Delphine Dryden

Not quite as charming as [b:The Theory of Attraction|13646578|The Theory of Attraction (Science of Temptation, #1)|Delphine Dryden|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1336853562s/13646578.jpg|19264319] because Ben starts off as genuinely asshole-ish and not just socially awkward/backwards. Still, the sexy business was pretty hot and I liked that both characters grew up as the story progressed, despite the short length. I also liked that as Ben tried out his new Super-Dom powers, that show more it wasn't all smooth sailing and there was some awkwardness as he figured things out. Plus, reading about nerds sexing it up is, like, super dope.

With the next book in this series, I would like to see a lady doing the topping because I am getting a wee bit tired of BDSM books that focus on dudely dominance. I wish I had liked [b:Natural Law|1208966|Natural Law (Nature of Desire, #2)|Joey W. Hill|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1269136741s/1208966.jpg|1197337] for just that reason. show less

This is a really great example of how to do erotic romance. It's long enough to develop an actual story but not so long that it's boring, the sex is super hot but doesn't overwhelm everything, and the characters have personalities and not just hot bodies. I will admit some bias since the dude is a nerdy, nerdy boy (who tops!), but really, it's fun and fast and sweet (never mind the whips and chains)(no actual chains here). And really, I cannot stress enough, it's got a nerdy Dom. It's worth show more reading just for that. show less

My thoughts, in no particular order:

Given how short the story is, I was really happy that it built on the decades-long friendship Tess and Jake had. That made the friends-to-lovers change more meaningful to me, and by the last scene (which was a delightful way to end the book), I totally believed in their HEA.

There's a lot of sex in the story (it's from the EC Taboo line, so this isn't a surprise) but I think if there had been another 20 pages more of story/character exploration I would have show more been happier with the whole. I think the BDSM elements of the h/h's relationship would be considered sugarkink?

The set-up made me a bit concerned, but fortunately the author took the approach of acknowledging the heroine's need for mental health care in a frank, loving way.

This is definitely the best in the Truth & Lies series. It makes me happy to see Ms. Dryden's writing continue to improve, and gives me hope for even more wonderful stories from her in the future. show less

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Marta C:
*eARC received from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is the first book in Ms. Dryden's new Steampunk series entitled STEAM AND SEDUCTION. It's a book that captures the spirit of Steampunk whilst also giving the reader a sexy romance.

This captivating adventure tells the story of Charlotte Moncrieffe, a widow who seeks to continue her husband's work as a spy. Espionage is in her blood; her own show more father has secretly worked as a spymaster for the government for many years.

Charlotte is a trained pilot of a dirigible -the Gossamer Wing- and while she could easily sneak into France and recover vital lost documents, her father insists that she not go alone. Therefore, it's decided that a sham marriage to Baron Dexter Hardison will provide the perfect cover for them to travel through France on their Mission. Their marriage of convenience seems perfect, Dexter is an amazing inventor, and together they make a formidable team...

Their crossing brings them closer together, and the somewhat closed off Charlotte finds herself more than a little tempted by her new -albeit -temporary husband. As their journey and mission continue, they're led further into danger, and they ultimately cross paths with the person behind the death of Charlotte's late husband. Can they recover the secret documents before their cover is blown, or will the fire that's increasingly burning between them be their undoing?

This is my first book by this author, and only the second that I have read in the Steampunk genre. Although Steampunk novels seem to be set in an almost Victorian era and offer an alternative history, I found this one quite unique. In Gossamer Wing, the reader is treated to the possibilities of what could have happened if the American revolution hadn't been successful. A world that's quite unlike the one we inhabit; and surely that's the point!?

This is a fantasy that stretches the reader's imagination, and takes us on a ride. Yes, vehicles are steam powered and the field of invention has taken many twists and turns away from what we now view as 'normal', but this author has written a book full of intrigue and passion that sets the page alight!

I really enjoyed this book and will look out for the next in series -Scarlet Devices. Definitely recommended. show less