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The Rules of Love #3
Rule #3: You Can't Kiss Your Best Friend
It was supposed to be a simple kiss. That was all. Whoops.
My plan was perfect: convince my best friend and school quarterback, Ethan, to be the final prize for my matchmaking test where the proceeds go to sending the band to Paris. Plus, if it matches me with my life-long crush, that's a bonus, right?
What could go wrong?
Apparently, a lot.
First, the test matches me and Ethan. Which is easy to explain. Computers make mistakes all the time, right?
Second, the girl I switch myself for seems perfect for Ethan. Maybe a bit too perfect.
Third, my date with my crush goes horribly wrong and my first kiss tanks.
Now, I'm pretty sure I'm destined to be alone while Ethan rides off into the sunset with his perfect match.
Man, I've screwed up bad—especially when I ask Ethan the secrets to a good kiss.
Big mistake.
Feelings start to change and I'm pretty sure that our friendship isn't going to be enough anymore. Too bad I seem to be the only one in our duo who seems to feel this way.
My plan was perfect: convince my best friend and school quarterback, Ethan, to be the final prize for my matchmaking test where the proceeds go to sending the band to Paris. Plus, if it matches me with my life-long crush, that's a bonus, right?
What could go wrong?
Apparently, a lot.
First, the test matches me and Ethan. Which is easy to explain. Computers make mistakes all the time, right?
Second, the girl I switch myself for seems perfect for Ethan. Maybe a bit too perfect.
Third, my date with my crush goes horribly wrong and my first kiss tanks.
Now, I'm pretty sure I'm destined to be alone while Ethan rides off into the sunset with his perfect match.
Man, I've screwed up bad—especially when I ask Ethan the secrets to a good kiss.
Big mistake.
Feelings start to change and I'm pretty sure that our friendship isn't going to be enough anymore. Too bad I seem to be the only one in our duo who seems to feel this way.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2018
990 people are currently reading
3794 people want to read
About the author
Anne-Marie Meyer
113 books3,512 followersAnne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.
When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.
Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com
When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.
Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
December 13, 2021
Definitivamente I DIDN'T LIKE!!!
La protagonista es la persona más nefasta, egoísta, egocéntrica, caprichosa y mala amiga que he leído. Yo quería que se quedara sola por odiosa.
Lo único salvable es él, era demasiado lindo .
La protagonista es la persona más nefasta, egoísta, egocéntrica, caprichosa y mala amiga que he leído. Yo quería que se quedara sola por odiosa.
Lo único salvable es él, era demasiado lindo .
September 29, 2018
Definitely my favorite in the series so far! So stinking cute!
Teenage crushes, angst and first kisses. Pizza, watching a movie together, broken friendship, perfect matches, spin the bottle, band, Paris, football, dates gone wrong, dates gone right, honesty and truth, parents, YA magazine, best sister friends, young like/love, happy sighs, butterflies and all around cuteness!
This is one that I could read over and over again. You YA lovers, GRAB THIS ONE! Ok, that's my opinion on the matter, I know not all readers have the same tastes/likes as me, but my, oh my...this is one I have no problem telling people to take the plunge and try it out.
Olivia and Ethan have been best friends since, well, since forever! I loved their friendship. Every girl needs a good guy best friend! I had my brothers and a couple other guys who were just awesome friends. I had my best friends who were girls but the dynamics and relationships with guys who were friends were so different than girls. So it's good to have both (I think). I loved the moments of the two characters showing/realizing their friendship was more than just friendship.
Ethan, can I have an Ethan for my daughters? Seriously loved his character! Perfect gentleman, friend, supporter, and any other word you could use to describe a friend who is always there for you and cheering you on. I loved his constant goodness and his constant support of Olivia. Even when she gets a little intense in her plans.
And that kiss! Ok, I'm going to say it. I don't want my daughters dating until they're older. Nope! Not At All!!!! My oldest is so boy crazy but we've had rules set in place since before she was born and have discussed them with all of our daughters and I'm so grateful that they all agree to follow those rules. One of which is no dating or kissing until they're older. There's too much to figure out in life during the teenage years than trying to add in the complications of all the emotions that dating and kissing add into it all. But the one kiss in this book was quite humorous and another kiss in the book was so sweet. Here's me being grateful that my daughters aren't dating yet (but yes, it's coming soon)! For now we'll just enjoying reading/listening to fun, sweet YA stories.
Did you ever take a test to match you to someone else? I did once. It was in Junior High. It was all part of a competition I went to with my German class and the activity was all in German, testing our vocabulary. So it was definitely fun to see the results even though I had no clue who the other person was since it was a state wide thing. Now thinking about it and my daughters, I'm like, NO WAY!!! Ha ha ha ha! I know overprotective mother and I'm ok with that! But believe me, I remember very well being a teenager and the emotions and fun of crushing on boys so I don't expect my daughters to not feel those emotions and having those same crushes and liking boys, but to not act on those emotions yet. We have lots of fun "boy talk" talks and who likes who, you know, all those teenage conversations that girls have.
I've gone off on a tangent here in this review, so just ignore my rambling thoughts by Julie, and enjoy the book. I know I did! And my teenage daughters and younger daughters will too! They've listened to the first two books with me and I'm sure they'll read this one at some point soon too!
Content: Clean. Some kissing, but nothing further. One secondary character likes to comment about girls as he checks them out but nothing more than saying they're hot and such.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Teenage crushes, angst and first kisses. Pizza, watching a movie together, broken friendship, perfect matches, spin the bottle, band, Paris, football, dates gone wrong, dates gone right, honesty and truth, parents, YA magazine, best sister friends, young like/love, happy sighs, butterflies and all around cuteness!
This is one that I could read over and over again. You YA lovers, GRAB THIS ONE! Ok, that's my opinion on the matter, I know not all readers have the same tastes/likes as me, but my, oh my...this is one I have no problem telling people to take the plunge and try it out.
Olivia and Ethan have been best friends since, well, since forever! I loved their friendship. Every girl needs a good guy best friend! I had my brothers and a couple other guys who were just awesome friends. I had my best friends who were girls but the dynamics and relationships with guys who were friends were so different than girls. So it's good to have both (I think). I loved the moments of the two characters showing/realizing their friendship was more than just friendship.
Ethan, can I have an Ethan for my daughters? Seriously loved his character! Perfect gentleman, friend, supporter, and any other word you could use to describe a friend who is always there for you and cheering you on. I loved his constant goodness and his constant support of Olivia. Even when she gets a little intense in her plans.
And that kiss! Ok, I'm going to say it. I don't want my daughters dating until they're older. Nope! Not At All!!!! My oldest is so boy crazy but we've had rules set in place since before she was born and have discussed them with all of our daughters and I'm so grateful that they all agree to follow those rules. One of which is no dating or kissing until they're older. There's too much to figure out in life during the teenage years than trying to add in the complications of all the emotions that dating and kissing add into it all. But the one kiss in this book was quite humorous and another kiss in the book was so sweet. Here's me being grateful that my daughters aren't dating yet (but yes, it's coming soon)! For now we'll just enjoying reading/listening to fun, sweet YA stories.
Did you ever take a test to match you to someone else? I did once. It was in Junior High. It was all part of a competition I went to with my German class and the activity was all in German, testing our vocabulary. So it was definitely fun to see the results even though I had no clue who the other person was since it was a state wide thing. Now thinking about it and my daughters, I'm like, NO WAY!!! Ha ha ha ha! I know overprotective mother and I'm ok with that! But believe me, I remember very well being a teenager and the emotions and fun of crushing on boys so I don't expect my daughters to not feel those emotions and having those same crushes and liking boys, but to not act on those emotions yet. We have lots of fun "boy talk" talks and who likes who, you know, all those teenage conversations that girls have.
