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The Dating Playbook #1
Bending the Rules
From USA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz comes a delicious, angsty, and addictive sports romance about falling for your brother's best friend. It started with a crush.
The best stories always do.
Our story sounds predictable, short-lived, and destined for failure.
Lincoln Beckett is the star wide receiver at Brighton University--
smart, funny, and like many would guess,
heartbreak shines in his dark eyes and is etched across his jaw.
He's popular,
a guaranteed draft pick,
and worst of all: my brother's best friend.
I tried not to like him.
I have an entire list of reasons, reasons that have become my rules for dating.
Rules that Lincoln continues bending.
The best stories always do.
Our story sounds predictable, short-lived, and destined for failure.
Lincoln Beckett is the star wide receiver at Brighton University--
smart, funny, and like many would guess,
heartbreak shines in his dark eyes and is etched across his jaw.
He's popular,
a guaranteed draft pick,
and worst of all: my brother's best friend.
I tried not to like him.
I have an entire list of reasons, reasons that have become my rules for dating.
Rules that Lincoln continues bending.
308 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2020
3622 people are currently reading
5202 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Dietz
33 books1,854 followersThe One-Night Scrimmage, A New Forbidden/Secret Sports Romance is Coming May 20th!
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
November 30, 2021
I just read a whole book of nothing! and it ends on a cliffhanger. Had I known that, I would've DNF'd it and not suffered thru it.
May 1, 2020
This story starts out pretty random. The heroine has had a crush on the hero for years. He suddenly just decides he wants her after seeing her date another player on the team he and her brother play on. There wasn’t enough build up to explain his change, so it all appears pretty superficial. I would have liked less other woman drama, and for the main characters relationship about them and not tied to her dating another player. I don’t know why authors do this. Showing that a guy only thinks with his penis, and can’t be loyal to a girl he may have feelings for. I was also not happy that this book ended on a cliffhanger with no warning in the intro.
April 21, 2020
3.5*
In many ways Bending the Rules is your typical New Adult sports romance, full of the coming-of-age, angsty goodness this genre is known for, with an added layer of intrigue that was unexpected. There was a lot going on in this story, and while entertaining, it sometimes felt like a bit too much- kind of like Raegan's freshman year at college.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into the book, as I'm not much of a fan of love triangles. Having finished it a few days ago I'm still conflicted as to how I feel, but not for the reasons I expected. I did enjoy it yes, even as it frustrated me. It's definitely a compelling story, with Raegan trying to navigate her first year at college- balancing classes, work, her feelings for her brother's best friend and teammate, the new teammate who's showing an interest in her. I liked being in Rae's head as she dealt with everything that came at her.
I did find some of what went on a little implausible, although I'm not going to say what, as that would potentially be a spoiler.
It's no secret this is a cliffhanger, and what a cliffhanger it is! That ending definitely left me wanting more, needing more. I was left with a lot of questions, and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting all of them answered in Breaking the Rules. Thankfully we only have 10 days to go for the conclusion.
In many ways Bending the Rules is your typical New Adult sports romance, full of the coming-of-age, angsty goodness this genre is known for, with an added layer of intrigue that was unexpected. There was a lot going on in this story, and while entertaining, it sometimes felt like a bit too much- kind of like Raegan's freshman year at college.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into the book, as I'm not much of a fan of love triangles. Having finished it a few days ago I'm still conflicted as to how I feel, but not for the reasons I expected. I did enjoy it yes, even as it frustrated me. It's definitely a compelling story, with Raegan trying to navigate her first year at college- balancing classes, work, her feelings for her brother's best friend and teammate, the new teammate who's showing an interest in her. I liked being in Rae's head as she dealt with everything that came at her.
I did find some of what went on a little implausible, although I'm not going to say what, as that would potentially be a spoiler.
It's no secret this is a cliffhanger, and what a cliffhanger it is! That ending definitely left me wanting more, needing more. I was left with a lot of questions, and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting all of them answered in Breaking the Rules. Thankfully we only have 10 days to go for the conclusion.
April 22, 2020
It was an okay read, and that’s all I can really say!
February 19, 2021
Boring.
Single POV - just Raegan's (heroine)
I hate reading romances with a single POV especially with this book because most of the time Lincoln was reserved and it only made him out to look like an asshole. It would have been nice to see a glimpse of his perspective because he was sending so many mixed signals to Raegan. Too much push and pull between the two and their developing romance was a very slow progression.
