I just love Mary's books. The stories are well-written and always enjoyable. Aline and Stephen have instant chemistry. However, familial strife, on both sides, causes many obstacles on the way to their HEA. Definitely recommended.
Thank you Mary Lancaster, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

The Princess and the Artist

Aline is much more than a princess, and Stephen is much more than an artist. Love finds them, and so does trouble. It comes in the form of Stephen’s father and brother. Why exactly are they causing so much mischief? Then, there is Aline’s brother-in-law who wants to take her son away. Neither Aline, nor Stephen are weaklings to be trifled with. There is more to them than meets the eye, but can they beat the odds? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with a bit of adventure and suspense.

Princess Aline Hagerin is staying at the Renwick Hotel near the Maida Gardens to avoid her son's uncles.
Artist Stephen Dornan sees the Princess Aline, who he has met before. Stephen asks to paint Aline for an art exhibition in Paris. He asks to paint her in many different poses to reflect who she really is as a woman.

I enjoyed Stephen's interactions with Aline's son Basil, as well as the character of Mr. Flowers.
I look forward to reading Mary's next book, Sin and the Soldier.

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.

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.

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

I loved the characters in this book they were mature with Aline having been married twice before and with a son Basil who was a character in his own right. The plot was gripping with two lots of villains both family members of the couple. It was nice to have a new setting not balls or house party's. The chemistry was great and Stephen was just so sweet. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

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

Sent from my iPhone

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I look forward to Mary Lancaster’s romances because of their unique plots and clever writing. Her books focus on the character, and each one is developed deliberately from page one. Temptation And The Artist is a sparkling, decadent read!

Stephen and Aline’s attraction is instantaneous, but so are their mutual burgeoning deeper feelings. What starts as a spark of passion ignites into something more powerful. As Stephen learns about Aline through painting her portraits, he discovers an inner beauty and strength that adds to his physical desire. Aline is cautious, yet her pull towards Stephen is undeniable.

I loved how this book took us away from balls, rakes, and wallflowers to a grittier, sexier romance. The characters were mature and decisive. I loved Aline’s son, Basil. The plot was gripping, and I loved how it unfolded in a way that made the characters jump from the page.

Temptation And The Artist is the second book in the Gentlemen Of Pleasure series. Mary Lancaster always creates a decadent, smoldering romance full of vivid, exciting characters. I always look forward to her books and suggest adding her to your “to be read” list!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!]

Enjoyable story to read.
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 of heat.
A thrilling ending made this a really good story.

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

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!

Widow Aline is trying to keep her young son from her corrupt husband’s family. When she comes across painter Stephen, whom she is attracted to, she is flattered that he wants to paint a series of portraits of her for an exhibition. When both their families make trouble, they join together to fight them off. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.