Slightly Wicked

Bedwyn Saga Series, Book 2

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

With his laughing eyes and wild, rakish good looks, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, a woman in need of rescue when her stagecoach overturns, Rannulf is simply her savior, a heroic stranger she will reward with one night of reckless passion before she must become a companion to her wealthy aunt. Imagine Judith's shock when the same stranger turns out to be among England's most eligible bachelors, and when he arrives at Harewood Grange to woo her cousin. Certainly, they had made no vows, no promises, but Rannulf never did forget his uninhibited lover - nor did she forget that one delicious night. And as scandal sets the household abuzz, Rannulf proposes a solution. But when Judith refuses to have him - in love or wedlock - Rannulf has only one choice: to wage a campaign of pure pleasure to capture the heart of the woman who has already won his.

©2003 Mary Balogh (P)2016 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"The Bedwyn siblings are the most fascinating romance protagonists to come along since Jude Devereaux's Montgomery brothers in the 1980s, and Balogh's sensuous Regency-era romances set the standard. They are not to be missed." ( Booklist)

Disturbing start

The first half of this book was very uncomfortable. The heroine made choices that seemed unreasonably inconsistent with the person that she was raised to be and the hero behaved in ways that were very unheroic.

I began to care about Judith fairly early, but I was uncomfortable with Rannulf deep into the book. So uncomfortable that I began to doubt my loyalty to Mary Balogh and only my faith in Rosalyn Landor’s standard for quality kept me listening long enough for Rannulf to discover his heroic side.

Everything else about the quality of writing, storytelling and character development is what I have come to expect from Balogh. I do think she allowed Rannulf to treat Judith like a cortisone for far too long, but it does have a happy ending.

Something For Everybody

Would you listen to Slightly Wicked again? Why?

Probably. There's something for everybody; romance, deceptions, sex, mystery, revenge and maliciousness, familial love as well as jealousies and discourteous behavior toward family members, haughty class distinctions, a beautiful niece/cousin treated like Cinderella... plus .

What was one of the most memorable moments of Slightly Wicked?

When the Duke's brother comes across a wrecked stage coach in the rain. Muddy roads make it impossible to set the stage aright so taking one passenger on his horse with him he sends help back for the others. Naturally he chose a pretty girl to ride with him. He pretends to be someone else, as does she. They spend 2 nights together before the rain lets up. While he is gone to rent a carriage to take her to her supposed destination, she leaves him by taking a public stage before he gets back.

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

Difficult question to answer, as she always gives a great performance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The lonely and mistreated poor relative, Judith Law, moved me to feel pity for her. Regardless of her plight in life she puts a smile on her face and tries to make the most of it.

Any additional comments?

This is my second book in the Bedwyn Saga Series and both were well worth a credit. I enjoyed them both and look forward to more.

Great narration!

Landor is so accomplished as a narrator and I look for her works. She gives life to the many characters.

The novel itself is very nice and gives full details allowing the audience an ability to lose themselves and become part of the story.

I gave 4 stars overall simply because I feel it was slightly longer than needed.

I will listen to the entire series!

Best of the Bedwyn series so far!

I haven't yet read all the books and this is only the second in the series. I liked Aiden and Eve well enough but Rannulf and Judith have been simply enchanting. Absolutely beautiful and thoroughly charming story. The narrator did it justice indeed. Can't wait to read the rest of the stories. I am particularly interested in Bewcastle's story as he has already become an enigma to me and I love the fact that it will be the last one. Here I go...

Soooo good

Such an enjoyable listen with the marvelous Mary Balogh putting me through the emotional paces with this second Bedwyn Saga story. Lord Ranulff Bedwyn and gentlewoman Judith Law are the challenged HEA couple. When an author manages to touch my heart strings and I want to go after anyone who messes with the H/h, I finish the book with a deep sigh and a big smile. Wonderful settings, seemingly era appropriate dialogue, and characters to care about are hallmarks of Ms. Balogh's historical romances. Again, the exceptional Rosalyn Landor narrates with the absolutely right amount of drama.

So freaking fantastic!

This audio book was just what I needed. A beautiful, deep, lovely romance!! I forgot how much I love this author. And the narrator...amazing!

Finally the SLIGHTLY series!!!

Balogh's best series. Great narrator. I've been requesting these for years. Speed up the releases!!!

Awesome

Totally worth the listen ! I have heard the series out of order but that didn't affect the series. Every word is spoken with much clarity and diction. Would I recommend this series ? Oh, yes, I would recommend it over and over.

Great Plot, Great Characters, Awesome Narrator

Have borrowed this book from the library numerous times. Purchased the audiobook when I noticed the narrator. She make the characters believable and does NOT speak in a monotone which can affect the sense of the story.

Swept away into this romance.

I had no idea I could get so hooked? I loved this story and this author!

Dreadful narration of a lovely book!

Ran null is 28, so why has the narrator voiced him as though he were a 60+ pervert? The Rannulf voice is really sleazy, creepy and OLD!!
He is supposed to be a 'Jack the lad', young, vibrant but is voiced like a dirty old man. The rest of the narration is dodgy too - it's put me off the other Mary Balogh books narrated by this narrator! AVOID!!!
A really disappointing experience.

A little bit wicked

I really enjoyed this. Having not been entirely enthralled by book 1, I was nervous about book 2 but I needn't have worried. Mary Balogh pulled it out the bag. I loved Ranulph and Judith. The cast of extras was also superb and I may be falling a little in love with the Duke. Although I could see where the twist was going, I didn't see how the resolution was going to come. Thoroughly entertaining. And once again, beautifully narrated.

Great narrator as always!

A story line you can get lost in. The characters are incredibly believable. Enjoyed listening.

A bit more than wicked

A wonderful narration of this novel - would recommend! The story keeps you griped all the way through not knowing how the story will evolve.

Very enjoyable

The Balogh/Landor formula is a treat. A good story well told if a bit drawn out.

OK for historical lovers read

It took me a while to finish this. The narrators voice acting was better than book 1. The twists were expected. If u just want a gentle book this is it.

Enjoyable

I like the series, but this is not my favourite story, they are Freya's Adian's and Bewcastle's stories.
However; this holds it own and you get carried away by the problems faced by women at the time.
Thankfully all these stories can be read out of order, but they work better, if read in order.

A real treat

I certainly feel that these books have no ked off to a good start. Like the first the story does not fail to entertain and the family dynamics have remained consistent.

Wow - what a fantastic storyteller!!!

Second in the Slightly series I can't wait for 3rd. Excellent, exciting and passionate. Thankyou.