{Review} of Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Steampunk
THEME: Romance and Vampires
RECEIVED: Bought

BLURB:

There's a big curse in little China
When Nowhere Is Safe

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, and 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.

REVIEW:

I’ve read a few steampunk novels here and there but loved the concept of the vampires in this series. Bec McMaster created a unique and very dark world, where the rich are powerful and oblivious. The poor are protected by an immortal man and his gang of unruly men against evil and the rich.

Kiss of Steel follows Honoria Todd, whose life has change and taken her to the Whitechapel district, run by the Rookeries. The Rookeries are a group run by Blade, an immortal with a deadly reputation who protects his district. He comes across the newest resident in his distract Honoria, who is either hiding from someone or up to no good. But their first meeting ends up starting a unique relationship, where they end up helping each other against something far more dangerous than the Echelon (Wealthy Blue blood( army.

Honoria grew up knowing the richer side of things, but after her father discovered something important and was killed, she and her brother and sister had to hide in safety. A dangerous man seeks her out and she must hide in the most dangerous of districts to keep her family safe. Luckily she makes a deal with the master of the Rookeries, Blade, who grants her protection. Their relationship is rocky at first as Honoria is both intrigued and terrified of him. But they slowly start to open up to each other and realize they need to work together to stop the darker evil that’s roaming in their district. I both loved and hated Honoria, she just didn’t seem to grasp that Blade was seriously helping her way more than she realized. She kept treating him terribly because she was mad at herself for being attracted to him. But in the end I’m glad she finally sees that he he’s a good guy and really looking out for his people. However I did like her relationship and dedication to keep her brother and sister safe, she would risk anything and everything for them. Her broth is going through quite a change that Honoria will need Blade’s help more than she realizes.

Blade is a man that has lost a lot as well as being a Blue Blood; he has a dark side inside of him that may take control anytime. But once he meets Honoria, whom he cant get out of his head, he begins changing. Overall Blade is someone who is a born protector, losing his sister makes him protective of those who work with him and those who give him things he needs. Honoria becomes on of those people and then some. Their relationship is hilarious with their bickering and he stubbornly pushes her, just to see how far she allow him to go. It was definitely a cat and mouse game between the two. In the end he’s the character who won me over, with his wit, snark, stubborn charm that was ready to fight and protect anyone and everyone.

Overall this was a great start to this series, lots of characters were introduced that I’m looking forward to learning more about. The world building is solid and really different, I liked the mix of steampunk, vampires and political hierarchy. The romance was steamy and fiery, both characters wanting something more but teetering on not knowing if they should or shouldn’t. Lastly, the action was fantastic, a lot of suspenseful scene and twist to add some tension between the characters. I would highly recommend giving this one a try and guarantee you’ll enjoy McMaster’s writing.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a paranormal steampunk romance story with mature sexual content. Fans of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger and Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennette will love Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster.

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