Review: The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

Hello readers!
How are you?

Here I am again with another review. As always, I have to thank for the free book to PRH International, that always allows me to read some of my most expected books of the year. Today is the time of a novel I was really curious about (you'll know more in my review's premises), and that I'm sure will be loved by every sport romance reader 💗. So, here is my review of The Rule Book, by Sarah Adams.

Title: The Rule Book
Author: Sarah Adams
Publishing Date: April 2, 2024
Publisher:  Dell, Trade Paperback Original
Pages: 416 (paperback)
Price: $18.00 USD, $24.95 CAD

Plot: College exes break all the rules when they reunite years later in this enemies to lovers, second-chance romance, the highly anticipated companion novel to the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet—from Sarah Adams, the New York Times bestselling author of Practice Makes Perfect.

Nora Mackenzie’s entire career lies in the hands of famous NFL tight end Derek Pender, who also happens to be her extremely hot college ex-boyfriend. Nora didn’t end things as gracefully as she could have back then, and now it has come back to haunt her. Derek is her first client as an official full-time sports agent and he’s holding a grudge.

Derek has set his sights on a little friendly revenge. If Nora Mackenzie, the first girl to ever break his heart, wants to be his agent, oh, he’ll let her be his agent. The plan is simple: make Nora’s life absolutely miserable. But if Derek knows anything about the woman he once loved—she won’t quit easily.

Instead of giving in, Nora starts a scheme of her own. But then a wild night in Vegas leads to Nora and Derek in bed the next morning married. With their rule book out the window, could this new relationship save their careers or spark the romance of a lifetime?

Review:

Rate: 4 stars⭐

After enjoying to The Cheat Sheet, I was very curious to see what Sarah could present to the readers. Her previous book was a lovely delight, but at the same time it was too swoony to be totally relatable – and yes, I was envious of Bree because Nathan was too perfect. So, I didn't know if it convinced me at 100%.

But you know what? Every now and then, a good happily ever after's book, without too many difficulties or tough themes to face, is a perfect cozy treat to enjoy, and The Rule Book is the perfect embodiment of that.

I appreciate the writing pace, the entertaining banter between Derek and Nora, and the tender moments where they really talk and discuss about their relationship and themselves. Finally, a book with no miscommunication's trope! That was a great relief. Maybe I would have loved a little bit more spice, but the tension leading to those moments was perfect, so, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Just a warning: there are not many big events in this book, that is centered on the relationship between the two main characters and how it would affect their career. I'd consider it more an introspective book, if I have to describe it. Another thing I didn’t expect to find but was a great thumbs up for me was the idea that even when two people are meant to be together, this doesn't mean the first time would be the right one. I liked the fact that, even if it was a mistake made by Nora’s fear to jeopardize her future career for a love relationship, the message underneath was that sometimes people have to have more experience and grow up individually, before arrive to the right moment in space and time to have another shot. Of course, my stupid romantic heart cried nonetheless for their time loss. Fortunately, Derek dealt with the revelation of their break-up so well I wanted to hug him: instead to show anger or refusal, he was understanding, sweet and thoughtful.

Even if I didn’t consider him the soft side of the couple, because they’re both well balanced, I have to admit it was cool to find a main male character who deals with panic attacks and insecurities, an aspect that often is represented by a female figure. And it was refreshing seeing him face his fears regarding his career with Nora and also opening up about his dyslexia, maybe forgiving himself for all the time he hated his low performances at school.

Then, it’s true, there are some similarities with The Cheat Sheet, and you’ll find here as well a supporting brotherhood that will always cheer for the "grumpy bear" of this story to find his happy ending with the woman he loves. Personally, I would have loved to see them even more, because those scenes were hilarious, and I’m a sucker for Bree and Nathan! hat said, in the Rule Book the focus also shifts on the difficulties a woman has to face when entering a field usually "reserved" to men and working in a toxic environment. I liked how Nora and Nicole have been shaped by Sarah, and how they deal with this current issue with their different kind of personalities and approaches during the length of the story. Plus, it was good to show that to fight for yourself you don’t always have to make big scenes or brawls, you can just be yourself, faithful to your personal principle and kind to the others, even when they don’t deserve it.

I also loved all the underlining of the importance to have a partner who supports you, understands you, and doesn't limit your dreams and ambitions; not to mention the message to love ourselves and our physical aspect even if it's not perfect. You find those little phrases here and there during the book, like a soft reminder to be kind with ourselves, to remember our own value and that we deserve to find someone who really sees it, both at work and in a relationship.

At last, I didn't expect that kind of ending, because the story seemed to go in another direction. Anyway, it was cute and I hope to see glimpses of Derek and Nora (as well as more Nathan and Bree) in future books.

And what about you?
Have you already read it? If yes, did you liked it? Let me know in the comments💗

To the next review!

Chiara