Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I wouldd recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical romance
-woman in stem
-the characters we loved from other books
-opposites attract
-slow burn
-close proximity
-political intrigue

Elizabeth Everett's books always feel like an act of rebellion of just screaming against the patriarchy and the lady Sparks a Flame was no different. About how the impact of men as we grow up continues to reverberate throughout our life and how it also impact people in the family differently. I really enjoyed how we got a different look at Phoebe who was such a cmplicated character from other books in this series. Contrasting her experiences and her family with Sam. The trust they put in each other, the slow burn as they fell. I just loved everything about this book and the world Elizabeth created and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Everett for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This was far and away one of the best books I've read so far this year and I would go so far as to say it will end up in my top 10 of 2025.

Lady Phoebe Hunt, sort-of bomber (she designed an incendiary device, and gave it to a criminal who used it and killed a police officer), has returned from exile in America to prepare her properties and items for sale. She needs to raise funds to support her sister and mother once she returns to Chicago. Meanwhile, Sam Fenley, entrepreneur, is always on the lookout for a good investment; the Hunt properties are appealing and a title vis-a-vis marriage to Phoebe's sister Lady Karolina is even more so.

Of course, Sam strikes immediate sparks (pun intended; Phoebe's great scientific love is the study of electricity) with the wrong sister. Like the FMC in the other book I read this week, Phoebe has a LOT of baggage and is a very prickly character. Her baggage includes multilevel trauma and many, many years of repressed pain and emotions, and it is understandable that it takes a lot of effort to move through it.

I LOVED everything about this book. The characters were GREAT: I loved klutzy golden retriever Sam, I loved thorny Phoebe, I loved the squabbling between Grantham and Arthur and Greycliff. I loved survivor Moti and insightful Karolina. Letty and Violet were great too. The dialogue was snappy, the plot moved quickly, and there was even some humor tucked in there, too.
All in all this was a 5 star read for me. HIGHLY recommended although as always ymmv :)

Happy pub day to The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett.

The Lady Sparks a Flame is book two in the Damsels of Discovery series. Everett loves to bring us a strong woman with convictions as our heroine. And in this book we also get a really charming, flirty, golden retriever of a man who I was in love with.

Lady Phoebe Hunt was exiled to America after an invention of hers kills a man (it's a little confusing) and she's back because her terrible dad has died and she's trying to help her mom and sister with their new impoverished life. Sam Fenley is rich - but he's not nobility, he got his money by *gasp* working. He really wants the aristocracy to take him seriously so what if he marries Phoebe's sister? Oh wait, he actually doesn't like the sister, he's taken by the very snarly racoon of a woman that is Phoebe. I really really love Sam. He is so easygoing and also hot. And really loves his sisters. And all he wants in the whole world is for Phoebe to feel safe and supported after a really awful upbringing.

Thank you to Everett, Berkley, and NetGalley for the advanced review copy. Check out The Lady Sparks a Flame! All hail historical romance!

The Lady Sparks a Flame is without a doubt my favorite story from Elizabeth Everett. It has everything I loved from all of her previous books, but then a little extra something that really appealed to me.

Phoebe and Sam absolutely stole my heart. I am obsessed with them. Sorry!! Phoebe’s past was so heartbreaking, and I loved watching her open up, learn to trust, but also take accountability for her actions in the past. Sam is TOP TIER!! Absolutely my new number one Dandelion Boy™. This was ultimate grumpy-sunshine dynamic and I’m here for it. He was kind, patient, witty, and completely in tune with what Phoebe needed. Their chemistry was everything, and they just might be my favorite romance couple of the year.

The atmosphere of every setting was so well done. Phoebe’s family home was eerie and haunting, but then their time in London was warm and exciting. There were so many layers of family secrets to unravel which kept me hooked, and Everett’s writing was immersive and well researched as always.

I’m SCREAMING at you to add this book to your TBR if you’re looking for historical romance with a golden retriever hero, feminist scientists, creepy manors, and off the charts chemistry.

this was a dnf for me 😔 from the moment miss phoebe was introduced, she gave me lizzie vibes from boys of tommen...do with this what you will (complimentary) yet i just couldn’t get into the story/writing ALTHOUGH this was my first foray back into historical romance, bear with me 😭😭

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for an opportunity to read this ARC!

I'm just gonna be honest right out of the gate, this book started off really slow for me and usually for me to stay interested in a book it has to hook me within the first 100 or so pages. This book didn't really do that for me, but nevertheless I persisted. It picked up about 2/3 of the way through for me. If you need to be hooked within the first few chapters, then this may not be the book for you. With that being said I loved the black cat x golden retriever aspect between the two main characters! I absolutely live for a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC. Also do make sure you check your TW before reading this book. The FMC, Phoebe, does have a troubled past and that is prevalent within the story, especially with how she dealt with some of her trauma. I will say that this story had excellent representation of some of the more sensitive topics within the story. I also think while her story was relatable it wasn't the most interesting so again, I wasn't really hooked. I think my favorite part of this book was the MMC, Sam, he truly was the best part of this story. His overall banter and demeanor had me cackling throughout most of the story. I think this book would be great for people that felt like they could relate to Phoebe and enjoy books with slower pacing!

The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett ❤️
The Damsels of Discovery, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Historical Romance
ARC Review
384 pages
🗓️ March 25

❤️grumpy x sunshine
❤️golden retriever MMC
❤️(in recovery) morally gray FMC
❤️maybe sister’s suitor
❤️close proximity

📍“All she’d wanted was to live loud enough that no one could erase her.”

📍“You are compelling for the whole of you, not only the part that makes me laugh.”

Can villains have redemption? They sure can if written by Elizabeth Everett. I deeply regret not having read the other previous series to which this book connects heavily. Not that it was needed but I wanted to feel that same feeling of pleasant recognition I experienced every time they mentioned America or anything else related to the first book in this series of interconnected standalones.

I didn’t particularly connect with Phoebe. I didn’t particularly care for her villainous past. And yet, there I was crying at midnight reading the last few chapters of this book.

I didn’t particularly care about Sam’s desire to marry Phoebe’s sister. I even found it quite dragging. And yet his conversation with her got me yet again in all my feels.

The reason is quite simple: Elizabeth Everett. If you never read one of her books let me explain. She is one of the best writers of historical romance I’ve ever came across. The way she carries a story makes it absolutely impossible to stay away; your heart gets immediately invested, even with less likable characters. You can’t put it down, you can’t turn off your heart.

Now, I must go back and read about Violet and Sam’s sister 😁

I don’t understand why I haven’t been hearing more people shout about Elizabeth Everett’s writing, because it is truly beautiful. This is only my second book of hers, but I didn’t feel lost even with the connections to her other series. This is definitely a darker romance as Lady Phoebe Hunt, the FMC, along with her mother and sisters suffered an abusive household. As a result, Phoebe self-harms and although this may be triggering to some readers, Everett handles her characters with sensitivity, thoughtfulness and affection. Phoebe is angry—the epitome of feminine rage and in this way I found her relatable. She is strong despite her circumstances, has a brilliant mind, and feels tremendous guilt for an incident in her past she’s trying to make amends for.

Enter lovable, can’t-walk-two-feet-without-tripping himbo Sam Fenley whom is as opposite as possible to Phoebe; so much so that he initially courts her sister. Yet Sam is everything Phoebe needs even if it takes them both awhile to realize it. Sam and Phoebe work to catalog her family’s household items and even though they seem to both be unwilling participants, the gloominess and past ghosts of Hunt house oddly enough draw them together. Oh I loved Sam so much. He is steady and true, he never pretends to be anything he isn’t, and he makes room for Phoebe to be vulnerable. The epitome of a golden-retriever MMC, Sam sees Phoebe for the woman she is, and not for how she perceives herself.

This story is a perfect example of how two people make each other better than they are by themselves. Sometimes difficult to read, the HEA is truly well fought for and deserved by both protagonists. This is a couple that as opposite as they are, will continue to love fiercely far beyond where the pages end. To that point, the sex is ridiculously well written. Everett can do no wrong writing a love scene and I loved how sex was just one more form of communication for Sam and Phoebe to speak to each other with their bodies, learning each other. I would highly recommend this novel, but please heed any content warnings in the author’s note. I foresee bingeing Everett’s backlog in my future. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭.5
Number of times Sam uses the nickname Phoebe-girl: 1️⃣4️⃣

I just adore the covers on this new series! This is the Damsels of discovery series. In the same universe as the Secret scientists of London.
This explored the unromantic side of being a woman in those times. Even with a title you had no rights and you were at the mercy of the men in your life- father, brother, uncle, husband ( I need to have a talk with my keyboard it types banana when I swipe husband). Most of these books do but our fmc was banished to the US because of a crime and her every move is tracked.
Phoebe's father was an awful narcissist that tortured them, mostly with words but he was awful.
Sam is new money trying to get into the ton. Which is how he meets Phoebe and though he was courting her sister he was def more into her.
They had some very interesting trysts around the property too. I loved her friends and how brilliant they all are. And Sam was just the most clumsy. He sounded like he was very handsome but they were always concert over brain damage cause he would fall. Not all of us can understand complex science 🤣

3.5 stars. This is the second book in the Damsels of Discovery series by Elizabeth Everett. You do not need to read The Love Remedy, however, in order to read The Lady Sparks a Flame. However, it is helpful for character continuation as some characters are also making appearances in book 2. This story, however, focuses on a new couple, Sam and Phoebe. She has secrets, he has ambition and there's a whole lost of romantic tension. Cute if you like a slow burn.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this digital e-arc.*

I absolutely loved this book. A main female character who has done something terrible, who doesn’t think she deserves happiness, who then finds someone who loves her for exactly who she is and understands her completely? Yes, please. Fantastic.

I love Elizabeth Everett's feminist historical romances but man this one was difficult to get into at first. I felt lost, bored and a bit dumb listening to the first third or so (and I've heard others say the same) but trust me when I say the world building and politics of the period are necessary and the last two thirds will have your swooning and sighing and hoping Phoebe gets her much needed HEA.

I loved that Sam was a clumsy golden retriever type who really balanced out Phoebe's jaded black cat energy. There was also fantastic (and rare in the historical romance realm) self-harm rep (Phoebe dealt with her depression and anxiety by cutting in her youth and has the scars to prove it).

Good on audio and while this does work as a standalone, there are cameos from characters in Everett's previous books. Recommended for fans of authors like Mimi Matthews and Evie Dunmore. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Phoebe is most definitely a mood, her dry humor and wit spoke to me throughout this book. Elizabeth writes such unique historical romance with a focus on women in STEM, during a time when women venturing outside of their role as wife and mother was definitely not the normal or considered acceptable. Sam was an interesting match for Phoebe and ultimately a perfect one. Phoebe doesn't fit the mold and Sam most definitely doesn't either.

The Lady Sparks a Flame is a great historical romance with layered characters, a heartfelt love story, and meaningful messages about forgiveness, resilience, and self-worth.

Phoebe’s story was so interesting, and I was skeptical at first because she had a villainous reputation. She’s a woman haunted by mistakes made in the past, and the guilt weighs heavily on her and shapes her. Fiercely independent but a bit unlikable at first, she takes a while to warm up to. But behind her tough exterior is so much more. You see her need to atone while still protecting herself and how she pushes others away before they have the chance to hurt her. Through it all, she is strong and determined, and even when she believes she doesn't deserve happiness, she keeps going, and she faces the consequences of her past actions.

And I love Sam! He's such a great balance to Phoebe. He’s ambitious and determined, and he's so patient with Phoebe. I love that about him. The way he saw past her icy exterior was super swoon-worthy. Their romance was great. It was a slow build, which made sense considering it definitely took time for them to trust each other. I loved how their connection grew and how they slowly began to share their vulnerabilities and let down their walls.

The story is a bit of a slow build overall, but the stakes felt high, not just because of the emotional risks Phoebe and Sam had to take, but also because of the external threats they faced. Phoebe’s past comes back to haunt her with new accusations and threats that jeopardize her future, and loving and trusting Sam means opening her heart after years of convincing herself she is unworthy of love. For Sam, it meant risking everything - rejection, love, and possibly his own well-being.

I really enjoyed this read. It was emotional and romantic with well-layered characters, especially Phoebe, and I really liked the themes of starting over, forgiveness, female empowerment, and love. I think it's so interesting that the author shows many societal and gender-related struggles that people went through at this time and still go through today, (though it's actually kind of bothersome that we still face the same issues and prejudices). Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Everett for the Netgalley ARC.
I am really loving that her new series, Damsels of Discovery, is a continuation of The Secret Scientists of London, a trilogy that should not be missed. Lady Phoebe Hunt, the unrelenting villainess and trailer of book 1 in the secret scientists of London, makes an unexpected comeback from her exile in America, to manage her family’s affairs after the death of her father. She is not exactly met with open arms by the ladies of the Athena Retreat, the secret club for lady scientists, and their very protective husbands. She has done of reflection and feels very remorseful of her actions. Her only reluctant ally is Sam Fenley, a self made publishing tycoon and the younger brother of her former friend and cofounder of Athena’s Retreat, Letty, now lady Greycliff.
Phoebe’s story navigates guilt, shame, long term domestic abuse and how it can impact a person’s life and psyche for years on end, leading to a person harming themselves and others around them, social justice from the perspective of those on the top of the class structure, finding love in unexpected places and a villain’s journey to reconciliation and redemption. I really enjoyed the romance and how Sam was not intimidated by Phoebe’s sharp edges.
Also, few of the new historical romance authors can tackle social issues they way Elizabeth does; you know that you are reading about Victorian England but still relate to these issues today, she will touch upon misogyny, women’s reproductive rights and the class war in a way that can easily resonate with the 21st century reader.
There is a mild reverse age gap, high brow banter and the usual stellar cast of side characters.
The bromance between Arther Kneland and Lord Grantham will never get old to me.

I loved this book and can’t wait for more from Elizabeth Everett.

Elizabeth Everett once again serves up a smart, steamy romance that reflects real life issues facing women in science in the Victorian era- and shows how often they are going to be familiar to contemporary readers who face the same issues today of biases, abuse, and mental health. Great banter between the characters!

Phoebe Hunt never thought she’d return to England, but after her father’s passing, she’s back to settle her family’s estate. She has a lot to make up for and hopes to set things right before returning to America. What she didn’t expect was falling for Samuel Fenley.

Though Phoebe comes from wealth and Sam built his own fortune, both feel like outsiders in their world. Their attraction is undeniable, but Phoebe struggles to believe that Sam’s kindness is genuine—she’s used to people wanting something from her. As she works to mend relationships, she realizes the biggest challenge is forgiving herself.

Phoebe is a strong woman, but a difficult childhood and a cruel father left her with anger and regrets. Her path to redemption isn’t easy, but with the love of her friends—and possibly Sam—she might finally find peace.

This story shines with Phoebe’s growth, rich friendships, and sharp dialogue. The ending is beautiful, with Sam showing Phoebe what it truly means to love and be loved with your whole heart. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was an enjoyable histrom with a fair percentage of non-romantic plot but still a focus on the main couple. It is the second book in a series and while these are interconnected standalones (so the first book is a different couple that makes an appearance in this book), I do think that your enjoyment of this book will be impacted by not reading the first one first. There is a lot of set up, both with the society of scientific women and also the specific history of the FMC, that you can generally *get* from only reading this book but in a shortened form and with less emotional impact.

Things I liked: the way the book dealt with past trauma, mental health issues, the steadfast nature of the MMC, the communication between the two main characters. Sure, there were a few misunderstandings but pretty reasonable as far as romance books typically go.

What I didn’t like; honestly, not much. I could have maybe done with a little less of the corn law/protest/etc plot and a little more on the romance but I also found the existing balance to work well.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy.

The Lady Sparks a Flame
by Elizabeth Everett

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the #gifted copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own


The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett is a charming historical romance with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a strong redemption arc.
Lady Phoebe Hunt, burdened by past mistakes, returns to England to settle her father’s debts, determined to leave as soon as possible. Enter Samuel Fenley, an ambitious self-made man who wants to buy her estate—and possibly win her sister’s hand. But as Sam and Phoebe spend more time together, unexpected feelings spark between them.
I enjoyed the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Phoebe and Sam, especially his unwavering patience and devotion. The book tackles serious themes like trauma and redemption while balancing humor and romance. Though the pacing was slow at first, the chemistry between them kept me invested. Fans of historical romance with strong heroines and endearing heroes will enjoy this one.

A noble woman who thinks she must earn her redemption alone and a man bent on proving his station does not determine his success find there’s an undeniable spark between them. Will they let this possible love illuminate their lives, or will the flames lead to their destruction?
Oh, how I love a redemption arc for fallen characters. Pheobe made a lot of bad choices as a response to how little control she had over her own life and now she’s resigned to pay her dues. Sam has a sore spot for the nobility when even his shining accomplishments bar him from his dreams. When their personal schemes overlap, they notice they like more about each other than is comfortable. In fact, they seek to deny themselves until it just isn’t possible any longer. Forced proximity and all. (wink, wink)
This book is so fun! Elizabeth Everett always delivers on the hilarious moments but this one really packs them in with banter between our couple, an ongoing bromance between side characters, and our hero’s constant battle with gravity. And I can’t forget to crow about her dedication to on-page personal growth. She gives us a grouch and makes them figure it out, every single time. I’ll never get tired of the practical ways we find to open the heart to love.
The discussion of self-harm, abuse, and trauma is powerful and healing, especially in a time when women had no power over their own lives. May we strive to never stop reaching a hand out to those who are hurting and help them find their healing.