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How To Tempt A Bodyguard: Steamy Victorian, Alpha Male, Bodyguard Romance
His job was to deliver her. His mistake was tasting her first.Former prize fighter turned bodyguard Matthew Collins knows three fight to the death, be loyal, and keep his mouth shut.
Then Lady Florence Archer opens hers—and doesn't stop.
By day, she's a marquess's sister, a lady. By night, she's Madam Tansley—spymaster, rescuer of fallen women, and the most wanted woman in England. She hires him to escort her to Scotland. What she doesn't they're heading toward her enemy, not away. Because she's the prize the devil's been promised.
Matthew's job is simple. Deliver her safely. Keep his hands to himself. Don't fall for the woman.
He fails. Spectacularly. Repeatedly. Every night.
In bed, they're a revelation—his filthy mouth the perfect match for her inelegant passion. Bodies tangled, rules shattered, flames high enough to burn them both. But hearts? Those stay guarded.
Until they don't.
Now protecting her isn't enough. He wants to keep her. And that's a problem because the devil expects her delivered, not devoured.
How does a bodyguard tell his client he'd rather die than let her go?
Steamy scenes - 6 (open door)Enemies to loversInstalustForced proximityOnly one bedMarriage of conveniencePraise kink/WorshipHidden identityGrumpy/SunshineTouch her and dieClass difference
Then Lady Florence Archer opens hers—and doesn't stop.
By day, she's a marquess's sister, a lady. By night, she's Madam Tansley—spymaster, rescuer of fallen women, and the most wanted woman in England. She hires him to escort her to Scotland. What she doesn't they're heading toward her enemy, not away. Because she's the prize the devil's been promised.
Matthew's job is simple. Deliver her safely. Keep his hands to himself. Don't fall for the woman.
He fails. Spectacularly. Repeatedly. Every night.
In bed, they're a revelation—his filthy mouth the perfect match for her inelegant passion. Bodies tangled, rules shattered, flames high enough to burn them both. But hearts? Those stay guarded.
Until they don't.
Now protecting her isn't enough. He wants to keep her. And that's a problem because the devil expects her delivered, not devoured.
How does a bodyguard tell his client he'd rather die than let her go?
Steamy scenes - 6 (open door)Enemies to loversInstalustForced proximityOnly one bedMarriage of conveniencePraise kink/WorshipHidden identityGrumpy/SunshineTouch her and dieClass difference
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2026
6 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mihwa Lee
20 books74 followersMihwa Lee is NOT a New York Times, USA, or Amazon Best Selling Author. She is a former expert witness. But what she is not, she makes up for with her sense of humour, unusual life experiences, and imagination. The combination of these qualities can yield entertaining stories as well as parties. As a result, she is a sought-after guest at all parties and karaoke except those who have banned her.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2026
I loved every moment of this carriage road trip, which brings banter, yearning, danger, and steam so heated it would have fogged up my glasses if I wore glasses. I was hooked at the first page by their back and forth, as well as the prospect of a private carriage journey under secretive circumstances. The hook didn't let me go, and I ended up reading it in one sitting until the wee hours, but it was worth it.
Florence is on the run. She needs to be gone quickly, and with dangerous men in pursuit, she needs protection. Matthew is her man for the job, although he knows only the bare minimum - this seemingly spoiled Lady requires escort. Their journey quickly transforms from judgemental observations to heated exchanges of a more intimate nature, as Matthew is caught off guard by the intoxicating complexity that is Florence.
Florence is my favourite kind of heroine. She's smart, calculating, and dangerous in her own way. Matthew is also dangerous, observant enough that he figures out quickly that there's more to Florence than meets the eye. I loved the progression of their relationship, and how as they peeled each other back emotionally, their intimacy followed suit. Their journey is accompanied by an undercurrent of imminent disaster, making the tension more palpable. I also can't write my review without mentioning that the spicy scenes are exceptionally well written. Honestly, they left me flustered in a good way 🥵
Mihwa Lee infuses her characters with such substance, and deftly creates an engaging plot that grabs you from start to finish. Her dialogue, in particular, I loved, at times feeling reminiscent of our beloved Julie Anne Long but with her own distinct flair. There's not a single thing I'd change about this wild ride of a story.
Florence is on the run. She needs to be gone quickly, and with dangerous men in pursuit, she needs protection. Matthew is her man for the job, although he knows only the bare minimum - this seemingly spoiled Lady requires escort. Their journey quickly transforms from judgemental observations to heated exchanges of a more intimate nature, as Matthew is caught off guard by the intoxicating complexity that is Florence.
Florence is my favourite kind of heroine. She's smart, calculating, and dangerous in her own way. Matthew is also dangerous, observant enough that he figures out quickly that there's more to Florence than meets the eye. I loved the progression of their relationship, and how as they peeled each other back emotionally, their intimacy followed suit. Their journey is accompanied by an undercurrent of imminent disaster, making the tension more palpable. I also can't write my review without mentioning that the spicy scenes are exceptionally well written. Honestly, they left me flustered in a good way 🥵
Mihwa Lee infuses her characters with such substance, and deftly creates an engaging plot that grabs you from start to finish. Her dialogue, in particular, I loved, at times feeling reminiscent of our beloved Julie Anne Long but with her own distinct flair. There's not a single thing I'd change about this wild ride of a story.
January 14, 2026
4.5/5 I always enjoy a road trip as it usually leads to a one bed at an inn somewhere along the way. This time, just about every place they laid their head at night it was a one bed scenario and I wasn’t upset by it.
When Florence and Matthew meet it is an insta lust situation. While it’s not my favorite and was a bit of a slow start because of it - I think it did end up working in the book’s favor.
Once their initial desires are somewhat met, they begin to truly connect. And there is plenty for each to unpack and process as they’ve both only survived this long by not letting others in. The way they progressed and grew had me rooting for them and connecting with them.
I recommend reading at least book four prior to this one. While Florence isn’t really on page in previous books, Madam Tansley is indirectly discussed. Matthew is introduced in the prior book and some of his development is known from book four and is not brought up again until further into this one.
One of the things that I really loved about this book is that we get to finally meet Madam Tansley in the flesh. I’ve read a few series of a secret women driven society/network but not getting to the story about its leader. I’m so glad we got that here and it was everything I’d wanted in it. Seeing Florence vulnerable and as a person outside the impenetrable mask of Madam Tansley was deeply satisfying.
I’m not sure if this is the last book in the series. But each of the previous MC make an appearance at the end and help bring it all to a climatic close. Bringing it all full circle if it is the series finale.
How to Tempt a Bodyguard is the fifth book in the Madams and Mischief series.
There are six open door encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
When Florence and Matthew meet it is an insta lust situation. While it’s not my favorite and was a bit of a slow start because of it - I think it did end up working in the book’s favor.
Once their initial desires are somewhat met, they begin to truly connect. And there is plenty for each to unpack and process as they’ve both only survived this long by not letting others in. The way they progressed and grew had me rooting for them and connecting with them.
I recommend reading at least book four prior to this one. While Florence isn’t really on page in previous books, Madam Tansley is indirectly discussed. Matthew is introduced in the prior book and some of his development is known from book four and is not brought up again until further into this one.
One of the things that I really loved about this book is that we get to finally meet Madam Tansley in the flesh. I’ve read a few series of a secret women driven society/network but not getting to the story about its leader. I’m so glad we got that here and it was everything I’d wanted in it. Seeing Florence vulnerable and as a person outside the impenetrable mask of Madam Tansley was deeply satisfying.
I’m not sure if this is the last book in the series. But each of the previous MC make an appearance at the end and help bring it all to a climatic close. Bringing it all full circle if it is the series finale.
How to Tempt a Bodyguard is the fifth book in the Madams and Mischief series.
There are six open door encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
This is a fantastic series ender. The plot moves with purpose, the cameos land, and the balance of tension and forward motion kept me hooked from the start.
Matthew and Florence are the definition of two guarded people who can’t help but be drawn to each other. He’s gruff, loyal, and almost painfully self-sacrificing. She’s sharp and controlled on the outside and vulnerable underneath. Their connection builds through wary glances, sharp banter, and the slow realization that they’ve both been lonely for a long time.
The supporting cast adds real color without ever feeling like filler. Florence’s work as Madam Tansley matters to the story, and Matthew’s circle gives him needed dimension and warmth.
The emotional payoff is excellent. Matthew learning how to be open is genuinely sweet, and Florence learning how to trust and accept help is handled with care. Their partnership feels equal in a way that’s earned, not forced.
A beautiful book. Important in its themes, grounded in real feeling, and deeply satisfying. I’m in awe.
Matthew and Florence are the definition of two guarded people who can’t help but be drawn to each other. He’s gruff, loyal, and almost painfully self-sacrificing. She’s sharp and controlled on the outside and vulnerable underneath. Their connection builds through wary glances, sharp banter, and the slow realization that they’ve both been lonely for a long time.
The supporting cast adds real color without ever feeling like filler. Florence’s work as Madam Tansley matters to the story, and Matthew’s circle gives him needed dimension and warmth.
The emotional payoff is excellent. Matthew learning how to be open is genuinely sweet, and Florence learning how to trust and accept help is handled with care. Their partnership feels equal in a way that’s earned, not forced.
A beautiful book. Important in its themes, grounded in real feeling, and deeply satisfying. I’m in awe.
January 11, 2026
Mihwa Lee just keeps better and better with each and every book she writes.
Matthew is hired to protect Florence from so she can expose a very very corrupt person of the ton but what he doesn't know is that Florence is the very Madam Tansley herself and she is also a Marquess sister..
These two characters have been through so much that you can't help but root for their happiness and hope that they can finally get that stability with each other that they desperately need..
This story had me rooting for them, had me crying, had me laughing, had my heart breaking and had my heart healing throughout the entire story..
I loved seeing the previous characters coming together to stand up for Madam Tansley and Matthew when they both needed it the most..
If this was the final book in this series.. what an amazing story to end it with..
I can't wait to read the next book from Mihwa Lee.
Matthew is hired to protect Florence from so she can expose a very very corrupt person of the ton but what he doesn't know is that Florence is the very Madam Tansley herself and she is also a Marquess sister..
These two characters have been through so much that you can't help but root for their happiness and hope that they can finally get that stability with each other that they desperately need..
This story had me rooting for them, had me crying, had me laughing, had my heart breaking and had my heart healing throughout the entire story..
I loved seeing the previous characters coming together to stand up for Madam Tansley and Matthew when they both needed it the most..
If this was the final book in this series.. what an amazing story to end it with..
I can't wait to read the next book from Mihwa Lee.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great instalment in the series and, given how the showdown ended, probably the last one, unfortunately. As always, the plot is very well written, well paced, action-packed and full of emotion, humor, suspense, adventure, secrets, obstacles, steamy love scenes and a whole host of likeable secondary characters, many of whom are already familiar from earlier books in the series. The tropes are
- Road trip
- Bodyguard romance
- Grumpy-sunshine
- Opposites attract
- Hidden identities
- Close/Forced proximity
- One bed
- Fake marriage
- Marriage of convenience
- Touch her and die
- Class disparity
I loved the main characters. Matthew is a tough protector, but at cinnamon roll hero at heart, and Florence is a strong, determined heroine who makes the world a better place. Their interactions and banter are amusing, and their chemistry crackles from the start. They are exactly what the other needs.
I definitely recommend the entire series!
Former prize fighter Matthew Collins aka Matthew Munro Carrick works as a bodyguard for Mrs Raines and is hired to accompany the spoilt and petulant Mrs Archer to Bath. What he doesn't know, however, is that behind the spoilt woman is none other than Lady Florence Archer, aka Madam Tansley by night, England’s most notorious, feared and wanted woman, who can bring down the powerful men with her insider knowledge and spy network, and who rescues fallen and abused women.
Florence is used to pretending and having powerful enemies, but this time there seems to be no escape for her. One of her opponents, Lord Carrick, blackmails her into marrying him if she fails to bring him down within three weeks. She must therefore travel to Scotland to find a cooperative magistrate who can bring him to justice.
During their dangerous and adventurous journey north, Florence and Matthew grow closer and gradually learn each other's secrets and real identities…
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
- Road trip
- Bodyguard romance
- Grumpy-sunshine
- Opposites attract
- Hidden identities
- Close/Forced proximity
- One bed
- Fake marriage
- Marriage of convenience
- Touch her and die
- Class disparity
I loved the main characters. Matthew is a tough protector, but at cinnamon roll hero at heart, and Florence is a strong, determined heroine who makes the world a better place. Their interactions and banter are amusing, and their chemistry crackles from the start. They are exactly what the other needs.
I definitely recommend the entire series!
Former prize fighter Matthew Collins aka Matthew Munro Carrick works as a bodyguard for Mrs Raines and is hired to accompany the spoilt and petulant Mrs Archer to Bath. What he doesn't know, however, is that behind the spoilt woman is none other than Lady Florence Archer, aka Madam Tansley by night, England’s most notorious, feared and wanted woman, who can bring down the powerful men with her insider knowledge and spy network, and who rescues fallen and abused women.
Florence is used to pretending and having powerful enemies, but this time there seems to be no escape for her. One of her opponents, Lord Carrick, blackmails her into marrying him if she fails to bring him down within three weeks. She must therefore travel to Scotland to find a cooperative magistrate who can bring him to justice.
During their dangerous and adventurous journey north, Florence and Matthew grow closer and gradually learn each other's secrets and real identities…
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novel was the definition of going out with a bang!
Florence – spinster marquess’s sister by day, the illustrious Madam Tansley by night. Her clandestine operation saved hundreds of women, but it also made her powerful enemies – and now the worst of the crop is blackmailing her into marriage.
Matthew – former enforcer, retired boxer and noose rescue turned trusted bodyguard. He’s the man she hired to escort her and her damning evidence to Scotland, straight into the lion’s den for a final showdown – but she forgot to mention that last bit...
Professional and perceptive, he knows his observations don’t add up to a frightened widow on the run. No, this Lady is trouble – and a menace to his self-control.
Discarded as a boring prude and knowing her mission might fail, she decides to take one for herself – and who better than her grumpy beast of a companion?
Instalust and a perilous road trip. It’s lovers-to-in love mixed with touch-her-and-die, mine, class difference, hidden identity. Danger lurks, accidents happen, axles break, thunderstorms roll in, available beds are scarce, and nightmares are a *itch. Close proximity, 17 days on the road, secrets confessed, and desire unleashed.
And then their fake marriage turns real – for convenience.
I loved Flo & Matt, the way they grew on each other, their awkward but scorching courtship, their heartache and frustration, his devotion and her determination. While passion comes easy, trust is a different matter, and the closer they come to their destination, the more confusion. Could it be love? He’s not a man of many words, she’s afraid to ask, and the devil himself is still lying in wait...
That’s it; that’s all I’m going to share, except, it ends with a party, and everyone is invited. Everyone! Expect cameos by all past MCs from this unique and scrumptious series, and a magnificent grand reckoning! Absolutely brilliant!
Florence – spinster marquess’s sister by day, the illustrious Madam Tansley by night. Her clandestine operation saved hundreds of women, but it also made her powerful enemies – and now the worst of the crop is blackmailing her into marriage.
Matthew – former enforcer, retired boxer and noose rescue turned trusted bodyguard. He’s the man she hired to escort her and her damning evidence to Scotland, straight into the lion’s den for a final showdown – but she forgot to mention that last bit...
Professional and perceptive, he knows his observations don’t add up to a frightened widow on the run. No, this Lady is trouble – and a menace to his self-control.
Discarded as a boring prude and knowing her mission might fail, she decides to take one for herself – and who better than her grumpy beast of a companion?
Instalust and a perilous road trip. It’s lovers-to-in love mixed with touch-her-and-die, mine, class difference, hidden identity. Danger lurks, accidents happen, axles break, thunderstorms roll in, available beds are scarce, and nightmares are a *itch. Close proximity, 17 days on the road, secrets confessed, and desire unleashed.
And then their fake marriage turns real – for convenience.
I loved Flo & Matt, the way they grew on each other, their awkward but scorching courtship, their heartache and frustration, his devotion and her determination. While passion comes easy, trust is a different matter, and the closer they come to their destination, the more confusion. Could it be love? He’s not a man of many words, she’s afraid to ask, and the devil himself is still lying in wait...
That’s it; that’s all I’m going to share, except, it ends with a party, and everyone is invited. Everyone! Expect cameos by all past MCs from this unique and scrumptious series, and a magnificent grand reckoning! Absolutely brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 5 of the series and I presume the last. The mysterious Madam Tansley is revealed to be Lady Florence Archer, who is now on the run as she is evading a dangerous enemy, fleeing with evidence of his criminal operations with the hope of using them to prevent him from enacting a plan to trap her and destroy her future. To do so, Florence takes on the guise of one of the women she has helped escape through her networks, hiring Mathew Collins to be her guard as she seeks to escape to Scotland.
Super steamy enemies to lovers, forced proximity, imminent danger in pursuit dramatic Victorian love story. Lots of heat, and attraction, amplified by the danger of discovery and capture. This was fast paced, with lots of tension and angst as Matthew fights his attraction to Florence and his own past, and Florence, in an attempt to grab something for herself as she faces a tenuous future, decides to grab onto something for herself with Matthew.
What they did not expect was to find love and a possible path to a future of happiness, with each other, and when this past opens up to them, they both fight with all they have to have that chance for a future for themselves.
Steamy, angsty, and it brings together the previous characters and stories from the entire series for a hard earned HEA.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is book 5 of the series and I presume the last. The mysterious Madam Tansley is revealed to be Lady Florence Archer, who is now on the run as she is evading a dangerous enemy, fleeing with evidence of his criminal operations with the hope of using them to prevent him from enacting a plan to trap her and destroy her future. To do so, Florence takes on the guise of one of the women she has helped escape through her networks, hiring Mathew Collins to be her guard as she seeks to escape to Scotland.
Super steamy enemies to lovers, forced proximity, imminent danger in pursuit dramatic Victorian love story. Lots of heat, and attraction, amplified by the danger of discovery and capture. This was fast paced, with lots of tension and angst as Matthew fights his attraction to Florence and his own past, and Florence, in an attempt to grab something for herself as she faces a tenuous future, decides to grab onto something for herself with Matthew.
What they did not expect was to find love and a possible path to a future of happiness, with each other, and when this past opens up to them, they both fight with all they have to have that chance for a future for themselves.
Steamy, angsty, and it brings together the previous characters and stories from the entire series for a hard earned HEA.
4.25 stars out of 5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been looking forward to this book since reading the sneak peek in the previous book! Matthew and Florence's story certainly didn't disappoint. Matthew is a bodyguard, roughened by his past experience as a prizefighter, he is a man of few words, a man who has never experienced love. Hired to protect Florence on her journey up to Scotland, he is eventually unable to deny his desire for her. The book has many steamy scenes, including during carriage rides and in inns where they have to share the bed. Florence has a secret identity - she is the notorious Madam Tansley, the woman who created a country-wide network to save women from being trafficked and offer them a better life.
This book was HOT. I also really enjoyed seeing all the main characters from the previous books in the series!
This book was HOT. I also really enjoyed seeing all the main characters from the previous books in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book will make you laugh, cheer, cry, and cheer again. I am always amazed at how Mihwa’s writing can make you feel a full range of emotion. The relationship between Florence and Matthew is complicated as they have known of each other for several years, but have never met…until now. There is an immediate attraction, so this is not a slow burn although he does try to resist, which just makes it that more satisfying. They share a lot of time together in close proximity which provides for lots of enjoyable spicy moments. However, their conflict does not just come from the danger they share, but with their own struggles to understand each other. The moment it all clicks you will need full box of tissues. Incorporating the MCs from the first 4 stories was brilliant. And, honestly I will not think of a wedding in the same way again. Florence was so right.😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun and adventurous tale. I loved the class difference trope and how both Main Characters were so unique and non traditional. Florence (aka Madame Tansley) heads on a road trip to run from an enemy who’s closing in. Matthew is her bodyguard for this journey. I loved how Florence didn’t let him keep in the distant box he liked to stay in.
Matthew was an amazing hero. I especially loved how he learned he showed love toward the end. He was so endearing and sweet. It was beautiful.
This is a beautiful tale that brings back old friends from other books, and the enemies comeuppance was satisfying. There was plenty of steam to go along with the fun plot! 😉
Matthew was an amazing hero. I especially loved how he learned he showed love toward the end. He was so endearing and sweet. It was beautiful.
This is a beautiful tale that brings back old friends from other books, and the enemies comeuppance was satisfying. There was plenty of steam to go along with the fun plot! 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thrilling and passionate, I couldn't put it down.
This book is an entertaining romance filled with danger and intrigue. The plot is well-paced with two superb characters, Florence and Matthew, who are both strong but vulnerable. I loved the protagonists, their tumultuous interactions, and their chemistry full of tension and longing.
I found adventure, emotion, action, suspense, and passion in these forced-proximity and marriage-of-convenience tropes.
Another great book from this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is an entertaining romance filled with danger and intrigue. The plot is well-paced with two superb characters, Florence and Matthew, who are both strong but vulnerable. I loved the protagonists, their tumultuous interactions, and their chemistry full of tension and longing.
I found adventure, emotion, action, suspense, and passion in these forced-proximity and marriage-of-convenience tropes.
Another great book from this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2026
The final book in this edgy series delivers with huge impact! There are characters from the other books, always a plus for me. Every emotion possible, humor, cheers, tears, yelling at the characters and more. The plot is beyond awesome! Class difference, morally challenging, plenty of steam, major decisions and intensity. You will hold on to these characters until the very last period in the book and then you'll be sad it's over. It can stand alone yet my recommendation is to read the entire series to gain the best possible experience from this writer's creative talent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love back and forth banter, love resisting temptation? Then grab this book. I laughed a lot especially at the beginning. I felt the anticipation of will they, won’t they. And I admit that I needed some tissues while reading the story. Bodyguards are catnip for me. I feel that Mihwa pulled out all of the stops in this story.
January 11, 2026
I have been waiting for Madame Tansley story since she first appeared. These two stole my heart. The resistance that Matthew puts up is tantalising. But you know they will fall hard. Another amazing story. Can be read as a standalone but the other books are well worth a read too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story of Madame Tansley is filled with intrigue, lust and emotional conversations. Matthew and Florence both have tough exteriors. The story shares the emotions they struggle to recognize. It is well written and is definitely steamy. It was a delight to understand more about the network. A moving finish to the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Splendid!
Matthew and Florence's story is so much more than just a 'Bodyguard Romance'.
It took me on a journey filled with an unexpected and fulfilling love and the excitement of adventure. It made me feel relieved at the destruction of the villain and had an ending which left me warm, content and very happy that these two were able to find and explore their happy ever after.
As an avid reader, I could not have asked for anything more!
I have just read an early copy of this remarkable book and am happy to leave you my voluntary review.
Matthew and Florence's story is so much more than just a 'Bodyguard Romance'.
It took me on a journey filled with an unexpected and fulfilling love and the excitement of adventure. It made me feel relieved at the destruction of the villain and had an ending which left me warm, content and very happy that these two were able to find and explore their happy ever after.
As an avid reader, I could not have asked for anything more!
I have just read an early copy of this remarkable book and am happy to leave you my voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews