Review: Curio by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4.5🌈

I simply don’t read enough stories by this remarkable author. Curio by C.S. Poe is an excellent way to find your way to this wonderful storyteller.

This short story really resonated with me as I just had someone drop off a dilapidated cardboard box full of old photographs, mostly mine, from the past. No dates, and haphazardly thrown in there, saved from the trash.

So a story that tackles the possibilities that lie behind forgotten old discarded photos hits home.

Poe’s characters, so vividly real and grounded in a place the author calls home, brings the humor and emotional layers so important to this. Llewellyn “Lew” Cooper with his aunt Julia run Curio Cabinet in New York City’s West Village. It’s a hodgepodge of Julia’s interests and antiques, including old photographs.

Then a handsome man comes, buying the photographs on a regular basis. Why? Who is he?

Poe beautifully builds this quietly emotional story of buried history revealed and love in all its forms. Curio comes to a happy ending leading forward for Henry and Lew that makes sense and leaves me absolutely satisfied.

This is a terrific read and the author is one you should have on your auto buy list.

Buy link:

PURCHASE

Blurb:

Llewellyn Cooper and his aunt Julia run Curio Cabinet in New York City’s West Village, where the clientele is as strange as the junk being amassed in their secondhand shop. Llewellyn and Julia have been as thick as thieves his entire life, and Llewellyn can’t imagine being anywhere else six days a week—even if Julia’s bizarre habits and inappropriate conversations drive him crazy. That’s family, though, right?

When Llewellyn drums up the nerve to chat with a routine customer—in part due to curiosity, as Henry McLaughlin returns time and again to purchase nothing but old photographs, but also because the bearded and bow tie–wearing man is the finest thing to ever step foot inside Curio—it seems like Llewellyn will finally have a plus-one for future RSVPs. But just when things start looking up in the romance department, it turns out Henry might be too strange for the Cooper family.

And that’s saying something

Emporium Press
February 05, 2024
Cover art: Reese Dante
Genre: Contemporary romance

60 pages

Review: The Doctor (Magic and Steam #3) by C. S. Poe

Rating: 5🌈

Sawbones. The doctor behind all the heinous experiments and the battlefield nightmares. A sadist now being hunted and who’s hunting.

The Doctor starts off on the cliffhanger of a heartbreaker of that ending in The Gangster. Then it ended with a explosive revelation by Gillian Hamilton just as the DC Special Agents were flooding the building he and his outlaw lover, Gunner the Deadly, were in. Gillian forced Gunner to leave for his safety, before turning to face the unknown.

Now we know the results that awful day. Gillian Hamilton has lost everything. He’s been imprisoned by the Council, under conditions that have him losing his sanity and hope.

It’s a truly chilling opener.

We’re inside his mind and just so devastated as he’s emotionally bereft without Gunner’s loving support. He’s isolated, tortured, and still aware of all the sinister elements and evil characters in play around him.

Poe’s writing distills the horrors of Gillian’s state of mind as well as his physical damage with a cold conciseness.

The complicated storylines and whereabouts of the characters we care about are threaded neatly through the plot as Poe advances Gillian’s plight from stage to stage.

The suspense is tight and fraught with anxiety for Gillian’s safety. Poe starts to introduce more steampunk elements as well as horror aspects as the plot expands to bring in more characters and bigger sinister details.

I am so addicted to this couple and series. So of course, The Doctor ends on a moment of heartbreaking revelation once more. One, however, the reader was somewhat prepared for this time.

The Councilman will do you need to go is that what you’re telling me OK

Magic & Steam series to date:

🔹The Engineer #1

🔹The Gangster #2

🔹The Doctor #3

🔹The Councilman #4 – Release TBD

Another outstanding cover.

Cover art: Reese Dante

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Doctor (Magic & Steam, #3) by C.S. Poe – Goodreads

https://www.cspoe.comC.S. Poe | Homepage

Synopsis:

1882—Gillian Hamilton, magic caster and Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has been stripped of his title, badge, and freedom. Gillian’s true name and powers have been exposed, so now he’s kept under lock and key. To make a tragedy worse, Gunner the Deadly has returned to his life out in the Wild West and has not been heard from since.

Rumors of a doctor, known only as Sawbones, with access to illegal magic have persisted into the new year. Gillian believes that violence, chaos, and certain death will befall New York City if this criminal isn’t apprehended. And despite having lost his sense of purpose, Gillian knows he’s the only one capable of confronting this new madman—with or without the backing of the FBMS.

But such dangers should never be undertaken alone. Gillian will need both Gunner’s deadeye marksmanship, as well as his love, if he’s to detain Sawbones before irreparable damage is done to the magic of his world.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Gangster (Magic and Steam #2) by C. S. Poe

Rating: 4.5🌈

Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, healed from the events that occurred in The Engineer, is back home in New York City. And he’s anticipating a very special New Year’s Eve celebration if everything goes smoothly.

But this is Gillian , so no. He’s actually not healed yet, not completely and hasn’t said anything. His feelings about his reunion are complicated by his job, the need to hide his sexuality, and his insecurities. So huge!

Poe has made this man come alive in such a short time that we feel him actually vibrating with his thoughts while trying to bring down a fleeing criminal. Gillian may be a powerful magic caster but emotionally he’s vulnerable, a aspect to him that makes us feel even more connected to him .

Then there’s another unexpected complication from within his office for him to deal with.

Poe narratively threatens Gillian’s foundation on several levels while throwing him in the form of Gunner, the support he needs , emotionally and physically.

Just as Gunner is starting to open up to Gillian, the mystery of the mechanical men, the illegal magical weapons, and the devastating consequences it’s having on the City are tearing away at Gillian. It’s reawakening horrifying memories, causing his deeply buried secrets to raise barriers between himself and Gunner.

This story is more provoking, emotionally thoughtful, and horrific than The Engineer. It ends in a heartbreaking cliffhanger.

Luckily, The Doctor, the next novel in the series, can be read immediately so that cliffhanger is dealt with.

I’m headed to that story now.

Brilliant writing and character development. The Gangster (Magic and Steam #2) by C. S. Poe has so many incredible and layered personalities here , Addison and Monroe, that you just feel each is such a keeper too. Along with the main couple that’s currently breaking our hearts.

Poe’s imaginative storyline gives us new steampunk elements, magical mechanical men, and more as the mystery expands, together with beautifully rendered characters.

This is a series and book to absolutely have on your #MustRead lists.

I’m highly recommending them.

Magic & Steam series to date:

🔹The Engineer #1

🔹The Gangster #2

🔹The Doctor #3

Another outstanding cover.

Cover art: Reese Dante

Buy Links:

https://www.cspoe.com › m-s-the-ga…The Gangster (Magic & Steam: Book Two) | C.S. Poe

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Gangster (Magic & Steam, #2) by C.S. Poe – Goodreads

Synopsis:

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, magic caster for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has recovered from injuries obtained while in Shallow Grave, Arizona. Now back in New York City, Gillian makes an arrest on New Year’s Eve that leads to information on a gangster, known only as Tick Tock, who’s perfected utilizing elemental magic ammunition. This report complicates Gillian’s holiday plans, specifically those with infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly, who promised they’d ring in 1882 together.

The two men stand on the cusp of a romance that needs to be explored intimately and privately. But when Gillian’s residence is broken into by a magical mechanical man who tries to murder him on behalf of Tick Tock, he and Gunner must immediately investigate the city’s ruthless street gangs before the illegal magic becomes a threat that cannot be contained.

This might be their most wild adventure yet, but criminal undergrounds can’t compare to the dangers of the heart. Gillian must balance his career in law enforcement with his love for a vigilante, or lose both entirely.

——-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Engineer (Magic and Steam #1) by C. S. Poe

Rating: 4.5🌈

What a fantastic story and start to a new series by author C. S. Poe. The Engineer, a fabulous mix of Wild West, magic, amidst a steampunk universe where a touch starved Special Federal Magic Agent ends up hunting a magical terrorist known as Tinkerer.

Only he’s not the only one. There’s another man after the Tinkerer too. But that person is decidedly on the other side of the law. The other one is Gunner the Deadly, the top of the Bureau’s Most Wanted List.

Poe creates a bedlam of dust, panic, and steampunk magic as Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, outlaw Gunner , and madman engineer, the Tinkerer , all descend on the small silver mining town of Shallow Grave , Arizona in 1881.

Hamilton is especially compelling as a magic caster forced to work for the government by federal laws and personal guilt. But regulations and society morals have forced him into such severe self isolation that he’s essentially dying inside. He hides his sexuality because homosexuality isn’t allowed, and the strength of his magic makes touch of another unsafe.

Until Gunner touches him, unleashing tightly imprisoned feelings and making him feel alive again.

They are both such fascinating characters. Poe has left just enough gaps in their histories that future stories can use that knowledge to enrich their developing relationship.

Here it’s a tenuous emotional connection that’s building between them, and a bargain struck over the need to bring down a unexpectedly more powerful villain.

Poe has created some marvelous steampunk magical inventions along with the usual airships and expected western Gatling guns of that era.

It’s poured together in a fabulous 72 pages that has the feel of a much bigger story. One that leaves us on a hopeful note going forward into The Gangster (Magic & Steam #2).

Magic & Steam series:

🔹The Engineer #1

🔹The Gangster #2

🔹The Doctor #3

Btw, what outstanding covers each story has! They absolutely caught my eye!

Cover art: Reese Dante

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Engineer (Magic & Steam, #1) by C.S. Poe – Goodreads

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is a magic caster with the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam. He’s sent to Shallow Grave, Arizona, to arrest a madman engineer known as Tinkerer, who’s responsible for blowing up half of Baltimore. Gillian has handled some of the worst criminals in the Bureau’s history, so this assignment shouldn’t be a problem. But even he’s taken aback by a run-in with the country’s most infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly.

Gunner is also stalking Shallow Grave in search of Tinkerer, who will stop at nothing to take control of the town’s silver mines. Neither Gillian nor Gunner are willing to let Tinkerer hurt more innocent people, so they agree to a very temporary partnership.

If facing illegal magic, Gatling gun contraptions, and a wild engineer in America’s frontier wasn’t enough trouble for a city boy, Gillian must also come to terms with the reality that he’s rather fond of his partner. But even if they live through this adventure, Gillian fears there’s no chance for love between a special agent and outlaw.

Based on the short story, “Gunner the Deadly.” Entirely revised, newly expanded, and Book One in the exciting new steampunk series, Magic & Steam.

A Lila Review: Mystery of the Bones (Snow in Winter #4) by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

It’s been a full year since the mystery that brought antique shop owner and part-time amateur sleuth Sebastian Snow together with NYPD homicide detective Calvin Winter. Patience, sanity, and their very lives have been put to the test, but love has persevered. Although Sebastian is now New York City’s best-known busybody, he’s done solving crimes and wants nothing more than to plan a romantic budget wedding.Then Snow’s Antique Emporium receives a decapitated human head in the mail and the holidays are gory once again. Sebastian patently disregards the mystery of a lifetime because he is done with death and danger—but the killer escalates. Before Sebastian knows it, his closest friends and family are dragged into a series of horrific murders with antiquated clues hinting to the infamous Victorian American Bones Wars.

The clock is ticking to recover a long-lost artifact linked to paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope and to capture a murderer. But it’s not Sebastian who may become the next target—it’s Calvin.

The Mystery of the Bones is a good addition to the series but my least favorite. I’m wondering if it is due to the lack of Calvin. Yes, he’s an important part of the plot but Sebastian is the star. With the help of some interesting allies.

As before, we get to travel New York and see history through Sebastian’s eyes (pun intended). The amount of information he knows is pointless but relevant to the mystery. I would love to see Sebastian play Jeopardy.

There are more clues in this book than before and the relationship between them is a bit gruesome. A lot more bodies and parts. Still, the book is easy to follow.

The only thing I didn’t like is the way the resolution came out of left field. The clues dropped fast and it felt as if the author was withholding information from the reader. I wanted a little more breadcrumbs. Overall, a well-written story.

The cover by Reese Dante is simple but it has the main elements of the story. I love how we have seen Sebastian evolve with each cover.

Sale Links: DSP| Amazon | Nook

Book Details:

ebook, 191 pages
Published: September 24, 2019, by DSP Publishing
ISBN: 9781641082075
Edition Language: English

Series: Snow & Winter
Book #1: The Mystery of Nevermore
Book #2: The Mystery of the Curiosities
Book #3: The Mystery of the Moving Image
Book #4: The Mystery of the Bones

A Barb The Zany Old Lady Advent Calendar Review:That Turtle Story by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

When Eugene Montgomery comes to the Turtle R&R to report he found a nest of turtle eggs on the beach and it appears some eggs are already damaged, biologist Nor O’Brien rushes to save them. He can’t keep from eyeing the gorgeous eye candy either. Nor is single and frustrated. Small and nerdy, the 28-year-old is hoping to find the man of his dreams—someone who might look a lot like Eugene—big, buff, and, hopefully, interested in turtles. But it’s apparent Eugene is on vacation, and Nor doesn’t do flings.

Well, not usually, anyway. At least that’s what he tells himself when the two end up in bed. But the good news is that Eugene does indeed love turtles, and Nor eventually learns he’s been mistaken about Eugune all along. He’s not on vacation—he’s moved here permanently to start his own business. Nor may really have met the man of his dreams, after all.

This story was sweet—and almost too short. But the author, who has a way with word crafting, was able to fit in a lot of detail about the turtle sanctuary, the rescue of the loggerhead eggs, time for dating, and even a sex scene. I would have loved this to be longer, but what we got was really interesting and heartwarming. Plus, both characters were sketched-in enough that I really enjoyed being with them on this adventure.

I definitely recommend this story, especially to those of us who live in Florida and have to “make do” with sandy beaches instead of snow for the holidays.

The cover by Brooke Albrecht features Nor, a young, eyeglasses-wearing, turtle-loving nerd. The bright colors and cute picture are definitely enough to attract attention to this book.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar
Published December 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 139781644050392
Edition Language English

A Lila Release Day Review: The Mystery of the Moving Image (Snow & Winter #3) by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

It’s summer in New York City, and antique shop owner Sebastian Snow is taking the next big step in his relationship with NYPD homicide detective, Calvin Winter: they’re moving in together. What should have been a wonderful week of playing house and celebrating Calvin’s birthday comes to an abrupt end when a mysterious package arrives at the Emporium.

Inside is a Thomas Edison Kinetoscope, a movie viewer from the nineteenth century, invented by the grandfather of modern cinema, W. K. L. Dickson. And along with it, footage of a murder that took place over a hundred years ago.

Sebastian resists the urge to start sleuthing, even if the culprit is long dead and there’s no apparent danger. But break-ins at the Emporium, a robbery, and dead bodies aren’t as easy to ignore, and Sebastian soon realizes that the century-old murder will lead him to a modern-day killer.

However, even with Sebastian’s vast knowledge of Victorian America and his unrelenting perseverance in the face of danger, this may be the one mystery he won’t survive.

The Mystery of the Moving Image brings the readers into the story from the opening scene, “Five bucks says there’s a dead body inside.” We are right there, sleuthing with Sebastian once again. Trying to predicts the reason behind the mystery and Calvin’s reaction to the whole mess. Like in previous instances, Sebastian is the magnet that attracts the chaos.

We get some new characters, but our favorite suspects are back to throw Sebastian’s assumptions off. Jealousy brings Calvin and Sebastian closer, and it’s nice to see how they worked in unison. By now, they have learned to anticipate each other’s actions and reactions. I really enjoyed Neil’s part in the story and how he now relates to Sebastian and Calvin.

This installment those feels less complicated than the previous ones. Perhaps since we know the players it’s easier to follow the story, but some areas felt as if the mystery was just there to bring us back into Sebastian’s and Clavin’s lives instead of a real plot twist. Even so, it was hard to put the book aside.

I learned more than I needed about the historical items around the story and the development of film as an industry. Plus, I think poor Sebastian was put through the wringer in this book. Glad he had his family and friends to play a part in bringing his life back to rights.

The cover by Reese Dante it’s a bit simpler than the previous two but includes Sebastian and one of the main elements in the mystery. Perfect for the series itself.

Sale Links: DSP| Amazon | Nook

Book Details:

ebook, 214 pages
Published: September 11, 2018, by DSP Publishing
ISBN: 9781640808782
Edition Language: English

Series: Snow & Winter
Book #1: The Mystery of Nevermore
Book #2: The Mystery of the Curiosities
Book #3: The Mystery of the Moving Image

A Lila Release Day Review: Southernmost Murder by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Aubrey Grant lives in the tropical paradise of Old Town, Key West, has a cute cottage, a sweet moped, and a great job managing the historical property of a former sea captain. With his soon-to-be-boyfriend, hotshot FBI agent Jun Tanaka, visiting for a little R&R, not even Aubrey’s narcolepsy can put a damper on their vacation plans.

But a skeleton in a closet of the Smith Family Historical Home throws a wrench into the works. Despite Aubrey and Jun’s attempts to enjoy some time together, the skeleton’s identity drags them into a mystery with origins over a century in the past. They uncover a tale of long-lost treasure, the pirate king it belonged to, and a modern-day murderer who will stop at nothing to find the hidden riches. If a killer on the loose isn’t enough to keep Aubrey out of the mess, it seems even the restless spirit of Captain Smith is warning him away.

The unlikely partnership of a special agent and historian may be exactly what it takes to crack this mystery wide-open and finally put an old Key West tragedy to rest. But while Aubrey tracks down the X that marks the spot, one wrong move could be his last.

Southernmost Murder is a perfect mix of mystery, quirky characters, and romance. I was captivated by Aubrey since the very beginning. I remember him from the Snow and Winter series, just like Jun, and I’m glad the author took the time to give these two their own story. It’s not necessary to read the other two books though.

I loved how Aubrey’s narcolepsy was part of him and not a prompt to make him more interesting or create conflict. It’s an integral part of the story and it’s relevant to the plot and the relationship. We get to know all the characters through their actions and each of them had their personalities and backstories.

The book has a solid ‘whodunnit’ plot with many twists and turns. Yes, Aubrey makes several dumb decisions during the story but those don’t take from it. I enjoyed the way the author brings the reader into the setting and the different locations. Together with all the historical facts, items, and side characters.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the romance arc take a central part of the story. Jun’s and Aubrey’s chemistry was intense but their friendship really added to it. I wish we could have seen them together during their courtship, but we get little glances of it. Jun’s POV would have been nice too. The secondary romance is heartbreaking.

Overall, this is a great mystery and love story. I hope to see more about these two and some of the other characters. Perhaps the detective? Adam?

The cover by Reese Dante shows Aubrey and Jun together with some of the elements of the story.

Sale Links: DSP| Amazon | NOOK

ebook, 200 pages
Published: January 9, 2018, by DSP Publications
ISBN: 9781640800779
Edition Language: English

A MelanieM Advent Release Day Review: New Game, Start by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Reclusive medieval scholar, Edgar Royal, has a crush. On a guy. Not a big deal, except that said guy, Walter Chase, is a famous online gamer who has no idea Edgar even exists. Edgar has harbored these feelings for nearly a year, and when Walter announces on Twitter that he’ll be visiting New York City as a guest at the GamerOn convention, Edgar decides he’ll be one of the thousands of fans who responds to the message.

He definitely doesn’t expect to be singled out by the humble, gorgeous, out-and-proud heartthrob. And when it comes to dealing with people, Edgar’s skills are pretty nonexistent. Even with Walter giving all the right signals, Edgar lacks the courage do anything about the mutual attraction growing through their online courtship. He’s always been better with the written word, so maybe the perfect Christmas gift will say what he cannot. But if Edgar can’t get the present to Walter before the convention ends, he may miss out on the boyfriend of a lifetime.

I enjoy stories about gamer nerds so combining that with a holiday theme is a definite draw. C.S. Poe gets the gaming aspects spot on while creating a sweet romance for Edgar and Walter, two gamers looking for love at a convention in NYC.

New Game, Start by C.S. Poe has lovely characters, a great setting (NYC and a gamer convention), and an easy flow to her story that sweeps you into the life of Edgar Royal, medieval scholar and reclusive gamer. Not once did Edgar ever come across as anything less than authentic. You believe in Edgar, crossed signals, his lack of self worth…and wish that everything will go Edgar’s way when he actually meets up with his hero, Walter. Walter too is a terrific character and the combination works in every way as the geeky courtship builds towards a relationship.

I loved the feel of this story, it’s a lovely, quiet romp to the end and definitely one I recommend.

Cover art by Paul Richmond is the series Stocking Stuffer cover, full of humor and good cheer.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection Stocking Stuffers.

ebook, 38 pages
Published December 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640803145
Edition Language English
setting New York City, New York (United States)

A Caryn Release Day Review: Color of You by CS Poe

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is the last Christmas book I am reviewing this season, and I’m going to treat it a little bit like a hallmark movie. At a different time of the year, I would probably be more cynical and take off a star, but this is the season of peace and goodwill, so if the characters act a bit schmaltzy I am just chalking that up to the spirit of the season!

Bowen Merlin is a classical musician who has left the NYC rat race to teach band in northern New Hampshire. He’s excited about the opportunity, and the chance to work with elementary and high school students. He knows he can’t expect much of a gay scene, but he’s pretty much sworn off trying to find a compatible boyfriend – after all, who would expect a tall, skinny redhead with a penchant for bow ties to be an alpha male?

Felix Hansen is a single father, and proprietor of the Snowy Ridge Apple Orchard and Christmas Tree Farm. He’s a big guy, but he’s shy and tender-hearted, easily hurt, and self-conscious of the extensive scars he carries from the fire that burned down his house and prompted his move to New Hampshire. He has also been out of the dating game for years, content to raise his teenage son Alan and support his community.

Bowen has sound-to-color synesthesia, which means that all sounds have specific colors for him, and affect how he feels about or reacts to people. His first exposure to Felix is hearing his voice, which is a rich amber, warm and affectionate, a color that Bowen has never experienced before and he is incredibly attracted to it. After an adorable meet-cute, the men start dating, and quickly find that they are perfect for each other. There are obstacles to overcome – like the fact that Alan is one of Bowen’s band students – but things look like they will be pretty rosy.

But since this is a Christmas Hallmark-type story, there has to be some conflict, and it comes in the guise of homophobia that might destroy both men. But the wonderful secondary characters – Bowen’s best friend Scarlet, accounting teacher Stephen, and of course Alan – jump in and save the day, with help from the entire town (except for the homophobic assholes who are basically tarred and feathered and run out of town). And they lived happily ever after.

Even though the plot was simple and the conflicts resolved way too easily to be anything like real life, I found both MCs to be wonderfully likeable and their romance inevitable. The dialogue is light-hearted, the pace is steady throughout, and the book is easy to read in one afternoon. I loved how the synesthesia was worked into the story. Although the book is from Bowen’s point of view, the colors he saw and the way he described this condition to others (which was exactly like Wikipedia, but that’s a good thing, right?) created a different kind of visualization of his emotions that was really intriguing.

Cover art by Reese Dante is perfect for the book. The models are just what I expected the characters to look like – minus scars – and the gold/amber lettering and music notes highlighted one of the main themes, which also ties in with the title. It’s a nice cover regardless, but after reading the book I really appreciated it!

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Expected publication: December 25th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640801509
Edition LanguageEnglish

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: