Publishers Weekly
★ 05/06/2019
Allen’s third visit (after Kiss of the Spindle) to her lightly supernatural, steampunk fairy tale world is a clever riff on the “Rapunzel” story that blends exotic undersea travel with a dark mystery and a glee-inducing, respect-first romance between awkward colleagues. The setting seamlessly merges mechanization and magic with Victorian social concerns. Mysterious Romanian count Dravor Petrescu arrives in London claiming to be the unknown uncle of Hazel Hughes, a brilliant physician’s assistant and healer. All her life, Hazel has dreamed of having a twin; Petrescu says he has the twin in his castle, Coppergate, and wants to take Hazel to meet her. Hazel’s employer, friend, and secret admirer, surgeon Dr. Samuel MacInnes, insists on accompanying her on the count’s submarine. Allen’s comedic writing peaks in Sam’s sarcastic automaton butler, Eugene, playing on the tropes of both the overmeticulous British servant and the hypercompetent android. Though the novel stands alone perfectly, series fans will appreciate cameos by the strong heroines of the earlier installments. Readers who love witty adventure-romances between competent, mutually reliant equals will gobble this one up. (Aug.)
Historical Novel Society
"An unapologetically feisty heroine...What’s simply delightful here is the steampunk world Ms. Allen has created! I didn’t want to leave it, and more notably I wanted to hang out longer with Eugene, Dr. Sam’s saucy automaton, ‘who’ blurs the lines between human and non. The story is firmly rooted in this fantastical world of mechanical horses and telescribers and ray guns, and most deservedly belongs in the series named Proper Romance."
Booklist
"Allen pens another clever steampunk tale of romantic suspense, this time creating a twist on the story of Rapunzel. Hazel and Sam's sweet courtship is often hilariously interrupted by his sarcastic automaton, and every scene and room on the ship holds deftly crafted surprises as Allen spins a sparkling overlay of romance and humor. The steampunk and fairytale elements make for added fun as Allen continues her excellent, uniquely delightful Steampunk Proper Romance series, following Kiss of the Spindle and Beauty and the Clockwork Beast."
Midwest Book Review
"A deftly scripted steampunk romantic action/adventure fiction retelling of Rapunzel that is set in Victorian England then moves on to the haunted lands of Romania, An extraordinary and entertaining read from beginning to end. Very highly recommended."
Foreword Reviews
"A fantasy-laden Victorian era tale whose fascinating world is filled with drama and adventure. The adventure aspects of the tale are engaging and tense. An entertaining romance set in interesting lands."
BookPage
"Allen creates a fun and fantastical world to visit."
Booklist
"Allen pens another clever steampunk tale of romantic suspense, this time creating a twist on the story of Rapunzel. Hazel and Sam's sweet courtship is often hilariously interrupted by his sarcastic automaton, and every scene and room on the ship holds deftly crafted surprises as Allen spins a sparkling overlay of romance and humor. The steampunk and fairytale elements make for added fun as Allen continues her excellent, uniquely delightful Steampunk Proper Romance series, following Kiss of the Spindle and Beauty and the Clockwork Beast."
