Dark Angel/Lord Carew's Bride

Product Details

• Notes: Disgrace New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Form: NEW
• ISBN13: 9780440245445

Description

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh come two classic tales of love turned dangerous, set amid the splendor of Regency England—a time rife with passion, betrayal, and intrigue.
 
DARK ANGEL
Jennifer Winwood has been engaged for five years to a man she hardly knows but believes to be honorable and good: Lord Lionel Kersey. Suddenly, she becomes the quarry of London’s most notorious womanizer, Gabriel Fisher, the Earl of Thornhill. Jennifer has no idea that she is just a pawn in the long-simmering feud between these two headstrong, irresistible men—or that she will become a prize more valuable than revenge.
 
LORD CAREW’S BRIDE
Jennifer’s cousin Samantha Newman is smarting after she too is toyed with by Lord Kersey. In the midst of her heartbreak, she seeks solace from her new friend, the disabled gardener Hartley Wade. If only she knew that Hartley is secretly Lord Carew, and that he hides more than extraordinary wealth: a passionate secret held deep in his heart that only her love can reveal.

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Customer Reviews

Dark Angel/Lord Carew
Great double read, i loved both stories. It was like i was there too in the story, it is a good read.

2010-03-16 (LEBANON, PA, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Two good books at an incredible bargain
I have in recent years become a Mary Balogh fan and was thrilled to find this reissue of two of her older titles under one cover. Though first published in 1994, they are lacking nothing of a contemporary Regency romance.

These two stories are bound together by related heroines, neighboring heroes, and a common villain, who is just about the vilest plausible piece of work I've encountered in fiction. Lionel Kersey may not be a mustache-twirling tie-her-to-the-train-tracks type of bad guy, but he is a mean-spirited narcissist of the first order. All the better to root on the heroes.

The first book's couple - Gabriel and Jennifer - are rather typical, classics of the genre. I daresay they'll be nothing you haven't encountered before, and it would have been no different if you'd read the book in 1994. That doesn't mean their story isn't interesting or fresh; I found it an engaging read nevertheless. The Machiavellian man standing between them kept their story intense.

Samantha and Hartley, however, are a breed apart, or at least a breed I haven't encountered. I liked her, though she is consistently myopic when it comes to people - she is as clueless to her own motivations and character as she seems to be about everyone else's. That isn't at all to say I fault the author for it; it's a believable trait. The same young woman who failed to see through her cousin's fiance's schemes can look at a man who has been courting her for years in shock to briefly realize he's serious. (And I hope he got his own romance at some point. I'll have to look into it, though as bad with names as I am I may have already read it for all I know.) And Hartley is just a fabulously unusual romantic lead, who manages to be very winning in spite of it. A retiring nature lover, he is not tall, dark, handsome, broody (most of the time), a reformed rake, thought to be a reformed rake, or sheltering a previously broken heart. He's just a remarkably sensitive and very nice guy. I could not help but wish this couple well. Lionel Kersey may not quite add the intensity to this story that he does the last, but this story doesn't really need it. Personally, I suspect it would have been nearly as good had he been just a memory for both of them.

I recommend and will continue to look forward to other books by Balogh.

2010-03-10 (NC, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Fabulous, and not just the lead characters!
I literally read all of Lord Carew's Bride in one day. It was that good. What I LOVE about Mary Balogh's work is that she doesn't just create leading ladies and gentlemen you fall in love with and root for. She creates such vivid secondary characters that you ultimately want them to get their own stories as well! I ADORE Sir Francis Kneller, fashion dandy and flirt that he is. I would LOVE to see the type of woman who would perfectly suit him. The scenes where his sartorial choices are being picked apart by Samantha are hysterical. And yet, he's a true gentleman and protector.

Lionel Kersey is so wicked, yet so charming . . . well, I can certainly understand how two young, idealistic women could so easily fall under his spell. I might also, and I'm not so innocent.

Overall, the two stories kept my interest, and I particularly rooted for Lord Carew. What a sweet, yet strong individual. A truly honorable man. I appreciate Balogh's ability to show how beautiful a person's heart and soul are, regardless of their physical appearance.

Thumbs up!

2010-03-07 | s_mccrea (Henderson, NV United States) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Wonderful Balogh reissues
I was pleasantly surprised by this duo of Mary Balogh reissues. I haven't always enjoyed her older novels. These two were really great and typical of her work - wonderful characters and a plot driven by those characters and their developing relationships. The two novels are:

Dark Angel (4 stars) - the story of Jennifer Winwood and the Earl of Thornhill. Jennifer's villanous fiance sets her and Thornhill up in a scandal to end the betrothal. A nit - I did find the situation of Jennifer's humiliation unbelievable - would her uncle really participate in such a scene?

Lord Carew's Bride (5 stars) - Samantha (Jennifer's cousin) while visiting the Thornhills meets the landscape designer on a neighboring estate. Unknown to her, he is the Marquess of Carew and the owner of the estate. Jennifer's evil former fiance makes a reappearance to threaten Samantha's future with Carew.

2010-03-07 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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One darker, one lighter. Two novels for the price of one!
I enjoyed the novelty of reading two romance novels back to back within the same cover. I liked the idea of the two young cousins at the center of the story and being able to enjoy each one of them. However, I must say the two stories weren't equally enjoyable. "Dark Angel" was a fairly good story- but "Lord Carew's Bride" turned out to be absolutely amazing! Well written Regency romance...

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"Dark Angel" 3 star story-- Jennifer has dreamt of her intended, Lional, for five years. At last she has journeyed to London to wed him and couldn't be happier. Upon arrival, Lional declares his love for her and she for him, and life is bliss. Oh? Or so we think. From the sidelines comes young and darkly handsome Gabriel, a young earl who seems intent to seduce Jennifer away from her intended. But why? And whom is really the rake? It's Lional vs. Gabriel, with some fairly interesting twists and turns.

The novel was OK- I actually loved that Jennifer was presented as a tall and curvy main character. Always refreshing to imagine "real" women in a romance! I liked both the hero and heroine. I guess my major issue was that the story was very boring! It was literally a tale of the courting process that went on in Regency London. There is really very little plot besides that of what I wrote just above. And usually the seduction process is the sideline of a romance, not the only point. The ending seemed forced and somewhat absurd. I was having a hard time believing the motivation of the characters involved. But overall... a satisfying read.

"Lord Carew's Bride" is easily a 5 star story-- I have to say. This was one of the most moving romances I've read in some time. I simply fell in love with Hartley!! So Hartley is ridiculously wealthy, very talented and artistic, very kind and sweet and patient... and crippled! He befriends Samantha Newman when he finds her "trespassing" on his estate. She is not aware that he is the lord of the estate and he doesn't prevent her from assuming he's a gentleman gardener. They strike up an adorable friendship, based on mutual thoughts and ideas and seem to really share a very profound loving experience.

Samantha Newman is literally a doll: blond curls, blue saucer eyes, tiny and delicate... but she has a strong mind. She has chosen not to marry and swears off love due to heartbreak she endured years before. She befriends Hartley knowing that she can "love" him without risk of passion and thus begins this truly adorable tale. You will find yourself championing Hartley as he wins the hearts of everyone around him and heals Samantha. It was a type of "Beauty in the Beast" story, and very well-done indeed. An added bonus on this story was Francis- Samantha's outrageous and fun sidekick friend.

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Compared to Jennifer from the previous tale, Samantha was a far more developed character. Whereas Jennifer's only obsession was getting married to a beautiful man, to be looked at and admired, to be envied because her man was attractive... Samantha desires all the real things in life worth living... a real companion, safety, comfort, laughter, lovemaking, loyalty, mutual interests.... Get a copy of this book- or at least buy the older used version of "Lord Carew's Bride."

2010-03-06 (TX) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 4

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A Matter of Class

Product Details

• Fitness: NEW
• Notes: Trade-mark New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• ISBN13: 9781593155544

Description

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Customer Reviews

A very uplifting young love.....
This story made me feel young and in love all over again. I have been reading very serious historical romances of late and this was just what I needed to lift my spirits and get me out of the heavy stuff for a time. The length, while short, was actually perfect for this story. I loved both the main characters and thought they were wonderful together.

I would say more, but I don't want to give one part of this marvelous story away. This is a very light and uplifting romance that is not bogged down with mystery or debauchery.

This in my opinion is a must read that will make you smile.

2010-03-21 | HCat | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A romantic twist
A Matter of Class is another book about an arranged marriage where money is traded for class. This one has a twist and you will not discover it until the end of the book. It is very slick!

Lady Annabelle Ashton is to be married to a fat, balding, titled man in order to replenish her father's declining funds. She elopes with the carriage boy but is thwarted and shamed. The family's neighbor and enemy uses this opportunity to force his wild, irresponsible son to propose marriage in order to climb the social ladder. Annabelle's father is more than happy to marry her off to anyone who is willing to pay to have her.

This is a story of two very different families who live side by side and have never socialized or even talked because of the class difference. One family is titled and slightly impoverished, the other is wealthy but descended from coal miners. They are all good people but are separated by the social rules of the Regency period.

I like the presentation of the family relationships in this book. The two families are opposite in every way. However, the mothers and fathers are very similar. The mothers are sweet, nurturing women who love their children and their husbands. The fathers are gruff men who do not like each because of the class difference. The men will allow no contact or socializing between the two families until the engagement occurs. The engagement changes everything and eventually brings the two families together. At first the engagement between Annabelle and Reginald is extremely hostile and the fathers enjoy the suffering of their children. The mothers unite, welcome each other and their families, and hope for the best.

A Matter of Class is a short, sweet love story where enemies become lovers, similar to Romeo and Juliet but in revers

2010-03-08 | Crafty Cupboard (Springfield, IL, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Charming
I thought this was charming and so lovely in the telling. Although it was easy to figure out what was happening, I still enjoyed the outcome. The characters were reality based and very likeable; no cartoonish evil doers and no really far fetched story lines, no devilish lords or whimpering virgins. Just a delightful story, and an easy easy read.

2010-03-06 | Mrs. Bennet (Florida) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Another Balogh Hit
I was surprised by the brevity of this book. It was more a novella than a true novel. I found the episodic nature of the narrative a bit off-putting halfway through,especially since the episodes were mostly flashbacks when kept wanting the action to move forward. The end though was a great surprise, well worth the read.

2010-03-03 (Tucson, AZ USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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An enjoyable read & improvement on last series
Mary Balogh's Slighty & Simply series set the bar high for her other work. Her Huxtable series cannot compare, and I worried that my favorite romance author was off her game. This enjoyable little book (very quick read), while not in the style or quality of the Bedwyn books, was definitely better than her last.

2010-02-21 | Book Worm (Alameda CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Irresistible (Berkley Sensation Historical Romance)

Product Details

• Notes: Identify New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• ISBN13: 9780425221037
• Environment: NEW

Description

Sophie Armitage has never felt attractive to men. Even her late husband treated her more as a companion than a lover. But suddenly a longtime friendship turns into an irresistibly passionate affair. Mary Balogh is a "Romantic Times" Lifetime Achievement winner.

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Mary Balogh reconfirms her reputation as a superlative writer of Regency romance in this well-drawn, ultimately moving love story between a war hero's widow and her longtime friend. Nathaniel Gascoigne knew Sophie as a colleague's supportive wife when he fought in the Peninsular War. Now, meeting the widowed Sophie in London after a long separation, Nat is surprised by her unexpected agreement that they share discreet lovemaking, no strings attached. But a secret involving Sophie's former marriage has left her vulnerable to a blackmailer, and just when the satisfaction she offers to Nat makes him most eager to prolong their dalliance, Sophie decides she has no choice but to break it off. Nat's gradual insights into Sophie's character, and the couple's struggles to act honorably yet remain true to themselves, are beautifully handled. As a delightful contrast, there's the barbed repartee between Nat's independent-minded cousin and his marriage-shy best friend, which develops into a witty and satisfying secondary romance. Balogh's masterful command of the Regency period, and her skill at dramatizing subtle nuances of character, endow her books with rare and rich rewards. --Ellen Edwards

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Customer Reviews

Another Good Balogh Read
Mary Balogh writes a good story with believable characters. This is another good read for a relaxing good time. The Four Horsemen series is a very pleasing trio of books.

2010-02-22 | Redeyed Reader (Lawton Oklahoma) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A nice read!
Another good book to be read over a cup of coffe. A nice told story by the writer.
The writer amazes me how she comes out with so many stories written well. I love the way that the writer developes love in her books and does it tastefully, but everything is moving at such a fast pace. Her book is lacking in emotions and personal feelings that should be digged deeper into the soul.

2010-01-02 | Anna (Illinois, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Hilarious at times, painfully sweet at others
This is one of the funniest Balogh books that I've read, and I've read quite a number of them. Some of the byplays had me chuckling for days. The scene where Nathaniel's friends tried to tell him about a rich widow who might make a good mistress for him is my very favorite. I didn't think the premise of the book, of old friends falling in love, would be very romantic, but it was surprisingly so. I think the recipe of a bullied widow and 4 handsome horsemen who vowed to take care of her with their lives is a potent one, for who could resist the drama of such an ensemble! Every time she looks troubled, one or more of them would immediately step up to her rescue, lucky Sophie! The humor and interesting plot makes this a winner, definitely one of Balogh's best books.

2009-10-21 | bookworm mom (Newark, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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i love mary balough
all mary balogh's books are really good reads..ok, some a little better than others...but on the whole, 5 stars..

i heartly recomend anything she writes!!!

2009-07-15 | carrottop (deltona, florida) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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It was ok
Had to read this book for a book club. Not one of the better books but it wasn't a killer to get through.

2009-05-28 (Hayward, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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A Precious Jewel

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780440244639
• Circumstances: NEW
• Notes: Marque New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Description

New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh weaves a sensuous spell of romance that brings together the unlikeliest pair of lovers in the unlikeliest place of all–an infamous London house of pleasure.

She was unlike any woman he’d ever met in the ton or the demimonde. But Sir Gerald Stapleton frequented Mrs. Blyth’s euphemistically dubbed “finishing school” for pure, uncomplicated pleasure–and nothing else. So why was this confirmed bachelor so thoroughly captivated by one woman in particular? Why did he find himself wondering how such a rare jewel of grace, beauty, and refinement as Priss had ended up a courtesan? And when she needed protection, why did Gerald, who’d sworn he’d never get entangled in affairs of the heart, hasten to set her up as his own pampered mistress to ensure her safety–and have her all to himself?

For Priscilla Wentworth, the path leading to Sir Gerald’s bed had been as filled with misfortune as it suddenly seemed charmed. But Priss couldn’t allow herself to believe she’d ever be more to a man like Sir Gerald than a well-cared-for object of pleasure. Now, despite Gerald’s deep distrust of marriage, neither scandal nor society’s censure can keep them apart–only the fear of trusting their hearts.

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Customer Reviews

A Precious Jewel
It takes a specially enlightened and kind writer to develop a protagonist who is a "fallen" woman. I have found this sensitivity in all the books that Mary Balogh writes. I always look forward to seeing she has written another story. Some of my favorite gifts to friends and family are Mary's books. Bravo, Mary!

2010-02-22 | retired lit teacher (PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Different and Likeable
Priscilla Wentworth is a precious jewel. She is graceful, educated, accomplished, and must work for a living. Misfortune has caused her to end up as a prostitute in a very elite brothel. It is not a difficult job and she learns to do it well. She is a practical and cheerful woman and has a knack for looking on the bright side. She begins to fall in love with a new client and to her surprise, he asks her to become his mistress.

Sir Gerald Stapleton hates marriage and attachments but he is worried about the safety of his new paramour. He sets Priscilla up as his mistress for her own safety and to keep her exclusively for himself. Despite Gerald's attachment issues and Priscilla's unsuitability, they become deeply attached to each but neither will admit it.

Mary Balogh wrote this book in 1993 and re-released it in 2009. Priscilla and Gerald were 2 characters in another book she had written. She wrote this book in 2 weeks and it has been a very popular book.

I especially like the character development of Gerald. At first, he seems like a typical young hero of the Regency time period. He is a handsome, selfish, gambling, drinking, social young man. As time progresses, you learn that he is insecure, not very bright, and lacks self confidence. He has issues about attachment and being loved. I like that he is so flawed. He is not who you would expect to be the hero of an historical novel. I also like the novelty of having a prostitute as the heroine even though her character is not very realistic. You will like her and feel sorry for her.

If you can fall in love with these interesting characters, you will like this book. It chronicles the ups and downs of their budding, impossible romance as you get to know them.

2010-02-03 | Crafty Cupboard (Springfield, IL, US) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Ugh
I've read a few of Mary Balogh's books and I have to say that this is the first one that I've been really disappointed in. Neither the hero nor heroine were very memorable (I've even forgotten their names). The hero was very selfish and obviously didn't really care about what the heroines needs were. It seemed like she was more of a convenient afterthought than anything else. I also didn't appreciate how easily she fell in love with him as he was really boring and pretty self-centered. All in all, I'm surprised that I even bothered to finish reading it.

2010-01-31 | J. M. C. (San Francisco) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 2

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Precious Waste of Time
I grabbed this book because I've loved so many other books by Mary Balogh. This one though was a disappointing slog. The out-of-touch hero annoyed the crap out of me, and the passive courtesan was depressing. Generally I like Regency romances that are set in different circumstances (once you've read about Almack's 85 times do we really have to go again?), but these characters just left me cold.

2010-01-29 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2

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could have been good if....
I gave this book one star for two major reasons. First of all, I do not feel the heroins reasons for becoming a prostitute were good enough. She was given the option to be a companion to her ex-governess now head mistress of the brothel but was to proud to except this thinking she wouldn't really be earning her keep. I am sorry but this seems weak. I also think she could have found a better job even without adequit references. Secondly, The hero does not want the heorine to get any enjoyment out of making love. He just wants her to lay there and not move. What really made me mad was that after they do finally have a few weeks of truly making love and she is recieving actual pleasure he goes back to making love the old way without feeling and makes her lay still without giving her any release. The book ends without them ever having a decent love scene again. I guess we are suppose to asume they will. I cannot fault the writing style. It is what I like about Mary Balogh.

2010-01-03 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 1

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Seducing an Angel

Product Details

• Notes: Sort New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Working order: NEW
• ISBN13: 9780385341059

Description

In a time unlike any other, a family you’ll never forget . . . Meet the Huxtables—three headstrong sisters and their dashing brother—each searching for love that’s always a shocking indiscretion away. . . . In her magnificent new novel, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh sweeps us into a world of scandal and intrigue—glittering Regency England—and introduces the youngest Huxtable: Stephen, the only son. Here Stephen will risk his reputation and his heart as he enters a scandalous liaison with the infamous beauty intent on seduction. But when passion turns the tables on them both, who can say who has seduced whom?

He must be wealthy, wellborn, and want her more than he wants any other woman. Those are the conditions that must be met by the man Cassandra Belmont chooses for her lover. Marriage is out of the question for the destitute widow who stands accused of murdering her husband and must now barter her beauty in order to survive. With seduction in mind, she sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, the irresistibly attractive Earl of Merton and London’s most eligible bachelor. But Stephen’s first intriguing glimpse of the mysterious, alluring Lady Paget convinces him that he has found the ideal woman to share his bed. There is only one caveat. This relationship fueled by mutual pleasure must be on his terms.

As the two warily circle each other in a sensual dance of attack and retreat, a single night of passion alters all the rules. Cassandra, whose reputation is already in tatters, is now in danger of losing the one thing she vowed never to give. And Stephen, who wants Cassandra more than he has ever wanted any woman, won’t rest until she has surrendered everything—not as his mistress—but as his lover and wife. . . .

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Customer Reviews

Awful
I thought this book will be nice, refreshing, entertaining. It was none of it. The heroine was stupid, she didn't want to become a courtesan but saw no other option (ok, she could for instance sell all those beautiful gowns she had...), then she had no idea how to go about getting a protector (going to a ball uninvited and standing around doesn't seem the best way, and neither does telling a man straight away that she wants to be his mistress - it would only put a man off). Then, the man she chooses - a young, spineless pup. I couldn't stand him, he was so bland and had no personality. A boy, not a man. Boring. Then the story gets from bad to worse. They are caught in a compromising position -- so stupid - and they can't even talk their way out of it... Just... whatever.
Please, spare yourself this awful suffering and don't read this book!

2010-01-16 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Better than the rest....
I thought this book was much better than the first two...the 3rd had been my favorite until this one...I actually did not enjoy the 1st and 2nd book in this series...but Stephen has always been a favorite character from day one for me. It was interesting how he struggled with having a mistress...so different than most books of this period, who one having one or more mistresses at the same time, never seems to bother them... It's just the accepted thing to do. It was nice to actually have a man of that period who was somewhat embarrassed by it!! I liked him for that. Was he too good to be true? Not in this series...he matured as you thought he would from the up bringing he had by his sisters. But I think the best book is yet to come. Con's story will be the jewel....At least I hope so! Can't wait for it!!

2010-01-04 | Avid Reader | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Thumbs Up for Seducing An Angel!
I have read many of this author's works in the past. I am delighted with each one. I read the story in a day!Seducing an Angel

2009-12-30 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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To Be a Kept Woman...
Cassandra Belmont is in an impossible position. Society believes she murdered her husband (probably with an axe), her son-in-law threatens her with a lawsuit if she tries to claim money due her from her dead husband's estate, her only relative is a younger brother who is ignoring her, she has her devoted governess to support, along with a young maid with an illegitimate child, she is well on the shelf at 28 and can't face marriage. She is at her last resort: to find a protector who can afford to keep her as a mistress. She sets out to seduce one of the most eligible bachelors in London, Stephen Huxtable, Earl of Merton, who is younger than she is and who looks like an angel. He also looks kind and safe and likely to pity her, as well as fall to her sexual charms.

Stephen is all of those things. Although Cassandra is not at all his type, he's not ready for marriage and finds it hard to resist a widow who is virtually throwing herself at him. He's also perceptive and kind and immediately sees that she is in desperate straights. At first he feels guilty about taking advantage of her, and he truly wishes to help her out. But then he becomes determined to have her in an honorable way, despite her objections...

Cassandra's position is grim and her past with her abusive husband is even grimmer. Balogh can still manage to make a romance out of the darkest situations. Balancing the darkness is the honesty, honor and sensitivity of Stephen, who is not quite an angel, but near enough!

2009-10-31 (L.A., CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Consistent quality
Mary Balogh contines year after year book after book after book to deliver a solid entertaining read. Most of her heroes are a bit older and I liked that this was the younger brother, still in his twenties. This has been a good series and I'm eager to see what she'll come up with next.

2009-10-26 (Hometown, BlueState) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Slightly Dangerous

Product Details

• Notes: Discredit New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• ISBN13: 9780440241126
• Contingency: NEW

Description

All of London is abuzz over the imminent arrival of Wulfric Bedwyn, the reclusive, cold-as-ice Duke of Bewcastle, at the most glittering social event of the season. Some whisper of a tragic love affair. Others say he is so aloof and passionless that not even the greatest beauty could capture his attention. But on this dazzling afternoon, one woman did catch the duke’s eye—and she was the only female in the room who wasn’t even trying. Christine Derrick is intrigued by the handsome duke…all the more so when he invites her to become his mistress.

What red-blooded woman wouldn’t enjoy a tumble in the bedsheets with a consummate lover—with no strings and no questions asked. An infuriating lady with very definite views on men, morals, and marriage, Christine confounds Wulfric at every turn. Yet even as the lone wolf of the Bedwyn clan vows to seduce her any way he can, something strange and wonderful is happening. Now for a man who thought he’d never lose his heart, nothing less than love will do.

With her trademark wit, riveting storytelling, and sizzling sexual sparks, Mary Balogh once again brings together two polar opposites: an irresistible, high-and-mighty aristocrat and the impulsive, pleasure-loving woman who shows him what true passion is all about. A man and a woman so wrong for each other, it can result only in the perfect match.


From the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

Wulfric
I read this book 2nd in this series. Probably shouldn't have but couldn't resist because of his character. I did read the rest of the series in order and then reread Wulfric's story. I agree with most of the reviews about the story being to simple and short. Despite these cons I enjoyed his storyline character that was developed throughout this series of books. I felt a better understanding of his character from his point of view in this book. I enjoyed the scenes when Wulfric surprises his siblings (stepping away from his Duke personality). Despite the fact Ms. Balogh could have developed a more intricate story for Wulf, I still adore him.

2010-01-09 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Charming!
Best book in the series. The series is charming! Coming from a large family myself, I found that the characters were human with the typical sibling relationships. Light/easy read.

2009-09-25 | NUMB3RS NUT (Monroe, LA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Balough's Best!
I've read countless romance novels and keep very few to reread again. Of those I kept, Slightly Dangerous is reread most often. Wulfric and Christine's story is the epitome of romance.

I'd highly recommend this story to jaded readers of romance. Of course, keeping in mind that if you prefer your romance mixed with erotica, this book is likely not for you, although I feel many authors expand on the sex scenes because their book is lacking in character/plot developement. Balough expertly weaves an unlikely attraction between two opposites. She then proceeds to have each characters grow and change while learning about love. Christine, like Wulfric, is stubborn and snobbish in her own way. Upon initially hearing of the Duke and then meeting him, she's already determined not to like him. Though Wulfric obviously is the one who has to break free of constraints for love, I do believe Christine must as well. The story does not need heady sex scenes to enhance your reading pleasure, it is perfect as is.

2009-09-21 | Art Historian (Denver, CO) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The best of the series!!!1
I love how you get to follow up with all the brothers and sisters from prior books and the Duke deserves this love story which personally is the best books of the entire series. Enjoy !!

2009-08-31 | gs | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Average story
If you want a fast romance and full of sex scenes, then this isn't the book for you. This is more a man and woman who meet and slowly gets to know each other and fall in love at the same time. There are two sex scenes, but pretty mild.

Spoilers: the villain of course is the one who everyone believes to be a good loyal friend who loves Christine, but Justin uses manipulation of words to ruin Christine's reputation

2009-08-09 | Junolyn, ROMANCE reader (USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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