TEMPTING JULIANA

Author: Lauren Royal ISBN: 0451218248 11/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/SIGNET ECLIPSE
Time Period: Regency, 1816 England

It's a good thing Juliana Chase takes such pleasure in playing matchmaker, because there's nothing she wants more than to see her loved ones happy. Her latest pairing involves Dr. James Trevor, Earl of Stafford, and her friend, Amanda. So why does the handsome physician insist on ignoring her good intentions—and shaking up her sensible plans? Since James lost his wife, he has buried himself in his work—until Juliana starts meddling with his heart. Instantly smitten with the determined beauty, he must now find a way to outwit Juliana at her own game—and convince her that the right match for her is under her very nose.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

TEMPTING JULIANA is the second book in the Chase Sister Trilogy, and you bet I have already ordered the first one, LOST IN TEMPTATION!

Juliana Chase is the middle sister of the family, and after finally seeing his oldest sister married, Lord Griffon Chase, the Marquess of Cainewood, feels it's his brotherly duty to see Juliana happily enter a state of matrimony as well. Juliana whole-heartedly agrees with Griffin, but she can't seem to meet the right man for the job. That is, until she meets the Duke of Castleton.

Dr. James Trevor, Earl of Stafford, has been prodded for months by his aunts and mother that it is high time to find a wife. It has been two years since he lost his wife and child during childbirth, and he is not sure he'll ever be ready to marry again. That is, until he meets Juliana. Unfortunately, Juliana has set her cap on the stuffy, pompous Duke, and has decided James would be perfect for her friend Amanda. The only way he can get Juliana to spend time with him, is to appeal to her matchmaking ways and have her tutor him in the art of courting Amanda. Here is where the antics begin, with a whirlwind of couples Juliana has decided belong together. She is right on all counts, except the one that matters—her own choice for a husband who may not be as ideal as she had first thought. Or maybe it's just that her wits are befuddled because James won't stop touching her!

The cast of characters here are sweet and entertaining by turns. James is one of the hottest doctor earls I have ever heard of, and Juliana is sweet and caring, if not a tad bit meddlesome. The chemistry and sexual tension between these two is HOT! My only wish would have been a few more love scenes added, and especially needed was a longer encounter in the final chapter.

TEMPTING JULIANA is a tempting read, and one you'll want to add to your wish list for "must have" holiday reading. Just as tempting is the recipes scattered throughout the Chase Sister's Trilogy, and you may want to cook some up and serve yourself two treats at once. What could be better than a very delicious read served with some delicious Chocolate Cream, recipe page 293! I am off to serve myself another helping of Lauren Royal's fantastic fare, with LOST IN TEMPTATION. Happy Reading!

Deana Monteleone