Member Reviews
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy AARC)
Narrators: Corbin King and Erin Mallon
Rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Fake relationship, slow burn, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Dixon Rule prior to release and was thrilled to be able to listen to the story being told once more via audiobook.
The Dixon Rule is book 2 of the Campus Diaries series, but can still be read as a standalone.
Diana Dixon’s summer schedule is packed and not to be messed with, but when Shane Lindley moves into the same building as her, she has to lay down the law on her end. However, when his ex returns, he proposes a fake relationship with Diana to make his ex jealous and well… things just heat up from there.
The narrators did a magnificent job of bring this story to life and allowing you to feel the sparks and tension between the characters. It was extremely easy to listen to.
I would highly recommend you give this a go if you enjoy audiobooks and spicy reads.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and the author, Elle Kennedy, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Audiobook provided by Netgalley
Okay, so I picked up "The Dixon Rule" thinking it'd be a decent read, but man, was I in for a surprise! Shane's bond with his dad totally stole the show for me. Like, seriously, seeing them as besties was everything to me.
And Coach Jensen was a real baddie as always, the MVP of the book.
Oh, and can we talk about Shane? What a blast of a character! He brought so much fun and energy to the story, making it impossible not to root for him.
And don't even get me started on Beckett and Will – I'm already counting down the days until I can dive into their story. The kitchen scene ? 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
As always Elle Kennedy books don’t disappoint. Loved the audio book and the narration.
This Hockey romance checks all the boxes. I had a lot of lol moments and enjoyed this one from the start.
🔘Frenemies-to-Lovers
🔘Hockey romance
🔘Fake Dating
🔘Neighbors
🔘Reformed playboy
🏒🏒🏒
Briar cheerleader Diana Dixon finds herself in a predicament. She needs both a dance partner and a fake boyfriend, and the perfect candidate for both roles is none other than the gorgeous hockey player Shane Lindley. Coincidentally, Shane is seeking a fake girlfriend to make his ex jealous. Unexpectedly, true feelings start to emerge, catching them both off guard.
✨Thought✨
Firstly, I must commend the incredible dual narration in this audiobook. Erin Mallon, one of my all-time favorite female narrators, truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to embody each character and give them distinct voices is exceptional. Corvin King, a newer voice to me, never fails to surprise with his performances, and his portrayal of female characters is spot on!
🔸The story itself immediately had my attention. Diana and Shane are incredibly fun characters, and their witty banter had me laughing out loud. And let's not forget about the spicy moments - they were absolutely glorious. I'm still fanning my face!
🔸What I loved most about Diana and Shane is how relatable they were. Their struggles and experiences made them feel like real people, making me want to be friends with them. The author also tackles some heavy topics, adding emotional depth to the story that packs a punch.
🔸An added bonus was the return of beloved characters from previous books. It was a joy to see the second generation intermingling with the first. I was thrilled to witness the bromance between the hockey boys is still going strong!
🔸Overall, if you're a fan of hockey romance, you absolutely cannot miss this incredible story. The audiobook is a must-listen, as the performances and the writing are top-notch. I cannot recommend it enough. 🙌🏼
Thank you to Dreamscape Select for this amazing ALC.
Loved this one! Another banger for Elle Kennedy! This one had me giddy all throughout. And the scenes with Will?! Honestly, any scene with Will was amazing. Loved Diana and Shane. Great characters. Great story that had more depth and layers than your typical romance book. This was a 4.5/5 for me. Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me listen to this amazing book!
I adore the way Elle Kennedy writes hockey romance. This was a great read. It can be read as a standalone but there are a lot of names dropped from previous books/ series. Still I didn’t feel lost at all having not read the first book in this series.
I loved Diana and Shane’s banter and chemistry. It was fun reading though all the phases of their relationship and seeing how it progressed along the way. Their back and forth was amazing. While this gives everything I love in a romcom there were some heavy topics also.
The way Shane was protective of her even when they were frenemies was heartwarming.
The audiobook was the best way to bring this story to life and the narrators did an amazing job.
I was seriously jumping for joy when I got the ALC of The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy. I loved her Off-Campus series as well as Book 1 (The Graham Effect) of Campus Diaries.
I really loved the relationship development between Shane Lindley and Diana Dixon. They started out as frenemies and then moved on to a fake relationship, then a fake relationship with benefits and then a real relationship. I truly enjoyed their connection. I love how they loved watching a dating reality show together (Fling or Forever) and how invested Shane was in it. It reminded me of when my husband and I were dating and watched all the reality dating TV shows.
Other things I enjoyed in this book:
* I enjoyed the group neighbor chars
* the sneak peak at former series characters
* the banter between Diana and Shane
* friends with benefits application Sane filled out (Had me laughing out loud)
* Shane and his relationship with his little sister
What to expect from this book:
* hockey romance
* hockey player and cheerleader/dancer
* forced proximity (neighbors)
* steamy/spicy scenes
While it is a fun, steamy, hilarious book, please know that it also deals with some heavy topics and some scenes may be difficult or triggering for some. They are executed and done well, but please check on the content if you have triggers.
This book had me laughing, blushing and crying while listening. The narrators Corbin King and Erin Mallon did a fabulous job of bringing to life these characters. Narration is 5/5. I already loved Erin Mallon but Corbin King was new to me, and I hope to listen to more books narrated by him!
Elle Kennedy knows how to write great characters that I can connect with, that make me laugh, but also show a vulnerability that makes me relate to them in some way. I highly recommend this book and the audio! I am so invested in this series and can't wait for book 3 (The Charlie Method)!
Thank you Elle Kennedy, NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for an ALC of this book. I am honored to be able to review it. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
I am not a new adult super fan. That said, I really enjoyed this book. Diana and Shane didn’t feel as vapid as most new adult MMCs tend to come off. The banter was great and I spent a lot of time laughing at this enemies-to-lovers tale. The HOA group was hilarious, so I enjoyed any instance where they were involved. As much as I laughed in this book, there were also some very serious topics covered and I loved that they didn’t feel forced as a way to cause conflict or drama. It brought them together more and that felt real. As a couple it’s the two of you against every conflict and should never be an outside conflict that pits a couple against each other. It was so well done in this book. I’m also not a fan of a domineering man when it comes to spicy times, but damnit if Shane didn’t make it work. I’d absolutely let him tell me what to do. And that one kitchen scene…👀 BRAVO!
This book was made available to me through NetGalley from Dreamscape Select. Huge thank you to them for sending it to me!
I’m a big Elle Kennedy fan and not just the Briar stuff. I liked The Graham Effect and was cautious because sometimes next gen series can either feel like repeats or fan service but it really felt like a fresh series. So when this book was not about any second generation Briar kids I was scratching my head. Well my concerns were not warranted because I liked this one better. And I think we actually got more cameos than the first. It definitely deals with some heavy topics and trigger warnings for death of a parent and FMC intimate partner violence on page.
I think Elle dropped lots of crumbs for possible future books but not enough to actually sus them out 100%.
I am totally for a bi-awakening trope with Will if she chooses to go that route. If you’ve read the Him series you know Elle can pull off MM.
So long story short Elle has once again sucked me into another world where I love all the characters…. Well except for Percy F that guy.
we are SOOOOO back baby oh my god!!!! somehow this book is even better than graham effect and i did not think it would be possible considering it didn’t center around a former briar u couple (i was skeptical sue me) but elle kennedy proved my ass SO wrong!!
this book was funny, hot, emotional as fuck (i spent over 10 minutes uncontrollably sobbing at the end)
i am absolutely obsessed with both diana and shane, their chemistry and banter is next level. the narrators did such a phenomenal job bringing the two of them to life and i am already itching for book 3 😩
I received an audio arc and this is my honest review.
I swear these narrators nailed this book. It was so easy to immerse into the story and know exactly who was talking. My only small comment would be occasionally I couldn’t differentiate if something was a thought or spoken aloud.
The story is an emotional one.
TW: on page Domestic Abuse (not done by a MC)
There’s two scenes. Here’s where to skip if you don’t want to read it on page.
<spoiler>End of ch. 16 and ch 54</spoiler>
Reminder it is still spoken about.
Diana is such a spitfire. I thoroughly enjoyed her strength and vulnerability.
Shane is such a softie. He gives meaning to heart in the right place but kind of an unintentional idiot.
Together though they are pure fire!
They banter, tease, and have chemistry like no other.
As their relationship grows their vulnerabilities with each other is moving.
There’s one scene that I didn’t care for, but I found out FMC handled it well.
<spoiler> I thought he was an absolute dumbass for going with his ex to make sure she knew he didn’t want to get back together and “get closure” right after Diana admitted what she did and asked him not to. They had just placed in a competition together and should celebrate together… I found it utterly stupid and disrespectful of him to do that. If they wanted to have that talk he should have arranged for another time and spoken to Diana about it first to establish what they were to eachother and not just ask her to catch a ride so he can grab a drink with his ex. And I know some people will come at me because they weren’t technically together yet… but I say fuck that. They obviously were together and he should have showed more respect. I’m glad she stood her ground and didn’t backdown that his decision was wrong.</spoiler>
There’s no cheating at all. Just a dumb decision that would have pissed me off too. There’s also no breakup once our MCs get intimate.
I loved all the cameos from our OGs.
The side characters held true to being funny and loyal.
There’s definitely some devastating moments.
I cried a few times in the last few chapters.
I am so incredibly intrigued by Will and Beckett!
I cannot wait for more of them and to get their stories.
That bonus scene has me wanting the next book now!
This is my favrouite Elle Kennedy book, I think the only other book I might have liked as much as this one was the deal...
Shane and Diana were both so likeable, so charming. I loved their chemistry, the banter. This was a very very enjoyable read. I loved that there was less smut and more character driven plot. The narrators did an amazing job, they really added to the over-all experience.
I really am interested to see where Will and Buckett's story leads.
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for giving me the audio arc.
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy is without a doubt a five star read for me! As one of the books I was most excited for this month, I was thrilled to have received an ALC and it absolutely blew any expectations I had out of the water. I will immediately be running to the store today to get a physical copy because I just NEED to.
When Shane moves in and becomes Diana’s neighbor, she does everything she can to avoid him and turn the neighbors against him. The banter between these two is so good and honestly had me smiling and laughing at times. And every single time Shane is deleted from the group chat, I was dying 😂! Both of them end up having a few moments where they need each other to pretend to fake date (again one of my FAVORITE tropes) and I absolutely loved it! The way their chemistry in these fake dating scenarios is so HOT and easy for them is perfect. And then they decide to be friends with benefits and it got even better! That FWB application had me dying is is one of my favorite parts! There is a lot of spice between these two and some of the kinks are 🥵🥵. And how could I forget that she convinces Shane to enter a ballroom dance competition?!?! Honestly I love every single moment of him learning how to dance and how they perform!
But this book also had my emotions all over the place and not just because of Diana and Shane’s relationship. There is a lot of real life, heavy stuff that they have to deal with and I honestly was crying so hard at times, but it was written so beautifully. The way they both support and love each other in those times of need is absolutely precious and I will protect them at all costs.
The audiobook is narrated by Corbin King and Erin Mallon and is so well done! Very easy to follow and the narrators were perfect for these characters!! I absolutely loved listening to it!
Thank you so much to Elle, Kennedy, Dreamscape Media, Netgalley for the chance to listen to an ALC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I went into this book, but Shane and Diana exceeded any expectations I had. The banter between these two is truly top notch. I was cracking up so hard throughout at their one liners and jabs back and forth.
Please check trigger warnings if you have any triggers. There are some scenes that are hard to read.
💜Enemies to lovers
💜Fake dating
💜Frenemies with benefits
💜Hockey player x cheerleader
💜Possessive MMC
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔
When Shane moves in next door to Diana, she assumes that it is going to be a revolving door of every woman on campus. What she doesn’t expect is for Shane to be done with hookups and want a real relationship after his breakup with ex over a year ago.
But when a situation presents itself where Shane needs a fake girlfriend stat, Diana is there for him reluctantly. And then shortly after, Diana is in the same predicament and needs a fake boyfriend.
And when they realize how attracted to each other they are, it goes from fake dating to a frenemies with benefits with your fake girlfriend/boyfriend situation.
I really loved these characters! Along with the side characters that we saw this time around - mainly Will, whose story I am hoping that we get next because we need it!
There is a situation with Diana and her ex that is extremely toxic and very hard to read at times. The way Shane steps up is beautiful and heartwarming. Because Diana is not used to allowing herself to be vulnerable.
Corvin King and Erin Mallon did a great job bringing these characters to life. Erin was perfect in her role as Diana with her sassy and confident exterior and the times she allowed herself to be vulnerable and emotional in her internal dialogue.
Corvin as Shane was also perfection. The way this man talked in the intimate moments had me squirming. He really brought out Shane’s dominant side in spades.
This is the second book in the Campus Diaries Series from Elle Kennedy and if you liked the first book in the series, The Graham Effect, then you will definitely love this one. I think Elle did a wonderful job with this book and I really liked Diana & Shane's characters and loved them together. This book has a fair amount of spice and a small bit of exhibisionism so if that's not your thing then look away. Both Shane and Diana go through some trying issues and need to work through them and I think Elle handles this with grace.
The audiobook narrators, Corvin King; Erin Mallon did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. Overall I enjoyed this book and will continue to read Elle's works.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Elle Kennedy Inc for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The Dixon Rule💋
By Elle Kennedy💕
Review🗣️
I believed the Graham Effect was Kennedy's best work; I was mistaken. She completely nailed this book! I wrapped this bad boy up in 24 hours. A top-tier hockey romance with plenty of hot, sweet, and heartbreaking moments. I can openly admit that I am obsessed with this book. The flirting and banter got intense and so hot. I adored the main characters and how wonderfully they played off each other. I wasn't mentally prepared for the all-encompassing sadness I felt either. My heart was actually aching. The major thing that stands out about this author is her ability to write a fun, romantic book while also covering serious subjects. Absolutely fantastic book. The best hockey romance I've ever read!
Favorite line:
“She tastes like whisky and temptation”
Hockey player x cheerleader📣
Sports romance🏒
Enemies to lovers🥵
Slow burn🔥
Fake dating🫶🏻
5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have I read the book before this? No. Did I still enjoy this? Hell yes. If you like steamy hockey romances with a bit more depth then you'll enjoy this one. I wasn't expecting it to be so spicy but then I haven't read an Elle Kennedy in such a long time either so I may just be out of touch! I loved the buildup to the main character's relationship, I loved the witty banter, I loved how well the audiobook was narrated and I loved that ending. Swoon galore in this one!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was so fun! It also had scenes that made me cry. I like the balance of fun and emotional. I loved these two together. I cannot wait for the next one!
Diana has a busy summer juggling her two jobs, preparing for a ballroom dance competition, and avoiding her ex boyfriend who has become a little stalkerish when she finds out that her new neighbor is none other than Shane Linley. She is not his biggest fan considering that he has slept through the entire cheer team and Diana is defensive about her girls. Shane on the other hand is tired of the hookup life but is struggling to admit that he wants a relationship after his last girlfriend broke his heart. When his ex wants to go to Briar, Shane panics and tells her he has a new girlfriend and conveniently it is Diana. This fake dating story is sure to make you laugh and bring the spice.
I love Elle Kennedy and her writing so I was thrilled to receive an advance e-copy and an ALC. Diana and Shane are a hoot together and their chemistry is undeniable. I love the cameos from the Off Campus Series and their lineage as well as a look at Gigi and Ryder’s wedding. This book did have a heavier story line with the abuse from Diana’s ex-boyfriend who tried to act like he was not in the wrong for the things that he did. I felt like we really got to watch Shane grow into such a good guy and I truly loved him. There is plenty of spice and it makes me wonder which guy or guys is going to be in the next book, The Charlie Method.
Well hello, Diana Dixon + Shane Lindley 💜🩷 I’ve been excited to read The Dixon Rule ever sine Elle announced it and it’s been on my TBR ever since!
I was so excited to get access to an ALC via NetGalley the day before it releases and listened to it in one go. I don’t regret a single thing!!! ✌🏻
Elle Kennedy fans will feel right at home with this story and characters, I’m so here for the character cameos + throwbacks to previous books. There’s a few scenes that will have you squealing. So if you haven’t read the EK back catalogue do yourself a favour and read it all, then come back to this. The Dixon Rule has everything a EK fan has come to know and love in a Briar Universe story. 5 stars.
🩷💜🩷💜🩷
Erin Mallon is brilliant as Diana, fans of romance audiobooks will no doubt have heard of her but Corvin King is a new to me narrator and he brought Shane to life <i>beautifully!</i> I’m looking forward to hearing more audiobooks read by him in the future. Both narrators did a great job at distinguishing between the main characters and supporting characters. There was no irritating voices and I will be downloading this ASAP. 5 stars.
I’m already so excited to reread this, probably sooner rather than later because the vibes are ✨incredible✨ Elle really has done it again! I’m intrigued to see where the next book goes but I’m excited to see more from Blake Logan (because I’m hoping that means more Grace (Ivers) Logan + Johnny! IYKYK) 😜
The audiobook didn’t have trigger warnings (I’m not sure that any of Elle’s audiobooks do, now that I think about it) TW: Stalking, Abusive Relationship, Physical Assault, Death of a Parent/Cancer all on page.
Thank you ✨so✨ much to Dreamscape Select + NetGalley for the ALC and the chance to listen and review The Dixon Rule on publishing day eve! The Dixon Rule is out today/tomorrow, 14th May 2024 🩷💜🩷💜🩷💜 #TheDixonRule #NetGalley