This book is steampunk erotica. So what you should expect from it is a lot of mechanical contraptions, most of which are sexual in nature; they are also powered by clockwork or steam, or some combination of the two. I absolutely loved these stories - the women were all very rebellious or curious and there was just enough kink to keep me satisfied. The stories are definitely more plot oriented than most short story erotica, which may also explain their length in contrast, but it actually makes this book far more enjoyable to read than much of the erotica that I have read to date. It is like reading some fun steampunk fiction that turns you on and keeps you that way chapter after chapter. Some of the stories might even elicit a chuckle.
The audience that I imagine would most love this are steampunk enthusiasts. However, there is no doubt in my mind that most women would enjoy these stories, in fact anybody who enjoys a good historical fiction would probably get a kick out of this. Because of the genre these stories are set in, the writing is slightly more formal than is usual in erotica, the language (aside from anatomical nicknames) is also more formal. The sex may begin more rigid than what one expects, but it is still impressively hot by the end.
Here are a few examples of what you will find in Carnal Machines:
'A broad, sexy grin spread across Ben's face. "Some of my graduate students have keys to the laboratory. It would be better if we kept most of our clothes on in case of interruption, so we could at least pretend we hadn't been fucking against the worktable. Because I intend to fuck you against the worktable, Claire. Then I intend to take you home and do it again in a proper bed where we can be naked." He pulled her close again, and the ravening beast was back in his eyes. "You're right, of course. We don't need to stand on convention. I will help you with your device-and with your loneliness, if you'll help me with mine."'Human Powered, Teresa Noelle Roberts
'He would have asked what she meant, but then she shifted her hips under his hand, withdrawing slightly from the mechanism before pushing herself back. It was large enough that she felt drawn taut, but she was slippery from the oil and Mercer's fingers. When she raised her hips a second time, the pressure turned into something much more pleasurable. ' Deviant Devices, Kannan Feng
'He nodded. "There seems to be effective lubrication of the intersecting parts. Then perhaps her motions are somehow insufficiently diverse. Let me see what I can do." As quickly as he could he loosened Eliza's stays and tugged open her garments to reveal her back panel. His hands were trembling as he struggled with the clothes, but as soon as he had a screwdriver between his fingers they grew steady. He flipped the panel open and surveyed the whirring mechanism within. "She is currently performing a linear thrusting motion. Perhaps if we try this..."
A tiny but expert adjustment of the mechanism induced a shift in Eliza's hips. Mrs Petherton cried out, conveying that the sensations in her nether parts were now recognizably different.' - The Servant Question, Janine Ashbless
@Noira Celestia - It is now! They have been pumping out these books like mad recently.