Captain Christopher Redmond has just one weakness: the alluring spy who loved and left him years before . . . when he was still just a man. Now he's superhuman—a Man O' War, made as part of the British Navy's weapons program—and his responsibility is to protect the skies of Europe. If only he could forget Louisa Shaw.

Louisa, a British Naval Intelligence agent, has never left a job undone. But when her assignment is compromised, the one man who can help her complete her mission is also the only man ever to tempt her body and heart. As burning skies loom and passion ignites, Louisa and Christopher must slip behind enemy lines if they are to deliver a devastating strike against their foe . . . and still get out alive.

Review

A wonderful steampunk world awaits…

Christopher Redmond, Man O’ War in Her Majesty’s Aerial Naval Army, is caught behind enemy lines. His airship, Demeter, while seeking a place to put down for repairs happens upon a spy for England in need of assistance. This isn’t a regular rescue, but a dangerous mission, which will align Chris with the woman he never expected to see again.

Louisa is shocked to discover Chris is her rescuer. She’s just received plans to an enemy base—if it’s not destroyed then the entire war with the Hun regime could take a turn for the worse. A request for Chris to deliver her to the base is made, but he refuses to let her take all the glory for herself. Louisa knows that forgiveness from the man she loved is near impossible, but the fact that he’s willing to endanger himself and his ship hint to more than just a quest for glory.

Loved this book! Adventure, steampunk, and intrigue—it’s wonderful! Archer has created a world that will surely become a favorite with this genre. Without detail overload, she easily peaked my interest in wanting to know more about the history behind the Hun’s and Hapsburg’s (villains), and the remaining countries of the world. There’s also mention of a mad scientist with a city in the sky or in South America, either way I’m on board.

Chris is absolutely stunning and I immediately wanted a Man O’ War for my own; except I’d make him command and power my house instead of a ship. What’s even better is that he’s now triple the size he was previously—at least according to Louisa. Chris is aware his emotions run a bit hotter, but there is no denying that he’s still in love with the spy who left him. Feelings go both ways, and Louisa is doing her best to deny her feelings. Passions ignite, like ether in contact with a flame, and soon enough these two can’t keep their hands off each other. If I was on a suicide mission I would want Chris’ hands all over me too.  

Both characters are incredibly strong and stubborn which makes them a perfect match, surprisingly Louisa is the one who’s become softer in the years they’ve been apart. I enjoyed the fact that she was able to admit she needed Chris. He has always known he needed her, just didn’t know if he could trust her with his heart again. Whether he can or not is something that she’ll have to prove.

There’s plenty of action, battle scenes that made me feel like I was there, and a grand finale that will have your pulse racing. My only issue was it took a few pages to get into, but overall, welcome to a new steampunk world. If you like the creative that comes with machines in Regency times this book is just the beginning. With Archer’s husband, Nico Rosso, bringing the stories from the America’s I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Reviewed by Landra

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