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avid_reader_96's review against another edition
4.0
It was a great read. Ava is adorable and I can relate to her so well. She's not your typical heroine. Kincaid was. . . wicked. I can't be the only one that wants Malloryn to have his own HEA. I'm also waiting on Charlie and Lark to have their own book. I also think another good spin-off would be one centered on the Verwulfen that visited in Will and Lena's book. I wanted to see more of them and their culture, their way of life. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
This is everything I want in a romance. It’s exciting, fun, fresh, spicy, unique, and has two loveable main characters with excellent chemistry. I couldn’t stop reading it if I wanted to!
Scientist and shy blueblood Ava and rough, rugged mech Kincaid must work together to find a cure for a strange disease that affects the blueblood population, all while battling their growing feelings for each other.
I absolutely love Ava and Kincaid. They are polar opposites and yet they have undeniable chemistry and banter. They constantly test one another’s limits, in both romantic and professional aspects. I could literally listen to their adventures all day long.
The romance between them is deliciously hot, the spicy scenes exactly what I enjoy without pushing too many boundaries.
As for the story, it was original and filled with tension and action. Even past characters who’ve made guest appearances were in peril. The overarching story progressed, yet this felt self contained and exciting.
This was exactly the sort of fun read I needed and I highly recommend it to fans of steampunk and spicy paranormal romances with grumpy x sunshine characters!
Scientist and shy blueblood Ava and rough, rugged mech Kincaid must work together to find a cure for a strange disease that affects the blueblood population, all while battling their growing feelings for each other.
I absolutely love Ava and Kincaid. They are polar opposites and yet they have undeniable chemistry and banter. They constantly test one another’s limits, in both romantic and professional aspects. I could literally listen to their adventures all day long.
The romance between them is deliciously hot, the spicy scenes exactly what I enjoy without pushing too many boundaries.
As for the story, it was original and filled with tension and action. Even past characters who’ve made guest appearances were in peril. The overarching story progressed, yet this felt self contained and exciting.
This was exactly the sort of fun read I needed and I highly recommend it to fans of steampunk and spicy paranormal romances with grumpy x sunshine characters!
roobie's review
●DNF●
I got to, about, 40% and then I realised that sweet little Ava's story wasn't for me. I just couldn't like her enough to want to keep going.
Oh well. Happens.
Off to the next one.
I got to, about, 40% and then I realised that sweet little Ava's story wasn't for me. I just couldn't like her enough to want to keep going.
Oh well. Happens.
Off to the next one.
mdalida's review
5.0
Holy Jaysus, that was hot!
I was hooked on Bec McMaster from the first book I read of hers back in January. It was a very trying time for me (Can we say, Inauguration shit show?), and I ended up ordering 9 books of hers at once. I've been anticipating this book since January as I so wanted to read about Ava and Kinkaid's love story!
It did not disappoint! I loved the action, the intensity of the love buildup, the hotness of their physical connection, the back stories for both of them, and how much Ava's character resonated with me!
I've been on a good streak in books lately - I like books that deal with trauma within a relationship. It mirrors my own, and I like how healing the relationship can be as one moves through the process of dealing with past trauma.
SPOILER TALK - just some small gripes
There were a few things that struck me as "off" about the storyline. When Ava is nearly dying, Kinkaid hesitates about giving his blood to strengthen her and allows Malloryn to do it. At first, I understood his hesitance given his prejudice. But, then, when another blue blood is hurt badly later on, he offers his blood easily? Just has a razor, cuts himself, and hands his own wrist over without any qualms? It struck me as odd and I was a little sad that he didn't do that for Ava. So, anyway, I tell myself that that means his prejudices are evolving. But then later, they go to talk with Kinkaid's humanist friends, and Ava reveals that she does sometimes drink blood in her tea as she is trying to also overcome HER prejudices about her own blue bloodedness, and he acts like it's upsetting to him, like she "pulled the rug from under him." I was confused because I thought he had accepted her fully, and it seemed like he still had not. In other Blue Blood books, there's this discussion about taking blood for strength but also for enhancing the sexual pleasure, and I would've loved to see more of that in all their 'naughty talk'. This would've been a small blip if maybe, when things came to a conclusion (I'm definitely not spoiling THAT awesome ending!), I thought they'd have a "groveling" moment where he apologized and talked about it all. Hmmm. Think I just wanted more talk about the evolution of prejudices than we got, but it's such a small thing that it didn't affect my love for the book! Despite how much I'm writing about it!
I'm über-psyched about the next in this series, and especially the Fourth in the series! I'm excited about everything this author has written!!
I was hooked on Bec McMaster from the first book I read of hers back in January. It was a very trying time for me (Can we say, Inauguration shit show?), and I ended up ordering 9 books of hers at once. I've been anticipating this book since January as I so wanted to read about Ava and Kinkaid's love story!
It did not disappoint! I loved the action, the intensity of the love buildup, the hotness of their physical connection, the back stories for both of them, and how much Ava's character resonated with me!
I've been on a good streak in books lately - I like books that deal with trauma within a relationship. It mirrors my own, and I like how healing the relationship can be as one moves through the process of dealing with past trauma.
SPOILER TALK - just some small gripes
There were a few things that struck me as "off" about the storyline. When Ava is nearly dying, Kinkaid hesitates about giving his blood to strengthen her and allows Malloryn to do it. At first, I understood his hesitance given his prejudice. But, then, when another blue blood is hurt badly later on, he offers his blood easily? Just has a razor, cuts himself, and hands his own wrist over without any qualms? It struck me as odd and I was a little sad that he didn't do that for Ava. So, anyway, I tell myself that that means his prejudices are evolving. But then later, they go to talk with Kinkaid's humanist friends, and Ava reveals that she does sometimes drink blood in her tea as she is trying to also overcome HER prejudices about her own blue bloodedness, and he acts like it's upsetting to him, like she "pulled the rug from under him." I was confused because I thought he had accepted her fully, and it seemed like he still had not. In other Blue Blood books, there's this discussion about taking blood for strength but also for enhancing the sexual pleasure, and I would've loved to see more of that in all their 'naughty talk'. This would've been a small blip if maybe, when things came to a conclusion (I'm definitely not spoiling THAT awesome ending!), I thought they'd have a "groveling" moment where he apologized and talked about it all. Hmmm. Think I just wanted more talk about the evolution of prejudices than we got, but it's such a small thing that it didn't affect my love for the book! Despite how much I'm writing about it!
I'm über-psyched about the next in this series, and especially the Fourth in the series! I'm excited about everything this author has written!!
nelsonseye's review
4.0
Reread 2019: I remember a lot of this one, but there were definitely some stressful scenes that I had forgotten. I'm all caught up now. It's time to read Gemma's book.
The Mech Who Loved Me really raised the stakes for the Company of Rogues. There were some very unexpected moments that I found worked quite well. The romance between Ava and Kincaid was awesome. There were so many beautiful/heartfelt lines, and the resolution worked really well. The epilogue also stepped things up, and I find myself quite nervous for Gemma.
The Mech Who Loved Me really raised the stakes for the Company of Rogues. There were some very unexpected moments that I found worked quite well. The romance between Ava and Kincaid was awesome. There were so many beautiful/heartfelt lines, and the resolution worked really well. The epilogue also stepped things up, and I find myself quite nervous for Gemma.
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
5.0
Kincaid and Ava’s story caught my attention in the first book, so I was really looking forward to this story. Ava is a blue blood against her will with a clockwork heart, and a vast amount of PTSD. Kincaid is suffering from a degenerate muscular disease that explains, to some extent, his mechanical adaptions.
Throughout the narrative, Ava comes into her own as she learns to value her own intellect and skills through Kincaid’s love. I like this plot very much- where his love of her shows her how to love herself. In turn, her love for him teaches him how to hope again after the ravages of the revolution.
There is a fairytale quality to this story, with a passionate scene in an erotic art allergy that is reminiscent of Eva Leigh’s “My Fake Rake” if you’re looking for a comparable story. The female character is very flawed in this story, which is a little more relatable than some of the impervious other female characters, though I would like to be both flawed and impervious.
My only objection was the hyper focus on virginity and “protecting” this character- though I like how the author points out that concern can become a cage all its own.
Throughout the narrative, Ava comes into her own as she learns to value her own intellect and skills through Kincaid’s love. I like this plot very much- where his love of her shows her how to love herself. In turn, her love for him teaches him how to hope again after the ravages of the revolution.
There is a fairytale quality to this story, with a passionate scene in an erotic art allergy that is reminiscent of Eva Leigh’s “My Fake Rake” if you’re looking for a comparable story. The female character is very flawed in this story, which is a little more relatable than some of the impervious other female characters, though I would like to be both flawed and impervious.
My only objection was the hyper focus on virginity and “protecting” this character- though I like how the author points out that concern can become a cage all its own.
nturner2810's review against another edition
4.0
I love it when I'm right! I enjoyed so much about this story.
The second novel in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series, Ava and Kincaid are forced to team up to discover who is plotting to cause chaos between humans and blue bloods. Neither can deny the chemistry and, very logically, Ava proposes an experiment in which she will, ultimately, lose her virginity.
McMaster balances the romance and suspense elements well and highlights Ava's keen intelligence and Kincaid's strength and Humanist political opinions while allowing room for emotion to develop between the two main characters.
Neither main character makes it easy for the other in this story, in the most wonderful way. There are so many roadblocks this couple is forced to face within themselves in order for their relationship to succeed. In the meanwhile, we get to see how Ava's brilliant mind works and learn about both their backgrounds which endears them to the reader even more.
I think what I love most is that innocent little Ava knows her mind all the way through when it comes to Kincaid, even if she is not so confident with other aspects of herself and her life, and poor old Kincaid, the big tough guy, has absolutely no idea what has hit him. He tries being a gentleman, tries putting her off but eventually gives in which leads to some very intense and steamy scenes.
My only sticking point was when the pair let everyone else in on their 'secret' relationship, the way that it was handled was a little cave-man-ish which, to a point applies to Kincaid's character, but I did think it could have been done differently. Still, loved the read, made me very happy!
The second novel in the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series, Ava and Kincaid are forced to team up to discover who is plotting to cause chaos between humans and blue bloods. Neither can deny the chemistry and, very logically, Ava proposes an experiment in which she will, ultimately, lose her virginity.
McMaster balances the romance and suspense elements well and highlights Ava's keen intelligence and Kincaid's strength and Humanist political opinions while allowing room for emotion to develop between the two main characters.
Neither main character makes it easy for the other in this story, in the most wonderful way. There are so many roadblocks this couple is forced to face within themselves in order for their relationship to succeed. In the meanwhile, we get to see how Ava's brilliant mind works and learn about both their backgrounds which endears them to the reader even more.
I think what I love most is that innocent little Ava knows her mind all the way through when it comes to Kincaid, even if she is not so confident with other aspects of herself and her life, and poor old Kincaid, the big tough guy, has absolutely no idea what has hit him. He tries being a gentleman, tries putting her off but eventually gives in which leads to some very intense and steamy scenes.
My only sticking point was when the pair let everyone else in on their 'secret' relationship, the way that it was handled was a little cave-man-ish which, to a point applies to Kincaid's character, but I did think it could have been done differently. Still, loved the read, made me very happy!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Mech Who Loved Me
4.5 Stars
Series note: Ava's character is first introduced in book #4 of the first London Steampunk series. There are also numerous references to events from that series as well as the first book in this spin-off, and as such, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
The Company of Rogues continues to investigate the mystery surrounding the Dhampire conspiracy. When several blue bloods are found dead from a mysterious disease, Nighthawk criminologist, Ava McLaren, is partnered with the enigmatic mech, Liam Kincaid, to investigate the sinister case.
Despite her interest in autopsies and toxic plants, Ava McLaren is a shy, sweet and endearing heroine, and it is wonderful to see her coming out of her shell as Kincaid literally seduces the pants off her. Kincaid is incredibly sexy and his backstory is particularly compelling. The manner in which he copes with his personal traumas and ultimately overcomes his prejudices against blue bloods due to his association with Ava is inspiring.
Ava and Kincaid have the best chemistry since Blade and Honoria (Kiss of Steel) and their physical relationship is one of the more earthy and steamy in both this and the prior series. While the resolution to their HEA is quite obvious from the start, it is still delightful to experience Ava and Kincaid's journey toward love and fulfillment.
Unlike the first book, the actual conspiracy plot takes a back seat to the romance. Nevertheless, there are several exciting action scenes and one or two twists along the way.
Overall, an excellent continuation and I am looking forward to Gemma and Obsidian's book next. It will be interesting to see how McMaster rehabilitates his character.
4.5 Stars
Series note: Ava's character is first introduced in book #4 of the first London Steampunk series. There are also numerous references to events from that series as well as the first book in this spin-off, and as such, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
The Company of Rogues continues to investigate the mystery surrounding the Dhampire conspiracy. When several blue bloods are found dead from a mysterious disease, Nighthawk criminologist, Ava McLaren, is partnered with the enigmatic mech, Liam Kincaid, to investigate the sinister case.
Despite her interest in autopsies and toxic plants, Ava McLaren is a shy, sweet and endearing heroine, and it is wonderful to see her coming out of her shell as Kincaid literally seduces the pants off her. Kincaid is incredibly sexy and his backstory is particularly compelling. The manner in which he copes with his personal traumas and ultimately overcomes his prejudices against blue bloods due to his association with Ava is inspiring.
Ava and Kincaid have the best chemistry since Blade and Honoria (Kiss of Steel) and their physical relationship is one of the more earthy and steamy in both this and the prior series. While the resolution to their HEA is quite obvious from the start, it is still delightful to experience Ava and Kincaid's journey toward love and fulfillment.
Unlike the first book, the actual conspiracy plot takes a back seat to the romance. Nevertheless, there are several exciting action scenes and one or two twists along the way.
Overall, an excellent continuation and I am looking forward to Gemma and Obsidian's book next. It will be interesting to see how McMaster rehabilitates his character.
alisonb's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic addition to the series. The end made me what to pick up the next book immediately. Plus, Ava and Kincaid are
renpuspita's review
3.0
3 stars
This is one of the case that.."no, it's not your fault, author. It's me" and sadly, I can't enjoy The Mech Who Loved Me that much like its predecessor. I agreed with Ami's point on her review that this books have potential with its theme and plots. After so many badass and kickass heroines, McMaster give reader Ava, a scholar turn blue blood that still fight her nature. The last scientist heroine is Honoria, and while still virgin, both Honoria and also Lena are never bother with their virgin status. Ava, however, is different. Her bluestocking status make her frustated, and add with a broken heart after she see her first love, Caleb Byrnes married Ingrid. So, she turn to Kincaid, to help her lost her virginity and teach her what is passion. Alright, I don't mind with this kind of trope though. It's just...
Kincaid. LOL, after his scandalous appearance in Of Silk and Steam, he didn't make impression for me. Don't get me wrong, I do like a womanizer or rakish hero. I do like read about big and muscular man (even I prefer the long, lean type). This is just a usual case "I'm just not into him". I find Ava is okay and I like her scholar tendencies. I also like her ramblings, despite her want to lost her virginity and her struggle about her blue blood condition. I just can't do the same with Kincaid. Yeah, he did have his own issue, and his prejudice kinda match Honor's back then although McMaster now write it better. I guess all that blue blood (and verewulven) heroes already ruined Kincaid for me, lol. But, it's not just that I can't connect to Kincaid, it's McMaster decision about him near the end .
With all that I had stated above, I still enjoyed The Mech Who Loved Me. I like the mysteries, the intrigues and the conspiracy. The stakes is now higher, and old enemy make appearances. Malloryn agains play major characters, and reader get glimpse into his pasts. In the author's note, McMaster make apologies about what happen to. One of the saving grace maybe the sex scenes that were steamy and naughty. BUT...its also unfair because the sex scene in Mission:Improper just like...that. Less steamy, consider both Byrnes and Ingris are hot headed. Yeah, this is one of my complaint, lol!
The next book will feature Gemma and Obsidian, and enemy to lovers theme is always my catnip. I just hope the end didn't rushed, but it's like McMaster trademark, soo... . At least the epilogue of this book is not like "3 years later" like Mission: Improper, hahaha.
This is one of the case that.."no, it's not your fault, author. It's me" and sadly, I can't enjoy The Mech Who Loved Me that much like its predecessor. I agreed with Ami's point on her review that this books have potential with its theme and plots. After so many badass and kickass heroines, McMaster give reader Ava, a scholar turn blue blood that still fight her nature. The last scientist heroine is Honoria, and while still virgin, both Honoria and also Lena are never bother with their virgin status. Ava, however, is different. Her bluestocking status make her frustated, and add with a broken heart after she see her first love, Caleb Byrnes married Ingrid. So, she turn to Kincaid, to help her lost her virginity and teach her what is passion. Alright, I don't mind with this kind of trope though. It's just...
Kincaid. LOL, after his scandalous appearance in Of Silk and Steam, he didn't make impression for me. Don't get me wrong, I do like a womanizer or rakish hero. I do like read about big and muscular man (even I prefer the long, lean type). This is just a usual case "I'm just not into him". I find Ava is okay and I like her scholar tendencies. I also like her ramblings, despite her want to lost her virginity and her struggle about her blue blood condition. I just can't do the same with Kincaid. Yeah, he did have his own issue, and his prejudice kinda match Honor's back then although McMaster now write it better. I guess all that blue blood (and verewulven) heroes already ruined Kincaid for me, lol. But, it's not just that I can't connect to Kincaid, it's McMaster decision about him near the end
Spoiler
with make him a blue blood after he injured so badly and Malloryn forced to saved him. Idk, I just feel this is a very lame excuse to make his and Ava HEA. Yes, McMaster write that Kincaid have his handicaps with his status as a mere human and have illness. But, really make him as blue blood? I think Kincaid already pass his judgment about blue blood by loving Ava? I would love to see Kincaid still become human, still a mech with his own weakness with Ava try to study and make the remedies for his illness. Make Kincaid a blue blood feels like deus ex machinae plot. And nope, I will not said this is the same case with Lena's verwulven state back in Heart of Iron, since her infection merely accident. And in Byrnes's case, he become dhampir more like a shock therapy for readers, but from the first time, he and Ingrid didn't have different natures.With all that I had stated above, I still enjoyed The Mech Who Loved Me. I like the mysteries, the intrigues and the conspiracy. The stakes is now higher, and old enemy make appearances. Malloryn agains play major characters, and reader get glimpse into his pasts. In the author's note, McMaster make apologies about what happen to
Spoiler
Garrett, with he almost died and lost his arm. Honestly, I don't mind with this new direction into Garrett, though. However, if she make Garrett dies, I will RIOT! Garrett is one of my favorite characters too, dammit. McMaster better to get away from Lynch or Blade, please make them save, lolThe next book will feature Gemma and Obsidian, and enemy to lovers theme is always my catnip. I just hope the end didn't rushed, but it's like McMaster trademark, soo... . At least the epilogue of this book is not like "3 years later" like Mission: Improper, hahaha.