I wondered how Beth (who we met in previous books) would have her happily ever after. Beth's brother convinced her to marry a man who (unbeknownst to them) was already married - twice! After this man dies (all of that is backstory) Beth sets out on a road trip to see if she if she can recover her dowry. Her partner on this adventure is Grayson, an old love.

I enjoyed their travels and the situations they got into. And I enjoyed seeing their friendship and love blossom. I did get frustrated with Beth and her determination to be alone. I guess Grayson did too :)

This was a nice end of the series.

Overall, I think this was fine and entertaining. Second chance romance can be tough for me because the initial breakup needs to make sense, but also still be redeemable enough to justify the couple reuniting. Because of this, I do need it to be a bit of a slower burn so that there’s not an additional 3rd act breakup, and unfortunately this had one.

I still enjoyed these characters and thought this relationship was sweet, but it wasn’t a home run for me.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy from Janna MacGregor, and this was an excellent way to end it. I enjoyed learning the backstory of Beth and Julian, and following their second-chance journey with all its twists and turns. And of course it was nice to catch up with the couples from the previous books. Fun all around, with some humor, a bit of mystery, and a healthy dose of romance. I do definitely recommend reading this trilogy in order - there's a pretty specific timeline from book to book that's best followed in order.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

After learning that her husband was actually already married to two other women, Beth Howell was left with a ruined reputation and finances, reduced to living with her scapegrace brother. If she hopes to avoid his machinations to marry her off to a man old enough to be her father, Beth must learn what happened to the fortune she brought to her marriage. Though with her supposed husband now deceased, finding out what happened to the money will be even more of a challenge.

Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson, isn’t one for social niceties and has kept everyone at arm’s length since his hopes of marrying Beth were shattered long before she married the trigamist. Now Julian is surprised to see the woman he still loves at his doorstep and asking him to escort her on the search for her missing dowry. Julian knows going on a road trip with the woman he’s been unable to remove from his thoughts is a bad idea, but he also can’t let her down when she needs help, even if it does leave him wondering if there’s even a slight chance of them finding the happy ending after all.

I wanted to like this so much, but it just didn’t work for me, so you risk spoilers from here as I get my thoughts out. I honestly haven’t cared for this series as a whole, but this was definitely the worst installment for me. I’m not sure if I was already going into a slump anyway (probably just because of things going on in my life), but it took me over two months to finish this and that was with me skimming quite a bit of the latter half. I will say that I liked Julian as a hero; his loyalty and steadfastness are to be commended. However, they are also a strike against Beth because I just kept feeling like she didn’t deserve him and wondering what he actually saw in her.

Both Julian and Beth annoyed me at the beginning with their refusal to ask their friends for help. Beth acted as if everyone around her was trying to tell her what to do, but only her brother was doing that, and she refused to put him in his place. From the get-go, this just felt like yet another supposedly feminist book with a man hating heroine. Nothing special, something I’ve read loads of times and never really enjoy. Beth kept going on about all this freedom she now had since her fake husband’s passing, but I have no idea where she got that notion from given that her brother was still clearly controlling her so much and she was allowing it.

I was already not a fan of Beth and then we learned that she hates horses, which was something of a final straw for me as a lifelong horse lover and owner. I’m also amazed at how she treated everyone around her. She’s certainly not someone I’d want as a friend given the way she treated Julian. Beth remained adamant about keeping her promise to herself to never marry again, but rather than make her seem like a strong heroine to me this just got old fast as she was constantly at cross purposes with what she truly wanted for herself. For instance, she hated all horses because of a minor incident with one that was truly caused by a horsemanship error on her part. She applied that same logic to men as well and it just made her seem even more airheaded than she already did.

Aside from that, I thoroughly lost patience with the book and the road trip antics which were probably meant to be funny were lost on me. Beth railing about her reasons for not wanting to marry again to a stranger who is threatening her life was just ridiculous. The moment of peril should’ve been a turning point in her relationship with Julian as they were reminded how precious and fleeting life is, but that’s not what happened. Way too much time was spent on this scene with the highwayman, and it felt like it just delayed the already slow plot even more. I also wasn’t a fan of how weak Julian was made to look here, though I did like his tenderness toward Beth even though she wasn’t exactly kind to him.

The pacing of the entire book was very slow, and I struggled to maintain any interest. The plotting felt very slapdash and Beth very childlike. Then, as if I didn’t already dislike her enough, she questioned Julian about his past and tried to hold it against him that he’d been with others, though the same was true for herself as well. Hypocrisy is something I cannot stand and that was another strike against her. She was the queen of mixed signals, with Julian, but also in other areas of her life. For instance, she openly blames her brother for ruining her life and yet she idiotically continued to dismiss him as harmless.

If all that weren’t enough, we then get the dreaded third act break up because of course. Essentially Beth just used Julian for comfort and then threw him away when she was done with him. I’m not sure if this was supposed to feel empowering to women but I didn’t care for it. She then had the audacity to be upset with Julian for saying he couldn’t see her anymore as just friends, because it would hurt him too much. She just put on this false, misplaced sense of nobility that just made her look dumb and emphasized the fact that she was out of touch with anyone else’s feelings but her own.

Lastly, I wanted to see the brother put in his place more and I didn’t need any sort of redemption arc for Meri the trigamist, especially one that didn’t actually explain his terrible behavior. I see why this was useful as a plot device, but I was not a fan. Even when everything had worked out and there were no barriers left, Beth still saw a problem between herself and Julian, once again creating her own issues. She even said she wanted someone who just wanted her and not her money…she hadn’t had any money the entire time and Julian still professed his love for her, so the only conclusion I could draw was that she was a featherheaded pea brain. Perhaps this is why the chemistry between these two felt rather forced, especially because she was so hot and cold with him, and he was so (understandably) lacking in confidence.

I’m usually a fan of epilogues but this one just felt dumb and unnecessary. I didn’t need another nod to Meri, nor did I want more weird attempts at redemption for him without any explanation for his behavior. I normally love a slow burn road trip romance that’s full of pining, but this was not it. I’m still a fan of this author and she’s responsible for some of my favorite stories, so here’s hoping this series was just a fluke for me as many other readers have loved it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nice ending to the trilogy. I enjoyed running around with Beth and Julian on their treasure/dowry hunt. Not a fan of third-act-breakups, but it all works out in the end. Great cover.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

This is a great historical romance. Last in the series, really blew it out of the park. The history between the characters and the banter was top notch. Great read if you're in the mood for historical.

The storyline in this book is a little strange, but ends up being quite interesting. The main characters are mildly irritating off and on, but are very likable. The supporting characters are intriguing and amusing. So overall I did really like the book.

I normally love historical romance, but this one was not for me. Beth seems like a strong, independent widow so I don't know why she didn't try to fight her brother against remarrying. The relationship between her and Grayson was somewhat sweet, but I got tired of following them all over the place on this treasure hunt for her dowry. I also wasn't a fan of the third act breakup AFTER they slept together.

How to Best a Marquess has all of the makings to be a fun and easy regency romance read. A jilted lady setting out to make it on her own. Her lover that life circumstances took away from her. Misunderstandings and obligations colliding into what should be a fun read.

Maybe it was that I was not in the mood for this type of book. Maybe if I read it at a different time I would love it more. However, it unfortunately fell flat for me. Receipts for pigs, a man that won't stand up for the love of his life and honestly a main female lead I just couldn't invest in. All of it had me forcing myself to finish this read; it was almost a DNF.

How to Best a Marquess is the third book in Janna MacGregor’s ‘Widow Rules’ and just like the other instalments in this series I the reader felt like I ended up with an amazing heartwarming story of love. This of course is a standalone read but there are some pertinent mentions of the going ons that explains our heroine Beth Howell’s predicament. Beth having married Lord Meriwether Vareck who turned out to have left several widows as he’d only married them for their money seeks help from Julian Ranleah, the Marquess of Grayson, whose suit had been denied in favor of her charlatan husband. Julian must find it in his heart to let it go and remember he loved her once and that no way can he let her be subjected to another marriage thus. So off they go to help her find her remaining fortune which will serve them both well as Julian needs investors. Julian understands why Beth won’t consider marrying him as she sees herself as soiled good, but sometimes the heart and logic don’t meld well. You will laugh, cry and fall in love with the last characters in this trilogy as I did. This last book was an amazing closing installment, as only Janna McGregor could write it. I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

I really enjoyed Beth and Julian's story! This was a great conclusion to a wonderful series! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

How to Best a Marquess is a satisfying conclusion to the Widow Rules trilogy. Beth gets her story in this series where three women unknowingly shared the same husband, and all received puzzling legacies when he dies unexpectedly. Julian and Beth's road trip to uncover his secrets and the rekindling of their romance were totally entertaining.

I highly recommend How to Best a Marquess to fans of historical romance. The book is a great choice for readers who enjoy strong female characters, steamy romance, and a dash of mystery.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been provided with a review copy of How to Best A Marquess from NetGalley for an impartial review. Oh my gosh this story was just epic. I just couldn’t put this story down and I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. The author truly outdid herself with this story. This story just had my emotions all over the place and I am so sad to see this book end. I just can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

I hate to say it but I didn't like the characters. They were both immature. Sometimes the chemistry between two characters will help me overcome their shortcomings but there was very little chemistry in this book.

Loving this series. MacGregor created such an interesting plot with Meri and his three "wives" and the finale to the series did not disappoint. I really felt for Beth throughout the other stories and was so happy to see her HEA with Julian. A great example of a Second Chance Romance with a strong working heroine and down on his luck aristocratic hero. Road trip trope with some danger and chaos along the way. Highly recommend this whole series!

How To Best a Marquess by Janna MacGregor

After suffering the extreme humiliation of discovering her husband, Meri, had not only stolen her dowry and abandoned her, Beth Howell was determined to find the dowry Meri stole from her, and she enlisted the help of her oldest and dearest friend, Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson. Julian has once asked Beth’s brother for her hand, and had been rudely turned away, as Julian’s financial status was not what Beth’s brother approved of. The two set off on a strange journey through the English countryside in an effort to retrace Meri’s steps and find out exactly what happened to her money.

Julian was well aware he was still deeply in love with Beth, and he was reluctant to help, afraid that his feelings for Beth would quickly become overwhelming. His plan for a new type of engine was being considered by a group of investors, and he knew that if his design was accepted, he could begin to rebuild his estate and regain some of the status he had lost.

I’ve enjoyed this trilogy so much! I love Beth’s focus and problem-solving skills, tracing Meri’s last journey before his death by drowning in a mud puddle, and Julian’s love and loyalty towards her is admirable. Her courage, and Julian’s as well, in facing up to society and standing strong in their search made for an interesting storyline.

This author never disappoints.with her storIes and her characters. . I fell in love wth Julian and Beth the main characters of this book. When Julian ask Beth to marry him he did not know that her brother would refuse. Not knowing wht to do he walked away as Beth's brother threatened to ruin his father. Beth was devastated by this and a greed to marry a scoundrel who took her classy and gambled it away. So Beth is determined to find out if Meri gambled it all away and goes to.her former.fiance for his help. He reluctantly agrrees.because he could use the money she agrees.to split with him. But during their travels the two.will.need to realize the can trust each other to let their hearts find what has always been there.

Great read.

Don't you just love 2nd chances? I do. So, this story is right up my alley. Years after their love story went wrong, here is another chance to get it right. Beth needs Julian's help. She really does. She married a man who married 2 other ladies too. Her dowry is MIA and she needs Julian to help her find it. He's not a happy guy after all that went down in the past, but ooohhh ahhhh we knew he had it in him to let that go and begin again. Loved these 2!

Determined to avoid another arranged marriage initiated by her brother, Beth Howell must find out what her no-good deceased husband did with her dowry. To find it Beth will have to go to the one person who failed her once before, Julian Raleah, the Marquess of Grayson, As they chase down leads about Beth's dowry, they realize time hasn't changed how they feel about one another. Can they finally find a happy ending with each other?

I really enjoyed this historical romance. It was fun, entertaining and steamy! Beth and Julian were such likable characters and their banter was so GOOD. Janne did such a great job giving both Beth and Julian their own obstacles they had to overcome in order to be together. I also love how Janna crafted their love story in a way that felt fresh and modern within this type period. It was always nice to see the characters from the previous books in this series.

Although this book is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone as well. Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the final book in The Widow Rules series by Janna MacGregor. It's a second chance romance involving Lord Meriwether Vareck's third wife, Beth Howell and her first (and only) love Julian Raleah, Marquess of Grayson. The opening is a flashback of Julian's proposal to Beth during her coming out season and it was lovely. The reader is then taken to the present where we find out Julian proposed and then turned around and left Beth without any explanation. If you've read the other books in the series this really shouldn't be a huge surprise since we know Beth ends up marrying Lord Meriwether, a polygamist. I had several issues with Beth's story and having the book read as a 'slow burn' just made it a lackluster somewhat okay read for me.

So we begin with present day Beth seeking out Grayson to help her search for her lost dowry, all the while proclaiming she does not want to rekindle their past romantic relationship or ever marry again. We find out Grayson let his pride separate him from Beth - he didn't want to be seen as a fortune hunter so he gave her up. He still has feelings for Beth and mentions attempting to woo her again. Shortly after they begin their travels Beth proposes to Grayson that they become lovers, which he refuses, he will have her as his wife or not at all. The book continues on like this until Grayson eventually succumbs and is seduced, only Beth still doesn't want to marry. The dowry hunt they went on leads to nowhere and they end up parting ways. Everything happening was all super dull for me and there was just too much back and forth with Beth and even Grayson at the end. I was hoping MacGregor would at least give us full disclosure about why Meri chose to be a polygamist or why he selected those particular women. I thought it was because he was taking each woman's dowry and gambling the money away. But we find out that wasn't exactly the case which just left me confused. Especially when it comes out that he was pursuing a potential fourth bride!...why? It completely clashes with the "apology" letter he leaves for Beth. Which was further contradictory as he bashes Beth's brother for being a wastrel when um, hello sir, so are you! The final nail in the coffin of this poorly written story was the absolutely BIZARRE epilogue. MacGregor decided to add a dash of whimsical magic and have a portrait of Meri appear to be alive....what the! Maybe if she had been peppering in magical realism throughout, I would have been on board, but she hadn't so the ending was very misplaced in my opinion. I remember really enjoying the first book of this series and now all I can say is it was an ending, not a great one, but definitely an ending.