4.5⭐️

Shane and Diana were everything in this. The banter was top tier and so was the spice. I loved how this one didn’t shy from thought topics. The last hundred pages, oh my god, I bawled like a baby. My heart broke for Shane. Diana, was an amazing and strong female lead even when she didn’t think she was. For the last 20%, you go on a wild rollercoaster but, I loved this book so so much. I love Shane and Diana and everything about this, I devoured the book. I hope that the next book is Will and Beckett 🤞 Thank you for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Love Shane and Diana and also love a fake dating trope! Ballroom dancer meets hockey player, exactly what you want from a fun, easy romance. Love this series and this author!

This fun romance is in the Briar University world so if you like Elle Kennedy’s previous Briar books there’s lots to love here with cameos and Easter eggs all over the place. Elle writes young people so well - their impulsiveness, their gossip, their shamelessness and it’s all here - intense and joyful.

Apart from the love story between Shane and Diana, there’s plenty of other things going on with a dance competition, full-on college hockey, cheerleading, an ex problem, another tricky ex, and some grief. It’s quite long which really works when there is so much happening.

Shane is delightful, definitely a bit of a doofus but funny and genuine and honest with Diana. She’s a bit more complicated - very prickly, quick to judge, super busy and super active. It’s a trajectory from enemies to friends to friends with benefits to lovers. They are both so very young - early 20s - so they are impulsive and energetic in the best way - makes the steamy steam spicy. There is a tiny spot of kink but otherwise it’s all vanilla goodness🌶️🌶️

If you like your MCs young (early twenties) and serious topics to be handled with a light hand, this is a fantastic read😍

Thank you NetGalley, Elle Kennedy and the publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

4⭐

This was a rollercoaster. It made me feel every emotion possible. So much happened in the second half of the book that I felt exhausted for the characters but I loved every second of it.

I loved how gentle Shane was and how close he was with his family. I loved how natural the relationship development was even tho im not a fan of friends with benefits sort of thing I really enjoyed this.

One thing that I had to skim over were the intense intimate scenes because I cannot and won't read anything like that idk it's like crossing a line for me lmao 😭😭😭😭😭 it didn't take away from the book and I'm glad it was a one time thing lol.

It was funny and emotional.... I cried my eyes out multiple times so be ready with tissues.

4.5 stars

The second book in this spin off series is about Diana and Shane. Both characters we’ve been introduced to in The Graham Effect - book 1 - where we also discover there is no love lost between them! They are the respective best friends of Gigi and Ryder.

Shane moves into Diana’s apartment complex and some issues with exes means they find themselves in a fake relationship. I love the enemies to lovers trope and it was so good here with so much banter between Shane and Diana. It went well with the other tropes of fake relationship and close proximity in this one. So if you any of those be sure to pick this one up! I also enjoy it when the title of a book makes it into the story itself and this one is referenced well!

I think I preferred Diana’s character to Gigi’s from the first book in this series. They’re different but Diana seemed much more mature and independent. Although hockey is as focus in this book as Shane’s college career, Diana is focussed on other pursuits like cheerleading and dancing so I thought that was quite different.

I have no idea who the next book is going to be about but I’m looking forward to it already.

Theres a trigger warning for domestic abuse if you need to review that before starting.

A great second installment to the Campus Diaries series!

The banter and chemistry between Shane and Diana was chefs kiss! I love when a couple goes from not liking each other to falling for each other! qw\kieuwhgfh, sorry.. lil keyboard smash for you.

The only thing I struggled with was the unnecessary ex drama! Can the exes that aren't wanted anymore please take an orderly exist and accept their one way plane ticket out of here, please and thank you!

Other than that, I really really enjoyed their story and cannot wait to see what comes next, because there MUST be a next!

4.5 Stars <33

"The Dixon Rule" by Elle Kennedy is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions that deserves every single star in the galaxy! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Picture this: Diana Dixon, the ultimate multitasker who is juggling cheerleading, ballroom dancing, and dodging her persistent ex, Percy.
Enter Shane Lindley, the hockey heartthrob, who is busy wallowing in his breakup blues.
When their paths collide in a fake dating scheme that's more heated than a hockey match, sparks fly like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Let me tell you, the chemistry between Diana and Shane could power a small city!
Their banter had me snorting with laughter, especially during those HOA meetings where Diana played referee, kicking Shane out of the group chats like a boss. And don't even get me started on Shane's audacious FWB application – pure comedic gold!
The kitchen scene? IYKYK 🥵😳 But, let's just say, it's hotter than a jalapeño pepper on a summer day!

What I loved most was how the story seamlessly weaved in modern elements like WhatsApp messages, adding a relatable and hilarious touch to the narrative. Plus, seeing familiar faces from "The Graham Effect" tie the knot was the icing on the wedding cake, but fear not, "The Dixon Rule" stands strong on its own two feet.

But hold onto your heartstrings, because this book isn't all laughs and giggles. Elle Kennedy fearlessly tackles darker themes like domestic violence and grief, grounding the story in raw, emotional depth. Watching Diana and Shane support each other through their toughest moments was like witnessing a masterclass in love and resilience.

So, if you're ready for a wild ride filled with hockey romance, fake dating antics, and enough feels to make your heart burst, then "The Dixon Rule" is your golden ticket.

Elle Kennedy, take a bow, because you've penned a masterpiece that's as addictive as it is unforgettable.
Keep 'em coming, we can't get enough!

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 ⭐️

I loved this more than the first one 🥹 I fell in love with Diana, wasn’t sure on her in the Graham effect but what a absolute rocket she is she’s so fiery and witty she had me chuckling all the way through! Shane is also such a little sweetheart, he really is the big softie of the group and I loved him 🥹

The fake dating element in this was SUBLIME 🤩 I eat fake dating up every single time! The development of their sassy remarks to each other to fake dating just hits evety time 🤣

There is a lot of filler in this one I’d say, but it isn’t bad filler at all it’s entertaining and it builds the relationship between the characters so well, you build such a close friendship with them like when they watch their show together? 😩 so cute! And the spice 😮‍💨😮‍💨 the mouth on that man!!!

Rating wise it’s a 5 star, but I did find that some dialogue was slightlyyyyy cringe, and the ending to me was left very open ended and I like solid closure. Relationship wise you get the closure but other stuff happens that leaves me like soo what happened now especially with regard to the situation regarding diana 👀 but I loved it so much and I liked it more than the Graham effect and as a whole it was chefs kiss 🫶🏻

But overall I loved it, one of my favourite fake dating books I’ve read in a while! 🫶🏻

Where do I start with this book? 😮‍💨

It was SO addictive and hot! It surprised me in so many ways and I’m obsessed with it!

a bit disappointed with this one :( i loved the graham effect so much so i was so excited for this one especially with it being fake dating as that’s my favourite trope but it just fell a bit flat for me unfortunately :(

The Dixon Rule - Elle Kennedy
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LIKES
- The ex-boyfriend storyline coupled with the viscous circle of guilt that comes with that felt genuine and created moments where I was really able to connect to Diana. The differing family experiences were also executed well.
- Accurate anxiety / panic attack rep.
- All the appearances of the old original Off Campus / Briar U gang. The way this generation spoke about Garrett and Jake especially was hilarious.
- The Easter eggs pointing towards potential future crossovers! I don't think I'll ever get sick of this world.
- I couldn't put it down, I read it in two sittings.
- The talk around the struggle of being seen as strong, living up to that reputation and all the complications and pressures that come with it.
- Sweet and supportive friendships.
- Loads of drama.
- Towards the end I cried, which almost never happens. There's a really heartfelt storyline (that I don't want) to spoil that broke my heart.
- The main characters had a good mix of sweet and not moments. It was the perfect slow burn full of tension and believable chemistry.
- All the 🌶️ scenes, but one in particular was 😳 If you know, you know.

DISLIKES
- Diana's reasons for hating Shane are flimsy at best. Because of how petty and judgemental she is especially in the beginning, it took me a while to warm to her.
- At one point, Shane is talking about an attractive guy and says 'his only flaw? He's a ginger. Although his hair is more auburn with blonde highlights as opposed to creepy orange’. A really unnecessary school bully type comment to chuck in there which didn't sit well with me at all.

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy will be released in the UK on 14th May 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and The Little Brown book group for the Advance Ready Copy of this book.

I read both books on this series back to back., The Graham Effect and the second in the series The Dixon Rule. The first book I loved, and the second I loved a little more.

Enemies to Lovers story, Fake Dating and Oh my gosh the spice in this book was on another level. Diana and Shane relationship was so intriguing to read the chemistry between them was off the chart. The fake dating… well let me say there were benefits all the way round. I fell in love with both of these characters together and separately.

The side characters in this book made it for me and just had me in fits of giggles, and enjoyed how they interacted well in to the storyline. The banter between Diana and Shane just emphasises the sexual chemistry between them.

I have to applaud Elle Kennedy the way she handled and raised some heavy topics. It showed the vulnerability in both characters which leads to a beautiful story done best.

It was also nice to see Previous characters from the Graham Effect pop up in this story to see their full journey navigating in life.

Really enjoyed this book can’t wait to read the third book in this series

This book GAVE. ME. LIFE. By far the best one yet! Diana and Shane are 🔥

This book made me laugh, cry and love! Elle Kennedy is a master of the genre!

So this is the second book in the campus diaries and I honestly think this one was better! Diana Dixon has a lot going on this summer. She's rehearsing for a ballroom dance competition, juggling two jobs, and dealing with an ex-boyfriend who can't take the hint it's over. Yet despite all that, she still has plenty of time and energy to tell Shane Lindley to screw off.

Shane just moved into her apartment building and seems dedicated to sleeping his way through her entire cheerleading squad. Sure, he's a tall, gorgeous hockey player, but he's messing with her turf. This calls for some ground rules: no parties in her apartment, leave her teammates alone, and - most importantly - leave her alone.

What Diana doesn't realize is that Shane's sick of hook-ups and tired of being on the rebound after his long-term girlfriend called it quits. He wants a relationship. And when his ex comes back into the picture, he pretends he has one to make her jealous . . . and who better to play the girlfriend role than his sassy new neighbour?


This was near perfection! The banter between Shane and Diana had me HOWLING with laughter and it’s not often that I laugh at a book. Their digs and hate for each other whilst petty was so entertaining and I couldn’t get enough of it honestly.

What was better than their banter? Their tension , their chemistry. This book made me blush with the words coming out of Shane’s mouth- jeez Elle Kennedy knows how to write varied , hot spice. The scene with Shane, Diana and Will…. If you know you know!

What I also loved was the deeper themes throughout this book, with Diana’s abusive ex Percy I was genuinely on the edge of my seat in shock, it added this suspense which helped with the pacing and breaking up some of the fluff. We also got to explore Shane and how he realised his previous relationship wasn’t as idealistic as it seemed and watching him come to this realisation was a full 180 flip. We also sadly watched him tackle parental death and grief.

There was so much going on in this book and it was very varied which meant I went through this book super quickly, I was rooting for Diana and Shane and I think I like these two more than GiGi and Ryder to be honest. Overall I rated this book 4.5 stars!!

Thank you so much for the ARC!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥🔥

I absolutely LOVEDDDDD this! I loved both characters so much! The story is brilliant. Everytime I read Elle Kennedy I remember how great and hot her books are. And funny!
The fake dating but actually friend with benefits is the best take on fake dating. The progression from initially dislike each other to being friends then lovers then admitting it was more? Perfect. The ex GF and BF storylines? Loved it. The kinky bits? HOT.
There were quite a few heavier topics covered but done super sensitively.

-Fake dating but real friend with benefits
-Hockey
-A bit of kinky
-Neighbours
-Initially enemies to lovers

Diana Dixon and Shane Lindley are new neighbours. She thinks he's a player. He loves winding her up. Suddenly, they need the other to fake being in a relationship with them. What could possibly go wrong?

This story had the perfect balance of romance, family drama, sports elements, and spice. I felt happy, sad, and angry. I laughed. I cried. I was annoyed. If a story can bring all of these emotions out of you, you know it's good.

The progression of Diana and Shane's relationship felt very natural and real. No insta love here. The side characters, like Will, really added to the plot.

This is a fantastic love story. I can't wait to continue with the series.

AMAZING !!!! I’m not gonna lie I was a bit skeptical with Shane and Diana but oh my god was I wrong !!! The banter was top tier, was actually giggling! I also really loved how you got to see them working through different things when they finally got together !! It was such a lovely story <3

After I finished about 30% of this book, I really enjoyed it. I couldn't get into it right away, but once that hurdle was overcome, it was an incredible read. The friendships and cameos of characters from other books were something I enjoyed.

Okay, a lot of thoughts. Once I got over 30%, the book became an easier read. Diana was mean and straight up cruel to Shane when he first moved into the condo. She was a difficult heroine to like when her immaturity was on display for a big chunk of the book, but she's also devoted and compassionate. I don't love her but I don't dislike her either. Shane on the other hand was a star with the things he had to put up with. We already got a hint of that from the previous book, but this book just cemented the fact that he's perfect.

I enjoyed so many bits of this book: the friendship groups, the glimpse of the Off Campus fam, the family relationships and the dyanmics when Shane and Diana eventually became friends.

But also equally a lot of unenjoyable side plots that I don't feel are successful. I'm not a big fan of exes being a major plot line in the story and this had two!! I do however recognise the difficult subjects being protrayed and the process of dealing with trauma.

I will also echo all the other reviews saying this is EK's spiciest book to date. No notes. Diana and Shane had great chemistry and I am grateful for the kink rep.

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the arc and here is my honest review.

This is the second book in the Campus Diaries Series, following on from The Graham Effect. When I read this book, I really hoped the second book wouldn't be about Shane and Diana. But my mind was quickly changed. Elle is perfect at drawing in the audience and making them fall in love with her characters. By the time I reached the end, I was head over heels for Shane and Diana. When Diana starts fake dating the most annoying boy she knows after he moves into her apartment complex, they both eventually have to accept that what they have for each other is most certainly not fake anymore. The emotions, humour and spice in this book just kept me wanting more and more.


Thank you to Net-Galley and Little Brown Group UK for providing me with an E-ARC of this incredible book!