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Bedwyn Saga #2
Slightly Wicked
Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality…Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Rannulf Bedwyn, the rebellious third son, enters into a liaison that is rather risqué, somewhat naughty, and…Slightly Wicked.
With his laughing eyes and wild, rakish good looks, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, a woman in need of rescue when her stagecoach overturns, Rannulf is simply her savior, a heroic stranger she will reward with one night of reckless passion before she must become a companion to her wealthy aunt. Imagine Judith's shock when the same stranger turns out to be among England's most eligible bachelors…and when he arrives at Harewood Grange to woo her cousin. Certainly, they had made no vows, no promises, but Rannulf never did forget his uninhibited lover…nor did she forget that one delicious night. And as scandal sets the household abuzz, Rannulf proposes a solution…but when Judith refuses to have him—in love or wedlock—Rannulf has only one choice: to wage a campaign of pure pleasure to capture the heart of the woman who has already won his.
With his laughing eyes and wild, rakish good looks, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, a woman in need of rescue when her stagecoach overturns, Rannulf is simply her savior, a heroic stranger she will reward with one night of reckless passion before she must become a companion to her wealthy aunt. Imagine Judith's shock when the same stranger turns out to be among England's most eligible bachelors…and when he arrives at Harewood Grange to woo her cousin. Certainly, they had made no vows, no promises, but Rannulf never did forget his uninhibited lover…nor did she forget that one delicious night. And as scandal sets the household abuzz, Rannulf proposes a solution…but when Judith refuses to have him—in love or wedlock—Rannulf has only one choice: to wage a campaign of pure pleasure to capture the heart of the woman who has already won his.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 4, 2003
668 people are currently reading
3901 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
199 books6,331 followersMary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,017 reviews
May 11, 2025
I’m not sure if it was my mood, or the fact that I have read some not-so-great stories recently, but this one was completely charming from beginning to end. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile without being too heavy or overly dramatic. Very Cinderella-ish.
The story begins with a lie, it was only to be one evening, and they both need their secrets. Balogh writes emotional depth so well. There’s something deeply sincere about how these two people come to see and value each other.
Listened to the audiobook narrated by the amazing Rosalyn Landor. Her voice acting perfectly brings these characters to life.
The story begins with a lie, it was only to be one evening, and they both need their secrets. Balogh writes emotional depth so well. There’s something deeply sincere about how these two people come to see and value each other.
Listened to the audiobook narrated by the amazing Rosalyn Landor. Her voice acting perfectly brings these characters to life.
January 11, 2012
I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but here it is: another Balogh, another winner! She hasn't disappointed me yet, and I just love her writing.
Slightly Wicked is the second book in Balogh's series about the Bedwyn siblings, and tells the story of third son Rannulf (aka Ralf).
As the story opens, Ralf is on his way to Grandmaison, his grandmother's estate, well aware that, once again, she's going to try and persuade him to finally take a wife. He's used to her "gentle persuasion" and understands her concern, since she's named him heir to her property and fortune and has every right to be worried about her heritage, but this doesn't mean he's ready to settle down with the newest young lady she's chosen for him and start procreating. Ralf doesn't really know what he wants to do with his life - ah, what a joyful and idle life these rich aristocrats live! - but he knows that marriage isn't in his immediate plans. However, fate intervenes - of course, LOL - and, in the middle of his journey to Grandmaison, he comes upon an overturned stagecoach and one particularly lovely passenger who introduces herself to him as Claire Campbell.
Claire Campbell is actually Judith Law, an impoverished clergyman's daughter who's on her way to her wealthy aunt's estate to live the life of a "poor relation", i.e., to "work" as a companion to her grandmother and be subjected to all kinds of humiliation by her rich relatives - excluding her grandmother, who turns out to be the only person in the family who likes Judith. Think Cinderella and you'll know how Judith's life is in the hands of her vicious aunt. But before she reaches her destination, the stagecoach she's traveling in has an accident and all the passengers end up stranded in the middle of the road. That's when help comes in the form of a young gentleman on horseback, who introduces himself as Ralf Bedard and offers to take Claire/Judith with him to the next inn and send people to help the remaining passengers as soon as possible. Needless to say, Ralf Bedard is no other than our dear Rannulf Bedwyn, and the stage is set for a little deception by both Judith and Ralf.
Thinking of the imminent dreadful life that's waiting for her at her aunt's house, Judith throws caution to the wind and decides to experience one "grand adventure" before resigning herself to what's going to be close to Hell on Earth. So she pretends to be an actress - and we all know what kind of reputation actresses have! - and gives free reign to her attraction to Ralf, surrendering her virginity to him and enjoying two nights of passionate lovemaking in the nearest inn. Ralf is willing to spend more than these two nights with Judith - not that he's alreay in love with her, but he's definitely smitten - but she knows she can't keep the farce much longer, so she tricks him and leaves without notice, taking the next stagecoach and resuming her journey to her aunt's house. Ralf gets more than unhappy when he finds out she's left him, but he isn't about to go after an actress just to get some satisfaction.
Naturally, fate intervenes once more to get Ralf and Judith together again... As it turns out, Ralf's grandmother's estate and Judith's aunt's estate are in the same neighborhood, Ralf's grandmother and Judith's grandmother are close friends and, worse, the latest young lady Ralf's grandmother has selected to be his wife is Judith's brainless cousin. It's a small, small world, indeed! But now that the early deception is over and Ralf and Judith know who the other really is, how do they feel about it? They're not in love with each other, but there's definitely something between them. However, he's a Bedwyn, a wealthy aristocrat, son and brother of a Duke, and she's only a poor daughter of a clergyman, so a match between them would be extremely inadvisable. He's also a gentleman and she's a gentlewoman - impoverished but deserving of his respect - so he's obliged to ask her to marry him after having "compromised" her, isn't he? ;) Well, what follows was just delicious to read...
This story wasn't particularly original - there were some echoes of the fairy tale 'Cinderella', which I've already mentioned above, and also Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - but Ms. Balogh's writing was so good that I never felt shortchanged. As a bonus, this book was a bit spicier than I came to expect from Ms. Balogh and I really enjoyed reading Ralf and Judith's lovemaking scenes. Ralf was definitely sexier than his brother Aidan was in Slightly Married. :)
Plotwise, there was a "mystery" involving the theft of Judith's grandmother's jewels in the second half of the story, but the resolution was quite obvious so it was only a matter of finding out how the culprit would be caught and not who he was. The whole incident was kind of predictable, but it added some light action to the story and was the perfect opportunity to introduce Judith to Ralf's siblings. And what a scary lot they are, the Bedwyns... I thought Judith would be eaten alive by them, considering how insecure she was.
I have to say, Judith grated on my nerves a couple of times with her insecurities and the way she let her aunt stomp all over her. The only reason I didn't think she was a complete doormat was because she had no problem standing up to Ralf. On the other hand, Ralf was just perfect. Okay, he was basically an aimless playboy in the beginning of the story, but he started to change his ways when he fell for Judith. There was more in him than I'd expected, and now I must eat crow: I really disliked Ralf in A Summer to Remember but now I'm in love with him. Kudos to Ms. Balogh for redeeming him!
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to get the next one. As far as I can tell, Ms. Balogh can do no wrong.
Note: The next book in the series is Slightly Scandalous, and I admit I considered skipping it because I still don't like Freyja and can't make myself root for her HEA. But I'm going to take a deep breath and read it, even if it's only to see what kind of "loser" will be leg-shackled to her. It should be an interesting experience, cheering against the heroine, LOL.
Slightly Wicked is the second book in Balogh's series about the Bedwyn siblings, and tells the story of third son Rannulf (aka Ralf).
As the story opens, Ralf is on his way to Grandmaison, his grandmother's estate, well aware that, once again, she's going to try and persuade him to finally take a wife. He's used to her "gentle persuasion" and understands her concern, since she's named him heir to her property and fortune and has every right to be worried about her heritage, but this doesn't mean he's ready to settle down with the newest young lady she's chosen for him and start procreating. Ralf doesn't really know what he wants to do with his life - ah, what a joyful and idle life these rich aristocrats live! - but he knows that marriage isn't in his immediate plans. However, fate intervenes - of course, LOL - and, in the middle of his journey to Grandmaison, he comes upon an overturned stagecoach and one particularly lovely passenger who introduces herself to him as Claire Campbell.
Claire Campbell is actually Judith Law, an impoverished clergyman's daughter who's on her way to her wealthy aunt's estate to live the life of a "poor relation", i.e., to "work" as a companion to her grandmother and be subjected to all kinds of humiliation by her rich relatives - excluding her grandmother, who turns out to be the only person in the family who likes Judith. Think Cinderella and you'll know how Judith's life is in the hands of her vicious aunt. But before she reaches her destination, the stagecoach she's traveling in has an accident and all the passengers end up stranded in the middle of the road. That's when help comes in the form of a young gentleman on horseback, who introduces himself as Ralf Bedard and offers to take Claire/Judith with him to the next inn and send people to help the remaining passengers as soon as possible. Needless to say, Ralf Bedard is no other than our dear Rannulf Bedwyn, and the stage is set for a little deception by both Judith and Ralf.
Thinking of the imminent dreadful life that's waiting for her at her aunt's house, Judith throws caution to the wind and decides to experience one "grand adventure" before resigning herself to what's going to be close to Hell on Earth. So she pretends to be an actress - and we all know what kind of reputation actresses have! - and gives free reign to her attraction to Ralf, surrendering her virginity to him and enjoying two nights of passionate lovemaking in the nearest inn. Ralf is willing to spend more than these two nights with Judith - not that he's alreay in love with her, but he's definitely smitten - but she knows she can't keep the farce much longer, so she tricks him and leaves without notice, taking the next stagecoach and resuming her journey to her aunt's house. Ralf gets more than unhappy when he finds out she's left him, but he isn't about to go after an actress just to get some satisfaction.
Naturally, fate intervenes once more to get Ralf and Judith together again... As it turns out, Ralf's grandmother's estate and Judith's aunt's estate are in the same neighborhood, Ralf's grandmother and Judith's grandmother are close friends and, worse, the latest young lady Ralf's grandmother has selected to be his wife is Judith's brainless cousin. It's a small, small world, indeed! But now that the early deception is over and Ralf and Judith know who the other really is, how do they feel about it? They're not in love with each other, but there's definitely something between them. However, he's a Bedwyn, a wealthy aristocrat, son and brother of a Duke, and she's only a poor daughter of a clergyman, so a match between them would be extremely inadvisable. He's also a gentleman and she's a gentlewoman - impoverished but deserving of his respect - so he's obliged to ask her to marry him after having "compromised" her, isn't he? ;) Well, what follows was just delicious to read...
This story wasn't particularly original - there were some echoes of the fairy tale 'Cinderella', which I've already mentioned above, and also Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - but Ms. Balogh's writing was so good that I never felt shortchanged. As a bonus, this book was a bit spicier than I came to expect from Ms. Balogh and I really enjoyed reading Ralf and Judith's lovemaking scenes. Ralf was definitely sexier than his brother Aidan was in Slightly Married. :)
Plotwise, there was a "mystery" involving the theft of Judith's grandmother's jewels in the second half of the story, but the resolution was quite obvious so it was only a matter of finding out how the culprit would be caught and not who he was. The whole incident was kind of predictable, but it added some light action to the story and was the perfect opportunity to introduce Judith to Ralf's siblings. And what a scary lot they are, the Bedwyns... I thought Judith would be eaten alive by them, considering how insecure she was.
I have to say, Judith grated on my nerves a couple of times with her insecurities and the way she let her aunt stomp all over her. The only reason I didn't think she was a complete doormat was because she had no problem standing up to Ralf. On the other hand, Ralf was just perfect. Okay, he was basically an aimless playboy in the beginning of the story, but he started to change his ways when he fell for Judith. There was more in him than I'd expected, and now I must eat crow: I really disliked Ralf in A Summer to Remember but now I'm in love with him. Kudos to Ms. Balogh for redeeming him!
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to get the next one. As far as I can tell, Ms. Balogh can do no wrong.
Note: The next book in the series is Slightly Scandalous, and I admit I considered skipping it because I still don't like Freyja and can't make myself root for her HEA. But I'm going to take a deep breath and read it, even if it's only to see what kind of "loser" will be leg-shackled to her. It should be an interesting experience, cheering against the heroine, LOL.
April 18, 2017
Having never read a regency romance novel I was happy to take on this one leant to me by my librarian and friend at work. We talk about books all day every day (well, on and off at least) so I asked her to lend me one that she thought may tickle my fancy. I’m glad she did. I happily rate this 4 stars.
Judith Law is a young and somewhat overlooked lady; voluptuous with fiery red hair. Some may say feisty. These traits are not helpful when your wicked aunt is trying to set up your ditzy blonde cousin to an eligible bachelor who happens to reside not too far away. Enter Rannulf, the one that is handsome in a not so conventional way. Larger than life in every aspect, and thus begins a dalliance with the lovely young Jude, with the annoying cousin in the background vying for his affections!
The interesting thing with this book was the seemingly accurateness to the idiosyncrasies of days gone by. To me it seemed genuine, and the societal niceties were pleasant to read about. Jude seemed to be quite the Goddess in and out of the bedroom, which was a tad unbelievable, but to be expected. Love scenes always need to be lovely, don't they?
I will happily read this series if I can locate them all, perhaps more accurately, if I can locate some time.
Rannulf is quite the rogue, quite the rough around the edges, a most handsome cad. “You do altogether too much lying, you know”.
Swoon.
Judith Law is a young and somewhat overlooked lady; voluptuous with fiery red hair. Some may say feisty. These traits are not helpful when your wicked aunt is trying to set up your ditzy blonde cousin to an eligible bachelor who happens to reside not too far away. Enter Rannulf, the one that is handsome in a not so conventional way. Larger than life in every aspect, and thus begins a dalliance with the lovely young Jude, with the annoying cousin in the background vying for his affections!
The interesting thing with this book was the seemingly accurateness to the idiosyncrasies of days gone by. To me it seemed genuine, and the societal niceties were pleasant to read about. Jude seemed to be quite the Goddess in and out of the bedroom, which was a tad unbelievable, but to be expected. Love scenes always need to be lovely, don't they?
I will happily read this series if I can locate them all, perhaps more accurately, if I can locate some time.
Rannulf is quite the rogue, quite the rough around the edges, a most handsome cad. “You do altogether too much lying, you know”.
Swoon.
October 27, 2021
Book2-Slightly wicked
Series-Bedwyn Saga series
Setting- Regency, countryside.
A few years back, I read this series randomly. But, now I can see I had missed reading this book and Slightly Dangerous so, I have decided to finish reading it.
This book is the story of Ranulf Bedwyn and Judith. They both meet when Judith was on a coach alone to join her wealthy relatives as their dependent. Judith knew now onwards her life is going to be one of the poor spinsters living on her relative's charity. So, she accepted Ranulf's offer of a weekend together in an inn. Both gave each other false names and then the next day Judith disappeared to go back to her aunt's house.
They meet again when Ranulf starts courting Judith's cousin. And, Ranulf was shocked to see his one-night stand was a lady, not an actress. Then the rest of the book is filled with petty relatives, monologues and everyone trying to blame Judith for any mistake. We also have a nasty scene of attempted rape(by the villain of course).
Normally, I love everything by Mary Balogh but this one didn't make me feel much. It was a decent enough story but I didn't much care for either Hero or heroin.
Still, I am going to start reading Slightly Dangerous because….Wulfric😛😛😛
Series-Bedwyn Saga series
Setting- Regency, countryside.
A few years back, I read this series randomly. But, now I can see I had missed reading this book and Slightly Dangerous so, I have decided to finish reading it.
This book is the story of Ranulf Bedwyn and Judith. They both meet when Judith was on a coach alone to join her wealthy relatives as their dependent. Judith knew now onwards her life is going to be one of the poor spinsters living on her relative's charity. So, she accepted Ranulf's offer of a weekend together in an inn. Both gave each other false names and then the next day Judith disappeared to go back to her aunt's house.
They meet again when Ranulf starts courting Judith's cousin. And, Ranulf was shocked to see his one-night stand was a lady, not an actress. Then the rest of the book is filled with petty relatives, monologues and everyone trying to blame Judith for any mistake. We also have a nasty scene of attempted rape(by the villain of course).
Normally, I love everything by Mary Balogh but this one didn't make me feel much. It was a decent enough story but I didn't much care for either Hero or heroin.
Still, I am going to start reading Slightly Dangerous because….Wulfric😛😛😛
November 10, 2023
This was a cute story about a girl who always wanted to be an actress. Her name was Judith Law.
She wanted an adventure too, so when an attractive stranger offered her a lift to the nearest village she accepted. She also accepted a night in his bed because he was hot, and YOLO, and she would never see him again anyway, right? 😂🤣💀
Long story short there’s adventure, villains, heroes and a Cinderella themed love story with a hea that I was craving. 😌
I’m docking a star because Jude kept on refusing Rannulf and it got tedious, but otherwise it was gooooooood!!!
——
The villain got the comeuppance, the MCs got the hea, I feel better now 😌
RTC
She wanted an adventure too, so when an attractive stranger offered her a lift to the nearest village she accepted. She also accepted a night in his bed because he was hot, and YOLO, and she would never see him again anyway, right? 😂🤣💀
Long story short there’s adventure, villains, heroes and a Cinderella themed love story with a hea that I was craving. 😌
I’m docking a star because Jude kept on refusing Rannulf and it got tedious, but otherwise it was gooooooood!!!
——
The villain got the comeuppance, the MCs got the hea, I feel better now 😌
RTC
August 5, 2025
Mary Balogh once again proves she’s a master of nuanced historical romance. If Slightly Married gave us honor and emotional restraint, this book throws us into passion, playfulness, and the seductive power of second chances—with a deliciously rakish hero and a fiercely intelligent heroine at the center.
The banter is sharp, the tension slow-building but electric, and the emotional payoff? Absolutely satisfying.
Beyond the romance, this book also explores class, family obligation, and female survival in a world stacked against them—all with Balogh’s signature elegance.
🔥 Rake-to-lover
💃 Secret tryst turned slow-burn
💖 Smart, strong heroine
🌿 10/10 Regency drama with depth
🎶“What If I Never Get Over You” – Lady A
🎶“Love on the Brain” – Rihanna
The banter is sharp, the tension slow-building but electric, and the emotional payoff? Absolutely satisfying.
Beyond the romance, this book also explores class, family obligation, and female survival in a world stacked against them—all with Balogh’s signature elegance.
🔥 Rake-to-lover
💃 Secret tryst turned slow-burn
💖 Smart, strong heroine
🌿 10/10 Regency drama with depth
🎶“What If I Never Get Over You” – Lady A
🎶“Love on the Brain” – Rihanna
September 7, 2025
On reread, still a very enjoyable book from a solid series, perhaps Ms Balogh's best series. Rannulf with his Saxon good looks and his free-and-easy lifestyle. Judith, the stunningly beautiful redheaded granddaughter of an actress. Her father is a strict church minister who has chosen to hide his mother's non-respectable occupation. Judith has been told all of her life to be modest and hide her looks. She is completely unaware of her own voluptuous beauty, in fact.
Judith's family is poor and she is being sent to live with an aunt as an unpaid companion/servant (aka slave). Her aunt is a horrible person, and Judith is aware she will probably have to live out the rest of her life with her. So when she meets Rannulf on the road, in difficult circumstances, it's believable that she would choose what she believes is her last chance at freedom and adventure, and spend a forbidden night with him.
Circumstances bring them together again, and their initial attraction grows into a real love. The jewel robbery part of the storyline annoyed me a little the first time I read this book, but I can see how it brings Judith into the Bedwyn family circle, and pushes the plot ahead. So I'm more accepting of this aspect of the book this time around. All in all it's a convincing romance and a very nice addition to this series.
Judith's family is poor and she is being sent to live with an aunt as an unpaid companion/servant (aka slave). Her aunt is a horrible person, and Judith is aware she will probably have to live out the rest of her life with her. So when she meets Rannulf on the road, in difficult circumstances, it's believable that she would choose what she believes is her last chance at freedom and adventure, and spend a forbidden night with him.
Circumstances bring them together again, and their initial attraction grows into a real love. The jewel robbery part of the storyline annoyed me a little the first time I read this book, but I can see how it brings Judith into the Bedwyn family circle, and pushes the plot ahead. So I'm more accepting of this aspect of the book this time around. All in all it's a convincing romance and a very nice addition to this series.
November 27, 2015
I like for my fiction to make sense, for the time period in which it is written, and I can not get around the idea that no woman of good sense, at this time in history, would risk an unplanned pregnancy when she is totally dependent on the good will of others for everything.
I understand that she felt she might not have another opportunity to have this type of encounter in her life but I just don't buy what she chose to do and that was problematic for me.
I could not possibly believe that this woman had good sense so, it was hard to like her and believe in the love between she and Ranulf.
I also do have trouble believing that a man of this time would easily consider marrying a woman that would have sex with a stranger so easily.
This along with Balogh's almost constant cross social class storylines, which strains one's ability to suspend belief on it's own, made this my least favorite of the "slightly" series and one of my least favorite Balogh books period.
I understand that she felt she might not have another opportunity to have this type of encounter in her life but I just don't buy what she chose to do and that was problematic for me.
I could not possibly believe that this woman had good sense so, it was hard to like her and believe in the love between she and Ranulf.
I also do have trouble believing that a man of this time would easily consider marrying a woman that would have sex with a stranger so easily.
This along with Balogh's almost constant cross social class storylines, which strains one's ability to suspend belief on it's own, made this my least favorite of the "slightly" series and one of my least favorite Balogh books period.
December 1, 2021
I sincerely thought this book would be the worst of Mary Balogh's work but oh boy, I am so surprised at how wrong I was that I am even speechless.
In the beginning of this book the heroine is presented as a daydreaming idiot that has no idea how bad her life can turn out to be if she does what it is in front of her. Namely loosing her virginity to a completely stranger in a way that made me stop reading this book about 4 times. It was so ludicrous that I kept chanting in my mind: don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it.
Afterwards is where we really get to know her and see that she is not a simpleton as she behaved. Her circumstances of life are quite sad and this book shows us how a poor relative was treated by their richer ones. Also how sometimes parents are cruel to protect their children, even if they do it in a horrible way.
I am so glad I finished this book and can say that I am even more glad that I was wrong about the heroine and that she turned out lovely, interesting and intelligent.
Ofc for me the book got even better when the Duke put his nose on the hero's problems, but I love Wulfric, so well.
And let's not forget how lovely Mary Balogh can write her character's love declaration. Sign with heart in my eyes.
In the beginning of this book the heroine is presented as a daydreaming idiot that has no idea how bad her life can turn out to be if she does what it is in front of her. Namely loosing her virginity to a completely stranger in a way that made me stop reading this book about 4 times. It was so ludicrous that I kept chanting in my mind: don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it.
Afterwards is where we really get to know her and see that she is not a simpleton as she behaved. Her circumstances of life are quite sad and this book shows us how a poor relative was treated by their richer ones. Also how sometimes parents are cruel to protect their children, even if they do it in a horrible way.
I am so glad I finished this book and can say that I am even more glad that I was wrong about the heroine and that she turned out lovely, interesting and intelligent.
Ofc for me the book got even better when the Duke put his nose on the hero's problems, but I love Wulfric, so well.
And let's not forget how lovely Mary Balogh can write her character's love declaration. Sign with heart in my eyes.
April 23, 2017
I've given this an A+ for narration and a B for content at AAR, which is probably 4.5 stars, so I've rounded up for the fabulous narration.
One of the many things I love about audiobooks is that they’re a great way for me to catch up with older titles that, with the best will in the world, I’m unlikely to get around to reading for at least the next ten years or more. Another great thing is that it’s such a treat when books you’ve really wanted to listen to are finally recorded and made available. Last year – at long last – Mary Balogh’s popular Slightly series (originally published between 2003 and 2004) was given the audio treatment, and thankfully, production company, Tantor audio, had the very good sense to employ the incredibly talented Rosalyn Landor as narrator.
Book two in the series, Slightly Wicked is a variation on the Cinderella trope and while it’s perhaps a little clichéd, I enjoyed it and was reminded of how a truly great narrator can elevate a story so that it ultimately transcends the sum of its parts.
Our hero is Lord Rannulf, brother to the Duke of Bewcastle and one of the six Bedwyn siblings. He is on his way to visit his ailing grandmother, Lady Beamish, at Grandmaison Park when he comes across an overturned coach and stops to see what is to be done. The weather is inclement and Rannulf is travelling alone, so all he can really do is ride to the nearest town or village and send help and transport for the passengers as quickly as possible. A man with an eye for the ladies, Rannulf quickly spots a lovely, red-headed woman among the group and offers to take her with him to the inn; after all, someone has to be able to give clear instructions to the rescue party.
The woman introduces herself as Claire Campbell, an actress on the London stage who is taking a bit of a break. Rannulf tells her he is Mr Ralph Bedard, and they set off, both of them feeling an intense spark of attraction to the other and Rannulf, especially, thinking that this lovely armful of curvy, warm woman will provide a satisfying diversion for the night.
But just as Rannulf is concealing his true identity, so is Claire, who is actually Miss Judith Law, the daughter of an impoverished country parson. With her younger brother – who is their parents’ only son – living well beyond his means and beggaring his family in order to do so, Judith’s parents can no longer afford to support their whole family, so she is being sent to live with her aunt Effingham, where she will live out the rest of her life as an unpaid drudge with no prospects for love, marriage or a family of her own. So when the chance is offered her to spend the night with an attractive, charming man who desires her intensely, and knowing she is unlikely to ever again have the opportunity to experience passion, she decides to take it. Nobody will ever know, and it will be a memory she can cherish forever.
Of course, this is Romancelandia, so the idea that ‘nobody will ever know’ is doomed the moment it is thought or uttered. Because of course, ‘Claire’ and ‘Ralph’ are destined to meet again in their true guises.
Rannulf is his grandmother’s heir and he loves her dearly, but she is very ill, and he knows that the one thing he can do to ease her mind before she dies is to find a wife and set up his nursery. He is planning to tell her during this visit that he is now ready to do just that. Lady Beamish thinks that Julianne Effingham, the daughter of her neighbour might suit him, and Rannulf has no objections to offering for the girl if she proves agreeable.
When he escorts his grandmother to tea at nearby Harewood House, home of the Effinghams, Rannulf doesn’t at first take notice of the shabbily dressed woman who is obviously some sort of poor relation. Her clothes are ill-fitting, her hair is completely covered by an ugly cap – but when their gazes inadvertently meet, he’s shocked to the core to recognise Claire Campbell.
Learning of Judith’s true identity and realising that she is the daughter of a gentleman, Rannulf knows he must do the honourable thing, and proposes marriage. But Judith will have none of it; she has accepted her lot in life and that their fling was just that – and besides she doesn’t want to be anyone’s duty or to force a man to marry her. Rannulf is surprised at her rejection, but accepts it, and tries to focus instead on courting the lady his grandmother has suggested. The problem is that he can’t get Judith out of his mind or ignore the strength of the pull between them.
The story isn’t especially original, it’s true, but Ms. Balogh’s writing and characterisation is so strong that the familiarity of the plot doesn’t matter; what’s important is that the listener can feel the emotions experienced by the protagonists and understand their dilemmas. Rannulf is perhaps a little too good to be true, but he does show personal growth during the story because by the end he’s ready to settle and assume the responsibilities of the estate he will soon inherit because he wants to, not because he has to. Judith really has drawn life’s short straw; not only does she have to put up with the indignities heaped upon her by her awful relatives, she is going to have to watch the man she loves court her brattish cousin, and all of it through no fault of her own. She’s stoic and resigned to her fate, and I enjoyed the way that, with some assistance from Rannulf, she gradually comes to realise that she’s worth more and to stand up for herself and what she wants.
Rosalyn Landor is, quite simply, the best narrator of historical romances around. There are a few others who come close and whose narrations I enjoy very much, but she really is the perfect choice for Mary Balogh’s understated yet emotionally-charged prose. Her performances are technically flawless; her pacing is spot on, she hits all the right emotional notes and her character differentiation is superb because there is never any question as to which character is speaking at any given point. In the few scenes in this book which feature several male characters, it’s easy to distinguish between Rannulf, the jauntily voiced Alleyne and the far more serious – and imperious – Wulfric, Duke of Bewcastle. All the female characters are similarly individualised. Judith’s ‘dual personality’ is given two slightly different vocal inflections, her aunt is portrayed using a suitably unpleasant, nasal tone and her cousin, Julianne an appropriately higher pitched, whiny timbre.
But it’s not just Ms. Landor’s technical ability that continues to impress me. She also gets right to the emotional heart of any given story, gets into the heads of the characters and clearly demonstrates her understanding of them and the journey they are undertaking. She’s a narrator who really understands what audiobook listeners want to hear when it comes to romance – and that’s not true of every narrator of romance out there.
While there are certainly a number of inconsistencies in the story – it’s quite difficult to accept Judith’s belief in her own unattractiveness, and the secondary plotline regarding the missing jewels is a little obvious, for example – I nonetheless enjoyed listening to Slightly Wicked, in no small part due to Rosalyn Landor’s excellent performance. The remaining books in the series are set for release over the next few months, and I’m sure they will be equally entertaining. I’ll certainly be snapping them up as soon as they become available.
One of the many things I love about audiobooks is that they’re a great way for me to catch up with older titles that, with the best will in the world, I’m unlikely to get around to reading for at least the next ten years or more. Another great thing is that it’s such a treat when books you’ve really wanted to listen to are finally recorded and made available. Last year – at long last – Mary Balogh’s popular Slightly series (originally published between 2003 and 2004) was given the audio treatment, and thankfully, production company, Tantor audio, had the very good sense to employ the incredibly talented Rosalyn Landor as narrator.
Book two in the series, Slightly Wicked is a variation on the Cinderella trope and while it’s perhaps a little clichéd, I enjoyed it and was reminded of how a truly great narrator can elevate a story so that it ultimately transcends the sum of its parts.
Our hero is Lord Rannulf, brother to the Duke of Bewcastle and one of the six Bedwyn siblings. He is on his way to visit his ailing grandmother, Lady Beamish, at Grandmaison Park when he comes across an overturned coach and stops to see what is to be done. The weather is inclement and Rannulf is travelling alone, so all he can really do is ride to the nearest town or village and send help and transport for the passengers as quickly as possible. A man with an eye for the ladies, Rannulf quickly spots a lovely, red-headed woman among the group and offers to take her with him to the inn; after all, someone has to be able to give clear instructions to the rescue party.
The woman introduces herself as Claire Campbell, an actress on the London stage who is taking a bit of a break. Rannulf tells her he is Mr Ralph Bedard, and they set off, both of them feeling an intense spark of attraction to the other and Rannulf, especially, thinking that this lovely armful of curvy, warm woman will provide a satisfying diversion for the night.
But just as Rannulf is concealing his true identity, so is Claire, who is actually Miss Judith Law, the daughter of an impoverished country parson. With her younger brother – who is their parents’ only son – living well beyond his means and beggaring his family in order to do so, Judith’s parents can no longer afford to support their whole family, so she is being sent to live with her aunt Effingham, where she will live out the rest of her life as an unpaid drudge with no prospects for love, marriage or a family of her own. So when the chance is offered her to spend the night with an attractive, charming man who desires her intensely, and knowing she is unlikely to ever again have the opportunity to experience passion, she decides to take it. Nobody will ever know, and it will be a memory she can cherish forever.
Of course, this is Romancelandia, so the idea that ‘nobody will ever know’ is doomed the moment it is thought or uttered. Because of course, ‘Claire’ and ‘Ralph’ are destined to meet again in their true guises.
Rannulf is his grandmother’s heir and he loves her dearly, but she is very ill, and he knows that the one thing he can do to ease her mind before she dies is to find a wife and set up his nursery. He is planning to tell her during this visit that he is now ready to do just that. Lady Beamish thinks that Julianne Effingham, the daughter of her neighbour might suit him, and Rannulf has no objections to offering for the girl if she proves agreeable.
When he escorts his grandmother to tea at nearby Harewood House, home of the Effinghams, Rannulf doesn’t at first take notice of the shabbily dressed woman who is obviously some sort of poor relation. Her clothes are ill-fitting, her hair is completely covered by an ugly cap – but when their gazes inadvertently meet, he’s shocked to the core to recognise Claire Campbell.
Learning of Judith’s true identity and realising that she is the daughter of a gentleman, Rannulf knows he must do the honourable thing, and proposes marriage. But Judith will have none of it; she has accepted her lot in life and that their fling was just that – and besides she doesn’t want to be anyone’s duty or to force a man to marry her. Rannulf is surprised at her rejection, but accepts it, and tries to focus instead on courting the lady his grandmother has suggested. The problem is that he can’t get Judith out of his mind or ignore the strength of the pull between them.
The story isn’t especially original, it’s true, but Ms. Balogh’s writing and characterisation is so strong that the familiarity of the plot doesn’t matter; what’s important is that the listener can feel the emotions experienced by the protagonists and understand their dilemmas. Rannulf is perhaps a little too good to be true, but he does show personal growth during the story because by the end he’s ready to settle and assume the responsibilities of the estate he will soon inherit because he wants to, not because he has to. Judith really has drawn life’s short straw; not only does she have to put up with the indignities heaped upon her by her awful relatives, she is going to have to watch the man she loves court her brattish cousin, and all of it through no fault of her own. She’s stoic and resigned to her fate, and I enjoyed the way that, with some assistance from Rannulf, she gradually comes to realise that she’s worth more and to stand up for herself and what she wants.
Rosalyn Landor is, quite simply, the best narrator of historical romances around. There are a few others who come close and whose narrations I enjoy very much, but she really is the perfect choice for Mary Balogh’s understated yet emotionally-charged prose. Her performances are technically flawless; her pacing is spot on, she hits all the right emotional notes and her character differentiation is superb because there is never any question as to which character is speaking at any given point. In the few scenes in this book which feature several male characters, it’s easy to distinguish between Rannulf, the jauntily voiced Alleyne and the far more serious – and imperious – Wulfric, Duke of Bewcastle. All the female characters are similarly individualised. Judith’s ‘dual personality’ is given two slightly different vocal inflections, her aunt is portrayed using a suitably unpleasant, nasal tone and her cousin, Julianne an appropriately higher pitched, whiny timbre.
But it’s not just Ms. Landor’s technical ability that continues to impress me. She also gets right to the emotional heart of any given story, gets into the heads of the characters and clearly demonstrates her understanding of them and the journey they are undertaking. She’s a narrator who really understands what audiobook listeners want to hear when it comes to romance – and that’s not true of every narrator of romance out there.
While there are certainly a number of inconsistencies in the story – it’s quite difficult to accept Judith’s belief in her own unattractiveness, and the secondary plotline regarding the missing jewels is a little obvious, for example – I nonetheless enjoyed listening to Slightly Wicked, in no small part due to Rosalyn Landor’s excellent performance. The remaining books in the series are set for release over the next few months, and I’m sure they will be equally entertaining. I’ll certainly be snapping them up as soon as they become available.
October 21, 2023
One of the most enjoyable Mary Balogh’s I’ve read. Very entertaining and exciting, especially the start. The middle and ending has a lot of tension and keeps you reading until the end!
November 5, 2019
Este libro me gustó mucho más que el anterior y eso que yo esperaba que no me gustara tanto la sinopsis no era para nada tentadora pero fue muy de mi agrado.
Los protagonistas desde el primer momento tuvieron mucha química que fue lo que le faltó a al pareja anterior desde el inicio.
Sus escenas de cama estuvieron muy apasionadas.
Y la historia en sí me gustó, tenía como un tiente de la cenicientas.
Y WULF otra vez Wulf hace unas cosas que skkdalkdfldkfs LO AMO. Su mera presencia me alegra la vida.
Los protagonistas desde el primer momento tuvieron mucha química que fue lo que le faltó a al pareja anterior desde el inicio.
Sus escenas de cama estuvieron muy apasionadas.
Y la historia en sí me gustó, tenía como un tiente de la cenicientas.
Y WULF otra vez Wulf hace unas cosas que skkdalkdfldkfs LO AMO. Su mera presencia me alegra la vida.
November 28, 2021
Ranulf Bedwyn's story was quite different than his brother's but I loved it just as much! One night stand turned love story usually doesn't work for me but I really enjoyed Mary's take on it.
August 10, 2021
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (I found this fairly naughty for Balogh and really loved them! That said, they are still not overly long or super explicit)
Humor: Yes, a little bit
Should I read in order? This is the second book of the Bedwyn Saga (or the 4th, if you count the prequel novels). I do think if you wanted to pick up this novel on its own, it would be okay. There’s not a ton of character overlap. But, the family does grow over the series, so you’ll have a much better background of everything if you start with One Night for Love. I definitely think I appreciate all of the characters more having read the previous 3 in a row.
Basic plot
Judith is sent to live with her wealthy family as basically an unpaid servant. On her way to a miserable life, her stagecoach overturns and she meets Rannulf Bedwyn. Taking the chance to have one dream she can cherish in life, she creates a persona for herself and has a night of pleasure. Once she is brought back to reality at her Aunt’s house, she sees the same man there to court her cousin.
Give this book a try if you want:
- A Cinderella retelling with rags to riches elements
- Class difference trope – the heroine is quite poor and not of distinguished birth and the hero is the third son of a duke
- Regency time period (1814)
- Lower steam – there are two open door scenes, but they aren’t extremely explicit (though a touch naughty for Balogh)
- Major content warning for on page attempted rape (not by hero)
What I thought:
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this story. I was really interested in the characters from the beginning and felt truly wrapped up in wanting Judith to have her happily ever after. This story really started to break my heart in a few places, and I don’t get feels very often from books any more.
Rannulf is very sweet, though he’s quite naughty. Acknowledging the fact that he basically has an affair while going to see someone he’s possibly going to marry is something many won’t like. He does say later though that Bedwyns are true to their spouses and once married they won’t stray. I found him really sweet and romantic over the course of the book. The way he was always watching Judith, protecting her, doing what he could for her comfort was so sweet.
When I rather gasped and wiggled my eyebrows at Rannulf:
“Come, then,” he said. “Put me inside and we will ride together. A good long ride this time, I promise. You like to ride?”
Judith was a pleasure. Described as “the embarrassingly awkward one, the ugly one, the always cheerful one, the dreamer” It was hard to read much of Judith’s plight in this world that is so unfair so an unmarried woman without financial means. I really felt for her. She was a bit frustrating how she avoided a few situations by running away, but I also rather loved her and understood her quiet strength with her choices.
Something I really enjoyed in this book was watching Judith’s relationship with her grandmother blossom, and also see Rannulf’s love for his grandmother through his eyes. This series is really such a beautiful story about family relationships, not just the romance. And while that’s not usually my thing, I went in knowing more what to expect and am rather liking it!
I have really been liking is how the villains get some sort of punishment in her books. While it may not be as grotesque of a punishment I want, I like that it’s usually somewhat humiliating for the villain and done on page (so I don’t have to read in the epilogue that they fled the country or something lame!)
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (I found this fairly naughty for Balogh and really loved them! That said, they are still not overly long or super explicit)
Humor: Yes, a little bit
Should I read in order? This is the second book of the Bedwyn Saga (or the 4th, if you count the prequel novels). I do think if you wanted to pick up this novel on its own, it would be okay. There’s not a ton of character overlap. But, the family does grow over the series, so you’ll have a much better background of everything if you start with One Night for Love. I definitely think I appreciate all of the characters more having read the previous 3 in a row.
Basic plot
Judith is sent to live with her wealthy family as basically an unpaid servant. On her way to a miserable life, her stagecoach overturns and she meets Rannulf Bedwyn. Taking the chance to have one dream she can cherish in life, she creates a persona for herself and has a night of pleasure. Once she is brought back to reality at her Aunt’s house, she sees the same man there to court her cousin.
Give this book a try if you want:
- A Cinderella retelling with rags to riches elements
- Class difference trope – the heroine is quite poor and not of distinguished birth and the hero is the third son of a duke
- Regency time period (1814)
- Lower steam – there are two open door scenes, but they aren’t extremely explicit (though a touch naughty for Balogh)
- Major content warning for on page attempted rape (not by hero)
What I thought:
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this story. I was really interested in the characters from the beginning and felt truly wrapped up in wanting Judith to have her happily ever after. This story really started to break my heart in a few places, and I don’t get feels very often from books any more.
Rannulf is very sweet, though he’s quite naughty. Acknowledging the fact that he basically has an affair while going to see someone he’s possibly going to marry is something many won’t like. He does say later though that Bedwyns are true to their spouses and once married they won’t stray. I found him really sweet and romantic over the course of the book. The way he was always watching Judith, protecting her, doing what he could for her comfort was so sweet.
When I rather gasped and wiggled my eyebrows at Rannulf:
“Come, then,” he said. “Put me inside and we will ride together. A good long ride this time, I promise. You like to ride?”
Judith was a pleasure. Described as “the embarrassingly awkward one, the ugly one, the always cheerful one, the dreamer” It was hard to read much of Judith’s plight in this world that is so unfair so an unmarried woman without financial means. I really felt for her. She was a bit frustrating how she avoided a few situations by running away, but I also rather loved her and understood her quiet strength with her choices.
Something I really enjoyed in this book was watching Judith’s relationship with her grandmother blossom, and also see Rannulf’s love for his grandmother through his eyes. This series is really such a beautiful story about family relationships, not just the romance. And while that’s not usually my thing, I went in knowing more what to expect and am rather liking it!
I have really been liking is how the villains get some sort of punishment in her books. While it may not be as grotesque of a punishment I want, I like that it’s usually somewhat humiliating for the villain and done on page (so I don’t have to read in the epilogue that they fled the country or something lame!)
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
December 8, 2021
3.5 stars!
"Women like me remain spinsters all their lives. I suppose the chance of marrying after all should be tempting. I could Lady Rannulf Bedwyn and rich beyond my dreams. But I will not be married because your hand has been forced or because it is too late to extricate yourself from the trap you perceive me to be. I would not be married because honor forces you to offer such an unequal and imprudent match. You would not feel honored if I married you but martyred.” A simple deception that started with two people who were pretending to be someone they were not shared two passionate nights together. Two nights that Judith Law would keep with her forever because she has resigned to her fate: Spinsterhood and as a companion to a wealthier relative. Days after her encounter with Ralph Bedard, she met him again at Harewood Grange. Only this time, she was not Claire Campbell and he was not a mere Mr. Ralph, he was Lord Rannulf Bedwyn, the man her cousin wanted to marry!
Slightly Wicked is the second book in Mary Balogh’s historical romance series, Bedwyn Saga. This book tells the story of the third Bedwyn brother, Rannulf and Judith Law. I have decided to finally read this book after putting it off for a month and I am pleasantly surprised. This book was so much better than the first book, Slightly Married. The main characters are more likeable, at least for me.
Meet Judith Law: Daughter to a clergyman. With a brother who has spent most of the small family fortune, they are beggared. With their situation, her father decided to send one of his daughters to his sister who was much wealthier than they are. Judith, being selfless, volunteered. She was a sensible woman with an insecurity behind the façade. She dreams of being an actress and had the talent for it, but it was not a career befitting a lady, even one such as she who was not wealthy.
Meet Lord Rannulf Bedwyn: The third son and brother to the Duke of Bewcastle. An heir to his grandmother’s property and independently wealthy. He lived a life of leisure. He loved women, and women loved him. But he was not about to settle down. He thinks that loving one woman for the rest of his life is a depressing idea. However, Rannulf's grandmother is eager for him to marry and she had picked a suitable bride, Miss Julianne Effingham.
Judith and Rannulf met when she was on her way to Harewood Grange. Due to the circumstances, they spent two nights and a day and a half together at an inn, having marital relations, although practically strangers. Judith wanted to experience that act before she’s a companion to her relative for the rest of her life. They deceived each other, Rannulf claimed to be Mr. Ralph Bedard and Judith introduced herself as Claire Campbell, an actress. After their two nights together, Judith has run away from him. When she reached Harewood Grange, her aunt’s home, she was treated like a servant rather than a relative. When Rannulf and Judith met again, their deceptions are discovered by each other. Rannulf’s grandmother picked Julianne Effingham as a suitable bride, who happens to be Judith’s cousin, and so, their paths just cross together all the time.
Judith was a more tolerable Mary Balogh Heroine. I liked her, to be quite honest. She was selfless and sensible. Although the whole taste of pleasure plot point is partly a dumb moment, especially during that era. But this is a fictional book, so there’s that. And it makes sense that she wanted to experience it before she gave up all hopes of marriage. She was not someone that allowed herself to be walked over by the hero, although she was greatly attracted to him. She was a proud woman and yet she was such an insecure, miserable soul.
I liked Lord Rannulf as a hero too. I found his earlier view of love relatable. It seems rather depressing to be in love with someone for the rest of one's life. He is not the best hero I’ve ever read about but he was fine. I loved Rannulf Although my favorite Balogh hero so far remains to be Kit Butler, my beloved. Rannulf was not at all special but I found myself utterly delighted with him. He was an honorable man, much like his brother Aidan, I think all the Bedwyns are. I like his growth and how he finally took his duty as a future landlord seriously.
I loved Judith and Rannulf together. I was afraid that this book would be tiresome but I am pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I was not so sure of this book before finally reading it because Mary Balogh’s books are so painfully slow, it hurts. The love declarations are always worth it, though. So, I am glad that I did not find this book tedious. The couple’s love for one another is plausible. Balogh wrote their upbringing and different family situation and how it affected the development of their relationship realistically. It was so satisfying when Judith stopped resisting her heart and finally decided to accept Rannulf’s marriage proposal.
I hated her relatives so much. I felt so bad for Judith. I also enjoyed how much Rannulf adored his grandmother, and I enjoyed Judith’s relationship with her own grandmother that I felt betrayed when she truly believed Judith stole her jewelry. Aunt Effingham was unpleasant, I loathed her. Julianne was very self-centered and naïve. And of course, Horace. I wish he got locked up, instead. He was a terrible person, who’s to say he won’t do it again? Aunt Effingham’s whole family was nasty. They were all hateful people who want to climb the social ladder so badly but it just won’t happen because they are terrible people who deserve nothing good.
It was, for the most part, an enjoyable book. Although the bit about Branwell and the jewelry kind of annoyed me, I was just eager for the characters to have their HEA. Also, Judith running away from Rannulf is not cute! Running once is reasonable but for her to run again without saying goodbye to him. Tsk. Good thing that Rannulf loves her and understands her predicament. Mary Balogh seems to have a thing for heroes chasing after the heroines, and while it is sweet how they pursued the heroines, it feels rather tedious. It was not a cheesy book, they did not even say they loved each other until the last chapter, I think.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book that I devoured. It was a well-written book with characters who had depth. A romance that was not cheesy and realistic portrayals. I would’ve rated it higher if not for the Branwell bit, that part annoyed me. I just also did not like the heroine running away from the hero, again. Like God damn, Girl! Talk to each other!
Some quotes:
She was Judith Law. She also happened to be his love.
“Do you feel guilty, then,” she asked, “for not doing what was expected of you?” He shrugged. “It is my life,” he said. “Sometimes, though, one wonders if there is any shape, any meaning, any point to life."
"I had never done anything nearly so improper before. But I decided to steal a little dream for myself and it has turned into the dream of the rest of my life. Rannulf, I love you so very, very dearly. I wish there were words adequate for the feeling.”
"You are the bride of my choosing, the love of my heart, for all the rest of my life.”
"Women like me remain spinsters all their lives. I suppose the chance of marrying after all should be tempting. I could Lady Rannulf Bedwyn and rich beyond my dreams. But I will not be married because your hand has been forced or because it is too late to extricate yourself from the trap you perceive me to be. I would not be married because honor forces you to offer such an unequal and imprudent match. You would not feel honored if I married you but martyred.” A simple deception that started with two people who were pretending to be someone they were not shared two passionate nights together. Two nights that Judith Law would keep with her forever because she has resigned to her fate: Spinsterhood and as a companion to a wealthier relative. Days after her encounter with Ralph Bedard, she met him again at Harewood Grange. Only this time, she was not Claire Campbell and he was not a mere Mr. Ralph, he was Lord Rannulf Bedwyn, the man her cousin wanted to marry!
Slightly Wicked is the second book in Mary Balogh’s historical romance series, Bedwyn Saga. This book tells the story of the third Bedwyn brother, Rannulf and Judith Law. I have decided to finally read this book after putting it off for a month and I am pleasantly surprised. This book was so much better than the first book, Slightly Married. The main characters are more likeable, at least for me.
Meet Judith Law: Daughter to a clergyman. With a brother who has spent most of the small family fortune, they are beggared. With their situation, her father decided to send one of his daughters to his sister who was much wealthier than they are. Judith, being selfless, volunteered. She was a sensible woman with an insecurity behind the façade. She dreams of being an actress and had the talent for it, but it was not a career befitting a lady, even one such as she who was not wealthy.
Meet Lord Rannulf Bedwyn: The third son and brother to the Duke of Bewcastle. An heir to his grandmother’s property and independently wealthy. He lived a life of leisure. He loved women, and women loved him. But he was not about to settle down. He thinks that loving one woman for the rest of his life is a depressing idea. However, Rannulf's grandmother is eager for him to marry and she had picked a suitable bride, Miss Julianne Effingham.
Judith and Rannulf met when she was on her way to Harewood Grange. Due to the circumstances, they spent two nights and a day and a half together at an inn, having marital relations, although practically strangers. Judith wanted to experience that act before she’s a companion to her relative for the rest of her life. They deceived each other, Rannulf claimed to be Mr. Ralph Bedard and Judith introduced herself as Claire Campbell, an actress. After their two nights together, Judith has run away from him. When she reached Harewood Grange, her aunt’s home, she was treated like a servant rather than a relative. When Rannulf and Judith met again, their deceptions are discovered by each other. Rannulf’s grandmother picked Julianne Effingham as a suitable bride, who happens to be Judith’s cousin, and so, their paths just cross together all the time.
Judith was a more tolerable Mary Balogh Heroine. I liked her, to be quite honest. She was selfless and sensible. Although the whole taste of pleasure plot point is partly a dumb moment, especially during that era. But this is a fictional book, so there’s that. And it makes sense that she wanted to experience it before she gave up all hopes of marriage. She was not someone that allowed herself to be walked over by the hero, although she was greatly attracted to him. She was a proud woman and yet she was such an insecure, miserable soul.
I liked Lord Rannulf as a hero too. I found his earlier view of love relatable. It seems rather depressing to be in love with someone for the rest of one's life. He is not the best hero I’ve ever read about but he was fine. I loved Rannulf Although my favorite Balogh hero so far remains to be Kit Butler, my beloved. Rannulf was not at all special but I found myself utterly delighted with him. He was an honorable man, much like his brother Aidan, I think all the Bedwyns are. I like his growth and how he finally took his duty as a future landlord seriously.
I loved Judith and Rannulf together. I was afraid that this book would be tiresome but I am pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I was not so sure of this book before finally reading it because Mary Balogh’s books are so painfully slow, it hurts. The love declarations are always worth it, though. So, I am glad that I did not find this book tedious. The couple’s love for one another is plausible. Balogh wrote their upbringing and different family situation and how it affected the development of their relationship realistically. It was so satisfying when Judith stopped resisting her heart and finally decided to accept Rannulf’s marriage proposal.
I hated her relatives so much. I felt so bad for Judith. I also enjoyed how much Rannulf adored his grandmother, and I enjoyed Judith’s relationship with her own grandmother that I felt betrayed when she truly believed Judith stole her jewelry. Aunt Effingham was unpleasant, I loathed her. Julianne was very self-centered and naïve. And of course, Horace. I wish he got locked up, instead. He was a terrible person, who’s to say he won’t do it again? Aunt Effingham’s whole family was nasty. They were all hateful people who want to climb the social ladder so badly but it just won’t happen because they are terrible people who deserve nothing good.
It was, for the most part, an enjoyable book. Although the bit about Branwell and the jewelry kind of annoyed me, I was just eager for the characters to have their HEA. Also, Judith running away from Rannulf is not cute! Running once is reasonable but for her to run again without saying goodbye to him. Tsk. Good thing that Rannulf loves her and understands her predicament. Mary Balogh seems to have a thing for heroes chasing after the heroines, and while it is sweet how they pursued the heroines, it feels rather tedious. It was not a cheesy book, they did not even say they loved each other until the last chapter, I think.
Overall, it was an enjoyable book that I devoured. It was a well-written book with characters who had depth. A romance that was not cheesy and realistic portrayals. I would’ve rated it higher if not for the Branwell bit, that part annoyed me. I just also did not like the heroine running away from the hero, again. Like God damn, Girl! Talk to each other!
Some quotes:
She was Judith Law. She also happened to be his love.
“Do you feel guilty, then,” she asked, “for not doing what was expected of you?” He shrugged. “It is my life,” he said. “Sometimes, though, one wonders if there is any shape, any meaning, any point to life."
"I had never done anything nearly so improper before. But I decided to steal a little dream for myself and it has turned into the dream of the rest of my life. Rannulf, I love you so very, very dearly. I wish there were words adequate for the feeling.”
"You are the bride of my choosing, the love of my heart, for all the rest of my life.”
November 3, 2019
3.5
Me gustó mucho más el anterior pero no pienso ser objetiva y ponerle menos de tres a esta serie.
Me gustó mucho más el anterior pero no pienso ser objetiva y ponerle menos de tres a esta serie.
September 25, 2021
Reread: Still 3.5 stars. I think this book was pretty good overall, but I absolutely feel triggered by the whole “hero courting and considering marrying OW” trope. If not for how long it took the hero to realize that the OW (who also happened to be the heroine’s cousin) wasn’t right for him, I would have enjoyed this book much more.
So basically, this is the story of the third eldest Bedwyn brother, Rannulf, and the heroine, Judith. They meet when her coach is overturned - she’s on her way to her aunt and uncle’s house to live as their poor relation. Rannulf stumbles upon her, offers her a ride to the nearest inn, and each tell the other some lies to keep their identities a secret. She tells him that she’s an actress and he assumes that she has plenty of sexual experience and offers for her to spend the night with him. She decides to have one final hurrah before her life as she has known it is over, and agrees to his scandalous proposal. They end up spending the next two nights together, but then she flees without saying goodbye. Unsurprisingly, they next see each other at her aunt and uncles house, when he comes to court her cousin for marriage. This is the part that felt excruciating for me to read because I hate this trope. I absolutely DESPISE IT. I was fuming in anger at how poorly the heroine was treated by everyone, including the hero. I absolutely hated him during this part of the story and IMO, it took him too long to pull his head outta his ass. Thankfully he eventually did, and after some additional drama they got a HEA.
The ending of this book made it worth reading. It greatly redeemed the hero for me, and made me happy and slightly misty-eyed. If not for how sweet this ending was, I doubtless would have dropped the rating somewhat.
On a side note, this book definitely had some pride and prejudice vibes - even though I distinctly remember feeling that the final book in this series was the one to emulate P&P the most.
On to the next…
Safety was… fine I guess… the heroine was a virgin and hero was experienced but didn’t strike me as a rake. The hero courts the heroine’s cousin, while the heroine watches on. He seriously considers marrying her, but then changes his mind eventually, realizing he would be miserable. TW: attempted rape
Original Rating: 3.5 stars. This book was good but at the same time frustrating and a little slow moving. However, the romance was well written and was believable. I mostly enjoyed this book but do sometimes have a hard time with the type of angst in this book. Throughout the book I was experiencing major deja vu... so either I’ve previously read this book or there is another one starkly similar to it somewhere out there.
So basically, this is the story of the third eldest Bedwyn brother, Rannulf, and the heroine, Judith. They meet when her coach is overturned - she’s on her way to her aunt and uncle’s house to live as their poor relation. Rannulf stumbles upon her, offers her a ride to the nearest inn, and each tell the other some lies to keep their identities a secret. She tells him that she’s an actress and he assumes that she has plenty of sexual experience and offers for her to spend the night with him. She decides to have one final hurrah before her life as she has known it is over, and agrees to his scandalous proposal. They end up spending the next two nights together, but then she flees without saying goodbye. Unsurprisingly, they next see each other at her aunt and uncles house, when he comes to court her cousin for marriage. This is the part that felt excruciating for me to read because I hate this trope. I absolutely DESPISE IT. I was fuming in anger at how poorly the heroine was treated by everyone, including the hero. I absolutely hated him during this part of the story and IMO, it took him too long to pull his head outta his ass. Thankfully he eventually did, and after some additional drama they got a HEA.
The ending of this book made it worth reading. It greatly redeemed the hero for me, and made me happy and slightly misty-eyed. If not for how sweet this ending was, I doubtless would have dropped the rating somewhat.
On a side note, this book definitely had some pride and prejudice vibes - even though I distinctly remember feeling that the final book in this series was the one to emulate P&P the most.
On to the next…
Safety was… fine I guess… the heroine was a virgin and hero was experienced but didn’t strike me as a rake. The hero courts the heroine’s cousin, while the heroine watches on. He seriously considers marrying her, but then changes his mind eventually, realizing he would be miserable. TW: attempted rape
Original Rating: 3.5 stars. This book was good but at the same time frustrating and a little slow moving. However, the romance was well written and was believable. I mostly enjoyed this book but do sometimes have a hard time with the type of angst in this book. Throughout the book I was experiencing major deja vu... so either I’ve previously read this book or there is another one starkly similar to it somewhere out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2015
This was much better than the first in the series, if only because it didn't depend on the two not talking things out. Okay, there was a little of that, but no more than reasonable and they don't take long to get to the point.
I had a hard time warming to either protagonist, however. Judith was a strange mix of bold and withdrawn that only barely maintained internal consistency. Unfortunately, her boldest moments involved pushing Ralf away and her most withdrawn were letting him push her. That seemed rather convenient sometimes, but I can't really call it manipulative on the author's part. What I'm saying is that it fit, but I didn't like it.
Ralf, on the other hand, was a bit stubbornly emotionally constipated and his reactions and responses a little too unexamined. I think I wanted to like him more than I actually did, if that makes any kind of sense.
And I liked many of the secondary characters, though there were a few too many despicable people at the center of the story (pretty much the entire Effingham family was a dead loss). And the story itself was kind of plodding, particularly with the crimes and accusations. I saw those coming miles away and was a little sad to see them fall out more or less along the lines I'd thought they would.
So in all, this was better than the first, but with enough weaknesses to keep it a steady three stars. I was fully engaged throughout, but had hoped for more.
A note about Steamy: Solidly in the middle of my range. There are three explicit sex scenes, though two of them really close to the start. Those actually worked rather well and acted as the center around which the rest of the story revolved (in a good way). The third was nearly an afterthought and quite short but again, in service to the story and not in a bad way. This may have been the strongest aspect of the book, now I think on it.
I had a hard time warming to either protagonist, however. Judith was a strange mix of bold and withdrawn that only barely maintained internal consistency. Unfortunately, her boldest moments involved pushing Ralf away and her most withdrawn were letting him push her. That seemed rather convenient sometimes, but I can't really call it manipulative on the author's part. What I'm saying is that it fit, but I didn't like it.
Ralf, on the other hand, was a bit stubbornly emotionally constipated and his reactions and responses a little too unexamined. I think I wanted to like him more than I actually did, if that makes any kind of sense.
And I liked many of the secondary characters, though there were a few too many despicable people at the center of the story (pretty much the entire Effingham family was a dead loss). And the story itself was kind of plodding, particularly with the crimes and accusations. I saw those coming miles away and was a little sad to see them fall out more or less along the lines I'd thought they would.
So in all, this was better than the first, but with enough weaknesses to keep it a steady three stars. I was fully engaged throughout, but had hoped for more.
A note about Steamy: Solidly in the middle of my range. There are three explicit sex scenes, though two of them really close to the start. Those actually worked rather well and acted as the center around which the rest of the story revolved (in a good way). The third was nearly an afterthought and quite short but again, in service to the story and not in a bad way. This may have been the strongest aspect of the book, now I think on it.
February 12, 2023
Reread 02/2023
I rushed through the first 20% (when they are playing games and lie) and then enjoyed the rest of the story (as I knew I would).
4 stars.
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Reread 04/2022
I'm rereading the series (the occasion being my disappointment with the Bridgerton netflix series) and it truly feels like one long prequel to Wulf's book.
I liked Ralf and Judith 's story, but I enjoyed the second part (when they meet again) much more than the first part (when they both had been playing games).
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Review 07/2020
Loved it! I read this one out of order, quite some time after the rest of the series but will read now the whole series again... I have to relive the anticipation to finally get to Wulf's hea.
I rushed through the first 20% (when they are playing games and lie) and then enjoyed the rest of the story (as I knew I would).
4 stars.
-------
Reread 04/2022
I'm rereading the series (the occasion being my disappointment with the Bridgerton netflix series) and it truly feels like one long prequel to Wulf's book.
I liked Ralf and Judith 's story, but I enjoyed the second part (when they meet again) much more than the first part (when they both had been playing games).
------------------------------
Review 07/2020
Loved it! I read this one out of order, quite some time after the rest of the series but will read now the whole series again... I have to relive the anticipation to finally get to Wulf's hea.
January 16, 2017
It is one of the rare book that I consider that Mary Balogh's mediocre book. First, I didn't like the beginning of the story. Although, I understand heroine's, Judith, reasons about her choice for being together with a stranger at the first meeting, it is hard to accept.
The plot was not bad but I still can't say that I read it with an enthusiasm. I think, Ms Balogh's talent mostly charmed me to read the book till the end of it. Maybe with another aouthor, I might had not completed it.
I will read other books in the series and I know that the best one is the last one in the series and I've already read it. Yet, I'll read it again. :)
What can I say, I love reading Mary Balogh's books.
The plot was not bad but I still can't say that I read it with an enthusiasm. I think, Ms Balogh's talent mostly charmed me to read the book till the end of it. Maybe with another aouthor, I might had not completed it.
I will read other books in the series and I know that the best one is the last one in the series and I've already read it. Yet, I'll read it again. :)
What can I say, I love reading Mary Balogh's books.
February 25, 2022
This was a a great entry to the series. I got vibes of so many stories that I love. There was kind of a Cinderella aspect to the whirlwind One Night Stand and then Judith basically being a poor family relation and servant.
And then when Ranulf sees her again, he cocks it all up and goes a bit Mr. Darcy on her with his first proposal.
Judith was strong and proud and I loved her so much. The family dynamics, friends and story were all a good time. This book pulled me out of a historical slump, so that's great too. However, the romance isn't as full of BIG feels as I usually look for, but dang, it was entertaining.
4 Stars
2 on my spice scale
TW: Attempted SA, cruel family
And then when Ranulf sees her again, he cocks it all up and goes a bit Mr. Darcy on her with his first proposal.
Judith was strong and proud and I loved her so much. The family dynamics, friends and story were all a good time. This book pulled me out of a historical slump, so that's great too. However, the romance isn't as full of BIG feels as I usually look for, but dang, it was entertaining.
4 Stars
2 on my spice scale
TW: Attempted SA, cruel family
February 4, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟
I really enjoyed Judith and Rannulf story.
Poor relation and the aristocrat.
I like Mary Balogh storyline and this one kept my interest and did not disappoint me
I really enjoyed Judith and Rannulf story.
Poor relation and the aristocrat.
I like Mary Balogh storyline and this one kept my interest and did not disappoint me
May 21, 2025
Rannulf Bedwyn and Judith Law's story.
What I liked:
🍿Rannulf Bedwyn's growing attachment toward Judith.
🍿Judith's attachment to her grandmother.
🍿Rannulf's attatchment to his maternal grandmother (Lady Beamish) and her Grandmaison estate.
🍿Rannulf saving Judith from Horace.
🍿Judith saving Rannulf from Julianne.
What I didn't like:
😒Aunt Louisa Effingham
🙄Julianne Effingham (quite the spoiled ditz.)
😖Horace Effingham (quite the jerk.)
😕Too many other things to list.
"Well, Miss Judith Law," he said softly, and she realized with a start that he had come up close behind her. There was quiet venom in his voice.
"Well, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn," she said.
"Touché." He looked back at her, a familiar mocking gleam in his eyes.
I think the best way to summarize this story is to be careful how you handle certain situations, because you never know if it's going to come back to haunt you. Kind of like flipping off the driver who cuts you off only to find them going to the same store you were originally headed to. OR... sleeping with someone and then running into them at the store a week later.
What I liked:
🍿Rannulf Bedwyn's growing attachment toward Judith.
🍿Judith's attachment to her grandmother.
🍿Rannulf's attatchment to his maternal grandmother (Lady Beamish) and her Grandmaison estate.
🍿Rannulf saving Judith from Horace.
🍿Judith saving Rannulf from Julianne.
What I didn't like:
😒Aunt Louisa Effingham
🙄Julianne Effingham (quite the spoiled ditz.)
😖Horace Effingham (quite the jerk.)
😕Too many other things to list.
"Well, Miss Judith Law," he said softly, and she realized with a start that he had come up close behind her. There was quiet venom in his voice.
"Well, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn," she said.
"Touché." He looked back at her, a familiar mocking gleam in his eyes.
I think the best way to summarize this story is to be careful how you handle certain situations, because you never know if it's going to come back to haunt you. Kind of like flipping off the driver who cuts you off only to find them going to the same store you were originally headed to. OR... sleeping with someone and then running into them at the store a week later.
October 10, 2022
Judith bedding down with an attractive stranger who picks her up after a carriage accident was more than “slightly wicked,” but I can’t say that I blame her: she was headed for a dismal life and it was certainly a memory to cling to. After she arrives at her destination, things get complicated…then they get more complicated. Then all hell breaks loose, and I was thoroughly invested in this story every step of the way.
December 7, 2025
Mary Balogh is an outstanding writer.
There's no question about that.
However, even beautifully written, a book can be unsatisfactory.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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There's no question about that.
However, even beautifully written, a book can be unsatisfactory.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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July 7, 2021
Generally good, solid stuff (Cinderella!) but it relied on a certain kind of tension in the second/later chapters that was not really convincing. I liked the characters and all their various relationships, but could've used more between Judith and Ralf by that point. I got this sort of pursuing her, sort of not vibe...
But so solid, I'd revisit so 3.5 rounded up.
But so solid, I'd revisit so 3.5 rounded up.
June 28, 2017
4.5
Edited***
Writing is captivating from start. My heart goes to Judith for suffering such fate. But in all these dire circumstance she was strong, optimistic & still Dreaming. One of her dream come true when dashing Lord Rannulf offered her a ride, or an adventure of her dreams.
It was fresh to have a reckless, following her heart heroine But isnt it was equally danger? He was a stranger! He could kill her or torture her or worse? There was no scene that make us sense that hero win her trust or he was kind or trustworthy...
Dont u think so?
I enjoy all there scenes, there seems a vommection between the leads. I just hateee that cruel aunt & thick headed cousin. I realy want to see them suffer.
Her first NO to Rannulf me grin...u go girl. She was a strong character indeed. Who follow her heart & realy proud of it. And realy feel she inspire him to be a better & a strong man. I am loving this book so far.
**
All there encounter in these 2 weeks house party shape their relation. It increase their respect, care for eachother. What a trap those bi*tchy villians plan! Judith situation break my heart...well written. And than our knight arrived. I just love every bit from there. I always enjoys reading family members interaction, and these Bedwyn is now one of my favourite.
Special Note-
Judith you or any woman out there is not responsible for the animalistic nature of men. It is not your beauty fault. Its the men who need lessons on control & restrictions. Hats or unfitted dresses are not the solution, love the way she understand these fact in last & said No to her dad.
Will it unjustice to these previous books heroes, if I say..I m falling in love with Wulf & his duty style(even before reading his book).
Edited***
Writing is captivating from start. My heart goes to Judith for suffering such fate. But in all these dire circumstance she was strong, optimistic & still Dreaming. One of her dream come true when dashing Lord Rannulf offered her a ride, or an adventure of her dreams.
It was fresh to have a reckless, following her heart heroine But isnt it was equally danger? He was a stranger! He could kill her or torture her or worse? There was no scene that make us sense that hero win her trust or he was kind or trustworthy...
Dont u think so?
I enjoy all there scenes, there seems a vommection between the leads. I just hateee that cruel aunt & thick headed cousin. I realy want to see them suffer.
Her first NO to Rannulf me grin...u go girl. She was a strong character indeed. Who follow her heart & realy proud of it. And realy feel she inspire him to be a better & a strong man. I am loving this book so far.
**
All there encounter in these 2 weeks house party shape their relation. It increase their respect, care for eachother. What a trap those bi*tchy villians plan! Judith situation break my heart...well written. And than our knight arrived. I just love every bit from there. I always enjoys reading family members interaction, and these Bedwyn is now one of my favourite.
Special Note-
Judith you or any woman out there is not responsible for the animalistic nature of men. It is not your beauty fault. Its the men who need lessons on control & restrictions. Hats or unfitted dresses are not the solution, love the way she understand these fact in last & said No to her dad.
Will it unjustice to these previous books heroes, if I say..I m falling in love with Wulf & his duty style(even before reading his book).
January 1, 2018
For my views on the great narration by Roslyn Landor and my general inability to coherently review audiobooks, see my review to Slightly Married. Those comments apply as much for this book as they did for that one.
In terms of the content, the first half of this is absolutely a five star read for me. The seduction and romance and sex of Rannulf and Judith's mini-affair were absolutely top notch, particularly as narrated by Landor. I thought I was well on my way to the best Balogh I had read to date.
Alas, I was let down (significantly) but the second half of this book. After the heady days of their affair have passed, Rannulf and Judith have to make sense of their relationship and their feelings as the people they actually are. Gosh it was tedious. Balogh lost her way entirely I think, needing to fill up the word count, but not sure what to do with a H/h who had already done all the seducing and had all the sex.
There's a tacked on plot line about some stolen jewels and Judith runs away which is the definition of stupid and completely out of character for her. It just really didn't hold together for me.
I've split the difference on the rating and just gone for three stars.
In terms of the content, the first half of this is absolutely a five star read for me. The seduction and romance and sex of Rannulf and Judith's mini-affair were absolutely top notch, particularly as narrated by Landor. I thought I was well on my way to the best Balogh I had read to date.
Alas, I was let down (significantly) but the second half of this book. After the heady days of their affair have passed, Rannulf and Judith have to make sense of their relationship and their feelings as the people they actually are. Gosh it was tedious. Balogh lost her way entirely I think, needing to fill up the word count, but not sure what to do with a H/h who had already done all the seducing and had all the sex.
There's a tacked on plot line about some stolen jewels and Judith runs away which is the definition of stupid and completely out of character for her. It just really didn't hold together for me.
I've split the difference on the rating and just gone for three stars.
September 29, 2017
Si el primero me gustó, éste me ha encantado.
Desde la primera página hasta la última tanto Rannulf como Judith han sido dos personajes con todos los ingredientes que me gustan en un libro romántico. Ella no es la típica dama en apuros (aunque se meta en unos cuántos) que se queda en casa esperando a que la rescaten, sino que tiene unas ideas muy claras y hace lo que cree necesario.
Si algo tiene este libro que no me ha gustado, han sido algunos de los secundarios. Pasando desde el padre de Judith hasta sus tíos y primos. Todos y cada uno de ellos les he llegado a odiar y desear que les pasara algo que les hiciera lamentar el haber tratado a Judith como lo han hecho. Y de echo me alegré mucho cuando a unos cuantos el karma les devolvió el favor, sobre todo a Horace.
Eso sí, los hermanos Bedwyn cada vez que hacen aparición me alegran la lectura, sobre todo ahora que estoy empezando a entender más a Freyja y Wulfric.
Definitivamente sigo con la serie, porque si algo tiene Mary Balogh, es que además de las buenas ambientaciones de sus historias, crea unos personajes entrañables y que te dejan con ganas de saber más
Desde la primera página hasta la última tanto Rannulf como Judith han sido dos personajes con todos los ingredientes que me gustan en un libro romántico. Ella no es la típica dama en apuros (aunque se meta en unos cuántos) que se queda en casa esperando a que la rescaten, sino que tiene unas ideas muy claras y hace lo que cree necesario.
Si algo tiene este libro que no me ha gustado, han sido algunos de los secundarios. Pasando desde el padre de Judith hasta sus tíos y primos. Todos y cada uno de ellos les he llegado a odiar y desear que les pasara algo que les hiciera lamentar el haber tratado a Judith como lo han hecho. Y de echo me alegré mucho cuando a unos cuantos el karma les devolvió el favor, sobre todo a Horace.
Eso sí, los hermanos Bedwyn cada vez que hacen aparición me alegran la lectura, sobre todo ahora que estoy empezando a entender más a Freyja y Wulfric.
Definitivamente sigo con la serie, porque si algo tiene Mary Balogh, es que además de las buenas ambientaciones de sus historias, crea unos personajes entrañables y que te dejan con ganas de saber más
August 21, 2019
Slightly Wicked is one of the more depressing romances I've read so far without using certain tropes where you expect it to be a bit depressing, i.e. when the main character is a courtesan (Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell comes to mind as a great example). Here you spend most of the story going through one scene to another where everyone and their uncle treats the heroine as if she doesn't deserve anything more. Well, almost everyone - her grandmother is decent enough and the hero is not horrible to her. What he is is someone who is courting someone else for almost two-thirds of the book.
What saved this story for me are two things. One, the last third is good and not depressing. The second thing is something one shouldn't expect in a romance. There's a bit of violence and it happens just at the right moment. I wish the person got even more, but that's just me.
Another thing to bear in mind, most people are most interested in the two other Bedwyns - Freyja and Wulf - so this one might just be in the 'oh, come on' category. This could be just me.
Overall, it was okay.
What saved this story for me are two things. One, the last third is good and not depressing. The second thing is something one shouldn't expect in a romance. There's a bit of violence and it happens just at the right moment. I wish the person got even more, but that's just me.
Another thing to bear in mind, most people are most interested in the two other Bedwyns - Freyja and Wulf - so this one might just be in the 'oh, come on' category. This could be just me.
Overall, it was okay.
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