When Constance Lysander needs a husband, she turns to her old friend Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Mentally and physically scarred from the war, he does not consider himself fit for marriage, but he cannot refuse the pregnant widow who he used to love. When the world becomes too much and Jonathan hides in seclusion, it is up to Constance and his team of meddlesome staff to help him realise life is for the living - and for love.
Constance and Jonathan are a wonderful match. She's tenacious, caring, and a businesswoman in her own right, who does her best to understand the man she married. Jonathan has closed his heart off so the world cannot hurt him any longer, but Constance won't let him wallow. It's tender, painful, and ultimately empowering.
The unsung heroes of this book at Jonathan's staff, who conspire to bring Constance to Jonathan and enable her changes to his life and home. While absolutely infuriating for Jonathan, not only do they mean well, but their actions are pivotal in helping the couple heal and grow together. I do wish they could've been more honest with each other sooner as the secrets weighed heavily on the relationship.
There are a few other plot threads including a looming court-martial and business woes, which may be more connected than expected. Most are wrapped up satisfactorily, but the mystery of what happened to Constance's dowry (and that of her trigamist husband's other wives) will likely continue into the third in this series.
Best enjoyed in the comfort of one's own home, this is a solid and enjoyable historical romance where friends enter into a marriage of convenience.
Rules for Engaging the Earl is available now in ebook and hard copy.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
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