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Rule 25: Don't Fall for the Target
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26Born into one of the world's four major crime families, Autumn Alderidge's future has always been predetermined for her. Guided by her family's 24 mafia rules, her life is structured and predictable-aside from the occasional theft or assassination.
When an attack on her family sends her on her first solo mission, she must gain intel on a reclusive millionaire's son in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Blurring the lines of her undercover identity and reality, Autumn may need to add another Don't fall for the target.
When an attack on her family sends her on her first solo mission, she must gain intel on a reclusive millionaire's son in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Blurring the lines of her undercover identity and reality, Autumn may need to add another Don't fall for the target.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
2 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Charleigh Frederick
6 books66 followersCharleigh Frederick is an author from Minnesota, whose works blur the line between good and evil. She got her BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 20, 2026
Thank you to the publisher Bow’s Bookshelf for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
No! No no no no this book can’t just end like that and leave me hanging! What a cliffhanger! For the record I should state that I don’t normally read a lot of Mafia/crime family romance as I normally find it a bit too dark, but the blurb of this book intrigued me and after I started reading this book had me in its clutches and I was gripped. I really did enjoy this book and I was on tenterhooks waiting to find out what happened next, I really liked Autumn and I was very invested in her story. Jury’s out on Kato as I was more drawn towards her betrothed Dimitri instead and really hoping that he gets the girl, the ending built up my expectations and I’m firmly Team Dimitri over here. Dimitri didn’t have a big part to play in this book but I’m hoping he has a bigger role to play in the next one. This book was really gripped and I was very invested, so much so that I devoured it in one sitting and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself until the next book is released.
No! No no no no this book can’t just end like that and leave me hanging! What a cliffhanger! For the record I should state that I don’t normally read a lot of Mafia/crime family romance as I normally find it a bit too dark, but the blurb of this book intrigued me and after I started reading this book had me in its clutches and I was gripped. I really did enjoy this book and I was on tenterhooks waiting to find out what happened next, I really liked Autumn and I was very invested in her story. Jury’s out on Kato as I was more drawn towards her betrothed Dimitri instead and really hoping that he gets the girl, the ending built up my expectations and I’m firmly Team Dimitri over here. Dimitri didn’t have a big part to play in this book but I’m hoping he has a bigger role to play in the next one. This book was really gripped and I was very invested, so much so that I devoured it in one sitting and I’m not sure what I’m going to do with myself until the next book is released.
November 20, 2023
I cannot wait for everyone to read my YA novel! Set primarily in Phelps Wisconsin, a setting I visit every summer, this book is about family, love, and struggles of deciding when to trust your family, and when to find your own path.
June 22, 2023
This book kept me on edge the entire time. I was always wondering who would deceive who!! The story was really well written. Charleigh, you are an amazing writer🫶 Your first book was amazing and now your second book is marvelous. Such a fast paced easy read that everyone will enjoy, I'm so thankful that I received an ARC copy of this wonderful book. The twist that I knew was coming but deep down I was in denial about how it would end. I love how every rules gives you a glimpse on how the specific chapter will go. The book keeps you wanting more. Autumn's character was written beautifully. She is so resilient and she would do anything to protect her family from danger. The relationship between her brother Quinton and herself is so endearing. With everything they have to do in their line of work, they can always count on each other. I simply could not put this book down, I read this in one sitting!!! Immediate 5 stars ⭐
June 22, 2023
An exciting beginning to a thrilling new series!
Autumn Aldridge is a normal 17-year-old girl, or at least she would be if she wasn't third in line to lead a major crime family. Loyalty is everything to the Aldridge family and each and every family member must live by the rules. The number one rule: Don't get caught.
However, when Autumn is sent on her first solo mission, she quickly finds out that breaking the rules is easier said than done. Especially when her target, a young man named Kato, is really easy on the eyes. Never could she have imagined that of all of her family's rules, Rule 25 would be the hardest: Don't fall for the Target.
This was a delightful read from start to finish! It's a very well-written and intriguing YA romance. An easier read, I probably could have devoured this book in one sitting! Autumn was such a fun protagonist and the dynamics she shares with her family and with Kato were captivating. I found myself trying to guess just how this story would end and I am pleased to say I was not quite able to do so. Needless to say, I need the next book in my hands ASAP. I have to see where the rest of Autumn's story leads.
Autumn Aldridge is a normal 17-year-old girl, or at least she would be if she wasn't third in line to lead a major crime family. Loyalty is everything to the Aldridge family and each and every family member must live by the rules. The number one rule: Don't get caught.
However, when Autumn is sent on her first solo mission, she quickly finds out that breaking the rules is easier said than done. Especially when her target, a young man named Kato, is really easy on the eyes. Never could she have imagined that of all of her family's rules, Rule 25 would be the hardest: Don't fall for the Target.
This was a delightful read from start to finish! It's a very well-written and intriguing YA romance. An easier read, I probably could have devoured this book in one sitting! Autumn was such a fun protagonist and the dynamics she shares with her family and with Kato were captivating. I found myself trying to guess just how this story would end and I am pleased to say I was not quite able to do so. Needless to say, I need the next book in my hands ASAP. I have to see where the rest of Autumn's story leads.
August 27, 2023
Thank you to the author, Charleigh Frederick, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Autumn isn’t your average 17-year-old. She belongs to one of the strongest crime families in the world, and she is about to go on her first solo mission. Her mission is to infiltrate Kato’s home, the son of a minor Crime Family that is starting an uprising. But Autumn’s feelings for Kato begin to blur the rules she was raised by.
When I first started reading this, I was a little worried that the rules would become a repetitive piece in this story, but they quickly faded into the background as Autumn began her incredibly complicated solo mission. The chemistry between Autumn and Kato is intriguing but also confusing. It was hard for me to pin down precisely what Kato was thinking.
The novel read quickly, and I loved the side characters, such as Abby, Ashlynn and Quinton. There are tons of fun scenarios with a lot of action and mystery mixed in. The ending is riveting, and I immediately messaged the author for details of the next installment! It was a great read!
Autumn isn’t your average 17-year-old. She belongs to one of the strongest crime families in the world, and she is about to go on her first solo mission. Her mission is to infiltrate Kato’s home, the son of a minor Crime Family that is starting an uprising. But Autumn’s feelings for Kato begin to blur the rules she was raised by.
When I first started reading this, I was a little worried that the rules would become a repetitive piece in this story, but they quickly faded into the background as Autumn began her incredibly complicated solo mission. The chemistry between Autumn and Kato is intriguing but also confusing. It was hard for me to pin down precisely what Kato was thinking.
The novel read quickly, and I loved the side characters, such as Abby, Ashlynn and Quinton. There are tons of fun scenarios with a lot of action and mystery mixed in. The ending is riveting, and I immediately messaged the author for details of the next installment! It was a great read!
January 29, 2026
3.5
I enjoyed this book - it was fast paced, interesting, and entertaining. Some aspects of Autumn’s character were tricky especially the silence as she was processing whether she liked Kato or not — seemed as though she was not trained. However, it also makes some sense as she is younger and this is YA. The cliffhanger got me! I did not guess and am eager for the next book to find out more.
I enjoyed this book - it was fast paced, interesting, and entertaining. Some aspects of Autumn’s character were tricky especially the silence as she was processing whether she liked Kato or not — seemed as though she was not trained. However, it also makes some sense as she is younger and this is YA. The cliffhanger got me! I did not guess and am eager for the next book to find out more.
September 22, 2023
Rule 25: Don’t Fall For the Target by Charleigh Frederick was a super fun read. I was so wonderfully gifted an ARC copy (Release day is on June 27 😉) by Charleigh who is also Minnesota based!
Autumn is a 17 year old who is far from typical. When your life is not your own because of family rivalries, lifelong spy training and having to go by different identities because of your bloodline, life can get pretty messy.
This contemporary YA novel was a great read, and just what I needed for a rainy afternoon. I also adored the forbidden (per se) romance of the story and the integration of emotions that Autumn was feeling moved the story along well. The action was great, the plot moved along at a comfortable pace, and I couldn’t put it down.
4.5/5 ⭐️
Autumn is a 17 year old who is far from typical. When your life is not your own because of family rivalries, lifelong spy training and having to go by different identities because of your bloodline, life can get pretty messy.
This contemporary YA novel was a great read, and just what I needed for a rainy afternoon. I also adored the forbidden (per se) romance of the story and the integration of emotions that Autumn was feeling moved the story along well. The action was great, the plot moved along at a comfortable pace, and I couldn’t put it down.
4.5/5 ⭐️
November 4, 2023
When the author reached out to me to see if I had an interest in reading this book, I was so excited as it is a rare take on a popular adult sub-genre - mafia romance. Perhaps this is common in YA, but this is the first time I have read a YA romance that takes the mafia theme and runs with it the fullest extent. I was both intrigued and horrified at the environment these kids grew up in and what they were forced to do before they could even legally drink. The story captured me from the very beginning, causing me to read into the wee hours of the morning to finish the story. I had to know what happened...and I was also dreading the cliffhanger that slowly made its eventual presence known. I hope the second book is on its way soon, because I need to know what happens next. That ending was wild and exciting and painful.
Autumn Alderidge has been raised with 24 rules to guide her every move, especially when working a mission for her crime syndicate family that rules alongside three other families spread out across the world. But when she goes on her first solo mission one summer, she realizes a 25th rule is desperate needed - don't fall for the target. She is tasked with getting close to the son of what her family believes to be the fifth family that was supposed to have been killed off years ago. When one daughter escaped and eventually had grandchildren, Kato is the boy who is conveniently Autumn's age and ripe for the spying. He knows nothing about his family's past...or so it seems. Meanwhile, Autumn is surrounded by family members in disguise who want to ensure everything proceeds as planned, and it's becoming increasingly clear that her feelings for Kato are presenting a problem. And lest she forget, she is reminded that she has an arranged marriage waiting for her whens he turns 18. A romance between her and Kato can only spell disaster.
Autumn was such a perfectly written mafia teenager...if I could hazard a guess at how one would act. She has been trained for the work but also yearns a bit for normalcy. She's been engaged since she was 8 years old and has had little opportunity to develop real friendships or relationships. As a female, she feels underestimated, but at the same time, that is part of what makes her successful. So she is a very conflicted junior mafia member. It doesn't help that Kato is sweet and generous and seems to genuinely enjoy being around her. He seems to know nothing about his family's past, but then at other times, it feels like he's hiding something. Not to mention the warning she receives from her cousin, who has grown up around Kato and has seen some sketchy things. This was single POV, so we don't get to see much of Kato's perspective, but I did feel bad for the guy. Autumm was very hot and cold, given that she was under pressure to spy on Kato while at the same time wanting to get closer to him. He made her feel normal and wanted, and boy, were the kisses they exchanged making things steamy! As the story progressed, and we get more of the secrets revealed, it becomes increasingly clear that this is a very complicated relationship...I look forward to seeing book 2, when Autumn's fiance enters the picture and ratchets up the tension.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Autumn Alderidge has been raised with 24 rules to guide her every move, especially when working a mission for her crime syndicate family that rules alongside three other families spread out across the world. But when she goes on her first solo mission one summer, she realizes a 25th rule is desperate needed - don't fall for the target. She is tasked with getting close to the son of what her family believes to be the fifth family that was supposed to have been killed off years ago. When one daughter escaped and eventually had grandchildren, Kato is the boy who is conveniently Autumn's age and ripe for the spying. He knows nothing about his family's past...or so it seems. Meanwhile, Autumn is surrounded by family members in disguise who want to ensure everything proceeds as planned, and it's becoming increasingly clear that her feelings for Kato are presenting a problem. And lest she forget, she is reminded that she has an arranged marriage waiting for her whens he turns 18. A romance between her and Kato can only spell disaster.
Autumn was such a perfectly written mafia teenager...if I could hazard a guess at how one would act. She has been trained for the work but also yearns a bit for normalcy. She's been engaged since she was 8 years old and has had little opportunity to develop real friendships or relationships. As a female, she feels underestimated, but at the same time, that is part of what makes her successful. So she is a very conflicted junior mafia member. It doesn't help that Kato is sweet and generous and seems to genuinely enjoy being around her. He seems to know nothing about his family's past, but then at other times, it feels like he's hiding something. Not to mention the warning she receives from her cousin, who has grown up around Kato and has seen some sketchy things. This was single POV, so we don't get to see much of Kato's perspective, but I did feel bad for the guy. Autumm was very hot and cold, given that she was under pressure to spy on Kato while at the same time wanting to get closer to him. He made her feel normal and wanted, and boy, were the kisses they exchanged making things steamy! As the story progressed, and we get more of the secrets revealed, it becomes increasingly clear that this is a very complicated relationship...I look forward to seeing book 2, when Autumn's fiance enters the picture and ratchets up the tension.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
August 11, 2023
Rate: 4.5 stars
I want to thank Charleigh for providing me an ARC and deeply apologize for not being able to finish and publish this review on time. Also, thank you from the botom of my heart for not freaking out after reading my long DMs and for answering my questions ahah!
Rule 25: Don't Fall for The Target is a young adult (YA) contemporary thriller, filled with misteries and twists. It's a fast paced book that you won't be able to put down onde you dived in its world.
This was such an incredible and unpredictable book and I loved it so much! The cliffhang though, why? Why have you done this to us Charleigh? Not fair, at all. This was such a different book from what I usually read, I mean, of course it was a romance (sue me) but at the same time it didn't feel like a romance. Everything that happened from the begin made it feel trully like a mission (which was the point, so congrats on nailing that so perfectly ahah) instead of a "normal" romance.
Autumn Aldridge is a 17 years old teenager, third in line of a major crime family, which has never lived a normal life. Since she was born she was trained to be a spy and commit crimes. She is such a badass and I really really like her and I'm definitly jealous of her. How could I not? She is such an insperation. She is so freaking smart and perceptive person; she is sassy af and damn! Also, she kinda has Kato wrapped around her finger (sort of... I mean, you can say that if we ignore the multiple times he ordered his people to kill her even after falling in love with her).
Kato.... Can I declare Kato as my boyfriend? Kato is such a great unpredictable villain, so obviously I fell for him, like super hard (what is wrong with me?). Kato is one of my favourite villains of all time, everything makes sense, his hatred for Autumn's family, every decision he made, even all the cold hearted monster that we have a sneak pic makes sense. He has a reason for being a villain and a damn good reason! And I'm definitely on his side and rooting for him to conquer Autumn back.
I absolutely loved all the banter and the sassiness between the two main characters and some of the side characters as well (no, I am not a fan of Dimitri... I can't like the guy, sorry).
So yeah, I am absolutely thrilled to dive deeper in this spy world and see what happens next!
I want to thank Charleigh for providing me an ARC and deeply apologize for not being able to finish and publish this review on time. Also, thank you from the botom of my heart for not freaking out after reading my long DMs and for answering my questions ahah!
Rule 25: Don't Fall for The Target is a young adult (YA) contemporary thriller, filled with misteries and twists. It's a fast paced book that you won't be able to put down onde you dived in its world.
This was such an incredible and unpredictable book and I loved it so much! The cliffhang though, why? Why have you done this to us Charleigh? Not fair, at all. This was such a different book from what I usually read, I mean, of course it was a romance (sue me) but at the same time it didn't feel like a romance. Everything that happened from the begin made it feel trully like a mission (which was the point, so congrats on nailing that so perfectly ahah) instead of a "normal" romance.
Autumn Aldridge is a 17 years old teenager, third in line of a major crime family, which has never lived a normal life. Since she was born she was trained to be a spy and commit crimes. She is such a badass and I really really like her and I'm definitly jealous of her. How could I not? She is such an insperation. She is so freaking smart and perceptive person; she is sassy af and damn! Also, she kinda has Kato wrapped around her finger (sort of... I mean, you can say that if we ignore the multiple times he ordered his people to kill her even after falling in love with her).
Kato.... Can I declare Kato as my boyfriend? Kato is such a great unpredictable villain, so obviously I fell for him, like super hard (what is wrong with me?). Kato is one of my favourite villains of all time, everything makes sense, his hatred for Autumn's family, every decision he made, even all the cold hearted monster that we have a sneak pic makes sense. He has a reason for being a villain and a damn good reason! And I'm definitely on his side and rooting for him to conquer Autumn back.
I absolutely loved all the banter and the sassiness between the two main characters and some of the side characters as well (no, I am not a fan of Dimitri... I can't like the guy, sorry).
So yeah, I am absolutely thrilled to dive deeper in this spy world and see what happens next!
July 6, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 (3.75 rounded up to a 4)
📚 Book Review 📚 “Rule 25: Don’t Fall for the Target" - by Charleigh Frederick
Genre: YA espionage thriller
✨ TW: violence involving teens ✨
This was the first book in a new YA series and I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun story. It was a short/quick read and had just enough thrills and romance and teen angst to satisfy everyone. The writing was fun, and the ending set up a nice cliffhanger to keep you wanting to see how this all unfolds. It deals with themes of family and purpose and that line between being who others want you to be vs who you want to be. There are themes of identity and first love and questioning what you were raised to believe. Which works both in the YA space as our main character, Autumn, has to literally, and figuratively, come to age, but also works in the espionage space. There is so much to explore in future books in this series. And I can see a lot of fun twists and turns that may come down the road.
While I had fun, I think the main romantic story felt forced and a tad unbelievable. And it was the biggest detractor for me while reading. I just didn’t really feel what the characters were feeling. The spark was never there for me. I didn’t buy into the romance, nor really cared how it progressed by the end. But that’s honestly just me personally, and others may love it.
I saw the twist ending coming, but it was still fun, and I’m sure may surprise other readers.
I also wish this story allowed itself to get a tad darker and deeper with the emotional weight. It’s lighthearted for such a serious storyline. Which I’m sure a lot of readers will find enjoyable. Not a huge negative, per se, just not a preference of mine. I was hoping for a little more. But again, this is my personal take, and others may feel differently.
Overall a fun story, decent characters, and just enough action to keep this exciting. Comes recommended, and I’d be interested to see where this goes in the next book.
📚 Book Review 📚 “Rule 25: Don’t Fall for the Target" - by Charleigh Frederick
Genre: YA espionage thriller
✨ TW: violence involving teens ✨
This was the first book in a new YA series and I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun story. It was a short/quick read and had just enough thrills and romance and teen angst to satisfy everyone. The writing was fun, and the ending set up a nice cliffhanger to keep you wanting to see how this all unfolds. It deals with themes of family and purpose and that line between being who others want you to be vs who you want to be. There are themes of identity and first love and questioning what you were raised to believe. Which works both in the YA space as our main character, Autumn, has to literally, and figuratively, come to age, but also works in the espionage space. There is so much to explore in future books in this series. And I can see a lot of fun twists and turns that may come down the road.
While I had fun, I think the main romantic story felt forced and a tad unbelievable. And it was the biggest detractor for me while reading. I just didn’t really feel what the characters were feeling. The spark was never there for me. I didn’t buy into the romance, nor really cared how it progressed by the end. But that’s honestly just me personally, and others may love it.
I saw the twist ending coming, but it was still fun, and I’m sure may surprise other readers.
I also wish this story allowed itself to get a tad darker and deeper with the emotional weight. It’s lighthearted for such a serious storyline. Which I’m sure a lot of readers will find enjoyable. Not a huge negative, per se, just not a preference of mine. I was hoping for a little more. But again, this is my personal take, and others may feel differently.
Overall a fun story, decent characters, and just enough action to keep this exciting. Comes recommended, and I’d be interested to see where this goes in the next book.
October 3, 2023
This novel was everything I could have hoped for and more. It expertly explores the conflict between Autumn's loyalty to her family's criminal legacy and while inadvertently developing feelings for the target on her first solo mission.
The world-building is rich, immersing readers into the complex dynamics of crime families and what it would be like to grow up in a powerful crime dynasty. The character of Autumn is well-developed, and her journey from a rule-bound young woman to someone questioning her predetermined fate is compelling.
"RULE 25: Don't Fall for the Target" is a page-turner, blending suspense, romance, and a touch of rebellion. This is a captivating read for both fans of espionage and teenage romance. This book keeps you hooked until the very end, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Autumn's story!
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The world-building is rich, immersing readers into the complex dynamics of crime families and what it would be like to grow up in a powerful crime dynasty. The character of Autumn is well-developed, and her journey from a rule-bound young woman to someone questioning her predetermined fate is compelling.
"RULE 25: Don't Fall for the Target" is a page-turner, blending suspense, romance, and a touch of rebellion. This is a captivating read for both fans of espionage and teenage romance. This book keeps you hooked until the very end, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Autumn's story!
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2023
4.5⭐️
I absolutely loved this book. It made my heart so happy! I've always wanted to be a spy when I was younger, shocker I know lol so this was a fun and exciting read. I was on edge the whole time, Autumn low key stressed me out a couple times there but still love her. It makes sense because she's a young female that doesn't fit in with people her own age but also still learning the ways of her family's "business." She had her ups and downs but when it all really mattered she chose right :) I just really need book 2 because that ending though
✰ YA
✰ rated PG
✰ crime family (gave low key mafia vibes)
✰ female teenage spy
I absolutely loved this book. It made my heart so happy! I've always wanted to be a spy when I was younger, shocker I know lol so this was a fun and exciting read. I was on edge the whole time, Autumn low key stressed me out a couple times there but still love her. It makes sense because she's a young female that doesn't fit in with people her own age but also still learning the ways of her family's "business." She had her ups and downs but when it all really mattered she chose right :) I just really need book 2 because that ending though
✰ YA
✰ rated PG
✰ crime family (gave low key mafia vibes)
✰ female teenage spy
June 28, 2023
Wow!! 🥳😱
Absolutely devoured this and need more!!
Crap I literally can't say anything without giving something away ahhhhh
My heart is so conflicted 🥴
...I feel like I jumped off the cliff with them and I am still undecidingly hanging in a free fall 😆
Absolutely brilliant Charleigh!!
And I loved the flashbacks for Autumn and what her childhood was like being raised and trained in a crime family.
Can't wait to learn more 🤩
Absolutely devoured this and need more!!
Crap I literally can't say anything without giving something away ahhhhh
My heart is so conflicted 🥴
...I feel like I jumped off the cliff with them and I am still undecidingly hanging in a free fall 😆
Absolutely brilliant Charleigh!!
And I loved the flashbacks for Autumn and what her childhood was like being raised and trained in a crime family.
