Customer Reviews

Tempt the Devil

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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**

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

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!

For those of you that are thinking to buy this book because you want to read about London's most notroriously wanton rake - think again. Julian Earl of Erith is no rake! Oh, don't get me wrong, the book tells you that he is, but nothing he does confirms the statements. Instead of coming off as a hardened rake, he comes off as an infatuated untried school boy at the age of 38. The man is a widow and has two grown kids, one of which is engaged to be married, and yet he behaves as if he's never had a woman before. He basically chases, threatens, begs, and stalks the heroine into wanting him. Believe me when I tell you that the heroine didn't even have natural sexual attraction towards him. She despised sex and he had to go through hell just to get her to be stimulated. After all of the disheartening sexual encounters they suffered, I finally realized that I was not enjoying this book at all, and I didn't care anymore if the characters would ever enjoy sex with each other or not. I just wanted to start on another book that I would find pleasure in reading - so I did!!

This story took my breath away and captivated me from the very first. I am a sucker for emotionally tortured heroes and heroines, and this story had those elements, albeit safely tucked away and peeled away ever so carefully with magnificently timed revelations. If you want angst and an emotionally charged read, none of which is gratuitous, this is the book for you. Now, as far as the sex goes, this author knows how to prolong the sexual tension and to heighten the sexual acts to a fevered pitch, every time. You will not be disappointed in this area either, if you like it hot.

You will find some of Lord Erith's and Olivia's behavior disturbing, but it all goes along with their characters. They are flawed human beings, with their own emotional baggage to deal with. When you put too such tortured people together, there is bound to be some really bad mistakes made, some poor, even unconscionable behavior for which to atone. I found this book to be exceptional and totally gratifying. There is not one thing I would change--not one.

[I purposely left out the synopsis as well as a detailed narrative of Lord Erith's and Olivia's characters. Many reviewers have done that for you. I've only set out to tell you how the book affected me and why. The rest, I leave to you, but I will be buying her other books.]

First of all, I don't read a lot of historicals, especially Regency historicals. But this book grabbed me and didn't let go. I read it in one night.

This book hit all my emotional hot buttons; no cheating, more than a little obsession on the part of the hero, more than token resistance on the part of the woman, and a truly great grovel by the man near the end. The way these two dance around each other is very well done. Olivia has a very tragic background, and when Erith "call me Julian" starts to dig under the surface, the story gets riveting. He doesn't give up, he doesn't quit, and I really loved the way she kept running away and he kept finding her. Romantic in the extreme, to me.

The best part is that the tension is real, the differences deep. Olivia has a very good reason for guarding her heart, and much as I wanted the big happy ending, I kind of wanted her to keep running, too. The author showed so well the reason WHY behind her feelings that I got it completely. And so when Julian tries to convince her of his love, he had to convince me, too.

The book ended very abruptly, and I could have used a few more pages after the resolution. But overall it was engrossing and well-written, passionate and heart-breaking. Anna Campbell's best, for sure.

The reviews let me down on this one. I love Claiming The Courtesan and so wanted to like this book. I did not.

Another reviewer used the word "joyless" in describing this book. I could not agree more. The early sex sequences read like scenes from a bad marriage. And Olivia's background. It was just too much. This book was darned depressing. There is no happiness or ligtness here. And certainly nothing to recommend it.

I hate books where the heorine tells the hero she wants to get married, but he rejects her-for whatever reason. Julian seemed like he was not that in to Olivia. He was not willing to even TRY to move mountains for her, even when she told him she needed him to want to.

I did not feel the love between these two and I have no affection for this book. So disappointing.

It's always difficult to review a novel that while entertaining, fell flat and to make matters more frustrating, I can't exactly pinpoint the reason why. The facts are that I enjoyed Anna Campbell's 'Tempt the Devil'. I liked her characters and sympathized with their plight. The writing was lovely and embodied a rich and flowing plot filled to the brim with emotional depth. But despite all the good qualities, my love and connection to the novel and it's characters was dim at best with the occasional flare of interest.

'Tempt the Devil' is very character focused novel with ninety-eight percent of the scenes being dedicated exclusively to the hero and heroine together. There are no outside suspense plots to distract you and no evil villains except the bitter thoughts and horrid pasts of the two main characters. Both the notorious womanizer Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith, and the flaming jewel of a courtesan, Olivia Raines, contain dead wastelands for souls and fortified walls about their hearts that are brutal in their resistance. They're jaded and cynical creatures that live only in the now for the past is too painful for either to revisit yet it's the past that's irrevocably shaped them into who they are in their present.

Erith is an arrogant, supremely dominant and cold hearted man when he sets his sights on the lovely Olivia Raines and vows to possess her. It's this very coldness that Olivia sees and is attracted to for it's obvious that the earl is lacking a soul which compliments her soulless existence all too well. Yet it becomes shockingly clear that she's about to receive more than she bargained for with the Earl of Erith.

For fifteen years, Olivia Raines has been London's most alluring and coveted courtesan. Every lover that she's taken has become embarrassingly enamored by her and when Erith returns from Vienna, he knows instantly that she's what he wants during his brief stay in London for his daughter's wedding. Little does he know that Olivia's cool gaze and self-conscience movements are armor for her wounded soul. While she may have survived the atrocities of her past that led her to the present, she's never lived. The dreams of a young and privileged girl were crushed to oblivion so long ago and so horribly that all she has left - all she clings to - is her courtesan act. But she's tired of the old song and dance. Tired of the male sex which she whole-heartily despises. The Earl of Erith will be her last lover. Her reign as London's most sought after courtesan has come to an end.

While Olivia hides beneath her courtesan mask, Erith's arrogance shields a broken heart. He's a man that's loved passionately and lost. While he married young it was to the love of his life. Joanna was everything to him. But four blissful years and two gorgeous children did nothing to protect Joanna from sudden death leaving Erith's life in ruins. Unable to stand even the sight of his own children, Erith fled England after installing his son and daughter with his sister. For over a decade he stayed away only now returning for his daughter's wedding and more importantly to right the horrible wrong he did when he abandoned his family.

When Erith and Olivia come together it's like the perfect storm. They each battle mercilessly for dominance and control but the more they fight, the more they each crack through the other's defenses. Olivia's unwanted revealing of her bodies non response to Erith drives him mad with challenge. He strips her free of her lies with unrelenting persistence revealing the troubled soul beneath. His rampant jealousy has him following her when she leaves and thus uncovering another faucet of her life, one that she'll do anything to protect. And while all these unveiling's could mean Olivia's downfall, Erith would never tell a soul about his discoveries for his own walls are crumbling.

When Olivia witnesses the vast depth of Erith's capability to love, she knows that she's judged him terribly wrong. While she initially thought him cold and heartless, those traits were merely an illusion and she soon finds herself coveting his love for herself. But it's a rule that's fatal to ones heart if broken: A courtesan must never fall in love.

Erith knows that Olivia returns the passionate love that he has for her and he has every intention of keeping her forever. He never in all his life thought he could love someone again but Olivia has shined brilliant light on all corners of his starving soul. During his determination to make Olivia feel pleasure, to live her life with truth, she inadvertently did the same for him. Where once they were both barren, they're now swept away on a ship of overwhelming but wonderful emotions.

But of course nothing can ever be easy. At the very peak of their happiness, a crushing blow brings them both crashing back to shore. Erith, thinking irrationally, accuses Olivia of a wrong she didn't commit. Hateful words are thrown and for the first time in weeks Olivia has felt like Erith's whore, not his beloved. The truth of their situation comes rearing to the forefront and Olivia's wary heart seizes the opportunity to turn away from her dream, from happiness for that dream of happiness can never be in reality.

Erith, desperate to make amends and reclaim the woman that has brought him to his knees, turns London upside down searching for Olivia. The fact that the gossip mills are churning over his very obvious desperation for his mistress does little to stop him from reaching his goal. Love has made him a fool but it's the very least of his worries. When Erith does find Olivia, she's come to a decision: Marry her or say good-bye forever.

As mentioned above, I did enjoy Anna Campbell's 'Tempt the Devil'. It was a good read but not a great read. I felt the situations were a bit contrived to move the story along and that those contrivances caused Erith to step out of character. While he exhibited anger, raging passion and desperate need throughout the novel, I never thought he would stoop to scathing remarks that are thrown towards the woman he claims to love. Conversely, I thought that Olivia's response was spot on and I fumed with her over Erith's accusations. Her heart had been dead for so long that any new life would be tenuous at best and her reactions were in line with her character. And while I rooted for her in this case, I grew contempt for her after her issued ultimatum.

Campbell makes it very clear that for a member of the peerage to marry his courtesan is to bring upon social suicide for not only him but for his family as well. While she has had previous characters marry with similar situations, none had committed the already selfish atrocities that Erith had to his own children. To marry a courtesan would only shine more light on his selfishness. For Olivia to expect him to miraculously make her dream a possibility was cruel and unjust and Erith points out as much. But she leaves him no choice. He must determine what's more important, her or the children he wronged and that didn't sit well with me.

I will say though that Campbell has a way of bringing rich vitality to her characters making them practically leap off the page. I think my discontent stemmed more from her characters actions rather than their hearts. Their hearts, I loved.

For Olivia Raines, London's most notorious courtesan, and the infamous Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith falling in love will be the greatest risk of all in this wicked and wild romance from Anna Campbell.

Any man in London would worship her. Yet Olivia is, quite frankly, bored of them all. Despite her many dalliances, she's never felt true passion, never longed for any lover's touch . . . until Julian, London's most notoriously wanton rake, decides to make her his mistress.

From the moment he first sees her, Julian knows he must possess her. And when he discovers her greatest secret, a scandal that could ruin her reputation and end her career, he knows just the way to use this damaging information to his most delightful advantage. He offers Olivia a deal with the devil: he'll keep her secret . . . if she allows him the chance to show her true ecstasy.

Tempt the Devil is filled with lush and provocative surroundings that put this reader into a romantic trance. The author's intricate style of blending sensuality and -yes I will say it--love is wildly sensuous cupped in with titillating laughter.

I adore the fact that her characters are wounded and struggling to find their selves in a world that doesn't really accept them. Through their trial and tribulation Ms. Campbell's does an expert job of wielding and building these characters, wrapping themselves in her trademark mastery.

I found my self understanding Olivia's struggle along with feeling her heart ache, growing up and acting a part that she was really never suited for. And to struggle against her own wants and desires had me completely comprehending why she fought so vehemently to stay in control.

On the other spectrum, I can't call Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith, your typical alpha male hero. I mean he is a card-carrying-drop dead gorgeous who oozes power and sensuality. But underneath I felt he had a more understated sympathetic side. I grasped this side of Julian as he began to break down his walls when he let himself be vulnerable with his adult children and let go and finally love--truly love Olivia.

I found "Tempt the Devil" to be an exciting and worth every minute I spent devouring every word as if it was the richest, gooiest warm chocolatie brownie. All I can say is, keep them coming Anna--I can't wait for the next one. No, really I cant.

Happy Reading!

I'm a long-time romance novel reader discovering Anna Campbell. This is a classic "Hooker with a Heart of Gold story." Not the usual setup where a virgin heroine meets older jaded rake and reforms him. The heroine of this story is Olivia Raines; she's 31, a renowned self-possessed beauty w/a steely heart who's been a courtesan her whole life. (Of course she's got a terribly sad sob story about how she ended up a courtesan). The hero is your classic rich arrogant earl but wow, he's not afraid of love. The relationship between these two feels very real, very adult. You never doubt that it's only about sex; and from the very beginning they are so suited to each other. There's not alot of plot in this book besides the development of their relationship; it's completely character driven. So don't expect there to be an antagonist or the usual conspiracy/revenge plot. This book is all lust and love. Definitely recommended if you're in the mood for something sexy, sweet, and a little real. Read it back to back during an airport layover and it was perfect.