4 Stars
ARC Review: A Perfect Equation (The Secret Scientists of London #2) by Elizabeth Everett
10:00
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
