Review: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

 About the Book:

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.
Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

My Thoughts: While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. I loved Emme's determination, her desire to take a stand, and her ability to use her voice. I loved the banter between her and Oliver. I love a good enemies to lovers trope. And I'm so curious about Maddie. I hope there's another book with her story next.

This book is great for lovers of paranormal, steampunk, feminist romances, Cinderella stories, and enemies to lovers tropes. Also a great book for your library's romance collection.

About the Author: 
  Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of seventeen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

Visit her at nancycampbellallen.com, on Instagram @authornancycampbellallen, on Facebook at nancycampbellallen, or on Twitter @necallen.

 Advanced Praise:

"Once again proving that genres are made to be melded, Allen puts a suspenseful twist on this enticing, steampunk retelling of Cinderella. Allen seamlessly integrates gentle romantic tension and nods to the original fairy tale with paranormal and steampunk elements and political intrigue. This is a fun, arresting break from reality.”

-Publishers Weekly

"Relocates a classic fairy tale into an imagined future packed with airships, automated carriages, vampires, and corsets. Nancy Campbell Allen’s lively reimagining of the Cinderella story features an empowered, outspoken heroine who’s driven by a vision of a more equitable, futuristic Britain."

-Foreword Reviews

Watch the Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2lkJdtl9s

 Book Details:

Publication Date: 10/6/20 Paperback

ISBN: 9781629727370

Retail Price: $15.99

Page Count: 320

Proper Romance / Regency

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Cover photo: Butch Adams Photography; © photomaster/Shutterstock.com; ©  Westend61/Getty Images

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather Ward