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.