Rules for an Unmarried Lady
Series: Once Upon a Bride #3
Author: Wilma Counts
Published December 29th 2020 by Lyrical Press

Goodreads Synopsis
Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying...

A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children's uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem...

Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint's mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending...
Goodreads

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

Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book book in the series, following Harriet Mayfield as she is coping with the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, and staying strong for their seven children, the eldest son, Philip, who has become the new Earl of Sedwick, and is wholly in over his head. With the Dowager Countess trying to control everything that is happening, all Harriet can do is wait for the new guardian, the children's uncle Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, to return home. But, as soon as he does, they but heads over every decision - should the children be sent off to school, is it right for them to visit maternal family in London while still in mourning, etc. Harriet only wants the best for the children, but Quinton doesn't just aggravate her, he also keeps her up at night, and she may just be falling.

I found this a really quick and enjoyable read. The two main characters seemed to be just right for the time period, and really worked well together as a couple. Yeah, there were some moments where all I wanted to do was shake my head and sigh, and some of the angst could've been dealt with with just a little bit of communication, but it wasn't anything unexpected. I adored the children, from the eldest Maria, down to the little ones in the nursery. Philip's growth from grieving twelve year old, to a prospering Earl to be, under his aunt and uncle's care, was exceptional. The main thing I disliked was the dowager countess, who was a complete hag, but I can see why that was in the story in order to move along the action, in a way. It may be the third book in a series, and I've only read this one, but I didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous novels. All in all, a decent book.

Dates Read:
October 26, 2020

Rating
3 Stars