Reviews

I'm being generous to award 4 stars to this book, but honestly, this was a cozy read, and it was engaging and enjoyable. There were high stakes in the book, and the setting of the story along with the novel concept of Athena's Retreat, a clandestine club for budding female scientists in an era when women weren't allowed to vote, lent a strong base to the story. Were there aspects that could've improved with a good editor? Sure. I would also state that the book could do with lesser pages, as the story seemed to drag a bit occasionally.
However, none of that took away the charming story of Violet and Arthur, a mature enough couple (more points to portraying a story with mature, relatively older leads) who have made their own mistakes, have their own fears, yet could surpass those and triumph together. I am also intrigued by the lives of the other club members, and I am glad I have the option to continue with the series whenever I am in need of a cozy book.

kay_andy's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

lnzava's review

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lanternheart's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I quite enjoyed this book, even if I wished it were fleshed out a bit more beyond the romance — the worldbuilding of Athena's Retreat was lovely, and I want to see more of how its characters face the world outside of its walls together. I'll likely read another one of these to see how they develop!

kmthomas06's review against another edition

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4.0

A fun quick read - love my historical romances to include a brainy heroine, a hero who lets her be her and a cast of quirky, delightful side characters just waiting in the wings for their own books.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley to review

mollymccreedy's review against another edition

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4.5

Just spicy enough. Arthur is my favorite character

grannyhanny's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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