Apothecary Lucy Peterson’s formula for a croup salve goes missing only months after her rival stole her lozenge formula, so she knows who’s behind it; she only needs help proving it. Reformed pugilist Jonathan Thorne is the private agent from Tierney and Company that she hires to track down her formula and right this wrong before her business suffers. Will they find who did it? Will it grow into more?

If there’s one thing Everett never fails to do, it’s write complex characters. Lucy and Thorne both have depth to them that brings the reader into their story. They have character flaws that make sense with their background and experiences. And they have clear motivations and react within reason when questioned and put to the test. The Love Remedy is going to have that grumpy/sunshine dynamic, but their personalities don’t rely too heavily on tropes so it never falls flat.

This book definitely felt more relationship heavy (romantic, platonic, and familial) than mystery, but it was still enjoyable. The two don’t necessarily work together to find who’s behind the missing formula (Thorne does most of it on his own while Lucy is working), but they’re around each other during the investigation. If forced proximity does it for you, this one may be up your alley. 

Overall, if you enjoyed The Secret Scientists of London Series, I think you’ll enjoy this one too. It’s in the same world, but focuses more on working class than the aristocracy so it feels new.