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Rules of the Game #2
Bending the Rules
Rule #1: Rules are made to … bend
Noah Boucher loves his career as a hot-shot NHL goaltender—even after making league history as the first openly bi player. Last season’s catastrophic knee injury sidelined him and ended the Toronto Fisher Cats’ chance in the playoffs but now he’s determined to have one final season to win the Cup before he retires.
Hockey has always come first, but when fate offers him a second chance with his college crush, he’s desperate to not repeat the mistakes of his past.
Rule #2: Don’t mess with fate
When a chance meeting on a scenic train trip puts Noah back into Simon Lawrence’s life, he’s wary even though their connection is as strong as ever.
Noah walked away from him once to pursue his hockey dreams and the photographer and gallery owner has been burned by long-distance relationships in the past.
A future together will require braving not only the distance and time apart, but the media scrutiny that comes with dating a pro hockey player.
Rule #3: Trust your heart
When a catastrophe at the gallery hits just as the pressure of the playoffs is heating up, Noah will have to bend the rules and convince Simon that this time, love comes first.
---
Note: Bending the Rules was previously released as a free short story called Train to Snowhere. It has been expanded into a full-length novel and significant parts of the plot have changed.
Noah Boucher loves his career as a hot-shot NHL goaltender—even after making league history as the first openly bi player. Last season’s catastrophic knee injury sidelined him and ended the Toronto Fisher Cats’ chance in the playoffs but now he’s determined to have one final season to win the Cup before he retires.
Hockey has always come first, but when fate offers him a second chance with his college crush, he’s desperate to not repeat the mistakes of his past.
Rule #2: Don’t mess with fate
When a chance meeting on a scenic train trip puts Noah back into Simon Lawrence’s life, he’s wary even though their connection is as strong as ever.
Noah walked away from him once to pursue his hockey dreams and the photographer and gallery owner has been burned by long-distance relationships in the past.
A future together will require braving not only the distance and time apart, but the media scrutiny that comes with dating a pro hockey player.
Rule #3: Trust your heart
When a catastrophe at the gallery hits just as the pressure of the playoffs is heating up, Noah will have to bend the rules and convince Simon that this time, love comes first.
---
Note: Bending the Rules was previously released as a free short story called Train to Snowhere. It has been expanded into a full-length novel and significant parts of the plot have changed.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 24, 2022
400 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
80 books745 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
June 18, 2024
Second Chance Romance
I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances, but I liked the premise of Bending the Rules because Noah and Simon just never had the right timing to get together until all the little things that fall into place more than 10 years later for them to finally have an opportunity to be together. That was about the only thing I liked unfortunately.
The story felt cobbled together, there was way too much tell and not enough show and there wasn't enough character building for me.
Obviously, YMMV.
***************************
DNF May 2022
I don't know if it's my mood, or the story, but I'm not into it and I'm putting it down for now.
I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances, but I liked the premise of Bending the Rules because Noah and Simon just never had the right timing to get together until all the little things that fall into place more than 10 years later for them to finally have an opportunity to be together. That was about the only thing I liked unfortunately.
The story felt cobbled together, there was way too much tell and not enough show and there wasn't enough character building for me.
Obviously, YMMV.
***************************
DNF May 2022
I don't know if it's my mood, or the story, but I'm not into it and I'm putting it down for now.
January 22, 2023
Very poor CR.
Some of the prequisites were present: 2 MCs (the minimum requirement), lurv, an HEA.
But only some.
Missing: any form of coherent plot, or conflict.
Painfully present, however: repetition, repetition, unnecessary detail and (did I mention?) repetition.
I have (accidentally) read too many CRs recently that just don't get that a solid conflict is an absolutely essential ingredient of how a good CR works. It can be external (e.g. their parents' feud keeps Romeo & Juliet apart) or internal (can Darcy overcome his prejudices & see Lizzy clearly). But unless there is some solid conflict, I'm just reading candyfloss.
So the point about conflict (as I define it) is that it should in some way keep the MCs apart and drive them to make changes (either to a toxic environment or to weaknesses in themselves) so that they can be together at the end. But in "Bending the Rules", we move from "I haven't seen you for 12 years" to "What do you feel about having children together" in the course of a day. So there's precious little emotional conflict —although what little there is gets smothered by the weight of the repetition. MC1 thinks for a chapter, then tells his friends what he's been thinking about in the next chapter, and finally tells MC2 all about it in a third chapter. (I exaggerate only very slightly.)
Vaughn offers only external conflict-ettes: little irritations that are easily overcome in the space of a chapter: nothing more than little bits of grit: MC1 doesn't have to decide whether to give up the sport he loves for MC2, MC2 is mildly inconvenienced by a burst pipe but it doesn't derail Twu Luv. So why should I read on, if I keep being told and shown that all's going to end well, and there will be no drama to hook me in?
This is the second in this series I've read & since it possesses the same weaknesses as the first, I won't be continuing with it.
Some of the prequisites were present: 2 MCs (the minimum requirement), lurv, an HEA.
But only some.
Missing: any form of coherent plot, or conflict.
Painfully present, however: repetition, repetition, unnecessary detail and (did I mention?) repetition.
I have (accidentally) read too many CRs recently that just don't get that a solid conflict is an absolutely essential ingredient of how a good CR works. It can be external (e.g. their parents' feud keeps Romeo & Juliet apart) or internal (can Darcy overcome his prejudices & see Lizzy clearly). But unless there is some solid conflict, I'm just reading candyfloss.
So the point about conflict (as I define it) is that it should in some way keep the MCs apart and drive them to make changes (either to a toxic environment or to weaknesses in themselves) so that they can be together at the end. But in "Bending the Rules", we move from "I haven't seen you for 12 years" to "What do you feel about having children together" in the course of a day. So there's precious little emotional conflict —although what little there is gets smothered by the weight of the repetition. MC1 thinks for a chapter, then tells his friends what he's been thinking about in the next chapter, and finally tells MC2 all about it in a third chapter. (I exaggerate only very slightly.)
Vaughn offers only external conflict-ettes: little irritations that are easily overcome in the space of a chapter: nothing more than little bits of grit: MC1 doesn't have to decide whether to give up the sport he loves for MC2, MC2 is mildly inconvenienced by a burst pipe but it doesn't derail Twu Luv. So why should I read on, if I keep being told and shown that all's going to end well, and there will be no drama to hook me in?
This is the second in this series I've read & since it possesses the same weaknesses as the first, I won't be continuing with it.
February 25, 2022
Look, I love Brigham Vaughn, ”The ghosts between us” is one of my all time favorite books but this one here is probably one of the most boring hockey related MM books I’ve ever read . Nothing happens in this book; two guys ,one of them a hockey player, meet again and start a normal healthy relationship. And that’s it, nothing else. There’s not much hockey, the team mates are just as dull as the Mcs and though I liked Noah a bit Simon was painfully plain. So they meet again, the have sex, they have a few dates, Simon opens an art gallery, Noah wins the Cup and The end. Just like with Eli Easton’s “Hot seat” , the short prequel of this series (“Road rules”) was better .
Read
February 27, 2022DNF @ 43%
I was saying on Instagram the other day that Brigham Vaughn hasn’t let me down yet. Well, way to jinx it Maria because this was totally a let down.
I just couldn’t get into the story, the characters or the writing style. When I read “Road Rules” and Noah appeared doing his coming out interview and then meeting Murphy for a chat, I was super curious about his story and the fact that this was going to be a second chance romance made me super excited. But the plot didn’t grab me, the characters are too perfect and it’s way too insta for me. I wonder when the author originally wrote this story because the writing style just felt to different and awkward. There was soooo much telling and not showing! The first 10% is just such a massive info dump ☹️
I have read a review by someone else saying that the story gets better towards the end, but they only rated it 2 stars and I don’t have time for 2 star books.
I was saying on Instagram the other day that Brigham Vaughn hasn’t let me down yet. Well, way to jinx it Maria because this was totally a let down.
I just couldn’t get into the story, the characters or the writing style. When I read “Road Rules” and Noah appeared doing his coming out interview and then meeting Murphy for a chat, I was super curious about his story and the fact that this was going to be a second chance romance made me super excited. But the plot didn’t grab me, the characters are too perfect and it’s way too insta for me. I wonder when the author originally wrote this story because the writing style just felt to different and awkward. There was soooo much telling and not showing! The first 10% is just such a massive info dump ☹️
I have read a review by someone else saying that the story gets better towards the end, but they only rated it 2 stars and I don’t have time for 2 star books.
January 16, 2024
Opposite to book one, this had a strong start and then petered out quickly. Noah and Simon had some strong vibes and chemistry in University, but the timing was never right and then Noah was called up to the NHL before anything could happen between them. They then reunite by accident on a tourist train, which was super fun and super romantic, but within a few hours they’re fucking in the bathroom and it felt cheap considering how special it should have been.
The rest of the book was full of way too many sex scenes (I rarely say this), not enough talking, Simon suffering way too much between the long-distance relationship and a business partner with a horrible sense of timing, anxiety, and just a whole lot of boring story I skimmed through.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me and didn’t hold up to the first book.
The rest of the book was full of way too many sex scenes (I rarely say this), not enough talking, Simon suffering way too much between the long-distance relationship and a business partner with a horrible sense of timing, anxiety, and just a whole lot of boring story I skimmed through.
Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me and didn’t hold up to the first book.
October 10, 2022
Friends to more
Writing my review as I read the book…
First off, why does a millionaire need a roommate? Plot device?
Simon and Noah meet in college but they just flirt with the idea of dating. Ten years later they meet in a touristy train and reconnect. I love hockey romances but ngl this one was a bit boring. I’m 57% in and I keep hoping something exciting happens.
This author’s Naughty in Pendleton series is excellent but this book has a completely different vibe. Both characters were just meh to me. I wasn’t invested in their relationship like I was when I read their novella Snow Train which was great. The expanded version not so much. But I will read the next one because I really do want to know how Gabriel falls in love.
Writing my review as I read the book…
First off, why does a millionaire need a roommate? Plot device?
Simon and Noah meet in college but they just flirt with the idea of dating. Ten years later they meet in a touristy train and reconnect. I love hockey romances but ngl this one was a bit boring. I’m 57% in and I keep hoping something exciting happens.
This author’s Naughty in Pendleton series is excellent but this book has a completely different vibe. Both characters were just meh to me. I wasn’t invested in their relationship like I was when I read their novella Snow Train which was great. The expanded version not so much. But I will read the next one because I really do want to know how Gabriel falls in love.
dnf
August 9, 2022DNF at 11%
Nearly 50 pages in and it still feels like infodump backstory. Writing style not working for me.
I totally understand that contract rules and stuff need to be fudged for romance reasons, but this fudging is distracting me. (Calling it “AAA travel hockey” in Canada instead of major junior; still having college eligibility after being in major juniors; signing an entry level contract, planning to play four years in college, then getting called in as an EBUG and signing… another ELC?)
7/9
Nearly 50 pages in and it still feels like infodump backstory. Writing style not working for me.
I totally understand that contract rules and stuff need to be fudged for romance reasons, but this fudging is distracting me. (Calling it “AAA travel hockey” in Canada instead of major junior; still having college eligibility after being in major juniors; signing an entry level contract, planning to play four years in college, then getting called in as an EBUG and signing… another ELC?)
7/9
March 1, 2022
i feel so bad for giving this 3 stars. the hockey knowledge was on point you could tell the author did their research and it wasn't cringe-y. HOWEVER NOTHING MUCH WAS HAPPENING? IT'S LIKE DO WE NEED A FULL BOOK FOR THIS? nothing unique about this couple. i get it their story must be told.. and sometimes i hate unnecessary angst and drama but omg this was a long book for it. and the chemistry wasn't even sizzling hot after 50% of the book. yeah back then it was nice and then it was flat. not to mention this was in toronto and i hate that team. and a ginger goalie? its giving freddie andersen. but at least noah has long hair and manbun and isn't a boring one like freddie oof. i wanna like this book. huhhhuh im sorry.
February 19, 2022
Not being a huge fan of the sport, I sometimes have difficulty following the game vocabulary, however this book is so sweet that even that didn’t stop me to love this book
Noah is a hockey player who joins a hockey team very young and the possible relationship with colleague Simon is put aside
12 years the reunion takes place on a tourist train and the attraction between the 2 remains but this time none of the two are willing to give up love ... but the distance can ruin everything
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Noah is a hockey player who joins a hockey team very young and the possible relationship with colleague Simon is put aside
12 years the reunion takes place on a tourist train and the attraction between the 2 remains but this time none of the two are willing to give up love ... but the distance can ruin everything
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2022
RTC but I really wish I enjoyed this one more than I did. I really wanted to love it but sadly it was just missing something for me. It was still a really good time, just not my favourite time ever.
I received an ARC of this and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this and this is my honest opinion
Read
April 7, 2022DNF ~12%
Maybe it's my mood, but this just wasn't working for me. Possibly it gets better, as there was a lot of scene setting happening, but I just wasn't connecting with the writing or the emotional beats, and the story concept isn't grabbing me.
Maybe it's my mood, but this just wasn't working for me. Possibly it gets better, as there was a lot of scene setting happening, but I just wasn't connecting with the writing or the emotional beats, and the story concept isn't grabbing me.
March 24, 2024
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Dolce incontro con il destino!
“Uno strappo alle regole” ci parla di sensuale attrazione, e una chimica immediata, che non trovano il momento giusto per esprimersi e maturare. Ci parla di due giovani che non trovano il coraggio di osare e/o il momento per dichiararsi, per tentare di dare vita e voce a ciò che provano fin dal loro primo sguardo, un sentimento che sopprimono tra tentennamenti e occasioni perdute.
Ci racconta di due giovani, Simon e Noah, che si perdono ancor prima di essersi scoperti veramente. Di un fato che li separa e allontana, lasciandoli preda di una sensazione dolce amara di incompletezza e nostalgia che si insinuano nel profondo dei loro cuori fino a quando il destino non incrocerà nuovamente il loro cammino.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Dolce incontro con il destino!
“Uno strappo alle regole” ci parla di sensuale attrazione, e una chimica immediata, che non trovano il momento giusto per esprimersi e maturare. Ci parla di due giovani che non trovano il coraggio di osare e/o il momento per dichiararsi, per tentare di dare vita e voce a ciò che provano fin dal loro primo sguardo, un sentimento che sopprimono tra tentennamenti e occasioni perdute.
Ci racconta di due giovani, Simon e Noah, che si perdono ancor prima di essersi scoperti veramente. Di un fato che li separa e allontana, lasciandoli preda di una sensazione dolce amara di incompletezza e nostalgia che si insinuano nel profondo dei loro cuori fino a quando il destino non incrocerà nuovamente il loro cammino.
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 4, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Much as I quite enjoyed this steamy, chemistry driven M/M Sports Romance, I still found it slow in places.
The characters were good and entertaining but they didn’t have what it took to make me swoon or even better want to keep going back to read the book once I’d left for a break.
It felt a little bit slow and I was just waiting for something exciting to happen.
Sorry.
💋💋
Much as I quite enjoyed this steamy, chemistry driven M/M Sports Romance, I still found it slow in places.
The characters were good and entertaining but they didn’t have what it took to make me swoon or even better want to keep going back to read the book once I’d left for a break.
It felt a little bit slow and I was just waiting for something exciting to happen.
Sorry.
September 19, 2023
BENDING THE RULES was a great hockey romance and I especially loved that this one focused on what it means to be an out hockey player with a very public relationship. Most MM hockey books feature characters who haven't come out yet and once they do we don't really see the aftermath, so this was a fresh perspective for a sports romance.
Noah and Simon knew each other in college and when they reconnect on a scenic train tour they find the same blazing chemistry that was there years ago. I really enjoyed these two together and it was fun to see the ways they weathered hockey media and a long distance relationship.
Noah and Simon knew each other in college and when they reconnect on a scenic train tour they find the same blazing chemistry that was there years ago. I really enjoyed these two together and it was fun to see the ways they weathered hockey media and a long distance relationship.
December 18, 2022
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Back to where it all began for the Queer Collective as they turn the NHL on it’s head with each coming out.
It was so great to get Noah and Simon’s story. I’ve met them in the other books and loved them from those glimpses, but it’s so much better to have it in full.
They went to college together, but the timing was never right for them to give their feelings a chance. But damn if the connection wasn’t as strong as it ever was when they had a chance to meet on the Snow Train.
