Arresting!

A lively, comedic romantic drama, the female lead reminding me of Shakespeare’s Viola.
A twin sister who takes the place of her brother during a duel, a young woman whose elopement in the past caused scandal.
A brilliant Earl who is fighting for social justice issues. A ‘take no prisoners’, cool, dispassionate man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Women take a secondary place in the scheme of things. He sets his grandmother to find a bride for him. No messy indulgences like “love” in this arrangement thank you very much! Of course there’s a history here!
There’s so many little twists in this enemies to lovers, Reason versus Emotion tale set in Victorian England.
Dialogue might not be Shakespearean, but there’s some delightful ripostes from time to time.
Miss Wilhelmina Eleanor Crawford—Mina is a young woman of determined sensibility, with a yearning for adventure. Now right there’s a combination ripe for the very opposite!
Simon, Earl of Creswick was a child prodigy who is determined to see equality for the working man in Victorian England (women will have to wait)
Against the odds he employs Mina as his secretary and thereby leaves his dispassion at the door. When Mina had commented on his offer, Simon merely stated,
“I am not most men.” His quiet voice held a sardonic note. “And allow me to say: you are not most women.”
A scorching and often breathless read that had me smiling, as Mina just being Mina forces Simon to open up his heart.

An Entangled Pub. ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

If I could, I would give this book 10 stars. The author has written a story so compelling that I have reread it several times to catch every nuance. Mina crashes into Simon’s well ordered life by beating him in a fencing match which fascinates him. Simon is intrigued by her intelligence and enthusiasm for life when all his focus has been on politics and the betterment of his country. Mina becomes his very efficient secretary and after a near brush with death, they have their first kiss. As the story progresses, the reader can feel every emotion the couple goes through when complications ensue.
Loved it, also loved “Her Wicked Marquess” by this author as it is easy to become immersed in the character’s feelings.

I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford was ruined in the eyes of society years ago for one foolish, starry-eyed mistake so she spends her days at her family’s crumbling estate. 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 a secretary. 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.
The first in a new series & another well written book from one of my favourite authors. I loved both Simon & Mina & their attraction sizzled but I also loved how she challenged him from their first meeting & how liked that she challenged him. However she has a secret which when it was revealed knocked me for six & almost made me stopped reading & the reason why I only give this otherwise lovely book only four stars. Things were resolved but Mina dropped in my estimation.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid is the story of Wilhelmina Crawford "Mina" and Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick. Mina has been ruined in the eyes of society when she made a bad decision to run off to get married. Now she is ruined but is working to help her brother run the family estate. But he is struggling and now he has to be in a duel with their neighbor Simon. So, Mina sneaks to take her brother's place and ends up besting Simon. Simon soon learns of Mina switch but ends up offering her a job which starts their story. I am a big fan of Ms. Reid so this was a must read. Enjoyed.

I love Stacy Reid. Her heros are perfectly imperfect, sexy, flawed, and totally swoon-worthy. Her heroines are kind, generous, quirky, and lovable. When you take those two types of people, mix them together, and throw in steamy passion, you have to hold on tight because it'll be one heck of a wild ride.

A Matter of Temptation is wonderfully written with unique characters, and excellent storyline, and WOW passion. I highly recommend!

I just reviewed A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid. #AMatterofTemptation #NetGalley

"The only way to satisfy temptation is to yield to it..."

My first Regency romance, A Matter of Temptation tells the story of Simon, Earl of Creswick, and Mina, his secretary who has been hiding from scandal and living an isolated life in the countryside. They should never be a match based on society's standards yet they could not fit together more beautifully. Both incredible characters, Mina is a strong opinionated woman who is unafraid to speak her mind while Simon is brilliant and dedicated to passing social and economic reform to create married women's property laws while ensuring the right to vote for the common man.

Stacy Reid's writing is simply stunning, descriptive without being overly so. This is a story about embracing life to the fullest and finding joy in the simple things, and I loved every minute of it. Beginning as a slow and seductive dance with temptation constantly presenting itself, their chemistry ignites into a fire full of passion and emotion with a sexual awakening rising from the innocence. Mina's loneliness and Simon's predisposition to indifference are shattered as they fall in love, feeling alive and adventurous, truly enjoying life.

"In this moment he sensed she was a caged butterfly desperate to burst from its cocoon and spread its beautiful and glorious iridescent wings."

I loved seeing Mina and Simon break free from their pasts and society's expectations of them as they followed their hearts and fiercely held true to their feelings for one another. There is also a focus on the love of the written word and knowledge and I learned fascinating bits of history as well. Their journey toward a HEA touched my heart and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

"I want more than one night. I need you for more than one night. I do not think an affair will ever be enough."

** Special thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available June 28, 2022. **

Listen I love Stacy Reid. She writes wonderful historicals that draw me every time. This book was no different and what I really liked about this couple was that they were a bit older and they weren't playing any games with one another. They just fell in love the only real obstacle they faced was Mina's past and the gossip surrounding it. I loved how Simon never let anyone bad mouth her.

When Mina's foolish twin challenges the Earl Of Creswick to a duel she manages to go in his place. She's quite skilled at fencing, better than her brother, and sees this as an opportunity to keep her brother safe.

Simon the Earl of Creswick was not expecting Mina in place of her brother. The fact that she was able to best him leads him to offer her a job as his secretary.

Simon is gruff and serious, ordering Mina to keep her smiles to herself. But every time she laughs or smiles, he secretly enjoys these things. When they are attacked when traveling by carriage to London, Simon tries to fire Mina fearing for her safety but she ignores him. Instead, she tells him that this incident has reminded her that there are things she'd still like to do, like kiss a gentleman.

This leads to their affair but Simon must also fulfill his duty and get married. The reality of that greets them in London while the arrival of his grandmother, announcing that she's found him a wife.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

My goodness Stacy Reid writes super hot romances! This was was no exception. It had all the feels and I couldn't get enough.

Wilhelmina Crawford takes on the job of secretary to The Earl of Creswick. Simon can't seem to get Mina off his mind. Usually cold and aloof around her he loses all control. The chemistry between them is amazing. A Matter of Temptation is a fast paced, steamy romance that I couldn't put down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Matter of Temptation is my fourth book by Stacy Reid. I love her writing. She creates strong, gorgeous men and sassy, strong women. And this story held all the charm, chemistry and romance I love. The banter and adventures between these two kept a smile on my face.
If you haven’t read SR work then you’re missing out. She writes delightful, moving and smexy stories that are my favorite escape. I highly recommend this if you love smexy historical romance.
Thanks Entangled Publishing via NetGalley.

A Matter of Temptation is the story of Mina Crawford and Simon, the Earl of Creswick. Simon offers Mina a job after she bests him in a duel on behalf of her brother. Working with each other, Simon and Mina discover not just an alignment of thoughts and opinions but a strong attraction towards each other too.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. The story, the characters, the chemistry between those characters, everything about this book had my attention lock, stock and barrel. Simon and Mina were both a breath of fresh air and I was keen to see how they would overcome the obstacles in their way and they did it in spectacular fashion.

Miss Wilhelmina (Mina) Crawford, 24, is living at her family’s home doing all she can to help make ends meet. Some years ago, she became infatuated with a man and attempted to elope. This did not turn out well.

Mina’s twin brother, Viscount Anthony Crawford, is struggling to try and get yet another loan to help pay for the estate’s expenses but has been turned down. While playing cards with Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick, 27, of Norbrook Hall, Anthony was trying to cheat and was caught out by Simon. Trying to make it look like Simon was cheating, Anthony called him out and challenged him to a duel. When he confessed this to Mina, she, being an expert at the rapier, disguises herself as a man and wins the duel. Ah, but Simon soon discovers it is a woman he has fought and now she cannot get away with her deceit.

Simon is very taken with Mina’s willingness to take on the duel for her brother. After talking to her, he also finds she is quite intelligent and offers her the job of being his secretary. This is something almost unheard of as men are always hired for this position. They work together well and their time together soon sparks an attraction that cannot be denied. But, Mina is hiding a huge secret and she knows that there could never be a future for them.

This book is fabulous. Stacy Reid is a wonderful author and I have always loved her books. Her research is very in-depth which makes her books so interesting. I always learn something from them. The characters of Simon and Mina are so perfectly created that they found me rooting for them all the way through the book. Don’t miss this one and if you have never read Stacy Reid’s books before, I promise you will become a huge fan. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lord Creswick (Simon) hires a young woman, Mina, to be his secretary—a job usually filled by a man. She proves to be an intelligent and excellent work partner. In regency times the ruling aristocrats feared giving the lower class the right to vote thinking they would lose their power. As it remains today, people fear reform and the upper class still fears loss of power.

A little angsty for me when a young Lord says he relinquishes his right to choose a wife to his grandmother! What happened to your strength and confidence?!

Simon and Mina find they have a lot in common politically and physically. He takes her on some cool (typically male only) hijinks which are really fun. Their steamy hijinks are even better. Simon’s icy grandmother, distainful dowager duchess, is a force he has to reckon with.

I love this author’s books and this one makes me look forward to the next!

I received a copy in advance for my honest opinion.

Oh la la. A Matter of Temptation tells the story of Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford and Simon the Earl of Creswick. They meet when Mina not only steals the place of her brother in a fencing duel with Simon, but actually wins! He saw through her ruse and was so impressed that he offered her employment, and the rest of the book is the story of their HEA.

It’s been while since I enjoyed BOTH leads in a historical romance and I want to just gush about both of the leads. Mina is a breath of fresh air. I loved her banter, strength, and weaknesses. Her character is confident but still realistic and thus does not feel like a 20th century heroine living in 1891 or something. I enjoyed her so much. And Simon! Wow, he’s so amazing. Not only in his political beliefs, but just everything about him. He had so many moments that honestly made me swoon. The chemistry between the 2 was fire and I strongly rooted for them to have their perfect HEA.

I felt some of the middle was a bit repetitive but honestly this was a very solid 4 stars from me.

A huge thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars overall. Although I felt the plot got off to a slowish, rather tropey start, I ended up really liking this book. Another reviewer I ran across thought that the h should have maintained her disguise as a man a bit longer, but I've always found that trope unrealistic, unless you're going for humor and/or a Twelfth Night rewrite. The final few chapters of the plot, in particular, really drew me in. I appreciate all of the research the author did regarding the legal issues of the day. And I have to mention that the steamy scenes were super steamy!

The H is the kind of character I go for--he's extremely intelligent, dynamic, and intense. I liked the h for the most part, but lost some respect from her when the reveal about her past came to light. I absolutely think she should have been honest with the H as soon as their relationship became physical, and he had every right to know. I was glad for their HEA, of course.

The other reason I can't give this 5 stars is the writing style is a bit awkward and cumbersome in places, especially in the first half of the book (it the second half it becomes notably smoother, as if the author got so much into the subject matter the ideas just flowed). I always like the Regency worlds this writer creates, but you can tell she's not 100% comfortable with the manners and speech of the time period.

Overall: a fun read, with a plot involving the H's political world that becomes increasingly engrossing.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley. Reviews left on Goodreads and Bookbub. Will post to Amazon on the date of publication.

A Matter of Temptation was entertaining and sweet, filled with really good banter, longing, and passion. I liked Mina and Simon and watching the sparks ignite between them. It made for an enjoyable read.

I liked Mina and Simon meeting and the challenge and banter between them and how she pushes his buttons. I liked the hints about Mina’s secret as the story unfolded and was happy when it was clearly revealed. I liked how their friendship grew and the connection between them got stronger, though it didn’t feel very in-depth. I loved the passion between them, together these two were super-hot.

There's fun humor throughout mixed with some light drama. The story moved along steadily the entire time and I felt invested. The ending was good but I thought the main conflict was resolved way too easily, it was sweet but rather anticlimactic. There is a lot of political talk in this regarding issues of the time period. All important issues but it was very detail-heavy, so much so that it felt like a history lesson. Some things were interesting but it just felt like a bit much.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but there were a few things that held me back from really loving it. It’s not my favorite from this author but still really good.

aaaaand Stacy Reid does it again - a perfect, swoony historical romance with characters I love and the most wonderful, toe-curling scenes imaginable.

Romance readers everywhere love the trope of headstrong woman and stern, unshakable (for now) man, and a Matter of Temptation does this flawlessly. You’re rooting for Mina from the moment she dons her brother’s clothing and duels Simon, and watching their relationship develop was such a wonderful ride. With each piece of Simon’s ice wall that got chipped away by Mina I found myself falling harder and harder for both of them, and I was truly sad to see this book end.

Stacy has become an auto-buy author of mine, as I always know I’ll get lovesick heroes and badass heroines every single time. Five stars!

Absolutely loved this story!

" There was something about him that tugged at her senses, the feeling was almost primal and frightening."

When Miss Wilhelmina Crawford's twin brother, Anthony, challenges the formidable Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick, to a dual to save face, it calls for desperate measures. Her boldness, skill and wit prompts Creswick to offer her a job as his personal secretary - something unheard of before. Mina grabs the opportunity with both hands - not only to alleviate the family coffers but also to alleviate her boredom.

"He was abruptly and unexpectedly certain having Miss Wilhelmina Crawford working under his roof was going to be a mistake."

Simon has a lot on his plate with the reform bill, however, he needs the administrative help, in spite of feeling an undeniable pique of interest at the remarkable Miss Crawford. He's aware of her clouded past, but nothing prepares him for her audacity and how she makes him feel.

"He felt the keen sensation as if he were coming alive for the first time in his life - for a woman who would only be a fleeing presence in his life."

This was a such a FABULOUS read! Mina and Simon were funny, intelligent, and intense together. I loved how Simon, someone known for being aloof and ruthless, lived to indulge Mina and make her dreams come true. I loved his feeling of protectiveness over her, and how he would pretty much burn the world down to keep her safe and happy. Mina was a singular woman. She was sharp, good-natured, and kind-hearted. I loved her zest for life and her joy in the simple things. In spite of her clouded past, she was a woman of integrity and determination. When they were together, there was the wonder of discovery between them, as well as raw sexuality. They were a match made in heaven!

A well written series starter with a sassy bold heroine which seems to be the authors speciality and a super intelligent hero who doesn't know how to love until he meets our heroine. I loved Mina posing as her twin brother and beating the hero in the duel they were both such likeable character's and it felt like a new idea and great start for a new series. The end did feel a little rushed but the epilogue made up for it as I love to see how they get on. All round great book recommended. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars
Mina and Simon, two very different personalities. Mina was very daring and skilled at fencing but she had led a lonely life for the past number of years, due to a scandal. Simon, Earl of Creswick was a powerful and wealthy man but he was also concerned with improving the life of the working man and woman. He was a very intelligent man and used his influence in Parliament for good causes. He wasn’t one to show any emotion. When they meet, they are attracted to each other but Simon must marry someone of impeccable behaviour. Mina also has a secret which will destroy any chance for them. I didn’t see this development coming. Oh my! Towards the latter pages of the story, the heartfelt declaration from Simon, had me feeling quite emotional. I did enjoy their story and found them to be engaging characters. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A wonderful, amazing, romantic, beautiful story!
Simon is my book husband, I am claiming him for now and always.
I am trying to gather my thoughts for the love this book brings out in me. Everything about it was so well done.
I loved Simon and I loved Mina. Mina was so relatable and likable. It was so cool that she was a pro at fencing and was so adventurous. She’s the type that will help you hide the body. Simon is a grump that’s hiding that fact that he’s a cinnamon roll (but only for Mina!). He will burn down the world to make you happy. I thought it was interesting that he was involved in politics and reform. I also liked that it tied into the story’s conflict. The reason of why they couldn’t be together was complicated & not easily resolved which created a lot of angst (which y’all know I’m a fan of).
I adored Simon and Mina’s relationship too. It sort of starts as a slow burn but heats up halfway through. They truly felt like friends to lovers and it showed in how they cared for one another.
We got so many swoon worthy moments too! My favorite was when Mina’s secret is revealed and she thinks Simon won’t love her anymore but he comforts her!! My heart!
I also liked their little moments with the ice cream and coffeehouse. Plus the steamy scenes delivered, particularly the carriage and wall scenes (ifyyk).
There’s just so much to love here I could go on all day.
If you haven’t read Stacy Reid before, this is the perfect book to start with. It has grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, boss/secretary, somewhat forbidden romance, angst, touch her and you die energy, and of course steam!

* Thank you to Entangled Publishing and the author for the arc. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *