A very enjoyable read! Short and sweet. I loved Quinn and Meriel. Secrets and misunderstandings occur when you are thinking with your heart instead of your head. Meriel is reluctant to give up Quinn but doesn't want to lie to him. Quinn knows Meriel has feelings for him but doesn't understand why they can't be together. A botched abduction and a knife wound will bring them to the truth and they can have their HAE. Sabrina told a complete and lovely story in just four chapters. Loved it.

I feel a bit like I have whiplash because the story was so short but I enjoyed it regardless. I liked both main characters even if I didn't get to know them well. There's a pretty quick resolution to the problems but with only around 100 pages (according to Goodreads) it's not surprising.

Looking forward to seeing the stubborn and secretive Baron Fulkham meet his match in the next title!!

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Widow Meriel Vyse is a woman with secrets. She feels indebted to her spymaster brother-in-law, Gregory Vyse, and therefore continues to carry out missions for him. She keeps this activity a secret from Quinn Raines, the man with whom she is falling in love. She is keeping Quinn a secret from Gregory. She just doesn’t know how he will react if she tells him she wants to quit spying and that she has a beau. An attempt to kidnap Meriel and a heart-to-heart talk with Gregory help bring about a solution to the situation.

A Talent for Temptation is a quick read with charming characters, a little suspense, a little steam, Sabrina Jeffries’s signature wit and humor, and a happy ending. It is a charming addition to the Sinful Suitors series and a good segue to the next story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

A Talent for Temptation (Sinful Suitors, #4.5) A short ...sweet..hot..love story by Sabrina Jeffries between Meriel (a sort of spy) and Quinn (a successful banker). I read this in one morning between coffee and the news... I wish it was a little longer .... that said it was cute and fast.

A kidnapping where the heroine saves herself, but ends up engaged to her beau that she has been resisting all along. A really funny romance.

A Talent for Temptation is a fast and fun romance featuring a hero and heroine who just need that little extra push to be together. Meriel and Quinn have been dancing around one another for quite some time, but her secrets and his uncertainty about her feelings are keeping them from taking that final leap and opening their hearts. When Quinn finally has enough and takes a chance at playing the dashing hero (by setting up a pretend kidnapping), his plan fails miserably but winds up being that aforementioned push he and Meriel needed.

Quinn and Meriel are incredibly sweet together and Ms. Jeffries does a good job of establishing their characters (Meriel’s in particular) in the short length of the novella. I did like Quinn and Meriel together but since we don’t get to see how or why they fell in love, I felt like their romance was missing something. Perhaps with a bit more length, I wouldn’t have felt as if I’d come in at the end of a longer story. That being said, I was still charmed by A Talent for Temptation overall and the story made me eager to read the next Sinful Suitors novel. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Jeffries has in store for Meriel’s brother-in-law, the intriguing spymaster Baron Fulkham.

Let’s do a little time-warping…again.

I love stepping back in time and living the life of a lady. Historical Romance Novellas are fantastic, in my opinion. We get to dress up in fancy dresses, tighten the corset strings and head to a ball. I love a good ball, but unfortunately, I was abducted before the ball…well, the heroine was. I’m busy in my life and sometimes I just want a little hit of historical romance to tide me over. A Talent for Temptation gave me that hit and left me satisfied.

What I found refreshingly different in this novella was the glimpse into the life of a widow. I have read a few and would love to read more stories where the heroine has outlived her husband (I know, I sound a bit harsh). In this case, her husband was killed while spying for the government. He was young, but their marriage was based more on friendship than love. In a lot of cases, a young lady marries a much older gentleman out of duty so their time together is limited. In either case, I think there’s more chance at finding love when the strict guidelines of finding a match, like young ladies making their debut, are not applied.

A Talent for Temptation was a cute love story. Both the hero and heroine acknowledge their connection but are hesitant to admit their feelings. The heroine is hesitant to take things further knowing that the secrets from her past and current situation may make her unsuitable. The hero hesitates because he’s not convinced that her heart isn’t committed elsewhere. When the hero mistakenly tries to show himself in a better light, things go horribly wrong. If only they had just been honest with each other.

If you’ve got an hour (and a bit) to spare and you’re looking for a light, sweet and steamy love story, I definitely recommend A Talent for Temptation.

A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries is book 4.5 in the Sinful Suitors series. It's a short but sweet novella.

Widow Meriel Vyse is the sister in law of Spymaster Gregory Vyse. She owes him a big debt of gratitude and for that reason, she goes above and beyond to help him when he needs her to spy for him. Even cancelling her secret dates with the love of her life Quinn Raines. She does love Quinn, but she hasn't yet said the words, and although he wants marriage, she doesn't believe she is good enough for him, so she tries to settle for knowing she will never be his wife.

Quinn is getting fed up of all the times that their plans are put on hold because of Gregory, not knowing why, he believes it's because perhaps she is in love with the man. He thinks that she perhaps finds him too staid and boring compared to Gregory. He has often broached the subject of marriage to her and she always changes the subject just as quickly. In a bid to get her to think more highly of him, to think him a hero, he plans a fake abduction of her. He'll stop the bad guy, and yay, he'll be the hero and convince Meriel to marry him.

Unfortunately, his plans go awry when he ends up being stabbed by Mariel. Why on Earth is she carrying a knife? He can't believe it. Still, it gets her attention and he is further surprised when she sees to his wound herself. They have a heartfelt talk and when he realises that Meriel doesn't want a man of action, she just wants a man she can trust and feel safe with, Quinn realises his huge mistake in arranging the false kidnapping. What will she do when she finds out, does she even have to know? What a predicament Quinn finds himself in.

This was such a sweet story, our couple both have insecurities that they have to learn to overcome before they can even think of moving on in their relationship together. Gregory plays a great part, especially towards the end when he finds out that Mariel has pretty much been putting her own life on hold in order to help him with his spy duties. It may have been a short story but it didn't lack in content, and I really did enjoy it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

Title and author: A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries
Series: Sinful Suitors
Publisher: Pocket Star
Releases: October 2, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/y84ytprh
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

There are a large number of likable characters in the Sinful Suitors series, and this novella gives two secondary characters the opportunity to fall in love if they will only take a chance. The author packs a whole lot of compelling moments into the few hours taking place in the story, where insightful details are learned and several secrets are disclosed. I can always count on Sabrina Jeffries to create an engaging plot which grabs my attention until the last word is read. A TALENT FOR TEMPTATION is delightfully satisfying because of appealing characters and a fun yet also emotional premise.

Since Meriel Vyse thinks she is obligated to follow the requests of her late husband’s brother, she will attend a ball instead of meeting with the man whom she is secretly seeing. As she prepares to leave her home, a stranger attempts to drag her to his coach. But before he can carry out his plan, Quinn Raines comes to her rescue.

After Meriel cancelled their latest tryst, Quinn decided to let her know how much he cares for her by devising a hasty scheme. However, things go wrong when he tries to prove he can keep her safe but is instead stabbed by a knife which she was carrying with her. Now he feels more foolish than heroic, and Quinn hopes to redeem himself before it is too late.

While most happenings in the story are rather serious, amusement occasionally works its way into the situations. Sometimes it is a witty comment or some sharply-worded banter. Other instances have humorous thoughts flitting through their minds, and there are even a couple of scenes that really made me laugh. When an event is more somber and sincere emotions are being expressed, their honesty let me know exactly what Meriel and Quinn were feeling. Numerous facts have been concealed by her, and she believes too many differences will eventually keep her and the man that she is coming to love apart. I really liked her spunk and how she pushed forward even when all seems lost. Quinn feels the relationship he has with Meriel is stalled and takes desperate measures to ensure things move forward, and sadly the initial result is not at all what he wanted. I enjoyed watching this couple hash out what neither has been brave enough to discuss until forced to do so. Every situation in A TALENT FOR TEMPTATION captivates and provides entertainment.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

An Awesome Novella! A Must Read! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

This is a sweet little novella about a widow, Meriel, who has been a spy for her brother in law. She has a secret friend in a banker named Quinn. The two have been meeting clandestinely for months and Quinn wants more than an affair, but will Meriel agree? Quinn plans a cpurse of action to convince her of his worth, but who knows if he's got he right idea.
I enjoyed this novella enough that I can only wonder if the character of Gregory might find a love of his own.

What a heartwarmingly sweet novella! The flirtatious relationship between widowed Meriel Vyse and banker Quinn Raines has been months long, but this novella covers only a few very pivotal hours in that relationship.

Meriel is the sister-in-law of Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkham who is a spymaster. Not only is she his sister-in-law, but she is one of his spies even though it is grudgingly done. She has come to care for Quinn, but even though he speaks of marriage, she doesn’t feel she is worthy of him. She has secrets and they are secrets that can hurt his family standing within society, so she doesn’t dare marry him.

Quinn is in love with Meriel and he can’t figure out why she keeps canceling their meetings. He is desperate for her to come to love him, so he decides to stage an abduction. Then, he’ll be the hero and save her – only – she is capable of saving herself – and he ends up getting stabbed.

They spend the next few hours together, tending his wound and sharing their stories. Can they have a life together? Will her brother-in-law let her end her spying or will he drag Quinn into it if they do marry? You’ll just have to read this lovely book to find out.

"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

FINAL DECISION: This is a very short story so nothing is deep or complicated about it, but I enjoyed the plot and the romance between two people who want one another but need to reveal their secrets to move forward.

THE STORY: An attempted abduction threatens widow Meriel Vyse, but she accidentally stabs her secret beau Quinn Raines as Quinn tries to save her. What Meriel doesn't know is that Quinn orchestrated the attempted kidnapping in order to play the hero because he worries that Meriel sees him as the staid businessman and not exciting. Both holding secrets that keep them apart, Meriel and Quinn want closeness but have to learn to trust one another.

OPINION: This is a very short story, but I enjoyed the quick and dirty romance between Meriel and Quinn. The focus here is really on Meriel and her freeing herself from her past. (It also gives a view into Fulkham's psyche). We meet Meriel and Quinn mid romance so the only question is whether they can work out the secrets each is keeping in order to find a way forward. I thought the story was amusing at times.  The short nature meant that there wasn't a tremendous amount of depth or action, but I thought a lot was packed in for so few pages and I thought it was a good addition to the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: I can't wait to read Fulkham's book.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  A TASTE FOR TEMPTATION is book 4.5 of the Sinful Suitors series. It can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters. This book is somewhat of a prequel for THE SECRET OF FLIRTING which is about the spymaster brother-in-law of this book's heroine.

STAR RATING: I give this novella 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

This review will be published on October 2nd.

Quinn Raines works as a clerk at his father’s bank. He orchestrates a sham abduction so he can play the hero for his reluctant beloved. The scenario does not go as Quinn intends. As Meriel patches his wound, he discovers some interesting truths about the lovely widow. Will Quinn confess the truth about the ruse to his beautiful spy? Or will his attempt at subterfuge cause him to lose Meriel for good?
Widow Meriel Vyse works as both secretary and spy for her spymaster brother-in-law. She wants to quit the espionage business and live an ordinary life. Meriel feels unworthy of Quinn Raines’ affections. On her way to a spying mission, she foils her own abduction and accidentally wounds her rich suitor. Will Meriel allow her profession to stand in the way of her happily-ever-after? Or will Quinn’s revelations change her misgivings about marrying him?
Quinn is such a sweetheart. He proves the foolish lengths some people would go through just to win their love. Although the method Quinn uses is not a smart one, I like that he takes the initiative than continue with their present course. I love how Quinn still accepts Meriel, even after learning about her questionable background and profession. But what I adore the most about Quinn is his willingness to admit the truth about his deception to Meriel than allow Fulkham to rat him out.
Meriel thinks of others before she does herself. I admire her concern about Quinn’s reputation and how her association with him might damage it. I understand Meriel’s desire to leave the espionage game and live a life free of subterfuge. I enjoy the brother / sister relationship between Meriel and Faulkham. She appreciates everything he has done for her.
A TALENT FOR TEMPTATION is book 4.5 in Sabrina Jeffries’s historical-romance series, SINFUL SUITORS. I remember Meriel and Quinn from THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION, book two in the series. I am glad the couple finally found their resolution, yet I wish their story was a full-length novel instead of a short novella.
A TALENT FOR TEMPTATION is a short yet sweet tale of two people overcoming their reservations and clearing-up their misunderstandings to be together. I hope Gregory Faulkham is next in finding his match.

Widow Meriel Vyse is living her life paying back her brother-in-law by spying on members of the ton when he asks. That means she cannot accept the suit of Quinn Raines even though she really wants to. When Quinn decides to change things all you know what breaks loose. A short fun read with to characters who want the same thing just have not know how it make it happen. I liked both Merrill and Quinn and loved how they finally found their HEA.

Meriel Vyse, widow and sister in law to Gregory Vyse, Baron Fulkman has secrets. Those secrets are holding her captive in her current life. Months ago she met Quinn Raines and the two have been meeting in secret ever since. As much as Meriel would love to pursue a lasting relationship with Quinn, the aforementioned secrets make that impossible.

Quinn is at his wits end, he wants Meriel and can't understand why she keeps him at arm's length. When she cancels yet another planned rendezvous, he hatches a plan.

When Quinn's plan goes horribly wrong and ends up getting him stabbed, he uses the opportunity to finally get some answers from Meriel.

This was a very short story, but it was really well done, Ms. Jeffries manages to pack a serious punch in this novella. The book is well written, flows perfectly, has some steamy moments, a lot of confessions and a very sweet HEA.

It is part of the Sinful Suitors series, but it definitely could be read as a stand alone title.

I am giving a fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. I was intrigued when I saw that this book was by Sabrina Jeffries. The story was ok but, it wasn't given time, in my opinion, to fully develop. So I was a bit disappointed.

Somebody attempts to abduct Meriel on her way to a ball. Her secret love foils the attack but is accidentally stabbed by Meriel in the process. Quinn had set up the attack in order to "rescue" Meriel and prove his heroism in the hope to win her hand. Will love prevail or has Quinn overplayed his hand?

Sabrina Jeffries is always a good bet for an entertaining historical romance. This is a SHORT novella that fits into the author’s current (and very good) series, but it is perfect as a standalone.
I liked both hero and heroine, and especially liked that they were so *normal*. The hero was adorably disastrous, and the plot (such as it is in such a short story) was funny.
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to have a story you can read in one sitting, and Jeffries’ humour and sparkling writing makes her perfect for shorter work.

This is a delightful quick read. It was very short, but well done and entertaining. I have not read others in this series, so I am not sure how it fits in. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Besides the MCs, there are two other characters. My guess is the heroine's brother-in-law is the hero in the next book.

The synopsis provided by the publisher seemed like it may be a convoluted plot, but most of the action happens early on and the focus turns to the love story. The MCs have been engaged in a flirtation for a couple of months, and the story takes place on the eve where the flirtation moves to something more. They seemed to genuinely care for and are perfect each other.

As mentioned above, this is short, even for a novella, but it's successful because it accomplishes what it needs to in this format. It shows the strength of Jeffries' writing, and it entices the reader to explore more in the series or just Jeffries' books in general, while still providing a cute and believable love story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.