I do believe this series gets better with each new story! I devoured The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, needing only two settings and a few hours to tear through each adventure- and romance-filled page. This one has a gothic feel with the dark and possibly/probably evil Count Petrescu orchestrating the trip to his home in Romania. Neither Hazel, Sam, nor the reader trust him and they trust his henchman Renton even less. At one point, Hazel surmises Petrescu is a vampire. Possible because he has a henchman named Renton….. By the way, vampires do exist in this world.

You know what else they have in this world? Automatons. Or ‘tons. Eugene is what is described as a ‘high-functioning automaton…with exceptional programming.’ Basically, he has a personality and is a source of irritation for Sam and humor for the rest of us. I did enjoy Eugene’s character very much.

Sam and Izzy have a friendship that both would like to be more, though neither will admit it. Sam thinks Izzy only wants friendship and her career. Izzy thinks Sam wants a wife from his own social class. The circumstances of their travel will bring them closer together – maybe together enough that they might just work something out. Their witty conversation and occasional flirting made for delightful reading. The climactic ending with one of them almost dying made for a sharp inhale and a slow, relieved exhale.

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower is the third book in Nancy Campbell Allen’s Steampunk Proper Romance series. I’ve enjoyed all three so I can tell you that each books stands alone, though successive books do reference events and characters of previous books. Read one, or read them all!

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Steam Punk genre has never really interested me, however, after reading this ARC, generously offered by Covenant Communications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I’ve got to admit I did enjoy the plot as well as the characters and I look forward to reading the previous two books in the series.

This is one of my favorite series. The mix of fantasy, and proper romance is amazing and so much fun to read. I started this book out feeling the familiar love of the world, but this one fell a little bit flat for me in the middle. I liked the working relationship between Sam and Hazel was very sweet and swoony when they were working in London. However, as soon as they embarked on their adventure I didn't find myself quite as invested in the plot or their relationship. It was still sweet and the steampunk stuff was fun. The setting was interesting too, not a lot of books take place on a submarine, but I just felt like something was missing. I will say that I liked the beginning and end, so maybe it was just a fluke. While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I am still looking forward to more books if Allen writes them!

Another great steampunk fairy tale!

This is the third steampunk fairy tale romance from Nancy Campbell Allen. We start in London but this time we travel to Romania and you know what that means—vampire legends and dark magic!

Hazel and Sam’s romance weaves through this story of revealed family secrets, intrigue and betrayal, with a healthy dose of steampunk.

I loved all the steampunk elements—they added to the story without getting bogged down in the tech. The characters were well-written and interesting. I enjoy the fact that all the books in this series are interrelated and we get to see previous characters from the other books pop up now and then.

I really liked the twist to Rapunzel in this book. There are definite correlations, but not so much that it became a simple retelling. There’s more story, more depth, more twists and mysteries than a simple fairy tale.

There’s also romance. This book, as with the others in the series, is categorized as a “Proper Romance” which it is (clean with nothing embarrassing) but the romance is almost secondary to the story. It’s still very important and romance readers will appreciate that, but it’s not overpowering—which I actually prefer.

I’m looking forward to more of Allen’s steampunk romances. I highly recommend it and give it 4.5 STARS.

i liked this one - not my favourite of the series, but i liked it a lot.

i really liked hazel and sam, i love how hazel had been crushing on sam for so long, though she did seem a little bit like oh well, thems the breaks about it. but when things pick up, they were so cute and sweet together.

i do feel like the pacing was a tad off, seemed to move quite slowly and then the end moved really fast. not complaining exactly, i'm glad it picked up in the end.

i am hoping there will be a 4th book about emme and oliver :)

Hazel’s been dreaming about a girl who - except for hair and eye colour - looks exactly like her for as long as she can remember. But the dream girl never says or does anything extraordinary, so Hazel has accepted it as a slightly odd thing and otherwise leads a normal life. She has some healing abilities and uses them in her work for surgeon Sam McInnes. He’s rich, charming, good-looking and way out of her league. But then her dreams are beginning to worry her. The girl in it is showing signs of fear and madness. Hazel’s life gets turned further upside down when the mysterious Count Petrescu appears. He tells her that he’s from Romania and that she has a twin-sister there…one who looks exactly like Hazel, except for hair and eye-colour and who is slowly going mad. The Count is convinced that Hazel is her only hope. He asks her to accompany him to Romania and she agrees - and so does Sam who does not trust the Count and fears he might not have the best interest of Sam and her twin at heart.

The trouble with this book is that both the romance and the fantasy seem quite half-hearted. Hazel already feels more than friendship for Sam at the beginning of the book, but she’s also convinced that the difference in status means that there is no chance of a romantic relationship between them. And she’s not terribly bothered by that…or bothered at all. Now I am very much here for characters who won’t let themselves be defined by being unhappily in love but Hazel’s feelings for Sam seem more like a celebrity crush - something she is fully aware is impossible but nice to daydream about occasionally.

Sam, meanwhile, sees her first as a very competent co-worker and then as more but doesn’t think she feels the same way, so he shrugs and moves on. So, it’s quite fitting that when they find out that their feelings are in fact reciprocated, they essentially go well, that’s great, kiss and then go back to business as usual. Even in a book that is more fantasy than romance I would have expected emotions to play a bigger role.

I admit, if the fantasy part had been good, I’d still have enjoyed this book and even recommended it with the caveat that it’s not much of a romance but that at least Sam and Hazel are likeable characters. But sadly, the fantasy plot was also lacking… mostly lacking tension.

Hazel and Sam quickly agree that the count has some sinister motives but Hazel still wants to accompany him to help her sister. And so, they travel together…and at no point is there any doubt about the count’s sinisterness. So as the reader, I also wasn’t exactly on the edge of my seat, wondering if he’s one of the good guys or not. There was, of course, the question of what his plan was but most of the time it wasn’t treated as a particularly pressing question. They occasionally bring it up, acknowledge that they have no idea and then…shrug and move on. This seems to be a theme. (Granted, they do make attempts to find out more but when those are fairly unsuccessful they…you guessed it).

All that leaves us with a book about two people who…just get through the plot but - with some exception - have few strong emotions about the things happening around them. And that results in me also not feeling much about it.

The best parts of Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk fairy tale are definitely the steampunk parts - the automaton characters, the descriptions of the submarine, the power and opportunity allowed women in a story set in "Victorian" times. But I found parts of this story very slow moving, I was disappointed that the "lady" did not show up until almost the end, and I think the story would have worked better if the author hadn't labored so hard to fit in all the elements from Rapunzel.

I read an advance reader copy of The Lady in the Coppergate Tower from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published on August 6.

When Hazel learns of a family member in trouble in far Romania, she and her employer Sam accompany a mysterious Count to help her. But how much can this Count be trusted?

I must admit I have a tendency to shy away from the Romance genre somewhat – it usually isn’t my cup of tea. I was very almost put off completely by the rather naff cover but when I saw the blurb for The Lady in the Coppergate Tower complete with steampunk and magic themes I was intrigued enough to give it a go. For the most part I’m glad I did; the world that Nancy Campbell Allen creates is a fun one – a Victorian society with its class system and lavish balls mixed with mechanical contraptions and adding a touch of Magick as well. I really enjoyed the mashup and was fully immersed into the world.

I believe this book is one in a series which although has a standalone plot, uses characters from the other books. This didn’t hinder my enjoyment although the first few chapters did feel a little overwhelming as we were introduced to a mass of characters very quickly. This settles down by the time the main plot kicks in and the actual story only has around 5/6 main characters to keep track of. I particularly enjoyed the character of Hazel – a woman trapped between modern ideas and the constraints of the society that she lives in – she is intelligent and quick to learn and was a great main character for the story. I did think the other main character Sam (her love interest) was a little one dimensional though – it says something when his mechanical ‘ton servant Eugene had more personality than he did! I must admit I got a little frustrated by the constant monologuing from both of them about how much they liked the other, and the ‘will they, won’t they’ got a little tiring at times when the plot was actually much more interesting. However, I am aware it is supposed to be a Romance book as well and it wasn’t as overdone or cliched as it could have been.

Overall The Lady in the Coppergate Tower was a nice surprise – a romance with bite with a nicely drawn steampunk world. Thank you to NetGalley & Shadow Mountain Publishing for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried reading this but I couldn't get into the writing or story, I'm so sorry and I feel bad about this but its a dnf on my side.

What a suspenseful story with just the right amount of romance.

The pages are full of intrigue and mystery involving Hazel's newly acquired Uncle. I was drawn in until the very end. Paited with that is the sweet love story between Hazel and Sam. Their love story is timeless and I loved how the mutually lifted on another up.my favorite line in the book was "Do not bury your talent in your insecurities". Such a powerful piece of advice that leaves the pages and goes directly to the heart

I do not normally read Steampunk romances novels, but whenever Nancy Campbell Allen writes one, I can't refuse. Her stories are believable and intriguing. You'll enjoy this book!

Nancy ceases to amaze me! What a ride! What an imaginative storyline! I loved the whole thing! Couldn’t put it down! The intrigue and romance were amazing! She knows what’s up! 5 stars all the way!!!

I really loved this book - in fact, I adore the whole series and Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk world. SO fun to read these retellings. Sam and Hazel and their relationship was adorable. I love how well they work together and that they were such good friends. The plot moved quickly in this book, and it was suspenseful and quite a page-turner. I have not read anything else like this series and I cannot wait for the next one.

Romance, clean; Steampunk; series, but stand alone read
Gorgeous detailed period steam-punk novel, the third in this series, that is a stand alone read, but features cameos from the other characters in the prior novels. First, love the cover! Hazel and Sam's story is a wonderful addition to this series. As Hazel travels to Romania to help her long-lost sister after meeting her Uncle, finding out she is from nobility, so many things are suspicious, uncertain, and dangerous. She starts questioning her Uncle's motives and what has happened to her sister. Her dream connection to her sister, the intrigue on the ship, all suspicious and fearful. Luckily with Sam, her coworker, a surgeon/Dr. accompanying her and his automaton she is somewhat protected and not alone on this journey to help her sister who is in a tower. The tower, the entrapment/seclusion reminiscent of the Rapunzel story (without the romance for the sister), the journey, challenges and escaping the magic of her Uncle and his machinations was beautifully crafted, the romance sincere, honest, tender, and heartfelt, and of course the techno/steam-punk and magical elements made for a captivating, lush read. Highly recommend. This is my favorite read of this series, it totally captivated me!

Once again, Nancy Campbell Allen did NOT disappoint! This book was thrilling to read and left me feeling oh so satisfied when I finally finished it (in less than 24 hours...) So let's jump right into the things I loved!

To start, there was fantastic characterization. The author did a fantastic job creating villains that you love to hate, and main characters that you just swoon over. Hazel was a very relatable character with her self-doubts and small quirks, and it was wonderful to watch her grow into herself. And Sam, though rather too perfect, was funny, intelligent, and handsome--a rather formidable combination. Their romance was so sweet and I absolutely loved that it was built off a solid friendship. Additionally, there weren't major miscommunications in their love for one another keeping the two apart, something that is always preferable. In fact, at times I felt like the romance took a backseat to the fantastic plot line.

From the second I picked up this book, I could hardly put it down not only because of the romance, but largely because of the exciting plot line that Allen wove for the reader. It was a highly entertaining take on the story of Rapunzel, with fun little facets from the original sprinkled throughout. I was sucked into the story and enjoyed every little discovery and roadblock that the characters encountered. Honestly, the only thing I did not love about this book was the cover-- I didn't feel it portrayed the characters in the best way.

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, and cannot wait to see who's story we get to read about next! Oh and P.S. I loved Sam's automaton and could not get enough of him!

A big thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the first book in series, liked the second one and really liked this third one.
I liked the friendship/relationship/chemistry between Hazel and Sam. It grew at a natural pace and their interactions were fun and believable.
The regency/steampunk futuristic world always adds for an entertaining story line. This book wasn’t as dark as the 2nd one (no ghosts or evil dark creatures) but there is a lot of mystery in it...as well as an attack/death. Nothing is gruesome, though. It was a completely different take to Rapunzel and I liked to see a few touches here and there that tied the fairy tales together, however, this story is completely it’s own.
If you’ve read the first two books then you’ll probably like this one (different characters tie into this story). This book could be read first but I think it would be confusing to enter this world w/o any background.
Good news, this book comes out August 6th so you have time to read the first two! :)
Ok friends, that's all for now! Here's to hoping that June is a relaxing month with lots of fun books to read!

This is quite the proper addition to the Proper Romance series of steampunk romance books. The steampunk aspect is not overwhelming, but creates a different background aspect for the series. I like that the characters are interlaced from one book to the next and look forward to who the next focus may be.

From start to finish this is a book you won’t want to put down. Back into the world of steampunk vampires and other paranormal creatures, Nacy Campbell Allen revamps the classic Repunzle tale into something delightfully sinister. If you are looking for romance, suspense, mystery and a dash of magic this book delivers it all!

*Review of eARC received from NetGalley*

I’ve enjoyed all of these steampunk fairy tales from Nancy Campbell Allen, but this one is by far my favorite! It’s based on “Rapunzel,” yes, but it also blends elements from “Dracula” and other horror-genre stories quite well. It’s like something brand new, which is what you want to happen with a retelling like this. Everyone’s heard the original, and just redoing that one straight-up is kind of boring. Which this is anything but.

I loved the fact that Hazel and Sam are removed from London, meaning we get a completely new setting to explore and which brings out character traits that neither would have exhibited if they’d stayed somewhere familiar and comfortable. Also, Sam’s ‘ton, Eugene (which, I see what you did there) is a delight and a half.

Hazel’s uncle Count Dravor is a great villain, too. Even from the beginning when he’s being all charming and suave and seems like he’s Hazel’s best chance for family, you can tell that there’s some else going on. Even without the benefit of knowing that this story is based on fairy tales and folklore, everything about him screams “Bad News!” Though I will admit there were a few moments where I thought that maybe he wasn’t so bad - so he’d even charmed me like he did Hazel.

Overall, an exciting story and one I enjoyed quite a bit. I will probably even re-read it at some point because I enjoyed it just that much.

The Lady in Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen is a fascinating story with brilliant characters and a suspenseful plot. Great romance, friendship and family relationships. Smart female characters that figure things out and take action. Wholesome male characters as well. This one was more frightening than I expected. Highly recommend.

#TheLadyInTheCoppergateTower #NetGalley

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, is the third book, in this steampunk series. I would recommend reading all of the books in this series, they will make more sense if read in succession. Hazel has had strange dreams since childhood and never understood them. She feels like some of her questions have been answered, when an unknown uncle shows up. Hazel is not sure he can trust him . A fast paced read.