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Rules Are For Breaking
Jo is a smart and determined young woman with a clear-eyed view of men and what she expects of them. Put simply, she is over searching for 'The One'. When challenged by a friend who thinks she can't do it, Jo goes one step further and vows not to date, sleep with or even kiss a man for six weeks.
Enter Declan, Jo's gorgeous yet unwelcome house guest. Convinced he can win her over, Declan views Jo and her vow as an irresistible challenge.
An infuriated Jo declares that Declan is like all the others – attracted to her for all the wrong reasons. She insists that he devote time to getting to know the real her and to doing the things she loves. Will Declan survive the test? Or will a major misunderstanding spoil everything?
Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2012
72 people want to read
About the author
Imelda Evans
3 books25 followersI am an Australian writer who likes books, baths and baking, coffee, cocktails and craft, family, friends and food… and a good lie in the hammock with the alliteration fails me!
I write contemporary novels about women’s lives – the dramas, the challenges, the joys and the occasional loaded gun – and how they get through them with a sense of humour and a little help from their friends.
Or, put another way, I write fun fiction about fabulous women (and the men they get tangled up with).
I have one novel published, a sweet contemporary romance called Rules are for Breaking (listed on Goodreads) and several more, of various genres in the works.
I'm new to Goodreads, but I'm looking forward to finding my way around and meeting all the lovely book people!
I write contemporary novels about women’s lives – the dramas, the challenges, the joys and the occasional loaded gun – and how they get through them with a sense of humour and a little help from their friends.
Or, put another way, I write fun fiction about fabulous women (and the men they get tangled up with).
I have one novel published, a sweet contemporary romance called Rules are for Breaking (listed on Goodreads) and several more, of various genres in the works.
I'm new to Goodreads, but I'm looking forward to finding my way around and meeting all the lovely book people!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 3, 2013
Jo – beautiful, cultured and creative – papers over the emotional cracks in her life with a professed disillusionment with men and the whole relationships game. That is until Declan turns up on her doorstep – a muscular, sporty civil engineer with whom she has “absolutely nothing in common” but who she has agreed to take on as a short-term lodger to help out here sister-in-law. This is Imelda Evans’ first published novel and, despite the genre, it’s a million miles from the standard ‘Will they?/Won’t they?’ tale of two beautiful people under an unblinking sun. Instead we are treated to a witty and highly perceptive blow-by-blow account of the entire “war” of the sexes – attraction, flirtation, subterfuge and the horrible misunderstandings which can derail the whole process but also, ultimately, bring people closer together. Okay, her hero and heroine are a pretty gorgeous pair of specimens but that doesn’t matter as they are also individual, three-dimensional, likable and touchingly human. Added to that, the whole book is infused with Imelda’s ebullient and quirky sense of humour, making this a delightful, engaging, moving and ultimately life-affirming novel. If all Imelda Evans’ future works are as good as this, we’re looking at a pretty impressive career!
March 6, 2014
Rules are for breaking is the story of two hard-headed characters who both love a bit of challenge. Jo Marchant is the owner of an art gallery who was deceived by love many times according to her long list of boyfriends and past experiences. She makes a promise to Kate, her best friend and sister-in-law: for six weeks she will not engage in any sort of intimate relationship with men so she can use this time to discover herself and her inner happiness.
Declan O’Leary is a sexy and talented engineer who really knows how to talk to women. Jo accepts to accommodate Declan for six weeks while his apartment is getting ready. Declan likes Jo and tells her he will make her fall in love with him, his plan being to learn to know her and participate to all her activities. He knows about her promise to Kate and tells her he will do nothing to make her break this promise.
“Heaven forbid! I told you, I’m not like those other guys. The kind of intimacy I’m talking about involves spending time with you and getting to know you. I want to prove to you that we have heaps of things in common and that I’m interested in a lot more than your looks.”
- Imelda Evans, Rules are for breaking, Destiny Romance, Penguin Books 2013, P. 37
Jo accepts but she won’t make it easy for him…
“She was still committed to finding her bliss. If he wanted to be super nice to her in a misguided attempt to win her over while she searched for it, it was no skin off her nose.”
- Imelda Evans, Rules are for breaking, Destiny Romance, Penguin Books 2013, P. 38
I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me a while to start it and this has nothing to do with the story. At first, I purchased it as an eBook. But, I don’t have a reader and I struggled to read it on my computer or smart phone. Then, Imelda announced that her book was available in a print version and I rushed to my local post office to get it. I realised I’m definitely still old-fashioned and I prefer reading print books.
I could easily compare Jo to girls I know who were disappointed many times by love. As for Declan, although he had many great qualities, I thought he was bit egocentric and this aspect of his personality made him sound real. Both characters sounded realistic, they both had issues and were not perfect and this is something I enjoyed.
The setting of the story was Melbourne and I it was great knowing the places Imelda was describing in her book.
I also enjoyed the quick pace of the book and the dialogues.
But, what I liked most were the comparisons the author made with music, with Jane Austen, with opera and with fruit; you’ll have to read it to understand the part with the mangoes! All these comparisons where well placed in the novel and had their importance in the story.
Overall, I would suggest this book if you’re looking for a light-hearted funny read and I bit of day dreaming.
Declan O’Leary is a sexy and talented engineer who really knows how to talk to women. Jo accepts to accommodate Declan for six weeks while his apartment is getting ready. Declan likes Jo and tells her he will make her fall in love with him, his plan being to learn to know her and participate to all her activities. He knows about her promise to Kate and tells her he will do nothing to make her break this promise.
“Heaven forbid! I told you, I’m not like those other guys. The kind of intimacy I’m talking about involves spending time with you and getting to know you. I want to prove to you that we have heaps of things in common and that I’m interested in a lot more than your looks.”
- Imelda Evans, Rules are for breaking, Destiny Romance, Penguin Books 2013, P. 37
Jo accepts but she won’t make it easy for him…
“She was still committed to finding her bliss. If he wanted to be super nice to her in a misguided attempt to win her over while she searched for it, it was no skin off her nose.”
- Imelda Evans, Rules are for breaking, Destiny Romance, Penguin Books 2013, P. 38
I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me a while to start it and this has nothing to do with the story. At first, I purchased it as an eBook. But, I don’t have a reader and I struggled to read it on my computer or smart phone. Then, Imelda announced that her book was available in a print version and I rushed to my local post office to get it. I realised I’m definitely still old-fashioned and I prefer reading print books.
I could easily compare Jo to girls I know who were disappointed many times by love. As for Declan, although he had many great qualities, I thought he was bit egocentric and this aspect of his personality made him sound real. Both characters sounded realistic, they both had issues and were not perfect and this is something I enjoyed.
The setting of the story was Melbourne and I it was great knowing the places Imelda was describing in her book.
I also enjoyed the quick pace of the book and the dialogues.
But, what I liked most were the comparisons the author made with music, with Jane Austen, with opera and with fruit; you’ll have to read it to understand the part with the mangoes! All these comparisons where well placed in the novel and had their importance in the story.
Overall, I would suggest this book if you’re looking for a light-hearted funny read and I bit of day dreaming.
December 3, 2012
“Jo is a smart and determined young woman with a clear-eyed view of men and what she expects of them. Put simply, she is 'over' finding the right one. She already has a 'three strikes and you're out' policy. When challenged by a friend who thinks she can't do it, Jo goes one step further and vows not to date, sleep with or even kiss a man for six weeks.
Enter Declan, Jo's gorgeous yet unwelcome houseguest. Convinced he can win her over, Declan views Jo and her vow as an irresistible challenge.
An infuriated Jo declares that Declan is like all the others - attracted to her for all the wrong reasons. She insists that he devote time to getting to know the real her and to doing the things she loves. Will Declan survive the test? Or will a major misunderstanding spoil everything?
Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.”
Commitment-phobic Jo has a tendency to eat men and spit them out – they bore her at times and she’s yet to find a man who can keep her interested for more than 3 months. She’s tired of them not seeing beneath her beautiful package.
The book opens with Jo and her sister-in-law Kate having a discussion about Jo’s bad luck with men and the fact that Jo has offered a friend of her brother a room in her apartment whilst the finishing touches are put on his new apartment. By the end of the conversation, she’s made a deal with Kate that she’ll abstain from all things men for the next six weeks.
Unfortunately, Declan O’Leary, her guest, arrives on the scene shortly thereafter and in the ensuing weeks, attempts to back her into a corner and test her “bliss” finding plans.
Determined not to let him get under her skin, Kate strives to get him to dislike her and we see her trying her damndest to shock him. From karaoke-singing songs of lost love to rock-climbing mayhem – will this new Kate show him that she is not the one for him?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which was a quick read and doesn’t demand very much from the reader, but provides a tummy-tingling escape for a few hours. It is extremely well-written with Imelda Evans certainly knowing how to set a scene. Light-hearted and funny, it had me enchanted from the very first page.
(Taken from the author's website)
Imelda Evans is an Australian writer who likes books, baths and baking, coffee, cocktails and craft, family, friends and food… and a good lie in the hammock when the alliteration fails her!
She writes contemporary novels about women’s lives – the dramas, the challenges, the joys and the occasional loaded gun – and how they get through them with a sense of humour and a little help from their friends.
Or, put another way, she writes fun fiction about fabulous women (and the men they get mixed up with).
I wish to thank both NetGalley and Penguin Books Australia (Destiny Romance) for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Enter Declan, Jo's gorgeous yet unwelcome houseguest. Convinced he can win her over, Declan views Jo and her vow as an irresistible challenge.
An infuriated Jo declares that Declan is like all the others - attracted to her for all the wrong reasons. She insists that he devote time to getting to know the real her and to doing the things she loves. Will Declan survive the test? Or will a major misunderstanding spoil everything?
Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.”
Commitment-phobic Jo has a tendency to eat men and spit them out – they bore her at times and she’s yet to find a man who can keep her interested for more than 3 months. She’s tired of them not seeing beneath her beautiful package.
The book opens with Jo and her sister-in-law Kate having a discussion about Jo’s bad luck with men and the fact that Jo has offered a friend of her brother a room in her apartment whilst the finishing touches are put on his new apartment. By the end of the conversation, she’s made a deal with Kate that she’ll abstain from all things men for the next six weeks.
Unfortunately, Declan O’Leary, her guest, arrives on the scene shortly thereafter and in the ensuing weeks, attempts to back her into a corner and test her “bliss” finding plans.
Determined not to let him get under her skin, Kate strives to get him to dislike her and we see her trying her damndest to shock him. From karaoke-singing songs of lost love to rock-climbing mayhem – will this new Kate show him that she is not the one for him?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which was a quick read and doesn’t demand very much from the reader, but provides a tummy-tingling escape for a few hours. It is extremely well-written with Imelda Evans certainly knowing how to set a scene. Light-hearted and funny, it had me enchanted from the very first page.
(Taken from the author's website)
Imelda Evans is an Australian writer who likes books, baths and baking, coffee, cocktails and craft, family, friends and food… and a good lie in the hammock when the alliteration fails her!
She writes contemporary novels about women’s lives – the dramas, the challenges, the joys and the occasional loaded gun – and how they get through them with a sense of humour and a little help from their friends.
Or, put another way, she writes fun fiction about fabulous women (and the men they get mixed up with).
I wish to thank both NetGalley and Penguin Books Australia (Destiny Romance) for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 14, 2012
3 STARS **NO SPOILERS**
"This was the kind of kiss that makes clouds part and rays stream down from heaven like a blessing, bathing the kissers in such brilliant light that, beside them, everything else looks flat and grey..."
After reading the quote above I had to agree with the main lady in the story Jo–this must be what love feels like.
The very intelligent, strong-willed, exquisitely beautiful and successful art gallery owner, Jo has a major problem on her hands. After years of dating the same men–good looking but boring, decent looking but not attentive, good looking and attentive but clingy–Jo finally decides that her world of dating has become a huge let down. Setting down the gloves and her 'three strikes and you're out' rule, she accepts the challenge of her good friend Kate to forgo men for six weeks. That means no dating, no kissing and definitely no sleeping around. In return, it should help her find her own happiness [bliss].
What's started out as an easy and innocent bet turns into the challenge of a lifetime when Declan, Jo's new houseguest, enters her life. For six weeks this super sexy and irresistibly charming man will be staying with Jo until his home's renovations are completed and he has set his eyes on Jo. Ready to settle down and create a family of his own he sets out to make her fall in love with him and prove that he isn't like any other man she's ever been with.
Best Thing:
I really liked the flow of the book in the beginning. Imedla Evans cuts straight to the point and introduces the major players (characters) and the bet. Jo's personality like so many women today, embodies strength with a touch of tenderness. Declan is almost a dream come true. He is persistent to a fault but knows exactly what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. He's patient and understanding and is willing to work hard to get what he wants. What woman wouldn't want that package. It's a nice light-hearted romance that makes all the non-believers think twice about love at first site and true love!
Worst Thing:
The story dragged at some points. Jo's reasoning for her feelings and decisions with relationships became repetitive. I realized early on that this was purely romance and not erotica, however I would have liked to read a little more about their physical connection. The story had great potential and I'm sure others will find rate it as a great story, but for me it just fell a little short.
"This was the kind of kiss that makes clouds part and rays stream down from heaven like a blessing, bathing the kissers in such brilliant light that, beside them, everything else looks flat and grey..."
After reading the quote above I had to agree with the main lady in the story Jo–this must be what love feels like.
The very intelligent, strong-willed, exquisitely beautiful and successful art gallery owner, Jo has a major problem on her hands. After years of dating the same men–good looking but boring, decent looking but not attentive, good looking and attentive but clingy–Jo finally decides that her world of dating has become a huge let down. Setting down the gloves and her 'three strikes and you're out' rule, she accepts the challenge of her good friend Kate to forgo men for six weeks. That means no dating, no kissing and definitely no sleeping around. In return, it should help her find her own happiness [bliss].
What's started out as an easy and innocent bet turns into the challenge of a lifetime when Declan, Jo's new houseguest, enters her life. For six weeks this super sexy and irresistibly charming man will be staying with Jo until his home's renovations are completed and he has set his eyes on Jo. Ready to settle down and create a family of his own he sets out to make her fall in love with him and prove that he isn't like any other man she's ever been with.
Best Thing:
I really liked the flow of the book in the beginning. Imedla Evans cuts straight to the point and introduces the major players (characters) and the bet. Jo's personality like so many women today, embodies strength with a touch of tenderness. Declan is almost a dream come true. He is persistent to a fault but knows exactly what he wants and won't stop until he gets it. He's patient and understanding and is willing to work hard to get what he wants. What woman wouldn't want that package. It's a nice light-hearted romance that makes all the non-believers think twice about love at first site and true love!
Worst Thing:
The story dragged at some points. Jo's reasoning for her feelings and decisions with relationships became repetitive. I realized early on that this was purely romance and not erotica, however I would have liked to read a little more about their physical connection. The story had great potential and I'm sure others will find rate it as a great story, but for me it just fell a little short.
January 10, 2013
For the full review, visit my blog at mywrittenromance.wordpress.com.
Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.
This was a book that I really enjoyed. Imelda Evans has crafted a lovely story where the main characters, Jo and Declan were very human and believable. The scenes where Jo is trying to put Declan off and where he is steadfast in his resolve to keep going were very amusing. In particular, I found myself having a good laugh at Declan's horror at being dragged to karaoke.
Rules are for Breaking is a fun, light-hearted read, but Imelda Evans also does the more serious scenes very well without making them overwrought or super-treacly.
Oh, and I'll tell you now, there's not too much out there that's sexier than a man who does his own ironing. Thank you, Imelda, for writing that scene.
My rating: 4 out of 5.
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Destiny Romance, an imprint of Penguin Australia via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.
This was a book that I really enjoyed. Imelda Evans has crafted a lovely story where the main characters, Jo and Declan were very human and believable. The scenes where Jo is trying to put Declan off and where he is steadfast in his resolve to keep going were very amusing. In particular, I found myself having a good laugh at Declan's horror at being dragged to karaoke.
Rules are for Breaking is a fun, light-hearted read, but Imelda Evans also does the more serious scenes very well without making them overwrought or super-treacly.
Oh, and I'll tell you now, there's not too much out there that's sexier than a man who does his own ironing. Thank you, Imelda, for writing that scene.
My rating: 4 out of 5.
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Destiny Romance, an imprint of Penguin Australia via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2013
RULES ARE FOR BREAKING and Imelda Evans does it with style and flair. This fun, witty, romantic romp puts a complete new spin on the game of love. Rich, wholesome, believable characters and punch lines that will have you giggling uncontrollably, Rules are for Breaking is a fast-paced read you're guaranteed to enjoy. See more of the review on http://www.kees2create.com.au/the-oth...
January 30, 2013
I did love the premise of this book from Imelda Evans. The hero has openly pledged his intention to woo the heroine and she is determined that she won't be won over. The courtship is lovely and again has many unique aspects. The hero is almost the perfect guy and very romantic. I can recommend this contemporary romance.
January 13, 2013
This is definately a switch off your brain and lie by the pool book. Nothing unusual and no complicated plot shifts.
Read the full review at OurBookClub.
Read the full review at OurBookClub.
February 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It was a great light holiday read.
April 12, 2013
A great holiday read, with a charming hero and a feisty heroine! I liked the banter between them and the rather sweet but realistic view of love the story discussed! My kinda romance.
March 2, 2013
2 1/2 stars - rounded up for GR
This book was one of those predictable and overly cliched romance books.
The story weaves itself around Jo, a tough woman who only gives any guy she goes out with, three strikes. This helps her to keep every man she's ever met at arm's distance. She complains about how alone she is, yet is a complete commitment-phobe. Jo's best friend asks her if she'd mind letting Declan stay with her for a while. Not seeing any harm in helping out a friend in need, she accepts. What she never anticipated was inviting a man who wouldn't shy away from her impenetrable barricade around her heart. He instead proclaimed his love for her and began to woo her in earnest.
I'm sorry... wha? You just met the girl and find her so fetching you're going to tell her you love her before you even get to know her? Perhaps there's something in the water in Australia that makes Jo so completely amazing that she causes men to immediately fall at her feet in love.
Cra-zy
I found Jo to be completely unlikable and Declan should have run far, far away from her crazy know-it-all assumptions. Then Declan - well, professing your love for a chick moments after you meet her? Yeah, go sell your crazy somewhere else. WHY do romance writers do this? IT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE! Perhaps love at first sight, but you don't SAY it until you at least go out on a date with the girl.
I just found it all a bit too far fetched. The writing wasn't bad, but the main character was a bit too assuming, and annoying, one of my least favorite characteristics in people, especially in novels.
Just a mediocre read for me, I'm afraid.
This book was one of those predictable and overly cliched romance books.
The story weaves itself around Jo, a tough woman who only gives any guy she goes out with, three strikes. This helps her to keep every man she's ever met at arm's distance. She complains about how alone she is, yet is a complete commitment-phobe. Jo's best friend asks her if she'd mind letting Declan stay with her for a while. Not seeing any harm in helping out a friend in need, she accepts. What she never anticipated was inviting a man who wouldn't shy away from her impenetrable barricade around her heart. He instead proclaimed his love for her and began to woo her in earnest.
I'm sorry... wha? You just met the girl and find her so fetching you're going to tell her you love her before you even get to know her? Perhaps there's something in the water in Australia that makes Jo so completely amazing that she causes men to immediately fall at her feet in love.
Cra-zy
I found Jo to be completely unlikable and Declan should have run far, far away from her crazy know-it-all assumptions. Then Declan - well, professing your love for a chick moments after you meet her? Yeah, go sell your crazy somewhere else. WHY do romance writers do this? IT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE! Perhaps love at first sight, but you don't SAY it until you at least go out on a date with the girl.
I just found it all a bit too far fetched. The writing wasn't bad, but the main character was a bit too assuming, and annoying, one of my least favorite characteristics in people, especially in novels.
Just a mediocre read for me, I'm afraid.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews