Convergence of Desire
By Felicity Niven. Bletherskite Books.
Harriet (Harry) Lovelock has important concerns with regard to Fermat’s Theorem. She is sure she can solve it if only she could rid herself of the balls and social occasions required of her as an unmarried young lady in English society. Meanwhile, Thomas Drake is trying to enjoy life without allowing his heart to begin feeling for others, particularly women. After a chance encounter, Harry decides on a plan that she believes will benefit both of them: a marriage of convenience that will allow her to continue her work undisturbed and for him to carry on life with no feelings attached.
What follows is a wonderful story where character growth continues for Harry and Thomas. Even Harry’s neurodivergent character can feel love and passion in the right circumstances. And there’s considerable respect for allowing such a character to live the life she wants instead of forcing her into society’s requirements. Thomas’ character is a bit more trope-y, having had his heart broken he won’t open it again, etc. I often find these characters massively annoying with their claims of not wanting to hurt the partner yet still resolutely refusing to open their hearts and hurting the same partner.
What’s refreshing here is the gradual changes that come over both characters and how they naturally come together without too many problematic bumps along the road. There’s none of this instant love that plagues a lot of these stories. Also I must point again how well the neurodivergent Harry is shown to be able to feel and love and hurt just like anybody else. She just has different ways of processing these feelings.
I only had a couple of quibbles with some of the language used in the book, mostly because I feel fairly certain the usage didn’t exist during the Regency period. This includes a rather cute joke made towards the end of the book by Harry.
Overall this was a really good romance and I give it 4.5 stars. I would like to thank Booksirens and the writer for providing a free review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.