Member Reviews
This is an emotional romantic comedy with a strong male lead, Ryder, a hunk of an injured snowboarder with a very soft heart that he tries to hide and protect. Mind you, when you get to meet his grandparents you start to understand why! He’s also a very caring brother, highly independent but also worried about his future and very attracted to Zoey. They had a one night stand some months ago but then he disappeared and never got back in touch. That’s left Zoey with some fantastic memories and a whole load of pain. When they need to work together on the refurbishment of the resort that his brother, Jason, recently purchased, there’s a whole lot of angst, attraction and turmoil between them. You’ll just have to read it to find out what happens – and why!
I loved Ryder as a character. He seems well developed in every sense and I understand why he left Zoey on that fateful night but I still don’t know why he didn’t contact her again soon afterwards. Zoey understandably resents having been left without a word and is initially determined to keep their current relationship purely professional. Despite their past history, both are somewhat wary now but for different reasons. As revelations are made, things between the two seem to have more of a chance but with a hair eating goat, injuries, those grandparents, Jitters (the cat with claws) and all those feelings, things definitely won’t go smoothly for this couple.
If you enjoy cute, second chance romances you’ll probably love this! Thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion after reading it.
The Rule Maker is the second book in the New Adult (Or maybe adult- I consider this one a cross over that would appeal to readers of both age groups) in the Rule Breakers series by Jennifer Blackwood. I absolutely loved book one, The Rule Book. It reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada with a male boss, and a whole lot more romance. I really enjoyed it! So I was super excited for The Rule Maker. I really enjoyed The Rule Maker too. I think I liked The Rule Book just a tad more, but this was a great read and an awesome second book in the series.
The Rule Maker is Zoey and Ryder’s story. We got to see each of them in the Rule Book, so while you can read this independently of the first book, this is a series that I think is great to read in order. Zoey is Lainey’s roommate from The Rule Book and Ryder is the the shirtless guy from the first book! ha, I got a real kick out that when I figured it out. Ryder is also one of Brogan’s old school friends, which was an interesting connection. I loved Zoey. She is just a bit, a tad, a smidgen tightly wound. She is very much a perfectionist and I just loved her little anal self! And Ryder mixed with Zoey was an awesome combination. I like how they knocked each other off their game just a bit. It was adorable. This whole book was pure fun.
Zoey is working for Ryder’s brother on a new resort, and she ends up working more with Ryder while his brother is out of commission, which proved to be all kinds of awkward for Zoey and all kinds of funny for Ryder because they had a brief history with each other. Once again, Jennifer creates releatable and believable characters that you can’t help but like and root for. I love her romances and I love getting to really know who the characters are. She is a character driven reader’s dream.
Bottom line: The Rule Maker is a great romance for fans of lighthearted fun and great characters. I would read this series in order because while the books do work as standalones, they work even better building on one another. Plus, Lainey and Brogan’s story is my fav! The Rule Maker is a strong follow up to a great contemporary romance series. One worth checking out!
Zoey and Ryder have a hard time in the beginning getting over their shared past. However, as time goes on, both of them realize how much they enjoy spending time together and they are better together than apart. A sweet romance!
One of the best things about my job as a blogger is that I get to find new to me authors. The even better part of this is when I find one I get excited about. I absolutely love rom-coms. There are days when all I want and need is a good book to make me laugh until I need to pee. And it can take a lot to get me to that point. So I was pretty stoked when I saw the blurb for The Rule Maker by Jennifer Blackwood. This looked like it had all the hallmarks to be hilarious. And it definitely had its funny parts but I found it to be incredibly sweet as well. And it definitely stole my heart (plus it’s set in my backyard….how can I resist?).
Zoey Reynolds is spunky, sarcastic and independent. She’s going through one hell of a dry spell after sleeping with her client’s brother. A client that just called her back up and has his brother walking right back into her life. Ryder Covington is cocky and sarcastic but he’s got a heart of gold hiding underneath that arrogant exterior (just don’t tell anyone ok?). Watching these two interact was so much fun. There was tons of witty banter and sparks flying all over the place. I was grinning and laughing. I don’t know if I got to the “need to pee” stage but it definitely left me feeling happy. The secondary characters are just as great. I’m definitely going to have to check out book one to see Lainey and Brogan’s story.
I loved the character development in the book. Both Zoey and Ryder make mistakes, both of them show growth and both of them are pretty complex. If you like funny, sweet romances without a whole lot of drama (there is some family drama but it’s not over the top stuff or super angsty), then you should definitely pick this up. It’s definitely going in my re-read pile.
Fun, charming and full of swoon worthy moments! Zoey and Ryder have crazy chemistry, no matter how hard they try to deny it. I'm not sure what was better- their banter or their flirting!
This book didn’t really break, bend, or even step out of some of the more stereotypical elements frequently used in today’s romance reads. It has a reluctant to commit/one night stand kind of good guy hero who is recovering from a sport related injury and is just waiting to get right back into the game. The sassy, determined to succeed heroine, who he left without saying goodbye after a one night fling months ago turns up, and he ultimately ends up having to work with her.
Honestly, folks, I don’t need to fill in any more blanks, as you can likely figure the rest out yourself. If you are looking for an uncomplicated, low angst, predictable but romantic ending, you may want to consider this one.
Book 1, The Rule Book, was my personal favorite of this series. I highly recommend it. Each book is a stand-alone, but you know the drill. You get more in-depth character development when you read books in order.
Title: The Rule Maker, Series: The Rule Breakers, Author: Jennifer Blackwood, Pages: 280, Stand-alone but part of a series, reluctant to commit hero, some VERY steamy scenes, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, predictable misunderstanding which lead to a romantic conclusion.
Book 1 - The Rule Book (Lainey & Brogan), Pages: 290, 5/9/16
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1630620680?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Book 2 - The Rule Maker (Zoey & Ryder), Pages: 280, 1/16/17
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)
Title: The Rule Maker
Author: Jennifer Blackwood
4 unexpected stars
Who knew that breaking rules would be so much fun? Jennifer Blackwood has the uncanny ability of throwing in enough humor in a situation that would make any other person feel awkward when faced with a similar opportunity. Many months ago, Ryder and Zoey had a one night stand and without a word, Ryder leaves, making Zoey question herself. Now faced with a new job opportunity, Zoey must try to put aside her feelings and create rules meant to protect herself from being hurt as she comes face to face with Ryder once again. Only, things don't always go as planned when there are some unresolved issues.
4 breath taking dreams
Just when you'd think that the story would end on a steady pace, Jennifer Blackwood continuously add twists and turns that I'd never expect, turning what could have been an OK book into something great and entertaining that keeps you wanting to reading more and more. With a touch of sexyness and so much chemistry, I couldn't help but root that they'd make it as a couple albeit all their pain and issues. I absolutely enjoyed The Rule Maker and I can't wait to read more from Jennifer Blackwood in the very near future.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
This is a sexy and entertaining second chance romance. Zoey, an interior designer/architect and Ryder, a professional snowboarder had a one night stand while she was working on a project for Ryder's brother Jason. It ended rather abruptly when Ryder took off before morning light without explanation. Fast forward a few months and Zoey has a chance to work with Ryder's brother Jason again. He's bought a resort that was a favorite family vacation spot, and it's in run down shape desperately in need of a makeover. It means she's going to have to see Ryder again, but this time, she's not going to be so easily charmed by him - or so she thinks.
There were a few plot niggles for me that I questioned. Being completely in charge of the design and renovation of a luxury resort seemed like a really big job for someone aged 24 who hadn't been in the business that long. Combining the responsibility of all that with an inner monologue that seemed more college aged didn't always mesh for me. But I liked Zoey's character overall.
Ryder's explanation for why he left Zoey without a note after their initial one night stand is understandable but doesn't explain why he couldn't have contacted her in the next few days. Instead he left it alone and then when they see each other again, isn't particularly apologetic about it. It took me a bit to warm up to him. He's dealing with a snowboarding injury that is causing him a lot of stress as he worries about sponsorships for the upcoming season. His relationship with his family is complex and there are several scenes dealing with that. I really liked his brother Jason who was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident and I'm hoping a story might be in the works for him.
Ryder and Zoey have that whole forbidden workplace affair thing going on, as she's got to be careful not to reveal to her boss that she's involved with her client's brother. There are some sexy scenes between them, and by the end I was invested in their relationship. It's an easy and enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.
This review has been posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Goodreads.
I adored The Rule Book last year and was excited to try another from Jennifer Blackwood. This one is just as good – maybe even better. And just to put out there – there are sex scenes this time! I know a few people who didn’t read the first book due to fade to black scenes. That book had such great sexual tension it was a bit of a let down to have the door close in our face! But we get all the sweaty abs, and everything underneath this time *wink*
Zoey is an interior designer who has done work for Jason Covington in the past. But Jason is not our hero – Ryder, his brother is. Ryder is a professional snowboarder with a lot of sponsors, who has recently broken his leg. This at the time is the least of his worries. His best friend and brother, Jason, was snowboarding in a charity event, and ended up paralyzed from the waist down. Jason is the head of the family’s real estate company, and is mentally not doing well since the accident. He bought a run down ski resort property his late parents enjoyed years ago, and has now hired Zoey to transform it. It’s going to be a big job, as this resort is stuck in the 70’s.
Zoey is all about it except for one thing – her and Ryder had a one night stand a few months ago and it didn’t end well. Zoey didn’t realize it was going to be a one night stand. and Ryder slipped out in the middle of the night without saying a word. #naughty. This really upset Zoey who had a great time on the date. So when the injured Jason hands over design control to the inexperienced Ryder – Zoey is thrilled (sooooo not thrilled). But she has a job to do and she is going to do it! She also falls hard for Ryder, and him for her and they have the most adorable romance ever.
Zoey is so darn cute in this book I want her to be my BFF. Her inner monologue is fabulous as she has to deal with the fact that her new client slept with her and left her in one night. But he is so sexy and charming, and her brain tells her heart all of this but her heart has its own ideas.
Ryder may be scared of picket fences and the 2.5 kid commitment, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t into Zoey. He is deeply attracted to her – not only her beauty but all of her.
“You still have half of your Tom Collins left.” I liked the fact she turned into a fumbling mess around me.
She cocked her head. “How do you know what drink this is?”
The fact was when it came to Zoey, I remembered everything. I remembered the first words she spoke to me besides an introduction: I like your shirt. I remembered the first time I heard her laugh – she liked my joke about the Oregon Ducks; Zoey was an OSU girl after all. I remembered how soft her hair was, brushing against my chest as she fell asleep in my arms. Suffice to say, everything about her was memorable.
And for Zoey’s part, her inner-monologue was so cute. From choking on a chocolate, to trying to keep her attraction to Ryder in check – she made me smile.
Brain: But he’s your client. And you know exactly what will happen if you sleep with him again.
Body: I do what I want.
Brain: Seriously? Are you an idiot? The dude is a player ad this could jeopardize your job.
Body: Dayummm. Did you see those forearms flex when he grabbed the elevator rail?
Their courtship is cute and sexy and everything you want in a contemporary romance. Really enjoying this author’s voice.
Grade: B+
This is book two in the series and I liked it as much if not more than book one. Zoey and Ryder shared one incredible night but he skipped out on her with no explanation and broke her heart. Fast forward to present and Zoey is working on redesigning a hotel when guess who shows up to help. Yep Ryder. Having not been able to get each other off their minds, these two struggle with keeping everything professional while trying to keep their hands off each other. I liked these two characters and the chemistry that they shared. I enjoyed the banter back and forth between the two that kept me laughing out loud. This is one great book and an excellent addition to the series.
3.75 stars-- THE RULE MAKER is the second installment in Jennifer Blackwood’s contemporary, adult THE RULE BREAKERS romance series. This is twenty fie year old professional snowboarder Ryder Covington , and interior designer Zoey Reynolds’s story line. THE RULE MAKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the event run parallel to the events of book one –THE RULE BOOK.
Told from dual first person points of view (Zoey and Ryder) THE RULE MAKER is a second chance (of sorts) romance between professional snowboarder Ryder Covington, and interior designer Zoey Reynolds. Months earlier Ryder and Zoey had a one-night stand wherein Ryder walker away the next morning without a backwards glance. Fast forward to present day and Zoey has been contracted to redecorate a once-glamorous ski chalet for Ryder’s brother Jason Covington-a man who has all but become a recluse since a horrific snowboard accident months before. Enter Ryder Covington-Jason’s brother-and the man who has been tasked with working alongside Zoey Reynold’s on the rehab of the former chalet. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Zoey and Ryder, and the behind the scenes negotiations that will send our couple in opposite directions.
The relationship between Zoey and Ryder is acrimonious at best. Zoey’s embarrassment over the one-night stand finds our hero trying desperately to make up for his actions months before. Working together places our couple in a precarious position leading to palpable sexual energy and brooding attraction. The $ex scenes are seductive without the over the top sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Ryder’s brother Jason Covington-a man whose life was destroyed following a snowboarding accident that left him a former shell of his previous self. Ryder and Jason’s grandparents are the requisite evil-a couple who believe that Jason and Ryder are wasting their lives and futures on nonsense and fun. Billionaire businessman Brogan Starr, and PR specialist Lainey Taylor (The Rule Book-book 1) plays secondary and supporting roles.
THE RULE MAKER is an enjoyable, second chance story line with laughter, humor, heartbreak and romance. The premise is light-hearted with a little bit of angst and conflict; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is sexy. I am looking forward to Jason’s story line.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-rule-maker-the-rule-breakers-2-by-jennifer-blackwood-dual-reviews/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1868907870
AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1A2VN80Q9DFY2/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01NBMCPS0
B&N: posted
KOBO: posted
CHAPTERS/INDIGO: posted
There is no doubt about it, I absolutely loved this story. Zoey or Flash as Ryder calls her, and Ryder stole my heart. The chemistry between them was unreal and you could practically feel the heat coming through the pages. The author did a wonderful job of creating a story that was relate-able and something that you could get lost in.
Zoey's number one rule was not to get involved with a client, so imagine her surprise when her new client is none other than her infamous one night stand. While she wants nothing to do with him, she also will do whatever she has to to make her dreams come true. Even if that means she has to work beside the biggest temptation of her life.
Ryder knew when he left Zoey after their one night together that he was making a horrible mistake. He felt more for her in that one night, then he has anyone else he has ever been with. However, he is not sure how to move forward. When he is given the opportunity to work with Flash on a project for his brother, he knows this is his chance to find out what the future has in store for him.
I loved reading Zoey and Ryder's journey to a HEA. The story sucked me in and kept me reading until I finished it. Needless to say, I read it in a day. Now, all I need is Jake's story and I will be one happy woman!!
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Rule Breakers series written by Jennifer Blackwood. Zoey is an interior designer and know the number one rule at her job is don’t sleep with a client. When her past one night stand Ryder suddenly becomes a client she can’t resist the frustrating man. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book is sweet, funny, and fantastic. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Oh, my gosh. I fell hard for The Rule Maker from the moment I read the excerpt from the excerpt reveal earlier this month. It is written in dual first person perspective, which can sometimes be a bit choppy. That was not the case with this book. Jennifer's writing was so smooth it felt like the characters were telling their story rather than the author. I adore authors that are capable of putting their readers into the story like that with first person. The intimate moments between Zoey and Ryder were amazing! Not only were they sexy as hell, but the scenes were also very poetic and sensual. They are detailed, but also very sweet. It was a mixture that made me hoping for more. Yeah, I wanted more sexy time between them. I loved the banter and verbal foreplay that flowed back and forth. Okay, everything the characters did made me swoon.
This was my first book from Jennifer Blackwood and I can already tell that it will not be my last. Her writing was smooth and funny. She had me giggling and smiling for most of the book. I'm looking forward to seeing what she has planned for her readers in the future. Maybe Jason's book? *wink*
What is there to say about Jennifer Blackwood's The Rule Maker? Two words. Flipping Funny. (Did you like the alliteration?) Picture this. I’m waiting in the lobby as my daughter has her viola lesson at our local music school. All the parents (male and female) are perusing their phone, or reading a book, or looking outside the window. You get the picture. They’re being respectful and quiet. And me? I’m on my Nook, reading along, enjoying the spunk of our heroine, Zoey Reynolds. Especially after she realizes she must work with the brother of her client, redesigning and renovating a dilapidated ski resort.
Problem one, he was the biggest mistake of a one-night stand.
Problem two, she’ll never have that awesome sex again.
Problem three? (Technically it’s my problem one) I’m snorting and laughing so hard, I’m leaning over myself, face in my coat, trying to muffle the laughs.
You see, Zoey Reynolds doesn’t quickly forget. And she has every right to be pissed at Ryder Covington, professional snowboarder and stud-muffin. Her client Jason Covington fails to tell her that he has enlisted Ryder to help with the project. Zoey’s luck piles on thick when she finds herself caught in a snowstorm at the homage to the 70’s resort without any food or warm clothing. And Ryder is her only source of company. Did I mention he also had some food? Not only does he have food, but she can’t escape how yummy he smells, despite her determination to loathe him.
The smell brought a flashback of tangled sheets, sweat-slicked skin, and fingers running through my hair. My eyes fluttered shut and I fought back another shiver—this one having nothing to do with the storm outside.
Do. Not. Go. There.
Again.
Okay, safe topic. I needed to find a safe topic so I didn’t make an ass out of m myself and say something like your scent calls to more than a Cinnabon kiosk at the mall—oh, and hey, can we, um, fix the four-month dry spell you’ve caused? K, thanks, bye.
Instead of focusing on his scent, Zoey watches Ryder fiddle with a bracelet on his wrist. You'd think it'd be a much safer topic than his scent. Only it leads to more memories of their one night together, and why he makes her lady parts shiver before he unceremoniously booked it fast the next day.
He was like a Snowboarding Ken doll, though an anatomically correct one—seriously, I couldn’t have been the only one that peeked as a kid and was completely disappointed with the whole mangina situation going on in Ken’s pants.
Their sordid history and Ryder’s less than enthusiastic support of Jason’s investment makes for a rocky road to love. Especially since the rules of her firm specifically call for no shenanigans with clients. And now Ryder is technically her client.
But Ms. Blackwood pulls off the HEA with perfection. We have a front row seat to this fun-ride as Zoey and Ryder work through their past, learn to trust each other, and fight off “evil villains” on their way to their happily ever after.
For those of you who are fans of The Rule Book, book one in the Rule Breakers series, and mourned the lack of steam, your prayers have been answered. Rule Maker opens that closed door for us and we are in for a treat. A luxurious hot bubble bath with your favorite beverage, treat. No, we’re not talking Fifty Shades but I think fans will be happily satisfied. For those who like the sweet lower steam? Be forewarned. Though I wouldn’t skip out, because the rest of the story is so funny and fabulous. And the scenes are far from gratuitous.
I’m curious who our next set of lovebirds will be in this Rule Breakers series. And I hope beyond hope that it’s Jason, Ryder’s brother. Here’s me begging, Jennifer Blackwood…Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top?
Another great read from Jennifer Blackwood! This book focuses on Zoey, Lainey's BFF from The Rule Book.She was such a riot that I was super excited when I came to know she was getting her own book!
Zoey's firm has just landed a great opportunity to work for Jason Covington, and she's given the task of redesigning the interiors of the ski lodge that he is renovating.Since, Jason is unavailable he sends his brother in his stead to oversee and approve the changes.And the brother is none other the Ryder- the guy who she had a one night stand with , the one who disappeared that very night.
Awkward much?Lol
Ryder had his reasons for leaving that night, but he didn't even contact her later.He is a professional snowboarder and after an injury, his career is on haitus. So he's helping out his brother.Now, that he's seen Zoey again, he is determined to get into her pants(and her heart).He has never wanted more than a casual fling before.But there is just something about Zoey, the connection between them is undeniable.
Zoey is determined to keep her heart safe and doesn't want to be fired for sleeping with a client.There's no way she will fall for his charms again.Will she be able to resist?What will happen when Ryder goes back to his snowboarding?
This was a sexy,sweet and laugh-out-loud hilarious romance.The banter and the quips between Zoey and Ryder was just adorable!He isn't stiff or unavailable like Brogan was, but he has his own set of issues.
Zoey was a wonderful heroine.I loved being in her head.The things she came up with!Lol!
The development of the romance between Zoey and Ryder was well done.They balanced each other very well.
I also loved the relationship between the brothers.The glimpses that we got of Jason in this book has me really intrigued.Please let the next book be Jason's!I'm dying to know his story! :D
Zoey is a talented interior designer with an incredible future in front of her as long as she remembers “the rules.” But since it’s the client’s brother, Ryder, that she’s involved with and not the client, Jason, rule #1 shouldn’t be a problem. Until it is.
Ryder, a professional snowboarder, has broken his leg and is in need of some downtime so Jason, who is recuperating from a much worse accident, asks Ryder to stand in for him in the dealings with Zoey for the new resort complex he’s renovating.
The Rule Maker is the second book in Jennifer Blackwood’s series The Rule Breakers. Like The Rule Book, the first in the series which I posted a review for on Saturday (you can see that here) The Rule Maker is funny with very likeable characters in Zoey and Ryder. In fact, I enjoyed reading about Zoey and Ryder more than Lainey and Brogran from Book 1. The only lapse in characterization for me was that Zoey is so organized and put-together yet she’s ditzy enough to forget she’s put brownies in the oven. Other than that, Zoey was a great character who seemed more human than a lot of romance heroines. She managed to be true to herself.
Unlike The Rule Book, The Rule Maker is told in alternating points-of-view from Zoey and Ryder and I think that helped with my understanding and liking of Ryder. His internal conflicts made him more credible to me and gave credence to Zoey’s opinion of him that there was more than he showed on the surface.
I found myself intrigued by Ryder’s brother, Jason, and hoped that there might be a book about him in the future, but definitely not a Me Before You-type book.
Also, unlike The Rule Book, The Rule Maker has open door sex, which was well-handled. Evidently the lack of in the first book was a game changer for some reviewers, which was a shame since the book had a lot of substance and should have been appreciated on that level alone.
So why with all of these great qualities did I enjoy The Rule Maker and yet when it came to the ending I had a huge “meh” feeling wash over me? The conclusion. I don’t give spoilers in my reviews because sometimes I know curiousity gets the best of us and we look even though we know full well we shouldn’t. Suffice to say that the ending for me was unoriginal and just reflected the sensibilities of contemporary romances rather than new adult romances in which characters are still defining themselves and their futures. I didn’t want the neat package and the refined bow.
With that said, I still recommend this book. How could I not? While I would have hoped for a more interesting ending, the one as-written didn’t ruin my experience. The majority of The Rule Maker was fun and appealing and well worth immersing yourself in.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this book. A few months ago I read The Rule Book and while I loved the book and the characters I have to say that Zoey, Lainey's BFF in that book, was one of the highlights. I just loved her and I was super happy to know that book 2 would be about her so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I just LOVED The Rule Maker and I especially loved Zoey and Ryder.
But let's just start from the beginning... as I said before I already knew Zoey from The Rule Book and I already knew how hilarious she was so I was happy to see that didn't change in this book. Actually, she even became more hilarious... let's just say that girl ends up in the most ridiculous situations ever. However, I did love to see there was another side of Zoey, a hard-working Zoey who would do everything to show how amazing she was at her job and a Zoey who know what she wanted from her life (at least most of the time). I just loved how amazing she was and how she didn't want to be a damsel in distress.
Ryder was also pretty amazing. I loved him since the moment he showed up and I loved how much he cared for his family and especially for his older brother, Jason. I just think he had an amazing development in this book I really enjoyed to see his progress and how he understand that some things are more important than other. He was also quite swoon-worthy so it was impossible not to love him.
If I thought these two were amazing by themselves you can't even imagine how much I loved them together. Their relationship was the best. I loved how it was some kind of second chance romance and how Zoey had to learn how to trust Ryder again. I loved how Ryder realized Zoey was different from the other girls. I especially loved the amazing chemistry they had and how their relationship didn't happen in a fast way. It was really good to see them taking it slowly and realize how they felt for each other. Also, they had an amazing chemistry so bonus points for that.
This is my third Jennifer Blackwood book so I knew that I was going to love the writing just as much as I loved it in the previous books. Once again, it was a fast pacing book and it was easy to read. One thing I loved she changed from The Rule Book was that this one was told from a dual POV. When I read The Rule Book I missed the male POV a lot because there were a few things that could have been better explained if it had the dual POV but I didn't have the same problem in The Rule Maker because Ryder had his POV. Good thing it did because it gave a different depth to the story.
Overall, this was an amazing book and super funny. I loved every single bit of it and now I can barely wait to get my hands in the next book which will be about Jason (at least I hope it will... Jason deserves it!). If you're looking for a funny and fast read to spend a sunday afternoon you should give this book (and the previous one too) a try.
The last thing Zoe wants when starting a new job, is to discover that her client is none other than the one night stand that she had four months ago. The same man who left without so much as a "goodbye" and definitely no call back. No matter, Zoe is a professional and she will just focus on the work, get it done, and never have to see Ryder Covington again. That is, if he would actually cooperate with her on the project.
Famous snowboarder, Ryder Covington, isn't above helping his brother out while he recovers from an injury. Ryder, himself, is out on his own injury so he can definitely spend the time helping his brother renovate an old ski resort. The problem is, Ryder is not one hundred percent behind the renovation, and to top it off, working with Zoe is proving to be more difficult than he thought. Ryder just has to remain focused on getting back on his board and back to his team. Which is easier said than done.
Zoe definitely stood out for me as being Lainey's roommate from The Rule Book. I was really happy when I learned that this second book would be Zoe's book, and I actually ended up enjoying it more than the first one.
While I was happy that Zoe was going to take center stage for this book, I actually found that more revolved around Ryder in this one. I think it's because Ryder, more than Zoe, had things to work out in his life. His injury begrudgingly forces him to take a look at his future. And the lift he currently lives, makes it difficult to have steady relationships (hence the one night stands). But in reconnecting with Zoe he finds that he wants more, but it takes some time before he figures out what he can do and still be happy. What he's willing to give up, or change, in order to give him the life / future that he wants.
Zoe, on the other hand, is pretty set. She loves her job and her life. The only thing she somewhat worries about is that her attraction to Ryder will jeopardize her job seeing as how no personal relationships with clients is Rule #1 in her office. But this problem doesn't really seem to weigh on Zoe as much as Ryder's problems because once the job is over, Ryder will technically no longer be her client.
The connection between Ryder and Zoe was spot on. What starts out as attraction with a dose of animosity between them, quickly just breaks into undeniable chemistry. There was no denying these two were hot together during their one night together, and I liked that they both felt the attraction, that it wasn't one-sided.
There were a couple of elements added that didn't pan out for me quite well enough such as conflicts arising with Ryder's grandparents over his brother's purchase and intention to renovate the resort. But, like with the first book, I'm hoping Ryder's brother, Jason, will get his story told next. The setup is perfect, in my opinion. If that is indeed the case I can see how the conflicts that arise with the family would carry over into his story and, therefore, possibly be concluded there.
Overall, I enjoyed this quick, lighthearted read. I look forward to the next book in the series!
So I'm not going to lie... I have had The Rule Book in my library and on my TBR list since it released but I just read it last week. (Insert blushing emoji) I'm not sure why it took me so long to start it but once I got going, I was kicking myself. It was filled with fabulously entertaining characters, an enticing plot and a romance to swoon over - I absolutely loved it.
So I was beyond thrilled to get my hands on the second book in the series, The Rule Maker. I could not wait to read about Lainey's best friend, Zoey going off the rails all for love. I was hella curious about the man who would make her risk everything she values to get her happily ever after.
Enter Ryder - the ever so sexy and charming professional snowboarder who melts everyone's panties AND puts a smile on their face. He is AMAZING - total book boyfriend. I freaking loved his quick wit and unrelenting personality.
Anyway, these two have a bit of a past, one which both taunts and tantalizes them. It leaves them raw with want but also very hesitant. Their chemistry heightens your experience as a reader because you know that with the connection they share it's going to be incredible when they surrender to their lust. It left me feeling giddy while reading, anticipating the moment they surrendered to all that they were feeling.
And once they did, I was completed sucked into their romance and loved every minute I spent with them. I liked their passion and thought their issues were realistic - I found myself feeling empathic toward them. I wanted them to have it all and each other. It was fun reading.
Without a doubt, my recommendation is to not wait to check out The Rules books - they're both awesome and wickedly entertaining. Grab copies of both books today!!