Rules for Engaging the Earl

RULES FOR ENGAGING THE EARL BY JANNA MACGREGOR

The Widow Rules #2

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.

The Plot

Constance and Jonathan are best friends from childhood, who were separated when Jonathan went to war. Ten years later, they reunite when Constance is left pregnant and in need of a husband. Jonathan reluctantly agrees as he is both physically and mentally scarred from his time in the military. Between Jonathan’s issues and him possibly being court marshaled and Constance’s new baby and a threat against her family business, they have to work really hard to make their marriage work! But, with feelings they locked away for a decade, they find a way to be there for each other and over come.

The story was very well written and the little side stories/drama played in with the main love story wonderfully. I couldn’t handle it in every book, but I loved the dramatic rise and fall of the plot line. From the moment they married and he left, then when she joined him at Sykeston Gardens to the climax of her realizing his lies, I could feel the fall coming and I couldn’t put the book down. Then, of course, as everything between them gets sorted out, I had to read to make sure Constance was going to be okay!

The Heroine

Constance Lysander had her heart broken when Jonathan left for war, then her husband left her without a word leaving her pregnant and with a family business to run! My heart broke several time thought the book for her, but she is incredibly strong and resilient. She was a wonderful character to follow along with as she overcame the betrayals and the heartache she was dealt. I have a soft spot for Constance!

The Hero

Jonathan was a good man, but he bothered me because he couldn’t seem to read the writing on the wall as it were. He left Constance to go to war even though she clearly had feelings for him. Then, when reunited, he just seem to get past himself. He wasn’t too bad a suppose but I usually cringe when characters just can’t seem to do the right thing that seems so obvious to everyone else. I suppose I should go easy on him, he’s been through a lot, but marrying her and then disappearing for a year!?!?

The Steam

Not a whole lot in this story, but, as in the previous book in the series, PLENTY of swooning! Surprisingly, Jonathan can be very sweet when he wants to be.

Stand Out Moment

Probably the scene where she confronts him about the letters and leaves him. It definitely had tears in my eyes.

Who Would Like This

Someone looking for a good, sweet second-Chance love story!

Final Thoughts

This was a great continuation of the saga Lord Meriweather left behind. I can’t wait to read Beth’s story!

Tropes

Bluestocking heroine, Titled hero, War hero, Childhood crush, Second Chance, Beauty and the Beast, Trauma, Friends to lovers, Widow, Tortured Character, Recluse Hero