I love this author and love every one of her books. However, this one fell short for me. I'm so bummed!

It started off great, enemies leading to a second chance romance - yes please! Nora is a bit cringey but I could overlook that. I loved the angst and the pure pain and disdain Derek had at the beginning. Would this be Nora grovelling for forgiveness from Derek? I was here for it!

Then the story took a turn. Every single trope under the sun decided to make it's way into this story. It felt messy and suffered from an identity crisis. Derek is no longer hurt or angry at Nora. We never see Nora do anything job related, we hardly see Derek do anything sports related and it just felt flat after that turning point.

Also, the more I read, the more Nora started to grate on my nerves. There is a very fine line between quirky and downright cringey and Nora was definitely veering towards the latter.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I devoured this in one day - Sarah writes the cutest romance books, I’m a huge fan! I was so excited to read this, as it’s one of my most anticipated Spring releases.

Nora is amazing, I related to her so much in terms of always feeling like you’re too much or not enough for someone, and her obsessive need for organisation. She is so unapologetically herself, and such a badass working in a field dominated by men who try to put her down. Her phrases and witty comebacks just kept me giggling.

Derek, who did behave like a jackass in the beginning, never could get over Nora, and tried to push her away at the beginning, but really just wanted to spend more time with her. I was so happy when he realised he couldn’t be without her and we got to see more of the Sharks and their whiteboard planning to get the girl.

I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance, this was so cute and perfect, and covered SO MANY of my fave tropes in one book! And I go feral for a secret tattoo!

Make sure you check if one out if you like:

💋 Second Chance
💋 Vegas Wedding
💋 Marriage of Convenience
💋 One Bed
💋 My Wife
💋 Forced Proximity
💋 Secret Tattoo
💋 Dual POV
💋 Slow Burn

I love a good second-chance romance and this one was definitely a fun one. Especially when you add accidentally getting married in Vegas, a honeymoon in Cancun, and some fun banter, it's a delightful read. I can't say I adored the characters, I found Nora a little annoying and I couldn't fully connect with Derek, but their romance was easy to root for. And the moments in which they opened up to each other and let each other in as well as offered each other comfort were very sweet. It was clear that these college sweethearts deserved their endgame and I'm glad they got it. I also really loved the Sharks dynamics and Nicole was an icon. What happened at Derek's last game with the article and his retirement felt a little out of nowhere after Derek spent the entire book saying how much he wanted to keep playing for the Sharks, but I'm glad Nora and Nicole founded their own sports agency. Go women! All in all, this was a fun romance full of banter, sizzling chemistry and plenty of swoon!

🏈 The Rule Book 🏈
- Sarah Adams

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Rule Book is the second book in the Cheat Sheet duology. We follow college sweethearts sport agent Nora and NFL player Derek. Nora is climbing the highly competitive ranks of agenting, combating the misogyny and condescension. She’s just landed her first big assignment, a prominent NFL player (can you see where I’m going with this?) Enter Derek. Shenanigans ensue.

It has dyslexia representation, especially dealing with getting a diagnosis later in life. Derek is also recovering from an injury and dealing with the loss of identity he feels at his football career coming to an end. I also liked how the focus was on Nora’s career as much as Derek’s! I appreciated the commentary on Nora being a woman in a very male dominated industry: sport, which is something I haven’t read about in that many books.

I stayed up wayyyy too late finishing this, so be warned - don’t read it late at night! It’s so addictive and fast paced, it’ll pull you in until it’s 2am 🫣 Sarah Adams packed this book full of our favourite tropes. It’s cliche, in the best possible way, with a comforting sense of familiarity and predictability.

I occasionally felt Nora felt slightly caricatured. I’m not a huge fan of ‘quirky’, ‘sunshine’ characters, as they don’t feel as real to me. Nora was definitely both of these, with her colourful outfits and her cheery outlook on life. This being said, she was steely and tenacious and, on the most part, I enjoyed her character. I also wasn’t a fan of how Derek really put Nora through it in the first 30%, but he mostly made it up for it later on 😊

Overall such a fun, quick and sweet read, as I would expect nothing less from Sarah Adams! My favourite is definitely still the When in Rome series, but I would recommend Sarah Adams’ books to everyone!

Thanks to NetGalley for this digital ARC!
Publication date - April 2nd

This review is for The Rule Book by Sarah Adams which releases in the UK on the 2nd April! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Headline Books/Headline Eternal for giving me an eArc copy for this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was super excited when I saw this was available to request, as I fell in love with Sarah’s writing when reading Practice Makes Perfect. This book is set in the same universe as her other book, The Cheat Sheet which I have also read last year. I had high hopes for this story as The Cheat Sheet fell a little flat for me, but this book exceeded all of those expectations. The authors writing just seems to get better and better with every book she writes and now she’s going to be an auto buy author for me.

I loved the characters in this book, especially Nora. She was unapologetically herself, quirky but with a spine of steel. I loved the banter and wittiness she had, and wish I could steal some of her confidence! I also loved the return to some of the characters from Cheat Sheet, especially Bree.

This book was well paced and super easy to read. The plot twist during the middle, and how they get married, actually suprised me I was not expecting that at all which I loved.

I did have some problems to start with, with Dereks character and the way he was acting. Even if you love someone, holding a grudge for 8 years over a relationship where they break up with you… it was a lot and he was acting like a massive dick. Thankfully though, his character arc was great and you actually see him become a better person once he realises that he needs to let the past go, and realises how terribly he was treating her.

I ended up loving this story and cannot wait to see what Sarah comes out with next. Would recommend this to any romance readers out there!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I'm still not over the fact that I got an arc of this, it's do insane and I'll never stop being grateful for Headline Eternal for approving me for an arc

I loved this book, as previously mentioned this was one of my most anticipated reads and it didn't disappoint. I love Sarah's writing, I feel like every time I read one of her books I'm snuggled up in bed and have the best time reading

I'm a huge lover of second chance romance and this book reminds me of why I love them so much. Even tho they both were hurt over the break up/past events you could see how much they meant to each other still though their words and actions

The marriage in Vegas happens later in the book than I first thought it would and I was kinda just waiting for it to happen and wanted to rush through the build up of it, however upon reflection I'm glad that it took a while to get to it as we spent time seeing the hurt and love they both had for eachother still after all this time and I loved that, it made the getting back together properly so much better and really cemented their relationship

Derek is 1000% in contention for book boyfriend of the year, the love he had for Nora was so cute and there were several plot twists from him that had me screaming

I loved Nora and how strong and badass she is but also how she could admit that she needed breaks and wanted someone to lean on (aka Derek)

I loved seeing the gang from The Cheat Sheet back together again, I kinda wish there were more scenes of Bree and Nora as I just want to see their friendship more

Overall I loved this book and highly recommend everyone to read it, even if you haven't read the cheat sheet (which I don't think you have to)

Thank you to Headline Eternal and NetGalley for the arc - all opinions are my own

- second chance
- accidental marriage in vegas
- sports romance (football)
- sports agent x client
- forced proximity
- there's only one bed

Wow!!!! What a book! It is official this is my favorite book by Sarah Adams. I love everything about this one. Nora and Derek are soooo cute together. I must say that I love Nora sooo much. She is witty and with her dad jokes... She is sooo cool. I wouldn't change absolutely anything in this book. I love the first book in this series, but this one is my fave Love the second chance romance with no 3rd act break up. I love the communication and the fanny banter. I am sooo happy, for wishing this book, I read it in a few hours. Highly recommended!


I thought this was a really great second chance romance with a bonus accidental marriage thrown in for good measure.

Nora and Derek were such a great couple and seeing them fall back in love as these new, older versions of themselves was so nice. And fun. There were a lot of really tender moments and they complemented really well with the moments of high sexual tensions.

It was funny and it was good to see the characters from The Cheat Sheet again. Overall, a fun read.

I'm currently in my Sports Romance era and The Rule Book by Sarah Adams did not disappoint! I had the absolute best time with this one from beginning to end. A truly feel-good and low-stakes romance with a lovable cast of side characters, The Rule Book is a Summer must-read in 2024.

I think one of my favourite aspects about this book is surprisingly the side-characters. There's nothing I love more than a meddlesome group of friends that mean well and yet ultimately over-step and annoy the main character. I genuinely couldn't stop grinning throughout the story as witnessed the development (and downfall) of Derek and Nora's list of rules. I will admit after learning about the demise of their relationship from college I was concerned about how both characters could find their way back from that, especially after a drunken night leads results in them being married and thrust into the public eye, but I adored Nora and Derek's progress as we watched their emotional connection grow and then thrive.

Also... can we just recognise that whilst being a fun and 'fluffy' romance, The Rule Book manages to recognise and address real life struggles. Derek's recovery from a near-career ending injury, and his late-dyslexia diagnosis as an adult. Nora's struggles in the workplace with sexism and what it's like to be a woman in 'a man's world.' I personally enjoyed how author Sarah Adams approached these conflicts with maturity and care, and I found that this content acted in support to an otherwise cheerful and light-hearted storyline. These plots enabled Derek and Nora to connect on a much deeper level, and I found that these were amongst my most favourite scenes to read.

The Rule Book is very much a 'right person, wrong time' second chance romance and it was a true delight to be able to watch Derek and Nora fall in love all over again. Fans of The Cheat Sheet will also enjoy the presence of familiar and recurring characters, and

Sarah Adams is yet to disappoint - this was another fantastic book from her and I was hooked on every page of this second chance romance. With their history, it’s no surprise Derek and Nora are off to an extremely rocky start, in desperate need of clearing the air now that they’ve run into each other again. This was a classic case of grumpy vs sunshine, with Derek in a funk from more than just the return of Nora to his life, but Nora remains persistently cheery, determined to win with her cute quips and happy demeanour. I loved her cute phrases and upbeat nature, and she had me totally charmed - it’s no wonder Derek felt like he was in trouble! The plot around the romance was also interesting, with some difficult topics explored that will definitely make you feel for these two characters, and root for them! This book is fun, flirty, and impossible to put down.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Feels sooo warm!!! Perfect for anyone who’s looking for a light and cozy reading, with a little depth. I thought this will be 100% closed door but wow it got some spice. The characters got a background story and it carries throughout the book. I can't really put it down. 5stars for me.

Sarah Adam's writing is compelling with lots of puns, funny banter and catchphrases (a bit overdone for me but I LOVE it).
It’s so refreshing to read that the FMC doesn’t feel the prick on the neck or somehow just know that the MMC is in the room for weird reasons, other than she already saw him or made prior appointments or know beforehand 😂😂😂

This really feels like cheatsheet, the banter, the plot, even Nora’s character reminds me a lot with Bree, but there's another depth in this book. It feels familiar and new at the same time (does that make sense?)

College sweethearts
Second chance romance
Accidental marriage
Sports romance
Bright & bubbly main character
One bed

So many tropes, and I love every single one of them 🥰

Nora & Derek dated in college - he a football (American) player, and she a sports agent. They broke up (Nora shattered Dereks heart! 💔) and moved on with their lives.

Well, kinda.

But now Noras first client is Derek after his old agent had to take time off due to personal reasons (we never got to know what that was… just a loose end I’d wish someone just sorta mentioned) but he has no idea it’s her as she goes by Mac in this boys world.

One thing leads to another and BAM they’re married.

How do they cope with all this? Well read and find out!

——

Honestly one of my fave reads of the year. Hands down. Yeah, I know it’s only March but I’m putting it in stone already.

I love Nora’s bubbly personality, and all of Dereks friends. I love Derek too, but that’s obvious. what’s not to love about a gorgeous beefy NFL man who stands up for his missus? Nothing that’s what. So of course I love him.

My fave line? It’s gonna be my morning mantra from now on:

“You can do this. You are a strong, smart, sexy muffin of a woman and you can do this.”

Just Nora all over.

3.75/5

This book was interesting and I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I love accidental marriage and second chance romance but this book didn't scratch the itch.

The characters were bland. Nora was both over the top and boring and I have no idea how that's possible. Her catchphrases were corny and she tried to be not like other girls so much to the point of caricature.

Derek annoyed me with his constant "I love Nora but will make her life a living hell", like come on dude. She was working her ass off trying to get you the deals and save your career and you played her like she was a pawn in your game. What's worse, he played with her career as well. No wonder she had dumped him at college. If he was so flippant now, I don't even want to know what he was like when they were younger.

One good thing: he redeemed himself. The way he protected her career later was nice and I liked it. I'm glad that they talked about their past and cleared the air. I hate the miscommunication trope. And a huge plus for the lack of the third-act breakup!. Instead, they talked and took a chance.

The writing wasn't my favourite. Some of the phrases were cringe and I hated seeing them. Some of the dialogue felt a bit wonky. The pacing was weird, sometimes it felt rushed, and the others, nothing was happening.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline for providing the ARC for an honest review.

✨ I absolutely adore Sarah Adams so I was over the moon when my request got approved to read the rule book ✨

Sarah’s writing is so moreish and I am just in love with Nora and Derek! Nora is just so fun and so uniquely herself, without shame, such a strong lead. Derek was so soft and sweet throughout ( he definitely could not stay mad with Nora for long).
I loved the fact that this was low-conflict so we got a chance to get to know both characters without any huge drama! The marriage of convenience side of this book was done so well (especially when they were both so obviously in love with each other) and the flirty way Nora and Derek came up with the rule book had me on the edge of my page 😉.

The themes of this book felt more mature then Sarah’s other books, Nora fights standing up to sexism in the workplace as well as family issues which affect her other relationships and Derek, whose not only battling with his injury, which threatens to ruin his career, but also his late dyslexia diagnosis which has been a huge unresolved issues in his life for years. Both characters are hugely supportive of one another which makes you root for them even more.

An extra bonus we get from this book is we get to see the sharks again! Loved Nathan and Bree in ‘The Rule Book’ and I’d get so excited seeing them two pop up in chapters. Overall, this book was such a fun, witty read and I loved the ‘open door’ part of this book - it was done beautifully 🫶🏻

*Thank you NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to read this ARC*

Thanks so much to Headline Books, Sarah Adams and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

I am convinced Sarah Adams can do no wrong and this is proof. What a delightful and tension filled second chance romance. I love the encounters between Derek and Nora and the chemistry between the two is palpable. The way they complement each other is excellent and their character development is well paced and realistic.

Adams does a fantastic job of sharing the struggles Nora faces as a female sports agent and the way her quirks are defined and perceived. In the same way, Dereks recent dyslexia diagnosis shows the way in which his former years were characterised by the constant pressure to apply himself, I would have loved to have seen more here.

The only element that stops this from being 5 stars is at times the dialogue just seemed outright ridiculous, and unrealistic. Despite this, the plot and accidental marriage was executed seamlessly.

I would highly recommend, I think it’s her best book yet!

4,5 / 5

THERE’S. NO. 3RD. ACT. BREAK.UP.
IT. JUST. DOESN’T. EXIST.
AND WE LOVE TO SEE IT.

Nora was cute, funny, bubbly and absolutely carried the book from start to finish, not only with her personality through her pov chapters, but also the way Derek sees her in his.
Loved their chemistry and the way these two made 100% sense.

My personal highlight of this book was Nicole. Even more so because of the way Nora talks about her. Do I dare to say Nicole might need her own book ?
Maybe.
Definitely.

While this book is more on the lighthearted side, I do think it’s fair to acknowledge the very real issue of women working in a male dominated field and, as in this case, the environment and the sexism that takes place there.

I know this book is a book 2 in a series and I haven’t read The Cheat Sheet (yet) (or any other Sarah Adams book for that matter). I’ve been going back and forth on whether I should read it, but I do have to say that I am now more intrigued to read The Cheat Sheet as well as Sarah's romcom backlog after reading The Rule Book.

I can see this book being a very easy 5 star for a lot of people.

Thank you Headline Eternal for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really struggled to sit down to write this review because putting my finger on exactly what didn't work so well for me in this book was difficult. I only rated The Cheat Sheet 3 stars too, but it was a high 3 star vs this one which is at the bottom end of the sliding scale.

I really rated Nora as a character; her take-no-nonsense attitude was refreshing to read and I was really rooting for her. But I didn't ever find myself rooting for Derek, and therefore I wasn't interested in the relationship at all. And then Nora started to grate on me because I didn't see the hype with Derek, which then made me dislike all the one-liners that might not have bothered me if I cared more. Perhaps there wasn't enough back story for met to really believe they were ever in love, which is what I need to really pine over a second chance romance.

I was really looking forward to being back with the boys from The Cheat Sheet, but the dialogue and relationship that seemed unrealistic in the first book in the series felt even more unrealistic. I felt like I was reading a conversation between teenage girls, not grown men with wives and children.

This isn't a bad book by any stretch, it just didn't work for my tastes. Although I felt very validated by the reference to Betty Spaghetty; I'm not sure if that says more about the book or me though.

Tropes:
• Sports romance (American Football)
• Dual POV
• He falls first
• Second chance romance
• Marriage of convenience

If you know me, you know I'm an absolute die-hard enemy to lovers, fake marriage, forced proximity and grumpy meets sunshine. Now this book has it all, so when hearing it had been accepted I couldn't wait to pick it up.

The book encompasses the most engaging story, including Derek and Nora, who used to date in college. Nora left things on bad terms after she let her grades slip and her attendance for Derek (an aspiring young footballer). Deciding that they needed to go their separate ways, they meet again due to Nora working for a sports agency where her first assignment is none other than the beautiful, talented, tall, dark and handsome Derek to help his career get back to a better place after an injury.

Still angry and full of vengeance, Derek decides to get back at Nora, ensuring he does everything he can to ensure she quits or the contact is dissolved. However, Nora does everything she can to prove she is a talented agent and will support Derek's career in any way.

Review:
This book had me so hooked, that I couldn't put it down. Those books are so easy to follow, and the romance is very clearly a slow burn not just the protagonist being so self-absorbed that he just recognises her at the end. I adored their history so much, Derek being so emotionally damaged from their relationship that he's learning to not be so angry all the time and to open up about how it made him feel. Their relationship grew so swiftly, and finally, characters that can communicate! Sarah Adams thank you for such a lovely book, ill recommend it it all my lovely book friends forever!

I absolutely loved this book! I adored The Cheat Sheet but The Rule Book is even better!
The relationships and the banter between Derek and Nora is top notch! Nora is a relatable character for me!

The Rule Book is cute, sweet and a little bit steamy - it's everything you need for a quick romance read!

Second-chance romance is not my favourite trope but The Rule Book did it very well! I often find myself getting annoyed by the lack of development in these romances but there was a lot here thanks to the flashbacks and conversations about Derek and Nora's past. I enjoyed the connection between the pair and how their dynamic had changed over time.

I liked getting to see the characters from The Cheat Sheet, I love interconnected romance stories so much and the cast of characters in this duology are so fun.

I'm fairly sure Nora is neurodivergent in some way but it's never really explored, there's a heavy focus on how 'quirky' she is but it doesn't go any further than that. A bit like Derek's dyslexia diagnosis, it's mentioned in passing but I was expecting it to be a bigger part of the story.