A review by aprhodes
Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh

3.0

Overall: This is a tough book to rate and review, because there was so little plot, but perhaps in a good way. I'll start with what I liked most about this book: the romance develops so naturally. I am over these insta-lust books in which all tension is removed by the two characters being into each other from moment one. This book is the total opposite, the MMC is not attracted to the FMC at first sight, but instead a strong, genuine attraction grows as he gets to know her. There is very strong communication throughout and depicts a marriage built on respect. I love it.

Now for the bad. This book is part of a series, and it feels like 20% of the book is devoted to describing the other 15 members of the Wescott family. After Wren meets them, it feels like 2-3 need to be in every scene. I do not think this is how the book would be structured if it was a stand-alone. It feels like all of this family stuff is shoved in for readers to connect with characters they've read before, but it is so boring for readers without a connection to the series.

Another mixed part of this book is there is almost no conflict. Case and point, when the final big set piece of the book is reached, my Kindle said I have 15% of the book remaining. No conflict had occurred in the previous 50% of the book, so I was expecting something big to occur. However, it turns out the 15% also included a preview for the next book, so I was actually reading the last chapter and nothing bad happens. The planned event goes well, everyone is happy (as they have been happy for the last 10 chapters) and the book ends.

Now, I hate, hate unnecessary third-act breakups or conflicts caused by miscommunication. So I'm really glad this book avoided that. I kind of liked that all the conflict was wrapped up by the halfway point and that the rest of the book was basically just self-growth and happy marriage. But it's such a weird book structure that it makes the pacing feel very strange.

Overall, I don't think this will appeal to everyone. But if you're in the mood for something that's an easy read with a sweet romance, it's worth a try.