Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Alissa Baxter

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

this was so different from your usual regency romance and I had so much fun! Both Thea and James were so sweet, none of that bad boy attitude that can be so annoying to read. they learn about one another and are just adorable. Now, for a smart character, Thea made some very dumb decisions and it kind of ruined it for me at the end. 4 stars.

Thea is a unique heroine for the time period, since she has found a way to combine her favorite subject, chemistry, with and acceptable venture, embroidery. When her brilliance catches the attention of both a Baron and some silk smugglers, things start to get interesting! I enjoyed the characters in this story and how the author brings them to life. There are some fun historical tidbits throughout the story. And, I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. This is a wonderful book to pick up and enjoy!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Such a good book! Dorothea Grantham thinks love destroy her father when her mother died... and that's not worth it. Lady Grantham has decided that she would be happy to marry for the companionship but that love won't be on the equation. The only condition for this arrangement would be for her future husband to let her pursue her passion for chemistry... until she meets Lord Castleroy and she doesn't know what to do anymore.
I will love to read more of your books.

A delightful read with loveable characters and the perfect plot twists. You won't want to miss adding this clean, historical romance to your shelf.

The title of this book is what truly caught my attention. I love a heroine that defies societal norms and expectations. The whole idea of a Lady Chemist during this time period, makes me happy because it adds a whole other layer to the almost formulaic way female characters, especially main female characters are created in the historical romance genre.

I liked the added background of the whole silk industry and trade. The romance was lovely and the chemistry of the two main characters was more than believable. In the whole, I quite enjoyed this title.

ARC provided by Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

Dorothea Grantham has a unique hobby of combining two of her passions, chemistry and embroidery, to create breathtaking silk scarves that look like they come from a far-away land, and not home country of England. It is a secret that needs to be kept as ladies during this time period do not dabble in science but Baron James Castleroy finds out Thea’s secret and finds her passion of chemistry and silks alluring. The fact that Thea’s creations look like they came from India causes quite a stir in London during Thea’s first Season, making many believe they’ve been illegally smuggled, which was a very real problem during that time. It is a unique premise that I can honestly say I’ve never read before, which was quite refreshing in and of itself.

There are little history lessons sprinkled throughout the novel, which I appreciated, and the fact that the two main characters share a fascination on the subject makes it all the sweeter. One topic this novel focuses on is facing your fears. Choosing to live and not stay in bondage to that which you’re most afraid of is very important and I related so much to this particular aspect. Thea’s greatest fear is completely relatable, and witnessing Lord Castleroy help her to face her fears with patience and understanding was one of my favorite parts of the story.

There was a pretty surprising twist at the climax of the story which I was not expecting and greatly appreciated as there were a few sections that did drag for me, and I was ready for a little spice. I do wish this part could’ve been a little more suspenseful and lasted just a tad longer.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It’s got a nice, even tempo and I really did enjoy learning all about silks and the practice of dying them during this time period. The relationship between James and Thea was so sweet and loved every moment they shared with each other. All of the supporting characters are absolutely wonderful, and the scenery was beautiful. I have really enjoyed this series and cannot wait to see where The Grantham Girls take us next!

This is the second installment of The Grantham Girls and it is Dorothea's (Thea) story. She has a passion for chemistry and spends most of her time staining silks to create a brilliant variety of colors, which she then embroiders with gold or silver thread. These silks are so exquisite in their beauty that she is suspected of having smuggled goods. Unfortunately, she can't explain how the silks came to be as beautiful as they are, because her grandmother has advised against it, so people do not view Dorothea as an oddity for her hobby. Her silks especially catch the eye of James, Lord Castleroy, who is part owner of a silk mill, and is interested in how she acquired the silks. But his interests don't stop with the silks. He also becomes fascinated with Thea, who is so different from the other young ladies of the ton. His interests deepen when her wonderful silk creations also lead her straight to danger. While Thea is also taken with James, it seems he is also the only person she can now trust.
This was an entertaining story with an intriguing plotline and kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters were well-crafted and interesting and I enjoyed following their story. This was a lovely addition to the series and I look forward to the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Baron and the Lady Chemist caught my eye because it’s not always that we read about scientist women in the regency era, so I was very intrigued. Happily, the lady in question is actually a Chemist, does lab work and all. Dorothea has taken inspiration from some published works to create a way to dye silk with metals, making them more unique than the ones readily (and legally) available to the ton. This draws the notice of Lord Castleroy, but also of some nastier fellows, related to silk smuggling.

I really enjoyed the story, and I was really curious to see who was behind the silk smuggling - almost as much as watching Thea develop feelings for Lord Castleroy. At some points, I thought the author repeated some of the plot points unnecessarily, but this might have just been because I was eager for new information. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I didn’t really feel as if it was necessary; as in most romance books, it works nicely as a standalone.

I want to thank NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing and Alissa Baxter for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for my opinion.

This author always takes a remote historical fact/event and turns it into an interesting story. When I read I’m getting a history lesson that is enjoyable!
I loved learning about the silk and the dyeing. I’ve never even thought about that.
The characters were realistic and the plot was unique.
I have enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait for more.

The Baron and the Lady Chemist, by Alissa Baxter, is book two in the Granthan Girls series. Having not read book one, I had no problems reading this book, so it is also a good stand alone story. This story is set in the early 1800's when women were not typically interested in chemistry and the purchase of imported silks was banned. I enjoyed the characters very much. I found the story very well written, easy to read and easy to imagine. I enjoyed the information about the silk fabric and chemistry. I liked the character of Thea as she learns what she can from books and experimenting, even though it is not something a woman would do. I enjoyed how Lord Castleroy gave her encouragement and helped her work through her fears. I also enjoyed the friendships Thea forms with him and his sister. This is a fun regency romance to read and enjoy.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

After enjoying the previous book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read another from this series this summer! This one about a young chemist. Thea has a unique role in the fashion industry. She uses her knowledge and skills with chemistry to design brilliantly bold colored silk, which she then turns into shawls and other fashionable pieces. This use of electricity was unlike anything I’ve found in other stories and I loved seeing how she uses this skill here.

I did feel like there were some parts where Thea seemed a bit out of character. Were first introduced to this bright and intelligent young lady,so seeing her seemingly oblivious to some of the events and lies that surround her seemed a bit of a stretch. Still, overall I enjoyed her story and liked seeing her navigate the building feelings she has for Lord Castleroy.

I enjoyed seeing James in his attempts to help her. She had some issues that became quickly obvious early on in the story, and seeing him not only caring about her but also willing to help with her needs was precious. I enjoyed the chemistry between them, and loved seeing that closeness grow between them as time goes on.

The Baron and the Lady Chemist
The Grantham Girls #2
By Alissa Baxter

Dorothea Grantham is fascinated by chemistry. It is her passion. A passion that is frowned upon and even discouraged by her Aunt Eliza. What's worse, she is encouraged to not speak on it for fear she will ruin her chances at a good match. Everyone knows gentlemen don't want a thinking woman for a wife; rather, they seek a pretty face and a title and/or a dowry.

When Lord Castleroy (James) first meets Thea, it is in a most unfortunate setting, a little experiment has gone awry, and she is in need of rescue. James sees in Thea a chance for meaningful conversation but is puzzled at her abrupt departure for the mundane, everyday topic. But her silk shawls and scarves soon catch his attention and garner suspicion as to their true origin.

Thea's experimentation has skilled her in transforming plain silk into true works of art when she puts her needle to use. Soon she garners the attention of silk smugglers and finds herself in danger.

But her heart is in even greater danger of falling to the charms of a certain Baron who has been paying her particular attention. But love comes with its own dangers and pains, which Thea is concerned about pursuing.

This is the second in The Grantham Girls series and just as lovely and delightful as the first book, The Duke and the Lady Gardener. This reads better in order but can be read as a standalone. The characters are engaging and I totally sympathize with Thea and her perspective on things. Another perfect escape into the Regency Era for a little bit of me-read-time.

I was provided a complimentary of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

I loved the story of Thea and James, She has secrets (she successfully uses chemistry experiments to dye silk into phenomenal colors and produces amazing shawls). He is drawn in by her creations. He has secrets too, but he's more interested in hers. She ends up in danger over her designs. It's not an easy journey for these 2, but love their HEA.

This is book two of a series. Thea embroiders silk that is dyed in her chemistry experiments. She’s been cautioned not to reveal the origin of the silks that they use for her dresses whether the secret of her sister or herself is being protected, it doesn’t matter. Both are considered odd for the time.

I would highly recommend reading this series in order. While it follows three separate sisters their stories do intertwine and you will get the most out of the stories if you’ve read them all and in order.

Thea steps out into society. It’s definitely not her cup of tea. She’s not a society gal. She doesn’t really fit in. And when people think she’s wearing smuggled silk she’s getting a lot of attention.

One person giving her attention is Lord James. He’s interested in this silk. He’s sure it’s imported because he’s inherited part of a silk mill. Despite that, he’s a wonderful person and truly tries to break through her shell and get to know her. There’s some danger that pops up and a bit of suspense as well.

This is a wonderful read and I hope you take the time to read it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Ali Hazelwood meets Bridgerton in the second in Alissa Baxter’s series about The Grantham Girls, The Baron and the Lady Chemist.

Dorothea Grantham has a passion that is considered most unbecoming and irregular for a lady of her station: chemistry. Thea loves nothing more than staining silk with gold and silver using chemical processes and then embroidering the shawls and wearing them in polite society – much to her grandmother, Lady Longmore’s chagrin, who constantly advises her not to reveal to anyone that she created the fashion items herself. However, Thea’s creations have attracted the interest of the dashing Lord Castleroy, who has just recently inherited a share in his grandfather’s silk mill in Macclesfield.

James was immediately intrigued by Thea’s shawls – and by the mysterious young lady herself. His interest quickly veers from the professional into the personal, however, when Thea’s creations plunge her straight into a web of jeopardy and danger, she realizes that she needs to trust James, the man she had found herself falling head over heels in love with!

Can the Baron and the Lady Chemist have a future together? Or will a dangerous enemy end up destroying any hope Thea and James might have had of spending the rest of their lives together?

Alissa Baxter’s delightful historical romances never fail to hit the spot and she has done it again with The Baron and the Lady Chemist. A gorgeous romantic tale sparkling with wit, emotion and drama, readers are sure to be riveted by James and Thea’s exciting, compelling and captivating love story.

With an unconventional heroine, a gorgeous hero and plenty of mischief, pathos, intensity and heart, historical romance fans will swoon over Alissa Baxter’s latest novel, The Baron and The Lady Chemist.

I enjoyed this Regency Romance by Alissa Baxter. I have enjoyed other books by her so I was excited to read this one. I love how the women in this series have unique interests and the men who fall in love with them, love them for their uniqueness. I loved how Lord Castleroy loved Thea from the beginning and wanted to help her in any way he could. I loved that he showed his love for her by supporting her interest in chemistry and by being her friend. I thought this story was really good and I can’t wait to read the next book and to get to know more about these characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I recently read the first book in the Grantham Girls series and loved it. I was so excited to read the next book. The books are about three sisters. I just found out that a third book will be coming out with the third sister's story. Yay!

The sister that is highlighted in this book is Dorothea or Thea for short. She is very intelligent, loves chemistry, and wears spectacles. She feels she is no beauty and truly only cares about her experiments and the silk shawls she stains and embroiders. I really loved Thea and felt for her as readers find out why she doesn't want to get involved with anyone because of her mother's death.

Lord James Castleroy comes along and meets Thea at a very trying and embarrassing moment. From the start, you could see how fascinated he was with Thea because she is nothing like the other young ladies in Society. He tried so hard to break the hard shell that is wrapped around Thea. James truly has the patience of an angel. I actually really loved the way their relationship developed. Both Thea and James had things they needed to work through in their lives before they opened up to one another.

This Regency Romance is full of intrigue, poetry, mystery, humor, sadness, and of course sweet, slow-burn romance. There were interesting things to learn about the silk industry at this time period. I love a novel that gives so much variety to readers. The Baron and the Lady Chemist will keep you entertained and captivated for many hours.

Historical Romance, Chemistry, and the Silk Trade

This is a historical romance about a lady chemist who makes her own silk shawls. Her work sparks the interest of those who think she gets her silk illegally. Her grandmother tells her not to advertise that she does the work herself, lest the people of the ton think she was odd. One of the people interested in her work is a love interest, and another is a villain. I did finish the story, but it did not resonate with me. Though it was not exciting for me, others may enjoy it. I like spark and action in my romances.

4 1/2*STARS*
Miss Dorothea Grantham is interested in chemistry. To expand her interest, she creates beautiful shawls with her own dyes and embroidery. Unfortunately it draws the eyes of those in the silk smuggling trade. James, Baron Castleroy, is enchanted when he and Thea meet for the first time after one of her experiments goes wrong. Enjoying each other's company, Thea is amazed how James' readily accepts her interest in chemistry. Then she learns his family owns silk mills. Thea has many fears and to love James is a risk she's not sure she wants to take. Does he really love her or her work with chemical dyeing? When silk smugglers target her for her knowledge, Thea must decide if love is worth fighting for. Very informative on the trade and smuggling of silk and the strict control by the government in 1818-1819.
A clean romance with a few kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.