One of my favorite of the series. Westcott family members of prominently featured, the love of family & friends is pervasive, and Gabriel is such a kind, delightful man. Very feminist with all the Westcott ladies being very involved in the intrigue and making it clear that they are formidable and not the least bit interested in living in the shadows. It might not be historically accurate (who knows), but it’s lovely to see the aristocracy marrying for love and wanting to make their children the focus of their lives. There was great intrigue with the secrecy of Gabriel’s birthright, and it played out to a very satisfying conclusion. Balogh always does a masterful job of creating well-rounded characters, and this book is no exception. Fans can now look forward to the long-awaited love story for Harry.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I loved the push and pull of the characters in this book! I love when two characters are both uncertain of their feelings for each other, but it works out in the end. Mary Balogh was an author I had always heard of, but this was my first book by her and it won't be the last..

Let me first day I enjoyed the story between the two lovers. It was was sweet and gentle.
However, the constant rehash of back storyline from previous novels got really boring. Once would have been fine, but it happens multiple times.

Another Westport book. Jessica is feeling left out. Most of her cousins have married and moved away. At 25, she has finally decided this season she will marry. Enter the mysterious Gabriel Thorne from America. ARc from NetGalley.

If you want good historical fiction, you can’t go wrong with a story by Mary Balogh. Interesting characters that are fully explored and believable and of course there is a HEA. The story opens with Lady Jessica on her way back to London and having to lay overnight unexpectedly, which in turn displaces a “cit” who had actually rented the room that Lady Jessica needed. He was not happy. Fast forward to the first ball of the year and who appears, but the same “cit” dressed to the nines and evidently not who she thought he was and his name is Gabriel and he decided as soon as he saw her that she would meet the needs he had for a wife due to circumstances beyond his control. Want to find out what those circumstances are and how they finally work things out? Read, read, read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

When Gabriel Thorne, newly returned from America, encounters Lady Jessica Archer at an inn, his response is resentment at one who represents the class system he dislikes. He does, however, need a wife, and her qualifications are perfect. For her part, at the age of twenty-five Jessica has grown weary of her privileged, but unfulfilling, life and is ready to wed at last. She is not, however, overjoyed when Gabriel tells her he intends to marry her. Though a love match might be too much to hope for, she would prefer someone willing to look beyond her social credentials, someone to ‘romance’ her. Might he be the one?

This is a variant of the Sleeping Beauty story (roses and thorns proliferate), and it adds depth to this Regency romance. As seventh in the Westcott series, it is crowded with Jessica’s relatives we met in earlier books, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. They are, fortunately, a likeable brood; the challenges of clearing Gabriel of criminal accusations and punishing the real villain are satisfactorily overcome; but romance? Love, possibly? Not an easy path, but Balogh steers them through the perils with heart-warming skill.

Highly recommended.
HNR Issue 94 (November 2020)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/someone-to-romance-the-westcott-series/

I always enjoy a new Mary Balogh title as her heroes and heroines are so realistically flawed and her ability to encapsulate the trials and triumphs set against a resplendently researched historical backdrop is something to commend

She is an auto-buy author for me and I was delighted to get this sneak peek in e-copy before my paperback arrived

Mary Balogh treats us to the lives and romances of the Westcott’s and family in this newest installment with Lady Jessica Archer as our heroine. It isn’t necessary to read the previous books in the series, Jessica’s situation and past is mostly explained, but it won’t have the same impact as you’d have reading the books in order.

Jessica hasn’t selected a husband. As the sister of the Duke of Netherby and with wealth of her own she hasn’t lacked opportunity, but guilt at her best friend’s tragic set down held her back. But now that her best friend has a husband and baby to love, Jessica can’t help but feel a little resentful that she’s now alone. She can’t help longing to have the happiness Abigail so clearly has. The new season is about to begin in London and Jessica decides she’s going to find a husband and marry. Gabriel Thorne sets her hackles up with his assumptions, but his presence lights her up every time.

Gabriel Thorne is back in England after years away to claim his title, but it won’t be easy. His uncle is a piece of work, and the reason he left thirteen years ago. He needs a wife at his side to help manage the difficulties ahead. Lady Jessica Archer fits the bill perfectly, born and bred to manage a household and navigate the societal complexities that come with being and Earl, and she’s beautiful. He’s not sure he even likes her, though, Jessica seems cold and arrogant, typical titled lady. Still, it seems no other woman will do for him.

I loved the push and pull between them; they clashed, and sparks flew! They had chemistry! One of my favorite things about this series is how the Westcott family really comes through for anyone they’ve deemed their own, and it was no different this time, and it made my heart swell! I’ve loved the Westcott series from the beginning. Mary Balogh writes complex, relatable characters, and I felt for both Jessica and Gabriel and was invested in their HEA!

Classic Balogh. It was very enjoyable. Interesting and well-grounded characters. The story moves at a good pace and there aren't any crazy misunderstandings. Intrigue adds complexity to the story but it is not so overdone that it overpowers everything.

Lady Jessica Archer was devastated when the Wescott scandal was revealed because her best friend's life had been ruined. In solidarity Jessica has stayed single because if Abby couldn't have the all the dreams then she would not either. But now that Abby is happily married and moving on with her life, Jessica suddenly feels left behind and lonely. She decides that this season she will move on. With two different men vying for her hand, Jessica must decided what she really wants and who to trust to get it.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I've been kinda up in the air about Jessica and it was really nice to see who she was. I like that Gabriel refers to her with two personas, the Lady Jessica Archer and Jessica, the woman underneath. I also really liked Gabriel and his wrestle with life changing decisions. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I have adored this series and was excited for Someone to Romance., however, this bool feels a little flat for me. The pacing seemed to be off and felt the story was a tad to slow. I also was never able to fully connect with the characters and feel they lacked a bit of chemistry.

The pacing of the story is a bit slow. The main characters are interesting and complex. I enjoy the secondary family characters, as well.

If you haven't started this series - you should!!

The entire collection has been good reads so while this one grabbed your eye, start at the beginning and enjoy them all!

I received an ARC to prepare my review.

It's not my favorite in the series, but I did enjoy this book. It has been nice seeing Jessica evolve through the prior novels from a spoiled girl into a strong woman. This book lives up to the previous in the series with a wrongly accused gentleman who at first looks at Jessica simply as a commodity. Will love prevail? Will the wrong be set right?

I am an avid reader of Mary Balogh and was not disappointed in this novel. This is the 8th book in the series and you are able to read each as a stand alone, but I always recommend reading them in order as they reference people from earlier books. In this one there is love with some mystery. This wasn't my favorite among the series, but still well worth the read.

When he was only nineteen, Gabriel Rochford was falsely accused of two heinous crimes, and urged by his family to flee to avoid hanging. Gabriel had been orphaned ten years ago, and was living with an uncle who provided the necessities, but no love or affection. Willing to make a new start, Gabriel traveled to America, where he found a relative of his mother’s, one who loved him, and made him his heir. Gabriel even legally changed his surname to Thorne, willing to leave everything of England behind him. There’s only one person he keeps in contact with, and that’s Mary, his English uncle’s sister-in-law. Over six years ago, Mary notified Gabriel that his uncle and cousin have unexpectedly died, leaving him as the heir to a title. Gabriel chooses to stay away from England, until a desperate Mary begs him to return home. It seems that he’s only months away from being legally declared dead, and the next in line for the title has already moved in, making it clear that Mary no longer has a home. Gabriel can’t resist Mary’s plea for help, though he hopes to be able to return to America, leaving a capable steward in charge of his inherited estate.

Jessica Archer has avoided making a match for years, and now, at twenty-five, she has decided it’s time. Though she doesn’t expect to find love, there are several eligible men of her acquaintance who would be suitable. Determined to acquire a fiancé before the season ends, Jessica is nevertheless astounded when the brash new American in town calmly tells her that he intends to marry her.

It seems that Gabriel’s situation is not quite as simple as he had hoped. The heir presumptive to his title is making a big show around town about his upcoming inheritance, all the while pointing a finger at Gabriel (his supposedly dead cousin) as being a wicked criminal. Gabriel keeps his identity a secret until he can formulate a solid plan, but he realizes two things. First, a wife, one who is well respected in society, will be of immeasurable help to him. Second, if he does accept this life, there will be no returning to America. As the daughter and sister of a duke, Jessica is about as high in society as a female can be. When Gabriel tells Jessica of his intent, she is furious at being thought of as a commodity, and insists that if he is to have any chance, he must romance her.

I loved, loved, loved every minute of reading SOMEONE TO ROMANCE. Everything worked for me, both the courtship between Gabriel and Jessica, and Gabriel’s quest to claim his title and clear his name. Gabriel is such a straight-up, direct man, that he was taken aback at being told he has to romance someone, wondering if he even knew how. I love his character, his intelligence, and his integrity, and it obviously grated on him to have to temporarily deceive everyone about his true identity. Jessica can put on a haughty air, and act the part of a privileged aristocrat, but she also has a soft, womanly side. Her honesty to Gabriel, as well as her intelligence in being able to figure out who he really is, makes her a person to respect and admire.

I have read all previous books of the Westcott series – this is book number eight, so I’m well acquainted with this extended family. For someone who hasn’t read previous books, it may be hard to keep track of everyone, though Mary Balogh makes a point of including the details necessary to fill the reader in. I think this is the best book of the series, as the romance was unusual but captivating, and the conflict was very well written. I adored seeing the Westcott family come to the rescue once again, and Avery, Duke of Netherby, (Jessica’s brother) still manages to steal the scenes he’s in, simply by existing. I literally couldn’t put this book down, as it satisfied at all levels, and SOMEONE TO ROMANCE is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Mary Balogh, queen of the regency romance, continues the Westcott series with Someone to Romance. A missing heir to an Earldom returning from America, misdeeds of which he is wrongly accused, a duke's daughter seeking a husband: a perfect recipe for a romantic romp. Ms. Balogh delivers a quick moving plot, interesting characters and a quality story. Read and enjoy.

There was mystery afoot!

A handsome newcomer with mystery surrounding him caught the eye of Jessica and soon the Westcott and their entire clans were embroiled in a dangerous situation…

This instalment of the Westcott series had everything I’ve grown to love about this series. Intriguing characters, close family ties and now, a huge shot of suspense as well. Gabriel’s past was a murky one but all was slowly revealed as he and Jessica, whether by design or not, fell in love…

This was my latest favourite (aren’t they all) as Jessica waded through the emotions she’d been wrestling with for years. To marry or not was the question and she made a decision that coincided with Gabriel’s future. From not quite liking each other to admiration, respect and yes, love, was a journey full of witty conversations, intrigue and a whole lot of tight-knit family. Witty banter was everywhere, and so were a lot of questions, as their romance played out amidst regency formality…

Another great read!

The following review appeared on Dear Author on August 26, 2020.


Once again, Kaetrin and are reviewing one of Balogh’s Westcott novels together. – Janine

Janine: Someone to Romance begins with Lady Jessica Archer, half-sister to the Duke of Netherby, escorted by a cavalcade of carriages to London. Jessica is twenty-five. She hasn’t met anyone special but she wants children and is finally ready to look for a husband. Jessica and her entourage stop at an inn along the way and another of the inn’s guests is forced to vacate a private room so Jessica can dine there. The man (a middle-class merchant, Jessica assumes) makes his reluctance known and Jessica concludes he is rude. He, in turn, thinks she is haughty.

Gabriel Thorne, nee Rochford, Earl of Lyndale, is the man. At age nine, Gabriel was orphaned and taken in by his unloving uncle and aunt. He fled England at age nineteen under a cloud of suspicion. Gabriel had not committed a crime but had reason to fear arrest and conviction. In Boston, Gabriel found a home with Cyrus Thorne, a relative of his mother’s. Gabriel stayed in Boston even several years later, after his uncle and cousin died and he inherited the Lyndale title.

This is a partial review. You can read the rest of it here:

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-a-reviews/a-minus-reviews/dueling-review-someone-to-romance-by-mary-balogh/


Thirteen years have now passed since Gabriel fled England, six or so since the title became his. Gabriel is now about to be declared dead. Cyrus, who adopted Gabriel, has been dead for seven years. His death left his son a wealthy man.

Gabriel planned to stay in Boston and let the title pass to Manley Rochford, the man next in line. Though Gabriel knew Rochford was a villain, he rationalized that Rochford could be a tolerable steward of the family estate and treat the servants and tenant farmers well enough. But then Gabriel heard from the one relative he still corresponded with, Mary, his aunt’s sweet, disabled sister, that she was facing eviction should Manley inherit the title.

Gabriel has returned to England to investigate the situation and he decides to keep his identity secret for now. It doesn’t present a problem because due to his adoption his surname is different and the one Rochford currently in London when Gabriel arrives is Manley’s son, Anthony, whom Gabriel has never met.

Gabriel needs an aristocratic bride who can run the estate and whose name carries enough clout to bolster his position in the inevitable wrangle with the Rochfords. Jessica Archer, odious though she seems, is eminently suitable for this role.

In London, Jessica and Gabriel meet again. Jessica thinks that Anthony, soon to be an earl’s heir, would be a better choice than the mysterious, rude Gabriel Thorne. Gabriel feels similarly about Jessica’s cousin, Lady Estelle Lamarr. But Jessica and Gabriel are more attracted to each other.

Gabriel is determined not to be one of Jessica’s “court,” as he calls the would-be suitors who cluster around her at ton events. He manages to finagle a carriage ride to Richmond Park with her. There, Jessica reveals that she can tell he has ulterior motives for courting her. Gabriel realizes there is more to Jessica than haughtiness. Jessica, who has a heart under her outward loftiness, does not want to be used. If he wants her to marry him, she tells Gabriel, he will have to romance her.

Although Gabriel has no idea how to go about that, he succeeds in attracting Jessica more with each meeting. The single roses he sends daily become more meaningful than the huge bouquets sent by Anthony.

Kaetrin: I loved the roses and the significance they had over the course of the book. One of the most swoonworthy lines in the book (which I won’t quote because it comes quite late in the piece) was about the roses.

Janine: When Gabriel reveals what he faces, Jessica decides to come to his aid..

First, I want to thank to the publisher for approving my request--I read this during lockdown and was so happy to be able to get to visit with the Westcotts again, especially during such a stressful period. I still really like the series overall and had been waiting for Jessica's story, but unlike some of the earlier entries I think this particular title is better not read first or even as a standalone; while spending time with the family is part of what I most enjoy about these books, there are just so many characters now that I felt like listing them all pulled focus too much from the hero and heroine at some points, and I had trouble remembering who some of these people were from scene to scene (although that could also have been partly due to quarantine brain). That said, I think longtime readers will appreciate this one as much as I did!