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Breaking the Rules #3
Cora Rules
"Sharp, sassy, modern version of comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter." Jayne Ann Krentz of the Hollywood Rules series
Cora Rule wants a career in fashion. Instead, in order to earn her inheritance, she has to work for her Dad's Hollywood life coaching firm, the Dooley Foundation, and she can't buy any new clothes for a year. Her first assignment? Help her ex-lover's wife, Vivian Gordon, rediscover her mojo. Cora's in serious need of a massage. And there's one N.B.A. coach who's ready to give her more than that.
Series
Amber Rules (Amber and Evan, full-length book)
Blue Rules (Blue and Maddy, full-length book)
Cora Rules (Cora and Trent, full-length book)
Gemma Rules (Gemma and Randy, a novella also available in installments - Valentine Rules, Wedding Rules, Bride Rules - the only "sweet" Rule story, as in no on-page sex)
Breaking the Rules (Jack and Viv, novella)
What other authors are saying about Melinda's
"Mel's an author not to miss!" Kate Douglas
"Melinda Curtis knows romance, sports, and humor, and she makes all three sing in Amber Rules." Eileen Rendahl.
"Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf." Brenda Novak.
"... this book takes you on a wild ride with Cora, the men she slept with in the past, their soon to be ex-wives, and love...lots of love...great story as always by Mel Curtis." Up All Night, Read All Day
Melinda Curtis is an award winning, USA Today bestselling author. She writes fun, emotional reads - sometimes steamy, like her Hollywood Rules series as Mel Curtis, and sometimes sweet, like her Harmony Valley series for Harlequin Heartwarming and her Bridesmaid series as Melinda Curtis.
Cora Rule wants a career in fashion. Instead, in order to earn her inheritance, she has to work for her Dad's Hollywood life coaching firm, the Dooley Foundation, and she can't buy any new clothes for a year. Her first assignment? Help her ex-lover's wife, Vivian Gordon, rediscover her mojo. Cora's in serious need of a massage. And there's one N.B.A. coach who's ready to give her more than that.
Series
Amber Rules (Amber and Evan, full-length book)
Blue Rules (Blue and Maddy, full-length book)
Cora Rules (Cora and Trent, full-length book)
Gemma Rules (Gemma and Randy, a novella also available in installments - Valentine Rules, Wedding Rules, Bride Rules - the only "sweet" Rule story, as in no on-page sex)
Breaking the Rules (Jack and Viv, novella)
What other authors are saying about Melinda's
"Mel's an author not to miss!" Kate Douglas
"Melinda Curtis knows romance, sports, and humor, and she makes all three sing in Amber Rules." Eileen Rendahl.
"Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf." Brenda Novak.
"... this book takes you on a wild ride with Cora, the men she slept with in the past, their soon to be ex-wives, and love...lots of love...great story as always by Mel Curtis." Up All Night, Read All Day
Melinda Curtis is an award winning, USA Today bestselling author. She writes fun, emotional reads - sometimes steamy, like her Hollywood Rules series as Mel Curtis, and sometimes sweet, like her Harmony Valley series for Harlequin Heartwarming and her Bridesmaid series as Melinda Curtis.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
490 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2014
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Mel Curtis
16 books14 followersAlthough Mel (who also writes as Melinda Curtis) has lived in Georgia and Texas, she's a California girl at heart. Her earliest memories are of life on an isolated 50-acre sheep ranch in rural Sonoma County, California. Picture rolling hills covered in brown grass, a eucalyptus forest, a long gravel driveway lined with plump sheep and no sidewalks. It was a big deal to drive into town on a one-lane road in a ramshackle, bubble-fendered pickup for an ice cream.
Flash forward to this century. Melinda lives in California's hot central valley with her husband - her basketball playing college sweetheart. With three kids the couple has done the soccer thing, the karate thing, the dance thing, the Little League thing and, of course, the basketball thing.
Melinda writes sweet to medium heat contemporary romances as Melinda Curtis and red hot reads as Mel Curtis. She loves writing romances about women who don't realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love - because, really, who lets the man have the last word?
Flash forward to this century. Melinda lives in California's hot central valley with her husband - her basketball playing college sweetheart. With three kids the couple has done the soccer thing, the karate thing, the dance thing, the Little League thing and, of course, the basketball thing.
Melinda writes sweet to medium heat contemporary romances as Melinda Curtis and red hot reads as Mel Curtis. She loves writing romances about women who don't realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love - because, really, who lets the man have the last word?
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 1, 2014
Check out my reviews at Sharon's Book Nook!
Copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review
Life Coaches, Basketball Team, Jilted Wife and Movie Stars! With this group of characters, there is never a dull moment.
What I liked about Cora Rules:
* The likeable characters. However, it did take me a while to warm up to Cora until the story reveals why she behaves the way she does. After which I had been able to empathise with her and obviously like her. Cora is broken emotionally due to her fathers behaviours and hides behind a bitchy facade until Trent breaks down her walls. Trent is an NBA coach and is a caring man even though he has a reputation of being less than that.
* There is an instant attraction between Cora and Trent, but the relationship that follows progresses at a reasonable pace.
* There is an interesting mix of people amongst the secondary characters. They are loving, caring family, supportive team mates, bitches and the emotionally broken.
* Steamy love scenes between Trent and Cora which are tastefully written.
* Cora Rules is nicely written, and the story moves at a good pace.
* Unpredictable.
* The author seems to have a good knowledge of basketball, and it was believable.
* There was never a dull moment of this story and I felt that it kept on track really well.
My criticisms would be:
* The book lacked emotion a little at first but it did improve as the story progressed.
* The story didn't wrap up as expected an there were a couple of holes left. Perhaps these are covered in future books as these issues relate to Cora and her siblings.
Overall, an enjoyable read from Mel Curtis with a good range of characters to keep you entertained.
Copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review
Life Coaches, Basketball Team, Jilted Wife and Movie Stars! With this group of characters, there is never a dull moment.
What I liked about Cora Rules:
* The likeable characters. However, it did take me a while to warm up to Cora until the story reveals why she behaves the way she does. After which I had been able to empathise with her and obviously like her. Cora is broken emotionally due to her fathers behaviours and hides behind a bitchy facade until Trent breaks down her walls. Trent is an NBA coach and is a caring man even though he has a reputation of being less than that.
* There is an instant attraction between Cora and Trent, but the relationship that follows progresses at a reasonable pace.
* There is an interesting mix of people amongst the secondary characters. They are loving, caring family, supportive team mates, bitches and the emotionally broken.
* Steamy love scenes between Trent and Cora which are tastefully written.
* Cora Rules is nicely written, and the story moves at a good pace.
* Unpredictable.
* The author seems to have a good knowledge of basketball, and it was believable.
* There was never a dull moment of this story and I felt that it kept on track really well.
My criticisms would be:
* The book lacked emotion a little at first but it did improve as the story progressed.
* The story didn't wrap up as expected an there were a couple of holes left. Perhaps these are covered in future books as these issues relate to Cora and her siblings.
Overall, an enjoyable read from Mel Curtis with a good range of characters to keep you entertained.
July 25, 2014
Cora Rules is the half-sister of Amber and Blue Rules who work for the Dooley Foundation, a company that their father built from the ground up, which was now theirs to run and make it a success just like their father wanted. Cora is very different from the other Rules, she has always been the odd one out, she wasn't the favourite and seemed to almost be invisible at times, then again having model for a mother and a father who loved her sister more would do that to you.
So it comes as no surprise when Amber and Blue tell her about the terms for her to gain her inheritance from her father's will, Cora will have to meet her sales quoter to gain her three million dollars in a short space of time and also so they can find out the other children that their father had which he didn't tell them about. Given that all her clients at the moment were all failing horribly at everything they do, she decides to work hard to meet her sale quoter, as she is going to need it.
Although, what she didn't expect was 'The Reverend' or Trent Parker as he is otherwise known, coach to the Flash and damn right pain in her ass. Having been hired by Jack Gordon who owns the team, she is trying to make it work, only Trent doesn't want or need her there, he doesn't need a beautiful woman like Cora Rules distracting his team or him for that matter.
Though, Cora's bitchy attitude and Trent being reluctant work with her seems to only add more fuel to the fire with every passing second, it doesn't take long for them to become something more. Cora has slept with a lot of men in her life, many of which were friends with benefits but with Trent it is different, it is almost as if he see another side to her, the sides she hid from everyone. They both have pasts, ones that they are not proud of but pasts all the same, some of them are more closer than others.
Cora has a lot of trust issues, ones that created walls around her so no one could get in, no one has ever been able to break down, until Trent. Before he came into her life, she was planned on meeting her sales quoter, getting her money and moving to Paris to make a name for herself in the Fashion world. Though, Trent is different from everyone else he see her how she wants to be seen and not like how everyone else treats her. Although, they both have different futures in mind, one that many not involve the other person. Life isn't always simple, both of them knew that, only they both need each other more than they realise and know that sometimes you have to make your own rules to get everything you want in life.
