Strike - Book Review

Strike (Hit #2)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
The hit list was just the beginning.

Time to strike back.

After faking her own death to escape her term as an indentured assassin for Valor Savings Bank, Patsy is on the run with her boyfriend, Wyatt. All she wants to do is go home, but that’s never going to happen—not as long as Valor’s out to get her and the people she loves.

Left with no good choices, Patsy’s only option is to meet with a mysterious group that calls itself the Citizens for Freedom.

Led by the charismatic Leon Crane, the CFF seem like just what Patsy has been looking for. Leon promises that if she joins, she’ll finally get revenge on Valor for everything they’ve done to her—and for everything they’ve made her do.

But Patsy knows the CFF has a few secrets of their own. One thing is certain: they’ll do absolutely anything to complete their mission, no matter who’s standing in their way. Even if it’s Patsy herself.

What did I think of it:
I loved Hit, the first book in this series, so when the awesome Jeffe managed to get a signed copy of Strike for me I was over the moon. And I dove right in to read it of course.

This book is even better than the first.

Patsy and Wyatt join a group that fights against Valor, but soon they find that this might have landed them out of the frying pan, but into the fire.

Where in Hit the interaction was mainly between Patsy and Wyatt, here there are more people Patsy has to deal with. New characters get introduced. some are cool, some creepy, and others I wasn't sure about. Patsy and Wyatt will have to figure out who to trust and how to deal with those that might have bad intentions.

There's lots of action and Patsy has to stay sharp to survive, and to keep those important to her alive as well. She has to think on her feet, and at times she is forced to pick the lesser of two evils instead of being a hero and save the day.

I was on the edge of my seat and was rooting for Patsy to come out on top of the situation.

The ending is satisfying, but also makes me eager to find out what will happen next. I do hope there will be more books in this series, because I am hooked.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed gritty YA read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Strike

I used to own chickens myself, and can only agree with this week's teaser :-p


I'm awakened the next morning by an actual, literal rooster. It seriously won't shut up. And it's not nearly as adorable and homey as it seems in the movies. Roosters are dicks.

(page 92, Strike by Delilah S. Dawson)




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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Wicked After Midnight - Book Review

Wicked After Midnight (Blud #3)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
Life as a contortionist in Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan should be the height of exotic adventure, but for Demi Ward, it’s total dullsville. Until her best friend, Cherie, is stolen by slavers outside of Paris, and Demi is determined to find her.

On the run from his own past, Vale Hildebrand, a dashing rogue of a highwayman, hides Demi from the slavers…but why? He pledges to help her explore the glittering cabarets of Paris to find her friend, but much to Vale’s frustration, Demi soon attracts a host of wealthy admirers. The pleasures of music, blood, and absinthe could turn anyone’s head, and it would be all too easy to accept Cherie’s disappearance as inevitable—but with Vale’s ferocious will and Demi’s drive to find her friend, they soon have a lead on a depraved society of Parisian notables with a taste for beautiful lost girls. Can Demi wind her way through the seedy underbelly of Paris and save her best friend before she, too, is lost?

What did I think of it:
Now that I got myself to read Casper's story in Wicked As She Wants and actually enjoying it (even though I still didn't like him) I could finally pick up Wicked After Midnight. (Yes, I know I often read out of order, but if I have the books I want to read in order.)

And this is a great read!

I liked both Demi and Vale, so I was soon rooting for both of them. They make a great pair, and I loved seeing them fall for each other. Demi is a very stubborn and difficult person at times. There were moments I wanted to scream some sense into her, but it never came to a point that she got annoying.

The worldbuilding and storytelling was awesome. I loved the mood and atmosphere of the Steampunkish cabaret Dawson created. I'd almost be tempted to visit a cabaret sometimes, although I'd surely be disappointed there wouldn't be any supernatural creatures ;-)

Next to our heroine and hero there were some really cool other characters as well. I loved how some o them got their own complete side story in this book.

Overall this is a wonderful read. My favorite book is still Wicked as They Come, but this one is a close second. Thanks to a mention in Wicked After Midnight that made me very curious, I'll be reading The Three Lives of Lydia next, as soon as my copy of Carniepunk arrives.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Steampunkish Romance.

