TO TEMPT AN IRISH ROGUE – Kaitlin O'Riley
The Hamilton Sisters , Book 4
A Perfect 10
Zebra Books
ISBN: 978-1-4201-1240-5
November 2012
Historical Romance

London, 1876

Paulette Hamilton, fourth of the five daughters of Mr. Thomas Hamilton and his French wife, grew up above her father's book shop. When their father died, Paulette and the eldest daughter, Collette, took over running the shop. Collette married an earl, now a marquis, who moved the whole family into his home and under his wing. (Juliette and Lisette have also married since, with vivacious young Yvette still unattached with more interest in shopping and flirting than a book store.) Collette and Paulette did such a good job improving the shop that they now have a second, larger one almost ready to open.

Under suspicion of murdering his wife, Declan Reeves, Earl of Cashelmore, left his home in Ireland and came to London, not for his own sake but for his four year-old daughter. Mara saw her mother burn to death and has not spoken a word since that night. The earl's in-laws blame the earl for his wife's death and are making his life miserable with their accusations and desire to take Mara from him. Once settled in a London residence, Declan takes Mara shopping for a book. Paulette is manning the store when the tall, dark, disturbing man enters with a little girl. He introduces himself by name—without his title. Paulette guides them to the children's area and chooses a colorfully illustrated fairy tale for Mara. (Paulette has a knack for choosing just what a reader is looking for.)

At almost one and twenty, Paulette is happy amid her loving family and with her work; she has no thoughts of marriage; she believes it's not for her. Yet she can't help being intrigued by “Mr. Reeves” and his sweet little girl. Even after her brother-in-law mentions a newspaper article about his being the dangerous Earl of Cashelmore, she can't think him a killer, not with the way he dotes on his little girl…though he might be dangerous in another way. As Paulette and Declan get to know each other, Paulette becomes convinced of his innocence, and Declan can't help returning for more books for Mara, in spite of knowing he has nothing to offer any woman. Paulette hesitates to inform her family of her closeness to Declan; they would perhaps be disappointed in her, and for sure they would worry.

The Hamilton Sisters is a wonderful series. The sisters are all so different from one another: Collette's the strong one who stepped in to save the shop and raise her younger sisters—their “ailing” mother pampers herself. Juliette's the adventurous one, Lisette the sweet and caring one, Yvette the social butterfly, and Paulette the practical, businesslike sister. Yet they are all the same in their love for each other.

As the story plays out, it becomes clear someone continues to make trouble for Declan, and for Paulette because of her association with him. This leads to Declan needing to return to Ireland to try to prove his innocence.

Marked by deep and lovingly drawn characterization, TO TEMPT AN IRISH ROGUE also has a smartly crafted plot that would stir concern and caring in any reader. And not just for the two protagonists. Little Mara wormed her way into my heart, as does all the extended family. While there is plenty of suspense and a villain or two, I found the whole experience very heartwarming. So much so that I must award TO TEMPT AN IRISH ROGUE an RRT Perfect 10.
I f you haven't read the earlier books in the series, you're missing some really good reads. Check them out here. www.kaitlinoriley.com/hamilton.html .

Jane Bowers