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Sass and Steam #3

Dead Dukes Tell No Tales

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Airship pirates, mysterious inventions, and a treasure beyond compare? All in a duke’s work.

Chicago scrap metal mogul Clifford Kinsley has never encountered an obstacle he couldn’t dismantle. Until he inherits a dukedom burdened with mountains of debt, stifling rules, and people who want to ship his seven-year-old daughter off to boarding school. He’s stuck with the title for life. Which leaves only one solution: kill the duke. And for that, he’ll need the assistance of a professional.

Sabine Diebin, the infamous pirate captain La Capitaine, has one final treasure to find before she settles down to a well-deserved retirement. Unfortunately, the key to finding her prize is buried somewhere in the mess left behind by the late Duke of Hartleigh. To speed up her search, Sabine makes a deal with the oddly charming new duke-next-door. If he sorts through her clutter, she’ll help him disappear.

Working together, Cliff and Sabine uncover a trail of clues that sends them on a world-wide search for a potentially life-changing device. With their combined skills, they can dodge murderous enemies and unravel baffling messages, but they can’t deny their growing bond or the desire sparking between them. Pirates don’t have partners. But if they dare to open their hearts, they might discover that the greatest treasures of all can’t be buried.

366 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2021

6 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Catherine Stein

28 books169 followers
Award-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.

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5 stars
27 (52%)
4 stars
12 (23%)
3 stars
7 (13%)
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3 (5%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for PlotTrysts.
1,219 reviews475 followers
October 31, 2025
This is a rollicking adventure complete with treasure hunt, reluctant duke, airship pirate, and cute kid. Cliff is an American scrapyard owner and single dad who somehow becomes the Duke of Hartleigh. The dukedom is so impoverished that an airship pilot, Sabine, was able to buy the residence of the main estate. It turns out the only reason she moved in was to look for clues to a priceless treasure. After a few false starts, Sabine and Cliff join forces to treasure hunt together - oh, and his daughter, Lola, tags along, too. The longer they spend together, the more they realize they are super compatible.

If you like romance with all the steampunk trappings - airships, explosions, submarines, biomechanical limbs - plus a supporting cast of characters including cute kids, sapphic duchesses, and double-crossing secret societies, you won't be disappointed in Dead Dukes Tell No Tales.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Profile Image for Maida.
Author 15 books463 followers
July 16, 2021
Romantic action adventure that should be adapted on film

This is a fantastic romp of a novel. It should be adapted into a movie along the lines of The Mummy and Romancing the Stone. The story is incredibly entertaining with humor, action, emotional depth, and romance blending well. The characters are wonderfully diverse and utterly likable, especially the MCs Sabine, Cliff, and Lola.

Cliff is my new favorite of Ms. Stein’s heroes. Reluctant duke, klutzy nerd, amazing girl dad, sexy considerate lover. He’s absolutely endearing. And Sabine, what a heroine! Super strong, smart, and capable with a soft center. They fit so perfectly.

Ms. Stein’s talent keeps on growing. She’s an autobuy for me.
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,278 reviews37 followers
July 3, 2021
Not only is this the first time I read a steampunk story, it's also the first time I read anything by this author so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Well, I must say I was absolutely delighted by the story and by Catherine Stein's way of writing! Such a fun, action filled adventure she brings us on!! I adored the main characters, Cliff, Sabine and Lola, each so special in their own way.

Cliff is the complete opposite of what a Duke should be! He's forever stumbling or tripping over things, is happiest when he's surrounded by scrap metal and delightfully awkward:) His devotion to his daughter is what made me fall in love with him even more.

Sabine is a female pirate and knows how to take care of herself. She is on a quest to find a special treasure and the last thing she needs is a fumbling duke that she is forever having to rescue. As they get closer to finding the treasure, emotions flare and romance is definitely in the air!

So, be prepared to be taken away on a steampunk journey that included mechanical spiders, hot air balloon ships, enemies, treasures and of course, romance!!

