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The Flanagan Sisters #1
Break the Rules
Bridget Flanagan knows how to assess risks, but are the consequences of exposing her heart too dangerous?
Bridget has a passion for safety and in the world of oil refineries that makes her great at her job. So when her big promotion goes to someone else, she heads out on the town to forget her troubles. Jack Gibbs seems like the perfect man to distract her.
At least until Monday morning when she discovers Jack is her new boss. There's no way she's going to keep seeing him, no matter the connection between them. She's been burned before.
Jack can't understand why Bridget's so against their relationship. They positively sizzled during their one night together. He knows he has to be careful now she reports to him, but she tempts him in every way.
Can Jack convince Bridget to give him a chance, or is the risk too high?
Bridget has a passion for safety and in the world of oil refineries that makes her great at her job. So when her big promotion goes to someone else, she heads out on the town to forget her troubles. Jack Gibbs seems like the perfect man to distract her.
At least until Monday morning when she discovers Jack is her new boss. There's no way she's going to keep seeing him, no matter the connection between them. She's been burned before.
Jack can't understand why Bridget's so against their relationship. They positively sizzled during their one night together. He knows he has to be careful now she reports to him, but she tempts him in every way.
Can Jack convince Bridget to give him a chance, or is the risk too high?
238 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2016
626 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Claire Boston
37 books324 followersClaire Boston fell in love with romance and romantic suspense at eleven when she discovered her mother’s stash of Nora Roberts novels. Like Nora, she writes series set around families or groups of friends with a guaranteed happy ending.
She loves travelling and learning about new cultures and interesting vocations which she then weaves into her writing.
When Claire’s not at the computer typing her stories she can be found creating her own handmade journals, swinging on a sidecar, or in the garden attempting to grow something other than weeds.
Claire lives in Western Australia with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks and is currently learning how to knit.
You can find her complete book list on her website www.claireboston.com/books.
You can connect with Claire through Facebook and Twitter.
You can join her reader group here
She loves travelling and learning about new cultures and interesting vocations which she then weaves into her writing.
When Claire’s not at the computer typing her stories she can be found creating her own handmade journals, swinging on a sidecar, or in the garden attempting to grow something other than weeds.
Claire lives in Western Australia with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks and is currently learning how to knit.
You can find her complete book list on her website www.claireboston.com/books.
You can connect with Claire through Facebook and Twitter.
You can join her reader group here
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 12, 2019
3.5 stars, could have been rounded down, but I’m in a drought so I rounded it up anyway 🤷🏽♀️
Why 3.5?
Well first of all the BFF? Needed to D-I-E. She was one selfish manipulative biotch if I’ve seen one and was extremely damaging to h’s self worth.
She needed to lose that friend.
I know how she felt. First person to befriend her when she came to a foreign country. Plus she’s a loyal person, out h. But that loyalty was not only misplaced but was abused. I have been in the exact situation and at the age of 30 I decided to cut those friends loose because they damaged my life.
The BFF tells people how crazy rich h’s sister is despite knowing that is not something either the h or the sister is comfortable to talk about.
She had lived her life exactly as she wanted and manipulated h to share it with her even if it’s a bit expensive and didn’t think twice before abandoning her.
She abandoned the h while she took major decisions in her life, leaving h to deal with a huge financial burden.
She then manipulated the h and H’s living situation despite the h EXPLICITLY telling her not to, just to assuage her guilt. And then her idea of apology? Not contacting h, not inviting her to her wedding UNTIL h reaches out to her when she knew damn well it was her fault.
My problem wasn’t that she was like this. My problem was that there was no damn consequences she had to face. She marries H’s brother who is equally selfish, practically kicks H out of his brother’s apartment knowing full well he relocated from another continent and then was “understood” by her new husband because they’re in love.
I don’t blame the H here at all. He was pissed. Pure pissed at BOTH his brother and the BFF. He would have cut both of them off if that’s what the h wanted. But the h couldn’t. And the BFF didn’t even learn ANYTHING. No lessons whatsoever.
Second issue. The h’s ex. Once again. Zero consequences and comeuppance for his professional failure and his personal one with h. For that matter? Sounds like he’s doing extremely well in his career. Why? Why is this a thing?
Third issue. The h’s current management. The whole situation was extremely realistic. They are the old boys club. Sexist. Misogynistic. Hired the H even though the h was more than qualified. Listening to the exact same suggestions that the H is making that they made fun of when the h made. I get it. But there was an EXPLOSION. As a direct result of ignoring the h. Yet once again Zero consequences and comeuppance for Kevin’s professional failure? Really?
Despite all this, I liked the actual romance between the H and the h. He wasn’t a promiscuous man. He was in a relationship in Australia. Neither felt the need to sacrifice career progression to be with each other and parted amicably. The h had an ex in the same industry. Definitely not amicable parting. The H was committed from the beginning. He was respectful in both personal and professional level. The conflict was real, so was the struggle. I had no problem believing in their love and rooting for them.
Why 3.5?
Well first of all the BFF? Needed to D-I-E. She was one selfish manipulative biotch if I’ve seen one and was extremely damaging to h’s self worth.
She needed to lose that friend.
I know how she felt. First person to befriend her when she came to a foreign country. Plus she’s a loyal person, out h. But that loyalty was not only misplaced but was abused. I have been in the exact situation and at the age of 30 I decided to cut those friends loose because they damaged my life.
The BFF tells people how crazy rich h’s sister is despite knowing that is not something either the h or the sister is comfortable to talk about.
She had lived her life exactly as she wanted and manipulated h to share it with her even if it’s a bit expensive and didn’t think twice before abandoning her.
She abandoned the h while she took major decisions in her life, leaving h to deal with a huge financial burden.
She then manipulated the h and H’s living situation despite the h EXPLICITLY telling her not to, just to assuage her guilt. And then her idea of apology? Not contacting h, not inviting her to her wedding UNTIL h reaches out to her when she knew damn well it was her fault.
My problem wasn’t that she was like this. My problem was that there was no damn consequences she had to face. She marries H’s brother who is equally selfish, practically kicks H out of his brother’s apartment knowing full well he relocated from another continent and then was “understood” by her new husband because they’re in love.
I don’t blame the H here at all. He was pissed. Pure pissed at BOTH his brother and the BFF. He would have cut both of them off if that’s what the h wanted. But the h couldn’t. And the BFF didn’t even learn ANYTHING. No lessons whatsoever.
Second issue. The h’s ex. Once again. Zero consequences and comeuppance for his professional failure and his personal one with h. For that matter? Sounds like he’s doing extremely well in his career. Why? Why is this a thing?
Third issue. The h’s current management. The whole situation was extremely realistic. They are the old boys club. Sexist. Misogynistic. Hired the H even though the h was more than qualified. Listening to the exact same suggestions that the H is making that they made fun of when the h made. I get it. But there was an EXPLOSION. As a direct result of ignoring the h. Yet once again Zero consequences and comeuppance for Kevin’s professional failure? Really?
Despite all this, I liked the actual romance between the H and the h. He wasn’t a promiscuous man. He was in a relationship in Australia. Neither felt the need to sacrifice career progression to be with each other and parted amicably. The h had an ex in the same industry. Definitely not amicable parting. The H was committed from the beginning. He was respectful in both personal and professional level. The conflict was real, so was the struggle. I had no problem believing in their love and rooting for them.
April 19, 2016
I never knew that safety could be SO sexy! I wouldn't have picked it, but damn, Claire Boston did an awesome job of making me burn for Jack and Bridget…
I was excited to read this series starter from Ms. Boston, having enjoyed her Texan Quartet series—especially the fourth installment, Into the Fire—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was a super fun premise—Bridget meets a guy on a night out, guy turns out to be her new boss… I love those forbidden-type stories, because it typically means they're high on sexual tension.
As this one was. Bridget and Jack together were just SO compatible, I wanted them to Break the Rules immediately, desperately and dirtily. #NoShame. Their connection was clear from the start, and despite the relatively quick timeframe, this one never felt rushed or disingenuous.
Jack—gah, LOVE. He's so into Bridget and yet, he respects her and bloody hell, if that's not sexy, nothing is. He recognizes her value as a colleague, as a friend AND as a lover, and that's just perfect. And, Bridget? She's kind of kick-ass. Passionate and sure of her skill, she perhaps pays too much attention to what people say or think, but not without good reason. She'd been burned before, and that lead to some understandable hesitations when it came to Jack. But, she proved to be smart and strong—her cool, calm head balanced well with her passion. She is most definitely the kind of woman you want on your side—or in this case, by JACK’S side.
The secondary characters were, for the most part, very likeable too, which made this whole book just a delight. I love what Ms. Boston did with Carmen, and am very interested to see what comes of workaholic Carly. The whirlwind that was Hal and Tanya was all a lot of fun—a little side of instalove with your romance never really hurts. I didn't love Tanya by herself, however. My only complaint with Bridget was the way she sort of let her best friend run roughshod over her—I would have loved a little more of spine we so easily saw in her in other areas.
In the end, though, I can overcome basically any complaints about that aspect because the rest of the book was just so good. Easy to read, to fall in love with, and sprinkled with a couple of truly delightful little references to the Texan Quartet series, Break the Rules is another example of how Ms. Boston’s writing continues to improve and to wow. I can't wait for more of this series! ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
Rules and regulations are Bridget Flanagan’s world. They have to be as she’s one of the safety leads at an oil refinery. One error, one lack of follow through, could spell danger for someone. Bridget also has two personal rules she lives by. One is not sleeping with someone the first time you meet them. Well, that WAS a rule she follow until the night she met Jack Gibbs. Jack was a great distraction for Bridget to help her get through being passed over for a big promotion at work.
It was all fun until Monday morning when Bridget learned that Jack was her new boss—especially since her second rule is not having a relationship with anyone she works with. She’s been down that path before and will not travel it again after barely surviving the fall out.
But Jack’s not one to give up easy. Jack is determined that his connection with Bridget will overcome her fears and hesitancy, and persuade give their relationship a chance. But will Bridget risk everything again for love?
I really enjoyed Bridget and Jack’s story. I loved their “realness”, and the belief Jack had in Bridget’s abilities. Their relationship didn’t feel rushed or contrived—it was genuine. And sexy. Very sexy. Add in Bridget’s relationship with her mother and sisters, plus Jack’s brother, Hal, and Bridget’s best friend, Tanya, and there were great side stories too! I can’t wait for Carly’s story in book two. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
I was excited to read this series starter from Ms. Boston, having enjoyed her Texan Quartet series—especially the fourth installment, Into the Fire—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was a super fun premise—Bridget meets a guy on a night out, guy turns out to be her new boss… I love those forbidden-type stories, because it typically means they're high on sexual tension.
As this one was. Bridget and Jack together were just SO compatible, I wanted them to Break the Rules immediately, desperately and dirtily. #NoShame. Their connection was clear from the start, and despite the relatively quick timeframe, this one never felt rushed or disingenuous.
Jack—gah, LOVE. He's so into Bridget and yet, he respects her and bloody hell, if that's not sexy, nothing is. He recognizes her value as a colleague, as a friend AND as a lover, and that's just perfect. And, Bridget? She's kind of kick-ass. Passionate and sure of her skill, she perhaps pays too much attention to what people say or think, but not without good reason. She'd been burned before, and that lead to some understandable hesitations when it came to Jack. But, she proved to be smart and strong—her cool, calm head balanced well with her passion. She is most definitely the kind of woman you want on your side—or in this case, by JACK’S side.
The secondary characters were, for the most part, very likeable too, which made this whole book just a delight. I love what Ms. Boston did with Carmen, and am very interested to see what comes of workaholic Carly. The whirlwind that was Hal and Tanya was all a lot of fun—a little side of instalove with your romance never really hurts. I didn't love Tanya by herself, however. My only complaint with Bridget was the way she sort of let her best friend run roughshod over her—I would have loved a little more of spine we so easily saw in her in other areas.
In the end, though, I can overcome basically any complaints about that aspect because the rest of the book was just so good. Easy to read, to fall in love with, and sprinkled with a couple of truly delightful little references to the Texan Quartet series, Break the Rules is another example of how Ms. Boston’s writing continues to improve and to wow. I can't wait for more of this series! ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
Rules and regulations are Bridget Flanagan’s world. They have to be as she’s one of the safety leads at an oil refinery. One error, one lack of follow through, could spell danger for someone. Bridget also has two personal rules she lives by. One is not sleeping with someone the first time you meet them. Well, that WAS a rule she follow until the night she met Jack Gibbs. Jack was a great distraction for Bridget to help her get through being passed over for a big promotion at work.
It was all fun until Monday morning when Bridget learned that Jack was her new boss—especially since her second rule is not having a relationship with anyone she works with. She’s been down that path before and will not travel it again after barely surviving the fall out.
But Jack’s not one to give up easy. Jack is determined that his connection with Bridget will overcome her fears and hesitancy, and persuade give their relationship a chance. But will Bridget risk everything again for love?
I really enjoyed Bridget and Jack’s story. I loved their “realness”, and the belief Jack had in Bridget’s abilities. Their relationship didn’t feel rushed or contrived—it was genuine. And sexy. Very sexy. Add in Bridget’s relationship with her mother and sisters, plus Jack’s brother, Hal, and Bridget’s best friend, Tanya, and there were great side stories too! I can’t wait for Carly’s story in book two. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
March 29, 2016
Break the Rules is the beginning of a new series by Claire Boston, author of The Texan Quartet. It is set in the same general area, with a tiny little crossover cameo which brought a huge smile to my face and had me wondering if any of the characters will play a part in The Flanagan Sisters series.
We meet Bridget Flanagan out on a girls night with her best friend Tanya, as she sits nursing a headache while Tanya is out dancing with the cute guy she met. Much as she would love to just head home she can't bring herself to leave Tanya alone, she doesn't always make the most responsible choices.
The cute guy Tanya befriended is out with his brother, who is still fighting jetlag and would prefer to be at home but they are celebrating his homecoming. The two sit and chat, we get to know them a little better as they get to know each other. You can see straight away where things will go from here and the bit of predictability doesn't affect the enjoyment.
Bridget is a passionate advocate of workplace safety, and working in oil refineries it really can be a matter of life and death. She is out dancing her worries away after being passed over for a promotion, for a role that she had been working in for six months. After a messy breakup she threw herself into her work to rebuild her reputation and that has been her sole focus.
Jack has just returned from Australia and is living with his brother Hal until he finds a place of his own. For now, he is about to become a third wheel to Hal and Tanya - at least for the night even if it doesn't go further. To give them some space he escorts Bridget home in a taxi and helps her break her first rule of dating.... never sleep with someone on the first date.
Rule number two is never date someone you worth with.
Bridget and Jack share some mindblowing time together and make plans to catch up later in the week. Bridget is happy that she's finally done something spontaneous and thinks that things could actually go somewhere with Jack, something that she hasn't felt since her last relationship ended.
Rule number two is non-negotiable. Bridget was too badly burned in the past and she refuses to take the risk because not only was her heart broken but her reputation was left in tatters and she had to find a new job. She feels an extreme loyalty to the company she works for now and even though she is bitter about the promotion she has a strong attachment to the team and the staff.
It is a huge shock to Bridget when she is introduced to her new boss first thing Monday morning and it's Jack. All her hopes are dashed and a determination to deny the desire she feels anytime he is close replaces them.
The remainder of the review will be live on Beauty and Lace.
We meet Bridget Flanagan out on a girls night with her best friend Tanya, as she sits nursing a headache while Tanya is out dancing with the cute guy she met. Much as she would love to just head home she can't bring herself to leave Tanya alone, she doesn't always make the most responsible choices.
The cute guy Tanya befriended is out with his brother, who is still fighting jetlag and would prefer to be at home but they are celebrating his homecoming. The two sit and chat, we get to know them a little better as they get to know each other. You can see straight away where things will go from here and the bit of predictability doesn't affect the enjoyment.
Bridget is a passionate advocate of workplace safety, and working in oil refineries it really can be a matter of life and death. She is out dancing her worries away after being passed over for a promotion, for a role that she had been working in for six months. After a messy breakup she threw herself into her work to rebuild her reputation and that has been her sole focus.
Jack has just returned from Australia and is living with his brother Hal until he finds a place of his own. For now, he is about to become a third wheel to Hal and Tanya - at least for the night even if it doesn't go further. To give them some space he escorts Bridget home in a taxi and helps her break her first rule of dating.... never sleep with someone on the first date.
Rule number two is never date someone you worth with.
Bridget and Jack share some mindblowing time together and make plans to catch up later in the week. Bridget is happy that she's finally done something spontaneous and thinks that things could actually go somewhere with Jack, something that she hasn't felt since her last relationship ended.
Rule number two is non-negotiable. Bridget was too badly burned in the past and she refuses to take the risk because not only was her heart broken but her reputation was left in tatters and she had to find a new job. She feels an extreme loyalty to the company she works for now and even though she is bitter about the promotion she has a strong attachment to the team and the staff.
It is a huge shock to Bridget when she is introduced to her new boss first thing Monday morning and it's Jack. All her hopes are dashed and a determination to deny the desire she feels anytime he is close replaces them.
The remainder of the review will be live on Beauty and Lace.
November 5, 2020
This book was short and sweet. The relationships moved a bit fast for me. I wasn't a fan of some of the characters but I think that was the point. Overall, an ok way to spend a an hour or so.
April 9, 2017
REVIEW: BREAK THE RULES When I discovered that Claire Boston wrote this book, I silently wished that I would be able to get my hands on a copy. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was available for request through The Romance Review, I immediately jumped at the chance to get a copy for review. You are probably wondering why I was so excited. Well, after reading Into the Fire, which I enjoyed, I figured, especially after reading the synopsis, that this would a good read. It proved me right; I enjoyed every moment spent reading this installment.
The premise is intriguing. The protagonists, Bridget and Jack, met in a nightclub. They immediately hit it off. Jack, after spending three years in Australia, recently returned to Texas, due to a lucrative job opportunity that he could not resist. Bridget is not in a good place. The promotion she was hoping for never materialised, and to add insult to injury, an outsider got the position over her. Having been burned by a previous relationship, she threw herself into her job, which proved to be a waste of time. Therefore, meeting Jack at a time when she felt unworthy seemed like the best thing that could have happened to her.Bridget is a person who lived by the rules and she had specific ones when it came to dating--never sleep with a man on the first date and do not date a co-worker. When she met Jack she was willing to break the first rule, little did she know that this would lead to her breaking the second rule.The characters are relatable and realistic. The issues are a replica of real life. Bridget is a responsible person who took life seriously. For her, it was all work and she hardly spent time having fun. She is caring, selfless, determined, industrious, dedicated and passionate. Jack is a lovable person. He liked and respected Bridget. He understood her fears and even though it did not help his case, he did not try to push her. However, keeping to her resolve was not easy as circumstances kept putting them together outside of the work environment. Compromise is the name of the game in this situation. Would breaking her rules bring happiness or will it end in heartache? The dialogue between the characters is funny and engaging. I especially loved the dialogue between the protagonists as well as their interaction with their families. I did not particularly like Bridget's best friend. She is willing to manipulate anyone to get what she wants, it did not matter who got hurt in the process. This is a beautiful love story loaded with lots of sexual tension due to its forbidden nature. The writing is solid; it held me captive throughout the entire story. I liked that it did not focus solely on the romance between Jack and Bridget. It spoke also to the discrimination that women face while working in an environment dominated by men and safety in the workplace. Sadly, these issues still plague our society, even after years of fighting for equality and the well-being of employees. Verdict: A great start to the series, and one which I recommend. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
The premise is intriguing. The protagonists, Bridget and Jack, met in a nightclub. They immediately hit it off. Jack, after spending three years in Australia, recently returned to Texas, due to a lucrative job opportunity that he could not resist. Bridget is not in a good place. The promotion she was hoping for never materialised, and to add insult to injury, an outsider got the position over her. Having been burned by a previous relationship, she threw herself into her job, which proved to be a waste of time. Therefore, meeting Jack at a time when she felt unworthy seemed like the best thing that could have happened to her.Bridget is a person who lived by the rules and she had specific ones when it came to dating--never sleep with a man on the first date and do not date a co-worker. When she met Jack she was willing to break the first rule, little did she know that this would lead to her breaking the second rule.The characters are relatable and realistic. The issues are a replica of real life. Bridget is a responsible person who took life seriously. For her, it was all work and she hardly spent time having fun. She is caring, selfless, determined, industrious, dedicated and passionate. Jack is a lovable person. He liked and respected Bridget. He understood her fears and even though it did not help his case, he did not try to push her. However, keeping to her resolve was not easy as circumstances kept putting them together outside of the work environment. Compromise is the name of the game in this situation. Would breaking her rules bring happiness or will it end in heartache? The dialogue between the characters is funny and engaging. I especially loved the dialogue between the protagonists as well as their interaction with their families. I did not particularly like Bridget's best friend. She is willing to manipulate anyone to get what she wants, it did not matter who got hurt in the process. This is a beautiful love story loaded with lots of sexual tension due to its forbidden nature. The writing is solid; it held me captive throughout the entire story. I liked that it did not focus solely on the romance between Jack and Bridget. It spoke also to the discrimination that women face while working in an environment dominated by men and safety in the workplace. Sadly, these issues still plague our society, even after years of fighting for equality and the well-being of employees. Verdict: A great start to the series, and one which I recommend. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
June 18, 2017
I liked, but didn't love. The characters were pretty well developed for a shorter length book, still a few holes, but a lot better than most romances this short. Also, personal conflicts that intertwined with professional ones - and it was done fairly well. What's missing for me was the deeper connections that are often missing at this length. Everything felt a bit too rushed or glossed over for my liking. Not that I'm looking to get hot and bothered while reading the sexy bits, neither do I want to feel like we're just glossing over them as well, and they were short and a bit too brusque for me to feel any excitement for Bridget and Jack being together. They just felt mechanical and that's not a good thing for sexy times to be described as. The work related stuff, I think was interesting, but we could have sacrificed a bit to have time to devote to relationship building, and I think it would have been better. At times I felt the mechanics of being safety officer for big oil is what overshadowed everything else, and led to my feelings of 'meh,' about the book. For the shorter length - I'm very impressed with the depth of the characters, and wish this was a longer book that had fully developed everything, I like the writers' style, will try again. This was free when I got it, and I usually have a pretty low opinion of those types, but this was better than average.
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October 3, 2024I absolutely loved it! It was really good!
Love these characters and the storyline was a huge hit! I definitely will read another series in near future…
Looking forward to read more books soon…
Love these characters and the storyline was a huge hit! I definitely will read another series in near future…
Looking forward to read more books soon…
February 16, 2017
I felt that the romance itself was lukewarm.
I was very annoyed at the way he dealt with her "problem" of not wanting to be involved with her boss. "Why won't she understand that this isn't a problem?"
It might be due to cultural differences, but relationships at work, especially with a boss... That's a huge deal.
All that said, one part of the book kept me coming back: her job! It was so interesting to read about them dealing with the job situation, how she managed her tasks and her colleagues. Her dedication is admirable and understandable. How he adjusts to the job and learns how to be a good manager while not knowing everything is intriguing. Seeing the potential in others, delegating and being uplifting. How she manages to be a good employee even though she feels she's not being valued.
How to communicate with management. How to solve tensions in a group.
How to learn to support your employees.
In which situations to stand up for yourself and in which good crisis management is called for...
The work parts were really intriguing and I'd love to read more by this author on workplaces!
I was very annoyed at the way he dealt with her "problem" of not wanting to be involved with her boss. "Why won't she understand that this isn't a problem?"
It might be due to cultural differences, but relationships at work, especially with a boss... That's a huge deal.
All that said, one part of the book kept me coming back: her job! It was so interesting to read about them dealing with the job situation, how she managed her tasks and her colleagues. Her dedication is admirable and understandable. How he adjusts to the job and learns how to be a good manager while not knowing everything is intriguing. Seeing the potential in others, delegating and being uplifting. How she manages to be a good employee even though she feels she's not being valued.
How to communicate with management. How to solve tensions in a group.
How to learn to support your employees.
In which situations to stand up for yourself and in which good crisis management is called for...
The work parts were really intriguing and I'd love to read more by this author on workplaces!
August 14, 2016
I liked this book right from the start and felt I could relate to the heroine. If you read the blurb, it sounds like this will be an office romance. Read the book and you’ll find out it’s much more than that. An oil refinery isn’t an office and it may not sound sexy but it lays the foundations for a wonderful romance and an action-packed ending that will blow your socks off. In fact, the ending is the best bit. Make sure you get there!
June 17, 2017
Chemistry denied
This is a story about a woman who got burned in a relationship that effected her job and Jack had to carry her baggage. There was mixed signals, pushing Jack away, denied feelings and lies. All the page filler you could stand to get to the HEA. The only thing that brought it up from a 3 to a 4 was all the explosive action at he end.
This is a story about a woman who got burned in a relationship that effected her job and Jack had to carry her baggage. There was mixed signals, pushing Jack away, denied feelings and lies. All the page filler you could stand to get to the HEA. The only thing that brought it up from a 3 to a 4 was all the explosive action at he end.
July 24, 2017
Slow start
After the initial ball dropped about Jack being Bridget's boss, the story drags. Most of the conflict is in her head because of an incident from years before. The last few chapters pick up but it just didn't make up for it for me. Easy read though. Obviously well researched.
After the initial ball dropped about Jack being Bridget's boss, the story drags. Most of the conflict is in her head because of an incident from years before. The last few chapters pick up but it just didn't make up for it for me. Easy read though. Obviously well researched.
July 16, 2016
It was great !
January 18, 2020
I know I sometimes ding "office" romances for basically never having their characters be at work, but this book proves it's possible to err in the other direction.
They're always working or talking about work. Near the beginning sometimes they're talking about scuba diving instead, and then after they get together they take breaks from talking about work long enough to have some sex, and then sometimes an external conflict comes up in the form of his brother and her best friend being impulsive and inconsiderate jackasses. Oh, and the tedious and heavy-handed foster-sister setup to briefly raise awareness for the political and social strife in many Central American countries, which is true but so out of place in context with the rest of the book, where it doesn't inform anything about the plot or even do all that much to give Bridget personality as her backstory.
But 75% of the book is about being a safety manager at an oil refinery. I signed up for a romance, thanks, could you give me a real romance? Because this isn't one. There's attraction that gets their relationship started, sure. Then the realization that he's her new boss cools things down, but he gets pushy (which I did not like!) about making a relationship happen anyway. Finally, somewhere around midway through, he accepts "no" for an answer and they agree to remain friends. (Which absolutely should have happened earlier if I wasn't supposed to think Jack was a jerk. And he was mostly nice other than that, so I think he was not supposed to be a jerk.) But then Bridget almost immediately goes back on her decision, and then circumstances force them to move in together, and then disaster happens at the plant and Bridget proves herself capable and saves the day. Which was the real climax of the story, not the culmination of the thin romance. Have I ever leveled the criticism at a romance that I think it needs more sex scenes? I think that's a first, but I do want more sex scenes, because every time the scene cut away from or glossed over their sexy times, I was denied an opportunity to see how they treated each other, how they connected. Because it wasn't happening at work, where they were trying to play it cool for everyone else's benefit.
This is a "romance" where the personal vindication/validation arc of the heroine took over the entire book and left very little room for actual romance, or anything else, really. Though I do question why she's best friends with Tanya who never seems to do anything worthy of having friends, and is a constant source of irritation for Bridget, from the big stuff like "oops I got married and I'm moving out so I guess you should live with your boss" to the little "this is my party so you have to wear the dress I pick out and have your hair straightened because I say so even though I know you hate sitting in salons doing nothing for hours, do it for meeeee." Tanya isn't a person, she's three external conflicts in a trench coat.
They're always working or talking about work. Near the beginning sometimes they're talking about scuba diving instead, and then after they get together they take breaks from talking about work long enough to have some sex, and then sometimes an external conflict comes up in the form of his brother and her best friend being impulsive and inconsiderate jackasses. Oh, and the tedious and heavy-handed foster-sister setup to briefly raise awareness for the political and social strife in many Central American countries, which is true but so out of place in context with the rest of the book, where it doesn't inform anything about the plot or even do all that much to give Bridget personality as her backstory.
But 75% of the book is about being a safety manager at an oil refinery. I signed up for a romance, thanks, could you give me a real romance? Because this isn't one. There's attraction that gets their relationship started, sure. Then the realization that he's her new boss cools things down, but he gets pushy (which I did not like!) about making a relationship happen anyway. Finally, somewhere around midway through, he accepts "no" for an answer and they agree to remain friends. (Which absolutely should have happened earlier if I wasn't supposed to think Jack was a jerk. And he was mostly nice other than that, so I think he was not supposed to be a jerk.) But then Bridget almost immediately goes back on her decision, and then circumstances force them to move in together, and then disaster happens at the plant and Bridget proves herself capable and saves the day. Which was the real climax of the story, not the culmination of the thin romance. Have I ever leveled the criticism at a romance that I think it needs more sex scenes? I think that's a first, but I do want more sex scenes, because every time the scene cut away from or glossed over their sexy times, I was denied an opportunity to see how they treated each other, how they connected. Because it wasn't happening at work, where they were trying to play it cool for everyone else's benefit.
This is a "romance" where the personal vindication/validation arc of the heroine took over the entire book and left very little room for actual romance, or anything else, really. Though I do question why she's best friends with Tanya who never seems to do anything worthy of having friends, and is a constant source of irritation for Bridget, from the big stuff like "oops I got married and I'm moving out so I guess you should live with your boss" to the little "this is my party so you have to wear the dress I pick out and have your hair straightened because I say so even though I know you hate sitting in salons doing nothing for hours, do it for meeeee." Tanya isn't a person, she's three external conflicts in a trench coat.
December 1, 2018
The first in the Flanagan Sisters series, Break the Rules is sexy, sizzling with a back story to keep your interest piqued! Working in the male dominated world of oil refineries, Bridget Flanagan works in the safety division. Now walking into to work, she finds the man she met over the weekend for a night of passion is her new boss! This is not going to work, her first rule is no dating your co-workers. Jack and Bridget work well together and circumstances keep putting them together both in and out of work. Will she be able to resist the attraction? This couple is full of passion and banter. I felt their chemistry and was rooting for them the entire book! I loved their work, the way Jack stands up for her, the constant fight for the safe workplace, the disgruntled employees, the struggle for a woman to be heard...it's all woven together so well, the listen flew by and I fell for all of it. It's got a little suspense, a lot of emotion, some family angst and just all around good narrative.
Narrated by Kathryn LaPlante, the story flows easily. She is talented and gives the story the emotional pull and passion. I loved her ability to give each voice it's own personality. She gives a wonderful performance.
Narrated by Kathryn LaPlante, the story flows easily. She is talented and gives the story the emotional pull and passion. I loved her ability to give each voice it's own personality. She gives a wonderful performance.
June 17, 2017
Not Following the Rules...
So many of the recent books I've read seem to get so caught up in following the "rules" for a successful novel that they lack spontaneity, have characters with minimal personality, and plots that are barely engaging. That's not the case with this book. The one weakness Is that the male characters are not quite as developed as their female characters. But overall I found lots to like and will read the next book in the series - which I am seldom willing to do.
So many of the recent books I've read seem to get so caught up in following the "rules" for a successful novel that they lack spontaneity, have characters with minimal personality, and plots that are barely engaging. That's not the case with this book. The one weakness Is that the male characters are not quite as developed as their female characters. But overall I found lots to like and will read the next book in the series - which I am seldom willing to do.
June 24, 2017
I know nothing about the workings of oil refineries, so I wasn't able to understand the hero and heroine's world as they were involved with the safety issues in an aging refinerie. The dialogue about towers and vent and levers, etc were very confusing for me.
This is not the fault of the book, but simply about a world that I don't understand.
This is not the fault of the book, but simply about a world that I don't understand.
July 14, 2017
This book stood out to me because it gave some time to the character's background. Bridget is El Salvadorean and Irish. Her family immigrates to Houston after their father is killed, and later in life, the family has a home to foster refugee children fleeing Central America. The romance between Bridget and Jack is sweet, but the cultural context made this a special story.
September 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book partly because it took place in Houston, someplace that I have lived. It was nice to see a book where they accurately portrayed the town and the surrounding area.
The relationship between Bridget and Jack was enjoyable to watch grow from initial attraction to actually caring for one another and wanting the best for each other.
The relationship between Bridget and Jack was enjoyable to watch grow from initial attraction to actually caring for one another and wanting the best for each other.
November 24, 2018
A terrific story. The characters are believable and relatable. The situations probable. I especially appreciated all the information on oilrig safty and the importance placed upon it. I am looking forward to reading more about the Flanahan Sisters.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
October 4, 2023
The truth does not lie!
The good old boy network is sadly alive and well. I have seen real life stories like this before. Not being aware of the facilities you own would be a crime. When death or injuries are involved, fines and prison time is called for. Bridget is a hard working woman who knows her job, while others who know even less want to dispute the facts!
The good old boy network is sadly alive and well. I have seen real life stories like this before. Not being aware of the facilities you own would be a crime. When death or injuries are involved, fines and prison time is called for. Bridget is a hard working woman who knows her job, while others who know even less want to dispute the facts!
March 14, 2024
The storyline in this book was solid but it contained way too much information than was necessary. At times, I felt the author was trying to make up words to fill the book. Also, the intimate scenes were vague for the most part, which is a bummer for me. Otherwise, it was a good story with solid character development.
January 10, 2017
One of the most boring books I've ever read. If you're looking for a book about safety procedures in the workplace this is the book for you. Hell this could probably be a training manual at my work! romance it is not. Terrible... truly terrible.
June 17, 2017
Bridget and Jackson
Fast paced. Typical girl meets boy and likes boy a lot. Slight twist - boy is the new boss. Dating co-workers can be tricky. Aw, what to do. Read and enjoy. Relaxing story.
Fast paced. Typical girl meets boy and likes boy a lot. Slight twist - boy is the new boss. Dating co-workers can be tricky. Aw, what to do. Read and enjoy. Relaxing story.
July 14, 2017
Interesting story, liked the characters. I'm not familiar with oil refineries and how they operate so this story was some what confusing to me and hard to follow along so I skipped some of it. But good ending.
August 13, 2023
True love comes for Bridget
Bridget got burned by her boss. He lied and she was treated bad. Then her and best friend Tanya.on a night out they met brothers, Hal and Jack.Bridget really liked Jack,but turns out Jack is her new boss. I enjoyed finding out what happens.
Bridget got burned by her boss. He lied and she was treated bad. Then her and best friend Tanya.on a night out they met brothers, Hal and Jack.Bridget really liked Jack,but turns out Jack is her new boss. I enjoyed finding out what happens.
February 8, 2017
A nice read with likeable characters. Really enjoyed where the story went. Liked the other characters too.
June 19, 2017
Loved the story. I don't know much about oil refineries, but I am sure safety is a huge concern. Love the way she overcame adversity. Love conquered all.
June 20, 2017
Loved the story. I don't know much about oil refineries, but I am sure safety is a huge concern. Love the way she overcame adversity. Love conquered all
July 3, 2017
Quick and cute. It's sweet, but not too deep or anything that sucks you in. Just a nice little read.
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