I think this book was trying to hard to be a feminist book and didn't quite work for me. I was disappointed in the insta love and some of the other plot points that just missed the mark.

I'm a real sucker for historical romances, especially when they have a touch of mystery and adventure to them, and this one delivered on those! Really enjoyed the colorful scientific club members filling out the background cast, and the leads were enjoyable and had good chemistry. But it felt like the whole never quite lived up to the promise of its parts. A decent read, but one I doubt I'll ever revisit.

I’ve been meaning to read more Historical Romances, and I was drawn to A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett due to the synopsis. I love reading books where STEM is involved in the storyline because I always loved taking Science classes back in the day. Sadly, though, this book failed to hold my attention past the halfway mark. I did push through it because I wanted that HEA for the main characters.

The FMC, Violet Hughes, Lady Greycliff, is a scientist who has formed a secret club for female scientists like herself. This club is a sanctuary for women scientists to pursue their love of science freely, a concept that I found particularly intriguing. However, not everyone appreciates her efforts, and she becomes a target. To protect her, a bodyguard, Arthur Kneland, is assigned, and he takes his duties very seriously. The issue, though, is both characters are starting to have feelings for one another when they are forced together and that could put not only their hearts at risk, but Arthur’s job of protecting Violet.

This book started well, and I loved the storyline focused on the secret club. I enjoyed reading the scenes of the women scientists and Violet working on their research due to the inner science geek in me. Violet was a fantastic character for creating a secret club for women like herself, and I loved that she wasn’t deterred from what she was doing, even with the threat of someone trying to harm her and her club.

The problem I had with the book was I wasn’t convinced about Violet and Arthur’s relationship and I think it had everything to do with how it was told solely through Violet’s POV. Lately, the books I’ve been picking up from trad published books only give one POV, and I would feel more of a connection if the MMC had a POV, too, especially when Arthur had issues with having feelings for Violet initially. It’s explained why he was hesitant, but again, I wish I would have had his side of things from his POV. Maybe, then, I would have been convinced by the romantic relationship between him and Violet, especially since Violet’s husband, who passed away, didn’t treat her as well, and Arthur wasn’t like her husband.

When it came to the villain in the story and who was behind the attacks on the club, it felt rushed almost when it was revealed who was behind it. The buildup to the ending didn’t feel as suspenseful as I had hoped, and the resolution felt a bit too quick. But remember, I wasn’t really interested in the end because I lost interest in the story halfway through. I really wish I had enjoyed this book because it had potential. It also had a vast number of interesting secondary characters.

Although I’m only giving this book three stars, I’ll still recommend it to readers who enjoy Historical Romances. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up the second book in the series, but maybe later, when I have some time between other books, I need to read.

A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett is a delightful and charming read that is perfect for fans of historical romance, particularly those who appreciate strong, intelligent female protagonists, feminist themes, and a dash of humor, as it follows the captivating journey of a brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic bodyguard as they navigate danger, attraction, and the power of female friendship and discovery.

To be honest, this one wasn't for me. I didn't feel any connection between the two characters and the side characters felt very one-dimensional. I even found myself skipping through the spicy scenes (which weren't all that spicy) because they didn't have the connection and there was no tension.

"A Lady's Formula for Love" by Elizabeth Everett is a delightful historical romance novel that seamlessly blends wit, charm, and a touch of intrigue, set against the backdrop of Regency-era England.

At the heart of the story is the brilliant and unconventional Lady Violet Hughes, who is not content with the limitations society places on women. Violet is not your typical aristocratic lady—she is a skilled chemist with a passion for science and a sharp mind. This unique protagonist brings a refreshing twist to the genre, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.

The chemistry between Lady Violet and the enigmatic Lord Jasper Lynch is palpable and adds a layer of excitement to the narrative. The slow-burning romance (my favorite type!) between the two protagonists is skillfully developed, creating a sense of anticipation and genuine connection. Everett weaves a love story that is both heartwarming and intellectually satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Elizabeth Everett for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have tried to read books set during this time period because I loved Bridgerton but I really struggle (and that is on me not the book). With that in mind, I will not be finishing A Lady's Formula for Love at the 20% mark. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book, but unfortunately it was not for me.

I really wanted to love this one, but it was just okay. The tension doesn't quite build to its potential. This series really seems like one I would truly enjoy, so hopefully the next one improves with the experience the author gained while writing this one. It was still a good, quick read that had some funny parts I enjoyed. I will definitely read the next one!

Lady Violet is a smart, determined woman with a drive to be a scientist when women were not encouraged in academic pursuits. When problems arise within her secret scientific society, she needs help in the form of protection office Arthur Kneland. Danger, drama, and romance come into play in this fun, smart, historical romance. Very enjoyable. 3.5 stars.

A historical romance about women in science?
A badass widow who owns her sexuality?
A broody bodyguard who can't help falling for his client?

What's not to love about this book? Grumpy/sunshine romances are my catnip. Add in a bodyguard/client relationship and women in science and I'm 100% on board. I do have questions about the big reveal in the end... makes me wonder if there'll be a redemption story in the future of this series. Either way, I hope to see more books in this series soon!

Listen to the full podcast review on your favorite podcast app or on my website: https://boobiesandnoobies.com/episodes/f/115-a-ladys-formula-for-love

Was not able to read the entirety of the book and cannot give an accurate or overall rating/review . As a librarian for a big library system, we most likely have a copy of this item. I will look forward to reading it in future since I am sure I will.

"Feminist" says the book cover for this romance set in Victorian England. Most definitely. But this tale of women quietly attempting to be themselves and not what society expects is inspiring to today's women still trying to be seen as themselves and not a lesser class citizen. The issues dealt with have implications for those also fighting racism, ageism, genderism (not sure that's a word!), etc. in today's world. "To thy own self be true", as we find in Hamlet, seems to be a good motto for Athena's Retreat, a "social" club for women that actually includes laboratories and other ways to pursue scientific endeavors. The club's founder, Violet, is a widow whose marriage was detrimental to her sense of self-worth. Science is her outlet where she can truly feel right.

When problems that may relate to national safety arise, security is set up and long-time government agent, Arthur, enters the picture. Violet and his lives will never be the same...

All of this is really just the background to Violet and Arthur's gradual romance.I felt this was well-done. The resulting sex scenes are pretty explicit, so note this if that's a problem. The espionage parts are eventually resolved with a twist that may come as a surprise to readers.

All-in-all, a sexy and romantic quick read that shows how far women have come with equality and how much we haven't. I'd say it's an excellent book for those interested in STEM , but the sexual content isn't really designed for school-age readers, in my opinion. I'll be reading the next in this series (The Secret Scientists of London) which follows a couple of the characters from this book.

Such a wonderful premise: a secret enclave of lady scientists and scholars headed by a strong woman. The hero is a perfect balance of strength and compassion. Enjoyable overall but the lust-at-first-sight plot line was not enough to carry the romance and the many secondary characters blurred together.

I was intrigued by the premise but did not enjoy the characters and therefore did not care about their trials.

This was a fun take on Historical Romance. As someone who is still learning about the genre I really loved the author take on.the genre. Thank you for letting me read and review this book.

Lady Violet Hughes is a young widow who used her status to form a society for female scientists. It’s a secret society because the rest of the population wouldn’t approve of women being scientists. Violet is able to use her secret talents on a mission for the Queen. However, things start going wrong at the society. Fires are started, things blow up, and someone is trying to steal her work. Her stepson hires counter-assassin Arthur Kneland to protect Violet from these attacks. Arthur has his own secret history that has affected the way he looks at his job and his life. He wants to get through this last job of protecting Violet and then he can retire to the country. Neither of them were expecting to fall for each other, which throws off their plans for the future.

In this story, Violet organizes a secret society of female scientists. It’s difficult to imagine a world where women have to hide their intelligence. There were some female scientists during the Victorian era, but they weren’t common.

This book explored gender conformities and relationships. Since the women wanted to practice science, they had to do it in secret. They had strained relationships with the men in their lives because of their desire to do more in life. One woman was oppressed and abused by her father. Violet felt like she couldn’t be the true person she was when she was married to her much older husband. Luckily, they did have some men, like Arthur and Violet’s stepson, who encouraged the women to pursue their dreams.

A Lady’s Formula for Love is a great Victorian romance.

Thank you Berkley for providing a copy of this book.

The book, set in early 19th century England, tells the story of Lady Violet, a widow, and her secret group of fellow female scientists who all share a passion pursuing discoveries. Sometimes this means sparks fly, igniting the clandestine lab in which they work, but it’s all the name of science.

I loved Violet. I found her witty and bright, and an original character. In fact, I was happy to be in the company of both of the main characters, who were fully realized adults, and I was rooting for their love while still enjoying the delicious sexual tension as they overcame their issues.

Everett packs a lot in this book, and the writing is tight and witty, sometimes laugh-out loud funny, and often red-hot. This is a smart and entertaining blend of historical fiction and romance. Perfect for reading on a cold winter day!

Not my normal type of genre to read, but I am glad that I gave this book a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by both the story line as well as the development of the characters. I hope there are more books by this author.

I can definitely see a group of people that would really enjoy this romance but it personally didn't do it for me. I couldn't see their chemistry but there wasn't anything outwardly wrong; just not for me.

Charming and fun, mix a period romance with a little mystery and you get a very enjoyable read! Smart, brave and chamring women, each a distresed damsel and all trying to save each other and change the world.