Changed forever after tragedy, a woman must draw strength from her husband's love. A man learns that love isn't always what you expect. A thief steals the heart of a vengeful professor. And an American inventor finds love Down Under. Enjoy Victorian Christmas with a clockwork twist in these four steampunk novellas. Anthology includes: Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail This Winter Heart by PG Forte Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz Far From Broken by JK Coi
ebook, 1st EditionPublished December 5th 2011 by Carina Press
Two Stars: This book is not a Christmas themed book.
I requested A Clockwork Christmas from NetGalley, hoping to find a book with a Christmas theme and Steampunk elements. While this anthology did deliver with the futuristic, automated inventions, i.e, there are clockwork automatons, steam powered inventions, flying ships, humans with robotic technology, to mention a few, it fell short with the Christmas topic. Only the first story, Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail, actually exhibits a Christmas message. The other three stories make a few tiny mentions of Christmas but it is not a main theme or focus. Normally, this is not a big issue but when the book is marketed as a Christmas novel, then it should focus on Christmas aspects. It did at least deliver on the Steampunk portion. In fact, that was my favorite part of the book. There are numerous clever infusions of the steampunk staples. For those of you unfamiliar with the Steampunk genre, it usually takes place in the Wild West or Victorian England. What makes this genre unique is it features futuristic inventions, usually airships and clockwork gadgets and anachronistic items as well. The stories, often have a divergent history or alternate universe. One of the favorite components for the ladies, is the Victorian era fashion, corsets, lace, handkerchiefs etc. I admit I am drawn to the style of Steampunk, it is lovely. Then practicality smacks me in the head and reminds me of the uncomfortable part, tight constricting bindings, heavy skirts and being demure. If you love the fun, imaginative ideas of a good Steampunk book, Clockwork Christmas does provide a strong dose of Steampunk components.
My biggest complaint with this novel is the false labeling. As I said, I planned on reading a Christmas themed Steampunk novel. I was happily reading the first story, Crime Wave in a Corset, there were fashionable dresses, Christmas tidbits and a seething standoff between the two main characters, they literally despised each other. The simmering tension was a high point in the story. I was at a loss for words when a few pages in the relationship abruptly turns from spite to erotica. Seriously!? It moved into pages of explicit sexual euphemisms. I was certainly surprised. Did I miss something was this supposed to be a romance novel? To make sure I went back and checked the synopsis. Nope. No mention of this being a romance book. Well, maybe I was wrong in my understanding of Steampunk. So, I looked up the Steampunk definition. There is no mention of romance being a mainstay. I was just duped. Now, a couple of my Goodreads friends (Bonnie and Wendy) pointed out that the publisher, Carina Press, deals in romance novels. I felt dumb, thinking I should have checked out the publisher beforehand. On second thought, no this isn't my fault, they packaged their book under false pretenses. It should say in the description, that this is four romance novellas.
So, fair warning, if you are looking for a romantic anthology with some clockwork flair and a "bare" hint of Christmas (double innuendo intended), then you will enjoy A Clockwork Christmas. As for me, after I glossed over pages of sex scenes, ( I am not prudish but steamy romance is so not my thing) I found for the most part I did enjoy the stories. The third story, Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz, does not have the numerous, pages of "sexy time". But, I can't recommend this book to you unless you are a romance enthusiast. I wanted to feature a unique, Christmas book for the holidays and instead I got a mislabeled, romance novel. Hopefully I will have better luck in my search next time around for a great holiday book. At least I read Christmas Lites. Did any of you find a good Christmas book?
Happy Holidays!
Favorite Quotations:
"The questions collided into each other like cars on a derailed freight train, one right after another."
"For a sweet moment stolen from the stream of time, she wallowed in the possibility he might be as overwhelmed by the seductive retribution."
"Waiting is for those who have time to waste."
"When he was gone, her thoughts sailed off in pursuit."
"Now, come on. There's no sense in borrowing trouble from tomorrow, is there?"
"The real issue was trust and courage--two far less hardy blooms."
"Her mouth made him think of cotton candy and kisses."