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The Boys #6
Rule Breakers Fall Hardest
Once upon a time, Daire Hendricks was my childhood crush. He was always there, saving me from his annoying brothers. He was my rock, my safe place from my overbearing family.
Until he wasn’t.
Imagine my annoyance when we end up at the same university and I have to see his smug, too-handsome-for-his-own-good face all over campus.
Every time we cross paths, we spew hateful words at each other, so imagine my surprise when he seeks me out and utters the most surprising question.
“Marry me?”
He needs my help, and his solution is marriage. It’s a pretty big ask, but somehow, I find myself saying yes. We might hate each other now, but the benefits of this arrangement are worth it.
But what neither of us expects, is when playing house starts to feel a little too real.
Falling for each other was never part of the plan, but you know what they say about the best laid plans?
They often go awry.
Until he wasn’t.
Imagine my annoyance when we end up at the same university and I have to see his smug, too-handsome-for-his-own-good face all over campus.
Every time we cross paths, we spew hateful words at each other, so imagine my surprise when he seeks me out and utters the most surprising question.
“Marry me?”
He needs my help, and his solution is marriage. It’s a pretty big ask, but somehow, I find myself saying yes. We might hate each other now, but the benefits of this arrangement are worth it.
But what neither of us expects, is when playing house starts to feel a little too real.
Falling for each other was never part of the plan, but you know what they say about the best laid plans?
They often go awry.
550 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2024
747 people are currently reading
7987 people want to read
About the author
Micalea Smeltzer
87 books6,707 followersMicalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
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June 28, 2024Note to self: AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!
July 8, 2024
4.25 stars
I love a good marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers on top of it… Daire and Rosie’s story was so good! Add in Sammy; it was just the cherry on top of the sundae. I adore this series and I really hope we get another book in the series. I need a Luke book!
I love a good marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers on top of it… Daire and Rosie’s story was so good! Add in Sammy; it was just the cherry on top of the sundae. I adore this series and I really hope we get another book in the series. I need a Luke book!
June 30, 2024
Rule Breakers Fall The Hardest by Micalea Smeltzer
4/5 stars
Rule Breakers Fall The Hardest is such a great, sweet, kind and cute book. The book starts off with Daire asking Rosie to marry him. They were childhood friends and their friendship got shattered and ever since they have been enemies and avoiding each other.
Daire knocked up his professor and when he saw the baby he instantly knew it was his son. He wants to get shared custody and he needs to marry so he can prove to the court he has a stable home for his boy. And the only one he trusts enough to marry him is Rosie. He knows they won't fall for each other. And when he gets custody they get a quick divorce.
She reluctantly agrees. At first they bicker a lot. And Daire is consumed by fear and lets the fear overrule him. He makes stupid choices and hurts Rosie several times. But as the book progresses both he and Rosie grow a lot. And I absolutely loved their journey. First at getting friends again, then as parents, then it gradually evolves into love. It is a beautiful journey from start to finish.
I also love how parenthood is represented quite honestly in this book. How scary it is. And how little you know with your first child.
Minor spoiler alert in the next paragraph. I also love how Daire is able to voice he might be a stay at home dad in the future. That isn't always accepted in current society. And I love how that gets normalized in this book.
Another strong point was the eating disorder representation of Rosie's mother. And how Rosie's mother projects that onto her daughter. And the pain that comes with that burden. I love how it wasn't fixed in this book. But that it was portrayed as a true struggle throughout.
This book really is focused on the side characters as well. Bertie's story is set up beautifully in this book.
And I adore the growth and process Daire's friends went through.
It really is a book about love and friendship and becoming a first time parent.
I did miss more intimate scenes between Daire and Rosie. I don't mean that they all had to be sexual. But I did wish they had more scenes where they connected. The book was heavily focussed on the other topics and I missed them being at the core of the book. I understand that Sammy's story was perhaps the most important. But I wish Rosie and Daire had more core scenes.
Overall a really good, powerful and enjoyable book! 4 big stars from me.
4/5 stars
Rule Breakers Fall The Hardest is such a great, sweet, kind and cute book. The book starts off with Daire asking Rosie to marry him. They were childhood friends and their friendship got shattered and ever since they have been enemies and avoiding each other.
Daire knocked up his professor and when he saw the baby he instantly knew it was his son. He wants to get shared custody and he needs to marry so he can prove to the court he has a stable home for his boy. And the only one he trusts enough to marry him is Rosie. He knows they won't fall for each other. And when he gets custody they get a quick divorce.
She reluctantly agrees. At first they bicker a lot. And Daire is consumed by fear and lets the fear overrule him. He makes stupid choices and hurts Rosie several times. But as the book progresses both he and Rosie grow a lot. And I absolutely loved their journey. First at getting friends again, then as parents, then it gradually evolves into love. It is a beautiful journey from start to finish.
I also love how parenthood is represented quite honestly in this book. How scary it is. And how little you know with your first child.
Minor spoiler alert in the next paragraph. I also love how Daire is able to voice he might be a stay at home dad in the future. That isn't always accepted in current society. And I love how that gets normalized in this book.
Another strong point was the eating disorder representation of Rosie's mother. And how Rosie's mother projects that onto her daughter. And the pain that comes with that burden. I love how it wasn't fixed in this book. But that it was portrayed as a true struggle throughout.
This book really is focused on the side characters as well. Bertie's story is set up beautifully in this book.
And I adore the growth and process Daire's friends went through.
It really is a book about love and friendship and becoming a first time parent.
I did miss more intimate scenes between Daire and Rosie. I don't mean that they all had to be sexual. But I did wish they had more scenes where they connected. The book was heavily focussed on the other topics and I missed them being at the core of the book. I understand that Sammy's story was perhaps the most important. But I wish Rosie and Daire had more core scenes.
Overall a really good, powerful and enjoyable book! 4 big stars from me.
June 30, 2024
yeah no
rosie was alright, i couldn’t stand daire. he’s so stupid, so immature. getting his professor pregnant because he wouldn’t wear a condom and then asking rosie, his childhood friend turned enemy, to marry him to get custody of his kid… rosie was clearly in love with him when they were young and she had those feelings still when they started to fake date. daire was oblivious and it made it seem like he didn’t feel the same way, which to be honest, it did not seem like he liked rosie AT ALL. and then once they get custody of sammy, he’s in love with rosie without any development in between. they’re suddenly one big happy family
rosie was alright, i couldn’t stand daire. he’s so stupid, so immature. getting his professor pregnant because he wouldn’t wear a condom and then asking rosie, his childhood friend turned enemy, to marry him to get custody of his kid… rosie was clearly in love with him when they were young and she had those feelings still when they started to fake date. daire was oblivious and it made it seem like he didn’t feel the same way, which to be honest, it did not seem like he liked rosie AT ALL. and then once they get custody of sammy, he’s in love with rosie without any development in between. they’re suddenly one big happy family
August 22, 2024
this is so bad and gave so much second-hand embarrassment lmao but I needed something just like this, I was in such a huge reading slump, and now I’m not! Yay!
No, seriously, everything about this was cheesy and a little cringe (I think that’s the point with this type of book). The characters are boring and immature, and the story is shallow, it doesn’t have any character or story development, but only bad books seem to pull me out of reading slumps, sooo here I am!😁
No, seriously, everything about this was cheesy and a little cringe (I think that’s the point with this type of book). The characters are boring and immature, and the story is shallow, it doesn’t have any character or story development, but only bad books seem to pull me out of reading slumps, sooo here I am!😁
July 1, 2024
Enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience and forced proximity, what’s not to love? This is book six in the “The Boys” series, but can be read as a stand alone. I personally haven’t read any of the other books in the series and had no problem reading it. I really enjoyed Rosie and Daire’s story and now I’m definitely going to go and read the other books in the series.
July 3, 2025
Book 6 in Smeltzer’s The boys series. It had been a bit since I had read the last, but as the story progressed, all the friends names were rattling around my brain, and I was remembering bits and pieces of past books in series. That does tend to be a problem, with me in particular, with remembering past sub characters when a series gets too long. Could be just a me thing?!
I was really into Daire and Rosie and their second chance romance. They had a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe going too, but the hate was just misunderstandings as per usual in romance books. I try to stay away from books with a certain “surprise” in the plot, but I didn’t mind the surprise so much in this one. I think novella 6.5 finishes out this friend series so I’ll finish that off soon.
I was really into Daire and Rosie and their second chance romance. They had a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe going too, but the hate was just misunderstandings as per usual in romance books. I try to stay away from books with a certain “surprise” in the plot, but I didn’t mind the surprise so much in this one. I think novella 6.5 finishes out this friend series so I’ll finish that off soon.
May 22, 2025
I wish I could have the time I spent reading this book back. Genuinely so so so so so bad !! It was rushed as hell & the mmc was so rude for absolutely no good reason.
Also why was the author trying to make this an enemies to lovers but with no actual effort whatsoever?! The reason they ‘hated’ each other was so stupid & clearly they didn’t actually hate each other since it took one single conversation for them to decide they were in love.
The ‘marriage of convenience’ only benefited the mmc & yet he was so RUDE to the fmc for majority of the book. He didn’t even have an actual reason. He’d literally go “I don’t know why I’m being so rude she doesn’t deserve it it’s just that I’m stressed” and then continue to be mean to her. While she’s marrying him and helping him get custody of HIS child !!
Also the other small plot lines were either super cliche & sudden or super rushed with no depth whatsoever. I won’t spoil anything but the way I was laughing at the stupidity of some of the plot lines.
Fmc was also really bland. The author didn’t really try very hard when it came to building her character. It felt like she was only here to support the mmc and move the story along.
I could go on but I’ll spare this book from my animosity !! Overall I had a headache while reading this book & wouldn’t recommend. Seems like this author can’t help but write rude mmc's 24/7 so I think this will be the last of her books I try to read.
XOXO BETH 💋
Also why was the author trying to make this an enemies to lovers but with no actual effort whatsoever?! The reason they ‘hated’ each other was so stupid & clearly they didn’t actually hate each other since it took one single conversation for them to decide they were in love.
The ‘marriage of convenience’ only benefited the mmc & yet he was so RUDE to the fmc for majority of the book. He didn’t even have an actual reason. He’d literally go “I don’t know why I’m being so rude she doesn’t deserve it it’s just that I’m stressed” and then continue to be mean to her. While she’s marrying him and helping him get custody of HIS child !!
Also the other small plot lines were either super cliche & sudden or super rushed with no depth whatsoever. I won’t spoil anything but the way I was laughing at the stupidity of some of the plot lines.
Fmc was also really bland. The author didn’t really try very hard when it came to building her character. It felt like she was only here to support the mmc and move the story along.
I could go on but I’ll spare this book from my animosity !! Overall I had a headache while reading this book & wouldn’t recommend. Seems like this author can’t help but write rude mmc's 24/7 so I think this will be the last of her books I try to read.
