Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital arc. I just wanna start off by saying I really had high expectations for this book. Overall, it was a decent read. However, it made me uncomfortable in various ways. The way that disability is approached and spoken about is quite ableist and coming from the main character herself to speak in that manner feels really off putting. As a disabled person, I would've been a lot more open to the way the book was structured and the perspective given if the main character was providing less ableism herself. Ableism from other characters works to motivate you to like the main character and hate the other characters but when the main character is viewing herself so negatively as if she's broken and needs fixing, it doesn't go over so well. I did really enjoy the side aspects of the storyline such as Milo's story arc or the backstory on Serafina's mom, but I do agree it could use a little bit more flushing out. Overall, the storyline was fascinating but the disability execution left me disappointed.

Ms. Penhaligon is a new-to-me author so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this book up. I read the blurb and was intrigued so I decided to give it a try. A tragic accident leaves Seraphina with a disability which she tries to hide from her co-workers for fear they will think less of her. While she has her set routine and tries to cope on a daily basis, she has a chance meeting with the CEO, Miles, and later gets a job working as his assistant. This is the job she had initially applied for , but didn't get and was placed in another position. Milo is known to be a grumpy, hard to work with man, but Seraphina was perfect for the job and worked well with him. Milo enjoys the time he spends with her. I enjoyed watching their connection blossom and grow and how Milo went out of his way to make Seaphina feel more comfortable given her disability. They developed such a beautiful connection, it was really great. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Our main female character, Seraphina, is a woman in STEM with a brain injury. She is also a brilliant mathematician. After recovering from the car accident that caused her brain injury she gets a job where she hides her disability from her coworkers and maintains a life of solitude. Milo is the CEO and a brilliant scientist, but he scares everyone. After a chance encounter in the lift,  Milo find out that Seraphina would be the perfect research assistant that he has been looking for and maybe she can be the perfect life partner for him too.

With a premise like that I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it didn't live up to them. I found that Seraphina didn't develop much throughout the book and her disability rep could have been much better. Whereas Milo was for me one of my least favourite love interests. He was possessive over Seraphina and quite a horrible man to anyone who wasn't her. We also didn't get to know much about his back story so I felt there was a lot missing from his character.

It was a short and easy read but unfortunately didn't execute the premise as well as expected.

2.5 stars but rounding up.

Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A solid 3-3.5 star read

“For me there was safety in numbers; you could always rely on them”

Seraphina has a brain injury, Aphasia to be exact. This affects her speech and ability to ‘remember’ words, especially when in new or stressful situations, like interviewing at Grant Innovations for her dream job. She’s more than qualified for the role but Seraphina doesn’t want to be treated differently so she doesn’t tell anyone about the Aphasia and all of the struggles she faces. When the interview goes wrong and she loses her words, the interviewer takes her to meet the boss.. billionaire CEO Miles Grant. He’s bad tempered, grumpy and has the eyes of a serial killer.. but a gorgeous serial killer nonetheless!

I enjoyed this book, it reminded me a little of both The Love Hypothesis and The Kiss Quotient, which happened to be two of my favourite romances from last year. It had a lot of my favourite things in a romance- dual POV, workplace romance, billionaire boss, grumpy I hate everyone but you trope and it even had a little sprinkle of spice (although, the majority of scenes were fade to black).

The writing was so easy to read, so much so that I read the book in one sitting.

Predictable- yes, would I still recommend- yes!

A great book to start off 2022 with!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this!

This was cute, for the most part, but the disability rep had me cringing in places. I get why Seraphina would feel such anger over her new disability, however I hoped she would grow over the course of the novel to be less ableist. She at one point overhears a mean girl mocking her, and then we got to the most uncomfortable parts of the book - she goes back to a care facility she had felt safe in and both the doctor and psychiatrist suggest things to her that perpetuated the ableist vibes of the earlier scenes - she’s told that if people knew about her disability they might not mock her, as if you should only call people stupid and mock them if they don’t have the right “reason” for their behavior, and then is hanging out with another patient with a worse injury and it’s commented on that this is “good for her” to see how much worse it could’ve been 😬

Overall I liked the romance and how easily the love interest was willing to work with her and didn’t care about her disability - though at one point he wonders if she is mentally capable of a romance and then is like, eh, who cares I want her - without finding out from her if that’s reasonable. The idea that he thinks she is so disabled she can’t pursue a sexual relationship, even though there’s no evidence up until then, but then just decides it doesn’t matter is uncomfortable.