You get to meet a lot of important characters throughout this book and play a very important part in the storyline, Cora has many clients that she has to deal with along with Trent Parker. There is Viv Gordon, a woman who knows what she wants and will get it one way or another. Many NBA players that are part of the team that Trent is coaching, who are very different yet have a important part in the book. Also, there is Gemma who works in the Dooley Foundation, she is more like Cora than she cares to admit, with her bitchiness she could rival Cora most days. These are just some of the many characters that make this book an wonderful book to read and making it another great book to add to The Hollywood Rules Series.
Cora Rules is a book about family, the future, the past, love and showing the real you whatever the outcome. With its handsome NBA players, bitchy attitudes and The Reverend, you will not want to miss reading this amazing book that will make you fall in love with the Rule Family one by one.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Unique, Charming and Remarkable.
So it comes as no surprise when Amber and Blue tell her about the terms for her to gain her inheritance from her father's will, Cora will have to meet her sales quoter to gain her three million dollars in a short space of time and also so they can find out the other children that their father had which he didn't tell them about. Given that all her clients at the moment were all failing horribly at everything they do, she decides to work hard to meet her sale quoter, as she is going to need it.
Although, what she didn't expect was 'The Reverend' or Trent Parker as he is otherwise known, coach to the Flash and damn right pain in her ass. Having been hired by Jack Gordon who owns the team, she is trying to make it work, only Trent doesn't want or need her there, he doesn't need a beautiful woman like Cora Rules distracting his team or him for that matter.
Though, Cora's bitchy attitude and Trent being reluctant work with her seems to only add more fuel to the fire with every passing second, it doesn't take long for them to become something more. Cora has slept with a lot of men in her life, many of which were friends with benefits but with Trent it is different, it is almost as if he see another side to her, the sides she hid from everyone. They both have pasts, ones that they are not proud of but pasts all the same, some of them are more closer than others.
Cora has a lot of trust issues, ones that created walls around her so no one could get in, no one has ever been able to break down, until Trent. Before he came into her life, she was planned on meeting her sales quoter, getting her money and moving to Paris to make a name for herself in the Fashion world. Though, Trent is different from everyone else he see her how she wants to be seen and not like how everyone else treats her. Although, they both have different futures in mind, one that many not involve the other person. Life isn't always simple, both of them knew that, only they both need each other more than they realise and know that sometimes you have to make your own rules to get everything you want in life.
You get to meet a lot of important characters throughout this book and play a very important part in the storyline, Cora has many clients that she has to deal with along with Trent Parker. There is Viv Gordon, a woman who knows what she wants and will get it one way or another. Many NBA players that are part of the team that Trent is coaching, who are very different yet have a important part in the book. Also, there is Gemma who works in the Dooley Foundation, she is more like Cora than she cares to admit, with her bitchiness she could rival Cora most days. These are just some of the many characters that make this book an wonderful book to read and making it another great book to add to The Hollywood Rules Series.
Cora Rules is a book about family, the future, the past, love and showing the real you whatever the outcome. With its handsome NBA players, bitchy attitudes and The Reverend, you will not want to miss reading this amazing book that will make you fall in love with the Rule Family one by one.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Unique, Charming and Remarkable.
September 17, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this story. Cora has been basically forced to work for the Dooley Foundation as a life coach when she would prefer to be in Paris working as a fashion designer. As it turns out, she seems to be very good at being a life coach. When she meets Trent, the new coach of the NBA team the Flash - she has a hard time balancing her feelings and her work goals.
I really liked Cora. It was really easy to sense her inner struggles and feelings as she balances her past with what she thought she wanted for her future. Trent was also a very likable character and I really enjoyed how realistic his struggles were between his public persona in being a coach and wanting to be himself as well.
This book did a good job of standing on its own. You wouldn't have had to read the other books in the Rules series to be able to understand and enjoy this one - but they are all good so I would still recommend reading them all.
I really liked Cora. It was really easy to sense her inner struggles and feelings as she balances her past with what she thought she wanted for her future. Trent was also a very likable character and I really enjoyed how realistic his struggles were between his public persona in being a coach and wanting to be himself as well.
This book did a good job of standing on its own. You wouldn't have had to read the other books in the Rules series to be able to understand and enjoy this one - but they are all good so I would still recommend reading them all.
May 4, 2014
Cora Rules is such a great read. Cora has always strived to be the prettiest girl but when her father died, she was forced to work for a Foundation as a life coach. In order for her to claim her inheritance given to her by her father, she has to not buy new clothes for a whole year. Yes, a whole year. Her job at the Foundation required her to help her ex-lovers wife get back into the groove. Then she meets Trent and she has much difficulty keeping her feelings in check and completing her work goals. What happens between Trent and Cora? Does she get her inheritance? Is she able to work with her ex-lovers wife afterall?
Mel Curtis does a great job with this book and keeps you wanting more.
Mel Curtis does a great job with this book and keeps you wanting more.
September 23, 2014
Another great book in this series. This one is about Cora Rule and although she has to fulfill all her dads terms she doesn't have to always like it. I thought this story very entertaining, she's a wild and crazy chick that's for sure, I mean out of control chick..lol. This book keeps you on your toes between Jack, Viv, Trent and of course all the Rules...wow! Trent I loved his character and I loved the chemistry and love between Cora and him. Without ruining anything, this book takes you on a wild ride with Cora then men she slept with in the past and soon to be ex wives and love...lots of love...great story as always by Mel Curtis. Can't wait for more 4-4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
August 11, 2016
Life coach and Hollywood B**ch Cora meets Southern Gent and NBA Coach Trent. Sparks fly, rules are broken, lots of trust issues, smexy time, and neither one expects a relationship, or even love. This is a delightful read I highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2014
I loved Cora. I love all the Rules. What so great is that Mel Curtis has given each character/sibling such unique traits makes each one loveable in their own way. I love the humor, I love the interaction of all the siblings and I especially love how their father set them all up. It's hard to hate someone who can actually see what his kids need. Great Job Mel. Keep'em coming.
May 29, 2014
This book is so great. I was excited to finally read about Cora. She is such a strong woman and it was fun to finally get the background on her. Trent is the perfect guy for her. He was able to see Cora for the amazing woman she is. I love this series. Each time I read one of the Rule books I feel like I am returning to friends. I can't wait to read more!
April 12, 2014
'Cora Rules' is a fun, hot read. There's sports, celebrities, shopping, pets, fashion, and passion! This is a great story! Looking forward to reading what happens with the rest of the 'Rules'.
August 18, 2016
It took me a little longer to get into this story but once I did it was a very charming read. Cora is the half sister to the other Rules she isn’t the favorite and always takes a backseat to the rest of the family. It was a shock to her when she was told to gain her inheritance she would have to meet a sale quota with little time to do that. She steps up to the plate to work on meeting her quota when she runs into Trent who doesn’t make her job easy he doesn’t want her around he can’t afford for his team to be distracted by her. Man he sure can be a pain in her rear.
Sparks fly as tempters rise when these two come face to face. One gets an attitude when the other refuses to work together as a team. Things start getting hot as these two butt heads. With Cora trust issues she never lets anyone get to close but Trent has a way about him that gets by her walls breaking them down. Both of them have different things planned for their lives sometimes things do not work out as we plan. These two will have to make up their minds of what they truly want and if there is room for the other in their lives.
The author gives you lots of great characters that will play a big part in this story. There will be characters you will like, some you won’t and other you will come to like. I thought this was a delightful addition to this series. The plot is very good based on family, their past, and their future, filled with love. It won’t be long before you fall in love with each member of the rule family. The author gives you characters that pull at your heart as she gives you a few smiles at the messes they make trying to get by the crazy world we live in. I hope you pick up this series it seems to get better and better with each new book.
******************
Sparks fly as tempters rise when these two come face to face. One gets an attitude when the other refuses to work together as a team. Things start getting hot as these two butt heads. With Cora trust issues she never lets anyone get to close but Trent has a way about him that gets by her walls breaking them down. Both of them have different things planned for their lives sometimes things do not work out as we plan. These two will have to make up their minds of what they truly want and if there is room for the other in their lives.
The author gives you lots of great characters that will play a big part in this story. There will be characters you will like, some you won’t and other you will come to like. I thought this was a delightful addition to this series. The plot is very good based on family, their past, and their future, filled with love. It won’t be long before you fall in love with each member of the rule family. The author gives you characters that pull at your heart as she gives you a few smiles at the messes they make trying to get by the crazy world we live in. I hope you pick up this series it seems to get better and better with each new book.
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June 7, 2015
I WAS GIVEN THIS SET OF BOOKS FOR AN HONEST REVIEW AND THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION
CORA RULES
In this story you have Cora Rules who dreamed of studying fashion in Paris, then her father dies and she finds out some crazy rules left in her father's will, and it doesn't just affect her but her big brother and sister. The business is The Dooley Foundation....Life Coaches....and Cora,her half sister Amber and brother Blue and for them to get their inheritance. They each have to meet a preset sales quota (both Amber and Blue have met their's) but not Cora.So they assigned Jack and Vivian Gordon and their NBA Basketball team (The L.A. Flash) to her. Now that will include the new coach Trent Parker, so squeaky clean he's called The Reverend, and does not belief in life coaches(cults, he thinks they are), and babying his players. Cora's way of connecting with each of these people and others can lead to a lot of laughs , but she is usually right. There are lots of surprises and quite a few twist and turns as Blue and Amber try to keep Cora in the business and little bits of the will keep coming from the lawyer for the Rules to figure out like a puzzle.I do want to read the rest of the rule books and hope she someday decides to do more about them.
May 21, 2015
Cora Rule is living the high life until her father dies and his will stipulates that she is unable to buy any new clothes until she meets her sales quota for the Dooley Foundation.
Cora has always stayed away from serious relationships and has had low morals on who she has slept with, including the L.A. Flash owner Jack Gordon. Now Jack has hired her to work with his wife, Vivian, in an attempt to get her to say yes to a divorce.
Then Cora meets the new LA Flash coach Trent "Reverend" Parker who has his own ghosts in his past and does not believe in Cora's families philosophies. Has Cora met her match with Trent or will their pasts prevent them from having any future together.
I really like Cora yet have also found her very spoiled in the past. In this book you really begin to understand why she has acted the way she has and feel sympathy for her! I'm so glad that we are able to get to know her better and I can't wait for the next one!!
Cora has always stayed away from serious relationships and has had low morals on who she has slept with, including the L.A. Flash owner Jack Gordon. Now Jack has hired her to work with his wife, Vivian, in an attempt to get her to say yes to a divorce.
Then Cora meets the new LA Flash coach Trent "Reverend" Parker who has his own ghosts in his past and does not believe in Cora's families philosophies. Has Cora met her match with Trent or will their pasts prevent them from having any future together.
I really like Cora yet have also found her very spoiled in the past. In this book you really begin to understand why she has acted the way she has and feel sympathy for her! I'm so glad that we are able to get to know her better and I can't wait for the next one!!
May 25, 2015
Cora Rules by Mel Curtis is the third book in The Hollywood Rules series. Cora Rules is just trying to meet her quota. She's doing her time in the family business and then she's out of here, but her plans change when she meets Trent the head coach for the NBA team that Cora is the life coach for. Trent is all about rules and Cora not only bends the rules she breaks them whenever it best meets her needs. As things heat up between Trent and Cora they both realize that their way isn't always the best way especially when it comes to their relationship.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions and mine and mine alone.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions and mine and mine alone.
May 27, 2015
Cora Rules by Mel Curtis
This third book in the Hollywood Rules Series focuses on the Cora Rules character. This book provides the story of Jack and Vivian from another perspective that is not told in previous books. While the other books provide the ending, this book gives the details in the context of learning about Cora. It is a fast paced, high charged, emotional book. All the emotions are well written into the context of a journey into the past that turns into a discovery of what is needed for developing a wholeness for a healthy productive relationship and life. The trueness of the characters shine in this insightful book. I would highly recommend it.
This third book in the Hollywood Rules Series focuses on the Cora Rules character. This book provides the story of Jack and Vivian from another perspective that is not told in previous books. While the other books provide the ending, this book gives the details in the context of learning about Cora. It is a fast paced, high charged, emotional book. All the emotions are well written into the context of a journey into the past that turns into a discovery of what is needed for developing a wholeness for a healthy productive relationship and life. The trueness of the characters shine in this insightful book. I would highly recommend it.
May 18, 2015
This is a great summer read. I love the characters and the interplay between them. Cora is forced to work for the family foundation, literally from beyond the grave, as a condition of her father's will. She would rather do almost anything but work there, but agrees because $3 million hangs in the balance. Spunky and full of life and sarcasm, she immediately catches the eye of the new basketball coach. What follows is an entertaining contemporary romance with a twist.
May 24, 2015
Trent is known as the Reverend. He feels he has to keep up appearances and he does not want to get mixed up with Cora. She could blow it all for him. Cora doesn't believe in love and has so many hangups about her family. She doesn't want to get mixed up with someone so old fashioned. They have both been let down by their families and it is really hard to trust anyone. At some point they are going to have to let go of old dreams and hurts so they can learn to trust and love.
May 24, 2015
Most of the books I have read by Mel Curtis are the sweet romances she write under Melinda Curtis. As Mel, she writes more hot, sexy reads. I think she does both pretty well. Even though I found Cora Rules to be a little slow at the start, the whole story evolved very well. I have not read the first two books in the Hollywood Rules series but I did not feel as if I was missing out on any information. It can be read as a standalone. I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series though.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews