A Lady's Rules for Ruin by Jennifer Haymore, book two in the The Lions and the Lilies series, follows Frances Cherrington, who wants to avoid marriage and remain free as a spinster, plans her ruination. Frances connects with the charming Evan, an earl with secrets that could ruin him. Evan and Francis are interesting characters; well developed and layered with complicated lives and family situations. The pair has an epic swoon-worthy romance. Filled with secrets, family betrayals, difficult decisions, and wonderful journeys, their romance is positively wonderful. I highly recommend A Lady's Rules for Ruin to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the heroine compelling and enjoyed her journey. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Haymore.

4 ⭐️

She found the perfect plan to avoid marriage…


I enjoyed this story! Frances had me a little frustrated at times. She ruined herself, but didn’t fully expect the consequences that came with it. She has a journey to find what she really wants out of life once she has the option. Evan really stole the show a bit. I won’t give anything away, but he was so sweet! I loved the development of the relationship between the two. Once marriage wasn’t a driving factor, they found what they needed in each other. There are secrets and twists along with plenty of family drama.

I would recommend for anyone who likes historical romance, who wants to try the genre, or anyone who likes stories of women finding themselves.



Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the early read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

She never wanted to get married until the right man came along. He thought he wasn't marriage material until the right woman came along. The truth was that they were meant for each other. Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly. And she’s fine with it. Truth be told, she’d prefer to be a spinster—damn her family’s desires. But it’s a conversation with the devilishly handsome yet highly infuriating Earl of Winthrop that inspires the perfect escape from her nuptial troubles. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

Frances Cherrington, the remaining unmarried sibling of the family was determined not to marry despite the wishes of her family. A family friend, Evan, the Earl of Winthorp after finding out a family secret and his father's illegitimate children, also decides that marriage is not in his future. When they are thrown together after Frances is tasked with assisting one of his brother's prepare to meet him, sparks fly between them. A Lady's rules for Ruin is a well written story that contain laugh out loud fun parts, steaming hot sexy parts as well as the family drama parts that anyone can identify with. I enjoyed reading about the different relationships as they developed in the story between Frances and Evan, Frances and Evan's brothers and between Evan and his brothers. It was also fun to revisit some of the characters from her previous books. I am looking forward to reading her next installment.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Independent Frances has always defied expectations. A chance encounter with the vexing yet charming Earl of Winthrop suggests an opportunity to evade marriage for good. Determined to ruin her reputation and remain unwed, Frances hatches a daring plan. But Winthrop guards a secret that could destroy his legacy. Will Frances’s pursuit of freedom have catastrophic consequences?

This clever story is engaging and emotional. It has wonderful characters, including three adorable little boys. Frances and Winthrop are a good match, both trying to build the lives they want without regard for convention.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, charming, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this historical romance and will look for more books by this author.

This book is a captivating journey through the intricacies of the Regency Era. Anymore is able to weave through the strict rules of society, challenging norms and exploring the consequences of daring to break them. The author's attention to historical detail adds authenticity, immersing readers in a world where love and scandal collide. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, this novel proves to be a delightful addition to the genre, appealing to fans of historical romance seeking a balance of sensuality and wit.

Frances Cherrington is the only unmarried Cherrington sibling, a state that she is perfectly content with, but a state that all her happily married siblings are seeking to rectify, most especially her brother and head of the family Charles. Trying to escape yet another lecture, she accepts a dance with the much too handsome and cheerful Earl of Winthrop, planning on ditching him before they reach the dancefloor. But despite her attempts to send him on his way, the earl stays by her side and even seems amused with her attempts. She finds herself intrigued and candidly explains that she isn’t interested in finding a husband and would prefer to become a spinster. He is surprised but agrees it is unfair that she must either marry or wait years until she is declared unmarriageable. She is suddenly struck with an idea and thanks him as she “goes to meet her destiny”. The earl is right, but he forgot the third way she can be free of the marriage mart – ruin! And she knows exactly who is the perfect man to ruin her without the risk of marriage. Her brother-in-law’s expedition partner, who is leaving for Eqypt on the morning tide, won’t know of her ruin for months and months! PERFECT! But ruin isn’t what she was hoping it would be, primarily because she doesn’t know what to do with herself and sets out to find something to fill her now free days. While exploring the idea of volunteering at a home for orphans, she once again encounters the Earl of Winthrop, who may be the only person in London who hasn’t heard of her ruin and learns his reason for being at the home. It isn’t long before she is spending more and more time with him and realizes that he really is as nice as he seems. But just as she is coming to terms with her feelings for him, her past comes calling and her family is more determined than ever to see her wed, but not to the man she is in love with.

Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop, has just learned that his philandering father, the late earl, has left Evan more than just the title and estate, it seems that he also left Evan the care of his illegitimate son! Absolutely floored, he seeks out his mother to find out if it is true but ends up getting the shock of his life when he learns an even bigger secret. Unsure what to do with his newfound knowledge, Evan decides to meet his young brother and is surprised and a bit embarrassed to find Frances at the home, and in the company of his brother Bobby. But since Bobby has become attached to Frances in their brief acquaintanceship, he insists that she stay with him while he meets with Evan. It isn’t long before one younger brother turns into two and then three! But rather than being appalled and hiding the boys away, Evan brings them into his house, and for the first time in his life, the house begins to feel like a home and Frances plays a huge part in that. Too bad he can’t marry her, or can he? Just as he begins to think he can trust Frances with the secret has hasn’t shared with anyone, not even his best friends, it appears that Frances has made other plans and he has lost the love of his life.

I enjoyed this well-written, nicely-paced story much more than I thought I would! Especially since the first couple of chapters left me with a strong dislike for Frances, as she seemed shrewish and selfish, but that didn’t last long and rather quickly it became clear that was just a façade she used to protect herself and she was really a caring person, trying to find her place and her worth. Likewise, Evan has lived his life alone, feeling unlovable and unworthy of love. Together, they bring out the best in each other and have an attraction that neither can deny. Their story is filled with emotion, secrets, mistakes, great secondary characters, some surprises, steamyish love scenes, family, lots of lists, a hopeless situation, well-meaning friends, and finally a heartwarming HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the second book in the series, but it is a loosely connected series and this book could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this title to historical romance readers who enjoy a strong heroine, a cinnamon roll hero, and spicy love scenes!

4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I picked A Lady's Rules for Ruin because I am always interested in stories where the heroine doesn't live up to society's expectations and has to face the consequences.

I really enjoyed Frances and Evan's story. Evan is very sweet and lovable. I adored reading about him interacting with and taking care of his brothers. Frances wants control of her own life but isn't really sure what she wants to do with her freedom. It was interesting to watch her figure out what she wanted.

This book is a bit unusual in that the heroine acts her age. She doesn't know what she wants and makes mistakes that hurt the people around her. It's pretty common in historical romance for heroines who are only in their late teens to know what they want but have falling in love disrupt their plans. Frances doesn't know what she wants but knows that she wants to be free to figure it out.

I did feel a bit lost with the family history at times. I assumed the family was written about already in an earlier book but didn't find one quickly when looking at Jennifer Haymore's backlist. I did jump in at book two of the series but it didn't look like book one was about the same family. This may not bother most readers but it drives me crazy not to know the full backstory.

A Lady's Rules for Ruin is fun, sweet, and has some family secrets to add an element of drama. I think lovers of historical romance should give this one a try!

London - 1820

Frances Cherrington, 25, is attending the Worthington Masquerade Ball which is considered to be the most scandalous of the season. She is miserable and does not want to be there. Although her brother and her 5 sisters are always pushing her, she is not seeking a husband. Rather, she wants to be a spinster. When Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop, 34, asks her dance, she reluctantly agrees. As they chat, she explains that she has no desire to marry. That’s when she realizes that she must do something to make her someone no one wants to marry. So, she goes into the garden with a man called Mr. Salt making him think she desires him and they share a big kiss witnessed by the biggest gossips in town. That works because the scandal sheets are full of this incident.

Now, Frances needs to find ways to fill her days. So, she writes to Thomas Thomason, head of Harlowe’s Home for Boys located in St. Giles. Her first day she appalled at the filthy place and the young boy she is supposed to teach to speak to a Lord who is to visit him. Turns out that the lord is none other than the Earl of Winthrop. When he confesses to her why he is there to see young Bobby, they join forces to help the boy.

While Frances has vowed to never marry, she can’t help but be attracted to Evan and he to her. But he is hiding some secrets about his past that makes him also feel he can never marry. But one cannot hold back attractions as they are magnetic. Yet, her brother, Charles, is determined to make her marry Mr. Salt so she can once again regain her acceptance in society.

This is a really good book with lots of angst along with much love being shown the young boys Evan brings into his home. I held my breath right up to the last page wondering what would happen. Charles, you are a real bozo! Delightful reading. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Heartfelt Romantic Story
Intriguing characters made this an enjoyable read. They were drawn together no matter how much they fought it.
I like the way this author tackles uncomfortable situations and lets the story grow into a loving passionate romance.
Family plays a big part of the many situations they had to deal with before they found their HEA.

I liked how this story was easy to jump into even if you haven't read the previous book in the series. The series centers around the hero's group of friends but we spend more time with the heroine and her family so I don't feel like I missed a lot of backstory from the last hero's book.
Frances is tired of being paraded around for marriage and is ready for a life of spinsterhood but she knows her family won't leave her alone unless she is unmarriagable. Thus, she ruins her own reputation.
I loved this book. It was a lot of fun and I liked that Frances didn't really know WHAT she wanted to do, she just knew that the life of complacency her siblings had chosen wasn't for her. It was fun watching her make her lists and figure out what her passion in life would be.
Evan, our hero, is dealing with some family secrets of his own and that leads him to crossing paths with Frances. I liked that Evan had always been attracted to Frances while she thought that he was slick charmer and wasn't falling for it. It was cute to have the rake be into the heroine first, instead of the other way around. This is the second of Jennifer Haymore's books I've read and I've always really enjoyed them. I feel like this one went on a little bit too long but it was still enjoyable to read!

Frances does not want to marry. This is a concept her siblings do not understand. In order to stop the marriage push, she decides to ruin herself. What she did not take into account was the effect of her ruin on her family. Evan is an earl who finds out he may have half brothers that are living in poverty. On his quest to find these brothers he encounters Frances who helps him along the way. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Amara for my honest review.

Miss Frances Cherrington is determined to be a spinster and so she kisses a man, to get the attention of the ton, and be ruined. Yet the man she is determined to kiss just one more time is the highly infuriating Evan, the Earl of Winthrop. Evan is hiding a secret that could destroy his family, so he is determined not to marry. Yet the more time he spends with Frances, the more he is uncertain about keeping to his promise of never marrying. However, Frances’ actions may soon bring about a series of events that threaten any future they have together.
Frances and Evan were such a delightful couple; both not able to reveal what they truly wanted as it conflicted with what they have long believed about themselves. I enjoyed seeing Evan grow in his responsibilities as well as seeing Fran change her view of what a future could look like with Evan. A sweet romance with plenty of spice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly & happy to be a spinster. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation. Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop knows more about ruin than anyone suspects. He’s just uncovered a secret that would tear his name—and everything he’s worked for—to the ground. Though all London is abuzz with Frances’s “disgrace,” she’s determined to use her freedom however she sees fit.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, I really liked both Evan & Frances & loved their roller coaster journey to a HEA, it certainly had me on the edge of my seat at times. Frances had a plan but hadn’t really thought of the consequences & these added to my enjoyment. I loved how Evan & Frances’ relationship grew & deepened & I loved the chemistry between them. I’m on the fence about Frances’ family, I’m just glad they aren’t my relations! A well written entertaining romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I loved the heroine, who wants to have an independent life of her own, Frances decides to ruin herself so no one will want to marry her.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Winthrop has a secret that he believes means he can never marry. In addition, he finds his father has left behind several illegitimate sons, who the Earl finds and decides to raise.
Neither Frances nor the Earl know what to do about the attraction between them.
However, when Frances's brother decides he knows best and decides she must marry, the Earl and his brothers decide to save the day.
Thus is a lovely love story in so many ways, with an ending that is particularly happy. Though this is the second in a series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone.
Thanks to NetGalley for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly tell you that I plan to read many more Haymore books.

This was a pretty good book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Haymore writes a fun and witty story that had me at first page. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. I really liked Frances Cherrington who wanted to live her life for herself. Her brother wants her to get married and she wants to be a spinster. Her family doesn't understand her way of thinking and keeps harping on the subject. When Frances gets in a scandal, she finds an understanding with a man who doesn't want marriage either.
Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop, meets Frances who wants to be ruined by him. He thinks the lady is a bit headstrong but decides to help her out. Lots of swoon worthy kisses and heated exchanges between two people who were meant to be. Fate brings a soul stirring admission that Evan and Frances a happy ever after and love it the key.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I loved everything about this book! It’s so often that in historical romances, the hero is typically a rake, rogue, scoundrel, etc. but in Jennifer Haymore’s book, A Lady’s Rules for Ruin, Evan, Lord Withrop is the epitome of the hot good guy you didn’t realize you wanted. Evan has always thought Frances Cherrington was attractive, but it takes a few bantery encounters before Frances finds Evan more than just a “perfect” beloved Earl of the ton. Frances can’t stand the idea of marriage or being tied to one man for the rest of her life, and it’s only after chatting with Lord Winthrop that she realizes how she can escape the marriage mart and stay single for the rest of her life. I loved everything about Frances. She is bold, unbelievably caring and good with children, an excellent teacher, and she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. After a chance encounter with Evan at a charity where Frances has been working, these two begin to soften toward each other. Suddenly it seems like everywhere Evan goes, there Frances is. It doesn’t hurt that Bobby, Jasper, and little Mark want Frances and Evan to be together and I adored the way they interacted as a family. The ironic thing is that both Frances’s and Evan’s real family are awful and have caused the MCs the majority of their troubles. This book avoids typical tropes in favor of actual plot points and Frances and Evan have their own secret ruinations to work out that could threaten their societal standing.

What I loved:
-Frances’s kindness towards the boys and her interactions with them
-Evan’s “good guy” persona gave me all the warm cuddly feelings
-The off the charts chemistry
-A story full of characters that just make you smile
-Romance that brings out the best qualities in each other

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

🤍Book review 🤍

A Lady's Rules for Ruin
by Jennifer Haymore

In "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" by Jennifer Haymore, Miss Frances Cherrington's determination to escape the shackles of marriage leads her to a devilishly handsome Earl, igniting a plan to ruin her own reputation. The narrative unfolds with a delightful focus on the endearing trio of Jasper, Bobby, and Mark, stealing the show with heartwarming moments that showcase Evan's affection for Frances. While the story encounters a slight lull in the middle, the early union of the protagonists robs the plot of some tension, but it dynamically picks up, keeping readers on edge. The standout element is the impactful consequences Charles faces for his atrocious actions, defying the typical historical romance trope of easily forgiven transgressions. The final bond between Frances and her twin beautifully transcends their differences.
Overall, "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" is a captivating read, combining warmth, tension, and a refreshing acknowledgment of the consequences of characters' actions. Highly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own