Welcome to my tour stop! This was a very fun read! Find
all the book and author info as well as my review below...
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules
By Suzanne Allain
Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 272 Pages
January 9, 2024 by Berkley Romance
Summary
From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm.
Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune.
So when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory, and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means.
She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together…the ladies rewrite the rules.
Praise for the Book
“Innovative…The novel’s true strength lies in the friendship between the bold heroines”— Publisher’s Weekly
“A fun, light-hearted Regency romp about changing society from the inside.”— Kirkus Reviews
“Joyful, warm and witty, this is a delight of a book.”— All About Romance
My Review
THE LADIES REWRITE THE RULES is a fun twist on the usual rules of society when a group of heiresses decide that they are going to set their own rules instead of always following the men's whims. There is a rather entertaining beginning and an even more entertaining end. In between is a story with some delightful characters, a bit of a mix of the enemies-to-lovers and second-chances tropes, and an honestly rollicking good time. Readers will fall in love with these characters and cheer on the men who are the ones who must win the ladies' love. Definitely a recommended read to sweet Regency romance fans!
This is a new-to-me author and the first book of hers I've read. However, I have watched Mr. Malcolm's List and enjoyed it so was expecting that I would also enjoy her writing. I was glad that this did not disappoint. The pace was steady, I liked the characters and the story was engaging and sweet, with plenty of humor and surprises thrown in.
The heroine, Diana, wasn't my favorite person at the beginning of the story. She's a bit overwhelmed as she has never had a say in her life and continues to live with a sister-in-law who continuously berates her. I really wanted her to be strong and not let anyone run over her. Luckily, she has a bit of character development to undertake. She grew on me as the story progressed, although even from the beginning she has some great moments. I loved her bravery and how she's willing to try new things and form new relationships. One of those relationships, where she forms a friendship with another woman, was one of my favorite aspects of this book. I absolutely loved the two of them together and how they bolstered each other.
Then there was Maxwell. He was such a fun hero to cheer on. I also appreciated that he felt very realistic in his reasoning behind the booklet and then how he tries to rectify things. I enjoyed his steadiness, charm and determination. He was a great character from the start and never let me down throughout the story. Of course, seeing the romance bloom when it wasn't supposed to, was most of the fun. Diana and Maxwell's relationship was done well and made for a very enjoyable read.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a delightful read! The plot was engaging, the characters likable, the setting fun and it all tied up rather wonderfully.
Content: Some innuendo and suggestive content, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband. Suzanne adapted her novel Mr. Malcolm’s List into a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Zawe Ashton.
Have you read or watched Mr. Malcolm's List? Will you be reading this one?
No comments
Post a Comment
I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.