Slightly Sinful

Rating:
Summary: Sweet and satisfying entry in the Bedwyn Saga
Review: 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," in fact, is the word that best sums up "Slightly Sinful" for me: I was entertained from first page to last, not wanting the story to end. "Slightly Dangerous," the finale of the series, is yet to come and the included excerpt looks promising indeed. However, "Slightly Sinful" is going to be a tough act to follow.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet and satisfying entry in the Bedwyn Saga
Review: 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," in fact, is the word that best sums up "Slightly Sinful" for me: I was entertained from first page to last, not wanting the story to end. "Slightly Dangerous," the finale of the series, is yet to come and the included excerpt looks promising indeed. However, "Slightly Sinful" is going to be a tough act to follow.

Rating:
Summary: It should have been better
Review: Better than Morgan's tory, but still not close to Balogh's best.

I SO wanted to love this book, but it is rather plodding and has little romance or sensuality to recommend it. Alleyne has been one of my favorite Bedwyn's; I was so heartbroken at his seeming fate in Slightly Tempted, which parallels this one in time. But I don't quite know what to make of him in this book. Worse, Rachel seems to almost be two different women. I just wasn't convinced of their chemistry. There was more saying than showing going on.

The cast of secondary characters, however, was absolutely delightful. Alleyne was much more interesting with them than he was with Rachel. And the absence of the rest of the Bedwyn's was felt here just as it was in Morgan's story. Indeed, perhaps the best scenes in both books was Wulfric's reaction to news of Alleyne in each. How I long for that book (should arrive any day now); it had better be good--I've been waiting for Wulfric's story for a long time.

This story also doesn't touch the heart as deeply as Balogh's works usually do, although Alleyne's response to the war had more impact than Morgan's because it was more subtle and less preachy. There is a good deal of humor both Alleyne and Rachel have good senses of humor, as go the brothel ladies. The story goes awry when Rachel becomes morose and waspish. Alleyne's amnesia lasted a while, and his fear over returning home was interesting but not dealt with fully enough.

Important to the series, definitely -- but I'm hoping that Wulfric's story gets back to the high quality, heart-touching work Balogh is known for.

Rating:
Summary: Bedwyn Slump.
Review: Criticizing a favorite author's work is always difficult. Tragically, I think the Bedwyn family is running out of steam! The family saga is down to the crucial last book (A June 2004 release date -- Wulfric's story) and I am afraid! If SLIGHTLY SINFUL is any indication - I should be terrified!

SLIGHTLY SINFUL is Alleyne's story. Lord Alleyne Bedwyn is the fourth and last son in the Bedwyn clan. Stationed at the British embassy in Brussels, Alleyne is shot when returning from the front lines and left to die in a Belgium forest. Rachel York comes upon his naked body; Alleyne's next stop -- a Brussel brothel -- minus his memory.

Of course, Alleyne and Rachel are the main love interest; regrettably, their relationship lacks substance. Significantly missing is the romance, the lust, the sensuality between the two. In fact, the entire book just doesn't have enough interesting content. Tediously, I read to the end hoping to enjoy the Bedwyn family and their reaction when Alleyne returned to them. Letdown notice -- the family ONLY appears briefly in the waning pages. What a shame! The energy from the vivacious family would have given much life to this lackluster story.

Is there a highlight? The ladies of the brothel and a crusty sergeant are delightful people. Yet, is their participation enough to recommend this book? Sadly, no.

I am disappointed! Mary Balogh is one of my all-time favorites. Presently, I am tracking down her Signet Regency Romance books. These little treasures are wonderful stories; unfortunately, SLIGHTLY SINFUL is a poor imitation.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

Rating:
Summary: Doesn't Quite Reach the Mark........
Review: Ever since Morgan's romance with Gervase in Slightly Tempted, I'd been waiting to here poor lost Alleyne's fate. Too say the least I was slightly dissapointed...... It was very long and plodding.....yet...

Another Satisfied Couple!

Rating:
Summary: What an interesting name
Review: I am a huge fan of this series, but in this book I was very bothered by two thing. First, that I found numerous typos! And very obvious ones! I found three on one page! I was also bothered by not knowing how in the world to pronounce Alleyne's name! Throughout my readings of the first few books and the beginning of SLIGHTLY SINFUL, I had been pronouncing his name Allen, even though I knew it was wrong (Allen is not, after all, as odd a name as one would expect for a man whose siblings are named Wulfric and Freyja). So I took a survey, searched the internet, and finally decided that Alleyne is without a doubt pronounced ah-LEAN. Once I figured it out I could relax and enjoy this book much more. He is, after all, a very charming man even if he cannot remember who he is.

Rating:
Summary: So much better than Morgan's story!
Review: I couldn't finish Morgan's story- in fact I returned it to the store for a refund! BUT, I was pleasantly surprised that this one had a lot of pull- to keep on reading. Generally, I steer clear of amnesia stories, but this one was great.
The characters were fun- the scenes at the heroine's uncle's home was wonderful- the four ladies of the night were admirable and you'd want them for your own friends. This book redeemed the series as far as I am concerned- but I will wait for your reviews before I read Wulfric's story. Keep on reviewing, thanks!

Rating:
Summary: What a way to spend a Saturday!
Review: I have loved Mary Balogh's books for YEARS! I was so excited when I spotted this series. With each book it has gotten better and better. I loved this book I think because in Morgan's story we got a glimpse of Wulf's vulnerability, and in Alleyne's we got to see him show it (albeit briefly). I've told all of my friends and passed my books on to them. Now we're all on a countdown. Can't wait until June! Less than a month to go! WooHoo!!!!

Rating:
Summary: bayoubabe
Review: I loved the other books in this series! But this is a slow, slow, slow book! Five pages would have been enough to find the hero, save the hero, discover hero has memory loss, sleep with heroine, bond formed. This is basically what the first 116 pages covered, over and over again. Still I have high hope for Wulfric's book!

Rating:
Summary: bayoubabe
Review: 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!