Why I listened to it: I downloaded this audiobook as soon as it became available and snuck it in between review books for fun.
What it’s about: (from Goodreads) When a powerful, decisive aristocrat undertakes to protect an absent-minded young inventress from England’s enemies, he finds his orderly world turned into chaos. Merlin Lambourne’s stubborn dream of flight puts her at risk, not to mention driving Ransom crazy. In spite of himself, he’s oddly enchanted by this muddled miss and her eccentric ways… but can he overcome his own fears and realize her invention may be the answer to saving both their lives?
A whimsical Regency-era tale of flying machines, fancy, and love among the hedgehogs.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): This is actually a book I own in digital and print format as well but hadn’t previously read. It is the only Kinsale I hadn’t read. I’m not entirely sure why. But it meant that I could experience the book completely without any prior expectations. This is my only opportunity until the author released a new book as I have and have read (and enjoyed) all the others.
Merlin Lambourne is a kind of absent-minded professor type, albeit a prettier one than usual. Ransom Falconer, Duke of Damerell, is on assignment from Prime Minister Castlereagh to obtain from Merlin an invention which will aid in the war effort. Merlin hasn’t been raised to be a member of the haut ton even though she is, by birth, entitled to a place in it. She doesn’t know the social niceties or anything about propriety, having been raised by her (now deceased) scientifically minded Uncle Dorian and two retainers (twins, Theo and Thaddeus). She is very focused on her main goal – to invent a flying machine – to the point of being unable to really take in much else. The way Merlin gets his title wrong all the time, insisting on calling him “Mr. Duke” is funny and when later in the book she gets huffy with him she says:
“If I ever get to be a duke, I won’t be as big a bully as you are, I can tell you that!”
“Since you are exceedingly unlikely ever to get to be a duke, I don’t think we need concern ourselves with the prospect.”
“One just never knows, does one?”
I admit to a fond chuckle. Continue reading
