Breaking the Rules

Forbidden #5

by Jen Katemi, Jennifer Lynne

If you’ve always lived by the rules, how can you fall for two men who live to break them?

Stacey Gamble had it all. The perfect life, perfect partner, perfect children. Or so she thought. Until her husband had a mid-life crisis and ran off with their housekeeper, the kids decided to follow, and life as she knew it tumbled into ruins at her feet.

But that was okay. She picked herself up and began a new life – by the rules – in a quaint country town. Just to her liking. Alone.

Her new neighbors, Teale and James, throw a wrench into her plans. Literally. When the two sexy men rescue Stacey from a broken-down car in the dead of night, their offer of a threesome experience is far too tempting to resist.

Teale and James challenge Stacey’s outlook and live-by-the-rules attitude. She soon finds herself in another crisis. A very provocative one.

And she isn’t prepared.

Because if you live by the rules, you can’t fall for two men who do everything to break them. Can you?

This is a short, standalone, menage a trois (MFM) romance in the Forbidden series by Jen Katemi. Contains lots of steamy sex plus a guaranteed happy ending.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2018

About the author

Jen Katemi is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romance. She is published with Evernight Publishing, and also has forged a successful indie career with her popular HELLHOUND PROTECTORS, GODS OF LOVE, BLOOD FAE CHRONICLES and FORBIDDEN series.

When she’s not writing, Jen runs an editing and proofreading service, looks after the family and pampers various cats. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Never miss a new release! Sign up for Jen's e-newsletter: https://bit.ly/3aS4yB3 or find out more at her website: https://www.JenKatemi.com

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breaking the Rules is short and hot.

Stacey has been burned by her divorce and since moving to this small town, she's kept herself a recluse. When she finally meets her hot neighbors, Teal and James, though, and has a seriously sexy romp with them, she will have to learn to open herself back up to feelings.

I loved Teal and James, but would have liked a bit more backstory on both of them. Stacey's character was given more weight because she was given more detail than either of her two guys. Stacey, Teal and James are great characters, though, and as a threesome, even better. I wish it had been a little more fleshed out, the short length compromised the story a little, but it's an enjoyable little novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking the Rules: A Menage Romance By: Jen Katemi

Rule-breaking Never Felt Sooo Darn Good!!
A heartbroken woman learns that sometimes you must Break the Rules & risk it ALL to find Love & happiness in this short, Se*y read!
I was gifted an ARC of "Breaking the Rules: A Menage Romance" via Booksprout; I definitely enjoyed reading this book, so I'm gladly recommending it based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Keema Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hot read. I love how Stacey and the guys (James and Teale) were watching each other from a distance. Most of all I love how Stacey got over her fear and let go. It brought her love, fulfilled dreams, fantasies and security that she needed. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, sexy as hell and full of love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Hepstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I loved the book. Jen didn’t wast time in getting to the hot steamy sex . I really enjoyed the storyline and it’s char. Really a great book.i definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read

[Kim Wijnja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful short story. Everything is correct in the book, timeline, chemistry, uncertainties. And eventually everything will be fine. I do not really add anything, everything speaks for itself. From me 4 stars, a story for a day at the beach or an afternoon of rain.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast hot read that makes you say ahhhhh.. Not a lot of background info but I enjoyed reading about the two best friends who knew what they wanted and weren't afraid to own it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love these ménage stories!!! This was a short story but still packed a lot of punch! I felt for Stacey and all she went through with her ex-husband and kids, so I understand why she was hesitant to story a taboo romance!! But this story ended in a HEA!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking the Rules is the fourth instalment in the Forbidden series by Jennifer Lynne, and while the sex scenes are definitely erotic and off the chart smoking` HOT, there is also a beautiful love story within this short but fulfilling novella.

Ms Lynne has managed to write an extremely sensual tale, while still providing those of us with a deeply romantic heart, a satisfying HEA and enough background to lay a solid foundation for this wonderful, feel good story. I’m looking forward to read what comes next in this addictive series.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I love these ménage stories!!! This was a short story but still packed a lot of punch! I felt for Stacey and all she went through with her ex-husband and kids, so I understand why she was hesitant to story a taboo romance!! But this story ended in a HEA!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a smoking hot little read.If you enjoy a good sexy ménage but want it to have a decent storyline then you should give this a go the chemistry between Stacey, Teale and James was really great my heart went out to Stacey after everything she had been through she really deserved something good in her life,I just loved these three together I cannot wait to try the rest of the series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an arc in exchange for an honest review. This was a great story. Fun characters. Exciting plot. A definite must read book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Špela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is short and sweet. I liked their instant connection. I anticipated a litlle more action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read “Crossing The Line” by this author and totally loved it. That story to me had a bit of everything, major heat, emotional depth, pain and healing and I really connected with that story. Unfortunately this story spends too much time on the angst aspect and not enough time on fleshing out the other parts that would have made this a great read.

Stacey is starting her life over after her world imploded. She has mostly kept to herself in the new town she is living in. While in exile but not dead she has noticed her two male neighbors Teale and James but she has done no more than nod and wave. When her car plays cupid she finds herself up close and personal with her two very attractive neighbors. It’s late and the temptation proves to be more than she can say no to and they all have a hot and steamy night.

After that night is where the story just kind of becomes more of an angst fest with Stacey totally withdrawing and living inside her head. Then Teale and James are just kind of back to numb pain. Other than that one night there isn’t any interaction between the trio just a lot of inner brooding dialogue until we head to the end with an almost Sunday movie Hallmark wrap up. The ending was so cheesy I sprained my eyes from rolling so much.

This story for me was such a let down after the great job the author did with “Crossing The Line”. It’s a short read filled with loads of angst and some heat. Also be aware there is male on male physical contact.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raven61 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teale & James are mechanics and best friends with a small shop by their home. They are both immediately attracted to their new neighbor and have been looking for an opportunity to meet her since she moved in 4 months ago. Then one night after catching up with friends, they spot her broke down on the side of the road.

Stacey wasn't sure what to do when her car stopped. Then while she still trying to determine whether or not to try and make it home, a truck stopped and two men got out; two very sexy men. After Stacey realized they were her neighbors, she actually felt desire stirring for the first time since her world fell apart. The surprising part was the attraction to BOTH of them! Stacey always followed the rules, but felt some relief when she started to get the feeling that they were a couple. She accepted their offer of a ride home and agreed to let them handle her car the next morning. On the way home she continued to fight her attraction, and she figured the only neighborly thing to do was offer them a nightcap for their troubles. She continued to fight her feelings until she found out they were an occasional couple that liked sharing ... now what is a good woman to do?!

I don't want to give anything away, so I will stop right there. I enjoyed this short, hot & steamy romance. It does contain adult language and detailed intimate scenes.

I volunteered to leave a honest review of an ARC from the author and Booksprout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steamy sex doth not a relationship make

I love a good menage romance, and the steamier the better, BUT... Sex isn't all there is to it. When multiple partners are involved, there has to be more give and take than just sexual pleasure. Menage defies the norms of human sexual relationships, and those norms have a firm basis in human biology, human social evolution, and human history. There has to be something unique, something special, some meshing of specific interpersonal imperatives that compels these individuals to forsake the norm, form a permanent, stable but polyamorous relationship, and in effect, break the rules. Author Katemi makes it clear that her characters, especially the heroine, are just such exceptional people, and until they all admit the truth and commit to publicly breaking the rules, they're miserable. The problem is, we never know why. Character is at the heart of menage romance, and these characters are never fully fleshed out, never given backstory, and never allowed to show us why and how they are uniquely suited to this unusual alternative. So, despite delicious sex and HEA, the reader is left with a feeling of incompleteness, and a sense that the full story has yet to be told. .
My thanks to Booksprout for the ARC of Breaking the Rules, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 starsDeeply Emotional!
Bybsewsummore on March 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
y sewsummore

Stacy moves to a small country town to get away from the tragedy of divorce and the loss of her twin sons who sided with her husband. It was two years ago and yet the loss still haunts her, but she is determined to forge a new life for herself far away from the gossip and distain that has haunted her in the past. When her car breaks down late at night, she was pleased that her two neighbours stopped to give her a lift home. It was the first time that she had met the pair and felt attracted to them both is a way she had never felt before, when she offers them a drink before they leave, she experiences an erotic menage interlude that was beyond anything she had known before and to find that they felt the same way about her upset her even more. James and Teale were bisexual friends since high school and had given up of finding a woman that would accept both them. When Stacy refused to commit to them afraid of the gossip and ridicule she would face once again, they were disappointed, but waited for her to accept their love. This was an engaging read, with deep emotional undertones, a woman deeply hurt in the past and two men who wanted to give her the world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by the author and it has potential. I would have liked the story a little longer to really showcase the characters and their chemistry along with more of their pasts. Stacey left a marriage that was not working when she found her husband cheating. She moved to the opposite side of the country and moved next door to two alpha males, Teale and James. However, until the fateful night when her car broke down, she really had no interaction with them. As a way of expressing her gratitude for helping her and getting her car fixed, Stacey invites the men over for a drink after bringing her home. She does not think anything of it as she is under the misconception that the men are gay. When she finds out the men are bisexual, she dives in and becomes a willing third. However, based on Stacey’s past, how will she feel after the deed is done? Will she be able to handle this type of relationship or will she deny her feelings for the men? You need to read the story and find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insta-lust ménage a trois brought about by unfortunate circumstances, Breaking the Rules hits the ground running. The scenes are graphic, as you would expect from a ménage a trois novella and the author wastes no time in jumping right into the foreplay.  Able to be read in one sitting, the story is a novella that the author tried to make well rounded by writing developed characters and a plot to push forward the story. Unfortunately, insta-lust doesn’t work for some readers and neither does DP for someone who has never done it before. It pulls the reader out of the story with its suddenness. The plot is also lackluster as the reader doesn’t feel any connection to the characters or their motivations. I couldn’t care about their tragedies and there was little chase in terms of the Teale and James pursuing Stacey.

In the end, Breaking the Rule is a guilty pleasure steamy read that won’t take up much of your time but keep your interest.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Stacey, moved to a small town after her divorce. She cooperates an online business and keeps mostly to herself. When her car breaks down she is rescued by her hot neighbors.
James and Teale have been looking for a way to get to know their new neighbor. Their is just something about her that draws them both in. Business partners, best friends, and sometimes lovers, they are no strangers to sharing a women.
Stacey can't deny she is attracted to both men. A hot night together brings reality crashing down. Stacey 's marriage ended badly, and publicly. Her need for perfection was partly to blame. She can't go through it again. James and Teale, don't want to be a secret.
A Insta lust to love, short story. MFM manage with some MM.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book from Booksprout. I bought a copy in support of the author, a book I will read again. And new author to me and will be checking out more of her books.

[Jane Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey, the soap woman, has moved to Peaceton to become invisible. After a humiliating experience at the hands of her husband, she lost her family, friends and old life and after becoming the talk of the town, she just wants to keep herself to herself. Everything is going well until late one night she breaks down on her way home. Along come two mechanics, her knights in shining armour (or is that greasy overalls) who stop to help and who just happen to be her neighbours, Teale and James. Unable to fix her car, they give her a lift home and she invites them in for a drink and then.......

This was a sweet, short read that was well written and engaging. I liked the characters and even though it was short, the author still managed to get me hooked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shatire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise, good woman who follows the rules but it's not enough. She loses her husband and kids to the housekeeper. She decides to start over in a rural small town, but temptation comes in the form of two very sexy neighbors.
Stacey is obsessed with public opinion and following the rules, which is the source of conflict. I wish the story was longer so that we could witness her growth and how she decided whether to live for herself or others. We also don't know if her relationship improves with her kids or her family.
The length leaves me wanting, but it's great for a steamy quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Mularski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no requirements for leaving a review. This review is being left voluntarily and any and all thoughts are my honest opinions on this book and the authors work. This was a fast paced and a quick read ménage book. Book was mainly sex, sex, sex with little to no storyline. Author could've extended the book for a solid storyline as well as sex scenes. In my opinion this classafies as smut. Smut is the only description and was good for that genre. Solid 4 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jmcloughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacey is recently divorced. Her husband left her for the housekeeper. Her twin boys have also abandoned her and are living with their dad. She decides to move to a quiet country town and leave city life behind. Stacey meets her neighbors Teale and James. An instant chemistry is felt and a romance develops among the three. Lots of steam! The only negative to the book is that it is too short and there is limited character development.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is wonderfully sexy menage story, two hot alpha lovers who fall for the same woman. Stacey meets sexy best friend mechanics, Teale and James when her car breaks down on the side of a deserted road, this insta lust story is steamy and filled with emotion. Having been emotionally hurt by her ex husband she is weary of judgement and is scared of taking this new taboo relationship public.

Well-written story with wonderful likable characters, love is definitely at the heart of this quick read. Really enjoyed it.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Review of Breaking The Rules by Jen Katemi

Stacey, Teale and James - 4.5 Stars

This is a brand-new to me author and I have to say I really loved the cover for this book. It is a very short story, but it is packed with action. There could definitely be a lot more to this story, which would be awesome, just to learn more about the guys. I don't like to spoil books for others, so I will just say you need to pick this one up as soon as you can or you will regret it.

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

[Tracey Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just joined booksprout thought I'd give this book a try. Enjoyed the story, the characters and the style. The disappointment was in the length of the story. Yes before you say it I know it's a novella, but I found myself wanting more. The guys seem to be what Stacey needs but needed a bit more about them too. The heat factor was good, the ending was a good choice. So all in all it was a great way to spend a couple of hours leisurely reading this story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well well sometimes it’s good to let your freak flag fly. This book is a quickly dirty erotic read that such a fun read. Stacey is bit afraid of the world and try’s to hide away but in order to find or experience true happiness she will have to open up to the world and little does she know how much she will enjoy herself

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story of 56 pages but the story leaves a huge impact, a well-written book that is well worth reading.This is book four in the Forbidden series and is Stacey, Teale, and James'story about a woman starting over after her husband and kids leave her and she moves to a new town, the men are her next door neighbors.This is the first book by this Author that I have read will be looking for more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

she had a perfect life until her husband left with the housekeeper and her children follow him. her life is in ruins. she goes to a new town to start afresh and she is alone. that soon changes when her 2 handsome neighbors offer a threesome. will she do it? will she be able to live with herself if she does? will they be good for her? loved this

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply emotional and really lovely, this is a book to spend some time with for sure. I took to Stacey immediately, and Teale and James are both pretty yum. The chemistry is amazing between all three of them, and that proves to be a great balance to some emotional beats and hight heat. Very well written and the strong characters make this a must read. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.