“I love you, Arthur Kneland. You’ve made me come alive again, and I don’t want to live without you. Someone else can be the face of the club. It doesn’t have to be me. I am learning how to be brave outside of those walls. My work will continue no matter what. I am not ashamed of you.” —Violet Greycliff “Home is the smell of graphite and lavender. The sound of glass bottles rattling when you forget to take them off the flame. Home is the way your eyebrows turn into tiny triangles when you talk about the behavior of ideal gases. You have taught me much about the world, but your most important lesson was about the heart. Home is where I love. Not where I live. I love you, Violet. You are home.” —Arthur Kneland greening laughing giggling wheezing crying throwing up This book is surprisingly good on its own merits, even though I was blind reading it. I considered this creative, enjoyable mix of romance and historical fiction was great. Unquestionably, it was a lighthearted and challenging bodyguard Victorian romance with endearing, encouraging banter between its couple. My expectations were all surpassed by the writing. No scene or page is wasted, and the pacing is great. It follows the story of Violet, a creative and intelligent scientist who discovers the ideal secret location for her new club meetings: a group of ladies who are passionate about scientific discoveries and are pursuing their goals by developing various formulas during their lab time. As well as a hot and gruff Scottish bodyguard who had been tasked with protecting her safety. I enjoyed their banter more than I should have. I enjoyed their teasing a lot. There is a strong spark between Violet and Arthur, and their pasts are riveting, sensitive, and compassionate. Their slow opening up to one another and finding comfort in their relationship—something they had never experienced with anyone else—was another thing I admired. Additionally, they are mature and recognizable. Also, their sexual tension is another level. 🤌🏻🔥

3.5⭐
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. Major Spoiler: I can't understand how you ever forgive that big of a betrayal and I'm already dreading her book... it's going to require an epic redemption arc

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, and a widowed heroine! Definitely check this one out if you're looking for a great feminist take on Victorian society!