The Rules of Courtship

by Kasey Stockton

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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 Rose: 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.

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

General Historical, Georgian (1714–1837)

Series

Hearts of Harewood • Book 3

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

2 Mild

Publication Date

April 14, 2025

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Human

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Grief or loss of a loved one

Ruth and Oliver

It was fun to have three perspectives in this book: Ruth's, Oliver's, and Samuel's.This story was all about family. About the support they are, and the drama they sometimes bring about.

A great series

[4.5 stars]This is a good book and an awaited continuation to an excellent series. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one quite as much as the others. I started to get frustrated at around 60%, with how ridiculous Ruth was being in her persistent belief that Oliver didn’t have romantic feelings for her (even after they kissed!). It became SO ridiculous that the relationship tension felt forced and unrealistic. It eventually gets better, but not before causing great irritation.The first 60% is a strong 5 stars, then it drops to 4 (3.5?) for another 20%, then pulls back up to a 5. I liked the ending and am very much looking forward to Samuel’s story in book 4.The series progressively builds and the first 2 books set things up for this one. As such, I wouldn’t consider any of them standalone.Content:There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.

clean romance

A delightful story about the residents of Harewood. I have enjoyed reading each story in the series and this one was just as interesting.The premise of a young girl using courting rules to avoid persistent gentlemen is quite humorous.It is fun to see how she now encounters someone she is interested but doesn’t fit the rules.The hero is a young man who inherits many secrets and troubles. He is also interested in courting but struggles as well.The author does a marvelous job of creating compelling characters within a changing plot line that keeps the reader involved.There is humor, tears and friendship. The romance is there to be discovered.I recommend the book, series and author!I cannot wait for the next book!

Good book

I enjoyed reading this story, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases.

Loved it!

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🤍Memorable moments🤍The swooniest kisses🤍He falls first🤍All of the amazing characters🤍Surprising plot twists and turns🤍Happily ever after that’ll make you smileThis 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!😍