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.

Book Summary

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