Book Review: The Scandalous Lady Mina By Lara Temple

I am very excited to be welcoming Lara Temple to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Scandalous Lady Mina.

A Victorian enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance

Lady Wilhelmina, once the darling of the ton, fled England in shame after jilting her fiancé. Following a decade in disgrace, Mina’s returning to Society’s ballrooms on a luxury steamship…and encounters her ex-fiancé’s distractingly handsome cousin, Max Cavendish—her once friend, now enemy!

Max’s guard is up, yet being in close quarters with Mina sparks a wave of dangerous attraction that makes him want to discover the truth behind the scandal. Wealthy engineer Max is used to being in command of his world and his emotions, but his complicated feelings for Mina are making him feel decidedly out of control…

*****

It is 1880. Mina is on her way back to London aboard the SS Aquitania. Having escaped scandal ten years before, the last thing she wanted to do was to see Max Cavendish again. Can they make it back to London in relative harmony, or will old emotions come to the surface?

I was delighted to be invited onto the blog tour for The Scandalous Lady Mina by Lara Temple. This book was my introduction to this author, but it’s not going to be the last book I read from her.

I’m not going to lie. I loved this book from beginning to end.  It was entertaining, and isn’t that one of the best things you can get from reading a novel? There was a deliciousness to it. There were moments where I smiled, cheered, swore at some of the characters out loud and couldn’t wait to find out what happened whilst, at the same time, not wanting it to end. The plot is fun, flirty and full of little twists and turns. It was easy to fall into. I am hoping it’s not the last we see of these characters.

Mina was my kind of character. She doesn’t take any rubbish from anyone, but under the hardened surface, she’s someone with a kind heart who would rather destroy her reputation than hurt someone else. Max gets in his own way. He’s also the best kind of handsome hero you want in a story like this. I loved Septimius. He is someone who beats to his own drum. Being a fan of cruises, I would love to know what this gang of people would make of the ships that sail nowadays.

This book explores themes of legitimacy, betrayal and opening yourself up to love. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, Regency-era stories in general, or love a book about love, this book is for you.

Overall, this is a wonderful holiday companion or good if you’re looking for something to read on a relaxing afternoon.

I have become a fan, Lara. Thanks for a great read.

(Thank you to Mills and Boon and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.)

About Lara Temple –

Lara Temple is an award-winning author of strong and sexy historical romance.

She lives in London with her husband, two children, and one very fluffy dog, and they are all very understanding about her disappearing into her little office where she looks out over the garden as she dreams up her Happy Ever Afters.

Say hi to Lara via her website, Instagram, Goodreads, Facebook, her Amazon UK page and her Amazon US page. 

The Scandalous Lady Mina was released by Mills and Boon in April 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones.

*****

Win an e-copy of The Scandalous Lady Mina by Lara Temple

We have an e-Book of The Scandalous Lady Mina to give away to one lucky winner.

It’s open internationally.

For details on how to enter, head over to Gleam.

*Terms and Conditions –

Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam link above. 

The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days, then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner.

Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.

I (Novel Kicks) am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.