Hit - Book Review

Hit (Hit #1)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
NO ONE READS THE FINE PRINT.

The good news is that the USA is finally out of debt. The bad news is that we were bought out by Valor National Bank, and debtors are the new big game, thanks to a tricky little clause hidden deep in the fine print of a credit card application. Now, after a swift and silent takeover that leaves 9-1-1 calls going through to Valor voicemail, they’re unleashing a wave of anarchy across the country.

Patsy didn’t have much of a choice. When the suits showed up at her house threatening to kill her mother then and there for outstanding debt unless Patsy agreed to be an indentured assassin, what was she supposed to do? Let her own mother die?

Patsy is forced to take on a five-day mission to complete a hit list of ten names. Each name on Patsy's list has only three choices: pay the debt on the spot, agree to work as a bounty hunter, or die. And Patsy has to kill them personally, or else her mom takes a bullet of her own.

Since yarn bombing is the only rebellion in Patsy's past, she’s horrified and overwhelmed, especially as she realizes that most of the ten people on her list aren't strangers. Things get even more complicated when a moment of mercy lands her with a sidekick: a hot rich kid named Wyatt whose brother is the last name on Patsy's list. The two share an intense chemistry even as every tick of the clock draws them closer to an impossible choice.

Delilah S. Dawson offers an absorbing, frightening glimpse at a reality just steps away from ours—a taut, suspenseful thriller that absolutely mesmerizes from start to finish.

What did I think of it:
I've wanted to read this book from the moment I heard of it, but there's only so much hardbacks this piggy can afford, so I waited on the paperback before getting my trotters on it.

And this is such an awesome read!

Patsy is set an impossible choice: kill ten people or she and her mother will be killed themselves. Patsy decides to chose life even though the things she has to do will change her forever.

I rooted for Patsy to survive her ordeal, and to find a way to cope with what she has to do. This book doesn't pull any punches, and the things Patsy has to do impact both her and the people she encounters.

Just a few chapters in I was totally hooked and couldn't put the book down. I had to find out if Patsy would go through with her assignment, or if she would find a way out. Slowly she begins to notice a pattern and she has to figure out what's going on.

The book ends in a way that has me eager for more without being frustrated by the ending. Luckily the next book is already out, and will be making its way to me soon, because I need more!

Why should you read it:
It's a gritty YA read.

Wicked as She Wants - Book Review

Wicked as She Wants (Blud #2)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
The second book in the darkly tempting Blud series, featuring a vampire princess who embarks upon a dangerous journey to claim what is rightfully hers.

When Blud princess Ahnastasia wakes up, drained and starving in a suitcase, she’s not sure which calls to her more: the sound of music or the scent of blood. The source of both sensations is a handsome and mysterious man named Casper Sterling. Once the most celebrated musician in London, Sangland, he’s fallen on hard times. Now, much to Ahna’s frustration, the debauched and reckless human is her only ticket back home to the snow-rimmed and magical land of Freesia.

Together with Casper’s prickly charge, a scrappy orphan named Keen, they seek passage to Ahna’s homeland, where a power-hungry sorceress named Ravenna holds the royal family in thrall. Traveling from the back alleys of London to the sparkling minarets of Muscovy, Ahna discovers that Freesia holds new perils and dangerous foes. Back in her country, she is forced to choose between the heart she never knew she had and the land that she was born to rule. But with Casper’s help, Ahna may find a way to have it all...

What did I think of it:
I will confess: It took me almost three years to pick this book up. This has nothing to do with the writing or the story, but everything with my dislike of Casper in the first book. I also read a short story where he plays a part, and I didn't like him in that one either.

But as I love all the other books and short stories I've read by Delilah S. Dawson I decided to pick this book up as my April TBR Orphan. (Good thing I already had it in my TBR pile, because the current paperback price is pretty high.)

And I'm still not a fan of Casper. He's not very likeable in my opinion. Neither is Ahna, so they do make a good pair.

But the story!

I love Dawson's writing style and her world building. In this story she uses the historical events of the downfall of the last Tsar of Russia and makes them her own. The setting is just as in the first book really cool. It starts out in a dark, steampunky London and then they start on the journey to Muscovy.

Let me tell you (and I'm saying this as someone who's a bit tired of all the Steampunk cliches): Dawson makes airships fun!

Because I didn't connect with Casper and Ahna I didn't love this book as much as I did the first, but all in all this is a great steampunk read, with lots of adventure, pirates, evil magic, and vampires. I'm looking forward to reading the third book.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Steampunk adventure/romance.




Or buy the ebook from Amazon

Wicked as They Come - Book Review (repost)

I haven't done much reading, so I'll be reposting some reviews this week.


Wicked as They Come (Blud #1)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

What did I think of it:
When I read the blurb of this book and it mentioned a magical traveling circus I knew I had to read it.

And it doesn't disappoint.

Dawson's writing style is pleasant and I loved the world she created. It was both scary and wonderful with all the blood drinking creatures, the steampunk elements, the travelling circus and the dark depressing cities.

I fell in love with Tish from the start, she's a likeable person who has had some blows dealt to her, but didn't let that get her down. And then there's Criminy! When he stepped into the story, wearing a ridiculous waistcoat and a cocky grin I knew I was going to love this book if only for him.

Luckily enough Criminy isn't the only thing this book has going for it. It's a beautiful, dark Victorian fairy tale full of action, conspiracies, romance and bludbunnies. (Yes: vampire bunnies!!! Isn't that cool!?)

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and i'll keep an eye out for the next book in this series.

Why should you read this:
Vampire bunnies!!!

Servants of the Storm - Book Review (repost)

Servants of the Storm
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
A year ago Hurricane Josephine swept through Savannah, Georgia, leaving behind nothing but death and destruction — and taking the life of Dovey's best friend, Carly. Since that night, Dovey has been in a medicated haze, numb to everything around her.

But recently she's started to believe she's seeing things that can't be real ... including Carly at their favorite cafe. Determined to learn the truth, Dovey stops taking her pills. And the world that opens up to her is unlike anything she could have imagined.

As Dovey slips deeper into the shadowy corners of Savannah — where the dark and horrifying secrets lurk — she learns that the storm that destroyed her city and stole her friend was much more than a force of nature. And now the sinister beings truly responsible are out to finish what they started.

Dovey's running out of time and torn between two paths. Will she trust her childhood friend Baker, who can't see the threatening darkness but promises to never give up on Dovey and Carly? Or will she plot with the sexy stranger, Isaac, who offers all the answers — for a price? Soon Dovey realizes that the danger closing in has little to do with Carly ... and everything to do with Dovey herself.

What did I think of it:
I'm always on the look out for creepy reads, so when I heard about Servants of the Storm I pre-ordered it as soon as I could. Having read Dawson's Wicked As They Come, I thought I knew what to expect, and I was sure it would be good.

I was wrong...

It was more than good: It was amazing!

This book grabbed me by the throat and dragged me in. I was totally engrossed and couldn't stop reading until I finished it.

It's creepy, disturbing, and so freaking awesome!

Dawson creates a world that is filled with danger, hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike when you are least ready for it. Her imagery is vivid and sinister, with small details that at times really squicked me out.

I really liked Dovey and her friend Baker. Isaac was intriguing, but totally untrustworthy in my opinion. I kept expecting the worst kind of betrayal from him.

All in all I fell in love with this book. It's a perfectly creepy and awesome read. I hope Dawson will write many more books, and I will most certainly get my trotters on them if she does.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool and creepy Paranormal YA read.

Wake of Vultures - Book Review

Wake of Vultures (The Shadow #1)
by Lila Bowen

What is it about:
Nettie Lonesome lives in a land of hard people and hard ground dusted with sand. She's a half-breed who dresses like a boy, raised by folks who don't call her a slave but use her like one. She knows of nothing else. That is, until the day a stranger attacks her. When nothing, not even a sickle to the eye can stop him, Nettie stabs him through the heart with a chunk of wood, and he turns into black sand.

And just like that, Nettie can see.

But her newfound sight is a blessing and a curse. Even if she doesn't understand what's under her own skin, she can sense what everyone else is hiding -- at least physically. The world is full of evil, and now she knows the source of all the sand in the desert. Haunted by the spirits, Nettie has no choice but to set out on a quest that might lead to her true kin... if the monsters along the way don't kill her first.

What did I think of it:
This is one of those books I pre-ordered because it sounded really cool. Knowing that Lila Bowen is a pen-name of Delilah S. Dawson only made me more eager to get my trotters on it.

And this is a really cool and gritty read.

Nettie is a strong heroine, forged by the hardships she's endured all her life. Still she feels small and insecure. The world Nettie grew up in is a hard and grim one. Then she gets attacked by a monster, and she discovers the world is even darker than she thought. The creatures that hide among humans are scary and dangerous.

I was hooked from the start and rooted for Nettie to stay on top of things and to stay alive. Luckily she encounters some people along the way who seem to want to help her, because there's lots of nasty things coming her way.

I loved the mythology and how Bowen used it. The creatures Nettie encounters are creepy and scary. Luckily there were also some friendlier creatures to bring a bit of light in a very dark world.

The ending of the book was satisfying, but also made me hungry for more. I want to know what will happen next and I want to know the answers to some of the secrets that Nettie encountered.

You can bet I'll be keeping an eye out for book two!

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Fantasy read in a Western setting.

Servants of the Storm - Book Review

Servants of the Storm
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
A year ago Hurricane Josephine swept through Savannah, Georgia, leaving behind nothing but death and destruction — and taking the life of Dovey's best friend, Carly. Since that night, Dovey has been in a medicated haze, numb to everything around her.

But recently she's started to believe she's seeing things that can't be real ... including Carly at their favorite cafe. Determined to learn the truth, Dovey stops taking her pills. And the world that opens up to her is unlike anything she could have imagined.

As Dovey slips deeper into the shadowy corners of Savannah — where the dark and horrifying secrets lurk — she learns that the storm that destroyed her city and stole her friend was much more than a force of nature. And now the sinister beings truly responsible are out to finish what they started.

Dovey's running out of time and torn between two paths. Will she trust her childhood friend Baker, who can't see the threatening darkness but promises to never give up on Dovey and Carly? Or will she plot with the sexy stranger, Isaac, who offers all the answers — for a price? Soon Dovey realizes that the danger closing in has little to do with Carly ... and everything to do with Dovey herself.

What did I think of it:
I'm always on the look out for creepy reads, so when I heard about Servants of the Storm I pre-ordered it as soon as I could. Having read Dawson's Wicked As They Come, I thought I knew what to expect, and I was sure it would be good.

I was wrong...

It was more than good: It was amazing!

This book grabbed me by the throat and dragged me in. I was totally engrossed and couldn't stop reading until I finished it.

It's creepy, disturbing, and so freaking awesome!

Dawson creates a world that is filled with danger, hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike when you are least ready for it. Her imagery is vivid and sinister, with small details that at times really squicked me out.

I really liked Dovey and her friend Baker. Isaac was intriguing, but totally untrustworthy in my opinion. I kept expecting the worst kind of betrayal from him.

All in all I fell in love with this book. It's a perfectly creepy and awesome read. I hope Dawson will write many more books, and I will most certainly get my trotters on them if she does.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool and creepy Paranormal YA read.

An Interview with Delilah S. Dawson

Today Delilah S. Dawson visits our blog. Voodoo Bride and I love Delilah's books about dashing bludmen and bloodthirsty bludbunnies.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Delilah.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I'm Delilah S. Dawson, author of whimsical and dark fiction. I write the BLUD series for Pocket, including WICKED AS THEY COME, WICKED AS SHE WANTS, two e-novellas, and a story in the CARNIEPUNK anthology called THE THREE LIVES OF LYDIA. I also have a short story called FOLLOW ME BOY out with Kindle Worlds on Amazon. My first YA is out with Simon Pulse in summer 2014, a creepy paranormal about Savannah, GA called SERVANTS OF THE STORM. I love adventures, horses, cake, and more cake and spend most of my time being ridiculous on Twitter.

How many books will there be in the Blud series?

There will be three books and three e-novellas in the BLUD series. The last book is out next January and is called WICKED AFTER MIDNIGHT, and it's basically a Sangish take on Moulin Rouge. The last novella is called THE DAMSEL AND THE DAGGERMAN. I just turned in copy edits on it, and I was totally fanning myself. Forgot how hot it was!

