Good but much too short - just getting interesting when it stopped.

The titillating romance at the core of the story was just perfect. There was great heat between the two men and Thomas was one naughty little seducer! Overall, this story was enjoyable but odd in a few ways. I really feel that it was something that should have been a longer work. There were things thrown out there (the red-blade assassin) that were never followed up on or explained. I think that, to best enjoy it, you have to do as I did and let the mystery/espionage plot be inconsequential wind...

Too much information was left behind the scenes, so it was difficult to empathize with the MC. But the setting is really entertaining so I'm in for the next installment.

2.5 starsThis felt like part of a story. I guess I'd call this a spy adventure - although that element of danger I expect in the genre seemed fairly tepid but it had an intriguing premise and characters I wanted to know more about. Too bad the tantalizing elements were never fully fleshed out. The hero had a sharp wit that often felt labored. The remaining characters seem like they could be fascinating and I felt like there were hidden depths but they were never delved into. I'm left with the se...

Love the characters and specially the voice. Frankly, this world intrigues me a great deal and would love to read more. I do have some "complaints": all of them minor, but hey.The main character goes by two names through the story, giving to understand that I've is his alias and the other his birth name, only to spring a third name on the last paragraph... that left me a bit lost, ad if I'd list part of my connection to the character. The other thing, this is a wonderful 0.5 story introducing ne...

Hmmm. I'm still thinking on this one. *ponders*But one thing I know is how surprised I am with myself. I wouldn't have normally been drawn to this. Historical...steampunk...mystery. Not a combo that would have enticed me in the past. But! I'm a fresh Rancourt fan and when this freebie popped up, I couldn't refuse. Glad I didn't.A lovely short story and I'd say it was an afternoon well spent in this faraway world. Assignment from the President herself, priests, nuns, and hansom cabs. Yep, it was

This was a snapshot style short story, taking a complete universe and only telling a small part of it, but unfortunately I fell that worked against it in this case. The romance was intriguing but could have used a little more, the case felt unfinished, and the world really could have used a bit more explanation.Set in a world where the industrial revolution has failed and the world is crumbling as it tries to find a way to keep the world going without plunging back into the dark ages, Thomas is

I love Trevor. So much. His character is fun, snarky, and bad ass. An absolute joy to spend time with this nasty boy. Intriguing plot line. Exciting mystery. Sexy times!!! I want to have a cocktail with Trevor and swap dirty jokes :) Looking forward to a next installment (I hope)!!

Very enjoyable, beautifully written story. I'm not hugely into Steampunk but this author might well have changed my mind. I loved it. Can't wait to read more of this world.

3.5 StarsNot too shabby if I do say so myself. This steampunk was full of espionage and subterfuge and a little self serving glee. As per the blurb, Trevor has been tasked by the president herself to find the whereabouts of a fellow spy and to obtain the elusive and mysterious clockwork monk which is purported to be key in preventing rebellion. When he and his sister infiltrate the domain of the archbishop, Trevor comes across the intriguing father Stephen. Is he friend or foe? Regardless, the a...

3.6 StarsI love the world painted here - especially given the McKinley in the White House is a female - and steampunk tends to be hit and miss with me so I guess I just wanted more exposition/background for the characters. Also, I think we need a book for the President's son!

actual rating: 2.5This was a decent little short story but ultimately I didn't really feel like there was enough here to make me super invested in the characters or the world or even the mystery that much. Definitely some good scenes and ideas in here but I think the author could have really benefitted from adding even 50 more pages. If you are just looking for queer historical fiction with a steamy M/M sex scene then I'm sure this will be right up your alley but I'm feeling way too asexual at t...

Original review on Molly LollyFour stars!This story was interesting and also a little disappointing at the same time. It was a short and quick read. I adored the world built here. It was completely fascinating with a female president, steampunk elements, and some kind of alternate history. I was pulled into this world but it wasn’t as expended as it could have been. While the story is previously published in an anthology, I would love to see it expanded and built upon. There’s so much potential

4.5 stars. Love, love, love Liv's writing. This one is no exception. There is intrigue and mystery and in the midst of it all, are Trevor and his sister Emma. Trevor/Thomas has been assigned to find the clockwork monk and hopefully a fellow missing spy. Stumbling upon Father Stephen creates some very interesting complications. I'm grabbing the second book The Christmas Prince. Both stories can be found at the author's site under books, for these freebies. http://www.livrancourt.com

Great story, great characters. Could have been longer wth a bit more gradual attraction. Love to see a sequel of these two and perhaps one of the presidents son. Keep them coming.

A steampunk story set in the US around the time of Madame President McKinley, who has called Trevor and his sister (and fellow spy) Emma (cloistered / hiding in a convent for the past three years) to go to the Archbishop of Chicago, confirm whether anarchists and radicals have infiltrated the archbishop’s household, find the Clockwork Monk, and most importantly discover what happened to another agent Gesualdo, who is the president's son and Trevor's former lover.Add in small bits of the Red Dagg...

It's a fun little story that is obviously just the beginning of something bigger, but the voice is engaging and the character interesting. If I'm honest, I wasn't particularly won over by the mystery, but the world and budding romance (mostly lust at this point) was enough.

This was a new author for me. It felt very rushed with no true direction. The world building was okay. It just needs much more development.

This was very good reading indeed, a complete contrast in content and style to the author's Aqua Follies which I read recently and recommended highly.This was great fun. It reminded me a little of the Lucifer Box stories but not nearly as arch or camp.The idea of a female President protected by a gay, lapsed Catholic undercover agent and his sister, an operatic soprano nun was intriguing. The steam technology was hilarious and Thomas/Trevor/Theo's encounters with "Father" Stephen were interestin...

The mystery was tied up a little too neatly but it was still and enjoyable little story with fun characters.