Three Simple Rules: A Secret Celebrity RomCom

by Mary Karlik

Previously published as Hickville Crossroads by Mary Karlik.

No dating. No drama. No problem. Right? Fraser Anderson is one of the hottest teenage actors in the UK, but he’s virtually unknown in the US. Now he’s landed the leading role in a big-budget Hollywood film that could make him an international star. So how do you prepare a Scot for a role as a Texas high school student? Call him Ethan Smith and embed him in a Texas high school for two weeks. The only catch is he has to follow THREE SIMPLE RULES. NO DATING. NO Drama. NO Disclosing his true identity. Jenna Wiley is smart, funny, and laser focused on earning a scholarship for a biomedical engineering degree. Her senior year is dedicated to this mission. No matter what. But she doesn’t expect to meet shy, goofy, new kid, Ethan Smith. And as their friendship blossoms, her no dating rule begins to wither. It all comes to a boil when Fraser’s biggest secret hits the tabloids and his alter-ego is revealed. The paparazzi swarm Hillside with Jenna in their sights. Can Fraser convince Jenna that shy, goofy Ethan Smith is closer to real than the image the tabloids have created? And can she ever forgive him for breaking the most important rule of all? Because for Jenna, when it comes to love and science, the truth is all that matters.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2020

About the author

Mary Karlik (also writing as Mary J. Wilson) combines her Texas roots with her Scottish heritage to write happily-ever-afters from Texas to Scotland. When she is not writing or reading, Mary can usually be found hanging out with family and friends, or hill walking in Scotland.
Mary has five indie-published contemporary young adult romance novels and two indie-published fantasy novels.
Mary earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, has a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, and is currently studying Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye, Scotland. She is also a certified, professional ski instructor and a Registered Nurse.
Mary is an active member of Contemporary Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Dallas Area Romance Authors. Married to a Scott, Mary lives in both and Scotland and Texas.

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Three Simple Rules.

If you are looking for a Hallmark version of a Young Adult book, this book is your book. There are a few swear words, but they keep the spice level to kissing. It was an easy read, the story flowed along quickly. The book deals a little bit about drug addiction and abuse. All in all it is a good book.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Xpresso Book Tours through NetGalley and this review is based on my own opinion.

When Jenna's ex cheated on her with her best friend, she swore off dating and only wanted to concentrate on her school grades.

Fraser is a teen idol actor who is preparing for his next role by going undercover to an american high school. He can't date and he can't spill his secret.

Jenna and Fraser become friends but can they keep up their no dating rules?

Three Simple Rules fits perfectly in the young adult genre, it has a cute high school romance with just a bit of drama in it which keeps it interesting.

The story is written in dual pov which suits the story because you expierence it from both main characters.

The epilogue ended with a little time jump and I would have loved for there to be a bit more about their future or even a second epilogue.

Personally I liked the book but I would recommend it to be in the young adult genre instead of general fiction (adult).

[jensbooknookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thought: This is a cute wholesome swoon worthy story. It is perfect for teens or to be made into a Disney channel movie.

Jenna has one focus: graduate at the top of her class so she can get into ATM with a scholarship as she is the oldest in a large family. She has no time for boys and no interest in being anyone’s girlfriend this year. That’s not a problem as she lives in a small town and none of the boys interest her. This is her senior year and she’s ready to make her dreams happen.

Frazier is a Scottish actor who just got a huge break and landed a film based in Texas. Before filming strays he’s been tasked with attending the local HS in the small rural community and blending in. The principal agreed to allowing him to keep his identity hidden but gave 3 Simple Rules: 1-No Drama, 2- No Girls, 3- He is only to observe. So now with the new name Ethan, he is ready to debut his new role as a normal teenager.

Little did either Jenna and Ethan know they would have the same class schedule and become instant friends. Both their plans go out the window as they learn to navigate the sparks they feel as the story unfolds.

This is a Young Adult novel so things stay PG but regardless this book has plenty of cute wholesome romance you will enjoy, also it is a fun read to share with your teen! I personally loved the family dynamics they both had as it gave the story an authentic feel.

Tropes you’ll find:
* Small Town
* Celebrity Romance
* Friends to Lovers
* Dual POV

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Fraser, the Scottish actor diving into high school life in rural Texas for his upcoming movie. 🎥🍿 The Principle gives him 3 rules to follow while he’s there. No drama, no girls and he is only to observe. On the other side of the classroom sits Jenna, a brainy senior with her eyes locked on college goals, deflecting boys like a pro.
Fraser's more than just a cinematic teen heartthrob. Behind the scenes of fame, he's grappling with genuine family drama, all while keeping up appearances. 🌟👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🌍 He's craving freedom like a kid eyes cake, yet he's all about responsibilities and his folks.
🎬👪 Admittedly, the super cute plot sometimes lingered a bit longer than my attention span preferred. There was a whole secondary plot that came to play near the middle and sort of took over. Now, I'm no YA aficionado, but I've got a hunch this book is prime real estate for the younger crowd. It's a clean romance, radiating warmth – the kind of romance I'd toss to my hypothetical teen daughter!
Three Simple Rules has a ton of emotion, heart and swoon worthy moments. I could see young girls loving this author’s work!

I extend my gratitude to the author and @netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book. Although I received it early, this review reflects my honest and unbiased thoughts! 😁

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I'm not the right audience for this book! A younger demographic would probably enjoy this better than I did.

The character backgrounds were a tad on the shallow side, but I can understand why. This book exists in a universe crafted by the author, similar to Ali Hazlewood's or Stephanie Perkins's worlds, where stories stand alone, yet characters intermingle. While I haven't explored the author's other works, so I can't be sure if I missed out on any hidden gems about Jenna in those books, I didn't feel like there was anything genuinely lacking in the character development department – just that it skimmed the surface a bit.

But let me tell you, the whirlwind romance portrayed in this book resonated with my high school days. Small-town teenagers don't waste time on relationships; I should know because I was one. I greatly admire Jenna for realizing she can pursue her dreams of becoming an engineer while having a significant other. Wanting a career and a relationship is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to her strength and determination.

[Tripip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe because I haven’t been to high school for a couple decades, but I felt that Jenna especially seemed very young and immature. I got whiplash from her liking then not liking Fraser. Because they were so young, it did feel like a HFN ending than HEA. Given her insecurities, I’m not sure how Jenna would handle the limelight and all the negative trappings of fame. I did like the family dynamics of both Jenna’s and Fraser’s families. The author hinted at the friendly academic competition between Jenna and her friend, Melanie Joy but made no mention as to how they did with finals. I’m also curious to know if Jenna did go to college and get her engineering degree.

I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

[Kelly DeHaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would be great if it was put in the YA category. I didn’t see anywhere that this was geared as YA but I think it could do really well there.

The story was well written, I loved the family dynamic we saw, especially with Fraser’s family. I just think I needed a bit more: more backstory, more resolutions for some of the plot and maybe just a bit more of a glimpse into their future.

I would highly recommend this book to people in the high school age range. I just don’t think I was the best audience for this particular book.

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Reads for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review-
A very cute YA high school romance. I think younger audience would enjoy this more than I did (I am not the intended audience but I enjoy YA from time to time). For me, I couldn’t really feel a spark between the characters. The pacing was a little off and the characters were hot and cold. The family dynamic was surprisingly good. Overall, the book was enjoyable but there were some plot holes I couldn’t get past. Who got the valedictorian? A clear view into their future would have been great. The writing style was okay and portrayed emotional depth of the characters well.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Maren Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to start this review by saying I am not the intended audience for this book! Jenna and Fraiser aka Ethan are two highschool students that fall in love during the first week of school. Everything turns upside down when Jenna learns that Fraiser is an undercover actor from Scotland preparing for his movie! Overall I thought the characters were super sweet and had a nice love story. It was pretty mature for a high school romance but also it just felt immensely unrealistic and I couldn’t move past that. Overall I think a 13-17 year old would really enjoy this high school romance! Thank you NetGalley for giving me the ARC!

[Mita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because of the cover and the synopsis but I'm not the intended audience ig.

- Teenager romance isn't my kind, but the thing is that the romance between the main characters was pretty mature and kind of unrealistic.
- Chemistry between the main characters was good but I didn't feel the spark.
- Both the main characters lacked the emotional depth. I would have loved to explore their past a little deeper.
- Ending was rushed.

I received a free eARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

British teen star Fraser lands a role in a Hollywood blockbuster. To prepare for the part, he transforms into Texas high schooler Ethan. To maintain his alias, Fraser must follow three rules during filming: no dating, no drama, and no revealing his true identity. But when he falls for schoolmate Jenna, can he keep his secret?

This is a sweet, engaging, heartwarming YA romance. Family drama also plays a large role in the story. The pacing seemed a little off, with too little time spent on the romance and too much on the break-up. Overall, it's a fun story with likeable characters and an uplifting ending.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Caro · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very light read about teenagers Fraser and Jenna. Fraser is seventeen so this book probably appeals to a younger audience. Personally I am a bit turned off by teenagers in such an adult relationship, but I didn’t know the main characters were this young when I started reading this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun! Here are some facts/tropes:
❤️straight romance
😎secret celebrity romance
🏢high school
🗣lies
🚫no dating rule
👫friends to lovers

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and i thought the romance was cute. I did however miss more about the fame part. I would have liked to read more about the actual reason fraser was famous.

Recommend!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not a YA book. But it was written like very generic YA romance book. This plot was very predictable and nothing really stood out to me. I don’t regret reading it. But I just don’t think it was that great.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this Mary Karlik read. But the writing style and storyline just didn't keep me interested. I think I was annoyed from the start with the family pretending to be someone else. I never got past that.

[Taylor Washington · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was hard to get through and I didn’t find anything to relate to from reading.

[Keira Whaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super cute, I loved the accents and character dynamics. It was a really interesting concept. I do have to admit it was kind of hard reading someone's inner monologue in a Scottish accent.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book even though it read really young. It have most of the elements of a good rom-com: a real connnection to a stranger, internal struggle to fight off more (dumb rules), and in this case, a secret identity that was not well hidden. A name change does not change appearance or personality; I found this part of the novel annoying.

However, this was still a quick read for me and somewhat enjoyable. It did make me feel old because high school graduation was over 20 years ago for me. Someone younger may actually love this book and I still recommend it. I think the intended readership was for 20-somethings.

Thanks to Netgalley, Mary Karlik, and her self-published book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and leave an honest review

I have been loving the romcoms recently, they have been romcoming the appropriate amount.

This was such a cute, fun, fast read! It starts right off; not much in the drawn out backstories of the characters just what we need to know as it pertains to the plot. As a fellow small town Texan, I’ll always be partial to story set in Texas.

‼️ Spoilery section‼️

As I said, there’s bot much in the backstories of the characters. Granted, this is a book set in a universe of sorts by the author. Think Ali Hazlewood or Stephanie Perkins books, where the stories are separate, but the characters overlap. I have not read the other books by the author, so I don’t know if I missed anything about Jenna in those books. And it’s not that there was anything lacking in backstory from either character, just that it didn’t go too deep. Felt a little surface level.

I probably relate to this in a very niche way, being from a small town in Texas. I’m more east of Dallas than in the Austin area though. So as instalovey as this felt, it is very spot on for a small town high school romance. Let me tell you, when it comes to relationships, no one moves faster than small town teenagers. I should know I was one. I do respect Jenna for eventually acknowledging that even though she is focused on school and accomplishing her goal of being an engineer, she can also have the guy. It isn’t weakness to want a career and a relationship.

I will accept that Jenna is an Aggie, only because I know that ATM has a good engineering school.

[veelinsan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secret identity trope . Check .
The male character's a celebrity. Check.
This book had all my favourite things which I look into my books.
This book revolves around Fraser who's a celebrity and has been offered a role in a Hollywood movie set in Texas. He enters the high school with a pseudo-name " Ethan Smith" and meets our main girl - Jenna who wants to be an engineer and nothing gets in between in her studies. But she's in for a surprise when she falls for Ethan who's cute, shy and dorky .
If you like high school romances , secret identity trope you should surely go for it !!

tw : drug addiction

Thank to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!