Reviews

The Rules for Hearts: A Family Drama by Sara Ryan

glitterkitter's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Essentially an average teen drama. Not bad, but nothing brilliant either. The only thing to set it apart is that the main character is gay.

tstreet's review

Go to review page

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. I like how eager Battle is to see her brother Nick. I hated how Nick was never there to hang out or spend time with Battle. I felt bad for Battle when she saw Nick steal something from the museum. I like how Meryl and Battle form a bond quickly and become amazing friends. I liked how Meryl cared so much about Battle and how she took care of her. I like how in the end, Battle finds out about Nick and helps him. I like how Nick talks with their parents and goes back to live with them. I would rate this book 5 stars.

sausome's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

After the first book by Sara Ryan, this book was disappointing. Battle is the angsty character, full of drama and not talking about anything she is pissed about, and she's frankly, sort of dull. So this book is from her P.O.V. and all about her summer before college, reconnecting with her slacker-of-a-brother, following him around like a puppy dog, even when he kicks her away; jumping in and out of bed with a woman who constantly tells Battle she's not really interested a whole lot, and that Battle is basically another lay, yet she keeps going there! Why?! It makes no sense, it's frustrating, and while I did read the whole thing, it just didn't do it for me the way "Empress of World" did.

thunderbolt_kid's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I very much like the book that came before this one: Empress of the World. I would only recommend this book if you desperately need to know more about Battle from that one. OK.

librariann's review against another edition

Go to review page

Kind of a yawner with less heart than Empress of the World. Didn't feel strongly connected to the characters. Ryan is still a talented writer but didn't connect with the reader in this effort. Disappointing companion novel. For a more engaging story of gambling, family, and - shall we say "progressive multigenerational households" - try Beginner's Luck by Laura Pederson.

stenaros's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

I wanted more from this book. More of the brother, who remains a cipher throughout and then is suddenly explained in a few paragraphs in the final chapters. More of the household relationships. More of the play, even. I did enjoy the various Portland locals very much.

showlola's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

The continuing journey of Battle Hall Davies, continued from Empress of the World. This covers that important summer between high school and college, and Battle's evolution into adulthood. No easy answers, recognizable characters. Really good.

letsgolesbians's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This came really, really close to getting a four. The only reason it didn't was because most of my fours have had slightly more complicated stories. It's been a while since I read Empress of the World, but I vaguely remember taking Nic's side and not really liking Battle, so hearing her voice was interesting. I liked that this book was a companion book rather than a sequel; it takes place the summer after Empress of the World, but could easily be a stand alone book. The story was simple and cute; it was a good summer story, not too serious, without a serious romantic relationship.

choirqueer's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I liked this book a lot! It was rather different from its predecessor, Empress of the World, which I'd read a few weeks before. I was glad to read this continuation of Battle's story; I really like her as a character and I enjoyed spending time with her as I read the book.

shinychick's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Again, I don't remember the character being this was when I first read about her. Maybe I wear rose-colored glasses in my memory? In any case, Battle Hall Davies returns from the previous "Empress of the World," which was a shatteringly good book. This one, not so much.