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The Clifford Brothers #1

Breaking His Rules

Win a free kindle copy of this book!

9 days and 11:04:45

100 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Grant

I built my global security empire from nothing. Control and discipline are the only rules I live by. Some might call me 'intense'. I prefer 'meticulously prepared for every disaster imaginable.'

Growing up in a group home with my two brothers taught me the only lesson that never let anyone close enough to hurt you. As a CEO, I don't improvise. I plan. I command.

When I'm hired to provide security for an engagement party, I expect an easy job.

Instead, I meet a woman who treats my rules like optional suggestions. I'm used to being obeyed. Ruby clearly doesn't plan on doing that. Not even a little.

She tempts me like no one else ever has. Whenever we're together, my thoughts drift in dangerous directions. Wanting her becomes an obsession. I want to give her everything. But surrendering control means breaking my own rules. And I've never done that before.

Ruby

I love my restaurant, my life, and finding the bright side of just about everything. Hosting my best friend's engagement party? Easy. Fun. Right up my alley.

What I'm not prepared for is Grant Clifford—and his many, many rules.

He's a fine specimen of a man. Unfortunately, he also comes with a massive stick lodged firmly up his gorgeous behind. Under that perfectly tailored suit is a man who desperately needs to loosen up. Preferably with me.

The closer I get, the more clearly I see the scars beneath his rigid exterior. And I want to heal them all. But how do I reach a man who refuses to let anyone in?

Audible Audio

Published May 22, 2026

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About the author

Layla Hagen

71 books4,828 followers
Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough ;)

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Anna.
958 reviews658 followers
May 25, 2026
This was so cuteeeeee

A bodyguard & a restaurant owner cross paths when she is in charge of hosting her best friends engagement dinner & he is wanting to secure it. Such opposites but quite the perfect match!! I had fun listening to the ALC and can’t wait until we get more of the series!

Type: audio
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Alpha ceo
Opposites attract
Forced proximity
Protector hero
Slow burn
He falls first
Found family
He takes care of her when she’s sick
Profile Image for Bette.
3,431 reviews23 followers
May 28, 2026
Amazing Story & Narration🎧Engaging & Heartfelt!

Breaking His Rules
The Clifford Brothers, Book 1
By: Layla Hagen
Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Savannah Peachwood

Layla Hagen does it again and pens another amazing novel, and it is a fantastic start to her new “Clifford Brothers” series, starting with the eldest, Grant, who is controlling and intense. This book swept me right in, captivating my attention and tugging at my heartstrings the entire time. Grant and his brothers built a successful security company from the ground up, sought after by some of the most influential clients. When his friend asked him to secure a location for his engagement, he said he would check it out and, taking security seriously, he found the owner of said restaurant, Ruby, to not be very accommodating. Ruby found Grant’s demands to be unreasonable, and was not going along or giving in, and he would have to compromise. A frustrating start to their relationship, but it was admirable that Ruby stood up to him and stood her ground. I loved everything about this wonderful opposites-attract romance, from watching these two getting to know each other and seeing their relationship morph into something so much more, to learning more about the characters, the two leads, Grant and Ruby, and his brothers, all of whom are intriguing. This masterfully crafted, multi-layered story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, witty dialogue and banter, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn but so worth the wait romance. As always, Hagen’s writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the depth and complexity of the characters, their growth and development. Laya Hagen, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional roller coaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood, a perfect pairing and cast to bring these characters to life, and they did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying. Both embodied their characters completely, with Snow nailing it as Grant, a controlling alpha, who softens up and shows his caring and loving side, and Peachwood was just as amazing showcasing Ruby’s personality, from her sunny demeanor to her fierceness and determination. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too, young and old. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. Listening to these two voice artists is delightful. They are entertaining storytellers, and their engaging performances have you hooked to the narrative and the story.
Profile Image for Whitney Leary.
220 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am sharing my honest review.

I was excited to dive into a new set of brothers from Layla! She always delivers a strong dynamic and irresistibly attractive MMCs to fall for.

Grant Clifford is a commanding CEO — intense, protective, and always in control — while Ruby is equally independent, running her own successful restaurant. When their best friends get engaged, Ruby offers her restaurant for the engagement party. To ensure everything goes smoothly, they turn to Grant, who along with his brothers, co-own's a thriving security company and will do anything to protect the people they love.

Both Grant and Ruby are firmly set in their ways, but once they’re thrown together, those reins begin to loosen. Ruby has always envisioned settling down with the right man someday, while Grant has never been interested in commitment. Still, the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, and there is no harm in exploring it.

As Ruby learns more about what Grant and his brothers endured growing up, what was supposed to be casual quickly develops into something much deeper than either of them expected. Protecting Ruby soon becomes Grant’s top priority.

Ruby’s gradual ability to reduce the control of her restaurant is incredibly relatable, and Grant’s upbringing made his actions and choices throughout life completely understandable. Their relationship shows how, when you find the right person, things can naturally fall into place — even when it was never part of the plan.
Profile Image for Stacie Christensen.
772 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 26, 2026
Grant

I built my global security empire from nothing. Control and discipline are the only rules I live by. Some might call me ‘intense’. I prefer ‘meticulously prepared for every disaster imaginable'.

Growing up in a group home with my two brothers taught me the only lesson that mattered: never let anyone close enough to hurt you. As a CEO, I don’t improvise. I plan. I command.

When I’m hired to provide security for an engagement party, I expect an easy job.

Instead, I meet a woman who treats my rules like optional suggestions. I’m used to being obeyed. Ruby clearly doesn’t plan on doing that. Not even a little.

She tempts me like no one else ever has. Whenever we’re together, my thoughts drift in dangerous directions. Wanting her becomes an obsession. I want to give her everything. But surrendering control means breaking my own rules. And I’ve never done that before.

Ruby

I love my restaurant, my life, and finding the bright side of just about everything. Hosting my best friend’s engagement party? Easy. Fun. Right up my alley.
What I’m not prepared for is Grant Clifford—and his many, many rules.

He’s a fine specimen of a man. Unfortunately, he also comes with a massive stick lodged firmly up his gorgeous behind. Under that perfectly tailored suit is a man who desperately needs to loosen up. Preferably with me.

The closer I get, the more clearly I see the scars beneath his rigid exterior. And I want to heal them all. But how do I reach a man who refuses to let anyone in?

Loved Grant & Ruby’s story! I was hooked within the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. Grant and Ruby were complete opposites, but somehow they worked perfectly together.

The banter, tension, and emotional moments all kept me invested from start to finish. If you love protective heroes, strong chemistry, and emotional healing stories, this one is definitely worth reading!
Profile Image for Haidee.
115 reviews
Read
May 24, 2026
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Breaking His Rules by Layla Hagen is such a satisfying start to the Clifford Brothers series. From the beginning, I was drawn into Grant and Ruby’s story because their chemistry feels immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore. Grant is the kind of stubborn, guarded alpha hero who is convinced he can keep love at arm’s length, while Ruby brings so much warmth, heart, and hope that it feels inevitable she will shake up his carefully controlled world. What made this book work so well for me was not just the steam, but the emotional pull of watching two very different people challenge each other and slowly break down the walls they have built around themselves. I especially loved how the story made me feel invested not only in Grant and Ruby, but in the entire Clifford family. The glimpses of Grant’s brothers, especially the single dad, gave the book an added layer of heart and made me genuinely excited to continue the series. My only small complaint was that the single dad’s daughter felt a little too mouthy at times, which briefly took me out of the story. Even so, this was a heartfelt, sexy, and engaging romance that left me smiling and eager for more.
Profile Image for Jamie Tuckwood.
408 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

Breaking His Rules - @laylahagen_author

Oh what another brilliant book by Layla Hagen. I devoured everything she writes and she always delivers the swoony men with sassy FMC's.

There was something so beautiful about the relationship between Grant and Ruby. Grant, the big bulky CEO of the security company that he owns with his brothers. He was so guarded himself until he fell for the sassy blonde hair beauty in Ruby, the restaurant owner.

He is called in by his friend to look at the restaurant to make sure it is secure for his upcoming engagement party. It's fair to say that Grant and Ruby do not hit it off right away. He is always in control and very rigid in his ways. Ruby is more a "go with the flow" kind of person and so they instantly clash.

This was so emotionally raw at times with the most beautiful moments unfolding in their love story. Watching Grant let his walls down for Ruby felt like we were a real part of his story. As the book unfolded and we learnt more of his history, Ruby was always by his side. They were perfect for one another.

The narrators did an excellent job with this audiobook and I really enjoyed everything about it. A great start to another new series by a go to author for me.
67 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
A brand new series from Layla Hagen and this is a fantastic opener.
Three brothers grew up in foster care until they found a family to take them. Grant Clifford is the oldest,sexy but super controlling with no idea how to just chill.He and his brothers run an upmarket security company and Grant is totally obsessed with security.
Ruby runs a quaint restaurant and is due to host an engagement party which needs security and Grant is the security expert entrusted to organise this. Ruby is totally laid back about security and drives him mad with her lax attitude to safety.
The story is full of humour with the uptight, controlling Grant falling for the laid back Ruby.
There is Evie the daughter of one of his brothers that brings some light hearted fun.
The couple have great chemistry,fun family times and a lot of fun together as they get to know each other. Can Grant get over his controlling attitude?
Will the two of them get their happy ending it’s a great read to find out.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,196 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 26, 2026
This begins a new series from this creative author and it was so easy to connect with these characters!

Grant Clifford and his brothers have a tough backstory that lead them to creating a wildly successful and lucrative Security business. But Grant keeps a very close group of people he trusts and protects, with no time for distractions... until Ruby enters his world.

Ruby has a successful business of her own, and the attention she devotes to it doesn't leave her any time for distractions either... but their attraction is tough to contain.

I appreciated how easy it was to become swept away with their romance and sizzling chemistry. Ruby drops seamlessly into his world and quickly becomes irreplaceable. There's a lot to love here, and my favorite parts were the ones with the brothers being brothers!
The pages turned themselves and I am really excited for Heath's storyline next.

I received an ARC (thank you) and my thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for BookishChic50.
158 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 20, 2026
This book is the beginning of a new series starring the Clifford Brothers. The first book tells a story of Grant and Ruby's love story. He is an alpha male CEO and she is a bubbly sweet restaurant owner. Grant is a man not looking for love and Ruby is a woman who wants nothing but romance. Everyone who knows them then I think that they would make it but they proved everyone wrong that they could. You also get an introduction to his other brothers it's three of them all together and you get an introduction of their story also one of the brothers is a single dad and I'm quite sure we will get his book in this series. The only thing I didn't care about the story was I felt like the little girl of the single dad was just a little bit too mouthy for me. All in all this was a fun story and very steamy.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,501 reviews74 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
I just Finished listening to this book…this is a great start to a new series! A series about family and finding your happily ever after! Rudy is a restaurant owner and set in her ways. She is a hard worker and about to have her best friends engagement party at her restaurant. Grant and his brothers run a security company. They have been through a lot as children and are very close as adults. Grants close friend is engaged and he is making it his mission to have a safe party. What he finds instead is Ruby. Who drives him crazy in the best possible way. I loved The banter between these two and the chemistry was crazy hot. I really Loved this tight knit family and can’t wait to get to know them better. I’m really excited for this series…bring on the next book!!!
918 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 16, 2026
I fell in love with the Clifford brothers straight away. Grant brings all the broodiness you could want, and Ruby’s sass had me hooked from page one. You can tell from the first chapter that nothing is going to go the way Grant plans, and watching Ruby stand her ground every step of the way was perfection.
I’m already obsessed with this family. Heath, Cam, and little Evie add so much warmth and depth to the story. Grant and Ruby try to fight their connection, but when they finally give in, it’s absolutely worth the wait. Grant loves hard, and it shows on every page. Ruby can’t stay away from him—but she never loses her fire, which I adored.
A fantastic start to what’s clearly going to be an amazing series.
48 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
This is the first book in the Clifford brothers series by Layla Hagen. Breaking His Rules is Grant’s story. Grant and his two brothers are owners of a successful security empire. He was charged with securing the restaurant his best friend planned to have his engagement party. He thought it would be easy until he met the owner Ruby, who was the best friend of the bride. She didn’t take the security detail serious and Grant was furious. However, at their first meeting at the restaurant, there may have been some chemistry there. Grant and Ruby went back and forth over the security, all the while growing closer to each other. This first installment of the Clifford brothers isn’t one you want to miss. Ms. Hagen is the best storyteller!
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,670 reviews48 followers
Review of advance copy
May 17, 2026
4.5 stars

Breaking his rules is a new series by Ms Hagen and its off to a promising start!
When Grant goes to see a restaurant he needs to secure for his friends engagement party, he doesn’t count on meeting Ruby.
Grant is a bit of a grump, a perfectionist and a bachelor, working with his brothers at their security company. Ruby runs her own restaurant and works alot!
They say opposites attract and in this story this is certainly the case.
But I found that Grant seems entirely different around Ruby and their sizzling chemistry is difficult to ignore. They both grew up differently but with similar work ethics. Can grumpy Grant open up to Ruby and will they both make time for something other than the working?
I enjoyed this book, it was heartwarming, entertaining and steamy.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,946 reviews179 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
This book proves that opposites attract. Grant prides himself on always being in control, whether it be on the job or in his everyday life he sets his goals and he achieves them. Ruby floats through her days always with a smile on her face and the rest of the world taking her for a ride. Putting these two together might not look like an instant connection on paper but one little spark made al of the difference. Layla Hagen starts a new series off with a bang and this book was quite enjoyable not only as an e-book but an audiobook as well. The narrators were so well matched up with the characters themselves. Looking forward to more!!
746 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 24, 2026
Audiobook Review

Grant and Ruby couldn’t be more opposites. Ruby is carefree and relaxed, Grant is grumpy and methodical but what they have in common is how hard working both are to maintain their successful businesses. When their worlds collide, the sparks are sizzling but so are the clashes and how differently they see the world. As the book progresses we see how both mature into the relationship and the small changes they make in their life.
Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood were amazing as Grant and Ruby- totally delivering what I expected they’d sound in my mind.

Looking forward to the next brother’s book and either option is very, very appealing.
Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,460 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy
May 25, 2026
4 ⭐ 2 🌶️ 5 🎧

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were sweet and fun and I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love. Grant was really broken underneath his surface although he hid it well underneath his constant need to protect everyone he loved. I loved getting to see Ruby pull him out of his shell.

I'm honestly mostly excited for Heath's story, I feel like I see a nanny single dad trope a coming *giggle*

The audio was fantastic. Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood are always fantastic and this one was no different. Thank you so much to Must Love Audio for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for Brianna Price.
269 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2026
Ok so far I love ruby.
I love her confidence, energy, and the way she won’t let Grant tell her what to do but I also loved how Grant gave Ruby’s place a second chance for her friend’s engagement party.
I can definitely tell there’s some chemistry between Grant And Ruby
Ok I am loving how Grant and Ruby went from acquaintances to lovers
I also adore how Grant is telling Ruby more about himself and his past and opening up to her more
Omg I devoured this.
I loved how in the beginning Ruby And Grant were acquaintances and more into the book they realized there’s something else there between them. I also loved how Grant’s family automatically liked Ruby
Profile Image for Monika.
1,613 reviews55 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 23, 2026
I had a lot of fun listening to Breaking His Rules! Grant Clifford is the oldest of his brothers, and needs control as he didn’t have it early on in life. He is a very tense, sexy CEO of a security company, and Ruby’s best friend’s fiancé’s best friend. He is quite controlling, but Ruby didn’t let him get away with it most of the time. I liked the chemistry between the Grant and Ruby. I loved their characters and how their romance developed. The audiobook was well narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow.

Thank you to Must Love Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mayra Uribe.
49 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 25, 2026
I enjoyed the start of this series so much, a refreshing twist to the regular story line a particularly enjoy so much about Layla’s writing where family comes first. It is still a big part of it but the twist of a foster kids story line adds more of an emotional depth to an already beautiful story, and it gives us a deeper understanding on the main character’s quirks and grumpiness. So excited to continue exploring on these beautiful family.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,344 reviews176 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026
Audio/Ebook Review: Breaking His Rules (Clifford Brothers #1) by Layla Hagen

Narrated by: Aiden Snow and Savannah Peachwood


Hagen dives heart first into a whole new series. Breaking His Rules wears it's emotion like a badge of honor. Sweet with heat delivers breathtaking, temptation. Grant and Ruby are combustible. Snow and Peachwood bring drama and soul to heart tingling romance.

73 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
This was a great read I love every book Layla Hagen writes never disappointing. Grant and Ruby made such a great couple, and it was great to read their story. I did not want to put the book down. To be truthful is always the way with Laylas books.
1,697 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 20, 2026
New series, new family, new love, new chemistry and I loved it!! Grant and Ruby complimented each other so well. Grant really found his soul mate. Really enjoyed Evie and looking forward to Heath’s story. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
1,421 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 15, 2026
Excellent read and beginning of series

Grant and Ruby's story was spectacular. Can't wait for the other brothers stories. I voluntarily reviewed an ALC of this book.
Profile Image for Tammy C.
45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
Grant and Ruby are the definition of opposites. Grant is the serious grumpy guy that over analyzes everything and as the CEO of a security company he takes safety seriously. Ruby is the laid back restaurant owner who doesn’t always remembers to block her doors, and walks home at night from work. But they spark when they meet and this story is a great introduction for this new series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews