Arden is an undercover agent for one of the most powerful organizations of this steam-powered world—the Wardens ofthe Realm, a group with extraordinary abilities, dedicated to protecting England against evil.

Arden Grey enjoys a life most women in 1898 London can’t even dream of: she has the social status, wealth, and independence of a countess. She also has the ability to witness the final moments of a murder victim’s life. But ever since the disappearance of her husband, Lucas, none of this means anything to her. Until one night, when Arden spies a man watching her—a man she recognizes as her missing husband.

He’s been ordered to assassinate Arden as retribution forher part in the killing of a Company agent. Luke remembersnothing of his life before The Company, a corrupt agencythat has erased his memory. Even so, something preventshim from completing his assignment. There is something familiar about his lovely target, something that attracts him and fills him with dread. For he knows that if he doesn’t kill her, someone else will—and kill him as well.ne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…

Review

A steampunk whirlwind!  

Losing a husband is not easy, but Arden Gray doesn’t believe she’s lost anything; in fact she’s still waiting for Luke to come home. Finding out the lost husband has become a spy for the enemy, and is attempting to kill her is another matter entirely. If you thought steampunk couldn’t get any better than welcome to Cross’ wonderful turn of the century world. There are rival spy companies for Britain duking it out with nanotechnology, gadgets of unusual size, and innocents caught in the cross fire.

The fascinating part of any steampunk book is the machine creations. In Arden’s world she’s the creator, taught by a genius father, tinkering away at different ideas with the ability to assist her in solving murder cases or simply saving the memories of someone she loves. Arden is obviously an unconventional female and even though she has a bit more freedom then most in Victorian society, there are still plenty of rules to follow. Double the rules for a spy. I really enjoyed this character, flawed and damaged, as well as capable. She’s tough on the outside, but within the confines of her home those walls come down. She’s got a drinking problem, a not-so-perfect family, and all she wants is her husband to come back.

The husband, Luke, is amazing. He’s not a saint. Driven by the dangerous Company, and given a mission to kill, Luke is a determined man. He’s suffering from memory loss, not sure who he truly is. What got me is how his wife affected him. Their love is so powerful it surpasses even the worst treatment, and a few setbacks—without Luke even being aware of his true connection to Arden. Also Luke’s blatant alpha male mentality, and possessiveness is downright delicious. I always enjoy a good alpha and this hero is definitely there.

My favorite scene is where Arden and Luke encounter each other for a third time:

“What is it about you that makes people want you dead?” he asked, eyes glinting unnaturally bright in the gray morning.

Arden’s fingers closed around the pistol in her bag. Now that the first threat to her safety was gone, she wasn’t about to let this one get the better of her. “Part of my charm, I suppose.” He chuckled and she added, “Why didn’t you let him? He would have done the job for you.”

His gaze locked with hers, and what she saw there sent a shiver down her spine. “You’re mine,” he growled.

Cross is masterful with tension filled scenes, and detailed characters whose flaws make it easier to relate to them. Add in a bit of mystery, with expert action sequences, and I got a perfect mix of romance and everything exciting a gal is looking for. My only hesitance with the book is that the beginning was a bit slow to get in to, and the Wardens that Arden is a part of seem to be less ruthless and tough as they are made to appear. Some of the Warden encounters and attacks on Warden Agents seemed a bit forced, or created to fit the story rather than being a part of the reality of the world. Characters as strong and competent as assassins and spies should be taken apart so easily.

Overall, this first jump by Cross into the steampunk romance realm is fresh and intriguing. Fans of Meljean Brook and Zoe Archer will enjoy this one.   

Reviewed by Landra

READERS COMMENTS