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Metals #1
Noble Metals
This edition is no longer available.
Ever since Robert Belton gambled away the money to stake his claim in the Klondike gold fields, he’s been stranded in Seattle working as a prostitute. When an attractive customer needs help hauling provisions to the frozen north, Robert eagerly volunteers.
Dr. John Fauth is only searching for one thing, and it isn’t gold. He needs platinum for the prototypes of his revolutionary inventions, and if he doesn’t find it in the Klondike, his university career—and his research—is over.
Getting to the Klondike is a grueling, dangerous journey, and just hours after leaving Seattle, John and Robert find themselves in over their heads. John is carrying an invaluable device that his competitors will do anything to get their hands on. And as the cold nights and mutual desire pull John and Robert closer together, they discover that they have much more to lose than gold or platinum.
Ever since Robert Belton gambled away the money to stake his claim in the Klondike gold fields, he’s been stranded in Seattle working as a prostitute. When an attractive customer needs help hauling provisions to the frozen north, Robert eagerly volunteers.
Dr. John Fauth is only searching for one thing, and it isn’t gold. He needs platinum for the prototypes of his revolutionary inventions, and if he doesn’t find it in the Klondike, his university career—and his research—is over.
Getting to the Klondike is a grueling, dangerous journey, and just hours after leaving Seattle, John and Robert find themselves in over their heads. John is carrying an invaluable device that his competitors will do anything to get their hands on. And as the cold nights and mutual desire pull John and Robert closer together, they discover that they have much more to lose than gold or platinum.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2012
23 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
205books2,662followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at .
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 21, 2018
3.5 Stars
is an M/M historical romance, infused with components of steampunk fiction. The story takes elements of a gold rush history we know and imbues it with mentions of then unknown advanced technologies, making the whole reimagined history a little more unique and remarkable than it perhaps would have been otherwise.
The story follows a young man named Robert Belton, who has been stuck in Seattle working as a prostitute ever since he lost the money he so desperately needed to get himself to the Klondike gold fields. For a year, Robert has been biding his time, saving what money he can, in the hopes that one day soon he’ll have the means to go north and seek his fortune once and for all.
Robert’s perfect opportunity arises much earlier than expected when an enigmatic newcomer, by name of John, expresses his plans to find able-bodied assistance to help him get his equipment safely to Dawson City. Robert jumps at the chance to get his own journey underway and the two strike up a deal to travel north together.
Their expedition is anything but smooth sailing though. Not only do they face already perilous conditions in the vast and unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon, but John � who soon reveals himself to be a scientist, innovator, and scholar on a mission of a different kind � has nasty folk on his trail, who want a coveted device John holds in his possession and who aim to get it using whatever means necessary. In order to complete their journey unscathed, Robert and John must band together to overcome these threats, natural and not so natural, which stand in their way of reaching their personal goals. And as it turns out, their growing attraction might just prove to be the biggest challenge Robert and John have to face along the way.
I had fun reading this one. It was both sweet and tender, but also exciting and suspenseful at times, ensuring the story flowed well and kept me fully engaged.
Robert and John were very likeable leads. I particularly appreciated the natural way in which their relationship blossomed over the course of their daring and often treacherous journey. Although they felt an instant attraction towards one another and even had sex the night they met, everything that came after was slower in progression, giving the characters (and the readers) time to learn about each another, allowing a strong bond to form before the physical element of their relationship was reconsidered.
I will say though that I was left a bit flat by the ending - this seems like a strange reaction, even to me, because Robert and John end up safe and happy, together, which really should be all that matters. Yet, I can’t help but feel a little dissatisfied, even though I can’t quite pinpoint the reasons why.
is an M/M historical romance, infused with components of steampunk fiction. The story takes elements of a gold rush history we know and imbues it with mentions of then unknown advanced technologies, making the whole reimagined history a little more unique and remarkable than it perhaps would have been otherwise.
The story follows a young man named Robert Belton, who has been stuck in Seattle working as a prostitute ever since he lost the money he so desperately needed to get himself to the Klondike gold fields. For a year, Robert has been biding his time, saving what money he can, in the hopes that one day soon he’ll have the means to go north and seek his fortune once and for all.
Robert’s perfect opportunity arises much earlier than expected when an enigmatic newcomer, by name of John, expresses his plans to find able-bodied assistance to help him get his equipment safely to Dawson City. Robert jumps at the chance to get his own journey underway and the two strike up a deal to travel north together.
Their expedition is anything but smooth sailing though. Not only do they face already perilous conditions in the vast and unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon, but John � who soon reveals himself to be a scientist, innovator, and scholar on a mission of a different kind � has nasty folk on his trail, who want a coveted device John holds in his possession and who aim to get it using whatever means necessary. In order to complete their journey unscathed, Robert and John must band together to overcome these threats, natural and not so natural, which stand in their way of reaching their personal goals. And as it turns out, their growing attraction might just prove to be the biggest challenge Robert and John have to face along the way.
I had fun reading this one. It was both sweet and tender, but also exciting and suspenseful at times, ensuring the story flowed well and kept me fully engaged.
Robert and John were very likeable leads. I particularly appreciated the natural way in which their relationship blossomed over the course of their daring and often treacherous journey. Although they felt an instant attraction towards one another and even had sex the night they met, everything that came after was slower in progression, giving the characters (and the readers) time to learn about each another, allowing a strong bond to form before the physical element of their relationship was reconsidered.
I will say though that I was left a bit flat by the ending - this seems like a strange reaction, even to me, because Robert and John end up safe and happy, together, which really should be all that matters. Yet, I can’t help but feel a little dissatisfied, even though I can’t quite pinpoint the reasons why.
January 8, 2018
*3.5* stars**
Last year, I discovered steampunk romance (thanks to Karen for that) and once in a while, I’m trying to read a book in this genre. And when I saw that LA Witt did a steampunk story, I had to try it, of course. And, thanks to “Frosty the nonexistent snowman�’s gift during the 2017 SS exchange, this was on my kindle.
It was an enjoyable read : the kind of fast one that it’s appreciated during a lazy Sunday, curled up in the blanket, with 2 MCs that are adorable and made me go all gooey for a few moments, falling for each other during an adventure set in the cold winter at the frontier between US and Canada, looking for gold and platinum and braving the harsh weather conditions and the greediness of gold diggers.
It’s fast-paced, full of nice sentiments and of weird artefacts and machineries that are the signature of steampunk. It’s not as steamy as one can be used from this author, but the few sex scenes were hot, as can be expected.
It was entertaining and it’s always good to read something a bit different that what I’m used to. Only 3.5 stars because it was not as great for me as the “Gentlemen brothers� series from James Cox, but a nice quick read nonetheless.
Last year, I discovered steampunk romance (thanks to Karen for that) and once in a while, I’m trying to read a book in this genre. And when I saw that LA Witt did a steampunk story, I had to try it, of course. And, thanks to “Frosty the nonexistent snowman�’s gift during the 2017 SS exchange, this was on my kindle.
It was an enjoyable read : the kind of fast one that it’s appreciated during a lazy Sunday, curled up in the blanket, with 2 MCs that are adorable and made me go all gooey for a few moments, falling for each other during an adventure set in the cold winter at the frontier between US and Canada, looking for gold and platinum and braving the harsh weather conditions and the greediness of gold diggers.
It’s fast-paced, full of nice sentiments and of weird artefacts and machineries that are the signature of steampunk. It’s not as steamy as one can be used from this author, but the few sex scenes were hot, as can be expected.
It was entertaining and it’s always good to read something a bit different that what I’m used to. Only 3.5 stars because it was not as great for me as the “Gentlemen brothers� series from James Cox, but a nice quick read nonetheless.
June 17, 2014
Repetitive, silly, and dull.
Nice touches here and there, but not enough for me to enjoy this very much.
My overall impression is of wasted opportunity and inattention to detail; the setting should have been almost as much a character in the book as the leads.
I was vexed by problems with logic (every prospector must carry 2,000 pounds of provisions with him into the pass?) and with plot devices that served no purpose whatsoever.
Poorly plotted, indifferently developed, and sloppily edited.
I don't even know why I finished it.
Nice touches here and there, but not enough for me to enjoy this very much.
My overall impression is of wasted opportunity and inattention to detail; the setting should have been almost as much a character in the book as the leads.
I was vexed by problems with logic (every prospector must carry 2,000 pounds of provisions with him into the pass?) and with plot devices that served no purpose whatsoever.
Poorly plotted, indifferently developed, and sloppily edited.
I don't even know why I finished it.
Read
January 30, 2025This is where I noped out:
The MCs are on their way to the Klondike -- it's 1898, and there's a gold rush on (though one of them is after platinum; but I digress). Anyhow, they've been on the road for two weeks. Let me stress: it's 1898 and they've been shlepping themselves and their supplies to the Klondike for two weeks.
So they decide to bang, as in have buttsex, and never mind how their breath probably smells at this point -- let's give some thought to what they've been eating, and how many opportunities they've had to wash, and maybe I should have held on for two more minutes to see if condoms made an appearance, but how are they even going to clean up lube, never mind any other banging-related fluids, and please do give me all the messy sex but this! was! a bridge! too! far!
Fortunately I got the audiobook via Kobo Plus, in the spirit of "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," so I've lost nothing but a couple of hours of my time, and I've gained a whole new appreciation for light meals, flossing, and washcloths with warm water.
The MCs are on their way to the Klondike -- it's 1898, and there's a gold rush on (though one of them is after platinum; but I digress). Anyhow, they've been on the road for two weeks. Let me stress: it's 1898 and they've been shlepping themselves and their supplies to the Klondike for two weeks.
So they decide to bang, as in have buttsex, and never mind how their breath probably smells at this point -- let's give some thought to what they've been eating, and how many opportunities they've had to wash, and maybe I should have held on for two more minutes to see if condoms made an appearance, but how are they even going to clean up lube, never mind any other banging-related fluids, and please do give me all the messy sex but this! was! a bridge! too! far!
Fortunately I got the audiobook via Kobo Plus, in the spirit of "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," so I've lost nothing but a couple of hours of my time, and I've gained a whole new appreciation for light meals, flossing, and washcloths with warm water.
July 13, 2014
I read the first edition of Noble Metals back in 2012 when it was first released by a now-defunct publisher. I loved the novella � even if it was categorized as historical/steampunk, a genre that was not high on my favorite list. When Boys in Our Books was offered to review the re-edited and re-expanded version, and when I saw that the expansion was over 10,000 words, I jumped immediately for the chance to review. I rarely do a re-read but I wanted to see if my initial 4-stars rating would stand the second time around.
So did it? Indeed it did�
Right from the beginning, I felt the chemistry between Robert � the young male prostitute � and John Fauth, a professor and scientist who came to the brothel looking for information to find men to be part of his team. Duly noted that they started their connection physically � Robert was a prostitute after all � but then the romantic relationship was built up nicely and slowly during their travels, they started to get connected more than just physically. They shared stories and Robert could see why John wanted to protect his invention while John was charmed with Robert’s loyalty.
I read this while having the original format opened on my computer as well, so I could see the differences. I must say that the expansion was quite significant to make the story feel improved and the romance felt better developed. Especially since there were more point of views from John � through his written journal.
I did a personal steampunk challenge a couple of months ago and I realized that I struggled with the combination of historical and technology/futuristic/sci-fi element of steampunk. However, this one felt light and I had no issues at all with the mechanical elements that Ms. Witt brings to this world build. I’m not sure how steampunk loyalists take it though.
So, in conclusion, I loved the improved version probably a bit more than the original one. If you want to read light steampunk with likeable characters, you can try this one. I want to read the next book written in this world, that’s for sure.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
So did it? Indeed it did�
Right from the beginning, I felt the chemistry between Robert � the young male prostitute � and John Fauth, a professor and scientist who came to the brothel looking for information to find men to be part of his team. Duly noted that they started their connection physically � Robert was a prostitute after all � but then the romantic relationship was built up nicely and slowly during their travels, they started to get connected more than just physically. They shared stories and Robert could see why John wanted to protect his invention while John was charmed with Robert’s loyalty.
I read this while having the original format opened on my computer as well, so I could see the differences. I must say that the expansion was quite significant to make the story feel improved and the romance felt better developed. Especially since there were more point of views from John � through his written journal.
I did a personal steampunk challenge a couple of months ago and I realized that I struggled with the combination of historical and technology/futuristic/sci-fi element of steampunk. However, this one felt light and I had no issues at all with the mechanical elements that Ms. Witt brings to this world build. I’m not sure how steampunk loyalists take it though.
So, in conclusion, I loved the improved version probably a bit more than the original one. If you want to read light steampunk with likeable characters, you can try this one. I want to read the next book written in this world, that’s for sure.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 6, 2018
3.8 Stars
January 15, 2012
This review was originally posted on my blog .
Robert Belton is working as a prostitute in a Seattle saloon, stuck in the city after he and his brothers lost all their money intended for the Klondike Gold Rush to gambling and whoring. Although his brothers returned home, Robert couldn't bear the idea of going back to Montana and instead is making ends meet selling his body to men traveling through the city on their way north to the Yukon in search of gold.
One day a handsome stranger comes in clutching a box he won't let out of his sight. Dr. John Fauth buys Robert's services for the night, and Robert is immediately drawn to him even though he should be just a client. When Robert finds out that John is on his way north and looking to hire an assistant, he offers to go along for half pay, looking for a chance to finally get out of Seattle and have an opportunity to seek his fortune.
The journey north is incredibly hard. Even with the aid of their "mechs," giant machines that walk and transport their supplies, the men must still walk hundreds of miles through bitter cold and difficult terrain. But their biggest threat turns out to be other fortune hunters. John is one of the few people making the journey not seeking his fortune in gold. Instead he is looking for platinum to build a semiconductor, and in his box he protects so diligently is a device to help find it. However, once the other travelers learn that the device can also help find gold, the men become a target for every thief along the way looking for an advantage in the gold fields. In addition, John's research rival has sent a team after him also looking to steal the device in hopes of beating John to his ultimate invention - a machine that allow people to communicate across lines that would allow them to both hear and see one another.
Despite the dangers, John and Robert are determined to keep going. Long hours on the road together lead to friendship and ultimately love. But while they have each other, the question remains whether they can ever make their journey safely. And once they do, whether the university researcher and former prostitute can ever find a way to make a life together.
This was a really interesting story and had a different feel to me than much of Witt's contemporary work. There are some steampunk elements with the mechs and John's research, however at it's heart the book really feels like a historical. The story takes place in the late 1800's and I loved the setting and time period. I haven't found many m/m books that focus on the gold rush and the detail Witt provides about the journey and the harsh environment was really fascinating. The idea of walking hundreds of miles on foot through bitter cold just seems so daunting, but the promise of gold was a big enough lure to get thousands to try it. I really liked the portrayal of the harsh day-to-day struggles combined with the thrilling aspects of trying to survive against the thieves out in the wilderness.
I also enjoyed the relationship between the two men. Both Robert and John had a quiet determination and bravery to go forward despite enormous risks. I enjoyed them together and thought they were a good match. I appreciated that John could see past Robert's prostitution and realize there was an intelligent and caring man underneath. And Robert never wavers in his dedication to John, even at great personal risk. This book wasn't quite as steamy as we often find from Witt's stories. The bitter cold makes it a bit difficult to have a lot of good sexing and there is more focus emotional connection than the physical (although never fear, we get some juicy physical stuff too!).
I had a few issues though. First, the story is told primarily in first person from Robert's POV, but we also get John's viewpoint from his journal. The nature of journal writing led to a lot of narration and exposition in his passages as he is explaining in detail his feelings or events that transpired. I felt this slowed things down a bit for me and sometimes felt like too much telling and not enough showing. It was useful to get John's feelings about Robert, but I would have liked it to have learned these things without so much narration.
I was also sort of mixed about the steampunk element. I liked it's incorporation into the story, but I felt like there wasn't quite enough of it. The book felt more like a historical with a few steampunk elements thrown in. I guess I would have liked to see it taken a bit farther.
I definitely enjoyed this story however, especially the setting and historical elements which I found quite fascinating. If you are looking for a historical or steampunk set beyond the typical Regency era, I would definitely recommend Noble Metals.
Robert Belton is working as a prostitute in a Seattle saloon, stuck in the city after he and his brothers lost all their money intended for the Klondike Gold Rush to gambling and whoring. Although his brothers returned home, Robert couldn't bear the idea of going back to Montana and instead is making ends meet selling his body to men traveling through the city on their way north to the Yukon in search of gold.
One day a handsome stranger comes in clutching a box he won't let out of his sight. Dr. John Fauth buys Robert's services for the night, and Robert is immediately drawn to him even though he should be just a client. When Robert finds out that John is on his way north and looking to hire an assistant, he offers to go along for half pay, looking for a chance to finally get out of Seattle and have an opportunity to seek his fortune.
The journey north is incredibly hard. Even with the aid of their "mechs," giant machines that walk and transport their supplies, the men must still walk hundreds of miles through bitter cold and difficult terrain. But their biggest threat turns out to be other fortune hunters. John is one of the few people making the journey not seeking his fortune in gold. Instead he is looking for platinum to build a semiconductor, and in his box he protects so diligently is a device to help find it. However, once the other travelers learn that the device can also help find gold, the men become a target for every thief along the way looking for an advantage in the gold fields. In addition, John's research rival has sent a team after him also looking to steal the device in hopes of beating John to his ultimate invention - a machine that allow people to communicate across lines that would allow them to both hear and see one another.
Despite the dangers, John and Robert are determined to keep going. Long hours on the road together lead to friendship and ultimately love. But while they have each other, the question remains whether they can ever make their journey safely. And once they do, whether the university researcher and former prostitute can ever find a way to make a life together.
This was a really interesting story and had a different feel to me than much of Witt's contemporary work. There are some steampunk elements with the mechs and John's research, however at it's heart the book really feels like a historical. The story takes place in the late 1800's and I loved the setting and time period. I haven't found many m/m books that focus on the gold rush and the detail Witt provides about the journey and the harsh environment was really fascinating. The idea of walking hundreds of miles on foot through bitter cold just seems so daunting, but the promise of gold was a big enough lure to get thousands to try it. I really liked the portrayal of the harsh day-to-day struggles combined with the thrilling aspects of trying to survive against the thieves out in the wilderness.
I also enjoyed the relationship between the two men. Both Robert and John had a quiet determination and bravery to go forward despite enormous risks. I enjoyed them together and thought they were a good match. I appreciated that John could see past Robert's prostitution and realize there was an intelligent and caring man underneath. And Robert never wavers in his dedication to John, even at great personal risk. This book wasn't quite as steamy as we often find from Witt's stories. The bitter cold makes it a bit difficult to have a lot of good sexing and there is more focus emotional connection than the physical (although never fear, we get some juicy physical stuff too!).
I had a few issues though. First, the story is told primarily in first person from Robert's POV, but we also get John's viewpoint from his journal. The nature of journal writing led to a lot of narration and exposition in his passages as he is explaining in detail his feelings or events that transpired. I felt this slowed things down a bit for me and sometimes felt like too much telling and not enough showing. It was useful to get John's feelings about Robert, but I would have liked it to have learned these things without so much narration.
I was also sort of mixed about the steampunk element. I liked it's incorporation into the story, but I felt like there wasn't quite enough of it. The book felt more like a historical with a few steampunk elements thrown in. I guess I would have liked to see it taken a bit farther.
I definitely enjoyed this story however, especially the setting and historical elements which I found quite fascinating. If you are looking for a historical or steampunk set beyond the typical Regency era, I would definitely recommend Noble Metals.
March 24, 2012
This is my first story of its kind, a historical Steampunk, and I was pleasantly suprised!
Robert works as a prostitute in one of the last outposts before a difficult and dangerous trek to Canada.
John has invented a device that should help him find platinum, which he needs for the invention he has in mind! ( sounded a lot like Skype to me! Lol)
John and Robert have an instant attraction and Robert jumps at the chance to join John in his travels!
There are bad guys trying to get the device and a truly difficult trek through snow, ice and mountains.
A sweet and exciting read!
Robert works as a prostitute in one of the last outposts before a difficult and dangerous trek to Canada.
John has invented a device that should help him find platinum, which he needs for the invention he has in mind! ( sounded a lot like Skype to me! Lol)
John and Robert have an instant attraction and Robert jumps at the chance to join John in his travels!
There are bad guys trying to get the device and a truly difficult trek through snow, ice and mountains.
A sweet and exciting read!
May 4, 2016
John had come this far and faced all these dangers for his work--this was a man married to his work, and he’d all but said himself he’d chosen that work over lovers.
Once we’d finished in Dawson City, he’d go back to Chicago. Back to his laboratory. Back to the people who couldn’t know about his “immoral conduct.� There was no room for me in that world.
But that didn’t stop me from hoping.
Robert Belton is a whore. John Fauth is a professor and a scientist. They have little in common�-except the desire to make it to the gold fields of the Klondike. What metals they hope to dig up there may be different, but what they hope find is the same: a last chance and a new start. But John’s latest invention has brought danger dogging on both their heels, and they will be lucky to stay one step ahead of the scheming mechanisms of an old rival and the bullets of the gold hungry men who share their journey. And even if they find everything they are looking for beneath that frozen earth, it might just turn out to measure far less than what they find within each other.
I have not nearly enough steampunk in my life. It is a tragedy of monumental proportions. Which makes reading this all the more enjoyable. Because not only is it a good story, but the steampunk elements are so very well integrated into the world. It all feels so natural. Well, as natural as an eight-legged, steam-powered, mechanical luggage carrier can get. There is not a huge range of steampunk-esk elements in this story, but the ones that are there are the ones that needed to be there. In the harsh and deadly environment of the Yukon (think Canada, up near the hangy-on bit we call Alaska), you need something hardy to survive and I found the mechs that prospectors used a great creation and addition to the story.
I had read this story when it first came out, but it has been a while so I am not exactly sure what ended up changing from the first edition, to this one. I will say that this story was very well written, and whatever was added (or subtracted) fit seamlessly into the story. I love both John and Robert. John because I have a thing for clever men. And Robert because, while it is not something I go out of my way to read, I enjoy watching prostitutes fall in love with the men they most definitely should not be falling in love with. And if that isn’t a loaded sentence, I don’t know what is (just to clarify, I do not actually watch prostitutes. Outside of fiction. But if one was to judge me on what I enjoy in fiction, I do not believe I would be allowed out of my cell�-padded or otherwise). The chemistry between these two characters is great, and I love how they grow. How they learn what is really important to them.
I do however wish that the ending was slightly different. I don’t want to spoil the surprise for those who have not read this book…but it has always felt like a bit of a letdown. Not to the story, and not to the characters. I think it is in fact the right thing for them. It just felt like it left something undone, at the end. Even if it wasn’t, really. I love the choices they made. I love their ending. Hell, I even love how much that ending cost them, even if it ended up giving them everything they needed. But it still�ugh. I guess it was not where I expected it to go. Even when I knew where it was going, since I have read it before.
I loved this new edition, and I am so glad I picked it up to review. I remember enjoying it when it first came out, but this is better. Somehow. I might have to go back and reread both just to find out what changed. Because whatever it was, it was most definitely the right choice. And I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out in a couple months.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this love story. Historical romances and steampunk are pretty low on my list of favorites but the depth of the character development in this one overcame my hesitancy and I loved each MC, both individually, and as a couple.
Robert Belton is working as a prostitute in Seattle when professor John Fauth shows up one night. Robert doesn’t want to be a prostitute, but when he gambled his grubstake for the gold fields of Alaska away on a foolish card game, he didn’t have much choice in what was left for him to do.
John is on his way to Alaska to test his invention � a piece of equipment which can detect noble metals like gold and platinum. But the gold isn’t what he wants � it’s the platinum. He’s inventing a new way of communicating over wires and he’s trying to beat Edison and Tesla and be the first to establish this method of communication. But he needs the platinum to perfect his invention and this little piece of equipment will help him find it.
Robert asks to go with John for half-wages and a chance to get to Alaska to mine for gold. John ends up agreeing and though they spend a hot night together before the trip, John doesn’t expect Robert to earn his way by being his prostitute. He just wants a companion, a helper who can work with him. The two fall in love along the way, but the hurdles they face are more than those that might appear on the surface. Word has gotten out that John can find gold with his machine and he’s not only facing down the other miners who know about it, but also a trio of men hired by a fellow professor inventor to get the machine away from him at all costs.
This was an intriguing story from the point of view of the historical significance, the scientific theories elaborated on, and of course, the romance. The men survived to have their HEA but it was hit and miss for a while, and I spent a few suspenseful hours finishing the second half of the story so that I can rest this evening. I highly recommend this one.
Robert Belton is working as a prostitute in Seattle when professor John Fauth shows up one night. Robert doesn’t want to be a prostitute, but when he gambled his grubstake for the gold fields of Alaska away on a foolish card game, he didn’t have much choice in what was left for him to do.
