A Matter of Temptation

Unforgettable Love #1

by Stacy Reid

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford is desperate. Having been ruined in the eyes of society years ago for one foolish, starry-eyed mistake, she spends her days secreted away at her family’s crumbling estate, helping her brother manage the land but not able to truly live life the way she’s always dreamed. When her brother admits to just how dire their finances have gotten, she takes it upon herself to procure employment…but the only one who will even consider the scandalous idea of a female secretary is the brilliant, ruthless, and infuriating Earl of Creswick.

Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, needs help if he wants to finally pass the reform bill he’s been championing for years and secure the vote for England’s most vulnerable constituents. Too bad help comes in the form of a woman with breathtaking nerve, fiery red hair, and a sense of humor to match.

Now temptation—disguised as a lovely, clever-mouthed devil—lives and works under Simon’s very roof. And Mina finally feels as though she’s truly living life to her wildest dreams. But even the most incendiary of kisses can’t incinerate Mina’s past…or the shocking secret that could ruin them both.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Fiction

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 28, 2022

About the author

I am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.

Reviews

[Warda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will be the shelter for the storm over our heads, Mina, you need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.”

I really want to write a review in where I’m able to just gush about this book and tell you why you should read it, but my mind can’t do that right now. This story evoked every possible emotional within me. Great stories always leave you a little speechless.

But I’ll say this: when an author can write as well as Stacy Reid can, it stirs something deep within your soul. You feel the story on a visceral level. And not because you even relate to the characters. Great stories don’t have to be relatable. Great stories just have to be fuckin’ amazing and this was it, let me tell you.

I loved it deeply. 🥲

If you enjoy historical romances and haven’t read Stacy Reid yet, you need to. ASAP!

[Hannah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨A Matter of oh shit oh fuck I've been Ruined. Ravished. Rattled to my CORE.✨



This book was SO good. It’s the kind of romance that hurts your soul but in a HOT way and I love it so hard. I cried multiple times because Stacy writes pining and longing and yearning and falling in love so unbelievably well. Seriously, her last three reads have absolutely destroyed me in the best way. I physically couldn't stop reading this one.



Stacy's skills are unparalleled in the way she develops her characters from start to finish. My love is also very surprising since I haven’t really read an enemies-to-lovers from her yet (my favorite trope), so the fact she has me on my knees for pretty instalove/lust situations is absolutely fresh for me and the perfect amount of angsty. Mina is angry at him for a bit but she's mainly just angry that she's so hot for him and his pretty, pretty face.



Stacy’s books are a steady crescendo yet somehow I’m always caught unawares and end up crying like a baby because my heart can’t handle the love rush by the end. That’s what I really gravitate towards in books. Crying because the love is just so pure and irrevocable rather than death and destruction and such. They have their times yes, but I mainly just want to be swept off my feet with truly good people in truly good love and having truly hot sex. And that is exactly what this book is.



✨



I was also a little apprehensive to find out that this book starts out with Mina covering up for her twin brother’s mistake. You know how I am about family duty and self sacrifice BUT this book wasn’t that at all!! Her brother was actually a good guy and Mina and Simon handled the situation so well. Mina was such a badass throughout the entire book. She was dealing with a lot of shit but remained so strong. But she was also strong enough to know when she needed a 6-foot wall of muscle to lean against. And that’s okay! Preferred really!



This leads me to one of my favorite things about the book: Simon. Simon and his no-smiling rules. Simon and his blue eyes and midnight hair. The way he started calling her His Mina wrecked me. When he started taking her measurements I crumbled. Simon was so alarmed at his ✨emotions✨ because he hadn’t had time for them before and at one point he simply jumped into a lake to cure his ✨afflictions.✨ THE MAN GAVE HER A PIGGYBACK RIDE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. Ice cream was their thing and every time they had it I melted…which means I’m a complete puddle.



I also just think it needs to be explicitly stated that Simon is just a good fucking person. Like just so so good. Mina too! He was so rocked that she was absolutely selfless and good and decent. Watching them both realize this in each other was very satisfying.



✨



There wasn’t really a third act breakup because they didn’t really break up, but it sure as hell broke ME. It was devastating to witness, but also just so wholesome to know that they found each other and that they were going to make it. Love won kids. I was absolutely on board for the entire time and it was very crucial to the story and relationship development.



The conflict proved that they both found someone willing to love them as they are and to stay when staying is hard. My favorite scene was when Mina thought she lost Simon’s love and trust and he simply opened his arms for her. It is one of the most breathtaking scenes in a book I think I’ve ever read.



They weathered each other’s storms and stayed through it all. Home for Mina was in Simon’s arms. Home for Simon was being wrapped around her. He was such a hugger. She taught him that he could love and I know that’s been done before but I swear this book makes it feel like this is the first time it’s ever been attempted.



✨



The steam was also marvelous!!! I don’t know what I had expected but this absolutely exceeded all expectations. What I didn’t anticipate was two different wall scenes with one from behind I can tell you that because WOW how lucky can I be???? I simply think this is the perfect angsty, emotional, hot historical romance. It balanced the passion and the forbidden tension of the time period so well.



The sex scenes were hot, but they also added so much to the emotional development for the characters individually and together. The characters were layered and the pace never faltered. There were a million little things that went into these two falling in love. It just felt so skillful and delicious. Temptation was all over this book like a possessive lover (iykyk).



✨



Overall, I know I wrote a lot of words and pulled a lot of quotes but I just really think you should read the book and experience it all for yourself. Once you’re done you can come back to this review and be like wow this random citizen on the internet was so smart and so hot for pushing this book on me like a really good drug dealer sexy-sex-book book reviewer. And to that I’ll say: I’m a pusher. I push people. We’ll have a nice laugh and a good communal cry. Think about it. Be the change you wish to see.



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.75/5



Taylor Swift song association: Peace, Call It What You Want & Lover



CWs: domestic abuse, death of parents



__________



The following quotes and excerpts are taken out of context and may not be the full quote. Shhhhhh. I’ll check them against a final copy when I’m lucky enough to capture one in my amorous clutches.



The quotes are simply necessary for me to include because I really can’t show you in any other way how this book has absolutely demolished me body and soul. Most of these themes/sequences of events span the course of the book, illustrating the crescendo I was talking about. This level of attention to detail is so hot.



For every quote I included, there are ten I left out. I swear this book is amazing. The depth of love and the journey to get there is just absolutely overwhelming. I don’t know how else to say it.




My first favorite sequence of events:
Simon: “There is nothing about you I find the least tempting…” Simon felt the faint provocative stirrings of temptation.




(Miss Crawford)




My second favorite sequence of events:
She smiled. He tossed her a startled glance before his expression shuttered. “No smiles.”



Oh drat. “Even the ones without showing teeth?” To provide an example, she allowed her mouth to curve without the parting of her lips. Perhaps there was room for negotiation on this matter.



The earl stared at her as if transfixed.




My third favorite sequence of events:
It flashed through him then that one day Mina Crawford would not exist in his life…perhaps not in this world. “You are squeezing the breath from me, Simon.”




(Mina)




My fourth favorite sequence of events:
Mina was intensely mindful that they were standing mere inches apart, of the earl’s heat and masculine strength caging her against the trunk of a tree. Mina cleared her throat. “My lord, I—” Her words died away when the earl took her chin in his hand and raised her face to his.



That touch, even through his gloves, seemed to hook into her entire body, rooting her to the ground. “You are fired.”




(His Lover)




My fifth favoritest favorite sequence of events:
Bedding was given too much importance by his peers…



Simon idly wondered what other delights between a man and a woman he had been missing out on…



These desires must be erased from his mind and body...



“I have never wanted to feel this tightness on my finger before and to imagine it might be my cock that is here.” … “I have never wanted to stretch a woman here before,” he purred against her lips, “so that she might feel more pleasure and anticipate the full feel of me when I am here…”



“I am very tempted to take you now,” he said, his voice rough with need.



“I have much reading to do, Miss Crawford, so I shall bid you good night.” It was then she noted he held four books in his left hand. Seeing her stare, he held them up. “Books on the sensual arts so that when we come together, it is wonderful, hmmm?”



[And just for a little taste of his newfound lust for lust…] He started to ride her in a slow, deep rhythm that steadily increased in intensity…




(His Mina)




My absolute favorite quote:
Mina: “How long have you been planning this?”
Simon: “I assure you, loving you was a madness conceived spontaneously.”




My favorite scene pt. 1:
I won’t spoil the scene or even give context but it’s the part just before and just after when he says…



“Let me in, Mina.”




My favorite scene pt. 2:
I won’t spoil the scene or even give context but it’s the part that begins with…



“Mina,” he said gruffly. “Come here.”



__________



Initial Reaction:



I’m fucked up forever with this one yo what the fuck

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

“Mina,” he said gruffly. “Come here.” Her eyes widened and a harsh sob escaped her. “Where?” “Into my arms.” There was a little upward tilt of her chin, a slight parting of her lips. “Still?” “Always.” With a harsh cry, she hurtled herself against him and he held her to his chest as she sobbed.

Miss Wilhelmina Crawford has been hiding and living in her family’s country manor ever since a failed elopement left her reputation tarnished and her position precarious in society. But her life in the countryside isn’t as peaceful either, with a crumbling estate and dire financial straits, Mina knows that she must find a job to help her brother, Viscount Crawford. As if their situation isn’t already difficult, her brother somehow managed to challenge Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick to a duel. In haste to protect what’s left of her family’s name, Mina decided to duel the Earl in her brother’s stead. But Lord Creswick isn’t a fool for he discovers her secret almost immediately, and instead of anger, he rewards her with something that is much needed indeed: a job as his secretary! Soon, they’re living under one roof and temptation arises with each moment they spend with each other. As they embark on an affair, both know that nothing good will come of it…for Simon should never marry a girl with a reputation such as hers, and Mina can’t marry him because of a secret that, if discovered, will ruin every hope of a future together.

A Matter of Temptation is a new book from Stacy Reid. It seems to be a part of a new series from the author. This one tells the story of Miss Wilhelmina Crawford and Simon Loughton. It was set some time during the Victorian era. I was really excited for this book! When I requested the title on Netgalley, I was so happy when I checked my email the next morning and saw that it was granted. I just know that I had to read it immediately because it’s already there, so why not? Also because I know Miss Reid would always deliver the perfect amount of angst, chemistry and romance with an equally compelling way of storytelling. I like the way she writes! I am happy to say that this book didn’t disappoint me!

I loved this heroine! She was clever and witty. She had been selfish in the past because she thought herself in love with a bounder. Obviously, this didn’t end up well for her. Now at four and twenty, with the scandal having been six years ago, she’s more selfless and considerate of other people that she may affect with her actions. At first, I wasn’t too sure whether I would love her character or not because I was scared she’d be like “I’m not like other girls!” (It is a pet-peeve! I definitely love my heroines to be like other girls, no shame in that!) but I am glad that her character is much more complex than that. There were times when I felt like she was way too forward with her words and yet it made complete sense given that she has no more reputation to protect. I definitely love how she didn’t try and fight her attraction to Simon. I like characters who own up to their feelings! I think she was utterly charming especially when she refused to be fired from her job. I just love her spirit, and even her child-like dreams make her more endearing. When the conflict finally arose, you wouldn’t be mad at her character for her resistance knowing very well that her argument is right and I sadly found myself agreeing with her. I liked this amusing heroine who wasn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind even if the reader gets second-hand embarrassment from it. I definitely understand why Simon Loughton fell in love with this wonderful woman!

While I loved the heroine, I loved this hero even more! At this point in my life, Stacy Reid is to blame for literally everything. She makes me feel and want for so many things! Whenever I read this author’s books, I literally get so emotional because I want someone to love me the way her heroes love the heroines. At the same time, because of my standards being way too high, made even higher by her heroes, I know that I would end up alone! Do you understand my problem? She makes me want for these soulmate connection-like relationships and at the same she makes me set my standards even higher to the point that it is impossible for me to feel anything for real people the way I do for these fictional characters! Literal words on paper! Moving on, I loved this hero. Did I say that already? He is an Earl (Yum!), wealthy, dashing and a powerful politician who is way ahead of his time. How can anyone not love him honestly? The way he dashed out of the carriage (It was raining!) to pick up a puppy who was left there when he let a family ride with him (Swoon-worthy). I fell in love with him even more during that moment! I loved the way he admired Mina even when she bested him in fencing and chess (both of which he was very good at). The way he let Mina experience everything she hasn’t yet experienced but wanted to: from kisses to the smallest things such as eating icecream and chocolates! I like how Reid makes each hero feel unique in every book of hers. I loved this intelligent, swoon-worthy hero who was willing to give up everything he has worked hard for if it meant keeping the heroine by his side. Foolish, yes, but the hopeless romantic inside of me was definitely swooning and hoping that I’d find someone who will love me the way these men love their women!

I loved the story of Mina and Simon! I can’t say that it is totally unique (I haven’t read every book in the historical romance genre) but I will say that this is the first time I’ve read about the conflict this couple had! The h and H had good chemistry and with each progressing chapter, it is hard to deny that they are made for each other. Mina bought out the best in Simon and made him feel things he never thought he was capable of feeling. Made him think of doing things he didn’t know he could if it meant keeping Mina safe and having her by his side. They met their match in each other! Simon, who was competent and well-skilled in fencing and chess and Mina who was even better than him and somehow managed to be the first person who ever beat him in both! She was his sunshine on a rainy day, and he was the shelter that would protect her no matter what storm came in their way.

I loved the way they loved each other. The way Simon protected and defended Mina’s honor to people who dared besmirch her name in front of him. As I’ve said, the conflict wasn’t something I’ve read before. I would be honest and say that I was very worried how they would be able to have their happily ever after. This is one of those times when I really loved the couple but could see how if they chose to be with each other, it would be total selfishness and might become a cause of regret in the future. Also, let us not forget that society wasn’t forgiving during the time this was set in so I don’t know how they could possibly be together without Simon losing everything he has ever worked hard for. He was a politician who was definitely progressive and listened to the plight of the poor, and if word got out that he married a woman such as Mina (due to her tarnished reputation and much more than that) he’d lose his good name, power, respect and everything. And yet he was so ready to give it all up for her! I was like, Yes! But also No! The world would be so cruel to the two of you! Also definitely not emotional (I’m kidding) over when he found out about Mina’s secret and yet he still managed to comfort her! It was definitely a moment where the reader could see how much the h and H loved each other.

Also, let me talk about Mina’s selflessness. She loved Simon and wanted nothing more but to be in his life by his side and yet she was willing to give him up because she knew that to be with him would see Simon be destroyed and vilified by his peers. Of course, Mina deserved to be happy and I am rooting for her but again! Her argument was very valid and true! I am just so glad they still managed to have their happily-ever-after because boy was the journey stressful! But, don’t worry. It wasn’t all stressful, of course, before all that, there was the cute banter, tender moments, sexy moments and just the h and H being a goner for each other! I was stressed out because the conflict wasn’t resolved in the beginning of the last chapter before the epilogue, and while I think the resolution was the easy way of allowing the H and h to have their HEA, it is still the most reasonable and much preferable than the first option! While the chapter before the epilogue felt rushed, I am somehow fine with that because the epilogue is set years later! Thank you, Stacy Reid! I needed that closure. I commend the author for always managing to make me smile, giddy, stressed out, tear up, and sigh. I guess we can say she makes me go through the so-called roller coaster emotions!

While Devlin Byrne (I know, I am so annoyingly in love with this hero!) is still my favorite Stacy Reid hero, and perhaps of all time, I still loved this new sexy, intelligent, politician hero! I definitely fell in love with Simon Loughton and I know I will not forget him soon! The heroine was a good one too! Also, I forgot to mention that I do not like the employer-employee trope but the author managed to make it work! I wasn’t the biggest fan of this trope but I somehow really liked and enjoyed this book so that means something. I think it means that Stacy Reid is easily becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. I love the way she writes, her swoon-worthy heroes, her charming heroines, and the way she manages to make each of these characters and stories unique, feel brand new, and stand out from the rest.

I feel lucky that I am able to read this book before it’s even out and I am just so excited for everyone else to read this book and fall in love with the hero like I did! Also, the cover is just so pretty & I am in love with it! By the way, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the eARC! Can’t wait for everyone to experience this new book from Stacy Reid!

Some quotes:

“Simon wanted… connection. Something deeper than duty. Something… Someone. He felt a sudden hot longing for Mina and when their gazes collided, all the edgy restlessness quieted. Awareness of her flooded his entire body. She touched him in places that had been obscured even to himself, a connection he truly thought not even death might sever.”

“Those feelings. And what blasted feelings were those? He could not help but think they were the very ones he endured whenever he thought of Mina Crawford or the ones that lingered in the shadows of his heart and took little effort to emerge and haunt him. This morning when he had realized she was in the library, they had burst forth from their cage, raking at him with clawing talons of longing. And what had he longed for? To hold her and kiss her, to walk with her by the seaside as she dipped her toes in the water, to kiss her… to take that taste with him for the day, only to return home and kiss her again.”

“A surge of breathless want went through her. To be his wife. To have children with him. To have such happiness and fulfillment had been a dream she had long given up on. To have his love and protection until they were old. Then in the next lifetime, should such a thing be real, they would meet again and fall hopelessly in love a second time. It was impossible that they would perfectly recall they had loved each other fiercely and endlessly, but still she hoped their love would endure.”

“Society will see Miss Crawford as immoral! And to think that… that she would be allowed to marry you, a beloved peer of the realm? My boy, it would be political suicide. You may love Miss Crawford, but you must never marry her.” He walked over to her. “Miss Crawford will be the only woman I’ll marry because it is her I love. Only her.”

“She saw the truth in his beautiful eyes. He would give up his reputation, the legacy they would try and tarnish, the good he might accomplish in the future, because he loved her. She couldn’t bear the hurt.”

“I came alive for you, Mina. I love you beyond thoughts of scandal and consequences.” ➳ “I am certain we would have met regardless, because I was waiting for you.” (Not really parallels, I just love these quotes!)

“I have never wanted to feel this tightness on my finger before and to imagine it might be my cock that is here.” Oh God. He slipped another finger inside her sex. A cry of pleasure escaped her, and he caught it with his mouth, kissing her with ravenous greed. “I have never wanted to stretch a woman here before,” he purred against her lips, “so that she might feel more pleasure and anticipate the full feel of me when I am here.” (I had to include this one, it was so sexy of him!)

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. Stacy Reid does it again! Mina, our heroine, goes in her brother's place to a duel, disguised as a man. Skilled at fencing she quickly defeats the Earl (Simon) and completely captivates him. He realizes she's a woman but is so won over by her boldness and bravery he offers her a job as his secretary.

Mina has a haunted past with a secret scandal she keeps running from and an estate that is quickly running out of money so she readily accepts the job.

Simon, a man who processes emotions differently than most, and with an incredible intellect can not stop thinking about Mina and she him. They gradually fall in love but obstacles in their way keep the reader guessing...how will this work out?

I was completely transfixed with this romance. It was epic and swoony in typical Stacy Reid tone this romance felt fresh, unique, and very hot.

A near death experience Mina has is actually what catapults the two together and not only do we get to see two people realizing that life is short, so risk it all for this moment, but also to risk everything for love.

I adored every page and can't wait to add the physical copy to my collection.

I was provided an ARC for review.

CW: domestic violence, death of parents

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a new favorite Stacy Reid! From the beginning, I really loved Mina's character. She pushed the boundaries of what a woman's role is in society and I loved how she went to a duel in her brother's place. Then, she agreed to be the Earl's secretary and the tension between her and the earl just built from there. Simone was definitely very possessive and had "touch her and you die" vibes and I loved that! The plot was engaging and fast paced, which I really appreciated, and I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between these two. The audiobook narrator was fantastic too, so I couldn't recommend this enough!

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK: A Matter Of Temptation
GENRE: historical romance
TROPES & THEMES: mistaken identity, workplace romance, ruined by scandal, social commentary
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
RELEASE DATE: June 28th, 2022

If you are a reader of the genre and haven't read Stacy Reid, what are you doing?

This was such a beautiful and heart-warming story with the magical connection between two lovely characters. Mina and Simon have a fantastic and hilarious meet-cute. It is something I adore about Stacy's books, the ability to enthrall me into the story with wonderful chemistry between the main couple. This book is bursting with steam, heart, and a joyful storyline.

If you are looking for a book with a fearless heroine and hero who will do anything for a heroine look no more, this book delivers it perfectly.

* Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know a book is good when it starts with a duel and the heroine has taken her idiot brother’s place, dressing/pretending to be him so she can shoot the hero!!

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Entangled, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book was a winner from start to finish for me. There was never a dull moment and it was a delightful surprise.

I was having trouble falling into a historical romance this month but I should have known that Stacy Reid was up to the task. She always manages to create a story that grips me right from the jump and doesn't let go.

When Mina goes to face a duel in place of her brother. She ends up facing Simon, the Earl of Creswick, and winning. He is shocked by her daring and skill when he discovers she's a woman. And what does he do when he unveils the truth? He hires her as his secretary to help him in his lead up to presenting a bill before parliament. And to keep her close at hand for the long days of work, he demands that she stay at his estate so they can work long hours.

His strange ways of dealing with people may make him seem standoffish and rude to some people, but Mina finds him intriguing and desirable in ways she can't explain. Simon finds feelings and desires being awakened for the first time and pleasures that he once thought not worth his time are starting to sound too good to resist.

Mina was a strong, fierce heroine and I loved her on every page. Simon was a man with hidden depths and watching him sink into his feelings and own them so fully was breathtaking. I loved how determined he was once he fell for Mina and how he was ready to move mountains and not take no for an answer when making her his.

Also.. the steamy times were top notch. Simon may not have been interested in intimacy before Mina... but he is a scholar by nature and he proves that a little research can go a long way.

5 stars
3 on the spice scale

[Gloria—aka—Tiger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update: After reading so many glowing reviews after I DNF’d it, I continued reading the book, looking for what I missed. It still eludes me. The bare bones of the story had tons of possibilities, but I found the execution almost unbearable: historical inaccuracies front and center (dueling in 1870, for one, snort), execrable dialogue, poor character building, a superficial surface treatment loosely based on the Edward VIII/Wallis Simpson legend. At least I found out how she received her fencing training, although it still seems impossible that, after eight years, she could have out-fenced England’s undefeated champ.

_________________________

DNF at 17%

If this is supposed to be read as a fairytale, the tone is too serious and straight-faced.

If this is supposed to be read as reality-based, the plot is laughably unbelievable.

I might be willing to suspend my disbelief if the author gave me any reasonable explanation for the things she’s told me so far. I’m told that, in spite of his father being a staunch conservative, Lord Creswick dares to fight for the common man in Parliament, waging a battle against social, economic, and legal injustice. “It was up to men like him to use their considerable influence to help better the world.” Wonderful. Why is he a reformer? He just is, I suppose. Woke up one morning a reformer.

Mina is so skilled in fencing she drugs her brother and shows up to fight a duel in his place, defeating one of the best swordsman in England. Yeah, right. Exactly how did she acquire the knowledge, training, and experience to defeat the lauded Lord Cheswick? Who knows.

She pinches his butt to shut him up.

He blithely declares he doesn’t have a problem with the world knowing he was bested in a duel by a woman, then blithely offers her a job as his secretary, which would be unheard of 80 years in the future but no matter. The clincher was when she demands more than 200 pounds a month, which she declares is less than a governess makes (in what solar system did secretaries and governesses make 200 pounds a month in the mid-1800’s?) and asserts she must be paid more for “occupational hazard.”

What occupational hazard, he asks?

“Ravishment, of course,” she replies, pointing out that he is an astoundingly pretty gentleman and she’s a very delectable young lady. “I do not flatter my vanity to say so. It is a mere fact I am remarkably lovely.”

And on that note, I’m out.

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Tempt-me-to-the moon-and-back-Stars

When I first read it as soon as it came out, I tarried too long to post a review and all that lovely glow that I had basked in faded with time and due to other books. The second time around, I am not making the same mistake. I closed the book and opened my laptop.

This story is temptation incarnate. It will tempt you to wonder in awe about how tempting everything is, that which it has to offer, she says, beating the figure of speech to death.

My Thoughts
- It sounds like a drab opening to a review, I know, but Ms Reid is so talented with her character-driven romances that one cannot help but love them. This story was all about Simon and Mina, and the rest can go hang.
- Few characters inspire interest from the get-go, but Simon and Mina instantly make the cut.

- There is something innately powerful about the way Simon has been described. Who doesn't love a self-sure gentleman of privilege but not leisure? Unlike your average rakes, he was young, politically inclined, exceedingly intelligent, definitely a prodigy and hopelessly in love. He was a calm, steady presence in this story for Mina as well as moi. It was cute to watch him struggle to break down his visceral attraction towards Mina into logical & tangible steps and finally, just accept the situation for what it is! How refreshing! No fits of rage, no drama, just acceptance. He was so gorgeously protective, possessive and loving. Sigh. Just sigh.

- Mina mine. This is a woman you can relate with.

We, as conscientious people, try not to make the same mistakes twice whilst finding our place in this cold, unforgiving world, all the while courting a measure of satisfactory happiness to keep us warm.

- Mina is one of those conscientious people. She had a personal-situational awareness, and I regard that to be a higher form of intellect. She was one of those women of rare quality who defied convention for themselves without flouting it to society, with wit, charm and possessed an unbridled thirst for life. She made a youthful folly, paid for it dearly, learnt from it, gained a perspective and came out stronger. God, how I respect her for it. No wonder Simon fell in love with her.

She was willing to hide the body, no questions asked, for heaven's sake! If that isn't love, I don't know what is. Fierce girl.

- What do I say about their romance? Sparks flew, the temptation was aroused, the gauntlet was thrown, and love happened. They had a foundation of friendship and camaraderie, and attraction didn't hurt one bit. They brought each other out of their shell, challenged each other, matched wits & rapiers, burned for one another, and made it their mission to make each other happy. They did it together, for each other. Oh my! That's love.

Unpopular Opinion
- In the first read, there is a lot of intensity, but the second time will allow you to objectively look at some tweakable aspects that would have made this book not only great, which it is, but truly phenomenal.

1. The thing with Mina's secret could have started earlier to intensify the romance rather than being tucked up in the final fifteen-odd percent of the story to go with a quick, convenient resolution.

2.. Simon's personality could have been more fleshed out outside of his political charisma. There are parts of him that come alive because of her (not that you filthy-minded readers), but why were they banked, to begin with? What made him the man he is?

I say this because Ms Reid is immeasurably capable of diving into such depths. She did it with Mina, Devlin Byrne, Alexander, Nicholas St. Ives, Hugh, Phoebe etc. So why not Simon?

The burden of responsibility to deliver rests squarely upon the shoulders of the capable, and one expects nothing but the best from them.

3. Surprisingly low page count for steamy scenes for a high-flame book!

Special Mentions
- No smiles, not even ones without teeth.
- Occupational hazard
- The umbrella in the storm (literally and figuratively)
- The piggyback ride (for fuck's sake, he gave her a piggyback ride at 3:00 AM)
- Ice creams

Quotes...

“I meant to pinch your lower back,” she hastily assured him quietly. “Not your derriere.” Oh God, Mina, stop talking!
“That you would dare pinch me at all is the cause for concern, Miss Crawford,” he whispered back.”

“I would rather read a book where I am assured of a happy ending and that leaves me with a smile on my face. Reality is already far too bleak.”

“If I risk my heart, that is my choice.”
She slapped his chest. “What heart? You scoff at love. You are cold and brilliant and different than the rest of us. You do not love as we do, feel pain as we do…you do not grieve as we do. Yes, I know it, I could feel it from you. Don’t you dare risk…risk anything on me. Take your damn heart, my lord, and tuck it away somewhere safe.”

“Mina,” he said gruffly. “Come here.”
Her eyes widened and a harsh sob escaped her. “Where?”
“Into my arms.”
There was a little upward tilt of her chin, a slight parting of her lips. “Still?”
“Always.”

“Before I met Miss Crawford, love was simply a word. Now I understand what the word conveys,” he said, his tone low and measured. “Trust. Loyalty. Courage in the face of hardship. Laughter. Admiration. Passion. I do not take the word lightly and never will. I love Miss Crawford, and she will be the only woman I’ll ever love.”

“The first time I saw you under the soft glow of lamp light in my library, you looked so fierce and defiant, you stirred me. You tempted something to awake inside me, and I came alive for you, Mina. I love you beyond thoughts of scandal and consequences.”

“Don’t you know who I am?”
“The Earl of Creswick,” she whispered.
“I will be the shelter for the storm over our heads, Mina, you need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.”

My Recommendation
A couple of quotes will outline the recommendation quite nicely...

“The only way to satisfy temptation is to yield to it...”

“An unknown sensation moved through her body. It was sweet, tender and…perhaps it was love.”

This is exactly how this book will make you feel.

[emtee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner by Stacy Reid!

There were many things I liked about this book, but what stands out for me is that I continue to be awed by the author’s ability to write true, deep, life-changing soulmate love. This was a feel good story that had me smiling throughout, and as Simon and Mina fell in love, I was falling in love right beside them.

I really liked Mina, but for me, Simon was the star of this story. Grumpy/Sunshine isn’t usually a favorite trope of mine, but Ms Reid’s depiction of stern, grumpy Simon was perfection. Mina was exactly what he needed… she brought him to life, chipped away at his gruff exterior just by letting her personality shine, made him feel and yearn and ache and laugh and that dynamic was brilliantly written. It was so fulfilling to see Simon gradually wake up and begin to live. And his dedication to them finding their happily ever after made me swoon.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“There will be no distracting chatter or smiles from you.” “You find my smile distracting, my lord?” Oh dear. She winced and fervently wished she could drag back the question. Her impulsive words finally wrested his attention from the papers and his gaze landed on her with the force of an anvil. There was an unfathomable watchfulness in the eyes that caressed over the length of her. The oddest sensation fluttered in Mina’s belly. “No smiles.” “Yes, my lord.”

***

She smiled. “Your passion does you credit, my lord.” He tossed her a startled glance before his expression shuttered. “No smiles.” Oh drat. “Even the ones without showing teeth?” To provide an example, she allowed her mouth to curve without the parting of her lips. Perhaps there was room for negotiation on this matter.

***

Thoroughly vexed with the earl, she bared her teeth in a parody of a smile. Mina choked on the air when he chose that moment to open his eyes. A small smile, if the barely there curve of his lips could be called such, touched the corners of his mouth. Something hot and primal burned in his gaze and Mina wondered if it was a trick of the carriage lamp. Except it felt as if something shifted in the air between them.

***

“Why did you let it get away?” She laughed, the sound sinking deep inside of him. “I wanted to see how fast it would fly without me holding it back.” He rested the top of his chin on her head, inhaling the rose and honeysuckle scents coming from her hair deeply into his soul.

“And your idea was to chase it?” “Yes.” “That kite might never stop.” “Wouldn’t that be lovely,” she whispered wistfully.

The wind god perhaps listened, for the kite soared away from them with astounding speed and they gave chase, the icy breeze whipping against their faces, her hair blowing over his face. Simon found himself laughing, reveling in her delight. They were one with the wind as their mad chase took them along the beaten path through the woods and up a grassy small hill and around a dangerous bend at breakneck speed.

***

Seeing the fright and tears in her eyes, a feeling he could not defend against—a brutal, aching need to slay those fears—wrenched through him with shocking intensity. “Mina,” he said gruffly. “Come here.” Her eyes widened and a harsh sob escaped her. “Where?” “Into my arms.” There was a little upward tilt of her chin, a slight parting of her lips. “Still?” “Always.” With a harsh cry, she hurtled herself against him and he held her to his chest as she sobbed.

***

Then in the next lifetime, should such a thing be real, they would meet again and fall hopelessly in love a second time. It was impossible that they would perfectly recall they had loved each other fiercely and endlessly, but still she hoped their love would endure.

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, little, cheesy fairytale!

Mina had been ruined in the past so she can’t get married anymore (or so she thinks). Luckily flirting is allowed, so when the Earl of Creswick offers her a job as his secretary she accepts and the flirting begins!

Simon was so absurdly perfect I had to laugh; he had learned to read before he turned one (💀) and went to university when he was twelve (like a little Victorian Doogie Howser). Is anyone even surprised that he was okay with a woman beating him at fencing or chess?

Nothing in this book was historically accurate. It felt like present-day people playing Victorian. In a way it’s probably true for all historical romance novels, but it was a very strong feeling with this book. Their behavior and their conversations felt very contemporary.

Having said that, if I wanted historical accuracy I’d read history books. From a book with that title and that cover I expect a simple story with great love and lots of spice. And it delivered!

3,5 stars rounded up

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was sooooo good, but I don't want to give too much away. This is a story that both made me laugh and cry, and I want all future readers to get the full experience. Many pieces of information are revealed as the plot progresses, some that you expected and other bits not so much.

Both Miss Wilhelmina "Mina" Crawford and Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, are likable characters from the start. After meeting, they both grow and make each other better. There were a few devices used that have been done before that have even frustrated me, such as I'm leaving for your good because I love you. However, Stacy Reid did it so well I didn't even mind. I was fully invested in the story. In fact, my only complaint was that I couldn't put it down.

I definitely plan to continue the series and recommend for all adult readers.

I will end with my favorite quote from the book:

"“I will be the shelter for the storm over our heads, Mina, you need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.”"

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since her reputation was ruined six years ago, Wilhelmina Crawford has been living a quiet existence in the country, paying for her mistake by rusticating at her family’s estate and trying to help her brother find a remedy to their impoverished state. She’s imminently restless with her life so when her brother admits he’s challenged the powerful Earl of Creswick to a duel with swords, she disguises herself and goes in his place. When she beats the earl, rather than being incensed, he is impressed and offers Mina a position working as his secretary. It’s unconventional, but the earl is a political genius and Mina is eager to earn some money to help her brother and their tenants.

Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, is working diligently to pass a reform bill that will help England’s most impoverished citizens get the vote. He’s a bit unnerved to find the help he needs comes from a fiery woman who also makes him laugh.

Now he has to live with this temptation in his office every day and Mina is finally getting the chance to live a little, in the way she’s always wanted to. Unfortunately for them both, the undeniable connection between them won’t be enough to erase Mina’s past mistakes, or the scandalous secret she has that could potentially ruin them both.

This story had a bit of a twist that I don’t think I’ve read before, and I found that plot originality very refreshing. I liked how the connection between Mina and Simon grew and wasn’t only on a sexual level. They laughed and had experiences, talked, and worked together. Simon was afraid of his feelings at first, but I loved how he embraced them once he realized he was sort of waking up when he was with Mina. She helped him truly live and enjoy life beyond just his work and I really liked the fact that he just accepted that and went with it after his initial hesitation. Though these two certainly faced obstacles, this still felt like a low angst read to me and I greatly appreciated that. I loved the fact that Simon went for what he wanted and stood up for himself, remaining unfazed even when Mina faltered or hesitated. My favorite aspect, though, was them presenting a united front in the end and facing things together. I definitely wanted to see the grandmother be put in her place a bit more, but I still liked how much Simon stood up for Mina and refused to allow her to be disparaged by anyone. This was a heartwarming read for me and Simon’s devotion especially made this feel like a true romance as these two fought for their HEA. It was a delightful read for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many ways this book could’ve have gone wrong but Stacy Reid made it oh so right. This is a newer to me author so I came in hot with the skepticism and Stacy Reid conquered each one of my reservations and now she’s on my auto buy list! Thanks, Stacy. Sorry for doubting you, but I’ve been burned by some books before. Plz forgive me.

Right off the bat we learn that the FMC’s brother has totally screwed up and she goes to fight (literally) his battles for him. And if there’s one trope that I can’t stand, it’s the screw up brother who ruins anything. But Stacy opens her arms to me and says, “Shhhhhh, trust me, Anthony is a good dude.” And I sighed a happy little sigh of relief to see he wasn’t going to be an annoying addition to the plot. I liked Mina’s brother! He wasn’t overbearing or annoying in any way!

Then there’s the secretary trope. The power dynamics in play. I’m thinking, “Okaaaaaay, is she gonna really wanna be with this dude or is he gonna be pressurey and weird? Is he gonna be lusting after her while she’s just trying to do her job and I’m gonna barf?” And again the author slaps that thought right out of my head and I found myself ADORING the dynamic between Mina and Simon. They’re sweet and tender, they communicate, there’s not 10 chapters of hiding feelings for no reason, if anything I’m like “DANG MINA DID YOU JUST PUT YOUR HEART OUT THERE LIKE THAT!! THATS SOME SERIOUS VULNERABILITY!!” And I LOVED IT. I didn’t feel any weird dynamics between them as employer employee and it honestly reminded me of when I was my husband’s admin for a time (a position I was fired from by him 😂)

Simon and Mina are so great together. I loved the respect they had for each other and watching Simon’s stuffy heart melt and gush for her. Ugh. It was so freaking sweet.

The greatest of all great things about this book, is the low drama. I’ve read so many high drama third acts recently that were absolutely unnecessary that it’s made me question my love for the romance book genre. I know, I can be super moody when in a slump. But when authors add this crazy fight at the end for no reason it negates the love that’s been building the whole freaking book. Here, Stacy Reid builds to a crescendo in which both characters act maturely towards one another, they love and respect each other, and come together to solve issues for their HEA. These are the kind of endings I need in my life. Everything that happens makes sense and is in character for everyone and is resolved fairly quickly.

Loved this book. Love Stacy Reid. Thank you so much to the publisher for this ARC. Review is my own.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 very romantic ⭐️

This was different and so romantic❤️ it had a different trope than the usual top 5 tropes and I really appreciated that. At this point I am probably the biggest Stacy Reid fan in the world❤️

Simon and Mina meet, when she tried to get her brother out of trouble and they slowly fall in love in a beautiful, reciprocal way. Circumstances cannot allow them to be together and they try to make the most of it, despite the sorrow they feel because can never be together. Romeo and Juliet style.
There was angst and the sweetest development between them trying to overcome the norms of society.

It hit a sweet spot for me, I loved that they always love each other and the “conflict” is the world, and not one of the characters being an ass. It was refreshing and very Shakespearean. In s less dramatic way.

Should you read it? Yes you should ❤️

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 2.75

It was an okay read. I'm not entirely used to Stacy Reid's forward-speaking heroines and time-lapses. I enjoy romances where the H/h spend much time together (forced proximity). It made me chuckle each time Simon pointed out that Mina was smiling, which is not allowed as his secretary.

I liked their meet-cute. It reminded me of how the main characters from the Casanova 2005 film (with Heath Ledger) met.

The heroine dresses in men's clothes a few times (I wanted to mention that in case some readers don't like it).

[Topastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very excited for this new book!

Stacy Reid is a phenomenal author, I wish her books had better narrators.

[Luana ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm. I think this book starts wonderfully. I was very happy to see that the hero is not afraid to own up that a woman can best him. But after a while I was a bit aggravated at how forward of the time the heroine is. Too much so, you know? I laughed at how shocking she was but after that I was often disappointed.

It took a great time for me to start liking again the story but it ended up satisfactorily. Although everything fell into place too easily but it was indeed satisfactorily.

I just wanted to say that my other problem with this book/author is that sometimes the tone was a bit too vulgar. I felt ashamed sometimes, you know? Anyway, just wanted to mention that.

Was this a great book? I think it could have been if not for how forward everything was. For me this was only a so so read.

A question to my fellow readers, do you consider it a romance if there's no HEA?

[Zero · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mina hears that her brother is going to duel the Earl of Creswick she decides to take his place. Their father taught them how to handle swords and she has always been more skilled with a blade than her brother. Plus she has very little reputation to protect, due to a scandal 6 years prior.

When Simon meets with Mina he is so impressed with her that he offers her a job as his secretary (a job that women didn't typically hold at the time). Soon he is enthralled by Mina. He has always been very focused on business and politics, so his interest in her confounds him.

I really like the characters and the story, but I think that the relationship was slightly rushed at the beginning. Also, Mina was likeable, but kind of a Mary-Sue, which took away from the believability of the story.

I like how the politics of the time were included. The book is set in 1860s England when a lot of political changes were starting to happen (The Reform Act of 1867 and the Married Women's Property Act of 1870).

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Stacy Reid book and I loved it! Loved the drama, the secret and the spice! This book comes with a bonus story and while I haven’t read it yet a Matter of Temptation was just under 300 pages and moved quickly!
I loved, loved, loved Simon! He comes off as uncaring at first but he just hasn’t met the right woman yet! Enter Mina Crawford! She is sweet and smart and can beat Simon at fencing! Who doesn’t love a woman with a sword!
I will definitely be reading more Stacy Reid books in the future!

Favorite quotes:

“God, you make a man forget his name.”

“See that you treat her with the upmost respect.” - Simon
“Oh I will. I will respect her pleasure and-“ Beswick
“You will lose the hand that you touch her with and I do not speak metaphorically.”-Simon
“ You need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.” -Simon

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, fast paced, historical romance novel. It has a likable, intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, a kind, caring, unconventional male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, female empowerment, engaging banter, a heartwarming romance, a secret, and a happily ever after ending. This is an excellent beginning to Ms. Reid's outstanding Unforgettable Love series. I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Ms. Sasha Higgins, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Enjoyable but got boring in the middle. Bizarre conversations galore but I loved our spunky heroine.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Matter of Temptation is the start of a new Victorian era historical romance series by Stacy Reid and I had such a fun time devouring this read. I was hooked from the start, the heroine and hero meet when she sneakily takes the place of her twin brother (clad in gentleman’s clothes and a wig) in a duel against the hero!

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” and her twin brother Anthony, Viscount Crawford, have been living in dire straits for the past years. Anthony is desperate for funds. With 2 outstanding loans, he is turned down for a 3rd loan since the bank has no faith in his future prospects, both in him marrying an heiress or switching from farming to manufacturing. When tempted to cheat at cards one night, Anthony finds himself facing a duel the next morning with Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick. Mina knows she’s better at fencing and sneaks away to take the place of her brother and meets Simon. After winning the fencing duel, Simon offers Mina a job working with him because he’s so impressed…once he realizes she’s a woman, his offer remains on the table and she even negotiates with him for better pay and to be compensated for occupational hazard (in the chance he might feel tempted to ravish her)! To say I loved Mina as a heroine would be an understatement, she was so smart and just a delight.

While working as Simon’s secretary, Mina gets an up close look at how passionate he is about politics and the social reform he is working towards. “It was up to men like him to use their considerable influence to help better the world. Simon believed in that duty above all else.” Simon is a very blunt, direct, and unapologetic hero who comes off as cold and starchy. He has never experienced such feelings as he does when Mina shows up in his life and I loved seeing him fall for her so strongly. Mina is actually the one who tries to keep him at bay. Due to her recklessness when she was younger, she is seen as ruined in the eyes of society and really sees no prospects for her future until Simon shows her all she could have and work towards.

This read was just a delight and I breezed through it. Simon had a lot of swoony, hot hero moments: I loved seeing him come after Mina in the pouring rain, he assists a tenant family also stuck in the rain and even goes back out into the storm to rescue their family dog. After an incident out with him on the job puts her life at risk, Mina decides she wants to experience all the things she almost lost out on and Simon helps tick the items off her list: eating ice cream for the first time, going to the beach, lots and lots of kissing. Simon is very studious, he even grabs 4 books worth of reading materials to ensure when he and Mina get together that she is thoroughly satisfied. 🔥 We get to see a lot of Simon and Mina working together and I loved their intellectual conversations and talks around the politics of the time. The Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 and the Reform Bill are focused on a lot and I liked how this played into the story.

Thank you to the publisher (Entangled Publishing) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. A Matter of Temptation has a pub date of June 28, 2022.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I'm looking for a historical romance to satisfy my needs, this author always comes through for me. A Matter of Temptation checked all my boxes while adding a few new ones.






Mina and Simon were wonderful! I loved their sharp, quick banter and the easy way their relationship developed without feeling contrived. The chemistry flowed between them and I fell in love with them both from the very beginning.





This was a fast paced read that kept me engaged from the first page. Most of the story is relatively low angst but there is a point when the drama escalates and I couldn't imagine how this couple were going to end. I was more than satisfied with the ending, especially with the epilogue that was pure romance.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h virgin; H not a manwhore - has not been with anyone in quite some time
Triggersphysical abuse
Steam 4 / 5; On page, explicit

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Simon and Mina, both strong characters. Mina, especially.

"We are the only foolish ones by the sea today," she said tugging, her cloak tighter around her and peeking at the overcast sky.
"Nonsense. We are the only brave ones."

"I love laughing with you."

A tear held suspended on one of her thick, long lashes before it fell on her suddenly pale cheeks.

[lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF: 40%

by all accounts, i should've loved this book. it has two of my favorite tropes in HR (FL disguising herself as a man + FL working for the ML), and the reviews were all singing its praises.

having read up until this point, though, i wonder if those reviewers and i even read the same book.

(-) the writing is just... not good. i can excuse it to an extent, because i know i'm far too picky, but this was too much. everything was over-explained, the dialogue was unnatural (even for HR), and you couldn't learn anything new about the characters without being smashed over the head with it.

(-) speaking of being smashed over the head—did you know that this ML believes POOR PEOPLE should HAVE RIGHTS? and that poor people are suffering everywhere, but not under this ML's watch, because he thinks they should have rights! did i mention that this ML is a proponent of poor people having rights? let's listen to him monologue about it twenty times in the first half of the book, while the FL smiles and moons over him because he has basic human decency.

there, i've saved you from having to read this book, because that about summarizes it.

like, yes, i know that for the time period this was a progressive view in the ML's part. poor people shouldn't have to suffer for existing, and it's good on the ML for trying to help them, but the book acts like the ML is some sort of god for doing so.

from the first moment we get the ML's POV, we are BOMBARDED with the fact that he is a Good Guy, because he Fearlessly Helps The Poor:

“Another man might be frightened by the dire warning that those opposed to his political stance wanted to harm him. Some feared that should certain motions be passed into law, they might lose money and status. Greed was a powerful motivator for murder and mayhem, and many made their money stepping on the backs of men, women, and children.

Come, he thought darkly, refusing to let such threats dictate the work he did for those who suffered the most in the realm.”

like? okay. i'm sure that there's a more natural way that this aspect of his character could have been introduced, but it was very clear that the author wanted us to know that the ML was an upstanding dude from the get-go, so whatever.

it did not end there, though. aside from the aforementioned bombardment, it turns out that the FL is also an upstanding gal, and she actually tutors poor children so they can learn how to read! how nice! there's even a scene where, upon seeing a Poor Family™️ walking in the rain, the FL has the ML stop the carriage so that the family can get in and have a ride to their destination.

not that there's anything wrong with this, but it comes across as so performative and cringy in this context. would the FL have done this if the ML wasn't there?

to sum up this rant: i would've preferred less smashing-over-the-head about the whole saving the poor schtick, and more actions showing them actually doing so. for instance, if the FL teaches poor children how to read, and if that's so important to her, why wasn't it mentioned until the ML was there to conveniently be impressed by it? to me, it just came across that the FL and ML's shared views were a convenient (lazy) way for them to become interested in each other without them having to have actual personality traits.

(-) the "FL disguising herself as a man" thing also disappointed me.

for one, it went the absolutely cliche route of the FL being like "well, i was going to cut off my hair, but i have fond memories of my now-dead mother brushing it while singing or something cheesy like that, so i can't bear to part with it." girl, what? your hair will grow back. and why is that ALWAYS the excuse for these FLs to not cut their hair? commit to the disguise or don't do it at all, i say.

and then, of course, the ML magically knows that she's actually a girl, and he rips off her hat and her hair trundles down (cue the poetic imagery), and of COURSE there's lust at first sight between them... etc.

suffice to say this would've been much more entertaining if the FL had actually cut her hair.

(-) plus, both the ML and FL are special unicorns. aside from their circlejerk about them helping the poor, we're also expected to believe other ridiculous things about them.

the FL is such an amazing fencer (despite only ever having gone against her brother) that she beats the ML on her first try. i don't know anything about fencing, mind you, but i get the impression that she hasn't been practicing much recently, and also that she would be at a disadvantage if she had only ever gone against one dude her entire life, but okay.

she is also wildly inconsistent. i cannot pin a personality onto her because, honestly, it changes chapter to chapter. one moment her "fingers are trembling" with nerves and the next she has "nerves of steel." she's only been with one man her entire life, and since then she's been sequestered away on her estate, but apparently she's so intuitive and naturally clever at flirting that she can whip out this line at the ML:

“Papa would not dream of my lips in the way you do. It is clear that it is thoughts of kissing me that kept you awake and sent you to invade my room like a growling tiger. Were the cold waters of the lake not enough to dampen the desire, my lord?”

are you a mind reader, my lady? in what world could she possibly know that? the ML isn't exactly forthcoming with expressing himself, but she somehow managed to discern his exact issue from his usual growly demeanor? okay.

and then there's the ML, whose entire personality is that he's rude but smart and THINKS THE POOR SHOULD HAVE RIGHTS! his parents died when he was 11, and according to him he simply "accepted his parents had departed as a cycle of life and death," which means he didn't see the need to grieve i guess. are we truly expected to believe that an ELEVEN YEAR OLD thought like this?

and then bro went to oxford university at 12, but whatever. that hardly even bears mentioning in comparison to all of the other nonsense in this book.

(-) there is no realistic chemistry between the ML and FL. i won't bore anyone by elaborating too much on this, because i'm sure my previous points get the idea across well enough. the only thing joining them together is their insta-lust and their shared feelings about poor people.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He smiled, a tenderness entering his eyes. ‘You would help me hide the body, hmm?’
She stared at him, astonished. ‘Of course.’”

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Stacy Reid for this ARC for review!

Mina is a 24-year-old spinster—as a 24-year-old who has no money, no prospects, and is a burden to her parents; this felt like a personal attack—trying to hold her family’s crumbling estate together. After he attempts to earn some money by cheating at cards, and then blaming another player for cheating, he is to duel with rapiers. As Mina is the more skilled of the two with the rapier she goes in his stead and beats the Earl of Creswick.
A worthy opponent.
The Earl of Creswick is steadfast in his political ambitions, which include social reforms for the right to vote and the rights of women. He went to Oxford at age 12, can easily memorize large swaths of text, and has never felt the type of attraction that causes his friends to act outside of their interests. Until Mina.
Simon hires Mina to act as his secretary and immediately instructs her she is not allowed to smile. It’s a matter of temptation.
Simon reminded me of Lord Ian McKenzie, from The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, and Stacy Reid has previously written a few disabled heroes I can recall off the top of my head. I was looking forward to an author's note to see whether she addressed any aspects of his characterization, but I did not see one in this ARC. I wonder if there will be one in the printed/official copy. I haven’t seen any reviews mention this, so I’m curious to know if anyone speculated similarly to me.

I loved this. Stacy Reid is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and this was no exception. She writes longing and love so well, and I find her premises often have a twist on a classic trope or archetype. Mina was one of, if not my favorite heroine by Stacy Reid. She is a great mix of headstrong and independent while remaining very considerate, and willing to be cared for by her hero.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy Reid is always a great pick for historical romance! A bit sexy with interesting characters and a side of history and social commentary? Yes please.

A Matter of Temptation follows an heroine who was "ruined" by a scandal in her past. The book opens with her dressing up as her twin brother in order to fight a duel on his behalf because she is the better swordswoman. She beats Simon, the Earl of Creswick, handily and he ends up offering her a job as his secretary after uncovering her identity. Things slowly heat up from there!

Simon is involved in politics and progressive in his beliefs about things like women's rights, working conditions for the poor and more. We get threads about those topics (including the issue of women obtaining a divorce) woven through the book in a way that is interesting and fits with the overall romance. While I didn't fall in love with these characters to the degree I have in other books by this author, I still had a great time and would definitely recommend the book! I received an advance copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.

[Michelle Rupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Miss Mina Crawford's family is poor and barely surviving when her brother makes a foolish decision that leads to a duel with the powerful Earl of Creswick. She knows her brother could be killed, and she hatches a plan to take his place. After besting Simon, he decides he likes her bravery and hires her as his secretary. Neither of them have been living their lives in ways they want to, but with each other they decide to reach for what they want.

Man, I just finished A Scoundrel of Her Own and I loved it. Thought it was the perfect romance. It's because I had been so thoroughly spoiled with the last book I read by Stacy Reid that this one couldn't measure up. I thought the beginning was so promising, but as the story went on the problems started for me. The conversations in the middle were just super weird and awkward especially in a historical context. I have yet to find two characters who have such an odd conversation in the book. It lacked the nuance I was expecting. Mina was very bold, and she came across as very forceful and pushy. Simon would give a little, but then close back up. Sadly though, it happened too much and it was so fast. Felt like I was getting whiplash a little bit. They didn't make sense as a couple. I don't know. I'm bummed because I know how great Stacy Reid can be. When she is on it, it's wonderful and amazing. When it's off, it really doesn't work.