I picked up this book solely on the book cover and the author’s name. While I enjoyed the book, I wish I’d done a little more research before choosing it.

Someone Perfect by the incomparable Mary Balogh is the ninth book in the Westcott series. While the romance and plot totally stand on their own, it’s very obvious this book is part of a long-standing series. There were so many characters it was overwhelming. Granted, so many of those characters had a point of being included, but I’ll be honest, I eventually gave up trying to figure out how everyone fits on the family tree. Maybe it would have been easier if I’d read earlier books in the series, but perhaps not. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it definitely made the book a little harder to read.

After a slow start, Someone Perfect picked up once the house party started. I also began to like Justin and Estelle a bit more. Estelle seemed a bit too perfect to me. She didn’t have a lot of flaws or much to overcome. It was like she was wiser than her years. Justin, on the other hand, had a lot of flaws and issues to deal with. He had a lot of growing to do, and I enjoyed watching his growth and development.

The romance between Justin and Estelle almost felt like an afterthought at times as Justin’s relationship with his sister, Maria, often took priority. Not to say that the romance wasn’t developed, but I could have used just a little more interaction between them to make the romance feel a little more real.

I enjoyed Someone Perfect once I gave up trying to place every character and just focus on the happenings in the story. I recommend Someone Perfect to historical romance fans who have read the other books in this series or those who would like to start at the beginning of the series.

Someone Perfect is the ninth book in the Westcott series by Mary Balogh. A lovely historical romance that is sure to sweep you away to another place, another time. The characters are well-written with lots of drama with a hint of romance. The writing was excellent, pulling the reader in from the beginning, all while leaving the reader wanting more.

Perfection is all in the eye of the beholder!

Lady Estelle Lamarr and her twin brother Bertrand are rusticating in their former childhood home when a neighbour and friends Maria’s estranged half brother arrives to bring her back to the family estate. Estelle gets off on the wrong foot with Maria’s brother, the Earl of Brandon, but eventually gives in, and travels to his estate along with her brother to help Maria settle into her new home.

Estelle bad opinion soon turns as Justin, the Earl of Brandon’s good deeds and intentions start to come to light during her stay at his estate… He may not be perfect but she eventually realizes that her ideal man may not need to be so perfect after all.

This book was excellent! Old-school fan of Mary Balogh will be so pleased with this gorgeous Pride and Prejudice retelling!

This story had so many things that spoke to me. I really appreciated the contrast made about the difference and the significance of the loft of a mother in different stage of the Childs life, ie. infant, child or young adult. Also, Balogh made beautiful comparisons between family ties and the family you are born with, or that evolve around you and the family of your heart that you choose.

The Westcott family is just as extensive as this series, and I found it very refreshing that the Westcott brood was on the back burner for most os this story and we see them reflected in Justin and Maria’s extended family.

I absolutely adored this book, and though Estelle may have not found perfection in her mate, I’m pretty sure I found it in this romance!

Someone Perfect by Mary Balogh is scheduled to release November 30th, 2021.

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

#SomeonePerfect #MaryBalogh #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

Justin Wiley, the Earl of Brandon has come to Prospect Hall to collect his younger half-sister Maria and bring her home to Everleigh Park. For the last six years, since their father’s death, Maria and her mother have lived at Prospect Hall, but when her mother died a year ago, Maria has lived there with only her governess/companion and even though Justin knows she dislikes him, he is determined to bring her home and introduce her to society.

He knows it will not be easy on either of them, but he truly loves his sister and wants what is best for her. Years ago they were close, but at the age of 22 Justin’s father turned him out and all but disowned him, so he has not seen her in years and has no idea what stories his stepmother told her about him. So to smooth her transition, he asks her neighbor and good friend Lady Estelle Lamarr, the daughter of the Marquess of Dorchester, and her twin brother Bertrand, Viscount Watley to join a house party he has put together – he hopes having her friends near will ease the transition. But Justin is not prepared for his reaction to Estelle and soon wonders if he could tempt her into becoming his countess!

Lady Estelle is positive that she and Justin will never suit – but the more time she spends with him, the more she wonders why he was sent away – society at large has offered many theories over the years, but none seem to fit the man she has come to know. But as it happens, secrets have a way of coming to light and the truth is almost more shocking and painful than any scenario she could have imagined. Can she help him heal from the past and find that this dour, imperfect man is in reality, her someone perfect?

This was a well-written, gentle read, with wonderful characters and a good helping of emotion. The romance between Justin and Estelle is slow-burning and doesn’t always feel like the prime focus of the book and it is a bit on the wordy side, but it is a lovely story nonetheless. The book has wonderful secondary characters, warmish love scenes, secrets, heartache, regrets, and an especially fun, sweet relationship between Estelle and her twin Bertrand before culminating in a very nice HEA. This book is part of the Westcott series, but it is loosely connected and you should have no problem reading this book as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I have always loved historical fiction, but Mary Balogh was the first author to make me fall in love with historical romance -- with the very first Westcott book. Since then I've read all her books. When Berkley sent me an early copy of SOMEONE PERFECT, the ninth book in the Westcott series, I fangirled.

I'm excited to say this book didn't let me down. In fact, I smiled, I cried, I swooned. I don't mean that lightly. Enemies-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope, and when you pair that with Balogh's finely refined gift for taking the unlikeliest hero or heroine and making you fall in love with their humanity, it's perfection. Her characters are fully fleshed out, real humans with flaws who have to overcome real challenges. No simpering misses, as she would say. Even better for me, there's no insta-love. Each book is a slow drop over pages and suddenly you're just as in love with the characters as they are with each other.

Justin is an incredibly romantic, dark hero, and I thought his (and Maria's) story was one of the best and most heartbreaking yet. I'm also thrilled we got to explore Estelle's happily ever after, and hope her twin Bertrand's is next. In the meantime, I'm going to keep playing my Balogh regency Simsverse and hope that fills the void.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Mary Balogh is on her ninth Westcott novel. Someone Perfect is being released tomorrow. I love the Westcott romances with all the intricate family relations. They are going far afield now to more peripheral members. There are still a few more to be matched up, so those Balogh addicts among us don’t have to fear running out. Moreover, this novel’s heroine links up with a hero who also has an extended family with some young folks who will need spouses eventually. It isn’t a given they will all get books of their own, but it’s comforting to know they are out there waiting.

That said, Someone Perfect was a bit disappointing. It was a sweet romance with emotional depth and fine characters. But too many new folks were introduced who didn’t seem important to the plot. It may be a setup for future books, but I won’t remember them all by the time their books are out. And there was too much repetition. We’d be led by the hand into a scene so we’d know what to expect, the lovely scene would unfold as expected, and then one of the protagonists would, with internal monologue, repeat for us what had just occurred. A little less of that would have made the novel more engrossing.

Justin Wiley, the Earl of Brandon, was a sweet happy child, even with the death of his mother in an accident when he was ten. He handled the remarriage of his father to a woman who seemed to quarrel with everyone. He had a step-sister, fourteen years younger, whom he adored. So, what happened? He was banished from the household in his early twenties and essentially disappeared until his father died. Then he returned to take up the responsibilities of an earl. He immediately sent his stepmother and step-sister to the country and did not visit that sister for two years, until after his stepmother died.

His step-sister, Maria, hates him. She wishes nothing to do with him, even though he had once been the light of her life.

Estelle Lamarr is one of the peripheral Westcotts. She lives quietly in the country with her twin brother. She’s a friend of Maria’s. When Brandon comes to claim Maria and bring her “home,” Estelle is put off by his cold, harsh demeanor. Yet when he asks her to visit his estate to help Maria accommodate to her new situation, Estelle recognizes that he isn’t cruel. She agrees to go.

That is the setup. Brandon has to learn to let his past and present merge, and to let the walls he has built up be broken down. Estelle has to decide whether she really wants to live a secluded life or to be surrounded by people—by family. They both have to learn to be vulnerable and honest with one another.

There are no real surprises here, but the characters are easy to pull for. And I’m glad to be left with the impression that there will be more in the series.

Someone Perfect by Mary Balogh is the 9th book in her fantastic Westcott series. I usually do not read a lot of Historical romances, but I love the Westcott stories and have read every single book in this series. Though we do not get to see too many of the Westcott family in this book, (they will make appearance nearer to the end), but Balogh once again gives us a fantastic slow burn romance.

Justin Wiley, our hero, became the Earl of Brandon, 6 years ago, upon his father’s death; after having been banned from his home years ago, he sent his father’s widow and his half-sister (Maria) to live in another one of their estates. Upon the death of Maria’s mother, Justin feels as her guardian, it is his responsibility to bring his sister back home to Everleigh Park estate. Maria currently hates Justin, especially since he sent them away 6 years ago; but she has accepted that she must return to the family estate in Everleigh.

Lady Estelle Lamarr, our heroine, lives at nearby estate with her twin brother, Bertrand, with each being close friends with Maria. Knowing that his sister may need some familiar friends to help her adjust, Justin asks Estelle and Bertrand to come to his home for a few weeks to help acclimate Maria to her new home. Justin, trying to bring the family together, invites relatives to their estate to get to know Maria. Will Maria open up to Justin and all the relatives she hardly knew?

Estelle and Bertrand having reconciled a few years ago with their Marquess father, after he married Viola, one of the Westcott matriarchs’, with both being friendly with many of the Westcotts. They both decide to accept the invitation, though they feel Justin is somewhat dark and dour; but their concern is for Maria.

What follows is a wonderful story with realtives from both sides of the family, spending time with Maria, including the gossip and rumors of that past. At first, Maria resents Justin, thinking that he was banned because he stole her mothers jewelry, which she will learn was a lie by her mother; as much as she loved her mother, Maria learns from the elders many truths, and beginning to realize that she still loves Justin. While all the many family members enjoy their stay at Everleigh, Estelle spends time with Justin to learn about his hardship when his father banned him. Slowly, they become closer, but though she begins to see nicer side to him, Estelle is not interested in getting married. As truths are revealed, Estelle begins to have strong feelings for this new Justin. Will Justin be able to convince Estelle to become his Countess?

Someone Perfect was a great slow build romance that with many revelations, bringing together an unlikely couple to find love and happiness. Mary Balogh gives us some wonderful new secondary characters, including Maria, Bertrand, and all the relatives who came to meet Maria. Though it was off to a terrible start, I ended up loving Estelle and Justin together. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as she has another winner in Someone Perfect. If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading Someone Perfect; which was another fabulous fun heartwarming story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Someone Perfect is an intricate, decadently descriptive, haunting romance that will keep you reading. This novel is superb with lush backdrops, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing.

Justin Wiley, Earl of Brandon, was disowned and banished as a young man. Justin is an enigma; everyone is guessing where he has been and what he’s been doing before inheriting the title six years ago. Justin descends upon Maria, his estranged half-sister, and takes her back to their home. Maria’s mother died a year ago, and Maria, who once loved Justin, now despises him. Lady Estelle Lamar and her twin brother live close to Maria. The twins are twenty-five and live their lives as they see fit. Estelle is holding out for the perfect man to fall in love with. The Lamar twins are convinced to visit Maria at her new home.

Once at Justin’s home at Everleigh Park, the family descends, and painful secrets are begrudgingly revealed. Justin’s past is tragic, yet he has resilience. Justin hides behind his cold, indifferent demeanor. However, a creative, loving man is hidden, buried deep beneath the pain. Justin is written vividly and viscerally and is multidimensional. I enjoyed discovering the many facets and layers of Justin as they unfold throughout the story. Estelle is fiercely independent and set in her ways. She has an instant, visceral reaction to Justin. Her dislike of Justin is disconcerting as, at the same time, she is relentlessly attracted to him.

Justin and Estelle’s journey is wrapped around Justin’s enigmatic past. Their love-hate relationship flourished organically. The couple’s genuine confusion with their feelings created a natural, messy relationship. The desire between Justin and Estelle runs deep yet is gradual. When it culminates, the connection is all-consuming and powerful.

This is a slow-burn novel. The backdrops, characters, and locations are described at length. The plot moved slowly for the first half of the book, especially before the twenty-five percent mark. The final half of the book picked up to a brisk pace—the heart of the story blossoms at this time. The plot moved faster, and more questions were answered closer to the conclusion. The story had layer after layer of trauma, misdirection, and discovery. The many facets of the story kept me invested and turning the page. Someone Perfect is the ninth book in the Wescott Series. This was an eye-catching, captivating novel. I enjoyed the undertones of deception, redemption, and love. Complex and haunting, this sweeping love story is epic and delivers a book with grit and substance. Someone Perfect takes the reader on a rocky, emotional journey that concludes with forgiveness and love.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This tenth book in the Westcott series is sure to please fans but few others. It has shades of "Pride and Prejudice" throughout and expands the number of side characters so that the hero's family matches the Westcotts in sheer size. At this point in the series, new readers may be lost if they start with this book rather than book #1. Three stars because it seemed to be written as a jumping off point to start a new family series rather than a continuation of the existing Westcott series.

Justin Wiley, now the Earl of Brandon, has a painful past since his father banished him for reasons that are unknown, but much speculated about by society at large. Despite having been the Earl for six years now, Justin is still very serious and dour. Nonetheless, since a year has now passed since his stepmother’s death, he must take responsibility for his half-sister, which means bringing her back to Everleigh Park, the seat of the earldom, no matter how much she resists the idea.

Maria now loathes the half-brother she used to dote upon and her friend and neighbor, Lady Estelle Lamarr, notes this animosity immediately. When Justin comes to fetch his sister, he also invites Estelle and her twin brother to spend a couple of weeks at Everleigh to help Maria settle in. Though Estelle has taken Justin into some dislike, she agrees to come for the sake of her young friend.

Justin has gathered not only his sister, but extended family from both sides in the hopes of showing her that she is not alone. As these previously separated branches come together in discussion, family secrets are revealed, even things Justin never knew, and he finds himself longing for a countess of his own. He thinks Estelle is perfect for the role, but she is equally certain he could never be the man for her.

This is my first ever Mary Balogh book, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I have to say I was rather pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. This was rather different than most romances I think, almost an homage to the highly descriptive style of Jane Austen. At first, I found this style to be rather solemn and I struggled a bit to get into it, but once I had my bearings, I actually found it to be very relaxing and immersive. I definitely would’ve benefited from reading some of the other Westcott books, just because of the surfeit of side characters, but this in no way detracted from my understanding or enjoyment of this book, other than a struggle to keep everyone straight. That said, I think I would’ve struggled with all of these characters anyway just because of the nature of this elaborate house party bringing together all the different branches of Justin’s and Maria’s families.

This book may not have had as much steam as I typically enjoy, but I think it was rather a case of quality over quantity. That’s not to say that this book was highly explicit either, but I think the slow burn between Justin and Estelle, combined with the sheer sensuality of the scene when they finally do come together, made this surprisingly sexy in a way that really worked for me. The emotional quality of the relationship development between Estelle and Justin and its ultimate culmination was just beautiful for me. I adored the fact that here we had this hero who had been so hurt by people he loved in the past that he now keeps himself totally closed off and doesn’t reveal his emotions to anyone, but he was open and totally raw with Estelle. That particular scene sold me on this book and on their relationship as she helped him work through his pain and he faced it head on, letting her see his very soul with this sort of intense vulnerability that I think is quite rare, both in life and in fiction. I loved it. Additionally, I loved the interactions between all of the supporting characters, except at times Maria, though she at least did do a great amount of growing up over the course of the story. I think my favorite relationship besides that between the MCs was the bond Estelle had with her twin, Bertrand, and now I find myself hoping he’ll get his own book. Either way, I will definitely be reading more from this author simply because of how real and raw her characters felt to me and how believable and emotional the relationship between Justin and Estelle wound up being.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Next week brings with it the release of the ninth book in the Westcott series by Mary Balogh. Someone Perfect is the enemies-to-lovers story of Justin Wiley, Earl of Brandon, and Lady Estelle Lamarr. And when I was lucky enough to snag an ARC, I was delighted. Read: I did a little shimmy, texted Julie to brag, then forced myself to not drop everything to devour it immediately.

You'll never know what a sheer act of will it took to be responsible and make sure I had nothing pressing to finish before diving in. (Or maybe you will if you recall my Diary of a Binge Reader on this series.) It was hard, friends. So, so hard. *Ahem* In any case, I accomplished my mission of clearing my schedule so I could properly savor this book because—and this will undoubtedly come as a shock, so be prepared—Mary Balogh is one of my go-to, auto-buy, reread on repeat authors.

I've lost count of the number of times I have read her Bedwyn, Survivor's Club, Simply Quartet, and Westcott series. Needless to say, then, that I had high expectations of Someone Perfect. But you can go ahead and consider them met, because I loved the slow burn of Justin and Estelle's romance. The way they went from active (but always polite) dislike to wary camaraderie to friendship and beyond was paced to perfection, and the writing was, as always, excellent. It was incredibly easy to get lost in the imagery of the countryside, the estate, and all that makes this moment in time feel romantic, slightly wild and a thing of complete beauty. Logically, I know I wouldn't want to be a woman during the Regency era, but what I wouldn't give to be a Mary Balogh heroine...

As with the other books in this series, family remains the heart and the center of Someone Perfect. And although more time was spent with a family other than the titular Westcotts, readers are rewarded with a deeper look at the connection between Estelle and her twin, Bertrand. It contrasted nicely with Justin's relationship with his younger, estranged sister, Maria, which was, of course, the very thing that brough Justin and Estelle together in the first place.

In the end, thisis another highly enjoyable, infinitely readable, and absolutely rewarding novel in the Westcott series.

When I saw that Mary Balogh was writing a Westcott spin-off novel, I was interested in seeing Estelle Lamarr again without the influence of the many (many) Westcotts. Estelle and her twin brother first appeared in book #4, Someone to Care, and have become like Westcott-adjacent minor characters. (I liked a number of the Westcott books, but there are way too many Westcotts, and I don't think they need to pop up in every book.)

But Balogh loves big, over-involved families, so Someone Perfect introduces a brand new extended family in the form of the Earl of Brandon and Lady Maria Wiley's families. I struggled with the first half of this book, because the reader is thrown into so many new locations and new characters, and our hero and heroine don't interact much as a result.

The romance is very Pride and Prejudice-esque, in that Estelle instantly dislikes Justin and thinks that he's cold, and Justin in turn is concealing *~*a traumatic backstory*~*. And their interactions were good, I just wanted a bit more of them! (Particularly because Balogh's characters have a tendency to monologue more than engage in equal dialogue.)

Something clicked for me around the 50% mark, and I finished the second half much faster than the first. The big house party also worked better for me in the second half, since it led to Maria rediscovering her family ties and learning about her mother--but at the same time, I could not keep anyone straight.

In Short: great characters, just far too many of them.

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
This is a Mary Balogh book, so I fully expected to love it and give it a 5-star rating because I always do. I would have loved for that to be the case, but this just didn’t feel like Top-Of-The-Line Mary Balogh to me. I liked the characters and I liked the premise of the story. The writing was excellent also. To me, what was missing was the characters actually spending time together and getting to know each other. Instead of the on-page time for the main characters, we were treated to page after page after page of descriptions of the countryside and the homes. Those descriptions were well written and made it very easy to picture that place in your mind, but, to me, they just took up too much space in the story. I loved Justin and Estelle and cheered them on – I would just have preferred to see more of it on-page. There are a great many characters who are visiting Justin’s home, and you might have a hard time keeping them all straight. Each of them, however, moves the story forward, so there is a use for them. I saw little use for all of those descriptions and time spent on the many, many, many wedding guests though (Yes, I know, Wescott’s). My bottom line is – the entire book is excellently written with interesting characters – you just don’t get to spend enough time with those characters because of the very long place descriptions. I’d definitely read it again though – after all – it is Mary Balogh.

The Cast of Main Characters

Justin Wiley, now the Earl of Brandon. Justin had the happiest of childhoods with two parents who adored him – until his mother died. That took all of the light out of Justin’s life and nearly killed his father as well. Justin was surprised and dismayed when his father took a second wife a couple of years later. This woman was so very unlike his beloved mother – totally different in every way – and Justin just could not find it in him to like her. Yet, that woman gave him a beloved sister, Maria, whom he adored from the moment she was born. He spent hours playing with her, entertaining her, making her laugh. Then the horror of banishment! His beloved father turned him out, cut off his allowance, didn’t let him say goodbye to Maria, and only allowed him to carry what few things he could carry in his small bag. Then, six years ago, his father died and Justin became the Earl, as well as Maria’s guardian (and she hates him). Justin has no idea why she hates him, she just does, and it is the coldest kind of hate.

Lady Estelle Lamarr, daughter of a marquess, and twin sister to Bertrand, heir to the marquess. Estelle and Bertrand definitely have that twin connection going because each can sense the other's feelings. They both enjoy solitude and live in the country at Elm Court rather than with their father and stepmother at Redcliffe Court. Both have spent their time in London and are very socially adept, they just prefer their time in the countryside where Estelle can enjoy the outdoors and Bertrand can enjoy his studies. Estelle has become friends with a young neighbor, Maria Wiley, who recently lost her mother after nursing her singlehandedly for a year.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As guardian to his much-loved sister, Justin knows he should fetch her from the estate where he had sent her and her mother after he inherited. He’s tried to allow her time to grieve her mother as she likes, but it is now time for her to come home. While she doesn’t agree, she has no choice.

Justin invites Maria’s young neighbors to come along to Everleigh with Maria so she’ll have some friendly company while she adjusts. He had also invited many, many, many relatives to the estate to allow them to meet Maria for the first time. Those relatives all know parts of a version of past family secrets – and Maria knows a version of those same past family secrets. When those secrets begin to surface, it can either completely splinter the family forever – or it can heal a family and help Maria come to love Justin again.

I did enjoy this read and I adored ALL of the characters we met - especially Ricky Mort even though he makes only a short appearance. The writing is excellent, but I did find myself skimming long portions of descriptions.

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

I found this book to be an interesting read. I absolutely adore Estelle’s character. I like her smart intellectual thinking and quick Witt when it comes to Justin. Justin reads as a powerful, dominant man, with some troublesome baggage that he needs to work with. In some parts of the book, it’s a fun read. I enjoyed the different characters. The story reads for me as a narrative story. There was not that much dialogue among the characters. When there was the dialogue was easy to follow and kept the chemistry among the characters live and entertaining. I thought the romance between Justin and Estelle was a long slow burn.

Someone Perfect is the ninth novel in Ms. Balogh’s Westcott series. Characters from the previous volumes are spoken of and a few make appearances in this tale, especially the hero and heroine of Someone to Care. While you don’t have to have read those other works to enjoy this one, purists may wish to tackle the series in order.

Lady Estelle Lamarr has just finished an extended visit with family members and is enjoying the peace and solitude of an unseasonably hot country day by being exceedingly unladylike and  cooling her stockingless, shoeless feet in the river which runs near her estate. That’s when it happens; a massive growling, barking  beast who looks like he could swallow her in one bite bounds out of nowhere and frightens her half to death. His owner is little better, a massive man on a massive horse who calls his dog to heel and politely tips his head in greeting but makes no effort to acknowledge Estelle in any other way or check how she is after being responsible for giving her such a terrible fright.

Justin Wiley, Earl of Brandon, is in a foul mood. As a young man, his stepmother had caused his banishment from home and family. Now she has died, leaving him responsible for his half-sister Maria, a young woman he has not seen or communicated with for years.  He is reluctantly travelling to the small country estate where she has been spending her mourning period to bring  her back to the family seat at Everleigh Park. He will need to see her launched into society - something her mother had neglected to do -  and hopefully quickly married off, absolving him of all further responsibilities.

Maria had once loved her brother dearly but the odd events surrounding his banishment have left her believing the worst about him. As a result, she does not want to leave her home, and the fact that her surrogate guardian/companion, who has been with her for many years, is unable to make the journey makes the situation even more wretched. Seeing her distress and hoping to ease it, Justin rides over to visit  Maria’s closest friends and invites them to Everleigh for a house party he’s planning. Those friends happen to be none other than Bertrand Lamarr and his sister Estelle, the nymph Justin and his dog had encountered frolicking in the woods. Having heard bad things about Justin from his sister, the Lamarrs are reluctant to go, but  begrudgingly accept his invitation for Maria's sake.

The house party, involving his step-mother’s relatives as well as his own parents’ families, turns out to be a time of shocking revelations for Justin, not least of which is the startling discovery that he has fallen head over heels for Estelle, who seems to hold him in complete contempt. Will he be able to change her mind and win her heart in the brief amount of time they have together?

While this book is marketed as a romance, I would say it is more family-centric fiction with romantic elements. That’s not necessarily a negative - Balogh does a fabulous job of capturing family dynamics and creating a touching tale that captures the importance of having loving relatives in our lives. It does, however, mean that Justin and Estelle get little time alone. The story revolves around the various extended clan members telling Justin and the rather vapid and naive Maria the truth about their history, the details of which change both how they view each other and how they view Justin’s banishment. The centrality of these truths to the narrative, and the fact they have to be imparted by the other guests means our hero and heroine have to spend a lot of time around said guests.

Considering how important they are to the design of the tale I would have expected the secondary characters to be vividly fleshed out and three dimensional, but they are actually quite underdeveloped. I honestly forgot who was who among the aunts and uncles from scene to scene, had no clue as to who was related to whom, couldn’t keep track of the young people (with the exception of the scholarly bookworm Nigel) and find that I can tell you little of even Maria except that she is not particularly intelligent. The good news is that everyone is very warm, charming, loving and happy to be together, which creates a positive tone overall.

Adding to the characterization issues is the fact that the author leans heavily on stereotypes. A young man named Ricky, who is cognitively challenged and described as having the mind of a four or five year old is a good example of this. Other than that he is skilled at finding things, and is allowed only to be a positive, sunny person, there isn’t much to him. Balogh does avoid the pitfall of making him a complete dependent by showing his capability in several areas but I wish she’d made him more realistic by letting him display a full range of emotions beyond worry for friends and endless cheer. I also wish there had been a reason for him to be in the story. As presented, he seems  to exist only to show us what a great, caring and egalitarian individual Justin is

My biggest problem with the novel is the reason behind Justin’s banishment. We aren’t given the details until near the end of the book, but I will say that his father’s reasoning surrounding that issue is ludicrous. It showed the elder Lord Brandon as lacking any kind of integrity or common sense and it was deeply frustrating that in spite of that, he is lauded by his family.

The book does have some real strengths. Balogh has an elegant, evocative prose style that perfectly captures the essence of the era she writes about. The plotting is smooth, as is the pacing. The romance may not be plentiful but Estelle and Justin do form a nice connection through their conversations and while they may be a bit bland, they are also likable, decent people. I especially appreciated how astute Estelle is. While she initially believes Maria’s negative characterization of Justin, she tempers that against her own assessment of Maria’s mother’s behavior and recognizes there may be more to the story than what “mama” had said. She is also self-reflective enough to recognize what she does and doesn’t want in a partner and aware enough not to confuse her initial desire for Justin with love.

Justin is essentially a paragon, a kind, honorable individual with a slightly gruff exterior and a heart of gold. His courtship of Estelle is lovely (after a few rough starts) and my only complaint regarding their love story is how brief it is. I wish the tale had concentrated on them a bit more.

I would recommend Someone Perfect to fans of the author, especially those enjoying the Westcott series. While not Balogh’s best work, it’s a good book and definitely worth reading.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Balogh for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This installment of the Westcott series featured, well, no Westcotts. They make their appearance tangentially: Estelle and Bertrand are the children of Marcel, who married Violet Westcott in an earlier book.

The relationship between Estelle and Justin was sweet and grew naturally, although I will say that the Big Secret Justin ruined his life to protect was visible from literally miles away. I am not the world's most perceptive reader and I figured it out practically from the outset. My main concern with the book was twofold: (a) not much really happened and (b) there were literally a gazillion relatives. Coupled with all the various titles/courtesy names (Watley=Bertrand=Bert, Juss=Justin=Brandon) it was A LOT to keep straight.

On the other hand, kudos to the author for having the various main and side characters take pains to convey to Maria she should not feel guilt over loving her mother (even though it was quite obvious that Maria's mother was a real snake and willfully ruined the lives of everyone in her path). It's a fine line and the author walked it skillfully. Maria's growth and reconciliation with her brother was the real highlight of the story, for me.

3.5 STARS

Justin Wiley, the Earl of Brandon, left his family home after an estrangement never to return until well past his father’s death returning when his step-mother passes six year later. He is determined to bring home to Everleigh his half-sister, Maria. Justin had banished his step-mother from the family home when he became the earl. Justin lived some hard years away from his family becoming a man with a taciturn face and, at times, rough character. Maria wants nothing to do with Justin whom she perceives wronged her late mother, but has little choice in the matter as he is her guardian.

Lady Estelle Lamarr and her twin brother, Bertrand, are neighbors and more importantly friends to Maria. At her brother, Brandon’s suggestion, Maria agrees to have the two friends accompany her to Everleigh for two weeks while she gets settled. Once Maria is there, numerous invited relatives from both sides of the family including step-relatives descend on Everleigh to form a large house party. There are several generations including an elderly great aunt who knows some very uncomfortable things about Maria’s mother.

Estelle has no qualms about letting Justin know exactly what she thinks of him which is not very much. As they spend time together as a large group and individually, Estelle comes to see she may have just misjudged this enigmatic man. Maria is not so kind and makes several pointed remarks to her half-brother although it is considered the height of rudeness in their polite society. Long held secrets begin to unfold as facts related by Maria’s mother’s family come to light as well a more information about Justin’s early life at the family home.

Justin and Estelle take quite sometime before they become more than prickly acquaintances although Justin decides Estelle is just the woman he needs to be his countess. This story is number 9 in the Westcott series which can be read as a standalone, although several characters from the previous books are on hand for the house party making it at times a confusing challenge to keep them all straight. The hoard of relatives makes the story drag at and seem tedious in places for this reader. Fans of the series most likely enjoy this newest edition.

Her accidental hero

Will the shadows of his past be too dark for her imaginary bright future …

You know what, I was frightened when I accepted this arc, I had heard so much about the author, she has written so many well regarded books, what if I do not like it?
What if it is like with Gone With The Wind, my older sister praised the story as being awesome the best romance book she had ever read, and hated it, I was unable to like Scarlet, it was not the romance I have been sold.
So here I am, shaking as I open this book.
First thing I noticed is the author has a very personal style with lengthy descriptions and aplenty of details, as a fast reader, I had to adapt my pace and it slowed me a bit, but this is not the kind of read to be devoured, it must be savored.
Plus as my first read, I have had nothing to compare to, not like other more acknowledged readers, so my opinion is only based on this tale of the return into the light of the wronged hero after years of absence.
Of course beginning with the 9th book in a series is evidently not the best option, so I did hope to not be too lost with the many characters. Thus I studied intensely the family tree and read the other books blurbs to gasp at minima who was who.
Luckily the heroine is a far removed relative of the main family and the hero has no connection with them, so I thought. Yet I felt at time like the hero’s sister, lost among the party’s crowd, so many names and connections …
But I am happy to say, while obviously it would be best to read the series in order, it is not for the need of more insights for this story but for the pure enjoyment of the storytelling.

I loved the twins together, they are good and kind persons, and as Estella drew this unattainable portrait of the perfect suitor in her mind, so flawless he might not even exist in a fiction, or if breathing he would be as her bother told her very dull. I wondered then who would be the opposite of this ideal picture.
Yet while asking for the perfect someone, she judged Justin at first sight, basing her opinion of him on their first unexpected encounter and his awkwardness afterwards plus the gossips instead of facts.
Having her own history of abandonment, she might have forgotten her father, yet she first faults Justin for his own, but soon she comes to see past his discomfort, sensing there is so much more to this man than he first let transpire, why did he left.

Justin is aloof, lonely and lost, at his wit-end with his sister so what can be misunderstood for haughtiness is wariness of others. Yet he is such a good fellow, protecting again and again, even if it means to be hated, his sister from the harsh truth.
His secret is easy to figure out as tongues loosen. Still he is too good a man to soil someone else reputation, especially one who can’t defend oneself.

It is a light and shadow courting tale, a healing tale too as while Maria, his sister get acquainted with her relatives bringing laughters back into her heart, Justin is longing to share his loneliness with someone else, to not be just him any more, but the path to Estelle’s heart is more complex than he expected, and only an option if she is willing to review her own outlook about this perfect suitor.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Berkley, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Mary Balogh is one of those much beloved authors, with a well-deserved reputation for sweet, tender romances. I have no doubt that if you are a devoted reader of Balogh, you will enjoy Someone Perfect, the newest in the Westcott series. I wanted to like it; I really did. I liked the heroine, Estelle, and her twin, and their somewhat unconventional life. But unfortunately, liking Estelle did not translate into liking the book as a whole. The pacing felt off, the descriptions became repetitive, there were SO many side characters, and I just wanted...more from it. Maybe I just prefer steamier romances. Or maybe her style just isn't for me.

Someone Perfect wasn't my favorite, but it also wasn't my least favorite. For me, it was a decent regency romance, but nothing about it stood out as spectacular. If you love Balogh, pick it up. If not, maybe don't start the Westcott series with this one.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy of this book. I have enjoyed every book in this series and again Ms. Balogh did not disappoint. At first you have a complete distrust of the hero of this book, however you come to like and admire him as the story progresses. The main female character has a very strong will and a good head on her shoulders which includes knowing right from wrong and common sense. These two characters are a good fit. I also love the relationship between Estelle and Bertrand. The bond between twins is an amazing thing and Ms. Balogh captures that relationship perfectly. It was a great read with lots of plot twists. All in all a great historical romance read!!