BOOK REVIEW: Touch of Steel (Clockwork Agents #2) by Kate Cross

The Wardens of the Realm are a group with extraordinary abilities, dedicated to protecting England from any threat. But in this steam-powered world, there’s a fine line between enemy and ally…

Reeling from her brother’s death, beautiful American spy Claire Brooks has vowed revenge on the member of The Company who she believes to be responsible: Stanton Howard. But when she chases the man to London, Claire is captured by the Wardens of the Realm and placed in the custody of the Earl of Wolfred, the dashing Alistair Payne.

Seeing the prospect of retribution slipping away, Claire convinces Alistair that she has defected and will help him take down The Company. As they travel via steam liner, Claire and Alistair must pretend to be engaged. Claire can’t deny the growing attraction she feels for her pretend husband, but when Howard is finally within her reach, she will have to decide whether her true loyalties lie with The Company or with her heart…


Claire Brooks and her brother Robert had been American spies for the The Company since they were young. But when her brother died, she vowed revenge even if it meant she has to find the culprit herself. She believes Stanton Howard is responsible and follows him to England. However, she is captured by the British spy agency, The Warden's. In exchange for the valuable information she can give them, she is given under the custody of the Earl of Wolfred, Alistair Payne. Together, they will find the men involved, discover the truth about the spy agencies, and fight the dangerous attraction they feel toward each other.

I have read steampunk books before. I love the costumes (Victorian dresses) and the combination of history and modernity. In the past, I haven't liked how the mechanical terms takeover the story; sometimes it's hard to focus on the narrative. However, with TOUCH OF STEEL, romance and steampunk are perfectly balanced.

Kate Cross did a wonderful job describing a vivid world of fan knives, metals, spies and historical England. The story flowed smoothly luring readers in the world she created. The terms used did not interfere with the story. The world building is done well, dropping the right amount of information just at the right time.

The main characters, Claire and Alistair, are both epic spies, they are deadly-badass! But also, they showed weaknesses. Claire suffers as a result of her brother's death and Alastair is still wounded from his former lover that betrayed him and left him for dead. Both have their share of tragedies and yet they still fight for good and their loved ones. I enjoyed the slow burn of love between these two, coupled with witty remarks and full-packed action, what more could I ask for?! For me, they are a perfect couple, one where a simple kiss could make their romance steamy and sensual.

Also, the secondary characters are unique and interesting, each has his own story to tell. Besides that, in this book you'll never guess who's good or right, each has his own agenda; each of them will do anything to get whatever that agenda may be.

Even though this is the second book, it is a stand-alone. I can't wait for Breath of Iron this summer and if ever there's a chance I will read the first book, Heart of Brass.

TOUCH OF STEEL is a not just steampunk but an action-adventure full of spies, revenge, loyalty, twists, steamy scenes and love. It's a new world of wicked spies that I'm not willing to leave yet.


copy provided by Fresh Fiction

Book Review: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Signet; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451236106
• ISBN-13: 978-0451236104

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom…and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Another historical romance at its best.

Let’s talk about the cover: I heard that they changed it, I actually love the first cover although I can’t see Liliana’s face, but the blue dress and the gold background really did it for me. I fell in love with the book, the first time I saw the cover.

From the very first page, I was hardly gripped by the story. I even checked it again if it’s really a historical romance, well, oh well, the very first page of Sweet Enemy depicts someone breaking in and Liliana’s been seen and caught by that person, thanks to her wits, she managed to escape.

I really like the plot of this book. Liliana attending the House Party of the Duke while her ulterior motive is to prove that the Duke’s family has really something to do with her father’s death. And also, I’m not really an active feminist, but it’s good to think that even at that time, there are women who does not concern themselves with petticoats and gowns, instead with chemicals, formulas and theories. Like Liliana, I do believe that what men can do, women could, sometimes even better.

Heather Snow make her characters unique and at the same time very relatable. I sometimes hate myself for agreeing with Liliana, and when the time comes for the Geoffrey’s (Duke) POV, I agree with him and hate Liliana for doing it.

What makes me love Sweet Enemy is that Geoffrey and Liliana’s love story started with intrigue and scorching moment. It was never easy. There was suspicion, then mutual understanding, distrust..and many more.. I saw their love grow and developed in a not boring way.

Also, there are a lot of information on the book, especially with healing plants, chemical reactions and even codes. Ms. Heather Snow, put her knowledge into this book, she’s a chemist..

One might never believe that this is actually Heather Snow’s debut novel. I for myself, am used already to her writing style, which keeps the reader going, revealing each mystery together with the characters. Plus humor and wits…I laughed most of the times…:D

This is a must read not just for historical lovers, but for mystery enthusiast too… An intriguing novel with characters that are anything but ordinary, Sweet Enemy would easily carve out a space into anyone’s heart. Highly Recommended!!! And would love to see more of this wonderful author!!!




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