A review by itslorei
Rule Breakers Fall Hardest by Micalea Smeltzer

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Release Date: June 27, 2024
Date Read and Reviewed: June 26, 2024
Ratings: 4⭐️

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It was quite a long time of waiting for Daire and Rosie's story after Jude's. If you didn't know, I did enjoy Jude and Millie's story so much (Broken Boys Can't Love), and reading and finishing this one makes me want to reread and experience the angsty love story of Jude and Millie again.

The writing of Rule Breakers Falll Hardest is one that I liked so much. I just love how it's gripping, really fits right in the story, and another thing is that it kept me in my toes from the start until the end— waiting for those ANGSTY ANGSTY chapters. 

I would say this novel isn't that angsty, more like 40% angsty (soft angsty) and 60% cute, fun, and wholesome in a sense.

The characters were likeable as well, especially the interaction. I'm glad to see previous characters reappearing, especially Jude. I also enjoyed that there are character developments here, although I'm still mad at Rosie's mom. I want to hug and just hide Rosie from everyone as well as Bettie. Gosh, I'm so worried about these 2.

The romance development was good, in my opinion, I enjoyed their interaction and the chemistry and tension here, although I hope the tension was more intense. There wasn't much of grovelling in Daire's part,  I would have loved to see him grovel more, to be honest. The love scene was well written, as well, I did like it. 

That being said, although I was thankful that it wasn't that angsty, I had these little voices in my head wishing it was more angsty angsty just like how angsty Broken Boys Can't Love is.

Anyway, I can't really wait for Luke and Bettie's story. I'm gonna start counting days now.


If you like these tropes, you definitely should check this one out ✨️

°sports romance (hockey)
°childhood friends to enemies to lovers
°marriage of inconvenience 
°college romance
°well written romance


TW: death, slut shaming, body shaming 
Overall, this was such a good read. I was hooked there and there. Highly recommended 👌  Thank you so much to Valentine Pr and author Micalea for the e-arc opportunity ♡