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Clockwork Tangerine
The British Empire reigns supreme, and its young Queen Victoria has expanded her realm to St. Francisco, a bustling city of English lords and Chinese ghettos. St. Francisco is a jewel in the Empire’s crown and as deeply embroiled in the conflict between the Arcane and Science as its sister city, London—a very dark and dangerous battle.
Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood, stumbles upon that darkness when he encounters a pack of young bloods beating a man senseless. Westwood’s duty and honor demand he save the man, but he’s taken aback to discover the man is Robin Harris, a handsome young inventor indirectly responsible for the death of Marcus’s father.
Living in the shadows following a failed coup, Robin devotes his life to easing others’ pain, even though his creations are considered mechanical abominations of magicks and science. Branded a deviant and a murderer, Robin expects the viscount to run as far as he can—and is amazed when Marcus reaches for him instead.
Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood, stumbles upon that darkness when he encounters a pack of young bloods beating a man senseless. Westwood’s duty and honor demand he save the man, but he’s taken aback to discover the man is Robin Harris, a handsome young inventor indirectly responsible for the death of Marcus’s father.
Living in the shadows following a failed coup, Robin devotes his life to easing others’ pain, even though his creations are considered mechanical abominations of magicks and science. Branded a deviant and a murderer, Robin expects the viscount to run as far as he can—and is amazed when Marcus reaches for him instead.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
9 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Ford
79 books1,890 followersRhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and is a two-time LAMBDA finalist and a multiple Gold and Silver Medalist by the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. She is published by Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications and Rogue Firebird Press.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 22, 2018
3.5 Stars
This initially teetered on the edge of too much too fast, putting signature Rhys Ford insta-lust into ott warp drive.
However, it gradually veered into something more poignant and wholly romantic, and I ended up loving it.
The steampunk historical elements interwoven with political intrigue, plus the hot smexy, only made this better and of course, I’m quite disgruntled that this is so short. I want more please!
This initially teetered on the edge of too much too fast, putting signature Rhys Ford insta-lust into ott warp drive.
However, it gradually veered into something more poignant and wholly romantic, and I ended up loving it.
The steampunk historical elements interwoven with political intrigue, plus the hot smexy, only made this better and of course, I’m quite disgruntled that this is so short. I want more please!
January 22, 2016
This was my first Rhys Ford book.
General observations: excellent writing and rich world building, perhaps too rich for a 90-page novella. The story got mired in the details.
This is steampunk meets prim & proper Victorian England meets historical San Francisco. I was disappointed that this revisionist history was chockfull of homophobia. After all, if we rewrite history, we can leave out the ugly, can't we?
The narrative skips days and weeks, so the relationship development happens mostly off page. One of the MCs is unconscious for half the book.
There is very little steam, and the declarations don't happen until the book is almost over. But when they do happen, they're passionate and true.
Extra points for the creative HEA and the strong female characters; Robin's doctor and Marcus's grandmother stole the show.
General observations: excellent writing and rich world building, perhaps too rich for a 90-page novella. The story got mired in the details.
This is steampunk meets prim & proper Victorian England meets historical San Francisco. I was disappointed that this revisionist history was chockfull of homophobia. After all, if we rewrite history, we can leave out the ugly, can't we?
The narrative skips days and weeks, so the relationship development happens mostly off page. One of the MCs is unconscious for half the book.
There is very little steam, and the declarations don't happen until the book is almost over. But when they do happen, they're passionate and true.
Extra points for the creative HEA and the strong female characters; Robin's doctor and Marcus's grandmother stole the show.
October 13, 2014
Written April 4, 2014
3.4 Stars - very sweet and romantic but there was a
it's over before it started feeling
An historical steampunk by Rhys Ford, a new author for me, sounded as a great choice for a buddyread with the lovely ladies. We got a quick read quite fun 100 pages book.
~ Not the best, but good enough. ~
St. Francisco is a jewel in the Empire’s crown (the Brittish Empire) and one night stumbles our noble hero, Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood upon darkness when he encounters a pack of young bloods beating a man senseless. Westwood’s duty and honor demand he save the man, but he’s taken aback to discover the man is Robin Harris, a handsome young inventor, a by many noble people much hated young man. A man whose creations are considered mechanical abominations of magicks and science. ~ But the heroic Viscount likes what he sees...
...So began this story in a very promising way.
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
It's called steampunk but most of all it felt like a nice historical (Victorian) romance. Unfortunately it was just too short (around 100 pages) and it felt like it was over before it had begun and taken off.
I must admit I'm kind of disappointed, I had hoped for more. It felt like it was thrown out a lot of wires, etc. that never led anywhere. For example, Marcus was a renowned boxer - it could have been more of that - or about the problems for Robin in the upper class society, or about Robins creations...
~ Robin prepared for a ride in his new machine in the end... ~
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
Something that engaged me a lot was the archaic cruel "oldish" vision of homosexuality and love between the same sex. Especially Robin had suffered a lot of these so horrible and nasty laws. It always makes me so sad, angry and upset when I read historical romances and those freaky "sodomite laws" of the past is mentioned. Thank goodness we live right now when society become much more liberal, at least in the western world.
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
Either way, Clockwork Tangerine was sweet and very romantic. These two cooing love-doves are both pleasant and sympathetic men. To some extent, it was also a fun read. I will certainly read more books by this author.
Finally: This was nice a very story that could have delivered so much more. Though I enjoyed while it lasted.
I LIKE - nice enough...a cute M/M historical is always fun to read
~~~~~~~~~~
A buddy read started Thursday April 3 with my lovely ladies. Fun as always - Thanks Bev, Andrea and Mona!
...The Ladies BR Quartette
3.4 Stars - very sweet and romantic but there was a
it's over before it started feeling
An historical steampunk by Rhys Ford, a new author for me, sounded as a great choice for a buddyread with the lovely ladies. We got a quick read quite fun 100 pages book.
~ Not the best, but good enough. ~
St. Francisco is a jewel in the Empire’s crown (the Brittish Empire) and one night stumbles our noble hero, Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood upon darkness when he encounters a pack of young bloods beating a man senseless. Westwood’s duty and honor demand he save the man, but he’s taken aback to discover the man is Robin Harris, a handsome young inventor, a by many noble people much hated young man. A man whose creations are considered mechanical abominations of magicks and science. ~ But the heroic Viscount likes what he sees...
‘His c*ck certainly wasn't listening to him. It was alert and sniffing like a dog with a bitch in the wind, and every twitch of his rolling b*lls was a reminder he was a sick man, perverted not for his love of men but for raking up a desire when the man in question was clearly broken.’
...So began this story in a very promising way.
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
It's called steampunk but most of all it felt like a nice historical (Victorian) romance. Unfortunately it was just too short (around 100 pages) and it felt like it was over before it had begun and taken off.
I must admit I'm kind of disappointed, I had hoped for more. It felt like it was thrown out a lot of wires, etc. that never led anywhere. For example, Marcus was a renowned boxer - it could have been more of that - or about the problems for Robin in the upper class society, or about Robins creations...
~ Robin prepared for a ride in his new machine in the end... ~
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
Something that engaged me a lot was the archaic cruel "oldish" vision of homosexuality and love between the same sex. Especially Robin had suffered a lot of these so horrible and nasty laws. It always makes me so sad, angry and upset when I read historical romances and those freaky "sodomite laws" of the past is mentioned. Thank goodness we live right now when society become much more liberal, at least in the western world.
‘The mark of a Sodomite branded (...)’
~ ~ ~
‘Nearly the lenght of a woman's hand, the scar ran curved around the man's right hip, a stylized S intersected by a small circle.’
~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~
Either way, Clockwork Tangerine was sweet and very romantic. These two cooing love-doves are both pleasant and sympathetic men. To some extent, it was also a fun read. I will certainly read more books by this author.
‘It was a taste as addicting as fine chocolate or rich coffee, and Marcus was quickly surrendering to the power of its lure - of Robin's lure.’
Finally: This was nice a very story that could have delivered so much more. Though I enjoyed while it lasted.
I LIKE - nice enough...a cute M/M historical is always fun to read
~~~~~~~~~~
A buddy read started Thursday April 3 with my lovely ladies. Fun as always - Thanks Bev, Andrea and Mona!
...The Ladies BR Quartette
November 22, 2014
BMB Reviews December Author of the Month
3.75 stars--My first Rhys Ford.
And? I liked it. The writing is pretty good. This was Steampunk with a Victorian England background. The world had a little bit of arcane mixed with industrialization. Twas good.
I enjoyed the main characters. I got my favorite 3 B's: big, brawny and blond in Marcus, Viscount Westwood - pugilist, noble and gay. And he automatically falls for a man getting beaten by a bunch of thugs in an alley. And did I mention, the man who Marcus saves, Robin, also created a machine that the Society used for destruction including murderin Marcus' father.
Thankfully, Marcus realizes it wasn't Robin's fault. Robin was the victim and he more than paid his price. Ostracized for being a "sodomite" and serving time in an insane asylum, Robin has gotten a raw deal in his life.
But the doctor gets saved by Marcus in more ways than one.
The story is romantic and condensed. Some parts I wish were more fleshed out (relationship building). There are time jumps, that for bare bones, work but if they were given more time to progress and less jumpy, it would have surpassed into the 4 or 5 star mark for me.
The secondary character were a hoot especially Marcus' grandmother, the dowager Duchess. She's full of win.
It was sexy, definitely romantic. There is hurt/comfort (score), winning characters and Steampunk setting that worked in the novella.
Just wished it was longer. Give the men some time realize their feelings, let us read their progression and become more hooked on them. It would have knocked it out of the park.
However, I'd read more from this author.
3.75 stars--My first Rhys Ford.
And? I liked it. The writing is pretty good. This was Steampunk with a Victorian England background. The world had a little bit of arcane mixed with industrialization. Twas good.
I enjoyed the main characters. I got my favorite 3 B's: big, brawny and blond in Marcus, Viscount Westwood - pugilist, noble and gay. And he automatically falls for a man getting beaten by a bunch of thugs in an alley. And did I mention, the man who Marcus saves, Robin, also created a machine that the Society used for destruction including murderin Marcus' father.
Thankfully, Marcus realizes it wasn't Robin's fault. Robin was the victim and he more than paid his price. Ostracized for being a "sodomite" and serving time in an insane asylum, Robin has gotten a raw deal in his life.
But the doctor gets saved by Marcus in more ways than one.
The story is romantic and condensed. Some parts I wish were more fleshed out (relationship building). There are time jumps, that for bare bones, work but if they were given more time to progress and less jumpy, it would have surpassed into the 4 or 5 star mark for me.
The secondary character were a hoot especially Marcus' grandmother, the dowager Duchess. She's full of win.
“I… have an unnatural fondness for him, Duchess. One might even say that I love him. As a man should love a woman, really.”
“Well, I would imagine the mechanics of that would be different.”
It was sexy, definitely romantic. There is hurt/comfort (score), winning characters and Steampunk setting that worked in the novella.
Just wished it was longer. Give the men some time realize their feelings, let us read their progression and become more hooked on them. It would have knocked it out of the park.
However, I'd read more from this author.
February 20, 2014
DAMN - that was fun! I wanted this to be at least 10 times as long.
I’m a super picky pain in the ass when it comes to fantasy, sci-fi and steampunk. Not because I know much, but because I know what I need to make these genres completely work for me. And when I find the flavor of these genres I love, I want more, more, more! Then, after that, I want some more.
I just finished Clockwork Tangerine and damn I want some more. This was the flavor I love. I love when a story doesn’t take itself too seriously but isn’t patronizing either. I want one MC who’s big, strong, brave, powerful and still the biggest softie when it comes to the one he loves. I want my other MC to be brilliant, eccentric, damaged and loyal to a fault. I want the setting to be proper on the surface with all the niceties of a Victorian parlor but with rust around the edges and an underlying sense of decay and danger. I want villains with no redeeming qualities and evil intentions. I want the language to be full of visceral words, ones that, even if I’m not completely sure of their meaning, I can feel their definition in the phrasing. I want my secondary characters to be full of dry wit and have unexpectedly understanding natures. And mostly, I want smark* and true love. Clockwork Tangerine has ALL of that and I loved it.
Set in an alternate reality of San Francisco, Marcus Stenhill, the Viscount of Westwood is traveling through the dangerous are of the Little Orient after running out to fetch his grandmother’s favorite tea when he comes upon a group of thugs beating on a man who is already down on the ground. Marcus remembers what his deceased father always taught him, “A man with power protects and serves those lesser than he is. It is only the weak who use their power to do harm.” Little does he know at the time, the man he rescues is Robin Harris, The Toymaker, the inventor of the device that killed his father. There is so much more to Robin and his history and Marcus is intrigued by the man and how he went from being the golden boy of The Society to a marked prisoner at New Bedlam, to an outcast of society. Robin’s story is heartbreaking, damn, the shite he endured as the scapegoat of The Society was brutal.
As Marcus nurses Robin back to health, the best description I can think of for their blossoming friendship is a slow and sweet courtship. I loved reading of the little things they did together and it made me melty. My only gripe, and it’s both a big and little one is I wanted more. As I said earlier, this story made me want more. I wanted ALL the details and background. I wanted to read about young Robin and how The Society took advantage of his youth and brilliance. I wanted to read about Marcus and his family. I wanted Robin’s time in New Bedlam and I wanted more of Robin’s redemption. So, those are lots of big things that I want, but it’s not like I didn’t get a full story without them. I’m just greedy and when I get a taste of something I like, I want MORE. The sexy times were extra sexy and the tension between these guys was palpable, making the payoff that much sweeter.
A highly recommended fun and sexy read.
I’m a super picky pain in the ass when it comes to fantasy, sci-fi and steampunk. Not because I know much, but because I know what I need to make these genres completely work for me. And when I find the flavor of these genres I love, I want more, more, more! Then, after that, I want some more.
I just finished Clockwork Tangerine and damn I want some more. This was the flavor I love. I love when a story doesn’t take itself too seriously but isn’t patronizing either. I want one MC who’s big, strong, brave, powerful and still the biggest softie when it comes to the one he loves. I want my other MC to be brilliant, eccentric, damaged and loyal to a fault. I want the setting to be proper on the surface with all the niceties of a Victorian parlor but with rust around the edges and an underlying sense of decay and danger. I want villains with no redeeming qualities and evil intentions. I want the language to be full of visceral words, ones that, even if I’m not completely sure of their meaning, I can feel their definition in the phrasing. I want my secondary characters to be full of dry wit and have unexpectedly understanding natures. And mostly, I want smark* and true love. Clockwork Tangerine has ALL of that and I loved it.
Set in an alternate reality of San Francisco, Marcus Stenhill, the Viscount of Westwood is traveling through the dangerous are of the Little Orient after running out to fetch his grandmother’s favorite tea when he comes upon a group of thugs beating on a man who is already down on the ground. Marcus remembers what his deceased father always taught him, “A man with power protects and serves those lesser than he is. It is only the weak who use their power to do harm.” Little does he know at the time, the man he rescues is Robin Harris, The Toymaker, the inventor of the device that killed his father. There is so much more to Robin and his history and Marcus is intrigued by the man and how he went from being the golden boy of The Society to a marked prisoner at New Bedlam, to an outcast of society. Robin’s story is heartbreaking, damn, the shite he endured as the scapegoat of The Society was brutal.
As Marcus nurses Robin back to health, the best description I can think of for their blossoming friendship is a slow and sweet courtship. I loved reading of the little things they did together and it made me melty. My only gripe, and it’s both a big and little one is I wanted more. As I said earlier, this story made me want more. I wanted ALL the details and background. I wanted to read about young Robin and how The Society took advantage of his youth and brilliance. I wanted to read about Marcus and his family. I wanted Robin’s time in New Bedlam and I wanted more of Robin’s redemption. So, those are lots of big things that I want, but it’s not like I didn’t get a full story without them. I’m just greedy and when I get a taste of something I like, I want MORE. The sexy times were extra sexy and the tension between these guys was palpable, making the payoff that much sweeter.
A highly recommended fun and sexy read.
January 17, 2020
Rhys Ford and steampunk - what a delicious combination! Ford has created an alternate universe where the sun truly never sets on the British Empire, as Queen Victoria's realm includes St. (not San) Francisco. The title is based on the cockney phrase "clockwork orange" meaning something bizarre, which appears normal on the surface, while the novella plays on the idea of assumptions made about a person, only to realize those assumptions are incorrect and what is below the surface is much more than imagined.
The intriguing plot begins with Viscount Marcus Stenhill saving a young man from a savage beating, only to realize he is someone he despises - the creator of a device that killed his father. But Robin Harris - a pariah in society having been branded a "sodomite" and sentenced to 2 years of hard labor - turns out to be someone entirely different than what Stenhill (and others) believe him to be. Robin has devoted his life to helping people by creating various steampunkish mechanical arms, legs, eyes, etc.
At only 2 hours and 10 minutes, the story moves fairly quickly, and in some cases, weeks or even months fly by in a matter of words. Marcus and Robin's love story is a very slow burn until the final chapter, and it's hard to feel the chemistry between them. The ending felt a bit hurried, and I wish this were a longer book that really fleshed out the world Rhys Ford has created.
The narration by Greg Tremblay is very easy to listen to. The narrative has an easy flow to it, and Tremblay does a beautiful job with accents and female characters, especially Marcus' grandmother and Robin's doctor. At times his Marcus sounded very ..... old, but that is minor when looking at the whole work. I very much enjoyed this book and would love to read / hear more from Rhys Ford in a steampunk setting!
I received an audiobook from Dreamspinner Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The intriguing plot begins with Viscount Marcus Stenhill saving a young man from a savage beating, only to realize he is someone he despises - the creator of a device that killed his father. But Robin Harris - a pariah in society having been branded a "sodomite" and sentenced to 2 years of hard labor - turns out to be someone entirely different than what Stenhill (and others) believe him to be. Robin has devoted his life to helping people by creating various steampunkish mechanical arms, legs, eyes, etc.
At only 2 hours and 10 minutes, the story moves fairly quickly, and in some cases, weeks or even months fly by in a matter of words. Marcus and Robin's love story is a very slow burn until the final chapter, and it's hard to feel the chemistry between them. The ending felt a bit hurried, and I wish this were a longer book that really fleshed out the world Rhys Ford has created.
The narration by Greg Tremblay is very easy to listen to. The narrative has an easy flow to it, and Tremblay does a beautiful job with accents and female characters, especially Marcus' grandmother and Robin's doctor. At times his Marcus sounded very ..... old, but that is minor when looking at the whole work. I very much enjoyed this book and would love to read / hear more from Rhys Ford in a steampunk setting!
I received an audiobook from Dreamspinner Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
March 12, 2017
4 stars for this « Steampunk » novella by Rhys Ford.
As a kid, I used to love the “Wild wild West” show. Add to that some sexy times, and I’m becoming a fan of steampunk.
The settings : in San Francisco, in a futuristic Victorian universe, where the British Empire struggles with the development of science mingled with magic, is full of homophobia and where women still need to find an appropriate place.
Have a look at CrabbyPatty’s review : very interesting explanation of the title of this book.
It’s a novella, so of course, some development is missed, but in 90 pages, the job is well done, packed with redemption, some wonderful side characters and a delicious slow burn between Marcus, a very open-minded and sexy Viscount and Robin, a genius inventor, cast out by the Ton.
Very entertaining and recommended (thanks to Karen for the rec and thanks to Mado for this fantastic gift : a little gem !!).
As a kid, I used to love the “Wild wild West” show. Add to that some sexy times, and I’m becoming a fan of steampunk.
The settings : in San Francisco, in a futuristic Victorian universe, where the British Empire struggles with the development of science mingled with magic, is full of homophobia and where women still need to find an appropriate place.
Have a look at CrabbyPatty’s review : very interesting explanation of the title of this book.
It’s a novella, so of course, some development is missed, but in 90 pages, the job is well done, packed with redemption, some wonderful side characters and a delicious slow burn between Marcus, a very open-minded and sexy Viscount and Robin, a genius inventor, cast out by the Ton.
Very entertaining and recommended (thanks to Karen for the rec and thanks to Mado for this fantastic gift : a little gem !!).
November 24, 2014
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this steam punk story from Rhys Ford. I loved the AU Victorian era London Rhys created, the imagery in her writing is so sharp, it's really easy to imagine the thick pea-soupers and dirty streets of the time in question.
Robin was brilliantly eccentric, with his inventions and brilliant mind. I appreciated the way Rhys explored the feelings of guilt that he harboured at the misuse of his ideas and inventions and the Heretic Society's actions, even though he was not involved directly. A good soul, Robin had only the best intentions with his inventions - to use as artificial limbs etc. How parallel is this to our world when great inventions are used for bad? Stoic despite his mistreatment and abuse, I loved the way Marcus looked after him but still let him be himself.
Marcus was the perfect protagonist, in his imperfect way. Not really a lover of all that his role in society expects him to be, he may seem gruff and tough but his treatment of Robin, Little Crow, proved otherwise. And the way he looked after his Grandma - and the fates at hand. He never would have met Robin if it wasn't for his (amazing) Grandma needing some tea.
At times, the story time jumps jarred me a little, but not enough to lose to much starrage! maybe a little more on-page, rather than off at those points, would have worked better for me. I loved the story nonetheless.
Robin was brilliantly eccentric, with his inventions and brilliant mind. I appreciated the way Rhys explored the feelings of guilt that he harboured at the misuse of his ideas and inventions and the Heretic Society's actions, even though he was not involved directly. A good soul, Robin had only the best intentions with his inventions - to use as artificial limbs etc. How parallel is this to our world when great inventions are used for bad? Stoic despite his mistreatment and abuse, I loved the way Marcus looked after him but still let him be himself.
Marcus was the perfect protagonist, in his imperfect way. Not really a lover of all that his role in society expects him to be, he may seem gruff and tough but his treatment of Robin, Little Crow, proved otherwise. And the way he looked after his Grandma - and the fates at hand. He never would have met Robin if it wasn't for his (amazing) Grandma needing some tea.
At times, the story time jumps jarred me a little, but not enough to lose to much starrage! maybe a little more on-page, rather than off at those points, would have worked better for me. I loved the story nonetheless.
November 24, 2014
December's AotM at BMBR and…
My First Rhys Ford!
Pretty successful, I think. I like steampunk but some of the unicorns were not as keen. I quite liked all the gadgets and whatnot that Robin developed and how engrossed he could become.
Let's face it anything that mentions the ton stands a good chance of me liking it. As I said in our chat I think Ms. Ford has a unique voice. I like the way she uses language to conjure imagery. With only 6 chapters to work with she did an amazing job of building a story and she clearly has a knack for romance.
I did feel as though the relationship between Marcus and Robin wasn't given adequate time to develop and another couple of chapters would've taken this to the next level, but I did like them and the sweet nickname. *coos at 'little crow* I also really liked some of the secondary characters. The grandmother sticks out. I chortled over the whole "tantrum" bit and the tchotchke dog.
I would've liked more world building and backstory on the Society, but a solid introduction to a new author. I think I'll try her Cole McGinnis series next.
My First Rhys Ford!
Pretty successful, I think. I like steampunk but some of the unicorns were not as keen. I quite liked all the gadgets and whatnot that Robin developed and how engrossed he could become.
Let's face it anything that mentions the ton stands a good chance of me liking it. As I said in our chat I think Ms. Ford has a unique voice. I like the way she uses language to conjure imagery. With only 6 chapters to work with she did an amazing job of building a story and she clearly has a knack for romance.
"If I do this right, there will never be anyone for you but me."
I did feel as though the relationship between Marcus and Robin wasn't given adequate time to develop and another couple of chapters would've taken this to the next level, but I did like them and the sweet nickname. *coos at 'little crow* I also really liked some of the secondary characters. The grandmother sticks out. I chortled over the whole "tantrum" bit and the tchotchke dog.
I would've liked more world building and backstory on the Society, but a solid introduction to a new author. I think I'll try her Cole McGinnis series next.
November 22, 2014
Gonna read this tomorrow so us unicorns over at BMBR can chat about it for our December Happy Hour chat.
May 26, 2018
3.5 stars for the story, and just shy of 5 for the narration.
An enjoyable steampunk novella/short story set in a recognisable alternative Victorian London that plants lots of threads and ideas - I'm guessing for a series that has never materialised? And that's a shame, because the world-building is richly imagined and the two central characters - a viscount (although the author needs a bit of guidance about the use of titles and inheritance, because a third son would not have a courtesy title) and an inventor - are likeable and intriguing. This review pretty much encapsulates my thoughts :)
I've heard Greg Tremblay's British accent before, although he didn't have to sustain it as long as here; he does an extremely good job with both central characters, although one of the secondary cast (a female doctor) does sometimes sound more Antipodean than Cockney (a fairly common problem with American narrators who Bring the Brit) but for the most part, he does a superb job. Just one thing, Greg - I love you to bits, but you do need to learn that "duke" is NOT pronounced "dook" on this side of the pond!
If this ever expands into a full series, I'll definitely be picking it up.
An enjoyable steampunk novella/short story set in a recognisable alternative Victorian London that plants lots of threads and ideas - I'm guessing for a series that has never materialised? And that's a shame, because the world-building is richly imagined and the two central characters - a viscount (although the author needs a bit of guidance about the use of titles and inheritance, because a third son would not have a courtesy title) and an inventor - are likeable and intriguing. This review pretty much encapsulates my thoughts :)
I've heard Greg Tremblay's British accent before, although he didn't have to sustain it as long as here; he does an extremely good job with both central characters, although one of the secondary cast (a female doctor) does sometimes sound more Antipodean than Cockney (a fairly common problem with American narrators who Bring the Brit) but for the most part, he does a superb job. Just one thing, Greg - I love you to bits, but you do need to learn that "duke" is NOT pronounced "dook" on this side of the pond!
If this ever expands into a full series, I'll definitely be picking it up.
August 19, 2016
In a world where the Victorian British Empire extends to San Francisco and magic and science uneasily exist side-by-side, Marcus Stenhill, the Viscount of Westwood, lives a lonely existence. A member of the high aristocracy, Marcus suppresses his attraction to men and tries to be the upstanding man his family expects him to be.
When Marcus saves a man in a dark alley from his attackers, Marcus is immediately aware of the man’s beauty. But when he discovers that the person he rescued is Robin Harris, the hated “toymaker”, he isn’t sure what to think. As a teenager, Robin was forced to create weapons for a group of plotters attempting to overthrow the government. Though there are many hurdles between them, Robin and Marcus soon fall for each other.
The audiobook for ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ is narrated by Greg Tremblay, and as always it was a delight to listen to. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing life to each character by choosing voices that fit with the character’s personality. The pacing was good as well, and I had no trouble immersing myself in the story.
Steampunk isn’t a subgenre that I read often, but I tend to enjoy it. The mix of technology, history, and, in this case, magic, makes for an entertaining read. Rhys Ford does an excellent job with the world-building. Though this is a very short book, the author is able to vividly portraying how Victorian society would look like if it included advanced steam-powered machinery, along with the rigid class system.
