The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge by Lara Temple had a mild mystery that connected Lucas, Earl of Sinclair and his family to Olivia Silverdale and her family thru a set of one-sided letters. They work together to figure out the connection and its importance to their families. They both have some back story trust issues to work thru before they find their HEA.
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This is the first book by this author I have read, and the rest of the Sinful Sinclair books are about Lucas’ siblings Chase and Sam. I’m interested in reading more.

DNF.

I don't like supercilious heroes, or women who do. I also don't like it when authors try to convince us it's all a mask for true love.

I didn't get very far with this - the hero was hiding while our heroine masqueraded as a medium - and I don't know if I'll ever finish it.

When Lucas, Lord Sinclair, receives a mysterious summons from a Miss Olivia Silverdale he’s skeptical about whether he can help her. But Olivia, although eccentric, is in earnest about her quest to restore her late godfather’s reputation. Lucas’s curiosity is piqued, and not just by Olivia’s intelligent eyes and lithe form. A new challenge quickly presents itself: keeping Miss Silverdale at arm’s length!
This was a pretty good story. I read through it rather quickly. I enjoyed both main characters. I can’t wait until I read more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

In the last months, i rarely read historical romance lately and from time to time i need an escape. I am so glad i finished The Earl's irresistible Challenge because what a lovely story it is.
A very well written love story with two characters that accepted their fate and haven't thought about falling in love at all. A story with suspenseful scenes about how much an old scandal can destroy a family future in the Regency era and when some of the real reasons and facts are discovered, people won't believe them that easy.
Lucas is a lord as any lord in that era and although he joined the Home Office to have all the available requisites to demonstrate that his father was unnecessarily blamed for a scandal that took place a long time ago, he is smart and has built a wall around his heart as he can't trust anyone anymore,but that wall is easily broken piece by piece by Olivia, our genuine heroine who has no other reason than restore the good fame of her godfather family after his suspicious death.
A great story where love makes its way in a heart of two characters that without wanting fall for each other.

The Earl's Irresistible Challenge (The Sinful Sinclairs)
by Lara Temple
A definite buy buy buy book!

From beginning to end it is a page turning experience. I sincerely enjoyed the characters in this book. This author has a wonderful way of writing that just keeps you wanting more. Through out the book as the plot develops, the entire story just runs together in such a way that your delighted. The characters are witty and strong. The plot is interesting and a little different. Each layer of this book just keeps giving. So buy the book and sit back and enjoy the journey. A super start to the series. I was given an ARC via NetGalley, all opinions written here are my own and totally voluntary. Regards, Anna

Absolutely fantastic. Brilliantly written in a language that takes you to the exact time and setting of the novel. These days, historical romance novels are littered with modern phrasing, current issues and situations woven into the plot, and anachronistic terms. This is not true for The Earl's Irresistible Challenge. Miss Temple has me thinking, believing this was written many centuries ago with her admirable linguistic style. Her skillful use of vocabulary and rhythm drew the characters and locations so vividly, they come alive.

Olivia and Lucas are fully-fleshed out and likable characters whose slow-burn love story is utterly believable. They are evenly matched and have wonderful chemistry. The mystery is a great device to keep them connected and in constant proximity with each other which led to their fall into love.

I also like the minor characters. They're individualized and supported the main characters really well. I especially love Chase Sinclair and I'm so excited to read his story next.

~~Reviewed by Monique~~

When Miss Olivia Silverdale decided to clear her godfather Henry’s name, she was going to do everything she could to succeed. She had found a note that tied Henry to the Sinclairs, so she summons Lucas, Earl Sinclair. Helping her might also prove to be to his family’s advantage, as his father had suffered a scandalous demise. Lucas wants no part of the charade, but Olivia is more persuasive than he ever anticipated, and against his better judgement, he agrees. He also hopes her quest doesn’t make matters worse than they already are. He is also intrigued; Lucas is a rake, and his thoughts towards the country miss are not as pure as snow.

THE EARL’S IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE’s dramatic beginning immediately captured my attention, and the stupendous dialogues kept me enthralled. Both Lucas and Olivia are quick-witted and possess sharp tongues which made for fabulous banter. Lara Temple’s prose is utterly intoxicating, utterly sublime, and she builds an extraordinary atmosphere: partly irresistibly seductive, partly very businesslike, entirely suited to Olivia and Lucas’ interactions. Olivia is one of the best female characters ever: it shows that she was raised amongst brothers, and I loved how she subtly manipulates to get almost everything she wants without being coy or deceitful. And what a delight to watch a confirmed rake, and a very rational man, become unsettled as he unwittingly does her bidding. Lucas is no slouch either! It was a thing of beauty to watch him slowly fall for Olivia, and seldom have I seen such superlative character development and growth, and this for both characters. To be honest, I found only one tiny fault with this magnificent book, it is something very personal: it was with the sole sex scene. It is not very explicit, very short, but I felt it cheapened everything that had happened between Olivia and Lucas up to that point. Because of the explosive passion that had simmered up to that point, and threatened to boil over at every moment, I felt it was anticlimactic.

Both Olivia and Lucas have wonderful backstories, which tie in with the suspense. What could have been merely a pretext to bring our protagonists together turns out to be a most cleverly crafted plot. The Sinful Sinclairs promises to be a very exciting series, and I cannot wait to read Chase and Sam’s stories, respectively Lucas’ brother and sister. Even though she is but briefly mentioned, Sam intrigued me to no end. And let’s not forget the presence of the perfectly delightful Inky …

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you haven’t already read any of Lara Temple’s novels, then 'The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge' is a great place to start and will likely result in purchasing her complete back catalog. A truly enjoyable, wonderfully-written romance, building on a side character from the Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies Trilogy.

Lucas Sinclair believes himself content, if not happy, to live under the shadow of his scandalous father, until he finds himself drawn by the irresistible Olivia into a mystery that may ultimately clear his father’s name. Olivia and Lucas are likeable and written with nuance and grace. The passion is believable, as is the intellectual connection.

Do yourself the proverbial favor and invest in this one, but be prepared to delve into the back catalog afterwards. – Megan Osmond

Lara Temple, one of the strongest on the current roster of Harlequin/Mills & Boon Historical authors, begins her new Sinful Sinclairs series with The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge, the first of three stories about siblings whose irresponsible, ne’er-do-well forebears have tarnished the family name and put a blemish on the reputation of the younger generation. It’s a terrific read that hooked me in right from the start as our sarcastic, world-weary hero comes up against a different kind of heroine who won’t let him – or his conscience –off the hook.

The eldest of the siblings is Lucas, Lord Sinclair (Chase and Samantha are his younger brother and sister), and he is rather wondering at his lack of sense for turning up to a clandestine meeting at a dingy church on a rainy winter’s afternoon simply because he’d received a letter suggesting that the sender has information relating to the death of Lucas’ father. Lucas wonders even more when the young woman he meets, Miss Olivia Silverdale, explains that she has travelled to London from her home in Yorkshire in order to uncover the truth about the recent death of her godfather, Henry Payton, and during the course of her enquiries, came across a note in Payton’s hand that said “Howard Sinclair was terribly wronged and something must be done.”

Lucas listens to Miss Silverdale’s recitation with growing incredulity and shock as she explains how she has recruited the help of a Madam by masquerading as a spiritualist, and becomes more and more convinced he’s dealing with a madwoman or a very creative liar. He gives little credence to either the note or Miss Silverdale’s suggestion that they join forces to obtain answers to the truth about her godfather’s death and the question posed by his words concerning Lucas’ father – but ends their unorthodox encounter by telling her that he will think about what she has told him.

Two days later, Lucas has come to decision and tells Olivia that he won’t allow her to make enquiries which could embroil his family name in more scandal than is already attached to it, making it clear that he will put a stop to her investigation if she will not desist. Yet he finds it impossible to completely dismiss the bright, intriguing and infuriating young woman whose quick mind and ready wit attract and annoy him in equal measure. Rather against his better judgement, he decides that “If anyone is to continue tarnishing our name, I prefer [the] remaining Sinclairs do it ourselves” and finds himself agreeing to ‘allow’ her investigation to continue provided she agrees not to do anything further without informing him in advance of her plans.

Olivia Silverdale isn’t the slightest bit intimidated by Lord Sinclair’s veiled threats, although his sardonic, disparaging attitude toward her attempts to help him and his family exasperate her no end. She is surprised at his lack of interest in unravelling the mystery suggested by Payton’s note but determined to pursue her own enquiries with or without his help. Henry Payton was more of a father to her and her siblings than their own father, who spent most of his life abroad pursuing his interest in the natural sciences, and the story she’s been told – that Henry died in the bed of a courtesan – doesn’t add up.

Lucas is intrigued and exasperated by Olivia from the very start, and it doesn’t take long for him to become well-and-truly smitten. She’s like no woman he’s ever met – which is a well-worn romance-novel cliché most of the time, but not here, because Olivia is a refreshingly different heroine. She’s independent and certainly pushes her boundaries, but she doesn’t do it in that obtrusive ‘look at me!’ way that so often characterises those curl-tossing TSTL heroines I can’t stand. She’s unconventional and Lucas is right when he calls her relentless, but she’s quietly so; she doesn’t make a fuss, she just makes it clear she’ll do what she believes she must with or without Lucas’ help or sanction, but not in a brash or snide way. He knows full-well his strings are being pulled, but there’s no question he does what he does because he wants to. The more time he spends with Olivia, the harder it is for him to step back, and his protests become token as he falls more and more deeply in love with her. The main conflict in the novel arises from the fact that Olivia doesn’t actually realise the extent of her tunnel-vision or how her determination to do what she perceives as The Right Thing is actually manipulative. Lucas sees it, and even goes along with it, telling himself it’s because he wants to stop her from further besmirching the Sinclair name, whereas we know it’s because he’s falling hard for her and because he wants to protect her from gossip and the disappointment he fears is in store.

Lucas’ self-deprecating humour and self-awareness are very attractive, and I always enjoy watching the confident, worldly hero losing his head over his heroine, especially when, as is the case here, he’s the first to own to the truth and depth of his feelings. Olivia’s realisation that she’s fallen in love is quite matter-of-fact, whereas Lucas struggles to reconcile his instinct to do the honourable thing and keep Olivia at a distance so as not to taint her reputation by association while being so in love with her that he just can’t stay away. Olivia, on the other hand, is more inscrutable. She has had years of practice at hiding her feelings, which causes Lucas to doubt she feels anything more for him than physical attraction .

The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge is a beautifully developed, wholly absorbing romance featuring two strongly drawn protagonists who are clearly made for each other. Lara Temple once again demonstrates her gift for humorous, insightful dialogue – Olivia can more than hold her own against Lucas’ sardonic wit, while he knows exactly which buttons to push in order to get a reaction – and I lapped up each of their witty, astute conversations and observations. It’s a very strong start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with the Sinful Sinclairs.

Grade: B / 4.5 stars

Great historic romance. I love Olivia's character, so smart and analytical. Sinclair has a reputation as a rake but he is honorable in his heart and mind. They make a great team solving the mystery involving his father. The twists kept me reading.
Great job.

Lara Temple, one of the strongest on the current roster of Harlequin/Mills & Boon Historical authors, begins her new Sinful Sinclairs series with The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge, the first of three stories about siblings whose irresponsible, ne'er-do-well forebears have tarnished the family name and put a blemish on the reputation of the younger generation.  It’s a terrific read that hooked me in right from the start as our sarcastic, world-weary hero comes up against a different kind of heroine who won’t let him – or his conscience –off the hook.

The eldest of the siblings is Lucas, Lord Sinclair (Chase and Samantha are his younger brother and sister), and he is rather wondering at his lack of sense for turning up to a clandestine meeting at a dingy church on a rainy winter’s afternoon simply because he’d received a letter suggesting that the sender has information relating to the death of Lucas’ father.  Lucas wonders even more when the young woman he meets, Miss Olivia Silverdale, explains that she has travelled to London from her home in Yorkshire in order to uncover the truth about the recent death of her godfather, Henry Payton, and during the course of her enquiries, came across a note in Payton’s hand that said “Howard Sinclair was terribly wronged and something must be done.”

Lucas listens to Miss Silverdale’s recitation with growing incredulity and shock as she explains how she has recruited the help of a Madam by masquerading as a spiritualist, and becomes more and more convinced he’s dealing with a madwoman or a very creative liar.  He gives little credence to either the note or Miss Silverdale’s suggestion that they join forces to obtain answers to the truth about her godfather’s death and the question posed by his words concerning Lucas’ father – but ends their unorthodox encounter by telling her that he will think about what she has told him.

Two days later, Lucas has come to decision and tells Olivia that he won’t allow her to make enquiries which could embroil his family name in more scandal than is already attached to it, making it clear that he will put a stop to her investigation if she will not desist.  Yet he finds it impossible to completely dismiss the bright, intriguing and infuriating young woman whose quick mind and ready wit attract and annoy him in equal measure.  Rather against his better judgement, he decides that “If anyone is to continue tarnishing our name, I prefer [the] remaining Sinclairs do it ourselves”  and finds himself agreeing to ‘allow’ her investigation to continue provided she agrees not to do anything further without informing him in advance of her plans.

Olivia Silverdale isn’t the slightest bit intimidated by Lord Sinclair’s veiled threats, although his sardonic, disparaging attitude toward her attempts to help him and his family exasperate her no end.  She is surprised at his lack of interest in unravelling the mystery suggested by Payton’s note but determined to pursue her own enquiries with or without his help.  Henry Payton was more of a father to her and her siblings than their own father, who spent most of his life abroad pursuing his interest in the natural sciences, and the story she’s been told – that Henry died in the bed of a courtesan – doesn’t add up.

Lucas is intrigued and exasperated by Olivia from the very start, and it doesn’t take long for him to become well-and-truly smitten.  She’s like no woman he’s ever met – which is a well-worn romance-novel cliché most of the time, but not here, because Olivia is a refreshingly different heroine.  She’s independent and certainly pushes her boundaries, but she doesn’t do it in that obtrusive ‘look at me!’ way that so often characterises those curl-tossing TSTL heroines I can’t stand.  She’s unconventional and Lucas is right when he calls her relentless, but she’s quietly so; she doesn’t make a fuss, she just makes it clear she’ll do what she believes she must with or without Lucas’ help or sanction, but not in a brash or snide way.  He knows full-well his strings are being pulled, but there’s no question he does what he does because he wants to. The more time he spends with Olivia, the harder it is for him to step back, and his protests become token as he falls more and more deeply in love with her.  The main conflict in the novel arises from the fact that Olivia doesn’t actually realise the extent of her tunnel-vision or how her determination to do what she perceives as The Right Thing is actually manipulative.  Lucas sees it, and even goes along with it, telling himself it’s because he wants to stop her from further besmirching the Sinclair name, whereas we know it’s because he’s falling hard for her and because he wants to protect her from gossip and the disappointment he fears is in store.

Lucas’ self-deprecating humour and self-awareness are very attractive, and I always enjoy watching the confident, worldly hero losing his head over his heroine, especially when, as is the case here, he’s the first to own to the truth and depth of his feelings.  Olivia’s realisation that she’s fallen in love is quite matter-of-fact, whereas Lucas struggles to reconcile his instinct to do the honourable thing and keep Olivia at a distance so as not to taint her reputation by association while being so in love with her that he just can’t stay away.  Olivia, on the other hand, is more inscrutable.  She has had years of practice at hiding her feelings, which causes Lucas to doubt she feels anything more for him than physical attraction .

The Earl’s Irresistible Challenge is a beautifully developed, wholly absorbing romance featuring two strongly drawn protagonists who are clearly made for each other.  Lara Temple once again demonstrates her gift for humorous, insightful dialogue – Olivia can more than hold her own against Lucas’ sardonic wit, while he knows exactly which buttons to push in order to get a reaction – and I lapped up each of their witty, astute conversations and observations.  It’s a very strong start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with the Sinful Sinclairs.

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THE EARL’S IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE – Lara Temple
The Sinful Sinclairs – Book 1
ISBN-13: 978-1-335-63487-0
Harlequin Historical
January 2019
Historical Romance

London – 19th Century

Olivia Silverdale sent Lord Sinclair, the 6th Earl labeled as one of the ‘Sinful Sinclairs,’ a note requesting him to meet her at St. Margaret’s Church in Hans Town, an unfashionable part of London. She chose a time when few individuals, if any, would be inside. He doesn’t know her, but he does come, and he is very suspicious of her motives. She tells him she has some information concerning the death of his father, and that the resulting gossip may have wronged him. He suspects her motives, asks what she wants, and tells her she is an inept blackmailer. Olivia finds him very provoking, but he doesn’t know how obstinate and determined she can be. When he hears her story about a letter she found among her also defamed in death godfather, Henry Payton, he dismisses her evidence. No matter; Olivia is determined to clear the infamy surrounding Henry’s death with or without the earl’s assistance.

Lucas, Lord Sinclair, and his brother Chase and sister Samantha, have been living with the sinful reputation of their father spread after his death in a dual, and the reputations of their already notorious grandfather’s and uncle’s death in a fire while both were inebriated. The three siblings deal with this in different ways, which mostly involve avoiding high society. Lucas learns the devious Olivia Silverdale is also dealing with some unfortunate past experiences. Although wealthy, she isn’t interested in marriage and runs her own life. Olivia not only goes anywhere whenever she likes, but also manages her money. With those she trusts she uses sassy irreverent quips, unlike so many young women. Even with their few encounters, Lucas feels an unwelcome urge to encounter her more often.

These two characters, both uninterested in society, interact differently. Olivia controls her life in ways today’s readers will view as very modern and engaging, but she remains very much a part of her time. Her unalterable desire to find the truth surrounding the twenty-year old death of Lucas’s father, her godfather’s knowledge about something concerning that event, and then his death, will both frustrate and attract Lucas. His growing desire to protect her from her follies makes him very much a man of his times. Both will learn that beneath their public facades lie very different natures. Their coming to any type of accord is doubtful but revolves as part of the story’s mystery. This volume makes a very good beginning and hook for the rest of the series.

Robin Lee