What do you think?
Rate this book
Sass and Steam #1.75
A Shot to the Heart: A Sass and Steam Novella
The best shot of these Olympic Games is coming from Cupid’s bow.
Competitive archer Cora Maxwell will let nothing stop her quest to compete at the 1904 Olympic Games. Not even a devastating injury to her arm. With the help of a mechanical device known as the Electro-Flex, Cora has worked her way back to top form—and she’s found a long-distance friend in the machine’s inventor. She’s ready to shoot for gold and she’s thrilled to have a fan to cheer her on.
Inventor Adam Levett harbors a secret love for his athletic friend, but he values their friendship too highly to risk revealing his feelings. When they meet in person for the World’s Fair and the Olympics, he plans to cheer her to victory, but he won’t allow himself to hope for more. Until a searing kiss makes him suspect the attraction might not be as one-sided as he’d believed.
As the days tick down to Cora’s competition, strange disturbances at the Fair threaten both Adam’s career and her Olympic dream—as well as their evolving relationship. But these friends are no quitters, and together they square off against rogue dragons, electrical mishaps, and vicious competitors. Because in these Games, only true loyalty can win the heart of a champion.
Competitive archer Cora Maxwell will let nothing stop her quest to compete at the 1904 Olympic Games. Not even a devastating injury to her arm. With the help of a mechanical device known as the Electro-Flex, Cora has worked her way back to top form—and she’s found a long-distance friend in the machine’s inventor. She’s ready to shoot for gold and she’s thrilled to have a fan to cheer her on.
Inventor Adam Levett harbors a secret love for his athletic friend, but he values their friendship too highly to risk revealing his feelings. When they meet in person for the World’s Fair and the Olympics, he plans to cheer her to victory, but he won’t allow himself to hope for more. Until a searing kiss makes him suspect the attraction might not be as one-sided as he’d believed.
As the days tick down to Cora’s competition, strange disturbances at the Fair threaten both Adam’s career and her Olympic dream—as well as their evolving relationship. But these friends are no quitters, and together they square off against rogue dragons, electrical mishaps, and vicious competitors. Because in these Games, only true loyalty can win the heart of a champion.
- GenresHistorical
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2020
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books169 followersAward-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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2020
A fast-paced Olympic romantic adventure
Another winner from the highly creative mind of Ms. Stein. She seamlessly integrates the technology of the future with events from the past to tell her brilliant love stories in the age of steampunk. Subtly feminist, A Shot to the Heart celebrates a strong heroine and a hero who supports her wholeheartedly.
I liked the cameos and I especially appreciate the note about the World Fair. Ms. Stein really did her research and wrote an imaginative tale around a real-life event.
Another winner from the highly creative mind of Ms. Stein. She seamlessly integrates the technology of the future with events from the past to tell her brilliant love stories in the age of steampunk. Subtly feminist, A Shot to the Heart celebrates a strong heroine and a hero who supports her wholeheartedly.
I liked the cameos and I especially appreciate the note about the World Fair. Ms. Stein really did her research and wrote an imaginative tale around a real-life event.
July 24, 2020
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
With my initial review of the first full novel in this series, I discussed some of my issues with the steampunk genre and how they manifested in that book more so than in Catherine Stein’s other series, even though I found things I enjoyed. And while techy steampunk can be a hard sell for me, I feel I enjoyed it much more this time around.
The characters are splendid, as is their relationship arc. I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and Cora and Adam certainly have a unique one. I like Cora in particular for her athletic drive, even with some of the obstacles a disability put in her way. And I love inventor Adam…he’s such an awesome, supportive guy!
And a consistent thread through most of the series so far is using steampunk tech to assist people with disabilities, and I’ve come to appreciate that aspect a lot more. The Electro-Flex is such a cool device!
I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and think it’s a great addition to the series, or starting point for new readers.
With my initial review of the first full novel in this series, I discussed some of my issues with the steampunk genre and how they manifested in that book more so than in Catherine Stein’s other series, even though I found things I enjoyed. And while techy steampunk can be a hard sell for me, I feel I enjoyed it much more this time around.
The characters are splendid, as is their relationship arc. I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, and Cora and Adam certainly have a unique one. I like Cora in particular for her athletic drive, even with some of the obstacles a disability put in her way. And I love inventor Adam…he’s such an awesome, supportive guy!
And a consistent thread through most of the series so far is using steampunk tech to assist people with disabilities, and I’ve come to appreciate that aspect a lot more. The Electro-Flex is such a cool device!
I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and think it’s a great addition to the series, or starting point for new readers.
July 31, 2020
Interesting story with an adorable pair and lots of background information, neatly woven into the thrilling story. The setting is quite real but it is peppered with very cool steampunk elements and the hero has lots of modern ideas that made me grin and nod - and I love how the heroine is an athlet when women mostly weren't allowed to and how she overcomes the typical obstacles they faced. Lovely!
July 15, 2020
This book is recommended for 18+ as there are explicit sex scenes.
What a fun Steampunk novella! The chemistry between Cora and Adam is really cute. It's a great introduction to this world.
What a fun Steampunk novella! The chemistry between Cora and Adam is really cute. It's a great introduction to this world.
May 8, 2022
Stein gives 1904 Saint Louis World’s Fair a Steampunk treatment.
Cora Maxwell is an archer competing in the Olympics.
Adam Levett is an inventor.
After an accident, Cora writes to Adam, who creates the Electro-flex for her rehabilitation.
At the Fair, Adam and Cora’s friendship steams up, while some strange accidents begin to occur.
Cora Maxwell is an archer competing in the Olympics.
Adam Levett is an inventor.
After an accident, Cora writes to Adam, who creates the Electro-flex for her rehabilitation.
At the Fair, Adam and Cora’s friendship steams up, while some strange accidents begin to occur.
Read
November 21, 2020A SHOT TO THE HEART is a friends-to-lovers romance between two people who get to know each other through letters before they ever meet in real life.
Here's a little taste:
⏣ PROLOGUE ⏣
July 15, 1903
Dear Sir,
I cannot begin to express my appreciation for your electro-resistance therapy machine. Months ago, I suffered a grievous injury to my left arm. The doctors recommended amputation below the elbow. My father recommended a biomechanical replacement. Either would have ended my competitive archery career. I insisted I keep the arm and have it repaired as well as traditional surgery could manage.
My pleas were heard, and I am very thankful to my surgeons for all their work, but the damage to the muscles and tendons left me in danger of never regaining the strength necessary to shoot. Until I discovered your machine. Using your device, beginning on the lowest setting and working gradually, I was able to strengthen and retrain my broken limb.
Today I am shooting again.
Thanks to you, Mr. Levett, I will compete again. Thanks to you, I will prove that even the most daunting of obstacles can be overcome through grit, perseverance, and teamwork. You are forever my teammate, and from this day forth, I share every victory with you.
Yours in deepest gratitude,
Cora Maxwell
*****
July 19, 1903
Dear Miss Maxwell,
Thank you for your kind missive. I am utterly delighted to hear the Electro-resistance Therapeutic Muscle Stimulator has been of benefit to you. If it is not too presumptuous of me, I would love to hear further regarding the progress of your re-entry into the competitive sporting world and whether you have reaped long-term benefits from the use of the machine. It would be helpful to me both in advertising my device to the correct consumer, as well as in furthering my scientific researchings. A reply is by no means mandatory, of course. Thank you again for your kind words, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Adam Levett
*****
July 22, 1903
Dear Mr. Levett,
I would be happy to give you updates on my progress. I am hitting bullseyes at 40 yards again and hope to be up to 50 soon. I continue to use the machine to strengthen my arm.
As for marketing your device to a wider public, might I suggest a shorter, attention-grabbing name? Something along the lines of ‘Electro-Flex’?
Regards,
Cora Maxwell
*****
AutomaTech Home Catalog, August 1903
Electro-Flex
The all-new, fully-automated, future-tech Sports Training and Rehabilitation device.
For all ages!
Safe and Sophisticated!
Guaranteed to enhance your performance!
Tested and recommended by champion athletes!
Available via mail-order.
$6.85
_______________
Links to buy:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BS5J35C/
Universal: https://books2read.com/AShotToTheHeart
B+N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sh...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-sh...
Here's a little taste:
⏣ PROLOGUE ⏣
July 15, 1903
Dear Sir,
I cannot begin to express my appreciation for your electro-resistance therapy machine. Months ago, I suffered a grievous injury to my left arm. The doctors recommended amputation below the elbow. My father recommended a biomechanical replacement. Either would have ended my competitive archery career. I insisted I keep the arm and have it repaired as well as traditional surgery could manage.
My pleas were heard, and I am very thankful to my surgeons for all their work, but the damage to the muscles and tendons left me in danger of never regaining the strength necessary to shoot. Until I discovered your machine. Using your device, beginning on the lowest setting and working gradually, I was able to strengthen and retrain my broken limb.
Today I am shooting again.
Thanks to you, Mr. Levett, I will compete again. Thanks to you, I will prove that even the most daunting of obstacles can be overcome through grit, perseverance, and teamwork. You are forever my teammate, and from this day forth, I share every victory with you.
Yours in deepest gratitude,
Cora Maxwell
*****
July 19, 1903
Dear Miss Maxwell,
Thank you for your kind missive. I am utterly delighted to hear the Electro-resistance Therapeutic Muscle Stimulator has been of benefit to you. If it is not too presumptuous of me, I would love to hear further regarding the progress of your re-entry into the competitive sporting world and whether you have reaped long-term benefits from the use of the machine. It would be helpful to me both in advertising my device to the correct consumer, as well as in furthering my scientific researchings. A reply is by no means mandatory, of course. Thank you again for your kind words, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Adam Levett
*****
July 22, 1903
Dear Mr. Levett,
I would be happy to give you updates on my progress. I am hitting bullseyes at 40 yards again and hope to be up to 50 soon. I continue to use the machine to strengthen my arm.
As for marketing your device to a wider public, might I suggest a shorter, attention-grabbing name? Something along the lines of ‘Electro-Flex’?
Regards,
Cora Maxwell
*****
AutomaTech Home Catalog, August 1903
Electro-Flex
The all-new, fully-automated, future-tech Sports Training and Rehabilitation device.
For all ages!
Safe and Sophisticated!
Guaranteed to enhance your performance!
Tested and recommended by champion athletes!
Available via mail-order.
$6.85
_______________
Links to buy:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BS5J35C/
Universal: https://books2read.com/AShotToTheHeart
B+N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-sh...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-sh...
July 11, 2021
Cute, sweet and steamy
Cora is a focused, determined competitor. I loved how these two cared for each other and found joy in the other succeeding at archery or inventing respectively.
Cora is a focused, determined competitor. I loved how these two cared for each other and found joy in the other succeeding at archery or inventing respectively.
March 9, 2023
Very enjoyable steampunk romance with a female Olympic archer and a male inventor. Low angst, mystery, automated dragons and a nice amount of spice. I had fun with this book.
August 28, 2020
I enjoyed this novella of a steampunkish World Fair combined with an Olympic Games in the early 1900s. The American setting accounts for quite a lot, but were young sportswomen really as forward as this suggests? Anyway, I enjoyed the archery, the airship, the underwater dragons, electric floor cleaners and the reporter for the scandal sheet.
Our heroine and hero are extremely well matched while being supposed opposites.
This is a suspense tale with an adult romance (one or two scenes would have done, as the rest seem superfluous and risk being called gratuitous).
I downloaded an e-ARC and reviewed for Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Our heroine and hero are extremely well matched while being supposed opposites.
This is a suspense tale with an adult romance (one or two scenes would have done, as the rest seem superfluous and risk being called gratuitous).
I downloaded an e-ARC and reviewed for Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews