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A review by lynguy1
Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen
5.0
BRASS CARRIAGES AND GLASS HEARTS by Nancy Campbell Allen is the fourth book in the Steampunk Proper Romance series. This is the first book that I have read in this genre and by this author, but it certainly will not be my last. Each book in this series has a steampunk version of a retelling of a fairy tale. In this case it is loosely based around the story of Cinderella. It is set in a world with steam-driven carriages and airships as well as shifters, vampires and humans.
Emmeline O’Shea wants to change the world and is a strong voice for societal reform. She is selected to give the final speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s Summit in Scotland. With death threats, her nemesis Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed, a step-father, two step-sisters, a preoccupied mother, unknown enemies and political indecision, the path forward is certain to be exciting.
I was immediately captivated by Emmeline and Oliver. Their characters are compelling, felt real, and were three-dimensional. Their motivations seemed believable and had well-drawn and appropriate emotion. The secondary characters enhanced the story rather than overwhelming it. The internal and external conflicts were well defined, organic and believable; arising out of characterization and circumstance. The stakes were high and the tension made this a page turner for me.
The prose was well-written, entertaining and engaging. The plot was clever, suspenseful, fun, enjoyable and entertaining. The ending was satisfying. Overall, I was drawn into this tale immediately and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was appealing, enjoyable, entertaining, humorous as times, and thought-provoking. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I highly recommend this series to those that enjoy clean romantic suspense set in a steampunk world with a paranormal aspect and loosely based on a fairy tale.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Nancy Campbell Allen for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Emmeline O’Shea wants to change the world and is a strong voice for societal reform. She is selected to give the final speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s Summit in Scotland. With death threats, her nemesis Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed, a step-father, two step-sisters, a preoccupied mother, unknown enemies and political indecision, the path forward is certain to be exciting.
I was immediately captivated by Emmeline and Oliver. Their characters are compelling, felt real, and were three-dimensional. Their motivations seemed believable and had well-drawn and appropriate emotion. The secondary characters enhanced the story rather than overwhelming it. The internal and external conflicts were well defined, organic and believable; arising out of characterization and circumstance. The stakes were high and the tension made this a page turner for me.
The prose was well-written, entertaining and engaging. The plot was clever, suspenseful, fun, enjoyable and entertaining. The ending was satisfying. Overall, I was drawn into this tale immediately and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was appealing, enjoyable, entertaining, humorous as times, and thought-provoking. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I highly recommend this series to those that enjoy clean romantic suspense set in a steampunk world with a paranormal aspect and loosely based on a fairy tale.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Nancy Campbell Allen for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.