Rules for Engaging the Earl
Series: The Widow Rules #2
Author: Janna MacGregor
Published April 26th 2022 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

Goodreads Synopsis
Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London.

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.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After discovering that her husband had two other wives, and that her unborn child might be illegitimate, it would be understandable if Constance Lysander broke down. But she didn't. Okay, she might not have any money after her husband squandered it all, and society might judge her, but she knows that her fellow wives are there to support her, and her aunt would do anything too. But, giving into claims she 'needs' a husband, she begs her former best friend, Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston, to come and marry her, give her and the child his name, and she will be forever greatly. However, she doesn't realise that while she's always cared for him, he's loved her since they were children, and the wounds and scars he carries from war run deep. He'll do anything Constance asks, even marrying her, but as soon as the I do's are said, he's gone. Constance won't take this lying down, so when she arrives at their estate, and demands they spend time together, she has some rules for Jonathan to follow.

I, like most other people, couldn't wait to find out what the story was between Jonathan and Constance when we saw the final pages of book 1, A Duke in Time. And no matter what I expected, this book was so much more! I've loved Constance since we first met her, and she just grew stronger and stronger throughout this book. Now a mother, she will do anything for the people she loves, including Jonathan. She can see that he's hiding something, that his time in the military has affected him more than he says, and though it'll be hard, she won't stop until she finds out the truth, and show's him love. Jonathan, understandably I'd say, was difficult to warm to initially, but when we learn more about his actions in the war, and how the Marquess of Faladen has pushed him out and questioned his ability. He truly needed someone to talk to, but he was so strung up, it was hard for his walls to crack. This was such a good continuation of the series, and there's lovely scenes with all three 'wives' - I can't wait for Beth's book, she really needs her happy ending!

Dates Read:
January 13-14, 2022

Rating
4 Stars