The Rules of Courtship

Hearts of Harewood #3

by Kasey Stockton

In the game of love, the heart seldom abides by the rules…

Ruth Wycliffe always thought falling in love would be easy. But after countless introductions and no promising prospects, she’s starting to lose hope. Desperate for a change, she strikes a deal with her good friend, Oliver at an upcoming house party, they’ll help each other find the perfect spouse.

Oliver has always followed society’s rules—until now. Helping Ruth should be easy, but the more time they spend together, the more complicated things become. Suddenly, finding a spouse doesn’t seem so simple when he’s starting to wonder if the perfect match has been right in front of him all along.

But love was never part of their arrangement, and when Oliver uncovers a devastating secret, he knows he can never ask Ruth to choose him. Marrying her would mean tying her future to his uncertain fate, and walking away is the only honorable choice.

But some risks are worth taking, and some hearts are worth fighting for. Will Ruth and Oliver hold to the plan—or risk everything for a love that defies the odds?

Book three in the Hearts of Harewood series, The Rules of Courtship is a sweet and clean Regency romance.

Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story! It is the third book in the series but it works as a standalone. However, there are reoccurring characters from previous books. There is a little bit of a love triangle going on with Samuel and Oliver both liking the same girl, Ruth. Except Samuel is open about liking her. Ruth doesn’t want to be with Samuel so she made up a bunch of rules of the type of man she can’t court to get rid of him. She does however want to be with Oliver but her rules make that impossible too. When Oliver thinks of asking Ruth to marry him, he chickens out because he needs money. Instead all 3 go to a house party and Oliver and Ruth decide to help each other find matches. I love house party stories! They are always fun! I loved how this story has 3 povs, Oliver, Ruth and Samuel. There were some things that Oliver has to deal with that make things complicated and I felt bad for him but it works out. I liked watching Oliver and Ruth together. And it looks like we may be getting another story! Overall, this was a clean romantic regency and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, this cover is so pretty! Second, I really liked Oliver from the last couple books so I was excited to finally read his story and happily ever after! He was so sweet and charming! He had been through a lot! Ruth was absolutely delightful! I loved her and reading about her throughout the past two books! It felt perfect to see these two finally get together! It took long enough for them to admit that they loved each other! I’m excited to read the next book and complete this series.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a...book! I was going to say fun, because it is. But that isn't all it is. I was going to say deep because parts of it are, but that isn't all. I was going to say surprising-parts are, but not all.

So I repeat: what a book.

Regency is my first love. I love that I can safely read it without the language, sex, and innuendos. But I also love the rules that we would consider absurd today. And don't get me wrong-they absolutely are. Absurd, I mean. But I love getting to live historical time periods through books.

And the rules Ruth has are for sure absurd. As the book goes on, they become more humorous, and it's so much fun to see how they evolve.

Ruth is far more witty than I, so that's about all I've got. But this is easily a five star read for me.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[The_Power Of_The Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasey will always be one of my favorite authors. I have loved this series so much! This is a friends to more trope, not one of my favorite tropes, but it was done well and had so much more going on. Lots of conflicting feelings, fears and tension. Still lots of wit and playful banter.

I liked revisiting some of the characters from previous books in this series. The story can be read as a stand alone, but you will understand so much more if you read them in order.

From its delightful opening scene with the heroine hiding in a tree to the wonderful ending, you will be swept into this story of sweet romance. It’s a great example of what a romcom should be.

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this book so much!!! Kasey really packed in the feels with this one- it was such a great balance of heavy emotions and the romantic ones. I read this one a bit ago and still think happily back on it. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this series (which I’ll be fixing asap btw!!) and it was still easy to read as a stand alone.

