The Rule Book

3.75/5

This book was interesting and I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I love accidental marriage and second chance romance but this book didn't scratch the itch.

The characters were bland. Nora was both over the top and boring and I have no idea how that's possible. Her catchphrases were corny and she tried to be not like other girls so much to the point of caricature.

Derek annoyed me with his constant “I love Nora but will make her life a living hell”, like come on dude. She was working her ass off trying to get you the deals and save your career and you played her like she was a pawn in your game. What's worse, he played with her career as well. No wonder she had dumped him at college. If he was so flippant now, I don't even want to know what he was like when they were younger.

One good thing: he redeemed himself. The way he protected her career later was nice and I liked it. I'm glad that they talked about their past and cleared the air. I hate the miscommunication trope. And a huge plus for the lack of the third-act breakup!. Instead, they talked and took a chance.

The writing wasn't my favourite. Some of the phrases were cringe and I hated seeing them. Some of the dialogue felt a bit wonky. The pacing was weird, sometimes it felt rushed, and the others, nothing was happening.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline for providing the ARC for an honest review.