Title: Teacups and Roses
Author: E.T. Malinowski
Genre: Steampunk
ISBN: 978-1-62798-360-0
Length: Novella (72 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 11th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3~3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: The second son of one of the wealthiest men in the city, Perry Loughton longs for simple comforts but fears nobody will want him for anything but his name and his money. While working as a steam cab mechanic to distract himself from his worries, Perry meets teashop owner Alex, and soon shy Perry wants more than their casual association. With an optimistic heart and a natural talent for clockwork, Perry hopes his gifts will convey the feelings he can’t yet express in words.
Alexander Fitzgerald lives a quiet life with his handsome boyfriend Marcus. Alex just wishes the passion between them carried beyond the bedroom. Then the anonymous handcrafted gifts he begins receiving make Alex more and more curious about their maker, and the intricate devices might be the key to what’s missing from his life.
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4476
Review: This was a very, very sweet title. The genre is one of my favorite and I couldn’t help but lean into it a bit more. However, the story itself won me over with its effortless flow and wonderful characters.
Perry is a rich kid having a very odd life. His mother’s expectations drown him and his introverted nature causes him more trouble with her than he’d want. All Perry wants is a quiet place to work on his machines and a man to love and love him back. No, not just any man. Perry wants Alex, the teashop owner and a lovely sexy man. But his shyness won’t allow him to go and claim the man so Perry reverts to his machines, creating one each week and anonymously gifting them to his object of love. One thing is certain; Alex has no idea who Perry really is.
And dear Lord what an adorable character Perry was. Besides being absolutely stunningly beautiful, his shyness, blushing, and stuttering just melted me. He was definitely one to capture your attention, even more so when he finally accepts Alex’ invitation for dinner. Somehow, what happened next was a delightful surprise. As for Alex, well he was the kind of man one would love to have by one’s side. Quiet yet confident and strong when wanting something, Alex was just the perfect match for Perry. Their chemistry was fantastic and it showed extremely well in their lovemaking, making passion a tangible thing through the pages. Hot is perhaps an understatement for the quality of their love.
The only thing that put a damper on my fun was the end. Predictable though it was, I think I minded most the 180 turn Perry’s mother made. The final scene felt a bit too sweet and corny for my taste and all that tear shedding had me shuddering and uncomfortable.
Overall, though this was a perfectly adorable read one I don’t hesitate to recommend to romantics and Steampunk lovers out there.