I requested this book with my new baby bookstagram account and absolutely betted on having this request denied. I was so shocked when it was approved. So fun to have this as one of my first ARC’s!

I adored this book and am certain bookstagram will, too! Sarah Adams delivered on all the romance reader’s favorite tropes-

*Second chance
*Sports romance (football)
*Workplace romance
*Accidental marriage turned marriage of convenience
*One bed
*Touch my wife and die

And lest you think this was too many and trying too hard…NOT AT ALL! It's so cute, so sweet, so swoony! Sarah has the magic recipe that allows a book to be excellent and predictable all at once! These really are the best feel-good reads.

The main characters are loveable, and Derek’s friends are great! This is a companion novel to The Cheat Sheet. While The Rule Book could be read alone, I would recommend reading Cheat Sheet first if you haven’t already. It makes seeing our friends again so fun!

Sarah Adams is my go-to recommendation for friends who like romance without the spice, but this is her first where it is open door. She includes an author’s note letting you know this at the very beginning and has written it in a way that can be read without it- just skip chapter 34. She absolutely did NOT have to include this (plenty of reviewers out there doing this so well!), but I loved that she did. Felt like a sweet nod to who she knows many of her readers to be. Random spot in a book for me to review, I know, but I really liked this!

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the opportunity to read and review!

There are books you really love and then there are books you are OBSESSED WITH. I am obbbbbsssessssed with THE RULE BOOK.

I've been a Sarah Adams fan since her 2020 and the start of her "It Happened in Charleston" series. I have often recommended her as a great romance author for lots of chemistry, but closed-door spice. But I was more than happy to get a spicy open-door scene in THE RULE BOOK.

I liked the first book in this duet, The Cheat Sheet, but I am officially obsessed with THE RULE BOOK. I absolutely loved the peeks into the past relationship in this 2nd Chance Romance between Nora and Derek. The super-sweet first love they experienced in college was the perfect backdrop to their complicated reunion.

Nora is such a badass, hard-working, pure sunshine heroine. I adored her! I also really loved her dynamic with her female boss and their realistic love/hate relationship and mutual respect. And Derek is such a stern, grump at the beginning and watching him thaw and show his softer side was a delight to read. The banter between these two was funny and sharp and I loved their begrudging chemistry.

THE RULE BOOK is all the best of Sarah Adams writing in one book! Funny and smart. Quirky and fun, but also tackles tough topics without ever feeling too heavy. You will fall in love with the main characters AND the side characters. There is a hilariously rowdy male friend group that is a highlight of the book too!

THE RULE BOOK gets a very easily won 5-STARS from this stingy star bitch. I loved it with my whole heart and will be recommending it to everyone I know. Read it...that's an order!

𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: late diagnosis of dyslexia, parental neglect
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.

The Rule Book is a sequel to The Cheat Sheet. Readers who enjoyed that one will enjoy more time with the Sharks and the chance to catch up a bit with Nathan and Bree, but I think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.

One of the things that I really loved about that first book was the friendship between the team. They were a bit goofy and over the top, but they were also like family, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. As such, I was excited that there was going to be a second book. I've got to admit though, at the start, I was not really loving Derek in this one. His reaction to Nora was definitely pretty childish and petty and I just wasn't sure how he was going to redeem himself. Thankfully, he calmed down and grew on me as the story went on. By the end, he won me over. I enjoyed watching these two get their second chance at love and found for the most part, this was just the kind of light romcom that I have come to expect and enjoy from Sarah Adams, and I certainly did enjoy it overall.

Now let's talk content, shall we? It is important to know that unlike her previous books, this one DOES contain an open-door scene. Typically, I am a closed-door reader only, and normally wouldn't have picked this one up, but I took a chance on it for two reasons. 1) I had read the previous book and hate leaving a series unfinished. 2) It is very easy to skip the open-door scene--- just skip chapter 34, without missing anything crucial to the story. Again, being a closed-door reader who has enjoyed her previous books, I definitely appreciated that she made this easy for those of us who wanted to avoid that content. I was a little worried that I'd forget the chapter number when I got there, but I think it's definitely very clear at the end of that previous chapter where it's heading so you know 'hey, time to skip' leaving it as essentially a fade to black moment. I will say that that lead up does get a little steamier than I personally prefer--- but then Sarah's newest books in general are at the edge of my comfort level anyway, so chapter 34 aside it's really not much more than what her more recent books have been in that regard. While there's only one open-door scene, there is definitely innuendo, talk of sex and implied intimacy throughout, but again, I don't feel like that's too far off from her more recent books. There's also a good amount of language, to include one use of the F-word, so that's definitely something to consider as well. I'm not personally offended by language but prefer it on the lighter end if at all, so this one again was definitely pushing my personal limits there too.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity to read this early!

The Rule Book is such a cute second chance romance that had me smiling throughout. This is my first book by Sarah and I'm excited to read her back catalog now. What stood out to me in particular was how authentic the characters felt. We get an inside and very real look into why Nora did what she did the first time around. And speaking of Nora, she was just the kind of quirky and hilarious FMC I love. This book was warm and heartfelt and really showcased why second chance romance is special.

Read if you love:

- Sports romance
- It's always been you
- Silly lil Vegas wedding, hehe
- Dyslexia rep
- Found family

6⭐️
I’m speechless. This book is a standalone that is connected to the Cheat Sheet. This is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance following Derek and Nora who dated in college. Derek plays for the same NFL team as Nathan from the Cheat Sheet, and Nora has recently been promoted from intern to agent at the same agency that represents Derek…. Her first client, you guessed it, Derek. So what happens when the two wake up after a drunken night in Vegas with tattooed wedding rings?

This book was perfection, everything I hoped for and so much more. The only spoiler I will give…. Only one bed and the singular spicy scene of the book.

Possible triggers as detailed in the content warning: ‘late diagnosis of dyslexia and parental neglect’

Sarah freaking Adams killed it, again.

The story of Derek and Nora had me hooked from the moment I picked up this book. Young love that separated to follow their own paths in life because one was holding the other back from their fullest potential, even though they never stopped loving one another.

Their adult careers brought their paths together in a turn of events that caused them to fall back in love in the most heartwarming way.

I was absolutely crying by the end of this.
I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

Sarah Adams just writes the absolute sweetest and most readable romance books. Every time I pick up one of her books, I can't put it down and end up reading the whole thing in one sitting. I really loved both of the characters in this book. I especially loved how supportive Derek was of Nora's career, and how much he was gone for her from minute one. This was a really fun read all around!

I loved this story from beginning to end! Every second was enjoyable for me and I flew thru it! I couldn’t wait to read more. I love Nora and Derek! The banter was on point and I loved their exchanges as well as Nora’s internal dialogue. I also loved the found family aspect as well as Nora’s relationship with her mother!

Ok. This book was absolutely adorable. I truly loved Nora as a character. She was quirky and positive why fighting for a space in a man dominated career. This was a cute story about second chances at love. However I would have loved to see a certain someone for real get their payback for their actions.

Nora Mackenzie, an up-and-coming sports agent, finds her career in the hands of famous NFL tight end Derek Pender, her extremely hot college ex-boyfriend. Their relationship ended badly, and now Derek is determined to make Nora's life miserable as her new agent. But Nora is no pushover. She starts a scheme of her own, leading to a wild night in Vegas that changes everything. Suddenly, Nora and Derek are married, forced to navigate a not-so-fake relationship while trying to save their careers.


The chemistry between Nora and Derek is off the charts. Their banter is hilarious, and their possessive moments will make your heart swoon. The author does an excellent job of developing their characters, showing their growth and vulnerability as they confront their past mistakes. The forced proximity and one-bed trope add to the tension and romance, making it a page-turner.

What to Expect:


-Second-chance romance
-Sports romance (NFL tight end)
-Not-so-fake marriage
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Hilarious banter
-Heartwarming character growth
-Dyslexia representation
-Open door romance (but with a disclaimer at the beginning of the book warning which chapter and giving the reader the option to skip it)

In conclusion, "Rule Book" is a delightful and entertaining romance novel. It's a perfect blend of second-chance love, sports excitement, and witty banter. Sarah Adams has crafted a charming story that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. If you're looking for a cute and fluffy read, this is the book for you!

If you're a fan of second-chance romance, sports romance, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, then "Rule Book" is a must-read for you! This book is a companion story to the "The Cheat Sheet," and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading "The Cheat Sheet" first to fully immerse yourself in the connected world of characters.

Rating: 4.5 stars


Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Adams is an auto-buy author for me, and yet again this is another must-read book!

The Rule Book is a companion to The Cheat Sheet. It can be read as a standalone but I really loved that I already knew most of the characters in the book.

Nora Mackenzie is a sports agent who is still learning the ropes in a male-dominated world. She receives her first official client, Derek Pender. Derek Pender is on the Sharks football team alongside Nathan, the main character from The Cheat Sheet. Right now Derek is recovering from an injury and is nervous that his team may not sign him up again next season.

Another thing to mention, Nora and Derek once dated back in college before she broke up with him. Derek was shocked when he went to the agency to find out Nora was now his agent. He kept himself guarded for a while since she hurt him in the past. One night in Vegas everything changes, they wake up married.

Nora is such a likable character, I loved her and her quirkiness. She also made me want to try cereal and ice cream. Derek is another very likable character. He is a nice guy that melts when he is with Nora. It was so cute to watch their relationship grow throughout the book.

This is a perfect sports romance with an adorable second-chance romance trope.


Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was utterly adorable! I enjoyed the added spice and appreciated that it was relatively “tame”. The banter was yet again amazing! And the chemistry was absolute Fire. I loved the connection to the Cheat Sheet and the reappearance of those characters. The main characters were both well developed. I was grinning like an idiot through so much of the book.

Sarah Adams has, unsurprisingly, done it again! And has quickly become by absolute favorite author. What a fun, loving, heartfelt and sweet story this is. The banter, the characters, but also that plot!!!!! There literally are not enough stars in the sky for this book.

I loved loved loved 'The Rule Book!'
Nora is an up and coming sports agent. When she's given her first official client, her college ex-boyfriend, star football player Derek Pender, Nora has to work harder than ever before to be the best agent possible.
Derek decides to get revenge on Nora for breaking his heart. Waking up married after a drunken night in Vegas puts these exes in an interesting situation.
This book was so much fun to read. It made my heart happy. Derek is a top tier book boyfriend, his love for Nora is genuine and unmatched.
The chemistry between these two is top tier, and Derek’s pining after Nora made me giddy!
'The Rule Book' comes out April 2nd! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
Narrators: Hathaway Lee and Will Damron
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub date: 4/2

Thank you so much to PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook and Netgalley and Ballantine Books for my ebook.
This delightful, peppy rom-com had me grinning from ear to ear! I didn’t think I could love any of Adams’ books more than Practice Makes Perfect, but this one might win out.

Nora Mackenzie and Derek Pender, former college sweethearts with a complicated past, find themselves thrown back into each other's lives in the most unexpected way. As Nora navigates her budding career as a sports agent, she's faced with the challenge of managing none other than her ex, Derek, a famous NFL player. Sparks fly as they rekindle their connection amidst professional rivalries and personal vendettas.
This book is so cute! The sizzling chemistry between Derek and Nora make this story irresistible and impossible to put down. I laughed, cried, and swooned my way through it.

Derek's adorably sweet gestures, coupled with Nora's quirky charm, make for a captivating duo. From heartfelt moments to steamy encounters, their journey is filled with laughter, love, and lots of surprises.

Sarah Adams seamlessly weaves in themes of forgiveness and self-discovery, making this more than just a cutesy romance. Derek’s struggles with dyslexia make him even more endearing and adds a layer of authenticity to his character.

Adams's writing is engaging and addictive, pulling you into the story from the very first page. The witty banter, playful antics, and sizzling tension between the characters will have you rooting for them from the start. I listened to this on audio and loved the dual narration! Both narrators really brought their characters to life and made the listening experience enjoyable.

Whether you're a fan of second chance romances or simply in need of a heartwarming read, this book is it!

Read if you like:
*second chance
*enemies-to-lovers
*sports romance
*dyslexia rep
*marriage of convenience
*open door spice

The Rule Book - Sarah Adams
(out April 2 — i better see all of you buy it)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5

- agent x football player
- one bed
- oops i guess we’re married and our entire lives depend on us staying married
- absolutely HILARIOUS
- second chance (but they never got over each other)
- “my wife”
- pining / sprinkles of jealousy / TENSION
- best friend group ever

Getting this book in my email with the headline “you’ve been approved for an arc” made me scream and jump around my house (like a sane person of course)

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it DELIVERED.

This BOOK you guys. I laughed out loud so much people probably thought i was borderline manic. And the way Nora was written had me wondering if Sarah has a camera in my mind. Her out-of-pocket thoughts mirrored my own so much.

This book read fast and light but like a work of art. There was never a moment where i was bored. Every chapter was filled with playful revenge, bickering, and tension. I was a little scared towards the end because they “got together” 70% in but the author wrote it in a way where they did but they didn’t. And honestly, getting them together so they could work out those problems together was genius.

Also the hemmed pant leg bit MADE the whole book. I could simply not stop laughing.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for my copy (every thought is my own btw). And of course, thank you to the Queen herself, Sarah Adams for writing every book she’s ever written.

I had the best time reading this! As always, Sarah nailed laugh out loud humor and undeniable chemistry. There is a decent amount of page time spent furthering the relationships between the guys on the football team and, just like with The Cheat Sheet, I couldn't keep myself from smiling and laughing whenever the Sharks were together.

I went into this feeling a little nervous about what the dynamic between Nora and Derek was going to be. While there were a few rough spots, it ended up all working out and definitely helped with building a level of tension that almost took me out a few times because it was so well done.

My only complaint is that the set up had me thinking that there was going to be a little more depth to the story than there ended up being and I was left feeling a little bummed about that. There was a lot of opportunity to dive a little deeper into some of their individual personal issues but most of them were kind of glossed over and everything remained pretty shallow.

Overall, I can definitely see myself reading it again someday and I think it is a perfect addition to Sarah's library of feel-good, cozy, sweet books!

Rating: Liked it
Genre: Romance
Romantic Content: One open door scene

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint.

Like every good Sarah Adams book, I was absolutely hooked. This story is even better than the Cheat Sheet. Second-chance, sports romance, women in the workplace, found family, one bed?? Amazing. The vacation vibes in this book were great too. This is not closed door, so keep that in mind if you typically read Sarah Adams for that,

The follow-up to The Cheat Sheet was a long time coming, and I think it was definitely worth the wait! While this book can standalone, the experience will be that much more enjoyable if you have read the precursor as The Rule Book takes us deeper into the Sharks’ world and gives glimpses into the post-HEA for Nathan and Bree.

The Rule Book tells the story of former college flames Nora and Derek. She’s the spunky agent who is just going out on her own at a boys’ club agency, and he’s the star football player who may be facing a career-ending injury who is the first client on her roster. I don’t know a thing about football, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The characters are endearing, the plot is wonderfully-paced, and it’s just an all-around feel-good kind of book. It’s a touch more spice than you may expect from Sarah Adams, but I’d call it a pinch of paprika rather than a spoonful of cayenne. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for gifting me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

There is something quintessentially unique about a Sarah Adams book 💕

She toes the line between goofy, funny, and sweet. And this time with a little extra spice🌶️

Derek is an injured football player who needs a new sports agent. Nora is an up and coming agent who needs her first athlete client. Wires cross, and they’re matched but no one knows they used to date in college and spoiler alert, aren’t over each other. Chaos ensues and it’s 🤌🏻

Not to mention, this is set in Cheat Sheet world and we get to see our faves Nathan and Bree Cheese 🧀

Sarah Adams could write IKEA furniture assembly instructions and I’d read it. She never misses. Her voice is so beautifully evident and lovely🫶🏻

Read if you like:
🏈Sports romance
💍Marriage of convenience
✌🏻2nd chance romance
🛏️One bed
💁🏼‍♀️Girl bosses
🗃️The home edit
🙊Word vomit
🤝Bromances
🥇Competitions