I thought that Caroline was intriguing because she actually sued her ex fiancé for breach of contract.
Then hightailed it to Scotland and hires a match maker. Who introduces her to Jonathan, who is in the business of selling newspapers and Caroline is just the ticket to sell more papers.

I purchased this book and can recommend it, albeit somewhat belatedly.

Disgraced by her betrothed and a broken engagement, Caroline flees to Scotland for matchmaking help from Moira Sullivan. Caroline meets Jonathan, a newspaperman and totally unsuitable suitor. Yet despite their initial dislike, sparks fly and the romance develops. I enjoyed how Ms Kelly portrayed Caroline as a strong woman who was wronged, but wasn’t a victim. Jonathan was flawed, yet equally likable. The story moved along well, with many enjoyable turns making for a delightful read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

The Taste of Temptation is a delectable story filled with hope, steamy kisses and a romantic dream that will capture the heart of each reader. Julia Kelly remains one of my favorite authors because her writing is just that good! I highly recommend The Taste of Temptation.

The taste of temptation is a well written book. I can't wait to reading more books from such a talented author. Thanks to Netgalley for this free copy.

Unfortunately, I was never able to download this book. I will read and review if it comes up again. The blurb looked interesting, it had a great cover. I am placing a 4 star review for now.

Stevie‘s review of The Taste of Temptation (The Matchmaker of Edinburgh, Book 2) by Julia Kelly
Historical Romance published by Pocket Star 05 Feb 18

I utterly adored the first Matchmaker of Edinburgh book and have been eagerly anticipating further instalments, as well greater challenges for Moira Sullivan, the matchmaker herself. This time, the lady in question has to find a husband for a woman who has been forced out of London by a scandal apparently of her own making, and who is anxious to make a suitable match before adverse publicity follows her to Edinburgh. It’s sheer bad luck that the man to whom she might be most suited is involved in newspapers – both high and lowbrow – himself.


Caroline Burkett’s long engagement to the second son of a viscount ended abruptly, when he became heir to the title and decided to seek a more elibible bride than the mere daughter of a successful solicitor. Coerced by her aspiring mother, Caroline sued her former fiancé for breach of promise, but while she won her case in the end, the front page headlines and high legal fees left her short of funds and unable to find a suitable husband in England. Forced to choose between impoverished spinsterhood as companion to an older, unmarried cousin or a visit to her brother and his new wife in Edinburgh, with the possibility of finding a husband unaware of – or unbothered by – Caroline’s past, Caroline decides to travel to Edinburgh and seek the help of the town’s famous matchmaker.

Moira Sullivan is never one to turn down a challenge and soon has a number of suitors lined up for Caroline, including Jonathan Moray, a self-made newspaper proprietor who is initially interested in Caroline’s story but soon becomes enamoured of the woman behind the story. Caroline, meanwhile, is drawn to Moray, even as she tells herself she would be better off with the least uninspiring of her other suitors. The rediscovery of old scandals and the uncovering of new ones by rival newspapers threatens both their reputations, and eventually both are forced to make difficult decisions as to where their futures really lie.

I liked this book, though not as much as I loved the first in the series. Moray isn’t as easy a man to like as the previous book’s hero, and I found Caroline’s initial attraction to him a little bemusing. Then again I also wanted to slap her other main suitor pretty much in every scene where he appeared. On the other hand, it was delightful to reacquaint myself with all the other characters from the previous book, and I hope to see more of all of them in the next adventure for Moira Sullivan and her proteges.

Grade: B

Moira introduced Jonathan and Caroline and although it didn't seem like the right timing or the right type of person to trust, Caroline finds she can't stop the inevitable.

This book gets 5 stars for such a well written, satisfying, fun novel. I hope to read more by this author.

i found the book ok ... though the story is good it was very predictable ..the characters of jonathan & Caroline come out very good ...it is very well written story but still didnt work for me .

i like more action, mystery, romance so dis was not a book for me...Julia is a very good author
and her penmanship & presentation of a story is always excellent ..

There was so much chemistry between Caroline and Jonathan. I loved all the newspaper clippings he sent her. Following her and writing about her in his society pages starts out as a way to increase his profits, but he comes to care for her and realize how much words can hurt. Caroline was spunky, determined to overcome the scandal of suing her ex-almost finance for a breach of promise suit, which is more common today, but scandalous in this time period. She hated Jonathan from the start, but she was also drawn to him. Enjoyable romance with plenty of humor.

A well-written story about Caroline Burkett who has made headlines after suing her fiance after he breaks their engagement she comes to Edinburgh where she meets newspaperman Jonathan Moray who wants to print her story.There is drama and another man who is pursuing Caroline.I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I enjoyed this book by Julia Kelly. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the two main characters develop. You felt the instant attraction between them when they met in the theatre. But then she finds out what he does for a living and that attraction turns to contention, angst. They always say there's a fine line between love and hate and that's basically where this story goes. Back and forth, with them challenging each other. My only real criticism is that at times I felt it was too modern.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

I thought for sure that I'd read a Julia Kelly book before and liked it, which is why I requested this book from NetGalley. But while writing this review, I realized that I actually had NOT ever read one! At least, not according to Goodreads! So it was a fun surprise that this was a new series and a new author for me! Yay!

I really liked Caroline, the heroine. She was jilted by her former fiancee and ended up winning a judgement against him in the court system for it. Now, I've NEVER heard of anything like that before in a historical romance. Heck, I don't know that I've ever heard about it in current day stuff! So this was a whole new thing for me. Don't worry - the story (thankfully) isn't about the court case. It's about the aftermath. Because this was so rare, the press was ALL OVER Caroline. They were like present day paparazzi - digging through trash and employing spies to get more information. I think it would be difficult to NOT sympathize with Caroline. None of her situation was really any of her doing. I want to say that I loved her optimism but optimism isn't the right word. She seemed to just really want the best for everyone around her. After her ordeal, she wasn't naive anymore but she never felt jaded either and that was so great. It would have been easy to make her angry all the time but the author never really went there. Sure, she was angry but that was never something that she let define her.

Jonathan was an awesome hero. It was SO easy to hate him at first. After what Caroline went through and with him being a newspaper man, oh he was such a jerk! I loved hating him! Why? Because I knew by the end, I'd like him. Well, I HOPED I'd like him!! The author did an amazing job of making Jonathan seem more and more human and likable as the book progressed. I loved his backstory and that he was a self-made man. Reading historical romances about titled heroes CAN get tedious so it felt fresh to read about someone who was technically in trade but who also had the respect or admiration of the peerage. Or maybe they were just afraid of him! Either way, he was a lot of fun to read about!

I thought this was steamy enough for a historical romance. Towards the end, it was definitely hotter than your average historical. Happily, this book didn't really rely on just the heat to keep me interested. I really enjoyed Jonathan working his way into Caroline's life. It was a little under-handed and I didn't mind it one bit! It was wonderful how both Jonathan and Caroline were able to see things from the other person's point of view as the book continued. They both grew as characters and it was fun to be on the ride with them.

I would absolutely recommend this book to readers who like historical romance. I'd not read Book 1 in this series and I don't feel it would be necessary. I had no problem jumping in and grasping the story. I thought ALL the characters were well written and well rounded. They felt like they could be real people. I ran the gamut of emotions reading this story - I hated Jonathan, I loved him, he was funny and awful and sweet. Caroline was sympathetic and sweet and funny and wow, she had a couple of really great zingers in there too when Jonathan pissed her off! I love a heroine with spunk and Caroline absolutely had that! LOL! I'm going to check out Book 1 and keep an eye open for future books in this series. I really liked this book and I can't wait for more!

I don’t know HOW I missed the first in this series, as I loved Kelly’s Governess series, but miss it no more, the second book in The Matchmaker of Edinburgh series has plenty to recommend it, and it’s set in Victorian Scotland, with characters who are taking advantage of the potential in this upwardly mobile society. Caroline Burkett has spent the past years in London as the subject of scandal, derision and idle gossip. When her engagement to a viscount fell through, her mother filed a breach of promise suit, and Caroline was left to fend off journalists, societal censure and the embarrassment of public interest into her most trying time. Although she won a settlement, the money went to solicitors and debts, leaving her with little and a need to stay with relations as an unmarried woman. She’s decided that Scotland is her best shot, and moves in with her brother (a banker) and his wife, with an introductory letter to Moira Sullivan, the Matchmaker of Edinburgh. She’s closed herself off to flights of fancy concerning love, and wants little more than a quick marriage to ensure her security and remove herself from the notice of the tabloids.

Jonathan Moray is a self-made man, coming from less than nothing, he’s managed to purchase and make a success of two newspapers: the leading gossip tabloid of Edinburgh, The Tattler, and the leading and well-respected daily that presents actual news that is important. He wants to start an evening edition, but his own determination not to borrow against either paper or place himself in debt have him needing to increase circulation and improve the bottom line before adding the newest release. When one of his ‘spotters’ sees Caroline arriving at the station, he knows that one thing will make his dreams of an evening edition come true: convince her to share the “real” story of her engagement, being set aside and the trial. He intends to charm, cajole and even scare Caroline into agreeing to his terms, he knows that she may be shorter of funds than originally thought, and that becomes a consideration as well.

Meantime at her brother’s house, Caroline and his wife Elsie are finding themselves developing a true friendship, and Caroline is seeing that Elsie is more than welcoming, needing a break from the oft-demanding and grumpy Michael. With an introduction to Moray at her first night out after her arrival, Caroline is alternately intrigued and frustrated that yet another ‘journalist’ is concerned with her story, but the sparks and conversation are both intriguing. But, she wants a secure and quiet life, the sparks, the conversation and the attraction are all far more than she wants or deserves. Of course, when she meets Moira Sullivan, a woman of considerable wealth, an eye for who’s who, and an endless series of successful matches, Caroline is clear in her intentions to marry quickly, whomever will have her, and Moray is the only person she’s not interested in. Never say never, as Moira issues a coveted invitation to Moray, seats him next to Caroline, and watches the sparks fly. That is, until a rival for her attention, and wholly more suited man, if boring and self-centered, enters the room.

Kelly takes us on a ride with two characters who are completely unaware of their own worth and desirability. Caroline is beautiful, intelligent, honest and loyal: the right man would be honored to have her, and while she considers herself ruined and tainted, she believes that the very limited options for women of her time have her constrained to say yes to the first taker. Moray is so consumed with making a success of his papers and keeping his past a secret, determined that love is a pipe dream and that his coming from less than nowhere doesn’t make him a viable option for any woman: and this obsession he has for Caroline is little more than wanting the story to quiet his insatiable curiosity. Fortunately, for both of them, the secondary characters in this story are not above a bit of manipulation, straight talk and some serious interference. From his best friend Gavin and his wife Ina (a sculptor) to his editor Eva, her partner Catriona and even Moira and the dressmaker Mrs. Parkem are all wiling to push, prod and even speak plainly to have them see what is right in front of their eyes. Fortunately, even if delayed and right at the brink, they both see sense and dare to bare their hearts and dreams, living a life together that neither could have dared to hope for. Kelly’s writing is wonderfully descriptive, the dialogue sharp and a sense of both the societal pressure and self-esteem play on the progression of the relationship and story: making the place and the people easy to understand, enjoy and cheer for. A read in one sitting story that shows dreams, even those far beyond what is ‘conventional’ can come true.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9C7/”> </a> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

After being engaged for several years, Caroline Burkett's fiancé unexpectedly inherits a title. His family had never been overly pleased with the engagement, and now they pressure him to jilt Caroline for a more suitable match. While Caroline is crushed, her mother is furious, and brings a breach-of-promise lawsuit. While Caroline eventually wins the suit, the bulk of the proceeds have to be used to pay off the lawyers, and the disgrace has left Caroline all but a social outcast and fodder for the scandal sheets. Wanting a fresh start, Caroline travels to Scotland, hoping that Moira Sullivan, a matchmaker, will help her to find a husband.

Jonathan Moray has risen from his humble beginnings to own two newspapers, one of them being a scandal sheet, The Tattler. Jonathan has eyes everywhere, and when he learns that Caroline has arrived in Edinburgh, he is determined to get an exclusive interview with her. Rather than being underhanded about it, (a fact I greatly appreciate) Jonathan approaches Caroline directly with his request. As you would imagine, Caroline wants no part of it, and is not shy about letting Jonathan know her feelings. He is a determined man, however, and won't give up.

As the matchmaker, Moira, begins to introduce Caroline to various eligible gentlemen at different social events, it seems that Jonathan is always there. Caroline finds her initial dislike turning to a reluctant respect and liking for Jonathan, and that slowly blossoms into a passionate relationship. Even though Jonathan cares deeply for Caroline, he feels his background is too far beneath hers for any chance at a future together. When the tables are turned, and Jonathan becomes the subject of the scandal sheets, he learns how it feels to have one's actions put under a microscope - and it's a revelation for him.

I was hesitant about both of these characters until I learned more about them and the truth of their pasts. Initially, I couldn't imagine why a young lady would subject herself to the humiliation of bringing a lawsuit, or why a self made man would want to publish a scandal sheet. Their stories are slowly revealed as their romance develops, and I could better understand them and root for them to be together. The scenes where they divulge their secrets to each other are touching as they allow themselves to finally be vulnerable to another.

Aside from Caroline's and Jonathan's passionate affair, THE TASTE OF TEMPTATION showed how women of that period were truly victims of the time, and had limited choices. Caroline is provided with a safe option, one that will restore her reputation, if she chooses it. Jonathan is also given the chance to change the path he's taken for a more honorable one. Will their respective choices allow them a future together? THE TASTE OF TEMPTATION is well written and has a storyline and main characters that are refreshingly different. I enjoyed the read!

The characters had potential, however the inconsistency in the writing of them was frustrating. They would think something was a terrible idea and two chapters later would be excited about the topic with no explanation. Too inconsistent for me to recommend during readers advisory.

After reading just the first few pages of the book, I was absolutely enthralled by the characters of the hero and heroine. I loved both of their personalities and could not wait to read the rest of their story. I would definitely recommend this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

4.5 stars - There's nothing like reading a good romance based in Scotland on a crisp winter day.

This is an entertaining read with two admirable main characters and just the right amount of heat. It’s light and fun, but also manages to remind us that at the root and tip of every gossip story is a human being whom likely is worth more than any story to which they find themselves tied.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What’s it About? Caroline Burkett created a scandal when she sued her former fiancée for breaking their engagement so she fled to her brother’s home in Scotland. Once there she’s desperate enough for a new start that she hires Edinburgh’s most famous matchmaker, Moira Sullivan. Moira then introduces her to the last possible man Caroline would ever consider for a husband: newspaperman Jonathan Moray. Jonathan is looking for something to put on his paper that will give his readers something no one else can and Caroline’s story is perfect. What starts off as a mutual mistrust and active dislike starts to turn into a fiery attraction that neither expected. But Caroline feels she must marry a respectable man to temper the fallout from her scandal and Jonathan is anything but ready to marry.



Overall reaction to the story? I was fascinated by the premise of The Taste of Temptation. A woman who sued her fiancée for breaking her engagement? I just had to get to know this woman! I wasn’t disappointed either, Caroline was strong but vulnerable and to pair her up with a man who makes it his life’s business to share secrets and news? It could have been a disaster but I liked Jonathan too! I’ve never read a book by Julia Kelly before but if this is a sample of her skills as an author then I’ll be picking up more books by her in the near future.


Describe the hero in five words: Stubborn. Determined. Intelligent. Lonely. Fair.

Did you like him? Yes.

Why? Before you judge Jonathan Moray by his profession, give him a chance to show what a good guy he is. Is he determined to get “The” story for his paper? Yes, he has to be, if not he’ll lose his livelihood and so will all the people who work for him. I liked that while he was so hell bent on getting his story he never crossed the line with Caroline or did anything remotely sleazy in order to force her to cooperate. I loved that the author highlighted Jonathan’s character by showing how ruthless and cutthroat his competitors could be towards Caroline. Jonathan wasn’t a pushover though and I liked the balance between hard hitting newspaperman and the everyday man. All this guy did was work and he needed a break from that just to be himself but at the same time I don’t think he knew who he was outside of the paper. I enjoyed his growth from an extension of the newspaper to an actual human with actual feelings.



Describe the heroine in five words: Stubborn. Determined. Intelligent. Gentle. Kind.

Did you like her? Yes.

Why? Caroline wasn’t made of steel. She didn’t go around bashing men for their treatment of her and there is actually a story to the lawsuit against her fiancée. I loved that Caroline had the guts to stand by her lawsuit but it did have its affects on her like it would a normal human being. I think Caroline avoided scandal as best as she could but she wasn’t going to let people browbeat her either. When she had to she could be quite the force to be reckoned with. My favorite thing about her though was the snarky side of her that would come out whenever Jonathan tried to ruffle her feathers. She was sharp but not cruel with her responses and she was honest enough to admit to herself that she felt more alive when she was matching wits with him. I also liked her vulnerable side, the side that felt she had to marry someone quickly before the scandal completely destroyed her.


Let’s talk about the romance: As enemies to lovers romances go, The Taste of Temptation was a good one. Jonathan and Caroline couldn’t be at more opposite ends of the scandal spectrum. He made a living off of scandal and she just wanted to put it behind her. While they certainly weren’t friends in the beginning, they weren’t hardcore enemies either. Jonathan never actually hated Caroline but he wasn’t exactly fond of her either. Caroline on the other hand couldn’t stand him and that animosity added some delicious chemistry between them. As their attraction grew and they constantly found themselves together, a mutual respect and admiration started to grow and I loved that about their relationship. By the time their emotions were engaged Jonathan and Caroline had built a solid foundation that had me totally rooting for them. He respected Caroline as a human and never treated her like property or some foolish woman who needed a man to care for her. Caroline learned to see the newspaper industry through a different point of view instead of just hers. I just loved these two as a couple.


How about that supporting cast? Since The Taste of Temptation is my first book by Julia Kelly I was unfamiliar with Jonathan’s friends but I enjoyed them so much that I know I just have to get the first book in this series.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. Julia Kelly delighted me with her characters and had me falling in love with the romance between Jonathan and Caroline.

Great characters. Full of surprises. A fantastic follow up to the first book in the series!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.