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The Clockwork Mysteries #1
Change of Heart
Vickie wants spice in her life, but her husband George is more interested in his work as a doctor. Left alone with nothing to fill in the time, the temptation of leaving the marriage is growing. George wants to rekindle their love, but he takes his duty helping the sick seriously, especially those who can't afford medical bills and finds it hard to spend time with Vickie. An outbreak of a mysterious illness threatens George and Vickie’s ordered world. George becomes ill, and Vickie is left to care for him, as well as trying to work out the cause of his ailment. To survive, Vickie must find a way to take charge in her world.
- GenresSteampunk
120 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2014
9 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Lilliana Rose
82 books602 followersLilliana Rose writes romance in the subgenres of contemporary and paranormal romance. She enjoys helping characters overcome problems or issues, and the misunderstandings that often plague relationships, to help them fall in love. Whether its city heels being replaced with country work boots, or some magic beyond this world, each story shows how love can prevail. She has poetry, middle grade, picture book, novellas, and novels published under various pen names.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 27, 2018
Right up front, I have to say that this book is dedicated to my alter ego, which is such an honour and so thoughtful of Lilliana. But that's not the reason I have given this 5 stars.
The reasons are:
- I love Lilliana's lyrical style of storytelling
- The book is set in my home town
- it's a steampunk and has an airship
- the main character (Vickie) isn't perfect - she is on the cusp of embarking on an affair but is redeemable.
- love that there will be more with these characters
- effortless to read - just flowed really well.
- I love 2nd chance stories also.
So if you like a bit of steampunk, historical, romantic book about 2nd chances, this one is for you.
The reasons are:
- I love Lilliana's lyrical style of storytelling
- The book is set in my home town
- it's a steampunk and has an airship
- the main character (Vickie) isn't perfect - she is on the cusp of embarking on an affair but is redeemable.
- love that there will be more with these characters
- effortless to read - just flowed really well.
- I love 2nd chance stories also.
So if you like a bit of steampunk, historical, romantic book about 2nd chances, this one is for you.
Want to read
September 14, 2021🎁 Books 1-3 in the series are FREE on Amazon today (9/14/2021)! 🎁
February 4, 2016
Sweet, slightly steampunk and attention grabbing, Ms. Rose is a new to me author who has my attention. Change of heart is a tightly written piece about a romance wilting away. This book is set in a Victorian steampunk era which is quite appealing. Ms. Rose's writing voice invites an intimacy between her and the reader. It is almost as if she is sharing juicy gossip or tasty story.
Her characters, George and Vickie are a young couple whose love has faded away and is almost completely replaced by duty. This breaks Vickie's heart. George knows the problem and wants to save his marriage before it is too late. These two characters are easy to relate to because these feelings occur throughout time. By alternating third person point of view, the reader sees from both George and Vicki's side.
The conflict and twist is nicely set up and executed. It would be a bit nice if there were a little bit more to the ending. Because the resolution came swiftly and leaves a nice little hook with a possible follow up story. If a follow up story includes Vickie's new vocation or expands into the Vicki's adventures, it would be quite lovely. A little more steampunk added into the world building would also enrich this possible series. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy a little suspense and an airship.
*provided by NetGalley
Her characters, George and Vickie are a young couple whose love has faded away and is almost completely replaced by duty. This breaks Vickie's heart. George knows the problem and wants to save his marriage before it is too late. These two characters are easy to relate to because these feelings occur throughout time. By alternating third person point of view, the reader sees from both George and Vicki's side.
The conflict and twist is nicely set up and executed. It would be a bit nice if there were a little bit more to the ending. Because the resolution came swiftly and leaves a nice little hook with a possible follow up story. If a follow up story includes Vickie's new vocation or expands into the Vicki's adventures, it would be quite lovely. A little more steampunk added into the world building would also enrich this possible series. Recommended for romance lovers who enjoy a little suspense and an airship.
*provided by NetGalley
July 5, 2020
My first steampunk detective novel and I am hooked. Am looking forward to reading the next in the series. It is set in Australia, and heroine starts out being a discontented housewife - unchallenged in her life - physically, intellectually, and sexually - and in an emotional rollercoaster. Almost letting herself be wooed physically by someone else, she starts to be motivated to change the whole family dynamics, rediscovering the love she has for her husband, taking over the investigation into the causes of a rare disease that he has come down with. It's not a long read but it is very satisfying and I was charmed by the mix of Victorian set up socially, our spunky heroine, and idea of refurbishing a blimp with touches of a bordello style red velvet covered bed in a luxurious bedroom....
A great nights entertainment.
A great nights entertainment.
December 15, 2020
Short but packed full! Vickie and George are growing apart. Their marriage is only 5 years young but his career takes him away from home too much. Vickie has heavy decisions to make about her future and what shes committed to. Goerge isnt willing to go down without a fight but his health might make the decisions for them. I was torn by this story. Im never one to "enjoy" a marriage failing story but this one intrigued me. George is very committed to his job as a doctor caring more for his work sometimes and taking advantage of Vickie's understanding a lot. When he realizes what might become of them, he takes the time to reconnect.
January 31, 2018
Change of Heart is based in the future with 1800's flare. It has mystery and a lot of steam. Vivian and George are on the mend and trying to rekindle their love for each other when George falls sick. Vivian stays by his side and takes charge and won't take no for an answer. This was a good read also my first read by Lilliana Rose.
December 1, 2020
Quick read
This was a quick, average read. Vickie wasn’t very likable for a good portion of the book, while George seemed to be trying in his inept way to fix their marriage. I don’t think that the steampunk genre (if that’s what this was) is for me, but to someone who enjoys steampunk, this would likely be a 4-5⭐️ read.
This was a quick, average read. Vickie wasn’t very likable for a good portion of the book, while George seemed to be trying in his inept way to fix their marriage. I don’t think that the steampunk genre (if that’s what this was) is for me, but to someone who enjoys steampunk, this would likely be a 4-5⭐️ read.
December 10, 2020
Vickie and George are married for five years and George is a workaholic doctor that misses a lot of special occasions with his wife. Vickie is lonely and bored when she catches the eye of Matt an inventor. Vickie toys with the idea of Matt’s attention but something bad happens. This is a very short story but it was interesting.
January 21, 2021
I am new to steam punk, but I really liked this quick read of a book. Interesting, well developed characters, flawed and likable. Interesting story line, good relationships. Flawed, likable heroine. Her partner, her husband, also developed. Second chance romance, mystery to be solved and an airship...recommended. Need to read the next book!
January 22, 2021
This book was a very quick read but it was a fun read. Marriage going in to different directions and a distraction that doesn't need to be in the picture. Vickie and George are the main people and George is a workaholic and Vickie is struggling to bee part of his world. This is a fun loving story with a little bit of truth in it. Great story to ready.
January 24, 2021
Vicky and George have been married 5 years. At the begging of their marriage everything was great. Their marriage hasn't been going good so far not since George became addicted to practicing medicine and experimenting making up his own medicine. This is a quick story. The story line was good. I like how they were trying to save their marriage just things kept getting in the way.
January 11, 2021
A fun read. This book has George and Vicki fighting to save their marriage as they face a mystery when George suddenly falls ill with an unknown disease. Loved the dynamic in this book and the character build up was well done. Looking forward to the next book.
February 7, 2021
This book while being a quick read seemed a bit off to me. It's setting was the 1920s but the characters acted as if it was based on this time period. I appreciate the husband caring enough about his wife that he focused on her. But it unfortunately wasn't my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Enjoyable book that I read in an hour and a half. Interesting characters and descriptive scenes help to ground the story in time. Set in Australia but the story doesn't rely on geographical knowledge (luckily because I'm not familiar with Australia) but I'm unsure of the time period...the main character wears petticoats and corsets though so I presume late 19th century , even though the prologue states the year as 2315. I would be interested in reading the rest in the series. Also enjoyed the strong female lead, intelligence and physical power
Enjoyable book that I read in an hour and a half. Interesting characters and descriptive scenes help to ground the story in time. Set in Australia but the story doesn't rely on geographical knowledge (luckily because I'm not familiar with Australia) but I'm unsure of the time period...the main character wears petticoats and corsets though so I presume late 19th century , even though the prologue states the year as 2315. I would be interested in reading the rest in the series. Also enjoyed the strong female lead, intelligence and physical power
December 1, 2019
Put together not planned
I finished it thank goodness it was short. Set up was good but a mystery with no logic is just a pile of words.
I finished it thank goodness it was short. Set up was good but a mystery with no logic is just a pile of words.
March 27, 2020
A good mystery, although it wasn’t too exciting. It was well written and I like the characters.
December 30, 2020
Short and to the point. At first I was a bit annoyed with the main character and the way he treats his wife, however I was happy his wife was no push over. Very interesting story line and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Great book and definitely recommended.
January 12, 2021
This was a nice start to the series. A short quick read.
January 31, 2021
Good quick read will read more by this author
December 12, 2015
All opinions found in this review are predicated upon the following.
First, this work is being marketed as a novella per the publisher.
Secondly, this work is also being marketed as erotica per the publisher.
Lastly, this work is being marketed as the introduction to a mystery series per the book cover.
Change Of Heart starts out really well with Vickie Wenderlen playing the very pampered, but equally lonely work widow of one Dr. George Wenderlen.
George, much to his credit, is very aware that things in his marriage are headed south in a big way. In a rather grand gesture of reconciliatory promise; he has an old airship (The Queen) restored, and presents it to Vickie as a gift.
Though George's gift is well received, and the couple's once tattered relationship seems to be on the mend. (Insert make-up sex scene here.) A new and deadly illness soon calls the good doctor away from his lovely wife once more. Leaving her open to the charms of Matt Moore. The ruggedly appealing airship technician hired to restore The Queen.
While George risks life, limb, and even his marriage to solve the mystery of the killer illness before it's too late.
The stage on which this drama takes place is very well set.
The descriptions of all things Victorian and their steam powered conveniences, help to make the story's Steampunk world very real to the reader.
The feelings of love, as well as those of loneliness and guilt between George and Vickie, are also very well conveyed.
What the story lacks however is the attention to detail needed to make it complete.
Cases In Point
1. Readers are never given a full description of any of the players in this saga. With the exception of Vickie's being white and Matt's bulging. (Wink!)
2. The "erotic scenes" are far tamer than those found in any mainstream historical romance. Unless one is intended to become excessively hot and bothered by the referencing of Vickie's vagina as a "pussy".
3. The mystery illness that becomes increasingly important to the story as things progress, is never given a name or definitive symptoms.
4. The conclusion is very rushed and unfinished.
This novella has all the makings of a great story. In much the same way that crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and assorted meats have the makings of a great sauce. If...that is, all of these wonderful ingredients are allowed time to simmer, develop, and mature.
As it is. This novella is still a work in progress. Which, much like the raw ingredients in the afore mentioned sauce, is full of unrealised depth and flavor that needs to be reworked and expanded upon. In order to allow the brilliant drama to fully unfold as intended.
Actual rating 2.5
I received this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for the honest review provided therein.
First, this work is being marketed as a novella per the publisher.
Secondly, this work is also being marketed as erotica per the publisher.
Lastly, this work is being marketed as the introduction to a mystery series per the book cover.
Change Of Heart starts out really well with Vickie Wenderlen playing the very pampered, but equally lonely work widow of one Dr. George Wenderlen.
George, much to his credit, is very aware that things in his marriage are headed south in a big way. In a rather grand gesture of reconciliatory promise; he has an old airship (The Queen) restored, and presents it to Vickie as a gift.
Though George's gift is well received, and the couple's once tattered relationship seems to be on the mend. (Insert make-up sex scene here.) A new and deadly illness soon calls the good doctor away from his lovely wife once more. Leaving her open to the charms of Matt Moore. The ruggedly appealing airship technician hired to restore The Queen.
While George risks life, limb, and even his marriage to solve the mystery of the killer illness before it's too late.
The stage on which this drama takes place is very well set.
The descriptions of all things Victorian and their steam powered conveniences, help to make the story's Steampunk world very real to the reader.
The feelings of love, as well as those of loneliness and guilt between George and Vickie, are also very well conveyed.
What the story lacks however is the attention to detail needed to make it complete.
Cases In Point
1. Readers are never given a full description of any of the players in this saga. With the exception of Vickie's being white and Matt's bulging. (Wink!)
2. The "erotic scenes" are far tamer than those found in any mainstream historical romance. Unless one is intended to become excessively hot and bothered by the referencing of Vickie's vagina as a "pussy".
3. The mystery illness that becomes increasingly important to the story as things progress, is never given a name or definitive symptoms.
4. The conclusion is very rushed and unfinished.
This novella has all the makings of a great story. In much the same way that crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and assorted meats have the makings of a great sauce. If...that is, all of these wonderful ingredients are allowed time to simmer, develop, and mature.
As it is. This novella is still a work in progress. Which, much like the raw ingredients in the afore mentioned sauce, is full of unrealised depth and flavor that needs to be reworked and expanded upon. In order to allow the brilliant drama to fully unfold as intended.
Actual rating 2.5
I received this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for the honest review provided therein.
January 31, 2016
Change of Heart by Lilliana Rose is one of those small novels that I really wasn't sure I would like and took to reading it more as a exercise in widening my horizons. I have read some in the steampunk, romance genre but found most to be not to my liking. Change of Heart has, no pun intended, given me a change of heart toward this genre.
Being the wife of a prominent Doctor has never been easy for Vicki and now, after the war and with the outbreak of a mysterious illness rapidly spreading through the populace, Vicki is finding it to be even more of a struggle to maintain a state of happiness in her marriage. Her husband George has become obsesses with the new disease and his neglect, emotionally and sexually of his wife is beginning to lead her astray. George knows he is neglecting his wife and tries to buy back her love with the recommissioned steam powered dirigible he has moored on the roof of their home. Vicki loves it but it is George she needs and wants. But the dead are beginning to increase and the disease is taking its toll. Now even George himself has fallen ill and Vicki must work to care for her husband before she loses him forever. But is there more to this disease than meets the eye and did it come to the city naturally or is there something far more sinister happening? Vicki must unravel these clues as well as keep her husband alive.
Rose does so much more with this story than just offer up a Steam punk erotic tale of romance and lust. There is a mystery here and Vicki goes from unhappy and bored housewife to a detective and lover whose fierce nature comes out when the husband she loves is threatened. Rose has written a good tight little mystery novel that is set in a Steam punk erotic setting. And she does that part pretty good too.
A good read.
Being the wife of a prominent Doctor has never been easy for Vicki and now, after the war and with the outbreak of a mysterious illness rapidly spreading through the populace, Vicki is finding it to be even more of a struggle to maintain a state of happiness in her marriage. Her husband George has become obsesses with the new disease and his neglect, emotionally and sexually of his wife is beginning to lead her astray. George knows he is neglecting his wife and tries to buy back her love with the recommissioned steam powered dirigible he has moored on the roof of their home. Vicki loves it but it is George she needs and wants. But the dead are beginning to increase and the disease is taking its toll. Now even George himself has fallen ill and Vicki must work to care for her husband before she loses him forever. But is there more to this disease than meets the eye and did it come to the city naturally or is there something far more sinister happening? Vicki must unravel these clues as well as keep her husband alive.
Rose does so much more with this story than just offer up a Steam punk erotic tale of romance and lust. There is a mystery here and Vicki goes from unhappy and bored housewife to a detective and lover whose fierce nature comes out when the husband she loves is threatened. Rose has written a good tight little mystery novel that is set in a Steam punk erotic setting. And she does that part pretty good too.
A good read.
February 8, 2016
This novella is makes a perfect read if you want some reading without having to think much. Sadly it's a little bit clichéd.
I wouldn't call it an erotic read, because the sex scenes are so tame... there is 'worse' in romance books. Speaking of erotica... I was a little bit confused, why Vicky is missing sex but not companionship with her husband. That was one of the reasons, why I couldn't get into her head and into the relationship. Vicky seemed rather immature and selfish t be honest.
The mystery part could have been very interesting - mystery illness that can kill you really fast - but sadly it doesn't get enough attention. The illness more of a side concept and way too easily solved. More details and way more focus on the mystery part and I would have overlooked the boring romance.
There were some mistakes in my copy and editing is seriously needed.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I wouldn't call it an erotic read, because the sex scenes are so tame... there is 'worse' in romance books. Speaking of erotica... I was a little bit confused, why Vicky is missing sex but not companionship with her husband. That was one of the reasons, why I couldn't get into her head and into the relationship. Vicky seemed rather immature and selfish t be honest.
The mystery part could have been very interesting - mystery illness that can kill you really fast - but sadly it doesn't get enough attention. The illness more of a side concept and way too easily solved. More details and way more focus on the mystery part and I would have overlooked the boring romance.
There were some mistakes in my copy and editing is seriously needed.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
February 20, 2016
Sigh. I'm an avid lover of all things steampunk. I'm also an avid lover of all things well written.
Sadly, this novella was steampunk, but was not well written. And for someone with as picky of a taste as I have, I couldn't overlook the bad writing, passive voice, and poor editing. I made it about 30% in before I started skimming, and things didn't seem to get better. There was a lack of detail in everything, and it read almost like a first draft. This needed more honing, more tightening. I wish I could have enjoyed this, but I couldn't.
Sadly, this novella was steampunk, but was not well written. And for someone with as picky of a taste as I have, I couldn't overlook the bad writing, passive voice, and poor editing. I made it about 30% in before I started skimming, and things didn't seem to get better. There was a lack of detail in everything, and it read almost like a first draft. This needed more honing, more tightening. I wish I could have enjoyed this, but I couldn't.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews