Forged by Desire: London Steampunk Series #4

What a steamy steampunk romance! Perry is a flawed heroine, one whose flaws I understand. I understand the fear of the past, the fear that someone from your past will catch up to you and hurt those you love. I understand the power that fear has, that you may lock down emotionally, that you might do anything to keep those you love safe. Without understanding that, without being able to forgive someone for that, this book might not be all you hope for.The wickedness in this novel is stark, in-your-face evil. The intrepid duo of Perry and Garrett (who is suffering from his own insecurities) must meet and defeat both prongs of the evildoers. And in the meantime, they must make the transition from professional partners and friends to lovers, if the romance in the book is to come to fruition.As with all romances, the reader knows where the book will end; the joy is in the trip there. In some ways, this is an uncomfortable trip, but I enjoyed the book. I have already added the sequel (and final novel in the series) to my "to read" list.I strongly suggest reading the London Steampunk series in order so that your knowledge of the created world grows. For folks who have read the previous three novels, I think you will like this, provided the caveats in the first paragraph don't deter you. Because of the caveats, this is really a 4.5-star novel; I rounded up because I really loved it.

Warning! This review contains minor spoilers for earlier books in the London Steampunk series.Amazing! I loved almost everything about this book with its kick-ass characters, tension-filled romance, and continued development of a fascinating world. While I'm sure each of the London Steampunk books could be read as stand-alones, I highly recommend that readers at least check out My Lady Quicksilver (book 3) because the conclusion of that book has repercussions in this one.Readers of the London Steampunk series met Garret and Perry in the last book as members of the Nighthawks, the police arm of the infected Echelon. They had obviously been friends for awhile and it was only a matter of time until romance entered the fray. Things really get moving on that front when Perry goes undercover at the opera and shows that she isn't just a tomboy. Now, Perry and Garret must deal with their changing relationship while searching for a potential serial killer amongst the upper class of British society.I loved both Perry and Garret's characters. Perry is the center of this novel with her mysterious past that seems to be coming back to bite her. She is intelligent, kind, and very strong though she does have a problem with trusting others. Garret lived on the streets until being picked up by former Nighthawk leader, Sir Jasper Lynch, and he isn't afraid to use his charm to get what he wants. An unfortunate injury has forced the blood virus to start growing rapidly in his body and he is trying to adjust to this change while falling for his best friend.The romance in Forged By Desire is full of chemistry. These two have been circling each other since the previous book and that made for some delicious scenes. Bec McMaster did a masterful job of showing the physical attraction between Perry and Garret, but she also showed that they get along on an emotional level. They have been friends for ages and that intimacy is important in the long-term success of this romance.Most of this book focused on the hunt for a serial killer, but there were also some developments in the overall series storyline. The continued spiral into madness of the prince consort is obvious and there are finally people gathering together to stand against him. I love getting to see more of the inner workings of the Echelon which it seems like will be the setting for the next book, Of Silk and Steam. And, of course, I have to mention the cameos from Blade and Honoria (Kiss of Steel) and Lena and Will (Heart of Iron). This series is getting better and better and I am excited to read more of it next year.

After reading the The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace I was lamenting about Perry deserving a happily ever after. Yay for this book because it was about time that Perry had something go well for her.Dang though because Perry's story was really horrific. Seriously Dr. Giggles nightmarish. I loved it. Also there was a relationship repair between Lynch and Garrett and that was much needed. Lynch needed to get over himself. I also liked where things went with Burns because he's a great character.The romance was smoldering because Garrett had never been in love and it took him most of the book to realize that he was even capable of it. It also took most of the book for Perry to give into her feelings, lol. When they did finally the scene was memorable! Lots of heat for sure.I highly recommend this book and the series!

Great except for a flawed heroine whom I couldn't excuse.So this was a typical London Steampunk page turner! Great characters and great action! Love, love this series. HOWEVER - Perry, Perry, where was your pragmatism, your bravery and your commitment to duty? Her secrets buried her heroism, and in my opinion, very nearly made her culpable in future murders. Not what I wanted out of a mature heroine with 9 years of Nighthawks duty behind her. But still a great entry in the series and better than a lot of what I read! Thank you, Bec McMaster for breaking my book slump! On to Of Silk and Steam..

This book is for me the most engaging one of the entire series. Garrett Reed featured on my peripheral because of how he helped, Mercury and Lynch, in My Lady Quicksilver. But Perry Lowell stayed and fairly resonated because she is a rare female Blue Blood. And it was her story that had me reaching for this.However it would be a huge disservice if I didn't mention that it was in fact The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace (London Steampunk #3.5) that peeked my intrigue. Knowing their potential for greatness had me on edge and literally hurtling towards this book.Would it have changed my rating or eventual opinion if I didn't read it? Possibly. I don't know. One thing is for certain I would still have lost a good number of hours deeply engrossed in this deadly world of Echelon politics, lust and intrigue.

I really love this series! I love the world building, the characters. It's all so clever and fun and different. I will absolutely read on.

Book number four in McMaster’s London Steampunk series. Perry has lived in disguise for years among the Nighthawks, hiding from the Duke of Moncrieff and his sadistic henchman, Dr Hague, who practised brutal experiments on blue blood girls. She believes that Dr Hague is dead, but when two girls are found dead in a draining factory, Perry understands that Dr Hague is still alive and working. Meanwhile her attraction for Garrett grows and she isn’t sure if her attraction is reciprocated. As usual, I loved the gorgeous descriptions, the mystery, the tension, and the fabulous love story. I particularly enjoyed the scene in the glasshouse. I loved Perry and Garrett and their inner conflicts. Strongly recommend this one! And the previous three as well, lol

Another great book in this gripping series from Bec McMaster, It just gets a 4-star rating though, just because the previous book (My Lady Quicksilver) was so fantastic, this was not quite as good, just a notch below, but still a great read.Once again we see the complex and detailed world of 'steampunk London' through the eyes of a different set of characters. Nighthawks Perry and Garret take centre stage as Garrets is promoted to leader of the Nighthawks (some kind of leather clad law enforcement agency). He is a man with a lot on his mind, his virus levels are soaring so he knows he is short on time (you do need to have read the other books in the series before starting this one) and he is finding is very difficult to deal with his intense new feelings for his long-time work partner and best friend Perry, add to that a series of gruesome murders that need to be solved quickly and he is pretty much out of his depth. Perry has problems of her own, the recent murders are worrying echoes of a past she fled 10 years ago and has worked very hard to keep hidden, solving the case may lead to her downfall. And then there is Garret, the one person she could always rely on, a friend she has secretly been in love with for many years, who suddenly seems to want nothing to do with her.It is another great adventure/romance story with well-crafted, well-rounded characters. There is none of that namby-pamby misunderstandings thwarting the course of true love nonsense that makes you want to punch the book in the face (not ideal with a kindle). Even when Perry tries to lie to Garret, he, refreshingly, sees straight through her ruse and makes her admit the truth. The climax of the action is very thrilling with a lot of interesting plot twists and turns. It is a great book - but do read the others in the series first

Ah we're back to the good stuff! I have to say I was really disappointed with My Lady Quicksilver. I didn't really feel the vibe between Rosalind and Lynch, I found the story a bit ridiculous seeing as he was portrayed as this all knowing can never be duped kind of man. It also seemed as though the sorry floundered around not knowing where it wanted to go really. But we've gotten back on track with this one. The chemistry between Perry and Garrett is perfect, lots of teasing, taunting and action. It flowed fast and the storyline felt like it had a purpose. I was very excited by the ending to see where the story is heading to, we're on the cusp of some excellent and exciting action. Cannot wait to continue!

I loved Perry and Garratt's story! I'll admit I got emotional and teared up more than once while reading as it was at times emotional given Garratt's CV levels, the fallout between him and Lynch and the revelation of Perry's past. I love how it ended though and I can't wait to see what happens next and if the ideas discussed in the last chapter are followed up on!

Definitely the best one yet. Exciting emotional, scary and romantic. The will they won't they struggle I found in this one to be a bit monotonous, but the lengths they go to are fab. I even shed a tear or two. Loved it. On to the next.