Kwan, Coleen

The limited cast of characters gives this short novel a sharp focus on the mysterious events occurring around Julian and Nellie, allowing the fast-paced, gothic-tinged story to take hold of the reader. A dash of steampunk with a taste of lust makes this an intriguing tale, perfect for historical romance readers. The romance is sexy but not overbearing or crude; a perfect weekend read for the thrill-seeker.

In this fun romp that explores and exploits the constraints and capabilities of time travel, Kwan manages to make it all seem possible. The novella does move quickly through scenes and emotions, but the fast pace of the plot and time travel twists make up for it. Never reaching too much more than heavy petting, Asher's Dilemma creates an entertaining hour or two with a complicated romance in steampunked 19th-century England.