Priceless

Sass and Steam #2

by Catherine Stein

He'll pay any price to win her. But her artist's heart is not for sale.

Raised in a squalid factory, Evan Tagget has battled his way to the top. Now a multi-millionaire, he runs a global empire of telecommunication devices, mechanical dragons, and clockwork gadgets. Evan can buy anything he wants. Except the love of the brazen artist that barges into his life.

Violet Dayton has made her living painting forgeries, scrimping and saving toward her true passion: a grand Paris art exhibition to display her work and the art of the friends who have always looked out for her. But a corrupt police inspector knows her secrets, and the only way to escape his clutches is to track down the master art thief plaguing museums across Europe.

With the aid of Evan's money and connections, Violet knows she can catch her thief, but she hadn't counted on her powerful attraction to the arrogant millionaire, or the complex, passionate layers beneath his cool exterior. With enemies everywhere, she'll have to trust Evan with her life. Her heart, though, she guards closely, and the only way he'll ever win it is to prove that he knows the true value of love.

Genres: Steampunk, Mystery, Crime, Historical Romance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

PRICELESS by Catherine Stein brings independent and somewhat unusual characters as well as humor to a steampunk environment and tackles some serious issues at the same time. It is the second book in the Sass and Steam series and is largely set in Paris, France. So this is both a steampunk mystery as well as a romance. However, it is much more than what it appears to be on the surface.

Our protagonists, Evan Tagget and Violet Dayton, appear to be very different characters and totally unsuited to each other. Evan was raised in a factory in New York City, but had a knack for inventions. He is now a multi-millionaire, lives in Paris, and runs a global business empire with an emphasis on telecommunication devices, mechanical dragons and clockwork gadgets. Violet makes a living painting forgeries as well as her own paintings and saving her commissions to host a Paris art exhibition. She wants to display her works as well as those of her friends. When a corrupt police inspector coerces Violet into tracking down a master art thief in Europe, she teams up with Evan to help her.

Evan and Violet are both far from perfect, but as a reader, I definitely rooted for their success. I got to know their fears, hopes and obsessions and got a good understanding of why they both have trust issues. The secondary characters are well-rounded and enhance the story with believable relationships that are not contrived.

The author did a great job of creating a strong sense of time and place. I felt like I was living the events alongside the characters. There were a couple of twists in the book that caught me by surprise. The writing was entertaining, witty and poignant at times. I was emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story.

Overall, this an engrossing, fascinating and engaging novel that pulled me in immediately. In addition to the mystery and romance, this novel tackles some tough issues. These include trust, love, friendship, family relationships, support of charities, social standing, fighting ignorance and hatred and much more.

If you enjoy steampunk romantic suspense, then this may be the next series for you. It worked well as a standalone novel, but I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series.

Thanks to BookBuzz.net and Catherine Stein for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 20, 2020.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 and a half
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆🍆

I am reading this out of order. Starting with book 2 didn’t not lessen my enjoyment or understand of the story, but characters from book 1 are mentioned and I do think they play a part in developing Evan’s character.

This story is a steampunk novel that takes place in 1905. If you haven’t tried steampunk before, consider giving it a try! It’s fun and different and I enjoy the inventions Catherine Stein places in her stories. There’s also lots of adventure on a dirigible, or airship.

This story starts in Paris in 1905 (after a heartbreaking prologue). Violet is a painter, but when a police officer knows she dabbles in forgery’s he uses it to blackmail her to assist in catching an art thief. She hunts down Evan to help assist her with the plans, and he is immediately captivated by her.

Give this book a try if you are in the mood for
- Steampunk fun – mechanical rats, some rather amazing medical technology, and dirgibles
- Roadtrip romance and forced proximity – Lots of page time together for this couple as they travel across Europe attempting to catch an art thief
- Moderate steam – lots of kisses and intimate scenes spread throughout the book, but the scenes aren’t overly extended
- Diversity – Evan is bisexual or pansexual (not identified really as it’s just a part of who he is and it’s 1905)
- Experienced heroine – not a nervous virgin here
- Heroine is Australian, which I hardly ever see!
- Fast paced adventure

There’s a lot to love about this story. It’s funny, adventurous, with a couple that’s always on the go. I did have a character disconnect with Vi though. I’m not quite sure what it was that I was left feeling I couldn’t really relate to her. I also thought she was a bit cruel to Evan. However, her cross feelings stem from her wanting independence and a say in her life, and Evan can be very overbearing. This is just me being especially hard on the heroines. I think if you appreciate a heroine that wants to do it herself you will enjoy Vi.

Specific kisses and intimate scene locations (possible spoilers)
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First kiss – 18%
Second kiss – 30%
Third kiss – 34%
Oral for her – 42%
First sex scene – 49%
Sex alluded to (after the fact) – 60%
Second and third full sex scenes – 68%
Fourth kiss – 77%
Fourth sex scene – 82%

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginative and original

Catherine Stein maintains her impressive streak of high-quality work with this latest installment in the Sass and Steam series. Strongly-drawn characters, exhilarating adventures in the sky and on land concerning great works of art, intricate gadgetry, diverse cast, and emotion-packed plot characterize Priceless.

While I respect their uniqueness, I took a long while to warm up to Evan and Violet. They’re not easy people to relate to or like upon introduction. Once their backgrounds are revealed, understanding comes easier as well as rooting for their happy ending.

[Jo Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan Tagget has come a long way from the 5 year old orphan struggling to survive in a factory, but despite his wealth and success he isn't really happy. Violet Dayton has been struggling a long time trying to become a successful artist and maintain her independence. When they are thrown together to try to stop an art thief sparks fly, but a lack of trust prevents them from becoming a couple. Can such opposites manage to fulfill their objectives and find each other? A delightful journey ensues. I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless by Catherine Stein truly is a priceless piece of literature. I was not prepared for the characters and the unique surprises written into this book. You get a dashing "villain" of a man in the form of Even Tagget, and a vivacious "heroine" in the form of Violet Dayton. Violet simply wants to accomplish her dream of opening an art exhibit with her name on it and to be able to live comfortably as a painter. Too bad a corrupt cop is willing to do whatever is necessary to capture an art thief plaguing the region, and if it means making Violet the scape-goat...that's EXACTLY what he'll do. The clock is ticking and she's going to need all the help she can get if she's to solve this daring mystery thief and stay out of the clink. Too bad it seems that Tagget intends to steal her heart if he can.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say that it is truly a delightful story. I love that I get a bit of Tagget's story from the beginning and then things fast forward several years to where his life has dynamically changed. He's a a multi-millionaire now and apparently the perfect "target" for Violet to approach to "help" finance her search. Tagget is a lover not a fighter, but I like that he's not a huge playboy. You know the type, flitting from one to another without a care in the world. The author makes a point of saying that his lovers know what they are getting themselves into and that the "relationship" won't last long. The push and pull between Violet and Evan is really tantalizing and I enjoy reading it. They compliment each other and I like that Evan knows how to properly handle certain situations. He knows when a more...conservative approach is best while Violet has a more "devil may care" attitude.
The only thing that I don't like about Violet is how she wants to play things. She barges into his life and hotel and basically sets up "house/shop", let's him pay for literally everything but wants to act like she's not a "free-loader" basically. It annoys me a bit. I feel that at times she's taking advantage of him simply because he has money and she really doesn't. I will admit that I thought that with Evan's connections that he'd have been able to handle things a bit better (?) or at least had some means of cowing the corrupt cop.
My favorite part of this entire book is probably the mystery angle/aspect. I love how they are working together to discover who this mystery thief is and working out to catch him. I also was truly and utterly surprised by the steampunk aspect of this book! It caught me off guard and I love how the author incorporated it so well into this book. It was another element that kept me engaged and page-turning, because this book truly is a page-turner. On one hand this book CAN be read as a stand-alone novel, but I think that the experience will be further enhanced by having read the previous book in this series as the author does tie in Evan's past with another woman, Eden, into this book in places as well which piques my curiosity about who she is.
I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I really did enjoy this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future. This story is well-done and truly enjoyable. I loved the romance and the slow build of it, even if I did find Violet a bit irritating in certain moments with her behavior. If you love a good romance, enjoy this author or just like the surprise of steampunk then this is a good book to pick up.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first meet Evan Tagget in Eden's Choice (Book One in this series) and he is unlikeable, and spoiled, a man who does not take no for an answer. He succeeds at everything, hence having more money than he knows what to do with.
But in this book, we get to understand him, we learn about his past, his battle to survive and in fact it is easy to fall in love with him and his dry and witty sense of humour.
He is a man who shields his heart, unwilling to show his vulnerable side and scarring nightmares.
But then Violet Dayton steps into his world and peels away his layers, one by one.
Beautiful, intelligent, gifted, she is on a mission to follow her heart and passion, art and holding an art exhibition.
But there is a master art thief on the loose and she must track him down with Evan's money, connections and help. She knows that if she can find the thief's true identity, she will win her freedom and her independence.
But she falls for this passionate, irritating and complex man and together they must learn to trust each other if they are going to succeed and have their happy ever after.
Will love conquer all? Only time and trust will tell.
Catherine's book is a triumph! It is cleverly written, with extremely descriptive detailing, she brings these characters to life as well as Evan's loveable dirigible crew.
This book is humorous, entertaining, emotional and extremely passionate and the plot keeps you turning the pages until you get to the very end.
I couldn't put it down and absolutely loved every page!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prologue of Priceless, a novel by Catherine Stein, opens in New York City in 1879. Orphaned and only nine years old, Evan Tagget's life is miserable. He was used to being bullied and beaten. He promised himself he would one day become successful and independent. The story moves ahead to Paris in 1905 and this is where readers meet Violet Dayton. We quickly learn she is in trouble. Her only way out is to cooperate with the police and to find an art thief. Not being able to do this herself, she asks Evan to help her. Intrigued, he agrees. Little did either of them know what would transpire from that point on.
This well told story brings much to readers. The chemistry and dynamics between Evan and Violet are skillfully presented. As the narrative progresses we watch as the relationship between two very different people develops. Even though there are serious differences and misunderstandings, neither can deny a mutual attraction. The dialogue is both witty and colorful. There is a varied group of secondary characters. The story moves quickly and includes moments of danger and action. In addition, the story includes fascinating mechanical objects.
I found this well plotted book easy to read. Highly recommended.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Sass and Steam series is full of romance and suspenseful mystery. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it to the point I just couldn't put the book down. I did not read the first book in the series, but I don't think it is necessary other than maybe a few tie-ins to that first book. Priceless focuses on the characters Evan and Violet. Brought together by unforeseen circumstances, they must work together in order to catch a thief. Both of these characters couldn't be more different, but that pull they feel is undeniable. Beyond the many twist and turns throughout, I was pleasantly surprised by the steampunk aspect that just added a little more depth to the characters and setting. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viola is a stunning artist at the turn of the century, making her living doing forgeries of famous art, along with her own creations. Evan is a wealthy businessman/inventor who is captivated by Viola, but doesn't know how to win her heart. She won't be bought! When she is hired to find an art thief, Evan does what he can to help her. What follows is an amazing adventure, complete with a historical dirigible and a down to earth crew that pilots the famous Dauntless. I enjoyed the spirited romance between Viola and Evan, as they conspired to capture the art criminal, while at the same time enjoying the jet-setting lifestyle Evan is used to, traveling the world. There is much industry and a good bit of steamy romance in this story, so I recommend this book, Priceless.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan grew up poor in a factory, but he is smart and turned himself into a multimillionaire. Violet is the struggling artist that forges paintings. She dreams of opening a show in Paris one day. Enter a shady cop who is going to frame Violet if she does not catch the real art thief. She used Evan to get his help and money to find the real theif. I liked the action and the mystery involved here. I liked the dialogue between our main characters. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It really is a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read

Priceless by Catherine Stein is filled with exceptional characters, lush descriptions, passion, and wit.

Stein has proven herself as a must-read author once again, and I’ll gladly recommend her to anyone looking for a fantastic book.

I can’t wait until her next story is ready to read.

[Beverlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love art, sassy intelligent talented heroines, arrogant creative genius heroes, some seriously fun gadgetry, and a cant-put-down plot, this is a great choice.

I loved this book. Loved the plot, loved the characters, and really loved the dragons. And now I want an airship too.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly entertaining story. It grabbed me and would not let go. I really enjoyed the play between our hero and heroine. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed the redeeming of the bad guy from book 1 and especially liked his motley crew.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My mixed luck with the Sass and Steam series continues with Priceless. But while I’ve come to view book one more fondly as I’ve become more accustomed to steampunk world building, especially as the shorts have been good, this one was underwhelming from a character standpoint.

I already knew going in that Evan was different from Stein’s previous heroes. He had his moments that triggered eyerolls, like a moment when he and Violet draw comparisons between him and Lord Byron where he remarks he’s “better,” and just his general arrogant behavior, of course masking the darkness of his past. And ultimately, while I appreciate someone who’s self made, he has the drawback of many of those heroes of using his past as an excuse to put up a wall and not letting himself be vulnerable, having to act the big shot all the time, and it’s like, I read that before and hated it all those times, so I didn’t see a reason to care much this time around.

In some ways, Violet is a good match for him, in that she also has a checkered past, and I think this is absolutely a step up from the dozens of bad boy/delicate wallflower books. However, at one point she expresses a desire to herself of their relationship being more, while having to remind herself it’s just a fling, and my heart hurt for her, and wanted her to find someone who could be more up front and nurturing, especially given that both have these issues with trust. And when she declares that all she wants is him, and he’s trying to get her material things, after assuming she’s out to trap him? Ultimately, they declare they are both “wretched and selfish,” but the way it manifests in him vs. her is very different, at least in my opinion, probably because I love a good complex heroine, but consider broody heroes tired and wish they’d stop being a thing. She’s relatable to me, and I wanted so much more for her than someone who has already disappointed her.

However, as I mentioned before, the world building has started to appeal to me more and more, and I’m coming to enjoy the blend of historical and technical/fantastical. I especially enjoyed the setting of this one, being in Paris with scenes at the Louvre. Famous pieces are name-dropped, and it really appealed to my love of art history, leading me to reminisce about the other fiction I’d read concerning the Louvre and the works contained inside.

While I didn’t care for this one as much as I hope I would, I do think it will have its audience, given that other people eat up stories about the detached, roguish rich guy. And with a complex heroine, it provides a nice twist on the conventional “rake” romance, in addition to the steampunk elements, that will diversify the offerings for ardent fans.

[Danielle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Sass and Steam world. It can be read as a Standalone without the context from Eden's Voice.

If you do read Eden's Voice first, Evan Tagget redeems himself in this book. I have to say, for how smart he is, he can be quite dense when it comes to his personal relationships. Evan spends the entire book navigating exactly how to be a good partner and friend.

Violet is my favorite character and I loved her strength and ability to put Evan in his place. She is wildly talented.

This book is every immersive. The author does a great job writing the descriptions and scenes that make you feel like you are in the story.

It has 4 stars from me, because there is one more scene I would have loved to see at the end of the book. Either as the epilogue or in between the last chapter and the epilogue to really finish out one particular plot line. I also wish we could have seen a little bit more of the characters from Eden's Voice as well.

All in all, this book has airships, thieves and masterpieces, along with some sexy and sweet scenes. Great for people who haven't experienced steampunk romance yet.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you mix an Australian artist with an American business tycoon in Paris? A very strange love story! Violet Dayton is hauled in by the police accused of being an art forger. To get out of this charge, she need to come up with a plan to catch the thief who has been taunting the police in regard to the brazen art thefts around Europe. So Violet barges into Evan Tagget's life, dazzling him into helping her catch the thief so she can get on with her life as she wants it to be. The problems start when the chemistry between the two misfits in society starts to bubble and they start to squirm. Both have a lot to learn regarding interpersonal relationships which makes their chasing "l'Exploiteur" around Europe in Tagget's private dirigible so much fun. This rom-com combined with a mystery set in a steampunk world is a fun place to visit. It will be interesting what Catherine Stein does next in this universe. Now I need to go find the first volume of this series!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about two people trying to find an art thief… Violet is not a likable character…she’s so mean to Evan… I like Evan.. Although not the usual MMC- he’s small, thin, sickly, charming, smart, handsome and bi-sexual. Some sex scenes after the halfway point…an OK read..

[Catherine Stein]

Priceless is here! Thanks to all the early readers and reviewers! I hope everyone gets some fun and enjoyment from my villain-turned-hero, his feisty partner, and their high-flying adventures!