Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise

by Sophia Karlson

A brand new fake dating destination romcom to fall in love with in 2026! No one said fake dating was going to be easy…

Two weeks ago, Lexi O’Reilly had her perfect job. Today, she’s being fired for seeing something she shouldn’t have. With a social media scandal waiting to drop, all she wants is to disappear until the storm has passed.

Enter Tristan Martinelli, her brother’s best friend and oceanographer. With a deadline looming for his upcoming tv series, Tristan has run out of footage, money, and sponsorships to finish his series. All he wants is to wrap up his life’s work and meet his deadline.

When the perfect job presents itself – a three-month stint at an exclusive private island resort with some of the best-preserved reefs in the world, where Lexi will run the hotel, and Tristan the dive centre – the only snag is that they must be a couple to apply. Despite knowing how she feels about Tristan, they make a deal to fake being engaged to apply for the job. Surely pretending to be in love with the man you’re already in love with should be easy, right?

What to expect when the rules don’t apply…

Brother’s best friendFake datingForced ProximityRemote island locationSpicy

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

About the author

I write sensual, emotional, and evocative contemporary romances about good guys and bad girls and sometimes it's the other way around. Either way, happy ever afters rule!
All my books can be read as standalone, although I tend to write about siblings.
Follow me on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.

Reviews

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the fake dating part of the book but the characters really lacked depth and I felt like I barely knew anything about them at all. And a few parts were really confusing. The flow of the story should've been more focused on. And the communication between Lexi & Tristan wasn't great either. I really wanted to like this book because the blurb made it sound like just the light-hearted and fun read that I was looking for, but the beginning itself felt so slow that I lost interest pretty fast tbh.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise ticks my boxes. 👇

✦This is a standalone but I’m low-key hoping we get another for (Lexi’s brother) Evan’s story.
Lexi is the collateral damage of a scandal involving a celebrity at her high-class hotel job. She has a chance to escape before it erupts, but only with a fake engagement. 💍

Tristan is desperate to finish his documentary, a love letter to the ocean, and the island location is perfect with its untouched corals and vibrant sea life.

Can they really pull this off?

» It moves at a quick pace, and the stakes are high for both Lexi and Tristan. Throw in some meddlers (some, delightfully cheeky while others are truly awful) and great banter, and I was hooked!

✦POV: Dual, first-person
Lexi is relatable and grows through the story. I felt awful for everything she’s been through and connected with her. Tristan is deeper than I expected and once he pulled his head out and was truly honest with himself, just, wow.

» From a villain I wanted to throat punch, the hotelier who is a straight up legend, to the Ne’emba locals who Lexi and Tristan took risks to elevate; the secondary characters were perfection.

✦Spice: Open door, explicit
The tropes are like a shopping list of all the ingredients to make my breathing and heart race; A+ 👏

Gimme that second chance, brother’s best friend, childhood friends turned enemies to lovers, forced proximity with only one bed in an idyllic tropical location, and make it a slow burn. 😮‍💨🫠 Yes, please, and thank you! Delicious torture!

♡ I devoured this addictive story. It has so much heart with satisfying heat and is perfect for someone in the mood for a read that is emotional, funny, hopeful, lighthearted, and just tense enough to keep you invested and on the edge of your seat to the HEA.

❝One thing is certain. There’s going to be trouble in paradise, and it’s been a long time coming.❞

✨ Thank you to Sophia and One More Chapter (HarperCollins) for the ARC to review via NetGalley.

→ Connect with me on Instagram!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love fake dating stories and throw in brother's best friend set in paradise? I'm all in.
Lexi needs a new job after being involved in a scandal at the last high end hotel chain she worked at for 10 years. She finds her dream job on a remote island but there is a catch. The job listing is for a couple, so she and her brother convince his best friend to fake an engagement to her and apply for the job. Lexi had always liked Tristan but she knows he doesn't feel that way. Unknown to her, he just has never felt worthy of her. Being forced to live together in paradise, they grow closer and lines begin to blur.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for this ARC. While i enjoyed the premise and love a fake dating/brothers best friend story. this one was somehow different but uninspiring. I found the characters lacking in depth and their backstories seemed hinted at but with no emotional follow up. Also, there are so many legal issues here that are misaddressed ….. also i’m 99% sure they used the wrong Miami University - they should be saying University of Miami since the characters live in Miami Florida - not Ohio

[Corrie 🎀✨🎧 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this E-ARC in exchange for a review.
This book was nothing like I expected. Going in to this I was like oh cute cover and my favorite trope(fake dating)? A win win! But it was way more than that. Having had been in a reading slump for the past 3 months, there hasn’t been much to truly reel me in, however when I started the book I couldn’t put it down. The first day I picked it up I was sucked in and there was absolutely no way to get out. Not only was the writing style easy to read and quite funny, but the banter and the depth of the characters kept me along for the ride. And talk about original plot! I mean this was definitely a first for me.
Dr. Tristian Martinelli desperate to finish his TV series and Lexi O’Reily recently laid off and in need for a getaway fake an engagement to get the job of their dreams. But when wires cross and red flags go flying, being trapped on an island is the least of their worries.
Definitely go check this one out if you like fake dating and forced proximity!

[Micaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley

As a big fan of Sophia Karlson’s mafia romance series, I was really excited to see her step into the romcom space. The premise immediately caught my attention — fake dating, forced proximity, a brother’s best friend, and a remote island setting is a combination that will absolutely appeal to many romance readers.

While the concept itself was fun and promising, this book ultimately just wasn’t for me. I struggled to fully connect with the characters and tropes, and I found the story a bit harder to get through than expected. That said, the writing is solid and the setup is one I can easily see others enjoying far more than I did.

This very much feels like a case of right book, wrong reader. If you love light, destination-based romcoms with fake dating and low-spice romance, this could be a great fit for you. Even though it didn’t quite work for me personally, I’m glad I gave it a try and I’ll definitely be picking up Sophia Karlson’s future releases.

✨ Sometimes a book just isn’t your vibe — and that’s okay

[Nat Top · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew a fake engagement could have so many layers! Lexi is a hardworking woman in New York working for a high end hotel. When a scandalized sex tape she mistakenly walked in on turns into some serious drama at the workplace, she has to lay low and fast. Tristan is a marine biologist who's working on ocean filming for a special series he's launching but needs time and money to complete the last of his filming. Tristan also happens to be Lexi's brother's best friend. After some meddling they land a job together on a remote island with a hotel resort and special diving locations. Oh, and they have to pretend to be engaged to get their jobs!

The drama and tension piles up in Rules Don't Apply in Paradise. Lexi landed herself into one pickle after another. I feel for her so hard and wish she didn't have so many people against her. Thankfully Tristan is in her corner throughout. She needed some wins! Tristan was so supportive of her and you could see the love he has for Lexi in every little thing he does for her. He's so smooth but also a caring guy. The extra drama on the island had my jaw dropping and I loved how things turn around with the other characters we get to know. It was hard for me to put this one down because there was always something new happening! Highly recommend if you need a spicy island escape with his and her POV and some drama inducing side characters.

thank you netgalley for an ARC to review!

[Abbey Boyett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such a fun overall concept with the secluded island setting mixed with fake dating and a second-chance romance. I also liked the refreshing take of brother’s best friend but with a supportive brother. There were a few sections that felt unnecessary or a bit confusing, and I found myself wishing for a little more explanation in places. Those moments pulled me out of the story and lowered my rating a bit. But overall, I genuinely enjoyed the journey and ending was perfect!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC!

I was immediately hooked and devoured this book within hours! There was drama and love and a little game of hide-the-di1do 😏

Tropes:
•Fake Engagement
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Forced Proximity
•Only one bed cause the mosquitoes will devour you
•Love letter 💌

[Lizl Kuschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romcom, Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise, hits all the right beats with a swoony brother’s-best-friend romance wrapped in fake dating chaos. Stranded together on a remote island, the forced proximity turns simmering tension into laugh-out-loud banter—and then into very satisfying heat.
The chemistry is undeniable, the spice is bold without overpowering the story, and the setting adds a delicious sense of escape. A flirty, feel-good read that delivers romance, humor, and just the right amount of steam.
Once again, Sophia Karlson did not disappoint! I love reading her work.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early review copy.

A rom com on a tropical island sounded fun to me in January, and I took a chance on a new-to-me author. I usually love a fake dating / forced proximity trope, and on this cold winter week I am ALL IN for a romance in paradise, so I thought this would be enjoyable. Sadly, it did not work out well, and I did not enjoy my time reading this.. The story was fine. The characters were meh. The dialogue was meh. The location was fine. One extra star, however, for Lexi actually saying the title during a conversation. Maybe it's nerdy, but I always enjoy finding the title in the text!


Lexi and Tristan are basically idiots. We are meant to believe they are intelligent and professional and highly skilled in all the ways needed to manage a resort and dive center, but - just for one example - they arrive at the resort and are shocked just shocked that there is only one bed in the married housing unit, and they see mosquito netting over that one bed and then are shocked just shocked that there are ... wait for it ... BUGS that BITE all night long when Tristan sleeps outside! GASP! These people are supposedly from FLORIDA and they didn't think of mosquitos???? Uh-huh, sure.

Their banter is probably supposed to be witty and sexy, but it was just cringe. Tristan came off sounding like the biggest possible red flag. The more I read, the less I liked him, and the less interested I was in the romance. Lexi wasn't great either, she doesn't seem all that competent, and she makes some very stupid decisions. (For example, she thinks he's an absolute angel because, when she doesn't want to have sex because she's sore from her period, he holds her hand, and she thinks to herself about how sweet he is, because: "any other man would have pushed me to blow him by now" - oof, sister, that is setting the bar LOW.)

The entire premise just made NO SENSE. I know romances often have unrealistic premises, and I'm usually willing to suspend my disbelief and accept the fantasy of the romance. But this time, the protagonist spends WAY too much mental energy stressing over this non-issue. It was annoying. She has to get out of town because there's a sex tape - oh no, she's not having sex in the tape, there's a celebrity having sex with some random guy, and in the background Lexi is a barely visible fully clothed woman (in her hotel uniform, but it's not clearly visible since she's holding her jacket) who accidentally walks in on them - there's a look of shock on her face, and she quietly leaves the room - LIKE ANYONE WOULD - and it's all caught on security cameras. WHY would she care if this sex tape is released? Who cares about her? She clearly didn't mean to walk in on that. She didn't do anything wrong. The hotel fires her, in the hopes of distancing themselves from the situation (although it's THEIR security footage and THEIR ballroom), which is questionable and probably illegal, but whatever. She goes along with it and stays quiet for the severance pay. But then the hackers come after her and demand one million dollars ... are they NUTS? If I were her, would I want this tape released with my name attached? No. Would I pay one million dollars to stop it? Again, NO. That's awkward, at best. Most of the world will not care about her. Only her family would care, and - AGAIN - she's not doing anything wrong or embarrassing in the tape. So naturally she decides to get a new job in the most remote place possible.

The entire first third of this book is devoted to Lexi stressing about this situation. They don't even get to paradise until a full third of this boring book has elapsed!!

The romance itself is pretty dull (primarily because I did not give a crap about either of the main characters) and it's as if even the author knows it, because she throws in intrigue about the multiple employees and guests on the resort island. I know all romances throw in a bit of extra to the plot, but this just felt so forced.


The author is from South Africa, currently living in Toronto, so she uses some terms that are not commonly used by Americans such as “have a cuppa” or “if things go pear-shaped.” (The term "sundowners" was particularly confusing, and I finally had to look it up, since in the USA it means "dementia" but apparently in Brit-English it means "an evening cocktail.") I have never used these phrases in regular conversation, I would only say something like that if I were being goofy. So it sounded odd each time the supposedly American characters spoke like that. She also doesn't seem to realize that "Miami University" is in Ohio, not Florida. None of it is a huge deal, and maybe it was all changed in the final copy, but it took me out of the story each time it happened. Why didn't she just make her characters Canadian?

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia Karlson steps out of her usual intensely angst-filled novels to give us the lighter side of her imagination with the delightful Rules Don't Apply in Paradise. The author gives us her take on the trials and tribulations of having a lifelong crush on a brother's best friend with a forced proximity and fake engagement trope to truly make the story memorable. For Lexie and Tristan, there was a chance for something more 5 years prior and I was anxious to know exactly what happened to separate them from any contact since. Karlson, as is her M.O., however, takes her time in revealing the hurt felt by both characters as she sets up a chance to truly reconnect them when Lexi and Tristan take a job at a remote island resort to save each of their careers. There are many pieces to their jagged puzzle as Lexi is avoiding a viral video that could sink her future in the hospitality business and Tristan is needing to finish a passion project of his. Add in the allure of being somewhere warm and tropical and I just knew these two would fall hard and fast for one another, the rest of the world be damned.

Both Lexie and Tristan are great characters. Both have their own issues from prior family events but even with the time between them since they almost took that plunge to more, I could sense a real connection that no amount of pain and hurt could deny. Trying their hardest to fool their new employers and fellow workers that they were madly in love was both awkward and kind of adorable. They definitely have each other's backs and did everything they could to portray themselves as a very happily engaged couple when they were anything but.

The progression to finally revealing the whys of their failed tryst 5 years ago is a slow and steady one. But as we waited for the ultimate conversation that would undoubtedly have to happen, Karlson offers up troubles in paradise as a few co-workers seem hell bent on making Lexi and Tristan fail while simultaneously cooking up theories about them that are so out of left field, it was actually amazing they lasted as long as they did. Sure, their 3 month stint would be difficult just being around one another but the shock at what they are accused of later on in the book, floored me. But I knew Karlson would have something a bit tricky up her sleeve to add to the mayhem already surrounding Lexi and Tristan in this new venture.

Lexi and Tristan are selfless to a fault and I loved how they took a few of their co-workers under their proverbial wings to offer up a better life going forward. In fact, I'm hopeful this isn't the last we see of Roger and Deshni, in particular, and that perhaps a wedding in the future will give us all a glimpse of how everyone is faring since the book ended. Not to mention Lexi's sly matchmaker brother and whatever he gets up to when no one is looking.

