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Asher Quigley #1
Asher's Invention
Five years ago, Asher Quigley broke his engagement to Minerva Lambkin, believing she was an accomplice in a scheme to steal his prototype for a wondrous device. Minerva swore she was innocent, though the thief-and Asher's mentor-was her own father.
Now, sheer desperation has driven Minerva to Asher's door. Her father has been kidnapped by investors furious that he's never been able to make the machine work. Only Asher, now a rich and famous inventor in his own right, can replicate the device. He's also become a hard, distant stranger far different from the young idealist she once loved.
Despite their troubled past, Asher agrees to help Minerva. He still harbors his suspicions about her, but their reunion stirs emotions and desires they both thought were buried forever. Can they rebuild their fragile relationship in time to save her father and their future together?
29,000 words
Now, sheer desperation has driven Minerva to Asher's door. Her father has been kidnapped by investors furious that he's never been able to make the machine work. Only Asher, now a rich and famous inventor in his own right, can replicate the device. He's also become a hard, distant stranger far different from the young idealist she once loved.
Despite their troubled past, Asher agrees to help Minerva. He still harbors his suspicions about her, but their reunion stirs emotions and desires they both thought were buried forever. Can they rebuild their fragile relationship in time to save her father and their future together?
29,000 words
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Coleen Kwan
31 books159 followersColeen Kwan writes contemporary and steampunk romance for Carina Press and Entangled Publishing.
Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.
Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.
Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.
Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 13, 2012
Asher has never forgiven his former fiance Minerva for betraying him; now she needs his help, because her father has been kidnapped by someone seeking his perpetual motion machine. Sounds kind of like a Harlequin Presents gone steampunk, doesn't it? I was especially tickled when Asher and Minerva traveled, as all HP characters should, in his "private airship."
I enjoyed the offbeat touches here, which range from Asher solving the Irish potato famine to his carrying a ray gun. ("Asher," Miranda inquires, "What is that I feel poking into my side?") The writing style is less creative, and I was utterly baffled by the ending of the story, which made me feel like I must be reading an in-joke I didn't get; it cries out for Asher to have a clockwork twin or something like that.
ETA: The weird ending is explained in the sequel, Asher's Dilemma
(reviewed from e-arc provided by netGalley)
I enjoyed the offbeat touches here, which range from Asher solving the Irish potato famine to his carrying a ray gun. ("Asher," Miranda inquires, "What is that I feel poking into my side?") The writing style is less creative, and I was utterly baffled by the ending of the story, which made me feel like I must be reading an in-joke I didn't get; it cries out for Asher to have a clockwork twin or something like that.
ETA: The weird ending is explained in the sequel, Asher's Dilemma
(reviewed from e-arc provided by netGalley)
October 3, 2019
When books say #1 but are really a novella.. hurts me deep down inside. Ugh, I feel so betrayed.
Asher's Invention was interesting and weird. Super weird. He and his ex-fiancé are working together to find and save her father. They had an interesting friendship/relationship that thoroughly confused me from time to time.
That being said, I feel like a lot happened but at the same time not really. It honestly felt rushed to me the entire time. Then it also felt like I was missing so much information in this little novella. Maybe the next book will make more sense and answer my questions but I have no idea if I want to dive into it.
Overall, it was interesting to listen to but the ending was really random/weird to me.
Asher's Invention was interesting and weird. Super weird. He and his ex-fiancé are working together to find and save her father. They had an interesting friendship/relationship that thoroughly confused me from time to time.
That being said, I feel like a lot happened but at the same time not really. It honestly felt rushed to me the entire time. Then it also felt like I was missing so much information in this little novella. Maybe the next book will make more sense and answer my questions but I have no idea if I want to dive into it.
Overall, it was interesting to listen to but the ending was really random/weird to me.
