Sorry it's been so long, guys! I got swamped with the move to Austin, unpacking the house, a book deadline, a book release, a blog tour, and writing a free read for all of you. Not that I'm making excuses! LOL

Anyway, I'm going to do better with the blogging (although if you really need/crave your daily dose of ME, my favorite internet hangouts are my official reader page on Facebook, and of course, Twitter) and today I'm here with a recommendation of a great read for you!

Well, two actually. See, the thing is, I resisted steampunk romance for a long time. I was sure it wasn't for me. I mean, pseudo-Victorian England combined with gadgets and weird technology? Or, as wikipedia so eloquently puts it, "an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history."

Okay, so maybe it sounds a tiny bit intriguing. I mean, I enjoyed the new Sherlock Holmes (not as much as I wanted to, but that had more to do with the story than the fun steampunk elements) and that Wild, Wild West movie, right? And you have to admit, the fashions are kind of fetching. Google it to see what I mean.

So I thought, fine. I want to know what all the fuss is about. I'll read Iron Duke, the first book in Meljean Brook's new steampunk series, the one everyone's raving about, and then I'll at least know whether I like it or not.

And holy aviator goggles! I totally loved it. Fast-paced adventure, crazy intricate worldbuilding, and above all, the perfect level of heartwrenching emotion and passion--which, let's be honest, no matter the subgenre, those are the things I read romance for.

Now I'm hooked! And the timing couldn't be better, because there's another steampunk novella that everyone is buzzing about, and it just came out today. Kristen Painter's Miss Bramble & the Leviathan is next up in my steampunk explorations, and I absolutely can't wait.

See if this blurb doesn't make you want to go buy it immediately:

The last thing she planned to steal was his heart.

The Company. Military institution, protector of Praeton and the nation of Grand Isle. Dirty rotten thief.

When Pandora Bramble steps aboard the Company’s premiere airship Daedalus it’s not for the exclusive VIP tour. It’s to secure proof that the Company stole the regulator valve her father designed—even if it means tearing the engine apart. Foiled by the unexpected appearance of a handsome crew member, she despairs of ever getting another chance—until he kisses her.

Captain Theolonius Hatch, sentenced to engine room duty for refusing to take part in the Company’s fleet week activities, never dreamed a woman like Pandora existed. Her brains match her beauty, a combination that adds up to more trouble than he ever expected.

As Pandora allows Theolonius to sweep her into a whirlwind courtship, her wildest dreams come true. As do her greatest fears, leaving her to decide what matters most. Loyalty…or love.

The clock is ticking.

Oh man, I can already see that I'm getting NO work done today. If you want to read along with me, click here to download your own copy!

Posted by Louisa Edwards at 10:52 AM