Tales of Cogs and Corsets
10 Flash Fiction Stories of Romance, Adventure, and Invention.
Step into the world of Tales of Cogs and Corsets, where the elegance of regency England meets the thrill of steampunk innovation in a fantasy world not unlike our own. In this unique collection of 10 flash fiction stories, each crafted in exactly 500 words, romance, adventure, and a touch of whimsy fill every page. The Dorchester estate, nestled in a kingdom powered by Dwarven steam technology, is home to the four remarkable Dorchester sisters: Vivienne, Amelia, Sophie, and Eliza. Each story captures a moment of bravery, wit, and unexpected love in their lives as they navigate high society, mysterious intrigues, and thrilling escapades.
Meet the Dorchester sisters—four women as bold as they are intelligent, each challenging the conventions of their time. Vivienne, the eldest, has a mind for machines and engineering, finding herself in adventures that require both logic and courage. Amelia, the quiet observer, is fascinated by invention and skilled at unraveling mysteries, often finding herself entangled in hidden secrets and coded messages. Sophie, with her sharp business acumen, forms alliances and partnerships that push the boundaries of what a lady is expected to pursue. And Eliza, the youngest, is ever ready for an adventure, her spirit matched only by her daring heart, which leads her to the skies and beyond.
In these pages, you'll follow Vivienne as she repairs a broken brass band at an opulent ball, only to find herself drawn to a quick-thinking engineer who knows his way around more than just a dance floor. You'll find Amelia working in secret to aid a desperate inventor crafting a clockwork heart for his ailing mother, her gentle compassion sparking a connection that might just be the start of something more. Sophie's ambition leads her to propose a partnership with a powerful merchant, where their negotiations lead to more than they expected. And Eliza, ever the thrill-seeker, sneaks aboard a Dwarven airship only to face sky pirates and forge a bond with a dashing airship captain that might be as unpredictable as the winds.
Each story is a self-contained, delightful snippet of regency-steampunk romance, yet the collection creates a vibrant, interconnected world. You'll see the sisters handle challenges together—when a mysterious saboteur threatens their father's land, the sisters are ready to protect their community and solve the mystery on their own terms. In the heartwarming final story, they welcome back their suitors at the annual Frost Night celebration, each reunion as unique and heartwarming as the journey they've taken to get there.
With atmospheric storytelling and charming details, Tales of Cogs and Corsets is perfect for readers who love romance mixed with adventure, and a touch of holiday magic to warm your heart. In a world where grand balls, airship battles, and heartfelt reunions are part of everyday life, the Dorchester sisters prove that true love and daring dreams can flourish side by side. Whether you're a fan of regency romance, steampunk invention, or simply crave stories of spirited heroines and dashing suitors, Tales of Cogs and Corsets is a collection you'll treasure.