Rules for Heiresses: Ms. Howard has a way of making her characters come alive and the reader feel as if 
they are part of the story. The book was written well, the pacing was perfect, and the characters were lovable.
Lady Ravenna Huntley was the daughter of a duke and had all the privileges that go with it. She hated all of society’s rules and just wanted to be herself. After two failed engagements she decides, she does not want to marry but instead, she wants to travel the world as her brother had. Ravenna’s plan is foolproof not to mention adventurous. Dressing up like a man and traveling the world by herself was amazing until she meets Lord Courtland Chase, her childhood friend, and first betrothal. Finding herself in a compromising position and her identity revealed, she must marry Courtland to save her reputation.
Lord Courtland Chase had been forced out of England by his stepmother and his half-brother Stinson after his father died. He never planned on returning and assuming the title of the Duke of Ashvale but after being discovered in a compromising position with Ravenna he is forced to return to save her reputation. Courtland knows society will not welcome him with open arms. Stinson had taken up the courtesy title after spreading the rumor Courtland was dead. His mixed-race and rumors of illegitimacy could keep him from being named successor. His plan is to get the estates and Ravenna settled then seek an annulment and return to Antigua.
Ravenna was smart, sassy, self-reliant, and determined to experience traveling as men did. She did not understand Courtland’s detached behavior, but she did not let it get her down. She could not believe his stepmother and Stinson had treated him so badly but quickly realized the truth once they arrived in England. Courtland was a wonderful hero. He had been hurt by his family and societies’ prejudice and never wanted to return to England. He only went back to save Ravenna’s reputation and he was reluctant to let her close because he planned on leaving her once everything was resolved.
I thought the epilogue was well done and loved seeing Courtland and Stinson’s relationship improve. This was an entertaining book and I found myself caught up in it for hours. I recommend it and look forward to future books. Hopefully, we will see Courtland’s siblings in the future.
Book Info:
Publication: October 26, 2021 | Sourcebooks Casablanca |
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.
Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it’ll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all…
