Tempt the Devil

by Connie Mason

When the notorious pirate Diablo escapes hanging and carries her aboard his ship against her will, beautiful Lady Devon is determined to resist him, but long nights at sea beneath the tropical stars bring her ever closer to surrender.

Diablo was a master of seduction, an experienced lover who knew every imaginable way to please a woman – and some that she had never imagined. Devon knew she would find ecstasy in his arms, but did she dare … Tempt the Devil

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Pirates, Ebooks, Fiction, Historical Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Connie Mason or Cara Miles is the best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances and novellas. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year in 1990 by Romantic Times and was awarded Career Achievement award in the Western category by Romantic Times in 1994. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband Jerry.

Prior to her first published work in 1984, Connie was a full time homemaker. Always an avid reader, writing was one of Connie's dreams.

In 1995 Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show 48 Hours, a television production that devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry. Connie was also featured in an article published by National Inquirer.

In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time Connie enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing with her husband.

Reviews

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tempt the Devil" is the story of Devon and Diablo, and a fun filled pirate romance.
Diablo is a notorious pirate about to be hanged, when he escapes, taking the enchanting innocent Devon, the Earls daughter along with him.
Easily entranced by her beauty, he sets out to seduce her, and starts falling for her.
Devon has a fiancé back home, but she herself cannot resist when the bewitching and caring pirate showers his attention on her.
Soon they give into their passions, but their blooming love has to face many obstacles- jilted fiancées, ex lovers, lecherous fellow pirates, worrisome dads and loads of running away.

What I liked about this story was
- the hero was caring and in love from the start. He was never cruel to the heroine, and worshipped her even when they separated
- The sex scenes were consensual
- There was no cheating
- The couple were passionate despite the various separation and hurdles
- No abusing of the h by anyone
- She wasn't a doormat
- There was redemption for the ow, fiancé and the father- and even his burly protector and his maid!

Overall, it was a very satisfying read.
There is very mild angst, but instantly resolved. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Safe with exceptions both h and H are kissed by other people, but nothing ever happens to further the advances
4/5

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUTHOR: This is the 3rd book that I have read by Connie Mason. Her writing style in this book? Adventure, Love making, trouble, love making, adventure, love making, trouble, love making, love making, adventure annnddddd trouble and and and love making.

SYNOPSIS –
Diablo, the dashingly handsome pirate, knows that the soldiers will not attack his ship as long as he has Devon, the beautiful Duke’s daughter, as his prisoner. Devon is engaged to be married. Scarlett is a trouble-maker thru and thru; how dare Diablo desire any other woman. You get the point so now READ!

(4 out of 5) Stars. Elements of a Romance Book TEST =
2 central characters, 1 male, 1 female.......................YES;
One or both of the main characters are in peril....... YES; Devon
They work together to resolve the situation.............YES; She wants nothing more than to be set free;
Some amount of conflict and resistance in working together.....YES; He must make her willing;
The perilous situation brings them together………………………......Scarlett is just simply A Bad Girl!

Why not (5) Stars?
How many times does it take to get to the point of ad nauseam. One?....Two?.....Five?.....Ten?
Keep a count’n because the recurring point is well made…….“He must have her body right this very moment or he will explode” and that “She must have his body right this very moment or she will explode”.

PASSION SCALE: This book gets (2) ASTERISK because toooooo much “Thrusting and Crying out” can only be a little sensual but not passionate.
* NOT very descriptive and requires imagination
** WILL make you wiggle a little)
*** WISH it was me;
**** OH BODY, whew;
***** EROTICA and well over the top

FAVORITE PART: Wait until you find out who is related to Diablo.

LEAST FAVORITE PART: The engagement is quite boring.

YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Historical romance, England, Pirates, Action and Adventure

[Falina · Rating 2 out of 5]

When it comes to Tempt the Devil, what I'm really tempted to do is blame the editor -- grammatical errors are my biggest problem with this novel. Comma splices abound, as do periods where there should be question marks. There are also way too many adverbs, and they make the dialogue feel wooden and amateur. Over and above these glaring problems, the whole book is just a little cheesy, as well.

These easily fixable problems are particularly disappointing because there are a lot of aspects of the book that are really cool -- Mason, cheesiness aside, does a good job creating angel/devil, heaven/hell binaries that I really enjoyed. The hero's called Diablo, but he has a hideaway on an island called Paradise. The heroine is, of course, angelic. There are lots of wonderful lines like "Take me to heaven" (I'm sure you can figure out what kind of scene that came from). I think those good/evil, light/dark-type binaries are in a lot of romance novels, but not so obviously as in Tempt the Devil. There is also a great scene near the beginning of the book where Diablo is about to be hanged and he throws his head back and laughs -- it is very, well, diabolical, and also very sexy. The heroine thought so too!

