Early Review: Asher's Invention by Coleen Kwan

Asher's Invention by Coleen Kwan

Egalley thanks to Carina Press


Synopsis from Goodreads
Five years ago, Asher Quigley broke his engagement to Minerva Lambkin, believing she was an accomplice in a scheme to steal his prototype for a wondrous device. Minerva swore she was innocent, though the thief-and Asher's mentor-was her own father.

Now, sheer desperation has driven Minerva to Asher's door. Her father has been kidnapped by investors furious that he's never been able to make the machine work. Only Asher, now a rich and famous inventor in his own right, can replicate the device. He's also become a hard, distant stranger far different from the young idealist she once loved.

Despite their troubled past, Asher agrees to help Minerva. He still harbors his suspicions about her, but their reunion stirs emotions and desires they both thought were buried forever. Can they rebuild their fragile relationship in time to save her father and their future together?

Release date: June 25th 2012.


 Amazon kindle US/UK

3/10

* * *

 Put it this way, - steampunk elements is the only aspect of this short novella I've enjoyed.



I usually like these little quirky reads from Carina Press, and the premise of Asher's Invention was fantastic, but the interactions between Asher and Miranda felt so forced and awkward I could barely stand them. I did not feel the attraction, they were running hot and cold to each other and were pretty irritating, especially Miranda.


The strange thing, on their own both characters are likable. Put them in one room and I want to bash their heads together. 


The novella is also packed with HR cliches like a passionate embrace after the heroine suffered a fall into the stinking river, was injured and nearly raped. Really? She is supposed to suffer from hypothermia and shock, and he is sucking on her nipple while she is feeling all warm and fuzzy? I don't think so.


Unfortunately, despite good points I couldn't connect with this book, so read it at your own risk.

* * *

В общем-то, вышло Г на палочке, а ведь я так понимаю, новелла писалась с лучшими намерениями...


Элементы стимпанка - очень даже ничего, довольно интересно читать, но всё остальное - мама дорогая! Дурацкие клише в худших традициях исторических романов, никакой искорки между главными героями, хотя автор жутко старается нас убедить, что она имеется.


Самое смешное, Арчер и Миранда - сами по себе довольно интересны, но как их сводят вместе, хочется парочку эту придушить, настолько они раздражают своим недопониманием, большими недоразумениями и постоянной обидчивостью друг на друга.


Добило меня наверное то, что героиня свалилась с моста в очень грязную, вонючую реку, выловили её бандиты и чуть ли не изнасиловали пока Арчер её не спас. К тому же она ранена в плечо. И вот вместо того, чтобы стучать зубами от холода и шока и страдать от переохлаждения, она изнывает от страсти пока Арчер облизывает её грудь в экипаже по дороге домой... ?!!! Убила меня эта сцена, просто убила.


Читайте на свой страх и риск. Я никому это не советую.