Synopsis
Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune. Everyone except for his onetime countess, Viola. Her children are grown and she is no longer a part of polite society. But she is uncertain where to look for her happiness. That is, until the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr crosses her path yet again.
Marcel has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola once caught his eye, but she evaded his seduction at the time. She was a prize that eluded him before and is all the more irresistible to him now. Although, he is surprised to discover that she is now just as eager for excitement as he is himself.
When they 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.
My Reaction
I think I’m becoming less and less enamored with Balogh’s writing. Or maybe I’m just so used to her stories and their style that they’re all starting to sound the same to me? It’s probably the latter, but Someone to Care was just okay for me.
The fourth book in the Westcott series, this one centers on Viola. She is the widow of the former Earl of Riverdale. But not really, because they were never married in the first place. I promise that’s not a spoiler, it’s right on the back of the book!
I found Viola to be one of the most selfish and self-centered characters I’ve ever read. She cares little for the feelings of her children when she runs away with Marcel. Reading this story as someone from the 21st century, even I know this would have been looked upon negatively then. And, when they’re caught, she acts surprised that she must go along with societal conventions to save her family from censure.
It takes way too long for Viola to accept Marcel’s proposal, much longer than Balogh’s books usually take. I long for the days when Balogh would allow characters some happiness before making them endure so much turmoil.
If you’re a fan of Balogh and you feel you must read every book she comes out with, then yes, read Someone to Care too. Otherwise, skip this one. Just wait for the fifth book in the Westcott series to come out in the fall of 2018. Or, check out our other Historical Fiction and Romance book reviews to help you find your next read.
Rating
Now it’s your turn. Have you read Someone to Care? Did you enjoy/hate it as much as I did? If you want to chat about it please make sure to comment below or tag me on Instagram (@bookishkitchen #thebookishkitchen)! I love to hear from our followers.