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The Secret Scientists of London #3
A Love by Design
You couldn't design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.
Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena's Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England's first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and--at literally every turn--the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret's future and Grantham's parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses--along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course--to win Margaret over to his cause.
Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?
Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena's Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England's first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and--at literally every turn--the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret's future and Grantham's parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses--along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course--to win Margaret over to his cause.
Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?
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First published January 17, 2023
116 people are currently reading
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About the author
Elizabeth Everett
6 books802 followersElizabeth Everett is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical romance and lives in upstate New York. Her work is inspired by her admiration for rule breakers and belief in the power of love to change the world.
Head over to Elizabeth's website and subscribe to The Rule Breaker's Report for the latest news, exclusive excerpts from Elizabeth's books, giveaways, and terrible jokes.
Head over to Elizabeth's website and subscribe to The Rule Breaker's Report for the latest news, exclusive excerpts from Elizabeth's books, giveaways, and terrible jokes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
January 18, 2023
Yes! Another great book from Secret Scientists of London series made me swoon as much as I expected!
An unputdownable, addictive second chances romance between Margaret and George ( Earl Grantham) gives you enough excitement, hooking you up, pushing you to turn the pages faster! The women rights, chauvinism, equality matters are adroitly questioned just like the previous books! The feminism vibes reflecting power of women perfectly and it’s truly inspirational to make the readers chant for Athena’s Retreat to rise and shine!
Here’s the quick recap of plot:
Widowed, determined, independent Margaret Gault is the founder of her own engineering company, moving to England after her father in law’s rejection to declare her as his next heir of the company. After the betrayal of her first love George Willis, she married another man and stayed by his side till his death, pursuing her happiness in Paris.
Her return to England to become part of Athena’s Retreat, forcing her to confront with her old flame. George Willis is not the same bastard boy abandoned by his own father. Now he is powerful and wealthy man who has great connections with powerful people.He is the Earl Grantham.
Grantham uses his charm to make her forgive his past mistake but Margaret is determined enough not to make the same mistake. She’s hired by a company to design a challenging, nearly impossible project. Her secret founder is Victor Armitage is part of the political group Guardians of Domesticity. He’s political arch nemesis of Grantham. Accepting his money could give enough recourses to Margaret to live an independent life and compete with the other engineers from opposite sex who have more chance to get approval from other companies not because of their brilliances!
George has to convince Margaret to believe in his own parliamentary reforms and support him. But firstly they have to get over their differences and try to let bygones be bygones. Could Margaret forgive his betrayal? Could they have second chance for love and work side by side for the greater good of their nation?
It’s smart, moving, inspirational historical/ political romance reading and it’s also my favorite one of the series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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An unputdownable, addictive second chances romance between Margaret and George ( Earl Grantham) gives you enough excitement, hooking you up, pushing you to turn the pages faster! The women rights, chauvinism, equality matters are adroitly questioned just like the previous books! The feminism vibes reflecting power of women perfectly and it’s truly inspirational to make the readers chant for Athena’s Retreat to rise and shine!
Here’s the quick recap of plot:
Widowed, determined, independent Margaret Gault is the founder of her own engineering company, moving to England after her father in law’s rejection to declare her as his next heir of the company. After the betrayal of her first love George Willis, she married another man and stayed by his side till his death, pursuing her happiness in Paris.
Her return to England to become part of Athena’s Retreat, forcing her to confront with her old flame. George Willis is not the same bastard boy abandoned by his own father. Now he is powerful and wealthy man who has great connections with powerful people.He is the Earl Grantham.
Grantham uses his charm to make her forgive his past mistake but Margaret is determined enough not to make the same mistake. She’s hired by a company to design a challenging, nearly impossible project. Her secret founder is Victor Armitage is part of the political group Guardians of Domesticity. He’s political arch nemesis of Grantham. Accepting his money could give enough recourses to Margaret to live an independent life and compete with the other engineers from opposite sex who have more chance to get approval from other companies not because of their brilliances!
George has to convince Margaret to believe in his own parliamentary reforms and support him. But firstly they have to get over their differences and try to let bygones be bygones. Could Margaret forgive his betrayal? Could they have second chance for love and work side by side for the greater good of their nation?
It’s smart, moving, inspirational historical/ political romance reading and it’s also my favorite one of the series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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January 25, 2023
Upon reread: 5⭐️ 3🌶️
✨I’ll show you my Love Tunnel✨
Can I tempt you with a view of my flying buttress? Erect that column 🤭
I bounced between four and five star for reasons but it has one of my favorite microtropes and I cannot shake that. I think I’m going somewhere in the four range but rounding up because like I said _ _ _ _ _ _ -_ _ _ _.
I think my reread will be even better because the foundation of the novel, at least Margaret’s plot, is kind of stressful and not necessarily exciting to read about (you’re basically just biding the time until it all imploded on her). But it’s handled very well and there’s major nuance to the arguments made which I really appreciated. Now that I know how it all wraps up, I can focus on other stuff for round two. Because the end “grand gesture” was very unique and I loved the framing of it.
I did tend to skip the architecture/engineering bits because my brain isn’t made to understand anything about the fact that building a bridge is possible like how did the workers stay up in those days lol?? Idk bridges stress me out and honestly so do tunnels like how do you just blow a hole and not have everything collapse?? Especially underwater tunnels (yes I did just traverse the Lincoln Tunnel and no I still can’t fathom it). My knowledge of the Lincoln Tunnel extends to the Lincoln Tunnel Tuna sandwich from Wizards of Waverly Place.
I also just can’t compare it to book two‘s easy simplicity because that book will most likely remain my favorite forevermore in the series. This one felt more stylistically similar to book one, especially the culmination at the ending. It also wasn’t as steamy as book two (okay I can’t stop comparing sue me) and I do think there were definite areas to add more scenes between the two. It’s also super slow burn and I was hoping for a bit more by the time we got there. BUT what we did get was fantastic.
I do think there was a missed opportunity to use the phrase love tunnel because it’s horrible but perfect and I hope you cried a little bit at the beginning of my review. So I’m adopting it here and not apologizing. The word penis was used a lot during sex and honestly that’s more jarring to me than love tunnel. You really just don’t see a plain ol penis anymore in romance, which I don’t think is a necessarily bad thing. Cock is just so much better.
I think this is an incredibly thoughtful book. Even when I was annoyed, I begrudgingly understood exactly what work the book and themes were doing. Again, now that I understand it as a whole, I think I can accept some of the parts that bothered me/weren’t to my tastes. This kind of reminded me of Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore. It’s kind of a wildcard book and I think it’ll make you think. This one ended better for me than Portrait, but I feel like the overall feels are kind of similar? It’s doing a lot of work to discuss women‘s internalized emotions/struggles/places in society.
Full review to come xx
Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and Elizabeth for the eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
I also received and ALC from PRHaudio.
✨I’ll show you my Love Tunnel✨
Can I tempt you with a view of my flying buttress? Erect that column 🤭
I bounced between four and five star for reasons but it has one of my favorite microtropes and I cannot shake that. I think I’m going somewhere in the four range but rounding up because like I said _ _ _ _ _ _ -_ _ _ _.
I think my reread will be even better because the foundation of the novel, at least Margaret’s plot, is kind of stressful and not necessarily exciting to read about (you’re basically just biding the time until it all imploded on her). But it’s handled very well and there’s major nuance to the arguments made which I really appreciated. Now that I know how it all wraps up, I can focus on other stuff for round two. Because the end “grand gesture” was very unique and I loved the framing of it.
I did tend to skip the architecture/engineering bits because my brain isn’t made to understand anything about the fact that building a bridge is possible like how did the workers stay up in those days lol?? Idk bridges stress me out and honestly so do tunnels like how do you just blow a hole and not have everything collapse?? Especially underwater tunnels (yes I did just traverse the Lincoln Tunnel and no I still can’t fathom it). My knowledge of the Lincoln Tunnel extends to the Lincoln Tunnel Tuna sandwich from Wizards of Waverly Place.
I also just can’t compare it to book two‘s easy simplicity because that book will most likely remain my favorite forevermore in the series. This one felt more stylistically similar to book one, especially the culmination at the ending. It also wasn’t as steamy as book two (okay I can’t stop comparing sue me) and I do think there were definite areas to add more scenes between the two. It’s also super slow burn and I was hoping for a bit more by the time we got there. BUT what we did get was fantastic.
I do think there was a missed opportunity to use the phrase love tunnel because it’s horrible but perfect and I hope you cried a little bit at the beginning of my review. So I’m adopting it here and not apologizing. The word penis was used a lot during sex and honestly that’s more jarring to me than love tunnel. You really just don’t see a plain ol penis anymore in romance, which I don’t think is a necessarily bad thing. Cock is just so much better.
I think this is an incredibly thoughtful book. Even when I was annoyed, I begrudgingly understood exactly what work the book and themes were doing. Again, now that I understand it as a whole, I think I can accept some of the parts that bothered me/weren’t to my tastes. This kind of reminded me of Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore. It’s kind of a wildcard book and I think it’ll make you think. This one ended better for me than Portrait, but I feel like the overall feels are kind of similar? It’s doing a lot of work to discuss women‘s internalized emotions/struggles/places in society.
Full review to come xx
Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and Elizabeth for the eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
I also received and ALC from PRHaudio.
October 14, 2022
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the review copy. While Elizabeth, the author, is a friend, and we share a publisher, that in no way biased my love for this book, which is authentic and fully my own!
What a beautiful conclusion to this swoony, suspenseful, science-filled series. The historical detail and intellect woven into the story, the complex friend and family dynamics, the awareness of class and marital privilege, it made for such a fresh, vivid, moving historical romance. Margaret/Maggie is my favorite kind of heroine—a little prickly, very much on her own, and so unapologetically determined to find her way and make a life for herself. Grantham is the hero of my dreams—a feminist, an admittedly imperfect man who wants to learn how to be a better friend, son, brother, lover, and who isn't afraid to be held accountable to recognize his privilege and aches to use it for good.
I just love this world Elizabeth has built for us, and while I'm truly going to miss it, I'm very happy to hear a spin-off is coming next, so share my delight in knowing this world really isn't ending, and be sure to pick up this third installment when it's out, January 17!!
What a beautiful conclusion to this swoony, suspenseful, science-filled series. The historical detail and intellect woven into the story, the complex friend and family dynamics, the awareness of class and marital privilege, it made for such a fresh, vivid, moving historical romance. Margaret/Maggie is my favorite kind of heroine—a little prickly, very much on her own, and so unapologetically determined to find her way and make a life for herself. Grantham is the hero of my dreams—a feminist, an admittedly imperfect man who wants to learn how to be a better friend, son, brother, lover, and who isn't afraid to be held accountable to recognize his privilege and aches to use it for good.
I just love this world Elizabeth has built for us, and while I'm truly going to miss it, I'm very happy to hear a spin-off is coming next, so share my delight in knowing this world really isn't ending, and be sure to pick up this third installment when it's out, January 17!!
January 23, 2023
Looooooved this book! We often say that second-chance romance isn't our favorite trope, but it turns out that when the right authors take it on, we kind of love it? Like, take A Love by Design for example. George and Margaret were teenage sweethearts, but she married someone else and they've been in different countries for LITERALLY over a decade. But now Maggie's back in town and George has finally decided that he should, y'know, talk to her about the past or something.
Elizabeth Everett's series has always been great at pointing out the compromises it takes to be in a relationship, exacerbated by the social class differences and inequalities faced by women in the Victorian era. This book takes it a step further with Maggie and George. George is a hero who verges on himbo-ism, with a sunny disposition that hides an introspective center. He and Maggie both suffer from impostor syndrome, and the different ways they deal with it are simultaneously authentic and heartbreaking.
Also, ummmmmm, not sure how to break this to you if you didn't know already, but the sweetest earl of them all, little Georgie Willis is a virgin because IT'S ALWAYS BEEN MAGGIE (don't mind us we're just swooning. Or maybe screaming? Can you do both at the same time? Cause that's what we're doing.)
Do yourself a favor and read this one.
35-Word Summaries:
Meg: You know I liked this one since Georgie is called “The Untamed Earl” because he hasn’t let anyone try to tame him since letting his childhood sweetheart get away! Maybe he’s “The Untried Earl” instead.
Laine: After Georgie had the audacity to go off to war without her, Maggie becomes single-mindedly determined to become the best engineer of suspension bridges. Time didn't tamper lust, but can an Earl marry an engineer?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Elizabeth Everett's series has always been great at pointing out the compromises it takes to be in a relationship, exacerbated by the social class differences and inequalities faced by women in the Victorian era. This book takes it a step further with Maggie and George. George is a hero who verges on himbo-ism, with a sunny disposition that hides an introspective center. He and Maggie both suffer from impostor syndrome, and the different ways they deal with it are simultaneously authentic and heartbreaking.
Also, ummmmmm, not sure how to break this to you if you didn't know already, but the sweetest earl of them all, little Georgie Willis is a virgin because IT'S ALWAYS BEEN MAGGIE (don't mind us we're just swooning. Or maybe screaming? Can you do both at the same time? Cause that's what we're doing.)
Do yourself a favor and read this one.
35-Word Summaries:
Meg: You know I liked this one since Georgie is called “The Untamed Earl” because he hasn’t let anyone try to tame him since letting his childhood sweetheart get away! Maybe he’s “The Untried Earl” instead.
Laine: After Georgie had the audacity to go off to war without her, Maggie becomes single-mindedly determined to become the best engineer of suspension bridges. Time didn't tamper lust, but can an Earl marry an engineer?
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
February 17, 2023
Lots of fun, a few anguished moments, a lady engineer! What’s not to like? Throw in a tunnel upsetting the breeding area of an Icelandic goose that’s decided to make its home in England and we’ve so many issues it’s a wonder the book could carry the weight. But carry it, it did.
A second chance romance that was fun to read, and never lagged.
A second chance romance that was fun to read, and never lagged.
January 15, 2023
This is another great book in The Secret Scientists of London series. I loved the characters, Margaret’s swoon-worthy love interest, and second-chance romance!
Margaret opened her own engineering company and is hired to design a massive project, one that will give her credibility and recognition. She is an amazing woman who refuses to bend to the whims of a patriarchal society and instead finds her own strength and independence in having her own career, interests, and agenda. Thank you! Margaret is a force to be reckoned with, and I loved every minute of it. She’s talented and creative, and she deserves way more credit than she receives.
I feel like George’s beliefs meshed so well with Margaret’s, though they go about fighting for their beliefs differently. As an Earl, George wants to use his newfound power and influence to help others. I think his friendships highlighted so many great things about George – his generosity and helpfulness, his determination to use his influence for good, and his willingness to change and grow. And can I just say that I love that he is a feminist? The way he supports women and believes in educating females and giving them a more equal footing in society is just wonderful. He’s the perfect match for the independent and intelligent Margaret, and the way he loves how smart and educated she is made my heart melt.
Margaret and George have a wonderful second-chance romance, and I was totally invested in their story. And she calls him Georgie. I can’t even! They’re just the best! I also loved George’s friendships with Arthur and Violet, and his subsequent spoiling of Violet and Arthur’s daughter. It’s funny and adorable, and these scenes endeared me to George even more. He loves so deeply and is so giving of himself, and he is hilarious with Arthur.
Margaret has some equally special relationships, especially with the other women of Athena’s retreat. Friendships are put to the test when they learn of Margaret’s project and the people who are funding it. The women clash, and Margaret fears she’ll lose her friends and her place at Athena’s Retreat. It’s interesting to see how the women handle contrasting views, group decisions, and more.
I heard through the grapevine that a spin-off of this series is in the works, and I’m super intrigued! I enjoyed all three books in The Secret Scientists of London and am eager to learn more about the next series. Thanks so much to Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Margaret opened her own engineering company and is hired to design a massive project, one that will give her credibility and recognition. She is an amazing woman who refuses to bend to the whims of a patriarchal society and instead finds her own strength and independence in having her own career, interests, and agenda. Thank you! Margaret is a force to be reckoned with, and I loved every minute of it. She’s talented and creative, and she deserves way more credit than she receives.
I feel like George’s beliefs meshed so well with Margaret’s, though they go about fighting for their beliefs differently. As an Earl, George wants to use his newfound power and influence to help others. I think his friendships highlighted so many great things about George – his generosity and helpfulness, his determination to use his influence for good, and his willingness to change and grow. And can I just say that I love that he is a feminist? The way he supports women and believes in educating females and giving them a more equal footing in society is just wonderful. He’s the perfect match for the independent and intelligent Margaret, and the way he loves how smart and educated she is made my heart melt.
Margaret and George have a wonderful second-chance romance, and I was totally invested in their story. And she calls him Georgie. I can’t even! They’re just the best! I also loved George’s friendships with Arthur and Violet, and his subsequent spoiling of Violet and Arthur’s daughter. It’s funny and adorable, and these scenes endeared me to George even more. He loves so deeply and is so giving of himself, and he is hilarious with Arthur.
Margaret has some equally special relationships, especially with the other women of Athena’s retreat. Friendships are put to the test when they learn of Margaret’s project and the people who are funding it. The women clash, and Margaret fears she’ll lose her friends and her place at Athena’s Retreat. It’s interesting to see how the women handle contrasting views, group decisions, and more.
I heard through the grapevine that a spin-off of this series is in the works, and I’m super intrigued! I enjoyed all three books in The Secret Scientists of London and am eager to learn more about the next series. Thanks so much to Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
January 19, 2023
Margaret and George were childhood friends, running wild in the countryside and then fell in love. Margaret thought they had a future together but then George broke her heart. She went on to study engineering, moved to Paris and married while honing her skills.
Now a widow, Margaret’s back in London staying at Athena’s Retreat with the goal of starting her own engineering firm, the first woman owned in England. Her latest project, designing and building an underwater tunnel would go a long way to establishing her career, but when Margaret discovers the main investor is an enemy of Athena’s Retreat, a man set on keeping women down, she knows things will not be smooth sailing. I was on edge over the information coming out and wished she would’ve shared it once she found out.
George, now the Earl of Grantham, knew his decision to break things off with Margaret broke her heart and his, but if he didn’t Margaret wouldn’t have gone on to become the accomplished woman she is now. Now that she’s back in London he hopes to explain his actions and have a chance to win her heart again. He’s also working on making the title he inherited mean something by pushing through reforms that would make education accessible to all children, boys and girls and not just in the upper classes.
A Love by Design was another great installment in the Secret Scientists of London series. I do love a good second chance romance and Margaret and George’s was full of longing and passion. I enjoyed their relationships with all the ladies at the retreat and laughed over the shenanigans George pulled with Arthur, frustrating him with over-the-top gifts to baby Mirren.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Now a widow, Margaret’s back in London staying at Athena’s Retreat with the goal of starting her own engineering firm, the first woman owned in England. Her latest project, designing and building an underwater tunnel would go a long way to establishing her career, but when Margaret discovers the main investor is an enemy of Athena’s Retreat, a man set on keeping women down, she knows things will not be smooth sailing. I was on edge over the information coming out and wished she would’ve shared it once she found out.
George, now the Earl of Grantham, knew his decision to break things off with Margaret broke her heart and his, but if he didn’t Margaret wouldn’t have gone on to become the accomplished woman she is now. Now that she’s back in London he hopes to explain his actions and have a chance to win her heart again. He’s also working on making the title he inherited mean something by pushing through reforms that would make education accessible to all children, boys and girls and not just in the upper classes.
A Love by Design was another great installment in the Secret Scientists of London series. I do love a good second chance romance and Margaret and George’s was full of longing and passion. I enjoyed their relationships with all the ladies at the retreat and laughed over the shenanigans George pulled with Arthur, frustrating him with over-the-top gifts to baby Mirren.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2023
I... did not like this at all. It flopped all over the place like a very confused fish out of water. I wanted to even give it three stars because this series is special and fun but it was really really... confused.
1) Way too many plotlines: Margaret battling against society's expectation of women in the 1800s, Margaret literally battling her boss, Margaret struggling to move on after her husband's death, Margaret struggling to figure out her place amongst the other lady scientists, Margaret trying to build a bridge, Grantham trying to win Margaret, Grantham trying to get his bill passed, Grantham fighting against society's expectations of men in the 1800s, Grantham trying to beat whats-his-name, Grantham trying to get a bill passed, oh, and also their respective pasts because they've known each other since they were children. ALL THESE THINGS are important but the author tried to make whole storylines out of all of them. NONE of them got their proper due and we flip-flopped around the entire time.
2) It was so buttoned up and prim and proper and then REALLY FUCKING EXPLICIT!!! But also, just like in previous entries, not really all that explicit, just with really big big boy and big girl words. I said this exact same thing with one of my other reviews in this series: you won't know what happened but you can be sure it involved a THICK, HARD COCK!! My innocent eyes can only take so much!
3) If you want to be prim and proper, then be prim and proper. I don't think I appreciate it being played as a parody. The "rivalry" between Grantham - as Violet's childhood friend - and ummm... *sigh*
ARTHUR! as Violet's husband - was a stupid joke. I think, perhaps, it was done just right in the first few books. There was legitimate tension, maybe, and in this one they literally wrestled each other to avoid admitting their manly feelings. It was ridiculous and not funny, if that was what she was going for.
AAAAAAANYway, with all that going on, the romance is completely lost, I'm unsure whether this is meant to be a romance with an historical fiction aspect, an historical fiction with a romance aspect, a commentary on women in science and what women went through to get even the marginally better slice we have today, or a parody. No commitment, all were done pretty poorly, I've got very little motivation to keep going with this series. It's a shame because she generally does her MCs well, so if it could just decide what it wants to be and preferably be a romance, I think Everett would fair much better.
A Lady's Formula for Love review: ⭐⭐⭐
A Perfect Equation review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
1) Way too many plotlines: Margaret battling against society's expectation of women in the 1800s, Margaret literally battling her boss, Margaret struggling to move on after her husband's death, Margaret struggling to figure out her place amongst the other lady scientists, Margaret trying to build a bridge, Grantham trying to win Margaret, Grantham trying to get his bill passed, Grantham fighting against society's expectations of men in the 1800s, Grantham trying to beat whats-his-name, Grantham trying to get a bill passed, oh, and also their respective pasts because they've known each other since they were children. ALL THESE THINGS are important but the author tried to make whole storylines out of all of them. NONE of them got their proper due and we flip-flopped around the entire time.
2) It was so buttoned up and prim and proper and then REALLY FUCKING EXPLICIT!!! But also, just like in previous entries, not really all that explicit, just with really big big boy and big girl words. I said this exact same thing with one of my other reviews in this series: you won't know what happened but you can be sure it involved a THICK, HARD COCK!! My innocent eyes can only take so much!
3) If you want to be prim and proper, then be prim and proper. I don't think I appreciate it being played as a parody. The "rivalry" between Grantham - as Violet's childhood friend - and ummm... *sigh*
ARTHUR! as Violet's husband - was a stupid joke. I think, perhaps, it was done just right in the first few books. There was legitimate tension, maybe, and in this one they literally wrestled each other to avoid admitting their manly feelings. It was ridiculous and not funny, if that was what she was going for.
AAAAAAANYway, with all that going on, the romance is completely lost, I'm unsure whether this is meant to be a romance with an historical fiction aspect, an historical fiction with a romance aspect, a commentary on women in science and what women went through to get even the marginally better slice we have today, or a parody. No commitment, all were done pretty poorly, I've got very little motivation to keep going with this series. It's a shame because she generally does her MCs well, so if it could just decide what it wants to be and preferably be a romance, I think Everett would fair much better.
A Lady's Formula for Love review: ⭐⭐⭐
A Perfect Equation review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 5, 2022
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
CW: death of a parent (past), toxic relationship with parent (past), sexism, death of a spouse (past), kidnapping, gun violence
This is the third book in the series. While there are slight spoilers for the two prior books it can be enjoyed entirely as a standalone
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f historical romance
-second chance romance
-estranged childhood friends to lovers
-hard one and the soft one
-golden retriever hero
-virgin hero
-STEMinist heroine
-opposites attract
-competency kink
This was a quieter read than the two previous books in the series. Maggie and Georgie were just pining away and trying to figure out how to deal with their past. I really appreciated how they admitted that they had grown and dealt with what happened. Things were not easy, especially for Maggie. Trying to find her place in a man's world, and recognizing that marrying Georgie might make that even more difficult.
I enjoyed how gone Georgie was on Maggie. Respecting her, loving her engineering brain and jus wanting to be with her. Also his friendship with Arthur slash antagonizing him by being the most doting uncle. Honestly i wanted to hug Georgie and give him the world.
These two loved each other for the things that the world gave them a hard time about. I adored their connection and just how softly their romance grew. And the peak at Arthur and Violet's HEA. This series continues to be a favorite.
Steam: 3.25
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author but it did not impact my review
CW: death of a parent (past), toxic relationship with parent (past), sexism, death of a spouse (past), kidnapping, gun violence
This is the third book in the series. While there are slight spoilers for the two prior books it can be enjoyed entirely as a standalone
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f historical romance
-second chance romance
-estranged childhood friends to lovers
-hard one and the soft one
-golden retriever hero
-virgin hero
-STEMinist heroine
-opposites attract
-competency kink
This was a quieter read than the two previous books in the series. Maggie and Georgie were just pining away and trying to figure out how to deal with their past. I really appreciated how they admitted that they had grown and dealt with what happened. Things were not easy, especially for Maggie. Trying to find her place in a man's world, and recognizing that marrying Georgie might make that even more difficult.
I enjoyed how gone Georgie was on Maggie. Respecting her, loving her engineering brain and jus wanting to be with her. Also his friendship with Arthur slash antagonizing him by being the most doting uncle. Honestly i wanted to hug Georgie and give him the world.
These two loved each other for the things that the world gave them a hard time about. I adored their connection and just how softly their romance grew. And the peak at Arthur and Violet's HEA. This series continues to be a favorite.
Steam: 3.25
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author but it did not impact my review
December 17, 2022
In my historical romance era 💖 This stands out as one of the best. It’s feminist and science-y and deeply romantic. I loved every second.
I realize I’m reading this out of order - and I’m sure I missed a lot of backstories - but I understood context and I was totally fine.
Off to start at the beginning!!
I realize I’m reading this out of order - and I’m sure I missed a lot of backstories - but I understood context and I was totally fine.
Off to start at the beginning!!
March 30, 2025
This could be between three and four stars, ultimately down for me because I found the first half of the book just SUCH a grim push to get through.
Margaret is back from Paris, a widow and without an engineering firm when her FIL retires. She and George were in love when they were young, and Something Happened. Too bad they are constantly in each others company through their mutual childhood bestie Violet.
George is a total sweetie, inheirited the Earldom from his awful father, and just wants to use the role to do good. He's always loved Margaret, and broke their engagement for her own good, knowing she would have to give up her dream of becoming an engineer. They slowly work their way back together, and he is so steady and showing up for her consistantly. I just wish it wasn't so much Margaret being so shut down and blind to the love and support all around her for most of the book. My kindle note is "its not fun to read, I'm sure we'll get there but rough journey."
Margaret has massive imposter syndrome "a woman who spent her life hanging on by a thin thread while the rest of the world assumed she was in complete command." and is willing to do whatever it takes to start her own engineering firm. "Too much was at stake for Margaret to turn her attention to anything other than her Plan." So she accepts funding from the same guy who has tried to ruin/kill her best friend and destroy the Lady Scientist Club they all belong to. She rationalizes that she has to, and if she has to lose all her friendships, well, that's the price to pay. BUT DOES SHE THOUGH?? Literally all her friends are rich/and or titled. George says that if he knew she was opening a firm he would have supported her in any way. AND she can tell something is hinky about the whole arrangement, her instinct is ringing alarm bells as loud as it can.
Everything DOES work out, Margaret's friends are of course there for her like she never believed she deserved, villains are exposed, etc etc. Turns out she didn't have to keep a massive secret from the people who loved her best after all, and she and they (and I) all suffered for nothing.
Margaret is back from Paris, a widow and without an engineering firm when her FIL retires. She and George were in love when they were young, and Something Happened. Too bad they are constantly in each others company through their mutual childhood bestie Violet.
George is a total sweetie, inheirited the Earldom from his awful father, and just wants to use the role to do good. He's always loved Margaret, and broke their engagement for her own good, knowing she would have to give up her dream of becoming an engineer. They slowly work their way back together, and he is so steady and showing up for her consistantly. I just wish it wasn't so much Margaret being so shut down and blind to the love and support all around her for most of the book. My kindle note is "its not fun to read, I'm sure we'll get there but rough journey."
Margaret has massive imposter syndrome "a woman who spent her life hanging on by a thin thread while the rest of the world assumed she was in complete command." and is willing to do whatever it takes to start her own engineering firm. "Too much was at stake for Margaret to turn her attention to anything other than her Plan." So she accepts funding from the same guy who has tried to ruin/kill her best friend and destroy the Lady Scientist Club they all belong to. She rationalizes that she has to, and if she has to lose all her friendships, well, that's the price to pay. BUT DOES SHE THOUGH?? Literally all her friends are rich/and or titled. George says that if he knew she was opening a firm he would have supported her in any way. AND she can tell something is hinky about the whole arrangement, her instinct is ringing alarm bells as loud as it can.
Everything DOES work out, Margaret's friends are of course there for her like she never believed she deserved, villains are exposed, etc etc. Turns out she didn't have to keep a massive secret from the people who loved her best after all, and she and they (and I) all suffered for nothing.
August 10, 2023
I don’t know how to even begin to explain how much I disliked this book, but I will try. First off, this was not historical romance. This was contemporary romance in period clothes. This book was so afraid of offending modern sensibilities, it completely ignored almost all historical context. Second, if I had to read one more sentence about old timey contraceptives, I was going to scream! There were just pages and pages of it. I’m here for some smut, not a sex-ed class. Third, Feminism is about equality not female superiority and thinly veiled misandry. All the female characters were portrayed as smart and capable and all the male characters were shallow and inept, including the hero. He was so bumbling and clueless it ruined all of his appeal. Fourth I found the heroine selfish, immature and hypocritical. She was super wishy washy in her feelings for the hero, and she turned her back on her principles and her friends for the sake of a career for the majority of the book. On top of which, there’s a big difference between working for the hero’s “political archnemesis” and working for the historical equivalent of a fake news outlet. Fifth, I could not get past the authors near constant heavy handed political commentary. So much of the narration and dialogue contained snarky references to modern politics and the evils of a patriarchal society. There was literally a sentence that mentioned “alternative facts”. It was way too much. I want to read a lighthearted story about people falling in love. I don’t care about your ted talk.
In conclusion, if you are a historical romance reader who enjoys having any semblance of historical context and competent heroes, this is not the book for you. If you are typically a reader of contemporary romance and have a thing for himbos, but are tired of the characters always wearing jeans, you will love this book.
In conclusion, if you are a historical romance reader who enjoys having any semblance of historical context and competent heroes, this is not the book for you. If you are typically a reader of contemporary romance and have a thing for himbos, but are tired of the characters always wearing jeans, you will love this book.
February 5, 2023
stop contemporizing my period dramas 😡
December 18, 2022
A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett is the third book in the author’s popular The Secret Scientists of London series. However, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. My advice is to read the entire series as it’s all so much fun.
Story Recap:
Margaret Gault returns to Athena’s Rest after working at her husband’s firm in Paris. Now, after his untimely death, Margaret’s father-in-law, won’t let her run the company. Margaret has plans to start England's first women-owned engineering company, but she faces opposition at every turn.
George Willis is now the Earl of Grantham, and he’s happy to see that Margaret has returned to London and Athena’s Rest. George and Margaret were friends as children, long before George became the Earl of Grantham. But, when Margaret gets commissioned to build a new project with his political archnemesis, his work to hurt his business rival, may destroy Margaret’s chances to be the first woman to design a tunnel under the Thames river.
My Thoughts:
So far, this is my favorite book of the series. And it’s all about Lord Grantham, and his charming ways. He accepts Margaret’s intelligence and he knows she’s more intelligent than he is, but that doesn’t harm his ego one single bit. Margaret is a widow and doesn’t need the distraction of George, and besides, she can’t trust him because he broke her heart many years ago.
It’s clear that Margaret and George are meant to be together as they balance each other out. And they still love each other as they did when they were kids. Margaret is thoughtful and methodical, as you would expect an engineer to be. And she’s also very determined to own her own firm, but she has so many obstacles and has to make a decision that could hurt her friends at Athena’s Rest.
A Love by Design is heartwarming, exciting, humorous and just delightful. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Love by Design to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Story Recap:
Margaret Gault returns to Athena’s Rest after working at her husband’s firm in Paris. Now, after his untimely death, Margaret’s father-in-law, won’t let her run the company. Margaret has plans to start England's first women-owned engineering company, but she faces opposition at every turn.
George Willis is now the Earl of Grantham, and he’s happy to see that Margaret has returned to London and Athena’s Rest. George and Margaret were friends as children, long before George became the Earl of Grantham. But, when Margaret gets commissioned to build a new project with his political archnemesis, his work to hurt his business rival, may destroy Margaret’s chances to be the first woman to design a tunnel under the Thames river.
My Thoughts:
So far, this is my favorite book of the series. And it’s all about Lord Grantham, and his charming ways. He accepts Margaret’s intelligence and he knows she’s more intelligent than he is, but that doesn’t harm his ego one single bit. Margaret is a widow and doesn’t need the distraction of George, and besides, she can’t trust him because he broke her heart many years ago.
It’s clear that Margaret and George are meant to be together as they balance each other out. And they still love each other as they did when they were kids. Margaret is thoughtful and methodical, as you would expect an engineer to be. And she’s also very determined to own her own firm, but she has so many obstacles and has to make a decision that could hurt her friends at Athena’s Rest.
A Love by Design is heartwarming, exciting, humorous and just delightful. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Love by Design to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 28, 2023
I don’t even know where to start!
I know before I even crack the spine that this author’s books will saturate me with their wry humor, their flawless eloquence of prose, and their realistic, sometimes brutal exposure of human weakness.
George and Maggie’s love story is a frank examination of social construct, gender neutrality and personal autonomy. It weaves these elements together in an uncanny parallel to the themes of oppression so prevalent in today’s newsreels and shows the reader that we can choose to rise above the conditioning we receive.
Margaret wants to be an engineer.
Georgie wants to make a difference.
Their love story began with a bridge and now they must learn to build one together.
Full review to come on my blog!
I know before I even crack the spine that this author’s books will saturate me with their wry humor, their flawless eloquence of prose, and their realistic, sometimes brutal exposure of human weakness.
George and Maggie’s love story is a frank examination of social construct, gender neutrality and personal autonomy. It weaves these elements together in an uncanny parallel to the themes of oppression so prevalent in today’s newsreels and shows the reader that we can choose to rise above the conditioning we receive.
Margaret wants to be an engineer.
Georgie wants to make a difference.
Their love story began with a bridge and now they must learn to build one together.
Full review to come on my blog!
December 12, 2022
***I received this ARC from NetGalley***
I was so excited to find this ARC as I love historical romances. I appreciated that this series is about smart and accomplished women who get to have the careers/aspirations, while also finding love.
This book was so funny- I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. George was so sweet and adorable, while giving also giving all the mischievous and rake energy. He's definitely one of my top historical romance love interests.
This story was a joy to read. I truly enjoyed this story so much and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
I was so excited to find this ARC as I love historical romances. I appreciated that this series is about smart and accomplished women who get to have the careers/aspirations, while also finding love.
This book was so funny- I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. George was so sweet and adorable, while giving also giving all the mischievous and rake energy. He's definitely one of my top historical romance love interests.
This story was a joy to read. I truly enjoyed this story so much and I cannot wait to read more by this author.
January 18, 2023
I loved loved LOVED that Margaret was a tall stunner of a QUEEN!! I loved that George was a sweet cinnamon roll!! Their chemistry was lovely, but I wanted more romance. Like I really think that we could have had something really spicy in their encounters and there just wasn't. In my opinion, it would have been really great had George done some praise kink stuff. We are told that he praised her but where was the DIALOGUE? I wanted Margaret to be praised the way she deserved. Hear me out: Margaret on top riding her man, George on the bottom being ridden, praising her like a kinky bastard.... I WOULD HAVE LOVED THAT SHIT. I would have eaten it up. I wanted that, and more dialogue. I wanted George letting it all loose and filthy for his woman... "look at you", "that's it", "that's my girl" -------------- that's the stuff I felt was lacking from their bedroom behaviour.
I'm giving this 4 stars because Margaret was lovely, as was George. BUT the sex scenes we got just didn't live up to how passionate these two were for each other.
I'm giving this 4 stars because Margaret was lovely, as was George. BUT the sex scenes we got just didn't live up to how passionate these two were for each other.
January 21, 2023
Another phenomenal installment from Everett in this series — I think this is one that’s snuck up on me in terms of being a recent favorite, with characters I will always be happy to return to. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Margaret and George’s romance since the last book and this one did not disappoint. Childhood friends to almost lovers thwarted by circumstance, only to be reunited after Maggie has been widowed and manage to rekindle their emotions after some initial tensions. Also really enjoyed the twist on a dynamic where George is the one who’s revealed to be a virgin in spite of having something of a reputation of a ladies’ man — I will never not be weak for the “it was always meant to be you” trope. A somewhat overdramatic third act, but I can’t say I read this one with anything but a smile on my face. I’ll be curious to see whether there’s any more in this series or if it’ll spawn a spin-off, but either way, I’ll be here for future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Margaret Gault has is a widow and she is determined to start England’s first woman’s engineering firm. Returning to Athena’s Retreat with all the secret scientists, she is spurred on to make things happen. She seems doomed from the start and Earl Grantham is no help. George Willis is a happy man to have Margaret back in England. George wants nothing but to be with Margaret and Margaret wants nothing g more than to get her business off the ground. There are so many obstacles in their way, can the two finally get together? Can Margaret get her nemesis Earl, to leave her business alone? This was a very good story. This is the third story in the series and it read like a stand alone. This was a 4 star read for me. It was an easy, interesting read and who could ask for more. I want to thank Netgalley and Elizabeth Everett for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review it. I hope you enjoy it as well.
January 14, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: The Secret Scientists of London #3
Publication Date: 1/17/23
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 336
I have glanced down the list of reviews and ratings for this book and quickly learned I am in the minority. So, feel free to quit reading at this point if you like. I met and liked Earl Grantham in earlier books and was looking forward to an exciting, romantic, whiz-bang story for him. I was also looking for an exciting, no-holds-barred, wrap-up for the series. I don’t feel I got any of that, so I am sad about that. Don’t get me wrong – I think George is about as romantic as they get, I just don’t think his story was.
Margaret, Violet, and George were childhood friends – and Margaret and George were childhood sweethearts. Margaret and George had planned to run away together and marry so she could accompany him to Canada as a soldier’s wife – except – he ended it on the morning they were to leave. Why? Since it would be a bit of a spoiler I won’t tell you, so you’ll just have to read the book to learn why. Since Margaret couldn’t marry George, she left for France to become an apprentice engineer and there she married the son of her mentor.
This book begins several years later when Margaret is back in London as a widow and George has inherited an earldom. George still loves Margaret – he never stopped loving her, but Margaret, on the other hand, doesn’t think she wants anything to do with George. She is adamant – absolutely nothing and no one will get in the way of her starting her engineering firm and being the first female engineer in England. She is ruthless in pursuit of that goal – and even accepts a contract that is backed by the man who has openly tried to harm her fellow scientists. She doesn’t even tell them what she is doing. That smacks of dishonesty to me.
Poor tongue-tied, fumble-footed George is bent on wooing Margaret. He is so funny, entertaining, caring, and loving. You couldn’t ask for a lovelier hero – he is perfectly content to be the rug on which she wipes her feet. Finally, after a bit of danger, Margaret figures out where she needs to be.
I found the story to be a bit draggy and flat when it could have been so exciting. We spent page after page learning about engineering when we could have been learning about the plot to ruin Margaret and get rich. We could have seen more machinations from Victor Armitage and his Guardians of Domesticity. But we didn’t get any of that and I found myself skimming page after page.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Secret Scientists of London #3
Publication Date: 1/17/23
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 336
I have glanced down the list of reviews and ratings for this book and quickly learned I am in the minority. So, feel free to quit reading at this point if you like. I met and liked Earl Grantham in earlier books and was looking forward to an exciting, romantic, whiz-bang story for him. I was also looking for an exciting, no-holds-barred, wrap-up for the series. I don’t feel I got any of that, so I am sad about that. Don’t get me wrong – I think George is about as romantic as they get, I just don’t think his story was.
Margaret, Violet, and George were childhood friends – and Margaret and George were childhood sweethearts. Margaret and George had planned to run away together and marry so she could accompany him to Canada as a soldier’s wife – except – he ended it on the morning they were to leave. Why? Since it would be a bit of a spoiler I won’t tell you, so you’ll just have to read the book to learn why. Since Margaret couldn’t marry George, she left for France to become an apprentice engineer and there she married the son of her mentor.
This book begins several years later when Margaret is back in London as a widow and George has inherited an earldom. George still loves Margaret – he never stopped loving her, but Margaret, on the other hand, doesn’t think she wants anything to do with George. She is adamant – absolutely nothing and no one will get in the way of her starting her engineering firm and being the first female engineer in England. She is ruthless in pursuit of that goal – and even accepts a contract that is backed by the man who has openly tried to harm her fellow scientists. She doesn’t even tell them what she is doing. That smacks of dishonesty to me.
Poor tongue-tied, fumble-footed George is bent on wooing Margaret. He is so funny, entertaining, caring, and loving. You couldn’t ask for a lovelier hero – he is perfectly content to be the rug on which she wipes her feet. Finally, after a bit of danger, Margaret figures out where she needs to be.
I found the story to be a bit draggy and flat when it could have been so exciting. We spent page after page learning about engineering when we could have been learning about the plot to ruin Margaret and get rich. We could have seen more machinations from Victor Armitage and his Guardians of Domesticity. But we didn’t get any of that and I found myself skimming page after page.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
I am distressed that i did not love this.
Point one: Grantham did not get his due here. I adore golden retriever Grantham and his pure intentions but he seems… less sweet and more blundering. Less true somehow. And good vicar Grantham (let’s be honest he has a lot in common with Sidney from Grantchester) backs off of his principles and instead is the “good Duke” that I literally just read doesn’t exist (thanks to Cat Sebastian and Kitt Webb).
Point two: Margaret’s constant imposter syndrome is too spelled out and it feels, for whatever reason, impossibly white and well… I understand that Kimberle Crenshaw won’t even be born for another century but the conversation still existed and the facts still existed. And so I was disappointed in the oblivious privilege. The whole time the women are arguing, while I feel it was a nod to the fact that women approach feminism differently and personally, felt performative and overwrought.
Point three: Earl Grey? Except he’s not. And I prefer grey over “just loved you so much when I was a teen”
Counterpoint: Kneland and Grantham bromance is adorable.
Point one: Grantham did not get his due here. I adore golden retriever Grantham and his pure intentions but he seems… less sweet and more blundering. Less true somehow. And good vicar Grantham (let’s be honest he has a lot in common with Sidney from Grantchester) backs off of his principles and instead is the “good Duke” that I literally just read doesn’t exist (thanks to Cat Sebastian and Kitt Webb).
Point two: Margaret’s constant imposter syndrome is too spelled out and it feels, for whatever reason, impossibly white and well… I understand that Kimberle Crenshaw won’t even be born for another century but the conversation still existed and the facts still existed. And so I was disappointed in the oblivious privilege. The whole time the women are arguing, while I feel it was a nod to the fact that women approach feminism differently and personally, felt performative and overwrought.
Point three: Earl Grey? Except he’s not. And I prefer grey over “just loved you so much when I was a teen”
Counterpoint: Kneland and Grantham bromance is adorable.
April 6, 2023
What a satisfying end to the series (though there are more characters that could get books)! There is a bit more angst between the main characters in this this book in the first two books of The Secret Scientists of London series, as the main characters have known each other since they were children and have a lot of history to work through. When they finally get together, it’s a false start. Then they try again. Whew!
The Armitage plot that’s been woven through the whole series finally comes to a head and we get a little action scene where the villains get their due.
Bonus: we get a glimpse of Everett’s next series and it seems to have another smart, scientist main character.
The Armitage plot that’s been woven through the whole series finally comes to a head and we get a little action scene where the villains get their due.
Bonus: we get a glimpse of Everett’s next series and it seems to have another smart, scientist main character.
October 15, 2022
I didn’t think Everett could top A Lady’s Formula for Love… and then she went and did it. Please tell me there’s a fourth title coming in this series.
UPDATE: Whoever reviewed this book for Publishers Weekly is a moron.
UPDATE: Whoever reviewed this book for Publishers Weekly is a moron.
March 12, 2025
review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2025/0...
A Love by Design was a delight from the start! Surprisingly, I found myself loving Grantham more than Margret—a first in this series, as I’ve adored the female leads in both previous books. Maybe it’s because I’ve known Grantham from the beginning, and I’ve always had a soft spot for this big, goofy guy who never failed to bring a smile to my face.
In A Perfect Equation, it was clear Margret and Grantham had a history—one that ended in heartbreak for Margret. It was fascinating to finally uncover what went wrong in A Love by Design. They’d known each other since they were eight, fallen in love as teens, and then, at 17, something changed, driving Margret to Paris and into the arms of her late husband.
I sympathized with her younger, hot-headed self and all she endured over the years. And once the misunderstanding was revealed, I also felt for Grantham. —his actions, though reckless, came from a place of pure intentions. I loved how he cleared this years old grievance and regret and I couldn’t wait to see how he would win Margret back.
Grantham hides his insecurities behind a shield of humor, still struggling with the weight of his title and the expectations that come with it. His childhood was rough—hints of physical abuse and a father battling alcohol addiction shaped him and his mother’s life. I loved that instead of resenting his title, he embraced its potential to do good. His passion for making a difference made me love him even more.
What truly endeared him to me was how he saw through Margret’s defenses, stood by her at every turn (literally), and proved his unwavering love. And the fact that he was a virgin? That was an unexpected—I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in a romance novel, and it just reinforced how much he had always loved her.
Margret, on the other hand, was ambitious, determined, and fiercely independent—traits I admired. But her decision to accept work from a firm funded by Victor Armitage, the notorious enemy of Athena’s Retreat, didn’t sit right with me. She knew Armitage was a misogynistic menace, yet still took the job without credit, all while keeping it a secret and clashing with Grantham, who openly opposed Armitage in his papers.
I get her drive to leave her mark as England’s first female engineer—especially in this time period—but her choices felt reckless. Grantham was right; she could have started small and still made an impact. That said, I respected her journey. Her character development—learning to ask for help, confronting her fears, and ultimately surrendering to love—was beautifully done.
The secondary characters shone just as brightly. Grantham’s friendship with Arthur was a highlight. The women of Athena’s Retreat kept the story engaging, even as Margret’s choices caused a divide among them. But when she needed them most, they stood by her, proving their sisterhood was unshakable.
The romance itself was a slow burn, full of push and pull, as expected in a second-chance love story. I appreciated that both Grantham and Margret acknowledged their feelings early on, yet still took the time to rediscover each other as the people they had become.
Favorite moments? So many! Grantham coming up with new toy ideas just to rile up Arthur, gaggles chasing Grantham and Margret, Margret opening up about her insecurities, Grantham learning about love from Arthur and later from Violet, his grand gestures, Margret’s dramatic rescue, and that heartwarming epilogue.
I enjoyed the climax—it kept me on edge! The rescue was thrilling, but I wanted a more satisfying resolution when it came to Armitage. The epilogue was lovely, though I would have liked to see Letty make a reappearance, even if just for a moment.
I also loved the author’s note at the end—it was fascinating to learn about Sarah Guppy, the first woman to patent a bridge in 1811, whose story inspired this book. The insights into historical contraception and postcoital menstruation methods were equally intriguing in the book.
Overall, A Love by Design is a fun, emotional, and charming historical romance blending women in STEM with a heartfelt second-chance romance.
A Love by Design was a delight from the start! Surprisingly, I found myself loving Grantham more than Margret—a first in this series, as I’ve adored the female leads in both previous books. Maybe it’s because I’ve known Grantham from the beginning, and I’ve always had a soft spot for this big, goofy guy who never failed to bring a smile to my face.
In A Perfect Equation, it was clear Margret and Grantham had a history—one that ended in heartbreak for Margret. It was fascinating to finally uncover what went wrong in A Love by Design. They’d known each other since they were eight, fallen in love as teens, and then, at 17, something changed, driving Margret to Paris and into the arms of her late husband.
I sympathized with her younger, hot-headed self and all she endured over the years. And once the misunderstanding was revealed, I also felt for Grantham. —his actions, though reckless, came from a place of pure intentions. I loved how he cleared this years old grievance and regret and I couldn’t wait to see how he would win Margret back.
Grantham hides his insecurities behind a shield of humor, still struggling with the weight of his title and the expectations that come with it. His childhood was rough—hints of physical abuse and a father battling alcohol addiction shaped him and his mother’s life. I loved that instead of resenting his title, he embraced its potential to do good. His passion for making a difference made me love him even more.
What truly endeared him to me was how he saw through Margret’s defenses, stood by her at every turn (literally), and proved his unwavering love. And the fact that he was a virgin? That was an unexpected—I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in a romance novel, and it just reinforced how much he had always loved her.
Margret, on the other hand, was ambitious, determined, and fiercely independent—traits I admired. But her decision to accept work from a firm funded by Victor Armitage, the notorious enemy of Athena’s Retreat, didn’t sit right with me. She knew Armitage was a misogynistic menace, yet still took the job without credit, all while keeping it a secret and clashing with Grantham, who openly opposed Armitage in his papers.
I get her drive to leave her mark as England’s first female engineer—especially in this time period—but her choices felt reckless. Grantham was right; she could have started small and still made an impact. That said, I respected her journey. Her character development—learning to ask for help, confronting her fears, and ultimately surrendering to love—was beautifully done.
The secondary characters shone just as brightly. Grantham’s friendship with Arthur was a highlight. The women of Athena’s Retreat kept the story engaging, even as Margret’s choices caused a divide among them. But when she needed them most, they stood by her, proving their sisterhood was unshakable.
The romance itself was a slow burn, full of push and pull, as expected in a second-chance love story. I appreciated that both Grantham and Margret acknowledged their feelings early on, yet still took the time to rediscover each other as the people they had become.
Favorite moments? So many! Grantham coming up with new toy ideas just to rile up Arthur, gaggles chasing Grantham and Margret, Margret opening up about her insecurities, Grantham learning about love from Arthur and later from Violet, his grand gestures, Margret’s dramatic rescue, and that heartwarming epilogue.
I enjoyed the climax—it kept me on edge! The rescue was thrilling, but I wanted a more satisfying resolution when it came to Armitage. The epilogue was lovely, though I would have liked to see Letty make a reappearance, even if just for a moment.
I also loved the author’s note at the end—it was fascinating to learn about Sarah Guppy, the first woman to patent a bridge in 1811, whose story inspired this book. The insights into historical contraception and postcoital menstruation methods were equally intriguing in the book.
Overall, A Love by Design is a fun, emotional, and charming historical romance blending women in STEM with a heartfelt second-chance romance.
February 2, 2023
this series is amazing. it’s about women scientists in an era that refused to give any opportunities to intellectual women. margaret returned to athena’s retreat to establish her own business: England’s first woman-owned engineering firm–after having years of working experience. however, in this day and age, it’s hard to find anyone who will want a woman in their business.
george never thought he would be an earl. his father didn’t want him but after his death, george inherited. when the woman he loved since he was a boy returned, he was hoping that their feelings would still be the same. however, he realized that not only he has changed, margaret has changed, their situation has changed. needing his reform to be approved, george knows that he needs a countess and a working woman can’t be a countess.
nevertheless, of course their feelings reignited. this time stronger even though they shouldn’t. i loved how sweet and kind george was to everyone. he’s named the untamed earl but we find out how different he actually is to the rumors. margaret is passionate about engineering but obstacles kept blocking her way to success. the way she tried to overcome her problems might cause others to shun her as it goes against athena’s retreat.
overall, i had so much fun with this series! i can’t wait for more by this author. i think another series is coming out soon. i need more information!!
george never thought he would be an earl. his father didn’t want him but after his death, george inherited. when the woman he loved since he was a boy returned, he was hoping that their feelings would still be the same. however, he realized that not only he has changed, margaret has changed, their situation has changed. needing his reform to be approved, george knows that he needs a countess and a working woman can’t be a countess.
nevertheless, of course their feelings reignited. this time stronger even though they shouldn’t. i loved how sweet and kind george was to everyone. he’s named the untamed earl but we find out how different he actually is to the rumors. margaret is passionate about engineering but obstacles kept blocking her way to success. the way she tried to overcome her problems might cause others to shun her as it goes against athena’s retreat.
overall, i had so much fun with this series! i can’t wait for more by this author. i think another series is coming out soon. i need more information!!
February 1, 2023
What a lovely third act in Everett's witty and sexy historical romance trilogy. This one had me at the prologue, since childhood friends to adult lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and Everett sets up her hero and heroine with a tight, natural bond that provides plenty of foundation for a later romance to blossom. As with the first two books, Everett blends a swoony, sexy love story with a critique of social mores, using a historic lens to provide commentary on current events. In this one, I particularly enjoyed Everett's look at the press of the 1840s, and its parallels to what's going on today with every paper slanting toward a political point of view and plenty of "alternative facts" floating around. I also adore Everett's sharp barbs on gender discrimination, and her ability to skewer modern society while maintaining her period setting. The critique feels so NOW, while the story world is lush with historic detail. And amid the history and social satire, we follow two delightful characters falling in love while learning to get out of their own ways to find happiness together. The sex scenes are both steamy and emotionally resonant, while Everett's writing throughout is so crisp and so smart, and I'm thrilled we get three more books in her new series!
February 22, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This is offically my FAVORITE Historical Romance Series of the year!! I can't remember any other Historical Romance Novel that made me feel addicted to wanting to know more about the characters then this one has.
The Characters are still so interesting to read about. Margaret Gault and George Willis were definately my favorites. Like with Book 2 i love that this book included past Characters as well as new characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1820 and 1844 London England while reading, especially when the scenery was described. I do wish there was a Book 4 in this series but overall Happy how this series ended.
Overall a Phenomenal Book 3 in this Historical Romance Series!! Can't wait to read more by Elizabeth in the future!!
Review:
This is offically my FAVORITE Historical Romance Series of the year!! I can't remember any other Historical Romance Novel that made me feel addicted to wanting to know more about the characters then this one has.
The Characters are still so interesting to read about. Margaret Gault and George Willis were definately my favorites. Like with Book 2 i love that this book included past Characters as well as new characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1820 and 1844 London England while reading, especially when the scenery was described. I do wish there was a Book 4 in this series but overall Happy how this series ended.
Overall a Phenomenal Book 3 in this Historical Romance Series!! Can't wait to read more by Elizabeth in the future!!
January 19, 2023
I have enjoyed all the books in this series! I love all the brilliant minds at Athena's retreat.
This one is very different than the others besides the very smart successful woman. Margaret the FMC is in trade which has made her disrespectable in society.
Her childhood love is now a nobleman and their past isn't exactly what she thought. Love a good second chance romance especially with a handsome but constantly saying the wrong thing mmc. But we soon find out why. He's a sweetheart cinnamon roll with a reputation he may not deserve.
Loved the second chance romance!
Also like the other books those horrible patriarchal men's group are causing trouble again, being frustrating af. But we will see if they can continue their crusade. Gross lol. But in that time it wouldn't be realistic without them.
Thank you berkleyromance and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
This one is very different than the others besides the very smart successful woman. Margaret the FMC is in trade which has made her disrespectable in society.
Her childhood love is now a nobleman and their past isn't exactly what she thought. Love a good second chance romance especially with a handsome but constantly saying the wrong thing mmc. But we soon find out why. He's a sweetheart cinnamon roll with a reputation he may not deserve.
Loved the second chance romance!
Also like the other books those horrible patriarchal men's group are causing trouble again, being frustrating af. But we will see if they can continue their crusade. Gross lol. But in that time it wouldn't be realistic without them.
Thank you berkleyromance and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
May 10, 2023
4.5 rounded up
What to expect: friends to enemies to lovers, second chance romance, women in STEM, grumpy/sunshine, virgin hero, fuck the patriarchy
The friends to enemies to lovers second chance was a DELIGHT in this book! The first chapter was hilarious and I loved learning about these two characters and watching them get together.
The engineering stuff was really cool, and I loved how much of a badass she was. The end was also hilarious and stressful at the same time?? This man is just such a goner for her I loved it
One thing I love about the end of Elizabeth's books is the note about the historical inspirations, and honestly this one almost made me cry
Spice: 2.5
What to expect: friends to enemies to lovers, second chance romance, women in STEM, grumpy/sunshine, virgin hero, fuck the patriarchy
The friends to enemies to lovers second chance was a DELIGHT in this book! The first chapter was hilarious and I loved learning about these two characters and watching them get together.
The engineering stuff was really cool, and I loved how much of a badass she was. The end was also hilarious and stressful at the same time?? This man is just such a goner for her I loved it
One thing I love about the end of Elizabeth's books is the note about the historical inspirations, and honestly this one almost made me cry
Spice: 2.5
January 6, 2023
I loved many things about this novel. First would have to be the characters. It was fun to revisit the characters of Athena's Retreat, and I loved seeing George and Arthur "fighting" (in other words: expressing best-friendship) about George's increasingly ridiculous gifts for Violet & Arthur's baby. I loved George as a character in general - he was so sweet and funny and had an absolute heart of gold. He cared and was trying to do good with the title he'd never wanted. I loved Margaret as well, though she was a bit pricklier and also incredibly stubborn. If she'd let people in and asked for help earlier in the novel I wouldn't have been so frustrated at her decisions... though it also would have meant there would be less story. She is strong and bold and determined and yes, stubborn. I also loved the bit we get of Sam, who I remember loving in the previous book.
This novel really drove home the 'rich and powerful men want to control and dominate women and will do anything to undermine them and keep them from succeeding and keep the status quo' point from previous books -- a point which really hits close to home after watching the events of the past few years unfolding. Much like the real-world events, the events of the novel were infuriating and had me rooting for Maragaret and her friends to prove themselves.
The romance was sweet and one of my favorite kinds -- a second-chance romance between childhood friends / crushes. It was easy to get behind it because George was so very gone on Margaret. He was so in awe of her engineering brain and determined spirit and it was so refreshing, with all the terrible men in the story. They all wanted to crush her beneath their boots for the audacity of being a woman with ideas, and he just wanted to worship her for it. It was clear that Margaret loved him as well -- she just had to get past her stubborn self-reliant independence.
The one thing I could have done without was the sex scenes. There weren't too many -- three, I think? -- but they were very... detailed. Luckily they weren't vital and I could skim them (slowing down to read the dialogue in case it advanced the plot, which it occasionally did). And for me, three sex scenes is three too many. I know I'm in the minority here, and in fact I saw some reviewers lamenting that there weren't enough sex scenes -- which, how? -- so I'm going to chalk it up to just the average romance reader apparently liking to read about sex a lot more than I do and not let it impact my rating.
Margaret also dragged the stubborn independence thing on a liiiiiiittle bit too long, in my opinion, and it bogged down the middle 40% of the book. I think some tightening of the plot there would go a long way toward making this flow better and feel more consistent.
Overall though I really loved it. I love stories with smart women and men with hearts of gold, and this delivered that beautifully.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for providing an early copy for review.
This novel really drove home the 'rich and powerful men want to control and dominate women and will do anything to undermine them and keep them from succeeding and keep the status quo' point from previous books -- a point which really hits close to home after watching the events of the past few years unfolding. Much like the real-world events, the events of the novel were infuriating and had me rooting for Maragaret and her friends to prove themselves.
The romance was sweet and one of my favorite kinds -- a second-chance romance between childhood friends / crushes. It was easy to get behind it because George was so very gone on Margaret. He was so in awe of her engineering brain and determined spirit and it was so refreshing, with all the terrible men in the story. They all wanted to crush her beneath their boots for the audacity of being a woman with ideas, and he just wanted to worship her for it. It was clear that Margaret loved him as well -- she just had to get past her stubborn self-reliant independence.
The one thing I could have done without was the sex scenes. There weren't too many -- three, I think? -- but they were very... detailed. Luckily they weren't vital and I could skim them (slowing down to read the dialogue in case it advanced the plot, which it occasionally did). And for me, three sex scenes is three too many. I know I'm in the minority here, and in fact I saw some reviewers lamenting that there weren't enough sex scenes -- which, how? -- so I'm going to chalk it up to just the average romance reader apparently liking to read about sex a lot more than I do and not let it impact my rating.
Margaret also dragged the stubborn independence thing on a liiiiiiittle bit too long, in my opinion, and it bogged down the middle 40% of the book. I think some tightening of the plot there would go a long way toward making this flow better and feel more consistent.
Overall though I really loved it. I love stories with smart women and men with hearts of gold, and this delivered that beautifully.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for providing an early copy for review.
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