Sophie Reads YA: February 2022

February summary

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ARC Review: A Perfect Equation (The Secret Scientists of London #2) by Elizabeth Everett

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A Perfect Equation
Series: The Secret Scientists of London #2
Author: Elizabeth Everett
Published February 15th 2022 by Berkley Books

Goodreads Synopsis
How do you solve the Perfect Equation? Add one sharp-tongued mathematician to an aloof, handsome nobleman. Divide by conflicting loyalties and multiply by a daring group of women hell-bent on conducting their scientific experiments. The solution is a romance that will break every rule.

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?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Miss Letitia Fenley - Letty to her friends - may be one of the smartest mathematicians in England, but as a woman, she's looked down upon for it. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she's also asked by her best friend, Violet, to look after the Athena's Retreat for other intelligent women, alongside Lord William Hughes, the Viscount Greycliff. Since they met, Grey and Letty have been at loggerheads, not helped by the explosive chemistry between them. Grey thinks it'll be easy to achieve to his stepmother's wish, but running the retreat is harder than he ever expected, and soon he's learning more than he ever expected. But Letty is hiding a secret from her past, and when their past comes back to haunt them, will Grey let go of his past feelings, and the control of his uncle, to find happiness and love?

I was so happy when I was approved for my copy of this book (thanks Berkley), and couldn't wait to get started. It was clear in A Lady's Formula for Love that Letty and Grey had a past, and their hatred for each other was masking stronger feelings that neither wanted to explore. I needed to know more about what had happened between them, and if they could be together, and this book did it perfectly! Grey was a stickler for the rules, and initially seemed to look down upon the lady scientists, but when he spent more time at the retreat, and learnt about them all, it was nice to see his aloof exterior start to crack. He had been a sickly child, and the strong hand of his uncle had helped him 'overcome' his weakness, including never eating cake and being strict in his routine. He really didn't let anything or anyone in, so seeing how Letty first angered him, and then made him fall in love, was a joy. I loved both of the characters, but I think Grey had such a growth, that he is definitely my favourite! This series is quickly becoming one of my favourites, with swoony characters, amazing plot lines, and perfect writing - I can't wait for book 3!

Dates Read:
December 1-2 2021

Rating
4 Stars

2020 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Marquis In Want Of A Wife (Liberated Ladies #3) by Louise Allen

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A Marquis In Want Of A Wife
Series: Liberated Ladies #3
Author: Louise Allen
Published November 26th 2020 by Mills & Boon Historical

Goodreads Synopsis
A convenient marriage

No inconvenient emotions

Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, with his scarred face and formidable disposition knows he’s hardly a catch. But he needs a wife to take care of his motherless son. Shy, scholarly Prudence Scott seems ideal: she has no expectation of love or passion. She’ll care for his baby in return for the protection of his name. Yet seeing Prudence on their wedding day tests Ross’s willpower to not take his new wife to bed…
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After finding herself seduced by a rake who only wanted her for her body, Miss Prudence Scott needs to find a husband, to weather any scandal that comes her way. Luckily for her, the Marquis of Cranford, Privateer Ross Vincent, is looking for a wife to give his infant son a mother, and doesn't care about her past. They both come to an agreement to marry, in name only, but it soon becomes obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but with the war against Napoleon on the horizon, will they get their happy ending?

I read the first book in this series a while back, and when I saw that another of Louise's books was available to review on NG, I decided to request it. I loved both of the main characters, in very different ways. Prudence was unlucky in her naivete, but she was strong, and even though she knew she was a bluestocking, from a provincial background, she took to being the Marchioness of Cranford like a duck to water. She had her friends to support her, and Ross in his own way. To be honest, all she needed was a good library to continue her translations of ancient poetry, and the opportunity to get to know little Jon, and love him as much as possible. Ross, on the other hand, was gruff, and uncouth, and hated society for what it had done to his parents. He was brought up in the East End, and had taken to the waters as soon as he had been able to, and it was only a touch of fate that he came into his title. He was more at home on his ships, but allowed himself to open up more and more to Prudence as the book progress. I loved the plot, and the added element of war with Waterloo being unexpectedly thrown in, was a delight, especially how it allowed both of the main characters to understand their feelings properly, and truly be with one another. Such an enjoyable read!

Dates Read:
December 30-31, 2020

Rating
4 Stars

February

Stacking the Shelves: February 26th 2022

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Julia London