The Empty Hourglass by Cornelia Grey
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Thomas Escott has always wanted to be a toymaker, yet just as he achieves his dream, an accident claims his right hand. He’s certain his life is over—until he hears about groundbreaking prosthetics being made by a reclusive inventor.
Review: I’ve read one other book by Grey and that was Circus of the Damned (the second Deal with a Devil novel) and The Empty Hourglass is the third. These don’t need to be read in any type of order. The only link between them is the devil character that makes deals with people. Circus of the Damned was one of those novels that I loved, giving it 5 stars on Goodreads, so I was really excited to read another book by this author. While The Empty Hourglass is definitely interesting, and all the characters are a bit eccentric, yet highly intriguing, I didn’t like this one as much as Circus of the Damned. Regardless, I’d still recommend this one.
It’s a bit of a steampunk novel where Jethro Hastings creates wonderful mechanical inventions, especially in the realm of prosthetic arms and other items a human may need. Thomas Escott finds Jethro in hopes that he can give him a new hand, since he’s a toymaker and doesn’t think he can do his job with only one hand. If he can’t make toys, Thomas isn’t sure what he’s good for in life. There is a quick attraction to Jethro on Thomas’ part, but nothing moves quick. It’s actually a very sweet romance, where there aren’t descriptions of sex and the physical parts of romance. As for the rest of the story, it does make you wonder throughout. It’s an inventive, enjoyable novel.
To Live Again by L.A. Witt
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Greg Douglas’s wife surprised him with an early 25th anniversary gift: a divorce. Staying with friends Ethan and Rhett seems like a good idea, just until he gets back on his feet. The guys have an even better idea to take his mind off his troubles—take him out to explore the other half of his bisexuality.After a quarter century suppressing his hidden desires, he’s not waiting any longer.Especially not after laying eyes on the gorgeous deejay at Wilde’s.Deejay and single dad Sailo Isaia isn’t looking for anything serious. He’s definitely not out to be a sexual teacher, never mind to a man almost two decades his senior. But as Greg gets the hang of having a male lover, Sailo can’t help himself. They both keep coming back for more. And more. And more.But a few nagging questions hold Sailo back from giving his whole heart. Is this just Greg’s midlife crisis and rebound fling? Or a chance to fill that empty space—forever—for both Sailo and his beloved son?
Review: While not a book bad by any means, this one does focus a lot on the sexual and physical nature of a relationship. I wish we had gotten a bit more of the emotional connection between Greg and Sailo, especially since this is the first male/male relationship that Greg has ever been in. Regardless, I did like these two together and I definitely rooted for them. I liked that Witt showed Greg coming out to some of his children, and exploring their relationship as well. This book, while heavy on the physical romance, did not make sure to keep Greg’s family in mind. There are scenes with his ex-wife, many moments with friends, and a few key scenes with his children, as I mentioned above.
I’m certainly curious to read more by Witt. To Live Again has a great message – that you aren’t too to old to find or reinvent yourself.
These both sound interesting, although the Deal with the Devil series is probably more my type of book. But I like that To Live Again features a bisexual character, and a middle age man to boot!
2 different books there but they could be interesting
I'm all for a good M/M romance, but the steampunk themes scares me a little.
Whilst your second choice doesn't particularly appeal to me I love the sound of The Empty Hourglass so much that I'm away to add it to my wish list.
I haven't read steampunk in a really long time but I love the genre so I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for putting these on my radar, Lauren! Great reviews!
I love books that have steampunk tendencies. These both sound really interesting!
I am new to steampunk, sad huh, but I like the sound of that book. Thanks for the review!