Tyler's Rule

Skeleton Crew #3

by Jolie Vines

I meant to stay hidden, but he’s the one who won’t let me get away.
I learned early what men want. Smile pretty. Perform. Don’t break where it shows.
It worked. Until it didn’t.
Now I’m running from the past that caught up with me. A broken doll pretending she’s still in control.
My stalker found me anyway. Once he decides something is his, he doesn’t let go. He demands answers. About what was done to me, and about the men who thought they’d already destroyed me.
He doesn’t ask permission to hunt them.
I should run. But I’m done hiding. Because this time, I don’t just survive what broke me.
I fight back.
--
Tyler’s Rule is the final book in a high-heat, dark romance murder-mystery trilogy featuring a skeleton-masked crew, an obsessed, unrelenting strategist, a woman rebuilding herself from ruin, and a city where survival always comes at a cost.

Tropes and Themes:
• Showgirl × Gangster
• Rules to keep her safe and him sane
• Kidnap, bestie
• An obsessed hero, big time
• A broken woman, rising
• A hidden legacy
The explosive finish to a twisted trilogy

Genres: Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, Found Family, Dark, Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2026

About the author

JOLIE VINES is a romance novelist who lives in the South West of England with her husband and young son.

From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.

Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.

Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.

Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Cassandra ☀️🌊☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

-4.75 🌟 Consent is sexy. Tyler made consent even more sexier! I was waiting forever for Dixie and Tyler’s story. They ended up saving the best for last. I love Dixie. I just wanted to give her a hug and tell her everything is going to be ok. She was so brave and strong with everything she went through, since she was a teenager. My favorite boo in this series is Tyler. This man had me swooning throughout the whole book. The way he would do anything for Dixie was sexy as hell. He knew what he needed to do to help Dixie, whether it was emotional or physical. I did feel like the epilogue could have been better, but glad they got there happily ever after. I’m hoping the next book will be Atlas.

[Carol Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) — The absolute best book in the series (so far)! An incredible mystery and a top-tier MMC.**

*"There was real danger I was behaving like a psychopath. In my defense, I was a very well intentioned one."*

Guys! These characters? This world? This book? This whole freaking universe?! Amazing. Simply and utterly amazing! Jolie Vines has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. I originally picked up her *Dark Island Scots* series after a reference made to her in a book by another one of my favorites (huge shoutout to Elle Thorpe!), and I have been hooked ever since.

With this book, I would say she saved the absolute best for last but... it's not the last! I repeat, we are NOT done in this world!! Don't mind me over here squealing with delight!

I loved Dixie so much. Even in previous books as a background character, I adored her, but getting her as the FMC made me love her even more. She went through absolute hell throughout her life—things that genuinely made me cry reading about. Yet, she remained so damn strong and brave when it counted, all while staying positive, bubbly, and supportive to everyone around her. No one could have been more deserving of her than Tyler.

And Tyler! Oh goodness, I loved him. Again, he was great as a background character, but he really got to shine as our MMC in this one. He was so unquestionably devoted to Dixie and her safety and comfort. His own wants and needs didn't matter to him because all he wanted and needed was for Dixie to be safe and happy. He had me swooning so much! I dare say he might be my favorite MMC in this world, slightly beating out Shade. 😉

The murder mystery aspect finally being solved was handled perfectly! It was a plot twist I completely didn't see coming. The way Jolie Vines perfectly laid out all the clues throughout these three books without me ever figuring it out shows how truly talented she is. I came for the sexy men, the badass women, and the spice, but I stayed for the plot! Not that the romance or the heat were lacking at all—those aspects were just as fantastic as the mystery.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this universe. I think Molly is going to be a lot of fun, especially with an unpredictable Ash chasing her!

If you haven't read this series yet... seriously, what are you doing?! Go start it right now!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler’s Rule!

This is the third and final book in the Skeleton Crew series, and what a book to close out the series with!! I couldn't wait to read Dixie’s and Tyler’s story! We first meet Dixie in The Body Count series and since her introduction, I have loved her character and have been waiting to read her full story. Dixie is the sweetest soul who has endured so much and has been on her own for most of her life. That’s until she becomes the obsession of Tyler, aka Ghost. I absolutely loved how he is her emotional and physical protection from the world as she faces her past trauma and how she begins to find herself again. Tyler is a calm, safe place for her and Dixie is so much more than just an obsession to him. I loved reading their story and seeing how these two are truly the perfect pair 💕

Not only do we get Dixie's and Tyler’s story but in this final book the murder mystery plot that began in book one is solved! I had zero idea who was behind all the murders and was so shocked when it was revealed! I’m in awe at how Jolie wove all the details throughout the three books and how the story all comes together. Jolie answered every question I had about the crimes and murders and I cannot imagine how she plans this all out!

I loved having characters from the previous series in this book. Jolie's writing always leaves me feeling so connected to each character, so having previous characters in this series made my heart so happy! I loved the glimpse into Cassie and Shade’s relationship. Those two are like peas in a pod and I was laughing out loud at their back and forth during their adventure 😂

If you haven't read the Skeleton Crew books, I highly recommend this series and any of Jolies other books! She is one of my favourite authors and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to ARC read Tyler’s Rule! Thank you Jolie!

