vcannon 's review for:

Changing Rules by Anastasija White

5.0

challenging dark hopeful reflective sad tense 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

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 I had to take nearly a week to gather my thoughts after finishing this book.  Wow!  Anastasija White delivers a sequel that demonstrates the complexities of character development, the evolutions of the characters' lives, and the culmination of characters' actualizations.  I appreciate that Bella and Xander undergo deep, emotional changes that detail their dark inner thoughts regarding personal boundaries, friendships, relationships, family dynamics, self-value and appreciation for others.  I had expected Changing Rules to resume where Breaking Rules ended; however, White uses time in an interesting way: a current moment that is explained by going back in time.  The novel continues this way until the Epilogue, which permits readers to see what happens to Bella and Xander.

Please read the trigger warnings for this book before reading.
Read Breaking Rules before reading Changing Rules.
Have tissues ready.
Get ready for emotional responses; readers will be talking to their books.

Tropes:
Football Romance
Second Chance
Protective Hero
Dark, Spicy Romance (BDSM, Choking, Open Door)
HEA
Found Family

5.0 Stars
5 chili peppers

Thank you to #AnastasijaWhite and #GreysPromotions for my ARC.  This review is my honest opinion. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Sexual content

Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Grief, Gaslighting

There is strong BDSM and choking scenes.