SOMEONE PERFECT is indeed a near-perfect offering from Regency Romance powerhouse Mary Balogh.  This is the ninth book in the Westcott series, which has run out of Westcotts to pair up and is now turning to Westcott-adjacent individuals. The large and charming family of romantic couples is included in this story but does not overwhelm the current pairing. 

Justin Wiley is now the Earl of Brandon, following his estranged father’s death six years ago.  Poor Justin was driven from his home by his father and had to make his way through the world, working all sorts of menial jobs in order to escape homelessness.  During his banishment, Justin had created a found family while doing backbreaking work in a quarry in Sussex, but now he is home and has decided it’s time to bring his estranged half-sister to live with him following his stepmother’s death.  The mystery of Justin’s possibly sordid background is slowly and organically revealed, providing a great sense of mystery throughout much of the book.  Justin is such an incredibly admirable hero, full of honor and nobility.  I adore him! 

Justin invites his sister’s friend,  Lady Estelle Lamarr, to come along with his sister to help get her settled at his estate as she meets her estranged family.  Estelle and Justin do not hit it off on first, or even second, sight.  But their slow descent into mutual admiration and love is delicious!  Too, I love the many close connections that Estelle has, to her twin brother and her huge extended family through her father’s second marriage.  Estelle is a lovely young woman, and so good for those around her that it’s refreshing.

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