Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor ARC Review!

Title: Rules for Engaging the Earl (The Widow Rules #2)
Author: Janna MacGregor
Publish Date: April 26th, 2022
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review!

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.

Penelope's Review

This is the second book in the Widow Rules series but can be read as a standalone! I really liked the first book, so I was excited to delve into Constance's story in the second! Constance is the late Merriweather's second wife and is about to give birth to his child when she calls her childhood friend Jonathan for help. Jonathan was injured in the war and suffers from both the physical pain of the injury as well as the psychological damage that accompanied his circumstances. When Constance writes to Jonathan, asking him to be her husband and a father to her child, her friend reluctantly agrees due the affection he held for her when they were younger that he harbors still. 

I liked Constance and her optimistic, sweet disposition. Her love for Jonathan and her desire to see him happy were some of my favorite aspects of the relationship and the book in general. But there were times when she was simply too composed. I found myself frustrated at her lack of passion at times. Jonathan himself also wasn't my favorite character. He was very withdrawn and taciturn and it took almost the entire book for him to really show some growth. He was very snappish and unkind for much of the story and despite the reasons behind his behavior, it was a bit annoying. I will say that I liked his attitude towards the end however, and was happy with the conclusion to both their relationship and the book.

Overall, I found that the book got off to a very slow start. Despite there being a few different arcs to read through (the growth of their relationship, the difficulties Jonathan must overcome, a villain hanging over both of their heads), the whole story seemed to just meander along. There weren't really any points where I felt the need to read quicker, or stay up later to get through more. But that being said, there was a decent plot and very enjoyable side characters - we get to see Katherine and Beth for a little bit, and I loved the butler, Mr. North. I will continue to read this series as I am curious to see what happens with the third wife, Beth. I have a feeling I will love the story!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!