What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking the Rules
Virginia Ward has one goal in to find the funds to save her granddaddy’s service station from closure. She has no time for heroes who, in her experience, lie, cheat, and break hearts. However, her disastrous dating column in the local newspaper proves there are many other pitfalls to finding happiness. Firefighter Carmen Johnson shuns love and commitment, believing her chosen career will likely bring about her early death. Her family is cursed and she doesn’t want to leave a loved one behind to face life alone. Gin’s determination to stay far away from the hero, and Carmen’s goal to make the hero hater a notch on her bedpost spurs a heated competition. They find themselves battling their willpower and their bodies, where the electric energy is far more hazardous than any inferno. Can Gin and Carmen relinquish their long-held beliefs for a happy ending? Or will the family curse finally claim the next one in line?
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
13 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Larkin Rose
10 books78 followersLarkin Rose lives in a “blink and you’ve missed it” town in the beautiful state of South Carolina with her partner, Rose (hence the pen name). Her writing career began some years ago when the voices in her head wouldn’t stop their constant chatter. After ruling out multiple personalities, and hitting the keyboard, a writer was born. The voices continue. The clatter of keys continues. The birth of erotic creations carries on.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2018
3.75 Stars. I didn’t find anything new here that knocked my socks off, but I liked it. It’s a good book and very readable. It has a nice quick flow that had me finishing in one sitting. The best way to describe this book would be steamy non-traditional romance.
I was surprised to realize I have never read a Larkin Rose book before. I own a few of them, but just never got a chance to read them. She has been around for a while. It looks like she took a 4 year break and is now again writing full time. I’m happy about that since this book has peaked my interest enough to read more by her. Her writing style reminded me a bit of Ronica Black. They both write steamy books that don’t always follow the more traditional romance lines. Of course I’m comparing after only one Larkin Rose book, but style wise they do remind me of each other.
As I mentioned this book is not a traditional romance. Both women are looking for no strings sex. In fact one seems to really dislike the other. I thought the chemistry was really good. Even with the bit of bad blood these two women were hot together. Maybe it was the opposites attracting thing going on, but it really worked. The sex scenes were very steamy and it’s not a book you want to read on a break at work.
If you are looking for a steamy read, then this book is for you. There is nothing new and groundbreaking here, but there is plenty of chemistry and good sex scenes. I will absolutely have my eye out for Larkin Rose books in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
I was surprised to realize I have never read a Larkin Rose book before. I own a few of them, but just never got a chance to read them. She has been around for a while. It looks like she took a 4 year break and is now again writing full time. I’m happy about that since this book has peaked my interest enough to read more by her. Her writing style reminded me a bit of Ronica Black. They both write steamy books that don’t always follow the more traditional romance lines. Of course I’m comparing after only one Larkin Rose book, but style wise they do remind me of each other.
As I mentioned this book is not a traditional romance. Both women are looking for no strings sex. In fact one seems to really dislike the other. I thought the chemistry was really good. Even with the bit of bad blood these two women were hot together. Maybe it was the opposites attracting thing going on, but it really worked. The sex scenes were very steamy and it’s not a book you want to read on a break at work.
If you are looking for a steamy read, then this book is for you. There is nothing new and groundbreaking here, but there is plenty of chemistry and good sex scenes. I will absolutely have my eye out for Larkin Rose books in the future.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
October 10, 2018
I was a little surprised to see a new release by this author. Since I'd read all of her other books, this had become an instant must read. Unfortunately I didn't like this as much as I was expecting to for several reasons.
The first are the main characters. Carmen beds women like they're coming off a conveyor belt and Gin dates them in the same manner. Gin however does so because of a column she writes about dating. She dates a multitude of women but makes sure that absolutely none of them are so called heroes. No cops, firefighters, first responders etc. allowed. Because to her, women in uniform are all players, cheaters and liars.
Then there's Carmen, a firefighter who's convinced she's cursed to die in the line of duty like her father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Not wanting to leave behind a widow of her own, she beds woman after woman making sure they understand it's only sex she's after. After all she wouldn't want to hurt their feelings by sleeping with them and then immediately discarding them like a dirty rag.
Though I'm not a big fan of either women, especially Gin, they do have great chemistry together. A large portion of the book however was spent rehashing why Gin doesn't date heroes and why Carmen doesn't date, period. I get it, they have more issues than republicans but can we move on now please? Their relationship felt rushed because they never truly spend time together other than when having sex and even that was only a handful of times. The ending of the book for me had an insta-love feeling to it because of this.
Overall I liked the book well enough but it pales in comparison to some of her previous books.
*Also please note that if you ever try to break the side window of a car with your elbow, the only thing you will be doing with that arm is pressing the button on a morphine pump and not having any type of wild sex.
**The footnote above refers to Carmen not myself, just in case you were wondering. :)
The first are the main characters. Carmen beds women like they're coming off a conveyor belt and Gin dates them in the same manner. Gin however does so because of a column she writes about dating. She dates a multitude of women but makes sure that absolutely none of them are so called heroes. No cops, firefighters, first responders etc. allowed. Because to her, women in uniform are all players, cheaters and liars.
Then there's Carmen, a firefighter who's convinced she's cursed to die in the line of duty like her father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Not wanting to leave behind a widow of her own, she beds woman after woman making sure they understand it's only sex she's after. After all she wouldn't want to hurt their feelings by sleeping with them and then immediately discarding them like a dirty rag.
Though I'm not a big fan of either women, especially Gin, they do have great chemistry together. A large portion of the book however was spent rehashing why Gin doesn't date heroes and why Carmen doesn't date, period. I get it, they have more issues than republicans but can we move on now please? Their relationship felt rushed because they never truly spend time together other than when having sex and even that was only a handful of times. The ending of the book for me had an insta-love feeling to it because of this.
Overall I liked the book well enough but it pales in comparison to some of her previous books.
*Also please note that if you ever try to break the side window of a car with your elbow, the only thing you will be doing with that arm is pressing the button on a morphine pump and not having any type of wild sex.
**The footnote above refers to Carmen not myself, just in case you were wondering. :)
September 21, 2018
Gin has been contracted to write a series of articles using her dating and buddy system as the basis of her experience. There are not many good experiences but it’s the only way she has to pay the bills while she figures out how to save the service station her grandfather left her. She’s probably not in the best space to be dating considering she hasn’t really dealt with her break-up. Firefighter Carmen is exactly the type of woman she is attracted to but also represents everything that caused her heartbreak.
There is so much anger mixed in with the erotic that makes this so different from a standard romance. It’s raw and gritty and the fiery, bitchy aura that surrounds Gin is weirdly attractive. Their chemistry and dislike for each other is off the charts. Gin’s desire for women who are heroes borders on fetishism and I find that it moves the story out of the realm of realistic romance and more into erotic fantasy. It means that I no longer have expectations of total plausibility and the characters are freed up to be a little over the top. But I also liked that their story and interactions took place over the course of months rather than weeks or days.
I’m an unashamed fan of Larkin Rose. I enjoy her writing and I find that the characters stay with me long after I’ve finished the novel. I remember them and their story without having to re-read the blurb and unfortunately I can’t say that for a lot of what I read. I loved the pace of Breaking the Rules, the wild emotions and the connection the characters had with each other, both the main and secondary characters.
This was over a four star read for me and I’m almost inclined to push up to a five star rating because, after a four-year hiatus, Rose has returned to writing full time.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
There is so much anger mixed in with the erotic that makes this so different from a standard romance. It’s raw and gritty and the fiery, bitchy aura that surrounds Gin is weirdly attractive. Their chemistry and dislike for each other is off the charts. Gin’s desire for women who are heroes borders on fetishism and I find that it moves the story out of the realm of realistic romance and more into erotic fantasy. It means that I no longer have expectations of total plausibility and the characters are freed up to be a little over the top. But I also liked that their story and interactions took place over the course of months rather than weeks or days.
I’m an unashamed fan of Larkin Rose. I enjoy her writing and I find that the characters stay with me long after I’ve finished the novel. I remember them and their story without having to re-read the blurb and unfortunately I can’t say that for a lot of what I read. I loved the pace of Breaking the Rules, the wild emotions and the connection the characters had with each other, both the main and secondary characters.
This was over a four star read for me and I’m almost inclined to push up to a five star rating because, after a four-year hiatus, Rose has returned to writing full time.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
So the premise of this is well hashed out already, so I won't bore you. I read this in a day at the cottage and it was ok, but not much depth. Way too much repetition of "not dating heroes," in fact that word came up in pretty much every second paragraph. Gin was cold and downright mean to the women she dated, making her quite unlikeable, and Carmen, well Carmen had a soft spot and appeared to be more honest but I still couldn't quite figure her out or connect with her character. The lead up to the two inevitably hooking up was pretty good though.
What I really did not like was the imbalance with the intimacy. Gin got off at least what, 10 times in this read, orgasm after orgasm, and the author only once vaguely mentioned about Carmen skimming an orgasm, but never by Gin taking over. I am not sure if this is a part of a butch/femme dynamic, or just the author's style. I am a bit confused as to why Gin's pleasure was so much more important and detailed ad nauseam. What could have been steamy, raw, amazing heat b/w the two quickly became redundant, no give/take at all. Maybe I seriously am ignorant, but I find it so unsatisfying to read about one-sided romances.
Overall 2.5/5.
What I really did not like was the imbalance with the intimacy. Gin got off at least what, 10 times in this read, orgasm after orgasm, and the author only once vaguely mentioned about Carmen skimming an orgasm, but never by Gin taking over. I am not sure if this is a part of a butch/femme dynamic, or just the author's style. I am a bit confused as to why Gin's pleasure was so much more important and detailed ad nauseam. What could have been steamy, raw, amazing heat b/w the two quickly became redundant, no give/take at all. Maybe I seriously am ignorant, but I find it so unsatisfying to read about one-sided romances.
Overall 2.5/5.
October 13, 2018
This was a read with two leads that were not typical because Carmen, the firefighter believes she is cursed to die on the job and so she sleeps with women with no regard for how they feel. Gin the gas station owner, needs money and struggles to believe if she will find the one. I was not captivated by the story line and the push and pull as well as the repetitive nature of their potential relationship.
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
November 18, 2018
The first book I read of Larkin Rose was Visions. I personally loved the book but many peoples reviews took issue with it. I guess you could call Rose an author of controversial story lines. Hey, I love those too.
This one is no different. Maybe not as controversial but definitely outside the box.
The two main characters are more than what they portray. Carmen is a firefighter and first res ponder. Gin however is busy trying to maintain her grandparents dream. Also, she writes a column regarding good but mostly bad dates. Gin hasn't had much luck in the dating department. Carmen is the complete opposite dating for her is one night stands and as much attachment as possible.
I did have a tiny issue with Gin's dating and reporting. You'll have to read it to make up your own mind. But that is my issue. In a story I'll admit it was quite funny. Especially with Gin's posse helping her out. But can you really make a judgement on someone in only thirty minutes.
Anyway, it's a good story about two people who like each other but refuse to accept it. I enjoyed it. Even if I didn't agree morally. I'm still giving it 5 stars. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
This one is no different. Maybe not as controversial but definitely outside the box.
The two main characters are more than what they portray. Carmen is a firefighter and first res ponder. Gin however is busy trying to maintain her grandparents dream. Also, she writes a column regarding good but mostly bad dates. Gin hasn't had much luck in the dating department. Carmen is the complete opposite dating for her is one night stands and as much attachment as possible.
I did have a tiny issue with Gin's dating and reporting. You'll have to read it to make up your own mind. But that is my issue. In a story I'll admit it was quite funny. Especially with Gin's posse helping her out. But can you really make a judgement on someone in only thirty minutes.
Anyway, it's a good story about two people who like each other but refuse to accept it. I enjoyed it. Even if I didn't agree morally. I'm still giving it 5 stars. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
November 29, 2018
I enjoyed Breaking the Rules. This is my first book by Larkin Rose and I will take a look at her other books. Great chemistry and overall I liked the characters in this one. There were times that I felt Gin was being unreasonable, but her actions are understandable. I get that someone who was hurt in the past by someone in uniform could cause them to say they will never date that type of person again. I also understand why Carmen doesn't want to date seriously. They really do make the perfect couple.
I rate this one 4 stars.
I rate this one 4 stars.
November 11, 2018
This was a decent read for me.
Gin has a contract to write about her dating experiences and her buddy systems. And among one of her dating adventures she comes across Carmen and sparks fly. But then Gin has issues and Carmen has her own issues. Will they actually get together? That's for you to find out.
