Falcon's Favor (Broken Gears, #4) / Broken Gears (ePub)

A queer, standalone, cozy mystery romance with tons of food cravings, tea-loving, and found family vibes that smashes toxic masculinity and serves up warm, fuzzy feels every step of the way.

Falcon Smoke's image graces posters all over the city, touting him as the shining new hope for Springhaven. Yet every time Falcon sees those pictures of himself he feels like more of a sham. He tries to lead by example as a good and just Enforcer, but it's hard to do right within a broken system. The cost of his fame has forced Falcon to leave his family home and move into a small house he can only afford with the help of another young gent by the name of Keene.

A handsome and self-confident man, Keene fills their new home with wonderful aromas of his delicious tea blends and the scrumptious meals he makes for his catering clients. Seeing Falcon's need to lie low, Keene does his best to ensure his housemate feels safe, warm, and protected.

Fate, however, is not so kind. The Enforcer order is undergoing reform and many are calling for Falcon to drive their initiatives. Thankfully, Falcon has some much-deserved leave time coming up, and he plans to take full advantage of it by spending time with his handsome housemate. Unfortunately, before they can kick off their vacation, their home is robbed.

Knowing that involving the Enforcers means condemning the perpetrators to a lifetime of imprisonment and torture, Falcon and Keene decide to solve the case themselves. While Falcon would prefer to handle this matter alone, Keene refuses to be left out. The two grow closer throughout the investigation, with sparks of romance igniting between them. But when someone notifies the Enforcers of the crime, Falcon is forced to choose where he'll throw the considerable weight of his support.

Fans of cozy mysteries full of sweet romance, witty interactions, and gripping suspense are sure to love Falcon's Favor by Dana Fraedrich! Also recommended for anyone who's enjoyed Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston; Mackenzi Lee's Montague Siblings series (A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, A Ladies' Guide to Petticoats and Piracy); Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, Finishing School series, and Custard Protocol series; and/or Garth Nix's Old World (Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, Clariel, etc.). Those readers will delight as this Victorian-era-esque world unfolds before them. A multi-layered steampunk fantasy tale of colorful characters and subterfuge that promises to entrance.

Series Note: Falcon's Favor is a standalone story in the captivating, young adult, steampunk fantasy series, Broken Gears (despite being listed as the fourth in the series).