#70 (#7) - Slightly Wicked ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN: 0-7499-3754-8

This shouldn't have been called "Slightly" Wicked, far from it ............. Completely Depraved Wanton might have been a better title to describe what Miss Judith Law got up to early on in the book.

She has had to leave home (probably for good) to live with her wealthy Aunt Effingham due to the excesses of her selfish young Brother, Branwell.  Of the 4 sisters, it was her who volunteered to go.  In actual fact, she knew that in all probability she would be acting as unpaid servant, and treated shabbily, as was so often the cases in those days.

With very little money, and travelling on the stage, there is an accident and it overturns.  A heroic stranger (Ralf Bedard) offers to take her on to the next inn, as help would be many hours away.  She accepts, but somewhere along the way she loses all sense and involves herself in one reckless night of passion, thus also losing her virtue and reputation. At least she will have something to dream about now to carry her through the dreary days as a companion.

He wants her to go away with him for a time, but she comes to her senses whilst he is off looking for a carriage to take them on, and runs away.  Eventually making her way to her Aunt's home, Harewood Grange just in time for a large houseparty.

A big shock, however, is in store for her as one man of the party, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn arrives to woo her cousin.  The very same Ralf Bedard who had bedded her just days before.

He makes honourable and dis-honourable advances to her, so does Aunt Effingham's oily step-son, but she holds firm against them.  But scandal rocks the household when she is accused of stealing a vast quantity of jewels.  The only thing she can think of to do is run .... but Rannulf pursues her to help here clear her name.

Is it possible that love can grow out of a something that started off slightly wicked?

I think as the last one in the Slightly series that needed reading there were marvellously layered examples of a hero and heroine.  It was thoroughly enjoyable, and a highly recommended 4.5 ***** Star read.  As it was some time ago I read the story of Wulfic, Duke of Bewcastle and his Christine, I think I will go back at some point very soon and re-read it.  Actually, I think that I will miss this series a lot.

Happy Reading.

Kay

#61 - Slightly Tempted ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN: 0-7499-3786-6

Across a Brussels ballroom notorious rake Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn spots the beautiful and very young Lady Morgan Bedwyn. With revenge in mind he effects an introduction, as he also spots the instrument for the perfect revenge against her brother Wulfric, Duke of Bewcastle.

War and scandal ensue, but it all end as simply revenge?

A 3.5 **** Star read.  Whilst I enjoyed it, and it was good to get Morgan's side of the whole Bedwyn Series, it was a little slowing going at the beginning, with a gentle curve towards a satisfactory ending.  Probably best to read this before you read Slightly Sinful (#60) ..... I suspect it might have been better that way around!

#60 - Slightly Sinful ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN: 0-7499-3787-4

Lord Alleyne Bedwyn (Brother of Wulfic, Duke of Bewcastle) is in the diplomatic service, and takes a message to the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo.  Unfortunately, he is hit by a bullet and ends up coming to in a Brussels brothel without a stitcth of clothing to his name, nor a memory of who he is, or what he was doing at the battle.

His rescuer was Rachel York, who ends up at the Brothel after being swindled out of the little money she had by a Clergyman.

She could inherit some family jewels, but in order to do that she needs to marry, so a plan is hatched to pretend to be married to Alleyne (aka Sir Jonathan Smith).  Upon their return to England their charade draws them both into danger, scandal and a blossoming relationship that is really slightly sinful.

A 4.5 ***** Star read.

I can't really believe that I've read 60 books since September - actually, it will hopefully be more than that be New Year's Eve as I am reading another of the Slightly series at the moment.

Happy reading.

Kay

#51 - Slightly Dangerous ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN: 978-0-7499-3772-0

I am happy to write this this book was a vast change from #50's review.  Interesting, intriguing, ringing with humour and pure delight.

I believe it is the last in the "slightly ....." saga, based on the Bedwyn Family.  So I suppose that I should have probably read them in order, but hey ho.

Christine Derrick, a Widow and estranged from most of her husband's family because of difficulties in her marriage before her husband died is as and poor as a church mouse.

Whilst Wulfric, Duke of Bewcastle is cold as ice, he is also the most glittering of prizes for any social hostess and that is why Lady Renable made sure that Christine would make up the numbers.

The house party did not start well, Christine dripped lemonade in the eye of the haughty Duke and it went down hill from there.  They are so widely different in character, she's fun loving, un-coordinated and gauche, but people love her .... he is well, an aristocratic, autocratic, steel to the core Duke ... he probably has never know how to laugh and enjoy himself!

Can two such people poles apart find any common ground ... I doubted it.

The book was a bit slow for ..... well, can I just say a bit.  I can't define a bit now I've finished it, because I forget (even though I started it last night and finished it this morning) just what the amount was: a bit of a chapter, a chapter, a bit more than a chapter?).  Suffice to say though that that just shows that it was probably akin to stretching exercise to warm up before you enjoy a highly enjoyable run in the countryside.

Any book that can then go on and make me audibly catch my breath and my stomach flip flop and them bottom out should be forgiven the fact that it was a trifle difficult for a bit.

I found myself totally and completely in love with Wulfic and willing that both of them could see that they were perfect for each other.

Run straight out and buy this book.  If you need to read all of the series first get them all .... I am fairly certain that the investment will prove worth it just for this book alone.

A 5+ *****+ star rating.  I would give it higher if it could.

I have realised the count of the books, maybe next year I can do the 144 book challenge.  I'm off to read "A Summer to Remember" which is apparently the first book I should have aimed for regarding the Bedwyn family.

Happy reading.

Kay xoxox