A MATTER OF TEMPTATION

In this Regency romance, an emotionally distant earl employs a spirited, young woman.

Times are tough for Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford. Since a scandalous elopement that ended disastrously six years ago and the deaths of her parents, the 24-year-old woman and her twin brother, the Viscount Anthony Crawford, have lived on their crumbling estate outside London with a bare-bones staff and rapidly dwindling funds. When Anthony reveals he’s challenged Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, to a very illegal duel, Mina—a much more skilled fencer, thanks to her father’s training—decides to go in his place, disguised as her brother. (“Her father had fondly called her his fencing master.”) Upon losing the duel, Simon is stunned to find that his opponent is a woman with fiery red hair and a lush mouth he can’t get out of his mind. When he learns of the Crawfords’ dire financial straits and Mina’s sharp wit, 27-year-old Simon—who’s very involved in local politics, especially when it comes to voting and property rights for women and the lower classes—decides to employ her as his secretary, a bold move considering the time and place. Simon has an ulterior motive as well: Mina will accompany him to the balls of the season as he searches for a wife at the behest of his grandmother the Countess of Creswick. Mina is thrilled with the opportunity to challenge her mind and support her family, but will her attraction to the handsome, intelligent, but aloof earl compromise everything? And when Simon learns of Mina’s checkered past, will this mean the end of a potential happily-ever-after? USA Today bestselling author Reid has deftly crafted a sensuous page-turner from the alternating perspectives of Mina and Simon, who may be separate in class but are united in stubbornness, advocacy for society’s underdogs, and an appreciation for sensual pleasures such as lovemaking and homemade ice cream. Each of the striking protagonists has realistic obstacles to overcome as they navigate a colleagues-to-lovers relationship amid the gossip of the haut ton. The building blocks of this relationship are thoroughly enjoyable to witness.

Sexy, feminist, and fun from beginning to end.