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
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