My The Number of Love Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
“The Number of Love,” by Roseanna M. White, takes me back to London during World War I, right into the secret world of Room 40. Margot De Wilde is a teenage genius with a mind that sorts everything by numbers—she’s a one-of-a-kind codebreaker among a sea of men working to crack German messages. She prefers equations over small talk and keeps her heart wrapped up in logic. But things shift when Drake Elton, a British intelligence officer, lands back in London, wounded and drawn to Margot’s sharp intellect. Their lives, and secrets, get tangled as biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a relentless German spy bring danger to Margot’s doorstep. The more Margot and Drake work together, the more they rely on trust and on each other, even as Margot suffers a personal loss that shatters her ordered world. There’s suspense, unexpected friendship, and the challenge of solving not just Germany’s codes but the mystery of love itself in a world at war.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Margot thinks—her world is built on numbers, and I find the way she processes every feeling and situation through mathematical logic both fascinating and unique. It pulls me in and lets me see the world from a perspective I’ve never experienced before. I appreciate how the author doesn’t make Margot “quirky” just for show—she’s truly complex, sometimes blunt, but always genuine. Drake’s character stands out as strong and steady. I love that he respects Margot’s intelligence and learns to connect with her on her terms, not his. Their friendship and romance build slowly, starting with respect and mutual curiosity. There’s no instant love, just two people who learn to trust and care for each other.
I like how the book balances suspense with heart—the intelligence work, the high-stakes espionage, and then those quieter moments where Margot struggles with grief and faith. The danger of wartime never feels far away, which keeps the tension up, but it’s the kindness, patience, and growth in the relationships that make me care. I’m invested in every side character, especially the friends Margot makes in Dot and Red. And there’s just enough action and twists to keep me turning the pages. Even though the romance is sweet and clean, the chemistry feels real because it’s all about the characters learning to open up and take a risk.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like smart, character-driven historical romances with a backdrop of espionage, codebreaking, and real-life history, this will grab you. If you appreciate heroines who stand out from the crowd—not interested in marriage or dresses but in using their brains—you’ll relate to Margot. You’ll enjoy this book if you like slow-burn romance with plenty of mutual respect, supporting friendships, and faith woven naturally into the story. It’s perfect if you want something with intrigue, a bit of danger, and hearts that truly earn each other.
Tagged As
historical romance, World War I, espionage, codebreaker, mathematical heroine, strong heroine, slow burn, sweet romance, found family, friends-to-lovers, British setting, faith, suspense, clean romance, strong supporting cast, female in STEM, enemies after us, gentle hero, healing, grief, action and intrigue, secret agents, Room 40, series opener, plot twists
Steam Level: 🌶️| Clean
