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CompetenceGail Carriger

Historical fantasy romance

Competence

by Gail Carriger

Book 3 of the The Custard Protocol series

Accidentally left behind in Singapore, impeccably organized Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to rescue the stranded Spotted Custard. Rumors of a new kind of vampire then carry Prim and the reunited crew toward Peru, where pirates and strange atmospheric phenomena obstruct their mission. The adventure shifts attention from Rue to Primrose, whose growing bond with the werelioness Tasherit challenges the conventional future she has tried to arrange. Flirtatious and delightfully absurd, this steampunk voyage suits adult readers who enjoy capable heroines, queer romance, airship crews, international capers, elaborate disguises, and mysteries involving book clubs, supernatural souls, and the unexpected usefulness of Christmas pudding.

Paired for this story

Tiger Tabby Tea + Golden Pisco Sour

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At a glance

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Spice5 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Paranormal violence, explicit sexual content, prejudice, and peril

Alcohol-Free Pour

Tiger Tabby Tea

Honeyed tea offers a gentle pause amid Primrose's Peruvian adventure, with the drink's feline name giving a playful nod to Tasherit.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Golden Pisco Sour

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

For adult readers, pisco and lime give Primrose's Peruvian expedition a geographically inspired pour for pirates, airships, and unexpected romance.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Dry-shake pisco, lime, syrup, and egg white. Add ice and shake again; strain into a coupe and dot bitters on the foam.
  2. Garnish: Aromatic bitters.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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