Review: Wonderful paranormal-steampunk
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2014
What an amazing series this is, the world is so dark and different, the characters are intriguing and dangerous (even the good ones) and romances between hero and heroine are hot and sexy. The Damsel and the Daggerman bring us back to the caravan to be immersed in the carnival world with some of my favorites, Tish and Criminy,Marco Taresque is the mysterious knife thrower who appeared one day walking from the moors, the rumor he is a murderer but he does not speak of it and many are scared to ask. He does have the attention of all the women in the caravan, a dark, moody sexy man that they all want to "help" but he just ignores them and stays to himself.Jacinda Harville is a journalist who used to travel the world with her husband Liam, when he died defending her she made some changes in her life and travels alone searching for interesting stories. She has come to Criminy's caravan to write about life in the carnival, she just needs Criminy to let her in, as she knows he hates journalist. With Tish's approval after a reading, Criminy grudgingly lets her stay but with conditions to not interrupt the workers too much.As soon as Jacinda sees Marco she is intrigued, she hears the rumors and wants his side of the story, and she wants him. Thus begins the push and pull of their relationship, she is determined to get some answers and he claims he does not want to talk but she gets a different vibe from him and agrees to several tests in order to ask questions. It is only after his past comes back to haunt him does the truth come out, and they are both in danger.I am thoroughly entranced with this series, I love the world and the characters Ms. Dawson has created. Criminy Stain is the ringmaster and is just as intriguing and dangerous as he was in the first book and I am so glad this story takes us back to the caravan. I really like Jacinda, such a strong female heroine that can take care of herself and goes after what she wants, Marco, but when she senses he is vulnerability, she is willing to back off and I like that about her. Marco is just a likable, dark and dangerous and oh so sexy, a perfect hero. He has several secrets and Jacinda believes he is hurting, so tries her best to get him to talk. The chemistry between them is off the charts, the way he kisses her...oh so sensuous.As I said before, I love the setting of the carnival, the world of Sang and the interesting characters that live there, Demi and Cherie are fun and so young but are essential in this story as well as the next and I am excited to see what adventures they will soon have.The Damsel and the Daggerman is a short story that is a great addition to the series. The story is fast paced and although short it has an interesting plot and I was invested until the exciting conclusion. And although this is part of an ongoing series, it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this story and as always Ms. Dawson takes us on a wild ride of danger, mystery and romance.Review also posted at Ramblings from a Chaotic MindCopy from publisher for an honest review