[Michelle T · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️

Omg what a conclusion!! I’ve been waiting for Dixie’s book since we got introduced to her way back.
Her and Tyler together were just the right amount of sweet and sizzling. I loved their healing and trust journey.

And all the action!!! Seriously, this plot took so many twists and I ate it up. We finally got answers, more questions and then all the answers.

I super enjoyed getting more of the whole gang too, seeing them come together and grow.

Another fantastic series. 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to know what is being put into these books

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler, the man that you are!!

He's definitely my favorite 😍
The way he protected Dixie even from herself was everything. He wanted her to be free to make her own choices. When he told her "prisoners can't consent" I swooned hard!! This man was all about consent, that was a beautiful thing.

Dixie was strong, resilient and a total badass. I loved her, she had gone through hell and back, but she still had that great spark that made her shine. I loved their relationship and how honest the were with each other.

The plot here was PLOTTING, I absolutely loved this story and how well it was developed. I was hooked the whole time. I love the guys and the way they look out for each other.

This was absolutely perfect! Arran and his crew are the best!!

[K books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh I wanted to love this book so much!! It was…just…not what I was hoping. The ending to the trilogy was just so anticlimactic for the drama of the other books. The vote, the company, the trusted companies, blah!

Dixie- I wanted to love her so much. She was so great in the other books, such a strong bad ass bitch. She was just so…clingy in this book

Tyler- he was great. I actually loved him and made this book. He saw Dixie for who she was and seemed to protect her

Honestly the best part of the book was Shade and Everly’s wedding, I wish that whole part was longer.

The whole Molly part didn’t fit in to this until the final blurb that there might be a new trilogy?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Dixie

I need Jolie Vines to never stop writing books, thank you.
From Marry the Scot books, to ALL the McRae books, the Dark island scots, to the skeleton crew....I've read them all. Its like one big dark sexy off the charts family.

I will never get enough.

I loved finally knowing Dixie’s story and even learning about Tyler’s own secrets. And seeing these two finally getting together was *CHEFS KISS* These guys didn’t ever stop protecting their ladies, and these ladies never stopped doing their own dirty work to get all the answers to all the questions. I love the new addition of Ash and Heretic and Molly. I’m hoping that means…… MORE BOOKS!?!?!?!

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another banger of a book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Tyler and Dixie where definitely the best charaters to end the series.

I found the storie in this to be alot more slow paced then the first two books which to me was good it helped my brain to keep up and follow the storyline but there where times I was confused asf 😆

I love dixie have since the Body Count series so was excited for her to get her own story 💕

The story wrapped up nicely but was definitely a roller coaster ride. So be prepared cos u think you know who, why, when, where etc, but nah ya dont lol.
I did not clock the killer i was waaaay off lol 😂 but laughed when it came to light cos wdf really IFYKYK.

Tyler and dixies story for me was written perfectly. I always though Tyler was guna be like shade or convict in how deranged and possessive they were but nope complete opposite lol and I understood why by the end 🥲. He was perfect for dixie in every way she needed him to be.
I absolutely loved how dixie was the one in control of there situations just like cassie in body count so it fit the pattern of a bad ass fmc for the 3rd and final book.
I think they way tyler handed over control to dixie helped her alot to come back to her self and heal her bit by bit. He was so boyfriend coded it was cute. Lethal but sexy as hell hehe.

The 2nd book is definitely my favorite though.
And im hella excited for the next series. That epiloge of molly eeeeek yesss.
Glad we will get more of deadwater and the characters we've come to clearly love ❤️

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the cliffhanger of Kane’s Prey, this followed on beautifully into Tyler and Dixie’s storyline.

We get our answers as to where she ran to, before Tyler kidnaps her and takes her to his secluded cabin, to safety. As the story progresses we learn what transpired in her past and learn what the future holds. Though not without the crews help in the form of violence, as one would expect 🤭 Meanwhile, their relationship builds slowly each learning about the other and some of the secrets they’ve held close to their chests.

“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚎. 𝙸𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚙𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚛.”

I love that to the reader their family unit comes across so well. They have each other’s backs throughout and I adore the skeleton girls detective work, the research they put in and the outcome. I am so happy that Jolie brought in the Atherton boys again still want to read their story too. There are spicy times but it’s done with such care due to their backgrounds and Jolie did a great job on ensuring we knew why. There is some banal banter along the way, sweet pet names and a little angst at times. All the little twists we’ve been handed before come together and give us readers the answers we sought 🫶🏻

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've come to the end of the Skeleton crew novels, with Tyler and Dixie's story. This isn't a standalone book, and you'll have needed to read the previous two in order to know what's going on. Dixie has been running for her life and from her past when Tyler catches up to her. For her own safety, he takes her to his house. They team up with their friends to try and figure out who's been committing the murders in Deadwater.

This book was good, but not as good as the previous ones. There was a lot of information being thrown around about the company Dixie's family ran, and with so many names being mentioned it was hard to follow along sometimes. I found myself not caring a whole lot about what was happening with that and just wanting to know who the culprit was. The reveal for that was good though and one I didn't see coming.

