Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Jonathan Eaton, Earl of Sykeston, is a former marksman
for the British army. He returns home a broken shell of his former self. With
the threat of a possible court-marshal, Jonathan isolates himself from the
world. When his childhood friend asks for help, he rushes to her side. He
willingly agrees to marry her. However, Jonathan cannot be the husband and
father-figure Constance needs, not with an inquiry hanging over his head. Can
Jonathan clear his name? Will he come to grips with his mental and emotional
demons? Or will Jonathan realize too late what he has with Constance?
Constance Lysander owns and operates her family’s
maritime business. Her late husband leaves her penniless, pregnant, and two
other wives. Constance needs to marry quickly to escape polite society’s harsh
scrutiny. She chooses Jonathan for the part. Constance intends on making their
marriage work; however, her mulish husband insists on keeping an emotional
distance. Plus, she has a malcontent patron intent on destroying her business’
reputation. Can Constance help Jonathan overcome his emotional and mental
hurdles? Or is this marriage doomed from the start?
Jonathan is such a swoon-worthy, damaged hero! He
demonstrates the difficulties some soldiers have on returning home from war or
active duty. I empathize with Jonathan’s need to alienate himself from the
world. He has had his trust betrayed in the worst way possible by his
commanding officer. What I adore the most about Jonathan is his dependability,
especially towards Constance. He came to her when she needed him most, even at
his lowest. Jonathan, also, had no interest in taking over her family business.
Instead, he offered to help only when she wanted it.
I am so happy that Constance received her
happily-ever-after. She really deserved one, especially considering the ordeal
her late husband left her to face. I like that Constance never tried to play
the victim. Instead, she became proactive in finding a solution for her and her
newborn daughter. What I adore the most about Constance is her patience with
Jonathan. She understood he had some emotional and psychological issues that he
had to come to terms with. Jonathan’s behavior sometimes tried her patience,
but Constance never once gave up on him.
RULES FOR ENGAGING THE EARL
is book
two in Janna Macgregor’s historical romance series, THE WIDOW RULES. The story
can easily standalone. However, I recommend reading the first book to
understand Constance’s peculiar situation and her close relationship with Kat
and Beth. The author does an excellent job gleaning the important parts from
the previous book. I hope the next book reveals what the late Lord Meriwether
did with the three ladies’ dowries.
RULES FOR ENGAGING THE EARL is a charming tale of two
souls learning to overcome their trust issues. I am so glad I took a chance
with this series. It does not disappoint. I cannot wait for Beth and Grayson’s
book!
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