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.
Thomas Carrick is driven to control all aspects of his
life.
The wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in
bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible
bachelors and intends to select a wife from the many young
ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that next step
along his self-determined path, yet no one captures his
eye,
nor his attention…not the way Lucilla Cynster did.
Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders
Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen
force him to return. His uncle, the laird, is ailing, a
family is desperately ill, and the healer is unconscious
and
dying. Duty leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from
the last woman he wants to face.
Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting for
Thomas to return and claim his place by her side. She
knows
he is her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate just
as
she is his one true love. Though his return wasn't on her
account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance Fate
hands her.
Thomas can never forget Lucilla, or the connection that
seethes between them, but to marry her would mean
embracing
a life he does not want.
Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the
inevitability
of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as
theirs—one so much stronger than reason? Lucilla is as
determined as only a Cynster can be to fight for the
future
she knows can be theirs. And while she cannot command him,
she has powerful enticements she's willing to wield in the
tempting of Thomas Carrick.
A neo-Gothic tale of passionate romance laced with
mystery,
set in the uplands of southwestern Scotland
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