A review by jkreads
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was NOT expecting to love this as much as I did! I went into this expecting a fun silly little time, as is usually the case when I read a romance involving a sport I know nothing about. I was not expecting heartbreaking discourse around adult diagnosis of dyslexia, and I was certainly not expecting it to make me cry. I don't have dyslexia but I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and I related so deeply to many of the feelings that Derek described when speaking about his childhood. I think most people who have received a late diagnosis of something similar would feel the same. To me it felt so well written, the emotions surrounding the diagnosis so beautifully captured and described.

Anyone who has followed me for a while knows that miscommunication is one of my most hated tropes in a romance. The Rule Book flirted with this occasionally, mostly in flashbacks, but I felt the author managed to create conflict in the narrative without having to resort to full on, frustrating miscommunication. We love!

My other favourite part of this book was the friendship between Nora and Nicole. As the only two women working in a male-dominated workplace, it would have been easy to have them in competition with each other. Instead they lifted each other up and supported each other. Without spoiling anything, I adored where these two ended up.

The Rule Book would be a great read for anyone wanting something heartwarming, raw, vulnerable and emotional.
You don't have to be a sporty person to understand this - Lord knows I know nothing about American football. For a story that revolves around it, there isn't much football talk. You also don't have to have read the first book in the series (The Cheat Sheet) to enjoy this one, it's a true interconnected standalone. I actually still haven't read The Cheat Sheet yet and with the way my TBR is looking, I doubt I will any time soon. Hopefully one day though!