[Review] Someone to Wed, by Mary Balogh

Title: Someone to Wed
Series: Westcott #3
Author: Mary Balogh
Publisher: Berkley
Number of pages: 361
Publication date: November 7th 2017

Synopsis:

When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life...

A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past...

Review:


Mary Balogh is one of my all-time favourite authors. Her books are always feel-good books, they make me happy. And this one was no exception.

I have to say, even if I do love a good rake/rogue book, I miss the beta heroes so much. And Alexander Westcott is a beta hero. And it made me so happy.

He’s a practical man, who had a title and property dropped on his lap without any warning – and property/land that desperately needs money. And Alex is a good man, so he will do whatever it takes to bring it back to its glory, even if that means marrying for money.

This is where Wren comes in. I really liked her character. She’s so lonely, and all she wants is a family, but she believed almost all of her life that she would not be able to have anyone love her – don’t we just love an “unlovable” trope?

Wren is rich, young, and when she discovers Alex’s predicament, she invites him over for tea – actually for a marriage proposal, but surely that can be discussed at tea time?

I felt so much for Wren. Her life had been defined by what she covered with her veil, and as we follow her in this journey, taking baby steps to meet more people, to connect, we see and feel her pain, and her growth. And Alex is right by her side, supporting her, cheering for her, calling her out when needed, without ever being a brute.

Before getting this title, Alex dreamed of respect, family, and hopefully love, and in the beginning he’s not sure he can have that with Wren. It’s a pleasure to see his relationship with Wren grow, and when things don’t work and he’s confronted with other possibilities, Wren is his choice. And they both learn how to love each other, and love their lives, on their own, and together.

As always, a pleasure to read.

[Review] Dukes Prefer Blondes, by Loretta Chase

Title Dukes Prefer Blondes
Series: The Dressmakers #4
Author: Loretta Chase
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 372
Publication date: December 29th 2015

Synopsis:

Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can't see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax's nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.

Though he's unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford's never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn't part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her.

It's an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton's most adored heiress and London's most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?

Review:

This was the final book in the dressmakers series, a series I really liked. Although the dressmakers are sisters, Clara Fairfax is not one of them, but a customer who became a friend instead.

I had really high expectations for this book, and sadly it didn’t meet them as much as I wanted.

The relationship between Clara and the male lead, Raven, felt somewhat lacking. I liked their battle of wits, and how we could see the world through their different views, but it just wasn’t as good as the previous book in the series.

Raven, aka Oliver Radford, is super logical and not good with feelings. It’s fun to see him come around to what he Clara have together, and there are some very good romantic scenes in the book.

It's beautifully written, as always, but I just don’t know what else to say. It was good, but still somewhat disappointing.