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Steampunk Proper Romance #2
Kiss of the Spindle
A steampunk Sleeping Beauty story from the author of Beauty and the Clockwork Beast.
Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date—after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.
In a desperate attempt to find Malette—the witch who cursed her—Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.
Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.
Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date—after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.
In a desperate attempt to find Malette—the witch who cursed her—Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.
Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.
361 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2018
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February 1, 2022
دوستش داشتم چون ریتلینگ بود.
ریتلینگ خلاقانهای بود.
از فضای داستان خوشم میاومد.(البته فکر کنم استیم پانک فقط توی این مجموعه برام جذابه. یکی دیگه شروع کرده بودم ولی نصفه رهاش کردم.)
شخصیتهای باحالی داره.
چون توی جلد قبلی ما رو با دنیای کتاب آشنا کرده بود پس اینجا سریع رفت توی دل داستان و خیلی روون بود.
نویسنده خیلی قشنگ هر جلد رو به جلد بعدی ربط میده در حالی که هرجلد داستان مستقل داره.
یکم کلیشهای هست ولی برام مهم نیست. قشنگ بود.
ریتلینگ خلاقانهای بود.
از فضای داستان خوشم میاومد.(البته فکر کنم استیم پانک فقط توی این مجموعه برام جذابه. یکی دیگه شروع کرده بودم ولی نصفه رهاش کردم.)
شخصیتهای باحالی داره.
چون توی جلد قبلی ما رو با دنیای کتاب آشنا کرده بود پس اینجا سریع رفت توی دل داستان و خیلی روون بود.
نویسنده خیلی قشنگ هر جلد رو به جلد بعدی ربط میده در حالی که هرجلد داستان مستقل داره.
یکم کلیشهای هست ولی برام مهم نیست. قشنگ بود.
July 3, 2018
This is my second Steampunk book and I loved it! This story had a similar feel to Cinder, but was completely original. I loved finding the little hidden gems throughout that were reminiscent of Disney's Sleeping Beauty. I love it when an author can take a beloved classic and twist it completely to make it a new story, with a few familiar threads woven throughout.
Isla is a kick-butt character with a weakness that leaves her relying on others, which I love. Everyone needs to lean on someone else at times. Daniel is a softie at heart with a tough outer shell and I really enjoyed their connection and watching the romance unfold.
The whole cast of characters is fantastic and the setting was very intriguing. The slightly dark feel to the book was perfect for this story, and the culmination was perfect and slightly unexpected.
I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next (*please* be another Steampunk fairy tale!!).
Content: mild violence; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Isla is a kick-butt character with a weakness that leaves her relying on others, which I love. Everyone needs to lean on someone else at times. Daniel is a softie at heart with a tough outer shell and I really enjoyed their connection and watching the romance unfold.
The whole cast of characters is fantastic and the setting was very intriguing. The slightly dark feel to the book was perfect for this story, and the culmination was perfect and slightly unexpected.
I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next (*please* be another Steampunk fairy tale!!).
Content: mild violence; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
September 26, 2021
دکتر آیلا کوپر به یک نفرین دچار شده است و هر شب (درست بعد از نیمه شب) به خوابی عمیق شبیه به مرگ فرو میرود. طبق نفرین، این خواب بعد از یک سال دائمی میشود و دکتر کوپر فرصت کمی دارد تا جلوی دائمی شدن این نفرین را بگیرد. به همین دلیل باید از لندن به شهر پورتلوسی برود. از طرفی دنیل پیکت صاحب یک کَشتی بزرگ هواییست که به اتفاق با دکتر کوپر همسفر میشود. در کنار اینها، سه همسفر دیگر آنها در کشتی، شیفترهایی (دگرپیکر) هستند که در حال فرار از دست ماموران دولت بریتانیا هستند و...
"خفتهی زیبا" یک ریتلینگ جذاب و محشر از داستان معروف "زیبای خفته" است. اگر مثل من عاشق داستان زیبای خفته هستید مطمئنا از خوندن این کتاب هم لذت میبرید. در حقیقت "خفتهی زیبا" ادامهی داستان "دیو کوکی و دلبر" محسوب میشه اما داستانی کاملا مستقل داره و شخصیتهای "دیو کوکی و دلبر" هیچ نقشی در این داستان ندارند و فقط در همون فصلهای ابتدایی اشارات کوچیکی به زندگی و سرنوشت شخصیتهاشون میشه که اگر "دیو کوکی و دلبر" رو نخونده باشید یکسری چیزها رو براتون اسپویل میکنه. اما از چه لحاظ این دو کتاب به هم ربط پیدا میکنند؟ دَنیل، شخصیت اصلی داستان "خفتهی زیبا" ، برادرِ لوسی کاراکتر داستان "دیو کوکی و دلبر" است. تنها اشتراک و بخش قابل اتصال دو داستان به همدیگه همینه و نه چیز دیگهای.
نمیخوام "خفتهی زیبا" و "دیو کوکی و دلبر" رو باهم مقایسه بکنم چون ریتلینگهای متفاوتی هستند و موضوعهای متفاوتی هم دارند ولی در کل شخصاً "خفتهی زیبا" رو بیشتر پسندیدم چون به نظرم هم داستان قویتری داشت و هم شخصیتپردازیش بهتر بود. (البته اینکه عاشق داستان زیبای خفته هم هستم بیربط نیست)
شروع داستان خیلی خوبه، فوقالعاده آغاز میشه و از همون اول وارد ماجرای اصلی میشه و اینقدر به خوبی موضوع داستان رو به مخاطب نشون میده که توی همون فصل اول همه چیز دستت میاد. هیچ کجاش برام خسته کننده نبود و تا آخرش حس خوبی نسبت بهش داشتم. واقعا لذت بردم
ممکنه که وقتی به اواسط داستان میرسی به نظر بیاد که به غیر از چیزهایی که اولش متوجه شدیم موضوع خاص دیگهای قرار نیست بهش اضافه بشه اما در عین ناباوری حدود صد صفحهی آخر، همه چیز جذابتر میشه و یک راز فوقالعاده برملا میشه که باعث شد هیچ نقطه ضعفی نتونم به این داستان بگیرم.
شخصیت دکتر آیلا کوپر به عنوان یک دختر مستقل به خوبی بهش پرداخته شده و جز معدود کاراکترهای اصلی یک داستانه که واقعا دوستش دارم. دَنیل هم که جای خود داره و کلا از همون کتاب "دیو کوکی و دلبر" ازش خوشم اومد و دیگه در این داستان همه چیزش مشخص شد و صد پله بیشتر از قبل از شخصیت پردازیش لذت بردم. به جز اینها، لوییس و کرو رو هم دوست داشتم!
ژانر داستان فانتزیست که نویسنده از ایدهی "استیم پانک" در داستانش استفاده کرده. قبلا در م��ردش گفتم اما باز هم میگم. استیم پانک زیرمجموعهای از ژانر فانتزی محسوب میشه که در اون فضای کلاسیکی بر داستان حاکمه که ماشینآلات موتوری پیشرفته در دنیای کتاب وارد شدهاند.
ترجمهی کتاب هم خیلی خوب بود و حقیقتا خیلی جاها انتظار سانسور داشتم که واقعا سانسور نشده بودند. یک نکتهای هم هست که باید بگم، این مجموعه در حقیقت چهار جلده و جلد اولش ریتلینگ دیو و دلبر بود، این جلد هم برگرفته از داستان زیبای خفته است و کتاب های سوم و چهارم به ترتیب ریتلینگهای راپونزل و سیندرلا هستند که امیدوارم این مجموعه در ایران هم کامل بشه چون واقعا ایدههای خوب و داستانپردازی جذابی داره.
در پایان بازهم میگم میتونید این کتاب رو به عنوان تک جلدی مطالعه کنید اما به این نکته هم توجه کنید که همون چند صفحهی اول، داستان جلد قبلی (دیو کوکی و دلبر) رو اسپویل میکنه. پس در انتخاب دقت کنید. تمام!
"خفتهی زیبا" یک ریتلینگ جذاب و محشر از داستان معروف "زیبای خفته" است. اگر مثل من عاشق داستان زیبای خفته هستید مطمئنا از خوندن این کتاب هم لذت میبرید. در حقیقت "خفتهی زیبا" ادامهی داستان "دیو کوکی و دلبر" محسوب میشه اما داستانی کاملا مستقل داره و شخصیتهای "دیو کوکی و دلبر" هیچ نقشی در این داستان ندارند و فقط در همون فصلهای ابتدایی اشارات کوچیکی به زندگی و سرنوشت شخصیتهاشون میشه که اگر "دیو کوکی و دلبر" رو نخونده باشید یکسری چیزها رو براتون اسپویل میکنه. اما از چه لحاظ این دو کتاب به هم ربط پیدا میکنند؟ دَنیل، شخصیت اصلی داستان "خفتهی زیبا" ، برادرِ لوسی کاراکتر داستان "دیو کوکی و دلبر" است. تنها اشتراک و بخش قابل اتصال دو داستان به همدیگه همینه و نه چیز دیگهای.
نمیخوام "خفتهی زیبا" و "دیو کوکی و دلبر" رو باهم مقایسه بکنم چون ریتلینگهای متفاوتی هستند و موضوعهای متفاوتی هم دارند ولی در کل شخصاً "خفتهی زیبا" رو بیشتر پسندیدم چون به نظرم هم داستان قویتری داشت و هم شخصیتپردازیش بهتر بود. (البته اینکه عاشق داستان زیبای خفته هم هستم بیربط نیست)
شروع داستان خیلی خوبه، فوقالعاده آغاز میشه و از همون اول وارد ماجرای اصلی میشه و اینقدر به خوبی موضوع داستان رو به مخاطب نشون میده که توی همون فصل اول همه چیز دستت میاد. هیچ کجاش برام خسته کننده نبود و تا آخرش حس خوبی نسبت بهش داشتم. واقعا لذت بردم
ممکنه که وقتی به اواسط داستان میرسی به نظر بیاد که به غیر از چیزهایی که اولش متوجه شدیم موضوع خاص دیگهای قرار نیست بهش اضافه بشه اما در عین ناباوری حدود صد صفحهی آخر، همه چیز جذابتر میشه و یک راز فوقالعاده برملا میشه که باعث شد هیچ نقطه ضعفی نتونم به این داستان بگیرم.
شخصیت دکتر آیلا کوپر به عنوان یک دختر مستقل به خوبی بهش پرداخته شده و جز معدود کاراکترهای اصلی یک داستانه که واقعا دوستش دارم. دَنیل هم که جای خود داره و کلا از همون کتاب "دیو کوکی و دلبر" ازش خوشم اومد و دیگه در این داستان همه چیزش مشخص شد و صد پله بیشتر از قبل از شخصیت پردازیش لذت بردم. به جز اینها، لوییس و کرو رو هم دوست داشتم!
ژانر داستان فانتزیست که نویسنده از ایدهی "استیم پانک" در داستانش استفاده کرده. قبلا در م��ردش گفتم اما باز هم میگم. استیم پانک زیرمجموعهای از ژانر فانتزی محسوب میشه که در اون فضای کلاسیکی بر داستان حاکمه که ماشینآلات موتوری پیشرفته در دنیای کتاب وارد شدهاند.
ترجمهی کتاب هم خیلی خوب بود و حقیقتا خیلی جاها انتظار سانسور داشتم که واقعا سانسور نشده بودند. یک نکتهای هم هست که باید بگم، این مجموعه در حقیقت چهار جلده و جلد اولش ریتلینگ دیو و دلبر بود، این جلد هم برگرفته از داستان زیبای خفته است و کتاب های سوم و چهارم به ترتیب ریتلینگهای راپونزل و سیندرلا هستند که امیدوارم این مجموعه در ایران هم کامل بشه چون واقعا ایدههای خوب و داستانپردازی جذابی داره.
در پایان بازهم میگم میتونید این کتاب رو به عنوان تک جلدی مطالعه کنید اما به این نکته هم توجه کنید که همون چند صفحهی اول، داستان جلد قبلی (دیو کوکی و دلبر) رو اسپویل میکنه. پس در انتخاب دقت کنید. تمام!
August 22, 2022
~4.5 stars~
You can’t avoid fairytale retellings these days, they’re absolutely everywhere as authors jump on the bandwagon with varying degrees of success. Kiss of the Spindle is definitely one of the successes and shows how to best adapt a sleeping beauty and (unpopular opinion!) I'm not one of those people who adored this story , that makes me want to read more retelling of this story and i dig this one.
having read the first book of this series and loving it, i knew i wanted to read this. This book is so good I literally put everything else in my life on hold and read it in one sitting. this book features the brother of the protagonist from Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, and i didn't know that i needed this until now. I'm so glad he got his story as well and i love these characters.
The thing I liked best about this book was how easily it made you care about the characters and how flawlessly the setting, dialogue, and plot all intertwine into this wonderful adventure romance. Daniel and Isla are characters who are stubborn and honorable, strong and yet tender. I loved that Isla was such a strong female character and yet she was vulnerable as well.
I think the main reason this story worked so well for me was that the author took the idea of the sleeping curse and transplanted it into a steampunk setting where she had a chance to show off some stellar world-building; if we’d remained in a purely fantasy setting, it may have been too stale and familiar, but this path allowed for a whole new world of possibilities with airships, automatons and Victorian period sensibilities. At times I honestly forgot this was a retelling because the author had such fresh and original ideas infused throughout.
I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings and Kiss of the Spindle has everything going for it – endearing characters, a slow-burn and heartfelt romance, entertaining dynamics between all parties (I loved reading about the gang just hanging out) and a fast-paced and engaging plot. Very highly recommended!
You can’t avoid fairytale retellings these days, they’re absolutely everywhere as authors jump on the bandwagon with varying degrees of success. Kiss of the Spindle is definitely one of the successes and shows how to best adapt a sleeping beauty and (unpopular opinion!) I'm not one of those people who adored this story , that makes me want to read more retelling of this story and i dig this one.
having read the first book of this series and loving it, i knew i wanted to read this. This book is so good I literally put everything else in my life on hold and read it in one sitting. this book features the brother of the protagonist from Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, and i didn't know that i needed this until now. I'm so glad he got his story as well and i love these characters.
The thing I liked best about this book was how easily it made you care about the characters and how flawlessly the setting, dialogue, and plot all intertwine into this wonderful adventure romance. Daniel and Isla are characters who are stubborn and honorable, strong and yet tender. I loved that Isla was such a strong female character and yet she was vulnerable as well.
I think the main reason this story worked so well for me was that the author took the idea of the sleeping curse and transplanted it into a steampunk setting where she had a chance to show off some stellar world-building; if we’d remained in a purely fantasy setting, it may have been too stale and familiar, but this path allowed for a whole new world of possibilities with airships, automatons and Victorian period sensibilities. At times I honestly forgot this was a retelling because the author had such fresh and original ideas infused throughout.
I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings and Kiss of the Spindle has everything going for it – endearing characters, a slow-burn and heartfelt romance, entertaining dynamics between all parties (I loved reading about the gang just hanging out) and a fast-paced and engaging plot. Very highly recommended!
November 26, 2018
Kiss of the Spindle was an incredibly enjoyable read with an intriguing curse and a very sweet romance.
Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed and her window to reverse the curse before it becomes permanent is rapidly closing. Desperate to find the witch who cursed her, Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean only to discover there are three illegal shapeshifters aboard as well as a government official determined to eradicate all shifters. Isla and Daniel are forced to work together to keep the identities of the shifters hidden long enough to reach their destination.
Kiss of the Spindle is a sequel to Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, but can be read as a standalone easily enough. If you've read the first book you get more backstory on the world and characters, but the author does a good job in the second book bringing new readers up to speed.
Isla is a renowned shifter empath who is an advocate for the rights of shifters who never hurt anyone but are being persecuted simply for being who they are. She's wonderful at her job and I found her abilities to be quite interesting. Isla is a woman who know how to take care of herself and I admired her courage to stand up for what's right. The curse she's under that forces her to sleep as though dead from midnight until six is definitely hindering her ability to work as well as her life in general.
Daniel owns and operates one of the most successful airship companies in the world. He's fascinated by new technological advances and his tendency to upgrade to new methods has helped him stay ahead of his competitors. Daniel is sympathetic to shifter struggles and helps relocate unregistered shifters so they may find better lives outside of England's forced registration and anti-shifter laws.
Isla and Daniel work well together and their romance is slow to develop. They find themselves intrigued by each other but due to Daniel's business and Isla's curse, they don't believe there's a future for them. One of the things I loved about their relationship was how much Daniel liked Isla's skills with knives and how he found himself more attracted to her because of it. This book is a clean romance, so there is no sex in the books but there are a few great kissing scenes. Despite my preference for more explicit books, I found myself really enjoying their pairing and didn't mind the lack of sex scenes.
Isla's curse and the presence of a government official onboard the airship with three hidden shifters definitely made for an interesting plot. As we got to know the three shifters I found myself really liking their characters and was worried about if the official would discover them. Isla's curse added a sense of urgency to the book as she's told the deadline for it becoming permanent is less than two months away and it will take at least three weeks to travel to the location where the witch who cursed her is located. The resolution of both plot points were well done and I really enjoyed the ending of the book.
Overall Kiss of the Spindle was a very enjoyable read and offers quite a unique story. I definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a different kind of romance and I'm looking forward to the third book releasing next year.
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed and her window to reverse the curse before it becomes permanent is rapidly closing. Desperate to find the witch who cursed her, Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean only to discover there are three illegal shapeshifters aboard as well as a government official determined to eradicate all shifters. Isla and Daniel are forced to work together to keep the identities of the shifters hidden long enough to reach their destination.
Kiss of the Spindle is a sequel to Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, but can be read as a standalone easily enough. If you've read the first book you get more backstory on the world and characters, but the author does a good job in the second book bringing new readers up to speed.
Isla is a renowned shifter empath who is an advocate for the rights of shifters who never hurt anyone but are being persecuted simply for being who they are. She's wonderful at her job and I found her abilities to be quite interesting. Isla is a woman who know how to take care of herself and I admired her courage to stand up for what's right. The curse she's under that forces her to sleep as though dead from midnight until six is definitely hindering her ability to work as well as her life in general.
Daniel owns and operates one of the most successful airship companies in the world. He's fascinated by new technological advances and his tendency to upgrade to new methods has helped him stay ahead of his competitors. Daniel is sympathetic to shifter struggles and helps relocate unregistered shifters so they may find better lives outside of England's forced registration and anti-shifter laws.
Isla and Daniel work well together and their romance is slow to develop. They find themselves intrigued by each other but due to Daniel's business and Isla's curse, they don't believe there's a future for them. One of the things I loved about their relationship was how much Daniel liked Isla's skills with knives and how he found himself more attracted to her because of it. This book is a clean romance, so there is no sex in the books but there are a few great kissing scenes. Despite my preference for more explicit books, I found myself really enjoying their pairing and didn't mind the lack of sex scenes.
Isla's curse and the presence of a government official onboard the airship with three hidden shifters definitely made for an interesting plot. As we got to know the three shifters I found myself really liking their characters and was worried about if the official would discover them. Isla's curse added a sense of urgency to the book as she's told the deadline for it becoming permanent is less than two months away and it will take at least three weeks to travel to the location where the witch who cursed her is located. The resolution of both plot points were well done and I really enjoyed the ending of the book.
Overall Kiss of the Spindle was a very enjoyable read and offers quite a unique story. I definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a different kind of romance and I'm looking forward to the third book releasing next year.
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
July 13, 2018
Calling all you steampunk fans! If you love fairy tales and steampunk, you should read this book as well as the first book in the series, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast. And might I highly recommend that you read them in order. It isn't necessary but Daniel, the main character for this book, has a lot of history and backstory in the Clockwork Beast book. This was a fun read that I read right after I finished Clockwork Beast. These characters were a lot of fun to read about and discover. I'm really excited to see if the author does a third book, and if so, what character it will be about.
I was not expecting the ending of this book. Although, when I started reading it, I may have been doing a little face palm. Ha! Honestly, hello myself, how could I have been blind to that ending and been surprised by it. Ok, I know why. I was completely and utterly exhausted. So I'll give myself a pass on not catching it right now. If you all know your Sleeping Beauty fairy tale history then I'm pretty sure you know what to expect. I really enjoyed how the author spun and twisted it to make it come alive in a steampunk setting.
Daniel and Isla were so great! And the secondary characters aboard Daniel's ships were so fun to add more friendships and experiences into this story. Great read! I enjoyed watching Isla as she was struggling to come to terms with a family member. I thought the author did a fabulous job of showing her coming to a better understanding of what her life had become, especially after she had struggled for so long to create a life she loved. That might be vague but I don't want to spoil anything!
Honestly, grab these two books for a fun set of summer reads, or save them for the fall for some cozy at home suspenseful reads with some sweet and clean romance too! Daniel and Isla were a fun couple. I loved their initial banter and then budding friendship. The romantic tension until that first kiss was sweet. I loved seeing more of Daniel after initially reading about him in the first book. I loved watching him find peace and healing, as well as his own happy ever after. And Isla, well she was a spitfire and very kind and giving as well. Her character was fun to read about as well and one that I connected with very easily.
Content: Clean. Some suspense. Steampunk novel, so there is talk about creatures such as werewolves, zombies and vampires. I would let my teenagers read it.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I was not expecting the ending of this book. Although, when I started reading it, I may have been doing a little face palm. Ha! Honestly, hello myself, how could I have been blind to that ending and been surprised by it. Ok, I know why. I was completely and utterly exhausted. So I'll give myself a pass on not catching it right now. If you all know your Sleeping Beauty fairy tale history then I'm pretty sure you know what to expect. I really enjoyed how the author spun and twisted it to make it come alive in a steampunk setting.
Daniel and Isla were so great! And the secondary characters aboard Daniel's ships were so fun to add more friendships and experiences into this story. Great read! I enjoyed watching Isla as she was struggling to come to terms with a family member. I thought the author did a fabulous job of showing her coming to a better understanding of what her life had become, especially after she had struggled for so long to create a life she loved. That might be vague but I don't want to spoil anything!
Honestly, grab these two books for a fun set of summer reads, or save them for the fall for some cozy at home suspenseful reads with some sweet and clean romance too! Daniel and Isla were a fun couple. I loved their initial banter and then budding friendship. The romantic tension until that first kiss was sweet. I loved seeing more of Daniel after initially reading about him in the first book. I loved watching him find peace and healing, as well as his own happy ever after. And Isla, well she was a spitfire and very kind and giving as well. Her character was fun to read about as well and one that I connected with very easily.
Content: Clean. Some suspense. Steampunk novel, so there is talk about creatures such as werewolves, zombies and vampires. I would let my teenagers read it.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
May 30, 2022
۱.۵ زیادم هست
ایده ی اصلی کتاب عالی بود
طلسم خواب
شیفتر اژدها
شیفترای فراری
ولی وای امان از جزییات
جزییات انقدر زیاد و مضحک بود که حس میکردم ی جاهایی به شعورم توهین میشه
نویسنده عزیز بعد از کلی کیس و تولد و ... دنیل هنوز نمیدونه عاشق ایلاست؟
ایلا یه دختر بینهایت بی نقص، دنیل یه مرد خوش هیکل و اخمو که سریعم عاشق میشه
کرو و ایلا اندازه ۱ سال یا بیشتر باهم در بحث و جنگن یهو ایلا گفت بیا دوست شیم اونم گفت باشه؟
به مقدار ۲۰۰ صفحه از این کتاب رسما هیچ اتفاقی نمیافته هیچی
لعنتی برگه مفته ۲۰۰ صفحه حروم کردی ؟
۱۰۰ صفحه اول ک شخصیتا معرفی میشن خوبه
۱۰۰ صفحه اخر جالب میشه
ولی جون ادم در میاد تا ۲۰۰ صفحه وسطو بخونه
(دیو کوکی و دلبر کتاب جذاب تری بود با کلی صحنه های هیجانی )
پیشنهادش نمیدم
پ.ن۱: من تو کل زمانی که میخوندمش: حیف پول... خدایی من پول دادم جا این... چقدر باگ داره... حیف ایده...
پ.ن۲: کیفیت چاپ این جلد افتضاح بود انتشارات محترم اگه کتابای تو انبار موندنتونو میذارین داخل سی بوک بگین نگیریم از اونجا😒
ایده ی اصلی کتاب عالی بود
طلسم خواب
شیفتر اژدها
شیفترای فراری
ولی وای امان از جزییات
جزییات انقدر زیاد و مضحک بود که حس میکردم ی جاهایی به شعورم توهین میشه
نویسنده عزیز بعد از کلی کیس و تولد و ... دنیل هنوز نمیدونه عاشق ایلاست؟
ایلا یه دختر بینهایت بی نقص، دنیل یه مرد خوش هیکل و اخمو که سریعم عاشق میشه
کرو و ایلا اندازه ۱ سال یا بیشتر باهم در بحث و جنگن یهو ایلا گفت بیا دوست شیم اونم گفت باشه؟
به مقدار ۲۰۰ صفحه از این کتاب رسما هیچ اتفاقی نمیافته هیچی
لعنتی برگه مفته ۲۰۰ صفحه حروم کردی ؟
۱۰۰ صفحه اول ک شخصیتا معرفی میشن خوبه
۱۰۰ صفحه اخر جالب میشه
ولی جون ادم در میاد تا ۲۰۰ صفحه وسطو بخونه
(دیو کوکی و دلبر کتاب جذاب تری بود با کلی صحنه های هیجانی )
پیشنهادش نمیدم
پ.ن۱: من تو کل زمانی که میخوندمش: حیف پول... خدایی من پول دادم جا این... چقدر باگ داره... حیف ایده...
پ.ن۲: کیفیت چاپ این جلد افتضاح بود انتشارات محترم اگه کتابای تو انبار موندنتونو میذارین داخل سی بوک بگین نگیریم از اونجا😒
December 24, 2021
Dr. Isla Cooper was cursed nearly a year ago and time is running out for her to find the Dark Magick witch, Malette, and get her to reverse the curse. She'll do anything and everything in her power to secure passage to Port Lucy... even resort to blackmail. But will Daniel Pickett see through her threats and refuse her passage? She'll have to be very convincing because she MUST be on the flight no matter what.
Daniel Pickett already has enough on his plate and doesn't need the added stress of Isla Cooper forcing her way onto his personal airship. It's bad enough that he's going to have to travel without the proper accommodations for the three illegal shifters on board so close to the full moon phase. And if that wasn't enough, Nigel Crowe, a member of the Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee and a thorn in everyone's side, has decided that he, too, will board the airship bound for Port Lucy. Heaven help him.
To say that Isla and Daniel got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. The man is maddening. How dare he take all her weapons and leave her unprotected? But did she really give him a choice in the matter? She DID blackmail him after all. But they will need to get over it with Crowe now part of their travelling party. They must work together to protect Lewis, Quince and Bonadea from Crowe.
When circumstances arise that would prevent Isla from helping the shifters, who quickly became her friends, she is forced to tell Daniel about the curse and the real reason why she is headed to Port Lucy. Isla has never had anyone to look after her or protect her. She has always had to go at it alone. She's beyond shocked when Daniel offers his help with her situation. Along the way, Isla and Daniel develop a friendship which soon turns into deep feelings for each other. Isla just hopes she has enough time to see where their relationship will go.
With the expiration date of the curse looming over them, Isla and Daniel, with the help of their shifter friends, will need to work together and quickly to find Malette. But there's something else they haven't dealt with... or rather someone else. Crowe. How are they ever going to keep all of this from him? They will all need to stay alert, focused and work together. Leaving Port Lucy without breaking Isla's curse is just not an option. If anyone deserves a HEA it's these two. And Isla and Daniel have too much to lose to not go down without a fight.
Wow! That is all I can say! I absolutely adored this book! The twists and turns, the swoony moments, the laughing out loud, the suspense, and did I mention the swoony moments? SO good! Once I picked up this book, I could NOT put it down! I devoured it in one day! I highly recommend this book to everyone! I am loving this series! I can't wait for the next book to be released!
I have only read 2 books by this author and can see myself checking out more books by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?
Content: Mild violence. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
Daniel Pickett already has enough on his plate and doesn't need the added stress of Isla Cooper forcing her way onto his personal airship. It's bad enough that he's going to have to travel without the proper accommodations for the three illegal shifters on board so close to the full moon phase. And if that wasn't enough, Nigel Crowe, a member of the Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee and a thorn in everyone's side, has decided that he, too, will board the airship bound for Port Lucy. Heaven help him.
To say that Isla and Daniel got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. The man is maddening. How dare he take all her weapons and leave her unprotected? But did she really give him a choice in the matter? She DID blackmail him after all. But they will need to get over it with Crowe now part of their travelling party. They must work together to protect Lewis, Quince and Bonadea from Crowe.
