Review - The Mysterious Madam Morpho (Blud #1.5) by Delilah S. Dawson

Here is all you need to know about The Mysterious Madam Morpho (Blud #1.5). First, the story takes place two years after the end of Wicked as They Come, so, yes, you are absolutely encouraged to read the books as they are released. Don't be like me and wait months to read them because they've been sitting on your Kindle all because you've suddenly found yourself buried underneath dozens of new releases because you can't say no to NetGalley and Edelweiss!

Second, there is a Criminy Stain and Tish Everett (Letitia) sighting almost immediately out of the gates which made me do the happy dance! Without spoiling anything for those who haven't read Wicked as They Come, the couple is definitely together and happy. I've been badgering Delilah on Twitter for more of the couple's appearance in future installments because I want to see what Tish's actual future will bring her. Will she continue to travel back and forth between her time, and Sang? Will she become one of the Bludwomen which absolutely would not phase me or displease me? Will her remarkable ability to see the future (Glancer) continue unabated?

Third, Dawson spins a marvelously fun tale about a woman named Imogen Morpho and The Mysterious Mr. Murdoch (not their real names, but I won't spoil who they really are) who are both running away from something that could easily destroy them if they are found out. It's a wonderful tale about two people who are able to put the past behind them and find true love in each others arms. Oh yeah, the romance is absolutely wonderful.

I haven't said this before, but, Dawson's sex scenes are like she is creating a master piece. The characters slowly tease and test each other, letting their bodies explore each crevice of the other. The characters find a way to know the other without jumping right into the nasty. The climax and release is patient and not rushed, or angry, or meddlesome by which I mean it doesn't happen in the middle of a chase scene where the bad guys are closing in for the kill and all of a sudden, there is an urgent need to jump each others bones.

Lastly, who can't find humor in the fact that Dawson writes about bludbunnies, bludrats, bludbadgers and bludmen in a steampunk/romance setting? Although they are a scary bunch, the blud animals make the series that much more interesting to read about. I also enjoyed the fact that we get to see more of Criminy's Traveling Carnival including characters who may or may not end up being centrally caste in Wicked after Midnight. It's also a fast read at 100 pages which means that you can finish in a sitting.

Published October 2nd 2012 by Pocket Books

Author - Delilah S. Dawson
Title - The Mysterious Madam Morpho
Publisher - Pocket Books
Released - October 2, 2012
Genre - Steampunk, Romance