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by Elizabeth Everett (March 19, 2024) Many thanks to @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted digital and audiobook copies – here is my honest review!

Lucy Peterson has a knack for developing formulas for her family’s apothecary. When her formula for a salve to treat croup goes missing, she is confident that it is another sabotage from a competing apothecary and hires a private detective from Tierney & Co, Jonathan Thorne, to help. Thorne has helped everyone from governments to wronged spouses with his signature grumpy demeanor. But something about Lucy’s strength, independence, and modern sensibilities disarms Thorne and his young daughter. As Thorne investigates, his desire to help Lucy save her business grows, as does his attraction to Lucy, but he has secrets of his own. Can Thorne overcome his past to help Lucy protect her future?

I’m generally not one for historical romances, but this one had some excellent elements that made it enjoyable. First, Lucy isn’t a damsel in distress or a delicate flower. She is intelligent, strong, and passionate. Likewise, gruff Thorne has a soft side. The world of medicine during this period was fascinating. I liked how the issues they deal with in the book are also a social commentary about today’s society – from women-owned businesses to access to reproductive care; Everett deftly uses the past to make a statement about the present. I liked the personal growth of both Lucy and Thorne when it comes to family. Lucy navigates loss and relationships with her grown, not-always-wise-decision-making siblings. Thorne is raising a daughter alone and letting go of the past with his family. This is the first book in a series, and I’ll absolutely try the next one.