Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren

ISBN: 978-0-06-167340-5
Publisher: Avon Historical Romances

Release: Feb 24, 2009

Source: I purchased this book to read and review

Orphaned beauty Meg Amberley never planned to pose as Lord Cade Byron’s fiancée. Caught in a snowstorm, she takes refuge at his estate. Stranded together, Meg soon finds herself falling under Cade’s spell. When the roads clear, she intends to leave, but fate intervenes.
Haunted by his past, Cade Byron has buried himself in the country. Then Meg—with her lush curves and soft, blonde hair—invades his house and his life. With her reputation compromised, he proposes a pretend engagement and a London Season where she can find a husband. But as their charade deepens, Cade can’t let her go . . . vowing to tempt her with a kiss that just may lead to forever.”

Tempted by His Kiss is the first book in Tracy Anne Warren’s latest trilogy. I stumbled on these books when I was cruising through other people’s books shelves on Goodreads (love that place!) I haven’t read a book by Ms Warren in some time and was attracted by the blurb on the back of the book! This latest trilogy follows several members of the Byron family. According to the advance notes, London society knows the Byrons are “mad, bad, and dangerous” and every bit as fascinating as their poetic non-relation.
Lord Cade Byron is the hero of this story and he is a recluse at his estate in the Northumberland. He fought as a spy in the Peninsular wars and was tortured by the French spy Le Renard. He had to bear witness to his fiancee’s rape and murder as well as her family’s murder. He nows spends his days in self-imposed isolation grieving what can’t be undone. Meg Amberley is caught in a snowstorm on her way to live with an older relative. She takes refuge at Cade’s estate when the storm prevents them from continuing. Cade reluctantly allows Meg, her maid (posing as her cousin) and her coachman to stay until the roads become passable. He stays out of her way as much as possible, but eventually becomes attracted to her presence in his house and seeks her company. They begin a platonic friendship, sharing conversation and games of chess, that has overtones of chemistry. Is is predictable, they are discovered staying unchaperoned and Cade announces their engagement, much to Meg’s surprise. Cade proposes that they pretend to be engaged so that they can go to London and Meg can find a husband who would suit her.

With that premise, the on again, off again courtship proceeds. Although there is seemingly nothing particularly outstanding about the writing ability of this book, it is good! The characters of Cade and Meg, as well as the various other secondary characters are well formed and consistent. Cade obviously begins the story a tortured mess. His interactions with Meg allows him to gradually come out of his grief. He comes from a close family, and the interactions between the various members of his family show their concern for him. With Meg’s help, he allows them to care for him. Although it isn’t uncommon to read about a tortured hero character as Cade is, he is paired for an atypical heroine for the romance genre. Meg is pragmatic, calm and mostly optimistic. She sees Cade as someone she can’t have, but still wants to help him. In the end she realizes that if she can’t have him, she doesn’t want anyone.

Tempted By His Kiss is a wonderful, gentle read. Well crafted and perfect for that lazy afternoon!

RTBookReview gave Tempted by his Kiss 4.5 stars and labeled it a Top Pick. They had the following to say: “Warren’s wickedly wonderful and witty romances enchant readers and have made her a shining star. With her new series, she brings a delightfully scandalous family’s adventures to light and brightens any day with smart characters, sassy dialogue and sensuality.”

This book goes towards my Historical Romance Reading Challenge!