Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Review & Giveaway - - A Love by Design

A Love by Design
by Elizabeth Everett
The Secret Scientists of London - Book 3
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: January 17, 2023
Reviewed by PJ
 
 


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?


PJ's Thoughts:

Elizabeth Everett continues her Secret Scientists of London series with a multi-layered, second-chance, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance that had me wondering how in the world it would all work out in the end. There are more than a few obstacles standing in the way of this happily ever after, primarily Margaret's refusal to forgive George for leaving her when they were young.  

If you enjoy STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) romances, this series is tailor made for you. Everett's women scientists are dedicated, determined, and ahead of their time, making life-changing discoveries. If only they weren't forced to do it in secret. Except for Margaret. Determined to open England's first woman-owned engineering firm, Margaret is challenging London's male-run business community head on. I'm sure you can imagine the challenges she faces in doing so. Everett doesn't make it easy for her lady scientists. While fully embracing the feminist qualities of these women, she doesn't back away from the difficulties created by their choices. It adds complexity and realism to these characters as well as the time in which they lived. It also adds layers to the relationship between Margaret and George.


May I just stay how much I adore George? This is a man who has loved one woman his entire life. Too bad he messed things up when they were young. Yes, his reasons were understandable but he broke young Margaret's heart and - no surprise - she's not exactly eager to forgive and forget. Still, I was in his corner cheering him on the entire way. He's just such a sweetheart and his yearning for his "Maggie" is so endearing. I love how he respects her engineering prowess, how he supports her even when her ambitions stand in the way of his, how he's determined to protect her at any cost. And, oh my, the personal secret he's been keeping and how Margaret handles it? Yes, please! 

One of my favorite parts of this book is the bromance between George and Arthur (hero of book one, A Lady's Formula for Love). George's increasingly outrageous gifts for Arthur's and Violet's baby daughter, Arthur's responses to them, and the ways in which these two men "bond" the friendship neither is willing to openly acknowledge are both hilarious and endearing. More, please!

A Love by Design stands well on its own though for a better understanding of Everett's lady scientists and events that have brought them to this point, I suggest reading the books in order. 


Have you read any books in this series?

Have you read any STEM romances you would recommend to other readers?

Do you enjoy side bromances in the romances you read?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, February 16 will receive a print copy of A Love by Design.

*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited





 



14 comments:

  1. This sounds fun! I haven't read anything from this series, but I am reading my way through The Chemistry Lessons series by Susannah Nix which I am loving. thanks!

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    1. I'm not familiar with that series, Katie. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  2. This is a new to me author and series. But, I agree, this sounds like a truly interesting and entertaining series. I always enjoy seeing caring relationships between men, for that matter I am a reader who is character driven and I like relationships. That is true whether male or female. I was not even aware that there were series which were built on women scientists. I have read books which included women who were scientists, but an entire series.....Oh Yes.

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  3. I haven't heard of this series. I do like characters that are smart; so, I'm interested in reading this STEM romance. I'm ok with bromances as long as it's believable.

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  4. You introduced me to this series and I am loving it! I love George, too and can't wait to dive into this one. I am all for a little bromance on the side, too! I really enjoy Everette's writing. Thanks for the review.

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  5. This series is on my wishlist! I recently read Ali Hazelwood's books and loved them despite not being a fan of first person. All of her main female characters are STEM women and the majority of the men are as well. She's got 3 novellas and 2 novels with another coming out this year. She knows the STEM world well since she is a neuroscientist. :-) Oh and I adore a great bromance in books and real life.

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  6. This a series I have been curious about, but not yet read.
    I have been interested in and promoting STEM since way before it got its special designation. I remember participating as a presenter in an Environmental Field Day or 6th graders from 4 counties my senior year in college. Of the over 50 people from a multitude of agencies participating I was the only female. That was the late 60's and women still hadn't been able to break into so many STEM related career fields. I can just imagine how much more difficult it was over 100 years ago.
    Mary Connealy's The Lumber Baron's Daughters is a western series set in the late 1800's. The sisters have each been educated in a different specialty: one an explosive expert, one a mathematician, one an engineer. It is suspenseful historical Christian fiction. Her books are filled with adventure, humor, and romance.
    Side bromances are a part of life and I enjoy them being well depicted.

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    1. Above comment by Patricia Barraclough. My laptop isn't signing me in to accounts.

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  7. This Stem romance interests me greatly. Utterly fascinating and wonderful. I haven't read this series but the Stem idea is extraordinary and special. Side bromances give me great enjoyment. This novel would be a real treasure.

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  8. The stem romance is captivating and would be unforgettable. This is a new series which I will explore. A novel The Only Woman in the Room was fabulous. A bromance alongside would be extra and more to enjoy.

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  9. I have not read this author. I enjoyed some STEM books by Manda Collins.

    denise

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  10. This sounds so fun! Great review

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  11. Hi PJ. Great review! I will definitely check out this series. Neanderthal Seeks Human is a STEM romance, as are Ali Hazelwood's books and novellas.

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  12. I haven't heard of this author but I'm intrigued. Even if I don't win the book I'm going to have to find a copy.

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