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Villains Club #1
Rule
Maddox Rule lives a life most men can only dream of.
Nothing is out of his reach, thanks to his family’s wealth and power.
He wields that control with one goal—his pleasure.
But the good life he enjoys comes with strings, and if he wants to keep doing all those things he loves, he has to live up to his family’s expectations.
That means taking a wife, even if he doesn’t want one.
Not that I have any interest in being shackled to him either.
When the man holding the most of my father’s debt, the notoriously cruel Stephen Rule, decides I’d be a perfect wife for his wayward son, I understand the true effect of my father’s lifetime of mistakes.
He won’t have to pay for them. I will.
Just how I’ll have to do that is up to one man. Maddox Rule.
Nothing is out of his reach, thanks to his family’s wealth and power.
He wields that control with one goal—his pleasure.
But the good life he enjoys comes with strings, and if he wants to keep doing all those things he loves, he has to live up to his family’s expectations.
That means taking a wife, even if he doesn’t want one.
Not that I have any interest in being shackled to him either.
When the man holding the most of my father’s debt, the notoriously cruel Stephen Rule, decides I’d be a perfect wife for his wayward son, I understand the true effect of my father’s lifetime of mistakes.
He won’t have to pay for them. I will.
Just how I’ll have to do that is up to one man. Maddox Rule.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2021
674 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 30, 2023
Struggle to finnish this book.
It's an forced marriage but the H has sex and oral sex with 2 different women on his wedding night and says that to the h face while holding her by the hair.
The first time they have sex the consent is very dubious... Several times after also, because they are always fighting.
The h was 20 and acted her age... She annoyed me to death.
The H did to much wrong things, didn't like him...
The end was boring...
It's an forced marriage but the H has sex and oral sex with 2 different women on his wedding night and says that to the h face while holding her by the hair.
The first time they have sex the consent is very dubious... Several times after also, because they are always fighting.
The h was 20 and acted her age... She annoyed me to death.
The H did to much wrong things, didn't like him...
The end was boring...
March 1, 2021
My god this was an awful book. I hardly ever say that but this was a hard no. I struggled to even get through chapter 5. You have the alpha male who is a classified dick. His father forces him into a marriage where he goes to cheat on her their wedding night. Also talk about no sense of consent, he sexually assaulted her. He has no respect for his wife and acts like a damn teenager instead of a 28 year old man. This was so bad I know I will not be reading the rest of this series.
September 28, 2021
ＡＲＣ Ｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
『ɪ ʀᴇᴄɪᴇᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ』
➳ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Rule by Abbi Cook
Key:
☆ = No Star
★ = Full Star
⭑ = ¼ Star
✦ = ½ Star
⁂ = ¾ Star
➳ 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ★☆☆☆☆ 《1》
༄ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:
@𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚊𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛
(All other socials are in the link in my Instagram Bio)
❖𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 | 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬
Well, let's start explaining, shall we? Firstly, I've never given a book 3 or fewer stars for this month until the book I read before this one. I couldn't wait to read this book. I thought it would have been a good book to bounce back from the last one. Being an Arc reader is new to me. I only started to do this last month. Signing up as an Arc reader the most important thing is honesty. You are asked to give an honest review and when you sign up for a book as an Arc reader, you are promising to be as honest as possible. Honesty isn't always easy though. Like instances like this. I am so scared and nervous to post this review. You never know how someone will react to a bad review and I'm not talking about the author alone, I'm also speaking about fans of the author. I don't want to receive hate for simply sharing my opinion.
I am not going to participate in the act of hating on someone. I am not going to talk shit about the author or her book. I am sure that the author actually spent a lot of time and hard work on this book. I can only imagine the stress and struggle she felt while writing and publishing this. Yes, it was probably exciting, but I've been told multiple times, being an author isn't easy. I'm not gonna say this book was good, but I'm not gonna say it was bad either. I am sure that there are readers out there who enjoyed this book profusely. I am sure readers even fell in love with all of the characters. However, sad to say, but I am not one of those readers. Personally, this book was not for me. It just wasn't my style.
From the beginning, I didn't even connect with the characters. At first, I felt for Willow but then somewhere down the line she was just... well a name? I don't know how to explain it but I no longer connected with her. Then there's Maddox. The only thing I liked about him was his name. The vibe I got from him was that he was just a little rich boy who had Daddy's money and power but didn't like Daddy because he is an asshole. I actually hated him. Don't get me wrong, I love alpha males... just not the type like him. He was so controlling, and not even the controlling that's attractive. I get that this is a dark romance. I absolutely love dark romance. I've read some pretty dark things but I draw a line at certain things. Simply stuff like choking, pinning her on the ground while holding her hands above her head, and hair-pulling. I like stuff like that but I didn't like the way Maddox did it in this book. I was asked to not have any spoilers in this book so I won't directly say any. However, I am going to state some of my thoughts and opinions. I NEVER kink shame. I don't see the point. You like something I don't. That's great. Good for you. It's not my cup of tea but it clearly is yours. I have no problem with that. However, there are two things I have a problem with and don't like to read about in a book, especially when it's actually between the two main characters. The two things I can't stand between the main characters are rape and when one person in the 'relationship' is below the age of 18. Now, not all of this happened in this book, I'm just listing what I don't like. I don't kink shame, I simply just don't understand or like certain kinks. Just because I don't understand it doesn't mean I speak down on it. What you do in your time is non of my business and I have absolutely no right to judge. Period. I am okay with CNC sex. I didn't understand it at first but someone who has that kink explained it to me. I understand it now and even like it to a certain extent. However, I don't like when someone fights the other because they genuinely don't want to sleep with them. I can understand, to a certain extent, if you sleep with someone even if they're drunk. Well obviously only if they actually were attracted to you while sober and would be okay doing it while sober as well. I read a book once where it was a man over the age of 40 and the girl was under the age of 16. That is an example of age gaps that I don't like. Like I said earlier, not all of this actually took place in the book. I'm just ranting about certain things I don't like that take part in any book. I did continue reading and was okay with some chapters. That's why I decided to give this 3 stars and not less. Some chapters, were enjoyable to a certain point. This book was just not one of my type of books. If you enjoyed this book, that's great! I respect the fact that you did, so please respect the fact that this book simply wasn't my style of reading. I won't take hate lightly.
I will leave my statement at this was just not a book for me. However, I do understand that authors work very hard so, in a couple of months, I am going to read this book again, giving it another chance. If my opinion on the book changes, I will edit my review and rating. If I still feel as if this book is just not a book for me, it will stay the same.
UPDATE: I WILL NOT READ THIS BACK...EVER. HE PRACTICALLY SEXUALLY ASSULTED HER. NO. NEVER. I WAS TRYING TO BE NICE IN MY REVIEW ABOVE BUT LIKE...THIS JUST WAS NOT IT.
『ɪ ʀᴇᴄɪᴇᴠᴇᴅ ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ』
➳ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Rule by Abbi Cook
Key:
☆ = No Star
★ = Full Star
⭑ = ¼ Star
✦ = ½ Star
⁂ = ¾ Star
➳ 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ★☆☆☆☆ 《1》
༄ 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:
@𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚊𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛
(All other socials are in the link in my Instagram Bio)
❖𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 | 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬
Well, let's start explaining, shall we? Firstly, I've never given a book 3 or fewer stars for this month until the book I read before this one. I couldn't wait to read this book. I thought it would have been a good book to bounce back from the last one. Being an Arc reader is new to me. I only started to do this last month. Signing up as an Arc reader the most important thing is honesty. You are asked to give an honest review and when you sign up for a book as an Arc reader, you are promising to be as honest as possible. Honesty isn't always easy though. Like instances like this. I am so scared and nervous to post this review. You never know how someone will react to a bad review and I'm not talking about the author alone, I'm also speaking about fans of the author. I don't want to receive hate for simply sharing my opinion.
I am not going to participate in the act of hating on someone. I am not going to talk shit about the author or her book. I am sure that the author actually spent a lot of time and hard work on this book. I can only imagine the stress and struggle she felt while writing and publishing this. Yes, it was probably exciting, but I've been told multiple times, being an author isn't easy. I'm not gonna say this book was good, but I'm not gonna say it was bad either. I am sure that there are readers out there who enjoyed this book profusely. I am sure readers even fell in love with all of the characters. However, sad to say, but I am not one of those readers. Personally, this book was not for me. It just wasn't my style.
From the beginning, I didn't even connect with the characters. At first, I felt for Willow but then somewhere down the line she was just... well a name? I don't know how to explain it but I no longer connected with her. Then there's Maddox. The only thing I liked about him was his name. The vibe I got from him was that he was just a little rich boy who had Daddy's money and power but didn't like Daddy because he is an asshole. I actually hated him. Don't get me wrong, I love alpha males... just not the type like him. He was so controlling, and not even the controlling that's attractive. I get that this is a dark romance. I absolutely love dark romance. I've read some pretty dark things but I draw a line at certain things. Simply stuff like choking, pinning her on the ground while holding her hands above her head, and hair-pulling. I like stuff like that but I didn't like the way Maddox did it in this book. I was asked to not have any spoilers in this book so I won't directly say any. However, I am going to state some of my thoughts and opinions. I NEVER kink shame. I don't see the point. You like something I don't. That's great. Good for you. It's not my cup of tea but it clearly is yours. I have no problem with that. However, there are two things I have a problem with and don't like to read about in a book, especially when it's actually between the two main characters. The two things I can't stand between the main characters are rape and when one person in the 'relationship' is below the age of 18. Now, not all of this happened in this book, I'm just listing what I don't like. I don't kink shame, I simply just don't understand or like certain kinks. Just because I don't understand it doesn't mean I speak down on it. What you do in your time is non of my business and I have absolutely no right to judge. Period. I am okay with CNC sex. I didn't understand it at first but someone who has that kink explained it to me. I understand it now and even like it to a certain extent. However, I don't like when someone fights the other because they genuinely don't want to sleep with them. I can understand, to a certain extent, if you sleep with someone even if they're drunk. Well obviously only if they actually were attracted to you while sober and would be okay doing it while sober as well. I read a book once where it was a man over the age of 40 and the girl was under the age of 16. That is an example of age gaps that I don't like. Like I said earlier, not all of this actually took place in the book. I'm just ranting about certain things I don't like that take part in any book. I did continue reading and was okay with some chapters. That's why I decided to give this 3 stars and not less. Some chapters, were enjoyable to a certain point. This book was just not one of my type of books. If you enjoyed this book, that's great! I respect the fact that you did, so please respect the fact that this book simply wasn't my style of reading. I won't take hate lightly.
I will leave my statement at this was just not a book for me. However, I do understand that authors work very hard so, in a couple of months, I am going to read this book again, giving it another chance. If my opinion on the book changes, I will edit my review and rating. If I still feel as if this book is just not a book for me, it will stay the same.
UPDATE: I WILL NOT READ THIS BACK...EVER. HE PRACTICALLY SEXUALLY ASSULTED HER. NO. NEVER. I WAS TRYING TO BE NICE IN MY REVIEW ABOVE BUT LIKE...THIS JUST WAS NOT IT.
February 19, 2021
Being a rule has it’s perks, one that Maddox enjoyed. But when he is summoned by the Order of Impuratus, a society the Rule’s have been over for a long as anyone can remember he did not expect for his life to change at that moment. For his family to stay in the society Maddox needs to provide an heir yet he’s only 28 so he’s livid because he’s not done living the good life. Maddox’s father Stephen had something fall into his lap that would provide the answer for Maddox’s problem but when we meet Willow, I see that she would be challenging Maddox in every direction.
Willow’s life has just been turned upside down. Learning that her father has “traded” her in exchange for his gambling debt was not only heartbreaking, but she feels betrayed by the one person that should have loved her and protected her at any cost. I knew this was going to be an emotional & exciting read.
Let me put this out here, I could not stand Maddox’s attitude thinking he would always be a bachelor even when he was married. Now that she was part of a dysfunctional family Willow realizes that would not allow Maddox to walk all over her had me rooting for her.
Will Maddox & Willow ever come together? Would Maddox stop being an a**hole? Would Maddox allow the “society” to rule over his and his children’s lives? Get ready for a rumbling and answers! Kara~ 4.5 Stars
Willow’s life has just been turned upside down. Learning that her father has “traded” her in exchange for his gambling debt was not only heartbreaking, but she feels betrayed by the one person that should have loved her and protected her at any cost. I knew this was going to be an emotional & exciting read.
Let me put this out here, I could not stand Maddox’s attitude thinking he would always be a bachelor even when he was married. Now that she was part of a dysfunctional family Willow realizes that would not allow Maddox to walk all over her had me rooting for her.
Will Maddox & Willow ever come together? Would Maddox stop being an a**hole? Would Maddox allow the “society” to rule over his and his children’s lives? Get ready for a rumbling and answers! Kara~ 4.5 Stars
October 11, 2022
Let me start by saying I have next to no triggers. I love a good dark arrange marriage but this one just fell short for me. When it started out and he was living his life like he wasn’t married I thought yes here we go…. The conflict was very anticlimactic and although I think the h was suppose to grow some and be a different person towards the end it.just.fell.short
It had so much potential I’m glad it only cost 99c
It had so much potential I’m glad it only cost 99c
February 28, 2021
A book that you need to read if you love alpha males. Maddox and Willow's story is not all fluffy and sweet. Their journey was not easy at all. It was one hell of a ride. I couldn't get enough of their story. I can't wait to read more of the series.
Want to read
February 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/9/2023)! 🎁
April 17, 2021
I would have to give this book a 4 out of 5- star rating. This book had a nice pace to it, it made it a really good book. The male and female main characters were well written the only thing that bugged me was that Willow, was easily scared with the world of Maddox Rule's family lifestyle. The book was well written and fun to read. I do recommend this book and author.
February 25, 2021
To me this is a Beauty & the Beast retelling which I love.
Maddox just wnat to be a bachelor but he has a responsibility to the family & Willow has been traded to be part of the Rule's family tradition involving a heir within a year...
Their relationship is VERY VERY enemies to lovers. I love how she fights back his attitude towards her. When what they are going through isn't in their control. Maddox I loved him and it took him awhile to learn what love is. I love the last chapter 🥰🥰
The Rule family has a few secrets and one uncle called Asher. Let's just say he created some suspense tense with the family. AND Willow mam is link to this family !!
☆MUST READ☆
I love a secret club & Billionaire & Mafia
Maddox just wnat to be a bachelor but he has a responsibility to the family & Willow has been traded to be part of the Rule's family tradition involving a heir within a year...
Their relationship is VERY VERY enemies to lovers. I love how she fights back his attitude towards her. When what they are going through isn't in their control. Maddox I loved him and it took him awhile to learn what love is. I love the last chapter 🥰🥰
The Rule family has a few secrets and one uncle called Asher. Let's just say he created some suspense tense with the family. AND Willow mam is link to this family !!
☆MUST READ☆
I love a secret club & Billionaire & Mafia
June 15, 2021
To be honest I thought the book would be better
This book was recommended by someone in a group I belong too. I was looking for a "cheating" book. By all the 1 star reviews this book has because of the cheating I really thought that's what I was getting. However it is talked about you never truly see any of it so it's up in the air.
Needless to say it was a flop for me but I could not give it a 1 star because there wasn't really anything wrong with the book. Just NOT what I wanted.
This book was recommended by someone in a group I belong too. I was looking for a "cheating" book. By all the 1 star reviews this book has because of the cheating I really thought that's what I was getting. However it is talked about you never truly see any of it so it's up in the air.
Needless to say it was a flop for me but I could not give it a 1 star because there wasn't really anything wrong with the book. Just NOT what I wanted.
April 15, 2023
Nope. Nope. Nope.
April 30, 2021
I am speechless
No spoilers. This was just the absolute best book I have read in a long time. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book!
No spoilers. This was just the absolute best book I have read in a long time. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book!
April 11, 2021
2.75 rating.
Based upon a scale of 10 my overview of the book is as follows:
Villain's Alpha Male Scale 4
Characters Scale 2-3
Plot: A glorified Mafia/syndicate genre with billionaires doing the murdering and plundering in the name of "The Order"
Editing: Some basic editing issues
Story Line: 3
This wasn't one of my favorite reads and was hard to finish. The story line was a billionaire's rendition of a mafia/syndicate genre, nothing more. The author tried to make Maddox out as some bad....ass and a villainous character when compared to other villain's I read in other stories, was milk toast. Yes he was a as.....ole through and through and a first class scumbag throughout most of the novel but wasn't a villain that I will remember as being anything more than a spoiled, privileged man child that needed a reality check. He's into sex with numerous partners, drugs, drinking....just the guy you want to be your husband and have a child with. Ugh....one can only wonder how many sexually transmitted diseases this guy has.
Willow is the daughter of a drunk/gambling addict that comes to his rescue as "Florence Nightingale" to save Daddy Dearest from getting killed because he owes money to Maddox's father/the Order. Daughters who are so guilt ridden that they find it necessary to constantly try and save their fathers from themselves is getting old. I would love just once for these women when faced with marrying a complete stranger to say "No" when it comes times for the vows. Maddox is mentally and physically abusive throughout the book but I wouldn't classify him as a "dark alpha character". Willow's character was all over the place; sometimes being outspoken and snarky and other times submissive. Her goodness and sweetness became a "cliché" after a while.
The book has it moments with some intrigue like who killed Willow's mother and what happened to all the wives of Maddox's father? These women disappeared or died untimely deaths after being incubators for The Order or died from mysterious illness'. Their demises' were briefly discussed but was never really addressed. The Uncle was an added surprise and actually added some much needed intrigue to the story.
I never connected with either character even when he got her pregnant and everything became hearts and flowers even as "The order" continued their heinous behavior and acts of violence. They justified their own existence by touting their ability to keep the world safe and moving forward strictly by their existence.
Based upon a scale of 10 my overview of the book is as follows:
Villain's Alpha Male Scale 4
Characters Scale 2-3
Plot: A glorified Mafia/syndicate genre with billionaires doing the murdering and plundering in the name of "The Order"
Editing: Some basic editing issues
Story Line: 3
This wasn't one of my favorite reads and was hard to finish. The story line was a billionaire's rendition of a mafia/syndicate genre, nothing more. The author tried to make Maddox out as some bad....ass and a villainous character when compared to other villain's I read in other stories, was milk toast. Yes he was a as.....ole through and through and a first class scumbag throughout most of the novel but wasn't a villain that I will remember as being anything more than a spoiled, privileged man child that needed a reality check. He's into sex with numerous partners, drugs, drinking....just the guy you want to be your husband and have a child with. Ugh....one can only wonder how many sexually transmitted diseases this guy has.
Willow is the daughter of a drunk/gambling addict that comes to his rescue as "Florence Nightingale" to save Daddy Dearest from getting killed because he owes money to Maddox's father/the Order. Daughters who are so guilt ridden that they find it necessary to constantly try and save their fathers from themselves is getting old. I would love just once for these women when faced with marrying a complete stranger to say "No" when it comes times for the vows. Maddox is mentally and physically abusive throughout the book but I wouldn't classify him as a "dark alpha character". Willow's character was all over the place; sometimes being outspoken and snarky and other times submissive. Her goodness and sweetness became a "cliché" after a while.
The book has it moments with some intrigue like who killed Willow's mother and what happened to all the wives of Maddox's father? These women disappeared or died untimely deaths after being incubators for The Order or died from mysterious illness'. Their demises' were briefly discussed but was never really addressed. The Uncle was an added surprise and actually added some much needed intrigue to the story.
I never connected with either character even when he got her pregnant and everything became hearts and flowers even as "The order" continued their heinous behavior and acts of violence. They justified their own existence by touting their ability to keep the world safe and moving forward strictly by their existence.
February 19, 2023
This one showed up on my Play Books as a first book in a series. I appreciate getting to know new-to-me authors, but something told me to look a bit more into this, as "villain", is a word I tend to enjoy more than "hero". I read the reviews and decided to take a chance and see what the conflicting opinions were all about. Were there triggers? Yes. Was it interesting to see a fictional story based upon hush-hush happenings in the world? Yes.
The reviews are definitely based upon the reader's point of view, as it should be. Personal thoughts, feelings, history, and opinions definitely play into my desire to write a review for this book, and you must know I have already downloaded the next four in this series. Rule is imaginative, creative, sometimes dark, but romantic. Definitely a romance. Sometimes the path to get what one wants isn't the path a reader would choose, and that's okay. Different authors provide a different perspective and I'm going back for more of Abbi Cook's perspective. The Rule family has me curious, as a cat.
The reviews are definitely based upon the reader's point of view, as it should be. Personal thoughts, feelings, history, and opinions definitely play into my desire to write a review for this book, and you must know I have already downloaded the next four in this series. Rule is imaginative, creative, sometimes dark, but romantic. Definitely a romance. Sometimes the path to get what one wants isn't the path a reader would choose, and that's okay. Different authors provide a different perspective and I'm going back for more of Abbi Cook's perspective. The Rule family has me curious, as a cat.
March 9, 2021
4.5 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒
𝖨 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖾𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝖽𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝖨 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝖺 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗉𝗁𝖺 𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾- 𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝖺 𝗐𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗏𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗇'𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝗈𝗇'𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗂𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗂𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎. 𝖶𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽....
𝖬𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗈𝗑 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗅𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗍𝖾𝗉𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍'𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗁𝗂𝗆 𝗍𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖽𝗎𝖼𝖾 𝖺𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋, 𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗈𝖿 28 𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖽𝗋𝗎𝗇𝗄 𝖿𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝖺𝗒 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝖻𝗍𝗌.
𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖽𝗂𝖿𝖿𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗀𝖾, 𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌. 𝖬𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗈𝗑 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗏𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗇𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌. 𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗌𝗈𝗅𝗎𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗇𝗈 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗒, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝗒𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗄𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗌. 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖺 𝗌𝗂𝗆𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗒 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗂𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁? 𝖨'𝗆 𝖾𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗇 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗒𝗌.
𝖨 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖾𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝖽𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝖨 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝖺 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗉𝗁𝖺 𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾- 𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝖺 𝗐𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗏𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗇'𝗍 𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝗈𝗇'𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗂𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗂𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎. 𝖶𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝖽....
𝖬𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗈𝗑 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗅𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖲𝗍𝖾𝗉𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍'𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗁𝗂𝗆 𝗍𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖽𝗎𝖼𝖾 𝖺𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋, 𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗈𝖿 28 𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖽𝗋𝗎𝗇𝗄 𝖿𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝖺𝗒 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝖻𝗍𝗌.
𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖽𝗂𝖿𝖿𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗋𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾𝖽 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗀𝖾, 𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗈 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌. 𝖬𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗈𝗑 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗏𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗇𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗌 𝗐𝖺𝗌. 𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗌𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗌𝗈𝗅𝗎𝗍𝖾𝗅𝗒 𝗇𝗈 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗌𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈. 𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗒, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝗒𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗄𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗌. 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖺 𝗌𝗂𝗆𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉, 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗒 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗂𝗍 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁? 𝖨'𝗆 𝖾𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗐𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗇 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖱𝗎𝗅𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗒𝗌.
November 14, 2021
Awesome storyline!
I loved how this story evolved. From Maddox's shock over having to produce an heir to him killing for Willow, this story was full of passion. Each was just as guilty as the other in their false assumptions of their feelings throughout the entire story. Their rage turning into hot sex was fantastic. The backstory involving her deceased mother's role in how this all began added the emotional connection to tie it all together. Great read!
I loved how this story evolved. From Maddox's shock over having to produce an heir to him killing for Willow, this story was full of passion. Each was just as guilty as the other in their false assumptions of their feelings throughout the entire story. Their rage turning into hot sex was fantastic. The backstory involving her deceased mother's role in how this all began added the emotional connection to tie it all together. Great read!
February 10, 2021
HOLY H*E^L this book! I freakin LOVE it. I was back and forth between wanting to kill these characters and feeling sorry for them. Maddox Rule and Willow Andrews journey is anything but the typical romance. Their backgrounds are vastly different and personalities are totally opposite. But hey, opposites attract right? Rule is an incredibly great read and definitely an emotional ride.
June 23, 2021
Don’t buy this book
I could t even make it through 30% of the book. Being cruel just to be cruel is boring. The characters have no depth. The story line lacks a coherent plot. Thai book is terrible. I kept hoping that it would improve but it did not
I could t even make it through 30% of the book. Being cruel just to be cruel is boring. The characters have no depth. The story line lacks a coherent plot. Thai book is terrible. I kept hoping that it would improve but it did not
Read
January 12, 2022Terrible, the entire book made me so uncomfortable . Rape, women abuse, consent violations, toxic masculinity. This book should come with a caution and trigger warnings. Will not be reading any further books by this author.
March 12, 2021
DNF! 😵💫🤷🏻♀️
February 24, 2023
You can read my review of Rule on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....
This is a spoiler-free review! Rule is currently available for free on iBooks and Kindle.
I told myself I should take a break from an arranged marriage book and yet here I am, reading the third one in a row. What can I say, the heart wants what the heart wants. Willow is thrust into a marriage that neither she or Maddox want to take part in, but Maddox understands that it is just one more thing to do in order for his family to stay in power.
The tension between Willow and Maddox is brewing in the beginning of the book, but as their story goes on, it becomes astronomical, even if Willow is still going against everything Maddox tells her to do. Stay in the estate? Willow thinks not. Not speaking to his uncle, Asher? Willow just wants to chat! Her survival skills are subpar to say the least, and marrying into a powerful and deadly family is such to knock some sense into her quick.
Ever the playboy, Maddox is still running around town acting like a fraternity brother who thinks he runs the school. At first, maybe charming in the "his ego is too big for him" kind of way, but it quickly grows old as he continues to leave his wife sitting alone at every chance he gets. The smut scenes definitely build up as the story progresses, and were pretty typical of what is scene in darker romance books.
Willow is a 21-year-old who is book smart and curious, leaving nothing to rest until she knows exactly what is going on. Unfortunately for Maddox, he does everything to avoid answering her questions as he tries to keep her in the dark and away from his family's business. Compared to Maddox's 28 years, she has some growing up to do -- her naivety is refreshing to Maddox, but only for a short time until it becomes detrimental to her survival in their house and being a part of his family.
There is a suspense aspect to this book that deeply reminds me of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, in the sense that all of a sudden there is a new character introduced that has now become the Big Bad of the book. However, I am a sucker for the "Where is my wife?" line, so I was happily turning each page hoping for something to happen -- and boy did it.
Everyone loves keeping secrets in this book, especially when it came to figuring out why Willow was so special and the perfect choice for Maddox to marry. Her father owed a debt, yet she is the price he had to pay -- with no regret, I might add. His role of concerning father could have definitely used some more tears or resistance if he actually cared about what was happening to his daughter.
I would have loved to see more of Maddox and Willow's relationship when they actually communicated with one another -- as much as I loved the tension between them, they felt disconnected from each other during the third act of the book. I do think they made a lot of progress in their relationship, especially considering they did not know each other when they were married.
For fans of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier that are looking for a tamer arranged marriage or forced proximity trope, Rule will certainly fill the void. A quick read for anyone in need of a steamy read to get back into romance and take a ride on the more taboo side of the genre.
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April 24, 2023
Okay so there was some things that didn't get answered but OMG I loved this
I don't know why he was not answering her at the ball knowing he was scaring her and she was freaking out. Yeah eventually you learn she freaked over nothing but still - nothing was happening yet her husband was being weird AF, not answering any of her questions causing her to panic, then being cryptic AF telling her no matter what happens that night he'd be by her side and for her to remember their time together in those days he was healing and they had their truce. He was acting like something was about to happen to her. Okay Uncle showed up but at that time there was no cause for concern so I do not think that was it ( her husband had no idea about his relationship to her mom either) But nothing happened - absolutely nothing. His behavior for why he was telling her those things and her panicking was never explained
In the beginning he cheated. He said the marriage changed nothing and he would continue living his life while he locked her away. She didn't really fight it she was like whatever which okay- I get. But then they made promises, feelings got involved, and things get good only for him to block her out and starts acting like he did in the beginning and starts coming home late like he's cheating again UGH I wanted to kill him!
Yesss - she went against him and did something she said she wouldn't do. I get that. What a biotch. lol But he literally took everything from her and locked her away. She wanted stories of her mom cause they were making her happy. She just wanted to feel close to her mom - something he couldn't give her. She was alone.
So instead of being the adult he claimed to be and handling his emotions when she was taken - he blocks her out treats her like crap and starts not coming home. He 'says' there was no one else SHE ACTUALLY believed his ass too. But come on - he was drinking and snorting everything is sight coming home smelling like other women. I'm sure he got messed up enough he doesn't remember half the crap he did. He did not go out and not get hit on and tell the women to eff off.. come on that's not who he is. ARGH!
She dealt with him like crazy good. I would've went all psycho and slept with his brother lmao
When she gave up on him finally and walked away - WOOO! I was cheering her ass on. But of course he wasn't about to let her walk away. UGH
It was so priceless though. I needed more of that - of her standing up to his ass.
We finally find out why his dad chose her though and honestly, it's really sweet. Of course its still messed up, but his intentions were good enough.
It was such a damn good story - I love the anti heros though. So like - I know he was an asshole but I loved him.
I was really expecting a scene at some point for her to walk in and find him with another woman. I had been waiting on edge for that ish to happen - of course it didn't but man that would've been good. He had enough respect for her though to keep it away from the house he locked her up in.
I really woke my ass up at 230 AM to finish reading this. I never think I'm going to like the anti heroes when the story starts but I always ended up falling for their asses. Although I wish they would have to repent more - or suffer a bit more when they realize they screwed up ( why doesn't anyone write that?? lol) but its my toxic trait.
I don't know why he was not answering her at the ball knowing he was scaring her and she was freaking out. Yeah eventually you learn she freaked over nothing but still - nothing was happening yet her husband was being weird AF, not answering any of her questions causing her to panic, then being cryptic AF telling her no matter what happens that night he'd be by her side and for her to remember their time together in those days he was healing and they had their truce. He was acting like something was about to happen to her. Okay Uncle showed up but at that time there was no cause for concern so I do not think that was it ( her husband had no idea about his relationship to her mom either) But nothing happened - absolutely nothing. His behavior for why he was telling her those things and her panicking was never explained
In the beginning he cheated. He said the marriage changed nothing and he would continue living his life while he locked her away. She didn't really fight it she was like whatever which okay- I get. But then they made promises, feelings got involved, and things get good only for him to block her out and starts acting like he did in the beginning and starts coming home late like he's cheating again UGH I wanted to kill him!
Yesss - she went against him and did something she said she wouldn't do. I get that. What a biotch. lol But he literally took everything from her and locked her away. She wanted stories of her mom cause they were making her happy. She just wanted to feel close to her mom - something he couldn't give her. She was alone.
So instead of being the adult he claimed to be and handling his emotions when she was taken - he blocks her out treats her like crap and starts not coming home. He 'says' there was no one else SHE ACTUALLY believed his ass too. But come on - he was drinking and snorting everything is sight coming home smelling like other women. I'm sure he got messed up enough he doesn't remember half the crap he did. He did not go out and not get hit on and tell the women to eff off.. come on that's not who he is. ARGH!
She dealt with him like crazy good. I would've went all psycho and slept with his brother lmao
When she gave up on him finally and walked away - WOOO! I was cheering her ass on. But of course he wasn't about to let her walk away. UGH
It was so priceless though. I needed more of that - of her standing up to his ass.
We finally find out why his dad chose her though and honestly, it's really sweet. Of course its still messed up, but his intentions were good enough.
It was such a damn good story - I love the anti heros though. So like - I know he was an asshole but I loved him.
I was really expecting a scene at some point for her to walk in and find him with another woman. I had been waiting on edge for that ish to happen - of course it didn't but man that would've been good. He had enough respect for her though to keep it away from the house he locked her up in.
I really woke my ass up at 230 AM to finish reading this. I never think I'm going to like the anti heroes when the story starts but I always ended up falling for their asses. Although I wish they would have to repent more - or suffer a bit more when they realize they screwed up ( why doesn't anyone write that?? lol) but its my toxic trait.
February 25, 2021
Maddox Rule lives a life most men can only dream of.
Nothing is out of his reach, thanks to his family’s wealth and power.
He wields that control with one goal—his pleasure.
But the good life he enjoys comes with strings, and if he wants to keep doing all those things he loves, he has to live up to his family’s expectations.
That means taking a wife, even if he doesn’t want one.
Not that I have any interest in being shackled to him either.
When the man holding the most of my father’s debt, the notoriously cruel Stephen Rule, decides I’d be a perfect wife for his wayward son, I understand the true effect of my father’s lifetime of mistakes.
He won’t have to pay for them. I will.
Just how I’ll have to do that is up to one man. Maddox Rule.
Wow... where do I even begin? Let's just say... Rule (The Villains Club #1) by Abbi Cook was such an intense and breathtaking story, that I couldn't put down. I read it in one night and it was really worth it. Willow and Maddox were like Ice ad Fire. When they are both on fire, you get an explosion and so many emotions, that you really get the feeling that you are in the middle of the story. They both have a very strong character and that is what amazes me. The author did an amazing job by capturing their personality. And their love for one another is so passionate despite their differences. The setting is also very good and the writing was perfect. I'm so excited to read the next book from The Villains Club.
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March 1, 2021
3.5 stars. Mystery and intrigue! That's most of this story about a family that rules a secret society of ruthless businessmen. The Rule men have been in charge for generations and to keep their spot at the top it's time for the firstborn son to produce a heir. A little strange without much detail on why now but dad forces Maddox to comply. Lots of mystery around Willow and 'why her' that plays out during the story. The mystery was a little lacking for me and dad's reasoning iffy. Poor Willow is forced by her father's bad decisions to go along. I wish there had been some background on Willow. She was a little aggravating with all her questions and not much else. A little more character development would have helped. She was sweet and caring even to a cold husband. So much mystery around the Rules and all their rules. Maddox was a real jerk at the beginning and then grew into a likable husband. There were some steamy encounters that advanced Maddox and Willow's relationship as the story progressed. There wasn't much detail about the secret society the Rule sons called the Villains Club in the story. Also, what then heck was the Rule's business? Sorta mafia like but not a lot of information just violence and death and deals. The brothers were background with only Helix getting some attention. I guess his story will be next. This was a tense, mysterious story with a forced marriage and slow build romance. Something different and intriguing that kept my attention. I just had to know the answers to all of Willow's questions. I'm interested in the next story in the series to see what's up with the Villains. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
March 9, 2021
Rule is book one in the Villains Club and also the first book from Abbi Cook I've read. The blurb had me intrigued and the book did not disappoint.
Rule is a forced/arranged marriage book that had me hooked from start to finish. Being a Rule has it's perks and Maddox takes full advantage of that when it comes to Willow. The Villains Club as the Rule brothers call it, rule their world. As the oldest son Maddox needs to have a child within a year or he doesn't take over as president of the club. So when Willow's father can't pay his debt the perfect solution to both situations presents itself. Marry Willow, have a baby, and remove the debt.
Willow is not on board with this plan at all.
I love a forced/arrange marriage book and Abbi Cook does amazing with this one. I couldn't get enough of Maddox and Willow. I love a good alpha-hole as much as the next person and Maddox is that.
Maddox rule is an asshole. He's a huge asshole that has no issues with being one. And the more he feels for Willow the bigger asshole he is. Willow is not one to submit. And she has mixed feelings about the fact that she's starting to have feelings for Maddox. The love/hate relationship they have is so much fun to read.
When Maddox realizes his true feelings will it be too late? Is too much damage done in the process of trying to hate her or will she forgive him? Will daddy Rule allow Maddox and Willow to be happy?
Rule is the perfect start to the Villains Club series and leaves you needing more. Rule also has me running to read more of Abbi Cook.
Rule is a forced/arranged marriage book that had me hooked from start to finish. Being a Rule has it's perks and Maddox takes full advantage of that when it comes to Willow. The Villains Club as the Rule brothers call it, rule their world. As the oldest son Maddox needs to have a child within a year or he doesn't take over as president of the club. So when Willow's father can't pay his debt the perfect solution to both situations presents itself. Marry Willow, have a baby, and remove the debt.
Willow is not on board with this plan at all.
I love a forced/arrange marriage book and Abbi Cook does amazing with this one. I couldn't get enough of Maddox and Willow. I love a good alpha-hole as much as the next person and Maddox is that.
Maddox rule is an asshole. He's a huge asshole that has no issues with being one. And the more he feels for Willow the bigger asshole he is. Willow is not one to submit. And she has mixed feelings about the fact that she's starting to have feelings for Maddox. The love/hate relationship they have is so much fun to read.
When Maddox realizes his true feelings will it be too late? Is too much damage done in the process of trying to hate her or will she forgive him? Will daddy Rule allow Maddox and Willow to be happy?
Rule is the perfect start to the Villains Club series and leaves you needing more. Rule also has me running to read more of Abbi Cook.
July 9, 2023
Maddox Rule is the eldest son and heir to the mafia family fortune. As a secret member of the Order of Impuratus, as his dad is the leader of that order, he has been called to answer for lack of him producing an heir. Pendleton was using this law as a grab for power, but Maddox’s dad met the challenge and guaranteed that Maddox would produce an heir in a year and, for now, keep control of the order. This challenge to his father’s power made his father angry, but his dad’s edict made Maddox furious. And that is how he got into this mess. His father even picked a bride for him, ruining his plans for a carnal quest. Willow, his wife-to-be, was also told she would be married at the end of the month to Maddox because of her father’s gambling debts.
The anti-hero is such a donkey. Can we say emotional trauma? The leading male of the story is entitled, selfish, and generally a despicable human being. But then, a missing genre, enemies to lovers, should be added. And by the end of the story, we have a couple in love. The physical world-building is vague, but the ethereal world-building is there. The character interaction, especially between the leads, I can see to be infuriating for some.
This free-at-the-time, fictional romance has a HEA(Happily Ever After) ending, even though I can see people rooting for the heroine to successfully run away. I give this tale four stars out of five stars.
The anti-hero is such a donkey. Can we say emotional trauma? The leading male of the story is entitled, selfish, and generally a despicable human being. But then, a missing genre, enemies to lovers, should be added. And by the end of the story, we have a couple in love. The physical world-building is vague, but the ethereal world-building is there. The character interaction, especially between the leads, I can see to be infuriating for some.
This free-at-the-time, fictional romance has a HEA(Happily Ever After) ending, even though I can see people rooting for the heroine to successfully run away. I give this tale four stars out of five stars.
February 25, 2021
4.5 Stars!
Abbi Cook is a brand spanking new-to-me author and HOLY WOW! What a romance. She has a brand new release out in the world and a brand new series with all new players and what a journey Abbi took me on.
Rule is the first book in the new edgy, raw, sexy, gritty, dark, twisty Villains Club series and I was here for all those feels they gave and all that angst she threw my way. Not my typical read but that cover.. that blurb, I really couldn't resist.
Meet Willow and Maddox. Whoa baby these two and their journey! When they are forced to marry, it throws their life into a tailspin, upside down, and into complete chaos. And what follows for them will leave you breathless, on the edge of your seat the whole time, and feeling every single emotion. These two got me hooked, hard and fast and by the end, had me addicted to every single moment.
Abbi is on to something here with this new series and I'm sooooo looking forward to more. I'll totally be around for the next in this series and I'm excited to dip my toes.. mind back into this unforgettable new world.
I definitely recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Abbi Cook is a brand spanking new-to-me author and HOLY WOW! What a romance. She has a brand new release out in the world and a brand new series with all new players and what a journey Abbi took me on.
Rule is the first book in the new edgy, raw, sexy, gritty, dark, twisty Villains Club series and I was here for all those feels they gave and all that angst she threw my way. Not my typical read but that cover.. that blurb, I really couldn't resist.
Meet Willow and Maddox. Whoa baby these two and their journey! When they are forced to marry, it throws their life into a tailspin, upside down, and into complete chaos. And what follows for them will leave you breathless, on the edge of your seat the whole time, and feeling every single emotion. These two got me hooked, hard and fast and by the end, had me addicted to every single moment.
Abbi is on to something here with this new series and I'm sooooo looking forward to more. I'll totally be around for the next in this series and I'm excited to dip my toes.. mind back into this unforgettable new world.
I definitely recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
September 30, 2023
you can be a villain and still not cheat on your wife
The story was okay. An arranged marriage between a villain and a girl caught up in her father’s debt. I think the biggest issue with this book is that one, the MMC is cruel to his wife, by cheating on her and then bragging about it and two, their first encounter is definitely dubcon. Although Willow has every right to be frustrated and discontent, sometimes she was annoying. I like that she stood up for herself and didn’t take things lying down but finding yourself falling for your husband after a week of a truce was improbable. He honestly never did anything to redeem himself. He was just possessive and she was very forgiving. Stephen having a lapse in judgment also threw me off. What kind of mob is this? Willow begging for forgiveness after he’s isolated her and essentially treated her like crap?! Nah! They are literally still going at it at 90%. And saying I love you at the end of the story just isn’t going to cut it for me.
A few grammatical errors, more towards the end.
Not inclined to read the other books in the series.
The story was okay. An arranged marriage between a villain and a girl caught up in her father’s debt. I think the biggest issue with this book is that one, the MMC is cruel to his wife, by cheating on her and then bragging about it and two, their first encounter is definitely dubcon. Although Willow has every right to be frustrated and discontent, sometimes she was annoying. I like that she stood up for herself and didn’t take things lying down but finding yourself falling for your husband after a week of a truce was improbable. He honestly never did anything to redeem himself. He was just possessive and she was very forgiving. Stephen having a lapse in judgment also threw me off. What kind of mob is this? Willow begging for forgiveness after he’s isolated her and essentially treated her like crap?! Nah! They are literally still going at it at 90%. And saying I love you at the end of the story just isn’t going to cut it for me.
A few grammatical errors, more towards the end.
Not inclined to read the other books in the series.
February 25, 2021
Maddox Rule's life is powerfully perfect in his eyes, but things are going to take a turn when he's expected to take a wife whether he wants to or not. Willow's father has a gambling debt that he uses Willow to pay off, and man nothing makes me more enraged than a cowardly man who doesn't care for his kids. Now she's to marry Maddox, and the hits keep on coming, He's not one bit interested in her so she's shackled to a selfish man who has no desire to stop acting like a bachelor. I wanted to strangle him so much because Willow is the true pawn in all of this and no one cared. My heart literally broke for her, but this amazing heroine decided to pull her big panties up & not allow Maddox to treat her like a doormat, so I found myself rooting out loud for her. Obviously this means the journey will be so bumpy, as this is a dysfunctional family with an insane "order" trying to run them all leaving me to yell some very original color metaphor name calling. To experience all the dysfunctional for yourselves, hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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