Review: Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh

Someone to Wed (Westcott #3) by Mary Balogh
Publication date: November 7th 2017
Publisher: Berkley
My rating: 5 Stars
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A very practical marriage makes Alexander Westcott question his heart in the latest Regency romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Someone to Hold.

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. . . 

My Thoughts:

Oh, this book! I just loved it so much! 

Since Wren has lost her aunt and uncle, Wren has been lonely.  She wants a marriage and hopes for all that comes with it: respect, trust, affection, and children.  As a wealthy woman she sets out to buy a husband, since she doesn’t think she could acquire one any other way.  She’s heard of Alexander Westcott’s predicament, inheriting the title of Earl of Riverdale with the massive estate of Brambledean, long neglected, and in need of a mountain of money to repair and restore.  So, Wren makes Alexander and offer of marriage.

Alexander Westcott always thought when he married it would be for love, but that was before he unexpectedly inherited the title of Earl with Brambledean, its people and properties dependent on its prosperity.  He doesn’t have the money to restore it the way it should and if he doesn’t take a bride for money it will be years of struggling to get the estate back on course.  Wren Heyden’s offer is practical, and he feels like he could respect and eventually have affection for her, but Alexander’s afraid by the deep pain he thinks lies under her surface.  Could she get past that to truly let him in? If not, would he be content such an emotionally remote marriage?

Wren had so many barriers at first, I wasn’t sure a romance between her and Alex could be possible.  They start off as so practical without the promise of love, it was a little depressing, but oh, things change and progress, and I fell in absolute love with their emotional journey!! Once their course was settled the romance was slow steps, but always going forward.  No ridiculous, dramatic setbacks. 

Wren didn’t have any family to speak of, so I was very moved that Alexander’s family stepped up and gave Wren the support and friendship she needed.  It was impossible to feel lonely with his cousins, aunts and uncles by her side, but I most appreciated Alexander’s mother and sister welcoming her into the family so warmly.

Mary Balogh’s writing stirred up so many emotions, had me tearing up here and there with all the feels! She brought Wren and Alexander to life, to the point they felt real that I was genuinely touched by all the trials they overcame to find their HEA!  Someone to Wed is tied as favorite in the series with Someone to Hold, the previous book, and now I can’t wait for the next one!

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