Audio Book Review: Someone to Care by Mary Balogh

As usual, I enjoyed this Historical Romance by Mary Balogh.

Someone to Care
Written By: Mary Balogh
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: May 2018
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes
Genre: Historical Romance,Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
Once the Countess of Riverdale, Viola Kingsley throws all caution to the wind when adventure calls in the form of a handsome aristocrat. Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune-except for his onetime countess, Viola. With her children grown and herself no longer part of the social whirl of the ton, she is uncertain where to look for happiness-until quite by accident her path crosses once again with that of the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr. Marcel Lamarr has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola caught his eye when she herself was a young mother, but she evaded his seduction at the time. A prize that eluded him before, she is all the more irresistible to him now although he is surprised to discover that she is as eager now for the excitement he offers as he is himself. When the two 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.

Review:
Viola Kingsley has been dealing with the revelation on the death of her husband the Earl of Riverdale, that her marriage was invalid and her children were born out of wedlock. Although the Earl’s true heir is willing to share the estate fortune, Viola has stayed apart and quiet. Her eldest daughter has made a new life and marriage that she is happy with. Her son has taken a commission in the army and her youngest daughter, soon of age to enter society, is still at home with Viola. After a family gathering Viola has a private meltdown. She takes off on her own, not even taking one of the family carriages.

When the rented conveyance results in her being stranded at a nondescript country inn, Viola is surprised to see someone she knows across the room. Marcel Lamarr had flirted with Viola 15 years before but she had told him to go away. Her first marriage was arranged by her father and there was no love between Viola and the Earl but Viola has always been proper and stayed in her duties and circumstances. Viola has accepted that she may not be destined to have a “happy ever after.”

Marcel is a rake who doesn’t believe he is entitled to a normal married life. Marcel sends his brother on home without him so that he can approach Viola. He proposes that they ‘run away’ for a few weeks and to his surprise she agrees.

Marcel isn’t the easiest character to like but Viola is able to pull him out of his shell. I enjoyed their growing relationship and the dilemma they find themselves in when their families discover their tryst. Although these characters flout convention, as usual, Balogh creates a situation of conflict that resolves into a HEA. I recommend this author and this story to those who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator for this genre. Her accents fit the characters and she is able to give each one a voice and fitting personality. I enjoyed listening to this novel.

Source: July 2019 Audiobooks.com two for one credit. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.