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allyreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and short novella! I enjoyed getting to see Esme and John's story! I love how HEA is a must for this author!
avid_reader_96's review against another edition
3.0
It was a nice quick read. Rip was the epitome of a friendly giant, where Esme was concerned. I can't wait to read Will and Lena's HEA.
eg_m's review against another edition
3.0
For protagonists in their 30s, the miscommunication angst went on for too long.
birdloveranne's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome story. Loved it. Can't wait for the next book.
divapitbull's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Tarnished Knight. I normally don't like novellas and the only reason I read it was because I really liked Kiss of Steel
and I was moderately interested in Heart of Iron (which I got for 99 cents) and Tarnished Knight was described as a "bridge" between stories (and I got it for free).
Tarnished Knight does not seem like it would make a very good "stand alone" story; I would only recommend reading it after Kiss of Steel. I think the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did was because I was already familiar with the characters and their backstory. The first 75% of the novella is devoted to the romance between Rip and Esme. 50% of that centers around a "big misunderstanding" which is actually pretty stupid, so I have to say enjoying it as much as I did is a testament to the author's writing and story telling ability. The second half of Rip and Esme's story involves some action and intrigue with the Slasher gang.
The last 25% of the novella focuses on Will and Lena and sets the stage for Heart of Iron, which I've decided I not only want to read, but am reading next. I was worried about Lena as a lead being as she is only 16 (which at my age puts her one step away from a baby sitter and Barbie dolls) however her characterization is fairly mature and surprisingly I like her. Will is the perfect tortured hero, longing for love but feeling unworthy. There's lots of tension and chemistry in their relationship thus far so I look forward to seeing how everything plays out in Heart of Iron.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Tarnished Knight. I normally don't like novellas and the only reason I read it was because I really liked Kiss of Steel
and I was moderately interested in Heart of Iron (which I got for 99 cents) and Tarnished Knight was described as a "bridge" between stories (and I got it for free).
Tarnished Knight does not seem like it would make a very good "stand alone" story; I would only recommend reading it after Kiss of Steel. I think the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did was because I was already familiar with the characters and their backstory. The first 75% of the novella is devoted to the romance between Rip and Esme. 50% of that centers around a "big misunderstanding" which is actually pretty stupid, so I have to say enjoying it as much as I did is a testament to the author's writing and story telling ability. The second half of Rip and Esme's story involves some action and intrigue with the Slasher gang.
The last 25% of the novella focuses on Will and Lena and sets the stage for Heart of Iron, which I've decided I not only want to read, but am reading next. I was worried about Lena as a lead being as she is only 16 (which at my age puts her one step away from a baby sitter and Barbie dolls) however her characterization is fairly mature and surprisingly I like her. Will is the perfect tortured hero, longing for love but feeling unworthy. There's lots of tension and chemistry in their relationship thus far so I look forward to seeing how everything plays out in Heart of Iron.
thecolouryes's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kate_and_books's review against another edition
4.0
You 'ave gotta love a Eastender who 'as an accent. 4 ★★★★
This book was lent to me. Thank you very much JLC. It picks up right off where a "Kiss of Steel" finished. Rip is now a blue blood and is fighting the craving. Rip thinks he isn't good enough for Esme which is rubbish. I do get why Rip doesn't want to get close to Esme as he is afraid that he'll hurt her. But the Slashers are back and they are after blood. This book is a stepping stone for the next book. We see a bit more of Will and Lena. I love Will, so vulnerable and strong at the same time.
This book was lent to me. Thank you very much JLC. It picks up right off where a "Kiss of Steel" finished. Rip is now a blue blood and is fighting the craving. Rip thinks he isn't good enough for Esme which is rubbish. I do get why Rip doesn't want to get close to Esme as he is afraid that he'll hurt her. But the Slashers are back and they are after blood. This book is a stepping stone for the next book. We see a bit more of Will and Lena. I love Will, so vulnerable and strong at the same time.
callidice's review against another edition
4.0
A very cute short story! I enjoyed reading about Rip & Esme, though I was annoyed throughout most of the story thanks to Rip's stupidity (which is why I only gave it 4 stars rather than 5). It's a must-read if you enjoyed Kiss of Steel.
xobooktrovert's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet little novella about Rip and Esme coming together at last! |sighs dreamily| I really wanted this to be a 5 star read for me, but I wanted more. I needed more. But then I realized how lucky I was to even be reading about their story in the first place.
It is assumed that Esme and Rip are a couple at the end of [b:Kiss of Steel|13507512|Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, #1)|Bec McMaster|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344055795l/13507512._SY75_.jpg|19058959]. Without this novella, we wouldn't have gotten to see the struggles Rip had to endure and Esme's longing for him. Bec McMaster blessed us with their heartwarming story, and while I still wanted more, I was happy with what I was given.
"I'll wait," she whispered. "I'll wait for you, John. Always."
4 STARS!
It is assumed that Esme and Rip are a couple at the end of [b:Kiss of Steel|13507512|Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, #1)|Bec McMaster|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344055795l/13507512._SY75_.jpg|19058959]. Without this novella, we wouldn't have gotten to see the struggles Rip had to endure and Esme's longing for him. Bec McMaster blessed us with their heartwarming story, and while I still wanted more, I was happy with what I was given.
"I'll wait," she whispered. "I'll wait for you, John. Always."
4 STARS!
twowhoodles's review against another edition
3.0
Really liked the world, but these two characters didn't really call to me. I did find the first in the series at my library, spreading that next.