Book 14: Slightly Married

NUMBER: 14
TITLE: Slightly Married
AUTHOR: Mary Balogh
STARTED: March 17, 2005
FINISHED: March 20, 2005
PAGES: 342
GENRE: Romance

FIRST SENTENCE: There was a shady dell slicing through the western side of the park at Ringwood Manor in in Oxfordshire.

SUMMARY: [From barnesandnoble.com] Meet the Bedwyn... 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 Aidan Bedwyn, the marriage - shy second son, discovers that matrimony may be the most seductive act of all.

Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart - and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection... nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart. And when a relative threatens to turn Eve out of her home, Aidan gallantly makes her an offer she can't refuse: marry him... if only to save her home. And now, as all of London breathlessly awaits the transformation of the new Lady Aidan Bedwyn, the strangest thing happens: With one touch, one searing embrace, Aidan and Eve's "business arrangement" is about to be transformed... into something slightly surprising.

REASON FOR READING: The "Slightly" series rocks!

THOUGHTS: I usually detest the "business arrangement turns to love" romance novels but Mary Balogh is quite talented. Aiden comes across and strong and loyal, but somehow seems befuddled and confused most of the time. It works though. Eve is unpredictable and bold but still remains the little country girl. Throw in some orphans and a brash housekeeper and you've got yourself and amusing story.

Balogh's writing style remains constant without turning dry. She also knows how to write dialog that is not overly cheesy... that is a must for any romance novel if you ask me.

MISCELLANEOUS: I have 5 books left in the series to read.

KEEP/SHARE/CRINGE(?): Keep. I *heart* series.
RATING: 7/10 [Very Good]

CR: Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh
RN: Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh