Publishers Weekly
05/09/2022
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)
Kirkus Reviews
2022-05-23
In this Regency romance, an emotionally distant earl employs a spirited, young woman.
Times are tough for Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford. Since a scandalous elopement that ended disastrously six years ago and the deaths of her parents, the 24-year-old woman and her twin brother, the Viscount Anthony Crawford, have lived on their crumbling estate outside London with a bare-bones staff and rapidly dwindling funds. When Anthony reveals he’s challenged Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, to a very illegal duel, Mina—a much more skilled fencer, thanks to her father’s training—decides to go in his place, disguised as her brother. (“Her father had fondly called her his fencing master.”) Upon losing the duel, Simon is stunned to find that his opponent is a woman with fiery red hair and a lush mouth he can’t get out of his mind. When he learns of the Crawfords’ dire financial straits and Mina’s sharp wit, 27-year-old Simon—who’s very involved in local politics, especially when it comes to voting and property rights for women and the lower classes—decides to employ her as his secretary, a bold move considering the time and place. Simon has an ulterior motive as well: Mina will accompany him to the balls of the season as he searches for a wife at the behest of his grandmother the Countess of Creswick. Mina is thrilled with the opportunity to challenge her mind and support her family, but will her attraction to the handsome, intelligent, but aloof earl compromise everything? And when Simon learns of Mina’s checkered past, will this mean the end of a potential happily-ever-after? USA Todaybestselling author Reid has deftly crafted a sensuous page-turner from the alternating perspectives of Mina and Simon, who may be separate in class but are united in stubbornness, advocacy for society’s underdogs, and an appreciation for sensual pleasures such as lovemaking and homemade ice cream. Each of the striking protagonists has realistic obstacles to overcome as they navigate a colleagues-to-lovers relationship amid the gossip of the haut ton. The building blocks of this relationship are thoroughly enjoyable to witness.
Sexy, feminist, and fun from beginning to end.
