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The Byrons of Braebourne #4
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed
To her surprise, Lady Mallory Byron finds herself walking down the aisle with the last man she ever expected to ask for her hand ...
Everyone knows the Byron brothers are "mad, bad and dangerous." Now their sister shockingly discovers she's the newest talk of the Ton when she marries the scandalous Earl of Gresham. Faced with a tragic loss, she'd sought comfort from him as a family friend. But soon consolation turned to passion, scandal—and a wedding! In the bridal bed, she finds pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. But can nights of wicked delight change friendship into true love?
Charming rakehell Adam, Earl of Gresham, has secretly loved Mallory for years. He lost her once to another man, but now he has a second chance to win her love—and plans to do so by any means necessary. Will Mallory's heart give him what he so dearly desires? Or is the past too much to overcome?
Everyone knows the Byron brothers are "mad, bad and dangerous." Now their sister shockingly discovers she's the newest talk of the Ton when she marries the scandalous Earl of Gresham. Faced with a tragic loss, she'd sought comfort from him as a family friend. But soon consolation turned to passion, scandal—and a wedding! In the bridal bed, she finds pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. But can nights of wicked delight change friendship into true love?
Charming rakehell Adam, Earl of Gresham, has secretly loved Mallory for years. He lost her once to another man, but now he has a second chance to win her love—and plans to do so by any means necessary. Will Mallory's heart give him what he so dearly desires? Or is the past too much to overcome?
364 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 31, 2010
87 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Anne Warren
41 books791 followersTracy Anne Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of ten Regency historical romance novels, including At The Duke’s Pleasure and The Husband Trap. Her books have appeared on the USA Today Bestsellers’ list and the Borders’ Group List of Bestselling Single Title Romance Paperbacks. She has won numerous writing awards, including Romance Writers’ of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Golden Quill, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 25, 2010
4 ½ stars – Historical Romance
This is a really good ‘friends to marriage/lovers’ romance, but what makes it somewhat unique and refreshing is that in this, it’s the hero who’s been madly in love with the heroine, his best friend’s younger sister, in secret for years, instead of the other way around, like is so typically the case in many romances.
Adam, Earl of Gresham has been a close friend of the Byron family for years, and he’s been in love with Lady Mallory since she was a precocious girl of sixteen. But circumstances, including the fact that she was the younger sister of his best friend, Jack, their age difference, and his family’s financial ruin, kept him from claiming Mallory for his own. So he stood back and watched in agony as another man courted and became engaged to his one and only love.
Now Adam has a second chance to earn Mallory’s hand in marriage, and he won’t let anything stand in his way from winning her for himself this time, thoroughly and forever. Their friendship leads to a passionate romance and “wicked delights” in the bedroom that Mallory never imagined possible. But can Mallory give Adam the one thing he craves most of all...her heart? And when obstacles from the past resurface, will their love survive?
Adam and Mallory are great characters with realistic, complex insecurities, emotions, and human failings, and I loved them together. The close friendship, tender affection, and intense passion they shared were heartfelt and touching, and their love scenes were sensual and seriously steamy. One scene in particular that demonstrated Adam’s skills, commitment to Mallory’s pleasure, and possessive streak was yowza hot and had me fanning myself!
Adam was such a sexy, devoted alpha hero, and it was clear that he loved Mallory deeply and irrevocably. He might have been jealous, stubborn, demanding, and uncompromising at times, but it was because he adored her so desperately and was terrified of losing her.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is a passionate romance with powerful emotion and a wonderful H/H whose HEA I was really invested in and rooted strongly for. 4 ½ stars!
Here’s my casting choice for Adam. (Please note that Eric Bana’s deliciously yummy chocolate brown eyes are a perfect fit for Adam’s. *grin*)
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This is a really good ‘friends to marriage/lovers’ romance, but what makes it somewhat unique and refreshing is that in this, it’s the hero who’s been madly in love with the heroine, his best friend’s younger sister, in secret for years, instead of the other way around, like is so typically the case in many romances.
Adam, Earl of Gresham has been a close friend of the Byron family for years, and he’s been in love with Lady Mallory since she was a precocious girl of sixteen. But circumstances, including the fact that she was the younger sister of his best friend, Jack, their age difference, and his family’s financial ruin, kept him from claiming Mallory for his own. So he stood back and watched in agony as another man courted and became engaged to his one and only love.
Now Adam has a second chance to earn Mallory’s hand in marriage, and he won’t let anything stand in his way from winning her for himself this time, thoroughly and forever. Their friendship leads to a passionate romance and “wicked delights” in the bedroom that Mallory never imagined possible. But can Mallory give Adam the one thing he craves most of all...her heart? And when obstacles from the past resurface, will their love survive?
Adam and Mallory are great characters with realistic, complex insecurities, emotions, and human failings, and I loved them together. The close friendship, tender affection, and intense passion they shared were heartfelt and touching, and their love scenes were sensual and seriously steamy. One scene in particular that demonstrated Adam’s skills, commitment to Mallory’s pleasure, and possessive streak was yowza hot and had me fanning myself!
Adam was such a sexy, devoted alpha hero, and it was clear that he loved Mallory deeply and irrevocably. He might have been jealous, stubborn, demanding, and uncompromising at times, but it was because he adored her so desperately and was terrified of losing her.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is a passionate romance with powerful emotion and a wonderful H/H whose HEA I was really invested in and rooted strongly for. 4 ½ stars!
Here’s my casting choice for Adam. (Please note that Eric Bana’s deliciously yummy chocolate brown eyes are a perfect fit for Adam’s. *grin*)
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May 11, 2022
3 Stars
This is the exact mirror of When the Duke Was Wicked I read previously and did not like all that much. It's amazing how your mind looks for closure, trying to make sense of an unsavoury experience by looking for resolution in similar things. Well, I did not get my closure, but this book was marginally better than the last, and it's saying something.
This is my second Tracy Anne Warren book, and I had thought she had a penchant for the dramatic & taking things one too far, which was confirmed in this story. What a complicated web it was...
Quick Review
- TAW writes well, but she does end up going over the top with her plot.
- Things are going fine, but in the final 30%, it's pure chaos which throws the pacing out of whack.
- A few aspects that I did like.
*Adam was the one to have been in love with Mallory for the longest time.
*Mallory was the one who was grieving profoundly & was afraid to love (generally, it's the other way around).
*Adam's jealousy & Mallory's need for closure were not unfounded (this is coming from my psychologist's viewpoint.)
*Individually, I liked Adam & Mallory because I could understand & empathise with them & their situation, with them being victims of very unusual circumstances and all.
- A few things that I did not like.
*Too much page time spent on Mallory's grief, it was significant.
*This paved the way for the lack of trust in their relationship.
*I can't believe I am saying this, but their relationship was just sex. I wanted to read the banter & the fun time they spent together that was mentioned. That would have been the romance.
I was summarising the book to my husband, and I was all for feeling sorry for poor Adam when he burst out laughing and I was made aware of "the man's perspective" - Adam should have sat Michael down with a drink and bro-bonded on the ill fate instead of flying into a fit of rage. He should have taken the moral high ground and calmly dealt with the situation showing respect to Mallory & her choices and trusted in their love. You know what? I agree (it'll keep my marriage peaceful, if not Adam's)!
My Recommendation
Not bad, but not great either. A little too dramatic.
This is the exact mirror of When the Duke Was Wicked I read previously and did not like all that much. It's amazing how your mind looks for closure, trying to make sense of an unsavoury experience by looking for resolution in similar things. Well, I did not get my closure, but this book was marginally better than the last, and it's saying something.
This is my second Tracy Anne Warren book, and I had thought she had a penchant for the dramatic & taking things one too far, which was confirmed in this story. What a complicated web it was...
Quick Review
- TAW writes well, but she does end up going over the top with her plot.
- Things are going fine, but in the final 30%, it's pure chaos which throws the pacing out of whack.
- A few aspects that I did like.
*Adam was the one to have been in love with Mallory for the longest time.
*Mallory was the one who was grieving profoundly & was afraid to love (generally, it's the other way around).
*Adam's jealousy & Mallory's need for closure were not unfounded (this is coming from my psychologist's viewpoint.)
*Individually, I liked Adam & Mallory because I could understand & empathise with them & their situation, with them being victims of very unusual circumstances and all.
- A few things that I did not like.
*Too much page time spent on Mallory's grief, it was significant.
*This paved the way for the lack of trust in their relationship.
*I can't believe I am saying this, but their relationship was just sex. I wanted to read the banter & the fun time they spent together that was mentioned. That would have been the romance.
I was summarising the book to my husband, and I was all for feeling sorry for poor Adam when he burst out laughing and I was made aware of "the man's perspective" - Adam should have sat Michael down with a drink and bro-bonded on the ill fate instead of flying into a fit of rage. He should have taken the moral high ground and calmly dealt with the situation showing respect to Mallory & her choices and trusted in their love. You know what? I agree (it'll keep my marriage peaceful, if not Adam's)!
My Recommendation
Not bad, but not great either. A little too dramatic.
July 2, 2018
5 Stars!!
LOVED this book!! Warren knows how to write a historical romance! I could not put this down...the chemistry in this book is undeniable. It was worth my time and worth reading.
LOVED this book!! Warren knows how to write a historical romance! I could not put this down...the chemistry in this book is undeniable. It was worth my time and worth reading.
September 20, 2010
I am going to come back and write more about this book when I have a little more time. I will just say right now that I loved it and found myself smiling more than once as I was reading it. Adam is the kind of hero that is so fun to read about in books...he is protective, kind, loving, sensual, possessive, and all around the very ALPHA male. This book reminded me at times of Julia Quinn's novel When He Was Wicked and that is definitely meant as a compliment. Mallory was such a sweet heroine and I was so happy to see her get a HEA with Adam. This was a great addition to the Bryon series and I cannot wait to read the others. Woo-hoo!!!
May 22, 2024
Review from 2019
I've given this a B for narration and a C for content at AudioGals, so that's 3.5 stars.
Tracy Anne Warren’s Byrons of Braebourne series about the five Byron siblings (four male, one female) was originally published between 2009 and 2011, but was only released in audio format recently. Rebecca de Leeuw is the pseudonym of a narrator I’ve enjoyed listening to a couple of times before, so I decided to pick up one of the books for review. I chose book four, Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed, because I enjoy friends-to-lovers stories and because according to the synopsis, the hero has been secretly in love with the heroine for years; I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for romances in which the hero is a total goner for his lady-love.
Mallory Byron has spent the last year mourning the death of her fiancé, Michael Hargreaves, who was killed in battle during the Napoleonic Wars. Her large, close-knit family is worried about her; it’s been over a year since Hargreaves was killed but Mallory continues to avoid social gatherings and family events and none of them is quite sure what to do or how to help her to start to put her grief aside and move on with her life. But there’s one person who might be able to get through to her and help her to start living again, Adam, Earl of Gresham, a family friend of long-standing who has always been especially close to her.
Adam has, in fact, been in love with Mallory since she was sixteen, but circumstances – he was a decade older, his family was all but destitute thanks to his profligate father, and Mallory was his best friend’s little sister – prompted him to wait before trying to court her. Unfortunately for him, however, he waited too long, and had to watch from the sidelines as she was courted by and fell in love with someone else.
But now things have changed again, and while Adam can’t deny that he’s determined to win Mallory for himself, his concern for her is far from selfish. He knows all too well the searing pain of loss and grief and how easy it is to become so mired in that pain that it seems impossible to escape. But escape it he did – and he determines to help Mallory to do the same. He recognises immediately that leaving her to her own devices – as her family has done – isn’t going to work. They’ve been treating her as if she’s likely to break, tiptoeing around her and indulging her with sympathy and kind words… but all that’s doing is encouraging her to remain stuck in the past. Adam can see that Mallory needs something to shake her up a little, something to remind her of who she was and what life was like before her fiancé died, and convince her that returning to herself and the life she used to lead isn’t a betrayal of Michael or her feelings for him.
When Adam arrives at the late-summer houseparty being held at Braebourne, he immediately sets about his plan of bringing Mallory out of herself, cajoling and teasing her into attending dinner rather than taking a tray in her room, and then into riding out with him early the next morning. Mallory tells herself that the ride is a one-off… but somehow finds herself riding out with Adam the next morning. And the next. Until it becomes a regular occurrence for them. During these rides, Mallory at last begins to let go of her grief and to enjoy the time spent with Adam, who, in spite of his ability to infuriate her, is charming, funny and excellent company. The author allows time for the couple to become comfortable with each other, and for Mallory to admit the attraction she is feeling for Adam; he’s pleased to see her gradually regaining her vitality and is just happy to spend time with her and wait patiently for the time when he can tell her the truth of his feelings and ask for her hand.
It’s not a spoiler (it’s in the synopsis) to say that Adam finds himself doing that before he’d expected to after he and Mallory are discovered in a compromising situation and honour demands he do the right thing. The couple is married around the half way point in the story – and it’s here that things begin to go downhill, partly because Adam seems to undergo a serious personality transplant – turning from a kind, compassionate and funny man into something of an insensitive idiot – and partly because the story starts to drag. Nothing much happens other than them having lots of sex (which is well-written, it’s true, but after the first one or two scenes, I didn’t need to listen to any more!) and Mallory spending lots of money on decorating their homes. And then, when the serious conflict arises around three-quarters of the way through, Adam’s personality transplant takes a real turn for the worse when he turns into a nasty, jealous knobhead – which pretty much tanked the book, because his behaviour was totally unreasonable and disgraceful, as well as not fitting with the character the author had established in the first part of the book.
Another major quibble is that the secondary cast of siblings, spouses and children is huge and it was difficult to keep track of them, especially as very few of them have any real relevance to this story. Also, Braebourne is in Gloucestershire, and Adam takes Mallory to a castle on or by the North Wales coast for their honeymoon – and they make the journey in just a few hours. Today, that journey takes around three and a half hours by car, so unless they got married at the crack of dawn (they didn’t) and didn’t hang around for a wedding breakfast (they did) getting there on the afternoon of their wedding day would have been impossible. Stuff like that just bugs me.
Rebecca De Leeuw has narrated a fair number of historical romances, and her voice falls into my ‘preferred’ category in that it lies in the contralto register than the soprano one. The best female narrators of historical romance – such as Rosalyn Landor and Kate Reading – have voices I’d describe that way, and their naturally lower pitch means they’re able to sustain suitably deep voices for the male characters without them sounding strained or odd. Ms De Leeuw has this ability as well, giving Adam a nicely warm, rounded tone and differentiating reasonably well between the numerous male characters in the story – although I sometimes needed to rely on the dialogue tags, especially in scenes that featured more than two or three men. She does equally well with the female roles, allocating different vocal characterisations to each of the Byron ladies and employing different accents where required to portray the servants. Her pacing is good in narrative and dialogue, and she expertly captures the shifting emotions between the hero and heroine; affection, irritation and attraction, all come through well, as does the humour and teasing they engage in.
But even the strong performance can’t help with the slow pacing of the story in places, or paint some of Adam’s actions in a better light. I enjoyed Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed sporadically, but at other times, it dragged, annoyed or infuriated, so I can’t give it an unqualified recommendation.
I've given this a B for narration and a C for content at AudioGals, so that's 3.5 stars.
Tracy Anne Warren’s Byrons of Braebourne series about the five Byron siblings (four male, one female) was originally published between 2009 and 2011, but was only released in audio format recently. Rebecca de Leeuw is the pseudonym of a narrator I’ve enjoyed listening to a couple of times before, so I decided to pick up one of the books for review. I chose book four, Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed, because I enjoy friends-to-lovers stories and because according to the synopsis, the hero has been secretly in love with the heroine for years; I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for romances in which the hero is a total goner for his lady-love.
Mallory Byron has spent the last year mourning the death of her fiancé, Michael Hargreaves, who was killed in battle during the Napoleonic Wars. Her large, close-knit family is worried about her; it’s been over a year since Hargreaves was killed but Mallory continues to avoid social gatherings and family events and none of them is quite sure what to do or how to help her to start to put her grief aside and move on with her life. But there’s one person who might be able to get through to her and help her to start living again, Adam, Earl of Gresham, a family friend of long-standing who has always been especially close to her.
Adam has, in fact, been in love with Mallory since she was sixteen, but circumstances – he was a decade older, his family was all but destitute thanks to his profligate father, and Mallory was his best friend’s little sister – prompted him to wait before trying to court her. Unfortunately for him, however, he waited too long, and had to watch from the sidelines as she was courted by and fell in love with someone else.
But now things have changed again, and while Adam can’t deny that he’s determined to win Mallory for himself, his concern for her is far from selfish. He knows all too well the searing pain of loss and grief and how easy it is to become so mired in that pain that it seems impossible to escape. But escape it he did – and he determines to help Mallory to do the same. He recognises immediately that leaving her to her own devices – as her family has done – isn’t going to work. They’ve been treating her as if she’s likely to break, tiptoeing around her and indulging her with sympathy and kind words… but all that’s doing is encouraging her to remain stuck in the past. Adam can see that Mallory needs something to shake her up a little, something to remind her of who she was and what life was like before her fiancé died, and convince her that returning to herself and the life she used to lead isn’t a betrayal of Michael or her feelings for him.
When Adam arrives at the late-summer houseparty being held at Braebourne, he immediately sets about his plan of bringing Mallory out of herself, cajoling and teasing her into attending dinner rather than taking a tray in her room, and then into riding out with him early the next morning. Mallory tells herself that the ride is a one-off… but somehow finds herself riding out with Adam the next morning. And the next. Until it becomes a regular occurrence for them. During these rides, Mallory at last begins to let go of her grief and to enjoy the time spent with Adam, who, in spite of his ability to infuriate her, is charming, funny and excellent company. The author allows time for the couple to become comfortable with each other, and for Mallory to admit the attraction she is feeling for Adam; he’s pleased to see her gradually regaining her vitality and is just happy to spend time with her and wait patiently for the time when he can tell her the truth of his feelings and ask for her hand.
It’s not a spoiler (it’s in the synopsis) to say that Adam finds himself doing that before he’d expected to after he and Mallory are discovered in a compromising situation and honour demands he do the right thing. The couple is married around the half way point in the story – and it’s here that things begin to go downhill, partly because Adam seems to undergo a serious personality transplant – turning from a kind, compassionate and funny man into something of an insensitive idiot – and partly because the story starts to drag. Nothing much happens other than them having lots of sex (which is well-written, it’s true, but after the first one or two scenes, I didn’t need to listen to any more!) and Mallory spending lots of money on decorating their homes. And then, when the serious conflict arises around three-quarters of the way through, Adam’s personality transplant takes a real turn for the worse when he turns into a nasty, jealous knobhead – which pretty much tanked the book, because his behaviour was totally unreasonable and disgraceful, as well as not fitting with the character the author had established in the first part of the book.
Another major quibble is that the secondary cast of siblings, spouses and children is huge and it was difficult to keep track of them, especially as very few of them have any real relevance to this story. Also, Braebourne is in Gloucestershire, and Adam takes Mallory to a castle on or by the North Wales coast for their honeymoon – and they make the journey in just a few hours. Today, that journey takes around three and a half hours by car, so unless they got married at the crack of dawn (they didn’t) and didn’t hang around for a wedding breakfast (they did) getting there on the afternoon of their wedding day would have been impossible. Stuff like that just bugs me.
Rebecca De Leeuw has narrated a fair number of historical romances, and her voice falls into my ‘preferred’ category in that it lies in the contralto register than the soprano one. The best female narrators of historical romance – such as Rosalyn Landor and Kate Reading – have voices I’d describe that way, and their naturally lower pitch means they’re able to sustain suitably deep voices for the male characters without them sounding strained or odd. Ms De Leeuw has this ability as well, giving Adam a nicely warm, rounded tone and differentiating reasonably well between the numerous male characters in the story – although I sometimes needed to rely on the dialogue tags, especially in scenes that featured more than two or three men. She does equally well with the female roles, allocating different vocal characterisations to each of the Byron ladies and employing different accents where required to portray the servants. Her pacing is good in narrative and dialogue, and she expertly captures the shifting emotions between the hero and heroine; affection, irritation and attraction, all come through well, as does the humour and teasing they engage in.
But even the strong performance can’t help with the slow pacing of the story in places, or paint some of Adam’s actions in a better light. I enjoyed Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed sporadically, but at other times, it dragged, annoyed or infuriated, so I can’t give it an unqualified recommendation.
October 5, 2022
Adam was a perfect Hero until the Big Conflict. Unlike others, I actually didn’t see the big twist coming, and I was both disappointed in the lazy plot device AND Adam’s OTT reaction. While I understood it to a point...he had been keeping his emotions tightly in check for literally years and years, so they had to blow eventually...once he calmed down, I wished he would have recognized how ridiculous he was being and groveled more. I also would have liked Mallory to not have forgiven him so easily, or at least pointed out more explicitly which of his behaviors she would not tolerate in the future. Trust is a two way street, as is respect, and she deserved both.
Mallory and Adam were a good couple (at least until the latter part of the book). Walking through Mallory’s grief at the death of her fiancé with her was difficult at times, but it made the payoff of seeing her recognize her love for Adam all the more sweet. His patience with her emotions in the beginning was beautiful to see, as well. And except for one kiss, he didn’t try to use seduction to “get her mind off it” as so many Heroes seem to do. He spent weeks (years, actually) just trying to be her friend and finding ways to help her engage in the outside world. A lot of their “getting to know you” interactions were off page, so that is a slight criticism, but otherwise, I appreciated the author’s efforts.
So, I’ve deducted a star for things going off the rails in the final third of the book, but overall this story made me happy. I think it’s probably my favorite of the series.
Mallory and Adam were a good couple (at least until the latter part of the book). Walking through Mallory’s grief at the death of her fiancé with her was difficult at times, but it made the payoff of seeing her recognize her love for Adam all the more sweet. His patience with her emotions in the beginning was beautiful to see, as well. And except for one kiss, he didn’t try to use seduction to “get her mind off it” as so many Heroes seem to do. He spent weeks (years, actually) just trying to be her friend and finding ways to help her engage in the outside world. A lot of their “getting to know you” interactions were off page, so that is a slight criticism, but otherwise, I appreciated the author’s efforts.
So, I’ve deducted a star for things going off the rails in the final third of the book, but overall this story made me happy. I think it’s probably my favorite of the series.
September 20, 2025
These people, the main characters are so dumb
October 17, 2016
Adam loves Mallory his best friend since forever. When her solider fiance dies Adam vows to win her heart. When they are found in the same bed her family forces them to get married. For Mallory it is a marriage of convenience but for Adam this marriage is a dream come true. He loves Mallory so deeply and for so many years but will she ever get over her dead fiance and returns Adam's love or she will always love him as a friend? When it is revealed her fiance is not dead after all Adam is afraid he will lose Mallory forever.
I'm not a fan of love triangles but I loved this book cause Adam broke my heart. He loved Mallory so hopelessly, I was dying for him to get the girl. He was a swoon-worthy hero. Sex scenes were passionate and steamy. Adam was so damn sexy! Mallory is one lucky heroine! I only wish there was a cute epilogue.
I'm not a fan of love triangles but I loved this book cause Adam broke my heart. He loved Mallory so hopelessly, I was dying for him to get the girl. He was a swoon-worthy hero. Sex scenes were passionate and steamy. Adam was so damn sexy! Mallory is one lucky heroine! I only wish there was a cute epilogue.
March 15, 2015
The pacing was slow. There were a lot of words but nothing was happening. The plot was thin and stretched to transparency.
There are 8 siblings, 3 wives (all fertile bunnies), 1 mother, 1 cousin, and a few friends among others in the cast. That is way too many people without relevance to the plot for me to remember before 25% of the book is even over.
There was no chemistry between Mallory and Adam. There was no emotion in the writing.
When Mallory and Adam face adversity at the 75% mark, they both react in a childish manner that lasts the remainder of the book.
I was extremely bored and frustrated while reading this book.
There are 8 siblings, 3 wives (all fertile bunnies), 1 mother, 1 cousin, and a few friends among others in the cast. That is way too many people without relevance to the plot for me to remember before 25% of the book is even over.
There was no chemistry between Mallory and Adam. There was no emotion in the writing.
When Mallory and Adam face adversity at the 75% mark, they both react in a childish manner that lasts the remainder of the book.
I was extremely bored and frustrated while reading this book.
January 26, 2014
I thought I was getting a beta hero with this one, but stupid Adam turned out to be a Spectacular Douche in disguise. You know things have gone south when you want the DEAD GUY to win the love triangle. More explanations later.
August 18, 2010
There's something to be said about unrequited love. Tracey Anne Warren shows that this type of love can grow on a larger scale where it simmers below the surface, waiting to pop. Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is the fourth book in the Byrons of Braebourne series. This is the first book I've picked up in the series. Based on the synopsis, it says that the charming, rakehell hero has secretly loved the heroine for years. I'm a sucker for romances where the hero is so far gone over the heroine. And even though I haven't read the other Byron siblings' books before this one, I wasn't lost or confused. Tracy really has a great way of bringing a reader into the story with the dialogue, action and hot love scenes.
Mallory Byron is finally coming out of mourning after the loss of her beloved fiancé, Major Michael Hargreaves, who was killed in battle. Mallory loved Michael dearly and can barely leave her room or interact with her family and friends. She feels she shouldn't be happy because of Michael's death. But she knows she must move on with her life. As long as she keeps Michael's memory alive, she will try to find the will to live again.
Adam, the Earl of Gresham, was once an improvised lord due to his deceased wastrel father who he blames for the death of his sister. Adam has been friends with the Byrons since his youth. He has always cared for Mallory, but never courted her because he felt that he would be branded a fortune hunter. Two years ago, he made some good investments that has given him a nice fortune. But since he waited too long for Mallory, Hargreaves came along and swept her off her feet. Adam has watched from the sidelines, but no longer. His first step is to make Mallory enjoy life again and then when she has become her old self and can stop mourning Michael, he will court her and make her his wife.
Mallory has no clue that Adam loves her desperately. She did have a girlish crush on him when she was sixteen, but since he only treated her like a sister, she pushed those feelings aside. Adam is the only one who won't let her run and hide. Soon she is taking morning rides with him, having picnics and even allowing him to give her kisses. She thinks nothing of it because they are just good friends, but then one night when her nightmares and memories of Michael comes crashing over her, Adam comforts her in her bedroom. One thing leads to another and both are caught. With the promise of a duel from Mallory's brother for compromising her, Mallory accepts Adam's marriage proposal. Adam wants to jump up and cheer. He finally has Mallory as his. Mallory, on the other hand, thinks Adam is marrying her because of the unfortunate circumstances they have found themselves in. But there is no other man she'd rather marry and is pleased that her wonderful friend will become her husband.
Mallory is in for quite the surprise when Adam admits he doesn't just want a marriage of friendship but of passion. He does his best to show Mallory the delights of the bedroom, and soon she is swept away by his expertise where she wants more. Slowly her love for Michael has lessened, although Adam worries that she will never love him the way he loves her. He will do whatever he can to erase the feelings she had for Michael until he is the only man she will ever want.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bedroom is delightful friends turned to lovers romance. Adam and Mallory have incredible chemistry together. They have a mutual respect for one another and want to bring joy into each other's lives. Adam's devotion for Mallory is swoon worthy. He is possessive, but still respectful of her needs. He doesn't grow too alpha in claiming his mate, except in the bedroom where Tracy has written some hot and smoldering love scenes. Mallory is open to learning everything Adam can teach her about pleasure, and he doesn’t mind showing her.
There is some tension in their marriage because someone comes along and tries to ruin Mallory and Adam's happiness. Adam is so scared he will lose Mallory and does some things that makes her question his actions. But when a man like Adam is backed into a corner and may lose the most precious thing in his life, he will do whatever he can to stop that from happening. It's not all that shocking, but shakes things up a bit before he and Mallory can have their HEA.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed hits all the high points for me when reading a romance. You have a hero who worships the heroine and wants nothing more than to make find joy in his arms.
Mallory Byron is finally coming out of mourning after the loss of her beloved fiancé, Major Michael Hargreaves, who was killed in battle. Mallory loved Michael dearly and can barely leave her room or interact with her family and friends. She feels she shouldn't be happy because of Michael's death. But she knows she must move on with her life. As long as she keeps Michael's memory alive, she will try to find the will to live again.
Adam, the Earl of Gresham, was once an improvised lord due to his deceased wastrel father who he blames for the death of his sister. Adam has been friends with the Byrons since his youth. He has always cared for Mallory, but never courted her because he felt that he would be branded a fortune hunter. Two years ago, he made some good investments that has given him a nice fortune. But since he waited too long for Mallory, Hargreaves came along and swept her off her feet. Adam has watched from the sidelines, but no longer. His first step is to make Mallory enjoy life again and then when she has become her old self and can stop mourning Michael, he will court her and make her his wife.
Mallory has no clue that Adam loves her desperately. She did have a girlish crush on him when she was sixteen, but since he only treated her like a sister, she pushed those feelings aside. Adam is the only one who won't let her run and hide. Soon she is taking morning rides with him, having picnics and even allowing him to give her kisses. She thinks nothing of it because they are just good friends, but then one night when her nightmares and memories of Michael comes crashing over her, Adam comforts her in her bedroom. One thing leads to another and both are caught. With the promise of a duel from Mallory's brother for compromising her, Mallory accepts Adam's marriage proposal. Adam wants to jump up and cheer. He finally has Mallory as his. Mallory, on the other hand, thinks Adam is marrying her because of the unfortunate circumstances they have found themselves in. But there is no other man she'd rather marry and is pleased that her wonderful friend will become her husband.
Mallory is in for quite the surprise when Adam admits he doesn't just want a marriage of friendship but of passion. He does his best to show Mallory the delights of the bedroom, and soon she is swept away by his expertise where she wants more. Slowly her love for Michael has lessened, although Adam worries that she will never love him the way he loves her. He will do whatever he can to erase the feelings she had for Michael until he is the only man she will ever want.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bedroom is delightful friends turned to lovers romance. Adam and Mallory have incredible chemistry together. They have a mutual respect for one another and want to bring joy into each other's lives. Adam's devotion for Mallory is swoon worthy. He is possessive, but still respectful of her needs. He doesn't grow too alpha in claiming his mate, except in the bedroom where Tracy has written some hot and smoldering love scenes. Mallory is open to learning everything Adam can teach her about pleasure, and he doesn’t mind showing her.
There is some tension in their marriage because someone comes along and tries to ruin Mallory and Adam's happiness. Adam is so scared he will lose Mallory and does some things that makes her question his actions. But when a man like Adam is backed into a corner and may lose the most precious thing in his life, he will do whatever he can to stop that from happening. It's not all that shocking, but shakes things up a bit before he and Mallory can have their HEA.
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed hits all the high points for me when reading a romance. You have a hero who worships the heroine and wants nothing more than to make find joy in his arms.
December 27, 2023
NB: As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel was cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
My reaction to this one was a little odd, I'll admit.
I enjoyed the beginning, then became so enraged when I read on that I had trouble finishing the book.
Let me enlighten you as to WHY...
Good points: As mentioned above, I liked the beginning of the novel. I liked the main characters (at least initially): Mallory (i.e. the main female character) was likeable in that she was someone who had suffered a great loss (i.e. that of her fiancé). Adam (i.e. the main male character) was initially (please note the use of qualification here) likeable as well as a young man with a bit of a wild reputation who has secretly been in love with Mallory for years. I like historical romance novels, and although I will admit the setting was a little thin (i.e. very few historical details such as the ongoing Napoleonic wars, for instance, despite the fact that the main female character's fiancé died at war in France), in general it was not done in a worse way than any other mass market romance novel of this type. I liked the initial situation/storyline of the novel, whereby Adam was trying to cheer Mallory up and get her to start living again after a year of mourning, while secretly trying to gently court her at the same time.
Then it all went to heck.
The not so good:
Setting: As I said, the setting is pretty thin. I have come to expect this from the majority of romance novels, which seem to be written mainly for 'fluff' purposes. (Which is the main reason I read them, so this doesn't bother me in and of itself.) However your mileage may vary.
Plot and characters: The fiancé suddenly turning up alive was (while certainly not impossible) a ridiculous addition to the story.
Where the book suddenly became rage-inducing for me was when the main characters wound up married sooner than the main male character (Adam) had initially planned as a result of their being caught in a compromising situation (a plot device which has been done absolutely to death in these books). They are married and, despite the fact that he *knows* she is not yet fully over the death of her fiancé, he essentially loses his sh*t when SHE DOESN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE HAVING SEX WITH HIM RIGHT AFTER THEY ARE MARRIED. BECAUSE HOW DARE SHE REFUSE HIM. SHE HAS NOW BECOME HIS PROPERTY AFTER ALL.
Of course once they have sex -which she finally agrees to as a result of his blatant emotional manipulation- she of course winds up loving it because all women need a penis, apparently.
No, just no.
This is RAPE, people. R-A-P-E. Why is this something people don't get?
Here is a handy reference to help those who still don't understand: Tea consent.
And that was where I burned this book.
(Add to this the fact that the long-lost fiancé also disregards her when she clearly states that she wants him to leave her alone and to stop stalking her, basically, and I am amazed I managed to finish the damn thing.)
Some other references regarding the meaning of consent:
1) We preach 'no means no' for sex, but that's not what the law says. (On how backwards the laws still are in many places.)
2) Acquaintance Rape and Degrees of Consent: "No" Means "No," but What Does "Yes" Mean?. (2004). Acquaintance Rape and Degrees of Consent: "No" Means "No," but What Does "Yes" Mean?. Harvard Law Review, 117(7), 2341–2364. http://doi.org/10.2307/4093340
3) More college campuses swap ‘No means no’ for ‘Yes means yes’
4) Tough new rape laws mean accused men must prove victim consented to sex
My reaction to this one was a little odd, I'll admit.
I enjoyed the beginning, then became so enraged when I read on that I had trouble finishing the book.
Let me enlighten you as to WHY...
Good points: As mentioned above, I liked the beginning of the novel. I liked the main characters (at least initially): Mallory (i.e. the main female character) was likeable in that she was someone who had suffered a great loss (i.e. that of her fiancé). Adam (i.e. the main male character) was initially (please note the use of qualification here) likeable as well as a young man with a bit of a wild reputation who has secretly been in love with Mallory for years. I like historical romance novels, and although I will admit the setting was a little thin (i.e. very few historical details such as the ongoing Napoleonic wars, for instance, despite the fact that the main female character's fiancé died at war in France), in general it was not done in a worse way than any other mass market romance novel of this type. I liked the initial situation/storyline of the novel, whereby Adam was trying to cheer Mallory up and get her to start living again after a year of mourning, while secretly trying to gently court her at the same time.
Then it all went to heck.
The not so good:
Setting: As I said, the setting is pretty thin. I have come to expect this from the majority of romance novels, which seem to be written mainly for 'fluff' purposes. (Which is the main reason I read them, so this doesn't bother me in and of itself.) However your mileage may vary.
Plot and characters: The fiancé suddenly turning up alive was (while certainly not impossible) a ridiculous addition to the story.
Where the book suddenly became rage-inducing for me was when the main characters wound up married sooner than the main male character (Adam) had initially planned as a result of their being caught in a compromising situation (a plot device which has been done absolutely to death in these books). They are married and, despite the fact that he *knows* she is not yet fully over the death of her fiancé, he essentially loses his sh*t when SHE DOESN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE HAVING SEX WITH HIM RIGHT AFTER THEY ARE MARRIED. BECAUSE HOW DARE SHE REFUSE HIM. SHE HAS NOW BECOME HIS PROPERTY AFTER ALL.
Of course once they have sex -which she finally agrees to as a result of his blatant emotional manipulation- she of course winds up loving it because all women need a penis, apparently.
No, just no.
This is RAPE, people. R-A-P-E. Why is this something people don't get?
Here is a handy reference to help those who still don't understand: Tea consent.
And that was where I burned this book.
(Add to this the fact that the long-lost fiancé also disregards her when she clearly states that she wants him to leave her alone and to stop stalking her, basically, and I am amazed I managed to finish the damn thing.)
Some other references regarding the meaning of consent:
1) We preach 'no means no' for sex, but that's not what the law says. (On how backwards the laws still are in many places.)
2) Acquaintance Rape and Degrees of Consent: "No" Means "No," but What Does "Yes" Mean?. (2004). Acquaintance Rape and Degrees of Consent: "No" Means "No," but What Does "Yes" Mean?. Harvard Law Review, 117(7), 2341–2364. http://doi.org/10.2307/4093340
3) More college campuses swap ‘No means no’ for ‘Yes means yes’
4) Tough new rape laws mean accused men must prove victim consented to sex
May 18, 2017
*3.5 stars*
Sweet enjoyable historical romance read. Not the best. I was hoping this would be as good as her Wedding Trap series but it wasn't. :( I haven't read a Tracy Anne Warren book in a while I just remember loving her writing style and story plots. The set up in this was really intriguing, it had the best-friend secretly in-love with heroine for years equation that I really REALLY love. This story reminded me very much of Julia Quinn's When He Was Wicked. Similar plot, you have the heroine, Mallory Byron, who's betrothed to another man (in this case not married yet) but he tragically dies during the war, her close and dear friend Adam, Earl of Gresham is there to help her through mourning. He's a family friend and has known Mallory since she was a little girl yet has secretly been in love with her for years and has wanted her for his own.
I liked the fact that the author didn't drag out the HR/H coming together through half the book yet started out real fast with them interacting and growing close from the first chapter. She picked up the story right when Adam comes back into her life, almost a year since her fiance has died. The beginning was great it started out being a 4-5 star book for me but unfortunately after they get married is when things start to veer off for me. It seemed as if everything came to a halt after they get married and move into their new home. The pacing of the book just dragged out really slow after that, I felt there were pages and pages of continuous summary of the mundane going-on in their married life where pretty much NOTHING happens. It made the story turn really stale really fast. Plus it's a big pet peeve of mine when authors give a bunch of summaries instead of action or gloss over events the characters went through days before and have the characters run through it like a inner dialogue. Arrgh! I mean what is the point of that? It's really annoying to get more summary then actual dialogue. Especially when it's love scenes. Come on! I felt a little cheated in that area too. Don't tell me how much she enjoyed all the gratifying sex positions days earlier just show it! (yes I like smut and don't mind seeing it more than once)
Anyways the reason this ended up being a 3.5 star is simply because there was no conflict, no real drama throughout most of the book. Oh if you count the 'surprise' reveal near the ending that causes a riff between the married couple, that was 'meh' for me. It was predictable because you know how it would turn out given that it all plays out in the last few chapters. But even so, that alone wasn't enough to fully catch my attention which was really frustrating because I kept waiting, and waiting.......and waiting for SOMETHING to happen. I just kept finding myself thinking 'that's it?' while reading this. Real disappointing because I loved the characters. Loved Mallory, really sweet vivacious, smart whitty heroine who you can't help but love. And Adam was a yummy hero, total alpha male with a jealous-possessive 'I will not ever let her go' streak. Loved his passion and intensity when it came to Mallory. I just really REALLY wish the author spent more time giving more action, actual REAL angst and some more interesting conflict that the suspected marriage 'insecurities'. I know Warren's capable of it, I've seen it in her previous work.
This could have easily been 4-5 star book but it fell flat in some areas where I was dying for more! Aside from that it was a fun read with really great characters, sweet love story and the whole Byron clan with their family interactions/humorous banter was cute and enjoyable to read about.
Sweet enjoyable historical romance read. Not the best. I was hoping this would be as good as her Wedding Trap series but it wasn't. :( I haven't read a Tracy Anne Warren book in a while I just remember loving her writing style and story plots. The set up in this was really intriguing, it had the best-friend secretly in-love with heroine for years equation that I really REALLY love. This story reminded me very much of Julia Quinn's When He Was Wicked. Similar plot, you have the heroine, Mallory Byron, who's betrothed to another man (in this case not married yet) but he tragically dies during the war, her close and dear friend Adam, Earl of Gresham is there to help her through mourning. He's a family friend and has known Mallory since she was a little girl yet has secretly been in love with her for years and has wanted her for his own.
I liked the fact that the author didn't drag out the HR/H coming together through half the book yet started out real fast with them interacting and growing close from the first chapter. She picked up the story right when Adam comes back into her life, almost a year since her fiance has died. The beginning was great it started out being a 4-5 star book for me but unfortunately after they get married is when things start to veer off for me. It seemed as if everything came to a halt after they get married and move into their new home. The pacing of the book just dragged out really slow after that, I felt there were pages and pages of continuous summary of the mundane going-on in their married life where pretty much NOTHING happens. It made the story turn really stale really fast. Plus it's a big pet peeve of mine when authors give a bunch of summaries instead of action or gloss over events the characters went through days before and have the characters run through it like a inner dialogue. Arrgh! I mean what is the point of that? It's really annoying to get more summary then actual dialogue. Especially when it's love scenes. Come on! I felt a little cheated in that area too. Don't tell me how much she enjoyed all the gratifying sex positions days earlier just show it! (yes I like smut and don't mind seeing it more than once)
Anyways the reason this ended up being a 3.5 star is simply because there was no conflict, no real drama throughout most of the book. Oh if you count the 'surprise' reveal near the ending that causes a riff between the married couple, that was 'meh' for me. It was predictable because you know how it would turn out given that it all plays out in the last few chapters. But even so, that alone wasn't enough to fully catch my attention which was really frustrating because I kept waiting, and waiting.......and waiting for SOMETHING to happen. I just kept finding myself thinking 'that's it?' while reading this. Real disappointing because I loved the characters. Loved Mallory, really sweet vivacious, smart whitty heroine who you can't help but love. And Adam was a yummy hero, total alpha male with a jealous-possessive 'I will not ever let her go' streak. Loved his passion and intensity when it came to Mallory. I just really REALLY wish the author spent more time giving more action, actual REAL angst and some more interesting conflict that the suspected marriage 'insecurities'. I know Warren's capable of it, I've seen it in her previous work.
This could have easily been 4-5 star book but it fell flat in some areas where I was dying for more! Aside from that it was a fun read with really great characters, sweet love story and the whole Byron clan with their family interactions/humorous banter was cute and enjoyable to read about.
October 15, 2015
=======================================
Fun, loving and overall a enjoyable read.
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: NO!
Multi-Luv'n: No
Contains Children: No
Contains Flashbacks: No
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Angst Level Rating: 3
Feel-Good Level Rating: 4
Steam Factor Rating: 4
Kink Level Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: Quite a lot.
Overall Smex Rating: 4
HERO:Hero Description: An Earl
Hero Likability Rating: 4
HEROINE:
Heroine Description: Nice Lady.
Heroine Likability Rating:4
2nd CHARACTER(S):
2nd Char. Description: Family Members
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Just Right
Any H/h Separations: Few days breakup towards the end of the book.
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4
Current OW/OM/Ex: No
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex: No
-Before/During/Outside H/h Rela.: N/A
-Grovel Rating: N/A
Any Triggers/Warnings: None.
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality: 4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes .
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes. I like this author. I have read most of her books. I guess i am a fan of this author.
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: I enjoyed it all the more because the Hero was in love with the h for a long time. He waited for her for years.Once he got his chance he went about wooing the h in a tender , patient manner. Also this is a " H & h were friends turned lovers kind of theme ". The possessiveness towards of the H was a tad bit over the top but i was okay with it cause he was jealous and had a reason to be jealous.
Both these characters are shown very maturely. No stupid misunderstand and annoying inner thoughts.
=======================================
Fun, loving and overall a enjoyable read.
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: NO!
Multi-Luv'n: No
Contains Children: No
Contains Flashbacks: No
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3
Angst Level Rating: 3
Feel-Good Level Rating: 4
Steam Factor Rating: 4
Kink Level Rating: 3
Amount of Sex In The Book: Quite a lot.
Overall Smex Rating: 4
HERO:Hero Description: An Earl
Hero Likability Rating: 4
HEROINE:
Heroine Description: Nice Lady.
Heroine Likability Rating:4
2nd CHARACTER(S):
2nd Char. Description: Family Members
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: 4
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Just Right
Any H/h Separations: Few days breakup towards the end of the book.
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4
Current OW/OM/Ex: No
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex: No
-Before/During/Outside H/h Rela.: N/A
-Grovel Rating: N/A
Any Triggers/Warnings: None.
Technical/Editing Quality: 4
Writing/Content Quality: 4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW:
=======================================
Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes .
Will You Re-read This Book: Yes
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes. I like this author. I have read most of her books. I guess i am a fan of this author.
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: I enjoyed it all the more because the Hero was in love with the h for a long time. He waited for her for years.Once he got his chance he went about wooing the h in a tender , patient manner. Also this is a " H & h were friends turned lovers kind of theme ". The possessiveness towards of the H was a tad bit over the top but i was okay with it cause he was jealous and had a reason to be jealous.
Both these characters are shown very maturely. No stupid misunderstand and annoying inner thoughts.
=======================================
September 5, 2010
This was a fairly enjoyable read, mostly because I like the theme of the hero secretly in love with the heroine for years. All the anguish, pain and yearning is rather appealing. Sadly it came up short because while the first half was wonderful the second half was something else.
I plod along through this book at a pleasant, enjoyable pace until *SPOILER* Mallory and Adam got back from the honeymoon and I realized the only conflict that could occur would be for her former fiance to be found alive. So when it happened, what surprised me was not the resurrection of Mallory's nearly dearly beloved but that Adam would go berserk with rage. He seemed like such a nice, reasonable guy who could do profound things like TALK about his feelings and concerns and sadnesses with Mallory. Then suddenly he's interrupting her sentences because he doesn't want Micheal's name spoken and he's burning a letter that Michael sent. By the time the two swains came to blows over Mallory I have to confess that I was secretly hoping she's get clipped in the midst of the contretemps and then two men would feel so childish and cliched regarding their situation that they'd sweep Mallory off to the land of HEA menages. Or at least they'd see how unappealing they were being. But alas that didn't happen...
I plod along through this book at a pleasant, enjoyable pace until *SPOILER* Mallory and Adam got back from the honeymoon and I realized the only conflict that could occur would be for her former fiance to be found alive. So when it happened, what surprised me was not the resurrection of Mallory's nearly dearly beloved but that Adam would go berserk with rage. He seemed like such a nice, reasonable guy who could do profound things like TALK about his feelings and concerns and sadnesses with Mallory. Then suddenly he's interrupting her sentences because he doesn't want Micheal's name spoken and he's burning a letter that Michael sent. By the time the two swains came to blows over Mallory I have to confess that I was secretly hoping she's get clipped in the midst of the contretemps and then two men would feel so childish and cliched regarding their situation that they'd sweep Mallory off to the land of HEA menages. Or at least they'd see how unappealing they were being. But alas that didn't happen...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2010
What if some twist of fate gave you the chance to achieve your heart’s desire? Would you do everything in your power to achieve it? Wicked Delights is my favorite book in the series. I know I mentioned it before: I'm madly in-love with the hero, Adam. *sigh* While I might have guessed what happended, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story, or diminish my passion for Adam Gresham
Did I skim? Not!
Will I re-read? Most definitely
Did I enjoy the supporting cast? Each and every one.
News Flash! Lord Drake's story coming in 2010!
September 15, 2020
Wonderful, steamy story of Lady Mallory Byron and Adam, Earl of Gresham. Mallory is heart broken from a lost love and wants nothing to do with anyone or anything. Adam can't stand to see her this way, and does everything in his power to help, although he never believed he would have to go as far as marriage! These two are great characters, and I especially liked the dialogue between them. Even better was when they weren't talking at all (I did mention steamy, right?) I had the audible version of this story and the narrator, Rebecca De Leeuw, was very good and easy to listen to. Highly recommend.
February 11, 2022
*all of my reviews contain possible spoilers*
**NOTE: This review is written using my old process. Which is just me chatting about the book. All new reviews starting in 2022 will be written with my easy to read, easy to understand, review layout!
This was another great addition to The Byrons of Braebourne series. Only one book left! I'm feeling slightly forlorn. I can't say it is my favorite series ever, but it's a very memorable and lovely series none-the-less. With an amazing family and characters!
In this book we have Adam Gresham (uh, love that name!) who has been in love with Mallory Byron for years. Mallory once harbored a love for Adam but quickly put it aside due to his lack of interest and his treatment of her as a "child". This was due to the fact that, yes, she was yet a child, a young girl, in many ways, and also the fact that he did not want to be seen as a fortune hunter due to his current financial situation. All of this, on top of the fact that he was best friends with her brother, and friends with his other brothers, essentially a part of their family, he quickly pushed his feelings deep down and did an amazing job at hiding them over the years.
During the first few books we get little slivers where we see Adam looking at Mallory from afar, slight glances and very obvious insinuations that there is something more there on Adam's behalf, than just friendly emotions for Mallory. Surprisingly no one ever really realizes it or says anything.
Mallory is engaged during this time, to Michael Hargreaves. Who goes off to war and dies. We come into this book about a year later, Mallory has done much grieving and still grieves, just in a less tearful way than the beginning. Adam comes and visits with Mallory and her family and helps Mallory start to find happiness again. Mallory slowly developes feelings for Adam, and they grow and evolve the more their story goes on. Eventually Mallory realizes her love for him was always there, and that even though she had loved Michael it was a different kind of love. And that her love for Adam was the kind that Michael deserved from a wife. The kind that she did not truly have for him. In the end she realized she would always care for Michael, but only as a friend.
BIG SPOILER --
Adam struggles with his love for Mallory. Feeling as if he has to fight with a ghost for her love. He begins to hope that her feelings may be becoming more, and both him and Mallory are finding true happiness together, when Michael returns. He shows up one day and explains how he had been wounded on the battlefield. His clothing and possessions had been stolen, and the thief had died with them on his person. Thus Michael had been announced as dead, all the while he was in a French prison. (I do not lie when I say that I called this at the beginning! I didn't know it would actually happen but I had told myself "Watch he's not actually dead" and low-and-behold, he wasn't! 😆) Adam finds them together a second time, and even though nothing occurred, this starts a whole new trust issue with Adam, and his jealousy reaches levels that he's never before shown. No matter what Mallory says or does he won't see reason, and this moment is like the cherry on top for Mallory and she leaves back home to her family.
Michael attempts one last time to get Mallory to leave with him while she's at her family's home. At this point Michael has started to grate on my nerves at his insistence. No matter how much Mallory tells him no. I literally was half-yelling at my book at this point like, "Ok dude, enough is enough." Even though I completely understood his situation and why he was behaving as he was. (I also had my annoyed moments with Adam and his jealousy and demands at Mallory, but also understood why as well. The men in this one were definitely frustrating at times. 😆) Finally he tries to kiss Mallory once more, she decides to just stand there and let him, he notices there is no spark or feeling. So, obviously dejected and resigned, he bids her farewell and wishes her happy. Even though it was a sad situation I was happy that he didn't continue on the same path and create a bad ending between them. But instead it ended well, albeit sad.
Mallory returns to Adam where they both admit their mistakes and make up with one another. I loved this moment so much. Adam had a locket he had given her, which he had been very maudlinly keeping with him while she was away. (Is maudlinly a word? I'm going to pretend it is.) Mallory sees it on his desk and they have this sweet little moment together. It was cute and funny and, well, I'll throw it in so you can read it for yourself. I loved it, it made me laugh. But, a sort of light contented laugh. Like I'd just enjoyed something sweet and silly and it was the perfect carefree moment to lighten the story.
"What's that? Is that my locket?"
A faintly sheepish expression crossed his face. "I...um...was looking at it."
She paused. "Carrying it around with you, you mean. Oh, Adam, I knew there was a reason I didn't take it with me."
"Why, so I could act like a lovesick fool?"
"No, so I would have a reason to come back. I love that locket."
He laughed, and she joined him.
I mean, isn't that such a sweet silly little moment!? I just loved it and how light-hearted it was after all of that angst and torment between them. (And, it was funny. Like, good on you Mallory, you got jokes. Lol)
I'm never sure how I feel about romances where the roles are reversed and the hero has been in love with the heroine. I'm so used to (and love) the ones where it's the woman who's been pining away. But I guess that's such a typical plot isn't it? I mean, it won't stop me from loving them (and possibly relating to them? full stop) but it's actually so refreshing and different to have the roles reversed. I think this one was done very well. It's hard to explain it fully, you have to kind of just experience it. It's very emotional and sometimes more serious, but I guess all romances have their own emotional serious bits. This one just felt more so than others. I think what with dealing with the loss of someone you loved and then marrying someone else while some of those feelings are still hanging about, and then the other person having loved them from afar for so long and having those trust issues of a sort, and jealousy and fears of "do they love me?" "will they ever love me?" All of those things can really make for a very serious tone. And very emotional tone. So it was definitely a unique and more deep romance than some.
I also enjoyed that little moment between Edward and Adam, when Edward talks to Adam about being careful and slow with Mallory, due to what she's been through. Adam asks if he is warning him off and Edward says, "Not at all. Only suggesting you go slowly." And Adam replies, "Considering the number of years I've known her, I don't think I could go any more slowly." And Edward has this little moment of realization that Adam has had feelings for her for much longer than they knew. And I loved how nobody ever realized this. I almost feel like they were just obtuse and never actually chose to even consider it, so they never had reason to suspect it. I feel like that was also proof that they all loved Adam as their own and trusted him. Which of course was not misplaced. And I loved that about the Byrons. They're all so welcoming and loving. And funny and charming! It's such a wonderful family. Anyways, I really loved that moment because it's always fun to see people realize things like this that they never once considered. And it also shows just how amazing Adam was at hiding his feelings for so long.
This was a great read, definitely emotional and yet sweet and also angsty. I didn't encounter many funny moments in this one as opposed to some of the others. Which was totally ok. It had a little humor thrown in lightly, but mostly it was filled with emotion and two people tredding lightly and learning one another and dealing with their fears and love for each other. It had lots of sweet moments and lots of angst and a bit of drama thrown it. If you love angst then grab yourself a hot cup of cocoa and dig in because you'll love it!
I'm super excited to dive into Drake's story next!
**NOTE: This review is written using my old process. Which is just me chatting about the book. All new reviews starting in 2022 will be written with my easy to read, easy to understand, review layout!
This was another great addition to The Byrons of Braebourne series. Only one book left! I'm feeling slightly forlorn. I can't say it is my favorite series ever, but it's a very memorable and lovely series none-the-less. With an amazing family and characters!
In this book we have Adam Gresham (uh, love that name!) who has been in love with Mallory Byron for years. Mallory once harbored a love for Adam but quickly put it aside due to his lack of interest and his treatment of her as a "child". This was due to the fact that, yes, she was yet a child, a young girl, in many ways, and also the fact that he did not want to be seen as a fortune hunter due to his current financial situation. All of this, on top of the fact that he was best friends with her brother, and friends with his other brothers, essentially a part of their family, he quickly pushed his feelings deep down and did an amazing job at hiding them over the years.
During the first few books we get little slivers where we see Adam looking at Mallory from afar, slight glances and very obvious insinuations that there is something more there on Adam's behalf, than just friendly emotions for Mallory. Surprisingly no one ever really realizes it or says anything.
Mallory is engaged during this time, to Michael Hargreaves. Who goes off to war and dies. We come into this book about a year later, Mallory has done much grieving and still grieves, just in a less tearful way than the beginning. Adam comes and visits with Mallory and her family and helps Mallory start to find happiness again. Mallory slowly developes feelings for Adam, and they grow and evolve the more their story goes on. Eventually Mallory realizes her love for him was always there, and that even though she had loved Michael it was a different kind of love. And that her love for Adam was the kind that Michael deserved from a wife. The kind that she did not truly have for him. In the end she realized she would always care for Michael, but only as a friend.
BIG SPOILER --
Adam struggles with his love for Mallory. Feeling as if he has to fight with a ghost for her love. He begins to hope that her feelings may be becoming more, and both him and Mallory are finding true happiness together, when Michael returns. He shows up one day and explains how he had been wounded on the battlefield. His clothing and possessions had been stolen, and the thief had died with them on his person. Thus Michael had been announced as dead, all the while he was in a French prison. (I do not lie when I say that I called this at the beginning! I didn't know it would actually happen but I had told myself "Watch he's not actually dead" and low-and-behold, he wasn't! 😆) Adam finds them together a second time, and even though nothing occurred, this starts a whole new trust issue with Adam, and his jealousy reaches levels that he's never before shown. No matter what Mallory says or does he won't see reason, and this moment is like the cherry on top for Mallory and she leaves back home to her family.
Michael attempts one last time to get Mallory to leave with him while she's at her family's home. At this point Michael has started to grate on my nerves at his insistence. No matter how much Mallory tells him no. I literally was half-yelling at my book at this point like, "Ok dude, enough is enough." Even though I completely understood his situation and why he was behaving as he was. (I also had my annoyed moments with Adam and his jealousy and demands at Mallory, but also understood why as well. The men in this one were definitely frustrating at times. 😆) Finally he tries to kiss Mallory once more, she decides to just stand there and let him, he notices there is no spark or feeling. So, obviously dejected and resigned, he bids her farewell and wishes her happy. Even though it was a sad situation I was happy that he didn't continue on the same path and create a bad ending between them. But instead it ended well, albeit sad.
Mallory returns to Adam where they both admit their mistakes and make up with one another. I loved this moment so much. Adam had a locket he had given her, which he had been very maudlinly keeping with him while she was away. (Is maudlinly a word? I'm going to pretend it is.) Mallory sees it on his desk and they have this sweet little moment together. It was cute and funny and, well, I'll throw it in so you can read it for yourself. I loved it, it made me laugh. But, a sort of light contented laugh. Like I'd just enjoyed something sweet and silly and it was the perfect carefree moment to lighten the story.
"What's that? Is that my locket?"
A faintly sheepish expression crossed his face. "I...um...was looking at it."
She paused. "Carrying it around with you, you mean. Oh, Adam, I knew there was a reason I didn't take it with me."
"Why, so I could act like a lovesick fool?"
"No, so I would have a reason to come back. I love that locket."
He laughed, and she joined him.
I mean, isn't that such a sweet silly little moment!? I just loved it and how light-hearted it was after all of that angst and torment between them. (And, it was funny. Like, good on you Mallory, you got jokes. Lol)
I'm never sure how I feel about romances where the roles are reversed and the hero has been in love with the heroine. I'm so used to (and love) the ones where it's the woman who's been pining away. But I guess that's such a typical plot isn't it? I mean, it won't stop me from loving them (and possibly relating to them? full stop) but it's actually so refreshing and different to have the roles reversed. I think this one was done very well. It's hard to explain it fully, you have to kind of just experience it. It's very emotional and sometimes more serious, but I guess all romances have their own emotional serious bits. This one just felt more so than others. I think what with dealing with the loss of someone you loved and then marrying someone else while some of those feelings are still hanging about, and then the other person having loved them from afar for so long and having those trust issues of a sort, and jealousy and fears of "do they love me?" "will they ever love me?" All of those things can really make for a very serious tone. And very emotional tone. So it was definitely a unique and more deep romance than some.
I also enjoyed that little moment between Edward and Adam, when Edward talks to Adam about being careful and slow with Mallory, due to what she's been through. Adam asks if he is warning him off and Edward says, "Not at all. Only suggesting you go slowly." And Adam replies, "Considering the number of years I've known her, I don't think I could go any more slowly." And Edward has this little moment of realization that Adam has had feelings for her for much longer than they knew. And I loved how nobody ever realized this. I almost feel like they were just obtuse and never actually chose to even consider it, so they never had reason to suspect it. I feel like that was also proof that they all loved Adam as their own and trusted him. Which of course was not misplaced. And I loved that about the Byrons. They're all so welcoming and loving. And funny and charming! It's such a wonderful family. Anyways, I really loved that moment because it's always fun to see people realize things like this that they never once considered. And it also shows just how amazing Adam was at hiding his feelings for so long.
This was a great read, definitely emotional and yet sweet and also angsty. I didn't encounter many funny moments in this one as opposed to some of the others. Which was totally ok. It had a little humor thrown in lightly, but mostly it was filled with emotion and two people tredding lightly and learning one another and dealing with their fears and love for each other. It had lots of sweet moments and lots of angst and a bit of drama thrown it. If you love angst then grab yourself a hot cup of cocoa and dig in because you'll love it!
I'm super excited to dive into Drake's story next!
August 24, 2020
TW: rape
Tags: Grief, one-sided pining
Were he competing against a flesh-and-blood rival, he would have stood a fair chance. But how did a man battle a ghost?
I try to avoid to avoid widow/er romances when theyre still grieving, but the childhood friends and pining tropes hooked me to this novel.
I dont know if the author intended as such but Mallory’s lack of sleep/appetite/energy, her guilt, her disinterest in others, etc is SIG E CA of depression. Its easier to approach this book with that in mind because it takes a long time for us to believe the heroine can even view the hero as a romantic partner. No matter his years of pining, I think Adam needs to be applauded for how he reaches out to the heroine, encourages her to rejoin society, talks to her. Of course since he’s trying to help, he’s also the recipient of her ire which makes their romance an uphill battle.
I truly believe that just because you love someone who is going through something, it doesnt mean you have to put up with their moods. Not even getting into the plot details and spoilers, the timing wasnt right for this romance. The author knows this too because they’re forced into the marriage through scandal.
Mallory veers between being angry and dependent on Adam, and every scene with her is haunted by Michael, her lost fiancé. Up until 50%, I wish I had more empathy for Mallory; seeing her mourn an idea of a man and a lost life while she’s getting married is kind of painful. After their marriage, its apparent that Mallory doesnt know Adam at all. And, Adam’s pain sometimes turns into inward self-hate.
People who find that kind of whump delicious will love this novel.
Tags: Grief, one-sided pining
Were he competing against a flesh-and-blood rival, he would have stood a fair chance. But how did a man battle a ghost?
I try to avoid to avoid widow/er romances when theyre still grieving, but the childhood friends and pining tropes hooked me to this novel.
I dont know if the author intended as such but Mallory’s lack of sleep/appetite/energy, her guilt, her disinterest in others, etc is SIG E CA of depression. Its easier to approach this book with that in mind because it takes a long time for us to believe the heroine can even view the hero as a romantic partner. No matter his years of pining, I think Adam needs to be applauded for how he reaches out to the heroine, encourages her to rejoin society, talks to her. Of course since he’s trying to help, he’s also the recipient of her ire which makes their romance an uphill battle.
I truly believe that just because you love someone who is going through something, it doesnt mean you have to put up with their moods. Not even getting into the plot details and spoilers, the timing wasnt right for this romance. The author knows this too because they’re forced into the marriage through scandal.
Mallory veers between being angry and dependent on Adam, and every scene with her is haunted by Michael, her lost fiancé. Up until 50%, I wish I had more empathy for Mallory; seeing her mourn an idea of a man and a lost life while she’s getting married is kind of painful. After their marriage, its apparent that Mallory doesnt know Adam at all. And, Adam’s pain sometimes turns into inward self-hate.
People who find that kind of whump delicious will love this novel.
May 14, 2025
Svaki put kada završavam neki serijla uz koji se tako vežem, nikada ne želim zatvoriti onu zadnju stranicu!
Kada dođe kraj, onda znam da se moram vratiti stvarnosti i sebi. Problem je taj što nikada ne želite izaći iz tih likova za koje ste se toliko vezali i postali oni!
Svaka žena koju je stvorila u ovome romanu bila je tako posebna, svaka je imala svoj san i snove,
ali jedno im je svakoj bilo zajedničko! Svaka je htjela ljubav svoga života! ❤️
Od svih, druga mi je najdraža, ali kraj četvrte,
te riječi nikad neću zaboraviti!
Rastopila sam se, a opet oporavila. Bila je puna citata i ljubavi, a opet tako tužni i teških momenata! Toliko san se na putovanju zaljubila u stari London da sam htjela tamo i da ostanem!
Od mene ogromna preporuka! 🤍
Danica 😊🩷
Kada dođe kraj, onda znam da se moram vratiti stvarnosti i sebi. Problem je taj što nikada ne želite izaći iz tih likova za koje ste se toliko vezali i postali oni!
Svaka žena koju je stvorila u ovome romanu bila je tako posebna, svaka je imala svoj san i snove,
ali jedno im je svakoj bilo zajedničko! Svaka je htjela ljubav svoga života! ❤️
Od svih, druga mi je najdraža, ali kraj četvrte,
te riječi nikad neću zaboraviti!
Rastopila sam se, a opet oporavila. Bila je puna citata i ljubavi, a opet tako tužni i teških momenata! Toliko san se na putovanju zaljubila u stari London da sam htjela tamo i da ostanem!
Od mene ogromna preporuka! 🤍
Danica 😊🩷
February 7, 2017
I think I may have found my new favorite historical romance author! Yay!
This book is the fourth book in the series about the Byrons of Braebourne. Because Goodreads recommended it to me first, I decided to read it first before reading the other books in the series. This book is about the love story and marriage between Mallory - the only girl in the Byron family who had her own story - and Adam Gresham, an Earl who was a friend with the Byrons, especially Mallory.
The novel starts with the fact that Mallory was still mourning the death of her fiancé - a major of the English army who lost his life fighting against Napoleon's French army. Mallory had lost herself completely in mourning for over a year, and that was about to stop when Adam visited her house in Braebourne. A long time ago, Mallory had a secret crush on Adam - her brothers' dear friend, not knowing that Adam also returned her feeling with a deep and passionate love- a burning flame that he continued to nurture for 6 long years. He didn't try to seduce and marry Mallory at the time he realized he loved her, not mainly because she was too young to be married (she was 16 at that time), or because of the huge age gap between them (he was 10 years her senior). The real reason he deemed himself unworthy of her was because he was poor. His son-of-a-bitch dad gambled and indulged in debauchery too much that there had hardly been anything left in Gresham's property. But now, after his father had died and he had tried so very hard to make money from his own hands, returning the Gresham name to its appreciated nobility, he decided to return and pursue Mallory, since now she was free from any marital commitment.
It had always been fate between those two people when Adam - not Mallory's family - was the one who she trusted with her secrets, her deepest fears, her nightmares. He made her feel comfortable and alive again after such tragic loss. And in his arms, she felt the first glimpse of pleasures and true bliss between a man and a woman. This finding led to the scene of Adam in her bed, so, they had to be married to retain their dignity and status in the Society. It was weird at first for Mallory to be married to the one she considered her best friend, but this marriage was what Adam had been dreaming for in a long time. And in the marriage bed, she found exquisite and satisfying carnal pleasures that made her life vibrant (my God, their lovemaking scenes were AMAZING! They even tried 36 or 37 postures of sex, OMG :D). And from those pleasures, Mallory realized something that she hadn't been paying attention to before: she was in love with her husband.
But that's not all when the unexpected person suddenly returned, threatening to destroy their happy marriage. Adam showed his jealousy at this particular person from Mallory's past, and I must admit it was his absurd jealousy and control over Mallory's life that made me sometimes cringe and not able to give this book a 5-star rating. But in the end, Mallory let Adam know who she really loved with these words that made me swoon, and there we have the happy ending we all wait for:
“I know you think you have reason to mistrust me, but you don’t,” she said. “I know you’ve been jealous of Michael, but I understand now why that is. You believe I was forced into our marriage, that I didn’t choose you with a free and open heart. But you’re wrong, Adam. I did want to marry you.”
“You were compromised and even then you needed convincing,” he said, only then fully realizing how much doubt he’d been harboring because of the circumstances of their union .
“Only because I was scared, frightened of losing my heart again after so much grief. I loved Michael, but I think deep down I knew I loved you more. That I’ve always loved you, since I was a girl.”
His brows drew low. “What do you mean?”
“I loved you when I was a girl, but you made it clear you didn’t want me, and so I put you aside, locked my love for you in a little corner of my heart that was never to be touched again. I settled for friendship, and I told myself it was enough. I let myself love Michael, and I did truly love him. But I’ve come to understand that I loved you first. I love you best, and even if we were not already wed, I would want to be your wife and no one else’s. I would want to spend the rest of my life loving you and being by your side.
“Adam, I’m so sorry,” she said, crossing the last bit of space between them. “I know now that I should never have left. I should have stayed and fought for our marriage. Please forgive me. Please tell me you’ll take me back.”
His lips parted, his heart kicking so hard it was painful. “Take you back? Of course I’ll take you back. And if anyone needs forgiveness, it’s me,” he said, his voice breaking. “I should never have let you go.”
I can't wait to read the other books in this series! Thank God I found Tracy Anne Warren! :))
This book is the fourth book in the series about the Byrons of Braebourne. Because Goodreads recommended it to me first, I decided to read it first before reading the other books in the series. This book is about the love story and marriage between Mallory - the only girl in the Byron family who had her own story - and Adam Gresham, an Earl who was a friend with the Byrons, especially Mallory.
The novel starts with the fact that Mallory was still mourning the death of her fiancé - a major of the English army who lost his life fighting against Napoleon's French army. Mallory had lost herself completely in mourning for over a year, and that was about to stop when Adam visited her house in Braebourne. A long time ago, Mallory had a secret crush on Adam - her brothers' dear friend, not knowing that Adam also returned her feeling with a deep and passionate love- a burning flame that he continued to nurture for 6 long years. He didn't try to seduce and marry Mallory at the time he realized he loved her, not mainly because she was too young to be married (she was 16 at that time), or because of the huge age gap between them (he was 10 years her senior). The real reason he deemed himself unworthy of her was because he was poor. His son-of-a-bitch dad gambled and indulged in debauchery too much that there had hardly been anything left in Gresham's property. But now, after his father had died and he had tried so very hard to make money from his own hands, returning the Gresham name to its appreciated nobility, he decided to return and pursue Mallory, since now she was free from any marital commitment.
It had always been fate between those two people when Adam - not Mallory's family - was the one who she trusted with her secrets, her deepest fears, her nightmares. He made her feel comfortable and alive again after such tragic loss. And in his arms, she felt the first glimpse of pleasures and true bliss between a man and a woman. This finding led to the scene of Adam in her bed, so, they had to be married to retain their dignity and status in the Society. It was weird at first for Mallory to be married to the one she considered her best friend, but this marriage was what Adam had been dreaming for in a long time. And in the marriage bed, she found exquisite and satisfying carnal pleasures that made her life vibrant (my God, their lovemaking scenes were AMAZING! They even tried 36 or 37 postures of sex, OMG :D). And from those pleasures, Mallory realized something that she hadn't been paying attention to before: she was in love with her husband.
But that's not all when the unexpected person suddenly returned, threatening to destroy their happy marriage. Adam showed his jealousy at this particular person from Mallory's past, and I must admit it was his absurd jealousy and control over Mallory's life that made me sometimes cringe and not able to give this book a 5-star rating. But in the end, Mallory let Adam know who she really loved with these words that made me swoon, and there we have the happy ending we all wait for:
“I know you think you have reason to mistrust me, but you don’t,” she said. “I know you’ve been jealous of Michael, but I understand now why that is. You believe I was forced into our marriage, that I didn’t choose you with a free and open heart. But you’re wrong, Adam. I did want to marry you.”
“You were compromised and even then you needed convincing,” he said, only then fully realizing how much doubt he’d been harboring because of the circumstances of their union .
“Only because I was scared, frightened of losing my heart again after so much grief. I loved Michael, but I think deep down I knew I loved you more. That I’ve always loved you, since I was a girl.”
His brows drew low. “What do you mean?”
“I loved you when I was a girl, but you made it clear you didn’t want me, and so I put you aside, locked my love for you in a little corner of my heart that was never to be touched again. I settled for friendship, and I told myself it was enough. I let myself love Michael, and I did truly love him. But I’ve come to understand that I loved you first. I love you best, and even if we were not already wed, I would want to be your wife and no one else’s. I would want to spend the rest of my life loving you and being by your side.
“Adam, I’m so sorry,” she said, crossing the last bit of space between them. “I know now that I should never have left. I should have stayed and fought for our marriage. Please forgive me. Please tell me you’ll take me back.”
His lips parted, his heart kicking so hard it was painful. “Take you back? Of course I’ll take you back. And if anyone needs forgiveness, it’s me,” he said, his voice breaking. “I should never have let you go.”
I can't wait to read the other books in this series! Thank God I found Tracy Anne Warren! :))
April 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Pleasant read -unrequited love from H's POV.
He's her brothers' best friend - older and a manwhore.
He is brooding -possessive - jealous - manipulating
She is grieving over a dead fiancé (no real love, actually)
Scandal - forced marriage - steam - jealousy drama (ex is back from the dead) - HEA
One advice for the Hero: let her breathe man!!
Pleasant read -unrequited love from H's POV.
He's her brothers' best friend - older and a manwhore.
He is brooding -possessive - jealous - manipulating
She is grieving over a dead fiancé (no real love, actually)
Scandal - forced marriage - steam - jealousy drama (ex is back from the dead) - HEA
One advice for the Hero: let her breathe man!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2012
England, 1812
Adam is 32 and Mallory is 22. They make a great pair. It's so sweet how Adam has loved Mallory for so long. And she loved him to, but didn't know he loved her. Typical setting, lol. I was very happy with the whole book except for the love scene in which Adam wants her to "Say my name". If that's not a modern day sex thing, then I don't know what is. That ruined the whole scene for me. I didn't care for his attitude that whole scene. I know he was trying to stake a claim on her because of Michael.
It was great reading about the other Byrons as always. Of course they never have anything good to say except of of the ladies are knocked up again. I am disappointed that the Duke has yet to have a son.
Adam is 32 and Mallory is 22. They make a great pair. It's so sweet how Adam has loved Mallory for so long. And she loved him to, but didn't know he loved her. Typical setting, lol. I was very happy with the whole book except for the love scene in which Adam wants her to "Say my name". If that's not a modern day sex thing, then I don't know what is. That ruined the whole scene for me. I didn't care for his attitude that whole scene. I know he was trying to stake a claim on her because of Michael.
It was great reading about the other Byrons as always. Of course they never have anything good to say except of of the ladies are knocked up again. I am disappointed that the Duke has yet to have a son.
October 18, 2015
This is an honest and highly subjective review. It contains spoilers as well. You have been warned.
There is nothing much happened in this book and all I had are these things like how much Adam loved Mallory, Mallory still grief of his dead fiancé, Adam's determination to get Mallory happy once more, Mallory's assumption that Adam and she just friends, and same things repeated all over.
The romance though was flat. I was surprised it felt like it but when these two made appearances in previous book, they actually gave a great chemistry between them. However, the funny thing is the chemistry was great between Mallory and her supposed dead fiancé when it was none in previous book.
What I hated the most about this book is as I mentioned above the supposed dead returned from the dead. Hence, drama created. Therefore, it ruined everything. I almost abandoned the book because I couldn't stand the stupidity of the unnecessary scene and idiocy of the characters involved.
I can't believe the book came from the same author when I immensely enjoyed her previous books but this one. Overall, it was torturous to finish that it was such a relief to finally get rid of it. Good riddance, indeed.
There is nothing much happened in this book and all I had are these things like how much Adam loved Mallory, Mallory still grief of his dead fiancé, Adam's determination to get Mallory happy once more, Mallory's assumption that Adam and she just friends, and same things repeated all over.
The romance though was flat. I was surprised it felt like it but when these two made appearances in previous book, they actually gave a great chemistry between them. However, the funny thing is the chemistry was great between Mallory and her supposed dead fiancé when it was none in previous book.
What I hated the most about this book is as I mentioned above the supposed dead returned from the dead. Hence, drama created. Therefore, it ruined everything. I almost abandoned the book because I couldn't stand the stupidity of the unnecessary scene and idiocy of the characters involved.
I can't believe the book came from the same author when I immensely enjoyed her previous books but this one. Overall, it was torturous to finish that it was such a relief to finally get rid of it. Good riddance, indeed.
June 21, 2018
The hero in Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed, Adam, is just perfect! He is everything a girl could want in a lover: protective, loving, kind, sexy and passionate. And his love for Mallory had me turning the pages. This is just the kind of plot and pining hero I enjoy.
It took me a while to finish it, but not because it was boring or slowpaced; I've just been very busy.
It took me a while to finish it, but not because it was boring or slowpaced; I've just been very busy.
January 15, 2015
A really entertaining read. Loved it!
February 22, 2020
They caught my attention in 2nd book where there were "desperate looks". I'm glad that they end up together althought I've had a feeling there will be this twist in a story. This one might be my favourite in series.
May 9, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
February 18, 2025
4.6.
✔️Vamo je muški lik (Adam) bio nesretno zaljubljen u ženski lik (Mallory)
✔️Adam i Mallory su imali jedno od najslađih prijateljstava opisano u knjigama
✔️Sviđa mi se šta on njoj prije nije prilazio zbog toga jer se sam htio obogatit, a ne kotistit njenu dotu
✔️Njihova mačka Karlo Veliki 🐈⬛
✔️Plot twist na kraju je bio zanimljiv
✔️Vamo je muški lik (Adam) bio nesretno zaljubljen u ženski lik (Mallory)
✔️Adam i Mallory su imali jedno od najslađih prijateljstava opisano u knjigama
✔️Sviđa mi se šta on njoj prije nije prilazio zbog toga jer se sam htio obogatit, a ne kotistit njenu dotu
✔️Njihova mačka Karlo Veliki 🐈⬛
✔️Plot twist na kraju je bio zanimljiv
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