I've gone off on a tangent here in this review, so just ignore my rambling thoughts by Julie, and enjoy the book. I know I did! And my teenage daughters and younger daughters will too! They've listened to the first two books with me and I'm sure they'll read this one at some point soon too!
Content: Clean. Some kissing, but nothing further. One secondary character likes to comment about girls as he checks them out but nothing more than saying they're hot and such.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 24, 2018
This author has made a great transition to the YA genre and this one is my favorite of the series so far.
Olivia and Ethan have been best friends forever and why would she want to ever ruin that? In an attempt to win over her crush and help the high school band get to Paris, she comes up with a brilliant plan--Match with the Quarterback. It's a way for everyone to take a matchmaking test and the draw is to see who is matched with the ever elusive Ethan.
I remember back in high school, we had something similar. Everyone could take a test, for a small fee, and see who their top 10 matches were and I was sooo curious. Of course, I did it and of course, I was surprised with my matches. I don't recall if anyone "hooked up" because of their results, but that seemed to be the case for Olivia and her school. Because of my past experience, this aspect of the story delighted my inner teen and when the results caused Olivia to realize her true feelings, my heart nearly sang with joy.
Ethan and Olivia were great characters with a fantastic friendship that almost made me envious. I love the way the tangles were all smoothed out along the way, especially when Olivia asked for almost more than Ethan could give. In a typical teen fashion, communication is lacking, oblivion is prevalent, and the insecurities are strong, but it's ultimately swoon worthy. Please keep writing the Rules of Love Series!
Content: mild romance, some light innuendo, but perfectly acceptable and clean for any teen.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Olivia and Ethan have been best friends forever and why would she want to ever ruin that? In an attempt to win over her crush and help the high school band get to Paris, she comes up with a brilliant plan--Match with the Quarterback. It's a way for everyone to take a matchmaking test and the draw is to see who is matched with the ever elusive Ethan.
I remember back in high school, we had something similar. Everyone could take a test, for a small fee, and see who their top 10 matches were and I was sooo curious. Of course, I did it and of course, I was surprised with my matches. I don't recall if anyone "hooked up" because of their results, but that seemed to be the case for Olivia and her school. Because of my past experience, this aspect of the story delighted my inner teen and when the results caused Olivia to realize her true feelings, my heart nearly sang with joy.
Ethan and Olivia were great characters with a fantastic friendship that almost made me envious. I love the way the tangles were all smoothed out along the way, especially when Olivia asked for almost more than Ethan could give. In a typical teen fashion, communication is lacking, oblivion is prevalent, and the insecurities are strong, but it's ultimately swoon worthy. Please keep writing the Rules of Love Series!
Content: mild romance, some light innuendo, but perfectly acceptable and clean for any teen.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
April 10, 2021
I really liked this book but I was screaming at the girl for not seeing what was right in front of her! 🤯
January 24, 2020
Malo.... la autora la cagó con los protagonistas (bueno con LA Protagonista)
Esta serie ha tenido la particularidad de que no he logrado empatizar con las protagonistas de las 3 historias que he leído hasta ahora, Y OJO, no sé si vaya a continuar xq si van a ser todas así que fastidio, y lo peor es que por estar escrito en primera persona desde el personaje femenino, debería uno entenderla más.... pero no!!
De verdad, uno le termina agarrando rabia al libro por la prota, los muchachos no están tan mal, ahí como que les falta un no se qué pero por lo menos se ganan un cachito de tu corazón.
Pero en este libro... primero la trama fue lo más ridícula posible y los protagonistas fueron unos estúpidos:
Bueno esto fue todo, en realidad no creo que siga con esta serie...
Esta serie ha tenido la particularidad de que no he logrado empatizar con las protagonistas de las 3 historias que he leído hasta ahora, Y OJO, no sé si vaya a continuar xq si van a ser todas así que fastidio, y lo peor es que por estar escrito en primera persona desde el personaje femenino, debería uno entenderla más.... pero no!!
De verdad, uno le termina agarrando rabia al libro por la prota, los muchachos no están tan mal, ahí como que les falta un no se qué pero por lo menos se ganan un cachito de tu corazón.
Pero en este libro... primero la trama fue lo más ridícula posible y los protagonistas fueron unos estúpidos:
Bueno esto fue todo, en realidad no creo que siga con esta serie...
July 31, 2019
This was a meh read. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters especially Olivia and Evan.
Olivia is described as controlling but seemed more naive than controlling then there was some weird macho shiz going on with Evan, specifically at that last 10% of the book.
Information is not given much importance and information that should have been given at the beginning of the book to help understand half the stuff that was going on was given halfway through.
Important characters like Olivia's friends are mentioned at the start of the book and then they disappeared from the book only to suddenly materialize at the end of the book and that too as a cameo.
Oh and my favourite — teenagers found Paris overrated. Teenagers, who are cliche to the T. Like, really? Especially when you haven't travelled anywhere outside your state. Give me a break.
Overall, this book could have been much much much better had the story, characters and the editing of the book had been the focus.
1 Star!
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
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Olivia is described as controlling but seemed more naive than controlling then there was some weird macho shiz going on with Evan, specifically at that last 10% of the book.
Information is not given much importance and information that should have been given at the beginning of the book to help understand half the stuff that was going on was given halfway through.
Important characters like Olivia's friends are mentioned at the start of the book and then they disappeared from the book only to suddenly materialize at the end of the book and that too as a cameo.
Oh and my favourite — teenagers found Paris overrated. Teenagers, who are cliche to the T. Like, really? Especially when you haven't travelled anywhere outside your state. Give me a break.
Overall, this book could have been much much much better had the story, characters and the editing of the book had been the focus.
1 Star!
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
June 15, 2023
ITOJGIEJUHN8TNT8Y this was so cute
Olivia kind of got on my nerves tho tbh. It was painfully obvious Ethan had a crush on her from the very start of the book, but she was too blind and stupid to notice the SUPER OBVIOUS HINTS-
Other than that, this was super cute and I kind of think I'm getting addicted 🤭
Olivia kind of got on my nerves tho tbh. It was painfully obvious Ethan had a crush on her from the very start of the book, but she was too blind and stupid to notice the SUPER OBVIOUS HINTS-
Other than that, this was super cute and I kind of think I'm getting addicted 🤭
September 14, 2022
0.5 Stars
How come people publish these kinda books?
I honestly don't know how this author wrote a whole series of, what, 10 books??!!
Oh.My.God.
This book makes zero sense. No idea what's happening. What should happen and should've happened long ago. The characters are jerks. The MC? Annoying af.
I was interested in reading this one. I love bff-to-lovers tropes. But WTH was this?
How come Olivia is even BFFs with Ethan?
How come Olivia loses her mind and plans on a fund-raising act which is just utter horror?
How come a stupid test decide a soulmate? (Yes, everybody does these kinda tests in their high schools for fun, but really soulmates??!)
How come Ethan didn't even persuade her not to embarrass herself like this?
How come Olivia doesn't understand Ethan's feelings (which are so clear)?
How come Olivia suddenly falls head-over-heels in love with Ethan (and that too just bcoz she saw him without a shirt? AND they are childhood bffs and next-door neighbours. Seriously does it make sense😤)?
How come Olivia twists the simple thing so much (which was clearly author's cue for "The Breakup")?
How come Ethan decides to act so angry? For what?
How come I'm so optimistic I didn't DNF this book on the first few pages when my brain was constantly nagging me??
Answers : *sigh*
Waste of time :(
How come people publish these kinda books?
I honestly don't know how this author wrote a whole series of, what, 10 books??!!
Oh.My.God.
This book makes zero sense. No idea what's happening. What should happen and should've happened long ago. The characters are jerks. The MC? Annoying af.
I was interested in reading this one. I love bff-to-lovers tropes. But WTH was this?
How come Olivia is even BFFs with Ethan?
How come Olivia loses her mind and plans on a fund-raising act which is just utter horror?
How come a stupid test decide a soulmate? (Yes, everybody does these kinda tests in their high schools for fun, but really soulmates??!)
How come Ethan didn't even persuade her not to embarrass herself like this?
How come Olivia doesn't understand Ethan's feelings (which are so clear)?
How come Olivia suddenly falls head-over-heels in love with Ethan (and that too just bcoz she saw him without a shirt? AND they are childhood bffs and next-door neighbours. Seriously does it make sense😤)?
How come Olivia twists the simple thing so much (which was clearly author's cue for "The Breakup")?
How come Ethan decides to act so angry? For what?
How come I'm so optimistic I didn't DNF this book on the first few pages when my brain was constantly nagging me??
Answers : *sigh*
Waste of time :(
October 11, 2018
This is such a cute series, and this book is a fun addition. There is lots of teen drama to be had here. It made me want to both strangle and hug the characters. Sounds like typical teenagers, right?!
January 14, 2019
Reading Challenge Categories:
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Next in a series you started
-#ReadingUSA: Kansas
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Next in a series you started
-#ReadingUSA: Kansas
October 4, 2018
Olivia has had a crush on Lachlan forever. So she enlists her best friend's, Ethan, help to finally get her chance with Lachlan. She doesn't understand why Ethan is so hesitant to help her. But because he would do anything for Olivia, Ethan reluctantly helps her out. It was pretty predictable how everything was going to play out, but it was still a fun ride!
I love reading about high school drama, but I'm really glad I don't ever have to go back to it!
Source: Kindle Unlimited
I love reading about high school drama, but I'm really glad I don't ever have to go back to it!
Source: Kindle Unlimited
July 20, 2019
Ok. Hasta aquí llego con esta serie. El primero me pareció dulce y hasta me gustó. El segundo, fue demasiado apresurado, la protagonista pasó de "te odiooo y aborrezco" a "te amo, eres mi mejor amigo" en un fin de semana. No es broma.
Para colmo, en este libro pfff la chica es una mocosa mal criada, manipuladora y ciega. Parece que con cada libro, la autora crea personajes femeninos más molestos que el anterior. Así que adiós con Rules Of Love.
Para colmo, en este libro pfff la chica es una mocosa mal criada, manipuladora y ciega. Parece que con cada libro, la autora crea personajes femeninos más molestos que el anterior. Así que adiós con Rules Of Love.
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April 26, 2025
these books are so mid but i actually cant stop reading
July 25, 2019
Una novela más con un trillado argumento:amigos que terminan en romance.no es que no me guste el cliché sino que este es casi aburrido.termine esta novela porque era corta si tuviese 50 páginas más de seguro lo abandonaba.la chica cero popularidad es Olivia y el chico amigo lindo y popular es Ethan.ambos amigos y vecinos de toda la vida que se cuentan y comparten todo.excepto cuando comienzan a sentir por el otro sentimientos diferentes a los de simple amigos.un libro muy liviano,con cero profundidad y encanto.he leído mejores con la misma temática.
July 17, 2025
4⭐️ i liked this one a lot more than the previous books, it was more of a slowburn and the plot line changed too. still sad about the cover😭
November 8, 2022
Bitch two stars, one for Bea & one for Ethan because wtf was this
Let’s start with the fact that the main character is mf delusional and stupid as shit, like no normal teenager thinks the way she does. Second she took so much advantage of her relationship with Ethan because she knew that he would probably give in at the end? Fuck no, she is selfish as hell. I honestly don’t believe Ethan should’ve given her a chance because I’m sorry but she was a bitch as simple as that. I ended up liking Lachlan better bro 🤠
Now I really understand why people hate the fucking miscommunication trope, it is truly annoying as fuck. Ethan dumb as shit for not telling her, and Olivia for not noticing, once again she’s delusional and dumb so what can I say 😀
I’ve loved all the books except for this one. Livi made me cringe so fucking much, worst mc istg
Let’s start with the fact that the main character is mf delusional and stupid as shit, like no normal teenager thinks the way she does. Second she took so much advantage of her relationship with Ethan because she knew that he would probably give in at the end? Fuck no, she is selfish as hell. I honestly don’t believe Ethan should’ve given her a chance because I’m sorry but she was a bitch as simple as that. I ended up liking Lachlan better bro 🤠
Now I really understand why people hate the fucking miscommunication trope, it is truly annoying as fuck. Ethan dumb as shit for not telling her, and Olivia for not noticing, once again she’s delusional and dumb so what can I say 😀
I’ve loved all the books except for this one. Livi made me cringe so fucking much, worst mc istg
September 13, 2018
Another really cute YA/teen clean romance by this author who seems to have slipped so smoothly into this genre. I’m really enjoying this series. Love the best friends to more storyline. She did it justice.
July 21, 2021
Argh, why are all the main characters of these books the same--short, plain and with long brown hair. At least Olivia had more of a personality. What she did to Ethan was seriously wrong. I loved Ethan by the way. This story made more sense to me than the others in the series. I can actually see this happening, the whole from best friends to lovers. I really liked the end.
April 17, 2024
This was short and cute for the YA it is. I love stories like this because I have a special place for them in my YA heart. The whole she has a crush on a guy but didn’t know her best friend was in love with her only to realize she was in Iove with him, too.
Definitely recommend to fans of THE BEST LAID PLANS and def gave me THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND vibes.
Definitely recommend to fans of THE BEST LAID PLANS and def gave me THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND vibes.
September 27, 2018
Love me a good friends to lovers story.
Ethan is such a loveable character, so thoughtful and dependable. Seriously he went to pick her up even after she told him everything was alright. Just her calling raised a flag to him and he was there for her even though he was on a date. I love his character. I’m glad he made her work for it a bit instead of giving in so quickly like he always did with Olivia. The matchmaking aspect to this story was a lot of fun too. Rule #1 is still my favorite in this series but it closely followed by Rule #3. It’s a good story.
Ethan is such a loveable character, so thoughtful and dependable. Seriously he went to pick her up even after she told him everything was alright. Just her calling raised a flag to him and he was there for her even though he was on a date. I love his character. I’m glad he made her work for it a bit instead of giving in so quickly like he always did with Olivia. The matchmaking aspect to this story was a lot of fun too. Rule #1 is still my favorite in this series but it closely followed by Rule #3. It’s a good story.
March 27, 2019
Another cute romance from this series
Another cute romance from this series. Loved the story. A little different from the fist two. Was actually pretty great to see a different teen love story.
Another cute romance from this series. Loved the story. A little different from the fist two. Was actually pretty great to see a different teen love story.
July 17, 2023
The female leads are a bit annoying in this series 🙃
Lies, an Ethan is also great. If he's easier to find😇
Lies, an Ethan is also great. If he's easier to find😇
September 24, 2025
Are we still calling people who like to work with technology 'computer nerds'? I thought we left that back in the 90s lol. Anyway, this was definitely not for me.
September 23, 2018
Just ok.
I feel like, in any other book like this (of which there are many best friend turned lover YA novels) then Olivia would have explained herself and Ethan would have loved her. I don’t exactly get why he was so angry, she may have broke his heart with the test but she didn’t know he liked her, give a girl a break, no one is a mind reader!! He loved her, she fell in love with him later, I don’t really get why he was so angry that she didn’t get there sooner, if she had then she wouldn’t have messed up. Argh.
Clearly this book left me peeved. I didn’t really like the characters either. Like Olivia, her friends said she was controlling which I didn’t really get from the book, she seemed naive for sure and stalkery towards Lachlan (which is instantly weird and unlikeable) but I didn’t see why Ethan had to regain some power and control by ditching her for a week at the end. Then there’s Ethan, clearly he loved her, super obvious from the start, he even asks if she lied about who was the better kisser (what was that? He should have explained why he was bothered. Seemed to come from nowhere - if he was this cocky jock then it would have come across as an attempt to make her feel uncomfortable for his entertainment or desperate for a compliment, but as it was, he didn’t seem to have much personality and the comment came from nowhere and seemed to go nowhere because even if she’d said “yes I lied” then he didn’t seem like he’d have done anything about it anyway. The characters just seemed off. Like lacking depth, defining personalities, a weakness that made them likeable, just something really was missing. The examples about seem small and random but that’s how they seemed in the book, they didn’t fit with the alleged personalities of the 2 main characters and it was just off.
To conclude, this book is fine. Not bad, just fine. Didn’t live up to #1 or even #2.
HOWEVER... I am looking forward to #4 and a release date would be grrrreeaaaat! YA Christmas romance is the dream.
I feel like, in any other book like this (of which there are many best friend turned lover YA novels) then Olivia would have explained herself and Ethan would have loved her. I don’t exactly get why he was so angry, she may have broke his heart with the test but she didn’t know he liked her, give a girl a break, no one is a mind reader!! He loved her, she fell in love with him later, I don’t really get why he was so angry that she didn’t get there sooner, if she had then she wouldn’t have messed up. Argh.
Clearly this book left me peeved. I didn’t really like the characters either. Like Olivia, her friends said she was controlling which I didn’t really get from the book, she seemed naive for sure and stalkery towards Lachlan (which is instantly weird and unlikeable) but I didn’t see why Ethan had to regain some power and control by ditching her for a week at the end. Then there’s Ethan, clearly he loved her, super obvious from the start, he even asks if she lied about who was the better kisser (what was that? He should have explained why he was bothered. Seemed to come from nowhere - if he was this cocky jock then it would have come across as an attempt to make her feel uncomfortable for his entertainment or desperate for a compliment, but as it was, he didn’t seem to have much personality and the comment came from nowhere and seemed to go nowhere because even if she’d said “yes I lied” then he didn’t seem like he’d have done anything about it anyway. The characters just seemed off. Like lacking depth, defining personalities, a weakness that made them likeable, just something really was missing. The examples about seem small and random but that’s how they seemed in the book, they didn’t fit with the alleged personalities of the 2 main characters and it was just off.
To conclude, this book is fine. Not bad, just fine. Didn’t live up to #1 or even #2.
HOWEVER... I am looking forward to #4 and a release date would be grrrreeaaaat! YA Christmas romance is the dream.
February 23, 2019
This is definitely a cute, read in an afternoon, clean YA kind of book. Olivia was a little insecure, but written in a very real, very endearing kind of way. Ethan was the traditional best friend who was a secret crush. Lachlan was just a plot device (an annoying one, to me, but no big). I wish we had gotten a little more tension between Olivia and Ethan when their respective relationships were blooming because I think it would've beefed up the story. I also wish at times there had been a little more inner dialogue on Olivia's side to really dig deep in that tension. It was very much a light, airy, chick-lit of a YA novel, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I think it was just missing a little something to make it a 5 star for me. And I don't mean the tension of Olivia's "big" gesture to make everything right at the end. Oh god, no. No. The second hand embarrassment that I still feel for every character involved... no. I also would've loved a little bit more ... confession? talking of feelings? I'm not sure... in the last scene. It just felt a little rushed, like we have to wrap up and get them together. A strength of this book was the realistic way feelings had played out so it just seemed a little mismatched to me.
Overall, a very cute book with loveable characters, funny and awkward antics, and good writing that I highly recommend to a girlfriend or a student.
