The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett, book one in the The Damsels of Discovery series, is a historical romance based in Victorian London, filled with history, mystery, suspense, and romance. This is the story of Lucy Peterson, a female apothecary who uses her scientific skills to help people, and Jonathon Thorne, a private investigator, hired to track down and prove that her ex stole from her the formula to what is sure to be a lucrative tonic. As they work together to solve the case and protect her business, Lucy and Jonathon develop a romantic relationship that challenges the social norms of their time. This series will continue, following the lives of Lucy’s sisters, who are also involved in science and medicine. The book is a great choice for readers who enjoy historical romance, mystery, and feminism, and who want to read a positive and inspiring story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

3.25 stars

The Love Remedy is an inventive historical romance that is both aware of its historical context and of the current state of affairs in the world. I applaud author Elizabeth Everett for exploring these particular themes in the text, and feel that this type of representation is important given the current landscape.

Without spoiling the plot, I will say that there were things that I responded to, and others that I didn’t. I wasn’t satisfied with the overall narrative arc, but that’s probably because I am an oldest child/sister, and the ways in which Lucy placates and accommodates all of her siblings in spite of their misdeeds hit a little too close to home. The mystery of the missing formula did not unfold in a satisfying way, nor did I feel like the punishment equaled the crime.

I also didn’t quite buy the connection between Thorne and Lucy, and felt like the burn between them was perhaps a little to slow. Overall, though, it’s a good start to the series, and I’m curious to see what comes next.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you @berkleypub & @prhaudio for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.

I generally love stories that take place during the Victorian era, and I was intrigued by the storyline in this book: a 19th century female apothecary whose formula is stolen turns to a private investigator for help. However, it took me awhile to warm up to the main characters and I liked Lucy more than Thorne. LUCY was a strong businesswoman who believed in her career and did her best to help her customers. THORNE was too grumpy, stiff and reserved. I did like that he was a single dad and he tried to do his best for his daughter. Lucy and Thorne had barely met before they took things to the bedroom. I thought this was unrealistic for the time period and the frequent sexual interludes actually took away from the story. The highlight of this book was the information given about women’s reproductive health care in the 1800s.

I recommend the print version over the audio version for this book.

Favorite Quotes:

One thing Thorne learned early on in fatherhood was that lying to your child was the key to domestic harmony. Carrots were what dwarves ate to give them the ability to see in dark mines, and if you ate yours before they cooled, you, too, might be able to spot gemstones in the dark. Baths were necessary because they washed away any leftover bad dreams from the night before. If you didn’t go to sleep, you wouldn’t grow big enough to ride a unicorn. Unicorns lived in Cheshire and only let little girls who ate their vegetables ride them.

Sadie had been the one to precipitate his proposal to Mrs. Merkle, although not as enthusiastically as she’d advocated for him to marry Miss Highland, the milliner (she had a nice smile and Sadie would always have new bonnets), or their neighbor Mrs. Downwith (septuagenarian she might be, but she enjoyed baking biscuits and had a lapdog Sadie found charming).

The commotion amid the congregation this morning rivaled the time Mrs. Inglewood fell so fast asleep that she’d toppled off her pew and woke screaming that the devil had finally come to get her.


My Review:

I rarely read this genre but I would more often if they were all as cleverly penned and compelling a tale as this one. Elizabeth Everett has mad skills and I am her newest acolyte. I fell into her poignant and heart squeezing arrangements of words that were brilliantly peppered with amusing lashing of wit and wry humor as well as insightful observations. Her characters were uniquely drawn while each was deeply flawed yet endearing, hard working, and mostly well intended. I adored them while also wanting to give them a thump or two with my Kindle.

okay this book came out TODAY, so this review is late but here. i really enjoyed this for what it was. what we realized is that unexpected allies and revenge are great tropes but historicals are not for me. i just can never get into the story because the language takes me out of it. this is not bad and if you like books set in historical times then you will like this more than i.

After Lucinda perfected a formula in her apothecary store she soon learns it’s gone missing. She ends up hiring an investigator named Jonathan to help find out where it went. If you like a good mystery whodunit with a grumpy romance to HEA with some family drama based in Victoria times this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommed if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical romance
-single parent
-steminist
-mystery elements
-slow burn

Gosh Elizabeth Everett just wrties my favorite historical romances. This was such a soft yet important story. About how women have historically been treated, and women's rights today in the face of abortion bans and the patriarchy. I got so frustrated at times for Lucinda and the important work she was doing for her community yet she faced real peril throughout the book for being awoman who was 'breaking the rules'.

Thorne was such a grump. I loved that the book starts off with Lucina and Thorne both firmly entrenched in their worlds and not looking to change tings, especailly for love. But these two slowly breakdown the other walls. I loved how sexual intimacy was really used to show what these characters needed and to communicate, to say I see you, trust me to give you what you need. A powerful and romantic book I can't wait to see where Elizabeth takes this series.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary book and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook

This book opens with a note from Elizabeth Everett, "Like all my books, The Love Remedy is a historical romance with a hefty dose of humor. However, like all my books, it centers the experiences of women in a historical context with an eye toward current sociopolitical events."

That right there captures precisely why I love her writing. Her historical romances feel fresh and relevant, even as they also highlight great research of previous events. And they beautifully balance the more romantic and dramatic aspects with light and fun moments.

In The Love Remedy, Lucy Peterson is a female apothecary and one of the few who serves low income customers. Her apothecary is in jeopardy of failing. Although she has developed cures that could provide a windfall, her former love interest stole and patented one without her. So she opts to hire a private investigator and gets to know Jonathan Thorne. He has a mysterious background as a gentleman fighter and is also a single father.

I greatly enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Thorne. They have excellent chemistry. Their romance was a slow build, and the pacing felt a good match to their histories. I loved all of the characters and especially enjoyed their families.

This book and its characters have such a heart for helping others. It made me think. And I especially appreciated how thoughtful the discussion of women's reproductive rights was.

This is the first in a new series. It's connected to the earlier Secret Scientists of London series. But if you haven't read those yet, you can definitely jump in here without feeling lost. I recommend everything Elizabeth Everett has written.

And the audiobook was fantastic with amazing narration by Elizabeth Jasiki.

Fun and enjoyable slow burn, then high heat historical mystery and romance. I haven't read very many historicals featuring female scientists, so that was a nice feature of this book. I liked Lucy and Thorne (the person she hired to help her), and thought they worked well together.... eventually.
Great cover!

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

#TheLoveRemedy #NetGalley

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of The Love Remedy after reading and loving Elizabeth Everett’s The Secret Scientists of London historical romance series. This is the first book in the spin-off series, and it’s an entertaining read with mystery, humor, great secondary characters, and a lovely romance.

Lucy runs the family apothecary shop and has a talent for creating different remedies, one of which is stolen. She is overworked, strong, and independent, and she puts the needs of others, especially her siblings, before her own. Determined to prove who stole her remedy recipe, Lucy hires Thorne, a bookkeeper/investigator. They make a great team, and their romance is slow-building swoon-tasticness.

I love the grumpy/sunshine trope, so it’s no surprise that I loved the relationship between Thorne and Lucy. Even his name sounds prickly! He is a total grump, but he’s also a wonderful father and very intelligent. Initially, he seems very judgmental, but I like how he grows and changes over the course of the story. Beyond his gruff and unfriendly demeanor lives a thoughtful and kind man, and it’s easy to see why Lucy falls for him.

Something that always stands out in Everett’s stories is the themes, which often center around gender roles and social restrictions put upon women at the time. In The Love Remedy, Lucy faces a lot of hatred from people who refuse to accept her role as a businesswoman. Medical care for women is also examined, as is the uphill battle for women interested in STEM-related subjects. It’s interesting (and a little sad) to see how many of the social themes are still relevant today.

Special thanks to Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️ 5
🌶️ 2

Tropes:
💚 Women in STEM
💚 Historical Romance
💚 Single Father
💚 Mystery

If you are looking for a new romance book that touches on feminist issues please read this!
I’m absolutely in love with how the author not only spun a mystery with quirky characters but touches on real issues that women are facing while highlighting issues women faced in the past.
The romance was so cute and I couldn’t help but ache for Lucy, she just wanted a partner to help her and take some of the burden of being a female apothecary owner on her own.
Thorne is a strait laced man who keeps his promises. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t eat unhealthy, and he loves his daughter with all his heart. He is determined to not let Lucy in, but he can’t help when Lucy slides inside his heart.

I love the worlds that Elizabeth Everett builds, centered around groundbreaking and smart Victorian women. This book had a good blend of romance, mystery, and historical detail.

Thorne and Lucy were such a good pair - he was reliable and solid which is exactly what Lucy needed to be able to focus on her own work. I loved the little blended family they formed, and was delighted to get some appearances by characters from Athena’s retreat.

Sometimes the narration felt a bit disjointed, and I think that some plotlines could have been developed a bit more. The story around Thorne’s family didn’t end as satisfying as I had hoped, but the mystery of Lucy’s missing formulas kept me reading and interested.

I can see some directions this series will go, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Everett for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This had a great premise - historical romantic fiction, which I enjoy, female-run business, women in STEM, and *no* Dukes to be seen, anywhere. Individually I really liked the main characters, too. Lucy, accomplished scientist (chemist, more properly, although no one used that title at the time) and owner of an apothecary, was a very sympathetic character. She was clearly overextended and overworked, wearing all the hats and doing all the work... alone. Jonathan Thorne, single dad, inquiry agent, retired prizefighter and ex-peer, was also a compelling character. His daughter Sadie was a delight and Jonathan did his very best to do right by her.

It's just that together Lucy and Jonathan had absolutely no chemistry, ironically enough. Lust, OK. Love? I did not feel it. A strong foundation for a life together? eh. I never really believed that Jonathan truly supported Lucy, or that he surpassed his judgement of her behavior and past. And neither did I believe that Lucy truly forgave Jonathan for being the child of a peer, or for holding somewhat traditional views of women (even if he had modified them somewhat). I disliked that the "villains" of the story did what they did for such dumb reasons, and I disliked that nothing ever happened to any of them. (I guess I'm a more vindictive person than Lucy! I would not be turning that other cheek, no way.)

I really preferred the mystery portion of the story, and Lucy's life as an apothecary owner, to the romance. It was a decent story overall - and that cover is gorgeous! - but I found myself turning to the next book without a second thought. ⭐⭐⭐

It’s a grand day when I get to review an Elizabeth Everett book. I was introduced to her through her second book in The Secret Scientists of London series, A Perfect Equation. Followers of the podcast will remember that book being highlighted quite a bit on my best of lists for 2022. This year, Everett has branched out to a parallel series that delves into the side characters from SSoL with The Love Remedy (The Damsels of Discovery Book 1).

A Little Bit of Plot
Lucinda (Lucy) Peterson has awful luck keeping her formulas for herself - first for her exclusive lozenges and now for the treatment of croup. Money keeps walking out the door. She knows the culprit, but she needs a private investigator, Jonathan Thorne, to prove it. He’s grump, she’s harried, but there seems to be a spark when they touch. All Thorne wants is to provide for his daughter, but he’s sworn off falling for beautiful women. What happens when his new, beautiful client poses a threat to his best intentions?

The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Writing

Elizabeth Everett is a wonderful storyteller. She creates personality and whimsy in situations that a less deft hand would turn either too dire or overly slapstick. Through her writing, you get the sense that Everett respects her characters and their beliefs by how sharp-witted and warm they appear. She entices the reader to fall in love with this band of intelligent and brave women, which makes them a beacon for heroes with protective instincts and the wherewithal to get out of the way and let the ladies lead the charge. Thorne is a bit different, however, as while he’s not against a free-thinking and sexually progressive woman, he has more stringent views of how his daughter will be raised. Because of this, Thorne and Lucy are constantly at odds. Also, because this is a romance novel, you know that he comes around in the end. :wink: I think this first real interaction sums up their relationship.

“Of course, you can’t be sent to Newgate if you haven’t committed a crime,” Thorne continued.
For a moment there was no reaction, then Miss Peterson’s left ankle turned in a circle as if to say, Go on.
“If I were to stack the crates again beneath you, would you please climb down here so that we can speak face-to-face?” he asked.
Miss Peterson’s left foot hung motionless for a moment, then slowly moved side to side.
“Is it the speaking face-to-face you wish to decline?”
The foot moved side to side again.
“You’re well stuck, aren’t you?”
Miss Peterson’s left foot tapped the building in a grumpy manner, if a foot could be said to be grumpy.

Without a word from Lucy, we have pages of dialogue between a man and a foot, and it’s enjoyable, and the communication is crystal clear. I would also add that the depth at which both characters “get” the other is evident almost immediately. We will see many more examples of this throughout the novel, especially in the more intimate times. Thorne almost instinctively understands what Lucy needs, which makes him the perfect partner to her, not only in the bedroom but in most aspects of their lives together.

The Meat (The Con)
An epilogue, for certain. The ARC copy ends a bit abruptly. This truly isn’t a con, as I just wanted more from this couple. The slow build-up to the grand gesture leaves you wanting even more.

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
Women in STEM!

Everett promotes not only women in the sciences, but many of her heroines are also part of the working class. While some are in reduced circumstances, they never feel as though they need a husband or partner to thrive. While Lucy needs an extra set of hands to run the apothecary, this will then allow her more time to invent. In the novel, she works through the night, filling orders and experimenting, and her days are filled with customers and consultations. Thorne understands her need for freedom and is willing to provide stability so she can thrive in her field.

We also see the progression of Thorne’s thoughts about what he wants for his daughter, Sadie. At first, he’s only interested in her making a good match some day, however, when faced with that possibility, discovers what she wants for her life is much more important than his own beliefs.

Sadie grows throughout this novel. She learns to be inquisitive, confident, and self-assured. We are provided two different interactions between Sadie and other women: Mrs. Merkle, who feels she should be trained to enter into service (due to her status and upbringing). Then, the Petersons encourage her to be inquisitive, look beyond societal expectations, and foster her love of science. You can guess which Thorne ends up adopting.

It should also be said that this book is muy fuego. It’s a slow burn, so it takes a bit to get there, but we aren’t disappointed when we do. And lots of pregnancy prevention talk. Love it!

This can be read as a stand-alone. However, I think to get the full scope of Athena’s retreat and some of the characters referenced in this book, do check out the trilogy that precedes this. Elizabeth Everett will always be an insta one-click for me forever and ever..amen.

The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett is the first novel in The Damsels of Discovery series, a romantic historical featuring a Victorian apothecary. It’s got mystery, family, romance and more to delight those who enjoy women-in-stem and strong feminist themed historical romance.

This was a grumpy meets sunshine romance that began slowly, but eventually pulled me in. I admit to not reading the synopsis beyond “a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.”

While the romance was central to the story, I quickly became wrapped up in the stolen croup formula, the shop and the family that lies within. Lucinda Peterson has the weight of her family on her mind. Since she runs the apothecary and their future. She worries for her patients and is angry at herself for being duped by a lover who stole her formula for throat lozenge. When she discovers her croup formula missing, she suspects he stole from her again. Angered, she hires private investigator Jonathan Thorne. She offers him and his daughter an apartment on the third floor of the shop, and he agrees to solve the mystery and check her accounts.

The tale that unfolded was filled with discussions and discourse over women in science and family issues. Her sister wants her married and her brother is always off chasing some new scheme. I loved the interactions, the shop and remedy talks. There is also a lot of tension caused by men believing woman have no business in medicine.

I enjoyed the different aspects of the story, but loved the romantic moments between Lucinda and Jonathan. Jonathan has secrets and has put his daughter above all else. I loved the growth in both characters and the sizzling chemistry. Slowly but surely, Lucinda gets under the armor of our grumpy hero.

The Love Remedy was a solid start to the series, and I look forward to the next installment.

So very good! A real masterpiece in my opinion. Not only it perfectly depicts the personal struggles of two great characters, but also of women in a stifling society, and it deals in particular with the topic of women’s self-determination, especially in regard to their own bodies, which is so very actual today.
I loved that the hero is not handsome, but very beautiful inside and that Lucy is able to see behind his self-imposed armor. And I loved that Thorne wanted to change his life for his child. I fell in love with Lucy and her passionate nature and I even cried a bit for her and her struggles. And, last but not least, I ADORED the author’s notes. Everett is a great writer and I really can’t get enough of her books!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc! I enjoyed the feminist women-in-stem take on a Victorian-era romance between a fierce and independent apothecary and a grumpy detective. However, I wish I could have seen more pining from Thorne for Lucy. I feel like there needed to be more interactions and intimacy whether it was small romantic moments or bigger gestures and confessions of love which there wasn't much of. However, the few intimate scenes that we got were marvelous and I could really tell that Thorne knew exactly what Lucy wanted and needed. There just needed to be more development of chemistry. Sadie was also an unexpected impactful character who was very charming, and I loved to see how she softened the characters through her brightness. I loved the premise of the book, I think there was a need for better bond building between characters, but the story is still charming. Overall, I still enjoyed my read of this arc and cannot wait for the rest of the series that has so much potential like this one.

I really enjoyed Elizabeth Everett’s first three books so I was definitely looking forward to this book. I think this is tied with the last of for my favorite. I really liked this. The story was really good and I loved the characters. I’m definitely a fan and will keep reading her books going forward!

Two people both burned by love and attraction in the past join forces on a common goal and find that the remedy they’ve been looking for has been right under their noses the whole time!

The Love Remed by Elizabeth Everett is the first book in our new series, The Damsels of Discovery, featuring more STEM heroines and the hunky men who fall for them!

Apothecary, Lucinda is holding her family business and herself as best she can. When her latest proprietary formula goes missing, she enlists the help of a private investigator to find out who has stolen her work. Johnathan moves into the building with his young daughter and becomes more immersed in this investigation and in Lucinda as they unravel the mystery…

I absolutely loved the story, both Lucinda and Jonathan were characters. They came to life on the page and were so easy to root for. Lucinda is the hard-working sister trying to keep her family business together and Jonathan is the hard-working single dad trying to do right by his daughter. And of course, both of these characters with checkered romantic past that Poisoned them to the possibility of love and happily ever afters for themselves.

As well, Elizabeth Everett creates a real sense of realism in her gritty, London portrayal and her realistic Victorian working class characters. I absolutely loved reading, historical romance and not stepping into a ballroom once! So refreshing!

This book was excellent, and is definitely going to be one of my top reads for 2024!

Thank you, Elizabeth, Everett, and Berkeley publishing for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.

This historical romance had a ton of potential but the plot didn't quite do it for me. I love the theme of "smart woman thrives in a time when women were oppressed" and I've heard of Elizabeth Everett's books that are all on that theme, but this is the first one I've read. The covers of her books are always GORGEOUS and this one is no exception. I liked the characters, the setting and the premise quite a bit. The vibes were great but the plot and pacing was lacking a bit for me. There wasn't quite enough happening in the story to keep my interest. The spice level was high, although there was some light bondage that was not really my cup of tea,

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.