Things to love:
❤️ Triple POV 🙌🏻
💙He falls first
❤️Friends to More
💙Found family
❤️difficult challenges being conquered
💙Mysterious characters
Annnnd so much more!! Read it, love it, you won’t regret it!! 😘

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth’s 32 rules are absolutely entertaining. The theme of found family shines through, accented by the poignant loss of both grandma and dad. The struggle with inheritance adds depth, illustrating that sometimes it can be a burden rather than a blessing. Ruth and Oliver share a passion for horse riding, and their close relationship with Ruth’s dad enriches the story. This novel truly has it all! My favorite tropes, including friends to lovers and forced proximity, are beautifully woven together. I can't resist a great house party setting. Ruth and Oliver are incredibly relatable characters. I'm so excited to read the next book and learn more about the mystery letters.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet! I did find it just a tad slow, but overall a nice story. :)

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anticipating this book since the first book of the series! And it did not disappoint at all. I was completely pulled into the story and invested in Ruth and Oliver. I have been before this book even was written. Lol. I love how the author set up their story in the previous books and I was very happily engrossed in it! I didn't want it to end. This is book three in this series and although you could probably read it as a standalone, I highly recommend you start with the first book and read them in order. They'll all fantastic and very fulfilling reads. I love the characters and the beauty of their stories and growth. I've shed tears for these characters and I have cheered them on as well!

Ruth and Oliver have been friends for years and have been somewhat estranged after the death of his grandma and his need to learn and manage the estate. But Ruth has never stopped hoping for their friendship to be rekindled and strengthened, and for possibly something more. But her list of rules has been a hinderance. So has another gentleman who has doggedly pursued her. What's a girl to do? Set aside her rules and hope for the best? Or forever be left to pine for the man she loves?

I loved this story and couldn't help but giggling out loud and sighing over the sweet love story. There is lots of matchmaking happening as well that is just the best! I don't think Ruth and Oliver stand a chance against all of their family and friends who are hoping they can figure things out.

There are definitely some obstacles from the beginning to the end but friendship and love can help lift and support when encountering struggles. *Happy sigh* I was very satisfied with how this book told the tale of Ruth and Oliver. My heart was soaring for them!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime Kasey writes a new book I get so excited because I know it’s going to be GOOD! And this one did not disappoint! Loved it so so much!

Oliver has long admired Ruth but so has his cousin/best friend Samuel, Ruth does not feel the same way about Samuel and so she creates all these rules for the man she wants to marry-it’s pretty obvious she is making these rules to try and deter Samuel but they also make Oliver an unacceptable match.

When Oliver finds out Ruth is going to a house party to start looking for a husband he decides to go and try and get her to see him as an option and if that’s not possible because she won’t give up her rules then to try and help her find a good match and he looks for a match of his own.

Jealousy can be quite the motivator in situations like these and Ruth starts to realize that Oliver is more than just a friend but she will have to give up her rules to even give him a chance.

I couldn’t put this one down and read late into the night multiple times! I would definitely recommend this one and the whole series! I really think this one needs to be read in order because of all the connections and background with the characters.

Things I loved
🩷All the rules at the beginning of the chapters
- Ruth and her rules are often ridiculous but they serve a purpose and I loved them
🩷 the 🍎🌳
🩷 Oliver always putting other’s happiness first
🩷 He fell first
🩷 Found family
🩷 Plot twists
🩷 Uncle Charles
🩷 Lots of 💋’s
🩷Samuel’s POV- got me so excited for his story next because yes he deserves to be loved too

[Emma | meadowroselibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮? 𝘐𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘙𝘶𝘵𝘩. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."

This one is definitely my favorite of the series so far! 🥰 Ever since book 1, I've hoped for Ruth and Oliver's story.
I love Ruth's personality, she's so determined and never gives up, never lets anyone tear her down. And friends to lovers is quickly becoming my favorite trope. 🩷

The whole atmosphere of it made it so hard to put down - the horse aesthetic, house party, forced proximity, love letters...which I'm very curious about and anxious for the next book! #iykyk 😅

This is a perfect read if you're wanting a clean read full of enjoyable characters, horse lovers, and the perfect amount of romance. 🥰
(Book blurb in comments)

ℹ️ Content: Completely clean, no language, few kisses, forced proximity leading to marriage but nothing open door

Book 3 in 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 series
Release date: April 14, 2025

*I received an e-ARC copy in exchange for review, all opinions are my own

[Julia Mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could have been a 5 ⭐️ but I was getting so irritated by their miscommunication

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend the audio on this one.

Full review to come!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rules of Courtship
(Hearts of Harewood Book #3)
by: Kasey Stockton
@authorkaseystockton

-I give 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~In the game of love, the heart seldom abides by the rules...

“We are friends first. I am here for you.”

-The Rules of Courtship, is book #3 in the lovely Hearts of Harewood Series and can be read as a stand alone but, I would recommend reading the whole series because of the dear interconnected characters that reoccur in each story. Each one is such a delight to read. This book is charming and is filled with sweetness amid the unexpected twists and turns. I was intrigued from the first to last page with the love story within that held my attention and heart along the way. I truly wanted to see dear characters be able to clearly see what was right in front of them and to be able to overcome and rise above obstacles in the way. This story is balanced between many sweet and lighthearted moments, as well as some deeper and weighed down moments of grief and abandonment. Yet these blended moments are weaved together to give more depth and relatability to the dear characters within. Seeing them take courage and fight for love and togetherness without knowing all that life will bring despite the unknown future ahead, had my heart. All the feels for where this dear story began and to where this story took me was a dear experience. I loved that hope shines through within this story and that there is joy amid the challenges life brings. Worth the dear read!
🙌🏻📚❤️

“Love had certainly not cared a whit for her rules, and she liked to think the measure of love was greater than anything else.”

-Content: grief, abandonment, death, estate debts, some drinking, Accident with a broken leg situation while riding/racing horses at a house party. kisses only. No language.

“I only ever wanted you to be happy.”

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#therulesofcourtship
#authorkaseystockton
#allaboutthebestreads
#heartsofharewoodseries

“Together, we can face anything. Together.”

[Sarah Woodrome · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a reason to read this series… it’s this book. Book number 3 was the charm! I have loved Ruth and Oliver since the beginning of the series…so two books before.

Ruth is by far one of my favorite characters to read about. If you are shy and quiet, you may look up to her or you make find her slightly uncomfortable. On the other end, if you are a rule follower in the best of society, she may annoy you but to the rest of us who are slightly unconventional, you will hear a cheer of “you go, girl.” Ruth is humble enough to follow to rules but also ignore the rules that shun her best friend from society. But she has a quiet strength that works the system to get her best friend back into society… I guess that could be considered a spoiler but if you’re already to book three… you’ve probably already read about that. It’s not the end of her best friend’s story though… so if you haven’t read it…now I’ve just given you a little nugget to why you should. All of this does not go unnoticed by the men of Harewood and Ruth has begun making a list of rules for the men who wish to court her. However, to deter her “former” dear friend Samuel, she creates a rule that she will not court men from Harewood.

Oliver…Samuel’s cousin … Ruth’s friend… Ruth’s brother’s best friend… is from Harewood.

….

I think when it really comes down to it… all those good feeling from when you first start dating… the joy, the fun, the looks… that feeling is what this book encompasses.

[Kristalyne, love.lovely.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and wonderful regency romance that I enjoyed every second of reading! This series is a favorite and I could not wait for Oliver and Ruth’s story!

This is a friends to more romance that was so sweet, surprising, and enjoyable to read! I fell in love with Ruth and Oliver in the previous stories and reading their journey to happiness was everything!

Ruth has the best personality. She is very spirited, and I loved her rules. That was such a fun aspect to this story! Oliver is a dreamy sweetheart, and I loved every interaction and moment of them together! The way they need each other!🥹

So much happens in this book, and there were plot twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! My heart went through every emotion, and then that ending made my heart so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling!

Favorites:
🤍The rules at each chapter heading
🤍The tree scenes🌳🍎
🤍Multiple POV
🤍House party
🤍The swooniest kisses
🤍He falls first
🤍All of the amazing characters
🤍Surprising plot twists and turns
🤍Happily ever after that’ll make you smile

This is such a sweet and romantic slow burn romance that I loved! I love Oliver and Ruth so soo much, and I have a feeling you are going to fall in love with them too!

P.S. I can’t get over how gorgeous this cover is!😍

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brief: Oliver has stuffed his feelings down deep for Ruth because his cousin was crushing on the same girl. When they all end up at a house party, they decide to help each other find the perfect spouse.

The Debrief: Helping Ruth begins to open a big can of worms. There are secrets and feelings squirming everywhere. So much drama with poor Oliver that I was desperate for him to get some happy. Excellent audio and swoony ending.

The Rhyme: Ruth has rules to keep unwanted suitors away. Will Oliver risk the rules to see if love can save the day?

Part of a series, but stands alone. Can’t wait to read the next one. Kissing only. Hoopla for the win.

[Taylor Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasey can do no wrong - this series is just SO GOOD!
I absolutely love a good friends to lovers trope when it's done well - and oh boy was this one good! Ruth and Oliver had such good chemistry (I love a man who falls first!) and I loved seeing their journey as Ruth realizes her feelings for him. I also loved the rules at the beginning of each chapter - it was so fun and really let you see into Ruth's character more.

Overall such a great regency romance, I can't wait to see what Samuel gets up to - I NEED to know!


I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Claudia Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth and Oliver were so sweet and just perfect together. I really enjoyed this book, but the only thing is that everyone is a bit too nice and polite all the time. I feel like if I kept reading the series back to back, I’d probably get a bit bored, so I’m going to pause here. I’ll definitely come back for Samuel’s story though, just not right now.

[Ebjourney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Slow Regency Era Type Book

This series has been delightful so far, but this book has been the best out of the three. I love how the characters from past books are friends or family and intermingle with one another in a town called Harewood. I don't know if all their decisions that are against how people would have seen them would have worked in that time period, but I love the heart and camaraderie of the characters. Nice read.

[Eden J. Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this beautiful, beautiful book!🥹❤️

[The Swoony Awards]

This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all 3 of the books in this series SO MUCH. Can’t wait for #4

[Jessica McAvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am invested in the characters and I think Kasey Stockton is one of the better writers in the proper romance genre. It was nice to see Rose and Oliver find their way. I was an itsy bit frustrated that I could not identify with the main characters. They just seemed to act unreasonable. I know of no girl who after kissing a boy that she’s had a previous friendship with feels no need to define that relationship. Rose immediately assumes Oliver must not like her, WHAT??? It just seemed nonsensical. It was also a little embarrassing to hear Oliver justify why he should be a pansy. Why he couldn’t just tell her how he felt about her was weird. The book justifies it because right after their first kiss, he’s nervous that she’s upset about being forced into an engagement and then he has to deal with his dad and then he has to deal with finding out that that’s not his dad. However, the angst in the book just seemed forced. Having said that I liked it! The slow build for Rose made sense. How the story unveiled Olivers backstory was satisfying. The kissing scenes were romantic.

Rose and Oliver have been neighbors their whole lives. Oliver likes, Rose, but has held back because his cousin, Samuel, was overt in his crush on Rose. Samuel has finally gotten the hint through all of Rose’s rules that she is not into him. Oliver has inherited his grandmother‘s estate and her debts. The book opens with Rose hiding in a tree to avoid a suitor. Oliver sees her and almost proposes right then and there, but he loses his courage. Eventually, Oliver and Rose are invited to the same house party. Oliver concludes that he needs to find a wife to help him out of debt. However, he longs for Rose. Eliza has convinced Rose to be more open, and even give Samuel a shot. The house party presents multiple options, but Rose and Oliver are not interested. They are polite and try to get to know people, but the house party just solidifies their connection. Rose and Oliver find themselves in a garden at night. That leads to their first kiss, but the guests end up walking in on them, and Oliver has to cover by saying they are engaged. Rose does not want to marry out of obligation, and Oliver begins to think that Rose does not want to marry him. Neither verbalizes their concerns in a clear way. One of the houseguests was injured in a horse race, so the house party ends early. Oliver’s father has been missing for the last several months, and his uncle’s have finally found him. They transported him home, so Oliver sees him upon his return from the party. The captain confesses he is not Oliver‘s father, and it was a ruse to protect his mother, the captain’s sister. Oliver is comforted in one sense as he always was confused why his father was avoidant. However, he now recognizes that he is an illegitimate son which complicates his marriage prospects. A woman with two daughters shows up claiming to be the captain‘s wife. She was the family the captain was found with during his illness. She does not show up until after the captain dies. She is able to prove the marriage, and the will conveys the lion share of his fortune to his wife and daughters. Rose tells Oliver that she is with him through rich or poor, and Rose’s father has been rooting for them to get together for years. Once Oliver promises he will take care of her, her father gets over his concerns. Eliza and Jacob have a baby girl. The captain’s wife overhears Oliver talking with Jacob about being brothers. Jacob already knew, and they are debating whether they should make their true relationship known. The captain and his wife sacrificed so much to protect Oliver that she pleads with him to not let that sacrifice be in vain. Oliver decides to not go public. The captain‘s wife leaves him the sum of money he needs to restore the estate. She also says that the captain did care for him like a son, and Oliver would have lived with them if his grandmother had allowed it. Oliver now has a brother and a baby niece. Most importantly he has Rose. The book ends from Samuel’s perspective. He is leaving the letter to ask his penpal to meet.

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this charming third installment of the Hearts of Harewood series, Ruth Wycliffe and Oliver Rose—lifelong friends—make a practical pact to help each other find suitable spouses. But when their innocent plan awakens deeper feelings, the "rules" of courtship begin to blur. Just as their friendship edges toward something more, an old family secret threatens to tear them apart. Set against a backdrop of house parties, hidden letters, and quiet longing, this is a sweet and emotionally layered tale of love, loyalty, and the courage to choose what truly matters.

🌿 My Favorite Highlights:

✨Watching Ruth and Oliver’s friendship deepen into love was such a delight. I loved their gentle, respectful dynamic—especially how Oliver supported Ruth without ever trying to change her.

✨Oliver truly shone as a romantic hero—humble, kind, and selfless. The way he quietly stepped aside when Samuel showed interest in Ruth? Heart-wrenching and noble.

✨The house party setting was full of intrigue, new faces, and even a mysterious subplot that reminded me of Emma by Jane Austen. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a source of inspiration!

✨I’m not usually a fan of multiple POVs, but it worked so well here. It added suspense and made me eager to read the next book—especially with the secret writer twist!

✨Loved the return of familiar characters and the beautiful bond between Ruth and her parents. The side characters added so much warmth and richness to the story.

💭 My Thoughts?

You already know I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, and this might be my favorite in the Hearts of Harewood series so far. The emotional maturity between Oliver and Ruth, the lack of frustrating miscommunication, and the way they navigated their feelings with sincerity made this story stand out. I appreciated how Oliver took time to process his own struggles but always came back ready to be more honest, especially with Ruth’s own journey. This is the kind of romance that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day—gentle, heartfelt, and quietly profound. Highly recommend!

💕 The Swoon Scale 💕

(This is how I rate my books. For more information, see my pinned post.)


💍 Swoon-Worthy Sparks: 4/5

💬 Dialogue & Banter: 4/5

🦋 Emotional Depth: 4.5/5

📖 Re-Readability: 4/5

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely devoured this book! House party Regency romances are some of my favorite. I love the intimate setting & the underlying tension of close proximity. Kasey Stockton delivers a swoony, deliciously romantic, childhood friends to more romance in Rules of Courtship with that fun house party setting.

Ruth Wycliffe wants to marry for love. But with her parents pushing suitors at every turn & a childhood friend’s cousin vying for her hand, she’s come up with a list of rules her potential suitor must meet. Unfortunately the man whom she’s interested in goes against the rules she’s created. But, when she attends a house party with Oliver, her childhood friend whom she’s beginning to have feelings for, they strike a bargain to help each other find their potential mate.

Oliver Rose has been in love with Ruth for a while, but between his cousin Samuel who’s also in love with her & her pesky rules, he worries about revealing his feelings. Oliver desperately needs money to help his newly inherited estate survive. He needs to find a wealthy wife & even though Ruth would fulfill his every dream, he’s resigned himself to find someone at the upcoming house party. Watching Ruth interact with others & even his cousin Samuel, makes his handle on his feelings ever fleeting & once he unleashes them, there’s no going back.

I adored this story! I enjoyed seeing Ruth & Oliver dance around their feelings. They both try to interact with others at the party, but they can’t help gravitating to each other. That first kiss is explosive & the consequences pose yet another problem. I loved Ruth & her spunky, confident personality. I felt for Oliver who has a host of problems & is trying so hard to protect Ruth. But his feelings won’t be denied, & I loved how he needed Ruth & couldn’t keep from touching her when they were near.

It’s a delightful, passionate, kissing only romance that kept me quickly turning the pages! Highly recommend to Regency romance fans. Though part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story in the series Hearts of Harewood have been unique. The stories work well as a stand alone but there is an interconnection and an overlap of the characters and stories. This story revolves around Ruth Wycliffe and Oliver Rose. Both of these characters have been in the previous two books.

Ruth and Oliver have been close friends for years as their lands are close together. Oliver had been the best friend of Ruth's brother Ryland. Ruth had been missing her relationship with Oliver since his grandmother passed away a few months ago. He had been very busy dealing with the estate that she had given him in her will.

Ruth lived by a rigid set of rules and one of her rules was that she wouldn't marry a man from Harewood. She put that rule in place when Oliver's cousin Samuel seemed to take a great interest in her. She didn't want o crush his feelings so she came up with a rule to stop hi s attentions.

Oliver had inherited his grandmother's estate but no one was aware that it was in great debt. He had been working with Ruth's father to try to learn all the things he needed to help his estate prosper. Now he was at the point that he needed to find a wife with a dowry to help him get out of debt. He wanted to ask Ruth to marry him but he was afraid she would use her rule to reject his offer. When Oliver discusses the situation with Ruth's father, he tells him he should accept the invitation to the house party at the Rocklin estate. He was going to send Ruth and her step mother to the same house party. Maybe both of them would come home with spouses.

Oliver and Ruth will make a deal to help one another at the house party to discover information about the other single men and women. Oliver and Ruth will discover many things about their feelings at the house party. Just as things begin to fall into place between them Oliver will be dealt another blow as secrets in his family will be revealed.

I loved the close relationship that Oliver and Ruth had as good friends. They really knew each other well. When he receives devastating information Ruth can see that somethings is troubling him. She will stand by him as he goes through his problems.

Throughout this story we also get peeks into Samuel's life and how he will deal with Ruth's rejection. These things will foreshadow what is coming in the next book as Samuel will get his story.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming and sweet!!

Ruth is hoping to find a husband at a house party and decides it is time to temporarily set aside her list of "rules" and keep an open mind. She enlists the help of her friend Oliver to help her find the perfect husband and offers to help him find a wife.

Oliver needs to marry someone to save his estate but would also to marry for love, and as he and Ruth help each other, he realizes he may have been blind to his perfect match all along. But as secrets are revealed and circumstances change, he knows he must do the honorable thing and walk away from the one woman he can never have.

What you'll love:
friends to lovers
multiple pov
he falls first
house party
Ruth's rules
horseback rides
swoony kisses
conflicting feelings
plot twists
found family

Loved, loved, loved! This book had so many unexpected twists and turns for Oliver and Ruth and their love story held me captive from first page to last. I desperately wanted them to see what was right in front of them and overcome all the obstacles in their way!

This is a fun twists on enemies to lovers and I loved that they were helping each other find a match! And oh, when that realization came that they were catching feelings, it was *chef's kiss* perfection! They really are the perfect match! And though there was a lot of lighthearted moments, there were also some deeper emotions explored, like grief and abandonment, but that only provided a fuller and richer experience for me and helped make the characters much more dimensional. So much emotion and so beautifully done!

This is the third book in the series but can enjoyed as a standalone but honestly, reading it is just going to make you want to pick up the earlier books anyway so you may as well just plan on reading them all! This was another five star winner from a favorite author!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Kaitlin M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Hearts of Harewood series was well worth the wait! It was so nice to revisit the characters we’ve come to love in To Forge Her Fate and A Proper Governess and it only makes me MORE excited for Samuel’s story in A Secret Correspondence.

The Rules of Courtship follows the friends to lovers story of Ruth and Oliver. They grew up together as close friends alongside Samuel and Eliza and the rest of their siblings. Oliver has always loved Ruth, but didn’t want to admit or show it because Samuel had also always loved her.

Ruth has put a strict set of ridiculous rules around who she would be willing to court. Over the course of this story we get to see many of these rules and some of them are quite funny.

Ruth and Oliver end up at a house party, both needing to find spouses. Oliver wants Ruth but doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with either her or Samuel. As they help each other with the prospective other partners in attendance at this house party, Oliver finds it harder to hide his feelings while Ruth comes to realize that her feelings run deeper than she imagined.

A stolen kiss forces a “fake” (but is it really?) engagement as Ruth and Oliver try to figure out where they go now.

Oliver is also facing the payment of debts left to him by his grandmother and a father about to die who may leave him the money he needs to save his estate.

As their relationship continues to grow, Ruth and Oliver have many challenges that they must overcome in order to have their happily-ever-after.

Also! We get to meet Eliza and Jacob’s baby!

I absolutely loved this story and it is definitely one everyone needs to read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

And my honest review says GO READ THIS SERIES RIGHT NOW!

Content warning:
Death of a family member
Kisses only
No language
Greedy family members
Horse accident

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Have I done something to upset you?” “No. Why would you think so?” “You have been ignoring me.” “I must keep my distance from you, Ruth. If I am near you, I need to touch you.”

This friends to lovers story has witty banter, a house party, twists & turns, and a sweet romance.

Ruth is witty, sunny, and determined. I loved her desire to marry only for love. I enjoyed her ridiculous rules but I loved that Oliver talked her into putting them aside for the duration of the house party. Pretty brilliant of him 😉 Her friendship with Oliver was so strong and I enjoyed all of their interactions (even though at times I was yelling in my mind “just tell him/her!”) Oliver is charming, steady, and strong. He is completely smitten with Ruth and oh did he fight it! He struggles with his feelings while watching Ruth at the house party and when he lets them loose, it’s over, he is all in. 🫠 Oliver faces some huge struggles and family secrets and bears them incredibly well. Oliver and Ruth’s connection was magnetic and I enjoyed seeing their connection strengthen until they both realized nothing was going to keep them apart.
I LOVED Samuel’s sunny personality. His understanding and encouragement toward both Oliver and Ruth was incredible. I cannot wait to read his story soon!

“You ought to do away with your rules and put your trust in me.” “Impossible.” “Difficult, perhaps. But I do believe I could find you a husband that suited your tastes well enough. Even if he occasionally breaks a rule.”

“I’ve seen the way you watch her, Oliver. You might be fooling yourself, but you are not hiding your feelings from me.”

“I have nothing in my mind but you, Ruth.”

Note: This is the third book in the series and can be enjoyed as a standalone. You will probably want to go back and read the first two afterwards though.

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never write reviews but on this occasions I just had to. How on earth is Eliza still pregnant in this book? Make this make sense to me.

In a proper governess we are told pg 226
“Eliza’s hand came to rest on her stomach, making it clear that she was expecting a child, but Aurelia didn’t look surprised in the least. They must have grown close already if Eliza was sharing confidences with her.”
On pg 317 of the same novel Oliver’s grandmother is still alive but with little time remaining.

When we open the start of this on pg 3 we are informed that Oliver has inherited the estate 9 months ago
“Did he have an appointment with Papa? Since inheriting his grandmother’s estate nine months ago, he had come to Papa more often for advice.”

Now you don’t inherit something until someone has passed and Aurelia and Eliza have only just become friends in the previous book, she’s not likely to be announcing that news as soon as she finds out especially with the description in the book.

Then the absolute gold of a description of this is on pg 203 when she tells Ruth she has a month to go! And pg 260 when Ruth says it’s too early to have the baby.

I cannot comprehend this at all on the timeline. Even if I were to believe that Oliver has inherited the estate before his grandmothers passing, which I don’t - given the family drama after he inherits
We are also told that Ruth and Oliver haven’t spent time together again in 9 months, yet they are at the October fete together at the conclusion of A Proper Governess.
Again the English apple harvest is September, if we give it the earliest it’s August and Ruth is up a tree eating apples at the start of the book. I am so confused!