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Slightly Tempted (Bedwyn Saga #4)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 2,890 ratings · 105 reviews

Meet the Bedwyns—six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality.

Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Morgan Bedwyn, the willful youngest daughter, discovers that true love is a temptation no woman can—or should—resist.

Young. Ravi...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published December 30th 2003 by Dell (first published 2003)

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Jan 21, 2012 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

After being somewhat disappointed with Slightly Scandalous, the previous book in this series, I'm glad to say that things got back on track in this book. Slightly Tempted tells the story of Morgan Bedwyn, the youngest, most beautiful of the Bedwyn siblings, and the only one who had the fortune of not being afflicted by the famous, prominent Bedwyn nose.

Thirty-year-old Gervase Ashford, the Earl of Rosthorn, has been living in exile on the Continent for the last nine years after being banished fro...more

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Sep 01, 2009 Fani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical, 2009-purchase, revenge-driven, hero-is-a-rake, emotional, heroine-miss-perfect, fake-betrothal, belle-of-the-ball, paperbacks-read

Lady Morgan Bedwyn is in Brussels, mere days before the Waterloo battle. In those days she meets Gervase, Earl of Rosthorn and is charmed by him. His motives though are not pure; he seeks revenge against her brother, the duke, for a wrong done to him ten years ago. A wrong that made his father send him away from England for the rest of his life. So Gervase plans to taint Morgan's reputation as her brother tainted his. But upon getting to know her, he begins to see the real woman underneath and a...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Julie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Morgan's story took me forever to read and I barely liked it. For one thing, I dislike revenge plot lines and then I found Morgan to be the most annoying, headstrong, impetuous heroine I've come across in a long time. I just felt like slapping her. Over and over I rolled my eyes over something she did. The worse being when she makes an incredibly rash mistake with the hero, Gervase, while in Brussels. Didn't she care or understand the implications of it - and what that might mean on her wedding...more Morgan's story took me forever to read and I barely liked it. For one thing, I dislike revenge plot lines and then I found Morgan to be the most annoying, headstrong, impetuous heroine I've come across in a long time. I just felt like slapping her. Over and over I rolled my eyes over something she did. The worse being when she makes an incredibly rash mistake with the hero, Gervase, while in Brussels. Didn't she care or understand the implications of it - and what that might mean on her wedding night with a future husband?! Plus, the whole thing, brief as it was, was anything but romantic. I cringed. On top of that, the whole theme of revenge and misunderstanding was tiresome. It took me a while to warm up to Gervase, but once we learn the truth behind his scandal, I had more sympathy for him, but he really did nothing for me as a hero, and the constant French phrases of endearment he uses ma chérie and mon chère became irritating and clichéd.

The first half of the book while in Brussels bored me to tears, and the endless nursing and bandaging of the soldiers after the Battle of Waterloo went on and on. It was almost reminiscent of Gone With the Wind, but without the intriguing characters of Rhett and Scarlett. Once they return to England it wasn't much better - maybe... slightly. Morgan became impossible once she learns the truth of Gervase's original intent to woo her and why. Her behavior towards him was inconsistent, which is it? Does she want to jump his bones or remain indifferent to him and keep up the charade of being betrothed and then jilt him? I hated this entire scenario, which comes up a lot in this series, fake engagements. Yes, I get it, Morgan is only 18, but she was so childish, yet we're supposed to believe she is so mature in other ways? I could not wait for this book to be over, and the only reason why I finished it and didn't give up on it long ago was because I want to read all the books leading up to Wulfric's story! The best part of this book was the very last line - the cliffhanger lead in for the next book in the series. Hopefully it's better than this disappointment. 2.5/5(less)

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Jul 18, 2009 Edna Lyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, historical-romance

This is yet again one of those book which left me unsure of what to rate it.

In terms of romance, this was certainly a letdown. I found myself annoyed by the hero. He's one of those jaded rakes who you never know when he's serious. When push came to shove, I had no clue whether he was actually genuine about his feelings. In addition, I wasn't fond of the revenge and deceit storyline...it made him look so insincere. Josh was all charm and joking in the last book but he was written in a way that m...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Natalie rated it 4 of 5 stars

With the first three Bedwyn books behind me, I felt I was able to adjust well to MB's style.

This book was a good book. Our hero has returned to England after having left it nine years ago in disgrace. Unfortunately for our heroine, she is caught up in his return, because one of the factors in his disgrace involved her eldest brother.

The hero intends to dally with the heroine in order to get back at her brother. Not a new plot, but given that the two of them meet while outside of London and in th...more With the first three Bedwyn books behind me, I felt I was able to adjust well to MB's style.

This book was a good book. Our hero has returned to England after having left it nine years ago in disgrace. Unfortunately for our heroine, she is caught up in his return, because one of the factors in his disgrace involved her eldest brother.

The hero intends to dally with the heroine in order to get back at her brother. Not a new plot, but given that the two of them meet while outside of London and in the middle of a battle zone does add an interesting element. Right now the war on Napoleon is being waged, and the timing is not his first defeat, but his return from Elba Island.

I must add without giving spoilers that there is a setup for the next novel in this book involving one of the heroine's other brothers.

This is all something I appreciated while reading the book. Adding the Napoleon War as a backdrop to the romance was pleasing to me as the reader, because the book didn't focus on the romance between the hero and heroine. Which, if you ask me, in some novels can become almost boring and predictable if it only worries about the two people getting together. However, this is just my humble opinion.

I also enjoyed the cliffhanger MB leaves us with at the end of the book. I was very glad that I had the next book in hand, because if I had been forced to wait to read the next one, I think I would've pulled my hair out.

What I didn't like about this book... Naturally, there was something. I kind of rolled my eyes when the heroine kept gushing over some pompous aristocrat who kept boasting like he would single-handedly defeat Napoleon. I suppose MB was going for the aspect of the fear of death making the heroine a little more attached to the peacock than if the situation were a normal one. I suppose this thread of the story had to be this way, but it made me want to punch something every time that dork opened his mouth.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend people pick it up. Although I would advise to go back and start at the beginning. While it's probably not necessary, this series is likeable enough I would strongly suggest it. And be sure to start with One Reckless Summer, because that's apparently the prequel to introduction of the Bedwyn family.(less)

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Apr 13, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, regency

Slightly tempted may be my favorite Mary Balogh that I have read to date, at least my favorite in this series.

***Proceed with caution - there are hints of plot spoilage ***

Many reasons I enjoyed this book:

The heroine and hero were both strong but likeable. Though only 18 years old, Lady Morgan was intelligent, empathetic, and wise. Gervase appears at first to be a rake bent on revenge, but reveals himself to possess empathy, humor, and wit.

The romance unfolded throughout the book and kept yo...more Slightly tempted may be my favorite Mary Balogh that I have read to date, at least my favorite in this series.

***Proceed with caution - there are hints of plot spoilage ***

Many reasons I enjoyed this book:

The heroine and hero were both strong but likeable. Though only 18 years old, Lady Morgan was intelligent, empathetic, and wise. Gervase appears at first to be a rake bent on revenge, but reveals himself to possess empathy, humor, and wit.

The romance unfolded throughout the book and kept you guessing. Even though I assumed I’d get my happy ending, as the book drew closer to the end I started getting worried and wondered how the romance would turn around. I also enjoy a romance where the man falls for the woman first.

The verbal sparring and good humor between them made the chemistry feel real. As they try to out think each other, they fall in love.

Balogh books often involve much internal reflection and external discourse on love and other topics, but it doesn’t always blend well into the story. Here the discussions of war and love and forgiveness flowed well as in this conversation:

“It is a common failing of men. They see someone they consider beautiful and desirable and eligible, and they imagine that they love her. In fact, though, they love themselves reflected in her eyes. They have no interest in discovering who she is.” . . . “Is that true only of men? Do not many women do the same thing?”

I’ve read at least 8 of the books from Balogh’s various interwoven series, and begun to find them a bit repetitious but not this book. Even though the characters were somewhat familiar, I did not get that “let’s trot everyone out into the story because it’s part of a series” feeling. The siblings felt much more integrated into the story. The plot aspect involving Lady Morgan’s brother Wulfric and the hero Gervase also helped make sense of the Wulfric’s romance, Slightly Dangerous.

I also appreciated the very delicate way that Ms. Balogh introduced a same sex relationship into the story. Such relationships certainly must have existed during the regency period. Great plot twist.

* Rated on my five star romance scale. Approx 3.5 hours to read "Coltish" appears once (grrr).
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Dec 15, 2011 June rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bedwyn-family, favorite-romance-series, mary-balogh

I have enjoyed the Bedwyn Family Saga (Slightly Series) so much. Morgan Bedwyn and Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn meet in Brussels around the time of The Battle of Waterloo.

Morgan is beautiful, young (18), and the youngest of the Bedwyn clan. She is strong willed, stubborn with a mind of her own. Just like the rest of the Bedwyn's. Morgan also has an innocence about her mostly I think because of her age and sheltered life, but she knows her own mind and sets out on a course that appears she...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history, romance

Fourth in the Bedwyn Saga historical romance series set in Regency England and revolving around the Bedwyn siblings.

The Story
Many of the ton have gathered in Brussels to celebrate Napoleon having been exiled to Elba only to find themselves trapped on the eve of Waterloo. One of the exiles, Gervase Ashford is also there, to tease and cajole Morgan. She believes he is merely flirting; she doesn't realize that flirting is simply a cover for destroying her reputation so, in turn, it will destroy her...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: strong-secondary-characters

I wasn't able to connect with the main characters in this book as I was with the previous ones in the series. For one thing, unless I somehow missed it (which I doubt as I went over the first few chapters) MB never gave a solid description of the H Gervase. The only thing said was that he was tall, of good form, handsome and has silver eyes. Seriously, I need more than that for my visual. I NEED hair color and style.. really I do, at LEAST that.
And again, another fake engagement. While I love...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Wealhtheow rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, regency

At 21, Gervase Ashford was used as a lady's method of breaking her engagement. He was humiliated, and his father exiled him from England. Gervase spent the next 9 years touring Europe, indulging himself in every debauched pleasure to avoid acknowledging how upset he is. But then, his father dies, leaving him Earl of Rosthorn. Before he can work himself up to returning to England, he comes across Lady Morgan Bedwyn, the youngest sibling of the Duke of Bewcastle. Gervase still blames the Duke for...more At 21, Gervase Ashford was used as a lady's method of breaking her engagement. He was humiliated, and his father exiled him from England. Gervase spent the next 9 years touring Europe, indulging himself in every debauched pleasure to avoid acknowledging how upset he is. But then, his father dies, leaving him Earl of Rosthorn. Before he can work himself up to returning to England, he comes across Lady Morgan Bedwyn, the youngest sibling of the Duke of Bewcastle. Gervase still blames the Duke for his exile, and decides to ruin Morgan's reputation as revenge. His plot is made easier because Morgan's older brother and guardian, Alleyne, goes missing and is presumed dead at the Battle of Waterloo. Morgan is left in his power, and he promptly ruins her in as many ways as possible. Then they return to England together, and he keeps manipulating events and coaxing Morgan into all these terrible situations. And then we're supposed to feel sorry for him, because when he was 21 he was accused of a crime. (He thinks to himself that 21 was too young to know how to deal with that kind of thing, apparently forgetting that the girl he's currently plotting against is fully three years younger than that.) And then, naturally, they get married.

This is my least favorite of the Bedwyn series by far, for the simple reason that I despised Gervase, from the tip of his phony toes to the top of his self-pitying head. The way he calls Morgan "cherie" in his oh-so-sexy French accent would be bad enough, but he compounds my distaste by reacting stupidly to other people's schemes and manipulating and taking advantage of an 18 year old. His "romance" with Morgan is icky and creepy and just not at all romantic in the least. Morgan, meanwhile, is strangely easy to manipulate into compromising situations. Her first few indiscretions are either accidental or seem very understandable, given that Gervase is a handsome man and she thinks she can handle herself. But (view spoiler)(less)

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May 02, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-reads

I'm giving this book four stars just for the series of chapters set before, during, and after Waterloo. Good use of historical details, including the ridiculous blase attitude by the ton with regards to Britain's chances against Bonaparte's forces (Morgan has an excellent point when she notes Napoleon couldn't have amassed such a string of military successes if he wasn't charismatic, or a brilliant commander or both - Russia in winter aside - and perhaps he shouldn't be dismissed simply because...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Kennedy rated it 3 of 5 stars

To the Point: Predictable but enjoyable ride.

In More Detail: (spoilers) I have enjoyed reading the Bedwyn series but of them, this is not my favorite. While it did not necessarily occupy the majority of the story telling I am put off by the war aspects of the novel. The main characters, Morgan and Gervase are both likeable. The midnight garden party in the park was such a romantic idea. I was happy that in the end Gervase’s innocence was proven and I was pleased that even though Morgan realized...more To the Point: Predictable but enjoyable ride.

In More Detail: (spoilers) I have enjoyed reading the Bedwyn series but of them, this is not my favorite. While it did not necessarily occupy the majority of the story telling I am put off by the war aspects of the novel. The main characters, Morgan and Gervase are both likeable. The midnight garden party in the park was such a romantic idea. I was happy that in the end Gervase’s innocence was proven and I was pleased that even though Morgan realized she had been used that she never believed that Gervase was guilty. It was interesting that Balogh married the youngest Bedwyn off to a much older man (she 18, he 30). As much as I love Wulf, I was also grateful that he didn’t really come to save the day this time. I’m not sure what to make of the fact that Alleyne is presumed dead. Already knowing that he has his own book, as a reader, I know he hasn’t died and can only imagine there will be some sort of amnesia involved. I like several of the lines that Frejya has in her brief appearances in Slightly Tempted. Although I could feel it coming, Balogh introducing a lesbian couple was an interesting twist. I suppose I found their setup of Gervase slightly unbelievable however – or more to the point, the fact that they would have not admitted their guilt any earlier is what I found unbelievable or maybe simply unforgiveable. In order to avoid being married, Marianne, set up Gervase to take a fall. She lured him to her private quarters, drugged him, setup a scene that made it looks as though they had been together and then had his own relative, Henrietta, direct her father, Wulf and Gervase’s father to come in and witness the scene. When they entered she let them believe that Gervase had taken her against her will. Then to prevent a marriage between she and Gervase she pretended that jewelry of hers was missing – assumed to have been stolen by Gervase. Gervase’s father believes his son guilty on all counts and banishes him. Ouch. So in the end we are to feel for Marianne and Henrietta and both are forgiven by Gervase but, wow, what good person would allow an undeserved banishment for nine years? How terrible that Gervase and his father did not have that time together. I was pleased that Marianne did admit her guilt in the end and that there was not a general shock and outrage at her preferences. I found it slightly overindulgent that Morgan forced Gervase to propose to her in order to torment him by having him serve her every whim but I also enjoyed it.

Style: Easy to read. Not a lot of descriptive passages. Includes sex scenes – not overly detailed. Historical.
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Nov 26, 2011 Lori McD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british-lit, chick-lit, easy-read, favorite-author, fun-fluff, guilty-pleasure, historical-fiction, napoleonic, regency, romance, some-steam, 2011_read

I like that not only are each of the Bedwyn's unique, but their stories are unique as well. While Freya's is reminiscent of Kit's story in "A Summer to Remember", hers was the only one to bring in similar elements.

This is Morgan's story, and it's definitely all her own. She's the only one of the Bedwyn clan without the well-known Bedwyn hook nose. She's the one considered to be a classic beauty, like their mother. And she's the one who just had her first Season, being only 18 years old. But we'v...more I like that not only are each of the Bedwyn's unique, but their stories are unique as well. While Freya's is reminiscent of Kit's story in "A Summer to Remember", hers was the only one to bring in similar elements.

This is Morgan's story, and it's definitely all her own. She's the only one of the Bedwyn clan without the well-known Bedwyn hook nose. She's the one considered to be a classic beauty, like their mother. And she's the one who just had her first Season, being only 18 years old. But we've seen that Morgan is unlike her brothers and sisters in other ways, too. She's the artist, who doesn't just paint what she sees, but what she feels... what she senses is underneath what she's painting. Morgan seems to be very attune to others' feelings, even those they're trying to hide. Morgan enjoys solitude -- some time to herself. As her brother Aidan says, Morgan doesn't need constant noise and movement about her all the time.

So it's no shock to discover at the beginning of this book, that Morgan is not in England. Nor will the first part of her story take place in England. No, rather she's in Belgium during the time when Napoleon had escaped his exile and was threatening to come against the Allies once again. He's expected to storm Belgium at any time. And the British soldiers and officers are saying, as most of the untried ones do on the eve of a war, that the whole thing will be over in a matter of weeks. Morgan is there being chaperoned by Lady C, whose daughter is a particular friend of Morgan's, and whose son Lord Gordon is pursuing Morgan.

Enter Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn. Gervase was exiled to the Continent nine years ago, accused of debauching and then robbing Lady Marianne at the ball where Marianne's betrothal to Morgan's eldest brother Lord Wulfric Bedwyn (a Duke) was to be announced. Somehow, Wulfric, Marianne's father, and Gervase's father were led to Marianne's bedchamber, where Gervase and Marianne were caught in bed together. And then a family heirloom broach was discovered missing the following day. Marianne swore that Gervase took her against her will and then stole the broach. Gervase was banished from his home by his very own father and told never to return. So Gervase has a particular quarrel with Wulfric Bedwyn. He's been looking for a way to get his revenge for the past nine years. And so, he thinks that Morgan has given him the perfect opportunity -- he'll seduce her or at least besmirch her reputation.

What follows may contain spoilers, so I'll tag it as such. Read at your own risk, if you haven't already finished the book:
(view spoiler)[ But Morgan is a Bedwyn through-and-through. She goes toe-to-toe with Gervase, unafraid of him, but also unaware of the reason for his exile and her brother Wulf's part in it. Morgan is incensed that no one will talk plainly of the coming battle to her; only Gervase, who does so to gain an advantage with Morgan. But he finds himself beginning to like her for herself, and beginning to feel guilty for using her as part of his revenge scheme. And then Napoleon and his French troops truly do begin the battle at Waterloo. Lord Gordon dashes off with his cavalry unit, asking Morgan's permission to fight the war in her honor, as if he were some knight asking for a maiden's favor before a joust. During the battle, Morgan cannot just wait... so she seeks out a captain's wife that she knows and helps the officers' wives prepare for the wounded and then nurse the wounded and dying.

Lord G is found to have a broken leg and a few other injuries, which his mother hysterically tends to, and then decides that she cannot trust foreign surgeons and must take her son and the family home to England now. After waiting until the battle actually began, because her son was fighting. Now she insists that Morgan go with them. But Morgan flatly refuses. Morgan's youngest brother Alleyne (a few years older than she is) is also in Belgium, attached to the diplomatic corps. Morgan saw him just that morning, on his way to deliver an important message to the Duke of Wellington in the thick of the battle. Alleyne told her that when he (Alleyne) returns, he will personally drag Morgan off to England. So Morgan tries to reason with Lord G and his family, only to be told that she's spoiled and very selfish!!!

Suffice it to say that Gervase steps in and takes Morgan to the captain's wife's home, where she continues her nursing. Gervase does his best to locate Alleyne or word of him. In the meantime, he spends time alone with Morgan (her nurse fled Belgium, too), taking her for walks in the sunshine and away from the wounded. During this time, Morgan feels as if Gervase is her only true friend -- he listens, he doesn't demand, he does his best to help her, and he doesn't try to assure her that Alleyne is alive and all is well. In fact, when the diplomatic office find the return message that Alleyne was to have delivered among the mess of the battlefield, and it's certain that Alleyne is dead, Gervase hires a maid for Morgan and takes her back to England himself -- even though he knows what his reception will be. But just before that, Morgan comes to Gervase, devasted by grief, and ends up giving him her virginity. It's a mutual thing, except that Gervase realizes that he's not attempting revenge at all anymore -- he simply wants to take away Morgan's grief.

Wulfric has, of course, heard Lady C's slander and complaints against Morgan, which included slander against Gervase, too. He's on his way to get Morgan, himself, when he encounters Morgan and Gervase, fresh off the boat. Morgan senses that there's a story here, but no one will tell her what it is. Yet seeing Wulfric again rekindles Gervase's desire for revenge, so he sets himself to the task of compromising Morgan's reputation once again, so that his suit cannot be turned down. Except that Morgan does turn him down, after hearing Wulf's side of the story, and demanding that Gervase tell her his. When he refuses, she starts to put it all together and confronts Gervase, demanding that he ask for her hand again. And this time, she accepts, telling him that she'll make him fall in love with her and then break his heart and the engagement.

And so... we go into Act III, with Morgan and her family (except for Wulf) headed off to Gervase's estates, supposedly as Gervase's betrothed. But once Morgan learns the truth behind Gervase's exile, will she stop doubting her feelings and Gervase's? Will Morgan truly break the engagement or be the only Bedwyn to be married in a loveless match? (hide spoiler)]
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I was so incensed with Lord G and his family! Calling Morgan selfish, when Lady C insisted on remaining behind. She took no real responsibility for Morgan whatsoever. And to be part of spreading the gossip and scandal was unconscionable!

I thought it might be tedious watching Morgan and Gervase work through their Big Misunderstanding. And I couldn't help but feel sorry for Morgan and irritated at Gervase, when he insisted on practically mocking her... why he couldn't be more open with her... I suppose one could say that he was hiding behind his mask. But I wasn't sure if they could overcome the trust issue.

And the final revelation about what happened that night and why Marianne did what she did... Who her accomplice was wasn't hard to guess; but the WHY wasn't quite what I expected.

The final scene was deliberately written to make readers demand the next book.... I'm just glad I don't have to wait to read it!(less)

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Sep 10, 2011 Babyfishmouth rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, library

I did not enjoy this book at all. Mary Balogh has written two of my all time favorites (Slightly Dangerous and The Secret Pearl) but this one just fell completely flat for me.

The revenge plot by the hero Gervase was so tepid and poorly crafted that it didn't provide any drama, conflict or tension. It just bugged.

The fake betrothal made me mad. It's in so many of her books as to be laughable at this point.

The sex scenes are becoming carbon copies of each other in her books. As a result, it's har...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Anna D. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Part of me feels like I’m too harsh on the younger siblings in books series. Their youth and immaturity (that comes with their age) seem to be an annoyance to me and unfortunately that’s how I felt about Morgan a lot of the time in this book, which is a shame because she had a lot of promise as a heroine in her own story. I wonder if that’s how Mary Balogh intended her to be – to make the readers see that Morgan believes she’s mature, but really the readers know in reality, she’s not quite there...more Part of me feels like I’m too harsh on the younger siblings in books series. Their youth and immaturity (that comes with their age) seem to be an annoyance to me and unfortunately that’s how I felt about Morgan a lot of the time in this book, which is a shame because she had a lot of promise as a heroine in her own story. I wonder if that’s how Mary Balogh intended her to be – to make the readers see that Morgan believes she’s mature, but really the readers know in reality, she’s not quite there yet. Therefore the true intent of her seemingly mature actions, thoughts, and dialogue is to illicit some annoyance to the reader – to give her a more real characteristic of the 18-year old Morgan discovering herself as she grows into adulthood. If that is the case, then bravo Ms. Balogh! Which makes me wonder if Freyja was like that at 18; I’d like to think not since Freyja is more practical than philosophical.

Even though I praise the writing of Morgan’s character as almost true to her age, her immature actions and thoughts made this story less appealing as a stand-alone book – but appreciated in the grand scheme of the series. Gervase, at a mature age of 30, was not any better. I hate to be brutal but my rating of 3 stars had a lot to do with the presence of the other Bedwyns, which means only half the credit is left for Morgan and Gervase. I was not at all happy with this H/h - their courtship, or even their love scenes. There are so many disappointing plot points and characters in this book – it’s hard to believe it’s part of this beloved series and equally hard to cheer for it.

I may have high standards for H/h, but I can forgive a lot of things in a romance as long as the intentions are coming from a good place. Here, it fell short. Gervase had revenge in mind, understandably after what was done to him. However, the hatred was misplaced. It should have been mostly on Marianne, not Wulf (I love you Wulf!) who was also a victim. If Wulf had any fault it was only on not coming forward about the brooch – which doesn’t justify compromising and ruining a life of a lady who was innocent of the whole fiasco. To top it off, he still moved forward with his plan to compromise her reputation at Chastity’s betrothal ball – and this is after getting to know Morgan as a person and supposedly coming to care and even started to fall in love with her. Gervase did not convince me as having unwavering morals, and isn’t befitting to be included in such company as the Bedwyn family, IMO.

Morgan, who had good intentions in the beginning, disappoints when she started her own revenge plot to jilt Gervase. It was such a narrow minded plan to have a fake betrothal. At least Freyja’s fake betrothal was with the good intention to help Joshua from the clutches of his evil aunt and have a little fun in the meantime – and also with the initial foresight that it would only last a couple days and she did not plan to tell or to involve her family in the scandal. Morgan’s only focus was to hurt Gervase and she believed that he would be the only one affected in a plan that would span months – not her family who opened their hearts to Gervase on her behalf, not Gervase’s family – his mom especially – who opened their hearts to welcome her into their family. She doesn’t think of the scandal she’ll bring to the Bedwyn name, a name Wulf works so hard to protect. There is no underlying purpose to the plan except revenge for what Gervase did to her. Lastly, and MORE importantly, how can she think of such a self-indulgent and petty plan after having JUST lost Alleyne? (I love you Alleyne!) One would think that such a loss would make her grow up and realize what is important in life and either forgive Gervase and marry him in earnest or forgive him and let him go so they can move on with their lives.

It really is too bad that I didn’t like this book more. Even their moments together that were supposed to be heartwarming and tender were lost to me because of the motives behind them. Their love scenes felt like sex – to satisfy a physical need and lust – not making love. Toward the end, when their feelings were supposedly starting to turn to honest heartfelt emotions, I didn’t buy it…they seemed like children playing to best the other and to win some kind of game. Then add insult to injury were all of Gervase’s French endearments..yuck! All the “Cheries,” “ma cheres,” and “mon amours” were cheesy, mocking, and pretentious to my ears, not at all romantic!

The saving grace of this book truly was the additional glimpse of the other Bedwyn members:

* Wulf - that scene where he wept for Alleyne alone in the library was so touching!
* Aidan (I love you Aidan!) - he and Wulf are neck and neck for the title of my favorite Bedwyn hero, followed closely by Alleyne. What a wonderful man! I love him and Eve together with Becky & Davy.
* Eve – I admire her so much. There’s such strength in her quiet, sweet, yet very effective ways.
* Freyja - always the opinionated practical sister.
* Joshua - he continues to be Freyja’s solid and dashingly handsome supporter.
* Ralf - the comic relief, as Alleyne would have been. Judith was there too, but IMO she doesn’t add much to the scene.
* Alleyne - acting as the big brother and providing the sadness of what it would be like to lose a dear family member – even though we know he’s really alive! I’m looking forward to his book!
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Feb 16, 2013 Shannon Warkentin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mary-balogh-favorites

I started reading Mary Balogh with the "Huxtable series" and then the "Simply series" and in that series the Bedwyns show up and intrigued me, so when I found out that they had their own series I had to read it. It has since become one if not my favorite series she's written and I've read each book more than once. I highly recommend it if you like a well written era romance with some sexy but tastefully written situations.

I like this one and how it uses the wars to move the plot. I like how we...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Julia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance

It's unfair that this re-read of the Bedwyn's is plagued with the "Not Wulf" syndrome. His cold, hauty manner makes me die for his story a little bit more every book. In addition, Morgan's story suffers in comparison to one of my favorite "revenge marriage" books, Anne Stuart's BREATHLESS. Balogh's hero is a pale sort of villain after Stuart's Lucien, and I think I would have prefered either less anger at Wulf or more dastardly behavior (though Balogh does a wonderful job having the hero grow in...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Setting: high classes rented homes of English noble class staying in Brussels; Windrush Grange in Kent; London home.

Theme: forgiveness, love, trust in self, interior place of the mind

Imagery: Morgan’s painting is as if submerged in the stream, nestled in the tree’s roots, looking up at the willow – with Gervase on the shore… and all connected…

Characters:
Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn- close to his family, loved by his father, raised to be the earl, on Wulfric’s tails – wanting to be in his i...more

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Mar 18, 2011 BookFiend rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

The book was so good the entire way through. I was fully prepared to call this book the best and my favorite of the series - although book #2 and #6 are top contenders...and then the ending happened.

Spoiler*

I am disappointed in our young Morgan - who would out Bedwyn the Bedwyns. Mary Balogh simply wraps up the story a little too conveniently for me when Morgan just decides to forgive him - decides to trust him. Where is the twist in the story when some evidence or proof is brought forward that...more

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Nov 16, 2011 victoria.p rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 02, 2012 Grace rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-new, 2012-all, historical-romance, library-chesterfield, ebook

Hmmm. Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars, I think. I liked Morgan and Gervase and the entire first half of this being set in Belgium the way it was was fabulous, but the revenge plot went a little too far for my tastes.

I think my favorite part of this, other than the unique setting for the first half of the story, was the added insight into Wulf. CANNOT WAIT FOR HIS STORY.

(view spoiler)...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Connie N. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency-romance

This is the 4th in the Bedwyn Famiily Sagas, and all so far have been 5 stars! The aristocratic characters are entertaining and interesting, and I particularly like that they interact so closely with the characters from earlier books. This one was about the youngest Bedwyn, Morgan, and Gervase, a half-French Earl, and their meeting in Brussels during the war with Napoleon. I thought I wouldn't like the political discussions and the descriptions of the war, but instead it was fascinating. And the...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: borrowed, historical-romance

I'm really enjoying this series, the more I get to know each of the Bedwyn siblings the more I come to love them! Honestly though, if they were a real life family they would have scared me, they are quite formidable!

This book brought me to tears, twice. It has some sadness in it but the only thing that kept it from being depressing is the fact that you know everything is going to turn out alright in the next book (I peaked at the synopsis!).

The closer I get to the end of this series the more im...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Kyle rated it 3 of 5 stars

I like this series and have been tearing through it the last week or two but this book wasn't my favorite. For one thing, the Brussels-pre-Battle of Waterloo setting gives the first part of the book a "when are they going to get to the fireworks factory?!" quality. Also, I felt like *either* Gervase is really using Morgan rather horribly at the beginning, in which case they should never get together even at the end, *or* he's not, in which case there's not really much keeping them apart. Well, e...more

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Mar 21, 2010 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: 2010-reads

They are not for everyone, they have some questionable scenes (not too bad or visual- they are set back in the 17th century) between certain couples. I liked them because they were really easy to read and they "kind of" gave me a history lesson of that time period in England. The way Mary Balogh writes makes you feel like you are part of the book. I do believe that Slightly Married or Slightly Dangerous is my favorite. It is too close to choose. I could not wait for the next one when I had finis...more

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Jul 12, 2010 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance

I enjoyed the story of Morgan Bedwyn, although it stretched a little farther than seemed reasonable. Still, Morgan was a wonderfully strong heroine. She is fully aware that Gervese is trying to seduce her. She is tempted, and lets him play his game, but she plays her side of the game well too. I enjoyed parts of the story that took place during the Battle of Waterloo, and was thrilled when Morgan joined those who were nursing the wounded. I loved the hero, Gervase, as well. He was very sexy and...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Precious Diane Aquino rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am such a sucker for revenge books just cause I know that revenge always ends badly in a good way if you get what I mean. The guy always gives up or regrets ever plotting the revenge. That's part of why I liked this book so much. Every time I know that Morgan and Rochester are growing closer to each other The fear of the obvious heartbreak in the future kills me.

The sad thing about knowing the the bedwyn saga has 6 books is that you KNOW that each book is for each one of the siblings. That's...more

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Jan 15, 2010 Nisha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicalromance

I was less inclined to read this book than Freyja's (which is saying something), mostly because I had gotten tired to young heroines and much older heros. I like my heros young. JK. But, they have less emotional baggage so they seem much more hotter to me. But you can have everything.

Morgan, the youngest Bedwyn and Gervase are a pair that have a 12 year age gap. Morgan is a sweeter character than Freyja, but the girl holds a grudge. Understandable, because Gervase, for all his 30 years, is not...more

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Feb 03, 2009 Juliana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Lacking the normal Balogh spark; relationship didn't leap off the page or pull me in as much as I would have liked

SUMMARY (Bedwyn Family, Book 4):
The first half of the book takes place in Brussels after Napoleon has escaped Elba and is trying to make a last stand; the second half takes place in England. Gervase Ashford, Earl of Rosthorn is thirty years old and has not set foot in England for nine years after being banished by his father after a mysterious event (don't want to spoil); all we do k...more

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Mar 21, 2008 Isis FG rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, info-full, genre-romance-historical-england, series-slightly, stars-3

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

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About Mary Balogh

Mary Balogh has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.

More about Mary Balogh...

Books by Mary Balogh

First Comes Marriage (Huxtable Quintet, #1)

A Summer to Remember (Bedwyn Prequels #2)

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Quotes from Slightly Tempted

“It was strange how the heart clung to hope even when there was no reasonable basis for it, Morgan found. And how life went on.” — 9 people liked it

“Love does not involve emotions, then?" he asked her with a smile.

"It is not ruled by them," she told him. "Love is liking and companionship and respect and trust. Love does not dominate or try to possess. Love thrives only in a commitment to pure, mutual freedom. That is why marriage is so tricky. There are the marriage ceremony and the marriage vows and the necessity for fidelity -all of them suggestive of restraints, even imprisonment. Men talk of life sentences and leg shackles in connection with marriage, do they not? But marriage out to be just the opposite -two people agreeing to set each other free,” — 6 people liked it

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Slightly Tempted (Bedwyn Saga #4)

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