Iron Guns, Blazing Hearts - Book Review

Iron Guns, Blazing Hearts
by Heather Massey
(ebook, novella)

What is it about:
The West just got a whole lot wilder.

A woman on a mission... Scientific achievement isn't enough for Violet Whitcomb. Life working alongside her renowned scientist father is filled with intellectual challenges, but what she truly craves is love and adventure. She’s resigned to a fate of academic pursuits…until a fateful trip across the American frontier changes everything. A rogue inventor known as the Iron Scorpion kidnaps Violet's father and she alone is left to plan his rescue.

A man with a secret... Logan McCoy knows firsthand going up against the Iron Scorpion is suicide, but he can't let Violet waltz into the villain's lair alone. She may be a stranger, but she's also the most compelling woman he's ever known.

A perilous quest... Their attraction is undeniable, but their alliance turns contentious when Violet insists on including a third partner on their mission: her father's latest invention and the world's most advanced automaton, Arthur. The reason for Logan's resistance isn't clear until Violet comes face-to-face with the Iron Scorpion's diabolical devices, and by then, it's far too late.

What did I think of it:
This is a very entertaining Western Steampunk romp.

Although there's a romance it doesn't take front seat. Instead this story is very action driven and it's cool action I can tell you. I loved the setting and the atmosphere of the story. It reminded me of the movie Wild Wild West in a good way.

Both Violet and Logan are fun characters and even though it's clear from the start that Logan isn't who Violet assumes he is I was rooting for them to succeed in their endeavors. I liked how Violet wasn't a helpless damsel in distress, instead she could handle herself and at times she was the one who saved the day.

The romance is subtle, maybe too subtle for those people who are looking for a passionate romance, but for me it worked. There's a definite connection between Violet and Logan, but because of the circumstances they find themselves in they can't act on it.

All in all this is a fun, quick read with lots of cool action and a nice romance to top it off. I hope Massey will write more stories in this setting.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun Western Steampunk Adventure Romance.


Expected publication: February 4th 2013 by Lyrical Press

The Blacksmith's Lover - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Blacksmith's Lover (The Clockpunk Trilogy #2)
by Heather Massey
ebook, novellette

What is it about:
The year is 1840. On the run after being caught in a scandalous incident, scullery maid Sarah Bailey must find refuge before her vengeful former mistress has her killed. When she stumbles upon a blacksmith’s shop in need of an apprentice in West Boylston, Massachusetts, she applies for the position.

Viktor is a brawny, reclusive blacksmith who creates strange clockwork and steam-powered devices. The gruff man makes it clear that Sarah’s plight is no concern of his, but ghosts from his past dictate otherwise. Viktor agrees to protect the spunky maid, but only until her trail of henchmen runs cold.

Sarah quickly discovers that the fire of this blacksmith’s forge runs volcanic hot. Unable to resist one another, she and Viktor begin a lust-filled affair. But how long will their idyllic arrangement last before Sarah’s former mistress destroys it?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a wonderfully hot romance.

The slowly building romance between Sarah and Viktor is delightful to read and the tension between them is well written and hot.

Sarah was a complex character and I couldn't really understand her at times, but one thing I could completely understand: her attraction to Viktor. He's a swoonworthy hero: gruff, bearded, smoldering... Do I need to go on?

Next to the romance there was a small action storyline that was very satisfying as well. There were bad guys chasing Sarah, clockwork animals and other cool stuff like that.

I have to confess I had a bit difficulty in believing Sarah's former mistress would go through such extreme length to find and punish Sarah though, but for the sake of the romance and the action I was willing to go with it.

All in all I very much enjoyed this story and I will most certainly read the other stories in this trilogy as well.

Why should you read it:
It has a gruff, bearded hero!


Buy it here

Queenie's Brigade - Book Review

Queenie's Brigade
by Heather Massey
ebook

What is it about:
Captain Michael Drake desperately needs an army to save Earth after a crushing defeat by alien invaders. When his damaged starship docks at a remote prison colony, he discovers Earth’s last best hope—an army to replace the one he lost.

But, Queenie, the feral goddess ruling the prison, has other plans for the rugged star ship captain. After imprisoning Drake and seizing his ship, she prepares to lead her blood-thirsty band to freedom before the invaders track them down.

Despite her intentions, Queenie secretly falls for the sexy, hotshot captain. Drake makes it plain he wants to win back Earth with her by his side. But is following her heart worth betraying her people?

What did I think of it:
This is an entertaining SciFi Romance adventure in a grim setting.

I liked Captain Drake, even though he was a bit too unconcerned at times about the predicaments he finds himself in. I also had an immediate connection with his crew and after a bumpy start even with Queenie. I really enjoyed the developing romance between Drake and Queenie.

What I did miss was a connection with Queenie's people, I'm not sure if it was the writing or if it is my personal likes and dislikes that were to blame for this though.

The story itself was intense and full of action. I liked the world building and the setting which gave a grim mood to the story, although it never felt truly desparate.

Overall this was an enjoyable read and the story lends itself for a sequel which I would certainly give a try.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining SciFi Romance in a grim and intriguing setting.


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Once Upon A Time In Space - A Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Once Upon A Time In Space by Heather Massey
ebook

What is it about:
In the sea of stars, an epic love story is about to begin...
Earth is dying. Nick Venture, the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus, embarks on a dangerous mission to find a new planet and save humanity. This places him on a collision course with Raquel Donovan, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.
Raquel lives for one purpose: revenge against a horrible demon from her past. When an attempt to hijack Nick’s starship backfires, Raquel becomes his protector in order to avoid capture by the tyrannical Space Defense Corps. Nick and Raquel are irresistibly drawn to one another despite the forbidden nature of their attraction. But the conflicted pirate’s deepest secret could tear the couple apart even as humanity’s time runs out…

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
A very tasty SciFi romance with just the right mix of adventure and romance. Massey creates a believable future that is gritty and bleak, but also gives it colour by writing a story that's full of action, hardship, heroics and hope. I really liked the cast of minor characters who made the story come further alive. My favourite has to be Twitch, Nick's pilot and practically his second in command. The romance between Nick and Raquel is steamy, intense and skirting the edges of frustrating, but that makes the good parts all the more satisfying. All in all a great read.

Why should you read it:
It's an action packed, steamy SciFi romance with Space Pirates!