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The Checklist Romance #3
The Rules of You and Me
She is off-limits but he has never played by the rules.
Brianne Archer has dreamed of following in her big brother's footsteps and going to Seattle Pike University for as long as she can remember. All Brianne wants to do is keep her head above water, maintain the sunshine attitude she always has, and make her brother proud. As her first year starts and new friendships and adventures emerge in her bustling schedule, Brianne makes a set of rules to follow, and the main one... Don't hook up with her brother's friend... Again.
Parker Thompson isn't a fan of casual hookups. Parker isn't really a fan of many things besides his bed, Netflix, and football. When the only two people he has to look up to push him to explore the college lifestyle and hookups, Parker isn't so sure. Shy and mostly quiet around everyone including his two friends and his hockey player roommates, he's hesitant to pursue anyone or anything that isn't football or school. That is... Until he runs into Brianne Archer. There's one single problem. The only girl Parker has eyes for is his friend's sister. He knows it could go one of two ways but he doesn't care which way it ends as long as he gets the girl.
Brianne Archer has dreamed of following in her big brother's footsteps and going to Seattle Pike University for as long as she can remember. All Brianne wants to do is keep her head above water, maintain the sunshine attitude she always has, and make her brother proud. As her first year starts and new friendships and adventures emerge in her bustling schedule, Brianne makes a set of rules to follow, and the main one... Don't hook up with her brother's friend... Again.
Parker Thompson isn't a fan of casual hookups. Parker isn't really a fan of many things besides his bed, Netflix, and football. When the only two people he has to look up to push him to explore the college lifestyle and hookups, Parker isn't so sure. Shy and mostly quiet around everyone including his two friends and his hockey player roommates, he's hesitant to pursue anyone or anything that isn't football or school. That is... Until he runs into Brianne Archer. There's one single problem. The only girl Parker has eyes for is his friend's sister. He knows it could go one of two ways but he doesn't care which way it ends as long as he gets the girl.
598 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
11 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2025
the rules of you and me follows brianne, little sister to bellamy (the list of things), and parker, teammate to bellamy. despite cheering for seattle pike university’s football team, none of the players will look bri’s way as she’s the “baby sister” of the team’s quarterback: bellamy archer. that is, not until parker thompson walks into her life.
the romance between bri and parker is electric and captivating, but the rules of you and me is also a story of personal growth, of healing, of chosen family, and of navigating life after loss. every layer of bri and parker’s relationship is so intentionally interwoven with their individual journeys of self-discovery and autonomy. specifically, brianne’s character development is both heartbreaking and hopeful. she’s my second favorite fmc emma has created thus far (you’ll have to wait to read the center of attention when it releases next february to find out why leah took the number one spot).
if you love found family, book boyfriends who notice the small things, the bathroom towel scene from new girl, and best friend dynamics that feel like a hug, the rules of you and me is the book for you.
the romance between bri and parker is electric and captivating, but the rules of you and me is also a story of personal growth, of healing, of chosen family, and of navigating life after loss. every layer of bri and parker’s relationship is so intentionally interwoven with their individual journeys of self-discovery and autonomy. specifically, brianne’s character development is both heartbreaking and hopeful. she’s my second favorite fmc emma has created thus far (you’ll have to wait to read the center of attention when it releases next february to find out why leah took the number one spot).
if you love found family, book boyfriends who notice the small things, the bathroom towel scene from new girl, and best friend dynamics that feel like a hug, the rules of you and me is the book for you.
February 17, 2025
As always Emma’s writing is amazing and the book she has provided is amazing. However with that being said this is my least favorite in the series. I can never get over how real Emma’s characters feel and with that comes parts of them I do not like. Seeing bits and pieces of Brianne in the first two books I thought I was going to absolutely love and adore her. But in reading this book I found out she wasn’t my favorite. She gives too much of her self for the benefit of others. Her growth is amazing but I don’t think it was enough for me to love her like I thought I would. Parker ended up being everything I thought he’d be and more. I absolutely loved him and because of him and his love for Brianne I wish I could have more of them. And lastly although this books was not meant to have Bellamy as a focus he did end up being so and it made me see him in a light I was a fan of. Overall this book was a 4.5/5 for me. I’d still recommend it to my friends. Emma writes nothing but masterpieces and I’m looking forward to the next series.
January 28, 2025
This is one of the best romance books I have read recently. I absolutely adored The List of Things, so it was amazing to dive back into the would of Seattle Pike University. I could tell Brianne and Parker were a perfect fit for each other from the beginning, but reading their journey to each other was incredible. The first chapter definitely had me questioning who the love interest would be since it had been a little while since I read the first book and couldn’t remember who Bellamy’s friends all were.
Throughout the entire story I was on my toes. I was able to guess some things that happened, like Bellamy finding the list of rules, but there were some things that definitely surprised me too. I’m normally not a fan of third act breakups, but the way Emma wrote it, I didn’t find it annoying. It seemed to fit right into the story without being cheesy and predictable.
I found Parker to be very endearing and caring. I think I saw a little bit of myself in him, in how quiet and reserved he is with people. I definitely am more of a listener than a talker, so seeing Parker come out of his shell really hit home. There are very few people in my life where I can fully be myself and talk without a care in the world, so seeing Parker slowly open up to Brianne definitely felt realistic.
I also really appreciate the way Emma portrays therapy and loss in this book. While I have never been to therapy myself, I have found myself in recent years thinking more and more about trying it out, and seeing Brianne and Bellamy’s journey with it really helped. And in respect to loss, while I have never lost a parent, I have dealt with death and loss (of grandparents, an aunt, and teachers) since I was 7 years old, so the way Emma portrays their struggles with their loss is definitely representative. I think it is so important to portray that grief is an ongoing thing and is not a linear path is so important, and it is done so incredibly well. I really appreciate all the work Emma put into making that aspect of the story truthful.
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book. Was I annoyed at Brianne, Parker, and Bellamy at certain points? Yes absolutely, but I think those emotions help move the story and bring readers in and make them more invested.
Throughout the entire story I was on my toes. I was able to guess some things that happened, like Bellamy finding the list of rules, but there were some things that definitely surprised me too. I’m normally not a fan of third act breakups, but the way Emma wrote it, I didn’t find it annoying. It seemed to fit right into the story without being cheesy and predictable.
I found Parker to be very endearing and caring. I think I saw a little bit of myself in him, in how quiet and reserved he is with people. I definitely am more of a listener than a talker, so seeing Parker come out of his shell really hit home. There are very few people in my life where I can fully be myself and talk without a care in the world, so seeing Parker slowly open up to Brianne definitely felt realistic.
I also really appreciate the way Emma portrays therapy and loss in this book. While I have never been to therapy myself, I have found myself in recent years thinking more and more about trying it out, and seeing Brianne and Bellamy’s journey with it really helped. And in respect to loss, while I have never lost a parent, I have dealt with death and loss (of grandparents, an aunt, and teachers) since I was 7 years old, so the way Emma portrays their struggles with their loss is definitely representative. I think it is so important to portray that grief is an ongoing thing and is not a linear path is so important, and it is done so incredibly well. I really appreciate all the work Emma put into making that aspect of the story truthful.
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book. Was I annoyed at Brianne, Parker, and Bellamy at certain points? Yes absolutely, but I think those emotions help move the story and bring readers in and make them more invested.
September 28, 2025
When I found out that Emma, the writer of the Fan fiction that starting my entire reading journey was writing a book, i literally could not have been more excited. This series was everything I hoped and knew it would be.
My only wish is that we had gotten a better look as to what’s to come in Parker and Bri’s life at the end of their book(please don’t leave me there😭)
Either way, this book was everything. And i honestly couldn’t thank Emma enough for kick starting my relationship with reading. ❤️
My only wish is that we had gotten a better look as to what’s to come in Parker and Bri’s life at the end of their book(please don’t leave me there😭)
Either way, this book was everything. And i honestly couldn’t thank Emma enough for kick starting my relationship with reading. ❤️
February 5, 2025
Every time I’ve read a book from this series, it starts back up my love for reading.
The final book of the SPU series. Oh how bittersweet. The Rules of You and Me was exactly how I wanted this story to go but somehow better than I imagined it if that’s even possible. I COULDN’T put this book down! In all reading time, it took me less than 24 hours (if that says anything)
I loved this series. Loved this book. Can’t wait to see what Emma writes next!
The final book of the SPU series. Oh how bittersweet. The Rules of You and Me was exactly how I wanted this story to go but somehow better than I imagined it if that’s even possible. I COULDN’T put this book down! In all reading time, it took me less than 24 hours (if that says anything)
I loved this series. Loved this book. Can’t wait to see what Emma writes next!
April 11, 2025
The ending of the SPU OG universe is cute and fits the series perfectly. However, the middle section felt a bit stretched, as it constantly fluctuated between "we shouldn’t" and "but we should," which became exhausting after a while. By the end, you can see growth in both Parker and Bri, although it takes them quite some time to reach that point. I love this series, and I can’t wait for the Leah and Xander spin-off!
May 27, 2025
Brianne and Parker's story was my second favorite out of the checklist romance series. I felt like I could relate to both Bri and Parker. I tend to keep my emotions to myself until they finally blow up in my face, just like Brianne does. People pleasing is a very hard thing to stop. It's hard to stop how much you allow others to dictate what you do and don't do. I liked how Parker showed Brianne that sometimes life isn't overwhelming... things that seem bigger than they are, are because we make them that way. My favorite scene is when they go on their date and camp/kayak. It was peaceful and I am a person who likes calmness and nature. Way to go Emma!! I am sad to be leaving but I am excited for what's to come!!
January 11, 2025
If you want a love story that will just melt your heart this is the top choice. Words can’t describe the emotions I felt while reading this book. I literally was screaming at the pages while crying. It will make you giggle to yourself and make you sob. I love this trilogy and can’t wait for more books by Emma!
September 10, 2025
I'm sad the Checklist Romance Series is over but I'm so glad I read it. The men in these books are literal angels. I was a bit mad at Bellamy in this one but I saw where he was coming from. I'm glad it all worked out in the end. The epilogue was SO CUTE.
Can't wait for the spinoff series!!
Can't wait for the spinoff series!!
December 28, 2024
full review to come on release day !!
January 27, 2025
Full review coming on pub day (:
January 29, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
May 13, 2025
Nothing beats the 2nd part, but still a good book. It took me a while at the beginning to like it, because she’s younger than me
June 14, 2025
honestly i wished we were shown more than just told ugh. and also i wish she did tell bell her full feelings on how he treated her
June 29, 2025
Emma never misses with her storylines! Parker and Bri are my faves in the series. Also Bell was really starting to piss me off but I’m glad he had his redemption arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
Brianne Archer is a talented cheerleader, dancer, friend, and certified yapper. But Brianne is a little sister first (little sister to star senior quarterback). Brianne is a friend first. Brianne puts herself first. Brianne is a people pleaser to a fault (no worries I’m the pot calling the kettle black).
Parker Thompson is a loner. Parker is grumpy. Parker is a star wide receiver with some big shoes to fill. Parker is a bartering ram with one goal in mind: make it to the NFL. But Parker lacks confidence.
Parker also has eyes for Brianne and Brianne eyes for Parker. Small problem… Parker is not only teammates with Brianne’s brother but also friends. And Brianne has a list of rules for her freshman year of college. Rules are meant to be broken. Right?
Emma Miller does it again with her final installment of the Checklist Romance Series.
The Rules of You and Me is a story filled with secrets, friendship, family, love, grief, sadness, and navigating through all of them. The author tackles aspects of being a little sister and the struggles that come with that sometimes as well as big aspects of mental health.
One thing that Emma does that sets her above the rest is the songs she choices to represent each chapter. If you take the time to listen while reading or listen before or after, you see how the author meticulously chooses songs to represent the characters and their thoughts and emotions. The imagery the author paints throughout the book is beautiful and allows the reader see specific scenes, hear the sounds, and feel the characters feelings. The author does such a great job at making you fall in love with some characters, hate some, and have those mixed feelings the characters do as well.
Brianne and Parker’s story is beautiful and innocent (until it’s not if you know what I’m saying) and will have reader kicking their feet, giggling, smiling, crying, screaming and throwing the book all in one setting.
Thank you Emma for the opportunity to be a beta reader for Brianne and Parker’s story, it has been an honor.
Parker Thompson is a loner. Parker is grumpy. Parker is a star wide receiver with some big shoes to fill. Parker is a bartering ram with one goal in mind: make it to the NFL. But Parker lacks confidence.
Parker also has eyes for Brianne and Brianne eyes for Parker. Small problem… Parker is not only teammates with Brianne’s brother but also friends. And Brianne has a list of rules for her freshman year of college. Rules are meant to be broken. Right?
Emma Miller does it again with her final installment of the Checklist Romance Series.
The Rules of You and Me is a story filled with secrets, friendship, family, love, grief, sadness, and navigating through all of them. The author tackles aspects of being a little sister and the struggles that come with that sometimes as well as big aspects of mental health.
One thing that Emma does that sets her above the rest is the songs she choices to represent each chapter. If you take the time to listen while reading or listen before or after, you see how the author meticulously chooses songs to represent the characters and their thoughts and emotions. The imagery the author paints throughout the book is beautiful and allows the reader see specific scenes, hear the sounds, and feel the characters feelings. The author does such a great job at making you fall in love with some characters, hate some, and have those mixed feelings the characters do as well.
Brianne and Parker’s story is beautiful and innocent (until it’s not if you know what I’m saying) and will have reader kicking their feet, giggling, smiling, crying, screaming and throwing the book all in one setting.
Thank you Emma for the opportunity to be a beta reader for Brianne and Parker’s story, it has been an honor.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews