A review by natashaleighton_
Unladylike Rules of Attraction: A Marleigh Sisters Novel by Amita Murray

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The second instalment in Amita Murray’s richly detailed and refreshingly diverse Regency romance series, is just as fun and unapologetically feisty as the first— I absolutely loved every moment of it! 

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the series, Unladylike Lessons in love which is a swoonworthy regency romp full of depth that quickly stole my heart when I read it last year. 

The writing in its sequel is just as captivating and rich in detail, with settings and descriptions that are not only grand, but also capture the harsh realities of life outside of the royal court and upper class social circles of the era.

As a court musician at the palace, our protagonist Anya straddles the line between wealth and poverty, relying on her skill and favour with the Queen (and the ton) to stay afloat. But her charisma and musical gift cannot change the sexist, racist and classist attitudes that pervade the upper classes.

So when a client, the Dowager Countess Budleigh leaves her a fortune, Anya has the chance to really make a difference—not only in her life but also the life of her young protege, Trixie. 

The only caveat being, to inherit she must marry before her twenty fifth birthday or the money will revert to the executor of the will— the maddeningly frustrating (and utterly handsome), Lord Damien Ashton. 

But Damien is the least of her worries, as the Budleigh family believe they’ve been swindled and are willing to do just about anything to keep the inheritance for themselves…

Like the first book, I really enjoyed this! The Bridgerton-esque, rivals to lovers romance was really engaging and the depth filled characters really fun to explore. 

I really liked protagonist Anya, who like her sister Lila is a clever, compassionate and enterprising young woman who has worked hard for her success. But as much as the ton (and Queen Charlotte) adore her music, she knows (as a the half-Indian, illegitimate daughter of an earl) just how quickly that success can be stripped away. Which has lead to a carefully crafted and guarded persona that few are able to break through. 

Damien, much like Anya has suffered his own fair share of prejudice, having grown up in Jamaica as the grandson of a black woman; and inheriting a title and land many (particularly the Budleigh’s) would deem him unfit for. As such, he appears very standoffish and uncaring at first glance. But as we get to know him we discover a caring and loyal character determined to use his position to enact change and advocate for others less fortunate than himself. 

I loved his chemistry with Anya, which was sizzlingly swoon-worthy if a little swifter than I anticipated. However, I enjoyed watching their interactions as they steadily let down their guards (and begin to care for one another) even more. 

The supporting cast were great too, with Damien’s brother Jeremy and Anya’s protege Trixie completely stealing my heart. Though, I admit it was the cameos from Lila, Ivor and Walsham (Lila’s sassy butler) that I was most looking forward to —and they did not disappoint! I’m definitely hoping we get to see more of them (as well as Anya and Damien) in the third Marleigh Sisters book. 

Overall, a delightful, mystery filled romp that Regency Romance lovers and fans of Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn desperate for more diverse rep definitely need to check out. 

Also a huge thank you to author, Amita for the proof copy. 


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