THE IRON DUKE by Meljean Brook

A Novel of the Iron Seas
Publisher: Berkley
Date published: October 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23667-3
Steampunk
Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained from publisher


Mina Wentworth is a Detective Inspector and is sent to the house of the Iron Duke. A body has been dropped on his house. The Iron Duke is a national hero who saved his country from The Horde. Mina is certainly aware that he could take care of this little problem himself, but she has a duty to do and do it she will! The Duke, Rhys Trahaearn is captivated by Mina. He wants her in his bed, but Mina is playing very hard to get. She knows that any kind of a relationship with him could ruin her and her family. But they are thrown together when they find out that there is a conspiracy going on that could put many lives in danger. They must take to the skies, chase pirates, run for their lives through zombie-infested jungles and cross dangerous waters. But the biggest fight for Mina is resisting the charming Duke.

Last night I went to bed with Meljean Brook and she kept me up all night! She was so good that I couldn’t get hardly a wink of sleep. It’s been a long time since I was so well satisfied. Now, get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking about her book. I must warn you that you need to read this book with a lot of spare time available because you will not be able to put it down.

This is not just a nice romance with some serious sexual tension, or a pretty good plot that twists and turns keeping you turning the pages. No, this is a story that has obviously been very well thought out. The characters are multi-dimensional and the secondary characters bring the story to life. I really liked Mina’s mother. Other people may paint or do cross stitch, but Mina’s mother makes mechanical gadgetry that is useful for everyday life. Both Mina and Rhys are captivating. I loved how Rhys patiently wore down Mina’s resistance. There is lots of action and adventure in this story and some moments where you may shed a tear. I know, once you pick it up, you’ll be so captivated that everything around you will fade away. This is a keeper for me and when the next one comes out, I’ll be rereading this one first for sure!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.