[Leesa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover sucks. I wanted a pirate book because I just rewatched Pirates of the Carribean. So I was in the right headspace, but the story was a little repetitive. The initial tension was built up really well between Devon and Diablo, then they got together and it was a bit like oh, ok, tension gone. Then she got kidnapped. Multiple times. Multiple misunderstandings building tension back up (not nearly as well as the first meeting) then they got back together and then she got kidnapped. And then it happened all over again.
Anyone know of a better pirate novel?

[Sangria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a throwback....great pirate book.

This is a swashbuckling good historical. Both leads were great, Kit aka Diablo, was fierce, sure of himself, amusing & Alpha all rolled into one pirate with all kinds of good secrets.

Devon grew as a character to me. I really liked her by the end of the book. Secrets and mystery in this so I’ll leave a short review. A very good damsel in distress book. Been awhile since I read such a long good historical. Great supporting characters. I loved how Cormacks story ended! Recommend.

[Devon]

Haven’t read it yet but OMG THERE’S A HEROINE NAMED DEVON?!?! Hell yes. Finally a heroine named Devon. Usually it’s the hero that has that name. What’s even more funny is that the hero’s name is also my nickname. I’m so excited to read this and imagine my name being said for the first time EVER in a romance novel.

EDIT

So I read the novel. The book was not good. The heroine's actions were super cringe and it was made worse by sharing the same name with her.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAUTION : IF YOU DISLIKE ANGSTY MISUNDERSTANDINGS, THEN DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS STORY. IF YOU ARE ALL UP FOR ANGST, DRAMA AND PLOTTING VILLAINS WITH A SIDE OF IRRATIONALITY, THEN GO AHEAD.

LIKE I MENTION IN MOST OF MY CONNIE MASON REVIEWS, UNLESS YOU APPRECIATE THIS UNIQUE WRITING STYLE SHE HAS...YOU WONT GIVE HER STORIES A GOOD THUMBS UP.

OUR HERO was on the verge of dangling on the hang man's noose until his motley crew comes to his rescue, using our poor heroine as a shield as he narrowly escapes for his life. A Captain Pirate with a questionable past, he has made a fortune for himself and owns an island he names Paradise. With the initial intention of sending Devon back to her father, a fateful hurricane changes the course of their life and soon he whisks the both of them to his home, making a love nest for the two until bad guys ripped them apart. Devon believes their love to be an impossible one and strikes a bargain with the notorious French pirate who snuck upon the island and brings her back to England. Of course, the bastard wasn't going to do it for free. Diablo or Kit was devastated and furious to find his woman gone, and it's her fault his village island has been burnt and damaged by the enemy. His misunderstanding made me want to sock him in the nuts for believing the worse of Devon even if she did leave him. So much for trust and faith. And I'm not going to blame it on their "NEW" relationship. Kit loves strongly and the same goes for his hatred. The events he has to endure because of the evil mistress and Frenchman from HIS OWN past was rather comical because it placed the innocent Devon in bad light. I didn't know if I wanted to root for Devon to stay or to leave.

OUR HEROINE is a poor dear. Dragged by her father to witness the hanging of the infamous pirate, Diablo she never expected to be intimately acquainted with the man and eventually becoming lovers. But, their love was doomed from the start. She's a lady who loves her father, they belong in different worlds and all good things must come to an end though one of her machination. I can say she made a stupid decision by agreeing to the Frenchman's offer. Frankly, Devon wasn't a very smart woman and she has her own faults that borders on stupidity but she means well.

OVERALL this story can get on your nerves at times but you will be happy to know that the characters do redeem their mistakes later one way or another.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story but I have read better. What would've upped the enjoyment would have been Devon as a character. I love a strong and stubborn heroin but her stubbornness was borderline ridiculous and stupidity causing all the problems. If she thinks she trusts Kit and knows she can't trust the other guy she still goes with the other guy...then the ending left something to be desired. Pirates, even reformed ones should make for some action to take place but everything was resolved without even trying. And even bad guys got happy endings. It gets a 3 for plot and characters but loses out on all the potential of both.

[Lorraine Versini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it in 2 days I was so engrossed in the story ! I chose the book because it was free on Amazon a couple of days ago, and I needed something to read quickly between finishing my previous book and starting the new group book selection at the weekend.
Nevermind the cliches and the fact that there are only so many ways of relating a love story, I started by reading one page in every 3 but after 15% or so, I really got into the story and devoured the book. I am not really into romantic books, but this one had action, twists, and was a nice lighthearted read.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story, though I kind of wanted some people who did the h/h wrong to pay a price. Wonder what laudanum did to unborn babies back in those days.

Quite a lot of editorial errors in this one. I'm guessing that in an early version of this story, Devon's father was a duke and Linley was an earl, because there are lots of places where her father is called "your grace" and at least one spot where it seems that Linley is called "the earl.". Mason might have been on tight deadlines by this point so the changes didn't get made all the way through.

[Alina Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it was very entertaining. The heroine wasn't overly annoying, however she managed to get herself kidnapped 3 times. She was very lucky, because no she didn't use her wits to get out of those situations. There was a ripped bodice. There were pirates. There were a lot of misunderstandings. It was great.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

By and1515

Lady Devon wanted to be anywhere but here apparently some people had peculiar taste when it came to what they considered entertainment she personally didn't consider this spectacle to be entertaining but her father and fiancee did.
Hence her refusal to stand among the foolish masses however
she'd been totally shocked by the unbelievable change in events and now her coach was being stolen with her still in side.
From where he was standing he'd noticed the beautiful woman inside a grand coach with its lofty markings on the door and once he was free to escape with his neck still intact.
Devon was furious and scared she was being kidnapped by a roughish pirate.
Now they were in a mad dash for the coast hoping to make a clean escape... And yes he meant to keep the pretty wench.
Diablo left the lass in his cabin but he really should have made sure to remove all weapons loaded or not because apparently she figure out how to load one...
Akbar had been totally angered and unfeeling when he'd stuck her in the dark hold and unfortunately had to leave her there do to the storm that had taken them by surprise.
Devon was finding it harder and harder not to cave in to his relentless attempts to seduce her.
However the moment she finally falls for his smoldering kisses that leave her breathless.
She knew her father would never abbandon her that he'd do what ever it took to get her back no matter the cost.
Devon had no doubt in her mind that her fiancee would still want to marry her but now she was facing an unforeseen complication that she had no intentions of ever telling anyone.
The wench was gone and Diablo couldn't believe the damage done to their little piece of heaven and he knew exactly whom to blame and she was going to pay.
Of all the bad luck Devon was having a hard time trying to grasp the fact the devil was in her room or the fact he was accusing her of stabbing him in the back and all the damaged done to his people.
She honestly didn't have a clue what he was talking about why would she want innocent people hurt for what reason?
Diablo wasn't about to let her waltz off to the alter now that he knew nope if she wed anyone than it would be him.
For some reason they take two steps forward and three steps back with the never ending wave of idiots getting in there way.
But now he needed to reclaim what was stolen from him when he was snatched from his home hurling him into this retched world.
The look on his poor cousin's face was quite comical as if he'd ever let him keep what belong to him not after everything he'd done.
Devon never expected for him to be here of all places but he was and using a different name but the story he was finally sharing with her and the heart ache and pain inflicted on him by his own family.
She was still having a hard time trying to grasp that her own father did this allowed this to happen it didn't matter how long this fool held her she couldn't give him what he wanted.
He couldn't believe all the bad luck that he'd been suffering lately first Devon's father and now his ex hook up babe and he still couldn't find her.
But once he found her he was never letting anyone else take her from him again.
He'd spend the rest of his days proving she was his forever.

[Coral · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my best cover find at the most recent Lifeline bookfair. Unfortunately the story doesn't live up to that swashbuckling cover.
This heroine gets kidnapped so often she should be on Days of our Lives. I imagine the author storyboarding the plot and thinking "hmmm what should happen next? I know! She gets kidnapped!"
Other than her propensity for being kidnapped, the heroine was a little bland. She started off spunky, but then lost any form of personality once she gets together with the hero.
The hero was slightly better, but man was he dumb not to figure out who was behind the plot twist during the middle of the book.
The secondary characters were hit and miss. I actually loved the villainous woman pirate captain - at least her characterisation was consistent. Winston however was weirdly characterised: he had no problem killing women and children on the island, but then couldn't bring himself to kill Devon. But of course when Devon finds out he's gay, that's the worst possible thing he could be. Possibly something to do with some old school homophobia? It was written in 1990.
I did appreciate that this was set in the early 18th century, and had some run ins with actual historical pirates.
If looking for an old school pirate romance, I think The Pirate and the Pagan or Gentle Rogue are much better options.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this was a real page turner, one you don't want to stop reading once you start. Talk about never a dull moment! That includes the characters as well as the situations. You have action, history, romance, drama, secret identities, hidden scandals, pirates (including female ones), lords and ladies, servants and peasants, it's all there and all well written.

There's more than one romantic couple in this book, and that includes a gay one. The leading couple are fantastic, plenty of arguments, misunderstandings, love/hate moments and really hot sex, but none of it goes over the top, or becomes repetitive or annoying. (Even when she's abducted more than once, it flows along smoothly with the story, and doesn't seem ridiculous.) There's danger of rape from the villain, but without giving away details, I'll just say the deed isn't done. That's how these scenes should be written, where things get close, but don't go too far.

There's also more than one HEA to go with all those matchups, the secondary couples almost as interesting as the main one.

I won't say anything more and give details away, I'll just add that if you read this book, you won't regret it.

[JULIET CHEMUTAI · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about "Tempt the devil" is the redemption. Diablo is the bad boy, and Devon is the sweet and innocent young girl. I applaud these bad boys, who seem evil, but deep down have a heart. The plot twist, where we find out that Diablo was taken away from his home, by Winnie's dad, for self-gain, explains how Diablo took a profession in piracy. He had to do it. It was his means, until Devon. The power of love.

[Darshanetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the first half was pretty good but all the kidnapping was getting tiresome. The characters felt 2 dimensional. I don’t like that Devon wanted to change him and couldn't say I love you because of fear he'll die. Like come on that's the reason you say it. Kit was fine but felt like he fell in love too fast.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

It dragged

Sometimes the author tries too hard. It's exactly the case here and I love Connie Mason. This simply wasn't up to snuff.

[kattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil

I loved this story , I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie

[Amrita Dua]

good

[Brendon McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story, just a bit on the toxic side. The overt homophobia and toxic masculinity was a bit too much!

[Saibra]

Wonderfully exciting!

This is a great book!! I could hardly put it down. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Becca Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action from the start. Tick
Stunning heroine. Tick
Hunky rough on the exterior, soft centred hero. Tick
Plenty of steamy sex scenes. Tick

This book has all the makings of what should be a 5* read, however it just didn't make the grade, it's like that frustrating cake that's got all the right ingredients then put in the oven for too long and it's just wrong.
The story is too repetitive, I found myself *face palming* not again!! I was also skimming the repetitive sex scenes, the tension was gone for me. The misunderstandings were agitating as was Winstons character, not in a good way either, just go away Winston! I also disliked how everything was tied up in an overly nicey nicey way, everyone has to find their love at the end.
I managed to finish it, so it must of had some redeeming qualities, it's not on my re-read pile however.

[Roub · Rating 3 out of 5]

i actually liked it very much but became fast fedup as each time devon wud get separated from diablo, 3 times infact! and each time wud be when they were so happy together! in this story, it was clearly the hero who loved the heroine more bcoz he cud not envisage a future widout her while she cud and wanted to bcoz she was scared of life as a pirate's mistress. the first time, she left him willingly and unknowingly brought doom upon his so precious island. yet, he still loved her and cud not harm her. he was still a sweetheart though supposedly very angry and might kill her. who was he fooling!?lol. i've read other heroes being really mean and cruel when believed the heroine betrayed them. while he was truly marshmallow where she was concerned and cud forgive her anything!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't know why I didn't like the book much. The characters weren't too bad and the plot was ok. At times the writing was a bit slow and I'm sure it could've been condensed some. Maybe it just wasn't working for me at this point in my life, who knows. This is the second book I read by Connie Mason, the first was Sheik and I really liked that one, but I read it a few years ago. I'm not going to sit here and blast the book, nor am I going to say I will never read another book by this author again because that will be a lie. I will read books by Connie Mason again, this book just didnt do it for me.

[Ari Pepper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I had never read a "bodice ripper" before and "Tempt the Devil" definitely did not disappoint! While this book will never win a Pulitzer or be sited for its deep insights into the human psyche, it was entertaining and that to me definitely made it worth the read.

The plot was ridiculous and the characters were a little flat, but the sex scenes were steamy, which whether you want to admit it or not, is the real reason you read this genre.

I, for one, will probably pick up another of these lovely "romance" books when my reading list needs some spice again.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Hero in this book soooo much more than I even liked the Heroine. Yes, she was ok. He on the other hand...everything about him was just: AAAAAAH!!!!! How much he loves her is insane. I got really annoyed at how many times they were together, then someone came in and took her away and hurt him, and then he would blame her for it. -.- overall though, I did really enjoy the book and he was just so sweet to her it's unreal! and the stuff he says...oh my goodness the stuff he whispers to her... *.* ♥ ♥ ♥
Charming.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that I love about this book is that the minute you start reading there is action and chemistry between Diablo and Devon a good page turner, romance, action and good Connie Mason sex scenes.
The capture sense were a little crazy 3 times honey self defense course *joking*, but i love it..

If your looking for a good book to relax with and just let lose in try this one..it might be the typical pirate of the seas romance but still a good and ok read...

[Kyra Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first love book in High school - found it again this year and its still as beautiful as it was when i was 13. got me back into these silly books :) love love love it

[Kathrynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice historical romance with characters that both have serious problems in the beginning and develop throughout the book. I thought the names of the characters were too similar (Devon and Diablo). I believe writing 101 discourages the use of names that similar...now I know why.

[NorthernLightsGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

About half way through I kept thinking this story line is really framiliar. Turns out I have read it before. The only thing I didn't like was that the heroine kept finding ways to get into trouble...