Cover Image: Rules for Heiresses

Rules for Heiresses

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

give me a historical read and I will sign up everytime. I want read all of the regency books i can. love them so much.

Was this review helpful?

There is a lot of narrative explaining both characters, chase and Ravenna. I would like to read their background sound throughout parts of the book instead of all of it being added to the first chapter of the book. With that being said I found the book exciting and entertaining. The romance was sweet and beautiful.

Was this review helpful?

I have been provided with a review copy of Rules for Heiresses from NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the second book in the Daring Duke series and I just loved getting to reenter this amazing world. Oh my gosh this story was just epic. I just couldn’t put this story down and I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. The author truly outdid herself with this story. This story just had my emotions all over the place and I am so sad to see this book end. I just can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Was this review helpful?

“Rules for Heiresses” is a childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers historical romance that centers around a rebellious, opinionated spitfire of an heiress and a shunned or more-so once thought dead duke who meet in the most unlikely circumstances and are forced to marry after being caught in an a compromising situation.

Cue in the wishy-washy should they, shouldn’t they act on their desires while struggling with their inner turmoil about why the relationship wouldn’t work. The back and forth, particularly in Lord Courtland, was repetitive and the storyline itself drawn out in some parts but overall, this was a fairly decent novel. I enjoyed the banter, pining, and sizzling chemistry between the leads, and despite the heroine being a ‘virgin bride’, she was far from shy in embracing her desires. And shockingly enough, had a backbone. Hooray!

All in all, an impressive read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! The main characters were compelling, and I’m a sucker for childhood friends-turned-lovers romance. At times, I felt like there was slightly too much plot—lots of villains in this one—which is why this was a 4 star read for me instead of 5. Overall, however, I highly recommend. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC.

Was this review helpful?

Lady Ravenna Huntley understands that her position as daughter and sister of a duke means she’s expected to marry, but she’s loath to do so. She’s refused several suitors, one in particular who didn’t want to take no for an answer, causing her to run away, even if she knows it’s an impulsive choice, in a bid to maintain her freedom.

Courtland Chase, grandson of and reluctant heir to the Duke of Ashvale was sent away by his stepmother who wanted his title for her own son and claimed Courtland to have tragically died. He’s borne that shame his entire adult life, even as he earned his own fortune and settled amongst his mother’s people in Antigua. He never intended to return to England, despite his inheritance, but when he’s caught in a compromising position with a prominent heiress, very publicly and just when he’s been informed of his inheritance of the title, the two have no choice but to marry to curtail the scandal.

Neither is terribly thrilled with the circumstances, but Ravenna and Courtland can’t ignore the attraction between them either and soon it seems this may be more than a mere marriage of convenience.

I was nervous about this book after how disappointed I was in the previous book, especially as Howard seems to be very hit or miss for me, but I am ever hopeful, so I wanted to give it a try and I’m happy I did. I liked this book so much more than the previous one and it’s such a huge improvement. We still have an obstinate, willful, sometimes impulsive heroine, but she has an obvious heart of gold and is quick to empathize with the pain of others, especially her new husband, which makes her easy to root for most of the time. It doesn’t hurt that our hero is hard-headed and his attempts to keep her safe are high-handed and arrogant most of the time. Ravenna and Courtland both had a lot to learn about love and relationships and they were actually really good for her. Their having been friends as children and grown up together added another layer to their relationship that I enjoyed, without this feeling like a second chance story (good for me since I’ve grown to really dislike the second chance trope). Courtland had a lot of insecurities to work through and his feelings of low self-worth were readily apparent. Fortunately, Ravenna was having none of that and helped him see what was really important. I’m not sure Ravenna would’ve worked for me as a heroine with any other hero and vice versa for Courtland. These two were just really well matched and each managed to shore up the other’s weak spots perfectly. I enjoyed seeing them both find the unconditional acceptance they’d each been craving, first in each other and then in others around them. I’m now hopeful for further installments of this series and looking forward to checking them out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What more can you ask for? A tale filled with adventure, childhood friends (or enemies!), the most witty banter that will have you laughing out loud, a strong heroine who has no bounds and a hero who is the best. Plus a romance that is a journey in itself!!

Not to be missed!!

Was this review helpful?

