Tag: GLBT Steampunk

Clockwork Romance by Skye Dragen

91XuWzjCUWL._SL1500_Title: Clockwork Romance     

Author: Skye Dragen     

Genre: Steampunk      

Length: Short (62pgs)     

Publisher: UnScripted Inc (14th September 2013)    

Heat Level: Low – Moderate    

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts    

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Clockmaker by day and thief by night, Arthur Winfield is used to charming his way into the homes and pocket books of London’s wealthiest patrons. He robs the rich to fund projects designed to help those in need and uses the nobility of his goal as an excuse for the continuation of his thieving. Little does he know that his latest mark may well be his last.

Lord Percival Brien’s wealth has acquired him a reputation for being one of the richest men in London. Solicited to ferret out the thief who robbed his uncle, he walks into Arthur’s shop with one purpose: divining whether or not the man he is looking for is the pretty-faced clockmaker in front of him. As he builds a friendship with Arthur, he may find that their tastes run to more intimate tracks than steam trolleys and airships.     

Purchase Link: US: http://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Romance-ebook/dp/B00F3TX8EI     

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clockwork-Romance-ebook/dp/B00F3TX8EI

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-clockworkromance-1291778-340.html 

Review: Arthur is master clockmaker who dabbles in other mechanical creations, he charms his way into wealthy homes with his clockwork wonders by day and by night steals trinkets from the wealthy to fund his experiments for the poor. But his latest client/mark is not quite, what he seems and little does Arthur realize that his thieving days just might be ending. Lord Percival is a part-time investigator, he takes on jobs for the wealthy for his own amusement, and when his uncle asks him to investigate a theft, and he swears to find the culprit. Percival becomes intrigued by the suspect Arthur and beings to fall for the clockmaker, and when he discovers the truth he doesn’t know if he can hand over the culprit but he can’t be with a thief either. 

This is a cute little short Steampunk story that has a wonderful developing romance. Arthur might be doing well with his business but it isn’t enough to fund his experiments, he takes drastic measures and justifies his actions because he wants to help the poor and infirmed. Percy has a very strict moral code and although he becomes close to Arthur he can’t accept Arthur’s reasoning. Both men have to come up with a solution to the quandary they find themselves in if they wish to be together.

Arthur is a great character. When he meets Percy, it is more than just his curiosity for the work that is piqued. And as their relationship develops, he doesn’t have the heart to steal from Percy. Percy is intrigued by Arthur and not just for his mechanical wonders, as they grow close his doubts about Arthur begin to vanish and he becomes enthralled with Arthur’s work. When the truth comes out the two men are already in love, and Percy has a choice to make. The story flows smoothly and we get to see the developing attraction as it evolves from glances to touches and sweetly written letters, to embracing their attraction and then the devastation and confusion they both feel when the truth is discovered.   

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, a sweet developing love, gentle courtship, great characters, doing the right thing, acceptance and forgiveness and a sweet reuniting ending. 

 

 

Agamemnon Frost and the House of Death by Kim Knox

18130651Title: Agamemnon Frost and the House of Death

Series: Agamemnon Frost 01     

Author: Kim Knox     

Genre: Historical (Liverpool 1891), Steampunk/Science Fiction     

Length: Short (77pgs)    

Publisher: Carina Press (19th August 2013)    

Heat Level: Low     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Liverpool, 1891

Decorated artilleryman Edgar Mason was forced to find new work when the British Empire replaced its foot soldiers with monstrous machines. Now he waits on the Liverpool elite as a personal servant. He has just one rule: he won’t work for fashion-addled dandies.

Agamemnon Frost, however, is far from the foppish man-about-town he appears to be. He’s working to protect the Earth from an alien invasion being planned by a face-changing creature known as Pandarus. And on the night he plans to confront the aliens, he enlists Mason to assist him.

For a man to love a man is a serious crime in Victorian England. But when Mason meets Frost, his heart thunders, and his blood catches fire. And when Pandarus drags the two men into the torture cellars beneath his house of death to brainwash them, Mason’s new passion may be all that stands between him and insanity.

The trilogy continues with Agamemnon Frost and the Hollow Ships.     

Purchase Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/48F751F6-8EB4-417A-A242-EE5C84F992A5/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7BBDA9F239-DA87-4EAA-9DB3-C9E8587103AC%7D    

Review: Edgar Mason was forced out of the army when the British Empire replaces its foot soldiers with monstrous machines. Now he is working any jobs that he can find as a personal servant to the elite of Liverpool. When he finds himself as the personal servant for Agamemnon Frost he thinks the man is a dandified fop who gets his blood racing, but he soon discovers that not everything is as it seems. Agamemnon Frost has an important task to complete, he hates that he has to allow Mason to fall into the well placed trap, but his mission to protect Earth must come first and the attraction he feels toward Mason second. And when they fall into the hands of Pandarus, their attraction to each other might be the only thing that keeps them alive.

This is a great historical science fiction/Steampunk story that has aliens trying to take over the British Empire. Mason is a great character who gets drawn into a war that he never knew existed, a war with alien beings who want Earth. Agamemnon is working with a secret movement to stop the infiltration, but it is far from easy when the very Beings he is fighting have developed the technology the British Empire is using to fight their wars. The men have to work together when they are set on being brainwashed by Pandarus, and they try to bring down Pandarus’ home base. 

Kim Knox has written a story that combines history and science fiction giving it very Steampunk feel and giving us the beginning of a complex relationship. Agamemnon is a man who has to hide behind foppish behavior to keep his real agenda, that of an agent who must stop the aliens. Mason is just a soldier who gets pulled into a secret war because of his birth date. Mason just humors Agamemnon at first until he realizes that the man really isn’t nuts and that he is telling the truth about aliens. Mason has a forbidden longing for Agamemnon and it seems to be reciprocated, but first Mason has to follow Agamemnon’s lead if he wants to leave the house alive. 

This really is a great start to the series, it leads you in but has you grasping for information and Agamemnon is stingy with dishing it out. We are left with anticipation for the future books and what is going to happen with both Mason and Agamemnon. We don’t find out everything we want but we are left with a good idea of what has happened to both men and what they have become, and thankfully, their attraction is still fierce. 

I will recommend this to those who love something a little different, aliens and history mixing, a budding relationship and an ending that leaves you reaching for the next book. 

Noble Magic by Ravon Silvius

17860271Title: Noble Magic

Series: Enforcer’s 01

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Fantasy World, Steampunk

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: Extasty Books (15th April 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lord Kenneth Victeni has every opportunity and every privilege. As the noble son of a powerful mage, he puts little thought into the lives of the talentless, the second class citizens who cannot use magic in a world ruled by mages.

That changes when he meets Thorn, a talentless who is studying at the inventor’s college, where those without magic develop steam-powered technology. The two men share a mutual attraction, and what’s more, Thorn just might be Kenneth’s lifemate—the man who, with just his presence, can double Kenneth’s magical power.

Kenneth’s ignorance of the lives of the talentless puts an obstacle in their budding relationship, however, and his life grows even worse when another mage at the collegium attacks and nearly kills him. Now Thorn and Kenneth must put aside their argument and find a way to put a stop to a mage who poses a threat to others—and along the way, Kenneth might even learn the sensitivity he needs to win over Thorn.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/noble-magic/

Review: Kenneth is a mage of noble birth. He has had every opportunity and is studying at the mage’s collegium. Looking for a piece of steel needed for a project, he has to enter the talentless area and meets Thorn, a young inventor, who begins to change his views about the talentless. Thorn is an inventor in his last year of college. when one of his inventions gets away from him and scares a noble mages horse he jumps at the opportunity to discover more about magic. As the two young men become friends, they discover a connection between them. But, Kenneth’s ignorance of the talentless causes problems. They also make a chilling discovery that just might cost them their lives, if they don’t work together.

This is a great beginning to the Enforcer’s series, of a magi and a talentless who meet by chance and change each other’s lives. Kenneth has been sheltered throughout his life. he was protected from the full impact of the war between magi and talentless and the only talentless he has ever met are servants. Kenneth has lived with his father telling him how dangerous the talentless and their inventions are, but when he meets Thorn, he discovers that the talentless are interesting and not always treated fairly. Thorn knows the suffering of the talentless, but he is still intrigued by the young magi. He is attracted to Kenneth, but their differences come between them. until Kenneth is attacked and left for dead.

Noble Magic is a well-written story that mixes Steampunk for the talentless with magic for the magi. Not only is it a slight romance with danger thrown in, but it also tells of two different classes of people who find a common ground against the odds. Both Kenneth and Thorn are great characters. Kenneth with his slightly proud snobby attitude and Thorn with his down-to-earth welcoming attitude, put them together and you have a couple who will never be boring. I liked how this world was portrayed with the two sides separated by magic, those that have it hold all the power and those that don’t are treated like second-class citizens. The magi using magic, but not really understanding it and the talentless creating machinery hoping to mimic the advantages that the magi have.

Thorn and Kenneth begin something new in this story, a magi and a talentless working together is completely unheard of. Their relationship is shaky, but develops quickly and they are there for each other in times of need. The storyline is good and is just the beginning as they are invited to test for the Enforcer’s, their relationship is just beginning as well so it will be interesting to see how they both cope with their new situation.

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, danger, developing love, an interesting storyline and a happy for now ending. 

 

The Bitter Rednesses of Love by Dominique Frost

18085969Title: The Bitter Rednesses of Love

Author: Dominique Frost

Genre: Regency, Steampunk

Length: Novella (84pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (18th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Anthony Clark, degenerate genius and impoverished nobleman, finds himself wedded to the painfully proper young aristocrat, Stephen Ayers. They’ve been pledged since before Stephen’s birth.

Will their marriage prove intolerable to them both, or will they find a happy equilibrium, instead? As Anthony teaches Stephen the pleasures of the body, will Stephen be able to teach Anthony the pleasures of the heart?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/bitter-rednesses-of-love.html

Review: Anthony loves his life just the way it is; drinking, whoring and his inventions. But, the time has come for him to finally marry his betrothed, a man who is rich, handsome, and a prude. Stephen has known all his life who he is to marry and can only hope that his husband will give up his whoring ways, but knows there is little chance. When Anthony finally realizes just who he truly wants, will he be able to crack the shell his husband has erected around his heart to prevent further hurt?

This is a great little novella of a regency timeline that incorporates just a touch of Steampunk and gay marriage. Anthony is in his thirties and has enjoyed his life of freedom to the fullest. Marriage isn’t something he wants, but his betrothed is of age and the time has come to settle down. Although, he has plans that don’t quite involve giving up all his vices. Stephen is twenty-one and has saved himself for his husband. He is resigned to the fact that he will not be able to change his husband, but after a great start to his marriage, hope begins to grow until it is shattered by one careless act.

I found this story to be quite sweet with the way that Anthony suddenly realizes that his husband has crawled under his skin and wormed his way into his heart. I liked the way that Stephen was willing to give Anthony a chance until he betrayed his trust and I really liked how Stephen doesn’t back down on his stance or just forgive Anthony. Anthony really gets a shock when Stephen turns his back on him and he begins to realize what a mistake he made. He does try his best to prove he has changed, but the damage has already been done. it takes a terrible accident to bring them together again.

The Steampunk aspect is very loose, based on steam engines and developing machinery used in battle, it is an occupation that keeps Anthony busy. Anthony isn’t a very likeable man at first, but he does grow on you and you like Stephen straight away for his sweet innocence.

I recommend this if you like Steampunk tinged regency, an innocent falling in love and being hurt, a rake who falls in love despite his plans and a very happy ending.

 

The Exam by Ravon Silvius

17875845Title: The Exam

Series: Enforcer’s 02

Author: Ravon Silvius

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy World

Length: Novella (113pgs)

Publisher: Extasy Books (1st May 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: More than just magic.

Thorn and Kenneth begin their lives after college, and Thorn has his work cut out for him when he goes to meet Kenneth’s parents. The Victeni are nobility and have no problem putting Thorn in his place—or worse, simply ignoring him.

But Thorn quickly learns that winning over Kenneth’s parents is the least of his worries. Kenneth has been selected to become an Enforcer, and with Thorn as his lifemate, Thorn has as well. To become Enforcers, they have to pass a test, and their examiners are not always straightforward about what they need to pass. Thorn is uncertain about his chances, and even less certain about whether or not he wants to be an Enforcer at all. He loves Kenneth and wants to stay with him, but as the test goes on he becomes worried if being an Enforcer will really let him help his people, or if he will just be seen as a traitor.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-exam/

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Thorn and Kenneth are facing a new future together, but first they have to get through the Enforcer’s exam. Thorn also has to meet Kenneth’s parents, which is a daunting task. Kenneth and Thorn are thrown into their examination tests and have to prove their lifemate bond. With Kenneth’s parents disapproving of Thorn and Kenneth having to make a stand it isn’t easy for Thorn. Especially, when doubts assail him. Can Thorn get through the tests, and does he really want to become an Enforcer and be seen a traitor to his people?

The Exam continues one week after Noble Magic ended and continues with the story of Thorn and Kenneth. Even though Kenneth is filled with confidence about his relationship with Thorn, Thorn is filled with trepidation, especially when he meets Kenneth’s parents and faces other magi. Thorn has serious doubts about himself in the story, as he is confronted with the reality of his new situation. Kenneth does his best to convince Thorn of his love, but it isn’t Kenneth’s love that he doubts, it’s his own ability he questions.

