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The Lions and the Lilies #2
A Lady's Rules for Ruin
She’s found the perfect plan to avoid marriage…
Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly. And she’s fine with it. Truth be told, she’d prefer to be a spinster—damn her family’s desires. But it’s a conversation with the devilishly handsome yet highly infuriating Earl of Winthrop that inspires the perfect escape from her nuptial troubles. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation…
The Earl of Winthrop knows more about ruin than anyone suspects. He’s just uncovered a secret that would tear his name—and everything he’s worked for—to the ground. Certainly, marriage is out of the question…to say nothing of his growing attraction to the forthright and delectable Miss Cherrington.
Though all London is abuzz with Frances’s “disgrace,” she’s determined to use her freedom however she sees fit. Even if it means spending more time with a man who sets her body on fire. But when Frances’s misdeeds catch up to her, the ruinous disaster she finds herself in blazes out of control, taking all of her options with it.
Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly. And she’s fine with it. Truth be told, she’d prefer to be a spinster—damn her family’s desires. But it’s a conversation with the devilishly handsome yet highly infuriating Earl of Winthrop that inspires the perfect escape from her nuptial troubles. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation…
The Earl of Winthrop knows more about ruin than anyone suspects. He’s just uncovered a secret that would tear his name—and everything he’s worked for—to the ground. Certainly, marriage is out of the question…to say nothing of his growing attraction to the forthright and delectable Miss Cherrington.
Though all London is abuzz with Frances’s “disgrace,” she’s determined to use her freedom however she sees fit. Even if it means spending more time with a man who sets her body on fire. But when Frances’s misdeeds catch up to her, the ruinous disaster she finds herself in blazes out of control, taking all of her options with it.
384 pages, ebook
First published November 28, 2023
49 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
October 1, 2023
So, so good!
~~~~~~~~~~~
This author is becoming a favorite author to read in the historical romance genre. She stretches the boundaries of what is acceptable and unacceptable in the confines of the era. She’s unafraid to show the characters with emotion and heat, steam, and all of those other sexy vibes.
A second book in a series, but definitely a standalone, the author takes a deep dive into the forced marriages issue of the day with a character that would rather ruin herself than be forced into a loveless marriage. The family pressure is strong in this one and many unforgivable acts are committed by the family as well.
On the other hand, we have a blooming romance, some adorable siblings, and a surprising turn of events that keep those pages flipping. I love how the author does not shy away from harsh topics and builds the love connection in a unique and fun way.
Haymore brings us a richly developed burning love match that is steamy and loaded with causes that will suck you in so much you will find yourself definitely taking sides, if not ready to throw your book, phone, e-reader, etc. This story is unique and loaded with twists that captivate!
A Lady’s Rules for Ruin is a fabulous read and not to be missed! Check out book 1 as it is a winner too!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-ladys-rule...
~~~~~~~~~~~
This author is becoming a favorite author to read in the historical romance genre. She stretches the boundaries of what is acceptable and unacceptable in the confines of the era. She’s unafraid to show the characters with emotion and heat, steam, and all of those other sexy vibes.
A second book in a series, but definitely a standalone, the author takes a deep dive into the forced marriages issue of the day with a character that would rather ruin herself than be forced into a loveless marriage. The family pressure is strong in this one and many unforgivable acts are committed by the family as well.
On the other hand, we have a blooming romance, some adorable siblings, and a surprising turn of events that keep those pages flipping. I love how the author does not shy away from harsh topics and builds the love connection in a unique and fun way.
Haymore brings us a richly developed burning love match that is steamy and loaded with causes that will suck you in so much you will find yourself definitely taking sides, if not ready to throw your book, phone, e-reader, etc. This story is unique and loaded with twists that captivate!
A Lady’s Rules for Ruin is a fabulous read and not to be missed! Check out book 1 as it is a winner too!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-ladys-rule...
November 29, 2023
This is my 22nd book by Jennifer Haymore. I read a couple of her books in 2018 and then devoured 17 books of hers from Jan-Apr 2019. I loved them. But then she had nothing until 2022. Since then she has only had 4 books out including this one. I am really glad she started writing again.
I loved this book. It was so good. I even added it to my November favorites list. I am disappointed in myself because it was so good and suspenseful and even though I know it was going to have a happy ending, (no spoilers here because every book I read has a HEA) but I found myself reading so fast to see what was going to happen and wish I would have slowed down to savor the great story.
I loved Frances and Evan's personality. I loved their chemistry and loved their little family. So damn good.
I loved this book. It was so good. I even added it to my November favorites list. I am disappointed in myself because it was so good and suspenseful and even though I know it was going to have a happy ending, (no spoilers here because every book I read has a HEA) but I found myself reading so fast to see what was going to happen and wish I would have slowed down to savor the great story.
I loved Frances and Evan's personality. I loved their chemistry and loved their little family. So damn good.
November 14, 2023
A Lady’s Rules for Ruin is a historical romance where the heroine decides ruining her reputation is the perfect path, since she doesn’t want to ever marry or give up her independence. But of course, along the way, she meets the hero and is pulled to him.
Frances has forever been criticized about being independent and prickly, but she’d be perfectly happy living life as a spinster. At 25, her five siblings all want to see her happily paired up and on her way to wedded bliss. At a ball one evening, Frances meets Evan, Earl of Winthrop, and they start chatting. While talking to him about her family pushing her into marriage, Frances has a realization that there is a way out…by being ruined. She brazenly shares a kiss with another partygoer in front of the gossips and gets her want of being seen as “ruined” in society’s eyes. At the same time, she starts spending time with Evan and grows closer to him and his half-brothers he has taken in. Eventually, with the pushing from her family, Frances finds herself facing a route she never intended for her own life…a marriage.
This one ended up just being okay for me. I had enjoyed the first book in the series so I decided to give this one a try as well. The romance never really sold me, while we see the couple meet in the beginning and they do start to spend time around one another, it’s more of the heroine helping with his half-brothers and less on any romance development. It isn’t until close to halfway through the book that a romance really starts to build, and even then I just wasn’t into it. I did like the way family plays a part in the story, both for the hero and the revelations of his late father’s past, as well as with the heroine and her siblings. All in all, this was okay, but the first book worked better for me.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher (Entangled) via NetGalley, all thoughts in this review are my own. A Lady’s Rules for Ruin has a pub date of November 28, 2023.
Frances has forever been criticized about being independent and prickly, but she’d be perfectly happy living life as a spinster. At 25, her five siblings all want to see her happily paired up and on her way to wedded bliss. At a ball one evening, Frances meets Evan, Earl of Winthrop, and they start chatting. While talking to him about her family pushing her into marriage, Frances has a realization that there is a way out…by being ruined. She brazenly shares a kiss with another partygoer in front of the gossips and gets her want of being seen as “ruined” in society’s eyes. At the same time, she starts spending time with Evan and grows closer to him and his half-brothers he has taken in. Eventually, with the pushing from her family, Frances finds herself facing a route she never intended for her own life…a marriage.
This one ended up just being okay for me. I had enjoyed the first book in the series so I decided to give this one a try as well. The romance never really sold me, while we see the couple meet in the beginning and they do start to spend time around one another, it’s more of the heroine helping with his half-brothers and less on any romance development. It isn’t until close to halfway through the book that a romance really starts to build, and even then I just wasn’t into it. I did like the way family plays a part in the story, both for the hero and the revelations of his late father’s past, as well as with the heroine and her siblings. All in all, this was okay, but the first book worked better for me.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher (Entangled) via NetGalley, all thoughts in this review are my own. A Lady’s Rules for Ruin has a pub date of November 28, 2023.
April 11, 2025
2.75
Light and somewhat sweet, but a bit dramatic in the last 25%. The story could have ended way sooner if the author hadn't forced the separation for the sake of drama.
Summary to remind myself of the plot when I look back at this review:
The story is about the heroine wishing to remain a spinster. Her siblings (no parents; they're deceased) are pressuring her to marry even though 2 (or more) of them married for love, so I don't quite understand this pressure they're putting on her, especially from the heroine's own twin sister. It's not like her family needs her to marry for money; they seem to be well off.
She takes hold of her destiny and intentionally ruins herself early in the book, not once thinking about how her ruination will affect her family. That comes to bite her in the arse later in that dreaded last fourth of the book.
Now that she's ruined, she can discover if she has any hidden talents, hobbies, or passion. Most of her siblings have a talent or a passion for a subject. She makes a list and goes through most of them to discover that she doesn't have an amazing talent. She attempts charity work at an orphanage, and that's where she discovers the hero has younger half-brothers named Bobby and Jasper. She has a way with children, and I liked reading about her interactions with the boys and the hero. They weren't annoying little boys. Days would go by before she and the hero would meet again, so that's different from what I'm used to reading in HRs. At one point, she even leaves London for the country for a month.
The hero discovers he has a third younger half-brother named Mark, and they all end up in the same countryside. The hero and heroine grow closer, even sleeping together. They both know that the other does not wish to marry, so they consider having an affair once they return to London. Only considering it for now; they haven't finalized anything. Then the last 25% happened, and the story just dragged on unnecessarily.
The heroine's forced to be engaged and eventually marry the man who ruined her, so her brother locks her in her room like a prisoner. Why hasn't it crossed her sisters' minds to write the hero a letter or visit him to inform him of the situation? Instead, we have like 5 or more chapters of no communication between the H/h and the hero believing that the heroine was willing to marry to save her reputation and be accepted back into society. He gets all sad that he's going to lose the woman he loves and won't be the one she's marrying. He attempted to visit her but was turned away, and just gave up. He didn't fight for her hard enough or try to climb into her room and demand an explanation.
Eventually, his friends discover the truth of the situation and inform him. Finally! He and his younger brothers go to rescue the heroine. They marry and HEA.
Light and somewhat sweet, but a bit dramatic in the last 25%. The story could have ended way sooner if the author hadn't forced the separation for the sake of drama.
Summary to remind myself of the plot when I look back at this review:
The story is about the heroine wishing to remain a spinster. Her siblings (no parents; they're deceased) are pressuring her to marry even though 2 (or more) of them married for love, so I don't quite understand this pressure they're putting on her, especially from the heroine's own twin sister. It's not like her family needs her to marry for money; they seem to be well off.
She takes hold of her destiny and intentionally ruins herself early in the book, not once thinking about how her ruination will affect her family. That comes to bite her in the arse later in that dreaded last fourth of the book.
Now that she's ruined, she can discover if she has any hidden talents, hobbies, or passion. Most of her siblings have a talent or a passion for a subject. She makes a list and goes through most of them to discover that she doesn't have an amazing talent. She attempts charity work at an orphanage, and that's where she discovers the hero has younger half-brothers named Bobby and Jasper. She has a way with children, and I liked reading about her interactions with the boys and the hero. They weren't annoying little boys. Days would go by before she and the hero would meet again, so that's different from what I'm used to reading in HRs. At one point, she even leaves London for the country for a month.
The hero discovers he has a third younger half-brother named Mark, and they all end up in the same countryside. The hero and heroine grow closer, even sleeping together. They both know that the other does not wish to marry, so they consider having an affair once they return to London. Only considering it for now; they haven't finalized anything. Then the last 25% happened, and the story just dragged on unnecessarily.
The heroine's forced to be engaged and eventually marry the man who ruined her, so her brother locks her in her room like a prisoner. Why hasn't it crossed her sisters' minds to write the hero a letter or visit him to inform him of the situation? Instead, we have like 5 or more chapters of no communication between the H/h and the hero believing that the heroine was willing to marry to save her reputation and be accepted back into society. He gets all sad that he's going to lose the woman he loves and won't be the one she's marrying. He attempted to visit her but was turned away, and just gave up. He didn't fight for her hard enough or try to climb into her room and demand an explanation.
Eventually, his friends discover the truth of the situation and inform him. Finally! He and his younger brothers go to rescue the heroine. They marry and HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
A Lady’s Rules for Ruin. My fellow readers with a brother like Charles, Frances surely doesn’t need enemies. That diabolical, one testicle, deranged, psychopath, walking a fine line serial killer ferret face needs one heck of a meeting at dawn. Now that I have shared that you I will proceed with my review. This is truly a most compelling book centered around romance.
If you are looking for a feel good romantic story this year, this may be that book for you. Not only is this book about sensually charged, clandestine rendezvous under the stars. You will also find a story about relatives who force set rules on family members. And a woman who sacrifices so much in life, who searches for that defining moment that gives her the ultimate power to live by her own rules. Readers, the journey that our girl Frances travels I thought for sure was a lonely road for her to take.
I was for sure that Frances would surely lose her faith in humanity and true love. There were points in the book I was saying, surely someone was going to come and save her. Or I was hoping that things would turn for the better here. The ups and downs exacerbates how profoundly this story was creatively written and shared with readers. Thank God for Bobby!
Actually there are a few more people that are the guiding lights in Frances life, but let’s talk about Evan. Evan is a man who knew what he wanted in life. He set his goals and acted upon them until one day he received a letter. So many things have changed in Evans life. Mostly good moments, but some bad.
I really enjoyed how these two characters handle their lives separately and together. The storyline is written so brilliantly. Through the story and descriptive details I could feel the emotions and or feelings that Frances and Evan were experiencing. I really get that connection once the boys were introduced into the story. I loved that the writer chose Evan for the boys story.
Reading about Evan’s experiences and or feelings like a paternal father was so immaculately written. These are the moments that really made the story shine. The romance between Frances and Evan is a sizzling affair that keeps holding your breath at times till the very end of the love scenes. Ya’ll! It’s a slow builder, but you will get there.
