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 by brother Anthony's attempt to cheat at cards and are due to meet Simon the Earl of Creswick in a fencing duel. The problem is Mina is skilled at fencing, not 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 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 produces 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 fascinating to discover what events unfolded 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 greatly respected 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 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. I never knew it was a trailblazer in the world of chocolate treats. Those little details added 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.
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Popular Highlights in this book
“Mina,” he said gruffly. “Come here.” Her eyes widened and a harsh sob escaped her. “Where?” “Into my arms.” There was a little upward tilt of her chin, a slight parting of her lips. “Still?” “Always.”Highlighted by 69 Kindle readers- “I am not most men.” His quiet voice held a sardonic note. “And allow me to say: you are not most women.”Highlighted by 54 Kindle readers
- Secure the divorce. If not, find the bounder and kill him. Marry her over the anvil. Get her with child. Then marry her properly in the church.Highlighted by 52 Kindle readers
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