Playing by the Rules

by Brandon Wong

On the ice, Caleb Dawson is unstoppable. With prodigious talents, Caleb is easily one of the best teenage hockey players in America. There is no doubt that Caleb will become the next greatest star on ice. The only problem is: he knows it. And he demands to be treated like a star. Cocky, arrogant and self-centered, Caleb is on a straight path to destroying his own career.

Jennifer Beckett is academically gifted, as her longstanding position on the honors list indicate. While she may seem flawless inside the classroom, Jennifer is a totally different person outside of class. Broken, fearful, dependent. To hide her insecurities, Jennifer stays away from any sign of trouble. But Caleb is a different kind of trouble, one that draws her into his world. Can this relationship save the two of them from their own destruction?

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary

ebook

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Brandon Wong is an award winning author on Wattpad, an online story sharing platform. Brandon's debut novel, Playing By The Rules, was published on Wattpad in Fall 2015 and has since garnered over nine million reads across one hundred plus countries.

Born in the coastal city of Hong Kong, Brandon moved to the prairies of Edmonton, Canada one year later, where he has lived ever since. Brandon is a University of Alberta alumnus, having graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce in 2015.

Brandon is an avid sports fan - a source of inspiration in his writing - and often travels to see his favorite teams play. In his teenage years, Brandon represented his school as a five time gold medalist in track and field and softball. He also played handball, basketball, and soccer.

In the summer of 2015, Brandon turned to writing, and Playing By The Rules was created. Combining hockey's fast paced action with bittersweet romance, the novel has proved to be popular with the Wattpad audience, winning a Collector's Edition award in the Wattys 2016 competition.

Brandon has worked with several leading brands to produce curated content. His portfolio includes writing for Warner Brothers Studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, AT&T, and National Geographics.

Reviews

[Wafaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was so perfect i could weep. Actually i sobbed at some point, and i laughed and i was angry and happy and mad and all. So it's basically about a hot jerk who tries to stop being a jerk, in a really flawless way to achieve his goals while falling for a typical "cute" wallflower kind of girl. AND U KNOW WHAT? I LIVE FOR THESE KIND OF STORIES. Everything was on point. I'm really glad that there are young writers that are really really really talented and need to be noticed in every single way.

[Aparna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book worth reading. Not the typical cliché romance, if that's what you are expecting. The writing quality is very good, realistic story and it seems like the characters have just been taken from your very own high school. Now, the part what I loved the most, the author has blended sports and romance very well. Sports and Romance -two things that we think do not go hand in hand when you're taking them up as major contributors to the story, well think again after reading this book. The hockey games and practices are so well described that I actually know a bit about the game now and I'm actually interested in knowing more. As for the romance part, it gives you hope that no matter how bad a person is, perhaps love can change him/her. The way the author has written the book, you can actually feel and understand the characters, their mindset and their behavior. The book has its happy/sad/sappy moments but not in a bad way, everyone enjoys them. Overall, well written :)

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's just say I cried a bit but two chapters later I was fine. I think this book has made me realise that people come and go and not everyone waits for you and that sometimes you should just move on with your life because no one will wait for you to fail and drown yourself in sorrow.

So thank you.

[Soumya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the author mentioned on Wattpad that it would be appreciated if the readers posted a review here on Goodreads, so here I am.

This book.

This book.

I really can't praise it enough. I really can't. It was flawless, to me, anyways. I'm not really one for pointing out mistakes, and usually I'm too caught up in the action to point one out anyways. But whatever.

There were no mistakes. Really. This, I say it here and I say it now, is only the second book I've read featuring sports (other was Missing Variables-another thrilling read) and I love this book so much.

The plot, the pace, the suspense, the aww worthy moments, it was all so perfect. And you can feel both Caleb's and Jennifer's emotions so thoroughly and so acutely it really is awesome. The music playlist provided with it was perfect and the chapter in which 'When I see you again' was played I just began to cry. I love this book, Brandon Wong, and I could feel everything so well and picture it all, and it brought such wide goofy smiles that my cheeks hurt and I could just not keep this down. Really. These little gaps in between when I couldn't read this-I couldn't stop thinking about it and oohh, I'm soooo happy.

You must read this, man. You must. I loved this to the moon and back and I know you will too.

Thank you, Brandon Wong. Thank you so much for providing such an awesome read. I hope you have great success with such a masterpiece.

Check it out. *points to link below*

https://www.wattpad.com/story/48487557-playing-by-the-rules-wattys2016

I'm not on Twitter or Insta yet, but I'm making an account as soon as possible. Please tell me there's more. *swoons and dies*

So long, before I die right here from feels.

[Edwina · Rating 5 out of 5]

After struggling to find a book that would be worth my while and a slight pick me up during my final examinations for the school year, I came across Playing By the Rules. It was a love story that I thought was going to be cliche but it just turned out to be one of the stories which was genuinely raw and beautiful in itself. I found myself at moments where I was trying hard not to be upset (I mean if you've read this book, then obviously you know what happens). It is honest and depicts relationships that us humans encounter in our lives and while Jennifer and Caleb are pulled together at odd circumstances I can guarantee you that this story will just make you fall head over heels for the characters. The author did an exceptional job creating this story light and fluffy and not over descriptive. I can almost hope that he continues to write stories that are like this one in the near future!

[Mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He's built barrier to the world and I was allowed in, at least temporarily."

What a great read!!! <3 It was a cliche but there is something different with this one that made me like it. I think it was the realistic side of the story. The writing is perfect, the change in POVs weren't confusing as well as the change in pace. The author made a good description and story-telling of the hockey games.
I like the character development, and the characters though some were annoying at times.
I finished this book within a day because it was so good that I don't want to put my phone down. It made me happy, in love, hurt, and sad... This is worth reading especially if you're into teen romance and sports!

FULL REVIEW TO BE POSTED ON MY BLOG: Http://bibliophilemish.wordpress.com/

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the more mature books on Wattpad. I don't mean content- wise, I just mean the way it was written. The book goes at a realistic pace, unlike many other books where they main characters kiss in like chapter 5. Also, the characters are relatable, even Caleb is relatable to me and I am the least athletic person you will ever meet! The only criticism I have is that the at times the characters did not sound like high school students, but then again, these two main characters experienced something that not many teenagers have to experience. I can't say what it is though, because it contains spoilers.

[Kylea Klauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. At first I wasn't sure about it and then I feel in love with how amazing the characters were. I'm not going to lie in some parts of the book it made me great but it always ended being so joyful. I suggest you go read this book on Wattpad. It was so hard for me to put down at times and I am so glad that I stumbled upon this story. I honestly had no clue how good it would be. I would also like to say thank you to the author for writing such an amazing book. Wattpad reader @ky_ky9

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay! so i like this story... but i really despise you for taking away two of the most lovable characters... it hurt like a female dog! i was crying my eyes out... but thank you for depicting the story this way... i came to love all the characters dearly, and it is the best feeling... it was a good read. much appreciated.
BUT I WON'T FORGIVE YOU FOR THE LOSS THOUGH!!!
Thank you
Jae

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be one of those that made me live through it...........no it is definitely one of those.....the emotions ....the descriptions.....the fights....the interactions..........well it is one hell of a book that is definitely worth your time.....hats off to the author for this great accomplishment......... ;)))

[Emaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. It hooks you from the start and the author has amazing writing. This book has made me cry, laugh, smile, and have a storm of emotions getting crazier with each chapter. This book is worth the read.

[Rachita · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy and fun romance story ....

[Jyssie Fergus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, the differebt views made the book fun to follow and gave us the whole story. Some very funny moments. Amazingly written 10/10

[Dee Weicavu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best novel I've read!!!! I loved how the author portrayed the emotions and characters so well it made it seem like they were my best friends. Reading this book actually opened my eyes and made me realize that I should be grateful for the people in my life. Life's short, holding grudges ain't gonna bring you nowhere but down. To say I loved this book would be an UNDERSTATEMENT. The author wrote it beautifully that even I cried like a baby in the sad parts. It cut and sliced through my soul.. It made me feel things I didn't get a chance to feel in real life. It was Beautiful, Warming, Heartbreaking but It was totally worth it ALL .. PBTR definitely deserves to be on the screen someday cause for sure I know I'm going to watch it no matter the cost.
Hats off to you Brandon Wong. You deserve all the credit. What a wonderfully written book.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this story, it's an absolutely amazing read that's really well done. The descriptions are fabulous and the author just really helps you get caught up in the story. On Goodreads I go by Kira, but on Wattpad I go by Angel, and literally all of my friends on my accounts are like: "Hey Angel, go read Playing by the Rules, it's absolutely amazing!"

Honestly, the story flows well, has amazing characters that I can really relate to, and is nothing like the cliche you might think it would be.

Caleb is really a character I can connect to, even though he starts out very overconfident and cocky. I honestly can get really invested in this story :)

You should definitely check it out :) This is a must-read!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read teen fiction - especially on Wattpad. But I have to say, this is by far one of my favorite novels on Wattpad that is teen fiction.
This book has a similar arch as most teen fictions but this book stands out a lot to me is because of how the author puts an inside mind to what hockey is - whether he plays or not.
And not only is it about hockey, it takes you inside of depression and what losing someone would feel.
I'm saying a lot by just praising this novel considering how much reading online sucks for me.
I was captivated by Jennifer and Caleb's love story and never in it that I felt that I wanted to quit reading it.
This young author is definitely on his way to success.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini Review: This is book is so refreshing when it comes to the cliche teen fiction books that are on Wattpad. The things that make it refreshing is that this book is very realistic when it comes to character development of the two main leads and I can imagine these people being in my high school as well. Also, I love the fact that the author combines sports and romance very well. The only problem I had with this book is that this book was a bit predictable on some of the conflict it has, but that about it. So, to those Goodreads members that have a Wattpad account, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat if you want some different from the teen fiction sections in Wattpad.

[Jennifer Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS!! The author grabs your attention and even if you don't know a thing about hockey, you don't feel left out. I felt happy and sad and angry, I literally cried so much! I would stop and then something else would set me off and I'd be starting all over again. This is by far one of the best books I've read. The author finally lets you see a good written point of view from BOTH genders. I'm a very picky reader (like how the book is written) and no grammar mistakes, if there were any, caught my attention and distracted me enough to make me stop reading. Overall I just loved this book and the way the author was able to create such a beautiful story.

[Shraddha · Rating 5 out of 5]

PBTR is a riveting read. It has you hooked from the first chapter itself. It stands out among hundreds of other sappy YA rom-coms because of its relatable characters, realistic situations and mature writing. Despite this, it does provide a great escape from reality. As the characters are faced with different challenges, you see them grow as independent individuals. The descriptions of the hockey games are fascinating and it feels like one is watching them live from the stands.
It's definitely worth having on your shelves.

[Cade Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's books like this that give you hope that there is such thing as true love. My dad was a cheater. When I first found out, I was just 10 years old. It was so hard for me. I grew up not believing in love. I read romance books all the time (probably to know what love meant). I was always unhappy with their endings. They always ALWAYS felt like a child's fairytale. But this book, this book was different. All I can say is that this book gives hope to people who don't believe in love like me.

(Did I mention that I finished this book in less than a week) SUCH A BOOKWORM.

[Jasmeet Uppal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This book was amazing. By far my favourite on Wattpad. Like by a long shot. I finished it in one day because I just couldn't stop reading. As I was sitting in class my eyes literally welled up with tears at one point. I had to stop and take a deep breath or I would've cried in front of everyone. I love the emotion and the description that was put into it. It was so good. Definitely recommend it if you have Wattpad and if you don't have Wattpad, get Wattpad and read this. Seriously, when is this book getting published? I need a copy.

[Kenzie Wax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I read it for the first time on Wattpad, and it was an adventure just reading it. I didn't put my phone down until it was over, I was so hooked. The way that the characters were able to come together in the end, despite what they had gone through throughout the book in itself, was truly incredible. If you're into romance and sports- it's definitely a book worth reading. I can only hope it goes further and takes the author to amazing places.

[Schattenfluegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book.
It is about sport and love at the same time. I didn't know anything about hockey but I could read it without problems.
The main characters are well described and with each line you could see the slow change in their actions and feelings.
There are many emotions in and between the ups and downs of Caleb and Jen. This story really touched my heart.
I think the author is talented and I'm looking forward to his next books.

[Krisona Wen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought of this book as a great experience. Especially the conflict that the characters had to go through really moved me. The plot was great, and for its events on hockey( which I was never really into) and the chemistry between Caleb and Jennifer was not like those same clíche romance stories and instead it had a story with challenges to their relationship that made the story so wonderful, and it will be considered my favorite!

[Karlynn Amaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I absolutely loved this book! I'm so in love with teen fiction so, I knew if I was going to like this or not. And I did. The first chapter I thought was going to be boring because all i read was hockey and I'm not into sports that much. But, i kept reading anyway and It was the best decision I've ever made!!(book-wise). During this book, you will experience happiness, sadness, excitement and so many plot twists!! This book is really good and I'm so glad I clicked on it on Wattpad!!

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was overall the most well written book ever, in my opinion. It left me biting my nails all the way until the end. The author does a spectacular job of portraying the characters in the story as we would expect them to be. I just loved everything about this book. It gave me emotions at times and books never ever do that to me, so I applaud this author greatly. Excellent novel all around.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most lovliest stories I've ever read (read it in Wattpad) and after four years in Wattpad I started getting bored of some of the stories there but this one I enjoyed greatly and got me hooked from the first chapters. 100% recommend it, even if you're not into Teen Fiction.

[NadiavStaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly? I love this book!
It's so much fun to read, its funny and pretty much just like life. Real.

I laughed, I swooned and I cried... Honestly I haven't read a book this good in a long time :)

[Maryana · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!! had me on my toes 24/7

[Bhargavi]

I really liked the book . This book is quick paced which I really liked . True , Caleb had that Jerk vibe around him but it was only felt in two or three incidents . And Jen has that sweet and 'I am a good girl' vibe around her which is potrayed beautifully . The book majorly revolved around Hockey which got a bit boring .
I really cried when Nick and Madison died . I loved Nick . He is sweet , charming and a good guy . And Madison is a true best friend of Jen .
Overall , It's a good book and worth reading .