Antigua, West Indies, 1864. Lady Ravenna Huntley, unwed sister to the Duke of Embry, is in trouble. As usual. She is disguised as a man, but after she is threatened with jail for cheating at cards, the situation spins out of control, and she finds herself reluctantly engaged to a former fiancé. To complicate matters, Courtland Chase wants neither a wife nor the dukedom of Ashvale which he has just inherited.

The plot, which drifts towards melodrama, is filled with popular romance motifs: the coincidences are fortunate, the threats dire, the heroine adventurous and spirited, the hero muscular and wealthy, the villain elusive and predatory, the friends loyal, the stepmother cruel, the sexual encounters frequent, graphic, and prolonged. To carry it off, authors need to make readers care enough for the characters. Ravenna wins our admiration for her courage and enlightened attitudes; and, since he is of mixed race and the victim of prejudice and aristocratic snobbery which have undermined his self-confidence, Courtland deserves our sympathy. Insights into the psychological impact of childhood trauma and racist attitudes in the era are illuminating, but though well suited, the couple take a frustratingly long time to accept their good fortune. Uneven.

HNR Issue 98 (November 2021)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/rules-for-heiresses-a-lush-historical-romance/

The discussion of race and class was a little watered down, but I can see what the author meant to do and I appreciate it. I think this is a good turn for the new road romance is going down.

I liked the romance, and the passion felt between the two characters. Maybe the hero was a little bit too emotionally constipated, but I liked how capable the heroine was, and they were both strong characters who grew together.

Ravenna is our heroine matched up with Courtland the hero. There's so much in this plot and the characters are so dear. Ravenna just doesn't want to get married, which propelling ourselves back to that time... who can blame her. She's avoided it so far by rejecting suitors and scheming. Happily for the sake of true love, her luck runs out. She collides with our hero, Courtland, who's really been through it. He's been a victim of prejudice and mistreatment due to his appearance. But.. he's a duke. So, watching these 2 work through all the obstacles in their path truly brought me joy. Don't miss this one! (Just read everything from Amalie Howard by the way--I have!)

I loved how headstrong and independent Ravenna is. She is a woman who knows what she wants out of life and goes after it. All the risks she took so she would not end up in a loveless marriage are just proof of her character. She calls Courtland affectionately "Cordy" and it is just one of the things I loved about this couple. The childhood friends to lovers trope is strong in this book and I loved that they were betrothed as children. Courtland tries to push Ravenna away, but being the woman she is, she is not having it and will stop at nothing to prove that they are equals in their love and this marriage. It takes Courtland a long time to see his love for Ravenna and all that she is willing to do to prove this. "When she enters a room, you brighten, and when she leaves it, the world dims."

Ravenna and Courtland were childhood friends but were separated when Courtland was essentially chased away by his evil step mother and thought to be dead. Ravenna stumbles upon Courtland on her romps and is caught in a compromising situation with him leading them to enter a marriage of inconvenience.

I really loved Ravenna's spirit. She was strong, independent and very "modern" in some ways. She doesn't want to be held down by societies expectations.

What I didn't love was Courtlands whole history and how his story unfolded. Although it was interesting, I wish it was dug into more. The reason he runs away and plays dead seems silly and childish. Him pushing Ravenna away for "her own good" was just exhausting and didn't fully make sense. Fleshing out his story would have made it more satisfying and maybe would have justified his behavior.

Overall, it was entertaining but I wish there was more depth to make the story more emotional. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is fabulous and the writing is strong, I loved Ravenna's headstrong character and the fact that she says what is on her mind. She is clever and witty, not a typical woman at this time period. Courtland is dreamy and everything you'd want in a duke, his only problem is self-confidence in his heritage. He is too concerned about what others think, yet Ravenna doesn't give a care.
The only place where I felt needed stronger was the actual characters themselves, they needed to be more developed, I felt them both to be shallow. I think more background, especially when they were children together needed to be better highlighted and more fleshed out. Courtland's reasoning of why he didn't feel up to being a duke was a bit weak and he whines about it far too often, meanwhile the rest of us (Ravenna included) roll our eyes and say "so what?!"
I gave this book 5 stars because of the strong plot and writing. From the start, it hooks you in and keeps the tension and action going. The steam and chemistry between the characters certainly add to the enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend it!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Received a copy for review.

I loved Revenna and her determination to live her life on her terms. She does not wish to marry and does not understand while her brother can travel and sow oats while she has to be the very model of ladylike behavior. She was having a great time until she finds herself in a card game with her former neighbor/ childhood betrothed, accused of cheating.

Being compromised is a great way into forced proximity. These two have so much baggage. If Court had started something and then run away one more time....

I liked them both and was happy to see characters from other books.

Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

A good story.

It was fast-paced enemies to lovers and I loved it. One thing I want to say is that I loved the diversity. This is not the cliche romance many people would expect. I loved Ravenna and how independent she was. It was honestly really enjoyable watching all the characters interact. The plot I must say was good and consistent! I loved the chemistry, and I definitely recommend this book!

Amalie Howard is quickly becoming my go to author for historical romance. Rules for Heiresses is the third book of her’s I have read this year and each one has put me in a post-read haze. It’s especially exciting to read a diverse romance set in this time period when the history and the genre have been white-washed for so long.
In this novel, Ravenna is caught in a compromising position with Courtland Chase, a newly inherited Duke, while abroad. They are forced into a marriage of convenience. When they return to London They must face off against Courtland’s step-family, who wish to see Courtland’s step-brother as the new Duke instead. Ravenna and Courtland find themselves in a battle of wills to do what each believes is the right thing for one another.
The tension between Ravenna and Courtland is intense from the very first scene to the end of the novel, and I enjoyed every second of it. Many historical romances emphasize that their heroines are badass, independent with far more modern attitudes than the rest of the characters. Some of these novels rely too heavily on telling us how this is true, but Amalie makes me believe it. Ravenna was bold and fierce in her actions throughout the novel. I loved watching her match Courtland toe-to-toe as they both tried to do what they thought was best. One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the plot. I feel like it lends itself well to causing drama between the main characters without it being easily resolved by a frank conversation, and it wasn’t too rushed at the end.
I’ve been binging historical romance lately and this one followed many familiar conventions of the genre, while also feeling interesting and fresh. If you haven’t started this series or read Amalie Howard before, don’t hesitate to try out one of her books! All of her heroines are strong, all of the couples have great chemistry, and all of the plots are well timed and interesting! I’d also like to note that I went back and read the first book in this series after this one, so this can’t definitely stand on its own if you don’t mind knowing some details about the first couple.

In this companion novel to "The Princess Stakes," Embry's little sister Ravenna gets a romantic adventure to rival his own.

After escaping an unwelcome suitor by stowing away as a sailor to the Americas, who should Lady Ravenna run into but her childhood sweetheart and betrothed who is believed dead! Hijinx and fated romance ensue, they marry early to avoid scandal and spend most of the book realizing they really do love each other and deserve to be loved.

Howard gifts the readers with several more of her signature steamy scenes. I may have reread those chapters.

There is a bit of a plot and a villain to foil, but the romance is front and center and doesn't disappoint.

A great escapist read just in time for holiday travel!

Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Amalie Howard is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC.

Biases have no place in our world, neither in times past nor today. There are, unfortunately, individuals who will always have bigotry in their very make up. Add in envy and greed and you have a horrible mix. Trust in your instincts and what your heart tells you and never let others sway you. Trust yourself and alway go for what you believe in yourself. Everyone deserves the chance to show you their true selves.

This book was a joyful ride. And I loved every second of it! Thank you Amalie Howard for creating such an amazing and entertaining book. Definitely will have to check out more work by them!

Ravenna is not your typical heiress and that works out well for Courtland, the new duke of Ashvale. Discovered in a compromising position, they must marry and their unusual relationship progresses from there. The rules for heiresses are strict and the consequences of breaking them harsh. Enjoyable historical romance.

So, sadly, this one fell a little flat for me. This childhood friends to marriage of convenience was in theory right up my alley. Where this one didn't work for me was the hero. He pushed her away too much, and his reasonings felt so weak. It made it hard for me to buy in to his feelings.

I really enjoyed Ravenna and Courtland's dynamic, though, on his own, he kinda annoyed me at times. There were times I just didn't really buy what I was being told he was feeling. But I still enjoyed their journey and as the book continued, I grew to like him more.

I absolutely loved this book... so much in fact that i purchased the Audible too and cant wait to listen to it!!!
Ravenna and Courtland both complicated. Within the storyline I enjoyed a runaway bride, scandal, adventure, compromising position, villainy and sizzling romance. The storyline is well developed and strong with character that were absolutely marvelous!

I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Great characters you want the best for an independent sassy female and a hot guy.. who doesn't love rule breakers a bit of mystery in there too.. Not a clean read so don't read if sexy offends. Just a little bit too much use of f==k which wasn't a word used in that era.

Rules for Heiresses - Amalie Howard - ✨Review✨ 5/5 stars - Released 10/26/21


* A rebellious heiress determined to be independent
* A shunned duke forced to return to his family estate
* And a scandal between them that will have the whole town aflutter
Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules..


~ Book Review ~

This is a super fun childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, and has a forced marriage trope with diverse characters (that I loved seeing!) The plot involves villains and espionage that gave this story a little something extra too.

Our heroine, the privileged Lady Ravenna Huntley, is an opinionated, sassy spitfire.

Our hero, Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, is referred to as “the island Duke” by his peers. He’s content on living his life away from London after being driven from his home by his stepmother.

Rules for Heiresses is set on the island of Antigua, West Indies and in/around London. Courtland has no family (besides his marriage of convenience to new wife, Ravenna) with the exception of a step-mother and half-brother that hate his mixed blood. They want him gone and had told the ton he had died so his half-brother could become the Duke in his place. Well Courtland put an immediate stop to that. Ravenna and Cordy have tons of chemistry, there’s so much pining, and things get quite steamy during the moments they actually let their guard down. I loved how Ravenna proved to Cordy that he WAS worthy of everything he has, standing by his side as he went through his inner turmoil. This is not to be missed!

I also recommend by Amalie Howard, The Beast of Beswick and The Rakehell of Roth. All three are outstanding.

*Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for kindly providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.