Lord of Temptation (The Lost Lords of Pembrook, #2) by Lorraine Heath

Sep 27, 2012 Kelly22 rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of blackguards breaking all rules to be with the girl!

Shelves: 2012-releases, 2012-historicals, virgin-herione, traumatized-abused-heroine, tortured-hero, silver-tongued-sweet-talker-hero, pirate-sea-navigator-sailor-captain, notorious-playboy-commitment-phobic, historical-romance, hero-flirt-playful-skilled-charmer, hero-authentic-rake, gorgeous-handsome-attractive-hero, brooding-dangerous-hero, bad-boy-rake-rogue-casanova, alpha-hero, travel-advnture-espionage-mystery, hidden-or-mistaken-identity, hero-smitten-in-love-in-pursuit, hero-mischief-maker-prankstar, hero-makes-good-girls-go-bad, hero-i-am-crazy-abt, hero-gods-gift-to-woman, hero-accomplished-lover, gamma-anti-hero, favorite-hero, enemy-to-lover, brazen-unrepentant-rakes, beloved-favorites, reformed-rake-player, powerful-endings-epilogues, overtly-possessive-jealous-hero, made-me-cry, love-triangle, hottest-love-scenes-ever, hero-blackgrd-ruffian-outcast-crook, hero-arrogant-autocratic, heartbreaking-powerful-romance, favorite-heroine, favorite-couple, family-moments, banter-all-the-way, 5-stars, hero-a-master-seducer, favorite-series, archetypical-byronic-hero, hh-aristocrat-peer-royal-nobel

4.50 Stars – Victorian/Historical Romance!

The making of Lord Tristan Easton aka Crimson Jack can bear a resemblance to adding:

• A sound segment of Billy Blade’s rebellious courage Lady of Desire
• A piece of the dashing libertine and easily bored Viscount Sebastian
St. Vincent Devil in Winter
• A large segment of the love and tender and witty humor of Lord Bramwell Johns Always a Scoundrel
• A portion of the nefarious single minded charisma of the Marquis of St. Aubyn London's Perfect Scoundrel
• A...more

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May 12, 2013 Marilyn Rondeau rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once there were three young boys imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle who intended to kill them as he had killed their father to become the sole heir to a dukedom. The three escaped, separated for safety’s sake and promised to reunite after ten years to reclaim their birthright. For some it took longer.

So very long ago he was known as Lord Tristan Easton –– now he is known as Crimson Jack, a notorious privateer whose mistress was the sea. All that would change for Tristan when the very exquisite...more

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May 02, 2013 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

------ I recieved this book from Edelweiss and the publisher for my honest review------

This was a great book. Lady Anne is a great character, she tries to be the proper lady that she should be as the daughter of the Earl of Blackwood. With a father and older brothers Anne is pretty much sheltered and she tries to be a proper young lady. But she is also a widow who's not really a widow since her beloved is dead and they weren't married. So she goes out on a limb and hires a ship to take her to he...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Jessi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, appealing-characteristic-story, historical, part-of-a-series, romance

The only thing Anne (Lady Anne Hayworth) wants to do is go to Scutari to mourn her fiancee. Unfortunately, her family is not very understanding and she has to hire a charter and she's heard from her maid's brother that there is one man, a hero, who might be willing to do it, Crimson Jack.
The captain, also known as one of the Lost Lords, the second brother, Lord Tristan Easton, is intrigued by this woman. He's a man caught between two worlds, the sea and society. He had a taste of Society (and it...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Andrea Guy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, historical-romance, readingromanceschallenge2012, tlcblogtours, regencyvictorianreadingchallenge

I've really been getting into historical romance again. I'm not sure why. I usually go for regencies, but this one is a Victorian novel, set in the early days of Queen Victoria's reign.

It is hard not to love both characters in this story. Anne is head strong and not your typical Victorian woman. It is hard to believe that a woman would undertake the journey she did just to visit the grave of her fiance. It really is touching.

Her growing feelings for Tristan cause her such frustration on the jour...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

If I had the time, Lorraine Heath’s books would those I’d read over and over and over again. Her writing is rich and luscious. Her characters reach into your heart and make you feel every emotion from one end of the spectrum to the other. Intriguing story lines take the reader so deeply into those characters’ lives, you feel like you’re part of every word on the page. My opinion? Lorraine Heath is the best at what she does.

The Lord of Temptation, Tristan Easton, is the middle brother of the thre...more If I had the time, Lorraine Heath’s books would those I’d read over and over and over again. Her writing is rich and luscious. Her characters reach into your heart and make you feel every emotion from one end of the spectrum to the other. Intriguing story lines take the reader so deeply into those characters’ lives, you feel like you’re part of every word on the page. My opinion? Lorraine Heath is the best at what she does.

The Lord of Temptation, Tristan Easton, is the middle brother of the three Pembrook lords who had to run for their lives at a young age when their uncle was out to extinguish their existence to get his hands on the dukedom he’d always wanted. Now that the eldest has been reinstated as the rightful duke, Tristan is itching to get back to his life on the high seas. Just before his decision to do so is made, into the seedy bar where he’s hiding in the shadows walks a fascinating beauty with a backbone of steel and a mind as keen as any he’s ever seen. The woman makes an outlandish request, one he refuses to accept. Which is really too bad, he’d certainly like to have such a strong lady warming his bed.

Anne has a mission, one her father and brothers will not help her with and will be quite upset about once they discover she’s taking the steps to complete. She needs to go to Crimea to say farewell to her fiance, who fought and died there. What she needs is Captain Crimson Jack, who, she’s been told, is a fair man and will get her safely to her destination. Not used to being denied or so improperly propositioned, Anne will not let the captain’s refusal deter her. Bad luck to have a woman aboard ship? Ha!

Not able to keep Anne out of his head, when Tristan comes across her again, he’s determined to enjoy the passion he can feel pass between them. His bargain for seeing her across the ocean is a kiss. With a bit of seduction in mind, of course. To give himself time with Anne, Tristan takes the scenic route to Crimea. If he’s going to be giving her over to another man when they arrive, he’s determined to have her to himself for as long as possible, not realizing what Anne is truly going to be doing once she finds her fiance. When he does find out, all bets are off on their voyage home.

She realizes this time on their trip back to England can be their only time together, and I thoroughly enjoyed those lovemaking scenes aboard ship. Anne’s father is looking for a husband for her, so she will be out of Tristan’s reach, but neither of them can let go. It is Anne who makes the break, and I kept wondering how in the world Ms. Heath will work out their HEA. We know she will, it’s just the getting there that always churns readers’ emotions along the way. I am glad Anne comes to her senses because her betrothed is a jerk. But that still doesn’t mean she and Tristan will be together. There’s so much more to overcome. Anne wants a conventional life with a husband at home, kids, no scandal, a house full of love. Tristan is headed back to sea, the only place where he has peace and feels at home.

What makes these books so good for me is the untenable relationships between the brothers. As much as they love each other, they spent too many years apart to pick up where they left off, once they’re back in Britain. Sebastian is the one who tries to bridge the gap as best he can. Tristan plays the middle brother but without much result. Their younger brother, Rafe, is the one who is the most emotionally scarred, blame resting on his brothers’ shoulders for leaving him alone all those years ago still very much a part of his life. As Ms. Heath has done in the past before, I’m expecting his book to be the most emotional.

The Lost Lords of Pembrook trilogy is turning out to be exactly what you would expect from Lorraine Heath, so you know every word will have an impact.

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Sep 19, 2012 Addictive rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lorraine Heath, to me is a master at writing historical romance. Ever since reading London’s Greatest Lover’s series I have been in awe of her work and her current series, Lost Lords of Pembrook is no different.

The first book, She Tempts the Duke set the plot for the series; three young children whose father has just been murdered by his brother, their uncle and now the three brothers are in a fight for their very lives. And they would have died if not for the heroine of the first book. I fell i...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Beanbag Love rated it 3 of 5 stars

It pains me to give this a low review -- really I guess it's between a 2.5 and 3 star. I love Lorraine Heath and I love the potential of this series, but this book was a real disappointment.

In the previous book, "She Tempts the Duke", Tristan Easton is very appealing. He's the rakish twin brother of the disfigured hero of that book and he was definitely intriguing. Unfortunately, I felt very disconnected from him as a romantic lead in this book and I'm still trying to figure out why.

He's cynical...more It pains me to give this a low review -- really I guess it's between a 2.5 and 3 star. I love Lorraine Heath and I love the potential of this series, but this book was a real disappointment.

In the previous book, "She Tempts the Duke", Tristan Easton is very appealing. He's the rakish twin brother of the disfigured hero of that book and he was definitely intriguing. Unfortunately, I felt very disconnected from him as a romantic lead in this book and I'm still trying to figure out why.

He's cynical and selfish, but that all comes from the difficulties he's experienced. Ultimately, I found him irritating and I didn't feel the usual sympathy that makes me want to stick with him. How could I not be moved more than I was by his back story? I'm still scratching my head.

His behavior toward the heroine wasn't outwardly cruel, but his intentions sometimes felt ugly. Especially near the end when I felt like he crossed the line in both purpose and deed.

The heroine was fine. She was naive and inexperienced but far from stupid. Very proper. But I basically liked her. I wanted her to say "no" to him a number of times. I felt like he too easily talked her into things she (and he) knew would be damaging to her. Even that didn't make me feel like she was TSTL (when normally it would), it just made me more annoyed at Tristan.

The last quarter of the book feels very rushed as loose ends are tied up, including a ludicrous conclusion to the arc of two "catalyst characters" who could have been deleted from the book entirely at any time and I wouldn't have noticed. I didn't mind the neat conclusion to the main romance, I just wish I'd been more drawn into the angst I think I was supposed to feel for Tristan.

Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm so used to the tropes in historical romance that only one out of ten will engage me.

I'll complete the trilogy and hope that Rafe's story hooks me more. The potential for these characters is off-the-chart, so there's clearly a chance it can bring the series up to Heath's usual level of quality story-telling.

By the way, this is a shipboard romance for most of it. Part of it also takes place in London. Shipboard romances are among my least favorite tropes, so maybe that contributed to my disengagement. One good thing, though. Contrary to pretty much every single other shipboard romance I've ever read, when the experienced hero tells the heroine to stay below deck during danger ... she does! She actually does! She listens to him! That almost never happens! So, a half a star for that at least. ;-)(less)

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Sep 30, 2012 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

I love Regency Romance. The idea of so many rules and regulations governing one’s life is fascinating and I of course think that living then would have been interesting. I love Jane Austen and have read every one of her books at least a few times if not more. This genre appeals to me in many ways. Who wouldn’t want to come from Royalty, or Nobility, or Gentry class? I know that if I lived back then I would most likely have been a servant, but think of the gossip I would have heard in the hallwa...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book much better than the first one in the series. Why? well because In the first book Tristan was the most lighthearted of the brothers and he sort of flitted in and out of Sebastians story like a butterfly. Hiding the depth of his scars from his uncle's attempt to kill off the heirs and steal their legacy and inheritance. Sebastian's story kind of plodded along until almost 1/2 way through the book but Tristian's story starts off at a perky pace and keeps that pace up throughout....more I liked this book much better than the first one in the series. Why? well because In the first book Tristan was the most lighthearted of the brothers and he sort of flitted in and out of Sebastians story like a butterfly. Hiding the depth of his scars from his uncle's attempt to kill off the heirs and steal their legacy and inheritance. Sebastian's story kind of plodded along until almost 1/2 way through the book but Tristian's story starts off at a perky pace and keeps that pace up throughout. Also as this is a romance book we don't have to wait too long before the central characters (Anne and Tristan) hit the sheets and hit them repeatedly. Not in a overkill sort of way but in a way that was nice and shows that yes! Regency era folks did get it on. Did lust after each other and given the history of the brothers there would be no longing glances across a room and desires that went unfilled. Tristan is still much of restless butterfly. Heading to sea because that is where he feels freest and that is where part of his unexpected journey as a youth took him when he and his brothers were forced to split up. He thinks that the seafaring life is the life for him... Until he meets Anne. Anne has lost something precious in a distant land and cannot move on until she has a cathartic "come to Jesus" with her loss. Tristan, smitten on sight is the one to take her on this cleansing journey and the one to fall in love to her almost unbeknownst to himself. Anne for her part is no silly Miss. She knows her mind and barges through the story in a very self-confident way that had me smiling. She knew her place and her duty in society but tried her best to live life on her terms and honor her familial commitments in a way that was honorable. Truly a good pairing.

There are a few twists and turns in the book that keep the pathway to lasting love from getting stale and boring and a few secondary characters were pretty fun, especially Chetwyn and Hermoine. While not fully blown up as secondary characters, if this author wanted to she could do 2 quick novellas on these two that might be a hoot to read. Rafe's story is next and I quite feel my heart will break for him in his story because while the other brothers were able to get far away he was forced to exist in a workhouse and I fear his scars may be deepest of all..

a good, fast read, enjoyable and worth a look.(less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Stephanie Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing amazing AMAZING novel!!! As usual, I was absolutely captivated by Lorraine Heath's storytelling, but this might be my new favorite novel of hers! This is the story of Lady Anne Hayworth and her initial trip across the sea with the dangerous Captain Crimson Jack (aka Lord Tristan Easton) - a handsome rogue so damaged from his difficult past that he offers just the right amount of mystery and intrigue to this proper lady. Their relationship doesn't end on the sea though... it follows her b...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: edelweiss, for-review, historical, romance

At First Sight: Lord Tristan Easton has spent his life at sea, ever since he was 14 years old and was forced to flee his childhood home and separate from his siblings, Tristan became Crimson Jack, a notorious pirate/privateer, and even now that he's family is somewhat back to rights, he can't seem to leave his other life.

That is, until he meets Lady Anne Hayworth, who comes to Crimson Jack looking for safe passage to Crimea, where she expects to "see her fiancé". Tristan doesn't need the money...more At First Sight: Lord Tristan Easton has spent his life at sea, ever since he was 14 years old and was forced to flee his childhood home and separate from his siblings, Tristan became Crimson Jack, a notorious pirate/privateer, and even now that he's family is somewhat back to rights, he can't seem to leave his other life.

That is, until he meets Lady Anne Hayworth, who comes to Crimson Jack looking for safe passage to Crimea, where she expects to "see her fiancé". Tristan doesn't need the money Anne is offering, but he enjoys rilling Anne up and likes that she has no idea that he's one of the notorious lost lords of Pembrook.

It takes some doing but they two of them eventually strike a bargain - Tristan will take her where she wants to go but he demands his payment be a Kiss. Anne isn't entirely happy with the arrangement but she's willing to do what it takes to go see her fiancé.

But one kiss won't be the ending for these two...

Second Glance: Okay so, after reading She Tempts the Duke I had more modest expectations of this book, which turned out to be a good thing. I did enjoy Lord of Temptation a lot more than She Tempts the Duke, but sadly the book was far from perfect.

The first half of the book was actually quite nice - it's all about Anne trying to get passage to crimea and their actual journey there and back. It sometimes fell little slow but it was a nice build up all in all. Now the second part, when they are back in London that's when things got a little touchy.

It felt rushed but slow and just plain boring sometimes. I also had a hard time liking Anne who was *SPOILER ALERT******(view spoiler) **********SPOILER ALERT*

I did like Tristan for the most part, he was okay, but well, it seemed like, in the end, he and Anne were arguing for the last 200 pages over nothing and everything was resolved rather conveniently if in a very manic, over the top scene.

The Epilogue was nice though.

Bottom Line: Lord of Temptation was not my favorite read of this year but I admit I'm still mildly intrigued by these brothers and a small part of me is looking forward to reading the last brother's story. As for this book, is an okay historical read but I didn't find it particularly special. (less)

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Aug 18, 2012 Lady Wesley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

"There is no way this couple can have a future together." That's what you'll be saying to yourself right up until the last few pages of this story, and by my standards that makes for a pretty darn good book. It's Romancelandia, so we know that an HEA is guaranteed, but how . . . ?

Lorraine Heath is one of my go-to HR authors, and although I did not love the first books in this trilogy, She Tempts the Duke, I was excited to receive an ARC of this book from Edelweiss.

First, a quick update on the s...more "There is no way this couple can have a future together." That's what you'll be saying to yourself right up until the last few pages of this story, and by my standards that makes for a pretty darn good book. It's Romancelandia, so we know that an HEA is guaranteed, but how . . . ?

Lorraine Heath is one of my go-to HR authors, and although I did not love the first books in this trilogy, She Tempts the Duke, I was excited to receive an ARC of this book from Edelweiss.

First, a quick update on the story of the three Pembroke lords. Their father was the late Duke of Keswick, and their uncle was the devil himself. After arranging for the duke's apparently accidental death, the uncle imprisoned the young brothers in Yorkshire and made plans for their demise. This cra-cra uncle really want to be a duke! In the first volume, the brothers flee from their home, split up, and return as agreed twelve years later to claim their birthright. Eldest brother, Sebastian, becomes the duke; the uncle gets his just deserts; and we get intriguing glimpses of the two younger brothers, Tristan and Rafe.

Tristan went to sea at the age of 14, shortly after escaping from their mad uncle. He grew to love life on board a ship, and after helping his brothers expose their uncle's crimes, all Tristan wants is to continue his life as Crimson Jack, captain of his own ship. One day, a beautiful young woman wants to hire him to take her to the Crimea, so she can bid a personal farewell to her soldier fiance, who has yet to return from the Crimean War. (This is a weak link in the story. It's a long, costly trip, and it seems like a Dear John letter would suffice. I won't spoil things for you, though.)

Tristan becomes smitten with Lady Anne, however, during the course of the voyage, and just before returning to England they engage in a night of passionate lovemaking. No one in Society knows of Lady Anne's scandalous behavior, so she returns to her father's house and resumes her traditional duties. At a ball, however, Tristan shows up, and only then does she learn his true identity.

Lady Anne wants to lead a conventional life -- titled husband, a country estate, and children -- so she agrees to marry a marquis. Tristan wants nothing more than to sail the seas. Will love be enough to bring these two together?

Heath almost spoiled the book for me by dreaming up a truly over-the-top wedding scene. It's flat-out ludicrous, even by Romancelandia standards. Things were somewhat redeemed, however, by the truly lovely epilogue showing how these lovers devised a life together.

The last book in the trilogy is the story of Rafe, who was only eight years old when his brothers were forced to leave him in a workhouse. Rafe now owns a gambling hell in London, and he's still angry with his brothers. I'll definitely be reading this one.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and Avon for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.(less)

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Oct 09, 2012 Angelc rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, already-own-read

Lorraine Heath is one of my very favorite historical romance writers, and this book just proves why. She has a great way of writing a really emotional romance without melodrama. There is just so much heart in her books. I love that in this book, the romance is truly the heart of the story. There is no murder conspiracy, or stolen jewels, or spy sub-plot. This book is all about a sweet, yet all-consuming romance.

Tristan is such a great hero, he is a little impish on the outside, but he is so tend...more Lorraine Heath is one of my very favorite historical romance writers, and this book just proves why. She has a great way of writing a really emotional romance without melodrama. There is just so much heart in her books. I love that in this book, the romance is truly the heart of the story. There is no murder conspiracy, or stolen jewels, or spy sub-plot. This book is all about a sweet, yet all-consuming romance.

Tristan is such a great hero, he is a little impish on the outside, but he is so tender on the inside. Even though he's gotten much stronger on the outside, on the inside he is the same lost little boy he was when he was separated from his brothers. Once the second son to a Lord, Tristan became a rugged, no nonsense sea captain. Still, you can see just from the way he treats the men on his ship, and how he has taken the youngster, Mouse, under his care, that he is truly a good person. He's still so mischievous and playful though, and I love that he never loses that aspect of his personality.

Anne had her own trials before she met Tristan. Her fiance didn't come back from the war and I truly felt like she loved him. It was a different kind of love than she had with Tristan, but she did love him, too. This is a tough line to walk when writing a romance, but the author did a great job of portraying all the emotions involved with a lost love, and starting over.

I really wanted Anne and Tristan to be together so badly! It was so tough, though, because they just wanted different things in life. That makes it so much more interesting to read, than if they constantly fought or bickered all the time. They loved each other, but he wanted to stay at sea and she wanted a stable life on land. Seeing them come together was exciting and frustrating in a good way! They had many secret rendezvous that were such fun to read about, you could really sense how much chemistry they had together, they just couldn't be apart.

I couldn't ask for more from a historical romance. This author will remain on my must-read list, and I can't wait to read the next story about Tristan's brother, Rafe.

book sent by publicist and publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

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Aug 22, 2012 Belinda rated it 3 of 5 stars

I just finished reading Lorraine Heath's latest book "Lord Of Temptation and it was good. The characters are Lord Tristan Easton and Lady Anne Hayworth. They met when Lady Anne tracks down the infamous Crimson Jack (Tristan) to sail her to her finance's burial ground out of England. I thought that it was unusual for an unmarried lady to acquire only her lady's maid to accompany her on a voyage with a unmarried man. The author took a liberty in a time when propriety was the up most importance. I...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Karyn Gerrard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorites

4.5 out of 5~ rounded up to 5

I have a very short list of auto buy authors, and Lorraine Heath is on the list. I love the set-up for this trilogy, the lost lords of Pembroke. Sebastian and Tristan twins at 14, and younger brother Rafe, 10, had to flee for their lives from their uncle. Sebastian went into the army, Tristan went to sea, and Rafe was left at a workhouse. Rafe's story is next, and he may be the most damaged of the three.

However, this story is about Tristan. I adore those old movies w...more

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Sep 18, 2012 CaroleDee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lord of Temptation is an absolute page turner that will have you laughing, crying, and ultimately leave a huge grin on your face. What's the use in a 'happily ever after' if there aren't a few bumps in the road?

Whether you're a fan of historical romance or not you need to do yourself a favor and check out Lorraine Heath's The Lost Lords of Pembroke series. The heroes are scarred emotionally and physically, but it leaves you with a far more complex character than the 'normal' male in the histori...more

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Oct 01, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Lorraine Heath has written a series that will quickly pull you in and not let go. I found the second book in the series, THE LOST LORDS OF PEMBROOK, to be deeply engaging and well written. LORD OF TEMPTATION was funny at times, sigh worthy at times, sexy, and a little sad. The characters are well written and will grab your heart. I can't wait for Rafe's book to come out. Tristan was a great hero, I'll admit that I will probably always love his brother Sebastian a bit more, but still Tristan was...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Natalie E. Ramm rated it 4 of 5 stars

These two are an unlikely pair. Tristan becomes Crimson Jack, a respected privateer. And Anne is a prim, rather depressive lady. Both have lost loved ones, but that’s the only thing they have in common. Tristan is a great character. He is strong and sexy but he has both hidden and visible wounds. He has real cause for tragedy, whereas I thought Anne was a bit sentimental and was mourning for something she didn’t even want. Also, she cried a lot and that was annoying. However, the fact that Anne...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Brandy Dorsch rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: avon-addict

This is the second in the Lost Lords trilogy and I have to admit that it was a good book. Lady Anne Hayworth hires the infamous Crimson Jack, aka Lord Tristan Easton to carry her on a ship to say goodbye to her fiancee. Love and romance blossom on the trip but Lord Tristan has no desire to take up his place in society where he feels unwelcome.

As much as I enjoyed the book I do have to wonder at the fact that she was able to sneak out as much as she did and to head off to ports unknown with no o...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Bells rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the 2nd book of the series, we get to learn more about the middle Easton brother and his past. After fleeing home that fateful night, Tristan Easton has spent most of his life at sea and has built quite a reputation as a sea captain. When Anne Hayworth comes to him for help, he's intrigued by her fiery personality and can't seem to get her out of his mind. He agrees to take her where she needs to go and during their voyage they fall for each other. Tristan is so unlike the men that she is use...more In the 2nd book of the series, we get to learn more about the middle Easton brother and his past. After fleeing home that fateful night, Tristan Easton has spent most of his life at sea and has built quite a reputation as a sea captain. When Anne Hayworth comes to him for help, he's intrigued by her fiery personality and can't seem to get her out of his mind. He agrees to take her where she needs to go and during their voyage they fall for each other. Tristan is so unlike the men that she is used to be being around. He brings excitement into her life and there's a tender side to him as well that is revealed. When returning back home and their life in London, they can't seem to stay away from each other which soon becomes a problem. Tristan and his brothers aren't welcome in society and are the talk around town. But Tristan refuses to let that keep him away from the woman that he is falling in love with.

What I like most about this series is that the Easton brothers are still trying to get to know one another. They were so very young when they had to separate and each one of their lives went in a direction that they did not anticipate. They are not what they used to be and it's going to take some time for them to become brothers again. I find this to be very realistic and am enjoying the brothers getting familiarized with each other.

I am enjoying this series as the brothers are finding their place at home and amongst each other. I can only begin to imagine how hard it is for the three of them to try to have some closure with all that has happened to them. Time heals all wounds and I'm happy that they are able to find women that love them for who they are to help with the healing. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series that feature the most mysterious of the three brothers who also happens to be the youngest. Hopefully he will find someone that will allow him to have peace and chase the demons from the past away. The author Lorraine Heath has done a great job at providing that for the older two brother and I'm quite sure the same will happen in the next book. (less)

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Dec 08, 2012 Elis Madison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dwippy-heroine, distorted-self-image, era-victorian, he-loves-me-she-loves-me-not, hidden-identities, lame-moments, like-the-author, love-to-hate-the-heroine, part-of-series, not-the-way-i-wanted-it-to-end

(This is the 2nd in a series where I hadn't read the 1st, so I may have missed a point or two)

Context: As young boys, Sebastian, Tristan and Rafe Easton escaped an uncle who wanted them dead. The older boys (twins) left very young Rafe in a workhouse. Then Sebastian took Tristan to a shipyard and got him a position as a cabin boy (I had some bad moments on this, but the story is fortunately not as tragic as it could've been). Sebastian disappeared into the fog, after gaining a promise that the t...more (This is the 2nd in a series where I hadn't read the 1st, so I may have missed a point or two)

Context: As young boys, Sebastian, Tristan and Rafe Easton escaped an uncle who wanted them dead. The older boys (twins) left very young Rafe in a workhouse. Then Sebastian took Tristan to a shipyard and got him a position as a cabin boy (I had some bad moments on this, but the story is fortunately not as tragic as it could've been). Sebastian disappeared into the fog, after gaining a promise that the three boys would meet again, ten years hence, to make things right…

Fast forward fourteen years. The boys did meet up again and deal with the villainous uncle, but each of them has come home with terrible scars, mostly emotional. They find very quickly that the rough lives they led make them "bad ton," and in the face of society's scorn, Tristan returned to the sea.

Lady Anne Hayworth seeks passage on a ship bound for Scutari, where her fiance, Walter, was stationed in the Crimean War. She needs a ship that will wait on her and depart at her convenience (as in, she needs a ship that won't delay in the harbor long enough for her controlling father and brothers to catch up with her). She approaches Crimson Jack, a captain recommended as honorable.

Thing is, Jack takes one look at Anne, and honor be damned. He'll take her where she wants to go—but he doesn't want her money. He demands a different payment. One kiss. A kiss that ends when HE ends it, at a time of HIS choosing. (Of course, he plans to pick a moment when he can be assured that she won't stop him at just the kiss.)

It's a promising premise and a decent story, though I got a little frustrated with the "obstacle" to the romance. (view spoiler) Three stars.
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Mar 13, 2013 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

So this is my first Lorraine Heath novel and, as always, I start not at the beginning, but at the second book. It really doesn't matter because there is enough backstory to let you know enough to keep up easily. After all this is about Anne and Tristan, who were wonderfully drawn star crossed lovers. I cried at several places for the pain and growth each character went through in different places. I was a little disappointed that it took so long for Tristan to realise that he and Anne belonged t...more

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Nov 03, 2012 J9 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: avon-addict, historical, 2012-reads

Originally Reviewed for The Book Vixen

Good historical romance but one without a plot other than the romance.

I know that this isn’t period accurate, but I like how sexually liberated Anne is. She sets sexual limits with Tristan initially and when she’s ready to change them, she does. Anne takes accountability for her actions and is honest with Tristan at all times. Of course, Tristan is yummy enough to tempt her and make this worth her while. Their sexual intimacy doesn’t overpower the romance bu...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mmmm there's nothing more I love than a deliciously tempting historical romance and this one hit the spot! It's impossible not to fall in love with Lorraine Heath's stories, and I'm so happy she's created yet another irresistible book!

It's been four years since Anne lost her betrothed in the war, yet she still hasn't been able to move on. Before she enters back into society, she wishes to visit him one last time. In order to do so, though, she enlists the help of the only man she knows who can...more Mmmm there's nothing more I love than a deliciously tempting historical romance and this one hit the spot! It's impossible not to fall in love with Lorraine Heath's stories, and I'm so happy she's created yet another irresistible book!

It's been four years since Anne lost her betrothed in the war, yet she still hasn't been able to move on. Before she enters back into society, she wishes to visit him one last time. In order to do so, though, she enlists the help of the only man she knows who can get the job done efficiently with no questions asked: Captain Crimson Jack. The captain, otherwise known as Lord Tristan, is willing to take Anne on the journey, but not without tempting her as much as her feminine whiles tempt him. Whenever they're together, sparks fly, and we'll just have to wait to see who gives into the temptation first...

And I can definitely see why Tristan is the Lord of Temptation! I have a soft spot for ship captains, and Tristan embodies all of the enticing, irresistible qualities of a man of the sea. He's strong, attractive, and knows exactly how to take charge in any situation. I'm so happy that a man like him is only taken by Anne, because she sure gives him a run for his money. She's just as stubborn as him and doesn't let his charms fool her (at least not as easily as every other woman).

This time period is so enchanting, with Anne having to worry about her reputation and attending balls, parties, and courtly rides in the garden. I love everything about it and couldn't help getting wrapped up in her life. I was kept on the edge of my seat during the entire time I was reading this novel; how were Tristan and Anne going to work? Could Tristan really let go of his troubled past? Could he get over his stubbornness and truly let Anne in? So many questions and an enticing story to give you all of the answers!

If you haven't read anything by Lorraine Heath, do it now! She knows how to spin a magical story and make you fall hopelessly in love with the characters (trust me, you're going to fall in love with Tristan). If you a fan of historical romance, or romance in general, you're going to absolutely love this one! So go out and try this book out now! You're in for a fantastic tale about love, the sea, and a simply dashing hero. (less)

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Feb 27, 2013 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Forced to run from his old life to escape a murderous uncle, Tristan was pushed into a life at sea from the young age of 14. He never had a chance to be the man of nobility he was bred for. Instead, he grew to embrace his destiny on the open water. He shed his old persona and became Crimson Jack. Eventually he became captain of his own ship. And though as an adult, he and his brothers were finally able to reclaim their names and inheritance, he never again felt comfortable in the skin of a Lord....more Forced to run from his old life to escape a murderous uncle, Tristan was pushed into a life at sea from the young age of 14. He never had a chance to be the man of nobility he was bred for. Instead, he grew to embrace his destiny on the open water. He shed his old persona and became Crimson Jack. Eventually he became captain of his own ship. And though as an adult, he and his brothers were finally able to reclaim their names and inheritance, he never again felt comfortable in the skin of a Lord.

Anne is a woman in mourning for her dead fiance. He has been gone for years, but to find closure, she feels she must travel to the distant land where he died at war --and make her peace with his memory. She hires Tristan to take her there.

From the moment he sees her, Tristan is taken by Anne. He only agrees to bring her to her destination for the payment of a kiss. He figures he'll seduce her and get her out of his system during the voyage. After all, he believes she has a real, live fiance waiting for her on the other side of the journey. He's wrong on all counts.

I enjoyed watching Anne and Tristan push each other's buttons. The sexual tension between them is good and though we had to wait a while for that kiss, once the ball got rolling between these two, it was impossible to keep them apart. The sex is great and the emotional aspects of the relationship are solid.

The biggest hurdle between them is Tristan's inability to embrace love and a stable future. Anne wants a marriage and family, but Tristan makes no secret of the fact that his life is at sea... Or is it? The story starts going round and round in the second half with these two together, then pushing each other away. I can't tell you how many times they had their "last time together." It's very apparent to the reader how these two feel about each other, even if they can't see it themselves. So I did find myself growing a little impatient waiting for Tristan to have his big revelation.

Overall, though, I really did like the story. Our hero and heroine are honest with each other and their feelings are genuine and true. The secondary character were fleshed out and interesting too. I'm really a fan of the whole premise of this series. (And I liked the book about Tristan's twin, though this book works well as a standalone.) These poor brothers have been through so much! I can't wait for Rafe's story.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Avon(less)

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Dec 22, 2012 Quiana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical, explosive-chemistry-between-leads, drama, loveable-hero, loveable-heroine

This was the first book I’ve ever read by Lorraine Heath and it more than likely won’t be the last.

Lady Anne Hayworth is a woman still grieving the loss of a future that was abruptly taken away from her. But underneath the grief is a woman itching for a little adventure and yet longing for a future with a husband and children. So while she wants an adventure, she desperately needs stability. The mysterious Captain Crimson Jack is definitely capable of providing Anne with adventure and passion, b...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Daisy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: egalley

Guys, have I ever told you how much I love pirates and gentleman sea captains? (Of course I have) There's something about the setting at sea on ships that never fails to set my heart aflutter. Even if being on a real ship mostly does things to my stomach we will not go into further at this point.
So obviously I was all kinds of excited to read Lord of Temptation!

And it was AMAZING! Seriously, at a time when I was craving a good, fluffy historical romance to relax with this was just what I needed...more Guys, have I ever told you how much I love pirates and gentleman sea captains? (Of course I have) There's something about the setting at sea on ships that never fails to set my heart aflutter. Even if being on a real ship mostly does things to my stomach we will not go into further at this point.
So obviously I was all kinds of excited to read Lord of Temptation!

And it was AMAZING! Seriously, at a time when I was craving a good, fluffy historical romance to relax with this was just what I needed! There's a heroine I could root for, a dashing gentleman sea captain hero and TENSION and REAL PROBLEMS and just YAY!

Even though I sometimes thought Anne was a bit naive in her dealings with Tristan, she's not stupid. She knows he's probably not going to be a permanent fixture in her life and acts on it. She's realistic enough that even though she's starting to have feelings for him, that doesn't necessarily mean he feels the same way or that he will give up his life on sea for her. And I loved her for not being delusional! I mean sure, in romance novels I know it'll all work out in the end, but the heroine doesn't know this!

And Tristan! Tristan is absolutely my kind of hero with all his rugged handsomeness and tortured past and just all around being a good guy! I mean, he rescues boys with crooked legs from people who use them as shark bait. I bet he'd be a pretty good puppy raiser as well. And I loved that Tristan wasn't only a good guy to Anne, but to other people as well.

There was this wonderful attraction between them and even though they knew it was wrong, they couldn't help themselves and I loved seeing their romance unfold! There was so much tension and heartbreak and fierce alphamaleness in Tristan when he sees her with another man and I LOVED IT!

I did feel kinda annoyed at one of the silly chits chasing Tristan around, because REALLY? Who actually does stuff like that? It was cuckoo crazy! She just wouldn't take a hint...

But overall this was a wonderful feel good historical romance and I'm glad to have discovered another author in Lorraine Heath who can bring tears to my eyes. This is a really well done version of the Gentleman Pirate/Gentleman Sea Captain plot and I just loved it!

My rating: 4,5 stars(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, scarred-hero

I really loved this story of Lord Tristan Easton, the middle brother of the Lost Lords of Pembrook who's a scapegrace scoundrel and the notorious sea captain, Crimson Jack. He falls in lust with Lady Anne Hayworth who hires him to take her the to Crimea where she will say farewell to her dead fiance who died in the war there. She wants to get on with her life after two years of mourning and feels this is the only way she can, by saying good to him at his grave. Aboard ship she and Tristan become...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-read, lorraine-heath, romance-historical

Extremely good read as Tristan struggles between what he has become versus what he wants to be. As children, he and his brothers were forced to run for their lives. As a consequence the three brothers were separated. Each being forced to grow up fast in a man’s world. Tristan for his part, ended up going to sea and eventually becoming captain (pirate?) of his own ship. But in the process, he learned some harsh life lessons as the end of a lash. He also buried his emotions about his brothers and...more

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Lord of Temptation (The Lost Lords of Pembrook #2)

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