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London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #4
To Catch a Rogue
An impossible heist. A thief and a rogue. But will she steal his heart, instead?
The Company of Rogues finally knows the identity of the mastermind behind a plot against the queen—but their enemy is still one step ahead of them. When he kidnaps one of theirs, the Rogues plan a daring rescue mission that will lead them into the heart of the bloodthirsty Crimson Court.
It's a job for a master thief, and there's nothing Charlie Todd likes more than a challenge. To pull off the impossible, Charlie needs a crew, including the only thief who's ever been able to outfox him.
He broke her heart. But now she must risk it all to save his life . . .
Lark's spent years trying to forget her past, but the one thing she can't ignore is the way a single smile from Charlie still sets her heart on fire. When he proposes they work together again, it feels just like old times, but she has one this is strictly business.
It's Charlie's last chance to prove he can be trusted with her heart. But Lark's keeping a deadly secret. And as passions are stirred and the stakes mount, it might be the kind of secret that could destroy them all . . .
Contains mature themes.
The Company of Rogues finally knows the identity of the mastermind behind a plot against the queen—but their enemy is still one step ahead of them. When he kidnaps one of theirs, the Rogues plan a daring rescue mission that will lead them into the heart of the bloodthirsty Crimson Court.
It's a job for a master thief, and there's nothing Charlie Todd likes more than a challenge. To pull off the impossible, Charlie needs a crew, including the only thief who's ever been able to outfox him.
He broke her heart. But now she must risk it all to save his life . . .
Lark's spent years trying to forget her past, but the one thing she can't ignore is the way a single smile from Charlie still sets her heart on fire. When he proposes they work together again, it feels just like old times, but she has one this is strictly business.
It's Charlie's last chance to prove he can be trusted with her heart. But Lark's keeping a deadly secret. And as passions are stirred and the stakes mount, it might be the kind of secret that could destroy them all . . .
Contains mature themes.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 30, 2018
147 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Bec McMaster
65 books3,462 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 6, 2018
⭐️5 stars⭐️
Yaaay a winner! I was a tiny bit disappointed by this spin off series. I liked the previous stories but they were all missing that little something that would make me love them.
BUT! I just knew Charlie will win me over!
My sugarplum was adorable and is to be protected at all costs!
"You should never reveal your hand, little bird. Only those with nothing to lose are safe in this world."
"Strange. I thought those with everything to lose were far more dangerous. A man with nothing to lose has nothing to fight for."
Yaaay a winner! I was a tiny bit disappointed by this spin off series. I liked the previous stories but they were all missing that little something that would make me love them.
BUT! I just knew Charlie will win me over!
My sugarplum was adorable and is to be protected at all costs!
November 20, 2018
I think one of the reasons why I keep reading this series is because it doesn't emotionally engage me, therefore making the books easy reads. Just something to read. Does that make sense? I'm devoted to reading, but there are phases in life where I simply don't want to be engaged.
And there once upon a time, it started so promisingly with Kiss of Steel. But somewhere along Forged by Desire, Bec McMaster lost me. Not enough for me to be completely annoyed, but just keeping the books as a fallback.
But here's the thing with To Catch A Rogue. Even if I had been really looking forward to reading this, I would have been disappointed. Actually, I finished reading this about two weeks ago, and I can barely remember the romance between Lark and Charlie. The plot took so much space that the relationship, past and presence, between them felt squeezed in. Add to that the never ending plot twists and implementation of new characters - Lark's familial background - and I started to skip the 'love scenes' between them. And it's always a bad sign for me when I'm more interested in secondary characters.
Anyway, one of the things that did make me laugh were the gaping plot holes. Lark's origins for example and the subsequent revelations. I won't give away spoilers here.
Thinking back to Kiss of Steel, I wish Bec McMaster would slim down on the plot twists and let her characters breathe. To me at least, it lowers the quality of the story as well as the romance. This is going to be a wild guess, but I do question if it has anything to do with the fact that Ms. McMaster has 2-3 series running simultaneously, and publishes 3-4 books a year? I genuinely wonder if her stories would benefit from being more thought over.
No, we're being taken on a high adrenaline tour from one dangerous, nay impossible to get out, situation to another. And of course, they do escape every time. I think I once compared one of the books in this series to the Mission Impossible films. Well, nothing's changed there. One element that still annoys the hell out of me, but which I've come to ignore, is the use of technical devices that are downright ridiculous. Again, I mentioned this before, implanted tracking 'chips'? Or implanted memory 'chips'? Really?
I think I'm in the minority here. But it takes a lot for me to truly enjoy plot driven books rather than character driven ones. Do I have to mention the series that managed to combine both? Not really, right?
Oh, and I sense that - with the introduction of two secondary characters that played a vital role here - there's probably another series in the making, or at least a novella.
Anyway, I'll be reading the next book. And then I'll moan and bitch again. So - as always with my strange reading habits - take this review with a pinch of salt. Others loved it. And I'm spoilt by another series anyway.
And there once upon a time, it started so promisingly with Kiss of Steel. But somewhere along Forged by Desire, Bec McMaster lost me. Not enough for me to be completely annoyed, but just keeping the books as a fallback.
But here's the thing with To Catch A Rogue. Even if I had been really looking forward to reading this, I would have been disappointed. Actually, I finished reading this about two weeks ago, and I can barely remember the romance between Lark and Charlie. The plot took so much space that the relationship, past and presence, between them felt squeezed in. Add to that the never ending plot twists and implementation of new characters - Lark's familial background - and I started to skip the 'love scenes' between them. And it's always a bad sign for me when I'm more interested in secondary characters.
Anyway, one of the things that did make me laugh were the gaping plot holes. Lark's origins for example and the subsequent revelations. I won't give away spoilers here.
Thinking back to Kiss of Steel, I wish Bec McMaster would slim down on the plot twists and let her characters breathe. To me at least, it lowers the quality of the story as well as the romance. This is going to be a wild guess, but I do question if it has anything to do with the fact that Ms. McMaster has 2-3 series running simultaneously, and publishes 3-4 books a year? I genuinely wonder if her stories would benefit from being more thought over.
No, we're being taken on a high adrenaline tour from one dangerous, nay impossible to get out, situation to another. And of course, they do escape every time. I think I once compared one of the books in this series to the Mission Impossible films. Well, nothing's changed there. One element that still annoys the hell out of me, but which I've come to ignore, is the use of technical devices that are downright ridiculous. Again, I mentioned this before, implanted tracking 'chips'? Or implanted memory 'chips'? Really?
I think I'm in the minority here. But it takes a lot for me to truly enjoy plot driven books rather than character driven ones. Do I have to mention the series that managed to combine both? Not really, right?
Oh, and I sense that - with the introduction of two secondary characters that played a vital role here - there's probably another series in the making, or at least a novella.
Anyway, I'll be reading the next book. And then I'll moan and bitch again. So - as always with my strange reading habits - take this review with a pinch of salt. Others loved it. And I'm spoilt by another series anyway.
November 30, 2018
Relocating the story to Russia was pure genius!
Yes, this story had a NA feel, but, even if I don't like the genre, it was good. Not as good as the other stories and I'm sorry to give it only 4 stars! :-)
Why the NA feel? Because of the couple here: Lark and Charlie. They're both very young and it does show.
Why I did like it inspite of NA feel? Because they're both likable characters and their action didn't get TSTL as in many NA stories. They just acted like a mature human beings.
Also their love story was sweet. It's obvious since the beginning that they have feelings for each other, but while Charlie is very forward, Lark is keeping them and her secrets in check.
Obviously it doesn't last!
We get to see al the Rogues as they're in Russia to save Malloryn. Being confronted with the bloodthirsty Crimson Court, they face attacks to their lives, treason, but also come very unexpected revelations (mostly Lark!).
Nothing is resolved here. Yes, Malloryn is safe (even if a little broken), but Balfour, Dido and Jelena, the villains, have escaped and it's obvious that they'll seek revenge since the Rogues have destroyed their London operation in the last book and now here their Russian one too. So it's a given!
I'll be looking forward to Malloryn's story!
November 3, 2018
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I’ve been dying for this book for forever now. I’m so glad to finally get Charlie&Lark’s story.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• The plot definitely develops a lot in this book. It is set in the infamous Crimson Court at Russia – the one we have heard about in previous books. It is interesting to see the Company of Rogues in this new, hostile environment. There are many plot twists – and some have left me reeling.
• It is great to see Lark again. It has been 3 books since we have seen her. So many things are different yet the same between her and Charlie. On one hand, there are awkwardness and tension between the two. They both hopelessly miss one another, but are too confused and scared to do anything about it for the longest time. Especially now that they have truly breached out of their childhood (they’re now in their early twenties), they have to learn how to interact anew being older and having spent the last 3 years with limited contact despite spending almost everyday together for 5 years (meaning that they have known each other for a total of 8 years). On the other hand, despite having this distance and romantic development between them, they still interact with one another the same. They both tease and compete one another, and reminisce on old times. It is just that they are wondering how to reach to that new place in their relationship. And there are some hurt feelings and confusion because they don’t know that the other loves them back. Sooo… Basically, it’s complicated.
• I am just glad to see them reunite and finally move forward together.
• I love all the friends Charlie (and now Lark) have made in the Company of Rogues. They have been utterly supportive of one another. I mean there are a lot of chaos that comes up, so it’s great to see them all band together. Ava faces a hurdle (and thus Kincaid). Obsidion and Gemma are both emotional and stressed out. Malloryn is kidnapped since the last book. And obviously, Charlie and Lark are facing conflicts with each other and with other side problems at the court. Meanwhile, everyone else is being supportive and helping out. Byrnes in particular has been a delight because he is still the wonderfully sarcastic and loyal friend.
• It is also great to see Blade again, and see him talk about Honor and his daughter. I miss his character. It is sweet to see him be all wise and protective of both Lark and Charlie as they navigate new waters.
• Learning more about Tin Man breaks my heart. He was a good one.
• The Malloryn’s scenes have made me so sad. It is strange to see him hopeless like this, and it warms my heart when he finally realizes that the Rogues have come for him. I am even more excited for his book now.
• Can we get a book for Nikolai??? I am officially invested in his storyline. I am curious about what has happened in his past, and I must know what happens to him now. His life has seemed so sad. (And it would be cool to explore the Crimson Court again – and maybe some reformations. We are seeing London/England changing so maybe it’s Russia’s turn now too)
Overall, I give this book 4 stars. I love all of the characters in the Company of Rogues. The romance between Charlie and Lark is utterly sweet and I enjoy seeing everyone tease him about it. Also, this book has had a lot of plot developments so it has been interesting to read every step of the way. Please, please, please tell me the next book is not the last book of the London Steampunk series. I can’t bear to say goodbye to it after 10 books.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------
I’ve waited 2.5 years for this book, and it literally kills me to start this book tonight and know that I won’t be able to resume until Fri night b/c of midterms this week. RIP. But AGH IM SO EXCITED TO FINALLY READ THIS 💕💕
**reading the ARC edition**
I’ve been dying for this book for forever now. I’m so glad to finally get Charlie&Lark’s story.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• The plot definitely develops a lot in this book. It is set in the infamous Crimson Court at Russia – the one we have heard about in previous books. It is interesting to see the Company of Rogues in this new, hostile environment. There are many plot twists – and some have left me reeling.
• It is great to see Lark again. It has been 3 books since we have seen her. So many things are different yet the same between her and Charlie. On one hand, there are awkwardness and tension between the two. They both hopelessly miss one another, but are too confused and scared to do anything about it for the longest time. Especially now that they have truly breached out of their childhood (they’re now in their early twenties), they have to learn how to interact anew being older and having spent the last 3 years with limited contact despite spending almost everyday together for 5 years (meaning that they have known each other for a total of 8 years). On the other hand, despite having this distance and romantic development between them, they still interact with one another the same. They both tease and compete one another, and reminisce on old times. It is just that they are wondering how to reach to that new place in their relationship. And there are some hurt feelings and confusion because they don’t know that the other loves them back. Sooo… Basically, it’s complicated.
• I am just glad to see them reunite and finally move forward together.
• I love all the friends Charlie (and now Lark) have made in the Company of Rogues. They have been utterly supportive of one another. I mean there are a lot of chaos that comes up, so it’s great to see them all band together. Ava faces a hurdle (and thus Kincaid). Obsidion and Gemma are both emotional and stressed out. Malloryn is kidnapped since the last book. And obviously, Charlie and Lark are facing conflicts with each other and with other side problems at the court. Meanwhile, everyone else is being supportive and helping out. Byrnes in particular has been a delight because he is still the wonderfully sarcastic and loyal friend.
• It is also great to see Blade again, and see him talk about Honor and his daughter. I miss his character. It is sweet to see him be all wise and protective of both Lark and Charlie as they navigate new waters.
• Learning more about Tin Man breaks my heart. He was a good one.
• The Malloryn’s scenes have made me so sad. It is strange to see him hopeless like this, and it warms my heart when he finally realizes that the Rogues have come for him. I am even more excited for his book now.
• Can we get a book for Nikolai??? I am officially invested in his storyline. I am curious about what has happened in his past, and I must know what happens to him now. His life has seemed so sad. (And it would be cool to explore the Crimson Court again – and maybe some reformations. We are seeing London/England changing so maybe it’s Russia’s turn now too)
Overall, I give this book 4 stars. I love all of the characters in the Company of Rogues. The romance between Charlie and Lark is utterly sweet and I enjoy seeing everyone tease him about it. Also, this book has had a lot of plot developments so it has been interesting to read every step of the way. Please, please, please tell me the next book is not the last book of the London Steampunk series. I can’t bear to say goodbye to it after 10 books.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------
I’ve waited 2.5 years for this book, and it literally kills me to start this book tonight and know that I won’t be able to resume until Fri night b/c of midterms this week. RIP. But AGH IM SO EXCITED TO FINALLY READ THIS 💕💕
**reading the ARC edition**
November 7, 2018
A- or 4.5 stars rounded up.
To Catch a Rogue, the fourth book in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk: The Blue-Blood Conspiracy series, picks up more or less where the previous book (You Only Love Twice) left off. Like its predecessors, it’s a fabulous mixture of action, adventure, suspense and romance that pulled me in from the very first page and kept me utterly enthralled until the very end; I’ve been following the series from the beginning and can honestly say that it’s got better and better with each subsequent book. One thing though – it’s definitely NOT a standalone, so if you like the sound of it, I’d strongly suggest going back to the beginning and starting with Kiss of Steel – I promise you won’t regret it.
There will be spoilers for the previous books in this review.
It’s been two weeks since the Company of Rogues finally uncovered the identity of their deadliest enemy, the person responsible for the plot to overthrow the queen and for unleashing all manner of chaos upon London. Lord Balfour, former right-hand man to the cruel and evil prince consort was thought to have been killed by the Duke of Malloryn during the revolution which overthrew the ruling Echelon, but he survived and has been engineering his revenge – on the city and on Malloryn. At the end of You Only Love Twice, the duke was captured by Balfour’s lackeys and at the beginning of To Catch a Rogue, we discover he’s been taken to Russia, where Balfour is masquerading as the consort of the Grand Duchess Feodorevna at the violent and deadly Crimson Court.
The Company of Rogues, the small band of spies, assassins, thieves and bounty-hunters assembled by Malloryn to fight the threat to London and the queen, knows where he has been taken and has put together a plan to get him out. It’s going to be incredibly dangerous and incredibly difficult; the Crimson Court is deadly, merciless and ruthless and the only protection they will have is the diplomatic immunity afforded them by virtue of the invitation sent to Lord Leo Barrons to attend the celebrations commemorating the tsarina’s coronation.
Charlie Todd – who has been a recurring character through both series – has been working for Malloryn and the CoR for some months and, along with Gemma Townsend, has come up with a rescue plan. But to pull it off, they’re going to need outside help, someone who has never met a lock they couldn’t pick or a wall they couldn’t scale, and Charlie knows just the person for the job.
Lark Rathinger and Charlie were practically inseparable until, on the night of the revolution, her adoptive father, Tin Man, was killed saving Charlie’s life and Lark herself was so badly injured that she’d have died if Charlie hadn’t acted quickly and infected her with the craving virus that turned her into a rogue blue-blood and saved her life. Overwhelmed with guilt over Tin Man’s death Charlie left Whitchapel – and Lark – behind, and although they’ve seen each other occasionally since, nothing between them has been the same. Lark doesn’t blame Charlie for what happened, but she is still angry at him for abandoning her when she needed him the most, and is determined never to let him know that he broke her heart.
When Charlie turns up out of the blue and asks Lark to join the mission to free Malloryn, she is tempted by the thought of working with him again. They’ve always shared a strong connection, the ability – almost – to read each other’s thoughts, and she recalls the thrill of pulling off the most difficult, risky jobs like a well-oiled machine… but she also recalls that the last time they’d worked together someone she cared for had died. So she refuses – until she realises that Charlie and the CoR won’t be mounting their rescue mission in England, but in Russia.
I’m not going to say more about the plot, which is multi-layered and brilliantly conceived. The author creates a pervasive atmosphere of menace from the moment the CoR arrives at the Crimson Court, and there’s the real sense that one false move could lead to disaster (and probably a most unpleasant death). Two other important storylines are skilfully interwoven with the scheme to rescue Malloryn; one concerning Lark’s hitherto unknown past, which is connected to the Russian court in ways nobody expected, and the other devoted to the romance between Lark and Charlie, something fans of the series have been long awaiting. This is friends-to-lovers romance at its very best; it’s tender, sensual and gorgeously romantic and there’s never any question that these two people know each other inside out and care deeply for one another in spite of the past hurt and misunderstandings that lies between them. Lark and Charlie have been in love with one another ever since they were old enough to recognise the feeling for what it was, and their years apart have done nothing to lessen the intensity of the pull between them. Worried for Charlie’s safety, Lark tries to shut him out and remain aloof, but it’s impossible. From the moment they’re reunited, the pair resumes the verbal sparring that has characterised their relationship, although now, they’re both aware of the undercurrents of sexual tension and desire that run beneath their banter; and soon, they’re addressing the issues that lie between them and confessing the truth of their feelings for one another. Even so, Charlie knows Lark is holding something back from him (and it’s a doozy!) but he’s a patient man and hasn’t waited this long to be with her to give up now.
I never come away from a Bec McMaster book feeling as though I liked one of the principals more than the other, or that the hero didn’t deserve the heroine in the end, or vice versa. Each one of her couples are well-matched in terms of intelligence, understanding and ability, and the relationships she creates are ones of mutual respect and equality. Charlie and Lark are a case in point; they’re both extremely good at what they do, and they never underestimate each other’s ability to do what has to be done. They want to keep each other safe, yes, but there’s no overprotective BS and their trust and confidence in each other is wonderful to see. Lark is a great heroine; she’s gutsy and intelligent but with a hidden vulnerability that makes her more rounded and Charlie… *sigh*… Charlie is simply gorgeous. Not just to look at (although a six-feet-plus, broad shouldered, blond Adonis is nothing to be sneezed at!), but he’s kind, intuitive and loyal - it’s his belief that Malloryn would come for him were he in trouble that is the driving force behind the rescue mission – and his willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve for Lark is swoonworthy:
"I missed you so much I could barely breathe, but I needed the time to work out who I was, and you needed the space to grieve. I missed you. Every day. Every night. Every breath I took."
To Catch a Rogue is a fast-paced, action-packed, intensely romantic adventure that features a couple of terrific principals, an engaging secondary cast of familiar characters (some of the digs at Byrnes had me laughing out loud), truly menacing bad-guys, and a wonderfully complex and superbly executed plot. I’m eagerly looking forward to the final book (Dukes are Forever) next year, although I’ll also be sad to bid goodbye to this world and these characters. The London Steampunk books are dangerously addictive, but when they’re this good, who cares?
To Catch a Rogue, the fourth book in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk: The Blue-Blood Conspiracy series, picks up more or less where the previous book (You Only Love Twice) left off. Like its predecessors, it’s a fabulous mixture of action, adventure, suspense and romance that pulled me in from the very first page and kept me utterly enthralled until the very end; I’ve been following the series from the beginning and can honestly say that it’s got better and better with each subsequent book. One thing though – it’s definitely NOT a standalone, so if you like the sound of it, I’d strongly suggest going back to the beginning and starting with Kiss of Steel – I promise you won’t regret it.
There will be spoilers for the previous books in this review.
It’s been two weeks since the Company of Rogues finally uncovered the identity of their deadliest enemy, the person responsible for the plot to overthrow the queen and for unleashing all manner of chaos upon London. Lord Balfour, former right-hand man to the cruel and evil prince consort was thought to have been killed by the Duke of Malloryn during the revolution which overthrew the ruling Echelon, but he survived and has been engineering his revenge – on the city and on Malloryn. At the end of You Only Love Twice, the duke was captured by Balfour’s lackeys and at the beginning of To Catch a Rogue, we discover he’s been taken to Russia, where Balfour is masquerading as the consort of the Grand Duchess Feodorevna at the violent and deadly Crimson Court.
The Company of Rogues, the small band of spies, assassins, thieves and bounty-hunters assembled by Malloryn to fight the threat to London and the queen, knows where he has been taken and has put together a plan to get him out. It’s going to be incredibly dangerous and incredibly difficult; the Crimson Court is deadly, merciless and ruthless and the only protection they will have is the diplomatic immunity afforded them by virtue of the invitation sent to Lord Leo Barrons to attend the celebrations commemorating the tsarina’s coronation.
Charlie Todd – who has been a recurring character through both series – has been working for Malloryn and the CoR for some months and, along with Gemma Townsend, has come up with a rescue plan. But to pull it off, they’re going to need outside help, someone who has never met a lock they couldn’t pick or a wall they couldn’t scale, and Charlie knows just the person for the job.
Lark Rathinger and Charlie were practically inseparable until, on the night of the revolution, her adoptive father, Tin Man, was killed saving Charlie’s life and Lark herself was so badly injured that she’d have died if Charlie hadn’t acted quickly and infected her with the craving virus that turned her into a rogue blue-blood and saved her life. Overwhelmed with guilt over Tin Man’s death Charlie left Whitchapel – and Lark – behind, and although they’ve seen each other occasionally since, nothing between them has been the same. Lark doesn’t blame Charlie for what happened, but she is still angry at him for abandoning her when she needed him the most, and is determined never to let him know that he broke her heart.
When Charlie turns up out of the blue and asks Lark to join the mission to free Malloryn, she is tempted by the thought of working with him again. They’ve always shared a strong connection, the ability – almost – to read each other’s thoughts, and she recalls the thrill of pulling off the most difficult, risky jobs like a well-oiled machine… but she also recalls that the last time they’d worked together someone she cared for had died. So she refuses – until she realises that Charlie and the CoR won’t be mounting their rescue mission in England, but in Russia.
I’m not going to say more about the plot, which is multi-layered and brilliantly conceived. The author creates a pervasive atmosphere of menace from the moment the CoR arrives at the Crimson Court, and there’s the real sense that one false move could lead to disaster (and probably a most unpleasant death). Two other important storylines are skilfully interwoven with the scheme to rescue Malloryn; one concerning Lark’s hitherto unknown past, which is connected to the Russian court in ways nobody expected, and the other devoted to the romance between Lark and Charlie, something fans of the series have been long awaiting. This is friends-to-lovers romance at its very best; it’s tender, sensual and gorgeously romantic and there’s never any question that these two people know each other inside out and care deeply for one another in spite of the past hurt and misunderstandings that lies between them. Lark and Charlie have been in love with one another ever since they were old enough to recognise the feeling for what it was, and their years apart have done nothing to lessen the intensity of the pull between them. Worried for Charlie’s safety, Lark tries to shut him out and remain aloof, but it’s impossible. From the moment they’re reunited, the pair resumes the verbal sparring that has characterised their relationship, although now, they’re both aware of the undercurrents of sexual tension and desire that run beneath their banter; and soon, they’re addressing the issues that lie between them and confessing the truth of their feelings for one another. Even so, Charlie knows Lark is holding something back from him (and it’s a doozy!) but he’s a patient man and hasn’t waited this long to be with her to give up now.
I never come away from a Bec McMaster book feeling as though I liked one of the principals more than the other, or that the hero didn’t deserve the heroine in the end, or vice versa. Each one of her couples are well-matched in terms of intelligence, understanding and ability, and the relationships she creates are ones of mutual respect and equality. Charlie and Lark are a case in point; they’re both extremely good at what they do, and they never underestimate each other’s ability to do what has to be done. They want to keep each other safe, yes, but there’s no overprotective BS and their trust and confidence in each other is wonderful to see. Lark is a great heroine; she’s gutsy and intelligent but with a hidden vulnerability that makes her more rounded and Charlie… *sigh*… Charlie is simply gorgeous. Not just to look at (although a six-feet-plus, broad shouldered, blond Adonis is nothing to be sneezed at!), but he’s kind, intuitive and loyal - it’s his belief that Malloryn would come for him were he in trouble that is the driving force behind the rescue mission – and his willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve for Lark is swoonworthy:
"I missed you so much I could barely breathe, but I needed the time to work out who I was, and you needed the space to grieve. I missed you. Every day. Every night. Every breath I took."
To Catch a Rogue is a fast-paced, action-packed, intensely romantic adventure that features a couple of terrific principals, an engaging secondary cast of familiar characters (some of the digs at Byrnes had me laughing out loud), truly menacing bad-guys, and a wonderfully complex and superbly executed plot. I’m eagerly looking forward to the final book (Dukes are Forever) next year, although I’ll also be sad to bid goodbye to this world and these characters. The London Steampunk books are dangerously addictive, but when they’re this good, who cares?
November 10, 2018
Bec McMaster can't write a bad book, and I was so looking forward to being utterly head over heels for Charlie's story. However, it had a very New Adult feel to it. I wanted Charlie to be a strong, confident man, but there was way too much time spent re-hashing youthful feelings as regards Lark. The story, though, was good, especially with the relocation to Russia.
October 31, 2018
I really should have trusted this author more because honestly I wasn't exactly keen to read about this couple as to my mind they were young adolescents who wouldn't wow me but boy was I wrong.
This book might be about trying to rescue a fellow Rogue incarcerated in Russia but it's all about the history this couple share and even more exciting the secrets that Lark hides. No Lark isn't a Rogue but her talents are invaluable plus she's someone Charlie knows could really help and more to the point would. Their relationship is somewhat fractured as this book begins and trust is a commodity earned. The girl Charlie teased and run around with is all grown up and its time they both took stock and realised that childhood is far behind. Trouble is as much as they seem to move forward Lark keeps pulling back but perhaps being in Russia will bring secrets and past atrocities hurtling back into the light of day ?
Fans will enjoy that this book in so many ways returns the series back to the very beginning and there's a stowaway here who will surely delight. I loved that most of the Rogues are here to bring both action and banter. Although this is a daring rescue its Lark who dominated for this reader and I'm so pleased the author gave a bittersweet ending. Do they rescue Malloryn ? It would be remiss to give too much away but like other readers I'm dying to know more about his wife Adele so the next book will surely be a doozy. Bottom line is there's lots of action and intrigue going on but there's always time for a little humour and of course a romance that sweetly builds up leaving this reader very happy.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
This book might be about trying to rescue a fellow Rogue incarcerated in Russia but it's all about the history this couple share and even more exciting the secrets that Lark hides. No Lark isn't a Rogue but her talents are invaluable plus she's someone Charlie knows could really help and more to the point would. Their relationship is somewhat fractured as this book begins and trust is a commodity earned. The girl Charlie teased and run around with is all grown up and its time they both took stock and realised that childhood is far behind. Trouble is as much as they seem to move forward Lark keeps pulling back but perhaps being in Russia will bring secrets and past atrocities hurtling back into the light of day ?
Fans will enjoy that this book in so many ways returns the series back to the very beginning and there's a stowaway here who will surely delight. I loved that most of the Rogues are here to bring both action and banter. Although this is a daring rescue its Lark who dominated for this reader and I'm so pleased the author gave a bittersweet ending. Do they rescue Malloryn ? It would be remiss to give too much away but like other readers I'm dying to know more about his wife Adele so the next book will surely be a doozy. Bottom line is there's lots of action and intrigue going on but there's always time for a little humour and of course a romance that sweetly builds up leaving this reader very happy.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
November 2, 2022
This is the fourth in her Blueblood Conspiracy series, and features childhood friends Charlie and Lark. The book feels like a bit of a departure for McMaster because her characters are on the younger side and have been in love since they were both about 17 (but never admitted it, of course!)
Charlie is traveling to Russia with his spy buddies to rescue one of their co-conspirators. He figures that he can always use more backup and asks Lark to come along. Little does he know that she has ties to the brutal Russian aristocracy.
Oh, and in case you were wondering why this classifies as a Spooky Season read, you should know that both the British and Russian aristocracy are made up of vampires. Charlie and Lark are also illicit vampires, so you know there's a bunch of blood sucking going on!
12-Word Summaries:
Laine: Charlie and Lark, jumping over rooftops, j-u-m-p-i-n-g, first to come wins (her)
Meg: When your childhood crush and current obsession heads into danger, you follow.
Charlie is traveling to Russia with his spy buddies to rescue one of their co-conspirators. He figures that he can always use more backup and asks Lark to come along. Little does he know that she has ties to the brutal Russian aristocracy.
Oh, and in case you were wondering why this classifies as a Spooky Season read, you should know that both the British and Russian aristocracy are made up of vampires. Charlie and Lark are also illicit vampires, so you know there's a bunch of blood sucking going on!
12-Word Summaries:
Laine: Charlie and Lark, jumping over rooftops, j-u-m-p-i-n-g, first to come wins (her)
Meg: When your childhood crush and current obsession heads into danger, you follow.
August 22, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this story... this author... these characters... this book... I am sitting here barely able to form words after finishing this absolute gem only a few minutes before... how does Bec do it??? seriously... how?!?!?!? I am blown away by the complexity of the story, by all the twists and turns... by the perfect balance she maintained with moving all the action forward and the beautiful romance... just... GAH!!! :) ok, first things first, this is the fourth book in a spin-off series, so writing this review will be a bit tricky... I will have part of it safe to read by everyone, even if you are not familiar with any of Bec's books set in London steampunk world... and then moving forward I will have clear warning about any possible spoilers :) ok, let's jump straight into the part safe for everyone :)
Because this is part of a spin-off series, and not all of you may be familiar with the original one, let me say a bit more about the world itself and the bigger plot that happens in those first five books :) it all takes place in an alternate version of victorian London... with all these steampunk vibes, where the technology is more advanced than it was at the time... but also with some interesting paranormal twists :) because London is ruled by blue bloods, a vampire-like creatures, who may look like humans, but are much stronger and ruthless... infected by the craving virus they need blood to survive... they aren't the only ones different... we also have verwulfen, hot-tempered sort of shapeshifters who are treated like slaves and animals... not to mention mechs, humans altered with biomechanical body parts, who work off their debts in the enclaves and are treated like property... but at some point enough is enough and all those groups that are treated so poorly will rise up to fight for their rights... each of the fie books in the original London steampunk series concentrates on a different couple, but they are all connected with this bigger rebel story arch :) I can't share any more details, because I don't want to spoil you anything, but know this... if you haven't yet read these amazing books, I highly recommend them :) the writing style is phenomenal, each story crafted brilliantly, all characters complex and intriguing... I have nothing but praises to tell about them :) but since they are not the main topic of this review, let's move on ;)
In this paragraph I will tell you a bit more about this spin-off series and all the main players in it :) there will be SPOILERS about the ending of the original series, so be warned :) after I finished the last book in London steampunk series, I was totally blown away by how amazing she ended everything... yet, there were charcters I wanted to know more about and who deserved their own books... so imagine my joy when I learned that we will get more stories set in that world :) the first book in London steampunk the blue blood conspiracy takes place three years after the big finale... prince consort have been defeated, and seemingly everything should be all better now... but not everyone is happy with the current situation, when both verwulfen and mechs have more rights... some want to go back to the old order of things... there is a nefarious plot brewing... and who better to thwart all that than a team of spies and masters of different specialties... ;) enter our Company of Rogues :) now here's the tricky part... I will have to try and do my best to name all of them as they are at the beginning of the first book ;) because let me tell you... a lot of things happened since then, but I don't want to spoil anything :) ok, here we go :) there's Malloryn, a blue blood, duke and the mastermind behind everything, Isabella, his mistress and right hand, also a blue blood, Byrnes, ex-Nighthawk and blue blood, master detective and Ingrid, vewrulfen with a very interesting past between her and Byrnes ;) their story is the first one :) because just like with the original series, each book is concentrated on a different couple, with a much bigger archs happening all around them :) next in line are Ava and Kincaid :) she's a blue blood, saved after surviving horrific experiments and he's a mech who hates blue bloods... yeah... imagine how complicated their book might get ;) then let's not forget about Gemma, blue blood and perfect spy, who can blend in or catch attention of everyone, she's Malloryn's greatest weapon... I won't spoil who's the hero of the third book with her but be prepared to be amazed ;) and then the hero of this fourth book, Charlie :) a blue blood, he was one of the characters from the original series I wanted to read more about :) he's a thief and who comes back to help him in the time of need than one of the characters from the original series as well... yep, I'm talking about Lark, his childhood friend, who has a hold on his heart :) the fifth and final book of the series, where I'm assuming everything will come to an epic end, will center around Malloryn himself :) and I already can't wait to read it :) before I will get into all the spoilery things about this fourth installment, let me first share a few things to convince you to give this spin-off series a try :) Bec just gets better and better as an author, because this whole series is even better than the original one :) complex storylines, intertwined characters, intrigue, action and so... many... surprises... all of that written in a way that makes you gasp and turn page after page, because you simply need to know how everything will end :) ok, now that we have all of that out of the way, let me get into all the goods about this installment :)
Before I get into all the details, fair warning... SPOILERS about the previous three books in this series will come next... because there is no way for me to talk about the events with this one without SPOILING some major twists and turns from the previous novels... LAST WARNING ABOUT SPOILERS... I will be talking about all sorts of twists that happened previously, so read at your own risk... ;) ok, now that you've been warned, let's get into it :) this installment picks up right after that mother of all cliffhangers at the end of the third book, when Malloryn was kidnapped... he's taken to Russia to his worst enemy... the whole plot of this book revolves around Rogues doing their best to save him... with a little help of a few familiar faces ;) it's a very complex and nearly impossible task, because everything seems to be against them... because if you thought that the blue bloods of London are ruthless then just wait and see the ones in Russia... *shudders* since baically all of the book takes place there, we are privileged to see and experience a whole new part of the world Bec so masterfully created... it's different and very interesting... I have to honestly say that I would love to go back there and maybe see even a full lenght novel, if not more, set there... another reason for that is that I am more than intrigued about a character or two we met :) so, you know... just putting this out there... and maybe the idea of a story set in Russia will take root and bloom into something amazing ;) fingers crossed :) I have to honestly say that I was a bit afraid going into this book... mainly because Charlie and Lark have a history between them... and I wasn't sure how Bec will handle all that... oh, how foolish I was... I should have had total faith in my current favourite author of all time, because she handled everything perfectly... all the things I was worried would happen, didn't... :) sorry for being vague, but I can't share any specifics without ruining it :) rest assured I was thrilled with how she handled the romance between Charlie and Lark, the complexity of their feelings for one another and the bond between them... *sighs happily* I am totally not ashamed about swooning more than once ;) not only that, there were all sorts of group interactions and scenes between surprising characters that made me smile more than once ;) to see how the Rogues care about each other and what they are prepared to do to help one of their own is just... amazing to read about :) like I mentioned before, Bec mixed all aspects of this story bloody brilliantly... pun totally intended ;) we have the romance, the action, the surprises... oh, all the surprising twists and turns... I swear, there were times when I gasped so hard in shock I thought I would hyperventilate ;) #TrueStory... I almost fell off my chair as well :) and no, that is not an exaggeration... Bec managed to surprised me more than once with the direction she took the story in... and I loved it :) this book kept me at the very edge of my seat, and on the one hand I wanted to fly through it to know how it will all end and on the other hand, I wanted to prolong the whole experience, because this story was just... that... good :) and I didn't want to finish it :) let's just say that I am thoroughly satisfied with the awesomeness that was this book and am eagerly anticipating the fifth and final book that will come out next year... hopefully sooner rather than later, because I need to see how Malloryn will handle everything that happened to him... if you haven't yet discover this story, or any other written by this amazingly talented author, definitely remedy that immediately, because you are missing absolute gems from your lives and you are not even aware of it ;) go read them all :)
XOXO
A
for more book-ish stuff visit:
my blog -> https://bookworm8619.blogspot.com/
my facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/bookworm8619/
Because this is part of a spin-off series, and not all of you may be familiar with the original one, let me say a bit more about the world itself and the bigger plot that happens in those first five books :) it all takes place in an alternate version of victorian London... with all these steampunk vibes, where the technology is more advanced than it was at the time... but also with some interesting paranormal twists :) because London is ruled by blue bloods, a vampire-like creatures, who may look like humans, but are much stronger and ruthless... infected by the craving virus they need blood to survive... they aren't the only ones different... we also have verwulfen, hot-tempered sort of shapeshifters who are treated like slaves and animals... not to mention mechs, humans altered with biomechanical body parts, who work off their debts in the enclaves and are treated like property... but at some point enough is enough and all those groups that are treated so poorly will rise up to fight for their rights... each of the fie books in the original London steampunk series concentrates on a different couple, but they are all connected with this bigger rebel story arch :) I can't share any more details, because I don't want to spoil you anything, but know this... if you haven't yet read these amazing books, I highly recommend them :) the writing style is phenomenal, each story crafted brilliantly, all characters complex and intriguing... I have nothing but praises to tell about them :) but since they are not the main topic of this review, let's move on ;)
In this paragraph I will tell you a bit more about this spin-off series and all the main players in it :) there will be SPOILERS about the ending of the original series, so be warned :) after I finished the last book in London steampunk series, I was totally blown away by how amazing she ended everything... yet, there were charcters I wanted to know more about and who deserved their own books... so imagine my joy when I learned that we will get more stories set in that world :) the first book in London steampunk the blue blood conspiracy takes place three years after the big finale... prince consort have been defeated, and seemingly everything should be all better now... but not everyone is happy with the current situation, when both verwulfen and mechs have more rights... some want to go back to the old order of things... there is a nefarious plot brewing... and who better to thwart all that than a team of spies and masters of different specialties... ;) enter our Company of Rogues :) now here's the tricky part... I will have to try and do my best to name all of them as they are at the beginning of the first book ;) because let me tell you... a lot of things happened since then, but I don't want to spoil anything :) ok, here we go :) there's Malloryn, a blue blood, duke and the mastermind behind everything, Isabella, his mistress and right hand, also a blue blood, Byrnes, ex-Nighthawk and blue blood, master detective and Ingrid, vewrulfen with a very interesting past between her and Byrnes ;) their story is the first one :) because just like with the original series, each book is concentrated on a different couple, with a much bigger archs happening all around them :) next in line are Ava and Kincaid :) she's a blue blood, saved after surviving horrific experiments and he's a mech who hates blue bloods... yeah... imagine how complicated their book might get ;) then let's not forget about Gemma, blue blood and perfect spy, who can blend in or catch attention of everyone, she's Malloryn's greatest weapon... I won't spoil who's the hero of the third book with her but be prepared to be amazed ;) and then the hero of this fourth book, Charlie :) a blue blood, he was one of the characters from the original series I wanted to read more about :) he's a thief and who comes back to help him in the time of need than one of the characters from the original series as well... yep, I'm talking about Lark, his childhood friend, who has a hold on his heart :) the fifth and final book of the series, where I'm assuming everything will come to an epic end, will center around Malloryn himself :) and I already can't wait to read it :) before I will get into all the spoilery things about this fourth installment, let me first share a few things to convince you to give this spin-off series a try :) Bec just gets better and better as an author, because this whole series is even better than the original one :) complex storylines, intertwined characters, intrigue, action and so... many... surprises... all of that written in a way that makes you gasp and turn page after page, because you simply need to know how everything will end :) ok, now that we have all of that out of the way, let me get into all the goods about this installment :)
Before I get into all the details, fair warning... SPOILERS about the previous three books in this series will come next... because there is no way for me to talk about the events with this one without SPOILING some major twists and turns from the previous novels... LAST WARNING ABOUT SPOILERS... I will be talking about all sorts of twists that happened previously, so read at your own risk... ;) ok, now that you've been warned, let's get into it :) this installment picks up right after that mother of all cliffhangers at the end of the third book, when Malloryn was kidnapped... he's taken to Russia to his worst enemy... the whole plot of this book revolves around Rogues doing their best to save him... with a little help of a few familiar faces ;) it's a very complex and nearly impossible task, because everything seems to be against them... because if you thought that the blue bloods of London are ruthless then just wait and see the ones in Russia... *shudders* since baically all of the book takes place there, we are privileged to see and experience a whole new part of the world Bec so masterfully created... it's different and very interesting... I have to honestly say that I would love to go back there and maybe see even a full lenght novel, if not more, set there... another reason for that is that I am more than intrigued about a character or two we met :) so, you know... just putting this out there... and maybe the idea of a story set in Russia will take root and bloom into something amazing ;) fingers crossed :) I have to honestly say that I was a bit afraid going into this book... mainly because Charlie and Lark have a history between them... and I wasn't sure how Bec will handle all that... oh, how foolish I was... I should have had total faith in my current favourite author of all time, because she handled everything perfectly... all the things I was worried would happen, didn't... :) sorry for being vague, but I can't share any specifics without ruining it :) rest assured I was thrilled with how she handled the romance between Charlie and Lark, the complexity of their feelings for one another and the bond between them... *sighs happily* I am totally not ashamed about swooning more than once ;) not only that, there were all sorts of group interactions and scenes between surprising characters that made me smile more than once ;) to see how the Rogues care about each other and what they are prepared to do to help one of their own is just... amazing to read about :) like I mentioned before, Bec mixed all aspects of this story bloody brilliantly... pun totally intended ;) we have the romance, the action, the surprises... oh, all the surprising twists and turns... I swear, there were times when I gasped so hard in shock I thought I would hyperventilate ;) #TrueStory... I almost fell off my chair as well :) and no, that is not an exaggeration... Bec managed to surprised me more than once with the direction she took the story in... and I loved it :) this book kept me at the very edge of my seat, and on the one hand I wanted to fly through it to know how it will all end and on the other hand, I wanted to prolong the whole experience, because this story was just... that... good :) and I didn't want to finish it :) let's just say that I am thoroughly satisfied with the awesomeness that was this book and am eagerly anticipating the fifth and final book that will come out next year... hopefully sooner rather than later, because I need to see how Malloryn will handle everything that happened to him... if you haven't yet discover this story, or any other written by this amazingly talented author, definitely remedy that immediately, because you are missing absolute gems from your lives and you are not even aware of it ;) go read them all :)
XOXO
A
for more book-ish stuff visit:
my blog -> https://bookworm8619.blogspot.com/
my facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/bookworm8619/
November 1, 2018
Charlie Todd and Lark Rathinger were friends who developed stronger and different feelings for each other but never told a word about it. A couple years ago, on the night of the revolution, Charlie was forced to do something that changed the life of his friend Lark and she lost something so precious and almost died, but the young man misunderstood why she's pissed at him.
It's been seven months, two weeks and three days since Lark last saw Charlie. But now he's back in her life to ask for her help because he need the best thief for a dangerous job. Could sound strange, but not when you grew up in the rookeries. But they won't be alone. All the gang of the Company Of Rogue (and a few other players the fans will recognize) will go to Russia and they only have ten days to put together a plan to find and rescue one of the member who's been abducted. But it's also time for Charlie and Lark to clear the air and while he makes it clear he wants her, she's holding herself back and seem to hide secrets. As if it could stop Charlie for trying to win her heart ;p
So it's a week of "Books of character's HEA's I've been waiting years for." In 2012 or 2013, I met Charlie and Lark in the first book this author wrote and finally, I get to read about their love story :) And it was so wonderful ! Quality writing and strong and compelling plot is something I came to expect from Bec McMaster and once again, it blew me away. The book begin in the heat of the action, there was a couple of surprises (like Lark's history) and the romance was everything I wished for. I especially liked the hero's disarming honesty. It's the character of Blade who first got me hooked on the author's universe so I was really happy to see him again :)
Malloryn's book is next and I'm so excited ! CAN'T WAIT !
It's been seven months, two weeks and three days since Lark last saw Charlie. But now he's back in her life to ask for her help because he need the best thief for a dangerous job. Could sound strange, but not when you grew up in the rookeries. But they won't be alone. All the gang of the Company Of Rogue (and a few other players the fans will recognize) will go to Russia and they only have ten days to put together a plan to find and rescue one of the member who's been abducted. But it's also time for Charlie and Lark to clear the air and while he makes it clear he wants her, she's holding herself back and seem to hide secrets. As if it could stop Charlie for trying to win her heart ;p
So it's a week of "Books of character's HEA's I've been waiting years for." In 2012 or 2013, I met Charlie and Lark in the first book this author wrote and finally, I get to read about their love story :) And it was so wonderful ! Quality writing and strong and compelling plot is something I came to expect from Bec McMaster and once again, it blew me away. The book begin in the heat of the action, there was a couple of surprises (like Lark's history) and the romance was everything I wished for. I especially liked the hero's disarming honesty. It's the character of Blade who first got me hooked on the author's universe so I was really happy to see him again :)
Malloryn's book is next and I'm so excited ! CAN'T WAIT !
November 2, 2018
Oh my I am in love and want to have babies with this book! Bec McMaster has blown it out of the park. Charlie and Lark are amazing together and even amazing as individuals. They have a love that is long-lasting and they would die for each other. And finally where h/H are both virgins because unbeknownst to them both love each other and no-one else will do. Our heroine is a kick-ass thief and these two share a rich history. The overall plot here moves forward beautifully. Obsidian finds out his answers and so does Lark. I felt the author left a lot of possibilities to go back to the Crimson Court in Russia. The last is the Duke's. I wonder how he and Adele will make a go for it? For now, it seems s impossible but a master like Bec McMaster can pull it off.
October 23, 2018
So . . . that happened! I've been waiting for Charlie and Lark's story for years--YEARS! And it did not disappoint.
It's hard to review books in a series without spoiling the experience for new readers, and this is a series that you need to start from the beginning. It's one of my favorite things about Bec McMasters' series. Each book focuses on a particular couple, but there is a larger story arc running throughout all of the books, and many of the characters from previous books play integral roles. So if you don't start at the beginning, you don't get the full experience. And they're so good. Seriously, go get Kiss of Steel and binge away.
So in the interest of avoiding spoilers, I'll keep this short and sweet. Charlie and Lark both featured prominently as teenagers in the London Steampunk series as blue bloods, verwulfen, mechs, and humans teamed up to topple the Prince Consort's abusive reign of terror. They succeeded, but that doesn't mean everybody is happy with the new world order, and this spin-off series follows the Company of Rogues as they seek to destroy a shadowy enemy determined to wreak havoc on the tenuous peace that followed the revolution. In the previous book, You Only Love Twice, the identity of that villain was finally revealed, and the Duke of Malloryn, leader of the Company of Rogues, was kidnapped. Now the Rogues are heading to the Crimson Court in Russia to get him back.
Charlie and Lark have a complicated history, but when Charlie asks for Lark's help on the mission, she can't say no. As the pair work together to find the duke, they are reminded of how close they used to be but also of the tragedy that tore them apart. And they're both a little older and can't help but notice the changes in each other. Charlie is clear from the start that he misses his best friend and that he now believes they are destined to be more than friends, but Lark is holding back. She's hiding a big secret, and, unbeknownst to the rest of the Rogues, Russia is the most dangerous place for her to be. But Charlie needs her, and she's not going to let him get hurt, nor is he going to let her push him away this time. And as the Rogues are drawn into one trap after another, every day lessening their chance of finding the duke and getting out alive, Lark will have to decide how much she's willing to risk to save the man she loves.
I really loved how Lark's secret played out, and I'm impressed with McMaster's ability to so brilliantly plan for this huge plot twist over the course of so many books. And I love that we have a hero and heroine who actually talk to each other. No big misunderstandings or lying with good intentions here. Charlie is nicknamed "sugarplum" for a reason, and now that we finally learn about Lark's mysterious past, we can look back on her over the course of the books in a new light. And this book is pretty much nonstop action, of both the exciting and deadly kind and the sexy kind. The Crimson Court is full of one twist and betrayal after another, and several interesting new characters are introduced. I have a few quibbles with various aspects of the story, but not enough to detract from my enjoyment of it or my happiness in finally seeing these two young lovebirds find their way back to each other. I am anxiously awaiting the final book in the series, though I will be sorry to say good-bye to these characters. Though a girl can always hope another spin-off series will be in the making...
It's hard to review books in a series without spoiling the experience for new readers, and this is a series that you need to start from the beginning. It's one of my favorite things about Bec McMasters' series. Each book focuses on a particular couple, but there is a larger story arc running throughout all of the books, and many of the characters from previous books play integral roles. So if you don't start at the beginning, you don't get the full experience. And they're so good. Seriously, go get Kiss of Steel and binge away.
So in the interest of avoiding spoilers, I'll keep this short and sweet. Charlie and Lark both featured prominently as teenagers in the London Steampunk series as blue bloods, verwulfen, mechs, and humans teamed up to topple the Prince Consort's abusive reign of terror. They succeeded, but that doesn't mean everybody is happy with the new world order, and this spin-off series follows the Company of Rogues as they seek to destroy a shadowy enemy determined to wreak havoc on the tenuous peace that followed the revolution. In the previous book, You Only Love Twice, the identity of that villain was finally revealed, and the Duke of Malloryn, leader of the Company of Rogues, was kidnapped. Now the Rogues are heading to the Crimson Court in Russia to get him back.
Charlie and Lark have a complicated history, but when Charlie asks for Lark's help on the mission, she can't say no. As the pair work together to find the duke, they are reminded of how close they used to be but also of the tragedy that tore them apart. And they're both a little older and can't help but notice the changes in each other. Charlie is clear from the start that he misses his best friend and that he now believes they are destined to be more than friends, but Lark is holding back. She's hiding a big secret, and, unbeknownst to the rest of the Rogues, Russia is the most dangerous place for her to be. But Charlie needs her, and she's not going to let him get hurt, nor is he going to let her push him away this time. And as the Rogues are drawn into one trap after another, every day lessening their chance of finding the duke and getting out alive, Lark will have to decide how much she's willing to risk to save the man she loves.
I really loved how Lark's secret played out, and I'm impressed with McMaster's ability to so brilliantly plan for this huge plot twist over the course of so many books. And I love that we have a hero and heroine who actually talk to each other. No big misunderstandings or lying with good intentions here. Charlie is nicknamed "sugarplum" for a reason, and now that we finally learn about Lark's mysterious past, we can look back on her over the course of the books in a new light. And this book is pretty much nonstop action, of both the exciting and deadly kind and the sexy kind. The Crimson Court is full of one twist and betrayal after another, and several interesting new characters are introduced. I have a few quibbles with various aspects of the story, but not enough to detract from my enjoyment of it or my happiness in finally seeing these two young lovebirds find their way back to each other. I am anxiously awaiting the final book in the series, though I will be sorry to say good-bye to these characters. Though a girl can always hope another spin-off series will be in the making...
November 4, 2018
Charlie and Lark were best friends before life and feelings got in the way. Almost three years later, they reconnect when Charlie seeks out Lark to ask for her assistance rescuing the Duke of Malloryn from somewhere in Russia. Due to her past, Lark isn’t thrilled, but neither will she willing let Charlie blindly brave a den of danger without watching his back.
I loved Charlie and Lark! They both had some hard knocks from life, but each maintained an air of innocence with each other that gave their romance a sweetness I found adorable. Don’t get me wrong. These two had chemistry galore, yet I liked how McMasters tempered the sizzle with the sweet. She exposed emotions when least expected, thus drawing attention to what made Charlie and Lark mesh so well together and why they trusted one another so deeply.
Aside from a wonderful couple, this book was action packed from the start to finish! Swords, knives, fists, duels, pistols (I love a good action sequence and there are plenty here!), then there are the secrets, rescues, betrayals, and one annoyingly cunning villain I hope gets his comeuppance like you wouldn’t believe...
Book five is up next concerning the Duke of Malloryn and his wife. After everything that was revealed in To Catch a Rogue, I cannot wait to see how all the events through this series tie together! I’m sure it will be a doozie!
If you haven’t tried steampunk, start with Bec McMaster! She is hands down my absolute favorite steampunk author-Phenomenal world building, great characters, and fantastic romance-what’s not to love?!
I loved Charlie and Lark! They both had some hard knocks from life, but each maintained an air of innocence with each other that gave their romance a sweetness I found adorable. Don’t get me wrong. These two had chemistry galore, yet I liked how McMasters tempered the sizzle with the sweet. She exposed emotions when least expected, thus drawing attention to what made Charlie and Lark mesh so well together and why they trusted one another so deeply.
Aside from a wonderful couple, this book was action packed from the start to finish! Swords, knives, fists, duels, pistols (I love a good action sequence and there are plenty here!), then there are the secrets, rescues, betrayals, and one annoyingly cunning villain I hope gets his comeuppance like you wouldn’t believe...
Book five is up next concerning the Duke of Malloryn and his wife. After everything that was revealed in To Catch a Rogue, I cannot wait to see how all the events through this series tie together! I’m sure it will be a doozie!
If you haven’t tried steampunk, start with Bec McMaster! She is hands down my absolute favorite steampunk author-Phenomenal world building, great characters, and fantastic romance-what’s not to love?!
December 3, 2020
There are spoilers for the other books in the series!
I wanted a story for Charlie and Lark since they've been introduced in the 1st London Steampunk book. I didn't necessarily see them together then, but I couldn't see them with anyone than each other now! Ms McMaster did an amazing job to remind us of their shared back ground, but without bogging down the story, and also of advancing the overall plot!
The story starts a few days after the Duke of Malloryn has been kidnapped and it shows the Rogues getting ready to go rescue him from Moscow. Charlie convinces/dares Lark to come with them to Russia for her larcenous expertise. They have a past: they've been best friends till circumstances made them grow apart.
I've loved Charlie in the other books, he's been so funny and sometimes sweet and kinda innocent in some instances. He hates the nickname Gemma gave him but it totally fits. Lark starts of very closed off from Charlie and the other Rogues. She has secretes and her secrets have secrets! I've loved discovering them all, and trust me, you so don't expect them!
Besieds Charlie and Lark, we get a few scenes with Malloryn, and dude they are a mind-fuck! Seeing things from his perspective has been eye-opening and I really need to read his book, like right now! All the other Rogues get bigger or smaller roles, and a character from the 1st series gets a secondary role. He was a bit of a scene stealer.
All in all I loved everything and I need Malloryn's book and that of a few of the new characters. If I had my way, Ms McMaster would only write this series and she'd write at least a book a week :D
I wanted a story for Charlie and Lark since they've been introduced in the 1st London Steampunk book. I didn't necessarily see them together then, but I couldn't see them with anyone than each other now! Ms McMaster did an amazing job to remind us of their shared back ground, but without bogging down the story, and also of advancing the overall plot!
The story starts a few days after the Duke of Malloryn has been kidnapped and it shows the Rogues getting ready to go rescue him from Moscow. Charlie convinces/dares Lark to come with them to Russia for her larcenous expertise. They have a past: they've been best friends till circumstances made them grow apart.
I've loved Charlie in the other books, he's been so funny and sometimes sweet and kinda innocent in some instances. He hates the nickname Gemma gave him but it totally fits. Lark starts of very closed off from Charlie and the other Rogues. She has secretes and her secrets have secrets! I've loved discovering them all, and trust me, you so don't expect them!
Besieds Charlie and Lark, we get a few scenes with Malloryn, and dude they are a mind-fuck! Seeing things from his perspective has been eye-opening and I really need to read his book, like right now! All the other Rogues get bigger or smaller roles, and a character from the 1st series gets a secondary role. He was a bit of a scene stealer.
All in all I loved everything and I need Malloryn's book and that of a few of the new characters. If I had my way, Ms McMaster would only write this series and she'd write at least a book a week :D
June 5, 2021
Isn't it fascinating how differently you can feel about a book when you read it vs. listen to it?
I gave To Catch a Rogue an A- at All About Romance in 2018. Listening to it over the past week, I can't quite figure out how I arrived at that high grade (well, Charlie is a dreamboat). I wasn't crazy about the story or the principal pairing (virgins giving each other INCREDIBLE LIFE CHANGING orgasms is a BIG TIME GIVE ME A F--KING BREAK for starters), and the female villains are caricature evil bitches I just couldn't root against. I mean, they're given super minor roles even though they are doing VERY important work in this story, and their dialogue is dumb. No fair. I needed some more dastardly devilry of the female variety and our "big baddie" gets all the money shots. THE WOMEN DO THE WORK. FFS. No fair.
So anyway, I would give the story a B- if I was grading it today.
But I'm not. I'm just listening to the series this time out.
And the narration for this story is TERRIBLE. I mean, I understand we're going with the narrator who performed the first three books. But her Russian accent is TERRIBLE AND UNBELIEVABLE AND TERRIBLE AND JUST BAD and since this entire story is set in Russia at the Crimson Court (ooh, chills and thrills), it's a total fail. For real, her performance is in the D range. God, I hated it. Maybe that's why I didn't like the story as much?
Friends, I don't know what to say. Listen to the first three, read this one, and then I'll let you know about Malloryn's book.
_________________________________
I gave To Catch a Rogue an A- at All About Romance.
Bec McMaster has done it again. Fast paced, suspenseful and romantic, To Catch a Rogue is a terrific addition to her marvelous London Steampunk universe. Like its predecessors, the novel spotlights one couple whilst integrating their love story into the larger overarching plot linking The Blue Blood Conspiracy series together. The novel picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of You Only Love Twice. We finally discover Obsidian’s origins after the author – temporarily – transitions the series from London to dark, dangerous and deadly Russia, and its bloody, violent Crimson Court. She masterfully integrates Obsidian into the Company of Rogues, linking his history to that of Lark – the love of Charlie Todd’s life. The novel is intricately plotted, complex and perfectly paced, and much like the series as a whole, once it gets its hooks into you, it’s impossible to put down. Friends, if you love historical romance and you’re not reading this series, you’re missing out. A warning: the third book in the series ended with a major cliffhanger and there are spoilers galore in this review. If you plan to read the series or haven’t finished You Only Love Twice, stop reading now.
A brief history for readers unfamiliar with Bec McMaster’s steampunk world. In London Steampunk, a tenuous alliance of humans, mechs and blue bloods banded together to overthrow the corrupt Echelon and its leaders. London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy picks up about three years after the revolution; London is newly at peace, but not everyone is content with the new order, and dark forces and an evil mastermind threaten the new and fragile regime. The Duke of Malloryn, a progressive blue blood with an agenda of his own, establishes the Company of Rogues, comprised of humans, mechs and blue bloods. The CoR is determined to root out those causing the unrest before they can wreak havoc on London. By the conclusion of You Only Love Twice, the CoR finally know the mastermind behind a dastardly plan to depose the queen: Lord Balfour, an evil blue blood (and Malloryn's sworn enemy), thought dead at the conclusion of the Of Silk and Steam. Balfour always seems to be two steps ahead of the CoR, but with Obsidian’s help, they located and destroyed Balfour’s London base of operations. The group is determined to find Balfour and stop him before he can strike again. But when the novel reached its exciting conclusion, the Duke of Malloryn was kidnapped by Dido, a dhampir loyal to Balfour, who dropped him into the hatch of a kraken submersible and departed for Russia, its bloodthirsty Crimson Court – and Balfour.
To Catch a Rogue picks up shortly after the events of You Only Love Twice. Malloryn is Balfour’s captive in Russia, subject to the torture and depravity of Dido and fellow dhampir Jelena; the CoR, temporarily under the leadership of Gemma Townsend, Malloryn’s protégé, are united in purpose: they must travel to Russia, rescue the duke, and then destroy Balfour once and for all.
Gemma and the team formulate a plan to infiltrate the Crimson Court and locate Malloryn, and Charlie Todd is tasked with retrieving the duke once they determine where he’s being held. Charlie turns to his former partner in crime (and everything else) for help. As teenagers, Charlie and Lark spent every moment in each other’s pockets. But when Tin Man, Lark’s pseudo-father, was killed in the revolution, Charlie blamed himself (Tin Man took a bullet meant for him), and for three years he’s stayed away from Lark out of a misplaced sense of guilt. The separation allowed both of them to mature as individuals, but hasn’t lessened the intensity of their feelings for each other. Charlie has never forgiven himself for Tin Man’s death; Lark has never forgiven Charlie for breaking her heart and abandoning her when she needed him most. When Charlie asks her to help the CoR rescue Malloryn, Lark refuses… until she learns he’s headed to Russia. Lark, whose origins – until now – were unknown, agrees to go to keep Charlie safe. She’s determined to keep him safe and at a distance; he’s determined to keep her safe and close. Charlie wants a relationship with Lark and sees this as his opportunity to win her.
With Lark on board (literally and figuratively), the CoR travel to Russia (under cover as part of a diplomatic mission). Twists, double crosses, betrayals and ruthless politics abound from the moment the group steps off the dirigible and are greeted by Lord Balfour (masquerading as Vladimir Feodorevna, the consort of Grand Duchess Tatiana Feodorevna), but the battle for Charlie to win Lark’s heart – and learn the secrets she seems to be keeping – begins the moment Lark agrees to accompany Charlie to Russia. Fortunately, Ms. McMaster doesn’t belabor the misunderstandings and hurts that kept the pair apart for the past three years.
Almost from the moment they board the dirigible, Charlie and Lark resume the sparring that characterized their earlier friendship, except this time they’re both increasingly aware of the tension and unresolved lust between them. Sparring turns into flirting… and before long, they’re each confessing the regrets about the past and the truth about their feelings for each other. From the start, Charlie makes it clear he wants Lark – body and soul – and he won’t accept anything less. Lark, who’s guarding a MAJOR AND MASSIVE AND WOW! secret about her past, yearns to do the same, but she’s scared. And so she locks him out. He’s a patient and tender champion, fiercely protective and proud of Lark, but determined to wait for her to come to him. And it isn’t long before she does. Her confession is staggering, but Charlie doesn’t falter. He urges her to confess the truth to the CoR team, and trust in him. Their friends to lovers transition is passionate and lovely, and the ties that bind them only strengthen as the mission pushes Lark deeper into the past she’s locked away. It’s often difficult to distinguish friend from foe, but their partnership is never in doubt and the relationship never detracts from the overarching storyline – the hunt for Malloryn and the destruction of Balfour.
As Charlie and Lark search for Malloryn, the rest of the CoR work to outmaneuver Lord Balfour whilst navigating the treacherous and bloody Crimson Court. Gemma grows increasingly anxious as the days progress and they fail to locate their leader, and Balfour always seems to stay a step ahead of the team. Obsidian’s vague memories of his past frustrate him, and the CoR ultimately find themselves in the middle of a power struggle between Vladimir Feodorevna and his nemesis Sergey Grigoriev… who seems to have a sinister past connection to both Lark and Obsidian. Friends, it’s complicated, but also hugely entertaining.
Densely plotted and intricately woven into the ongoing London Steampunk storyline, To Catch a Rogue is...
The rest of my review is here: All About Romance.
I gave To Catch a Rogue an A- at All About Romance in 2018. Listening to it over the past week, I can't quite figure out how I arrived at that high grade (well, Charlie is a dreamboat). I wasn't crazy about the story or the principal pairing (virgins giving each other INCREDIBLE LIFE CHANGING orgasms is a BIG TIME GIVE ME A F--KING BREAK for starters), and the female villains are caricature evil bitches I just couldn't root against. I mean, they're given super minor roles even though they are doing VERY important work in this story, and their dialogue is dumb. No fair. I needed some more dastardly devilry of the female variety and our "big baddie" gets all the money shots. THE WOMEN DO THE WORK. FFS. No fair.
So anyway, I would give the story a B- if I was grading it today.
But I'm not. I'm just listening to the series this time out.
And the narration for this story is TERRIBLE. I mean, I understand we're going with the narrator who performed the first three books. But her Russian accent is TERRIBLE AND UNBELIEVABLE AND TERRIBLE AND JUST BAD and since this entire story is set in Russia at the Crimson Court (ooh, chills and thrills), it's a total fail. For real, her performance is in the D range. God, I hated it. Maybe that's why I didn't like the story as much?
Friends, I don't know what to say. Listen to the first three, read this one, and then I'll let you know about Malloryn's book.
_________________________________
I gave To Catch a Rogue an A- at All About Romance.
Bec McMaster has done it again. Fast paced, suspenseful and romantic, To Catch a Rogue is a terrific addition to her marvelous London Steampunk universe. Like its predecessors, the novel spotlights one couple whilst integrating their love story into the larger overarching plot linking The Blue Blood Conspiracy series together. The novel picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of You Only Love Twice. We finally discover Obsidian’s origins after the author – temporarily – transitions the series from London to dark, dangerous and deadly Russia, and its bloody, violent Crimson Court. She masterfully integrates Obsidian into the Company of Rogues, linking his history to that of Lark – the love of Charlie Todd’s life. The novel is intricately plotted, complex and perfectly paced, and much like the series as a whole, once it gets its hooks into you, it’s impossible to put down. Friends, if you love historical romance and you’re not reading this series, you’re missing out. A warning: the third book in the series ended with a major cliffhanger and there are spoilers galore in this review. If you plan to read the series or haven’t finished You Only Love Twice, stop reading now.
A brief history for readers unfamiliar with Bec McMaster’s steampunk world. In London Steampunk, a tenuous alliance of humans, mechs and blue bloods banded together to overthrow the corrupt Echelon and its leaders. London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy picks up about three years after the revolution; London is newly at peace, but not everyone is content with the new order, and dark forces and an evil mastermind threaten the new and fragile regime. The Duke of Malloryn, a progressive blue blood with an agenda of his own, establishes the Company of Rogues, comprised of humans, mechs and blue bloods. The CoR is determined to root out those causing the unrest before they can wreak havoc on London. By the conclusion of You Only Love Twice, the CoR finally know the mastermind behind a dastardly plan to depose the queen: Lord Balfour, an evil blue blood (and Malloryn's sworn enemy), thought dead at the conclusion of the Of Silk and Steam. Balfour always seems to be two steps ahead of the CoR, but with Obsidian’s help, they located and destroyed Balfour’s London base of operations. The group is determined to find Balfour and stop him before he can strike again. But when the novel reached its exciting conclusion, the Duke of Malloryn was kidnapped by Dido, a dhampir loyal to Balfour, who dropped him into the hatch of a kraken submersible and departed for Russia, its bloodthirsty Crimson Court – and Balfour.
To Catch a Rogue picks up shortly after the events of You Only Love Twice. Malloryn is Balfour’s captive in Russia, subject to the torture and depravity of Dido and fellow dhampir Jelena; the CoR, temporarily under the leadership of Gemma Townsend, Malloryn’s protégé, are united in purpose: they must travel to Russia, rescue the duke, and then destroy Balfour once and for all.
Gemma and the team formulate a plan to infiltrate the Crimson Court and locate Malloryn, and Charlie Todd is tasked with retrieving the duke once they determine where he’s being held. Charlie turns to his former partner in crime (and everything else) for help. As teenagers, Charlie and Lark spent every moment in each other’s pockets. But when Tin Man, Lark’s pseudo-father, was killed in the revolution, Charlie blamed himself (Tin Man took a bullet meant for him), and for three years he’s stayed away from Lark out of a misplaced sense of guilt. The separation allowed both of them to mature as individuals, but hasn’t lessened the intensity of their feelings for each other. Charlie has never forgiven himself for Tin Man’s death; Lark has never forgiven Charlie for breaking her heart and abandoning her when she needed him most. When Charlie asks her to help the CoR rescue Malloryn, Lark refuses… until she learns he’s headed to Russia. Lark, whose origins – until now – were unknown, agrees to go to keep Charlie safe. She’s determined to keep him safe and at a distance; he’s determined to keep her safe and close. Charlie wants a relationship with Lark and sees this as his opportunity to win her.
With Lark on board (literally and figuratively), the CoR travel to Russia (under cover as part of a diplomatic mission). Twists, double crosses, betrayals and ruthless politics abound from the moment the group steps off the dirigible and are greeted by Lord Balfour (masquerading as Vladimir Feodorevna, the consort of Grand Duchess Tatiana Feodorevna), but the battle for Charlie to win Lark’s heart – and learn the secrets she seems to be keeping – begins the moment Lark agrees to accompany Charlie to Russia. Fortunately, Ms. McMaster doesn’t belabor the misunderstandings and hurts that kept the pair apart for the past three years.
Almost from the moment they board the dirigible, Charlie and Lark resume the sparring that characterized their earlier friendship, except this time they’re both increasingly aware of the tension and unresolved lust between them. Sparring turns into flirting… and before long, they’re each confessing the regrets about the past and the truth about their feelings for each other. From the start, Charlie makes it clear he wants Lark – body and soul – and he won’t accept anything less. Lark, who’s guarding a MAJOR AND MASSIVE AND WOW! secret about her past, yearns to do the same, but she’s scared. And so she locks him out. He’s a patient and tender champion, fiercely protective and proud of Lark, but determined to wait for her to come to him. And it isn’t long before she does. Her confession is staggering, but Charlie doesn’t falter. He urges her to confess the truth to the CoR team, and trust in him. Their friends to lovers transition is passionate and lovely, and the ties that bind them only strengthen as the mission pushes Lark deeper into the past she’s locked away. It’s often difficult to distinguish friend from foe, but their partnership is never in doubt and the relationship never detracts from the overarching storyline – the hunt for Malloryn and the destruction of Balfour.
As Charlie and Lark search for Malloryn, the rest of the CoR work to outmaneuver Lord Balfour whilst navigating the treacherous and bloody Crimson Court. Gemma grows increasingly anxious as the days progress and they fail to locate their leader, and Balfour always seems to stay a step ahead of the team. Obsidian’s vague memories of his past frustrate him, and the CoR ultimately find themselves in the middle of a power struggle between Vladimir Feodorevna and his nemesis Sergey Grigoriev… who seems to have a sinister past connection to both Lark and Obsidian. Friends, it’s complicated, but also hugely entertaining.
Densely plotted and intricately woven into the ongoing London Steampunk storyline, To Catch a Rogue is...
The rest of my review is here: All About Romance.
October 31, 2018
Oh.
My.
God.
I have been waiting YEARS for Lark and Charlie’s book. GODDAMN. YEARS.
So, as much as I was excited, I was also really, really, really nervous. What if it didn’t live up to my expectations? I think I would have died. Not even being dramatic. BUT holy jesus this book was even better than I could have hoped or dreamed!
I went into this book thinking there was going to be an aspect of it that was going to be really hard for me, something I struggle with in most books that have the set up this one does (It’s a “the hero and heroine have been friends for years” set up) and I was fully prepared to have to grit my teeth and get past it in order to properly enjoy this couple that I have loved and waited for years for. BUT THE THING I WAS TERRIFIED OF NEVER HAPPENED AND I ALMOST DIED OF HAPPINESS. Again, not even being dramatic.
I honestly loved everything about Charlie and Larks story, the author truly did them justice. I feel bad for ever worrying that she wouldn’t. I think Lark might be my new favourite McMaster heroine. She kicked arse in this and I ate it up. Charlie is definitely the most romantic hero she’s ever written, and that’s saying a lot, because her hero’s are romantic as fuck. He had my swooning so hard. I also really loved that this one was set mostly in Russia, it was a nice change of setting. The author always brings the places she writes about to life. I feel like I’m there myself. The action side was really fun too. I love thieves and cunning plans! I did however really struggle with the Malloryn and his torture parts. Those bits were really tough to read.
My heart is just so happy after reading this. Also Lark is now at the top of my baby name list.
The only thing that’s upsetting me is that I really, really don’t know if I will be able to read Malloryns book.
My.
God.
I have been waiting YEARS for Lark and Charlie’s book. GODDAMN. YEARS.
So, as much as I was excited, I was also really, really, really nervous. What if it didn’t live up to my expectations? I think I would have died. Not even being dramatic. BUT holy jesus this book was even better than I could have hoped or dreamed!
I went into this book thinking there was going to be an aspect of it that was going to be really hard for me, something I struggle with in most books that have the set up this one does (It’s a “the hero and heroine have been friends for years” set up) and I was fully prepared to have to grit my teeth and get past it in order to properly enjoy this couple that I have loved and waited for years for. BUT THE THING I WAS TERRIFIED OF NEVER HAPPENED AND I ALMOST DIED OF HAPPINESS. Again, not even being dramatic.
I honestly loved everything about Charlie and Larks story, the author truly did them justice. I feel bad for ever worrying that she wouldn’t. I think Lark might be my new favourite McMaster heroine. She kicked arse in this and I ate it up. Charlie is definitely the most romantic hero she’s ever written, and that’s saying a lot, because her hero’s are romantic as fuck. He had my swooning so hard. I also really loved that this one was set mostly in Russia, it was a nice change of setting. The author always brings the places she writes about to life. I feel like I’m there myself. The action side was really fun too. I love thieves and cunning plans! I did however really struggle with the Malloryn and his torture parts. Those bits were really tough to read.
My heart is just so happy after reading this. Also Lark is now at the top of my baby name list.
The only thing that’s upsetting me is that I really, really don’t know if I will be able to read Malloryns book.
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July 3, 2021
This was still a good story, but there were some flat points in it for me.
I've always loved Charlie and Lark, I was honestly looking forward to this book maybe the most out of the bunch. I just didn't love how their relationship finally built out. There was a lot of mixed relationships in here. Between Obsidian and Gemma and Kincaid and Ava... I just didn't love the what felt like a lack of focus on the main relationship.
I honestly cannot wait to read Maloryns story. As the final full novel of the series it's going to be awesome I'm sure!
I've always loved Charlie and Lark, I was honestly looking forward to this book maybe the most out of the bunch. I just didn't love how their relationship finally built out. There was a lot of mixed relationships in here. Between Obsidian and Gemma and Kincaid and Ava... I just didn't love the what felt like a lack of focus on the main relationship.
I honestly cannot wait to read Maloryns story. As the final full novel of the series it's going to be awesome I'm sure!
October 27, 2020
To Catch a Rogue
3.5 Stars
This installment continues from where the previous one ended as the Company of Rogues travel to the Blood Court of St. Petersburg to rescue their enigmatic leader, the Duke of Malloryn. To aid in their mission, Charlie Todd enlists the aid of his fellow thief from the rookeries, Lark Rathinger, who is also the only girl he has ever loved. But Lark's is keeping a dangerous secret that might just put the entire company at risk.
While the kidnapping and rescue elements of the plot are exciting and action-packed, the romance leaves much to be desired. This is mainly due to the fact that neither Charlie nor Lark are sufficiently interesting characters to warrant their own book, and their second-chances relationship is bland and boring. There is very little chemistry to speak of and their emotional connection feels forced.
In contrast, the developments in the suspense plot are much more appealing. The Blood Court is a fascinating and terrifying setting, and the questions revolving around Dmitri's amnesia and Lark's true identity make for engrossing reading.
In the aftermath of his capture and torture, Malloryn's already enigmatic character becomes all the more appealing, and it will be interesting to see how he comes to terms with his past and his relationship with his mysterious bride. Looking forward to it!
3.5 Stars
This installment continues from where the previous one ended as the Company of Rogues travel to the Blood Court of St. Petersburg to rescue their enigmatic leader, the Duke of Malloryn. To aid in their mission, Charlie Todd enlists the aid of his fellow thief from the rookeries, Lark Rathinger, who is also the only girl he has ever loved. But Lark's is keeping a dangerous secret that might just put the entire company at risk.
While the kidnapping and rescue elements of the plot are exciting and action-packed, the romance leaves much to be desired. This is mainly due to the fact that neither Charlie nor Lark are sufficiently interesting characters to warrant their own book, and their second-chances relationship is bland and boring. There is very little chemistry to speak of and their emotional connection feels forced.
In contrast, the developments in the suspense plot are much more appealing. The Blood Court is a fascinating and terrifying setting, and the questions revolving around Dmitri's amnesia and Lark's true identity make for engrossing reading.
In the aftermath of his capture and torture, Malloryn's already enigmatic character becomes all the more appealing, and it will be interesting to see how he comes to terms with his past and his relationship with his mysterious bride. Looking forward to it!
March 30, 2019
One of my most anticipated stories totally satisfied all of my high expectations! Loved loved loved it! Wishing I could reward Bec McMaster's this spinoff of her superior London Steampunk series more than five stars! I left the gritty London and followed the Company of Rogues to the Crimson Court in Russia! All that I loved most about the book/the series: fast-pace actions, non-stop kill-or-be-killed moments, out-smarting the vile sadistic enemies/villians, unexpected-secrets revealed, or heart warming loving moments (because this was definitely a beautiful romance too) kept me engaged until the final scenes!
My favorite scene was "when Malloryn clanked up the 'Iron Maiden' machine after Jelena was stuffed in there. . . begging for mercy! Yes, she was still alive!" If you wondered what the Iron Maiden did or what Jelena did to Malloryn to deserve my manic glee imagining her in the machine. . . please pick up the book and enjoy!
Dying to preorder and to read the finale of the series "Dukes Are Forever" coming in 2019!
My favorite scene was "when Malloryn clanked up the 'Iron Maiden' machine after Jelena was stuffed in there. . . begging for mercy! Yes, she was still alive!" If you wondered what the Iron Maiden did or what Jelena did to Malloryn to deserve my manic glee imagining her in the machine. . . please pick up the book and enjoy!
Dying to preorder and to read the finale of the series "Dukes Are Forever" coming in 2019!
April 18, 2021
Charlie and Lark 😍 such little sweethearts. I loved that they finally got their happily ever after.
As always I loved being back with the Company of Rogues. So many kickass h's which I love. Not a damsel in distress to be found in these pages.
As always I loved being back with the Company of Rogues. So many kickass h's which I love. Not a damsel in distress to be found in these pages.
November 9, 2018
What a fun book to read! And now I'm a steampunk fan lol
February 1, 2020
A great read all round. Fantastic addition to the series.
June 30, 2019
3.5
All these characters have their secrets but when it can endanger your ‘elite’ team...I get very aggravated. Sweet childhood friends to lovers romance with court intrigue.
All these characters have their secrets but when it can endanger your ‘elite’ team...I get very aggravated. Sweet childhood friends to lovers romance with court intrigue.
April 14, 2019
I didn’t really want to read this story since the couple featured was shrug-inducing. Children, though I think this genre is labeled ‘NA’. It’s pretty much prom night or ‘Twilight: After Graduation Years’. I don’t care about Charlie, the kid with the flu from Book 1, nor Lark the boybandwannabe from I don’t remember which book she was introduced in she’s so unimportant.
But.
Charlie is 6ft 3 in tall...and a virgin who knows how to go down on a woman.
Lark is a Russian Princess who escaped an assassination.
They were ultimately sweet...and ultimately didn’t really matter - this story isn’t about them, nor their romance, it’s a bridge between the real story here : Malloryn - captured, tortured, saved, and now on his way to Winning...and declaring his Wife ‘Mine’...though he doesn’t know about the latter. Yet.
There’s a nice little side story about the Russian Royal Family sorta kinda united...which means my fav couple in the 2nd series, Gemma/Obsidian is featured heavily here. Since McMaster simply cannot end this series with only 1 more tale, seems like Return to Russia featuring Nicki is a star to make my wish on.
But.
Charlie is 6ft 3 in tall...and a virgin who knows how to go down on a woman.
Lark is a Russian Princess who escaped an assassination.
They were ultimately sweet...and ultimately didn’t really matter - this story isn’t about them, nor their romance, it’s a bridge between the real story here : Malloryn - captured, tortured, saved, and now on his way to Winning...and declaring his Wife ‘Mine’...though he doesn’t know about the latter. Yet.
There’s a nice little side story about the Russian Royal Family sorta kinda united...which means my fav couple in the 2nd series, Gemma/Obsidian is featured heavily here. Since McMaster simply cannot end this series with only 1 more tale, seems like Return to Russia featuring Nicki is a star to make my wish on.
June 3, 2023
Audiobook- narrator is barely tolerable but not even her strange nasal grandpa male voice can ruin another amazing entry in this series 🥲
This is little Charlie's book, Honoria's little brother who is now all grown up. He's grown into a sweet and spicy dorito. Lark, the orphan waif from Kiss of Steel is now a badass and Charlie's been pining for her since the first series. In this book we finally get to see the bloody Russian court where our intrepid spymaster and the leader of the Company of Rogues Malloren was taken after being kidnapped in the last book. Not only do we get the couples from the previous books but also from the first series to form some sort of steampunk Justice League and it's spectacular. This was an action packed, plot driven, edge of your seat story that still managed to include a swoony and well developed childhood friends to lovers romance. My only quibble is that I wanted more of Charlie and Lark being adorable together because I am greedy like that. Like the others, this book doesn't stand alone and must be read in order.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Mutual Pining
This is little Charlie's book, Honoria's little brother who is now all grown up. He's grown into a sweet and spicy dorito. Lark, the orphan waif from Kiss of Steel is now a badass and Charlie's been pining for her since the first series. In this book we finally get to see the bloody Russian court where our intrepid spymaster and the leader of the Company of Rogues Malloren was taken after being kidnapped in the last book. Not only do we get the couples from the previous books but also from the first series to form some sort of steampunk Justice League and it's spectacular. This was an action packed, plot driven, edge of your seat story that still managed to include a swoony and well developed childhood friends to lovers romance. My only quibble is that I wanted more of Charlie and Lark being adorable together because I am greedy like that. Like the others, this book doesn't stand alone and must be read in order.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Mutual Pining
November 26, 2018
NOTE: This review contains spoilers from the previous books in the series.
Picking up shortly after the shocking conclusion of You Only Love Twice, we discover that Duke Malloryn, head of the Company of Rogues (CoR), is alive, in Russia, being tortured by Balfour and his dhampirs. As de facto leader, Gemma mounts an extremely dangerous rescue mission to save her friend, bringing along a few new, but familiar-to-readers, faces with the CoR. Once in Russia, the gang plays a perilous game of chess with Malloryn’s enemy, Balfour, placing their entire party in the crosshairs of the Russian blue blood elite.
To Catch a Rogue is the story that long-time readers of Ms. McMaster’s London Steampunk series have been waiting for, and I am pleased to report that Charlie and Lark’s story was worth the wait. We met both characters in the first book of the original series, and watched them become best friends, only to see Charlie move out of Whitechapel and in with the CoR. For this risky mission, Charlie needs a superior thief, so he recruits his former best friend, the talented Lark, who brings along Blade. Additionally, Charlie’s older brother, Leo Barrons, joins the mission to help smooth the diplomatic waters.
Charlie, both dangerous and an absolute sugarplum, shines as the main character in To Catch a Rogue. There is a confidence and strength that comes out when he reconnects with Lark after no communication for over seven months. When last he saw Lark, she’d nearly died, and he blames himself. He needed the time away, but now he’s ready to let Lark know his true feelings; no more hiding. His moves start off subtle, letting her know how he feels in small ways. I loved this scene about 25% into the story:
“Who are you and what have you done with Charlie?” Lark breathed, turning her face close to his ear. “The boy I knew would be flipping a coin to race me.”
His thumb stroked lightly across the inside of her wrist, as he barely dared whisper, “The boy you knew died the night he rocked you in his arms, begging you to start breathing again.”
Yet as the book progresses, Charlie makes no secret that he wants Lark: mind, body and soul, and not just for one night, but for ever.
Lark holds some pretty big secrets close to the vest, but once Balfour starts playing his games, it’s clear she must share what she knows, even if it risks her own safety. She slowly lets Charlie inside her emotional walls, and in turn, learns to trust the CoR. Her revelations are a bit game-changing, but in the end, don’t change a thing about how Charlie sees her. They were meant to be from the moment they first met, and watching them finally come together was wonderful.
The mission to rescue Malloryn was probably the most complex and dangerous to date for the CoR. Factor in Lark’s secret past, the search for Obsidian’s identity, and Russian political power games, I found myself a bit confused at times. To Catch a Rogue feels epic in nature as it tackles several elaborate yet interlinking side stories, culminating in a dangerous rescue attempt. The action is intense, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
In the end, I adored the long awaited story of Charlie and Lark. Their friends-to-lovers romance has been years in the making and brings all the feels. The overall mission is sweeping, but the story is not over, with Malloryn’s tale coming out in early 2019.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Picking up shortly after the shocking conclusion of You Only Love Twice, we discover that Duke Malloryn, head of the Company of Rogues (CoR), is alive, in Russia, being tortured by Balfour and his dhampirs. As de facto leader, Gemma mounts an extremely dangerous rescue mission to save her friend, bringing along a few new, but familiar-to-readers, faces with the CoR. Once in Russia, the gang plays a perilous game of chess with Malloryn’s enemy, Balfour, placing their entire party in the crosshairs of the Russian blue blood elite.
To Catch a Rogue is the story that long-time readers of Ms. McMaster’s London Steampunk series have been waiting for, and I am pleased to report that Charlie and Lark’s story was worth the wait. We met both characters in the first book of the original series, and watched them become best friends, only to see Charlie move out of Whitechapel and in with the CoR. For this risky mission, Charlie needs a superior thief, so he recruits his former best friend, the talented Lark, who brings along Blade. Additionally, Charlie’s older brother, Leo Barrons, joins the mission to help smooth the diplomatic waters.
Charlie, both dangerous and an absolute sugarplum, shines as the main character in To Catch a Rogue. There is a confidence and strength that comes out when he reconnects with Lark after no communication for over seven months. When last he saw Lark, she’d nearly died, and he blames himself. He needed the time away, but now he’s ready to let Lark know his true feelings; no more hiding. His moves start off subtle, letting her know how he feels in small ways. I loved this scene about 25% into the story:
“Who are you and what have you done with Charlie?” Lark breathed, turning her face close to his ear. “The boy I knew would be flipping a coin to race me.”
His thumb stroked lightly across the inside of her wrist, as he barely dared whisper, “The boy you knew died the night he rocked you in his arms, begging you to start breathing again.”
Yet as the book progresses, Charlie makes no secret that he wants Lark: mind, body and soul, and not just for one night, but for ever.
Lark holds some pretty big secrets close to the vest, but once Balfour starts playing his games, it’s clear she must share what she knows, even if it risks her own safety. She slowly lets Charlie inside her emotional walls, and in turn, learns to trust the CoR. Her revelations are a bit game-changing, but in the end, don’t change a thing about how Charlie sees her. They were meant to be from the moment they first met, and watching them finally come together was wonderful.
The mission to rescue Malloryn was probably the most complex and dangerous to date for the CoR. Factor in Lark’s secret past, the search for Obsidian’s identity, and Russian political power games, I found myself a bit confused at times. To Catch a Rogue feels epic in nature as it tackles several elaborate yet interlinking side stories, culminating in a dangerous rescue attempt. The action is intense, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
In the end, I adored the long awaited story of Charlie and Lark. Their friends-to-lovers romance has been years in the making and brings all the feels. The overall mission is sweeping, but the story is not over, with Malloryn’s tale coming out in early 2019.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
June 24, 2020
4.5 Stars... Charlie and Lark are finally reunited after years apart when one tragedy left deep scars never to heal... They are not little kids playing in the rookeries anymore; all grown up with their own secrets and agendas and a passion for one another that seems to only have intensified through the years... As their story takes a foothold, we are thrust into the epicenter of danger when the Rogues are called to save one of their own leading to the unmasking of a decades old secret that can change everything... Once again, Bec McMaster throws her readers into an adventure like none other that twists and turns until the very end with formidable characters and a powerful storyline... Truly enjoyed the journey and watching Charlie and Lark get their HEA:)
November 2, 2018
10 stars
September 2, 2021
(2020)Sweet love and childhood friends that finally took the step to admit their feelings for each other. I think Charlie and Lark are the best love story ever since I hoped that I can find my own Charlie Todd as well. But the secret and the feelings that Lark has been hovering for years and Charlie wanted to take that step with her, it was depressing but in the end, they will be getting married. I cannot put this book down and I know if Ms Bec do another spin off of London Steampunk, I know I would love to read it again and again of their future children perhaps and how they would live in peace...
Or maybe another plot thickened with Balfour's bastard perhaps to take revenge upon London upon his father. Who knows?
Anyway, I live for this story as it took me two months to not just finished it in days because I refused to finish it in one day.
Grrr...it was well made with actions, romance and a hint of what will be install for the last book of the series. Really love it!
*****
(2021)
Holy freaking molly!
Every time i reread any book from this series, I got more in depth of the plot and storyline. I cannot say that I mostly forgot when I read for the first time😅 but after the second read, it became clearer and clearer to me that I am enjoying it as much as i read for the first time.
The only difference? I have the hardcopy in my hands!
This book is about the fourth couple and my second most favourite couple of the entire series. Charlie and Lark, once childhood friends that went estranged until Charlie asked her to go to Russia to get his boss back. And then, everything was spinning out of control as they went there and encountered Lark's past! It was intense, passionate and sexually frustrating. We have our virgin hero and heroine as well as the 'i'm waiting for you' trope. Argh! What more can you ask for from this novel!
My thoughts on this book:
📌The childhood friends that went estranged to lovers always hit me in a different way. Not like Shadow and Bone trilogy kind of way but it was all the same. The way that Lark and Charlie tried to keep their own feelings for years before they told each other was frustrating but at the same time, sweet. They waited for each other and wanting to make it forever. I cannot tell you how much I am swooning over this couple as well as the upcoming couple (hint:they are my first couple from the series😏)
📌The spiciness is 🌶🌶🌶.5/5 because the steamy scenes just making the sexual tension even better! I cannot tell you how much I am screaming at myself when I was reading this under 24 hours into my pillow because the author really knows to write the slow butn❤️🔥 romance so much and I cannot stop smiling by myself. This is an adult romance book so the steamy scenes were not as intense as an erotica book. But it is enjoyable all the same!
📌The ending is everything! Now, I know most of you who did not follow the author's newsletter would not get this announcement but in Sept 2022, the London Steampunk series continued with the exploration of the Crimson Court which set up in Russia. There are some speculations that it will set in Russia but we'll have to see what will our dear author will do. I might incline to believe that she would make the Russia delegation to come to London and the timeline will be after 2 years as it is stated previously in the first book. Then, we have a lot of unspoken characters that need to have their own HEAs and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Can hardly wait!!!
📌My personal rating would be, without a doubt, a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 as usual. Since i know i might be biased because of the MCs are my fave couple, I will have to say that the setting in Russia as well as the mystery and action-packed storyline was everything. I can hardly sit still when I am reading this and it was everything that you can hope for! It has vampirism, London Steampunk, Victorian era, Historical Paranormal Romance and Childhood Friends to Lovers. I mean, who doesn't love all those things? Not to mention, the sense of humor from previous characters and all that? 100% recommend for you guys to find another way to immerse in a good Vampire Victorian era Steampunk Romance series!
Or maybe another plot thickened with Balfour's bastard perhaps to take revenge upon London upon his father. Who knows?
Anyway, I live for this story as it took me two months to not just finished it in days because I refused to finish it in one day.
Grrr...it was well made with actions, romance and a hint of what will be install for the last book of the series. Really love it!
*****
(2021)
Holy freaking molly!
Every time i reread any book from this series, I got more in depth of the plot and storyline. I cannot say that I mostly forgot when I read for the first time😅 but after the second read, it became clearer and clearer to me that I am enjoying it as much as i read for the first time.
The only difference? I have the hardcopy in my hands!
This book is about the fourth couple and my second most favourite couple of the entire series. Charlie and Lark, once childhood friends that went estranged until Charlie asked her to go to Russia to get his boss back. And then, everything was spinning out of control as they went there and encountered Lark's past! It was intense, passionate and sexually frustrating. We have our virgin hero and heroine as well as the 'i'm waiting for you' trope. Argh! What more can you ask for from this novel!
My thoughts on this book:
📌The childhood friends that went estranged to lovers always hit me in a different way. Not like Shadow and Bone trilogy kind of way but it was all the same. The way that Lark and Charlie tried to keep their own feelings for years before they told each other was frustrating but at the same time, sweet. They waited for each other and wanting to make it forever. I cannot tell you how much I am swooning over this couple as well as the upcoming couple (hint:they are my first couple from the series😏)
📌The spiciness is 🌶🌶🌶.5/5 because the steamy scenes just making the sexual tension even better! I cannot tell you how much I am screaming at myself when I was reading this under 24 hours into my pillow because the author really knows to write the slow butn❤️🔥 romance so much and I cannot stop smiling by myself. This is an adult romance book so the steamy scenes were not as intense as an erotica book. But it is enjoyable all the same!
📌The ending is everything! Now, I know most of you who did not follow the author's newsletter would not get this announcement but in Sept 2022, the London Steampunk series continued with the exploration of the Crimson Court which set up in Russia. There are some speculations that it will set in Russia but we'll have to see what will our dear author will do. I might incline to believe that she would make the Russia delegation to come to London and the timeline will be after 2 years as it is stated previously in the first book. Then, we have a lot of unspoken characters that need to have their own HEAs and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. Can hardly wait!!!
📌My personal rating would be, without a doubt, a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 as usual. Since i know i might be biased because of the MCs are my fave couple, I will have to say that the setting in Russia as well as the mystery and action-packed storyline was everything. I can hardly sit still when I am reading this and it was everything that you can hope for! It has vampirism, London Steampunk, Victorian era, Historical Paranormal Romance and Childhood Friends to Lovers. I mean, who doesn't love all those things? Not to mention, the sense of humor from previous characters and all that? 100% recommend for you guys to find another way to immerse in a good Vampire Victorian era Steampunk Romance series!
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