I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, A Matter of Temptation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wilhelmina Crawford, known as Mina, finds her family in desperate financial circumstances. The difficulties are compounded with brother Anthony deciding to cheat at cards and is due to meet Simon the Earl of Creswick in a fencing duel. The problem is Mina is skilled at fencing, not so Anthony. So Mina dresses appropriately and dashes off to meet Simon at dawn.
And so the story begins. It was a fresh and enjoyable start to a book and set firmly in the 1840s. In a period of great political upheaval, the Industrial Revolution was gathering pace. I genuinely believe there would have been women like Mina in this period. Circumstances force them to take risks to survive. I love how Entangled Publishing is producing Historical novels that capture the time and events. Goodness knows balls and promenading and carriage rides through Hyde Park are great fun, but it's also fascinating to discover what events were unfolding at the time.
Now onto the story, Simon lost his parents at a young age, and I think it's safe to say he's emotionally unavailable. He recognises the need to marry for the Earldom and advance his political career, so he accepts his grandmother's offer to identify and present his future wife to him. In the meantime, Simon had great respect for Mina's father-Who passed away, leaving the family in financial trouble. He offers Mina a role as his secretary. A position unheard of being held by a woman. Before Mina accepts the role, some fun and determined negotiations occur. This was the section in the story where it really stepped up a notch. Simon and Mina make a great couple with equal skills and faults.
I loved the author's extra details about the repeal of corn laws. The gathering momentum for women to be able to inherit and own property. Also, the fact of the first-ever chocolate bar made by Frys. If I see a Fry's chocolate bar, I always buy and scoff it down. Little did I know it's a trailblazer in the world of chocolate treats. Those little details added to the story how they were woven into the story.
I loved the romance between Mina and Simon. They truly were meant to achieve their HAE. After some tricky emotional growth and difficulties.
If you enjoy historical novels set in the early reign of Queen Victoria, this is a story well worth reading.

A Matter of Temptation is the first in a new series by Stacy Reid which I found to be a steamy and pleasurable historical romance. The characters were such a delight to read that it made it hard to put down and a fun and quick read. It was my first by this author but it definitely will not be my last.

Simon Loughton, The Earl of Creswick and Wilhelmina/Mina Crawford are the hero and heroine of the story and each are dynamic and charismatic individuals. They went from adversaries in the beginning, then to Simon employing Mina as his secretary, to becoming friends and eventual lovers. I loved how their relationship grew and how he wanted to protect her when his political adversaries wanted him gone. He would fire her but she refused to be fired. Working together then living together under his roof, they got to know one another and shared with one another their pasts and dreams. I loved how he went out of his way to make her wishes come true and it just endeared me more to Simon. Mina was no shrinking violet and kept Simon on his toes from her fencing to playing a good game of chess.

A Matter of Temptation is a steamy and passionate story and a story not so typical for this genre. How they were both willing to sacrifice their happiness for the other was both heartbreaking and beautiful. The way they were able to achieve their happily ever after was a huge relief and how it all worked out for everyone in the end. If you are a fan of historical romances you are going to want to read this story. I’m so glad I took a chance on reading this story and can’t wait to let others know that this is one not to be missed.

This was a really solid book for me. The meet cute for these characters is one of my favorites and I’m glad that the mistaken identity was a very small part of the book. I just wish that some parts had been a little shorter, such as some of the scenes with the two main characters working in the countryside. There was a bit too much time before the conflict hit and then it was wrapped up rather quickly at the end. Overall another solid historical romance from Reid. I found myself tearing up at parts. This is definitely a must read.

A Matter of Temptation
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.

#AMatterofTemptation

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.

Wow! I have read a lot of good books lately but this one was phenomenal! I could not put it down once I started. I just loved Simon and Mina sooooo much. I loved Simon's gruff yet caring personality and Mina's brave and adventurous spirit!

Stacy Reid is a favorite of mine and this book is now in my all time favorites to be read again and again!

Miss Mina Crawford is ruined and lives with her twin brother at their crumbing estate. When he's set to participate at a duel with Earl of Creswick, she decides to take his place. Simon is successful, constantly working and is bored by his unsurprising life until he's bested at swordfight from the young Viscount, until he realizes it was actually his twin sister and he ends up offering her a job as his secretary...

I loved the grumpy/starched Simon who kept firing Mina.. Mina was such a strong woman, even though she's being through a lot and has a big secret (one for some reason didn't see coming 🤭) she's optimistic.. My heart broke for them because they couldn't be together, but obviously it's a romance so obviously they get their HEA..

I received an free ARC copy from NetGalley and these are my honest opinions.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

A steamy guilty pleasure like most of her books, but I could not bring myself to fall in love with this guy. 3.5 rounded up

Rating: 4 stars

I really liked Mina's character right from the beginning when she fought in her brother's place and won against the Earl of Creswick, who had never been beaten before. She was such a badass and I loved the scenes where she would refuse to be fired from her job.

Simon was amazing because he was one of the only during that time period who thought women should also work despite others questioning him hiring a female secretary. And how he tried to make all of her dreams come true??? Like when he took her measurements so he can buy her clothes to go into town??? (There's a bit more to this but I don't wanna say because spoiler alert). I mean wow if only people like him existed.

Overall, I loved the characters in the book and the development of their relationship. I wished there was more drama with the whole subplot of his mom looking for women, but I realize this is more of a romcom, so as a romcom, it was done well.

Stacy Reid continues to be one of my favorite go-to authors. She never fails to make me feel all the emotions.

A Matter of Temptation was a delight to read. I didn’t want to step away from the story, and when I did finish, I was tempted to flip back to page one and start over.

I really enjoyed this book! I could not put it down. I literally finished it within the day. Lol

I so liked Mina's character. She was strong, intelligent, brave, and was vocal with her thoughts. She cares a lot about people even those who are in a lower standing than her despite their times. She's just awesome and I love how she could best Simon in different ways. I was like yes, girl, beat him! Lol but well, I actually really liked Simon as well. That man had a heart of gold. His heart for the poor, oppressed, for justice and equality was plain awesome. I admired how he dealt with societal issues during that time and how he fought for and served as a voice for the oppressed. That first time they were in the carriage and it was raining, I thought, wow, this man is really something. Mina and Simon had sizzling chemistry and right from the start they were dancing around each other trying to stop themselves from wanting which was all for naught.

This was an enjoyable read for me and I found the epilogue adorable. I rarely read historical romances because I'm not well fond of the stereotypes and discrimination back then but just like a quote from this book, Mina was not most women, and Simon was not most men.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥.5

I really like Stacy Reid’s work, and this book was no exception. I loved these characters, especially Mina. I felt the resolution was rushed; I wanted to enjoy more of their relationship once the obstacles were cleared. Having said that, I liked this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one from Ms Reid.

thank you to entangled publishing, netgalley and Stacy Reid for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. <3

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

This book started out so well, I was immediately engrossed with the story and all the characters. A woman disguised as man and fighting a duel, strong-willed h, and equally clever H. This book also had a completely engaging plot. The mysteries and dilemmas that befell the main characters were not complex, but they were unfolded with delicate precision and in a way that kept me intrigued and invested.
The only complaint I had was the rushed ending and somewhat chunky writing towards the end.

“I came alive for you, Mina. I love you beyond thoughts of scandal and consequences.”

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley

This book is so sweet! It may be Stacy Reid's best I've ever read so far and she has written some great books. There are major obstacles the characters have to overcome but they are achieved in believable ways and you can really feel the true human emotions portrayed in the story. If you loved Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore then you will also love this story. There are similar topics but also very different!

I read this book in a day and a half. The pacing was perfect and it had the right balance of angst and satisfying conclusions to different issues throughout. Love it and it is a must read and will be reread again and again.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC

This book was amazing. I've been in a book rut for awhile reading but not quite happy and I couldn't find anything that pulled my interest. Long and Behold Stacy to the rescue.

This book was exciting, adventurous, educational, and I loved seeing strong characters bump heads. Simon and Mina fought hard for their love. Seeing their happily ever after come together made me so happy.

In a Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid, Mina Crawford is ruined in the eyes of society for years ago having run off with a fencing master. She spends her days at her brother’s home trying to keep things going when they can’t pay the staff and have little money for food. Her brother, in his own foolish act, cheats at cards, and before he gets called on it, he suggests a duel. Mina is horrified, especially as she is the better fencer.

A plan is hatched. She will go in his place and fence against the brilliant Earl of Creswick, who has never lost a fencing match. Mina does win but is soon found out. Rather than toss her out on her ear, Creswick hires her to be his secretary. She even manages to negotiate for better pay, severance and hazard pay should Creswick ravish her. He is outraged but agrees.

She is a very good secretary, and she finds Creswick to be brilliant and beautiful. She admires his work to get reform bills for the poor and women through Parliament, and she is attracted to him. He is to her as well, but he tries to stop it by telling her to stop smiling at him.
He wants her to go with him to balls and such as he will need a companion. She refuses because of her fallen state. He overrules her and a modiste is brought in to dress her from the skin out.

Creswick finds himself falling for the utterly outrageous Mina, but he has promised his grandmother that she can choose his wife.

There’s lots of dashing about the countryside and a trip to Scotland and adventures in gaming hells and eating ice cream and falling in love. Will Grandmother get her way. We think not.

A brand new historical romance series?
A brand new historical romance series with an awesome heroine and the buttoned up Earl who falls so completely for her?
Swoony sigh.

I’ve really come to love historical romance as a genre and I appreciated this story so much. Reid’s writing is wonderful and I love the time she takes in describing the settings. Stacy Reid is a new to me author (I’ve only previously read her in a recent anthology) and I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more of this series and the author’s previous works.

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

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was actually a pretty good read. I enjoyed the story and characters a great deal.

Simon has met his match with Mina and these two set off on a thrilling journey. On a turn of events, she faces off with him and wins which then he offers something she can't refuse: a job and stability. He's a rising political star in his era and is in need of a secretary at his side, but he warns her she is unable to smile. He's steadfast in his aspirations and social causes which melted my heart, although he doesn't have the social relationship skills prior to Mina. She carries a heavy shadow of shame with her and has a lot to overcome with that, but Simon is not one to back down easily. He's everything she needs and her for him. These two can take on the world by each other's side and I found myself swooning so hard. Such a beautiful story!