Series: Paranormal Investigator #1
Genre: Steampunk
Published by: Brava on March 27, 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
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In the gaslit streets of Victorian London, phantoms rule the night, demons dance till dawn, and one supernatural detective dares to be seduced by the greatest power of all. . .
He's The Man With The Magic Touch
A master of deduction, seduction and other midnight maneuvers, Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard's secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he's asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he's ever known. . .
She's The Devilish Miss Jones
Pressing a knife to his throat--and demanding he make love to her--Miss America Jones uses Phaeton as a willing shield against the gang of pirates chasing her. As deadly as she is, with a derringer tucked in her garter, Miss Jones is not the vampiric killer he's been staking out--but she may be just what Phaeton needs to crack the case. As the daughter of a Cajun witch, she possesses uncanny powers. As a fearless fighter, she can handle anything from Egyptian mummies to Jack the Ripper. But when an ancient evil is unleashed on the world, she could be his only salvation. . .or ultimate sacrifice.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A seductive supernatural mystery!
Phaeton Black is an investigator for Scotland Yard with many talents. He can sense the paranormal and has a way with the ladies, a real Victorian Casanova. An outsider among his fellow detectives after working on the Jack the Ripper case, Phaeton takes up residence in a brothel’s basement, where he indulges his sexual appetites to the fullest. While investigating a new paranormal case on the streets of London, he encounters an exotic beauty who seeks his help in warding off a band of pirates chasing her with a most unusual demand. Not one to say no to a beautiful woman, Phaeton complies with the beautiful Ms. Jones’ request. America Jones is not your common damsel in distress, the daughter of a Cajun witch and British sea captain, she shares Phaeton’s gift to sense the supernatural and has a few abilities of her own. The real seduction begins soon after this encounter for America Jones and Phaeton Black when the two come together for two different causes that will thrust them into mysterious and dark adventure on the sinister streets of London.
“Phaeton perused the nude body of the man standing directly in front of him. Golden skin, lean muscle, impressive phallus even at half mast. Magnificent. If he wasn’t inclined toward the female sex, he would surely be aroused. Actually, he was aroused.”
When I first saw the cover of this book I immediately thought steampunk, but THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK is so much more. In essence it’s a romance novel with a bit of mystery, paranormal and a great dose of steam (and I’m not talking hot-air balloons!). The setting of dark, Victorian London lends a gothic eeriness to the story that sets the mood. The author fluidly intertwines two intriguing story lines into one sexy page turner. Initially, the two characters come to an agreement which works to their own benefit, Phaeton plans on using America’s bloodline as an opportunity to attract the spirit he’s after, while America uses Black’s connections in Scottland Yard to bring down the pirate thieves who stole her father’s shipping company. Neither anticipates the game of seduction would lead to their salvation.
“I have never roomed with a woman. I am sure I will dislike it immensely.” he said. “it seems to me you live with a houseful.” she said. “Clever, Miss Jones, but incorrect. I do not room with the ladies. I f*** them.”
The hero and heroine in THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK do not fit the common roles we’re used to seeing in romance. Phaeton is more of an anti-hero with his nonchalant attitude and rakish ways, to some he can be a turn off, but something about this charming philanderer had me wanting more. He’s very charismatic and reveals a tender side with America that wins you over…he’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing! America Jones is a refreshing new leading lady, she’s witty, fearless and flirty in a time where being a proper lady is a woman’s top priority. The tension between America and Phaeton is stellar and I couldn’t get enough of their sexy banter and Black’s sexual innuendos! This pair of unconventional lovers adds a lightheartedness to the ongoing supernatural plot. Both have sworn off love and are brought together by fate for this very reason under some unusual circumstances.
“Truth be told, he was more than taken by her. Soon the little minx would capture him body and soul. From the very start she had wormed her way into his life and now he could hardly believe himself. He was soft on Miss Jones. What a horrifying development this was.”
What good book is complete without a villain and friends? Well, Ms. Stone covers that with the addition of the villain Goddess Quadesh, Dr. Exeter and Pin Jing, friends of Black who help Phaeton and America with their own knowledge of the supernatural. Ms. Stone pens a thrilling tale of romance and the supernatural that is sure to keep you reading till the wee hours of the morning. With a little magic, spirits, pirates, danger, sex and a salacious version of Sherlock Holmes as a hero, THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK is a sure hit for readers who want a little extra excitement with their romance!
Whether you like a good crime solving mystery or a love story…you’ll love America Jones and Phaeton Black’s voracious appetite for adventure in and out of the bedroom!
you just convinced me this book is becoming the next on my to-read list. I have a stack and I’ve been debating which book to read next. The Seduction of Phaeton Black has now been moved to the very top 🙂