cover image A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious

A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious

Mary Wine. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (320p) ISBN 978-1-4022-6480-1

Steamy sexual tension and secret societies fuse together in Wine’s electrifying first steampunk romance. Janette Aston is fascinated by all things scientific, and couldn’t care less that her thirst for knowledge is regarded as unladylike by Victorian society. Enthralled by the Illuminists, a group of individuals committed to scientific discovery, she sneaks into their headquarters and is caught by Darius Lawley, an Illuminist Guardian. The attraction between the two is instant and magnetic. When the Illuminists realize Janette is a rare Pure Spirit who can harness the power of crystals, she’s targeted by a rival society, the Helikeians. It’s up to Darius to protect her for the sake of science and love. The pages spark with manners and mayhem. Wine (Unexpected Pleasures) has created a world readers will want to return to, especially after a conclusion that leaves many questions unanswered. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Aug.)