This was historical romance perfection. Joanna Lowell has definitely become a must-read romance author for me after batting yet another queer historical romance novel clear out of the park. Georgie is my everything and I love them desperately, and right from their first mucky re-introduction at the beginning of the book the chemistry between them and Elf is undeniable. This was everything I have always loved about historical romance, and why it remains my favorite subgenre: wild mystery goose chase (or not so goose chase, as the case may be) underpinning a sweetly human story about two people who couldn't be more different finding that maybe they really do belong together after all, with a healthy dose of character development for both of them before the end. 10/10 for endless shenanigans and the best love story.

Lowell's writing in A Rare Find is lush with thoughtfully drawn characters and rich historical details. I loved how the story explores identity and gender roles. This is a very character driven historical with poetic prose and a leisurely pace. Personally, I found the pacing to be a struggle. The story and the romance are a slow burn in every sense, and while some of the emotional beats landed beautifully, there were moments I found myself drifting or losing the sense of urgency to keep me hooked. I can see where this romance will resonate with readers who love a gentle, historical romance. I admire Lowell's historical accuracy and thoughtful author's notes. I'm looking forward to reading more of her backlist.

This was a little slow to start for me, but once I got into it, Joanna Lowell's ability to craft rich emotional and physical intimacy while still embracing comedic elements and never ignoring the consequences of queer relationships and identities in the early 19th century. Georgie is particularly a revelation, in part because it is so rare that we get to see such a well rounded and realized nonbinary character in historical fiction--let alone historical romance--that is not just someone coded as queer or gender nonconforming. Elf is the perfect foil for Georgie's expansive self-confidence, and it is a pleasure to watch her unpack her assumptions and misunderstandings. By the end of the book I was tearing up. Such a "rare find" of a book and a worthy addition to the queer literature canon!

Joanna Lowell does it again! I didn't think she could top A Shore Thing, but A Rare Find might be fighting for my favorite. I love seeing these diverse stories in historical romance and would love to see more. I'll be for sure recommending this book to my customers.

i really wanted to love this but i was quite bored most of the time! truly upsetting because georgie and elf had are some feminist baddies! the characters were pretty charming, the story was just sloooww

DNF/NFN at 41%

I enjoyed A Rare Find when I first started the book, but as it went on, I found myself getting into a reading slump because of it.

I’ve really been in the mood for a books with a lot of action and a fast moving plot, and A Rare Find is a story that involves more heart to hearts and slower conversation. While it makes sense in the story itself, the misogyny was starting to take over to the point that it was making me depressed.

I may give this one another try when I’m looking to settle in with a slower-paced historical romance!

Thanks to Berkley for letting me read and review this book early. All thoughts are my own!!

A Rare Find follows Elf, an archaeologist, who is struggling to be taken seriously by the men around her. Her childhood enemy returns home for a bit, and the two team up to discover hidden treasure and maybe fall in love on the way??

I adored this book so much!! I will immediately be reading anything and everything from Joanna Lowell. I loved her writing style and the way she wrote these characters. I wasn’t able to binge this book the way I wanted to, but when I did get time to read it, I DEVOURED IT!!

Elf’s journey through the book, trying to honor her Grandmother’s memory and make progress as a woman in that time was so emotional and rewarding. In my head, she’s autistic. I saw so much of myself in her, and I noticed some things that make me head-cannon her as autistic.

Georgie, MY LOVE, I adore them with my whole heart. They brought so much laughter and joy to this story, and I want them to get everything they want forever. Together, Elf and Georgie are so precious to me, and I would read about their adventures until the end of time.

2.5
As much as I really wanted to love this, I was honestly pretty bored reading it. There are some cute character moments and I love seeing queer rep in historical romance (especially a main character with they/them pronouns), but it just didn't work for me. I realized that I dnfed two of Joanna Lowell's other works, so maybe her writing style just isn't for me?

Elfreda and Georgie don't get along, particularly when Georgie causes Elfreda to lose a priceless amulet that was her ticket into an elusive archeology society. Can they cooperate long enough to uncover an ancient treasure even more priceless than the amulet?

🎩 Bookish Thoughts
I really wanted to love this one. I’ve been in my queer historical romance era lately, and this had so much potential! It just didn’t quite delivery.

I adored Elfreda. She was a total baddie archaeologist, even when the men in the world don’t recognize her or take her seriously. I just wish we got more treasure hunting and adventure that was the part I was most excited for. Also, I really disliked Elf’s father! 😭

There was a lot happening that didn’t feel connected to the main plot, and the pacing was too slow for me. I do think readers who enjoy a slower paced book will enjoy this more than I did.

✨ What You Can Expect
• Enemies to lovers
• Queer historical romance
• Opposites attract
• Nonbinary MC
• Slow burn

📖 Final Score: 3 stars
📅 Pub Date: June 10, 2025
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Cozy English countryside sapphic academia vibes!! This is Joanna Lowell at her best: smart, dreamy, nerd banter, the warmth of queer community in a world still learning how to accept us. A beautiful follow up to A Shore Thing. I can't wait to read whatever Joanna writes next. No one is writing histrom like her right now.

Thank you to Berkley for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A treasure hunt that leads enemies to lovers. This is an easy read that can be pretty slow at times. It has good queer representation. Not my favorite read but not the worst.

4.5 stars

This queer regency-era book is a must read for any queer historical book lovers.

These characters were some of my favourite ones to read about in a long time. The misogyny that Elf deals with, and her need for validation in her work is so emotional and upsetting. It really sheds light on the infantilization of women in this era of history, even if this is fiction. Georgie's exploration of their non-binary identity was so wonderful to read about, especially in the way that they use clothing to physically express how they feel about their gender on any given day.

The romance was so beautiful. The tension between Elf and Georgie was amazing, and the progress in how they warmed up to each other slowly, and began to trust each other was so enjoyable to read about. The way Georgie continuously wants to prove themselves to Elf, and helps Elf to receive credit for her work is just wonderful.

Overall, I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a historical queer romance, or a Regency era book with non-binary representation.

A huge thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and Netgalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This had a delightful enemies to lovers, childhood rivals dynamic. Elfreda and Georgie are neighbors. Elfreda is a scholar and has been trying to find any proof on her fathers land to support the stories told. Georgie who was a bit against the norm who secretly worked on the stage and sometimes wore men's clothing. Also, as neighbors their families don’t get along because of long histories.
I love how their relationship developed. As Elfreda didn’t realize that Georgie was just trying to get her attention but seemed more like she was trying to annoy her. But once the lake incident where Georgie was trying to help happened her thinking shifted. Elfreda learning that sapphic love was a thing and that she didn’t need to be with a man like society told her. Or her useless father told her, honestly it seems like the majority of fathers in this time period are awful to their daughters. Or just in line with society taking credit for womens work.
I love historical romance books as now lgbtq+ is talked about, then it was illegal or taboo in that time period. Ancient times it was there and much different. Our human culture is fluid and stories and histories change or are removed by man and are interpreted as they will be. But it doesnt change the fact that gay people have and always will exist.

Was sooo excited to meet and interview this author at Apollycon this year.

Thank you berkley romance for the gifted copy

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted eARC. My opinions are my own.

Synopsis: When an aspiring archaeologist teams up with her childhood enemy for a treasure hunt, they find it impossible to bury their growing feelings.

Read this for:
- childhood enemies to lovers
- queer historical romance
- lots of info on archaeology
- crumbling manor house
- treasure hunting
- non-binary MC
- daredevil twin sisters
- thumbing noses at the patriarchy

My thoughts: this is a charming story filled with interesting characters (some of whom I wanted to punch), lots of historical tidbits both of ancient peoples and 1800’s England, interesting history of archeology in England. I loved Georgie and Elfreda’s journey from childhood enemies, to treasure hunting partners, to lovers. The side stories of Georgie’s ex fiancé and Elfreda’s terrors of little sisters are fun and I want more. The dual perspectives of Georgie and Elfreda helped balance the understanding of what was going on, because they have vastly different ways of seeing the world.

Highly recommend! I also picked up A Shore Thing also by Joanna that I can’t wait to read.

I really enjoyed this Sapphic queer historical romance between Georgie, a nonbinary/gender nonconforming actor and their childhood friend, Elfie, an aspiring archaeologist who is determined to prove her father's property was once the site of Viking camp.

This book had great queer characters, a romance to root for, adventures in archaeology with riddles and clues from Elfie's grandmother (herself a budding archaeologist). I loved how the two main characters challenged gender roles of their time and fought for the love and lives they wanted.

Great on audio narrated by Ros Watt and perfect for fans of authors like Erica Ridley. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Elfreda Marsden discovered an amulet proving that the Viking army camped on her family’s estate. Her nemesis, Georgie Redmayne, is back from London and literally collides with Elfreda. The amulet is lost, and now Elfreda can't lead an excavation to prove her theories. Georgie hates being in the countryside and needs money to leave Derbyshire. Joining forces to locate a hidden hoard of Viking gold is the best chance for them both, but attraction builds up between them. Is there something more valuable than the gold?

Elfreda and Georgie had multiple interactions over the years that were less than stellar and would be the stuff of pratfall comedy if this were a different type of book. Elfreda felt that she was being made fun of and belittled, especially with her father denigrating her intelligence as female whimsy, and the Redmayne family purchasing part of their property when they fell on hard times. She had archeological theory instilled in her, but her father's and society's beliefs still override hers. Without the amulet to prove her theory, even her grandmother's translated works are dismissed. Georgie had drummed up a scandal in London by dressing in masculine clothing some days, acting on stage, and drinking. They don't feel like any particular gender, and they are best friends with a pair of women in love with each other. As much as they clock Elfreda as one of them, the potential for an archeological dig and recognition is more alluring to her.

There's a bit of discussion regarding how the gender binary doesn't quite fit Georgie, and how acting allowed them the ability to test that fluidity. Seeing two women in love and realizing it's even an option led Elfreda to consider that with Georgie. They discover each other's dreams, and in their own ways, try to make it happen. The discovery of what is important to them, as well as the historical finds, brings them together. While the Regency time period is working against them, they're willing to risk it for happiness.

I liked A Rare Find! It’s not too plot heavy, more of a slice of life kind of story. We get a lot of good character development about both Georgie and Elf. The romance enemies, to friends, to lovers.
There’s a lot of really great exploration and discussion about gender in this book. Due to the time period, the way the characters talk about it is a little different than you and I would today, but their sentiments and experience aren’t all that different than many current queer experiences might be.

The authors note is excellent. If you skip it, you’d be doing yourself a disservice! It’s very well written and thoughtful and gives a great perspective on the book.

Another sapphic historical romance author that I’ll be keeping my eye on!

This is my first Joanna Lowell book, and I’m glad I picked it up. Though it launched with a slow start, one that required a couple chapters for me to get into I eventually was smitten.

With budding archeologist and historian Elfreda getting into mess after mess. From losing a medallion to support her findings, to falling into a lake, and running into her childhood enemy.

Said enemy, Georgie, is the non-binary of my dreams. A chaos Muppet who is still just trying to figure out where they fit. Running into Elf, Georgie’s nickname for our archaeologist, stirs up a ton of memories, feelings, and a personal mission to somehow redeem themselves in Elf’s eyes. Though winning her over and succumbing to a decades-long crush wasn’t the plan… or was it?

The journey these two take to falling in love is equal parts adorable, dangerous, and heart-aching. Both Elf and Georgie have gone through tough battles of not being enough, of feeling less than, due to family and others, but it was discovering their importance to one another and their ability to be steadfast to someone else that kept me turning the pages.

There is a bit of a Pride and Prejudice element to Georgie and Elfreda’s interactions at first, this misunderstanding was born of assumptions and misinterpreted actions or behaviors that only come from youthful mishaps. I think it was refreshing to see how the interactions in the present and the rehashing of their childhood encounters foster the acceptance these two eventually discover.

In the end, I couldn’t wait to see how they got their happily ever after, and the end result was satisfying, despite the sluggish start. There are proper villains, a couple of side characters that do get their well-deserved moments, and even a pair of spoonicorns.

For readers who enjoy Olivia Waite.

~ Landra

This is my first Joanna Lowell book, but she has been on my radar for awhile, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read her latest book. I follow both a mudlarking on the Thames page and a UK metal detecting page on social media, so needless to say, I was thrilled to pieces when I found out that this book was—in part—about archaeology.

Elf and Georgie were never particularly friends in their youth; their interactions were based on proximity rather than affection. Their reunion as young adults begins catastrophically when Georgie knocks the amulet that is supposed to change Elf’s life into a cowpond. Their mutual decision to put aside their differences turns out to be the best decision of their lives.

This book highlights a key sociological theme: Elf’s family—the Marsdens—are old and genteel, although lately, it’s been more like genteel poverty. Georgie’s family—the Redmaynes— are wealthy, but relative newcomers to the district. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the surnames? Chef’s kiss! Brilliant!

Elf’s father is an antiquarian who refuses to believe that there might be evidence of Northmen (Viking) activity in his own backyard, and dismisses evidence from his late mother’s notes as fanciful fiction. Nor does he seem to notice or care that his six year old twins are feral and his teenage daughter thinks she’s a locked princess in a tower. He appreciates Elf because she is like him, but similarly refuses to acknowledge that she is intelligent enough to be capable enough to be his successor.

So that is why Elf agrees to accept help from Georgie in proving her theory about the winter camp of the Northmen. Coming into Georgie’s circle is eye-opening for Elf who encounters new people and ideas, chiefly that maybe Georgie Redmayne is not such a horrible person.

I have focused on Elf, but Georgie is equally delightful for living their life genuinely and without (much) concern of scrutiny or censure. They are bold and brave and the perfect foil for Elf, who would never have truly dreamed for more without Georgie telling her that she didn’t have to accept the place she’d been assigned. Georgie is kind and loyal and just an absolute sweetheart.

I loved everything about this book: the characters—both main and side, the banter, the archaeology…everything! But the best thing about this book is that there is no Big Misunderstanding in which the protagonists separate because of something that could have been resolved easily with one conversation. When books exclude the Big Misunderstanding from the story arc, it proves that it doesn’t need to be an essential part of the arc.

I would absolutely recommend A Rare Find. Like I said at the beginning, this is my first Lowell book, but it’s not going to be my last. When I really like a book, I make sure to acquire print copies and audiobooks in addition to the e-book. This is one of those books. I’m not sure which Lowell book I’ll read next, but I already know I’m going to enjoy it.




I received a digital ARC of this book from Berkeley/NetGalley

While there are a lot of things I like conceptually about this book and nothing I particularly disliked, it never really sucked me in and I just felt apathetic for most of my time reading it. I thought the prose was nice, not too flowery but not without embellishment.

I appreciated the themes of exploring your gender identity, queer solidarity, women's rights in various fields, archeology and history, sisterly affection, and dealing with toxic parents. I do think most of these themes were only dealt with in a fairly light and fleeting way for much of the story.

I had less appreciation for how Elfreda and Georgie acted like children even though they were in their 20s. The bickering and misunderstandings between them felt forced, which made the overcoming of their disagreements feel less earned and genuine. I didn't particularly like either of them for most of the book, but their later character development helped my opinion end on a more positive note.

So, ultimately this is a low-stakes slow paced story about childhood enemies reconnecting romantically as adults and overcoming the flaws that kept them from understanding each other. If you're in the mood for a historical romance that's easy breezy and mostly wandering around nice country estates, you may enjoy this.

Content Warnings:
Moderate: Confinement, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Abandonment
Minor: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness