Someone to Care by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway
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Description:
Once the Countess of Riverdale, Viola Kingsley throws all caution to the wind when adventure calls in the form of a handsome aristocrat. . . .
Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune–except for his onetime countess, Viola. With her children grown and herself no longer part of the social whirl of the ton, she is uncertain where to look for happiness–until quite by accident her path crosses once again with that of the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr.
Marcel Lamarr has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola caught his eye when she herself was a young mother, but she evaded his seduction at the time. A prize that eluded him before, she is all the more irresistible to him now although he is surprised to discover that she is as eager now for the excitement he offers as he is himself.
When the two defy convention and run away together, they discover that the ties of respectability are not so easily severed, and pleasure can ensnare you when you least expect it.
Review
Someone to Care by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her wonderful regency Westcott series. I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series, which is very well written by Balogh and the wonderful characters she has created from the Westcott family. Someone to Care is different as instead of the children finding happiness, the heroine and hero in this one are an older couple around 40.
Viola Kingsley, the former Countess of Riverdale, is attending another gathering of the large Westcott family. Viola and her three children lost their inheritance when her deceased husband was found to be a bigamist. Two years has passed, and though her children have adjusted (Camille found happiness in the 2nd book, her other daughter and son seem to be content in their lives), Viola is still embarrassed and feels tainted from the scandal, even though everyone in the family treats her well and cares about her and her three children. Watching everyone in the party enjoying themselves, Viola decides to leave early.
Marcel (Marguess of Dorchester) is considered a womanizer, and a man that puts the fear in others. When Marcel lost his wife years before, he changed and became more of a loner. He had put his son and daughter in the care of his sister in law, and rarely sees his children. When his carriage breaks down, Marcel is stuck at an inn overnight. While leaving the restaurant, he notices a familiar face; he remembers the woman he was beginning to fall for 14 years ago and was rejected, since she was married at the time. Viola also staying overnight at the same inn, recognizes Marcel looking at her. Marcel approaches Viola, and they reminisce about the old days, and her embarrassment over losing the title and fortune in her now defunct marriage. Since they are stuck over night, they decide to take a walk around the town, join some festivities. A slow build romance between former friends will begin.
What follows is sweet romance between two people who are basically quiet lonely life. They decide to run away and have some fun, eventually becoming lovers. It was nice and fun to see how they were both enjoying each other’s company, as well as their hot chemistry. After a couple of weeks, both Viola and Marcel’s family begin to worry, and each begins to look for them. Just when Viola decides she needs to go home, so her daughters don’t worry, they are found. Marcel will automatically go on the defensive and protect Viola, as he tells the family members that they are betrothed, which shocks Viola. Unfortunately, this will slowly cause Viola and Marcel unhappiness to be in a situation they never intended.
When they are home with both families coming together for a betrothed party, both Viola and Marcel are at odds, each thinking the other doesn’t care. The wedding will be called off, and the two go back to their lives. Marcel came off as a rake, causing the Westcott family to dislike him. Will Marcel and Viola find a way to be happy again?
It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again. This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book. Marcel’s son and daughter were very nice too.
The romance between Viola & Marcel was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’. If you enjoy regency romance with an adult couple, you should be reading this one. Someone to Care a heartwarming story, great characters, and a wonderful couple.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy Provided by Publisher
Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO CARE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.
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8. Giveaway open to USA only
9.. Giveaway runs from May 1 to 6, 2018
Sounds like a wonderful story. Please enter me to the giveaway.
I really enjoy Mary’s books. Thanks for a nice review ?
I already follow both on fb as Merri M House, on Twitter with loriharvey3 handle, and on Goodreads as Lori h.
lorih824 at Yahoo dot com
Congratulations Mary on your release.
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Thanks for the very nice review and giveaway.
Congratulations on your release! I have read almost all of Mary’s books and they are wonderful! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Can’t wait to read this one!
I already do all of these things:
3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook
4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.
5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.
6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.
7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr
Sounds like a great iBook. I would have to read. Thanks for the chance
to enter.
This sounds great.Please enter me .Thanks!
Awesome review!!! Sounds like a great read! Shared on all my socials!!
I have read many of Mary Balogh’s books but never featuring an “older couple”.
I would love to read this one. Please count me in. Thank you!
I loved every Mary Balogh book I’ve read so please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!
Wonderful review thanks Barb. Please enter me into the giveaway.
Great review Please enter me as I really would enjoy reading this.
Looks great, please enter me into the giveaway.
I can’t wait to read it! Mary Balogh is a keeper author for me, and an auto-buy!
Thanks for the wonderful review. This sounds like a wonderful book. I do love Mary Balogh’s books. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Please enter me.
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Please enter me. I follow reading Cafe on Facebook Goodreads and Twitter
Terrific review, Barb. I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I have enjoyed this series. It is very good. Please enter me to this giveaway.
Great review, Barb. Please enter me to the giveaway.
Wonderful review, thanks Barb. Congrats to Mary on the new release.
This cover is so pretty.
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Please enter me in your contest. I like and follow Mary Balogh on facebook, I like your page on facebook and get notifications, I follow you on twitter.
Thanks for the review and giveaway.
wonderful review, barb. i read the earlier books in this series, and loved them. please enter me to giveaway.
Another great review. Please enter me into the giveaway.
Please enter me .Thanks!
I hope you don’t consider 40 old. ? Thanks for the wonderful review.