My first Campbell novel… and it won’t be my last! Wow, this book blew me away. I was expecting a sweet historical romance; instead I got a sexy, multifaceted love story between an unconventional couple- a lord and a courtesan. Not only was the story set largely in the bedroom, but it was also more focussed on the male protagonist’s perspective than the female. I was captivated at every scene. Campbell expertly captures the mood, highlights what is at stake for each character and purposefully makes them face their fears. Both Olivia and Julian were so well developed and their internal conflict dissected until just the bare bones of the character remained. Betrayed as a child, Olivia’s life took a different path to the one she’d dreamed and she became one of the most notorious courtesans in London. Olivia Raines is on the hunt for another lover and takes on the challenge of the womanising Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith. Olivia expects Erith to be just like every other man, one who takes what he wants but she expects to remain in control. But from their very first evening together Olivia is struck by the complete lack of control she really does have in her new arrangement. It’s only exacerbated when Julian discovers the courtesans’ secret- she’s never experienced true desire and passion. Erith will not accept any theatrics in the bedroom; he wants his lover to desire him as much as he desires her. And there are no limits to how far he will go to tempt Olivia. An impulsive wager set by Erith (who can get the other to surrender first) sets the wheels in motion. With a traumatic past, Erith has a huge task in challenging Olivia to let go of her defences and trust him; especially when their lover’s contract is only for a few months. It’s not long before Erith gets under her skin and for the first time in her life Olivia admires rather than despises a man and takes the first tentative steps toward letting down her guard. But she has the most to lose; if she falls in love her heart will inevitably be broken. Erith’s initial challenge is complicated when he discovers the depth of his feelings toward Olivia. In saving her soul, he may just save his own. Erith is a complicated hero, he’s arrogant and powerful yet he has an underlying vulnerability lying dormant since the death of his beloved wife. There were times his behaviour made me cringe and I despised his controlling behaviour. Especially the very first bedroom scene where he pretty much treats Olivia like a new toy. What’s wonderful about Erith was the potential for growth, his capacity to reflect on his behaviour and how it affected Olivia and his resolve to put Olivia’s needs before his own. Gradually, the trust is built and the barriers are broken down and Olivia and Erith’s love for each other is well and truly exposed. Olivia’s defences are so well constructed that the vulnerability Erith’s love exposes within her is best avoided. The story spans over just a few weeks but the intimacy that develops between Olivia and Erith is believable, probably because it’s difficult not to be when they spend every night in bed together. Erith grew into the man I’d hoped he’d be and Olivia found the courage to face the demons of her past and put her prejudice toward men aside. Tempt the Devil is an intense, wild rollercoaster ride with equally fiery characters that pulls at the heart strings. I’m delighted to have discovered this talented Australian author, Campbell has found herself a new fan! 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!
