Mathematical genius Dr. Meg Brightwood has just completed her life’s work—a proof of a problem so impenetrable it’s nicknamed the Impossible Theorem. Reclusive and burdened by anxiety, Meg has long since been dismissed by academia. Now everyone wants to get their hands on what she alone possesses—especially her own mathematician father.

Having grown up a prodigy in a field plagued by sexism and plagiarism, Meg opts for a public presentation so there will be no doubt of her authorship. But a panic attack obliterates her plans. In defeat, she goes home and locks away the one and only manuscript of her proof. Then chance sends her the unlikeliest of Isaac Wells—carpenter, high school dropout, in trouble with the law. And the one love of Meg’s life. Fifteen years ago, they did little more than hold hands. Now, they find a tenuous space where they can love and be loved for who they are—not who the world expects them to be.

Fantastic read! Beautiful depiction of real and complex characters, brilliant writing. This has just enough depth to make it super interesting and different from other romance books, but not so much to overwhelm you. It's so great to read more books about women in STEM! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

A sweet and very appealing love story featuring a brilliant young mathematician who has made a significant discovery, but is prevented from sharing it by panic attacks and anxiety. She finds love and the help she needs from an old friend. I truly look forward to recommending this title.

Not sure what to make of this novel. It’s labeled romance, but it is more a deep dive into anxiety. This poor woman is crippled with anxiety that affects her ability to present a world changing mathematical proof. Her former love returns under strange circumstances. It’s not a cheery book by any stretch.

This story, “Principles of (E)motion” by Sara Read leads you into the world of a woman, a genius’ whose whole world and life’s work has been trying to solve a mathematical theorem. At 38 she solves it and after a lifetime of being both exploited and ignored by her father, as well as suffering from crippling anxiety, she decides to hold onto it until she can face presenting it to the world. Isaac Wells, a man she knew in early adulthood comes back into her life, but with a significant history, even more so than when he left.

There are some heavy themes in this book, and I found myself very invested with the characters. One that was written of masterfully was carrying the weight of what others have told you defined you and how far or how little you will go. This story is a journey, an exploration, and the author draws the picture of living with panic attacks and anxiety so well. I applaud her way of making it so visceral for the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing Graydon House for an advanced reader copy of this book. It was very good.

An extremely moving and emotional story of two people who find peace and love with each other. Their lives were riddled with emotional and verbal abuse. Meg was crippled by panic attacks brought about by the treatment of her demanding father. Isaac was verbally abused by his grandmother. There are complications they must surmount both emotional and external. A truly excellent novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am so excited to see another Sara Read book! I adored her debut, and Principles of Emotion is a fabulous sophomore novel. Women in maths and sciences are so often overlooked--getting to see Meg Brightwood, a genius in her own right, navigating a world where men are prioritized, working toward something she cares so strongly about--is something we need more of. I love how Sara Read wrote a realistic character dealing with the realistic ups and downs of this kind of life. I also appreciate a thorny love story interwoven with it all. Can't wait to see what Read comes up with next!

The story was filled with authentic dialogue and intense situations. I loved how the the author was able to encapsulate the angst and vulnerability, developing identity and regret. Just couldn’t seem to put it down. It was simply one wonderful read for me!

Principles of Emotion is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends humor and poignancy. This literary gem encompasses a wide range of elements, including a chaotic soccer mom on the run, an exhilarating art heist, morally ambiguous decisions, and a heartwarming tale of love. Once I started reading, I could not put this one down.

This is a surprisingly deep book about two people who are underestimated in very different ways. The premise was incredibly unique and refreshing.

I found this to be sadder than the typical romance that I read, but I felt very uplifted by the end, which is very important to me in a book.

There are a number of things in this book that could be triggering to some.
TWs: child abuse, emotional abuse, child neglect, domestic abuse, drug addiction, anxiety disorders

An intriguing opposites attract romance and story of self-discovery and empowerment. Meg, a former child math prodigy, has been working on a proof for two decades. When she finally solves it, she uncovers hard truths about her own family and the lengths people will go to to belittle her and doubt her contributions to the field. At the same time, she is unexpectedly reunited with a man she fell in love with 15 years ago. They are both undergoing a tumultuous time in their lives and find solace in one another - but how can it possibly last?

While it was enraging to read about the obstacles Meg faces as a woman in her field and how poorly most people treat her, she was lovable and easy to root for. I appreciated how Meg and Isaac, an unlikely couple, really complemented each other.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.