Rules We Pretend Not to Break

Magnolia Ridge #1

by K.M. Taylor

It was one night.
One mistake I never meant to make twice.

Magnolia Ridge thrives on gossip, and I handed it a secret it would never forgive me for when I went home with a stranger who made me forget everything.

I didn’t ask his last name.
Didn’t ask if he had kids.
I only knew the way he looked at me like he’d already decided I was trouble worth chasing.

Until he walked into my classroom.
Not by mistake.
But as my student’s father.

I said we had to stop.
He said rules were made to be broken.

That no one had to know.

Micah Wolfe is all quiet confidence and country-boy charm, with eyes that promise things he has no right to offer me. Sneaking around isn’t what I do, but loving him means risking my job, my heart, and my place in a town that never forgets.

He didn’t just cross a line with me.
He broke me when he suddenly didn’t want to keep me as his secret anymore.

That’s when I learned the hardest truth of all.

Desire is easy.
Love is what destroys you.

Genres: Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2026

About the author

K.M. writes spicy small-town romance rooted in back roads, bad decisions, and undeniable chemistry.
A Taurus who loves everything with earthy vibes, K.M. is also a music junkie and an introvert who prefers nature, caffeine, and small circles to crowds. She writes stories that simmer for your next fix, characters who feel a little ungovernable, and romance that can fill a bit of your soft girl vibes but also with plenty of sass. 🌿

Reviews

[Melissa]

4.25 stars
I absolutely fell in love work this book, the characters, the town and the story! Taylor is an excellent writer who has a wonderful way of weaving a story with some spicy scenes that flow through the story. I never knew that a single dad/teacher trope would do it for me, but it totally did. I could not put this down, and I am looking forward to a continuation of stories from this quaint little town!
Thank you so much K.M. Taylor for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early!! I really enjoyed it

[Danielle Lawson]

I managed to read this one in just a touch over 24 hrs. It was fast-paced and full of witty funny moments that kept the story flowing well. I only had one pet peeve on this one... and honestly, a personal preference, really. It drove me nuts that some of the townspeople would call our MMC Luca and others by his middle name, Micah (he preferred his middle name). I just wanted it so badly to just stick with one. Each time they swapped, I had to give my brain time to catch up with who they were talking about. But I have to say top tear banter and a fun roller coaster of feelings in this one and absolutely the perfect hit of spice!!

[Kirsty]

am UNWELL over this book 😭⭐️ like somebody needs to check on me because Sienna and Micah absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. The tension? Illegal. The sneaking around? Had me kicking my feet like a teenager hiding a crush in a small town where everybody owns binoculars and opinions. And Heath?? That sweet boy completely stole my heart. Every scene with him melted me into a puddle on the floor.

The way this starts with one reckless night and then BAM… he walks into her classroom as a student’s father??? KM Taylor really said “here’s your stress, enjoy” and I DID. Every interaction between Sienna and Micah felt dangerous and addictive at the same time. Like you KNOW this is going to blow up spectacularly but you cannot look away because the chemistry is absolutely feral. Micah with his quiet confidence and country-boy charm had me giggling and clutching my Kindle every five minutes. That man knew exactly what he was doing and honestly so did this author.

But what got me the most was how emotional this became underneath all the tension and stolen moments. Sienna trying to protect everything she’s worked for while also falling hopelessly in love? Painful. Micah not wanting to keep her a secret anymore? DOUBLE PAINFUL. My chest actually hurt during parts of this because you could feel how badly they wanted a life together even while the whole town felt ready to tear them apart.

And the small town gossip in Magnolia Ridge was practically its own villain 😭 every side eye and whispered rumor had me stressed OUT. I kept thinking “leave these people ALONE” while inhaling chapters at 2am like a sleep-deprived raccoon digging through emotional damage.

This book had longing, heartbreak, tenderness, chemistry so hot it could fry power lines, and a romance that felt messy and real and impossible not to root for. KM Taylor really took the forbidden romance trope, poured gasoline on it, and handed me the match.

[Nicole Marie]

Rules We Pretend Not to Break completely wrecked me in the best way possible.
This book had EVERYTHING I love. Small town tension, forbidden romance, secret hookups, emotional angst, and a single dad who fell first and fell hard. Micah Wolfe is the kind of book boyfriend that sneaks up on you. Quiet, protective, confident, and completely gone for her from the start.
The chemistry between Micah and Sutton was instant and intense, but what made this story unforgettable was the emotional depth behind their relationship. Every stolen moment felt risky. Every secret carried weight. You could feel the pressure of living in a town where everyone talks and no one forgets.
And the ANGST. Oh my God. There were moments that genuinely hurt my feelings in the best way because you could feel how badly they wanted each other while trying to convince themselves they were doing the right thing.
The teacher and single dad dynamic was done so well, and the emotional payoff was worth every second of tension and heartbreak.
If you love:
💛 Small town romance
💛 Teacher x single dad
💛 Secret relationships
💛 Mutual pining
💛 Emotional angst
💛 Protective heroes
…then you need this book immediately.
This story was messy, emotional, addictive, and impossible to put down.

[lauren dedinsky]

What To Expect:
- small town romance
- single dad x teacher
- hidden hookups
- insta connection
- forced proximity
- angst

4.5 ⭐️

why do books have to have an ending? can't you keep it going forever? 😩

if you can't tell, i did not want this book to come to an end 😅 i finished this book in one sitting

i was not expecting the emotional roller coaster that was this book but i am definitely not complaining. there was so much depth, both the characters and the story.

the rules we pretend not to break is spicy yet sweet at the same time. and man is it spicy 🥵 insta lust/connection usually isnt my favorite but it really worked for them. and it just made all the spice a little bit better. there was hardly any self control between micha and sienna and i was so here for it!

i cannot wait for more books in the magnolia ridge series!! especially after the intro to it in this 😍

thank you so much k.m. taylor for
giving me this opportunity to read and review this book! 🫶🏼

[Missi]

This book wrecked me in the best possible way. This book had everything I love. Small town meddling, forbidden romance, angst and tension, a single dad and secret rendezvous 😘. The chemistry between Micah and Sutton (love that name btw) was electric and intense. Micah was a great MMC. Quietly confident and protective, he fell for Sutton fast and hard. The small town rumor mill was vicious and ramped up the tension. The emotion beneath all of this really wove the story into the great read it was along with characters that you can truly care about. ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️

[Heather Spurling]

This is author KM Taylor’s debut novel and it’s so good. It’s a spicy small town romance with witty banter and lots of pining and trying to be good all while wanting to break all the rules.

Micah is a single dad who is finally at a good place in his life. Sienna is new in town where she has come to take a teaching job mid school year. One wild night where neither one knows who the other really is leads to a story you don’t want to miss. Even if the rules didn’t forbid them from dating, mix in small town vibes where everyone know everyone else’s business, and a “situation” handled badly and you’ve got the base for this small town spicy romance.

You will love Sienna and want your own Micah for yourself but the cutest little guy in the story has to be Micah’s son, Heath. Don’t miss your next great vacation read this summer.

Book 2 in the Magnolia Ridge series will be out the middle of the summer, so you don’t have to wait long for your next small town fix.

[Amanda_Reads]

Who doesn't love Small town, high heat!

Welcome to Magnolia Ridge!!!
This is the first book in a brand-new series.


This is an amazing book that hooks you on page one!
Micah meets the girl of his dreams, and the book starts in the back seat of his truck. This woman so enamours him, and they make a date to meet again... That is, until he walks into his son's classroom and meets her. The teacher who's been emailing him about her concerns is, in fact, Sienna, his dream girl. In her contract, she can't date parents, and Micah is off limits now. He won't take no for an answer. In a town where everyone talks and everyone knows everything, keeping their relationship private isn't easy. I need more!

If you love:
* Small town romance
*Teacher &single dad
* Secret relationships
* Mutual pining
* Emotional angst

Then what are you waiting for?? GO READ IT RIGHT NOW!

[Lyndsay Blackman]

This small town single dad romance was a quick read for me. It was in my opinion a quick rush into a relationship that went from a one night stand to immediate love, which came with obstacles in between.

Micah and Sienna’s story was a cute one, but also a bit rushed I felt from beginning to end. I would’ve loved to have seen more of a relationship between Sienna and Heath as well as more of how the their story ended.

Overall 4 stars

[Christy Davisson]

LOVED THIS SMALL TOWN ROMANCE WITH ALL IT'S COMPLICATED & MESSY JOURNEY TO FINDING A HEA!!

WOW I absolutely loved this story because it starts off with a literal bang that leads to overwhelming feelings that both Sienna & Micah weren't expecting. Complicated is an understatement for this duo when one is a teacher and has a non-
fraternization policy between teachers and parents. Then you have a single dad who ends up with a crazy selfish ex wanting rights to his son she left behind. So yes complicated & messy becomes the theme of this couples journey to finding their HEA.

Sienna is a fmc you can relate to and brings so many emotional moments as the story unfolds. She is sweet with a kind heart but sassy and calls Micah out on his crap when needed. Most of all she is protective of Heath's little heart and that will ultimately having you rooting for her.

Micah is the local small town boy who wasn't perfect and has a reputation but that all changed when he becomes a father then a single father at a young age. He has accepted that love and women are in the past and he doesn't want any of those issues as he solely focuses on his son. Unfortunately for Micah fate brings him his match while out for a few drinks with his buddies. One intimate moment in his backseat has him questioning his feelings about love and how far he will go to make his forever happen this time around.

Buckle up its a fast paced lust at first sight turns to intense feelings that reveal complications and heavy ramifications for these two as they try their best to navigate a highly messy situation they find themselves in. If you love the small town romance vibes then you absolutely will love this one! It is fun with LOL moments but has those heartbreaking moments when you want them to just communicate to end their mutual suffering at times.

This is a quick once you start it book you can't put it down because the characters are all consuming at that point. I highly recommend it if you just want a good but slightly complicated love story. These characters are layered with complexity to keep them feeling relatable and with some spicy fun weaved into a serious situation keeps you hooked till the very end. So if you want something that grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn't let go then I highly recommend this one its hands down as top 2026 read!!

Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Loni Solomon]

I want to start by saying the overall storyline and emotional arc of this one had me absolutley hooked. The concept, the chemistry, the tension – it pulled me in fast and kept me invested the entire time.

Now, if I am being fully honest, there were moments where the writing itself felt a little overly formal/proper or slightly clunky in places, especially in the dialogue which changed or slowed the flow at certain points. But even with that, I was able to get reinvested in the story relatively easily.

And honestly ... A small-town teacher and the town’s single dad/former playboy mechanic? Yeah. That was always going to work for me.

Sierra was such an interesting FMC becasue she balanced softness with determination really well. She genuinely loved teaching, cared deeply about her students, and was working to be grounded in the life she was building. But she meets Micah and for once allows herself to step outide the carefully controlled version of herself she normally presents. I liked that she wasn’t reckless – just human.

Micah had that classic “there’s more beneath the surface” energy that I will always gravitate toward. On paper he’s the hardworking mechanic and devoted single dad with a reputation around town, but underneath all of that he’s carrying depth, maturity, and sincerity people tend to overlook. From the moment he meets Sierra, you can feel that instnat pull.

If I had one bigger critique outside the occasional clunky moments, it’s that I would have liked more depth surrounding Sierra’s life. I would’ve loved additional backstory about how she ended up in the small town, what shaped her decisions before that point, and honeslty just more people in her orbit overall (old friends, parents, siblings?). A stronger supporting cast or a few close friendships, outside her fellow teachers at lunch, for her would’ve made her world feel even fuller and more layered or relateable.

But overall? This was an incredibly engaging and at times emotional small-town single dad romance with great chemistry, emotional moments, and characters that kept me invested from begining to end!

[Ashley Fields]

This is my first read from KM Taylor and I absolutely hope it's not my last. 🖤 I fell IN LOVE with our MMC, Micah, in chapter one. He's basically country personified. 😂 Small town, single dad, mechanic, bad boy with tattoos, picked up a girl (our FMC Sienna) in his local bar and is hooking up with her in the parking lot in the backseat of his pickup. And his dirty mouth.... chef's kiss. Plus he's absolutely obsessed with her from the start - after five years of not dating and two years of no hookups, he's pretty much all-in with her right away.

What's the problem, right? After the weekend, Micah has to go to a conference with his son Heath's new "hardass teacher" Miss Vesper who's concerned about his son's behavior. Miss Vesper turns out to be Sienna - and her school has a rule against teachers dating parents. 😬 Sienna and Micah go back and forth for quite awhile between giving in & sneaking around and following the rules, until eventually a bomb is dropped on them - Heath's mom, who signed away custody shortly after birth, comes back into town and wants to fight Micah for custody.

Without spoiling too much, Micah and Sienna both wind up with a broken heart and they both have to figure some things out & find themselves before they find their way back to each other. This was the part of the book that got me - the first part of the book was HOT. So much chemistry and tension and spice... oof. And then Micah doesn't just break Sienna's heart, he broke mine! 😂 I was a mess for the last 1/3 or so of the book. It was so emotional and felt so real - and honestly the book felt like it was longer than the 240ish pages that it is, because there's just so much story packed into it.

Definitely recommend this one if you're into: small town romance, single dad x teacher, secret hookups, angsty romance, forced proximity, insta connection, forbidden romance, small town gossip, dirty talk

[storieswithlizzy]

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy for my honest review.

I started this at 1 AM and finished it by 11 PM the same day. I genuinely could not stop reading. Unfortunately, adulthood insisted on making an appearance, but the second work was done, this book was back in my hands.

I was already excited to visit Magnolia Ridge because the description promised small-town vibes, and it absolutely delivered. We’re talking everyone-knows-everyone energy, town gossip, community connections, and the kind of setting that feels warm and lived in. Basically my happy place.

Things kick off with a bang when Micah and Sienna meet at a bar and have a one-night stand. They fully intend to see each other again and keep texting afterward until fate decides to intervene. Single dad Micah walks into his son’s school to meet the teacher and finds Sienna standing in the classroom. And Sienna is just as shocked to see him.

The chemistry between Micah and Sienna was instant and stayed strong even when things got complicated. Their banter was fantastic, and I loved watching their connection grow. Heath, Micah’s shy but fiery son, absolutely stole scenes and added so much heart to the story.

This is written in dual POV, and the author did such a great job with the internal dialogue. You really get to sit with the characters’ emotions and understand what they’re feeling throughout the story.

My only complaint is that at 238 pages, I wanted more time with some of the side characters because they had so much potential to be even more developed.

I loved this book, I loved this town, and I desperately need more Magnolia Ridge. If you love small-town romance, single dad tropes, teachers, chemistry, banter, community vibes, and spice, you’re going to want to pick this one up.

4.5 stars but rounding up to 5

[Jasmine]

Rules We Pretend Not to Break completely consumed me from beginning to end 😭🤍

This was EVERYTHING I hoped for in a small-town romance and honestly, I genuinely struggled trying to think of anything I would change because this book felt perfect to me.

The small-town atmosphere was done so well that it almost felt like stepping into Magnolia Ridge myself. The town gossip, the tension, the emotions, the relationships — all of it made the story feel immersive and real in the best way.

This story follows Sienna and Micah, and their chemistry was immediate from the start.

The single dad x teacher dynamic already had me invested, but adding the forced proximity and secrecy into the mix made everything even more intense emotionally.

And Micah???
That man had the quiet confidence and charm that made it impossible not to fall for him alongside Sienna.

What really made this story stand out for me though was how emotional it became underneath the romance.

There were moments that genuinely hurt while reading, but instead of taking away from the story, it made everything feel more powerful and unforgettable. I think that emotional intensity is what made me connect to this book so deeply.

I also connected a lot with Sienna as a character because of her role as a teacher. At times, it genuinely felt like I was experiencing the emotions alongside her instead of just reading about them.

This book felt comforting, emotional, heartbreaking, healing, and addictive all at once.

If you enjoy:
🤍 Small town romance
✨ Single dad x teacher
🌙 Forced proximity
💔 Emotional romance
🏡 Cozy small-town vibes
🔥 Secret relationship tension

then I absolutely recommend this one.

⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
💧 5/5

Thank you to K.M. Taylor for the ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Wiertel]

When the first sentence of the book is “My d**k stretches out the material of my jeans as I battle tongues with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.” You know it’s going to be an intense book! For my first K.M Taylor read (and definitely not my last), I was not disappointed. You will not be able to put this down, and if you have to because life! It’s all you will think about and the story will drag you back!

Sienna met Micah at a local bar in Magnolia Ridge, and their chemistry was undeniable. So undeniable that they ended up in the back of Micah’s truck having sex. Micah is fearful that Sienna will ghost him, she gives him her number and they plan a date for the following week.

Micah is a single Dad to Heath, after Heath’s mom left them and signed over her parental rights. Micah was texting Sienna about their date, and the mind blowing sex they had in the back of his truck just before having to meet with Heath’s teacher. When he walks into the classroom, Sienna looked up and from that moment on she knew she couldn’t date her student’s father because it was against the rules.

Micah suggested they date in secret until Heath’s Mom showed up in town to take Micah to court for joint custody of Heath. Heath’s mother stated Micah was dating Heath’s teacher, and that it was not healthy for Heath. Is connection enough when all you’ve worked for is threatened?

You’ll feel at times for Sienna and Micah, and root for them in other moments all while not knowing how it’s going to end which will leave you turning pages into the wee hours of the night!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Bri Walker]

This book hooks you right from the first sentence! I absolutely loved the storyline, as well as the growth and development of the characters and their relationships. Sienna Vesper (FMC), is the new first grade teacher in town. Micah Wolfe (MMC) is a single father and mechanic doing everything he can to provide for his son, Heath. After one heated night, Micah and Sienna chemistry is off the charts and their feelings are undeniable. They plan to continue to see each other again. However, fate decides to throw the unexpected into the mix. Sienna is Heath’s new teacher. And one of the rules of being a teacher… Don’t date your student’s parent.

Sienna is adamant in not breaking the rules. Micah says he will wait. Throughout the book you can see the adoration Micah has for his son and what lengths he will go to in order to protect him. You can see Heath coming out of his shell and developing relationships with others in his class as well as with Miss Vesper. You see that Micah loves how much Heath loves Sienna and in return how much Sienna loves Heath. Micah doesn’t want to take that away from Heath, but he also wants Sienna. He attempts to break the rules, trying to find loopholes. Sienna attempts to reinforce the rules, however, as time goes on, it becomes harder and harder to abide by the rules.

But when trouble comes to town and with it the messy, painful memories of the past, will Micah and Sienna’s relationship survive or will it end in heartbreak? Micah fights his demons and attempts to shield Heath from it as well. Sienna wants to be there for Micah, but when he pushes her away, she doesn’t understand why. However, love always wins in the end.

[Mel]

This book was such a rollercoaster journey filled with so many emotional highs and lows. Micah and Sienna go through so much to get their HEA.

What starts as a random hookup in the back of a car quickly turns into instant chemistry, lust, and wanting more. But the obstacles keeping these two apart show up almost immediately. Sienna is Micah’s son’s teacher, and teachers definitely aren’t supposed to date parents… which of course leads to a secret relationship 👀

And honestly? The beginning of their romance was so hot. Their chemistry was incredible, and the banter between them was witty, flirty, funny, and completely adorable.

But then Micah’s ex enters the picture, threatening to take partial custody of their son, Heath. Despite previously giving up her parental rights, she suddenly wants back into his life and uses Micah’s relationship with Sienna against him. From there, everything starts to spiral.

The heartbreak these two go through genuinely hurt. There are a lot of time jumps throughout the story, and much of the book focuses on Micah and Sienna finding their way back to each other, working through pain, forgiveness, and all the obstacles standing between them.

I absolutely loved this story and completely fell for Micah and Sienna. They fight so hard for their relationship, and seeing them finally get their HEA made my heart so happy 🥰

✨ What to expect:

🌾 Small-Town Romance
📚 Teacher x Single Dad
⚡ Insta-Connection
😈 Dirty Mouth MMC
💞 Mutual Pining
🥹 “Sweetheart” Nickname

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Chelsaur]

**Review of an Advance Copy Received from the Author**

I had a smile on my face for almost the entire time I was reading this book.

A single dad in a small-town forbidden romance with his son's teacher? Sign me right up! The very first sentence hooks you: "My d*** stretches out the material of my jeans as I battle tongues with the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life." If that doesn't grab your attention, I'm not sure what will.

This book was very easy to read, and the small-town vibes were incredibly comforting. I don't typically read clean romances, but I truly enjoyed this one.

The relationship starts with instant attraction that quickly evolves into instant love. While I appreciated the pining and the banter from the male main character (MMC), it did make the relationship feel a bit less deep. Additionally, I find myself conflicted about the MMC's obsessive tendencies toward the female main character (FMC); I'm not sure if they are endearing or leaning toward toxic. However, the way both characters prioritize the MMC's son adds a heartfelt dimension to the story.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a refreshing change from the dark romances or fantastical stories I usually indulge in. If you're looking for a tale about a sexy single dad who has a crush on a beautiful first-grade teacher, complete with plenty of fun banter and spicy times, then this is the perfect choice for you!

[Shanice Rouhan]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would rate this story 4⭐️

This book was a quick read for me, I read it in under 24hours, including a work day in there too. I flew through the first 50% and at that point I was not sure how much more of the “we can’t but we really want to” push and pull of their forbidden relationship. But then in walked the nasty side character and it changed the dynamic and I was locked in. I hated how Micah handled that situation and I would have been more of a cow to him honestly. I kept waiting for Sienna to decide to moves towns cause it’s what my petty a*s would have done. Needless to say this book took a turn I wasn’t expecting but as an only child raised by a single parent the story line really struck a cord with me.

Sienna and Micah really didn’t have a lot of self control throughout the book. They had instant lust that they couldn’t shake. I would have loved to have seen a little more depth in Sienna’s and Heath’s relationship though, as I feel there wasn’t a lot of focus on them bonding throughout the book, only mentions about how she had noticed certain behaviours on the classroom.

Overall I loved how quick this book was to read. There was no unnecessary information, concise and to the point. I really did enjoy the story, slightly unhinged and toxic behaviour by the MMC in the second half of the book aside.

[Rachel]

I was hooked right away! This book was such an amazing read. The connection between the MMC and FMC is amazing at the jump. The small-town aspect is also something I loved about this book. Reading small-town romances is something I love to do because the whole town is brought into the story. I love that this book was written in dual POV in each chapter. I love when I know that I am reading someone's POV instead of just switching without a heads up.

Micah is for sure a hard-working down-to-earth single dad who knows what he wants and goes for it. He does have somethings to work through but doesn't everyone? The love he has for his son is amazing. He has done such an amazing job taking care of him for the first five years of his life on his own.

Sienna is a sweet woman who is a new teacher in this town. She wants to follow the rules and not date the dad of one of her students, but she can feel the connection between the two of them. This makes it hard for her to follow the rules and stay away from Micah even though she should.

The one downside to this book is how short it is. I felt like it could have gone longer, but the other stories could always continue in other books down the road.

No matter what, this book is worth the read!! So, enjoy the ride as you watch as these to try to figure out how to get their HEA.

[Taylor Abrahams]

First, a huge thank you to KM Taylor for selecting me to be an ARC reader for Rules We Pretend Not to Break. I am absolutely obsessed with this book.

This was small town romance perfection from beginning to end and the perfect introduction to Magnolia Ridge. The town, the characters, the chemistry; it all felt so immersive and addictive that I genuinely could not stop reading.

The one night stand turned instant love dynamic had me hooked immediately, but what really sold this story for me was the emotional depth behind it all. This book gives the perfect “you might not be ready for love, but I’ll wait because I love you” energy, and it completely wrecked me in the best way possible.

I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it was the middle of the night and I had finished the entire book. Ask my husband, I did not sleep while reading this one at all.

The pacing, the romance, the small town atmosphere, and the emotional connection between the characters all worked so perfectly together. KM Taylor absolutely delivered with this story, and now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book.

If you love small town romance, single dad x teacher romance, or just want a cutesy read with emotional depth, chemistry, and characters you immediately become attached to, this is definitely one to pick up.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥]

I've been so looking forward to this book! To Magnolia Ridge I went! I so enjoyed this story!

Sienna and Micah's journey captured my attention right from the start! Sparks fly between these two leading to a night neither of them can forget. They are in for a surprise though as Sienna is the new teacher for Micah's son, Heath. Can Micah and Sienna ignore what's between them? Or can they face things and give into each other?

Micah and Sienna quickly had me blushing! I enjoyed how they were brought back together and the teacher x single dad of it all. I adored Heath! Things aren't quite so easy for Sienna and Micah. I wanted to see how they'd navigate it all, especially their feelings for one another.

Micah was a great dad to Heath. I really got Sienna.
I felt many things with Sienna and Micah throughout. The chemistry between these two was totally blushworthy!

It was fun being in Magnolia Ridge!

With Rules We Pretend Not To Break, K.M. Taylor has created such a good teacher x single dad romance that had me feeling many things and blushing!

I'm looking forward to heading back to Magnolia Ridge in book two!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Kristy Horstman]

4.5/5 The first page had me unsure… but curious! So glad I kept reading. Micah and Sienna have major sparks instantly. But Micah has to put things on hold to protect Sienna when pieces of his past come back to cause trouble. Except one major part of his life makes this very tricky. I loved not knowing about said major piece of his life so I’m trying very hard NOT to say ALL the things I want to say about this story cuz it will give it away. I wish I could post two reviews everywhere. But I’ll leave the No Spoiler review instead and if you want the spoiler version then reach out to me. This is a fast paced story with lots of drama, spice and super sweet connections too! I do wish there was more back story to both Sienna and Micah, how did she get to the small town, Etc. But overall I was connected to the characters and their story from page 1!

Spice- it’s a lot at times, if that’s a no for you then skip this one. There is a lot of plot and happenings without it too but the chemistry is a huge piece of the story.

Be sure to check this Small Town romance out! I was given an advanced copy of this book, but my rating and review is totally my opinions and I really just love leaving a review. Thank you K.M. Taylor and team for allowing me to read an advanced copy!

[Erin Dyches]

So we started straight off with the spice 👀🔥

First off, I loved the characters in this book. Sienna was smart, and honestly? The way she reacted after being hurt by Micah felt valid. It wasn’t an instant “I forgive you,” which made the relationship feel more realistic to me. That push-and-pull tension between them actually felt believable instead of forced.

And Micah… whew. A single dad who refuses to give up on what he wants? Yeah, I would’ve folded immediately 😂 At least Sienna had some backbone because that man was persistent. The way he fought for his child after his ex came back into the picture was genuinely swoonworthy.

My only small critique is that I wish we had gotten more scenes with Heath. It’s mentioned multiple times that Micah has conversations with Heath about Sienna or his ex, but actually seeing those moments on page would have strengthened their relationship even more and really highlighted that father-son bond.

Also, I appreciated that the spice never overpowered the story. It added to the chemistry without taking away from the emotional depth or plot, which I really enjoyed.

[Bella Russo]

This book was honestly way more addictive than I expected 😭

I started reading thinking I’d do “just a few chapters” and then suddenly I was fully invested in these characters and their emotional chaos. The chemistry between the leads was probably my favorite part because it felt natural instead of forced, and the tension throughout the story kept me hooked the entire time.

What I really liked was how imperfect everyone felt. The characters make mistakes, avoid things, overthink, and create problems for themselves in ways that actually feel believable. It made the emotional moments land harder because nobody felt unrealistically perfect or dramatic for no reason.

The pacing also worked really well for me because there was always something emotionally building underneath even during quieter scenes. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, and the writing style made it super easy to binge-read.

Overall, if you enjoy emotional romance with angst, longing, messy feelings, and complicated relationships, this is definitely worth reading. It’s the kind of book that quietly sneaks into your brain and stays there for a bit after you finish.

[Kimberly]

Thank you KM Taylor for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.


4.5 Stars

A small town, single dad romance? Sign me up!! I loved this book! This was the first book I have read by KM Taylor and I was not disappointed one bit. I was not expecting the first sentence of this book, but it hooked me right away.

When Micah and Sienna first met, sparks were flying. Until Micah walks into his son's first grade teacher's room for a parent teacher conference and found his one night stand behind the desk. The pull between them was so strong they couldn't stay away from each other, even though Sienna was not allowed to have a relationship with a parent of one of her students.

There is quite a bit of back story for Micah, but not much history written for Sienna. I would really love to know more about how she ended up in small town, Magnolia Ridge.

This book is fast paced, spicy and full of great banter and drama. I seriously could not put this book down. The love between Sienna and Micah's son, Heath, was so amazing. She helped get him out of his shell and you could tell that Heath really looked up to Miss Vesper, Sienna, throughout the book.

[Barbara Mann]

4.5/5...This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. The tension between the main characters was intense, and the small-town atmosphere made every interaction feel even more complicated. The chemistry between the teacher and single dad trope was done so well, with just enough angst and emotional buildup to keep me fully invested. Micah Wolfe was easily the highlight for me. He had that perfect mix of confidence, protectiveness, and vulnerability that made him impossible not to love. His connection with the heroine felt natural, passionate, and messy in the best way. I also appreciated how the story explored the pressure of living in a town where everyone has an opinion and secrets never stay hidden for long. There were several scenes that genuinely hurt to read because the feelings felt so raw and believable. The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me was that some of the drama felt a little drawn out toward the end, and I wanted a bit more communication between the characters before everything exploded emotionally. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Guilty_pleasure_shelf]

Rules We Pretend Not to Break feels less like a typical romance and more like watching two people slowly lose a battle against their own feelings. K.M. Taylor builds the story around Micah and Sienna with the kind of tension that lingers in every conversation, every glance, and every moment they try to convince themselves this is “just temporary.”

Sienna was especially easy to connect with because her emotions never felt exaggerated or forced. Her internal conflict feels real — wanting someone while knowing they could completely wreck your carefully built walls. And Micah? He has that dangerous combination of charm and emotional avoidance that makes him impossible not to love despite how infuriating he can be.

By the end, the story feels earned rather than rushed, which makes Micah and Sienna’s journey even more satisfying.

It is a beautifully tense slow-burn romance packed with emotional conflict, undeniable chemistry, and two characters who spend most of the book pretending they don’t need each other — right up until they realise breaking the rules might be the only thing worth doing.
Absolutely loved it and didn't want it to end!

[Alix Bliffen]

Welcome to Magnolia Ridge where the coffee is hot but the gossip is hotter!!

Oh my. What to say about this amazing book. I don't even know where to start.

Micah and Sienna are a one night that both don't want to end.

When you know and both of them KNOW. But life has a way of making the things we want even harder to obtain. It just goes to show the hard work put in will make the good things last longer and hold deeper meaning. I love how Sienna put Heath above herself and made sure he was ok before she even decided to take things with Micah further.

Micah is not what I was expecting...in the best of ways. He knows what he wants and he goes for it regardless of the consequences.

This story was full of banter, some blush worthy teasing, and a town full of gossips that do not know the meaning of whispering.

Thank you so much K. M. Taylor for letting me read this amazing story early and for letting me into Magnolia Ridge. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!

[Annette]

Rules We Pretend Not to Break was a fun read! If you’re looking for a book that gets right down to business, this book is for you!

There’s so much to love about this book. Single dad, one night stand, forbidden, secret romance? I love it. Micah Wolfe was a playboy, trouble maker turned daddy. Sienna Vesper is a teacher who loves to follow the rules. What could go wrong? Or right?

I liked that this story was fast paced but I felt like I wanted a little more build up between Micah and Sienna. Their chemistry was hot. I loved the banter between them too. I like stories where not EVERYTHING has to be read on page and we can learn about it later but there were some scene/conversation I would have liked to read about. Only other thing that I had a hard time with was sometimes with the conversations it was hard to know who was talking, especially when you add in 3 people. I got confused a lot and had to reread a few times to know for sure what was going on.

Overall, nice & easy book to enjoy 😊