Edinburgh, 1859.

Beauden Somerton is dying. Despite the efforts of his father and renowned medical expert, Dr Augustus Somerton, time is running out for Beauden. So, when the research of an enterprising young medical student catches their attention, they realise she may be their last hope.

Galena Tindale fears her unorthodox research has jeopardised her chances of graduating from Edinburgh Medical College. Still, she cannot turn down an opportunity to assist the infamous Dr Somerton in a ground-breaking attempt to save his son’s life. And, as she strives to mend Beauden’s failing heart, he succeeds in capturing hers.

But not everyone wants Beauden to survive, and it's clear they'll go to violent and destructive lengths to prevent his revolutionary treatment from going ahead. But how far will they go? Will Galena manage to perform life-saving surgery before it’s too late? Or will she be forced to live in a world that doesn't include Beauden Somerton?

Edinburgh, 1863

Marian Finlay knows how to work and play in a man’s world. Crafting artificial limbs for her employer by day, she fools wily card sharps for pleasure and profit by night. She believes she has more freedom and adventure than she knows what to do with—until she meets a mysterious American who turns her world upside down.

Rollo Rahgstadt arrives on the Edinburgh docks with a dual mission—seek out the talented limb-maker and hunt down a deadly political assassin. When the two ventures merge in a lethal confrontation, not only does the assassin escape but Rollo discovers that Marian is a woman with skills and passion to match his own.

Bound by duty and the demands of justice, Marian and Rollo embark on a quest to take down the assassin—a quest which takes them to royal palaces, over the high seas and to foreign lands. Can they do more than prevent worldwide political upheaval? And is it possible for these two lonely hearts to find love in a world of danger and deception?