his 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

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.

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.

(4.5) I loved the first book in this series sooo much that I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this one from NetGalley.
This book starts off great and I was instantly invested in the story.
Isla and Daniel and all the characters (or tons) were so much fun and great to know. They all had layers to their personalities and the deeper you got into the book, the more you find out about them and how they tick.
There was mystery and adventure and entertainment that only a steampunk world could add.
Maybe my only complaint would be the parts about dark magic and witches...I like fantasy but I typically try to stay clear of witchcraft type stories. However, seeing as how this is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, I can see why it was in there...I’m just not a fan.
Overall, though, the story was fun and the romance and chemistry between Isla and Daniel was perfect.
If you liked the first book, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, then you will most likely enjoy this one too. :)

Dr. Isla Cooper is cursed and gets stuck in a death-like sleep for six hours every night. After a year, it becomes permanent.. She is determined to find Malette, the one who cursed her, and reverse the curse. But can she do it before it's too late? This retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story is filled with romance and suspense that is sure to please readers across the board.

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!

Content: Mild violence. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!

Dr. Isla Cooper is a Predatory Shifter Counselor and empath. She has been placed under a curse and must get it reversed before before it becomes permanent. She falls asleep at midnight until six AM and cannot be awakened before then. She has to get to Port Lucy to find the black witch, but no airships are leaving England. She does know of one airship that is leaving but it takes illegal predatory shifters for a new life. She approaches Captain Daniel Pickett and asks him to take her to Port Lucy, then threatens him when he refuses. He agrees to take her along with the three shifters and a surprise passenger,,, Nigel Crowe from the Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee who hates shifters. I love steampunk and I loved this book. It's full of great characters and the story is intriguing. What can be used to wake Isla? Maybe one who loves her equally? It's full of airships, shifters, villains and love. I received this book from Net Galley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.

Opening line:
"Isla Elizabeth Cooper extended her hand toward the airship ticket agent."

Isla has had a spell, or rather, a curse placed on her, where every night at midnight she falls into a deep sleep and doesn't awake until 6 am. She jokes she sleeps like the dead and she almost does; her breath is shallow and her skin is tinged with blue. She's on a deadline to find the cure before the curse becomes permanent.
She bullies her way on to an airship, much to the dismay of the captain, Daniel Pickett who does not want any more passengers on his ship but somehow cannot resist Isla. For on Daniel's ship are three shape shifters who Daniel is smuggling away from London and persecution.
Before Daniel can get off the ground, another unwanted person bullies his way onto the airship: Nigel Crowe. Notorious for sending shape shifters off to the dungeon or to be hanged. His work is in total contrast to what Isla does, so the tension between the two and then the whole ship's passengers begins right from the start.
The author does a fantastic job of fleshing out her characters where the reader comes to love and cheer for them. Even the villain is easy to hate! And the 'ton Samson was easily a favorite of mine.
I enjoyed the storyline of Sleeping Beauty and the mix of steampunk and a twist of the plot.
The romance was perfectly paced in that it wasn't overly dramatic or love at first sight It was a sweet build up until the...well, I can't tell you. You just need to read this book!
I would recommend this book to any reader who loves a well-written adventure with enough romance and kissing to keep reading.

Thanks to netgalley for the read!

4 Stars - I wasn’t sure if this would be as good as the first one Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, but it was just as delightful and really quite different than the first one. I loved Isla, she was so cheeky and smart! Daniel was grumpy, but not quite to the point of the male lead in the last book. I loved their interactions and chemistry. I thought that the curse was interesting, and I loved how it brought the ship of people together. I also loved the setting that it was on an airship was a lot of fun! The Caribbean setting was also a different, much less gloomy than the first book taking place in a haunted English estate. I really liked all of the characters and can’t wait to see which side characters get a full story in the future. The ending was really cute, and I think I overall liked this one better than the first!

I’m beginning to truly enjoy the steampunk genre, probably more for the historical than the sci-fi aspects, and Nancy Campbell Allen has done a terrific job of combining the genre with a Proper Romance. This story has a great “meet cute”, a strong and feisty heroine, a hero unashamed to cry, and a handful of supporting characters that I hope to read about in the future (Hazel and Nigel Crowe, anyone?)

I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

way back in 2016, i read and adored beauty and the clockwork beast and i've been obsessively checking goodreads and netgalley for more from this author ever since.

when it comes to fairytales, i am partial to beauty & the beast retellings, so i was a bit worried i wouldn't enjoy this one as much, but i needn't have worried. i don't think i've ever really read a sleeping beauty retelling and this one was very well done.

isla was such a fun character and i really, really, really liked daniel. i loved the two of them together. i loved all the characters and i was shocked at the bad guy. this was well written, fast paced and i thoroughly enjoyed it. i laughed several times, it was adorable and interesting. it is a clean book, if that's something you like to know about a romance before you start it.

to me, a good fairytale retelling is when they are strong enough to stand on their own - not just piggybacking on the joy you might get from something that reminds you of an old movie you used to love. this one definitely stands on its own and i cannot wait for more from this author - guess i'm going back to obsessively checking goodreads and netgalley!

**I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. All responses to the book and opinions here are my own and honest, as usual.**

Another exciting - by good glory intense - steampunk story loosely based on a fairytale from Nancy Campbell Allen. The romance was likewise intense, people like to kiss with vigor here - but proper. Obviously. :)

As always, I enjoy the side characters as much as the main characters. They give the plot variety and make it just a light when needed. The three shifters on board were artfully written. I don’t believe the author can leave them alone after this book. Please?

There is violence in the story, which I skimmed through because I like to sleep at night. There is also a wonderful world of smart, strong, and varied characters in a fantasy world to get to know. It was a fun journey.

I enjoyed this book very much, and I felt that it was better than the first book in this series, which I also enjoyed.

This is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The story and relationship between Isla and Daniel is intriguing and believable. I like that Isla was strong and independent and that Daniel worked to help her but also recognized that she was a capable woman.

I have only read steampunk by Nancy Allen but I am impressed with how she writes it. It is not central to the book, and it is not overwhelming. It is believable and understandable. It only adds to the story, it does not take away from it or draw attention away from it.

When she can't find another way to get to the Caribbean, Doctor Isla Cooper bullies her way onto a private airship, one belonging to Daniel Pickett. She is an empath and and investigator so she isn't surprised that there are three shape shifters who are being smuggled out of England. What she is worried about is the government official who is on board, an Englishman who is determined that all shapeshifters should be taken off the face of the earth.

Isla needs to get to the Caribbean in order to find the witch who put a curse on her. Every night, Isla is forced into six hours of sleep from which she can not be awakened. If she doesn't figure out how to lift the curse within a year, it will become her permanent state of being.

I didn't read the first book but didn't feel like I needed to. It was a bit of a slow start, I almost decided not to finish the book. But it was worth wading through and the end wasn't so bad.



Three stars

This book comes out July 3

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.

I haven't read the first book in this series and that in no way affected my enjoyment of Kiss of the Spindle. It features the brother of the protagonist from Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, but I found it easy enough to pick this up without the benefit of prior introduction. However now that I've read and adored this book so much, I'm definitely going to have to pick the other one up!

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 fairytale - don't lazily rely on the original story, have some creativity and cherry-pick the parts that work for your own novel concept instead of slavishly following the same beats. Surprise the reader with the parts that remain familiar and delight them with new takes on the classic.

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 can't enthuse enough about the cast - first of all, we have a mature and level-headed heroine in Isla, who is AMAZING. I love a lady who doesn't confuse self-confidence for bitchiness, who can accept help instead of being stroppy and willful, and she's just so wonderfully competent and pragmatic. Isla is also stubborn and a little bull-headed at times (witness our introduction to her where she blackmails her way onto the hero's ship, lmao), and she can be reckless in the face of danger, so she's believably flawed as well, not a paragon of virtue! She makes me laugh with her snarky comments and deadpan demeanor. 

Daniel is the beset-upon hero who is forced to deal with unwanted guests on a very tricky voyage (transporting persecuted shapeshifters to a new society where they can live free of fear) and obviously is quite surly about it at the beginning. I like how despite himself, he ends up warming to Isla and wanting to help with her predicament, even when he had every right to be angry and resentful of her presence. He's my favorite kind of hero who's outwardly grumpy but has a heart of gold. 

Even better than a main couple who I adore individually and together is a cast of supporting characters who also have well-fleshed out personalities, their own story arcs and separate relationships outside of the lead characters. I really enjoyed spending time with the three shapeshifters, Samson the advanced automaton (whose wit had me snickering throughout) and Nigel Crowe, the antagonist who enthralled me. I really hope he has a book coming up because I need more of him!

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!

As a fan of the Sleeping Beauty story I have to give Nancy props for how expertly she gave subtle nods to the original story. Crow and the dragon were too of my favorite, genius!

Nancy has a gift for writing two personalities that are paired so well that you  are thrilled to watch the couple come together. Isla was the perfect foil for Daniel. The romance in her stories are always a perfect blend of tenderness and passion. 

This novel wasn't just a romance though, it had mystery, suspense and the perfect comic relief. Samson really made this story amazing for me. Nancy perfectly timed his comments at just the right time to make me bust a gut on multiple occasions.

Balance that with the fact that I really couldn't figure out who the enemy exactly was until she spelled it out for me, made for superb writing. 

The way she threaded through her story deeper emotions with Daniel's PTSD and Isla's realization that "everybody on board dealt with hard things...it's what defines us" made for a truly fascinating story.

I distinctly recall that the review I read about this was in a journal under "Romance." The subject headings on Baker & Taylor also specify "romance." For clarification, this is not a romance by any stretch of the imagination. It's steampunk with world-building and adventure, and it's a good book. It captures what the Soulless series offered before the author sold out.

Although marked as book two of a series, this completely stands on its own. It would be more accurate to say that the two (so far) books take place in the same universe, but do not have to be read in order.

Isla Cooper has been cursed and needs the witch who did this to break the curse before it's too late.

Every night at 12 she falls into a deadlike sleep until 6 a.m., nothing can wake her. She blackmails Daniel Pickett, captain of an airship, to take her to the island where she thinks to find the witch. She knows Daniel is smuggling predatory shifters out of the country (which she approves of) but she is not happy to find another passenger aboard at the last minute, a man who hunts shifters. And what is his connection to the witch Isla is searching for?

This is my first steampunk novel although it just reads like a fantasy novel. The cover and blurb looked interesting to me and I quite enjoyed reading it. It is not really my genre I think, but the book is good! I also liked the 'Sleeping Beauty' -feel it has and the subtle romance between Isla and Daniel.

Fans of Steampunk Regency will enjoy this fairy tale retelling. We met some of the characters in Beauty and the Clockwork Beast. I highly recommend reading this after B&B so you have a good grasp on the world the author has created. Fast paced, likable characters, good ending. Definitely worth reading.

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!
This novel was a very good read. I enjoy Disney and reading a novel based loosely on it intrigued me. I enjoyed the characters and some unexpected plot twists. Doctor Isla Cooper was cursed by her sister and now travels to Port Lucy to find the witch responsible. She blackmails Daniel Pickett into taking her to Port Lucy, a place where those with magical abilities are safe from persecution of the crown. Isla is a shifter empath and tries to help shifters, but has a moral code. She is strong, independent, and intelligent. Daniel smuggles shifters to safe havens. He is determined and is angry about having some unexpected passengers. However, he will help Isla after she explains the curse to him. Daniel and Isla cannot help their attraction to one another and it grows as the travel to Port Lucy. Once they arrive their at Port Lucy, they learn the true reason of why Isla was cursed. The only way to break it is true love's kiss, but who truly loves Isla enough to break the curse before time runs out?