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carlyjoann's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Misogyny
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
justsmileandread's review
fast-paced
5.0
Moderate: Sexual content and Misogyny
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
jmelauren's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Alcohol
ella_chu's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, and Misogyny
Minor: Cursing and Pregnancy
booksbystephanie's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Rule Book, a novel by Sarah Adams, available April 2, 2024!
The sequel to The Cheat Sheet follows LA Sharks tight-end Derek Pender and his (new) agent Nora Mackenzie, who happens to be his college ex-girlfriend and the one who got away. These two were hot for each other starting on the first page, and I enjoyed this second-chance romance so much it is easily one of my favorites!
The character arcs for these two made me love them even more. Derek, who struggles with a career comeback after a devastating injury, needs to accept that he may not be able to play football anymore. This is particularly tough because his worth has been determined by his career since he struggled with an undiagnosed learning disability his whole life. Nora works in a field riddled with misogyny and an inner monologue that she is “too much” with her quirky need to organize and color-code everything. Despite all that, these two love each other inside and out and are a testament to the “if you love something, let it go. If it comes back, it was meant to be” (although that’s not the phrase…iykyk).
This book was so sweet, and I loved the found football family and their hijinks, as well as updates from Nathan and Bree from The Cheat Sheet. Nora’s work “friend” Nicole was hilarious, and there were several twists I didn’t see coming! (Full disclosure: I did not read the blurb prior to reading the book!). I’ve only read a handful of Sarah’s books, but I think this is the first time she’s included a spicy scene, and it was awesome (but can be skipped; see the trigger warning at the book’s beginning).
Thank you so much to Dell (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Misogyny
Minor: Alcohol and Emotional abuse
amateur_bookworm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ARC release date 4/2/24
My summary: Nora MacKenzie just got promoted from intern to sports agent and her first client is Derek Pender, a star tight end recovering from a season-ending injury—who also happens to be her college ex-boyfriend. Derek has struggled with dyslexia his entire life and the only thing that has made him feel worthwhile is football, but he’s on the cusp of losing it all if his injury rehab doesn’t go well. Nora has been trying to prove herself in a male-dominated industry and her career now hinges on successfully representing Derek—despite their history together. Their past seems to be insurmountable before they can move forward, especially since they both still have feelings for each other.
My thoughts: This is a cute and lighthearted second chance romance. At times it’s almost annoyingly cutesy, but it’s also nice to have an easy-reading, feel-good love story, with a side of girl power added in to it. This is a companion to Sarah Adams’s The Cheat Sheet, which I have not yet read but plan to read next! *Bonus: This was a perfect football romance to finish on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday! I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and my summary and thoughts here are fully my own opinion.
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Alcohol
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