I also really enjoyed the STEM workplace setting!

Overall, I thought this was fun but poorly executed in places, especially surrounding her being “broken” (which might’ve been a red flag I missed when requesting this book)

I liked the premise, but it was executed poorly. What drew me in was the women in STEM and disability rep. But it was not great. I wanted for her to feel better or at least accept her disability but that didn't happen.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. What follows is my honest review

I found Safety in Numbers to be a cute and light romance. Seraphina is ready to brave the real world and returning to work after recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Equipped with work around and coping mechanisms to combat her speech issues, she takes a job at a tech company-- though not the job she wanted.

She catches the eye of the gruff and grumpy CEO (obvi- its a romance) and they both have issues to work through.

I enjoyed how much Seraphina came out of her shell and embraced her challenges. She is fiery (iykyk). The storyline is predictable. Most romances follow the same line as far as plot development. Overall a very enjoyable and light read. Definitely swearing. There are sex scenes I would describe as light/medium in terms of description.

Safety in Numbers: ★ ★ ★

Sophie Penhaligon

<b>"For me there was safety in numbers; you could always rely on them."</b>

When Seraphina Ellis is hired as famed billionaire scientist and CEO Milo Grant's research assistant, a connection forms between the two of them that transcends the boundaries of what math, or any other science, can hope to explain.

There's a tragically low number of books about women in STEM, which is what drew me toward this book in the first place. I love seeing this kind of representation, and especially the added intrigue of Seraphina's brain injury and how that contributes to her ability to work. She deals with aphasia and struggles with her speech, which makes her life more difficult than others. Seraphina is a really sweet main character, who finds joy in her accomplishments and is very talented.

I loved how Milo gave her the opportunity to work in his lab, and gave her a chance. Despite being rude and difficult to literally everyone else, he was so soft for his fallen angel and that made my heart happier than I could ever explain. I absolutely love when the guy is soft for her and her only and Milo is a perfect example of that.

Personally, I thought the first part of the book dragged a little bit, but once the main characters met (in Chapter 7), I found it a lot more enjoyable. As their friendship and connection grows, it's really tangible. From their slow growth, to some fire, all the way to the genuine bond that forms between the two. It's very sweet and satisfying to see.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Safety in Numbers is a cross between The Soulmate Equation and The Kiss Quotient. I enjoyed The Kiss Quotient more than The Soulmate Equation and I enjoyed The Soulmate Equation more than Safety in Numbers. There's wasn't a whole lot to this book plot-wise. I'd have preferred more conflict, more something. The MMC (whose name I've already forgotten) comes off as unnecessarily rude, and the FMC is just kind of bland. There's head trauma and there's a savant-like ability to do things with numbers. I love a good STEM protagonist, so I'm willing to overlook a lot of flaws for the sake of representation.

Overall, a solid read. Not one that's going to blow your socks off, but it'll do.

Thanks for the ARC.
I loved the couple forming by Seraphina and Milo.
Usually I like one character more than the other but here, they are just perfect.
They are both strong after what they have been through in the past and help each other once they are together.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! Sophie Penhaligon's Safety in Numbers was a great, easy romance read.

Seraphina and Milo's story was so sweet, and I enjoyed their dialogue/banter throughout the book. While the pace was on the slower side, I enjoyed it because I was looking for a calmer read, Also, I really liked the Epilogue and wished more of the story could have focused more on their philanthropy.

I would recommend it if you're looking for a chiller read!

I’ve been in a reading slump lately and this book completely pulled me out of it. There’s a sense of comfort reading about Seraphina Ellis and Dr. Milo Grant’s love story. Two people who have lost so much, and navigating life to find what they miss. We learn about how Seraphina manages her personal life and work life with her disability, but how far can she push it? Milo Grant - asshole - is consumed by his new infatuation, but how can he get what he want and still shield himself?
This book is an easy-read, but it’s an incredibly good read filled with love. laughs and some tears. Sophia Penhaligon has done such amazing work writing a disability that’s not visible when you meet someone for the first time. To be someone who knows how this is, I feel like it was extremely well written and shed a light on something very important. I encourage everyone to read this book. This quickly became a favorite of mine.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.


I expected a lot from this book but my bad this was not for me .I literally put this book on hold many times. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN RIGHT!!

I will try writing whole review once my mind is bit away from bad thoughts about this book

It was so refreshing to see such conjunction of heavy themes with lighthearted fun banter. The characters were relatable and their stories were heartfelt. I specially admired how our protagonist, Seraphina, was a representation of not just a great STEM heroine but also of someone struggling with an invisible (brain-related) disability.

The story was successful in displaying sensitive nuances of living with brain disability and how people with such disability find it difficult to make simple decisions that may sound like routine to others.

Even Dr. Milo Grant, with all his brooding conversations, is shown to be a mature character who brings out the best in Seraphina and helps her gain her confidence back. Seraphina also proves to a be a rock to a self-doubting Grant, making their relationship both lovely and relatable at the same time.

Damn, this book was difficult to put down. Reading this felt like a breath of fresh air. The fact that I completed it in two straight sittings just proves that. The language is easy and the story keeps you invested throughout.

You WANT Seraphina and Milo to have their Happily Ever After!!!!

I really like the cover! THE COVER IS SOOO PRETTY <3

Seraphina suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident and has difficulty communicating with others. Then, she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Grant aka Milo that's where they began to fall in love.

I like the main character Seraphina, she is described as a STEM girl, she is a genius. and CUTE. At first I didn't like the male main character because Milo is rude, but he will have character development. He treated Seraphina very well.

But I didn't like how the relationship between Seraphina and Milo worked out, it felt like "insta-love" because I thought it was too rushed. I think there are some things that can be told in more detail to build chemistry between them.

Lately I like reading books about disability, that's why I was interested in reading this book. I have high expectations for this book, but ​unfortunately I don't like the execution.

Overall I enjoyed it so ⭐ 3

If you enjoy reading books like The Love Hypothesis and The Kiss Quotient I think you will enjoy reading this book. This book for you.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC!

Seraphina Ellis, a mathematician and scientist, has survived a horrific accident with a traumatic brain injury. Recovered enough to try to get back to the work that she loves, Seraphina has gone through a number of job interviews without success. When she arrives at Grant Innovations for a chance of getting her dream job, Seraphina meets the irritable but handsome CEO Milo Grant. She starts to work in the company but soon gets the opportunity to shine and do the work she always wanted to do...with Milo right by her side.

The blurb for this book grabbed my attention- main character with a disability and also a woman in STEM so I had to read it! However, I was disappointed for a number of reasons. Rather than embracing her disability, Seraphina comes across as an ableist, terrified to reveal her condition as she doesn't want to be treated 'differently'. As a mother of a small child with a disability, Seraphina's behaviour and attitude to her condition actually made me quite sad. Her intellect is in no way impacted as is clear throughout the story so I didn't quite understand why the author pushed this aspect of denial.

Let's talk about Milo! What a rude and arrogant man! For a protagonist in a romance story, there are no redeeming or likeable qualities that made me like him at all or feel that he was good enough for Seraphina's character. His possessiveness, jealousy and temper were all red flags for me and when their romance started to unfold, I was almost hoping that Seraphina was going to find a more suitable lover!

There are times throughout the book where elements are repeated almost verbatim which I found off-putting and took away from the story. The actual romance between the two main characters was so cringey at times that I spent a lot of time while reading rolling my eyes. I was really freaked out when Seraphina kept referring to Milo as Peter Pan and her 'lost little boy' which brought a weird mother/son dynamic into the relationship! I couldn't deal with it!

Safety in Numbers had a lot of potential in what the author could have done to present a character with a disability but it just fell flat for me. A predictable romance read which is quite short but not my cup of tea!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. Safety in Numbers will be released on the 3rd of January 2022.

"Find your fire."

Thank you so much to Sophie Penhaligon, the publishers, and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Seraphina Ellis is a mathematician and scientist who got into an accident that resulted with her having a traumatic brain injury and a disability. After months of rehabilitation, she is finally back in the workforce and is navigating through her day to day life with her disability. Milo Grant is the successful scientist and CEO of Grant Innovations where he is known as the boss from Hell. Milo is in need of research assistant and in his search, finds Seraphina. He was enticed by her remarkable qualifications as a scientist and became more interested as he learns more about her. The two begins working together, all the while,. avoiding the undeniable interest each has for each other. Will Seraphina break out of her shell and let Milo in? Will Milo overcome the monsters that haunt him for Seraphina?

I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one day! It was super cute and extremely heart-warming! Each of the characters have their own quirks and their passion for science and math made it easier for them to build a connection with each other. There are definitely plot holes like why is Milo an extremely jealous person or I feel like we needed a bit more character development but this was still a very enjoyable read.

If you are looking for a quick and sweet read, this would be the book for you!! This isn't The Love Hypothesis or The Kiss Quotient and I think people shouldn't compare it to such. This is still a worthwhile read filled with sweet and whirlwind romance between misunderstood people.

I’ve read several great books with disability rep this year, so I was really intrigued by the premise of this book from the perspective of a woman who had a traumatic brain injury. However, this book fell flat for me in so many places, and I ended up DNFing.

For starters, the pacing is really strange. We get multiple intro chapters of Serafina *telling* us about how her TBI impacts her daily life in long internal monologues, but very few actual scenes where we see that in practice. There's also sudden two month time jump where she’s seemingly integrated into her job as Milo's assistant with no indication for how that happened or how her TBI impacted that journey. I have no experience with a TBI, but the way she speaks about her disability felt really inauthentic, and it felt really uncomfortable for her to describe herself as "broken" - and yet her disability seems to vanish as soon as her romance begins with Milo or whenever it’s not being used as a plot device.

Which brings me to my second point - the characterizations. After being needlessly rude in his very first scene, Milo seems to vault from being a jerk to being this great boyfriend without any real reason for the transformation other than Seraphina being attractive to him. The chemistry between him and Serafina also felt very forced and "insta-love" without any real substance. There's also a random mean girl character who seems to exist for no other reason than to be a mean girl - but even then, Seraphina immediately judges her from the first glance and makes no effort to connect with her, either.

Overall, it was really hard for me to get into this book or get excited about the plot. This book felt really flat and didn't seem well researched or developed, and I just couldn't get through it.

This was a DNF about halfway through. I really wanted to like this book because of the women in STEM and the disability representation. But it felt lacking for me. Seraphina has a hard time interacting socially due a traumatic brain injury. My mother dealt with a traumatic brain injury for 10+ years and it was incredibly difficult to read the main character described as "broken." Disabled people are not broken. The main guy, Milo, wasn't just grumpy - he was rude. The book was repetitive and just not for me sadly.

"For me there was safety in numbers; you could always rely on them"

Seraphina Ellis, a mathematician suffers from brain injury after a tragic accident. Due to this injury she is unable to remember words and form complete sentences. After months of rest and recovery she is now searching for job but does not want to disclose her medical condition.

Milo Grant is the CEO of Grant technologies where Seraphina is recruited. Based on Seraphina's qualification Milo hires her as a research assistant.

I liked the connection between Milo and Seraphina and how Milo pushed her into new environments bit by bit. The only thing I didn't like was the insta-love.