Title: Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed
Author: Tracy Anne Warren
Published in September 2010 by Avon Romance,
An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-167344-3 Paperback
Lady Mallory Byron was a sought after jewel in the Ton's crown, and with her engagement to Major Michael Hargreaves, it was deemed a brilliant match. But tragedy strikes the young couple as news returns to England that Michael was killed in battle. Deep in mourning, Mallory shuts herself off from everyone and everything. For over a year she mourns Michael. Nightmares plague her night and the days without him end up having monotonous regularity. As worried as her family is, they can seem to find no way to break through the solemn young woman's grief at Michael's loss. Braebourne House, home seat to the Dukes of Clybourne, was in high gear around her with the plans and arrivals of the guests for the house party. Mallory ignored it all, and kept to her rooms. She felt safe there, and even though in her mind she knew it was time to put grief aside, her heart just couldn't seem to let go.
She is the pampered and cossetted daugher of a duke, and yet she is not in the least spoiled. Headstrong, yes, but the terrible grief has worn her, and she is looking thin and not at all well. She has matured through this ordeal, but inside she feel as though something of value has been stolen or died. The preparation for the house party has not escaped her notice, and a myriad of tries hae been made to get her to join the company. She has steadfastly refused. mallory is not in a partying mood, nor is she in the mood to be a spectacle for the family and friends gathering at the grand old house. Her sister-in-law Claire, Duchess of Clybourne, has coaxed and cajoled trying to bring Mallory out of ehr blue funk, but all to no avail. Once again Mallory has refused to dress for dinner, staunchly remaining in her rooms and foregoing the gaiety of the crowd gathering below.
Adam Gresham, the third Earl of Gresham, strode into Braebourne house and into a disheartening amount of trouble in the name of Lady Mallory Byron. He was well aware of her problems, her grief, but he was also a dear family friend. Claire is upset that Mallory won't join the company and so he made it his task to try to coax her out of her shell and into life once more. Edward Byron, Duke of Clybourne and his brothers are Adam's best friends, and he is truly unhappy that Claire is so upset at Mallory's insistence on keeping to herself. If there is anything he can do to ease Claire's mind, he will do it, but it seems that the first thing he must do is break through Mallory's reserve. It won't be easy, but Adam is determined to get her back into life. He can't stand to see his beautiful Mallory waste away through sorrow, and that starts him on his path.
Even though Adam has garnered the reputation of a rakehell and a player among the ladies of the Ton, but he hides a secret from all. He has been in love with Lady Mallory Byron since she was sixteen and he a twentyfour year old friend and clasmate of her brother Jack. Not having a good home of his own to go to, Adam spent most of his Oxford school years within the walls of Braebourne house, and growing up with Mallory's brothers made it seem as though it was a huge impropriety to be in love with their little sister. Nevertheless, Adam was heartbroken when Mallory became engaged to Michael Hargreaves. It was as if his world went totally out of kelter, and he had not found a single young woman among the Ton's garden that even held a candle to Mallory. Now he ws here, and now he had a fortune of his own to woo her and maybe if he played his cards right, Mallory would at last be his for the taking. He was really hoping that was not a false dream. He had worked hard to restore the fortune his father had drunk and gambled away, and he was ready to make his move...
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is a delightful Historical novel from the pen of Tracy Anne Warren. the full spectale of a house party brings the reader right into the world of our hero and heroine and sets a delightful stage for seduction and romance. Unfortunately, Mallory Byron is not having any of it, and till Adam shows up, she has foiled all Claire's attempts to coax her into coming down and joining the guests. Claire knows it is past time for Mallory to put her giref aside, and to that end, she enlists Adam to help bring Mallory out of the dumps and the depression she has been so deeply entrenched. If there is no one else, Adam is a charming and clever enough rogue to do the trick, and Claire suspects there is more to Adam's worry than just friendship.
If you are looking for a late summer escape, I would love to suggest Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed, with its rich setting, full and delicious characters, and all the excitement one could desire. The problems Adam and Mallory have are brought on by expectations and trust, and although Mallory doen't realixe it, Adam is the one who has loved her through out it all. He has stayed by her side, cheering and helping her through the worlst of everything. She has always had Adam to lean on, but now, when the times are the darkest, can she finally shee what she would be throwing away? If you want to find out, then come to romance and experience Tracy Anne Warren's world. Order your copy of Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed from Avon Romance and find out if Adam really and finally does get the girl he loves. This is another fabulous story and I have to tell you, Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is definitely remaining on my keeper shelf, and is most assuredly one of my picks for a Selected Read.
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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