A Perfect Equation is the second book in The Secret Scientists of London series. I loved the first book, so I was so excited when I received the advanced copy of this book. It did not disappoint! This will easily be one of my favorite books of February..
Format: Net Galley Advanced Reader Copy
Genre: Historical Romance
Page Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Romance (February 15, 2022)
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mr. Darcy‘s Rating: “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
A Chasing Mr. Darcy Review
Here’s a summary from GoodReads: Six years ago, Miss Letitia Fenley made a mistake, and she’s lived with the consequences ever since. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she is suddenly asked to take on another responsibility—managing Athena’s Retreat, a secret haven for England’s women scientists. Having spent the last six years on her own, Letty doesn’t want the offers of friendship from other club members and certainly doesn’t need any help from the insufferably attractive Lord Greycliff. Lord William Hughes, the Viscount Greycliff cannot afford to make any mistakes. His lifelong dream of becoming the director of a powerful clandestine agency is within his grasp. Tasked with helping Letty safeguard Athena’s Retreat, Grey is positive that he can control the antics of the various scientists as well as manage the tiny mathematician—despite their historic animosity and simmering tension. As Grey and Letty are forced to work together, their mutual dislike turns to admiration and eventually to something... magnetic. When faced with the possibility that Athena’s Retreat will close forever, they must make a choice. Will Grey turn down a chance to change history, or can Letty get to the root of the problem and prove that love is the ultimate answer?
Do I love a good viscount? Yes, yes, I do (Anthony Bridgerton I'm looking at you!). I think Lord Greycliffe might be my newest book boyfriend, though, after reading A Perfect Equation! This book has everything I look for in a perfect historical romance, EVEN a sexy romp in a carriage...yet, I digress...
First off, I just want to high five Elizabeth Everett for taking today's societal issues and putting them in historical context. Sometimes, this doesn't play right in the storyline when authors do this, but Elizabeth Everett does it perfectly! Issues regarding women's equality in the workplace, gender identity, sexual orientation...all are displayed in full force in this book and it just works! In the words of Emily Gilmore's priest (IYKYK), Letty gave her sweater to the wrong boy, so now society has basically shamed her with the man (ugh, Nevin) facing zero repercussions for his actions. She lives in solitude with her family, constantly beating herself up for her decisions. Honestly, I don't see what Letty saw in Nevin, that spineless cheater, but I do sympathize with her carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders because her actions had consequences for her sisters too. Grey was particularly harsh to her at the time, not understanding the level of Nevin's deceit/actions on Letty.
Fast forward six years, and Letty is besties with Grey's (young) stepmother and a member of Athena's Retreat, a social science/math club for women in England. When Violet leaves the club in Letty's (and Grey's) hands, sparks fly. Letty is impulsive, explosive, and smart as a whip...the perfect leading lady, in my opinion. Grey is buttoned up, stoic, dismissive, and EVERYTHING you could dream of in the lord of the manor (if you're into that type of thing, which I 100% am). He likes Letty, but his whole life has been built around control after suffering from seizures as a child. He keeps his life bland because he believes it keeps his seizures in check, but enter Letty...and Letty is everything but bland.
I enjoyed Letty's and Grey's journey into friendship before love. Yes, there was attraction there from the beginning, but both had to get beyond their past to forge ahead. Much forgiveness and understanding was needed before the feelings could truly develop. The chemistry between these two was dynamite, and it was written to perfection. I hung on every page, waiting for their next clandestine encounter. Beyond their relationship, both had a lot of growing to do personally in this story too. Letty had to learn to truly let go of the past holding her down, and Grey had to learn who to trust around him. And, he had to learn that he could grab a life full of color despite suffering from seizures. His friendship with Grantham was a real bright spot in this book, and I found myself laughing out loud at Grantham's antics. I also thought Grey's inner monologue about Arthur was hilarious at times. The ladies just simpered over and lamented Arthur's absence, and it took Grey a long time to understand why. His internal competition with his friend was really funny at times.
As for the steam...holy moly, Elizabeth Everett did not hold back this time. Letty and Grey had some serious steamy moments, and that romp in the carriage was so sexy. I'm sorry, but you say you don't fantasize about a good tumble in a carriage from the Lord of the manor, I don't believe you!😂 This book had way more steam than the first one, and I was hanging on every page!
The first book in this series had a lot of conflict, and while this one did too, I felt like the story was more character driven this time...which I liked better, honestly. I was really invested in the outcomes for these characters, and I wanted to see their growth throughout the story. This book was just wonderful, highlighting the historical importance of women in STEM while also showcasing many of today's issues. I am already anxiously awaiting the third book in the series about Lord Grantham!
Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy of A Perfect Equation in exchange for my honest review.
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