A review by readingwithjessica_w
Her Adventures in Temptation by Megan Frampton

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Myrtle is an intelligent mathematician who likes cake, which unfortunately makes her too intelligent for the loads of suitors she has turned down for marriage proposals. Simeon is a painter and a bit of a rake that has just gotten entrapped in a situation at Myrtle’s brother’s house resulting in a quick exit. Hoping to escape to London where she can start her own business for women seeking accounting help, Myrtle attempts to escape with Simeon, scandal be damned. These two have to pretend to be married, share only one bed, and tempt each other with flirtatious banter as they head to London.

This book was so much fun. I laughed so much in the beginning at Myrtle’s straightforward nature and inability to hide her true opinions. “Do keep up,” became a repeat witticism between Myrtle and Simeon who dish out comedic banter for the whole first third of the novel. These two couldn’t be more opposite on paper, but as we find, their wants are so similar, and Simeon truly has the biggest heart! He gives all of his money away because he is always helping others, causing him to be ridiculously poor. Myrtle meanwhile has amassed a fortune because her mathematical prowess has helped her invest and grow her monies. When an improbable (for romance reasons) fake engagement throws them into each other’s arms, their feelings on what they want from life (to marry or not?) and from each other begin to change.

As part of their fake engagement Myrtle and Simeon decide to have a sexperiment over the duration of their time together and Megan Frampton knows how to bring the heat and intimacy. I loved seeing these two fall for each other; Simeon time and again says how much he loves Myrtle’s brain, and Myrtle first falls for his looks, but then falls for his heart. Being a loner is something they have in common and the way they quickly notice things about one another makes the second half of the book full of thoughtful gestures and kindheartedness. 

This is the third book in the School for Scoundrels series and I have been along for the ride since the first, loving each story of the Bastard Five. This can be read as a standalone or even out of order, but knowing some of the other “Bastards” made it much sweeter. Myrtle definitely takes the cake in this book (ok, pun fully intended) with her personality and frankness, but Simeon lets her—a perfect example of a strong man behind a strong woman. I received this copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.