A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid (TLC Book Tours)

 Mina Crawford is in a sad situation.  She was “ruined” years before when she ran off with a man she loved to get married, only to be abandoned.  She now lives with her brother on a crumbling estate, and they are on the edge of ruin.  After her brother accuses Simon Laoughton, the Earl of Creswick, of cheating at cards, they are set to duel.  Mina is the better swordsman and disguises herself as her twin brother to take on the earl.  After defeating him, he offers her a job as a female secretary at his estate as he admires her bravery and sharp mind.  Women do not work in such capacity, and this is a scandalous situation.  As the two work together, sparks fly.  Will they be able to get over the scandal of the past?  Will Simon be able to pass the much-needed reform bill?

I enjoyed A Matter of Temptation.  Stacy Reid has written interesting, unique characters.  I loved their banter and romance.  They definitely had chemistry.  I also enjoyed the setting and the struggle to push the reform bill through.  It was very interesting.  I would call this romance novel a medium level of spice. 

Although the front blurb talks about this being a Regency romance, it’s a Victorian romance.  There are trains and the authors discussed include the Bronte sisters.  This didn’t detract at all from my enjoyment of the novel, but I just wanted to point it out!

A bonus story, The Duke’s Shotgun Wedding is included and also enjoyable.

Favorite Quote:

“Then I shall fight to well to reclaim your good opinion, my lord.  Rumor mentioned that once it is lost, it is never to be regained.” – I loved the shades of Pride and Prejudice.

Overall, A Matter of Temptation is a delectable new romance.  It’s a perfect summer read.

Book Source:  A Review Copy from Entangled Publishing for being a part of the TLC Book Tour.  Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.