Random musings and excerpt of Of Silk And Steam
The next time I name a book, it is not going to start with ‘Of'. Do you know how many times I have written ‘of Of'?
In other news…
Eep. It's only two weeks until Of Silk And Steam drops. I'm feeling very excited, because I've been waiting for this book since the beginning, when I first introduced Mina and Leo in Kiss of Steel. What to expect? Twists. All I can say is that all will be revealed in Chapter Six and from there, it's a dangerous, thrilling ride to the end.
I notice it's available on Amazon for $4.13 for pre-order. From experience, this price usually goes up once the book is available, so get in quick!
Here's what reviewers are saying:
Booklist: ‘It is just one kiss. That is the price Leo Barrons demands from Lady Aramina “Mina” Duvall to help her escape from the Prince Consort’s Falcons. The problem is that Leo is the Duke of Caine’s heir, and Caine poisoned Mina’s father. Although Mina is determined to see her father’s death avenged, calling a temporary truce with Leo seems like the smart thing to do. After all, it is only a kiss, and no kiss is worth making such a fuss over. As far as Leo is concerned, however, that attitude means that Mina has never experienced the right kind of kiss, and he sets out to show her exactly what she has been missing. With the fifth book in her London Steampunk series, McMaster (Forged by Desire, 2014) once again proves her remarkable gift for cleverly fusing a nonstop, action-driven story, a deliciously dark and atmospheric setting, and off-the-charts sensuality into one riveting read.'
Carmel from Rabid Reads – ‘I love, love, LOVED this installment! It's definitely in my top 3, possibly top 2 favourites in this series. I've long been fascinated by Lady Aramina's character, the only female councilor among the Echelon, and was so incredibly pleased with her story. The main LONDON STEAMPUNK plot arc comes to a head in this book with fabulous twists, all of the previous couples step up, and the chemistry between Mini & Leo was extraordinary. A must read!'
Annie from Under the Covers – ‘Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk series has been consistently strong. Each installment makes tremendous leaps in its politics and worldbuilding as well as delivering fiery passion with its romance. OF SILK AND STEAM is no exception to that. In fact, McMaster may have up the ante a little bit with this installment, creating mysterious and intrigue with this world she has built.'
More reviews here at Goodreads, if you're interested.
I tend to think of Silk as my HEA Romeo & Juliet. Here's a snippet to tide you over, where Leo makes a dangerous choice:
“If you want the truth, Mina, you have in your hands information that could ruin me. You could cut at the Duke of Caine while you’re at it, but you’ll never bring your father back. You’ll never slake that empty hole inside yourself that you think vengeance will fill.” His thumb stroked her jaw. “All you’ll do is destroy me. Not him. Me.”
Those dark eyes lifted to his, widening in shock—and then uncertainty.
“Your choice,” he whispered. “I know you’re frightened of what’s happening between us, but in this…you have all the power.”
“You’re a fool,” she blurted out. “To tell me of this.”
“Maybe.” He was a fool. When it came to her, he was the worst kind, and damn him for it, but he couldn’t help himself. “Or maybe I think I know you, just a little. Maybe I’m the only one who’ll ever risk getting close enough to know all of you. You can either run from that or ruin me so that you feel safe, but I don’t think you want to.” He brushed that same thumb against her lip, his voice dropping. “But the choice is yours, in this and everything between us. I won’t deny that I want you, Mina, but you’re the one who’s going to have to take that step, and so I choose to trust you with this.”
I wonder what she knows, hmm?
De la soie et dégagement de vapeur
– The French version of Kiss of Steel is coming in April, or so I am told! Can't wait to see my new cover – though I pity the poor translator working with Blade's accent!
