Reviewed by: Ms. Bliss

Under Her Brass Corset
by Brenda Williamson

Published February 27, 2012 by Carina Press

Since the loss of her father, Abigail Thatch's life has been in turmoil. Her social status is in shambles, her finances depleted, and she's on the verge of losing her beloved home. But everything changes when she meets the dashing flying machine captain Jasper Blackthorn. Not only does he introduce her to a world she thought only existed in myth and legend, he awakens sensual feelings deep within her...

Jasper may be immortal, but he hasn't truly lived in years. Having secretly watched over Abigail as a favor to her notorious grandfather, he can't resist arranging a "chance" meeting with the beauty. But he has an ulterior motive: to retrieve the mystical Crystal Compass hidden in her house before it falls into the wrong hands. He never imagines he'll be tempted to love again...

When Abigail learns the truth, she and Jasper embark on a journey that will change both of their lives—and possibly the world...

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:
This is an exceptional Steampunk Romance novel.  Brenda Williamson creates a wonderful adventure with just enough conflict and danger to balance the romance and sizzle!

When Abigail senses someone following her in the evening shadows she is relieved to find Jasper Blackthorne is truly her rescuer and not a threat.  But when this chance encounter leads her into the adventure of her life she isn’t sure that Jasper is as trustworthy as he seems.  Utilizing the Crystal Compass she found in her attic she believes she can find the treasure her grandfather, Blackbeard the pirate, buried in a secret place.  She is desperate to save her family home and will stop at nothing to find it!  She is passionately drawn to Jasper and has no qualms about becoming lovers, but she isn’t naive enough to believe his outlandish stories of the Fountain of Youth and Immortality.

Jasper was tasked with watching over Blackbeard’s granddaughter for many years. He means to stay at a distance now that she has become a beautiful woman but fate has other ideas.  He knows she will not be satisfied until he takes her to Blackbeard’s buried treasure even though he knows it is a bottle containing the water from the Fountain of Youth.  He is to torn between knowing he must leave her when their journey ends and wanting to remain by her side.  When their journey threatens her very life she must make the decision to become immortal as he is, or to leave this world knowing their love will remain in his heart but smother his existence.

I found the characters to be very relatable and loved Abigail’s strength and resolution. Jasper is what every dashing pirate should be… sometimes inscrutable but handsome, dashing and protective as the need arises.  His vulnerability in his devotion to Abigail is touching.  I loved the steampunk aspects of this novel. They were well thought out and interesting.  All in all a well executed, fast paced and exciting plot!



Leave a Reply.