Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 201 - Poison or Protect by Gail Carrier, Familiarity by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Poison or Protect by Gail Carriger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set between Carriger's two series Poison or Protect has new main characters and at least one familiar side character. I loved Lady Preshea Villentia name, the Mourning Star. She has buried four husbands and it is suspected that she killed each one. Now she is off to protect the host at a house party. Unknown to either Captain Gavin Ruthven has the same task . Can they work together and will they get together. Does Ruthven really want to be husband #5? Read and find out.

This was part of a Story Bundle of Steampunk stories. This is one of the first two I read and both made it worth the price.  The other story is the next review.


Familiarity: A Winston & Ruby Collection by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This contains five Winston and Ruby stories and each is a small gem. I loved Winston who can only do small magic but accomplishes very big things with it. Ruby is a small black cat and those of us who love and have cats will recognize the personality traits that are such a big part of Ruby. The story starts with Winston loosing his long time familiar and Ruby arriving on the scene as the replacement. From there the two bond, meet new people and share interesting events. There is a cat napping, a mystery woman, a hurricane, and a rescue. A very fun series of short stories.



View all my reviews

A Lady Never Lies by Stephanie Burkhart - Book Blast and Giveaway

A Lady Never Lies

by Stephanie Burkhart

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GENRE:  Steampunk Romance

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BLURB:

Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The Prime Minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?      

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EXCERPT:

She swatted her hand next to her head like she was swatting a fly. Love could flitter away from her heart like a hummingbird for all she cared. Who needed it? Love hurt.

A knock rapped on the door, but before she could voice a reply, Richard walked in. He crossed the room, raw concern splayed over his face and he knelt before her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You look annoyed."

"A lady never cusses," she replied.

His lips tipped in amusement. "What else does a lady never do?"

"They never wear the same dress twice."

He pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "I believe that."

"And a lady never lies," she said.

He slid his hand over hers and laced their fingers together. A sweet jolt pulsed up her arm and she smiled despite herself.

"So what's bothering you?" he asked.

REVIEW:

A Lady Never Lies has a great cast of characters. While Jocelyn Dunkirk is born in Victorian times she is a better fit for modern life. Her Father has allowed her more freedom than most of the women in her time and men find her just a little intimidating. Not the case for Richard Windson. He is a time traveler from the present and he is really taken with her. This is book three in the series and it is Richard and Jocelyn's story. Look for problems, the loss of a important character and the set up for the next story. This is book three in the series. I have not read book one and two and I strongly recommend that you read them first. I was a little lost throughout the entire book. There are hints about backstory but I never really got a good handle on all of the important characters or the change in history that made Richard Windsor the heir to the British Throne. I will be going back to see what I missed in the first two book as I really want to read book four. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

BUY LINKS FOR A LADY NEVER LIES:

AMAZON KINDLE: http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12

PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-three-a-lady-never-lies-epub/

BARNES AND NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=9781612527307

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aladyneverlies-1547037-343.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Stephanie will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Princess is Always Right by Stephanie Burkhart Review Tour and Giveaway

A Princess is Always Right

by Stephanie Burkhart

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GENRE: Steampunk Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REVIEW:

I have followed this series since it started.  A Princess is Always Right is a nice addition.  The parings of characters from different time periods are at the heart of the series.  There is a romance but also a problem that must be solved.  That is part of the fun.  Historical characters are always part of the problem.  It is fun to see how they are worked into the story line. Look for action, tension and of course romance. It can be read as a stand alone but works best read in order.

                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

Jax raked a hand over his hair. He did not want her to leave without him. That meant only one thing. He had to go to her and convince her they couldn't be separated. He stood and cast his gaze on Ian. The boy slept soundly. Jax had to find a compromise by doing right by the boy and doing right by his heart.

He closed the door behind him gently and checked on Sophia's room. She wasn't there. Then he went downstairs. Peeking into the study, he saw Lady Charlotte placing covers over Lord Ridgecroft and making him comfortable. Could she be in the kitchen? He continued down the hall and caught a glimpse of two people sitting on a bench. Jeeves and Sophia. Fisting his hands, he drew in a breath and steeled up his courage.

Jax knocked on the glass of the french doors and stepped out. She looked up at him, sadness etched in her face.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

Jeeves glanced at Sophia. She offered the butler a small smile. "It's fine."

Jeeves stood and bowed. "If you'll excuse me, I'll finish my rounds and retire for the evening."

"Good night, Jeeves," Jax said.

The butler nodded and left.

"I had no idea I had a son. This was a surprise."

