2/5 stars rounded up.

i was so excited for the plot, but i didn’t like the execution of it. i actually had a hard time keeping my focus, just because there was a lot of repetition, and so much narrated action as opposed to shown, which i always am a little annoyed by. i really tried but couldn’t finish this.

insta-love doesn’t bother me when it’s subtly and well done, but this just felt super rushed and i had trouble liking milo and being patient to see his character growth. i didn’t like him at all so that ruined the experience for me.

i’m sure i’ll pick up future books by the author and give them a try!

After absolutely loving The Love Hypothesis, I was so excited about another romance featuring a STEM heroine popping up on NetGalley. I had really high expectations for this book, but sadly they weren’t quite met.

Seraphina lost her mother in a car accident that left her with brain damage. Having aphasia means that she shies away from conversations, sticks to her carefully crafted routines and tries to stay to herself in her new work environment. So far so good - until science bad boy CEO Milo Grant requests her to become his new research assistant due to her stellar qualifications.

I was really really excited to read a book with disability rep. It’s not something I see very often. Though not being able to relate to Seraphina, I could see where all of her doubts and low self-esteem come from. I was so hoping to see her embrace herself as she is and grow as a person throughout the book, but the only „growth“ we got was that she got better at talking to Milo and was told over and over again to just tell everyone about her disability so people would be more understanding instead of making hateful comments about her intelligence. I can’t speak for anyone obviously but I don’t see how this is a good way to represent disability - a person deserves respect no matter the circumstances, and disclosing sensitive medical information should not be a prerequisite for that. Also, I can imagine that people with disabilities get comments either way, but again I can’t speak for anyone there.

What I disliked extremely was one comment towards the ending of the book in which Seraphina is told that she should be grateful that Milo doesn’t turn his back on her after her extremely emotional outburst caused by hateful comments from her former co-workers. No, just no. Seraphina doesn’t only suffer from brain damage a year after the car accident in which her mother died, but probably also from trauma. Nobody should ever, ever feel like they aren‘t allowed to show emotions when someone or something hurts them as deeply as these comments hurt her. She deserves an understanding and supportive boyfriend, and should never ever have to feel self-conscious about how she reacted, or „grateful“ for something that should be a given.

Something that I also struggled with was that Milo got a troubled past that wasn’t well developed at all. It came up twice but there was not much explanation behind how it made him the person he is today, and I felt like it was a try to balance out Seraphina‘s horrible past, but for what reason? His irascible nature also seemed to mostly cater towards a certain trope.

However, Safety in Numbers was a very quick read and I enjoyed the plot. It was funny and emotional. The writing style wasn’t really for me as there was very much tell, little show and many repetitions, but the pacing was good.

2.5/5 stars.

I love the idea and idea of this storyline but sadly for me the execution wasn't the best.

Seraphina suffers from a brain injury after a tragic accident which affects her speech and word recognition.
She starts a new job in Grant Innovations but doesn't want to label herself as disabled with her colleagues.
She begins to work as an assistant for the CEO, grumpy Milo Grant, who Seraphina is extremely attracted too.

I'm not really a fan of insta-love and this story is very much that.
A lot happens very quickly in the story timeline and there isn't enough time to build a strong relationship and empathy between the characters.
I also don't think there was a lot of growth for the characters. Most of the issues facing them were not addressed again once they got together until the conflict at the end and then there wasn't enough time.

There are some spicy scenes in this book which are well written.

Safety in numbers

by Sophie Penhaligon

2 stars

I couldn't finish this book at all. 

First off Seraphine just never grew in the book like I had hoped for, she doubts herself and hates her disability. I know it's common but after a while you cope and start to show the strength you have. All she wanted to do was hide it and never except help which she is too proud to a point. I kept trying to see the good and trying to see how her and milo could and would grow but there was none. 

Milo he is a prick, he is rude to his employee's and overly jealous of everyone that talks to Seraphine which made me want to smack him. He has this dominate part to him but then thinks any little accomplishment Seraphine does is all because of him.  Also, I get new relationships there is a lot of sex, but it was poorly written sex scenes needs to be a little juicier. I liked this book till I was 40% in then it just took a turn for the worse and couldn't do it. I made it 60% and had to stop it was just infuriating. Also, very repetitive writing.  

This is my first read by Sophie Penhaligon, and as disappointed I was in this book, I am willing to see what else she has written and give it a try.

Seraphina is an intelligent, gifted woman who recently suffered from brain damage and lost her mother from the same accident. She’s relearning life completely alone.
Milo is an intelligent, rich entrepreneur. He also happens to become Seraphina’s boss. He is also they only person she has opened up to since her accident.
Their eventual bond reflects what I would describe as two neurodivergent adults coming together and learning to love each other’s quirks and trauma.

It was a cute book, at times it felt emotionally disconnected, but I think that accurately reflects how the two main characters minds work.

Safety in Numbers intrigued me because I love reading about women in STEM, nerdy romances, workplace romances, and grumpy x sunshine couples.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t necessarily do it for me.

The writing style reminded me of the novel Marriage for One, so if you like that book and The Kiss Quotient (I loved The Kiss Quotient with my whole heart!) then you might like this book.

I also didn’t really like the way that the heroine treated her disability like an illness. I understand that it’s supposed to be this whole romantic thing where Milo helps her see that her trauma and brain injury is not an issue to him, but some parts made me feel a bit weird.

There were a few cute moments here and there, but the couple as a whole needed to be developed a bit more, I think.

Again, there were many cute scenes between the couple, it was mainly the writing style that tuned me off. The epilogue definitely gave the novel redemption.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

Pros: The story of Seraphina’s traumatic brain injury and seeing that representation in a book is great. It showed someone who fought to get back to a “normal” life while learning to deal with an injury that changed a large part of who she was. I loved that Seraphina was strong and smart, but also dealing with insecurities.

Cons: There were parts of the story and characters that weren’t fully developed. The author mentions Milo’s backstory but doesn’t really show him dealing with it other than saying that Seraphina saved him and showed him the good in people.

I also felt like there were a lot of jump moments or fade to black moments with their relationship. It’s like the book was a highlight reel instead of giving us the details.

Overall, good story, just needs a little work.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Safety in Numbers is my first Sophie Penhaligon book. I was interested to read her bio to find she grew up in England and moved to the Rockies—I suspected something about her background because she spelled traveled with 2 ls. (It might have changed in the final.)

I found this book to have greater depth than your average rom-com fare. And if I was in charge of marketing, I would push this a bit more towards women's fiction with the cover and blurb even though it is a dual POV.

I requested this title because the main character had a disability, and I wanted to see how the author this situation.

Seraphina charmed me from the beginning. Her struggles felt real, and to be inside her to see her thoughts made it so personal. Usually, I don't shed tears to the end of a book, but Seraphina had me misty-eyed from the beginning because of her difficulties. Milo was not so charming when we first meet him. But for good reason. I suspect most readers will find Milo charming once the book gets going. In ways, he is a Byronic character: moody and dark with a tragic past, and he needs saving which is only possible by Seraphina—an innocent woman because of how the brain injury affected her.

Content warning: This novel is steamier than I usually read with full sex scenes. And there are plenty of f-bombs with some coarse language.

I was intrigued to see how each character helped the other heal, how they learned to communicate, and how their outlook on life changed. They ended up complimenting each other.

Unfortunately this story just didn’t click very well with me. It took me a long time to get into and then I DNF’ed about halfway through because it just was not working for me.

I don’t think the writing or storyline is terrible, but it wasn’t what I was hoping for. I didn’t like how the heroine and her TBI was portrayed. It just felt off to me and I was not enjoying it overall.

There were definitely some good aspects, but unfortunately I was not a huge fan. I think some people will enjoy the story, but it is not what I normally like.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Who else loves a STEM female in romance?? The Love Hypothesis truly gave me something I didn’t know I was missing, so when I read the synopsis for this one I was super excited, but over all had mixed feelings at the end.

BLURB: Intelligent numbers whiz Seraphina feels her inner light getting snuffed out due to a life altering accident. A chance meeting with CEO Milo finally gives her the opportunity to do what she loves again, but he has his own baggage. When these two lost souls come together, maybe they can help each other find their way.

Honestly there were some things I loved and didn’t love about this one. I love a strong diverse heroine, and I love the way they wrote Seraphina as women who refuses to be defined by her disability.

My issues come with Milo and his “tortured act”. I don’t like his callous tendency’s and his cavalier attitude about women and sex for most of the book.

Overall: I’d say give this one a try if you can over look Milo’s shenanigans (I’ve been on a cinnamon roll hero kick lately, and can’t get over Milo’s jerk tendencies) and you’re looking for a story that really makes you root for the leading lady.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: January 3 2022

3.5

I wasn't expecting Safety In Numbers to be as good as it was. That's something I shouldn't say. It's both what I expected and what I didn't expect. It was an intriguing and enjoyable read.

Seraphina Ellis applies for a position as a personal research assistant for Dr. Milo Grant. Despite this, her interview and attempts to speak with Dr. Grant did not go well. As a result, they assigned her to another department within the company, where she will work until a certain date.

Milo orders the director of human resources to examine all present employees to see if they possess the skills he seeks in a new assistant. Seraphina is the only one who matches his criteria. And he knows he made the proper choice when she solves a problem he's been stuck on in such a short amount of time.

She accepts the job, but she is obligated to inform him of her disability, even though she really doesn't want to. Milo, on the other hand, understands and will go out of his way to make her feel at ease.

Throughout the book, their connection blossomed even more. I admire how he respects her wishes, but she also needs someone to encourage and push her so she isn't afraid to do new things because of her disability.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

3.8 stars

I really enjoy this book. It is a pretty adorable and quick read book. I really love Seraphina and Milo so much. However, I'm kind of looking for something or waiting for something to happen. Don't get me wrong I still love Seraphina. I love her courage in continuing her life though she has a brain injury. This book somehow focuses on the steps that Seraphina did to have a normal life or cope up after an unfortunate event. I really recommend this book. Thanks, Netgalley.

Great blurb meh book. I wouldn’t call it an AWESOME storyline I didn’t like the execution of the story. Representation matters of course but this didn’t hit me the right way. Stories about persons with disabilities should be more mainstream but done artfully and with more intrigue.

I really enjoyed this - and I read it in one sitting!

If you enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, this will be right up your street!

This is very much instalove, which I don’t normally read a lot of, however I fell in love with how billionaire Milo came in and showed Seraphina how to love!

After an accident, scientist Seraphina closed herself off from life, and takes a job far below her usual level. After an awkward meeting in their work elevator, Milo (the big grumpy boss) sets his sights on her.

I really enjoyed this, and the character development with both of them!

DNF @ 42%.
I really struggled to keep interested with this one, to be honest.
The book is centred around the main characters disability, and while I am ALL FOR the differently-abled having a voice, and being in the spotlight, this book didn't do the community any justice, whatsoever.
Every thought, every action, was always justified by her disability - meaning, it was brought up entirely too much. Again, not bashing the differently-abled - simply, knowing a few, they would not want to be cast in this light. They are more than their disability, and unfortunately, this character doesn't appear to be, due to the way she was written.
Also, the book is extremely repetitive. I swear, I read similar paragraphs in various chapters.
I was hoping to like this one, because the characters seemed cute - and I loved how supportive and accommodating Milo was!
Sorry Sophie, but this wasn't for me!

This review hurts my heart to write…but honest reviews are super important!
Professionally I am a social worker who works with individuals with disabilities - so when I read the description of this book & instantly wanted to read it for the disability representation. Sadly, this disability representation fell very short. I struggled to get into this book & to finish it - as it lacked character development and focused a lot on the physical relationship between Seraphina & Milo - almost as if it was the only thing they had going 😔 I really wanted to like this book, but the topics I mentioned above + a super cringey dialogue & storyline made this a book I honestly wouldn’t recommend 😅

This book had a very interesting blurb, and I was keen to read a STEM female character with a disability.
Unfortunately it was all a bit clumsy, their relationship was not believable, neither were them as full characters.

"Relationships are never plain sailing."´
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this book!

"Safety In Numbers" was an adorable romance, told in the pov of Seraphina and Milo. Both had "cookie cutter " personalities, in the sense they were only worked on the surface, lacking individuality and diversity - however, they were adorable enough together that it made it worth a read.

The most interesting details were the ones that spoke and dwelled a little into Seraphina's life after her accident. My favorite parts were reading about her as a person, her struggles and small victories throughout life, instead of Milo who, in contrast, had the typical self-made, grown-from-nothing C.E.O. backstory. Their instant romance also threw me off, since there was little push-and-pull, little teasing or pinning to enjoy.

If you'd like to read a sweet, light and fast-paced romance, go ahead and pick Safety in Numbers, it's a nice choice.

This is such a cute book. Seraphina went through a horrific accident and because of that, she is unable to speak well and remember words well. The author did a great job characterizing her struggles. She finally gets work, working for Milo Grant, who has a reputation for being a horrible boss and a playboy but he's not that way with her. I loved how he treated her (Although his behavior in general left much to be wanted- treating one person well does not forgive poor behavior overall!). It was wonderful to watch these 2 grow together and while there were some slow spots, overall, I really enjoyed this story and loved that they were an imperfect 2 people who were perfect for each other. A sweet romance that does a fantastic job introducing me to this author! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early read.

I love seeing science in romance. "Love Hypothesis " by Ali Hazlewood was one of my favorite 2021 reads and Safety in Numbers had some similar plot lines.

Covering a disability in a book is tough stuff. Serephina's diagnosis was well done, but I was a bit troubled by Billy's. Milo and Serephina's romance was well plotted out and believable, quick paced and easy to read.

I almost think the whole "for those who liked Love Hypothesis" might not be the best angle because that book is a tough North Star to have- it's so good. If you go into this book letting it be it's own story and not comparing it to others, it's a fun romance novel.