This was an enjoyable historical romance. I wish we had gone a bit deeper on some of the realities of having parents that are POC and how that affects her reality, but other than that, I liked the characters and their relationship. I really appreciated the author's note. I would recommend this book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC

Feelings are difficult and people are cruel....

So much of who we are is formed at a young age most often by those closest to us, good and bad. The bad is difficult to undo alone. The tender love of a spouse and go a long way toward healing old wounds. Thankfully Courtland and Ravenna came together and her love started to heal him.

This is a fast paced race to a HEA. There are broken expectations, need for adventure, shenanigans, compromising kisses, and so much more. There are conversations about abolition, not just in Britain and it colonies, but also in America. I liked that it was an undercurrent and not a lecture. Ms. Howard scattered it through the book to add to the tension Courtland was dealing with. It was used to bring Courtland to the conclusion we had already made...he loved Ravenna and didn't want to lose her.

Ravenna was interesting and confusing at the same time. She runs away for adventure and independence, yet yearns for a family and love. She swears she doesn't want to marry, until she is and then all sje can think about is making it wprk better than Courtland seems to want it. In the end, I liked her the most when she finally just threw herself fully into being a wife and not having her little personal pouting sessions.

Courtland.....what to say....was frustrating. You know instantly that he lives Ravenna, but does everything to sabatage their relationship. Sometimes so spectacularly you just want to shake him. He has held onto past hurts, yes they are massive, but he doesn't give himself enough credit for what HE has accomplished all on his own.

I adored Bronwyn! While she isn't in many scenes, the ones she is in are epic!! The term small but mighty is how I see her. She has been listening, observing and learning all the family secrets and has a good history with their grandfather, the old Duke. She has NO problem calling out Stinson and making him not only tow the line but start to repair the family. I hope we get to see her find her hero and HEA, she would be brilliant.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

You can’t go wrong with Amalie Howard! I absolutely loved Rules for Heiresses. Ravinia is the perfect indomitable heroine. Bold, tenacious and unstoppable. When the season isn’t going your way, pack your bags and hit the high sea! Ravinia dresses as a man and goes out on her Grand Tour… this may be the most unique reason for this trope and I loved it. Why should a man have all the fun? Enter Courtland at just the right moment to put a stop to her adventures. He is tall, dark & dreamy and every bit the boy she remembers and loves. The back & forth between these two in their quest for dominance was a delight. The banter, the tension, it was all there. I am reading this series backwards and it was nice to see a bit of origin for Bronwyn’s tenancity! The women in this series definitely are the ones wearing the pants in these relationships, a perfect example of female prowess and power.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

I love historical romance and Amalie Howard didn't disappoint me. This has everything I searched in this genre. Whitty FMC and Strong MMC. It's very well written. Would certainly read it again maybe later.

This one mad me a fan of the disguised trope, although it didn't last too long. Raven and Courtland were fun to read. Of course, lots of sex too! Different scenery was a welcome change. It's a wild ride of story with lots of emotion. Some lines made my stomach hurt in a good way, To me I read for characters and boy did Howard deliver. Clever, witty and fun.

I had a great time reading this book! An awesome take on the childhood friends to lovers trope with a marriage of convenience twist!

This book was such a fun and enjoyable book to read! Lots of great dialogue and beautifully written moments. At times however the "extra" vocabulary was a bit much and took me out of the story. But still, a good childhood enemies to enemies historical romance.

I really enjoyed Ravenna and Courtland's story! What a fun ride this story turned out to be. From a marriage of connivence to one of love, such fun!

This was a quick read and I loved the headstrong heroines. Each of the characters developed over the book and I feel like the overall issues were not solved overly simply but with more depth than some in this genre. The overall idea was intriguing and one that I have not seen before from what I have read of this genre. I have not read a regency romance before that dealt with race in such depth though I know it existed and racism was rather rampant during this time period. I liked this title overall.

This was amazing! I love Amalie's writing and all her historical romances carry a significant lesson on how a woman can be strong even in a male-dominated society of that time.

“Rules for Heiresses” is a historical romance between childhood friends-to-enemies-to-lovers that are forced into a quick marriage due to being caught in a compromising situation. When you start this story be prepared for the author to present a female MC that behaves nothing like a lady, is able to flaunt society norms, and even masquerade as a man while doing manual labor. It’s a lot to accept for a historical romance. The male MC is your typical tortured hero, with a hard past and new family obligations, he isn’t always the most charming man.

The passion and good old lust between the MCs is sizzling hot - and Amalie Howard definitely knows how to write steamy scenes! 🔥❤️‍🔥

I felt like the story kind of dragged a bit in the second half and could have done without so much indecision from the hero. However, overall it’s a fun HR and the perfect book for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄

Rules for Heiresses is the second book in the Daring Duke Series which tells the childhood friends to lovers story of Rowena and Cordy two people who struggle to find out where they fit in the judgmental world of aristocratic London only to discover that the best fit is with each other. This novel is filled with charming characters and banter that is sure to make readers giggle. Rules for Heiresses is sure to be enjoyed by readers who appreciate a funny yet mysterious historical romance. Thank you to the author, publisher #StMartinsPress and #Netgalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I am posting this review voluntarily.

Ravenna is a woman of fire. She is independent and not afraid to go for what she wants. This spirit finds her on the island of Antigua facing down a man she thought had died years ago at the moment he learns he is now a duke. Courtland wants nothing to do with the dukedom. He left England years ago when his father died and his stepmother sent him away making it clear he was neither wanted nor welcome. When Courtland and Ravenna are found in a compromising situation, the only thing they can do is marry and return home.

There is so much angst in this book. Ravenna battles with her feelings for Courtland and her need to remain a free spirit. She has no idea how much Courtland actually admires her gumption as he feels the marriage cannot last and so constantly pushes her away. Courtland is still hurting at the loss of his father, his home, and any family who ever cared for him. He is the hero who truly finds himself unworthy and unlovable. I loved the contrast of Ravenna's fiery personality and her true vulnerability when it comes to Courtland. I enjoyed seeing these two find their way and their home with one another. The banter is top notch and the chemistry outstanding.

Fans of Kerrigan Byrne would really enjoy this book. I highly recommend it for any fans of historical romance with a strong heroine.

This was really enjoyable. Fun, fast, and I enjoyed the character's relationships. Could have been a little more well rounded, but still a good rainy day read.

Rules for Heiresses is a beautifully crafted tale of adventure, romance, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself no matter what society might think.

Ravenna might just be the best Victorian era heroine I’ve read! Even though she was a duke’s daughter, she was outspoken and stood up for herself and fought against society’s expectations for her. Ravenna truly had no fear, except for losing her heart to Courtland. I also really loved the hero. He was a perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, and I felt my heart squeeze a few times while reading for the boy he was, the man he had become, and the decisions he felt he had to make because of his history. I loved how Ravenna helped him as well as how Courtland accepted her and loved everything about her. I especially loved the Caribbean parts of the book, and with a little action and suspense I couldn’t put this one down!

I really liked how uniquely this novel started with Ravenna 'meeting' Courtland in a man's disguise. It was fun, humorous, and a different way to begin the novel.

However, I had issues with Courtland's character. He was a little too "hot and old" for me to fully enjoy this novel or his character. I know this is a trait that can be seen in many romance novels but it didn't work out successfully for this one. Instead of me being excited with the buildup of their relationship, I was moreso frustrated with each of their interactions.

Additionally, although I can appreciate a stubborn heroine (they are some of my favourite heroines) there was something specifically about Ravenna's stubbornness that irritated me.

Between the characters individually and their ever changing relationship, this was just not the read for me. All of the criticisms that I had with this novel combined and made this novel much more of a mediocre read rather than one that I enjoyed.

***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Another great read from Amalie Howard! The main characters, Ravenna and Courtland were great story to read. It’s a fast paced, easy read! A great read for a historical romance reader!

I absolutely adore this author & I love enemies to lovers!! I really enjoyed the romance & how fast paced this one was! Ravenna is a strong, independent, heroine. She wants to feel free and not have a traditional marriage. Courtland is our Duke hero who has come back to claim the title after his stepmother sent him away. He doesn’t want love so a marriage of convince works for him. These two are perfectly matched. I love that Ravenna is determined to show Courtland his worth & make their marriage work! The two also had lots of pining and steam between them! This was such a great read! It really had so many elements that call to me! From the wittiness to the angst to the steam Ravenna and Courtland show us!! I truest enjoy this and can’t wait for what’s next from this author!

Rules for Heiresses was absolutely captivating! With friendship, romance and charm, I adored this book! These characters pulled me in so easily and it felt like I was watching a movie unfold! If you love adult historical romance, fierce heroines and tortured male characters then you definitely need to check this one out!

“Ravenna.”
“Yes?” she said, breathless.
“I will always value your opinion.”
On that shockingly solemn pronouncement, he hauled her gracefully upright amid deafening cheers, and Ravenna let out a shuddering breath.

Lady Ravenna Huntley and Lord Courtland Chase had been arranged to marry since infancy. When he left eleven years ago, she thought he had died. So meeting years later, under the most unusual circumstances, it was impossible not to smile. Their meet cute was shocking and so much fun! Even after so much time had passed, they not only still had a connection but there was also an intense attraction and chemistry too! When Ravenna and Courtland were caught in a compromising position and forced to wed, I was clapping my hands excited for what would happen next!

“People are staring,” she murmured.
He lifted her gloved hand to his lips. “Let them.”

I loved Lady Ravenna Huntley! She was independent, fierce, level headed and knew what she wanted in life. And I adored the relationship she had with her sister-in-law. When Lord Courtland Chase waltzed back into her life, I was obsessed! He could be so grumpy, closed off and pushed others away. But with Lady Ravenna, he constantly found himself drawn to her. Even though he tried his best to push her away too. Courtland antagonized her which made me laugh, but there was that intense tension between them that neither of them could deny. So when they traveled back home, we started seeing an even bigger picture. This book had a richness and depth to it that surprised me!

“Save us both the trouble and tell me what it is you want from me, Your Grace.”
Your body. Your consent. Your surrender. But none of those things were his to demand. Courtland blew out a breath.

At the core of this story was Courtland and Ravenna. And as they stepped back into their lives, I loved watching not only him defending her, but that she also stood up for him too. Together they felt like a team, but Courtland was so damaged from his past. And I kept hoping he would open up and trust Ravenna. Because when they got along it felt like the sun was brilliantly shining, it was smile inducing! And their moments together later on were hot and very steamy! They are a couple you will definitely be cheering for every step of the way!

“What do you do to me?” he bit out, breaking from her.
“The same you do to me.” Her fingers threaded through his wet hair, those singular eyes on his, molten and wanting. She tugged, a devious smile on her lips. “Kiss me again, Duke.”

Rules for Heiresses was my first read by Amalie Howard and I will definitely be bingeing her back-list! The story not only kept me intrigued but the characters felt so real! If you enjoy historical romance, steamy moments and meaningful story-lines then you'll want Rules for Heiresses on your tbr!

“You are neither misfortune nor ruin, Courtland Chase. You’re the star… the light that brightens everything it touches. It’s time you saw that.”

PS Bronwyn needs her own book!