This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
This was my first steampunk that I have read in a long while and I was all in for this, it was utterly delightful. I am not sure why I took so long to read it but thank goodness for the "Romanceopoly Reading Challenge" to get me to read books from my TBR that I have really been neglecting. I absolutely adored this one so dearly, and while it was far from perfect, as a steampunk romance, it was such a solid read and I can't wait to explore more as it has me itching for this intriguing world.

Summary
In this one we have our heroine, Janette Aston, who sneaks into the Illumists guard to discover secrets, only to be discovered by the formidable warrior and protector of the order, Darius Lawley. Janette has been forbidden most of her life to even be curious about the Illuminists and what they are about, but her mother secretly fed her science and math so that she would be ready when her time came. Darius, is a protector and warrior for the order, and protects their interests and laws no matter the cost...until Janette. There was an instant connection between Darius and Janette but their chemistry was forbidden by her father. But when through a course of events, Janette's life is in danger, she is brought to the order and she is discovered to have a fate different than any she could have imagined. But can she embrace the hidden passion that Darius brings out in her...

My Outlook
This was such a captivating read and the relationship that builds between Darius and Janette was so fascinating to me. Their chemistry is off the charts, and maybe I forgot, but this author actually writes such solid spice. For those that are new to steampunk, its basically where you mix science, historical, and paranormal aspects together. Think Sherlock Holmes but with supernatural elements. Its really a fascinating sub genre that has always intrigued me but I haven't really read that much of it. I have also been curious about Mary Wine's backlisted stories and I have to admit this was so much better than I could have hoped for. It definitely intrigued and fascinated me on a deep level and the world building on this was just enough to keep you fascinated but the focus is the ROMANCE. So if you don't really want the romance, and just steampunk, maybe skip this one here. But if you love a good romance focus, then this one might be for you. I am also intrigued by the other players involved and seeing how that developed in the companion novel.

Overall View
I found this one to be so interesting and I can't wait for more. Its a story of the magic of science and a victorian era that we never actually got to experience except for a small glimpse, Mary Wine, really captured the essence of steampunk in a brilliant unique way while being true to the romance...

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:3
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.25