Rules for Heiresses is a marriage of convenience romance between two childhood neighbors who had been engaged years before. However Courtland had disappeared and everyone thought him dead until Ravenna comes across him in a game of cards on Antigua while she is dressed as a boy. The two find themselves in a compromising position and must marry. The rest of the book is them learning to trust and love each other.

Even though I could see the top of dress on the cover of this book, I was unaware that it took place during the 1860s until I started reading. I was also surprised to find that it started on Antigua and the island plays a part in the book throughout the story. I do read historical romances other than Regency novels but it took my brain a little time to adjust to the technology and politics of the day rather than those of 50 years before.

I really really like Ravenna. She was full of sass and energy. I struggled a little with Courtland. I appreciated that he was a mixed race member of the aristocracy but I grew weary of his personality constantly flipping from hot to cold. I did enjoy the pair’s dynamic as a couple and it was very fun to seem them fall in love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC.

This was an erotic romance with modern speech and personality traits. It was historic in it's settings, though. I enjoyed this story of childhood crushes mixed with rake-debutant-marriage-of -coveniance with cross dressing.
The heroine escapes on one of her brother's, the duke, ships dressed as a man to get away from having to do the Season as an older debutante, turning down potential husbands. She had been engaged to her childhood friend who was a Marquess who was two years older than him, until he disappeared when he was 16 and she was 14. She has left her brother's ship when it docked in Antigua and gets into a high stake gambling table at a fancy hotel. The man across the table is, unknown to her, the owner and he is there to prevent her cheating. She isn't cheating but doesn't want to lose her coat or waistcoat to prove it. She is taken to the owner's office and she realizes that he is the missing, claimed dead, childhood friend. He is the hero and he realizes who she is. He is trying to get her to listen to reason, when they tumble to the ground, making out, not realizing that everyone is watching. So they have to get married. And he has just learned his grandfather passed and he us now a duke.
This story started like a typical romance, but it was unique. It dealt with many bigotries of that time period. I enjoyed how the story went from the West Indian islands to London. It also tried to incorporate human trafficking and labor laws. For a book that was all over the place, it really was well paced, well thought out, and well written. I give it 4.5 stars and a recommendation to read.

3.5 stars.

The efforts behind the novel is very clear and much appreciated.

Liked both Ravenna and Courtland's characters.

The first few pages felt 'oh this is so predictable' - but moving on, the story development was good.
Few important scenes seemed to go by very fast that I had to re-read a couple of them.

Hope we get to read about some of the secondary characters we saw in this book, in the forthcoming ones.

Overall a good read.

Rules for Heiresses is a historical romance by Amelie Howard. This is my first time reading the author, and I can say with certainty that I'll be reading more books of hers in the future.

As children Ravenna Huntley and Courtland Chase , neighbors and friends, were set to be married but when they were young teens Ravenna was told Courtland had died. What followed was two failed engagements and Ravenna yearning for her freedom. On her adventures gambling dressed as a man and seeing the world she finds herself in a sticky situation. The only man who can help her turns out to be Courtland who is actually alive and well. In order to save her reputation and for him to claim his rightful title, the two are forced into a marriage of convenience. Neither wanted to be married but they can't deny their connection but will Courtland push her away for good before she can prove that he's the only man worthy of her.

This was so much I enjoyed about this one. Lady Ravenna was my favorite type of heroine. She was outspoken , sarcastic, headstrong, and passionate. I loved that she stood up for herself and those that she loved. Courtland was pretty great too, but he suffered from I'm unworthy of you, so I'm going to push you away and deny my feelings' trope. He hurt her feelings one too many times for my liking, and too many hot and cold moments annoyed me. Yet while he wasn't verbal in his feelings, more than one time his internal yearning for Ravenna made me swoon 🥰. What I loved most was the verbal sparing between the two of them and the copious amount of intimate scenes that burned up the pages 🔥🔥🔥

Rules for Heiresses was a historical romance with the marriage of conveniencetrope with wonderful characters and chemistry that is sure to entertain fans of the genre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rules For Heiresses took me on a journey of adventure, rebellion, and soul-searing passion! This novel was breathtaking in its gorgeous story-telling and fascinating characters. I could not put this book down!

Lady Ravenna Huntley has run away to Antigua to avoid marriage in the stifling confines of London. Courtland Chase has been cruelly driven from England and has made a fortune in business and shipping in Antigua. Through a bevy of fortuitous events, Courtland finds himself the Duke of Ashvale, returning to London with Ravenna as his bride. Courtland’s mother was from Antigua, and he has fought discrimination and mistrust regarding his heritage and birthright as Duke. Courtland has many demons and has been hurt tremendously in the past by his family. Courtland has closed off his heart through necessity. Courtland is a complicated, multi-faceted character. He is vulnerable and lonely under the harsh, cold facade.

Ravenna’s personality jumps from the page. She is fiercely independent, intelligent, and outspoken. All are qualities frowned upon for well-bred young ladies. Ravenna is also open-minded and possesses an open, giving heart. I was taken under Ravenna’s spell; she is a character I will not soon forget.

Courtland and Ravenna’s connection is instant and primal. The tension between the couple sears the page. Their passion ignites a firestorm that builds the foundation of a rocky road to unconditional love and acceptance.

The plot has many moving parts, and the writing was exceptional. The backdrops of Antigua and London were stunning. The plot dealt with prejudice and societal expectations in a gritty, respectful way. The love story between Courtland and Ravenna was epic; the passion of the couple was off-the-charts. It was a perfect match for two flawed, imperfect people. I read this book in one sitting. It captured my interest and attention instantly, and it was a wild journey all the way to the last page.

Although not mentioned, Rules For Heiresses is connected to Rystan and Sarani’s story in The Princess Stakes. Ravenna is Rystan’s sister. I was awestruck by this book. Amalie Howard has a gift of writing organic, relatable characters within adventurous, thought-provoking storylines. I was infatuated and obsessed with Courtland and Ravenna’s complex and soul-stirring journey to acceptance, happiness, and love. I recommend this book all day long! Do not miss it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved it! It has action, suspense, heroes, villains, diversity, history, and a steamy romance. What's the only thing that could have made this book better? Maybe a public flogging of the step-mother.. but thats about it. I loved the witty banter between the two main characters that literally had me laughing out loud and the happy ending was everything. This was my first Amalie Howard book and I can promise it won't be my last!

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the e-arc! As usual, my ratings and opinions are entirely my own. =D

Very fun rompy read that did feel like you had to have read The Princess Stakes beforehand. (I went back and read that after). Chase was a little repetitive but it was easy to root for Ravenna and her tenacity.

This was a good book.
It had such good tropes in it such as enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, forced proximity and childhood friends to lovers so I'm not even surprised i liked it.
The romance in it wasgood, the banter and the angst between the two main characters were written in a good way which made it a very great read.
Ravenna is such a great main character, who is not only very smart but also funny and strong.
I wasn't that big of a fan of Courtland's character at some parts of the book, but he wasn't that bad.
I also enjoyed the side characters in this book, and the ending of this book.
I'd say that what made me not love it is that sometimes i felt like things just kept changing every second, they'd like repeat the same thing over and over again until getting together in the end.
But i really appreciated a lot of the themes that were explored in this book so I'd say that it was a good read overall.



Thank you NetGalley fo sending this arc in exchange of an honest reiew!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review RULES FOR HEIRESSES.

This was so much fun to read! Childhood friends to lovers (with a slight detour through eNeMy territory) is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the chemistry, the tension and Ravenna's sass. And Courtland is a stubbornly swoon-worthy hero. *happy sigh*

This is an #ownvoices historical romance with a biracial hero that can be read as a stand alone or immediately following The Princess Stakes for a more satisfying reading experience. If you're a sucker for backstory like I am, you'll also want to read the Author's Note at the end.

Oh boy this one hooked right at the beginning! I loved how it started right away with the action. The relationship with Raveena and Count was great and so much fun to read. This was a steamy historical romance and I loved the authors writing style. I will be sure to keep her on my radar in the future.

We have Ravenna Huntley who will now bow down to society pressures and decides to run away from England. She is in Antigua and is accused of cheating and rather than be caught as a women rather go to jail and ends up running into her childhood neighbor Courtland Chase the new Duke of Ashvale, they are caught in a steamy kiss, so they have to kiss. Courtland is set on a marriage of convenience and he really gets on my nerves at this, he is hot and cold and it drives me crazy and I think that if he just relented I would have liked him more and the book, the book had potential for me but it fell its mark. I did like Ravenna as a heroine.

One of the most successful parts of the book to me was that this was a modern take on historical romance, where we explored themes of acceptance, prejudice and societal pressures in a thoughtful way.

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...
Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence.
Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashton, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.
Amalie Howard whisks you away with a historical romance full of drama, true love, and the perfect happily ever after.
Argumentative, poignant, and loving is the gist of the game that they play.
This couple can't be right for each other or could they.
Amalie Howard has written a lovely romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This is a regency romance written by an #ownvoices author and features a hero of mixed heritage

✔️ a brave and smart heroine and a reluctant hero who doesn’t try to change her
✔️ lots of scheming and spying in service of her majesty
✔️ I always enjoy a good marriage of convenience
🔘 there is a lot of smut in this novel - personally I don’t need this much smuttty smut but I’m sure those who do will enjoy it

Another great one from Amalie Howard. This is a relatively new author but I have really enjoyed her books over the last year. Rules for Heisresses has a great main character. So my fun! This was a fantastic, fast paced book ! This story has it all: humor, danger, family drama, and some really sexy times!! Highly recommend!
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I was given this title as an ARC via NetGalley, this does not impact my review.

Lady Ravenna Huntley ran away from her suffocating life amongst the ton. She wants adventure and to see the world, she wants to live outside the ridiculous standards set for those of her station. So she ran. She disguised herself and chased her adventures, until she was caught by her first betrothed. A man she thought to be dead, her childhood nemesis. Neither are wild about the idea of marriage but seeing as it's the only way to save Ravenna's reputation they do what they must.

This was a one sitting read for me, it sucks you in from the very beginning.

definitely a romance book that needs to be added to your TBRs.

What a fun, fasted paced book ! I LOVED the main character, Lady Ravenna Huntley, who is determined to live her life the way she wants. She captivated me from the start. Lord Courtland Chase has his own past that he needs to overcome, but is successful and well respected. Their story has it all: action, humor, some danger, family drama and some HEAT!
I am a huge fan of Amalie Howard, and this story did not disappoint.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rules for Heiresses is Amalie Howard’s new book out October 26th. She is a one-click auto buy author for me, so it’s not surprising that I enjoyed it. This book has childhood friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, a headstrong heroine in PANTS (while dressed as a man but pants none the less), lots of angsty pining and super steamy sex scenes. So basically everything I love rolled into one book.

Lady Ravenna Huntely, who we met in the previous book The Princess Stakes, is hiding out in the West Indies dressed as man gambling for money. Unfortunately she gets accused of cheating at Courtland Chase’s gambling hall, the same night it’s revealed he is really a duke and her childhood friend- DUM DUM DUM!! When they are interrupted mid reunion (lips attached) they must marry to save face. Of course their fake marriage becomes real feelings as Ravenna tries to break through Courtland’s stoney walls around his heart and he denies Ravenna is perfect for him.

Two things that Amalie Howard does very well - sex scenes and creating characters that your heart breaks for. The sex scenes in the conservatory and bathtub 🔥 🔥 🔥!! Ravenna is such a sassy, headstrong heroine, she surprises Courtland at every turn but it’s her unconditional acceptance and love for him that that was really happy about. I love a heroine that can take care of herself!

“I don’t need any to save me.” And with that she yanked her trusty pistol from her pocket.”

As with The Princess Stakes, I love seeing characters with different backgrounds than they typical historical romance. Courtland’s struggle for a place to belong being biracial while falling in love with Ravenna is wonderfully written.

“Brown, island born and proud of it. If I won’t fight for myself, who will?”

*Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rules for Heiresses is fast paced and steamy! I really liked Ravenna's strong and sassy character. She is very determined to do life her own way and push back on the restrictions placed on her. She is a fantastic compliment to Courtland who wants to protect her from the abuses he experienced as a young man. With lots of themes on racism and colonialism and doing better in life, it has moments of seriousness. But overall a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went back and forth on how I felt about this book. I really liked the beginning, how these two childhood friends met again years later, and the forced marriage trope is one I usually enjoy.

The premise of the book caught my attention from the start: a historical romance with a mixed-race duke, a feminist protagonist, spionage and Caribbean vibes. However, I feel it felt a little bit flat. Everything was there, the romance, the luxurious parties, the Caribbean island… even the mean family. I just think the story was meant to be longer or have fewer but better developed storylines.

I would like to highlight that the anti-racist aspect of the story was very well done. Our hero is biracial and he believes he is undeserving of the ducal responsibility he was born into. On the other side, we have Ravenna who was a great heroine. She didn't let Courtland control her - she worked to win him over, too make him see what she saw in him.

I would still recommend it as a light read if you are in the mood for something very similar to the first Bridgerton book. This has elements of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, fake dating all set in the 19th century.