This book really is the beginning of the "Slightly" Series about the Bedwyn family, because they become known in "A Summer to Remember," which is the sequel to *this* book. "One Night for Love" is a terrific book, not at all what you'd expect from the rather silly title, which actually *does* have quite a bit of significance once you get deep into the story. Terrific characters, brilliantly written, as always by Mary Balogh.

Bestselling author Balogh (The Last Waltz) bursts the bounds of genre in this emotionally complex Regency. Enchanting and lovely Lily Doyle, a sergeant's daughter, is hurriedly married to Neville Wyatt, Major Lord Newbury, in Portugal, after her father is killed in a military skirmish: if she's captured by the French, her status as an officer's wife will protect her. Another battle ensues, and Neville, who's wounded, wakes up believing that Lily has been killed. More than a year later, back in England, a very much alive Lily interrupts Neville's second wedding. Aside from one jilted bride, all's as it's meant to be. But whatever seemed right and good in Portugal is suddenly terribly wrong in England. Lily's no lady: illiterate and rough around the edges, she's hardly the proper material for an earl's wife. Love may not conquer all. A passionate novel with mature, compelling characters who struggle for self-knowledge and for the survival of their loves, this is one of Balogh's best.

One reckless man . . . One passionate woman.


Enter the world of Mary Balogh--the glittering ballrooms and vast country estates of Regency-era England, where romance, with all its mystery, magic, and surprises, comes vibrantly alive.

It was a perfect morning in May . . .

Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne, awaited his bride at the altar--when a ragged beggar woman raced down the aisle instead. The cream of the ton saw him stare, shocked, then declare that this was his wife! One night of passion was all he remembered as he beheld Lily, the woman he'd wed, loved, and lost on the battlefield in Portugal. Now he said he'd honor his commitment to her--regardless of the gulf that lay between them.

Then Lily spoke her mind . . .

She said she wanted only to start a new life--wanted only a husband who truly loved her. She had to leave him to learn how to meet his world on her terms. So Lily agreed to earn her keep as his aunt's companion and study the genteel arts. Soon she was the toast of the ton, every inch a countess fit for the earl, who vowed to prove to his remarkable wife that what he felt for her was far more than desire, that what he wanted from her was much more than . . . One Night for Love.

This couple goes through so much but comes through with an unbeatable love. The characters are well formed and the story line is sweet. A great read if you want a fairy tale style HEA.

Like usual, I continue to love Mary Balogh's work. The characters were unique and so was the plot line. The fact that neither character was incredibly flawed in their view was a great support for the novel. Both Neville and Lily had an inner strength that is often missing from most romance novel characters. The chemistry between the two was not spectacular, but it was present.

The one downside, I couldn't get over the fact that it was the woman who had to changed to fit the man's world. For some reason that bothered me. The twist in the end was also relatively easy to see early in the book.

Loved this book by one of my favorite authors. Loved the originality of the story and the characters.

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I really enjoyed this book and how Mary Balogh dove so deeply into both characters! It's a great read!

Love Mary Balough. This one was great!

great book read in a weekend

Great book, couldn't put it down. Prequel to the Bedwyn series.

Romance with all it's mystery, magic, and surprises comes vibrantly alive. Surely the Earl is not marrying a beggar woman but yet when she comes down the aisle he claims this is his wife.

This is another one of Mary Balogh's great period romance novels. There is just the right amount of mystery, suspense and romance with a bit of a surprise ending! You'll love it!

one of my fav Balogh books!

Very good story, couldn't put it down!

IT WAS A PERFECT MORNING IN MAY...

Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne, awaited his bride at the altar -- when a ragged beggar woman raced down the aisle instead. The cream of the ton saw him stare, shocked, then declare that this was his wife! One night of passion was all he remembered as he beheld Lily, the woman he'd wed, loved, and lost on the battlefield in Portugal. Now he said he'd honor his commitment to her -- regardless of the gulf that lay between them.

THEN LILY SPOKE HER MIND...

She said she wanted only to start a new life -- wanted only a husband who truly loved her. She had to leave him to learn how to meet his world on her terms. So Lily agreed to earn her keep as his aunt's companion and study the genteel arts. Soon she was the toast of the ton, every inch a countess fit for the earl, who vowed to prove to his remarkable wife that what he felt for her was far more than desire, that what he wanted from her was much more than... ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE.

A very good read.

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