Book Review: Steam Me Up, Rawley by Angela Quarles

Title: Steam Me Up, Rawley
Series: The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles, Book 1
Author: Angela Quarles
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: Review copy provided by author
Published: January 14, 2015 (self-published)

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?

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Reviewed by: J9

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.

J9’s Rating: