Title: Romancing the Inventor

Author: Gail Carriger

The Story: Essex, 1870s. To provide for her family and escape the constant pressure to find a husband, Imogene takes work as a parlour maid for the local vampire hive. But it’s another human living there – the inventor Genevieve Lefoux – who captures her attention. It seems as though Madame Lefoux feels the same pull that Imogene does, but the secrets of her past and a jealous vampire queen stand in the way of their potential happiness.

The Characters: I loved Imogene’s tenacity and courage, and her enthusiasm for mathematics. Genevieve was a fascinating character – a charming and talented inventor in men’s clothing who was protecting her heart following sadness in her past. The chemistry between them crackled.

The Representation: The story is an F/F romance.

Why I Loved It: This was a terrific read – a gorgeous slow-burn romance with two characters who are incredibly gentle and careful with each other. I loved that Imogene’s enthusiasm for Genevieve’s work and Genevieve’s recognition of Imogene’s intelligence brought them closer, as well as their physical attraction. This was funny, exciting, and full of delicious tension!

Content notes under the cut.

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Content Notes: The story contains homophobia, and deals with Imogene’s fears of the risks of coming out. While working for the vampires Imogene endures a campaign of sexual harassment and assault, and lives under the constant threat of unwanted sexual contact and physical abuse.