The relationship between Dixie and Tyler was good, but seemed to come out of nowhere. Apparently Tyler had been obsessed with Dixie for ages, and she was attracted to him as well, but we hadn't really seen them interacting previously. I did like them together though, and thought they were good for each other. Tyler was so supportive of Dixie finding her way again after the things she went through. I loved how he gave her the control for her life back. It's always nice to see the characters from previous books and catch up with them as well.

I really enjoy Jolie's works and didn't dislike this book; it was just the weakest one in the series. I'm looking forward to the next series she comes out still set in Deadwater!

No third act breakup

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Previous SA - not described in detail

Violence

[BabyNorthDK · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Bye, don’t die.”

“If ever I doubted kidnapping ye was the right thing to do, I don’t now.” He kissed me. Pulled me onto him. “I’m never letting you go.”

Tyler just sprinted to the top of my book boyfriend list, that man is solid gold every imperfection, every obsession, every desire, he is just gold in my eyes ❤️

[Rhonda Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t disappoint, it far exceeded my expectations. She was his obsession from day one. When she disappeared, he vowed to find her and hide her until she was ready to face the world again. She was his doll and he was everything she needed, her safe place and anchor in the storm. She always told “bye, don’t die” before very mission. He staked his claim in front of the crew and dared them to with his eyes to deny it.

[Orla McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - I enjoyed Dixie and Tyler but I thought their relationship could’ve been a bit more developed, it felt a bit rushed. I was slightly underwhelmed overall as this was the last book of the Skeleton crew but the murderer made a lot of sense.

I thought Tyler’s back story could’ve been a bit more developed so we could understand him a little bit better but I liked him as a character. I also loved Dixie’s character development and their protectiveness over each other.

[Sarah Sample · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything and more than I needed. I have wanted Dixie's story from the beginning. I'm beyond proud of what she overcame.

Since I have finished this universe it's about time to restart it 😂

[Jacelynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im 50/50 on this one. I feel like Dixie had so much more to give than what we got. Tyler and her fell so flat and felt so weird to me. I did like the murder mystery reveal and the setup for the next trilogy.

[TeeBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Came for the Chaos, Stayed for the Characters

We started this series with a bang and somehow ended with a whimper.
And to be frank, that opening bang only hit as hard as it did because we were all hanging off the cliff edge after Convict’s fate at the end of the original Body Count series. The momentum was already there. The emotional investment was already built.

This finale just never quite capitalized on it for me. I feel like I’ve been left squirming without the hope of a release.

It took me a few days to really get invested in this one, and that surprised me because the previous books? Smuttercups, I inhaled those things. The second they landed in my gubby little hands, I vanished into my pillow fort with my Kindle and Hot Tamales. I emerged hours later dehydrated, delirious, emotionally compromised, and already hunting for the next installment.
This one was different.

It wasn’t bad by any means, but the spark didn’t hit immediately. I kept waiting for that obsessive “just one more chapter” feeling to kick in, that itch under your skin where suddenly the sun is rising in the east, and you’re telling yourself sleep is for the weak because you need to know what happens next. For a while, the story just sort of existed as a file on my Kindle. I liked pieces of the beginning, Kane scaring the snot out of Dixie was fun, and I saw the potential. But emotionally, I wasn’t locked in the way I had been with the earlier books.

Part of the issue, I think, is pacing. The previous installments dropped me straight into the chaos and grabbed me by the throat in the best possible way. This one took longer to build momentum, and because of that, I found myself putting it down and reaching for another book more often than I expected. Once it finally found its footing, I enjoyed myself a lot more, but getting there took patience I hadn’t needed before with this series.

And maybe that’s the hardest thing when a series starts off incredibly strong. The bar gets set sky high. Once an author proves they can consume your entire weekend in one sitting, anything less than that feels noticeable.

By the end, I was invested, but it lacked that all-consuming fever the earlier books had. Those books devoured my soul. This one? We circled each other cautiously for a few days before finally shaking hands.

And I’ll be real: I don’t think I connected with this new crop of men nearly as much as I did with Arran, Shade, and Riot. Those three had this rawness to them, this volatile chemistry that practically bled off the page. They felt dangerous, layered, memorable. This new group just never reached those same heights for me. I liked them well enough, but I never became obsessed with them the way I wanted to.

Dixie was another struggle for me. I liked her, but she felt like an entirely different character compared to the woman we met in the earlier books. The sharp edges that once made her compelling seemed sanded down, and it became difficult trying to reconcile these two versions as the same person. Character growth is one thing, but this felt more like character replacement. I kept waiting for the Dixie I remembered to fully step onto the page, and she never really did. We got a few flashes of her as she tried to get her sexy back, but I still feel like she was replaced with a pod person.

Now let’s talk about the murder mystery element because… whew.

At this point, I genuinely think these books would have been stronger without the murders altogether. I said something similar in my review of Kane’s Prey, and after finishing this one, I stand by it even more firmly. The murders never felt essential to the emotional core of the story. Instead, they often came across like shock-value additions layered on top of a narrative that already had enough tension without them.

And once the killer was revealed, and their reasoning unpacked? It only reinforced my frustration. It leaned heavily into the “Girl in the Fridge” trope. A trope I absolutely can’t stand. Women and other vulnerable people suffering and dying purely to fuel angst, revenge, or emotional development for everyone else is a storytelling device that feels stale at best and lazy at worst.

Especially because the real intrigue here was already sitting front and center with Marchant Haulage. Untangling that Gordian knot: the corruption, the secrets, the family lies, the rot underneath the surface was compelling enough on its own. The murders didn’t deepen the story for me; they distracted from the more interesting conflict already sitting there.

This book still has moments that shine. The atmosphere is grimy and addictive, the tension can be electric, and the emotional groundwork from earlier books carries a lot of weight. But by the end, it felt like the story kept reaching for bigger shocks instead of trusting the strength of the characters and the world it had already built.

This wasn’t my favorite installment in the trilogy, but it still felt like a solid sendoff for this particular batch of Skeleton Crew menaces and the women fierce enough to love them.
Not every emotional beat landed for me, and I don’t think it reached the same highs as the earlier books, but there’s still something deeply satisfying about spending one last night with these chaotic, damaged, fiercely loyal characters. By the end, it felt less like saying goodbye to a story and more like watching the final embers burn low after a long, wild night.

Messy?

Absolutely.

Imperfect?

For sure.

But there’s enough heart here to make the farewell worth it.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler's Rule - Skeleton Crew - Book 3 - By Jolie Vines

This is the third and final book in the Skeleton Crew trilogy and it is outstanding. Please note that you should first read Convict's Game and Kane's Prey to fully appreciate the characters and storyline in this book, as even though each book features around a different couple there is an ongoing story arc that spans all three books. I would also suggest reading The Body Count series initially too, to fully appreciate the story landscape and additional characters who will each steal a piece of your heart. They are all really good stories in their own right and deserve appreciation. Please also note that this is a darker romance so please check the trigger warnings if you need to. So Tyler's Rule, wow just wow. This book continues directly from where Kane's book ended and it was non stop action from beginning to end. Tyler Cross is a senior member of the Skeleton Crew and runs an elite team of interceptors, who help Tyler, his crew name is Ghost because he easily blends into the shadows, to save trafficked souls who are left to the mercy of truly evil people. The moment Tyler lays eyes on Dixie he is hooked, he plays it cool but you can tell our strong warrior Tyler is completely smitten. Dixie who has been a member of the crew since the first book in the body count series is beautiful inside and out. She loves to help others in any way she can and she will definitelymaje you smile. After her brutal attack her confidence took a hit, then she tried to soldier on but then she was visciously assaulted. Between all of what she had been through and her past life she has tried so hard to outrun closing in on her she flees. Leaving the only place she felt safe and happy and where she caught glimpses of Tyler when she thought no one was looking. She ran. She kept moving until one day her secret crush whisked her away to protect her the only way he knew how. He had his rules and we come to understand more about Tyler and his history and why he is so passionate about his work. We also learn the full story of Dixie's past and why she is trying to escape it all. We see more of our past favourite characters Convict and his woman Mila, Kane and Lovelyn, Genieve and Arran, Cassie and Riot not least of all Shade and Everly who have the most beautiful scene towards the end of the book. The mysterious activities in Deadwater are still causing trouble for the self made family of the Divine and Divide crew and giving The Skeleton Girls Detective Agency a headache as they are determined to uncover the truth about the murders, the trafficking and the Marchant Family's role in it all. Kane is finally given a crew name of Thorn cementing him as part of the crew. Ash and Heretic Atherton are delicious in every way imaginable I can't wait to learn more about them and their history. Hopefully another crew member Ash is finding his happily ever after with the bartender Molly, fingers crossed. Damien seems a fun character that will no doubt cause a stir with the ladies. I adored the sibling banter between Cassie and Shade they are great together. Overall this is a gripping read from beginning to end. Packed with twists and turns we didn't expect. Histories that we never saw coming and are as heartbreaking as they are shocking to read what the characters endured in their early years. Along with the sweetest and tender moments to balance the spiciness shared by Tyler and Dixie. This story was a perfect end to this current trilogy. I cannot wait to see what twists and turns this author will give us next. Happy Reading.
5 out of 5 stars

[Cdoc's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, and downright insane end to the Skeleton Crew trilogy! This was rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. Although we started with a kidnapping 😅, Dixie and Tyler's story was deeply emotional. Between their love story and finally getting all the answers to the burning questions throughout this series (including who the murderer was 👀), it was an excellent book with a solid ending.

💜 Dark Romance
💀 Murder Mystery
💜 Showgirl x Gangster
💀 Obsessed MMC
💜 Traumatic Past's
💀 Found Family

Each book in the series follows a new couples romance, but there is an overarching murder mystery storyline going on throughout which means you do need to read the other two books (at the very least) to understand what's going on.

In this book we follow Dixie and Tyler. It has been a long time coming for these two! They were first introduced separately in Arran's Obsession (from the Body Count series), and it seemed like this day may never come but FINALLY we made it. I LOVED THEM SO MUCH 😭. Their story was deeply emotional and raw, both having been though so much in their life. It was heartbreaking to read at times, but so tender too.

Dixie has been such an fun side character and finally seeing things from her perspective was honestly even more heartbreaking than I was expecting. She has been through so much, but she is such a fighter. I loved seeing her work through her trauma and find herself again.

Tyler has been such a mystery. I knew he was hiding some sort of dark past, but I didn't expect the depths of it. He might be one of my favorite men Jolie has ever written, and that's saying something because all of Jolie's MMC's are drool worthy 🤤. We love a consent king, and he was the definition of that! He was honestly such a great change of pace. He was obsessive yes, but he always made sure that things were on Dixie's terms. He never pushed, and was always there to support her in any way she needed (even you know kidnapping some of the people who did her wrong 👀). What a man!!

The pacing in this was perfect. The romance was almost a slow burn in some ways, which was perfect for their story. They are both emotionally still healing from separate trauma's and jumping right into a physical connection wouldn't have made sense. Plus there was so much going on with the murder mystery, and family drama that it made sense to space things out. There wasn't a second in this where I was bored, and it was just the perfect mix of mystery, spice, and emotionally tender moments. A lovely book, and a perfect ending to such a thrilling series.

I will say though the little glimpse we got at a certain new couple right at the end?!?! 👀 I'M NOT MAD ABOUT THAT ONE BIT 🤭. I can't wait to see what Jolie cooks up next in this universe. The one thing that I can guarantee is that it is going to be a wild ride 😈

**Thank you to Jolie Vines and her team for the eARC of this in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼

[Jennifer English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolie, Jo. Can I call you Jo? Jo, listen. I was not prepared. Like at all. That twist to who was behind the murders?! 🤯🤯🤯I did not pick up the clues you were putting down. I was 100% sure it was another female behind it all. Though you did give her a deserving ending.😏 Yeah, you know who I mean...

I have been jonesing for Dixies story for ages, like ages upon ages. And I was so NOT disappointed! I absolutely loved how confident she has been, through both series. After she was attacked, it broke my heart on how much it effected her, like, on so many levels. For those who've read all the stories and saw the changes in her, I know you know what I'm talking about. I've also known for many stories that Tyler had her on his radar, I just didnt realize how far on his radar she was.

Poor Tyler. I just want to hug him and love on him and promise that not all people are like those who damaged him as he grew up. Which mind you, we don't find out the full ramifications of until nearly the end of the book, but we were given enough bits to put it together, at least somewhat. The fact that he held consent to such a high degree definitely showed that he understood what it meant to have it taken away, in any form. I think his obsession for Dixie is what saved both of them. Thank God for obsessive, protective, over the top gangsters.

Surprisingly, for Dixie being who she is, for what she did for a living, I think this was one of the least spicey books in the series. But honestly, for the story arc, it definitely makes sense. Dont get me wrong, the spicey scenes were still 🥵🥵🥵. Jolie has writing those down to a science, each one hits just right and no two are the same. The way these two went to war for each other, but still had their respective crew and families back at the same time was honestly the absolute best way for this trilogy to end. I actually might have had a few tears in my eyes during the final chapter.

Don't worry y'all. This might be the end of the Skelton Crew, but you know Jolie didn't just abandon our gang, our crew, our people. Nah, what she did is start another story in the epilogue and then left us hanging. Brah, rude! 😂😂 I can't wait to see what I feel like is going to be Ash and Molly's story, then I know Heretic is going to have his, maybe 2nd, maybe 3rd. I just wonder who his person will be and then who is gonna round out our trilogy (if it is a trilogy, I feel like based on the first two trilogies, its just gotta be...) Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team, these stories have such a hold on me and I'm already jonesing hard for the next story.

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler’s Rule (Skeleton Crew #3) by Jolie Vines is a suspenseful high-heat dark romance and book three, the final book, of an interconnected trilogy with a murder mystery that spans the series. The previous books end on cliffhangers, and this book concludes the trilogy. The story follows the relationship between Dixie, a former showgirl in hiding with a secret past, and Tyler, the obsessed gangster who kidnaps her for her protection.

Tyler’s Rule is told in the first person, mostly in dual POV, from Tyler’s and Dixie's perspectives with a handful of chapters (7 total) from five other characters: a Marchant son, Mila, Molly, Shade, and Ash. Although Tyler’s Rule is the last book of the Skeleton Crew trilogy, this trilogy is a sequel to the Body Count trilogy. Those who have read the Body Count books will have the richest experience as events in that series provide background and form the foundation that this trilogy and its world has been built on. Several characters from the Body Count trilogy make appearances as well, so I highly recommend reading it first.

Tyler’s Rule picks up right where Kane’s Prey ended with Dixie in a speedboat after just being kidnapped from the beach. Dixie has been in hiding and on the run; nobody has seen or heard from her in a while. Her friends have been searching for her to make sure she’s safe, and right as they spot her, someone (Tyler) swoops in, snatches her, and whisks her away. He says it’s for her protection and he had no choice. But why did he snatch her? And is she really safe with him?

I enjoyed Tyler and Dixie’s story. After meeting them in previous books, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about them both. Tyler’s Rule did not disappoint. Tyler’s been secretly obsessed with Dixie for a long time, and she’s had a secret crush on him for just as long, so when he kidnaps her, she’s not sure what to make of it. They never spoke much before, and she doesn’t really know anything about him. Both Dixie and Tyler have secrets, and their story is full of suspense, drama, danger, and twisty surprises with plenty of emotion and heat. The murder mystery finally gets solved—I had NO idea!—and all loose ends from the series are tied up. The epilogue gives a suspenseful peek at who the next book (or series) is about. I’m looking forward to reading it!

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear me out, you need to drop everything and binge this series right now because I am officially dead and buried. Tyler’s Rule by Jolie Vines was a downright insane, emotional rollercoaster, and it was the absolute perfect conclusion to the Skeleton Crew trilogy! Honestly, I have been dying for Dixie and Tyler’s story for actual ages. We’ve been watching them trade sly glances, lingering stares, and those little "bye, don’t die" moments for five entire books since they first popped up in the Body Count series. I was so hyped for this, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint for a single second! (Just a heads up, you can read this I guess as a stand-alone but I would HIGHLY recommend you read the body count series FIRST and then go into the skeleton crew series because the overarching murder mystery pays off completely here).

I am so deeply in love with Dixie and Tyler, my chest hurts! Dixie has always been such a fun, confident side character, but seeing things from her perspective was so raw and heartbreaking. She has survived the absolute unthinkable, but she is such a fierce, resilient fighter. And Tyler? Oh my god. I knew he had a dark, mysterious past, but the depths of what this man went through as a kid completely broke my heart. I just wanted to give him a massive hug. He is the ultimate, over-the-top protective gangster, but he is also a literal consent king. Because of his own trauma, he never pushes Dixie; he lets her heal on her own terms, baby-stepping his way into earning her trust... even if that means lightly "kidnapping" her to keep her safe and going to war with anyone who ever did her wrong. What a man! He is easily in my top three book boyfriends of all time. 🥵

The pacing was flawless. Because they’re both healing, the romance is a beautiful, intense slow burn, which makes the spice and the heat so much more meaningful when the walls finally come down. And the suspense?! girl, I WAS NOT PREPARED. The massive, mind-blowing twist of who was actually behind the town murders had me completely screaming! 🤯 I was 100% convinced it was someone else, and Jolie completely blindsided me. I might have shed a few actual tears during that final chapter, but what really has me feral is the epilogue. She left us totally hanging by dropping a brand-new couple dynamic right at the end (I see you, Ash and Molly!), and I am already impatiently counting down the days for the next wild ride. Go read it so we can scream about it together!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a deliciously dark and compelling read! A morally grey, intense and obsessed hero ….yes please! Then add in a heroine who survived multiple traumas and needs a flawed hero to help her to regroup and find her power again. Tyler kidnapped Dixie and kept her locked up in his personal lair. Can you call it kidnapping when she went willingly and enjoyed having him take care of her? The attraction between them is intense and the chemistry white hot, even though they have never acted on it. Tyler makes Dixie feel safe when it seems far too many people want to find her. Her dysfunctional Marchand family wants her compliance or elimination, the paparazzi want her story, and her Skeleton Crew family just want to know she is safe. There is also the question of who attacked her and left her for dead. Tyler’s obsession with the curvy blonde has simmered for quite some time. After her last traumatic experience, keeping Dixie safe takes priority over everything, including his loyalty to Arran and his crew. As they conduct their own search for Dixie, Tyler does not disclose that he knows exactly where she is until she is ready to face them.

As Tyler and Dixie work to find out who is looking for her and why, they make some starting discoveries that require further investigation. When Dixie is ready, they turn to their found family, the Skeleton Crew and their partners, to help them get the answers. The camaraderie among the group is absolutely fascinating, as is their blood thirsty methods of extracting information. When one is in trouble, they all rally to offer support, protection and their lethal skills. Tyler and Dixie are loathe to let each other ought of their sight, needing each in order to feel safe, steady and calm. As their story unfolds, the deeper feelings Tyler and Dixie have for each other finally see the light. Tyler helps Dixie to regain her boldness, her take-no-prisoners attitude and her confidence. She feels empowered rather than confined or controlled. Dixie helps Tyler go confront his own demons, ones that have been haunting him for years. The situation they find themselves in is rather messy, dangerous and unpredictable, but together they can face anything, especially with their crew as backup.

Though this amazing book has my full recommendation, please do read the trigger warnings.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

💀 The showgirl & the interceptor Ghost 💀

FAVORITE TYLER QUOTES:
"Because everyone has always treated ye like ye don’t matter. I promise it. Tyler’s rule. Now, we’re going to eat, and after we can talk. One step at a time.”
“I see a beautiful woman at the height of her power. I see a lass who brought me to my knees from first sight and who I couldn’t stop thinking of on any day after. I see strength and resilience, and someone so pretty, my mind stumbles when I’m near her.”

DIXIE'S QUOTES:
"Bye, don't die"
🔪💀Ghost. That was his crew name. 🔪💀
"He was massive with thick muscles. Probably early thirties. Close-cropped dark-blond hair. Serious in everything he did. A total boss babe but with a flash of kindness and humour underneath."

💋 Dixie is built like "p0rn star", and such a sweet and beautiful soul with a heartbreaking and traumatic past. My heart broke for everything she endured, but I loved watching her slowly find her way back to herself. Her journey of healing and growth was powerful, and she emerged as a new stronger version of herself by the end of the story. The road to get there, however, was difficult to see.

That said, I struggled with some of the dynamics between Dixie and Tyler. Especially during intimacy. She's telling him what to do next. He has no say what happens. The relationship felt unbalanced. For most of the book, the focus is understandably on Dixie's healing, but it seemed like Tyler was constantly giving while receiving very little in return. He accepts it because he's deeply in love with her and willing to do anything she asks, but that created a power imbalance that was hard for me to overlook.

My biggest hang-up with the story was that Tyler's own emotional needs were largely overlooked. I needed someone to acknowledge that he was carrying his own burdens and deserved support, healing, and care as well. That was a bit disappointing for me and left me wanting more balance in their relationship. 🥺

Guess what!? We get some more of this world!!! There will be another book of series following this one. Hopefully we get to see more of Molly and Ash 🤞 I personally hope to see less imbalance in this couple. We can't expect equality while accepting that only women are deserving of that.

A New Favorite Cassie Quote:
“Ugh. Don’t make me be reasonable. It clashes with my outfit.”

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW–an excellent finish to this trilogy series–I have no words but I’m going to try and find them! This one is very emotional and impactful.

Tyler and Dixie have been in our minds from the very beginning in Arran's Obsession (The Body Count series). Always a hint of their fire in each story up until they finally have their own. I don’t think I’ve waited longer for a couple’s story than this one and I was not disappointed at all! This has all of the emotions, steam, spice and an intensity that’s been built up for so long!

Tyler has always had his eye on Dixie and when she goes missing, yet again, it’s no different. This time Tyler is going to keep her safe since whoever is ending people has Dixie in their sights and he’s done watching her run away. Dixie has never counted on anyone for anything and she’s used to going it alone and now is no different. Dixie has to run until she finds out who is trying to end her and she doesn’t want anyone finding out her one big secret, who she really is. Dixie has had a terrible, traumatic and rough time of it. No one knows her whole story and she likes it that way. But Tyler takes baby steps to earn Dixie’s trust after "kidnapping her". He has immense patience with her and he has zero thoughts on leaving her. Tyler has his own traumatic past that no one knows of. It’s led him to his obsession with Dixie and now he’s got to claim her but he has one rule.

It’s a race against time -- but with Tyler, the full crew and the Skeleton Girls Detective Agency behind her, Dixie is slowly becoming the strong independent woman she used to be. This is enabling her to help piece together who all is behind everything that’s been going on and who it is that wanted to end her. Every question is answered and everyone is held accountable for what they’ve done all nice and neat.

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

5⭐|3🌶️|12%🌶️frequency

You would think a smex worker would be weak, but that's the opposite of what Dixie is.
Dixie is one of the strongest women I know. I loved her from the very beginning. And when the "thing" happened with her, I was devastated 😩
It was not just unfair, it was the worst!
I'm soo happy that she could get her HEA 🩷
It's hard for me to say much because I don't want to spoil anything from the past. Not just the previous two books in this series, but also the three books from the previous series.

I love how "confusing" the series is. It definitely makes you dizzy 🤣 And no, that's NOT a bad thing. It's the best. You really need to wait till almost the end to get the full solving of the whole thing. It won't get boring for even a second. If I hadn't started the book late already, I wouldn't have stopped at all 😁
Absolutely incredible 🤩 I wouldn't have guessed the story to get to this point at the beginning of the series 😱

Normally, I can't stop talking about the MMC, but it's difficult to say anything about Tyler. He wasn't quite what I expected. Sure, he's absolutely obsessed with Dixie, and that wasn't really a secret; everyone could see that 🤣 But there is so much more about him.
It's a bit scary what histories all the MCs have. But I think that's what makes the stories so interesting.

Another thing I love so much about this series (and the previous one) is the huge found family dynamic. They are definitely so much more family than 🩸 family ever could be 🩷

I'm very curious where the journey will lead us. What's coming next... And who will get ☠️ and why. There is a tiny hint at the end of this book, or at least I hope it's a hint 🤞😁


Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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[Skye Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final entry in the Skeleton Crew trilogy! We finally get answers to the Deadwater murders, who's behind the Marchant mystery and Dixie’s connection to it all.

Tyler has been obsessed with Dixie ever since he first saw her. Always watching over her, protecting her, desiring her. But never making a move, one of his rules he places on himself. With the job he does and his experiences with life, consent is important above all.
Yet it doesn’t stop him from kidnapping Dixie and stashing her away at his secure remote home, all in the name of her safety. He'll protect her with his life, even from himself.

Dixie has had a rough life to say the least, but our girl just keeps getting back up swinging. She may have felt a little lost and alone along the way, losing her old life she'd worked so hard to rebuild, and running from the danger she saw coming. But Tyler is her rock, her protector and supporter. He is the one to help her rebuild her confidence, face her fears, and bring out the woman hiding not only physically but emotionally and mentally.

Nice little nod to Storm Force Whisky mentioned for those who know.
Cassie is chaos defined as always, working to find, free and clear the way for her missing bestie. The sibling rivalry between her and Shade fliws so naturally you'd think they were raised as little homicidal maniacs together.

We get a bit more of an insight of the Atherton brothers, Ash and Heretic, with some clues into their past of what forged their strong bond and relationship. It should be an interesting (albeit devastating and emotional) storyline from the glimpses we've gotten.

I'm so glad Dixie got her man and HEA. That girl has been to hell and back more than once! Betrayed more than she can count, used, abused, nearly killed; yet she finds her way back to the crew, her true family, and claims her man.

[Jody Diakow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book of the Skeleton Crew series, and probably the book I have been anticipating more than anything. First introduced to MMC Tyler back in Arran's Obsession, he has been a quietly recurring character that was waiting to have his story told.

We also met FMC Dixie back in Arran's Obsession when she tried to put the moves on mob boss Arran, and was quickly shut down. But Dixie persevered, becoming a key character until her disappearance earlier in this series.

Tropes:
• Showgirl × Gangster
• Rules to keep her safe and him sane
• Kidnap, bestie
• An obsessed hero (big time)
• Scarred heroine, stepping into her power


Tyler and Dixie have been dancing around each other for 5 books and in Tyler's Rule, we finally get to see those sparks fly. Both have a shadowy tragic background that landed them where they are today, and as the details start to emerge, you begin to see how they were made for each other. They understand each other's trauma baggage, and respect the person underneath the armour.

In true Jolie Vines fashion, this book is heavy on the hulking Scotsman, not to mention the spice and a HEA.


** This book needs to be read in order, and recommend reading the Body Count series before diving into the Skeleton Crew series for optimal background and full appreciation of the whole story. Make sure to fully read the TWs, as this book is heavy on the flashbacks of some heavy content.


Appreciation for the author in offering me an advance copy of Tyler's Rule. I am a huge fan of Jolie Vines and have read (and loved) her entire back catalogue. Scottish men, their women, and the adventures they get up to; can't imagine a better world to immerse myself in!

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god what a rollercoaster! This couldn’t have been a better ending to this series, and my god I was on such a high reading this.
We continue where we last left off, Dixie missing and on the run. She was almost killed once, but thankfully was saved. When she tried her hardest to go back to work at the club, something awful happened and she needed to get away. Everyone was hunting her down, and the one person she trusted became her stalker.

He created rules for her but also himself, he wanted her safety but would not turn a blind eye over what was done to her. Everyone who did her wrong would pay, and that wasn’t a threat. He is obsessed, and he would never let her go. But does Dixie even want to go?

This story was so good, from all the other books, you got a glimpse of Dixie’s life and her close relationship with everyone and her job. When she leaves, you can feel the tension and the panic between everyone and trying so hard to find them. Tyler had to lie to his whole crew, but it was for the right reasons. With all the bloodshed, you feel so liberated with every person who did her wrong getting the revenge she so deserved.
Dixie was broken, she hit such a low, and with Tyler, she got her confidence back, she became strong, and was able to overcome so much. He never changed her, but encouraged her and was always there for her. In turn, he changed and for the better, he would do anything for her, including burn everything down for her.
I loved their relationship, and you know from the other books there was history between them but they never acted on anything. With the obsession turned into such a strong love, with both of them having traumas, it was a strong bond between them and they supported each other.

I really thought this was the end, and I’m so excited to find out there will be more with new characters. That cliff hanger?? That was wild. God I’m gonna just go into a hole now until the new series comes out lol but overall, this was such a rush, from their romance, to the murders, to the mysteries, such a strong villain and crazy clues. I loved every minute and I cannot wait to read more!

[Denna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe another amazing series is ending. Jolie Vines’ books basically read themselves, and I’d been excited for Tyler’s Rule from the moment the titles of the individual books in the Skeleton Crew series were revealed. Somehow, deep down, I knew this one would be my favorite. Well, it really is. Even though every book in this series was a 5 star read for me, Tyler is my love and one of my favorite characters, not to mention that I’d been excited for Dixie ever since I read the Body Count series.

I absolutely love the way Jolie Vines writes mystery. If you’ve read her previous series, you know her books contain clues. And I solved them... Obviously, I guessed everything wrong. But that’s fine, because I still had so much fun trying to figure it all out, and I love that the author creates things like this for her readers.

This story contains some heavy topics, so as always, check your triggers.

Tyler’s Rule was an incredible book, and the wait was definitely worth it. I love the characters’ stories, their development, and we also get to meet a few new ones who are definitely worth paying attention to, and I truly believe we’ll see them again in the future 👀

Anyway, as I already said, this book was a 5 star read for me. If I could give it more, I would. It was funny, emotional, and so well written that it was impossible to put down. And I have to add that whatever comes next, I’ll read it as soon as I possibly can, because I can’t wait for anything Jolie Vines writes.