Slightly Wicked : Book Review

"Slightly Wicked" by Mary Balogh is the second book in the beloved Bedwyn Saga, a captivating series that explores the romances and lives of the aristocratic Bedwyn siblings in Regency England. The story revolves around Lady Rannulf Bedwyn, known as Ralf, a spirited and rebellious young woman, and Lord Alleyne Bedwyn, also called Alleyne, a brooding and mysterious figure.

Ralf is determined to make the most of her youth and adventure before being forced into a loveless marriage. In her pursuit of freedom, she plans to elope with a charming rogue. However, her plans take an unexpected turn, leaving her stranded with Alleyne. Reluctantly, Alleyne agrees to help her, and although they start off with animosity towards each other, a deep connection begins to form as they navigate danger, scandal, and their own personal struggles.

Mary Balogh masterfully weaves a tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery in "Slightly Wicked." The chemistry between Ralf and Alleyne is palpable, and their journey from adversaries to soulmates is filled with passion, tension, and emotional depth. Balogh paints a vivid picture of Regency society, with its rigid rules and expectations, while diving into the complex inner lives of her characters, delving into their vulnerabilities and secret desires.

The ensemble of supporting characters, including Ralf's strong-willed best friend Samantha and Alleyne's enigmatic elder brother Wulf, adds depth and intrigue to the story. Balogh's elegant and evocative writing style transports readers to a bygone era, immersing them in rich historical details and vibrant descriptions. She expertly balances romance and introspection, crafting a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

"Slightly Wicked" is a delightful and engaging historical romance that will captivate readers from start to finish. Mary Balogh's talents as a storyteller shine as she explores themes of forbidden love and redemption, leaving a lasting impact on readers' hearts. A wonderful addition to the Bedwyn Saga, this novel will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

What are readers saying?

Mary Balogh's novel "Slightly Wicked" has received a mixed response from readers. The book, which is part of the Bedwyn Saga series, tells the story of Judith Law, a young woman who finds herself in a scandalous situation with the dangerously attractive Rannulf Bedwyn.

Some readers thoroughly enjoyed "Slightly Wicked" and praised Balogh's writing style and character development. They found the story to be engrossing and well-paced, with a perfect blend of romance and plot progression. The chemistry between the main characters, Judith and Rannulf, was a particularly strong point, and reviewers appreciated the growth of their relationship throughout the book. These readers also commended Balogh's skill in creating believable and relatable characters.

However, there were other readers who felt that "Slightly Wicked" didn't quite measure up to the other books in the series. They found the plot to be predictable and formulaic, lacking the depth and complexity they had come to expect from Balogh's writing. Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the character development, feeling that the main characters lacked depth and failed to undergo significant growth throughout the novel. In addition, certain readers found the dialogue and interactions between the characters to be unrealistic or forced.

A few reviewers also mentioned that the book contained explicit scenes which they found unnecessary or uncomfortable to read. However, there were others who appreciated the sensual aspects of the story, feeling that it added to the overall romance and chemistry between the characters.

Overall, "Slightly Wicked" received a range of reviews from readers. While some found it to be an enjoyable and engaging read, others felt that it fell short compared to other books in the series. The strengths of the book lie in Balogh's writing style, character development, and the chemistry between the main characters. However, some readers felt that the story was predictable and lacked depth.

SlightlyWickedBook RegencyRomance ForbiddenLove