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.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
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Great review, Alicia! I've never read anything by Reid but I like the sound of this one. I always appreciate when an author goes against the grain and writes older-than-the-norm characters. And a grumpy hero who softens for the heroine is the best. :)
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