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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sensual, heart-wrenching historical romance, December 30, 2008
This review is from: Tempt the Devil (Mass Market Paperback)
The most sought after courtesan in London is looking for a new lover. The Earl of Erith is determined to be that man.
From the moment they meet, Julian and Olivia are drawn together in a way they've never experienced before. Even so, they are both intent on their arrangement being strictly temporary, only lasting the duration of his short visit to London.
They soon learn that even the best laid plans have a way of going astray... Once Julian and Olivia come together, they discover a depth of feeling for each other that is irrepressible, even if unwelcome.
Between Olivia's secrets and Julian's adherence to societal expectations, however, their love may be doomed before it even has a fair chance.
With every new release, Anna Campbell raises the bar a little more. Her latest novel, TEMPT THE DEVIL just might be my favorite yet, although I would be hard pressed to pick one story over all her others. Is this one my favorite simply because it is the most recent I've read or does it really have something a little more than the others?
Whatever the case, I can honestly say I am addicted to Anna Campbell's work. I don't even have to read a synopsis of her stories to know I will be buying them - she's that good.
TEMPT THE DEVIL is another historical romance, and once again Ms. Campbell explores the life of a courtesan in Regency England. She explores the making of a courtesan as she delves into the past of renowned courtesan Olivia Raines and the events that made her the person she is Julian meets her. The woman has endured unimaginable pain, and has managed to persevere through it, even blossoming - at least in the public eye. Julian, however, begins to uncover her truth in just one night...
Julian is far too canny for any woman's peace of mind. As a diplomat, he must be able to read people easily, and when he applies this talent to his lover, the effects are devastating. For someone with the kind of secrets Olivia hides, that can prove quite distressing. But Julian knows just how to break through to the woman beneath the courtesan's glamour and embarks on a methodical seduction that wins readers as surely as it does Olivia.
This book flat-out did it for me. Everything worked - the plot, the emotions, the characters - Julian especially. The man makes a few mistakes along the way, but he more than makes up for them before the story closes.
In her previous books, Anna Campbell became known for doing the unexpected, and this book is no different. Olivia harbors many secrets, but one in particular has the potential to unseat her as the most celebrated courtesan in the city.
TEMPT THE DEVIL is a sensuous whirlwind of emotion set amidst the spectacle of Regency England. Lovers of historical romance will be enticed by the theme, and the story itself will undoubtedly earn Anna Campbell a host of new fans while delighting her old fans.
**Courtesy of Wild on Books**
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Smoldering Tensioned Filled Romance (B+ Grade), December 30, 2008
This review is from: Tempt the Devil (Mass Market Paperback)
I have been a big fan of all of Anna Campbell's books from the controversial Claiming the Courtesan, to Untouched, which had an interesting love story about a widow and her relationship with young man who never experienced physical love with a woman. Now with Tempt the Devil, she has written two characters who are on equal footing, perhaps not in society eyes, but when it comes to the bedroom, both her characters fight over the right to be on top. Julian and Olivia are both alphas who won't back down from what they want. Julian wants Olivia's total submission, where as Olivia just wants respect and the elusive joy that constantly escapes her ever she was forced into the lifestyle she hates because of the way she lost her innocence. Tempt the Devil is about forgiveness, trust and most importantly acceptance. If you are in the mood for a luscious and emotional read, Tempt the Devil is the book for you
Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith, has come back from Vienna to London, England for the marriage of his eighteen year old daughter. Julian has never gotten over the death of his young wife who he loved with such fervor, and because of that he does not have any relationship to speak of with both his daughter and son. Julian is also a man with intense sexual needs, and has the need for a mistress for the few months he will be residing in London. He sets his sights on Olivia Raines, who has quite the reputation of being London's most notorious courtesan.
Olivia uses men for security and the money they bring to her. She allows Erith to be her protector for the moment, because she thinks she will be able to handle him, like all the other men that paid for the honor of bedding her. Erith thinks he will be able to break down her defenses to the point she will be craving his touch. Olivia is quite the skilled actress, especially in bed, and can give Erith what he needs even though she may not respond to his touch the way he expects her to. Olivia lays down some ground rules between them, such as no kissing and having as much freedom as she desires. Erith wants things his way and will not stop till Olivia is a pile of lust around him.
These two play an interesting cat and mouse game both in and out of the bedroom. Soon Erith is beyond obsessed with Olivia and wants not only her body, but her heart also. Olivia will not give into Erith because of her horrible past where another man ruined her for all other men, as well as a respectable life. Erith won't allow Olivia to remain cold around him, and will use everything in his power to make her respond to his touch and the growing love he has for her. Erith thinks he can get Olivia to respond to him, even though her body can't. The poor woman has never enjoyed sex and has emotionally blocked her mind and body from any pleasure she can received from a man. Erith decides he will be the man to break down these walls, and will make her come to the realization that she can let herself go with him.
Anna Campbell sure does write some of the most emotional and angst filled romances, and Tempt the Devil is no exception. The road to happiness between Julian and Olivia is a very long and hard one. Olivia fights tooth and nail against all that Erith is offering her. She is one of the most tortured heroines I have read this year, and at times, the way she and Julian interact with one another makes for some heavy and dark reading.
Julian is a character full of faults, which he realizes quite quickly due to his relationship with Olivia. He wants Olivia to confront her own issues and use him as support so they can have something worth while together. Olivia wants everything from Julian and that means marriage. But, Julian can't give Olivia that even though he longs for her with every sense of his being. The scene where his daughter goes to confront Olivia, and where Julian finds them talking together will make most readers angry because of the way Julian acts. Olivia's reaction is exactly as I would expect from her, and I couldn't help but cheer Olivia because tells Julian to go to hell because she refuses to be degraded. And those who enjoy a good groveling scene, there is a nice one that Anna has written with Julian because of his fear of losing Olivia.
I would have to say that third time is a charm for Anna. Tempt the Devil was a very enjoyable read. The sex was pretty hot and Anna made her hero, Julian suffers very deeply because of Olivia's indifference to him. Perhaps it was a bit evil on my part but I loved how Olivia wouldn't fall for Julian's charms. He was so dumbfounded, and because of that, he had to work for her heart. And when Olivia finally allowed herself to free and open with Julian, it is well worth it.
Katiebabs
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read from Anna Campbell, January 3, 2009
This review is from: Tempt the Devil (Mass Market Paperback)
It was a definite squee moment when the Amazon box arrived with this book. Ever since I devoured Campbell's last book, I've been not-so-patiently waiting for her next, and she does not disappoint. As a fan of Regency Noir, it's a great delight to find a writer that pulls you into her characters like Anna Campbell does.
Tempt the Devil is the story of Olivia, the most sought after courtesan of the ton. Stories of her prowess are known throughout London and the man who wins the role as her lover is one to be envied. However, Olivia is the master in these liaisons, requiring control in all aspects, and with her charms, she has no problem getting what she wants from her lovers. Until she meets Lord Erith.
Lord Erith, Julian, is a powerful earl and notorious rake; his exploits renowned across Vienna and most of Europe. Once he sees Olivia, he knows he must have her, no matter what the cost. He is a dark man, used to getting what he wants, while running from his past. He is surprised by his desire for Olivia, and has little control over himself in her presence. Determined to win her, he discovers one of her shocking secrets, her inability to feel pleasure. He then sets out to show her pleasure, whatever it takes.
Their relationship is purely a battle of wills in the beginning, with both wanting to be in control over the liaison, but the darker secrets come out as the story progresses, and their relationship takes on an entirely new level. The two open up to each other about their unfortunate histories, and begin to feel more than just what the basic relationship between lover and mistress usually entails. Erith is such a dark character that you only begin to see the lighter side of him in slow bits as he coaxes Olivia into trusting him. He fights with himself over dominating Olivia, and wanting her to desire him at the same time. Olivia becomes more than just a courtesan to him, she becomes a confidant as he confesses to things in his past that he is back in London trying to rectify. Olivia begins to trust Erith and admits part of her painful past that she has kept hidden since she was a girl. Her facade of a cool, detached courtesan is nothing like the real person underneath. Olivia is still a frightened little girl, dealing with her fear and throwing up walls around herself that only a select few can breach. Letting Erith in is something she resists at first, but eventually her guard comes down to reveal her vulnerability. But with their own stations in life, can they be anything other than lover and mistress?
I won't go further into the story, as it would reveal the plot and I want you all to read it for yourselves. The characters in this book, down to Erith's daughter, are all flawed and emotional in their own way that brings such reality to the tale. Erith fights to forget his painful past and let go of the guilt that has followed him for years, while Olivia deals with her own demons while wishing for her birthright. Olivia's pain runs so deep that it's hard not to cry along with her. Anna Campbell is the master at creating deep, emotional characters whose stories make you weep with sorrow for them, despite how deplorable they are acting at the time. This story of love above all costs is so beautiful! Tissues are recommended for this one!
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