This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster Narrator: Alison Larkin
Series: London Steampunk #1
on May 13, 2013
Genres: Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Urban Fantasy
Length: 11 hours and 35 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo*Chirp*Audiobooks.com
Goodreads
When Nowhere Is Safe
Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?
Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.
When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.
July 16th: Back in My Day…
(suggestions: historical, Old School, I might go with a book that was published when I was in high school or college 😭)
Why was this book on my TBR?
When it first came out many of the bloggers I follow checked this title out and I became intrigued. I found the Steampunk aspect unique and the cover also pulled me. I figured if I was going to give Steampunk a try it had to have Paranormal elements in it.
Why did you choose this book for this month’s challenge?
It was published in 2012, put on my TBR in 2013, and it’s labeled as a Historical. It’s set in the Victorian era. I don’t much care for just plan Historical Romance I need some Paranormal added in, so this title fit the bill being a Historical Paranormal Romance.
Kiss of Steel is book one in the London Steampunk series by Bea McMaster and narrated by Alison Larkin. I finally dived into the Steampunk genre and it was FABULOUS!
This is my first taste of Bea McMaster and narrator Alison Larkin. The author did a wonderful job portraying the world that I felt like I was physically in this Victorian world with these cool steampunk gadgets. We are treated to such vivid detail from places to things to all the wonderful characters.
Humans survive in this world as best they can, mostly as ‘servants’ and/or ‘thralls’. The Blue Bloods need to drink blood in order to prevent themselves from becoming a vicious monster like a vampire, but many of the Blue Bloods are an elitist and manipulative lot.
Blade our devilish handsome rogue Blue Blood runs the rookery and keeps those he protects safe. He is close to becoming a vampire, but when he meets Honoria his world turns upside down. She draws him in like nothing before.
Honoria is a human on the run from a powerful Blue Blood. She’s fiercely protective of her siblings after their fathers death and does not trust anyone. She’s at her wits end when she meets Blade. She knows he wants her blood and body, but something about this mysterious Blue Blood draws her in.
The push and pull between Blade and Honoria is so real and emotional. You can feel their struggles, especially Honoria in her trusting of anyone especially a Blue Blood; because Blue Bloods play power games. There’s a lot of banter which builds up into an epic love, full of sex, heart, and surrender for both.
Under the romance is a mystery, an old enemy and a fierce protectiveness. If you’re a fan of the sensually dark and beautiful with a touch of horror then you’ll enjoy this novel. It’s a deliciously devilish listen and I’m ready to continue the London Steampunk series.
Narrator: Alison Larkin did a wonderful job porting the characters. Her voices are distinctive, creative, and clear. We can hear the differences in male and female voices as well as the emotions and struggles these characters go through. I very much enjoyed this listen and plan to listen on.
Rated: 4 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
About Alison Larkin
Alison Larkin is a writer/comedian who has appeared on Broadway, the award-winning narrator of over 200 audiobooks and the bestselling author of The English American, a novel. In 2017 she founded Alison Larkin Presents, a unique independent audiobook company based in the Berkshires. To date, her company has received 11 AudioFile Earphones awards for Alison herself and many of narrators she has produced or directed, who include Golden Voice narrator Simon Jones, Virginia McKenna, Tina Packer and the no longer unknown British narrator Clive Hayward who Alison hired to read Frankenstein and the Rime of the Ancient Mariner after hearing his voice on the radio.
About Bec McMaster
Kidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Discover more from Angel's Book Nook
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’ve tried Steampunk but couldn’t really get into it sadly. I’m glad this TBR book worked for you! I am not doing as great on my plan to read the physical books on my TBR, while I have been getting some of my audiobooks listened to though.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/07/08/e-galley-review-wildflowers-by-kylie-scott/
This year it’s been audiobooks. Reading physical books hasn’t been my thing this year. So, I keep looking at my library for the books on my TBR in audiobooks.
I was surprised with how much enjoyment I got from this novel. I wasn’t sure if I’d like Steampunk, but I liked this one. Thanks for checking out my review and chatting.
I didn’t realize Alison Larkin narrated the audios. I read this series when it first came out, but I might have to revisit it on audio.
This is my first taste of narrator Alison Larkin. She did a great job. I enjoyed the audio and plan to continue the series in audiobook format. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for visiting, Sophia.
Oh, great pick! I love this series and I wish the author was still writing. But there are several books in the series and I highly recommend!
I planning to listen on in the series. I had much more fun with this novel then I expected too. It’s my first Steampunk. ^_^ Knowing you enjoyed the series gives me hope I’ll continue to enjoy as well since we have similar tastes. Thanks for checking out my review.
Glad to see your rating on this. I’ve wanted to read this author for awhile and I own some of her books, too.
I’ve wanted to read this series for a while and I finally did. I’m glad I did. The audio was a great listen and I’m looking forward to listening on. Thanks for visiting!
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome. Thank you for checking out this review.
This sounds like an intriguing read. Thanks!
You are welcome. Thank you for checking out this review. Happy Reading!
This sounds like a good read
Hope you enjoy. Thanks for visiting and checking out my review.
Cool book and review. 🙂
Thanks. I listened to this in a day and half. Couldn’t stop devouring the novel. Apricate you visiting.