June 29, 2012
3.5 stars out of 5
Contrary to the other reviewers, I rather enjoyed this novella. Set some time in the 1870's, Asher's Invention follows the adventures of Asher, inventor extraordinaire, and his ex-fiancee Minerva as they try to rescue Minerva's father, Silas, who has been kidnapped. The kidnappers want, as ransom, one of Asher's inventions - a perpetual-motion machine which can provide enough energy to run a city for a thousand years.
The novella was well paced with a more-than-decent writing and a couple of interesting characters to carry it forward. My only quibble is that, owing to the nature of a novella, the plot felt a tad rushed at times and, hence, compromised on character development a bit. I might have preferred it more if this had been a full length novel with the inclusion of the back-story of how Asher and Minerva met and fell in love, as well as a couple of chapters detailing how Silas had cheated Asher and stolen his invention.
ARC received by NetGalley and Carina Press.
Contrary to the other reviewers, I rather enjoyed this novella. Set some time in the 1870's, Asher's Invention follows the adventures of Asher, inventor extraordinaire, and his ex-fiancee Minerva as they try to rescue Minerva's father, Silas, who has been kidnapped. The kidnappers want, as ransom, one of Asher's inventions - a perpetual-motion machine which can provide enough energy to run a city for a thousand years.
The novella was well paced with a more-than-decent writing and a couple of interesting characters to carry it forward. My only quibble is that, owing to the nature of a novella, the plot felt a tad rushed at times and, hence, compromised on character development a bit. I might have preferred it more if this had been a full length novel with the inclusion of the back-story of how Asher and Minerva met and fell in love, as well as a couple of chapters detailing how Silas had cheated Asher and stolen his invention.
ARC received by NetGalley and Carina Press.
October 11, 2018
A very interesting steam punk story...I liked it but didn't love it, 3.5 Stars.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
June 21, 2012
2.5 out of 5
When I saw the description of this book on NetGalley, I thought, yeah, that's pretty much up my alley. It's set in the Victorian era, and it's a steampunk romance. Honestly, they had me at "...prototype for a wondrous device..." I'm a sucker for devices of all sorts.
True to form, I loved all the gadgets and inventions, however implausible they might have been. There are airships and nifty prosthetics and mechanical dogs and ray guns (!!), and, of course, there's a "wondrous device." I loved that the author didn't waste a lot of time explaining the devices but left that up to the reader's imagination (maybe my version of a Viper Ray gun differs from Coleen Kwan's version, but who cares?). It was nice to have the opportunity to use my imagination.
At about 94 pages (depending, I suppose, on one's e-reader formatting), this book weighs in as a novella. As such, it's short on a lot of the story and character development that you would expect from a full-length novel, but there was still enough of a story to keep my interest, and I think it stands as a fairly strong example of ideal novella formatting and pacing, even if a lot of the story and character elements annoyed me.
I didn't care for Asher very much, his inventions notwithstanding. I had a difficult time connecting to him as a character, and not all of his actions made sense (particularly at the end... goodness); about halfway through the novella, he does a 180, and there isn't enough of an explanation given to render it seamless. I liked Minerva, and I liked how her character developed over the course of the book, but, again, it was a bit choppy, as though she developed in fits and starts, with huge changes taking place in the space of a moment rather than gradually. This issue may be due to the space limitations of the novella format (what do I know?).
For a steampunk romance, I didn't find it terribly romantic. Asher's kind of a jerk, and his big "finally not a jerk" moment isn't given enough time and space to resonate with the reader. The author (as the narrator) mentions twice how abrupt and strange his about-face is to Minerva, and I was left wondering why, since Coleen Kwan obviously noticed how abrupt and strange it is, she just left it that way.
Finally, it both amused me and irritated me that the author repeated herself a few times about some really strange things. Minerva has some issues with vertigo, and I know this because the author mentions three times in the space of one scene (in the airship) that Minerva's "stomach did another queasy tumble," and that her "stomach was still rebelling," and that she "had not yet mastered her stomach." If it's absolutely necessary that the reader know about how Minerva's stomach is doing (and I don't think it is. Minerva's motion sickness doesn't further either the story or her character development, so why should I, as the reader, care about it?) one mention would have been adequate.
Overall, it was an interesting story but it didn't quite make it to my 'i liked it' list.
When I saw the description of this book on NetGalley, I thought, yeah, that's pretty much up my alley. It's set in the Victorian era, and it's a steampunk romance. Honestly, they had me at "...prototype for a wondrous device..." I'm a sucker for devices of all sorts.
True to form, I loved all the gadgets and inventions, however implausible they might have been. There are airships and nifty prosthetics and mechanical dogs and ray guns (!!), and, of course, there's a "wondrous device." I loved that the author didn't waste a lot of time explaining the devices but left that up to the reader's imagination (maybe my version of a Viper Ray gun differs from Coleen Kwan's version, but who cares?). It was nice to have the opportunity to use my imagination.
At about 94 pages (depending, I suppose, on one's e-reader formatting), this book weighs in as a novella. As such, it's short on a lot of the story and character development that you would expect from a full-length novel, but there was still enough of a story to keep my interest, and I think it stands as a fairly strong example of ideal novella formatting and pacing, even if a lot of the story and character elements annoyed me.
I didn't care for Asher very much, his inventions notwithstanding. I had a difficult time connecting to him as a character, and not all of his actions made sense (particularly at the end... goodness); about halfway through the novella, he does a 180, and there isn't enough of an explanation given to render it seamless. I liked Minerva, and I liked how her character developed over the course of the book, but, again, it was a bit choppy, as though she developed in fits and starts, with huge changes taking place in the space of a moment rather than gradually. This issue may be due to the space limitations of the novella format (what do I know?).
For a steampunk romance, I didn't find it terribly romantic. Asher's kind of a jerk, and his big "finally not a jerk" moment isn't given enough time and space to resonate with the reader. The author (as the narrator) mentions twice how abrupt and strange his about-face is to Minerva, and I was left wondering why, since Coleen Kwan obviously noticed how abrupt and strange it is, she just left it that way.
Finally, it both amused me and irritated me that the author repeated herself a few times about some really strange things. Minerva has some issues with vertigo, and I know this because the author mentions three times in the space of one scene (in the airship) that Minerva's "stomach did another queasy tumble," and that her "stomach was still rebelling," and that she "had not yet mastered her stomach." If it's absolutely necessary that the reader know about how Minerva's stomach is doing (and I don't think it is. Minerva's motion sickness doesn't further either the story or her character development, so why should I, as the reader, care about it?) one mention would have been adequate.
Overall, it was an interesting story but it didn't quite make it to my 'i liked it' list.
May 24, 2012
Egalley thanks to Carina Press
Put it this way, - steampunk elements is the only aspect of this short novella I've enjoyed.
I usually like these little quirky reads from Carina Press, and the premise of Asher's Invention was fantastic, but the interactions between Asher and Miranda felt so forced and awkward I could barely stand them. I did not feel the attraction, they were running hot and cold to each other and were pretty irritating, especially Miranda.
The strange thing, on their own both characters are likable. Put them in one room and I want to bash their heads together.
The novella is also packed with HR cliches like a passionate embrace after the heroine suffered a fall into the stinking river, was injured and nearly raped. Really? She is supposed to suffer from hypothermia and shock, and he is sucking on her nipple while she is feeling all warm and fuzzy? I don't think so.
Unfortunately, despite good points I couldn't connect with this book, so read it at your own risk.
Put it this way, - steampunk elements is the only aspect of this short novella I've enjoyed.
I usually like these little quirky reads from Carina Press, and the premise of Asher's Invention was fantastic, but the interactions between Asher and Miranda felt so forced and awkward I could barely stand them. I did not feel the attraction, they were running hot and cold to each other and were pretty irritating, especially Miranda.
