Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

Description

Just like in the classic Beauty and the Beast, this Steampunk Romance features an unlikely love story.

The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon. Lucy-a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist-travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles's younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcomed respite from her work and recent discovery-a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London.

However, Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor. Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles's sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths.

And who is the ghost that haunt the halls? Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister-as well as her cousin's mysterious illness-are tied together, but how?

Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely.

During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted toward the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face.

With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the Manor. But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that, too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man, beast and all.

Also includes a 15-page bonus prequel novelette, “Marie's Story.” Marie Blake is Miles's younger sister, and her untimely death begins the story ofBeauty and the Clockwork Beast. Set on the eve of her murder—and told in the first-person from her point-of-view—readers will get to her know her as a person, and not just as the ghost who haunts the halls of Blackwell Manor. The story provides greater depth and more personal details to one of most memorable characters in the novel.

• Series: Steampunk Proper Romance
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain (August 2, 2016)

My review:  Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

5 STARS

This classic telling has romance beyond looks, courage to chase ghosts, vampires and werewolves.  Someone is haunting the Manor, blackmailing the beast, there has been two murders in the family this year and now someone is making Kate ill.

I love the Beauty character.  She is strong willed, courage, caring and hard working. Lucy looks beyond a pretty or beastly face and sees the person inside. Lucy comes to see if she can help her cousin Kate.  Who is sick, scared and a newly wed.

The beast is the Duke of Blackwell Manor.  Miles has secrets and a temper.  Everyone keeps looking at his scar on his face.  His bride of one month died and his sister the next day. Miles goes to his hunting lodge every month by himself for a few days.

I enjoyed reading Beauty and the Clockwork Beast.  Hated to put the book down.  You never knew what would happen next.

The setting for the book is Steampunk England.  It makes for a different world that I would like to see more of.

I was given this ebook to read for free from NetGalley and   Shadow Mountain Publishing.  In return I agree to give a honest review of Beauty and the Clockwork Beast.