What do you think?
Rate this book
Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles #1
Steam Me Up, Rawley
Jack the Ripper might be in town. But is marriage more terrifying?
In an alternate Deep South in 1890, society reporter Adele de la Pointe wants to make her own way in the world, despite her family’s pressure to become a society wife. Hoping to ruin herself as a matrimonial prospect, she seizes the opportunity to cover the recent Jack the Ripper-style murders for the newspaper, but her father's dashing new intern suggests a more terrifying headline—marriage.
Dr. Phillip Rawley’s most daring exploit has been arriving at his new home in America in a hot air balloon. A tolerable sacrifice, if it means he can secure the hand of his new employer’s daughter in a marriage of convenience. But Adele works, she's spirited, and she has an armored pet monkey running her errands. Not only does she not match his notions of a proper lady, she stirs up feelings he’d rather keep in tight control.
With Adele hunting down a headline and Dr. Rawley trying to protect and pursue her, a serial killer is spreading panic throughout Mobile, Alabama. Can Adele and Rawley find the murderer, face their fears, and discover true love?
In an alternate Deep South in 1890, society reporter Adele de la Pointe wants to make her own way in the world, despite her family’s pressure to become a society wife. Hoping to ruin herself as a matrimonial prospect, she seizes the opportunity to cover the recent Jack the Ripper-style murders for the newspaper, but her father's dashing new intern suggests a more terrifying headline—marriage.
Dr. Phillip Rawley’s most daring exploit has been arriving at his new home in America in a hot air balloon. A tolerable sacrifice, if it means he can secure the hand of his new employer’s daughter in a marriage of convenience. But Adele works, she's spirited, and she has an armored pet monkey running her errands. Not only does she not match his notions of a proper lady, she stirs up feelings he’d rather keep in tight control.
With Adele hunting down a headline and Dr. Rawley trying to protect and pursue her, a serial killer is spreading panic throughout Mobile, Alabama. Can Adele and Rawley find the murderer, face their fears, and discover true love?
294 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2015
About the author
Angela Quarles
11 books521 followersAn avid reader herself, Angela Quarles writes books she'd like to read--laugh-out-loud, smart romances that suck you into her worlds and won't let you go until you reach The End.
~Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1sde3Qi
~Facebook: http://on.fb.me/VMFT3L
~Twitter: http://bit.ly/Se5gQ0
~Website: http://bit.ly/VMFK00
~Blog: http://bit.ly/WkQbXG
~Amazon: http://bit.ly/AngelaQuarles
~BookBub:: http://bit.ly/2xVWYFe
She is a RWA RITA® award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, time travel, and steampunk romance. Library Journal named her steampunk, Steam Me Up, Rawley, Best Self-Published Romance of 2015 and Must Love Chainmail won the 2016 RITA® Award in the paranormal category, the first indie to win in that category. Angela loves history, folklore, and family history and combined it with her active imagination to write stories of romance and adventure.
~Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1sde3Qi
~Facebook: http://on.fb.me/VMFT3L
~Twitter: http://bit.ly/Se5gQ0
~Website: http://bit.ly/VMFK00
~Blog: http://bit.ly/WkQbXG
~Amazon: http://bit.ly/AngelaQuarles
~BookBub:: http://bit.ly/2xVWYFe
She is a RWA RITA® award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, time travel, and steampunk romance. Library Journal named her steampunk, Steam Me Up, Rawley, Best Self-Published Romance of 2015 and Must Love Chainmail won the 2016 RITA® Award in the paranormal category, the first indie to win in that category. Angela loves history, folklore, and family history and combined it with her active imagination to write stories of romance and adventure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 31, 2014
Steam Me Up, Rawley is a fun, exciting, new steampunk series that takes place in a 1890 American alternate history. Although the story is in an alternate fictitious history, women still face the discrimination found until the mid to later 1900's...and Adele de la Pointe is the perfect woman to buck the system. I only wish I could have the strength of character Adele shows throughout the story.
Adele's father, a renowned plastic surgeon makes a “bargain” with a British up in coming plastic surgeon. His bargain, marry his daughter, come work along side him and he will preform a much needed surgery on Phillips disfigured sister.
Adele being of an independent nature doesn't want to chance her heart to a man who will expect her to conform. Phillip thinks its a done deal, but quickly discovers he has a lot to work for...
Adele trying to make her own way in the world makes her own bargain with her father, gain the position of lead investigative reporter in the local paper and he'll leave her future to her own devices. The only problem, Adele's investigation puts her in the sights of a serial killer.
I loved watching two flawed characters come together and find what they are absolutely not looking for...in each other. The story has an endearingly naive quality with two very brilliant characters. I was utterly engaged from the beginning and invested till the end. I am anxious for more of Angela Quarles The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles.
Written by: Angela Quarles
Series: The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles
Sequence in Series: 1
BN ID: 2940046315110
Publisher: Unsealed Room Press
Publication date: 1/14/2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Adele's father, a renowned plastic surgeon makes a “bargain” with a British up in coming plastic surgeon. His bargain, marry his daughter, come work along side him and he will preform a much needed surgery on Phillips disfigured sister.
Adele being of an independent nature doesn't want to chance her heart to a man who will expect her to conform. Phillip thinks its a done deal, but quickly discovers he has a lot to work for...
Adele trying to make her own way in the world makes her own bargain with her father, gain the position of lead investigative reporter in the local paper and he'll leave her future to her own devices. The only problem, Adele's investigation puts her in the sights of a serial killer.
I loved watching two flawed characters come together and find what they are absolutely not looking for...in each other. The story has an endearingly naive quality with two very brilliant characters. I was utterly engaged from the beginning and invested till the end. I am anxious for more of Angela Quarles The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles.
Written by: Angela Quarles
Series: The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles
Sequence in Series: 1
BN ID: 2940046315110
Publisher: Unsealed Room Press
Publication date: 1/14/2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 24, 2015
Well this was a FUN book!!
Set in an alternate-history world in southern Alabama, Adele de la Pointe is determined to make her way as a successful career woman, and in turn, ruin all her chances of ever becoming “wife” material. Her latest profession: society reporter. What she really wants is a chance at investigative reporting, but there is “no place” for a woman in that position. The Dr. Phillip Rawley lands at her feet…literally, and changes everything.
I haven’t read many steampunk stories set in America, but the author put a nice spin on southern history and the mystery of Jack the Ripper with the perfect amount of humor and romance to keep me interested. It was refreshing and different.
The Mystery: Honestly, the “bad guy” didn’t stay a mystery for long, but his purpose did! Plus, it was fun there for a little while when Adele was suspecting Rawley. There’s plenty of danger to make up for it though.
The Romance: There was some good sexual tension happening between Adele and Rawley. I loved the “opposites attract” theme they had going, even though Rawley really was a dashing hero hiding as a plain and boring doctor. Adele truly had him pegged from the beginning.
The Characters: This definitely had an interesting variety of characters, and Loki the monkey was one of my favorites. I could totally picture him shaking his fist at everyone who upset Adele.
What’s Next? My fingers are crossed for Rex and Charlotte!!
Angela Quarles is a new-to-me author and I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Set in an alternate-history world in southern Alabama, Adele de la Pointe is determined to make her way as a successful career woman, and in turn, ruin all her chances of ever becoming “wife” material. Her latest profession: society reporter. What she really wants is a chance at investigative reporting, but there is “no place” for a woman in that position. The Dr. Phillip Rawley lands at her feet…literally, and changes everything.
I haven’t read many steampunk stories set in America, but the author put a nice spin on southern history and the mystery of Jack the Ripper with the perfect amount of humor and romance to keep me interested. It was refreshing and different.
The Mystery: Honestly, the “bad guy” didn’t stay a mystery for long, but his purpose did! Plus, it was fun there for a little while when Adele was suspecting Rawley. There’s plenty of danger to make up for it though.
The Romance: There was some good sexual tension happening between Adele and Rawley. I loved the “opposites attract” theme they had going, even though Rawley really was a dashing hero hiding as a plain and boring doctor. Adele truly had him pegged from the beginning.
The Characters: This definitely had an interesting variety of characters, and Loki the monkey was one of my favorites. I could totally picture him shaking his fist at everyone who upset Adele.
What’s Next? My fingers are crossed for Rex and Charlotte!!
Angela Quarles is a new-to-me author and I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
April 10, 2015
A steampunk romantic suspense set in America's Deep South sounded all sorts of fun times so I was eager to reach for this book and get started. And what's a steampunk tale without a daring, independent-minded heroine and a smart, handsome hero to ride at her side? Let's just say that I didn't have to find out because this book opening a new thrilling series had those very types. It took me a bit to get into this one, but after a time, I got my feet under me and I was off to enjoy Adele and Rawley's adventures.
The story opens on an alternate history in 1890's Mobile, Alabama with poor Adele de la Pointe covering yet another boring event for the society column of the newspaper when instead she would rather be dashing around digging up an exciting story as an investigative journalist. Unfortunately, it’s a man's world and she is barely holding onto the job she has now. It's her only way to hold off her father from marrying her off. Oh sure, it hurts a bit that everyone in Mobile thinks she's flighty and odd, but Adele wants more than to stifle in the rigors of social norm as some man's society wife. She wants to make a difference in the world like her hero, Nellie Bly. As she ponders life, her unorthodox pet monkey makes a big splash at the garden fete in the lemonade bowl and she can only hope it doesn't mean her job. Things get interesting when a handsome stranger with a delicious British accent and an adventurous flair about him arrives from the sky by balloon. All her curiosity turns sour when she realizes that Dr. Rawley isn't just there to intern with her father.
Phillip Rawley is told all the time that he's a dead bore, but to help his despairing sister, he will venture most anything including moving to America and agreeing to an arranged marriage with the feisty daughter of the man who can help Charlotte. Phillip's proposal is soundly rejected and after seeing Adele in action, he's not sure that he's all that disappointed, but for Charlotte's sake he has to keep trying. Adele's a nightmare for a man who wants a calm, peaceful, organized home. But he can't very well let her go after a serial killer in an attempt to scoop a big story all by herself, can he? Okay, and maybe he does like her fire and individuality just a little even if she wants nothing to do with him.
What a rich, colorful world the author painted of a steampunk world Mobile with true life figures and locales rubbing shoulders with interesting original characters and a steampunk makeover. The plot was fun and engaging once it got going with both leads taking turns with the narration. I confess that it took a bit for me to get into the story. The heroine struck me as being flaky even as I sympathized with her passionate underlying needs. Later, when the story was in full-swing and she grew and developed as a character some more, I was fine, though I still thought she was a mess albeit a fun mess. The plot has several layers that include both Adele and Phillip's character growth, the romance, and the nice bit of suspense with the murder and espionage going on.
Since this is a first in a series book, it needed to set things up. I liked how the story and setting wove well together and the details of the world were allowed to unfold as we went. The pacing was good and the descriptive details were just right for me- not too much; not too little. I love Steampunk stories, but I like them to have a more organic or magical feel than an info dump that sounds like a mechanical science manual with this one hitting a happy medium.
As to the romance, that was a slow to develop bit and rightly so. Adele had a couple past traumatic experiences that shape the adult she is and cause her to run from the prospect of marriage, struggle with her family relationships, and flit about with very little purpose, but a whole lot of determination. Phillip has his own devils in the closet that keep him from being in a good place for a romance too though he is a more grounded person than Adele. However, they do have a lot of sparks and sizzle that gets up to some steamy (see that play on the genre and the story just like the author did with the title?) passionate encounters even as they both resist their attraction hard. Phillip is masculine perfection and all (Adele was a nut to take so long to figure that out), but his biggest appeal was that this guy really understood his lady.
Rawley values Adele and sees her so well, accepting what is there instead of what society dictates she should be. He helps her work through her fears and helps her learn how to focus her flightiness for results. Adele shows Rawley that he really isn't a bore and she likes being with him although in a freakout moment, she lets her tongue hurt him terribly by calling him exactly that.
In the end, this was a diverting, exciting and passionate story that makes me eager for more. Dare I hope that Rex gets his turn next? He really caught my attention as Adele's brother and a pivotal secondary character. But anyway, I'd recommend this one to Steampunk Romance lovers who don't mind America for the setting, moderate amount of gadgetry, suspenseful plot and a hot romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens on an alternate history in 1890's Mobile, Alabama with poor Adele de la Pointe covering yet another boring event for the society column of the newspaper when instead she would rather be dashing around digging up an exciting story as an investigative journalist. Unfortunately, it’s a man's world and she is barely holding onto the job she has now. It's her only way to hold off her father from marrying her off. Oh sure, it hurts a bit that everyone in Mobile thinks she's flighty and odd, but Adele wants more than to stifle in the rigors of social norm as some man's society wife. She wants to make a difference in the world like her hero, Nellie Bly. As she ponders life, her unorthodox pet monkey makes a big splash at the garden fete in the lemonade bowl and she can only hope it doesn't mean her job. Things get interesting when a handsome stranger with a delicious British accent and an adventurous flair about him arrives from the sky by balloon. All her curiosity turns sour when she realizes that Dr. Rawley isn't just there to intern with her father.
Phillip Rawley is told all the time that he's a dead bore, but to help his despairing sister, he will venture most anything including moving to America and agreeing to an arranged marriage with the feisty daughter of the man who can help Charlotte. Phillip's proposal is soundly rejected and after seeing Adele in action, he's not sure that he's all that disappointed, but for Charlotte's sake he has to keep trying. Adele's a nightmare for a man who wants a calm, peaceful, organized home. But he can't very well let her go after a serial killer in an attempt to scoop a big story all by herself, can he? Okay, and maybe he does like her fire and individuality just a little even if she wants nothing to do with him.
What a rich, colorful world the author painted of a steampunk world Mobile with true life figures and locales rubbing shoulders with interesting original characters and a steampunk makeover. The plot was fun and engaging once it got going with both leads taking turns with the narration. I confess that it took a bit for me to get into the story. The heroine struck me as being flaky even as I sympathized with her passionate underlying needs. Later, when the story was in full-swing and she grew and developed as a character some more, I was fine, though I still thought she was a mess albeit a fun mess. The plot has several layers that include both Adele and Phillip's character growth, the romance, and the nice bit of suspense with the murder and espionage going on.
Since this is a first in a series book, it needed to set things up. I liked how the story and setting wove well together and the details of the world were allowed to unfold as we went. The pacing was good and the descriptive details were just right for me- not too much; not too little. I love Steampunk stories, but I like them to have a more organic or magical feel than an info dump that sounds like a mechanical science manual with this one hitting a happy medium.
As to the romance, that was a slow to develop bit and rightly so. Adele had a couple past traumatic experiences that shape the adult she is and cause her to run from the prospect of marriage, struggle with her family relationships, and flit about with very little purpose, but a whole lot of determination. Phillip has his own devils in the closet that keep him from being in a good place for a romance too though he is a more grounded person than Adele. However, they do have a lot of sparks and sizzle that gets up to some steamy (see that play on the genre and the story just like the author did with the title?) passionate encounters even as they both resist their attraction hard. Phillip is masculine perfection and all (Adele was a nut to take so long to figure that out), but his biggest appeal was that this guy really understood his lady.
Rawley values Adele and sees her so well, accepting what is there instead of what society dictates she should be. He helps her work through her fears and helps her learn how to focus her flightiness for results. Adele shows Rawley that he really isn't a bore and she likes being with him although in a freakout moment, she lets her tongue hurt him terribly by calling him exactly that.
In the end, this was a diverting, exciting and passionate story that makes me eager for more. Dare I hope that Rex gets his turn next? He really caught my attention as Adele's brother and a pivotal secondary character. But anyway, I'd recommend this one to Steampunk Romance lovers who don't mind America for the setting, moderate amount of gadgetry, suspenseful plot and a hot romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
I was given an ARC for an honest review, and I'm absolutely elated that I got to read it before everyone else! ;-P
I loved Angela's Must Love Breeches (time travel romance) because of her writing style, voice and characterizations--and she didn't disappoint in SMUR. She knows how to write a romance well, and the reader really gets a feel for the "insurmountable" odds the hero/heroine must overcome. Her handling of her characters' growth is especially satisfying, and she was consistent on that mark in both books.
SMUR is different from MLB though. This book is a steampunk fantasy romance which follows an alternate timeline. What I would add about this book is that it reads like romantic comedy. It's light-hearted with plenty of LOL and eye-rolling moments. Adele and Loki's shenanigans are like made-for-TV moments. The romance doesn't suffer for it though. Phillip and Adele have some steamy scenes that aren't the usual stale bread and butter of romance.
One of the best things I enjoyed however was her voice. Now after two books, I think I could pick out an Angela Quarles anywhere.
"And she never thought she'd be drawn by a gentleman's eyebrows, but there it was."
"...and although his well-built frame was only an inch and a smidge taller than her, he seemed to take up more space, crowding her, shouting, 'Behold my manly charm and attributes'"
"Her brain staggered into flight mode, her thoughts whirling and flapping like a butterfly drunk on one too many mint juleps."
"The whole room, everything in it--lumps, pots, tools--seemed to lean back, hold its breath, unable to believe she was about to do this."
She has a way of making her words and characters come alive, and I'd definitely recommend this book!
I loved Angela's Must Love Breeches (time travel romance) because of her writing style, voice and characterizations--and she didn't disappoint in SMUR. She knows how to write a romance well, and the reader really gets a feel for the "insurmountable" odds the hero/heroine must overcome. Her handling of her characters' growth is especially satisfying, and she was consistent on that mark in both books.
SMUR is different from MLB though. This book is a steampunk fantasy romance which follows an alternate timeline. What I would add about this book is that it reads like romantic comedy. It's light-hearted with plenty of LOL and eye-rolling moments. Adele and Loki's shenanigans are like made-for-TV moments. The romance doesn't suffer for it though. Phillip and Adele have some steamy scenes that aren't the usual stale bread and butter of romance.
One of the best things I enjoyed however was her voice. Now after two books, I think I could pick out an Angela Quarles anywhere.
"And she never thought she'd be drawn by a gentleman's eyebrows, but there it was."
"...and although his well-built frame was only an inch and a smidge taller than her, he seemed to take up more space, crowding her, shouting, 'Behold my manly charm and attributes'"
"Her brain staggered into flight mode, her thoughts whirling and flapping like a butterfly drunk on one too many mint juleps."
"The whole room, everything in it--lumps, pots, tools--seemed to lean back, hold its breath, unable to believe she was about to do this."
She has a way of making her words and characters come alive, and I'd definitely recommend this book!
May 18, 2015
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
This is the first book I have read by new to me author Angela Quarles and it was definitely a fun escape into the Steampunk genre.
The heroine is fun and the integration of actual history mixed up with an original tale was certainly very well done.
A stand alone book those looking for their answers will not have to wait for another installment despite the #1 in the description that these days often means "You will need book 2". You may indeed WANT book 2 I know that I do, but not for story completing purposes.
The only lacking part for me was with some of the secondary characters. There, for me, was a lot more to be explored there and I think that would have enhanced the read for me. Perhaps we will learn more about them in another book?
Over all 4 stars from me and I look forward to more in this series. V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This is the first book I have read by new to me author Angela Quarles and it was definitely a fun escape into the Steampunk genre.
The heroine is fun and the integration of actual history mixed up with an original tale was certainly very well done.
A stand alone book those looking for their answers will not have to wait for another installment despite the #1 in the description that these days often means "You will need book 2". You may indeed WANT book 2 I know that I do, but not for story completing purposes.
The only lacking part for me was with some of the secondary characters. There, for me, was a lot more to be explored there and I think that would have enhanced the read for me. Perhaps we will learn more about them in another book?
Over all 4 stars from me and I look forward to more in this series. V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
February 19, 2015
Great read!
This is a new author for me and I truly enjoyed this book :-). Her h was smart and clever, no TSTL moments, and the romance was honest and funny and warm. Rawley was a great H, and week-matched with Adele. I will definitely read more by this author :-).
This is a new author for me and I truly enjoyed this book :-). Her h was smart and clever, no TSTL moments, and the romance was honest and funny and warm. Rawley was a great H, and week-matched with Adele. I will definitely read more by this author :-).
May 8, 2015
Thoroughly researched, the reader is likely to feel as though they have been thrown back in time.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 3, 2015
I received an ARC from Netgalley. Review originally posted on thefictionvixen.com.
I honestly did not think I would like this book as much as I did. First, I’ve never really read anything that could be considered steam punk; the only time I ever tried it before I couldn’t get past the first page because I felt like I needed a special dictionary to understand half of what was written. Second, I absolutely hate the title. Steam Me Up, Rawley? Really? Did the hero’s name need to be in the title? I would have much preferred it if it was just called Steam Me Up. All I can say is that I’m glad that I didn’t let the title stop me from reading this.
Jack the Ripper might be in town. But is marriage more terrifying?
In an alternate Deep South in 1890, society reporter Adele de la Pointe wants to make her own way in the world, despite her family’s pressure to become a society wife. Hoping to ruin herself as a matrimonial prospect, she seizes the opportunity to cover the recent Jack the Ripper-style murders for the newspaper, but her father’s dashing new intern suggests a more terrifying headline—marriage.
Dr. Phillip Rawley’s most daring exploit has been arriving at his new home in America in a hot air balloon. A tolerable sacrifice, if it means he can secure the hand of his new employer’s daughter in a marriage of convenience. But Adele works, she’s spirited, and she has an armored pet monkey running her errands. Not only does she not match his notions of a proper lady, she stirs up feelings he’d rather keep in tight control.
With Adele hunting down a headline and Dr. Rawley trying to protect and pursue her, a serial killer is spreading panic throughout Mobile, Alabama. Can Adele and Rawley find the murderer, face their fears, and discover true love?
One of the things that I really enjoyed was learning the ins and outs of Quarles’s Mobile, which was richly drawn and made me wish that people actually had walked around with “shoulder pets” during the 19th Century. While I wouldn’t want to find people walking around with parakeets or monkeys on their shoulders today, this seems like something that Gilded Era rich people would have done. (Really, it seems like something that if Paris Hilton started doing a decade ago all the status hungry people in Long Island–not to mention my neighborhood back home–would have jumped all over. It is that type of ridiculous thing over which the rest of the world would look on and shake their heads.) There were a few times where Adele’s monkey, whose name I blanking on for some reason, seemed to be heading into plot moppet territory, but on the whole, I liked this addition to the book.
What I really liked about SMUR (hmm, I don’t like this abbreviation, but I can’t think of anything better and I don’t want to keep typing up the whole title) was that both Adele and Phillip (Rawley of the title) were complex characters. Adele, especially appealed to me. She wasn’t the typical historical romance heroine, although I have no idea what the typical steam punk heroine is like. I liked that she was adamantly against the idea of marriage because she understood that as a married woman she would have to stop doing the things she wanted to do. (In the end, I was a little upset to find that this wasn’t the real reason she didn’t want to get married, but not upset enough for me to downgrade my rating.)
The one thing that I wasn’t crazy about was Adele’s father. For the majority of the book he seemed to be a rather cruel man, especially when it came to Phillip and the deal they struck to bring the young doctor to Mobile from England. There was something that he held over Phillip’s head to make sure that he would marry Adele (which I will not spoil) and I didn’t feel as if this was addressed properly. There sure as hell wasn’t any groveling on his part and I didn’t understand his sudden change of heart at the end of the novel. It felt to me as if he knew that Adele and Phillip would be married and only agreed to do what was right once he realized he would be getting what he wanted.
4 Stars
Steam Me Up, Rawley is available for pre-order on Amazon, BN, and Kobo. It will be published on January 14th and is the first book in the Mint Juleps and Monocle Chronicles series.
I honestly did not think I would like this book as much as I did. First, I’ve never really read anything that could be considered steam punk; the only time I ever tried it before I couldn’t get past the first page because I felt like I needed a special dictionary to understand half of what was written. Second, I absolutely hate the title. Steam Me Up, Rawley? Really? Did the hero’s name need to be in the title? I would have much preferred it if it was just called Steam Me Up. All I can say is that I’m glad that I didn’t let the title stop me from reading this.
Jack the Ripper might be in town. But is marriage more terrifying?
In an alternate Deep South in 1890, society reporter Adele de la Pointe wants to make her own way in the world, despite her family’s pressure to become a society wife. Hoping to ruin herself as a matrimonial prospect, she seizes the opportunity to cover the recent Jack the Ripper-style murders for the newspaper, but her father’s dashing new intern suggests a more terrifying headline—marriage.
Dr. Phillip Rawley’s most daring exploit has been arriving at his new home in America in a hot air balloon. A tolerable sacrifice, if it means he can secure the hand of his new employer’s daughter in a marriage of convenience. But Adele works, she’s spirited, and she has an armored pet monkey running her errands. Not only does she not match his notions of a proper lady, she stirs up feelings he’d rather keep in tight control.
With Adele hunting down a headline and Dr. Rawley trying to protect and pursue her, a serial killer is spreading panic throughout Mobile, Alabama. Can Adele and Rawley find the murderer, face their fears, and discover true love?
One of the things that I really enjoyed was learning the ins and outs of Quarles’s Mobile, which was richly drawn and made me wish that people actually had walked around with “shoulder pets” during the 19th Century. While I wouldn’t want to find people walking around with parakeets or monkeys on their shoulders today, this seems like something that Gilded Era rich people would have done. (Really, it seems like something that if Paris Hilton started doing a decade ago all the status hungry people in Long Island–not to mention my neighborhood back home–would have jumped all over. It is that type of ridiculous thing over which the rest of the world would look on and shake their heads.) There were a few times where Adele’s monkey, whose name I blanking on for some reason, seemed to be heading into plot moppet territory, but on the whole, I liked this addition to the book.
What I really liked about SMUR (hmm, I don’t like this abbreviation, but I can’t think of anything better and I don’t want to keep typing up the whole title) was that both Adele and Phillip (Rawley of the title) were complex characters. Adele, especially appealed to me. She wasn’t the typical historical romance heroine, although I have no idea what the typical steam punk heroine is like. I liked that she was adamantly against the idea of marriage because she understood that as a married woman she would have to stop doing the things she wanted to do. (In the end, I was a little upset to find that this wasn’t the real reason she didn’t want to get married, but not upset enough for me to downgrade my rating.)
The one thing that I wasn’t crazy about was Adele’s father. For the majority of the book he seemed to be a rather cruel man, especially when it came to Phillip and the deal they struck to bring the young doctor to Mobile from England. There was something that he held over Phillip’s head to make sure that he would marry Adele (which I will not spoil) and I didn’t feel as if this was addressed properly. There sure as hell wasn’t any groveling on his part and I didn’t understand his sudden change of heart at the end of the novel. It felt to me as if he knew that Adele and Phillip would be married and only agreed to do what was right once he realized he would be getting what he wanted.
4 Stars
Steam Me Up, Rawley is available for pre-order on Amazon, BN, and Kobo. It will be published on January 14th and is the first book in the Mint Juleps and Monocle Chronicles series.
January 4, 2015
I rated this a 4.25-4.5 but rounded up.
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
OH MAN Can Angela write a great story. I will admit that the story was a bit slow to get going. Mainly its slow because this is a Steampink novel. You gotta be ready to roll with the fun and quirky things like a pet monkey who wears armor?? Steampunk also seems to have wild technology and cool ideas for things. So to read it, ya gotta be able to roll with the creativity of it. Now I say it is slow initially because the world needs a solid foundation. It is not a paranormal world but there are differences between "real life" and this world.
Our main character Adele is some kinda woman. She is a 19 year old who refuses to get married and will be a reporter for the local newspaper. PERIOD!! Marriage is NOT for her. She called off a wedding and will not fall for a stupid man again.
Phillip, Dr. Rawley, is from London and comes to Mobile to learn how to perform a surgery his sister needs AND marry Adele per the deal with her father. Granted she has no clue but that is his plan. i mean what woman doesnt want to get married? PLUS he is a doctor and all.........
When Adele and Phillip meet, she is kinda taken in with him . He is "dashing" and "adventerous". He was brought up to link he was "dull" and "stiff". When Phillip hears that his future wife is going to be a REPORTER. He rushes to save her and proposes. UHM Phillip, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!! Yeah Adele pretty much is like ARE YOU NUTS!!!
Well Phillip is stunned she rejected him and now Adele is investigating murders. GASP Could Phillip be the murderer??? Well the two begin to investigate the possible murderer and they also begin to grow very, Very, VERY close....like no clothes on close???? Oh she went there people.....SEVERAL times!!!! *Snickers*
Adele is being stalked essentially by the killer and Phillip is going to do everything he can to save this woman who owes his heart. Adele is also trying to remain safe and she is also going to protect the man she has fallen in love with. But can she willingly give herself to him knowing he wants her to "stay at home" and not report????
Guess ya gotta read to see what happens...but trust me people...its a great, snarky, sexy read!!
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
OH MAN Can Angela write a great story. I will admit that the story was a bit slow to get going. Mainly its slow because this is a Steampink novel. You gotta be ready to roll with the fun and quirky things like a pet monkey who wears armor?? Steampunk also seems to have wild technology and cool ideas for things. So to read it, ya gotta be able to roll with the creativity of it. Now I say it is slow initially because the world needs a solid foundation. It is not a paranormal world but there are differences between "real life" and this world.
Our main character Adele is some kinda woman. She is a 19 year old who refuses to get married and will be a reporter for the local newspaper. PERIOD!! Marriage is NOT for her. She called off a wedding and will not fall for a stupid man again.
Phillip, Dr. Rawley, is from London and comes to Mobile to learn how to perform a surgery his sister needs AND marry Adele per the deal with her father. Granted she has no clue but that is his plan. i mean what woman doesnt want to get married? PLUS he is a doctor and all.........
When Adele and Phillip meet, she is kinda taken in with him . He is "dashing" and "adventerous". He was brought up to link he was "dull" and "stiff". When Phillip hears that his future wife is going to be a REPORTER. He rushes to save her and proposes. UHM Phillip, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!! Yeah Adele pretty much is like ARE YOU NUTS!!!
Well Phillip is stunned she rejected him and now Adele is investigating murders. GASP Could Phillip be the murderer??? Well the two begin to investigate the possible murderer and they also begin to grow very, Very, VERY close....like no clothes on close???? Oh she went there people.....SEVERAL times!!!! *Snickers*
Adele is being stalked essentially by the killer and Phillip is going to do everything he can to save this woman who owes his heart. Adele is also trying to remain safe and she is also going to protect the man she has fallen in love with. But can she willingly give herself to him knowing he wants her to "stay at home" and not report????
Guess ya gotta read to see what happens...but trust me people...its a great, snarky, sexy read!!
February 25, 2015
In a Nutshell: Very good steampunk romance that I enjoyed.
Why I Read: If a synopsis hints at steampunk, chances are I’ll read it.
What I Liked: Adele! It’s rare that the heroine of a romance speaks to me more than the hero but that was the case here. Adele is the character with the personal and relationship growth that I rooted for. She’s feisty and independent but not stupid. This is best shown in her desire to be a newspaper reporter. She reflects why she wants to do it and goes after it whole-heartedly. Yes, she takes risks, as when she goes sleuthing down on the seedy docks but it’s nothing that a male reporter wouldn’t do and so it’s done matter of factly. I love that Adele gets meaningful resolution with her father and brother, as well as an exciting relationship with a man who truly understands her.
The steampunk world wasn’t overpowering but added fun elements, like Adele’s motorized bike and her brother’s mechanical arm. The novel’s ending was wrapped up in the steampunk world so it all fit together well.
Mixed Results: The relationship between Adele and Phillip was emotionally on point, as Phillip slowly got to understand and appreciate Adele. Their banter was saucy, intimate, and entertaining. They have this little feud of moving a decoration in the house that never failed to make me smile.
But…I wanted more sexy times! The physical intimacy doesn’t start until the novel’s more than 75% done and what there is is barely R-rated. This dirty girl wants more RAWR.
IMO: If you love steampunk romance you should read Steam Me Up, Rawley for its wonderful heroine, strong world building, and fun romance . I plan to be on the look out for more books by this author.
*review copy provided by author*
Why I Read: If a synopsis hints at steampunk, chances are I’ll read it.
What I Liked: Adele! It’s rare that the heroine of a romance speaks to me more than the hero but that was the case here. Adele is the character with the personal and relationship growth that I rooted for. She’s feisty and independent but not stupid. This is best shown in her desire to be a newspaper reporter. She reflects why she wants to do it and goes after it whole-heartedly. Yes, she takes risks, as when she goes sleuthing down on the seedy docks but it’s nothing that a male reporter wouldn’t do and so it’s done matter of factly. I love that Adele gets meaningful resolution with her father and brother, as well as an exciting relationship with a man who truly understands her.
The steampunk world wasn’t overpowering but added fun elements, like Adele’s motorized bike and her brother’s mechanical arm. The novel’s ending was wrapped up in the steampunk world so it all fit together well.
Mixed Results: The relationship between Adele and Phillip was emotionally on point, as Phillip slowly got to understand and appreciate Adele. Their banter was saucy, intimate, and entertaining. They have this little feud of moving a decoration in the house that never failed to make me smile.
But…I wanted more sexy times! The physical intimacy doesn’t start until the novel’s more than 75% done and what there is is barely R-rated. This dirty girl wants more RAWR.
IMO: If you love steampunk romance you should read Steam Me Up, Rawley for its wonderful heroine, strong world building, and fun romance . I plan to be on the look out for more books by this author.
*review copy provided by author*
December 22, 2014
There were times I felt sorry for Phillip I mean Adele is a high strong girl, "you've made your feelings perfectly clear, madam." His voice was low, tight. "I will take my leave now. I would not wish to bore you with my presence any longer than necessary." Alright it's not all Adele's fault the boy does need to loosen up a little. He's caring and I really loved that about Phillip and the way he talks about sex with his girl is really gentlemanly, "after you passed out from sensual bliss, I dressed and found that maid. Asked her if she could at least wash out the sand, that I'd our clothes outside the hall." Phillip gets so loosened up that when he's around Adele he forgets where he is and I have to say I have added another thing to do on my naughty list, sex in a hot air balloon, "Christ, Adele!" He gripped the basket's edge and her hip and pumped into her faster and faster." I can't wait to see if this author writes another book maybe Rex will get a story.
July 27, 2015
There are so many fun things about this book. Where do I even start? I love that the author set the stage in Mobile, AL. It created a unique and fun twist within the steampunk genre. The heroine and hero were both imperfect (as well as irritatingly stubborn). But I enjoyed seeing their journey through the course of the story and watching their attraction blossom into romance. The nods to Jack the Ripper and Loki made me grin like a fool. I enjoyed the blend of old and new, the reality and the fantasy. So very exciting!
The author's voice is strong. She creates well rounded characters and paints a vivid picture of her world with glorious imagery that left me dazzled. Just enough detail to create a vivid image in my mind, but not too much as to distract from the flow of the story. Kudos to her for finding that perfect balance. It was sublime.
I loved this book, and I look forward to more of her work.
The author's voice is strong. She creates well rounded characters and paints a vivid picture of her world with glorious imagery that left me dazzled. Just enough detail to create a vivid image in my mind, but not too much as to distract from the flow of the story. Kudos to her for finding that perfect balance. It was sublime.
I loved this book, and I look forward to more of her work.
May 8, 2016
I found this book because I was a huge fan of Angela Quarles' book "Must Love Breeches" and was looking to see when her next book in that series would be coming out. Lo and behold, I found out she had this book and the sequel I was looking for has just come out, as well....BONUS!!
For a reason I can't explain, I decided to read this one first. And, I loved it. I'm from Mobile, so I love her descriptions of the people, the use of street names, and just how she captures the flair of the city in general. I also love steampunk and really enjoyed her take on the genre - using mechanical pets, layers of mesh in ladies' skirts, the medical devices, and especially the submersibles. It was a fun alternate reality to visit and explore.
As for the story, it is well paced, the romance is nice and steamy, and both the hero and heroine are likable and fun to get to know.
Overall, I loved it and can't wait for what Ms. Quarles may have coming up next!
For a reason I can't explain, I decided to read this one first. And, I loved it. I'm from Mobile, so I love her descriptions of the people, the use of street names, and just how she captures the flair of the city in general. I also love steampunk and really enjoyed her take on the genre - using mechanical pets, layers of mesh in ladies' skirts, the medical devices, and especially the submersibles. It was a fun alternate reality to visit and explore.
As for the story, it is well paced, the romance is nice and steamy, and both the hero and heroine are likable and fun to get to know.
Overall, I loved it and can't wait for what Ms. Quarles may have coming up next!
September 25, 2015
Angela Quarrels is becoming my favorite romance writer. Must Love Breaches and Steam Me Up, Rawley (I was given an ARC for an honest review) have heroines that are believable and men that are drool worthy. The Steampunk genre added to story of Steam Me Up, Rawley. Steampunk novels tend to have some type of mystery to solve and Angela has done a great job incorporating this aspect of Steampunk into her novel along with submersibles, mechanical appendages, and hot air balloons. She includes a southern style and atmosphere into the story that is delightful to read. Steam Me Up, Rawley is a steamy romance with a plot to delight Steampunk readers, mystery readers and romance readers.
January 14, 2015
This story started off slow but I think that is the case with most steampunk novels. It takes some adjusting getting into the language and style of the story. I don't usually like period novels but I like steam punk stories. I find them funny the characters are always sassy. This story was suspenseful, funny, and romantic. I loved all of the creativity in the story that comes with the stemppunk story-line in ways creating new technology. I really liked the characters and their relationship to each other including the monkey wearing armor. If you want to try a steampunk novel get this one it is really good.
October 17, 2015
3 stars = I liked it. This didn't immediately grab me - I am not fond of Ripperesque murder mysteries. Also, it took me a bit to warm up to the would-be reporter heroine with her pet monkey and fall for the leading man as well - though as the story goes on he's a large part of why I ended up liking this. What actually won me over was after fighting the leading ladies perception of him as daring and heroic, I liked that he ended up wanting to be the man she thought him to be. There are a few nice steamy scenes as well - a plus in my book. The Southern steampunk setting was a bit different - still on the fence with that aspect.
March 9, 2015
Fantastic! Mystery, Danger, and Romance
Real characters that grow to understand themselves and learn to love. The steampunk ideas were new and worked well with the society the author invented. It paced well and the steam--oh my! Plus, no magic/paranormal elements in this world so no deux es machina.
Sometimes the dialogue seemed modern but since this is a fictitious history I won't get picky. Personally, I don't appreciate Biblical profanity or premarital sex so it lost a star.
Would I recommend this? Yes! To adults only
Looking forward to more from this author!
Real characters that grow to understand themselves and learn to love. The steampunk ideas were new and worked well with the society the author invented. It paced well and the steam--oh my! Plus, no magic/paranormal elements in this world so no deux es machina.
Sometimes the dialogue seemed modern but since this is a fictitious history I won't get picky. Personally, I don't appreciate Biblical profanity or premarital sex so it lost a star.
Would I recommend this? Yes! To adults only
Looking forward to more from this author!
December 30, 2014
It took me a little while to warm up to this book. I was confused in the beginning because even though the author was descriptive I couldn't imagine some of the steam punk things that she was talking about. The H&h had slow building relationship. He didn't understand why she wanted adventure and she couldn't stand to be married and hemmed in. The story was cute and quirky and the plot was fast enough to keep my interest.
February 2, 2015
steampunk steam and sass!
This book initially took me a bit to warm to but I am so glad I stuck with it! The main characters are so easy to fall in love with including Loki and other supporting characters. The mystery is interesting and seeing the growth of the main characters in discovering themselves and their love for one another is interesting and you are cheering the "dashing" deeds and triumphs. Don't hesitate to buy and enjoy!
This book initially took me a bit to warm to but I am so glad I stuck with it! The main characters are so easy to fall in love with including Loki and other supporting characters. The mystery is interesting and seeing the growth of the main characters in discovering themselves and their love for one another is interesting and you are cheering the "dashing" deeds and triumphs. Don't hesitate to buy and enjoy!
December 3, 2014
A really fun story to read. The heroine is spunky, hilarious, sometimes naïve but really courageous and someone I rooted for from the beginning. The hero has a big heart and a lot to learn. There's a silly monkey, really inventive steam-punk-y gadgetry, hot romance and a murderous villain. A feel good romantic story with very creative world-building.
March 14, 2015
My first steam punk romance read
Under ordinary circumstances I might have passed this book by, but I could not pass up a chance to read another book by Angela Quarles and I'm glad I didn't. This was a great read. I loved the characters, especially Loki, the setting and the story.
Under ordinary circumstances I might have passed this book by, but I could not pass up a chance to read another book by Angela Quarles and I'm glad I didn't. This was a great read. I loved the characters, especially Loki, the setting and the story.
December 8, 2015
Review from Bookvetter.
A steampunk romance at it best. Set in an alternative past in Mobile, Alabama, this story ask the question what if Lincoln hadn't been assassinated and the South progressed? A love story with a murderer after our heroine drove this reader to the end. Very well written, a love story to treasure.
A steampunk romance at it best. Set in an alternative past in Mobile, Alabama, this story ask the question what if Lincoln hadn't been assassinated and the South progressed? A love story with a murderer after our heroine drove this reader to the end. Very well written, a love story to treasure.
Read
January 28, 2015
Out now! Links and more details on my book page: http://angelaquarles.com/books/steam-.... You can also join my mailing list: http://angelaquarles.com/join-my-mail...
February 16, 2015
Fun! Great characters, sunny settings, a great escape from 2015.... I enjoyed the young heroine's dilemmas and the hero's quirks.... Love the idea of a submarine cruise from Mobile to Tampa ... Not to mention sex on a hot air balloon.... Fun !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
Quarles dives right into the trope of Steampunk, but her interpitation is light and funny.
Set in an alternate version of 1890's Mobile, the plot barrows from Vern and adds Jack the Ripper, while maintaining focus on Rawley and Adele.
Pure enjoyment and fun.
Set in an alternate version of 1890's Mobile, the plot barrows from Vern and adds Jack the Ripper, while maintaining focus on Rawley and Adele.
Pure enjoyment and fun.
May 17, 2015
Review coming soon!!
January 31, 2015
4.0 stars
An excellent romance, steam punk style!
An excellent romance, steam punk style!
April 15, 2015
a fresh breath in the genre
Nice to have a new setting in the steampunk genre,and also not to have the same Southern cliches as most books set in the South.
Nice to have a new setting in the steampunk genre,and also not to have the same Southern cliches as most books set in the South.
June 18, 2018
This story was an interesting development. I initially picked it up because I love steampunk stories, Jack the Ripper mysteries, and the title character has the same name as my dad and brother (though his first name is spelled differently). However, I realized about half-way through this book that the focus of this story is on the romance between the main two characters, and not the steampunk setting nor the plot intrigue. The passion between these characters is what drives the story and not the creativity, ingenuity, nor the intrigue of the steampunk genre. I was disappointed, as I wanted to read an exciting steampunk mystery and not a costumed romance.
March 18, 2024
I was gifted a copy of this book
Lots of action, adventure, going against the grain (both H/h) - which was fun -, a bit of suspense and mystery, but a bit of repetition about "slumped as much as she could in her corset" and how the H looks (abs, etc.). The part about totally being okay with water after one evening when she's been afraid of it for 5 years is unbelievable, to say the least. There isn't much of steampunk in this book. The story finishes at 92% with an HFN but you know something else should happen. Since that author did not write anything else in this series since 2015, it was a huge let-down.
Lots of action, adventure, going against the grain (both H/h) - which was fun -, a bit of suspense and mystery, but a bit of repetition about "slumped as much as she could in her corset" and how the H looks (abs, etc.). The part about totally being okay with water after one evening when she's been afraid of it for 5 years is unbelievable, to say the least. There isn't much of steampunk in this book. The story finishes at 92% with an HFN but you know something else should happen. Since that author did not write anything else in this series since 2015, it was a huge let-down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews