Unladylike Rules of Attraction by Amita Murray Review

Title: Unladylike Rules of Attraction

Author: Amita Murray

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 384

Release Date: 23 May 2024

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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I’m sharing my review for Unladylike Rules of Attraction by Amita Murray. The second instalment in the richly detailed and refreshingly diverse, Regency-set Marleigh Sisters series— which is just as fun and unapologetically feisty as the first!

Synopsis

 As one of the daughters of an English Earl and his Indian Mistress, Anya Marleigh has defied Regency society’s rules by playing her sitar and singing beautifully for Queen Charlotte at the court of George III.

When she comes into an unexpected inheritance, her change of fortune comes with a catch ― she must marry before her twenty-fifth birthday or the money will go to her trustee ― the infuriating but devilishly sexy Lord Damian Ashton, who also has the power to approve her choice of husband.

As Anya begins to attract the wrong sort of marriage suitor, Lord Ashton is the only thing standing between her and a fate worse than death. But does he have his own reasons for hindering her happy ever after …?

Review

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the series, Unladylike Lessons in love which is a swoon-worthy regency romp full of depth that quickly stole my heart when I read it last year.

The writing in its sequel is just as captivating and rich in detail, with settings and descriptions that are not only grand, but also capture the harsh realities of life outside of the royal court and upper class social circles of the era.

I really enjoyed this! The Bridgerton-esque, rivals to lovers romance was really engaging and the depth filled characters soo fun to explore.

I really liked protagonist Anya, who like her sister Lila is a clever, compassionate and enterprising young woman who has worked hard for her success. But as much as the ton (and Queen Charlotte) adore her music, she knows (as a the half-Indian, illegitimate daughter of an earl) just how quickly that success can be stripped away. Which has lead to a carefully crafted and guarded persona that few are able to break through.

Damien, much like Anya has suffered his own fair share of prejudice, having grown up in Jamaica as the grandson of a black woman; and inheriting a title and land many (particularly the Budleigh’s) would deem him unfit for. As such, he appears very standoffish and uncaring at first glance. But as we get to know him we discover a caring and loyal character determined to use his position to enact change and advocate for others less fortunate than himself.

I loved his chemistry with Anya, which was sizzlingly swoon-worthy if a little swifter than I anticipated. However, I enjoyed watching their interactions as they steadily let down their guards (and begin to care for one another) even more.

The supporting cast were great too, with Damien’s brother Jeremy and Anya’s protege Trixie completely stealing my heart. Though, I admit it was the cameos from Lila, Ivor and Walsham (Lila’s sassy butler) that I was most looking forward to —and they did not disappoint! I’m definitely hoping we get to see more of them (as well as Anya and Damien) in the third Marleigh Sisters book.

Overall, a delightful, mystery filled romp that Regency Romance lovers and fans of Georgette Heyer or Julia Quinn desperate for more diverse rep definitely need to check out.

Also a huge thank you Amita and Insta Book Tours for the proof and finished copies.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Amita Murray is a writer, based in London. She writes in two genres: contemporary mystery and historical mystery romance. Her Arya Winters series of mysteries is published with Agora. The first came out in 2021. Her mystery novel Thirteenth Night won the Exeter Novel Prize in 2022. Her first novel The Trouble with Rose came out with Harper Collins in 2019.

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