A sweet and sassy friends-to-lovers romance... One summer. Two best friends. Blurred lines. Ceci is comfortable. Never mind that she’s the last person in her family to find their calling, or the fact that she’s convinced she’ll never find her true purpose in life. She’s got her family and her best friend, and that’s all she needs. Right? So then what is this constant nagging feeling that she’s being left behind? Or the uncontrollable warmth of emotion she feels every time she’s around her best friend? Whatever it is she’s being forced to figure it out all before the end of the year on her father’s command. Now with a sudden deadline and the mounting pressure of expectation from her family, she’s got six months to figure out both her professional passions and her feelings for her best friend before she loses everything she didn’t even know she had. But she won’t let that happen. She refuses to be left behind. And she can’t like her best friend…like that. Because that’s against the rules. Rules of Association is the second book in a series of interconnected standalone novels following two billionaire families and the bonds that tie them. Content This book deals with varying emotional and physical topics that might be sensitive to certain audiences. Please be mindful of themes and instances This content is for individuals 18+
Another great book for the seaside mergers series!!!
This book follows the “secret friendship” between Ceci Fernandez and Conor Ferguson. Both of them are being shoved into careers/ choices that they don’t want to do and are having a hard time with those developments but leaning on each other and having each others backs is something they can always count on! Getting to see the development of not only their personal careers and passions but also their love for each other and whether they should cross that line or not has me soo hooked. I will say that this is a SLOWWW BURN but oh so worth it! This is a grumpy/grumpy romance that will leave you swooning bc Connor is everything and his everything is Celestia 💗 “I always thought your name was fitting. I never understood why you don’t let people call you by it when it’s so clear that you’re heaven-sent. I always thought it would be a star or something, but no. You’re the sun, baby. Mine anyway” 🥹😭😭
I LOVED this book and I LOVE Ceci & Connor so so much!! Thank you for this ARC I’m so very grateful 🤍
Ceci being in her early twenties and struggling to figure out her life and trying to balance it with her family’s expectation was authentic. The growth of Connor & Ceci’s relationship was realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This was my first advanced copy book and I’m so glad it was yours, Dori! 🫂 I give it a 4.25 ⭐️
I anticipated this book so much from the moment I finished the first and I wasn’t disappointed.
I loved Ceci and Connor’s friendship because of the support system it shows, watching them navigate the challenges they are faced with and and then get together to anchor each other through it that and the quality time they spend with each other just nurturing the bond was lovely to read through
In this book I became so endeared to Connor my goodness he is an absolute sweetheart, one of my highlights is him anticipating her needs and making sure they are all met, he is thoughtful and kind and at some point I was upset because he put her first above and beyond and I felt she was taking more than she was giving but there is a portion where he says that he likes to do that for her and I realised it’s just how he shows his love for her, He is a “I won’t tell you, I will show” kind of guy and that is amazing, he is so reliable and just a constant soft landing and that is by far the greatest quality a love interest could have. I got frustrated by the ample times they had to voice out the emotion and they let fear and uncertainty lead. If I could change anything I would have had Ceci be the first to reach out (without the means she used to lure him back) because sometimes a guy like Connor deserves to have you leap and show them that you’re willing to take the effort I could be wrong but a call or a text to tell him you miss him whilst he was away?
I loved the declarations so much🥺
As a curious reader who always wants the book to go on and on I love that we get a loaded epilogue from them ❤️I love slow burns cause it’s lovely to see the closeness and feelings develop gradually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story was a really cute romantic comedy. I do think it could have been shorter. There was a lot of repetition and some of the conflicts were drawn out. I would have liked to spend more time on the couple exploring their new relationship and how their families reacted to it. Everything wrapped up within the last two chapters. Still an enjoyable read nonetheless.
I was so grateful to be selected as an ARC reader for this book. This was my first ARC and the first book I have read by the author. Thank you, Adorabol, I am so grateful. I thoroughly enjoyed Rules of Association. Adorabol perfectly set the stage for Conner and CeCi’s story. The Best Friends to Romance story is beautifully written, and she leaves no stone unturned in the development of their relationship. I love how Conner and Ceci loved and cared for one another. They were truly each other’s person. This book was definitely a SLOWWWWWW burn! However, as the story progresses, it is worth every page turn and she excellently delivers the ending that we anticipate haha. The character descriptions are phenomenal. I love how she took her time with details of the characters, and their lives, and beautifully tells the story. I will say Ceci is stubborn and I was yelling at her through half the book haha. Equally, I am proud of her commitment to discovering her purpose and passion. Now, I have to read the first book (Terms of Inheritance) so I can now reread this book! I want to write more, but hate reviews with spoilers, so I will say this- GET THIS BOOK! It is WELL worth it!
I waited for this book for the second seaside merger! 😊
Rules of Association follows Ceci Fernandez and Conner Ferguson, who we met in book one of the seaside merger series. Ever since Ceci and Conner met in the first book, they have a secret friendship for two years.
In this book we get to see the struggles that both Ceci and Conner have with their careers. While both have powerful family’s, they are struggling to find their identity outside of them. While we see them finding their voice amongst their family, we also see their friendship grow and bloom in to a loving relationship. Ceci and Conner friendship and relationship is so beautifully writer, from Conner expression of his love, to Ceci struggling and realizing that her relationship with Conner can change.
From the beginning of the book, Conner expressed his feelings for Ceci without fully grasping his feelings toward Ceci.
“I would never tell her this but she can be so sweet sometimes. Caring and gentle and sweet in the most natural of ways…my own honey. And I love it”❤️❤️
Dori, you knocked it out of the park with this book! Thank you for providing me an ARC of this book!
I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*ARC Read* Overall, this was truly a beautiful book. I can’t believe I’ve finished Ceci and Connor’s story🥲. I was hooked. I’ve been waiting for book two of the seaside mergers for what feels like forever. So I’m truly great full for this opportunity.
This his book follows a couple of best friends where he falls first but she falls harder. I loved this book because as a reader because even though I do LOVE romance but it was nice reading how they also found their identities along the way as they had they had many problems in there personal lives.
This was a very slow burn but it was with every bit of it. It made me go through so many emotions and made me feel conflicted and empathetic towards both characters. The patience shown and comfort that Connor gives Ceci throughout this book made me love him even more and Ceci strength as a person finally coming to terms with her emotions made everything feel full circle.
So, if you looking for a grumpy/grumpy best friends, he falls first but she falls harder slow burn, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. I highly recommend this book.
The way i’ve been waiting on book 2 of this series!!! The way Dori writes her characters it makes it so hard to not be enamored with their world.
Ceci is so naturally funny like she reminded me of myself 😂 her jokes even if they don’t seem funny had me laughing. I loved that she took accountability for just trying to ignore everything between her and connor
“It was so dark here without you, Con. There’s no sun when you’re gone. You’re my everything and my everything that matters. My entire fucking heart, and I don’t know if you’ve heard, but you can’t live without your heart, Connor.” - This quote right here did it for me, like i’m screaminggggg
Connor def was already in love from the first page. Connor literally couldn’t contain himself, I loved how he was her ride or die and she was his
I love that they’re best friends first because we get to see a whole different dynamic then what we read in the first book. The slow burn was OMG like so good and just flowed so well. This was such a beautiful read, i loved every moment of it
As someone who has been following Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz since before Terms of Inheritance came out, I was excited to get my hands on her next book. Friends to Lovers can be a hit or miss for me depending on how they are done. Rules of Association handles it in a way that really made our mfc and mmc be able to have it all. Ceci is a character I relate to well. Struggling to know where to fit in and what you want to do with your life. But I loved that, that never stopped her from trying. She’s strong willed and spunky just how I like my mfc’s. Connor the quite but fierce mmc always took Ceci exactly as she was. He was there for her whenever she needed him. Their friendship was so strong and I loved that. Some times with friends to lovers it can be one sided with either the girl or the guy pinning for years but not Ceci and Conner their bond as friends only made everything that much stronger. It was equal from the start. I can’t say too much more but highly encourage everyone to read this book. And if you haven’t read Terms of Inheritance get on that as well.
Connor and Ceci This book is a slow burn, and also a slow development of their relationship. But it is an enjoyable journey into their lives into their way of thinking and their chemistry makes you feel like you’re a part of the story like you’re an outside observer. I love that Celestine doesn’t overpower the book, but it allowed us to get a glimpse of how life is going for her and Ox.
I was not much of a fan of the FMC. She’s headstrong and stand for what she believes in, but she seems to lack maturity, little naive and self centered. But she grew on me with her wit, humor and feistiness. Connor is more levelheaded and down to earth. He’s the ying to her yang. Although, he knew what he wanted and was always present, he failed to communicate his intentions properly. This led to heartbreak and hurt feelings between the both of them. They are the epitome of friends to lovers and opposite attracts. I enjoyed their story and all characters involved. Side note: I love Paolo I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Oh yea, I enjoyed this muchhhh more than the first book. Miss author rlly popped off with this second book and I’m so excited to see how she her writing will evolve as the series continues (I hope!) 🥹
Now I’m not rlly big on friends to lovers BUT THIS BOOK 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾 let’s just say there were several times I had to forcefully put the book down just bc I kept catching myself smiling and giggling while reading (especially during the jealousy scenes—yes plural😙)
There were a few times of sheer frustration where I just wished I could smash Ceci and Con’s heads together and go “now kiss” but soo la voo or whatever 🤷🏽♀️ But in all seriousness, the bond btw the fmc and mmc was so well written and showcased through actions that u can’t help but feel how much they mean to each-otherrrr. The slow burn was so worth it (lots of angsty moments to keep u enthralled tho I promise!)
Now the icing on the cake? Ladies and gents Mr. Connor Fernandez? Let’s just say thats my man my man my mannnn . Instantly one of my top mmcs <333
Rules of Association is about Ceci journey in figuring what she want and how to meet her family expectation and that process is so realistic. I can see myself in her as now i’m still fighting with that struggle just as Ceci. And Connor and Ceci is like one of the couple really justify the trope “best friend to lover”, I love how they come from best friend to lover so naturally. I love them both as a couple as well as individual. I love this book so much. 5/5 stars for this amazing book. This is certainly not my last book from Dori. Thank you to Dori for sending me this ARC and I appreciated you a lot for granting me a chance to read and experience Ceci and Connor Journey. Highly recommend reading Rules of Association if you like: Fiery FMC Close family Slow Burn Best friends to lovers Best friend's brother He falls first and harder Hurt/Comfort moments Interracial Romance Secret Relationship
**ARC REVIEW** The first book to this series “Terms of Inheritance” was the first book I ARC reviewed this year and I loved it. This book is no exception.
Ceci and Connor are so easy to fall in love with as characters in a way that makes you root for them not only coming to the realization that they were made for one another but also throughout their own personal stories. The ways in which you see them both comfort and lend a shoulder to each other is endearing in the least and comforting at most. They would do ANYTHING to be sure that the other person is happy.
The first few chapters are a bit slow but it does give view to the personalities of both Ceci and Connor. This is a slow burn with not that much spice but I’m very sure that if you fall in love with characters the way I do you wouldn’t mind.
Thank you Dori for once again choosing me to read the second book of this series. I honestly can’t wait to read the next installment!!!!
This book exceeded my expectations all the way ! Let me just say I was an arc reader for terms of inheritance and I absolutely loved that book so I was even more excited to this arc ❤️
This book was best friends to lovers which is usually not my favorite trope but this was done sooo well. I loved the development of the two characters and their journey into becoming lovers . This book not only focused on their love but also family and each of them discovering who they are outside of that . Connor is such a good man and loved Ceci so much . Not only in his words but also in his actions . It is a slow burn so if that is up your alley this book will be perfect for you . I don’t want to give too much up but know this book was great . Do yourself a favor and pick it up you won’t be disappointed .
I liked this book. I liked and understood the struggles of meeting an unrealistic deadline to figure out what you need to do with your life before you’re truly an adult. So I understood Ceci and Connor. What was frustrating is that neither of them fully communicated. They spoke through looks or little gestures that then got lost in translation. Ceci was extremely dense if she couldn’t see that Connor loved her long before he said something. And it was 90% her fault that he left. Connor isn’t blameless either. He could have said something instead of giving her lingering looks. Also this book was so long (I don’t think it needed to be as long as it was)
Although the book is a little longer than I would normally read, this was such a well written addition to the series. I enjoyed how the author weaved the story together. Both main characters had some growing to do, and I loved how the author tackled that in the story. And I'm really enjoying the secret friends to lovers troupe. It was done so well in this story. Cici, I absolutely loved her character. She was strong (and rightly so, she had to be) but I loved her journey and especially her growth and learning how to lean on Conner. It was such an enjoyable read and I can't wait for the next book from the author.
I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
ARC Review - Do you love a slow burner , friends to lovers and grumpy to grumpiness trope, then this is the book for you. We follow Connor Ferguson and Ceci Hernandez love story, both of them are dealing with family drama and finding them selves career wise. The plot twist in this story will have you in a chokehold but you will be glued to the pages from the start. I honestly have a love hate relationship with Ceci and love the depth of Connors love. I highly recommend this book and you can read it as a standalone, so don’t worry, if you haven’t read the first book of the series. I still haven’t !
This book is definitely a slow burn but the payoff is so worth it! I loved the characters from the first book and I was excited to continue a different story of theirs in this book. This is a romance full of angst and longing, not a ton of explicit spice but what’s there is definitely sensual and passionate.
Aside from the romance, you also get to see the two main characters trying to figure out their place in the world and in their careers which is definitely relatable to me as a young adult. You also get to see Celestia become a stronger, more empowered woman and stand on her own two feet as the story progresses. I love these stories and can’t wait to read more from this author!
I read this book months ago and I still think about it all the time. I can’t give a super long detailed review because I will literally get emotional again lol but the way Connor loves this Ceci? I genuinely have no words. This book made me so frustrated at times with how they just needed to communicate with each other BUT it was all so so worth it. Out of all of my “book boyfriends” Connor takes the cake I can’t even explain the hold he has on my heart I wanted to insert myself into the book lmaooo. I loved the length of the story, I loved how deep their friendship was and in turn, their love. I will be reading this over and over for years to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I mean…WOW. It takes a special type of writer to be able to make us root for the FMC and MMC first and then as a couple. Ceci is brilliantly written. Connor is the man we all want as a friend and need as partner. And it really is just that, this romance allows us to need Connor as a partner and Connor + Ceci as partners.
I will say that the first couple of chapters are a tad slow, but after that, you will have to physically get someone to peel it out of your hands. I mean…I had to read the closet scene 10 times. My mouth was wide open.
I got the honor of getting this book as an ARC. I Absolutely LOVED Ceci and Connor!! Their friendship is elite and I fell in love with Connor right away. He is everything you could ever want in a book boyfriend. Ceci is hilarious and the book made you feel all of the emotions. I laughed, got angsty, sad, and so happy I threw my phone. This book is a must for everyone's TBR!!
Thank you so much Dori for this ARC and for giving me the opportunity to fall in love with Connor and Ceci! This will be added to my physical book buys ASAP.
I loved the first book so of course I had to read the second one! It’s friends to lovers which is a trope I’m usually not a fan of, but the way Dori writes it is perfect and I fell in love with it! I love a good slow burn and the banter between the characters was so good. This book makes you feel all the emotions. The first couple of chapters are slow and were hard for me to get into but after that I could barely put the book down. I loved both of the MC’s and their self discovery journey. I really enjoyed it and It’s definitely worth the read!!
A very cute slow burn, self-discovery, friends-to-lovers story! Ceci and Con's bestie energy and banter had me grinning silly right out of the gate, they're really so easy to root for. I like being able to see characters grow individually while supporting each other, as opposed to the "they fixed me" trope- we love healthy relationship dynamics! The burn is slow, but is by no means low when you get there, if ya know what I mean ;) Overall it's a fairly cozy read, good for a weekend snuggled up with a cup of tea!
ARC REVIEW: Thank Adorabol for the arc🥺🤎 4.5/5 stars. I think this is your look Connie baby!!!! I loved this book. I usually don't love slow burns but this was cute—the character development especially in Ceci. I found a new love when women in books groveling as well. Ceci still has a lot growing up to do. I am proud of my girl. Connor and Ceci are the true definitions of being friends and lovers. I can feel the friendship where I believe they will last after Epilogue. I definitely recommend this book.
As someone who absolutely loved Rules of Inheritance, I could not wait to read the second book, Rules of association!!
If you are fan of a slow-burn Romance, then this is the book for you!! My favorite part of the book is that not only does it follow Ceci and Connor growing together, but the book also focuses on the two characters growing as individuals.
This book had the perfect mix of emotion and comedy that left you wanting to know what happens next throughout the whole story.
Such a cute, fluffy read. I loved this book almost more than the 1st one! It brought such a warm feeling to me knowing that I had already grown to love these 2 from the first book and seeing Ox and Clem in here was my favorite! Along with all the other siblings. 💓 Bestfriends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and it was done perfectly. And Ceci is so funny, I love her character so much. Since book one, I have been obsessed so I was so happy to be able to read about her story this time and her finally having the love she deserves. Connor is such a sweetheart
This was the perfect slow burn in my opinion. I also read Terms Of Inheritance, and while I liked both, I liked this one more. I really enjoyed how intricate and detailed the characters were, especially when it came to Ceci and Connor's comfort with one another. She was never all sunshine and rainbows and neither was he, but that made them the perfect fit. Their insecurities and limitations were very real, she I think Adorable did a great job penning them all down. I also like her writing style, and I hope she continues the Fernandez/Ferguson series. Please give it a read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5/5) I am so excited and extremely grateful that I was able to receive my very first e-ARC!
“You know, as her older brother I’m required to say something like, ‘if you hurt her I’ll kill you’…” I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “If I hurt her, she’ll kill me.”
Connor and Ceci were fun characters and I loved how they had a great friendship foundation. All their shenanigans together were hilarious to read about. They both also just wanted to be people their families can be proud of and it was nice to see them grow and find their places in the world.
This book was not what I expected in the best way. It started off slow but gave you everything you needed to know about who the main characters were.
You ventured through the highs and lows of a slow burn (like seriously SLOOWWWW BURN, took basically the whole damn book) friends to lovers relationship. With only the two of them standing in their own way.
Dori takes you for an emotional ride that gives such detailed descriptions you can be completely immersed into the story.
Some parts you will read only to think oh! COME ON. Then go straight into awe 🫢 the next chapter.