That's What I'm Talking About

My Rating:  A+ Personal Favorite

Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Nighthawks have been the stable blueblood (think vampire) police force for forty years, but their founder and longtime leader, Sir Jasper Lynch, recently stepped down to assume his role among the Echelon (My Lady Quicksilver). Now Garrett Reed, second in command of the Nighthawks steps into the role of Master, yet he has not yet been appointed by the Echelon. As Garrett accustoms himself to this new title, he finds that he is haunted by the recent memories of his long-time friend and partner, Perry, dressed seductively when the pair recently went undercover. Both Perry and Garrett realize that something changed that night, even though they never even so much as kissed. Now with Garrett’s craving virus levels increasing dangerously high, he cannot confide in his long-time friend. 

Perry has a secret that she’s been hiding for nine years as she made her way up the ranks of the Nighthawks. But when two young debutants are discovered murdered and missing their hearts, Perry realizes her former life has come back to haunt her and will end life as she knows it. Now Perry must decide if saving the innocent is worth the cost of her own freedom, and the loss of the one man she’s ever loved.

I cannot say enough praises for the London Steampunk series and specifically, Forged by Desire. The mystery and intrigue built into the superbly crafted plot kept me engrossed and excited throughout the entire book. Yet it is the love story of Garrett and Perry that provides immense satisfaction and emotional gratification. With its unusual mix of paranormal, steampunk, historical, and mystery elements, the author creates a unique setting and world with an honest to goodness romance at the core. You really should be reading this series!

The intermixing of the mystery, Perry’s past, and the romance is wonderfully done; it is well-balanced, and I found myself ensnared by the intricacies of each plot line. Perry and Garrett make a wonderful friends-to-lovers pair, with incredible sexual tension and mutual admiration. The hiccups along the way are created out of genuine care for the other, and only once did I get really frustrated with Perry’s stubbornness. :-)

Both Perry and Garrett are complex, caring, and stubborn characters, which makes emotional break-throughs absolutely rewarding. There were multiple times during the book where I found myself dabbing tears from my eyes due to the raw and intense conversations and confessions. I appreciate the pace at which the pair comes together, and the need for one-step-forward, two-steps-back at times. Ms. McMaster knows how to play my heart strings so cleverly, and I was completely invested in the pair.

However, as wonderful as the romance is, I am seriously in awe of Ms. McMaster's storytelling. As the tale unfolds and pieces fall into place, the attention she has spent on every detail and plot point is evident. Nothing is without purpose and every scene is phenomenal. There are so many gut-wrenching, emotionally powerful scenes, coupled with tense, suspenseful ones. I seriously could not put this book down. 

Overall, Forged by Desire is simply and plainly amazing storytelling, with superb plot and character development. The scenes are vivid, the action exciting, and the romance powerful and hot. The storyline is engrossing, and watching each piece of the puzzle click into place is exciting. I adore this series, which has moved up to a must-read on my list. Bec McMaster is a marvelous author and you should be reading her work!