When circumstances arise that would prevent Isla from helping the shifters, who quickly became her friends, she is forced to tell Daniel about the curse and the real reason why she is headed to Port Lucy. Isla has never had anyone to look after her or protect her. She has always had to go at it alone. She's beyond shocked when Daniel offers his help with her situation. Along the way, Isla and Daniel develop a friendship which soon turns into deep feelings for each other. Isla just hopes she has enough time to see where their relationship will go.
With the expiration date of the curse looming over them, Isla and Daniel, with the help of their shifter friends, will need to work together and quickly to find Malette. But there's something else they haven't dealt with... or rather someone else. Crowe. How are they ever going to keep all of this from him? They will all need to stay alert, focused and work together. Leaving Port Lucy without breaking Isla's curse is just not an option. If anyone deserves a HEA it's these two. And Isla and Daniel have too much to lose to not go down without a fight.
Wow! That is all I can say! I absolutely adored this book! The twists and turns, the swoony moments, the laughing out loud, the suspense, and did I mention the swoony moments? SO good! Once I picked up this book, I could NOT put it down! I devoured it in one day! I highly recommend this book to everyone! I am loving this series! I can't wait for the next book to be released!
I have only read 2 books by this author and can see myself checking out more books by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?
Content: Mild violence. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
February 10, 2020
I liked it better than the first book.
It was more inetersting and the MCs were more likable. Also the ambience was nice with the airship travel, the likable shifters and the sarcastic and witty 'ton!
Sorry for this meager review, but I'm still not feeling very well... :(
It was more inetersting and the MCs were more likable. Also the ambience was nice with the airship travel, the likable shifters and the sarcastic and witty 'ton!
Sorry for this meager review, but I'm still not feeling very well... :(
June 2, 2018
Loved this twisted fairy-tale!
Clean (some violence)
Clean (some violence)
July 1, 2018
Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen is book Two in the Steampunk Proper Romance Series. This is the story of Isla Cooper and Daniel Pickett.
Isla has been cursed and she is out to find Malette the witch that cursed her. The curse has her fallen into a hard sleep for several hours and when a year is up it will put her into a permanent sleep. Isla
sneaks aboard Daniel's airship bound for the Caribbean which she then finds illegal shapeshifters on board. Isla wants to help them along with Daniel who is trying to also. But Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England doesn't. So while working to help herself fix her curse she now is helping others stay safe.
Good clean read!
Isla has been cursed and she is out to find Malette the witch that cursed her. The curse has her fallen into a hard sleep for several hours and when a year is up it will put her into a permanent sleep. Isla
sneaks aboard Daniel's airship bound for the Caribbean which she then finds illegal shapeshifters on board. Isla wants to help them along with Daniel who is trying to also. But Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England doesn't. So while working to help herself fix her curse she now is helping others stay safe.
Good clean read!
July 3, 2018
When Isla Cooper says she sleeps like the dead she truly means she sleeps like the dead. For almost a year she's been under a curse that has her in such a deep sleep between midnight and 6 a.m. that she's as close to death as she can be without dying, breathing only every 30 seconds! Which is why it's so important she get on an airship bound for Port Lucy. When trying to buy a ticket fails, she resorts to blackmailing the owner of the airship line, Daniel Pickett. That's how she ends up on his private airship, with three shapeshifters he's smuggling out of England. What neither one of them counted on was Nigel Crowe, a member of the Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee, and an enemy to all shapeshifters--even the non-violent, law-abiding ones.
Isla ends up having to tell Daniel and the others (except for Nigel Crowe) about the curse and they offer to help anyway they can. Sharing her burden and receiving offers of help is new to Isla because she's been dealing with this by herself all these months. During the journey to Port Lucy, Daniel and Isla become very close, and as the weeks go by they develop feelings for each other. Once they arrive at Port Lucy, they've no time to waste. They need to find the Dark Magick witch, Malette, to reverse the curse before it becomes permanent.
I LOVED this take on Sleeping Beauty. I think it's better than Beauty and the Clockwork Beast and I really liked that one. There are so many romantic and swoony moments, along with witty banter between Isla and Daniel. One of my favorite lines by the devilish Captain Pickett "I don't care what you wear as long as you include the thigh dagger." (Oh Captain, you make me blush).
The birthday party they held for her on the desserted island was so sweet and "Monkey" was a cute addition for the rest of the journey. The last part of the book has a couple of twists I'd never imagined, and Nigel Crowe is one of the big surprises. That's all I can say without giving it away and spoiling it for those who haven't read the book yet.
Little did I know when I read my first Steampunk Proper Romance by Nancy Campbell Allen that I would so look forward to others in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review this book.
Isla ends up having to tell Daniel and the others (except for Nigel Crowe) about the curse and they offer to help anyway they can. Sharing her burden and receiving offers of help is new to Isla because she's been dealing with this by herself all these months. During the journey to Port Lucy, Daniel and Isla become very close, and as the weeks go by they develop feelings for each other. Once they arrive at Port Lucy, they've no time to waste. They need to find the Dark Magick witch, Malette, to reverse the curse before it becomes permanent.
I LOVED this take on Sleeping Beauty. I think it's better than Beauty and the Clockwork Beast and I really liked that one. There are so many romantic and swoony moments, along with witty banter between Isla and Daniel. One of my favorite lines by the devilish Captain Pickett "I don't care what you wear as long as you include the thigh dagger." (Oh Captain, you make me blush).
The birthday party they held for her on the desserted island was so sweet and "Monkey" was a cute addition for the rest of the journey. The last part of the book has a couple of twists I'd never imagined, and Nigel Crowe is one of the big surprises. That's all I can say without giving it away and spoiling it for those who haven't read the book yet.
Little did I know when I read my first Steampunk Proper Romance by Nancy Campbell Allen that I would so look forward to others in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review this book.
May 7, 2020
$2.99 on Kindle
https://amzn.to/2YIIO8a
Wow. This is the first steampunk book I've ventured to read, and it was such a fun ride! It took me a little bit to get comfortable with the some of the terminology and concepts, but the story and characters immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the intriguing plot. I loved Isla's grit, confidence, and determination. I loved Daniel's strength, charisma, and protective nature. I loved the dynamics between the passengers on the airship, the race against time, and the mysterious spell that Isla is desperate to reverse. The friendship and romance between Isla and Daniel develops naturally but swiftly, and their chemistry was amazing! I appreciated that they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other; it instilled a foundation of trust in their relationship that made the quick timeline work for me. The adventure was epic and this book would make such a great movie! Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
https://amzn.to/2YIIO8a
Wow. This is the first steampunk book I've ventured to read, and it was such a fun ride! It took me a little bit to get comfortable with the some of the terminology and concepts, but the story and characters immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the intriguing plot. I loved Isla's grit, confidence, and determination. I loved Daniel's strength, charisma, and protective nature. I loved the dynamics between the passengers on the airship, the race against time, and the mysterious spell that Isla is desperate to reverse. The friendship and romance between Isla and Daniel develops naturally but swiftly, and their chemistry was amazing! I appreciated that they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other; it instilled a foundation of trust in their relationship that made the quick timeline work for me. The adventure was epic and this book would make such a great movie! Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 8, 2018
Oh my I loved this. It was such a surprise and such fun to read. I have loved Allen's writing for 20 years and am never disappointed. I loved her retelling of Beauty and the Beast and absolutely loved this Sleeping Beauty retelling. She is so creative! She makes an old story brand new and add's a bit of steam punk but not overloaded so you are lost. These books don't connect too much. The woman in B and the B is the Hero in this book's sister. Both can be read on their own. I just loved Isla! What a strong yet feminine heroine. She carries the story and makes this all work. Everyone revolved around her. Daniel is so yummy, he has this dark brooding thing with a deep inner core. These two are perfect. Such a fun read. I would say 14 and up for this one. Some violence at the end. I remember B and the B was more violent.
September 26, 2018
This was 2.5 stars. This book fits into many genres: steampunk-romance-fantasy-fairy tale retelling. It's the second book in the Steampunk Proper Romance series. I haven't read the first one.
I liked the MC, Isla and the story line but overall, this one didn't gain my attention until the ending. This moved slow. It felt dialogue heavy, which is usually NEVER a bad thing. But some action would have been nice. The story did a lot of telling of past events and of characteristics and it talked about other characters and the main problem that the MC was trying to overcome. I thought her journey on the airship was never going to end.
The other thing that didn't settle with me was the giving up of secrets so easily and how fast the romance happened. One page they are two people on the airship and the next, they are willing to die for each other. WHAT? Anyways, 2.5 stars.
I liked the MC, Isla and the story line but overall, this one didn't gain my attention until the ending. This moved slow. It felt dialogue heavy, which is usually NEVER a bad thing. But some action would have been nice. The story did a lot of telling of past events and of characteristics and it talked about other characters and the main problem that the MC was trying to overcome. I thought her journey on the airship was never going to end.
The other thing that didn't settle with me was the giving up of secrets so easily and how fast the romance happened. One page they are two people on the airship and the next, they are willing to die for each other. WHAT? Anyways, 2.5 stars.
May 24, 2022
3rd reread 9/15/2020
Around this time every year my sisters and I reread this series :)
Nancy Campbell Allen has a gift of writing clean romance + fairytale retellings + steampunk!!!! I hope this series never ends, if it must I hope she makes a spin off they are that good!! It's hard to find clean steampunk and Nancy has done it❤❤❤
Reread once again *January 2022 *
Just wanted to revisit this series after having a horrible experience with another one. Love her writing, characters and the clean romance ♡
5th reread May 2022
Around this time every year my sisters and I reread this series :)
Nancy Campbell Allen has a gift of writing clean romance + fairytale retellings + steampunk!!!! I hope this series never ends, if it must I hope she makes a spin off they are that good!! It's hard to find clean steampunk and Nancy has done it❤❤❤
Reread once again *January 2022 *
Just wanted to revisit this series after having a horrible experience with another one. Love her writing, characters and the clean romance ♡
5th reread May 2022
July 7, 2022
تنها شانسی که آوردم این بود که قبل ازینکه جلد اول رو بخونم، جلد دوم رو خریدم و چون تو کتابخونهم بود تصمیم گرفتم بخونمش مگه نه با اون حسی که از جلد اول گرفته بودم و با این قیمتای جدید عمرا اگه هیچ وقت سراغ خرید این قسمتش میومدم🚶🏻♀️
شما هم اگه از جلد اول خوشتون نیومده به این جلد یه فرصت بدین فکر نکنم پشیمون بشین😁
.
پ.ن. چقدر جلد نوشتم 😂🚶🏻♀️
شما هم اگه از جلد اول خوشتون نیومده به این جلد یه فرصت بدین فکر نکنم پشیمون بشین😁
.
پ.ن. چقدر جلد نوشتم 😂🚶🏻♀️
February 22, 2022
I have to admit, Steampunk is never my go-to genre, but I adore Ms. Allen's books and so I jumped into this one looking forward to her unique take on a classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty.
I thought this was a fun read, the worldbuilding was great and Ms. Allen really brings the steampunk world to life in this captivating story. I loved the slow-burn romance, the chemistry between Isla and Daniel was charming and I loved seeing them let down their walls and grow together as a couple.
Overall, a fun read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I thought this was a fun read, the worldbuilding was great and Ms. Allen really brings the steampunk world to life in this captivating story. I loved the slow-burn romance, the chemistry between Isla and Daniel was charming and I loved seeing them let down their walls and grow together as a couple.
Overall, a fun read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 16, 2018
I feel like lately I have been reading quite a few fairy tale retellings and Kiss of the Spindle was no exception. This story is a loosely based retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale (Disney version mostly) it has its nods to the cartoon throughout this story, which is cute but not what endeared me to this story. I love the main character Isla Cooper. She is such a strong character and she has a fierce determination to do whatever is necessary to see her own curse lifted. She is also a natural empath who is an advocate for persecuted shifters and I love a character who stands up for the persecuted.
Having read the first book in this series, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, I was familiar with Daniel’s character as he was the brother to the main character in that book. I was excited to get to know more about him and this book was nicely done from that aspect. Daniel was also invested in helping the persecuted shifters and that endeared me to him plus he had that whole brooding hero thing going for him. In this story, everything had gone wrong for him and he had three shifters who needed to get out of town and quickly. He ended up taking his personal aircraft and had not expected that he would be bringing Isla nor Nigel Crowe whose very job was ending shifters who would not get in line. There was definitely lots of tension and internal conflict due to those variables.
There was also a romance angle that was nicely done but nothing too sexy. Due to Isla’s curse, their wariness of each other, and factors of proximity to the other guests there was very little in the way of privacy but a romance of sorts does build between Isla and Daniel and it is sweet. What I appreciated the most about this story was that yes although there were nods to the fairy tale, Kiss of the Spindle was also unique with the fantasy and steampunk elements. It added greater interest and there were twists that were most interesting. On top of it all was a villain that I loved to hate and that is what I want in a good retelling, the good versus bad vibe and the story had it! I highly recommend that you read Kiss of the Spindle because it is very intriguing and the type of story that will fascinate you!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Edelweiss+. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews
Having read the first book in this series, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, I was familiar with Daniel’s character as he was the brother to the main character in that book. I was excited to get to know more about him and this book was nicely done from that aspect. Daniel was also invested in helping the persecuted shifters and that endeared me to him plus he had that whole brooding hero thing going for him. In this story, everything had gone wrong for him and he had three shifters who needed to get out of town and quickly. He ended up taking his personal aircraft and had not expected that he would be bringing Isla nor Nigel Crowe whose very job was ending shifters who would not get in line. There was definitely lots of tension and internal conflict due to those variables.
There was also a romance angle that was nicely done but nothing too sexy. Due to Isla’s curse, their wariness of each other, and factors of proximity to the other guests there was very little in the way of privacy but a romance of sorts does build between Isla and Daniel and it is sweet. What I appreciated the most about this story was that yes although there were nods to the fairy tale, Kiss of the Spindle was also unique with the fantasy and steampunk elements. It added greater interest and there were twists that were most interesting. On top of it all was a villain that I loved to hate and that is what I want in a good retelling, the good versus bad vibe and the story had it! I highly recommend that you read Kiss of the Spindle because it is very intriguing and the type of story that will fascinate you!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Edelweiss+. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews
August 24, 2018
If you’re looking to be completely immersed into a story that has strong characters, unexpected twists, a sweet romance, and exciting suspense, then this book is for you!
I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book. After reading the first book, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, I couldn’t wait for more. While that book follows Lucy Pickett, this one focuses on her brother Daniel and a new protagonist, Isla. Each book can stand on its own, but I liked reading them in order- I am excited and anticipating future stories about other supporting characters!
Isla was a fantastic female protagonist. She is smart, kind, fearless, and determined. She has no problem facing down many scary creatures and situations, yet also is quick to show kindness and forgiveness when needed. The steampunk elements woven in fit her character perfectly and added to her strengths. I really enjoyed the fairytale elements woven into her story as well.
Daniel is a perfect swoon-worthy hero. He comes across as hard and gruff at the beginning, but deep down he is a strong man with a good heart. Watching the things he does and the way he acts as he falls in love was comical at times but so very endearing.
The supporting characters in this story really drew me in. I quickly came to care for them and enjoyed the camaraderie they all shared on this voyage together. I loved the twists in the plot that came- the author does such a great job weaving the story and just when I thought I had it figured out, it changed.
Another fantastic steampunk romance from Nancy Campbell Allen- and I am really hoping she continues to write more!!
**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley
I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book. After reading the first book, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, I couldn’t wait for more. While that book follows Lucy Pickett, this one focuses on her brother Daniel and a new protagonist, Isla. Each book can stand on its own, but I liked reading them in order- I am excited and anticipating future stories about other supporting characters!
Isla was a fantastic female protagonist. She is smart, kind, fearless, and determined. She has no problem facing down many scary creatures and situations, yet also is quick to show kindness and forgiveness when needed. The steampunk elements woven in fit her character perfectly and added to her strengths. I really enjoyed the fairytale elements woven into her story as well.
Daniel is a perfect swoon-worthy hero. He comes across as hard and gruff at the beginning, but deep down he is a strong man with a good heart. Watching the things he does and the way he acts as he falls in love was comical at times but so very endearing.
The supporting characters in this story really drew me in. I quickly came to care for them and enjoyed the camaraderie they all shared on this voyage together. I loved the twists in the plot that came- the author does such a great job weaving the story and just when I thought I had it figured out, it changed.
Another fantastic steampunk romance from Nancy Campbell Allen- and I am really hoping she continues to write more!!
**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley
May 19, 2018
This story was amazing! I loved every second of it. Full review to come.
July 2, 2018
Romance, clean; Steampunk, PG-13 for some mild violence; series, but stand alone read
Dr. Isla Cooper is under a deadline to escape a curse. As she tries to find the witch who put her under a sleeping spell that will soon become permanent, she enlists the help of Daniel Pickett.
They both have their secrets, and one of Isla's enemies is aboard Daniel's airship with her. Trying to hide the secrets of the other passengers who are shape shifters, and Daniel's secret as well proves difficult. Daniel and Isla are drawn together, and Daniel finds out Isla's curse he watches over her and protects her.
As they band together to fight the curse, and fight for Isla to break the curse prior to her completely succumbing to the power of the curse, secrets and hidden agendas come out.
Fun, well written, and a cute retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story. Nods to the story (the ship is named Briar Rose, for instance), and other story elements that follow the fairy tale, make this a fun adaptation. Daniel and Isla have a definite attraction that they learn to lean on each other and open up to each other as they share about their lives, and share their secrets.
This is a second story in this series. Enjoyed it, but wasn't quite as intensely drawn in as the first. Still a good read though! This can be read without reading the first story although their are characters mentioned from the first novel.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Dr. Isla Cooper is under a deadline to escape a curse. As she tries to find the witch who put her under a sleeping spell that will soon become permanent, she enlists the help of Daniel Pickett.
They both have their secrets, and one of Isla's enemies is aboard Daniel's airship with her. Trying to hide the secrets of the other passengers who are shape shifters, and Daniel's secret as well proves difficult. Daniel and Isla are drawn together, and Daniel finds out Isla's curse he watches over her and protects her.
As they band together to fight the curse, and fight for Isla to break the curse prior to her completely succumbing to the power of the curse, secrets and hidden agendas come out.
Fun, well written, and a cute retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story. Nods to the story (the ship is named Briar Rose, for instance), and other story elements that follow the fairy tale, make this a fun adaptation. Daniel and Isla have a definite attraction that they learn to lean on each other and open up to each other as they share about their lives, and share their secrets.
This is a second story in this series. Enjoyed it, but wasn't quite as intensely drawn in as the first. Still a good read though! This can be read without reading the first story although their are characters mentioned from the first novel.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
August 4, 2020
I picked up this steampunk retelling of Sleeping Beauty on a whim, and I absolutely loved it. I probably need to buy my own copy, because I think it could be my new comfort read. I want to read it again already.
It’s a kissing book—I’ve read a lot of those lately—
rather chaste in comparison to most of the romance books I’ve read this summer, but equally swoonarific.
I’m madly in love with these characters, and I enjoyed having the POVs switch back and forth between Daniel and Isla, both refreshingly original. I was happy to find that the “strong heroine” I was promised by Publishers Weekly really was one. Whenever I see blurbs with descriptions like that, I think “Hmm, we’ll see.” But Isla Cooper is definitely my kind of heroine. I liked that besides her intelligence and independence, one of her greatest strengths was her empathy, not just her magical ability, but the way she related to the other characters, friend or foe. I loved how Daniel fell for her both because of her strengths and her vulnerabilities. I also prefer a more straightforward love story to a lot of cat and mouse shenanigans, and straightforward is more or less what I got with Daniel and Isla.
The steampunk setting was great fun. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this world (it seems I picked up the second in the series by mistake, but it didn’t seem to matter). There were some clever twists on the original story and several truly romantic scenes. It was a nice choice to cap off my summer of romance reading.
Re-read update 2019: Yep, this is my new comfort read. Love it! The audio version, read by Justine Eyre, was a winner, for the most part. Isla started sounding really gushy at the end, and I didn’t get that vibe from her at all when I read the book, but otherwise Eyre did a nice job with all the different characters’ voices.
Re-read 2020: There’s always room on my dance card for this one.
It’s a kissing book—I’ve read a lot of those lately—
rather chaste in comparison to most of the romance books I’ve read this summer, but equally swoonarific.
I’m madly in love with these characters, and I enjoyed having the POVs switch back and forth between Daniel and Isla, both refreshingly original. I was happy to find that the “strong heroine” I was promised by Publishers Weekly really was one. Whenever I see blurbs with descriptions like that, I think “Hmm, we’ll see.” But Isla Cooper is definitely my kind of heroine. I liked that besides her intelligence and independence, one of her greatest strengths was her empathy, not just her magical ability, but the way she related to the other characters, friend or foe. I loved how Daniel fell for her both because of her strengths and her vulnerabilities. I also prefer a more straightforward love story to a lot of cat and mouse shenanigans, and straightforward is more or less what I got with Daniel and Isla.
The steampunk setting was great fun. I’m looking forward to reading other books in this world (it seems I picked up the second in the series by mistake, but it didn’t seem to matter). There were some clever twists on the original story and several truly romantic scenes. It was a nice choice to cap off my summer of romance reading.
Re-read update 2019: Yep, this is my new comfort read. Love it! The audio version, read by Justine Eyre, was a winner, for the most part. Isla started sounding really gushy at the end, and I didn’t get that vibe from her at all when I read the book, but otherwise Eyre did a nice job with all the different characters’ voices.
Re-read 2020: There’s always room on my dance card for this one.
July 23, 2018
It took me a quick minute or two to get into this book but once I did, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. The story builds and builds until by the end I was feeling quite frantic and desperate. It was so exciting! I love when that happens.
I love that Nancy Campbell Allen is writing these steampunk romances loosely based on classic fairy tales. It gives everything such a fun twist.
The relationship and chemistry between Isla and Daniel was also one that kept building. I loved the explosive first kiss (😍) but mostly I loved how devoted Daniel was to Isla once he learned how vulnerable she was because of her curse. He was so sweet, so invested in her. I just LOVED him.
Yup, this was a good one! I'm so excited to see what's coming next!
Content: some violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love that Nancy Campbell Allen is writing these steampunk romances loosely based on classic fairy tales. It gives everything such a fun twist.
The relationship and chemistry between Isla and Daniel was also one that kept building. I loved the explosive first kiss (😍) but mostly I loved how devoted Daniel was to Isla once he learned how vulnerable she was because of her curse. He was so sweet, so invested in her. I just LOVED him.
Yup, this was a good one! I'm so excited to see what's coming next!
Content: some violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, and have been looking forward to this one for a while. It did not disappoint. It was fun to get to know Daniel, and Isla is a delight.
ETA: Just listened to it again. I liked it even better than the first time.
ETA: Just listened to it again. I liked it even better than the first time.
July 10, 2018
**4.5**
This was a fun and exciting take of Sleeping Beauty I loved the adventure, mystery, and romance. The first difference noted in the book is that this is a steampunk version. The characters are armed, some with robot parts, some are shifters, and the feel of the story is unique.
The story begins with Isla. She hunts shifters gone bad and brings them to justice. She is feisty, strong, and is a force to be reckoned with. She is desperate to find a cure for the sleeping curse that has been put on her. Time is running out for her.
The part of the prince is Daniel. He is a good guy who has his own secrets that if exposed could ruin him. The rest of the characters are shifters who are amazing people. They are all good guys that are being unfairly persecuted.
There is one passenger on-board who is antagonistic. You always wonder when he is going to make his move and do something to destroy anyone on the ship.
This book is fascinating. I loved how Nancy Campbell Allen set the whole thing up. There are pieces that remind you of the original story, but this book is very different. You wonder how and when Isla and Daniel will find the witch to save her. The fun of the book is the journey. I loved seeing pieces of each of the characters. They are a wonderful group and it would be wonderful if there will be more in a future book about any/all of them (hint, hint).
The book contains non-graphic violence and mild romance with some innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This was a fun and exciting take of Sleeping Beauty I loved the adventure, mystery, and romance. The first difference noted in the book is that this is a steampunk version. The characters are armed, some with robot parts, some are shifters, and the feel of the story is unique.
The story begins with Isla. She hunts shifters gone bad and brings them to justice. She is feisty, strong, and is a force to be reckoned with. She is desperate to find a cure for the sleeping curse that has been put on her. Time is running out for her.
The part of the prince is Daniel. He is a good guy who has his own secrets that if exposed could ruin him. The rest of the characters are shifters who are amazing people. They are all good guys that are being unfairly persecuted.
There is one passenger on-board who is antagonistic. You always wonder when he is going to make his move and do something to destroy anyone on the ship.
This book is fascinating. I loved how Nancy Campbell Allen set the whole thing up. There are pieces that remind you of the original story, but this book is very different. You wonder how and when Isla and Daniel will find the witch to save her. The fun of the book is the journey. I loved seeing pieces of each of the characters. They are a wonderful group and it would be wonderful if there will be more in a future book about any/all of them (hint, hint).
The book contains non-graphic violence and mild romance with some innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 24, 2019
Read this earlier this year and forgot to review, which is sad, because this is an absolute delight. Seriously, I read this months ago, but I remember quite a bit of it. It was a fun story. There are airships. There is blackmail to get on said airship. There are untrustworthy passengers on a trans-Atlantic airship crossing. Isla is awesome. I was also presently surprised at how quickly she trusts Daniel. They are great together. Also, the secondary cast is also great. Plus, this does quite a good job adding nuance to its villains and potential villains.
I mean, it's a fairy tale retelling, so the ending, fairly predictable. But it tells the story in such a fun way. Seriously, I've really enjoyed both books in this series. This one might be my favourite of the two though.
Read it when things were crazy at work, and it was such a lovely distraction.
2019 Reading Challenge (that I am in no way finishing at this point): A retelling of a classic
I mean, it's a fairy tale retelling, so the ending, fairly predictable. But it tells the story in such a fun way. Seriously, I've really enjoyed both books in this series. This one might be my favourite of the two though.
Read it when things were crazy at work, and it was such a lovely distraction.
2019 Reading Challenge (that I am in no way finishing at this point): A retelling of a classic
June 20, 2019
I liked everything until they got to Port Lucy, and then it was just too try-hard about fitting in bits from the original fairytale (which the first one didn't seem to need to do?), good times for colonizers, and kind of weird??
But Nigel Crowe was great, I loved the trio on board the ship a LOT (flora and fauna, hehehe), and this was still a pretty great time.
But Nigel Crowe was great, I loved the trio on board the ship a LOT (flora and fauna, hehehe), and this was still a pretty great time.
January 15, 2022
همه داستان معروف زیبای خفته رو میدونیم اما استفاده از کلیت اون داستان و ترکیبش با دنیای مدرن و علمی تخیلی، برام تازگی داشت و حتی عجیب بود.
درواقع داستان زیبای خفته فقط پسزمینه اتفاقات اصلی کتاب و دنیای مدرنشه.
من از جلد دوم شروع کردم. داستان هر جلد مستقله و ارتباطی با جلد قبلی و بعدی نداره و من که جلد اول رو نخوندم بجز ناآشنا بودن با عناصر مدرن، مشکلی با موضوع نداشتم.
تجربه تازهای بود. اوایل کتاب واسم مبهم و عجیب بود و کند و بیهیجان پیش میرفتم اما کم کم خوب شد.
درواقع داستان زیبای خفته فقط پسزمینه اتفاقات اصلی کتاب و دنیای مدرنشه.
من از جلد دوم شروع کردم. داستان هر جلد مستقله و ارتباطی با جلد قبلی و بعدی نداره و من که جلد اول رو نخوندم بجز ناآشنا بودن با عناصر مدرن، مشکلی با موضوع نداشتم.
تجربه تازهای بود. اوایل کتاب واسم مبهم و عجیب بود و کند و بیهیجان پیش میرفتم اما کم کم خوب شد.
July 18, 2018
I was so excited to read this book because I enjoyed Beauty and the clockwork beast so much. I thought that book was so original and well written - I was hoping for more of the same in this book.
Over all it just wasn't as compelling for me. As a reader I felt like the story was written to try to fit Daniel, rather than a story written for it's own right (A problem in many sequels). Because of this it came out awkward and a little boring at times.
Also a huge indicator of how good a book is, is whether or not things are told or shown. There were quite a few times in this book that the reader was told something - for example at the end we are told that Nigel is funny - and has a dry wit. It would have been so much more enjoyable to witness that ourselves rather than getting it second hand.
Over all it just wasn't as compelling for me. As a reader I felt like the story was written to try to fit Daniel, rather than a story written for it's own right (A problem in many sequels). Because of this it came out awkward and a little boring at times.
Also a huge indicator of how good a book is, is whether or not things are told or shown. There were quite a few times in this book that the reader was told something - for example at the end we are told that Nigel is funny - and has a dry wit. It would have been so much more enjoyable to witness that ourselves rather than getting it second hand.
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