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! ( )

Molto bello e avvincente anche questo secondo libro della serie che vede protagonista il terzogenito della famiglia Bedwin, lord Rannulf, per nascita destinato ad abbracciare la carriera ecclesiastica, cosa che si è ben guardato dal fare!
Judith Law è in viaggio per recarsi dalla zia di cui dovrà diventare la dama di compagnia, ma la carrozza su cui si trova ha un incidente. A soccorrerla sarà un affascinante e misterioso sconosciuto con cui condividerà la camera della locanda e un’infuocata notte di passione. Quando si incontreranno nuovamente per Judith sarà un vero colpo scoprire che il misterioso uomo altri non è che Lord Rannulf Bedwin, lo scampolo più ambito dell’alta società nonché pretendente della cugina. Ma se Judith è decisa a tenersi in disparte Rannulf ha ben altri progetti.
Un’altra storia romantica e coinvolgente con personaggi dal forte carattere e in evidenza per il loro fascino anziché per la bellezza estetica.
( )

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. ( )

Algo en los ojos risueños y provocadores del jinete que se ha acercado a socorrer al coche de postas despierta en Judith Law un anhelo de aventura, por fugaz que sea. Quiere eludir el tedioso y gris futuro que recientemente se ha abierto ante ella, y no va a dejar escapar este instante. También desde el primer momento, Rannulf Bedwyn se ha sentido atraído por esta joven que se ha presentado como Claire Campbell, una actriz de teatro. Él tampoco revela su auténtico nombre y posición, que solo conllevan obligaciones como la de casarse sin amor. Durante dos días ambos juegan a engañarse, y no creen que jamás vuelvan a coincidir. Pero, cuando el destino los une de nuevo, tendrán que ocultar ante el mundo su secreto inconfesable.

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. ( )