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The Rules #1
Making the Rules
Never Again...
After having his hand slapped and career almost ruined several years back for falling for a student, Dr. Kendal Tarrington is done with love. Especially with the idea of it being with a younger woman. With no other choice, he's forced to start looking for someone to date far outside the scope of the university. The last place he expected to find her was at the hospital.
Dana Young is a double major, business and nursing, and is at the top of her class on both accounts. Her life consists of working hard in her internship at the hospital and wanting far more than she's getting in her current relationship. When a handsome, young professor catches her eye, things began to shift... for the better.
Too bad she's not at all aware of his rules.
+18 Explicit sexual content and foul language.
This is book 1 in a series. A cliffhanger is highly probable.
After having his hand slapped and career almost ruined several years back for falling for a student, Dr. Kendal Tarrington is done with love. Especially with the idea of it being with a younger woman. With no other choice, he's forced to start looking for someone to date far outside the scope of the university. The last place he expected to find her was at the hospital.
Dana Young is a double major, business and nursing, and is at the top of her class on both accounts. Her life consists of working hard in her internship at the hospital and wanting far more than she's getting in her current relationship. When a handsome, young professor catches her eye, things began to shift... for the better.
Too bad she's not at all aware of his rules.
+18 Explicit sexual content and foul language.
This is book 1 in a series. A cliffhanger is highly probable.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2016
About the author
Ali Parker
367 books2,108 followersHi! I’m Ali Parker, a USA Today bestselling author who has been writing contemporary and new adult romance for over a decade, creating heartfelt, swoony stories that give readers a place to escape and feel a little lighter. Every book I write starts with a simple “what if” and is crafted the old-school way; with imagination, long nights, too much coffee, and a deep love for storytelling (no AI here, just heart and a dedicated human team I treasure like family).
I left my career as a CPA to follow that calling, inspired by the power one great story can have to bring hope and joy. These days, I live in Tennessee with my husband (my real-life book boyfriend), our family, and my sweet grandbabies who make life even sweeter. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming up new stories, crafting A LOT, and soaking up every moment with the people I love most. Oh, and drinking way too much coffee. Don’t judge.
Welcome to my stories, your escape, your adventure, and maybe even your next favorite love story.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
I left my career as a CPA to follow that calling, inspired by the power one great story can have to bring hope and joy. These days, I live in Tennessee with my husband (my real-life book boyfriend), our family, and my sweet grandbabies who make life even sweeter. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming up new stories, crafting A LOT, and soaking up every moment with the people I love most. Oh, and drinking way too much coffee. Don’t judge.
Welcome to my stories, your escape, your adventure, and maybe even your next favorite love story.
Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
nope-not-for-me
November 24, 2018I'll be skipping this series because of the big reveal in book 3
September 10, 2018
Cliffhanger ending
This one for me. I just could not get into the story and couldn't relate to the characters. Also the ending was a cliffhanger and it looks like I have to purchase the next two books in order to find our what happens. It would have been more palpable of this are part of Kindle Unlimited, but it's not.
This one for me. I just could not get into the story and couldn't relate to the characters. Also the ending was a cliffhanger and it looks like I have to purchase the next two books in order to find our what happens. It would have been more palpable of this are part of Kindle Unlimited, but it's not.
February 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
September 13, 2016
4.0 star review of Making the Rules (The Rules #1) by Ali Parker
A new series from Ali Parker and be warned that this does end on a cliff hanger.
Having read a previous series of Ali Parker’s I was looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed. This book was well written and although none of the characters were known to me, (Dr Kendal Tarrington was introduced in the Alpha Billionaire series) I was able to read without getting lost.
This is the story of Dr Kendal Tarrington; a professor burnt before after falling for a student which nearly cost him his career and Dana Young who is a double major, studying business and nursing, Dana has no time in her life except for working hard on her internship at the hospital and studying.
Making the Rules is told in dual POV’s which I enjoy. Kendal is not looking for love; in fact he has washed his hands of ever finding it. Compounding his stress is his sister Amanda, who suffers from MS and is in the hospital that Dana interns at.
Whilst Dana is attracted to the good doctor, she has no idea that he has “rules” in place to safeguard his heart and his career;’ not to mention she is in a “going nowhere” relationship with Cameron. When Cameron dumps her Dana decides a flirtation with Kendal might be what she needs.
