Kiss of Steel

London Steampunk, Book 1

By: Bec McMaster

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price? Blade is known as the master of the rookeries - no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood craving he's been quicker, stronger, almost immortal. When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel - or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

©2012 Bec McMaster (P)2013 Tantor

Paranormal Historical Romance

Kiss of Steel is an erotic historical paranormal (steampunk it really isn't) story that differs in the genre a bit because the hero isn't an aristocrat: he is pretty much a street rat vampire gang leader on the wrong side of town (though with the prerequisite heart of gold, of course). Very graphic sex is interspersed with a mystery that will be solved at the conclusive end. Although there are other books in this world, this is a stand alone.

Honoria Todd lives in disgrace in a disreputable part of London after her father is killed in the line of researching vampires. The country is ruled by the bluebloods - creatures who were infected with a virus (brought back with a "lost Continent' type of explorer) and who exist on blood. Her father's research may prove key to understanding the virus - but all Honoria has left is her sister, her brother, and her father's diaries. Desperate, out of money, she makes a blood bargain to be a thrall with a local gang lord - a blue blood himself despite not being of aristocratic stock. Then a rogue vampire starts murdering and the murders seem to all link back to Honoria. Can she and Blade, her vampire lover, save her family as well as her own skin from both the rogue vampire and the bluebloods?

While I liked the book, I found I just wasn't invested in it. It was decently written, the plot solid, and certainly no major fault can be found overall. But I found I just wasn't interested in the main character, her lover Blade, or nearly any of the other characters. Blade was a bit too good to be true, Honoria too missish (which was appropriate for the era, however), and the mystery just didn't seem get very interesting. I think if more time had been devoted to the characters and plot rather than various sex or near sex scenes, it would have been more immediate. The last quarter of the book was pretty much sex scenes, which are fine for others but really a bit too much for me (I'd rather go to an erotic title for that much intercourse).

So although I rate this 3 stars, it really wasn't a terrible book. And certainly it wasn't the average historical romance. But it just never really hooked me into the action and characters. And certainly it isn't steampunk.

I listened to an Audible version of this book. Although the narrator did a decent job, I think she might have overdone the intonations, making Honoria seem girlie and Blade a bit too guttery?

Horrible narration but good book

If you could sum up Kiss of Steel in three words, what would they be?

Steamy, Fresh, and Engaging

What did you like best about this story?

Blade, very nice take on the bad boy gutter rat but lovable misunderstood Hero.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Alison Larkin?

Simon Prebble

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Blade?! LOL

its a decent story

it was okay. a little predictable. some of the charaters didnt really come to life.

loved, loved, loved this bok

First time into the steampunk genre but I loved this book. Great story line and the narrater was superb. Will be getting next one asap.

Good paranormal mystery, romance balance

This story is a romance but most certainly not highly sexual., at least not highly in the sense of how much sex occurs in the story. There is kissing, a small amount, but the first sex act doesn’t' occur until about halfway through the 11+ hour story. And that first act was just "stimulation" of Honoria. Then the second sex act doesn't occur until there's about 2.5 hours left in the story. It was the first act of intercourse. After that one, intercourse occurred again. But the story was nearing the end. Admittedly, there is a bit of sensual detail during these 3 sex acts; they weren't brief but also not drawn out. But there's also no explicit sexual language beyond "cock" and "wetness," if you want to call that explicit, which I don't, not hardly.
The delay in Honoria and Blade getting together made the story super yummy b/c I got a chance to see the relationship develop, which was not easy. Honoria and Blade are different in significant ways, which made them unlikely friends, much less lovers. But the attraction was always simmering, and trust was desired by both.

So there was no focus on sex, though there was a focus on the romance. But it was balanced with a bit of a mystery. And the mystery's outcome was not completely obvious, which was great. That, along with the good narration and good, basic writing, is what made this purchase a good one. It was my first steampunk tale, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed this one. Since I buy historical romances, this tale fit well alongside that genre for me. I also buy paranormal romances, and this tale had an aspect of that too. The vampiric and werewolf aspects were novel, however. Since this was my first steampunk tale, the take on those paranormal beings was, indeed, novel to me. Another plus in this story was that Honoria's being a virgin was not the focus in the story nor of her lover's. Additionally, I loved that Honoria was smart and strong, and the author focused on that and not her physical beauty. It was a wonderful change.

It wasn't an easy story, a light and fluffy story. But there was also no unnecessary angst or manufactured conflict. It all flowed naturally from the telling and the development of the tale.

Fantastic

The details and story line kept in anticipation for what was next!! The romance and suspense kept me hooked!! I love this book!!

Vampires, Werewolves and humans oh my!!

If you like steampunk, victorian London, supernaturals and some thrilling adventure then this book is for you! Honoria is is a strong smart determined MFC in a situation that she had no choice over. Blade is the devil of white chapel and has his eye on Honor and is inserting himself into her life. The world and characters that are built are amazing. Some steamy moments and plenty of spice so 18+ for sure.

Book One of the London Steampunk series.

Book One of the London Steampunk series.

This review is for the narration:

The narrator made this story a six star rating for me. She is fantastic and goes above and beyond. I can't imagine reading the print copy after hearing the audio version.

Blade and Honoria both have to overcome numerous complications throughout the story. They both have pasts that are catching up with them, but together they have a chance to make a future.

I highly recommend this audiobook/story to anyone at all.

Very Enjoyable

This was very enjoyable. Ms. Larkin provided another smooth performance. I will continue with this series.
My only thing is this felt much more vampire based, I didn't get much steam feel from it. I hope to see this world of Ms. McMaster more clearly as the series proceeds.

Excellent Story

Any additional comments?

This was one of those PNR stories that took time to figure out the species. But, it was well worth the effort. The adventures and fighting were intense. And, the build of the love affair was also intense.

I'm glad I listened along with the book, the cockney accent added to the story of the old English period.