XOXO BETH 💋
July 3, 2024
I liked the twist this story had on the young father/ pregnancy trope vibe that every series like this has but it kinda was just super basic. The story was okay but nothing really happened except for the fact that the whole story just magically fit into the main characters perfect outcomes.
Like they got everything they wanted. I hate to say it but it felt like the author was too lazy to make the book a little more interesting.
I don’t know guys the more I think about it the less I like it.
Let’s say 3/5⭐️??
Like they got everything they wanted. I hate to say it but it felt like the author was too lazy to make the book a little more interesting.
I don’t know guys the more I think about it the less I like it.
Let’s say 3/5⭐️??
July 6, 2024
DNF at 40% - Rosie has like -20 respect for herself and for other women to sit back and let Daire treat her the way he does, fake marriage or not. Only not a 1 star because it was entertaining at times but I can’t get past the shitty characters.
September 9, 2024
**DNF** (@ 72% 🫣)
probs spoilers, but yall need to understand why i needed to dnf
i’m also giving it 2 stars instead of my usual 1 bc i did like the beginning & got this far
i know i know i can already see it now “omg why did you dnf when you don’t even have that much left???” you want to know why? bc their fake marriage is already turning into a real one bc they were besties before they had a miscommunication & started hating each other AND they already have custody of daire’s kid. i already know it’s gonna be some big third act breakup where she doesn’t want to love him but still does but she’ll say she doesn’t but ends up crawling back to him & his kid (which isn’t theirs btw, very important)
i did start reading a different book to help break this one up, but then i ended up not even wanting to go back to this book at all. & i know they’re gonna end up together w the kid so i guess i didn’t see a point…? 🤷🏼♀️
idk, i was hooked in the beginning & then everything happened & i still have 25% left? no thanks 🙄
probs spoilers, but yall need to understand why i needed to dnf
i’m also giving it 2 stars instead of my usual 1 bc i did like the beginning & got this far
i know i know i can already see it now “omg why did you dnf when you don’t even have that much left???” you want to know why? bc their fake marriage is already turning into a real one bc they were besties before they had a miscommunication & started hating each other AND they already have custody of daire’s kid. i already know it’s gonna be some big third act breakup where she doesn’t want to love him but still does but she’ll say she doesn’t but ends up crawling back to him & his kid (which isn’t theirs btw, very important)
i did start reading a different book to help break this one up, but then i ended up not even wanting to go back to this book at all. & i know they’re gonna end up together w the kid so i guess i didn’t see a point…? 🤷🏼♀️
idk, i was hooked in the beginning & then everything happened & i still have 25% left? no thanks 🙄
September 10, 2024
I am really struggling on rating this book. I wanted to love it but I just never really connected to the characters or story. I think it's mainly because it's been forever since I read the other books in the series and my recollection of things is not great. I remembered Daire's drunken meltdown from the previous book and I recall how much I hated him and this book started off around that exact time and my opinion of him didn't really warm up much.
Rosie needed to kick him and leave him in the dust. Sure he was sweet and gave great swoon once he pulled his head out but it was just too all about him for too long and his grovel was lacking.
Oh well Luke's book is already starting off strong so let's hope this was just a blip and it will be back to my fangirling.
Rosie needed to kick him and leave him in the dust. Sure he was sweet and gave great swoon once he pulled his head out but it was just too all about him for too long and his grovel was lacking.
Oh well Luke's book is already starting off strong so let's hope this was just a blip and it will be back to my fangirling.
August 1, 2024
Such a disappointment this book is…
Tropes: marriage of convenience, single young dad, ex friends, hate to love, forced proximity.
What the hell did I read?
Daire from the beginning of the book is an asshole to Rosie. There isn’t much growth of characters over time. And the reason they hated each other all this time was just a pathetic excuse. There isn’t any apology from him for the things he said
Rosie at first i felt bad for her , but later on she felt like a lovesick fool.
They just all of a sudden expressed their love 🧐🧐
There isn’t much angst last 40% was just some happy family drama.
Don’t waste your time on this book.
Tropes: marriage of convenience, single young dad, ex friends, hate to love, forced proximity.
What the hell did I read?
Daire from the beginning of the book is an asshole to Rosie. There isn’t much growth of characters over time. And the reason they hated each other all this time was just a pathetic excuse. There isn’t any apology from him for the things he said
Rosie at first i felt bad for her , but later on she felt like a lovesick fool.
They just all of a sudden expressed their love 🧐🧐
There isn’t much angst last 40% was just some happy family drama.
Don’t waste your time on this book.
February 18, 2025
what a supreme waste of time
June 29, 2024
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖣𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖾
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖱𝗈𝗌𝗂𝖾
4 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘺 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘢 𝘚𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘳
Been waiting for Daire's book for so long and Micalea didn't disappoint.
When Daire finds out his a dad, he will do anything and everything possible to be part of his son's life, that includes marrying his enemy, but what starts off as fake turns real all too quickly.
Rosie, anger is all she has towards Daire, but when he needs her help she finds herself unable to say "NO", and soon they find themselves in a place where fake isn't so fake.
...this book, the emotions.
....you really felt Daire struggle, and his pain not having his friends help him navigate what was going on his life. He made some stupid decisions but in the end he really made up for everything.
Rosie, she found her self on the recieving end of Daire's actions and I truly hurt for her at those times. She definitely felt unwanted but Daire finally gets his act together and does his best to be there for her and Bertie, she really stood by her friend.
....falling in love was not part of the plan but these two fell anyway and it was amazing, also realising they lost years of friendship due to miscommunication was truly sad.
.....add in adjusting to parenthood, it sure wasn't easy for these two, but they did it and the love they had for "Sammy/Junior" was just beautiful ❤️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝙈𝙮 𝙒𝙞𝙛𝙚." 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 🔥
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Teddy ❤️ will forever be my fav in this series.
Bertie & Luke
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚 📚 📚 📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧 💧
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖣𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖾
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖱𝗈𝗌𝗂𝖾
4 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘺 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘢 𝘚𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘳
Been waiting for Daire's book for so long and Micalea didn't disappoint.
When Daire finds out his a dad, he will do anything and everything possible to be part of his son's life, that includes marrying his enemy, but what starts off as fake turns real all too quickly.
Rosie, anger is all she has towards Daire, but when he needs her help she finds herself unable to say "NO", and soon they find themselves in a place where fake isn't so fake.
...this book, the emotions.
....you really felt Daire struggle, and his pain not having his friends help him navigate what was going on his life. He made some stupid decisions but in the end he really made up for everything.
Rosie, she found her self on the recieving end of Daire's actions and I truly hurt for her at those times. She definitely felt unwanted but Daire finally gets his act together and does his best to be there for her and Bertie, she really stood by her friend.
....falling in love was not part of the plan but these two fell anyway and it was amazing, also realising they lost years of friendship due to miscommunication was truly sad.
.....add in adjusting to parenthood, it sure wasn't easy for these two, but they did it and the love they had for "Sammy/Junior" was just beautiful ❤️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝙈𝙮 𝙒𝙞𝙛𝙚." 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 🔥
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Teddy ❤️ will forever be my fav in this series.
Bertie & Luke
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚 📚 📚 📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧 💧
June 16, 2024
I don’t have the words to articulate how special this story is. Every time I pick up a Micalea book, I think “this is her best one yet” or “this is my favorite couple” and then I read another one and think the same exact thoughts. This one is no different.
I love marriages of convenience. I love enemies to lovers. I love it was always you. This was *chef’s kiss* perfection.
Daire and Rosie are goals. Truly. I love that Daire is ready to do what it takes to get some sort of custody of Sammy even if that means swallowing his pride and asking Rosie for help, years after not speaking. Thankfully, their miscommunication happened as teenagers so we got my least favorite trope out of the way off the pages!
And Rosie. She’s such a girls girl. She can pick up changes with her best friend even though her life is crazy busy and has so much respect for Danielle that she was 100% okay with Sammy not calling her mom/mother/any term besides Rosie until he calls her mama anyway. Plus, her diet of Caesar salad, fries, burgers, pizza, kettle corn and wine? yeah we can be friends.
And let’s not forget my girl Grace. EVERY scene she was in made me belly laugh. Cree had some good lines too.
This book is a big boy. I felt it was almost daunting to start but I finished it in less than 24 hours if that says anything (it should because I do audiobooks more than kindle reading)
I know this series is about a friend group but i’d LOVE a series of the Hendrick’s brothers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go read all the previous books.
I love marriages of convenience. I love enemies to lovers. I love it was always you. This was *chef’s kiss* perfection.
Daire and Rosie are goals. Truly. I love that Daire is ready to do what it takes to get some sort of custody of Sammy even if that means swallowing his pride and asking Rosie for help, years after not speaking. Thankfully, their miscommunication happened as teenagers so we got my least favorite trope out of the way off the pages!
And Rosie. She’s such a girls girl. She can pick up changes with her best friend even though her life is crazy busy and has so much respect for Danielle that she was 100% okay with Sammy not calling her mom/mother/any term besides Rosie until he calls her mama anyway. Plus, her diet of Caesar salad, fries, burgers, pizza, kettle corn and wine? yeah we can be friends.
And let’s not forget my girl Grace. EVERY scene she was in made me belly laugh. Cree had some good lines too.
This book is a big boy. I felt it was almost daunting to start but I finished it in less than 24 hours if that says anything (it should because I do audiobooks more than kindle reading)
I know this series is about a friend group but i’d LOVE a series of the Hendrick’s brothers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go read all the previous books.
dnf-2024
July 25, 2024this one’s on me .. i gotta stop giving this author chances
June 29, 2024
⭐️3.25/5 🌶️4/5 🍉19/20📚151/240
🇺🇸 This book is a huge disappointment.
From the very start, the male protagonist finds out that his professor, with whom he had a fling a year ago, had his child. But she's married, and her husband has claimed the child as his own. To gain custody, Dare sets up a lawsuit, and to appear more stable, his lawyer advises him to get married. Result: arranged marriage with his childhood best friend, whom he has hated for the past 8 years.
The tension and slow burn are excellent, and the forced proximity adds a lot of interest. The characters are great, and the hero’s dedication to his child is fantastic. They end up getting closer and deciding to try a relationship.
But at 60% of the book, plot twist:
Many initial conflicts aren't resolved, and the side plots fall flat. For example, the heroine’s body shaming issues with her mother are never revisited, and the hero’s older brother, who was in love with Rosie since childhood, isn’t mentioned again after they had a fight.
I’m disappointed because what I’ve read from this author before was really great.
___________________________
🇫🇷Après un début vraiment génial, le plot général de l’histoire a pris un tournant inattendu qui aurait pu être intéressant mais a fini par devenir ennuyeux. Dommage car la dynamique entre les personnages était superbe.
Le début m'a vraiment captivée. Les personnages étaient bien introduits, et leurs interactions initiales étaient pleines de tension et de promesses. J'étais impatiente de voir comment leur relation allait évoluer. Les premières scènes ont créé une ambiance électrique et j'ai adoré la manière dont l'auteur a construit l'intrigue.
Cependant, après ce début prometteur, l'intrigue a pris une direction qui m'a laissée perplexe. Les rebondissements inattendus peuvent souvent ajouter du piquant à une histoire, mais dans ce cas, ils ont plutôt eu l'effet inverse. L'intrigue est devenue confuse et a perdu son rythme. Ce qui aurait pu être un développement fascinant s'est transformé en une série d'événements prévisibles et ennuyeux.
C'est vraiment dommage car la dynamique entre les personnages était excellente. Leur chimie était palpable et leurs interactions étaient à la fois réalistes et engageantes. On pouvait sentir une réelle tension entre eux, ce qui rendait leurs moments ensemble très intéressants. Malheureusement, l'évolution de l'intrigue n'a pas su maintenir cette intensité.
En fin de compte, bien que "Rule Breakers Fall Hardest" ait démarré sur les chapeaux de roues avec une introduction prometteuse et des personnages attachants, l'histoire a perdu de sa superbe à cause d'un développement narratif qui n'a pas tenu ses promesses. C'est regrettable car il y avait un potentiel énorme pour en faire une lecture mémorable.
🇺🇸 This book is a huge disappointment.
From the very start, the male protagonist finds out that his professor, with whom he had a fling a year ago, had his child. But she's married, and her husband has claimed the child as his own. To gain custody, Dare sets up a lawsuit, and to appear more stable, his lawyer advises him to get married. Result: arranged marriage with his childhood best friend, whom he has hated for the past 8 years.
The tension and slow burn are excellent, and the forced proximity adds a lot of interest. The characters are great, and the hero’s dedication to his child is fantastic. They end up getting closer and deciding to try a relationship.
But at 60% of the book, plot twist:
Many initial conflicts aren't resolved, and the side plots fall flat. For example, the heroine’s body shaming issues with her mother are never revisited, and the hero’s older brother, who was in love with Rosie since childhood, isn’t mentioned again after they had a fight.
I’m disappointed because what I’ve read from this author before was really great.
___________________________
🇫🇷Après un début vraiment génial, le plot général de l’histoire a pris un tournant inattendu qui aurait pu être intéressant mais a fini par devenir ennuyeux. Dommage car la dynamique entre les personnages était superbe.
Le début m'a vraiment captivée. Les personnages étaient bien introduits, et leurs interactions initiales étaient pleines de tension et de promesses. J'étais impatiente de voir comment leur relation allait évoluer. Les premières scènes ont créé une ambiance électrique et j'ai adoré la manière dont l'auteur a construit l'intrigue.
Cependant, après ce début prometteur, l'intrigue a pris une direction qui m'a laissée perplexe. Les rebondissements inattendus peuvent souvent ajouter du piquant à une histoire, mais dans ce cas, ils ont plutôt eu l'effet inverse. L'intrigue est devenue confuse et a perdu son rythme. Ce qui aurait pu être un développement fascinant s'est transformé en une série d'événements prévisibles et ennuyeux.
C'est vraiment dommage car la dynamique entre les personnages était excellente. Leur chimie était palpable et leurs interactions étaient à la fois réalistes et engageantes. On pouvait sentir une réelle tension entre eux, ce qui rendait leurs moments ensemble très intéressants. Malheureusement, l'évolution de l'intrigue n'a pas su maintenir cette intensité.
En fin de compte, bien que "Rule Breakers Fall Hardest" ait démarré sur les chapeaux de roues avec une introduction prometteuse et des personnages attachants, l'histoire a perdu de sa superbe à cause d'un développement narratif qui n'a pas tenu ses promesses. C'est regrettable car il y avait un potentiel énorme pour en faire une lecture mémorable.
July 6, 2025
Holy Hendricks.
Listen, I’m not the type to lace up my skates and voluntarily skate into the “Surprise! There’s a baby!” trope, but The Boys series has been scoring all season, and I had to finish. To top it all off, this book somehow slid a puck straight into my heart.
Ruler Breakers Fall Hardest blends tropes you normally don't see together: former childhood friends, enemies-to-lovers, fake marriage, surprise baby from someone else entirely, and yet…it works. Surprisingly words!
Daire and Rosie were childhood friends. The two of them were very close until one day. Now, enemies, they surprisingly end up in the same college. Daire, the Mr. Popular that every girl dreams of and wants, has a reputation. Then there's an issue of him sleeping around with a professor. A professor who is married but is having marital issues because they are trying to have a child. Fast forward to the start of this novel, and Daire gets a huge surprise! It's a boy! The professor sorta of tries to hide it, but when Daire sees the kid, he instantly knows he is his. Jr/Sammie is a replica of Daire.
Now Daire’s skating on thin emotional ice. And apparently, he’s got one memorable night where it was the only time he never used a rubber and a married professor who saw his swimmers as a last-ditch fertility miracle. And now? He’s trying to fight for at least shared custody. And guess what? Marriage appears to be the best option to help him get custody, since things like this don't go fairly for single fathers. Single fathers who are also in college.
Enter Rosie! Daire's childhood friend turned into an enemy, or at least a hater, now, who then turns into a fake wife. Yes, she's always had a major crush on him for years, but that isn't why she is going along with the marriage. She agrees to marry Daire because she actually wants him to have a shot!
Watching these two unravel their history while pretending to be married was funny! There were moments of hate, love, humor, wanting to punch him in the face, and a normal couple's relationship, as well as arguing over getting groceries. Daire freaking out about what to get a baby, and the two of them having zero clue, trying to figure things out, which at times has them bumping heads.
I also enjoyed her clean freakiness of showering. Lol even when a spider walks by.
So, yes, while I typically avoid surprise baby plots, I highly enjoyed this one, and it could be one to reread from time to time.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Listen, I’m not the type to lace up my skates and voluntarily skate into the “Surprise! There’s a baby!” trope, but The Boys series has been scoring all season, and I had to finish. To top it all off, this book somehow slid a puck straight into my heart.
Ruler Breakers Fall Hardest blends tropes you normally don't see together: former childhood friends, enemies-to-lovers, fake marriage, surprise baby from someone else entirely, and yet…it works. Surprisingly words!
Daire and Rosie were childhood friends. The two of them were very close until one day. Now, enemies, they surprisingly end up in the same college. Daire, the Mr. Popular that every girl dreams of and wants, has a reputation. Then there's an issue of him sleeping around with a professor. A professor who is married but is having marital issues because they are trying to have a child. Fast forward to the start of this novel, and Daire gets a huge surprise! It's a boy! The professor sorta of tries to hide it, but when Daire sees the kid, he instantly knows he is his. Jr/Sammie is a replica of Daire.
Now Daire’s skating on thin emotional ice. And apparently, he’s got one memorable night where it was the only time he never used a rubber and a married professor who saw his swimmers as a last-ditch fertility miracle. And now? He’s trying to fight for at least shared custody. And guess what? Marriage appears to be the best option to help him get custody, since things like this don't go fairly for single fathers. Single fathers who are also in college.
Enter Rosie! Daire's childhood friend turned into an enemy, or at least a hater, now, who then turns into a fake wife. Yes, she's always had a major crush on him for years, but that isn't why she is going along with the marriage. She agrees to marry Daire because she actually wants him to have a shot!
Watching these two unravel their history while pretending to be married was funny! There were moments of hate, love, humor, wanting to punch him in the face, and a normal couple's relationship, as well as arguing over getting groceries. Daire freaking out about what to get a baby, and the two of them having zero clue, trying to figure things out, which at times has them bumping heads.
I also enjoyed her clean freakiness of showering. Lol even when a spider walks by.
So, yes, while I typically avoid surprise baby plots, I highly enjoyed this one, and it could be one to reread from time to time.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
July 16, 2024
'Rule Breakers Fall Hardest' is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you feel all the feels with them as they deal with big life changes.
Rosie and Daire were the closest of friends, up until high school, when they suddenly hated one another. They end up at the same college, but the disdain us still present. When Daire needs someone who knows him very well, someone that he trusts deeply, he immediately goes to Rosie. While she has her reservations initially, she agrees to help him.
I loved this one. Read it basically in one sitting. I laughed out loud and teared up at least once.
The plot is good. It relies roughly equal on plot vs. development. The pacing felt great for me. The writing is nice and smooth, and dialogue felt natural. The characters felt real, dimensional. Initially, I strongly disliked Daire. I found him to be a very immature, spoiled brat. I know he was dealing with a lot and had to remind myself of that. However, he grows so much and becomes an amazing person and partner. Rosie is amazing, so strong and confident in herself (for the most part).
It is a spicy read, I rated it 3🌶 but now I'm thinking it might be more 2-2½.
This is the 6th book in The Boys series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other 5 books, and I had no issues due to that, for reference. It's available now on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to @valentine_pr_pr and @micaleasmeltzer for the eARC. This is my unbiased review.
Rosie and Daire were the closest of friends, up until high school, when they suddenly hated one another. They end up at the same college, but the disdain us still present. When Daire needs someone who knows him very well, someone that he trusts deeply, he immediately goes to Rosie. While she has her reservations initially, she agrees to help him.
I loved this one. Read it basically in one sitting. I laughed out loud and teared up at least once.
The plot is good. It relies roughly equal on plot vs. development. The pacing felt great for me. The writing is nice and smooth, and dialogue felt natural. The characters felt real, dimensional. Initially, I strongly disliked Daire. I found him to be a very immature, spoiled brat. I know he was dealing with a lot and had to remind myself of that. However, he grows so much and becomes an amazing person and partner. Rosie is amazing, so strong and confident in herself (for the most part).
It is a spicy read, I rated it 3🌶 but now I'm thinking it might be more 2-2½.
This is the 6th book in The Boys series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other 5 books, and I had no issues due to that, for reference. It's available now on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to @valentine_pr_pr and @micaleasmeltzer for the eARC. This is my unbiased review.
June 30, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Rule Breakers Fall Hardest is the 6th book in The Boys series. I have only read the first book, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything and this could be read as a standalone. This is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers with a marriage of convenience.
Rosie had a huge crush on Daire when they were in high school, but he was completely clueless. They were best friends, but they had a falling out their senior year and now the hate each other. Daire just realized the college teacher he slept with had his baby and he is determined to get shared custody of his son. He asks Rosie to become his fake wife so he will have a better chance of getting custody. He thinks it will be a more believable story since they have a lot of history.
Daire's character irritated me at first, but he really grew on me as I realized how devoted he is to being a part of his son's life. I loved Rosie's character and how much she did to support Daire and his son. I also loved her close relationship with her friend Bertie.
I did think it took way too long to have a conversation and clear up the miscommunication from their falling out. I mean it was ridiculous, considering they were living together and around each other all the time. I was internally screaming....."Have a conversation already!!!" I also thought the miscommunication and reason for the hatred was pretty weak and not big enough for them to hate each other that much.
I did love seeing the day to day and how sweet Daire and Rosie were with his son Sammy.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️
Rule Breakers Fall Hardest is the 6th book in The Boys series. I have only read the first book, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything and this could be read as a standalone. This is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers with a marriage of convenience.
Rosie had a huge crush on Daire when they were in high school, but he was completely clueless. They were best friends, but they had a falling out their senior year and now the hate each other. Daire just realized the college teacher he slept with had his baby and he is determined to get shared custody of his son. He asks Rosie to become his fake wife so he will have a better chance of getting custody. He thinks it will be a more believable story since they have a lot of history.
Daire's character irritated me at first, but he really grew on me as I realized how devoted he is to being a part of his son's life. I loved Rosie's character and how much she did to support Daire and his son. I also loved her close relationship with her friend Bertie.
I did think it took way too long to have a conversation and clear up the miscommunication from their falling out. I mean it was ridiculous, considering they were living together and around each other all the time. I was internally screaming....."Have a conversation already!!!" I also thought the miscommunication and reason for the hatred was pretty weak and not big enough for them to hate each other that much.
I did love seeing the day to day and how sweet Daire and Rosie were with his son Sammy.
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
July 2, 2024
Daire and Rosie were childhood best friends who ending up having a massive falling out leaving their friendship in shambles . Now years have passed by and we find Daire in a pretty bad spot - he has just seen a previous professor that he hooked up with, carrying a child that looked just like him . Now Daire is ready to start the fight of his life to make sure he can have custody and rights to his child but he knows he needs to clean up his image . And that will start with getting Rosie to agree to enter into a marriage of convenience with Daire because she will pass with flying colors . Will Rosie agree to helping him get his child back .. even if it means marrying him ?
This was such a good coming of age story about a boy finally becoming not only a man, but also a parent . Daire turns everything around just so he can make sure he is the best dad to his son . It is beautiful to watch not only his relationship grow with his child but also to see just how perfect Rosie fits into their lives . I need to backlog the rest of the series as soon as I can .
This is book six in The Boys series and it can be read as a complete standalone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
This was such a good coming of age story about a boy finally becoming not only a man, but also a parent . Daire turns everything around just so he can make sure he is the best dad to his son . It is beautiful to watch not only his relationship grow with his child but also to see just how perfect Rosie fits into their lives . I need to backlog the rest of the series as soon as I can .
This is book six in The Boys series and it can be read as a complete standalone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
July 2, 2024
this book made me so happy, i was constantly smiling and downright giddy. it left me a swoony mess.
rosie and daire used to be the best of friends but along the way their friendship ended and all they feel for each other is hate. years pass and they find themselves at the same university and making sure they don’t run into one another. it all comes to a head when daire finds out he’s a father and desperately needs rosie’s help in the form of marrying him.
rosie and daire’s relationship was a bumpy one, but little by little they began to rekindle the friendship they once had. and seeing that friendship flourish to a meaningful and trusting relationship was truly beautiful. once they communicated and hashed everything out there was no holding back their feelings. their chemistry was electric and downright scorching.i absolutely loved the growth that rosie and daire made throughout the book. and seeing daire become a father and embracing that role was so heartwarming. also rosie’s relationship with sammy was so adorable. these three made such a beautiful little family.
rule breakers fall hardest was an amazing single dad, second chance and marriage of convenience romance that brought the emotions and left me swooning.
rosie and daire used to be the best of friends but along the way their friendship ended and all they feel for each other is hate. years pass and they find themselves at the same university and making sure they don’t run into one another. it all comes to a head when daire finds out he’s a father and desperately needs rosie’s help in the form of marrying him.
rosie and daire’s relationship was a bumpy one, but little by little they began to rekindle the friendship they once had. and seeing that friendship flourish to a meaningful and trusting relationship was truly beautiful. once they communicated and hashed everything out there was no holding back their feelings. their chemistry was electric and downright scorching.i absolutely loved the growth that rosie and daire made throughout the book. and seeing daire become a father and embracing that role was so heartwarming. also rosie’s relationship with sammy was so adorable. these three made such a beautiful little family.
rule breakers fall hardest was an amazing single dad, second chance and marriage of convenience romance that brought the emotions and left me swooning.
July 2, 2024
Rule Breakers Fall Hardest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Micalea Smeltzer
This story involves Daire and Rosie who were childhood best friends who end up having a falling out years ago and as the story begins Daire sees his hookup, a professor with a baby that looks just like him!
Daire decides to pursue custody of his son and the professor being married brings Daire to realize he needs to create a stable family life and knows Rosie is the key to stability through marriage.
Will Rosie agree to marry Daire for the sake of his child? Can doing so bring them back together? Will they get custody of Daire’s child and what happens next!
The story is a coming of age showing growing up, learning to take responsibility, saying I’m sorry and coming together and putting others first. It is a beautiful story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Micalea Smeltzer
This story involves Daire and Rosie who were childhood best friends who end up having a falling out years ago and as the story begins Daire sees his hookup, a professor with a baby that looks just like him!
Daire decides to pursue custody of his son and the professor being married brings Daire to realize he needs to create a stable family life and knows Rosie is the key to stability through marriage.
Will Rosie agree to marry Daire for the sake of his child? Can doing so bring them back together? Will they get custody of Daire’s child and what happens next!
The story is a coming of age showing growing up, learning to take responsibility, saying I’m sorry and coming together and putting others first. It is a beautiful story!
February 2, 2025
4.25stars/🌶️🌶️.5
June 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
💙 Marriage of convenience
💙 Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
After years of their friendship being broken, Daire needs a favor from Rosie. But it's not a simple one – he needs them to get married.
Even though they say they hate each other, it's clear they still have a connection and unresolved feelings. I really liked how their relationship developed. It was a well-done slow burn.
At first, I didn't have a positive opinion of Daire, but I think his character growth was great. Seeing him with Sammy was heartwarming. As he started letting himself get closer to Rosie again, he showed a sweet, protective, and even jealous side.
Rosie is a character I liked from the start. I loved everything about her. Her friendship with Bertie was wonderful, and I'm excited to see more of them in the next book.
Overall, it's a good read, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC!
🌶🌶
💙 Marriage of convenience
💙 Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
After years of their friendship being broken, Daire needs a favor from Rosie. But it's not a simple one – he needs them to get married.
Even though they say they hate each other, it's clear they still have a connection and unresolved feelings. I really liked how their relationship developed. It was a well-done slow burn.
At first, I didn't have a positive opinion of Daire, but I think his character growth was great. Seeing him with Sammy was heartwarming. As he started letting himself get closer to Rosie again, he showed a sweet, protective, and even jealous side.
Rosie is a character I liked from the start. I loved everything about her. Her friendship with Bertie was wonderful, and I'm excited to see more of them in the next book.
Overall, it's a good read, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC!
June 29, 2024
@micaleasmeltzer does it again. I am obsessed with her stories.
I have not read any of the other books in the series, and it did not affect the story at all, but now I really want to. This book gave me literal butterflies. 🦋
Daire and Rosie are perfection. The way the story progressed so naturally, it made it feel like I was there witnessing their lives unfold. Daire is the perfect cinnamon roll 😍 and Rosie, I love how faithful and loyal she is to everyone. Everyone needs a Rosie in their lives. And together? Ugh, swoon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I have not read any of the other books in the series, and it did not affect the story at all, but now I really want to. This book gave me literal butterflies. 🦋
Daire and Rosie are perfection. The way the story progressed so naturally, it made it feel like I was there witnessing their lives unfold. Daire is the perfect cinnamon roll 😍 and Rosie, I love how faithful and loyal she is to everyone. Everyone needs a Rosie in their lives. And together? Ugh, swoon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
June 27, 2024
It feels like it has (and probably has been) years that I have been waiting for this book!
All the teasers in the previous books in this series and finally, with this arc, I have finally been able to read Rosie and Daire’s story.
And it was WORTH IT!
Micalea smashed it! (insert multiple fireworks here)
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers was a great curve to their story. It really allowed them to be in a good time in their lives to be together!
The spice was literally an inferno! Multiple fireworks worthy… ;)
I really enjoyed seeing Daire development from being a player to a swoony father!
Thank you Micalea and Valentine PR for an advanced copy!! <3 <3
All the teasers in the previous books in this series and finally, with this arc, I have finally been able to read Rosie and Daire’s story.
And it was WORTH IT!
Micalea smashed it! (insert multiple fireworks here)
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers was a great curve to their story. It really allowed them to be in a good time in their lives to be together!
The spice was literally an inferno! Multiple fireworks worthy… ;)
I really enjoyed seeing Daire development from being a player to a swoony father!
Thank you Micalea and Valentine PR for an advanced copy!! <3 <3
June 21, 2024
5 ⭐️
Enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and a dash of a past together is the making for a 5 star book in my opinion, and Micalea did not disappoint.
This books pace was beautifully written and the characters are amazing! I adored reading about Daires character development from daddy *wink wink* to da-da. He helped Rosie get out of her head while in bed and showed her how to enjoy it which I really appreciated. The spice was fantastic as well. 10/10.
Rosie is such a girls girl and I love her for it. My bi girl heart loved her so much, and she was such a wonderful character. Supporting Bertie and her love for her family was amazing, she spoke her mind and helped out Daire from the kindness of her heart even though they hadn’t been friends for years. Also, I love how she took on a motherly role for Sammy while also respecting Danielles memory.
Thank you so much to Micalea and Valentine PR for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review <3
Enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and a dash of a past together is the making for a 5 star book in my opinion, and Micalea did not disappoint.
This books pace was beautifully written and the characters are amazing! I adored reading about Daires character development from daddy *wink wink* to da-da. He helped Rosie get out of her head while in bed and showed her how to enjoy it which I really appreciated. The spice was fantastic as well. 10/10.
Rosie is such a girls girl and I love her for it. My bi girl heart loved her so much, and she was such a wonderful character. Supporting Bertie and her love for her family was amazing, she spoke her mind and helped out Daire from the kindness of her heart even though they hadn’t been friends for years. Also, I love how she took on a motherly role for Sammy while also respecting Danielles memory.
Thank you so much to Micalea and Valentine PR for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review <3
June 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
I’ve read several of Micalea Smeltzer’s and haven’t been disappointed yet. This author has a way of making you feel a rollercoaster of emotions but in all the best ways. This was probably one of the more humorous books I’ve read of hers. There were parts that absolutely destroyed me, but also parts that had me cracking up. And the best part?? There was no third act breakup!! 🙌🏻
🌶️🌶️/5
I’ve read several of Micalea Smeltzer’s and haven’t been disappointed yet. This author has a way of making you feel a rollercoaster of emotions but in all the best ways. This was probably one of the more humorous books I’ve read of hers. There were parts that absolutely destroyed me, but also parts that had me cracking up. And the best part?? There was no third act breakup!! 🙌🏻
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