"Second story in the Sterling trilogy is touching and poignant."

Arabella Templeton cringes every time she hears herself referred to as the Unattainable. Fickle society gave Arabella the nickname, and now watches in enjoyment as the clumsy redhead tries to navigate through the other debutantes' ridicule and evade the pursuit of the rogues. The daughter of missionaries, Arabella spent limited time in London and did not learn Society's idiotic rules. Restless and wishing to escape the vultures, Arabella encounters the one man she's disliked since childhood.

Justin Sterling, known as the most handsome man in England, accepts a wager to seduce the Unattainable, not realizing she's his childhood nemesis. For one horrible summer, this wild hoyden plagued him when his childhood was already a nightmare. Justin's father despised him due to his resemblance to his dead mother. Unable to punish his wife, Justin's father took his wrath out on him and made his life a living hell. Defiant, Justin's behavior grew more appalling as he tried to irritate his father.

Finally, Justin meets his match in the outspoken Arabella. Battling her growing attraction, she tries to ignore him to no avail. Her last option is to tame this wicked rogue and make him the perfect groom.

The second in the Sterling trilogy, A PERFECT GROOM is a heartwarming love story. Ms. James has many poignant moments between Justin and Arabella that will touch readers' hearts. It will be very difficult waiting for Julianna Sterling's story!

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted November 17, 2004

Summary

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder ... Proud of his reputation as a rogue, Justin Sterling intends tobe the first to bed "The Unattainable" -- the Season's most luscious debutante -- and win the wager that's the talk of the ton. However, he never expected the enchantress in question to be Arabella Templeton, who once stole his heart and owns it still. Now the notorious scoundrel will have to prove to her that his intentions are honorable ... while protecting her virtue from every other rascal in London. Arabella will marry only for love -- and she does not need her childhood nemesis to act as her self-appointed guardian! Though the arrogant cad seems sincere, she is well aware of his rakehell history and won't be swayed by his considerable charm and disarming good looks. For it would be pure madness for Arabella to ignore the voice of reason that whispers "beware!" and heed instead a traitorous heart that insists Justin Sterling would make ...