Forged by Desire by Bec McMaster
Series: London Steampunk #4
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published on: September 2, 2014
Genres: Steampunk
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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A FEAR SHE CAN'T ESCAPE
Ten years ago, Perry fled her thrall contract to find sanctuary among the Nighthawks. In that time, she's become a respected woman of the Guard, and she's wanted Garrett Reed for as long as she can remember. But when a new case takes a chillingly familiar turn, Perry finds herself once again in the path of a madman...only this time, there's nowhere left to run.
A DESIRE THAT CAN'T BE TEMPERED
Out of their depth and racing against time, Perry and Garrett must learn to trust the desire sparking between them...or risk losing themselves forever to the darkness stalking London's streets.
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I love this series for its Steampunk elements, swoon worthy romances, and Bec McMaster’s beautiful writing style. I know that tears are forthcoming every time I pick-up a new installment because this author has a real knack for making me feel invested in the characters, and for tugging at my heartstrings. FORGED BY DESIRE was an enjoyable read, albeit not my favourite LONDON STEAMPUNK novel because of its rather uneventful first half; the story felt like it was divided into two parts instead of being one cohesive story.
Up to this point, readers haven’t gotten to spend much time with Garrett and Perry, so a large portion of this installment was dedicated to developing their characters, and on growing their relationship. Now, that’s pretty standard procedure in Paranormal Romance, but in this instance it didn’t really work for me; the unrequited love grew tiring after a while as did all of the secrets. I probably wouldn’t have butted heads with these elements nearly as much as I did had they been woven into the main story arc instead of having had to trudge through chapters and chapters of angst in order to get to the point. Once the main plot kicked in, I quickly remembered why I adore this series, but unfortunately it just took a heck of a long time to get there.
I liked the political intrigue that the Echelon brought to this tale with dukes, and even the prince consort himself involved, things were sure to get interesting. The murder mystery starts out small, but as things progressed it became apparent that there were larger schemes in play, and that things weren’t quite what they seemed. By the end of this book, I felt like this series’ main story arc was on the verge of being resolved. I have no idea how many installments are planned or whether the author is going to simply take LONDON STEAMPUNK in a new direction, but regardless I can tell you this—OF SILK AND STEAM will be a must read! March 2015, mark your calendars.
Perry’s character was a bit problematic for me; I didn’t exactly dislike her per say, she just wasn’t overly memorable either. Her Nighthawks persona didn’t jive with her past, and I had difficulty making the switch from heroine to victim. Garrett on the other hand was absolutely brilliant! I loved when his Blue blood half reared its primal head, and Reed’s borderline obsession to Miss Lowell was charming—tracking beacon and all! I enjoyed the slow burn romance, although I wish that they would have A) gotten it on sooner or B) been better incorporated into the plot line. Lynch & Rosalind, the characters from book 3, played pretty significant roles in this novel, and the rest of the LONDON STEAMPUNK cast also make brief cameos. The whole gang together at last!
Bec McMaster delivered another Steampunk-erific installment with FORGED BY DESIRE!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
It sounds like a nice one but I’m so behind! I only read the first one because friend offered it to me but I never bought the others. I think it’s a mistake because I had a great time. It’s just sad you had a problem with Perry… Thanks for the review.
I positively adored Kiss of Steel, but none of the other installments have had the same impact which is kind of disappointing. I miss the initial wow factor.
it’s why I’m a little anxious to read the others…
The next one features a werewulfen, and was pretty good, but after that they get kind of… average.
This looks good, but I have no idea when I will get to it. You know, I’ve never read a Steampunk book. I need to try one sometime. Great reivew.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Twist Audiobook by Dannika Dark (review)
I don’t read very many Steampunk novels, but I like the gadgets, and the world-building which is why I haven’t given up on this series yet, even though it seems to be going downhill…
Too bad this installment wasn’t as fulfilling as previous ones, Carmel. It’s rough when the story doesn’t flow smoothly and you don’t exactly connect with one of the MCs. But it does sound entertaining overall. I’ve yet to read Steampunk and I have no idea why I seem to have steered clear of it. But if you say McMaster’s writing is beautiful and she can move you to tears, I just might have to check her out. 😉
At least give the first installment a try; it was by far my favourite. A definite 5-stars! The rest, you can take or leave ’em. I’ll leave that up to you.
TOo bad this one wasn’t as good as the others. I really need to catch up on this series. Only have read the first one. And I must say I love this covers to this series! Very stunning! =)))
It’s true, the covers are very easy on the eyes. And, book 2 features a Werewulfen!
I just love steampunk covers and yay for a London steampunk at that 😉 Yeah? You didn’t really like the character building that much in this one? “having had to trudge through chapters and chapters of angst in order to get to the point” ok, I get you. Heh, I’m glad you enjoyed the male lead even if the female lead wasn’t exactly up your alley. Yay for an overall enjoyable installment 🙂
Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination
The good mostly outweighed the bad, but it was touch and go in the earlier chapters. The second half made all of the different, so I’m glad that I didn’t DNF it.
I’ve read a couple books in this series and I love Bec McMaster’s writing, but I’m not a big fan of unrequited love – it just makes me really sad for those poor sods. The good thing about this series though is that you know they’ll end up together eventually. 😉 I’ve only read up to My Lady Quicksilver but I definitely plan to continue reading! Getting glimpses of past couples makes me super happy in these kinds of series, so I’m glad to see that trend continues!
Danya recently posted…Review: The Ultra Thin Man by Patrick Swenson
Unrequited love is a little easier to swallow when you know there’s a guaranteed HEA coming your way. I have a feeling that the next book my feature all of the past couples even more so than this one did which has me all kinds of excited.
Normally unrequited love is something that never fails to draw me in, I just hurt for whoever is in love with little hope of being loved in return, but it’s definitely frustrating when that kind of angst drags on too long. It’s a shame that happened in the beginning of this one, but I’m glad that once some of the other aspects of the story kicked in you were reminded of why you like this series in the first place:) Fabulous review Carmel!
They can’t ALL be 5-star reads unfortunately. You win some, and you lose some, but yes, I still did enjoy this one for the most part once the action started flowing.
The political intruige portion sounds really well done
And random question, is there anyway to make the typing in the comment box darker, It looks fine once published, but sometimes hard to read what I am writing.
I’m not usually big on politics, but this series does it quite well. You can highlight the text after you’re finished typing if you like to proofread your comments before hitting submit.
Didn’t think about that…
Brandi Breathes Books recently posted…Review: Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
I have seen this one around and I do love a good steampunk every now and then, I think this is a series I really need to try.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Steampunk combines a lot of different elements, so this genre is a great way to switch things up when you feel a reading slump coming on!
Oh I’m so happy you enjoyed this continuation to the series Careml! I actually haven’t read steampunk before *hides* lol but I can tell you love it so I’m thinking of now giving it a try! Great review 🙂
Lily recently posted…Rumble: Review
Other than this series, I’m fairly new to Steampunk as well, so don’t feel too bad. Hehe This genre is great for cool dresses, and neat gadgets though. It really had a style all of its own.
Great review, but sorry this one wasn’t as good as the others. I haven’t heard of this series, but I like steampunk books sometimes. Have to check this one out! Thanks!
tricia recently posted…Bookish Things
I hate it when one of my go-to series starts to die which I fear, is what’s happening with this one. Book 5 will be the deciding factor for me.
I hate it when that happens! Hopefully the next one is better!!
tricia recently posted…Bookish Things
This sounds like a great Steampunk series. I’m glad you enjoyed this one as well, despite the plot taking longer to get off the ground. These are all separate couples that each book focuses on right? Thanks for sharing Carmel 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Adult Book Review: Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh
Yup. Steampunk is an offshoot of Paranormal Romance, so it follows the same one couple per installment format.
Well, if there’s one sure incentive that will get me reading a genre I don’t normally read, it’s the promise of romance. 🙂 So I might just give it a chance.
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…City of Heavenly Fire [The Mortal Instruments, #6] by Cassandra Clare
This series is romance first, action second, so it should be right up your alley! I hope my recommendation doesn’t steer you wrong. 🙂
I find rare those days reading books with REALLY memorable characters. It’s like authors think the more characters they put in a book, the best it’ll be (sometimes.) Steampunk seems like hitting in UF. Glad you enjoyed. =D
Lola recently posted…Author Interview: Sherry D. Ficklin (Queen of Someday)
The first two installments were great, but then the author ran out of characters, and this series hasn’t really been the same since. I don’t think she expected to be contracted for so many books.
I have tried the 3 first and enjoyed them 😀
blodeuedd recently posted…The thinking woman’s guide to real magic – Emily Croy Barker
Finally! I review a series that meets blodeuedd’s approval. Hehe
I have been eager to check this series out. I can’t believe it is already on the fourth book. It sounds like this one was lacking a bit of something though. Hopefully the next one will come back strong.
Heidi recently posted…Guest Post, Review and Giveaway: Long, Hot Texas Summer by Carolyn Brown
I know that I shouldn’t expect to be wowed by every installment, but I do. LOL I’m crossing my fingers for a strong follow-up that’ll renew my love of this series.
I just skimmed through, Carmel because I’m reading the book right now and will be reviewing it later, but I agree, Bec does intrigues and politics of The Echelon really well. I’m enjoying the hell out of this series! 🙂 Not a fan of this cover though – it’s a mess…
kara-karina recently posted…Paranormal Fantasy Joint Review: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
Nice! I’ll be sure to check-out your review when it goes live. It sounds like you’re enjoying it slightly more than me, but time will tell. 🙂
I’ve read book 3 and enjoyed it, have to go back and read it from the start though since I missed the other books. Glad the second half of it was decent!
Haha Way to start in the middle of the series, Lily! Book 1 was my fav, so it’s totally worth backtracking for.
This is why I need to check GR before I read a book lmao I was like wait WHAAAA?! This is book 3?!?!?! 😛
LOL Well at least it’s PNR-ish, so they can be read as stand alones.
Political intrigue can sometimes go south with me (maybe I’m just not politically minded?) But steampunk and swoon worthy are very tempting indeed.
dude – are those dazy duke shorts she’s wearing as part of her steampunk attire!?
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Let’s Get Lost by Adi Alsaid
But, it’s VAMPIRE politics, so it’s not quite the same thing. And, yes, I think so. LOL Needless to say, this wasn’t the best cover in this series…
I’m reading this soon, I hope I like it too. I remember you mentioned one time that you’re not loving this series as much. How you feel for this book is similar to how I felt about Evernight, like it’s a prelude to Adam & Mab’s conflict than Will and Holly’s story. Oh well…
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Loved It: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones
I had no complaints about Evernight, but I know what you’re saying. I’m not a big fan of segue books; I think each couple deserves an equal amount of attention.
Coverlicious…you got that right. Look at her outfit, how HAWT. Is it wrong of me to say I’m interested in reading a book just because of what a character is wearing on the cover? I love steampunk though, so that wouldn’t be the ONLY reason 😛 I might check out these books, they look like fun, cotton candy reads.
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Lock In by John Scalzi + Novella Review: Unlocked
I don’t blame you at all! I LOVE the outfits too, and this author is great at describing little details like that which is a bonus.
She just has the most stunning covers. They really do sound great. I’ve not gotten into steampunk yet but maybe one day 🙂
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Signed, Sealed, Delivered (The Ladies Who Lunch #2) by Sandy James
One of my blogger peeps twisted my arm to read book 1, and now I am hooked.
I tell you, it’s the political intrigue that attracts my attention best 😉 Nothing better than a bunch of people conspiring together! Need to get my hands on this 🙂
Faye recently posted…Random Things in Motion #8: Why I’m OK with Major Characters Dying
In that case, you’re going to love the Echelon. They are conniving buggers!
Hmmmm, steampunk paranormal? It sounds really interesting for sure! Though I’d be a bit weary of reading this one, cause I’m really NOT a fan of too much angst or drama in my books!
Great review Carmel!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #57!!
You mean there are other types of Steampunk other than paranormal? Hmm… I must look in to this!
Oooo, Carmel! You are always putting new series on my radar — I love it! Aside from it taking a while to get to the good stuff, this sounds great! I am definitely adding this to my list — I can’t wait to meet these characters! Thank you for the awesome review 😀
Michele recently posted…Early Review: Mary: The Summoning by Hillary Monahan
If I’m not adding to peeps’ TBR piles, then I should probably quit blogging cuz I’m a failure. LOL I hope you enjoy Bec McMaster’s writing!