Wow! This woman, Ms. Kresley Cole, can write anything. I began reading her action packed-under and above the covers- Immortals After Dark series many years ago. I read quite a few, then put her books on hold for a while. I came back last year and have nearly completed IAD. As we Geminis love to do, we read at least five books at one time (depending upon our mood). In doing this, I thought I would try Ms. Cole's earlier works after having recently completed her new-amazing-contemporary erotica series, The Game Makers. Knowing how great she handled Contemporary in addition to Paranormal Romance, I had faith that her earlier works-The MacCarrik Brothers trilogy- would be fantastic. Well, I can honestly say that I placed my faith in good hands because this series, so far, is really wonderful. For those who like non-paranormal romance, don't mind period pieces with minimal historical details, and more detailed erotic scenes with brawny, sensual, loving, alpha-males who happen to be Kilt wearers, then this is your series. This book of three, is well written, has a good story line, is erotic but tasteful, and is an easy read! I highly recommend it. There is just a special way that Ms. Cole, and only Ms. Cole, writes sex scenes that are the most unique and erotic in general romance. I have never read anyone else that writes them like she does. It's strange because the scenes are so normal and vanilla, but they make you puddle on the floor every time. And oh yeah, did I mention there's an actual plot that takes up most of the book! I know, right?! Amazing how now we can get a two-for-one deal in today's literature. This book is indeed a "kilt lifter" not a " bodice ripper." Just to clarify ;) But not a cheesy Harlequin; one of few genres I detest vehemently. Yes, there is a clear distinction. So, check this first book out via Overdrive, it's free! You can't go wrong with that, especially if you are new to her works. Enjoy what's under the kilt, I mean cover ;)

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Cara Devon and Viscount Nathaniel Lyons are back. It’s September 1861, a few months after Cara nearly had her heart carved out by the crazy Weaver Clayton. She and Nate are cohabitating and he has hired her to be his Number 2. Unfortunately, Nate has been keeping secrets, some really big ones and just as he drops a devastating one on her he’s arrested for treason and locked up in the grim Tower of London. As mad as Cara is at him she can’t let him hang because Nefertiti’s Heart means that if he dies, so does she. It’s a race against the clock to uncover the real traitor to England and release the Queen from the evil power of Hatshepsut’s Collar before she plunges their country into a war they can’t win.

And…we’re off and running! What an excellent ride! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy following the adventures of Cara and Nate as they race against the clock. The adventure, suspense, humor, romance and mythology are rolled up into a light flaky crust of steampunk and sprinkled liberally with sexy steaminess. Absolutely delicious! Hmmm…I seem to compare yummy books with tasty food a lot. What can I say?

There is so much I could say about what I loved about this book, but I absolutely do not want to spoil the surprises (yes, I said surprises with an ‘s’), so I will say that my favorite characters are back and a few new ones are introduced. I learned a bit more about what Nefertiti’s Heart can do to/for Cara and Nate (holy shit!) and some fantasy elements are increased in this book. The steampunk elements are awesome. The story moves along at a brisk pace and the book was glued to my hands. I truly hope this series continues for quite some time. And Loki? Oh, boy, I can’t wait for him to meet his match though I hope it will be a bit yet. I like having him single for now. *drools*

The year is 1861 and Cara Devon is back in London after being gone for seven years. The circumstances of her exit are gossiped about even now and her reappearance after her father’s death has added fuel to the fire. All Cara wants to do is find her father’s precious collection of artifacts, sell them off and get the hell out of dodge, um, London. But things become complicated when young women her age are being murdered and it seems they are connected in some way to one of her father’s most prized artifacts, Nefertiti’s Heart. Of his extensive collection, its hiding place is the only one she hasn’t been able to pinpoint. In the meantime, she is fascinated by the Villainous Viscount, Nathaniel Lyons. She agrees to a business arrangement with him in order to sell off the artifacts, but his price may be more than she can bear. Will she have the courage to do what they both want and will he have the patience to wait? Only time will tell and time is running out.

The only reason I put this book down is because I couldn’t keep my eyes open. After working hard all day cleaning up after the nasty storm and power outage I couldn’t get my eyes to cooperate with my will to read. I wanted to keep reading! I struggled to keep reading, but finally had to admit defeat.  Eyelids-1, Will-0. Dammit.

This is one excellent steampunk adventure! The world is exciting, the mystery kept me guessing and the characters…holy shit, what can I tell you about the characters? I love them! I want to interact with them in the real world, but since that’s impossible can I get some action figures of them to put on my desk? Can I? Huh? Pleeeeaaaaasssse? Told from several POVs, though mostly from Cara’s, I really got a sense of who these guys are and I want this series to go on forever. Forever, I tell you!

For those who love steampunk I highly recommend this one, but that’s not only what it is. While being mostly steampunk driven, it has humor, romance, mystery, mythology and even some fantasy thrown in with a smidgeon of steaminess and it’s done wonderfully I might add. So very tasty! I will sit here and giggle in glee because I have Book 2 to dive right into. So why am I still talking to you guys?! *runs off with Hapshepsut’s Collar clutched to chest*