Review: The Inventor’s Companion
The Inventor’s Companion
Inventor's Companion
Dreamspinner Press
Gabriel Blackstone’s world is divided quite clearly into castes: everyone knows their place and abides by it. As an inventor in the merchant caste, his life is predictable in its routine until the night his best friends and assistants, Caleb and Andrew, purchase the time—and body—of a companion for his birthday. As an activist in the Caste Equality movement, everything Gabriel believes in tells him to refuse the gift, but then he meets Lucio. The beautiful and alluring companion is far more than the vapid courtesan he’d expected, and he can’t get the man out of his mind.
After that night, Gabriel tells himself to forget about Lucio, but a chance meeting at a ball makes it clear neither of them is willing to ignore the compelling chemistry between them. It will take all their combined trust and cunning, plus the help of a wily aristocrat and a plucky political activist, to overcome the challenges of infidelity, abuse, and social stigma that lay along their road; however, Gabriel knows it will all be worth it if at the end of the day he can call Lucio his own.
This is a fantastic read. The world was fascinating, in many ways like Victorian England, but with a rigid caste system including pleasure slaves known as companions. Gabriel’s inventions provide the steam technology, and his work to overturn the caste system adds the punk, and the hot sex scenes make it steamypunk. It’s a very emotional read, with great character development. Highly recommended.
Lyndi Lamont
Check out my review of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea at http://flightsafancy.blogspot.com/.
Deception: Excerpt from Chapter One
Excerpt:
Feeling at loose ends, he wandered around the periphery of the ballroom, his artist’s eye drawn to the paintings on the walls and the statuettes expertly placed in niches. Whoever owned this place had incredible taste and must have traveled on the continent.
As he was admiring a fine statue of a naked youth, a tall man approached him. Leander eyed the stranger’s costume, a study in black-and-gold satin, with puffed sleeves and a gold ruff. A feathered and gold-trimmed black velvet beret covered his head above a gold mask that covered his entire face. “Good evening,” Leander said. “This is a fine piece of work.”
“It is. Our host has excellent taste.” The man’s voice was muffled a bit, and Leander leaned closer to hear better.
“May I ask who our host is?” he asked.
The man shook his head. “That is not for fools to know.”
Frustrated, Leander shook his head. “This is so confusing. I have no idea what this place is or how I even came to be invited.”
“I do,” the man said cryptically.
Leander frowned. “Do I know you?”
“We’ve met.”
“Did you send me the costume?” He’d racked his brain, trying to figure out who it might have been.
The man nodded his head regally.
“Will I recognize you?”
“I hope so,” the stranger said. “We spent a memorable night together.”
Leander’s heart raced. Could it be the gentleman from the restaurant? The one he’d spent the night with in early January. The one he’d dreamt about for the last two months. Could it really be Rupert?
“Then I must find you when it’s time to unmask,” he said, unwilling to let the man escape again tonight.
The stranger chuckled. “Oh, there will be no unmasking. Too dangerous.”
“I see,” Leander said. That meant there were men here who feared to have their identities revealed. He glanced around the room, wondering who they were: highly placed government officials or judges, perhaps. Or clergymen. Possibly even a prince of the realm. “So we are in good company tonight.”
“Precisely.”
Leander turned back to his companion. “What of you? Do you, too, fear exposure?”
“Only a fool would not.”
Leander made no reply. It was true, though there were many in London who flouted the law, some quite openly.
“But if we cannot unmask, how will I ever know who you are? Will you at least tell me your name?”
“Not here.”
“Then where can we go?” Leander asked, impatient to know who the stranger was.
“The night is young,” the man said mildly. “Do you not wish to stay and party?”
Shocked by his own boldness, Leander answered, “Not if there’s a possibility of a private party.”
“Then come home with me.”
* * *
Rupert held his breath until Leander nodded his agreement. He’d wanted the handsome youth since the moment he’d first seen him in January. He’d fought the impulse to see him again, but images of the lad, so slim and handsome, with his fair hair and blue eyes, had haunted his dreams.
He turned and led the way out of the house, ignoring the merriment around him, pausing only to collect their coats at the door. Leander followed him out into the dark night. Rupert pulled off his hat and the full-face mask, glad to feel the cool air on his face. “That’s better.” The mask had been stifling inside, but necessary.
Leander removed his half-mask and pulled Rupert to where light spilled out of a downstairs window. His gaze searched Rupert’s face. “The man with the green carnation.”
Rupert let out a sigh. He’d been unsure of how the younger man would react to seeing him again. He was no longer a handsome youth, but a man of five-and-thirty, every one of those years limned on his visage. “Then you do remember me.”
Leander reached up to cup his face, flicking a thumb over Rupert’s lips. “I remember you, Rupert,” he said softly.
Rupert grasped Leander’s wrist and turned his head to press a kiss into one palm. “Shall we go?”
They waited until a hansom cab had been summoned. After giving the address of his lodgings, Rupert climbed in, leaving room for the younger man beside him. Once inside, he held onto Leander’s hand in the dark.
“I’m so glad you came tonight,” Rupert said.
“I’m hoping to come again soon.” Leander’s voice held a teasing note.
Rupert laughed at the innuendo. “I think I can help with that.”
“I rather thought you might. And if I can be of any service…”
“I’ll think of something,” Rupert said, his voice thick with desire. Anticipation thrummed in the air, heightening his senses. The short journey seemed interminable, but at last the cab arrived at Rupert’s rented townhouse in Chelsea. Getting out, he paid the driver and motioned Leander toward the door. As he unlocked it, he said, “I gave my man the night off. No one will disturb us.”
* * *
Copyright 2011 by Lyndi Lamont
New Release: Deception by Lyndi Lamont
My new novella has just been released by Amber Allure
Available now from Amber Allure
Genres: Gay / Historical / The Arts / Series
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (20k words)
London 1895, where men who love other men flaunt convention and risk imprisonment for “the love that dare not speak its name”. Until Oscar Wilde goes on trial for gross indecency…
An anonymous and intriguing invitation leads struggling artist, Leander Frampton, into a private world of sensuality with a stranger in an elaborate black and gold costume. When the masks come off, he rediscovers the lover he’s dreamed of for the last two months. The man who abruptly left him in the middle of the night. Now Rupert has returned, inspiring Leander’s art and filling him with desire. Thinking he has found both muse and patron, Leander gives all he has: his heart, his body, his talent. But Rupert is as elusive and evasive as ever, appearing and disappearing in
Leander’s life, with little explanation.
Forbidden passions lure Rupert Austin, an outwardly staid art importer, into a secret life where he is free to pursue his love of handsome young men. Past loss makes him shy away from involvement, but he is unable to resist Leander’s talent, youthful beauty and enthusiasm. Rupert arranges for a private showing of Leander’s work, but that doesn’t mean he trusts Leander with all of his secrets, especially after risky public sex that could have landed them in jail.
Two very different men – one, a businessman, with a great deal to lose and a taste for secret liaisons with beautiful young men; the other a young, gifted artist who will give his all to the right man. Will deception destroy any possibility for a once-in-a-lifetime passion for these two lovers?
I’ll post an excerpt tomorrow.
Book Review Club: The Surgeon’s Lady
The Surgeon's Lady
by Carla Kelly,
Harlequin Historical Romance, 2009
Back Cover Blurb:
As a surgeon in the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Philemon Brittle has proved his bravery countless times. But he’s never known the thrill that comes with falling in love. Until he meets the beautiful Lady Laura Taunton, who has turned to nursing the wounded as solace from her unhappy past.
Philemon will need to draw upon every bit of his strength and determination to convince the marriage-shy Laura that establishing a life together is the truest path to love and happiness….
I have loved Kelly’s Regency romances for a long time, and I’ve enjoyed naval adventure for even longer, so this was a nice fusion. Laura, a widow, has been badly wounded emotionally by her irresponsible father and her cold-hearted, abusive husband. Surgeon Philemon Brittle is a healer in every way and probably the only man who can help her to overcome her past. This is a sweet and deeply emotional romance that provides a realistic picture of the wounds suffered by seamen 200 years ago. The latter makes you really appreciate modern medicine.
Read on my Kindle.
Lyndi
Read my review of Lauren Belfer’s A Fierce Radiance at my Linda’s Flights of Fancy blog.
@Barrie Summy
Book Review Club: The Iron Duke
The Iron Duke
THE IRON DUKE (A Novel of the Iron Seas)
by Meljean Brook,
Berkley, 2010
Blurb:
First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.
After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power–and fear–of his name. When a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.
But when Mina uncovers the victim’s identity, she stumbles on a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans. And Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to stay with her Iron Duke.
Brook’s world building give new name to the words “alternate history”. In her world, the Mongol Horde conquered Europe, and ultimately, England, aided by superior technology, including nano technology. Her steampunk world bears some resemblance to the usual Victorian-style setting, with steamcars and airships, but women have more freedom. Mina, the half-Horde daughter of an earl, is also a police inspector.
The romance element is strong, with almost palpable sexual tension and some very hot love scenes. Rhys is very Alpha. He takes one look at Mina and won’t rest until he has her. But she’s a very strong woman and a good match for him. I enjoyed the book, though some readers may find the world building intimidating.
If you enjoy steampunk and/or alternate history mixed with romance, I recommend The Iron Duke. [Note: I purchased this book and read it on my Kindle.]
Lyndi
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy
Erotica Stay-At-Home Giveaway
Update: Congratulations to Amy H., winner of my Erotica Stay-at-Home Conference Bag of goodies!
I’ve posted the details of this year’s Erotica Stay-At-Home Conference Bag giveaway featuring trade paperbacks, assorted promo items and candy. Click here for details:
http://www.lyndilamont.com/contest.html
I’ll be posting another Tarot card blog in a day or two.
Lyndi to
Sensual Wicca Ace of Wands
Sensual Wicca Ace of Wands
The choice of a salamander in magical symbology is no coincidence, given its remarkable transformation from a creature of water to a creature of land. Fire elementals were called salamanders. According to Monstropedia http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Salamander, “The salamander represents those who pass through the fires of passion and of this world without stain…. The salamander is also used to symbolize the flames, which it passes through, and so is a symbol of fire, temptation, and burning desire.”
The LWB for this deck gives the card’s meaning as “A new beginning, a new project, offer for employment, initiative”. Aces generally mean action and beginnings and the association with the element of fire leads us to new beginnings in creative endeavors or romantic relationships.
I’m planning to start writing a new story. What are you being driven to do?
Lyndi
Quantum Tarot: The Magician
Quantum Tarot Magician
The LWB of the Quantum Tarot associates this cared with Electromagnetic Force, represented by the rainbow colors, and describes the figure in the card as seeming to be “playing with energy… bringing consciousness and understanding to illuminate mystery.” The parallels to alchemy are all too apparent to anyone who knows even a little about the subject. The LWB goes on to say:
He represents the light of conscious thought and the ability to manifest an intangible idea or vision in the material world… Whenever we engage in a creative act that makes something out of nothing, we inhabit the magician archetype.
Sounds like the perfect card for a writer, doesn’t it? I’m hoping to tap into some Magician energy as I start my new project, the final story in my Alliance series.
Lyndi
Lotus Circle: 8 of Swords
Lotus Circle 8 of Swords
The Tarot of the Lotus Circle gives the following keywords for this card: Self-Imprisonment, Restriction, Crippling Fear, Denial, Imagined Helplessness, Victimization.
Traditionally, this is the “Damsel in Distress” card though not necessarily physical danger. Swords correspond to the element of Air, meaning intellectual matters. Historically, this card was interpreted as meaning a victim scandal, spread by lies and rumors.
If this card appears in answer to a yes or no question, the answer is No.
Ask yourself: What are you doing to keep yourself immobilized?
Art Nouveau King of Chalices
King of Chalices (Cups)
The LWB says that Chalices represent “the emotional and sentimental sphere”. The King indicates “generosity, helpfulness, a favorably disposed important man”.
In Tarot For Writers, Kenner says that Kings in all suits stand for the element of Air and Cups for Water, so the King of Cups combines both elements. Astrologically, the Kings are related to the fixed signs, so King of Cups would be Scorpio.
Historically, Kenner says this was “a cautionary card, warning of ill-will on the part of a man of position; he could be a hypocrite, only pretending to help”. The association with Scorpio perhaps explains this as many astrologers used to take a negative view of that sign. Scorpio can be spiritual or vindictive, the Eagle or the Scorpion.
Modern tarot readers view the card more kindly as representing a gentle, sensitive, family man.
Lyndi
