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Breaking the Rules #5
Age Rules
I was still too old for him, and he was still too far in the closet for me, but damn, if I didn’t crave him like a drug.
After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it. He’s too young, his time in Austin is too fleeting, and he’s definitely way too far in the closet. All Darren has to do is convince his traitorous heart that Andre isn’t the man for him.
It’s true what they say, one phone call really can change your life. Rushing home to Austin when his former hockey star father has a heart attack puts Andre Harrison on a path he hadn’t allowed himself to imagine. Between trying to mend his father’s health, keeping his MMA training on schedule, and hiding his growing attraction for hospital President Darren Davis, he finds himself succeeding on all counts except one. Try as he might, he can’t deny the connection he feels with the sexy silver fox, and wonders if something real could grow between them if they’d only break their own rules and give their feelings a fighting chance.
An Open Wounds and Breaking the Rules Crossover.
After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it. He’s too young, his time in Austin is too fleeting, and he’s definitely way too far in the closet. All Darren has to do is convince his traitorous heart that Andre isn’t the man for him.
It’s true what they say, one phone call really can change your life. Rushing home to Austin when his former hockey star father has a heart attack puts Andre Harrison on a path he hadn’t allowed himself to imagine. Between trying to mend his father’s health, keeping his MMA training on schedule, and hiding his growing attraction for hospital President Darren Davis, he finds himself succeeding on all counts except one. Try as he might, he can’t deny the connection he feels with the sexy silver fox, and wonders if something real could grow between them if they’d only break their own rules and give their feelings a fighting chance.
An Open Wounds and Breaking the Rules Crossover.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2019
186 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 25, 2019
Hello dirty talk! I really liked this one.
My only complaint is that this is a merging of established series and I was absolutely not able to follow all the characters. I tuned them out and read for Darren and Andre's relationship. But if you've read the other books and enjoyed them, this will be perfect for you.
My only complaint is that this is a merging of established series and I was absolutely not able to follow all the characters. I tuned them out and read for Darren and Andre's relationship. But if you've read the other books and enjoyed them, this will be perfect for you.
April 19, 2019
I’d read Michelle Frost’s Open Wound series, so I was pretty sure I’d like this, even without knowing Jacki James work. I enjoyed this enormously, in spite of getting a little lost with names from Breaking the Rules stories, which means I need to read them. I sorted everyone out pretty quickly though. Andre and Darren were a great couple, with substantial chemistry on page. Age-gaps are a favorite trope of mine and a dominant silver fox ordering a big, muscled MMA fighter around was pretty hot. Other than a little bondage, there’s nothing BDSM-ish and no daddy kink, aside from some joking, so it fit my preferences well.
The pacing was very good, with Darren resisting his attraction to Andre for a short time but without a bunch of flip-flopping. Once they’re together, they’re solid right up until they aren’t. It’s quite heart-wrenching, just because it’s easy to see both sides. I could not play favorites! Getting both characters perspectives helped me grasp the motivations as the narrative moved forward. The secondary characters and storylines fit so well and added lots of interest. The angst is relatively light too, so this a great book to choose as a mood-lifter. Recommended.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
The pacing was very good, with Darren resisting his attraction to Andre for a short time but without a bunch of flip-flopping. Once they’re together, they’re solid right up until they aren’t. It’s quite heart-wrenching, just because it’s easy to see both sides. I could not play favorites! Getting both characters perspectives helped me grasp the motivations as the narrative moved forward. The secondary characters and storylines fit so well and added lots of interest. The angst is relatively light too, so this a great book to choose as a mood-lifter. Recommended.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
April 26, 2019
This was a good book. I was invested in both the MC's. The cover doesn't seem to fit with the descriptions, especially age of the characters and the reviews that mention dirty talk aren't wrong but it's one short scene that really has any. The sex scenes do not hold up throughout the book.
May 6, 2019
Damn. That's all I can think of. I have not had the pleasure of reading the Open Wounds series yet, but you can bet your patootie I will be going back to do so now. Wow. I really liked Darren from the other books, even though he was in them a lot. He always seemed to have a good personality and was a good guy, so I'm glad to see Nathan got him with the 'love glitter’. Lol. And what better way to challenge that ‘hard-nosed’ military man (retired) than an MMA fighter, who can easily overcome him in strength.
Darren is in his forties and lately he's starting to notice more about his life. He really loves his friends, but he's ready to settle with the right one. And not the twink waiting on their table. If he wants someone to submit, he wants to earn it. When he gets a call about a 'celebrity’ having a heart attack and being in his hospital, he makes a point of going and visiting to make sure all is well. It doesn't hurt that the son of the patient is none other than his MMA crush, Andre. And the minute he lays eyes on the young man, sparks fly. But Darren knows he can't. Andre is too young, too straight or closeted at least, (huge no), not to mention the son of a patient.
He helps them through the short time in the hospital and offers his number to Andre if he needs anything. Once they start talking more, Darren can't get the man off his mind. On a date with someone else, Andre and his friends and family come in the restaurant and Andre shuts him down. But later at the club, Darren can't hold back anymore. The attraction is too intense. They agree to a one-off but it quickly starts into something more. Both know time is short and hearts are going to break, but no one can say anything. Until Andre makes a decision and Darren makes the wrong choice. With Andre’s big fight almost here, he doesn't know if he can concentrate and Darren is in pain thinking of watching him. If they can't get past the past and move forward, it will be over for good and neither knows if they can live with either decision.
I understand when people get into sports they have to understand their lives will be under a microscope for the rest of the lives. Or so it seems. It aggravates the crap out of me that people are still so bigoted and judgmental of people in the spotlight. They're human, too, and should be allowed to live their lives the way they want to. Unfortunately, that's not the case. So, for people like Andre, coming out can often be a career suicide. So staying in the closet seems like the only choice. But it's hard. So hard. You have to constantly watch everything you say or do and heaven forbid you get to date. It's ridiculous but the way of life. And for Andre, the pressure with his father makes things worse. It's wearing on him.
But yet, I get Darren's side of things as well. Having to live under DADT and losing a relationship from having to stay closeted, he doesn't want to live that life again. And it's his right. He's earned that. But sometimes there has to be a bit of compromise for things to work. Not saying you have to compromise yourself or do things you don't feel right about, but at least try to understand the other side. And if you do, and you love the person, figure something out. Give the person time and space if need be. Everyone has to come out on their own.
But as clear with anything, there has to be communicating on both sides. And both sides have to listen as well. Give and take. Or nothing will work at all.
It's such a great story. I love the way things turned. A lot of soul searching everywhere was done and it was spectacular.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Darren is in his forties and lately he's starting to notice more about his life. He really loves his friends, but he's ready to settle with the right one. And not the twink waiting on their table. If he wants someone to submit, he wants to earn it. When he gets a call about a 'celebrity’ having a heart attack and being in his hospital, he makes a point of going and visiting to make sure all is well. It doesn't hurt that the son of the patient is none other than his MMA crush, Andre. And the minute he lays eyes on the young man, sparks fly. But Darren knows he can't. Andre is too young, too straight or closeted at least, (huge no), not to mention the son of a patient.
He helps them through the short time in the hospital and offers his number to Andre if he needs anything. Once they start talking more, Darren can't get the man off his mind. On a date with someone else, Andre and his friends and family come in the restaurant and Andre shuts him down. But later at the club, Darren can't hold back anymore. The attraction is too intense. They agree to a one-off but it quickly starts into something more. Both know time is short and hearts are going to break, but no one can say anything. Until Andre makes a decision and Darren makes the wrong choice. With Andre’s big fight almost here, he doesn't know if he can concentrate and Darren is in pain thinking of watching him. If they can't get past the past and move forward, it will be over for good and neither knows if they can live with either decision.
I understand when people get into sports they have to understand their lives will be under a microscope for the rest of the lives. Or so it seems. It aggravates the crap out of me that people are still so bigoted and judgmental of people in the spotlight. They're human, too, and should be allowed to live their lives the way they want to. Unfortunately, that's not the case. So, for people like Andre, coming out can often be a career suicide. So staying in the closet seems like the only choice. But it's hard. So hard. You have to constantly watch everything you say or do and heaven forbid you get to date. It's ridiculous but the way of life. And for Andre, the pressure with his father makes things worse. It's wearing on him.
But yet, I get Darren's side of things as well. Having to live under DADT and losing a relationship from having to stay closeted, he doesn't want to live that life again. And it's his right. He's earned that. But sometimes there has to be a bit of compromise for things to work. Not saying you have to compromise yourself or do things you don't feel right about, but at least try to understand the other side. And if you do, and you love the person, figure something out. Give the person time and space if need be. Everyone has to come out on their own.
But as clear with anything, there has to be communicating on both sides. And both sides have to listen as well. Give and take. Or nothing will work at all.
It's such a great story. I love the way things turned. A lot of soul searching everywhere was done and it was spectacular.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
April 29, 2019
3.5 stars - enjoyed this romance and connection. The age play factor really wasn’t a big deal, it was more the “closet” issue that presented as a problem and a blocker. An easy read 😊
March 18, 2020
I don't know what went wrong with this book.
It might be her co-writing with another author on this book. But it wasn't just the numerous unknown characters that didn't go well for me, it was the simple fact that I did not feel the connection between Andre and Darren.
That, I feel was the biggest issue of this book. The writing was good and I even warmed up to the secondary characters but with our MCs? Nothing. :(
It might be her co-writing with another author on this book. But it wasn't just the numerous unknown characters that didn't go well for me, it was the simple fact that I did not feel the connection between Andre and Darren.
That, I feel was the biggest issue of this book. The writing was good and I even warmed up to the secondary characters but with our MCs? Nothing. :(
April 19, 2019
Age Rules by Jacki James and Michelle Frost is a well written, enjoyable, May/December, low angst read. Darren is an ex Navy Commander who is out and proud and Andre is a deeply closeted MMA fighter. They meet during difficult circumstances, and their undeniable attraction is immediate and their chemistry is sexy hot. However, they both have some personal obstacles to overcome in order to find happiness together. I have read and absolutely love Michelle’s Open Wounds series but I’m not familiar with Jacki’s series. However, I totally enjoyed her characters as well. This book was written in such a way that it can totally be read as a standalone.
October 28, 2021
Reread October 2021
Still easy to read and enjoyable.
Original Review
I was eagerly waiting for the next book in the Open Wounds universe when I saw this crossover book. I’ve never read the other series so there was a couple of paragraphs I had to read twice to figure out who some people were but it didn’t dull my enjoyment of this.
This was a really sweet, low angst read with a nice age gap and a HFN. A very easy read.
Still easy to read and enjoyable.
Original Review
I was eagerly waiting for the next book in the Open Wounds universe when I saw this crossover book. I’ve never read the other series so there was a couple of paragraphs I had to read twice to figure out who some people were but it didn’t dull my enjoyment of this.
This was a really sweet, low angst read with a nice age gap and a HFN. A very easy read.
May 26, 2019
Yeah, this one didn’t live up to my expectations of “age-gap” books. Honestly, it felt like a book I could have written and lemme tell you THAT IS NOT A GOOD THING. The characters felt flat, the dialogues cheesy and IDK, it felt more like telling than showing and I hate when I can’t connect with the characters.
Sorry but had to DNF.
Sorry but had to DNF.
August 7, 2021
AGE RULES was a bit different from the previous books in OPEN WOUNDS series since it's written with another author, but overall I enjoyed it. The first few chapters were a little rocky for me but once it got into the story, Michelle Frost's signature writing came through. I wasn't expecting to get Andre's story in this series so it was fun to read about him.
Andre is still trying to make a name for himself in the MMA world and a lifetime of growing up with his demanding hockey star father has made his life lonely. He's started to find a place for himself with the Rourke brothers when he begins training with Rory Wilson but returning home to care for his father throws everything off balance. Andre was a mix of confident and unsure, partly because of his younger age and also because he never really felt like he had anyone in his corner. I loved watching Andre gain confidence in both his fighting and personal life. Darren was also an enjoyable hero; he's more self-assured and as an older man he's had longer to settle into who he is. He kept his sexuality under wraps all through the military and now he refuses to hide who he is. Darren is definitely more set in his ways and less willing to bend.
Unlike the prior books, AGE RULES does have the stereotypical separation toward the end and there was definitely more angst between Andre and Darren then previous couples. It was written well but I missed the ease that we're used to getting with this series. While I enjoyed this one overall it didn't have the same emotional punch that Michelle Frost's other books have.
Andre is still trying to make a name for himself in the MMA world and a lifetime of growing up with his demanding hockey star father has made his life lonely. He's started to find a place for himself with the Rourke brothers when he begins training with Rory Wilson but returning home to care for his father throws everything off balance. Andre was a mix of confident and unsure, partly because of his younger age and also because he never really felt like he had anyone in his corner. I loved watching Andre gain confidence in both his fighting and personal life. Darren was also an enjoyable hero; he's more self-assured and as an older man he's had longer to settle into who he is. He kept his sexuality under wraps all through the military and now he refuses to hide who he is. Darren is definitely more set in his ways and less willing to bend.
Unlike the prior books, AGE RULES does have the stereotypical separation toward the end and there was definitely more angst between Andre and Darren then previous couples. It was written well but I missed the ease that we're used to getting with this series. While I enjoyed this one overall it didn't have the same emotional punch that Michelle Frost's other books have.
April 20, 2019
A crossover series for two authors that I love you say? Yes, please! I got a little excited about this one because I’ve really enjoyed both series and the blurb ticked every box for me. Age gap romances are a favourite of mine and although silver fox Darren is older than Andre, there’s no daddy kink, which was quite refreshing. Darren tries to hold off and ignore the attraction he has for the sexy MMA star but it’s too strong. We see them navigate through sex-only relationship, but feelings get stronger on both sides and it’s not as easy as they thought. I felt the chemistry between them and although it was fairly low-angst, there was plenty of emotion here and some really hot encounters. There’s obstacles along the way; Andre’s trying relationship with his father and the fact that he’s fearful of coming out ‘cos of what it’ll do to his career and I liked how the authors handled these issues; a very sympathetic and realistic telling. It was great to meet up with characters from both series, and they all had a part to play.
ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services for an honest and unbiased review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services for an honest and unbiased review.
January 14, 2022
This book was really very good🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰. Jacki James is a new author to me and I will certainly be checking out her other books.
It had all the themes that I enjoy in my romance novels :
Age Gap ☑️
MMA ☑️
No unnecessary Drama☑️
Enjoyable characters ☑️
Fantastic Sex Scenes☑️
This was a nice cross over from Michelle Frost's - Open Wounds series, which I enjoyed very much. The only reason I picked up this book was because I saw Michelle Frost co wrote this book. I had no idea it was a cross over book. It was so nice seeing the other characters from Open Wounds.
Andre and Darren's relationship was so much fun to read. I liked how these two fit so perfectly together and how loving and protective Darren was towards Andre. They had amazing chemistry and their relation was believable.
I understood from where both Darren and Andre where coming from and I liked how they overcame their issues as their love was just too powerful to ignore.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Andre and his father and how they became close and mended a broken relationship.
Overall an very good book 😍
It had all the themes that I enjoy in my romance novels :
Age Gap ☑️
MMA ☑️
No unnecessary Drama☑️
Enjoyable characters ☑️
Fantastic Sex Scenes☑️
This was a nice cross over from Michelle Frost's - Open Wounds series, which I enjoyed very much. The only reason I picked up this book was because I saw Michelle Frost co wrote this book. I had no idea it was a cross over book. It was so nice seeing the other characters from Open Wounds.
Andre and Darren's relationship was so much fun to read. I liked how these two fit so perfectly together and how loving and protective Darren was towards Andre. They had amazing chemistry and their relation was believable.
I understood from where both Darren and Andre where coming from and I liked how they overcame their issues as their love was just too powerful to ignore.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Andre and his father and how they became close and mended a broken relationship.
Overall an very good book 😍
April 22, 2019
What a great book! I picked this up on whim and instantly got sucked in. Andre and Darren were so adorable and hot!
I loved all the side characters too and now want to go back and read the rest of this series because I want to know how their stories. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I totally recommend reading it.
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Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019 - a book by two female authors
I loved all the side characters too and now want to go back and read the rest of this series because I want to know how their stories. Overall, this was a wonderful book and I totally recommend reading it.
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Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019 - a book by two female authors
April 25, 2019
Love rules
Darren is a silver Fox. Served time in the army in DADT . He refused to go in the closet for anyone.
Andre is a MMA fighter who thinks being in a relationship will hamper his career.
They meet and all the rules are out the door. The connection they felt was easy, even if they agreed to be just friends.
The internal struggle for them to get their HEA made an interesting read. A wonderful well written May to December romance
Darren is a silver Fox. Served time in the army in DADT . He refused to go in the closet for anyone.
Andre is a MMA fighter who thinks being in a relationship will hamper his career.
They meet and all the rules are out the door. The connection they felt was easy, even if they agreed to be just friends.
The internal struggle for them to get their HEA made an interesting read. A wonderful well written May to December romance
July 10, 2019
Rules
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Both characters were nicely developed and had that likeable factor. One character struggled with finding that happy median for himself, while the other grief to reconcile that our fairy tale don't always look like we expect it. I really liked the support cast it is always good to have a strong friend-family support system. I look forward to the other stories in this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Both characters were nicely developed and had that likeable factor. One character struggled with finding that happy median for himself, while the other grief to reconcile that our fairy tale don't always look like we expect it. I really liked the support cast it is always good to have a strong friend-family support system. I look forward to the other stories in this series!
May 2, 2019
Emotionally really shallow and not very enjoyable. Also not very thoughtful about the world.
December 29, 2019
wonderful collaboration!
April 19, 2019
Gripping from the start, Age Rules is a fantastic crossover book written by Michelle Frost and Jacki James.
Andre's a MMA fighter who's closeted due to his career. His famous father is one who constantly reminds him of the importance of being discreet with his sexuality. I always enjoy a good closeted athlete romance, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Meeting Darren, Andre can't resist the older man who also has his eyes on the handsome fighter. Both can only resist so long. Their romance starts as a short-term sexual relationship, but soon they become more involved than they ever expected. I love the way the authors handle this.
The sex is definitely hot, including some bondage and control scenes, which by the way is sweet and emotional. It was more than I could have hoped for with the emotion of the bondage scene.
The angst is wonderfully developed, natural, and certainly realistic. With angst over the age difference, as well as the closeted status, both are important and relevant issues that are splendidly explored.
One surprise aspect of this tale I enjoyed thoroughly is the father/son relationship between Andre and his father. I don't want to give anything away, but it's realistic and wonderfully developed. It made me angry, sad, worried, and more.
Andre and Darren's relationship involves facing one's fears, re-evaluating one's values, and deciding if one can live their truth. There's angst, romance, and great friends, in addition to the hot sex scenes.
If you enjoy MMA stories, or age gap romances, definitely check out Age Rules. The writing is great, as I'd expect from Michelle Frost and Jacki James. For a co-written book they perfectly blended their series and writing styles. It is definitely going on my re-read list.
Andre's a MMA fighter who's closeted due to his career. His famous father is one who constantly reminds him of the importance of being discreet with his sexuality. I always enjoy a good closeted athlete romance, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint.
Meeting Darren, Andre can't resist the older man who also has his eyes on the handsome fighter. Both can only resist so long. Their romance starts as a short-term sexual relationship, but soon they become more involved than they ever expected. I love the way the authors handle this.
The sex is definitely hot, including some bondage and control scenes, which by the way is sweet and emotional. It was more than I could have hoped for with the emotion of the bondage scene.
The angst is wonderfully developed, natural, and certainly realistic. With angst over the age difference, as well as the closeted status, both are important and relevant issues that are splendidly explored.
One surprise aspect of this tale I enjoyed thoroughly is the father/son relationship between Andre and his father. I don't want to give anything away, but it's realistic and wonderfully developed. It made me angry, sad, worried, and more.
Andre and Darren's relationship involves facing one's fears, re-evaluating one's values, and deciding if one can live their truth. There's angst, romance, and great friends, in addition to the hot sex scenes.
If you enjoy MMA stories, or age gap romances, definitely check out Age Rules. The writing is great, as I'd expect from Michelle Frost and Jacki James. For a co-written book they perfectly blended their series and writing styles. It is definitely going on my re-read list.
April 20, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the older man/ younger man romance between Darren and Andre. Darren is retired from the navy and now is the president of a hospital. Darren is single and looking. He learns a high profile patient was admitted to the hospital and the patient's son is even more famous. Andre is a MMA fighter and his father had a heart attack, his father is the coach of the city's hockey team. Darren is attracted to Andre and has a bit of a crush on him, but he thinks he is too old for him. When Andre comes back to Austin to see his father, he is still in the closet because of his career. His family and close friends know he is gay, but it could end his MMA career. When Andre meets Darren, there is an instant attraction and they have a connection. Darren offers to help Andre find a gym to train at for his upcoming fight. Darren and Andre become friends and they flirt back and forth. When they finally give into their attractions, Darren tells Andre it can only be for one night. Darren refuses to date someone in the closet because he had a former relationship end badly because of don't ask don't tell when he was in the navy. Darren thinks it is unfair to the other person and he won't do that again. Andre wants to be with Darren, but he is supposed to go home to Cincinnati and he won't come out. Andre wants to wait until his career is more established. I really liked this story. I thought Darren was a good guy and he really cared for Andre, but he also knew it wasn't fair to either of them to hide. I think Andre had to decide if he could be happy and if it really mattered if he was gay. I loved the other characters in this story and the support they offered. I will be looking for more from these authors.
April 17, 2023
Darren Davis spent 20 years serving in the US Navy and now that things have changed he is out and proud so when it comes to a relationship he does not want anyone to be hidden in the closet. Up-and-coming MMA star Andre Harrison is definitely in the closet and also too young for Darren. But can Darren convince his traitorous heart that Andre isn’t the man for him? Andre's life was changed when he receives a phone call to say his former hockey star father has suffered a heart attack. Between trying to mend his father’s health, keeping his MMA training on schedule, and hiding his growing attraction for hospital President Darren Davis, he finds himself succeeding on all counts except one.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who had an attraction which they just could not deny and how it took compromise and then a bold move for them to have a future together. I appreciated that the book did not make light of some of the injuries that an MMA fighter can suffer and have after an intense fight and that their partner would have to accept them, They were a perfect pairing. Easy to read, feel and understand, it was great to feel the connection between them both. This is an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who had an attraction which they just could not deny and how it took compromise and then a bold move for them to have a future together. I appreciated that the book did not make light of some of the injuries that an MMA fighter can suffer and have after an intense fight and that their partner would have to accept them, They were a perfect pairing. Easy to read, feel and understand, it was great to feel the connection between them both. This is an MM story with mature content.
November 10, 2023
Coming Home, Coming Out!
When Andre got the call that his dad had a heart attack, he was on the first plane. Even though they weren't on good terms, there was no place else he'd rather be. What he didn't expect was to meet the sexiest silver fox he had ever seen. Darren, was a fan of the MMA fighter, he know he looked good on tv but in person he was breathtaking. Dealing with his father was very taxing so when the nurse came to take him for a walk Darren thought it would be a good time for lunch, Andre agreed. This was the beginning of their journey together, but there was one problem Andre was still in the closet. Darren thought he was the old for him anyway, Andre had other ideas and after a misunderstanding, a dance at the club it was only supposed to be a one night stand. That turned into something so much more important and neither one of them wanted to let go,but Darren was out and proud, that was the one obstacle between them. Darren tried to end it, but he did the one thing he was trying hard not to do and that is fall in love. It was that love that brought them back together and Andre out of the closet. GREAT STORY!!😍😍😍
When Andre got the call that his dad had a heart attack, he was on the first plane. Even though they weren't on good terms, there was no place else he'd rather be. What he didn't expect was to meet the sexiest silver fox he had ever seen. Darren, was a fan of the MMA fighter, he know he looked good on tv but in person he was breathtaking. Dealing with his father was very taxing so when the nurse came to take him for a walk Darren thought it would be a good time for lunch, Andre agreed. This was the beginning of their journey together, but there was one problem Andre was still in the closet. Darren thought he was the old for him anyway, Andre had other ideas and after a misunderstanding, a dance at the club it was only supposed to be a one night stand. That turned into something so much more important and neither one of them wanted to let go,but Darren was out and proud, that was the one obstacle between them. Darren tried to end it, but he did the one thing he was trying hard not to do and that is fall in love. It was that love that brought them back together and Andre out of the closet. GREAT STORY!!😍😍😍
April 21, 2019
I love this book and the collaboration between two authors that I really enjoy. Having characters from two different series' blend together so seamlessly is wonderful and I was totally engaged from the very first page. I love Darren and Andre as a couple as they have such a strong connection and amazing chemistry. Andre has a complicated relationship with his dad but he drops everything and returns home to help him after he has a heart attack. Darren has been crushing on Andre since he started watching MMA and he is further enamored after meeting him in person. Their attraction to each other is very compelling and so are the reasons that make a relationship between them nearly impossible. They both have to decide what they are willing to give up to be together. The secondary characters are one of my favorite parts of this story and it was great seeing so many of the couples from the previous books. I love the ending and I can't wait to read more books from both of these authors.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 24, 2019
A good 4 and a half stars read.
The sexual tension is off the charts in this one. I’ve never read anything about MMA fighters, but I like the whole May/December trope, so I was willing to give it a try.
I'm so glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Darren and Andre were well witten, their relationship was believable and I could understand the way both of them were thinking re their potential telationship.
I could see where Andre was coming from. I've read a lot of sport based books just lately, and I seem to have mentioned the same thing in each review. In real life, top sportsmen/women would be crucified by the trash news and the ignorant amongst us, if they came out as gay during their careers. Sad, but true.
Still, it's nice to pretend such things would be possible today. I enjoyed the MCs relationship,and loved their support network. I haven't read any of the previous books, but by just reading the blurbs, I knew what was going on. Can definitely be read as a standalone.
Recommended. 4 and a half stars.
The sexual tension is off the charts in this one. I’ve never read anything about MMA fighters, but I like the whole May/December trope, so I was willing to give it a try.
I'm so glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Darren and Andre were well witten, their relationship was believable and I could understand the way both of them were thinking re their potential telationship.
I could see where Andre was coming from. I've read a lot of sport based books just lately, and I seem to have mentioned the same thing in each review. In real life, top sportsmen/women would be crucified by the trash news and the ignorant amongst us, if they came out as gay during their careers. Sad, but true.
Still, it's nice to pretend such things would be possible today. I enjoyed the MCs relationship,and loved their support network. I haven't read any of the previous books, but by just reading the blurbs, I knew what was going on. Can definitely be read as a standalone.
Recommended. 4 and a half stars.
May 1, 2019
Friendship, passion ,conflicting priorities and falling in love create an awesome story. This is a really powerful story of finding yourself and determining what is really important in your life. Andrea had so ,much heart and so many challenges from his upcoming fight to his relationship with his father. Darren was a really awesome character also, i loved his calm, protective and loving personality. I really enjoyed that both men found a very special connection and that they both had room to grow as people.
Darren and Andre are truly wonderful characters that you will feel connected to and will fall in love with them both. I loved the writing and the story-line was engaging and kept me reading and enjoying.
It was awesome to see characters from the Open Wounds Series by Michelle Frost, I have read each of the books in that series and it was like connecting with old friends to see some of the characters in this book. The connection gave this book added depth and i loved it.
Darren and Andre are truly wonderful characters that you will feel connected to and will fall in love with them both. I loved the writing and the story-line was engaging and kept me reading and enjoying.
It was awesome to see characters from the Open Wounds Series by Michelle Frost, I have read each of the books in that series and it was like connecting with old friends to see some of the characters in this book. The connection gave this book added depth and i loved it.
April 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this book!!! This talented author duo knocked it out of the park with this collaboration!!! Andre is a MMA fighter who is in the closet....worried about what would happen to his career if he came out. He meets Darren when he travels to Austin to care for his dad who recently had a heart attack. Darren is the president of the hospital and a former Navy commander who served under the DADT era. He swore that he would never hide again his true self especially for someone he was interested in. Sparks flew when Darren and Andre met....their connection grew stronger the more time they spent with each other. They can't deny their feelings so they reach a mutual agreement that they feel would work best for them. Can they both keep their end of the agreement or will feelings and or possibly love get in the way? Such a great story one that I highly recommend to all. I hope to see more books from this duo (hint hint Tony and Miles lol) Well done!!!!
May 3, 2019
I have enjoyed at least a couple of books from each series that this one connects, and I was very impressed by the way the authors were able to weave their various characters and storylines into this wonderful romance. I loved both Darren and Andre, and I liked how the people who cared about each of them rallied to help this couple make their relationship work out. I hurt with each man at different times, but I never doubted that each was doing what he believed in his heart was for the best. It was an added bonus for me to get to see other characters I love from both series, including Darren's friend Tom, who is in a crazy but awesome situation that came together in Ms. James' Family Rules. I believe that this book would work just fine as a standalone, but I enjoyed it so much more, knowing some of the friends already. Now I just need to go back to both series to read the books I missed. I highly recommend the whole lot of stories!
May 6, 2019
Great crossover from two strong authors
I’m a fan of both of these authors and have enjoyed some of their previous works. I had not read the Rules series before but I will definitely be going back and checking it out now based on what I’ve read here. I read and loved the Open Wounds series so was glad to see some of those characters again.
Andre and Darren are great characters and the authors set up an interesting dynamic and problem. I enjoyed the way we got background info on each character without straying too far from this story and the way the story arc progressed. The brotherhood of friendship here is also great. Chosen family is one of my favorite tropes so it’s great to see it implemented here.
I am not a fan of BDSM so the few elements of it here I just skimmed over. It’s not too heavy and I could still enjoy the great storyline. If you shy away from that genre as well believe me you can still enjoy this book.
I’m a fan of both of these authors and have enjoyed some of their previous works. I had not read the Rules series before but I will definitely be going back and checking it out now based on what I’ve read here. I read and loved the Open Wounds series so was glad to see some of those characters again.
Andre and Darren are great characters and the authors set up an interesting dynamic and problem. I enjoyed the way we got background info on each character without straying too far from this story and the way the story arc progressed. The brotherhood of friendship here is also great. Chosen family is one of my favorite tropes so it’s great to see it implemented here.
I am not a fan of BDSM so the few elements of it here I just skimmed over. It’s not too heavy and I could still enjoy the great storyline. If you shy away from that genre as well believe me you can still enjoy this book.
May 1, 2019
Age Rules is a sexy, fun, and definitely successful merging of two series I love. Andre and Darren are each exactly what the other needs, but with Andre unwilling to come out yet due to his MMA career and Darren unwilling to go back in the closet, things seem destined to be temporary.. or are they? These two men are super hot together, and really sweet, too. Their connection is deeper than just lust from the start, no matter what they tried to tell themselves, and I truly enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. I love how Darren takes care of Andre, allowing Andre to flourish and thrive in not just his career, but his life. We also get to see some of my favorite characters from both the Breaking the Rules and Open Wounds series, which I was so excited about! I hope we get to see more Andre and Darren in future books from these authors.
May 26, 2019
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ4.5 stars
This was a good one. The two authors really did a good job of crossing over characters from both their series, Open Wounds from Michelle Frost and Jacki James's Breaking the Rules which I absolutely adored from book one.
In this book, Hospital Chief Darren meets MMA Andre when the latter's father was admitted to Darren's hospital for a serious medical emergency. The attraction was instant; but where Darren was out and free, Andre had years of following his father's words of keeping his proclivities to himself. Yet the more time they spent together, the more they could not deny what was between them. With Andre preparing for the fight of his career, getting with Darren could harm or hinder it.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ღ4.5 stars
This was a good one. The two authors really did a good job of crossing over characters from both their series, Open Wounds from Michelle Frost and Jacki James's Breaking the Rules which I absolutely adored from book one.
In this book, Hospital Chief Darren meets MMA Andre when the latter's father was admitted to Darren's hospital for a serious medical emergency. The attraction was instant; but where Darren was out and free, Andre had years of following his father's words of keeping his proclivities to himself. Yet the more time they spent together, the more they could not deny what was between them. With Andre preparing for the fight of his career, getting with Darren could harm or hinder it.
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