Overall, a very cute book with loveable characters, funny and awkward antics, and good writing that I highly recommend to a girlfriend or a student.
October 7, 2020
4/4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s an entertaining story. Kind of cliche but good. I was so invested in the characters, Olivia was so dumb at times an made me want to scream at her for how she was being with Ethan, but I loved her, I’m probably like her when it comes to relationships. It’s enjoyable and a very shor story. The Rule of Love is not disappointing me like I though it would. 3 out is 7 books, i’m definitely planning on finishing the series.
It’s an entertaining story. Kind of cliche but good. I was so invested in the characters, Olivia was so dumb at times an made me want to scream at her for how she was being with Ethan, but I loved her, I’m probably like her when it comes to relationships. It’s enjoyable and a very shor story. The Rule of Love is not disappointing me like I though it would. 3 out is 7 books, i’m definitely planning on finishing the series.
December 18, 2018
Ehh
It was an ok book of you read it by itself but I read the two before it and they all have the same storyline and characters. Plus there are more grammatical errors than I can count. If your looking for cheap fluff to brainwash yourself with you've found it. Congrats!
It was an ok book of you read it by itself but I read the two before it and they all have the same storyline and characters. Plus there are more grammatical errors than I can count. If your looking for cheap fluff to brainwash yourself with you've found it. Congrats!
January 6, 2019
2.5 stars.
Cute little read, but I’ve read better...
Cute little read, but I’ve read better...
November 30, 2025
I do not like most friends to enemies romances. I say most because there is a small, very small, chnk of friends to enemies that I enjoy reading. This was not one of those books.
Olivia was annoying. She only did things if they benefitted her and she made her best friend go anlong with whatever she wanted even though he clearly objected and with good reason.
When she creates the matchmaking scheme to fundraise for the band, she isn't helping the band. She is using the band to get what she wants which is a date with Lachlan. The same goes for Ethan's involvement. He told he no multiple times and she just pushed and pushed until he said yes giving her what she wanted.
She didn't even think about how that would affect Ethan. She just did it because it was what she wanted. Yes, she apologized. Then she went right back to doing what she had been doing so was it really an apology? Did whe really mean it? I'm going with no.
Then she has this huge grand gesture at the end (which by the way nobody wants that) without even putting any thought into how it would make Ethan feel. It was all about what she wanted. I was glad he told her no. It was time he stood up to her. She needed to realize she can't always get what she wants. Especially not by using people.
Another big issue was the grammar. There were so many mistakes. It wasn't spelling. All the words were spelled properly they were just the wrong word, the wrong form of the word, or missing words. It was frustrating. There were so many. I don't usually mark off for this but it was difficult to stay in the story with all the errors and I was already struggling to stay in the story.
I love this author and I love her stories but she needed a better editor.
Olivia was annoying. She only did things if they benefitted her and she made her best friend go anlong with whatever she wanted even though he clearly objected and with good reason.
When she creates the matchmaking scheme to fundraise for the band, she isn't helping the band. She is using the band to get what she wants which is a date with Lachlan. The same goes for Ethan's involvement. He told he no multiple times and she just pushed and pushed until he said yes giving her what she wanted.
She didn't even think about how that would affect Ethan. She just did it because it was what she wanted. Yes, she apologized. Then she went right back to doing what she had been doing so was it really an apology? Did whe really mean it? I'm going with no.
Then she has this huge grand gesture at the end (which by the way nobody wants that) without even putting any thought into how it would make Ethan feel. It was all about what she wanted. I was glad he told her no. It was time he stood up to her. She needed to realize she can't always get what she wants. Especially not by using people.
Another big issue was the grammar. There were so many mistakes. It wasn't spelling. All the words were spelled properly they were just the wrong word, the wrong form of the word, or missing words. It was frustrating. There were so many. I don't usually mark off for this but it was difficult to stay in the story with all the errors and I was already struggling to stay in the story.
I love this author and I love her stories but she needed a better editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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