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Surviving on the treacherous Iron Seas requires a heart of steel…but how can Yasmeen hope to survive when her heart has already been stolen by Archimedes Fox…?

Tethered along the south dock of Port Fallow, Captain Yasmeen Corsair’s magnificent new airship, Lady Nergüi, awaits its departure with adventurer and treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox. But this time, Yasmeen, a fearless mercenary who has always prided herself on a heart of steel, has reasons to worry when Miles Bilson, an acquaintance from Archimedes’ earlier smuggling days, sends an urgent message requesting help.

With a past marked by betrayal, Archimedes wonders what his former partner could want—other than revenge. Yasmeen fears that Bilson could threaten everything Archimedes holds dear. Though both Archimedes and Yasmeen love the exhilaration of veering wildly off course, neither is prepared for where their newest risk will take them…or what it might cost them.

187 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Meljean Brook

49 books2,570 followers
Book info: I am the author of the Iron Seas steampunk romance series. I've written a guide to the world (including a map) on my website.

I also write a paranormal romance series, the Guardians. That series guide is also on my website, including a "The Story So Far" feature, which allows you to catch up on all of the books that previously released in the series if you start after the first installment.

Goodreads info: I am slowly, slowly adding to my shelves and reviews. It's unlikely that I will join many book discussions (especially of my own work) simply because I don't want to stifle reader conversation.

Bio: Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Anna (Bobs Her Hair).
956 reviews203 followers
July 4, 2013
4.5 stars...A Heart of Steel Follow-up Must Read
She blinked away the burning in her eyes, swallowing hard. "You," she said. I was all that she could manage. Incredible man.

"And you're still dressed," he said softly.

She rose from the cushions and met him halfway. His lips parted against hers, yet a kiss wasn't enough. Through the swelling in her chest, the ache in her throat, she said, "I love you."

"Of course you do." Despite the teasing reply, his voice ws rough with emotion. "I'm far too manly to resist."


Another satisfying steampunk by Meljean Brook. Archimedes Fox fell head over heels in love with 'heart of steel' Yasmeen. How could such a strong woman need him? Yasmeen captained her own airship. She could defend herself and her capable crew against pirates, nearly anything would fall under her vicious fighting skills. Yet he won her heart and they built a place for each other in each others lives.

"Tethered" shows how romantic this couple can be and how much they have grown. There isn't any mushy stuff to be found, but there are tender moments that reveal the depth of their love. (It is deep and overflowing.) Not only will readers find romance, but also adventure! (Sorry, no zombies, krakens, or sharks.) A plus is Zenobia and Archimedes letters. They are priceless!

This story doesn't stand alone. Heart of Steel must be read in order to thoroughly enjoy this novella. "Tethered" delivers the romance in spades! I loved it!

Profile Image for D Dyer.
355 reviews30 followers
March 22, 2019
This is a really fun novella entry in the iron seas series. There is romance in the sense that we get to watch the hero and heroine from the previous novel continue to negotiate their relationship but this book is really focused more on action and adventure than on romance. There is though a very sexy and deeply emotional light bondage scene, if this sort of thing upsets you you may wish to avoid this book for that reason. It is though a very light and very consensual scene. Brooke continues to build the iron seas universe, expanding it to include a bit more information about the floating city referenced in previous books. The story is structured in such a way that it will stand alone, we get enough backstory to at least understand the relationships of principle characters but reading the novel immediately preceding this one would be beneficial if you want to grasp some of the more nuanced character development and have a better sense of the world.
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,192 reviews159 followers
April 3, 2013
I had a busy day but Tethered (Novella): The Further Adventures of Archimedes Fox and Captain Corsair fit perfectly into the spaces in between all the hustle and bustle.

Tethered was a wonderful not so little after the HEA story(for Heart of Steel) and a nice slice of the Iron Seas world with a decent amount of steamy stuff. It starts out with some surprisingly sweet and loving moments between the bold and dangerous Captain Yasmeen and her dashing and roguish hubby Archimedes and shows just why he is so deserving of that love. And then a friend from Archimedes past forces them to take on a rescue mission to a city in the clouds which adds a lovely little dash of adventure to the mix.

Tethered was included in the Mass Market release of Heart of Steel, but is finally available an e-novella for those diehard fans like me who just had to have the Heart of Steel the day it hits the shelves in Trade PB which didn't have the bonus short.

I do so fan-girl-love these stories.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books374 followers
May 19, 2018
I didn't even know I needed it until I started reading this follow-up adventure for Archimedes Fox and Captain Corsair after their exploits in Heart of Steel. I loved them, but I didn't expect more. As soon as I started reading this one, I knew I wasn't ready to be done with them.

Tethered is book 2.5 in the Iron Seas series and doesn't make for a good place to jump into the series. The author spends little time on explaining the world or how the characters came to be in their circumstances because this story follows the events of the rest of the series though its a new adventure.

Archimedes and Yasmeen have plans to go on an artifact hunting venture after a brief visit to check in with his sister and with her old friend, but all that gets sidelined when Archimedes former partner tracks them down. He needs help and he is willing to do anything to achieve his goal.

This book is a blend of exciting steampunk sky adventure, but also develops the love affair that started in the last book. What does love look like for a dashing, daring strong-willed couple? How do they balance their lives now that they are together?
And, beyond the romance, they both discover personal vulnerabilities that they can either work through alone or remember they are a couple and can rely on each other. I enjoyed seeing the complexities in this story against the well-paced and finely tuned action side.

Okay, and when all's said and done, I loved any reason to see Yasmeen and Archimedes in action together again. I think they will always be one of my favorite book couples. I can't resist a dangerous lady sky ship captain and a charming adventurer.

This is a really great series with a bit of something for everyone who likes spicy hot romance, gritty adventures, developed and colorful characters, a fascinating and exciting world, and fun use of steampunk gadgetry and inventions. This is the series I would point out to those who want to try steampunk, but aren't sure all those mechanisms and steam are for them.
Profile Image for Jen Davis.
Author 7 books716 followers
August 18, 2014
I have to admit, I always pause before spending three bucks on a novella. Will it be worth it? Is the publisher just trying to milk my love for an established series with a little puff of nothing set in a world I’m committed to? And despite my love for Meljean Brook, I wondered the same thing here. Thankfully, I can assure you that “Tethered” was worth every penny and then some.

This is a companion story designed to be read after Heart of Steel. With some novellas, it doesn’t really matter when you read them, but here I urge you to read it after book two. It flows so wonderfully. And the events here really set up some of the stuff we learn about later in The Kraken King. This story has a great action plot and it’s chock-full of the feels built up in the last installment.

Things pick up right on the heels of the last story. Yasmeen and Archimedes are happy and trying to create a new normal aboard their new airship. But just when things seem pretty darn wonderful, an old friend of Archimedes’ shows up in need of a favor. And when Archimedes says no, the man makes him an offer he can’t refuse. I don’t want to ruin the particulars, but I was 100% invested in story.

Bilson’s method of extortion couldn’t be more wrenching. And watching Archimedes and Yasmeen struggle with how to respond was a fantastic read. Meljean Brook is so great at making me feel the emotions of her characters. I was completely invested from beginning to end. If you are a fan of the Iron Seas, you do not want to skip this one. It’s not a throwaway. In fact, it’s as good as a full length story… maybe better.

Rating: A-
Profile Image for ᴥ Irena ᴥ.
1,652 reviews222 followers
June 16, 2013
I am aware that this is not the same as Heart of Steel, but unlike many I wasn't expecting it to be.
This gets a star extra for the sole reason Meljean Brook doesn't have to introduce another man/woman and create a love triangle or some lie from the past as many other authors do (it seems some can't write a story with the same characters without such nonsense - reason why I stopped reading some series).
That being said, Yasmeen and Archimedes are different in this story. Sure, there is a plot, but it is overwhelmed with their feelings. So when you do start reading this, simply expect more romance than adventure (that is the main difference between Heart of Steel and Tethered). I am rating this without comparing it to Heart of Steel. Oh, and I can't wait for Zenobia's book.
Profile Image for Kitana Bradford.
4 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2015
The only thing I love more than a story of two lovers in perfect accord is a story that throws a great big kink between two lovers in perfect accord, then watching them grow even more in love because of the difficulties they surmount.
And, boy, did this novella deliver!

I've had a lady-crush on Yasmeen ever since her first appearance in The Iron Duke.
I love Archimedes!
It was awesome to see them in their new dynamic of an established couple (god, they're so adorable!)
For a novella, Tethered is amazingly full of love scenes, action, heart-wrenching yet touching moments, love scenes, and twists.
Did I mention love scenes? Holy crap, there are a lot of love scenes. (Talk about putting the steam in steampunk. Woof! {Fans self})
It was a lot of action with great, unhurried pacing.

My only gripe is the resolution, dare I call it that. The story just seemed to stop and everything is wrapped up with a summary disguised as letters between the hero and his sister.
Which - don't get me wrong - I thought was a prodigiously clever and entertaining (not to mention humorous) choice on the author's part, as it dealt with the space-constraints of a novella by rounding out the story succinctly and tying it into the beginning in a way that felt natural and not forced at all.
The only problem is, it happened immediately after the climax, which involves - slight spoiler here - an unusually vulnerable moment for Yasmeen. That lack of resolution left me feeling a bit emotionally unbalanced and wishing (god, I feel like such a traitor for saying this) that maybe one of those yummy sex scenes could have been cut to make just enough room for us to have actually seen Yasmeen back as her badass captain self.

And, okay okay, maybe I wanted to see her throw someone overboard.

Ultimately, the ending is only a slight hitch in an awesome story.

Note: For anyone wondering, I thought this novella was okay as a stand-alone, but the worldbuilding behind the series is deliciously complicated and so new readers may find themselves enjoying the story, but missing the nuances. Not to mention you'll be robbing yourself of the real emotional punch if you dive in without reading the book that precedes it: Heart of Steel.
In fact, their story really starts in The Iron Duke.
Oh, what the heck, treat yourself and read the entire Iron Seas series.

... And pretty much everything else by Meljean Brook.
Profile Image for Samantha.
531 reviews91 followers
March 13, 2017
Yasmeen and Archimedes are blackmailed into helping a friend find a missing relative. I absolutely loved this short story featuring the main characters from Heart of Steel. They are both dealing with their emotional hang-ups while trying to take care of one another as they head into a dangerous job. I would love to see more of this pair together and I’m hoping that Brook will eventually decide to give them another book to themselves.
Profile Image for Aoi.
808 reviews82 followers
May 2, 2014
The post-marriage Archimedes X Yasmeen relationship is a potential minefield- her being the Captain and him, her husband who doesn't quite have a formal place in the crew.

Reading this- They have both grown beautifully as a couple. I love how understanding and non egoistic they are of one other, without having to make anything explicit.. They just fall in place in each others' lives..

And Zenobia's letters to Archemedes.. Haha!
Profile Image for Erin.
1,810 reviews61 followers
October 7, 2015
Quite enjoyable.

Yasmeen and Archimedes had to work through lots of personal struggles, both separate and together.

The New Eden idea was neat. Of course crazy leader as usual, but still a neat idea of a floating garden city.

I definitely look forward to the next adventure.
Though I do wish that we had gotten to see the Duke, since he had escaped New Eden previously, and not just met with Scarsdale.

I much look forward to Zenobia's story.
Profile Image for Lulu.
31 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2013
4.5 stars. Really fun novella set in the Iron Seas world of Meljean Brook. Nice follow up of a previous couple, Yasmeen and Archimedes. Lots of action, good story, great writing and Archimedes is just a great character! Just wish that Brook had written a wrap up scene with the primary villain of the storyline and either Yasmeen or Archimedes.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,195 reviews201 followers
August 22, 2014
Holy Hannah. Whenever I dip my toes in this world, I go all flaily over it. In fact, I'm considering doing a full series reread just so I can wallow in it for as long as humanly possible. *wallows contentedly*

In case you missed my blatant fangirling, I kinda dig this series. This novella gives us another peek into the lives (and deep love) of Archimedes and Yasmeen. Man, those two do it for me. They're so unabashedly taken with one another. Yasmeen might have to put on a tough face in front of her crew and those she deals with, but her devotion to Archimedes (and he to her) is plain. Heck, she gives him liberties with her SHIP. For an airship captain, there's no greater sign of love than that right there.

Archimedes amuses me. His over the top personality allows him to be demonstrative in ways that Yasmeen isn't. His deep respect for his lady is a beautiful thing. The way he gets turned on by Yasmeen's harder side is fantastic. Frankly, those two are just meant for each other. They're adorably cutthroat when they need to be and so SO supportive of one another.

Yeah, I have my fangirl flag hoisted. It was inevitable, really. I mean, how can I resist a rough and tumble lady mercenary and the man who captured her heart? I can't. I can't.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Ana.
17 reviews66 followers
July 16, 2012
I really enjoy reading these short stories, Meljean knows how to create a consistent world and knows how to use those little things she plants on her novels. I loved to know how the stories from the characters in the second novel developed and it's always a pleasure to read more about Yasmeen and Archimedes.

Still, don't get me wrong, this is a great stand-alone too, so if you haven't read anything by Meljean Brook, don't be afraid to read this one, you'll get it.

The only issue I keep getting with her stories is that the action itself develops too easily and fast for my taste, that's why I gave it four stars instead of five. Even though, these short stories are one great way to get to know a bit about her writing and see if it fits you.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Hunter.
Author 73 books6,031 followers
April 13, 2013
Another great adventure from Brook! I'm loving novellas lately, so this was perfect.

I could read another dozen stories with Archimedes and Yasmeen, just because they're such fascinating characters and their relationship is so layered. I think they're my favorite couple from the Iron Seas series. Wonderful action and intrigue in this novella. Loved the length, loved the story, love the humor. (Hot? Oh yes. Please and thank you Archimedes.)

Highly recommend this whole series, but especially this novella and Heart of Steel, their first book. I'm hoping Brook will write more novellas or shorts with these characters, because they're just made for adventure and there are so many possibilities.

Five happy stars!
Profile Image for Sho.
581 reviews20 followers
June 16, 2013
Yeah for a story after HEA!
Yasmeen and Fox make a brilliant and wonderful team/ I LOVE reading how they compliment each other. They are stronger and weaker for being together and reading how they come to realize that makes it so great! Their strength are shown so well in the ways they deal with difficulty in this very tough world. Another great story from this world. I do hope there is more!
Profile Image for Deanne.
1,775 reviews132 followers
April 9, 2013
A short book to tide me over while I wait for Brooks to write a larger novel set in her steampunk world. I've liked all the books in the series so far, would love to hear more of the minor characters including Zenobia.
Profile Image for Liz.
588 reviews29 followers
April 21, 2013
More in the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Fox! A great pleasure to revisit these characters and despite the shorter length, completely satisfying!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,199 reviews55 followers
May 29, 2023
It’s an airship adventure when Archimedes Fox receives a message from his old partner, asking for help to rescue his brother from a very dangerous situation, or rather demanding help. He and Yasmeen, his wife and captain of the Lady Nergui, don’t take threats lightly, and being the deadly mercenaries they are, will make sure to come out of any situation they encounter, no matter what it might cost them. I love the devious and inventive ways they handle dangerous situations, what a pair! This was a fun story with a familiar couple who are very much in love and will let nothing interfere with their happy, adventurous life.
Profile Image for AJ.
309 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2022
The first palatable book cover for this series, I swear.

Heart of Steel is required reading for this as it follows Book 2's lovers - the now married Captain Yasmeen Fox and Archimedes Fox. I love HEA epilogues that involve actual plot, and this one delivers with all the wiles characteristic of the Iron Seas!

There's betrayal, combat, sex, cults, and pirates. Not to mention, some promising hints for the rest of the books in this series. I think I'll keep on through till the end.
Profile Image for Trishh.
204 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2017
Again, SO GOOD. As with Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City, this book plays on the "after the ending" and plays with the aformentioned weaknesses of the protagonists and views them evolve from that. BC is not like the Happy Ending just fixes things up, and thats very very realistic.

Recommended for people who like their adventure with romance.
1,013 reviews49 followers
January 25, 2022
It was so good to see Scarsdale! I wish he had his own book, he absolutely deserves it.

I liked the plot but then near the end the whole Eden drama went too smoothly... Perhaps it would be better if they simply escaped with Lady and the crew intact, leaving Bilson behind. I feel like the absolutely cool concept of Eden deserved something better, longer.
Profile Image for Natasha.
58 reviews
August 11, 2023
Read: March 2023
Reviewed: August 2023

This is a great little add on to Book 2, which builds fantastically on the relationships established there. To be honest, I cannot recall all that happens in this book, but it made me happy to read it and I might give them another review when the events are clearer.

Just a good addition to the current world and had a good time
Profile Image for Amber.
1,308 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2020
I think the thing I love most about these characters in this series is how intelligent they are. They recognize that they have problems and actually manage to think their way out of things, and in reasonable, not overblown way as well.
Profile Image for Stephaniec.
805 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2017
I liked this novella even more than the full length book......I didn't think I would when I started this story but I looovvveee Archimedes Fox
4 reviews
August 10, 2017
Great read.

There is detail and beauty in the story flow, adventure, and did lots of clues that draw you in further to see if you surmised the plot correctly.
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