Release Day Review: Rules For Engaging The Earl by Janna MacGregor

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***

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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.

Book Publication Day Spotlight & Review: A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

 A DUKE IN TIME, The Widow Rules series 

By Janna MacGREGOR

(St. Martin’s Trade Paperbacks, June 29, 2021, $8.99).

Katherine Vareck is in for the shock of her life when she learns upon her husband Meri's accidental death that he had married two other women. Her entire business, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a royal supplier, is everything she's been working for and now could be destroyed if word leaks about the three wives.

Meri's far more upstanding brother, Christian, Duke of Randford has no earthly clue how to be of assistance. He spent the better part of his adult years avoiding Meri and the rest of his good-for-nothing family, so to be dragged back into the fold is…problematic. Even more so is the intrepid and beautiful Katherine, whom he cannot be falling for because she's Meri's widow. Or can he?

With a textile business to run and a strong friendship forming with Meri's two other wives, Katherine doesn't have time for much else. But there's something about the warm, but compellingly taciturn Christian that draws her to him. When an opportunity to partner in a business venture brings them even closer, they'll have to face their pasts if they want to share each other's hearts and futures.

A feisty heroine and a dashing hero!

At the reading of her late husband's will, Katherine discovers she isn't the only wife of the late, Lord Meriwether Vareck – two other wives are using the same title too! As the presumed first wife, she takes the other women under her wing, to protect them and avoid the scandal becoming common knowledge. Only her motive is personal because if her true identity is revealed, she stands to lose everything she's worked for.

Christian, Duke of Randford is a war hero and the half brother of Meri. When he learns of the mess his wastrel brother left behind, he's determined to help these women, as Mr Hanes, the family solicitor begins researching the whereabouts of the women's missing dowries. Within a short space of time, Christian realises he's developing feelings for Katherine as shared interests and common goals are realised, however, is it wrong to pursue is late brother's wife?

This entertaining narrative held my attention right from the start. Set during the Regency period, the unique plot is a lot of fun, as the protagonists try to make sense of the situation they find themselves in. Their relationship gathered steam quite quickly but didn't feel rushed.

As a pair, Katherine and Christian are a good match. She is a strong, independent woman, who has worked hard all her life to achieve the success she has. As for Christian, he fights for what he believes and doesn't bow to public opinion. He's a loyal and trusted friend and companion to those he knows and in Katherine, he's met someone as passionate as he is about causes he cares for.

The unexpected twist towards the end helps to set the scene for the following books. As for Katherine and Christian, they found their happy ending.

This is my first Janna MacGregor novel and I'm eagerly waiting to read more books in The Widow Rules series.

***arc copy generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

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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.