ARC Review: Against the Rules
I read and really enjoyed Kelley’s first book in this series. So I was, of course really pumped to get early access to Against the Rules: book two in her Wilmington football series. There’s a lot to love about this one - and some things to watch out for too.
I’d like to thank Brittany and her team for the ARC, thoughts below are my own, enjoy.
One thing I really (really) love about Kelley’s MMCs is how stinkin smitten they are with their love interests. And Against the Rules is really no different. Tyler sees Savannah in Vegas and inside he’s like a cartoon fox in a zoot-suit making a-woo-ga sounds. But beyond the clear instant physical chemistry and attraction, he pretty quickly sees Savannah as a bright light - and someone he feels is WAY too good for him.
Which - I love. I love this weirdly specific micro-trope of one MC being like OBSESSED with the other but also thinking oh-f*ck I’ve somehow tricked this perfect creature into being with me. Love it. No notes.
One thing leads to another and they (spoiler alert incoming) wake up married. Truly iconic stuff happening and we’re not even 5% in! Best decision you never remembered am I right?! After a good, solid (completely rational) freak out Savannah is all “we can’t!!!”, and Tyler is like “but we could???” and so they do. They strike up a business buddies (who definitely don’t bang) deal. Savannah is looking to chase her creative dreams and Tyler is like this perfect woman is the answer to all my prayers - my family will finally respect me.
Turns out Tylers family kinda sucks. BUT thank god Savannah is not going to let them talk any sh*t. I was here for all of it.
Okay - so here’s where I feel like I need to be sensitive because some of the content I think could affect folks. First Savannah’s storyline heavily features restrictive eating, body checking, and pressure to be seen as a purely sexual being while being dehumanized behind the scenes. This is all part of her experiences as a pro-football cheerleader / dance team member. If you have or are experiencing an eating disorder or body dysmorphia I would absolutely read with care and caution. Take good care of yourself friends. And then with Tyler. Poor guy has a really really tough family dynamic. He’s grown up being rambunctious and a little wild. And his family (parents and sibling) can’t really seem to let any of that go.
Listen, both these folks end up in therapy and THANK the good lord for that - because OOF. Did I like this one, yes. Will I be thinking about it for the rest of my days - probably not (and that’s TOTALLY FINE!). I think this one suffered a little from a case of too many things going on, big emotionally charged character backstories and issues and also like not enough to really grab onto.
But all this to say, you may love it and that’s what I love about romance books. For me this one was just okay - and I’m thankful I had the time to read and enjoy it for what it was! If you’re interested in snagging this one, grab it wherever you get your books August 10th when it hits retailers!
xo Kels