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lindseydomokur's review
4.0
This book was just the perfect size for me. Sometimes I need a book that I can binge read and this one was definitely that book. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I was in love with this story. Lana and Simon had my heart.
First off, I love a couple that is around my age. I felt like I could relate to this book on so many levels and a couple in their early 40s is right up my alley. Not only that, I think my new favorite trope is reconnecting after divorce. I am in love with books that have the couple able to get past the mistakes they made when they were younger and make changes so they can be together.
When we are young, everything we do is based off emotion and we communicate with our partner so little in fear of them not liking what we have to say. As we get older, we realize what is important to us and we grow as people. This book had all of that in spades. I absolutely loved this story. The author had a more mature writing style than I am used to, but I will definitely pick up more of the books in this series.
First off, I love a couple that is around my age. I felt like I could relate to this book on so many levels and a couple in their early 40s is right up my alley. Not only that, I think my new favorite trope is reconnecting after divorce. I am in love with books that have the couple able to get past the mistakes they made when they were younger and make changes so they can be together.
When we are young, everything we do is based off emotion and we communicate with our partner so little in fear of them not liking what we have to say. As we get older, we realize what is important to us and we grow as people. This book had all of that in spades. I absolutely loved this story. The author had a more mature writing style than I am used to, but I will definitely pick up more of the books in this series.
elfbread's review
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Sometimes, I really enjoy a modern romance novel as a means of escapism an this one delivered for me. The characters and their struggles were relatable and on par with what I would expect two middle-aged professionals in NYC to be experiencing. I am really really happy to see the male lead, Simon, come to the conclusion that he doesn't need to have children to live a fulfilling life. So often in literature we find that a "happy family with lots of babies" is the end goal, and it can be a little alienating for those of us who either cannot or do not want children. Simon's interaction with his sister Maxine regarding children is something I have definitely experienced first hand, and it was really refreshing to see someone stick to their decision and not change their wants to meet their family's.
The writing style was really engaging and I think the author is clearly very talented. The story line was pretty simple, but I think that worked well for the characters and setting. All in all, a 3.5 star read for me. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
Sometimes, I really enjoy a modern romance novel as a means of escapism an this one delivered for me. The characters and their struggles were relatable and on par with what I would expect two middle-aged professionals in NYC to be experiencing. I am really really happy to see the male lead, Simon, come to the conclusion that he doesn't need to have children to live a fulfilling life. So often in literature we find that a "happy family with lots of babies" is the end goal, and it can be a little alienating for those of us who either cannot or do not want children. Simon's interaction with his sister Maxine regarding children is something I have definitely experienced first hand, and it was really refreshing to see someone stick to their decision and not change their wants to meet their family's.
The writing style was really engaging and I think the author is clearly very talented. The story line was pretty simple, but I think that worked well for the characters and setting. All in all, a 3.5 star read for me. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
elizafaerie's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
amlibera's review
4.0
There's a simplicity and specificity to this small romantic novel that I appreciated - the characters are recognizably flawed and there is genuine conflict to be overcome.
sonja_ahrb's review
5.0
I’ve really been enjoying the Uptown series, so it was a given that I would read House Rules. I think Open House is my favorite, but this is a close second. There was so much heart to Lana and Simon’s story, it made me ache, feel warm, and not one part of me was uninvested. I’m not a fan of the second chance romance trope as much as I used to be because of the angst factor, but I loved seeing Lana and Simon come back together and have to navigate both the ways they’ve changed and how they haven’t and figure out how to make it work without losing themselves completely within each other. Full disclosure, I was going to give House Rules four and a half stars but while analyzing it all, I thought myself into giving it five stars because it deserves every one of those stars. It’s beautiful, real, and complex while giving you all the feels — it’s marvelous and I also have to amend my statement about it being my second favorite since now it is my favorite in the series!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
tessisreading2's review
4.0
This one is four stars purely for Simon; while Lana is unquestionably a sympathetic and well-written character, in change-averse bulldozer Simon I see my people.
caillie's review
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
theravenqueen's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for sending me an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I was a little hesitant going into House Rules by Ruby Lang after finding out it was the third novella in a series, but if there was some tie in, it didn't change the experience.
After reading a few other stories about established couples finding their way back to each other, some feeling more genuine and realistic than others, House Rules was a breath of fresh air. It didn't lean heavily into conflict, both characters had their own lives and their own priorities. They had to figure out how to be together, if that is what they both wanted.
Simon stumbles upon Lana while apartment shopping, feeling as he had seen a ghost, the ghost of his ex-wife, he panics until she's there standing before him in the flesh just as stunned to see him. There's chemistry, even if it's understated, you can feel it. There's also a familiarity with the characters that I have seen others attempt and fail, only telling you stories and not allowing you to feel the impact of those memories between the characters.
New York real estate being what it is, Lana finds a deal of an apartment, but needs a roommate. After trading contact info with Simon she calls him up and they reluctantly rent the place together. With the dual perspective you see each characters life apart and get a real feel for who they are and how they would fit together. Why they want to be together. There's that familiarity and comfort that is hidden under years and layers of pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but for their takes you totally root for the relationship.
It's a novella, but still a fully fleshed out story giving you a glimpse into Simon and Lana's life. Without a doubt I'm going to be checking out the rest of Ruby Lang's titles.
I was a little hesitant going into House Rules by Ruby Lang after finding out it was the third novella in a series, but if there was some tie in, it didn't change the experience.
After reading a few other stories about established couples finding their way back to each other, some feeling more genuine and realistic than others, House Rules was a breath of fresh air. It didn't lean heavily into conflict, both characters had their own lives and their own priorities. They had to figure out how to be together, if that is what they both wanted.
Simon stumbles upon Lana while apartment shopping, feeling as he had seen a ghost, the ghost of his ex-wife, he panics until she's there standing before him in the flesh just as stunned to see him. There's chemistry, even if it's understated, you can feel it. There's also a familiarity with the characters that I have seen others attempt and fail, only telling you stories and not allowing you to feel the impact of those memories between the characters.
New York real estate being what it is, Lana finds a deal of an apartment, but needs a roommate. After trading contact info with Simon she calls him up and they reluctantly rent the place together. With the dual perspective you see each characters life apart and get a real feel for who they are and how they would fit together. Why they want to be together. There's that familiarity and comfort that is hidden under years and layers of pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but for their takes you totally root for the relationship.
It's a novella, but still a fully fleshed out story giving you a glimpse into Simon and Lana's life. Without a doubt I'm going to be checking out the rest of Ruby Lang's titles.
ironskin's review
3.75
I love a second chance romance and this author does it skilfully— it feels like the breakup was valid and the reconciliation is also well developed; no lame misunderstandings or quick fixes