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.

ARC Review: The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett
Pub Date: March 25th

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the #gifted copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Phoebe has returned to London after being banished to the continent in order to help her sister and mother sell her father's estate after his death. She wants to get them settled and get back to the continent ASAP. But what she doesn't anticipate is her old friend's brother, Sam, who ends up helping Phoebe and attempting to court her sister to help increase his own station in life.

This book definitely has a slow pace - it took me a bit to get into it and get invested in the characters. This is a crossover with her Secret Scientists of London series and I do actually think you're better off in this book if you've read that series. This book does explain what happens in the past books which is why Phoebe has been banished from the country, but coming in with that knowledge was helpful for understanding that piece. Though it took a while to get going for me, I did enjoy the relationship between black cat Phoebe and golden retriever Sam. He is such a sweetie and understood her so well!

Elizabeth's books always have the things I look for in historical romance - immersive, witty, romantic, and sweeping. While this one wasn't a new favorite of mine, I can appreciate all of the things I love about her books!

A lady with a past, a man with ambition, and the most unlikely romance in all of London society! Lady Phoebe Hunt never anticipated returning from her exile, not after the damage she did but with her father's death and the revelation of his debts... she has to come back to not only save her mother and sister, but finally get rid of her father's cursed home. Phoebe intends to solve it quickly and escape back to America where she can be free and unburdened by her past. Samuel Fenley is ambitious and determined to secure the perfect wife that would enable him to get more connections and wealth.... and that perfect wife happens to be lady Karolina Hunt, Phoebe's younger sister. Sam is determined to win over the easy going and sweet Karolina but that means getting Phoebe's approval... Phoebe who is as icy cold and sharp as can be... yet Sam can't seem to get her out of his head. Sam is the perfect person for Phoebe to have solve her problems, if he buys their home from them it'll solve the issue of debt and if he marries her younger sister, it'll secure her sister and mother. The only problem is that the more time Sam spends with the family the more he's realizing he's falling in love with the wrong sister and the more he is determined to break down all of Phoebe's walls despite the fact that she is determined to go through life alone... but something about Sam is melting down her very walls. This was a really cute romance, and I do appreciate an older FMC x younger MMC romance. I loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes and just how much Sam was smitten with Phoebe and worked to prove to her that he loves her. Sam gets her and despite how much she pushes and how much she tries to distance herself, he's patient and willing to do whatever it takes to show her he loves her. This one was a really fun book and I actually loved it a lot more than the first one. The romance in this one was really well done and I had fun reading it. I loved the chemistry between the two characters and how their romance was depicted was really well done.

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I have really enjoyed all of Elizabeth Everett’s previous books that I have read. This one didn’t really work for me unfortunately. It was just kinda slow and never grabbed my interest. I’ll definitely read her future releases still

The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett
The Damsels of Discovery #2 🎉

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Elizabeth Everett's writing gets more beautiful with each book!

I did not realize this book would be a crossover book with The Secret Scientists of London! So those of you who loved that series will be very happy with this redemption arc we didn't know we needed!! I honestly went straight into this book without ever reading this synopsis, because. . .it's Elizabeth Everett and she is an auto-read author for me!

• I'm pretty sure Phoebe is what you call an "unlikeable heroine" but it's hard to tell since I absolutely love her with my whole heart.
• I want to tell you all my favorite parts, but I don't want to spoil anything! Just know that there are several scenes that had me literally looking for a place to sit down to swoon safely. Swooning again just thinking about 'em!
• The steamy bits were so healing and so beautiful.
• Just a fun bonus: Phoebe and her family are Lithuanian--me too!
• The deep, raw feminine rage. It is impossible to not be moved! And the way Sam sees Phoebe's sadness and anger and he becomes the softest, safest man for her.
• I read the grand gesture with wet, blurry eyes. Everything about this whole book filled me to the brim with emotion. I already look forward to reading it again.
• Okay, I just reread the declaration of love and it has to go in my top 5 declarations of love of all time! Just has to.

Thank you for writing, Elizabeth Everett! Thank you thank you thank you

This could have been a 5-star book for me - I was really enjoying it - and then there was an inexplicable and unnecessary 2-chapter-long sex scene. Just. Why?

Other than that, though, I enjoyed the slower pace of the book. The first 60% or so is better than when they start getting physical, because the anticipation and attraction and getting-to-know-each-other part is really well-written.

I like how Elizabeth Everett takes her previous villain and turns her into a sympathetic love interest. All of the characters in this are really well-done. I liked the cameos from previous book characters as well.

I think the book makes more sense if you've read Everett's previous books, but there's enough backstory given that you might manage to read it without having read them. I don't think it would hit as hard emotionally though.

I really appreciated how Phoebe used her skills she learned in America working for a detective company to help with Sam's impromptu escape plan.

I really respect Phoebe and her mother and sister and half-brother for their ability to hold it together in her father's abusive house while cataloguing the belongings to be sold. They are all very strong - which is something that Sam has to learn because they first appear to him to be weak and frail.

*Thanks to Berkley for providing an early copy for review.

Phoebe has returned to London to help prepare her family's estate for sale following her father's death, and one of the first people she encounters is her former friend Letty's brother Sam. Words and sparks fly as they work together on a solution to her family's financial woes, but she's also fighting accusations from her past that have come back to haunt her.

I was a little disappointed in this installment of the series. While this series is able to be read as stand-alone novels set in the same world with some of the same characters, there was little involvement or mention of characters/situations from book 1 that would have left the reader feeling more familiar and comfortable with these new characters. This second book was much more heavy-handed in the political information dumping, which took away from the flow of the plot. There was also a severe lacking of chemistry between the two MCs, which is a vital part of any romance novel. This, along with a lack of emotional connection to any of the characters, left me unsatisfied by the ending of the story.

On the positive side, the covers for this series are beautiful and will catch the eye of a bookstore browser. These are also a good introduction to politics of the time if one doesn't mind partial explanations of changing laws and class dynamics.

Recommended for fans of the first book, and possibly for those looking for other women in science romance novels.