cover image The Bed and the Bachelor

The Bed and the Bachelor

Tracy Anne Warren. Avon, $7.99 mass market (368p) ISBN 978-0-06-203305-5

Warren's intriguing fifth Byrons of Braebourne Regency (after Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed) follows the brilliant fourth Byron son, Drake, whose mathematical codes help British forces keep secrets from Napoleon. Suddenly deserted by his longtime housekeeper, Drake hires Anne Greenway, an appealing and soft-spoken widow. Unbeknownst to Drake, however, Anne is a French mathematician and reluctant spy. In short order, Anne establishes herself in the household and falls for her handsome and thoughtful master, while Drake is mesmerized by Anne's elegance and sensuality. As dreams and reality collide in passion, a French spymaster threatens to harm Anne's family unless she betrays her lover and delivers the code tout de suite. Warren's latest will satisfy fans of suspenseful historical romance with plenty of red-hot lust and chilling danger. (Aug.)