The strange thing, on their own both characters are likable. Put them in one room and I want to bash their heads together.
The novella is also packed with HR cliches like a passionate embrace after the heroine suffered a fall into the stinking river, was injured and nearly raped. Really? She is supposed to suffer from hypothermia and shock, and he is sucking on her nipple while she is feeling all warm and fuzzy? I don't think so.
Unfortunately, despite good points I couldn't connect with this book, so read it at your own risk.
August 16, 2012
First, I have never ever commented on a cover before, but I love this one! Asher is so super cute. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I thought I would like this book and I did. Asher’s invention is pretty straight forward. The summary of the book explains the overall plot quite well and tells you enough to get you hooked but not so much that you know the whole story. What the summary does not tell you is that this is not only a love story, but also a mystery.
The plot was quick paced and some of it was to be expected, Asher really is a good guy, Minerva didn’t betray him, ect… but the part that caught me off guard was who the bad guy was all along. I would never have guessed who in a million years. That was a refreshing twist.
I have really come to love Carina Press books, I don’t think I have read one yet that I did not like. They have all been interesting and refreshing. I also love that they are digital.
FYI- for those that want to know, there is mention of sex, but nothing graphic or overly descriptive, and they were engaged at the time. There is the threat of rape, but that term is not used, just inferred. I would recommend this book to adults because of the mention of rape, but, as always, it is up to you what your kids read. Again, I highly recommend this book to adults who like a nice mystery/romance novel in the steampunk genre. I loved it! It is also a standalone novel, as far as I can tell, with a nice ending.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
The plot was quick paced and some of it was to be expected, Asher really is a good guy, Minerva didn’t betray him, ect… but the part that caught me off guard was who the bad guy was all along. I would never have guessed who in a million years. That was a refreshing twist.
I have really come to love Carina Press books, I don’t think I have read one yet that I did not like. They have all been interesting and refreshing. I also love that they are digital.
FYI- for those that want to know, there is mention of sex, but nothing graphic or overly descriptive, and they were engaged at the time. There is the threat of rape, but that term is not used, just inferred. I would recommend this book to adults because of the mention of rape, but, as always, it is up to you what your kids read. Again, I highly recommend this book to adults who like a nice mystery/romance novel in the steampunk genre. I loved it! It is also a standalone novel, as far as I can tell, with a nice ending.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
June 8, 2012
For this review and more visit my blog
I was sent a copy of this book for free from the publisher for review
When I started this book I thought I was onto a winner. I liked the beginning, it was strained and awkward between the characters and it really worked. It was well written and stuffed full of atmosphere. The problem was that it didn’t get better from there, if anything it got worse. This book just seemed to lose steam as it went on.
At first I really liked Minerva, she has been through a lot but came through the other side stronger for it. I didn’t like these changes in her. Asher was no better. I struggled to like him from the beginning of the book to the end. He was to head strong and refused to listen to anyone. He also is in possession of extraordinary bad judgement skills which he demonstrated when he tried to seduce Minerva just moments after she had been attacked, kidnapped and hurt.
The romance between them was bland. They spent most of their time either arguing with or distrusting each other. I didn’t feel anything between them and thought they lacked chemistry.
I did like the steampunk element in this story. Often I find steampunk hard to understand and follow but this was written plainly which I was very grateful here.
This book is not a bad effort but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
I was sent a copy of this book for free from the publisher for review
When I started this book I thought I was onto a winner. I liked the beginning, it was strained and awkward between the characters and it really worked. It was well written and stuffed full of atmosphere. The problem was that it didn’t get better from there, if anything it got worse. This book just seemed to lose steam as it went on.
At first I really liked Minerva, she has been through a lot but came through the other side stronger for it. I didn’t like these changes in her. Asher was no better. I struggled to like him from the beginning of the book to the end. He was to head strong and refused to listen to anyone. He also is in possession of extraordinary bad judgement skills which he demonstrated when he tried to seduce Minerva just moments after she had been attacked, kidnapped and hurt.
The romance between them was bland. They spent most of their time either arguing with or distrusting each other. I didn’t feel anything between them and thought they lacked chemistry.
I did like the steampunk element in this story. Often I find steampunk hard to understand and follow but this was written plainly which I was very grateful here.
This book is not a bad effort but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
June 27, 2012
Asher’s Invention is a short novella that I received from NetGalley. It was a short read and the novella did a good job of portraying the romance between the two main characters, a difficult task in many romance driven novellas due to the length restrictions.
Asher’s Invention begins with Minerva Lambkin paying a call on her ex-fiance, Asher Quigley. This is not a happy reunion. Asher and Minerva’s engagement was broken off because Minerva’s father stole Asher’s perpetual motion invention to sell as his own. Asher broke off his engagement with Minerva, as he believed her to be playing a part in her father’s duplicity. Now Minerva’s father has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding a working perpetual motion machine, which Minerva’s father could never get to function. Minerva has no choice but to turn to the original inventor for a passable imitation to save her father. However, Asher does not help Minerva so easily, it takes the changes that he percieves in her (ie. fainting, loss of weight, crying etc.) to call him to action on her behalf. The pair must work together if Minerva hopes to get her father back safely.
What I liked about this novella was how the romance had been set up. The couple already has a significant romantic relationship in their previous engagement; therefore, it was not difficult to see how a rekindling of that relationship could take place. Unlike other romantic novellas that I have read, this romance actually made sense. That said, I thought the ending with the pair putting off a renewed engagement was somewhat awkward. I didn’t get the impression that Minerva was an uber feminist in training that would have to decline a marriage proposal to gain her independence. It’s not that Minerva wasn’t an independent character in the novel, it was more her idea of going and opening a mechanical shop seemed like a sudden idea, and it didn’t seem like Asher would have a problem with her continuing to be independent when they were married. Overall, the ending was a little lacking because of this awkward marriage proposal/refutation.
This novella would appeal to fans in the romantic steampunk genre and is similar to Cindy Spencer Pape’s Gaslight Chronicles.
Asher’s Invention begins with Minerva Lambkin paying a call on her ex-fiance, Asher Quigley. This is not a happy reunion. Asher and Minerva’s engagement was broken off because Minerva’s father stole Asher’s perpetual motion invention to sell as his own. Asher broke off his engagement with Minerva, as he believed her to be playing a part in her father’s duplicity. Now Minerva’s father has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding a working perpetual motion machine, which Minerva’s father could never get to function. Minerva has no choice but to turn to the original inventor for a passable imitation to save her father. However, Asher does not help Minerva so easily, it takes the changes that he percieves in her (ie. fainting, loss of weight, crying etc.) to call him to action on her behalf. The pair must work together if Minerva hopes to get her father back safely.
What I liked about this novella was how the romance had been set up. The couple already has a significant romantic relationship in their previous engagement; therefore, it was not difficult to see how a rekindling of that relationship could take place. Unlike other romantic novellas that I have read, this romance actually made sense. That said, I thought the ending with the pair putting off a renewed engagement was somewhat awkward. I didn’t get the impression that Minerva was an uber feminist in training that would have to decline a marriage proposal to gain her independence. It’s not that Minerva wasn’t an independent character in the novel, it was more her idea of going and opening a mechanical shop seemed like a sudden idea, and it didn’t seem like Asher would have a problem with her continuing to be independent when they were married. Overall, the ending was a little lacking because of this awkward marriage proposal/refutation.
This novella would appeal to fans in the romantic steampunk genre and is similar to Cindy Spencer Pape’s Gaslight Chronicles.
May 27, 2012
ARC received from Carina Press on NetGalley
I enjoyed this. I wasn't sure why so many people gave it 2 stars, but after reading some of their reviews I could conceded to their points. There wasn't as much of a connection between Asher and Minerva as I would have liked, but I think that was due to the lack of follow-through on any of the love scenes. I can understand how they played things, but unfortunately I think we needed to see and feel that connection. I did, however, like both Asher and Minerva. And I liked their volatile interactions.
The main plot of the kidnapping was interesting enough, and served well to progress the relationship with our H/H. The steam-punk element also was done well, it was subtle but relevant to the plot and not overly complex.
It did lose me a little bit at the end though. They had already been back and forth so much, that that last ditch effort to bring emotional turmoil seemed a little unnecessary and excessive. Also unnecessary and excessive was Dorian's situation. There didn't really seem any need for the way things worked out there, and actually just seemed harsh without bringing anything to the plot.
I enjoyed this. I wasn't sure why so many people gave it 2 stars, but after reading some of their reviews I could conceded to their points. There wasn't as much of a connection between Asher and Minerva as I would have liked, but I think that was due to the lack of follow-through on any of the love scenes. I can understand how they played things, but unfortunately I think we needed to see and feel that connection. I did, however, like both Asher and Minerva. And I liked their volatile interactions.
The main plot of the kidnapping was interesting enough, and served well to progress the relationship with our H/H. The steam-punk element also was done well, it was subtle but relevant to the plot and not overly complex.
It did lose me a little bit at the end though. They had already been back and forth so much, that that last ditch effort to bring emotional turmoil seemed a little unnecessary and excessive. Also unnecessary and excessive was Dorian's situation. There didn't really seem any need for the way things worked out there, and actually just seemed harsh without bringing anything to the plot.
June 30, 2012
Although admittedly light on the sexy times, this book was a fun little steampunk-y adventure. Asher and Minerva have a complicated relationship. Her father’s betrayal of Asher’s trust shattered both of them and only the most dire of circumstances brings Minerva to Asher’s door now. He’s a little more jaded and she’s uncertain of her reception, but they both can’t forget how they felt.
Minerva’s observations that Asher’s innocence in those around him was stolen by her father’s actions are remarkably spot-on. Asher no longer trusts blindly and he has a tough time at first feeling charitable toward Minerva when she shows up at his door. As for Minerva, she handles the situation she finds herself in with grace and dignity.
While I would have personally liked a little more groping in a darkened carriage – what? It’s a personal preference. I don’t apologize for it. – I enjoyed the overall feel of the world and that Minerva was a woman who stood strong against the odds. The bad guys were despicable and use of a ray gun is always a plus.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Minerva’s observations that Asher’s innocence in those around him was stolen by her father’s actions are remarkably spot-on. Asher no longer trusts blindly and he has a tough time at first feeling charitable toward Minerva when she shows up at his door. As for Minerva, she handles the situation she finds herself in with grace and dignity.
While I would have personally liked a little more groping in a darkened carriage – what? It’s a personal preference. I don’t apologize for it. – I enjoyed the overall feel of the world and that Minerva was a woman who stood strong against the odds. The bad guys were despicable and use of a ray gun is always a plus.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 17, 2017
This was an alright read. Asher was an inventor and one of his inventions was stolen by his mentor five years before and Asher thought Silas’s daughter Minerva, the woman he loved, had been part of the theft so he broke off their engagement. Now Minerva shows up at his door needing Asher’s help because her father has been kidnapped.
Anyway, the invention Asher had been working on when it was stolen was a perpetual-motion machine and now Silas was kidnapped because the kidnapper thought it really worked. He wanted the machine brought to a bridge at midnight and Minerva was to bring it alone. When Minerva got to the bridge that’s when became very exciting.
There was a HFN, no swearing, and some heaving petting but no sex. I am going to read the next novella, Asher’s Dilemma, to see what happens with Asher and Minerva. This one wasn’t a cliffhanger but I think you should read this one before you read Asher’s Dilemma.
As to the narration: Elizabeth Jasicki was barely okay for me. Her men’s voices weren’t all that great and what emotions she did read with were all in the wrong places.
June 5, 2012
Asher’s Invention is a steampunk romance with a lot of action, but the romance seemed a bit forced at times. I got tired of the way the two of them kept pulling apart and pushing forward in a heave of emotions. The constant repetition on the theme made it tiresome.
Minerva was very independent and spunky. She surprised me in the end. In fact she surprised me more then once. Minerva was a very passionate and forthright woman. I really enjoyed reading about her.
Asher was equally passionate. Unfortunately he came off rather indecisive and tentative whenever he became confused by his emotions. He was still a brilliant man, I just couldn’t connect with him.
The villain was disappointing. He came off rather vaudeville, cardboard, and comical. I really wish there had been more to him. The whole scene of the big reveal was a bit anti-climatic.
This story still has a lot going for it. The action is swift, the romance is still tender at the end, and the heroine is admirable. Not bad for a 76 page read!
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Minerva was very independent and spunky. She surprised me in the end. In fact she surprised me more then once. Minerva was a very passionate and forthright woman. I really enjoyed reading about her.
Asher was equally passionate. Unfortunately he came off rather indecisive and tentative whenever he became confused by his emotions. He was still a brilliant man, I just couldn’t connect with him.
The villain was disappointing. He came off rather vaudeville, cardboard, and comical. I really wish there had been more to him. The whole scene of the big reveal was a bit anti-climatic.
This story still has a lot going for it. The action is swift, the romance is still tender at the end, and the heroine is admirable. Not bad for a 76 page read!
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley
May 16, 2012
Asher's Invention is a nice steampunk romance novella set in 1870 England.
The start of the books gets right into it: Minerva shows up at Asher's door, asking for his help. Her father has been kidnapped, but Asher isn't jumping to assistance. You see, five years ago, Minerva's father – who was also Asher's mentor – stole Asher's greatest invention. Asher also figured that Minerva, his fiancee, was in on it. So, he's not quick to believe that she's telling the truth about her father's kidnapping.
The book is short; I read it in over an hour. There was no build up to a romance, because feelings between the two of them are still there from five years ago. There's a bit of action, and as the story goes on, Minerva shows herself to be quite the strong woman. And I have to say, that her decision at the end went over fantastic with me. It wasn't your typical happy ending in a romance book, but I loved it.
A good, quick read for lovers of steampunk romance.
The start of the books gets right into it: Minerva shows up at Asher's door, asking for his help. Her father has been kidnapped, but Asher isn't jumping to assistance. You see, five years ago, Minerva's father – who was also Asher's mentor – stole Asher's greatest invention. Asher also figured that Minerva, his fiancee, was in on it. So, he's not quick to believe that she's telling the truth about her father's kidnapping.
The book is short; I read it in over an hour. There was no build up to a romance, because feelings between the two of them are still there from five years ago. There's a bit of action, and as the story goes on, Minerva shows herself to be quite the strong woman. And I have to say, that her decision at the end went over fantastic with me. It wasn't your typical happy ending in a romance book, but I loved it.
A good, quick read for lovers of steampunk romance.
August 1, 2012
Good steampunk novella with lots of fun gadgets, a fast-paced plot and a solid,though not erotic or spectacular romance
This is a lovely steampunk novella with lots of fun gadgets like ray guns, flying airships, mechanical arms and mysterious ever-lasting thingiemabobs. This is steampunk at its finest and fans will enjoy this part science, part imagination as I did.
The plot with Minerva's kidnapped father is fast paced and had me flying through the novella. Yes, the bad guy is fairly predictable but it's still an enjoyable read to get to the conclusion.
The romance isn't erotic, which may disappoint some readers, but I thought it nicely intimate emotionally. Minerva and Asher have a lot of issues to work out and I like that they discuss them instead of using sex to try and fix them. I really like the conclusion as it isn't the neat wrap-it-all-in-a-bow so common in romance novellas.
This is a lovely steampunk novella with lots of fun gadgets like ray guns, flying airships, mechanical arms and mysterious ever-lasting thingiemabobs. This is steampunk at its finest and fans will enjoy this part science, part imagination as I did.
The plot with Minerva's kidnapped father is fast paced and had me flying through the novella. Yes, the bad guy is fairly predictable but it's still an enjoyable read to get to the conclusion.
The romance isn't erotic, which may disappoint some readers, but I thought it nicely intimate emotionally. Minerva and Asher have a lot of issues to work out and I like that they discuss them instead of using sex to try and fix them. I really like the conclusion as it isn't the neat wrap-it-all-in-a-bow so common in romance novellas.
June 17, 2012
Nice quick read with a steampunk bent. Not a bad read but in some respects I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a full novel not just a short.
Asher and Minerva are a good pairing but I missed a lot of the by-play that could have happened had this been a novel.
A nice amount of heat between the pair and you do see why they are a good match with a decent amount of history between them.
If you want a quick read then go for it but if you are expecting sex or much more than heavy petting pass this one up.
Thanks to netgalley.com and Carina Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Asher and Minerva are a good pairing but I missed a lot of the by-play that could have happened had this been a novel.
A nice amount of heat between the pair and you do see why they are a good match with a decent amount of history between them.
If you want a quick read then go for it but if you are expecting sex or much more than heavy petting pass this one up.
Thanks to netgalley.com and Carina Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
July 4, 2012
This is only the second Steampunk story that I have read and it was quite enjoyable.Asher seems to be a very bitter man but an exceptional inventor. Minerva Lambkin is a brave, strong and intelligent woman who was engaged to Asher some years ago, but they had a falling out due to her father Silas. When Silas is kidnapped Minerva goes to Asher for his help and during the quest for her father their romance may be rekindled.
Thank you Carina Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Carina Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 18, 2012
A short story in a Steampunk Universe. Minerva is in distress. The invention her father stole (and now claims as his own) from her ex-Fiance has become common knowledge in her town. Now her father has been kidnapped and she seeks out the one man who can help her, the victim of her father’s theft, the love of her life, Asher.The story reminds me of those author’s write to tide reader’s over between books in a series. Fast, fun, and cute.
June 10, 2012
My full review.
I liked the action in this novella. I skimmed some of it but I thought it flowed well and was suspenseful. I did not figure out who the bad guy was until he was revealed.
I did like the two main characters and their chemistry.
I also found the end to be equal parts confusing and awesome.
I liked the action in this novella. I skimmed some of it but I thought it flowed well and was suspenseful. I did not figure out who the bad guy was until he was revealed.
I did like the two main characters and their chemistry.
I also found the end to be equal parts confusing and awesome.
July 5, 2012
I enjoyed this one, even with a stupid mistake in there. (Supine means "on your back". So if a character is already on his back, you don't have to roll him onto his back later in the same paragraph.) But the end was dumb and wrecked the story for me. Chop off the last few pages and this would have been at least a three star read for me.
May 29, 2012
Short story: problem number one.
Steampunk novella: good thing.
Strange characters not enough developed: problem n.2.
A lot of repetitions: problem n.3.
I do not understand why it finishes the way it does: my problem.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CARINA PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW.
Steampunk novella: good thing.
Strange characters not enough developed: problem n.2.
A lot of repetitions: problem n.3.
I do not understand why it finishes the way it does: my problem.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND CARINA PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW.
July 22, 2012
LOL!! That was soooo cheesy!!! It took me only a few hours to read it. I was expecting that the story would eventually captured my attention... it did not! Do yourself a favour... don't read that book! I could have used those few hours to do better things.
October 23, 2013
Cute story!!!
October 7, 2014
An interesting start. I like this one as it sets up the sequel, but on its own it's a little frustrating. Overall, though, a solid read for a novella.
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