I really loved this story. I must say that this is another favorite read of mine for this year. I give this story two snaps and a, “Sleep with one eye open Charles. Better yet. Leave now!
Don’t pack. Run!” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
#ALady’sRulesForRuin #JenniferHaymore #Entangledpublishing #Netgally #Goodreads
#Bookbub
If you are looking for a feel good romantic story this year, this may be that book for you. Not only is this book about sensually charged, clandestine rendezvous under the stars. You will also find a story about relatives who force set rules on family members. And a woman who sacrifices so much in life, who searches for that defining moment that gives her the ultimate power to live by her own rules. Readers, the journey that our girl Frances travels I thought for sure was a lonely road for her to take.
I was for sure that Frances would surely lose her faith in humanity and true love. There were points in the book I was saying, surely someone was going to come and save her. Or I was hoping that things would turn for the better here. The ups and downs exacerbates how profoundly this story was creatively written and shared with readers. Thank God for Bobby!
Actually there are a few more people that are the guiding lights in Frances life, but let’s talk about Evan. Evan is a man who knew what he wanted in life. He set his goals and acted upon them until one day he received a letter. So many things have changed in Evans life. Mostly good moments, but some bad.
I really enjoyed how these two characters handle their lives separately and together. The storyline is written so brilliantly. Through the story and descriptive details I could feel the emotions and or feelings that Frances and Evan were experiencing. I really get that connection once the boys were introduced into the story. I loved that the writer chose Evan for the boys story.
Reading about Evan’s experiences and or feelings like a paternal father was so immaculately written. These are the moments that really made the story shine. The romance between Frances and Evan is a sizzling affair that keeps holding your breath at times till the very end of the love scenes. Ya’ll! It’s a slow builder, but you will get there.
I really loved this story. I must say that this is another favorite read of mine for this year. I give this story two snaps and a, “Sleep with one eye open Charles. Better yet. Leave now!
Don’t pack. Run!” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
#ALady’sRulesForRuin #JenniferHaymore #Entangledpublishing #Netgally #Goodreads
#Bookbub
December 8, 2023
What an amazing read! This was so great that I had a hard time putting it down. It was lighthearted and filled with humor and still had plenty of angst and a good amount of spice.
Frances and Evan are wonderful together, and with everything they went through their happily ever after, it was super satisfying. I loved their time spent with Evan's brothers, and the antics of the boys were a highlight of the book.
A Lady's Rules For Ruin is a delightfully charming read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Frances and Evan are wonderful together, and with everything they went through their happily ever after, it was super satisfying. I loved their time spent with Evan's brothers, and the antics of the boys were a highlight of the book.
A Lady's Rules For Ruin is a delightfully charming read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 3, 2023
A Lady's Rules for Ruin is second book in The Lions and the Lilies series. This is a stand-alone read.
A woman's reputation was never more important than in regency times. A woman and her family could be ruined by the slightest misstep. Frances has been forced to endure several seasons of being on the marriage mart. She has been trotted out season after season with her family excepting the different results, that she would find a respectable man to marry her. Frances has no desire to marry, ever.
Evan, Earl of Winthrop overhears the conversation at the masquerade ball being had with Frances and her family about needing to be more welcoming and sweeter instead of the disagreeable person she is acting. Evan wants to rescue Frances from her family and proceeds to ask her for a dance. Desperate to escape her family she accepts in spite of not liking the Earl. As they chat about her circumstances, she comes to the realization there is another way out of this mess. She can get an unsuspecting man to ruin her, and she can finally be left alone. After their dance she excuses herself in search of Mr. Salt, a man one of her sisters thought would be perfect for her. Frances couldn't disagree more. Mr. Salt will be perfect since he is leaving the next day for Egypt unaware of the drama he leaves behind. Frances puts her plan in motion perfectly. She gets Mr. Salt to kiss her, and she excuses herself to leave, very satisfied that her plan worked, she returns home.
Evan has received a letter from a home for wayward boys asking for money to care for Robert Dickens. When he confronts his mother, she admits that he is a bastard himself before he could ask her about his brother. Devastated by the news that he is not the heir to his father's estate, and that he is not a legal heir, he endeavors to meet and care for his brother.
The next day Frances is making plans to visit a home for wayward boys where she meets Bobby and helps tutor him in manners while getting to know him. While there she encounters Evan. Seeing him and Bobby together, she instantly sees that they are related and jumps to the wrong conclusion that Bobby is his son. Bobby discloses that he has a brother, Jasper who is coming to see him on Sunday. Evan is shocked to learn that his father was so irresponsible and wonders how many more brothers are out there. Evan takes Bobby to his home a long with Frances since Bobby won't go without her. They get him settled with plans to return the next day. Evan sends word to Jasper to come to his home where he will be able to see Bobby.
Jasper and Bobby begin to bond with Evan and Frances while Evan and Frances begin to feel romantic towards one another. Now that she sees the real Evan, she realizes that there is much more to the man than she allowed herself to believe. But when her brother Charles reads a letter that was private and he suspects that she is another man's paramour and locks her in her room until she can marry Mr. Salt who has returned to marry her. Now that Frances realizes that her feelings are more than she hoped they would be she tries to get a letter to Evan, but her brother intercepts it and refuses to listen to her. Will Frances be able to escape her future with a man she doesn't love, and will Evan be able give her the freedom she longs for.
I thought that this was a wonderful story. Frances doesn't conform to society's norm. She wants to be independent and free to live her life her way. I really enjoyed Frances and Evan's love story. These are two individuals that struggled in their childhood to feel loved by their parents. Evan learns that his father has had other children which he didn't claim but cared for remotely. This was shattering for Evan but determined to right the wrongs his father made, he becomes a better man and realizes the potential for a family he never thought possible.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
A woman's reputation was never more important than in regency times. A woman and her family could be ruined by the slightest misstep. Frances has been forced to endure several seasons of being on the marriage mart. She has been trotted out season after season with her family excepting the different results, that she would find a respectable man to marry her. Frances has no desire to marry, ever.
Evan, Earl of Winthrop overhears the conversation at the masquerade ball being had with Frances and her family about needing to be more welcoming and sweeter instead of the disagreeable person she is acting. Evan wants to rescue Frances from her family and proceeds to ask her for a dance. Desperate to escape her family she accepts in spite of not liking the Earl. As they chat about her circumstances, she comes to the realization there is another way out of this mess. She can get an unsuspecting man to ruin her, and she can finally be left alone. After their dance she excuses herself in search of Mr. Salt, a man one of her sisters thought would be perfect for her. Frances couldn't disagree more. Mr. Salt will be perfect since he is leaving the next day for Egypt unaware of the drama he leaves behind. Frances puts her plan in motion perfectly. She gets Mr. Salt to kiss her, and she excuses herself to leave, very satisfied that her plan worked, she returns home.
Evan has received a letter from a home for wayward boys asking for money to care for Robert Dickens. When he confronts his mother, she admits that he is a bastard himself before he could ask her about his brother. Devastated by the news that he is not the heir to his father's estate, and that he is not a legal heir, he endeavors to meet and care for his brother.
The next day Frances is making plans to visit a home for wayward boys where she meets Bobby and helps tutor him in manners while getting to know him. While there she encounters Evan. Seeing him and Bobby together, she instantly sees that they are related and jumps to the wrong conclusion that Bobby is his son. Bobby discloses that he has a brother, Jasper who is coming to see him on Sunday. Evan is shocked to learn that his father was so irresponsible and wonders how many more brothers are out there. Evan takes Bobby to his home a long with Frances since Bobby won't go without her. They get him settled with plans to return the next day. Evan sends word to Jasper to come to his home where he will be able to see Bobby.
Jasper and Bobby begin to bond with Evan and Frances while Evan and Frances begin to feel romantic towards one another. Now that she sees the real Evan, she realizes that there is much more to the man than she allowed herself to believe. But when her brother Charles reads a letter that was private and he suspects that she is another man's paramour and locks her in her room until she can marry Mr. Salt who has returned to marry her. Now that Frances realizes that her feelings are more than she hoped they would be she tries to get a letter to Evan, but her brother intercepts it and refuses to listen to her. Will Frances be able to escape her future with a man she doesn't love, and will Evan be able give her the freedom she longs for.
I thought that this was a wonderful story. Frances doesn't conform to society's norm. She wants to be independent and free to live her life her way. I really enjoyed Frances and Evan's love story. These are two individuals that struggled in their childhood to feel loved by their parents. Evan learns that his father has had other children which he didn't claim but cared for remotely. This was shattering for Evan but determined to right the wrongs his father made, he becomes a better man and realizes the potential for a family he never thought possible.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
January 9, 2024
This was such a lovely story! This was my first book by Jennifer Haymore - I enjoyed her writing in this book and cannot wait to pick up another one.
I really liked Frances and how determined she was to make her own way, even though she was constantly being pressured by her family.
While I thought the storyline with Evan’s brothers was very sweet, I do wish the romance between Evan and Frances had been the forefront of the story.
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Frances and how determined she was to make her own way, even though she was constantly being pressured by her family.
While I thought the storyline with Evan’s brothers was very sweet, I do wish the romance between Evan and Frances had been the forefront of the story.
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2023
Miss Frances Cherrington would rather be a spinster and have agency over herself, but her family keeps forcing her into the marriage mart. An unlikely conversation with Evan, Earl of Winthrop, inspires an escape from her nuptial troubles: ruination! Evan didn't mean to give Frances such ideas; he was dealing with his own secret scandal. The two find themselves pushed together in an unexpected fashion, but can Frances and Evan be honest with each other before the past catches up to them?
This is the second book in The Lions and Lilies series. It is a standalone, but the hero from the first story is friends with Evan and makes an appearance.
This book surprised me...in a good way. While the main characters begin the story together, they seemed to go their separate ways and I wasn't quite sure how the author was going to pull their plot strings back together. I really liked how much time the characters spent together and how much of their lives they shared with each other. The last third of the story went very quickly because I wanted to punch Frances's brother in the face, so I had to keep reading to get to the HEA.
Tropes: Spinster, Compromised, Ruined, Forced Proximity, Children as a Plot Point
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in The Lions and Lilies series. It is a standalone, but the hero from the first story is friends with Evan and makes an appearance.
This book surprised me...in a good way. While the main characters begin the story together, they seemed to go their separate ways and I wasn't quite sure how the author was going to pull their plot strings back together. I really liked how much time the characters spent together and how much of their lives they shared with each other. The last third of the story went very quickly because I wanted to punch Frances's brother in the face, so I had to keep reading to get to the HEA.
Tropes: Spinster, Compromised, Ruined, Forced Proximity, Children as a Plot Point
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 21, 2024
I liked how this story was easy to jump into even if you haven't read the previous book in the series. The series centers around the hero's group of friends but we spend more time with the heroine and her family so I don't feel like I missed a lot of backstory from the last hero's book.
Frances is tired of being paraded around for marriage and is ready for a life of spinsterhood but she knows her family won't leave her alone unless she is unmarriagable. Thus, she ruins her own reputation.
I loved this book. It was a lot of fun and I liked that Frances didn't really know WHAT she wanted to do, she just knew that the life of complacency her siblings had chosen wasn't for her. It was fun watching her make her lists and figure out what her passion in life would be.
Evan, our hero, is dealing with some family secrets of his own and that leads him to crossing paths with Frances. I liked that Evan had always been attracted to Frances while she thought that he was slick charmer and wasn't falling for it. It was cute to have the rake be into the heroine first, instead of the other way around. This is the second of Jennifer Haymore's books I've read and I've always really enjoyed them. I feel like this one went on a little bit too long but it was still enjoyable to read!
Frances is tired of being paraded around for marriage and is ready for a life of spinsterhood but she knows her family won't leave her alone unless she is unmarriagable. Thus, she ruins her own reputation.
I loved this book. It was a lot of fun and I liked that Frances didn't really know WHAT she wanted to do, she just knew that the life of complacency her siblings had chosen wasn't for her. It was fun watching her make her lists and figure out what her passion in life would be.
Evan, our hero, is dealing with some family secrets of his own and that leads him to crossing paths with Frances. I liked that Evan had always been attracted to Frances while she thought that he was slick charmer and wasn't falling for it. It was cute to have the rake be into the heroine first, instead of the other way around. This is the second of Jennifer Haymore's books I've read and I've always really enjoyed them. I feel like this one went on a little bit too long but it was still enjoyable to read!
November 25, 2023
Miss Frances Cherrington wants out of the marriage mart. When she is reminded that the only way out is either through marriage or aging out, she realizes there is in fact another way; ruination! Uncaring about her reputation Frances hatches a plan to ruin herself with as little effort possible including keeping her ruin-er from facing any consequences. Once the deed is done, and the man she has kissed has safely sailed off into the actual sunset, Frances finds that the freedoms she has hoped for are in fact not really freedom at all.
When Evan, The Earl of Winthrop, uncovers what appears to be a half-sibling from his deceased father's philander past, he further uncovers a secret that would set him on a path to his own ruination. Therefore, he decides to never marry and continue his life raising the brother (soon to be brothers) he's discovered. That is if he can convince his heart not to fall for the ton's latest gossip mill victim, the delectable and forthright Miss Frances Cherrington.
Enter the surprise (illegitimate) siblings! Which I will say I much prefer to surprise babies. Goodness, Jennifer Haymore had me captivated with the characters in A Lady's Rules for Ruin. Her characters have a way of leaping of the page and making the reader completely invested in their growth.
I fell head over heals in fictional love with the MC and his friends in the previous novel in this series The Duke's Rules of Engagement and even more so with them within this novel. I feel like Winthrop has a very special place in my heart. His compassion and kindness and capacity to love his brother's when he found them stole my heart.
This is very much felt to me like a story of finding oneself as well as trying to break the mold that one has been forever set in. Frances hopes for freedom and to no longer be hemmed in by the beliefs of who her siblings demand she be. To find the thing about her for which she can be proud and find purpose. Which is not as the wife of someone she cannot love. Her way to go about it was rather hilarious and I loved the courage she found to take her life into her own hands even if it did backfire in a number of ways. And for Winthrop the complexities of his character and his identity and how finding out the truth forced him to reconstruct what he hoped for his own future; like he had actual been untethered until he finally found where and with whom he was meant to be.
And goodness the scene where he realized he needed his brothers and their specific skill sets to assist in the rescue nearly brought me to tears. And I loved the juxtaposition of found family with the family one is born into. How the family Winthrop had created with his friends was only strengthened with the addition of his half-siblings.
Once I started A Lady's Rules For Ruin, I found that I could not put it down. It filled me with all the perfect romance novel feels and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series when they are published. I am hoping for Cole's book next!
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
When Evan, The Earl of Winthrop, uncovers what appears to be a half-sibling from his deceased father's philander past, he further uncovers a secret that would set him on a path to his own ruination. Therefore, he decides to never marry and continue his life raising the brother (soon to be brothers) he's discovered. That is if he can convince his heart not to fall for the ton's latest gossip mill victim, the delectable and forthright Miss Frances Cherrington.
Enter the surprise (illegitimate) siblings! Which I will say I much prefer to surprise babies. Goodness, Jennifer Haymore had me captivated with the characters in A Lady's Rules for Ruin. Her characters have a way of leaping of the page and making the reader completely invested in their growth.
I fell head over heals in fictional love with the MC and his friends in the previous novel in this series The Duke's Rules of Engagement and even more so with them within this novel. I feel like Winthrop has a very special place in my heart. His compassion and kindness and capacity to love his brother's when he found them stole my heart.
This is very much felt to me like a story of finding oneself as well as trying to break the mold that one has been forever set in. Frances hopes for freedom and to no longer be hemmed in by the beliefs of who her siblings demand she be. To find the thing about her for which she can be proud and find purpose. Which is not as the wife of someone she cannot love. Her way to go about it was rather hilarious and I loved the courage she found to take her life into her own hands even if it did backfire in a number of ways. And for Winthrop the complexities of his character and his identity and how finding out the truth forced him to reconstruct what he hoped for his own future; like he had actual been untethered until he finally found where and with whom he was meant to be.
And goodness the scene where he realized he needed his brothers and their specific skill sets to assist in the rescue nearly brought me to tears. And I loved the juxtaposition of found family with the family one is born into. How the family Winthrop had created with his friends was only strengthened with the addition of his half-siblings.
Once I started A Lady's Rules For Ruin, I found that I could not put it down. It filled me with all the perfect romance novel feels and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series when they are published. I am hoping for Cole's book next!
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 28, 2023
I picked A Lady's Rules for Ruin because I am always interested in stories where the heroine doesn't live up to society's expectations and has to face the consequences.
I really enjoyed Frances and Evan's story. Evan is very sweet and lovable. I adored reading about him interacting with and taking care of his brothers. Frances wants control of her own life but isn't really sure what she wants to do with her freedom. It was interesting to watch her figure out what she wanted.
This book is a bit unusual in that the heroine acts her age. She doesn't know what she wants and makes mistakes that hurt the people around her. It's pretty common in historical romance for heroines who are only in their late teens to know what they want but have falling in love disrupt their plans. Frances doesn't know what she wants but knows that she wants to be free to figure it out.
I did feel a bit lost with the family history at times. I assumed the family was written about already in an earlier book but didn't find one quickly when looking at Jennifer Haymore's backlist. I did jump in at book two of the series but it didn't look like book one was about the same family. This may not bother most readers but it drives me crazy not to know the full backstory.
A Lady's Rules for Ruin is fun, sweet, and has some family secrets to add an element of drama. I think lovers of historical romance should give this one a try!
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book in order to write my review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Frances and Evan's story. Evan is very sweet and lovable. I adored reading about him interacting with and taking care of his brothers. Frances wants control of her own life but isn't really sure what she wants to do with her freedom. It was interesting to watch her figure out what she wanted.
This book is a bit unusual in that the heroine acts her age. She doesn't know what she wants and makes mistakes that hurt the people around her. It's pretty common in historical romance for heroines who are only in their late teens to know what they want but have falling in love disrupt their plans. Frances doesn't know what she wants but knows that she wants to be free to figure it out.
I did feel a bit lost with the family history at times. I assumed the family was written about already in an earlier book but didn't find one quickly when looking at Jennifer Haymore's backlist. I did jump in at book two of the series but it didn't look like book one was about the same family. This may not bother most readers but it drives me crazy not to know the full backstory.
A Lady's Rules for Ruin is fun, sweet, and has some family secrets to add an element of drama. I think lovers of historical romance should give this one a try!
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book in order to write my review. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2024
Heaps to like about this story. Frances who doesn’t want to marry and so organized being spied publicly kissing a repulsive man who was leaving for Egypt the next day. Except the postal service to Egypt burned up with the scandal.
Evan, Earl of Winthrop who discovers he’s not related to his dead father, and that he has a multitude of illegitimate brothers. All who work their way into his heart, Frances’ and ours.
I was so disappointed in her sisters who all married for love and were willing to condemn Frances to so much less than they. I particularly disliked her twin.
Oh, they may have come good but I am less forgiving.
Evan’s brothers are the stars of the book. They made the story so much more enjoyable!
Evan, Earl of Winthrop who discovers he’s not related to his dead father, and that he has a multitude of illegitimate brothers. All who work their way into his heart, Frances’ and ours.
I was so disappointed in her sisters who all married for love and were willing to condemn Frances to so much less than they. I particularly disliked her twin.
Oh, they may have come good but I am less forgiving.
Evan’s brothers are the stars of the book. They made the story so much more enjoyable!
November 29, 2023
She never wanted to get married until the right man came along. He thought he wasn't marriage material until the right woman came along. The truth was that they were meant for each other. Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly. And she’s fine with it. Truth be told, she’d prefer to be a spinster—damn her family’s desires. But it’s a conversation with the devilishly handsome yet highly infuriating Earl of Winthrop that inspires the perfect escape from her nuptial troubles. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
December 19, 2023
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
An earl who any marriage-minded woman would set her sights on falls for a woman determined to remain unmarried in A Lady’s Rules For Ruin . Jennifer Haymore’s second Lions and the Lilies story follows a dashing earl with secrets and a “ruined” young lady embracing her freedom.
Frances doesn’t want to marry and she sets about making sure she ruins her reputation. With that accomplished, she’s free to find what actually interests her in life. But her outings keep putting her in the path of the Apollo of the ton, the Earl of Winthrop. The dashing earl should be shallow and irritating…and yet he’s anything but. Evan has been charmed by Frances from the start; her prickly exterior doesn’t faze him. But then his life takes a turn when he discovers his deceased father’s secrets. Not only does he have half-brothers he never knew of, but what he has learned about his father makes him determined to remain unwed.
While Frances and Evan both claim to never want to marry, it’s clear to see that they’re made for each other. They simply click and Evan’s newfound brothers help bring them together. Jasper, Bobby, and Mark are endearing and I loved seeing Frances and Evan bond with them. The romance is slow to build as much of the story is focused on family drama, but Haymore still made Evan and Frances’s connection strong. It did take me a while to get into the story because of the slow start, but once things got moving I was hooked.
A Lady’s Rules For Ruin is an entertaining romance with a hero and heroine who are easy to like. Frances and Evan are both at a crossroads in this book, but they find their way together, making a family before they are even aware of it. All in all I enjoyed this entry in the Lions and the Lilies series and I am very much looking forward to seeing Evan’s remaining friends find love.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
An earl who any marriage-minded woman would set her sights on falls for a woman determined to remain unmarried in A Lady’s Rules For Ruin . Jennifer Haymore’s second Lions and the Lilies story follows a dashing earl with secrets and a “ruined” young lady embracing her freedom.
Frances doesn’t want to marry and she sets about making sure she ruins her reputation. With that accomplished, she’s free to find what actually interests her in life. But her outings keep putting her in the path of the Apollo of the ton, the Earl of Winthrop. The dashing earl should be shallow and irritating…and yet he’s anything but. Evan has been charmed by Frances from the start; her prickly exterior doesn’t faze him. But then his life takes a turn when he discovers his deceased father’s secrets. Not only does he have half-brothers he never knew of, but what he has learned about his father makes him determined to remain unwed.
While Frances and Evan both claim to never want to marry, it’s clear to see that they’re made for each other. They simply click and Evan’s newfound brothers help bring them together. Jasper, Bobby, and Mark are endearing and I loved seeing Frances and Evan bond with them. The romance is slow to build as much of the story is focused on family drama, but Haymore still made Evan and Frances’s connection strong. It did take me a while to get into the story because of the slow start, but once things got moving I was hooked.
A Lady’s Rules For Ruin is an entertaining romance with a hero and heroine who are easy to like. Frances and Evan are both at a crossroads in this book, but they find their way together, making a family before they are even aware of it. All in all I enjoyed this entry in the Lions and the Lilies series and I am very much looking forward to seeing Evan’s remaining friends find love.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 13, 2023
In "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" by Jennifer Haymore, Miss Frances Cherrington's determination to escape the shackles of marriage leads her to a devilishly handsome Earl, igniting a plan to ruin her own reputation. The narrative unfolds with a delightful focus on the endearing trio of Jasper, Bobby, and Mark, stealing the show with heartwarming moments that showcase Evan's affection for Frances. While the story encounters a slight lull in the middle, the early union of the protagonists robs the plot of some tension, but it dynamically picks up, keeping readers on edge. The standout element is the impactful consequences Charles faces for his atrocious actions, defying the typical historical romance trope of easily forgiven transgressions. The final bond between Frances and her twin beautifully transcends their differences.
Overall, "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" is a captivating read, combining warmth, tension, and a refreshing acknowledgment of the consequences of characters' actions. Highly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
Overall, "A Lady's Rules for Ruin" is a captivating read, combining warmth, tension, and a refreshing acknowledgment of the consequences of characters' actions. Highly recommended for historical romance enthusiasts.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
December 12, 2023
What could go wrong when in Regency Era London you decide to disgrace yourself in front of half of the Ton to take yourself off of the marriage market? Frances is about to find ouy.
I loved every single one of the schemes Frances came up with, and equally, I felt for her every time one of those schemes blew up in her face.
A Duke with secrets of his own, a family that goes from overbearing to endearing, and enough romance and spice to keep you warm on a winter day, this book is a fun read that will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
*** Spoilers ahead***
This book is the perfect example of why you shouldn't listen to that little voice in the back of your head that says this will fix everything, what could go wrong... well not unless you want a happy ending and a family that will love you like no other.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing: Amara and NetGalley for providing a copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved every single one of the schemes Frances came up with, and equally, I felt for her every time one of those schemes blew up in her face.
A Duke with secrets of his own, a family that goes from overbearing to endearing, and enough romance and spice to keep you warm on a winter day, this book is a fun read that will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
*** Spoilers ahead***
This book is the perfect example of why you shouldn't listen to that little voice in the back of your head that says this will fix everything, what could go wrong... well not unless you want a happy ending and a family that will love you like no other.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing: Amara and NetGalley for providing a copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2023
Frances Cherrington at 25 is getting too old to marry and it is just how she wants it to be. But her overbearing brother insists she marry. To make it impossible she decides to be seen kissing a man at a party ruining her reputation. She chooses a man leaving the country the next day so as not to entrap him. Now she gets to make plans for her future. Or so she thinks.
Evan, The Earl of Winthrop has no plans to marry as he has found out secrets about his past. But when his path crosses with Frances sparks fly. I read this easily as a stand alone but it is second in The Lions and the Lilies series. (The three male leads are lifelong best friends.) I love the respite from London taking time in the Lake District. I also like how the author includes how France's actions have repercussions for the family as a whole. And brother Charles receives the right amount of consequences for his actions although that may not happen in the time period.
Overall a steamy historical romance that has heart. I enjoyed whiling away the afternoon reading it. Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Evan, The Earl of Winthrop has no plans to marry as he has found out secrets about his past. But when his path crosses with Frances sparks fly. I read this easily as a stand alone but it is second in The Lions and the Lilies series. (The three male leads are lifelong best friends.) I love the respite from London taking time in the Lake District. I also like how the author includes how France's actions have repercussions for the family as a whole. And brother Charles receives the right amount of consequences for his actions although that may not happen in the time period.
Overall a steamy historical romance that has heart. I enjoyed whiling away the afternoon reading it. Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 19, 2023
4 Stars! Such a cute read! This is the second book in ‘The Lions and the Lilies’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main character are Frances Cherrigton and the Earl of Winthrop, Evan Locke. I liked both main characters and I enjoyed their banter. This book is a slow burn with naive decisions, friends to lovers, historical romance with an overly controlling brother and some spicy ‘sexy times’!
The only thing I wasn’t loving was how easily solved the issue could have been but how difficult they made it seem. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series also so I’d recommend both of these books because I am loving this author!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
The only thing I wasn’t loving was how easily solved the issue could have been but how difficult they made it seem. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series also so I’d recommend both of these books because I am loving this author!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
November 6, 2023
A quick thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Frances Cherrington has zero interest in finding a suitable husband. She is perfectly content to become a spinster, much to the dismay of her family. After finding herself in the center of a scandal, she inadvertently finds a suitable match in the form of Evan, the Earl of Winthrop. Evan shares Frances' feelings on marriage, but discovers he is not as opposed to it as he once thought.
Historical romance is not my go to, but when it's done well I really enjoy it. This gave me everything I needed. There was a small amount of spice, a bit of pining, and lots of drama from Frances' family. I did not realize that this was book two in the series, but I did not feel at all lost having not read book one. I will absolutely be going back to the beginning, and then continuing with book three!
Frances Cherrington has zero interest in finding a suitable husband. She is perfectly content to become a spinster, much to the dismay of her family. After finding herself in the center of a scandal, she inadvertently finds a suitable match in the form of Evan, the Earl of Winthrop. Evan shares Frances' feelings on marriage, but discovers he is not as opposed to it as he once thought.
Historical romance is not my go to, but when it's done well I really enjoy it. This gave me everything I needed. There was a small amount of spice, a bit of pining, and lots of drama from Frances' family. I did not realize that this was book two in the series, but I did not feel at all lost having not read book one. I will absolutely be going back to the beginning, and then continuing with book three!
January 30, 2024
ARC kindly provided through NetGalley though all thoughts are my own.
Frances is tired of the marriage mart and comes up with a plan to Ruin herself so she can do what she wants. She meets the Duke of Winthrop as he discovers secret family he never knew he had.
This couple is charming and Steamy but the plot never truly gripped me. This book was good and the audiobook narrator was great but I have been needing a little more action in my historicals lately and I think this just wasn't completely it for me.
However if you like, secret wards, governess/Duke relationship and over all two people on the outs of society finding their way in to each other, you might like this one.
Frances is tired of the marriage mart and comes up with a plan to Ruin herself so she can do what she wants. She meets the Duke of Winthrop as he discovers secret family he never knew he had.
This couple is charming and Steamy but the plot never truly gripped me. This book was good and the audiobook narrator was great but I have been needing a little more action in my historicals lately and I think this just wasn't completely it for me.
However if you like, secret wards, governess/Duke relationship and over all two people on the outs of society finding their way in to each other, you might like this one.
October 4, 2023
4.5 Stars! I loved this so much, I basically devoured this. This was a cute budding love story that started out with the FMC dead set on never being married, so much so that she's willing to do anything to prevent it from happening. The character development was so endearing and I got closure from one of the characters who was sooo terrible to the FMC. I loved the growth of the children as well. The spice level was 1-2, but who needs lots of spice when you have so many heartfelt declarations of love!?
Thank you, NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Author for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Author for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2023
This one was so much fun!!
Both MCs set against society’s expectations for their own reasons, they quickly forge an unlikely alliance over his secret - nope, I’m not giving it away! And that’s not all they “forge”… Yes, this was an emotional ride with teasing, banter and forthright honesty, but also sizzling spark and delectable steam (everywhere but the bedroom)! It takes them a moment to see the light, but once it’s on, it’s on! And the way everything nearly goes south at the end, had me on the edge of my seat!
An excellent enthralling plot, MCs that aren’t exactly original but rather unique in their approach to life and its mayhem & mishaps, endearing side characters and a beautiful setting.
This book was extremely enjoyable and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself!!
📚 Titled, wealthy and handsome, Evan Locke, Earl of Winthrop is the ton’s golden boy and most-prized bachelor. Everyone wants a piece of him. That is, everyone except the mesmerising Miss Frances Cherrington. Even though he has just uncovered a disturbing family secret, he can’t help but be drawn to her and the Lady has a knack for popping up every time his life is about to change.
Frances doesn’t care one wit for the earl, she has her own problems. Mainly her family constantly criticizing her and pushing her toward marriage. Moving from one cage to the next, holds no appeal, but Winthrop - arrogant and full of himself as he may be - just gave her an idea. Ruining her reputation with a man set to leave the country, might do nicely…
Of course nothing ever works out as planned… For Frances disgrace means a newfound freedom and the need to find an occupation. On her first try she runs into Winthrop - of course - and becomes unwittingly and inextricably attached to his secret. An ever expanding secret as it turns out. A secret she no longer wishes to give up… But then her disgrace catches up and her family insists she makes things right. Only, what’s right for them, is the worst possible outcome for her.
Both MCs set against society’s expectations for their own reasons, they quickly forge an unlikely alliance over his secret - nope, I’m not giving it away! And that’s not all they “forge”… Yes, this was an emotional ride with teasing, banter and forthright honesty, but also sizzling spark and delectable steam (everywhere but the bedroom)! It takes them a moment to see the light, but once it’s on, it’s on! And the way everything nearly goes south at the end, had me on the edge of my seat!
An excellent enthralling plot, MCs that aren’t exactly original but rather unique in their approach to life and its mayhem & mishaps, endearing side characters and a beautiful setting.
This book was extremely enjoyable and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself!!
📚 Titled, wealthy and handsome, Evan Locke, Earl of Winthrop is the ton’s golden boy and most-prized bachelor. Everyone wants a piece of him. That is, everyone except the mesmerising Miss Frances Cherrington. Even though he has just uncovered a disturbing family secret, he can’t help but be drawn to her and the Lady has a knack for popping up every time his life is about to change.
Frances doesn’t care one wit for the earl, she has her own problems. Mainly her family constantly criticizing her and pushing her toward marriage. Moving from one cage to the next, holds no appeal, but Winthrop - arrogant and full of himself as he may be - just gave her an idea. Ruining her reputation with a man set to leave the country, might do nicely…
Of course nothing ever works out as planned… For Frances disgrace means a newfound freedom and the need to find an occupation. On her first try she runs into Winthrop - of course - and becomes unwittingly and inextricably attached to his secret. An ever expanding secret as it turns out. A secret she no longer wishes to give up… But then her disgrace catches up and her family insists she makes things right. Only, what’s right for them, is the worst possible outcome for her.
November 27, 2023
I loved everything about this book! It’s so often that in historical romances, the hero is typically a rake, rogue, scoundrel, etc. but in Jennifer Haymore’s book, A Lady’s Rules for Ruin, Evan, Lord Withrop is the epitome of the hot good guy you didn’t realize you wanted. Evan has always thought Frances Cherrington was attractive, but it takes a few bantery encounters before Frances finds Evan more than just a “perfect” beloved Earl of the ton. Frances can’t stand the idea of marriage or being tied to one man for the rest of her life, and it’s only after chatting with Lord Winthrop that she realizes how she can escape the marriage mart and stay single for the rest of her life. I loved everything about Frances. She is bold, unbelievably caring and good with children, an excellent teacher, and she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. After a chance encounter with Evan at a charity where Frances has been working, these two begin to soften toward each other. Suddenly it seems like everywhere Evan goes, there Frances is. It doesn’t hurt that Bobby, Jasper, and little Mark want Frances and Evan to be together and I adored the way they interacted as a family. The ironic thing is that both Frances’s and Evan’s real family are awful and have caused the MCs the majority of their troubles. This book avoids typical tropes in favor of actual plot points and Frances and Evan have their own secret ruinations to work out that could threaten their societal standing.
What I loved:
-Frances’s kindness towards the boys and her interactions with them
-Evan’s “good guy” persona gave me all the warm cuddly feelings
-The off the charts chemistry
-A story full of characters that just make you smile
-Romance that brings out the best qualities in each other
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What I loved:
-Frances’s kindness towards the boys and her interactions with them
-Evan’s “good guy” persona gave me all the warm cuddly feelings
-The off the charts chemistry
-A story full of characters that just make you smile
-Romance that brings out the best qualities in each other
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 28, 2023
Miss Frances Cherrington has long been criticized as independent and prickly & happy to be a spinster. Frances could ensure that no one will marry her—by happily ruining her own reputation. Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop knows more about ruin than anyone suspects. He’s just uncovered a secret that would tear his name—and everything he’s worked for—to the ground. Though all London is abuzz with Frances’s “disgrace,” she’s determined to use her freedom however she sees fit.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, I really liked both Evan & Frances & loved their roller coaster journey to a HEA, it certainly had me on the edge of my seat at times. Frances had a plan but hadn’t really thought of the consequences & these added to my enjoyment. I loved how Evan & Frances’ relationship grew & deepened & I loved the chemistry between them. I’m on the fence about Frances’ family, I’m just glad they aren’t my relations! A well written entertaining romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, I really liked both Evan & Frances & loved their roller coaster journey to a HEA, it certainly had me on the edge of my seat at times. Frances had a plan but hadn’t really thought of the consequences & these added to my enjoyment. I loved how Evan & Frances’ relationship grew & deepened & I loved the chemistry between them. I’m on the fence about Frances’ family, I’m just glad they aren’t my relations! A well written entertaining romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 1, 2024
Frances Cherrington at five and twenty, is a spinster and has no desire to marry. At a masquerade ball, the Earl of Winthrop unknowingly gives her an idea how to stay a spinster, ruin her reputation. Picking the right gentleman is the key. Once the gossip floods Society, Frances begins the pursuit of finding her vocation. She encounters the Earl at an orphanage. Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop, has his own problems that convinces him not to marry. Frances resolves to help him with his problems. The two grow closer, but happiness is short lived when Frances is forced to marry the man who ruined her. I found this a very entertaining book from one end of the rollercoaster to the other. Laughing one minute and crying the next.
Very steamy descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Very steamy descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 6, 2023
A LADY’S RULES FOR RUIN by Jennifer Haymore is the second in her Lions and Lillies series.
Frances Cherrington knows herself fairly well, and one of her great frustrations is that alas, her family seems determined not to. She knows she is considered abrasive and too forthright, not demure or pliant or at all eager to marry or pursue other supposedly feminine interests. She determines that the best way forward is to find herself ruined, and that she can weather the immediate storm for the peaceful existence she hopes to achieve after. However...
The Earl of Winthrop is a seeming thorn in her side. He's far too handsome and congenial, and cannot possibly be as pleasant as all that.
As Frances and Evan are thrown together and then ultimately opt to spend more time together, they have the chance to get to know each other and see the person they typically don't show the rest of the world. And they discover that they not only like but trust the other with their true selves.
Ms Haymore's writing is immersive and she captures Frances's and Evan's feelings and circumstances beautifully. I loved seeing their slowly unfolding feelings for the other. I also wanted to gnash my teeth at the incredibly frustrating people and circumstances they faced at times. It is a testament to how well Ms Haymore brings these to life as well, that my emotions were fully engaged. And ultimately I couldn't stop reading as I cheered for this unconventional couple to find their way to a life where they could express their love and happiness as they desired. Well done, Ms Haymore!
Frances Cherrington knows herself fairly well, and one of her great frustrations is that alas, her family seems determined not to. She knows she is considered abrasive and too forthright, not demure or pliant or at all eager to marry or pursue other supposedly feminine interests. She determines that the best way forward is to find herself ruined, and that she can weather the immediate storm for the peaceful existence she hopes to achieve after. However...
The Earl of Winthrop is a seeming thorn in her side. He's far too handsome and congenial, and cannot possibly be as pleasant as all that.
As Frances and Evan are thrown together and then ultimately opt to spend more time together, they have the chance to get to know each other and see the person they typically don't show the rest of the world. And they discover that they not only like but trust the other with their true selves.
Ms Haymore's writing is immersive and she captures Frances's and Evan's feelings and circumstances beautifully. I loved seeing their slowly unfolding feelings for the other. I also wanted to gnash my teeth at the incredibly frustrating people and circumstances they faced at times. It is a testament to how well Ms Haymore brings these to life as well, that my emotions were fully engaged. And ultimately I couldn't stop reading as I cheered for this unconventional couple to find their way to a life where they could express their love and happiness as they desired. Well done, Ms Haymore!
Want to read
December 25, 2023Just finished 'A Lady's Rules for Ruin' by Jennifer Haymore and it's a solid 4-star read for me. The characters are fantastic – they're dynamic, engaging, and their chemistry leaps off the page. It's the kind of book where you really get invested in their story.
The plot mixes romance and a bit of intrigue perfectly, keeping things interesting without being overly complicated. It's a great book for anyone who loves a good historical romance with strong characters and a captivating story.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley. As always, my opinions are entirely my own.
The plot mixes romance and a bit of intrigue perfectly, keeping things interesting without being overly complicated. It's a great book for anyone who loves a good historical romance with strong characters and a captivating story.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley. As always, my opinions are entirely my own.
October 1, 2023
A Duke’s Rules of Engagement was one of my fave reads from last year so I was eager to read book 2. Frances ruins her reputation on purpose to escape her family’s pressure to marry. Evan suddenly learns he has illegitimate half-brothers along with another secret.
Frances alternately wanted to break from her family and go her own way, or protect them and cater to them, so she seemed inconsistent. Her family was so terrible it was a caricature and the resolution felt drawn out. This was still highly readable, but Evan was a little flat. I never felt much chemistry between these two, not like Jo and Matthew book 1. This was a little too insta-just for me.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Frances alternately wanted to break from her family and go her own way, or protect them and cater to them, so she seemed inconsistent. Her family was so terrible it was a caricature and the resolution felt drawn out. This was still highly readable, but Evan was a little flat. I never felt much chemistry between these two, not like Jo and Matthew book 1. This was a little too insta-just for me.
I received an arc from NetGalley
December 6, 2024
Not bad.
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