"Slightly Scandalous" by Mary Balogh

Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh 2003

"Slightly Scandalous" is the third book in the "Slightly" series. It follows Freyja Bedwyn, the oldest daughter and fourth child of the Bedwyn family. The story opens with Freyja on her way to Bath in order to escape the arrival of the child of the man she loved and lost and his new wife. While staying the night in a less-than-stellar inn, a man bursts into her room seeking refuge from the results of his not-quite-gentlemanly deeds. While Freyja reluctantly shelters him - for a short time - he eventually is forced to escape out the window. Arriving in Bath, she discovers that this man is none less than the new Marquess of Hallmere - Joshua Moore. Their tumultuous relationship continues, and upon the arrival of Joshua's evil aunt, Freyja and Josh decide on the spur of the moment to fake an egagement to save Joshua from being forced to marry his cousin against the will of both.

Freyja's backstory was first given in "A Summer to Remember," and while that book gives a lot of detail and clarifies a few things, it is not necessary to have read it to enjoy "Slightly Scandalous." Freyja is a wonderful and unique character. She is a strong, intelligent, spunky and passionate female without going outside of the mold of 19th century ladies. Freyja knows how to behave and can conduct herself quite well in social situations - she was bred to it - and while brash and tomboyish, she is also feminine and, in some ways, very sad. Freyja grows a good deal more in this book than does Josh. While they both have "issues," Freyja's seem prominent. She must learn to overcome her residual love and bitterness towards Kit in order to accept Josh's love. Josh must grow to take his place where he is needed. As a character, Josh is a joy. His one fault would be that he is perhaps too nice and too wonderful. One of my problems with this book, however, was that I kept confusing Josh's aunt with Judith's aunt ("Slightly Wicked.") Both horrible and evil, that is.

Rating 1/2

Family-Friendly Rating