Carole's Sunday Review: Someone to trust - Mary Balogh

Author: Mary Balogh

Title: Someone to Trust (Westcott #5)

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: ebook

Published: November 27th 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . . 

Whoops. This is the 5th book in the series. But alas, HR books usually work out fine reading out of order. I feel this did decently well. I missed some references and everyone was new to me so I missed out on the fun reunions. Oh well. Overall it did fine as a standalone. 

The story follows Elizabeth who is a widow and old (*cough* 30s *coughs*). She is looking for a new, kind husband. Colin is the young 20-year-old who needs a bride. The two meet at a Christmas deal and they accidentally kiss. What makes it worse is that they get along quite well, but egags Elizabeth is 9 years older than him so they deem it is not a good idea. They return to London and make a deal to help each other find suitable matches. They decide to share one waltz at each ball so they can still talk. Things happen and they fall in love.

Poor Elizabeth. She really isn't that old, but back then she was ancient and widowed. Two strikes in the ton's eyes. Damn the ton. Colin's father just died and he has now received the title so he needs a suitable wife who can stand his mom. Ugh his mom made me want to scream. Get over yourself woman!!!!

Not a bunch of drama in this. Lots of talking and everyday drama like Colin's crazy mom. The biggest drama (next to mama dearest) was the age gap. Sighs. Age is a number people. 

This was quick and easy. I enjoyed reading this all cuddled up while it snows. A nice historical romance. It was light compared to others. Just normal dramas that you know this couple will get over. 

I breezed through this and I liked the ending. Overall very sweet and a good Xmas book even though Xmas time was only half of the story. I like Elizabeth and I liked Colin. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Review: A Secret Affair - Mary Balogh

 Huxtable Quintet, 5

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 340
Published: 2010

Born a commoner, Hannah Reid has been Duchess of Dunbarton since she was nineteen years old. Now her husband is dead and, more beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover—and not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable. Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of earl, so now he denies himself nothing. Rumored to be living the easy life of a sensualist on his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for his short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely. But once these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire—without getting singed.

Plot:

The Duchess of Dunbarton decides to take a lover after her year of mourning is over. The man intended is Constantine Huxtable, known as the devil. But neither of them is what they seem to be.

My thoughts:

Oh, book 5, it seems I missed some but then it does not really matter. This book stands alone, and it's not like you do not know that all the previous couple would get HEAs anyway. The book was rather fun so I could see myself starting from the beginning.

I think what I liked the most was that nothing was it seemed to be. Hannah is notorious, she married at 19 a man well over his 70s. People called her a gold digger behind her back and her husband gave her everything she wanted. She also has escorts taking her to balls so she has quite the reputation. But no, she hides behind this mask that is The Duchess and behind it is a sad vulnerable girl who does not believe in love any more. I liked her from the start, even when I also had the wrong ideas about her, but I soon learnt the truth.

Constantine was the same. He was born before his parents got married so that meant he could not become the earl, which lead to a distant cousin become earl (all the previous books was about that family). But he is not upset, he likes them. He also has this reputation as a rake and that is actually true, he does take a new mistress every season. But this season his starts to fall in love, and he shows sides of him no one knew about.

Therefore I liked the book, the people with secrets, falling in love even though this is only a affair for one season. The book was easy to read, and there was some drama too at the end.

Recommendation and final thoughts:

Sure, cute and nice enough. So easy to read, and quick. It felt light and I enjoyed that so I could recommend it. And it was so lovely to finally get a HEA. I have missed that.

Reason for reading:

Since this is the 2nd ever HR book the library has bought so of course I read it

Cover:

I like it

The Winner of The Queen's Pawn is:

Amused!

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