DNF Mini Explanations

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
Goodreads

I don't tend to love steampunk at the best of times (they just feel like they're trying so hard), so this probably wasn't the best book for me. I had hoped that the romance, gothic vibe, and general zaniness promised by several reviewers would balance out the goggles and flying air ships for me. But, alas, no.

The steampunk parts were especially paint-by-numbers and it felt like the author was running down a checklist of requisite items to include in book of this genre without any real heart or care put in. The main character also didn't grab me and I could not see myself liking her much.

Still, I'm intrigued by the promises of romance and silly craziness, so I may try to pick this one up again. 

Eden's Wish by M. Tara Crowl
Goodreads

There's nothing wrong with this book. It's cute, mildly funny, mildly sweet, mildly intriguing, and just all around ok. That's really it. I could finish reading it and I think the experience would be overall pleasant. Nice. Ok.

And not really how I want to spend my reading time right now. I may go back and finish this one when I'm more in the mood. The target audience should enjoy it though.



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Book Reivew: My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen

Pages: 256
Released: January 5, 2016
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Received: ARC from publisher, via Edelweiss
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

I'm going to use the word "nice" a lot in this review. That may sound like damning with faint praise, but I don't mean it that way at all. My Fair Gentleman is a solid feel-good book that doesn't really rock the boat in any way or grip me with massive emotions, but instead floats lazily, pleasantly, and enjoyably through the story. I've been on a "nice" book kick lately where I'm looking for sweet comfort reads, and this one fit the the bill.

Thankfully, both romantic leads were nice, likable people. The narrative viewpoint shifts between the two of them, and I enjoyed both perspectives equally. It didn't matter whether they were lightly sparring, slowly falling in love, or otherwise focused on their non-romantic endeavors and blossoming friendships (which were as good as the main romance), I just liked spending time with them.

The side characters were a happy surprise and all served to make me smile. Sure, the good characters were oh so good and the bad characters were oh so bad, but I didn't mind that. If I'd been in a more critical mood this probably would have been a point to quibble over, and I probably would have wanted a little more, more character depth, passion, plot details. But, I was in the fairy tale kind of mood where sweet characters and a simple happily ever after is enough.

Bottom line

Another satisfying entry into the Proper Romance Series of standalone, clean historical romances. Nancy Campbell Allen is a new-to-me author, but I've already requested her other Proper Romance Series book based on the strength of this one.

Looking for another book like this? 

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Click on the cover to go to my review

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