I enjoyed this story with its exciting exam and Thorn’s soul searching, Kenneth’s show of support and the love they have developed. The storyline is focused on two points, the exam for the Enforcers and Thorn’s dilemma of what choice to make. Thorn faces scorn from Kenneth’s parents and his position is driven home by the talentless servants and his treatment by the Enforcer examination board. Kenneth does his best, but the doubts still pull Thorn down. Would he be a traitor if he works with the magi or could he really do some good for his people? These are the thoughts that plague him along with the question of what good would he be against a magic user other than a battery for Kenneth.

I loved how this story didn’t gloss over Thorn’s position or wave a magic wand making him equal to the magi instantly. How Thorn and Kenneth faced the other magi as a united front and didn’t choose the easy answers. Both refusing to be cowed by those older and more experienced than them and how they still managed to capture moments of bliss together. They truly make a wonderful couple. I am looking forward to the next installment when they are sent on their first assignment.

I recommend this to those who love Steampunk, magic, doubts and love, hot sex, confronting doubts and standing up for what is right, explosions, discovering strengths and a happy ending with more to come.      

 

The 7th of London by Beau Schemery

16187002Title: The 7th of London

Author: Beau Schemery

Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult

Length: Super Novel (350pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After his parents and family die, Seven escapes his factory job. By wits and will alone, he survives in a London divided into the affluent Fairside and the squalor of London’s industrial Blackside, where many struggle to eke their existence out of despair. But Seven has to fight for more than just food and shelter.

All over Blackside, a secret cabal of prominent citizens and the mysterious Mr. Kettlebent are snatching children. Rumor has it a wizard is controlling the queen, and the country’s most notorious villain is the only one who wants to stop him. Seven is determined to find out why.

Hired by the criminal Jack Midnight to steal the evil wizard’s spellbook, Seven soon discovers the mystery runs deeper than he suspected. But events spiral out of control and it isn’t long before the intrigue sweeps Seven into its deadly current.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3713

Review: Seven lives by his wits on the streets of London’s Blackside, dodging the men that hunt him since his escape from the factory that cost him his family. Seven keeps in the shadows taking odd jobs where he can and an odd figure of Mr. Kettlebent catches his eye. When Seven is approached to do a job for criminal mastermind Jack Midnight, Seven is pulled into a world of intrigue, danger and a mysterious old civilization. To save the children of London they have to save the Queen from a manipulating wizard, but keeping an old foe at bay is becoming difficult and joining an underground revolution is just the beginning.

Steampunk fascinates me to no end and Beau Schemery has created a wonderful Steampunk world. Seven is a great character. He is only about fifteen, but he survives on his own wits and refuses to give up. He has survived hell and although he feels guilt he is strong in mind and spirit. The other characters in this book are incredibly written and as we get to meet them they each become special to you. I must admit that out of all of them Jack Midnight is my favorite. He is a complete psychopath, but he is such an endearing psychopath that you can’t help like him. Tesla is a genius ten-year old, Annie is a young prostitute, Rat is a young messenger, Waverly works in a pub, Silas is a young revolutionary and all these are characters who make this story great.

The setting for this story is wonderful, London is split in two. Fairside where the well-to-do and the aristocracy lives, Darkside is like the slums and the air is foul, steam power is all the rage and Queen Victoria is being controlled by the wizard Fairgate. There’s a secret revolution being built beneath the streets of London in a long forgotten underground city and these are the things that Seven discovers when he is hired to steal the wizard’s journal. There is a slow love story in this book and it is between Seven and Silas. They somehow manage to fall in love while chaos ensues around them. This story is jam-packed with action, adventure, danger and hope glimmering through all the loss and devastation.

There are some scenes where there is torture and it is nasty. The person responsible, Fervis, has hunted for Seven for years, but you know the saying ‘what goes around comes around’? Well, Fervis gets his *evil cackle*. The ages of the characters vary, you have many young characters but there are also a select few adults who are trusted. I know some people may have concerns about young characters being portrayed as prostitutes and having relationships at such a young age, but the setting is 1865 when the age of consent was twelve. There is never any on page sexual content except one or two kisses shared by Seven and Silas.

I will recommend this to those who love Steampunk, Young Adult, rewritten history, spunky characters, a sweet love, an inventive storyline and a fantastic ending.         

 

Glacialis by Pelaam

a168b96162c7c8ef04f11a4fa0b5747c.image.200x300Title: Glacialis

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Steam Punk, Science Fiction

Length: Novella (82pgs)

Publisher: Silver Stream Press (16th February 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Accepting their company’s assignment as medic and nurse on Glacialis, Shae and Bless find their welcome as frigid as the planet itself. However, when they stumble across more than mining, things turn from cold to dangerous very quickly.

