A review by bring_me_a_book
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain

4.0

Synopsis: Diana Boyle finds that she has been included in a registry of unmarried ladies of means when two unexpected suitors pay her a call. After entertaining these gentlemen, she seeks out the author of said registry to give him a piece of her mind. Maxwell Dean didn’t mean any harm in making the list, but rather wanted make it easier for men to find wives of means just as ladies do each season in reverse. Instead of letting the gentlemen take their pick from the list, the Ladies of the Registry turn the tables and use the circumstances as a way to be wooed. They make the gentleman pursue and work for their affections.

What follows is a story of friendships being formed and love being found, both new and rekindled. Diana finds a bosom friend in Regina, an heiress who has been shunned by society due to scandal. Diana also finds a way to make amends with her deceased husband’s family and move on from her own marriage of convenience.

Review: I loved the twist this story put on Regency-era rules. And having 2, or even 3, romances to follow gave depth to, what could have been, a simple story.

The friendship between Diana and Regina was lovely and I like that we got to follow both of their stories. So often we see women of this time as uneducated maidens. This book gave us two strong female characters who are able to speak their minds and stand up for themselves.

Diana’s relationship with her sister in-law and deceased husband’s family and household was an unexpected twist. It showed another situation that women may find themselves in during that time.

Max was similar to many main male characters and a little bland to be honest. But the romantic scenes are swoon-worthy.

Elizabeth Knowelden is quickly becoming my favorite narrator.