Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Breaking the Rules: A Small Town, Hot Cops Novella

Rate this book
Rules are meant to be broken. Aren’t they?

After being screwed over by my ex-boyfriend and my boss, I return home to the small town of Willowbank with one simple rule—never trust a man.

It’s a solid plan until sexy Sergeant Owen Mason starts waving his badge at me. Flexing those massive biceps. Smiling.

Stupid rules.

What starts as a secret, no-strings fling becomes complicated when I’m transferred to the police station and Owen becomes my new boss.

You see, I’ve been there, done that, and have the zero bank balance to prove it!

Now I need to decide just how many more rules I’m willing to break … for love.

This steamy, standalone novella is set before the events of the Hot Cops Series. It includes cameos by two beloved characters, making it a perfect introduction to their world.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Karen Lieversz

11 books27 followers
Karen Lieversz writes romance and women’s fiction with heat, humour and a dash of irreverence.

Karen's Hot Cops series is packed with sizzling heat, humour and misbehaving canines, and is perfect for readers of contemporary romance who enjoy their men in (or out of) uniform, and with a hint of suspense.

Start with the small town novella, Breaking the Rules, to get a taste for the Hot Cops, then dive into the first book of the series - With or Without Panties, a finalist in numerous competitions including Romance Writers of Australia's Emerald Award and League of Romance Writers, The Emily.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (50%)
4 stars
14 (38%)
3 stars
3 (8%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile.
832 reviews53 followers
May 20, 2025
Rules are Meant to Be Broken is a fast-paced, feel-good prequel to Karen’s Hot Cops Series, blending small-town charm, irresistible chemistry, and just the right amount of workplace tension. This standalone novella offers a perfect bite-sized introduction to the Willowbank universe, featuring characters that fans of the series will recognize and new readers will quickly grow to love.

The story follows Grace Cameron, an advertising executive returning to her hometown with one firm rule: no men. Burned by betrayal and wary of entanglements, Grace is determined to keep her heart locked up tight. But fate has other plans when she literally bumps into Sergeant Owen Mason, a dangerously attractive local cop with emotional baggage of his own. What starts as a steamy, no-strings-attached fling quickly becomes complicated—especially when Grace ends up temporarily working at the police station… under Owen’s supervision.

Karen does a great job balancing the sizzle with the sweetness. The banter between Grace and Owen is flirty and fun, offering plenty of levity, while also revealing the emotional vulnerabilities that make their connection believable and compelling. The workplace romance angle adds an enjoyable tension to their dynamic, especially in a town where everyone talks and nothing stays secret for long.

Secondary characters bring depth and texture to the story. Appearances from familiar faces like Jake and Greg tie this novella neatly into the larger Hot Cops series, while Grace’s best friend Jo and young neighbor Noah round out the small-town vibe with heart and humor.

If you enjoy low-angst, high-heat romances with a touch of forbidden flirtation and small-town intimacy, Rules are Meant to Be Broken is a great pick. It’s breezy, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt, laying a strong foundation for the romances still to come in Willowbank. Whether you’re a fan of the Hot Cops series or just dipping your toes into Karen’s work, this novella is a charming place to start.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Steamy)

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Enya Miche.
225 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2025
I was so excited when Karen decided to release this novella as part of the Hot Cop Series! I wasn’t sure if Owen and Grace were mentioned anywhere in the other books, but since they work in a completely different office and town, it’s almost safe to say this story is pretty isolated (to save you the sleuthing I did because I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a reappearance!). As Karen mentions, this story takes place before the other books in her series, so we get an appearance from Jake and Greg before they meet the respective loves of their lives.

Grace has had it with men! She now lives by one simple rule: never trust a man. The last time she did, he ran off with her life savings. Broke, unemployed, and homeless, Grace is returning to the small town of Willowbank to lick her wounds and rebuild before heading back to Sydney. Of course, with the luck she’s been having lately, why would anything go her way? A little spider, a little speeding, and one hot officer later, Grace finds herself slapped with a $500 ticket and an inexplicable attraction to the man who gave it to her. All she wants is for one thing to go her way.

Apparently, someone decides to grant her wish, because that same officer shows up again - looking even hotter than when she last saw him. With an unexpected kind gesture and an unrelated but much-needed proposition, Owen and Grace agree to scratch an itch with a no-strings-attached hookup. She’s done with relationships, and he has no interest in anything long-term, so it’s the perfect arrangement… right?

This novella was short, sweet, and to the point. I was amazed by how much Karen was able to pack into such a quick read. Nothing felt missing! We were given enough insight into the characters to form a genuine connection. We were swept up in their meet-cute and the growth of their relationship. Even the development of their feelings felt natural and not at all rushed.

Having read all three books in The Hot Cop Series, this novella had everything I loved - the heat, the humor, and the heart.

Spoilers have been removed.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
3,118 reviews18 followers
May 14, 2025
It was only supposed to be one night. - Day one back home in small-town Australia and Grace's luck is looking up and down. So, net zero good- or badness. Pulled over by a deliciously hot cop (good) who gives her a ticket (bad). Not how she wanted to make her less than grand re-entrance but par for the course of her life. Owen is immediately entranced by the blonde beauty, but his job will not be compromised.

A run-in at the local diner is the perfect place for the two to meet up again. Food isn't the only thing on order, as they begin a clandestine relationship that was only supposed to be one glorious night of passion. Their restraint around each other is tenuous at best, the townies picking up on their yen for each other. She's temping at the station, so it's a no-no for them.
When her ex tries to reconnect, the delicate balance the lovers have maintained is rocked. How will they work through this threat to the unspoken love they both feel?

Another great addition to the series with great characters and a lot of steam. Jake and Greg cameo, officers on a case that brings them to Willowbank. They are as amusing together as I remember, the staid DI and his subordinate but untameable best friend. Jo is the best friend Grace could have, supporting her through her ordeals. Butterfingers Noah is a delight as well. I have enjoyed every book in this series and look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.3k reviews369 followers
May 8, 2025
Owen and Grace . . .

Sergeant Owen Mason pulls Grace Cameron over when she is obviously speeding as she returns to her hometown of Willowbank. It doesn’t take long for them to be attracted to each other. Neither of them wants any serious kind of relationship, but having a little temporary fun would work for them. They decide to keep things secret so they don’t become part of the town gossip chain. But an unexpected problem they didn’t see coming will make secret dating awkward as Owen becomes her new boss at the police station. They decide to break the rules and continue seeing each other. But now will she and Owen break up when he doesn’t seem to believe she had nothing to do with her ex-boyfriend Stephen Wilson who is apparently a big drug dealer involved in the Reynold’s murder case -- and Grace could be his accomplice who has now had access to all of his files? No evidence points to her, but how could she not have known? Her working here is a severe conflict of interest at the very least and they need to confess their own relationship to their boss who will undoubtedly be furious. But if Owen doesn’t believe her, she is ready to quit… and he has to ask her to stay until Inspector Matthews talks to her the next day. Even if she is innocent, he can’t imagine she will stay with him now regardless. And she won’t wait to be questioned either… she is heading back to Sydney tonight.
548 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
This was a fun and cheeky story.
Nothing was really going right for Grace. She packed up all her stuff, left the city, and went back to her hometown to regroup. When she was almost there, she got pulled over for speeding. The cop was really hot. Too bad he was such a jerk!
Owen was just doing his job when he pulled Grace over. It wasn't his fault she was speeding and swerving all over the road. He couldn't deny how beautiful she was though. So when a mutual friend introduced them and suggested they get to know each other, well, he he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity.
But Grace is only staying for a few weeks, and neither of them is looking for anything serious. So they agree to a fling. But then she gets a temporary job at the police station, so they have to keep things under wraps. Things get more complicated when Grace becomes a person of interest in a serious case, and Owen isn't sure if he needs to protect her or arrest her. Hmm. Maybe cuffs could come in handy...
This was a lot of fun, with plenty of banter and wit. A prequel to a series, and we meet some other characters we'll see again. Can't wait!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tracey 'BookBooksBookish'.
41 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2025
Thank you to Karen Lieversz for the oppotunity to read her new to be released novella (ARC) Breaking the Rules which is part of The Hot Cop series.
We follow our main characters Owen and Grace with the story being told in dual POV.
Breaking the Rules is set in the town of Willowbank Australia.
Grace and Owen have sworn off commitment and love. Could a mutual casual fling be just what is needed to help them to forget their past relationships gone wrong? Could more eventuate between Owen & Grace?
Karen has written an easy to read novella which flows effortlessly, leaving the reader with a natural progression of events and with a sprinkle of engaging and relatable main and side characters.
Once again I have to give another 5 ✨ to a wonderful written story, which is part of one of my favourite series.
If you are after a bingeable read with good feels and vibes this is the one you need to get your hands on and start reading asap.
Profile Image for Lindsey Riley.
472 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2025
It is so easy to get caught up in Owen and Grace's story and devour it in one sitting.

Owen and Grace have a fun meet cute and it's not long after that the rules start being broken! Because in a small town there is really very few degrees of separation and they were bound to run into eachother again.
There is chemistry sparking between them from the beginning but the forbidden workplace element and the potential for small town gossip ups the ante! Owen and Grace's brilliant banter adds to the reasons I fell in love with them.

Their pasts and insecurities are well written, giving substance to Owen and Grace’s vulnerabilities and the angst when Owen’s job clashes with Grace’s past.
I loved the cameos from Jake and Greg, heroes in the Hot Cops series, which added to the fun.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
5,454 reviews72 followers
May 17, 2025
Breaking the Rules is part of the Hot Cops world and takes place before the other 2 novels. It's a short and steamy, opposites-attract, friends with benefits to office romance. Grace has sworn off men after her ex took her money. Owen is a hunky hot cop who doesn't do relationships. He and Grace meet when she gets pulled over as she comes back to town. They cross paths again later and agree to a physical relationship only with no strings... but when she inadvertently ends up working for him, they might just want all the strings. The chemistry was hot hot hot, and the ending was so happy after a bit of angst. I laughed, swooned, and loved it so much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,668 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2025
A very entertaining rom-com. Grace returns to Willowbrook after five years in Sydney, a bad break-up with her ex boyfriend and money troubles not of her making. Set in Australia being frightened by a huntsman spider is no joke as they are huge and to have one inside your windscreen is terrifying. Owen is the local police sergeant who pulls her over for speeding after seeing the spider. There is instant attraction and everything kicks off from there. This is a must-read page-turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,525 reviews22 followers
May 10, 2025
A novella / short romance read that was a delight to read. We have our main characters Owen and Grace who meet as Grace is returning to her small hometown. They decide to date but keep it secret due to small town gossip mill but becomes even harder and breaking rules when he becomes her new boss. Things only complicate further from there. A fun romance told in dual point of view that is captivating, well written and smooth flowing. I so enjoyed it and can't wait for more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mel (literaturelylost).
117 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2025
LOVED IT!
The characters were instantly relatable and lovable, the plot was well thought out and didn't seem rushed because of the shorter book length, which is so impressive.
The Aussie setting was beautifully described, and it captured the small-town essence.
There was drama and spice, that just seamlessly worked and was a compact romance novel that I would honestly read again. Just to get my dose of romance.
17 reviews
April 1, 2025
My rating 4.05

Plot 3.85
Characters 4.00
Spice 2.85
Small town vibes 4.05

This story felt like a breath of fresh air. I love dark romances but small town romances have lately become my new forte. The author did a great job in setting the nice small town vibe. Will definitely read her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Thebluereadingchair.
206 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2025
This novella is everything I've come to enjoy from Karen's writing; great meet cutes, witty banter and delicious spice.

I devoured it in one sitting. When cop Owen pulls Grace over for speeding, they notice each other straight away. They aren't looking for anything serious and so their weekend fling begins.

I loved see some hot cop cameos in this one too. Perfect prequel to the series.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
2,349 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2025
Grace is over relationships and swears off men. When she goes back home she meets Owen who makes her question her new rule. Owen has also given up on relationships but that changes when he meets Grace. They agree to a no-strings fling but they are put to the test when they find out that he is her new boss. Will they admit to having real feelings for each other?
1,893 reviews25 followers
July 6, 2025
great series
Karen is one of my favourite authors and again she delighted me with a perfect combination of swoon worthy romantic and laugh out loud moments. Owen and Grace are such wonderful characters, they both deserve love and happiness so breaking their own rules was the right decision to make.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
6,145 reviews65 followers
Read
April 18, 2025
Hay más escenas sexuales que historia.

Es corto, rápido de leer con HEA asegurado.

Ya había leído la primera versión hace unos meses, y luego Karen dijo que, a petición de sus lectores, la había alargado, pero no le veo la diferencia.

38 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2025
I loved Grace and Owen's story, I wish it was longer.
The insta-lust was refreshing, with so much slow burn around, it was believable and face-fanning. I also loved the small town vibes, with lots of great side characters.
92 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
This is a great intro to the series and I can't wait to read the rest. It is short but does not leave you wanting as you get the full story and dont feel like you are missing major plot points.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa J Page.
Author 1 book48 followers
May 5, 2025
Great dual point of view of Owen and Grace and by an enforced meeting (you'll see when you read it) will have you laughing and supporting these two with their relationship even if it is a friends with benefits situation. Looking forward to reading more of the Hot Cops series. Fantastic work, Karen.
Profile Image for Alex Wallace.
614 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2025
I loved this book. Office Romance, drama I could not get enough of Owen and Grace and their Chemistry. I can't wait to read more of Karen's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,264 reviews12 followers
May 9, 2025
Grace is reluctantly returning to her home town, and gets a speeding ticket from Owen - not the best first meeting, so will she give him a chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
1,034 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2025
The characters are fun and more complex than a novella implies. The supporting cast add so much flavor to the story while the main characters navigate their ebbs and flows with spice and banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
567 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2025
Are you looking for a rom-com with some heat? This is for you. Great characters in a town you can see coming back to with more stories! I would love to see Noah get a match next! From start to finish I was all-in. It didn't seem like a shirt story, even though it was one
1,066 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2025
Easy to read and follow story. Not too complex. Some action.
I enjoy not too complex stories. Too much angst no thank you.
The story is a relaxing one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
340 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2025
Grace and Owen meet when he pulls her over. They run into each other again and sparks fly. They agree to no strings but it doesn’t stay that way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Brown.
Author 10 books13 followers
May 5, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this hot cop romance because it had everything. The interaction between Grace and Owen as they struggled with their own ideals kept me reading and vying for them to get together. I loved the chemistry, spice, and truly Aussie interaction and settings.
Profile Image for Laura Boon.
Author 7 books200 followers
May 12, 2026
Fast, fun read

If you’re looking for a fast fun read with cheeky dialogue and a hero and heroine who are perfect for each other, I recommend Breaking the Rules.
Profile Image for Morally_Gray_Nola.
1,101 reviews56 followers
May 2, 2025
Owen and Grace got off on the wrong foot. But quickly tumbled into bed. Which, due to circumstances mostly out of their control, could see them promptly cast into a searing fry pan.

‘Breaking The Rules’ is a cozy love story. Owen and Grace are so sweet together it’ll make your teeth hurt.

Recommended.

Basics:
Length:
* Novella
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* A Small Town, Hot Cops
Epilogue:
* Yes

Nitty-Gritty…
MMC:
* Owen
FMC:
* Grace
Genre & Tropes:
* Small Town Romance
* Romantic Comedy
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* On Page Sex
Burn Speed:
* Fast
Spice Level:
*
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews