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Romancing the InventorGail Carriger

Steampunk Paranormal Romance

Romancing the Inventor

by Gail Carriger

Book 1 of the Supernatural Society series

198 pages · First published 2016

Imogene Hale has spent years concealing a secret that makes her feel out of place in respectable Victorian society. Hoping to find understanding and earn money for her family, she accepts employment as a parlormaid in a household run by vampires. Instead, she discovers a rigid hierarchy and dangers she never anticipated. Her circumstances begin to change when she delivers tea to the estate's brilliant resident inventor, Madame Genevieve Lefoux, whose cluttered laboratory is filled with extraordinary devices and complicated equations. Fascinated by Genevieve's inventions and drawn to the guarded Frenchwoman herself, Imogene finds that her unexpected mathematical talents may offer a way to bridge the distance between them. But Genevieve is reluctant to risk her heart again, while the vampires' control over their household threatens Imogene's future. Set in a whimsical steampunk version of Victorian England, this adult paranormal romance will appeal to readers who enjoy unconventional heroines, inventive heroines, forbidden courtships, supernatural society, and love that challenges expectations.

Paired for this story

Scholar’s Juniper Tea + Lavender French 75

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At a glance

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Spice5 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Explicit, on-page consensual sexual encounters. Repeated sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual touching and assault, and physical abuse involving household members. Threats of unwanted vampire feeding, coercion, indentured servitude, and exploitation by those in positions of authority. Class prejudice, negative attitudes toward same-sex attraction, and emotional distress. Supernatural danger and references to alcohol use. Features a central same-sex romance between two women.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Scholar’s Juniper Tea

Fragrant juniper, honey, and lemon accompany a cup of tea, recalling Imogene's first visits to Genevieve's laboratory and the equations that bring them closer.

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+

Lavender French 75

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

French-inspired bubbles, lavender, and bright lemon bring a touch of elegance to Genevieve's unusual laboratory, where a determined parlormaid discovers an unexpected romance.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.
  2. Garnish: Lemon twist or small lavender sprig.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

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