Paperbacks and Planners

Title: A Lady’s Formula for Love
Series: The Secret Scientist of London #1
Author: Elizabeth Everett
Genre: Historical Romance
Tropes: Bodyguard, Grumpy/Sunshine, Widowed heroine, Class Difference
Edition/Pages: Paperback, 322 Pages
Goodreads page

Thank you to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for sending me an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Feminist, swoony, and downright wonderful

When I first read the synopsis of this – secret society lady scientists in Victorian London + body guard romance – I absolutely knew I needed to read this. And it definitely did not disappoint! There was so much I absolutely loved about this feminist historical romance.

1. I loved the emphasis on women finding their own place in a world and society built to make them small. Violet spends a large part of the book coming terms with the trauma of emotional abuse by her late husband. I loved the internal character growth she went through throughout this book.

2. The romance in here was so sweet and fantastic. The chemistry between the main characters was so intense and the pacing was perfect. I loved how they supported each other was rooting for them the entire book. 

I only had 2 minor issues. I did think the mystery element was a little lackluster – it’s not really a mystery you can solve. There aren’t really hints or red-herrings, you were really just along for the ride. However, I did think the romance and character arcs were strong enough to overshadow this.

My other qualm was I personally was not a fan of Pheobe… – and because of that the wrap-up wasn’t my favorite.

Overall I thought this was sweet, and fun, and full of amazing female characters. This had some of my favorite HR tropes – grumpy sunshine, bodyguard, class difference, anda widowed heroine! Definitely check this one out if you’re looking for a great feminist take on Victorian society!