A Rare Find By Joanna Lowell Book Review

I picked up A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell late one night, thinking I’d read a few chapters. Instead, I raced through it, grinning at the queer joy and wild adventure. The Regency setting, sapphic romance, and a treasure hunt with fierce, funny characters kept me hooked from the start.

Key Takeaways

A Rare Find is a new Regency romance. It has queer happiness, fun adventure, and strong characters.
These characters do not follow old rules. The story stands out because it shows queer and trans people honestly.
It has a trans hero and uses nonbinary pronouns. This makes the story about representation and hope.
The treasure hunt is fun and interesting. But the best part is how Elf and Georgie get closer.
Their talks and jokes are great. The book ends in a happy and satisfying way.

About the Book

Regency Setting

I always get a little thrill when a book drops me into Regency England. A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell does this with style. The story brings out the fancy dresses, candlelit halls, and secret gardens.

I could almost hear the clink of teacups and the soft shuffle of slippers on marble floors. The setting feels real, but not stuffy. I never felt lost in old-fashioned words or endless descriptions. Instead, I got to enjoy the fun parts of the era—like wild carriage rides and hidden passageways.

The book gives me:
- Gorgeous ballrooms
- Mysterious country estates
- A sense of adventure around every corner

I found myself wishing I could step right into those scenes, even if just for a night.

Sapphic Romance

The romance in this book made my heart skip. I loved watching two women fall for each other in a time when that love had to stay hidden. Their connection felt honest and sweet. I rooted for them from the first stolen glance.

The chemistry between the leads is strong, but it never feels forced. I laughed at their banter and felt a little giddy during their secret meetings.

I have to give props to the author for making the sapphic romance feel both joyful and real. It’s not just about longing—it’s about hope and happiness, too.

If you want a story where queer love shines, this book delivers. A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell stands out for its bold, loving characters and the way it celebrates their happiness.

A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell: Story and Characters

Treasure Hunt Adventure

I went into A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell expecting a wild, pulse-pounding treasure hunt. The blurb promised secrets, clues, and maybe even a little danger. I grabbed my tea and settled in, ready for a chilling adventure. To be fair, the treasure hunt does show up, but not in the way I thought.

The hunt feels more like a backdrop than the main event.
Most of the action happens in just a few scenes.
Only one scene really made my heart race or left me gasping.
The story spends more time on historical research and clever puzzles than on actual danger.

I’ll be honest, I wanted more suspense. But I realized the treasure hunt isn’t really about gold or jewels. It’s about what the characters find in themselves and each other. The search brings Elf and Georgie together, forcing them to work as a team.

Their old rivalry turns into something much deeper. I found myself caring less about the treasure and more about their growing connection.

The treasure hunt in A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell isn’t just about adventure. It’s a clever way to explore gender, class, and the rules of Regency society.

If you’re looking for a nonstop thrill ride, you might feel a little let down. But if you love stories where the real prize is love and self-discovery, this book delivers.

Trans Hero and Botanist

Now, let’s talk about the characters. This is where A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell truly shines. The story gives us Elf, a trans man who has always felt out of place in his own family. He’s smart, stubborn, and brave, but he also feels real fear about being himself in a world that doesn’t understand.

Georgie, the botanist, is just as interesting. She’s curious about everything, especially plants. She’s also bold and a little reckless, which makes her a perfect match for Elf. Their childhood rivalry adds a spark to every scene. I loved watching them argue, tease, and slowly trust each other.

Elf’s journey as a trans hero feels honest and hopeful.
The book never turns his identity into a problem to be solved.
Instead, it shows how he finds joy and strength in being himself.
Georgie’s love for science and discovery shapes her choices and her heart.

Their identities shape the story in big ways. Elf faces real risks, but he also finds moments of queer joy. Georgie’s passion for botany gives her a unique voice and helps her see the world differently. Together, they break the rules of their time and find happiness on their own terms.

I have to give props to the author for writing characters who feel both brave and vulnerable. Their flaws make them lovable. Their courage makes them unforgettable.

If you want a Regency romance with real heart, A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell stands out. The treasure hunt might not steal the show, but the characters will.

Themes

Queer Joy

I have to say, queer joy shines in every chapter of this book. I felt it in the way Elf and Georgie laughed together, even when the world tried to keep them apart. Their happiness felt real. It made me smile, sometimes even out loud. I love when a story lets queer characters just be happy, not always fighting or hiding.

The book gives us:
- Moments of pure fun—like secret dances and silly jokes
- Supportive friendships that feel safe and warm
- Hope that things can get better, even in tough times

I found myself rooting for their joy, not just their romance. That’s rare in Regency stories, and it made this one special.

Heritage and Identity

Heritage and identity play a big part in how Elf and Georgie see themselves. Elf’s journey as a trans man felt honest. He struggles, but he also finds pride in who he is. Georgie’s love for botany connects her to her family and her dreams.

I saw how:
- Elf’s family history shapes his choices
- Georgie’s passion helps her break old rules
- Both characters learn to accept themselves, not just fit in

Sometimes, I felt a little ache for them. They want to belong, but they also want to be true to themselves. That tension made their victories feel even sweeter. I finished the book feeling hopeful for anyone searching for their place in the world.

Representation

Queer and Trans Inclusion

I have to say, A Rare Find made me feel seen in a way that few Regency romances ever do. I’ve read so many books where queer and trans characters get pushed to the side or treated like a secret. Here, their stories take center stage.

I felt a real sense of joy watching Elf, a trans man, and Georgie, a queer botanist, live out their adventure. Their identities shape every part of the story, but never feel like a burden.

The book lets queer and trans characters be the heroes.
I saw real friendships and family bonds, not just drama or rejection.
The romance felt honest, not just a plot twist.

I love how the author doesn’t shy away from showing queer happiness. It’s not all about struggle. Sometimes, it’s about laughter, hope, and finding your people.

I noticed this trend in other recent books, too. For example, In Case You Read This by Edward Underhill centers on two trans boys and their romance, showing family and friendship without focusing on pain.

The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg gives us queer characters who get to grow, love, and mess up, just like anyone else. These stories, including A Rare Find, prove that queer and trans inclusion isn’t just possible in historical fiction—it’s necessary.

Nonbinary Pronouns

One thing that really stood out to me was the use of nonbinary pronouns. The book features a nonbinary lead who uses they/them pronouns. I didn’t expect to see that in a Regency romance! The author handles it with care. The characters talk about pronouns in a way that feels natural, not forced. I learned a lot about how language can change and adapt, even in the past.

The story challenges the idea that queer and trans people didn’t exist in history.
I saw characters respect each other’s pronouns, which made me smile.
The book never makes pronouns the whole story. They’re just part of who the characters are.

Seeing nonbinary pronouns in a historical setting felt like a breath of fresh air. It reminded me that queer and trans people have always been here, even if history tried to erase them.

I think this kind of representation matters. Regency romance usually sticks to the same old stories. This book stands out because it dares to imagine a past where everyone gets to belong. That’s something I want to see more of.

In short:

A Rare Find celebrates queer and trans identities with honesty and joy.
The use of nonbinary pronouns feels both bold and right.
This book proves that diversity belongs in every genre—even the ones with ballrooms and treasure maps.

Style and Tone

Playful and Delightful

I have to admit, I started reading this book thinking I’d get a classic ballroom drama. Instead, I found myself grinning at the wild, playful energy on every page. The story feels like a mix of childhood fantasy and Jane Austen, but with a big dose of queer joy.

I loved how the author skips the usual stuffy parties and takes us outside—sheep pastures, rocky peaks, and even a river adventure. Every scene feels like a new game.

Adventurous hijinks pop up everywhere.
The mood stays light, even when things get tricky.
I saw silly and sometimes risky quests, like solving medieval riddles.
The story always circles back to hope and happiness.

I felt like I was on a treasure hunt with friends, not just reading about one. The happy ending left me smiling for days.

Banter and Drama

What really kept me turning the pages? The banter. Elf and Georgie never miss a chance to tease each other. Their arguments feel sharp but loving, like two people who know each other too well. I laughed at their jokes and felt the tension when things got serious.

Flirtation runs wild, making every scene sparkle.
The drama never gets too heavy. It feels real, but not crushing.
Outdoor settings add a fresh twist to their fights and flirting.

Sometimes, I caught myself reading late into the night, just to see what they’d say next. The mix of laughter, drama, and adventure made the book feel alive. If you want a story that feels both delightful and real, this one hits the mark.

Strengths & Weaknesses

I’ll admit it—I stayed up way too late with this book. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” but the banter and queer joy pulled me in. My tea went cold, and I didn’t even care. That’s how you know a story has something special.

What worked for me:

Queer and trans representation felt honest and joyful. I rarely see this much care in Regency romance.
Playful tone made the adventure feel light, even when things got tense.
Banter between Elf and Georgie had me grinning. Their chemistry felt real, not forced.
Nonbinary pronouns in a historical setting? That surprised me in the best way.
Hopeful, happy ending left me smiling for days.

Where I wanted more:

The treasure hunt didn’t give me the pulse-pounding suspense I expected. Most of the action stayed in the background.
Some puzzles and clues felt a bit slow. I wanted more jaw-dropping moments.
A few side characters faded into the wallpaper. I wished for deeper friendships or rivalries.

To be fair, I have to give props for the bold representation, even if the adventure sometimes took a back seat.

If you want a Regency romance that celebrates queer joy and doesn’t shy away from hope, this one stands out.

Impact and Recommendation

Standalone Appeal

I picked up this book thinking I’d get lost in a series, but I didn’t need to worry. A Rare Find stands strong on its own. I never felt confused or left out. The story wraps up in a way that feels complete.

I didn’t have to chase down sequels or read prequels to understand the characters. That made my late-night reading feel easy and satisfying.

No cliffhangers—I got a real ending.
Full story arc—I watched the characters grow and change.
Easy entry point—I didn’t need any background knowledge.

If you want a book you can finish in one weekend and feel good about, this one fits the bill.

Who Will Enjoy It

I have to give props to the author for writing a story that feels both fresh and familiar. I think this book will hit home for readers who:

Love queer romance and want to see happy endings.
Crave adventure but don’t need non-stop action.
Enjoy banter and playful drama between leads.
Want to see trans and nonbinary characters in historical settings.

If you like your Regency stories with a twist and a lot of heart, you’ll probably enjoy this one. I wouldn’t call it jaw-dropping, but it left me smiling.

I finished A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell with a big smile. The queer joy and playful adventure made my night. If you want a Regency romance that feels fresh and hopeful, this one is for you.

My Dionysus Review Rating: 7/10