The plot seemed all over the place initially and I had no idea what was happening. Around the 4th chapter I finally caught on to the action. I honestly didn't like Gin's character initially. She was so very judgemental and that just ticked me off. She was a wee bit of a dick to Carmen initially, what with her snap judgements and all. And I didn't get why Carmen was into her either.
I guess the book improved later on, when their actions actually started to make sense to me. At times the book was so cheesy and i felt weirded out there too. But the action was on the spot and I honestly loved the book after the first few chapters. There are a few scenes which make you hold on to your breath and they were the best.
The ending seemed to be a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting so much to happen in Gin's life after all her sacrifices and what actually happened kinda made me sad. But then I was too engrossed in the dreamy Happily-ever-after that everything else is forgotten.
This was a pretty short book. I finished it in one reading. It's a guilty pleasure and I would highly recommend if your into hot romances and characters who are a wee bit fucked up in their head. You know for the angst. And of course firefighters. I'd recommend this for a one time read.
Ps: I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review :)
Gin has a contract to write about her dating experiences and her buddy systems. And among one of her dating adventures she comes across Carmen and sparks fly. But then Gin has issues and Carmen has her own issues. Will they actually get together? That's for you to find out.
The plot seemed all over the place initially and I had no idea what was happening. Around the 4th chapter I finally caught on to the action. I honestly didn't like Gin's character initially. She was so very judgemental and that just ticked me off. She was a wee bit of a dick to Carmen initially, what with her snap judgements and all. And I didn't get why Carmen was into her either.
I guess the book improved later on, when their actions actually started to make sense to me. At times the book was so cheesy and i felt weirded out there too. But the action was on the spot and I honestly loved the book after the first few chapters. There are a few scenes which make you hold on to your breath and they were the best.
The ending seemed to be a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting so much to happen in Gin's life after all her sacrifices and what actually happened kinda made me sad. But then I was too engrossed in the dreamy Happily-ever-after that everything else is forgotten.
This was a pretty short book. I finished it in one reading. It's a guilty pleasure and I would highly recommend if your into hot romances and characters who are a wee bit fucked up in their head. You know for the angst. And of course firefighters. I'd recommend this for a one time read.
Ps: I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2018
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I love Larkin Rose's romance novels, so I was very excited to see this new one. It did not disappoint, the sexual chemistry between Gin and Carmen was brilliantly written. The storyline pulled me in and made this book an amazing experience to read. Rose did not disappoint; if you are looking for a sizzling romantic read, this is the book for you.
October 20, 2018
'Breaking the Rules' by Larkin Rose is one hot, non-traditional type of romance about two women, both of whom have sworn off love and commitment, though for very different reasons. Firefighter Carmen Johnson believes she is cursed to die as a firefighter and refuses to leave a grieving widow to mourn for her. Virginia (Gin) Ward had her heart broken in the past by a former lover and no longer really believes in happy ever after, especially with so-called heroes in uniform. The two dislike each other almost the moment they meet, but the chemistry between the two blazes so hot it is a wonder the pages of the book don't burst into flame.
This is one hot steamy, raw, sexy and erotic romance. This is not a Princess Charming and her damsel in distress kind of story. These characters are way too strong-willed and opinionated for that. The story is bold, straightforward, and a good read. I liked the setting/background to this story. There's a good reason for that. I am a former South Carolinian, and once lived in the area that Larkin Rose more than likely based this story's setting on. That is probably why the setting feels so real to me.
This is my first Larkin Rose book, but not my last, and I hope she continues to write many more tales. I really liked this story, and can recommend this one if you love strong characters and sexy romance.
I received a free ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Publishing for an honest review.
This is one hot steamy, raw, sexy and erotic romance. This is not a Princess Charming and her damsel in distress kind of story. These characters are way too strong-willed and opinionated for that. The story is bold, straightforward, and a good read. I liked the setting/background to this story. There's a good reason for that. I am a former South Carolinian, and once lived in the area that Larkin Rose more than likely based this story's setting on. That is probably why the setting feels so real to me.
This is my first Larkin Rose book, but not my last, and I hope she continues to write many more tales. I really liked this story, and can recommend this one if you love strong characters and sexy romance.
I received a free ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Publishing for an honest review.
May 25, 2019
What a great little book ... it it had been any longer I think my e-reader would have overheated. I haven't read anything from Larkin Rose before and was really pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. This is closer to erotica than romance - but it still hits the romantic mark in an odd way. Both MCs are not looking for relationships for different reasons but it's pretty incendiary when they meet ... and meet again ... and again. Not the most complex plot but Gin and Carmen were smart, funny and likable. My only quibble is each of their reasons for not wanting a relationship - Gin's philandering ex was a cop and now she's sworn off all first responders and Carmen not wanting to hurt a potential partner in the event that she dies as part of her job - were a bit over the top, but it kept them apart enough to make the push and pull of the building relationship work.
November 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t knock it out of the ballpark great but it was good. My biggest gripe was the ending. I felt like it needed so much more... even just a short epilogue would have been good.
May 20, 2020
Most of Larkin Rose's books have left me with a wagging tongue in the characters' wake, but this one only left me frustrated, and not sexually.
I didn't like Gin and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was femme, it was her attitude towards love. Sure, she had been burned badly in the past by someone who used their badge to score, but did she have to be such a bitch about it? A lot of the book was Gin playing others while complaining about players and how she'd never fall for another "hero" in a uniform. According to Gin, all uniformed women were players out to get her. Get off of it, already! I found her to be cold, calculating, and bit of a hypocrite. I also hated how she flashed her sh*t around like she was God's gift to dykes. Carmen was no better, and she fell right into Gin's little ass shaking ways, because she could only think with what was between her legs. She was the butch hero firefighter who looked damned hot doing anything and everything. She refused to fall in love and only play the field because she feared she would leave a widow behind after being killed by a fire. It was a real fear and I could understand that fear, but it got to be just as annoying reading about Carmen's hesitation towards love as it was reading about Gin's scornful ways of thinking towards love as well. They both annoyed the crap out of me.
There was no real depth to these characters or the story itself. I wished we could have seen more of Carmen and her new career that she changed three quarters of the way into the story. If Rose had split the focus between the two protagonist's and Carmen's very interesting job, I think it would have made for a more exciting story with a better build up to the climax. I anticipated the sex, because all of Rose's books have scorching hot sex, but I was kind of let down with the erotica in this one. The ending was typical and was seen a mile away, no surprises there.
A game playing story with immature women and mediocre sex.
I didn't like Gin and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was femme, it was her attitude towards love. Sure, she had been burned badly in the past by someone who used their badge to score, but did she have to be such a bitch about it? A lot of the book was Gin playing others while complaining about players and how she'd never fall for another "hero" in a uniform. According to Gin, all uniformed women were players out to get her. Get off of it, already! I found her to be cold, calculating, and bit of a hypocrite. I also hated how she flashed her sh*t around like she was God's gift to dykes. Carmen was no better, and she fell right into Gin's little ass shaking ways, because she could only think with what was between her legs. She was the butch hero firefighter who looked damned hot doing anything and everything. She refused to fall in love and only play the field because she feared she would leave a widow behind after being killed by a fire. It was a real fear and I could understand that fear, but it got to be just as annoying reading about Carmen's hesitation towards love as it was reading about Gin's scornful ways of thinking towards love as well. They both annoyed the crap out of me.
There was no real depth to these characters or the story itself. I wished we could have seen more of Carmen and her new career that she changed three quarters of the way into the story. If Rose had split the focus between the two protagonist's and Carmen's very interesting job, I think it would have made for a more exciting story with a better build up to the climax. I anticipated the sex, because all of Rose's books have scorching hot sex, but I was kind of let down with the erotica in this one. The ending was typical and was seen a mile away, no surprises there.
A game playing story with immature women and mediocre sex.
May 2, 2025
STARS 4 stars
SPICE medium
CHEMISTRY good
ANGST medium
SLOW BURN no
CLIFFHANGER no
FAVORITE QUOTE/QUOTES
"Calm down spazoid. She's a fireman. Not an assassin." - Gin
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BOOK/HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL
The concept of the book at first seemed so cute. Then Gin's reason for not being interested seemed weak. But then as the story picked up it started to draw me in. Then it just picks up and it is such good fun.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
I loved Carmen's confidence. And that she was not accustomed to someone not just be awestruck from the start. And I loved that Gin was also confident and had to take time to consider what her feelings were for Carmen.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THE BOOK
The soft parts of Carmen.
MY FAVORITE PART- IF IT IS NOT TOO SPOILERY
Probably the first date that Carmen is part of the buddy system. And that she ends up tending to the accident and the was so hot and Gin was realizing she was so hot.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Maybe the repetition about girls in uniform not being for Gin. But the premise worked for the story.
TROPES
enemies to lovers, firefighter,
October 17, 2018
This is romance book in which the main character has to break her own rules to give herself a chance at love.
Virginia (Gin) Ward sole purpose is to save her grandfather's service station and while she believes in love, she is convinced she would never find it in a hero. Carmen Johnson is a firefighter, a hero, who doesn't shy away from bedding women when she wants and needs; that is, of course, until she meets Gin.
This book was a good and quick read. The supporting characters were good and interesting. The chemistry between the main characters grew as the book progressed; however, I would have liked a bit more romance. Having said that, the sexual tension and sex scenes were really good.
Overall, it was a good book. If you want a light, fast, not overly sweet and romantic book; then you would enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Virginia (Gin) Ward sole purpose is to save her grandfather's service station and while she believes in love, she is convinced she would never find it in a hero. Carmen Johnson is a firefighter, a hero, who doesn't shy away from bedding women when she wants and needs; that is, of course, until she meets Gin.
This book was a good and quick read. The supporting characters were good and interesting. The chemistry between the main characters grew as the book progressed; however, I would have liked a bit more romance. Having said that, the sexual tension and sex scenes were really good.
Overall, it was a good book. If you want a light, fast, not overly sweet and romantic book; then you would enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
October 15, 2018
Virginia Ward makes extra money writing about the experiences she has dating . So far none are worth a second date. She needs the money to keep her late grandfather's gas station open. And she never ever dates first responders. Having her heart broke by one has painted them all as users. Carmen Johnson works as a firefighter like her father and grandfather before her. She thinks having a relationship is the worst thing she can do because all of those before her had died while on the job. Thing do get interesting when the two meet. I’ve read some of Ms Rose works and always enjoyed them. While this isn’t what I would consider a great book it’s still a fun read. Actually I very much enjoyed it.
eARC via NetGalley
eARC via NetGalley
April 19, 2023
4.5*
Steamy opposites attract
I love when the dialogue &/or inner dialogue in a book makes me laugh out loud. I loved that Gin’s conversations with herself were both snarky and sometimes funny. She’s a very strong personality. Carmen is also a strong person, but in very different ways from Gin. These two are like magnets. They think they are repelling each other but the pull towards each other is so much stronger. And the Posse? I loved the communication via body language. This is a tight story, filled with love, humor, and growth for the main characters. Loved the story. Will definitely look for more books by Larkin Rose.
Steamy opposites attract
I love when the dialogue &/or inner dialogue in a book makes me laugh out loud. I loved that Gin’s conversations with herself were both snarky and sometimes funny. She’s a very strong personality. Carmen is also a strong person, but in very different ways from Gin. These two are like magnets. They think they are repelling each other but the pull towards each other is so much stronger. And the Posse? I loved the communication via body language. This is a tight story, filled with love, humor, and growth for the main characters. Loved the story. Will definitely look for more books by Larkin Rose.
October 28, 2018
Perfectly illustrates guarding your heart but then realising that you’ve prevented yourself from living. This is a hot well written romance that has you rooting for the hero. Includes a great code system for a friend based extraction from bad blind dates; excellent advice is given.
December 19, 2019
What can I say, I have a soft spot for Carmen. The hero who would rather hurt herself than see someone else get hurt because of her. My heart hurt for both Carmen and Gin... loves the buddy system and everything that came with it. The push and pull between Carmen and Gin...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2020
This was kind of mediocre. The romance and character were fine but this wasn't a ground breaking read and it's definitely one you can skip as there are better lesbian romances out there.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! It was the first Larkin Rose book I'd read, and it spurred me on to read a lot more! Absolutely love Carmen... I have a thing for firefighters, so that probably helped! I think I read this book twice, back-to-back! Love it!
May 4, 2019
Netgally Review:
I thought it was sexy and fun. Both main characters were easy to like, with big interesting personalities. The conflicts were sometimes difficult for me to care about (firefighter curse), but I still enjoyed it till the end.
I thought it was sexy and fun. Both main characters were easy to like, with big interesting personalities. The conflicts were sometimes difficult for me to care about (firefighter curse), but I still enjoyed it till the end.
October 27, 2018
Gin and Carmen are the leads in this romance with angst, drama, sex and a twist on the usual storyline. I am happy Larkin is writing again.
Recommend with 3 stars. I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for review.
Recommend with 3 stars. I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for review.
October 17, 2018
This would have been more enjoyable with less harping about heroes. Other than that, it was quite entertaining.
September 29, 2018
This book was good but a bit predictable. The whole no strings attached sex you know isn't going to work. Although the disliking each other to lovers is an element of a story I've always. enjoyed. As for the characters I felt they were well developed and definitely has chemistry.
October 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It has amazing sex scenes. This book had continuous drama, in a good way. No lulls with extra internal dialogue to add pages. Either occupational, relational or sexual, there's always something happening. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'm keeping this short and generic. However, I am giving this FIVE bold stars for a super read. If I had any complaints at all, it's that the book is a tad short. I would have enjoyed this book more if it was twice as long. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. You can see from my other reviews that I'm not afraid to say what I don't care for in a book.
October 18, 2018
Breaking the Rules is a good, straight-forward romance - with some added heat. Carmen is a firefighter and a player, who believes she is fated to fall in the line of duty and therefore refuses to commit. Gin just wants to keep the family service station alive and writes about awful dates for extra money. Having been badly hurt by an ex, she wants nothing to do with heroes or hookups. Unfortunately, despite their rules, they have an instant attraction and amazing sexual chemistry…
As expected, the writing is good and the story flows well. The only minor issue the book had, in my opinion, is that it seemed to be unsure if it was a traditional romance, or an erotic romance, and therefore both elements could have done with “more”.
This was a good, enjoyable read, and gets a firm four stars.
As expected, the writing is good and the story flows well. The only minor issue the book had, in my opinion, is that it seemed to be unsure if it was a traditional romance, or an erotic romance, and therefore both elements could have done with “more”.
This was a good, enjoyable read, and gets a firm four stars.
October 19, 2018
Breaking the Rules is a good romance with great sexual tension. Larkin Rose has written interesting characters and plot. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
October 25, 2018
DNF-
Gin was glaring at her computer, she had to write yet another article about her latest date. Gin was not a writer. As far as Gin was concerned her last date was a waste of time. She didn't want to be nice about the date. Cynthia had said she wanted something fresh. Something out of character for a dying column.
Yet every word, every sentence, every paragraph was ripped apart by Patricia then sent back to Gin to revise and send back a second time. Her desire to keep her grandfather’s dream alive- the gas station- was the only reason Gin had agreed to do these articles. She agreed to one article a week for 26 weeks. The little paycheck she got from this was the only thing that mattered.
I couldn’t get into this book. First off i think i chose this one on accident as i don’t enjoy M/M or F/F just not my thing, Bit also this didn’t keep my attention with the whole plot. I am sure others will love this just not for me.I wouldn’t have rated this if zI could have got away with it but you have to rate to submot a review.
Gin was glaring at her computer, she had to write yet another article about her latest date. Gin was not a writer. As far as Gin was concerned her last date was a waste of time. She didn't want to be nice about the date. Cynthia had said she wanted something fresh. Something out of character for a dying column.
Yet every word, every sentence, every paragraph was ripped apart by Patricia then sent back to Gin to revise and send back a second time. Her desire to keep her grandfather’s dream alive- the gas station- was the only reason Gin had agreed to do these articles. She agreed to one article a week for 26 weeks. The little paycheck she got from this was the only thing that mattered.
I couldn’t get into this book. First off i think i chose this one on accident as i don’t enjoy M/M or F/F just not my thing, Bit also this didn’t keep my attention with the whole plot. I am sure others will love this just not for me.I wouldn’t have rated this if zI could have got away with it but you have to rate to submot a review.
November 14, 2018
This was a okay read even though the two main characters Gin and Carmen continue to going on about not being great in a relationship even if it seems they want to but afraid to go beyond. Although going to give it three stars because it was a ok read I just think it coulda been better. I'll still will recommend it to anyone.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews