The Widow Rules: Book 2
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London.
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.
I’ve been a fan of Janna MacGregor for a couple of years, and after thoroughly enjoying A Duke in Time, the first book in The Widow Rules series, there was no question about continuing the series. And I’m so glad I did.
Rules for Engaging the Earl is a combination of a marriage of convenience story mixed in with a reunion. Toss in a wounded hero, and magic is made.
Constance and Jonathan were childhood best friends and each other’s first love. But then Jonathan went off to war. Ten years later, Constance is a widow about to give birth and Jonathan has returned home wounded in more than one way and pretty much a recluse. He agrees to marry Constance to protect her and her child’s reputation, intending to keep his distance. But this is a romance, after all…
I was in tears as early as the prologue, and they continued until I reached “The End.”
Holy moly, did Constance and Jonathan tear at my heartstrings. I loved them both so much and couldn’t wait for them to overcome their obstacles and reach out for their happily ever after.
Constance is such a strong lady, willing to take what she needs and won’t let herself be used again after her disastrous first marriage. Jonathan is stuck in depression following being injured in the war and a couple of events following his homecoming. Both characters—but Jonathan in particular—showed growth, and their romance was well developed.
The only thing really keeping this from a 5 star read for me was the whole subplot with the “enemies” threatening Constance’s family business and Jonathan’s military reputation. It felt like it was just thrown in for some conflict, but it wasn’t developed enough for my taste and resolved a little too easily.
Rules for Engaging the Earl is one of my favorite reads of the year. I was pulled into the story from the first page, and it had a strangle on me until the last. I highly recommend this book for historical romance fans, especially if you like wounded heroes.
Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She 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.
