The Ladies Rewrite the Rules
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3.9 • 28 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A shy widow, a grande dame, and a disgraced heiress join forces to turn the tables on fortune-hunting men in this innovative Regency from Allain (Mr. Malcolm's List). Diana Boyle married a much older cousin to save herself from penury. Now a widow at 25, she's surprised to learn she has been included in a bachelor's guide to Britain's wealthy widows and spinsters. Infuriated, she calls on its author, the surprisingly attractive Maxwell Dean, who is abashed by her anger, but intrigued by her beauty. Determined to expose the men who would exploit these women, Diana writes to as many others listed in the directory as she can find, including Lady Regina Townsend, who was rejected by society after a youthful indiscretion, and Lady Gordon, a gracious older woman still mourning her husband. The women decide to lead on the fortune hunters before rejecting them—but along the way, they must avoid falling for their suitors. The ensuing trio of romances are sweet, but Allain's style is slightly stilted, making for some oddly wooden emotional beats. The novel's true strength lies in the friendship between the bold heroines. These engaging women will appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews and Julie Klassen.
Customer Reviews
Much better than Mr Malcolm’s List
I could respect the respectable characters, there was good character development and challenges for said characters.
There wasn’t anything to irritate the Inner Editor, and I was thus able to enjoy the story. There were spoiler-worthy unexpected factors towards the end. It could have used a couple of chapters more, even, so we’d learn how the haut ton reacted to the marriages of such departures from the commonly expected variety.
The second novel after a (sorry) so-so one doesn’t have to be bad.
Loved it!
This story was charming and an absolute delight!
It’s humorous, lighthearted, warm and witty. The characters were lovely, and I was so happy how things played out for each of them, especially for Diana and Max.
I loved the twist where the ladies rewrite the rules and set their own terms for relationships with the men who are courting them. I really enjoyed how the ladies felt more empowered and self confident after doing so.
The friendship between the main female characters was very endearing, and a highlight for me.
It’s a quick read, well written, fast-paced, and full of wonderfully sharp dialogue, and sweet romance. Reading it was an absolute pleasure. I loved it, and it’s one I highly recommend.
Thanks to Suzanne Allain, Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and Austenprose PR for the review copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Boring and Overused
I’m so sad to say I didn’t love this book by a favorite author of mine. While Diana is likable, I felt I barely got to know Max. More time was spent on describing the Gardens than the main flame! Their dialogue was minimal and their love story unbelievable. So much reused and hackneyed Regency verbiage in this as well. Some phrases clearly taken from well known movies and books. It’s a major skip. Hopefully something new and FRESHER next time.