Unfortunately I had to dnf this one at about 30%. I wanted to give Elizabeth Everett another chance after reading a previous book, as the premise really sounded good. Unfortunately, I wasn't pulled into the story at all and after this many pages I couldn't tell what the story was about. I had no connection with the characters, and the plot wasn't entertaining enough for me. I'm afraid her books just aren't for me.

I hadn't read the first two books in this series so I was a little worried jumping in, but the description of this one sounded appealing!

There are definitely some things I missed by jumping into this without reading the first two books but it just made me want to read the others more. Think Bridgerton but with science! A super fun world to dip into.

In my historical romance era 💖 This stands out as one of the best. It’s feminist and science-y and deeply romantic. I loved every second.

I realize I’m reading this out of order - and I’m sure I missed a lot of backstories - but I understood context and I was totally fine.

Off to start at the beginning!!

A Love by Design is the third Secret Scientists of London book, but the first one I've read! I was worried that because I didn't know the side characters that had been introduced in the previous two installments that I wouldn’t enjoy the book. I'm glad that I was wrong, it made me want to read the other ones!
Second chance at love, a chance to be successful in her career, but at what cost? That's what Margaret Gault has to decide when she comes back to London to start her own engineering firm and remeets her first love. I think Maggie and Grantham are two of the best written characters I've read in a long time! The tension between them and the world around them was so well executed that I couldn't stop turning the pages. I loved the scientific society and all of the badass women Maggie was surrounded with. I loved Grantham's humor and his heart.

A Love by Design is perfect for any Bridgerton fan! It’s a fun, romance book. I love how fast paced it was and it is perfect for the winter season.

Elizabeth is one of my favourite historical romance writers and this is the third book in The Secret Scientists of London series. Childhood friends to scorned foes Margaret and George's journey to love promise to be thrilling and entertaining to say the least. I loved the dynamic between the whole cast of characters and the tension between the two protagonists is sizzling! I loved the boy-ish playfulness between Grantham & Arthur, it was endearing to say the least. I also really enjoyed seeing a protagonist with gifts as their love language, I feel like it's always portrayed as a "bad" trait.

Thank you Elizabeth and Berkley for a review copy. As always all thoughts and opinions are and will always be own.

Third installment of the Secret Scientist of London series; an enemies to lovers story. Margaret has returned to Athena's Retreat with an aim to establish England's first woman-owned engineering firm. George and Margaret butt heads when her investor is in conflict with his parliamentary plans. He has to use every ounce of charm to win Margaret over to his side and hope that the doesn't lose the woman that he's loved all his life.
I wasn't thrilled with the first book in this series but I saw it's promise and I'm glad I stuck with it. Very much enjoyed the 2nd, and now this book, of the series.

I am always been a fan of a story about a widow - for some reason, that is my jam in the historical romance space, but a widow who is an engineer trying to open her firm. Yes, please

All Margaret wants to do is open her firm and build bridges and much, much more with no hassle, but she has to work extra hard to make that happen. Also, her childhood love is always there when she turns around. George is determined to do something significant with his new dukedom power, and making his bill to help child labour pass is the way to go.

While Margaret and George have very groundbreaking goals in mind - they sometimes don't help each other cause. Meanwhile, they are working through their past traumas and current feelings.

A Love by Design brought the drama, the love, and some of the most memorable love scenes I've ever read.

I will be going back into the back catalogue for this one. Loved it

Margaret Gault has is a widow and she is determined to start England’s first woman’s engineering firm. Returning to Athena’s Retreat with all the secret scientists, she is spurred on to make things happen. She seems doomed from the start and Earl Grantham is no help. George Willis is a happy man to have Margaret back in England. George wants nothing but to be with Margaret and Margaret wants nothing g more than to get her business off the ground. There are so many obstacles in their way, can the two finally get together? Can Margaret get her nemesis Earl, to leave her business alone? This was a very good story. This is the third story in the series and it read like a stand alone. This was a 4 star read for me. It was an easy, interesting read and who could ask for more. I want to thank Netgalley and Elizabeth Everett for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review it. I hope you enjoy it as well.

I will read everything and anything Elizabeth Everett writes!
Her books are so real, raw, and funny while also being a work of fiction. I love the example she is setting with all the fictional STEMINIST ladies!

This was so comical and I loved every second of it!!

I jumped into this mid series but I do not think it impacted the story. I adored the ladies of Athena's Retreat and loved Margaret, even though I did not always agree with her choices. She was in a very difficult position so I do not think she made the wrong choices- they were just very difficult ones. It was nice to read a book about a female engineer during this time period even though she still required a man to open doors for her, at least it was a man who supported her.

Reading book 3 makes me want to go back and read the first two of the series! Recommend to histrom lovers especially ones who love strong women in careers!

This is a saucy historical romance that offers a heavy dose of both science and steam. There is a great deal of love and care between these characters, making it a truly great example of a second chance romance.

When Margaret returns to Athena’s Retreat, she has one goal - establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. She never expected to be reunited with her childhood sweetheart - George, the Earl Grantham.

The Secret Scientists of London is one of my favorite historical fiction series, and I enjoyed this installment!

This was enjoyable and fun romance. It's not that memorable but I did enjoy reading it at the time!

I really enjoyed this book so much! The characters were excellent, I loved the plot, and I can't wait to read more from Elizabeth Everett.

"Sometimes the world stops spinning, comes to a slow halt and allows you to take a courageous step in the right direction."
Diferente do segundo, eu gostei desse terceiro. Eu sou muito rendida em segunda chances, fora que achei o casal aqui melhor desenvolvido e com mais química. Ri horrores com uma certa cena e digo que o mocinho aqui é bastante unicórnio.

I enjoyed the first two books in the series well enough--I love a good women in STEM story, especially when mixed with romance--but this book left me bored. Perhaps, I just wasn't in the mood to read it, but I kept telling myself I would go back and finish it and just never could. It was time to pull the plug and move on.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3 stars - 6/10

This is the third book in the Secret Scientists of London series and each book has been better than the last! I really like seeing the growth and connection of these characters! Also Margaret Gault being a woman engineer in regency London - chef's kiss!! This book really showcased the fineline women would have had to toe to have everything back then also I like at the end of the book Elizabeth Everett mentions her references and women who were comparable to Margaret.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Steam, romance, smart women. Yes to all three. This book is the third in the series however it can be read as a standalone if needed. Overall a great book

I always look forward to reading Elizabeth Everett's romances! A Love by Design, which is the latest and last installment in the author's The Secret Scientists of London series ~ won my heart. 4/5 ✨ Can't wait to read more from the author!