Step into the dazzling world of the Bedwyn Family saga, where Regency romance meets the fiery hearts of six unforgettable siblings! Penned by Mary Balogh, this beloved series whisks readers to 19th-century England, blending historical charm with passionate tales of love, duty, and defiance. From grand ballrooms to quiet country estates, the Bedwyns’ adventures captivate with their wit, heart, and a touch of scandal.
Whether you’re a fan of historical romance or new to the genre, the Bedwyn Family series offers a delicious escape. Each book follows a sibling navigating society’s rigid rules while chasing true love, making it a perfect blend of drama and devotion. Ready to meet these bold aristocrats? Let’s dive in!
How Bedwyn Family Began
Mary Balogh, a Welsh-Canadian author enchanted by Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels, launched her writing career with A Masked Deception in 1985. Inspired by the elegance and intrigue of Regency England, she created the Bedwyn Family saga, also known as the “Slightly” series, to explore the lives of six aristocratic siblings. The series kicked off with two prequels, One Night for Love (1999) and A Summer to Remember (2002), before the main saga began in 2003 with Slightly Married. Balogh’s knack for crafting flawed yet relatable characters set the stage for a series that’s both timeless and deeply personal.
The Heart of Bedwyn Family
The Bedwyn saga follows the six siblings—Wulfric, Aidan, Rannulf, Freyja, Alleyne, and Morgan—each with their own novel. Slightly Married introduces Aidan, a marriage-shy colonel who offers a convenient union to Eve Morris to honor a dying soldier’s wish, only to find love in unexpected places. Slightly Wicked stars Rannulf, a charming rake whose passionate night with Judith Law sparks a scandal-fueled romance. Freyja’s fiery spirit shines in Slightly Scandalous, where she poses as a fake fiancée for Joshua Moore, leading to real sparks. The series culminates in Slightly Dangerous, where the cold Duke of Bewcastle, Wulfric, meets his match in the lively Christine Derrick.
Balogh’s stories weave themes of love, loyalty, and breaking societal norms. Her heroines often defy the “perfect lady” mold—some are fallen women or fiercely independent—while her heroes grapple with duty and desire. Set against lush Regency backdrops, from London’s glittering ton to the battlefields of Waterloo, the series balances historical accuracy with emotional depth. Balogh’s tender yet sensual prose makes every romance feel earned, with family dynamics adding warmth and tension.
Why Bedwyn Family Resonates
The Bedwyn Family series has left a lasting mark on historical romance, earning accolades like the All About Romance Reader Award for Best European Historical for Slightly Married and Slightly Dangerous. Fans adore Balogh’s ability to craft complex characters who feel human, not just aristocratic ideals. The series’ focus on family bonds and unconventional love stories resonates with readers seeking both escapism and authenticity. Its enduring popularity has inspired Balogh to weave Bedwyn characters into other works, like the Simply Quartet, delighting loyal fans.
Balogh’s storytelling has also influenced the genre by proving that heroines don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Her nuanced portrayal of Regency society—complete with its snobbery and scandals—offers a refreshing contrast to lighter, more idealized romances, making the Bedwyn saga a fan favorite for nearly two decades.
- Publication Years: 1999–2016 (including prequels and companion novella)
- Number of Books: 9 (6 main novels, 2 prequels, 1 novella)
- Awards: All About Romance Reader Awards for Slightly Married and Slightly Dangerous
- Setting: Regency England, with scenes in Wales and Belgium
Grab Slightly Married and dive into the Bedwyn Family’s world of romance, scandal, and unbreakable bonds! Whether you’re swept away by Aidan’s loyalty or Wulfric’s icy charm, this series promises a Regency adventure you won’t forget.