[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Violet Hughes, Lady Greycliff, is finally free. Free from her controlling, disapproving husband and her disappointing marriage, and free to pursue her experiments. Free to operate her women’s club, Athena’s Retreat, a secret society for scientifically minded women, posing as a simple social club.
But Violet’s work, helping her step-son and the authorities with an antidote to a chemical bomb used by terrorists, has put a target on her back. So Lord Greycliff brings in Arthur Kneland, a bodyguard.
The attraction between Violet and Arthur is undeniable. But it is something neither can afford to give in to. Violet’s reputation is too shaky for a fling – or more – with a man below her station. And Arthur is running from his past, eager to retire into obscurity. Life would be simpler for both of them if he could just find the culprit causing all of Violet’s trouble. But the culprit continues to up the ante. And in the case of Violet’s work and Arthur’s assignment, distraction could be deadly.
Review
This was great! I enjoyed the romance as well as the mystery. And I was inspired by the idea of a place in the 18th century where female scientists could gather. The community of people connected to Athena’s Retreat desperately needed a haven from the world – abusive fathers, scandals, disapproval over sexuality and gender identity, etc.
I enjoyed the relationship between Violet and Arthur. Violet had been broken in many ways by her husband’s treatment of her. Arthur understood her and helped her find herself again. I especially liked watching Violet discover what she wanted for her own life and what she would and would not do to get it.
The mystery was secondary to the rest of the story, but still twisty and engaging. I can see where the author might be headed with future books in the series. And I’ll be eager to check them out! (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read