Noah’s been on the injured list, and he’s hoping to get back on the ice soon. Simon is opening a gallery. One lives in Toronto, the other in Michigan. None of those things are easy to overcome while also trying to build a relationship, but these two are determined to make it work, even when it seems impossible.
I loved both of these guys. Simon with his calm and steadiness, and Noah, a relentless optimist and large personality. Such good people, good friends, and even better partners.
Now make this an audiobook narrated by James Edward Jones you’ve got an even better experience. I loved his take on the two men, and the extensive cast of friends, family, and teammates.
Back to where it all began for the Queer Collective as they turn the NHL on it’s head with each coming out.
It was so great to get Noah and Simon’s story. I’ve met them in the other books and loved them from those glimpses, but it’s so much better to have it in full.
They went to college together, but the timing was never right for them to give their feelings a chance. But damn if the connection wasn’t as strong as it ever was when they had a chance to meet on the Snow Train.
Noah’s been on the injured list, and he’s hoping to get back on the ice soon. Simon is opening a gallery. One lives in Toronto, the other in Michigan. None of those things are easy to overcome while also trying to build a relationship, but these two are determined to make it work, even when it seems impossible.
I loved both of these guys. Simon with his calm and steadiness, and Noah, a relentless optimist and large personality. Such good people, good friends, and even better partners.
Now make this an audiobook narrated by James Edward Jones you’ve got an even better experience. I loved his take on the two men, and the extensive cast of friends, family, and teammates.
July 5, 2025
Bending the Rules is the second book in Brigham Vaughn's Rules of the Game series. This series can be enjoyed as interconnected standalones. Here's what you can expect from Noah and Simon:
🏒 MM contemporary hockey romance
🏒 Third person dual point of view
🏒 Guaranteed happily ever after
🏒 Open door spice
🏒 Bisexual representation
🏒 Second chance
This has probably been my least favourite book in Brigham's hockey universe this far. It felt like it read differently than her other work, and I almost wonder if it would've been better off being a novella. Noah is an important character in the universe as he was the first active professional hockey player to come out as bisexual. When a chance encounter reunites him with Simon, the "one who got away" when they went to university together, all felt like it was going suspiciously well. The spice and chemistry between these two was off the charts, however, they were together as a couple at approximately 30 percent of the way through. It felt like we were waiting for something else to happen, but it never really did. The focus became on Simon and Noah struggling to balance their schedules with Noah being a professional hockey player and Simon scrambling to open an art gallery. There wasn't a ton of angst, but unfortunately I think that slowed the story down. I really liked Noah and Simon's relationship though, and I appreciate that Noah recognized how important the work Simon was doing was instead of putting the emphasis on his career. Their happily ever after was set in stone pretty early, and although I enjoyed them as a couple, this probably isn't one I'd go back and read again. Still looking forward to continuing the series, and I'm dying for Gabriel's book up next! It's also a little strange seeing characters whose happily ever afters I've read, but that just impresses me with the level of thought and planning that Brigham has put into the series. Dustin is a great example of this. He's definitely not my favourite character in Noah's story, but by the time The Husband Game rolls around, he's really grown up and matured into team captain. I don't know how the author keeps it all straight, but I'm here for the seamless continuity!
🏒 MM contemporary hockey romance
🏒 Third person dual point of view
🏒 Guaranteed happily ever after
🏒 Open door spice
🏒 Bisexual representation
🏒 Second chance
This has probably been my least favourite book in Brigham's hockey universe this far. It felt like it read differently than her other work, and I almost wonder if it would've been better off being a novella. Noah is an important character in the universe as he was the first active professional hockey player to come out as bisexual. When a chance encounter reunites him with Simon, the "one who got away" when they went to university together, all felt like it was going suspiciously well. The spice and chemistry between these two was off the charts, however, they were together as a couple at approximately 30 percent of the way through. It felt like we were waiting for something else to happen, but it never really did. The focus became on Simon and Noah struggling to balance their schedules with Noah being a professional hockey player and Simon scrambling to open an art gallery. There wasn't a ton of angst, but unfortunately I think that slowed the story down. I really liked Noah and Simon's relationship though, and I appreciate that Noah recognized how important the work Simon was doing was instead of putting the emphasis on his career. Their happily ever after was set in stone pretty early, and although I enjoyed them as a couple, this probably isn't one I'd go back and read again. Still looking forward to continuing the series, and I'm dying for Gabriel's book up next! It's also a little strange seeing characters whose happily ever afters I've read, but that just impresses me with the level of thought and planning that Brigham has put into the series. Dustin is a great example of this. He's definitely not my favourite character in Noah's story, but by the time The Husband Game rolls around, he's really grown up and matured into team captain. I don't know how the author keeps it all straight, but I'm here for the seamless continuity!
December 14, 2022
Be ding the Rules - MM Hockey Romance
At half way mark I was going to do a DNF with this one. I liked the two MC’s and their determination to savour their second chance at a relationship. They were worried about long distance issues. An NHL star always away for games and training and a Photographer/Gallery owner trying to get started with the problems that arose with the opening date.
Noah’s Hockey team based in Canada and Simon’s Gallery in North Michigan. Noah trying to recover from a serious injury that had him out of action for nearly a year. Noah plans to get back on the ice and win the Stanley Cup and then retire to be with Simon.
Stress for Simon with issues with contractors, supply delays, a new young artist’s works that is supposed to be the feature of the Gallery Opening, suffers a confidence drop and saying his work won’t be available. All of this and then when the Gallery is flooded under 6 inches of water, it’s all too much, and Simon ends up in the ER two days before Noah’s game to qualify for the Stanley Cup match.
There was a lack of something in this writing for the first 40%, maybe it was so much backtracking of their history since their teens, covering 12 years to their chance meeting at nearly 30. I stuck with it (because I woke up too early and couldn’t get back to Zzzzz 😂🤣.
Anyway, the last 30% proved more interesting with plenty of events and action to make the last stretch of the story more interesting. I’m glad I did, as I hate not finishing a book, I’ve only done that once.
At half way mark I was going to do a DNF with this one. I liked the two MC’s and their determination to savour their second chance at a relationship. They were worried about long distance issues. An NHL star always away for games and training and a Photographer/Gallery owner trying to get started with the problems that arose with the opening date.
Noah’s Hockey team based in Canada and Simon’s Gallery in North Michigan. Noah trying to recover from a serious injury that had him out of action for nearly a year. Noah plans to get back on the ice and win the Stanley Cup and then retire to be with Simon.
Stress for Simon with issues with contractors, supply delays, a new young artist’s works that is supposed to be the feature of the Gallery Opening, suffers a confidence drop and saying his work won’t be available. All of this and then when the Gallery is flooded under 6 inches of water, it’s all too much, and Simon ends up in the ER two days before Noah’s game to qualify for the Stanley Cup match.
There was a lack of something in this writing for the first 40%, maybe it was so much backtracking of their history since their teens, covering 12 years to their chance meeting at nearly 30. I stuck with it (because I woke up too early and couldn’t get back to Zzzzz 😂🤣.
Anyway, the last 30% proved more interesting with plenty of events and action to make the last stretch of the story more interesting. I’m glad I did, as I hate not finishing a book, I’ve only done that once.
July 14, 2024
I always get nervous when the love story is established and going well by the 50% mark. Many writers chose this method of calming the reader right before breaking our hearts. So yes, as I read, I worry and am steeling myself for the sky falling.
But alas... So far and this has been a very detailed getting to know each other phase. So detailed that the dialogue sometimes drags on to almost mundane things that are common in every day life.
This is a very low angst story. Which is comforting. And beautiful. Every detail culminating to the mild drama and ultimate HEA which is a joy to read.
I now understand and know better the type of writer that Vaughn Brigham is. Beautiful sentimental, romantic and sexy writing.
But alas... So far and this has been a very detailed getting to know each other phase. So detailed that the dialogue sometimes drags on to almost mundane things that are common in every day life.
This is a very low angst story. Which is comforting. And beautiful. Every detail culminating to the mild drama and ultimate HEA which is a joy to read.
I now understand and know better the type of writer that Vaughn Brigham is. Beautiful sentimental, romantic and sexy writing.
April 23, 2022
Simon and Noah are like a second chance love story without ever getting the first chance. They were friends before, and on the verge of more. But this book had lots of fate feels to it, and they reconnected at a time that was right. Even though they still had to work with a few months of long distance. I actually super love that as soon as they reconnected, they got "reconnected" if you know what I'm sayin.' Like, that day. Like, that was HOT. Besides the steam that this author always brings so well, are loveable sweet characters. Both these boys had open hearts, real trust, and mostly good communication. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
April 12, 2022
I'm so glad this story was expanded as I loved the short story but it wasn't enough!
This is a great start to a new series and I adored the characters and their chemistry. The connection is tangible and so sweet. A great and easy read - recommended!
This is a great start to a new series and I adored the characters and their chemistry. The connection is tangible and so sweet. A great and easy read - recommended!
August 11, 2025
Man, this was such a disappointing follow-up from how much I loved the first book in the series. The couple get together at about 25% in and then literally nothing happens for the rest of the book. Any smidge of conflict that is introduced gets resolved within three pages, and nothing remotely interesting goes down once they're in a relationship! That said, the first 25-30% of this were enjoyable, the rest was an absolute slog.
June 11, 2023
I know the prologue was supposed to make their reunion feel less rushed and more natural, but I don’t think it worked. It felt like both jumped into this relationship without thinking while they had big things on the line, Simon being “traumatised” from LDR and then not questioning being with Noah, Noah being so focused to get back on the ice, saying he doesn’t know who he is without it but then saying he’s going to retire even though he spend 9 months rehabbing a knee to get back to the game?? I don’t know, this was hard to finish and I honestly only did it because I want to read Gabriel’s book.
Also the title makes no sense because what are the rules they're supposed to be bending???
Also you don’t have to make the MCs team win the Cup in every book for the ending to be good.
Also the title makes no sense because what are the rules they're supposed to be bending???
Also you don’t have to make the MCs team win the Cup in every book for the ending to be good.
December 23, 2022
Low angst romance
Great second chance story. Noah and Simon were obviously meant to be together, and after a lot of missing out on the chance for that to be, it finally happens. Noah is wonderful, he totally supports Simon in whatever happens. There's very little angst. It's all about two guys getting together, after being given a second chance, and taking the time to show that they love and are invested in one another.
Great second chance story. Noah and Simon were obviously meant to be together, and after a lot of missing out on the chance for that to be, it finally happens. Noah is wonderful, he totally supports Simon in whatever happens. There's very little angst. It's all about two guys getting together, after being given a second chance, and taking the time to show that they love and are invested in one another.
May 25, 2022
This book started out strong and lost its momentum around the quickie on the train. I expected a bit more from that hockey player with a pile of interesting piercings.
December 17, 2022
Noah and Simon had an instant connection when they met in the dorms at university. Noah asks Simon on a date but Simon misunderstands and brings his roommate along to what he thinks is a chill dinner. After that things never seem to happen for them and they are always dating someone else and never single at the same time. There’s FINALLY a moment where it looks like things are going to happen between them when they come clean about their mutual feelings but the NHL comes calling for Noah and he answers. 12 years pass before they have an adorable fateful meeting on a sightseeing train and both of them refuse to let a second chance at love pass them by. They both have a lot going on professionally and unfortunately the start of their relationship has to be long distance but they are determined to make it work no matter what. I really enjoyed listening to their story play out. So many times in an MM pro sports romance one (or both) MCs are in the closet and there’s angst surrounding being in the closet and the inevitable coming out. A second chance romance also usually has a lot of angst about what separated them the first time and this has none of that. It’s just a sweet romantic book where 2 men who met the right person at the wrong time FINALLY have the right time come around. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
September 30, 2022
3.5⭐️
Bending the Rules by Brigham Vaughn is the second book in the series Rules of the Game. It focuses on Noah Boucher, the Toronto Fishers goalie who is a secondary character in Road Rules.
I had high expectations for this second book since I loved Road Rules so much. I was hoping to find what hooked me in the first book of the series. Some of the winning elements of the first book were there and others were less successful for me.
Not surprisingly, I was again delighted by Brigham Vaughn's writing. I really like how she writes her books in the third person.
It was nice to learn more about Noah and to discover his story with Simon. They were perfect for each other and their romance was free of drama and angst. There was something very romantic about the way they were towards each other. The sex scenes were less explicit, slower, more languid and more sensual. They were also less frequent throughout the book.
This was the first time I read the second chance romance trope. I think this may be one of the reasons why Bending the Rules did not fully engage me. Since Noah and Simon already knew each other, when they got together everything happened quickly. It was almost too easy. There were a lot of moments about their everyday lives and not much was going on (making sushi for 7 or 8 pages). It was around 60% that the story became more interesting and Noah and Simon really started to face some adversity. I wish there had been a clearer plot to drive the story. For a long time I wasn't sure where the story was going and it was a little frustrating.
I'm still curious about the rest of the series though. So I will definitely be reading the next book which tells the story of Gabriel, Noah's roommate.
Bending the Rules by Brigham Vaughn is the second book in the series Rules of the Game. It focuses on Noah Boucher, the Toronto Fishers goalie who is a secondary character in Road Rules.
I had high expectations for this second book since I loved Road Rules so much. I was hoping to find what hooked me in the first book of the series. Some of the winning elements of the first book were there and others were less successful for me.
Not surprisingly, I was again delighted by Brigham Vaughn's writing. I really like how she writes her books in the third person.
It was nice to learn more about Noah and to discover his story with Simon. They were perfect for each other and their romance was free of drama and angst. There was something very romantic about the way they were towards each other. The sex scenes were less explicit, slower, more languid and more sensual. They were also less frequent throughout the book.
This was the first time I read the second chance romance trope. I think this may be one of the reasons why Bending the Rules did not fully engage me. Since Noah and Simon already knew each other, when they got together everything happened quickly. It was almost too easy. There were a lot of moments about their everyday lives and not much was going on (making sushi for 7 or 8 pages). It was around 60% that the story became more interesting and Noah and Simon really started to face some adversity. I wish there had been a clearer plot to drive the story. For a long time I wasn't sure where the story was going and it was a little frustrating.
I'm still curious about the rest of the series though. So I will definitely be reading the next book which tells the story of Gabriel, Noah's roommate.
February 23, 2022
Noah & Simon met in college & right off the bat they are attracted to each other. But things are not meant to be at that time as each went in different directions. They realize that long distance is not going to work. Even though they are away from each other for many years, they did still think of each other. When a chance meeting years later, they realize that yes those feelings from college are still there. Noah being a pro hockey player & having come out as bi has really put him in the spotlight so when the media finds out that he is seriously dating, Simon is pulled into that spotlight. I can't imagine being under the scrutiny of the press. What I really liked is that there was no unnecessary misunderstandings or angsty moments just to advance the story. I can't wait for more.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the Author & this is my honest review.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the Author & this is my honest review.
February 25, 2022
What a great story. Noah and Simon meet when they were in college. Noah plays hockey and Simon is taking business classes but loves photography. The chemistry was there but unfortunately Noah got called up to play in the NHL. There was regret that they couldn’t start something. Fast forward 12 years and Noah is recovering from a knee injury and Simon will be opening a gallery in a few weeks. They meet on the train and their friendship and relationship takes off. There were a few ups and downs but I all works out. Loved it and highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
April 28, 2022
A great second chance romance
Noah and Simon met in college and always felt the attraction between them but never had the opportunity to act on it. When fate gives them a second chance, Noah is determined to grab it with both hands.
I adored this story! I loved how this was a second chance but without the previous hurt and anger that you often get with it. Noah was just so open and determined to make his relationship work and I loved his dedication. Simon was so well written as well and I adored him and how he made sure to follow his own dreams as well as supporting Noah. I can’t wait for the rest of the series now!
Noah and Simon met in college and always felt the attraction between them but never had the opportunity to act on it. When fate gives them a second chance, Noah is determined to grab it with both hands.
I adored this story! I loved how this was a second chance but without the previous hurt and anger that you often get with it. Noah was just so open and determined to make his relationship work and I loved his dedication. Simon was so well written as well and I adored him and how he made sure to follow his own dreams as well as supporting Noah. I can’t wait for the rest of the series now!
September 7, 2023
Just an absolute snooze fest. Both MCs were boooooooring. No real plot and the conflict alluded to in the blurb was resolved within the blink of an eye so I kept thinking the real conflict was coming? Also, I found it unbelievable the hockey dude was a sex beast because he was so uptight and boooooring. 😴
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