Someone to Wed by Mary Balough is a wonderful romance between a man dedicated to duty and a woman so abused as a child that she hides from all society. More than one man’s caring will be required to heal the woman’s pain and fear. Yet another winning story by Mary Balough.

Someone to Wed is a regency novel. I recommend this novel to all who enjoy regency novels. Mary Balogh is an author I follow..

I loved this "cozy romance* of convenience, and I really loved how strong and convincing their relationship was. I have actually reread this since it was published and even picked up a print copy!

Alexander and Wren's story is everything I love about romance, and everything that the best marriage of convenience story hopes to be. Wren had an absolutely wretched childhood until the age of ten, when it got monumentally better--but was it too late? At almost thirty, after the death of her aunt and uncle (and adopted parents) she is living the life of a recluse. She hardly ever sees anyone, never goes out in public, and even when she visits the glassworks that she now owns, she is heavily veiled. She hasn't had any of the "normal" experiences of childhood or a season, though her education, at least, was excellent. She has no friends or confidants beyond her maid, and (she believes) nothing to recommend her as a future spouse but pots of money. She's lonely, though she doesn't quite think of it that way, and decides to arrange a marriage for herself.

Alexander is #3 on her list of possible spouses. He's the new heir to the Riverdale title and is land rich but woefully short on funds. Though he's the guy who wants to take care of everyone else and is determined to give his tenants a better life--which even he admits will probably have to be done through an advantageous marriage--everything in him revolts at Wren's matter of fact proposal.

Except, he has all those people depending on him. And Wren intrigues him, more than he wants to admit...

Watching Wren and Alexander grow closer and (finally! yesssss) fall in love and each realize that the other was so much more than just "someone to wed" was delightful, and seeing her become a part of the larger Westcott family was just as wonderful. I'm pretty sure I was smiling like a lunatic for the entire last chapter, and *might* have had a few happy tears in my eyes on that last page or two and a happy sigh on my lips as I closed my ereader after.

Someone to Love is the third book in Ms Balogh's Westcotts series, and *could* work as a standalone if absolutely necessary. But since Alexander's path to earldom is complicated and affected so many other people (not to mention you are sure to fall in love with *all* of the Westcotts just as I have!), do yourself a favor and add the entire series to your TBR right away!

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Wren Heyden, an unattractive heiress, finds a life partner against the odds. As Wren gradually emerges from her self-imposed isolation the reader cheers for her much deserved happy ending. Characters from previous books in this series appear and add to the reader's enjoyment.

Money isn’t everything…

Ahh, the Westcotts are back! This author has hooked me again on the Regency romance genre with this sweet, family-filled series. Drama wasn’t created on reality TV, instead I think it may have started in mansions and ballrooms just a few hundred years ago…

“She was wealthy and wanted a husband. He was not wealthy and needed a rich wife.”

Wren was once again without family. With a career she loved, and no need to worry about money, she wanted a husband and children. And, despite her hermit-like existence, had the courage to find it. Alexander unexpectedly inherited an estate desperate for an infusion of cash and a lot of TLC. They needed different things but they were going to find out they would get far more than they bargained for…

“The heart was too unpredictable and too capable of feeling pain and doubt…”

I loved how this story had dialogue and society restrictions of a by-gone era alongside characters pushing the envelope of what was deemed ‘seemly’. Wren’s self-confidence in herself faltered in one key area but in all others her plain-speaking and empathy called to Alexander and his family. I loved these characters who took a well-known story plot and made it uniquely their own.

A beautiful, meandering tale of secrets long kept and a future worth fighting for…

Mary is a favorite of mine. I read her books in a day or two. She is a magician and uses her words for your entertainment. I absolutely love this journey and look forward to the next book

f you are looking for a fast-paced story this is not your book. But if you love a slowly developing story with deep emotional impact you will love Someone to Wed. This is a lovely story of triumph over a horrendous past.

Wren Heyden is seriously scarred, noticeably on the outside, but even more severely on the inside. That doesn't stop her from wanting what other women have -- a husband and a family. So she creates a plan to trade her wealth for a husband that needs it. Enter Alexander Westcott, a decent, responsible man that has inherited an earldom and an impoverished estate. When Wren interviews him as a husband it begins a slow chain of events that change both their lives.

Make no mistake, this one is a major league tear-jerker. Wren's life is genuinely sad, in every sense. Cruel things were done to her and she became very hard on herself. Her journey to a better life was gradual and sometimes painful. Alex was honest in all of his dealings, even when he wasn't sure about the relationship. Problems were not miraculously solved, but the reader is made to believe that huge progress was made and would continue. The book was a little slow and wordy in places, but it was an inspiring story and I liked it very much.

Advanced reader copy of the book provided by the publisher.

One thing I’ve lamented in romance novels is the lack of practically-minded marriages. I realize how unromantic that sounds, but consider the fact that there are a bajillion romances where a couple is trapped into marriage only to fall in love later. Why not have a couple marry for money or station only to fall in love? To me, the concept seems just as romantic in theory than many other common romance novel tropes. In Someone to Wed, Balogh does this beautifully.


From the moment I met Alexander Westcott, I was anticipating his romance novel. He’s handsome and pure of heart and honest af. While physically he fits the romance hero stereotypes, his demeanor isn’t one often seen. In the first book, Alexander was made Earl of Riverdale when his cousins were disinherited by nature of their bastardy. Most would be thrilled at such a windfall, but Alexander mourned, both because of his love for his cousins and because the title came without the money to fix a country estate in poor shape.

Alexander could ignore the country estate like the prior earl did, but he knows how many people depend on the earl for livelihood. To be able to afford repairs and enhance farming, he either has to take dangerous loans or marry well, something which saddens both Alex and his mother and sister.

Enter Wren Hayden, a local heiress, with an offer of marriage. She seeks companionship and a source of children, and she’s willing to offer up a fair chunk of her fortune to get it. Wren breaks my heart tbh, because she feels like all she has to offer to anyone is money, because of the port wine stain on the left half of her face.

Initially, Wren’s a difficult heroine to particularly esteem, distant and blunt. Alexander doesn’t know what to make of her, and he insists that they get to know one another before he will decide how to respond to her offer. While needing to make a mercenary decision, he at least hopes for a marriage of mutual respect.

Once Wren starts to open up, she basically ripped my heart apart. For one thing, she’s a deeply introverted person who has become used to rarely leaving the house except for work and only ever in an obscuring veil. Introvert heroines abound, but they’re not this introverted. Wren comes across as rude any time she attempts to respond to small talk, and she feels deeply overwhelmed by even small social interaction. I love that, even as she learns to be a bit more socially adept and comfortable, it’s emphasized that she will always be happiest out of society.

Alex and Wren bond first over mutual admiration of intelligence and character in a slow, slow burn. It’s kind of fun that Alex, even when he first kisses her, still truly isn’t sure whether he really could desire her sexually. The romantic aspect of their relationship slowly burgeons as their emotional connection builds.

Again, I do feel that many romance readers wouldn’t be a fan of the slower pace and lack of traditional tropes, but I find these books nigh perfect. Balogh builds these relationships so slowly and realistically. Even when, as in this case, I’m skeptical of the ship at the start, I have fierce feelings by the time I get to the end.

I will read anything that Mary Balough writes, I believe she is one of the most gifted and emotionally nuanced romance writers. I am so glad to see another entry in this series!

I really enjoyed reading "Someone to Love", the first book in the Westcott series, even though I was a bit frustrated with its hero.
"Someone to Wed", the third book, once again has characters that don't seem to fit and, honestly, Wren Heyden, the heroine, was a bit cold and standoffish at first but you could always feel that there was more and that she was able to be, well, more.

I really liked that even though both, Alexander Westcott, the new Earl of Riverdale, our hero and our heroine are very open and realistic, at least to themselves, about the nature of their relations, the reader can always feel that there is something between them. Some feelings that are slowly but steadily growing and that might even surprise those two.

Wren is a wonderful character, somewhat tragic in her fear to expose herself to others but capable and strong nonetheless. Her wish to wed that leads to their challenging courtship and draws her out of her shell - and her veil - makes her propose marriage to Alexander who desperately needs money for the impoverished Earldom that he inherited a couple of months ago. (If you have read "Someone to Love" you will remember the events and their impact on Alexander's family.)
Due to circumstances, Alexander has resigned himself to a marriage of convenience even though that was the last thing he ever wanted. When those two embark on the journey to find out whether they could come to care for each other, you feel with them, you roll your eyes, you despair with them, your heart will break - and you will just hope that somehow everything will be alright in the end.
I loved to see those two find happiness and love. This is one of those books that I'll definitely read and reread - and I can't wait to read the next books in this series!

Continuing with the Westcott family. The new heir to Riverdale needs a wealthy wife to help save hi crumbling inheritance. When he calls upon the reclusive Miss Heyden he doesn’t realize that his future has changed.

Mary Balogh's books are always comforting and challenging at the same time. I love it. This one especially had an almost gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast storyline. I loved that the heroine was the recluse but was intelligent and loyal and determined to change her life, even though it would be a struggle. The hero was a perfect match and his patience and empathy and supportiveness was so beautiful to read in a historical novel. Loved that with the help of the hero and his family, the heroine succeeds in concurring her fears and changing her life the way she decided that she wanted to. Change is never easy, and sometimes we doubt ourselves along the way. Mary Balogh does a great job conveying that the journey is full of ups and downs, but the emotional growth and wisdom gained are worth it in the end.

Someone to Wed broke my heart, but in a good way. The Regency romance by Mary Balogh continues the series about the Westcott family, whose lives have been turned upside down by the revelation that a woman brought up in an orphanage is the legitimate heir of the Earl of Riverdale and that the children raised in wealth and privilege are in fact illegitimate.
Wren Hayden is a wealthy heiress and astute businesswoman. She was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, and after their deaths, she took control of their successful glassworks business. But as a recluse nearing 30 years of age, she realizes she is lonely and wants a husband and children. She makes a bold plan to invite a few eligible bachelors who live nearby for a chat and tea. If one proves to be a good candidate, she will make an offer of marriage.
The new Earl of Riverdale, Alexander Westcott, has inherited a title he never wanted and a run-down country estate he can't afford. Wren invited him because she knows a rich heiress is something he desperately needs to rescue his failing estate.
Alexander believes he is there for a social call. He is taken aback when he meets Wren. She is polite yet aloof, and disconcertingly forthright. She also is seated and veiled throughout the meeting.
After a few uncomfortable minutes chatting, he is shocked when she makes her offer: "In my own person I am not marriageable, but I do have money. And you do not."
Alexander protests that he has not even seen her face. Wren removes her veil to show a beautiful face in profile, but then turns her head to reveal a purple birthmark that covers the left side of her face. Despite his dismay, Alexander proposes a period of getting to know each other better. Something about Wren touches Alexander, and he eventually agrees to marry her.
The courage Wren shows in making this big step and the care Alexander shows as he helps her come out of her shell are just beautifully heart-rending. Sometimes Wren's courage falters, and sometimes Alexander pushes too hard, but as their mutual respect and affection deepen, you root for the couple to make their marriage a full love match.

I like this offering. Not as much as I liked the first book in the series, but it is a solid romance with the Balogh insight into the complexity of each relationship

Someone to Wed is the third installment in the Wescott series by Balogh and a charming edition. This is the tale of Wren Heydon, who has lived the life of a virtual recluse because of a physical deformity and Alexander Wescott, the new Earl of Riverdale. Alexander has inherited a vast, neglected estate but no money. Wren is a wealthy heiress and business woman who desires a husband and family but feels that she can never achieve this because of her appearance. She devises a plan to find a nobleman in need of funds and propose a marriage. Both Wren and Alexander are likeable characters and Wren is especially sympathetic because she has been so isolated. The story slowly meanders through their courtship and discovery of each other. There are no surprises her and no great mysteries, just two people overcoming their challenges. The pace is inclined to be a bit slow and readers may be a bit frustrated with Wren’s continued self-loathing and equally amazed at how quickly she adjusts to new circumstances. All in all a pleasant read with Balogh’s usual competent writing. B

Review: SOMEONE TO WED (A Westcott Novel, Book 3) by Mary Balogh https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-apc
Publication Date: November 7, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed SOMEONE TO WED. It’s a Historical Regency romance that makes a great winter read to snuggle up with and get swept away in for a while. SOMEONE TO WED is the third book in Mary Barlogh’s Westcott Series. I haven’t read the series but the hero is in previous books so I’m planning to go back and read them. This book grew on and surprised me. I didn’t like the heroine at first and almost set the book aside, but the more I learned about her the more I grew to understand and like her. Alex and Wren had a practical agreement for marriage and there wasn’t much steamy romance in this book. I thought their relationship grew slowly. I enjoy Mary Barlogh’s writing style and she creates characters readers can relate to. I recommend this book for historical romance lovers looking for a good regency romance.


*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love Mary Balogh. She is the queen of historical romance to me and I recommend her to everyone. I wish more people read her and more people knew her name! This one for me was just sort of blah though. I can't even put my finger on what it was about it. I couldn't really connect with the heroine, even though I loved that she has her own business and her own money. I did enjoy her standing up to society and doing whatever she wanted and the balance with her incredible vulnerability. I will definitely be looking out for the rest in this series!

4.5 stars

Synopsis: Wren is very, very wealthy, but she is also alone, and has been since her aunt and uncle passed away a year ago. She has made a list of the eligible bachelors who need money, but didn't offer it to either of the first two on her list. When the third gentleman, Alex, the new Earl of Riverdale (really??) arrives on time, but obviously expecting to not be the only person there, Wren is taken aback by his good looks. She doesn't really want anyone who is too good-looking, as Wren has what she considers a considerable defect to her aspect.
She offers Alex marriage, but he first makes her reveal her face, as she is heavily veiled, and then says that he won't even consider it unless she comes to a tea that he will have. Alex is more put off by how cool and unlike the women of his acquaintance Wren is than her face. There is something cool that he just can't get used to, but in spite of that, Alex visits Wren again at her home, and then invites her to meet his mother and sister. At that meeting, Wren releases Alex from even thinking about her marriage proposal.
However, Wren goes to London, and meets up with Alex again, and as the two get to know one another and let go of all their preconceived notions, they both come out of their individual comfort zones to try and create one together.

What I liked: the storytelling. Wren was so isolated, even before her aunt and uncle died, and the learning that she had to do on how to socialize, and how to not let people drain her felt very realistic. As Wren tried out new things and met new people, her confidence grew and grew, and she revealed more and more about herself as the story went on. Alex was very supportive and challenging (at the same time) with Wren, and he was also very understanding when she took little steps to get to where they were going, rather than larger ones a person might expect. They both took the time to get to know one another, and even though they didn't know everything about each other, they didn't start their life together as complete strangers.
The surrounding characters were interesting and colourful, and well drawn.

What I didn't like: not a lot. Even though there was a lot of communication between Alex and Wren, it sometimes felt as though they weren't talking on the same frequency.

Overall impression: although this was the third book in the series, I didn't feel as though I missed anything by not reading the previous two, and there wasn't a huge, annoying information dump to take me out of the story. The little tidbits that had happened in the previous books were organically mentioned. As well, even though the language was correct for the time, and it didn't feel as though there was really anything modern in the story, I felt as though this story could have taken place in the 1950s or the 1980s or 200os; the story itself, not the attitudes or wording, seemed to transcend any particular era.

*I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Someone to Wed is the third book in the Westcott series by Mary Balogh. All the books in this series are wonderful but you don’ t need to have read any of them to fully enjoy this one. That said, some of the characters from the previous books are mentioned in this one and it’s wonderful to have a catch up with them.

Alexander Westcott is the new Earl of Riverdale, he has the title and the estates, but he has no money. He needs to find a wealthy wife. He dreads going to London for a ‘season’ to find a wife but is prepared to do it.

Before he has the chance to do that he has an invitation to what he believes to be a social gathering at the home of one of his not so near neighbours.

Wren Hayden is that neighbour. She had a traumatic childhood which affected the rest of her life and she has become a 30-year-old recluse. She still longs for love, marriage and a family. She believes the only way to achieve her goal is to make a list of possible husbands and tempt them with her vast fortune. Alexander is the third man on that list.

He is shocked when he arrives at her house and is the only guest, even more shocked when he discovers why he has been invited. He desperately needs her money, but he can’t marry just for that. He wants to be her friend first and see if respect, and attraction at least, will develop between them. Then perhaps he will happily marry her. Only time will tell if Wren and Alexander will marry and marry perhaps for love!

This is such a beautiful story, Wren has to come out of her comfort zone after years believing she is a monster, years of hiding. Alexander helps her take her first steps towards living again, and what she experiences during that time is so emotional. I was close to tears occasionally, but I also had many moments where I was smiling ear to ear. This was such an emotional story, I loved every minute of it, including its very special happy ending. This whole series has been a wonderful one to read and I wholeheartedly recommend this and the previous books.