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heabooknerd's review
4.0
AGE RULES was a bit different from the previous books in OPEN WOUNDS series since it's written with another author, but overall I enjoyed it. The first few chapters were a little rocky for me but once it got into the story, Michelle Frost's signature writing came through. I wasn't expecting to get Andre's story in this series so it was fun to read about him.
Andre is still trying to make a name for himself in the MMA world and a lifetime of growing up with his demanding hockey star father has made his life lonely. He's started to find a place for himself with the Rourke brothers when he begins training with Rory Wilson but returning home to care for his father throws everything off balance. Andre was a mix of confident and unsure, partly because of his younger age and also because he never really felt like he had anyone in his corner. I loved watching Andre gain confidence in both his fighting and personal life. Darren was also an enjoyable hero; he's more self-assured and as an older man he's had longer to settle into who he is. He kept his sexuality under wraps all through the military and now he refuses to hide who he is. Darren is definitely more set in his ways and less willing to bend.
Unlike the prior books, AGE RULES does have the stereotypical separation toward the end and there was definitely more angst between Andre and Darren then previous couples. It was written well but I missed the ease that we're used to getting with this series. While I enjoyed this one overall it didn't have the same emotional punch that Michelle Frost's other books have.
Andre is still trying to make a name for himself in the MMA world and a lifetime of growing up with his demanding hockey star father has made his life lonely. He's started to find a place for himself with the Rourke brothers when he begins training with Rory Wilson but returning home to care for his father throws everything off balance. Andre was a mix of confident and unsure, partly because of his younger age and also because he never really felt like he had anyone in his corner. I loved watching Andre gain confidence in both his fighting and personal life. Darren was also an enjoyable hero; he's more self-assured and as an older man he's had longer to settle into who he is. He kept his sexuality under wraps all through the military and now he refuses to hide who he is. Darren is definitely more set in his ways and less willing to bend.
Unlike the prior books, AGE RULES does have the stereotypical separation toward the end and there was definitely more angst between Andre and Darren then previous couples. It was written well but I missed the ease that we're used to getting with this series. While I enjoyed this one overall it didn't have the same emotional punch that Michelle Frost's other books have.
tanz73's review
5.0
Ok now I love the Breaking the Rules books, and I love the Open Wounds series so when I discovered we had a crossover coming I was a tad excited. And man oh man, this story did not disappoint. Such a well written book, which normally when I hear crossover I get a bit tentative as authors write very differently, but these two did it seamlessly. Loved Andre and Darren and was so happy we get to see some of the other guys from both series. This is definitely going in my reread folder.
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review
redhairedashreads's review
4.0
What a great book! I picked this up on whim and instantly got sucked in. Andre and Darren were so adorable and hot!
I loved all the side characters too and now want to go back and read the rest of this series because I want to know how their stories. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I totally recommend reading it.
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Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019 - a book by two female authors
I loved all the side characters too and now want to go back and read the rest of this series because I want to know how their stories. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I totally recommend reading it.
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Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019 - a book by two female authors
teenykins's review
3.0
Expectations on how a book might be are a very, Very, VERY bad thing 'cos you end up with 3 stars.
The story was good, if a bit too sweet, but the thing is that with the age-gap and with Darren hinting of being a Dom or at least preferring to have control when it comes to sex and saying outright that he wants a boy to drop to his knees with submission he earned, well as you can imagine I had high hopes for what was to come.
Well it didn't come but for a teeny, tiny bit in Darren and Andre's first sex scene.
Another thing is that the ILUs came but I never saw a relationship built through interactions and getting together. On the contrary the MCs could go a week without seeing one another and only hinting in text messages and phone conversations.
All and all an ok read I was just expecting more.
The story was good, if a bit too sweet, but the thing is that with the age-gap and with Darren hinting of being a Dom or at least preferring to have control when it comes to sex and saying outright that he wants a boy to drop to his knees with submission he earned, well as you can imagine I had high hopes for what was to come.
Well it didn't come but for a teeny, tiny bit in Darren and Andre's first sex scene.
Another thing is that the ILUs came but I never saw a relationship built through interactions and getting together. On the contrary the MCs could go a week without seeing one another and only hinting in text messages and phone conversations.
All and all an ok read I was just expecting more.
isalaur's review
4.0
Great crossover from two strong authors
I’m a fan of both of these authors and have enjoyed some of their previous works. I had not read the Rules series before but I will definitely be going back and checking it out now based on what I’ve read here. I read and loved the Open Wounds series so was glad to see some of those characters again.
Andre and Darren are great characters and the authors set up an interesting dynamic and problem. I enjoyed the way we got background info on each character without straying too far from this story and the way the story arc progressed. The brotherhood of friendship here is also great. Chosen family is one of my favorite tropes so it’s great to see it implemented here.
I am not a fan of BDSM so the few elements of it here I just skimmed over. It’s not too heavy and I could still enjoy the great storyline. If you shy away from that genre as well believe me you can still enjoy this book.
I’m a fan of both of these authors and have enjoyed some of their previous works. I had not read the Rules series before but I will definitely be going back and checking it out now based on what I’ve read here. I read and loved the Open Wounds series so was glad to see some of those characters again.
Andre and Darren are great characters and the authors set up an interesting dynamic and problem. I enjoyed the way we got background info on each character without straying too far from this story and the way the story arc progressed. The brotherhood of friendship here is also great. Chosen family is one of my favorite tropes so it’s great to see it implemented here.
I am not a fan of BDSM so the few elements of it here I just skimmed over. It’s not too heavy and I could still enjoy the great storyline. If you shy away from that genre as well believe me you can still enjoy this book.
disloyalorderof's review
1.0
Emotionally really shallow and not very enjoyable. Also not very thoughtful about the world.
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