Xing

I don't think it's a secret among some of my GR friends that I read this book for unpure reasons (i.e. dat cover...). To be honest, I was expecting erotic stories of two men bare backing on a steam powered piston, with the up-and-down motions aiding in sexual exploits galore x 11 stories. I mean, a man can dream, right?

But alas, this was not so. And you know what? I don't regret a damn thing (okay, maybe the bare backing on a piston is still something I would like to read about...). Instead, this anthology contains eleven love stories taking place in a steam-punk (SP) inspired world/history. There isn't even sex in all the stories, and that worked very well with the ambiance and mood for the anthology. Nope, no complaining here. :) There are some reviews that do a good job giving mini-blurbs for each story. I'm too lazy for that and will just leave brief impressions. :)

Five to One - Angelia Sparrow
It's a race to the finish line! A historical story about two men who are fixing their eyes on the prize, and on each other.
Rating: 3.5 stars

The Clockwork Nightingale's Song - Amy Rae Durreson
A mechanic and inventor discover the feelings of a mechanical nightingale.
Rating: 4.5 stars

Ace of Hearts - Mary Pletsch
It's war. And love. A love story between a mechanic and a war hero. The story is reminiscent of Voinov Aleksandr's Skybound. The ambiance is completely different, but I really enjoyed the story. Will have to check more of this author's works.
Rating: 4.5 stars

Caress - Eli Easton
A soldier's second chance is at the hands of an inventor.
Rating: 4.5 stars

The Galatea's Captain - Anka Grace
A captain who makes prosthetics out of living metal. A man in need a foot.
Rating: 3 stars

Screws - R.D. Hero
All he ever wanted was to go to school and become an inventor. Now, he's stuck working in a factory with a bunch of criminals.
Rating: 4 stars (author alert! author alert!)

The Clockwork Heart - Kim Fielding
Can a lonely, introverted man love a golem? And better yet, can a golem even love back?
Rating: 3 stars

The Golden Goose - Mark Lesney Grace
A thief's narrow escape will lead him to his greatest treasure yet. A story about destroying capital, finding gold, and of course: love.
Rating: 4 stars (this author will not escape my book shelf!)

Spindle and Bell - Augusta Li
All he's ever known is to steal. It takes Bel to show him otherwise. Note: this story is bittersweet. You have been warned!
Rating: 4 stars

Untouchable - Layla M. Wier
Two federal agents: a newbie and a veteran. It's 1930 and "Scarface" Capone is going down!
Rating: 4 stars (who is this author?! *searches for more*)

Swiftsilver - Bell Ellis
An alchemist's assistant and a lord's inventor son. Also, the discovery of a new substance that could revolutionize the world and their dreams.
Rating: 4.5 stars