Sean Delaney has made his way into the world with the help
of an inheritance and his own quick thinking. Even though he
was born in Ireland, Sean is settled in London and has made
quite a bit of money buying and selling properties. But his
sister Deirdre has not had it so easy. Her marriage of ten
years to the reclusive painter, John Hamilton has ended in
disgrace. They had only married because Deidre ended up
pregnant. Sean wants her to get a divorce seeing as Deidre
is ready to move in with her lover. But before he can make
Deirdre see reason, John comes to Sean. He wants Sean to
impersonate him to his dying uncle. John doesn't care for
his uncle and will divorce Deidre if Sean does this for him.
Because Sean only cares for his sister's happiness he takes
part in this scheme.
Corinna Chase's one goal in life is to be a renowned
painter. When she meets Sean, she believes he is John. But
soon after, Sean tells her who he really is and even though
he has undergone this charade, Corinna will keep his secret.
She thinks that Sean may help her with her painting and
possible be welcomed into the Royal Academy's Summer
Exhibition. But as Sean continues with his false identity
with John's uncle who is not as horrible as Sean was lead to
believe, all of London is beginning to believe that Sean is
really John. Corinna doesn't care who Sean is and simply
wishes to practice some kissing with Sean. And if he wants
to model for her also, that will be all the better. Soon
Sean has way too much to deal with that includes falling in
love with Corinna, pretending his sister is his wife and
making sure he is not found out.
THE ART OF TEMPTATION is a funny and light read with a
wonderful hero and a heroine who are both witty and very
original. Lauren Royal has incredible skill at writing
historical romance and this latest story proves this in
every way. It was delightful to read about Sean and
Corinna's interactions and conversations. Plus Corinna's
hobby of painting was very educational and enjoyable. Even
though these two are in society and must act a certain way,
they are very into free thinking and do what they like and
for that alone, it was very refreshing. Overall, THE ART OF
TEMPTATION is a wonderful romance that includes many
secondary characters from past books that make an appearance
to enhance the plot and the relationship between the
Irishman and his growing love for his special lady painter.
For some light reading with some comedic moments, THE ART OF
TEMPTATION is the way to go.
Although he had a bevy of beautiful admirers, all Sean
Delaney cared about was securing a divorce-for his sister,
that is. That's why he was impersonating John Hamilton,
her famous painter husband. It was the only way the rotter
would agree to a divorce. Little did Sean realize that
duping Hamilton's dying uncle would require the help of
the very woman who could inspire him to get down on one
knee...