I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Slightly Married
by
Mary Balogh
inspirational romance in Paperback edition that was published by Dell Books on April 1, 2003 and has 342 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Slightly Wicked, Slightly Tempted, Slightly Scandalous, Slightly Dangerous, A Summer to Remember, Simply Unforgettable, Simply Love, Simply Magic, The Proposal, The Arrangement, Only Enchanting, Only a Promise, Only a Kiss, Only Beloved, Someone to Love, Someone to Hold, Someone to Wed, Someone to Care, Someone to Trust, Someone to Remember, Someone to Honor, Someone Perfect, Someone to Cherish
First in the Bedwyn Saga historical romance series. The couple focus is on Lord Aidan Bedwyn and Eve.
In 2004, Slightly Married won the All About Romance Annual Reader Poll for Best European Historical Romance.
My Take
This was sweet and well-written! Balogh does a beautiful little romance while keeping the mores and style of the time period well in hand. It is a clichéd story but very well done with the duke-in-waiting keeping his honor for the sake of a coal miner’s son.
The Story
Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart — and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier’s request.
Having promised to comfort and protect the man’s sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection…nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart. And when a relative threatens to turn Eve out of her home, Aidan gallantly makes her an offer she can’t refuse: marry him…if only to save her home.
And now, as all of London breathlessly awaits the transformation of the new Lady Aidan Bedwyn, the strangest thing happens: With one touch, one searing embrace, Aidan and Eve’s “business arrangement” is about to be transformed into something slightly surprising.
The Characters
Colonel Lord Aidan is the brother and heir of the Duke of Bedwyn.
Eve is the sister of a fellow soldier and lives at Ringwood Manor.
The Cover and Title
The cover has the appearance of embossed wallpaper in an orange-ish red with the title, author’s name, and information text raised in gold. With a gold-touched, cherub of a Cupid aiming his arrow.
The title is too true, as this isn’t really a marriage, it’s a business arrangement, which means they are only Slightly Married in Eve’s eyes.