Can't wait to learn more 🤩
October 23, 2023
- fast paced thriller
- YA
- spies
- mafia families
- badass FMC
This isn’t my typical type of read, but wow I am so glad I gave it a shot. I absolutely FLEW through this book, I couldn’t put it down. It was suspenseful and action-packed while also maintaining a lighter feel with the awkward teenage romance. I found this to be a very enjoyable read and I really hope there is a book two in the future because I want…no I need more!
- YA
- spies
- mafia families
- badass FMC
This isn’t my typical type of read, but wow I am so glad I gave it a shot. I absolutely FLEW through this book, I couldn’t put it down. It was suspenseful and action-packed while also maintaining a lighter feel with the awkward teenage romance. I found this to be a very enjoyable read and I really hope there is a book two in the future because I want…no I need more!
Read
July 2, 2023Review coming soon x
July 10, 2023
not me crying over this book while i write my review😭 ugh okay… SO first of all, the opening line had me hooked- I love when you start reading a book and it captivates you from the first page or first chapter. the teen flirting in this book i thought was so stinkin cute. I mean come on. I was totally giggling & blushing at Kato’s cheesy lines. the romance in this book was so feel-good🤭 the best way to describe it was totally cheesy, but completely realistic for teenagers. The plots twist was gut wrenching. I would be lying if i said I didn’t see it coming, but it still broke my heart nonetheless❤️🩹 I absolutely loved this book. I went in with no expectations and I was blown away with how much I loved it.
you’ll love this book if you love:
🤍enemies to lovers to enemies
🤍forced proximity
🤍suspense
🤍crime
I am so thankful to Charleigh for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book!🫶🏼
you’ll love this book if you love:
🤍enemies to lovers to enemies
🤍forced proximity
🤍suspense
🤍crime
I am so thankful to Charleigh for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book!🫶🏼
July 21, 2023
If you like to read about family, love, spies, mystery and finding your own path then this is for you!
This is a YA story that I will not forget. The pace of the story is very fast which I liked very much. There is a lot of action and mystery. Twist and turns and not noing who to trust or not is the base of this story.
I defintely didn't expect a couple of things.
I love all the characters and how Charleigh has written them with dept and flaws. The dynamics between the family and Autumn and Kato and Autumn are very well written and fun to read. I am defintely excited to know more about Autumn's adventures.
This is a YA story that I will not forget. The pace of the story is very fast which I liked very much. There is a lot of action and mystery. Twist and turns and not noing who to trust or not is the base of this story.
I defintely didn't expect a couple of things.
I love all the characters and how Charleigh has written them with dept and flaws. The dynamics between the family and Autumn and Kato and Autumn are very well written and fun to read. I am defintely excited to know more about Autumn's adventures.
July 30, 2023
rule 25 is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. i was a bit skeptical in the beginning as to whether or not i would be able to get into a spy romance novel but it didn’t take long to hook me. by about the middle of the book i couldn’t put it down and i had to know what happened. i had to know who was deceiving who, if things were really as they seemed to be, if forbidden love would win out. the last few chapters were so intense and when i read those final words i was heartbroken because there wasn’t more. i cannot wait for the next book!
thank you, charleigh, for my copy of this fast paced, twisty read!
thank you, charleigh, for my copy of this fast paced, twisty read!
January 4, 2024
I loved this! The characters were written really well and were relatable and likeable. The plot was entertaining and engaging and definitely had me on the edge of my seat at times! I liked how the relationships between the characters developed. Great for lovers of YA and spy thrillers. Bring on the next book!
July 28, 2023
I love stories where the protagonist has to live a double life, especially where one of those lives is as a criminal. Throughout the book, the author does a fantastic job of stressing the expectations of Autumn's position as an heir of one of the largest crime families in the world, balancing this with her first ever solo mission- infiltrating the life of a cute and annoying boy her age who may be connected to the recent trouble her family has been facing. Autumn is a strong and well-defined character, a young woman who knows the rules she has to play by but is not always great at following them. She has to rely on her wits and her training to navigate a mission filled with confusing young love and deadly criminal politics. The book is filled with well thought-out, grounded action from the first chapter to the last, and everything in between will keep you guessing as to how things will play out and who to trust.
Looking forwards to the sequel~
Looking forwards to the sequel~
November 5, 2023
I didn't know what to expect from this book. This was my first ever ARC book I have read and I honestly didn't know what I was getting myself into. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story as a whole kept me on the tips of my toes. I remember almost being done with the book and wondering how it would play out since I didn't have much left to read but everything was concluded in the end (spoiler: if you like happy endings, definitively consider reading this book!) The twist towards the end definitively caught me by surprise which made this story even more interesting. If you are a fan of suspenseful books, then definitively check this story out!
June 26, 2023
This was my first spy novel and I absolutely loved it! I was captivated and intrigued from the first page right until the very end. The story and characters are brilliantly written and I fell in love with Autumn's character.
The author does a great job capturing the action especially in the last few chapters. The plot twist I did not see coming and my mouth was left on the floor.
A super fast paced, bingeable, unputdownable book.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Brilliantly done!!
The author does a great job capturing the action especially in the last few chapters. The plot twist I did not see coming and my mouth was left on the floor.
A super fast paced, bingeable, unputdownable book.
I want to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Brilliantly done!!
June 24, 2023
This was a fast paced thriller with a twist I didn’t see coming. Autumn is a 17 year old operative with a special bond with her brother Quinton and is also very loyal and protective of her family that she would do anything to keep them safe. Just when you think you got this figured out and think who’s deceiving who you are blown away by another twist. This was given to me as an arc read and I couldn’t put it down. This is a 5 ⭐️ read.
July 14, 2023
💥 Rule 25: Don't Fall For The Target by Charleigh Frederick (ARC review) 💥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whew. This was a fun ride. I'd like to thank the amazing Charleigh Frederick for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I don't normally read YA, but something about this book piqued my curiosity. ✨️
Let's talk about Autumn and Kato. I'm not gonna lie... The reason why this book didn't reach a higher rating is because of the cringiness of their relationship. 😩 I can't even begin to say how much I cringe when they kiss or say sweet nothings to each other. I didn't feel their chemistry and it was totally forced. BUT after reading the book's ending, I was beginning to think that maybe they were written that way for a reason! 🫣 No spoilers, of course.
I really enjoyed reading about Quinton's character. He's funny, protective, and overall a brother material. I only wish that the second book of this series would be kind to him, pretty please. That guy deserves all the love.
I also wanna point out how this book tackled a good amount of family relationships. This is one element in YA novels that is almost always included, and I'm glad I've seen that in this book. 👪👨👩👧👧
I was just slightly disappointed when Autumn focused more on going out with Kato, rather than saving her family and staying true to the goal of her mission. Her decision to almost abandon her mission because of him makes me mad everytime. But she's learned her lesson at the end of the book, so I'll forgive her for that.
One thing I can say, though, is that the book's plot twist literally saved the story. It was shocking, gripping, and basically a good turn of events. I didn't expect it myself. I'm beyond excited to see more of Dimitri in the second book! 🤝🤝🤝
To Charleigh, thank you for reaching out and trusting me to write an ARC review of your book. Reading Rule 25 was an adventure... and I'm excited to see where your writing journey will take you! 🩷 Can't wait for book two!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whew. This was a fun ride. I'd like to thank the amazing Charleigh Frederick for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I don't normally read YA, but something about this book piqued my curiosity. ✨️
Let's talk about Autumn and Kato. I'm not gonna lie... The reason why this book didn't reach a higher rating is because of the cringiness of their relationship. 😩 I can't even begin to say how much I cringe when they kiss or say sweet nothings to each other. I didn't feel their chemistry and it was totally forced. BUT after reading the book's ending, I was beginning to think that maybe they were written that way for a reason! 🫣 No spoilers, of course.
I really enjoyed reading about Quinton's character. He's funny, protective, and overall a brother material. I only wish that the second book of this series would be kind to him, pretty please. That guy deserves all the love.
I also wanna point out how this book tackled a good amount of family relationships. This is one element in YA novels that is almost always included, and I'm glad I've seen that in this book. 👪👨👩👧👧
I was just slightly disappointed when Autumn focused more on going out with Kato, rather than saving her family and staying true to the goal of her mission. Her decision to almost abandon her mission because of him makes me mad everytime. But she's learned her lesson at the end of the book, so I'll forgive her for that.
One thing I can say, though, is that the book's plot twist literally saved the story. It was shocking, gripping, and basically a good turn of events. I didn't expect it myself. I'm beyond excited to see more of Dimitri in the second book! 🤝🤝🤝
To Charleigh, thank you for reaching out and trusting me to write an ARC review of your book. Reading Rule 25 was an adventure... and I'm excited to see where your writing journey will take you! 🩷 Can't wait for book two!!
June 25, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Autumn is the 17-year-old daughter of a high-level crime family with her life laid out for her: get through spy training, take on a couple missions for her family, and then, once she hits eighteen, it’s been arranged for her to marry a boy from another crime family (which she’s not ok with).
She’s lived her life by a set of 24 rules that she knew even before she could spell her name. Rule number one being: don’t get caught.
On her first solo mission, Autumn is assigned to get close to a boy from ANOTHER crime family named Kato. She’s to get intel on the security of his house. Should be easy, right? WRONG. As Autumn starts spending time with Kato, she starts to fall in love with him. She starts to feel the rules and life that have been set for her are more restrictions than guidelines.
Will the rule book save her life or keep her from a new one?
THIS BOOK HAD ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I loved Autumn’s character! She is strong, smart, sarcastic, and resilient. I want to be Autumn when I grow up someday! 🤣 The relationships between the characters were so well done and the way they were all looking out for each other warmed my heart! THE TWIST HAD ME GAGGED AND GOOPED 😱 I ~sort of~ knew it was coming or you can feel it throughout the book but the execution….*chefs kiss* I’m SO happy this book is the first of a series because I NEEDED MORE IT WAS SO GOOD!
This was a very fast-paced, easy read. I would 100% recommend this book for anyone who loves suspenseful, YA, forbidden love, spy stories WITH BIG TWISTS.
Thank you so SO much to Charleigh for sending me an ARC and for letting me yell in the chat when I got to the end of the book and demanded a second one! 🤣 You rock!
Autumn is the 17-year-old daughter of a high-level crime family with her life laid out for her: get through spy training, take on a couple missions for her family, and then, once she hits eighteen, it’s been arranged for her to marry a boy from another crime family (which she’s not ok with).
She’s lived her life by a set of 24 rules that she knew even before she could spell her name. Rule number one being: don’t get caught.
On her first solo mission, Autumn is assigned to get close to a boy from ANOTHER crime family named Kato. She’s to get intel on the security of his house. Should be easy, right? WRONG. As Autumn starts spending time with Kato, she starts to fall in love with him. She starts to feel the rules and life that have been set for her are more restrictions than guidelines.
Will the rule book save her life or keep her from a new one?
THIS BOOK HAD ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I loved Autumn’s character! She is strong, smart, sarcastic, and resilient. I want to be Autumn when I grow up someday! 🤣 The relationships between the characters were so well done and the way they were all looking out for each other warmed my heart! THE TWIST HAD ME GAGGED AND GOOPED 😱 I ~sort of~ knew it was coming or you can feel it throughout the book but the execution….*chefs kiss* I’m SO happy this book is the first of a series because I NEEDED MORE IT WAS SO GOOD!
This was a very fast-paced, easy read. I would 100% recommend this book for anyone who loves suspenseful, YA, forbidden love, spy stories WITH BIG TWISTS.
Thank you so SO much to Charleigh for sending me an ARC and for letting me yell in the chat when I got to the end of the book and demanded a second one! 🤣 You rock!
June 27, 2023
🚤🚤🚤🚤/5
I have never read anything by @charleighswrite yet but after this wild ride I will be hopping on the bandwagon of spy adventure!
There are 25 rules to Autumn’s family’s manifesto. As a family of spies, she learned from a very early age how to be one herself. I enjoyed watching these rules play out in her first solo mission, and watching her break some of them very early on. And this was definitely a wild adventure that I did not expect!
Rule 25 was a very fast paced and easy to read YA spy romance story. I was hooked from the beginning and very intrigued by the premise and where the plot seemed to be heading.
I adored the aspect of her and Dimitri, even if I wasn’t on his side until the very very end. And I was definitely team Kato throughout the book, even if I partially guessed the big twist, until the last few chapters. I liked the idea of forbidden love between the spy families and why Kato’s family had been targeting hers, and how in turn she was infiltrating his.
I quickly adored Autumn. Her future was predestined by her parents ever since she was a little girl. And I loved watching her blossom into this even stronger version of herself when she’s left to fend for her self completely on this mission. She’s pretty bada$$ and a lot stronger than she gives herself credit. And while she’s endured a horrible tragedy, I can’t help but wish we get to see her grown even more in the aftermath. She really grew into who she is and who she wants to be, and I’m intrigued by how she might continue to grow in the future.
If you enjoy books that keep you on edge of your seat the entire time, makes you wonder who will deceive who first, wonder what’s really happening and what’s reality, with newfound hope, forbidden love, character growth, and adorable sibling relationships….then this should be the next book you pick up!
I have never read anything by @charleighswrite yet but after this wild ride I will be hopping on the bandwagon of spy adventure!
There are 25 rules to Autumn’s family’s manifesto. As a family of spies, she learned from a very early age how to be one herself. I enjoyed watching these rules play out in her first solo mission, and watching her break some of them very early on. And this was definitely a wild adventure that I did not expect!
Rule 25 was a very fast paced and easy to read YA spy romance story. I was hooked from the beginning and very intrigued by the premise and where the plot seemed to be heading.
I adored the aspect of her and Dimitri, even if I wasn’t on his side until the very very end. And I was definitely team Kato throughout the book, even if I partially guessed the big twist, until the last few chapters. I liked the idea of forbidden love between the spy families and why Kato’s family had been targeting hers, and how in turn she was infiltrating his.
I quickly adored Autumn. Her future was predestined by her parents ever since she was a little girl. And I loved watching her blossom into this even stronger version of herself when she’s left to fend for her self completely on this mission. She’s pretty bada$$ and a lot stronger than she gives herself credit. And while she’s endured a horrible tragedy, I can’t help but wish we get to see her grown even more in the aftermath. She really grew into who she is and who she wants to be, and I’m intrigued by how she might continue to grow in the future.
If you enjoy books that keep you on edge of your seat the entire time, makes you wonder who will deceive who first, wonder what’s really happening and what’s reality, with newfound hope, forbidden love, character growth, and adorable sibling relationships….then this should be the next book you pick up!
July 15, 2023
Wow. Just WOW. I just finished reading "Rule 25: Don't Fall for the Target" and i ABSOLUTELY read it in one sitting. That alone speaks volumes, but I'll add a few more details to my review for others considering adding this to their TBR.
Here are some pros:
- I was literally on edge the entire time reading the story, there were so many times that I thought i figured it out and then, BAM! I was wrong. Charleigh really know how to write, and the plot twists were just *chef's kiss*
- It was such a fast paced and easy read, that I genuinely think that anyone would enjoy it, regardless if you enjoy mafia stories or not. I was a little worried when I started reading, but the way the author wove in the details and past experiences just captivated me!
- The characters were all written so beautifully, and each had such a well developed personality. The way the relationships were written was perfect and easy to follow (No convoluted additional details to confuse you)
- Every chapter I finished just left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the next book of the series to be published!
***** SPOILER AHEAD *****
And now for the CONs (Sorry, there is a big one)
- Charleigh, how DARE you leave us at such a cliff hanger?! I feel like I am physically ill after reading the last chapter. I NEED to know what happened! Is Autumn ok? Is Kato ok??? Dying over here waiting for the next book in the Rules series!
Here are some pros:
- I was literally on edge the entire time reading the story, there were so many times that I thought i figured it out and then, BAM! I was wrong. Charleigh really know how to write, and the plot twists were just *chef's kiss*
- It was such a fast paced and easy read, that I genuinely think that anyone would enjoy it, regardless if you enjoy mafia stories or not. I was a little worried when I started reading, but the way the author wove in the details and past experiences just captivated me!
- The characters were all written so beautifully, and each had such a well developed personality. The way the relationships were written was perfect and easy to follow (No convoluted additional details to confuse you)
- Every chapter I finished just left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the next book of the series to be published!
***** SPOILER AHEAD *****
And now for the CONs (Sorry, there is a big one)
- Charleigh, how DARE you leave us at such a cliff hanger?! I feel like I am physically ill after reading the last chapter. I NEED to know what happened! Is Autumn ok? Is Kato ok??? Dying over here waiting for the next book in the Rules series!
July 3, 2023
THE ENDING THOUGH????? miss charleigh you can't do this to me!!! where's book 2 i need it asap!!
this book is a very fast paced YA and very easy to read, the whole plot is really good the only thing i didn't like was the fmc.
autumn is the daughter of one of the high crime families we meet throughout the book. they're 4 big families who control this whole "organization" like a secret mafia society, there is a 5th family that was destroyed but as the story progresses we discover that might not be true. autumn and the families live by 25 rules that ensure their survival and safety. i absolutely adored that each chapter's name was a rule, and of course the last chapter which is chapter 25 was the last rule: don't fall for the target.
since she was a little girl, her family has done everything to train her and make her a great spy, so with that said i expected her to be more cunning and ambitious, idk why but i felt like she was a little childish and sometimes she made me want to close the book and stop reading. but, her character growth is somewhat visible in the last chapters, this is just me and my own personal preferences for a female lead but i would still recommend it if reading YA is your thing!
her first solo mission is to get some intel on a crime family's house security by getting close to the son kato, she feels like she hit the jackpot as her mission seems to be super easy, just be friends with a boy her age and that's it. once they start getting to know each other autumn realizes that she's wrong and starts falling in love with kato.
the twist made me gasp so loud!! i was so shocked and i loved it so much. it really was such an enjoyable read, the whole spies thing and crime families had me on edge the whole time. it is very well written, charleigh is definitely a wonderful writer. i loved the mmc, kato gives me aaron warner vibes and i love that. he is such a great character!!!
thank you so much to charleigh for sending me this arc copy of her book, go read it bc it was honestly so good!
this book is a very fast paced YA and very easy to read, the whole plot is really good the only thing i didn't like was the fmc.
autumn is the daughter of one of the high crime families we meet throughout the book. they're 4 big families who control this whole "organization" like a secret mafia society, there is a 5th family that was destroyed but as the story progresses we discover that might not be true. autumn and the families live by 25 rules that ensure their survival and safety. i absolutely adored that each chapter's name was a rule, and of course the last chapter which is chapter 25 was the last rule: don't fall for the target.
since she was a little girl, her family has done everything to train her and make her a great spy, so with that said i expected her to be more cunning and ambitious, idk why but i felt like she was a little childish and sometimes she made me want to close the book and stop reading. but, her character growth is somewhat visible in the last chapters, this is just me and my own personal preferences for a female lead but i would still recommend it if reading YA is your thing!
her first solo mission is to get some intel on a crime family's house security by getting close to the son kato, she feels like she hit the jackpot as her mission seems to be super easy, just be friends with a boy her age and that's it. once they start getting to know each other autumn realizes that she's wrong and starts falling in love with kato.
the twist made me gasp so loud!! i was so shocked and i loved it so much. it really was such an enjoyable read, the whole spies thing and crime families had me on edge the whole time. it is very well written, charleigh is definitely a wonderful writer. i loved the mmc, kato gives me aaron warner vibes and i love that. he is such a great character!!!
thank you so much to charleigh for sending me this arc copy of her book, go read it bc it was honestly so good!
November 9, 2023
I was immediately hooked from the start and was given just enough action to keep turning the page. However I felt the story needed more substance. For me it was a surface level storyline and I craved more details within the storylines. For example Vy popping up out of nowhere with no storyline of how she came to be working with Kato and where/what was she doing for the time she was “missing”. I found that a lot throughout the story, no explanations of how we got to this point in a scene. And Abby….I needed to know what happened and whose side she was on and why she was there!!! 😭
Our FMC I like her but she drove me crazy. Here we have a girl who has been training literally her whole life and seems to be a bad ass and the first second she gets her own solo mission she loses all the knowledge and starts breaking all the rules?! found that hard to believe. Throughout the story she was giving me whiplash with one thought process/action and then immediately thinking/doing the opposite. So much back and forth from her that it almost took away from all the power, knowledge, and skills that made me really like her.
I’m happy to say I read my first spy/mafia thriller! It was overall a thrilling read and this seems to be a series so hopefully loose ends could be possibly tied up within that next book.
Thank you so much for sharing your book with me 🫶🏻
Our FMC I like her but she drove me crazy. Here we have a girl who has been training literally her whole life and seems to be a bad ass and the first second she gets her own solo mission she loses all the knowledge and starts breaking all the rules?! found that hard to believe. Throughout the story she was giving me whiplash with one thought process/action and then immediately thinking/doing the opposite. So much back and forth from her that it almost took away from all the power, knowledge, and skills that made me really like her.
I’m happy to say I read my first spy/mafia thriller! It was overall a thrilling read and this seems to be a series so hopefully loose ends could be possibly tied up within that next book.
Thank you so much for sharing your book with me 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
When the author reached out and asked if I would like a review copy of her YA Thriller/Romance, I quite literally jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did. This was a perfect pallette cleanser for me, as I usually read only romantasy.
I immediately liked Autumn, right from the first page. She's badass as badass can be, and yet she still remains entirely human and I loved that. This book gave me Ally Carter Gallagher Girls vibes, a series that I read in my teens and absolutely loved so it was nice to have something that little bit more mature but with similar vibes.
I was convinced I knew what the plot twist was going to be, but in an "internally screaming at Autumn not to let her guard down" way, not a boring predictable way. Having said that, I definitely did NOT correctly predict all of the twist, so that was a nice little bonus surprise for me!
I think the author got the perfect balance of action and romance, and as proclaimed by her author bio at the end of the book, she has created a blurred line between good and evil that gets you to really consider the moral position of the characters - are either of them good? Are they both evil? Or are they both a little in between?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read it!
I immediately liked Autumn, right from the first page. She's badass as badass can be, and yet she still remains entirely human and I loved that. This book gave me Ally Carter Gallagher Girls vibes, a series that I read in my teens and absolutely loved so it was nice to have something that little bit more mature but with similar vibes.
I was convinced I knew what the plot twist was going to be, but in an "internally screaming at Autumn not to let her guard down" way, not a boring predictable way. Having said that, I definitely did NOT correctly predict all of the twist, so that was a nice little bonus surprise for me!
I think the author got the perfect balance of action and romance, and as proclaimed by her author bio at the end of the book, she has created a blurred line between good and evil that gets you to really consider the moral position of the characters - are either of them good? Are they both evil? Or are they both a little in between?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read it!
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