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…

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, the grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, 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…

Daring Dukes connecting stories — The Princess Stakes – Rules for Heiresses –

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Rules for Heiresses
Series:  Daring Dukes #2
Author:  Amalie Howard
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  October 26, 2021
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4 stars

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.*

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