Love comes when you least expect it in this captivating new novel in the Westcott Regency romance series from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Lady Jessica Archer lost interest in the glittering excitement of romance after her cousin and dearest friend, Abigail, was rejected by the ton when her father was revealed to be a bigamist. Now that she is twenty-five, however, Jessica decides it is time to wed. Though she no longer believes she will find true love, she is still very eligible. She is, after all, the sister of Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby.

Jessica considers the many qualified gentlemen who court her. But then she meets the mysterious Gabriel Thorne, who has returned to England from the New World to claim an equally mysterious inheritance. Jessica considers him completely unsuitable, especially when, while they are still barely acquainted, he announces his intention to wed her.

When Jessica guesses who Gabriel really is, however, and watches the lengths to which he will go in order to protect those who rely upon him, she is drawn to his cause–and to the man.

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I am so addicted to this series, I need it to never end!  I love these characters, this family, and this book.  I absolutely adore how strong and independent Jessica is, all while she embraces her life as a prominent Lady of society and without compromising her new found sense of self.   After making the decision to marry this season with or without love, her steadfast refusal to be viewed as simply a title with proper training has endeared her to my heart forever.  I’m so very glad that the author wasn’t afraid to allow Jessica to have and acknowledge her darker feelings of jealousy, betrayal, and being left behind (all of which are natural, once you know her back story) rather than setting the time line of the book ahead far enough that it could be assumed she had moved past them.  Seeing that facet of a character’s personality truly makes them stand out in my eyes.   In a series such as this, with so many characters it is Mary Balogh’s ability to make each one unique that keeps readers coming back for more.

 Lady Jessica Archer, daughter of the Duke of Netherby, is determined that this is the season she will really look for a husband.  Sure she has had several admirers through the years but none of them have ever stirred romantic feelings in her heart.   Ready to cut her losses she is prepared to view the issue as a business arrangement rather than one based on love, or so she thought until a good-looking stranger  tells her he intends to marry her without even knowing more than just her name and tile.  It is in that instance that she discovers how much she truly desires a romantic match and is unwilling to settle for less.  Will the stranger heed her words and be able to romance her to the alter, or will the season’s charming new comer win her hand?

Gabriel Thorne, born Gabriel Rochford, the presumed dead Earl of Lyndale, has returned from the grave (well actually from America) to claim his title and find a countess.  Not just any countess, but one who has poise, grace, and the training to help him run his estate.  Only one woman checks off all the boxes on his list of requirements and he will do whatever it takes to make her his bride.  Much to his surprise when he tells her of his intentions she gives him a piece of her mind and tells him he needs to romance her before she will even entertain the idea.  Will he be able to show her the romance she needs to convince her to marry him, or will his family drama and another suitor chase her away?

Another great addition to the Wescott Novel series that I hope you all enjoy as much as I did.