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Loosely, but more as inspirations. Casper was sparked by an intriguing stranger in one of my classes in college. The dandies at the end of WICKED AS SHE WANTS were inspired by two local steampunks I know who craft the most amazing costumes

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Definitely! I always have to be working on *something*. My editor and I sat down to lunch at the RWA Nationals in Atlanta and came up with the most amazing idea for a new series. And I loved writing FOLLOW ME BOY in the world of the SHADOWMAN comics so much that I'm now going to be in a comics anthology and am hungry for more. And Tiffany Reisz helped me come up with yet another exciting idea that I hope to work on one day, but it's going to need some hands-on research, if you know what I mean. I have more ideas than time!

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

At the cafe, writing. Or shuttling my kids around. Or in my bed, reading. Or going trail riding on my Tennessee Walker, Polly. My favorite place to be is the beach, but I don't get there often enough.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

I demanded my husband take me out to a wonderful restaurant called Canoe in Atlanta where I drank champagne and ate Carolina rabbit and blushed furiously. And I used a portion of my first advance to build wall-to-wall bookshelves.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Meeting readers and other authors! I've made so many amazing friends in the publishing business and at signings and cons. I always thought of myself as an introvert--until I discovered that having a shared passion can make anyone a potential friend.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Diana Gabaldon, Jean Auel, Sara Donati, and Richard Adams all figured prominently in my growth as a reader and a writer. My favorite books recently include the Original Sinners series by Tiffany Reisz, anything by Chuck Wendig, and both of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter series. My writing goes in cycles that include frantic work and frantic reading, and right now, I'm frantically reading. Today, I started and finished WALLBANGER by Alice Clayton, and I'm about to pick up SEND by Patty Blount.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I actually wrote a YA zombie farce called ATTACK OF THE BATHS*T BIMBOS about a teen geek girl blogger fighting zombies made by diet soft drinks, but my agent didn't think it would sell. :) As for pigs, I'll have to put one in the next book just for you. There's a butcher in there, but I don't think that's the way to handle it. Thanks so much for having me, darling!

If the pig gets butchered I'm fine with no pigs in your books ;)
And thanks for dropping by!


About Wicked As They Come:

First in a steampunk-tinged paranormal romance series in which a woman is transported to a world filled with vampires and magic. When nurse Tish Everett forced open the pesky but lovely locket she found at an estate sale, she had no idea she was answering the call of Criminy Stain, from the far off land of Sang. He’d cast a spell for her, but when she’s transported right to him, she’s not so sure she’s ready to be under the spell of another man. (It didn’t go so well last time with controlling, abusive, domineering Jeff.) If only Criminy wasn’t so deliciously rakish….

Half the inhabitants of Sang are Pinkies—human—and the other half are Bludmen, who in Tish’s world would be called vampires. But they don’t mess with any of the bat/coffin/no sunlight nonsense. They’re rather like you and me, just more fabulous, long living, and mostly indestructible. (They're also very good kissers.) But when the evil Mayor of Manchester (formerly Bludchester) redoubles his efforts to rid Sang of the Bludmen once and for all, stealing Tish’s locket in hopes of traveling back to her world himself for reinforcements, Criminy and Tish must battle ghosts, sea monsters, wayward submarines, a secret cabal, and thundering Bludmares to get the locket back and allow Tish to return home…but has she found love with Criminy? Could she stay in Sang forever?



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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance (Blud #1.6)
by Delilah S. Dawson
ebook, novella

What is it about:
A lady with a penchant for pets meets a sexy fireman in this magical and saucy steampunk eNovella from the author of Wicked as They Come.

In a world ruled by blood, live pets are rare and kindness rarer still. London pet shop owner Frannie Pleasance has a mysterious way with animals and keeps her charges (and heart) locked in a veritable Eden. She thinks Casper Sterling is just another stray…until she takes in the troublesome lodger (and unwelcome suitor) and becomes the victim of a series of strange and dangerous occurrences.

When an unexplained fire threatens to destroy Frannie's carefully guarded world, firefighter Thom Maccallan is there to extinguish the blaze and help gather the lost creatures. The heat between Frannie and Thom begins to burn, but someone's still after the lady. Could it be Casper himself, or is Frannie’s new lodger just another victim of fate? Will they be able to figure out who's pursuing Frannie—and stop them—before she loses everything?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delightful read.

I was a bit worried when the story started with Frannie meeting Casper, but luckily soon Thom enters the stage and things started to heat up. Frannie and Thom really fit as a couple and it was lovely to read how Thom tried to win Frannie's heart.

Although there's the threat of someone being after Frannie and this does lead to some suspenseful moments, this was a light story, leaning more to sweet romance than to mystery and suspense.

For those unfamiliar with Dawson's world, this book might be a bit confusing at times when it comes to the setting, but I enjoyed reading more about Sang. And Frannie's shop was just so cool. I really wished I could visit it.

I do confess this story made me all the more eager to read Dawson's next book: Wicked As She Wants, which is about Casper. I still have my doubts about Casper, but Dawson really managed to make me curious about what will happen next for him.

Anyone who loved Wicked As They Come will enjoy this novella I think and I pre-ordered Wicked As She Wants because I can't get enough of Dawson's dark, Victorian fairytale world.

Why should you read it:
It's a sweet and enjoyable Steampunk romance


Buy it here

The Mysterious Madam Morpho - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Mysterious Madam Morpho (Blud #1.5)
by Delilah S. Dawson
(ebook, novella)

What is it about:
Taking place after Wicked as They Come, this original eBook features a mysterious lady and a reclusive mechanical genius who find love and danger in a traveling circus.

An elusive woman arrives at Criminy’s doorstep with a steamer trunk, begging for a position in the caravan to perform her unique new act. She opens her trunk to reveal a menagerie of brilliantly colored butterflies. The woman, who calls herself Madam Morpho, is on the run from a dark past in London, where she was forced to leave her equipment behind and abscond with only her tiny performers. Playing a hunch, Criminy hires Madam Morpho on the spot. Taking her down to meet Mr. Murdoch, the reclusive talented engineer who keeps the carnival’s clockworks running, Criminy instructs them to work together to design and build a groundbreaking new circus for the butterflies. Amid the magical ambiance of the circus and the hint of danger from Madam Morpho’s pursuers, she and Mr. Murdoch soon find that their scientific collaboration has produced chemistry of a more romantic kind.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I really enjoyed this story.

The first chapter was from Criminy and Letitia's point of view, but after that it changes to Imogen's (Madam Morpho) point of view.

I liked Imogen from the start, even though it is clear she has many secrets. I wanted to learn more about her and what had happened to her.

Mr Murdoch was very intriguing as well. He's a complicated character with some secrets of his own. Being a recluse he hides away in his caravan surrounded by the most amazing and cool inventions and contraptions.

Mr. Murdoch is introduced with a gorgeous beard and that made me pause. I know just what happens to most beards in romantic stories. And this story wasn't much different: the beard doesn't make it to the end of the story! It's a good thing I've learned not to get too attached to beards in stories like this.

That point aside, I very much enjoyed the developing romance between Imogen and Mr. Murdoch. It was sweet and heartwarming. I do think it went a bit fast at the beginning, especially because Mr. Murdoch has been a recluse for many years, but this is a novella after all, so I can forgive this speedy start to an otherwise well timed romance.

The action and suspense storyline fit in well with the romance and all in all this was a very satisfying novella that makes me hungry for more tales set in the grim fairytale world that is Sang.

Why should you read it:
It's a sweet and magical romance


Buy The Mysterious Madam Morpho here

Wicked As They Come - Book Review

Wicked as They Come (Blud #1)
by Delilah S. Dawson

What is it about:
When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

What did I think of it:
When I read the blurb of this book and it mentioned a magical traveling circus I knew I had to read it.

And it doesn't disappoint.

Dawson's writing style is pleasant and I loved the world she created. It was both scary and wonderful with all the blood drinking creatures, the steampunk elements, the travelling circus and the dark depressing cities.

I fell in love with Tish from the start, she's a likeable person who has had some blows dealt to her, but didn't let that get her down. And then there's Criminy! When he stepped into the story, wearing a ridiculous waistcoat and a cocky grin I knew I was going to love this book if only for him.

Luckily enough Criminy isn't the only thing this book has going for it. It's a beautiful, dark Victorian fairy tale full of action, conspiracies, romance and bludbunnies. (Yes: vampire bunnies!!! Isn't that cool!?)

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and i'll keep an eye out for the next book in this series.