BERKLEY A Lady's Formula For Love

Very interesting book as well as a great romance. I look forward to reading more by this author

I don't often read romantic novels, but the characters and the historical context of the plot drew me in from the very first page! I loved Elizabeth Everett's style of writing and turns of phrase - her eloquent descriptions of the characters and surroundings immerse the reader in the goings-on at this secret ladies scientific retreat in the 1840s. You know those books where you just really like the characters? This is one of those books! Violet, the brilliant and beautiful chemist hard at work on critical research, is smart and witty and funny and kind and someone that I would love to know in real life. Arthur, her bodyguard, has the requisite brooding aloofness and sensuality to make him an ideal romantic foil, and was kind and sensitive at his core. And the chemistry between them... wow!Ms. Everett has created an extremely engaging world filled with intelligent and ambitious women who give full pursuit to their intellectual dreams, in a time and society that did not yet appreciate women in that role. This was an excellent literary debut for Elizabeth Everett, and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

As a scientist who gravitates toward love stories, this book was right up my alley! A Lady’s Formula for Love has a fun and unique premise (secret club involving science? Sign me up!), showcasing Violet, a nineteenth-century widow, and her bodyguard, Arthur (hired by her stepson). Violet is a likeable, strong heroine, and Arthur, while cranky at times, is loveable to no end. The cast of secondary characters shines, too, highlighting the importance of friendships and relationships in general. Everett pulled me in from the very first page, and it’s clear she’s found the formula for writing success!

Sadly the best thing about this book was that I finished it. I came close to DNF a number of times. It had little to do with scientists or a ladies' club. It had a very modern feel more so than regency. At one point a gentleman is described as 'gorgeous'. Not sure that is a regency term. It was an insta-lust culminating in frequent occasions of steaminess. Too much for me. All the lady scientists seemed grouchy, including the heroine Violet. The hero aside from his physical attributes, seemed very stalwart till he gave into his baser self. There was very little of the mystery till the last few chapters. I was disappointed.

Lady Violet Hughes is a secret female genius in a time when women were not allowed to be smart. After the death of her nobleman husband, Daniel, Violet creates a secret women’s scientist club in her own home called, Athena’s Retreat, and puts on the front that it is just a woman’s social club. But someone knows her secret, and that she is working on a top secret project and is trying to stop her at all costs.Enter her bodyguard, Arthur Kneland, who she can’t help but be attracted to the instant she sees him and he her. The chemistry between them is insane and electric and this book got STEAMY. I loved reading as they pretended to not care for each other and eventually give in but all as a back drop to a more interesting plot. Women, some common some noblewomen, wanting to do more with their life than be a housewife during Victorian England.I loved the feminist themes in this book, the female friendships were so wonderful to showcase. Women wanting to study medicine, chemistry, physics all while wearing a corset and full dress? I mean they are heroes in my eyes. I highly recommend this lovely book to those that are wanting to discover not only what life was like in Victorian England for a strong intelligent woman, but also those wanting a steamy romance. Be prepared for a chapter to knock your socks off and then the next chapter discuss scholars and chemical theories. Classism was also at the heart of this book as Violet was a noble and Arthur is a commoner and their relationship is basically not allowed in society.Elizabeth Everett’s writing is so enjoyable to read and there was never really a dull moment. I only wish there was more mystery and science and a little less drama and romance but it is a historical romance novel so that’s on me. I hope Violet’s friends may end up with their own books soon, I will definitely be waiting to read more about the Secret Scientists of London.Recommend for: Historical Romance readers, those who love Evie Dunmore’s books, and those who enjoyed A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and MayhemThank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.