Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book in the Once Upon a Bride series by Wilma Counts. Though the series revolves around bluestocking best friends Henrietta, Harriet and Hero, the stories totally stand alone. Though not a particularly exciting or steamy read, it was a pleasant way to spend a few quiet hours during the hectic holiday season.

Harriet Mayfield lost her beloved sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident. Though she has a considerable fortune, she finds happiness in caring for her seven (!) orphaned nieces and nephews . One of the children is the new Earl of Sedwick, and his strict and self-centered grandmother does not like the unconventional way Harriet deals with the young earl and the rest of his siblings. But then Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, the kids’ uncle, comes home from the war with the intent of raising the children himself. His mother wants Harriet gone, but Harriet and Quint are drawn to each other. However, will the secret Harriet hides from Quint keep the two part, along with his meddling mother?

This was a fun and entertaining story. Harriet was a wonderful aunt and wanted to raise the children in a way that her sister would have wanted. Quint’s mother had totally different ideas of child rearing, but Harriet stood firm in her defense of the kids. Quint was a battle-hardened officer and didn’t quite know what he was in for when he met his new charges...and their enchanting guardian. Though I liked both main characters, their romance felt a little flat to me. I could see the attraction but didn’t feel any passion at all. However, their interaction with their nieces and nephew was totally enchanting! I especially liked young Phillip, the new earl who was trying to deal with both losing his parents and becoming an earl. It was a sweet story for a break from the holidays.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Rules for an Unmarried Lady is a perfectly serviceable, fine historical romance, one I selected due to remembering the author from having read a book and a half (I did DNF one of her books for a weird plot including the heroine spending a large part of the book married to someone who was not the hero), and wanting to see what she was writing these days. And it was fine, but not much to write home about and a bit implausible at times.

Quint (I love how I read two books back to back with heroes with this name) and Henrietta aren’t that interesting. Henrietta is a bit more so of the two, being forward thinking, but the romance did little to entice me.

I did like the interactions with the children, which saved the story somewhat, but it was a bit slow and staid, which is saying a lot because I don’t think based on the page counts listed in various places that it’s that long.

I don’t think this is a completely objectionable book, it just felt a bit too mild and slow for me. I think it could work for someone newer to historical romances, or someone looking for a more gentle read (while also keeping in mind there are some explicit bits).

Harriet Mayfield is devastated when her sister Anne & husband Win are killed in an accident but she rallies to care for their seven children. If her unorthodox views about how to raise Phillip, the newly minted young Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle & guardian, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated and charismatic problem. Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better.
This is the third book in the series & is very easily read as a stand alone. I liked both Harriet & Quint & whilst their attraction was apparent from the start it didn’t sizzle for me. I really enjoyed their verbal banter & how they both bolstered Phillip’s confidence. I thoroughly disliked the Dowager Countess. I found the book to be an enjoyable entertaining read that held my interest all the way through. My only quibble was that I felt the ending was rushed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the book mostly but I am not really sure what I thought about it. It has a lot of history in the story and I liked that about it. You also see how mills were run at that time period and how children were used as laborers.

I liked Harriet a lot. She is the aunt that takes care of her deceased sisters children when the husband and sister pass away. The fathers younger brother, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, becomes the guardian. He is a very sober man and also a bit on the bossy side.

His mother is billed as an issue as she does not like Harriet but I actually felt Quint was more of an issue as he does what he wants and doesn't listen to anyone else. I wanted to see his softer side when he interacts with the children but he doesn't really. He is sober with them too.

The romance when it finally started and it took a very long time to get there, over half the book didn't even have a kiss, I felt it was sorta blah. I felt the writing was really good and I enjoyed reading it but the romance, I just did not feel it.

Will they let others keep them apart ...

One more new author to add to my endless list of writers to follow.
I did not know what to expect with this book but it was definitely a good read. There is no real villains, few tensions and plenty of sweet children to like. And while it is marked as a romance, it was more a family drama saddled with a romantic entanglements.
But for this time period, it was a read I much appreciated. Light, kindhearted, cheerful.

Harriet is an amazing heroine, a kind of amazon as she defeats every challenge puts on her path. She is a bluestocking and a spinster, and besides a writer using words as weapons to make the wealthy listen to the plight of the weakest. She too manages her late sister’s brood effectively. And upon her upcoming new wealth, she in addition rescues her nephew from certain Ruin.
Nothing seems to put her off, a modern woman in a time period where womankind were only seen as property or broodmare.
Quinton or Quint newly appointed guardian of his brother’s children, upon his return from the battlefield must learn to navigate different waters than he is used to. And while he has preconceived ideas of what is necessary, he is also open minded to listen to any suggestion if they have merit and are rational.
Thus for the well-being of the young Earl and his siblings, they will have to work together even if their view diverges at some points.
They in the process fall in love and while some meddlesome people do not see them together as good omen, they will have to sort out by themselves what they really expect from themselves.
4.5 stars for this lighthearted read.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Taking on seven children would be daunting for anyone, but Harriet Mayfield has known her nieces & nephews and she is ready to battle anyone who won’t treat them well. Harriets sister and brother-in-law were not like the normal “haut ton” they were participants in their childrens upbringing. Harriet had the same views and opinions and was currently at loggerheads with the grandmother until the Uncle arrived who was to be the guardian over the young Earl of Sedwick.

Harriet and Lord Quint may have started off on the wrong foot and have differences on the issues of schooling, but there was a sexual tension that could not be denied! There were many individuals within the house who did not want to see that liaison to go any further to include the childrens grandmother who is also Quints mother. She is adamant about Harriet being expelled from her household!

The situation within the house is a firecracker waiting to explode and the Author, Wilma Counts takes us on a path of choices that develop her characters and the flow of the book is interesting to keep you reading.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Loved the concept and was excited to dive in however I kept waiting for the book to pick up. It felt like it kept dragging on and was really hard to complete

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Honorable Harriet Mayfield lived in two places, her grandparents and her sisters. Anne and Harriet's parents died when they were about eleven and ten respectively, it almost devastated them. Their grandparents understood the pain and tried to guide them through it. When her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a carriage accident about three months ago. She had been with the seven children of her sister. She remembered how it was for them and she wanted nothing but to help ease them through it. She loved every one of those amazing small people and each had their own special gift.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was a soldier, but when his brother died, he had to come home and take care of them. It had to wait a bit until he was healed enough to travel. He had been fighting Bonaparte. He really didn't know much about them. But he was determined to do the best he could. For the most part, he and Harriet agreed on almost everything pertaining to the children. His mother did not. She wanted things her way, no matter what she had to do. Harriet was not her favorite person and was beneath her. She made a lot of problems for the family.
I very much enjoyed this book, her efforts to protect her nieces and nephews, and especially the new earl was a daunting job.
The storyline was different and it was fun to read. It was nice, the things they did with the children. Picnics, riding, and to help Phillip start learning his responsibilities for the title. They were sweet children. The characters were romantic, kind, witty, and well educated.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part his book was enjoyable.
Harriet has been taking care of her 7 nieces and nephews since her sister and brother in law passed away in a carriage ride accident. However, now that quint is back from the war as the children's uncle and guardian he is in control.
I likes that the kids weren't just thrown jnto the background and just used as a plot device but were actually present and an important part of the Harriet and quint's lives.
The relationship between quint and Harriet is feel wasn't as well developed. They were both attracted to each other and they clearly cared for the children but the relationship felt more like proximity and convenience.
I still think this book is worth checking out. 3.5 stars.

Rules for an Unmarried Lady by Wilma Counts is the third book in the Once Upon a Bride Series. This is the first book in the series I have read and now wish to read the others. I found the story interesting and the characters fun. I loved all the children and how they were such key characters in the story.

Honorable Harriet Mayfield after the death of her sister and brother-in-law has moved into their home to help care for her 7 nieces and nephews. She is determined to help them through the grief and be ready for their future. She is determined to raise the children in the same loving way.

Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is named the guardian of his seven nieces and nephews. His brother’s and sister-in-law’s death left him in charge. His mother has moved back into the home to take over the care.

Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes and Honorable Harriet Mayfield have strong opinions and determination to help these children, despite the dowager, Quint’s mother. What neither Uncle Quint and Aunt Harry expect are that they are meant for each other. Instead we have a series of events that work to separate them.

I enjoyed this book. Rules for an Unmarried Lady by Wilma Counts was a good read and will be enjoyed by many.

This book was a delight.
I loved the arguments and play between Harriet and Quint. The book really delved in to some interesting issues. I thought that the grandmotherly villain was a little overdone, but it's often what you need in a book like this.

I enjoyed the fact that Harriet had her own life that she had lived, and the way that she went around trying to help her nieces and nephews. I especially loved the fact that her attempt to help is what caused the major conflict in this book. I think for this book, it was a really good way to add conflict outside of the very nosy grandmother.

I enjoyed the kids in this book, I think often, the kids can be there more as window dressing than anything else, but I felt like a good number of the MANY children had a set personality and seemed realistic.

I saw this book in Net Galley and thought it would be nice to try a nee author. I am glad my request was granted. I liked the heroine in this story. She is an independent woman and has strength of character. Not too outspoken but knows her own mind. I like the development of the romance between the hero and heroine as well. There was humor and really cute scenes with the children characters as well. This book is a light read.

As the maternal aunt, and paternal uncle to 7 orphaned children ,Harriet and Quint have the children's best interest at heart, Quint's mother isn't about to give up her spot as lady of the manor and does everything she can to get Harriet to leave, including throwing a house party that includes a different suitor for each of them. Is their attraction is stronger than all the obstacles between them?

This book has a decent narration and story structure, however, I find this book to be too slow and too quiet and boring for my taste. This would probably appeal more to beginners of Historical Romance than those who already know what they wanted to read in this genre. For someone who constantly read Historical Romance and loves this genre so much, I think this book didn't offer something new to the table and thus, make me less impressed as I finished reading the book. It's not a horrible book, it just didn't deliver what I wanted based on my preferences for its genre.

While I enjoyed this story, I found the wording somewhat cumbersome. Maybe because I had been reading modern romances before this, but the book took effort to read. I enjoyed reading about Henrietta’s modern views, the interactions with Quint and the children but I did find Henrietta and Quint’s relationship lacking in romantic angst. While their public interactions were very decorous, their intimate moments were surprisingly heated which seemed out of character.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.

I selected this book to read because the description made it sound like a relaxing change from my usual genres. I can tell you it was a relaxing change and I did enjoy it but it wasn't an overwhelming success. The Honorable Harriet Mayfield is a bluestocking who can do no wrong. She's absolutely excellent at taking care of her seven nieces and nephews left orphaned when their mother (Harriet's sister) and father died in a carriage accident. At least as much care as she needs to take in a household with fifty servants. The 12 year old seventh Earl of Sedwick needs someone to help him and the other children adjust to the loss of their parents and his elevation to the title. Harriet sweeps in and fixes everything in the nursery just by being her levelheaded self. What a girl. When Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is sufficiently recovered from wounds he received in France while helping to wrap up the fight against Napoleon Bonaparte he heads back to England and Sedwick Hall to take over the guardianship of his brother's seven children and the running of the estate until young Phillip becomes an adult.

This story was much more a family drama than an historical romance for me. Harriet was so clever in her handling of all seven of the children that she and Quint only disagreed on one point; he was willing for all other aspects of the children's care to be done according to what Harriet suggested so there was very little disagreement between them. Even a financial move made by Harriet anonymously was viewed as wonderous in its originality and daring. Harriet never seemed to suffer any consequences for her very modern ideas, for this time period, regarding a whole range of social problems so there was also no tension between Harriet and Quint on this front. As far as I can tell Harriet never considered the consequences of her decisions concerning her relationship with Quint so everything just went along without any problems or upheavals. When chicken pox shows up in the story I had no doubt that Harriet could travel back to Sedwick Hall and save the day.

Maybe I should have known how miserable Harriet was in London just by the author telling me she was miserable. Unfortunately for me that isn't the way it worked out. I didn't feel any suspense about how each situation would be resolved and I certainly didn't seem to be reading a romance with any level of conflict or excitement. Harriet was a very modern woman in her thoughts and her actions, so much so that I didn't feel I was reading a story taking place in another time period. Harriet, I'm sorry to say, was just too good to be true.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book book in the series, following Harriet Mayfield as she is coping with the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, and staying strong for their seven children, the eldest son, Philip, who has become the new Earl of Sedwick, and is wholly in over his head. With the Dowager Countess trying to control everything that is happening, all Harriet can do is wait for the new guardian, the children's uncle Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, to return home. But, as soon as he does, they but heads over every decision - should the children be sent off to school, is it right for them to visit maternal family in London while still in mourning, etc. Harriet only wants the best for the children, but Quinton doesn't just aggravate her, he also keeps her up at night, and she may just be falling.

I found this a really quick and enjoyable read. The two main characters seemed to be just right for the time period, and really worked well together as a couple. Yeah, there were some moments where all I wanted to do was shake my head and sigh, and some of the angst could've been dealt with with just a little bit of communication, but it wasn't anything unexpected. I adored the children, from the eldest Maria, down to the little ones in the nursery. Philip's growth from grieving twelve year old, to a prospering Earl to be, under his aunt and uncle's care, was exceptional. The main thing I disliked was the dowager countess, who was a complete hag, but I can see why that was in the story in order to move along the action, in a way. It may be the third book in a series, and I've only read this one, but I didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous novels. All in all, a decent book.

Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was notified of his older brother’s death while in an army hospital recovering from battle wounds. He not only now held the title, he was also now responsible for 7 young children. He finally was released to go home counting on the help of his mother.
Harriet Mayfield spent a lot of time with her sister and her family, adoring the children and immediately involved herself in their care, to the frustration of their grandmother, who wanted to run the show.
Quinton comes home to the battle of wills and must figure out who telling the truth and who’s lying...and what is in the best interest of the children.
A sweet historical with a bit of humor, a little mystery a touch of angst and family interaction, good and bad.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my review in the same vein. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is one more in the trend of giving Regency-era women the character and ambitions of modern women. However, what makes this romance more enjoyable is that the heroine, Harriet, has basically given up any dreams of getting married in order to care for her numerous orphaned nieces and nephews. She (and her deceased sister) are thoroughly modern mothers in how they approach care for children, especially for Harriet who must help the children deal with the sorrow of suddenly losing their parents. Their father’s brother, is an army colonel, Lord Quinton Burnes, who leaves the military after being injured in the Peninsular war. He has very fixed idea of what is befitting noble children and is backed up by his snobbish and thoroughly unlikeable mother.

What I liked about the story was the depiction of the oldest nephew who is scared at suddenly being thrust into the role of earl as the age of 14 years old. His uncle arranges to introduce him to his duties and there are some interesting scenes as they meet with tenants and visit an early Industrial Revolution textile mill that the family owns. I like to see an author who has done some research to depict what she is portraying. And I enjoyed reading about the sensitivity which both Harriet and Quint use in helping their mutual nephew.

There’s one plot element that just seemed to be thrown in without much thought. It turns out that Harriet is one of the richest women in England. However, we’re never told what this wealth is based on. Harriet is supposed to be a secret essayist writing essays about the treatment of the poor. Yet she shows no curiosity about the people who are presumably the foundation of her inherited wealth. Are they tenant farmers about whom she should care as much as she does for her nephew’s tenants? Are they workers in factories and does she care about how they’re treated? She’s just rich...I guess that makes a convenient plot point so she can help out her nephew, but it just didn’t fit with the way she was portrayed.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

A sweet story, light on plot. Not detailed enough in romance or feelings, not believable for it’s time. The characters are likeable although not deeply developed. Overall I liked this book but I wanted more, more feelings, more steam, more detail. It was a cute light read.