Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts (Steampunk Proper Romance #4)
By Nancy Campbell
Published by Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: August 4, 2020

Description:
Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland. But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community. As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland. Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

Review:
This series has been so interesting--with the unique world, the romance, the fairy tale elements, and more. I enjoyed the plot of this book and found Emme's work for the slighted and feared populations to be particularly compelling. I enjoyed the romance, too, and seeing how Emme and Oliver went from being enemies to falling in love. There were some elements that felt rushed, but all in all, this was another fun book from Nancy Campbell Allen.
 As a side note, I'm NOT a steampunk fan; I don't particularly dislike it, but I would never seek out a book simply because it was steampunk. For others who may not be steampunk fans, be reassured that the unique setting doesn't overpower the rest of the elements of the story.
3.5 stars.
 I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower
By Nancy Campbell Allen

Hazel Hughes enjoys her work healing alongside Dr. Sam MacInnes and is grateful for his friendship and kindness, even as she wishes that a romantic relationship with him were possible. But she knows she's not his equal socially, and so she contents herself with work and learning. Her life takes a drastic turn, however, when Dravor Pretescu, a Romanian count, comes to London, finds Hazel, and tells her that she is his niece and has a twin sister who is gravely ill and needs Hazel's help. Hazel has long had visions of her twin, without understanding what they mean, and while she senses something isn't quite right with the count, she also can't leave her sister to suffer.
When Hazel agrees to travel to Romania, there's no way Sam is going to let her go without him. He trusts the count even less than Hazel does, and as he and Hazel work together to try to figure out his secrets, he finds his underlying attraction to Hazel growing even more; she's beautiful and intelligent and his perfect match--but if they're going to have a shot at a future together, first they have to save her sister--and possibly themselves.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters--Sam and Hazel are both smart, capable people who understand the value of knowledge and learning. (Maybe it's the former librarian in me, but I loved their many forays to the library!) I liked seeing how they worked together and depended on and trusted each other.
The pacing was really good and the story moved steadily. This is an interesting mix of genres--romance, steampunk, fantasy, mystery, etc.--but it works well. I'm not really a steampunk fan, but I've enjoyed this series because it focuses on the characters and plot with the steampunk elements complimenting the story, not overwhelming it. I did feel like the ending was a little quick--at 93% finished, I was really worried there was going to be a cliffhanger ending because it didn't seem like it could wrap well in the remaining pages. It did have a good ending but it was a little rushed. Although this is the third book in a series, I think it can be read as a stand-alone.

4 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Expected publication date: August 6, 2019

Kiss of the Spindle

Kiss of the Spindle
by Nancy Campbell Allen

Dr. Isla Cooper has spent her life trying to help others--from her little sister (who didn't appreciate her guidance) to predatory shifters, due to their transformation into animals at the full moon, has led many to be wary of them. Isla, certain that shifters aren't necessarily dangerous, had made it her life's work to counsel and work with shifters who want to live peaceful lives. Now, however, it's time for her to help herself--because if she doesn't find the cure to the curse her misguided sister purchased and used on her, it will become permanent. For now, Isla falls into a death-like sleep each night from midnight until six; soon, though, the curse will become permanent. She must find Malette, the witch who produced the curse, in order to find the cure--even if that means blackmailing her way onto Daniel Pickett's airship in order to make it Malette's last known destination. Her journey becomes more complicated when she finds that Daniel's other passengers include three shifters whom he is helping to the feel the country--and Nigel Crowe, a government worker who hates shapeshifters and with whom Isla has crossed paths many times. As Daniel and Isla work to keep Nigel from discovering (or, at least, proving) the shifters's secrets, attraction surges between them, giving Isla even more motivation to break the curse so she can get back to fully living.

If the idea of a steampunk Sleeping Beauty story seems strange to you, don't be put off. I'm not a huge steampunk fan--but I loved this book (as well as the first book in the series--which you should read because it's awesome, too, but you don't have to read first, as the books are stand-alones). There's a great balance with the steampunk elements, the plot, and the characters, which makes it a great read even if steampunk isn't particularly appealing. Isla and Daniel were great characters, as were supporting characters. The chemistry between them is great (but it's a clean read, so no worries), and there's awesome dialogue and some really awesome quips. The plot is great--it's so interesting and moves quickly. This book was just a ton of fun to read.

5 stars.

I read a copy of #KissOfTheSpindle from the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.