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Gail Carriger
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Poison or Protect: A Delightfully Deadly Novella Kindle Edition

by Gail Carriger (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,717 ratings
A Scotsman with a heart of glass woos an assassin with no heart at all.

New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a charming story of love, lobsters, and espionage set in her popular Parasolverse.

ASSASSIN

Lady Preshea Villentia, the Mourning Star, has four dead husbands and a nasty reputation. Fortunately, she looks fabulous in black. What society doesn’t know is that all her husbands were marked for death by Preshea’s employer. And Preshea has one final assignment.

VERSUS SCOTSMAN

It was supposed to be easy, a house party with minimal bloodshed. Preshea hadn’t anticipated Captain Gavin Ruthven – massive, Scottish, quietly irresistible, and… working for the enemy.

In a battle of wits, Preshea may risk her own heart – a terrifying prospect, as she never knew she had one.

“This intoxicatingly witty parody will appeal to a wide cross-section of romance, fantasy and steampunk fans.” ~ Publishers Weekly, starred review (Soulless)

May contain plaid, gentlemen eating dainty tea sandwiches, and the strategic application of leather gloves. Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Outlander in this seductive story from the author of the Parasol Protectorate books. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Lindsay Buroker, or Diana Gabaldon.

From the author of the Finishing School series, featuring deadly ladies of quality, this story stands alone but you can find out what happened to the next generation in Reticence or read the next in the series Defy or defend.

Delicate Sensibilities?

Contains men pleasing women, and ladies who know what they want and ask for it, sometimes in detail. If you like that kind of thing, you'll also enjoy How to Marry a Werewolf.

Also by Gail Carriger set in the Parasolverse
  • The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn’t
  • The Finishing School series (start with Etiquette & Espionage)
  • The Delightfully Deadly stories
  • The Parasol Protectorate series (start with Soulless)
  • The Supernatural Society novellas
  • The Custard Protocol series (start with Prudence)
  • The Claw & Courtship stories
Set in her found family sci-fi universe
  • The Tinkered Starsong Series (start with Divinity 36)
  • Crudrat

As G L Carriger
  • The San Andreas Shifter series (start with The Sumage Solution)
  • The 5th Gender
Read more
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  1. Part of series
    Delightfully Deadly
  2. Print length
    201 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    21 Jun. 2016
  6. File size
    4.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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  • Kindle Price:
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    Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Popular highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. “Listen to me, my deadly little pearl. Choose love. Always choose love. If the decision is between love and anything else, choose love.”
    Highlighted by 227 Kindle readers
  2. Always inspire ardor or terror – it matters not which, for in society, they share the same sauce.
    Highlighted by 139 Kindle readers
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Product description

Review

"This intoxicatingly witty parody will appeal to a wide cross-section of romance, fantasy and steampunk fans."

Publishers Weekly, starred review (Soulless)

"Blending steampunk and urban fantasy in a colorful alternate Victorian England, Carriger presents a grand cast of characters on a harrowing adventure that stretches from England to India."

Booklist, April 2015 (Prudence)

"Behind the delightful whimsy and snarky observations, there is a great deal of heart and soul..."

RT Book Reviews (Prudence)

"A character-driven romp with great world-building and delicious rapier wit that recalls Austen and P.G. Wodehouse."

io9.com (Soulless)

About the Author

Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, and Supernatural Society series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01GBJM326
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ GAIL CARRIGER, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 Jun. 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 201 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781944751043
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1944751050
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Delightfully Deadly
  • Best Sellers Rank: 452,233 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,717 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Gail Carriger

    Gail Carriger

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and sexy urban fantasy as G. L. Carriger). Her steampunk books include the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, Supernatural Society, and Delightfully Deadly series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. gailcarriger.com

    Subscribe to Gail's newsletter ~ The Chirrup! http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup

    See more on the author's page
  2. G. L. Carriger

    G. L. Carriger

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and sexy urban fantasy as G.L. Carriger). Her steampunk books include the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, Supernatural Society, and Delightfully Deadly series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,717 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers thoroughly enjoy this novella, praising its compelling characters and maintaining the Victorian streampunk style. The book offers a right dose of romance, and one customer notes how the erotic scenes are filled with meaning. Customers find the book fun, with one describing it as a raunchy romp, and they appreciate the author's work, with one highlighting the expert narration by Suzanne Lavington.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentTasteFunRomanceAuthor
28 customers mention ‘Readability’27 positive1 negative

Customers find the novella to be an amazing and delightful read, particularly enjoying the latest short story from Gail Carriger.

"Another awesome story by Gail Carriger!..." Read more

"This romance set in the Parasol Protectorate universe is a standalone novella with tendrils that link into other books...." Read more

"I really enjoyed the latest short story from Gail Carriger...." Read more

"...It's a nice closure to her story arc." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Character development’8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them compelling, with one customer noting the fun voice.

"...She really captures the characters brilliantly, and builds the tension fabulously at the right times...." Read more

"...It turns out, she becomes very likable in this story. It's a nice closure to her story arc." Read more

"...I was also manipulated skilfully into liking the main character...." Read more

"...The characters are larger than life and gloriously detailed. A bit steamier than the main book series, I enjoyed it immensely." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Taste’8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the taste of the book, finding it lovely and sexy, with one customer noting how it maintains the Victorian streampunk flavor.

"...to start with Carriger's work - try Souless for that - but this is fun, sexy, quirky and fits in perfectly with the other books in this version of a..." Read more

"...It turns out, she becomes very likable in this story. It's a nice closure to her story arc." Read more

"...Tied Preshea’s story with such a well crafted and attractive bow." Read more

"...this is a bit more adult in its content but still kept the Victorian streampunk deliciousness." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Fun’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun, with one describing it as a raunchy romp mixed with adventure.

"...soppy, but with just the right dose of romance, adult scenes, mixed with adventure, assassination attempts, and general steampunk-laced Victorian..." Read more

"...It was well-written and good fun. If you've enjoyed other books by Gail Carriger, you'll like this one." Read more

"...you to start with Carriger's work - try Souless for that - but this is fun, sexy, quirky and fits in perfectly with the other books in this version..." Read more

"An excellent read as always. Pure Carriger, lots of fun with that hint of adult romance. I look forward to the next one." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Romance’6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one noting how the erotic scenes are filled with meaning, while another appreciates how the author brings levity to the romantic moments.

"...and makes for a lovely book - not too soppy, but with just the right dose of romance, adult scenes, mixed with adventure, assassination attempts,..." Read more

"...The couple of erotic scenes are filled with meaning and are an integral part to the development of their relationship..." Read more

"...Poison or Protect has humour, sensuality, a clever plotline and gives all-around reader satisfaction. Highly recommeded." Read more

"I love all the books Gail has written, including this one. A nice romance, from a really interesting perspective...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Author’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's work, with one noting the expert narration by Suzanne Lavington.

"...the ebook of this story previously, the audiobook is expertly narrated by Suzanne Lavington to bring the story to life...." Read more

"...It was well-written and good fun. If you've enjoyed other books by Gail Carriger, you'll like this one." Read more

"I love all the books Gail has written, including this one. A nice romance, from a really interesting perspective...." Read more

"wow. amazing book by an amazing author...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Lolah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended- as a book, an audiobook, or both!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This romance set in the Parasol Protectorate universe is a standalone novella with tendrils that link into other books. The main female Lady Preshea Villentia, the Mourning Star, is originally from the Finishing School books, and she's certainly developed a lot from there - probably via the four husbands she's married and assassinated whilst in the employ of Lord Akaldama (seen in all the Parasol Protectorate universe books - Finishing School, Parasol Protectorate and Custard Protocol). I'll let you get the story from the book description so I don't include spoilers, but the relationship that develops between her and Captain Gavin Ruthven (Highland soldier, working for the werewolves, and lover of dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off!) is surprising to them both, and makes for a lovely book - not too soppy, but with just the right dose of romance, adult scenes, mixed with adventure, assassination attempts, and general steampunk-laced Victorian society houseparty action. Whilst it's not going to win any awards for startling originality or great influencing works of fiction, it's a great, adult, short read nonetheless.

    While I'd read the ebook of this story previously, the audiobook is expertly narrated by Suzanne Lavington to bring the story to life. She really captures the characters brilliantly, and builds the tension fabulously at the right times. I also like the levity she brings to the romantic moments, keeping them both 'in the mood' but preventing the characters' previous history from over-colouring their experiences, which would've been easy to do. So if you enjoy stories from the Parasolverse, steampunk stories with a romantic twist, and can accept a little adult content, I highly recommend this story - either as a book, or as an audiobook.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • StumpyB
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the latest short story from Gail Carriger. It features one of the characters from the finishing school series who, after years of assassinations, needs a bit of a life change. It was well-written and good fun. If you've enjoyed other books by Gail Carriger, you'll like this one.
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  • Nina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and sexy romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I have read almost all of Gail Carriger's novels set in this universe, but was a bit apprehensive about reading a novella. The few novellas I've read in the past all seemed to lack the depth of a full-length romance. Luckily, this book did not disappoint!

    Each character Gail introduced is colourful and distinct, including the protagonists. She is a deadly widow assassin, whose reputation inspires fear. He is a large but gentle Scot with a love for dainty sandwiches. Both are trapped at a country party with a secret mission to protect someone from assassination - though they don't realise they're on the same side. I loved their dynamic, rooting for them from the start. The couple of erotic scenes are filled with meaning and are an integral part to the development of their relationship (I don't want to say too much lest I spoil the plot). I really appreciated that - it didn't feel like they were thrown in just to titillate - unlike so many other romance novels. The scenes were needed for their relationship to progress.

    If you liked any of Gail's previous novels, you will like this one (although it's obviously not as chaste as the Finishing School YA series). If you've never read any of her stuff, and you like to read a good romance, then this is a great place to start. Especially if you like a female protagonist in control of her destiny. Or have a soft spot for gentle giants. And you'll be swooning if you like the combination of those two!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Elan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Made an unlikable character much more likeable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    For anyone who has read this author's Finishing School series, you might be hesitant to read an entire novella around the least likable character, Preshea. It turns out, she becomes very likable in this story. It's a nice closure to her story arc.
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  • Eleanor Best
    5.0 out of 5 stars The happiest hours I've spent in months
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I've read all of Gail's books set in this world and I just love her imagination. However I wasn't expecting to like this novella so much as (a) I generally find the novella length story a little trying and (b) I REALLY disliked the main character in the Finishing School series (as the writer intended, natch).

    However the hours I spent reading this were a delight. I couldn't even put it down even to make a second cup of tea which means it's very good. I was also manipulated skilfully into liking the main character. A transport into another world where I didn't have to worry about Brexit was just what I needed last night. Have already recommended to several like minded reading friends.

    Thanks so much Gail, I promise to be more open minded about novellas in the future.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Aline Leal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in Brazil on 25 June 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I had a perfect time reading this one and I hope to read more soon! Gail is a great writer.
    This novella is a real standalone and you don't need to worry about the other books because you can understand everything and it doesn't give spoiler.
    I always like to read books about alpha females and romance. *-*
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  • andy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice
    Reviewed in Spain on 24 August 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Not as good as the read before but very entertaining!
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  • Wild
    4.0 out of 5 stars pas mal
    Reviewed in France on 11 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    J'aime bien en général l'univers créé par Gail Carriger. Dans cette novelette, il s'agit d'une histoire d'amour entre humains, il y a des scènes assez coquines, et il s'agit surtout pour l'héroïne de surmonter son trauma d'enfance. C'est moins original que les autres romans du même auteur.
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  • sonzaemon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just desserts for all
    Reviewed in Canada on 20 March 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What a wonderful tale! Preshea has always been too tightly wound, so it's a great to see her overcoming her inner demons. Gavin is also a delight, as much a misfit as Preshea. And just wait for the lobster, wait for it... Thank you for this treat, Miss Gail!
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  • Iain Muir
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent fun
    Reviewed in Australia on 9 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Set in a world of dirigibles, and vampires, where werewolves keep Victoria's empire safe, this delightful tale of a house party, an assassin, a Scotsman and a lobster will amuse anyone with an eye for the absurd.
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