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Clockwork Love #1
Clockwork Heart
Love, adventure and a steaming good time.
As the French army leader’s bastard son, Cornelius Stevens enjoys a great deal of latitude. But when he saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts, he’s well aware he risks hanging for treason. That doesn’t worry him half as much, however, as the realization he’s falling for his patient.
Johann Berger never expected to survive his regiment’s suicide attack on Calais, much less wake up with mechanical parts. To avoid discovery, he’s forced to hide in plain sight as Cornelius’s lover—a role Johann finds himself taking to surprisingly well.
When a threat is made on Cornelius’s life, Johann learns the secret of the device implanted in his chest—a mythical weapon both warring countries would kill to obtain. Caught up in a political frenzy, in league with pirates, dodging rogue spies, mobsters and princesses with deadly parasols, Cornelius and Johann have no time to contemplate how they ended up in this mess. All they know is, the only way out is together—or not at all.
Warning: Contains tinkers, excessive clockwork appendages, and a cloud-sweeping tour of Europe. A little absinthe, a little theft, a little exhibitionism. Men who love men, women who love women, and some who aren’t particular.
As the French army leader’s bastard son, Cornelius Stevens enjoys a great deal of latitude. But when he saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts, he’s well aware he risks hanging for treason. That doesn’t worry him half as much, however, as the realization he’s falling for his patient.
Johann Berger never expected to survive his regiment’s suicide attack on Calais, much less wake up with mechanical parts. To avoid discovery, he’s forced to hide in plain sight as Cornelius’s lover—a role Johann finds himself taking to surprisingly well.
When a threat is made on Cornelius’s life, Johann learns the secret of the device implanted in his chest—a mythical weapon both warring countries would kill to obtain. Caught up in a political frenzy, in league with pirates, dodging rogue spies, mobsters and princesses with deadly parasols, Cornelius and Johann have no time to contemplate how they ended up in this mess. All they know is, the only way out is together—or not at all.
Warning: Contains tinkers, excessive clockwork appendages, and a cloud-sweeping tour of Europe. A little absinthe, a little theft, a little exhibitionism. Men who love men, women who love women, and some who aren’t particular.
248 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
20 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
45books2,855followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 10, 2016
"Clockwork is so beautifully simple. It's people who are complicated."
A soldier left for dead. A tinker out to save. And spies ... spies everywhere.
Set in an alternate historical universe where Napoleon's army did not lose the Battle of Waterloo and the French empire conquered most of Europe, Clockwork Heart is a fascinating, fast-paced, sexy read with incredibly complex characters and a gripping plot.
When Cornelius, a brilliant tinker and a self-proclaimed nancy, stumbles into an alley, he doesn't expect to find dozens of dead bodies piled onto a small barge floating down a canal. He doesn't expect to find an Austrian soldier, badly broken but still alive. And he doesn't expect to save him with a clockwork heart.
Show me what you can do, my monster heart.
Johann has only know war. Abandoned, recaptured by the army he deserted, and left for dead, he wakes to a beautiful man cooing to him in French. Cornelius, who despises war, can't leave Johann to die, but the HEART, the heart is dangerous. The heart is the key to Conny's power-hungry father winning the war against Austria and conquering the continent at last.
Johann, who joined the army at age 14, has never been with anyone, but he wants to be with Conny, please him, devour him.
Cornelius is wicked and loves dirty talk and public sex. He wants to be used and ruined.
"Tug on my hair, push my head in closer. Make me lick you, Johann. Make me taste you."
Clockwork Heart is unapologetically sexy: a virgin soldier, a slutty tinker, soft kisses, frantic coupling, voyeurism, and threesomes.
Sex in this alternate world of 1910 Europe isn't forbidden. It's wild and bawdy; it's absinthe laced with cocaine and kinky parties at an Italian villa. Conny has filthy desires that make Johann at once jealous and insanely turned on.
There are pirates, demented generals, letters written in code, a princess with an electric parasol, political intrigue, kidnapping, a daring rescue, air ships fueled not by oil but by aether, and two men madly in lust and LOVE.
Three cheers for kickass female characters, Conny's snarky friend Valentin who becomes an unlikely hero, and clockwork parts more advanced than any medical devices we have today.
This book is a sweeping romance and a grand adventure; it speaks of comfort and healing, what it means to be human, what it means to trust and love.
"I could never rule you with a clockwork heart, darling. I could never rule you with anything. I am yours utterly, for as long as you'll have me."
Even if you're not a fan of steampunk or historicals or alternate worlds, read this book.
I am in love with this story. It's brilliant. UNIQUE. Enchanting.
UNFORGETTABLE.
Five stars and then five more.
"You will not die, do you hear me? You will not die."
"Not unless you tell me to," Johann promised.
February 24, 2016
Clockwork Heart is a steampunk novel which is thoroughly beautiful in many ways. Cornelius, a tinker, detests wars and he will do anything against his tyrannous father. That when he finds Johann, a soldier left to die alone, Cornelius is ready to save this man at all costs. Cornelius literally puts a clockwork heart into the soldier's chest to maintain his life, although the heart itself is the weapon that many armies have been raiding for.
Cornelius is a naughty little man who tries to seduce Johann. Moreover, Johann is gradually falling in love with Cornelius but he's so shy to confess. He also reminds me of a puppy trying to get its owner's attention. Johann is cute and inexperienced, he doesn't even know how to kiss or to make love with a man. The first half of this book is so good and I loved it to see how these guys pretend to be lovers but Johann wants this to be real. Consequently, Cornelius makes Johann come out and corrupt him fervently.
There are many interesting characters in this book: Val, Crawley and Heng. They are crews of The Brass Farthing and also brighten the story with their wits and characteristics. I loved this book wholeheartedly when it shows me the world at first that I can even smell wars and many riddles lying between the pages. It's mysterious and exciting to keep me turning this book till the end.
[ ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ]
***
Steampunk กั� LGBT ใครว่าไปด้วยกันไม่ได� Clockwork Heart คือส่วนผสมของหนังสือที่มีกลิ่นอายเข้มๆแบบสตรีมพังค� ในขณะที่แฝงไปด้วยความร้อนแรงของความรักระหว่างช่างบัดกรีหนุ่มกับนายทหารที่ถูกทิ้งไว้ให้ตายอย่างไม่ใยด� ผู้แต่งสร้างคาแรคเตอร์ออกมาได้น่าสนใจทั้งคู่ คอร์นีเลียสสร้างเอเนจี้ให้กับเนื้อเรื่อ� ในขณะที่โจฮานน์ทำให้เนื้อเรื่องสมูธล� และเมื่อทั้งคู่มาอยู่ด้วยกัน มันจึงเป็นส่วนผสมที่ลงตัวสำหรับนิยายโรมานซ์ �-� ที่ธีมคือสตรีมพังค์เล่มนี้
ครึ่งเล่มแรกของหนังสือ เอเนจี้ในเรื่องพุ่งปี๊ดมาก� ทุกอย่างมันน่าสนใจไปหม� ความรักของตัวละครก็น่าสนใจจนหยุดอ่านไม่ได้ โจฮานน์เป็นเด็กอายุสิบแปดที่ไร้เดียงสา ใสซื่อ ไม่เชี่ยวชาญแม้กระทั่งการจูบ ดังนั้นจึงเป็นหน้าที่ของคอร์นีเลียสที่โชกโชนในด้านนี้ต้องเป็นคนสอนโจฮานน์ในทุกๆเรื่องๆ
หนังสือเล่มนี้มีซิกเนเจอร์ที่บอกได้เลยว่าเป็นของ Heidi Cullinan คือมันมีกลิ่นที่คล้ายๆ Special Delivery อยู่ ถึงจะตงิดใจเล็กๆ แต่ภาพรวมมันไปด้วยกันได้ เราก็ถือว่าสนุกนะ เป็นแนว M/M ที่หาอ่านไม่ค่อยได� การสร้างโลกน่าสนใจ แอบอยากให้ใส่ข้อมูลมากกว่านี้หน่อยนึ� ด้านฝรั่งเศสเราว่าโอแล้วน� แต่อยากได้ข้อมูลเยอรมันมากกว่านี้หน่อ� อยากเห็นฉากที่บรรยายท้องถนน ชีวิตประจำวั� แฟชั่น วัฒนธรรมสตรีมพังค์มากกว่านี้อีกนิด แต่ภาพรวมนี่ก็สุดยอดแล้ว ยกนิ้วให้เลย อ่านแล้วติดหนึบหนั� ชอบมากกกกก�
Cornelius is a naughty little man who tries to seduce Johann. Moreover, Johann is gradually falling in love with Cornelius but he's so shy to confess. He also reminds me of a puppy trying to get its owner's attention. Johann is cute and inexperienced, he doesn't even know how to kiss or to make love with a man. The first half of this book is so good and I loved it to see how these guys pretend to be lovers but Johann wants this to be real. Consequently, Cornelius makes Johann come out and corrupt him fervently.
“You cannot erase the darkness. But you may bring as many candles with you into it as you like.�
There are many interesting characters in this book: Val, Crawley and Heng. They are crews of The Brass Farthing and also brighten the story with their wits and characteristics. I loved this book wholeheartedly when it shows me the world at first that I can even smell wars and many riddles lying between the pages. It's mysterious and exciting to keep me turning this book till the end.
[ ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ]
***
Steampunk กั� LGBT ใครว่าไปด้วยกันไม่ได� Clockwork Heart คือส่วนผสมของหนังสือที่มีกลิ่นอายเข้มๆแบบสตรีมพังค� ในขณะที่แฝงไปด้วยความร้อนแรงของความรักระหว่างช่างบัดกรีหนุ่มกับนายทหารที่ถูกทิ้งไว้ให้ตายอย่างไม่ใยด� ผู้แต่งสร้างคาแรคเตอร์ออกมาได้น่าสนใจทั้งคู่ คอร์นีเลียสสร้างเอเนจี้ให้กับเนื้อเรื่อ� ในขณะที่โจฮานน์ทำให้เนื้อเรื่องสมูธล� และเมื่อทั้งคู่มาอยู่ด้วยกัน มันจึงเป็นส่วนผสมที่ลงตัวสำหรับนิยายโรมานซ์ �-� ที่ธีมคือสตรีมพังค์เล่มนี้
ครึ่งเล่มแรกของหนังสือ เอเนจี้ในเรื่องพุ่งปี๊ดมาก� ทุกอย่างมันน่าสนใจไปหม� ความรักของตัวละครก็น่าสนใจจนหยุดอ่านไม่ได้ โจฮานน์เป็นเด็กอายุสิบแปดที่ไร้เดียงสา ใสซื่อ ไม่เชี่ยวชาญแม้กระทั่งการจูบ ดังนั้นจึงเป็นหน้าที่ของคอร์นีเลียสที่โชกโชนในด้านนี้ต้องเป็นคนสอนโจฮานน์ในทุกๆเรื่องๆ
หนังสือเล่มนี้มีซิกเนเจอร์ที่บอกได้เลยว่าเป็นของ Heidi Cullinan คือมันมีกลิ่นที่คล้ายๆ Special Delivery อยู่ ถึงจะตงิดใจเล็กๆ แต่ภาพรวมมันไปด้วยกันได้ เราก็ถือว่าสนุกนะ เป็นแนว M/M ที่หาอ่านไม่ค่อยได� การสร้างโลกน่าสนใจ แอบอยากให้ใส่ข้อมูลมากกว่านี้หน่อยนึ� ด้านฝรั่งเศสเราว่าโอแล้วน� แต่อยากได้ข้อมูลเยอรมันมากกว่านี้หน่อ� อยากเห็นฉากที่บรรยายท้องถนน ชีวิตประจำวั� แฟชั่น วัฒนธรรมสตรีมพังค์มากกว่านี้อีกนิด แต่ภาพรวมนี่ก็สุดยอดแล้ว ยกนิ้วให้เลย อ่านแล้วติดหนึบหนั� ชอบมากกกกก�
February 7, 2016
Steampunkalicious!
I'm not going to perpetrate like I've read tons of steampunk but I can say this is the best steampunk I've ever read, the most steampunky with dirigibles, oodles of clockwork and let's not forget the outfits! There's something about buckles and bodices that do it for me.
This AU Europe that HC built beamed off the page like a beacon creating a movie in my head. I want to live there and fly around on The Brass Farthing and learn to tinker. I could pirate! What? I could. There is a pesky war between France and Austria that's been going on far too long engineered by Conny's nutters archduke of a father who's deluded himself into believing that he can unite Europe and RULE IT ALL!!!!!!!! *insert manic laugh* but clockwork and sky pirates! We all have our priorities. And I'll risk a war zone for some buckled up pirates with accents.
Conny is a tinker apprentice to THE master tinker in France, Felix. Right from the start I liked Conny and as the story unfolded I wanted tosqueeze the stuffing out of hug him (probably too tightly and too long). Conny happens across Johann half dead on a corpse barge and has to help him. Because Conny is that guy. He's the most charming blend of sweet, devoted, depraved and slutty. I love him. He has the biggest, most tender heart and the dirtiest, filthiest mouth. They just go together like bees and honey and create the magic. Did I mention how much I love him?
NOPE!
*stares off into middle space remembering all the sweet filthy... swilthy?*
Anyways...
In the process of fixing up Johann's limbs he's notices a metal shard in his chest that will kill him unless... he "borrows" Master Felix's clockwork heart. It's for a good cause, right? Right.
And thus the adventure begins! I'm not sure why the clockwork heart becomes such a hot commodity shortly after Conny "borrows" it, but it does and the interested parties are quite... determined in trying to claim it. So much so that Conny, Johann and Conny's best friend, Val, are forced to go on the run with Johann's former pirate crew on The Brass Farthing. And it was so much fun! This book was a blast to read. Every time I turned around something else was happening or another great character was being introduced. I daresay it was swashbuckling. Swashbuckling sky pirates!
And it just so happens Johann is Austrian to Conny's French so... star-crossed lovers!
The language fumbling they did initially was adorable. We got both of their perspectives and seeing how frustrated they both were until they worked out they both spoke English was so endearing. I loved all the French and German as do both of them, particularly during the sexy times. *suggestive eyebrows* I'm sorry but' fuck me' in French is oodles hotter than 'fuck me' in English and I'm glad someone has recognized this universally accepted fact. On second thought, not sorry. Because truth!
Admit it. Your undies just spontaneously shuttlecocked off your body, right?
Johann is an 18 yr old virgin who's got nein experience in the relationship/attraction/romance department. He's a little confused and surprised by his feelings for Conny but there's none of that denial nonsense. He just doesn't know what to do. Good thing Conny's been around the block and over the table and in the back rooms and in the middle of the local tavern. Have I mentioned how much I love him?
No one does humiliation and exhibition like HC. She the Mistress of these particular kinks and they are on point in Clockwork Heart.
Their relationship builds and takes them in some interesting directions some of which they struggle with, but they always work through. I appreciated that they are possessive in their own way and built their relationship prior to dabbling in polyamory. But what I kept coming back to was the way Conny sees Johann. Johann is mostly clockwork and he never once sees him has deficient, maimed or disabled. Quite the reverse actually. He's so turned on by Johann's clockwork and that clockwork gets put to some good use.
*coughs*grunts*trills* IDK what sound I'm making but it's circling this block.
HC adds layers of character development over the course of the story as well as their back stories without being information dumpy until not only were there two fully realized main characters but secondary characters that are fleshed out too. I'm just putting it out there right now. If book 2 doesn't involve Captain Crawley and Valentin I'll be having a litter of kittens. You've been forewarned.
These types of series are my favorite-the ones where strangers become family and they keep folding in members strengthening their group exponentially. And this one has swashbuckling steampunk pirates!
#NothingButWinning
Clockwork Heart is the complete package of fast paced adventure, fantastic steampunk imagery, a tender star-crossed lovers romance and face melting filth.
Couldn't recommend anything more.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not going to perpetrate like I've read tons of steampunk but I can say this is the best steampunk I've ever read, the most steampunky with dirigibles, oodles of clockwork and let's not forget the outfits! There's something about buckles and bodices that do it for me.
This AU Europe that HC built beamed off the page like a beacon creating a movie in my head. I want to live there and fly around on The Brass Farthing and learn to tinker. I could pirate! What? I could. There is a pesky war between France and Austria that's been going on far too long engineered by Conny's nutters archduke of a father who's deluded himself into believing that he can unite Europe and RULE IT ALL!!!!!!!! *insert manic laugh* but clockwork and sky pirates! We all have our priorities. And I'll risk a war zone for some buckled up pirates with accents.
Conny is a tinker apprentice to THE master tinker in France, Felix. Right from the start I liked Conny and as the story unfolded I wanted to
"I want you to fuck me while people watch us. Is that all right? Will you hate me if you find out I'm a terrible slut?"
NOPE!
*stares off into middle space remembering all the sweet filthy... swilthy?*
Anyways...
In the process of fixing up Johann's limbs he's notices a metal shard in his chest that will kill him unless... he "borrows" Master Felix's clockwork heart. It's for a good cause, right? Right.
And thus the adventure begins! I'm not sure why the clockwork heart becomes such a hot commodity shortly after Conny "borrows" it, but it does and the interested parties are quite... determined in trying to claim it. So much so that Conny, Johann and Conny's best friend, Val, are forced to go on the run with Johann's former pirate crew on The Brass Farthing. And it was so much fun! This book was a blast to read. Every time I turned around something else was happening or another great character was being introduced. I daresay it was swashbuckling. Swashbuckling sky pirates!
And it just so happens Johann is Austrian to Conny's French so... star-crossed lovers!
The language fumbling they did initially was adorable. We got both of their perspectives and seeing how frustrated they both were until they worked out they both spoke English was so endearing. I loved all the French and German as do both of them, particularly during the sexy times. *suggestive eyebrows* I'm sorry but' fuck me' in French is oodles hotter than 'fuck me' in English and I'm glad someone has recognized this universally accepted fact. On second thought, not sorry. Because truth!
"Baise-moi. Prends-moi par derrière. Défonce-moi."
Admit it. Your undies just spontaneously shuttlecocked off your body, right?
Johann is an 18 yr old virgin who's got nein experience in the relationship/attraction/romance department. He's a little confused and surprised by his feelings for Conny but there's none of that denial nonsense. He just doesn't know what to do. Good thing Conny's been around the block and over the table and in the back rooms and in the middle of the local tavern. Have I mentioned how much I love him?
No one does humiliation and exhibition like HC. She the Mistress of these particular kinks and they are on point in Clockwork Heart.
Their relationship builds and takes them in some interesting directions some of which they struggle with, but they always work through. I appreciated that they are possessive in their own way and built their relationship prior to dabbling in polyamory. But what I kept coming back to was the way Conny sees Johann. Johann is mostly clockwork and he never once sees him has deficient, maimed or disabled. Quite the reverse actually. He's so turned on by Johann's clockwork and that clockwork gets put to some good use.
*coughs*grunts*trills* IDK what sound I'm making but it's circling this block.
HC adds layers of character development over the course of the story as well as their back stories without being information dumpy until not only were there two fully realized main characters but secondary characters that are fleshed out too. I'm just putting it out there right now. If book 2 doesn't involve Captain Crawley and Valentin I'll be having a litter of kittens. You've been forewarned.
These types of series are my favorite-the ones where strangers become family and they keep folding in members strengthening their group exponentially. And this one has swashbuckling steampunk pirates!
#NothingButWinning
Clockwork Heart is the complete package of fast paced adventure, fantastic steampunk imagery, a tender star-crossed lovers romance and face melting filth.
Couldn't recommend anything more.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2016
This was my first Steampunk novel and I feel torn. I liked some things, but some others did not work out for me.
I'll start with the good ones.
I found the setting and the world building to be brilliant. The story is set in 1910 alternate universe , where France rules most part of Europe. The alternate history is central to the plot than simply being used as background. I liked this a lot.
This was a relatively long book, but it's fast-paced and there is a lot of action that never slows down. This kept my interest alive.
The alternative POV works great and there is an interesting cast of secondary characters. I can't say I liked them all, but they 're pretty well-ketched, regardless.
The premise was good. I mean, the French army leader’s bastard son and tinker surgeon, falls for the Austrian soldier/enemy, who he saved from death. Using a clockwork heart! This is a hell of an idea to work on.
BUT.
I had some problems in the romance department. The last department I want to have major issues with!
I felt that the romance between Cornelious and Johann was underdeveloped. It seemed that there were a lot of time skips and I'd like more on page time with them alone to just...be. Not trying to dodge electric parasols, escape death or...have sex with other people.
Which brings me to my other niggle; the kink. It just didn't feel right to me. And let me tell you, I'm a big fan of Ms. Cullinan's , where the exact same kink (exhibitionism and sharing partners) was perfection. Here, it felt out of place, for two reasons:
First, it happened too soon. Johann and Connie were not in that place yet, where they could explore this kind of thing without it hurting their relationship.
And, second, Johann never felt comfortable in this role, his inner thoughts speak of that. It was almost like he gave in because Connie got off on it. Poor guy's attempts to talk dirty and commanding seemed awkward and cringe worthy to me. And when he eventually .
So no, the kink didn't work for me at all, although I find it delicious in my romance, when done right. Again, .
Overall, I recommend this book for Steampunk lovers. I liked it, but didn't love it. I doubt I'll read the next one in the series:(
*Cross-posted on *
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~BR with the gorgeous Renee~
Read
February 9, 2016As hard as I try, I just can't get into this one. I think it's a steampunk thing because I'm a huge fan. DNF at 54% with no rating.
Read
February 13, 2016I feel kind of like I shouldn't review this book because I helped Heidi with some of the French stuff.
Fuck that. My objectivity is whatever. I translated some words.
This was fun! A reminder of the way Heidi has with writing characters who delight in the raw earthiness of their sexuality. Also, this book is not just gay men, but queer, queer, queer. Bisexual MC! Sexy lesbians everywhere! I'm in heaven. I hope the rest of this series gives us some lovely clockwork girl love to enjoy in addition to the dudes.
Heidi is, indisputedly, one of the best writers in M/M. I occasionally struggle when her stories wax didactic. I mean, I just wanna have a good time when I read fiction, right? This story, to me, reminded me of what it really feels like to let go and have a good time. It was sexy, well-paced, and a really unique AU steampunk.
I'm in for the next one, who's with me?
Fuck that. My objectivity is whatever. I translated some words.
This was fun! A reminder of the way Heidi has with writing characters who delight in the raw earthiness of their sexuality. Also, this book is not just gay men, but queer, queer, queer. Bisexual MC! Sexy lesbians everywhere! I'm in heaven. I hope the rest of this series gives us some lovely clockwork girl love to enjoy in addition to the dudes.
Heidi is, indisputedly, one of the best writers in M/M. I occasionally struggle when her stories wax didactic. I mean, I just wanna have a good time when I read fiction, right? This story, to me, reminded me of what it really feels like to let go and have a good time. It was sexy, well-paced, and a really unique AU steampunk.
I'm in for the next one, who's with me?
September 29, 2017
I tried, I really really tried :/
I made it to 60% (barely) and it was either me or the book. Guess who had to go.
Originally I gave this book 1.75 stars. Let me correct that. Book, you're demoted. 1 star. I was bored to tears by the pity fest and the long lists of who did what and where and only sometimes how they felt while doing it.
PS
A warning: brush up on your French and German before you read this book.
I dislike the use of foreign languages without translation immensely, no matter if I know the language or not. It's disruptive and annoying. Worse, if the author gets the foreign language wrong.
But I get it, Johann is Austrian, he is a foreign element in this book, so sure, it's OK for him to speak German.
Conny, tho? WTF? He is French. We know he speaks French even if it's written in English, cause - obvious reasons. So why does he keep switching from his (English) French and to (French) French within one paragraph? Oh, I know why - to annoy the crap out of us :(
I made it to 60% (barely) and it was either me or the book. Guess who had to go.
Originally I gave this book 1.75 stars. Let me correct that. Book, you're demoted. 1 star. I was bored to tears by the pity fest and the long lists of who did what and where and only sometimes how they felt while doing it.
PS
A warning: brush up on your French and German before you read this book.
I dislike the use of foreign languages without translation immensely, no matter if I know the language or not. It's disruptive and annoying. Worse, if the author gets the foreign language wrong.
But I get it, Johann is Austrian, he is a foreign element in this book, so sure, it's OK for him to speak German.
Conny, tho? WTF? He is French. We know he speaks French even if it's written in English, cause - obvious reasons. So why does he keep switching from his (English) French and to (French) French within one paragraph? Oh, I know why - to annoy the crap out of us :(
August 1, 2016
Steampunk is usually a mixed bag for me. In this case, it was a total win.
The world-building was excellent. Set in an alternate universe where Napoleon wasn't defeated at Waterloo and most of early 20th century Europe is ruled by the French, 'Clockwork Heart' follows a tinker and a broken soldier. I could very clearly imagine turn-of-the-century Europe, with the addition of clockwork technology. I especially liked the inclusion of airships, as I've always been a bit fascinated with these precursors to modern air travel.
The author also does a good job of portraying a contradictory European society. This AU Europe is largely conservative with strict social classes, but with liberal urban pockets where cocaine-laced absinthe and wild sex parties are common. Add in the secondary characters, namely the pirate crew, and I was hooked.
The romance between Johann and Conny builds slowly. They're attracted to each other almost immediately, but they don't dive under the sheets for quite a while. Instead, they get to know each other and become friends while navigating a language barrier. The slower pace made the relationship realistic, and all the more sweeter.
It's no secret that Heidi Cullinan is a master at writing kink. Conny gets off on humiliation and exhibitionism, and a bit of partner-sharing. On the other hand, Johann hasn't had any experience with sex, and finds Conny's kinky side exciting but a bit daunting. He especially finds it difficult to share his lover and indulge his exhibitionist kink.
The sex in this book develops parallel to the romance. The two MCs get kinkier as they fall in love, which made it that much more hot. The author brings a lot of fun to the table. There's dirty talk, humiliation, threesomes, and even some double penetration. Although I've got a hunch that this is only the tip of the kinky iceberg with these two.
The action revolves around political intrigue and the on-going war. The sense if danger is non-stop, and kept me reading to see what would happen next. At times I did feel that the action was overwhelming the romance, but in the end there was a good balance.
'Clockwork Heart' was a great start to this new series. If you're looking for a MM steampunk read with a sweet romance, kinky sex, and an entertaining action plot, look no further!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
The world-building was excellent. Set in an alternate universe where Napoleon wasn't defeated at Waterloo and most of early 20th century Europe is ruled by the French, 'Clockwork Heart' follows a tinker and a broken soldier. I could very clearly imagine turn-of-the-century Europe, with the addition of clockwork technology. I especially liked the inclusion of airships, as I've always been a bit fascinated with these precursors to modern air travel.
The author also does a good job of portraying a contradictory European society. This AU Europe is largely conservative with strict social classes, but with liberal urban pockets where cocaine-laced absinthe and wild sex parties are common. Add in the secondary characters, namely the pirate crew, and I was hooked.
The romance between Johann and Conny builds slowly. They're attracted to each other almost immediately, but they don't dive under the sheets for quite a while. Instead, they get to know each other and become friends while navigating a language barrier. The slower pace made the relationship realistic, and all the more sweeter.
It's no secret that Heidi Cullinan is a master at writing kink. Conny gets off on humiliation and exhibitionism, and a bit of partner-sharing. On the other hand, Johann hasn't had any experience with sex, and finds Conny's kinky side exciting but a bit daunting. He especially finds it difficult to share his lover and indulge his exhibitionist kink.
The sex in this book develops parallel to the romance. The two MCs get kinkier as they fall in love, which made it that much more hot. The author brings a lot of fun to the table. There's dirty talk, humiliation, threesomes, and even some double penetration. Although I've got a hunch that this is only the tip of the kinky iceberg with these two.
The action revolves around political intrigue and the on-going war. The sense if danger is non-stop, and kept me reading to see what would happen next. At times I did feel that the action was overwhelming the romance, but in the end there was a good balance.
'Clockwork Heart' was a great start to this new series. If you're looking for a MM steampunk read with a sweet romance, kinky sex, and an entertaining action plot, look no further!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
January 21, 2016
Ms. Cullinan and I have an interesting relationship. I'm not a die-hard fan. It's rather hit or miss. Her writing is always smooth, and I never find fault with the style. I always enjoy it, in fact. This story was no exception.
Her two books that I really liked: and , the latter being downright brilliant! But, other than those, I find I can't side with the masses when they rant over her stories. I DNF'd many years ago, and people still talk about that book like it's m/m gold.
The blurb in this one intrigued me so much though. (Read it because it does an amazing job of summarizing the plot, and I'm not going to rehash). I'm not a fan of steampunk, but I am a fan of something different and refreshing, as long as you give me romance and a HEA. After some particularly enticing reviews, I decided to jump in, especially being accompanied with a BR with Ele.
What worked:
Cullinan builds this alt historical world in 1910 Europe. France is a powerful ruler. Cornelius's dad is very Hitler-esque and wants to take over all of Europe under one rule (His). Conny is a tinker-surgeon, and comes across a pile of Austrian soldier bodies one night, one of which isn't quite dead. Johann, still breathing, is taken back to Conny's place of work and operated on. Conny gives him new limbs and other body parts made from clockwork. And the only-one-in-the-world-shouldn't-give-it-to-him-but-he'll-die-otherwise-clockwork-heart.
Cullinan writes this setting amazingly well. Everything is told from alternating POVs. The secondary characters are well-developed. It's so smart and well-executed. Even shy and fumbling Johann, once healed, is endearing and precious. And so yummy and virginy at eighteen years old!
Which brings me to what didn't work:
1910 France/Austria are not so liberal that same-sex partnering is allowed freely. It is something that Connie and Johann know they have to hide unless they are among "family." And so it stands to reason that virginal, eighteen year old Johann is still wrapping his brain around liking dick and being able to be free about that fact among their small group of friends. But see, Conny, he's pretty kinky. Downright kinky. WAAAAY kinky. He likes to be used and treated like property. "I'll be your dog." I'm only scratching the tip of the Conny iceberg here, but think Special Delivery here (I DNF'd it, but I think it's close based on the reviews I've read).
This particular kind of kink doesn't really work for me, personally. No judgment to those who partake at all, but it's just not what I want to read in my romance. However, when executed well, it can really enhance my reading experience. It wasn't done well here. It took me out of the moments. I didn't feel the connection between Johann and Conny. I thought the kink was introduced WAY too soon. Johann wasn't ready. He seemed uncomfortable and only participating to appease Conny. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, I was told through thoughts and dialogue of their connection and feelings, but never once FELT it for myself.
A lot of the story revolved around the political unrest, which kind of got boring for me after a while. So I'll rest on 3 stars. It was engaging and smart. I bow down to the world-building. But this one fell flat with execution of the romance. I never felt the romance. And I don't think I'll continue with the series, although I'm happy to guess who the next MCs will be.
To see the BR thread with Ele, click here, but be warned, spoilers!
__________________________________
~BR with my girl Ele. Background vocals from Dani cuz this one may be out of our comfort zone. Here we go!~
Her two books that I really liked: and , the latter being downright brilliant! But, other than those, I find I can't side with the masses when they rant over her stories. I DNF'd many years ago, and people still talk about that book like it's m/m gold.
The blurb in this one intrigued me so much though. (Read it because it does an amazing job of summarizing the plot, and I'm not going to rehash). I'm not a fan of steampunk, but I am a fan of something different and refreshing, as long as you give me romance and a HEA. After some particularly enticing reviews, I decided to jump in, especially being accompanied with a BR with Ele.
What worked:
Cullinan builds this alt historical world in 1910 Europe. France is a powerful ruler. Cornelius's dad is very Hitler-esque and wants to take over all of Europe under one rule (His). Conny is a tinker-surgeon, and comes across a pile of Austrian soldier bodies one night, one of which isn't quite dead. Johann, still breathing, is taken back to Conny's place of work and operated on. Conny gives him new limbs and other body parts made from clockwork. And the only-one-in-the-world-shouldn't-give-it-to-him-but-he'll-die-otherwise-clockwork-heart.
Cullinan writes this setting amazingly well. Everything is told from alternating POVs. The secondary characters are well-developed. It's so smart and well-executed. Even shy and fumbling Johann, once healed, is endearing and precious. And so yummy and virginy at eighteen years old!
Which brings me to what didn't work:
1910 France/Austria are not so liberal that same-sex partnering is allowed freely. It is something that Connie and Johann know they have to hide unless they are among "family." And so it stands to reason that virginal, eighteen year old Johann is still wrapping his brain around liking dick and being able to be free about that fact among their small group of friends. But see, Conny, he's pretty kinky. Downright kinky. WAAAAY kinky. He likes to be used and treated like property. "I'll be your dog." I'm only scratching the tip of the Conny iceberg here, but think Special Delivery here (I DNF'd it, but I think it's close based on the reviews I've read).
This particular kind of kink doesn't really work for me, personally. No judgment to those who partake at all, but it's just not what I want to read in my romance. However, when executed well, it can really enhance my reading experience. It wasn't done well here. It took me out of the moments. I didn't feel the connection between Johann and Conny. I thought the kink was introduced WAY too soon. Johann wasn't ready. He seemed uncomfortable and only participating to appease Conny. And, MOST IMPORTANTLY, I was told through thoughts and dialogue of their connection and feelings, but never once FELT it for myself.
A lot of the story revolved around the political unrest, which kind of got boring for me after a while. So I'll rest on 3 stars. It was engaging and smart. I bow down to the world-building. But this one fell flat with execution of the romance. I never felt the romance. And I don't think I'll continue with the series, although I'm happy to guess who the next MCs will be.
To see the BR thread with Ele, click here, but be warned, spoilers!
__________________________________
~BR with my girl Ele. Background vocals from Dani cuz this one may be out of our comfort zone. Here we go!~
May 16, 2016
I don't pick steampunk up that often, but there’s definitely something about an alternative history style universe that draws me in. Whether it's an arcane, metaphysical twist—a la Jordan Hawk and K.J. Charles—or a fantasy/Sci-Fi historical universe primarily powered by clockwork mechanics and steam, it does tend to tickle my fancy.
What I love about AU tales, is however intense the central romance gets, the storytelling surrounding and supporting is just as strong and equally compelling. Chock full of action, adventure, intrigue, excitement and interestingly plotted world building; the whole shebang grabs you in…and with it's rollicking good storyline, motley crew of extremely delightful air pirates, quirky side characters, double agents and nefarious baddies; Clockwork Heart meets all the above criteria and then some!
I adored Cornelius and Johann as a couple. Their poignant 'introduction' at the very start of the book was so bittersweet I felt an emotional connection to them, and the promise of what was to come, straight away. Totally gripped from the moment apprentice tinker-surgeon Cornelius 'Conny' Stevens found Johann Burgers dying and broken among a pile of slaughtered Austrian soldiers, I knew I was going to love this book.
The bastard son of an ambitious, power hungry French General and a young Austrian soldier with a surprising past of his own, they're complete opposites in so many ways. Adversaries in a pointless war and so different in their personal lives they shouldn't work, yet they compliment each other beautifully. Johann's solid, quietly centered but slightly naive character a perfect foil for openly gay Conny's flamboyant, at times slutty, but always sweet natured persona. Cornelius� hatred of his fathers involvement spurring him on to save Johann; never imagining he'd begin to feel so attached to the man he’s reanimated with clockwork limbs and a heart that runs on cogs and wheels. Feelings his unexpected patient finds himself reciprocating.
Both captivating in different ways, watching them first grow closer and then fall in love, all while trying to stop Conny's despotic father getting his hands on the revolutionary clockwork heart (now hiding in Johann's chest) was sheer bliss.
Then when sex does enter the equation, Heidi hits the story with a sizzling dose of trademark Cullinan kink, giving the 'steam' in steampunk a whole new meaning. These two are so hot together they could definitely boil water!...
For rest of review follow Sinfully Link->
What I love about AU tales, is however intense the central romance gets, the storytelling surrounding and supporting is just as strong and equally compelling. Chock full of action, adventure, intrigue, excitement and interestingly plotted world building; the whole shebang grabs you in…and with it's rollicking good storyline, motley crew of extremely delightful air pirates, quirky side characters, double agents and nefarious baddies; Clockwork Heart meets all the above criteria and then some!
I adored Cornelius and Johann as a couple. Their poignant 'introduction' at the very start of the book was so bittersweet I felt an emotional connection to them, and the promise of what was to come, straight away. Totally gripped from the moment apprentice tinker-surgeon Cornelius 'Conny' Stevens found Johann Burgers dying and broken among a pile of slaughtered Austrian soldiers, I knew I was going to love this book.
The bastard son of an ambitious, power hungry French General and a young Austrian soldier with a surprising past of his own, they're complete opposites in so many ways. Adversaries in a pointless war and so different in their personal lives they shouldn't work, yet they compliment each other beautifully. Johann's solid, quietly centered but slightly naive character a perfect foil for openly gay Conny's flamboyant, at times slutty, but always sweet natured persona. Cornelius� hatred of his fathers involvement spurring him on to save Johann; never imagining he'd begin to feel so attached to the man he’s reanimated with clockwork limbs and a heart that runs on cogs and wheels. Feelings his unexpected patient finds himself reciprocating.
Both captivating in different ways, watching them first grow closer and then fall in love, all while trying to stop Conny's despotic father getting his hands on the revolutionary clockwork heart (now hiding in Johann's chest) was sheer bliss.
Then when sex does enter the equation, Heidi hits the story with a sizzling dose of trademark Cullinan kink, giving the 'steam' in steampunk a whole new meaning. These two are so hot together they could definitely boil water!...
For rest of review follow Sinfully Link->
September 21, 2024
For someone who mainly is into contemporary romance these days, this really was a nostalgic trip back to my reading past who ate up anything paranormal, supernatural, or fantastical. Richly detailed with an interesting historical backdrop, I truly enjoyed many things about this book.
I don't proclaim to be an expert in steampunk but the characteristics are fascinating. It doesn't hurt that both Cornelius and Johann were very likable. Cornelius is a genius tinker and he's just tapping into his talent. He abhors the war his father oversees for France, and he can't resist the pitiful call for help as he rescues an almost dead enemy soldier. Johann has been through hell and back in his short life, and though he can't quite grasp the surrealness of his new body, he knows for sure that he only wants to be with his savior, despite never knowing he had an interest in men before.
That set up right there should have clinched the deal. These two embark on a sweet, hot, and tender journey, where they should naturally hate each other because of birth and circumstance but instead, actually bond over an unexplainable connection...
Unfortunately there's a wrench. Now for many this would be no complaint, and it's my own fault for not fully reading the tags. I've come to learn that Cullinan is of two mindsets when it comes to love and smex and this one is just not for me. So my staid self balked, and my liking for this decreased. Regardless, this still had great storytelling and the lovey, dovey parts present, I enjoyed immensely. So if you're a fan of Cullinan's in every which way, shape, and form, then this is a no brainer.
I don't proclaim to be an expert in steampunk but the characteristics are fascinating. It doesn't hurt that both Cornelius and Johann were very likable. Cornelius is a genius tinker and he's just tapping into his talent. He abhors the war his father oversees for France, and he can't resist the pitiful call for help as he rescues an almost dead enemy soldier. Johann has been through hell and back in his short life, and though he can't quite grasp the surrealness of his new body, he knows for sure that he only wants to be with his savior, despite never knowing he had an interest in men before.
That set up right there should have clinched the deal. These two embark on a sweet, hot, and tender journey, where they should naturally hate each other because of birth and circumstance but instead, actually bond over an unexplainable connection...
Unfortunately there's a wrench. Now for many this would be no complaint, and it's my own fault for not fully reading the tags. I've come to learn that Cullinan is of two mindsets when it comes to love and smex and this one is just not for me. So my staid self balked, and my liking for this decreased. Regardless, this still had great storytelling and the lovey, dovey parts present, I enjoyed immensely. So if you're a fan of Cullinan's in every which way, shape, and form, then this is a no brainer.
January 26, 2016
I am writing this review while glancing over my shoulder every other minute (lol) so this will be fast. (maybe)
First, let me tell you what I told myself immediately after finishing this book � “I need to reread the whole thing right away and enjoy it all over again!”lol. I just loved it! I feel that no matter how good the previous books of the author are (e.g., Nowhere Ranch, Dance With Me, Love Lessons etc�), this book just totally surpassed them all or maybe I’m still on that after-reading-an-awesome-book glow but seriously man, this is now my favorite book from Heidi Cullinan.
The book is a steampunk novel set in an alternate historical universe involving a beautiful, kinky tinker named Cornelius Stevens who saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts. The soldier is Johann Berger, who woke up half-human half clockwork and who eventually learned that he’s got the clockwork heart as well � a weapon that their warring countries would kill to get their hands into. Chaos ensues as the enemy hunt Conny, Johann and their pirate crew to obtain the clockwork heart. With their hearts and lives on the line � they both knew that it’s going to be all or nothing for them.
Je te veux dans la bouche. Prends-moi par derrierre, la sur la table, et fais-moi hurler de plaisir. Tu veux bien faire cela pour moi, mon doux Johann?
Sex and (almost) magic. Truth. It’s deliciously magical with the steamy sex between Cornelius and Johann and some random� � � � yep, you get the point. The setting was truly fascinating to read I feel like being transported along with the characters. Yes! The old Europe! I can smell the air of Calais, I could see the Austrian Mountains, the Alps etc�
The side characters are awesome! At first, I didn’t like Valentin (Conny’s BFF) but he eventually mellowed and I feel like his story needs to be told asap as well. I think I would be seeing his book in the future (with Captain Crawley, hopefully). Oh, and the pirates! Whoop! What a kick-ass crew! They should put a “Love Wins� tagline in their airship to be honest because they’re just so freaking awesome!
I couldn’t stress enough the super-awesomeness of this book! It’s just too lovely! I simply cannot wait what’s next for the series! What an epic start of a series! Heidi, you missy are way too fab! Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
MORE BOOK REVIEWS at
First, let me tell you what I told myself immediately after finishing this book � “I need to reread the whole thing right away and enjoy it all over again!”lol. I just loved it! I feel that no matter how good the previous books of the author are (e.g., Nowhere Ranch, Dance With Me, Love Lessons etc�), this book just totally surpassed them all or maybe I’m still on that after-reading-an-awesome-book glow but seriously man, this is now my favorite book from Heidi Cullinan.
The book is a steampunk novel set in an alternate historical universe involving a beautiful, kinky tinker named Cornelius Stevens who saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts. The soldier is Johann Berger, who woke up half-human half clockwork and who eventually learned that he’s got the clockwork heart as well � a weapon that their warring countries would kill to get their hands into. Chaos ensues as the enemy hunt Conny, Johann and their pirate crew to obtain the clockwork heart. With their hearts and lives on the line � they both knew that it’s going to be all or nothing for them.
Je te veux dans la bouche. Prends-moi par derrierre, la sur la table, et fais-moi hurler de plaisir. Tu veux bien faire cela pour moi, mon doux Johann?
Sex and (almost) magic. Truth. It’s deliciously magical with the steamy sex between Cornelius and Johann and some random� � � � yep, you get the point. The setting was truly fascinating to read I feel like being transported along with the characters. Yes! The old Europe! I can smell the air of Calais, I could see the Austrian Mountains, the Alps etc�
The side characters are awesome! At first, I didn’t like Valentin (Conny’s BFF) but he eventually mellowed and I feel like his story needs to be told asap as well. I think I would be seeing his book in the future (with Captain Crawley, hopefully). Oh, and the pirates! Whoop! What a kick-ass crew! They should put a “Love Wins� tagline in their airship to be honest because they’re just so freaking awesome!
I couldn’t stress enough the super-awesomeness of this book! It’s just too lovely! I simply cannot wait what’s next for the series! What an epic start of a series! Heidi, you missy are way too fab! Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
MORE BOOK REVIEWS at
March 1, 2016
2.75 stars. Maybe. Probably.
This didn't go as well as I had hoped. Since I have enjoyed Heidi Cullinan's books so far, and this was my first full-length steampunk novel, I'm inclined to think the reason I didn't enjoy reading Clockwork Heart as much as I had expected is because it was steampunk. I guess I should just accept it's not a genre for me, and move on. Unfortunately.
Ignoring the fact how much this alternate history where Europe was a war zone depressed me, I could say the beginning of the book was to my liking. Getting to know the main characters Conny and Johann, and reading about them getting to know each other after Conny saved Johann's life was interesting, cute even, given the language barrier. I would've been quite happy if they had spent more time alone in that room, learning about each other, especially after they'd realized they had a language in common, but it was not to be...
In order to save Johann's life, Conny had put a clockwork heart in him, a device everyone was after, as it turned out, therefore Johann had to escape, and Conny with him, plus Conny's best friend wouldn't let him go alone, so he joined them. They all joined the interesting crew of a pirate airship, and set off on their journey to here, there, everywhere. This was the part where my interest in the story started to dwindle. They traveled a lot, met a lot of people, there was always something happening concerning the clockwork technology, they found themselves in quite a few dangerous situations as they were being hunted by Conny's father determined to get his hands on the clockwork heart and use it to become a ruler of Europe. And yet, even with all that going on, I simply couldn't bring myself to care. After a while, even the word clockwork started to get on my nerves, so clearly steampunk isn't my thing.
The main reason as to why I preferred the first part of the book over the rest was because at the beginning it was just Conny and Johann and the start of their romance, but later on, with everything going on, they didn't have that much page time together. The romance that was my main reason for reading this book took the back seat. Then, when I got my wish to read about them together, it was in a very, very kinky setting, and they were not alone. Sadly, this kinky-books fan has to admit she did not enjoy reading these scenes. Conny was the main kinky character here, and exhibitionism and sharing partners is what he was into. Not my favorite, either of those, but the main reason this aspect of their relationship didn't work for me was because I wasn't under the impression Johann, who unlike Conny had no experience whatsoever, was fully okay with it. Of course, I could be wrong on this; it's just how I saw it.
After everything I've said, it would be logical I'd conclude this wasn't a series for me, and to call it quits. However, Val, Conny's best friend, who at the beginning was a character who went on my nerves, and whom I wanted to kick out of the book, over time became one I would like to read more about. So, if the day comes when Val gets his own Clockwork Love story, I'd be happy to read it.
Overall, though there were enjoyable parts, I'd say this book was a poor choice for me. If you are a fan of steampunk, very kinky protagonists, and Heidi Cullinan (in that order), then Clockwork Heart could very well be the right choice for you.
***ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Want to read
February 9, 2016When Dani puts a book on her "best-mm-romance-2016" shelf just nine days into the new year, you know it's gotta be fantastic. I'm seriously looking forward to this one.
February 1, 2016
Review @
Wow. I feel so star struck right now. Like starry eyed and happy. This book is awesome. I would have never picked up a steampunk book. Or I think steampunk is for me if this is what I'm going to get. Heidi Cullinan you rock. I don't even have all the words to get out how much I really enjoyed it. This is such a great cast of characters. I loved the concept from beginning to end, and it really is well written. Immediately after finishing my first thoughts were for me to re-read it again and Valentin & Crawley better be book two. Ugh you can feel all the UST from them.
Cornelius and Johan two guys who make love look almost easy . Their coming together wasn't easy, but it doesn't matter because we see the love between the two. Johan seems so much older than he is, he embraced this gift that Conny gave him and was fantastic. I like the way the story molded together. I also really enjoyed that I wasn't able to figure anything out. I read it in one sitting, it's hard to step away from it. I can't even explain in words how Conny & Johan were. Just read the book people. Their personalities definitely matched each other.
I can't really say anything without spoiling it, but the way these two came together is still so beautiful. I felt like I was watching an action movie. That is how good it is, every little sequence kept me on the edge of my seat. We had the espionage, historical facts, love, the steamy sex scenes, the laughter, and the villains. The villains were perfect, as well as all of the females in the story. Every one of these ladies were such bad ass women.
**Special Thanks to Netgalley for giving me this in exchange for an honest review**
Wow. I feel so star struck right now. Like starry eyed and happy. This book is awesome. I would have never picked up a steampunk book. Or I think steampunk is for me if this is what I'm going to get. Heidi Cullinan you rock. I don't even have all the words to get out how much I really enjoyed it. This is such a great cast of characters. I loved the concept from beginning to end, and it really is well written. Immediately after finishing my first thoughts were for me to re-read it again and Valentin & Crawley better be book two. Ugh you can feel all the UST from them.
Cornelius and Johan two guys who make love look almost easy . Their coming together wasn't easy, but it doesn't matter because we see the love between the two. Johan seems so much older than he is, he embraced this gift that Conny gave him and was fantastic. I like the way the story molded together. I also really enjoyed that I wasn't able to figure anything out. I read it in one sitting, it's hard to step away from it. I can't even explain in words how Conny & Johan were. Just read the book people. Their personalities definitely matched each other.
I can't really say anything without spoiling it, but the way these two came together is still so beautiful. I felt like I was watching an action movie. That is how good it is, every little sequence kept me on the edge of my seat. We had the espionage, historical facts, love, the steamy sex scenes, the laughter, and the villains. The villains were perfect, as well as all of the females in the story. Every one of these ladies were such bad ass women.
**Special Thanks to Netgalley for giving me this in exchange for an honest review**
March 3, 2016
Love, Love, LOVED it!! A shower of golden stars from me...and it's a series, yay!!
Read Dani's great review for the full blurb, but I fell in love with Conny and Johann. We have orgies, absinthe and coke parties (they certainly knew how to live in those days, hehe), wonderful flying ships, traitorous Arch Dukes....ooh, everything and more in this story.
The Brass Farthing....
Johann's Clockwork Heart.....and arm....
Princess Giza....read the story, you'll discover who she is....
Don't miss out on this story if you like Steampunk, it's brilliant!! Thanks Heidi, you're a star!!
February 14, 2024
As the French army leader’s bastard son, Cornelius Stevens enjoys a great deal of latitude. But when he saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts, he’s well aware he risks hanging for treason. That doesn’t worry him half as much, however, as the realization he’s falling for his patient. Johann Berger never expected to survive his regiment’s suicide attack on Calais, much less wake up with mechanical parts. To avoid discovery, he’s forced to hide in plain sight as Cornelius’s lover—a role Johann finds himself taking to surprisingly well.
The words above, from the book, explains the story so much better than I felt that I could. The story has intrigue, espionage, pirates, revolutionaries, and steampunk style, romance. The setting is early twentieth century Europe, France and Austria are at war, and at the center of it all, are our exhibitionist "tinker"-surgeon and his rescued soldier. I really don't care much for steampunk in any genera but have always liked Heidi Cullinan so when I learned that this was her first steampunk novel, I thought that I would try it and see if I liked the genera more when it was done by a favorite author. I can't say that I did but this story did have some very interesting parts and being familiar with her work, I had no doubt that I would probably find something I would like about it. The characters are likeable, and the story was definitely a lot of fun. The entire plot revolved around a surgeon's spur-of-the-moment decision to give "his" soldier, Johann, the clockwork heart. The idea of the heart itself came about during a discussion over Johann’s worry over what having the heart meant, Cornelius, the surgeon, says this to him, “�I know everyone fancies the heart as the seat of the soul, but it truly isn’t. It’s nothing more than an organ, frail and mortal. I can’t control you with it. No one can.� The reader can understand the whole philosophy behind it. We talk of “heartache� and “broken hearts,� but does it really mean anything? Are our hearts simply a vessel for pumping blood? Things that make you think about all the things we humans attribute to our hearts. Did having the clockwork heart change Johann from who he always was...make him any less Johann? In spite of this not being my favorite M/M romance genera, Heidi managed to tell a sweet, compelling story, but I believe she has only begun to explore this world and the things she can do with it and these characters. Would I read another like this? I'm not sure... but fans of steampunk will more than likely find it something that captures and holds their interest,
The words above, from the book, explains the story so much better than I felt that I could. The story has intrigue, espionage, pirates, revolutionaries, and steampunk style, romance. The setting is early twentieth century Europe, France and Austria are at war, and at the center of it all, are our exhibitionist "tinker"-surgeon and his rescued soldier. I really don't care much for steampunk in any genera but have always liked Heidi Cullinan so when I learned that this was her first steampunk novel, I thought that I would try it and see if I liked the genera more when it was done by a favorite author. I can't say that I did but this story did have some very interesting parts and being familiar with her work, I had no doubt that I would probably find something I would like about it. The characters are likeable, and the story was definitely a lot of fun. The entire plot revolved around a surgeon's spur-of-the-moment decision to give "his" soldier, Johann, the clockwork heart. The idea of the heart itself came about during a discussion over Johann’s worry over what having the heart meant, Cornelius, the surgeon, says this to him, “�I know everyone fancies the heart as the seat of the soul, but it truly isn’t. It’s nothing more than an organ, frail and mortal. I can’t control you with it. No one can.� The reader can understand the whole philosophy behind it. We talk of “heartache� and “broken hearts,� but does it really mean anything? Are our hearts simply a vessel for pumping blood? Things that make you think about all the things we humans attribute to our hearts. Did having the clockwork heart change Johann from who he always was...make him any less Johann? In spite of this not being my favorite M/M romance genera, Heidi managed to tell a sweet, compelling story, but I believe she has only begun to explore this world and the things she can do with it and these characters. Would I read another like this? I'm not sure... but fans of steampunk will more than likely find it something that captures and holds their interest,
February 8, 2016
Holy steaming smokes, folks!
Delirious with stars for this fast-paced, espionage-packed, odd-couple, steampunk, alt-history, scorching hot, M/M romance.
I do love me some steampunk, and this book brings alt-historical steampunk on strong--along with the romance, the yearning, the lovin' and the sexin', too. The world is a glorious alt-historical 1910's era Europe with France having conquered vast swatches of the continent, and in continual battle with Austria. The main fuel source is aether, a gaseous mix that's mined in Austria and coveted by the French. It powers mighty dirigibles that are used to make war and trade.
Cornelius is the notorious gay exhibitionist bastard son of the Archduke of France. Conny's father who aims to "unite" all of Europe by force. Peace through subjugation, it seems. As a master tinker's apprentice, Cornelius is well versed in designing and implanting clockwork parts into people. He happens upon a barge stack high with dead Austrian soldiers, he's overcome with grief over his father's eternal war and the huge loss of life that is its toll. Then one of the men moves, and Cornelius' soft heart compels him to rescue this man, even though he is an enemy. Any that he can save is a knock against his father, to Conny.
His Austrian soldier is a big man with many, many terrible injuries. He requires an entire leg graft, a partial leg graft, a new arm and all of this is not a trouble to Cornelius. What is, however, a problem is the shrapnel in the man's chest. The only way to fix this stranger is to give him a clockwork heart. And, Conny's tinker-master, Felix, had created just this fearsome thing many years before. It is both priceless and dangerous, and Conny steals it to heal his soldier.
As Johann heals, he finds himself a monster--what he had feared becoming if he fell into French hands. Initially, all the clockworks freak him out, and he's sure that he's now one of the automaton soldiers the French are rumored to be building. Despite the language barrier, Conny is able to convince Johann of his kind intentions. Conny's flamboyant friends, notably Valentin, are not happy that Conny is not out socializing in their local bawdy cafe, and this brings Conny to disguise Johann as an air pirate, and masquerade him as his lover. Johann has no experience in loving...anyone. He's just 18, a soldier since a young age, and a deserter, truth be told. Conny has no idea how prescient his "pirate" disguise was.
This is a rather tense adventure with several escapes, lots of daring rescues, and a whole lot of falling in love. Conny and Johann strike up a tentative, tender romance, and the sexytimes could melt a glacier. I will confess that their bond involves role play, clockwork "toys," fantasy, and even a bit of menage. These are very different, very liberal times, with the use of cocaine-laced absinthe to spark a whole lot of amorous exchanges. Expect orgy scenes--which was fine by me.
I was captivated by the lush descriptions and deep plotline. I never felt the plot bog, not once, and could not stop turning the pages. The book is the first in a series, and I expect the next Clockwork Love book will center on a different lovestory, though I'm anxious to have more of Johann and Conny. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Delirious with stars for this fast-paced, espionage-packed, odd-couple, steampunk, alt-history, scorching hot, M/M romance.
I do love me some steampunk, and this book brings alt-historical steampunk on strong--along with the romance, the yearning, the lovin' and the sexin', too. The world is a glorious alt-historical 1910's era Europe with France having conquered vast swatches of the continent, and in continual battle with Austria. The main fuel source is aether, a gaseous mix that's mined in Austria and coveted by the French. It powers mighty dirigibles that are used to make war and trade.
Cornelius is the notorious gay exhibitionist bastard son of the Archduke of France. Conny's father who aims to "unite" all of Europe by force. Peace through subjugation, it seems. As a master tinker's apprentice, Cornelius is well versed in designing and implanting clockwork parts into people. He happens upon a barge stack high with dead Austrian soldiers, he's overcome with grief over his father's eternal war and the huge loss of life that is its toll. Then one of the men moves, and Cornelius' soft heart compels him to rescue this man, even though he is an enemy. Any that he can save is a knock against his father, to Conny.
His Austrian soldier is a big man with many, many terrible injuries. He requires an entire leg graft, a partial leg graft, a new arm and all of this is not a trouble to Cornelius. What is, however, a problem is the shrapnel in the man's chest. The only way to fix this stranger is to give him a clockwork heart. And, Conny's tinker-master, Felix, had created just this fearsome thing many years before. It is both priceless and dangerous, and Conny steals it to heal his soldier.
As Johann heals, he finds himself a monster--what he had feared becoming if he fell into French hands. Initially, all the clockworks freak him out, and he's sure that he's now one of the automaton soldiers the French are rumored to be building. Despite the language barrier, Conny is able to convince Johann of his kind intentions. Conny's flamboyant friends, notably Valentin, are not happy that Conny is not out socializing in their local bawdy cafe, and this brings Conny to disguise Johann as an air pirate, and masquerade him as his lover. Johann has no experience in loving...anyone. He's just 18, a soldier since a young age, and a deserter, truth be told. Conny has no idea how prescient his "pirate" disguise was.
This is a rather tense adventure with several escapes, lots of daring rescues, and a whole lot of falling in love. Conny and Johann strike up a tentative, tender romance, and the sexytimes could melt a glacier. I will confess that their bond involves role play, clockwork "toys," fantasy, and even a bit of menage. These are very different, very liberal times, with the use of cocaine-laced absinthe to spark a whole lot of amorous exchanges. Expect orgy scenes--which was fine by me.
I was captivated by the lush descriptions and deep plotline. I never felt the plot bog, not once, and could not stop turning the pages. The book is the first in a series, and I expect the next Clockwork Love book will center on a different lovestory, though I'm anxious to have more of Johann and Conny. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 19, 2016
I am not much of a fan of steampunk in general but since Heidi Cullinan wrote it I figured I'd check it out. Fun book with some nice steamy bits thrown in to keep things interesting.
March 3, 2017
3 Stars
I’ve never really read a book within the steampunk genre before (unless Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy counts?), but I was ready and willing and raring to go because of two words: Heidi Cullinan.
I was hard-core into this story when it started. I loved the alternate history and the immediate and impressive world-building, which wasn’t at all confusing to understand (major points for that!). I was instantly engrossed with the story and the characters, Cornelius Stevens and Johann Berger � two young men who feel an immediate pull towards one another, who are from vastly different backgrounds, born to countries at war. Their story had a Romeo and Juliet type vibe going for it, what with the forbidden feelings and eventual romantic affair that transpired between the two. Needless to say, I was enjoying myself immensely�. until the point where Conny’s sexual predilections came into play.
Regardless of this couples sexual exploits within this story, I really liked the overall plot, the high stakes adventure of it all, and I even found a lot of joy in the secondary characters � particularly the lewd yet loyal pirate crew. As always, the writing quality was stellar, to say the least, and I look forward to where this series will take all of these characters in the future.
I’ve never really read a book within the steampunk genre before (unless Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy counts?), but I was ready and willing and raring to go because of two words: Heidi Cullinan.
I was hard-core into this story when it started. I loved the alternate history and the immediate and impressive world-building, which wasn’t at all confusing to understand (major points for that!). I was instantly engrossed with the story and the characters, Cornelius Stevens and Johann Berger � two young men who feel an immediate pull towards one another, who are from vastly different backgrounds, born to countries at war. Their story had a Romeo and Juliet type vibe going for it, what with the forbidden feelings and eventual romantic affair that transpired between the two. Needless to say, I was enjoying myself immensely�. until the point where Conny’s sexual predilections came into play.
Regardless of this couples sexual exploits within this story, I really liked the overall plot, the high stakes adventure of it all, and I even found a lot of joy in the secondary characters � particularly the lewd yet loyal pirate crew. As always, the writing quality was stellar, to say the least, and I look forward to where this series will take all of these characters in the future.
February 1, 2016
Steampunk isn’t usually my thing –the few times I’ve tried reading it, it hasn’t held my interest. But this book made me seriously reconsider. Heidi Cullinan has created an amazing alternate world, where tinker surgeons are the epitome of masterful engineering. They can create anything, not only prosthetic limbs, but vital organs, including a top secret heart that could wreak havoc in the wrong hands.
Conny is an apprentice tinker surgeon, but we soon find out that he is beyond a mere assistant. He finds a mortally wounded German soldier and saves him by giving him artificial limbs and a heart. I have to say bravo to the author here. The level of detail that goes into the tinkering and the technology involved is astounding. I was actually fascinated by reading about every little part of the process Cornelius followed to repair the broken soldier. Said soldier wakes up and things become even more interesting.
Johann is initially terrified of his clockwork and resents Cornelius for giving it to him. The language barrier was handled really well with Conny trying to mime what exactly he had to do to save Johann and what they needed to keep him a secret. Of course there are developing feelings but this is a proper slow burn. After all, they have other things to worry about.
There is so much adventure in this story: soldiers searching for them spies everywhere, a pirate ship that takes them on, an decadent pleasures in Italy. Be warned: as sensual and intimate the sex scenes between Conny and Johann initially might be, the kink that follows is classic Cullinan. If you’ve read any of her older BDSM novels, you get the idea. No actual BDSM here, but there are orgy parties, serious dirty talk, and a ménage scene. Clockwork fetish, anyone? If monogamy is where you draw the line, you might be put off, but the emotional aspect was put in the forefront for the whole scene, so I personally felt okay with it. Johann doesn’t initially want Conny to be with another man but when he gets that Conny’s need it to be dominated, given away, all under the control of Johann, they quickly work it out and the results are scorching hot! It’s on the extreme side, but it’s only one scene.
There are plot twists, heart-ache, and very anxiety provoking situations toward the end of the book. But of course, the baddies lose and all is restored. Johann and Conny make for an amazing couple and I am hoping Val’s book is next!
Highly recommend!
ARC of Clockwork Heart was provided by in exchange for an honest review. See this review at
Conny is an apprentice tinker surgeon, but we soon find out that he is beyond a mere assistant. He finds a mortally wounded German soldier and saves him by giving him artificial limbs and a heart. I have to say bravo to the author here. The level of detail that goes into the tinkering and the technology involved is astounding. I was actually fascinated by reading about every little part of the process Cornelius followed to repair the broken soldier. Said soldier wakes up and things become even more interesting.
Johann is initially terrified of his clockwork and resents Cornelius for giving it to him. The language barrier was handled really well with Conny trying to mime what exactly he had to do to save Johann and what they needed to keep him a secret. Of course there are developing feelings but this is a proper slow burn. After all, they have other things to worry about.
There is so much adventure in this story: soldiers searching for them spies everywhere, a pirate ship that takes them on, an decadent pleasures in Italy. Be warned: as sensual and intimate the sex scenes between Conny and Johann initially might be, the kink that follows is classic Cullinan. If you’ve read any of her older BDSM novels, you get the idea. No actual BDSM here, but there are orgy parties, serious dirty talk, and a ménage scene. Clockwork fetish, anyone? If monogamy is where you draw the line, you might be put off, but the emotional aspect was put in the forefront for the whole scene, so I personally felt okay with it. Johann doesn’t initially want Conny to be with another man but when he gets that Conny’s need it to be dominated, given away, all under the control of Johann, they quickly work it out and the results are scorching hot! It’s on the extreme side, but it’s only one scene.
There are plot twists, heart-ache, and very anxiety provoking situations toward the end of the book. But of course, the baddies lose and all is restored. Johann and Conny make for an amazing couple and I am hoping Val’s book is next!
Highly recommend!
ARC of Clockwork Heart was provided by in exchange for an honest review. See this review at
May 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
Gawd, knocked it out of the park here. I mean, I loved but this is a whole different kettle of fish. (I totally typed "fist" there during the first draft...just sayin'.)
Steampunk has always been a hit or miss proposition for me, mainly because I'm primarily a SciFi girl and I want my science fiction rooted in actual Science. I want to understand the whys and whatnot because I think when that is done well it really enhances the experience. Yeah, that whole idea went right out the window with the forward because immediately I knew I'd have to suspend disbelief 100% to even bother reading. But it's Heidi, so I decided I would.
And I'm so happy I did.
The story itself is very thought-provoking; I read somewhere that the idea is tied to a very personal surgery...and I can see totally see that with how these "tinkered" upgrades and replacements were not just slap-dash tacked on or hastily chosen. You can also see the existential crisis in Johann questioning whether he is still whole, still human, still valuable. Whether he is still the himself he's always known...and if not, is it something that diminishes him or makes him stronger?
(Seriously, WTH Heidi? You're making me think while I read your book? *sigh*)
But besides all of that, the characters were just amazing. I loved how the women are pretty much equal and treated with respect (and a little awe when it comes to Conny's mom - because fuck yeah); they are strong and capable and dependable and...just...yes, more please. I need that in every book I read. Oh, and I know he started off kind of a dick but I would love a book from Val's POV or a coda short that happens while Conny was captured.
I also loved the politics, the intrigue...some of it read like metaphors and timely warnings. I would love to know what the hell was going on in America & England at this time...and how the change affected the continent and future since it's likely that neither World War happened. Or did they anyway? (Yes, I'm a bit of a History Geek. So what?)
Finally, the sex. Holy hell, the sex. Humiliation is still not a kink I am comfortable with but reading about it sure was hot.
Gawd, knocked it out of the park here. I mean, I loved but this is a whole different kettle of fish. (I totally typed "fist" there during the first draft...just sayin'.)
Steampunk has always been a hit or miss proposition for me, mainly because I'm primarily a SciFi girl and I want my science fiction rooted in actual Science. I want to understand the whys and whatnot because I think when that is done well it really enhances the experience. Yeah, that whole idea went right out the window with the forward because immediately I knew I'd have to suspend disbelief 100% to even bother reading. But it's Heidi, so I decided I would.
And I'm so happy I did.
The story itself is very thought-provoking; I read somewhere that the idea is tied to a very personal surgery...and I can see totally see that with how these "tinkered" upgrades and replacements were not just slap-dash tacked on or hastily chosen. You can also see the existential crisis in Johann questioning whether he is still whole, still human, still valuable. Whether he is still the himself he's always known...and if not, is it something that diminishes him or makes him stronger?
(Seriously, WTH Heidi? You're making me think while I read your book? *sigh*)
But besides all of that, the characters were just amazing. I loved how the women are pretty much equal and treated with respect (and a little awe when it comes to Conny's mom - because fuck yeah); they are strong and capable and dependable and...just...yes, more please. I need that in every book I read. Oh, and I know he started off kind of a dick but I would love a book from Val's POV or a coda short that happens while Conny was captured.
I also loved the politics, the intrigue...some of it read like metaphors and timely warnings. I would love to know what the hell was going on in America & England at this time...and how the change affected the continent and future since it's likely that neither World War happened. Or did they anyway? (Yes, I'm a bit of a History Geek. So what?)
Finally, the sex. Holy hell, the sex. Humiliation is still not a kink I am comfortable with but reading about it sure was hot.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
February 13, 2016DNF at 62%
Наткнулась на менаж, не мое это, да и подается странно, если желание участвовать одной из сторон очень сомнительно.
Оценивать не буду, т.к. в остальном история занимательная.
И не понятно как clockwork (заводное??) сердце заменяет настоящее, если кровеносная система замыкается отдельно... И на каком питании/топливе оно работает, я тоже не поняла. Если заводить, то это надо делать периодически, так?
Наткнулась на менаж, не мое это, да и подается странно, если желание участвовать одной из сторон очень сомнительно.
Оценивать не буду, т.к. в остальном история занимательная.
И не понятно как clockwork (заводное??) сердце заменяет настоящее, если кровеносная система замыкается отдельно... И на каком питании/топливе оно работает, я тоже не поняла. Если заводить, то это надо делать периодически, так?
May 28, 2019
As you'll read in other reviews, this book has a great idea. More than great.
What I bitterly dislike, though, are books with awesome ideas and poor executions.
It's not the way it's written, as in bad style. But everything felt so rushed.
Big things were happening, and I wasn't prepared for them emotionally, as I didn't know the characters yet.
Imagine you're in a bar and you notice a hot guy in the corner.
He approaches you and you get nervous with anticipation. Oh, God he's coming and he's smiling. How do I look??
He introduces himself and you think " Ok, even his voice is sexy"
And then OUT OF NOWHERE he starts telling you about all his past relationships and that he might be in love with you.
You naturally aren't ready to hear all that, so it doesn't provoke the actual emotion you should feel when your special one tells you they love you. or when they share something traumatic about their past.
What would you do? i'd personally wish the guy a good evening and leave it at there and wonder what would've happened if he hadn't rushed with the declarations.
It's what I did with the book. I just stopped reading it around the middle.
Thinking this could have been such great story.
What I bitterly dislike, though, are books with awesome ideas and poor executions.
It's not the way it's written, as in bad style. But everything felt so rushed.
Big things were happening, and I wasn't prepared for them emotionally, as I didn't know the characters yet.
Imagine you're in a bar and you notice a hot guy in the corner.
He approaches you and you get nervous with anticipation. Oh, God he's coming and he's smiling. How do I look??
He introduces himself and you think " Ok, even his voice is sexy"
And then OUT OF NOWHERE he starts telling you about all his past relationships and that he might be in love with you.
You naturally aren't ready to hear all that, so it doesn't provoke the actual emotion you should feel when your special one tells you they love you. or when they share something traumatic about their past.
What would you do? i'd personally wish the guy a good evening and leave it at there and wonder what would've happened if he hadn't rushed with the declarations.
It's what I did with the book. I just stopped reading it around the middle.
Thinking this could have been such great story.
May 4, 2016
Being the (bastard) son of the man intent on ridding Europe (and probably then the world) of any but French rule, Cornelius really ought to know better than to engage in treasonous acts. But he despises his father’s actions and plans, and the loss of life both French and foreign that come with them, so it should not be too much of a shock that he would consider–and then act–to save the life of one badly injured Austrian soldier.
Saving that life, though, comes with a far greater cost to both Cornelius and Johann, the soldier he saves. For to save his life, Cornelius must replace Johann’s heart with something that is both dangerous and wonderful: a prototype clockwork heart. But with one side of the war looking to harness the power of the heart, and another looking to destroy it, Cornelius has inadvertently thrown himself and the man he is coming to love into the middle of war bent to destroy everything they know of life as it is. Staying one-step ahead of all sides is their only solution, but it will require perhaps more tinkering and pure damn luck for them to survive.
I’ve been struggling with a way to fully describe this book. It is steampunk…just minus the steam. It is swashbuckling…just with “buckles greatly excessive beyond use.� It is romantic, but hedonistic and at times downright filthy. It is at once all things heartbreaking…but without the loss of hope.
There are (semi-)honest pirates, electrifying parasols, orgies and absinthe-induced hallucinations. There are bad fathers, loving mothers, mysterious mentors, and bad guys intent on ruling the world (in a very French manner).
There is also fisting. Steampunk fisting. I’m not sure how one is supposed to remain objective when that was so dirty and damn hot.
Honestly, I just want to call it a damn good fucking time. Sometimes quite literally.
Cornelius is gloriously slutty. I have no other way to describe it. It is glorious how he revels in it, and how he shows Johann the wonders of sex. They are so hot together it is surprising that certain parts of Johann don’t become too hot to touch.
I should say though there is more to this book than sex. Truly. It is just that the sex was great, and it tends to leave one a bit hot under the collar. But there were so many other aspects to this book that I would want to rave about.
The pirates were great. I love the whole steampunk-steamship thing (which is odd because I can take or leave actual sea-pirates), and these four were some of the best I read. Maybe because the book was so good it just kinda leaked over into every aspect of it, but I loved them all the same. They were fun and intriguing. I have high hopes that we have not seen the last of them. We didn’t spend nearly enough time up in the air with them.
And the political parts were good, though I dearly wanted to shove Cornelius’s father off a mountain. Or into a mountain. Or under a mountain. I’m not particular. Just that there be a lot of death involved.
The alternate-universe aspect made me really enjoy this book because I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen. I liked figuring out the differences and changes in how the world grew with aether instead of electricity and oil leading the way.
From top to bottom from bow to stern, I loved this book. It has a bit of everything and quite a bit to rave over. Have at it, you won’t regret it a bit.
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.
Saving that life, though, comes with a far greater cost to both Cornelius and Johann, the soldier he saves. For to save his life, Cornelius must replace Johann’s heart with something that is both dangerous and wonderful: a prototype clockwork heart. But with one side of the war looking to harness the power of the heart, and another looking to destroy it, Cornelius has inadvertently thrown himself and the man he is coming to love into the middle of war bent to destroy everything they know of life as it is. Staying one-step ahead of all sides is their only solution, but it will require perhaps more tinkering and pure damn luck for them to survive.
I’ve been struggling with a way to fully describe this book. It is steampunk…just minus the steam. It is swashbuckling…just with “buckles greatly excessive beyond use.� It is romantic, but hedonistic and at times downright filthy. It is at once all things heartbreaking…but without the loss of hope.
There are (semi-)honest pirates, electrifying parasols, orgies and absinthe-induced hallucinations. There are bad fathers, loving mothers, mysterious mentors, and bad guys intent on ruling the world (in a very French manner).
There is also fisting. Steampunk fisting. I’m not sure how one is supposed to remain objective when that was so dirty and damn hot.
Honestly, I just want to call it a damn good fucking time. Sometimes quite literally.
Cornelius is gloriously slutty. I have no other way to describe it. It is glorious how he revels in it, and how he shows Johann the wonders of sex. They are so hot together it is surprising that certain parts of Johann don’t become too hot to touch.
I should say though there is more to this book than sex. Truly. It is just that the sex was great, and it tends to leave one a bit hot under the collar. But there were so many other aspects to this book that I would want to rave about.
The pirates were great. I love the whole steampunk-steamship thing (which is odd because I can take or leave actual sea-pirates), and these four were some of the best I read. Maybe because the book was so good it just kinda leaked over into every aspect of it, but I loved them all the same. They were fun and intriguing. I have high hopes that we have not seen the last of them. We didn’t spend nearly enough time up in the air with them.
And the political parts were good, though I dearly wanted to shove Cornelius’s father off a mountain. Or into a mountain. Or under a mountain. I’m not particular. Just that there be a lot of death involved.
The alternate-universe aspect made me really enjoy this book because I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen. I liked figuring out the differences and changes in how the world grew with aether instead of electricity and oil leading the way.
From top to bottom from bow to stern, I loved this book. It has a bit of everything and quite a bit to rave over. Have at it, you won’t regret it a bit.
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.
January 26, 2016
It is one of these books that inspiration was nowhere to be found once it is finished. It took a while to get myself to write this review. To be totally honest I almost did not finish it, but I had to keep going. The writing in Clockwork Heart is good, the story is somewhat interesting and it is a fairly good Steampunk story. I guess that you might be asking yourself why I am just giving it 2 stars then. Bear with me, you will know it soon enough.
In Clockwork Heart, I was immediately hooked when the story began, it was compelling, I was getting to know the characters and the plot was well introduced. All changed when the story took the sexual road. You have to understand that when I am reading a male/male story, I always keep my fingers crossed that it won’t be overly sexualized. I don’t have any issues with sex scenes, as long as it giving a little extra to the story or the characters. I was in for a threat in this book. Corneliu had very little moral with it comes to his sex life. He loves being in front of people and make a show for and with them. All he was thinking about was sex and I felt no connection with him at all. There is no depth in him, character is lacking a vision and it fell flat. I could not care less whether he would be killed or lived in this story. While, he has a lot of professional abilities (as a tinker and surgeon), and he is a sensible soul (he can’t suffer the war, he saved a soldier for a certain death). His behaviors and what he is saying are not adding up. It might just be me, but I have a hard time to accept that someone that sensible is so kinky when it comes to sex. All he wants is to be treated as a slave, have sex in public and have others join him (and I leave a lot of things out of here). It is a huge turn off.
Johann is a 18 years old soldier that was saved by Corneliu. He never was with a man before and his feelings toward Corneliu began to slowly bloom. His legs and some parts of his arms and hands are now in metal. He must learn to live with it. Johann is quite naive but he has a little more depth than Corneliu. He is asking himself some tormenting questions and is almost likable. Again his actions/reaction when it comes to sex just did not work for me. The author seems to have wanted to show how Corneliu and Johann were loving each other through the sex scenes. I did not feel anything other than sexual tension and their want to climax together. I was not feeling that connection that is so important between characters. In fact, I did not feel any emotion toward any characters in this story, they all left me cold. To be totally honest some of the sexual depiction was unsettling and shocking. It was so sexual, that the main story was completely diluted and it is a shame.
It redeemed itself in the end, but it was too late to get me back into the story. While sexual attraction is human and is an essential part of a relationship, this story is missing the sensual and emotional elements required to make it work. Steampunk genre can be quite tricky and can easily translate into coldness for the readers if characters are not masterfully crafted. That was happened in this book. Kinky sex in a Steampunk setting, could have been good, but it completely missed the mark. Even though the words I love You was said in the story, I did not feel it at all. Political intrigue and the overall plot was good, but sex scenes stole the show. This is very unfortunate, but then again it is only my humble opinion.
I will not read the second book in this series.
I received this book free from JeepDiva in exchange of a honest review.
In Clockwork Heart, I was immediately hooked when the story began, it was compelling, I was getting to know the characters and the plot was well introduced. All changed when the story took the sexual road. You have to understand that when I am reading a male/male story, I always keep my fingers crossed that it won’t be overly sexualized. I don’t have any issues with sex scenes, as long as it giving a little extra to the story or the characters. I was in for a threat in this book. Corneliu had very little moral with it comes to his sex life. He loves being in front of people and make a show for and with them. All he was thinking about was sex and I felt no connection with him at all. There is no depth in him, character is lacking a vision and it fell flat. I could not care less whether he would be killed or lived in this story. While, he has a lot of professional abilities (as a tinker and surgeon), and he is a sensible soul (he can’t suffer the war, he saved a soldier for a certain death). His behaviors and what he is saying are not adding up. It might just be me, but I have a hard time to accept that someone that sensible is so kinky when it comes to sex. All he wants is to be treated as a slave, have sex in public and have others join him (and I leave a lot of things out of here). It is a huge turn off.
Johann is a 18 years old soldier that was saved by Corneliu. He never was with a man before and his feelings toward Corneliu began to slowly bloom. His legs and some parts of his arms and hands are now in metal. He must learn to live with it. Johann is quite naive but he has a little more depth than Corneliu. He is asking himself some tormenting questions and is almost likable. Again his actions/reaction when it comes to sex just did not work for me. The author seems to have wanted to show how Corneliu and Johann were loving each other through the sex scenes. I did not feel anything other than sexual tension and their want to climax together. I was not feeling that connection that is so important between characters. In fact, I did not feel any emotion toward any characters in this story, they all left me cold. To be totally honest some of the sexual depiction was unsettling and shocking. It was so sexual, that the main story was completely diluted and it is a shame.
It redeemed itself in the end, but it was too late to get me back into the story. While sexual attraction is human and is an essential part of a relationship, this story is missing the sensual and emotional elements required to make it work. Steampunk genre can be quite tricky and can easily translate into coldness for the readers if characters are not masterfully crafted. That was happened in this book. Kinky sex in a Steampunk setting, could have been good, but it completely missed the mark. Even though the words I love You was said in the story, I did not feel it at all. Political intrigue and the overall plot was good, but sex scenes stole the show. This is very unfortunate, but then again it is only my humble opinion.
I will not read the second book in this series.
I received this book free from JeepDiva in exchange of a honest review.
March 18, 2016
Finally I got over my reluctance on steampunk which was instilled by that Wild, Wild West movie. First made it easy to believe this genre has its merits and now after Clockwork Heart it's like Give-Me-More!
It's a great adventure and a sweeping romance all in one - and from my experience that's a rare find even more so with characters who don't care if they act according to their role. So what if you become the hero, are a marvelous tinker and a kind man, who says you can't be at the same time an exhibitionistic slut who likes to be used and you don't have to be "cured" by love either of if you're a barely legal virgin from the Austrian backwoods with a heart big as the Alps who says you can't be a ruthless pirate and tenderly love said tinker and give him what he needs and enjoy it. Oh, and I thoroughly enjoyed the female characters, always appreciate strong and fearless woman ... what a pity that the villains are just one-dimensional villains.
It's a great adventure and a sweeping romance all in one - and from my experience that's a rare find even more so with characters who don't care if they act according to their role. So what if you become the hero, are a marvelous tinker and a kind man, who says you can't be at the same time an exhibitionistic slut who likes to be used and you don't have to be "cured" by love either of if you're a barely legal virgin from the Austrian backwoods with a heart big as the Alps who says you can't be a ruthless pirate and tenderly love said tinker and give him what he needs and enjoy it. Oh, and I thoroughly enjoyed the female characters, always appreciate strong and fearless woman ... what a pity that the villains are just one-dimensional villains.
January 2, 2021
Alternate world history (France vs Austria), early twentieth century steampunk (aether rules over oil, electricity & steam), pirate air-ships, political spies, mechanical clockwork hearts, M-M romance ... all this should have automatically added up to my ideal cup of tea - but yet it's just barely a 3 star read for me.
The two MCs are fairly likeable and whilst their relational arc builds up nicely from a rather gruesome start, I wasn't all that thrilled with . In fact, I found it hard to believe Johann would have gone along with some of Cornelius' excesses that easily.
Some rather interesting secondary characters were introduced (for subsequent titles I presume ... Val, Crawley, Heng, Princess Gisa) more so in the second half of the book, but I'm not sure they were used to their full potential. I guess we'll never know since there hasn't been a subsequent book in the author's Clockwork series to date - in any case, I'm not sure I would be following up this series.
The two MCs are fairly likeable and whilst their relational arc builds up nicely from a rather gruesome start, I wasn't all that thrilled with . In fact, I found it hard to believe Johann would have gone along with some of Cornelius' excesses that easily.
Some rather interesting secondary characters were introduced (for subsequent titles I presume ... Val, Crawley, Heng, Princess Gisa) more so in the second half of the book, but I'm not sure they were used to their full potential. I guess we'll never know since there hasn't been a subsequent book in the author's Clockwork series to date - in any case, I'm not sure I would be following up this series.
February 5, 2021
The book gets a whole-hearted meh from me. The plot and writing is engaging enough in the moment and the world building is good, but the characters felt flat and the relationship developed very quickly and was not really explored well.
There's enough action and intrigue to keep the book interesting, but I was not really captivated by it. The book has too much down-time and the tensions is not kept high, it's very short bursts of danger and excitement and then immediate release.
I also did not care for the presentation of the kink. I don't mind exhibitionism and open relationships at all, but for most of the book Johann just seemed really uncomfortable with it, just engaging when he was high and/or drunk, which I thought was just not a good look.
There's enough action and intrigue to keep the book interesting, but I was not really captivated by it. The book has too much down-time and the tensions is not kept high, it's very short bursts of danger and excitement and then immediate release.
I also did not care for the presentation of the kink. I don't mind exhibitionism and open relationships at all, but for most of the book Johann just seemed really uncomfortable with it, just engaging when he was high and/or drunk, which I thought was just not a good look.
June 13, 2017
This might not be everyone's perfect book, but for me, at the time I chose to read it, it was pretty damn close.
I'm actually not much of a steampunk person--I don't mind it, but I don't really seek it out after it had a huge resurgence in popularity ten or so years ago and all of a sudden everything was steampunk. It's like trying to find a decent vampire or zombie story among the thousands of self-published volumes of rubbish. Aside from Gail Carriger's series, most of what I read was underwhelming.
But this book blends the best parts of steampunk fiction with believable alt-history, slight body horror, and a whole lot of found-family/friendship goodness that all combined to make an intense, sexy, and fast-paced drama. The main character, Cornelius, a hugely talented French tinker-surgeon and (deliciously) shameless slut, makes the split decision to save the life of a dying Austrian soldier, Johann, by gifting him the mythical clockwork heart created by his mentor, along with an intricate clockwork eye and limbs. Cornelius secretly teaches Johann how to live in his new body--and, of course, falls for him fast.
I loved how high the stakes were in this book. It's definitely an adventure story. By bringing an enemy soldier back from the brink of death, Cornelius not only committed treason towards his country and his powerful father, he put a piece of priceless and potentially devastating technology inside the body of the man . The heart is almost literally a ticking time bomb--if enemies get a hold of it, they can copy the tech to make automatons of their soldiers controlled solely through the clockwork heart. However, Cornelius himself doesn't even know that . There's plenty of fast, twist-and-turn intrigue in the story, and that's not even touching on the romance aspect of it.
I loved the dynamic between Cornelius and Johann. It started slow, since they didn't speak the same language (until they discovered they both knew English), but I definitely fell for the cliche of "the heart wants what the heart wants." Cornelius literally gave Johann a heart--I mean, come on. Perfection. I also liked Cornelius as the older, more experienced character who stills longs for a man stronger and bigger than him to dominate him a little, and Johann falls easily into that role. My god, this book can get damn dirty, which is great. There's a lot of ...you know what, maybe you should just read it. Bring a cold drink. Sit on a towel. There's a definite feeling of anything goes in this world--men and men, women and women, and any combination thereof is certainly possible. I do wish there was a little more talk between the two men about some things, especially since Johann is so young and inexperienced, but it never felt like a line was crossed.
(This is so petty, but I feel like Samhain took more risks than Dreamspinner does, erotica-wise. They were responsible for the scorching books, too, if I recall. I already miss them).
The supporting characters are also amazing. Valentin was the perfect annoying BFF character. I love a good annoying BFF character. The crew of the Brass Farthing is amazing and they all deserve their own books--I'm actually crossing my fingers for a possible . Princess Gisa and Cornelius' ex-spy mother were great female supporting characters, which is a plus in M/M romance.
This is one of those books that I never wanted to finish, especially since a sequel hasn't come out yet. I can't wait to read what else Cullinan has in store for these characters and this world she has built.
I'm actually not much of a steampunk person--I don't mind it, but I don't really seek it out after it had a huge resurgence in popularity ten or so years ago and all of a sudden everything was steampunk. It's like trying to find a decent vampire or zombie story among the thousands of self-published volumes of rubbish. Aside from Gail Carriger's series, most of what I read was underwhelming.
But this book blends the best parts of steampunk fiction with believable alt-history, slight body horror, and a whole lot of found-family/friendship goodness that all combined to make an intense, sexy, and fast-paced drama. The main character, Cornelius, a hugely talented French tinker-surgeon and (deliciously) shameless slut, makes the split decision to save the life of a dying Austrian soldier, Johann, by gifting him the mythical clockwork heart created by his mentor, along with an intricate clockwork eye and limbs. Cornelius secretly teaches Johann how to live in his new body--and, of course, falls for him fast.
I loved how high the stakes were in this book. It's definitely an adventure story. By bringing an enemy soldier back from the brink of death, Cornelius not only committed treason towards his country and his powerful father, he put a piece of priceless and potentially devastating technology inside the body of the man . The heart is almost literally a ticking time bomb--if enemies get a hold of it, they can copy the tech to make automatons of their soldiers controlled solely through the clockwork heart. However, Cornelius himself doesn't even know that . There's plenty of fast, twist-and-turn intrigue in the story, and that's not even touching on the romance aspect of it.
I loved the dynamic between Cornelius and Johann. It started slow, since they didn't speak the same language (until they discovered they both knew English), but I definitely fell for the cliche of "the heart wants what the heart wants." Cornelius literally gave Johann a heart--I mean, come on. Perfection. I also liked Cornelius as the older, more experienced character who stills longs for a man stronger and bigger than him to dominate him a little, and Johann falls easily into that role. My god, this book can get damn dirty, which is great. There's a lot of ...you know what, maybe you should just read it. Bring a cold drink. Sit on a towel. There's a definite feeling of anything goes in this world--men and men, women and women, and any combination thereof is certainly possible. I do wish there was a little more talk between the two men about some things, especially since Johann is so young and inexperienced, but it never felt like a line was crossed.
(This is so petty, but I feel like Samhain took more risks than Dreamspinner does, erotica-wise. They were responsible for the scorching books, too, if I recall. I already miss them).
The supporting characters are also amazing. Valentin was the perfect annoying BFF character. I love a good annoying BFF character. The crew of the Brass Farthing is amazing and they all deserve their own books--I'm actually crossing my fingers for a possible . Princess Gisa and Cornelius' ex-spy mother were great female supporting characters, which is a plus in M/M romance.
This is one of those books that I never wanted to finish, especially since a sequel hasn't come out yet. I can't wait to read what else Cullinan has in store for these characters and this world she has built.
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