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 . . . “Samantha James has done it once again.” - Affaire de Coeur 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 . . . 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 many romances and one novella, her books have ranged from medieval to Regency. A Perfect Groom By James, Samantha Avon Books ISBN: 0060502797 Chapter One London, 1817 The atmosphere at White's was not particularlydifferent from any other evening. A numberof well-dressed gentlemen circled the hazard table.The air was thick with the pungent smell of brandyand cigars. His long frame stretched out in a greenvelvet chair, Justin Sterling idly scanned the day'snewspaper, as if he hadn't a care in the world -- andindeed he did not. His long legs crossed at the ankle,his pose was one of redolent ease. "Upon my soul!" intruded a mocking voice. "Soyou've at last deigned to grace us with your presenceagain!" Justin glanced over the top of the paper, his greeneyes meeting those of his friend Gideon. Gideon eyed the empty chair beside him. "May Isit?" "What, you're asking?" Justin laid aside the newspaper. Gideon was a man known for doingwhat he pleased, when he pleased, and where hepleased -- a man after Justin's own heart, to be sure. "Well," Gideon said, "given the beastly frame ofmind you were in when you departed the country, Ithought I'd better." It was true. Even his sister-in-law Devon hadcommented on his wretched mood before he'd left.Why it was so, Justin didn't know. He didn't lackfor companionship, neither female nor familial. Hehad anything he could possibly want at his disposal.Indeed, what more could a man possiblywant? He didn't know. That was the crux of it. To that end, he'd decided three months earlierthat a change of scenery was in order, so he'd removedhimself to the Continent. To Paris, Rome,Vienna . . . he'd traveled to his heart's content, indulgedhimself to his heart's content. Now he was back. And he was no more content than before. Justin reached for his port. "And greetings toyou, too," he murmured dryly. "Oh, all right, then. I daresay, you are lookingsingularly well." Gideon eyed the perfect fit of snugwool across his shoulders. "Must be your tailor.Weston, I presume?" Justin inclined his head. Weston was the premier -- and most expensive -- tailor in the city. "You presumecorrectly." Nearby came a raucous burst of laughter. "Two thousand pounds to the man who can takeher!" Justin glanced over just as Sir Ashton Bentley executeda wobbly bow. Justin was not surprised;Bentley's predilection for drink somehow alwaysmanaged to surpass his tolerance. "Raise the stakes and make it worthwhile,"boomed another fellow. The voices came from a group of men gatheredjust a few paces away from White's famous bay windowwhere Beau Brummell and his cronies usuallygathered, though they were absent this n