Phil in SF quoted His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #1)
Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors rise …
"Perhaps you were not aware, Captain Laurence, that Longwings will not take male handlers; it is some odd quirk of theirs, for which we must be grateful."
— His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik (Temeraire, #1) (38%)
The story has been remarkably dude heavy so far. it's set in England during the Napoleonic era. I do appreciate that there are finally women characters who are not maids, mothers or future wives.