Asher's Invention [Kindle Edition]

Coleen Kwan (Author)

Book Description

Five years ago, Asher Quigley broke his engagement to Minerva Lambkin, believing she was an accomplice in a scheme to steal his prototype for a wondrous device. Minerva swore she was innocent, though the thief—and Asher's mentor—was her own father.

Now, sheer desperation has driven Minerva to Asher's door. Her father has been kidnapped by investors furious that he's never been able to make the machine work. Only Asher, now a rich and famous inventor in his own right, can replicate the device. He's also become a hard, distant stranger far different from the young idealist she once loved.

Despite their troubled past, Asher agrees to help Minerva. He still harbors his suspicions about her, but their reunion stirs emotions and desires they both thought were buried forever. Can they rebuild their fragile relationship in time to save her father and their future together?

29,000 words

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kwan does an excellent job of weaving together steampunk and romance. This subgenre is gearing up for the long haul, and Asher's Invention is a fabulous introduction."   Library Journal Reviews 

"Asher's Invention is exactly the kind of steampunk novella I like to write and read. The Victorian setting is well done and believable, as is the invention at the heart of the plot. I read breathlessly to see what would happen next."   Romance Reader at Heart 

"This is a lovely steampunk novella with lots of fun gadgets like ray guns, flying airships, mechanical arms and mysterious ever-lasting thingiemabobs. This is steampunk at its finest and fans will enjoy this part science, part imagination as I did."   The Romance Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 242 KB
• Print Length: 83 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (June 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007M8S2FS
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #714,330 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Steampunk... June 26, 2012

By Jskinz

Format:Kindle Edition

A short story in a Steampunk Universe. Minerva is in distress. The invention her father stole (and now claims as his own) from her ex-Fiance has become common knowledge in her town. Now her father has been kidnapped and she seeks out the one man who can help her, the victim of her father's theft, the love of her life, Asher.The story reminds me of those author's write to tide reader's over between books in a series. Fast, fun, and cute.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Escape April 20, 2013

By A. E. Babski

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm a huge fan of steampunk. One of the things that I love about this quirky genre is the modern-day interpretation of Victorian language and literary style. Kwan handles her prose with expertise, and gives her characters a voice that feels authentic to their times. Her paragraphs are dotted with antique words that flow seamlessly into the tone of the work.

I devoured this quick read in one sitting, and am pleasantly surprised to learn there's a sequel. Asher and Minerva were fun, and their arcs in this plot were satisfying, even if I was left wanting a bit more. If the next book is as enjoyable as this one, I'll be following this author.

If you enjoy steampunk romance, you should be well entertained by this title.

5.0 out of 5 stars love steampunk! October 15, 2012

By mrsinserra

Format:Kindle Edition

First, I have never ever commented on a cover before, but I love this one! Asher is so super cute. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I thought I would like this book and I did. Asher's invention is pretty straight forward. The summary of the book explains the overall plot quite well and tells you enough to get you hooked but not so much that you know the whole story. What the summary does not tell you is that this is not only a love story, but also a mystery.

The plot was quick paced and some of it was to be expected, Asher really is a good guy, Minerva didn't betray him, ect... but the part that caught me off guard was who the bad guy was all along. I would never have guessed who in a million years. That was a refreshing twist.

I have really come to love Carina Press books, I don't think I have read one yet that I did not like. They have all been interesting and refreshing. I also love that they are digital.

FYI- for those that want to know, there is mention of sex, but nothing graphic or overly descriptive, and they were engaged at the time. There is the threat of rape, but that term is not used, just inferred. I would recommend this book to adults because of the mention of rape, but, as always, it is up to you what your kids read. Again, I highly recommend this book to adults who like a nice mystery/romance novel in the steampunk genre. I loved it! It is also a standalone novel, as far as I can tell, with a nice ending.

I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy.

Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com

3.0 out of 5 stars Steampunk romance July 4, 2012

By druidgirl

Format:Kindle Edition

This is only the second Steampunk story that I have read and it was quite enjoyable.Asher seems to be a very bitter man but an exceptional inventor. Minerva Lambkin is a brave, strong and intelligent woman who was engaged to Asher some years ago, but they had a falling out due to her father Silas. When Silas is kidnapped Minerva goes to Asher for his help and during the quest for her father their romance may be rekindled.
Thank you Carina Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

More About the Author

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life -- and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn't writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Please visit www.coleenkwan.com for more information.