Slightly Scandalous

We meet Lady Freyja Bedwyn in "A Summer to Remember" and she is haughty, stuck-up and insufferable. Throughout the first two Bedwyn books she remains so, although she does eventually grow on the reader. In "Slightly Scandalous" we finally get a glimpse into Freyja's mind, and what a mind it is. FINALLY, a heroine who does not simper or whine or play coy. Even though all of Balogh's heroines are wonderful in their own way, Freyja is simply the best. And, oh my, the hero of the novel, Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere! What a catch. FINALLY, a man who laughs at the woman, instead of getting into a snit because she doesn't fawn over him. Both leads are remarkable. There are no frustrating misunderstandings in this novel. When Freyja gets uppity, Josh laughs at her, forcing her to laugh at herself. The characters are multi-dimensional and just so wonderfully human. The comraderie and loyalty of the Bedwyns has never been stronger than in this book. It was nice to see them all interact and play with each other. I appreciated their bond, even Wulfric seemed human. I have read five of Mary Balogh's novels and not one of her heroines has been like the other. Nor her heroes either. Often romance authors stick with stock characters and they are all interchangeable (Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught for instance...but hey, they found a formula that worked for them.) It is refreshing though to pick up a romance novel and read it and know that I am going to be reading a NEW story, one that hasn't been retold a thousand times over. I did not want to finish "Slightly Scandalous" because I didn't want to be finished with Freyja and Josh. Hopefully I will see them at least three more times as I read the rest of the novels in the series. Thank you, Ms. Balogh, for giving your readers a heroine and a hero to cheer for.

Oho ... who would think that the "slightly" series could get even better? Well it just has!Honestly, this is the first (sorely waited) story for a side character, Freyja first appeared in 'a summer to remember', that has actually exceeded my expectations and had exactly the kind of exciting, interesting story I have believed the portrayed character, Freyja, would have (or rather demand)!!Freyja Bedwyn and Joshua Moore (Marquess of Hallmere) are two thoroughly interesting characters who embark on numerous adventures together and end up falsely bethrothed along the way ..... the question for Freyja is does she want a real bethrothal with "the man"?? I won't ruin all the wonderfully witty things that occur in this story, but let you delve into the depths of this excellent book yourself.If you love "fresh" story-lines, conversations that make you laugh out loud, and characters that are honest to themselves with their own feelings (and not simpering idiots) .... then this is definitely a book you will love! Freyja is the most entertaining, unique "leading lady" that I have EVER read about in a romance novel ........ she is simply fabulous!This is definitely worth your trouble .... buy it/borrow it, do whatever needs to be done to get your hands on it and read to your hearts content ...... you will not be disappointed!!!!!!!!!!! .... you have my guarantee ... good reading, Kristina

Like her five siblings, Freyja Bedwyn enjoys independence, freedom, and adventure, the very traits that the Ton detests in a woman. Still with four wild brothers as role models, Freyja does her own thing in spite of the aristocracy frowning at her scandalous behavior. His family believes he needs to be married, a state they ignored until he gained the title when his uncle passed away. However, as he visits his grandmama in Bath, Lord Joshua Moore is tired of his family's effort to find him a wife. While Joshua flees the latest matchmaking machination, he meets and pleads with an amused Freyja to hide him. When they talk, he offers her a deal. She pretends to be his fiancee so that he can have a little relief from the marriage mart and she can use that cloak to go on an adventure. Freyja accepts. However, neither Freyja nor Joshua expected to fall in love, an emotion putting a cramp on what they thought they desired.The third "Slightly" Regency romance is a fun tale headlined by two strong, stubborn, yet seductive stars. The story line is amusing, as neither Freyja nor Joshua wants to fall in love. Though in many ways, Freyja is a female version of her brother Rannulf (see SLIGHTLY WICKED), fans of Mary Balogh, the sub-genre, or just a delightful entertaining novel will appreciate this fine tale.Harriet Klausner

I really disliked Lady Freyja Bedwyn when she was first introduced in the wonderful "A Summer to Remember". She was haughty, disdainful, spoiled and downright nasty! But Slightly Scandalous takes us into the heart and mind of this feisty, proud and complex woman and by the end of this book, I admired the woman she became once she let herself love and be loved by the unconventional and decidedly unstuffy Josh.Freyja had been engaged to Kit Butler, her neighbor, childhood friend and, for one summer, her first love. But Kit had other plans, bringing home his own bride (lovely and perfect Lauren) whom Freyja chooses to despise. Now their first child is due any day and Freyja cannot bear to be around to witness their happiness. And so she makes for Bath to stay with friends until after the birth and ensuing festivities. While staying the night at an inn, a man bursts into her room asking her to hide him then steals a kiss and earns a punch in the nose for his efforts before being forced out the window.Once in Bath, routine and tedium take hold until Freyja meets up again with her midnight visitor from the inn. He is Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere. He constantly has an amused, mischievous twinkle in his eye and he loves to push Freyja's buttons. He may be infuriating, but she quickly realizes that he is the most interesting and enjoyable company she's had since coming to Bath. Together they become the talk of the town and when a plot is discovered to marry Josh off against his will, he asks Freyja to enter into a fake betrothal to thwart his aunt. She agrees thinking it will be a fun and temporary lark.How wrong they both are and soon things have gone way too far when Freyja's brother, the Duke of Bewcastle arrives in Bath demanding to know what is going on. Each time they try to end the betrothal something comes up that causes them to keep up the charade. And the more time they spend together, the worse it gets, for they are slowly becoming quite attached to one another. Freyja starts to see that Josh is more than just a shallow, handsome, enjoyable companion. He's kind, generous, down-to-earth and seems willing to take on his responsibilties to his estate and his female cousins. And Josh more than admires Freyja's spirit, intelligence, and new-found open mindedness and wonders why they must part at all. But will Freyja be willing to risk giving her heart a second time? Can she trust Josh with it?An enjoyable couple who brought out the best in one another and were truly friends as well as lovers. A highly recommended read!