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Slightly Scandalous
First published 2003 · 415 pages
A crackling battle of wits between two fiercely independent souls that slowly melts into profound, hard-won vulnerability.
What it feels like
Reading this romance feels like watching a spectacular fencing match where both opponents slowly realize they would rather be on the same side. The narrative moves at a steady, engaging clip, driven by the sheer force of its protagonists' personalities and their delightfully sharp banter. Beneath the spirited, wry tone lies a warm and emotionally intelligent core that Mary Balogh is famous for. The atmosphere is crackling with romantic tension, yet grounded by a deep sense of family loyalty and personal growth. It is a deeply satisfying experience for anyone who loves watching a fiercely guarded, unapologetic woman meet her match in a man who sees her true heart, offering a beautiful balance of fiery independence and tender surrender.
- Mood
- spirited
- warm
- romantic
- crackling
- Tone
- wry
- affectionate
- emotionally intelligent
- witty
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- vulnerability beneath armor · finding an equal partner · family loyalty · courage to love · defying expectations
- The writing
- Elegant and emotionally perceptive, balancing sharp, sparkling dialogue with quiet moments of deep introspection.
- The arc
- Moves from defensive, witty sparring and fierce independence to a profound, hard-won vulnerability and deep mutual respect.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave historical romances featuring unapologetically fierce heroines, charmingly complex heroes, and a slow-burn emotional connection.
Content notes
- sexual content
- past heartbreak
- family conflict
About the book
Growing up with four unruly brothers has made Freyja Bedwyn far bolder than most society ladies. From feisty manner to long, tumbling hair, Lady Freyja is pure fire, a woman who seeks both adventure and freedom.
Adventure soon finds her on a visit to Bath, when a handsome stranger bursts into Freyja's room and entreats her to hide him. His name is Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere, a man with a hell-raising reputation of his own who is quickly intrigued by the independent beauty. So intrigued, in fact, that he makes her a surprising request: to pose as his fiancee and help thwart his family's matchmaking schemes. For two people determined to be free, it's the perfect plan...until passion blindsides them both. For as Joshua sets out to achieve his complete seduction of Freyja, a woman who has sworn off love is in danger of losing the one thing she never expected to give again: her heart...
Description from Open Library.
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