I was both hopeful and trepidatious approaching RIVETED, the third book in the fantastic Iron Seas series. With an unknown hero and heroine, I was concerned that meeting these brand new characters would make or break my enjoyment of the book. Not only were Annika and David interesting and winning, I had forgotten that the Iron Seas series is more than the sum of its characters. The world itself is utterly captivating, and RIVETED delivers an interesting look outside the boundaries that prior books had explored, in the New World and trade routes of the Atlantic.

The main characters, Annika and David, are more familiar with this conservative, nano-fearing New World than England’s post-Horde society, and it is that political climate that shapes Annika’s “big secret” and origins. RIVETED explores many social issues regarding homosexuality in a way that aligned with my own beliefs, but I would guess that anyone with a more traditional or conservative bent may start feeling defensive. Overall, however, Brook weaves this important issue into her story with a nuance and sensitivity that should be accessible (and educational) for all readers. Regardless of personal beliefs, I felt Brook humanized the social conflict, even to the point of keeping it separate from the main villain who is “defeated” in the traditional sense. The acceptance of gay couples in this book ends on a happy note, and it’s clear that prejudices against them are overcome through community socialization and acceptance, not overthrowing a single, “evil” opposition.

Though the romance in RIVETED won’t unseat THE IRON DUKE as my favorite of the series, it has taken the second place crown away from HEART OF STEEL. Annika is winsome and refreshing, managing to be innocent but earthy, unspoiled without ever seeming stupid. As she always feels like an outsider, it was very believable to watch her unique and rare feeling of connection with David grow into a healthy sexual interest. And David is worth the curiosity; he is a gentle, damaged hero that soaks up Annika’s happiness and kindness like a sponge. David is the first augmented main character that hasn’t had the benefit of The Blacksmith’s mechanical flesh, and his perception of his prosthetics was one of the interesting parts of his character. Losing a limb is a traumatic event, and rather than waving a magic wand to make everything better, Brook explores David’s complicated feelings about loss and his current abilities. Annika and David both come to the relationship with little or no sexual experience, and the way they grow comfortable and confident with one another was both sweet and sexy.

As a romance, RIVETED is refreshing and well written, touching on complicated themes with sensitivity and realism. As a steampunk world, this story is five stars across the board. I can’t get enough of exploring The Iron Seas, every glimpse of this alternate history leaves me fascinated and hungry for more.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes.