The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics: A Regency Historical Romance Novel of Love, Astronomy, and Forbidden Desires

Sometimes I’m in the mood for something different. Something maybe a bit softer, less fantasy. I happened upon this book on the random, and at first I thought “Nah, that’s not really up my street” but I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and about how good it would feel to just read a book that had nothing to do with what I was writing, nor what I was editing. So I ended up buying it, and I read the entire thing in about two nights, which is extremely uncommon for me these days. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics was nothing short of delightful, a slow-burn friends-to-lovers story, the book seemed to cover so many different aspects of life and reality in the Victorian era, all of which made the relationship between Lucy Muchelney and Catherine St. Day that much brighter. And yet, it’s steeped in realism as well, in science and learning, and the role of women in society. The book starts with Lucy having to watch her ex get married, and her heart is breaking. These first few pages really impressed me, and this is honestly why I bought the book. The pain Lucy feels in this moment is so sharp, so well-written, so real I couldn’t look away. I knew that any author who could nail my emotions down like that in the first few pages was an author I needed to pay attention to. I was soon delighted to learn that the rest of the book is similarly realistic. Emotional notes that were so real they felt like they were part of me seemed to be the hallmark of this tale. Not everything is…

Ah, this cover does so much for the book but mostly as a disservice. Yep, it gets the point across that this is a historical read with an f/f relationship... But, I think it also may scare people away that aren't looking for a completely fluffy, harlequin, or overly dramatic romance for their read. Basically, it sells the quality of the story short because this is, in fact, a very high quality story with superb writing. Don't pass it up! Where does the title come from? The romance is between an astronomer's apprentice, Lucy, and the widow of a scientist, Catherine. Astronomy plays a big part in the tale...and to tell you more is a spoiler. What I really liked about the read was that we get the budding romance and lead up to the relationship but most of the book takes place AFTER the couple gets together and we see how they navigate some of the pitfalls of the past. It also reads as a feminist text, where we see our young scientist try to make her way into the male dominated scientific community and how the female characters are automatically discounted despite their talents and intelligence in just about every realm of society. How they react is compelling. The unfolding romance is believable and the narrative includes a few steamy scenes with many fade to black scenes interspersed. In general, the writing of the characters was great, dialogue was excellent, and the overall story was interesting and fun to follow. So many passages were beautifully written, I highlighted…

I’ll just come out and say it: I need more sapphic regency romance like this one! You have Lucy, a burgeoning astronomer trying to take up the mantel of her deceased father all while recovering from crushing heartbreak. And then the Countess of Moth, Catherine, who thought she was done with scientists after her husband’s death, until Lucy shows up on her door demanding to be allowed to undertake the challenge of translating the latest French astronomer’s text into English. Smart, artistic women forging a way for themselves in “proper society” on their own terms where they are given their due AND can remain independent without having to marry themselves off? 10000% yes please! There was only one thing about this book that made it drag at times… I really cannot say enough about how much I loved the dynamic between Lucy and Catherine. Both women are incredibly smart and talented and while the men in their lives may struggle to accept their genius, they never have to prove their worth to each other, even from the onset of their meeting. I also really enjoyed that Lucy, while younger, was the more *ahem* experienced one in the relationship. It was really refreshing and went a long way to balancing the power dynamic between a “country girl” and a Countess. In fact, I loved how supportive all the women were in this book toward one another, whether it was encouraging their scientific endeavors or their artistry, they were nothing but supportive and I loved seeing that. For a…

I scarcely have the words to describe the wonder of this novel, as I have finished it just moments ago. Rarely do I ever get what I want in a book. I like the blending of different ideas; of stories within stories that teach me and make me think of the world differently than before with rich backgrounds. I like compelling characters; not always strong, not always right, but striving in their complexity, trying so desperately to find their way. I like prose that ebbs and flows; never tripping over on itself, never reaching too far or with too taciturn a phrase. And I like happy endings; because if not, then what the hell is it all for? But also, make it gay. There have been very few books that have satisfied my desires. Off the top of my head, all I've got is A Price of Salt and anything by Sarah Waters (even then, pretty light on those happy endings). When I stumbled across this novel, I was immediately captured by its title. I grabbed a free sample, and then checked the background of the author, which disappointed me and rather put me off. Look I've read PLENTY of bodice rippers and romance novels (of the lady variety), and I was concerned that all of the previous hetero-bent stories meant I would be invariably disappointed, again. After many, many bad experiences, I've gotten very wary. Reader, I was wrong, and I could not be more joyously so. Everything I look for in a novel, and almost never get, I got in abundance. I could not have loved the two main characters more.…

I never expected to take only 3 days to read this F/F 19th century period fiction by Olivia Waite. It would have taken less time if no prior commitments on my calendar. This story took off from the very beginning. Lucy the astronomer and Lady Catherine St. Day, Countess of Moth, the countess who was brilliant in her own right as heiress and artist. Ms. Waite did not hold back with humor, curiosity on both the MC's part about a possible connection-romantically, and sizzling hot when the kissing starts. The mix of science and art with women who would not be denied "a seat at the table" among men who thought women ought to: stay home, be dutiful wives, or remain in the background in silence. Let this story serve as a clarion call to all women to stand up and make your voices heard. Together they showed that women are smart and need to be recognized as major contributors in all fields of study. BTW, these women never gave up their femininity,(which I liked for this story), but were determined to forge ahead with their individual abilities. The writing style flowed so beautifully in a poetic way, turn of phrase, sexy as hell, and yet arresting when tension reached it's limit. Here's a story I plan to read...a second time...very soon! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.