Rules for Love: a totally cozy and heartwarming second chance fall romance for fans of opposites attract and autumn in London

by Lexi Vale

No flirting. No touching. And absolutely NO personal questions.

Eight years ago, Lucas Rosselli and Sophie Clarke shared one unforgettable night. And then he disappeared. Now Lucas runs a community garden (and avoids commitment like it’s a contact sport), while Sophie is a lawyer who is sure she’s incapable of love.

So when Sophie signs up to save Lucas’s garden from demolition – and recognises the man who ghosted her all those years ago – keeping it professional is going to be a challenge.

They make a deal: focus on the case, forget the past. But between gossipy gardeners, accidental speed dating, and one very large dog with personal space issues, the walls they’ve built don’t stand a chance.

And as the fight to save the garden heats up, so does everything they swore they’d never feel again . . .

Rules for Love is a cozy and feel-good second chance fall romance with a pinch of spice and a guaranteed HEA. Curl up with a mug of tea and a warm, fuzzy blanket and lose yourself in London in the autumn.

Tropes:

black cat x golden retriever
forced proximity
he falls first (and harder)
second chance
found family
spice

Genres: Romance, Autumn

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2026

Reviews

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I love you like I didn’t know it was possible to love someone.”


on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ‎♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴡʜᴇʀᴇ” x ꜰʟᴇᴇᴛᴡᴏᴏᴅ ᴍᴀᴄ
0:33 ─♥──────── 3:42


╭➤ the premise ────────────────────────────╮
Sophie never expected to see Lucas again, let alone find herself working alongside the man who walked out of her life eight years ago. but when his beloved community garden is threatened with demolition, she's the lawyer stepping in to help save it. between unresolved history, nosy neighbors, and a whole lot of forced proximity, keeping things professional might be easier said than done
────────────────────────────╯

honestly, I’ve never read a romance centered around a community garden before, but apparently all you have to do is give me a close-knit group of neighbors who love and support each other, and I’m immediately emotionally attached. 🙂‍↕️ The found family aspect was SO well done. Everybody rooting for one another, showing up when it mattered, and coming together for something bigger than themselves? MY HEARTTTTT 🥹🥹🤭

I will say that going into this expecting a strong second chance romance, I didn’t quite get those vibes. For me, that trope needs a little more emotional history and a stronger sense of what these two once shared, and I felt that part was missing some depth. I enjoyed watching them slowly open up, work through their abandonment issues, and realize that their past baggage didn’t have to dictate their future. Sophie especially had some lovely growth as she learned that life didn’t have to revolve around work, work, and more work. like PLZ GIRL, PLEASE GO ENJOY YOURSELF 😭

The main characters weren’t necessarily my favorites. I wouldn’t say I disliked either of them, but the secondary characters and gardening community consistently stole my attention. Biscuit deserves his own appreciation paragraph because that giant, lazy, personal-space-oblivious doggo was an absolute CUTIE PIE 🤣

And Lucas jumping into the water to save a kitten? Oh I was GONE. 😂 As a 100% through-and-through cat girl, that man had me right there. And let’s not pretend those biteable biceps and strong forearms weren’t also doing some heavy lifting 🤣

“Is there anything sexier than a wet half-naked man with a bedraggled kitten snuggled into his chest?
The answer is most definitively no.”

SAME GIRL. SAME. 😭😭😏🥵

There was a little miscommunication that mildly irritated me, but nothing that completely took me out of the reading experience. Between the witty banter, sweet romance, and genuine emotional healing, this was such a lovely, warm read.

Overall, a 4⭐️ cozy little autumn romance that made me fall in love with a community garden, its wonderful residents, and one very special doggie and kitty. The found family absolutely came through, and I enjoyed almost every second of it 🥹🫶🏼

favorite quotes ↓

“Maybe I’ve been waiting. For the right person. Him.”

“When you find it – and I mean love, that real love, the kind that when you look at them your mood lifts, and your chest aches, and your whole heart sings – you fight for it.”

things to know about the book ↓

🍂 golden retriever x black cat
🍂 gardener x lawyer
🍂 second chance
🍂 forced proximity
🍂 he falls first
🍂 found family
🍂 dual POV

swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 26, 33

Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕

october 28th- autumn + second chance = 🤝🏼🙂‍↕️

[jesswouldratherbereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honoured and excited to be gifted my first ARC from Lexi!

A man being compared to a ball point pen within the first chapter gave me high hopes from the get go, need to remember that one. I always like when a character has my name in a book. A Saint Bernard. Not only a Saint Bernard but a Saint Bernard called BISCUIT. I found this utterly charming, had me smiling and giggling out loud on several occasions. Cemented my love of Autumn, the undeniable best season. If anyone calls me the moon, I’m yours. Instantly. Sophie had wayyyy more self control than I would have. The kitten. Thank God I’m in Italy whilst reading this because Nonna is making me hungry. Also she’s incredible. Cannot express how smug I was knowing instantly what a lepidopterist is. Found family will never not get to me oh boy.

Really loved this, all the characters were wonderful and the whole book was like a hug to my heart, absolutely would recommend!

[Maisi Geis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly the most adorable fall romance book I’ve ever read. I loved Sophie and Lucas! Their banter was everything.

All the story elements flowed together so seamlessly. From working together to save the garden, to Lucas and Sophie reconciling from years ago, to Sophie’s relationship with her dad, it was all written so well and with so much care.

Such a beautiful love story! Highly recommend!

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely, feel-good second-chance romance! 🍂❤️ I really enjoyed the autumn setting in London, and the community garden made such a charming backdrop for Sophie and Lucas’s story.

Sophie and Lucas had me hooked from the start. After one unforgettable night eight years ago, Lucas disappeared, leaving Sophie with plenty of unanswered questions. Now fate has brought them back together, and they have to work side by side to save the garden. Their agreement to keep things professional was never going to be easy, especially when there are still so many unresolved feelings between them!

I loved the chemistry between these two, the banter and the way their walls slowly started to come down. Lucas was such a great character, and watching him open up and realise what he really wanted was lovely. Sophie was equally easy to root for, and I enjoyed seeing her begin to let go of her fears and allow herself to be vulnerable.

The supporting characters added so much fun to the story, especially the gossipy gardeners, the accidental speed dating and, of course, the very enthusiastic dog who clearly had no understanding of personal space! 🐶 There was a lovely sense of found family throughout, which made the story feel even warmer.

With second chances, forced proximity, a he-falls-first romance and just a little spice, this book had everything I enjoy in a cosy autumn read. It was sweet, funny and heartwarming, with enough emotional moments to make you really root for Sophie and Lucas to get their happy ending.

If you love feel-good romances with plenty of chemistry, lovable characters and a guaranteed HEA, this is definitely one to curl up with under a blanket and a hot cup of tea. ☕🍁

[Steamy Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vale Heart Press for the ARC 🥹🫶🏻

Tropes:
🖤 Black cat/golden retriever
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 He falls first (and harder)
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Found family
🖤 Spicyyyyy

Lucas, "I'm obsessed with making her smile", my sweet boy!! 🥹 He is adorable!! He listens, pays attention to every little detail about Sophie, and really tries to understand her!! 🫶🏻

Sophie is sharp, smart, hardworking, and so rule obsessed. 🖤 She had a bad relationship in the past and she's scared of her own feelings, but Lucas is exactly what she needs.

They are perfect together! I always looove black cat / golden retriever!! 🖤 And the spice was done sooo well!! 🤭🔥

It's also beautifully written, and I pictured the whole thing as a perfect romcom.

I especially recommend this one for a cute fall romance! 🧡

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for my very first ARC from NetGalley!! I am so excited to finally get one!

3.5 rounded up! This is a cute story and I liked the lawyer x gardener combination! I think some aspects of this story are really well done and others seem a bit unpolished. I did think their beginning meeting is slightly problematic and miscommunication trope was doing heavy lifting for plot progression in this book.

All and all, I think I will definitely read more by this author and will try her debut book next!

[Anna · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 - 3.75

If you read Lexi's debut Walk This Way, which was released earlier this year, then you might remember Rowan's sister Sophie, because: Rules for Love is Sophie's book!

In many ways, I enjoyed Rules for Love more. I can't really pinpoint what it was, but I think it was just a mix of characters, setting and general plot.

Sophie, who was definitely something and most definitely unlikable when we first meet her in Walk This Way, was basically the complete opposite here. Very approachable and likeable.
We got more insight on her previous relationship with Henry as well her relationship with her father.
I do wish we had a more proper conclusion regarding Henry's, and ultimately their relationship's, storyline. The ending of it felt rushed and felt like it needs to wrap up because the book is coming to an end. Both somewhat fought over the house they owned as a couple and then Sophie decides to just let it go?

Sophie's relationship with Lucas was very nice, though I have to say: both of them met years ago and spent a night together talking. Just talking. It's kinda hard to believe that a night full of talking had such an intense impact on both of them and their current relationship with each other. This is also why I wouldn't say this is a second chance romance because..well, there wasn't really a first chance to begin with?
Sophie getting closer with her best friend Jess, who for a second I thought would maybe get her own book, but nope, was also really lovely.
I also really liked the friendships Sophie built with the people from the community garden. I do think there could have been a bit more balance between the community garden project and the romance.

Cover is a 10/10. Very cute. Very fitting for the book.
Would I recommend it? Yeah. Fits nicely as an autumn book, if you like to match your books to the current season.

Thank you to the author for providing this book for a review. All opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Rules of Love by Lexi Vale is a breath of fresh crispy autumn air. This is my first Lexi Vale book but it certainly won't be my last! This book has everything: shared history, forced proximity, black cat FMC, golden retriever MMC, cozy vibes, and found family. Basically, the book follows Sophie and Lucas as they reunite without realizing it, and team up to save the local community garden from a developer.

I enjoyed the cozy setting of the community garden. I thought that the whole crew was absolutely lovable. I thought the main characters were flawed in a very realistic way. I enjoyed myself immensely and honestly read the book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I thought the writing was done very thoughtfully and honestly I was really surprised by just how much I enjoyed myself! I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cozy romance to read this autumn.

Thank you to NetGalley, Vale Heart Press, and Lexi Vale for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I was honoured to receive an ARC for Rules for Love from the author Lexi Vale. I can confirm that my review and comments are all my own.

Rules for Love is the second book by author Lexi Vale, with her first being Walk This Way.

Our FMC, Sophie and our MMC, Lucas had one unforgettable night together eight years ago, when Lucas disappeared, leaving Sophie with unanswered questions. But now, fate has brought them back together. Lucas owns a community garden and Sophie is hired as his lawyer to save the community garden from being purchased by land developers.

I enjoyed the chemistry and the banter between Sophie and Lucas. I particularly liked the way in which despite an obvious attraction between them, they didn’t just carry on from where they left off eight years prior. It took a while for the ice to melt and for Sophie in particular, to open up to Lucas.

The community garden with the nosey and gossiping gardeners was easy to imagine in this story and I enjoyed the fact that it had a London setting. There was a sense of found family and warmth throughout the story.

This was a lovely, feel-good autumnal read.

Tropes:
* Black cat x golden retriever
* Forced proximity
* He falls first (and harder)
* Second chance
* Found family
* Mild spice

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Rules for Love by Lexi Vale
Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rules for Love is a sweet and cozy romance about an uptight, successful lawyer and a flirtatious, down-to-earth gardener who reconnect almost a decade after first meeting. While I personally would not call their first encounter a "one night stand" (although it was presented that way in the book description), Sophie and Lucas have had sizzling chemistry from the minute they met. And when a chance opportunity throws them together again, the chemistry is still there even years later. But is the second time a charm?

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and easy to love. The characters were well written, and the romance was lovely. I also appreciated how all of the secondary characters were so well developed and interwoven within the storyline. Overall, an absolutely adorable read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this Advanced Copy!

[aj-bookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

Okay, if you want a cozy autumn read, this is it !!

Sophie is a runaway bride who has thrown herself into work, putting in all hours as a lawyer while dreaming of New York. Then she takes on a pro bono case involving Lucas, someone from her past she's tried very hard to forget. She's determined to keep things professional, but her heart has other plans.

The characters felt so relatable, I was rooting for them the whole way through. And the world building? Perfect. I felt like I was actually in the story, not just reading it. This book made me feel ALL the emotions, and the epilogue had me in happy tears (no spoilers, but have tissues ready if you are an emotional person!)
Big curl-up-with-a-blanket-and-a-hot-drink energy!

I would recommend this to anyone who likes: cozy autumn reads, second chance romance, relatable characters, grumpy/sunshine, books that make you cry happy tears!

[Kirsty Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cosy contemporary romance set in London, but not your usual city life story. Sophie sets to work to save a community garden 🌳 only to discover she knows Lucas, the head volunteer. Of course they now need rules so that Sophie can focus on saving the wonderful garden in the city.

I loved Lexi’s first book, Walk This Way, and now Rules for Love is the perfect (interconnected standalone) autumnal romance. Found family 🤗 is one of my all time favourite tropes, and you’ll also find a healthy dose of he falls first (and harder).

I love Lexi’s characterisation, as she always writes perfectly imperfect people. We are all flawed in some way, and at some point we have all made mistakes. I can definitely relate to a harsh exterior that has been built up only to be torn down for love 🧡

Look no further because I have found your perfect cosy autumn 🍂 romance, however I also recommend reading book 1️⃣ first.

Thank you Lexi and Netgalley for trusting me again to read your wonderful work 🤎

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I liked:

Absolutely loved that this is a British book. Not just set in England, but an actual British book. Need to find more of these.

Loved the setting of modern London and a community garden!! Not a setting I have seen before, and it delighted me.

Really liked the friendships and Lucas's relationship with his Nonna. Beautiful.


Things I disliked:

This is being marketed as a second-chance romance, but the "first" is literally a night spent talking. (Sorry if that's considered a spoiler.) It is all well and good within the scope of the story, but it is NOT a second chance romance. If not for the marketing, I would probably not have let it affect my rating.

I don't know if it was because I so recently read An Academic Affair with its impeccable story beats, but this one's beats were all off. I am not even really a story beats girl, but this book had me jerking all over the place. It felt choppy.

And the editing. Oh the editing! Spare my mind and eyes, I think I need to read a grammar book as a palate cleanser. Lots of standing up twice without ever having sat down. Some walking into a room multiple times without ever having walked out. That kind of thing. And yes, in 2026 a pronoun STILL needs a noun to reference!! Please!
"He opened his mouth, but then pressed them together without saying anything."
Oh me oh my. It's very unfortunate because aside from all that, the writing was lovely and quite picturesque.

This has graphic open door spice.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Rules for Love — Lexie Vale
⭐ 4/5

I really enjoyed Rules for Love! 💕 It was a sweet and entertaining romance that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I really liked the chemistry between the main characters and the way their relationship developed throughout the story.

The characters were lovable, and I especially enjoyed the emotional moments, the tension, and the little moments of chemistry between them. Lexie Vale’s writing is also easy to read and made this a really enjoyable book.

While there were a few moments where I wished certain aspects had been explored a little more, I still had a great time reading this book.

Overall, Rules for Love was a lovely and enjoyable romance, and I would definitely recommend it to romance lovers! 💗

⭐ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 💕

[Jessica | Pages, Pens & Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rules for Love

I thought it was going to be another lovely romcom.

Black cat. 🐈‍⬛
Golden retriever. 🐕
History.

Then suddenly there’s a pro bono law case about saving a community garden and I thought yes, I know where this is going. Brief peril, happy ending. 😂 Right? Wrong.

Because Lucas isn’t just the golden retriever. He has a past. He’s been in a bad place. And Sophie? She’s been running from everything and everyone… Until she finally stops running, and THEN gets life-changing news, with Lucas right there beside her.

There’s passion. Love. Rejection. Betrayal. SPICE. 🌶️

And that shower scene. 🥹 Not about s*x, but about safety, comfort and protection. A hair wash. A fluffy towel. The kind of intimacy that gets you right in the heart.

There’s even a trip to Brighton, one of my favourite places. There’s an old desk 😭 (Because is it even romance without an antique mahogany desk?!)

And then the epilogue…No spoilers, but it made me cry actual real tears. 🥹

My favourite quote: “There’s no such thing as destiny. There’s only finding your person and then doing everything you can to make it work.”

I’ll take this kind of love story any day, it was LOVELY.

[Jordan Niebuhr · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thankful for my first NetGalley ARC from Lexi Vale!

I was so so into this book from start to end!!! From the start of the pro bono case to crushing on the hot gardener to finding comfort in found family, this had me hooked the entire time. 🙂‍↕️

The amount of small details that remained consistent throughout the whole book was one of my favorite parts of the story. The little inside jokes, each character’s mannerisms and interactions with the others, THE BANTER (even among friends), the depth and care Lucas had for Sophie in both direct and indirect ways… ugh, love.

I REALLY wish I had known about Lexi’s first book ahead of this one, but I’m SO excited to go back and read it! She’ll be on my TBR in the future for sure.

[Katrina McQuillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules for Love is a wonderful, cosy, and enjoyable autumn romance that does a great job balancing the story of saving a community garden with the great romantic tension between Sophie, a sharp lawyer, and Lucas, a charming gardener. The "opposites attract" dynamic between them works perfectly, and their chemistry feels completely natural. Their messy history adds just the right amount of tension, and the wonderful, quirky side characters bring the community garden to life and add a lot of heart to the story. It is a comforting, feel-good read with a great emotional ending. A wonderful, cosy 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 opposites-attract romance, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Kryzeth A · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

ARC - Netgalley

Rules for love was such a lovely read, even though I had a few mixed feelings!

I really enjoyed the characters and how they written. The storyLine had some lovely moments, and overall, I found it an enjoyable reading experience.

The chemistry was good, but i think i was missing that extra spark, you know romance that makes you giggle, smile at the pages and kick your feet. I was hopping for a little more of that.

Nevertheless, I genuinely enjoyed the book and I'm glad I picked it up. Not every read has to be a five star favourite, and this one still had plenty to appreciate.

[Natasha Orme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to the author for gifting me an ARC.

I love Lexi Vale’s writing style and she’s one of those authors where I’ll read whatever she writes.

I did struggle a little with this one in the middle - it didn’t quite captivate me as much as Walk This Way. I wasn’t as obsessed with the characters but I did love the friendships and banter between the gardeners and Lucas’ friends.

The ending was super wholesome and the last 35% of the book redeemed the slow start/middle.

[Amy Bozza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a such a wonderful story of complicated people who have to overcome their own issues to find love. Excellent main characters and side characters. Wonderful small town vibes without the over the top side stories that can sometimes come with a small town romance. Main characters were believable and lovely.

[Steffs.Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gorgeous read from Lexi! Wholesome, autumnal and romantic.

I enjoyed the exploration of the more deeper side to our MC's and their honesty / self awareness to their behaviours. It's so refreshing in a romance read! They've both been through a lot and the approach was so well received and written.

Biscuit and Snowball. Obsessed. The best little nuggets! 🐾

Just a feel good, HEA vibe that will go massively well with a hot chocolate and blanket.

Thank you Lexi for the eARC

Adore you!

[soph ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

rules for love 💌
- 5/5 ⭐️

such a fun romance read!! i really enjoyed this one and loved how easy it was to get invested in the story. definitely recommend adding this one to your tbr! 💗

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Lexi for the early copy!

[Jani · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review*
Thankyou so much to the author Lexi Vale for this book.
4⭐️
Perfect for lovers of Rom-Coms like Bridget Jones, Love actually, and 4 weddings and a funeral!
This was a lovely book for autumn/fall🍂🍁

⭐️FIRSTLY! The community around Lucas, like Roy, are adorable! True community spirit! And brilliant for filling up the story, but they do indeed stand out in their own right. The BANTER is top notch! P.S I'm definitely a Jess! Lmao! Absolutely love Lucas’s Nonna! Both sides of my family have married into italian families, and i was raised around cuisine and traditions of Napoli, christmas meals on christmas eve Panettone, Welsh christmas on christmas day. Reading this has brought so much happy nostalgia to me, at a time of the year where loss is most felt, I felt at home. "Si, Nonna, Tutto chiaro", "Yes, Nanny, Everything is clear", the Italian matriarch, the feeder, the reminder.  There are a multitude of reasons why this book is so relatable to me personally, but I can't list them all! But oh my i loved this book.
⭐️ Secondly! I have a childhood friend, whos also a blonde, and also a solicitor in London, and this is very much her in terms of style, though she is far more open and friendly, this book give me some nostalgia I had been missing! I do believe shes found her Lucas, minus the mess and ten year gap lol!! So thankyou for the relatable cozy feel!
⭐️ Thirdly! OMG I love the doggy, St Bernard's are adorable, huge, and i can see why every character, regardless of where they are on the legal side of the land where the garden is, falls in love! Whilst this is a Rom-com, and many can be quite unrealistic, this one is very grounded, realistic, and relatable. Which is something I find other Rom-coms can, or have totally ejected from the writing room. Maybe thats me, but in my opinion this is enjoyable and doesnt give me the good old ick at all.
⭐️ Fourthly! (If thats even a word lol), The way I wanna tell them both to grow the heck up, and just talk! But I mean, thats what kept me reading! Whilst reasons 1-3 filled my heart, its their clear emotional/sexual friction and hoping Sophie just stops being so proud, and that Lucas’s stops being so self hateful, they might actually talk! I know people like this, ive been people like this, and well, thats the point of a Rom-com, seeing a ridiculous but believable version of couples you've been or know and being entertained. Humans sometimes can not see the light past their own clouded minds, and we read these books knowing full well were just as messy, just as stubborn, and we also mis-communicate SO much.


⭐️The ending -
OMG🦋! I dont want to give spoilers so the emoji will have to do. BRILLIANT!
Mark & Olive🥹 SO CUTE, lovely to see background characters get the same kinda joy as the MC's.
Oh Roy 🥺 but if anyone should of been listened to on a day like that, it was Roy.
OMG thank God about the dad!
Finally 🫠THEY GOT OVER THEMSELVES!!!! The frames though 😆😆!! And Scotland🤯
God, i think the biggest message here is pride! Book family, lets not let our pride block our happiness!

I would definitely recommend to my friends, and social pages, and I want to read more from the author if this is thenstandard she is setting.
Thanks for bringing back the best bits of the 2000s, decent Rom-coms.

[Vanessa Sederstrem · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautifully deep story of community and growth, but with a rushed resolution

Rules for Love is a lovely, feel-good read that turned out to be much deeper than I initially anticipated. I went into it expecting a spicy, opposites-attract, cozy autumn romance. While it is set during autumn, it doesn't heavily lean into that specific seasonal atmosphere, meaning you could easily enjoy this book at any time of the year. It does feature some detailed spicy scenes, but the narrative isn't centered around pure sexual tension. Instead, it is a heartwarming story about human connection, found family, community, self-acceptance, and forgiveness.

There was so much to love about the core of this novel:
• Chemistry and Pacing: I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Sophie and Lucas. I particularly appreciated that despite their obvious mutual attraction, they didn't just immediately pick up where they left off eight years ago. The ice took time to melt, and it was rewarding to watch Sophie slowly open up to him.
• Vibrant Setting and Found Family: Set in London, the community garden plot was wonderful. The nosey, gossiping gardeners were so easy to picture, bringing a great sense of warmth and found family to the entire story.
• Lovely Friendships: Watching Sophie get closer to her best friend Jess was a highlight. The friendships Sophie builds within the garden project are incredibly heartwarming.

However, a few elements kept it from being a top-tier read for me:
• The "Second Chance" Premise: Years ago, Sophie and Lucas spent a single night together just talking. It felt a bit hard to believe that one night of conversation could have such an intense, lasting impact on their current relationship. Because there was never a "first chance" to begin with, this didn't quite feel like a true second-chance romance.
• A Rushed Ex-Storyline: We get some great insight into Sophie’s past relationship with Henry, as well as her relationship with her father. However, the conclusion regarding Henry felt incredibly rushed, as if it needed to be wrapped up quickly just because the book was ending. After fighting so hard over the house they owned together as a couple, Sophie’s sudden decision to just let it go felt abrupt and unsatisfying.
• Balance Issues: While I loved the community garden project and the nosey gardeners, I felt the book could have benefited from a slightly better balance between the garden plot and the actual progression of the romance.

Overall, this is a very touching, low-stress romance filled with great character growth and a wonderful community spirit. I would definitely recommend it, especially as a cute autumn read if you enjoy matching your books to the season.

[Marie Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Author
Rules for Love 🧡🪴
Release 13th October 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thankyou so much Lexi for letting me read this early. Hope you love this review!

This second-chance romance is perfect for the autumnal months.. I absolutely loved this. It’s so cosy and made me instantly think of my Bampi and his Garden🪴my Bampi still has this cosy little green house and we just finished all the tomatoes for the season! Still have some peppers growing, It really is wonderful how gardens can bring people together. 💕
I’ve been planting since I was a little girl so this story really touched me as my bampi is struggling with dementia and can’t do as much as he wants now.

I felt instantly connected to all the Characters in this story, not just the main ones Lucas and Sophie. But I had fond feelings for Roy who also volunteered at the Beaumont Garden🪴 and looked after his wife. Made me instantly think of my Bampi.

And all the other volunteers who had their own little stories to tell.. I wonder if we will have more books on those characters maybe?

I really enjoyed the pets in this, Biscuit the cuddly sleepy St Bernard and Snowball the energetic kitten!

I adored the passion between Sophie and Lucas.. Sophie who always felt she was cold hearted to Lucas who melted her down so to speak.
I connected to them both on an emotional level. 💜

I’d happily read this again!

💕Black Cat Lawyer x Golden Retriever Gardener
🍂London in the Autumn
💕Second Chance
🍂They Have rules
💕Found Family
🍂He falls first (and harder)
💕Forced Proximity

“Biscuit? Who the hell is Biscuit?” -Sophie
“Did you think this was a negotiation? This is it. I help. You obey. That’s the deal.”-Sophie

“Sophie, who sets my heart to stumbling without even a thought.
Sophie, who has rules.
Sophie, who I never forgot.
Sophie, who I never called.
Sophie, who is the gardens only hope.”-Lucas

“No heels today?”-Lucas
“Not while Cerberus is around. Where is the hell hound anyway?”-Sophie
“Biscuit doesn’t have nearly enough energy to be chasing the dead let alone guarding the gates of hell.”-Lucas
😂😂😂

“Because he isn’t good enough for you. Someone like him… He’s barely a piece of gravel in your shoe. You’re the moon. Don’t waste your light on someone like him. 🌙 -Lucas-

“I want him to take me. To consume me. To make me his.”-Sophie

“I want you. So much. You’re all I can think about. Even standing here, not touching you, feels like the worst torture in the world.”-Lucas
“Coffee. That’s what it takes to make you melt.”-Lucas

Sophie and Luca’s Rules for Love 💗
1. Excessive Flirting
2. Only personal questions
3. No Judgement of our mutual history.
4. Constant touching.

[Jo Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

RULES FOR LOVE by LEXI VALE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


When Beaumont Community Garden is put under threat from developers Lucas Rosselli seeks help to save it.

Relieved when his friend says she knows a lawyer willing to help, Lucas is stunned when the lawyer turns out to be none other than Sophie Clarke, the woman he had one fantastic night with eight years previously, the woman he upended his entire life for, the woman he never saw again.

Though Lucas is determined to win a second chance, Sophie hasn’t forgotten the handsome man who broke her heart when he ghosted her. Can Sophie find a way to work together with Lucas to save the community garden whilst protecting her heart?….

————————————

Rules For Love is a wonderful, heartwarming, cuddle of an autumnal read with heaps of emotions, delightful banter and a guaranteed HEA.

I absolutely loved both of the MCs. Lucas is very kind and generous to those around him. When he meets Sophie again he falls hook, line and sinker and is determined to win her back even if it means he has to lay his heart on the line and expose his truths.

Sophie is a smart, capable woman who has dedicated her life to her work after having her heart broken. She has told herself that her life is full, that she doesn’t have time for a relationship and even if she did, she doesn’t give second chances.

The other members of the gardening group are a quirky, chaotic bunch with plenty of humour, banter, bickering and all the delicious things, and they add an extra level of fun to this story. Biscuit is also a big, drooling, essential character full of attitude and opinions- I loved him!

There are hard topics dealt with, some painful subjects but these are softened by the lovely relationships all the characters share.

There are some open door spicy scenes but these don’t start until 60% through the book and are tasteful and in fitting with the progression of the MCs relationship.

I read an ebook version of this book with around 400 pages (print copy), a pretty, colourful cover in fitting with the story and good editing. This book releases on October 13th.

With thanks to Lexi Vale for an early chance to read this delightful book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🪏 Second Chance
🪏 Fall Romance
🪏 Light Open Door Spice
🪏 Forced Proximity
🪏 Found Family
🪏 Black Cat / Golden Retriever
🪏 A Huge Opinionated Dog
🪏 A Sweet Ball Of Floof.

[Courtney Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley

I absolutely loved this!! Sophie and Lucas had me invested from the beginning, especially once we found out they had actually met and had a one-night stand eight years ago. The fact that Sophie STILL had his number saved and literally called it while standing there with him just to prove it was him was such a good moment. 😂

What I loved most was watching their relationship slowly turn into something neither of them planned for. Lucas was convinced relationships only ended in heartbreak, while Sophie was coming out of a terrible marriage and had every reason to protect herself. Then she literally makes rules: no flirting, no personal questions, no discussing their history, and NO TOUCHING. Yeah… those rules didn’t last. 😂

I also loved that this wasn’t only about the romance. The community garden and all of the people involved made the story feel so warm and found-family-ish. One of my favorite moments was everyone bringing Sophie furniture for her empty apartment after everything she’d lost in her divorce. It showed that while Sophie was falling in love with Lucas, she was also finding a whole community where she belonged.

And Lucas!!! 😭 The little things he did for Sophie were honestly some of my favorite parts. Their morning word searches, him being there for her when she was struggling with everything involving her dad, and eventually seeing this man who avoided relationships realize that he genuinely wanted Sophie in his life.

The ending made everything even better. Lucas finding Sophie’s grandfather’s desk after she thought it was gone forever was SO thoughtful. But framing her original Rules of Engagement next to their new Rules for Love??? STOP. 🥹 Going from no flirting, no personal questions, no touching to excessive flirting, only personal questions, and constant touching was the perfect full-circle moment.

And Sophie realizing that one day she wants to marry Lucas—with no hesitation this time—felt like such a beautiful ending considering where she started.

This was funny, romantic, emotional, spicy, and genuinely so sweet. I came for Sophie and Lucas, but I ended up loving the entire little community around them too. ❤️

[Anahi Garza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Sophie and Lucas' past was brief, it had significant repercussions. One unforgettable night changed the trajectory of their lives, creating insecurities and walls they have no desire to burn down. Years later, after they both called off their respective engagements, they must work together to save a community garden. Will they be able to do so without rechanneling their emotions, or will they come to the realization that some feelings are unavoidable?

I personally loved Sophie's character. She might seem a little tough on the outside, but in reality she's kind and caring and would do anything for her family and friends. Lucas was the definition of a golden retriever. I loved reading about his dedication to the garden and his people, the way his hard work changed a lot of lives by giving them a purpose and safe space.

The banter between Sophie and Lucas was SO good, I loved how easily he was able to get reactions out of her. Their chemistry was unmatched. They were complete opposites, yet they complemented each other perfectly. They went from being scared of intimacy, commitment and emotional vulnerability to being obsessively in love with each other.

“I want to pick apart every inch of her mind, and find out how it intertwines with mine.”

“She's woven herself under my skin, tangled among my bones. Every thought has her in it. She's the plants I'm tending, and the music I'm listening to, and the food I'm eating. Every time I walk into a room and she isn't there, it's a disappointment.”

“Sophie Clarke. Please believe me when I say this: you are to me. It feels like I have been waiting my whole life for you. You are perfect. I meant what I said. To me, you're the moon”.

The garden community was so sweet and supportive, they were truly a family. I loved the way that all members had deep memories and connections to it and how one way or another the garden was such an essential part of their lives. I adored how Sophie little by little-against her will, as she put it- became one of them.

Lastly, I would like to mention how much I love the book cover. It’s my ideal visualization of an autumn-themed romance novel.

#JusticeForRosie

Thank you Lexi Vale, Vale Heart Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Nicola Robson · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Rules for Love is a fun, second chance romance story, where he falls first.

Sophie is an ambitious lawyer, who takes a pro bono case to save a community garden from housing developers. But when she gets there, she realises the gardener is the (gorgeous) man who ghosted her years previously. The gardener, Lucas, and Sophie had a real connection the night they met, but a secret stopped Lucas from contacting her again. Now they must keep it professional, while trying to ignore the undeniable spark between them.

I thought this was a really cute romance story, and I really liked that it followed on from Walk This Way, while also working well as a standalone. Sophie is Rowan’s sister, and I loved getting to know her more in this book, and more of her back story and history with Henry. Also I’m always a sucker for the found family trope, and this definitely delivered, with so many brilliant characters. My absolute favourite has to be Biscuit though, closely followed by Snowball. But all the characters feel quite nicely developed with glimpses of their backstories.

I enjoyed the black cat x golden retriever energy between Sophie and Lucas, though at times I didn’t always agree with some of their decisions. There was a lot of miscommunication between them, which I’m not a huge fan of, and I didn’t particularly like the circumstances in which they met the first time, with their ‘one night stand’ (was it really a one night stand though, if they just talked?). Though, I think it was well written and explained, and worked well for the story, and the miscommunication wasn’t too much overall. I can completely appreciate why they acted the way they did though, Sophie especially. Overall, I did enjoy the romance plot line, I thought they showed nice character and relationship development over the course of the book, and the epilogue was really sweet.

I thought it was really well written, with good pacing, and while it was quite predictable, that’s what you want and expect from this type of book - it was a very enjoyable, easy read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this eARC!