Bridgerton has taken over as of lately, but the Regency period remains perennially popular due to Jane Austen and the like! (Who doesn’t love a good Regency story?) I often get asked for Regency romance recommendations, but that can be tough depending on the person- a lot of people don’t like a lot of spice in their books. (No judgement from me either way!) However, there are a few clean Regency romances that I would recommend to everyone, this book included. If you are looking for a hilarious and entertaining Regency book for the summer, The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain is a great choice!
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules, Suzanne Allain
Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune.
So when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory, and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means.
She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together…the ladies rewrite the rules.
Why You Should Read This…
I have to say, there are few Regency romances that I truly find funny (the Regency Vows series by Martha Waters is my best recommendation), and Suzanne Allain continues to make me laugh. (Yes, the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List and Miss Lattimer’s Letter!)
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a creative and comical reversal on a typical Regency story. Normally the women in these stories have relatively little agency and choice in their own futures, but Diana and her friends have all of the power. Not only do they not allow the men power over their fortunes and choices, they also give the women who hold power in society relatively little chance to do so, either. And although it sounds serious, it is done in a delightfully lighthearted and clever way that will keep you reading!
As I said above, this is a clean romance, meaning that there is nothing more than a kiss- if you are someone who doesn’t want a lot of spice or perhaps has a younger reader who enjoys Regency books, this is appropriate for anyone (teen and up).
Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration of the audiobook is simply perfect. I find that lighter narration is difficult to do, but she kept the tone spot on while still conveying deeper emotions. I will be looking out for more of her work!
Is The Ladies Rewrite the Rules on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Threads
