Little Shop of Readers

**** 4 Out Of 5 Stars

STEAM ME UP RAWLEY (The Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles #1) by Angela Quarles

This story takes place in an alternate time period in Mobile, Alabama during the late 1800’s. Our heroine, nineteen year old, Adele de la Pointe is a strong willed young woman who does things her own way and ignores society’s expectations of marriage, she is a career woman all the way. The hero, Dr. Phillip Rawley, dashingly arrives in a hot air balloon. Throw in Adele’s, shoulder pet, Loki with his shenanigans and murder, “Jack The Ripper” style and the author serves up a light hearted romantic story.

Phillip has come to be Adele’s father’s new intern. Also, he has agreed to a marriage of convenience with Adele. Phillip feels his marriage is a done deal until he meets Adele. I do believe he has his work cut out for him. Adele doesn’t quite meet his description of a “sweet, biddable wife to support him with her domestic arts.”

Adele, makes a deal with her father. If she can get a position as the beat reporter, he will let her do her own thing and not have to marry, but when she starts her investigation, she is in the crosshairs of a serial killer.

Will Phillip and Adele find the murderer and true love? I have not read any steampunk before, but was mildly surprised that I enjoyed the story. Ms. Quarles writing style brings her characters to life and I enoyed the unusual habits of the characters.

Was given an ARC from the author for an honest review.

CAMorgan