I wanted to really love this book, I tried reading it twice, the first time on Ebook, and the second on paper back, I got to about 60% of the book and was not interested in finishing it all. I heard amazing things about it and wanted to love it but unfortunately it was not the book for me.

This debut is the promising start to a new series of lady scientists and I can't wait for the next book!

Review of A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

After Lady Violet Hughes’ husband passed, she created a clandestine sanctuary for female scientists. During a time when women were expected to refrain from speaking their mind and once married, giving up all control to their husband, this sanctuary is a nice reprieve for women to be among like-minded brilliant women and have access to work on their experiments. Violet is tasked with working for the Crown on a confidential job but it comes with its own risks. Because of the dangers associated with it, she is assigned a protection officer, Arthur Kneland. Arthur always makes sure to keep his clients at arms length so there are no distractions. Yet when he meets Violet, she is the perfect distraction and suddenly, he finds himself unable to stay away from her. Will this distraction put Violet and what she’s working on in jeopardy?

This Victorian-era historical romance was a fun change in what I typically read. This has powerful, strong, and brilliant female characters with a bodyguard romance trope tied in. And the romance scenes are steamy! 🔥 This book has all the elements including witty banter, fun characters, swoon-worthy romance, and intelligent and strong women. Unfortunately it fell flat for me and I can’t pinpoint where. I just know that I wasn’t itching to pick it back up, rather I had to force myself to push through and finish it. Something was missing. Maybe it was the women who didn’t stand up and encourage Violet to follow her heart but instead, conform to society’s expectations. I don’t know. Either way, this was a cute light-hearted read that I felt neutral about but you may enjoy.

Thank you @BerkleyRomance, @BerkleyPub, and @Netgalley {#partner} for gifting me with an advanced e-readers copy in exchange for an independent and honest review. This book was released on 02/09/2021 and is available now!

A LADY’S FORMULA TO LOVE is the debut novel of Ms. Everett and the first book in THE SECRET SCIENTISTS OF LONDON series. The club is for women scientists who don’t hold any sway in the mid 1800’s in London, especially since they are considered the property of their husbands. Violet, along with two of her friends, create Athena’s Retreat, which is attached to the home Violet lived in with her much older husband (who has since died.) Her stepson, Grey, decides she needs protection and hires Arthur to keep an eye on things. Arthur does so much more though!

After marrying, Violet became a shadow of her former self and let her husband dictate her thoughts and actions. As she strives to move forward after his death, the reader is immersed in all things science. Unfortunately, Violet experiences acts of violence against her, which is where Arthur comes in. The characters are rich, the plot fast-paced, and the mysteries intriguing. My only problem with the story is that it sometimes gets bogged down with all the scientific discussion and terminology. But there’s nice closure and a satisfying happily-ever-after. I look forward to reading more in this series.

A LADY’S FORMULA TO LOVE is exciting, fun, and includes a love story and intrigue that make it hard to put the book down.

As much as I enjoyed this book, I found myself so confused at all times. The premise was incredible and the characters were well developed. I just wish there was a bit less going on in the plot. But women in STEM & bodyguard romance? I am here for it!

I love the premise-- an historical fiction about female scientists. STEM heroines thwarting the patriarchy and pursuing their goals! Add in a steamy romance, and I am there!

The plot is engaging, fun, and there is even a little mystery woven in. I liked the heroine well enough, and the romance between her and her newly assigned body guard was sweet. However, I don't think it quite lived up to its potential. This might be because I am already a huge fan of Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, and that book also includes a bad-ass, smart female trying to break through the bounds society has on women. Dunmore does it with more style and (it must be said) more heat.

Overall, if you like this historical romance genre, I think this book is just fine. However, if Everett aims to make this a continuing series, I hope she finds a little more steam to go along with the STEM.

CW- none that I can think of from my POV.
Steam - open door
STEM

One of my fav tropes (bodyguard) which I have rarely read so far in historical romance .So glad this was the one i read.

The book was like a soft love that kept rolling with joy as I went through each chapter. My nerdy self immediately relates with Violet her sense of belonging with the club she found, her frustration of her work not being seriously taken by society, and her cuteness that she speaks her mind even when seducing the Hero, the buttoned up Arthur. That was in fact the highlight for me. When Arthur asks how you would seduce me and her scientific mind comes up with the option that is likely most successful. Not going to add here because well spoiler.
The pull between then was adorable. The Earl of Grantham was a hilarious touch (I hope his book comes next!).

All in all, it was such a delightful chaos of the scientific minded ladies coming together and creating something beautiful. A wonderful read.

This book was just astonishingly good from start to finish. STEM heroine who's also been widowed and really has not prioritized romance in any way, shape or form finds herself literally tackled by a handsome, broody Scottish bodyguard who's been tasked with looking after her and her "women's club" (which is actually a cover for a group of scientists so they can pursue their often dangerous experiments in a safe place). Someone's threatening the club and its members, though, especially Lady Violet herself, and in trying to untangle the mystery, she and her bodyguard Arthur are unable of fighting off their attraction to one another. A mature romance with sparkling wit, wicked-good chemistry, and delightful characters. People who wanted more smooching from Miss Scarlet and the Duke will probably really like this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the arc of this title.

Romance novels with women in STEM are a relatively rare thing, much less in historical romance. I love that the Lady Violet Hughes, the heroine in this book, is not only a scientist, but one who has put together a safe haven for other women like her. As someone threatens her and her club, Violet's step son hires protection officer Arthur Kneland to help keep her safe.

What follows is a romance with some great characters. Add in a bit of mystery as well as some steam and it all adds up to a fun read! ⁣

It started off with a decent bang, but devolved into a dud. Instant, forbidden attraction. Cold focus hero, scattered but brilliant heroine. Formulaic, and ultimately forgettable.

This book is slow to start but it's worth the effort! Once you get to know the characters, you begin to care about their stories.

This book didn't rate higher as it was pretty typical in terms of contemporary romance. I cared for the relationship but often felt that if the characters didn't end up together at the end, I wouldn't care. I did appreciate the inclusion of a trans character in a work of historical fiction!

The book is mainly about women and the oppression of women in 19th century Britain. I did have a bit of trouble keeping all the characters straight -- they all had similar names and personalities that left me confused until the very end.

Overall, worth the read as a work of historical fiction in the contemporary romance category. Don't give up on it.

4 1/2 stars

Women in STEM is not a recent development. A Lady's Formula for Love, with its rousing and romantic story, is a marvelous ode to the women scientists who came before to pave the way for future generations.

Lady Violet, who has an enthusiastic passion for science, is a misfit in Victorian London society. She's in her element (pun intended) working in a lab or working out formulas than she is in any social situation that requires her squash her innate curiosity whilst making insufferable small talk. Realizing she wasn't the only lady to feel this way, she created Athena's Retreat, a community and safe haven for women to pursue their intellectual interests away from the prying eyes of judgmental husbands, parents and socialites alike. Because she's been working on a secret formula for the Crown, her stepson hires his friend Arthur, a former spy to be her bodyguard. Yes, folks, this is The Bodyguard Victorian-style and it is fantastic!

From the onset, Lady Violet and Arthur feel an inexplicably strong attraction which is highly irregular for him because he's in the habit of disassociating himself emotionally from his charges. Lady Violet has become the rare exception. He falls for her extraordinary mind and beauty, and is amused when she's flustered leading her to make unintended inappropriate puns. (Those were so funny!) She also has the biggest heart and most trusting nature, the latter of which tends to make his task of keeping her safe that much harder. Lady Violet has never felt so comfortable with a man, not even with her deceased husband who used to frown upon her intellectual pursuits. Arthur sees her brilliance, and Lady Violet sees beyond his stoic manner to someone who carries a lot of pain and anguish. I guess you can describe their situation as a sort of instalust. There's some mutual recognition there that knows what they need from each other. They're both so well-suited, physically and emotionally.

The charm of reading about Athena's Retreat is down to the eccentric characters who frequent it. They're all committed to the pursuit of learning and carving a space for women to contribute to the world. Each interaction is almost an adventure in itself because of how their minds tend to roam, and I love how their individual personalities shine through. A heavy air of sinisterness hangs over it, though as Arthur attempts to uncover the identity of who's desperate to sabotage Lady Violet's work which is embroiled in controversy and a growing social movement looking to upend the ruling class. The possibility that the saboteur has potentially breached Athena's Retreat and that the next incident could be deadly makes finding the perpetrator a priority. I enjoyed the suspense of it, and of course, Lady Violet and Arthur's impassioned interludes.

In her author's notes, Everett mentions the names of the pioneering women of science who inspired this story. In giving recognition to these remarkable and brave women, we are reclaiming our part in history, and I am so thankful to Everett for being a resource to learn about their contributions. A Lady's Formula for Love is inspiring because it encourages the beauty of having different interests and not fitting in to the social norms. It's a must-read for anyone who loves reading about women empowering themselves and finding romance in the Victorian age, and also The Bodyguard 😉

~ Bel

4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

Didn't expect to read this one from start to finish, but once I got into it, I didn't want to set it down until I knew everything. I enjoyed the set up with the secret women's science society. Violet and Arthur were great characters. The romance and the mystery worked well together. There's more emphasis on the romance, but both were satisfying. I can see where the author might be setting up future pairings and stories in the secondary characters, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for a sequel. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

My feelings about this one are fairly mixed. I love the premise and the main characters are interesting and worth rooting for... but I often found myself picking up another book instead of this one. I felt that the relationship between the main characters was rushed and somewhat unbelievable. I also found many of the side characters to be somewhat one dimensional. I loved the idea of a lady's club devoted to STEM in Victorian London, but think it would have been wise to really focus on that and the preparations for the club's debut instead of the addition of an outside threat due to the main character's secret experiment. The plot felt a little harried because of the different directions the story took. Romance can be tricky to hit perfectly and I think with a little more editing and development this could be an even better concept. If the plot is tightened up, I will definitely be watching for the sequel - I love the idea of a STEM centered romance with tough and smart female protagonists.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An utter delight from start to finish. Everett writes like a seasoned author in her debut. Such a fun, fast paced read. And the steam?! Yes please and thank you! Cannot wait to read more in this series and whatever else Everett writes. I am now a fan for life!

DNF at 20%. Sadly, the writing style isn't for me at all and I am having difficulty become engaged to the story. YMMV.

A Lady's Formula for Love is Elizabeth Everett's debut novel. It's a historical romance featuring women in STEM. As a woman in STEM I was so excited to read this. Let me tell you that Elizabeth Everett delivered! The connection between Violet, the lead scientist, and her bodyguard Arthur, is instant. I loved watching them grow together and find themselves.

Set in London in the early Victorian era, A Lady's Formula for Love brings us into a world of female scientists and the pressure society puts on them. I loved the secret society of intellectuals. I loved Violet's group of scientists, they were inspiring and so brilliant.

This was a great historical romance and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Secret Scientists of London series!

Yes - read it!! Because this is going to be a really fun series!

The description of the book is spot on but I thought it was much more robust then that. I enjoyed the two main characters a lot but you could see the series coming into development with all the other characters.

I also liked that is was a smart read. You have to enjoy learning to appreciate all the different nuisances of the story. Granted, I failed chemistry but that didn't keep me from enjoying the book immensely.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC to prepare for my review.


Note to publisher:
I particularly enjoyed the big words that required investigation. Don't cave when people complain about the words they didn't know! It's nice to be challenged for a change, made the read way more fun.

A completely charming historical romance! I loved loved Lady Violet and her secret society of scientists. Everett remixes the historical romance category in a completely fun way. Can't wait for more from this author!

A Lady's Formula for Love utterly stole my heart! Violet was the most charming heroine I have read in a long time. A widow whose husband had crushed her spirit, she is now a haven for others seeking shelter and support. Arthur is a bodyguard with a heap of self inflicted guilt who helps Violet find her own comfort.

Violet is brilliant and has created a special place for other women who are brilliant and innovative. Athena's retreat is her special project. However, she is also tasked with coming up with an antidote for a terrible new chemical weapon that has placed her and Athena's Retreat in danger. Enter Arthur: bodyguard extraordinaire! Arthur is solemn and withdrawn; he is also ready to retire but agrees to take on a final job for a friend.

Arthur has trouble opening up and getting to know people due to a terrible event in his past. Violet cares so deeply for others, she can't help but try to understand them. There is lots of chemistry between these two and I loved it. Their stolen moments gave me butterflies. What I adored most is what Arthur gives Violet: a safe space. Violet has done so much for others, but she herself has been beaten down and diminished. Arthur begins to help her repair her self image and confidence. It's simply beautiful.

I really can't express how touching A Lady's Formula for Love was to me. I cried several times because I was so moved. I adored Violet and Arthur and will forever want more of them.