My reaction to this book was very similar to how I felt about the first one in the series: There are aspects I did not like and it did have some lengthy stretches, but despite that I enjoyed it tremendously and was just happy each time I opened the audible app and started my book. One reason is that Rosalyn Landor is a superb narrator and, so far, my favourite narrator of historical romances. Her interpretation of the stories and the characters is just perfect.

The premise of this novel seems rather improbable: Judith Law, the daughter of an impoverished clergyman, is sent to a wealthy part of her extended family to be a companion to her grandmother, or rather, an unpaid servant. During her trip to their mansion, there is a coach accident and she meets Rannulf Bedwyn, who takes her to the nearest village. They are attracted to each other and, believing her chance at happiness to be over soon, Judith spends a couple of nights with him in order to at least have one adventure in her life before no man will ever look at her again. But of course, they meet again after a few days when Rannulf arrives at the mansion to court Judith's beautiful and affluent cousin.

Although the plot is foreseeable in the long run, there were a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. I liked Judith and Rannulf and they are believable as a couple, although Judith's actions were not always comprehensible to me and I wanted to shake her a few times.

The underlying theme of the objectification of women that is apparent in all relations that Judith has to men goes a step further from the topic of money and social standing, and it added depth and stronger characterizations to the story.

I'm looking forward to continuing with this series soon! ( )

This is the third I’ve read in the Bedwyn series, and I think it’s my favorite so far. I loved Judith and Rannulf, and though the main conflicts were predictable, the way they played out were not, which I appreciated. The characterizations of the antagonists were rather shallow, but the Bedwyn family was awesome as always, and if I hadn’t already skipped ahead to Wulf’s book, I probably would have after this one. I loved that one of things Rannulf and Judith had in common was their caring relationships with their grannies. Very sweet.

Looking forward to Freyja’s book, which is next in the series. ( )

Slightly Wicked is the second book in a historical romance series by Mary Balogh. Each book follows a different Bedwyn sibling as they find romance. This book introduces the third son, Rannulf, and as he is on the way to visit his grandmother, he meets Judith Law, who as a poor relation, is on her way to live with her aunt. With a rainstorm making travel impossible, they are thrown together but each hides their true identity and share a passionate couple of nights.

When Judith arrives at her aunt’s, she is given baggy clothes to wear and has to cover her red-gold hair with caps. She is made to stay in the background as the aunt doesn’t want any attention to be taken away from her own daughter as they are planning to capture a rich duke for her to wed. Of course, when the duke arrives he is none other than Rannulf. Rannulf finds himself strongly attracted to Judith and his close observation of her results in his protecting her from the unwanted attention of Judith’s step-cousin. After having been thwarted this cousin swears revenge on both Rannulf and Judith.

A fun story with a definite “Cinderella” slant. Although there were some unbelievable plot points, I enjoyed reading of the two main characters as their lust for each other slowly develops into a trusting friendship and eventually a strong love. I am looking forward to reading more about the Bedwyn family. ( )

Part Jane Austen wit, part Shakespearean comedy. Cleverly done and very enjoyable.

2nd read- I've decided it's a mix of Shakespearean comedy, Jane Austen (particularly Pride and Prejudice), and Cinderella. =D Maybe even a little Ugly Duckling thrown in. It has a nice cast of characters, the leads are all likable, the villains are terrible, different trying characters are appropriately exasperating, etc. The leads have a few daft moments, but they're pretty brief, and the rest of the time they're respectably intelligent. Overall it has lots of laughter and enjoyment for me. ( )

Generally good, solid stuff (Cinderella!) but it relied on a certain kind of tension in the second/later chapters that was not really convincing. I liked the characters and all their various relationships, but could've used more between Judith and Ralf by that point. I got this sort of pursuing her, sort of not vibe...
But so solid, I'd revisit so 3.5 rounded up. ( )