Lady Violet is keeping secrets. First, she founded a clandestine sanctuary for England’s most brilliant female scientists. Second, she is using her genius on a confidential mission for the Crown. But the biggest secret of all? Her feelings for protection officer Arthur Kneland.
Solitary and reserved, Arthur learned the hard way to put duty first. But the more time he spends in the company of Violet and the eccentric club members, the more his best intentions go up in flames. Literally.
When a shadowy threat infiltrates Violet’s laboratories, endangering her life and her work, scientist and bodyguard will find all their theories put to the test–and learn that the most important discoveries are those of the heart.
Release Date: Feb 9, 2021
Series: The Secret Scientists of London
Book: 1 – Debut
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $9.99
A Lady’s Formula For Love is the debut novel by Elizabeth Everett. It takes place in London, 1842.
Lady Greycliff, Violet Hughes, is considered to be eccentric by London society. She tried to fit in, to be a proper Lady, to be a proper hostess, to please her husband. It was too big a challenge for her as she is more science minded and less concerned with fashion or society. When her husband died, she decided to open a lady’s club catering to other like-minded, eccentric ladies of London: Athena’s Retreat. Violet’s stepson greatly respects her abilities and has brought her a special assignment from the government. This work has put her in danger.
Arthur Kneland has known and worked with Lord Greycliff for many years. He is ready to retire but has agreed to help Lord Greycliff with one last job, to act has bodyguard for Violet Hughes. He comes to her rescue upon his first meeting with her. While he expects the job to be dangerous at times, he does not expect, nor want, to put his heart on the line.
The primary story line is well thought out. However, there are several problems with this book. While I like the personalities of the characters, the author overwhelms the reader with the number of characters. By chapter five there are sixteen recurrent players; many come with titles or nicknames. I found it difficult to keep up with the connections between characters. The primary characters of Violet and Arthur are given relatable characteristics and goals. I found them, and the situations they find themselves in, to be quite enjoyable. The author does a good job of giving the reader their background information and telling their stories.
A second issue I had with this story is that where the language used seems appropriate for the times it becomes flowery. If I tried to read this book at night, it put me to sleep. The love story evolves naturally but quickly. Arthur initially fights his desires for Violet, he thinks he can stick to physical passion without emotional involvement. I think the author did a good job of advancing this part of the story. The love scenes build in physicality and intensity and are quite descriptive.
Overall, if you can get past the flowery language and overabundance of characters you might enjoy it.
~ Andrea
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