Slightly Sinful (Bedwyn Saga)

I read this book through in less than a day, simply because I HAD to know how Ms. Balogh was going to reconcile this one! So many different things, so much fun. Alleyne Bedwyn is the brother that is protagonist in this latest edition of the Bedwyn family chronicles. A diplomat, he has been entrusted to take a letter to the Duke of Wellington during the Battle of Waterloo and return with the Duke's reply. While returning to Brussels, he is shot, falls from his horse, and is knocked unconscious. Rachel York has lost her employment as a lady's companion, and forced to take refuge with her former nurse, who is one of four "ladies" operating a brothel in Brussels. Having made a small fortune servicing the soldiers, they have given their money to Rachel's betrothed, Nigel Crawley. Nigel turns out to be a scoundrel, not the man of God he has portrayed to rachel and the "ladies" and runs off with their money. They decide to head out to the battlefield to loot the bodies of the soldiers and gain enough money to go after Nigel. It is during this nefarious mission that Rachel comes upon Alleyne, stripped naked and left for dead. But he is alive, and Rachel's soft heart insists they bring him back to their home and nurse him back to health. But once he awakens, there is a small complication. Alleyne cannot remember anything at all about himself. He has amnesia. From there, the fun ensues. The characters in this book are fun to get to know, especially the irrepressible ladies of the brothel. Yes, this book uses the tried and true "hooker with a heart of gold" through and through, but I think it is a good part of the story. And of course, there is that happy ending, which brought a little tear to my eye. I think this is a fine addition to the Bedwyn family saga, and a great new book from Ms. Balogh. If you are a fan, this will be a treat. Enjoy with a cup of tea and a bon bon or two!

I thought I enjoyed Slightly Wicked, but I did not know what Mary Balogh is capable of until I read her Slightly Sinful. In this book her style comes as close as it gets to Julia Quinn and Suzanne Enoch. Because of Alleyne's (how do you pronounce his name anyway?) character it is full of witty dialogs and funny comments. It is very light compared to Slightly Scandalous and Slightly Wicked, but because of that it is an absolute joy to read.The book is full of colorful characters and I could not put it down once I started reading. As a word of caution, the narrative for the book sounds way too boring compared to the plot itself. I had reservations about reading it. In fact, I had the book for over a week before I started reading it. And the experience was worth every minute of it. My favorite part was the Chapter 23, I kept coming back to it. Enjoy it!

I was only "Slightly Tempted" to continue on to the next novel in the series after Morgan's dull, dull story, but I'm very gald I did!Slightly Sinful is the best in the series so far, in my opinion. It pretty much summed up everything I look for in a romance novel: A hero with a sense of humor and a good dose of good looks, an endearing heroine, one of the best cast of supporting characters I've ever encountered, and a lively and original plot. Mrs. Balogh knows how to write with class. Her heroes are rarely domineering, her heroines are rarely argumentative just for its own sake, and the love scenes (towards the end) are always touching. Another thing to appreciate: Mrs. Balogh isn't afraid to let her heroes show some emotion. (Gasp! A man actually cries?! Can express himself clearly? Isn't afraid to say "I love you"? Thank goodness!). I saw that this book only recieved 4 stars in Romantic Times, and I really don't understand why. Perhaps this book isn't as emotionally compelling as some of the author's other works. Most of the depth in the story comes from Alleyne's search to discover who he really is, which serves as a great tool for developing his character and the story. So I suppose, if you're looking for something a bit heavy, try Slightly Tempted, which deals with the gravity of war (and weighs the story down until I could barely persuade myself to pick it up again). However, if you read romance novels for the pure joy of entertainment, this one won't fail.

Mary Balough, is turning out to be my favorite author. Never is a book cookie cutter, all are original, and always wonderful. Slightly Sinful proving it once again. I'm sad that the series is soon ending, I have fallen madly in love with this family, and not ONCE disappointed with one single member. The next book, the last, I know I will have to buy a HUGE box of Kleenex. This book, Slightly Sinful (about Lord Alleyne), made me shed a few at the end. *blows her nose loudly* I can just imagine how the last will be. I will be a soggy mess. She writes so perfect, Ms Balough, with enough story to keep your glued to the pages, with enough sex that will make your heart pound, but not trashy, and emotions that make you laugh and cry. I salute you once again Mary Balough....I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books.

Arguably, the most rewarding romances feature heroines with whom one can identify and heroes with whom one can fall in love. "Slightly Sinful," the latest entry in Mary Balogh's ongoing Bedwyn series, provides both.Overlapping somewhat with the action of Balogh's previous book "Slightly Tempted," "Slightly Sinful" begins during the climactic battle of Waterloo. Lord Alleyne Bedwyn, aspiring diplomat, has been sent to the front with a personal message for the Duke of Wellington. Riding back to Brussels to deliver the reply, Alleyne is shot in the leg, then topples from his horse, suffering a severe head injury in the process.On awakening, Alleyne finds himself ensconced in a brothel, being tended by its inmates; more alarmingly, he has no memory of who he is or where he belongs. Cut off from his past, Alleyne forms an attachment to Rachel York, the young woman who rescued him from the battlefield. Rachel herself faces an uncertain future, thanks to the wiles of a con artist who has robbed her and her friends--a quartet of enterprising prostitutes--of their savings. All five women are out for revenge against the thief, now fled back to England, but they need funds if they are to pursue him. Not a little smitten with the lady he views as his guardian angel, a recuperating Alleyne proposes a scheme to retrieve Rachel's fortune, which is in the keeping of her estranged uncle. The catch? They have to pose as a devoted married couple to convince Rachel's uncle to release her inheritance into her keeping. Rachel's friends insist on taking part in this charade, as does the one-eyed army sergeant who aided in Alleyne's rescue and has now assumed the position of a gentleman's gentleman. Soon this lively entourage is bound for England--and an adventure that will exceed everyone's wildest expectations.Despite some of the plot's seeming improbabilities, everything works in "Slightly Sinful." The romance between Alleyne and Rachel unfolds with a pleasing mixture of sweetness and sensuality. Although an early misunderstanding makes them wary of each other for a while, their continuing attraction and growing affection help them to overcome the obstacle in a timely fashion. Thankfully, they do not spend the majority of the book bickering. Rachel is a sympathetic heroine, neither a doormat nor a shrew, and Alleyne is a revelation here. An amiable lightweight in the earlier books, the youngest Bedwyn brother comes of age in "Slightly Sinful." The reader learns about Alleyne as Alleyne learns about himself, and the results are worth the wait. Despite trying circumstances, Alleyne retains his courage and sense of humor; his memory loss may cause him frustration and panic at times, but he never forfeits the reader's sympathy by becoming surly, whiny, or ungrateful.Secondary characters are also well-drawn. Rachel's friends and the former Sergeant Strickland are likable and resourceful; it is satisfying to read how their fates are resolved too. "Satisfying