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Breaking the Rules
Marley Harrow has always hated drama: she creates art, not conflict. Abandoning New York City to live a laid-back life in Granada, Spain, Marley is following her compass and ambition, ready to be taken seriously as a senior level creative. And, if she's honest with herself, she also wants what her recently-engaged best friend has: the promotion, the charm, and a man who looks at her the way Logan looks at Lily. There's only one problem: she'd rather die than be the center of attention. When Thomas Elker, her boss, gives her the impression that he might want more than her professional opinion, Marley starts breaking the rules, but she doesn't care. Thomas is giving Marley the attention she craves and Marley can't stop wanting more. What will happen when Marley's attraction causes her moral compass to break? Can Marley find a way to fix what's been broken, forgive herself for the damage she's caused, and maybe even create her own fairy tale ending, too?
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2021
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Ania Ray
3 books54 followersAnia 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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 5, 2021
It was great to dive into the Cromwell world again! I loved seeing Marley’s story evolve, while also getting glimpses into Lily’s life to see what has happened! Ania did it again with amazing descriptions, making me feel like I was along side Marley. I couldn’t put Marley down!
October 9, 2024
Reading Breaking the Rules was a real treat. Ania Ray is a masterful storyteller who gives her readers enough details to paint a vivid picture, but trusts us to fill in the rest.
Marley Harlow, the protagonist, is at a major crossroads in her life. There were plenty of moments when I wanted to shake her and say, "Wake up!" But, I found myself rooting for her on her journey to acceptance, self-love and claiming her self-worth. She has so many layers, that even when she frustrated and infuriated me, her choices were relatable and real.
I also enjoyed checking in with Lilly from the first book. Seeing where she’s at added an extra bonus to the story that I didn’t expect but loved. This is the second book in the trilogy, and now I can’t wait for the very last one!
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check imp
Marley Harlow, the protagonist, is at a major crossroads in her life. There were plenty of moments when I wanted to shake her and say, "Wake up!" But, I found myself rooting for her on her journey to acceptance, self-love and claiming her self-worth. She has so many layers, that even when she frustrated and infuriated me, her choices were relatable and real.
I also enjoyed checking in with Lilly from the first book. Seeing where she’s at added an extra bonus to the story that I didn’t expect but loved. This is the second book in the trilogy, and now I can’t wait for the very last one!
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check imp
September 7, 2021
Ania is a wonderful storyteller that writes with such emotion and detail. This is the second book in the series, but I was able to read it without reading the first and pick up with Marley’s life in Spain. Ania tackles subjects such as infidelity, love addiction, and obsession and how it can take its toll on our mental health. Overall, it was a great read and I highly recommend this book!
January 21, 2023
Powerful, moving story that tackles real and tough issues. I loved the self-empowerment take away from this novel. I think this was a great sequel, but I personally enjoyed the first book just a bit more. I can't wait to read the third one and learn the origin of the Cromwell rules.
October 19, 2021
Since I read The Cromwell Rules, I have been hooked to this story. I liked Lily and her story so much that it felt right to read Marley's. Which ended up being a great choice because I absolutely loved it. Especially the ending where she found herself instead. Marley was so easy to relate too, where she wanted the same amount of love that she gives off and struggling with self-image. I couldn't even tell you what my favorite part was because the book was written so perfectly each scene was just as important as the one before. Ania Ray is such a talent writer, I can't wait for her next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
What a great follow-up to The Cromwell Rules following Lily's best friend Marley. I was a fan of this character from the beginning and I absolutely loved her story. Like Marley with her boss, I was so addicted to this book I couldn't put it down! The writing was thoughtful and heartwarming. Kudos to Ania Ray for giving the world another great story!
August 2, 2021
The Cromwell world is always a fun world to escape to and I loved every minute of this book. Ania’s writing is heartwarming and thoughtful — I couldn’t help but stop and think after certain chapters. Plus, Marley’s growth and transformation made this book an intriguing page turner. If I could give this an extra star I would!!
July 28, 2021
Possible spoiler ahead lol Love love love! Marley is my kindred spirit in so many ways. Love that the ending wasn’t what I expected but definitely left a cliffhanger of what could come! Ania Ray knocked it out of the park once again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
Marley Harrow doesn't like to be the center of attention. She's nothing like her best friend, the newly-engaged Lily Cromwell, who commands a room with a look or a thoughtful smile. So it makes sense that Marley feels more at ease in Granada, Spain, than she does in center-of-the-universe New York City. Marley is a hopeful creative who longs to be taken seriously, but she can't stand to have the spotlight on her long enough to really share any of her innovative ideas.
When her new boss, Thomas, begins to pay attention to Marley in a way that no one else ever has, Marley begins to feel the validation and adoration she truly craves—even if it means sacrificing her moral compass and strong values for the thrill of it all.
Marley's story is messy, and beautiful, and emotionally-fraught. I found myself cheering her on in one instance and shouting at her in frustration in the next. Author Ania Ray has crafted a complex, binge-worthy read that had me turning pages quickly, eager to find out what happens next.
(Seriously, I read BREAKING THE RULES in the span of one airplane flight, and it was the best company I could've asked for as a traveler.)
While BREAKING THE RULES could be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading book #1, THE CROMWELL RULES, for the full experience. It was also nice having the context of Marley's best friend, Lily's, life, and the "Rules" that governed her experiences -- and, in many ways, affected Marley's own life, too.
BREAKING THE RULES was a fabulous read that kept me engaged until the final sentence. I'm so eager to check out book #3 soon!
When her new boss, Thomas, begins to pay attention to Marley in a way that no one else ever has, Marley begins to feel the validation and adoration she truly craves—even if it means sacrificing her moral compass and strong values for the thrill of it all.
Marley's story is messy, and beautiful, and emotionally-fraught. I found myself cheering her on in one instance and shouting at her in frustration in the next. Author Ania Ray has crafted a complex, binge-worthy read that had me turning pages quickly, eager to find out what happens next.
(Seriously, I read BREAKING THE RULES in the span of one airplane flight, and it was the best company I could've asked for as a traveler.)
While BREAKING THE RULES could be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading book #1, THE CROMWELL RULES, for the full experience. It was also nice having the context of Marley's best friend, Lily's, life, and the "Rules" that governed her experiences -- and, in many ways, affected Marley's own life, too.
BREAKING THE RULES was a fabulous read that kept me engaged until the final sentence. I'm so eager to check out book #3 soon!
August 26, 2025
Breaking the Rules is the second book in the Cromwell Rules trilogy, but it could very well stand on its own. Marley's journey, though heightened by the backstory of her newly engaged friend Lily's romance in book one, is a singular feat for author Ania Ray. This one goes deep; I mean, to the dark places maybe some of us would like to forget about if we've been there. We get the unflattering, addictive image of toxic love and what it can do to a person. There were moments when I wanted to shake Marley and yell, "Girlfriend! What are you doing! Know your worth, sister!" But it would be disingenuous of me *not* to admit that the reason Marley triggered me was because some of it hit very close to home. To be addicted to the "idea" of a relationship and lose what you wanted for yourself along the way? Ooof. Ray hits those deep vulnerabilities on the head. The way we see Marley rise out of the pit she fell into is nothing short of breathtaking. Ray's writing will have you extending your compassion for the woman who, if only for a moment, lost her internal compass and lost her way. Haven't we all stumbled? There's a bit of messiness in all of us. What matters is how we reclaim ourselves on the other side. Thank you, Ania Ray, for writing such emotionally diverse and raw women. I am so excited to read the third and final installment. I can't get enough of Ray's cinematic storytelling!
May 19, 2023
I read this one right after finishing "The Cromwell Rules". At the end of the previous book, I just wanted to know more. What happened next for Lily and Logan? Where were things heading for Lily and Anne? Before reading this one, I knew it was about Marley, but didn't know when it took place. Having the events in "Breaking the Rules" happen after "The Cromwell Rules" was great because it allowed more detailed to be added to Lily's story, while also broadening the perspective by following Marley. Lily and Marley have such different personalities and go down such different paths that this didn't feel just like "The Cromwell Rules" 2.0. Marley doesn't wrestle with the same internal struggles as Lily and Ania Ray's talent as a writer was really highlighted in her ability to effectively and beautifully bring these two friends to life for the reader. I can't wait for the 3rd installment to come out to get yet another perspective and story.
October 21, 2024
For any woman who believes he'll leave his wife for you.
Oh how I wish I had read this book a decade ago.
***Potential spoilers below***
I've been in relationships with so many emotionally unavailable men. The way Ania portrays the delicate balance between having hope for love and how reality can often be, is masterful. Giving us a complex character who's struggling with their own identity crashing into someone who opens up their eyes in one aspect, while blinding them in another is visceral.
The self doubt, confusion and sheer anxiety that Ania gives to Marley is brilliant, vulnerable and honest. I couldn't put it down and just had to know what was going to happen next.
Now I need to go back and read The Cromwell rules for backs story. Not because I need it, Ania does a great job of touching on the events that happen in the first book to keep you informed, not enough to spoil it, and enough to make you want to dig into the characters even more.
Oh how I wish I had read this book a decade ago.
***Potential spoilers below***
I've been in relationships with so many emotionally unavailable men. The way Ania portrays the delicate balance between having hope for love and how reality can often be, is masterful. Giving us a complex character who's struggling with their own identity crashing into someone who opens up their eyes in one aspect, while blinding them in another is visceral.
The self doubt, confusion and sheer anxiety that Ania gives to Marley is brilliant, vulnerable and honest. I couldn't put it down and just had to know what was going to happen next.
Now I need to go back and read The Cromwell rules for backs story. Not because I need it, Ania does a great job of touching on the events that happen in the first book to keep you informed, not enough to spoil it, and enough to make you want to dig into the characters even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
Breaking the Rules by Ania was written with so many words of wisdom. As an Enneagram Type 2 with anxiety, I could relate to Marley so much. There were times I was close to screaming aloud at her though, which feels similar to myself sometimes.
I loved the ties with Lily Cromwell from her first novel, The Cromwell Rules, but I loved this one more since I related to Marley's anxious personality and struggle to love herself so much. Watching her grow was beautiful.
I also want friends like Zeke and Margaret now!!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"But is it soy?"
"And so Marley reminded herself now: she could be cautious and courageous at the same time."
"She thought being alone was the worst. But being stuck with the version of yourself that you hated was even worse."
Do yourself a favor and read this beautifully written novel asap!
I loved the ties with Lily Cromwell from her first novel, The Cromwell Rules, but I loved this one more since I related to Marley's anxious personality and struggle to love herself so much. Watching her grow was beautiful.
I also want friends like Zeke and Margaret now!!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"But is it soy?"
"And so Marley reminded herself now: she could be cautious and courageous at the same time."
"She thought being alone was the worst. But being stuck with the version of yourself that you hated was even worse."
Do yourself a favor and read this beautifully written novel asap!
August 3, 2021
Ania is a phenomenal storyteller— her writing style possesses an eloquence while capturing the nuances of human emotion. And reading Marley’s story took me on a journey of tension, wanderlust, and inner reflection. I think we can all see a part of ourselves in Marley, and can begin to question some of the tendencies within ourselves that hold us back. It’s not easy to tackle a lot of the topics mentioned—codependency, vulnerability, sheer overwhelm— but Ania does so wonderfully. A spectacular read!
April 27, 2022
This book is women's fiction at its finest. In Breaking the Rules, Ania (author) takes us along with Marley (main character) as she struggles to choose what is right against an addiction she doesn't know to quit.
Marley's story reminded me of my younger self. Where I never ended up as deep as she, I could genuinely relate to her struggle of wanting more, and choosing the wrong path to get there. This is a story of grit, good friends, and the very human challenge of choosing which path to take.
Marley's story reminded me of my younger self. Where I never ended up as deep as she, I could genuinely relate to her struggle of wanting more, and choosing the wrong path to get there. This is a story of grit, good friends, and the very human challenge of choosing which path to take.
July 16, 2021
I absolutely loved diving into The Cromwell Rules again with Marley’s story. Ania does such a beautiful job of transporting you into this world and making it hard to put the book down. I read it in 2 days! I would recommend both of The Cromwell Rules books if you’re looking to transport out of your daily life and into the world of Marley and Lily!
November 21, 2021
She did it again. Author, Ania Ray keeps you wanting more! I love her books. All of your senses are nearly always engaged while reading this book it seems. She is so talented with her words. I loved the spiciness in this book. Love.. lust..true friendships, will leave you wanting book #3! Well done!!
March 30, 2022
In this second Cromwell Rules book, Ania Ray delves into the life of Marley Harrow —Lily Cromwell's best friend who goes looking for that Cromwell confidence in all the wrong places. Although heartbreaking to watch Marley lay herself on the line and pray for the payoff, it finishes strong and left me feeling satisfied. A wonderful follow up to the Cromwell Rules!
October 6, 2021
Whew, I COULD NOT put this one down. It was frustrating, sensual, exciting, and such a whirlwind. I wanted to slap Marley, but also resonated with her so much. I didn't want the book to end! Bravo, Ania!
October 17, 2022
Such a fantastic book about a woman who is struggling to know who she really is and what she really wants. I think we can all relate to that struggle at some point in our lives and the author does a marvelous job at taking us along on this internal struggle and journey.
April 16, 2022
Beautifully written, as always with Ania!! Her characters feel so damn real and I am genuinely invested in them. She is a wicked talented author and writer.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews