Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor

 

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Constance and Jonathan’s story in Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor, book two in her Widow Rules series, a friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, and Beauty and Beast all rolled into one marvelous story. Constance Lysander and Jonathan the Earl of Sykeston, had feelings for each other in their youth before Jonathan went off to war. Before he left though, Jonathan made Constance promise not to wait for him despite their feelings for each other as they had no idea if he would make it home. Constance was left penniless by her late husband, a trigamist who married her and two of her now best friends; disappeared with their dowries before dying. Society required that Constance find a husband so her unborn child will be legitimate so she turns to the only honest man she has ever known, Jonathan, her childhood friend who has returned injured from war. Jonathan had not visited despite being home for some time. Jonathan, the 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 who avoids contact with others, at all cost. Yet when the only woman he's ever loved summons him with a request for his hand in a marriage of convenience, he cannot resist agreeing to her request.  When they meet up once again, there's an immediate connection between them, proving those long ago feelings never really went away.

 

Constance remains in London to recover from giving birth before eventually joining Jonathan at his country estate; turning the place into a home. What was supposed to be a marriage of convenience soon becomes so much more as Constance and Jonathan spend time together in his country home. The tension between these two is strong and when their relationship progresses beyond the convenience aspect, the pages sizzle. Constance was determined to love Jonathan in all senses of the word, including their marriage bed, and was not afraid to be passionate with him and his scars. Constance was a strong and independent woman, running her family shipyard, and not afraid to break through the armor Jonathan wore around his heart. Add in a matchmaking servant staff, especially North, convinced that love will help Jonathan learn to live again, a sweet daughter, Aurelia, who teaches Jonathan that there is so much more to life, and a love that brings out the best in you.

 

Ms. MacGregor wrote an amusing, entertaining, and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, clever banter, stubbornness strong women, sizzling chemistry and endearing characters giving Constance, Jonathan and Aurelia a chance for a happy and loving future together.  Rules for Engaging the Earl is a powerful look at acceptance, society rules, strong friendships and connections, which I highly recommend to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.