I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
4,720 reviews41 followers
July 9, 2021
Mein Schatz.
Not to happy to be the new duke he plans to fake his and his daughter death and run off to America. Oh only a short way into the book and we have our first awesome twists remember gang this is steampunk read! The meeting of La Capitaine the sky pirate was grand. I enjoyed this adventure and the characters were outstanding. Even if you do not like steampunk this book is really one you should read I highly recommend it if fact it is worth way more than just five stars. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Emily Neilsen.
308 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2021
I loved this story and the characters in it. I just wanted to get to the HEA but the way it for there was so different than I thought it would be and I just adored that. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sabilla.
125 reviews
June 22, 2021
I was momentarily bereft of words after having finished reading this, it’s brilliant! Clifford Kinsley or Cliff just inherits a dukedom and moves to England with his daughter, Lola, managing the unfinished debts that left by the late Duke of Harleigh who is famous for its eccentric, madness, antiquity, albeit genius. Cliff can’t stand the constant budging from the duchess to play his role as a duke, pay the debts and marry therefore he plans on murdering himself and going back to Chicago as scrap metal businessman. Cliff has a little daughter who has been acquainted with the neighbor next door, the infamous pirate, Sabine. When he visits Sabine, he finds her rather mundane form the appearance with her brown hair and brown eyes on the other hand, Sabine finds him so attractive with his blue eyes, black hair and pair skin, similarly both wear spectacles. They end up making a deal and begin their adventure on airship to find the life-changing treasure through the encoded code left by the late duke that leading into danger. At first, Cliff doesn’t want to be involved however after learning what Sabine pursues, he is determined to pretentiously help her because the treasure can also change Lola’s life as she has lived with biomechanical heart. Yes, indeed, this book is full of science-fiction, highly sophisticated technology, mechanical animals and pets, biomechanical body and other. The leading code takes not only Sabine but also Cliff and his daughter to dangerous adventure where Sabine’s enemy, Readbeard has finally tracked them down.

Since the first appearance, I was so smitten by Sabine’s character. Not only is she independent, elegant and clever but also strong and talented as a captain. Her style of fashion is so adorable from the description until the revelation of why she always wears the dress up to the neck unfolds. Further I couldn’t cease admiring and waiting how Sabine and Cliff finally succumb toward their mutual sexual attraction. Sabine has always stubbornly denied and refused to have sex with Cliff whereas Cliff delightedly announce in the brothel where Sabine wants Cliff to satisfy his need that he will only have it with Sabine. Whoaaahhh love it!! Another gripping surprise I didn’t expect was that the truth would be revealed one by one when Sabine, Lola and Cliff have certainly looked like a real family during the adventure that some of emotional turmoil is inevitable as both want to protect one another including the crew of the airship especially when Redbeard nearly kill them!

Despite the setting, this book brings unexpected imagination of science, very imaginative technology, emotional turmoil, undeniable desire and eventually leads to really uplifting and satisfying ending. It was perfect to escape from whatever work I was doing! If you are a fan of science-fiction, mystery, pirate wrapped in romance, this book is highly recommended! Thank you, Catherine Stein, for the ARC!
Profile Image for Courtney.
3,096 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Dead Dukes Tell No Tales is my favorite of the series thus far, and it owes a lot to the killer title (one I wish I had thought of first, given what I’ve been working on) and fun premise, on which it absolutely delivers.

Cliff is one of my favorite Stein heroes. I love a reluctant Duke, and he very much plays against the type you’d expect of your traditional historical romance Duke, being somewhat clumsy and awkward, and more comfortable around scrap metal than in society. I loved the idea that he had this daring plan to fake the duke’s death in order to go on with his life.

To accomplish this, he enlists the pirate Sabine, who is seeking a treasure that happens to be buried among the mess of an estate of the previous Duke. It was fun to see this daring woman who’s up for anything being the one having to rescue Cliff when he gets into trouble…it’s a delightful twist on the tried-and-true trope of the experienced hero looking after the naive, yet curious heroine. They work so well off each other, and I was charmed by their romance, really rooting for them as they faced different challenges.

I also really liked Lola, as she fits into the equation super well. Cliff loves his daughter, and Lola plays a role in bringing the two together in a sense, providing some really sweet moments.

It’s also just a fun adventure with great twists and turns, as well as being immersive in its world building. While I initially struggled with the steampunk tech at the beginning of the series, at this point, it feels well-executed and has become something I enjoy.

This is a wonderful book in its own right, and another fun (stand-alone) installment in the series. If you enjoy steampunk, or historical paranormal romance, you’ll enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Poptart19 (the name’s ren).
1,096 reviews8 followers
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars

An American scrap dealer/newly minted duke & a retired airship pirate embark on a treasure hunt, faking the duke’s death, and defeating mortal enemies, & along the way fall in love. Super fun & cute!

[What I liked:]

•I absolutely love airship pirates! They are the best thing ever, & this book has lots of fun airship pirates!

•This is the kind of steampunk I enjoy. From fashion to flying machines to clockwork pet spiders to inventive bio mechanical medical devices, this book has lots of creative elements that give the world building flair & solidity without overwhelming the reader with long explanations. It’s just really fun!

•I like both Sabine & Cliff. Sabine is smart & successful & knows how to have fun. Cliff is snarky & a devoted parent who cares about others but can take care of himself. Both are practical & driven, & complement each other’s skills.

•The writing is decent. The tone of the story is whimsical & a bit silly without being ridiculous. The scenes flow well & the plot doesn’t drag.

•The ending is so cute! I love how they continue to have recycling treasure hunts as a family.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Lola is cute, but sometimes her character feels more like a narrative device to insert more cuteness than she feels like an authentic portrayal of a child.

•Cliff leaves exactly when the person he’s been trying to win over opens up? That plot point made no sense.

•The romance is pretty cheesy, but I guess that fits with the tone of the story.

CW: murder, physical violence

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
1,252 reviews12 followers
December 23, 2021
I enjoyed this historical/ steampunk romance story with all of the characters. The three main characters were Sabine Diebin , Clifford Kinsley and his daughter Lola.

Clifford Kinsley has inherited a dukedom that has a mountain load of debt. Now he has to find a way out of having this title that he stuck with. The only solution he can think of is to kill the duke and he need some help to do this. His daughter might also know a way too.

Sabine Diebin is a infamous pirate captain that has a mission to find a special treasure before she can settle down into retirement. But when the duke and also his daughter come from next door stopping her from looking through all the old duke's stuff.

This was a fun advantages story with a lot of action going on. There were quite a few laughing along the way that had me laughing too.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,060 reviews16 followers
July 7, 2021
A grandiose adventure fills the pages of this wonderfully written story combining themes of Steampunk, historical romance, pirates and more! The narrative was a tantalizing romp both imaginative and populated with likable protagonists and “I really don’t like you bad guys”.
A truly wild foray into an alternate historical world that is well defined and an engaging read.
We first meet Clifford Kinsley as he is lamenting his new inherited role as Duke of Hartleigh and his young daughter, an adventurous little sprite, Lola.
Throw into this mix their new neighbor Sabine Diebin, lady pirate and the game is afoot.
The two make a bargain that sets what follows into motion pulling together a hunt for treasure and a frightfully good romance! HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,900 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2021
Although Steampunk stories are not my thing, the blurb mentions a duke that has to be killed, a pirate with a mysterious treasure and romance. Americans, nobility and pirates in the same story! As an historical romances’ lover, that mix really caught my attention. Sabine’s character kept me intrigued the whole time as did the biomechanics because I have no prior experience on the subject and the story piqued my curiosity. First book that I read from this author, and I liked this fast paced story with an exciting adventure, Lola and Ralph, mystery, suspense, amusing scenes and comments, intrigue and danger with deadly enemies, exciting fights, secrets and passion. An interesting plot development that did not let me get bored as I was anxious to know the outcome of their mission. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received free from Booksprout.
Profile Image for Andrea Barth-Leidinger.
417 reviews4 followers
Read
July 12, 2021
What a fantastic read! I loved this book from A to Z! Magnificent imagination, wonderful characters (even the evil ones), romance in an not at all romantic setting, devoted father and daughter. I love it! A pirate princess as I couldn’t have imagined. Danger, action, English tea and love. The mixture knows no end. Swiss chateaux, Maccu Piccu, the world is small and this book is great! I can only recommend to read it in your reading nock, curled up in a plaid with a good glas of wine, or even a bottle, who knows … this story certainly is long enough for that! Long but not a minute of boredom included!
Enjoy your read! And tell me if you also find it as good as me please!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shilo Quetchenbach.
1,789 reviews65 followers
July 11, 2021
I wasn't sure about this book at first because I have learned to be wary of steampunk novels but this? This is fantastic! The writing is flawless and the characters are real and vividly drawn.

I immediately fell for fierce ex-pirate Sabine, bumbling reluctant Duke Cliff, and adorable spider-loving Lola. I was completely hooked for the entirety of the treasure hunt and burgeoning romance, and Cliff's letter hit me like a punch to the gut. I will definitely be seeking out more books from this author. Actually, I would love to see a companion novel about Yvette.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Steam Cat Press, and BookBuzz.net for providing an e-arc for review.
Profile Image for Kris Sellgren.
1,075 reviews26 followers
December 8, 2021
The review from NPR caught my attention. The cover sold it: both hero and heroine are wearing glasses. A businessman from Chicago turns out to be the long lost heir to a dukedom in England. He shows up with his eight year old daughter only to find the estate is hugely in debt. A smart, sassy female pirate lives next door. They strike a deal to work together to find a treasure left to him by the former duke, who has set up a complicated treasure hunt involving clues and coded messages scattered across the world. The resulting chase (for of course there’s a villain determined to steal the treasure) is both highly implausible and highly entertaining. The story is set in a steampunk 1905, so there are weird mechanical inventions everywhere plus lots of airships. Need I mention that the duke and the pirate are attracted to each other? The heroine is startlingly competent at combat, piloting, burglary, etc. The romance is sweet and hot.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
July 10, 2021
The third book in the Sass and Steam series a well written story that grabbed my interest from the start. Chicago scrap metal mogul Clifford Kinsley, his daughter Lola, and Sabine Diebin, the infamous pirate captain La Capitaine's story. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, pirates, villains, and romance. I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 4 books7 followers
August 3, 2021
This was such an amazing, enchanting, all-in-all enthralling story that I loved it from start to finish. Especially the steampunk elements, so very cool. And of course the characters and their development, especially the Duchess. I started with this third book in the series because the title made me curious but I will definitely read the rest of it too!
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,359 reviews39 followers
September 23, 2021
OMG - this book was so much fun. It made me think along the lines of the tv shows "The Librarian" with Noah Wylie. Cliff is exactly how I would picture Noah playing the part. Sabine is tough but soft on the inside. There were humorous parts as well as action. Story was fast paced and had a bit of a mystery/treasure hunt. My first read by Catherine Stein and it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Jo Anne.
752 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2021
A clumsy, reluctant American Duke and his precocious, arachnid loving daughter join forces with a retired lady pirate to find a treasure that will help them find their hearts desire. What ensues is a rollicking adventure that will keep you reading and smiling. Don't miss it! 4-1/2 delightful stars
Profile Image for Cecilia Rodriguez.
4,450 reviews57 followers
April 2, 2022
Set in a Steampunk version of 1906, Stein’s romance draws inspiration from: Brenden Fraisier version of The Mummy and Indianna Jones.
Clifford Kinsley is an American from Chicago, who has recently inherited the title of Duke.
Sabine Diebin is a German airship pirate.
The two team up to find the Heart of Ra.
The overall tone is light and fun.
Profile Image for Margarida.
248 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2021
Oh boy... I loved this story. It's my first time reading a steampunk anything. Pairing steampunk genre, pirates and romance... it's my absolute new fav thing. This is the wild romance of Cliff and Sabine. She's the pirate. Right here... you know this story will be out of the ordinary. She's on a treasure hunt and has purchased some indebted/impoverished Duke's house where clues lie. She is most definitely our heroine in all sense of the word. The new Duke is American, and in harmony with the historical backdrop... was not at all interested in being a Duke way over there in England. He was definitely not interested in pouring his hard-earned dollars into the estate. No use spending good money after bad. He was interested in "killing" off the Duke and starting a new life with his daughter in CA. He becomes interested in the treasure hunt and most definitely interested in the lady pirate. His little girl idolizes her, and he can see the appeal. Single-Duke-Dad meets Steampunk-Lady-Pirate with a cutie-mini-heroine and fantasy-inventions-that-could-have-maybe-would-have-been-possible? Oh yeah. So, these 2 decide to work together, and in doing so... we get their amazing adventure romance that takes us around the globe. I highly recommend this and look forward to more from this author!!
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
July 5, 2021
🕷Dead Dukes Tell No Tales 🕷
Sass and Steam series #3
✒️ Catherine Stein
https://www.facebook.com/catsteinbooks/
Release Date 07/09/2021
Publisher Steam Cat Press
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q3JXGXR/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Airship pirates, mysterious inventions, and a treasure beyond compare? All in a duke’s work.

Chicago scrap metal mogul Clifford Kinsley has never encountered an obstacle he couldn’t dismantle. Until he inherits a dukedom burdened with mountains of debt, stifling rules, and people who want to ship his seven-year-old daughter off to boarding school. He’s stuck with the title for life. Which leaves only one solution: kill the duke. And for that, he’ll need the assistance of a professional.

Sabine Diebin, the infamous pirate captain La Capitaine, has one final treasure to find before she settles down to a well-deserved retirement. Unfortunately, the key to finding her prize is buried somewhere in the mess left behind by the late Duke of Hartleigh. To speed up her search, Sabine makes a deal with the oddly charming new duke-next-door. If he sorts through her clutter, she’ll help him disappear.

Working together, Cliff and Sabine uncover a trail of clues that sends them on a world-wide search for a potentially life-changing device. With their combined skills, they can dodge murderous enemies and unravel baffling messages, but they can’t deny their growing bond or the desire sparking between them. Pirates don’t have partners. But if they dare to open their hearts, they might discover that the greatest treasures of all can’t be buried.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will she have to risk more than she expected to reach her goal …

Since I have read Steam Me Up, Rawley by Angela Quarles, I have from time to time looked for a good steampunk romance, but as it is not my usual read, it has been with not much success until I discovered the author’s unusual work with her previous book, and since I have decided to not miss any of her new releases. Sure I am a historical romance reader first, so steampunk romance is much different but it also has the society’s rules in common with spice and the fun side of steam and brass technology, like in the Miyazaki world I have always loved.
And after the fiasco of a book I read last month and couldn’t enter in with flying houses and crazy old ladies, this one was a breath of fresh air.

I adored the Duke, he is sweet, fun and caring, a big body of a kluntz but a devoted father and friend.
Cliff did not ask to become a Duke but some hazards of fate made him the last of a bloodline, and the heir of a bankrupt dukedom. He wants nothing of it and is ready to start all new if he can avoid to be saddled with this nightmare of a inheritance.
He is such a sweet fellow, ready to do anything to ensure his daughter is safe and cared for. She is the apple of his eyes. For her, he will saddle himself with a lady pirate, and even become a treasure hunter as the jewel at the end is what he has dreamed for since his daughter’s life had been endangered by an illness.
While he is no hero with armor and steed, but he stands his ground and plunges into the fray each time it is necessary. He is the perfect partner, not to steal the limelight but to hold one’s hand and stand by when necessary. With Sabine, he slowly falls deep for her, yet he does not wants crumbs from her, he wants all or nothing, and has a lot of patience and tenacity to go under her skin, if she would let him in.
Sabine is such an intriguing character, she made herself who she is, she never let others overpower her, always finding a way out. Yet since she lost too much some years ago, she closed her heart to others. She is still the spectacular pirate she was, on the hunt for a new treasure, but unable to let someone pass her defenses. Until a clumsy yankee of a duke lands into her new home and first request she kills him then offers his help to unravel the mysteries leading to the gem she is looking for.
She is a woman in mourning, she internally cries for those she has lost, which makes her unable to open herself she believes to others. Yet, despite everything she thinks, a gauche peer makes her insides tickle and her blood pumps faster.
And while it is a romance, it is a love story between three persons, as Lola, Cliff’s daughter is as much part in this relationship as the two others. She is in fact the glue between them, with her innocence and fun view of life, she breaks through Sabine’s walls.

So, do not miss this non-stop action treasure chase as love might be the end price, only if they are willing to involve their heart and soul.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,342 reviews
September 8, 2021
*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I suppose the name of the series (Sass and Steam) should have clued me in to what this book would be like. But, alas, I must not have noticed it. The premise of the book sounded interesting and fun, and I suppose in some ways it was--pirates, airships, treasure, and a love story. But it could have been better.

Weaknesses:
The writing was just okay and at times bordered on a little corny. I've never been a big fan of characters' internal dialogue when books are written in third person. Other than that, I can't quite put my finger on what failed to impress me about the style. Although I dislike profanity, I won't begrudge its use in certain circumstances (Lone Survivor, anyone?); however, this book frequently employed it for seemingly no other reason but to use it, particularly the f word. In addition, I didn't care for the sex scenes (again, my fault for not taking the hint). On the bright side, even though they were rather crudely written, they were always very short and could be easily skimmed over without missing anything at all important to the story.

Strengths:
Cliff (30) and Sabine (?) are both strong characters, and I liked seeing them open up and care about each other. I appreciated that neither was diminished in order to build up the other.

How it ends:

Note: Swearing, including a lot of f words. A few crude sex scenes, which are short and easily skipped.
Profile Image for Visionary Druid.
701 reviews14 followers
June 27, 2021
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (unedited version... will update when I get edits back)

Clifford “Cliff” Kinsley is a scrap metal entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois. He inherits a dukedom in England and a mountain of debt. Cliff wants to kill off the Duke of Hartleigh, so he and his daughter can escape to California. The pirate next door may be the answer to his prayers. Cliff soon finds himself and his impressionable daughter swept up in Sabine Diebin’s treasure hunt. What dangers will the three find on their adventures? Can Cliff help Sabine find the treasure she seeks? Or will he be a hindrance?
Sabine Diebin is the renowned airship pirate La Capitaine. She purchases the late Duke of Hartleigh’s ducal manor in hopes of finding clues to a particular treasure. Sabine accepts the new duke’s offer to clear out the clutter his predecessor left behind. Cliff proves beneficial in deciphering the clues they find. She reluctantly drags him and his daughter on her dangerous treasure hunt. Can Sabine resist Cliff’s brand of temptation? Will they outsmart Redbeard to find the elusive treasure?
Clifford is such a fun and delightful character. He is the opposite of what I pictured a duke to be. I would like to see more of his kind in historical romance books. It would be a nice change of pace. I adore Cliff’s bumbling awkwardness. Things never goes the way he expects, yet he manages to make the best of his situations. What I love the most about Cliff is his devotion to his daughter. Everything he does is for her benefit.
Sabine is everything I enjoy in a heroine. She is wily and independent with a hidden vulnerable side. I like how Sabine proves that not all women need a man’s protection. Instead, she protects Cliff several times in their misadventures. What I love the most about Sabine is her interaction with Cliff’s daughter Lola. She adores the seven-year-old’s spirit and energy. Sabine encourages Lola to be whatever she wants.
DEAD DUKES TELL NO TALES is book three in Catherine Stein’s steampunk romance series, SASS AND STREAM. The story can easily standalone. There is no ongoing plot or reoccurring characters that require reading the prior two books. It just focuses on Sabine and Clifford’s escapades. I am new to this author. I could not help but enjoy the humor she infused into her writing style. It made it fun to read.
DEAD DUKES TELL NO TALES is a zany tale of an unlikely partnership between a duke and an airship pirate, and their hilarious hijinks. This story did not disappoint. It filled my steampunk needs.


Profile Image for Nati.
126 reviews57 followers
June 26, 2021
*I've been given a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.*

• This review will be written in English then in Portuguese. •

Pirates, love and steampunk, with compelling protagonists and a setting meant for greatness.

I feel like when romance books are *really* good, they appeal to everyone, even people who aren't the greatest romance fans. I'm not much of a romance person myself, but I did find this highly enjoyable. A lot of it comes from the setting, and this was a well crafted plot and world.

Steampunk is hard to write for. I read quite a few books of the genre and many miss the mark because so much focus is put on world building, that the characters and plot seem lacking in comparison. This book did NOT feel the same as those.

Four stars because at some point I felt that things were getting rushed and the plot could use some pacing, but otherwise I have no complaints. Very worthy read. Also I damn love that duke.

Ultimatum: 4 stars of love and steam. And steamy love.

-

Piratas, amor e Steampunk, com protagonistas convincentes e um cenário feito para a grandeza.

Eu acho que quando livros de romance são *realmente* bons, eles vão ser bons para todo mundo, mesmo pessoas que não são os maiores fãs de romance. Eu não muito de romance pessoalmente, mais eu achei esse livro muito divertido. Muito desse divertimento vem do cenário, e o mundo bem feito com grande enredo.

É difícil escrever Steampunk. Eu li muitos livros desse gênero e muitos pecam por focar demais na crianção do mundo e esquecerem os personagens e o enredo. Esse livro NÃO teve essa vibe.

Quatro estrelas porque em alguns momentos em achei que tudo ficou meio apressado e o enredo poderia ser feito de forma diferente, mas fora isso não tenho nada para reclamar. Valeu a pena a leitura. E eu amei o duque pra caramba.

Ultimato: 4 estrelas de amor e fogo, ou um amor cheio de fogo.
627 reviews
July 8, 2021
TITLE: A Duke and a Pirate join forces to find the “Heart of Ra”!

SETTING: At the turn of the 19th to 20th century. England, initially, then various countries.

CRITIQUE: A mystery (where is the Heart of Ra?), a budding love story that meets multiple challenges, and people with mechanical parts, add interesting twists to this steampunk story. You have the airships and mechanical animals as one would expect, but the happiness and well-being of our Hero and his daughter & our heroine are threatened by a pirate intent upon revenge AND his desire to have the Heart of Ra, whatever that is.
The main characters are interesting and are well-described. Not until the end, when the characters find the treasure, it is clear exactly what the treasure is. The search for it requires flying in the airship to various countries, even crossing the ocean to visit the Americas, which keeps the story exciting. I would have liked the biomechanics to be a bit more believable. There are steamy scenes that make this a story for adults, not young teens. Overall 3.5 rounded up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danielle Smith.
337 reviews8 followers
March 5, 2022
I loved this book.
A couple things up front: the LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness is great, subtle and hardly addressed, it is what the world should actually be like.
Although part of a series you can read this as a Standalone.

Ok, so, pirates, long lost dukes, treasure hunts, social mishaps, and of course love. This is a great adventure that has you fully immersed in the story and ready to jump on the airship yourself. You have to realign yourself with reality when you put the book down.

Cliff is the blunt American who is suddenly a Duke. He is also a single dad and Lola is his entire world. He wants out of the dukedom, he turns to Sabine to make a deal.

Sabine is a ex-pirate captain who wanted one last treasure before retiring for good. They travel around solving the clues to the puzzles laid out in front of them and they fall in love in the process.

I love a bad ass heroine who doesn't need saving and a hero who understands that but still wants to be the support.

The plot and the writing style made for a great reading journey.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical adventure and romance, regardless of whether you have read steampunk before, you will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Michelle Rupe.
413 reviews27 followers
July 13, 2021
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was a really interesting story. I love the treasure hunting aspect of it. I've never read any steampunk before, but I thought it was kind of cool. Lola and Cliff were an adorable father/daughter duo.

I thought sometimes Cliff and Sabine's inner monologues got to be too much, and they kept leaving each other. I got the point of it, but it kept weakening their relationship in my eyes. I loved the end when their quest was finished.
Profile Image for Anjana Baidya.
321 reviews
August 22, 2021
Woohoo, it sure was some journey for me. Also LADY PIRATES!! who doesn't love them? I sure do. I loved reading this adventurous book about a treasure hunt and the romance blossoming between them.

Sometimes I felt like it was a little bragging but I kept up with it. And Happily ever after was so sweet for that. I adored the protagonists.

Also this is my first steampunk novel so I wasn't sure what yo expect. But it exceeded that non existence expectations as well.

So thanks a bunch NetGalley gor the e-book.
#DeadDukesTellNoTales
Profile Image for Ron.
4,082 reviews11 followers
March 27, 2023
Clifford Kinsley has a problem, He has inherited an English dukedom saddled with debt and plenty of problems. So he hatches a scheme with Sabine Diebin, the former airship pirate, who is hunting for a clue in the junk-filled house she bought off the estate of the Duke of Hartleigh. He helps her find the Heart of Ra and she will help him disappear. Of course, problems ensue, kidnappings, daring rescues, and romance. A fun read about two folks finding a family they did not expect. Just do not be afraid of spiders! Now, I just need to find volume 1 and 2 of this series!
Profile Image for Oliwier.
204 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2021
Thank you netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a review.
Pirates ! And Lady pirates ! And steampunk pirates!
This book as an interesting plot, and the author's style is nice to read. I liked the mechanical spiders, and how much the Duke loves his daughter. I was less impressed by the romantic relationship, but that's probably my personal taste.
I'm probably not the target audience for this book, but I still enjoyed some parts. 5/10
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