SOMEONE TO ROMANCE is the eighth book in Mary Balogh’s “Westcott” series. This book has a “classic” feel to it – like something by Charles Dickens. Years ago, a family upset had Lady Jessica Archer abstaining from the marriage mart out of solidarity with her cousin and good friend Abby. However, now Abby has a husband and a home of her own, while Jessica is feeling alone and a little restless. She decides to search for a husband in a very methodical and pragmatic way – much to Abby’s dismay. Enter Gabriel Thorne – self-made successful businessman from Boston, and the secret and true Earl of Lyndale. Their paths converge and they both find themselves in want of a spouse. Splendid. While engaging in an unconventional courtship, they find they like each other more than they ever expected to and might find happiness together.

I liked both main characters and thought they have good chemistry together. Jessica is twenty-five and matured a bit since the beginning of the series. It made me smile to see shades of her dynamic and shrewd brother in her personality. Jessica is intrigued by Gabriel and is somewhat amused when he declares his intention to marry her. She tells him to work for it and give it his best shot. Gabriel initially wants to marry Jessica because of her title and her force of personality. They are things he needs in order help counter things done, and things that might be done in the future, by some villains. I like that Gabriel mostly lays his cards on the table with Jessica early on. I hate when a hero or heroine keeps a crucial secret and there is the inevitable sense of betrayal that must be overcome. Jessica challenges Gabriel to see her as a person rather than her title. To his surprise, he finds himself just as intrigued by her as she is by him. I also like that long before she discovers which Earl of Lyndale is the genuine article, Jessica realizes which suitor is more genuine in general. Jessica and Gabriel make a good team once they are on the same side, and Jessica’s family are an invaluable asset to have in your corner. In addition to the divine romance, there is a bit of a mystery for readers. What evil thing happened really isn’t in question, but “who” and to what level there may be any involvement in a conspiracy is the mystery.

SOMEONE TO ROMANCE has it all – a masquerade ball, a long-lost earl, a tale of revenge, and a dazzling romance. I think the intensity between the characters is so strong because they are both such determined and forceful personalities. Mary Balogh does a wonderful job of balancing the romantic spark with stellar storytelling and character development. The Westcotts have become one of my favorite fictional families. I eagerly await Mary Balogh’s next “Westcott” novel.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Mary Balogh’s Westcott series and Someone to Romance is no exception. This is book eight of the series and our Wescott heroine this time is Lady Jessica Archer.

Lady Jessica is now twenty-five years old. Eight years earlier, when it was discovered that her best friend and cousin, Lady Abigail Westcott was the illegitimate daughter of a bigamous marriage, Jessica’s world was turned upside down, and her dreams of coming out with Abigail and enjoying a double wedding to dashing lords they loved were ruined. In the years that followed, Jessica’s love for Abigail and disillusionment with her world has kept her from fully embracing her place in society as a sister of the Duke of Netherby. At the start of the novel, Jessica is returning from an extended visit with Abigail and her husband and children. Abigail has made a love match and Jessica couldn’t be happier for her. But what of herself, Jessica wonders. She decides it is time to marry, even though she has never been tempted, never fallen in love. She doesn’t require love, she decides, just a mutual affection.

Gabriel Thorne left England at the age of nineteen under a cloud of scandal, and is now reluctantly returning at the age of thirty-two to take up the reins as the Earl of Lyndale. The previous earl died almost seven years earlier, and Gabriel is about to be declared officially dead as no one has heard from him since he left thirteen years before. He is not really interested in leaving his very lucrative life in Boston, he simply wishes to save his aunt from the viciousness of the presumed new earl, who is already creating havoc at the estate. Gabriel is not planning on declaring his true identity just yet, though. He wishes to find out more about the man that he is displacing and about how the estate is running. He also knows it is his duty to marry and he decides marrying high up in the aristocracy will ease his transition. His first night in England, he sees Jessica at a posting inn and decides she’s the one. He heads to London assuming he’ll see her at ton events and get a chance to confirm his choice.

Jessica and Gabriel meet again at a ball and Gabriel begins his pursuit in earnest. A few days later, on a ride through Richmond Park, he declares his intention to marry Jessica. Jessica is surprised, a little charmed, and very irritated. This man only sees the Jessica on display to the ton - she challenges him to get to know the real Jessica and then court her.

“No,” she said before he could answer. “I do not want to be wooed, Mr. Thorne. I am not at all certain it would accomplish its desired aim anyway. Indeed, I am almost certain it would not. But if you want a chance with me, then you will...Oh.” She circled the air with her hand again. Where were the right words when one most needed them? “You will romance me.”

”Its end, its whole purpose is not necessarily marriage,” she said. “It is about...oh, about persons. About feelings. About getting to know another person. Not just facts, but...getting to know the person behind the facts. And showing that person that you know and understand and like the whole person, regardless of imperfections. It is…”

“Falling in love?” he suggested when she struggled for further words.

Gabriel is not deterred by Jessica’s speech - he likes what he’s seen and starts his romancing, which is delightfully subtle and definitely gets Jessica’s attention. But there are other suitors vying for Jessica’s attention, most notably the son of the man set to inherit the title of Earl of Lyndale once Gabriel is declared dead.

Someone to Romance is classic Balogh. The characters are very well developed, the scenes are well described, the romance is slowly woven together. I warmed to Gabriel a little more than I did to Jessica and I wonder if this is perhaps due to having known Jessica since she was a rather whiny teenager and having that impression of her to overcome when reading this book. The romance between Gabriel and Jessica is palpable and this story, more than in the previous books of the series, has a more sensual side -

“I want you,” he said. “In bed. Very much in bed. I want you naked. I want to arouse every inch of you. And I want to be inside you and to pleasure you until you cry out with the sheer pain and wonder of it.”

Well then!

Almost all of the Westcotts make an appearance in the story and there is a terrific final triumph at the end orchestrated by Gabriel, the Earl of Riverdale, and the Duke of Netherby. As we’ve learned in previous books, messing with one Westcott brings down the wrath of all of them.

If you are new to the series, don’t start here - go back to book one and savor the whole saga. If you have enjoyed the Westcott series, you will not want to miss this latest installment. Now the question is, will Harry get his happy ending or will the series end here? I’m hoping for a Harry story!

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Lady Jessica Archer has finally decided it's time to get married. After her cousin and best friend was declared a bastard and left society, Jessica didn't want any part of it. Now that her cousin has found happiness, it's her turn. Enter Gabriel, a mysterious man who has just come back from America. He takes one look at Jessica and decides that she will fit his needs perfectly. As they come to know each other, they overcome obstacles and learn to lean on each other. Someone to Romance is a strong addition to the Westcott series

I love these Westcott books and am happy to finally read Jessica's story. When the big scandal happened, Jessica decided that she would stick with her cousin, Abigail and they would be single together. When Abigail found Gil and married, Jessica was left somewhat adrift. coming from an affluent family, she is not under pressure to marry and indeed isn't desperate to do so. When she decides she might put a toe in the marriage waters, she gets ready for the Season in London.
Gabriel Thorne is back in England after 13 years in America. He had no wish to return and claim his rightful inheritance, but the one person he really cares about is being threatened by the man who has expectations of Gabriel's title and so Gabriel has to return. When he stops at an inn and is subsequently rousted out of his paid for private parlor so that Lady Jessica Archer may have it, his first thought is spoiled aristocrats is one of the reasons he didn't want to return. Then, he sees her....
I enjoyed the premise that this story concerned two people who want to marry but only one want to marry the other. Gabriel is right out there letting Jessica know he plans to marry her and she naturally is affronted by his boldness but also intrigued. When the son of the man Gabriel is here to toss out of his estate starts wooing Jessica, he is such a poser that it's easy to dislike him and not feel sorry for what is to come. Add some unsavory rumors to the story and Gabriel is in a bigger mess than he originally thought. However, I liked that Jessica has a good head on her shoulders and doesn't get a case of the vapours, instead jumps right in to do what needs to be done. Finding love is just an added bonus.
This has been such a good series and Jessica and Gabriel make a great addition to the other couples. I enjoy seeing all of the family come together and collectively cover Gabriel's back while helping resolve the situation.
The only bad thing about these books is i always want to go back and read the earlier ones after seeing the couples again and my TBR pile keeps getting bigger as I read these favorite books.

I am so addicted to this series, I need it to never end! I love these characters, this family, and this book. I absolutely adore how strong and independent Jessica is, all while she embraces her life as a prominent Lady of society and without compromising her new found sense of self. After making the decision to marry this season with or without love, her steadfast refusal to be viewed as simply a title with proper training has endeared her to my heart forever. I’m so very glad that the author wasn’t afraid to allow Jessica to have and acknowledge her darker feelings of jealousy, betrayal, and being left behind (all of which are natural, once you know her back story) rather than setting the time line of the book ahead far enough that it could be assumed she had moved past them. Seeing that facet of a character’s personality truly makes them stand out in my eyes. In a series such as this, with so many characters it is Mary Balogh’s ability to make each one unique that keeps readers coming back for more.
Lady Jessica Archer, daughter of the Duke of Netherby, is determined that this is the season she will really look for a husband. Sure she has had several admirers through the years but none of them have ever stirred romantic feelings in her heart. Ready to cut her losses she is prepared to view the issue as a business arrangement rather than one based on love, or so she thought until a good-looking stranger tells her he intends to marry her without even knowing more than just her name and tile. It is in that instance that she discovers how much she truly desires a romantic match and is unwilling to settle for less. Will the stranger heed her words and be able to romance her to the alter, or will the season’s charming new comer win her hand?
Gabriel Thorne, born Gabriel Rochford, the presumed dead Earl of Lyndale, has returned from the grave (well actually from America) to claim his title and find a countess. Not just any countess, but one who has poise, grace, and the training to help him run his estate. Only one woman checks off all the boxes on his list of requirements and he will do whatever it takes to make her his bride. Much to his surprise when he tells her of his intentions she gives him a piece of her mind and tells him he needs to romance her before she will even entertain the idea. Will he be able to show her the romance she needs to convince her to marry him, or will his family drama and another suitor chase her away?
Another great addition to the Wescott Novel series that I hope you all enjoy as much as I did.

Someone to Romance (The Westcott Series #8) by Mary Balogh, can be read as a stand alone.
Well written and well crafted with charming and enjoyable characters. The storyline is a riveting, and fast paced, story.

Lady Jessica Archer and the mysterious Gabriel Thorne are an interesting and enjoyable characters to follow and fall in love with. Regency readers will definitely enjoy this riveting romance!
SOMEONE TO ROMANCE is a slow burn Romance between Jessica and Gabriel
A heartwarming and fun with romance and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the first page to the last page.
Another must read romance by the talented Mary Balogh.

#NetGalley, #SomeonetoRomance, #MaryBalogh, #Berkley

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

3.5 Stars

Someone to Romance is the seventh in the Wescott series by Mary Balogh. This series involves a rather large and interconnect group of people, so I would highly recommend you read the series in order. I had read some of these books so in general knew the main players and even I had a bit of a hard time keeping them all straight as I read.

This entry is the story of Lady Jessica Archer, who placed herself on the shelf after the ton shunned her dearest friend. But now that she’s turned twenty five and everyone around her seems to be falling in love, Jessica thinks it may be time to give marriage a shot. Her family thinks she should marry the Earl of Lyndale, but Jessic finds herself intrigued by Gabriel Throne.

Gabriel had to leave London years ago due to a horrible scandal. He’s made a name for himself in Boston and has returned to claim his title from his horrible uncle who’s working to have him declared legally dead. Gabriel knows that a society wife would go a long way to cementing his claim to the title. So he’s decided Jessica will do quite nicely.

I liked that Gabriel was a very open and honest character. He was interested in Jessica and he let her know that almost immediately. He never really wavered in his pursuit of her. Even when Jessica demands that he romance her before she agrees to be his wife. Jessica wants to have a man prove he was interested in her, not her family or her connections. While that’s an admirable thing in a woman, I just never really liked Jessica. She always just seemed a bit of a snob. It wasn’t till very nearly the end that I really warmed up to her.

Balogh is one of those authors that tends to be hit or miss for me. She errs on the side of sweet rather than heat, and her characters tend to get stuck in their heads a lot. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but does have the effect of slowing down the pacing for me. Even with the intrigue in this book I got a little bored in the middle.

Overall I’m giving this a 3.5 because I loved Gabriel and the plot. I did eventually warm up to Jessica and the Wescotts in general are a good bunch. Fans of the series will enjoy Jessica getting her happily ever after, and seeing many of the other couples as they make appearances. However, if you’re new to Balogh I would suggest you start with the Simply Quartet before jumping head first into this long running series.

~ Lindsey

I discovered Mary Balogh’s tender, relationship-driven historical romances by browsing a book shop about a decade ago. The cover of her book merely depicted a landscape, but I recognized the possibilities of a new to me Regency-era author who did indeed pay attention to the details of the historical background of her stories, the social mores of the day, and could still deliver engaging characters and romances.

Someone to Romance is the eighth in the Westcott series. This is Lady Jessica Archer’s story. Jessica watches her cousin Abby with her newborn, a daughter, a loving husband, and a lovely home. She is ashamed of the envy that stabs her especially when Abby had to go through so much to have this. Jessica is determined to participate in the London Season and choose a husband, so she need not feel left out as others get married and have their own lives. Her loved ones want her to choose for love, but she doesn’t believe love is for her. No man has ever stirred more than mild interest in her. But, at a coaching inn, a bold-eyed man, looking like he is far beneath her, rouses her ire and confounds her at every turn. When other more eligible men come around, it is Mr. Thorne who sparks her interest and she feels a burning curiosity for the mystery surrounding him.

Gabriel Thorne is unhappy that he must return to England after thirteen years away. A terrible, dark event happened, and he was forced to flee his uncle’s home who had taken him in after the death of his parents. He lands in Boston with his mother’s cousin and builds a rewarding new life. Now, duty forces him to return. It occurs to him when he is ousted from the private parlor at a coaching inn for an arrogant duke’s sister that she is just the type of woman he will have to marry now that he is taking the family title and lands back. Only, he doesn’t want ‘a’ wife, he wants Lady Jessica Archer. She boldly dares him to romance her and so he will.

Jessica was a character I had mixed feelings about from the first book in the series and even into the early pages of Someone to Romance. She had several spoiled, rich girl moments and had some naïve notions. Her motivations at the beginning of the book reflected those notions and I was not sure I was going to like her or even care if she found her way to romance. But, getting her perspective and seeing her stumble, become confused, and then start along a new path was worth it. She was more than that spoilt woman and her good points came out as well as a shrewdness that stood her well. Besides, it wasn’t Jessica who naively under-estimates an enemy there near the end.

The hero Gabriel played a large part in my enjoyment, too. It was humorous from the get-go between this pair. She bristled up and had no idea what to make of his directness or the fact that he did not fall all over himself trying to flirt with her and he had a novel approach to romance. On his part, Gabriel had no idea how to ‘romance’ Jessica, but he gets it right much to her consternation. He has personal issues and business that he must give top priority, but it was great watching him with Jessica and slowly draw the respect of her family. As an orphan who lost almost all those who he loved including his mother’s cousin who adopted him as a son, he sees the true wealth of the Westcott family in how connected, loyal and loving they are with each other including their strong interest in Jessica’s future and her happiness.

With each book, Mary Balogh tackles a different historical issue and makes it part of the story’s conflict. This book drives home just how dependent the serving classes were on competent estate lords who cared about their welfare. The aristocracy held all the power and the wealth and could do with it as they pleased to a large extent so the people on the estates were helpless if the master ran the estates into the ground, or were forced to endure worse like rape and murder which the lower classes had few ways of getting justice. Gabriel is a true hero because he returns from America to reverse just such ill-fortunes on his family estate.

I only had one niggle about this story. I love the Westcott family so much—so, so much. And, I love that they are a strong feature in each succeeding book. That said, there are times when this bustling, large family can be overwhelming and even distracting to keep straight for the reader.

In summary, Someone to Romance is was another engaging, heartwarming, and slightly spicy Regency romance from Mary Balogh, an author who writes such stories so well. I have no idea which Westcott relation will be next int eh series, but I will happily read it. I can heartily recommend this series to those who enjoy historical romance with a slow-burn romance and strong familial element.

Mystery and romance! A 5 star plus read!

Ahh Mary Balogh! You've done it to me again! With a turn of a few pages some of my 'just read' recently historical romances have completely faded into the background by comparison. This was so a five plus star read. I was completely enthralled with this fabulous story with its reluctant return of a lost heir, a reigning beauty contemplating marriage, and the confusion of a dark past.
Brimming with anticipation, romance, roses and humor this was a masterful entry into the numerous stories of the Westcott menagerie.
Lady Jessica Archer's story, the sister of the Duke of Netherby, is a page turner.
And just like that I fell in love with Avery Netherby all over again. The man is so finely tuned, so droll, so deadly and so much more. I adore him.
And the family! The way it gathers together and protects its own is priceless, even if sometimes more than a tad interfering.
Jessica had turned her back on marriage after the ton's treatment of her cousin Abigail, content to hold court, but never be involved with anyone gentleman. This year Jessica's decided to take the plunge. The rather dazzling Mr. Rochford, heir to the earldom of Lyndale is a likely contender.
Gabriel Thorne has returned to England from Boston looking to decide on whether he'll move to claim an inheritance he doesn't want. And then he meets Jessica.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The Westcotts are at it again!!! I cannot get enough of this extensive family and their HEA’S!!!

I feel like we have almost come full circle with the story of Lady Jessica Archer, since the saga began with her brother, the Duke of Netherfield and her sister-in-law Anna, who changed all of their lives...

After watching her brother, cousins and other relatives get over family trauma and find happiness, Jessica decides this season (her 6th) she will finally marry. Luckily for her there are some new eligables on the market this year! In particular Gabriel, a mysterious gentleman of means recently returned from America and Anthony, the soon to be declared heir of the Earl of Lyndale... not one, but 2 suitors!

Secrets, lies, attraction and convince add together to help Jessica choose her husband. This choice is not without trials, but with the whole Westcotts crew behind them, Jessica and her new husband are able to overcome and see the love underlying the marriage of convenience!

As always- I could not put this book down! I love this family!!! Jessica and Gabriel’s romance was a delight, but all of the other Westcotts brought the sparkle to this book!

I highly recommend this (ok pretty much any Mary Balogh book), but I suggest that this series be read in it’s entirety. Balogh does an excellent job outlining the important details of the family dynamics in each book, but I feel it is so much better to have all the details- which there are many- through reading the series in order.

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh is scheduled to release August 25th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#SomeonetoRomance #MaryBalogh #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

This was a lovely, kind-hearted romance, with the sort of slow unfolding and resolving of emotions that I've come to expect from Mary Balogh. I enjoyed Jessica and Gabriel, and Jessica's enormous family. I'm not putting a proper review on GoodReads, because it turns out that while I really did enjoy reading this book, it's one of those books where that's about all I have to say about it!

The previous books in this series have followed the adventures and romantic exploits of those who were the collateral damage that resulted from the exposure of Humphrey Westcott’s figurative bastardy. This story, however, is rather about the collateral damage that resulted from the collateral damage.

Lady Jessica Archer’s personal fortunes were not affected by the discovery that her best friend, Abigail Westcott, was a bastard in the literal sense and not the lady that she was raised as. Her status irrevocably changed when it was revealed, after the figurative bastard’s death, of course, that her father had been a bigamist who was never legally married to her mother.

The exposure of the entire farrago is told in the first book in this series, Someone to Love, when the orphan Anna Snow discovers that she is the late, unlamented Humphrey’s legal heiress. Anna surprisingly finds both love and acceptance in the arms of Lady Jessica’s brother, the Duke of Netherby.

As someone who experienced Humphrey’s posthumous asshattery at second hand, and as a character who has grown up considerably over the course of the series – Jessica was 17 in Someone to Love and is 25 in Someone to Romance – many of her attitudes in the early parts of this story seem more than a bit self-indulgent, and that’s not a good look for a character who seems to have everything anyone could possibly ever want.

Except for the freedom that is part and parcel of being born male, while absolutely forbidden to anyone female. Now that’s a piece of resentment most of us can understand. As is her expressed desire to be wanted for herself as a person, and not just because she is oh-so-eminently eligible, being both the daughter and the sister of a duke, being a member of not one but two powerful ton families, and being wealthy in her own right.

But the persona of Lady Jessica Archer is just what – and not who – Gabriel Thorne needs to marry when this story opens. Because Gabriel has returned to England to claim his birthright as the Earl of Lyndale right out from under the nose of his lying, scheming, raping and possibly murdering cousin.

Gabriel will need the backing of both of Jessica’s noble families to keep himself out of the hangman’s noose that his cousin fitted him for over a decade ago. He will need Lady Jessica Archer’s aristocratic bearing and training to right all the wrongs that have been visited upon the estate he should have taken up years ago.

But he’ll get neither unless he can engage with the woman behind the haughty mask that Jessica presents to the entire world. Except for those she loves.

Escape Rating B: I have rather mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t warm up to Jessica until she warmed up to Gabriel, and that takes a relatively long time, story-wise. It’s not just that this romance is a very slow burn, although it certainly is, as that we don’t really see much in the way of romancing – in spite of both the title and Jessica’s expressed need to be, well, romanced.

I’m not sure I really saw them “fall” for each other. I just didn’t “buy” the romance.

What I did love, however, was the strong plot thread attached to Gabriel’s claiming of his estate and title, his feelings of duty and responsibility towards an estate that he never wanted nor expected to inherit, and especially his “revenge” on the cousin who abused that estate and tried to rob Gabriel of not just his inheritance but his life.

Because that part of the story read as a “fix-it” story of epic proportions, and I absolutely adore “fix-it” stories.

(I’m familiar with the use of ‘Fix-It” stories from fanfiction. There’s an entire class of fanfiction that seems to apply to all properties where the world of the original work is a mess but through fanfic the protagonists get to “fix” all the messes either by going back in time or changing a plot element or what-have-you. Good triumphs and righteously delivers epic payback on evil in all its forms. I’m finding stories of that stripe a great deal of comfort in our current, chaotic times.)

This story felt like a “fix-it” on Gabriel’s side of the story. There’s no fixing Humphrey’s mess, he’s dead, he’s been dead and this is not fantasy or SF. But the authors of Gabriel’s troubles, or at least one of those authors, is still alive and well and trying to do him dirty yet again. And circumstances are such that it isn’t possible to deliver the legal comeuppance the bastard deserves.

Watching it happen through an epic and extremely public serving of social opprobrium, however, was exceedingly satisfying. And actually kind of a comfort read.

This series as a whole is a bit of a comfort read. I like these characters (except Humphrey, of course – he’s certainly not missed). They’re great people and it’s lovely to see them get their HEAs. Some of the stories in the series have been particularly charming, and I love the fact that their reduction in social standing actually gives all of them a LOT more freedom which they eventually learn to use to great effect. So I got completely sucked back into this family and this world even though I wasn’t all that thrilled with the heroine’s behavior for a chunk of the story.

I think, though, that this one may have run its course. Or perhaps it’s taken itself too far afield from the original group of affected people. There’s one left, Humphrey’s son Harry, the young man who was VERY briefly an Earl before his father’s perfidy was discovered. Harry was much happier as a soldier than as an Earl, but his war is over. It’s time for him to finally get his much deserved HEA and close out his family’s story in Someone to Cherish, hopefully sometime next year..

Lady Jessica Archer is pretty much on the shelf. Approaching twenty-five years of age, Jessica decides that this season will be the time to find a marriage mate. Having long given up on love, Jessica sets out a plan and decides to choose as wisely as possible. Meanwhile she runs into Gabriel Thorne, not long having returned from visiting America and is now set to receive an inheritance. Through a sudden and odd set of circumstances, Gabriel announces that he and Jessica re betrothed.

Quite naturally, Jessica is shocked, and rather annoyed. Gabriel is certainly upsetting her plans to make her own choice, but she soon sees things about him that are rather intriguing. As time moves on it proves increasingly difficult for Jessica to resist Gabriel's charms and their attraction to one another goes full throttle.

I have to admit that I love Gabriel. While he should be working towards gaining his due inheritance, as well as caring for his family, he quickly claims Matilda and the fact that love isn't even on the table doesn't slow him down one bit. Meanwhile, I loved Jessica as well. Simply agreeing to marry Gabriel is not enough. She wants and demands more than marriage in name only, so the journey to that effect was rather sweet.

What I love about this book, and it has happened more than once in this series, is the fact that the protagonists are a bit older. Today, of course, twenty-five is certainly not old, but back then the ton had a much harsher view on women who hadn't married long before them. I have to admit to being enamored by this series and have read it from the very beginning.

Each story in this series has a side story, and the side story in this book involves Gabriel's past and how it is affecting his present. The fact that Matilda joins Gabriel's family when it comes to setting matters right fits right in with the romance that shows the love that blooms between them. As always, this was an enjoyable book in the series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next one, Someone to Cherish, set for release in 2021.

Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Someone to Romance is the 8th book in the Westcott series and it was such a pleasure to read. The author has
created this extremely large family and it doesn’t look like there is an end in sight, to my delight. Wondering where the author is going to take me in this latest addition, I was highly entertained with her choice of characters and plot. Jessica Archer, daughter and sister of the Duke of Netherby, is ready to get married. This is the season she has decided to settle down and create the family she long desires. Her choices are slim but when two new suitors come to London for the Season, she finds herself drawn to one more than the other.

Gabriel Thorne has returned to England after a 13-year absence in order to claim the earldom in which he is now entitled. In order for the transition to run smoothly, he figures he needs a wife to help him in this endeavor. A chance meeting at an inn, he sees a woman and decides she’s the one he’s going to marry. Once he declares this to Jessica herself, she is appalled and slightly intrigued. She demands that he romances her if he wants any chance of marrying her and Gabriel accepts the challenge.

What I love most about historical romances is the way that these individuals find the simplest ways to fall in love. It doesn’t take grand gestures but a simple touch, an attention to a small detail, and listening with their heart and not their head. Jessica wanted someone to see her for herself and not what her pedigree and title can do for her husband. Gabriel had a lot to learn and Jessica showed him what a woman’s touch can do to a man, if he just allows to be open to it. The piano duet was such a wonderful scene and a tipping point for this couple.

Someone to Romance was a great addition to this series and a story a reader can relish in. Balogh's writing immerses you into the setting and you love the feel of how it surrounds you with warmth and comfort. I love large families and when you wed into the Westcotts’, they take you in and make you part of their fold. Mary Balogh is one of the best in historical romance world and she has another hit on her hands.

Mary Balogh's books captivate me, and with each one, I find myself falling deeper and deeper under her command.

As this is the eighth book in the Westcott series (they can be read independently but be aware that you encounter a set of characters from one book to the next, so you will run into spoilers), you've had a chance to meet Jessica Archer previously. She didn't always come across as the kindest soul, so I'm glad she gets a chance to shine.

Her imperiousness, in fact, draws the mysterious Gabriel Thorne to her. He needs a wife, and he likes the way she "looks down her nose" at people. He believes it's a necessary trait to run his household. Theirs is a kind of Pride and Prejudice relationship in that he thinks she's prideful and prejudiced against people who aren't in her social orbit. Gabriel, though, despite not having the pedigree one would think Lady Jessica would demand, nonetheless piques her curiosity.

I loved the romance between Gabriel and Jessica. There is one scene in which they are as physically close as they could be while in society, yet they exchange only one word each. It is a heated, erotic moment.

I can't wait for the next Westcott book. Thank goodness that family is huge.

A fairly standard regency romance, but better than most. The plot made sense, as did the characters reactions to the plot. There was no instant love at first sight, no big misunderstandings, or other tropes that are sometimes annoying in the genre. There was actually some character development! The fact it was number 8 in the series didn’t hurt it as a stand alone read.

I’ve enjoyed the books in this series (Westcott series).
However, this book just didn’t work for me.
I never warmed up to Jessica, until almost the end. She seemed to be a snob and cold.
I’ll still read everything by Mary Balogh. She is an automatic buy for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Another fine romance from Balogh. I enjoyed the story of Jessica and Gabriel thoroughly.

I will say that this series is starting to creak beneath the multitudinous couples, cousins, aunts and grandparents. Since I couldn't quite remember who was who, I mostly chalked up the cast of thousands to "this is a person I should know." I kind of hope that the next couple do their courtship on a desert island, or at the very least, Scotland, far far away from the rest of the Westcott clan.

Overall - 3.5
Steam - 3

Someone to Romance is the eighth in the Wescott series by Mary Balogh. This series involves a
rather large and interconnected group of people, so I would highly recommend you read the series
in order. I had read some of these books so in general knew the main players and even I had a
bit of a hard time keeping them all straight as I read.

This entry is the story of Lady Jessica Archer, who placed herself on the shelf after the ton
shunned her dearest friend. But now that she’s turned twenty-five and everyone around her
seems to be falling in love, Jessica thinks it may be time to give marriage a shot. Her family
thinks she should marry the Earl of Lyndale, but Jessica finds herself intrigued by Gabriel Throne.

Gabriel had to leave Londo years ago due to a horrible scandal. He’s made a name for himself
in Boston and has returned to claim his title from his horrible uncle who’s working to have him
declared legally dead. Gabriel knows that a society wife would go a long way to cementing his
claim to the title. So he’s decided Jessica will do quite nicely.

I liked that Gabriel was a very open and honest character. He was interested in Jessica and he
let her know that almost immediately. He never really wavered in his pursuit of her. Even when
Jessica demands that he romance her before she agrees to be his wife. Jessica wants to have
a man prove he was interested in her, not her family or her connections. While that’s an
admirable thing in a woman, I just never really liked Jessica. She always just seemed a bit of a
snob. It wasn’t till very nearly the end that I really warmed up to her.

Balogh is one of those authors that tends to be hit or miss for me. She errs on the side of sweet
rather than heat, and her characters tend to get stuck in their heads a lot. This isn’t necessarily
a problem but does have the effect of slowing down the pacing for me. Even with the intrigue in
this book, I got a little bored in the middle.

Overall I’m giving this a 3.5 because I loved Gabriel and the plot. I did eventually warm up to
Jessica and the Wescotts in general are a good bunch. Fans of the series will enjoy Jessica
getting her happily ever after, and seeing many of the other couples as they make appearances.
However, if you’re new to Balogh I would suggest you start with the Simply Quartet before
jumping head first into this long-running series.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Series: Westcott #8
Publication Date: 8/25/20
Number of Pages: 336

Wow! This is a perfect book – It had everything I want in a book. The main characters are delightful, the supporting characters are wonderful, there was a HEA (but it was a pretty slow slog getting there), and the very best part – the villain got his appropriate punishment and everybody helped to make it so. Loved it! This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone if you like.

Lady Jessica Archer, sister to Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, gave up on love, marriage, and romance eight years ago when her cousin and best friend, Abigail Westcott, lost everything. Abigail has since married for love, but Jessica still hasn’t found it within herself to want that yet. She’s just spent some time visiting with Abigail and has decided that this will be the season she marries. She won’t look for love – just a convenient marriage to a good man. It’s too bad she doesn’t know any.

Gabriel Thorne fled England thirteen years ago under dire circumstances. He’s lived in America since then and loved his life there. He had made his fortune and certainly didn’t miss anything in England – other than his aunt’s (by marriage) sister, Mary. Mary is a kind soul who sees only the best in everyone, so when she writes to Gabriel asking him to return home and assume the title he inherited almost seven years ago, he can hardly refuse her. It seems his malicious cousin is on the brink of having Gabriel declared dead and assuming the title himself. He’s even taken over the estate already and is evicting Mary from her small cottage. Mary couldn’t survive on her own because she has several deformities and she has no family to care for her. As much as he doesn’t want to be, Gabriel is back in England.

Gabriel knows that one of the first things he must do is marry and begat an heir – otherwise, his cousin would still inherit if anything happened to Gabriel. He has to have someone who knows the ways of the ton and whose reputation is spotless. The first night he is back on English soil, on his way to London, he is requested to give up his private parlor for an unexpected lady guest. His nose is a bit out of joint, but when he sees that haughty, aristocratic woman, he immediately decides she is the one he’ll marry.

In London, Gabriel pursues Jessica in his own inimitable way. He certainly does the unexpected as far as Jessica is concerned. But there is competition for Jessica’s attention – a newcomer in town – Anthony Rochford – heir to Manley Rochford who is soon to inherit the title of Earl of Lyndale. Anthony is a handsome devil – can he win Jessica?

Once Gabriel shares his whole story with Jessica – and subsequently, with her entire family, they all band together to clear Gabriel’s name, claim his title, and save Mary from eviction. I loved that Gabriel was such a giving, caring, loving man though he claimed to know nothing of romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, well-plotted story and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.