John is on his way to Alaska to test his invention � a piece of equipment which can detect noble metals like gold and platinum. But the gold isn’t what he wants � it’s the platinum. He’s inventing a new way of communicating over wires and he’s trying to beat Edison and Tesla and be the first to establish this method of communication. But he needs the platinum to perfect his invention and this little piece of equipment will help him find it.
Robert asks to go with John for half-wages and a chance to get to Alaska to mine for gold. John ends up agreeing and though they spend a hot night together before the trip, John doesn’t expect Robert to earn his way by being his prostitute. He just wants a companion, a helper who can work with him. The two fall in love along the way, but the hurdles they face are more than those that might appear on the surface. Word has gotten out that John can find gold with his machine and he’s not only facing down the other miners who know about it, but also a trio of men hired by a fellow professor inventor to get the machine away from him at all costs.
This was an intriguing story from the point of view of the historical significance, the scientific theories elaborated on, and of course, the romance. The men survived to have their HEA but it was hit and miss for a while, and I spent a few suspenseful hours finishing the second half of the story so that I can rest this evening. I highly recommend this one.
January 6, 2012
I am never a huge fan of historical (even if steampunk genre intrigues me) AND I have hits-and-misses history with L.A. Witt's stories. This one though, it is one of the hits; even if it's a historical/steampunk story.
Right from the beginning, when Robert Belton, the young whore sets eyes on the inventor/scientist Dr. John Fauth, the story grips me and takes me to the end. I love the chemistry and relationship -- but most of all I ENJOY the thrill of the adventure, along with the threats and built-up romance, as John and Robert set their mech to go find platinum at Dawson's City.
Though I'm not familiar with some of the vocabs (English is NOT my first language) but I can imagine the scenes just okay, and the danger that these two men face along the way. I LOVE Robert's loyalty to John and John's tender feeling for Robert (even if the young man is a whore). Love how John claims Robert as his ...
...
“You’re no one’s whore, Robert,� he whispered.
“Not anymore.�
“Not anymore,� he said softly as he stroked my hair. “Now you’re just� mine.�
...
Oh, some technical information ... the story is written mostly in 1st point of view with Robert as main narrator. However, there are a couple of chapters written by the way of John's journal as he talks about his feeling for Robert and the device that he's invented.
Right from the beginning, when Robert Belton, the young whore sets eyes on the inventor/scientist Dr. John Fauth, the story grips me and takes me to the end. I love the chemistry and relationship -- but most of all I ENJOY the thrill of the adventure, along with the threats and built-up romance, as John and Robert set their mech to go find platinum at Dawson's City.
Though I'm not familiar with some of the vocabs (English is NOT my first language) but I can imagine the scenes just okay, and the danger that these two men face along the way. I LOVE Robert's loyalty to John and John's tender feeling for Robert (even if the young man is a whore). Love how John claims Robert as his ...
...
“You’re no one’s whore, Robert,� he whispered.
“Not anymore.�
“Not anymore,� he said softly as he stroked my hair. “Now you’re just� mine.�
...
Oh, some technical information ... the story is written mostly in 1st point of view with Robert as main narrator. However, there are a couple of chapters written by the way of John's journal as he talks about his feeling for Robert and the device that he's invented.
July 17, 2012
A very enjoyable m/m alternative history/steampunk adventure romance novella about two men journeying from Seattle to Alaska as part of the Klondike gold rush.
I liked both MCs and it was fun to read about their developing relationship, a bond built on sex first, intimacy and trust later. Most of the POV comes from Robert, a prostitute living in Seattle who dreams of getting out and striking it rich in the gold rush. He gets his wish by teaming up to assist a new client--John, a scientist/engineer from Chicago who is traveling to Alaska on a quest to find some specific metals. They begin the long trek north and along the way, learn more about each other, as well as discover that there are some shady characters on their trail.
It’s not super steampunk-y, but mostly you see the genre in the vehicles and spider-y robot contraptions that assist the miners in carrying things up the trail.
Witt lived in Seattle before (where I live now) and I appreciated the setting details she included since it really was the starting point for a lot of Gold Rush miners. That was neat historical detail to read.
Overall a fun and very enjoyable book. It’s a novella, a little over 90 pages, so a pretty fast read as well, but even though I could have always taken in more since I liked both the characters and story, the author wrapped it up well, and I wasn’t left wanting. Recommended in you’re looking for something more fantastical with your m/m adventure romance.
I liked both MCs and it was fun to read about their developing relationship, a bond built on sex first, intimacy and trust later. Most of the POV comes from Robert, a prostitute living in Seattle who dreams of getting out and striking it rich in the gold rush. He gets his wish by teaming up to assist a new client--John, a scientist/engineer from Chicago who is traveling to Alaska on a quest to find some specific metals. They begin the long trek north and along the way, learn more about each other, as well as discover that there are some shady characters on their trail.
It’s not super steampunk-y, but mostly you see the genre in the vehicles and spider-y robot contraptions that assist the miners in carrying things up the trail.
Witt lived in Seattle before (where I live now) and I appreciated the setting details she included since it really was the starting point for a lot of Gold Rush miners. That was neat historical detail to read.
Overall a fun and very enjoyable book. It’s a novella, a little over 90 pages, so a pretty fast read as well, but even though I could have always taken in more since I liked both the characters and story, the author wrapped it up well, and I wasn’t left wanting. Recommended in you’re looking for something more fantastical with your m/m adventure romance.
January 10, 2012
Totally loved this. The boys were darling and the sex was sweet and hot at once. And STEAMPUNK. *dances*
January 31, 2012
A really good adventure and what an exciting story. I loved the historical/steam-punk angle, interesting and thrilling. Robert and John, the prostitute and scientist have a mission to find platinum, its a tumultuous journey, a gripping one. Both guys are wonderful, I liked them and wanted good things to come of all the danger they faced. The chemistry was bang on too, sweet and romantic.
May 5, 2025
I'm not a huge steampunk fan, but I do enjoy historical romance stories. L.A. Witt does a nice job with Noble Metals. A retelling of the gold rush times, Witt captures the terror of challenges like bad guys, starvation, the weather, and the Canadian armed forces.
The audio version of Noble Metals is beautifully performed by Michael Ferraiuolo, which most likely contributed to my favorable impression of this story.
The audio version of Noble Metals is beautifully performed by Michael Ferraiuolo, which most likely contributed to my favorable impression of this story.
September 7, 2018
4 stars! Really liked this unique plot having never read anything like this from L.A. Witt. This historical was full of action-adventure of the steam-punk variety. 😉 It's quite a thrill-ride. 😱😁.
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March 24, 2014Extensively edited and expanded (pretty much rewritten from the ground up and about 10,000 words longer than the original) re-release of my steampunk novella.
July 27, 2014
I admit, I may have a slight addiction to Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush and , so when I saw this book I wanted to read it immediately. But then I discovered it was to be re-released by Riptide Publishing and expanded by over 10,000 words, so I had to wait.
Noble Metals is set in the late 1890s alternate history during the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska, where men use mechs or airships to aid them in the treacherous journey to Dawson City.
After gambling all his money away, Robert Belton is stuck working in a Seattle brothel where he can’t return to his past and his only hope for a future is to join a team traveling to Dawson City and pursue his dreams of striking gold. But no one wants a weakly looking prostitute who surely could not carry is his own year’s worth of provisions required to make the trek…well not anyone that Robert would feel safe with anyway. Then one evening, the mysterious “John� walks into the brothel and agrees to pay Robert to join him. But traveling with John is more dangerous than Robert ever expected and neither of them may make it to Dawson City alive.
The Romance: I LOVED Robert and John together!! Plus, in historicals, I love the rescued rent boy trope. Surprisingly, there was plenty of sexual tension, which is usually a must for me to really get hooked in. Of course, John and Robert made plenty of their own “steam� too. I really likedthe passion and the connection between them…that went much deeper than just friends or lovers.
The Journal: The story was told in first person from Robert’s POV, but I loved how I got to see in John’s head and heart with each entry into his journal. There was one entry there that had me in tears.
The Danger: There was plenty of good suspense and danger. John is carrying a device that will help him locate platinum in the soil…and where there’s platinum, there is gold. So it isn’t long before more than just the terrain and weather became a danger to Robert and John. I swear I was biting my nails through half of the book.
The Steampunk: I loved the subtle integration of the steampunk aspects into this world. It was written so believably that I sometimes wasn’t sure which pieces came from real history and which ones were entirely fiction.
The HEA: I was surprised at how perfect the HEA was…after I got over my initial sadness that they never made it to Dawson City. I honestly DID NOT want this story to end; I wanted to read more about Robert and John and the life they made together.
This was a wonderful, little steampunk romance set in an era that I love. Oh, how I wish there were more gold rush stories out there! I can’t wait until I can get onto my Kindle…its set in this same world and releases later this year.
Reviewed for
Noble Metals is set in the late 1890s alternate history during the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska, where men use mechs or airships to aid them in the treacherous journey to Dawson City.
After gambling all his money away, Robert Belton is stuck working in a Seattle brothel where he can’t return to his past and his only hope for a future is to join a team traveling to Dawson City and pursue his dreams of striking gold. But no one wants a weakly looking prostitute who surely could not carry is his own year’s worth of provisions required to make the trek…well not anyone that Robert would feel safe with anyway. Then one evening, the mysterious “John� walks into the brothel and agrees to pay Robert to join him. But traveling with John is more dangerous than Robert ever expected and neither of them may make it to Dawson City alive.
The Romance: I LOVED Robert and John together!! Plus, in historicals, I love the rescued rent boy trope. Surprisingly, there was plenty of sexual tension, which is usually a must for me to really get hooked in. Of course, John and Robert made plenty of their own “steam� too. I really likedthe passion and the connection between them…that went much deeper than just friends or lovers.
The Journal: The story was told in first person from Robert’s POV, but I loved how I got to see in John’s head and heart with each entry into his journal. There was one entry there that had me in tears.
The Danger: There was plenty of good suspense and danger. John is carrying a device that will help him locate platinum in the soil…and where there’s platinum, there is gold. So it isn’t long before more than just the terrain and weather became a danger to Robert and John. I swear I was biting my nails through half of the book.
The Steampunk: I loved the subtle integration of the steampunk aspects into this world. It was written so believably that I sometimes wasn’t sure which pieces came from real history and which ones were entirely fiction.
The HEA: I was surprised at how perfect the HEA was…after I got over my initial sadness that they never made it to Dawson City. I honestly DID NOT want this story to end; I wanted to read more about Robert and John and the life they made together.
This was a wonderful, little steampunk romance set in an era that I love. Oh, how I wish there were more gold rush stories out there! I can’t wait until I can get onto my Kindle…its set in this same world and releases later this year.
Reviewed for
July 11, 2014
I love L.A. Witt books and I love steampunk, so when I saw that L.A. Witt had written a steampunk book I just about squealed with joy (confession � there was actual squealing and maybe even a little chair dancing).
A historical action/adventure romance set in an alternative history that combines steampunk with the Wild West/Gold Rush, Noble Metals is a tale of two men searching for precious noble metals (namely gold and platinum) and discovering an even greater treasure in the love they find within each other’s arms.
Robert Belton, a prostitute in Seattle, is desperate to get to the gold fields. He has no prospects and very little money, so when a well-turned out man turns up at his place of business and talks about needing help to get up the mountain, Robert offers to go with him for half the price it would cost to hire someone else to do the job. Dr. John Fauth is desperate to get to the gold fields as well, but for a different reason � where there’s gold, there’s platinum and John needs all the platinum he can find to complete his life’s work. He’s also low on funds, so he takes up Robert on his offer. In the midst of a treacherous journey in harsh winter conditions and being pursued by bad men who want to get their hands on the device John carries, the former-prostitute and university professor/inventor share a few passionate nights, a growing attraction, and a realization of how well-suited they are for each other despite their differences.
This book was such a page turner and I loved every moment. The tension in the action parts was nail-biting and riveting and I found myself unable to put the book down for a second. The romance between the two characters was fantastic as well. The book is told through the first person POVs of Robert (mostly) and John (through scattered journal entries) and the two men, while so different in who they are on the surface, have very similar personalities and backgrounds and the two just really click on a personal level (leading to some truly steamy scenes). Rest assured these two get a much deserved happy ending, although it gets a little touch-and-go there for awhile (oh man the tension towards the end Was. Killing. Me., I hadn’t realized how invested I was in the couple’s happy ending until I really thought they wouldn’t have it).
The steampunk elements in the book aren’t really heavy � there’s “mechas�, steam-powered spider-like machines used to carry supplies up the mountain, the obligatory goggles make an appearance, and, of course, like any good steampunk work, an inventor and/or invention holds a place of importance in the story � just enough to give it steampunk flavor, but still be enjoyed by people who aren’t really all that into the sub-genre.
I recommend this book to lovers of romance, steampunk, and/or historical action/adventures . Upon visiting the publisher’s site I saw that another book is coming out set in the Metals universe (Precious Metals, due out Oct 27, 2014) and I can’t wait to get my hands on that one as well.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
A historical action/adventure romance set in an alternative history that combines steampunk with the Wild West/Gold Rush, Noble Metals is a tale of two men searching for precious noble metals (namely gold and platinum) and discovering an even greater treasure in the love they find within each other’s arms.
Robert Belton, a prostitute in Seattle, is desperate to get to the gold fields. He has no prospects and very little money, so when a well-turned out man turns up at his place of business and talks about needing help to get up the mountain, Robert offers to go with him for half the price it would cost to hire someone else to do the job. Dr. John Fauth is desperate to get to the gold fields as well, but for a different reason � where there’s gold, there’s platinum and John needs all the platinum he can find to complete his life’s work. He’s also low on funds, so he takes up Robert on his offer. In the midst of a treacherous journey in harsh winter conditions and being pursued by bad men who want to get their hands on the device John carries, the former-prostitute and university professor/inventor share a few passionate nights, a growing attraction, and a realization of how well-suited they are for each other despite their differences.
This book was such a page turner and I loved every moment. The tension in the action parts was nail-biting and riveting and I found myself unable to put the book down for a second. The romance between the two characters was fantastic as well. The book is told through the first person POVs of Robert (mostly) and John (through scattered journal entries) and the two men, while so different in who they are on the surface, have very similar personalities and backgrounds and the two just really click on a personal level (leading to some truly steamy scenes). Rest assured these two get a much deserved happy ending, although it gets a little touch-and-go there for awhile (oh man the tension towards the end Was. Killing. Me., I hadn’t realized how invested I was in the couple’s happy ending until I really thought they wouldn’t have it).
The steampunk elements in the book aren’t really heavy � there’s “mechas�, steam-powered spider-like machines used to carry supplies up the mountain, the obligatory goggles make an appearance, and, of course, like any good steampunk work, an inventor and/or invention holds a place of importance in the story � just enough to give it steampunk flavor, but still be enjoyed by people who aren’t really all that into the sub-genre.
I recommend this book to lovers of romance, steampunk, and/or historical action/adventures . Upon visiting the publisher’s site I saw that another book is coming out set in the Metals universe (Precious Metals, due out Oct 27, 2014) and I can’t wait to get my hands on that one as well.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
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January 27, 2012First of all, I was surprise to find out this was an historical romance, I don’t know but I was of the wrong impression it was more sci-fi/fantasy. In a way, there is a steampunk flavour on it, it’s not that the author pushed much on fantasy details, but I think she took some “liberties� to make the story more a romance than a historical novel. For example, John Fauth is a University professor and a scientist, and his machine to find noble metals seems a little too much futuristic to be true, but I’m not so familiar with the various scientific discoveries and their time to be able to tell how much far from reality the author went. Another of such liberties is maybe the forced profession of Robert Belton, a male prostitute in a brothel in Seattle; while it’s true molly houses and similar places were already existing at the time, a saloon/slash brother in a frontier town like Seattle in 1898 I think was not a common place to find a male prostitute. Again the author made it believable, specifying Robert is a “necessary� evil thing, according to the owner of the brothel; but I wonder who would have been the courage at the time to enter such a place and openly ask for a man instead of a woman (since women were available); from Robert’s words, even if they were not the majority, and the women gained more money than him, he still had customers.
In any case, from my point of view, these were more positive than negative aspects, they made the story more “light� and easy to enjoy. That is probably the main thread of this story, it was quite romantic, sometime even sweet, despite the event that those men had sex without even knowing each other names, and it was more focused on them than on the adventure part of the plot. In the end, John’s target completely changed, and by the way, since the beginning, he was not the aloof professor someone could imagine, but more a man in love, basking in the warm given by the proximity with the object of that love.
Robert is a man who had to do what it had to be done, not for some teary story about little brothers or ailing parents, but simply since he lost all his money gambling and now he has to find a way to pay his ticket to Klondike and an hypothetical treasure (the gold). He doesn’t like what he is doing, but not for the sex per se, but more since he would like to be able to have it with someone he likes more than with strangers. When he meets John, it is a dream comes true, also since John seems to not be reticent to admit his preferences in bed companions, and he is quite good when he is into that be with someone else.
In any case, from my point of view, these were more positive than negative aspects, they made the story more “light� and easy to enjoy. That is probably the main thread of this story, it was quite romantic, sometime even sweet, despite the event that those men had sex without even knowing each other names, and it was more focused on them than on the adventure part of the plot. In the end, John’s target completely changed, and by the way, since the beginning, he was not the aloof professor someone could imagine, but more a man in love, basking in the warm given by the proximity with the object of that love.
Robert is a man who had to do what it had to be done, not for some teary story about little brothers or ailing parents, but simply since he lost all his money gambling and now he has to find a way to pay his ticket to Klondike and an hypothetical treasure (the gold). He doesn’t like what he is doing, but not for the sex per se, but more since he would like to be able to have it with someone he likes more than with strangers. When he meets John, it is a dream comes true, also since John seems to not be reticent to admit his preferences in bed companions, and he is quite good when he is into that be with someone else.
June 7, 2014
**this review is on an ARC of the new updated edition which has not been released yet**
Noble Metals was my first m/m steampunk book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It was a fast-paced and interesting adventure with two great lead characters. Robert is currently working in a brothel as a bartender and a prostitute. When a handsome stranger comes in one night looking for someone to go north with him Robert quickly offers to go. The other man, Dr. John Fauth, is on his way to Klondike, not to look for gold like the other men, but to look for platinum. John is a scientist with a lot to lose if he can't find the platinum he needs to finish his experiments. The two men head out together on a dangerous adventure that leads not only to the nobel metals but to friendship and love.
This story was set in the late 1800's during the gold rush to Klondike. The steampunk component comes into play as there were all kinds of interesting machines and John is working on inventing a communication device that will show sound and the person's picture. It sounded very much like Skype. Both Robert and John were great characters and they really clicked together. You could tell from their first scenes together they were going to be a good couple. They were loving without being too sweet and their sex scenes were done well.
I thought the book moved along at a quick pace and it was an easy but fun read. I liked the steampunk part of it a lot and as I've already said I really liked the two main characters. I am looking forward to when the next book comes out in the series and I will definitely continue with this series.
Noble Metals was my first m/m steampunk book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It was a fast-paced and interesting adventure with two great lead characters. Robert is currently working in a brothel as a bartender and a prostitute. When a handsome stranger comes in one night looking for someone to go north with him Robert quickly offers to go. The other man, Dr. John Fauth, is on his way to Klondike, not to look for gold like the other men, but to look for platinum. John is a scientist with a lot to lose if he can't find the platinum he needs to finish his experiments. The two men head out together on a dangerous adventure that leads not only to the nobel metals but to friendship and love.
This story was set in the late 1800's during the gold rush to Klondike. The steampunk component comes into play as there were all kinds of interesting machines and John is working on inventing a communication device that will show sound and the person's picture. It sounded very much like Skype. Both Robert and John were great characters and they really clicked together. You could tell from their first scenes together they were going to be a good couple. They were loving without being too sweet and their sex scenes were done well.
I thought the book moved along at a quick pace and it was an easy but fun read. I liked the steampunk part of it a lot and as I've already said I really liked the two main characters. I am looking forward to when the next book comes out in the series and I will definitely continue with this series.
May 25, 2021
4.5 Stars ~ Who doesn't love getting the chance to read a rerelease? Especially one where the author added 10,000 words? And a steampunk book, to boot? Me. That's who! I jumped at the chance to read and review 'Noble Metals' by L.A. Witt, for all of those reasons, and the fact that I enjoy this author's works. It was a win-win, in my mind.
It seems fate, or luck, is on Robert's side the night John comes to the brothel/bar where Robert works. Robert convinces John to let him accompany him to the Klondike, to Dawson City, and, in exchange, Robert will accept half the normal wage John would be forced to pay other men. But it turns out that fate, or Lady Luck, really is a fickle bitch, because it's not far along their journey when Robert gets attacked, and threatened, by three men wanting the device John is carrying. John won't tell Robert what it is, but they do their best to throw their pursuers off their trail. Then it's endless days of walking and herding their mech which carries their supplies. Days where the weather keeps getting colder and colder, forcing them to share body heat at night. Robert is determined though, that he'll never be another man's whore.
Please find my full review at
It seems fate, or luck, is on Robert's side the night John comes to the brothel/bar where Robert works. Robert convinces John to let him accompany him to the Klondike, to Dawson City, and, in exchange, Robert will accept half the normal wage John would be forced to pay other men. But it turns out that fate, or Lady Luck, really is a fickle bitch, because it's not far along their journey when Robert gets attacked, and threatened, by three men wanting the device John is carrying. John won't tell Robert what it is, but they do their best to throw their pursuers off their trail. Then it's endless days of walking and herding their mech which carries their supplies. Days where the weather keeps getting colder and colder, forcing them to share body heat at night. Robert is determined though, that he'll never be another man's whore.
Please find my full review at
February 15, 2016
What a page turner this was. The steampunk rewrite of the history of the Klonike Gold Rush was quite unique. The blend of history and technology was believable and had me checking historical facts about the time period to verify my memories and knowledge of the events of the Gold Rush.
The characters of Robert and John are both engaging and believable. The Gold Rush attracted the men of every class and profession, and pushed many to do things that they would not have in civilized society. The relationship that develops between these two men is amazing and wonderful. It not often that you find a book that is so hard to put down from the first page, but this is just such a book.
The characters of Robert and John are both engaging and believable. The Gold Rush attracted the men of every class and profession, and pushed many to do things that they would not have in civilized society. The relationship that develops between these two men is amazing and wonderful. It not often that you find a book that is so hard to put down from the first page, but this is just such a book.
September 9, 2020
First time reading this author & will be looking for more. Well developed characters & the plot was well done. Only complaints: I don't know what happened to the bad guys... Did they just give up? The only other thing is it seemed to end abruptly, but that could be because I wasn't ready to put the book down yet.
Does anyone think there could be a sequel adventure in Australia? I would love to read that.... :)
Does anyone think there could be a sequel adventure in Australia? I would love to read that.... :)
March 19, 2012
4.5 stars. I really liked this. Not too sweet, a little suspense and a quick read. Witt could have easily made this into another book and I'd have loved it! However, I'm happy with the entire book as is. Witt had me falling in love along with John and Robert whilst she they nearly froze in a tent, in the wilderness, while being hunted. If only they'd had more coal ;) I'd recommend this even to all those who say they don't like steampunk.
October 3, 2020
This was fun! I love steampunk and I don't think I've ever read an MM romance in the genre so I enjoyed that aspect, though it was a smidge light on the steampunk elements. I've also not read much historical MM in the goldrush era, so that was also something fun and different. Overall I liked the characters and connection, and the story was sweet if a bit abrupt of an ending.
March 10, 2016
This was surprisingly good. I was a bit wary. I'm not a fan of historical, although steampunk does interest me somewhat. But this one was fun. The whole Gold Rush aspect and John's device helped me overlook the historical part of it.
January 22, 2015
A moderately fun m/m steampunk romance. Not a challenging read, but moderately engaging, and the characters were likable.
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed this gold rush story more than I expected I would. I knew it was a Klondike, gold rush story, which just doesn't have that much appeal to me, but I do like L.A. Witt as an author and these characters did grab me quickly. Robert and John were sweet as they discovered the intense attraction between them was mutual and they fit each other better than either could have expected. Robert had fallen into life as a prostitute because it was the only way he had to try to make the money he needed. I loved that John saw past that to the good man that he was. John's a brilliant inventor and the fact that Robert is interested and can stick with him in discussion is enthralling for him.
There's just enough intrigue and action to keep this interesting as these two guys tackle the wilderness and those that would try to claim John's inventions for their own.
There's just enough intrigue and action to keep this interesting as these two guys tackle the wilderness and those that would try to claim John's inventions for their own.
July 16, 2020
3 stars
I liked both Robert and John. I wish we had been privy to more conversations between them. I think the rough conditions and tense atmosphere was well described here. I will read the next one.
I liked both Robert and John. I wish we had been privy to more conversations between them. I think the rough conditions and tense atmosphere was well described here. I will read the next one.
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