Okay, it took me about 100 pages to get into this one because that's when the chemistry (sexual that is) really took off. The first part of the book sets up the Secret Scientist ladies personalities, actual chemistry experiments, back stories, etc. and I just wanted more Arthur & Violet! They do get a LOT of romantic scenes in the back 2/3 of the book. I didn't care much for the uncompelling mystery storyline except that it created a bit of danger for the main couple. I was totally in this one for the romance. If you are too, you won't be disappointed!

There is nothing I love more than a smart heroine, so what's not to love about a heroine who is a genius when it's not in-fashion to be one? This book was funny, charming and sweet, with just the right amount of smolder. I DESPERATELY want to read more stories about the women in this club.

Lady Violet is widow working on an antidote for a new poison gas, when her women's scientific club is attacked and her stepson sends counterassassin Arthur to protect her. Little did they both know that they were exactly what each other was looking for.
The book is a delightful and quick read with a pleasing storyline. Any book with a historical romance narrative coupled with an eccentric and genius scientist has my vote. That being said however the book felt somewhat lacking but you can't really put a finger on why. Solid B+ book.

This book was very cute. I think it will be an easy title to suggest to buyers who like Mr Malcolm's List

A Lady’s Formula for Love is a perfect entry point for those new to historical romance. I fell quickly into the story of star-crossed lovers Violet and Arthur and didn’t want to leave it. Set in London in 1842, the setting felt familiar, which for someone not used to reading historical fiction was a plus. I liked that I understood where they were and when, and how society at that time shaped these people and this story. I could picture it easily and the descriptions provided in book only enhanced my mental picture. The added science, while significant to the plot, wasn’t heavy handed; it was easy enough to understand without pulling you out of the moment. But it also characterized these women and the amazing work they were doing at time when no one wanted them to be doing it.

This book is both sweet and steamy. In one moment, the steam factor is high, and then it falls into a sweet moment between these two imperfect lovers. Both experienced but so naïve in love, Violet and Arthur are a breath of fresh air. The fumble through it, but whole-heartedly. You root for them as the world attempts to tear them apart and a literal villain puts Violet in harm’s way. You wonder if society expectations and self-sacrifice will win out over love and are then rewarded with a shock of an ending (I never guessed who the villain was!) that makes all your worry worth it.

This was just delightful! A sweet (and steamy) romance with a wonderfully brainy heroine, a swoon-worthy hero, compelling and hilarious supporting characters, and a all-too-relatable villain! A perfect historical rom-com.

WHAT A MASTERPIECE.

Now, this book is special to me, because the moment I knew it existed I remember thinking many coherent things, such as OMG, and GRABBY HANDS, and MINE MINE MINE MINE MUST READ MINE. It was a very dignified moment.

Well, guess what? Now that I’ve read A Lady’s Formula For Love I am actually very disappointed. THAT IT’S OVER. Because Elizabeth managed to create The Best World Ever and The Best Characters Ever and I am currently packing my bags to move to London, ca. 1842. Not only Violet, the heroine (A! LADY! SCIENTIST!) is the best possible mix of spunk and humor and curiosity and brains and vulnerability, but her bodyguard Arthur is truly To Thirst For, and I have fallen for literally Every Secondary Character (INCLUDING THE LEADS OF BOOK 2!). Seriously, this is the historical romcom of my dreams, and I want to spend the rest of my life with chaotic scientist ladies who form secret societies and clearly love and support each other and cause waaaay too many explosions.

(Not true. There’s never too many explosions.)

PS: My faves were Winthram and Phoebe and Mrs Sweet <3

DNF. Thought it was a smarter book instead of straight romance.
The author kept telling us how much research she's done instead of letting details gradually support the setting and story.
Still, people who love romance novels will probably enjoy this.

Absolutely charming and refreshing romance about a scientist and her bodyguard working on some crown secrets.

This book was such a fun breath of fresh air for me. I usually know what I'm getting when I start to read one of these, but this book sets its own high bar. I love Violet who is recovering from a lonely marriage. I really enjoyed her story of strength, how she moved past her bad marriage and took her future in her own hands. And OMG she is clever and smart. She is a scientist, like super smart.?

Arthur is physically and emotionally hurt from past experiences, whether that is from his time as being an agent for the Queen or his less than wonderful choices and the scandal that followed from his youth. His story line was equally heartfelt as he discovered his own path, trying to come to terms with his new wants. I love him and Grantham's relationship. I am honestly hoping these two show up together again and again in subsequent books because you can really see their relationship developing.

>And of course, I love Violet's brains and Arthur's admiration for her. Let her go off on explaining all of these ideas and Arthur would have no idea what she was talking about.. and he loves her anyway. Like, oh you're super smarter than me honey. I love it. What a turn on!

Yes, there were some steamy bits that actually did add layers to the story. I like how quiet both Violet and Arthur were. The author did a good job at showing these characters' vulnerabilities, making their development real.

Add in some danger and explosives, lots of very intelligent and remarkable women and a secret society and what more could you want?<p>I devoured this book faster than you can say scotch.

And you should too.

Unusual characters who stick with you after reading. Quirky without being caricatures. She's an intellectual, he's the hired muscle, but they are drawn to one another nonetheless. I loved how he responded to her intelligence. Above average historical romance.

A smart, sassy, and steamy read, 𝘼 𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙮'𝙨 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 by Elizabeth Everett will rank among my favorite girl power books. What a fun read this was! I loved how the focus was on headstrong and brilliant women, especially during a time when women were expected to stay quiet and reserved. Violet’s mission to protect her fellow female scientists is the epitome of a fierce female. Her passion for science and sheer determination to help the Crown was a joy to watch. And can we talk about Arthur? An antiassassin who protects Violet as she continues her experiments to protect humanity? Whew. And the attraction between the two was steamy!
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If you loved Bringing Down the Duke and enjoy historical romance mixed with comedy, then you’ll love this one.⁣⁣⠀

A fun romance with a great sense of place. The resolution of the mystery leaves something to be desired, but otherwise a really enjoyable read.

This is a fine book for a quick read, romance with an interesting historical fiction STEM twist. Scientist and aristocratic widow Violet allows a group of like-minded women to use part or her property as a secret lab and STEM club. There is are sparks (naturally!) with the handsome bodyguard hired by her step-son and a mystery involving anarchists and bombs that may be linked to the women. For those looking for less graphic sex and a more intellectual style, I recommend the Veronica Speedwell books by Deanna Raybourn.

I could not quite get through this book - it was sweet, fluffy, light, and progressed very well. It just wasn't for me. This book did a wonderful job at setting the scene and building the characters, and I enjoyed how the author used the time period and its setting to the story's advantage, while not allowing the historical limitations to limit her imagination.

Okay, I am a sucker for Victorian era novels, but you add some science, great characters and a storyline that won't let me close it...you have me!
I highly recommend!

Violet and Arthur were *chefs kiss*. So much chemistry and I really liked the female empowerment running through the background with Violet's secret society. Quick, enjoyable read.

I love love LOVED this book! I didn't know I wanted to see BODYGUARD in 19th Century England but my god, I did. I loved the way the world was explored from the POV of a super-smart scientist. I was hooked from page one and I'm not usually a historical romance gal. I think it really hits the rom-com beats so well. Just a joy of a debut!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for real reviews.

2.5 stars

Women of science—repressed and working in secret in Victorian England—was a lovely, clever idea of a story I already knew I wanted to read, more so when it featured a bodyguard-like romance as well. And it’s quite smartly conceived and pretty wittily-written for our time too, bravely going the way of 2 older protagonists who have had some things thrown at them along the way, rather than the young-ish debutante/older rake type of historical pairings that seem to be dime-a-dozen. Pockets of rom-com moments pepper the story, and it did make for an entertaining time of action, ingenuity and openness that I didn't think I would find in a historical romance.

But I did have reservations about the start-stop, uneven pacing of the storytelling. The development between Arthur and Violet was overshadowed from the start by too much, too soon. A wealth of characters came in and out of the story to the point of distraction, with too many things going on in the background and too many pointers of where the narrative might be leading until it was frankly, just hard to follow. As a result, the lack of concentrated focus on Arthur/Violet’s connection made it feel like a thin straight line that suddenly accelerated from some half-hearted dialogues to full-steam horizontal-dancing ahead while various mini-conflicts brewed in the background. At some points, it became a trudge through white noise that I had to flip through to get over; at others, I could read fairly easily and with enjoyment.

The feminist-tone and the empowerment of women in historical fiction (as conceived by contemporary 21st century women writers) are always elements that I’ve looked out for, as much as they exist in the realm of imagination more than what reality seems to dictate. But Elizabeth Everett has given this a valiant attempt; I just wished it worked out better in all aspects for me.

It was a quick and adorable read! Violet was so relatable in the most heartbreaking of ways and Arthur was her perfect balance. I loved this and look forward to the next book!

This was a sweet historical romance, with characters you definitely cared about and some hot action indeed. I liked the scientific society of ladies and I really enjoyed the humor. This was a lovely light and quick read--perfect for these stressful times!