A Rare Find - by Joanna Lowell (Paperback)

About the Book

"When an aspiring archaeologist teams up with her childhood enemy for a treasure hunt, they find it impossible to bury their growing feelings, in a charming queer historical romance from the author of A Shore Thing. Elfreda Marsden has finally made a major discovery-an ancient amulet proving the Viking army camped on her family's estate. Too bad her nemesis is back from London, freshly exiled after a scandal and ready to wreak havoc on her life. Georgie Redmayne is everything Elfreda isn't--charming, popular, carefree, distractingly attractive, and bored to death by the countryside. When the two collide (literally), the amulet is lost, and with it, Elfreda's big chance to lead a proper excavation. Now Elfreda needs new evidence of medieval activity, and Georgie needs money to escape the doldrums of Derbyshire. Joining forces to locate a hidden hoard of Viking gold is the best chance for them both. Marsdens and Redmaynes don't get along, and that's the least of the reasons these enemies can't dream of something more. But as the quest takes them on unexpected adventures, sparks of attraction ignite a feeling increasingly difficult to identify as hatred. It's far too risky to explore. And far too tempting to resist. Elfreda and Georgie soon find that the real treasure comes with a steep price... and the promise of a happiness beyond all measure"--

Book Synopsis

When an aspiring archaeologist teams up with her childhood enemy for a treasure hunt, they find it impossible to bury their growing feelings, in a charming queer historical romance from the author of A Shore Thing.

Elfreda Marsden has finally made a major discovery--an ancient amulet proving the Viking army camped on her family's estate. Too bad her nemesis is back from London, freshly exiled after a scandal and ready to wreak havoc on her life. Georgie Redmayne is everything Elfreda isn't--charming, popular, carefree, distractingly attractive, and bored to death by the countryside. When the two collide (literally), the amulet is lost, and with it, Elfreda's big chance to lead a proper excavation. Now Elfreda needs new evidence of medieval activity, and Georgie needs money to escape the doldrums of Derbyshire. Joining forces to locate a hidden hoard of Viking gold is the best chance for them both.

Marsdens and Redmaynes don't get along, and that's the least of the reasons these enemies can't dream of something more. But as the quest takes them on unexpected adventures, sparks of attraction ignite a feeling increasingly difficult to identify as hatred. It's far too risky to explore. And far too tempting to resist. Elfreda and Georgie soon find that the real treasure comes with a steep price... and the promise of a happiness beyond all measure.

Review Quotes

"Glorious... Every scene in this book is a treasure."
--The New York Times, on A Shore Thing

"Richly imbued with a bracing wit and enriched with an abundance of bold sensuality, Lowell's exquisitely composed Victorian-set historical featuring a trans character is a work of beauty and a joy forever."
--Booklist, on A Shore Thing (starred review)

Praise for the novels of Joanna Lowell

"I loved The Duke Undone and so will my readers!"
--Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of My Last Duchess

"Lushly dark, riddled with secrets, and seductive....Lowell's writing oozes a sense of place. [The] sense of authenticity never falters, making this the most Victorian of romance novels."
--Entertainment Weekly

"A refreshing reminder that the Victorians weren't quite as Victorian as we pretend."
--The Washington Post

"The novel explores what it is like to be a trans man in Victorian England and invites readers to visit the spaces where queer Victorians could be themselves. ... If you want to feel the wind on your cheeks, get stuck in a herd of sheep, and fall in love, this book is for you."
--Oprah Daily

"No summer reading list is complete without this gorgeous slow-burn."
--BookBub

"A summer breeze of a book that reads like the best afternoon with friends. Joanna Lowell brilliantly offers a story of courage, self-discovery and community that will stay with me for a long time. Historical romance is better for this kind of story that boldly affirms love has always found a way."
--Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author of An Island Princess Starts a Scandal

"With sparkling wit and a captivating love story... Lowell is at the top of her game with this gorgeous queer historical romance."
--Mae Marvel, author of Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous

"What a charming book! Lowell has written a buoyant, joyously queer love story."
--Opal Wei, author of Wild Life

"Compelling and exquisitely crafted, The Runaway Duchess is a beautiful romance that enchants from the very first page. Lowell's wit, sumptuous imagery, and vivid, endearing characters combine to make this a swooningly gorgeous read. Highly recommended."
--India Holton, Author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

"A beautiful blend of seductive suspense and heart-tugging romance that I could not put down. Romance fans should make room for this author on their keeper shelves!"
--Lyssa Kay Adams, USA Today bestselling author of Crazy, Stupid Bromance

"Thought-provoking, heartwarming and possessing an entertaining cast of secondary characters, this romance is a winner all-around."
--BookPage (starred review)

"Lowell confronts Victorian attitudes around sex, gender, and love head on, resulting in some daker moments, but the tender, supportive, and joyful dynamic that emerges between Kit and Muriel keeps things heartfelt and hopeful. It's not just that their love story offsets the sadder moments; the sadder moments make their love story all the more beautiful. This is a triumph."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Impeccably researched, Lowell's latest emphasizes justice. This love story tackles weighty issues but remains suspenseful and spellbinding."
--Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Lowell's prose is vivid and evocative, and issues such as class inequity, women's rights, and alcohol addiction complement the intense on-page evolution of the love story...those looking for a happy-ever-after for complex and passionate characters will be very satisfied here. A new voice in historical romance that will keep readers riveted."
--Kirkus

"Sweet and funny and compelling and quirky, and the protagonists [are] so ridiculously enjoyable... Even if you are not a big Victorian romance reader...snatch this one up anyway."
--Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

About the Author

Joanna Lowell lives among the fig trees in North Carolina, where she teaches in the English department at Wake Forest University. When she's not writing historical romance, she writes collections and novels as Joanna Ruocco. Those books include Dan, Another Governess / The Least Blacksmith, The Week, and Field Glass, coauthored with Joanna Howard.