The Tempting Minx

Fate of the Worthingtons #1

by Laura A. Barnes

Time leads one along a soulful journey to find one’s true love.

A spitfire debutante. A dashing imposter. One stolen kiss sets them on their path.

Margaret Worthington was a lady who failed to escape the clutches of time. She was now forced to endure a dreadful season visiting the stifling ballrooms, wearing fancy dresses and false smiles. When she would rather ride her horse across the open fields in her comfortable breeches, enjoying the fresh air. Her penchant for trouble lands her in the arms of a lord who she had fantasized about all season. After they share a scandalous kiss, Maggie’s opinion makes a swift change. Soon a mystery filled with scandal and secrets sweeps up Maggie within its grasp. Is Maggie’s love powerful enough to overlook the secrets of her soul mate?

Crispin Dracott played everyone false, even himself. As hard as he tried to lead an honest life, the actions from his past kept pulling him under with their deceit. When he secured a position to bring the villain who destroyed him to justice, he never imagined a tempting minx would claim his heart and soul. With orders to keep Lady Margaret Worthington out of trouble, he fell victim to her innocent charm and couldn’t resist stealing one kiss after another from her sweet lips. His desire for Maggie led danger to surround them in every direction. Will Maggie forgive him once he admits of his deception?

A wild and carefree lady and a gentleman filled with darkness discover a passion they cannot deny. Would the solace he finds in her innocence keep his demons at bay? Or would they destroy the precious hold of their love for one another?

The Tempting Minx is the first book in Laura A. Barnes’s Fate of the Worthingtons Series. If you love a story filled with mysterious secrets and scandalous kisses, then you’ll love this new series.

Buy The Tempting Minx to start your journey into the Fate of the Worthingtons.

Genres: Regency, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2022

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Laura A. Barnes books since 2019 and this is my 14th book by her and I can seriously say I have really enjoyed every one of her books. I always enjoy her characters and love her writing. She always has interesting and great story lines.

I was given this book as an ARC read.

I have to say I really loved Maggie and Crispin. I loved this story line. I loved the intrigue and suspense. It was definitely different than the usual "ton" reads. I actually am really looking forward to reading about the Worthingtons. They have such a great family dynamic and their characters are written in such a way that you really do want to get to know them better.

I would definitely recommend this book but also I would recommend all her other books. They will not disappoint.

[Auj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting twist on the HR genre with romantic suspense thrown in. Our hero, Crispin, is trying to investigate a thievery ring that he's been caught up in.

I'm interested to see how this will all play out in the following books and how the villainess will be defeated.

My biggest problem with the book was that I felt like Crispin and Maggie never had enough substantial conversation at the beginning that would account for them to fall in love.

I got this ARC from Booksprout, but this hasn't affected my honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Worthington has no desire for her first season. A hoyden, she would much rather wear a pair of breeches, a lawn shirt and boots. Riding horses is her passion. Crispin Dracott works for her brother Worth's detective agency. The first time Crispin sees Maggie he's smitten. Seducing Maggie is beyond his control. Maggie is willing to be seduced, but Crispin has many secrets, secrets that put Maggie in danger. Two women will take any measure to insure his cooperation. He will take any punishment to protect her. For Crispin and Maggie an HEA is possible.
Some secrets are revealed in this book, but the danger continues in the next book.
Heat level 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is preparing for her debut, or at least her mother is. She would rather ride her horse through the park than attend a ball. Crispin is working for her detective brother to help bring down an infamous thievery operation. By helping to bring Lady L’s organization down, he hopes to right the pain of his past. From the moment he sees Maggie sneak out of the house to ride her horse, he is taken with her. She soon feels the same about him. Danger, suspense, secrets (a lot of secrets), and a rather chaotic love story make this first story in a new series one that you can’t put down. There are many questions. What happened to Crispin in his youth? Where is Lord Ravencroft? Why is Lady Langdon so intent on destroying the Worthington family? Oh, and who is Rogers? One more, what happens next?! Great story!
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! This new series piggybacks off of the Matchmaking Madness series, focusing on Reese Worthington’s family. In this story, Maggie, the youngest of his siblings, is being coerced into having a season in London. When she and Crispin, her brother Graham’s new assistant at his detective agency, meet, they fall for each other. However, a wanted criminal, Lady L, has declared revenge upon Reese Worthington and his family, and intends to use Crispin and Maggie to get it. This is a story filled with pain, deceit and secrets. As promised, love prevails….even though the journey there is rocky at best. As a series starter, it doesn’t get much better than this. You will find action, intrigue and steam all intricately woven throughout a story wherein two soulmates find each other. It is really well done and I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series called Fate of the Worthingtons, and it sets up the rest of the books in the series. This book is about Maggie and Crispin. Crispin comes into Maggie’s life because he works for her brother in a detective agency. He is Lord Dracott. Maggie is the youngest child/daughter of the Worthington family. She is unique and did not really want to do a season. I really do not want to tell you too much, because I don’t, want to give much away. But I will say there is love, romance, caring of family and mystery. A well written story, and I can not wait for the rest of the books.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Susan Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tempting Minx by Laura A. Barnes is much more than an enthralling love story between Lady Margaret and Lord Dracott. It touches upon child abuse, PTSD, and family love. The twists and turns in the story kept me pinned to the pages. There is a plethora of secrets to be uncovered. First, Dracott and Ravencroft aren’t who they claim to be. Even the butler, Rogers, has secrets. Then there is Reese Worthington’s ex-mistress, the evil Lady L. She is the head of a thievery ring and wants to exact revenge on the Worthington family. Apparently, Reese tossed her over for his wife, Evelyn.


All the Worthingtons are great characters, but Maggie is exceptional. She’s bold, beautiful, free-spirited, and has a mouth with no filter. Her mother decided it was time to head to London for her debut. But Maggie wants nothing to do with lady etiquette or the ton. She wants to stay in the country, wear breaches and ride her horse. Everything changes when Maggie meets the handsome Crispin Dracott, an investigator who works for her brother, Graham. She falls head over heels in love with him.


Crispin Dracott endured tremendous child abuse at the hands of his mother and Lady L. Now, as an adult, he has PTSD. However, Lady L isn’t through with him. She tries to blackmail Crispin into helping her exact revenge on Reese Worthington by hurting Maggie and Noel. His mother wants to ruin him so she can reenter society. The secrets unfold, and love triumphs. Maggie sticks by Crispin’s side.


The epilogue left me with questions. What happened to Ravencroft? Where are Lady L and Crispin’s mother? They weren’t captured. Will Noel and Ravencroft get their happy ending? But it was a love story about Crispin and Maggie. They did get their happy ending.


The characters, settings, and scenes are well developed. The plot is unique, and the action is nonstop. In addition, the romantic scenes are tastefully written. Five stars!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the characters and storyline were great. Maggie and Crispin were spectacular together. The mystery surrounding him and his brother's past was very interesting. If found out it could ruin them. The secret involves their devious mother and the sinister lady she works with. It is a tale of revenge, forgiveness and love.

[Kat Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! This one is so well written and the characters are great. I just loved Maggie and Crispin. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of a new series about the Worthington family by Laura A. Barnes. The Tempting Minx is Maggie & Crispin’s story. It has great characters and elements of mystery. It also has Uncle Theo (from Matchmaker’s Madness)! It does not have a cliffhanger as Maggie & Crispin get a HEA, however, it leads the reader to the continuation of the larger story with the next sibling. Great start, and I can’t wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading Crispin and Maggie's story. Crispin is hiding his identity to protect those he cares for against the machinations of Lady L and her thieving ring. Crispin is intrigued by Maggie and they are drawn to each other, but danger follows Crispin every step and soon Maggie and her family are in danger. Can Crispin outwit Lady L and save Maggie before it is too late.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was quite a page turner, and I loved every single page that I turned. Maggie is a wonderful heroine, the unconventional sister of an Earl, bold and passionate. She falls head over heels for Crispin, who is posing as a Viscount, working as a detective with her brother. He is equally smitten with her and the two of them are sizzling together. Lots of secrets, mystery and intrigue in this very original storyline, with enough ammunition to blow this whole family apart. A great read!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get enough of this book. It was simple marvelous. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me this was a great beginning to the series that will captivate you and keep you wanting for me. Good development of characters and plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very unusual. I always felt that I was missing something as if I had started reading a series somewhere in the middle. Every character seemed to have a back story. Apparently, the intrigue in this book took place in the past. This made it difficult for me to understand the events that were occurring in the present time. The romance was frequently overshadowed.
There were many side characters as the author is obviously planning on writing a long series. As far as I can tell, the story arc will be continuing throughout. The romance does have a happy ending but the family saga continues on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you like stories without complete ends

A lot of action and intrigue and mystery that is a continuation of the ensnaring of Lady L. So the series continue on as of course she engulfs even more of the Worthington’s in her plans of revenge. But there is a hea for Crispin and Maggie at least. This is not a clean read and had unnecessary intimacy unfortunately I was unaware even though I did try to find out in reviews. This warning is now out for all to see.
Also in some respects this is a cliffhanger and I suspect they will all be until the evil lady is finally apprehended.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debutante who wanted to be anywhere but in the public eye, preferably being herself out riding her horse, carefree. Then she met him.

He was a man on a mission to try to right his past, but it seemed it may be impossible to do. The tortures he had endured and the secrets.. he only wanted to bring the man to justice who had destroyed him in the past.

But is seems she was getting in the way and very hard to resist. Suspense, angst, danger all pull together to bring this first in a series leaving you only wanting more!!

[Autumn Sevier · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty decent albeit short ,.. the main couple had well written passion to their romance tho their get to know one another aspect was rather light ,.. there was an interesting over arching plot in there but sadly it ended in a cliffhanger .. still for a free book on my kobo i have to say i'm pretty happy with it . it was a good short read even if parts of it could have been better.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of stories about the Worthington family. The heroine is very independent and headstrong. Her love interest is hiding some information about himself from her and her family which eventually is exposed causing trouble for them. There are some sexually explicit scenes in this novel that some readers may want to avoid.

[Arceli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really reocmmned this book it is a fun read. THe romance is awesome .You should check it out. i love it a lot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dialogue not believable.

The story definitely had potential, but the dialogue was so manipulative that the author's presence was always felt. There was no chance to get lost in the magic that well written fiction can create. DNF

[Janet Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misery to love

Many people have been harmed and danger lurked in many places. Can two different people forgive and love against all odds?

[CYNTHIA CHARLES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these characters and how they interconnect. Love is in the air!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a series that the oldest brother married in Matchmaker madness and the rest of the family was introduced. Maggie's mother is wanting her to enjoy a season. She doesn't care if she has one and after she meets Crispin she is not interested in anyone or anything but him.
Crispin has too many secrets and trying to protect Maggie and do the things he needs to do is hard to do with Maggie wanting her own way. Finally he lets her in to protect her and because she overhears enough that he has to tell her.

[Nerida · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was convoluted, no lady at the time would behave as such a hoyden, and you didn't even take the bad guy down!

Maggie was kinda cute though. I empathise with the annoyance at being forced to behave a certain way and uphold so many family expectations. At the same time... maybe do a better job of it? Also, if her sister gets to play at being a spy, why can't Maggie? Double standards much.

Crispin needs to work on internal consistency. Or maybe the word is integrity. He's so used to changing who he is to manage others' perceptions and get a job done, I don't know he's capable of knowing and presenting his true self - which is rather important for a successful marriage.

Good read, needs work.