Rule Breaker

by S.M. Quinn, Crystal Daniels, Sandy Alvarez

Max unapologetically lives by a strict set of rules:

- Work hard
- Play harder
- No falling in love

When asked to step in and speak at a seminar for a prestigious New York law school, Max jumps at the challenge.
His rules are put to the test when Aurelia, a beautiful woman with curves that could turn a saint into a sinner walks into the room.
She’s forbidden fruit.
Aurelia is off-limits.
Until wanting her has Max teetering on the edge of breaking the rules.
As the youngest family member, Aurelia has been protected and sheltered her entire life.
At 23, she’s eager to finally spread her wings and fly.
Having made her choice to attend the law school furthest from home, she bought a one way ticket and boarded a plane bound for New York.
On her quest for independence and education, Aurelia flirts with temptations of her own.
He’s a sexy big city lawyer.
And her older brother’s best friend.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Leigh]

3.5 stars

Rule Breaker was a cute and quick brother's best friend romance. I loved Aurelia's family; her dad and three older brothers were so overprotective it was really sweet. Max and Aurelia were great together and I loved Max's possessive behavior.

[Jennifer Pierson]

S.M. Quinn is the dynamic duo of Sandy Alvarez & Crystal Daniels who are two of my favorite authors, so it's safe to say I LOVED LOVED LOVED Rule Breaker! Aurelia comes from a very loving family, but they are over protective of her so she's going to law school in NYC in order to be a young adult. Max is a successful attorney in NYC, and the best friend of her brother so she's off limits. Of course all bets are off when they come face to face away from her family as the sparks are flying, and it's only a matter of time since they just can't stay away from each other. These two sizzled off the pages every time they were in close proximity, and I couldn't help but cheer them on out loud while reading. Rule Breaker is a fabulous story filled with heat, heart & humor so I never wanted it to end! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review]

Rule Breaker by S.M. Quinn (Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels new pen name) is the story of Aurelia and Max. Max is Aurelia's brother best friend. Max seems to be keeping his distance from her. Now she is moving away from home and happens to run into Max and that starts their quick, cute and hot story. Enjoyed

[Darcy]

This one was just ok for me. Pretty predictable from the start. A quick read.

[Audrey Krofchick]

Wow! This book was so incredible. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I had to finish it. This is the first book under Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels new pen name. And I hope it’s not the last. I absolutely loved Aurelia and Max. They were fire together. The secondary characters were awesome too. I highly recommend this book. Will we get more books with the brothers/sisters of them? Maybe with a few friends?!

[Kis Baadsgaard]

Sweet

So sweet and delicious. Just like I love my romance ♥️ it got a little sass and kick, just to make it hot and yummy 😋

[Clara Martinez Turco]

Rule Breaker is the first book written by Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels under the pen name S. M. Quinn. It's a steamy, age-gap, forbidden office romance with scorching smut scenes. It's fast-paced yet well-rounded. A breather from their beloved and popular MC series. It shows their writing range and powerful storytelling. It's a gem!

I've said this before but let me repeat it: there isn't anything they can't write. Even with shorter-length novels, they manage to give a complete story, with phenomenal character development and powerful backstories. Rule Breaker is no exception. The underlying theme is the importance of family, a signature staple in Sandy and Crystal's books.

Max, the big-shot lawyer in NYC, oozes confidence and charm. He is sex on a suit, under which tattoos are hidden. And he is a redhead! He has always been attracted to sweet and feisty Aurelia but has never been able to act on it because she is his best friend's younger sister. Aurelia is headed to NYC to go to law school. A break from her loving yet overprotective family. She is still seen and treated as a kid by her three older brothers.

Max and Amelia cross paths as soon as she gets into the city. It's an intense moth-to-a-flame encounter. They try to fight the attraction but... yeah, they are meant to be. I looked like a crazy person while reading it. So steamy that it made me blush, interweaved with hilarious banter. I would laugh and comment out loud to myself.

Rule Breaker is lighter, and it was THE perfect treat after a crazy month. The bar has been set up high, but somehow, I know Sandy and Crystal will deliver. I hope the following books are about Aurelia's brothers. They are a crazy bunch I would love to know more about.

[Ana Rita]

Everyone knows that I love to read, but that wasn't always the case.
I used to think that it was a waste of time but it only took one book to change my mind.
There isn't a single day that I don't read. I can't.
The name S.M. Quinn might sound new to you but behind that name are the fantastic duo, Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez.
These two have created some of my favorite books and now they are branching out.
You can just go and see for yourself.
Rule Breaker is their latest release and explores the lives of Max and Aurelia.
Max is a well-respected lawyer, hot as hell and he knows it.
Wherever he goes, everyone notices him.
He has had a crush on Aurelia but the bro-code forbids him to pursue her since she's his best friend's little sister.
Now, she's closer to him and...
Aurelia is fed up with being treated as the family baby. She wants to be someone, to become a lawyer and study away from home. When she gets to the big city to study...
Why... Why did it have to end so freaking fast?
It's so not fair... Not fair at all...
Amazing plot, very well written, super engaging, sweet, and hot.
The story progressed smoothly and I couldn't stop reading it.
It was one fantastic chapter after the other and the need to know more was so high that I couldn't stop.
The characters worked perfectly with each other and you can feel the love and the desire they shared.I've laughed so hard in some scenes...
Her brothers are hilarious.
And the hot stuff... Lord have mercy.
The classroom scene... Hot...
It was a quick story with so many feelings into it.
Guys, I've read this book in one sitting. Honest to God, I couldn't stop reading.
Loved it so much.
S. M. Quinn, what brother are you writing about next?
Can I ask it to be about Amos? I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog)]

KC Rating: 4.5🍁 /🌶

This was a short and sweet read that I enjoyed immensely! There's a plot, there's spice and there's everything that you'd want! Age gap? You got it! Best friend's sister? You got it! Supportive family? You got it! Overprotective brother for the female lead? You heard me right, you've got it!

The story follows Aurelia and Max, and their unrequited feelings in the beginning that once they meet again they can't be stopped and they just have to give in! It was a warm story, which enough doze of comedy, love, spice and family drama that you just can't stop reading!

I loved both Max and Aurelia, I would have preferred to read about that one moment when Max finally stopped looking at Aurelia as a kid, and hence started to distance himself, but I anyway fully enjoyed the story!

It was also so nice to read about a normally functioning family in a long while, so that's been a like a breath of fresh air! Overall, it was an awesome story that I highly recommend reading once it's available on 2 Nov!

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Connect with me!

[Gretchen Calder]

This is the first book written by the new pen name of Daniels and Sandy Alvarez the writing team is amazing. S. M. Quinn has such a way of writing. This book pulled me in right away. The way the book was written and the detail and story line I could see the book play out in front of me. Max and Aurelia grew up in the same town. Infact he was best friends with her older brother. But when Aurelia moves thousands of miles away for law school we watch as Max and Aurelia find their happy ever after. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the funny moments and the swoon worthy moments. The protectiveness the Aurelia’s brothers had was so awesome. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this book. This book has it all. The family who is always there for each other. The chemistry between two is off the chart. So much detail and story building and the side character’s stories was awesome cause it gave us characters to enjoy. The book is just Mac and Aurelia’s story but you have side stories as well which pulls you in. This book has the laughs the protective nature I highly recommend this book.

[One Loves Reading]

"You've always gone out of your way to help people. I love that about you" ~ Aurelia

Max & Aurelia is a age gap, forbidden and work place romance. Welcome to the law of LOVE where the scales are not quiet balance 💙 ⚖️

Max is best friends with Aiden a.k.a Aurelia big brother and he practice law too. Now Max stops talking to Aurelia out of the blue for no reason and we finally found out why...no spoilers
LOVE that his friend Barry can she that she was the one for Max ❤️

Aurelia is head strong and she wants to spread her wings outside home town and study law like her family. I love her brother's and I hope one day they get a story of their own 🙏

Max & Aurelia are opportunities attract and he is a experienced and she is still learning. She doesn't see that Max is telling the truth and he is not just saying cause she a family friend

This is quick and sweet romance. I don’t know how S.M Quinn mange to put so much in a short story. And I have feel in love with so many characters and I want to learn more about them!!

LOVE LOVE THE EPILOGUE CHAPTER 🤣🤣🤣

☆MUST READ☆

[Christi Baird Pergrem]

Wow, what a fun book! Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels are favorites of mine in the MC book world. Now they’re sporting a new name and genre and they’re still amazing! Quick, fun read, reminds me of another favorite author, Jordan Marie. She writes sexy MC stories and turns around and gives us the hilarious Lucas Family and friends. The sisters, writing under S M Quinn are creating that type of scenario. This book was light and fun, while still being totally sexy. I don’t know where they’re going with this but I hope they’re bringing along a whole group of folks that we met in Rule Breaker…wow! Loved Max and Aurelia! It’s always great to have a tough alpha male paired with an equally independent woman…they’re perfect! Throw in some crazy friends and an overprotective brother or two…make that three…and you’ve got a wonderful read! Good job ladies, I look forward to what comes out next!

[KC. Poitras]

Aurelia and max needed no details
written about their growing up next door to each other! Quinn, did such a fantastic job at building these two characters there’s no way you don’t physically feel their history or the tension between them as they admit to themselves the desire they hold for the other!

I immediately feel in love wit Aurelia’s and her family! Three protective brothers, loving parents.. and Max with his family followed suit. A wonderful story of small town Nebraska families, children spreading their wings and adventure to the big apple to follow their dreams, at different times.

Though it didn’t take long for Aurelia and Max’s chemistry to boil. Character development was so beautifully done, as well as scenes I felt as if I was there and could not only see but feel time unfold.

I loved the humor within the story as well and would highly recommend to anyone loving a true romance with some smokin hot spice to go along with it!

[Wendy Livingstone]

A new pen name but the work is just as amazing. Max is a workaholic lawyer, who is asked to speak at a seminar for a prestigious New York law firm. Aurelia is the youngest in her family, and has leads a sheltered life, which is why she wants to spread her wings and attend a law school far from home. Aurelia has had a crush on her older brother’s best friend Max, and now seeing him again the sparks fly. The chemistry between these two is explosive and undeniable, and they complement each other perfectly. This is a well written story which is sweet, and with overprotective brothers, humor, witty banter, friendships, family, an age gap, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Clara Atkinson]

Rule Breaker is Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels 1st book under their new genre and pen name S. M. Quinn. I must say it doesn't matter what name they use their writing is exceptional no matter what the storyline is about.
Max and Aurelia is an age gap, best friend's sister, office romance all rolled into one. They are both strong, fiesty, sexy and passionate and love their families. You can't help but love the back and forth banter between them. This is a sweet romance with wonderful characters that I hope will lead to more books.
You don't want to miss out on this book it goes live on November 2.
I received a free ARC from the authors and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Barbara]

The first book by S.M. Quinn, one of my favorite author team new Pen Name, is out and boy is it a dandy. The storyline is full of fun, sass and life experiences that are very realistic. This is a fast paced romantic read that had me smiling throughout. It’s an age gap, best friend’s sister RomCom with our lead female, Aurelia, dealing with four overprotective men in her life (her Dad and 3 older brothers) and our lead male, Max, dealing with how to watch over his best friend’s sis when he’s secretly desired her for years, a sisters who like to but in his life. The chemistry between Aurelia and Max is hot and their night’s hotter. I hope the author has plans for more from these two families. I know I’ll be watching the shelves for sure.

I Highly Recommend - 2 Thumbs Up

[Leslee]

Max and Aurelia's story was absolutely adorable! Max is Aurelia's brother's best friend, they have known each other all their lives. But when she grew up, Max suddenly kept his distance. Now she is off to law school, far from their home in Nebraska. New York is her destination, determined to get out from under her protective father and brothers. She never expected to run into Max and suddenly he is closer than she could have ever dreamed. Their chemistry, her personality and his confidence just hit the sweet spot. A gloriously entertaining romance that I couldn't put down, I have to give Aurelia and Max 6 stars!

[Heather Chaotic Creatives]

What an amazing beginning for this writing duo.
What a cute quick read that will have you salivating for more. Max is a hard worker who has made a name for himself in New York. Imagine his surprise when he is helping a friend out he runs into his best friend’s little sister. A young woman who has held his attention far longer than he cares to think. Aurelia is a beautiful young lady who is looking to spread her wings and fly. The fact that she is spreading her wings in the town her crush has lived in for the past decade is just a happy little coincidence.
I loved getting to know these two and I am hoping we get more form the secondary characters.

[The Lushy Reader]

Such a fun, quick romance where small town meets big city. A touch of the forbidden - brothers best friends, age-gap - with some hot alpha vibes and a sweetheart. This little novella was jam-packed with everything I love in a romance.

Max and Aurelia are adorable. Their chemistry is undeniable and with the backdrop of New York City, they get the chance to explore their feelings. Although Max is pretty alpha from day one. And I love it!!

Aside from them, the supporting characters are a hoot. They’re fun and remind me how important family is.

A must read!

[Clare]

A brand new book for a brand new pen name...a story of childhood friends and a plethora of emotions.
Aurelia feels like she needs to move away from overbearing family members,to pursue her dreams of law and this pushes her back into the path of Max. Sure they see each other at family occasions,but his feelings have never ever changed...and they only grow stronger when he sets his sights on her again. This is a fast paced story full of want,family and a love which was thought to have been forbidden,but nothing stands in their way of making their world complete! Can't wait for more!

[Read All About It]

A new pen name and a different kind of story but still just as amazing as all there books.

Max is a workaholic he has no time for a relationship.

I become engrossed with the words of the song. It's about the conflict of a man who falls in love with a woman he deems unattainable and the war within his soul to fight wanting what he shouldn't. It hits too close to home, and I start thinking about her, becoming consumed by feelings I shouldn't.

Aurelia has had a crush on Max since they were young but as her brothers best friend he’s never shown any interest in her until now.

"That's my girl," I murmur.

This short story is sweet and oh so sexy. This new persona of these two sisters is totally different from what they usually write but sometimes different turns out to be so good you can’t wait for more.

[Suzanne]

This is one of those fast paced stories that will keep you on your toes with all the swoon and some spice to heat things up. I loved that this was a brother’s best friend story but not your usual one. Having been crushing on each other without knowing, the connection between both Max and Aurelia. Having been in each other’s lives for so long, seeing things bloom was beautiful to read. The wit and banter plus how fiercely protective Max is of Aurelia was perfection. Great start to the pen name of one of my favorite duos!

[Surrender2silk]

Aurelia Is ready for college. She wants to go to New York. Where she will start a new chapter in her like. Being the only girl in the family, her dad and brothers are ready to loose there mind. Max is her older brother best friend who lives in New York. She has had a crush on my like forever. Now that’s she’s in his class .she’s ready to make a move. Max has had a thing for Aurelia. He could never cross that line. Now Aurelia I’m in his city and in reach. Now it’s up to max to make her see they where meant to be. Super cute story.

[Robin]

I loved this fun, flirty side of the writing duo of Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels. I really enjoyed this age gap, best friend's sister novella. The chemistry between Max and Aurelia is off the charts. The supporting cast of characters are loveable. The story flows well. I think it is great that these two are writing under a new pen name to differentiate from their MC series. It goes to show their writing versatility.  I am looking forward to more!!

[Paperbeautiful]

Perfection!!

This is a short and sexy read and I loved it! Read it all in one sitting! This was the perfect read to put me in a great mood. The banter back and forth, the sass, the swoon, the sexy times!! Yes!
I wish this book was a lot longer, I wanted more of their story!!

I loved Max and Aurelia's story!! The age gap, older brother's best friends, year long crush. All of it was amazing.

I will definitely be reading more from this author!!

[Ashley Carr, LSoR]

I just had to pick up this book because it was by one of my favorite authors under another pen name. Max and Aurelia basically grew up together because he was her brother‘s best friend. When she started growing up he kept his distance and that hurt her. Now that she’s in school in New York, determined to get out from under her protective brothers and dad‘s thumb, she runs into Max. Their chemistry is undeniable and they want to explore that. Cute story. I can’t wait for more from this pen name!

[the_disappearing_librarian]

Max & Aurelia!! Amazing!!

I love Max and Aurelia!! Let’s be honest, I love all of Sandy and Crystal’s characters…but this book was a very nice veer away from MC… I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! Max and Aurelia grew up together, he was her older brother’s best friend. The past few years he has ignored her, so she doesn’t expect to see him in NYC once she moves for law school.

[Christy Hughes]

Rule Breaker is a really fun read!! Great characters!! Hoping this book will lead to others so we can get to know the other characters. Max and Aurelia are fantastic. Sexy, witty, strong hero and heroine. Great match for each other. Lots of sparks in this younger/older girl/boy next door story!! Buy it now you won’t be disappointed!!

[Linda]

What a great novella to get started; I hope!

Max and Aurelia have know each other forever, but, Max was older and her brother's friend.

Nothing could come of it.

Until, they meet again in NYC!

Aurelia, though still the younger sister, is all grown up.

Will they?

Won't they?

Fun, romantic, one-sitting read!

Can't wait for more by S.M. Quinn!

[Stacey Goble]

This is a new genre by Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alveraz under their new pen name.
It obtains all the ingredients for a fast paced romance; Older brothers Best friends, age gap, unrequited love and Alpha, over the top males. This book is a definite must read. I cannot wait for the next book in what looks to be a great series 😍