This was not for me.

The grumpy-sunshine trope was unbalanced. Constance, who is supposed to be a strong business woman, seems desperate for any scrap of affection Jonathan gives he and is clinging to the past. As another reviewer said, she is portrayed as a saint that does it all, can do no wrong, and it was annoying, on top of being starved for Jonathan's attention. It didn't add up.
I normally sympathize with the MCs but I could not find interest in him, or anyone besides the butler, North.

2nd book of a series but works as a standalone. Constance and Jonathan were friends until war separated them. Hiding from society, Jonathan only returns at Constance's request after her husband's death and the birth of her daughter. It takes all of Constance's love and support to bring Jonathan back to the living.

ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Yay, the Widows are back! I have been eagerly awaiting their return. When Meri the Trigamist died he left three – yes, count them, three! – widows, all in varying states of distress. In the first book in The Widow Rules Series we met Kat, the newest wife/widow. Vintage Janna MacGregor and all the things you love in an historical romance. This middle book, Rules for Engaging the Earl, is about the middle widow, Constance. Her distress is really the most somber, because she’s about to have a baby, and being this is Regency England that baby needs a name and she needs to preserve what’s left of her reputation. Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston and Constance’s childhood friend and first love. Forever love maybe? He vowed he would always be there for her so when she asks him to marry her to give the baby a name he readily agrees. But we know better than to expect it to be that simple. Nope. It’s the Widows, it’s author MacGregor and we know we are in for another delightful tale full of romance, heat, heartbreak, sadness and humor. And delightful it is. I told myself I would just read a couple of chapters at a time but I tell myself that with every story by this author. What actually happens every time is that I start with Chapter 1 and never look up until The (marvelous) End.

Did I already say I love author Janna MacGregor? I do. And I love these “they meet again” stories. The wounded, breathtakingly handsome hero, the damsel in distress. Except sometimes the hero’s behavior has been a bit less than heroic, and the lady in question is usually no weak damsel in distress but instead a strong-willed, capable woman who is every bit Mr. Hero’s match. So let the fun begin. Our first encounter with Jonathan and Constance is so sweet, so innocent. They are young and just starting in life, not knowing the particulars of what to expect but with no doubt in their minds that they will be together. But you know . . . fate and all that. Circumstances, choices, things we didn’t have a choice about. And now it’s ten years later. They’ve always been in each other’s hearts, but he’s a bitter wounded warrior, his good name in jeopardy not because of his actions but because he didn’t attend to things as he should have. She’s a new widow and a new mother, reeling from the discoveries at the death of her trigamist husband. She is strong and capable and has a business to run, but this is 1815 England and there are rules and women who are alone are most certainly subject to them.

The solution should be simple. To us, anyway, right? It’s obvious they have continued to love and desire each other – you could say they are MFEO (made for each other!) – she needs a husband, he vowed to always be there for her, she trusts him. So what’s the issue? Pride, confusion, fear, bitterness, all the usual things that stupidly stand in the way.

What fun to go on this journey with these two sweet, sexy, stubborn people and watch them navigate their relationship. Built on something old and solid but that must change and adapt to the reality of events and circumstances. I loved it. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Rules for Engaging the Earl via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what the final book in The Widows Series brings, and what treasure Janna MacGregor will have for us after that. All opinions are my own.
@JannaMacGregor @smpromance @stmartinspress #RulesForEngagingtheEarl #JannaMacGregor #SMPRomance

The story is a friends to lovers trope in which both the characters slowly learn to trust one another and share their love. I like that Constance is an independently wealthy woman who does things for herself. She does, though, have to learn to trust others to help her. Jonathan, too, has to learn to trust others - and to trust that they have his well-being at heart. A trigger warning: depression.
This is a well written story that I read in one day.

"Rules for Engaging the Earl" by Janna MacGregor
Do NOT hide from LOVE
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I did skip some of the spicier scenes, but did love the story. I found two morals in this story: Love can heal; and Hiding doesn't. I have lots of things I would like to say. BUT, they are the things you talk about with others who have already read the story because otherwise you just might spoil the read for someone else. I am wondering what you will say. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
This review expresses my honest opinion.

Rating:

4.8/5 stars

RULES FOR ENGAGING THE EARL has all the elements of a historical romance. Reading this novel reminded me of why I love historical romances. I recommend this novel for fans of English aristocracy in historical romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin;s Press for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review..

Love Janna Macgregor books and this series has been so engaging. I had to so much traveling this past week am looking forward to compiling the read this rainy weekend.

full review coming up soon.

I zipped right through this second in The Widow Rules series. This can be read as a stand alone but I think it is more enjoyable read in order. The original premise is three women meet at a lawyers office upon learning their husband died. All three married the same man in a fairly short time and he disappeared with their dowries. Each book follows one of the wives who in the first book worked together and formed a deep friendship. Constance Lysander is the only wife who finds herself pregnant. She asked her friend, a Duke to ask if her childhood friend would consider marrying her to avoid her child being born out of wedlock. Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston agrees because of his fondness for her. But Jonathan is reclusive because of injuries sustained during the war. Also unbeknownst to Constance there is a threat to his honor hanging over his head. Constance wants a real marriage and home for her child.

I liked this book even more than the first. Constance is a stand out in her patience and love. She speaks up for herself and her wants. Unfortunately they both keep some secrets from each other (him more than her) that cause problems. I like how the author takes a year jump in time so Constance is recovered from childbirth and ready to assume her role as the wife of the Earl and running her own business. Home life is sweet and I love the drooling mastiff dog who is a companion to all. I was frustrated with Jonathan’s not seeking help from his friends (the Duke etc.) but his reasoning and brokenness is explained in the book. I did feel for Jonathan especially when watching others be able to dance and do things with his wife that he could not do.

This is easy reading and steamy and sweet. Not a second chance romance although they once shared a kiss. More a childhood friends to more trope. I’m happy to recommend to those who enjoy historical romances. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

Good read for fans of historical romances. Loved Jonathan and Constance’s relationship. Interesting premise as well with good female friendships.

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

Constance is in trouble. She’s about to give birth and she recently found out her husband was a bigamist, placing her unborn baby’s legitimacy at risk, so she turns to her oldest friend for help. Jonathan is a retuning war hero and recluse that wants nothing to do with woman, or anyone for that matter, but he could never turn his back on Constance. Unfortunately Jonathan is a hero with a complex after finding himself embattled with his own scandal that he’s trying to overcome. In his mind the only way he can help Constance is by staying away. Enter a couple of meddling house staff, a goofy dog, and a common enemy and you have a sweet historical romance. This author has created another great story with a strong beyond her times female lead and a cranky war hero with a tender side that has me loving him more and more. This is a continuation of the series and while you don’t have to have read the previous one to enjoy this book I highly recommend that you do. I can’t wait for book three. 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In 'Rules for Engaging the Earl,' Janna MacGregor delivers a childhood best friends to lovers story featuring a wounded war hero and widowed single mother all delivered in a historical romance package.

Constance Lysander has to be one of the strongest characters I've read. Her patience is nearly endless. She's smart, kind, and capable with a business all her own to run. The one thing she needs is a husband who will raise her late husband's child as his own and give her daughter a future.

Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston, wants to be left alone. After returning home from war injured, his reentry into society hasn't been easy. So why spend time in society when he can spend time alone? But when his best friend asks a favor of him after ten years apart, he can't refuse her. In fact, he can't refuse anything Constance asks of him. With the 'help' of his matchmaking butler, Mr. North, Sykeston begins to allow a bit of light back into his life - though he does so reluctantly while constantly waiting for his world to come crashing down around him.

This book is the second in a series of connected standalones. While I enjoyed it quite a lot, there were times I felt I was missing something and should have read the first book before starting this one.

I received an early e-copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in this series and while I havent read the first (i definitley will be) it can be read on its own.

I loved Constance and Jonathans story. Childhood sweethearts that were forced to oart when he was recruited for the military, they meet again after Constances' husband died, heavily pregnant she reaches out to Jonathan and asks him to marry her to give her child someone who would be a good father and be able to help her weather the scandal her husband comitted..

Jonathan is scarred both physically and emotionally from the military and while he absolutely doesn't want a wife cluttering up is very orderly existance, he can't tell Constance no.. So they get married and he immediatly leaves her alone until a letter arrives asking her to come to him.

I love how wary they are of each other at first.. Constance had been burned by her first husband, and Jonathan has some depression and PTSD from what happened to him. She wants a real marriage and everything that can entails along with a father for her daughter.. Jonathan wants all that too, but he is so afraid of not deserving her, that he constantly is pushing her away. However slowly Constance brings him out of his shell, through some very sexy minstrations.. (waves fan at face) Seeing them fall in love with each other as who they have become as adults was really beautiful..

Of course there are some of the things that usually happen, miscommunication and hurt feelings.. but I really loved how after Jonathan got his head out of his butt and realized that he does want Constance and their daughter forever that he rides to her rescue to stand by her side as she confronts her foe.. and then they end up happily ever after...

I will definitely be going back to read the first book, and can't wait for the next book to come out for Beth to get her HEA..

This book was great but the last 25% or so dragged a little bit. Jonathan (the Earl) had a lot of problems he needed to deal with but at a certain point I just wanted to shake him and tell him to get over it. Constance was incredible and a strong independent woman which is especially great to see in historical romances. This is the 2nd MacGregor book I’ve read and I’m really impressed with her so far!

Complementary copy given for my honest review and opinion. This book was so good. I loved the story line and the strong heroine. It’s a great porch read.

Constance Lysander, widowed and scandalized, thinks she needs a husband and a father for her child only because society demands it. Her childhood best friend, Jonathan, Earl of Sykerston will do anything for Constance. But physical and emotional injuries have left him a recluse who prefers to remain alone. He is willing to give her his name and status, but not anything of himself despite the deep feelings he's harbored since they were children.
Rules for Engaging the Earl is a friends to lovers trope and provides the right amount of angst, heartache, and longing for historical romance lovers. There are quite a few interesting and amusing characters, not the least of which is Regina!
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing this arc for my honest review.

The friends-to-lovers trope is one of my most favorite tropes of all, and I was inclined to like this book more because of it. And in some respects, it worked. However, I was looking for that moment when Jonathan and Constance had that realization of "Oh! There you are!" It came close a few times but never really went there. Instead, Jonathan spent more time in a dark space, too consumed with his own issues to really see what he had in front of him. For her part, Constance is pretty tolerant, especially given the horrible experience she had with her polygamist first husband. To be fair, Jonathan is dealing with a lot; his excruciating injuries and the threat of a court martial hanging over his head are legitimate reasons to sink into oneself. Perhaps his fluctuating emotions were just too realistic for me?

I also wish the secondary characters (Christian and Kat from the first book and Beth and Greyson presumably from the future third one) were a little disappointing. The men seemed oblivious to Jonathan's torment and had little patience with his antisocial behavior. Jonathan was pretty rude at times, but I wanted the other two to see through Jonathan rather than chastise him. Kat and Beth too seem more judgemental about Jonathan, and they were more inclined to encourage Constance to leave rather than fight (though Beth eventually redeems herself). Again, perhaps the secondary characters' behavior was just a little too realistic for me.

The drama behind Jonathan's court martial threat and one with Constance's shipping business seemed a bit more theoretical than threatening, and resolution of both issues came a little too easily.

Overall, this is a lovely story of two good but beaten down people cautiously finding peace with one another. It misses the mark for me in several places, but the general impression I have is a decent one.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

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.
They are wounded in more ways than one.
Constance and Jonathan are meant to be.
After her first marriage Constance is still very much relationship minded.
Jonathan is afraid of marriage and their actions.
This is part of a series.
Jana MacGregor has written another exciting romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I love a good marriage of convenience, but this one didn't do it for me. I somehow wanted more angst and less drama?? I just felt like they were both entirely too uncommunicative (forget miscommunication, this had no communication), and Sykeston was constantly throwing himself a pity party. And am I the only one who found it odd that a COUNTESS wanted to do household chores? And appreciate cleaning products as gifts?? Like girl, stop. You have servants.

Anywayyyy. I wanted broody, tortured war hero and an angsty marriage of convenience, and I got countess marries her childhood love and dusts her husband's office. Maybe this was just an issue of misguided expectations.

Thank you Netgalley, the author, and St Martin's for the aARC in exchange for my review.

The way MacGregor brings the characters to life with her vivid imagery was beautiful. It pulled at all the right heart strings and I throughly enjoyed it!