Temptation and the Artist

Gentlemen of Pleasure #2

by Mary Lancaster

It takes an artist to see the real woman

Aline has been many things in her life. She has faced countless dangers to keep her country and her family safe. But when quiet, handsome Stephen Dornan asks permission to paint her in a series of portraits, she is unprepared for the storm of feeling that erupts between them.

Aline came to Renwick’s Hotel at the edge of Maida Gardens in order to help out a friend. She stayed to avoid her son’s uncle who wants to take the boy back to France without her.

But it is Stephen’s bullying father and brothers who are the catalysts for real trouble…

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. Be advised.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Novella, Romance

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2022

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
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Reviews

[Nabilah]

DNF at 30%.

A book this short shouldn't be this boring. I've tried picking the book up three times before conceding it as a lost cause. I guess this author's books aren't for me. I've read two other books of hers, and I didn't quite enjoy them as well.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of Stephen Dornan, an artist and Aline, Princess Hagerin, a widow and mother. A chance meeting at an Inn brings these two together at last (they have been acquaintances for some time) where Stephen asks Aline to sit for him for a portrait. Both are rather standoffish at first but when they finally get together the sparks fly! If not for both their families interferences all would have run smoothly. Loved the characters, story and conclusion (although perhaps a bit abrupt of an ending). Part of the Gentlemen of Pleasure series but can be read as a standalone (I have read this series out of order with no problems)

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

Temptation and the Artist by Mary Lancaster is the second book of the Gentlemen of Pleasure series. Aline’s main purpose in life is to protect her son. When artist Stephen Dornan asks to paint her for a series of portraits, she see no harm in it. She is completely unprepared for the attraction she begins to feel for him.

I liked Aline and Stephen’s relationship, but I feel I would have connected with them more if the book was longer. I am interested in reading the rest of the series.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Very enjoyable and steamy read from Mary.
I must say here books just keep getting better with every new addition she puts out.
Her characters are always so accessible and realistic, in this case the chemistry is wonderful too.
I look forward to the next one.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in Mary Lancaster’s “Gentleman of Pleasure” series and it’s a great follow-up to The Devil and the Viscount which I loved just as much!

This story is a slow burn romance between an artist and his sitter aka model. Stephen Dornan is a man who sees the world one canvas at a time, he has the artistic talent to see beyond the many “masks” his sitters wear, with a innate ability to capture a person’s soul with every stroke of his brush. I loved that Lancaster made the hero in this book one of many facets - The Artist, The Gentleman, The Gentle yet passionate lover, the fierce Alpha male protector, the self-assured youngest son, the idol and mentor for a young boy, the man who loves Aline. Overall, a swoon worthy book boyfriend to be sure! 😍🦄

💕“It takes an artist to see the real woman

Aline has been many things in her life. She has faced countless dangers to keep her country and her family safe. But when quiet, handsome Stephen Dornan asks permission to paint her in a series of portraits, she is unprepared for the storm of feeling that erupts between them.

Aline came to Renwick’s Hotel at the edge of Maida Gardens in order to help out a friend. She stayed to avoid her son’s uncle who wants to take the boy back to France without her.

But it is Stephen’s bullying father and brothers who are the catalysts for real trouble…”💞

I enjoyed having a heroine who was slightly older, not a debutant, not a virgin, and not afraid of impropriety to get the man she loves. Aline and Stephen have a combustible chemistry between them, and after Lancaster puts them through a delicious slow burn, the passion between them explodes.

This quote sums up this couples relationship. 💖

“Various artists and art lovers tried brazenly to entice her away from her husband. But they never stood a chance. Stephen was and remained her sole love and the only gentleman of pleasure she wanted.”

I really wish the story had an epilogue. 🙁

Final Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. Be advised.

Gentlemen of Pleasure
The Devil and the Viscount
Temptation and the Artist
Sin and the Soldier
Debauchery and the Earl

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aline has faced countless dangers to keep her country and her family safe. But when quiet, handsome Stephen Dornan asks permission to paint her in a series of portraits, she is unprepared for the storm of feeling that erupts between them. Aline came to Renwick’s Hotel at the edge of Maida Gardens in order to help out a friend. She stayed to avoid Basil her son being taken back to France by his uncle. But it is Stephen’s bullying father and brothers who are the catalysts for real trouble…
The second in this spin off series & a well written lovely romance. I loved Stephen, a third son who is estranged from his family, until they want something, he spends his time painting & seems to be quiet & unassuming. I also really liked Aline & I loved how their relationship grew & changed. A quick read, which I read in a sitting & I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Dornan is an artist. Committed to his work, he is looking for the perfect woman to paint for a competition in Paris. There is only one woman he wants, Princess Aline Hagerin. Having already met at Dearham Abbey, they renew their acquaintance and Stephen asks her to pose for his paintings. Between painting in his room at the Renwick Hotel and Maida gardens, their attraction for each other grows and sizzles. As love blossoms between them, outside forces in the form of families try to tear them apart. Passion, honesty and love will be on their side. Lancaster does not miss with a romantic love story.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This novella is a sweet romance, a cute courtship between painter & model. Unfortunately, the writing is not the best & the story is overburdened with contrived subplots & too much action for such a short book.

[What I liked:]

•Though both MC’s lacked much character development, they are both likable (especially Stephen, who has the most depth, imo).

•While the romance progresses very quickly, the MC’s both care about one another & are considerate of each other’s feelings & desires.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•The dialogue is a bit too flowery & stilted to feel natural.

•So much insta lust & insta love. At least the MC’s were previously acquainted & had mutual interest, but the love was definitely insta.

•The whole side plot with Stephen’s family was contrived & hokey. And the side plot with Aline’s in-laws, absolutely effing ridiculous.

•Okay, the MC feels guilty & responsible for a comrade’s wartime death, yet she never thinks of it for years? That’s odd if she actually feels guilt or responsibility.

CW: physical assault, bullying, abduction

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! This is a book I read straight through till the end. I just didn’t want to put it down! There is so much going on here than many will not notice and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to even do it justice. You have a truly gifted author when they are able to not only tell a compelling story, but make you be able to feel the feelings the characters are experiencing. I personally felt equally connected to both of these characters, their strengths and weaknesses. Like the dance of life, sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back, but then again, there are times when one must just shut their eyes and take a leap of faith, to live in the moment! I love this book because it pulled forth all those same feelings from me. Many times people do not see the true person we are inside. And, to say if you’ve never experienced that feeling of having people judge you for your looks or what you can do for them instead of who you really are inside and what you can bring to a relationship or just life in general, you probably won’t understand this at all. But that’s ok, it’s still a DO NOT MISS book for those who love romance or are sensitive enough to be able to feel. ❤️😍

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Temptation and the Artist by Mary Lancaster is Lancaster’s newest book and although it was good, I felt it somehow missed the mark. There were too many characters that made an appearance simply to fulfill a purpose and it was so obvious it didn’t really contribute to the story. For instance, the Dorman family-we needed more information about the rift and how it came about and how he Stephen could solve the problem. It was just too sketchy. I also felt there was little depth to Stephen Dorman. I am sure there is so much more to him, Aline as well. They were both just surface people, not well-rounded at all. The plot was thin, not much to it, when I feel certain there should have been more. In a word: disappointing. I usually love Lancaster’s novel and this one just didn’t cut it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Temptation and the Artist by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #marylancaster #temptationand theartist

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5/5.0

This short story progresses smoothly and is a charming historical romance!

Read full review in the 2022 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars rounded to 5. Mary Lancaster's writing style is always so smooth and I thought this novella was an improvement over the first in the series plotwise. This is full of romance and intrigue, with the MFC being active in her and her son's rescue (no shrinking violets here), plus there's a nice twist at the end.

Both Stephen and Aline are intelligent characters and don't fall into the typical tropes you find in most romance novels. Stephen is unassuming but a man of hidden depths and secrets. Aline is fierce and guarded, a woman with a past who can stand up for herself. Their banter adds to the slow-burn element of their relationship. The secondary characters are also spot-on, with the tutor, Mr. Flowers, (who I hope will end up with a book of his own in this series) being particularly memorable. Aline's relationship with her son and the descriptions of Stephen's artistic process also make this novella stand out.

The only reason I'm deducting a half star is because, although I did read the first entry in this series, I don't remember bits and pieces of it, and it feels like I must have missed details about both Aline's and Stephen's pasts. Aline, in particular, has a colorful background, and I wish there had been a prologue in this novella (SPOILER AHEAD........................................................) so that when her family members popped up to steal her son away that subplot didn't seem confusing. It started to feel like there were too many villains for such a short book. So I can't quite say this works 100% as a standalone.

But overall this entry in the series is engaging and well worth a read, with just the right amount of sensuality woven in and and the perfect dose of suspense toward the end.

NOTE: This author's previous series fall into the "sweet and clean" category, with sex closed-door. Although it is warned that this novella is super-steamy, I would only give it a steam level of 2. The sex scene is much more romantic than graphic, and felt perfect for a book of this length. If you are looking for something in the 3-4 steam range, something by, say Scarlett Scott or Joanna Shupe, this won't meet that requirement. However, I think you'll be charmed by it anyway!

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would recommend you read the books in order. Some of the characters from book one and events are mentioned in this book. Also, our wonderful heroin, Princess Aline Hagerin had a hand in how book one ended. The history helps with this story and her nature and way of thinking.
Stephan Dorman lives for his art; he is artist and has paid a heavy price his whole life for it. His family is the worst and do everything to put him down, and cause trouble. He has made his own way without them and quite happy to keep it that way. If life was that easy.
Princess Aline Hagerin is quite a lady, she has been thru and done a lot of stuff most women couldn't.
Her main goal now is to hid her son from his evil, nasty uncle who wants to use him for his own good.
She has taken rooms back at the Pleasure Gardens, hotel Renwick where she helped the couple from book one. While walking with her son and his bodyguard and teacher, Mr. Flowers she come across the artist she met at a house party. He is surrounded by pretty women whose pictures he is sketching.
Stephan explains to Aline that he is looking for a model for an exhibition in Paris. He asks and she agrees to sit for him in different scenes a lot in his room where he has his paints set up. These two have an attraction from the start which only grows as they learn about each other and spend time and unheard-of places for a man and women. As their love grows so does the people who want to
destroy each for their own reason. When danger strikes will help come in time are be too late ?
The story is a lovely story with just the right amount of sadness and evil. I couldn't put it down.
I love the first book too, but this story will grab at your heart stings a lot. I love reading this author as her H and h are always interesting people. Aline's son Basil was so cute and added a lot to the story.
I hope there are more books to come in this series, I will be one of first to order them.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen and Aline

Stephen is a younger son of a noble, he is also a painter who is making a name for himself. Aline is a widow with a young son. She is protecting him from his greedy French relatives who want to spirit him back to France for their own gain. Stephen is intrigued with Aline and wants to paint a series of paintings of her in various places around the Pleasure Garden, day and night, in a variety of poses. Aline agrees to sit. During these sessions, the two learn a lot about each other, they grow closer and emotionally attached and they indulge in a very steamy affair. Outside forces aim at pushing them apart: Stephen‘s father and elder brothers want him to return to the family estate and run it since they are unable. Stephen knows they want him to run the estate so his deadbeat family can indulge in drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Aline‘s former in-laws only want her son, and they definitely don’t want Aline to have a strong protector. I enjoyed this offering (#2) in the Gentlemen of Pleasure series by Mary Lancaster. Aline was a strong woman who did her utmost to protect her son. Stephen was a talented painter who wasn’t going to be swayed from his chosen career by his demeaning father and brothers. There were other enjoyable characters in the story, namely Mr. Flowers, Aline’s son‘s tutor, body guard, and all around whatever needed to be done employee. This is a fast, enjoyable read with a likeable couple, steamy sensual sex scenes concluding with a happy ever after. Of course, the Maida Pleasure Gardens is a wonderful setting and backdrop for a story of a painter and his lady falling in love.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, ROMANCE, DRAMA, HISTORICAL

Book 2 with 5 STARS seemed to just leap from the endearing & exciting storyline in the Series: Gentlemen of Pleasure. Also a good BLURB is provided. Fascinating characters that I would love to meet except for the obvious bad guys.

Mary Lancaster has a way with fast paced & well written storylines & this one is included with lots of action. This series takes place just a few hours out of London at a Town known for it's Pleasure Gardens that has music at times in the evening. There are nature paths with places to get Ices or Tea & Scones plus probably more fare. Including a wine or beer. Men are on stilts dressed to entertain along with some trained dogs. Just a very pleasant time especially in the new Hotel the Princess & the Artist are staying.

These two had met before and funnily they had each been knocked for a loop by the other. It was also sad times in both of their lives.

The sexual undertones & longing for each other practically burned off the pages. Will either of them have the courage to act on their feelings. Basil, the Princesses son is in danger from relatives from France & the Artist has to avoid kidnappings from his awful Father & 2 older brothers. His family don't want him because they care for him but want to use him to repair the family estates that were thriving under his leadership & care. He also could deal with the tenants & they liked & respected him but not his father & brothers.

It's a joy to read another Mary Lancaster story that made many emotions to run amoke.

RECOMMENDED

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Ms. Lancaster's Gentlemen of Pleasure series. I have not read the first book, but have read other books by Ms. Lancaster and have enjoyed them very much and this one also did not disappoint. This is a romantic story filled with passion and love. Stephen is a third son and estranged from his family. He is an artist and spends his time painting. He is looking for the perfect woman to be his model for a competition in Paris. The woman he met at Dearham Abbey, Princess Aline comes to mind. As he works on his painting and they spend more time together, they grow closer and the attraction between them becomes stronger. But despite their blossoming romance and mutual feelings for each other, outside forces create obstacles and complicate their path to happiness. Though a short novel, plenty of drama and tension kept me thoroughly engaged in the story. The characters were nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. I found this to be a very entertaining and enjoyable read.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing, the author, and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this author's earlier series' and I am enjoying the Gentlemen of Pleasure series even more - I like the steamier side of this series and look forward to reading the next books in the series. This story grabbed hold of me quickly. Aline, Princess Hagerin, a widow, and Stephen Dornan, an artist have met in the past but nothing came to the attraction they felt as she was facing some danger regarding her young son and Stephen just didn't feel he was in her caliber in society. But when they both were booked at the same lodging; her running from her late husband's family who were trying to force her son back to France and he was there trying to find a lady for a series of paintings he wanted to paint. Aline and Stephen might have had an easy romance, after she agreed to sit for his series of paintings, but they both had awful families that caused a lot of danger, angst and problems. But in between the villainous families antics, there was a budding romance, laughter, humorous banter, some steamy passion and wonderful secondary characters. I loved the exciting ending which tied up the story in a very enjoyable package!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although fairly steamy, this is a beautiful romance where the words flow like poetry. Princess Aline and Stephen Dornan have met previously, but circumstances were such that they were unable to explore the attraction between them. However, when Aline discovers Stephen in the Maida Pleasure Garden, she cannot help but stop to watch as he captures images on his sketch pad. Despite their attraction for one another, their way forward is complicated by the presence of Aline's son, who needs to be guarded day and night to prevent his uncle from abducting him. Furthermore, Stephen has his own difficulties with his problematic family but manages to surprise them with the skills he has developed over the years. Despite the tension running through this rather short novel, the plot does come to a happy and successful conclusion, although fortunately, not everyone gets what they want. I received a copy of this romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true artist, Mary Lancaster paints words into a masterful work of art! Princess Aline runs to Renwick Hotel to avoid her sons family who seek to take him from her. While there, she begins modelling for artist Stephan Dornan. The attraction between them is strong and quickly turns into an unconventional courtship. But can they escape the interference of their pasts.
I loved the shy, quiet exterior of Stephan Dornan and the unveiling of the strong, passionate Hero beneath. This story flowed seamlessly and absorbed me completely. Seeing this new side of Aline after her experience with Johnny Winter, it was wonderful to see her get her own great love. Her relationship with her son, Basil, emphasized her great ability to love. She deserved someone who would finally see her and Stephan deserves all the love he never received from his family. I loved The Pleasure Gardens series and am so happy to see the characters appear in this spinoff. So many characters that may have had a sideline roll before now can shine in their own story.. Fantastic!

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for each other
Aline is a complex woman twice widowed. She is a mother, spy, intelligent wealthy but never really seen for herself or who she really is. She is drawn to Stephen in the previous story but too much was weighing her down because of her son and his nasty relatives!
These two are tied for worst relatives of ever! Stephen definitely for the win. His irresponsible father and brothers have run their estates into the ground and would kidnap him and force his hand! Not!!!
Aline is unprepared for the passion that erupts between them and that Stephen acts in honor for this to be real as he paints the true woman behind all the masks!
Stephen is my new book boyfriend! Sensitive, strong, gifted and of course handsome! Theirs is a gentle sweet love inspire of the tempest their lives were once before they met! Bravo!! You will remember them long after the last page just the John Winter and his Duchess!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I had not read the first book in this series before reading this one and I definitely wished I had. It was obvious there was some backstory in that book that would have helped me understand these characters better. That being said, I did enjoy Temptation and the Artist. I liked how Aline didn't back down from what she wanted and wasn't embarrassed about how she felt about Stephen. And it sounded like after the loss of her first two husbands she deserved to have someone who really saw her and understood her as a person. Their relations causing trouble gave them one more thing to bond over. The story is well paced and all the characters interesting. As always, I look forward to seeing what Mary Lancaster comes out with next!

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

Likable characters but I felt we were given only surface information. Both have people from their past who cause problems. I wanted to know more background on these troublemaker's. If the H's family realized how valuable he was why was there such discontent? I won't even get started on the h's connections and her family ties. Just wanted more back story told for both.

Even though part of a series, it is a stand alone story.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5 and described several times.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and some steam. (ljb)

[Charly Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lancaster is my feel good author of choice. I never struggle to finish one of her books, rather I struggle to put one down.

Yet another fun, enthralling tale of characters I have grown interested in from her pervious work. How characters interlink and you end up waiting for their own stories to come out is a certainly a highlight of her books (maybe one day young basil will be the lead of his own).

My only issue is that occasionally mistakes seem to make the final copy, within the last chapter of my kindle edition the name of the son changed to the male lead. Took me a second to work out what mistake had been made

[Venetia Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly lovely romance. Beautiful writing, complexity of emotions, and a sense of a larger world of intriguing characters I want to meet.

Only a couple of tiny flaws, so far as I am concerned: what on earth does the heroine look like? Show me through the artist-hero's eyes! Surely he would notice. And I wasn't sold on the portrayal of the hero's rather disgusting family. A bit too black and white for me (i.e. very black). On the upside, I was charmed by the secondary character of Mr Flowers, full time tutor to a small boy and part time pugilist and bodyguard.

In short, the minor hiccups faded to nothing in the light of the charm and deep feeling that pervades this book.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people see you during your life. Few take the time to get to know the real you or look beyond the surface. Being a artist Stephan worked hard to look beyond surface beauty that so many were caught up in. Ladies that were you debutantees, often called diamonds of the first water. However they lacked substance.
Alina had been twice widowed and had lost the blush of youth. She was still beautiful but was more of a take me as I am referral than a debutante. She was extremely wealthy and did as she pleased. Her son Basil was eight years old, had a tutor and was heir to a French estate.
Alina met Stephan and had been intrigued by him some time ago, meeting him again was fate.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable romance story with a good plot.
A story that pulled me into it right away. A most interesting relationship is about to happen between Princess Ailine and Stephen a portrait artist.
This is not only a building romance story. The plot gets thicker as we meet other characters. Lots of excitement, lots of humous banter and a cast of faithful characters kept my interest The adult romance was very well written with plenty simmering passion.
A thrilling ending made this a really good story.
I did receive an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book are relatable and described in a way that the reader enjoys the situations they get into. Imagine an artist that is so wonderful in his craft that you can see the product he creates in your mind’s eye. The author has provided a wonderful description of the events that happen to them. What amazing adventures they get into and the kindness they share with one another. I felt as if I were along for the ride and could see and feel the adventures they shared. Wonderful read.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all!

When a Princess and a handsome artist meet again, he knows he has to paint her for an exhibition in Paris.

She just needs to make sure her son is safe from his dreadful uncle and decides she will pose for him.
Of course, being in close contact and getting to know each other can only lead to one emotion!

A steamy romance with entertaining characters and outside forces that will have you reading as quickly as you can!

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess, Aline Hagerin and her young son are staying at the hotel in Maida Pleasure gardens to avoid being found by certain family members.  Mean while an artist that she met at a friend's house is there.  

Steven Dornan is an artist searching for models suitable for a set of pictures.  He can't resist asking her.  

A short but full historical romance with delightful characters,  fun and a little danger.  

Good fun.