The second book in The Matchmaker of Edinburgh series by Julia Kelly
Caroline Burkett has been all over the papers and gossip columns after she sued her fiancé for breaking their engagement. Escaping to Scotland seeking refuge with her brother and his wife she will risk everything for a home and family of her own. She will enlist the help of the famous matchmaker
Moira Sullivan.
Of all the men in Scotland she never thought she’d be wildly attracted to Jonathan Moray. The man that could wreck havoc with her life and her heart.

Jonathan Moray is an ambitious man running and owning multiple newspapers he’s always looking for the next story for his newspaper. He needs a good story to push sales, failure isn’t an option.
He knows that Caroline Burkett is the key to success but at what cost to him, Caroline has managed to do what no other woman has she’s stolen his heart!

This was an amazing story of two people so opposite that their coming together was just an explosion of fireworks. Well written and engaging secondary characters. This has everything, fans of historical romance look no further, passion, scandal, matchmakers and secrets. A wonderful sensual read, you can never go wrong with Julia Kelly's Books.

I recieved a complimentary copy from the author via NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion .

The Taste of Temptation by Julia Kelly is book Two in 'The Matchmaker of Edinburgh" series. This is the story of Caroline Burkett and Jonathan Moray.
Caroline is trying to live through a scandal and find a way away from it. This has taken her to her brother's place in Edinburgh and to look for the famous match maker. This leads her to an 'accidentally' meeting with Jonathan after a mix up with a theater seat. Caroline is attracted to Jonathan but shortly learns what he wants from her. Which is something she does not want to do, but Jonathan wants Caroline's story to help with his paper.
Robert Trevlan, a friend of her brothers has shown interest in her and he would be a safe choice for her in a husband But the matchmaker thinks Caroline shouldn't play it safe but look for something way stronger.
Really good read!

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This was a very entertaining read. The two main characters Caroline and Jonathan were very likeable. There first meeting is due to Jonathan’s ownership of a newspaper and his attempts to get an exclusive story from Caroline about the scandal she’s left behind in London. The banter between them is engaging. Caroline is attempting to find a husband. Caroline got Jonathan to see what it was like to be a victim of press harassment. They have quite an interesting time together, plus there is a suitor in the background who makes his presence felt. It was a book I had to keep reading. It was good to meet up with the characters from the previous book, Ina and Gavin. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy . All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Appealing elements of a romance novel:
Strong minded heroine (Caroline Burkett sued her previous fiance when he broke off their engagement)
Physically appealing hero, with no more than a personality flaw or two to overcome (Jonathan Moray is certainly handsome, and his personality flaws? he works too hard? he is too humble about his own background?)
A setting in a time long ago and far away (Check)

Julia Kelly has written another entertaining novel with which to while away a rainy afternoon or two.

Publisher's Description:

Travel back in time to Scotland with bestselling author Julia Kelly for this delightful second installment in her latest historical romance series, The Matchmaker of Edinburgh series. Accomplished matchmaker Moira Sullivan knows that sometimes, the most unlikely pair can be the most entertaining.

Only desperation could have driven Caroline Burkett to her brother’s home in Scotland, but desperate is exactly what she is. After suing her former fiancé for breaking their engagement and causing a scandal in the papers, her only hope of starting over is to enlist the help of Edinburgh’s famous matchmaker, Moira Sullivan.

Born to a butler and maid, Jonathan Moray fought hard to find his place in Edinburgh society. Now a powerful newspaperman, he can make or break a person’s reputation with his headlines, but Jonathan knows his success isn’t guaranteed. He needs salacious stories to keep his readers enthralled, and Caroline’s story is just the sort to sell papers in droves.

When Moira introduces Jonathan and Caroline at a salon, Caroline knows the editor is exactly the wrong man to associate with if she wants to find a husband and restore her reputation, but even as another, more suitable suitor begins to court her, she can’t deny the power of her attraction to Jonathan. Now she must ask herself if she’s strong enough to choose between the man who can give her a secure, quiet life, or the one who promises her a passion she’s never known.

My Thoughts:

I try not to miss a book by Julia Kelly.
This second book in the matchmaker's series is an exceptional read.
Caroline Burnett is on the run from a scandal which was not of her own making. At the urgings of her now deceased mother she sued and won that suit, her fiance who jilted her. Now due to that very suit she finds herself almost penniless and in need of a husband and a new start. She heads for Edinburgh and her brother's home as a nearly last resort. There she seeks the help of a matchmaker.

Johnathan Moray is the last man on earth that Caroline should find herself attracted to. He is a newspaperman who makes his living off of scandals such as the one that sent her running to Edinburgh. He is not without secrets of his own though.
Will their mutual attraction prove to be their undoing or will it survive another scandal of their own making?
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a high sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames.
There is passion abounded in this well written novel.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Thanks Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and netgalley for this ARC.

Loved this second book in the Matchmaker series. Scandal, heartbreak, and two hardheaded lovers fight against their feelings for each other. So much more than this simple description! Julia Kelly's novels are fun, passionate, and a pleasure to read.

Caroline Burkett is traveling to Scotland to live with her brother Michael and his wife Elise, and hopefully to begin anew, she hopes to be taken on by Moira Sullivan, the Matchmaker of Edinburgh. Two years ago she was jilted and sued her ex for breach of contract. She won her suit, but destroyed her chances for marriage in the process. Hounded by the press and humiliated in court, Caroline just wants to find a husband and fade into obscurity.

Jonathan Moray is the founder and owner of two papers in Edinburgh, he would love to start a third paper, but refuses to borrow money to do so, he tells his staff that they need to sell more papers. When he learns that Caroline Burkett, the "Lovelorn Lady" has come to town. He wants to get an exclusive interview with her and has a plan.

They "accidentally" meet when he is in her seat at the theater. She is immediately attracted to him and is delighted when he asks to talk to her during intermission. When they meet up, she learns who he is and what he wants and she is disgusted. The press was relentless in their pursuit of her story and made her life a living hell. She has no love for newspapermen and tells Moray so. He makes a counter offer, tell him her story or he will begin to dog her every step in his scandal sheet. She refuses and makes the acquaintance of Robert Trevlan, a friend of her brother. Trevlan immediately makes his interest known and Caroline feels a little bubble of hope that her dream to marry might actually happen.

The next morning, she receives an invitation to meet Mrs. Sullivan. The woman agrees to help Caroline, but tries to convince Caroline to want more than just security. Caroline is firm, she just wants a husband and almost any man will do. After her experience in London, she doesn't trust her own judgement and wants no part of a "love match" as love only brings pain.

At her first dinner party, Mrs. Sullivan invites Moray and seats Caroline between him and Trevlan. Caroline is at first annoyed, especially since she enjoys talking to Moray. For his part, Moray is attracted to Caroline, but he has secrets that could ruin everything he has worked so hard to build. He knows that Caroline is looking for a husband, but he could never be that man. He tries to refocus on his goal and ignore his attraction to her.

These two are thrown together several more times and a friendship of sorts blossoms. When they share a kiss and some personal confidences, Caroline knows that she wants him. He desperately wants to see her, but she is being watched by the press and he doesn't want to give them anything to gossip about, he knows Trevlan is staking a claim and learns disturbing information about him. There is no opportunity to see her alone, so he sneaks in her room.

They embark on a heated affair and they both share their deepest, darkest secrets. But when Moray's secrets are revealed, he turns on the only woman he has ever loved and pushes her in to the arms of his rival.

This was a very well written, well paced story that was surprisingly steamy (much to my delight), I really became invested in these two characters and found myself shaking my head and chastising them both at times, while still rooting for their HEA.

This is the second book in the Matchmaker of Edinburgh series, but I did not read the first book and had no problems at all following this story. I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

Caroline Burkett has fled to her brother’s home in Edinburgh, as she is desperate. After suing her former fiancé for breaking their engagement and causing a scandal in the papers, her only hope of starting over is to enlist the help of Edinburgh’s famous matchmaker, Moira Sullivan.
Born to a butler and maid, Jonathan Moray fought hard to find his place in Edinburgh society. Now a powerful newspaperman, he can make or break a person’s reputation with his headlines, but Jonathan knows his success isn’t guaranteed. He needs salacious stories to keep his readers enthralled, and Caroline’s story is just the sort to sell papers in droves.
Jonathan finds a way to meet Caroline at the theatre & their attraction starts. Then Moira introduces Jonathan and Caroline at a salon, Caroline knows the editor is exactly the wrong man to associate with if she wants to find a husband and restore her reputation, but even as another, more suitable suitor Robert Trevlan begins to court her but he also has secrets & he made my skin crawl.
Another well written well paced story with very well developed characters. Jonathan & Caroline are attracted to each other but they also like each other & are able to actually to talk to each other. Caroline is so desperate to marry to put the scandal behind her & to finally be free of all the press attention she’s had for years. Jonathan knows if his humble beginnings emerge then he could lose everything. There are misunderstandings along the way for the pair to resolve. I look forward to more books in the series

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Title and author: The Taste of Temptation by Julia Kelly
Series: Matchmaker of Edinburgh – Book 2
Publisher: Pocket Star
Releases: February 5, 2018
Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/y8db5px9
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.juliakellywrites.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

Julia Kelly has written an interesting story set in the later years of 1800. Progress has been made in many areas, but women still often have little say in what takes place in the lives. Caroline Burkett has gone through a very trying time in London, and she wants to make a better life in Scotland, where hopefully a man will marry her despite all the unfavorable things that have been said. Yet when she meets Jonathan Moray, a newspaperman, she fears nothing will be different in a new city. The second book in the Matchmaker of Edinburgh series tells how two people with very opposite agendas just might have more in common than either would have thought. THE TASTE OF TEMPTATION delights with spirited characters, emotional challenges, and lively discussions.

Although Caroline Burkett had thought her life in London was going well, all it took was one incident to alter her future in a detrimental way. After the man to whom she was engaged broke up with her, things became more distressful when he was later sued by her. Even though two years have passed, people still gossip about what happened and Caroline is tired of not being accepted in society. So she has traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland to live with her brother, where hopefully there will be no more scandals while finding a willing husband.

Unfortunately, the first man who seems interested in Caroline is Jonathan Moray, the owner of two newspapers who is only seeking to interview her. While she had wanted to live a quiet existence in Scotland, it seems her wish is not to be. Before coming to Edinburgh, she had heard about a local resident named Moira Sullivan who is known for her success in matching couples, and thankfully the Londoner is taken on as a client. When a gathering at the woman’s home pairs Jonathan and Caroline, both wonder at the motive. Yet it seems Moira has her reasons.

I really liked Caroline, especially when she could let her personality shine, as she is intelligent and witty. She definitely had great comebacks to some of Jonathan’s remarks. A woman living in this era was frequently at the mercy of men, as a male individual could dictate what path the female must follow. Ever since Caroline went against this rule, her life has been ridiculed and she has been scorned. I truly felt for her and what she suffered, and the author showed plenty of moments where her genuine feelings are portrayed.

When Caroline and Jonathan met, I could sense the sparks between them, and the attraction heightened even more during the times they encountered one another again. I found their conversations to be particularly entertaining, as both are smart and can think quickly. As I learned additional facts about Jonathan and Caroline, I came to realize how important being respected was to them. They try to make sure this is how they are seen, and the author’s carefully thought-out explanations let me know what drove them to feel this way. Julia Kelly makes THE TASTE OF TEMPTATION emotionally rewarding with realistic scenes.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

Miss Caroline Burkett is infamous for suing an ex-finance and winning her case. Unfortunately, by the time, the decision was made, every aspect of Caroline's life had been picked apart and scrutinized. She flees London and heads to Scotland to live with her brother until she can marry. She's looking to marry as soon as possible and hires the services Mrs. Sullivan, a matchmaker in Edinburgh, Scotland. Caroline hopes to never cross paths with another newspaper ever again.

Jonathan Moray owns two successful newspapers--one serious articles and the other, a gossip newspaper. When he finds out Caroline has fled to Edinburgh, he knows that she's the key to selling newspaper. What he doesn't realize is Caroline is unlike anyone he's ever known.

I loved this second book in the Matchmaker of Edinburgh series. Ms. Kelly takes her time in establishing a relationship between Caroline and Jonathan and their attraction toward each other doesn't feel forced. This was a serious subject that I'm sure didn't happen very often during the times, but I felt that Ms. Kelly handled it very well. By the end, I was routing for Caroline and Jonathan to finally admit what they felt for each. Fans of historical romances will definitely enjoy this one.

I love Julia Kelly books and this Edinburgh series is wonderful. I love seeing historical characters with jobs! The journalism/newspaper business was super interesting, as was the background of Caroline's lawsuit. Trevlan was a great at being dull and a villain. Imagining Moray's brawniness trying to shimmy up a drainpipe was hilarious. And who doesn't love a good train station grand gesture!!!

When do we get a Catriona & Eva origin story???

Caroline Burkett is in a big hurry to leave London after her fiancé breaks off their engagement. She leaves for Edinburgh,Scotland to stay with her brother and sister-in-law. Caroline is determined to marry as soon as possible so she hires a famous matchmaker to help her along. Unfortunately, Caroline's infamous notoriety from a London love affair follows her to Scotland. A prominent owner of an Edinburgh gossip column newspaper, Jonathan Moray, meets Caroline at the theatre and tries to get the story for his local tabloid. Caroline is a beautiful woman so Jonathan must “get in line” to try to get close to her. Clearly, this is the best historical romance I’ve read this year. I absolutely loved the story and stayed up till early morning because I couldn’t put it down. Wish that I could give it a rating over 5 stars since this book is one of the best in a long time.

The Taste of Temptation by Julia Kelly will be available February 5, 2018 from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. An egalley of this book was made available from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. I wanted to knock Mr Moray on the head for being so stubborn and not realizing how much Caroline loved him. Im so glad they worked things out. Thanks for letting me review this book.

I received The Taste of Temptation from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the second book in Julia Kelly's Matchmaker of Edinburgh Series. It can be read as a stand alone. I didn't read the first book in the series, but have since picked it up to read.
Caroline Burkett has had her 15 minutes of fame in London that has been everything but kind to her. Defeated, she regroups and heads to her brother in Edinburgh to enlist help from fame matchmaker Moira Sullivan. Jonathan Moray is an ambitious newspaper owner who wants to write Ms. Burkett side of the story. Their first meeting is instant attraction and yet, both continue on their original course of their plans.
Caroline meets Robert Trevlan, an acquaintance of her brother. Though boring, she thinks he is exactly what she needs in a husband. As Mr. Trevlan continues to court Caroline, it becomes more and more apparent they are not a fit at all. He likes to hunt and live in the country, she likes city life and the theater among other differences.
Jonathan, while continuing to pursue Caroline for a story, also begins to develop feelings for her. In his attempt to protect Caroline, Jonathan finds some dirt on Trevlan and relays that to Caroline. Though concern, Caroline feels her options are limited and continues with her plan.
Julia Kelly did a WONDERFUL job of making the reader realize just how limited options for a woman was during the Victorian era. The conversations between Jonathan and Caroline go in depth about dreams and reality, likes and dislikes, passion and apathy. The build up was slow but exploded into steamy passion once Jonathan and Caroline couldn't contain themselves any longer. I also feel in love with the back story of Caroline brother and his wife, Michael and Elsie, and hope that Kelly writes about them.
All in all, this was a wonderful introduction to Julia Kelly's writing for me. I will be happy to pick up more books by her and continue the series. #TheTasteofTemptation #NetGalley

The Taste of Temptation (The Matchmaker of Edinburgh, #2)
by Julia Kelly
Anna Swedenmom's review Jan 08, 2018 · edit
really liked it

A good read. I must admit that at first I would of rated five stars but the pacing in the beginning left me to four. This book was an unexpected treasure in some ways. Not set entirely among the London ton, it travels to Scotland and just keeps getting better. Once the pace started rolling I became caught in the story for it was indeed not the norm. It had so many elements that I was not expecting. I like the heroine and the hero, even though at times my emotions bordered on frustration with both. It is a story that demands you have time to read in peace so you can catch all the small happenings and nuances. A nice edition to the matchmaker series. I will look forward to the next. I was given this book in return for an honest review via NetGalley. Regards, Anna

Loved this book, the h and H are interesting, passionate and perfect for each other. Set in Victorian Scotland, the h has left London, and a broken betrothal, to seek a husband with the assistance of a matchmaker in Edinburgh. The H is the owner of a newspaper and scandal sheet, and looking for a story in the scandalous h. Fortunately, they are perfectly matched, though neither has the sense to recognize it. While she endeavors to get a proposal from an eligible bachelor, he finds himself obsessing over her, and she can’t stop thinking about him. Eventually passion wins, but marriage is not part of the deal. There is a HEA, but takes its time coming.

On the cusp of a new era, Jonathan Moray is a self-made man, one who has built his printing business on other people’s scandal. However, even though he will do whatever it takes to get the news out first, he nevertheless has a deep sense of right and wrong, and adheres to a code of morals. Initially Caroline Burkett, the young woman who took the unprecedented step of suing her fiance for breach of promise, is fair game and Jonathan stakes his future on her story. As he gets to know Caroline through the machinations of Edinburgh matchmaker Moira Sullivan, Jonathan and Caroline find they have more in common than they first thought. I found this book to be very well written, and for an advanced reader copy, it was surprisingly free of grammatical and spelling errors I felt the unfairness of Caroline’s situation, that after having been strung along for years, her fiance ditched her when a rich heiress came on the scene, and that she had surprisingly little support from her family. It would appear that everyone was looking after their own interests rather than protecting her. As the book came to an end, I got really worried that Caroline was going to take the line of least resistance and get married regardless of the cost to her, all the while hoping that Jonathan would get his head screwed on the right way. I enjoyed the characters in this book as well as insights into the advances and state of technology in the Victorian era. Despite Victorian times having a reputation of being emotionally repressed, this book brought out the signs of change taking place in society. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

You know when you read a book and there is a character in that book that you know will make a great hero and you cannot wait to read his story? That was the previous book to this one. Jonathan Moray is a newspaperman, a well-rounded guy, a bastard, and a big man who is a gentleman but not always. Oh, how I love his type. This is the kind of story that is relevant to today’s world of newspaper/tabloid writers. Why are we always so caught up in the private lives of others? I understand Caroline’s hesitancy to be involved with Jonathan and I understand his need as a newspaperman to scoop the story. Like oil and water. But sometimes things do not go as planned. Their disagreements only fuel the fire and it explodes. Fireworks. Fantastic book, fabulous ending!!!

Ms. Kelly,
This is my second book to request from Net Galley to read for review. As I mentioned in my last review of The Look of Love, I do not believe you need to add a token lesbian relationship. As stated before, if I wanted an LGBT book, I would request it. I will not post a public review because I do not wish to influence anyone with my personal feelings about these entries.

My message to your publisher:
This is my second Julia Kelly book. It is disappointing that in both books she has mentioned Eva, the newspaper's editor, and her 'widowed' friend with whom she lives. These 'mentions' do not add to the 'story' or romance. Why are they there? It almost seems like a political statement to include in Ms. Kelly's books. I have made a note not to request her books in the future. Both books have been charming and enjoyable, but it seems as though she is trying to cover her bases by including a 'token' lesbian relationship. It is not needed in my opinion.