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The Byrons of Braebourne #5
The Bed and the Bachelor
Everyone knows the Byron brothers are "mad, bad, and dangerous." But the devilishly desirable fourth son, Drake, is too scholarly to misbehave...or is he?
Lord Drake Byron has no time in his busy life to worry about taking a wife. He is more interested in the unbreakable code he has developed to defeat Napoleon's forces. Little does he know that the irresistibly lovely new housekeeper he's hired is really a French secret agent.
Sebastianne Dumont is not at all who she seems to be. Forced to spy to save her family, she embarks on a mission that takes an even more dangerous turn when she falls in love with the surprisingly tempting man she must ultimately betray. And if she succeeds in her mission,will she also break Lord Drake's heart, while leaving her own behind?
Lord Drake Byron has no time in his busy life to worry about taking a wife. He is more interested in the unbreakable code he has developed to defeat Napoleon's forces. Little does he know that the irresistibly lovely new housekeeper he's hired is really a French secret agent.
Sebastianne Dumont is not at all who she seems to be. Forced to spy to save her family, she embarks on a mission that takes an even more dangerous turn when she falls in love with the surprisingly tempting man she must ultimately betray. And if she succeeds in her mission,will she also break Lord Drake's heart, while leaving her own behind?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
35 people are currently reading
854 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 89 reviews
August 23, 2018
(Once upon a time I read a few HRs by this author. Books like this one from 2011 are the reason I stopped.)
Warren can write a decently constructed sentence and paragraph, but, honestly, all the while I was reading this I was doing two things: 1) hoping for something interesting to happen or for someone to say something interesting or witty, and 2) checking to see how many pages I had left to read.
Hero Drake is a younger son in the Byron family. Not the youngest. Those are the twins Leo and Lawrence, who are followed in age by the 2 youngest daughters. By my calculation that's 4 more Byron family romances to go unless both twins find their True Loves in the same book. Previously we've had Cade's romance (TEMPTED BY HIS KISS), Jack's (SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH), Ned's (AT THE DUKE'S PLEASURE) and Mallory's (WICKED DELIGHTS OF THE BRIDAL BED).
Some of my problem with Drake's story is that he's supposed to be a known scientist who spends his time doing research, experiments and calculations all day and doesn't have time for romance. However, in behavior, looks, physicality and bedroom ability, he's just like the typical HR hero. I couldn't find anything about him that made him unique.
He is the only scientist in the Byron family and has been working on a cipher code to be used by the British in the war with Napoleon. This is crucial to the plot. Crucial also is to know that the heroine, Sebastianne Dumont, who goes by the name Anne Greenway in England, is being forced to steal this seemingly unbreakable code to ensure her father's and younger brothers' safety in France.
Sebastianne is half English and half French and bilingual, so she passes as a Englishwoman and gets a job as Drake's housekeeper. Once in his household, she has to figure out where the cipher is kept and how to steal it. (We readers just have to go along with the notion that a young, beautiful woman would be hired as a housekeeper.)
There you have it. The story mostly takes place in Drake's townhouse in London with a denouement in France. It could have been interesting, but, unfortunately, I did not find it so. Even the romance is lacklustre. We are told how attracted they are to each other, but I couldn't quite feel it. Neither one was a very interesting character, the dialogue was pretty banal, and the sexual tension was non-existent. By page 134 they're having sex and whatever sexual tension they might have been feeling up to that point did not come across on the page.
Of the Byron family romances so far, the only one I have really enjoyed was top Byron rake Jack's story. Cade's story had some interesting moments because he was an angsty ex-soldier. However, Ned's and Mallory's books were definitely not in my list of favorite HRs. None of Warren's books have the romances developed beyond the usual generic HR guidelines.
BTW, I must confess to something. Before reading this Warren book, I had just reread Loretta Chase's LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. That romance, of course, is not perfect but the interaction and witty, humorous dialogue between heroine Jessica and hero Dain is superb. I should have read some nonfiction or a biography between the two HRs. Kind of like a lime sorbet between dinner courses. Perhaps Loretta Chase's HR colored my opinion of the Warren one.
Warren can write a decently constructed sentence and paragraph, but, honestly, all the while I was reading this I was doing two things: 1) hoping for something interesting to happen or for someone to say something interesting or witty, and 2) checking to see how many pages I had left to read.
Hero Drake is a younger son in the Byron family. Not the youngest. Those are the twins Leo and Lawrence, who are followed in age by the 2 youngest daughters. By my calculation that's 4 more Byron family romances to go unless both twins find their True Loves in the same book. Previously we've had Cade's romance (TEMPTED BY HIS KISS), Jack's (SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH), Ned's (AT THE DUKE'S PLEASURE) and Mallory's (WICKED DELIGHTS OF THE BRIDAL BED).
Some of my problem with Drake's story is that he's supposed to be a known scientist who spends his time doing research, experiments and calculations all day and doesn't have time for romance. However, in behavior, looks, physicality and bedroom ability, he's just like the typical HR hero. I couldn't find anything about him that made him unique.
He is the only scientist in the Byron family and has been working on a cipher code to be used by the British in the war with Napoleon. This is crucial to the plot. Crucial also is to know that the heroine, Sebastianne Dumont, who goes by the name Anne Greenway in England, is being forced to steal this seemingly unbreakable code to ensure her father's and younger brothers' safety in France.
Sebastianne is half English and half French and bilingual, so she passes as a Englishwoman and gets a job as Drake's housekeeper. Once in his household, she has to figure out where the cipher is kept and how to steal it. (We readers just have to go along with the notion that a young, beautiful woman would be hired as a housekeeper.)
There you have it. The story mostly takes place in Drake's townhouse in London with a denouement in France. It could have been interesting, but, unfortunately, I did not find it so. Even the romance is lacklustre. We are told how attracted they are to each other, but I couldn't quite feel it. Neither one was a very interesting character, the dialogue was pretty banal, and the sexual tension was non-existent. By page 134 they're having sex and whatever sexual tension they might have been feeling up to that point did not come across on the page.
Of the Byron family romances so far, the only one I have really enjoyed was top Byron rake Jack's story. Cade's story had some interesting moments because he was an angsty ex-soldier. However, Ned's and Mallory's books were definitely not in my list of favorite HRs. None of Warren's books have the romances developed beyond the usual generic HR guidelines.
BTW, I must confess to something. Before reading this Warren book, I had just reread Loretta Chase's LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. That romance, of course, is not perfect but the interaction and witty, humorous dialogue between heroine Jessica and hero Dain is superb. I should have read some nonfiction or a biography between the two HRs. Kind of like a lime sorbet between dinner courses. Perhaps Loretta Chase's HR colored my opinion of the Warren one.
August 14, 2021
Probably best book out of the entire series thus far. I still have book 4 to complete.
August 15, 2021
Honestly I was disappointed. I knew I wouldnt like the fact that our heroine deceives our hero and our hero falls in love with her undercover identity but i also didn't expect this one to feel kind of insta lust insta love? Still enjoyed the thrill and chase of it.
July 6, 2011
THE BED AND THE BACHELOR written by Tracy Anne Warren
07/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Will love always find the real you regardless of how many lies you tell to stay hidden?
Being devoted to her father and brothers should have helped Sebastianne Dumont but instead Sebastianne must become a deceitful, horrid spy to save her brothers from one man’s cruelty and exposing her brother’s to the torture of war. Sebastianne becomes Annie Greenway and finds herself in the employ of Lord Drake Byron a kind, eccentric man of science who does not deserve what she must do – seduce him and steal his secrets. The work Drake is doing will help England and it is Annie’s job to steal it and put it into the hands of the French to do just the opposite.
Drake would never suspect the sweet, caring woman working as his housekeeper as anything more than a beautiful distraction. Drake is mesmerized by the sway of her hips, the intoxicating scent of her hair and looks for any chance to be near her never suspecting she wants the same thing from him but for the opposite reason. He knew better than to hire a woman that he wanted to see lying upon the sheets of his bed instead of changing them but this time Drake listened to his heart and he hopes his desire for her will not do him in, but fears it just might because one night will never be enough with Annie. Drake knows math, facts and figures and the way around a chalk board but has no real idea what a relationship might be like and while he has mistresses it is never enough. He sees his brothers in married life and wonders about what woman could make him desert his work and abandon good thought for the brush of her lips against his. This wanting for an all consuming love and female warmth that overrides everything sensible thought is a foreign emotion but one Drake is beginning to think possible with Annie.
Annie try as she might to not do the awful deed she must moves forward with securing the sacred information at the expense of a lifetime of true happiness for herself. Annie has found herself in love with a man she cannot ever have and should not even consider thinking about romantically yet she continually does.
While Annie may not be a good spy, she is however a creative one and knows the steps to get a copy of the key made that will give her the treasure. With quiet steps and eager determination she secures her objective while losing everything she desires at the same time. Funny thing though Drake is not so easily duped and never one to just let go and move on, especially when he discovers what Annie has done and retribution must be provided. He is going to move forward and get Annie back regardless of whatever barriers keep her from him even going into the lion’s den known as France, the evil empire to an Englishman to get her back into his life and sharing his bed. Luck is not always on his side but this time he will make his own and write the future he wants not one that is supposed to be.
With every book in the Byron Family series my thought is always “can the next book top this one”. Well the answer is always YES and yes and yes again. Tracy Anne Warren knows how to write characters that are as complicated as they are fascinating and Drake and Sebastianne “Annie” are over the top fabulous. The storyline is believable and the draw to do right by family is heart wrenching to read but so fascinating as it unfolds and you feel the love that draw these two together may also be the one that will tear them apart.
07/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Will love always find the real you regardless of how many lies you tell to stay hidden?
Being devoted to her father and brothers should have helped Sebastianne Dumont but instead Sebastianne must become a deceitful, horrid spy to save her brothers from one man’s cruelty and exposing her brother’s to the torture of war. Sebastianne becomes Annie Greenway and finds herself in the employ of Lord Drake Byron a kind, eccentric man of science who does not deserve what she must do – seduce him and steal his secrets. The work Drake is doing will help England and it is Annie’s job to steal it and put it into the hands of the French to do just the opposite.
Drake would never suspect the sweet, caring woman working as his housekeeper as anything more than a beautiful distraction. Drake is mesmerized by the sway of her hips, the intoxicating scent of her hair and looks for any chance to be near her never suspecting she wants the same thing from him but for the opposite reason. He knew better than to hire a woman that he wanted to see lying upon the sheets of his bed instead of changing them but this time Drake listened to his heart and he hopes his desire for her will not do him in, but fears it just might because one night will never be enough with Annie. Drake knows math, facts and figures and the way around a chalk board but has no real idea what a relationship might be like and while he has mistresses it is never enough. He sees his brothers in married life and wonders about what woman could make him desert his work and abandon good thought for the brush of her lips against his. This wanting for an all consuming love and female warmth that overrides everything sensible thought is a foreign emotion but one Drake is beginning to think possible with Annie.
Annie try as she might to not do the awful deed she must moves forward with securing the sacred information at the expense of a lifetime of true happiness for herself. Annie has found herself in love with a man she cannot ever have and should not even consider thinking about romantically yet she continually does.
While Annie may not be a good spy, she is however a creative one and knows the steps to get a copy of the key made that will give her the treasure. With quiet steps and eager determination she secures her objective while losing everything she desires at the same time. Funny thing though Drake is not so easily duped and never one to just let go and move on, especially when he discovers what Annie has done and retribution must be provided. He is going to move forward and get Annie back regardless of whatever barriers keep her from him even going into the lion’s den known as France, the evil empire to an Englishman to get her back into his life and sharing his bed. Luck is not always on his side but this time he will make his own and write the future he wants not one that is supposed to be.
With every book in the Byron Family series my thought is always “can the next book top this one”. Well the answer is always YES and yes and yes again. Tracy Anne Warren knows how to write characters that are as complicated as they are fascinating and Drake and Sebastianne “Annie” are over the top fabulous. The storyline is believable and the draw to do right by family is heart wrenching to read but so fascinating as it unfolds and you feel the love that draw these two together may also be the one that will tear them apart.
January 10, 2012
Pages survived: 30 Yeah. This book sucked.
Generally, when I give up on a book at thirty pages, it's typically for the exact same reason, regardless the particular novel; the characters bored me.
This is pretty pathetic, too, when considering the scope Warren had with which to work. To me, somehow, someway, the characters just were flat, and didn't jump off the page to me as being real people.
Generally, when I give up on a book at thirty pages, it's typically for the exact same reason, regardless the particular novel; the characters bored me.
This is pretty pathetic, too, when considering the scope Warren had with which to work. To me, somehow, someway, the characters just were flat, and didn't jump off the page to me as being real people.
August 9, 2011
First of all, the title of this book is seriously stupid.
Next, there is no chemistry b/w the H and h. Nada.
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1 is because it had a decent ending.
Next, there is no chemistry b/w the H and h. Nada.
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1 is because it had a decent ending.
January 30, 2016
Sebastianne has been forced to come to England and takes the position of Lord Drake Byron's housekeeper, so she can be a spy for France in order to save her family who are in danger if she doesn't get a certain piece of information. Only what she didn't expect was to be working for a man that is more tempting than she expected. Lord Drake knew that when Anne came into his office desiring the housekeeper position that she would present only problems if he hired her, but despite his inner turmoil, he decides to hire her in a moment of weakness. In the beginning he blames it on physical needs, but as things between them escalate on a sensual level, he knows that he can't keep resisting her, but wants to embrace his feelings for her...Bed and the Bachelor is the fifth in the Byrons of Braebourne series, and I have just come to love each and every one of the books in the series but this one is one my favorites so far. I have always enjoyed reading historical spy romances, and so I could hardly wait to start reading this one the moment I got my hands on it. There was a level of mystery to the story and a depth to the characters that one always see's from this author, but there was also a enticement as well that draws the reader in, and I found myself reading this book within a few hours, which only happens whenever I am reading a book that I can't put down. I loved the aspect of danger to the plot, definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Overall it was a well written novel that flowed nicely with in depth characters that the reader could relate with easily. So if you love historical romances especially those that involve spys than this one is definitely for you!!
May 14, 2011
view.
December 21, 2021
Sonradan gelen üçlemesini önceden okuduğu için bu kitap benim için serinin finali oldu. Diğer kitaplardaki kardeşlerin, konu kendilerinin başrol olduğu kitaplar olunca onları bahsedilen özelliklerini korumalarının yanında derinliklerini de görüyorduk. Ne yazık ki bunun tek istisnası Drake olmuş. Bence Drake yazarın en az üzerinde durduğu karakterdi. Önceki kitaplarda kendisini bilime adayan, kendi halinde yaşayan efendi biri olarak tanıdığımız karakter burada da aynı özellikleri gösteriyordu fakat bundan daha ötesine geçemedi. Sadece bu özellikler ve Sebastianne 'ye duyduğu arzularını gördüm kendisinde. Karakteri bu haliyle de seviyorum ama daha derinliği olsun isterdim.
Sebastianne de pek aman aman değildi. O da Drake gibi genel olarak sıkıcıydı ama neyse ki beklenen karakter derinliği onda mevcuttu. Öfkesini, çaresizliğini, sevgisini daha iyi anladığım biriydi.
İkilinin ilişkisi de bekleneceği üzere sıkıcıydı ve aşklarını çok hissedemedim. Daha çok tutkulardan oluşan bir birliktelik söz konusuydu.
Sebastianne de pek aman aman değildi. O da Drake gibi genel olarak sıkıcıydı ama neyse ki beklenen karakter derinliği onda mevcuttu. Öfkesini, çaresizliğini, sevgisini daha iyi anladığım biriydi.
İkilinin ilişkisi de bekleneceği üzere sıkıcıydı ve aşklarını çok hissedemedim. Daha çok tutkulardan oluşan bir birliktelik söz konusuydu.
February 20, 2025
3.9.
✔️Sebastianne (ona) je bila špijun
✔️Drake je bio jako pametan
✖️Ona ga je drogirala
✖️Za vrime rata oni bez smisla švrljali po zemlji zahvaćenoj ratom
✔️Sebastianne (ona) je bila špijun
✔️Drake je bio jako pametan
✖️Ona ga je drogirala
✖️Za vrime rata oni bez smisla švrljali po zemlji zahvaćenoj ratom
August 2, 2011
2.00 Stars - Regency Historical Romance!
This is the fifth installment of the series and tells the story of an intellectual aristocrat and a reluctant spy masquerading as a housekeeper.
Lord Drake Byron is a mathematician and a scientist who spends extensive hours devising and thinking over new whatever inventive he works on. He is currently working on a top secret cipher for the war department designed for the British government.
Sebastianne Dumont is his new housekeeper whom he hired against his best judgment after finding no faults in her credible background records. But, Sebastianne in reality is an unwilling spy whose family will suffer horridly if she doesn’t transport the hidden cipher to the Napolean clan in her given time. She also happens to be a very pretty woman, catching sight of any male in her perimeter.
Drake experiences an instant pang of attraction to her beauty but denies doing anything about it since he is generally a proper guy with gentlemanly prowess and finds it unethical to entertain a lusty interlude with a servant under his employment. Sebastianne on the other hand duly notices Drake’s outstanding good-looks and resplendent mannerism and finds herself in a pull towards her employer. But she cannot allow her distraction to Drake ruin her chance to save her family no matter how she pines it. The book tells the story of these two character’s way of dealing with each other’s feelings and how they choose their options of reckoning on their desires.
The book did have its pleasing events. The presence and the revisits of the Byron family were the glory moments of this book. They were amusing and insightful and we get to know how each of the past characters is doing. We get a more thorough peek on the twins, who are a mischievous duo with pure innocent deviltry in their mannerisms. I hope this wasn’t the end of the series and that the twins get their own books.
This is the fifth installment of the series and tells the story of an intellectual aristocrat and a reluctant spy masquerading as a housekeeper.
Lord Drake Byron is a mathematician and a scientist who spends extensive hours devising and thinking over new whatever inventive he works on. He is currently working on a top secret cipher for the war department designed for the British government.
Sebastianne Dumont is his new housekeeper whom he hired against his best judgment after finding no faults in her credible background records. But, Sebastianne in reality is an unwilling spy whose family will suffer horridly if she doesn’t transport the hidden cipher to the Napolean clan in her given time. She also happens to be a very pretty woman, catching sight of any male in her perimeter.
Drake experiences an instant pang of attraction to her beauty but denies doing anything about it since he is generally a proper guy with gentlemanly prowess and finds it unethical to entertain a lusty interlude with a servant under his employment. Sebastianne on the other hand duly notices Drake’s outstanding good-looks and resplendent mannerism and finds herself in a pull towards her employer. But she cannot allow her distraction to Drake ruin her chance to save her family no matter how she pines it. The book tells the story of these two character’s way of dealing with each other’s feelings and how they choose their options of reckoning on their desires.
The book did have its pleasing events. The presence and the revisits of the Byron family were the glory moments of this book. They were amusing and insightful and we get to know how each of the past characters is doing. We get a more thorough peek on the twins, who are a mischievous duo with pure innocent deviltry in their mannerisms. I hope this wasn’t the end of the series and that the twins get their own books.
October 4, 2011
I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website:
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
The above blurb says it all, so I will not burden you with my own synopsis. However, I have to start this review with telling you that I have every book Ms. Warren has written, and while her Mistress series is still on my TBR pile, I've made sure to read her current Byrons of Braebourne series.
It all started with TEMPTED BY HIS KISS and Cade Byron's story, which was just so very, very good. Jack Byron's story came next in SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH, followed by AT THE DUKE'S PLEASURE; both were just as good as the first.
But now we come to the one that's greatly disappointed me. WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED was their sister Mallory's story, and now THE BED AND THE BACHELOR, which is Drake's story, was just not what I expected and hoped to finish this series with. Mallory's story was, in one word, tedious. It moved very slowly, but the worst thing was that I just never warmed up to Mallory.
In this story I find myself not liking either Sebastianne or Drake. As a matter of fact, I almost didn't recognize him. In the previous books he seemed more human, more likable, and sort of a dull, but still interesting, fellow. In this book he felt and acted more of a rake. But what turned me off was the way Sebastianne went about getting the job done. I never recovered after that. I'm sorry to say, it just didn't do much for me. It left me cold and disappointed.
If you are a Ms. Warren fan like I am, you'll not want to miss the end of this series. But be warned--you might be disappointed. If you've never read her before, please try her Trap trilogy first. They really are very well written and very entertaining.
Melanie
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
The above blurb says it all, so I will not burden you with my own synopsis. However, I have to start this review with telling you that I have every book Ms. Warren has written, and while her Mistress series is still on my TBR pile, I've made sure to read her current Byrons of Braebourne series.
It all started with TEMPTED BY HIS KISS and Cade Byron's story, which was just so very, very good. Jack Byron's story came next in SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH, followed by AT THE DUKE'S PLEASURE; both were just as good as the first.
But now we come to the one that's greatly disappointed me. WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED was their sister Mallory's story, and now THE BED AND THE BACHELOR, which is Drake's story, was just not what I expected and hoped to finish this series with. Mallory's story was, in one word, tedious. It moved very slowly, but the worst thing was that I just never warmed up to Mallory.
In this story I find myself not liking either Sebastianne or Drake. As a matter of fact, I almost didn't recognize him. In the previous books he seemed more human, more likable, and sort of a dull, but still interesting, fellow. In this book he felt and acted more of a rake. But what turned me off was the way Sebastianne went about getting the job done. I never recovered after that. I'm sorry to say, it just didn't do much for me. It left me cold and disappointed.
If you are a Ms. Warren fan like I am, you'll not want to miss the end of this series. But be warned--you might be disappointed. If you've never read her before, please try her Trap trilogy first. They really are very well written and very entertaining.
Melanie
July 6, 2011
Ok, but all around underwhelming. No real emotion or showing as to why these two would be interested in each other.
But loved the reluctant spy approach.
But loved the reluctant spy approach.
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February 17, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
TAW’s books have had some mixed reviews from me. Some were great, some ok while the others just weren’t up to the mark. If I talk about The Byrons series, I must say I liked most of the books (my absolute favorite being book #4). So, when I heard that despite having 8 siblings, The Byrons series will come to an end with Drake’s book, I was very sad. I love the family itself and in each book, one or more siblings getting married, having kids, the brothers, the wives, the kids and their banters... I simply adore it. I wished I could say the same for this book. It was not up to the mark. I didn’t dislike the story mind you, still think it had great potentials but just wasn’t executed well enough. So, I ended up with something very tepid (even love scene-wise and I know TAW can write some hot hot love scenes along with amazing sexual tension, enough to turn me into mush lolz). Alas but not in this one!
We knew Drake is a genius in mathematics and has a tendency to ‘drift off’ anytime, anywhere and jot down notes of his latest theorem. He has also been working with the government to develop complicated secret codes to aid in the war with the French. Edward, the Duke, knows of it and supports it. Recently, his longtime housekeeper just up and left without giving him a chance even to give her a character. Drake doesn’t seem to think it’s odd, giving his brilliance and his secret work. You’ll read more such incidents that includes Sebastianne (hate the name, sorry) and can’t help but think how could he be so oblivious, given their relationship? So, he hires this woman, a widow, Mrs. Greenway soon enough. His housekeeper looks younger than the year she gave in her resume but she’s highly recommended so he doesn’t bother to look in any deeper and hires her. Drake doesn’t have the time or patience for interviewing new housekeepers since all his passion (except sometimes the physical needs) is intensely allotted to his work. It’s also why he thinks he’ll never marry (I mean who would care for his forgetful ways and late hours?), let alone fall in love. Or so he thought. He has a mistress, whom he sees from time to time, when he’s not so busy with work. (thanks god, there weren’t many details of all the whys and hows, which I hate to read!) He has a loving family and uncle to the ever growing list of nieces and nephews. Why would he bother? But this Mrs. Greenway captivates him from the moment he sees her. He’s very aroused all the time, whenever she’s near but he thought he can control this side of his nature. But of couse, he’s a Byron and we all know that Byrons are famous for a strong physical appetite. There is a quote by Drake on this which just made me grin.
Sebastianne is in a fix. She has to save her family; her loving, even if a bit forgetful, elderly father who is a brilliant mathematician and her two very young brothers. Her mother, an English noble lady, passed away 7/8 years ago. Her family doesn’t acknowledge them because of her marriage to a Frenchman (which was a love match). Sebastianne did marry Thierry young and she thought she was in love. But, her husband died in the war. Now she lives with her family, takes care of them and she’ll go on doing so at any cost. Nepoleon’s people wanted Sebastianne’s father to work with them but he refused. I understood that he had no great love for the man or his actions. Which is why, soon, a man name Vacheau is sent after them. Sebastianne’s father, having quite a shock from her mother’s death, is a little imbalanced so she does everything for the family. Vacheau finds her and blackmails her; if she doesn’t help them finding the cipher Lord Drake in England has developed, her brothers will be sent to the war and her father in the prison. So what can a girl, without a help from anyone, do in this case? She agrees, then was trained as a housekeeper and sent to England.
Her work was neither easy, nor tough for her. She could manage many things, being the one managing in her own family but soon she realizes there’s much more into the work of a housekeeper. She thought this disguise won’t take long, after all, how hard would it be to find the cipher and run? Sebastianne was told not to make close bond with anyone but it’s harder said than done; especially when the servants are so nice and welcoming. So is Lord Drake. She thought she’d find a man of her father’s age but Drake’s quite young and very good looking. He’s brilliant all the same! She’s attracted to him as well as impressed by his intelligence. In the meantime, she finds out some stuffs like Drake has a hidden safe in his workroom (which was pretty clumsy of Drake IMO, as he wasn’t even aware that the door was slightly open), a place where he spends almost all the times of a day, sometimes even days altogether. Then again, he keeps the key around his neck with a chain. So how the hell is she going to steal the thing? She needed a plan and soon. Meanwhile, Drake, on the 2nd day of Sebastianne’s arrival, couldn’t help it anymore (wanting her but can’t have her, she’s in his employ after all) and had to go to his mistress. When he returns at night, Sebastianne was trying to have a look in his workroom but was saved from being discovered by chance. She detects that he’s been with a woman and is instantly jealous. But she says nothing since it shouldn’t be her business anyway.
Then one day, after a few months passed, Vacheau finds her when she was in the market and reminds her that time’s passing by, so a desperate Sebastianne buys a sleeping draught and drugs Drake with it. She had already convinced him to give her access to his workroom to clean it from time to time but without the key, it’s no use. She’s the one who always brings his food there so she had ample opportunities. Drake drinks the drugged wine and after sometimes, feels sleepy. He doesn’t think it’s unusual but only that, maybe he’s too exhausted from work. Huh? On the other hand, Sebastianne’s feeling guilty for drugging Drake but when she sees he’s still not asleep, thinks she should’ve used all of it. I mean this was such crap! She was always so confused about what to do and how to go about it. I should think it was her inherent goodness, of not to dupe and do harm to a perfectly nice man but either way, she was NOT a spy material and I thought it was stupid that a clumsy, wishy-washy woman like her was chosen for such an important mission. When Drake retires for the night, Sebastianne doesn’t know how to steal the key now and make the imprint for a duplicate. Not seeing any other way, she goes to his room. But even in his drugged state, Drake wakes up to find her there. He’s very persuasive and tells her things like how he’s been dreaming of her even since she came into his life and so on and Sebastianne gave in. So, what should I feel for this love scene where the hero was drugged and the heroine was deceiving him to boots? Yah, I felt nothing but be uncomfortable. The next day, Sebastianne knows she’s in a muddle but would try to brave it. She can’t risk being fired. And Drake, from the smell of her body in his sheets, understands that the heavy erotic dream wasn’t a dream after all.
At first, Sebastianne refuses Drake’s offer of being his mistress. I didn’t like the way Drake was so callous about it. Sebastianne brought up about his current mistress, of which, he informs her that he’s already been thinking of breaking off with the woman (in his mind, it’s been off for sometimes now). But if you read his and that woman’s exchange earlier, you’d think otherwise. So here, Drake comes off as a hypocrite. It’s like he’s got a new candy to lick, why bother with the one he already chewed many times? Sounds gross, right? I found it the same. And, it’s his housekeeper for crying out loud! He even thinks he doesn’t ‘prey’ on his employees but he offers her anyway, so what does it make him? So he’s angry (read: pouty) when she refuses. Worse, that Sebastianne’s actually temped to become his mistress, only the little situation in between them kept her from agreeing. I mean WTF? I don’t like it when the heroine ‘wants’ to become the hero’s mistress, it’s seriously demeaning. But Sebastianne thought she was in love with Drake so it’s no matter and she’ll have to run soon anyway. Another thing I couldn’t believe. Love? HOW? WHEN? I saw NOTHING that would lead me think there’s something like that between them.
In between, we see the Byron family and their crazy banters, loved it all. Drake was unhappy about his situation with Sebastianne. Soon, Sebastianne (I was totally taken by surprise by her reasoning) realizes she can’t hold back anymore and agrees to Drake’s offer. The 2nd love scene happens when Drake was half drunk. Lord, where are those hot, steamy love scenes Ms. Warren? Anyway, Drake is now happy and their affair, hidden from the other servants’ eyes, goes on. Sebastianne did make an imprint of the key that first night when they made love. The day she was supposed to go to retrieve it, Drake invites the whole household for a balloon ascension show of his friend, where he’d help out. He was mainly interested to take Sebastianne but you know, he can’t do that since she refused to be a ‘mistress’, to exchange her body for luxury (yah, nice try!), doesn’t want to be seen together like that. She’s just his lover. Drake wanted to shower her with everything he’d do for a mistress but acceded to her wishes. In the show, Vacheau finds her, gives her the key and threatens her again to speed up her work. Sebastianne is morose again about the upcoming mess she has to make as she has no other options left. She wants to confide in Drake but can’t because she’s not sure how he’ll react. She fumbled many times in between, even blurting out some information about her family (something a big no no from her training) to Drake when they were intimate. Then she sees a young woman Drake’s mother was trying to pair him up with, now was chatting with him in the show and Sebastianne is again jealous and little bit hurt to know there might be a possibility that he’d marry the girl. She’s in love with him after all! God, I didn’t know what to think about any of this.
The opportunity arrives sooner than she thought. That day, Claire, the Duchess and Edward’s wife was heavily pregnant and has her baby. Drake is called away and spends the night and better part of the next day at Clybourne House. When he was departing, Sebastianne, knowing this must be the last she’ll ever see him, kisses him desperately. Anyway, Drake, seeing all the happy couple around, has came to the conclusion that his feelings for Anne (Sebastianne’s false name, so original!) must be deep since the thought of marrying her feels right. He even buys a ring, only to find that she’s not in his house anymore. Soon the truth comes out as one of Edwards’s spies from the Bow Street informs him. Drake’s angry but not overly so (at least I didn’t feel it) and decides to follow her. Drake remembers the night when she talked about her family somewhere in an English countryside, so, soon he visits the place. From an elderly spinster and a sketch he did of Anne, Drake finds out there was a Greenway (again, how original!) family a long time ago. The gossipy woman gave him most of what he needed to know, it was that easy and convenient. Then, he was on his way to France.
Sebastianne returned home by then and has been taking utmost care not to reveal her recent misadventure to her father. She knows Vacheau would soon find her because she’d done something with the cipher to gain something in return, which includes her family’s safety. But, Drake finds her easily enough and from there, it’s how they fought to save Sebastianne and her family from Vacheau’s hands...
Think I already mentioned a few things I didn’t like about this book. One was the emotional connection between Drake and Sebastianne for the better part of the book. The last part in France was a bit better than the rest. Mostly, everything IMO was either too convenient (Drake’s forgiving Sebastianne so easily, even stepping in to help the whole family out) or too clumsy (Drake’s mistakes, Sebastianne’s mistakes... even Vacheau’s mistakes!) which just doesn’t bode well for a spy novel. Ugh, I just did not feel a thing! Knowing there won’t be another Byron book, I thought the ending was abrupt and very dissatisfying. All in all, 3.5 stars. I still think this book could’ve been much better and Drake a delish hero (I love a genius hero so I was really looking forward to his book). :/
To wrap it up, here’s something about the Byron family: I saw almost all the siblings, except Jack. I missed him (and Grace, too) a lot, even though he grated on my nerves in his own book (#2). He’s now living in connubial bliss with his two little girls and Grace, in the country. Huh, talk about lovesick rakes! No matter what I think about that specimen, a ‘lovesick, fallen for his woman hard’-type rake is always fun to read. ;) All I know is that, Cade and Meg have two kids, a boy and a girl. Edward and Claire have a baby daughter and just had the heir. Mallory and Adam are expecting. Loved seeing the twins, Leo and Lawrence with their youngest sister, Esme. Hell, I loved the whole family! That part was basically the best thing IMO. Not much was there about Drake and Sebastianne, except the talks of them getting married. Ah, I’ll miss them for sure.
TAW’s books have had some mixed reviews from me. Some were great, some ok while the others just weren’t up to the mark. If I talk about The Byrons series, I must say I liked most of the books (my absolute favorite being book #4). So, when I heard that despite having 8 siblings, The Byrons series will come to an end with Drake’s book, I was very sad. I love the family itself and in each book, one or more siblings getting married, having kids, the brothers, the wives, the kids and their banters... I simply adore it. I wished I could say the same for this book. It was not up to the mark. I didn’t dislike the story mind you, still think it had great potentials but just wasn’t executed well enough. So, I ended up with something very tepid (even love scene-wise and I know TAW can write some hot hot love scenes along with amazing sexual tension, enough to turn me into mush lolz). Alas but not in this one!
We knew Drake is a genius in mathematics and has a tendency to ‘drift off’ anytime, anywhere and jot down notes of his latest theorem. He has also been working with the government to develop complicated secret codes to aid in the war with the French. Edward, the Duke, knows of it and supports it. Recently, his longtime housekeeper just up and left without giving him a chance even to give her a character. Drake doesn’t seem to think it’s odd, giving his brilliance and his secret work. You’ll read more such incidents that includes Sebastianne (hate the name, sorry) and can’t help but think how could he be so oblivious, given their relationship? So, he hires this woman, a widow, Mrs. Greenway soon enough. His housekeeper looks younger than the year she gave in her resume but she’s highly recommended so he doesn’t bother to look in any deeper and hires her. Drake doesn’t have the time or patience for interviewing new housekeepers since all his passion (except sometimes the physical needs) is intensely allotted to his work. It’s also why he thinks he’ll never marry (I mean who would care for his forgetful ways and late hours?), let alone fall in love. Or so he thought. He has a mistress, whom he sees from time to time, when he’s not so busy with work. (thanks god, there weren’t many details of all the whys and hows, which I hate to read!) He has a loving family and uncle to the ever growing list of nieces and nephews. Why would he bother? But this Mrs. Greenway captivates him from the moment he sees her. He’s very aroused all the time, whenever she’s near but he thought he can control this side of his nature. But of couse, he’s a Byron and we all know that Byrons are famous for a strong physical appetite. There is a quote by Drake on this which just made me grin.
Sebastianne is in a fix. She has to save her family; her loving, even if a bit forgetful, elderly father who is a brilliant mathematician and her two very young brothers. Her mother, an English noble lady, passed away 7/8 years ago. Her family doesn’t acknowledge them because of her marriage to a Frenchman (which was a love match). Sebastianne did marry Thierry young and she thought she was in love. But, her husband died in the war. Now she lives with her family, takes care of them and she’ll go on doing so at any cost. Nepoleon’s people wanted Sebastianne’s father to work with them but he refused. I understood that he had no great love for the man or his actions. Which is why, soon, a man name Vacheau is sent after them. Sebastianne’s father, having quite a shock from her mother’s death, is a little imbalanced so she does everything for the family. Vacheau finds her and blackmails her; if she doesn’t help them finding the cipher Lord Drake in England has developed, her brothers will be sent to the war and her father in the prison. So what can a girl, without a help from anyone, do in this case? She agrees, then was trained as a housekeeper and sent to England.
Her work was neither easy, nor tough for her. She could manage many things, being the one managing in her own family but soon she realizes there’s much more into the work of a housekeeper. She thought this disguise won’t take long, after all, how hard would it be to find the cipher and run? Sebastianne was told not to make close bond with anyone but it’s harder said than done; especially when the servants are so nice and welcoming. So is Lord Drake. She thought she’d find a man of her father’s age but Drake’s quite young and very good looking. He’s brilliant all the same! She’s attracted to him as well as impressed by his intelligence. In the meantime, she finds out some stuffs like Drake has a hidden safe in his workroom (which was pretty clumsy of Drake IMO, as he wasn’t even aware that the door was slightly open), a place where he spends almost all the times of a day, sometimes even days altogether. Then again, he keeps the key around his neck with a chain. So how the hell is she going to steal the thing? She needed a plan and soon. Meanwhile, Drake, on the 2nd day of Sebastianne’s arrival, couldn’t help it anymore (wanting her but can’t have her, she’s in his employ after all) and had to go to his mistress. When he returns at night, Sebastianne was trying to have a look in his workroom but was saved from being discovered by chance. She detects that he’s been with a woman and is instantly jealous. But she says nothing since it shouldn’t be her business anyway.
Then one day, after a few months passed, Vacheau finds her when she was in the market and reminds her that time’s passing by, so a desperate Sebastianne buys a sleeping draught and drugs Drake with it. She had already convinced him to give her access to his workroom to clean it from time to time but without the key, it’s no use. She’s the one who always brings his food there so she had ample opportunities. Drake drinks the drugged wine and after sometimes, feels sleepy. He doesn’t think it’s unusual but only that, maybe he’s too exhausted from work. Huh? On the other hand, Sebastianne’s feeling guilty for drugging Drake but when she sees he’s still not asleep, thinks she should’ve used all of it. I mean this was such crap! She was always so confused about what to do and how to go about it. I should think it was her inherent goodness, of not to dupe and do harm to a perfectly nice man but either way, she was NOT a spy material and I thought it was stupid that a clumsy, wishy-washy woman like her was chosen for such an important mission. When Drake retires for the night, Sebastianne doesn’t know how to steal the key now and make the imprint for a duplicate. Not seeing any other way, she goes to his room. But even in his drugged state, Drake wakes up to find her there. He’s very persuasive and tells her things like how he’s been dreaming of her even since she came into his life and so on and Sebastianne gave in. So, what should I feel for this love scene where the hero was drugged and the heroine was deceiving him to boots? Yah, I felt nothing but be uncomfortable. The next day, Sebastianne knows she’s in a muddle but would try to brave it. She can’t risk being fired. And Drake, from the smell of her body in his sheets, understands that the heavy erotic dream wasn’t a dream after all.
At first, Sebastianne refuses Drake’s offer of being his mistress. I didn’t like the way Drake was so callous about it. Sebastianne brought up about his current mistress, of which, he informs her that he’s already been thinking of breaking off with the woman (in his mind, it’s been off for sometimes now). But if you read his and that woman’s exchange earlier, you’d think otherwise. So here, Drake comes off as a hypocrite. It’s like he’s got a new candy to lick, why bother with the one he already chewed many times? Sounds gross, right? I found it the same. And, it’s his housekeeper for crying out loud! He even thinks he doesn’t ‘prey’ on his employees but he offers her anyway, so what does it make him? So he’s angry (read: pouty) when she refuses. Worse, that Sebastianne’s actually temped to become his mistress, only the little situation in between them kept her from agreeing. I mean WTF? I don’t like it when the heroine ‘wants’ to become the hero’s mistress, it’s seriously demeaning. But Sebastianne thought she was in love with Drake so it’s no matter and she’ll have to run soon anyway. Another thing I couldn’t believe. Love? HOW? WHEN? I saw NOTHING that would lead me think there’s something like that between them.
In between, we see the Byron family and their crazy banters, loved it all. Drake was unhappy about his situation with Sebastianne. Soon, Sebastianne (I was totally taken by surprise by her reasoning) realizes she can’t hold back anymore and agrees to Drake’s offer. The 2nd love scene happens when Drake was half drunk. Lord, where are those hot, steamy love scenes Ms. Warren? Anyway, Drake is now happy and their affair, hidden from the other servants’ eyes, goes on. Sebastianne did make an imprint of the key that first night when they made love. The day she was supposed to go to retrieve it, Drake invites the whole household for a balloon ascension show of his friend, where he’d help out. He was mainly interested to take Sebastianne but you know, he can’t do that since she refused to be a ‘mistress’, to exchange her body for luxury (yah, nice try!), doesn’t want to be seen together like that. She’s just his lover. Drake wanted to shower her with everything he’d do for a mistress but acceded to her wishes. In the show, Vacheau finds her, gives her the key and threatens her again to speed up her work. Sebastianne is morose again about the upcoming mess she has to make as she has no other options left. She wants to confide in Drake but can’t because she’s not sure how he’ll react. She fumbled many times in between, even blurting out some information about her family (something a big no no from her training) to Drake when they were intimate. Then she sees a young woman Drake’s mother was trying to pair him up with, now was chatting with him in the show and Sebastianne is again jealous and little bit hurt to know there might be a possibility that he’d marry the girl. She’s in love with him after all! God, I didn’t know what to think about any of this.
The opportunity arrives sooner than she thought. That day, Claire, the Duchess and Edward’s wife was heavily pregnant and has her baby. Drake is called away and spends the night and better part of the next day at Clybourne House. When he was departing, Sebastianne, knowing this must be the last she’ll ever see him, kisses him desperately. Anyway, Drake, seeing all the happy couple around, has came to the conclusion that his feelings for Anne (Sebastianne’s false name, so original!) must be deep since the thought of marrying her feels right. He even buys a ring, only to find that she’s not in his house anymore. Soon the truth comes out as one of Edwards’s spies from the Bow Street informs him. Drake’s angry but not overly so (at least I didn’t feel it) and decides to follow her. Drake remembers the night when she talked about her family somewhere in an English countryside, so, soon he visits the place. From an elderly spinster and a sketch he did of Anne, Drake finds out there was a Greenway (again, how original!) family a long time ago. The gossipy woman gave him most of what he needed to know, it was that easy and convenient. Then, he was on his way to France.
Sebastianne returned home by then and has been taking utmost care not to reveal her recent misadventure to her father. She knows Vacheau would soon find her because she’d done something with the cipher to gain something in return, which includes her family’s safety. But, Drake finds her easily enough and from there, it’s how they fought to save Sebastianne and her family from Vacheau’s hands...
Think I already mentioned a few things I didn’t like about this book. One was the emotional connection between Drake and Sebastianne for the better part of the book. The last part in France was a bit better than the rest. Mostly, everything IMO was either too convenient (Drake’s forgiving Sebastianne so easily, even stepping in to help the whole family out) or too clumsy (Drake’s mistakes, Sebastianne’s mistakes... even Vacheau’s mistakes!) which just doesn’t bode well for a spy novel. Ugh, I just did not feel a thing! Knowing there won’t be another Byron book, I thought the ending was abrupt and very dissatisfying. All in all, 3.5 stars. I still think this book could’ve been much better and Drake a delish hero (I love a genius hero so I was really looking forward to his book). :/
To wrap it up, here’s something about the Byron family: I saw almost all the siblings, except Jack. I missed him (and Grace, too) a lot, even though he grated on my nerves in his own book (#2). He’s now living in connubial bliss with his two little girls and Grace, in the country. Huh, talk about lovesick rakes! No matter what I think about that specimen, a ‘lovesick, fallen for his woman hard’-type rake is always fun to read. ;) All I know is that, Cade and Meg have two kids, a boy and a girl. Edward and Claire have a baby daughter and just had the heir. Mallory and Adam are expecting. Loved seeing the twins, Leo and Lawrence with their youngest sister, Esme. Hell, I loved the whole family! That part was basically the best thing IMO. Not much was there about Drake and Sebastianne, except the talks of them getting married. Ah, I’ll miss them for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
Had potential but fell flat 1.5 stars
This book seemed to have potential but quickly lost steam so much so that I struggled to finish it. Here’s some thoughts on the book.
1. Other woman. I’ve noticed in several of this author’s books that she likes to have another woman that the hero sets aside for the heroine. Maybe in the case of historical she thinks this makes it more accurate? Who knows. It definitely isn’t a favorable aspect for me. In this book the hero has a mistress. After meeting the heroine, the hero sees the mistress one more time to get it on then decides a few weeks later to let her go. This whole time he’s fantasizing about the heroine and wanting to kiss her and more.
2. Lots of lulls. This is supposed to be a spy book. She’s there to steal something from him. Unfortunately, the author didn’t play this up enough. She only sees the guy forcing her to do this twice in the several months she’s there. This makes for a lack of suspense and feeling of worry over the choices she has to make and the safety of her family. Even when she does her spy work there isn’t really any tension of will she get caught or not. There’s also no tension of waiting for the hero to catch on. Apparently, this amateur spy is so amazing that she is flawless in her spy work and he never suspects. Unlikely and uninteresting.
3. The heroine is supposed to have been raised in France but because her mother is English, she learned to speak flawless English without an accent. However her default language is French. Throughout the whole book she never slips up and says anything in French? Never has her French accent peek in when shes not monitoring it so closely? Especially during the throes of passion I think her brain would have switched off and she would have started using French phrases. Not only would this have fit more with the character but it would have added more interest while we wait to see how she explains.
One thing I’ve noticed in this author’s work is that she is very good at creating an amazing intimacy between the main characters. This was not as present in this book. While there were some sweet moments it was overshadowed by the dullness of the rest of the book.
Another hallmark of this author’s writing is the flowery writing. I love the intimacies between the main characters in some of her books but it’s often accompanied with flowery writing that at times makes you almost roll your eyes. This was also present in this novel. As was the tendency for the author to use phrases or words of the times purely to show that she knows the period (throwing around words like “Whig” and “Tory” in a completely unnecessary sentence just to show she knew the political parties then). In addition this book lacked variety in descriptions. I almost wanted to scream after the heroine’s hair was compared to autumn leaves for the fourth time within the first half of the book. Find another way to describe it!
My last complaint about the book is the author having the hero be a famous innovator. It’s just a pet peeve of mine and may not bother you but I hate it when they try to have the person say they created something when you know historically it’s incorrect. In this novel the author had the hero create showers, a heating system for the shower/bath water, a system to transfer water from the kitchens to the bath, a dumbwaiter, and he was also working on creating a battery. Gah! This fictional character did not innovate these! It would be better if the author chose some abstract or less well known concept for the character to create. Again, just a personal irritation.
Not her best work. Try one of her other titles.
This book seemed to have potential but quickly lost steam so much so that I struggled to finish it. Here’s some thoughts on the book.
1. Other woman. I’ve noticed in several of this author’s books that she likes to have another woman that the hero sets aside for the heroine. Maybe in the case of historical she thinks this makes it more accurate? Who knows. It definitely isn’t a favorable aspect for me. In this book the hero has a mistress. After meeting the heroine, the hero sees the mistress one more time to get it on then decides a few weeks later to let her go. This whole time he’s fantasizing about the heroine and wanting to kiss her and more.
2. Lots of lulls. This is supposed to be a spy book. She’s there to steal something from him. Unfortunately, the author didn’t play this up enough. She only sees the guy forcing her to do this twice in the several months she’s there. This makes for a lack of suspense and feeling of worry over the choices she has to make and the safety of her family. Even when she does her spy work there isn’t really any tension of will she get caught or not. There’s also no tension of waiting for the hero to catch on. Apparently, this amateur spy is so amazing that she is flawless in her spy work and he never suspects. Unlikely and uninteresting.
3. The heroine is supposed to have been raised in France but because her mother is English, she learned to speak flawless English without an accent. However her default language is French. Throughout the whole book she never slips up and says anything in French? Never has her French accent peek in when shes not monitoring it so closely? Especially during the throes of passion I think her brain would have switched off and she would have started using French phrases. Not only would this have fit more with the character but it would have added more interest while we wait to see how she explains.
One thing I’ve noticed in this author’s work is that she is very good at creating an amazing intimacy between the main characters. This was not as present in this book. While there were some sweet moments it was overshadowed by the dullness of the rest of the book.
Another hallmark of this author’s writing is the flowery writing. I love the intimacies between the main characters in some of her books but it’s often accompanied with flowery writing that at times makes you almost roll your eyes. This was also present in this novel. As was the tendency for the author to use phrases or words of the times purely to show that she knows the period (throwing around words like “Whig” and “Tory” in a completely unnecessary sentence just to show she knew the political parties then). In addition this book lacked variety in descriptions. I almost wanted to scream after the heroine’s hair was compared to autumn leaves for the fourth time within the first half of the book. Find another way to describe it!
My last complaint about the book is the author having the hero be a famous innovator. It’s just a pet peeve of mine and may not bother you but I hate it when they try to have the person say they created something when you know historically it’s incorrect. In this novel the author had the hero create showers, a heating system for the shower/bath water, a system to transfer water from the kitchens to the bath, a dumbwaiter, and he was also working on creating a battery. Gah! This fictional character did not innovate these! It would be better if the author chose some abstract or less well known concept for the character to create. Again, just a personal irritation.
Not her best work. Try one of her other titles.
October 7, 2023
This book was... boring.
I kept skipping whole paragraphs and flipping through pages to get to something remotely interesting. It is filled with musings and descriptions and inconsequential, uninteresting things. I mean, do we really need three paragraphs for a casual and insignificant remark about a lemonade?
It lacked substance, dialogue, and excitement.
Both characters seemed very generic to me. They both had the potential to be interesting and unique. Drake is supposed to be a scientist who spends his days working and doing research and calculations, but in reality, he's nothing more than your typical HR Hero... a rake.
As for Sebastianne, she's a woman who is being forced into spying by being threatened with harming her father and two young brothers, but her character fell flat for me. I couldn't feel her supposed worry and desperation. I couldn't feel anything for her. And the way their relationship evolved seemed very superficial to me. I couldn't buy the fact that they 'loved' each other. There's hardly any interaction between them before they're jumping into bed together and she's fallen 'in love' with him.
This was definitely not one of Warren's best.
I kept skipping whole paragraphs and flipping through pages to get to something remotely interesting. It is filled with musings and descriptions and inconsequential, uninteresting things. I mean, do we really need three paragraphs for a casual and insignificant remark about a lemonade?
It lacked substance, dialogue, and excitement.
Both characters seemed very generic to me. They both had the potential to be interesting and unique. Drake is supposed to be a scientist who spends his days working and doing research and calculations, but in reality, he's nothing more than your typical HR Hero... a rake.
As for Sebastianne, she's a woman who is being forced into spying by being threatened with harming her father and two young brothers, but her character fell flat for me. I couldn't feel her supposed worry and desperation. I couldn't feel anything for her. And the way their relationship evolved seemed very superficial to me. I couldn't buy the fact that they 'loved' each other. There's hardly any interaction between them before they're jumping into bed together and she's fallen 'in love' with him.
This was definitely not one of Warren's best.
September 5, 2017
Obtaining a position as housekeeper in Drake Byron’s household was easy. Now Sebastianne has to steal the cipher he developed for the British forces to use in their war correspondence so the French will be unable to know Britain’s plans. Sebastianne is a spy for the French and was forced to steal the cipher in exchange for keeping her elderly father and two younger brothers safe. But she has fallen in love with Drake and knows she will see hate and disgust in his eyes when he finds out what she has done. She has no choice and only wishes things were different.
I find it hard to believe that Drake would forgive Sebastianne for committing treason especially since his brother the Duke was so highly placed in the government. Love makes us do strange things.
I find it hard to believe that Drake would forgive Sebastianne for committing treason especially since his brother the Duke was so highly placed in the government. Love makes us do strange things.
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!
Have you ever read a romance that had you slightly on edge the entire time? No? Then give this one a go! 😆
From the synopsis alone we start out knowing that Sebastianne Dumont is a French spy sent to retrieve the cipher created by Drake Byron. So the entire time I found myself anxious, just waiting for that moment when her identity would be revealed. And nervous as to how Drake would react and handle it.
Luckily, Tracy is an amazing writer and it wasn't cringy or hard to read at all! Drake handles it very well. At first he is hurt and angry and confused and sad. Understandably. When he finally finds Sebastianne he's a bit angry and almost bent on revenge in a way. But it doesn't take long at all for his feelings to soften and for his demeanor to relax. Being able to discuss everything together, he quickly and easily forgives her and they finally come together as a whole, without secrets and walls between them. It was the sweetest thing ever when Drake stays overnight in her bedroom. Finally able to truly be together, it was so lovely. Possibly my favorite scene in the book.
Of course Sebiastianne's actions were not of her own choosing. I was very hopeful that Drake would understand once he knew and would not continue to hold it against her out of anger, as I've seen before in other romances. And I was very glad to see it turn out that way!
Drake is literally the most understanding and thoughtful of the Byron men. He's so very open and quick to realize things. Not only is he extremely smart and creative but he is also capable and strong. He spends alot of his time engrossed in his theorems and studies and experiments. But you're never left with a single doubt that he is also a very strong and fit man, with an equal amount of sexual drive and charm, just as his brothers are. I found him extremely attractive and his character wholly wonderful. He was overall... well... the perfect man. *daydreams for a short while*
Sebastianne is honestly so sweet and such a loyal and caring person. You wouldn't know that if you only knew her as a "spy". Given she had no choice in the matter, she of course would have never done so. But her love and devotion to her family required her to take the risk. For their own safety as well as hers. She quickly falls in love with Drake and even though she must lie and steal, she wants nothing more than to love him and be with him. It was definitely a stressful time for her, and I could just imagine being in that position! You would feel alone at all times. No matter how many people were near you. I can only imagine the relief when you could finally leave and return home. Even if that meant you'd also have a broken heart in the process. I think because of this, and because of everything she had to do to assure her family's safety, I found Sebastianne to be a very strong and courageous character. She debated several times on telling Drake the truth and seeking his help. But ultimately the fear of what could happen, what he may or may not do, kept her quiet. And I would have been just as unsure if I was in her position. I wanted her to tell him, but in alot of ways they still didn't know each other well, not well enough for her to risk it. Even if she did love him. And then she also kept quiet out of fear for his own safety. So I didn't blame her for choosing not to. I could feel the inner struggle so much, and was never once annoyed that she didn't speak up. In the end it all worked out perfectly, their love for one another the only thing they needed to reveal. And then they knew that everything would be ok, and that they could, and always could, trust each other.
I also found it so cute and unique that Sebiastianne had a few hidden silver strands throughout her hair! I mean, I don't want the poor doll to be completely grey at the age of 30 or anything, but it was very unique. I adored how her hair was described as the colors of autumn, with little strands of metal strewn in. Little things like this always stand out to me. I found her hair some of the most unique I've read about in a book. It was such a sweet little aspect that stood out for me.
And Drake's reaction at the end when she told the servants she wasn't 29 years old, but 22! I loved it! 😂
This was such a lovely charming beautiful series. I'm slightly melancholy that it's finished now. I loved the huge family dynamics throughout. And not just the family, who were featured in each book as well as their own books as main characters, but other secondary characters who returned often. There was also mention of characters who, if memory serves correct, are in other series!
This was a beautiful series that I'll definitely keep on my favorites shelf forever. And may return to again down the road! Cade and Meg's book was definitely my favorite and I can foresee me returning to that one even sooner. Especially if I'm in the mood for a beautiful wounded hero! *sighs* This was such a great ending to the series, and was such a fun adventure. I can't wait to start another Tracy Anne Warren series soon!
**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!
Have you ever read a romance that had you slightly on edge the entire time? No? Then give this one a go! 😆
From the synopsis alone we start out knowing that Sebastianne Dumont is a French spy sent to retrieve the cipher created by Drake Byron. So the entire time I found myself anxious, just waiting for that moment when her identity would be revealed. And nervous as to how Drake would react and handle it.
Luckily, Tracy is an amazing writer and it wasn't cringy or hard to read at all! Drake handles it very well. At first he is hurt and angry and confused and sad. Understandably. When he finally finds Sebastianne he's a bit angry and almost bent on revenge in a way. But it doesn't take long at all for his feelings to soften and for his demeanor to relax. Being able to discuss everything together, he quickly and easily forgives her and they finally come together as a whole, without secrets and walls between them. It was the sweetest thing ever when Drake stays overnight in her bedroom. Finally able to truly be together, it was so lovely. Possibly my favorite scene in the book.
Of course Sebiastianne's actions were not of her own choosing. I was very hopeful that Drake would understand once he knew and would not continue to hold it against her out of anger, as I've seen before in other romances. And I was very glad to see it turn out that way!
Drake is literally the most understanding and thoughtful of the Byron men. He's so very open and quick to realize things. Not only is he extremely smart and creative but he is also capable and strong. He spends alot of his time engrossed in his theorems and studies and experiments. But you're never left with a single doubt that he is also a very strong and fit man, with an equal amount of sexual drive and charm, just as his brothers are. I found him extremely attractive and his character wholly wonderful. He was overall... well... the perfect man. *daydreams for a short while*
Sebastianne is honestly so sweet and such a loyal and caring person. You wouldn't know that if you only knew her as a "spy". Given she had no choice in the matter, she of course would have never done so. But her love and devotion to her family required her to take the risk. For their own safety as well as hers. She quickly falls in love with Drake and even though she must lie and steal, she wants nothing more than to love him and be with him. It was definitely a stressful time for her, and I could just imagine being in that position! You would feel alone at all times. No matter how many people were near you. I can only imagine the relief when you could finally leave and return home. Even if that meant you'd also have a broken heart in the process. I think because of this, and because of everything she had to do to assure her family's safety, I found Sebastianne to be a very strong and courageous character. She debated several times on telling Drake the truth and seeking his help. But ultimately the fear of what could happen, what he may or may not do, kept her quiet. And I would have been just as unsure if I was in her position. I wanted her to tell him, but in alot of ways they still didn't know each other well, not well enough for her to risk it. Even if she did love him. And then she also kept quiet out of fear for his own safety. So I didn't blame her for choosing not to. I could feel the inner struggle so much, and was never once annoyed that she didn't speak up. In the end it all worked out perfectly, their love for one another the only thing they needed to reveal. And then they knew that everything would be ok, and that they could, and always could, trust each other.
I also found it so cute and unique that Sebiastianne had a few hidden silver strands throughout her hair! I mean, I don't want the poor doll to be completely grey at the age of 30 or anything, but it was very unique. I adored how her hair was described as the colors of autumn, with little strands of metal strewn in. Little things like this always stand out to me. I found her hair some of the most unique I've read about in a book. It was such a sweet little aspect that stood out for me.
And Drake's reaction at the end when she told the servants she wasn't 29 years old, but 22! I loved it! 😂
This was such a lovely charming beautiful series. I'm slightly melancholy that it's finished now. I loved the huge family dynamics throughout. And not just the family, who were featured in each book as well as their own books as main characters, but other secondary characters who returned often. There was also mention of characters who, if memory serves correct, are in other series!
This was a beautiful series that I'll definitely keep on my favorites shelf forever. And may return to again down the road! Cade and Meg's book was definitely my favorite and I can foresee me returning to that one even sooner. Especially if I'm in the mood for a beautiful wounded hero! *sighs* This was such a great ending to the series, and was such a fun adventure. I can't wait to start another Tracy Anne Warren series soon!
August 11, 2023
Read: January 2023
Reviewed: August 2023
I have vague recollections about reading this story (which if you've seen my other reviews for this series is quite remarkable) and I think the 3 ⭐️ ratings (rounded down) is a valid rating.
Nothing seriously memorable, but it gave what it promised to give and I have no major hardships about this.
Reviewed: August 2023
I have vague recollections about reading this story (which if you've seen my other reviews for this series is quite remarkable) and I think the 3 ⭐️ ratings (rounded down) is a valid rating.
Nothing seriously memorable, but it gave what it promised to give and I have no major hardships about this.
January 7, 2018
This was hard me to get into at first, but after the first few chapters I really started to enjoy it. I love the chemistry between Sebastianne and Drake. I felt like she rushed the ending and the epilogue was sadly lacking. All in all I really do still like Tracey Anne Warren’s books.
January 5, 2020
I found this book as mundane as its title and skimmed through the last half of it.
Sebastianne is blackmailed into posing as a housekeeper for Lord Byron and stealing the code for the French. Drake and “Anne” fall in lust immediately. Not much else to the story.
Sebastianne is blackmailed into posing as a housekeeper for Lord Byron and stealing the code for the French. Drake and “Anne” fall in lust immediately. Not much else to the story.
January 4, 2021
I have really only enjoyed one book in this series, and this one wasn't it. It was a snoozer, and I really hate blackmail as a plot device-it's cheap and the heroine always seems weak to me.
I would recommend you skip this.
I would recommend you skip this.
October 24, 2021
Well this series ended better than I expected since I originally had no interest in Drake whatsoever, but him and Sebastienne won me over. She's a spy planted in Drake's home to steal the cipher that he developed for communications during the war.
This did feel surprisingly instalove-y to me which was a bit odd but otherwise it was fun.
This did feel surprisingly instalove-y to me which was a bit odd but otherwise it was fun.
September 19, 2025
The bed and the bachelor.
Awesome reading, love this writer (Tracy Anne Warren) I have read all the books before this one, and all the others connected, they are all great reading and I have a few more to go and im sure I will enjoy.
Awesome reading, love this writer (Tracy Anne Warren) I have read all the books before this one, and all the others connected, they are all great reading and I have a few more to go and im sure I will enjoy.
November 17, 2018
The very best book of this series. I am in love with Drake Byron ❤ finally a book where the heroes were not afraid of their feelings and just got it right
February 10, 2019
Good. The heroine was a clever one, I like her very much.
November 10, 2019
I quite liked this story. Could have got a little more going for it, but I still liked this easy read. Simple and enjoyable reading. 3.5☆
March 1, 2020
Nice closure of the series.
January 7, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
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