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The Clockwork Monk
The Clockwork Monk is a mystery the President herself asks Trevor to solve. She wants it, and Trevor’s her spy. An encoded message leads him to the residence of the Archbishop of Chicago, where his undercover role allows him to indulge in fine waistcoats and fancy cravats. Even better, he enjoys the thrill of dodging anarchists and propriety while engaging in a duel of secrets with the mysterious Father Stephen.
The good Father doesn't act like a priest. Hell, Stephen may not be his real name. His broad shoulders and dark eyes are intriguing, and though Stephen’s clandestine agenda clashes with Trevor's, danger just adds to the temptation. Between kisses, Stephen forces Trevor to admit his loyalty goes deeper than cheap excitement, turning a simple burglary into a test of his allegiance.
The good Father doesn't act like a priest. Hell, Stephen may not be his real name. His broad shoulders and dark eyes are intriguing, and though Stephen’s clandestine agenda clashes with Trevor's, danger just adds to the temptation. Between kisses, Stephen forces Trevor to admit his loyalty goes deeper than cheap excitement, turning a simple burglary into a test of his allegiance.
70 pages, ebook
Published February 2, 2017
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Liv Rancourt
55 books185 followersLiv Rancourt writes romance of all kinds. Because love is love, even with fangs.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 6, 2020
Hmmm. I'm still thinking on this one. *ponders*
But one thing I know is how surprised I am with myself.
I wouldn't have normally been drawn to this.
Historical...steampunk...mystery. Not a combo that would have enticed me in the past.
But! I'm a fresh Rancourt fan and when this freebie popped up, I couldn't refuse. Glad I didn't.
A lovely short story and I'd say it was an afternoon well spent in this faraway world.
Assignment from the President herself, priests, nuns, and hansom cabs.
Yep, it was intriguing all right.
I always love hearty romance and it was rather on the light side. Nevertheless, it was fun.
Thanks, Liv!
But one thing I know is how surprised I am with myself.
I wouldn't have normally been drawn to this.
Historical...steampunk...mystery. Not a combo that would have enticed me in the past.
But! I'm a fresh Rancourt fan and when this freebie popped up, I couldn't refuse. Glad I didn't.
A lovely short story and I'd say it was an afternoon well spent in this faraway world.
Assignment from the President herself, priests, nuns, and hansom cabs.
Yep, it was intriguing all right.
I always love hearty romance and it was rather on the light side. Nevertheless, it was fun.
Thanks, Liv!
September 23, 2017
3.5 Stars
Not too shabby if I do say so myself. This steampunk was full of espionage and subterfuge and a little self serving glee.
As per the blurb, Trevor has been tasked by the president herself to find the whereabouts of a fellow spy and to obtain the elusive and mysterious clockwork monk which is purported to be key in preventing rebellion. When he and his sister infiltrate the domain of the archbishop, Trevor comes across the intriguing father Stephen. Is he friend or foe? Regardless, the attraction is palpable and oh so hard to deny.
Unfortunately too short, I felt I was tossed into the middle rather than starting from the beginning. However, I give credit to the premise, the set up, and the execution. Here’s hoping Caldwell gives us more in this unique alternative past.
Not too shabby if I do say so myself. This steampunk was full of espionage and subterfuge and a little self serving glee.
As per the blurb, Trevor has been tasked by the president herself to find the whereabouts of a fellow spy and to obtain the elusive and mysterious clockwork monk which is purported to be key in preventing rebellion. When he and his sister infiltrate the domain of the archbishop, Trevor comes across the intriguing father Stephen. Is he friend or foe? Regardless, the attraction is palpable and oh so hard to deny.
Unfortunately too short, I felt I was tossed into the middle rather than starting from the beginning. However, I give credit to the premise, the set up, and the execution. Here’s hoping Caldwell gives us more in this unique alternative past.
January 17, 2020
A steampunk story set in the US around the time of Madame President McKinley, who has called Trevor and his sister (and fellow spy) Emma (cloistered / hiding in a convent for the past three years) to go to the Archbishop of Chicago, confirm whether anarchists and radicals have infiltrated the archbishop’s household, find the Clockwork Monk, and most importantly discover what happened to another agent Gesualdo, who is the president's son and Trevor's former lover.
Add in small bits of the Red Dagger Boys, steamships, a very sexy Father Stephen, whispered overheard conversations, a mysterious accompanist for Emma's vocal recital, some dour church types, references to other missions by both Emma and Trevor .... and very little to tie all these pieces together and no Gesualdo. A bit too much of the kitchen sink for me. 3 stars.
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Add in small bits of the Red Dagger Boys, steamships, a very sexy Father Stephen, whispered overheard conversations, a mysterious accompanist for Emma's vocal recital, some dour church types, references to other missions by both Emma and Trevor .... and very little to tie all these pieces together and no Gesualdo. A bit too much of the kitchen sink for me. 3 stars.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 1, 2017
Good but much too short - just getting interesting when it stopped.
April 11, 2017
It's a fun little story that is obviously just the beginning of something bigger, but the voice is engaging and the character interesting. If I'm honest, I wasn't particularly won over by the mystery, but the world and budding romance (mostly lust at this point) was enough.
July 5, 2017
3.6 Stars
I love the world painted here - especially given the McKinley in the White House is a female - and steampunk tends to be hit and miss with me so I guess I just wanted more exposition/background for the characters. Also, I think we need a book for the President's son!
I love the world painted here - especially given the McKinley in the White House is a female - and steampunk tends to be hit and miss with me so I guess I just wanted more exposition/background for the characters. Also, I think we need a book for the President's son!
June 12, 2018
2.5 stars
This felt like part of a story. I guess I'd call this a spy adventure - although that element of danger I expect in the genre seemed fairly tepid but it had an intriguing premise and characters I wanted to know more about.
Too bad the tantalizing elements were never fully fleshed out. The hero had a sharp wit that often felt labored. The remaining characters seem like they could be fascinating and I felt like there were hidden depths but they were never delved into.
I'm left with the sense that there is a terrific story waiting to happen with these characters. If the author continues the story, I'll read it to find out if I am right.
This felt like part of a story. I guess I'd call this a spy adventure - although that element of danger I expect in the genre seemed fairly tepid but it had an intriguing premise and characters I wanted to know more about.
Too bad the tantalizing elements were never fully fleshed out. The hero had a sharp wit that often felt labored. The remaining characters seem like they could be fascinating and I felt like there were hidden depths but they were never delved into.
I'm left with the sense that there is a terrific story waiting to happen with these characters. If the author continues the story, I'll read it to find out if I am right.
October 24, 2020
actual rating: 2.5
This was a decent little short story but ultimately I didn't really feel like there was enough here to make me super invested in the characters or the world or even the mystery that much. Definitely some good scenes and ideas in here but I think the author could have really benefitted from adding even 50 more pages. If you are just looking for queer historical fiction with a steamy M/M sex scene then I'm sure this will be right up your alley but I'm feeling way too asexual at the moment for that to be enough to carry the entire thing for me.
This was a decent little short story but ultimately I didn't really feel like there was enough here to make me super invested in the characters or the world or even the mystery that much. Definitely some good scenes and ideas in here but I think the author could have really benefitted from adding even 50 more pages. If you are just looking for queer historical fiction with a steamy M/M sex scene then I'm sure this will be right up your alley but I'm feeling way too asexual at the moment for that to be enough to carry the entire thing for me.
December 9, 2018
This was a new author for me. It felt very rushed with no true direction. The world building was okay. It just needs much more development.
February 14, 2017
Very enjoyable, beautifully written story. I'm not hugely into Steampunk but this author might well have changed my mind. I loved it. Can't wait to read more of this world.
February 17, 2017
The titillating romance at the core of the story was just perfect. There was great heat between the two men and Thomas was one naughty little seducer! Overall, this story was enjoyable but odd in a few ways. I really feel that it was something that should have been a longer work. There were things thrown out there (the red-blade assassin) that were never followed up on or explained. I think that, to best enjoy it, you have to do as I did and let the mystery/espionage plot be inconsequential window dressing (except in showing off how clever and daring Thomas is). I would love to read more about this couple, perhaps something longer about their relationship growing stronger, being tested, etc. Thomas isn't a kisser after all....
July 20, 2017
I love Trevor. So much. His character is fun, snarky, and bad ass. An absolute joy to spend time with this nasty boy. Intriguing plot line. Exciting mystery. Sexy times!!! I want to have a cocktail with Trevor and swap dirty jokes :) Looking forward to a next installment (I hope)!!
January 9, 2018
This was a snapshot style short story, taking a complete universe and only telling a small part of it, but unfortunately I fell that worked against it in this case. The romance was intriguing but could have used a little more, the case felt unfinished, and the world really could have used a bit more explanation.
Set in a world where the industrial revolution has failed and the world is crumbling as it tries to find a way to keep the world going without plunging back into the dark ages, Thomas is an agent who works for the government in the task of keeping the perilous balance between Church and State alive. Thomas has family connections to Church, but as he is gay and embraces that he is a perfect agent for the government. His latest task is to find a missing agent and a Clockwork Monk. He takes along his sister on assignment, and agent like him, and together they infiltrate the Archbishop's residence to seek out what is wrong.
This world seems fascinating but it doesn't have that explanation to give it a backbone which was really disappointing. After all, what would make industry fail? There is not hint as to what it was; lack of resources, unwilling workforce, failed inventions. Yet that seems so important as to how this setup came to be, not to mention important for why Thomas must be an agent for the State, and it is never truly explained. It left an unbalanced feeling from the very beginning.
The Clockwork Monk is the mystery of the short, and again one that is never really explored. There is a search for it, but the hunt is only on for it based on the intel of another agent. There is no reason as to why the Clockwork Monk is important, so it seemed that more would come about once it was found. Instead, finding the Monk gave no clue to its importance, and it was in fact passed on to others to investigate so it is something that will never be known.
The romance was sweet, but in a way rather abrupt. Thomas is worried about his search for the missing agent at the Archbishop's, because the man is also a former lover. Used to using his sexuality to charm others when necessary Thomas starts doing that with a monk in the residence but feels guilty with the connection of his former lover. Then, with one encounter, Thomas feels a greater connection to this monk, Steven, and feels more guilt for that. Everything becomes about the two of them, but I never quite felt that connection as strongly.
This was a short story with an interesting premise and some really great bones, but without more to it that all it feels like; the bones of a story that could have been more.
Set in a world where the industrial revolution has failed and the world is crumbling as it tries to find a way to keep the world going without plunging back into the dark ages, Thomas is an agent who works for the government in the task of keeping the perilous balance between Church and State alive. Thomas has family connections to Church, but as he is gay and embraces that he is a perfect agent for the government. His latest task is to find a missing agent and a Clockwork Monk. He takes along his sister on assignment, and agent like him, and together they infiltrate the Archbishop's residence to seek out what is wrong.
This world seems fascinating but it doesn't have that explanation to give it a backbone which was really disappointing. After all, what would make industry fail? There is not hint as to what it was; lack of resources, unwilling workforce, failed inventions. Yet that seems so important as to how this setup came to be, not to mention important for why Thomas must be an agent for the State, and it is never truly explained. It left an unbalanced feeling from the very beginning.
The Clockwork Monk is the mystery of the short, and again one that is never really explored. There is a search for it, but the hunt is only on for it based on the intel of another agent. There is no reason as to why the Clockwork Monk is important, so it seemed that more would come about once it was found. Instead, finding the Monk gave no clue to its importance, and it was in fact passed on to others to investigate so it is something that will never be known.
The romance was sweet, but in a way rather abrupt. Thomas is worried about his search for the missing agent at the Archbishop's, because the man is also a former lover. Used to using his sexuality to charm others when necessary Thomas starts doing that with a monk in the residence but feels guilty with the connection of his former lover. Then, with one encounter, Thomas feels a greater connection to this monk, Steven, and feels more guilt for that. Everything becomes about the two of them, but I never quite felt that connection as strongly.
This was a short story with an interesting premise and some really great bones, but without more to it that all it feels like; the bones of a story that could have been more.
June 30, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This story was interesting and also a little disappointing at the same time. It was a short and quick read. I adored the world built here. It was completely fascinating with a female president, steampunk elements, and some kind of alternate history. I was pulled into this world but it wasn’t as expended as it could have been. While the story is previously published in an anthology, I would love to see it expanded and built upon. There’s so much potential for a fascinating world to get lost in. Trevor is so much fun. He doesn’t give a whit what anyone thinks about him and is unashamedly himself. He rambled a bit in his inner thoughts but he was a character I would love to see more of. The mystery and suspense aspect of the story was a little thin; however it was enjoyable. The story felt rushed to get all of the plot points in by the end of the book. I wanted a little more from this short story but there’s also serious potential. Trevor’s relationship in the story was slow to build and came to a more abrupt ending than I expected. There’s a sweet happy ending that is the start of a potential long term relationship. But we don’t get to see it in this story. I’m hoping for a sequel at some point that is at least novella length if not more. I will gladly read it because I want to see this world grow and Trevor get a bit more of a happy ending.
Four stars!
This story was interesting and also a little disappointing at the same time. It was a short and quick read. I adored the world built here. It was completely fascinating with a female president, steampunk elements, and some kind of alternate history. I was pulled into this world but it wasn’t as expended as it could have been. While the story is previously published in an anthology, I would love to see it expanded and built upon. There’s so much potential for a fascinating world to get lost in. Trevor is so much fun. He doesn’t give a whit what anyone thinks about him and is unashamedly himself. He rambled a bit in his inner thoughts but he was a character I would love to see more of. The mystery and suspense aspect of the story was a little thin; however it was enjoyable. The story felt rushed to get all of the plot points in by the end of the book. I wanted a little more from this short story but there’s also serious potential. Trevor’s relationship in the story was slow to build and came to a more abrupt ending than I expected. There’s a sweet happy ending that is the start of a potential long term relationship. But we don’t get to see it in this story. I’m hoping for a sequel at some point that is at least novella length if not more. I will gladly read it because I want to see this world grow and Trevor get a bit more of a happy ending.
May 29, 2017
This was very good reading indeed, a complete contrast in content and style to the author's Aqua Follies which I read recently and recommended highly.
This was great fun. It reminded me a little of the Lucifer Box stories but not nearly as arch or camp.
The idea of a female President protected by a gay, lapsed Catholic undercover agent and his sister, an operatic soprano nun was intriguing. The steam technology was hilarious and Thomas/Trevor/Theo's encounters with "Father" Stephen were interesting.
Nothing in this jarred with my historical sensibilities but I detected a couple of minor typos, "devoted" and "terse" instead of "devout" and "terce".
This was a novella but there was more than enough here to develop into a standalone or a series.
What will happen,for instance, when Gesualdo is rescued and finds out what Thomas has been up to?
Will the Red Assassins/Anarchists/Revolutionaries devise more wily plots?
This reader would love to find out.
This was great fun. It reminded me a little of the Lucifer Box stories but not nearly as arch or camp.
The idea of a female President protected by a gay, lapsed Catholic undercover agent and his sister, an operatic soprano nun was intriguing. The steam technology was hilarious and Thomas/Trevor/Theo's encounters with "Father" Stephen were interesting.
Nothing in this jarred with my historical sensibilities but I detected a couple of minor typos, "devoted" and "terse" instead of "devout" and "terce".
This was a novella but there was more than enough here to develop into a standalone or a series.
What will happen,for instance, when Gesualdo is rescued and finds out what Thomas has been up to?
Will the Red Assassins/Anarchists/Revolutionaries devise more wily plots?
This reader would love to find out.
July 21, 2017
Love the characters and specially the voice. Frankly, this world intrigues me a great deal and would love to read more.
I do have some "complaints": all of them minor, but hey.
The main character goes by two names through the story, giving to understand that I've is his alias and the other his birth name, only to spring a third name on the last paragraph... that left me a bit lost, ad if I'd list part of my connection to the character.
The other thing, this is a wonderful 0.5 story introducing new world and new characters, but it isn't a standalone and I didn't know that going in.
That's all. Otherwise, great little tale.
I do have some "complaints": all of them minor, but hey.
The main character goes by two names through the story, giving to understand that I've is his alias and the other his birth name, only to spring a third name on the last paragraph... that left me a bit lost, ad if I'd list part of my connection to the character.
The other thing, this is a wonderful 0.5 story introducing new world and new characters, but it isn't a standalone and I didn't know that going in.
That's all. Otherwise, great little tale.
December 8, 2018
4.5 stars. Love, love, love Liv's writing. This one is no exception. There is intrigue and mystery and in the midst of it all, are Trevor and his sister Emma. Trevor/Thomas has been assigned to find the clockwork monk and hopefully a fellow missing spy. Stumbling upon Father Stephen creates some very interesting complications. I'm grabbing the second book The Christmas Prince.
Both stories can be found at the author's site under books, for these freebies. http://www.livrancourt.com
Both stories can be found at the author's site under books, for these freebies. http://www.livrancourt.com
July 12, 2017
Too much information was left behind the scenes, so it was difficult to empathize with the MC. But the setting is really entertaining so I'm in for the next installment.
April 19, 2018
Great story, great characters. Could have been longer wth a bit more gradual attraction. Love to see a sequel of these two and perhaps one of the presidents son. Keep them coming.
June 26, 2017
an alright story, but it felt like a trial run for a full novel. there were nods to deeper backstory and side characters that weren't even half fleshed out. it either needed less of that our more. Ifba full novel appears I'd love to read it but this was rather odd.
April 5, 2018
Interesting introduction to characters and a world I'd like to know more about. It's short and the connection between the MCs is quick because of that, but it made me want more, and that's what I hope for from a short story. Hopefully there are plans for that!
March 1, 2017
I have come to love steam punk. This was a joy to read, I would love for it to have been longer or for there to be another adventure for these two.
December 30, 2022
Steampunk set in 1899 America which is suffering the same decay as the rest of the industrialised world (and presumably the less industrialised as well). President McKinley (widow of the 'late lamented' politician) is struggling to maintain standards with 'Church and State as the last pillars standing between society and chaos' summons Thomas Beck (the pseudonym of one of her secret cohort of agents) to follow another, now missing, agent who last communicated 'Anarchists - Archbishop of Chicago - find the Clockwork Monk'. And we're off!
Engaging entertainment - there's another story about the leading character to be tracked down!
Engaging entertainment - there's another story about the leading character to be tracked down!
March 20, 2019
Loved it. This is what I want more of : a story with lgbt leads that isn't strictly a "romance" because it has a more exciting plot or driving force (in this case, the search for a mysterious contraption and a missing person), but that does have a bit of romance/sexiness thrown in. Tis the cherry on top, without relying entirely on romance to draw in and keep the reader's interest.
Interesting, likable characters. Compelling plot. Exciting setting. And a hot little pairing thrown in as well.
I want more!!!
Interesting, likable characters. Compelling plot. Exciting setting. And a hot little pairing thrown in as well.
I want more!!!
April 28, 2020
Brief novella. Plot has jumps along the time stream that feel awkward. Interesting alt-world. Characters need more fleshing out.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
December 16, 2022
A short read that looked fun, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. There were a lot of references to things outside of the story - not just a bigger world beyond the book, but enough that it felt like we were only getting half the picture (ie why was the sister pretending to be a nun?)
The romance was cute, and felt quite well-developed for not having many pages to achieve it in, but it soon dominated all semblance of a plot and left nothing behind but questions.
The romance was cute, and felt quite well-developed for not having many pages to achieve it in, but it soon dominated all semblance of a plot and left nothing behind but questions.
May 28, 2018
First off... I do have a bit of an issue with steampunk and would probably not have read this if it weren't for a challenge.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was well written and the story was well executed within the few pages. I still have my issues, but this certainly proved that I can put them aside enough to enjoy the story.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was well written and the story was well executed within the few pages. I still have my issues, but this certainly proved that I can put them aside enough to enjoy the story.
August 7, 2019
I thought this was a really engaging novella about steampunk spies, a brother and sister duo, and suspicious monks. I also enjoyed the LGBT element with the m/m pairing. This is obviously the start of something bigger, but it does a good job introducing the reader to the larger world and setting up for more adventures.
November 20, 2022
Maybe even 4.5. The unapologetic voice of the MC about his flouting of social norms was so appealing, and so unusual in its ambiguous presentation of that character. There is another story following on from this one, but it didn't have the bite this one had. I'd love to read more with the tone of this one.
September 5, 2024
Hmm, I felt like this book needed way more development. Why was the sister cloistered? What did they need the monk for? What was with the president's son and wasn't he part of the goal that was just dropped? What was with the anarchists? Was anything answered? It just fell short for me. 2.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews