Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage

by Rebecca Reid

'A dream of a humour, warm, fun characters and a story I stayed up all night for. I loved it!' Lucy Vine, author of Seven Exes

'Refreshing and original… a real life love story about what happens after the happy ever after. I loved it!' Bianca Gillam, author of Bad Publicity

It looks like Jessica and Jack have it all. Their social media accounts show them glamorous, happy and sickeningly in love. They even landed a book deal to share their seven rules for a perfect marriage – an instant bestseller, of course.

But behind the scenes it's not so simple. Jessica is determined to make a success of her business and has stopped making time for Jack. Meanwhile Jack is learning that he hates the life of an Instagram husband.

In a bid to reboot their relationship, they decide to go back to basics and follow their own rules. But they're about to learn that there is simply no such thing as perfect, and, in fact, there might be a lot more to making a marriage work than just following the rules…

Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage is a funny and poignant celebration of long-term love, asking what happens when Happily Ever After doesn't always look so happy.

Readers love Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage...
'The humour throughout this book was so relatable' ****
'I was completely hooked from chapter one' ****
'I highly suggest adding this to your TBR' ****

Genres: Romance, Fiction

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2025

Reviews

[❋ Booked Out Today ❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage by Rebecca Reid
★★★★

It is rare to come across a book about a married couple. Let’s keep love stories alive. This was an easy read with a simple and steady plot.

The relationship between Jessica and Jack was interesting but at times I questioned why they were even together. I liked the flashing back and forth in time to show the development of the relationship.

The ending was a little unfinished and not memorable.

I appreciate reading about a married couple and I really wished there were more books out there that did, but this just fell a little short to be a 5 star read.

Thank you Bloomsbury for an ARC copy.

[Brogan Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly provided with a copy of this by Bloomsbury back in the summer, but initially didn’t gravitate to it because I thought it might be a bit too close to home. We’re a content-creator couple like Jessica and Jack, and a lot of the storytelling feels accurate to the behind-the-scenes of what that can look like sometimes. I usually cringe at characters who are influencers, but this was done so well.

It was refreshing to read a story from the perspective of a married couple for a change. I enjoyed the dual POV and timeline, and thought many sensitive topics, like infertility, were presented in a way that mirrored what many couples have to navigate. I enjoyed how it touched on all aspects of marriage, including blending families and how we change together as humans.

This is a very real, touching story. It's not about falling in love, but about how you stay in it.

I loved the writing style; it was so easy to binge (maybe my quickest read of the year?), but I was motivated by the fact that I needed one final book to complete my 2025 reading challenge, which I squeezed in on the last day! A great book, I’ll definitely be checking out Rebecca’s other books.

[Iqra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely unique and not ur typical romance book. It portrays some real struggles and challenges faced in life.

I couldn’t put the book down which was a big indicator that I was enjoying my time while reading. I read this in one sitting.

The main characters were very flawed and had a lot of work to do regarding their relationship. I loved that they were complex and not good or bad but a heavy mix of both.

It was depressing for a big majority of the book which was my only complaint. I still feel like there could have been a better or more detailed chunk of the book towards the end showing us the healthy progress in their relationship. I wish we could’ve seen them being happy for more than just the epilogue chapter. We were told it all happened and not shown which left me feeling a little bitter about reading and sticking with them thru their struggles but not really getting the fruit of all that patience.

I’m really glad I picked this up though because it was unique in a way I rlly appreciated.

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the ARC! ♥︎

[Ashli Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

TW: infertility, miscarriage, abortion, marriage struggles.

this book had me texting my girlfriend thanking them for the fact we’re lesbians together. If I wanted a straight romance with a couple who shouldn’t be together I’d just speak to parents.

in all seriousness, do you know how bad it’s got to be that I sided with the straight white middle class man over the female main character? because I did. I think these guys were genuinely the worst couple in the world and it was so ironic of them to become famous for having the perfect relationship when essentially what they did was have the worst relationship, give people advice on how to have a good one and then ignore every piece of advice themselves.

each rule they made was actually made because of lying or avoidance or miscommunication. I don’t think they ever actually had a conversation where they listened to each other and I truly think they’re so bad together it’s laughable. I binge read this hoping and praying they would mature up and communicate but left it staring at the floor in disbelief that couples like this exist

[tamikatalksbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher & Net Galley for the opportunity to read this before release ✨

I can safely say I was invested from Jack & Jessica from the very start! Maybe it’s because i’m a newlywed, married to my childhood sweetheart - but there was just something captivating about it all!

None of us know where our relationship will end up, and this book (in my opinion) perfectly represented the effort it takes to choose your partner and love your partner even when you both know something’s a bit off-beat.

In the end, you’re a team - which Jessica & Jack seem to simultaneously realise and forget throughout.

I was stressed OUT for both of them in the end; I was so invested and honestly didn’t know how their story would end.

The novelty of the Seven Rules and the retreat was actually quite fun & I enjoyed the throwbacks to other moments in their relationship when developing the “rules”.

Themes of infertility are throughout, and I think they were dealt with in quite a relatable way - particularly in how they can place unrealised strain on a relationship.

I genuinely really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from Rebecca Reid as her writing style is definitely up my street! 💜

[Deana Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was tough to get through. I can fully appreciate a story about long term marriage and the struggles that they overcome HOWEVER, all the main characters did was fight. There was maybe a total of 10 pages through the whole book where I felt like they had some sort of love for each other and from someone who has been happily married for 8 years now, it’s just not the right narrative for how the story was portrayed.

I really didn’t enjoy this one and read it all the way through only because I truly cannot DNF a book. Both characters were incredibly annoying and not very likeable. And the whole plot was just kind of bleh… 🥴

[Beth Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️This book was really interesting! I liked that it showed the true side to being in a relationship, but their poor communication was making me want to scream! I’m glad it had the ending it did and I hope they really did get a happily ever after!!

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book surprised me in the best way. It is not a fluffy love story or a swoony escape.
It is something far more grounded, and far more meaningful.

Rebecca Reid explores the raw edges of a long term relationship with unflinching honesty.
Jack and Jessica’s picture-perfect life isn’t quite what it seems, and as their story unfolds, we see the cracks, the silence, and the effort it takes to stay connected when life keeps pulling you in different directions.

What I loved most was the realism. The dialogue is sharp, the humour hits just right, and the emotional weight never feels forced. The format, broken down by their seven ‘rules’, adds a clever framework that mirrors their unraveling in such a satisfying way.

This isn’t about falling in love, it is about choosing to stay in it. About finding your way back when things go quiet. And that felt refreshingly honest.

I only docked a star because the ending felt a bit rushed. I wanted more time to sit in it, to feel the impact of everything they’d been through. But even so, this was such an insightful, modern take on love and all the messy, beautiful work it involves.


💑 Married Couple
📸 Influencer Couple, Insta v Reality
🛋 Therapy Retreat
🤱 Infertility Representation
💬 Dual POV

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage is a touching and thoughtful story that explores the relationship between influencer-writers Jess and Jack.

The novel moves between past and present with emotional depth, and the earlier scenes are particularly affecting. As a romance, it feels unconventional, focusing less on falling in love and more on what it takes to sustain a relationship over time, which I found a refreshing and interesting approach.

The book engages with some difficult themes, including fertility, miscarriage and the emotional strain of maintaining a public image. These elements are handled with sensitivity. I especially appreciated the exploration of loss and struggle, which gave the story its strongest moments.
That said, some aspects felt slightly underdeveloped. Storylines such as Grace’s relationship and the retreat are frequently referenced but not explored in as much depth as I would have liked, which left parts of the narrative feeling a little glossed over.

As with Reid’s other work, the writing is warm and engaging, making this an easy yet thought-provoking read. Overall, an enjoyable novel with a distinctive perspective on long-term love, even if certain elements could have been more fully realised.

[eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica and Jack have it all, as their social media accounts would prove; they even got them a book deal to share their seven rules for a perfect marriage. Except things are not as perfect as they seem, and in an attempt to go back to how it was, they try to follow their own rules.

Really different from a typical romcom, and definitely unique and very entertaining. It's such a compulsory read, I couldn't put it down and binged it all in a morning. The writing is great, and the story is so engaging, I was hooked from the beginning and I was so curious to see where the story would go. Both characters are flawed and messy, and they both had a lot they needed to work on, and watching them navigate through everything was really interesting.

Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rebecca Reid, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

A quiet punch to the heart. That’s what this book delivers. But in a good way that feels true and at some points will make you giggle.

Reid’s writing style is raw but elegant, mingling difficult truths about relationships, love, and the very idea of “perfection” into a narrative that feels personal. Her characters? Messy, flawed, and sometimes frustrating. Which is exactly what makes them feel real.

This book doesn’t aim to give you a blueprint for a flawless marriage, but it does explore what it means to keep trying even when everything feels cracked. It’s honest. Sometimes brutal. Always thoughtful.

[Tia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This couple just needed to get a divorce I’m so sorry. They were absolutely insufferable and it was so difficult to root for either of them, let alone them as a couple.

Thanks to Bloomsbury for the gifted copy.

[Stormborn Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Honestly, this was such a good book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and at some point, I even forgot I was reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to receive this ARC for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I first read the synopsis, I expected a typical RomCom about a married couple pretending to be the happiest people in the world while struggling behind closed doors.
And while that is partly what this book is about, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a RomCom. Instead, it takes a much more realistic look at the challenges that inevitably come with a long-term relationship.

That honesty is what I loved most—it felt so real, and I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know how J & J’s story would end. Though, I must admit I was expecting a different ending - not going to spoil you the fun 🤭

I’m really glad I got the chance to read this one, and I warmly recommend giving it a try. It’s a special read.

[Amy Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really intrigued by this book and the 7 rules, especially the first one - Go to bed on an argument (I initially that it was a misprint as I had always been told to NEVER go to sleep on an argument!)

This is not just a typical romance book but so much more and although it's fiction I have genuinely opened my mind and learnt so much from the 7 rules concept, and seen how the same experience you have with your partner can be seen from a completely different perspective, and how so much left unsaid or misconstrued can cause so much unnecessary stress and hurt.

It is written in a dual POV and dual timelines, following Jessica and Jack in the here and now - new best selling authors of their "7 rules for a Perfect Marriage" book release, and the challenges they are facing as individuals and within their relationship. It also switches timelines back to when they first met and up until present day.

I loved that the book is divided into chapters based on the 7 rules with each chapter having the dual POV/timelines explaining the significance at that point in the book.

I love how real and raw the book is, exploring realistic situations around love, family and fertility issues and that the ending is left open ended in terms of the fertility difficulties Jack and Jessica are having conceiving, as I feel if the book ended having managed to conceive it might take away from the challenges discussed as sometimes not everyone gets the HEA, but also leaving it open might still bring hope to people who are going through the same experience.

It has made me think very differently myself as well. Reading different perspectives between friends Jessica and Grace - Jessica who is desperate to fall pregnant and struggled with years of disappointment, and Grace who has 2 children who are absolute whirlwind energies.

As a parent, I wholeheartedly resonate with Grace and the neverending relentlessness of parenting, and although I wouldn't want to not have my girls (2 and 4yo) also envying people who can wake up whenever they want undisturbed or drink a cup of tea while it is still hot, leave the house any time without having to think about packing a bag of stuff for the kids or having to go back to the house multiple times for something forgotten. I miss lighting candles and having nice things out without them getting damaged. Speaking with friends when I eventually have a minute to myself, and realising that 99% of what I have to talk about is how tired I am and about my kids.

Although I was horrifically unwell with traumatic births for both daughters, I never had any issues conceiving. I remember 6 weeks into my first born pregnancy I had (what I know now) implantation bleeding but at the time I was terrified and when I went to the hospital I was blindsided when they said there WAS still a heartbeat.

Reading this book, and reading about Grace and the struggles she has had has opened my eyes a bit. When she hears Grace complaining about what a handful the kids are, she is envious of the chaos, desperate for little sticky hands to wrap themselves round her and call her mum. No one understood truly what Grace was going through with the struggles, hope and grief each month trying to conceive, and being unsuccessful. The strain it would have on the relationship when sex has to be planned around your cycle, taking away the love and connection that carefree sex with your partner should be. Then having to deal with the intrusion from friends, family and strangers / interviewers around their book release repeatedly asking when they are having kids, what are they waiting for, why they have decided to remain childless - not understanding the desperation of wanting to be a mother or Jack a father, and not wanting to have to discuss something so personal.

I have truly learnt so much on some very difficult topics however despite these topics, Reid has written it so tenderly but also keeping it real and the book flowed really well. I wouldn't want people to be put off reading thinking it is very heavy in content because it was fantastic!

There was banter and love and connection and healing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anything less than 5 stars for me, would be an injustice.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not your typical romance. It is brutally real and authentic in its depiction of a modern-day relationship.

I will preface this review by saying that fertility issues are a large topic throughout, and although done sensitively, the nature of the main character’s struggles are heavy.

There’s one thing that can make modern-day relationships more difficult and that is social media. Now imagine your income, marriage and social-standing is purely reliant on using social media to influence others to improve their own relationships, when you’re struggling with your own.

“I want a monitor, a spirit guide, a specialist. I want to call someone, like I do when the dishwasher breaks or there is a leak in the rook; I want to hire the most expensive, best-reviewed professional to swoop in, diagnose the issue and solve it immediately. But of course I can’t do that, because if an expert like that – someone you can parachute in to fix a broken relationship – exists, it’s us.”

Jessica and Jack fell in love in university and have been together ever since. They’ve overcome their struggles of long distance, navigating each other’s families and finding careers that work for them. Except, Jessica has made her career on social media, causing Jack to give up his job and jump headfirst into the world of influencing with his wife.

Making a career out of providing advice for other married couples, the Seven Rules are all it comes down to.

Rule One – Ignore the old advice and go to bed on an argument – staying up fighting never helps

Rule Two – You are your partner’s greatest cheerleader, act like it

Rule Three – 100% honesty, 100% of the time

Rule Four – Sex and intimacy have to be a priority, even when life gets in the way

Rule Five – Self-care isn’t selfish; make time to make yourself the best possible person

Rule Six – Your parents are your family and your responsibility

Rule Seven – Always leave the party together

After their social media blows up and they release a book, Jessica and Jack begin to realise that they haven’t been paying enough attention to their own marriage. Book tours and interviews, followed by a potential second book has them both coming to terms with the idea that maybe, they no longer want the same thing.

“But how the hell do you square the circle if doing the stuff which keeps a roof over your heads is making your partner like you less?”

It isn’t until they host a retreat to help other couples navigate the Seven Rules that Jack and Jessica begin to notice the strain that social media is taking on their own relationship.

We spend hours upon hours of time being influenced by people online, yet how many of us stop to think about how their role in the modern online world is taking a toll on their own lives? They have an image to upkeep for the sake of their income. I’ve read a lot of romance books, and not only is this one a completely different take on the genre, it really made me look at those online from a different perspective.

It’s a funny, heart-breaking story of how those who teach others to be happy in their relationships learn to start taking their own advice. It’s real, and brutal, in the sense that a lot of their problems are relevant. And all it bodes down to, is finding your own interpretation of love.

“That’s love. Doing the bins. Trying to cheer me up, even when he knows that anything he says will be wrong. Giving me space to process alone, then coming to hold me when I’m ready.”

I highly recommend Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage if you’re looking for something a little different to the usual romance books. This isn’t necessarily a romance, it’s a love story. And it’s brilliant.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’d rather lose with you than win with anyone else.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

What you’ll find in this book:
- Contemporary Fiction
- Love & Growth
- Relationship Drama
- Marriage Struggles
- Social Media vs Reality
- Behind the Perfect Image
- Real, Messy and Complicated

This book perfectly conveys the message that happily ever after isn’t always what everyone assumes it to be. That life and love is complicated, messy and perfectly imperfect, these characters were real, chaotic and sometimes frustrating. I really enjoyed how refreshing this story is and how unique its take on relationships are, how modern life can get in the way with its frustrations and challenges and how two people who love each other can work it out. Packed full of humour, heart ache, love and the messiness of it all this book is the perfect reminder of how being perfect doesn’t always matter. Covering some sensitive topics delicately but demonstrating the carelessness that can be displayed by others had this book hitting like a punch to the gut.

From the outside looking in Jessica and Jake have it all, the world sees their seemingly perfect marriage from their social media account which shows two people sickeningly in love with one another which has lead them to landing a best selling book deal where they share their seven rules for a perfect marriage. However,behind closed doors nothing is as it seems, with Jessica determined to continue their influencer and writer success and Jack finding out quickly that he hates living the life of an Instagram husband, and in the midst of it all these two have stopped prioritising each other. In an attempt to reignite their relationship and bring it back to how it once used to be they go back to the beginning, ensuring that they follow their own rules along the way. As they try to work to find each other once again, they begin to realise there is no such thing as perfect, and that there is a lot more that goes into making a marriage work other than following seven simple rules.

Jessica and Jack are absolute chaos, when we meet them it is clear that they are finding it difficult with petty jabs and actions being used to display their displeasure for one another behind closed doors. Jessica having filled like the one that has been dragging their relationship down for so long is thriving in her new found fame, and adores doing what she loves helping others with their relationships no matter the problem. However, this role comes with obligations and one of those in Jessica’s mind includes portraying the picture perfect marriage at all times, burying the issues between her and Jack deeper and deeper. Fully feeling that she is helping both herself and Jack by pursuing higher levels of influencer fame she doesn’t take time to realise that her other half is no longer as happy as he once was. Jack is miserable, but instead of sharing his feelings he bottles them up, thinking that supporting Jessica while suffering in silence is the best way forward which couldn’t be further from the truth.

As the book goes on we get to witness as these two work on themselves and their relationship that is far from perfect, how the mistakes they make and issues with communication set them back until they reach boiling point. I thoroughly enjoyed reading as they find themselves back to each other, it isn’t easy and it isn’t pretty and it’s hard work but it’s a rewarding read. I loved how this book felt so real, how the characters could be people you could meet tomorrow, a great book that reminded me why I enjoy contemporary fiction.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a physical copy to read and review early.

Author: Rebecca Reid
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Release Date: July 31st, 2025

[Sam Still Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage is a well written book about marriage, relationships and influencer life that is balanced and thoughtful in the way it tackles sensitive topics like infertility and power imbalances. It’s a book that had flown under the radar for me but I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

The influencer main characters are Jessica and Jack. Jess is the main person behind their social accounts that went viral on marriage and relationships. Together, they’ve devised the seven rules you need for a perfect marriage which has just been released as a book when the story begins. Jess is fully invested in the brand and keeping momentum; Jack isn’t. What he’d like is to be able to work on his novel and publish it, but he can’t under their current manager. He thought that he and Jess had agreed on a break to refresh themselves after the final part of the book launch (a weekend marriage therapy retreat with a selected group) but things keep happening. Jack and Jess have agreed on one thing though – that their marriage is no longer perfect. They are hurting individually and don’t talk about things, and both are avoiding talking about having children. So they decide to take part in the retreat too, but it all blows up. Weirdly, that might be what gets them to face the facts.

There is a lot going on in this novel. Both Jess and Jack have issues with their parents. Jack has never felt good enough in a family of scholars and Jess feels put aside by her father’s new family. Neither Jess nor Jack are your stereotypical influencer types either. Jess hated her job in marketing and started the account during COVID lockdowns. Jack is a BBC journalist and writer, who somewhat resents being asked to step away from his role when their account became popular. Both had careers and a long-term relationship and the account wasn’t created to with the plan of monetisation and fame (but they’ll take the money, and occasionally the fame). Both are well rounded individuals with a long history, even though there are some secrets they’ve never told each other.

I thought this book was fun and I blitzed through it in a few weekdays. There are multiple serious moments, but there are light hearted ones too. Jess and Jack are flawed, but not in a way that makes them unlikeable. They are both just more realistic. What I also liked is that Jess and Jack for the main part try to communicate with each other. Miscommunication or lack of communication is such an annoying plot device for me in novels, but this pair did their best to communicate at least part of the problem. They want to be together, and they want to work through their issues. It doesn’t sugarcoat any issues, nor does it provide magical solutions. It’s a thoughtful read that pays off.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for the copy. My review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

[Ramona Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aus meiner Sicht ist Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage eine beeindruckend ehrliche und emotionale Geschichte, die sich wohltuend von klassischen Liebesromanen abhebt. Statt einer typischen Verliebtheitsgeschichte zeigt das Buch für mich auf sehr realistische Weise, wie komplex, herausfordernd und gleichzeitig tief verbunden eine langjährige Ehe sein kann.
Die Auseinandersetzung mit der Diskrepanz zwischen Social Media und Realität ist ein starker Pluspunkt. Gerade dieser Kontrast zwischen perfekter Außendarstellung und den tatsächlichen Problemen innerhalb einer Beziehung wirkt auf mich sehr modern und glaubwürdig. Themen wie Unfruchtbarkeit, Machtungleichgewichte, Karrierekonflikte und Kommunikationsprobleme werden dabei intensiv behandelt und verleihen der Geschichte viel emotionale Tiefe.
Was ich wirklich positiv hervorheben möchte, ist der ehrliche, teilweise rohe Blick auf moderne Beziehungen. Die Autorin zeigt nicht nur Liebe, sondern auch Frust, Verletzungen und die schwierigen Phasen einer Partnerschaft. Trotzdem bleibt der Schreibstil angenehm zugänglich und stellenweise sogar humorvoll, was die oft schweren Themen etwas auflockert. Auch die duale Perspektive sowie die Rückblenden empfinde ich als sehr gelungen, weil sie beide Seiten der Beziehung greifbarer machen und nach und nach ein vollständigeres Bild entstehen lassen.
Jessica und Jack sind aus meiner Sicht bewusst nicht immer leicht zu mögen. Ihre Entscheidungen und Dynamiken können teilweise frustrierend wirken, gleichzeitig macht genau das sie für mich aber auch authentisch. Die Geschichte fühlt sich dadurch weniger idealisiert, sondern vielmehr wie ein realistischer Einblick in eine Ehe mit all ihren Brüchen und Belastungen an.
Stellenweise empfand ich das Tempo etwas langsamer und emotional fordernd, was bei den behandelten Themen jedoch nachvollziehbar ist. Auch das Ende hätte für meinen Geschmack etwas ausführlicher oder tiefer ausfallen können, da manche Entwicklungen recht schnell abgehandelt wirken.
Insgesamt ist das Buch für mich eine intensive, kluge und bewegende Auseinandersetzung mit moderner Ehe, Selbstinszenierung und den Herausforderungen langfristiger Liebe. Gerade weil es nicht nur romantisch, sondern auch unbequem ehrlich ist, hat mich die Geschichte nachhaltig beeindruckt.

[Chrissie Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC.

Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage explores the reality behind the curated image of the perfect relationship. Jessica and Jack have become a social media success story, offering advice on how to build a strong marriage through their book and luxury retreats. But behind the glossy Instagram posts lies a relationship fraying at the seams. The story alternates between the present day and flashbacks, revealing the truth behind each of the seven rules they claim to live by.

This was an enjoyable and easy read. Rebecca Reid’s writing is accessible and often witty, and she tackles the complexities of long-term relationships with honesty. There are some sharp observations throughout, especially around the pressures couples face to maintain appearances both in private and online. The structure, with each chapter reflecting a different rule of their relationship, adds an interesting layer and mirrors how things have slowly unraveled between Jessica and Jack. It’s a clever setup that makes you reflect on what actually holds a marriage together.

That said, I did find parts of the book dragging. There were moments where I skimmed through scenes, particularly those heavy with internal back-and-forths that didn’t feel like they moved the plot along. Some of the emotional conflict felt repetitive, and I found myself wishing the story would push forward a bit more quickly.

I also struggled to connect with the main characters. Both Jessica and Jack are flawed in a very human way, which is likely intentional, but at times their inability to communicate or compromise became frustrating. I wanted to root for them, but often found myself feeling more exasperated than empathetic.

Still, the book’s themes are important and relatable. It shines a light on what happens after the happily ever after, and how relationships can erode quietly under the pressure of unspoken resentment, ambition, and miscommunication. If you enjoy contemporary fiction that digs into the messiness of love and long-term commitment, this is a solid read. It may not be a sweeping romance, but it does ask the kind of questions that linger long after the final chapter.

[Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read - not typical of your usual romance but I enjoyed it because of that.

We meet a couple on a book tour who are publicising their book 'Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage' and we quickly discover that neither Jack nor Jessica are happy in their marriage, but are plastering on smiles to appear perfectly happy as they conceal their emotions from each other.

I enjoyed how this book was set out - with a combination of viewpoints and time settings. I felt that we had a really good insight to each character's perspective and got a sense of their emotions on as things progressed.

I really liked the aspect of using social media the way it was used in this book. I know it can be a good thing, but acknowledging that it can also be harmful if it becomes centralised in a negative way was nice to see (and how this was done).

The content warnings gave me a minute to think about actually reading this, but I decided to go ahead and hoped I'd be ok. I thought the topics covered (that I have experienced) were done so in a way that was sensitive and compassionate. I appreciated that and felt it added a bit of depth to everything happening in Jack and Jessica's lives.

If you're looking for a romance where people meet, fall in love and have some sort of drama to overcome, this isn't it. This is more angsty than I'd usually settle for because we spend a lot of time in the midst of a couple's 'difficulties' while they work on what's going on and how they're meant to fit the new environment evolving around them. But, as an old married lady (I've got double the time on Jack and Jessica) it was actually a bit refreshing to read this. I think it's a decent reflection on time and change and growth.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this. It was refreshing to read a romance that centered around an established couple growing, and I was fully engaged in the story from start to end!

Thanks to NetGally for the review copy of this book.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC!

I will be thinking about this book for a long time!
I want to preface this by saying that this is a love story, not a romance book (due to this, I think I loved it more)
I devoured this book in one sitting and stayed up until 3am reading it because once I started, I just could not put it down!

The story follows Jack and Jessica, a married couple who have just published a book depicting seven rules the recommend all couples abide by in order to have a perfect marriage. They attend a retreat, as part of their book promotion, set up for struggling couples to try and help them by teaching them their seven rules.
However, privately, Jack and Jessica are having marriage troubles themselves (marriage in crisis is my favourite book trope) and decide to take part in the retreat themselves to help solve their issues.

It is written very cleverly with each chapter title named after one of the seven rules and is also written in a dual timeline with flashbacks to the couples happy beginning to their not so perfect present day. I really liked the contrast of the two timelines and found it made the characters more relatable and made me really root for their relationship.

The main characters in this story are flawed and messy and feel so genuine and real that you can’t help but fall in love with them. At points during the book I wanted to scream at them to communicate better but, ultimately this made them seem more realistic.

The book delves into really important topics such as infertility and money struggles alongside genuine relationship troubles.

Overall, I loved this book! I have no notes and will be recommending it to everyone who will listen when it’s published

[Emily Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage. It follows the story of Jack and Jessica, an influencer couple who write the book together ‘Seven Rules…’ alongside a look into their relationship, both current and past. I liked learning how their ‘rules’ came about from past events and experiences. I also really appreciated the honesty in the book - showing that marriages or relationships that appear ‘perfect’ from the outside rarely are in reality, and it’s a good message to be reminded of in our social media world. I also loved the messaging around choosing to stay together and agreed with a lot of the ‘rules’, like being your partner’s ‘cheerleader’.

My only negative is that I felt that the book ended too quickly - I would have liked more exploration around how they really did get their relationship back on track. And I don’t know why, but I didn’t like the lead Jessica as much as I wanted to. I felt like she could never empathise with why Jack was feeling down about their life change, just that he should be ‘grateful’. Having said that, I really loved the writing, read it in a couple of days and wanted to get to the end to find out what happened.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my review (which is all my own).

[chapter30_april · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read
𝙀𝙭𝙥 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 3𝙧𝙙 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Firstly a massive thank you Bloomsbury publishing and Rebecca Reid for letting me read this ARC.

As I’m fairly newly married I would say this grabbed my attention because y’know it’s always good seeing books you may be able to really relate too and despite the fact that myself and my husband have been together less time than Jessica and Jack… myself and my husband were able to see quite a lot of ourselves in bits and quotes I discussed with him on so much of this it was brilliant 😂 the humour throughout this book was so relatable and well written. I was completely hooked from chapter one. Not your typical romance book but because of that I feel I enjoyed it more!

Jack and Jess’s story and life unfolding throughout this book was brilliant and I loved the fact that it was written in areas fairly close to where I live ‘Northampton’ actually being mentioned 🤭. The characters are flawed and messy in their own way but we’re all human right!!?? I was fully engrossed and routing for them the entire way through!

I highly recommend this to everyone!

[Jen Grá · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Jack and Jessica have made a career out of their marriage on social media. Much to Jack's frustration. As their new book increases their fame more, they both explore how they ended up where they are and if it's still working, as a couple and as individuals.
This book supported my theory that the relationships you don't see that much of on social media are probably the happiest. Monetising/ exploiting happiness will never not be complex, because good moments are inevitably followed by less good moments. I like how the book explores other people's reactions to the couple and also how sharing some things publicly doesn't qualify access to everything. We see Jack and Jess' relationship in its infancy, we have chapters from both their perspectives so we know they're both worth rooting for, but some of their communication in the book made my toes curl. I don't think the resolution gave enough positive dialogue between them to counteract this fully for me. I did enjoy the exploration of relationships and why they're so tricky and personal to the people in them.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers to the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Wootten · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the outside, it looks like Jessica and Jack have the perfect relationship, but on the inside it couldn’t be more different.

After Jessica’s social media account takes off, they write a book about how to have the perfect marriage, but they soon realise their relationship isn’t so perfect after all and they both want different things. To save their marriage they decide to follow their own rules and find it’s more complicated than they thought!

This is not your typical fluffy romance book - there’s no sweet and swoony moments around every corner. It’s not a how-to-guide either but it is a very poignant ready that includes some challenging topics in a very refreshing and honest portrayal of the true challenges faced making a relationship work.

The message at the core of it, is that there’s no such thing as a perfect relationship but relationships do need work - they won’t nurture themselves!

There were funny moments of course and plenty of learning opportunities but I loved that both characters were eventually able to communicate in a healthy way.

Thankyou to bloomsbury Creator Circle for gifting me this proof copy.

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an entertaining and thoughtful story that shows the reader the larger picture, going beyond the meet-cute and the happily ever after to to the hard times that are really inevitable in any long-term relationship. Jack and Jessica have been together for fifteen or so years and are now a powerhouse couple with a bestselling book about keeping your marriage happy. But the problem is, of course, despite their outward success, they're floundering.

This book does a great job of showing both of their POVs and also jumps back in time to seven major turning points of their relationship, which cleverly are the points when each of their seven marriage rules came to be. In the story, while leading a relationship retreat for several other couples, Jack and Jessica decide to take on the challenges alongside those people instead of merely guiding them.

There's a lot of heaviness in the book, and be sure to check the content mentions at the beginning of the book in case it might be sensitive material for you, but overall I found this to be hopeful, romantic, and even humorous. It's a lovely romance about what it takes to stay in love.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

To the outside it appears Jessica and Jack have it all and have just landed a book deal to share their rules for a perfect marriage. Behind the scenes it is not so straightforward and they find themselves finding fault in one another. In a bid to reboot their marriage they go back to basics and soon learn there’s more to making marriage work than the rules.

This sounded like a fun concept so I wanted to read and it ended up a quick, fun read with a unique spin on the usual romance novel. I enjoyed the influencer side to the story and the chapters set out following the rules made by the couple. I also enjoyed the flashbacks to their past together and found this interesting.

Even though I found this started strongly, my interest started to fade slightly as the book continued and at times I found the pacing slow. Overall though this was well written story with plenty of drama and moments to make you think. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Floros Auclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a 3.5 stars!

The book discusses realistic and raw problems many married couples can face in their day to day lives which I adored reading. It felt like a different perspective on love with not your normal "I want to feel sparks with you" that you would read in a romance book, but rather "I want this to last with you." and how they can overcome their issues and differences.

Hitting the 80% reading mark, it felt a little rushed. Like I could not enjoy my time to finally see their problems resolved and their "Not-So-Perfect-Happily-Ever-After" bloom.

Overall, this book was a fun read, and I loved the change of atmosphere with reading about already-wed couples and making it last, rather then starting a new beginning. The characters were well-developed and had their own unique traits and flaws that I loved to read about. The writing-style is one that I would definitely gravitate to read again.

[lese.liebe2025 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfekte Ehe oder doch alles Fake?

Die Kapitel sind aufgeteilt auf die namensgebenden sieben Regeln, mit Abschnitten entweder aus der Sicht von Jessica oder Jack erzählt. Zunächst in der Vergangenheit, um die Entstehung der entsprechenden Regel zu erzählen und anschließend in der Gegenwart.

Jessica und Jack sind auf Buchtour ihres gerade herausgekommenen Buches Seven Rules For A Perfect Marriages.
Doch schon nach wenigen Seiten bekommen wir einen Einblick, wie es hinter den Kulissen des “perfekten Ehepaars” wirklich aussieht.

Ist Jessica wirklich die fame geile Influencerin, die alles nur für “die Marke” macht und nicht echt ist?
Ist Jack nur der Mann, der sich und seine Träume für den beruflichen Erfolg seiner Frau hinten anstellt? Oder ist das alles nur Show, mehr Schein als Sein?

Die Story ist eigentlich gut, aber das Buch hat mich leider nicht richtig gepackt. Alles in allem ist es trotzdem OK, mehr für mich jedoch nicht.

[Helen French · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional read about navigating life's hurdles while in a long-term relationship - and about what happens when the rules you live by may not be working anymore.

Jack and Jessica are the social media couple of the moment, with the followers and a self-help book to prove it. But a long book tour is taking its toll, on Jack because he'd rather be anywhere else (but particularly in his old career), and on Jessica, who is really struggling with infertility.

It's a hard read in some ways because the difficult relationship bits feel true and authentic. The pain is real. That can make it a challenge. It's not a romance that's new or light and sweet. They've got tonnes of baggage, and issues that can't be easily resolved.

And then they agree to take part in the seven rules retreat that they're running. They were supposed to event manage it - not be participants!

It's a bittersweet romance and at times I became frustrated with Jess, who didn't seem to think much about her husband's feelings, just because he ought to be grateful for the money they were making. But I suspect that was the intention.

I enjoyed the journey with this couple - but it wasn't fun every step of the way! And that's okay, that's life reflected back at us, as with all good reads. But it may be harder for some readers than others, depending on how close they are to the topics being explored.