The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister

The Law of Opposites Attract #2

by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Teddy Hamilton (Narrator)

Rule number one for dating your best friend’s sister: Don’t.
Just don’t do it.
Especially when your best friend is dead and the last thing he made you promise him was that you’d keep an eye on his little sister, but not too good of an eye.
As a musician whose longest committed relationship was six weeks, I, Holden Catalano, was the last guy on Earth who should’ve been messing around with Laney Ellison.
The super smart girl whom I affectionately dubbed Lala since childhood was always off limits.
Though that didn’t stop me from thinking about her over the years, especially those times when the two of us would sneak out onto the roof and talk for hours after my buddy fell asleep. It was innocent, but I’d always held a torch for her.
After Ryan passed away, I vowed to always protect Lala. That included protecting her—from me.
Now all grown up and a scientist, Lala needed a place to stay when she accepted a temporary research position in New York. I thought I did the right thing by offering her an apartment in the building I co-owned with my three friends.
Except having her close by reignited all of those old feelings.
And things started to get complicated.
Especially since she was engaged.
And especially since, lately, I’d noticed something more in her eyes. Desire.
Lala didn’t exactly look at me like the platonic brother figure I was trying so desperately to be, even though I wanted her more than I’d ever wanted anything.
Yet, I was being good—on my very best behavior.
But you know what they say…all good things must come to an end, right?

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Adult

11 pages, Audible Audio

First published April 2, 2023

About the author

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...

Reviews

[Arini · Rating 2 out of 5]

#1 The Rules of Dating — 3 stars
#2 TROD My Best Friend’s Sister — 2.25 stars

(idk if this is considered spoiler, but just in case, this is your warning: SPOILERS)

this title is incomplete & inaccurate cause it shouldve been: “The Rules of Cheating With Dating My (Dead) Best Friend’s (ENGAGED) Sister” which excludes actual physical cheating, but does include flirting, late night wine drinking & pillow rooftop talking, openly checking each other out half naked, one bed trope, phone sex, and surprise pregnancy.

despite the complication, the drama is minimum. the H is a manho but goes celibate the moment the h enters the picture. meanwhile, the h’s fiancé is mostly a bystander
(only mentioned/rarely appears) and never creates problems. so, this story isnt messy. i think it wouldve been redeemable if the authors had written this as a love triangle instead of “emotional” cheating. i still wouldnt want to read it, but i feel like it’d be more angsty. anyway, it was ok. i didnt hate it.

(read as an audiobook)

[Penelope Ward]

★ ★ IT'S LIVE! ★ ★
THE RULES OF DATING MY BEST FRIEND’S SISTER is finally here! Available to read free in Kindle Unlimited or for sale at a special release price. Our hottest book yet!
PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon US: amzn.to/3DpfRBL
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BFC9Z477/
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BFC9Z477/
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BFC9Z477/
Amazon Print ➜ bit.ly/3XFxpln
Audible: bit.ly/3narAPu
Amazon Audio: bit.ly/40kOhP6
This is a complete standalone that does not need to be read in conjunction with any other book. Here's what you can expect:
• Dead Best Friend's Sister
• Friends to Lovers
• Close Proximity
• Opposites Attract
• And More!

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very behind on my reading. This weekend, I am not in the right mood for reading. My health is not great either.
Anyway...

The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister is not entirely entertaining. It was long. A really long story. Both Miss Ward and Miss Keeland wanting to put so much aspect into the story. There are drama, comedy, swoony moments and heart breaking moments.

I myself feel, too much of everything and yet the main plot is not enhanced. The characters remain shallow until the end.

3 stars

[Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading The Rules of Dating (The Law of Opposites Attract Book 1) by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward and thinking that Holden was an incredible secondary character. I prayed that the smoldering and sexually adventurous drummer was getting his own book. My book-loving prayers were answered! The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister (The Law of Opposites Attract Book 2) knocked it out of the park! Vi and Penelope's cowrites never disappoint; if anything, they make it incredibly hard to pick a favorite. I will be talking about Holden, LaLa and this book for a long time. I'm going to start calling them Holden and LaLa #HoLa. I loved everything about these characters and this unputdownable story. Vi & Penelopes' signature writing style and witty banter shined in this book. I'm obsessed with this book! You don't have to read the first book in this series to enjoy The Rules of Dating My Best Friends Sister, but I recommend reading it since both books were equally amazing.
Vi and Penelope turned up the heat, feels, and fun making this book one of my top reads of 2023.
#HoLa

April 2, 2023, release on Kindle Unlimited.
Pre-order:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/42xq0r9
Audio: https://amzn.to/3LF7xCI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/42tct3A

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like 40% of this book was wasted. It took that long for Lala to realise that she didn’t want to be in a boring marriage.

Then the argument of whether a relationship can survive on sexual attraction alone.

Then the drama for the sake of it. Dead brother not wanting them to be together? Meh. I have three of them (they aren’t dead) and they couldn’t give a flying fuck.

I am a drinker. I love a glass of wine or 10 but this book felt like there was a noted reliance on alcohol. I’ve had a bad day- wine. I need to have a difficult conversation- wine. I’ve had a great day -wine.

Didn’t do it for me. I was bored and actually uninterested in whether Lala and Holden had a happy ever after.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rules of Dating My Best Friend’s Sister is book 2 of The Law of Opposites Attract by authors Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward. It is a standalone, contemporary romance, told from both POV with a HEA.



Tropes:
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ forced proximity
✔️ friends to lovers
✔️ love triangle
✔️ opposites attract

Holden Catalano has had a special relationship with one of his late best friend’s younger sister since they were young. But everyone knows that you shouldn’t date your best friend’s sister. Ever.

Now that they’re all grown up and Laney “Lala” Ellison is staying in New York, living right next door to him for a few months, it’s impossible to stay away from her, help her out, hang out and grow even closer. There’s only one problem besides the best friend rule and the fact that he knows he’s not good enough for her, she’s also engaged.

I can always count on Vi and Penelope to write an engaging and this opposites-attract love story is a perfect weekend read that will surely leave you smiling.

★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Give Me Books. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram

[ruta · Rating 1 out of 5]

50% status update: I'm so sick of the writers' clear attemps at justifying cheating. I don't care they didn't kiss, it still counts as cheating when you sext with someone other than your fiance, and try to make your partner look like a bad partner just because he didn't get with the program the minute you requested it.
And she still got a wedding dress after she admitted she has feelings for someone else, I'm only listening after this point because Andi Arndt is narrating, I would never picked this up had I known cheating masked as indecision was involved.

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Laney Ellison is a scientist who seems to have it all. A great family, a fiance and an exciting new research position in NYC. While in New York she's looking forward to reconnecting with four guys she grew up with. They were all like brothers to her, except one. Holden Catalano was her childhood crush, but not boyfriend material. They were complete opposites, but shared a connection that went way back. As they spend time together catching up she can't deny the intense attraction between them. She's living in the moment and can't remember a time she's felt so alive. Soon she's struggling with her feelings as everything turns complicated.

Holden is a musician in New York that co-owns an apartment building with three friends. He spends most of his time as a drummer in a band and as their buildings super doing repairs. He has a reputation as a playboy and doesn't do commitments. Then he crosses paths with his best friend Ryan's little sister Lala. He'd promised to look out for her, and after Ryan passed away he'd vowed to always protect her. He offers her a temporary place to stay while in town, and has to keep reminding himself she's taken and off limits. She's all grown up and even more stunning. He made a decision not to cross that line as long as she's engaged, but he couldn't quit thinking about her. The spark between them was electric, but it didn't change the fact she was the one woman he couldn't have.

The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister (The Law of Opposites Attract #2) by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward is a standalone, slow burn, forbidden, opposites attract, brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance full of emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry and major swoon. I adored this couple and loved their connection. They are pure fire together, but will also hit you in all the feels. I love this series and can't wait for more! <333



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Dating-B...

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was okay. Not the brother's best friend story I'm used to but it was still enjoyable. I'm kinda surprised I actually liked this one after having read so many books by these two authors (and not liking many of them). 3 ⭐

[Nata Oleksandrivna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Нехай і читалась вона залпом, і легко, і люблю я творчість цих авторок, але мені трошки не вистачило розвитку стосунків між героями 🤧🤧
Ця книга є другою в серії " The Law of Opposites Attract", першою була книга "Правила наших побачень" про першого з компанії друзів - Колбі і Біллі - дівчину, майстриню тату, яка винаймає приміщення в будівлі, що належить всім хлопцям. Так от, ще в першій книзі нам розповіли про героя наступної - Холдена 😁🥁

Холден - це харизматичний, вродливий барабанщик, один з 4-х друзів, які власне разом ще з дитинства. Окрім того, що Холден виконує обов'язки ремонтника в їхньому будинку, він ще паралельно грає в групі, ну і звісно, цей красунчик не має браку уваги від жінок.

Лала, вона ж Лейні - молодша сестра їхнього покійного друга, науковиця, отримала шанс дослідити вплив гормонів щастя на розвиток хвороби Альцгеймера, і саме тому півроку проживатиме в Нью-Йорку. Лала має нареченого, він теж - науковець, і найближчим часом вони планують одружитись. Ну і звісно, що хлопці, які піклуються про Лалу, поселили її в одній із квартир, які вони здають, і за збігом обставин, Холден і Лала будуть сусідами.

На рахунок цих двох, скажу, що вони ще з юних років були закохані один в одного, але власне брат Лали був проти, щоб будь-хто з хлопців заглядав на його сестру, а тим більше - Холден. В хлопця ще з тих часів була репутація бабія, та власне і друзі між собою завжди називали його хвойдою чоловічого роду.

Мені подобалось, як Холден спокушав Лалу всі перші 50% книги, і момент на концерті, куди наречений привів Лалу, саме тоді ці двоє зрозуміли, що в них не вийде і далі заперечувати ті почуття, які вони мають один до одного, і вони нарешті наважаться спробувати, куди це все їх приведе.
Я на початку відзначила, що мені не вистачило саме розвитку стосунків між героями, і так - я тут цього не помітила.

Власне ці двоє були наче не 30 і 28-річні, а таке враження, що їх відкинуло у юні роки і вони стали 15-ти і 13-ти років підлітками, вони обоє намагались надолужити всі ті роки, які вони так чи інакше мріяли один про одного. В принципі, Лала щойно розірвала заручини, і поринула в стосунки з Холденом, не задумуючись і не плануючи нічого наперед. А Холден - він ніколи і не мав тривалих стосунків з жінками, тому і не дивно, що власне, окрім сексу він і не знав, що і як має бути в стосунках.
Буде тут і гаряче, і милі розмови на пожежній драбині з бокалом вина, і зізнання в закоханості в юному віці, і образи Холдена, що Лала сприймає його як секс-іграшку, і перепони, які повстануть між їхніми стосунками, та навіть жінки, які щоразу нагадуватимуть про розпусне минуле Холдена🤪🤪

А ще мені приємно було побачити героїв минулої книги - Колбі і Біллі, бо саме ці двоє були тими, хто першими підтримали героїв і схвалили їхні стосунки. А Колбі - взагалі таке сонечко🥰🥰, навіть двічі підштовхнув Холдена і той таки наважився дати шанс їхній пристрасті, а потім і зробив правильний вирішальний крок ❤️❤️. Звісно, героям треба буде пережити моменти розлуки, сумнівів, і зробити вирішальний вибір, але я думаю, що Холден і так постарався наперед, що в них і не було іншого вибору 😁🥰

Мені сподобалось, як Холден завжди дбав про Лалу, завжди витягував її з усіх непередбачуваних ситуацій, а вони з нею траплялись майже не щодня, як мило натякав, що був закоханий лише в одну дівчину, але вона зараз з іншим. А як він вперше, і нарешті таки зізнався їй в коханні - саме в пісні, яку він сам написав і виконав на концерті 😍😍. Ну і тут буде приємний сюрприз : + 2 нових маленьких персонажі ❤️🥰

Бали зняла якраз за оцю їхню дитячу нерішучість, не прописаний розвиток їхніх стосунків, ну і сцену в фургоні 🙈🥴

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. Not great , not worse, just something to while away the time.

[Aelin Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

This really was a total mess of a story and I didn’t connect with the main characters. I understand the long standing relationship they had but Lala was an overprotected, annoying person who had an opportunity to hook up with her childhood crush and treated him like a sex toy . Her list of sexual interests was so vanilla and on their second encounter on her lunch break she had anal sex from a well hung male in the back of a van . She was constantly drinking and having so many pity parties . This book was not what I expected and I can’t see reading any more from the series will be any better . This book was not for me and I hated the slut shaming that Holden had to endure because he was an attractive single male with a high sex drive . He should not have to justify his past league of conquests if he made it clear to them that it was just a sexual experience. Lala was an immature, gaslighting pain . The best thing about this book was the handsome man on the cover . Just goes to show don’t be fooled by a pretty face .

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Holden since The Rules of Dating. Known as a major playboy and, oh, also, my favorite, a drummer. Holden has always had a crush on his best friend‘s little sister.

Here is the deal, I am not going to go into a lengthy review. This story is touching and emotional, especially when Lala’s brother is mentioned. I loved their story, and it was seriously compelling. I couldn't put the book down.

Holden’s character growth is top-notch. I couldn’t stop laughing at some of the things he said. He may have been slow on the uptake, but he did it for the person he loves.


This book may not be for everyone, and that is okay. Personally, I loved it and how certain situations were handled.

[Elisabetta Veneziani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/4 ⭐️
Poteva senz’altro essere meglio, però l’ho preferito al primo.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Oh, this book! The second in the The Law of Opposites Attract series, it’s a brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers romance that is angsty and dramatic, and it’s a rollercoaster of a read!

This series is centred around a group of four best friends who own and run an apartment building in New York City, left to them by the fifth member of their group who passed away. Ryan’s death shook the boys, but bought them closer together, so when Ryan’s little sister Laney (aka ‘Lala’) moves to the city for six months for work, the protective boys offer her an apartment to live in for her stay, moving her in right in next door to Holden.

Holden is the player of the group. A sweetheart, but a well-established man-whore, he’s never really had a relationship, preferring no-strings hook ups and easy nights with his friends. He is the drummer in a local band, and also works as the super in the building that he and his friends own, and though he has dreams of finding success with his music, he is content with his life. But Lala’s arrival upends his existence. He’s always had a thing for her, but he kept his hands off out of respect to Ryan. Now, she’s so tantalisingly within reach, but she’s engaged to another man.

Lala grew up with her brother friends, but it was always Holden to who she was closest. She also had a gigantic crush on him. Now, he’s her neighbour, and he’s inserting himself into her life – there for her whenever she needs help, keeping her company with quiet nights in, and even with deep and meaningful chats while sitting on their fire escapes at night. It’s making her question everything.

I was so very on board with the set-up for this book, and was loving the early chemistry we see between Holden and Lala. They’ve both had feelings for the other for such a long time, but there’s always been a safe distance between them. Now they’re living right next door to each other and actually starting to share their lives, and everything is changing. They know they can’t act on it. They know that Lala is promised to somebody else. But they can’t stop feeling strongly for each other all the same, and oh, the angst!

I could feel the longing between these two, I could feel the chemistry, the sexual tension, and all of the long-held emotion that they have for each other. The build-up is fabulous, and I SO wanted something to happen between them. And while I would usually revel in this kind of situation, in this case, it pissed me off because the whole time they’re feeling all of this, Lala is planning to marry another man!

It’s a complicated situation. Lala is in a stable and committed relationship, and while it may not exactly be the epic love with fiery, sizzling passion that she wishes it was, her fiancé is a good man, they have a lot in common, and they will have a good and stable life together. Holden, on the other hand, is a wild player who she knows will rock her world, but he’s never been in a relationship, and is full of red flags where her heart is concerned. What is she willing to risk to be happy?

Though I could understand how torn Lala was, it’s the fact that she wrestled with it for so long that bothered me, and in the meantime, she’s being all kinds of inappropriate with Holden. If you’re wondering about cheating… Sadly, yes, there is cheating. Though they don’t actually get physical, they definitely cross the line. Holden and Lala are attracted to each other, they openly admit it, and they do nothing to try and stop the way they feel – talking about sex, sleeping in the same bed, flirting, admitting their jealousy of anybody who gets too close to the other, openly checking each other out in their underwear (with a timer and everything), and they even have filthy phone sex!

It’s an epic build-up to their own love story, BUT SHE IS ENGAGED TO SOMEBODY ELSE!!! It’s pretty clear that Lala doesn’t have a great relationship with her fiancé, and though he’s a good guy, I didn’t feel any love between them at all. So why, why, why didn’t she end the relationship sooner? Uuuugghhhhhh.

The inevitable happens, and feelings are revealed, and the moment where Holden pours his heart out had my heart pounding. Lala does end her engagement, and they finally get to explore all of that chemistry, and it’s every bit as explosive as they both knew it would be. It’s hot and intense, and they’re all very open and eager to explore their mad lust for each other in all the ways. But is that enough to reform a manwhore? And with their completely opposite lives, can they actually make it work?

And so begins the second part of this story, which just brings more drama. While I was happy they got together, and enjoyed their sexy playfulness, having already gotten through one hot mess, they just go diving headfirst right into another. They’ve been through a lot to get to where they are, and they are feeling strongly for each other, they just have a problem talking about it and communicating about what they really want. And after the angst we had already been through, I was instantly annoyed that were plunged in to even more.

Even putting the first half of the book behind me and starting fresh with these two, Lala makes a lot of really dumb decisions, and I was disappointed at how she handled things through the majority of the story. Holden is an absolute sweetheart who is figuring himself out and finding his way. Everything he experiences is new to him, and though he makes some mistakes as well, he’s always the one taking the leap, making the declarations and putting in the effort to move things forward and make things work, while Lala just coasts along, not really taking responsibility for anything.

Don’t get me wrong, I liked them together, it’s clear they belong together, and their love story is actually really gorgeous, with a beautiful happy ending that left me smiling. I just wish it had happened differently for them – less cheating, and more communication for the win!

I loved the first book in this series, and had high hopes for this one, but the relationship was a hot mess, and I felt more frustrated than engaged with the love story.

So yeah, a bunch of mixed feelings for this one. 3 stars.

[Lissy Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al principio el libro se me hizo lento y repetitivo pero la última parte me gustó bastante

[Jess L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non pensavo che questo giorno sarebbe mai arrivato, ma nonostante abbia avuto delle remore con gli ultimi romanzi di Vi Keeland e Penelope Ward, comunque non mi ero mai sentita così… vuota. Non fraintendetemi, non credo che La sorella del mio migliore amico sia un brutto libro, dico solo di averlo letto nel momento sbagliato. Nonostante la scrittura scorrevole, non sono riuscita a sentirmi parte della storia, la prima parte l’ho trovata abbastanza lenta anche se ho apprezzato come ciò abbia permesso di approfondire i caratteri di Lala e Holden, ma mi sono un po’ forzata per finirlo (nonostante quando mi sia messa di leva comunque sia riuscita a finirlo con più semplicità). Il rapporto tra i due è scoppiettante, mi è piaciuto come l’amicizia sia sempre stato al primo posto, ho forse meno apprezzato il quasi tira e molla per dirsi le ultime cose, ma l’attrazione tra loro per quanto forte, è stato quasi un problema nel rapporto di fiducia che hanno creato. Mi chiedo anche perché le autrici abbiano intrapreso una strada che alla fine non ha portato a nessun frutto… non lo so, questa storia non mi ha convinta e mi spiace veramente tanto.

[booksbydee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 4 🔥 1x slzičky 🥲

Druhý díl série Pravidla randění „Sestra mého nejlepšího kamaráda“ od autorské dvojice Keeland / Ward, byl naprosto skvělý a dost mě překvapilo, že mě dokonce bavil víc než díl první, přestože jedním z hlavních témat je od přátelství z lásky, kterému já zrovna neholduji. ❤️
Samozřejmě hlavní téma je, jak už název knihy napovídá, sestra nejlepšího kamaráda, a s tím tak trochu spojená zakázaná láska, protože Laly bratr by si rozhodně nevybral velkého záletníka Holdena Catalana jako partnera pro svojí malou sestřičku, ale když on ji tak moc miluje, už dlouhá léta….

Praivdlo číslo jedna pro randění se sestrou nejlepšího kamaráda je jasné – nedělejte to ❗️ Tohle pravidlo má Holden na paměti, obzvlášť když slíbil svému nejlepšímu kamarádovi na smrtelné posteli, že jeho mladší sestru ochrání. Jenomže Lala potřebuje bydlení v New Yorku a tak ji nabídne byt v domě, který vlastní s dalšími třemi kamarády. Jenomže to, že k sobě mají opět blízko znamená, že i jejich city, které oba chovají už snad od dětství, se znovu derou na povrch. Situace není jednoduchá, protože Lala je zasnoubená, ale…

Kniha se dá číst samostatně, ale vyspoilerujete si trochu první díl, pokud jej přeskočíte, ale není nutné jej číst, aby vám příběh dával smysl. Mě tahle kniha o zakázané lásce naprosto pohltila, a dokonce mě i rozplakala. 😭

Ještě se chci věnovat plamínkům, protože jsem nikdy nečekala, že zrovna knize Keeland/Wardové budu dávat 4 🔥, ale neskutečně mě překvapilo, jak sexy to celé by a co za scény dámy v knize napsaly, no bylo to celé jedno velké WAU pro mě. Těch scén, co tam bylo a jaké…

Určitě knihu doporučuju a těším se na dalšího z kamarádů, ve třetím díle nás totiž čeká téma one night stand.🔥🔥🎉🎉

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFing 50% in, giving it a 2stars instead of just 1 because the book is well written and the FMC and MC did have really good chemistry, but I'm really sick or listening to one person put himself down over and over again because he has really bad friends that have made him feel since he was a teenager that he's not good enough for the girl he's always been in love with. I just don't understand how any of these other reviews I've seen talk about how cool their friendship and bonds are when all I see is really unsupportive assholes that can share a laugh when things aren't getting too real. Then there's Lala who is basically cheating at least emotionally throughout the first half of this book and she needed to either put her foot down and tell Holden to fuck off with the flirting or leave the guy you have no passion for but are with because he's "safe", which is dumb as fuck, that's a divorce waiting to happen so stop wasting yours and his time. This book would have been way better if Holden didn't have such good "friends" and if the FMC wasn't already engaged, because when it is just the FMC and MC without the outsiders poking their noses into shit, they have great chemistry. Last little mini rant, please for the love of God never have another MC or FMC apologize so often again, it was sooooooo grating even by 50% to hear Holden "apologizing" for shit that they both did, hearing it for probably the 15th time at least by 50 percent was probably the real trigger to DNF.

[Dawn Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vi & Penelope’s co-written books never fail to disappoint. I devoured this book in one sitting, I was completely gripped from the first to the last page.

I fell in love with the slow burn, friends to lover’s forbidden romance.
It’s filled with humour, Witt & banter & so much emotion, the chemistry between Holden & Lala was undeniable.

Holden is determined to stay away from his best friends sister. But the heart wants, what the heart wants & when fate brings them back together the connection is to strong to fight.

Thank you Vi & Penelope for my ARC copy

[Hazel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not for me! I was bored the majority of the time and I couldn’t relate to either of the MCs. The fact the female is known as Lala was one thing that got on my nerves but she just didn’t seem to have any personality to her. Holden was just a bit weird sniffing bed sheets and putting his mouth to her lipstick marks on a glass. It felt like an effort to finish this one.

[Naianne Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

My problem with the trope “my best friend’s sister” is that if he’s not good enough to date your sister why is he good enough to be your friend? So I can’t get into this plot but it’s Vi Keeland so, overall it’s worth it but I didn’t love it.

[Mari Pequenos Retalhos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait, but these are Holden’s friends? Are we sure? Because all they do is believe in the worst of him…

[Ramona Popescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really don't know what to say about this series, but it's beginning to get better and better. First, the cover is really hot and I liked it from the revealing part it was a good character for me to visualize Holden. The model is perfect. :D

So, this is Holden's story and his crush on his best friend's sister, aka the title of the book. From the first installment, we got a glimpse of Lala and Holden's relationship, but considering that she was already in loved and engaged with someone else, I didn't pay much attention to it.

The story is very intense, BUT it is not built on a complex plot, a thing that begins to irritate me. I don't want a university degree plot, but I want something built upon it and unfortunately, I am not receiving what I want and what I know this duo can give. Basically, the whole plot revolves around Holden and Lala's attraction, her doubts about whether to get married or not, and how to compartmentalize feelings from the attraction they are feeling. But was it...

I liked Holden more than Lala because he was more straightforward and more mature in some ways. Lala was in 2 phases of her life - indecisive and horny... But Holden was more interesting, built in a more mature way and that was seen and sensed by the reader. He was confused, fighting his attraction and constantly trying to understand if he was good or not for Lala. Aaaaand, I forgot about the constant trope of a guy sleeping with 1000000 women and not keeping up the rhythm of his activities. I keep on reading about this type of guy forever and I think we need to move on from this typology because it's old school.

I gave the book 4 stars because the tension and the chemistry were very good and not pumped artificially. I really liked it and waited to see my characters consuming their attraction. Afterward, I think the creativity faded and that Penelope and Vi just couldn't find the best pace to end the story in a more complex way. I felt like I was reading about someone's ordinary life, and in this book, I need something to surpass the ordinary, if you get what I mean. :)

[Amber Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dazzling duo that is Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward has created ANOTHER brilliant story, sure to sweep you right off your feet. Another dreamy couple to indulge in while getting wrapped up in all the “taboo-ness” of it all. The title sets the foundation for what’s to come; and really hones in on the great intensity that is shared between Holden and Lala.

I enjoyed the fun back and forth between Holden and Lala. These two had so much tension that stretched out for so long, you picture yourself with a bag of popcorn ready to watch it all combust. It’s just so palpable! Holden is sexy, naughty and fun. And Lala is smart, sensual, strong and intuitive.

As with all friends to lovers stories, history is established. With Holden and Lala, there is so much to consider. But one significant factor is Lala’s availability. Their story is layered and not as simple as their attraction for one another. Their story is angsty and one where you hold on to hope that their union is inevitable. In their case, their hurdles don’t clear so easily, and past promises come into play.

I adored Holden and Lala’s story. Vi and Penelope coming together is always pure magic. And I know when I dive into any of their collaborations, I’m set for a literary romantic adventure. Grab this book when you’re able. This story is so multifaceted and will feel like a big hug around your heart.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laney kommt für einen Forschungsauftrag nach New York und kommt im Haus des besten Freundes ihres verstorbenen Bruders unter. Laney und Holden kennen sich ebenfalls seit ihrer Kindheit und es hat schon immer ein wenig gefunkt zwischen den beiden.

Von Beginn an konnte mich die Geschichte wieder bestens unterhalten. Laney und Holden waren sehr sympathische Charaktere und ich habe sehr gerne verfolgt wie sich die beiden langsam näher gekommen sind. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden war absolut zum greifen und die Luft hat geknistert.

Die Handlung war zudem abwechslungsreich und ich mochte den Humor des Autorinnen Duos wieder sehr gerne. Es gab wieder sehr viele Szenen, die mich zum Schmunzeln und Lachen gebracht haben. Gut fand ich auch, dass sich das Drama relativ in Grenzen hält und hier nicht groß übertrieben wird.

Ich hatte sehr viel Spaß mit dem Buch und freue mich auf die weiteren Teile der Reihe.

[Betti Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolles Buch mit einer schönen Handlung 🥰

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein auf und ab der Gefühle, mit einen wirklich schönen Happy End.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.8 Stars)
Holden Catalano knew to stay away from Laney “Lala” Ellison. He really tried but some things are easier said than done. She is his deceased best friend’s sister and should be keeping an eye out for her. Not only from others but himself too. Can this drummer keep his hands away from the innocent scientist? A sweet and at times funny friends to lovers, slow burn romance with lots of feels. I enjoyed getting Holden’s story and also seeing all the other characters from the prior book. Can’t wait for the next friends’ book! This can be read as a stand-alone however you’ll love the previous characters love story! Told in dual POV.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rules Of Dating My Best Friends Sister by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland left me feeling overwhelmed with emotions! It was a roller coaster! I laughed, giggled and was troubled! The chemistry was off the charts! Such a fun and exhilarating read!