Member Reviews
Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for my gifted book. My thoughts are my own.
#penguinrandomhousepartners
I love a good regency romance novel, and the original storyline and unique situations in this one made it a delight to read!
When wealthy widow Diana Boyle discovers her name listed in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, a book for bachelors detailing heiresses and suitable ladies with fortunes, she is furious! So, she pays a visit to the book’s handsome author, Maxwell Dean, to register her anger.
Then she gathers the other ladies listed in the registry and together they realize that they have the upper hand with these fortune hunters! So, they rewrite the social rules of the time! Suddenly it becomes acceptable for a lady to dance with one man as many times as she wishes; or she may turn down a gentleman’s offer to dance without having to sit out for the rest of the evening. The scandalous waltz is now acceptable, and the 𝘭𝘢𝘥𝘺 may ask a gentleman to escort her somewhere if she wishes! The bachelors are completely puzzled, and the society matrons have taken notice! And one Maxwell Dean is truly besotted with Diana!
This one was a lot of fun! I loved the chemistry between Diana and Max and Diana’s friendships with the ladies. My only complaint was I wanted to see the ladies defy society even more!
✨ Review ✨ The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain; Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden
Short, sweet, a little silly, and totally bingeable!
In this book, the ladies do just as the title suggests -- rewrite the rules! After Diana, a recent widow, discovers her name in a book of wealthy widows, she organizes a group of women to make their own claims to marriages that meet their needs. Diana (somewhat surprisingly?) befriends Max, the man who created the directory, and friendships and a romance bloom around Diana as she discovers an entire life beyond what she previously imagined could exist.
I love books that twist traditional gender roles and this does just that (though maybe not always entirely believably). I thought it was a lot of fun to listen to and the silliness of it at times made this feel so light and enjoyable.
I loved the audio narration and binged my way through it in a day. I think I would have loved even a little more development between Max and Diana, but overall, I enjoyed the plot and the whole adventure this took me on!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: f/m historical romance, pretty closed door
Setting: London
Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
Reminds me of: Evie Dunmore
Pub Date: 09 Jan 2024
Read this if you like:
⭕️ overturning gender roles in historical romances
⭕️ new friends / found family
⭕️ short and sweet historical romances
Thanks to Berkley, PRHAudio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
This was a light fun Recency romp for anyone who enjoyed the Bridgerton Series. This book clearly got its inspiration and keen eye for the subtle Battle of the Sexes Banter from Jane Austen with a deliciously modern twist from current Romantic Comedy trends.
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules, less spicy than Bridgerton and feistier than Jane Austen, is lighthearted and entertaining historical fiction.
A wealthy young widow, Diana Boyle has no intention of marrying again. One day, she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women. She’s furious and confronts the publisher of the Bachelor’s Directory, Maxwell Dean. Complications arise when she discovers that he’s quite handsome. Nevertheless, she gathers the women in the directory together to take control of the situation and trick the fortune hunters. A daring power move.
“Bring a Smile to Your Face” Guarantee!
I love an author who can flip a tried and true trope and write a unique story! The ladies outwit the men and make their own rules, resulting in an entertaining, lighthearted, escapist read.
A delightful cast of likable and remarkable women make their own rules about who can dance with whom and how many dances are allowed. Women supporting women is a strong theme throughout the story.
An enemies-to-lovers romance, witty dialogue/banter, outrageous behavior (for the time), women setting the rules, and some hilarious antics provide a great deal of page-turning entertainment.
If you are looking for a light-hearted Regency romance (chaste) and engaging, heartfelt women’s fiction, I warmly recommend The Ladies Rewrite the Rules. Book clubs might love this one!
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub @BerkleyRomance for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLadiesRewriteTheRules upon my request. All opinions are my own.
This was a great set up and I loved the cast of characters, the core romance didn't have a lot of chemistry or banter except for the first scene
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a perfectly charming read. Audiobook narrator Elizabeth Knowelden brings a winning combination of depth and fun to the story. I don’t read a lot of regency historical romance but I really enjoyed this read! I loved how leading lady Diana and her crew of friends reverse gender roles and create their own set of rules, and are hilarious in the process. I would recommend The Ladies Rewrite the Rules for fans of Bridgerton and all who love to celebrate female empowerment!
Charming characters and such a fun twist on a traditional regency! I adored Diana and Regina's friendship and the idea of woman taking control of their futures. I do wish that there had been more dialogue, but all the descriptions were delightful.
ne of the books coming out today is The Ladies Rewrite the Rules. It is a historical fiction romcom about a group of wealthy women who discover their names have been published in a registry so men can court them and marry into wealth. They use this info to flip the tables and finally have the upper hand in a male driven society. This was such a fun book. After the summer of Barbie and Taylor Swift, I loved reading a female empowerment book. The banter was funny and sharp, the regency romance with Jane Austen vibes was charming and swoonworthy and most of all, the female friendships were so touching and really stole the show.
SUMMARY: Wealthy, young, and widowed, Diana Boyle is happily unmarried – until her name and address are published in a ‘bachelor’s directory’ for any fortune hunter to find. Diana joins forces with her fellow listed ladies to put a stop to this outrageous publication and its author.
This book is for my Pride & Prejudice diehards.
It’s for my bookish friends who’ve spent many an afternoon rewatching BBC costume dramas.
It’s for my girls who are anxiously awaiting the next season of Bridgerton.
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a low-drama, feel-good Regency Romance that is decidedly closed door. TBH that door could be wide open because (in true Regency fashion) there is nothing untoward going on, save the occasional makeout.
As I was reading, I kept thinking: This book is so pleasant!
And I loved the true friendships that developed between Diana and her ball co-hosts. Would we call this “friendship rep”? 🤓 Love to see it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @netgalley @berkleyromance and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This book dropped Tuesday is now available everywhere!
“The Ladies Rewrite the Rules” by Suzanne Allain is beautifully written! It is a gem of a book and was an absolute delight to read. The Regency-era setting was described very well, the characters feel three-dimensional and like real people along with thoughts, emotions, personalities, and difficulties of their own. These characters are lovable and were so much fun to get to know! Diana and Maxwell are so sweet. Love them and their friends! It was wonderful to see them grow and change as people— the author has done great work with the character development. The speed of the plot is perfect, the author’s writing style is smooth and sparkling, and the romance is sweet and swoony! This is a story which is sure to captivate and dazzle readers. It is a story that is beautifully written, original, and so much fun! I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You really must read “The Ladies Rewrite the Rules” you will be so glad that you did! 5 very well deserved stars! Thank you very much to Austenprose PR, Suzanne Allain, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of this book tour and for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
This is a romantic comedy set in Regency England that I thought was a charming read. Diana is a young widow who finds herself listed in a Directory of single, wealthy women and published by Maxwell Dean for men to call on women with means. She is furious and confronts Maxwell who she is surprised to find is the most handsome man she’s seen before. Her and the other ladies of the directory find a way to rewrite the rules of courtship.
I liked Diana and her friendship with Lady Regina as well as the relationships that develop in the story. I enjoy historical romance and could see this being made as a show similar to Bridgerton. It was an entertaining, quick read.
🩰💰The Ladies Rewrite the Rules 💰🩰
By Suzanne Allain
Clean Historical Romance Perfection!!!
Synopsis: Youthful Diana, after her elderly husband has passed away, has been thrown into a place in society where she doesn’t want to be all because of a Registry listing all the rich women leftovers for the second sons……. In an effort to take her life into her own hands and never let a man control her again, she forms lifelong friendships and attempts to get revenge on the man that started it all, Mr. Dean.…. But does it backfire on her?
Review: Y’all I love Suzanne’s writing so much…. Truly she knows how to stick to the historical truths but also flip them on their head. I loved the relationship between Diana and Max, #swoonalert, but something I loved even more was the friendship of Diana and Regina. Two unassuming likely to never meet friends, but brought together by similar circumstances. So so great! I loved the dynamic of ladies taking control, and the twists of loyalty and kindness where you would least expect it.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical accuracy with clean romance, amazing plot, and twists.
Content: Widows/ Loneliness
Romance: Clean and Swoony!!
3.5 stars
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules has an interesting and unique premise for a historical romance. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I didn't love it. The writing style was more tell than show. I really liked the female friendships in this book and how the ladies supported each other. There are three different love stories, which is unusual for a historical romance. I am used to historical romances where each couple gets their own book, so I found each romance in this book underwhelming. I would recommend The Ladies Rewrite the Rules for readers who want to deep their toes into the historical romance genre and those who prefer their romance novels more chaste.
There is so much I loved about The Ladies Rewrite the Rules. The entire premise of it sparkles, starting with a scandalous directory and unwanted fortune hunters, blossoming into a chance for women to take the power back, and finally leading to some unexpected love stories. So often historical romances feature men who are titled or moneyed (or both). Here, we get a look at the second sons and others who have less of a chance on the marriage market. Is it so wrong when Maxwell researches eligible women with money (such as widows and heiresses) and publishes their details so that second sons can pursue them and marry well? Diana, a young widow, certainly thinks so! She doesn’t appreciate fortune hunters showing up at her door, and she doesn’t like her personal information being made public like this.
This book offers a wonderful “girl power” movement not seen often enough in historical romances. Diana gathers up the numerous women listed in the scandalous directory so they can take back their power. They throw a ball for all the “Ladies of the Registry,” flaunting their knowledge of the book and gaining the upper hand in choosing who and how to court. This is how Diana makes some close friends, Lady Regina and the older Lady Gordon. Both become her allies in this whole mess, as well as trusted confidantes. Their friendship is a highlight in the novel.
However, Diana also confronts the directory’s author, Maxwell, and he’s not what she expected. He’s a second son who was just looking out for others like him with few prospects. However, he’s instantly remorseful and aims to make up for the directory however he can. He’s also kind and genuine… and maybe worth breaking Diana’s intention to never remarry for. I loved watching their romance unfold. They make for a sweet couple, despite the unpleasant way they meet!
There are a few side romances and some interesting subplots that emerge later on in The Ladies Rewrite the Rules. I enjoyed the different plot points and the themes that arise here—it makes for a unique and charming novel! The secondary romances are cute in their own right, and the themes are thoughtful and heartfelt.
However, as much as I enjoyed The Ladies Rewrite the Rules, my one complaint would be that the book goes by too fast! It’s not a long novel, at only 272 pages, but somehow it flew by even faster than I’d expected. This is one book where I wouldn’t have minded some extra tension, detail, or just time to soak it all in. Especially with so many moving parts, this book would have been even stronger with an extra 50 pages.
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a smart and charming novel. I would have loved to see it expanded to a longer, more detailed, and possibly more climactic story. Nonetheless, this is a diverting and thoughtful read that any romance lover will enjoy.
I became aware of this author after I saw the trailer for Mr. Malcolm's List in 2022, but this is the first of her books I've read. I was expecting a comedic, lighthearted romance with a diverse cast of characters, but felt underwhelmed by the read. As a voracious romance reader, I was disappointed by the lack of chemistry between the main characters.. That carries every romance novel, and this was just lacking. Diana and Max fell flat on the page, and I didn't find myself rooting for them at all. If their personalities were a bit more interesting and the chemistry was intensified between them, this would have immediately improved the book. The author was also juggling too many perspectives. The book could have been strengthened if she stuck to only Diana's perspective, and didn't jump around between Regina, Max, Jerome, etc. With more developmental editing, this could have been a much stronger read.
From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm.
TITLE: The Ladies Rewrite the Rules
AUTHOR: Suzanne Allain
PUB DATE: 01.09.2024
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain is an engaging story that turns the usual plot of a woman looking for a spouse with means. I find it really fun to read, moments of hilarious antics, and the light hearted read really made this a perfect escape read for me.
I love the chemistry between Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow and Maxwell Dean, the man behind the Bachelor’s Directory. But most of all, I love how the ladies outwit and reverse the usual gender roles - high five to this fun Regency romp.
I highly recommend!
Crisp dialogue, humorous, witty banter, delightful characters, endearing female friendships, swoon worthy romance, and more! I absolutely loved this new Regency romance by Suzanne Allain. It had such a lovely story with not one but two engaging second chance romances. I also loved the way it highlighted the difficulties of the times for both men and women in a gentle, thought-provoking way.
Diana is a 25 year old widow who’s not interested in marrying again after the death of her much older husband. When she finds her name included in a directory of wealthy women for men who are in need of a rich wife, she decides to confront the man who wrote it. She finds the handsome Maxwell Dean with whom she feels immediate attraction. Though she’s angry with him, she can’t help but want to see him again. She organizes a group of fellow wealthy women who are all mentioned in the directory and they decide to turn the tables on the men.
One of the women who comes to Diana’s first meeting is Lady Regina Townsend. She’s the daughter of a marquess and due to an unfortunate circumstance in her youth is now a 28 year old spinster. She and Diana become fast friends and help each other immensely. Their friendship was just one of many highlights in this story for me. I loved the way they shared their pasts, feelings, and hopes and encouraged each other.
I loved the way the women were willing to bend some of the rules but only slightly. They still wanted to maintain their sense of decorum. I also enjoyed the gentlemen, especially Maxwell who immediately regrets his decision to publish the directory and does everything in his power to make it up to Diana. My favorite scene was the watch fob scene. I don’t think I’ll be able to see a watch fob without remembering it.*Sigh*
I loved the side characters especially Lady Gordon & Monsieur de la Tour. I also appreciated Lord Jerome. One of the surprises of the story has to do with Diana’s sister-in-law Mildred. I loved how my opinion of her changed and how Diana resolves the conflict with her.
Highest of recommendations for this delightful, closed door Regency romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
I must confess I could not get into this book like I had hoped. I think this was more an issue of my reading mood not being in the right place rather than an issue with the writing or plot. What I did read was sweet and well done. I do plan on re-visiting this book in the future when I am in a better headspace to read it. I enjoyed the author's previous book so I can see me enjoying this one. If I do pick this one up again I will edit my review.
This book is perfect for fans of Austen or just clean historical romance period. Multiple POV chapters that help you get into the minds of the varied characters. I liked that they weren't young, but considered "spinsters" for the time period. Sweet romance. Enemies to lovers. Grumpy character. Rewriting the rules of society and being true to themselves.
I found it interesting the role reversal pointed out. Women looked for a way out of poverty by marrying rich, but the men who tried were scoundrels. HOWEVER I think the registry was wrong and he should not have made it. Marry for love, or not at all. Of course times are different from back then...but I'm a fan of the whole love concept. It makes the story sweeter and swoon worthy.
Goose, Gander and Romance!
When widowed Diana Boyle discovers her name listed in a directory “The Rich Ladies Registry or the Batchelor’s Directory” she’s livid. Diana is living a quiet life tucked an hour away from London. Now two, no make that three gentlemen have invaded her privacy under false pretences.
Gathering her anger about her she uncovers the author’s name and pays him a visit to vent her mind. Maxwell Dean is not what she expected. All he was trying to do was help younger sons to find suitable wives, much like the season for debutantes. Younger sons had no chance when pitted against titled marriage mart prizes. Diana did have a few words with Max over his ill advised muttering about what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander!
Determined to warn other ladies in the directory she writes to them, arranging a meeting.
The ladies are suitably shocked and decide to turn etiquette upside down. They hold a ball and invite eligible men. The ladies make their own rules about who they can dance with, how many dances, and they also allow the waltz.
Unfortunately the patronesses of Almack’s are quite cross with them. Their dances are stealing patrons as they’re held on the same night.
There’s quite a lot happening here, some of it off stage. I would have liked to see Diana’s friend Lady Gordon, given more page space as her romance developed.
All the hooks are in place but I did find my attention wandering from time to time.
I loved the cover btw.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)