Series: The Widow Rules #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin Paperbacks
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Order Link: Amazon
4 Fiery Hearts
Many thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book
Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor.
Review:
Society dictates that Constance Lysander find a husband so her unborn child will be legitimate. Constance was left penniless by her late husband - a trigamist who married her and two of her now best friends and then disappeared with their dowries. Constance turns to the only honest man she knows - her childhood friend who marched off to war and hasn't returned to see her even though he's been home for some time. Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston returned from war with some dark shadows threatening him. His injuries, both physical and mental, have left him a cold, dark hermit - a man suffering from PTSD that avoids contact with others at all cost. And yet he can't resist responding when the only woman he's ever loved summons him with a request for his hand in a marriage of convenience.
Rules For Engaging The Earl is the story of two former friends who secretly desire one another and yet both are hiding dark secrets with misguided thoughts of protecting the other. They embark on a marriage of convenience while trying to deny the fiery attraction simmering between them. I greatly enjoyed these characters with all their flaws and hangups as they tip-toed their way around each other. MacGregor does a brilliant job manipulating them both through a plot line that sees them going toe to toe with each other even as they fall more deeply into love. The support cast added so much depth and reinforcement to the story as readers get to see more of the characters from book 1 which I love. The author takes this story to another level by tackling issues like PTSD, abandonment and societal prejudices prevalent of the time period. Sexy, sizzling chemistry that threatens to explode keeps the heat turned up on this spicy historical romance. Highly recommended to fans of romance, especially historical romance and the friends to lovers trope.
Synopsis:
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.
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.
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