A Lady's Rules for Ruin is book 2 in Jennifer Haymore's series The Lions and the Lilies and it's the story of a spirited young woman who is determined to flout the rules of society so that she can live her life on her own terms.

Miss Frances Cherrington is determined not to marry, and so on the spur of the moment, after a brief conversation with Evan, the Earl of Winthrop, she implements a plan to get herself ruined.

Soon, she is being spurned by society, but at the same time she starts becoming closer with Evan as she assists him in finding and making a home for his young, illegitimate half brothers.

I enjoyed this story, although I felt like Evan acted a bit out of character to have an affair with a young woman he knew to be inexperienced despite society thinking her ruined. He was trying not to be like his father, yet he didn't seem to have any second thoughts about his actions with her.

Despite that, I really enjoyed their story, and I thought Evan's brothers stole the show whenever they were in a scene.

This was a nice slightly spicy read for any lover of historical romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have never read this author before, but this certainly will not be the last one I will read either. What a cute read. Predictable ending but how it got there was a delight. With a brother like Charles, you do not need any enemies. How clever this story unravels. A very enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed reading A Lady’s Rules Ruin! The novel was one I could not put down. I love that the plot had a few twists and it had just the right amount of drama and spice! The female main character Frances finds her own way to get off the marriage mart but never expected her actions to affect so many within her life. I would for sure recommend this book and I will absolutely reread it in the future.

A little hard to get into. It took a long time to finish because I had to force myself to read it initially. However, I persevered for my fellow Frances and found myself rooting for her happy ending! Jennifer Haymore is quickly becoming one of my must-read authors.

3.5 stars,

I was pleasantly surprised to read that both MC's had much more of a personality than I expected.

Evan and Frances are both terrific MC's - both likable and sympathetic.

I wasn't crazy about the third act breakup or the length of it, which seemed to be dragged out as long as possible. I also didn't care for the "we haven't ever appreciated you as you should have been appreciated" plot point.

My issues aside, I did enjoy this one and will definitely read more by this author.



Thank you to Engangled: Amara and NetGalley for the DRC

Jennifer Haymore may be my new favorite author. She weaves heartfelt individual stories into one beautifully scripted Happily Ever After that evokes every emotion imaginable in this book.

Francis Cherrington is deemed the black sheep of her family, only because she's made to feel inadequate by her older brother, sisters and even her twin, Martha. She doesn't want to marry so she is given the idea to get herself ruined. The Earl of Winthrop has a secret, and feels marriage to anyone is now out of the question. Through a series of meet-cutes these two fall head over heels for each other, With an abundance of honor and three young boys between them they fight it, and fail. Their coming together is a bold, beautifully written story that leaves you anticipating the third book in this series.

This is a Stand Alone book, but it's nice to see how the author includes the Duke & Duchess of Crestmont in this story, and eludes to upcoming books in this series.

Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC to the book. These opinions are my own, and freely given.

What a romantic and charming story! Frances and Evan were so extremely easy to root for. They were both genuine, likable, and struggled with realistic issues in their own lives and with one another. That sounds like it could make for a sleeper of a romance novel, but this is Jennifer Haymore we’re dealing with! I’ve enjoyed all of her novels and this was no exception. Everything about this plot worked for me and kept me engaged from start to finish. Just when I thought the story might start to wane, something interesting happened that I absolutely didn’t expect. I won’t spoil- but the characters Evan found along the way…so good! He was the kind of hero we all really want in life- a good man. Also, so steamy!! 🔥🔥These two earned their ending. This is really the perfect cozy winter read. Looking forward to the next book. Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for sending this book! All opinions are my own.

A Lady’s Rules for Ruin. My fellow readers with a brother like Charles, Frances surely doesn’t need enemies. That diabolical, one testicle, deranged, psychopath, walking a fine line serial killer ferret face needs one heck of a meeting at dawn. Now that I have shared that you I will proceed with my review. This is truly a most compelling book centered around romance.
If you are looking for a feel good romantic story this year, this may be that book for you. Not only is this book about sensually charged, clandestine rendezvous under the stars. You will also find a story about relatives who force set rules on family members. And a woman who sacrifices so much in life, who searches for that defining moment that gives her the ultimate power to live by her own rules. Readers, the journey that our girl Frances travels I thought for sure was a lonely road for her to take.
I was for sure that Frances would surely lose her faith in humanity and true love. There were points in the book I was saying, surely someone was going to come and save her. Or I was hoping that things would turn for the better here. The ups and downs exacerbates how profoundly this story was creatively written and shared with readers. Thank God for Bobby!
Actually there are a few more people that are the guiding lights in Frances life, but let’s talk about Evan. Evan is a man who knew what he wanted in life. He set his goals and acted upon them until one day he received a letter. So many things have changed in Evans life. Mostly good moments, but some bad.
I really enjoyed how these two characters handle their lives separately and together. The storyline is written so brilliantly. Through the story and descriptive details I could feel the emotions and or feelings that Frances and Evan were experiencing. I really get that connection once the boys were introduced into the story. I loved that the writer chose Evan for the boys story.
Reading about Evan’s experiences and or feelings like a paternal father was so immaculately written. These are the moments that really made the story shine. The romance between Frances and Evan is a sizzling affair that keeps holding your breath at times till the very end of the love scenes. Ya’ll! It’s a slow builder, but you will get there.
I really loved this story. I must say that this is another favorite read of mine for this year. I give this story two snaps and a, “Sleep with one eye open Charles. Better yet. Leave now!
Don’t pack. Run!” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
#ALady’sRulesForRuin #JenniferHaymore #Entangledpublishing #Netgally #Goodreads
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The second book in The Lions and the Lilies historical romance series, A Lady’s Rules for Ruin follows Frances Cherrington, who plans her ruination in an attempt to avoid marriage and remain free as a spinster. Frances connects with the charismatic Evan, an earl with secrets that could ruin him.

Evan and Francis are such fantastic characters, and I enjoyed their stories both individually and as a couple. Both are dynamically developed and layered with complicated lives and family situations. The pair has an epic love affair, too! I adored their swoon-worthy romance. Filled with secrets, family betrayals, hard decisions, and wonderful journeys, the romance between this couple is positively dynamic.

There are also three fabulous secondary characters that totally stole the show for me. Mark, Bobby, and Jasper are absolute delights, and they add so much to the story and to Evan and Francis’s lives. I enjoyed watching Evan develop relationships with the brothers he never knew he had. He is such a good and honorable man and an excellent role model for the boys. And I adore how they slowly learn to trust and love him. None of the boys have had easy lives, and Evan’s determination to do right by them and love and support them unconditionally makes him even more swoon-worthy in my eyes. The found family vibes are strong, and I loved every minute of it.

I also love Evan’s friends and one of Francis’s sisters. Her other siblings are awful, especially her brother. Her family is more concerned about the family reputation and their own individual reputations and not what makes Francis happy. They ignore what she wants because she doesn’t conform to the dictates of society. I like that Francis realizes this and sees that they don’t listen to her, but I love even more that she also recognizes her mistakes and how they impacted others. I think that’s part of the reason she connects so deeply with Evan and he with her. They listen to each other. They get to really know each other inside and out. And they respect each other.

Though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. However, The Duke’s Rules of Engagement, the first book of the series, is also one I’d recommend. Both have great romances and are entertaining reads!

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

What a great read! This was a sweet, sometimes spicy, lighthearted historical romance that I couldn’t put it down.

Frances is a woman ahead of her time. She wants freedom, not a husband, and comes up with a scheme to avoid marriage altogether.

Evan is an earl whose world was just turned upside down. No one can help him, it appears, but Frances, who unknowingly turns up at the right places at the right times.

Thoughts:
💙 I loved the plucky, virgin heroine FMC and the charming, affable MMC with a big heart.
💙 I loved the drama.
💙 The happily ever after ending? Perfection.

While this is the second book in a series, I read it as a stand-alone.

Thanks so much to Jennifer Haymore and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book!

Overall, a very good historical romance book with a cute subplot of found family. I think there are a lot of loopholes however in that we’re told the two love interests have met several times before, but it’s not until the story starts that he’s attracted to her. Makes it kinda seems like lust is the main driver of this story. I do think the Earl had more of a personality than most gentlemen in romance books as we see him follow his morals in adopting his illegitimate brothers and deciding to care for them. However, the third act breakup felt off for me, since it wasn’t really anything that made the Earl “profess his love” other than his friends telling him Frances might be betrothed to someone else. I will also say I hate when there’s a “sex on the beach” scene if the heroine is a virgin, which is the case here, because it’s so much more uncomfortable than it’s written and it should be at least somewhat magical for them. 3/5

Excellent book

This novel allows us to feel all of our emotions through Frances and Evan, two unique and amazing characters.
While following Frances's maneuvers, we occasionally find ourselves smiling. Other times, our hearts ache for the secrets discovered by Evan and the situations that follow. Throughout, we see Frances and Evan's attraction to each other and the sentiments that ensue. Their relationship is full of twists and turns that greatly affect us. I found this book simply irresistible.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Frances Cherrington has no interest whatsoever in capturing a suitable husband. Truly, she'd rather be a spinster. Alas, her well-meaning family is determined to see her married well, and keeps thrusting her at eligible men. After a final few bad experiences -- the dancer whose body odor is utterly disgusting, numerous family abjurations to smile, and the totally unobjectionable but uninteresting Mr. Salt -- Frances decides the only way to avoid being encaged in a loveless marriage is to be ruined. And so she sets out to become a scandal.

She succeeds beyond her wildest dreams.

In the aftermath of her ruination, Frances is perfectly content to have all of the ton avoiding her like the plague. But she reckons without the effect on her family, just as she reckoned without the effect of her spinsterhood on her brother, who had the care and feeding of his family thrust upon him at an early age.

And she definitely reckoned without the Earl of Winthrop. Evan thought he was the only son of a satyr of a father, but he has recently discovered that his father left something of a trail of bastards behind him. When he attempts to ask his widowed mother about the situation, he finds out considerably more than he expected, enough so that he vows to never have any children of his own, which, he knows, means that marriage is not the best idea. But he is powerfully attracted to Frances, and before long she realizes that she, too, finds him surprisingly attractive.

I was delighted by this tale of a strong woman who takes charge of her life, even under the strictures of the early 19th century. The romance here was delightful, and the sex hot. The problems the characters dealt with were of their time, even if their solutions might not have been -- satisfyingly so. I was particularly taken by the shape of the HEA, which did my book-loving heart good. Indeed, I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately purchased the first book in the Lion and Lilies series, The Duke's Rules of Engagement, and am looking forward to further romances by Jennifer Haymore.

Note: I will upload this review to Amazon and Barnes & Noble on publication day.

This was my first Jennifer Haymore and I was pleasantly surprised, I will definitely be back!

Our heroine has always felt different, hemmed in by society’s options for women and decides to take matters into her own hands and ruin herself. This was a clever plot point and I liked it.

Evan is an earl, or thinks he is, until he finds out whoops he’s illegitimate and his mom was never his biological mom. He keeps this from Frances, thinking she'll never understand why he doesn't come clean, and this becomes one of the devices to keep them from just jumping to the altar. Kinda flimsy but it works.

This book isn’t the funniest book, or the swooniest, but it’s well written and steamy and the story kept pulling me along. Until the second half, that is. There is a chunk from about 50% to 80% that could really do with some pruning as it kinda got draggy and a little repetitive.

<spoiler> Her brother becomes the third-act villain, locking her in her room and forcing her to marry a man she doesn’t love. It was really wild and I’m sure this probably happened legitimately but I’ve never seen it in a romance novel before. His behavior is so awful that his wife LEAVES him and they are maybe reconciling in the epilogue. So at least he got a little punishment for it. </spoiler> It throws the whole vibe of the story off, as up until now it's been a relatively light and fluffy book and then WHAMMO, kinda heavy.

But the found family with the three younger brothers story line is SO sweet and cute (when they come to her rescue I just ... 🥹😩) this is a really fun book full of "aww" moments. The love scenes are plentiful and steamy! I love the chemistry between these two.

3.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

"A Lady's Rules for Ruin" by Eliza Haywood is a historical romance and book two in the series. It can be read as a standalone. This book introduces us to the captivating leads, Frances and Evan, who are a perfectly imperfect match. Their evolving chemistry and love story are a joy to watch. However, what sets this romance apart is the found family trope, which adds depth and warmth to the narrative.

Frances Cherrington, the independent and prickly heroine, has long defied society's expectations and is content with the idea of remaining a spinster. She'd rather avoid the pressures of marriage imposed by her family. It's her encounter with the devilishly handsome but infuriating Earl of Winthrop that sparks a plan to ruin her own reputation and ensure no one will marry her. What follows is a delightful journey of self-discovery, love, and personal growth.

Evan, the Earl of Winthrop, carries a secret that could ruin his name and everything he's worked for. The prospect of marriage is out of the question, but his growing attraction to the forthright Miss Cherrington complicates matters. As they navigate their complex feelings, the reader is treated to a slow-burning romance that is both heartwarming and steamy. The scenes with her and the children were adorable.
The supporting characters, including Evan's little brothers, add depth to the narrative and help move the plot forward naturally. The found family dynamic is a highlight of the book, providing a heartwarming element that enriches the storytelling. On the other hand I kept hoping Frances’ brother Charles was going to redeem himself. Those family dynamics were not enjoyable.

In conclusion, "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" is a heartmeltingly touching, steamy, and fun-filled historical romance. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journey from initial misunderstandings to deep connection is a testament to the author's skill in crafting engaging romances. While the story has its slower moments, the satisfying ending more than makes up for it. It's a book that captures the essence of finding those who truly understand and support you, allowing you to be your authentic self. Highly recommended for those seeking a captivating historical romance. This one was a little on the steamy side.

I love a GOOD historical romance that has equal amount of steam and plot. A lady’s rules to ruin will have you giggling and kicking your feet like a school girl. I loved the female main character, she was strong headed and did what she set her mind to do. A ravishing read of a book. I would recommend 10/10.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC for the book in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an easy and good read! I really enjoyed the story and character development. The main characters faced many trials but I enjoyed the happily ever after ending! Frances has a strong and witty personality. It’s been years since I have read a historical fiction novel but this was a quick reminder of why I used to love this genre so much!

Let me being by saying that is the first book in this series that I have read. I thought I had read the prior one, but apparently I had read a different book with a similar concept. That fact did not stop me from understanding or enjoying this one.

Now, on the whole I DID enjoy this story, even though I had several issues with it. Let me clarify these issues are not with the author's writing style, as I feel she was a way of drawing the reader in and keeping the pace even without getting bogged down in too many details. My problems are all with the story itself.

My problem wasn't even really with Frances who knew enough about how society worked to know that if she were ruined, her family would also be affected, yet she acted surprised when this happened. No, my problem was with her entire family. Not a single one of them actually listened to Frances when she made HER wishes and desires known, all assuming that because they were either older or married (or both) THEY knew better than she did what SHE wanted. And even when her twin tried to help, she still did it in an extremely stupid way (why would you carry a secret letter out of your sisters room in plain sight knowing that your brother knew where you had been and would be suspicious of the letter no matter if he saw you just coming out of her room or somewhere else in the house? Why not hide the letter somewhere on your person until you can get it to where it needs to go?

Most horrid of all was her brother Charles who not only tends to like to jump to conclusions, but also resort to cruel tactics instead of shutting the heck up and LISTENING for once. The majority of the drama of the last part of the book could have been avoided if he just put his own stubborn pride aside and LISTENED to his sister instead of hurling false accusations at her. Even when she finally does end up getting married just as he wanted (and to an Earl no less), Charles still cannot put aside his pride. In fact, not only does he not attend the wedding at all, but it takes him another six months or more to go see his sister and apologize.

On the opposite side of this, I enjoyed Evan's character and his commitment to do right by his half-brothers as not many members of the ton would have recognized that they had half-brother's much less taken them in and raised them. I also found the brothers be delightful and I very much enjoyed the way they were instrumental to finally bringing our two characters together for their happily-ever-after.

All things considered, I do believe this novel will appeal to fans of historical romance novels, although I am warning you, Charles is a real piece of work.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

A Lady’s Rules for Ruin is a Fantastic read. Who can blame a girl for trying to figure out how to avoid the marriage mart when it starts to become too much? Especially when you know that you still won’t have any say in your life

I found this to be a well written book with well-rounded characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchanyfor an honest review.

3.5 Stars! Frances is hysterical. A girl who just wants to “ruin” herself (in society’s eyes) so she can be left alone- doesn’t want to marry. She sets a list of rules, and follows through thinking she’ll be “free”… little does she know her brother will not allow her to be “ruined”. I loved her character. She’s a bold, brave woman, with a huge heart. The plot twists will keep you on your feet. I loved the uniqueness of the plot and didn’t feel as if it was a story I’ve already read!

This was one of my first historical romances, and it was a really good read. I felt that it typically followed traditional time period “norms”. This book could have had more world building and I would have liked to understand Frances’ brother more and why he essentially held her hostage- this felt out of character for Frances. She gave up so quickly and needed to stand up for herself instead of being “rescued”.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for the opportunity to read this ARC!