The romance is sweet. Marcus is very much so a knight in shining armour, while Robin is his gentleman in distress. I’m clearly a sucker for that trope, because I was smitten by Marcus the moment he swooped in to save Robin.
The romance is also very much so insta-love. It doesn’t take long for Marcus and Robin to fall for each other. Even though Robin’s technology was used to kill Marcus’ father, Marcus readily forgives Robin, and his only concern is how to build a future together. The two worked well together, and I couldn’t stop myself from ‘aww’-ing a few times.
As cute as Robin and Marcus are together, their jump from strangers to lovers was a bit jarring. In this very short book, days and weeks pass by in a few sentences, so until near the end, it’s more showing than telling. Though the the world-building was enjoyable, it took up space that could have been used to focus on Marcus and Robin.
Even so, this was an entertaining MM steampunk romance. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a comfort/healing undertone, give ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ a try.
When Marcus saves a man in a dark alley from his attackers, Marcus is immediately aware of the man’s beauty. But when he discovers that the person he rescued is Robin Harris, the hated “toymaker”, he isn’t sure what to think. As a teenager, Robin was forced to create weapons for a group of plotters attempting to overthrow the government. Though there are many hurdles between them, Robin and Marcus soon fall for each other.
The audiobook for ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ is narrated by Greg Tremblay, and as always it was a delight to listen to. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing life to each character by choosing voices that fit with the character’s personality. The pacing was good as well, and I had no trouble immersing myself in the story.
Steampunk isn’t a subgenre that I read often, but I tend to enjoy it. The mix of technology, history, and, in this case, magic, makes for an entertaining read. Rhys Ford does an excellent job with the world-building. Though this is a very short book, the author is able to vividly portraying how Victorian society would look like if it included advanced steam-powered machinery, along with the rigid class system.
The romance is sweet. Marcus is very much so a knight in shining armour, while Robin is his gentleman in distress. I’m clearly a sucker for that trope, because I was smitten by Marcus the moment he swooped in to save Robin.
The romance is also very much so insta-love. It doesn’t take long for Marcus and Robin to fall for each other. Even though Robin’s technology was used to kill Marcus’ father, Marcus readily forgives Robin, and his only concern is how to build a future together. The two worked well together, and I couldn’t stop myself from ‘aww’-ing a few times.
As cute as Robin and Marcus are together, their jump from strangers to lovers was a bit jarring. In this very short book, days and weeks pass by in a few sentences, so until near the end, it’s more showing than telling. Though the the world-building was enjoyable, it took up space that could have been used to focus on Marcus and Robin.
Even so, this was an entertaining MM steampunk romance. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a comfort/healing undertone, give ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ a try.
February 19, 2014
4.5 rounded up.
How would you feel and how would you react if you came across a man being beaten senseless by four young bucks only to find after you'd rescued him that you'd actually saved the person who almost brought your Queens Empire to its knees with his mad inventions. The very man also responsible for the death of your father?
That's the dilemma for Marcus Stenhill or given his true title, Viscount Westwood... third son of a Duke but a man more comfortable in the boxing ring than in fine society. When that exact scenario happens to him whilst he's in St Fransisco's Little Orient, searching for a particular Jasmine tea for his favourite grandmother, he's suddenly thrust into a position in which he has to make choices that could reflect on his family honour and his esteem amongst his peers.
What makes things worse is the instant attraction he feels for the badly beaten man when he first sees him, because secretly Marcus has feelings for members of his own sex, a practice which in this Steampunk reality is against the law and punishable by first being physically branded a sodomite then imprisonment in New Bedlam, an isolated Island prison. He's shocked to discover that the man whose neck he's just saved is Robin Harris, 'The Toyman,' a notorious scientist who's talents for mingling science and the arcane had created mechanical killing machines for the enemies of the empire... The Society. The inventor of a leftover dangerous, mechanical contraption called a Skitter, that had lay dormant, hidden, until its sudden reactivation killed his father in the House Of Lords.
Things aren't as they seem though and as Marcus nurses Robin back to health with the help of a feisty lady doctor he comes to realise that Robin is far from an evil scientist. He sees how Robin is now using his knowledge of arcane science to create amazing contraptions that help the sick and disabled, he also learns the truth about how he was indoctrinated by The Society as a fourteen year old boy and his genius devices twisted to suit the purpose of the industrialists intent on bringing down the Queens Empire, and he slowly falls in love with this fascinating man who feels nothing but guilt for his part in the revolution and who tries to push him away for fear of tarnishing his reputation.
" ...I refuse to let you go, my mad scientist. I would rather live as a Bedlamite with you than as an aristocrat with an empty soul. I told you, I know what I'm risking. And that is you. If I don't do this—if I don't spend my life listening to you, breathing you in...waking up next to you, then I've lost everything. That is what I am risking—a life without the man who makes me feel alive."
I REALLY enjoyed this Steampunk love story because I have a soft spot for alternate history's, which In this story is an alternative Victorian era, mixed with flashes of science fiction, a dash of arcane magic and fantastical steam powered industrial machines, vehicles and automatons.
Then for a die hard, m/m fan like myself to also get a deliciously steamy, sensual romance between two captivating men who should be enemies but who's sexually tense attraction overrides any bad histories between them, just makes it all the more delicious.
The only thing that stopped this from being a full five star read, was the length. I'll admit it, I was greedy! I'd love to have seen more of the two of them getting to know each other as Robin healed, and behind the romance, which was obviously the main focus of the novella, there were also some really tantalising, thought provoking images of a world and a history that sometimes were only mentioned in passing, leaving me wanting more, so I'm hoping one day Rhys will expand on it and perhaps flesh it all out in a full length novel.
In the words of William Blake... " In the universe there are things that are known and there are things that are unknown and in between there are doors! " I'd definitely go through one of Rhys Fords ' between universe doors' again. I Loved it!
How would you feel and how would you react if you came across a man being beaten senseless by four young bucks only to find after you'd rescued him that you'd actually saved the person who almost brought your Queens Empire to its knees with his mad inventions. The very man also responsible for the death of your father?
That's the dilemma for Marcus Stenhill or given his true title, Viscount Westwood... third son of a Duke but a man more comfortable in the boxing ring than in fine society. When that exact scenario happens to him whilst he's in St Fransisco's Little Orient, searching for a particular Jasmine tea for his favourite grandmother, he's suddenly thrust into a position in which he has to make choices that could reflect on his family honour and his esteem amongst his peers.
What makes things worse is the instant attraction he feels for the badly beaten man when he first sees him, because secretly Marcus has feelings for members of his own sex, a practice which in this Steampunk reality is against the law and punishable by first being physically branded a sodomite then imprisonment in New Bedlam, an isolated Island prison. He's shocked to discover that the man whose neck he's just saved is Robin Harris, 'The Toyman,' a notorious scientist who's talents for mingling science and the arcane had created mechanical killing machines for the enemies of the empire... The Society. The inventor of a leftover dangerous, mechanical contraption called a Skitter, that had lay dormant, hidden, until its sudden reactivation killed his father in the House Of Lords.
Things aren't as they seem though and as Marcus nurses Robin back to health with the help of a feisty lady doctor he comes to realise that Robin is far from an evil scientist. He sees how Robin is now using his knowledge of arcane science to create amazing contraptions that help the sick and disabled, he also learns the truth about how he was indoctrinated by The Society as a fourteen year old boy and his genius devices twisted to suit the purpose of the industrialists intent on bringing down the Queens Empire, and he slowly falls in love with this fascinating man who feels nothing but guilt for his part in the revolution and who tries to push him away for fear of tarnishing his reputation.
" ...I refuse to let you go, my mad scientist. I would rather live as a Bedlamite with you than as an aristocrat with an empty soul. I told you, I know what I'm risking. And that is you. If I don't do this—if I don't spend my life listening to you, breathing you in...waking up next to you, then I've lost everything. That is what I am risking—a life without the man who makes me feel alive."
I REALLY enjoyed this Steampunk love story because I have a soft spot for alternate history's, which In this story is an alternative Victorian era, mixed with flashes of science fiction, a dash of arcane magic and fantastical steam powered industrial machines, vehicles and automatons.
Then for a die hard, m/m fan like myself to also get a deliciously steamy, sensual romance between two captivating men who should be enemies but who's sexually tense attraction overrides any bad histories between them, just makes it all the more delicious.
The only thing that stopped this from being a full five star read, was the length. I'll admit it, I was greedy! I'd love to have seen more of the two of them getting to know each other as Robin healed, and behind the romance, which was obviously the main focus of the novella, there were also some really tantalising, thought provoking images of a world and a history that sometimes were only mentioned in passing, leaving me wanting more, so I'm hoping one day Rhys will expand on it and perhaps flesh it all out in a full length novel.
In the words of William Blake... " In the universe there are things that are known and there are things that are unknown and in between there are doors! " I'd definitely go through one of Rhys Fords ' between universe doors' again. I Loved it!
February 19, 2014
3.5 stars - This is a fun steampunk novella, and it’s nice to see Ford’s imagination really cut loose, although I felt the restrictions of the page-count might have reined the author in too much.
What I liked: I’m both a big steampunk fan and a fan of Ford’s contemporary Cole McGinnis Mysteries, and was interested to see how she would handle a historical fantasy AU world with her style. Overall I found Ford’s writing smooth and imaginative and full of color and wonder. Her two MCs, upper-class Marcus and pariah inventor Robin, are appealing and full of the same creative energy that fuels this alternative world of science and magic. Watching the world unfold and seeing new marvels pop up, whether they were Robin’s inventions or just part of the colorful steampunk setting, was a real treat and kept this lover-of-steampunk heart pumping along.
What was harder: As much as I loved the imaginative setting, I felt that the story’s pacing was very uneven. At 90 pages, the author doesn’t have a lot of room to reveal a new world and its multi-geared miracles, its flawed but persistent heroes, their conflicts and triumphs, and the boisterous array of side characters (including my faves, a hard-as-nails doctor and a surprisingly modern Dowager.)
The first quarter quickly introduced us to the setting, and of Marcus rescuing Robin from a beating, but the pacing and story seems to dip after that as Robin is nursed back to health and Marcus ponders how to bring his “little crow” into his world. Compared to the first quarter, the rest of the story lost some steam, and I felt the author’s dilemma—how to give the MCs their much deserved HEA, but in the small amount of space. Because of those restrictions, the development felt more told through scattered paragraphs that described past events or of time passing and thus, the relationship felt more “insta-love” because we didn’t get to see its organic growth. I also very much felt a loss of tension in the second half. I wish there was some more story drivers introduced to help push the plot along.
For this story, I think it either needed to be much tighter (and less descriptive) to work in such a short amount of space, or it should have gone in the opposite direction, and let Ford’s creativity soar under more novel-length parameters.
For fantasy fans, especially steampunk fans, this story may turn all your gears though, and Ford’s world is a wonder to behold. For fans of Ford’s contemporary stories, if you’re okay with taking a more fanciful tour, you will probably also enjoy her writing here.
My hope is to read more fantasy from Ford, although I vote she gets more space. She writes great novels, so I would look forward to a longer work in this area.
Review first posted this week over at Boys in our Books:
What I liked: I’m both a big steampunk fan and a fan of Ford’s contemporary Cole McGinnis Mysteries, and was interested to see how she would handle a historical fantasy AU world with her style. Overall I found Ford’s writing smooth and imaginative and full of color and wonder. Her two MCs, upper-class Marcus and pariah inventor Robin, are appealing and full of the same creative energy that fuels this alternative world of science and magic. Watching the world unfold and seeing new marvels pop up, whether they were Robin’s inventions or just part of the colorful steampunk setting, was a real treat and kept this lover-of-steampunk heart pumping along.
What was harder: As much as I loved the imaginative setting, I felt that the story’s pacing was very uneven. At 90 pages, the author doesn’t have a lot of room to reveal a new world and its multi-geared miracles, its flawed but persistent heroes, their conflicts and triumphs, and the boisterous array of side characters (including my faves, a hard-as-nails doctor and a surprisingly modern Dowager.)
The first quarter quickly introduced us to the setting, and of Marcus rescuing Robin from a beating, but the pacing and story seems to dip after that as Robin is nursed back to health and Marcus ponders how to bring his “little crow” into his world. Compared to the first quarter, the rest of the story lost some steam, and I felt the author’s dilemma—how to give the MCs their much deserved HEA, but in the small amount of space. Because of those restrictions, the development felt more told through scattered paragraphs that described past events or of time passing and thus, the relationship felt more “insta-love” because we didn’t get to see its organic growth. I also very much felt a loss of tension in the second half. I wish there was some more story drivers introduced to help push the plot along.
For this story, I think it either needed to be much tighter (and less descriptive) to work in such a short amount of space, or it should have gone in the opposite direction, and let Ford’s creativity soar under more novel-length parameters.
For fantasy fans, especially steampunk fans, this story may turn all your gears though, and Ford’s world is a wonder to behold. For fans of Ford’s contemporary stories, if you’re okay with taking a more fanciful tour, you will probably also enjoy her writing here.
My hope is to read more fantasy from Ford, although I vote she gets more space. She writes great novels, so I would look forward to a longer work in this area.
Review first posted this week over at Boys in our Books:
January 21, 2014
First of all, the title ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ feels to me like a lovely combination of ‘Tangerine Dream’ and ‘Clockwork Orange’ and that intrigued me from the offset. This short tale is set in an Alternative or Altered Universe where Britain and the Commonwealth really do ‘rule the waves’ and San Francisco is part of that Commonwealth. Written with a nod towards Phillip K Dick’s ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’ which was also set in San Francisco. The skies are filled with the ‘bloated tick-like balloons’ of the industrialists and steam controlled contraptions are seen on the streets. Into this setting we meet Marcus, a Viscount, whose Father, a Duke was killed by an missed remnant, a ‘skitter’, of a war. The war, between the rulers of the Commonwealth and a society, which combined the arcane and scientific to create war machines, capable of great harm. The unwitting inventor of these weapons, was a genius boy of fourteen, nicknamed ‘The Toymaker’. When the society is defeated the ringleaders are executed and Robin Harris, The Toymaker horrifically branded with an ‘S’ for sodomite.
Years later Marcus rescues Robin, from a group of thugs who beat him unconscious, and nurses him to health. Their meeting changes both of their lives and allows both men to accept their ‘perversions’ and live their lives as openly as their society allows, together.
This is a beautifully written steam punk novella and one of the few I’ve read where the dystopian vision did not overpower the story line. Steam punk and Dystopian Fantasy and Sci-Fi, are usually amazingly constructed and visualised but often very depressing. This story however, is not and there is an HEA and a bright ending. My only criticism...
Read full review at prismbookalliance.com
Years later Marcus rescues Robin, from a group of thugs who beat him unconscious, and nurses him to health. Their meeting changes both of their lives and allows both men to accept their ‘perversions’ and live their lives as openly as their society allows, together.
This is a beautifully written steam punk novella and one of the few I’ve read where the dystopian vision did not overpower the story line. Steam punk and Dystopian Fantasy and Sci-Fi, are usually amazingly constructed and visualised but often very depressing. This story however, is not and there is an HEA and a bright ending. My only criticism...
Read full review at prismbookalliance.com
June 17, 2019
It's been quite a while since I read this story and revisiting it through the narrations of Greg Tremblay was as always purely delightful. This one's short at just over 2 hours but if you like steampunk and a slow burn with just a bit of steamy smexy times check it out. It's an enjoyable way to pass a bit of time. Definitely recommended.
September 9, 2016
*3.5*
You'll have to suspend your disbelief a bit to enjoy this. People here are too lenient, unbelievably so. I've done that and the story is pretty good.
I have a weakness for damaged, poor and wronged silent types and Robin Harris fits that description. I couldn't help but compare these two with Lucien Vaudrey and Stephen Day (if you don't know who these two are - go and read The Magpie Lord right now!).
After Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood, saves him from thugs and nurses him to health for weeks, the two become very good friends. There is that lust at first sight (not at the same time since Robin was unconscious at first), but it works well here. They actually don't act on it right away.
There are so many obstacles set against them. Robin was fourteen when a group of scientists used his ideas and tried to destroy the monarchy. They used his mechanical and arcane devices to do that. They failed and most of them had been executed. Robin Harris was not guilty in the eyes of the law, but the people couldn't forgive the boy. They set him up and took their revenge.
Another thing, maybe even worse than Robin's public image, is the fact that one of those devices killed Westwood's father, who was a great man and the reason why Marcus Westwood is prepared to fight the wrongs ('We cannot pick and choose who we champion.').
I hated some of the images this story evoked (the rich paying to watch the suffering), but I loved Westwood grandmother. His father (from the memories), his grandmother and later a group of scientists (good ones9 are the ones why I said you'll have to suspend your belief.
I am not an expert, but I found the sex scene too detailed, which broke the reading flow a few times. Still, I liked this story a lot.
You'll have to suspend your disbelief a bit to enjoy this. People here are too lenient, unbelievably so. I've done that and the story is pretty good.
I have a weakness for damaged, poor and wronged silent types and Robin Harris fits that description. I couldn't help but compare these two with Lucien Vaudrey and Stephen Day (if you don't know who these two are - go and read The Magpie Lord right now!).
After Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood, saves him from thugs and nurses him to health for weeks, the two become very good friends. There is that lust at first sight (not at the same time since Robin was unconscious at first), but it works well here. They actually don't act on it right away.
There are so many obstacles set against them. Robin was fourteen when a group of scientists used his ideas and tried to destroy the monarchy. They used his mechanical and arcane devices to do that. They failed and most of them had been executed. Robin Harris was not guilty in the eyes of the law, but the people couldn't forgive the boy. They set him up and took their revenge.
Another thing, maybe even worse than Robin's public image, is the fact that one of those devices killed Westwood's father, who was a great man and the reason why Marcus Westwood is prepared to fight the wrongs ('We cannot pick and choose who we champion.').
