The Ladies Rewrite the Rules

By: Suzanne Allain

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm.

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.

©2024 Suzanne Allain (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Allain’s Regency romance engagingly features wronged women who empower each other to take control of their love lives. The power-play dynamics between Diana and Max offer enjoyable fun.”—Library Journal

“A fun, light-hearted Regency romp about changing society from the inside.”—Kirkus

"[I]nnovative... The novel’s true strength lies in the friendship between the bold heroines. These engaging women will appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews and Julie Klassen."—Publishers Weekly

Smart, empowering, thoughtful.

Loved the sisterhood shown in the book. It highlighted concerns of the time and showed struggles with out being weighted down. Each character had depth.

I love rule breakers👍

I love Allain's stories. Sophisticated, clean, fun and flirty.
In this story, she once again tackles societal rules, while keeping her heroine, chaste, virtuous and hopeful. Her stories can teach how boys need to grow up to be honorable men, young ladies can remain clean but still enjoy their youth and all can have clean courtships.

The voice actor, beautiful performance lovely breathy voice. bravo.

Over all good read.

It's over all a good story but took too long for the main characters to get anywhere.

Just when you think…

Just when you think an author can’t get better than the one before… she goes and out does herself!!! I want all 3 books to be made into movies!! This was so fantastic!! As was the reading itself!! Can’t say how much I LOvED this!! Never before told story! Sometime they are just kinda like repeats ya know… but this was such a new take on things!! Brava!!

Fun and lovely

I enjoyed this light and easy read. I love how clean and sweet the book is. I enjoyed learning a bit more about Vauxhall Gardens as well. Enjoyed the characters the story and the narrator. Look forward to the authors next book.

I love that the protagonist was not the normal young lady.

The book was performed wonderfully and the story itself is delightfully written. This is my third book by the author and I think each one gets better.

Does not disappoint!!!

I have read/listened to a couple of other books by Suzanne Allain, including Mr. Malcolm’s List, and Miss Lattimore’s Letter. I loved both of those novels and absolutely loved listening to the Ladies Rewrite the Rules. I loved the twist on traditional roles of men and women and how the tables were turned in this novel. I loved the witty humor. The story is an exciting and fun read. Excellent! I will buy the book and will read it again for sure. I have already read her others multiple times!

Twist

Needed a palate cleanser from my last book. This was light and refreshing. Nice plot twist.

Fun Clever Regency Romp Well-Read

Very enjoyable Regency romance. First book by this author I listened to, but not the last. I liked the idea behind this story which, per the author note at the end, was based on a true ‘directory.’ Strong story, characters and reader. Very well done. Going to go now and look for another book by this author, hopefully read by E Knowelden.

Wonderful Story!

Loved this book! The characters have such whit you can’t help but be drawn in. The author does a wonderful job of giving just the right amount of romance and intrigue with regal dignity. I absolutely loved this book and recommend all to read.