"It's clear the boy is yours," she said, softly. "And so is your duty."

"I won't deny it," Jax paused. "And I do want to get to know him, but I don't want to lose you either."

"I have to leave tomorrow."

He pursed his lips, frustrated. "I knew Fiona briefly. I was attracted to her because she was kind, but I knew nothing would ever come of us. My father suggested she knew that, too, that's why she never told me."

"I'm sorry." Sophia looked at her fingers in her lap, then up at him. "She should have contacted you. It would have been the right thing to do."

He sighed and took the seat next to Sophia placing her hand between his. He snared her eyes with his stare. "The right thing to do is let me go with you tomorrow. I care for you."

"I know what it's like to lose a parent. I was twelve when my mother passed away. I still remember the little things, like her smile. I remember traveling all over Britain with her. When my mother passed away, a sadness filled my heart that I thought I would never replace. That little boy is hurting right now. He needs you."

"He can come with us." Jax just blurted out the first thought that came to his mind. If Sophia wanted Ian to be close to Jax, then it only made sense to have Ian come with them. Jax thought the idea was inspired.

Sophia's mouth fell open, then she closed it, before she scrunched up her brows. "Are you serious? That we take a five-year-old traipsing all over Europe with us?"

"Why not? It's the only way we can be all together." He had no idea what it would entail, but what better way to solve his problem? He would get to know his son and remain close to Sophia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

BUY LINKS FOR A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT:

PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Always-Right-Windsor-Diaries-ebook/dp/B01593SYZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443912470&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Princess+is+Always+Right

BARNES AND NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143?ean=2940150862906

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Stephanie will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Princess is Always Right by Stephanie Burkhart Virtual Tour and Giveaway

A Princess is Always Right

by Stephanie Burkhart

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Steampunk Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt

She wrinkled her brow. What did she want? To go home and train horses and pray the press leave her alone? To support charities? Sure, the task was noble, but not...fulfilling. Would she be dispatched through Great Britain as a goodwill ambassador? Did she want to seek higher schooling like Richard had? Was there a balance to be found between her personal life and her royal obligations? Richard and Alice seemed to find that balance, but Sophia felt almost rudderless in this moment. Did she want to remain a princess or enjoy the anonymity that Edmund possessed?

She ran a hand over her hair. She'd never felt so directionless before. Why was that? Because she wanted Jax in her life? They had discussed visiting each other using the time machine before Augustus' uncle passed away, but Sophia believed travel wouldn't be approved just for dating.

"You're a Windsor. Duty first. Love second. That's what I did and the nation benefited because of it." Liz's voice filled with pride.

"I had no idea it was such a thought provoking question." He kept his voice light in an effort to put her at ease.

She placed her hands in her lap. "Surprisingly, it is."

"How so?"

"I have some very serious decisions to make regarding my future." She drew in a breath. "And the direction I want to take it in."

He chuckled. "Remember -- a princess is always right."

She sighed, realizing she could only think of one major problem at a time and her future would have to wait. "I have to be right when it comes to Jonas. I have to catch him."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

BUY LINKS FOR A PRINCESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT:

PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-four-a-princess-is-always-right-epub/

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Always-Right-Windsor-Diaries-ebook/dp/B01593SYZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443912470&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Princess+is+Always+Right

BARNES AND NOBLE:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-is-always-right-stephanie-burkhart/1122644143?ean=2940150862906

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Stephanie will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ether and Elephants (Gaslight Chronicles #8) by Cindy Spencer Pape

Steampunk

From Goodreads:

A Gaslight Chronicles Novel

Sir Thomas Devere and Eleanor Hadrian have loved each other most of their lives—but sometimes love doesn't conquer all.

Their chance at happiness was ruined by Tom's hasty marriage to someone else. Heartbroken, Nell left home, finding a new life as a teacher at a school for the blind. But when one of her supernaturally gifted students, Charlie, is kidnapped, Tom reappears and her worlds collide.

Tom claims he hasn't seen his wife since the day of their marriage…yet he fears the missing student could be his son.

The deeper they dig, the more Tom and Nell discover: a deadly alchemist, more missing gifted children and long-suppressed feelings neither of them is ready for. A race on airship across England and India may lead them to answers—including a second chance at love—but only if all of British Society isn't destroyed first.

With Tom and Nell’s story Ether & Elephants puts the Gaslight Chronicles to bed.  While this is primarily Tom and Nell’s story there is a gathering where we get to see most of the previous characters and find out how they are getting along. 

