An earl with a problem.Nicholas Masterson, Lord Sharpe, has a problem with potions. He won’t drink them, he craves them, and they’re getting weaker by the day. When his spymaster uncle requests that he travel from London to India to investigate, he reluctantly agrees and hops on an early morning train.A woman with a plan.Ida Quimby has set herself a goal: begin a new life as an elite perfumer, … goal: begin a new life as an elite perfumer, selling potion-based perfumes to the highest tier of London society. But when her good-for-nothing brother reneges on his promise to supply her with the magic serum for her potions, she takes matters into her own hands and sets out for India to confront him.
The journey of a lifetime.
A chance meeting on a train brings Nick and Ida together, starting them down a path of mystery and intrigue that could get them both killed. Or lead them to a love for all times.
more
5 enthusiastic Stars.
My rating guide: 1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= Yes, I mostly enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= A FAVORITE! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I absolutely love Catherine Stein novels! THE EARL ON THE TRAIN novella, prequel in her PASSIONS AND POTIONS series, was another delightful adventure as the main characters travel from England to India via train and steam ship in search of answers. Stein’s novels are always filled with numerous researched tidbits so I truly feel as if I am present, along for the ride.
February 1882 ~
Nicholas Masterson, 29yrs and the 5th Earl of Sharpe since the age of 19, is a scholarly inclined man, a recovering potions addict but also a gifted potions expert. Nicholas is approached by his uncle, Lord Ayleston, who works covertly with the Prime Minister on specific secret projects, to investigate the cause of England’s declining supply of imported potions and serums which, besides creating dangerous personal addictions, power much of England’s technology. Bold and independent heiress Miss Ida Quimby/FMC, at 23yrs is the hopeful entrepreneur and creator of high quality, custom perfumes derived from serums. She is also heading to India to discover why her valued serum supply has diminished with no explanation.
THE EARL ON THE TRAIN novella is a delightful adventure which brings prospective business woman Miss Ida Quimby and Nicholas, Lord Sharpe together as they travel through foreign lands. They face various threats and dangers while traveling abroad from unknown assailants. Who is behind the attacks and either wants them dead, or at the very least hopes to convince them to return to England with their questions regarding the serum unanswered? How far are the villains willing to go to accomplish their goal? Who or what is interrupting the supply of Indian serum, and is it permanent?
I happily recommend THE EARL ON THE TRAIN (and each Stein novel) to readers who enjoy Steampunk, and/or quirky action-adventure novels (such as Amelia Peabody Mysteries, Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, Below Stairs Mysteries or Anne Renwick Steampunk novels). TEOTT can be read as a standalone title but I highly recommend each book in the PASSIONS AND POTIONS series, as all are wonderful, and follow a central story arc (read in order for best enjoyment). THE EARL ON THE TRAIN is the prequel novella. Ms. Stein is one of the few authors I still auto-buy on preorder without hesitation. She does not disappoint! Her main characters are intelligent, capable and honorable people who bring out the best qualities in their mate. Generally, they are individuals who have been overlooked or misunderstood; they are the underdog, people who have been deemed unusual or “beyond the pale.” Stein’s novels are low-angst, fun, unique, quirky & clever! with sweet HEAs. The cover grabbed my attention from the start.
READER CAUTIONS – I love this story but it may not be appropriate for all readers.
VIOLENCE – PG, nothing dark, graphic, or disturbing.
PROFANITY – Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS – Yes. The 2 main characters’ attraction turns to intimacy beginning around the mid-point of the book. That being said, THE EARL ON THE TRAIN is much more than the intimacy scenes. It is about individuals being themselves, and the wonder of finding that special person who “gets” them and loves them for who they are, without pretense.
He does not want potions, he needs them so he is a little worried when he is sent to India but they seems to be getting weaker. Her brother has pulled out of their plans to.make perfume so she has to travel to get the items she needs. They meet in the train and they will have to be careful as things may get dangerous for them. What is going to happen? Can they be a team? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read I found it to be well-written and a story that held my interest until the end. I see there is another book by her that I will read at a later time.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The love of potions, the need for the magic serum for potions brings Nick and Ida together on a train. Set in 1882 this fantasy is about how potions have taken over people crave them over-indulge in them and do stupid things because of them wonder what another name for potion could be? It also appears as the whole country needs the magic serum to run the country. Now for the mystery and why Nick has to travel on a train? Ida needs the serum for her perfumes and she has to find out why she is not getting it. This unique tale was so interesting to read. It has a bit of steampunk feel to it and I just loved it. This well-written piece is one you will not go wrong with if fantasy is your thing. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Catherine Stein has done it again.
With witty dialogue, engaging characters, and an intriguing plot, Stein drew me into her world.
A little magic, a little spice, and a Victorian setting are mixed together in this book. The result? A fast paced romance story that like a breath of fresh air.
Nick and Ida’s adventure is one you definitely don’t want to miss.