I hated some of the images this story evoked (the rich paying to watch the suffering), but I loved Westwood grandmother. His father (from the memories), his grandmother and later a group of scientists (good ones9 are the ones why I said you'll have to suspend your belief.
I am not an expert, but I found the sex scene too detailed, which broke the reading flow a few times. Still, I liked this story a lot.
April 20, 2016
Let me start by saying I love Rhys Ford. I've read all of her Cole McGinnis series and Sinner's Gin (except for Tequila Mockingbird, which I will be remedying soon). What I have not ventured into is the world of Steampunk. It has frequently piqued my curiosity and I have perused numerous books in this genre but until now I have managed to step away from them so this was my first venture into the world of Steampunk and I was fascinated.
Ms Ford has created a setting and characters that have totally enchanted me. This is a tale of two men created by such different influences and circumstances yet finding their way to each other in a world that for me was very foreign and fascinating.
Robin is an inventor and a genius who has been used and made to suffer the consequences for how others utilized his creations. Imprisoned, branded, ostracised and frequently beaten, he continues to quietly create his inventions of things that can offer a better life to those in need.
Marcus is born to a life of privilege and influence. Raised by a father who believed that if you have power you used it to help others not to perpetrate abuses upon the less fortunate. He has taken his father's teachings to heart, even if it means denying himself.
How these two men meet and the circumstances around that meeting and how they have impacted each others lives unknowingly makes for a thoroughly enjoyable story and one that I hope there will be more of beyond this initial offering.
Ms Ford has created a setting and characters that have totally enchanted me. This is a tale of two men created by such different influences and circumstances yet finding their way to each other in a world that for me was very foreign and fascinating.
Robin is an inventor and a genius who has been used and made to suffer the consequences for how others utilized his creations. Imprisoned, branded, ostracised and frequently beaten, he continues to quietly create his inventions of things that can offer a better life to those in need.
Marcus is born to a life of privilege and influence. Raised by a father who believed that if you have power you used it to help others not to perpetrate abuses upon the less fortunate. He has taken his father's teachings to heart, even if it means denying himself.
How these two men meet and the circumstances around that meeting and how they have impacted each others lives unknowingly makes for a thoroughly enjoyable story and one that I hope there will be more of beyond this initial offering.
February 22, 2014
Well what can I say. This was a wonderful, intriguing steam punk, all too short read.
Robin Harris is the "toymaker" used, abused inventor who's work has been subverted to destroy rather than help society. Robin is befriended by Viscount Marcus Stenhill, who rescues him from a vicious beating.
This is a fun story, dealing with love and trust. I give it a pocket full of stars.
Robin Harris is the "toymaker" used, abused inventor who's work has been subverted to destroy rather than help society. Robin is befriended by Viscount Marcus Stenhill, who rescues him from a vicious beating.
This is a fun story, dealing with love and trust. I give it a pocket full of stars.
December 11, 2014
4+ stars. I'm done, and it was awesomesauce. A lovely little m/m romance novelette dressed up in steampunk finery. Oh, and I wanted to wrap Robin up in hugs and squishes - he was adorable! Recommended.
March 18, 2018
I try really, really, really hard not to do this to short stories, because I know part of being a short story is being short, but . . .
this story was too short. It simply bit off more than it could chew. It had interesting characters, a good plot, wonderful world-building, and it couldn't fit it all into the very limited pages that it had to try to tell the story within. I was left incredibly frustrated because I felt like what was going on, the way we moved from beginning to end, wasn't feasible.
It was really sad, because I felt this could have been a really, really great book if it had just been longer.
Which, as I said, I try not to say of short stories, but this one I can't help but make an exception for.
this story was too short. It simply bit off more than it could chew. It had interesting characters, a good plot, wonderful world-building, and it couldn't fit it all into the very limited pages that it had to try to tell the story within. I was left incredibly frustrated because I felt like what was going on, the way we moved from beginning to end, wasn't feasible.
It was really sad, because I felt this could have been a really, really great book if it had just been longer.
Which, as I said, I try not to say of short stories, but this one I can't help but make an exception for.
February 23, 2014
There was a lot, and I mean, a lot, of jumping up and down, squealing, Kermit-like flailing, and overwhelming giddiness when I discovered that Rhys Ford was releasing a steampunk short story. Having only recently found the steampunk genre within the past few years, the concept that one of my top five favorite authors wrote one, was almost more than my heart could handle. Trust me when I say that in my exuberance I scared a number of my four legged kids and they hid from me for a whole day. *grins* Even more than normal, I was very impressed with this author's willingness to stretch her wings and I found the writing, story, and characters of 'Clockwork Tangerine' to be sublime.
Marcus is the third son of a duke, not a particularly relished or enviable position as it holds little real power, and only a title of viscount. Marcus teaches "fisticuffs", boxing, to those men who need it and one evening he rescues a man from a beating by four intoxicated young men, only to discover he rescued the Toymaker himself, Robin Harris. The very man who created the device which killed Marcus's father. The scourge of the Society, a group which created the Golems, horrific caricatures of humans, grown in labs to be the footsoldiers of the Society. Even though the Society was defeated by the British Empire almost twenty years before, its horrors still linger.
Now Marcus is face-to-face with the alleged terror of the Society, the man whose genius created all the mechanical monstrosities combining the arcane and science, and all Marcus can see is a gentle man who uses his abilities to help those in need. For Robin's friend who lost her leg, he built her a completely functioning new one, he rescued a cat with two missing back limbs and Robin created new ones. This is the horror? No. Robin is simply a brilliant engineer whom the Society used and abused and left him to carry the blame and shame of their perversions of his inventions. What ensues is a friendship the likes which Robin has never known and a slow descent into love. Marcus and his family's acceptance of Robin helps to introduce him to some older gentlemen within the Ton with whom Robin can discuss the safe merging of science and the arcane to help the Empire.
I absolutely adored this book but I wanted more. Literally that is my only complaint. The story was too short and I would have loved more of their romance, of Robin's work, and definitely of Marcus's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess. Ahhhhhh, Rhys, you've done it again, my friend. Excellent job!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Marcus is the third son of a duke, not a particularly relished or enviable position as it holds little real power, and only a title of viscount. Marcus teaches "fisticuffs", boxing, to those men who need it and one evening he rescues a man from a beating by four intoxicated young men, only to discover he rescued the Toymaker himself, Robin Harris. The very man who created the device which killed Marcus's father. The scourge of the Society, a group which created the Golems, horrific caricatures of humans, grown in labs to be the footsoldiers of the Society. Even though the Society was defeated by the British Empire almost twenty years before, its horrors still linger.
Now Marcus is face-to-face with the alleged terror of the Society, the man whose genius created all the mechanical monstrosities combining the arcane and science, and all Marcus can see is a gentle man who uses his abilities to help those in need. For Robin's friend who lost her leg, he built her a completely functioning new one, he rescued a cat with two missing back limbs and Robin created new ones. This is the horror? No. Robin is simply a brilliant engineer whom the Society used and abused and left him to carry the blame and shame of their perversions of his inventions. What ensues is a friendship the likes which Robin has never known and a slow descent into love. Marcus and his family's acceptance of Robin helps to introduce him to some older gentlemen within the Ton with whom Robin can discuss the safe merging of science and the arcane to help the Empire.
I absolutely adored this book but I wanted more. Literally that is my only complaint. The story was too short and I would have loved more of their romance, of Robin's work, and definitely of Marcus's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess. Ahhhhhh, Rhys, you've done it again, my friend. Excellent job!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 19, 2014
°•○★5 Stars ~ KAPOW!★○•°
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
NOTE : We were given an arc in return for an honest review, and honestly? The book was freaking awesome!!
I don’t think it’s any secret I’m a HUGE fan of this author. I also love steampunk. So, I was thrilled when I heard she was writing this story. From the first page I was transported into the world she created. There were so many details that painted the picture vividly for me. I loved this. I wanted more.
I think part of what I loved about this book was the open minded determination of Marcus to do what he thought was right. In the beginning of the book I thought he was going to be a bit sketchy based on his career choice but he proved me and my assumptions wrong. Not many men would look past the way Marcus and Robin’s pasts tie together in such a brutal manner. There was something so practical but passionate at the same time about Marcus. He was a great character. Kind, brave, sexy and he was totally smitten with Robin.
Robin was odd and brilliant. I could completely understand why Marcus found him so fascinating. I was anticipating learning more about the dark and dangerous stranger right along with Marcus. Robin has been tortured physically and berated verbally because his brilliance was twisted into something evil by men when he was younger. Hell, he abuses himself mentally because of the guilt he feels over it. Marcus saves him from a beating that would have surely killed him but that was before he knew who he was. Even after he discovered the man who he saved was, Marcus was so intrigued by the man he made sure he’d heal from his injuries. By the time Robin wakes up his entire life has changed. He went from social pariah to being a dear friend of a nobleman. If only the rest of society was as embracing as Marcus.
Again, I loved this. The contraptions Robin came up with were brilliant and helpful to those in need of help when others would turn them away. It really emphasized how misunderstood he was. There was also the sodomite shaming and imprisoning aspect to the story. Robin was a known sodomite in the eyes of the people of the town. Marcus took a real risk in falling for a man who’d already been branded. He just couldn’t help himself.
I think the only thing I can complain about is that I wanted more. I could have sat there and read for hours more and still been just as entertained and continued to fall in love with Robin and Marcus. Feels like there’s potential there for more. I’d love to follow the guys on adventures. Great read!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
NOTE : We were given an arc in return for an honest review, and honestly? The book was freaking awesome!!
I don’t think it’s any secret I’m a HUGE fan of this author. I also love steampunk. So, I was thrilled when I heard she was writing this story. From the first page I was transported into the world she created. There were so many details that painted the picture vividly for me. I loved this. I wanted more.
I think part of what I loved about this book was the open minded determination of Marcus to do what he thought was right. In the beginning of the book I thought he was going to be a bit sketchy based on his career choice but he proved me and my assumptions wrong. Not many men would look past the way Marcus and Robin’s pasts tie together in such a brutal manner. There was something so practical but passionate at the same time about Marcus. He was a great character. Kind, brave, sexy and he was totally smitten with Robin.
Robin was odd and brilliant. I could completely understand why Marcus found him so fascinating. I was anticipating learning more about the dark and dangerous stranger right along with Marcus. Robin has been tortured physically and berated verbally because his brilliance was twisted into something evil by men when he was younger. Hell, he abuses himself mentally because of the guilt he feels over it. Marcus saves him from a beating that would have surely killed him but that was before he knew who he was. Even after he discovered the man who he saved was, Marcus was so intrigued by the man he made sure he’d heal from his injuries. By the time Robin wakes up his entire life has changed. He went from social pariah to being a dear friend of a nobleman. If only the rest of society was as embracing as Marcus.
Again, I loved this. The contraptions Robin came up with were brilliant and helpful to those in need of help when others would turn them away. It really emphasized how misunderstood he was. There was also the sodomite shaming and imprisoning aspect to the story. Robin was a known sodomite in the eyes of the people of the town. Marcus took a real risk in falling for a man who’d already been branded. He just couldn’t help himself.
I think the only thing I can complain about is that I wanted more. I could have sat there and read for hours more and still been just as entertained and continued to fall in love with Robin and Marcus. Feels like there’s potential there for more. I’d love to follow the guys on adventures. Great read!
February 21, 2014
Who woudda thunk I would love steam punk? It is one genre I have not really read much of, although the subject and genre is talked about by other readers I know. It took two of my favorite authors to dabble a bit and introduce me into a new phase of enjoyment! Amy Lane and now Rhys Ford’s talents seem to know no boundaries. Every book I pick up of Ms Lane and Ms Ford works like Calgon for me and ‘takes me away’….Isn’t that what reading is all about?
The only negative thing I can say about Clockwork Tangerine is I wanted more! It is a short Novella but it certainly does get the job done, but I gladly would have sat thru more pages if I “had to”..
We begin in a different era of San Francisco and meet ‘The Viscount of Westwood’ Marcus Stenhill. He hears a scuffle while walking thru the dark streets in the ghetto part of the town. The times are similar and match London where Lords and Ladies abound under Queen Victoria’s reign.
While searching out the noise Lord Westwood comes upon a young man surrounded, being mercilessly beaten by a group of ruffians. Marcus conscience will not allow him to walk away. The times are such that new inventions and inventors are considered abominations, science is considered witchcraft. Marcus carries this bloody young man who is Robin Harris to his home. Marcus sits and watches over Robin, soon learning more and more about him as his body heals.
Oh Rhys what a wonderful story you have given us. These two beautiful men grow together slowly before our eyes. The gentleness and care Marcus gives to Robin allowing his body to heal. The gradual learning of the travesty and pain Robin underwent with the scar of a branding as a deviant still on his smooth hip. The horror in hearing Robin was the one responsible Marcus’s fathers death, yet still feeling the awe and respect at seeing all that Robin could do for humanity as the two fall in love. Robin has expected he will be thrown out when Marcus knows all about him, and is amazed that Marcus wants him even more.
The story is gentle and touching in the midst of the horrors of injustice. Thank you Rhys Ford, for sprouting your wings, trying something different and making magic!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Review Chair and Sr Reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild
The only negative thing I can say about Clockwork Tangerine is I wanted more! It is a short Novella but it certainly does get the job done, but I gladly would have sat thru more pages if I “had to”..
We begin in a different era of San Francisco and meet ‘The Viscount of Westwood’ Marcus Stenhill. He hears a scuffle while walking thru the dark streets in the ghetto part of the town. The times are similar and match London where Lords and Ladies abound under Queen Victoria’s reign.
While searching out the noise Lord Westwood comes upon a young man surrounded, being mercilessly beaten by a group of ruffians. Marcus conscience will not allow him to walk away. The times are such that new inventions and inventors are considered abominations, science is considered witchcraft. Marcus carries this bloody young man who is Robin Harris to his home. Marcus sits and watches over Robin, soon learning more and more about him as his body heals.
Oh Rhys what a wonderful story you have given us. These two beautiful men grow together slowly before our eyes. The gentleness and care Marcus gives to Robin allowing his body to heal. The gradual learning of the travesty and pain Robin underwent with the scar of a branding as a deviant still on his smooth hip. The horror in hearing Robin was the one responsible Marcus’s fathers death, yet still feeling the awe and respect at seeing all that Robin could do for humanity as the two fall in love. Robin has expected he will be thrown out when Marcus knows all about him, and is amazed that Marcus wants him even more.
The story is gentle and touching in the midst of the horrors of injustice. Thank you Rhys Ford, for sprouting your wings, trying something different and making magic!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Review Chair and Sr Reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild
November 13, 2015
Soooo, this was my first Steampunk book.
Also, it's been sitting on my To-Read-New-On-Deck pile for months. Months!
I put it off because...sometimes I'm an idiot? Sometimes I'm a little fearful of the unknown? Yes and yes, okay?
I bought it because...Rhys Ford! Of course, there's no question that I'll eventually read all her books 'cause I kinda worship her and her talent with words and world-building. She never ceases to amaze me--even when her stories take me to creepy places and scare the bejeezus outta me.
I knew this would not be spooky, but it's a genre that's new to me that I wasn't so sure about.
Right...thoughts. This was so good. Is there anything Rhys Ford can't do?
For a gal who doesn't get the whole Steampunk thing--but is oddly fascinated by the mechanical artistry and mystique of it--this was a beautiful story. An aristocratic hero and geeky genius underdog learning to believe in love when the world has been so very cruel.
One of the things I love about Rhys' writing is her imagery. She not only lays out the setting with all of the visual cues we need but tickles all the senses with descriptions of sounds and smells that come alive with layers of texture that are resonant and fragrant--and often odiferous. I feel like I'm in her books, creeping as quietly as I can behind all the action, seeing, hearing, and smelling all the things (sometimes holding my nose). She's one of a handful of authors I've found who pull me in so completely for the ride.
This was an absolutely delightful reading experience. I think I'll soon look for more Steampunk. And I'll not-so-secretly wish that Rhys will write some more.
Truly my only gripe, which is holding back a star, is that some time hops between scenes were a little confusing. In my opinion, this is often problematic in novellas when there's an intent to keep the story short but also having so much to tell. I'm greedy for all the details and can't help but feel I needed more between the scenes.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com.
Also, it's been sitting on my To-Read-New-On-Deck pile for months. Months!
I put it off because...sometimes I'm an idiot? Sometimes I'm a little fearful of the unknown? Yes and yes, okay?
I bought it because...Rhys Ford! Of course, there's no question that I'll eventually read all her books 'cause I kinda worship her and her talent with words and world-building. She never ceases to amaze me--even when her stories take me to creepy places and scare the bejeezus outta me.
I knew this would not be spooky, but it's a genre that's new to me that I wasn't so sure about.
Right...thoughts. This was so good. Is there anything Rhys Ford can't do?
For a gal who doesn't get the whole Steampunk thing--but is oddly fascinated by the mechanical artistry and mystique of it--this was a beautiful story. An aristocratic hero and geeky genius underdog learning to believe in love when the world has been so very cruel.
One of the things I love about Rhys' writing is her imagery. She not only lays out the setting with all of the visual cues we need but tickles all the senses with descriptions of sounds and smells that come alive with layers of texture that are resonant and fragrant--and often odiferous. I feel like I'm in her books, creeping as quietly as I can behind all the action, seeing, hearing, and smelling all the things (sometimes holding my nose). She's one of a handful of authors I've found who pull me in so completely for the ride.
This was an absolutely delightful reading experience. I think I'll soon look for more Steampunk. And I'll not-so-secretly wish that Rhys will write some more.
Truly my only gripe, which is holding back a star, is that some time hops between scenes were a little confusing. In my opinion, this is often problematic in novellas when there's an intent to keep the story short but also having so much to tell. I'm greedy for all the details and can't help but feel I needed more between the scenes.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com.
June 30, 2016
Westwood (Aka Marcus Stenhill) finds a man being beaten nearly to death in an alley one night and saves him. Little does he know he’s rescued the notorious “toy maker”, a scientist punished for blending science and magic, a man whose creation, in fact, killed Westwood’s own father.
Robin (aka the “toy maker”) is constantly fighting against a society that doesn’t understand him or his work. He’s punished for being a “sodomite” and for his work, but he won’t stop because people are helped by his inventions.
After saving Robin and learning more about him, Westwood can’t help but fall in love…but how in the world would that work in this society and will Robin return the feelings?
**
So I’m not a fan of Steam Punk but I’m a huge fan of Rhys and Greg so I had to take this opportunity to check out this audiobook, even though I was a bit worried.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Rhys fills this short story full of magic, poetry, humor and love. Poor Robin is so misunderstood, a man ahead of his time, and it’s obvious that once someone learns what his true heart is, they can’t help but love him. Westwood wastes no time holding a grudge and we move quickly from the point of the story where he might hate Robin to a point where he really understands him instead.
Though this is a very short story we get a lot of world building, a fair bit of crazy contraptions and magic, some humor, a few heart string pulling feels, a bit of passion and, all in all, a delightful little romance.
I loved the grandmother and felt the believability of these two having a relationship in this time period was really well explained.
Greg, as always, does a wonderful job with the narration – giving us an unobtrusive British accent – more a hint than full blown- and he absolutely added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
For fans of the genre I think you’ll love this, for people out there like me – maybe a bit scared to try it – don’t be. It was really sweet and wonderful and worth the exploration.
For both the story and the narration 4.5 of 5 stars
Robin (aka the “toy maker”) is constantly fighting against a society that doesn’t understand him or his work. He’s punished for being a “sodomite” and for his work, but he won’t stop because people are helped by his inventions.
After saving Robin and learning more about him, Westwood can’t help but fall in love…but how in the world would that work in this society and will Robin return the feelings?
**
So I’m not a fan of Steam Punk but I’m a huge fan of Rhys and Greg so I had to take this opportunity to check out this audiobook, even though I was a bit worried.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Rhys fills this short story full of magic, poetry, humor and love. Poor Robin is so misunderstood, a man ahead of his time, and it’s obvious that once someone learns what his true heart is, they can’t help but love him. Westwood wastes no time holding a grudge and we move quickly from the point of the story where he might hate Robin to a point where he really understands him instead.
Though this is a very short story we get a lot of world building, a fair bit of crazy contraptions and magic, some humor, a few heart string pulling feels, a bit of passion and, all in all, a delightful little romance.
I loved the grandmother and felt the believability of these two having a relationship in this time period was really well explained.
Greg, as always, does a wonderful job with the narration – giving us an unobtrusive British accent – more a hint than full blown- and he absolutely added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
For fans of the genre I think you’ll love this, for people out there like me – maybe a bit scared to try it – don’t be. It was really sweet and wonderful and worth the exploration.
For both the story and the narration 4.5 of 5 stars
February 11, 2014
3.5 stars
CLOCKWORK TANGERINE may be novella sized but it still packs quite a punch with its vivid imagery and unique worldbuilding. Steampunk to the extreme, readers will get a heavy dose of Rhys Ford’s imagination with this story!
Marcus, the Viscount of Westwood, encounters a beating occurring on the streets of St. Francisco. As his duty, he intervenes, scaring off the young bloods and helps the poor man who has been so injured, he can barely walk. It isn’t until later that he discovers the man’s true identity.
Despite the realization, Marcus has a steel mind and doesn’t allow Robin’s guilt and past affect his feelings for him now. Though slightly falling into the instalove category, I still found that Robin and Marcus were able to work between what stood in their way well despite the tighter word count. The conflict that Ford chooses for this story is very complex and really needs the time to develop. I wished this story was longer so that we could have seen that played out.
You can tell that Ford allowed her imagination to go wild with this story. With the Chinese ghettos and the Empire, CLOCKWORK TANGERINE will really appeal to readers who enjoy steamrpunk romances. I feel like this world has so much room to explore.
*ARC provided by author
CLOCKWORK TANGERINE may be novella sized but it still packs quite a punch with its vivid imagery and unique worldbuilding. Steampunk to the extreme, readers will get a heavy dose of Rhys Ford’s imagination with this story!
Marcus, the Viscount of Westwood, encounters a beating occurring on the streets of St. Francisco. As his duty, he intervenes, scaring off the young bloods and helps the poor man who has been so injured, he can barely walk. It isn’t until later that he discovers the man’s true identity.
Despite the realization, Marcus has a steel mind and doesn’t allow Robin’s guilt and past affect his feelings for him now. Though slightly falling into the instalove category, I still found that Robin and Marcus were able to work between what stood in their way well despite the tighter word count. The conflict that Ford chooses for this story is very complex and really needs the time to develop. I wished this story was longer so that we could have seen that played out.
You can tell that Ford allowed her imagination to go wild with this story. With the Chinese ghettos and the Empire, CLOCKWORK TANGERINE will really appeal to readers who enjoy steamrpunk romances. I feel like this world has so much room to explore.
*ARC provided by author
February 28, 2014
Clockwork Tangerine is a really lovely steampunk story, very low on angst and conflict and strictly focused on the romance between Marcus and Robin. There's no suspense, no big problem that arises - in fact everything is almost a little bit too easy. But how nice to read a story like that after all the heavy, suspense-filled books I've chosen for my last reads.
I really like Rhys Ford's writing - it's accomplished, but never over-the-top and it creates a beautiful imagery of the world it describes. The steampunk- and fantasy-laden basics of the setting were nice and imaginative, but they purely served as a unique background to a less unique romance. Which is not to say that I didn't like the romance - I did! Marcus and Robin were both likeable characters and I enjoyed their story. But in all the easiness and acceptance and genuine affection, I guess I was looking for a few more quirks and edges that just weren't there. The short length of the book prevented it from becoming boring though, so I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
The only real issue I had with this story was that Robin's age didn't seem to match his behaviour. He seemed so much younger to me than he was supposed to be and my stomach was churning in mismatch whenever I was reminded of the discrepancy.
Still, a lovely, pleasant read, an easy first foray into the world of steampunk for anyone not enlightened yet ;-D, and definitely recommended if you're looking for something light, quick and fun in an interesting setting.
I really like Rhys Ford's writing - it's accomplished, but never over-the-top and it creates a beautiful imagery of the world it describes. The steampunk- and fantasy-laden basics of the setting were nice and imaginative, but they purely served as a unique background to a less unique romance. Which is not to say that I didn't like the romance - I did! Marcus and Robin were both likeable characters and I enjoyed their story. But in all the easiness and acceptance and genuine affection, I guess I was looking for a few more quirks and edges that just weren't there. The short length of the book prevented it from becoming boring though, so I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
The only real issue I had with this story was that Robin's age didn't seem to match his behaviour. He seemed so much younger to me than he was supposed to be and my stomach was churning in mismatch whenever I was reminded of the discrepancy.
Still, a lovely, pleasant read, an easy first foray into the world of steampunk for anyone not enlightened yet ;-D, and definitely recommended if you're looking for something light, quick and fun in an interesting setting.
April 15, 2014
4.0 Stars
Have I mentioned that I love Ryhs Ford's work? (Plus, she's a local girl from my home State, Hawaii!)
Clockwork Tangerine is yet another example of why I'm such a fan. This is a sweet steampunk story about Marcus Stenhill and Robin Harris. Marcus is the powerful Viscount of Westwood while Robin is considered a pariah by most of the community. Happily, Marcus sees past society's unfair judgement to the innocent and generous soul within.
Both Marcus and Robin were loveable characters. I immediately connected with each of them and their story swept me away from page one. I was entranced by the Arcane and Science conflict as well as Robin's amazing creations. My only gripe ... I wish this story was longer. I would've enjoyed learning more about these wonderful characters and the world they inhabit.
Bottom line: Short but oh so sweet steampunk. Recommend!
Have I mentioned that I love Ryhs Ford's work? (Plus, she's a local girl from my home State, Hawaii!)
Clockwork Tangerine is yet another example of why I'm such a fan. This is a sweet steampunk story about Marcus Stenhill and Robin Harris. Marcus is the powerful Viscount of Westwood while Robin is considered a pariah by most of the community. Happily, Marcus sees past society's unfair judgement to the innocent and generous soul within.
Both Marcus and Robin were loveable characters. I immediately connected with each of them and their story swept me away from page one. I was entranced by the Arcane and Science conflict as well as Robin's amazing creations. My only gripe ... I wish this story was longer. I would've enjoyed learning more about these wonderful characters and the world they inhabit.
Bottom line: Short but oh so sweet steampunk. Recommend!
September 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Awesome world-building and a spellbinding first half but the story moved all too quickly into a sweet but largely conflict-free romance. I'd have loved for this to have been longer - the world Rhys Ford created was beautifully described, the main characters well drawn and there was great potential for a really fantastic read but it fell a bit short for me.
Still hugely enjoyable though.
Awesome world-building and a spellbinding first half but the story moved all too quickly into a sweet but largely conflict-free romance. I'd have loved for this to have been longer - the world Rhys Ford created was beautifully described, the main characters well drawn and there was great potential for a really fantastic read but it fell a bit short for me.
Still hugely enjoyable though.
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