THE BED AND THE BACHELOR by Tracy Anne Warren

A Byrons of Braebourne Series, Book Five
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: July 26th, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-203305-5
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Lord Drake Byron is the fourth son of the “mad, bad & dangerous” Byron family. Quiet and scholarly, he is more interested in the code he developed to take down Napoleon than marriage. But when he hires a new housekeeper, he finds the woman he grows to enjoy-in and out of bed-has more secrets than he imagines. Will he be able to forgive the secrets that eventually come out and let his heart lead him to a love worth fighting for?

Sebastianne Dumont is forced to go undercover as a spy to save her family and now working at Lord Drake Byron’s house as a housekeeper, she finds the man as tempting as sin even as she grows more conflicted as the days go by while she falls head over heels for Drake. Can Sebastianne find a way to come clean with Drake, save her family and hope that Drake will forgive her for the deception she plays on him?

I loved this series by author Tracy Anne Warren. The Byron family siblings are as diverse as any family is and I found them all to be quite enjoyable. This time we find the fourth brother, Drake Byron, in the center of cupids arrows as he finds himself falling for a woman he thinks is his housekeeper when in fact she is a French spy. The writing is tight, story flows nicely and the passion between these two is like pure combustion. I was shaking the fingers at all the sparks these two struck each time they came onto the pages. You could feel the connection they have even amid the deceptions Sebastianne has to play against Drake. Can she come clean and hope Drake forgives her? You have to read THE BED AND THE BACHELOR to find out.

I loved Drake Byron. He was studious and I was always told, you need to watch out for those quiet ones. He had a scholarly air about him and though he isn’t interested in finding a wife, he isn’t immune to the charms of Sebastianne. These two are quite enjoyable together. I found them to be the perfect foil for one another and the scenes when they are together are hot as sin. This is the perfect way to warm up a cool autumn night. The secondary characters are delightful and we see glimpses of the other Byron siblings as well.

THE BED AND THE BACHELOR is a wonderful addition to the Byron Brothers series and I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve in the future. The ending will leave you smiling and the story alone has a few twists I didn’t see coming. Ms. Warren delivers a pulse pounding, romantic tale that will leave you breathless. I loved the Byron Brothers series and look forward to reading these stories again in the future. If you are looking for a fun, adventurous series to enjoy, pick up one of the Byron Brothers books. You don’t have to read them in order but I highly recommend you do to fully enjoy the series.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE BED AND THE BACHELOR by Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Avon Books
Date Published: August, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-06-203305-5
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.


Sebastianne Dumont has her back up against the wall. Either become a spy in order to save her family, by stealing a top secret formula from a brilliant English mathematician, that will aid Bonaparte’s forces in winning the war, or...not.

Reluctant, but desperate to save her family, Sebastianne goes undercover as a housekeeper in the home of Lord Drake Byron, a man who becomes a danger to her mission as well as her senses. A confirmed bachelor, Byron believes no woman would ever want him due to his erratic and unpredictable lifestyle. But when she falls in love with him, Sebastianne, calling herself Anne Greenway, is quick to realize that she must soon betray this incredible man who has turned the wheels of her heart so wonderfully that the pain of losing him is devastating to her.

When the opportunity finally presents itself, for Sebastianne to steal the information she needs to save her family, she has no idea it is the same night that Lord Byron has considered marrying her, despite his vow to remain a bachelor.

Hurt, betrayed, and furious with Sebastianne’s deception, Lord Byron makes his way to France, intent on bringing Sebastianne back to England, for retribution for her crimes. But once he locates her and learns the truth behind Sebastianne’s covert behavior, he instead feels the need to remain in France to protect her and her family from the evil man threatening them.

When circumstances turn in their favor, freeing Sebastianne and her family from the fearful emotions she has been harboring for so long, Byron is quick to propose, vowing to take care of her entire family as well.

Once safe in England, the life Byron and Sebastianne had envisioned for themselves prior to their engagement is forgotten. Sebastianne is soon swept into a dream-like future with the man she loves so passionately, as well as into Byron’s family, who welcome her with open arms.

THE BED AND THE BACHELOR by Tracy Anne Warren is an outstanding read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As a fan of historical romance, this one has everything one would want in this genre. There are lots of passion, intrigue, mystery, and heartwarming scenes involving family members on both sides of the spectrum.

Tracy Anne Warren has great skill at plotting, characterization, and dialogue, which makes the reader aware of her incredible writing talents.

The plot Ms. Warren has weaved into THE BED AND THE BACHELOR kept me riveted. In fact, it is one of those books I found hard to put down and one I never wanted to end.

Although THE BED AND THE BACHELOR is a continuation of the books Ms. Warren has written about all of the Byron brothers, I found this one to be enjoyable as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed it so much, I intend to read the other Byron brothers books that Ms. Warren has in print. The fact that Ms. Warren has a background in finance amazes me, since one would believe she had spent her entire life involved with writing and literature. She seems to be a natural talent, an author I will not forget.

Perhaps because it is the first novel I have read by Ms. Warren, I found it quite to my liking. I cannot compare it to her previous works, which leaves me open to an honest opinion on how I felt while reading THE BED AND THE BACHELOR.

I liked the characters in THE BED AND THE BACHELOR. The fact that Lord Byron hired such a young housekeeper gave evidence right away of his attraction to Sebastianne. It seemed that no one older would ever become the new housekeeper once Byron laid eyes on her, which made it easy for her to pull off her charade, so to speak. The fact that they were both young and attractive made it only logical that they would develop an interest in one another sooner or later, while living under the same roof. And since Sebastianne had interests similar to Lord Byron’s, it also made sense as to their attraction for one another, other than physical.

Yes, it seemed a little out of the ordinary for Lord Byron to be so handsome and buff, considering one’s view of what a mathematician should look like, perhaps a typical nerd, but as part of the aristocracy, it only made sense that Byron would eat well and take care of himself. Usually the wealthy, since they can afford to hire chefs to cook their meals, are able to keep their weight down since they don’t need to fret over what to eat or how to cook it. Usually only the rich can afford to purchase the right foods, although some may overindulge. So the fact that Lord Byron didn’t come off as a typical nerd was quite all right by me.

Yes, I am giving a thumbs up to THE BED AND THE BACHELOR by Tracy Anne Warren. Anyone who enjoys historical romance, mystery, and suspense I’m sure will enjoy reading THE BED AND THE BACHELOR. I know I did.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED by Tracy Anne Warren

Book 4 in Byrons of Braebourne Series
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-167344-3
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Lady Mallory Byron finds herself the talk of the ton when she finds herself bedded then married to her family’s friend, the Earl of Gresham. What turns from friendship into passion and a scandal has Mallory reeling. Adam, the Earl of Gresham has secretly longed for Mallory for years and is determined to not lose her again. A second chance at love for them both leaves them with the question-can they move past the past in order to have a future together?

I absolutely loved this book. Even though I didn’t read the first three in the series, I wasn’t confused or anything. This author had a great way of drawing the reader into the world she created with some snappy dialogue and amazing characters that gave it depth. Ms. Warren delivers a fast pace, wild ride from start to finish and I fell in love with the charming Byron’s of Braebourne. The family is a tight, close knit family and I loved the dynamics the author showed between them all. The writing was tight and you got a sense that the author did some extensive research for this series.

Meet Lady Mallory Byron, a woman who is finally coming out of mourning from the death of her fiancée and is now the talk of the town. Shocked to discover that her friendship with Adam, the Earl of Gresham, has turned to passion, she finds herself wedded and bedded before she could make heads or tails of it all. Now she finds herself married to a man who stirs her desires to new heights. But can she let go of the man who left her crushed and find happiness with her new husband? Adam is a strong hero who will do anything to have the woman he loves. He finds he needs to work at winning Mallory’s heart and there are some scenes that had me wondering where he came from. Overall, the main characters really work at getting their happily ever after which had me cheering in the end. There were a few secondary characters that had me intrigued and I am looking to see if they pop up in the first three books.

WICKED DELIGHTS IN A BRIDAL BED delivers a nice, lighthearted, easy read for a late autumn afternoon. The author does a great job in her storytelling and the reader really gets into the hearts of the main characters, Adam and Mallory. If you enjoy an engaging historical romance, then pick this latest book up by a wonderful storyteller. I know I am going to check out the other three books in the series to see how Mallory’s brothers wound up with their mates.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

FOUR DUKES & A DEVIL by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Avon
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-178736-2
Historical/Paranormal/Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn




FOUR DUKES & a DEVIL is five short stories that will have you believing in love all over again as these five couples find themselves snared in love’s crosshairs.

First up was THE IRISH DUKE by Cathy Maxwell which tells the tale of a spinster woman determined to ruin any Irish Duke’s chances of catching a bride…except she never imagines getting snared herself.

First off, I have to admit this story did not endear me at all to the characters. The main heroine, Susan, came off as whiny, childish and annoying to me. I wasn’t sure why this character didn’t do it for me-maybe it might have been the mood I was in or something. The writing was ok, nothing popped out for me to get excited about nor did the storyline capture my attention. It was just an ok story and had me skimming pages to get to the next one.

Next up was THE DUKE WHO CAME FOR DINNER by Elaine Fox. This is about a woman who is determined to get away and let herself finally come out of her shell. Add in a dog named Duke, a ghost who is a matchmaker and Mr. Right to the mix and you have the makings of one wild romance.

This was definitely one of my favorites in the anthology. A contemporary romance, Ms. Fox delivers a story that will leave you smiling when the last page is read. You have humor, romance and wit sprinkled throughout the story and this is an author who keeps you highly entertained from start to finish. I highly enjoyed this one.

Up next was DEVIL TO PAY by Jeaniene Frost. Elise is a vampire who is determined to be alone and lives by herself, with no contact with the outside world. When she rescues a man who is trying to kill himself, she finds herself drawn into the world once again as she tries to help Blake deal with the demon inside him.

I have to admit, I had to read this anthology just for this author. Ms. Frost is a wonderful storyteller and you really get into the characters of each of her books. This story is a fast paced wonder as Elise finds herself living again as she helps Blake try to deal with his problem, namely the demon living inside him. Elise is a wonder. She comes out of her shell to take care of Blake and that endeared me to her. A strong female character, she called to me and I was rooting for her to finally see happiness with Blake in the end. Overall, it was a nice adventure and a treat to read.

Next up was Sophia Nash’s CATCH OF THE CENTURY. This tells the tale of the ton’s latest eligible bachelor finding love with a feisty vixen who snares his heart even as she drives him to the brink of madness.

This was a minor character from one of this author’s series and though I haven’t read that series, this was an ok read as well. At times I wanted to shake Victoria, the heroine but she does grow on you eventually. The chemistry between John and Victoria was a bit predictable and had characters popping up from previous series that had me scratching my head in confusion for a bit. Overall, it was just an ok story and felt it could have needed a little more growth to completely keep my attention.

Finally, the last story was Tracy Anne Warren’s CHARMED BY HER SMILE. India Byron is determined to escape a suitor who is besotted with her. When London’s most scandalous rake steals a kiss, she begins to fall for the older man even as the suitor becomes more enamored with India. Can India and Quentin find a way to be true to their hearts in the end?

This final story was a bit better than the other historical/regency romances. I found the writing to be tight, storyline moving smoothly and though a bit predictable, an enjoyable romance. The hero is a bit older than the heroine and it was a nice aspect of the storyline. The heroine, India, was at times feisty yet innocent as she fell for Quentin, Duke of Weybridge. Both characters were well rounded and well written; another gem in this anthology.

FOUR DUKES & A DEVIL had a few lovely stories to enjoy but also a few misses as well. A few of the stories were really good and had me racing to check out the author’s backlist while a few others were flat to me. You will enjoy this if you enjoy historical/Regency romances. This was a sweet and tasty anthology to whittle the hours away while out on the hammock this spring.



THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

AT THE DUKE’S PLEASURE by Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN: 9780061673429
Regency Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Penny



It is time for Edward Byron, the Duke of Clybourne, to wed. He has been betrothed to a woman since he was 12 years old and she was a newborn baby. She is exactly what society expects him to marry. Unfortunately Lady Claire Marsden does not wish to be wed. Claire has loved Edward since she was sixteen and she has waited and waited for him to come and claim her hand. Now, years later he has finally come but he does not return her affection. But how can he? They are strangers to one another. She will not except a loveless marriage and sets out to force Edward to call off their marriage. But will her scandalous behavior have its desired effect?


I LOVED this book! Author Tracy Anne Warren sent me on a wild ride with an array of emotions. I felt for Claire’s plight. She has loved this man from afar for years, and has learned the hard way of his trysts with other women. Now he has come for her and she wants him to feel the same about her that she has felt about him for years. She is also upset that it has taken him so long to come for her. And can she trust him not to take mistress after mistress after they are married? Sure, that is normal behavior for society men as long as they are somewhat discreet, but that is not the kind of marriage that she wants. Claire’s father is rather a jerk. He makes it clear that she is to wed Edward, Duke of Clybourne or be disowned and left to fend for herself. So she comes up with a brilliant plan that consists of outrageous behaviors that are designed to make the Duke cry off and dissolve their engagement. I giggled and laughed out loud at some of her escapades and the reactions she garnered as a result. I was also proud of Edward for his reactions of Claire’s antics as well. It is not at all what Claire was hoping for.

These characters delighted me and entertained me. I am a huge fan of Regency books and this one did not disappoint me in any way. Every good book of this genre has to have a villain or villainess and this one is no exception.


Ms Warren’s writing is smooth and precise; there is not a dull moment to be had. I am sorry that I have not had the opportunity to read the other books that I understand are about the Byrons. I will have to see if I can find them and put them on my ‘to be read’ list! I can only hope that I would be as charmed by them as I was by AT THE DUKE’S PLEASURE.





THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH by Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Avon
Date published: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0061673412
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan


Lord John (Jack) Byron has lost the bet of a lifetime, thus he must now marry the daughter of a merchant. Not only must he marry her, he must convince her that it is a love match and she must never learn of the bet. Grace Danvers is not considered to be beautiful as she is taller than most girls but she is a woman to be reckoned with and Jack finds his hands full dealing with her.

Grace is a thoroughly enchanting heroine. She is not the usual type of heroine as she is not petite and definitely well-educated. Readers will fall in love with her as they get to know her. It is not surprising that Jack falls under her spell too. The more time he spends with her, the more he falls in love with her. Jack is great hero as he isn’t too obnoxious or arrogant. There is something about him that is endearing. As a couple, they are wonderful together. There is great chemistry and understanding between them. Of course, the path to their “happily ever after” is not smooth. From the beginning of the book, we know he is a rake and his rakish past does come back to haunt him as he tries to convince Grace of his feelings for her plus how their marriage came about is hanging over them. How is this resolved, well you will have to pick up the book to find out!

With a likable lead couple, fast paced storyline and highly erotic moments, SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH is an entertaining book that will satisfy historical romance lovers. It is the second book in this series featuring the Byron family. The first was Tempted By His Kiss which featured Cade and Meg. You will have no problems understanding SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH if you did not read the first book but I am sure you will want to. This reader can’t wait for the next one in this wonderful series.

TEMPTED BY HIS KISS by Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher Avon Books
Date published March 2009
ISBN 978-0-06-167340-5
Historical Romance/Regency
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn



The Byrons are described by the ton as “Mad, Bad and Dangerous” and they love every titillating minute of their escapades. Meg Amberley was orphaned and never expected that one night she would be Lord Cade Byron’s pretend fiancée even if he is sexy as sin and just as maddening. Lord Cade Byron is a haunted man and when Meg drops in his lap, he finds a passion so rich it ignites everything in him. A charade is planned but fate has other intentions as Cade and Meg find themselves fighting for a love that sears them to the bone and seals two wounded hearts. Can Meg be TEMPTED BY HIS KISS to reach for a future with the one man who stirs her senses and delivers everything on a silver platter?

Ms. Warren’s newest series is about a tempestuous family that is every bit as wild as their poetic relations. This author delivers a wild and emotion packed ride in between the pages of TEMPTED BY HIS KISS and the reader gets swept away as Cade and Meg find themselves lost in a passion that blazes hotter than Hades and delivers much more than Meg ever bargained for. Get ready for one wild rollicking ride as Ms. Warren introduces the engaging and emotional Byrons.

Meg Amberley is an orphaned beauty who finds herself stranded in a snow storm at Lord Cade Byron’s estate. She soon succumbs to Cade’s charm and finds herself drawn to the man behind the mask and senses a heart that needs her loving balm. Cade Byron is a man who is buried deep in the countryside, haunted by a past that leaves him alone and lonely. Then fate intervenes and in his lap, a woman opens his eyes and heart to the sweetness of passion that consumes them both. Can Meg leave the one man who stirs her so? Will Cade let Meg walk away even after feeling her charms and soothing touch? These two characters are so complex it literally gives you shivers when they come across the pages together. Their passion almost had me making sure the book wasn’t on fire and they interacted well with secondary characters. Ms. Warren definitely gets to the heart of these two and delves deep into their souls. I found Cade to be a wonderful foil to Meg’s innocence and charm. Can the rake find a love he has dreamed of but gave up? In this case, oh heck yeah!

TEMPTED BY HIS KISS is a delightful beginning to a wonderful series that surely will keep you entertained and bewitched. I know I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this delightful family and you get a glimpse into the next family member to fall to love’s seductive charm. This author delivers a story that will keep you entertained from start to finish and her writing is tight. I thoroughly enjoyed this new book from Ms. Warren. Get ready for the Byrons and be prepared to find yourself enchanted with a family that will steal your heart.