To put it simply, Sarah Adams' "The Rule Book" is "The Cheat Sheet" companion novel that I didn't know I needed, but NEEDED, you know? "The Rule Book" follows L.A. Sharks tight end Derek Pender (the famed winker from "The Cheat Sheet" in all his glory) in a second chance, enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience romance.

Before I even began reading "The Rule Book," I was honestly so hyped because I truly loved "The Cheat Sheet" and think that one reinvented the football romance genre for me. And yes, all of these lovable buffoon of football players are back with HEA updates in spades. That's not to say that Derek and Nora Mackenzie, his college sweetheart, don't shine in their main story because they do. "The Rule Book" is told from dual points of view with such compelling language that had me so intrigued to keep reading chapter by chapter. Derek and Nora have banter galore, which i what I love, and this story was just so fun an indulgent, primarily set in the NFL offseason. It's the perfect companion to "The Cheat Sheet," yes, but Derek and Nora can fully hold their own as MCs and I stand by that.

This was my first Sarah Adams book and I 10000% get why ya'll are obsessed with her now. I've already acquired a hefty chunk of her back catalogue and cannot wait to dig in. Not only did I love the lead characters but some of the secondary players stole the show (Hello Nicole). I'm not sure what the romance version of a cozy mystery is, but this is definately that. Low angst, high swoon factor.

This was so fun! Also so timely with all of the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce mania.

Nora, a newly promoted sports agent, has been given her first client. The only problem is, it is her college boyfriend, Derek Pender, that she broke up with abruptly. Will he even agree to talk to her, let alone work with her?

Nora was pure sunshine, and Derek was a great MMC. I loved the more serious themes woven in like Derek's dyslexia, and Nora's childhood raised by single mother. I also enjoyed seeing Nora's take on misogyny in the sports industry.

I had a great time reading this book!

This was a cute rom-com about college sweethearts not seeing each other for eight years until their careers brought them together and hilarity ensues.

I appreciate the author note and content warning. I wish more authors would include that for the reader.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nora has been working at an agency representing sports stars, and is about to get her first client… who is Derek, her college boyfriend. He’s been hopelessly in love with her for ages, and plot twist - so has she! They end up going to Vegas, getting drunk, and elope. The fallout is … they stay married and see what happens 😉😮‍💨🥰

Oh my GOSH this book had me in a chokehold. I read The Cheat Sheet first and while I liked that one, I LOVED this one.

Things in this book I Loved:

I just connected so much with Nora and loved her tenacity, drive, wit, and fierce love of her independence. She needed people too, but she was raised by a strong woman who gave her the confidence to soar.
I loved Derek’s grumpy-ish personality!! He was so tender and sweet too. When he cleaned her up after she cut her foot 🥹.
The football guys and wives. I think they were even better this time around and I loved them in The Cheat Sheet.
Nicole!! She is amazing x10.
Female friendship 🫶🏻.
The conversations and baring of souls.
I loved that spicy chapter because it was also so darn sweet.
The ending was SO incredibly good.
I loved it I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Sarah Adams book and I really enjoyed. The writing was good and there were some really solid tropes. I would definitely read more!

Thank you to the publisher for the early access

And I thought The Cheat Sheet was good! Derek and Nora in The Rule Book are what dreams are made of! Sarah Adams is an auto buy author for me, so I’m not surprised I absolutely adored everything about this book.

My favorite parts were the swoony internal thoughts of both the main characters, pep talks from the guys (football teammates), the IOU, the tattoo, the not-so-fake fake marriage, and breaking all the rules!

This book was a warm hug and ultimate comfort read. Reading it in one sitting during Super Bowl Sunday was pure perfection! All. The. Stars. ♾️/⭐️

This book was amazing! I finished it in one day. It was such a good read and I kept finding myself waiting for the final moment that Nora and Derek would finally cross the line. I loved it!

My rating: 4.5
My summary: Nora MacKenzie just got promoted from intern to sports agent and her first client is Derek Pender, a star tight end recovering from a season-ending injury—who also happens to be her college ex-boyfriend. Derek has struggled with dyslexia his entire life and the only thing that has made him feel worthwhile is football, but he’s on the cusp of losing it all if his injury rehab doesn’t go well. Nora has been trying to prove herself in a male-dominated industry and her career now hinges on successfully representing Derek—despite their history together. Their past seems to be insurmountable before they can move forward, especially since they both still have feelings for each other.
My thoughts: This is a cute and lighthearted second chance romance. At times it’s almost annoyingly cutesy, but it’s also nice to have an easy-reading, feel-good love story, with a side of girl power added in to it. This is a companion to Sarah Adams’s The Cheat Sheet, which I have not yet read but plan to read next! *Bonus: This was a perfect football romance to finish on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday! I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and my summary and thoughts here are fully my own opinion.

I still can’t believe Sarah was able to out do herself again. Will was my ultimate book boyfriend but Derek omg. Their banter was top tier in my opinion. I normally hate second chance romance but this one was everything to me.

+ Thank you Netgallery / Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review +

I just finished this ebook today and my heart is just so full. The storyline from beginning to end totally grips my soul. I will be honest this is my first book by Sarah Adams. I have a few other books in my TBR so I'm grateful I got a chance to read an ARC by Sarah Adams. Now let's start this review!

Okay, you got Nora Mackenzie who I so wish had a friend like her in real life. She's so funny, witty, eccentric, and got-your-back kind of gal! And Derek Pender... oh em gee. Every woman's dream is to have a man like him. I love the banter between him and his teammates! Absolutely hilarious!

I love that this book takes you back a bit to the college days when you learn more about what had happened to where they are now. I think one of the things that tugs my heartstrings is Nora's relationship with her mother. It really made me think about my two daughters and how I can be of support to them, especially when they're older. The quote I highlighted in the book in which I had some body image issues (and still to this day) that will forever engrained in me is "Another thing my mom taught me: Love your body-it works hard for you every day of your life." Oh my God, that is just so true. Yes, my body may not be what I want it to be, but damn it, I'm walking, talking, eating, and so much more. My body hasn't given me up yet. It's living for ME. Love love that.

Okay getting sidetracked over here, lol. But yes, Nora and Derek. The hurdles they go through as individuals and as partners. It's satisfying to see how everything comes together in the end. When it's true love, it will be meant to be. It could be the "right person but at the wrong time".

Finally, for all my smut readers out there... this is definitely more of a love story with a tiny bit of spice which makes this book actually super sweet and special.

Sarah's writing in this brings a lot of smiles to my face which makes me super excited to read other books by her and hope to meet her one day! This book comes out on April 2nd so get ready for a sweet yet funny story!! Highly recommend!

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader Copy.

This story follows Nora, a sports agent trying to make her way in a male driven career, and Derek an NFL player. Derek needs a new agent, and is assigned to none other than Nora, his ex girlfriend from college.

This book was absolutely AMAZING! It was the perfect romcom that was comical, swoony, and heart warming. I adored Nora’s quirky personality and Derek’s acceptance of all she is. Their longing and chemistry was tangible, and I rooted for them every second.

I loved the guys’ friend group and their tight knit relationship. I also loved Nora’s friendship with Nicole. Both of these sets of side characters enhanced the book a lot for me.

There were some surprises that made me gasp, clutch my heart, and that turned my heart in to goo. I even cried or teared up in a couple different parts of the story.

I read this book so fast, I couldn’t put it down. I will recommend this to anyone that likes romance or romcoms, and will be buying a physical copy when it releases!

5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book exceeded my expectations!!

I wasn’t super sure what to expect heading into this book. On one hand, I really enjoyed When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams. However, I didn’t really care for The Cheat Sheet — the first book in the interconnected series with The Rule Book. I was scared this would be a let down! Happy to report it definitely wasn’t!! I instantly loved the FMC, Nora, and her quirkiness and determination towards her career. I’m a sucker for second chance romance so I was immediately hooked from the start. I think the communication between the main characters was great— not a ton of frustration caused by the miscommunication trope!! I think what’s keeping this from a five star rating is that it’s just hard to give a standalone romance a high rating. Not enough time to connect with the characters and really understand them. I think if the two characters in this book were featured a little bit in The Cheat Sheet (little cameos, mentions, something to hint at them being a couple) I’d feel even more attached to the characters and their story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an early digital copy in exchange for an honest review!!

This story follows Nora, who has been promoted to full-time sports agent, and is given her first client, Derek who is a famous tight end who has some major hurdles ahead of him. The only problem is, Derek is Nora’s college ex-boyfriend, and their break up didn’t go over well. He’s holding a grudge, but a drunken night in Vegas ends in a (not so) fake marriage.

Sarah Adams is an automatic read for me, and I truly feel like her books get better and better with each one. She somehow is able to always make classic romance tropes (second chance romance, sports romance, fake(ish) marriage, grumpy/sunshine, one bed) feel BRAND new. Her books are riddled with tension, angst and build up that makes you unable to put it down. The character development was great, and the way they were able to openly communicate through their past, and their future. Talking through Derek’s late dyslexia diagnosis and Nora’s dealing with sexism in the workplace— yet this book still felt light.

I loved that she added a cameo from Nathan and Bree from the cheat sheet (which I also loved). I also LOVED that she added some spice to this book, which notoriously she has avoided in the past— but still wrote it in a way that is enjoyable for those who want to skip. The fact that Sarah doesn’t do a third act breakup— more authors should do this!!

The Rule Book definitely had some of the elements I’ve come to expect from a Sarah Adams read: great tropes, lots of banter, and a cute premise. I also loved the how the cover art expectations I went in with were definitely met with the story itself.

I liked the idea of the former college sweethearts being thrown back together in a professional capacity years later, and the whole enemies to lovers vibe that lent the premise.

This was an easy, light read - perfect for vacation poolside for sure. If you’re a fan of second chance and spots romance, this is a good one to add to the list. I really appreciated the warning / option that was given re chapter 34. I feel like that makes it easier to refer more readers since it’s an opt in or out regarding spice.

While this book wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I did appreciate the tropes present, the premise, and the banter of the story. I did feel like the first part of the story held my attention a bit more, I felt like the Derek-Nora initial dynamic resolved rather quickly so it felt kind of sudden for the shift. I also found Nora a smidge too over the top quirky for my liking.
Regardless I do think that fans of the author and those looking for a cute, fun read will enjoy.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

This was a cute second chance romance!! I appreciate it wasn’t a “we cheated and let’s try again” (I can’t stand that trope). My only issue is how much miscommunication there was at the beginning. The slow burn was 100% worth it and I thought the ending was really cute. Alongside the romance there was talk about struggles people deal with often (women working in a male dominant sport and late diagnosis of dyslexia).

Sarah has done it again and my little heart needs some time to recover. It’s been a LONG time (well, ok, since I read Practice Makes Perfect…) since I got so outwardly emotional about characters, feeling every little twinge of guilt and anger and the deep, heart-wrenching pain of loving someone you’ve been hurt by. This was just a masterpiece poured onto a page. For the softies, this will hurt but it hurts so good. Petition for more “that’s my wife” in future books, Sarah - I need it more than a well-organized pantry.

4.5 stars!
This was actually my first Sarah Adam’s book!
Crazy I know
Well I have 3 more on the way!
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t know I liked sport romances until now!

Nora is fun, positive, and vibrant!
I loved her character and her wardrobe choices.

Derek was just a grumpy cinnamon roll!
Absolutely adored him.

I giggled throughout this whole book
went through all the emotions.
Also no third act break up which was refreshing

Thank you Sarah Adam’s, random house, and Netgalley for the Arc

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I swear when I saw I received an ARC of this book, I actually squealed out loud. The Rule Book was one of my most anticipated reads for 2024, and it did not disappoint. Second chance at love stories can be tricky to enjoy, but Sarah Adams wrote this one perfectly. It was so easy to root for Derek and Nora to come together again because their relationship felt so real and honest. I also loved that we got to see some cameos from the group of characters that we met in the Cheat Sheet. The banter, the swoonworthy way Derek has never stopped pining for Nora, all of Nora’s quirky personality traits, and the group of supportive friends and family made this book such a sweet and perfect read. The epilogue wrapped their love story up with the most perfect bow, and I truly enjoyed every second of this story and know you will too.

Way back before Derek was a famous Tight End football player for the LA Sharks, and before Nora was a Sports Agent they were just two college kids hopelessly in love. But before their love story could have a happy ending Nora broke up with Derek unexpectedly and hasn’t seen him since. So imagine how awkward and uncomfortable it is when Derek takes a meeting unknowingly with her, so she can become his agent.

Initially refusing her offer to represent him he soon wears down and agrees to it. As they head off to their first job together which happens to be in Vegas, they wake up the next morning extremely hungover and very much accidentally married. What ensues is a battle to decide what to do about their confusing friendship/relationship/work partnership/marriage. We see Nora and Derek realize and learn things about themselves, while also being completely open and honest with each other about what they’re feeling. Without giving it all away, they do get their Happily ever after, but you have to read to see just how swoonworthy it is.

Chefs kiss to Sarah for another sweet, romantic, laugh out loud, and enjoyable rom-com. She is truly the Queen of this genre of books!

Tropes include:
-Accidental marriage
-Only one bed
-Second chance at love
-Grumpy boy and sunshine girl

This is my second Sarah Adams book, and she writes cute books. This sports romance is quick to read, well-written, and very sweet. The main character, Nora, is a quirky, sweet new sports agent who finds herself representing her ex, Derek, who dislikes her. After he comes up with different scenarios and jobs to try and get her to quit being his agent, they agree to a rule book of things they have to abide by if they are going to be together. As they work together, they rekindle their friendships and accidentally wake up married.

I thought the romance was very sweet, and even though second-chance romances aren't always my thing, this one was interesting. There is a slightly steamy open door chapter that can be skipped for anyone who wants a closed-door book. I sometimes had trouble connecting to the MC and the low stakes vibes of the book, but it's a solid read that I would recommend. Thank you to the publisher for this arc for an honest review.

Tropes/themes:
- Sports romance
- Second chance
- Accidental fake marriage
- Romcom
- Dual pov
- Dyslexia rep
- One steamy chapter