Football star Derek has suffered a major injury and is staring down rumors his team might dump him over it, so losing his agent at the same time he’s trying to boost his image and rehab is ankle was not ideal. Good news - he has a referral to potentially great new agent, less good news - surprise - it’s his college ex girlfriend Nora aka the one who got away.
Nora needs this deal in order to cement her place in the agency, in a business that is not particularly supportive of women. She’s more than ready to work towards convincing him to make this work for them.

As awkward as this could be, they do agree to try working together. In the spirit of moving past their history and keeping things professional they make a notebook of rules to keep everything on the up and up.
But as everyone knows rules are made to be broken (and that’s when things get interesting!)
The first big “whoopsie” being an accidental drunken wedding when they travel to Vegas to shoot ads for a new endorsement. You’ll have to read for yourself to see where it goes from there!

It was great seeing the other characters from The Cheat Sheet again, and how their lives are progressing. Even better how they all choose to go about helping.

This was a great second chance romance, a case of the right people at the wrong time the first go round finally finding their way together. I am a sucker for mutual pining, and they were off the charts with it. I also love a fake relationship, this one escalated to marriage. And, well maybe it wasn’t fake so much as accidental? But there’s still the time where it isn’t real like they’re letting on, so I think it qualifies.

An argument can be made that the story is predictable. The pining so obvious on both their parts so obvious it should have been visible from space, let alone by the object of said pining. And it such an easy guess what the mystery item in his nightstand was.
But guess what? I don’t even care.
Even when a happy ending is a given, it’s still delightful watching how they get there.

This was exactly the lightness I needed after a couple heavier reads, and I can absolutely see myself reading the duology again when I need another pick me up

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc!

Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this adorable football romance!

When Nora’s given her first chance to have her own client as a sports agent, nothing prepares her for that client to be her college ex-boyfriend, the talented Derek Pender from the L.A. Sharks. And to make matters worse, he hasn’t gotten over how she abruptly ended things in college. With her career hanging in the balance, she’s determined to make a professional relationship work with Derek, even when it’s evident that he’s making every effort to get her to quit. She has no idea that Derek never got over her, and is now torn between wanting to be with her and never trusting her again. A crazy night in Las Vegas leads to a rollercoaster of events that force them to reckon with their past and face the possibility of a future.

Nora’s personality is endearing and full of spunk. She knows who she is and what she wants, and I loved her throughout the book. I also enjoyed how she and Derek interacted throughout this novel. The reasons for their breakup are realistic, and their banter throughout the novel is genuine. As a former educator, I loved the dyslexia rep in this novel. It’s so often overlooked, and I’m glad that it was brought to the forefront in this novel. The romantic tension is fantastic and well-paced.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!!!

Read if you love:
-sports romance
-football
-enemies to lovers
-dual POV
-second chance romance
-(accidental) marriage of convenience
-open door (one bed)
-dyslexia rep
-solid friendships

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine | Dell for this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

This is my first book by Sarah Adams but won’t be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed The Rule Book! Nora cracked up me up during the whole book. I loved her quick, witty personality! The way she didn’t give up really spoke to me.

I liked getting the duo point of view. Getting into Derek’s head with what he was thinking and feeling made it easy to like him. To love him!

A cute, heart felt story that I would recommend!

Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!

I'm surprised I wound up enjoying this so much as the early chapters were not promising. Because here's the thing I'm starting to notice about BookTok sensations - there seem to be a lot of romances with very adult content but YA-style writing. Here there was a teenage Dear Diary quality to a lot of the narration that I found incredibly grating.

Fortunately the two leads have stellar chemistry and a really nice depth to their relationship development that overshadowed any traits I found obnoxious. Move over fake dating - fake married is the new trope to beat.

What a cute and quirky story! I’ve always enjoyed Adam’s books, and she creates such fun dynamics between the characters. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure this was going to be a win initially, I didn’t enjoy the initial interactions, but once I got a few chapters in I completely binged the story! Loved Nora and Derek together, and the progression of their second chance, plus all of the wonderful friends and side characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

"This one's for my girls: Dream even bigger. Reach impossibly higher. Don't you dare ever settle."

Plot- 3/5🔆
Spice- 1/5🌶️
Romance-2/5💗

Ok so part of me not enjoying this book as much was because I did not know that "closed door" romance books were a thing (I learn something new every day). And I think that is kind of boring. Not that everything has to have a spicy scene in it, but cutting that out completely seems to make the rest of the plot feel like it is lacking depth. It seemed like there were not any intimate scenes at all, emotionally or otherwise. Chapter 34 did have an "open door" which there was a warning about. Which is crazy because that chapter barely did anything.

Anyways, the banter between characters was good. The FMC kind of felt immature or infantilized. The story itself was short and sweet. I would not reread it though. I do not think this Author is for me.

Things you'll find in this book:
🔘Second Chance
🔘Dual POV
🔘He falls first
🔘Fast story line/plot
🔘Happy ending!

The Rule Book was a fun, quick read by Sarah Adams. It tells the story of Nora, a sports agent, and Derek, a football star and Nora's college ex-boyfriend, and what happens when Derek unexpectedly finds himself as Nora's new client. The two set a list of rules about their new relationship - but will they stick to the rules? If you've read and enjoyed any of Sarah Adam's previous books, I'm sure you'll like this one too!

♾️⭐️

If you are a Sarah Adams fan - you will love this one. It is by far my favorite of her books!

The rule book is a romcom with all the tropes we love: second chance romance, grumpy x sunshine, and enemies to lovers.

You will love Nora and Derek - the banter between the two is hilarious! You may also see a few of our faves from The cheat sheet 😍

The Rule Book is about a female sports agent named Nora "Mac" Mackenzie, who signs her first client, Derek Pender. Derek is the star tight end for the LA Sharks. Oh, and Nora's ex boyfriend. No, that's not a joke.

This book will hit you in all the feels. It's such a warm hug. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh while you cry and cry while you laugh. A sweet story with lovable characters. Well written. I was fully wooed.

4.5 ⭐️ so gooddddd!!! WOW definitely one of my favorite Sarah Adams books!!! The characters really brought be back. I love the football team and of course Bree!!! Derek and Nora though 🫶

NEVER HAVE I LOVED A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE AS MUCH AS I LOVE THIS ONE!!! I was giggling, blushing, kicking my feet, and even happy cried at the end. I love this friend group and Derek and Norris so much.

The NFL season may be over, but this new release from Sarah Adams gives us a chance to check in with our favorite players from the LA Sharks. The Cheat Sheet featured QB Nathan and how his team buddies gave him a cheat sheet to win the heart of his BFF Bree. In this April release, Tight End Derek Pender and his new agent/former girlfriend Nora Mackenzie are front and center. The two make a trip to Vegas for a suit company endorsement commercial and get married after a few too many drinks. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Wrong! Social media has already published pics. Nora and Derek must decide whether to 1) Stay married 2) Get a quickie divorce or 3) Fake it until they make it. The trick is to maintain Nora's workplace integrity on the one hand. They also have to work out their true feelings for each other on the other hand. It is quite a balancing act! And (in my opinion) got a bit tedious. This title was not as charming (for me) as 'The Cheat Sheet.' I must also confess that I kept imagining KC Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce while I read this book. (I know! Nora's character does not at all resemble Taylor Swift -- Kelce's real-life girlfriend.) I also want to give kudos to Sarah Adams for letting the reader know that the bedroom door is wide open in Chapter 34. Those who wish to keep that door closed can just skip that chapter. I did.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW WOW WOW! I am a sucker for second chance romance but mix it in with a sports romance and I am sold! Sarah Adams absolutely delivered!! I am absolutely OBSESSED with this one and it’s now my all-time favorite book by her. I sacrificed precious hours of sleep, to stay up and read this even though I had work at 6am, because I was addicted and could not put it down.

Nora is close to her big break to becoming a sports agent; and working in a predominantly male field has its challenges. She's quirky and bubbly, and honestly just the best. She’s true to herself and doesn’t change herself to better convenience those around her. She's about to catch her big break, by signing her first client, NFL tight-end, Derek Pender, who also just happens to be her college ex-boyfriend. Derek is coming off an injury, and the last thing he expected was to have Nora come barreling back into his life. There is so much resentment and old wounds are re-opened. All he wanted was to focus on his training and getting back to what he loves to do and that’s playing the game, but being around Nora has proven to be more difficult for him than he anticipated; despite their laid-out rule book to keep things professional. 😉

Nora and Derek’s story is filled with so much angst and longing, and it’s absolutely swoon worthy! I was absolutely living for their growth as individuals and as a couple, and it truly was the definition of right person wrong time. Seeing them reconnect as adults who have grown and are sure of themselves, like I loved it so much! I cannot recommend this book enough!

When I say I devoured, “The Rule Book” what I mean to say is I inhaled this book and could not bring myself to put it down.

Enemies to Lovers always ignites the competitiveness in me. Add in the Second Chance Romance and it just tickles all the right parts of my heart and soul. The interactions between Nora and Derek had tension butterflies in my stomach from the get-go and I loved every second.

The dual POV stylistic choice really gave this book the depth it deserved and allowed the reader to get to know each character beyond a surface level; not only through their thoughts, but through their relationships with the people and world around them.

I really have nothing bad to say about this book other than it ended and I wanted it to go on forever and ever. Absolutely run, don’t walk, to get a copy when it hits the shelves this Tuesday!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Rapid Review Up Front (RRUF): All the warm sunshiny, snuggly feels with a touch of sports, a dash of sass, and a sprinkle of silly.

My thoughts: This was such a pleasure to read. Nora and Derek’s story is simultaneously tragic, bumpy, beautiful, and sweet. I love Nora: She is the shock of sunshine ☀️ and rainbows 🌈 (read: yellow sneakers & skittles) where you might expect a fierce, sharp, no B.S. agent in a power suit and 5” heels 👠. It makes my heart happy that she refuses to look or act like someone she’s not. She is unapologetically herself (cue the haters). Nora works her tail off and has earned every inch of her success. Derek is both a wildly successful, driven, publicly famous professional athlete while also lost and insecure. The chemistry on the page with these two is electric ⚡️! I love the dual point-of-view, the pacing, and the straightforward honesty. Yes, it’s a sports romance 🏈, but not so much that someone who doesn’t knoe much about sports won’t appreciate and love it anyway. I really enjoyed this read and I’m ready to go read the first book in this series: The Cheat Sheet. Pick up your copy April 2nd friends! It’s a winner!

What to expect:
✨Dual POV
✨2nd chance romance
✨🚫 3rd act break-up
✨Exes to lovers
✨Accidental marriage of convenience
✨Learning disability rep
✨Only one bed
✨Found family

Thank you NetGalley and Dell for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book was so cute, fun and had really great pacing. I honestly didn't want to put it down so I finished it in one sitting. :) Initially, I enjoyed the lightheartedness and unseriousness of Nora but after awhile it became a little repetitive, I wish she would've taken things a little more serious sometimes but that's who she is and I love that! I did love Nora's personality even if it became repetitive, she was a loveable, outgoing and honestly super funny, I love her little one liners. I love that she knows who she is, and she's unapologetic for it. Nora and her mothers relationship resonated with me and it was super comforting.
Derek was so lovely and I love that he accepted Nora for who she is and remembered so much about her even years later. I really appreciated that it explored themes of dyslexia and the mistreatment of women in workplaces!
While there was some character and plot flaws in my opinion, it was still a super cute, heartwarming read that i'd recommend!!
sports romance
second chance
marriage of convince
dual pov
rom com
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

There is just something about Sarah Adams writing that gets me every time. This is set in the world of Therapy Cheat Sheet, so we do get a little more Nathan + Bree scenes.

College sweethearts that didn’t end so well, Nora and Derek haven’t seen each other in years. Derek became and NFL star and Nora continued on her path to be a sports agent. Then *surprise* Nora is assigned to be Derek’s agent. It’s clear from the get-go that the spark between them never went out. Throw in an accidental marriage in Vegas, and you have a sweet and spicy book.
I loved both characters individually. Nora is quirky written right, but she’s also trying to succeed in a male dominated field. And Derek is making a comeback from a potentially career ending injury. Coming back into each other’s lives felt like the universe telling them it was time. Yes, there is a little spice in this one and even though it’s new from the author I thought it was well done and didn’t feel out of place.
I think this is my new favorite book by Sarah Adams. Hathaway Lee and Will Damron were perfection at narrating Nora and Derek. The tension, the banter, the longing all came through to make the book even better!

Thank you to PRH-Ballantine for my early read.

ALL THE STARS! Her best work?!

Nora Mackenzie’s career is about to take off and her first big client is Derek Pender, tight end of the LA Sharks. One problem— Derek’s her college ex-boyfriend and she did not end the relationship in the best way. After a ton of pleading, Derek agrees to let Nora be his agent. But first there needs to be some ground rules.

Derek is ready for revenge after Nora broke his heart. If Nora wants to be his agent so badly, he’ll make it miserable for her. Except Nora doesn’t give up so easily and ends up booking Derek a deal with a suit company out in Las Vegas. The two fly out for the weekend and after a wild night of drinking wake up MARRIED. Nora’s job is on the line, so Derek agrees to fake it for a while. Only, after a few days the two begin to wonder —are they really faking?

I’m sad this is the last book set in the LA Sharks world— I love these characters!

Derek is a big grump, except with Nora. I loved seeing him fawn over her any time she was remotely injured or unhappy.

Read if you like:
• Forced Proximity
• Only One Bed Trope
• Football Players
• Strong women
• Second Chance Romance
• Fake Marriage
• Mutual Pining

Thank you Random House Publishing Group/Dell for my #gifted advanced copy and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy ofThe Rule Book! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐫𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★

Sarah Adams, you have once again stolen my heart with your amazing writing and swoony characters! Adams has a true talent for creating the most amazing characters that you can’t help but love. The Rule Book is the Companion Story to The Cheat Sheet, but you can absolutely be read as a standalone! No matter how you read it, make sure you don’t miss this one!

Nora Mackenzie is a young sports agent, trying to make her way in a male dominated industry. Determined to prove her male counterparts wrong, she is ready to be a top agent. The only problem? Her first assignment is a handsome and grumpy NFL player, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend. Derek Fender is ready to return to the game after taking a break due to an injury. Nora thinks she’s the best person to represent Derek, and maybe he won’t remember their past relationship, right? WRONG! Derek is determined to hold a grudge and make her life miserable.

This book was just so fun with the best banter! I promise you will love every single thing about this one!

🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, which was narrated by both Hathaway Lee and Will Damaron. Both did a phenomenal job bringing Nora and Derek to life. They were so dynamic and I thought they were both perfectly casted for these roles!

🏈Second Chance Romance
🏈Dual POV
🏈Disability Representation
🏈Sports Romance
🏈Enemies to Lovers
🏈Forced Proximity

Posted on Instagram on March 21, 2024 - Mini Review http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
Posted on Goodreads on March 30, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
Posted on Instagram - Full Review- March 30, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 2, 2024
**-will post on designated date

I love Sarah Adams.. All of her books are just a joy to read. Her characters are the best and I was so excited to see Derek's story. Thanks for the opportunity to read this a little early! I can't wait to spread the word.