A Matter of Temptation

Stacy Reid

Jun 2022 · Unforgettable Love Book 1 · Sold by Entangled: Amara

About this ebook

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.

Exclusive bonus: Get swept up with an additional short story by author Stacy Reid—available only in print!

Each book in the Unforgettable Love series is STANDALONE:
* A Matter of Temptation
* An Earl to Remember

Ratings and reviews

4.5 stars — This was utterly delightful. Honestly, the happy moments between Mina and Simon were just so freaking good, I just wanted to read them over and over. You could genuinely feel the connection between these two. From their initial intrigue, to crush, to fascination, to lust, to more. It was just…so good. I wasn’t expecting Mina’s secret, but it did add an intriguing twist to this story, especially given the time. I totally understood her decisions along the way, even as I wanted t

Steamy and intense, Simon and Mina bring all the heat! When the "meet cute" is swords at dawn, you know you're in for a wild ride! I absolutely loved every moment of this deliciously steamy, politically charming, and effortlessly romantic story. Simon is as buttoned-up as an earl can be and tries to keep a controlled, academic approach to everything, but he soon discovers that his feelings are beyond control. "You tempted something to awake inside me, and I came alive for you, Mina. I love you beyond thoughts of scandal and consequences.” Mina certainly brings scandal and consequences to the table. Her secret is huge - but she's never dishonest about it. By necessity, she keeps her cards close to her chest, and never allows Simon to think there's anything more that she can offer. But dreams have a mind of their own, and boy, do these two find the courage to dream! There's an exquisite underlying story of social justice and reform, and how they each do what they can to support each other and work to make life better for all. Simon is a man under tremendous pressure from all sides, juggling his political alliances, family loyalties, death threats, and the enchanting Miss Crawford all while trying to figure out why his heart has chosen now, of all times, to thaw and start directing his thoughts. Mina is just a girl trying to play the hand she was dealt. That she never resorts to being conniving or manipulative is a credit to her character, and I adored her confidence and sense of self right from the start. I loved how the author even worked in a secondary romance that, while briefly discussed, really cemented the changes for Mina and her family. The HEA was sublime, though the dowager's approval was far too little, far too late. The resolution of the main conflict might have seemed a bit too convenient, but I loved it anyway. These are characters that I'll long remember, and the book is already on my to-be-reread list. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a Victorian romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I thought that this was a great read and a rock-solid start for this new series. This couple delivers some mega feels and plenty of emotions as their captivating story unfolds. Mina and Simon were so incredibly easy to love and root for, and love and root for them I did. HARD! If you are looking for a romance that can handily tug on your heartstrings while it, has you simply basking in the swoon, you need look no further because this book is exactly what you are looking for!!

About the author

Stacy Reid is an avid reader of novels with a deep passion for writing. She especially loves romance and adores writing about people falling in love. When Stacy is not writing, she spends a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime, and playing video games with her love, Du’Sean Nelson. stacyreid.com