Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in Janna MacGregor’s RULES FOR ENGAGING THE EARL (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, April 26, 2022, $8.99).
Constance
Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give
birth to her late husband’s child—a man who left her with zero
money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she
has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close
friends. But still—with a baby on the way, her shipping business to
run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect
match.
Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero
and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has
been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty,
Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep
his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from
Constance requests his presence—to their marriage
ceremony—Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep,
and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking
his already bruised heart.
With Constance, Jonathan, and
the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds—both on the
surface and in their relationship—run deep. But when the nights
come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their
marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.
This
second book in The Widow Rules series is a delightful
friends-to-lovers romance.
Constance
Lysander, one of the widows of Lord Meriwether Vareck, needs a
husband. However, by the time the man she asked for help turns up,
circumstances have changed somewhat and he is no longer needed. Yet,
they still exchange vows and marry before the new groom leaves her
for a secret assignment.
Jonathan,
Earl of Sykeston feels
obligated to help the only woman he has ever loved, although, deep
down he feels their relationship won't work. When he sees Constance,
she’s more beautiful than he remembers. Only, he knows there is no
future for them together. So, despite his reservations, he marries
her before making an excuse to leave her. However, his bride is a
determined woman and sees things from a very different
perspective!
I
enjoyed the first novel in this series, so jumped at the chance to
read more, not only from Ms MacGregor, but to find out what happened
to the other widows. I liked that we get an update on the other two
Vareck wives and how friendship has blossomed between these women.
Additionally, other secondary characters add humour as they entertain
us with their antics... cue Noble!
The relationship between the protagonists wasn’t as predictable as these former best friends struggled to find a way that suits them both. Luckily, there are those close to them who see things differently and the result is a well-deserved happy ending.
Unlike
me, if you’ve not read the first instalment, there is an
opportunity to understand the heroine's past. Of course, book one;
Where There's a Will comes highly recommended. So, if your looking
for a well-written novel with an entertaining narrative, you wont go
far wrong with this one.
***arc generously
received courtesy of St Martin’s Paperbacks via NetGalley***
Janna
MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is
the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The
Bad Luck Bride.
Janna credits her darling mom for
introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels.
Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and
fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of
triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue,
and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear
from readers.