When tragedy strikes will Kendal and Dana be able to get through it? Or will the past come back to haunt them? Making The Rules made me laugh, sigh and grimace at the pain being inflicted.
I look forward to seeing where Ms. Parker takes us next.
A new series from Ali Parker and be warned that this does end on a cliff hanger.
Having read a previous series of Ali Parker’s I was looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed. This book was well written and although none of the characters were known to me, (Dr Kendal Tarrington was introduced in the Alpha Billionaire series) I was able to read without getting lost.
This is the story of Dr Kendal Tarrington; a professor burnt before after falling for a student which nearly cost him his career and Dana Young who is a double major, studying business and nursing, Dana has no time in her life except for working hard on her internship at the hospital and studying.
Making the Rules is told in dual POV’s which I enjoy. Kendal is not looking for love; in fact he has washed his hands of ever finding it. Compounding his stress is his sister Amanda, who suffers from MS and is in the hospital that Dana interns at.
Whilst Dana is attracted to the good doctor, she has no idea that he has “rules” in place to safeguard his heart and his career;’ not to mention she is in a “going nowhere” relationship with Cameron. When Cameron dumps her Dana decides a flirtation with Kendal might be what she needs.
When tragedy strikes will Kendal and Dana be able to get through it? Or will the past come back to haunt them? Making The Rules made me laugh, sigh and grimace at the pain being inflicted.
I look forward to seeing where Ms. Parker takes us next.
August 30, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the three book collection The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely. A steamy and dramatic saga cut in three sections.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 1: Making The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
Once burned and twice shy UT professor Dr. Kendal Tarrington vows never to become involved with another student until he meets business and Nursing major Dana Young but some unforeseen events threaten their budding relationship. This is the emotional first segment of their saga and includes the multiple broken relationships involving their friends, some hospital drama, some deaths, and Kendal's struggle to keep his position at the college.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 2: Bending The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
While Kendal gets use to life without his sister, he and Dana find ways to be together while trying to avoid the attention of Heather and the rest of the UT faculty. A steamy sequel involving renewed relationships, college faculty subterfuge, a humorous hospital scene, some steamy scenes with Kendal and Dana, and an unexpected twist.
Ends in a cliffhanger.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 3: Breaking The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
Emotional and drama packed with happy ending. Misunderstandings and self doubts keep Dana and Kendal apart and make them question their careers. Dana's sister Ana, Kendal's first love, shows up and Heather cries rape.
I purchased a copy of the three book collection The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely. A steamy and dramatic saga cut in three sections.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 1: Making The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
Once burned and twice shy UT professor Dr. Kendal Tarrington vows never to become involved with another student until he meets business and Nursing major Dana Young but some unforeseen events threaten their budding relationship. This is the emotional first segment of their saga and includes the multiple broken relationships involving their friends, some hospital drama, some deaths, and Kendal's struggle to keep his position at the college.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 2: Bending The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
While Kendal gets use to life without his sister, he and Dana find ways to be together while trying to avoid the attention of Heather and the rest of the UT faculty. A steamy sequel involving renewed relationships, college faculty subterfuge, a humorous hospital scene, some steamy scenes with Kendal and Dana, and an unexpected twist.
Ends in a cliffhanger.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of The Rules Series book 3: Breaking The Rules in The Rules Boxset by Ali Parker and this review is given freely.
Emotional and drama packed with happy ending. Misunderstandings and self doubts keep Dana and Kendal apart and make them question their careers. Dana's sister Ana, Kendal's first love, shows up and Heather cries rape.
July 7, 2018
Cover: 1/5 - Seriously... what are they doing? It doesn't make any sense. Is she going in for a kiss with his armpit? Really don't like it. 10/10 on the cringe-o-meter.
Story: 2/5 (It was okay)
My first experience with this author was a serial set of books. Basically a story cut into 5 books, which was, in my opinion, unnecessary. I read the first 3 and then just couldn't justify spending any more money on ebooks to finish the story. I was hoping this was the exception and not the rule, but here we are again with a trilogy. I guess it all feels like a way to milk the reader of their money. All three books in this series are about 150 pages, so basically novellas. There's no reason all three books couldn't have been edited and mashed together to make one longer book... other than trying to get more money. I am all for series.. I gravitate towards them in fantasy and science fiction. But contemporary romance? Rarely does that need to be longer than one book for one couple's story. It has turned me off from reading this author again. Which is a shame because I do enjoy her writing for the most part (well not this book as much.)
Now to this book. I just wasn't feeling much when reading this one. I'm not sure where this series fits into Parker's other books, but there were a lot of characters talking about events and other people as if we are supposed to know who they are and what they're talking about. It was distracting and I had to double check that I hadn't started reading a 2nd book by mistake. In the first chapter it was mentioning characters names (Bethany and then Christa) and I was like who are these people? No. Not for me. I'm getting annoyed just remembering it.
Reread? No
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
2018 Mount TBR Challenge
Story: 2/5 (It was okay)
My first experience with this author was a serial set of books. Basically a story cut into 5 books, which was, in my opinion, unnecessary. I read the first 3 and then just couldn't justify spending any more money on ebooks to finish the story. I was hoping this was the exception and not the rule, but here we are again with a trilogy. I guess it all feels like a way to milk the reader of their money. All three books in this series are about 150 pages, so basically novellas. There's no reason all three books couldn't have been edited and mashed together to make one longer book... other than trying to get more money. I am all for series.. I gravitate towards them in fantasy and science fiction. But contemporary romance? Rarely does that need to be longer than one book for one couple's story. It has turned me off from reading this author again. Which is a shame because I do enjoy her writing for the most part (well not this book as much.)
Now to this book. I just wasn't feeling much when reading this one. I'm not sure where this series fits into Parker's other books, but there were a lot of characters talking about events and other people as if we are supposed to know who they are and what they're talking about. It was distracting and I had to double check that I hadn't started reading a 2nd book by mistake. In the first chapter it was mentioning characters names (Bethany and then Christa) and I was like who are these people? No. Not for me. I'm getting annoyed just remembering it.
Reread? No
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
2018 Mount TBR Challenge
June 17, 2016
Absolutely heartsick over all the messed up relationships! Damon and Bethany are "on a break," Matt and Erica are still circling each other, and now Kendle and Dana are a mess... She is a student at the University, and he has his rules. Will he give her up, or take a chance? I am so wrapped up in this series, which just shows how amazing Ali is at telling the characters stories! I still have not read anything Ali's written I haven't loved!
April 13, 2017
As a nurse I was excited to read this story, but not only did this story fall short but it was definately NOT my experience in nursing school! It makes me wonder if any research is done when writing....some stretching of what happens is fine but a complete off track of what a STUDENT is capable of doing without any supervision just fustrated me.
May 24, 2016
Making the Rules ( The Rules series book 1 ) - Ali Parker (5 Stars )
Will Kendal and Dana Break the Rules together ??
My amazon review link below.....
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2KO5NK...
Will Kendal and Dana Break the Rules together ??
My amazon review link below.....
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2KO5NK...
June 17, 2016
Oh my!!! Ali has done it again. She can get anyone hooked on her books.
This book kept me wanting more. I did a re-read before I wrote my review. I swear I had a hard time putting it down.
Great book
This book kept me wanting more. I did a re-read before I wrote my review. I swear I had a hard time putting it down.
Great book
Want to Read
December 1, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/01/2017)! 💝
June 20, 2016
Omgosh! So so good! Hot and messy! Great start to a series! Can't wait for more!
April 13, 2022
I only read this to find out what happened to the couple from the first book. Even though I honestly didn’t like them particularly much. Guess I just need stories completed.
My first issue is the horrible hospital portion. If a writer is going to include hospital, nurses, doctors in a story, do some research. Her representation of nurses as a group of uncaring, b!tchy harpies is horrendous. Of course there are bad apples in any profession, but this book makes all but the h look terrible. Nurses frequently become deeply affected and involved with their patients, I’m an ICU nurse and speak from experience. I can’t tell you how deeply they care, you can’t do what nurses do unless you do care.
Also, I have NEVER seen a physician write an prospective date of death on a chart, it’s ridiculous.
And seriously, this nurse leaves the hospital and floor whenever the mood strikes her, going to a park, lunch, wherever. Nurses barely have time to take a bathroom break, much less the hospital. And we can’t just decide to become doctors, heading to a hospital for an internship. Our studies are quite different.
Now for the story , this writer writes the most emotional men I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. This was true of the prior book, too. These are purported manwhores, now reformed and over emotional.
Next, the sister of our h is the former gf of the H, unbeknownst to them both, but still. I’m not sure I could ever do that. It’s just creepy. And I have an uncle that married his brothers exwife! Which is also creepy. Even though the H of the 3rd book is my favorite, but I’m not sure I can make it through another of the books.
My first issue is the horrible hospital portion. If a writer is going to include hospital, nurses, doctors in a story, do some research. Her representation of nurses as a group of uncaring, b!tchy harpies is horrendous. Of course there are bad apples in any profession, but this book makes all but the h look terrible. Nurses frequently become deeply affected and involved with their patients, I’m an ICU nurse and speak from experience. I can’t tell you how deeply they care, you can’t do what nurses do unless you do care.
Also, I have NEVER seen a physician write an prospective date of death on a chart, it’s ridiculous.
And seriously, this nurse leaves the hospital and floor whenever the mood strikes her, going to a park, lunch, wherever. Nurses barely have time to take a bathroom break, much less the hospital. And we can’t just decide to become doctors, heading to a hospital for an internship. Our studies are quite different.
Now for the story , this writer writes the most emotional men I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. This was true of the prior book, too. These are purported manwhores, now reformed and over emotional.
Next, the sister of our h is the former gf of the H, unbeknownst to them both, but still. I’m not sure I could ever do that. It’s just creepy. And I have an uncle that married his brothers exwife! Which is also creepy. Even though the H of the 3rd book is my favorite, but I’m not sure I can make it through another of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
This was a random pick that I hadn't done any scouting on before diving in but honestly, best thing I have read in a while. There is fuck tonne of drama. But somehow it's relatable and makes the story feel more real and the characters more relatable. Like those moments when life seems to happen all at once.
MCs are great. I've never liked a man whore hero and the heroine reminds me of myself: in a shit relationship feeling crappy about herself but unsure where to go next? Not sure who she is anymore because her current relationship has wiped away who she used to be? Desperate for the touch and affection her current partner is depriving her of? TMI but hello, me.
But Kendal is everything I thought I would hate in a male hero.
Hung up on his ex. Bring her up mentally constantly.
Mentions how much new interest (Dana) looks like ex. Both Hispanic. (Actually this one feels a little unforgivable.)
Has rules that are inevitably going to complicate shit.
Other women drama galore.
But it felt like a reading a real man's mind. I was impressed by how this author wrote her male character. Comparing present to past. Trying to be a better man. Trying to be professional to keep the job he loves. Trying to be there for his friends and family. Life all at once.
I see lots of potential pathways for this story to take. I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight as I try to follow along.
MCs are great. I've never liked a man whore hero and the heroine reminds me of myself: in a shit relationship feeling crappy about herself but unsure where to go next? Not sure who she is anymore because her current relationship has wiped away who she used to be? Desperate for the touch and affection her current partner is depriving her of? TMI but hello, me.
But Kendal is everything I thought I would hate in a male hero.
Hung up on his ex. Bring her up mentally constantly.
Mentions how much new interest (Dana) looks like ex. Both Hispanic. (Actually this one feels a little unforgivable.)
Has rules that are inevitably going to complicate shit.
Other women drama galore.
But it felt like a reading a real man's mind. I was impressed by how this author wrote her male character. Comparing present to past. Trying to be a better man. Trying to be professional to keep the job he loves. Trying to be there for his friends and family. Life all at once.
I see lots of potential pathways for this story to take. I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight as I try to follow along.
June 18, 2024
I don’t know why I did this to myself. This book is worse than its cover.
There are way too many side-characters and way too many side-stories and plots going on that don’t add anything to the actual plot.
The book is all about a former manwhore (and his former manwhore BFF). Both have slept with everything with a pulse.
For someone who avoids other-women drama, this book contains only that. And for the cherry on top, the former lover of the H who he still was hung up on, is the of the h.
I find that very disturbing and disgusting as well.
There are way too many side-characters and way too many side-stories and plots going on that don’t add anything to the actual plot.
The book is all about a former manwhore (and his former manwhore BFF). Both have slept with everything with a pulse.
For someone who avoids other-women drama, this book contains only that. And for the cherry on top, the former lover of the H who he still was hung up on, is the of the h.
I find that very disturbing and disgusting as well.
January 12, 2019
I loved Kendal as the best friend in Bethany and Damon’s story, so I especially love getting to see his story. At this point, I want to cuddle Dana close and tell her that true love has not conditions on it. That she needs to learn to love herself that way, and to cut loose anyone in her life that doesn’t also love her that way. Poor Kendal’s stuck between a rock, a hard place, and a bottomless cliff, with no easy way out of his situation. I’m anxious to see where the story goes from here.
March 24, 2017
Ali Parker
Good story. Great characterizations. Tissues come in handy for those who are sensitive by nature. Of course good romance as well. I especially like the inter-connectedness with this character evolving out of a previous series by Ms. Parker. All great reading. I highly recommend you try out this author if you are not familiar with her work. :) J
Good story. Great characterizations. Tissues come in handy for those who are sensitive by nature. Of course good romance as well. I especially like the inter-connectedness with this character evolving out of a previous series by Ms. Parker. All great reading. I highly recommend you try out this author if you are not familiar with her work. :) J
July 5, 2017
This is a fast paced novel with a lot going on in the characters lives. It's very well written with characters that'll captivate you. This book is part one of three; although I hate cliffhangers or waiting for the next chapters, I'm looking forward to seeing how these characters maneuver through all the drama that's thrown at them. This book was free and I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
October 2, 2017
Loved it!
However, upset that you get into the storyline and have to buy the next book. Read on kindle unlimited, which was free. Very disappointed.
Sorry to see that Kendal and Dana couldn't work things out at the end of this book.
However, upset that you get into the storyline and have to buy the next book. Read on kindle unlimited, which was free. Very disappointed.
Sorry to see that Kendal and Dana couldn't work things out at the end of this book.
June 18, 2018
CLIFFHANGER
It would have been nice if you would have listed it as a cliffhanger! Instead of me having to read this drawn out story that should have been condensed into this one book. It had too many characters with too many stories going on.
I refuse to continue this drawn out story!
It would have been nice if you would have listed it as a cliffhanger! Instead of me having to read this drawn out story that should have been condensed into this one book. It had too many characters with too many stories going on.
I refuse to continue this drawn out story!
September 2, 2018
Rules or love
Can you believe one loves you if they are forever wanting to change you. Being a nurse you give comfort and receive love in return. When you have so many rules it keeps you from truly loving
Can you believe one loves you if they are forever wanting to change you. Being a nurse you give comfort and receive love in return. When you have so many rules it keeps you from truly loving
November 14, 2018
Not sure how I feel about this book. I’m undecided about reading the next one. I can’t decide if Kendal’s character is strong, alpha or just a wanna be. Dana is also another question but did seem to grow stronger as the book went on.
November 19, 2018
Cliffhanger
It was further into the book before I began to get interested. Kendle's past come into play and Dana's self confidence had to be rebuilt. You have to read book two just to find out what the note from Mr. Johnson said although I have a good ideal.
It was further into the book before I began to get interested. Kendle's past come into play and Dana's self confidence had to be rebuilt. You have to read book two just to find out what the note from Mr. Johnson said although I have a good ideal.
January 22, 2019
Don't bother
This is only part of the story and the next book is not available. I do not understand why you would on!y put a partially told story out there and not have the rest at least ready to go. I guess it must be out there somewhere, but not on Amazon or Google.
This is only part of the story and the next book is not available. I do not understand why you would on!y put a partially told story out there and not have the rest at least ready to go. I guess it must be out there somewhere, but not on Amazon or Google.
September 17, 2017
Book ended before story did. I really do not like books that do this.
May 7, 2018
Engaging but only half the story. Serial not series.
June 29, 2018
ALI PARKER!!!
WOW! There is so much going on with this book, I love it! Ali writes the best stories. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
WOW! There is so much going on with this book, I love it! Ali writes the best stories. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 19, 2019
Wonderful
Great book and can't wait to start the next one. Ali Parker is great with her story lines. Love all of her books I have read.
Great book and can't wait to start the next one. Ali Parker is great with her story lines. Love all of her books I have read.
May 25, 2020
Rivetting
I absolutely loved the story!
Just the right mixture of romance, mystery and substance to make it a real-good tale.
And the cliffhanger! Excellent!
I absolutely loved the story!
Just the right mixture of romance, mystery and substance to make it a real-good tale.
And the cliffhanger! Excellent!
November 2, 2020
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews