alyssum's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
majlindaselimi_'s review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shannonsbookcase's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- 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
4.0
Against the Rules is book 2 in the Wilmington Football Series by Brittany Kelley. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would highly suggest that you read Against the Clock first as there are some recurring characters in this book.
Savannah is a professional cheerleader for the Wilmington Beavers football team. She goes to Vegas with her girlfriends, they party a little too much and the next thing she knows she wakes up in bed with a handsome stranger. Slowly things start coming back to her and she realizes that she married this handsome stranger named Tyler Matthews who happens to be the wide receiver for said football team. So what's the problem? There is a no fraternization rule in the cheerleading handbook. Savannah could lose her job.
While she is ready to get the marriage annulled, Ty wants to stay secretly married to Savannah. For him it is insta-love. He sweetens the pot by offering to help Savannah out financially to start her own business. Not only that, he treats her like a queen!
I adored this book! It was full of sweetness and spice! The sparks were popping between Ty and Savannah from the very beginning. I really loved how Brittany really touched on such sensitive topics such as eating disorders and anxiety, showing people it is ok to seek help when you need it. This book also shows the double standards professional sports has between the genders. For me, it was a very eye opening experience.
My only real criticisms are…
✨️ I wish Savannah was a little more confident with her relationship with Ty earlier in the book.
✨️The ending felt a tad rushed.
But even that did not sway my love for this book! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞…
Forbidden Relationship
Sports Romance (football/cheerleading)
Insta-Love
Secret Wedding
Friends to Lovers
Mental Health Representation
(Eating Disorders/Anxiety)
He Falls First
Cinnamon Roll MMC
While I did read this book a few months ago (I am behind in writing my reviews), I would like to thank @brittanykelleywrites for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
booksoflauren's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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? No
4.75
tinireads's review against another edition
4.0
*arc review*
wow, you guys. I LOVED this. full disclosure - I was so excited to read the first book but the MMC has the same name as my dad and I could tell that one was going to be spicy so...unfortunately, I had to skip & I'll forever be sad about it. but after reading this? you all should run to your kindle for against the clock! so when I saw the bookfunnel email for this arc, let me tell you, I clicked into that link SO fast and I have zero regrets.
I read this in like 24 hours, and I'd do it again. I probably will do it again, honestly.
first, I loved savannah. she is sweet and goofy, but she's also loyal to a fault and has a quiet resilience about her that I can relate to and respect. we watch as she struggles with her insecurities and goals, as she works through the societal pressures and expectations placed on her, as she opens herself to love after being heartbroken.
then we have tyler...that fictional man, let me tell you. I love him, your honor. he has huge golden retriever energy but he's also domineering as fuck and possessive in the best ways. But there's so much more to ty than that. like savannah, he's dealing with a lot behind closed doors. we get a peek into his family life, feeling like he's living in his brother's shadow, and getting treated like he'll forever be the little boy making dumb decisions.
savannah and tyler were not only able to find strength in each other, but they become each other's protectors and biggest fans. they communicate openly, and are so accepting of where the other is emotionally. but what I loved the most about the relationship was how important mental health was to both of them. there wasn't a third-act break-up but there are a few times when they put the breaks on their relationship so they can take care of themselves before trying to put more into their relationship, and I loved that. it tugs on your heartstrings but you can't help feeling so proud of these two.
I wasn't ready for this book to end but I'm so, so happy it started.
wow, you guys. I LOVED this. full disclosure - I was so excited to read the first book but the MMC has the same name as my dad and I could tell that one was going to be spicy so...unfortunately, I had to skip & I'll forever be sad about it. but after reading this? you all should run to your kindle for against the clock! so when I saw the bookfunnel email for this arc, let me tell you, I clicked into that link SO fast and I have zero regrets.
I read this in like 24 hours, and I'd do it again. I probably will do it again, honestly.
first, I loved savannah. she is sweet and goofy, but she's also loyal to a fault and has a quiet resilience about her that I can relate to and respect. we watch as she struggles with her insecurities and goals, as she works through the societal pressures and expectations placed on her, as she opens herself to love after being heartbroken.
then we have tyler...that fictional man, let me tell you. I love him, your honor. he has huge golden retriever energy but he's also domineering as fuck and possessive in the best ways. But there's so much more to ty than that. like savannah, he's dealing with a lot behind closed doors. we get a peek into his family life, feeling like he's living in his brother's shadow, and getting treated like he'll forever be the little boy making dumb decisions.
savannah and tyler were not only able to find strength in each other, but they become each other's protectors and biggest fans. they communicate openly, and are so accepting of where the other is emotionally. but what I loved the most about the relationship was how important mental health was to both of them. there wasn't a third-act break-up but there are a few times when they put the breaks on their relationship so they can take care of themselves before trying to put more into their relationship, and I loved that. it tugs on your heartstrings but you can't help feeling so proud of these two.
I wasn't ready for this book to end but I'm so, so happy it started.
torilovesheas's review against another edition
4.0
Forbidden lovers because they got married in Vegas after knowing each other a handful of hours only to find out they cheer/play ball for the same pro football team and fraternization is absolutely forbidden in the cheer hand book? A recipe for a romance methinks.
Y'all know I love characters that smoosh my heart around and I'm here again with smooshy feelings. I mean, I felt for Tyler and the inferiority complex he had from living under his brother's shadow and being known as the family screw up.
But Savannah? I hard core related to Savannah. Being a pro cheerleader SHOULD be everything she wanted but at what cost? Is it worth the hits to her self esteem? The stress? The anxiety? We see Sav slip into disordered eating habits due to stress and I just wanted to hug her. And it's so subtle that you see her slipping back into old routines with food until it's a Problem. Tyler might be a new husband figuring out how to keep his secret wife in his life but when he figures out something is not right with her, he does what he can to help her without being too pushy. (Been there. Pushy loved ones did not help.).
I just loved the way Brittany wrote Savannah's struggle and Tyler's desire to help. I think it elevated this from two characters together due to lust and showed that they care about one another. Kudos kudos kudos for therapy being talked about as something that isn't shameful but necessary. He jokes about being excited for couples therapy and I was like "I love this fictional man".
Also Mr. Tyler Matthews has a dirty mouth. Clean it up with Orbit dirty. Yessss.
I do think the end was a bit rushed and wrapped up pretty quickly but I really loved Savannah and Tyler and their journey together 6) it was equal parts funny + sweet + angsty + hot. And! It had all the delicious sneaking around elements you could want!
Probably best to read the first book in the series first of you want the snippets of Ty and Sav from other characters POV, but works totally fine as a stand alone!
Merged review:
Forbidden lovers because they got married in Vegas after knowing each other a handful of hours only to find out they cheer/play ball for the same pro football team and fraternization is absolutely forbidden in the cheer hand book? A recipe for a romance methinks.
Y'all know I love characters that smoosh my heart around and I'm here again with smooshy feelings. I mean, I felt for Tyler and the inferiority complex he had from living under his brother's shadow and being known as the family screw up.
But Savannah? I hard core related to Savannah. Being a pro cheerleader SHOULD be everything she wanted but at what cost? Is it worth the hits to her self esteem? The stress? The anxiety? We see Sav slip into disordered eating habits due to stress and I just wanted to hug her. And it's so subtle that you see her slipping back into old routines with food until it's a Problem. Tyler might be a new husband figuring out how to keep his secret wife in his life but when he figures out something is not right with her, he does what he can to help her without being too pushy. (Been there. Pushy loved ones did not help.).
I just loved the way Brittany wrote Savannah's struggle and Tyler's desire to help. I think it elevated this from two characters together due to lust and showed that they care about one another. Kudos kudos kudos for therapy being talked about as something that isn't shameful but necessary. He jokes about being excited for couples therapy and I was like "I love this fictional man".
Also Mr. Tyler Matthews has a dirty mouth. Clean it up with Orbit dirty. Yessss.
I do think the end was a bit rushed and wrapped up pretty quickly but I really loved Savannah and Tyler and their journey together 6) it was equal parts funny + sweet + angsty + hot. And! It had all the delicious sneaking around elements you could want!
Probably best to read the first book in the series first of you want the snippets of Ty and Sav from other characters POV, but works totally fine as a stand alone!
Y'all know I love characters that smoosh my heart around and I'm here again with smooshy feelings. I mean, I felt for Tyler and the inferiority complex he had from living under his brother's shadow and being known as the family screw up.
But Savannah? I hard core related to Savannah. Being a pro cheerleader SHOULD be everything she wanted but at what cost? Is it worth the hits to her self esteem? The stress? The anxiety? We see Sav slip into disordered eating habits due to stress and I just wanted to hug her. And it's so subtle that you see her slipping back into old routines with food until it's a Problem. Tyler might be a new husband figuring out how to keep his secret wife in his life but when he figures out something is not right with her, he does what he can to help her without being too pushy. (Been there. Pushy loved ones did not help.).
I just loved the way Brittany wrote Savannah's struggle and Tyler's desire to help. I think it elevated this from two characters together due to lust and showed that they care about one another. Kudos kudos kudos for therapy being talked about as something that isn't shameful but necessary. He jokes about being excited for couples therapy and I was like "I love this fictional man".
Also Mr. Tyler Matthews has a dirty mouth. Clean it up with Orbit dirty. Yessss.
I do think the end was a bit rushed and wrapped up pretty quickly but I really loved Savannah and Tyler and their journey together 6) it was equal parts funny + sweet + angsty + hot. And! It had all the delicious sneaking around elements you could want!
Probably best to read the first book in the series first of you want the snippets of Ty and Sav from other characters POV, but works totally fine as a stand alone!
Merged review:
Forbidden lovers because they got married in Vegas after knowing each other a handful of hours only to find out they cheer/play ball for the same pro football team and fraternization is absolutely forbidden in the cheer hand book? A recipe for a romance methinks.
Y'all know I love characters that smoosh my heart around and I'm here again with smooshy feelings. I mean, I felt for Tyler and the inferiority complex he had from living under his brother's shadow and being known as the family screw up.
But Savannah? I hard core related to Savannah. Being a pro cheerleader SHOULD be everything she wanted but at what cost? Is it worth the hits to her self esteem? The stress? The anxiety? We see Sav slip into disordered eating habits due to stress and I just wanted to hug her. And it's so subtle that you see her slipping back into old routines with food until it's a Problem. Tyler might be a new husband figuring out how to keep his secret wife in his life but when he figures out something is not right with her, he does what he can to help her without being too pushy. (Been there. Pushy loved ones did not help.).
I just loved the way Brittany wrote Savannah's struggle and Tyler's desire to help. I think it elevated this from two characters together due to lust and showed that they care about one another. Kudos kudos kudos for therapy being talked about as something that isn't shameful but necessary. He jokes about being excited for couples therapy and I was like "I love this fictional man".
Also Mr. Tyler Matthews has a dirty mouth. Clean it up with Orbit dirty. Yessss.
I do think the end was a bit rushed and wrapped up pretty quickly but I really loved Savannah and Tyler and their journey together 6) it was equal parts funny + sweet + angsty + hot. And! It had all the delicious sneaking around elements you could want!
Probably best to read the first book in the series first of you want the snippets of Ty and Sav from other characters POV, but works totally fine as a stand alone!
marinatrindade's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ⭐️
- sports romance
- cheerleader x football player
- forbidden romance
believe me when i say that i spent 2 days of my life addicted to this book. this was so easy and fast to read. so addictive. if i could i would delete this from my brain just so i could read it again.
the characters were relatable and so likable. i loved tyler, he’s our husband now. and savanah was perfect.
i have no words.
thank you brittany for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Merged review:
4.5 ⭐️
- sports romance
- cheerleader x football player
- forbidden romance
believe me when i say that i spent 2 days of my life addicted to this book. this was so easy and fast to read. so addictive. if i could i would delete this from my brain just so i could read it again.
the characters were relatable and so likable. i loved tyler, he’s our husband now. and savanah was perfect.
i have no words.
thank you brittany for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
- sports romance
- cheerleader x football player
- forbidden romance
believe me when i say that i spent 2 days of my life addicted to this book. this was so easy and fast to read. so addictive. if i could i would delete this from my brain just so i could read it again.
the characters were relatable and so likable. i loved tyler, he’s our husband now. and savanah was perfect.
i have no words.
thank you brittany for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Merged review:
4.5 ⭐️
- sports romance
- cheerleader x football player
- forbidden romance
believe me when i say that i spent 2 days of my life addicted to this book. this was so easy and fast to read. so addictive. if i could i would delete this from my brain just so i could read it again.
the characters were relatable and so likable. i loved tyler, he’s our husband now. and savanah was perfect.
i have no words.
thank you brittany for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
lexrenreads's review against another edition
5.0
ARC REVIEW
This was the first book I’ve read with an accidental marriage of convenience trope and I. Am. Here. For. It! Tyler and Savannah quickly became my new favorite couple. I received this book as an advanced copy — thank you to the author and the ARC team for allowing me the honor of reading this amazing story!
Tyler fell hard for Savannah and he became the walking definition of SIMP, but it was cute! What I didn’t expect and what made this a hard 5-star read was the discussion about mental and physical health, not only as an athlete, but as a female athlete. Talking about these things can be hard, but I loved how both characters helped each other heal and understand that it’s okay to not be okay, even when you’re living your dream.
It was beautiful watching Savannah and Tyler become each other’s pillar to lean on and biggest fan. The banter was light-hearted and cute and the romance was sweet and spicy, which is the perfect way to describe the relationship Savannah and Tyler shared. I read this in 24 hours and I would not mind doing that again to relive this amazingly beautiful story!
Merged review:
ARC REVIEW
This was the first book I’ve read with an accidental marriage of convenience trope and I. Am. Here. For. It! Tyler and Savannah quickly became my new favorite couple. I received this book as an advanced copy — thank you to the author and the ARC team for allowing me the honor of reading this amazing story!
Tyler fell hard for Savannah and he became the walking definition of SIMP, but it was cute! What I didn’t expect and what made this a hard 5-star read was the discussion about mental and physical health, not only as an athlete, but as a female athlete. Talking about these things can be hard, but I loved how both characters helped each other heal and understand that it’s okay to not be okay, even when you’re living your dream.
It was beautiful watching Savannah and Tyler become each other’s pillar to lean on and biggest fan. The banter was light-hearted and cute and the romance was sweet and spicy, which is the perfect way to describe the relationship Savannah and Tyler shared. I read this in 24 hours and I would not mind doing that again to relive this amazingly beautiful story!
This was the first book I’ve read with an accidental marriage of convenience trope and I. Am. Here. For. It! Tyler and Savannah quickly became my new favorite couple. I received this book as an advanced copy — thank you to the author and the ARC team for allowing me the honor of reading this amazing story!
Tyler fell hard for Savannah and he became the walking definition of SIMP, but it was cute! What I didn’t expect and what made this a hard 5-star read was the discussion about mental and physical health, not only as an athlete, but as a female athlete. Talking about these things can be hard, but I loved how both characters helped each other heal and understand that it’s okay to not be okay, even when you’re living your dream.
It was beautiful watching Savannah and Tyler become each other’s pillar to lean on and biggest fan. The banter was light-hearted and cute and the romance was sweet and spicy, which is the perfect way to describe the relationship Savannah and Tyler shared. I read this in 24 hours and I would not mind doing that again to relive this amazingly beautiful story!
Merged review:
ARC REVIEW
This was the first book I’ve read with an accidental marriage of convenience trope and I. Am. Here. For. It! Tyler and Savannah quickly became my new favorite couple. I received this book as an advanced copy — thank you to the author and the ARC team for allowing me the honor of reading this amazing story!
Tyler fell hard for Savannah and he became the walking definition of SIMP, but it was cute! What I didn’t expect and what made this a hard 5-star read was the discussion about mental and physical health, not only as an athlete, but as a female athlete. Talking about these things can be hard, but I loved how both characters helped each other heal and understand that it’s okay to not be okay, even when you’re living your dream.
It was beautiful watching Savannah and Tyler become each other’s pillar to lean on and biggest fan. The banter was light-hearted and cute and the romance was sweet and spicy, which is the perfect way to describe the relationship Savannah and Tyler shared. I read this in 24 hours and I would not mind doing that again to relive this amazingly beautiful story!