Characters - FLAT.
I did NOT like the heroine (Raegan). I thought she was annoying and all she talks about is crushing on Lincoln even though they barely knew each other and there's not many interactions between the two. EVERY chapter, there's always something along the lines of "I need to stop thinking of Lincoln", "I can't date Lincoln because of this rule...", "Why can't [character X] be like Lincoln?" etc.
Lincoln - such a one-dimensional character.
I don't understand the sudden interest Lincoln had for Raegan. Did it really start out because another one of his teammates started taking interest in Raegan? Most of the time this guy really says one thing and does something completely the opposite. The way he talked about or treated girls came off really demeaning. Why is Raegan so consumed by Lincoln for the past 3 years given this type of behavior and the fact that she barely knows him as a person? And why does his full name have to be LINCOLN PRESIDENT?
Story - TOO MANY FLUFF scenes + BORING!
I do not care about the drawn out interactions between Raegan and her family or her time at the aquarium. Raegan's story definitely could have been made out into 1 book instead of 2.
Writing style - basic
I wish the banter between the hero and heroine were more witty but instead they both kept deflecting their answers to defensive or childish remarks. This doesn't provide any depth for the characters and doesn't help the reader understand who they are.
Single POV - just Raegan's (heroine)
I hate reading romances with a single POV especially with this book because most of the time Lincoln was reserved and it only made him out to look like an asshole. It would have been nice to see a glimpse of his perspective because he was sending so many mixed signals to Raegan. Too much push and pull between the two and their developing romance was a very slow progression.
Characters - FLAT.
I did NOT like the heroine (Raegan). I thought she was annoying and all she talks about is crushing on Lincoln even though they barely knew each other and there's not many interactions between the two. EVERY chapter, there's always something along the lines of "I need to stop thinking of Lincoln", "I can't date Lincoln because of this rule...", "Why can't [character X] be like Lincoln?" etc.
Lincoln - such a one-dimensional character.
I don't understand the sudden interest Lincoln had for Raegan. Did it really start out because another one of his teammates started taking interest in Raegan? Most of the time this guy really says one thing and does something completely the opposite. The way he talked about or treated girls came off really demeaning. Why is Raegan so consumed by Lincoln for the past 3 years given this type of behavior and the fact that she barely knows him as a person? And why does his full name have to be LINCOLN PRESIDENT?
Story - TOO MANY FLUFF scenes + BORING!
I do not care about the drawn out interactions between Raegan and her family or her time at the aquarium. Raegan's story definitely could have been made out into 1 book instead of 2.
Writing style - basic
I wish the banter between the hero and heroine were more witty but instead they both kept deflecting their answers to defensive or childish remarks. This doesn't provide any depth for the characters and doesn't help the reader understand who they are.
April 21, 2020
3,5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
I’m still trying to cope all the feelings that I have toward this book. It’s supposed to be an easy read, sports/college romance but at the same time there’s a LOT going on. And at some point, it was a bit confusing for me, tho I enjoyed the reading.
I wish this story was spoken in dual perspective so we could really dive deep in the story and get to really understand what was going on in Lincoln’s head. Most of the time I was really mad at his behaviour toward Reagan. Hoping that we can see more of him in the next book.
I’m still trying to cope all the feelings that I have toward this book. It’s supposed to be an easy read, sports/college romance but at the same time there’s a LOT going on. And at some point, it was a bit confusing for me, tho I enjoyed the reading.
I wish this story was spoken in dual perspective so we could really dive deep in the story and get to really understand what was going on in Lincoln’s head. Most of the time I was really mad at his behaviour toward Reagan. Hoping that we can see more of him in the next book.
April 24, 2020
Before anything, I believe this book deserves some applause and appreciation because this is the first book that I've read in a month and some odd days! At this point, I've truly lost count.
So please bear with me as I untangle the thoughts I had during reading this book after an involuntary hiatus.
“I’m not a villain. I just know where this would lead: a long road to a longer recovery.”
I want to start by saying that almost every side character was downright lovable and someone you would love to be friends with. They are genuine and caring and just all-around good people.
Raegan and Lincoln, our main leads, from the start, come across as two headstrong, driven individuals with their own goals and personal hang-ups.
Where Raegan is goal-oriented and very sure of what she wants from her career and life, it is the opposite when it comes to Lincoln. A crush that she has harboured for three years without any reciprocation, Rae decided that it is time to move on and test the waters.
She does go out and test the waters, but alas, when you've had a crush that has crossed every line of not being a crush, it's hard to move on.
Lincoln, oh you mysterious person! You think you know Lincoln, you have him pegged like a certain type of person but then here he comes with a wishy-washy attitude where Raegan is concerned. At one point I was cursing him in my head to let Rae move on (some shipper I am, I tell you.) But once, Rae was in college and the interactions increased between the two, it was clear as day to see what he wanted but why he was not going after it isn't one hundred per cent clear.
Something is holding him back.
Until there isn't...
“I need you, Rae. I need all of you.” I’m not sure if I’m more afraid of the past or the future as I stare at him, recognizing the same vulnerability I see in my reflection when thinking of him. “You already have all of me,” I whisper.
With her signature monologue-ish writing style and infrequent use of dialogues, Mariah Dietz brings in all the angst from the first chapter.
The one thing that I've come to understand and not only appreciate but love is the use of dialogues. There aren't a ton of them. You don't have pages upon pages of dialogues but the ones that you do get have some significance and meaning. Even the most mundane conversations, like Rae's mother asking how her day was and vice-a-versa, it feels like there is some importance or motive behind those "talks"
As is the usual case with any of Dietz's novels, the story starts slow laying the foundation stones for the future chapters to build on. But for someone who has been unmotivated, the initial 20% - 30% seemed slower than usual for me and I was *kinda* getting a hard time getting into the story.
It was when Rae's thought process started to evolve and as you read about the multiple things you notice from her perspective, I was getting invested. I was gauging every character, their moves and their facial expressions. I was so focused on Lincoln, visualizing his facial and body description, and how he reacted to Rae being around him.
The last 20% was when things went topsy-turvy and I was up until 3:ooam to finish the book! (My sleep schedule is wackier than usual)
This is the part with the maximum action and I was gobbling up the words and chapters like someone was going to snatch away my phone.
And then it ended...
ON
A
FREAKING
CLIFFHANGER!
Holy crap that cliffhanger! It was the most unexpected thing for me. The build-up was there, it was leading to that point, Mariah had dropped bread crumbs but my slow ass was still shook AF! In Ross Geller's voice 'I'M FINE! TOTALLY FINE!
The only thing that is keeping me sane at the moment is that I know that the second book is only 6 days away! Not too long of a wait... Right?
4 Stars!
↠ Buy Bending the Rules (Kindle)
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* ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
December 24, 2020
Ahhh! Young love and all the trials and tribulations -- and gobs and gobs of angst! I'm thinking 2021 will finally be the year I grow up and act my age -- and leave the youngsters behind.
But I'm still in 2020, so I'll finish up this duet first -- so I can confirm that all the angst was worth what I'm hoping will be a HEA.
But I'm still in 2020, so I'll finish up this duet first -- so I can confirm that all the angst was worth what I'm hoping will be a HEA.
January 3, 2021
Oh my gosh absolutely amazing!!!!
This book is absolutely amazing!!! Rae is everything you want in a female heroine! She is brave, strong and a fighter. She stands up for what she believes in. Mostly she doesn’t give up. Especially when it comes to matters of her heart. She has loved her brothers best friend for 3 years, now at the same university, she might have a shot. But will him being her brothers best friend get in the way? Or can she break down the walls and be with the guy she deserves and needs.
This was an amazing read, I couldn’t put down!
This book is absolutely amazing!!! Rae is everything you want in a female heroine! She is brave, strong and a fighter. She stands up for what she believes in. Mostly she doesn’t give up. Especially when it comes to matters of her heart. She has loved her brothers best friend for 3 years, now at the same university, she might have a shot. But will him being her brothers best friend get in the way? Or can she break down the walls and be with the guy she deserves and needs.
This was an amazing read, I couldn’t put down!
April 23, 2020
I've been a huge fan of this author for a long time now but it's been awhile since I've had the pleasure of reading a book from here and I tell you, this one was well worth the wait. Really loved Rae and Lincoln....the push and pull between them was exciting. It was emotional and angst, I couldn't put it down.
May 31, 2023
4 ⭐'s
Something about this book pulled me in even though I know that the author writes several slow burns. This book certainly followed that narrative.
There was a lot of push and pull between Lincoln and Raegan that drove me crazy. When they finally seem ready to take that next step, all hell breaks loose and then the story ends. Luckily, the next book is already out.
Something about this book pulled me in even though I know that the author writes several slow burns. This book certainly followed that narrative.
There was a lot of push and pull between Lincoln and Raegan that drove me crazy. When they finally seem ready to take that next step, all hell breaks loose and then the story ends. Luckily, the next book is already out.
April 23, 2020
5 BENDING THE RULES STARS!! What a great start to this new series. Lincoln and Raegan's story has all the feels and will keep you flipping the pages. I love Mariah Dietz storytelling, she knows how to keep our attention. Looking for a great book....this one is for you.
April 17, 2020
4.5 stars
Angst squared ✔
Holy hotness ✔
Interesting main character ✔
Certain something that makes you go hmmm... ✔
Fun, heartwarming sibling relationships ✔
Bring on the next book
Angst squared ✔
Holy hotness ✔
Interesting main character ✔
Certain something that makes you go hmmm... ✔
Fun, heartwarming sibling relationships ✔
Bring on the next book
September 14, 2020
DNF at like 15% heroine was annoying and the only impression got from the two is that they went to college to date a hot athlete.
Want to read
February 27, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2021)! 🎁
June 15, 2021
two stars? three stars? i don't even know.
March 14, 2021
SLOW BURN + FOOTBALL + BROTHERS BEST FRIEND ROMANCE
I was overjoyed to find many of my favorite tropes buried in this book. Brother’s best friend being the main one but then it being a football romance plus a love triangle! I was hooked immediately and couldn’t put it down! Then that ending hooked me even more!
I loved the forbidden aspect of this story; nothing too taboo but just a love that isn’t expected and, in some eyes, shouldn’t happen due to friendship and loyalty...except you can’t help who you fall for. Lincoln remained a mystery almost all of this book but I really enjoyed Raegan’s personality and the relationship between her and her siblings. That closeness that I read in this book reminds me so much of my relationship with my own sisters! I’ve read enough books with sibling rivalry or hate existing between siblings that I find it very refreshing to experience this close-knit sibling relationship!
Although I loved this book, I do with that it had been dual POV, rather than just the heroines POV. I would have loved to get Lincoln’s thoughts during so many of those scenes between him and Raegan!
I finished this book and virtually ran to download the second book because I NEEDED IT IMMEDIATELY!! You will to!!
Below is the series! While I suggest reading the entire series to get the complete feeling of this great crew...I understand some might not. So book 1 and 2 need to be read together (same couple) and then the others in this series can be read as standalones!
The Dating Playbook
1. Bending the Rules (brothers best friend!)
2. Breaking the Rules (brothers best friend!)
3. Defining the Rules (Friends-to-Lovers)
4. Exploring the Rules (Enemies-to-Lovers)
5. Forgetting the Rules (Second-Chance)
6. Writing the Rules - COMING APRIL 29th! (Fake Dating)
I was overjoyed to find many of my favorite tropes buried in this book. Brother’s best friend being the main one but then it being a football romance plus a love triangle! I was hooked immediately and couldn’t put it down! Then that ending hooked me even more!
I loved the forbidden aspect of this story; nothing too taboo but just a love that isn’t expected and, in some eyes, shouldn’t happen due to friendship and loyalty...except you can’t help who you fall for. Lincoln remained a mystery almost all of this book but I really enjoyed Raegan’s personality and the relationship between her and her siblings. That closeness that I read in this book reminds me so much of my relationship with my own sisters! I’ve read enough books with sibling rivalry or hate existing between siblings that I find it very refreshing to experience this close-knit sibling relationship!
Although I loved this book, I do with that it had been dual POV, rather than just the heroines POV. I would have loved to get Lincoln’s thoughts during so many of those scenes between him and Raegan!
I finished this book and virtually ran to download the second book because I NEEDED IT IMMEDIATELY!! You will to!!
Below is the series! While I suggest reading the entire series to get the complete feeling of this great crew...I understand some might not. So book 1 and 2 need to be read together (same couple) and then the others in this series can be read as standalones!
The Dating Playbook
1. Bending the Rules (brothers best friend!)
2. Breaking the Rules (brothers best friend!)
3. Defining the Rules (Friends-to-Lovers)
4. Exploring the Rules (Enemies-to-Lovers)
5. Forgetting the Rules (Second-Chance)
6. Writing the Rules - COMING APRIL 29th! (Fake Dating)
August 24, 2021
Difficult one to like and rate.
One of my pet peeves: This is NOT a standalone! I repeat: this is NOT a standalone! Which is something I didn't know about before starting this book so... *angry eye roll*
And to make matters worse, the hero and the heroine are NEVER a couple on this one! Not eben friends+ or friends for the matter. It's basically him playing with her and her letting him do it.
Plot:
For the heroine it's her first year at university. She is 18. Her older brother attends the same facility together with the heroine's crush and one of his best friends Lincoln.
Issues I had with this book:
Now... the main problem that arises in older brother's best friend romance novels is the overprotectiveness of the brother for one who is (as is the case here) usually leading the same promiscuous and playboy lifestyle as the heroine's crush. Her brother really takes this to the next level by siccing his best friends on her to disrupt any conversation she has with a boy at a frat party. Thank god that the heroine clears that sh#t up right there.
Second, the hero pulls the fake boyfriend card on the heroine and fakes making out with her so that the other men there are deterred from talking to her. Now, if that isn't a low point, then I don't know especially because the heroine actually wants them to talk to her.
Third, the hero is the one who plays hot and cold with the heroine. Yes, while it is described that he notices her reactions to situations and while it is said that he watches her on several occasions, this is not justified! Plus, at a point in his life when he is over the edge and troubled, he lashes out at the heroine. Again: so not okay. And he doesn't apologize to her but just ignores that incident. Argh. Bro!
Fourth, as mentioned above, the hero is a coward who seems to be attracted to the heroine but then hurts her again and again by not having the guts to do more than kiss and leave her. It took him 85% or more of the book to finally have the guts and stand up for her. Sure, he had his sweet moments before but he would always destroy them by being the meanest ass.
This book was infuriating...
The only thing that redeemed it a bit was that Rae and Linc would only be intimate when they were together together. Thank god for that
One of my pet peeves: This is NOT a standalone! I repeat: this is NOT a standalone! Which is something I didn't know about before starting this book so... *angry eye roll*
And to make matters worse, the hero and the heroine are NEVER a couple on this one! Not eben friends+ or friends for the matter. It's basically him playing with her and her letting him do it.
Plot:
For the heroine it's her first year at university. She is 18. Her older brother attends the same facility together with the heroine's crush and one of his best friends Lincoln.
Issues I had with this book:
Now... the main problem that arises in older brother's best friend romance novels is the overprotectiveness of the brother for one who is (as is the case here) usually leading the same promiscuous and playboy lifestyle as the heroine's crush. Her brother really takes this to the next level by siccing his best friends on her to disrupt any conversation she has with a boy at a frat party. Thank god that the heroine clears that sh#t up right there.
Second, the hero pulls the fake boyfriend card on the heroine and fakes making out with her so that the other men there are deterred from talking to her. Now, if that isn't a low point, then I don't know especially because the heroine actually wants them to talk to her.
Third, the hero is the one who plays hot and cold with the heroine. Yes, while it is described that he notices her reactions to situations and while it is said that he watches her on several occasions, this is not justified! Plus, at a point in his life when he is over the edge and troubled, he lashes out at the heroine. Again: so not okay. And he doesn't apologize to her but just ignores that incident. Argh. Bro!
Fourth, as mentioned above, the hero is a coward who seems to be attracted to the heroine but then hurts her again and again by not having the guts to do more than kiss and leave her. It took him 85% or more of the book to finally have the guts and stand up for her. Sure, he had his sweet moments before but he would always destroy them by being the meanest ass.
This book was infuriating...
The only thing that redeemed it a bit was that Rae and Linc would only be intimate when they were together together. Thank god for that
April 6, 2023
This sucks
The MMC sucks, he never said anything nice to the FMC, ever, but only at the end when they got together. Had I know this would be a poor excuse of a slow romance I would have avoided it. There are only two kisses in the first 90% of the book, and they are very anticlimactic. I felt the chemistry between the characters but then the author dragged everything. If the two main characters talked ten times, it was too much.
Another big issue with this story is that we don't know anything about Lincoln. The author does a terrible job of building the relationship between the two main characters because they are supposedly already in love with each other. But the MMC walks all over the FMC and she was so independent and so strong in her opinions with everyone, except with him.
There are a lot of things happening in the story, but we never see the development. Obviously, because this story has a second book. But really, Reagan was being stalked and then suddenly the threats disappeared. We also have the dad acting all suspicious and probably having an affair, but that's just something the FMC doesn't notice. The football trainer is also a creep who tried to flirt with an 18 year old. And other things that are basically just plot holes in this void story.
Had I known this was a cliffhanger, I would have left the story a long time ago because I only kept going thinking I was about to finish and I needed to push myself a little bit more. Now I'm forced to read the stupid second book because I need to know what happen to the dump FMC who thought it was a good idea to jump into the water when even the expert told her not to. Meh I'm so mad!
Ps: I have decided to end my journey with this story here. I am not wasting my time or forcing myself to read the second book, I just don't really care about Reagan to know if she lives or dies. Truly couldn't care less.
The MMC sucks, he never said anything nice to the FMC, ever, but only at the end when they got together. Had I know this would be a poor excuse of a slow romance I would have avoided it. There are only two kisses in the first 90% of the book, and they are very anticlimactic. I felt the chemistry between the characters but then the author dragged everything. If the two main characters talked ten times, it was too much.
Another big issue with this story is that we don't know anything about Lincoln. The author does a terrible job of building the relationship between the two main characters because they are supposedly already in love with each other. But the MMC walks all over the FMC and she was so independent and so strong in her opinions with everyone, except with him.
There are a lot of things happening in the story, but we never see the development. Obviously, because this story has a second book. But really, Reagan was being stalked and then suddenly the threats disappeared. We also have the dad acting all suspicious and probably having an affair, but that's just something the FMC doesn't notice. The football trainer is also a creep who tried to flirt with an 18 year old. And other things that are basically just plot holes in this void story.
Had I known this was a cliffhanger, I would have left the story a long time ago because I only kept going thinking I was about to finish and I needed to push myself a little bit more. Now I'm forced to read the stupid second book because I need to know what happen to the dump FMC who thought it was a good idea to jump into the water when even the expert told her not to. Meh I'm so mad!
Ps: I have decided to end my journey with this story here. I am not wasting my time or forcing myself to read the second book, I just don't really care about Reagan to know if she lives or dies. Truly couldn't care less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
I think I lost myself reading this book. Seriously one moment I was only a few pages in a the next thing I knew I was almost done. This book has ripped me raw! I need more and I seriously need it now... I just came leave with that ending. If you absolutely hate cliffhangers I would recommend waiting until the next boom comes out!
As for these characters. I love them and hate them all in the same breath. They are typical college students. Typical athletes. They will push and pull you. They will fight your last nerve. But in the end I think we will all be happy. I'm currently 100% team Lincoln and I don't think that will ever change, especially with the last thing Derek said in this book. Looking forward to this HEA as I need the second half now! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
As for these characters. I love them and hate them all in the same breath. They are typical college students. Typical athletes. They will push and pull you. They will fight your last nerve. But in the end I think we will all be happy. I'm currently 100% team Lincoln and I don't think that will ever change, especially with the last thing Derek said in this book. Looking forward to this HEA as I need the second half now! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
May 21, 2020
I’m blown away and speechless with this book. I’ve loved Mariah for years now and her books keep getting better and better, even though I don’t know how that’s possible! Lincoln stole my heart from the beginning and I loved his broody self! Raegan was something else. I loved her fierceness and that she fought for what she believed in. I’m diving right into Breaking the Rules because I have to know what happens next!
...it finally feels like I can breathe, like he’s breathing life into me.
...it finally feels like I can breathe, like he’s breathing life into me.
July 27, 2020
This was a weird book. I'm not really interested in the romance part but I'm very interested to see who the stalker is. So for that reason alone I will read the next one.
October 12, 2020
Meeeeehhhhhh, the second book in this duet is definitely better but you need to get through this to get to that.
April 20, 2020
4.5 Blush Review
It's been too long, Mariah Dietz! So happy you surprised us with Bending the Rules but girl, you left us hanging!
From page one Raegan became someone I wanted to be friends with. She's smart and driven and deserves all the love in the world. Growing up in the shadow of 2 siblings who could do no wrong is one hard plight and she's doing it with grace and determination!
Lincoln, aka The President, is Raegan's brother Paxton's best friend. It's been YEARS of silently having a crush on Lincoln and Raegan decides, no more. She's now in college and is going to start a new chapter in her life - move on, find someone who will reciprocate the feelings because The President isn't someone who will want what she wants.
Lincoln isn't who we think he is...at times. He's a bit wishy-washy at first with what he wants and what he wants from Raegan. Their interactions actually increase once she's on campus. With a brother like Pax, who is super protective, Raegan isn't able to branch out and meet someone to help her "forget" Lincoln.
The relationship between Lincoln and Raegan is full of ups and downs but we start to see them understand each other more, you become invested in both of their hopes and desires. There are some secrets that Lincoln isn't sharing that I am so interested in learning about.
The cast of characters was fantastic in this book, I loved Arlo, and Caleb is someone I need to know more about (a bit of a mystery to me). Raegan's bestie Poppy is a character I want to see more of and learn more about her and then there is Derek <---somethings up with him too!!
Mariah Dietz left us with one heck of a cliffy...I NEED MORE ASAP!
April 18, 2020
This book should so easily be a teen romance film on Netflix, like The Kissing Booth. Raegan has a huge crush on her brother’s best friend and football team mate Lincoln.
The will they, won’t they was torture. I wanted to slap Lincoln so hard and tell him to get his head in the game.
Rae wants to save the planet but also wants to kiss Lincoln so hard that she will feel him on her lips for days! If he wasn’t only 21, I might like to kiss him myself.
That said, I think the book was too young for me. The thought of college parties wore me out. I’m over the toga wearing, school uniform wearing, Barbie doll lookalike keggers. There’s a few threads that are left wide open that will need to be pulled together in book two. There was lots of waffle that didn’t really add to the story that put me off and almost had me giving up but I stuck to it, finally got the kiss I wanted and then all hell hit.
I’m intrigued to see what happens next to Lincoln and Rae.
The will they, won’t they was torture. I wanted to slap Lincoln so hard and tell him to get his head in the game.
Rae wants to save the planet but also wants to kiss Lincoln so hard that she will feel him on her lips for days! If he wasn’t only 21, I might like to kiss him myself.
That said, I think the book was too young for me. The thought of college parties wore me out. I’m over the toga wearing, school uniform wearing, Barbie doll lookalike keggers. There’s a few threads that are left wide open that will need to be pulled together in book two. There was lots of waffle that didn’t really add to the story that put me off and almost had me giving up but I stuck to it, finally got the kiss I wanted and then all hell hit.
I’m intrigued to see what happens next to Lincoln and Rae.
October 4, 2020
It has everything I always love about a book – brother’s best friend and love triangle! I just love this combination! Although the story was more about brother’s best friend and less a love triangle, that didn’t make me love the book any less! I just loved Lincoln and Reagan!! Eeeekkk, those two were just such lovely characters. I couldn’t not fall for them. The whole story is just heartbreakingly beautiful – it’s raw, sexy, sweet, heartbreaking and so much more than I ever expected. Definitely worth the read!
June 29, 2021
I almost didn’t read this. I was overwhelmed by the back and forth conversations in the first few chapters. It didn’t flow well and was confusing. I stopped and read several other books before coming back to this one for another try. It did get better and easier to follow. Some lines were still cheesy, and areas that didn’t flow well, jamming a lot in. The ending I didn’t think needed to be as dramatic as it was... but still you fall in love with Reagan. I finished book 1 and I’m going to give book 2 a try.
April 21, 2020
Loved this book! It was a great read during this time of lockdown. Mariah has a wonderful knack for developing characters that you fall in love with. Even though this takes place in a college setting I didn’t find it too young for me. There was a good push and pull between the main characters Regan and Lincoln.
Also there is a element of mystery that keeps you on edge. The cliffhanger at the end is what really did me in. I can not wait till the second book comes out!
Also there is a element of mystery that keeps you on edge. The cliffhanger at the end is what really did me in. I can not wait till the second book comes out!
May 16, 2021
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I am reading this series backwards, I started off with Paxton book. Then I met Lincoln and I knew I had to know his story abd Rae. God Link is so broody and cruel at times. And I need to know what happens next so on to the next book now.
March 2, 2023
This was so good
Oh man. I did not realize this would end on a cliffhanger! Ugh and it was such a good story. Like I didn't want to put it down. These two have all the angst and longing, the push and pull, the absolute yearning for each other whole trying to resist. I wish I had book two.
Oh man. I did not realize this would end on a cliffhanger! Ugh and it was such a good story. Like I didn't want to put it down. These two have all the angst and longing, the push and pull, the absolute yearning for each other whole trying to resist. I wish I had book two.
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