Rules for Engaging the Early by Janna MacGregor -> Staring March 3rd, 2022

[Alaina]

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London.

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child―a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still―with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence―to their marriage ceremony―Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds―both on the surface and in their relationship―run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

[Alaina]

Starting this now!

[Alaina]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[Well, now I want him to come back home safely. Or maybe for them to run into one another while he's on assignment. Either way, I want a reunion! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 1-10: (view spoiler)[So bizarre how he was home for a year and didn't tell her once? Like why? They are married! I do think it's funny that Butler and North were writing to her instead but happy she's finally there. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[I like how she's still looking out for Beth. I'm also really enjoying them getting closer to one another. If only they freaking communicated on what they really needed to! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 21-30: (view spoiler)[I don't really enjoy him being a negative Nancy. Especially when he keeps trying to push her away because of his leg. Like hot damn, she likes you for you. Not your leg. Idiot. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 31-Finished: (view spoiler)[I'm glad that he's embracing fatherhood now. They were definitely made for one another and I'm excited for the new addition as well. I hope there's going to be a third book! (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

A little late, but I started this one tonight.

Prologue - Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
I love that they were childhood friends, I really enjoy that trope.

I don't get why he disappeared for a year after they married. Did he really think she was never going to come back to Portsmouth? I do love that the butler and housekeeper concocted a plan to get Constance there.
(hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Chapters 11-20
(view spoiler)[
Finally a bit of opening up between these two. They're still not sharing everything, but they're getting there.

I wonder why he doesn't like her looking through the receipts? Does he know something?
(hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Chapters 21-30
(view spoiler)[
Damn, Jonathan acted like a jerk at that dinner. Constance rightly set him down for it. I like that she's standing up for herself although I wish Jonathan would just tell her he loves her as it's so obvious.

This business with Faladen is interesting. Curious to see how they take him down.
(hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Chapters 31 - End
(view spoiler)[
I like how they made up. These two really were cute together.
(hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading the third one whenever it comes out.