Mary Wine

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
This was my first steampunk that I have read in a long while and I was all in for this, it was utterly delightful. I am not sure why I took so long to read it but thank goodness for the "Romanceopoly Reading Challenge" to get me to read books from my TBR that I have really been neglecting. I absolutely adored this one so dearly, and while it was far from perfect, as a steampunk romance, it was such a solid show more read and I can't wait to explore more as it has me itching for this intriguing world.

Summary
In this one we have our heroine, Janette Aston, who sneaks into the Illumists guard to discover secrets, only to be discovered by the formidable warrior and protector of the order, Darius Lawley. Janette has been forbidden most of her life to even be curious about the Illuminists and what they are about, but her mother secretly fed her science and math so that she would be ready when her time came. Darius, is a protector and warrior for the order, and protects their interests and laws no matter the cost...until Janette. There was an instant connection between Darius and Janette but their chemistry was forbidden by her father. But when through a course of events, Janette's life is in danger, she is brought to the order and she is discovered to have a fate different than any she could have imagined. But can she embrace the hidden passion that Darius brings out in her...

My Outlook
This was such a captivating read and the relationship that builds between Darius and Janette was so fascinating to me. Their chemistry is off the charts, and maybe I forgot, but this author actually writes such solid spice. For those that are new to steampunk, its basically where you mix science, historical, and paranormal aspects together. Think Sherlock Holmes but with supernatural elements. Its really a fascinating sub genre that has always intrigued me but I haven't really read that much of it. I have also been curious about Mary Wine's backlisted stories and I have to admit this was so much better than I could have hoped for. It definitely intrigued and fascinated me on a deep level and the world building on this was just enough to keep you fascinated but the focus is the ROMANCE. So if you don't really want the romance, and just steampunk, maybe skip this one here. But if you love a good romance focus, then this one might be for you. I am also intrigued by the other players involved and seeing how that developed in the companion novel.

Overall View
I found this one to be so interesting and I can't wait for more. Its a story of the magic of science and a victorian era that we never actually got to experience except for a small glimpse, Mary Wine, really captured the essence of steampunk in a brilliant unique way while being true to the romance...

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:3
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.25 show less

Scarlet Stockings is a short, stand-alone novelette set in the Old West. Bethany spots her husband, Gabe, sneaking into the madam’s quarters above the saloon across from her tailor shop and starts to wonder what a working woman can give him that she can’t. Not about to let another woman share that kind of intimacy with her husband, she vows to make him never want to stray again. To that end, she visits a shop where she knows the saloon girls get their fancy clothes and buys the same show more scarlet stockings she’s seen them wearing while plying their trade, along with a lacy, silk corset. Gabe only went to the madam to find out what women really like in bed, so that he can genuinely pleasure Bethany. When he comes home to find his wife decked out in sexy undergarments, he’s instantly aroused and puts to use some of the advice the madam gave him. Together, they set out on a sensual adventure that turns out to be the best Christmas present ever.

Scarlet Stockings is one of those rare romances that features an already married couple. Although the story doesn’t specify how long they’ve been together, it seems like their marriage is rather new. Gabe has intense, slightly darker desires he wants to share with Bethany, and the gentle couplings they’ve engaged in since marrying aren’t really cutting it for him. But since she was a virgin on their wedding night, he doesn’t want his passion to scare her off. Bethany was always taught that proper ladies view the marriage bed as simply another chore, but even though she knows she’s not supposed to, she enjoys sex with Gabe. That’s why she’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep his interest squarely focused on her. I think it was sweet that Gabe made the effort and spent the money to get advice on what women like in bed. I appreciate that even though he was experienced before wedding Bethany, he doesn’t think that he knows it all when it comes to a woman’s body. I admired Bethany for being adventurous and willing to try new things with Gabe, and for being bold enough to create a few surprises of her own for him. Overall, Scarlet Stockings was a deliciously sexy story that I very much enjoyed. It was my first read by Mary Wine, but it leaves me very interested in trying more of her work. Unfortunately this book is no longer available for purchase at this time.:-( It was originally released by Ellora's Cave, a now defunct publishing house, and either the author hasn’t gotten her rights back yet or has chosen not to republish it.

Note: This book contains explicit language and sexual situations, but other than one mild scene of exhibitionism/voyeurism, there isn’t anything of a kinky nature and it’s more on par with steamy romances. show less

My Review:

This was a blast of a read and a bit different than what I was expecting for it. But if you want a quick historical novella that will take you on a wild ride, I highly recommend this one and really this author. I love how she tackled some of the aspects of this story. There was plenty of laughs, adventure, great banter and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I found it interesting to see the heroine being kidnapped by a neighboring clan .....I honestly show more loved how it turned out. Just had all the aspects of what makes me love highlander historicals.

Overall I had a great time with this and eager to read more of the backlist of this author. show less

Rock Steady
4 Stars

Rock guitarist for the phenomenally successful band, Toxsin, Matthew Brimer aka Ramsay, has women falling all over themselves for him. Annoyed by his inability to commit, Ramsay's latest short-lived conquest tricks him into getting a completely inappropriate tattoo. When sparks fly between Ramsay and Jewel Ryan, the gifted tattoo artist hired to fix the eyesore, he convinces her to join the band on tour.

One of those rare cases where the sequel is significantly better than show more the first book as the irritating issues in Rock Me Two Times, i.e., the rampant misogyny and doormat heroine, are absent here.

As with many reformed rakes, Ramsay's womanizing ways conceal a painful past and a fear of rejection. In Jewel, he is both terrified and delighted to have found a woman who sees past his flirtatous facade to the lonely man in search of a real connection.

Unlike Kate in book #1, Jewel has sufficient self-respect to recognize that becoming involved with Ramsay will only lead to heartbreak. She makes him work hard to win her heart and her trust, and calls him out on his attitude when necessary.

Unfortunately, it appears that Dawn Ryder has decided not to continue with the series so Taz and Drake's stories are left unresolved. show less