This just wasn't for me. I had to quit at 18%. It starts as Ravenna is dressed as a man gambling in Courtland's gaming club on the Island of Antigua. We're told she had taken off from London unbeknownst to her family and, again dressed as a man, worked as a laborer on a ship for weeks without anyone realizing she was a woman. Now, he accuses the young man he thinks she is of cheating and takes her back to his office. He soon realizes she is a woman, they new each other as children (he was her first of 3 engagements), and they can't help jumping on each other in front of his workers and lawyer. His flaring nostrils and commanding touch were too much for her. Now they must marry because THIS will ruin her? She doesn't seem troubled one way or another having to marry. Now, during their wedding dance, with his hard male organ pressing against her and the cheering of the crowd....I give up.

Was this review helpful?

Even though the first book in this series was a miss for me, Rules For Heiresses was more enjoyable to me! The author fixed some of the issues seen in the first book and gave us a smoldering romance with some commentary on the history of the West Indies and their colonization.

Ravenna was a fucking bombshell of a character I absolutely adore her! She’s the sister of the love interest of the first book, The Princess Stakes, and she’s ready to take the world by storm in her book. And she absolutely does it. I enjoyed her strong personality, and how she challenged every ideal placed on her because she’s the sister of a duke. Her banter with the love interest called Courtland, who was a childhood friend/neighbor of hers, was exquisite and hilarious, and honestly, he didn’t stand a chance with her and her witty tongue. Speaking of Courtland, he was a super interesting character. He is of mixed race, and after being rejected by his family in England, he found his home and his true family in Antigua, the island where his mother was born and raised. I loved seeing these two characters clash with each other and find themselves in a marriage of convenience before they were certain about their feeling for each other. We are talking about romantic feelings because the attraction between them was hot and heavy. Their sex scenes were intense and so good!!! Even their kisses had your heart fluttering. But when their romantic feelings are settled, it’s even better.

This was an amazing historical romance, and the epilogue was so sweet. Definitely recommend reading this one over the first one! I think they can be read as standalones, but be mindful that there will be spoilers for the first book in this one.

Was this review helpful?

I tried to like this book but found it to be just ok. The hero, Courtland, just couldn't make up his mind. He would push Ravenna away and then want her back. This got old for me quickly and by the end I didn't respect Courtland.

Was this review helpful?

*I received an advance reader copy of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Amalie Howard does it again! And the second book in her most recent series, we are reintroduced to Ravenna Huntley. Of course, when we meet her she is dressed like a young man and attempting to play cards in a club. This is of course when the hero steps in, Courtland Chase.

Amazing sparks fly between these two throughout the story. Courtland's character is rich and multifaceted in the best way possible. He is an individual of mixed race, and Amalie does a fantastic job of showcasing that even for a Duke and a male in power that stereotype was difficult to overcome.

Ravenna is a force to be reckoned with. I truly enjoyed her fire and how she consistently bucks the societal norms. Her compassion and desire to make things better is truly enjoyable. Plus she's able to get herself out of sticky situations without the help of a man. Definitely a bonus!

The steamy scenes are oh so steamy! There is spice and fire and taking you to places that are exquisitely described.

This one is well worth the read. If you haven't read the first one in the series, The Princess Stakes, I recommend you read both. It is not necessary to read the other first before this one.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fun Historical romance with a strong and courageous heroine. The hero's antics of pushing away his love interest for her own good is one of my least favorite HR tropes but it lends drama so It's all good. Very entertaining read. :)

Was this review helpful?

Ravenna is an aristocrat with the bluest blood, born a duke's daughter but when things become unbearable for her in England, she decides to disguise herself as a man and stow away on her brother's ship. After a series of adventures that would put a gently reared lady of the times to blush, she finds herself in Antigua, gambling and winning such that she's suspected of cheating.
Courtland is grandson and heir to the duke of Ashland but driven out of England by his step mama's machinations is well situated in the Caribbean Island determined to foil a cheating gambler when things take an interesting turn. He finds out that the cheating gambler is a lady, one whom he was once betroth to, his grandfather is dead and he's now the new Duke and he's caught in a comprising situation with Lady Ravenna.
Suitably wed, they find themselves enroute to England where a new set of adventures await them. Can love win the day?
I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from the author.

Was this review helpful?