Accepting their company’s assignment as medic and nurse on Glacialis, Shae and Bless find their welcome as frigid as the planet itself. Neither Adair, the mine’s foreman nor Merag, his head of security make the men feel welcome or wanted.

When one of the miners seeks medical attention for an injury he doesn’t want Adair to know about, Shae and Bless quickly find themselves investigating illegal activity at the mine, and embroiled in danger.

Shae finds himself falling in love with an undercover Ranger sent to investigate the mine, and he and Bless choose to help him. Peril takes three forms, each different, but as deadly as the other.

Purchase Link: https://silverstreampress.com/glacialis-ebook-p-1375.html#&panel2-1

Review: Shae and Bless find themselves on the frigid mining planet, Glacialis. It is only for a one month stint, but from the second they land they are made to feel far from welcome. When a miner comes looking for treatment, Shae gets the feeling there is more going on than just company mining, and he and Bless volunteer to help the undercover Ranger. As they investigate, Shae falls for the Ranger, Bless gets anonymous cards from an admirer and both they and their protector’s head towards horrifying danger.

This is a great combination of Steampunk and science fiction.  A story that takes Steampunk to the stars while giving us an adventure of love and danger. Shae and Bless aren’t impressed when they reach Glacialis.  The foreman and the security head both make it clear that they are far from welcome and Shae and Bless decide to keep their heads down. When Tuor (miner/Ranger) needs patching up, Shae feels an attraction to him, but it isn’t until Shae stumbles upon blood on an outside wall that Tuor admits the truth and the two come together in more than just investigation.

I enjoyed this story for its imaginative creation of Steampunk in space, the characters interaction and the great storyline. We get a good understanding of the rules that they live under for space exploration, the company that Shae and Bless work for and why they are heading to Glacialis. The characters don’t get to interact much because of circumstances, but both their relationships hit them hard and fast; Shae and Tuor as they make plans and Bless and his admirer when Bless needs him most. There are some brilliant descriptions, from the steam machines used for space travel to the bleak world of Glacialis, the landscape and the danger they face.

This story is for those who love Steampunk, science fiction, action, danger, finding love in fleeting moments, rescues and a very happy ending.

 

Noble Metals by L. A. Witt

Title: Noble Metals

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Steampunk, History, Suspense

Length: Novella (116pgs)

Publisher: Carnal Passions (2nd January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

 Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

 Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ever since he gambled away his chance to make it to Dawson City during the Klondike Gold Rush, Robert Belton has been stranded in Seattle working as a prostitute. When an attractive customer carrying a mysterious wooden box comes into the brothel in search of a bed for the night, Robert’s more than willing to oblige. When he learns his customer is also looking for a crew to help him haul provisions to the gold fields in the frozen north, Robert jumps at the chance and volunteers.

Dr. John Fauth is only looking for one thing in Dawson City, and it isn’t gold. He needs platinum for his semiconductor research, and if he doesn’t find it in the Klondike, the university that employs him will be more than happy to redirect their funds to more profitable scientists. Just getting to the gold fields is a grueling, dangerous journey, especially when a competitor will stop at nothing to get his hands on an invaluable device in John’s possession.

As they fall for each other out on the bitterly cold trail, John and Robert may just find themselves with more to lose than they could ever gain in the gold fields of the Yukon Territory.

Purchase Link: http://www.carnalpassions.com/store/product.php?id_product=103

Review: Robert is working as a whore after losing his money gambling.  When a handsome customer admits that he is looking for men to help him on his journey Robert jumps at the chance to get to Dawson City, even offering to take half-pay. John is desperate for his invention to come through for him.  But, first he has to slog through the trail to Dawson City, in the biting cold while avoiding the men who have been tailing him and letting no one know about his invention.

I enjoyed this story for its simplicity, for its combining of fact and fiction, for the hot sex and the gentle love. Robert has never known the touch of a man when he wasn’t paid for it, when John walks into the saloon and into his bed it’s the first time that he has genuinely wanted a man and would gladly have paid John for the pleasure. John just needs someone to help him with his equipment so when Robert offers for half the wages he jumps at the chance and on the journey fraught with danger he comes to trust and love the former whore.

This is a story that takes you on a journey.   It’s about trust, it’s about love, it’s about hopes and dreams as these two men struggle to survive against the elements and against those who want the invention. This story is from both POV while Robert’s is done in a normal prospective John’s is mainly through his journal, you can see how these men become closer and although there is some hot sex the circumstances don’t allow for it to be prolific.   A lot of the time they spend together is for warmth and talking is the main activity.

So in all truth… if you love hot sex, danger, mystery, a journey of natural danger, thieves, threats and a happy ever after with some great Steampunk then this is the book for you.