Tom and Nell’s have a back story and it comes out as the book begins.  It plays a big role in how the plot progresses.  There is danger and tension as they have to work together to solve a mystery and get rid of a villain once and for all.

Both have always been interesting characters and as the story progresses we see how much they both have grown and changed.  Tom because of a rash action that broke Nell’s heart and Nell as she left family and friends behind to live on her own.  Tom becomes much more focused and Nell much stronger.

Ether & Elephants wraps up a mystery that started in previous books while allowing us to see the characters one last time.  A very nice ending to the series.

Carina Press published Ether & Elephants by Cindy Spencer Pape in 2015.

I received an ARC of Ether & Elephants from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Clockwork Dagger by Beth Cato

Steampunk Romance

From Goodreads:

Full of magic, mystery, and romance, an enchanting steampunk fantasy debut in the bestselling vein of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger

“The Clockwork Dagger was just what I needed: A steampunk adventure with an uncommon heroine, a fascinating magic system, and a young gremlin! I’m hooked and can’t wait for more Octavia and Leaf!”

—New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne

Orphaned as a child, Octavia Leander was doomed to grow up on the streets until Miss Percival saved her and taught her to become a medician. Gifted with incredible powers, the young healer is about to embark on her first mission, visiting suffering cities in the far reaches of the war-scarred realm. But the airship on which she is traveling is plagued by a series of strange and disturbing occurrences, including murder, and Octavia herself is threatened.

Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue: the dashingly attractive steward may be one of the infamous Clockwork Daggers—the Queen’s spies and assassins—and her cabin-mate harbors disturbing secrets. But the danger is only beginning, for Octavia discovers that the deadly conspiracy aboard the airship may reach the crown itself.

The first thing that caught me in The Clockwork Dagger was the world building.  There is a wonderful mix of steampunk and magic in a world torn by a war between two different countries.  Beth Cato did a wonderful job of layering each element needed as the story built.   The result is fascinating and kept me reading just to see what part of the world would be revealed next.

I also loved the characters.  Octavia Leander is a very strong dedicated healer wanted by one side and targeted for death by the other.  She carries the story with the help of Leaf, a gremlin, Viola Stout. a very unusual princess, and Alonzo Garret, a Clockwork Dagger in training.

Intertwined into all of this is The Tree, the heart of Octavia’s magic and a huge betrayal. The Clockwork Dagger is a mystery and a thriller with just a touch of romance.  The story comes to a satisfying conclusion but leaves Octavia and Alonzo with a new journey ahead.  I will be waiting to see what happens to Octavia and her Clockwork Dagger in the next book.

Harper Voyager published The Clockwork Dagger by Beth Cato in 2014.

I received an ARC of The Clockwork Dagger from Edelweiss.

Dragon’s & Dirigibles (Gaslight Chronicles #7) by Cindy Spencer Pape

Steampunk Romance

From Goodreads:

When airship engineer Melody McKay's dirigible explodes and plunges her into the yard of a gothic manor, she suspects foul play. With her ankle injured--an indignity far too feminine for her taste--she resolves to crack the mystery while in the care of Victor Arrington, the stuffy-yet-disarming Earl of Blackwell.

Ex-Royal Navy Captain Victor runs a tight house and is on a mission to protect his niece and foil a ring of smugglers using fire-breathing metal dragons. He has no time for romantic attachments. Particularly not with women who fall from the sky wearing trousers and pilot's goggles.

As he and Melody navigate a treachery so deep it threatens the lives of everyone in Black Heath, the earl becomes unexpectedly attached to his fiery houseguest, and Melody discovers a softness in her heart for him. But when the smugglers strike, there's more at risk than just their future together.

Like the previous book in the Gaslight Chronicles, Dragon’s & Dirigibles is novella length.  Also like the previous books it packs a lot in it’s 48,000 words and is a great addition to the series.

This time it is Melody McKay’s story.  Melody is an engineer and a very modern woman.  When her airship explodes she meet Victor Arrington, the Earl of Blackwell.  From the beginning Victor’s old-fashion ideas and Melody’s modern way of life cause a clash.  There is a problem at Victor’s estate. Smugglers are using it for a base and they need to be stopped.  As they work together they both find that there is an attraction that cannot be denied.  It is fun to see how Melody changes how Victor feels about modern women. 

It is a nice plot but I knew who the bad guy was from the beginning.  It did not change my enjoyment of the story and there were two surprises at the end.  One was dropped by Tom and is a big hook for what could be the next story in the series.  You don’t have to read the series in order but it is more fun that way. 

Carina Press published Dragons& Dirigibles by Cindy Spencer Pape in 2014.