The Blushing Bounder

The Iron Seas #0.4

by Meljean Brook

In The Iron Duke, Constable Newberry helped save all of England. But before the events of that novel, Constable Newberry’s faced a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

The Blushing Bounder was previously published in the anthology Wild & Steamy.

The Blushing Bounder is a short story/novella of approximately 13,400 words (50 pages.)

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Historical

46 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2013

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[aarya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short novella in Iron Seas world. OK read during US Open advertisements. Read via KU.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Review tomorrow
It's tomorrow 😂

I really like this one. There were a couple of typos and it took me a bit to get used to some of the 'Steampunk' lingo.

But!

Fast paced. Great mc's. Omg. They were so cute and sweet.
Bounders is one word I had to figure out. And that's what they were. They were from the New World but had very Victorian ideas about so many things. They had to see past their prejudices and learn some hard truths about themselves and their world.
But their hearts were sweet and true.
And because of that, they were able to open their minds and see past what they had been taught.

This was a super short read but jammed packed with emotions and so much more.
The sex scene was romantic and loving and very adult. 🔥

I may have to edit this later, but for now, it's all your getting out of me. 😊😈

Prch
5/24/22
ZL

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward and Temperance... although he's not 'Edward' but 'Constable Newberry' for the first part of the book.
We are introduced to Temperance's marriage from her POV to a man she despises. In a very straight laced pseudo Victorian society he compromised her on purpose. She believes it was for her dowry/inheritance. But she never asked. They are forced to move to London England, where life is less restrictive and shadows of the Horde reveal themselves daily. Temperance plans to live out her final days dying of consumption and hating her quiet hulk of a husband. Thankfully she doesn't get her way...
The author had me wrapped around her finger with this one. Never knew what to expect and could not put it down til after the sweetly delicious ending.

[Penny Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely freakin' fantastic. Everything a novella should be. A taste of her quirky steampunk world. Fabulous characterization in a short amount of time. Suspense, intrigue. This is text-book perfect how to write a novella. Even got an awesome HEA at the end.

Let's face some facts here. You just don't have time to lay down all the world-building details of a paranormal setting in a novella. Can't do it. Not enough time. Brook didn't even try. She just threw us into the world and let us sink or swim. I have read The Iron Duke, so I knew what I was getting into. I do think a brand new reader would find this story intriguing enough to continue with the series.

I LOVE Constable Newberry. What a great character! What an adorable love story. This is an epic win!

Grade: A

[Ana María · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short

[MrsJoseph *grouchy* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The story started off a little slow and strange for me…I can admit that I started skimming in annoyance. But suddenly I looked up and I was enjoying myself…and I wanted to go back and start the story all over again. I’ve only read one story in Ms Brook’s Iron Seas series, The Iron Duke. I had some non-con issues with the book but I loved the world building and the style of writing. In this story I had no non-con issues…and I thought that it was super sweet by the end. TBH, Ms Brooks just sold me on picking up a copy of Heart of Steel.* Good Job!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars:)

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is a short story set in the Iron Seas world. I borrowed this through Kindle Unlimited.

Story (4/5): This is just a short story set in the Iron Seas world. It was fun to go back and revisit this world. I liked getting a look at how Americans view the crazy London atmosphere, with its nanotech.

Characters (4/5): This is some background on Constable Newberry and his wife. I liked seeing the perspective of Americans coming to this crazy steampunk London. All of the characters were well done and I enjoyed them a lot.

Setting (5/5): I continued to love the Iron Seas world. It is one of my favorite steampunk/fantasy worlds. I love the combination of biotech, nanotech, steampunk, and historical aspects. It is an intricate world that is incredibly well developed and built.

Writing Style (4/5): This is just a short blip of a story but it is very well written and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I really wish Brook would write some more novels in this world, it is hands down one of my favorite steampunk worlds. I know she's been suffering from writer's block for this world and giving it a break for now, but oh how much I love the Iron Seas universe!

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun, quick trip back to the Iron Seas world. This is one of my favorite worlds and I loved revisiting it. I also loved seeing an American perspective of this world. I would recommend it if you want a peek at both Brooke’s writing style and Iron Seas world...or if you are just a huge fan of this world like I am. I hope we see more books set in this world at some point. This one of the few book series I have read that I would consider rereading in full.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Iron Duke, Constable Newberry helped save all of England. But before the events of that novel, Constable Newberry’s faced a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?
The Blushing Bounder was previously published in the anthology Wild & Steamy.
The Blushing Bounder is a short story/novella of approximately 13,400 words

Heather's Notes
I have been wanting to read this story ever since I read the iron seas series but could never find it. It is now on KU. It was a cute story and kind of makes me want to read the series again.

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meljean Brook is a genius. I love her style of story-telling. The Blushing Bounder takes place well before The Iron Duke, but really gives a huge glimpse into London, the Bounders, and Mina, through the eyes of Constable Newberry's wife, Temperance. It was fun to learn about how Temperance and Edward came to be married.

I will say this, I loved the message this story had to offer, which was, "We fear that which we do not know." And if I loved Edward Newberry before, I absolutely adored him after reading The Blushing Bounder.

[Jujubee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Constable Newberry! What a great addition to the Iron Seas series. Read this in the Wild & Steamy anthology.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mhollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

I was a bit confused with some of the terms as this is a prequel with no real context or backstory explained. I muddled through. On to the next installment.

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story in the Iron Seas world, about a young married couple that must clear up a misunderstanding in their marriage and make a life altering decision before they can get their happy ending.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like this novella, I am keeping this review short 'n sweet. If you have read Meljean Brook's Iron Seas series you will be familiar with Edward Newberry, a secondary, yet important character in The Iron Duke. This novella is set before The Iron Duke and tells the tale of how and why Newberry came to England with his brand new wife.

Like with everything else Meljean Brook has written, I really enjoyed this, Newberry was a great character in The Iron Duke; he is slightly prudish and prone to blushing at the slightest impropriety; basically adorable.

This was sweet novella and can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the Iron Seas series. It gives us Constable Newberry's back story and shows that he is not just an intelligent and honest policeman, but an adoring and loving husband as well.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I want from a novella! A short self contained story that makes me want to read the rest of the series. this was a great showcase for Ms. Brooks talented writing. I hope to be read more of her work soon!

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stelle

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different, short read for me that had such a sweet twist. This isn't a usual genre for me, but I am looking forward to reading the first book of the series.

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

เรื่องนี้ถูกเขียนขึ้นมาทีหลังเรื่อง The Iron Duke ซึ่งเป็นเล่มแรกในชุดนะคะ แต่เหตุการณ์ในเล่มนี้เกิดขึ้นก่อนค่ะ ดังนั้นถ้าจะนับก็ถือว่าเป็นเล่ม 0.1 ในชุดแล้วกัน

ในเล่มนี้คนอ่านจะได้เจอกับนักสืบเอ็ดเวิร์ด นิวเบอร์รี ซึ่งเป็นลูกน้องของมีนา เวนท์เวิร์ธ นางเอกของเรื่อง The Iron Duke ซึ่งสำหรับคนที่อ่านเรื่อง TID ไปแล้วก็คงจะพอทราบคร่าว ๆ ว่า นิวเบอร์รีเป็นคนที่เดินทางมาจากดินแดนที่เรารู้จักกันว่าเป็นอเมริกา (แต่ประวัติศาสตร์ของเรื่องชุดนี้ อเมริกาไม่เคยเกิดขึ้น ดินแดนที่คือทวีปอเมริกา ทั้งเหนือ กลาง และใต้ ถูกเรียกว่า "โลกใหม่" เป็นอาณาเขตที่ชาวยุโรป และแอฟริกาหลบหนีการบุกรุกของพวกฮอร์ด ซึ่งก็คือเผ่ามองโกลจากเอเชีย คนที่หนีไปได้ตั้งประเทศของตัวเองในดินแดนแห่งนั้น และสำหรับอังกฤษ พวกเขามีแค่ดินแดนที่เรียกกันว่า นิวแมนฮัตตัน ซึ่งน่าจะเป็นนิวยอร์คที่เรารู้จักกันนั่นแหละ)

นิวเบอร์รีกลับมาอังกฤษอีกครั้ง หลังจากอังกฤษได้ปลกแอกตัวเองออกจากการปกครองของชาวฮอร์ด แต่เขาไม่ได้กลับมาคนเดียว นิวเบอร์รีพาภรรยาสาวที่เพิ่งแต่งงานกันกลับมาด้วย แต่มันไม่ใช่การแต่งงานที่หวานชื่น

เทมเพอแรนซ์ อดีตครูพี่เลี้ยงที่เตรียมใจพร้อมรับความตายที่กำลังจะมาถึง เมื่อพบว่าตัวเองป่วยเป็นโรคร้าย หญิงสาวเตรียมตัวที่ย้ายไปอยู่บ้านพักฟื้นสำหรับคนป่วย แต่ทุกอย่างก็ผิดพลาด เมื่อตำรวจหนุ่มที่เธอแอบชอบดันทำลายชื่อเสียงของเธอ จนเทมเพอแรนซ์ถูกขับไล่ออกจากบ้านโดยบิดามารดาผู้กลัวเรื่องอื้อฉาว และสามีที่เธอไม่ต้องการก็พาตัวเธอออกจากนิวแมนฮัตตันมาสู่ประเทศอังกฤษ สถานที่อันน่าหวาดกลัว

เริ่มต้นเรื่องเราขอบอกว่า ทำใจยากมากในการยอมรับนางเอก บทแรกที่เธอแสดงความเห็นต่อทุกคนรอบข้าง ต่อประเทศที่เธออาศัยอยู่ ทำให้เราไม่ชอบเธอมากนัก เทมเพอแรนซ์ออกแนวไฮโซขี้บ่นที่เหยียบขี้ไก่ไม่ฝ่อ แต่ก็ไม่นานค่ะ เมื่อเราได้รู้จักเธอมากขึ้น ได้มองเห็นความจริงที่เกิด เราก็เริ่มเปลี่ยนความคิดที่มีต่อเธอ

และนิวเบอร์รี ตอนที่เราเจอเขาใน The Iron Duke เขาก็ดูน่าสนใจนะคะ แม้เราจะไม่คิดว่า เขาจะเป็นได้ถึงขนาดนี้ในเล่มของตัวเอง ช่างเป็นผู้ชายที่น่ารักอะไรอย่างนี้ ฉากที่บรรยายเวลาเขาอายหน้าแดง ก็ยิ่งน่ารักมากขึ้น

นี่เป็นหนังสือที่ค่อนข้างสั้นมาก พล็อตเรื่องไม่ซับซ้อน แต่เป็นโรแมนซ์ที่จับใจเหลือเกิน

เรื่องนี้ขายเป็นอีบุ๊คค่ะ รวมเรื่องอยู่กับนักเขียนอีกสองคน (ซึ่งเรายังไมได้อ่าน) แต่ด้วยราคาขายที่ 2.99 เหรียญ เราอ่านเรื่องนี้ไปเรื่องเดียว เราก็ว่าคุ้มมากแล้วล่ะค่ะ (ที่สำคัญเราไม่ได้ซื้อเรื่องนี้อีกต่างหาก เราโหลดมาตอนที่อเมซอนแจกฟรี)

คะแนนที่ 77

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading The Iron Duke earlier this year and being enthralled by the Iron Seas world, I was tickled to discover that Mina Wentworth's redoubtable police partner, Constable Newberry, had a prequel novella story.

The Blushing Bounder takes place before the events of The Iron Duke and is the story of Wentworth and Newberry's early days together and the romance for Newberry and his wife. However, I'm going to suggest that the reader get this one after book one so the world building makes more sense. There is more background explanation for things like 'bounders', 'bugs', discrimination and false information that can confuse the reader fast.

Newberry is a sweet-souled man with a big heart and nothing proved it more than The Blushing Bounder. In the face of his new wife's deep misconceptions and hatred of him, new life in London, starting over on the police force... he holds strong and heroic.

The story is mostly told from Temperance Newberry's perspective and how she grows to realize that she might have had things all wrong. It was neat to see the development here along with a murder case for Inspector Wentworth and Constable Newberry to work on.

All around enjoyable story.

[Bona Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se lee bien de manera independiente y te haces una idea de lo que es este universo Iron Seas.
Este relato corto sería el primero, por cronología interna. Evidencia la diferente mentalidad que tienen, en este universo alternativo, los de un lado y otro del Atlántico. Los de allá tiran a mojigatos, los de acá son más liberales. El agente de policía Newberry (22) se ha venido a Gran Bretaña con su esposa, Temperance (25), de buena familia pero salud frágil. Podría sanar, con la tecnología que dejaron atrás los mongoles, pero a ella le horroriza la idea. Porque todo el mundo sabe que si haces eso, cuando te mueras, te convertirás en un zombie…
La cosa se complica cuando Temperance presencia un asesinato, que su marido tiene que investigar. Podía haber sido una historieta intrascendente, pero rezuma romanticismo por todos lados cuando empiezas a comprender las medidas desesperadas de Newberry por salvar a la mujer que ama.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great entry into the Iron Seas world

A short story that opens the door into the complicated Iron Seas world. Brook has crammed so much detail into this 50 page story and made me curious for more.
At the beginning, things teeter on the edge of information overload but, once the action begins, you really feel the glow of the writing.
We find a sweet, newly married couple feeling completely out of their element both in their new home and with one another. This helps the reader relate to the main characters as we are introduced to a very different world to the one we know. In a short time, you are hoping for the best for them. I am curious about the inspector and her brothers and Brook has left me with plenty of questions.

[Luisartbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Temperance, es de salud frágil y se niega a inyectarse dichos bichos, ya que en la cuidad donde ella viene, dice que cuando uno muere, se convierten en zombie.

Edward Newberry, esposo de Temperance, trata de tenerla con vida lo mejor que puede y por algunos asuntos confusos, ellos dos no se hablan casi. Pero él muere (interior) por ella y eso ella no lo ve, y sufro.

Temperance cree que él se casó por su pequeña herencia, y lo "odia" desde ese momento. Pero, ciertas cirtustancias, hacen que esta pareja se hablen y fluya de nuevo el amor.

Es un libro extremadamente corto, se ve un poco de asesinato e inspetores y tiene ese concepto steampunk, que me mata.

[Farrah (bookstalgic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet prequel to The Iron Duke and focuses on the backstory of Constable Newberry and his wife. I loved Newberry’s character in TID, so enjoyed reading this novella of this sweet, hunky cinnamon roll. Temperance wasn’t as likable to me and I didn’t think the author gave us enough to fall in love with her, but she grew on me a bit towards the end. I think this would be difficult to read without having read the first novel due to the complex world building, but overall it was a quick fun read and I did enjoy it :-) 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Newberry! Such a sweet, lug of a guy. And here we get to see him muck up his personal life in a rather spectacular fashion. I really enjoy the Iron Seas world and how Meljean Brook brings the lovable constable to life. As a plus, we get some of Mina's uncensored observations and see how Newberry steps up as Mina's protector. Quick, sweet, a little dangerous, and a lot of fun. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[SHANNON YOUNG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this steampunk novella. While I loved witnessing Temperance's journey from disillusionment to trust... Newberry stole the show. Newberry is a sweet-souled man with a big heart. Despite his new wife's deep misconceptions and hatred of him as he adjusts to a new life in London and starting over on the police force... he is consistently respectful and caring of others and holds strong and heroic to the end.

[Trishh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It drives me UP THE WALLS how short this was! At one moment I felt like I had skipped at least one chapter, and this story deeefinetly had for more. Makes me sad it was so short :C

And yes, I still really like this series.

Very short story, recommended for people who like something very light once you have read another book from the series.

[Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short story

Honestly, it doesn't have much of a story or plot, but it was still well done. I've liked the other books in this series and decided to read her short story.

I actually wish it was longer. It had the potential to be a really good story. And the characters were really cute. You get few romances where the characters are married to being with.

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this novella which is unusual because I normally don't like short stories but this one made it work. Our sick heroine hates her new husband because he forcefully married her but we learn it was all out of love and his desire to not see her die.

[Suzie Quint]

included in Wild & Steamy