Rules for Heiresses is a connecting story to The Princess Stakes. I hadn’t read the earlier book first and wasn’t the least bit lost in Rules for Heiresses but I will go back, as time allows, and pick up the other story as well.

Ravenna is a rather modern thinking young woman who sees no need to tie herself down in marriage when there are so many adventures to be had before that day must arrive. She’s turned down many a suitor, and in a desperate move to avoid finding herself unwillingly married she’s run away, disguised herself as a young man… and has landed in a heap of trouble. It seems her dash to avoid a husband has backfired on her as she’ll soon find herself in a compromising situation with Courtland and a marriage of convenience is the only option for either. But, it’s up to them and the intense chemistry flowing between them as to whether it remains a marriage of convenience or a life-long romantic adventure neither expected.

Courtland was driven from his home by one nasty stepmother and made a life for himself far away from England’s shores. Now, thanks to one runaway heiress, and the sudden elevation to the title of Duke (as his grandfather has died) Courtland finds himself returning home with a wife he’s drawn to but cannot allow himself to get emotionally engaged with for that would be a disaster for them both… in his mind only.

I adored Ravenna. She’s fiery, stubborn, smart, and determined to have her way, especially when she knows that she’s right. Courtland, well, there were moments when that fine gentleman needed a stern talking to… oh, and some serious groveling in his future. Together they make a couple to cheer on, to overcome differences, and to grab that happy future despite the risks involved. I enjoyed myself in this world, and if you enjoy a good Historical Romance full of swoon-worthy moments and a couple that fits together just right, then Rules for Heiresses should be on your need-to-read list.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Was this review helpful?

I like Ravenna. She’s brazen and and disappearing to an island in men’s clothing is awesome. But “the couple want to bone but won’t bone for Reasons” is a hard trope for me to love.

Was this review helpful?

I love Amalie Howard's lush writing and historical voice - and this was another very sexy, very emotional historical romance that I really enjoyed. So much historical details while not losing the romance.

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't a big fan of this book, just not by vibe. Loved the heroine but the hero didn't do it for me but I wouldn't be surprised if others really liked this book. I've read Amalie Howard's Everleigh Sister series and REALLY liked them so was a tad disappointed. BUT I think it might be me and not the book. I would still check out more books from Howard.

Was this review helpful?

Standalone Sequel to The Princess Stakes, this is a rip roaring read from Amalie Howard. We have the independent, determined Ravenna Huntley, determined to be in charge of her life, having refused multiple offers for her hand, who realises that she is only going to be able to escape the fate of most Duke's daughters by running away. She is in the Caribbean, masquerading as a man and living by her wits. We also have a self exiled grandson to the Duke of Ashton, Lord Courtland Chase; of mixed blood; encouraged to leave England by his cruel Stepmother and now a successful, wealthy self made man.

When they meet at his gambling hell, they are immediately attracted to one another, and are found together when Courtland learns he is now the Duke of Ashton. To avoid scandal they must marry, but will they really stick to a marriage of convenience, especially when Courtland is Ravenna's brother's long lost best friend, and her childhood companion.

Courtland makes the decision to hold himself apart from Ravenna and to give her a divorce as he fears his scandal will taint her. Ravenna is keen to make the marriage work and throws herself into trying to build a true connection.

Yes Courtland di push her away too much, but the connection between them, and the excellent writing and exceptionally sympathetic heroine, made this a great read for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a really interesting story and I enjoyed it. It starts in the West Indies which I found fascinating and something historical romances tend to not be written abot. It stars Ravenna and Courtland who were childhood friends but were separated when life got in the way. She is a very strong character who does not desire marriage but she ends up compromised and ends up married to him.

It was a fun romp of a romance and very original in setting and in the story the author told. I loved Ravenna but I didn't love Courtland as much. I found him at times harder to really like and felt he did not appreciate her as he should have. Despite that I enjoyed the plot and writing in this story and fiund the story very interesting.

Was this review helpful?

Ravenna is a rebel of society. She hates being kept caged and prefers to do as she pleases. Courtland has been hiding from his family and society but doing well to establish a satisfying life. The two were childhood friends before circumstances changed. Loved that Courtland accepts Ravenna for who she is for the most part. Story is steady paced.

Was this review helpful?