Elaine White's Life in Books
The Author
Elaine White is the author of multi-genre MM romance, celebrating 'love is love' and offering diversity in both genre and character within her stories.
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
The Reviewer
I’m an author and reader, who just can’t get away from books. I discovered the MM genre a few years ago and became addicted.
Top #50 UK reviewer on Goodreads
#1 reviewer on Divine Magazine
Blood and Clockwork
Book – Blood and ClockworkAuthor – Katey Hawthorne
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 68
Cover – Gorgeous
POV – 1st person, past tense
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Aro/Ace, Steampunk, Adventure
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Ever since I saw the cover for this book, I've been dying to read it. I haven't read enough Steampunk stories, by far, and when I saw that it was Katey Hawthorne, I just had to have it. Then, when I read the blurb, I got all giddy and excited. This was a MUST read for me.
Now that I've read it, I can say that I have no regrets or disappointments. Everything this book is and this authors name suggests held up their end of the bargain. This was a beautiful love story, of a different kind. Love for clockwork, adventure and friendship, companionship, art and affection. It was the story of an aro/ace character that felt an intellectual and emotional attachment to a gay man, who just so happened to be the first person to accept the limitation of his affections. There was no push and pull about it. Just solid acceptance and understanding, in a way that was heartwarming and sweet.
I'm not usually a fan of 1st person stories, but this one completely sucked me into Alistair's head, until I never wanted to leave. He was such a fun, interesting science-geek of a character, which I loved. Marco, with his modern day 'cool dude' attitude, was a perfect balance of cynicism to Alistair's blind faith in clockwork.
The detail and world building were genius. Combining traditional Steampunk with a modern world character was unique and brilliant. I loved the gentle exchange of information and cultures. The way that Marco indulged Alistair at first, then settled into the truth, allowing for some fantastic chemistry and bonding between them.
I'm really sad that it had to end and, like the other books that I've read from this “LT3's Solitary Travelers collection” I wish there were more of the world to read, more of the characters. Just more of everything.
