A review by briannareads1342
Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A Friends to Lovers Regency Romance, Rules for Engaging the Earl, follows Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston and his childhood friend, Constance Lysander, into adulthood as he comes to her rescue, marrying her in an attempt to thwart scandal. But who they have become is far from who they were when they last parted before the war changed Jonathan’s whole outlook on life, and a sleazy, bigamist first husband turned Constance’s world upside down. Now married and working at opposing goals, Constance and Jonathan must find a way to make their situation work, especially with her young daughter involved or risk losing each other forever. Slow to really start and dive deeper into the minds and hearts of our protagonists, it seems like the latter half of the novel feels it kickstarts the more compelling narratives of the story as Constance and Jonathan begin to share more about their past (despite their own arbitrary set of rules). By 70%, the emotion comes through better in their intimate moments, with a lot of solid angsty scenes throughout the final 30% of the novel. Overall though, I wasn't entirely too fond of Jonathan until we're well through the novel that we get more sympathetic moments. As for Constance, there are moments when I truly appreciate the fact that she stands up for herself and fights for what she wants, especially when she has Aurelia to think about. It’s because of this that the resolution feels much too easy between her and Jonathan. I truly wished I liked this friends to lovers story more, though.