What do you think?
Rate this book
Tempt the Devil
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, decided to make her his mistress.
From the moment he first saw her, Julian knew 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.
But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his.
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, decided to make her his mistress.
From the moment he first saw her, Julian knew 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.
But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his.
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 30, 2008
38 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Anna Campbell
91 books1,571 followersI've written 53 bestselling historical romances: 11 multi-award winning books for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and more than 40 as an independently published author, These include my popular series The Sons of Sin (6 books), The Dashing Widows (7 books), The Lairds Most Likely (10 books), A Scandal in Mayfair (4 books), and Scoundrels of Mayfair (4 books). My new series, Cinderellas of Mayfair, launched with Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife in 2025.
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
February 16, 2009
I stayed up until 3:30am reading this book on Friday. It was just that good. Certainly not a book that is light and fluffy, but so excellent that you feel as though you have eating a ten course meal instead of a sweet, tasty cupcake. Erith is not what I would call a nice guy. He's selfish and blunt and doesn't work too hard to observe social niceties. He lives for his own desires, and goes where he wants to go, always drifting, and leaving nothing behind that he regrets despite the many mistresses that he's cast aside. He's abandoned his children, out of grief when his wife died, but abandoned all the same for sixteen plus years. He's had more mistresses than he could count, and he doesn't have honorable intentions towards our heroine, Olivia. The interesting thing is that his behavior is consider more socially acceptable than Olivia. It's one of the hypocritical aspects of society that never fails to irritate me. A woman is no good when she is forced to take lovers to support herself. Yet a man can have as many lovers as he wants and no one blinks an eye, as long as he's semi-discreet and doesn't marry a woman who has a past.
I must admit it took me a long time to warm up to Erith. I felt he was a selfish man who didn't really understand what loving was, or he forgot when he lost his wife at a young age. He thought that his desire to give Olivia pleasure and trinkets was a act of generosity to be thanked for. He doesn't understand that his actions could make things even worse for Olivia when he decides he's had his fill of her. On the other hand, I loved Olivia from the beginning. I find it heartbreaking that a woman would have to sell her body for a living. The thought of it just sticks in my craw. But I would never hold that against a woman. Olivia was a strong, capable, likable person. She hated men, and she had a lot of reason to hate men. Yet you never get the impression that she's deliberately cruel or even thoughtless. What was done to her was pretty lousy, and it was done by a person who should have taken care of her and cherished her. And even Erith, who declared his love, had to almost lose her to do the right thing by her. That's why I just about washed my hands of him. But the truth is, we don't really get to choose who we love. We are ordained by fate to love people, more than we want to. That's what happens to Olivia and Erith. He didn't want to fall in love again after his wife died. He just wanted to exhaust his obsession and lust for Olivia, who he hears is the greatest courtesan of all time and who he must have because of her reputation, but he does end up falling for her. And that's not the end of his journey, for this man has to learn that love is about giving up one's self and putting another person's needs first. That's what true love is. It's not just giving when it's easy or when it costs little. Love is giving up things that a person considers most important for the person who is loved.
Dark and compelling, this is a book that isn't a fun read. But it's a wonderful story that will stay on the mind, challenge the reader to explore different kinds of characters whose motivations aren't pure or demure, and don't exist in the pretty ballrooms and sitting rooms of a Jane Austen novel. These characters live on the fringe of that same society, where the light is dimmer, and their choices are drearier. Perhaps Olivia could have been Emma, or Elinore, or Jane, or Lizzy, yet she doesn't get to live in protected circumstances or genteel poverty. Instead she's a woman who received a very poor hand of cards to play, and did the best she could under the circumstances. And Erith is no Darcy or Captain Brandon. But still, I am glad that Ms. Campbell told us their story.
I must admit it took me a long time to warm up to Erith. I felt he was a selfish man who didn't really understand what loving was, or he forgot when he lost his wife at a young age. He thought that his desire to give Olivia pleasure and trinkets was a act of generosity to be thanked for. He doesn't understand that his actions could make things even worse for Olivia when he decides he's had his fill of her. On the other hand, I loved Olivia from the beginning. I find it heartbreaking that a woman would have to sell her body for a living. The thought of it just sticks in my craw. But I would never hold that against a woman. Olivia was a strong, capable, likable person. She hated men, and she had a lot of reason to hate men. Yet you never get the impression that she's deliberately cruel or even thoughtless. What was done to her was pretty lousy, and it was done by a person who should have taken care of her and cherished her. And even Erith, who declared his love, had to almost lose her to do the right thing by her. That's why I just about washed my hands of him. But the truth is, we don't really get to choose who we love. We are ordained by fate to love people, more than we want to. That's what happens to Olivia and Erith. He didn't want to fall in love again after his wife died. He just wanted to exhaust his obsession and lust for Olivia, who he hears is the greatest courtesan of all time and who he must have because of her reputation, but he does end up falling for her. And that's not the end of his journey, for this man has to learn that love is about giving up one's self and putting another person's needs first. That's what true love is. It's not just giving when it's easy or when it costs little. Love is giving up things that a person considers most important for the person who is loved.
Dark and compelling, this is a book that isn't a fun read. But it's a wonderful story that will stay on the mind, challenge the reader to explore different kinds of characters whose motivations aren't pure or demure, and don't exist in the pretty ballrooms and sitting rooms of a Jane Austen novel. These characters live on the fringe of that same society, where the light is dimmer, and their choices are drearier. Perhaps Olivia could have been Emma, or Elinore, or Jane, or Lizzy, yet she doesn't get to live in protected circumstances or genteel poverty. Instead she's a woman who received a very poor hand of cards to play, and did the best she could under the circumstances. And Erith is no Darcy or Captain Brandon. But still, I am glad that Ms. Campbell told us their story.
January 6, 2010
This story has everything I love in a romance novel : a very dark hero, a razor sharp tough as nails heroine, virtually no eye-crossing filler, the screeching emotional roller coaster and all that told within the framework of some brilliant writing. Anna Campbell is a genius with her eerie yet refreshing prose. Suzanne Enoch and Lisa Kleypas can rip your heart to bits with those nasty rakes of theirs but Campbell, she tears away at you slowly until you think you just can’t take it anymore and you’re almost shying away from the novel when the hero does something that just makes you go “isssh”, “aie”, “oo” (squint your eyes and purse your lips) that’s a low blow”.
The story is about Olivia Raines, London’s most infamous courtesan, who chooses her lovers and insits that they follow her rules if they want her to be their mistress otherwise they can just hitch a ride on the high road. Olivia reminded me of Lisa Kleypas’ Lily in Then Came You. She leads her life on her terms garnering as much financial wealth along the way to make her as independent as possible. She’s a smart cookie. She plays the role of the worldly courtesan brilliantly but underneath it all she’s frozen solid. I’m not a fan of the courtesan story but this one is very well-done.
Then there’s Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith(nice to see a more original title name), who is Mr Do It And Do It Now Because I Said So. Oh you don't cross this guy unscathed! What a true sonofabitch he is but when Olivia plays cold fish to his charms he sets out to show her what a “real man” can do for her not one who just kowtows to her every whim and believes her charades. Now Olivia doesn’t really give a crap about Julian and just wants the liaison to be over with and this really, really really bugs ol’ Jules because he realizes that he’s starting to care for her and with time she cares for him.
As the chapters pass by most of the h/h’s time is spent in bed but it doesn’t ever feel like one of those sex for sex let’s skimp on the story kind of books. The story is always changing and the emotional turmoil that the two face heightens as the novel progresses. There’s no frill here so if you’re looking for a pretty Julia Quinn novel you might as well not even bother with this book. Campbell is the anti-Quinn. But like Quinn, Kleypas and Enoch when the h/h do find common ground the love story is believable and more than emotionally fulfilling. Her writing is not a “seen it all before” kind of writing. She has this way of putting words together that makes the darkness of the novel seep right into you so you shudder when the hero is absolutely heinous to the heroine and you wonder how in the world he can be redeemed with her not losing face and surprisingly she never does. She remains the woman who doesn’t settle for second best but is not an uncompromising harpy, while he isn't just a smack him one upside the head kind of rake either. Campbell’s descriptions and writing style are not the everyday kind. She writes with uncommon language and impressive precision in her sentences that is never stale.
As for the ending, it's "interesting", "different". I wasn’t sure if I felt like I wanted more or if it was just another unique aspect of her writing, but when 98% of a novel is actually centred around the h/h without substories and waste-my-time extra characters just to take up page space I can let that go. If you liked Claiming the Courtesan this one is equally good but not as “rough” ---well maybe the Duke of Kylemore is in a bit of a class all by himself too ;-). Campbell is definitely the Anne Stuart of historical romance –now that’s my kind of read :D
The story is about Olivia Raines, London’s most infamous courtesan, who chooses her lovers and insits that they follow her rules if they want her to be their mistress otherwise they can just hitch a ride on the high road. Olivia reminded me of Lisa Kleypas’ Lily in Then Came You. She leads her life on her terms garnering as much financial wealth along the way to make her as independent as possible. She’s a smart cookie. She plays the role of the worldly courtesan brilliantly but underneath it all she’s frozen solid. I’m not a fan of the courtesan story but this one is very well-done.
Then there’s Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith(nice to see a more original title name), who is Mr Do It And Do It Now Because I Said So. Oh you don't cross this guy unscathed! What a true sonofabitch he is but when Olivia plays cold fish to his charms he sets out to show her what a “real man” can do for her not one who just kowtows to her every whim and believes her charades. Now Olivia doesn’t really give a crap about Julian and just wants the liaison to be over with and this really, really really bugs ol’ Jules because he realizes that he’s starting to care for her and with time she cares for him.
As the chapters pass by most of the h/h’s time is spent in bed but it doesn’t ever feel like one of those sex for sex let’s skimp on the story kind of books. The story is always changing and the emotional turmoil that the two face heightens as the novel progresses. There’s no frill here so if you’re looking for a pretty Julia Quinn novel you might as well not even bother with this book. Campbell is the anti-Quinn. But like Quinn, Kleypas and Enoch when the h/h do find common ground the love story is believable and more than emotionally fulfilling. Her writing is not a “seen it all before” kind of writing. She has this way of putting words together that makes the darkness of the novel seep right into you so you shudder when the hero is absolutely heinous to the heroine and you wonder how in the world he can be redeemed with her not losing face and surprisingly she never does. She remains the woman who doesn’t settle for second best but is not an uncompromising harpy, while he isn't just a smack him one upside the head kind of rake either. Campbell’s descriptions and writing style are not the everyday kind. She writes with uncommon language and impressive precision in her sentences that is never stale.
As for the ending, it's "interesting", "different". I wasn’t sure if I felt like I wanted more or if it was just another unique aspect of her writing, but when 98% of a novel is actually centred around the h/h without substories and waste-my-time extra characters just to take up page space I can let that go. If you liked Claiming the Courtesan this one is equally good but not as “rough” ---well maybe the Duke of Kylemore is in a bit of a class all by himself too ;-). Campbell is definitely the Anne Stuart of historical romance –now that’s my kind of read :D
December 24, 2023
Once again, I’m in awe of Anna Campbell’s writing. Her stories are some of the angsty-est I’ve ever had the pleasure to read; her characters brilliantly layered and complex and flawed and interesting. So much so that I just can’t help but be drawn in. To their pain, their pasts, their fears and hopes, their passions and yearnings. Their aching hearts and lonely souls. Woven within and around these fascinating characters are many different threads that together create a gorgeous tapestry of storytelling.
She so wanted to be angry, to hate him. But it was impossible when he sat upon his horse with that wicked gleam in his eyes. He looked like the answer to every desperate prayer she’d whispered through so many wretched, sleepless nights.
I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a character-driven story that will make you feel. Be warned, though, that like Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, this book is not a light, fluffy romance. It’s a raw, intense love story.
“I haven’t proven much of a mistress,” she said huskily.
“We’re not done yet, my love.”
Astonishment poured through her in a great wave. He didn’t seem aware he’d used the endearment.
She berated herself for a sentimental idiot. But nothing stopped her soul from unfurling like a sail in the wind.
“I can’t give you what you want.” She had to make him see he wasted these sweet, poignant caresses.
“Give me what you can.”
She licked dry lips and straightened her shoulders. “That’s nothing.”
“Not true, Olivia. You’ve already given me so much.”
Oh, dear God, how she wished he wouldn’t look at her like that. Every time he did, he pierced her heart with a flaming spear. He pushed her to her limits, forced her to acknowledge her failings, threatened the shell of indifference that held her safe. He was an unmitigated disaster. And she wouldn’t have missed knowing him at any price. If at this moment he fell on his knees and offered her the world in exchange for his departure, she’d deny him. Utterly terrifying. She started to shake and her heart raced like a wild horse set free. “What have I given you?” she asked belligerently.
“Don’t you know you’ve given me back my soul?”
She so wanted to be angry, to hate him. But it was impossible when he sat upon his horse with that wicked gleam in his eyes. He looked like the answer to every desperate prayer she’d whispered through so many wretched, sleepless nights.
I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a character-driven story that will make you feel. Be warned, though, that like Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, this book is not a light, fluffy romance. It’s a raw, intense love story.
“I haven’t proven much of a mistress,” she said huskily.
“We’re not done yet, my love.”
Astonishment poured through her in a great wave. He didn’t seem aware he’d used the endearment.
She berated herself for a sentimental idiot. But nothing stopped her soul from unfurling like a sail in the wind.
“I can’t give you what you want.” She had to make him see he wasted these sweet, poignant caresses.
“Give me what you can.”
She licked dry lips and straightened her shoulders. “That’s nothing.”
“Not true, Olivia. You’ve already given me so much.”
Oh, dear God, how she wished he wouldn’t look at her like that. Every time he did, he pierced her heart with a flaming spear. He pushed her to her limits, forced her to acknowledge her failings, threatened the shell of indifference that held her safe. He was an unmitigated disaster. And she wouldn’t have missed knowing him at any price. If at this moment he fell on his knees and offered her the world in exchange for his departure, she’d deny him. Utterly terrifying. She started to shake and her heart raced like a wild horse set free. “What have I given you?” she asked belligerently.
“Don’t you know you’ve given me back my soul?”
February 9, 2016
I am not sure who I disliked more while reading this book: Julian, Olivia, or myself.
I like Ms Anna Campbell's writing. I like that she is focused in her stories, not so many secondary characters to fill the pages. I think her writing smart and storytelling intense. I appreciate that her stories have a darker edge. Her stories read well. The only thing that I cannot really relate to is how sexual her books usually turn out to be. The characters in her books usually find love through sex. The sentiment that "if w shave great sex we are meant to be." is not something I share. And it is a prominent theme for her.
But like when I read Gaelen Foley's The Duke, which has almost the same plot, I have trouble liking the story and the characters. A young woman (Olivia, 31), raped by an evil man when she was 14, turned courtesan. Naturally she hated her "career", men in general and the sexual act. She met Julian (somewhere close to 40), who became her protector and fell in love with him. Guy was of nobility and couldn't marry her. She was disappointed and left him. He came around with a marriage proposal. The end. (And if you have read The Duke by Gaelen Foley, you should see the similarity)
And of course, lots of sex scenes in this book, here and there, all very hot because if it isn't hot enough they couldn't be together you know. This plot almost never goes down well with me. With combined with a courtesan theme, it almost always means a woman's sexual awakening (because God forbid if women enjoy sex with men they do not love). I mean not that I disagree with any of the assumptions usually made in such books. I am not rooting for sex for the sake of the act, nor am I saying that women or men should have sex to liberate themselves. I mean, sex is sex, a part of life and I see little point of making a fuss about it. When a book makes it a BIG deal, and often in such stories, the main driver for the relationship, I feel very disconnected to the lead characters and their passions.
I don't know where to begin with my problems with Julian and Olivia. I sympathize with both characters and actually like them. I think the characterization of Julian successful, even though a lot of readers seem to think him a jerk. I don't see him in that light at all. He is high-handed, yes, jaded, aristocratic, full of himself, he is all that. But I think Campbell made him a likable hero by making him grieve for his dead wife. He was capable of love, at one point in life. So I could see how he would fall in love again with Olivia. I don't think it was odd for him to say "I love you" earlier (at about 70%).
I also think, that Olivia is a woman that demands respect. It is hard to pity her, because she held herself with pride. You have to respect her for that. And really, what she did does not define her. This was evident in the book.
So I don't have problems with the characters themselves. Their actions, however, raised my eyebrows, especially in the second half.
So Julian realized he loved Olivia and wanted to keep her forever. He asked her to stay with him, as his mistress in Vienna. But all blew up in his face when his 18 year old daughter visited Olivia to separate her father from Olivia's dirty ways. Julian exploded seeing his daughter with Olivia because his precious pure daughter should not be anywhere close to a dirty whore like Olivia. And his language was more vulgar than my description. My eyebrows went to the ceiling when I read that scene. I was warned, granted, but man, that had to hurt. Very unsporting of Julian.
Julian's "transgression" prompted Olivia's ending the relationship by issuing an ultimatum. She would only stay if Julian married her. I do not have problems with her "wish". But I have a problem with the way she asked for it. There, that is the problem. She asked for it.
See here, I honestly do not know how a man of Julian's station could marry Olivia without destroying his children's future, both were unmarried. Julian's station be damned, he was getting Olivia and if that means he would be shunned by society, so be it. But marrying Olivia would almost certainly mean Julian's daughter would never ever make a good match. I mean, writing about courtesans is cool and all, but I really see a practical problem here.
I think Olivia was right to leave. It was the dignified thing to do. But see, this is my reasoning: She made that a choice for Julian. I think that weakened her negotiation position. If you are in the wanting position, beggars cannot be choosers. And why would you be a beggar if you could be the chooser? Choose to go, do not give Julian a choice to marry you or not marry you. If he could not come to that decision himself, he does not deserve you. To issue an ultimatum like Olivia did was to put herself out there for Julian to either accept or reject. "If you marry me I will stay. If you don't I will go." I hate that. There is no other word for it. The only permissible answer is "You do your own thinking in your own time and here is where I must leave you."
I think it's safe to say that I really despise myself make reading yet another courtesan turned duchess/countess story. It almost always spells disaster for me. The courtesan always ends up wanting, waiting for a marriage proposal. She leaves but only after the man says he would not marry her. Ah how undignified!
All in all, my 2 stars rating has a lot to do with my personal preferences, little to do with the book. The book is written well and characters are well defined. It could be a rather emotional read if one responds to such stimuli. This is just not my thing and I shall learn to stay from courtesans and sex-driven stories.
I like Ms Anna Campbell's writing. I like that she is focused in her stories, not so many secondary characters to fill the pages. I think her writing smart and storytelling intense. I appreciate that her stories have a darker edge. Her stories read well. The only thing that I cannot really relate to is how sexual her books usually turn out to be. The characters in her books usually find love through sex. The sentiment that "if w shave great sex we are meant to be." is not something I share. And it is a prominent theme for her.
But like when I read Gaelen Foley's The Duke, which has almost the same plot, I have trouble liking the story and the characters. A young woman (Olivia, 31), raped by an evil man when she was 14, turned courtesan. Naturally she hated her "career", men in general and the sexual act. She met Julian (somewhere close to 40), who became her protector and fell in love with him. Guy was of nobility and couldn't marry her. She was disappointed and left him. He came around with a marriage proposal. The end. (And if you have read The Duke by Gaelen Foley, you should see the similarity)
And of course, lots of sex scenes in this book, here and there, all very hot because if it isn't hot enough they couldn't be together you know. This plot almost never goes down well with me. With combined with a courtesan theme, it almost always means a woman's sexual awakening (because God forbid if women enjoy sex with men they do not love). I mean not that I disagree with any of the assumptions usually made in such books. I am not rooting for sex for the sake of the act, nor am I saying that women or men should have sex to liberate themselves. I mean, sex is sex, a part of life and I see little point of making a fuss about it. When a book makes it a BIG deal, and often in such stories, the main driver for the relationship, I feel very disconnected to the lead characters and their passions.
I don't know where to begin with my problems with Julian and Olivia. I sympathize with both characters and actually like them. I think the characterization of Julian successful, even though a lot of readers seem to think him a jerk. I don't see him in that light at all. He is high-handed, yes, jaded, aristocratic, full of himself, he is all that. But I think Campbell made him a likable hero by making him grieve for his dead wife. He was capable of love, at one point in life. So I could see how he would fall in love again with Olivia. I don't think it was odd for him to say "I love you" earlier (at about 70%).
I also think, that Olivia is a woman that demands respect. It is hard to pity her, because she held herself with pride. You have to respect her for that. And really, what she did does not define her. This was evident in the book.
So I don't have problems with the characters themselves. Their actions, however, raised my eyebrows, especially in the second half.
So Julian realized he loved Olivia and wanted to keep her forever. He asked her to stay with him, as his mistress in Vienna. But all blew up in his face when his 18 year old daughter visited Olivia to separate her father from Olivia's dirty ways. Julian exploded seeing his daughter with Olivia because his precious pure daughter should not be anywhere close to a dirty whore like Olivia. And his language was more vulgar than my description. My eyebrows went to the ceiling when I read that scene. I was warned, granted, but man, that had to hurt. Very unsporting of Julian.
Julian's "transgression" prompted Olivia's ending the relationship by issuing an ultimatum. She would only stay if Julian married her. I do not have problems with her "wish". But I have a problem with the way she asked for it. There, that is the problem. She asked for it.
See here, I honestly do not know how a man of Julian's station could marry Olivia without destroying his children's future, both were unmarried. Julian's station be damned, he was getting Olivia and if that means he would be shunned by society, so be it. But marrying Olivia would almost certainly mean Julian's daughter would never ever make a good match. I mean, writing about courtesans is cool and all, but I really see a practical problem here.
I think Olivia was right to leave. It was the dignified thing to do. But see, this is my reasoning: She made that a choice for Julian. I think that weakened her negotiation position. If you are in the wanting position, beggars cannot be choosers. And why would you be a beggar if you could be the chooser? Choose to go, do not give Julian a choice to marry you or not marry you. If he could not come to that decision himself, he does not deserve you. To issue an ultimatum like Olivia did was to put herself out there for Julian to either accept or reject. "If you marry me I will stay. If you don't I will go." I hate that. There is no other word for it. The only permissible answer is "You do your own thinking in your own time and here is where I must leave you."
I think it's safe to say that I really despise myself make reading yet another courtesan turned duchess/countess story. It almost always spells disaster for me. The courtesan always ends up wanting, waiting for a marriage proposal. She leaves but only after the man says he would not marry her. Ah how undignified!
All in all, my 2 stars rating has a lot to do with my personal preferences, little to do with the book. The book is written well and characters are well defined. It could be a rather emotional read if one responds to such stimuli. This is just not my thing and I shall learn to stay from courtesans and sex-driven stories.
April 5, 2021
3.75 stars
An enjoyable angst filled book with two broken characters learning to open up to trust and love.
Difficult reminder of how easy it was for a woman to “fall from grace” and to stay fallen in those times.
I am glad Olivia and Julian found their way back to each other.
First read of this author and won’t be the last
An enjoyable angst filled book with two broken characters learning to open up to trust and love.
Difficult reminder of how easy it was for a woman to “fall from grace” and to stay fallen in those times.
I am glad Olivia and Julian found their way back to each other.
First read of this author and won’t be the last
March 29, 2009
Tempt the Devil is the sequel to Claiming the Courtesan, but the characters in the latter book play an extremely minor role in this one. They are mentioned once, then they have a small scene near the end. While I feel the books are related they are not--necessarily--a series and do not need to be read in order.
Having said that, I enjoyed how Tempt the Devil started out. Unique plot with a notorious "rake" (Julian and Earl) openly bargaining for the attention and body of Olivia, a well-known and sought after courtesan. Olivia was 31 and men vied for her attention. She created such an air of mystery about herself and had "rules" about her encounters that men fell at her feet in an effort to get her to select them as a "keeper." Of course, they talked about her behind her back and she was not accepted in society. When she got tired of a "keeper," she moved on. But she had secrets. Shameful secrets that led her into the life of a whore. And her mission was not what men thought...
Julian learned her secrets and together they began building a relationship. Sex was always the focal point; although, in the beginning they also talked, but their sexual encounters were all the time and got old.
Halfway through the book, I needed something else to happen. And I got irritated at how the dialogue was continually interrupted with lengthy (sometimes multiple paragraphs) of narration. Enough. It was fine in the beginning, getting the internal thoughts of the characters, etc, but it stayed that way through the entire book and, for me, ruined some of the momentum when some serious dialogue was going on. Sometimes, so much narration went on between a question and an answer, I forgot what the question was. At one point, I began reading the dialogue then went back to read what the author was writing between the lines. Often, some of the narration was recapping previous events or thoughts repeated.
I desperately needed something ELSE to happen in this book. Both characters were very likable, imo. Both had the standard troubled past and regrets to work through. I didn't buy that Julian fell in love with Olivia so fast--was shocked when he said he loved her so early in the book. For me, it conflicted with the way his character was set-up. Thought more time would be devoted to him clearing up his past mistakes and he caved too early in the book. Then the focus remained on Olivia and Julian and sex. Pages and pages of sex scenes...very long sex scenes--again filled with narration.
It was evident the author broke out the thesaurus--regularly. While I think expanding my vocabulary is a good thing, jerking me out of the story to ponder the meaning of words may not be so good on the flow of reading a novel for entertainment, imho.
A time-frame in the ending came late into the conversation and was buried in narration. I thought, come on, tell me how much time elapsed. Finally, that was provided.
What got my attention to read this book was the cover...:-)
Having said that, I enjoyed how Tempt the Devil started out. Unique plot with a notorious "rake" (Julian and Earl) openly bargaining for the attention and body of Olivia, a well-known and sought after courtesan. Olivia was 31 and men vied for her attention. She created such an air of mystery about herself and had "rules" about her encounters that men fell at her feet in an effort to get her to select them as a "keeper." Of course, they talked about her behind her back and she was not accepted in society. When she got tired of a "keeper," she moved on. But she had secrets. Shameful secrets that led her into the life of a whore. And her mission was not what men thought...
Julian learned her secrets and together they began building a relationship. Sex was always the focal point; although, in the beginning they also talked, but their sexual encounters were all the time and got old.
Halfway through the book, I needed something else to happen. And I got irritated at how the dialogue was continually interrupted with lengthy (sometimes multiple paragraphs) of narration. Enough. It was fine in the beginning, getting the internal thoughts of the characters, etc, but it stayed that way through the entire book and, for me, ruined some of the momentum when some serious dialogue was going on. Sometimes, so much narration went on between a question and an answer, I forgot what the question was. At one point, I began reading the dialogue then went back to read what the author was writing between the lines. Often, some of the narration was recapping previous events or thoughts repeated.
I desperately needed something ELSE to happen in this book. Both characters were very likable, imo. Both had the standard troubled past and regrets to work through. I didn't buy that Julian fell in love with Olivia so fast--was shocked when he said he loved her so early in the book. For me, it conflicted with the way his character was set-up. Thought more time would be devoted to him clearing up his past mistakes and he caved too early in the book. Then the focus remained on Olivia and Julian and sex. Pages and pages of sex scenes...very long sex scenes--again filled with narration.
It was evident the author broke out the thesaurus--regularly. While I think expanding my vocabulary is a good thing, jerking me out of the story to ponder the meaning of words may not be so good on the flow of reading a novel for entertainment, imho.
A time-frame in the ending came late into the conversation and was buried in narration. I thought, come on, tell me how much time elapsed. Finally, that was provided.
What got my attention to read this book was the cover...:-)
February 13, 2016
The scene where he walks in to see his mistress and daughter together....and the way Olivia's heartbreak was potrayed made the rest of the book almost worth it....but I found the rest of the book too dry.
March 10, 2019
If you like courtesan heroines, read Tempt the Devil. Olivia is a fun character with a great back story. Julian, while a thrilling hero, did not have as compelling a back story for why he chose to do the things he did after the untimely death of his wife. Campbell’s knack for writing dialogue continues to shine with heated exchanges and witty banter.
My favourite scene must be the excellent encounter between Roma and Olivia. Not only does Roma change her opinion of Olivia towards the end, but we see how much Julian Pretty Womans Olivia. Julian loves Olivia but not enough, at first glance, for the fairy tale.
But that ending. Oh boy.
My favourite scene must be the excellent encounter between Roma and Olivia. Not only does Roma change her opinion of Olivia towards the end, but we see how much Julian Pretty Womans Olivia. Julian loves Olivia but not enough, at first glance, for the fairy tale.
But that ending. Oh boy.
January 3, 2016
Control is Olivia Raines' favorite word and, as it happens, it's also to be the Earl of Erith, Julian Southwood's favorite. So as you can imagine the power struggle in this book is smoking hot and the stakes continue to escalate with every passing encounter.
I enjoyed this book immensely, but I have a complaint about the ending being a little too convenient. It's weird that I don't feel the same way about the way Claiming the Courtesan, but it could have been done differently.
I enjoyed this book immensely, but I have a complaint about the ending being a little too convenient. It's weird that I don't feel the same way about the way Claiming the Courtesan, but it could have been done differently.
February 11, 2012
It's been a long time since I've read an Anna Campbell book and I have my friend Kelly to thank for recommending this one! I loved it! It had the perfect blend of steam and emotion, without being heart-wrenching or smutty! ;)
My only complaint... the ending!!! Was my copy missing a chapter or did everyone else's copy just end suddenly? I wish it had a more solid ending, rather than ending on the assumption that she said "yes"!
My only complaint... the ending!!! Was my copy missing a chapter or did everyone else's copy just end suddenly? I wish it had a more solid ending, rather than ending on the assumption that she said "yes"!
May 19, 2014
What a deep, moving story! Time to finish my Anna Campbell marathon...
June 7, 2009
With Tempt the Devil, Campbell 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.
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.
March 7, 2024
By the premise of this book I'm not sure any reader would know straight away whether they'd like the characters or not. This is nothing to do with the writing but that they are set up to confound us and in this probably themselves as well.
I loved it. I loved Olivia and Julian. It was not easy but it was wonderful.
Olivia is a well known courtesan, and Julian something of a well known womaniser. People that are not necessarily immediately likeable but those that always have stories. They may even be the most fascinating kind with histories that can also horrify.
Olivia agrees to take Julian on as a client much against her instincts. She has no time for men, men have hurt her very badly. Julian is attracted and intrigued, but even he has past hurts. Both are about to go on a journey where they could actually end up meaning everything to one another.
A love story that is both heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time.
Recommended and up there with Untouched (2007). Please note trigger warnings for sexual abuse.
I loved it. I loved Olivia and Julian. It was not easy but it was wonderful.
Olivia is a well known courtesan, and Julian something of a well known womaniser. People that are not necessarily immediately likeable but those that always have stories. They may even be the most fascinating kind with histories that can also horrify.
Olivia agrees to take Julian on as a client much against her instincts. She has no time for men, men have hurt her very badly. Julian is attracted and intrigued, but even he has past hurts. Both are about to go on a journey where they could actually end up meaning everything to one another.
A love story that is both heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time.
Recommended and up there with Untouched (2007). Please note trigger warnings for sexual abuse.
July 14, 2022
Ich durfte bereits ein Rezensionsexemplar lesen!
Olivia ist die bekannteste Mätresse Londons und stolz darauf, dass sie noch nie einem ihrer Kunden verfallen ist!
Doch dann trifft sie auf Julian, Earl of Erith und sie und Julian kommen sich auf allen Gebieten näher. Julian ist Witwer und muss noch die Verantwortung für seine Kinder übernehmen.
Er muss daher auf seinen Ruf achten.
Er verliebt sich Hals über Kopf in Olivia und ihm ist es egal, dass sie als Mätresse arbeitet.
Olivia wurde vor einigen Jahren dazu gezwungen, auf diese Weise ihr Geld zu verdienen, eigentlich ist sie ebenfalls adelig.
Olivia wird sogar seinen Kindern vorgestellt, die sie auch sympatisch finden!
Doch es gibt ein Problem:Olivia hat sich verliebt und kommt nicht damit klar, bloß seine Mätresse zu sein.Kann er sie doch überzeugen,mit ihm zu gehen, ohne zu heiraten?
Oder wird er selbst noch merken, wie tief seine Gefühle zu ihr wirklich sind?
Ein sehr gelungener erotischer historischer Liebesroman, fast wie Pretty Woman, nur zeitlich versetzt!Meine absolute Leseempfehlung!
Olivia ist die bekannteste Mätresse Londons und stolz darauf, dass sie noch nie einem ihrer Kunden verfallen ist!
Doch dann trifft sie auf Julian, Earl of Erith und sie und Julian kommen sich auf allen Gebieten näher. Julian ist Witwer und muss noch die Verantwortung für seine Kinder übernehmen.
Er muss daher auf seinen Ruf achten.
Er verliebt sich Hals über Kopf in Olivia und ihm ist es egal, dass sie als Mätresse arbeitet.
Olivia wurde vor einigen Jahren dazu gezwungen, auf diese Weise ihr Geld zu verdienen, eigentlich ist sie ebenfalls adelig.
Olivia wird sogar seinen Kindern vorgestellt, die sie auch sympatisch finden!
Doch es gibt ein Problem:Olivia hat sich verliebt und kommt nicht damit klar, bloß seine Mätresse zu sein.Kann er sie doch überzeugen,mit ihm zu gehen, ohne zu heiraten?
Oder wird er selbst noch merken, wie tief seine Gefühle zu ihr wirklich sind?
Ein sehr gelungener erotischer historischer Liebesroman, fast wie Pretty Woman, nur zeitlich versetzt!Meine absolute Leseempfehlung!
December 14, 2023
Wie Claiming the Courtesan van deze schrijfster heeft gelezen en een update wil over de 2 hoofdpersonen van dat boek zal ook dit boek willen lezen .
Ook in dit verhaal is de vrouwelijke hoofdpersoon ( Olivia ) een courtisane en hoe dat zo gekomen is is een afgrijselijk verhaal wat dit boek nogal duister maakt .
De graaf van Erith , Julian , is als diplomaat in het buitenland geweest en valt bij de 1e ontmoeting hals over kop in lust voor haar , ja dat klinkt vreemd maar seksuele aantrekkingskracht is voor mij nog geen liefde .
Omdat het in dit "verhaal" om 2 volwassen personen gaat die beide al seksueel actief waren heeft de schrijfster dat gebruikt om naar mijn schatting 75% van het "verhaal" over de daad of gedachten daarover te laten gaan .
Ook in dit verhaal is de vrouwelijke hoofdpersoon ( Olivia ) een courtisane en hoe dat zo gekomen is is een afgrijselijk verhaal wat dit boek nogal duister maakt .
De graaf van Erith , Julian , is als diplomaat in het buitenland geweest en valt bij de 1e ontmoeting hals over kop in lust voor haar , ja dat klinkt vreemd maar seksuele aantrekkingskracht is voor mij nog geen liefde .
Omdat het in dit "verhaal" om 2 volwassen personen gaat die beide al seksueel actief waren heeft de schrijfster dat gebruikt om naar mijn schatting 75% van het "verhaal" over de daad of gedachten daarover te laten gaan .
did-not-finish
January 11, 2025DNF at 50%. I do appreciate the wonderful character development and rich prose. Maybe it’s just me but I was bored. Nothing was happening and I kept putting this down.
May 16, 2016
3.5
The plot was quite good, though the ending was somewhat rushed. We didn't know how Julian changed his mind, the process of it and all. Just all of a sudden, he appeared in front of Olivia and proposed her. I was pretty disappointed.
Furthermore, Julian said that he loved her and her past was irrelevant. But when he found Roma (his daughter) was in Olivia's house, he was enraged and blamed Olivia for getting Roma in her "dirty" house. He said a lot of hurtful things to her, reminded her that she was a dirty courtesan and she was unsuitable to socialize with Roma. What kind of love was that? I know that he was afraid of Roma's reputation, but that didn't justify him.
And he had that arrogant thinking that everything would be solved with sex because he was oh-so-good in sex. He then realized his wrong-doing and asked Olivia to come with him to Vienna as his mistress! How dare he! Fortunately, Olivia still had bits of brain here, so she didn't want to. She wanted him to cherish her as marrying her. He didn't want to, and in the end, he did sex as his last resort. When he was done, he asked arrogantly if she would come to Vienna as his mistress and she said no (GOOD JOB!!). He was enraged (WTH?), saying he was sick of pleading and she could go to him when she changed her mind and left in anger. The good thing was, she didn't seek for him.
I was really disappointed with his personality. In the beginning he was a pretty promising character, with her dark past and all. But why did he turned out to be like that? Sometimes, I wish Olivia would just dumped him and got herself a better man than him.
The plot was quite good, though the ending was somewhat rushed. We didn't know how Julian changed his mind, the process of it and all. Just all of a sudden, he appeared in front of Olivia and proposed her. I was pretty disappointed.
Furthermore, Julian said that he loved her and her past was irrelevant. But when he found Roma (his daughter) was in Olivia's house, he was enraged and blamed Olivia for getting Roma in her "dirty" house. He said a lot of hurtful things to her, reminded her that she was a dirty courtesan and she was unsuitable to socialize with Roma. What kind of love was that? I know that he was afraid of Roma's reputation, but that didn't justify him.
And he had that arrogant thinking that everything would be solved with sex because he was oh-so-good in sex. He then realized his wrong-doing and asked Olivia to come with him to Vienna as his mistress! How dare he! Fortunately, Olivia still had bits of brain here, so she didn't want to. She wanted him to cherish her as marrying her. He didn't want to, and in the end, he did sex as his last resort. When he was done, he asked arrogantly if she would come to Vienna as his mistress and she said no (GOOD JOB!!). He was enraged (WTH?), saying he was sick of pleading and she could go to him when she changed her mind and left in anger. The good thing was, she didn't seek for him.
I was really disappointed with his personality. In the beginning he was a pretty promising character, with her dark past and all. But why did he turned out to be like that? Sometimes, I wish Olivia would just dumped him and got herself a better man than him.
October 13, 2018
Just okay. Julian wouldn't marry Olivia without his adult children's approval. His choice to place Olivia second to his children seemed hypocritical and disappointing. It was hypocritical because Julian had never cared to establish a prior relationship with them, so why were their feelings suddenly so important?! And disappointing because but I wanted Julian to want Olivia no matter what. To hell with anyone's approval! Conditional love doesn't equal romantic to me.
This is the third romance I've read by this author, but I won't be reading anymore. The writing style just isn't for me nor are the stories particularly romantic.
This is the third romance I've read by this author, but I won't be reading anymore. The writing style just isn't for me nor are the stories particularly romantic.
January 10, 2009
Definitely one of those books you want to give more than five stars.
Very romantic, deeply evocative and of course, as always, beautifully written in Anna's unmistakable, elegant, deeply emotional, raw prose.
Julian is do die for. Even when he's being a jerk his love is palpable. Definitely a knight in shining armor, and willing to bare his heart no matter the vulnerability it shows in him. Olivia is a beautifully written character.
Very romantic, deeply evocative and of course, as always, beautifully written in Anna's unmistakable, elegant, deeply emotional, raw prose.
Julian is do die for. Even when he's being a jerk his love is palpable. Definitely a knight in shining armor, and willing to bare his heart no matter the vulnerability it shows in him. Olivia is a beautifully written character.
January 28, 2014
Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith is back in London after some time in Europe. He’s here only briefly to attend a family event and hopefully right some wrongs that he committed many years ago. While he’s here he’s looking for a little bit of entertainment. He’s finished up with his mistress in Europe and when he sees Olivia Raines, he demands an introduction.
Olivia is one of London’s most notorious courtesans and Erith wants to secure her services whilst he’s in Town. He makes her an offer which she accepts and almost immediately he has her installed in a residence with staff, clothes and a carriage at her disposal. He expects her loyalty and that she will be available when he requests it.
In their first encounter together, Erith comes to realise that the mystique of Olivia Raines is all a very elaborate sham. She doesn’t enjoy her job – in fact she loathes it and almost the entire male sex. Her innocence taken when she was still just a child, Olivia has never felt the desire to really be with a man and she goes through the motions for money, using aids so that they never suspect that she’s not enjoying it one single bit. Erith however, is not as gullible as some of her previous lovers and he insists that nothing will be used to fake her desire. He wants her to desire him for real.
He offers her a deal in that he’ll keep her secret and not report her to all of London as a sham if she allows him to show her how it really should be. Olivia can’t resist the added clause of ‘winner take all’ giving her a chance to bring London’s most notorious rake to his knees as yet another of her conquests, protecting her reputation. She has the advantage in that she knows he wants her badly and she can give him what he cannot give her…at least not yet anyway. But Erith is a patient man, in this at least. And soon both of them are playing for much higher stakes than they ever thought possible.
Tempt The Devil is the second of the 3-in-1 bundle I bought for my kindle, the first being Claiming The Courtesan. It’s another story that explores the dilemma of a wealthy, titled man of society coming to feel more for a courtesan than he strictly should. The Earl of Erith was married very young, a successful love match but he lost his wife in a tragic accident. Since then he’s been quite often abroad working in Europe and has the reputation of being a very notorious rake. Many have tried to tame him but no one has ever succeeded. Back in London for a few months, Erith immediately sets about claiming Olivia Raines as his next mistress. It takes him no time at all to find out her secret but rather than ruin her, which he has no interest in doing, he uses it as a bargaining chip to get her to stay with him.
Olivia has secrets to protect and a living to earn and she has for years, successfully portrayed herself as a gifted and enthusiastic courtesan. No one who had been with her until Erith even suspected that it was all an elaborate façade. Olivia is certain that she will never respond genuinely to a man, not after what she has been through. Erith believes he is up to the challenge of getting her to experience true desire and the two engage in a battle of wills.
This book is interesting for a romance because I think it’s one of the first I’ve read where one of the parties is actually not physically interested in the other. Olivia is traumatised by her past and although she manages to hide it in order to make her living, she genuinely does not feel a sexual desire, including with Erith at first. He patiently and persistently (but not forcefully) gets to know her and gently eases her into it, getting her past her fear and although she doesn’t exactly forget/overcome her issues of her past, he slowly begins to make progress with her. Erith is really quite a well drawn character – he’s seen as one way by society and perhaps he’s done a lot to be seen that way but he’s coming to realise the mistakes he made, the wrongs he has done those who should be closest to him. Whereas many men in Erith’s position would’ve just renounced the agreement and possibly told the world about her deception, Erith is actually quite invested in keeping Olivia with him. He believes that he can change her attitude towards sexual acts and he uses the wager to bait her just a little. They have quite a fun chemistry at times and the emotional scenes between them are just as enjoyable to read. Both of them become quite invested in the other although they also seem to know that given their positions, they can only go so far.
I felt that Olivia standing up for what she wanted at the end was brave. It was rather fitting that Erith helped her in a way, to regain her self-worth and what she deserved and that he should after that, be the one to give it to her. She wasn’t going to settle for second best. It was fun to see a little cameo by Justin, the Duke of Kylemore and Soraya/Verity from Claiming The Courtesan at the end as well and get a little tiny look into their lives after scandalising society by marrying.
Once again Anna Campbell has delivered a very different and enjoyable historical romance that really gets past the dresses and societal events and into the crux of its characters. I really like the pairing of rakes and courtesans together, it’s a nice change from rakes and virgins although each of these stories has a twist that really makes it not what it seems. Looking forward to the third one.
Olivia is one of London’s most notorious courtesans and Erith wants to secure her services whilst he’s in Town. He makes her an offer which she accepts and almost immediately he has her installed in a residence with staff, clothes and a carriage at her disposal. He expects her loyalty and that she will be available when he requests it.
In their first encounter together, Erith comes to realise that the mystique of Olivia Raines is all a very elaborate sham. She doesn’t enjoy her job – in fact she loathes it and almost the entire male sex. Her innocence taken when she was still just a child, Olivia has never felt the desire to really be with a man and she goes through the motions for money, using aids so that they never suspect that she’s not enjoying it one single bit. Erith however, is not as gullible as some of her previous lovers and he insists that nothing will be used to fake her desire. He wants her to desire him for real.
He offers her a deal in that he’ll keep her secret and not report her to all of London as a sham if she allows him to show her how it really should be. Olivia can’t resist the added clause of ‘winner take all’ giving her a chance to bring London’s most notorious rake to his knees as yet another of her conquests, protecting her reputation. She has the advantage in that she knows he wants her badly and she can give him what he cannot give her…at least not yet anyway. But Erith is a patient man, in this at least. And soon both of them are playing for much higher stakes than they ever thought possible.
Tempt The Devil is the second of the 3-in-1 bundle I bought for my kindle, the first being Claiming The Courtesan. It’s another story that explores the dilemma of a wealthy, titled man of society coming to feel more for a courtesan than he strictly should. The Earl of Erith was married very young, a successful love match but he lost his wife in a tragic accident. Since then he’s been quite often abroad working in Europe and has the reputation of being a very notorious rake. Many have tried to tame him but no one has ever succeeded. Back in London for a few months, Erith immediately sets about claiming Olivia Raines as his next mistress. It takes him no time at all to find out her secret but rather than ruin her, which he has no interest in doing, he uses it as a bargaining chip to get her to stay with him.
Olivia has secrets to protect and a living to earn and she has for years, successfully portrayed herself as a gifted and enthusiastic courtesan. No one who had been with her until Erith even suspected that it was all an elaborate façade. Olivia is certain that she will never respond genuinely to a man, not after what she has been through. Erith believes he is up to the challenge of getting her to experience true desire and the two engage in a battle of wills.
This book is interesting for a romance because I think it’s one of the first I’ve read where one of the parties is actually not physically interested in the other. Olivia is traumatised by her past and although she manages to hide it in order to make her living, she genuinely does not feel a sexual desire, including with Erith at first. He patiently and persistently (but not forcefully) gets to know her and gently eases her into it, getting her past her fear and although she doesn’t exactly forget/overcome her issues of her past, he slowly begins to make progress with her. Erith is really quite a well drawn character – he’s seen as one way by society and perhaps he’s done a lot to be seen that way but he’s coming to realise the mistakes he made, the wrongs he has done those who should be closest to him. Whereas many men in Erith’s position would’ve just renounced the agreement and possibly told the world about her deception, Erith is actually quite invested in keeping Olivia with him. He believes that he can change her attitude towards sexual acts and he uses the wager to bait her just a little. They have quite a fun chemistry at times and the emotional scenes between them are just as enjoyable to read. Both of them become quite invested in the other although they also seem to know that given their positions, they can only go so far.
I felt that Olivia standing up for what she wanted at the end was brave. It was rather fitting that Erith helped her in a way, to regain her self-worth and what she deserved and that he should after that, be the one to give it to her. She wasn’t going to settle for second best. It was fun to see a little cameo by Justin, the Duke of Kylemore and Soraya/Verity from Claiming The Courtesan at the end as well and get a little tiny look into their lives after scandalising society by marrying.
Once again Anna Campbell has delivered a very different and enjoyable historical romance that really gets past the dresses and societal events and into the crux of its characters. I really like the pairing of rakes and courtesans together, it’s a nice change from rakes and virgins although each of these stories has a twist that really makes it not what it seems. Looking forward to the third one.
January 10, 2021
çok sıkıcıydı
hadi bunu geçtim, çok hissizdi
hadi bunu geçtim, çok hissizdi
Read
June 8, 2022DNF at 100 pages. I know what I like and unfortunately this isn’t it.
November 10, 2015
First Olivia was in control, then Erith (Julian). Then Julian falls in love and Olivia is in control. Then Olivia falls in love and they are in balance. Then Julian puts his very large foot in his mouth and the equilibrium is gone.
Olivia is a courtesan and Julian is Earl of Erith. He wants to be in possession of The Most Elite of Courtesans. He accepts nothing but the best for himself. But Olivia is elite for a reason and she challenges him like no other and keeps him jockeying for control of his ego and his libido.
But this isn't a story so much of a power struggle, that would be tedious. It is a story of two passionate people who have experienced emotional trauma so intense it is stifling. It is a story of how they gently lead each other out of the darkness of the past and finally learn to trust. Then Julian upsets the balance and the story is about the forgiveness that is essential if one claims to love another.
Though I wouldn't label this noir, it is not easy going. There are many sensual interludes as Julian teaches Olivia about true pleasure. The tempo is slow, the ending good but not great.
Olivia is a courtesan and Julian is Earl of Erith. He wants to be in possession of The Most Elite of Courtesans. He accepts nothing but the best for himself. But Olivia is elite for a reason and she challenges him like no other and keeps him jockeying for control of his ego and his libido.
But this isn't a story so much of a power struggle, that would be tedious. It is a story of two passionate people who have experienced emotional trauma so intense it is stifling. It is a story of how they gently lead each other out of the darkness of the past and finally learn to trust. Then Julian upsets the balance and the story is about the forgiveness that is essential if one claims to love another.
Though I wouldn't label this noir, it is not easy going. There are many sensual interludes as Julian teaches Olivia about true pleasure. The tempo is slow, the ending good but not great.
March 24, 2014
An interesting twist from the norm. Olivia is the most sought after courtesan in London but no one knows of the dark secrets that she holds. Having been sold to a Lord by her bother to cover gambling debts she was sexually abused for several years until she was able to reinvent herself as a courtesan. Though for all the pleasure that she gives one would never suspect that she neither finds pleasure nor likes the men whom she takes as protectors. And no one ever would have if she hadn't taken Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith, as her latest lover. Julian has been on the Continent ever since his wife died, 16 years later he returns for his daughters wedding and sets his sights on Olivia. Having his own demons Julian struggles to break through Olivia's facade only to find his own walls coming down as well.
So, it keeps you interested from the get go though as you can imagine it gets emotional. I loved watching as Olivia came back into herself, and started to live again. And while there were a lot of other ways that the ending could have been written I enjoyed how everything wrapped up. 3.5 stars.
So, it keeps you interested from the get go though as you can imagine it gets emotional. I loved watching as Olivia came back into herself, and started to live again. And while there were a lot of other ways that the ending could have been written I enjoyed how everything wrapped up. 3.5 stars.
March 2, 2009
Romantic Times said 'takes your breath away ... an unforgettable powerhouse romance'. That is an understatement! I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read it again. Although I feel I must warn you, I recommend reading this book in a very cold room with the air conditioner turned to the coldest setting because it is steamy hot!
Anna Campbell has an amazing ability to write a story that gets to the heart of women's sensuality. What impressed me most about this story was not only was it very hot and steamy, it was a story that involved two peoples journey through abuse and grief and the way in which these emotional events affected their everyday living.
This was my first Courtesan novel and it is quite different from the typical Virgin heroine. Firstly the intimacy/sexual activity begins much earlier in the novel and I wouldn't say it built the sexual tension as much as the sensuality/eroticism. This book is a page turner from start to finish, I loved it and would recommend it to all woman.
Anna Campbell has an amazing ability to write a story that gets to the heart of women's sensuality. What impressed me most about this story was not only was it very hot and steamy, it was a story that involved two peoples journey through abuse and grief and the way in which these emotional events affected their everyday living.
This was my first Courtesan novel and it is quite different from the typical Virgin heroine. Firstly the intimacy/sexual activity begins much earlier in the novel and I wouldn't say it built the sexual tension as much as the sensuality/eroticism. This book is a page turner from start to finish, I loved it and would recommend it to all woman.
February 6, 2010
HATE the cover LOVE the book.
I was surprised to love this book. My first experience with Campbell(Untouched) didn't wow me a bit but boy did this make up for it.
Julian and Olivia both feel they have no souls, that they will suit for a tryst. Julian wants for pleasure and Courtesan Olivia agrees to become his mistress. Julian is trying to overcome the death of his wife and reconnect with his children. At a very young age Olivia experiences a dreadful event that changes her life.
A plus for me were the secondary characters I loved them and loved that they never overshadowed the main h/h. Lots of times I feel authors will give them so much page time and forget all about the hero and heroine. That did not happen at all.
Tempt the Devil is mostly intimate conversations and physical pleasure between Julian and Olivia. I couldn't help but feel a connection to them. They have big time chemistry in and out of the bed.
I was up until 4:00am. reading and didn't want it to end!
I was surprised to love this book. My first experience with Campbell(Untouched) didn't wow me a bit but boy did this make up for it.
Julian and Olivia both feel they have no souls, that they will suit for a tryst. Julian wants for pleasure and Courtesan Olivia agrees to become his mistress. Julian is trying to overcome the death of his wife and reconnect with his children. At a very young age Olivia experiences a dreadful event that changes her life.
A plus for me were the secondary characters I loved them and loved that they never overshadowed the main h/h. Lots of times I feel authors will give them so much page time and forget all about the hero and heroine. That did not happen at all.
Tempt the Devil is mostly intimate conversations and physical pleasure between Julian and Olivia. I couldn't help but feel a connection to them. They have big time chemistry in and out of the bed.
I was up until 4:00am. reading and didn't want it to end!
January 8, 2011
Anna Campbell's writing is growing on me. Where I found her first novel "The Claiming of the Courtesan" somewhat distasteful due to rape scenes, "Tempt the Devil" was very refreshing. Julian was the kind of hero I appreciate in that he wasn't completely dominating and he was willing to humble himself completely for his love. I liked that in this book, the courtesan was a courtesan. She hadn't had only 2 or 3 lovers. She wasn't a shy miss when it came to pleasing men sexually, and she wasn't ashamed of what she was. I've read many novels where the heroine is touted as a courtesan or a "whore" when in reality, they're less experienced than many ladies of their time. So Olivia's unapologetic nature was very refreshing to me.
I read this book in one night because I just couldn't put it down. Definitely a re-read!
I read this book in one night because I just couldn't put it down. Definitely a re-read!
August 29, 2016
When Julian Southwood, the Earl of Erith first sees Olivia Raines he knows that he wants her as his mistress. When Erith finally achieves his goal there are more surprises to Olivia than first meets the eye. As wages are made, both of them might lose more than they bargained for.
I liked the predicament brought up in the story and Olivia's clear and strong attitude towards men. She had a intelligence that was actually appreciated and knew how to use her charms to achieve the level of freedom she could. Erith was surprisingly kind though, I did not exactly like him. He was not my type of hero. Overall, the story kept my interest but not so much that I will be reading it over.
I liked the predicament brought up in the story and Olivia's clear and strong attitude towards men. She had a intelligence that was actually appreciated and knew how to use her charms to achieve the level of freedom she could. Erith was surprisingly kind though, I did not exactly like him. He was not my type of hero. Overall, the story kept my interest but not so much that I will be reading it over.
August 14, 2014
Very interesting book. Deeply emotional. The lead characters were interacting (and having sex) in about 90% of the book (very unusual). I really liked it, but the ending seemed a little abrupt.
9/16 update -- Just reread it. Can sex be the focal point for mending previous hurts and losses? This book says emphatically YES. The characters use a sexual relationship to build an emotional relationship and it works. I still think it ended too suddenly, but it was an excellent book.
9/16 update -- Just reread it. Can sex be the focal point for mending previous hurts and losses? This book says emphatically YES. The characters use a sexual relationship to build an emotional relationship and it works. I still think it ended too suddenly, but it was an excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews