*Quicksilver Soul by Christine D'Abo (Shadow Guild #2)

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Archivist Emmet Dennison has fallen from grace. Instead of extracting the memories of the dead, he finds himself assigned to protect Nicola Tesla, a woman who is as mad as she is brilliant. Each moment they are together challenges not only his beliefs, but jeopardizes his future with the Guild.

Nicola Tesla hasn't met a man like Emmet Dennison before—intelligent, insightful and full of anger. Despite her curiosity, she has no desire to pursue a relationship. Her life is her work and no distraction, no matter how attractive, will get in her way.

Thomas Edison intends to grow his influence and take control of New London's underbelly. When Nicola and Emmet are kidnapped by Edison and become pawns in his plot, their feelings for each other grow. Edison unleashes his creations on New London, putting Nicola in danger and forcing Emmet to choose between saving her life or saving his soul.

5 stars*****

If you are a fan of Steampunk... I definitely recommend this series! I loved book one in which the villain was based off of Jack the Ripper. Book two did not disappoint and our villain in this book was based off of good 'ole Thomas Edison! You probably could read this as a stand alone but I would recommend starting with book one so you know the back story of all of the characters.
I love the Steampunk genre... especially with the costumes and settings. It has a Western, Victorian, Science Fiction feel too it and this story is set in Old London. It does help if you know a little bit about steampunk before you begin the series. If not, it might seem a little confusing and weird.
There is a lot going on in book two. First, we have the budding romance between Nicola and Emmet. We met Emmett in book one. I love Nicola... she is strong, independent, smart and really good with tools and building/working on machinery. She was brought in to help repair damage to the archives. Emmet is an archivist, part of a group of individuals whose job it is to retrieve the memories from the dead for storage. This is a difficult job because with each extraction and removal it leaves a blank spot in their memory and their eyes slowly turn white. They are feared and referred to as zombies. Even though Emmett chose to be an archivist, he now struggles with the reality of what he has to do and his feelings for Nicola increases his conflict because archivists do not marry.
Next we have the villain, Thomas Edison, who is a little crazy and has a plan up his sleeve that involves the creative and talented street rat named Keegan. I loved the character of Keegan, a little boy living on the streets just trying to get by. His character was a little hard on the heart. I really wanted an HEA for him and a little revenge! The story gets even more involved when T.E. decides to kidnap Nicola and Emmett and forces them to help him with his plans.
I was happy to see my favorite supporting character, David, from book one show up again. He is so entertaining and funny.
This series is creative, original, full of engaging and well written characters and set in an unusual and entertaining version of London. There is romance and a little steam but this book is more story focused with the romance being an added bonus. The content is a little dark but also thought provoking. Especially in regards to whether or not retrieving a persons memories is in essence stealing their souls. I am officially hooked and can't wait to see what else this author has in store!

ARC was provided by Forever Publishing via netgalley

Her breathing became labored and stuttered as she let it out. Every inch of her body had grown aware of his presence in a very real way. She could feel the space between them, knew it would take very little movement before they’d connect. He’d be warm. The scent of him would roll over her, making her drunk with want of more. 

She should look away, should put some distance between them. Even back at the Company, men and women were rarely left alone together for this length of time. Sexual relations weren’t prohibited, but they more often than not got in the way of productivity. Yes, nothing good would come from this feeling of want building inside her. They couldn’t exactly act upon their desires trapped in a cell where anyone could happen by. No doubt, Thomas would use any hint of a relationship between them to his advantage.

If Emmet shared her sentiment, he didn’t show it. Without having seemingly moved, Nicola found her chest pressed against his. Their arms still remained at their sides, though Emmet had lowered his face so their lips were inches apart.

“Miss Tesla?” The heat from his breath caressed her skin.

She let her eyelids slip down, blinked so slowly she could have been intoxicated. “Nicola. If you’re about to kiss me I would ask that you at least call me by my first name.”

“Nicola.” There was something rough to his voice, his accent thick as it rolled across her name.

Multipublished author Christine d'Abo loves exploring the human condition through a romantic lens. She takes her characters on fantastical journeys that change their hearts and expand their minds. A self-professed sci-fi junkie, Christine can often be found chatting about her favorite shows and movies. When she's not writing, she can be found chasing after her children, dogs or husband. Christine is published with Carina Press, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press and Berkley. Please visit her at her blog and come chat with her on Twitter @Christine_dAbo.

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