THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK is Book two in the Cynsters Next Generation series by Stephanie Laurens. Although this is the second book in this series within the Cynster saga, the previous book has more of a "prequel" feel. That earlier book merely introduces the main characters from THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK when they were young adults and while they were not the focus of that story. I think that this is a good book to try for someone who may be new to the Cynster saga.

First and foremost, I loved reading THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK because I love Lucilla Cynster. Thomas is a good hero, but Lucilla is now one of my top favorite heroines. Lucilla is a healer and Earth Mother figure, while also being incredibly self-possessed and clever. She is a woman of tremendous faith without being a zealot. I also love the way she pursues her attraction to Thomas. Although she is almost entirely unwavering in her belief that she and Thomas are destined to be together romantically, as well as in just about every other way, I don't feel she is manipulative in any bad sense of the word. Rather than lying to get her way, pouting or ranting, she does everything she can to show him why they would be good together in her world without acting immature. Even when it appears as though she may not get the results she so desires, she continues to act with grace and a cool head.

There are two main storylines going on in THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK -- the evolving romance between Lucilla and Thomas, and the mystery involving Carrick Manor and the sinister things happening there. Both aspects of the story are excellent and pull the reader in. The mystery involving Thomas's uncle's sudden ill health and the rash of recent deaths make for a compelling mystery. I love how Lucilla and Thomas work together to try and solve things. Stephanie Laurens creates a very atmospheric and poisonous environment for her well-crafted Scottish mystery. However, as much as I enjoyed the mystery, it never obscures the passionate relationship that develops between Lucilla and Thomas. The feeling of destiny and absolute communion that permeates this romance is divine.

THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK is a double threat of passionate romance and spellbinding mystery. Lucilla Cynster is everything a historical romance fan could want in a heroine and more. THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK makes me anxious for Marcus Cynster's story. I eagerly await the next exciting romance by Stephanie Laurens.