There is plenty of passion to make those long, sticky nights in paradise feel marvelous. The chemistry between Lexi and Tristan was evident from the start as they can't seem to take their eyes off each other, even when they should. In addition, there are some beautifully tender moments between them that warmed my heart. Although Tristan can sometimes mangle his words and meaning when trying to convey his feelings to Lexi, a well-timed grand gesture in the last few chapters made me cheer loudly. Paired with a surprise or two once they let their true emotions and love for one another come through and I knew these two were going to make it.

I love when an author steps out of their usual and with Rules Don't Apply in Paradise, Sophia Karlson does just that in her own wonderful way. The book has great humor, a sweetness as Lexi and Tristan find their footing with one another and a solid, deep love that they both need and deserve.

4 big stars!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Rules don't apply in paradise by Sophia Karlson
3 ⛤⛤⛤
"What games are you playing, Lexi?" - "One that needs to players only," - "And what are the rules?" - "Rules don't apply in paradise,"

I was very intrigued by the premise of this book. It contains a romance with the FMC's brother's best friend, fake dating, and the one bed trope. Consider me hooked!

The story was very captivating from the beginning on, I wanted to continue reading the entire time. The pace of the story was very fast and easy to follow. The twist at the end with the accusations of a drug cartel and getting caught faking the engagement also hooked me into the story further. I also really loved Tristan's love to the ocean, I felt that this was written clearly especially with the reason's why he loves the ocean. The fact that his project was called 'his love letter to the ocean' really took this part home.

There were, however, some elements that I didn't like within the book. Firstly, I think that the romance lacked any emotional depth, I felt more lusty than lovey. I personally think that the romance didn't have a lot of buildup, and there wasn't a lot of tension between the Lexi and Tristan. They didn't have a lot of conversations which allows us to see the depth of their relationship and their emotional connection together. Especially since the reason that they wouldn't admit their feelings to one another was about their past when Tristan 'rejected' Lexi 5 years ago (rejected as in didn't want to continue with their romantic night because he didn't want to be like his dad).. I think that this element was a bit lackluster, there was so much more to explore and gain a deeper insight in who Tristan is as a person and why he makes certain decisions. This was the main reason why the wouldn't admit their feelings to one another and it felt very brushed over.

This also happens with the backgrounds of both Tristan and Lexi with their own personal trauma's. Lexi experienced a hurricane as a child which resulted in her dad comitting fraud and being imprisoned. This again was mentioned but not worked out all the way so that there was a character development. It was more mentioned, but not overcome or fully talked about what it did to her as a person. Same with Tristan, his trauma was explained in regard of why he loves the ocean, but again this was more mentioned than explored.

What i did really like about the book is the side story of the romance between Deshi and Roger. It was clear that he really loved her and I loved both their personal grows in the story, especially Roger's. I think that their struggles as a couple were really well explained and it was cute to read, their love for one another really showed through.

Overall, it was a very easy and cute story to read. It was a very light read with a fast pace. It would be a perfect summer read on the beach. I was personally expecting a bit more depth, which is why I was a tad bit disappointed by certain aspects. But for fans of a light, fast, easy romance read, this is definitely a book for you!

My Favourite Quotes:
- "This is no ordinary engagement ring. It's a Tiffany. "Youre' crazy," I murmur. "But God, I love your type of crazy."
- "Happiness is, after all, a decision, not a choice".
- "His love letter to the ocean." - "Tristan has written a love letter - to me."

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sophia Karlson can write! Anything. And you will absolutely love it.

I previously only knew Karlson as the author of some of my favorite Mafia romances; tough, often brutal stories about ruthless people with surprisingly gooey centers, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a romcom. Well, I shouldn’t even have given it a second thought, because she brings the same wicked wit, non-stop action, intense emotion, and another guy with a big open heart to Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise.

Yes, rules are meant to be broken in paradise and you’ll be happy that’s the case, because otherwise we wouldn’t have this exciting, entertaining, heartwarming fake engagement between Tristan and Lexi. Once best friends, then a devastating betrayal, now thrown together on an island in the middle of nowhere for three months to achieve goals important and necessary for both of them. Tristan and Lexi are so adorable together; they know each other so well. Or they used to, until the 5-year drought. There’s a strong physical attraction between them, but it’s obvious there’s more to it on both sides, even though they each try hard to deny it, avoid it, hide it.

Lexi is going to manage the exclusive resort and Tristan will be in charge of the diving center. Sounds ideal, Lexi will be able to hopefully avoid fallout from the scandal back in the states, Tristan will be able to get footage for the project he’s now run out of money to complete. But as they start to settle in they realize they may not be in paradise, after all. There seems to be something a little bit off about the staff. A few are welcoming and helpful, but many are resentful, secretive, shoddy at their jobs, and Lexi’s assistant – who’s been there with her husband forever and ever and ever – seems suspicious of Lexi and Tristan’s relationship and up to something, hiding something.

Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise is funny, silly, ridiculous, sweet. Also mysterious, suspenseful, confusing, maybe dangerous. The location is beautiful, Tristan’s project is fascinating and Lexi makes excelling at her job seem effortless. But the real stars of the story are our sensitive fake engagees tip-toeing around each other, their feelings becoming more obvious by the minute. Tristan’s childhood was difficult, the forgotten child of multiple marriages, divorces, affairs, and Lexi and her brother Evan and their family were Tristan’s lifeline. Tristan is the poster man for golden retriever and cinnamon roll. You can fully understand Lexi’s crush because two sentences in and you’re in love with him, too. But she was shattered by his rejection and nothing much in her life has gone well for a while now. She needs some TLC. They both do. Read Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise and find out how / if / when they realize just how made for each other they are.

I received an advance copy of Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise from the author as part of her review team via NetGalley. It is so well-written, with a perfect balance of humor, heartbreak, redemption, suspense and surprises – and some very steamy sexy swoony scenes. Grab your copy and start reading right away and then head on over to those Mafia romances. You’ll love all of it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake fiancé. Remote island. Brother’s best friend. What could possibly go wrong?

If you’re craving a burst of sunshine to brighten these cold, gloomy winter days, then let me point you straight toward Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise by Sophia Karlson — a fun, flirty, drama-sprinkled escape that will have you dreaming of turquoise seas and tropical cocktails.

We meet Lexi, a hardworking New Yorker who’s just trying to survive life in a high-end hotel… until she accidentally walks in on a scandalous moment that detonates her career.

Suddenly she’s in hot water, forced to step out of the spotlight and disappear fast.

Enter Tristan — marine biologist, filmmaker, and her brother’s best friend (yes, we love this trope).

He’s battling deadlines, funding issues, and the pressure to finish filming his ocean documentary series. When the opportunity arises for both of them to take a job on a remote island resort, it sounds perfect.

One catch - They need to pretend to be engaged to get the gig.

Cue delicious tension.

What I really enjoyed about this story is how layered the fake engagement becomes.

Lexi cannot catch a break — honestly, she jumps from one bizarre situation to another, and I felt for her so much.

She has more than her fair share of people working against her, but the shining light is Tristan, who is firmly in her corner.

Their dynamic is just lovely: he’s smooth, caring, quietly confident, and fiercely protective. You can feel his affection for her in every small, thoughtful gesture.

Once they land on the island, the drama cranks up even higher. There are jaw-dropping moments (one twist genuinely made me say “Wait… WHAT?!” out loud), but also unexpected character turnarounds that add heart to the story.

And let’s talk spice. This is a slow burn with a big payoff — the tension builds and builds until it finally snaps in the most satisfying way.

I also appreciated the subtle message woven through the fun: you don’t have to let your past shape your future. Both Lexi and Tristan face old wounds, complicated histories, and difficult perceptions from others, and watching them push forward felt genuinely uplifting.

This book is fast-paced, addictive, and hard to put down. You can tell Karlson has experience in the hotel and tourism world; the details feel authentic, adding richness without bogging down the pace.

Overall, Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise is a spicy, sun-soaked second-chance romance with heaps of drama, a diverse and lively cast, and two characters you find yourself rooting for from page one.

And yes… I would 100% read a follow-up about Lexi’s brother Evan.

If you need a tropical escape without leaving your sofa, pop this on your January TBR.

With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Sophia Karlson starts the new year with a spicy standalone perfect for chilling on the sofa with, especially if you are somewhere cold and dreaming of a tropical getaway. As Rules Don't Apply in Paradise delivers all the heat you'll need to keep you warm!

As Lexi finds herself caught up in a celebrity scandal at the high-end hotel where she works, through no fault of her own and wanting to lay low and escape New York before a scandal erupts, Lexi decides to apply for a job at a resort on a remote island, a million miles away from her current life.

The only problem is that the resort only takes on couples.

Which is where her brother's best friend, Tristan, a marine biologist, comes in. He is desperate to finish a documentary series on the ocean. However, to do that, he needs three things: money, time and access, and Lexi can offer him all three.

If he agrees to a fake engagement.

The only problem is that neither of them realises how hard it is to escape the past and the present when they are trapped together in paradise, and a no-strings-attached fling is easier said than done. Especially when Lexi finds it hard to trust, and Tristan continues to prove what a great guy he really is. Plus, he's there for her every time something goes wrong.

And with characters that surprise, engage and entertain. Not to mention deliver the heat. Rules Don't Apply in Paradise is a romance that genuinely keeps you guessing and delivers the perfect amount of drama and tension to keep you turning the pages. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.

My thanks to Sophia Karlson for the opportunity to read an early copy of Rules Don't Apply in Paradise. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊

[☆Laura☆]

Lexi O’Reilly lo tenía todo planificado: una carrera prometedora en la exclusiva cadena hotelera St Chalamet, un futuro brillante en el mundo de la hospitalidad y una vida ordenada en Nueva York. Pero cuando un video comprometedor la involucra en un escándalo con una celebridad, su reputación y su empleo se derrumban en cuestión de días. Forzada a huir del caos y comenzar de nuevo, acepta un trabajo temporal en un resort remoto del océano Índico. Lo que no esperaba era reencontrarse con Tristan, el mejor amigo de su hermano y el chico que la marcó años atrás. Entre secretos, tensión no resuelta y la tentación de un paraíso tan hermoso como peligroso, Lexi descubrirá que las reglas y su propio control, no siempre aplican cuando el corazón decide involucrarse.


___


Debo decir que la personalidad de Lexi, es justo del tipo que en la vida real me cae mal, por lo que no fue totalmente de mi agrado. Y aunque objetivamente sé que el libro no es malo la historia está bien escrita, tiene ritmo y una buena ambientación, el carácter de Lexi y su manera de reaccionar ante todo hicieron que no lo disfrutara tanto como debería. Hay momentos en los que sentí que el drama era forzado solo para generar tensión, y eso me sacó un poco de la trama. Aun así, reconozco que la autora logra mantener el interés.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the dynamic between Lexi and Tris. The author did a great job showing how Lexi’s past experiences shape who we are without making her like a Debby downer the entire story. The ending was great and showed Lexi having some growth and confidence in herself. The other relationships shown really added to the story. Roger was great and I loved his little love story. There were only a few points that kept this fe being 5 stars for me and overall they were very minor with the story.

My complaints include:

The chapter where Lexi arrived on the island kind of overdid it when it came to her being anxious. I was ready to move on from her being scared out about being on a gorgeous island with a hot guy pretty quickly.

My biggest problem with the book was Jem’s character just sucked. I really didn’t like the conclusion of her story. She never apologized and was just a complete jerk the entire story and then was rewarded for it. I understand her storyline but it would have been better if there was at least an apology in there somewhere instead of just an excuse for her behavior.

Also Tristian’s character never really answered the questions about what happened with his dad. It hinted that his dad knew he liked Lexi and that Tristan would never touch his trust fund but it never really felt like closure since his dad helped out so much with Lexi.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of her Il Consiglio Scalere series, so when I saw this author had written a romcom, I thought, 'Why not? I could use a laugh and a break from the dark side!' The blurb had me sold - it promised a fun, lighthearted read, exactly what I needed to cleanse my palate from all the heavy stuff. But, if I’m being completely honest, I struggled with this book.

It’s a faking dating trope where the hero and heroine will both benefit from being a part of a couple. Lexi's life was a hot mess. After ten years of loyalty to her employers, she found herself in the hot seat for a scandal she didn't cause - all because she saw something she couldn't unsee. Desperate for an escape, she thought she’d found one with a job on a private island, only to realise the job description wanted a couple. Enter Tristan, her brother's best friend and a documentary filmmaker whose funds had dried up. Together they hatched a plan to fake being engagement, but things got complicated when they realised there was only one bed. I tried to get into this story told from dual points of view, but honestly, it just wouldn't happen. The flow felt slow and the characters a bit flat and one-dimensional, and I never felt I became invested in their romance or what happened to them. If Ms Karlson decides to write more dark mafia romance, then I’m there but I guess I'm just not the target audience for this one.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Lexie 🔥 They had me enamored and hooked 🤭😈 Their banter had me in stitches and their chemistry had me gasping! They are opposites, he is calm and she is pure chaos 🤭 They balance each other and the angst and yearning was 😩🧎‍♀️ Thank you so much, Sophia, for this ARC ❤️

Tristan Martinelli 🧎‍♀️A hot, older, gentleman, marine biologist? Give him to me rn! Tristan is the definition of yearn and you shall earn! He is obsessed with her and he doesn't bother hiding it 🤭 He is also so gentle and patient with her, always checking in and putting her needs and comfort above his own 🥹 Tall, older, rich, successful, protective, mature, obsessed, kinky, banterful, talented and can't stop being around his best friend's sister 😈

Alexandra O'Reilly 🤭 A talented, successful, independant woman who maybe is in a sticky situation 🤭 Sign me up and give me her! When I mean she is chaos, she is chaos 😂 She avoided Tristan like the plague for the last 5 years and honestly, I can't blame her 😭 She adores this man and even if she tries to deny it, it shows in every second. Beautiful, talented, protective, hardworking, successful manager at Ne'emba, inpatient, obsessed with her fake fiancée and loves to rile him up 😈

The spice was absolutely 🔥 Tristan and Lexi are kinky 😈 The slow burn was delicious! The writing is so frickin good and kept me turning the pages 😏 Now, I need a novella or something for Roger and his girl because that storyline is 🔥

[Karen Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise is exactly the kind of friends‑to‑lovers, forced‑proximity romance I adore. Tristan is trying to finish underwater filming for his TV series, while Lexi escapes to a remote island to lie low after a scandal threatens to break. Their slow‑burn dynamic is wonderful — full of tension, warmth, and that delicious “we really shouldn’t, but we absolutely will” energy.

The island setting feels vivid and escapist; I genuinely wished I could holiday there myself. Even though this is a light, easy beach (or anywhere else) read, it still dips into deeper themes like identity, escape, and commitment issues. Both Lexi and Tristan feel fully developed, with real backstories and family ties that make their choices believable. I especially loved Tristan’s arc from commitment‑avoidant to realising he doesn’t want their relationship to end.

There’s fake marriage, brother’s best friend tension, forced proximity, a remote island, and a touch of spice — all blended into a fun, satisfying romance. I found the first couple of chapters were a little confusing as the story drops you straight into the aftermath of Lexi’s scandal, but once I found my footing, the pacing was steady and enjoyable.

Perfect for anyone who loves a tropical escape with heart, heat, and a beautifully built slow burn.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This was a pretty good book. It focuses on Lexi, a hotel worker in management, and her brother’s best friend Tristan. Tristan is a marine biologist who is making a television series about ocean life. After losing her job at a hotel in New York, Lexi and Tristan agree to be fake engaged in order to secure new jobs for themselves at an island resort that only hires couples.

I was glad the brother’s best friend trope wasn’t made into a whole “don’t touch my sister” thing, as I really don’t like that in books. This was more about Lexi and Tristan’s past and how they were fighting feelings for one another in the present. I do wish they would have communicated a bit better though, as adults people should just talk to each other.

There were times when I felt the author left some information out, or didn’t fully explain things. I got the gist of those parts, but some stuff felt rushed. The third act involves conflict from an external source, as well as with each other. The external issues seemed way out of left field, and I’m no sure they were necessary. Overall I enjoyed the book and want to thank Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the chance to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Contemporary Romance

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi O’Reilly is the victim of a terrible HR department and toxic workplace. She has worked for a very upscale hotel group, the St Chalamet, where she has worked for ten years but she has just been fired. All because she was caught on video witnessing a sordid liaison between a celebrity guest and the man Lexi was having an intra-office fling with. When hackers threaten to release the camera footage, the St Chalamet fires her rather than deal with the backlash and scandal, (I’m not an employment lawyer but I feel like this would be deeply illegal). So what is a girl to do when a dream job posting comes up but it requires a couple to apply but recruit her older brother Evan’s best friend, Tristan Martinelli, a super hot oceanographer who needs to finish his passion project, a documentary about the ocean but who has unfortunately run out of funding. The job posting is looking for a hotel manager and for someone to lead guests on dives through the pristine Ne’emba Island off the coast of East Africa and Lexi and Tristan would be perfect for the positions…except they aren’t a couple. So fake relationship, forced proximity (only one mosquito net!), and brother’s best friend tropes engaged!

I really enjoyed this book. Lexi’s story is so sad, someone who has worked so hard and dedicated their life to an organization to be unrecognised and ultimately thrown away when she became inconvenient. She really tries her best to help people and be a good supervisor and friend. Her weakness is Tristan, the perfect MMC, kind, funny, sexy, and an environmentalist. I liked their history together and why they never got together before. The one bed trope has never been put to better use than this book. They are a really great team together and their friendship and support for each other is fantastic especially once they get together for real.

The third act breakup is pretty heartwrenching because they seemed like such a well suited couple. The resolution seemed a little too convenient but the grand gesture was very cute and they had a well deserved HEA. This was a fun, lighthearted rom com (that just so happened to include several HR violations).

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.

Reviewed on GoodReads.
Posted December 2, 2025

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This is a cute sexy summer beach read. It's a fake dating romance that puts a new spin on a couple of tropes: it's not quite a second-chance situation but it kind of is; it isn't exactly a work place romance but it's also not not a work place romance. You'll get it when you get there.

This is my first time reading from Sophia Karlson and I really enjoyed her writing! She had me so invested in the corporate drama boiling over in the background. RULES DON'T APPLY IN PARADISE is a nicely balanced mix of spice and plot. Karlson brought her experience in the hospitality industry to the fore, too, giving this book more authenticity than I usually get from vacation romcoms. The setting was lush, contrasting brilliantly with the high stress reality of being the people who ensure guests have nothing to worry about.

I didn't 100% click with the couple. Early on, there were a few times when Tristan was a bit of a "pulling your pigtails because he likes you" douchebro which is not for me, but Lexi was into it. If that's a dynamic that works for you, then I could see you falling in love with this pair. The relationship becomes quite heartfelt and sincere as they get more comfortable with each other.

Overall, an enjoyable warm weather poolside book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rules Don’t Apply in Paradise, Sophia Karlson delivers the ultimate escapist romance. I picked this up for the tropical setting and fake engagement with brother's best friend scenario.

The story follows Lexi O'Reilly, who is reeling from a professional scandal, and Tristan, her brother's best friend who is facing a career-ending deadline. Their solution? Fake an engagement to snag a dream job on a private island. I loved the dual POV; getting inside Lexi and Tristan’s heads as they navigate their feelings for each other made the forced proximity trope shine.

While the luxury island setting was a breath of fresh air during the winter, the heart of the book is the emotional growth as they resolve five years of past tension. This was my first Sophia Karlson book, but it certainly won't be my last. I found her writing style to be engaging and well paced.

I’d recommend this to fans of brother’s best friend, fake dating, and the classic "only one bed" tropes. My rating is 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Annie Dee Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the positive, I loved the 2 main characters. They had their faults, but ultimately stood up for one another despite their hesitancy about their own ability to commit. It was fun getting to know them, and they're the type of couple you want an epilogue about two years later.

On the other hand, the pace of the plot (the non-romance storyline) seemed to drag on and on unnecessarily. I think the point was to be suspenseful, but it wasn't serious enough to warrant such a slow timeline. It felt like a splinter in your finger - not enough to maim you, but a pain enough to distract you from the day.

There is a secondary plot about two employees on the island that was left wide open and completely unanswered. I don't know how anyone didn't bring that up in the editing process. Like - what HAPPENED there? It was significant enough that you couldn't leave it unended.

I felt like this needed another epilogue because I wanted to see Lexi and Tristan living their life, as well as how the other characters were doing. Missed opportunity.

Thanks to One More Chapter for an early readers copy to enjoy!

[Katherine Oswald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Rules Don’t Apply in Paeadise
Author: Sophia Karlson
Available: January 2, 2026
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Brother’s best friend, Fake dating, Forced proximity, Remote island location, Tension

Review:
A childhood crush given a second chance… while working at an island resort. What could go wrong? Turns out there’s a lot in store for Lexi and her brother’s best friend, Tristan.
I quite liked this story. There was a diverse cast of characters, bizarre situations, and funny moments. But they also explore the hard experience of not letting your past define your future. The spice had a lot of buildup before it snapped. I did find the climax a bit over the top, but not unrealistic.
I finished this pretty quickly, definitely a beach read. I could tell that the author has worked in the type of profession that she writes about, some of the details are things I would never have thought of.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Kats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi finds herself embroiled in a celebrity scandal and is looking to lay low. Tristan (her brother's best friend) is out of funds to finish his ocean documentary. When the opportunity arises for a couple to run a high class island resort and diving shop it seems perfect. The only catch is, they are not a couple.

Fake engagement
Forced proximity
One bed
Slow burn
Open door spice

There are a host of characters at the resort who bring some chaos, humour and intrigue. Both Lexi and Tristan develop some great friendships along the way too, but of course it's their relationship that takes the stage as they realise the fake has become real.

I really enjoyed Rules Don't Apply in Paradise. The romance was a delicious slow burn and their each working towards their careers while supporting each other felt very genuine. There were some things from both of their pasts revealed that give an understanding of their motivations and fears and how they can overcome them together. Overall this was a really great read!

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging read. I went in expecting a light island romance, but the story has more tension and emotion than the sunny setting suggests. Lexi’s situation feels believable — she’s overwhelmed, trying to get her life back on track, and not always making perfect choices. Tristan has his own problems to sort out, and the way their paths collide makes the fake-dating setup feel natural rather than gimmicky.

Their chemistry is strong, but what really kept me reading was how their moods and motivations push and pull against each other. There’s enough conflict to keep things interesting without it turning dramatic just for the sake of it. I also liked that both characters are allowed to be messy and human.

The island backdrop is fun and atmospheric, but the story never relies on it too much. It still feels like the focus stays on the two of them and how they start to shift each other’s outlook.

Overall, an enjoyable romance with good pacing and characters who feel real.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC.

[Deveney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐

Guys...this book... I don't know where to start because I just want to talk about all of it, all at once. This book really has my heart and is definitely one of my favorite reads for 2025.
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. I didn't expect the plot the twists and I was shocked to say the least.

An incident at work leads Lexi to be wrongly dismissed from her perfect job. She's devastated and needs to get back on her feet again as soon as possible.
Her brother's best friend Tristan shows up at the right, as he is facing his own problems, and the solution is for both of them to go work on a remote island for 3 months. What's the catch? They have to be a couple to get the job. There happens to be a little bit of history between them that hasn't quite sorted itself out. I mean she's only been in love with him her whole life, now she has to pretend to be his fake fiance? How hard could that be? Well no one said it's going to be easy that's for sure.