Rules for Engaging the Earl: The Widow Rules

by Janna MacGregor

Overview

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor.

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.

Praise for Janna MacGregor:

"Janna MacGregor dazzles." —Eloisa James

"Janna MacGregor's stories positively sparkle." —Christi Caldwell

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250761613
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/26/2022
Series:	The Widow Rules , #2
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	355,555
Product dimensions:	4.80(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The Bad Luck Bride. Janna credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.

Editorial Reviews

02/21/2022

MacGregor’s dramatic but drawn-out second Widow Rules Regency romance (after A Duke in Time) sees effervescent Constance Lysander reuniting with her first love, the reclusive Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Having suffered enough scandal, Constance, the pregnant widow of a late polygamist whose other wives have become her close friends, seeks out Jonathan to be the father to her daughter 10 years after he left her for the war. But Jonathan’s emotional scars are as deep as his physical ones, and he’s facing a court-martial on trumped-up charges. He worries he’ll only bring Constance more shame, but agrees to marry for the sake of her daughter. Still, he’s constantly trying to keep Constance at arm’s length, which has the effect of alienating readers, as well. Constance works hard to be a good wife, but the battle for Jonathan’s affection grinds on her. Will Jonathan reform his ways before he loses Constance forever? The romantic progression is two steps forward, one step back for much of the novel, but when Jonathan finally tries with Constance he becomes a hero to root for. Jonathan’s lovable, matchmaking butler steals every scene he’s in and Constance’s fellow widows remain a delight. There are some hiccups, but series fans will still find plenty to enjoy. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"A moving tale of hope and redemption." -Kirkus

From the Publisher

2022-03-16
An injured, reclusive earl meets his match in a genteel, widowed businesswoman who was his childhood sweetheart.

Tempted by the war secretary’s office, Jonathan Eaton, the Earl of Sykeston, cast aside the promise of Constance Lysander’s youthful love in favor of service to the Crown. Years later, he is being blackmailed with the possibility of a court-martial for his honorable decision to let an unarmed enemy solider go free. After the death of her parents, Constance has successfully run Lysander & Sons Refitting Company. Her first husband bolted in the middle of the night with her dowry, leaving her pregnant, and died not long after. Widowed and with a newborn daughter, she proposes marriage to Jonathan, believing in his integrity and honor. He acquiesces but, after providing for her material comforts, leaves her behind in London right after the marriage ceremony. The fear of court-martial hangs like the Sword of Damocles over his head. He believes he will rain society’s disapprobation down on anyone with whom he associates. The reality of Jonathan’s war injury, with its physical agony and mental pain, is sensitively portrayed. He's convinced he will never be good enough as a husband, father, or friend, so he isolates himself on his estate, Sykeston Gardens. A year later, battling her fear of abandonment, Constance goes to stay with him. Jonathan’s behavior toward her oscillates between tender and kind in one moment, cold and standoffish the next. He can’t bear to have her with him, and he can’t bear not to. But she’s determined to help him recover and make her second marriage a success. Constance is shown to be a courageous, independent woman who isn’t afraid to display her strong personality. This second book of The Widow Rules series is set in Portsmouth, a welcome departure from the ballrooms of London.

A moving tale of hope and redemption.

Kirkus Reviews