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

Seriously Fun!

I so enjoyed this story! I loved the female characters! Although they were incredibly upset at being “advertised” basically, they were not vindictive, cruel, shallow nor catty… instead they were fun, forgiving, loving and kind! Suzanne did a fabulous job of creating strong female characters that also reflected the very best of women.
Sweet and enjoyable all the way through!!
Five BIG STARS!!

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.

Sweet story of friendship, romance, & taking a stand

Brilliantly executed by the talented Elizabeth Knowelden, this Austen-esque tale is a fun spin on the usual social drama. I love how the women join forces to assume the power to have a say in their own lives.

Wonderful book

The only negative I can find to say about this is that I listened too fast and it ended too soon for me, that’s how great it is!

Very cute!

This was a fun, quick and enjoyable story. The author obviously enjoyed taking liberties with her group of ladies making it a fun read.

Cute, clean, but a little long

Really enjoyed this sweet and clean romance by Allain, and even more so that it was narrated by one of my absolute Audible favorites. The ending felt a little drawn out, but otherwise, it was a solid romance.

Note, I don’t read romance, so the story might actually be super typical and I’m just used to cozy mysteries that have quicker paced finales.