What do you think?
Rate this book
Combustion
Astrid Bailey is content living alone, balancing her career as a contract machinist with her true making “felicitation devices” for her discerning female clients. The upcoming World’s Fair, with its substantial cash prize, is an opportunity for her to open the shop she’s always imagined and solve her financial woes. With questionable credentials, though, she’s unable to enter without a reputable businessman to vouch for her.
Eli Rutledge, noted watchmaker, needs to enter the World’s Fair to maintain his reputation as an innovator, but he’s fresh out of ideas. With no other options, he agrees to Astrid’s proposal, lending his good name to her scandalous invention. When construction heats up, so does their chemistry--and the complications. Astrid is unaccustomed to accepting help, especially from a privileged businessman like Eli, even if she can’t keep her hands off him. Eli is losing his fight to an attraction that could spell professional disaster and heartbreak. As the Fair date approaches, Astrid and Eli must decide how far they’ll go for the business...and for each other.
contains scandalous “product testing,” steamy f/f and m/f encounters, and gratuitous liberties with an alternative-history Steampunk London, all in the quest for happily ever after.
Eli Rutledge, noted watchmaker, needs to enter the World’s Fair to maintain his reputation as an innovator, but he’s fresh out of ideas. With no other options, he agrees to Astrid’s proposal, lending his good name to her scandalous invention. When construction heats up, so does their chemistry--and the complications. Astrid is unaccustomed to accepting help, especially from a privileged businessman like Eli, even if she can’t keep her hands off him. Eli is losing his fight to an attraction that could spell professional disaster and heartbreak. As the Fair date approaches, Astrid and Eli must decide how far they’ll go for the business...and for each other.
contains scandalous “product testing,” steamy f/f and m/f encounters, and gratuitous liberties with an alternative-history Steampunk London, all in the quest for happily ever after.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
17 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Elia Winters
16 books370 followersElia Winters is a fat, tattooed, polyamorous bisexual who loves petting cats and fighting the patriarchy. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school, where she also runs the drama club. In her spare time, she is equally likely to be found playing tabletop games, kneading bread, cross-stitching, or binge-watching Marie Kondo. A sex educator and kink-positive feminist, Elia reviews sex toys, speaks at kink conventions, and writes geeky, kinky, cozy erotic romance. She currently lives in western Massachusetts with her loving husband and their weird pets.
In addition to her official website, you can also find Elia on Twitter and Facebook.
In addition to her official website, you can also find Elia on Twitter and Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 15, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Combustion is a sexy and sex-positive romance that’s a whole lot of fun to read. Astrid Bailey is a bit prickly and she has reason to be. She’s known loss, grief, and has been dismissed as an inventor and businessperson because she’s a woman, not wealthy, and her devices are geared toward female clients. Astrid is a gifted inventor who dreams of owning her own shop to sell her “felicitation devices” and I wanted to see her achieve that dream. Her best shot at doing so is winning the cash prize at the World’s Fair, but to even enter she needs the backing a reputable businessman. Enter Eli Rutledge.
Eli is a watchmaker who inherited a successful business. He has the money and connections Astrid both needs and resents. He also is short of an idea of his own to present at the World’s Fair so he and Astrid teaming up is the perfect plan. Her idea is scandalous beyond measure, but the two of them go for it anyway. Eli’s edges are softer than Astrid’s and the two of them complement one another perfectly. I like that Eli isn’t dismissive of Astrid’s inventions or pleasure and it made the sparks that flew between the two of them seriously hot.
Attraction is easy, but falling in love is a lot more complicated. Both Astrid and Eli have walls up because of past wounds. Eli thinks he’s too boring for someone like Astrid and she thinks he would never want to be with someone of a different class. Miscommunication and misunderstandings threaten to derail the romance but they’re logical obstacles. I was rooting for Astrid and Eli every step of the way.
Elia Winters knows how to deliver seriously hot romances and Combustion is no exception. Astrid and Eli are not shy about testing out her inventions or asking for what they want in the bedroom (or the workroom or…). All in all, Combustion is a fast-paced, red-hot jaunt through alternate-history London. The steampunk elements are fun, the characters perfectly imperfect, and the ending made me smile.
Note: Combustion was first published in 2015 and has been revised for this edition.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Combustion is a sexy and sex-positive romance that’s a whole lot of fun to read. Astrid Bailey is a bit prickly and she has reason to be. She’s known loss, grief, and has been dismissed as an inventor and businessperson because she’s a woman, not wealthy, and her devices are geared toward female clients. Astrid is a gifted inventor who dreams of owning her own shop to sell her “felicitation devices” and I wanted to see her achieve that dream. Her best shot at doing so is winning the cash prize at the World’s Fair, but to even enter she needs the backing a reputable businessman. Enter Eli Rutledge.
Eli is a watchmaker who inherited a successful business. He has the money and connections Astrid both needs and resents. He also is short of an idea of his own to present at the World’s Fair so he and Astrid teaming up is the perfect plan. Her idea is scandalous beyond measure, but the two of them go for it anyway. Eli’s edges are softer than Astrid’s and the two of them complement one another perfectly. I like that Eli isn’t dismissive of Astrid’s inventions or pleasure and it made the sparks that flew between the two of them seriously hot.
Attraction is easy, but falling in love is a lot more complicated. Both Astrid and Eli have walls up because of past wounds. Eli thinks he’s too boring for someone like Astrid and she thinks he would never want to be with someone of a different class. Miscommunication and misunderstandings threaten to derail the romance but they’re logical obstacles. I was rooting for Astrid and Eli every step of the way.
Elia Winters knows how to deliver seriously hot romances and Combustion is no exception. Astrid and Eli are not shy about testing out her inventions or asking for what they want in the bedroom (or the workroom or…). All in all, Combustion is a fast-paced, red-hot jaunt through alternate-history London. The steampunk elements are fun, the characters perfectly imperfect, and the ending made me smile.
Note: Combustion was first published in 2015 and has been revised for this edition.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 2, 2015
Maybe it's because I've been venturing into the hoary territory of free erotic and romantic books on bookbub lately, but this book was a really great palate cleanser from all of the super terrible and laughably bad self-published erotica that I've been reading (or trying to read) lately. There is actually a plot that makes sense! The characters are three dimensional and sympathetic! The sex is actually sexy! The author can string nouns and verbs together in a coherent manner! There is editing! I am practically verklempt!
Seriously, if you like steampunk and spicy sexy stories, this is a legitimately great read. I'm really sad that this story isn't getting more reviews, especially when you see really terribly written stuff out there with hundreds of reviews, so much so that got off of the couch I actually logged my lazy backside on and took the time to review this. I hope that the author ends up making enough money to get to publish more stuff, because it would be a shame for someone with talent like this to get buried in all of the drek.
Seriously, if you like steampunk and spicy sexy stories, this is a legitimately great read. I'm really sad that this story isn't getting more reviews, especially when you see really terribly written stuff out there with hundreds of reviews, so much so that got off of the couch I actually logged my lazy backside on and took the time to review this. I hope that the author ends up making enough money to get to publish more stuff, because it would be a shame for someone with talent like this to get buried in all of the drek.
May 2, 2015
3.5 stars
I did not expect what I got fromthus novel at all. I think I grabbed this one becahsee it was either tagged fantasy & the cover gave off a steampunk vibe.
it wasn't either of those things, Combustion was more of an historical erotic fantasy with the heroine making vibrators and the whole plot is about Astrid penetrating the rigid and upright market of Britannia. This was a short and entertaining novel. I enjoyed it a lot.
I did not expect what I got fromthus novel at all. I think I grabbed this one becahsee it was either tagged fantasy & the cover gave off a steampunk vibe.
it wasn't either of those things, Combustion was more of an historical erotic fantasy with the heroine making vibrators and the whole plot is about Astrid penetrating the rigid and upright market of Britannia. This was a short and entertaining novel. I enjoyed it a lot.
April 23, 2023
It’s fun to get a steampunk romance from Elia Winters. Astrid and her felicitation devices were quite impressive! Eli wasn’t half bad either, although we see him learning about sexism and misogyny in real time and it often left me irritated with him. This would have benefitted from being longer. The plot is more focused on Astrid and Eli building the fucking machine—and testing it out—than building their relationship. They are adamant about not being in a relationship and any sex is just to relieve the tension. That is all fine and good! (Some readers may not care for )
However, their insistence on not being in a relationship lasted far too long. It resulted in the realization/declaration of love feeling rushed and like it came out of nowhere. I wasn’t convinced Astrid even liked Eli when she realized she was in love with him. Then you add a shoehorned breakup close to the end—although is it a breakup if they still weren’t officially together?—and then a grand gesture to patch over the cracks in their relationship and I was left feeling uncertain that they really were meant to be. Deeper characterization would have gone a long way here too. Their respective insecurities, especially Eli’s about being a stodgy businessman, just felt silly to me. Anyway, this was an enjoyable read for the most part. It just wasn’t as good as I was hoping for from this author. I also didn’t care for the negative stereotypes about what “men are like.” I hate when books make me be #NotAllMen but the stereotyping could not have been more unnecessary.
Characters: Astrid is a 24 year old bisexual white sex toy inventor and machinist. Eli is a white watchmaker. This is set in London, Brittania.
Content notes: sexism, misogyny, slut-shaming (countered), prude-shaming (possibly acephobic but also not sex positive), past death of FMC’ parents (went to orphanage at 10 years old), past death of MMC’s sister (fever), dubcon (FMC takes a hands on approach with customers), on page sex, pegging, anal play, public sex, voyeurism, sex toys, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language, ableist language
However, their insistence on not being in a relationship lasted far too long. It resulted in the realization/declaration of love feeling rushed and like it came out of nowhere. I wasn’t convinced Astrid even liked Eli when she realized she was in love with him. Then you add a shoehorned breakup close to the end—although is it a breakup if they still weren’t officially together?—and then a grand gesture to patch over the cracks in their relationship and I was left feeling uncertain that they really were meant to be. Deeper characterization would have gone a long way here too. Their respective insecurities, especially Eli’s about being a stodgy businessman, just felt silly to me. Anyway, this was an enjoyable read for the most part. It just wasn’t as good as I was hoping for from this author. I also didn’t care for the negative stereotypes about what “men are like.” I hate when books make me be #NotAllMen but the stereotyping could not have been more unnecessary.
Characters: Astrid is a 24 year old bisexual white sex toy inventor and machinist. Eli is a white watchmaker. This is set in London, Brittania.
Content notes: sexism, misogyny, slut-shaming (countered), prude-shaming (possibly acephobic but also not sex positive), past death of FMC’ parents (went to orphanage at 10 years old), past death of MMC’s sister (fever), dubcon (FMC takes a hands on approach with customers), on page sex, pegging, anal play, public sex, voyeurism, sex toys, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language, ableist language
May 24, 2021
This was a fantastic and sexy as hell steampunk erotic romance! It takes place in an alternative-history London, actually has a great storyline and is very sex-positive. Unique, spicy and fun!!! Highly recommended.
April 23, 2016
A coworker and I were discussing the wide iteration of erotic romance, and how for every subgenre of writing, there seems to be an erotic version. I jokingly mentioned steampunk, and she googled it, and confirmed--there was steampunk erotic romance. I was curious, although in no hurry to find any. So when I read Purely Professional by Elia Winters, and really enjoyed it, and then I saw that she had a steampunk erotic romance as well, well, it seemed perfect.
Sadly, it wasn't perfect. Combustion does, however, answer another literary question of mine--would I enjoy regency romance more if it dropped its pretentions of historical fiction? The answer is NO. I guess the whole allure of the genre is the cognitive dissonance of being set in a restrictive time but just doing whatever the heck you want anyway, and sassing off the oppressors who try to stop you, and shaming those that don't understand you, and having a HEA. As someone who grew up in a repressive conservative religious culture, I can tell you that it doesn't work that way. So for me, there's no possible suspension of disbelief in these types of settings. if you live in a grim and repressive Victorian era, you might be able to eke out an HEA on the periphery of society, with certain prices to pay for the happiness you gain. but you don't just get what you want exactly how you want it.
All of that background to say, this book was meh. if you enjoy the regency romance subgenre, enjoy sassy, out-of-their-time heroines, and repressed heroes who learn their lessons and become free, then you might enjoy this. If you find that distracting, you probably won't. The characters didn't seem awfully complex, and the misunderstanding holding them apart felt forced.
That's not to say that the idea of steampunk "felicitation devices" (vibrators) wasn't creative and kind of amusing--and hot. or that the sex scenes weren't hot. I wasn't expecting so much f/f action, or everything that the heroine leads the hero into, kink-wise, but that aspect of the story was well-done for its subgenre and quite steamy (a pun!). This book just wasn't my cup of tea (pardon another pun), and I can't really recommend it.
Sadly, it wasn't perfect. Combustion does, however, answer another literary question of mine--would I enjoy regency romance more if it dropped its pretentions of historical fiction? The answer is NO. I guess the whole allure of the genre is the cognitive dissonance of being set in a restrictive time but just doing whatever the heck you want anyway, and sassing off the oppressors who try to stop you, and shaming those that don't understand you, and having a HEA. As someone who grew up in a repressive conservative religious culture, I can tell you that it doesn't work that way. So for me, there's no possible suspension of disbelief in these types of settings. if you live in a grim and repressive Victorian era, you might be able to eke out an HEA on the periphery of society, with certain prices to pay for the happiness you gain. but you don't just get what you want exactly how you want it.
All of that background to say, this book was meh. if you enjoy the regency romance subgenre, enjoy sassy, out-of-their-time heroines, and repressed heroes who learn their lessons and become free, then you might enjoy this. If you find that distracting, you probably won't. The characters didn't seem awfully complex, and the misunderstanding holding them apart felt forced.
That's not to say that the idea of steampunk "felicitation devices" (vibrators) wasn't creative and kind of amusing--and hot. or that the sex scenes weren't hot. I wasn't expecting so much f/f action, or everything that the heroine leads the hero into, kink-wise, but that aspect of the story was well-done for its subgenre and quite steamy (a pun!). This book just wasn't my cup of tea (pardon another pun), and I can't really recommend it.
July 17, 2015
3.5 Stars
For this one, first and foremost read the synopsis and warning from the author as it is extremely accurate.
Combustion is an erotic romance with a LOT of scorching hot and detailed sex scenes, F/F and M/F and a LOT of toys - the main character, Astrid, manufactures "felicitation" devices, i.e. vibrators.
This is not a historical romance. No time period is given, and the story appears to be set in an alternative-reality London, in Britannia. You have skyscrapers, trains as well as Victorian-like attire, society and language. Women are just achieving some independence, mainly thanks to a Revolution that occurred a few years earlier. A light steampunk feel permeates throughout. In our interview, author Elia Winters described it as "retro-futurism".
This novel is written very well, in the third person, and it follows two main characters: Astrid and Eli. I found both to be credible and likeable, albeit flawed and with their own personal chip on their shoulders that they need to learn to overcame. Sparks were truly flying between them - i.e. "Combustion".
The story line was also coherent, well developed and entertaining, leading to the inevitable Happily Ever After.
A nice, light and fun read. Oh, and a very dirty read!
For this one, first and foremost read the synopsis and warning from the author as it is extremely accurate.
Combustion is an erotic romance with a LOT of scorching hot and detailed sex scenes, F/F and M/F and a LOT of toys - the main character, Astrid, manufactures "felicitation" devices, i.e. vibrators.
This is not a historical romance. No time period is given, and the story appears to be set in an alternative-reality London, in Britannia. You have skyscrapers, trains as well as Victorian-like attire, society and language. Women are just achieving some independence, mainly thanks to a Revolution that occurred a few years earlier. A light steampunk feel permeates throughout. In our interview, author Elia Winters described it as "retro-futurism".
This novel is written very well, in the third person, and it follows two main characters: Astrid and Eli. I found both to be credible and likeable, albeit flawed and with their own personal chip on their shoulders that they need to learn to overcame. Sparks were truly flying between them - i.e. "Combustion".
The story line was also coherent, well developed and entertaining, leading to the inevitable Happily Ever After.
A nice, light and fun read. Oh, and a very dirty read!
August 10, 2016
This was my first read of any works from Elia Winters and I got to say I enjoyed this short read.
It started off with ladies at an all women meeting who has or wants to expand or start their own businesses and then it got juicy once the “felicitation devices” were introduced. Talk about getting to the point of combustion. *wink wink*
But yes, those devices, gadgets… ahhummm… vibrators was definitely my attention grabber. It did get me thinking about when vibrators really came into use and it was definitely not during the 18th century, and definitely not batteried powered ones too. Anyhow, the heroine, Astrid, creates and makes these pleasure device vibrators and sales them to women who needs the pleasures. Not just that but she even “teaches”, yes, see those quotation marks…. She even “teaches” new innocent women how to use these devices to pleasure themselves and they can even try them before they make a decision to purchase one. I know right!? I still can’t get over how they were even made and now we can try them out before buying? That must be heaven or I should be scared for life about bacteria and wood and oil…..
But I loved that Astrid is an inventor and a mechanic when women during that time were unheard of holding those positions, nor that they could live on their own and make a living for themselves, that’s just outrageous. I also admire that Astrid has a strong sense of women power, independence, and equal rights, however she can also be a bit ignorant and judgmental towards the male sex. Her openness to sexual adventure and experiment is so very interesting to me. She absolutely reminded me of the show Masters of Sex. Yup. That’s Astrid right there, that’s her story, that’s what this story was all about. Okay not like the show at all but Astrid, she’s like Doctor Virginia Johnson, experimenting and exploring women sex and pleasures and introducing women to not be ashamed to feel pleasure and to pleasure yourself without the help of a man. But she did get me confused at one point, like is she bi-sexual? She gets turned on when other uses her toys….hmmmmm…. and she’s the one teaching them how to use them….. But she’s a Pioneer of the science of female sexuality!!! Oh, and the creator of the vibrator~
Eli on the other hand I adored. He understands. He just understands and sympathizes with how women are treated and how underrated their business plans and ideas are regarded. Sure he grew up with privileges and his career basically handed down to him but he isn’t snobby mixing and mingling with those lower than him in class and status. A businessman and a mechanic himself, he’s highly open minded and fascinated in everything that catches his attention and interests. He loves knowing how things work and seeing and knowing all its mechanic attributes. Not just that but he can be unpredictable. Like he doesn’t know what he wants. Okay, he does but in the back of his mind his pride and respectability among the society holds him back to the point where he has to keep up his good name and stay away from scandal and bad stuff, meaning he can’t be with Astrid. But then he wants to take the plunge and take the risk of doing something new and experience the thrill of adventure. He’s great though, and hot and smoldering brooding~
But I definitely loved the spunkiness of the heroine and the relaxed and cool hero. They’re totally opposites since Astrid is adventurous, rude, and scandalous while Eli is calm, respectable, and follows protocol. But then of course, opposites attracts when they fill the other half of each other.
Oh the sex. I really liked. Erotic yes. Detailed yes, but not overly so. Just a good amount to make you wiggle in your seat. I even liked the self pleasure scenes and it definitely made me think when it was a f/f scene…..Am I bi if I liked that?
Anyways, I definitely liked it. And the writing and the dialogue among both these main characters were fun. They are exceptionally open and truthful to one another despite not knowing each other for long but it was great and felt real. They were very blunt and matter of fact at times to each other, which is great because I love banters and speechless moments but I had to get used to it in this story because of the period setting of the story. It just made it difficult to follow. The reason why was the dialogue between the characters. I had a tough time getting around if this is supposed to be a historical fiction or not. I know that steam punk is set during the Victorian era but from this, I wasn’t sure if it’s set during the Victorian era or is set during a more modern contemporary time with a twist. That just made it hard to get into the dialogue or get into character when my mind is telling me it’s an historical, which therefore they have a way of speaking, but then they’re using modern terms and use of words is the story which then messes up my concentration and blunders me. Anyways, I’m probably thinking too much about this when I don’t need to.
But here’s a sneak peek of a scene I absolutely love from the first few chapters…..
Rather than pull away, she continued to touch him with the brass cylinder, moving it in small circles in the center of his chest, meeting his eyes with her own. The arousal in his body was palpable, and only through supreme self-control could he keep its physical signs at bay.
Astrid looked down at the center of his chest, where she was still drawing patterns across his shirt. “I get lonely sometimes, Eli, and I like this device. I like it very much.” And she slid the vibrator over to one side, ghosting over his nipple.
Oh, holy fuck. Eli jumped backward as if stung, his mouth falling open, one hand automatically moving to his chest, then clenching into a fist. He wasn’t going to touch his own nipple right in front of her. Astrid still wore that devious smile, and as he looked at her, he began to understand. Images ran through his mind: Astrid lying on her bed, naked, that same little cylinder pressing down between her legs, her back arching in ecstasy. No wonder she didn’t tell people about her business. Machines for women, indeed.
— Combustion
It started off with ladies at an all women meeting who has or wants to expand or start their own businesses and then it got juicy once the “felicitation devices” were introduced. Talk about getting to the point of combustion. *wink wink*
But yes, those devices, gadgets… ahhummm… vibrators was definitely my attention grabber. It did get me thinking about when vibrators really came into use and it was definitely not during the 18th century, and definitely not batteried powered ones too. Anyhow, the heroine, Astrid, creates and makes these pleasure device vibrators and sales them to women who needs the pleasures. Not just that but she even “teaches”, yes, see those quotation marks…. She even “teaches” new innocent women how to use these devices to pleasure themselves and they can even try them before they make a decision to purchase one. I know right!? I still can’t get over how they were even made and now we can try them out before buying? That must be heaven or I should be scared for life about bacteria and wood and oil…..
But I loved that Astrid is an inventor and a mechanic when women during that time were unheard of holding those positions, nor that they could live on their own and make a living for themselves, that’s just outrageous. I also admire that Astrid has a strong sense of women power, independence, and equal rights, however she can also be a bit ignorant and judgmental towards the male sex. Her openness to sexual adventure and experiment is so very interesting to me. She absolutely reminded me of the show Masters of Sex. Yup. That’s Astrid right there, that’s her story, that’s what this story was all about. Okay not like the show at all but Astrid, she’s like Doctor Virginia Johnson, experimenting and exploring women sex and pleasures and introducing women to not be ashamed to feel pleasure and to pleasure yourself without the help of a man. But she did get me confused at one point, like is she bi-sexual? She gets turned on when other uses her toys….hmmmmm…. and she’s the one teaching them how to use them….. But she’s a Pioneer of the science of female sexuality!!! Oh, and the creator of the vibrator~
Eli on the other hand I adored. He understands. He just understands and sympathizes with how women are treated and how underrated their business plans and ideas are regarded. Sure he grew up with privileges and his career basically handed down to him but he isn’t snobby mixing and mingling with those lower than him in class and status. A businessman and a mechanic himself, he’s highly open minded and fascinated in everything that catches his attention and interests. He loves knowing how things work and seeing and knowing all its mechanic attributes. Not just that but he can be unpredictable. Like he doesn’t know what he wants. Okay, he does but in the back of his mind his pride and respectability among the society holds him back to the point where he has to keep up his good name and stay away from scandal and bad stuff, meaning he can’t be with Astrid. But then he wants to take the plunge and take the risk of doing something new and experience the thrill of adventure. He’s great though, and hot and smoldering brooding~
But I definitely loved the spunkiness of the heroine and the relaxed and cool hero. They’re totally opposites since Astrid is adventurous, rude, and scandalous while Eli is calm, respectable, and follows protocol. But then of course, opposites attracts when they fill the other half of each other.
Oh the sex. I really liked. Erotic yes. Detailed yes, but not overly so. Just a good amount to make you wiggle in your seat. I even liked the self pleasure scenes and it definitely made me think when it was a f/f scene…..Am I bi if I liked that?
Anyways, I definitely liked it. And the writing and the dialogue among both these main characters were fun. They are exceptionally open and truthful to one another despite not knowing each other for long but it was great and felt real. They were very blunt and matter of fact at times to each other, which is great because I love banters and speechless moments but I had to get used to it in this story because of the period setting of the story. It just made it difficult to follow. The reason why was the dialogue between the characters. I had a tough time getting around if this is supposed to be a historical fiction or not. I know that steam punk is set during the Victorian era but from this, I wasn’t sure if it’s set during the Victorian era or is set during a more modern contemporary time with a twist. That just made it hard to get into the dialogue or get into character when my mind is telling me it’s an historical, which therefore they have a way of speaking, but then they’re using modern terms and use of words is the story which then messes up my concentration and blunders me. Anyways, I’m probably thinking too much about this when I don’t need to.
But here’s a sneak peek of a scene I absolutely love from the first few chapters…..
Rather than pull away, she continued to touch him with the brass cylinder, moving it in small circles in the center of his chest, meeting his eyes with her own. The arousal in his body was palpable, and only through supreme self-control could he keep its physical signs at bay.
Astrid looked down at the center of his chest, where she was still drawing patterns across his shirt. “I get lonely sometimes, Eli, and I like this device. I like it very much.” And she slid the vibrator over to one side, ghosting over his nipple.
Oh, holy fuck. Eli jumped backward as if stung, his mouth falling open, one hand automatically moving to his chest, then clenching into a fist. He wasn’t going to touch his own nipple right in front of her. Astrid still wore that devious smile, and as he looked at her, he began to understand. Images ran through his mind: Astrid lying on her bed, naked, that same little cylinder pressing down between her legs, her back arching in ecstasy. No wonder she didn’t tell people about her business. Machines for women, indeed.
— Combustion
January 12, 2023
I started this in June 2021 got to 18% and stalled for a very long time.
steampunk, erotica, lady inventor, enemies to lovers
this ought to be my jam, but something here is NOT working for me.
I think the consent issue is squicking me early on; she uses a vibrator on ladies without them agreeing to it or even knowing what it is.
Also, and I know this sounds silly, but I am afflicted by the WORST second hand embarrassment. I can’t believe that they think they can make a fucking saddle and enter it into the world fair and hopefully win the big prize, and NOT be publicly shamed and/or forced out of the competition. [spoiler: Which is exactly what happens.]
So instead of reading forward with excitement [ooh will they win the big prize?], my big emotion is dread. And that does not make it fun for me. Does that even make sense?
So steampunk? yay. Erotica? yay steampunk erotica? should be awesome… and instead… makes a face.
2 stars
steampunk, erotica, lady inventor, enemies to lovers
this ought to be my jam, but something here is NOT working for me.
I think the consent issue is squicking me early on; she uses a vibrator on ladies without them agreeing to it or even knowing what it is.
Also, and I know this sounds silly, but I am afflicted by the WORST second hand embarrassment. I can’t believe that they think they can make a fucking saddle and enter it into the world fair and hopefully win the big prize, and NOT be publicly shamed and/or forced out of the competition. [spoiler: Which is exactly what happens.]
So instead of reading forward with excitement [ooh will they win the big prize?], my big emotion is dread. And that does not make it fun for me. Does that even make sense?
So steampunk? yay. Erotica? yay steampunk erotica? should be awesome… and instead… makes a face.
2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
Combustion Ignites
This was a steampunk romance, set in the Victorian era. Astrid is a businesswoman in a time when women were restricted from fully participating in society. She creates felicitation devices for women's pleasure. She has a hard time making a go of it until she decides to try and enter a business fair. That brings her to respected businessman Eli's attention. The two are instantly attracted and fighting points of view. Along the way devices are tested and tried.
This is a well written book that incorporates toys as a natural part of sex and the scenes are realistic and hot. I really enjoyed Astrid because she was knowledgeable about sex instead of being the timid virgin. I also liked the fact that Eli was a typical alpha jerk. Each learned to grow and trust each other. A fabulous book with plenty of steam and two sexy British narrators.
This was a steampunk romance, set in the Victorian era. Astrid is a businesswoman in a time when women were restricted from fully participating in society. She creates felicitation devices for women's pleasure. She has a hard time making a go of it until she decides to try and enter a business fair. That brings her to respected businessman Eli's attention. The two are instantly attracted and fighting points of view. Along the way devices are tested and tried.
This is a well written book that incorporates toys as a natural part of sex and the scenes are realistic and hot. I really enjoyed Astrid because she was knowledgeable about sex instead of being the timid virgin. I also liked the fact that Eli was a typical alpha jerk. Each learned to grow and trust each other. A fabulous book with plenty of steam and two sexy British narrators.
April 8, 2021
Raunchy romance
For a raunchy romance this book was pretty good, I really enjoyed the fact that it was based around a steam punk theme. There were some parts of the story I didn’t personally go for but hey, I like that the author covers a lot of romantic bases others may like. I think the only parts that would have made this story better was a little bit more delving into the characters steam punk world, and would have loved if at the end if those rude judges got an awakening embarrassment when it became publicly known that they had already been clients of felicitation devices made by miss Bailey and enjoyed it during their meetings at Lahey’s business.
For a raunchy romance this book was pretty good, I really enjoyed the fact that it was based around a steam punk theme. There were some parts of the story I didn’t personally go for but hey, I like that the author covers a lot of romantic bases others may like. I think the only parts that would have made this story better was a little bit more delving into the characters steam punk world, and would have loved if at the end if those rude judges got an awakening embarrassment when it became publicly known that they had already been clients of felicitation devices made by miss Bailey and enjoyed it during their meetings at Lahey’s business.
August 3, 2021
This is one steamy read! I enjoyed the struggle between the two main characters do to what is right and not what is expected. This passion becomes love. I so enjoyed the main female character because she is not your usual Regency woman, but a modern, brilliant and independent figure. She is a breath of fresh air. And if steamy is your thing, this book is very steamy, yet well written! You will enjoy!
April 8, 2021
Good times
This was a fun read. It flowed nicely with an actual story line. Though it would have been nice to have an epilogue just to tie everything up like did Astrid get her shop etc.
I love the fun personality of Astrid and that she still has some vulnerability.
Eli’s characters as fun to discover and that he wasn’t a complete lot stuffy boring man!
This was a fun read. It flowed nicely with an actual story line. Though it would have been nice to have an epilogue just to tie everything up like did Astrid get her shop etc.
I love the fun personality of Astrid and that she still has some vulnerability.
Eli’s characters as fun to discover and that he wasn’t a complete lot stuffy boring man!
March 31, 2021
This book was a fun romp. Quick read. Very inventive *winkwink* and wonderfully sex positive. The plot was interesting but not surprising (which is kind of typical for a lot of romance/erotica in my experience). If you're looking for steampunk erotica, look no further!
April 10, 2021
Sweet and Hot at the same time
I love steampunk anyway, but this was just too fun. I sweet romance with some wickedly naughty erotica fun that is not for the feint of heart as far as f/f and male toy fun. Overall, a really cute read
I love steampunk anyway, but this was just too fun. I sweet romance with some wickedly naughty erotica fun that is not for the feint of heart as far as f/f and male toy fun. Overall, a really cute read
May 7, 2021
Liked the forthrightness and agency of the female MC, she owned her independence and sexuality in a natural and not nasty/mean/OTT/bitchy manner which is refreshing. Not a ton happens in the story overall, but was a fun sexy read.
October 11, 2022
Two inventors find love and really good sex while working on the steampunk (gearpunk?) version of a sybian for the World's Fair. I enjoyed it quite a bit even with the frustratingly realistic sexism the female lead kept running into.
April 9, 2020
Bisexual, heteroromantic prickly heroine meets priggish hero. Steam powered, vibrating hijinks ensue.
April 6, 2021
Steampunk erotic romance, FTW!
April 7, 2021
O my!
A very unique plot, one that I have never encountered before! The characters and plot were developed gradually to the climax that will be remembered!
A very unique plot, one that I have never encountered before! The characters and plot were developed gradually to the climax that will be remembered!
April 13, 2021
Never knew talking about machines could be so erotic!
NEver knew talking about machines could be so erotic! The two main characters battle their desires but with a new twist!
NEver knew talking about machines could be so erotic! The two main characters battle their desires but with a new twist!
May 19, 2021
Boring....
October 14, 2021
Was it as steampunk as I was expecting? No. Was there a little bit of cringy Not Like the Other Girls at the beginning? Yes. Was the story fun and hot? Yeah.
November 29, 2021
i really loved this omgosh ! wish it was more fleshed out/longer tho but really good - def gonna read more from this author :)
March 22, 2024
Good sex. Astrid is a brat.
November 28, 2021
A hot little steampunk romance. Steampunk isn't my thing but couldn't resist the premise and the HR elements of it. Fun to read and yes, it was hot!
May 2, 2015
2.5 stars. Taking place in an alternative version Victorian England, this is a Steampunk with very minor Steampunk elements about an independent woman with a wild inventive streak and the staid and stuffy businessman who ends up being her partner. Mostly, though, this a book about sex, sex toys and finding plenty of ways to enjoy sex.
The trouble is, I didn’t like Astrid very much. She’s an independent woman who is defensive and prickly and prefers to think the worst of people wherever possible. I admired her ingenuity and the way she makes sex toys for women, but I just couldn’t like her. She’s very judgemental – of her fellow businesswomen, her supposedly best-friend, and particularly Eli – and she doesn’t take any form of criticism at all well. She also has a massive chip on her shoulder which means that everything must be about her, even when it clearly isn’t.
To be honest I found her whole relationship with Eli a little unconvincing too. Yes, she finds him attractive, but the ways she judges him and sneers at him made me wonder how they could ever get along. Sure, he is a little arrogant, but nothing like as bad what she thinks and some of the things she accuses him of (in her mind) are blatantly not true. Then there’s the whole Celia issue, which I have to admit didn’t do anything to make me like her any more (and if it had been Eli I’d have felt exactly the same). Aside from her inventiveness and machinery skills, there was just nothing about her for me to like.
Eli was a bit better, in that he’s sweeter, but he has an alarming thread of naivety that I just couldn’t believe. His assurance that the ossy will go down well with the judges was possibly tinged with a little arrogance, but as a man supposedly worried about his reputation, his confidence with regards to that was pretty baffling. Beyond that, though, I quite liked him. The way he tries to help Astrid out was sweet, his skills in the bedroom were unexpectedly hot and his lack of confidence was kind of adorable. But I can’t see what on earth he and Astrid would have in common in the long term. I think he was right that she’d find him too boring – or rather too steady in his need to keep the shop afloat and not always willing to take uncalculated risks – and I think her independent, stubborn streak would continually drive a wedge between them.
Then there’s the historical setting. I have no idea when it’s supposed to be set, to be honest, and while the graphic language might be “period appropriate” so much of the rest of it wasn’t – networking, garage, vest, business brand, etc. Of course, without a solid historical date to base this all on some of the language might have been okay, but the dialogue in particular was really modern in places. As for the idea that all the green spaces in Britannia were gone except for the West Chester Moors… eh? I got confused as to just what Britannia looked like and whether the World’s Fair was actually in London or if it was a lot further north in this strange mega-city of a country. So a bit of world-building might have been nice.
The rest of the story is mostly about naughty sexy moments and naughty sex toys, with a plenty of *ahem* self-indulgent moments as well as a bit of F/F and a few M/F scenes. Elia isn’t shy about her sex drive and despite his otherwise staid behaviour, neither is Eli. I might have had issues with the romance and the setting, but the sex scenes are definitely hot throughout.
If you’re looking for a sexy read with plenty of toys in a vaguely Victorian setting, then you might enjoy this. Especially if you’re not too bothered about period appropriate language throughout and don’t mind a prickly heroine and a naive hero. Sadly, it didn’t quite work for me.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The trouble is, I didn’t like Astrid very much. She’s an independent woman who is defensive and prickly and prefers to think the worst of people wherever possible. I admired her ingenuity and the way she makes sex toys for women, but I just couldn’t like her. She’s very judgemental – of her fellow businesswomen, her supposedly best-friend, and particularly Eli – and she doesn’t take any form of criticism at all well. She also has a massive chip on her shoulder which means that everything must be about her, even when it clearly isn’t.
To be honest I found her whole relationship with Eli a little unconvincing too. Yes, she finds him attractive, but the ways she judges him and sneers at him made me wonder how they could ever get along. Sure, he is a little arrogant, but nothing like as bad what she thinks and some of the things she accuses him of (in her mind) are blatantly not true. Then there’s the whole Celia issue, which I have to admit didn’t do anything to make me like her any more (and if it had been Eli I’d have felt exactly the same). Aside from her inventiveness and machinery skills, there was just nothing about her for me to like.
Eli was a bit better, in that he’s sweeter, but he has an alarming thread of naivety that I just couldn’t believe. His assurance that the ossy will go down well with the judges was possibly tinged with a little arrogance, but as a man supposedly worried about his reputation, his confidence with regards to that was pretty baffling. Beyond that, though, I quite liked him. The way he tries to help Astrid out was sweet, his skills in the bedroom were unexpectedly hot and his lack of confidence was kind of adorable. But I can’t see what on earth he and Astrid would have in common in the long term. I think he was right that she’d find him too boring – or rather too steady in his need to keep the shop afloat and not always willing to take uncalculated risks – and I think her independent, stubborn streak would continually drive a wedge between them.
Then there’s the historical setting. I have no idea when it’s supposed to be set, to be honest, and while the graphic language might be “period appropriate” so much of the rest of it wasn’t – networking, garage, vest, business brand, etc. Of course, without a solid historical date to base this all on some of the language might have been okay, but the dialogue in particular was really modern in places. As for the idea that all the green spaces in Britannia were gone except for the West Chester Moors… eh? I got confused as to just what Britannia looked like and whether the World’s Fair was actually in London or if it was a lot further north in this strange mega-city of a country. So a bit of world-building might have been nice.
The rest of the story is mostly about naughty sexy moments and naughty sex toys, with a plenty of *ahem* self-indulgent moments as well as a bit of F/F and a few M/F scenes. Elia isn’t shy about her sex drive and despite his otherwise staid behaviour, neither is Eli. I might have had issues with the romance and the setting, but the sex scenes are definitely hot throughout.
If you’re looking for a sexy read with plenty of toys in a vaguely Victorian setting, then you might enjoy this. Especially if you’re not too bothered about period appropriate language throughout and don’t mind a prickly heroine and a naive hero. Sadly, it didn’t quite work for me.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 18, 2016
I almost didn't finish this book. In fact, I picked it up and put it down so many times, it took me over a week to finish it. That's a crazy long time for such a short book. Morbid curiosity kept me going.
Why did I almost didn't finish the book? I hated the heroine. Thoroughly, thoroughly disliked her. I didn't find one redeeming quality in her at all. Astrid was supposedly a modern day, independent business woman who was strong and sassy, instead she came across as rude, obnoxious, bitchy and with a serious chip on her shoulder. She came from a poor, working class background and because of her background she made assumptions about others (namely Eli) based on the things she knew about them on the surface. Why did I almost didn't finish the book? I hated the heroine. Thoroughly, thoroughly disliked her. I didn't find one redeeming quality in her at all. Astrid was supposedly a modern day, independent business woman who was strong and sassy, instead she came across as rude, obnoxious, bitchy and with a serious chip on her shoulder. She came from a poor, working class background and because of her background she made assumptions about others (namely Eli) based on the things she knew about them on the surface. She wanted people to give her a chance and not jump to conclusions about her, but she didn't offer others the same courtesy. That seems like a huge double standard to me.
Here are a few examples (don't worry, I'm not giving away the story!)
“You have nothing in common with us. You inherited a successful business from your father, who was already a prominent businessman, and your greatest achievement is to not yet have run it into the ground. Other people have given you everything you’ve ever needed. As a man, you can get a position on the Chamber of Commerce or the Fair Board or the IFCT or the London Business Council or whatever, and know that when you talk, people will listen. And I’m very happy that you have the money to own a shop and rent a booth at the World’s Fair, but to assume that everyone else is in the same position as you demonstrates how completely clueless you are about the plight of women business owners in this city. So no, you haven’t said anything to offend me. Everything about you offends me.”
As she left, Eli watched her go with numb shock. Her words had been incredibly rude, and he couldn’t help but feel stung.
Her smile irked him. “It’s kind of hard not to. You have no idea how much this should make me happy.”
“Why should my unhappiness make you happy?”
“Because I hate you!” She threw her hands up in the air with the exclamation, although her tone was one of much more exasperation than hate. “You’re rich and successful, and you have a shop, and I have to get by on these little commissioned jobs that, quite frankly, pay like shit.”
Eli, bless him, is a stodgy businessman with a reputation to protect and while he's not the most interesting of heroes, I give him points for putting up with Astrid's crap and terrible attitude. Plus, he knows how to please a woman properly and thoroughly. We all need a man like that in our lives. :-p
So morbid curiosity made me finish the book because I wanted to know how their invention would be received at the World's Fair and how Ms Winters would resolve a relationship with so much hostility and angry sex (Eli did good!). I was also not overly excited about the fact that Astrid had sex with someone other than Eli during the course of the book. That somehow added a bit of an ick factor to the story for me. When I read an erotic romance, I expect the sex to only be between the protagonists.
The book itself was not poorly written and the sex scenes were well done, but if Ms Winters' heroines are anything like Astrid in her other books, I will not be picking them up to read anytime soon.
Why did I almost didn't finish the book? I hated the heroine. Thoroughly, thoroughly disliked her. I didn't find one redeeming quality in her at all. Astrid was supposedly a modern day, independent business woman who was strong and sassy, instead she came across as rude, obnoxious, bitchy and with a serious chip on her shoulder. She came from a poor, working class background and because of her background she made assumptions about others (namely Eli) based on the things she knew about them on the surface. Why did I almost didn't finish the book? I hated the heroine. Thoroughly, thoroughly disliked her. I didn't find one redeeming quality in her at all. Astrid was supposedly a modern day, independent business woman who was strong and sassy, instead she came across as rude, obnoxious, bitchy and with a serious chip on her shoulder. She came from a poor, working class background and because of her background she made assumptions about others (namely Eli) based on the things she knew about them on the surface. She wanted people to give her a chance and not jump to conclusions about her, but she didn't offer others the same courtesy. That seems like a huge double standard to me.
Here are a few examples (don't worry, I'm not giving away the story!)
“You have nothing in common with us. You inherited a successful business from your father, who was already a prominent businessman, and your greatest achievement is to not yet have run it into the ground. Other people have given you everything you’ve ever needed. As a man, you can get a position on the Chamber of Commerce or the Fair Board or the IFCT or the London Business Council or whatever, and know that when you talk, people will listen. And I’m very happy that you have the money to own a shop and rent a booth at the World’s Fair, but to assume that everyone else is in the same position as you demonstrates how completely clueless you are about the plight of women business owners in this city. So no, you haven’t said anything to offend me. Everything about you offends me.”
As she left, Eli watched her go with numb shock. Her words had been incredibly rude, and he couldn’t help but feel stung.
Her smile irked him. “It’s kind of hard not to. You have no idea how much this should make me happy.”
“Why should my unhappiness make you happy?”
“Because I hate you!” She threw her hands up in the air with the exclamation, although her tone was one of much more exasperation than hate. “You’re rich and successful, and you have a shop, and I have to get by on these little commissioned jobs that, quite frankly, pay like shit.”
Eli, bless him, is a stodgy businessman with a reputation to protect and while he's not the most interesting of heroes, I give him points for putting up with Astrid's crap and terrible attitude. Plus, he knows how to please a woman properly and thoroughly. We all need a man like that in our lives. :-p
So morbid curiosity made me finish the book because I wanted to know how their invention would be received at the World's Fair and how Ms Winters would resolve a relationship with so much hostility and angry sex (Eli did good!). I was also not overly excited about the fact that Astrid had sex with someone other than Eli during the course of the book. That somehow added a bit of an ick factor to the story for me. When I read an erotic romance, I expect the sex to only be between the protagonists.
The book itself was not poorly written and the sex scenes were well done, but if Ms Winters' heroines are anything like Astrid in her other books, I will not be picking them up to read anytime soon.
July 16, 2021
Interesting Blend of Steampunk and Erotic Romance
This book, set in an alternate Victorian(?) London post-"Revolution" (never clearly described, but apparently it resulted in greater freedom for women and more importance for the Merchant Class), tells the story of lady engineer Astrid Bailey, a barely-getting-by designer of "felicitation devices" (vibrators). She tries to enter The World's Fair set in London that year, but because she has no storefront (and is a woman, though that's never explicitly said!), she'll need a "responsible businessman" partner (gender very much intentional). Remembering watchmaker Eli Rutledge who she'd clashed with during a "Tea and Talk" seminar for a women's business organization, she sounds him out about partnering on the ultimate felicitation device, the "Oscillating Felicitator" (a powered saddle with vibrating dildoes) — and to her considerable surprise, he agrees.
Say Whut?
The worldbuilding is interesting both for what it shows The Revolution having changed...and how so much remained the same even so. Felicitation devices are legal, but (and this is a plot point) looked down upon by the "respectable", all Male, London Business Council who run the World's Fair. Women are allowed to run businesses, but are expected to marry and pop out babies. There appears to be electricity (Astrid provides chargers with her devices), but London feels like a world lit by kerosene lamps and gaslight.
Sherlock Holmes Would Be Right at Home Here!
Both Astrid and Eli realize they have a strong mutual attraction, but the orphaned Astrid considers Eli a Masculinist Stick-in-the-Mud, and Eli is sure Astrid doesn't even like him! They agree to try a one-night stand to "get it out of the their systems"....
Which works just as well as you'd think it does!
For the curious (or concerned), there are sexually explicit MF, FF, and F and M solo scenes. Sex toys are as far as kink goes, and all sex is completely consensual.
The book's a standalone, although there are supporting characters which suggest this may have been written to be part of a series. I would really enjoying reading more, and learning more, about this world Elia Winters had created....
This book, set in an alternate Victorian(?) London post-"Revolution" (never clearly described, but apparently it resulted in greater freedom for women and more importance for the Merchant Class), tells the story of lady engineer Astrid Bailey, a barely-getting-by designer of "felicitation devices" (vibrators). She tries to enter The World's Fair set in London that year, but because she has no storefront (and is a woman, though that's never explicitly said!), she'll need a "responsible businessman" partner (gender very much intentional). Remembering watchmaker Eli Rutledge who she'd clashed with during a "Tea and Talk" seminar for a women's business organization, she sounds him out about partnering on the ultimate felicitation device, the "Oscillating Felicitator" (a powered saddle with vibrating dildoes) — and to her considerable surprise, he agrees.
Say Whut?
The worldbuilding is interesting both for what it shows The Revolution having changed...and how so much remained the same even so. Felicitation devices are legal, but (and this is a plot point) looked down upon by the "respectable", all Male, London Business Council who run the World's Fair. Women are allowed to run businesses, but are expected to marry and pop out babies. There appears to be electricity (Astrid provides chargers with her devices), but London feels like a world lit by kerosene lamps and gaslight.
Sherlock Holmes Would Be Right at Home Here!
Both Astrid and Eli realize they have a strong mutual attraction, but the orphaned Astrid considers Eli a Masculinist Stick-in-the-Mud, and Eli is sure Astrid doesn't even like him! They agree to try a one-night stand to "get it out of the their systems"....
Which works just as well as you'd think it does!
For the curious (or concerned), there are sexually explicit MF, FF, and F and M solo scenes. Sex toys are as far as kink goes, and all sex is completely consensual.
The book's a standalone, although there are supporting characters which suggest this may have been written to be part of a series. I would really enjoying reading more, and learning more, about this world Elia Winters had created....
June 15, 2015
Astrid Bailey was a war orphan. Living her life making felicitation devices. Dreaming of opening her own shop on e day. When Astrid meets Eli Rutledge at the Tea an Talk meeting. She is of two minds, one she is attracted to him and another he sparks her interest in showing her devices at the worlds fair which is coming to Brittania. When she finds out she has to already have a store to get a booth at the fair. She tries to find a way to enter a new invention. She gets Eli to sponsor her and since he doesn't have any invention to enter. He agrees to partner with her. Astrid really throws him when she explains to him what he has agreed to help her with.
I enjoyed Astrid. She doesn't trust easily and tends to see the worst in people. She is quick to jump to conclusions. She wants Eli but doesn't want him to know that she has fallen for him. Eli after being burnt once by a women is content to keep their relationship just sex. Things heat up quick and they both find themselves more involved them they wanted to be. Trying to build the device and keep their hands to themselves is harder then they thought it would be. The book is defiantly different. A steampunk erotica. Great storyline in between the sex scenes. Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
I enjoyed Astrid. She doesn't trust easily and tends to see the worst in people. She is quick to jump to conclusions. She wants Eli but doesn't want him to know that she has fallen for him. Eli after being burnt once by a women is content to keep their relationship just sex. Things heat up quick and they both find themselves more involved them they wanted to be. Trying to build the device and keep their hands to themselves is harder then they thought it would be. The book is defiantly different. A steampunk erotica. Great storyline in between the sex scenes. Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews