About the Book:
Title: A Matter of Temptation
Author: Stacy Reid
Series: A Matter of Temptation #1
Page Length: 400
Publication Date: June 28, 2022
Publisher: Entangled Pub.
Synopsis: 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.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
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My Review:
This is another swoon-worthy histoical romance by Stacy Reid, and I particularly enjoyed the love story and the messages about equality and fighting for what (and who) you believe in.
Mina is a dynamic and layered character with so much heart, and I enjoyed her journey throughout the novel. She is a strong and intelligent woman who isn’t afraid to share her thoughts, and she’s a great fencer! She is caring and generous, and, though she is in a dire situation, she still constantly thinks of others before herself. Mina has a strong sense of duty and family, yet she is not one to be pushed around, and she refuses to settle for anything less than she deserves despite her precarious financial situation and reputation. Her optimistic attitude highlights Simon’s more serious and grumpy personality, which is great.
Simon is a compelling character too, and I love how passionate he is about fighting for causes and people he believes in. He has a more reserved personality and comes across as rather stern, but he has very liberal and forward-thinking ideas about social class, gender equality, and women’s rights. He takes his position of authority seriously and is determined to use it to invoke change that will better the lives of those less fortunate.
Mina and Simon have such fantastic chemistry, and I love how they challenge each other. They are certainly a well-matched pair, and their banter is flirty, fun, and fabulous. Simon fires Mina so many times throughout the story, though she refuses each time to succumb to his demand, which is hysterical and says a lot about Mina’s determination, understanding of Simon, and strength. Mina brings out a softer side of Simon, and it’s lovely to see a generally closed-off and unemotional man show his vulnerability and affection. I also like how much the couple admires and respects each other. They hold each other in high regard, and that esteem for each other never fades even when they’re faced with seemingly insurmountable problems.
Many obstacles stand in Simon and Mina’s way especially because of his political reputation, familial judgment and rejection, and secrets that could unravel everything., However, neither Mina nor Simon can deny their growing and deep feelings for each other or their desire to be together. And the way that Simon shows Mina how he cares for her by doing so many thoughtful things is positively swoon-worthy. (When he runs out into the rain to save the puppy… sa-woon!!!) He really listens to her and takes what she says to heart, and the places he takes her and things he does for her made my heart melt. Their journey as a couple is not easy, but it is a delight to read.
The story also highlights many of the issues that plagued society at the time including gender and social inequities, property rights for women, education, and more, and I appreciate how detailed and informative the book was about these pertinent issues. Special thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!
- The character development.
- The messages.
Favorite Lines:
I was beaten by a fighter of exceptional skill. That she is a lady has no bearing on the truth that I was defeated.
He could kill his honor and reputation to call her his forever.
Excellent review, Julie. I like that the author doesn’t sugarcoat the way things were for women, but still has a realistic female MC. This sounds like a great read.
Thanks, Carla!
I already added this to my TBR after seeing Jenn on The Book Refuge rave about it. I still need to finish reading her Sinful Wallflowers series. Great review!
Thanks, Ali! I hope you get a chance to read it soon. I think you’ll like it!