Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channing is on of those characters in the Parasol universe that is misunderstood. Faith starts out seeing him the same way as everyone else does but over the course of the story she, and by extension we, see him as the devoted loving man he really is.

Well-crafted and immersive world that also still feels like very grounded in Victorian manners. Like all of Carriger’s other books, it’s the right amount of banter and love story.

Part of Gail Carriger’s broader Parasolverse, but can be read as a standalone. A fun little courtship novella with a few spicy scenes. The heroine, Faith, is an American sent to Victorian England with instructions to catch herself a werewolf. When she falls for the arrogant and icy Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings (yes, he knows), hijinks ensue, to the delight of London’s polite society.

Her parents are awful. His parents are awful. They are a perfect match!

Channing’s faith in Faith changes Channing’s challenges. Faith challenges Channing’s changes and cherishes change. And also rocks.

The surliest of London’s werewolves finally meets his match when an American geologist comes to town. A truly enjoyable, fantastic read with romance, sarcasm, fashion, and appropriate comeuppance. If you need an escape with a powerful, female protagonist and only a little bit of tear-jerking, you cannot go wrong with this novella. Bonus point: if you like this side story, wait until you find out there are three entire series of books set in the same world.

Another great addition to the Parasolverse, but I would have loved this story even if I wasn’t familiar with the prior books. Witty and yet so tender, I laughed and cried in the best ways. This book remains one of my favorite rereads (and re-listens, the audiobook is *chef’s kiss*) to date!

Yet another smart, sweet, funny romance from Gail Carriger. Yet another great female main character to add to my collection of favorites! I really enjoyed this book, even though I had never cared much for Channing. Now I want to go back and re-read all of her books, to see how my new perception of him alters his other appearances. I don't often weep at books, but my eyes dripped for the entire second half of this one, for all sorts of reasons. My only issue is that a novella is FAR too short, as all of hers are. I could easily have spent twice or three times as much time with these lovely characters.

I love getting characters' backstories. Then as an American and Anglophile I like seeing American Faith navigating the English waters, and getting more of a taste of what the American supernatural existence is in this universe. SPOILER-ish AHEAD I'm bothered by Faith knowing Channing wants to be rough with her, to treat her like prey, and that he wants that, and that he thinks it out like that, for her to be helpless under him. I see there’s agency from her in recognizing it and wanting it, too, but it sounds too like a violent encounter. Can it be violent and right? Is it only violent and wrong when not consensual? I can understand people wanting more passionate exuberance - but does it have to sound violent, with the female still like prey? "He wanted to delve into her, with teeth and body until she was ravaged and supine and wrecked and bleeding and his.” and "wonderful violence” (p. 186). Not all of their encounter is described like that, but where it is bothers me. Yet Channing is caring and protective, they remind me of Alexia and Conall in the Parasol Protectorate. These men are so, rightly, concerned that these women come from such uncaring families and the women not expecting marriage and thinking they’re trapping the men in it. But I admire how the bluff and bluster and soldier's violence is what's easy and the emotional vulnerability is what takes bravery. There's more heartbreak in this story and so a dearer love story. I’d rather hoped to have a scene (not just an indication of it likely happening in the future) of Faith roaming the countryside searching for her rocks, at Lyme Regis like Mary Anning - maybe I’m mixing my sciences, but still.. I also expected something lighter, just funny. A lesser situation could have been called “indiscretion”. So, it was deeper than I expected. But in a good way.

Oh my god! This book was such a treat. It was full of romantic moments that made me swoon. This is a must read!!!!! I wanted it to never end. I still want more after finishing the book. I am so happy with the ending. The characters are amazing! The dialogue is witty and fast paced! Love this book. One of my favorites now.