Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Author: Suzanne Allain
Genre: Regency Romance / Historical Comedy / Feminist-In-Lace
Ideal For: Readers who adore witty historical settings, clever feminist spins, and multiple swoony romances
Why I Picked Up The Ladies Rewrite the Rules
I’ve long enjoyed Allain’s sharp romantic voice—her previous hit, Mr. Malcolm’s List, remains a joy. With The Ladies Rewrite the Rules, she returns to Regency England, this time starring Diana Boyle: a wealthy widow who’s had enough of fortune hunters. Once she discovers she’s among the elite singled out in the so-called “Bachelor’s Directory”, she decides it’s time to turn the tables and shake up society, one ballroom at a time.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Diana Boyle, wealthy and widowed, was content to live quietly, until she finds letters from prospective suitors referencing the Bachelor’s Directory that listed her without her knowledge. Furious and disillusioned, she confronts Maxwell Dean, the charming compiler behind the list. He claims his goal was noble—to help under-resourced second sons—but inadvertently created havoc. Intrigued yet annoyed, Diana enlists the other listed women to assert control: they’ll use the directory to their advantage by selectively entertaining callers, hosting a ball, and rewriting the social script for themselves.
Amid pinstripes and powdered wigs, Diana finds friendship in Lady Regina and others in the directory, forging an unconventional sisterhood. Romance simmers—especially with Max, whose charm and guilt make him impossible to resist. Along the way, secrets, societal expectations, and past regrets swirl, forcing Diana and her allies to ask: will rewriting the rules lead to liberation—or heartbreak?
What Makes The Ladies Rewrite the Rules Shine
1. A Charming “Rule Rewrite” Premise
Instead of a typical villainous “list,” the Bachelor’s Directory becomes a catalyst for female power. Diana’s decision to use society’s own structure against it—inviting the listed women to a meeting and ball—feels both playful and revolutionary. This “girl power movement not seen often enough in historical romances” and gives readers “a new approach to finding love” in the Regency setting.
2. Friendship Before Romance
The core relationship here isn’t just Diana and Max’s enemies-to-lovers arc—it’s the bond she forms with the other directory members, especially Lady Regina. Their circle becomes a space of solidarity, stories, and shared liberation. As Diana and Regina build each other up, their sisterhood feels both uplifting and genuine.
3. Humour, Wisdom, and a Light Hand
Allain’s writing sparkles with wit and charm. There are delightful, effervescent moments—like tension at the ball where “they make the men dance to their tune”—and heartfelt passages as the ladies embrace newfound freedom. It’s classic Regency romance with a feminist twist. And the right dose of humour, too.
4. A Satisfying Romance with Depth
Diana and Max share natural chemistry and banter. Max’s regret over the directory is earnest, and watching him try to make amends adds substance to their growing attraction. It’s a romance that feels authentic, heartfelt, and rooted in mutual respect.
Where The Ladies Rewrite the Rules Fumbles
1. Low Conflict, High Comfort
This is a smooth read—but maybe too smooth.
The main conflict involving the directory fizzles early; few real stakes remain once Diana gathers her allies. If you enjoy emotional or narrative tension, this might feel like a missed opportunity.
2. A Bit Too Brief
At around 270 pages, the novel zips by—often leaving subplots and characters a bit underdeveloped. I honestly wished for more time to linger, dig deeper into backstories, or build more suspense.
3. Surface-Level Rewriting
The idea of “rewriting the rules” is brilliant, but the execution feels, at times, more cosmetic than revolutionary. As one reviewer pointed out, the spark of rebellion appears but isn’t followed through the way you hope. The women reform social dynamics, but traditional romance tropes largely remain intact.
You’ll Love The Ladies Rewrite the Rules If You Enjoy…
- Mr. Malcolm’s List – for its witty historical voice and charming leads
- The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer – for Regency setting with bold heroines
- The Wedding Date – for friends, romance, and social steam
Final Thoughts: A Delightful Regency Recast
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules may not reinvent historical romance, but it adds a fresh feminist spirit to a familiar genre. Its strengths lie in Diana’s quick-witted rebellion, the cozy camaraderie among her allies, and a heartfelt romance that warms without overwhelming. It’s a charming, feel-good romp that leaves you smiling—and thinking.
This one gets four stars: delightful, empowering, sometimes shallow—but overall a satisfying read. If you’re after cozy regency vibes with a modern twist, this lovely romp is worth your time.
