Valeria by Kaitlin R. Branch

Mache Harcming is an airfoil pilot having a bad day.  Forced to make an emergency landing on an unmarked dirigible, he discovers a genius inventor, Valeria.  She is beautiful, fascinating, and unlike any woman he has ever known before.  She’s also dangerous.  Mache is certain f the CEO of her company, Elthgo Inc., discovers his presence aboard her aircraft, he will die.

But Valeria begs him to stay. And stay he does, hiding in the vents of the airship whenever the CEO visits.  How can he refuse such a beautiful woman?  More importantly, how long will the ruse last before he's found out? Book description.

I was given this copy free to review, but as always on the basis that my opinion is honestly held, and whether paid for or free my views are not influenced by that. Integrity is important to me and gushing false reviews do neither author nor reader any favours. As always my views are what I honestly feel about this book.

I'm not usually a fan of either short stories or steampunk but enjoyed this novel much to my surprise. Its steampunk but not too tech heavy which is what I find I dislike about many of them, and the romance is gentle and sweet. Not being a steampunk reader some of the terms such as dirgible and airfoil were unknown to me but the text made it clear what they were so it wasn't a problem following the plot. The characters were well described, I felt so so sorry for poor Valerias terrible upbringing and yet she knew nothing else and was happy – meeting Mache however brought out so much more from her. Mache – ah Mache, fascinated by Valeria and gentle enough to recognize that she was worth taking time over getting to know. The CEO - what a first class horror she was was – all the elements for a great story here, unfairness of treatment of heroine, rescue by hero and an evil person ready to block any possible light in Valerias life that may affect her productivity. It’s got my favourite ending too with everything nicely tied up.

It’s well edited, always a bonus with so many kindle books being full or errors. Although its a novella length it’s a nicely complete story and for those who want a shorter book its a bargain at $1.99 for 51 pages. It’s available from Nov 5^th2012.

Stars: as I said steampunk isn't my thing usually but this was a story I could get into easily and enjoy despite that and I'm giving it 4 stars.

                                                                     Reviewed by Midnight Ruby


You may find more about "Valeria" here : www.lyricalpress.com