The Rules of Engagement

In an effort to avoid any marriage-minded ladies, Hugh Trevalyn invented a fiancée who for undetermined reasons was unable to marry him at that moment, leaving him free to enjoy London. However, when Hugh falls head over heels for the beautiful Lucy Meriwether, he finds himself proposing for real. Her only requirement: she wants to meet his ex-fiancée first. Unwilling to admit his long standing lie, Hugh begs his oldest and dearest friend Amelia Grant to play the part. Unfortunately, the simple meeting between the two women snowballs into an elaborate charade involving Hugh’s rakish cousin, kisses in secret and perhaps a love Hugh didn’t expect.

Regency romance fans will love this fun and humorous tale!  Hugh is a rakish lord who ends up twitter-pated and then falls in love. He is creative in his adventures but a bit befuddled when it comes to that finer emotion.  Amelia is independent, clever, and has inured herself to the idea of spinsterhood but can’t quite give up on the love she’s held secret for so long. Even though the story is predictable, romance readers will enjoy Hugh and Amelia's path to their happily ever after. The purposeful addition of Hugh’s rakish cousin is a new spin and entertaining one as well. The story fits the time well and while not truly original, it is definitely worth the read for any who enjoy the regency time period and friendships changing for the romantic.

Sarah E Bradley