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Fantasies of New Europa #1
The Inventor
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Mood: Lighthearted
Intimacy Rating: Adult Erotic
Word Count: 20,000
For the Countess of Caithmore, a life of wealth has led to misery. Abandoned by her husband and widely accused of being nothing more than a porcelain doll without passion or intelligence, she has ventured into dangerous territory and commissioned the help of the most famous inventor in New Europa for a scandalous project.
In the depths of his laboratory, she will submit herself to a custom-built machine that will determine the extent of her coldness once and for all. The answer she craves carries a hidden risk, however, and the man whose invention has proven her ability to feel passion may not accept the role of lover-by-proxy for long.
The first in the Fantasies of New Europa series, The Inventor debuts a collection of novellas set at the beginning of a lush and adventurous era. Amid the golden hue of gaslights and the clatter of horse-drawn coaches, the series follows a generation of dreamers and explorers that will find each other through separate twists of fate. They will brave impossible odds, solve the exotic mysteries of their time and navigate the sensual desires of the human heart.
Mood: Lighthearted
Intimacy Rating: Adult Erotic
Word Count: 20,000
For the Countess of Caithmore, a life of wealth has led to misery. Abandoned by her husband and widely accused of being nothing more than a porcelain doll without passion or intelligence, she has ventured into dangerous territory and commissioned the help of the most famous inventor in New Europa for a scandalous project.
In the depths of his laboratory, she will submit herself to a custom-built machine that will determine the extent of her coldness once and for all. The answer she craves carries a hidden risk, however, and the man whose invention has proven her ability to feel passion may not accept the role of lover-by-proxy for long.
The first in the Fantasies of New Europa series, The Inventor debuts a collection of novellas set at the beginning of a lush and adventurous era. Amid the golden hue of gaslights and the clatter of horse-drawn coaches, the series follows a generation of dreamers and explorers that will find each other through separate twists of fate. They will brave impossible odds, solve the exotic mysteries of their time and navigate the sensual desires of the human heart.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2010
7 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Karpiel
5 books22 followersMorgan Karpiel lives and works in Eastern Europe. Her books are most often written on buses, or trains, or in quiet moments between cities. She writes romantic suspense, science fiction, fantasy and steampunk.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 3, 2012
Leda is jilted by her husband for a younger woman. She finds herself on the doorstep of inventor Ian Anderson who she commissions to create a steamy sex pleasured powered machine, to test if she really is a cold lover, as her husband claims her to be. Ian is intelligent, sexy and needs to convince Leda that she needs a man, not a machine to make her feel pleasure.
This is evocative, semi hot little read with a hint of erotica and steampunk undertones. The prose is wonderful and the author does a great job in setting the scene. I would have loved for this to be a story length book, to get more background detail on each of the characters. That being said, it's still a great read.
*Thanks to my friend Jill for the recommendation. You're right, I did enjoy this one!*
This is evocative, semi hot little read with a hint of erotica and steampunk undertones. The prose is wonderful and the author does a great job in setting the scene. I would have loved for this to be a story length book, to get more background detail on each of the characters. That being said, it's still a great read.
*Thanks to my friend Jill for the recommendation. You're right, I did enjoy this one!*
January 18, 2012
Bow chicka bow wow!
Sorta.
This was pretty good... parts felt a little rushed and sometimes the characterization didn't really mesh for me... but I mean, was that really why I read this?
No.
Get your minds out of the gutter. I read it for points in a challenge! :P
Sorta.
This was pretty good... parts felt a little rushed and sometimes the characterization didn't really mesh for me... but I mean, was that really why I read this?
No.
Get your minds out of the gutter. I read it for points in a challenge! :P
January 13, 2012
This is so not my normal genre. But I admit to re-reading interesting parts of books from time to time, I'm human. lol. I really enjoyed this and would possibly even go 3.5 stars where this is concerned. There was alot more story in this than what little I know of the genre (which isn't much, and probably not fair to even say). And I have to say, I liked it enough to buy the other 3 books in the series as soon as I finished it last night. :)
January 5, 2012
First let me dispense with the disclaimer that I don't usually read erotica type books and when I first read the blurb for this book, while I realized there was definitely a strong romance element I didn't realize it was listed as erotica. (Yes, I know reading the blurb now one might wonder how I could've missed it, but I swear it was different and more ambiguous before!)
So, anyway, that out of the way...
While it's not the type of book I usually read, mostly because I can't quite get past the flowery language often used in these kinds of books, not to mention I'm a giant prude, I have to say that I did feel the sex scenes, while a bit florid in places, were generally very tactfully handled and not overly belabored.
I think my biggest issues with the book are actually more plot related:
The first issue can mostly be attributed to the short length of the book, but everything just seemed a bit rushed and the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would've liked (no pun intended). As I said, though, I think this is more an issue with the length and not really with the writing. The writing was generally good and I believe the author would've definitely developed the world and characters more given more time.
The second issue, and, really, the most important one, for me, was that I felt the conceit of the story was a bit thin. The necessity of the machines were a bit of a stretch since , and I felt it was kind of a weak plot-device manufactured to bring our protagonists together and, also, so it could have the steampunk label, since it is all the rage these days (and, quite frankly, it was my interest in steampunk which brought this novella to my attention in the first place).
Oh, and one other smaller point, .
I know with all that it seems like I would've like the book at all, but I still did. Since it was short it was a quick read, and it was a easy read in the sense that it flowed well and was just generally well put together. (I guess it's a bit of a bias in me that I expect romance-type novels to be painful to read, not just because of my embarrassment with certain parts but just because, well, they're just badly written, but that was definitely not the case with this one.)
Anyway -
I'm not sure whether I'll read any more books in the series since, as I said, erotica isn't quite my thing, but I wouldn't be opposed to reading books in a different genre from the author. (And, that said, I did like the characters enough in this one that if they continue on I might follow them.)
So, anyway, that out of the way...
While it's not the type of book I usually read, mostly because I can't quite get past the flowery language often used in these kinds of books, not to mention I'm a giant prude, I have to say that I did feel the sex scenes, while a bit florid in places, were generally very tactfully handled and not overly belabored.
I think my biggest issues with the book are actually more plot related:
The first issue can mostly be attributed to the short length of the book, but everything just seemed a bit rushed and the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would've liked (no pun intended). As I said, though, I think this is more an issue with the length and not really with the writing. The writing was generally good and I believe the author would've definitely developed the world and characters more given more time.
The second issue, and, really, the most important one, for me, was that I felt the conceit of the story was a bit thin. The necessity of the machines were a bit of a stretch since , and I felt it was kind of a weak plot-device manufactured to bring our protagonists together and, also, so it could have the steampunk label, since it is all the rage these days (and, quite frankly, it was my interest in steampunk which brought this novella to my attention in the first place).
Oh, and one other smaller point, .
I know with all that it seems like I would've like the book at all, but I still did. Since it was short it was a quick read, and it was a easy read in the sense that it flowed well and was just generally well put together. (I guess it's a bit of a bias in me that I expect romance-type novels to be painful to read, not just because of my embarrassment with certain parts but just because, well, they're just badly written, but that was definitely not the case with this one.)
Anyway -
I'm not sure whether I'll read any more books in the series since, as I said, erotica isn't quite my thing, but I wouldn't be opposed to reading books in a different genre from the author. (And, that said, I did like the characters enough in this one that if they continue on I might follow them.)
August 7, 2011
Okay, so The Inventor by Morgan Karpiel wasn’t actually submitted to my site, but it’s been in my tbr pile for awhile now and since Steampunk is kind of dirty step-child of Science Fiction, I thought I’d review it anyway.
The Inventor is a story primarily about two people. The Countess of Caithmore who is a very formal, emotionally distant woman and a brilliant inventor named Ian whom she contracts to build her, well let’s not mince words, the world’s first powered sex toy. I know what you’re thinking, but no, this isn’t about the creation of the Slumber Parties company and there isn’t a product placement to be found.
This is a quick read (as most novellas are) but this one goes exceptionally fast because it is such a well told and enjoyable story. In fact, I couldn’t put my Kindle down. Karpiel has a wonderful way of bringing beauty to the dimly lit, coal-covered Steampunk setting and although this is touted as a ‘romance’ story there was also some action, some intrigue and I dare say a bit of erotica, and it’s all mixed together in a splendid weaving of words.
I would however, have really liked to have seen more of the background plot. We get up close with a very personal plotline and discover there’s something far larger going on in behind the act that started it all. However I can’t really judge The Inventor by what was not included. The author set out to write a great novella and that’s exactly what we got. It is a complete story as is and I highly recommend it.
[-150to+ 50] Professionalism (Cover/Formatting/Editing): 50 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Characterizations: 150 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Plot/Pace: 100 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Writing/Prose: 150 Tribbles
Total: 450 Tribbles
The Inventor is a story primarily about two people. The Countess of Caithmore who is a very formal, emotionally distant woman and a brilliant inventor named Ian whom she contracts to build her, well let’s not mince words, the world’s first powered sex toy. I know what you’re thinking, but no, this isn’t about the creation of the Slumber Parties company and there isn’t a product placement to be found.
This is a quick read (as most novellas are) but this one goes exceptionally fast because it is such a well told and enjoyable story. In fact, I couldn’t put my Kindle down. Karpiel has a wonderful way of bringing beauty to the dimly lit, coal-covered Steampunk setting and although this is touted as a ‘romance’ story there was also some action, some intrigue and I dare say a bit of erotica, and it’s all mixed together in a splendid weaving of words.
I would however, have really liked to have seen more of the background plot. We get up close with a very personal plotline and discover there’s something far larger going on in behind the act that started it all. However I can’t really judge The Inventor by what was not included. The author set out to write a great novella and that’s exactly what we got. It is a complete story as is and I highly recommend it.
[-150to+ 50] Professionalism (Cover/Formatting/Editing): 50 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Characterizations: 150 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Plot/Pace: 100 Tribbles
[-100to+150] Writing/Prose: 150 Tribbles
Total: 450 Tribbles
April 27, 2011
Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!
Inventive and short, Karpiel manages to incorporate a lot of story into just 150 pages. Steampunk, espionage, jilted wives, duels.. plus more. It's a romance, so there's a heavy influence on love and sex and the scientific testing of "coldness". Leda is believable and sympathetic as the King's cousin who was jilted by her husband the Earl for an infamous actress.
Karpiel has a way with words. She writes well, lyrically even with her prose flowing off the page. There's definitely a larger focus on sex in this book than in most books I read, but it did not deter me or affect the story negatively; it was well written and not laughable. It's a very easy to read to read story, and has a small cast of defined characters. Very much an introductory novel for a series, the scene is set for an alt- England filled with steampunk and intrigue, I have hopes that the next in the series will build off the foundation from this novel and create a bigger, more rounded and explored world.
Inventive and short, Karpiel manages to incorporate a lot of story into just 150 pages. Steampunk, espionage, jilted wives, duels.. plus more. It's a romance, so there's a heavy influence on love and sex and the scientific testing of "coldness". Leda is believable and sympathetic as the King's cousin who was jilted by her husband the Earl for an infamous actress.
Karpiel has a way with words. She writes well, lyrically even with her prose flowing off the page. There's definitely a larger focus on sex in this book than in most books I read, but it did not deter me or affect the story negatively; it was well written and not laughable. It's a very easy to read to read story, and has a small cast of defined characters. Very much an introductory novel for a series, the scene is set for an alt- England filled with steampunk and intrigue, I have hopes that the next in the series will build off the foundation from this novel and create a bigger, more rounded and explored world.
June 28, 2011
Well, hello, sexy steampunk! I was intrigued enough by the synopsis on one of the other books in this series to pick up book 1 and give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did. Because sexy, steam powered pleasure machines are AWESOME!
I loved what Morgan Karpiel has created here. The world is as steampunky as one would wish. The characters were wonderful - sad, resigned, willing to try to break free of the confines of society in Leda's case and one hell of a sexy inventor in Ian. I'm not ashamed to admit that I find strong, brilliant men who only want to dabble with their machines sexy. I'm sure this has somehow led to my fascination with mad scientists. But only if said mad scientist has good hair. None of that crazy, just-stuck-my-finger-in-a-light-socket look for me, please.
Fabulously sexy with a hint of intrigue, I'll be picking up the others in the series very, very soon.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
I loved what Morgan Karpiel has created here. The world is as steampunky as one would wish. The characters were wonderful - sad, resigned, willing to try to break free of the confines of society in Leda's case and one hell of a sexy inventor in Ian. I'm not ashamed to admit that I find strong, brilliant men who only want to dabble with their machines sexy. I'm sure this has somehow led to my fascination with mad scientists. But only if said mad scientist has good hair. None of that crazy, just-stuck-my-finger-in-a-light-socket look for me, please.
Fabulously sexy with a hint of intrigue, I'll be picking up the others in the series very, very soon.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 6, 2012
I liked this little story. The premise was kind of strange but I thought the writing was well done. I've never read erotica before and it wasn't as shameful as I thought it would be. I've read worse in 'regular' books. I went ahead and picked up the other three from this little series for my Kindle.
May 9, 2012
A good read, short story
September 28, 2012
I really liked this story. I thought there were great characters and an actually pretty well developed plot. It did feel like there were more almost bohemian type themes than Steampunk but I still enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the scenes with the Countess of Caithmore and Ian Anderson together when the Countess was testing the inventions that were designed for her. I liked that it showed Ian's understanding of how she was just a broken woman looking for something to prove that she wasn't just cold like her husband indicated she was when he left her. Ian is truly trying to help her get to her "happy place" regardless of the feelings that he is starting to feel for her throughout their partnership.
I thought the argument they had was quite realistic and it really showed how each of them have their own baggage they are trying to get over while still dealing with the new feelings they have for one another.
I also really enjoyed how they discussed the fact that Ian was seducing her by proxy. Having to imagine what he would do himself to please her is what drove his inventions and during that time he begins to realize that he doesn't want to build a machine for her, he wants to be the one to give her the things she's been missing.
I found the entire end of the story, with Ian chasing after her and confronting her on their feelings for one another, to be quite breathtaking. The entire scene with her running from his house to catch her carriage and get away before he can catch her actually almost made me cry. I could almost feel her heartache at that point. Wanting nothing more but to get away from the man that has seen her both literally and figuratively naked but at the same time wanting to run to him and forget all the things she was raised to believe.
I also loved how romantic the very end of the story was. You know how much they love each other for who they are when you understand that up to that point they STILL haven't had the opportunity to test their...um..."compatibility".
I did think this was a great story but I doubt I'll read the rest of the volumes of Fantasies of New Europa series. I've read the book descriptions and none of the others really stuck out to me like this one did. I would recommend this story to fans of romance/erotica but it definitely strikes me as being way more of a romance with erotica overtones than just adult erotica.
I thought the argument they had was quite realistic and it really showed how each of them have their own baggage they are trying to get over while still dealing with the new feelings they have for one another.
I also really enjoyed how they discussed the fact that Ian was seducing her by proxy. Having to imagine what he would do himself to please her is what drove his inventions and during that time he begins to realize that he doesn't want to build a machine for her, he wants to be the one to give her the things she's been missing.
I found the entire end of the story, with Ian chasing after her and confronting her on their feelings for one another, to be quite breathtaking. The entire scene with her running from his house to catch her carriage and get away before he can catch her actually almost made me cry. I could almost feel her heartache at that point. Wanting nothing more but to get away from the man that has seen her both literally and figuratively naked but at the same time wanting to run to him and forget all the things she was raised to believe.
I also loved how romantic the very end of the story was. You know how much they love each other for who they are when you understand that up to that point they STILL haven't had the opportunity to test their...um..."compatibility".
I did think this was a great story but I doubt I'll read the rest of the volumes of Fantasies of New Europa series. I've read the book descriptions and none of the others really stuck out to me like this one did. I would recommend this story to fans of romance/erotica but it definitely strikes me as being way more of a romance with erotica overtones than just adult erotica.
July 3, 2011
Ugggh. I didn't realize this was a steampunk erotica book when I bought it. The story itself was okay, though very cliche, but the only thing steampunk about the whole book was the steam-powered masturbation machines built by the "Inventor". Needless to say, I won't be bothering with bothering with the rest of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2011
not at all what I was told to expect from the reviews. This is a novella, short, and very little plot with a lot of ... interaction.
December 27, 2012
Great little steampunk/erotica book. Great read!
February 11, 2013
Erotic Steampunk, nice. After reading this story I had a liberating feeling. A sense of freedom for ones individualism. And it doesn't hurt to ask for help...*Raising eyebrows suggestively*
Want to read
February 15, 201673pgs, Historical Fantasy Romantica,
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews