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!

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.