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Magic & Mechanicals #3
Bound in Blood
Without any prospects or suitors, Elora Stone has been reduced to robbing her late uncle’s country home of its valuables to support herself. It should have been a quick journey to gather the silverware and pawn it until her theft is interrupted by the vampire who has taken up residence in the abandoned house.
Ben Lang knows exactly what kind of vampire he is: a terrible one. It’s been over a year since he was turned and he still can’t glamour humans, let alone the beautiful one who broke into his new home. When he tries to use the charm that got him through his human life, Elora can see through that, too, right into his lonely soul.
But blood is shed when one of Ben’s vampire acquaintances turns up and tries to take Elora for himself. With a nest of vengeful bloodsuckers after them, Ben and Elora have no choice other than to escape together and keep them off their trails.
As it turns out, running for one’s life is a lot easier to do when you’re not fighting an attraction, too…
Ben Lang knows exactly what kind of vampire he is: a terrible one. It’s been over a year since he was turned and he still can’t glamour humans, let alone the beautiful one who broke into his new home. When he tries to use the charm that got him through his human life, Elora can see through that, too, right into his lonely soul.
But blood is shed when one of Ben’s vampire acquaintances turns up and tries to take Elora for himself. With a nest of vengeful bloodsuckers after them, Ben and Elora have no choice other than to escape together and keep them off their trails.
As it turns out, running for one’s life is a lot easier to do when you’re not fighting an attraction, too…
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
21 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Marting
36 books37 followersJessica Marting is a sci-fi and paranormal romance author, art enthusiast (not quite an artist, despite all that time in art school), an avid reader, and makeup collector. She lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2021
When we heard that this book is a steampunk/PNR mashup with Victorian-era vampires, we were intrigued. When we realized that it is about a self-proclaimed "bad" vampire (IOW, he's bad at being a vampire) and the destitute sister of a duke, we were even more excited to read it. And after reading it, when it turned out that Ben is the most cinnamon role vampire sweetie of all time (he needs to be rescued by Elora a couple of times, has problems hiding his fangs when he's around her 'cause she's just so delicious in every sense of the word, and is super worried about turning into a monster the longer he un-lives), we were super happy to have chosen it it.
This is a romance where the couple doesn't give in to internal angst and communication issues. Instad, they team up to respond to external conflicts (like mean vampires, vampire hunters, and even reconciling with family). Plus he sucks her blood and she thinks it's hot. It's a great short read.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
This is a romance where the couple doesn't give in to internal angst and communication issues. Instad, they team up to respond to external conflicts (like mean vampires, vampire hunters, and even reconciling with family). Plus he sucks her blood and she thinks it's hot. It's a great short read.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the book.
October 6, 2021
He's a Monster👹, After All
ADULT Historical Victorian Vampire👹 Romance💕 and Fantasy Adventure
A Food Source and Friend, All in One.....
Encountering, Ben👹, a resident vampire living in her late Uncle's abandoned estate🏰 leads Elora💃💋 to finally figure out he is a real vampire! But should she be scared?
She came to steal everything valuable she could because her brother, the new Duke, has abandoned her completely!. Ben👹 just came to hide out. Strangely, she isn't afraid of Ben👹, maybe because he's lousy at being a vampire!
ARC Provided by Book 📚 Sirens💃
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!
This kind of a silly book, but still a fun read. BTW, ornithcopters don't work except as small models about the same size as a bird they imitate.
ADULT Historical Victorian Vampire👹 Romance💕 and Fantasy Adventure
A Food Source and Friend, All in One.....
Encountering, Ben👹, a resident vampire living in her late Uncle's abandoned estate🏰 leads Elora💃💋 to finally figure out he is a real vampire! But should she be scared?
She came to steal everything valuable she could because her brother, the new Duke, has abandoned her completely!. Ben👹 just came to hide out. Strangely, she isn't afraid of Ben👹, maybe because he's lousy at being a vampire!
ARC Provided by Book 📚 Sirens💃
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!
This kind of a silly book, but still a fun read. BTW, ornithcopters don't work except as small models about the same size as a bird they imitate.
October 3, 2021
Friendship and More . . .
The story is set in Victorian times. Elora Stone is running out of money and can get no help from her duke brother. Rather than sell the item that was given to her by her mother, she takes items to sell out of her late uncle’s country home. But this time a vampire has moved into the house.
Ben Lang is not a very talented vampire and can’t glamour humans. But he is kind and likable. When another vampire shows up and attacks Elora, Ben defends her and the two are on the run. Will they find they are falling in love along the way? Can this end in happiness, or is it just not meant to be?
The story is set in Victorian times. Elora Stone is running out of money and can get no help from her duke brother. Rather than sell the item that was given to her by her mother, she takes items to sell out of her late uncle’s country home. But this time a vampire has moved into the house.
Ben Lang is not a very talented vampire and can’t glamour humans. But he is kind and likable. When another vampire shows up and attacks Elora, Ben defends her and the two are on the run. Will they find they are falling in love along the way? Can this end in happiness, or is it just not meant to be?
June 29, 2023
Plenty of Victorian world-building, but this is still still a vamp romance with on-page steam
If you’re looking for an easy read like Jules Verne but delving into the past & with modern adult relationship notions, this might be a good fit.
20yo Elora is a disinherited lady whose income comes from sowing, seeing how her brother, the newly minted Duke of Wexfield refuses to give her an allowance and prefers to travel through Europe at the expense of their inheritance. Since needs must she decides to extract what she can from her uncle’s country home where she meets Ben Lang, a recently turned gentle vampire.
I loved Elora’s spunk - ransacking her dead uncle’s country home in the company of a gentleman who had also broken in - ignoring the fangs and only after an ungodly scream from touching the silver asking him “What the h** are you?” There’s a bit of swearing (f-words used) as Elora is a curious chit who has transcended proper ladylike behavior due to life circumstances. I loved Elora’s and Ben’s bantering conversations, easy companionship, mutual attraction they were both trying to sensibly fight (until they didn’t) and their joint escape to a better life - except they are a bit careless when doing so. The blood mates idea was interesting - that humans don’t have to be turned to live forever with their vamp lovers.
I also adored the subtle dry humour. “”And you have to be invited into homes,” Elora said. It seemed the rules of etiquette only grew stronger after undeath.”
The main category says paranormal vampire romance & historical Victorian romance, so, yes, it is romantasy but both characters are running (very slowly with stops to dine & take air balloon rides) for their lives from the vamps through 1888 Victorian London. Having the policeman use a Victorian ornithopter was a nice touch - apparently, they did fly in 1888/89 but very short distances, manned by 1 person and had nowhere near the maneuverability or fitting capacity the book suggests, so it’s an idea integrated in a fiction manner. Reminded me of Jules Verne’s books. So, I guess it qualifies as historical fantasy as well.
Recommended for lovers of Victorian historical vampire fantasy where humans don’t need to be turned (so, if you love agonizing with Edward over turning Bella in Meyer’s Twilight - this is probably not for you). It’s a standalone, can be comfortably read separately from the rest of the series.
If you’re looking for an easy read like Jules Verne but delving into the past & with modern adult relationship notions, this might be a good fit.
20yo Elora is a disinherited lady whose income comes from sowing, seeing how her brother, the newly minted Duke of Wexfield refuses to give her an allowance and prefers to travel through Europe at the expense of their inheritance. Since needs must she decides to extract what she can from her uncle’s country home where she meets Ben Lang, a recently turned gentle vampire.
I loved Elora’s spunk - ransacking her dead uncle’s country home in the company of a gentleman who had also broken in - ignoring the fangs and only after an ungodly scream from touching the silver asking him “What the h** are you?” There’s a bit of swearing (f-words used) as Elora is a curious chit who has transcended proper ladylike behavior due to life circumstances. I loved Elora’s and Ben’s bantering conversations, easy companionship, mutual attraction they were both trying to sensibly fight (until they didn’t) and their joint escape to a better life - except they are a bit careless when doing so. The blood mates idea was interesting - that humans don’t have to be turned to live forever with their vamp lovers.
I also adored the subtle dry humour. “”And you have to be invited into homes,” Elora said. It seemed the rules of etiquette only grew stronger after undeath.”
The main category says paranormal vampire romance & historical Victorian romance, so, yes, it is romantasy but both characters are running (very slowly with stops to dine & take air balloon rides) for their lives from the vamps through 1888 Victorian London. Having the policeman use a Victorian ornithopter was a nice touch - apparently, they did fly in 1888/89 but very short distances, manned by 1 person and had nowhere near the maneuverability or fitting capacity the book suggests, so it’s an idea integrated in a fiction manner. Reminded me of Jules Verne’s books. So, I guess it qualifies as historical fantasy as well.
Recommended for lovers of Victorian historical vampire fantasy where humans don’t need to be turned (so, if you love agonizing with Edward over turning Bella in Meyer’s Twilight - this is probably not for you). It’s a standalone, can be comfortably read separately from the rest of the series.
May 12, 2023
I didn't think I'd like this book because I've had enough of vampires, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Elora's family has disowned her, so she's robbing her dead uncles estate. Unfortunately, it's being inhabited by young vampire Ben. A fight to protect Elora ends up with a dead vampire who has friends hunting for him.
I liked this story because Ben is unhappy to be a vampire. He was a playboy before his death and he's realizing just how much he wasted his life and now his unlife. Elora is having none of it and works to boost his confidence and show him that just because he's dead, he can't live! I loved their romance and the characters they meet.
Elora's family has disowned her, so she's robbing her dead uncles estate. Unfortunately, it's being inhabited by young vampire Ben. A fight to protect Elora ends up with a dead vampire who has friends hunting for him.
I liked this story because Ben is unhappy to be a vampire. He was a playboy before his death and he's realizing just how much he wasted his life and now his unlife. Elora is having none of it and works to boost his confidence and show him that just because he's dead, he can't live! I loved their romance and the characters they meet.
March 16, 2023
Another short and sweet story. I am really enjoying the Magic & Mechanicals series. Each story has their own couples, with their own struggles.
Elora is independent, yet not unwilling to have someone to lean on. She’s smart, and brave, just wants to live her life without scrapping by.
Ben has a past that’s just a colorful as Elora’s language. And not in the good way. I love that Elora doesn’t hold it against him, and accepts him almost right off the bat.
Elora is independent, yet not unwilling to have someone to lean on. She’s smart, and brave, just wants to live her life without scrapping by.
Ben has a past that’s just a colorful as Elora’s language. And not in the good way. I love that Elora doesn’t hold it against him, and accepts him almost right off the bat.
November 17, 2024
this needed editing—badly.
but it was delightful nonetheless and i was rooting for ben and elora the entire time. my children deserve so much happiness and more 😭😭😭
but it was delightful nonetheless and i was rooting for ben and elora the entire time. my children deserve so much happiness and more 😭😭😭
October 28, 2021
While I thought the book was set earlier, the late Victorian Era was the perfect backdrop for this book.
We start by meeting Elora, a down on her luck sister to a duke. Who wants nothing to do with her. And she's quickly running out of money and doesn't want to sell her last remaining item from her mother. So she goes to ransack her late uncle's country home. Where she meets Ben. Who is there to catch her when she falls, literally. And they form a friendship. Oh, and he's a vampire. But not a very good one. Or a great one depending on how you look at it.
Ben is immediately drawn to Elora and wants to help her. But he can only go out at night and is worried other vampires will be after her after how good she smells. Which comes to pass after they kill a vampire out to kill Elora. No fleeing for both their safety, they end up back in London where they find great news on how they can stay together forever. Only to have Ben taken just before dawn.
Elora and Ben get their happy ending in this stand-alone book.
I found it enduring that Ben never wanted to kill the people he took blood from. And that he was really bad at glamoring, or compulising people to forget what he did unless he drank from them. And Elora really must have been lonely to have even the smallest bit of friendship earn her loyalty. The one thing that wasn't really answered in the book was what the detective's secret was and I wonder if it was or will be answered in another book.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We start by meeting Elora, a down on her luck sister to a duke. Who wants nothing to do with her. And she's quickly running out of money and doesn't want to sell her last remaining item from her mother. So she goes to ransack her late uncle's country home. Where she meets Ben. Who is there to catch her when she falls, literally. And they form a friendship. Oh, and he's a vampire. But not a very good one. Or a great one depending on how you look at it.
Ben is immediately drawn to Elora and wants to help her. But he can only go out at night and is worried other vampires will be after her after how good she smells. Which comes to pass after they kill a vampire out to kill Elora. No fleeing for both their safety, they end up back in London where they find great news on how they can stay together forever. Only to have Ben taken just before dawn.
Elora and Ben get their happy ending in this stand-alone book.
I found it enduring that Ben never wanted to kill the people he took blood from. And that he was really bad at glamoring, or compulising people to forget what he did unless he drank from them. And Elora really must have been lonely to have even the smallest bit of friendship earn her loyalty. The one thing that wasn't really answered in the book was what the detective's secret was and I wonder if it was or will be answered in another book.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2021
Elora, a Duke's sister, in her attempt to escape her forced poverty, raids her brother's country house for valuables only to discover the manor isn't empty. Ben, a fairly new vampire, clumsy with his inability to perform some feats more mature vampires are capable of … like flying, is in residence. I enjoy the way the author makes the dance of acquaintanceship between a human and non-human develop. The conflict caused by the violence and the necessary demise of another vampire turn the dance into a frenzied escape to London. Well written and almost whimsical, this story has violence, a bit of gore, and graphic sex. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2021
Elora and Ben.
I liked the whimsical steampunk details sprinkled throughout the story. The Victorian steampunk vibe was palpable throughout. The main characters were written to evoke the gentle manners of days gone by. Elora was spunky and sensible. Ben was a true gentleman and a reluctant vampire. Their love story was lovely, adventurous, sometimes scary, and occasionally gross whenever they had to deal with the bad guys. I loved the creativity and imagination the author spun into the story. I loved the whole story but the scene at the Spanish Steps was my favorite. Great ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the whimsical steampunk details sprinkled throughout the story. The Victorian steampunk vibe was palpable throughout. The main characters were written to evoke the gentle manners of days gone by. Elora was spunky and sensible. Ben was a true gentleman and a reluctant vampire. Their love story was lovely, adventurous, sometimes scary, and occasionally gross whenever they had to deal with the bad guys. I loved the creativity and imagination the author spun into the story. I loved the whole story but the scene at the Spanish Steps was my favorite. Great ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2021
I hadn’t read the other two books in this series so luckily for me this book can be read as a standalone and this is Elora’s and Ben’s story. Elora is broke so she decides to rob her late uncles home which has been abandoned but to Elora’s surprise there is a man living there well he’s a vampire Ben who’s only been turned about a year ago. Their attraction is instantaneous but there’s trouble on the horizon when another vampire tries to take Elora as his own. I loved the Victorian era and where Ben was a real gentleman, this is a fantastic story I loved the characters and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
October 8, 2021
Noble Vampire Meets Impoverished Lady
The adventure of Ben and Elora is very atypical for a vampire and a human. I found it interesting that Ben tried so hard to maintain the vestiges of humanity from his former life as a gentleman of the nobility. Having more backstory to Elora's plight would have answered several questions about the actions of her brother and his decision to stop any financial support. The character, Sergeant Merritt Sloan was intriguing and I would like to see a book with his story in the future.
Overall an enjoyable read with a unique storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The adventure of Ben and Elora is very atypical for a vampire and a human. I found it interesting that Ben tried so hard to maintain the vestiges of humanity from his former life as a gentleman of the nobility. Having more backstory to Elora's plight would have answered several questions about the actions of her brother and his decision to stop any financial support. The character, Sergeant Merritt Sloan was intriguing and I would like to see a book with his story in the future.
Overall an enjoyable read with a unique storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2021
Great escape book. The author does a great job of taking the readers on the journey of this developing relationship.
Ben was your typical fourth son of a wealthy family with no obligations other than to live his life as he pleased. Well, you can guess what kind of life that was. So when he's turned, he finds himself alone in the world and having no mentor, he considers himself a clumsy vampire.
Enter Elora, a young lady who had to grow up fast and fend for herself.
When they meet their loneliness brings them together and a beautiful friendship ensues. It was great to witness that friendship growing and turning into love.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
Ben was your typical fourth son of a wealthy family with no obligations other than to live his life as he pleased. Well, you can guess what kind of life that was. So when he's turned, he finds himself alone in the world and having no mentor, he considers himself a clumsy vampire.
Enter Elora, a young lady who had to grow up fast and fend for herself.
When they meet their loneliness brings them together and a beautiful friendship ensues. It was great to witness that friendship growing and turning into love.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
January 13, 2022
Thank you for the ARC provided by BookSirens!
What a lovely, quick read. This book runs a little over 200 pages, but spends each moment building a sweet romance between two extremely likeable characters. Ben is the perfect soft boy that I think any reader would want to protect and put in their pocket. It's a nice change of pace from vampire stories that often feature alpha-like MMCs. I would not have minded reading a longer, more expounded upon version of this story because I liked it so much!
What a lovely, quick read. This book runs a little over 200 pages, but spends each moment building a sweet romance between two extremely likeable characters. Ben is the perfect soft boy that I think any reader would want to protect and put in their pocket. It's a nice change of pace from vampire stories that often feature alpha-like MMCs. I would not have minded reading a longer, more expounded upon version of this story because I liked it so much!
October 19, 2021
This is a nice story. The author creates a distance between the reader and the participants, which is common in vampire stories and really helped to set the mood. There were some slow part in between the action that made the book harder to get through but that action sections did make up for it. All in all it was a good read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2021
As with the other book in this series i read this book was absolutely delightful. The relationship between the two mains feel sweet and wholesome. Though there's a few decidedly unwholesome scenes ;). This author also has a way of breathing life into the few supporting characters where they don't feel hollow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2021
The third book in the Magic & Mechanicals series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Human Elora Stone and vampire Ben Lang's story of suspense, drama, danger, friends, villains, and love. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
Elora and Ben meet under strange circumstances. As they spend time together we are drawn into the stories of their lives. Despite being human and vampire I really enjoyed the inherent kindness towards each other and their protectiveness of the other. It's a lovely HEA story with suspense, action, scary "bad" vamps and surprising twists and turns.
August 23, 2022
I was disappointed with this book. I found it dragged a lot. It was a very slow read for me. The beginning was extremely slow. I did find it picked up a lot in the last two chapters. I did like both main characters but it did take a while. I found the characters weren't well developed. I really really wanted to like this one.
October 6, 2021
Victorian era meets steampunk and the Supernatural in this enjoyable romance as the two main characters on the run embark on an unexpected adventure. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2022
This was a cute read. The FMC was plucky and fun. The MMC was an inept vampire who reminded me of a Hugh Grant type, somehow bumbling and charming at the same time. It was an enjoyable quick read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews