Rating: 
Summary: An Engaging Read
Review: "Slightly Married" is another great offering from Mary Balogh. While the plot itself is not the most original plot ever, romance readers don't really read for plot, we read for character development. And Balogh delivers some great characters.Eve and Aidan are two people from radically different backgrounds. Aidan is the younger brother of a Duke and Eve is the only daughter of a Coal Miner made good, fit together like the final to pieces to a puzzle. The multi-book - family saga deal is really popular at the moment with mixed results. I have found that often the books are repetitive because the characters seem to be carbon copies of each other. Balogh doesn't have that problem. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Rating:
Summary: a touching and grwon up romance novel
Review: "Slightly Married" is the first installment in a new series of books by Mary Balogh featuring the Bedwyn siblings (first introduced to readers in "A Summer To Remember"). And while, as other reviewers have already noted, the storyline hinges on a not entirely original plot-premise, the authour's thoughtful and skillfully storytelling skills makes "Slightly Married" a very compelling read, and well worth recommending as a worthwhile read. Once Captain Percy Morris saved his commanding officer's (Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn) life in the heat of battle, and now, as Morris lies dying, he begs Aidan repay that debt by seeking out Morris's sister, Eve, out in and by promising to take care and protect her no matter what the personal cost. An honourable and dependable gentleman, Aidan makes for Ringwood Manor in Oxfordshire as soon as he's able in order to break the news of Morris's death to Eve, and to give Eve whatever aid she may need. There, he discovers that there was indeed a reason for Morris's heartfelt plea. According to their father's will, while Ringwood Manor belongs to Eve, she'll loose everything to her nasty cousin Cecil unless she's married by the time her father's one year death anniversary comes around. That date is just a few weeks away, and Eve has yet to marry, nor is there a prospective suitor in sight. And because Cecil has threatened to turn out all of Eve's faithful and dependent servants as well as the pair of orphans that she's taking care of, as well as her penniless aunt, Eve is in a real bind. So that when Aidan proposes a paper marriage -- he will give her the security of his name while they will live apart and make no claims on her wealth or property -- Eve finds herself accepting this strange proposal of marriage. However the couple contends without the intervention of the proud and autocratic Duke of Bewcastle (Aidan's elder brother). Concerned about the reputation of his family, he's not about to allow Aidan's hole-in-the-corner marriage make the Bedwyns the season's latest bit of gossip, and he persuades Eve to allow the family to introduce her into society. Suddenly this paper marriage is beginning to feel and seem like a real one as Aidan and Eve struggle with the realties of their situation -- like the fact that they come from two very different social milieux, how exactly each will fit into the other's world, and how exactly to deal with the feelings that each is developing for the other, esp when they're not sure what the other wants or expects from this marriage... "Slightly Married" may not read like a grand love story, and indeed some readers may feel a little dissatisfied about the manner in which this story unfolds -- sexual tension doesn't exactly sizzle between Eve and Aidan. And yet, I found "Slightly Married" to be a totally compelling read. This is an almost entirely character driven novel. And what makes this book work are the characters of Aidan and Eve, and the gradual manner in which the authour allowed for both Eve and Aidan to gradually discover each other's strengths, vulnerabilites and loveable qualities -- it made me believe that this marriage would definitely stand the test of time and circumstances. (And reading about how Eve deals with these autocratic Bedwyns was definitely satisfying as well.) So, if you're looking for a well written and intelligently crafted book, with central characters that will win you over completely, "Slightly Married" is definitely the book for you. It may not be a BIG and GRAND romance novel, but is nevertheless quite a nice, quiet gem of a read.
Rating: 
Summary: Great read
Review: As the author of the love story "Mourning Losses"where a young woman struggles with her love for a "bad boy" who is sexy yet unavailable, I consider myself an expert on the difficulties or writing a romantic novel.
I think that Mary Balogh did a great job with "Slightly Married"
Occe I started reading it I couldnt put the book down. It's a great story and a page turning read!
Rating: 
Summary: Slightly recycled
Review: As with all of Mary Balogh's romances, this one presents accurate history and plausible situations. However, I was distracted throughout the book by the resemblances to Jo Beverley's Malloren family romance; there were more than a few similarities between Rothgar and Wulf, and the unusual set of first names also harkens back to that series as well. I see reflections of Georgette Heyer, too. Having said that, I compliment Balogh on the time she takes to draw her main characters as more than just one primary characteristic (e.g., "loyal" or "autocratic") and as having complex motivations for their actions.
Rating:
Summary: Enriching love story
Review: Before detractors lament the uninspired plot of Mary Balogh's debut of the Bedwyn's trilogy, her legion of fans will know better that it is her style to translate the most ordinary into an intimate story with roiling emotions. Col. Lord Aidan Bedwyn indebted to savior Captain Morris honors his last promise to take care of his sister on the Battlefield of Toulouse. It brings him to Ringwood Manor and the fiercely independent Eve Morris who provides employment and lodging to two abandoned children and an disabled Aunt Mari. She desires no protection from him despite her manor will be bequeathed to her vengeful cousin Cecil. Aidan discovers and marries her so that she may keep her manor. The marriage of convenience soon gets complicated when Duke of Bewcastle, Aidan's brother, fetches Eve to London and expects her to fulfil her obligations as Aidan's wife. Spurred by dignity, she wills herself to be presented to the ton under the marchioness's tutelage and holds her own against Aidan's family. While love and admiration grows, interlopers like Eve's former lover and Aidan's hardened nature threatens the tenuous relationship. Seldom is a Regency Romance attentive to its timing and atmosphere as Ms. Balogh moves the courtship from the rural Ringwood Manor to the glittering ton of London under Queen Charlotte's reign. The story unfolds with interesting revelations to the characters like Duke of Bewcastle's indirect gush of love and honor to his family, Aidan's vulnerable side as a soldier and Eve's passion for her children. These are endearing creatures sculpted with emotional delicacy to spare readers from melodrama and sympathy. They instead earn our approval and instant respect in this superb tale of passion and redemption. Though no way surpassing her excellent A Summer To Remember, Ms. Balogh's rise as Queen of Regency is slightly progressing with another enriching love story.
Rating:
Summary: Better than slightly good!
Review: Hey, I liked it. It is true to MB's form of writing. It is the 1st of the Bedwyn Series- Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn promises a dying soldier (of whom he owes a debt) to not only deliver a message of his death to his only sister in person but also to protect her. Later he finds out the only way of doing that is by offering marriage to Eve Morris, giving her the protection of his name. The offer is made and the arrangement is agreed upon for a wedding by special licence (since time is against them) and then to go separate ways, still married but never to see each other again. Aidan will return to his occupation in the military (with no-longer the possibility of marrying the general's daughter and be his companion during war campaigns). Eve will return to her home without the threat of no chance of becoming homeless and having to turn out those that have become dependent on her (and no-longer the possibility of marrying a former sweetheart/lover that promised to return any day now and announce their engagement). But when the Duke of Bewcastle (Aidan's oldest brother, head of the family) finds out that Lady Aidan exist he has other plans for Eve and its not to stay at home but to be in London with Aidan. A wife's place is beside her husband in society, right?! Even if she is the daughter of a deceased coal miner- she is a bedwyn now and must be presented to society and the family! A plan that was so simply to take place turns upside down. It is a sweet heart-throbbing story of of 2 souls thrown together and love to be discovered. A great read, highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: True to form
Review: I am a fan of Mary Balogh's books in general and very much like those that are interrelated; thus, I am very pleased to be starting a new series - this one that involves the Bedwyn family: The Duke of Bewcastle and his 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
First in the series, the hero is Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn the second son; he has served in the army since age 18. We first meet him making a promise to a dying subordinate to see that his sister is protected "no matter what". The promise sends Lord Aidan off to Ringwood Manor where he meets Miss Eve Morris. Daughter of a coal miner (who bought his way into the landed gentry) she was raised as a lady, is fiercely independent, and collects "lame ducks". Eve needs to be "protected" from her small-minded rather nasty cousin Cecil - and to do that Aidan must marry her to fulfill a condition in her father's will. So begins a "marriage of convenience".
In Balogh's talented hands, this well used "plot" becomes the vehicle whereby we watch the two main characters discover the depths of each other's character and gradually fall in love. Unlike another reviewer, I did not find this book to be "light hearted romance" but something a lot better. As I very much prefer romance stories that are character driven to those that depend on an "exciting" (and too often improbable) plot, Slightly Married is a definite winner for me. Don't get me wrong, there is tension and conflict here, but it mainly involves Eve and her learning to cope with the Bedwyn family and their mode of life. Balogh's firm grasp of the Regency time period is a definite asset here.
Along the way we meet and learn a few things about the two youngest members of the family and learn quite a bit more about Lady Freyja and the Duke. I must admit that I am already wondering how the Duke's story will unfold! In the last chapter we are introduced to Lord Ralf who will feature in the next book - unlike a previous reviewer, I was not bothered by this.
In summary - if you want your romance story driven by an exciting and fast moving plot with a clear cut villain, then you will likely be somewhat disappointed in Slightly Married. However if you, like me, prefer romances featuring multi-faceted characters with depth, faults as well as virtues, then I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Slightly imperfect but enjoyable nonetheless..
Review: I guess it would be kind of difficult even for Mary Balogh to top herself after the incredible romance that was A Summer to Remember. Even so, this book still manages to be a keeper regardless of the generic plot. This is the first book starring the formidable Bedwyn family first introduced in ASTR. Colonel Lord Aidan Bedwyn has made a battlefield promise to a fallen comrade to protect his sister Eve "no matter what". Ever so dutiful, Aidan takes that promise very seriously. So seriously in fact that he is willing to marry said sister in order to protect her from imminent homelessness. Eve is a proud woman (with a bit of a past) and she would have never accepted what Lord Aidan offered if it wasn't for the unconventional family she is responsible for. Eve's family consists mostly of orphans, abused women and ex convicts and she will do anything to protect them including marrying a man she dislikes on sight. So the plan is quite simple: it will be a marriage of convenience with no strings attached. That is until Aidan's older brother the powerful, awe inspiring Duke of Bewcastle gets wind of the situation and orders Eve to London immediately to be presented to society as Lady Aidan Bedwyn. Not because he is happy about the union (he isn't.She is a mere coal miners daughter, after all) but because it is his duty to protect the illustrious Bedwyn name from gossip and scandal. So, with a lift of his aristocratic brow the duke throws Eve into Aidan's sphere forcing their brains to recognize what their hearts already had. Anyone who reads romance will recognize this plot and agree that is has been done to death. However, Balogh manages to take the tiresome, overused marriage of convenience and turn it into a sweet, sometimes poignant story of two people who have found their life long mate but due to circumstances or their own stubborness are unable to accept it. Watching them come to terms with their feelings and the seeming impossibility of those feelings ever being reciprocated is what romance is all about.As I said before this book cannot compare to Balogh's previous effort but even her worst book (is there such a thing?) is better than other authors best any day. I was very tempted to give this book five stars if only for the apperance of the formidable Duke of Bewcastle who fairly steals the story from Eve and Aidan. Alas, I couldn't get over the been there done that feeling so four stars it is but still I highly recommend it. :-)
Rating: 
Summary: Totally wooden
Review: I know Aidan is supposed to be a solider, but his campaign to woo his wife is absoltely the most unromantic thing I hae ever read. He is constantly telling her he is going to leave her, and even his decision to take her to bed in a tawdry inn is based on the fact that he is going to dump her but since they are supposed to be married for the rest of their lives he might as well show her what it is like to have a man in her bed.
Eve and her lame ducks are very sweet, but she has about as much personality as a vat of goose grease. The interfering Bedwyns really do very little to help this along, and the only man of any real sexual interest is the cold and aloof Wulf.
I cannot imagine anyone describing this book as a romance when the love scenes are at best a coming together of two rathr frigid bodies. There is no inidcation he loves and respects her as the person she has become, and even the premise that her love thaws him is flawed-he never thaws at all throughout the whole book, not even at the end when he decides to hang around after all. This is a wealthy man who can do or have whatever he wants, and hs just settles for her to keep his promise to her dead brother. I have given up on the Bedwyn series-they are all exceedingly dull and certainly do not live up to their titles at all.
Rating:
Summary: I loved this book!!!!
Review: I started it yesterday and finished it today..It is Thanks Giving and I had a hard time, trying to NOT pick the book up and failed....snuck in another room, away from the hustle and bustle of In-Laws and finished it. I have to say * Thanks Ms. Balogh for taking me away from my In-laws*
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