Kiss of Steel

by Bec McMaster

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca

My Rating: 

He craves her like no other…

Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?

Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.

My Review:

What can I say about Kiss of Steel– I loved it, it’s vampire steampunk done well!

Honoria Todd is a human woman, down on her luck.  She is in charge of her two younger siblings, one of which is facing the blue blood virus.  She hardly has enough money to make ends meet when she is noticed by Blade, the master of the rookeries and notorious Blue Blood.  Blade is drawn to Honoria and determined to make her his, but he wants her for more than blood and finds himself going out of his way to keep her safe, especially when powerful enemies want her as well.

I am a fan of the steampunk genre, but I don’t get the opportunity to read it very often.  So, when I had the opportunity to read and review Kiss of Steel, I was excited.  Bec McMaster has created a very unique paranormal world filled with humans and thralls, Blue Bloods (infected/vampire-like humans), and the occasional vicious/rabid vampire on a rampage.  It took awhile for me to understand the setting, but I really loved the set up, and the story in general.

I liked Honoria a lot, it was easy to relate to her and her situation, even in such a unique world.  She was just trying to take care of her family to the best of her abilities, and she had a difficult time overcoming prejudices that had been taught to her.  I really like Blade as well, he is a good man with a nasty reputation.  However, he takes care of his own and he made a place and a life for himself outside of the rulers confines.  Honoria and Blade develop a solid connection, and sparks fly between them.  I love the romance in this book, it doesn’t come easy for Honoria and Blade, but it is well-deserved.

Steampunk is a historical setting, but that doesn’t mean that there is no action.  There is plenty of action in this fast-paced book.  The vampires and blue-bloods are deadly fighters and life in the rookeries is far from peaceful.

With excellent world-building, and intriguing setting, memorable characters, and (of course) romance, Kiss of Steel is altogether an excellent read.  Readers who like paranormal books, vampires, or even steampunk, I highly recommend giving Kiss of Steel a try.

Kiss of Steal releases September 1.  You can Pre-order it at: