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.
by Elizabeth Everett
Series: The Damsels of Discovery #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
When 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.
When Lucinda Peterson’s recently perfected formula for a salve to treat croup goes missing, she’s certain it’s only the latest in a line of misfortunes at the hands of a rival apothecary. Outraged and fearing financial ruin, Lucy turns to private investigator Jonathan Thorne for help. She just didn’t expect her champion to be so . . . grumpy?
A single father and an agent at Tierney & Co., Thorne accepts missions for a wide variety of employers—from the British government to wronged wives. None have intrigued him so much as the spirited Miss Peterson. As the two work side by side to unmask her scientific saboteur, Lucy slips ever so sweetly under Thorne’s battered armor, tempting him to abandon old promises.
With no shortage of suspects—from a hostile political group to an erstwhile suitor—Thorne’s investigation becomes a threat to all that Lucy holds dear. As the truth unravels around them the cure to their problems is they must face the future together.
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.
About Elizabeth Everett
Elizabeth Everett lives in upstate New York with her family. She likes going for long walks or (very) short runs to nearby sites that figure prominently in the history of civil rights and women's suffrage. Her Secret Scientists of London series is inspired by her admiration for rule breakers and belief in the power of love to change the world.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Love the cover to this one. Glad you enjoyed it, but not sure it will be one I pick up. Hope the next book is as good for you too. Great review!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I enjoyed this one overall, but did have some issues. Too many plot threads and shoving in issues when I wanted a more focused romance. Also, the lack of communication at the end drove me nuts. Still, it was an entertaining read.
Katherine
I’ve had this on my radar just based off the cover but this looks really good! I really like the grumpy/sunshine type romances and this looks really interesting.
Nadene
It sounds like you found another winner
Anne - Books of My Heart
I might like this. I tend to love Historical mystery but not historical romance as much. I read series where there is both but I think of the mystery in the foreground. Like Kat Holloway, Wrexford & Sloane, and the Gaslight Mysteries.