I loved the storyline and I especially loved Myrtle. She is like a breath of fresh air, vibrant, speaks her own mind and is totally unaware of her own magnificence. I laughed throughout the entire story at Myrtle’s response to just about everything. Simeon and Myrtle are perfect together and they eventually have their own HEA. The story is very well written and entertaining. I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

Simeon Jones and Lady Myrtle Allen tell everyone in the ton they’re engaged, so Simeon can help Myrtle get to London. After the season is over, they plan to end their fake engagement and go their separate ways. Neither expects to fall in love with each other.

Simeon is a veritable cinnamon roll hero - tough exterior with a warm gooey center - especially when it comes to giving money to orphans since he grew up one. Because of his soft side, Simeon is often lonely and Mrytle can relate as she experiences it herself, as she has no friends of her own.

This romance is on the shorter side, but it’s got enough plot & spice to keep readers interested.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. I just reviewed Her Adventures in Temptation by Megan Frampton. #HerAdventuresinTemptation #NetGalley

I really enjoyed Simeon and Myrtle and wanted to love their story but struggled to finish this one. I normally devour Megan Frampton’’s books so I’m not sure why this one was was different for me. Both characters felt shallow to me and too stuck within their persona even though they knew they were evolving. Myrtle was known as being too honest but couldn’t be when it mattered the most. 90% of the book is about the pretend relationship with just a few pages of the real thing. That’s not enough for me I’m finding. Others may love the build up to their coming together in complete honesty but the wait was too long for me.

I loved Simon and Myrtle's story. Simon was adopted by a woman who encouraged his artistic endeavors. Myrtle is more concerned with cake than with finding a husband. There is a road trip, a fake engagement that becomes real and a woman learning to create her business helping others. Very sweet historical romance.

Lady Myrtle does not want to marry. She wants to put her math skills to use and become a financial planner for women. When artist Simeon is kicked off her brother’s estate, she hitches a ride to London, unintentionally tying herself to Simeon. Once in London her brother insists Myrtle help her niece make her debut and to hide the scandal of her alone time with Simeon he forces them to fake an engagement. Of course the pair have been attracted to each other from the start so spending more time together is not a problem.

I don’t typically read blurbs for authors I like, like Megan, so it’s my fault for not knowing this would turn into a fake relationship romance. I was hoping the whole book would be like the wonderful beginning of the two traveling together from the brother’s estate to London, but alas. I loved how considerate Simeon was of Myrtle and that he got her a dog when she said she was lonely. The attraction between the two was consistent throughout the book, which did make their intimacy all the more meaningful. I did not remember Simeon from the previous (I know he was the tie to the other books in the series), so I do wish his nature was more present at the beginning of the book instead of just talked about. This is one of those historical romances, where neither character wanted to be married for essentially the whole book so I really wish they could have ended up together but not necessarily be married, but I know that goes against the rules of a historical romance. One final note, while the cover and the people on the cover are gorgeous, Myrtle is described multiple times in the book as curvy and at one point Simeon compares her to a Rubens painting, as a chubby girl, I really wish the cover reflected how Myrtle is described. I did enjoy the side characters and the book was a nice easy read. I am excited to read the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Her Lessons in Temptation may be one of my biggest disappointments this year. Granted, Megan Frampton has always been hit-or-miss, but I forgot how sometimes her books are so low-stakes, that’s what makes them frustrating.
And it sucks because the characters are the type I like, or even love. I loved that Simeon was defined as being “soft-hearted,” in spite of his rough upbringing…I’m so done with dukes with pots of money and/or rakes with chips on their shoulders in spite of their generally privileged existence (childhood trauma and past heartbreaks notwithstanding). I love that he spends beyond his means to help people, and that’s a great setup to start a book with.
And Myrtle was also pretty solid, although she felt a bit more predictable, given how common bluestockings focused on scholarly pursuits, but still longing for passion and adventure, have become ubiquitous. But I’m still a sucker for them every time, especially when she’s paired with a partner who genuinely respects her intellect, and in spite of any other qualms I have, that is the case here.
But in making these fairly inoffensive characters, it seems Frampton forgot to amp up the stakes to keep them together. I constantly questioned how they were still spending time together, not to mention how they’d even gotten thrown together to begin with, as it didn’t make sense. Not to mention the chemistry was largely nonexistent; the romantic encounters between them felt robotic, and when they’d talk about loving each other, but not being sure if they could tell the other, I wasn’t sure whether I was questioning the authenticity of the feelings at all, or wondering what was keeping them from telling the other, due to the aforementioned no-stakes situation.
While this wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read from Megan Frampton, I’m disappointed at the missed potential, especially with the male lead. But if you enjoy your historical romance with lower stakes, I do still recommend it, as there is potential, especially if you’re looking for a hero that’s somewhat outside the norm.

A very enjoyable romance with two lovable characters, I only wish we had gotten a bit more depth from both of them!

Simeon and Myrtle share a lot in common. Both are relentless in pursuit of their passions -- art for him, mathematics for her. They have worked hard for their professional goals at the sake of all else, especially marriage.

But when they have to spend more time with one another in a fake engagement in order to properly launch Myrtle's niece in her first season, they fall in love for real and neither knows how to adapt to that change in plan.

The relationship between these two was so tender and wholesome, and their love for one another was so apparent (to everyone but each other, apparently). It was evident how well-suited they were for one another during their interactions, I only wish we had gotten a little more backstory/depth on both of their characters to really make this plot soar.

This is the first book in the series which sets the bar for the others to top. As a first in series it usually sets up the rest and is good but this one far out shines. I will only give you the basics as I want you to have just as much joy as I did.

The "bastard five" are all orphans that got adopted from the same orphanage which is where they became fast friends. Each overcame the stigma and thrive in what makes then unique. Each contributing in there own way to support the others as best friends do.


Simeon Jones was adopted by an artist to help him develop his talent. His mother would always stress to him "make sure you always put your art first" . This was easy as he just want to paint great art. He lived modestly so he could help others less fortunate than him. To this end he sometimes to commissions for portraits to have funds.

This led him to take a commission from Lord Richard Allen, Viscount Leybourne, to do his wife's portrait, Regina Allen. Regina has a tendency to proposition men when she has drank to much. Most accept her advances, however, Simeon did not.

To avoid further scandal, he agrees to leave and not do the portrait. This was just as Richard was telling his sister, Miss Myrtle Allen, she has to marry or do something when Regina screamed.

Now Miss Myrtle Allen is a mathematician, solving financial issues to help others was what she wants to do but only for women to achieve their own independence. As husband's rule the world and can spend all they want leaving the women destitute.

So what happens when on an impulse she cons Simeon into giving her a lift to London to start her business, only to find when she gets there her brother drove with only stops to change horses ahead of her. She makes a deal that she will help her niece Allah navigate the season since Regina broke her leg, if he will allow her independence.

The twists and turns of a too honest person who says exactly what they are thinking to whom they are speaking? Will Simeon help her? Does Milan have a good season? Does Richard relent to her choices?

Join the romps thru ballrooms, studio poses, to find your dream, but what if it all changes? Can you adapt and pivot like Myrtle? Such a fun, laughable romantic comedy this is. I found Myrtle to be so ahead of her time that I could actually visualise this happening. The creativity of the characters, details of what is going on, and witty dialogue bring this story to vivid life.

Myrtle decides she is going to be the one to determine her future. Accomplished in mathematics she plans to go to London and go into business giving financial advice to women. She bums a ride to London with rakish painter Simeon who is kicked out of her brother’s country estate party. Once in London they have to pretend they are engaged to avoid further scandal. Though both want to be independent to pursue their careers, they quickly learn they make a good team. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon for my honest review.

This is a nice addition to the series. I liked that we got to see what some of the other orphans are up to, although I would have liked more of them.
I thought Simeon was a great guy, I wished we got to see more of him giving his money away to all the kids and puppies since that's why he's broke, but I enjoyed all of the page time he got, and I loved how much he loved Myrtle and her brain.
Myrtle was a little too mathematically inclined, and analytical for me to really connect with. I did love how she was determined to do what she wanted, and how she wanted to both make sure Simeon's reputation wasn't hurt by a certain something that happens in the beginning and how much she loves her niece and will do the horrible thing of facing the Ton for her.

While this one didn't totally work for me, I love Megan Frampton's writing and look forward to reading more books by her.

3.5 stars

This was another fun addition to the series. I kind of wish we would get more interaction between our 5 orphan guys since they are the basis for the series. Myrtle was so smart, it was almost distracting. And having Simeon, an orphaned bastard who's a painter, guide her through society because she's a little awkward isn't really believable. Aside from those things, their love story was sweet and enjoyable.

This was fine but ultimately I was left a little bit wanting - I wanted just a little more depth from both of the characters, but particularly Simeon. I liked both characters separately and together but felt like we just didn't get enough of Simeon's backgroud. For example, we're told that he is poor because he has a soft heart and saves animals etc but we don't actually see a ton of evidence of that.

I did like their relationship even though it did escalate rather quickly - honestly the whole book itself is fairly short which maybe is a reason that I felt like it didn't quite have the depth I desired. I did love that Simeon gifts Myrtle a dog as a companion when she says she has no friends in London. And I loved how Simeon was so turned on by Myrtle's brain!

3.5 stars rounded up - this was alright but ultimately will be somewhat forgettable for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have been loving this series and this one did not disappoint. It was sweet, it had me giggling and smiling. I highly recommend reading the whole series, but honestly this one might be my favorite. Frampton is such a fresh & bright voice in historical romance.

This book was so sweet omg it had me giggling multiple times because these two were so cute and adorable.
Softhearted, gentle and charming Simeon and brilliant smart Myrtle made such a great pairing. I absolutely loved how they interacted with each other, Simeon guiding her through society and Myrtle being unapologetically herself, they truly complemented each other.

The 3rd in the series and my favorite so far, Simeon Jones is a painter who is quite handsome and also quite soft hearted. He receives a letter that he is now guardian of a sibling, who in his head is a baby. To earn money to support the child, he takes a commission for a painting.
When that goes spectacularly wrong, he is approached by Lady Myrtle Allen to let her go with him back to London, and she will pay the commission.
Lady Myrtle is a brilliant mathematician who wants nothing more than to live an independent life helping other women control their finances. She believes marriage will make her miserable for several reasons, most being she is too honest and would make a terrible wife, nor can she marry someone less intelligent.
Once in London, she finds her brother has beaten her home, but he has a proposition for her. If she will chaperone her niece for the season, he will give her money.
Myrtle turns to Simeon for help in making her way in society. Simon, who is quite fascinated by her and how her brain works, agrees.
This is a lovely romance in the Five Bastards series. 3 down, 2 to go. Can't edit for the next, which I believe will be Fenton's, as he shows up at the book club meeting in distress.
Yes, these 5 men, who grew up together in an orphanage and have remained fast friends after they were each adopted, have a book club. Even after they are meeting their matches and marrying, they remain in the book club.
I received an EARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review. Thanks to them, I was able to read this lovely book, and I highly recommend it!

Simon is a poor artist who needs to make money quickly for a sister he is now responsible for. Myrtle, sick of saying no to suitors not up to her standards wants Simon to take her to London. She’ll pay him to. And a long the way a fake engagement and real feelings bloom.

This is a fun if not predictable new book in Megan Frampton’s latest series. The characters are different than typical HR’s but I didn’t like them any less. I had a good time reading this.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

Megan Frampton has once again delivered in her latest book in the School for Scoundrels series. This time the book focuses on the story of Simeon who is a caring artist who needs to raise funds for a sister he recently learned about. Myrtle is wealthy and brilliant but the under the control of her brother who wants her wed when she would rather be starting her own investment business. Due to the circumstances of their meeting, they pretend to be engaged. But as you might have guessed, the sparks quickly begin to fly in this fun, steamy romance story.

I love this author and I thought the book was delightful!! I enjoyed these characters and would recommend this book and author to others without hesitation.

Myrtle is a clever awkward mathematician. Simeon is a good looking artist who also happens to be a bastard and therefore outside society. This third installment in the School for Scoundrels series, does not quite live up to the promise of the first novel. The relationship between Myrtle and Simeon builds too quickly, goes south rapidly, then rectifies seemingly instantly. Fans of the series may enjoy the continuation, but new fans can skip this one.

Sadly, I had the same issue with Her Adventures in Temptation that I had with all the others in the School For Scoundrels series, which is that something in the couple just didn't click completely with me. The added problem was that my favorite part of this series so far has been the friendship between the five men at the center, and in this book, they barely interact at all. This was nearly saved by the late arrival of Fenton but he gets to say one sentence in total and left me wishing I was reading his book instead.

Myrtle and Simeon have a classic "fake-engagement" in order to make her respectable enough for the ton to embrace her as a chaperone for her niece who is debuting that year, while Simeon needs the funds from this scheme in order to provide for his new ward. But neither of them seem that invested in their scheme out of desperation to aid in these respective subplots, instead being invested mostly because they're already half in love with each other. There wasn't a lot of build up to their relationship and it just left me feeling uninvested.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.