The Cromwell Rules

by Ania Ray

Lily Cromwell already knows the best way to prevent a life of tears and unnecessary heartache: be the player. She’s cool. Calm. Collected. At 27, she’s a New York City socialite and a software engineer on the brink of a promotion. Trained by her mother’s ten-commandment “Cromwell Rules,” Lily has learned how to play the social game so that she always ends up on top. But when she meets Logan, she’s thrown off. He doesn’t realize there are certain rules he should follow and, frankly, that’s attractive. Nicholas, on the other hand, is just what her mother Anne would want. Can Lily be the daughter Anne’s always wanted her to be and have the type of husband she was taught to stay away from? Will Lily be brave enough to rewrite the Rules?

292 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Ania Ray is a mama, author, and CEO of Quill & Cup, a global community for women writers. She writes women’s fiction where each protagonist must face the worst of herself before becoming the hero of her own story. When she's not working, she's hiking, chasing her toddler through new cities, or cooking for her loved ones. Follow her @theaniassey on Instagram and Facebook.

Reviews

[Mollie Backert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to fall into the world of Lily Cromwell. Couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait for Ania Ray to write more!

[Lauren Kolenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a joy to read Ania’s first novel! I’m not one to read modern romance because I’m usually not into the tropes and style of storytelling, but Ania’s writing is so vivid it hooked me from page one. I loved all the characters and the plot was so SPICY at times it made me literally gasp out loud lol.

Lily is a fun character to follow. Although I don’t relate with her posh New York, flirty boss-girl lifestyle it gave me ~Gossip Girl~ vibes and I was eating that ish up. However, as someone who deals with an overbearing parent, I 1000% could relate with her conflicts with Anne. Not to the same degree, of course, my parent never taught me how to be a modern day Mata Hari lol. But I appreciated the way Ania explored that relationship and Lily’s struggles with becoming her own autonomous person.

5/5 would recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic page-turners.

[Cody Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast read. The characters are real and the scenes are very well painted, as if you're watching the action rather than reading it. The juxtaposition between the "socialite Lily" and the "software engineer" Lily is definitely not something you see often, and its great for younger girls to see these kind of examples in literature. While the "flirty banter" isn't normally my cup of tea, I did really enjoy watching the relationships between Lily and Logan, as well as Lily and Vanessa/Geneva. I loved the scene where Anna and Vanessa were talking about their late husbands; too sad and sweet and real. This was definitely my favorite scene in the book. Or maybe swing dancing. I'd love to learn to swing dance. :) Disclaimer: I gave the author her last name.

[Kelly gierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read a book as fast as I did with The Cromwell Rules. The story was captivating, relatable to anyone caught in the phase of following their vs respecting parents approval or caught in following what society expects but knowing deep down the heart is leading you elsewhere. Descriptive and visual, it was like a movie playing in my head the entire time. Can't wait for the next book!!

[Bookishly_Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, when I first started reading I couldn't jive with Lily. I wanted to shake her and be like WHO CARES ABOUT SOME RULES YOUR MOMMA LAID OUT! LOL, I didn't connect at all with her, or so I thought! This story as I read continued to just draw me in even more! The way the author gives such great imagery of the characters and scenes, I loved it!! Will Lily break the Cromwell Rules or choose her own? You'll have to read to find out!

[Smita Namjoshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily is the type of character you want to see come to life! I loved following her journey as her feelings tried to fight through the ingrained Rules and approval of her mother. Lily's story was heartwarming, but there was enough laughter and fun thrown in there to keep it exciting and endearing. Wonderful debut from Ania Ray!

[Rebecca Peltzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a fun read! I wish there was a prelude or forward that listed the Cromwell Rules, but I liked them being revealed throughout and the split perspectives in the book. Perfect read for a winter vacation.

[Emily McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i read this book a few months back, I thought it was fantastic! Great read for a rainy day when you want to escape from the real world. I was immediately hooked onto the main character!

[Dorotka Dolezal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a refreshing novel. The story envelopes you from the beginning and you want to know what the next chapter shall bring. I believe any woman/man can relate to the struggles of Lily Cromwell. I picked up the book at 9pm and at 2am finally had to go to bed. Finished it the next day.

This book is full of funny quips, sexy fun-loving moments and a lesson anyone can take away from this novel. Extraordinary read from such a young author on her first novel. Looking forward to more from Ania Ray!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Cromwell lured me into her world, despite the fact that we don’t have much in common.

She is a New Yorker with the brains and the looks to conquer the world. She's got everything under control especially because of her mother’s strict code of conduct. Anne’s rules are nothing less than intimidating, but they seemed to have worked so far.

As Lily rediscovers herself, I couldn't help but feel that I had become her greatest supporter. Especially when she battles her own desires and needs while feeling the weight of her mother's expectations, even when they prove detrimental to her friendships, love life, career…

I personally loved Logan and his charming personality, I loved the inclusion of a Dominican character and I loved to hear from younger Lily who had not embraced the rules quite as much.

But, at the end of the day I think that what I loved most was being able to learn from Lily Cromwell’s journey. Beneath the rules we live by—self-imposed or otherwise—there is an authentic and vulnerable self that longs to be embraced.

[Brittany Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily has a problem that we can all relate to. Her mother.
The Cromwell Rules is is a fun, energetic story about Lily Cromwell, a successful NYC software engineer and socialite, RACING to launch her company, balance her love life, and please her mother all at the same time. Well, two out of three ain't bad. It has all of the fun of Sex and the City with the substance of a Jane Austen novel. The character of Lily Cromwell feels so real that you can see her stepping out of an NYC taxi cab in her perfectly polished stiletto heels, all the while knowing she was heading home for pink sweatpants & Chinese food. (After all, Saturdays are sacred.) This is the perfect read for the beach, a rainy day, or curled up by the fireplace. The Cromwell Rules needs to be on the top of your 'to read' list. After all, you have to know the rules, so you can break the rules. ;)

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and her story is the kind you can relate to whether you're a New York socialite like she is or not. Once she experiences all of the Rules her mother entrusts her to follow and uphold, she begins to come into her own. This is when the story picks up - showing the magic you can make when you create your path, no matter your influences. Easily the fastest I've read a novel in a long time. Flirtatious banter, drama, and humor between the characters made this a fun escape to read.

[Ozana Paraga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge shout out to the amazing Ania Ray on her first novel - The Cromwell Rules! I was so excited to order (a signed copy, no less!!), and I couldn't put it down till I finished! The characters were all so relatable, and the story itself allowed me to relax and enjoy, like any good book. I can't wait for more about Lily's story!! Can we expect book #2 any time soon?!

[amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt so good to connect with a main character like I did with Lily! I haven’t been so entranced with a plot in a long time, but The Cromwell Rules changed this. Such a fun, easy, read. It will leave you wanting more.

[Kendra Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE. I couldn’t put the book down. Each chapter makes you want to read one more. A complicated love story that leaves you hoping for a movie .. & definitely another book! Loved every bit of it & I’m sad it’s over!!

[Stephen Mullins]

Congratulations Ania Ray!!! This isn't normally the genre of book I read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. You have a real talent for writing, and I hope you will continue to pursue this dream!

[Joy Dornbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first fiction book that I read from cover to cover. I can’t remember the last book that I read from start to finish. This book is awesome. I can’t wait to see what happens next with these women.

[Jacquelyn]

This not only is a captivating storyline, but it was beyond relatable. Lily's life is a mirror of many struggles I have faced in my late teens and early 20s. Ania Ray is a talented author and an even bigger inspiration. I finished this book in less than 24 hours, not being able to put it down! If you are looking for a story to fall in love with, this is the one :)

[Natasha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling you are amazing!
I read the Cromwell rules in a matter of three days!! It was definitely a book I could not put down. I am going to be forever grateful for Lily’s sassy attitude and being able to channel my inner lily when I need an extra dose of confidence!

[Elizabeth Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a hard-to-put-down read. Definitely rooted for Logan and Lily. Both were vibrant and distinct characters woven into a world of brilliance created by Anita Ray! Must read for anyone who is trying to find themselves.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCELLENT book!! You would never know that this is Ania's first novel! So well written and a great read. Highly recommend!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time reading this. Loved it even more!

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I finished it in 2 days. It was the perfect mixture of humor and romance. The main character, Lily, reminds me of a mature Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl. 10/10 would recommend!

[Stacie Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel reignited my passion for reading fiction! Every scene was described so well and beautifully, I could picture it happening and how great it would translate to a movie. It’s a fun read with both thoughtful and exciting, on the edge of your seat, moments. Can’t wait to read more from Ania Ray!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ania,

I am so incredibly thankful to have met you in TLE. I have been cheering you on and will continue to do so! You set goals and you destroyed them - you are an inspiration to us all!! You are so talented and real!

Thank you for the signed book - and when I saw the acknowledgments my heart just burst.

Thank you for sharing your story with the world. The chemistry in this book is ON FIRE 🔥 and I have the hugest crush on a certain character (you know who!). I was not ready for the story to end. I want MORE!

I hope you are working on your next book!

[Ann McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that you pick up and never want to put down. Every single time I thought I knew what was going to happen, the next sense would take me by surprise. Each and every scene is so put together that you feel like you are actually there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book because this one was truly immaculate.

[Jenny Pulido · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lily captures your interest right from the beginning. I was captivated with her character! All women can relate to Lily’s complex relationship with her mom. The constant struggle with pleasing your family and following your own heart will resonate with all readers.

[Gina R. Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ania Ray has mastered the art of binge-worthy prose, but this audiobook did more than just leave me wanting more. I simultaneously wanted to linger in the many beautiful beats and soak up the juicy symbolism. There were some lines that beckoned me to pause and rewind because I HAD to write them down. (Trust me, you'll want the audio and a hardcopy so you can highlight!)

One might think "women's fiction" is synonymous with "romance." Sometimes it can be. And don't get me wrong--there are some dreamy moments in this book that will make your heart melt. BUT, Ray offers so much more. There's a hit-you-straight-in-the-gut backstory and a mother/daughter narrative that had me teary-eyed. This is why I would recommend The Cromwell Rules to romance lovers, literary fiction fans, and book clubs alike.

Ray crafts characters as dynamic as the women who are reading her work. All are so many versions of ourselves in a day--caregiver, partner, daughter, sister, employee, friend, etc. It only tracks that Lily, our FMC, has multitudes as well. She's smart as hell (Female coder! How cool!), she's a socialite, and she dates like it's an Olympic sport. She's also still so very much a young girl missing her father and she hasn't lost touch with her spunky seventeen-year-old self. But ever-present is the adult woman who is desperate for connection with her mother. Lily's evolving relationship with HERSELF will allow readers to buy into the journey. Sure, we get the *cutest* of meet cutes, we get the opposites attract trope, and, mercy, is Ania Ray a GENIUS at witty banter... Yet, it's Ania's attention to detail and the psychology of the character's inner lives that elevates her storytelling.

It was a gift to experience this world through the narration of Tiffany Vanlandingham. My oh my, is that woman a tour de force! If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this book was narrated by a full cast--her voices are THAT good. The distinct difference in cadence, rhythm, and inflection for each character was so beautifully executed. It's safe to say that I will be checking out all of Tiffany Vanlandingham's previous audiobooks and keeping tabs on her future works as well.

In brief, do yourself a favor and check out The Cromwell Rules. The bad news: You're going to get a book hangover. You WILL miss Lily and Logan and Anne instantly after hearing the words, "the end." But, the good news: Ania Ray has two more books in this universe... which are now at the tip top of my TBR!

[Katherine Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by complimenting the narration (I listened on Audible). It’s clean, crisp, and with the perfect amount of emotion injected into the characters. Tiffany V doesn’t go over the top. You can still project your own impressions onto the story.

Regarding the story, it was predictable, but comfortably so. It’s what I want out of a story like this. A woman with preconceived notions about love and hurt and a mother who pushed those notions onto her is challenged in ways that take away a safety net over a pool, and tease her with the joys that await her when she finally dives in and feels the cool water.

There’s great parallels between dancing and freedom. The rules are obtuse at times but make sense in the context of the trauma Anne did not process in a healthy manner (or possibly at all).

The ending confession was unsatisfying to me and seemed very scripted. There were multiple points where I THOUGHT the book would end (as in, wow that would’ve been a powerful spot to end it) but it kept going. I appreciate the author wanting to bear the characters’ hearts, but they did so much of it throughout the story that readers could’ve been trusted to feel it all at one of those powerful stopping points.

That being said, I’m being very nitpicky. This was an excellent story with good prose that wasn’t too flowery or suffered from what I deem “modern writing habits”, such as “carefully, I opened the door” or “cautiously, I stepped into the room” or constant smirking.

Will definitely read more by this author.

Thank you to the narrator, Tiffany, for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who devours audiobooks, I know that a narrator can make or break a listening experience. In the case of The Cromwell Rules, the performance absolutely makes it.

The Narration: A Solo Performance That Soars
The standout feature of this advanced listen was undoubtedly the narration. Tiffany Vanlandingham delivers a truly moving performance. Despite being a single narrator handling a full cast of characters, she managed to give distinct voices and emotional weight to everyone. Her storytelling pulled me through the entire journey, elevating the material and keeping me engaged even when the plot itself felt like just an "okay" experience. It’s a testament to her skill that the emotional beats landed as hard as they did.

As for the story itself, the FMC and her mom annoyed me. Be warned—if you have sensitivities around controlling parental relationships, this might be a tough listen. The dynamic between Lily and her mother is intense and, frankly, triggering at times. Watching Lily struggle under her mother’s thumb was a source of real frustration.

If you are strictly reading for the plot, the frustrating family dynamics might dampen the fun. However, if you are an audio-first consumer, Tiffany Vanlandingham’s performance is worth the credit. She brings a level of empathy and nuance to Lily’s internal struggle that might have been lost on the written page.

Great listen!!! I recommend!