A Matter of Temptation

Sparks fly between a progressive earl and his fiery new secretary in this Victorian-era series launch from Reid (the Sinful Wallflowers series). Mina Crawford and her twin, Anthony, Viscount Crawford, have been barely scraping by since the deaths of their parents. When Anthony challenges Simon Loughton, Earl of Creswick, to a duel after Simon accuses Anthony of cheating at cards, Mina, whose fencing skills are superior to her brother’s, disguises herself as Anthony, takes his place in the duel, and handily wins against Simon. Impressed, Simon offers Mina a job as his secretary, even after learning of her deception. But after his efforts to pass progressive legislation in the House of Lords puts both their lives in danger, he hopes to dismiss her for her own safety. Mina, however, refuses to be fired. Her stubbornness only fans the flames of Simon’s attraction, but to be together they must face the scandalous aborted elopement in Mina’s past—and a secret that threatens their future happiness. Reid’s vibrant, forward-thinking characters are the heart of this sensuous novel, and their relationship simmers with ever-present romantic tension. Fans of steamy historical romance will not be disappointed. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (July)