A Perfect Groom [Mass Market Paperback]

Samantha James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2004

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 . . .

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A remarkable writer."
-- Lisa Kleypas --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

It was Samantha James's love of reading as a child that steered her toward a writing career. Among her favorites in those days were the Trixie Belden and Cherry Ames series of books. She still loves a blend of mystery and romance, and, of course, a happily-ever-after ending. The award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen romances and one novella, her books have ranged from medieval to Regency.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (November 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060502797
• ISBN-13: 978-0060502799
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Justin Truly is a Perfect Groom, July 5, 2005

By 

V. Seaton "romance4me" (Southeast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Perfect Groom (Mass Market Paperback)

The second in Mrs. James's Sterling Family Trilogy, A Perfect Groom, is a wonderfully enjoyable read with a hero that you'll love. Justin Sterling has lived through the scandal of his mother's desertion as a child and his father's abuse (until his death). As such, he has enjoyed a life of privilege--including an endless stream of beautiful lovers in his bed. It was this wicked behavior that led to him being hit in the nose by a young girl that overheard him "breaking it off" with one such lady. Never forgetting this insult, Justin is amazed to years later find the seasons most sought after maiden, "The Unattainable," (Arabella) is the same young lady that once bested him.

Forced to marry after being caught in a compromising position, the couple must wed. Resulting in a passionate, yet emotional love that helps Justin heal from his past and Arabella believe in love. Throughout the story, Justin is the most dynamic character (of the book) and it is his development that really held my interest. When a predictable twist in the story shatters their happiness and nearly rips the couple apart, it is Justin who I feel is injured the most. However, in the end, Arabella finally comes to her senses and reclaims her "Perfect Groom."

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too Obvious. ** Grade: B- ** A Low 4 Stars., December 20, 2004

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Perfect Groom (Mass Market Paperback)

Samantha James introduced Justin Sterling in A PERFECT BRIDE; now the author takes us forth into his naughty world. Justin Sterling is called "The Handsomest Man in all of England." He is smooth, a dangerous rogue, why Justin Sterling is the devil himself. He is also a hurtin' little puppy who lives each day consumed with ugly childhood memories.

Arabella Templeton is a beauty. This gorgeous woman has the height of a model, the body of a Greek goddess, and sports hair comparable to Nicole Kidman's crimson locks. Arabella is also THE popular hit of the London season. Yet, this beautiful desirable creature has no self-assurance and sadly views herself as the season's homely clodhopper -- w h a t e v e r.

Dubbed "The Unattainable" Arabella Templeton and her virtue become the focus of a cruel wager. Playboy supreme, Justin Sterling enters into a challenge set forth by another cad. Justin will take the beautiful Arabella to the heights of pleasure in . . . say a month? True-blue romance fans just KNOW the outcome. The beautiful couple will fall victim to each other and their road to `happily-ever-after' will be . . . well . . . b u m p y.

Samantha James has a nice writing style and there were moments of gentle fun. And I wanted to enjoy A PERFECT GROOM, but the story felt mechanical and too familiar. I never felt the sparkle, the passion, the sensitivity of a good romance book? So if you are looking for a better Samantha James' book, EVERY WISH FULFILLED is the ticket. Grade: B-

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...lick your lips...uummm, September 19, 2005

By 

D. Lane "Book lover" (austin, tx United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Perfect Groom (Mass Market Paperback)

Samantha James has written another great novel. She has never failed me yet. A Perfect Groom is a wonderfully written and very sexy book. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, passion and the joy of Justin and Arabella in this very excellent character driven romance. Samantha James has the ability to break down her characters souls and feed their emotional struggles onto the pages. I also found the characters to be multi-dimensional. The plot and characters seemed fresh, the pace was quick, and it was a totally engrossing read. Full of enjoyable supporting characters and stories. The characters are colorful and unforgettable. I love how this book shows what child abuse does to the adult and how it took someone who loves Justin completely to heal his wounds. Justin is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman.