can't agree on is who the culprit is. Try as he might, many Elders can't quite shake the feeling that Sasha himself is the killer. But as the pattern of killings becomes more and more clear, Sasha realizes that it is his secretary who is in the most danger.
When Sasha does make it back to London, he finds his secretary gone and a nagging feeling that his life is worse for the wear without her - and not just because of her high level of skill in managing his affairs. The Professor sets out to find Aline and lure her back, both for her safety and his convenience. But he soon realizes that he wants more than just a secretary; and Aline finds herself thinking more and more about the Professor in increasingly romantic ways.
Foxe writes great back stories for both Sasha and Aline, painting a clear portrait of the previous five years of Aline's employment with the Professor without weighting down her story with every particular. I really liked how she slowly drew the pair together - each coming to the realization that their relationship is more than simply employer and employee - more than friends, even - in their unique way. And what I wrote about Foxe setting a scene? My oh my, Margaret Foxe sure pens a steamy and sexy seduction!
Now, I do have one complaint. There is a touch of my least favorite plot device ("I must leave you for your own good!") in the story, but, thankfully, it wraps up without being drawn out overly long.
Prince of Hearts has something for everyone - history, murder mystery, humor, romance, danger, and more. It's a thrilling read with very memorable characters, settings, and scenes. (Here's my disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for a review and, honestly, I think I got the better end of the bargain in this case!) I'm eager to read more of the Elders and Welders Chronicles - and I sure hope Aline and Sasha make many appearances in subsequent books!
Fortunately, Margaret Foxe knows how to write a scene. Prince of Hearts, book one in the Elders and Welders Chronicles is a Victorian steampunk romance. Sprinkled with a hearty dose of abominations, vampires, and other-worldly creatures, of course. And it's quite the entertaining read!
It's London, 1896 and Aline Finch, secretary to the renowned criminologist Professor Romanov, has just about had it with her employer. She's about to give her notice, finish her two weeks, get married in a simple service to her perfectly acceptable fiance, and honeymoon in Egypt while her fiance, Charlie, conducts an archaeological expedition. If only the Professor would let her get a word in edgewise. And if he hadn't disappeared for over a month when he promised to return in two weeks.
What Aline doesn't know is exactly who - and what - her employer is. To the world in 1896 London, he is Professor Alexander Romanov. To the other 12 Elders, he is Ivan Alexander Ivanovich, favorite son of Ivan the Terrible. Oh, and he's over three hundred years old. A killer has been taunting Sasha (as he is known to a few trusted friends) for most of his existence, murdering women and extracting their hearts . . . while they are still alive. What Sasha and the other Elders can't agree on is who the culprit is. Try as he might, many Elders can't quite shake the feeling that Sasha himself is the killer. But as the pattern of killings becomes more and more clear, Sasha realizes that it is his secretary who is in the most danger.
When Sasha does make it back to London, he finds his secretary gone and a nagging feeling that his life is worse for the wear without her - and not just because of her high level of skill in managing his affairs. The Professor sets out to find Aline and lure her back, both for her safety and his convenience. But he soon realizes that he wants more than just a secretary; and Aline finds herself thinking more and more about the Professor in increasingly romantic ways.
Foxe writes great back stories for both Sasha and Aline, painting a clear portrait of the previous five years of Aline's employment with the Professor without weighting down her story with every particular. I really liked how she slowly drew the pair together - each coming to the realization that their relationship is more than simply employer and employee - more than friends, even - in their unique way. And what I wrote about Foxe setting a scene? My oh my, Margaret Foxe sure pens a steamy and sexy seduction!
Now, I do have one complaint. There is a touch of my least favorite plot device ("I must leave you for your own good!") in the story, but, thankfully, it wraps up without being drawn out overly long.
Prince of Hearts has something for everyone - history, murder mystery, humor, romance, danger, and more. It's a thrilling read with very memorable characters, settings, and scenes. (Here's my disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for a review and, honestly, I think I got the better end of the bargain in this case!) I'm eager to read more of the Elders and Welders Chronicles - and I sure hope Aline and Sasha make many appearances in subsequent books!
May 4, 2019
Book – Prince of Hearts (Elders and Welders Chronicles #1)
Author – Margaret Foxe
Star rating - ★★★★★
Plot – very well planned and executed
Characters – very diverse and relatable
Movie Potential - ★★★★★
Ease of reading – very ease to read.
Cover - ✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again – Yes
**I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
This is my first steampunk book, ever! I have to say that it doesn't disappoint.
I was drawn into this book right from the very beginning. It gripped my heart, dragged me into the pages and made me feel for every single character.
I wasn't really sure what to make of Aline Finch, at first, but I really grew to love her. She's stubborn, independent and sticks up for herself in a time when women weren't supposed to. She's also fiery and a perfect match for Romanov. I love how she doesn't always say much, but her actions and body language screams so much more.
I love Romanov, or Sasha, and how he's got inner demons that don't just get glossed over or passed aside. I really enjoy getting to explore parts of his history, when they're appropriate. When the story demands it, we discover more about his past and how he's felt about his history.
I really like the fact that we get Sasha and Aline's POV. I think if we only got one, the story would fail, but if we had any more then it wouldn't be as enjoyable. I love seeing things from Finch's POV and then seeing how Sasha is dealing with the same event.
The two are an ideal match and I love the will-they-wont-they between them, the hot, spicy moments and the romance of the simplest elements of the story. Such simple things, that are realistic and normal, like Romanov putting her glasses back on for her or finding her adorable when she sneezes, come across as heartwarming and real.
I love the progression of the story and the criminal aspect. I'm a sucker for a great crime story and this story was that great. There was a supernatural element, the steampunk element and it all felt real and logical. There wasn't one thing that I didn't find believable or thought didn't fit the story.
The author is a really talented writer. I love the way she weaves emotional and mystery elements together, to make you care as much about the characters as you do about the solution to the crime. The whole plot is seamlessly put together, well executed and littered with little nuggets of newspaper clippings. I didn't know what to make of them at first, but then it was explained it was a really nice addition, like a parallel universe; it was super cute.
I really love the way the author combines Romanov's dark humour with the dark aspects of the book. He lightens up all situations, with his quick wit and his sarcasm. He's now, perhaps, my new favourite male MC.
Overall, a great book. Although I sussed out a few of the 'twists' in the plot, I was really happy with how they were revealed, when they were revealed and the overall execution of the book. Everything was considered in intricate detail, so that nothing was left out or left unexplained.
Author – Margaret Foxe
Star rating - ★★★★★
Plot – very well planned and executed
Characters – very diverse and relatable
Movie Potential - ★★★★★
Ease of reading – very ease to read.
Cover - ✔
Suitable Title - ✔
Would I read it again – Yes
**I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
This is my first steampunk book, ever! I have to say that it doesn't disappoint.
I was drawn into this book right from the very beginning. It gripped my heart, dragged me into the pages and made me feel for every single character.
I wasn't really sure what to make of Aline Finch, at first, but I really grew to love her. She's stubborn, independent and sticks up for herself in a time when women weren't supposed to. She's also fiery and a perfect match for Romanov. I love how she doesn't always say much, but her actions and body language screams so much more.
I love Romanov, or Sasha, and how he's got inner demons that don't just get glossed over or passed aside. I really enjoy getting to explore parts of his history, when they're appropriate. When the story demands it, we discover more about his past and how he's felt about his history.
I really like the fact that we get Sasha and Aline's POV. I think if we only got one, the story would fail, but if we had any more then it wouldn't be as enjoyable. I love seeing things from Finch's POV and then seeing how Sasha is dealing with the same event.
The two are an ideal match and I love the will-they-wont-they between them, the hot, spicy moments and the romance of the simplest elements of the story. Such simple things, that are realistic and normal, like Romanov putting her glasses back on for her or finding her adorable when she sneezes, come across as heartwarming and real.
I love the progression of the story and the criminal aspect. I'm a sucker for a great crime story and this story was that great. There was a supernatural element, the steampunk element and it all felt real and logical. There wasn't one thing that I didn't find believable or thought didn't fit the story.
The author is a really talented writer. I love the way she weaves emotional and mystery elements together, to make you care as much about the characters as you do about the solution to the crime. The whole plot is seamlessly put together, well executed and littered with little nuggets of newspaper clippings. I didn't know what to make of them at first, but then it was explained it was a really nice addition, like a parallel universe; it was super cute.
I really love the way the author combines Romanov's dark humour with the dark aspects of the book. He lightens up all situations, with his quick wit and his sarcasm. He's now, perhaps, my new favourite male MC.
Overall, a great book. Although I sussed out a few of the 'twists' in the plot, I was really happy with how they were revealed, when they were revealed and the overall execution of the book. Everything was considered in intricate detail, so that nothing was left out or left unexplained.
December 20, 2014
Miss Aline Finch it determined to hand in her two week resignation to her handsome, dashing and thoroughly irritating boss, Professor Romanov. She is to be married to her fiancee and Charlie and move with him so he can continue his archaeology studies in Egypt. However, there is much more to the the Professor than there appears and now that he is faced with the prospect of a life without the very prim and proper Miss Finch he realises he never wants to let her go...especially when a danger from his past threatens not only his own life, but Aline's as well.
Why do I always end up finding some of my favourite reads just through a pure whim? I decided to give Prince of Hearts a try as the cover caught my eye and I liked the sound of the blurb, I made a very wise decision. Prince of Hearts was an exciting read with a heroine I loved, a hero I lusted after and a new and interesting steam punk world to delve in to.
The heroine of the tale, Aline Finch, is described as prim and plain; however, that impression doesn't last long as you get to know her, she was smart, funny and full of surprises. Romanov was handsome and dashing, with of course the obligatory tragic past and centuries worth of secrets, all of which amounted to him being completely irresistible. I loved watching as the chemistry between them grew until he began so her as more than the secretary he loved harass and she stopped seeing him as just her employer. The banter between them added a spark to their relationship which I steadily watched ignite in to passion and I enjoyed every word.
Prince of Hearts also had a paranormal element to the story, one which will continue on to the next book as vampires are also added to the mix. The world that Foxe has started to build up is interesting and I can't wait to see this develop on in her next book, a book that I will definitely be reading. However, the main focus was on the romance, but a plot wasn't forsaken and the danger lurking in the background not only made the book more exciting but it kept events moving on steadily and tied in smoothly with revealing more of Romanov's past.
I highly recommend you give this book a chance it was good start to the Elders and Welders series and I can't wait to read more.
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January 22, 2014
Foxe has created a world in the 'Elders and Welders' series that is highly imaginative - seductively fantastical, yet compellingly familiar. Set in a Victorianesque, post steam revolution World, a new welded generation lives unknowingly amidst older, and stranger creatures - vampires and elders (made immortal by their da Vinci hearts).
The story focuses on the relationship between Aline, a secretary and secret "penny dreadful' author, and Sasha, her temprememtal and mysterious boss.
Foxe's novel is witty, sharp, and entirely engrossing. The romantic development between Sasha and Aline is beautifully and convincingly written. Their tumultuous and intriguing relationship provides the drama and momentum of the plot. As corpses begin appearing with a striking resemblance to Aline, and sasha becomes implicated in these murders, he is forced to confront his feelings for his feisty secretary, as well as his complicated and difficult past.
Aline is a wonderful heroine, who commands your empathy and respect - her secret gambling addiction and concealed penmanship add humour and complexity to her character. She is both strong and vulnerable, knowledgable and naive.
Sasha is a complex romantic interest, with a secret past that threatens his present and future, a past full of intrigue and historical drama. He is beguiling, frustrating, devilishly sexy - a perfect love interest.
The sexual tension and witty banter that defines and propels their relationship sizzles and grows throughout the novel and builds to a satisfying climax at the end.
Foxe writes an entirely convincing and extremely steamy love scene too - readers are in for a treat.
The novel is populated with characters that demand your attention and help create a world that is bigger than the focus on Sasha and Aline's romantic development. There is much scope for future books. The authors next novel, a dark heart, focuses on another romantic interest, Drexler, the complex, brooding, vampire police chief and his maker Lady Christiana Harker.
I cannot recommend them highly enough and am already impatient for the next.
In short, Prince of Hearts puts the steam in steampunk. Read it.
The story focuses on the relationship between Aline, a secretary and secret "penny dreadful' author, and Sasha, her temprememtal and mysterious boss.
Foxe's novel is witty, sharp, and entirely engrossing. The romantic development between Sasha and Aline is beautifully and convincingly written. Their tumultuous and intriguing relationship provides the drama and momentum of the plot. As corpses begin appearing with a striking resemblance to Aline, and sasha becomes implicated in these murders, he is forced to confront his feelings for his feisty secretary, as well as his complicated and difficult past.
Aline is a wonderful heroine, who commands your empathy and respect - her secret gambling addiction and concealed penmanship add humour and complexity to her character. She is both strong and vulnerable, knowledgable and naive.
Sasha is a complex romantic interest, with a secret past that threatens his present and future, a past full of intrigue and historical drama. He is beguiling, frustrating, devilishly sexy - a perfect love interest.
The sexual tension and witty banter that defines and propels their relationship sizzles and grows throughout the novel and builds to a satisfying climax at the end.
Foxe writes an entirely convincing and extremely steamy love scene too - readers are in for a treat.
The novel is populated with characters that demand your attention and help create a world that is bigger than the focus on Sasha and Aline's romantic development. There is much scope for future books. The authors next novel, a dark heart, focuses on another romantic interest, Drexler, the complex, brooding, vampire police chief and his maker Lady Christiana Harker.
I cannot recommend them highly enough and am already impatient for the next.
In short, Prince of Hearts puts the steam in steampunk. Read it.
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