Midsummer Moon

Merlin Lambourne is an inventor in Regency England who spends her days creating flying machines and conducting experiments. The Duke of Damerell arrives at her rural workshop to evaluate her work, concerned that her innovations could impact national security during the Napoleonic Wars. Their worlds collide as Damerell attempts to relocate Merlin to London while she resists leaving her laboratory and her beloved projects behind. The story balances elements of historical romance with touches of early science fiction as Merlin pursues her dreams of human flight. Misunderstandings and complications arise from Merlin's unique way of processing the world and Damerell's rigid sense of duty to the Crown. Their opposing personalities and priorities create tension as they navigate their growing connection. The novel explores themes of neurodivergence, gender roles in scientific pursuits, and the conflict between personal passion and societal obligation in Regency society. Through its blend of romance and proto-steampunk elements, it challenges conventional perspectives on intellect and innovation in historical fiction.

Readers highlight the quirky humor, particularly around the pet hedgehog Merlin and the hero's fear of mice. Many reviews note the unique pairing of an absent-minded inventor heroine with a stern spymaster hero. The characters' awkward social interactions and misunderstandings create comedy readers found memorable. Common praise focuses on: - Original premise with female inventor character - Balance of humor with wartime espionage plot - Sweet romantic development - Detailed historical research Common criticisms include: - Pacing drags in middle sections - Plot becomes convoluted - Some find the heroine's naivety frustrating - Romance takes time to develop Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (190+ ratings) One reader noted: "The hedgehog steals every scene." Another wrote: "Perfect blend of humor and historical detail, though the middle section needed tightening."

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🌙 Author Laura Kinsale was inspired by her own lifelong fascination with inventions and science when creating the character of Merlin, a female inventor in Regency-era England. ⚡ The deaf-ferret character in the book became so popular with readers that Kinsale incorporated ferrets into several of her subsequent novels. 🎭 The hero's struggle with stuttering was groundbreaking for the romance genre in 1987, as disabilities were rarely portrayed sympathetically in historical romance at that time. 🔬 The inventions described in the book, including early attempts at flying machines, were based on actual scientific pursuits and experiments from the Napoleonic era. 👑 The novel weaves real historical elements of British military intelligence and fears of French invasion into its romantic plot, reflecting genuine concerns of the period.