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A review by charlottereadshistory
The Chemistry of Familiar Objects by Alexandra Vasti
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I'm not sure how Alexandra Vasti manages to get so much character development into her novellas but I remain in awe of her abilities. This historical romance centres around a defiant and gifted chemist Emmeline and the starchy, upright printer Robert who works in the same building.
They are constantly bickering but when Emmeline's chemicals are stolen in the night the two set aside their differences to unravel the mystery, finding out their true feelings for each other along the way.
It's got loads of fabulous romance tropes - forced proximity, stranded overnight, needing to be kept warm and meeting the family.. and interesting and appreciated things thrown in like neurodivergent representation and a bash at the patriarchy.
I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes:
“It wasn’t a fluke,” he said. “It was alchemy.”
They are constantly bickering but when Emmeline's chemicals are stolen in the night the two set aside their differences to unravel the mystery, finding out their true feelings for each other along the way.
It's got loads of fabulous romance tropes - forced proximity, stranded overnight, needing to be kept warm and meeting the family.. and interesting and appreciated things thrown in like neurodivergent representation and a bash at the patriarchy.
I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes:
“It wasn’t a fluke,” he said. “It was alchemy.”