Iron Dominance by Cari Silverwood

Raised from childhood as an assassin, Claire finds her world knocked off kilter when Theo Kevonis, a rich, ex-Air Corp nobleman, rescues her from an airship crash. Being a soldier of a hostile nation she cannot reveal her identity, but Theo sinks his steely Dom fingers into her heart and soul, showing her the pleasures to be found in surrendering to his touch. Captivated, Claire cannot help but bind herself in lie after lie rather than risk losing the one man who’s ever loved her.

When her loathsome commander returns from the dead, her deceit is uncovered. Somehow, Claire must find a way to win back Theo's trust and destroy the man who threatens them both.

What I Liked:

This book has a great voice and you really get into the character's heads. Cari does a superb job of world building. I actually went out and bought this book after requesting a copy of Lust Plague, the second in the series. I am glad I went back and read this one first. It really shed light on how the world was set up, both with the Frankenstructs and how they related to the humans around them and the power structures. 

The BDSM elements are quite simply, delicious. Cari doesn't shy away from putting her characters in situations that ratchet up the tension and one of my favorite things (without too much in the way of spoilers) is the outfit Theo has Claire wear. OMG. Hotness. 

I love the way you can see the plot unraveling, like a train wreck about to happen. At several points, it reminded me of a movie, where you see the heroine going in a direction you just know is going to get her into trouble. 

What I Didn't:

It ended. Damn.

Overall:

This book was a wonderful beginning to The Steamwork Chronicles. It sets up the world, shows you how Frankenstructs relate to humans, the power structure and political intrigues. The sex is steamy, the BDSM aspect to it is rock solid smut-tastic, (yay!) and the plot kept me enthralled. Ever book I have read by Cari is well written, with intricate facets and is a delight to the senses. The lunch money sacrifice was well worth it! Steampunk, hot BDSM, a plot to keep you up nights and a new world to have adventures in...what could be better than that?

5/5