Five years later, Lincoln Beckett and I are still finding ways to stretch and bend the rules, breaking those that threaten to hinder us. To an outsider, everything looks perfect. But with each day apart and each new obligation, I’m learning that even strengths have their weaknesses and perfection has its flaws. Now, one night—one question—is blurring our entire future.
Will we be strong enough to forge our own rules? Or will we be lost missing them?
Missing the Rules is a Dating Playbook Series Novella. It's intended to be read after Writing the Rules, but before the epilogue. Missing the Rules takes place five years after Bending the Rules.
The One-Night Scrimmage, A New Forbidden/Secret Sports Romance is Coming May 20th!
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
MISSING THE RULES by Mariah Dietz is a contemporary , adult , romance novella in the author’s THE DATING PLAYBOOK series. This is the continuing story of professional football player Lincoln Beckett and marine biology graduate Raegan Lawson, first introduced in book one BENDING THE RULES.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Lincoln and Raegan) MISSING THE RULES picks up five years after BENDING THE RULES, and follows the ongoing relationship between Lincoln Beckett and Raegan Lawson, a relationship that is about to hit a rough spot. With a losing football season nearing its’ end, Raegan preparing for a working school trip to Mexico, and the approach of the Christmas holidays, Lincoln Beckett and Raegan Lawson have barely had time for one another but a surprise family announcement from Lincoln’s estranged father, and the biology team embarking on their trip one week early, Lincoln blurts out a proposal that is rebuffed by our heroine, leaving a shocked and broken Lincoln behind.
Five weeks in Mexico did nothing but add distance to their already crumbling relationship, and with Raegan’s return all is not well between our story line couple. With the approach of Raegan’s brother’s bachelor /bachelorette party in Vegas, Raegan ‘s heart continues to shatter believing the distance may be too far to broach, and our heroine prepares for a possible future, alone.
MISSING THE RULES is an emotional story line between two people whose love may not be enough in the face of misunderstanding, miscommunication, heart break and doubt. The fast paced premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are familiar and energetic-most of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of uncertainty and fear.
What an absolute delight it was to be able to take a peek back into the lives of this crew from Brighton University. Lincoln Beckett is now an NFL star but with Raegan at his side there is nothing he can't overcome. Of course, even the mighty can fall and just with a few misplaced words. Raegan is in love with Lincoln even more each day but time is a premium and it seems to be pulling Lincoln farther away from her while she is pursuing her doctorate. Is there a legitimate compromise that will bring these two time and back to where they belong? Please read these amazing stories from Mariah Dietz and then read Missing the Rules when you have discovered how much enjoyment it will be to see the crew once again.
The whole gang back together again? Sign me up! I adore this revisit of some of the most beloved characters that I’ve been fortunate enough to find, but especially as it centered on these two particularly. They were the start of my obsession with this series, and it’s only right that they’re the wrap up as well.
After years and years of dedication to their lives and futures, the focus that they maintain on their lives together is absolutely beautiful. I adored seeing the climb to what will shape up to be the most incredible HEA for so many couples.
This is a bonus book that is set in between the last book of the series and the epilog in that one. It's about Lincoln and Reagan from the first 2 books, but also has everyone in it. It's a novella with all the feels! Love all these characters and how well Mariah Dietz writes their stories ❤❤
“In this crazy world, you are the only thing—the only one—who makes sense to me.”
Missing the Rules continues Lincoln and Raegan’s story from Bending the Rules and Breaking the Rules. It’s been five years since these two got together and they are now navigating their careers while trying to balance it with their relationship.
“There was no singular moment that I knew Rae was the person I wanted to be with. Instead, it was a culmination of moments and events, struggles and triumphs that made me realize I didn’t want to be without her—ever.”
Both are still deeply in love with each other, but it’s difficult to find time together since Lincoln is playing professional football and Raegan is working towards her master’s degree. When misunderstandings, old fears and insecurities, unresolved issues, and lack of communication threaten to tear them apart, will their relationship stand the test and can they find their happily ever after?
“I am yours. Every part of me that you’re willing to accept, it’s yours. All of me.”
I loved catching up with the Dating Playbook gang and seeing where everyone was in their lives. Raegan and Lincoln are still imperfect but perfect for each other and will fight to overcome any obstacle to be together. Missing the Rules is the perfect wrap-up to this series even though it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this gang.
Lincoln & Raegan are my favorite couple from the, “Dating Playbook” Series, so I was beyond thrilled to read this Novella. It picks up about 5 years after Lincoln, Pax & everyone (except Rae & Poppy) graduated Brighton University. All the other couples are still together, but are more spread out now because of which NFL teams the other guys got drafted to. Arlo & Olivia’s wedding is coming up in February (during the off season) & everyone’s looking forward to reuniting. Lincoln & Rae are still together, but their lives are busier than ever. It’s football season & since Lincoln is playing & practicing constantly and Raegan is finishing up her Masters to then get her Doctorate, their time together is seldom & precious. On one night when Lincoln & Rae are going to dinner with his father & stepmother, Linc is running late & tells Rae he’ll meet her at the restaurant. When Lincoln gets to the table, he sees his father with a woman he doesn’t know & learns some very shocking news. This sets off a string of emotions & events that will test Lincoln & Rae’s relationship like never before.
I devoured this book in one evening because of my love for these characters. It’s was a perfect book to read after you finish the series. Highly recommend it!!!
This is one of my favorite series' and it was so great seeing the Brighton gang again! The epilogue in Writing the Rules was perfect but this novella gives us a glimpse of that in-between time since the draft. It's told from Lincoln and Raegan's POV but we find out about what everyone has been up to.
Having been together for 5 years now, Lincoln and Raegan are dealing with alot, lack of quality time, family drama and just an overall sense of worry. Knowing everything they went through so early in their relationship I just wanted to shake them and demand that they talk to each other.
Mariah brings the angst but keeps it balanced with some hilarious bright spots and beautiful moments, especially between Rae and Poppy. A bonding experience that only Rose could come up with doesn't go as planned but ends up being the tipping point Linc and Rae needed to be honest with each other.
There are defining moments for not only Lincoln and Raegan but also Arlo and Olivia, Pax and Poppy and a hint of what's to come for Tyler and Chloe. I just love this world so much and will never get enough of it ♡
#missingtherules is a continuation of the #datingplaybookseries by @mariahdietz
Lincoln is a professional football player. His schedule is grueling on a normal day for him alone, so trying to make time for loved ones can be hard. He has to battle multiple demons that have made him reconsider some choices. But it also puts into perspective where his priorities lie.
Raegan is still as strong willed and stubborn as ever. She wants to accomplish so much, but wants it done quickly. When the stress or school, work and her love life start to pile up it slowly is breaking her down. Does she need to focus on herself or rewrite some rules to make herself feel whole again?
I loved so much that I got to see everyone back here! Even if it was just a quick peek! Rose is still crazy, Ian puts up with her. Arlo is amazing, Olivia still his forever good luck charm. Tyler and Chloe continue to go strong over seas. Coop and Nessie are inseparable. Pax and Poppy are perfection and making their dreams become a reality. It was a perfect way to catch up with everyone I’ve missed. Totally recommend.
Bending the Rules and Breaking the Rules gave us the rock solid relationship between Lincoln and Raegan. Life after Brighton University undergrad is beyond hectic for this couple. The first pick NFL wide receiver is all consuming and Rae is finishing up a double master's, who does that? They're carving out an exhausted hour here and there to spend together.
Boom! A family drama bomb throws Lincoln off his face and he drops an ill timed bomb of his own knocking them off their groove. The disconnect is painful and gets more complicated with lack of communication.
The whole Brighton group goes to Vegas for Arlo and Olivia. Being around their friends, Pax and Poppy, Ian and Rose, Coop and Nessie and Tyler and Chloe is wonderful. I loved catching up with these couples.
Lincoln is a bit of a block head in the beginning, but gets his act together in a big way!
I loved getting to see old characters and getting this novella of Lincoln and Reagan. It was very emotional and at times hard to read, because I hate seeing couples from books I love and have had a happy ending go through more trials. I felt like these two more than had their share. I thought this novella would be a continuation of their happiness, but it was quite the opposite, even if it did lead to a happy ending. It bothered me a little that I saw such little progress in their relationship since this is taking place five years after the other books. All of the feelings were still there, but there was a huge lack of communication that I felt shouldn’t have been. I did love getting to see my favorite characters again though. The epilogue was also beautiful and perfect. I guess not all relationships move at the same pace and that’s okay. Even with all the heartache to find their HEA, I still enjoyed this story so much. They’ve always been my favorite couple in this series ❤️
Five years have passed since the events of Bending the Rules. Lincoln Beckett and Raegan Lawson remain together, but with the reduced time they have to be together due to Lincoln's football season and Rae's master's degree, their relationship appears to be in jeopardy. Add to that the fact that, after having dinner with Lincoln's father, he ends up making Rae an offer, which she declines, and Rae's trip to Mexico is brought forward, which ends up driving them even further apart. Upon Rae's return, things remain awkward between them, and when they leave for Raegan's brother's bachelor party in Las Vegas, they believe their relationship is hanging by a thread. Will they be able to overcome the problems, or will it be the end of this couple? I loved the story and being able to see all the characters in this wonderful series. I highly recommend the reading.
If you’ve read the Dating Playbook series, then this novella is an absolute must read!
As we know, Lincoln and Raegan had quite the journey to love in Bending the Rules/Breaking the Rules, and now they find themselves navigating life after Brighton University and it’s not without new difficulties. Juggling responsibilities while trying to make time for each other leads to a disconnect that threatens their relationship, and I’ll tell you that I could not stop reading because I’m pretty darn invested in these two!
All the feels, all the romance and all the steam! And, of course, the gang’s all here which made this even better, and I’m hoping it’s not the last we get to read about them.
5 Stars for this exceptional ending to the series!
If you haven't read Bending the Rules and Breaking the Rules ... go back and read them because this novella follows Lincoln and Rae from those books. It's five years later and Lincoln and Rae are going through a rough patch. This is so realistic because everyone's happily-ever-after isn't always roses and sunshine ... there are thorns and rain clouds mixed in and this novella is a reminder of that. I just love Ms. Dietz's style of writing ... she draws me in right from the first chapter and doesn't let me go until the end and sometimes not even then. I'm so sad to see this series end because it is one of my favorite series EVER!
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Missing the Rules is a Dating Playbook Series Novella by Mariah Dietz. It's intended to be read after Writing the Rules but before the epilogue. Missing the Rules takes place five years after Bending the Rules.
Five years after Lincoln Beckett and Raegan Lawson are still together, Lincoln is playing professional football, and Rae is studying for her master's and working at the aquarium. Their schedules are chock full, and it's challenging to find quality time together.
It was fantastic getting an update on some of my favorite characters from the Dating Playbook Series, and it's good to know that not everyone's happily-ever-after is perfect. Sometimes it takes a lot of bumpy roads to travel before you find your happily-ever-after!
What an absolute delight it was to be able to take a peek back into the lives of this crew from Brighton University. Lincoln Beckett is now an NFL star but with Raegan at his side there is nothing he can't overcome. Of course, even the mighty can fall and just with a few misplaced words. Raegan is in love with Lincoln even more each day but time is a premium and it seems to be pulling Lincoln farther away from her while she is pursuing her doctorate. Is there a legitimate compromise that will bring these two time and back to where they belong? Please read these amazing stories from Mariah Dietz and then read Missing the Rules when you have discovered how much enjoyment it will be to see the crew once again.
I've loved the entire Dating Playbook series but I totally needed this little '5-year later look' into Lincoln & Rae as well as the rest of the gang. Their friendships with each other grounds them and despite distance and adulting neither Rae nor Lincoln loose site of what's most important to them -> loving/being with each other FOREVER. Getting a glimpse into the intricacies of their well established 5+ year relationship goes to show that the test of time leads to a level of comfort that makes certain scenes so so 🔥🔥🔥. Absolutely love the series and this added so much icing to their stories 😍. Missing the gang of the Dating Playbook series and all their Rules so I might just start over where it all starts at Bending the Rules 😁.
Missing the Rules is a novella in The Dating Playbook series by Mariah Dietz.
I love this. It reiterated everything I appreciated in Paxton and Poppy's book, number 6, about the realism. I so appreciate Dietz taking us forward and giving us the reality of a relationship after the HEA. That there are still hurdles to conquer, and that their love isn't just magically perfected from that moment forward. They continue fighting for it. This is the reason I read and re-read romance novels.
I'm happy to reconnect with all the couples for one final time, and as always sorry to see the end. I enjoyed these relationships. Friendships, found family, and romantic forevers.
This was a perfect end to the series. First of all, that proposal at the end had me crying😭. It’s so heartwarming seeing Lincoln’s pov where Reagan is concerned. You can tell how much he loves her and they are so damn cute together. I love how the whole gang make plans to come together every once in a while cus of how they’re all spread out all over the country (with the exception of Tyler, Chloe, coop and Nessie in England). I wish we could have witnessed Arlo and Olivia’s actual wedding as well not just the bachelor/bachelorette party. And also Pax and Poppy’s wedding, but I still loved this book regardless. This really was a good round up and close of all the stories in this series and I loved every single book. 10/10 stars!
I needed this novella! Rae and Lincoln are my favorite couple in this series. So to get this story and truly know that they got their happily-ever-after made my heart swell.
Rae and Lincoln still had a few hurdles to go over. Their insecurities coming full force. But they work through it (with help from their family) and come out better and stronger. I absolutely loved it!
I will forever miss this group of friends. But I am grateful that I got to know them and that I got this glimpse of their love for each other.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
I am so enamored with this group of friends and their stories and this book does not disappoint. I have never wanted any of their stories to end so it is bittersweet to me that this is the final book (hoping against hope that there will be more though). I adore Lincoln and Rae, two of the most loving but flawed characters in the series. Their flaws make them so relatable and real but they also draw you in with how much heart they have. So much emotion, I was teary or near tears for most of this book but still couldn’t put it down. It was no surprise that I was rooting for their happy ending. I wholeheartedly recommend Missing The Rules.
This is a wonderful little novella which takes place five years later. Lincoln is now an NFL star, while Raegan is working towards her masters, and while they try to balance their careers and their relationship, a lack of communication, insecurities, and misunderstandings, threaten to tear their relationship apart. Will these two be able to overcome the challenger in their path? It was great to catch up with the other characters as well. This is a beautifully written story which is filled with drama, family, emotions, tension, and love, which all leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is book number 6.5 in The Dating Playbook series and focuses on Lincoln and Raegan. Lincoln and Raegan both have incredibly demanding schedules that lead to little time for each other. This book gives you all the feels as they navigate insecurities, hurt feelings, disappointment, and a full arsenal of emotions. I loved how this book played out and seeing just how deeply these loved each other and didn’t want to live without each other. I loved how it was all put together! I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I only read the books with Lincoln and Raegan, but I did read this one to see how the real wrap up went with the characters. I was missing a few things because of the books I didn't read in between, but honestly, it didn't make me want to go read the books after Lincoln and Raegan's story. I thought the wrap up of all of the couples was a nice touch. It was good to see how close the friend group is and how they all interact with each other even though they are spread apart because of where life has taken them. I was a little shocked to see how long it had taken Lincoln to propose, but the proposal was super cute and really sweet. Glad I took the time to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This hit me right in the feels..... I was panicking that Mariah was going to do something that would break my heart.
This felt so real, and that's why I loved it. No relationship is ever smooth. There are challenges and things that need to be worked through. There are times our fears make us question what we know, and Maraih wrote this brilliant.
It is one of my absolute favourite authors and favourite series. Full of relationship goals but, more importantly, friendship goals, female, male, and couples! These friendships are all ride and ride, supportive, and loyal.
10/10 would recommend this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Emotional Overload Reagan and Lincoln love each other deeply, but with school and his NFL career they are busier than ever. While everyone's life is evolving between marriage and babies Reagan feels like going backward to her college years and the relationships they had is what she misses. She loves Lincoln and Lincoln is madly in Love with her, but can one argument, very little communication along with a big misunderstanding be the end. It was great hearing from the whole gang and seeing how everyone is doing...So much fun!
This novella length read packs a powerful punch! This little read is just a perfect little gift to those that have loved this series and the characters in it. Yes, this is NOT a standalone read. So be sure you've read up to and including, Writing The Rules and remember to read this BEFORE that epilogue. Here we get more of Lincoln and Raegan (from the books, Bending The Rules & Breaking The Rules) It was so great to check back in with them and other beloved character too! This book offers up a strong blast of emotions, humor, and heart. This is my volitional, forthright review.
Wow! Linc and Raegan truly have couple goals! This storyline was so well written that I easily visualized all the moments, worries, emotions and love! Having the struggles of Rae being in school and Linc living his dreams. How they over come life and family changes! Everyone in the Dating Playbook are so awesome, everyone needs lifetime friends like them. Then to the tender moments and of course Linc being the perfect boyfriend in the ending! I told Maria that I needed a Linc it was so swoon worthy…..
Aww how much I loved re-visiting this beautiful world and all these characters in it! This is just the perfect novella.
The book is mainly about Reagan and Lincoln but all the other characters are part of it too. It’s like a novella/epilogue about Reagan and Lincoln plus an epic epilogue about all the couples in this series. It’s definitely a must read in the Dating Playbook Series. It made me remember how much I missed reading about these characters and this world. And it made me fall in love with Reagan and Lincoln (and all the other characters) all over again.
Still struggling to make time for each other around their busy schedules and with old insecurities surfacing Lincoln and Raegan hit a bump in the road to their HEA. With support from their friends and by laying all their cards on the table, they find their way.
This novella is a great addition to The Dating Playbook series. Centered around Lincoln and Raegan and their relationship, but we also get glimpses of all the couples from the series.
If you are a fan of Dietz's The Dating Playbook series, this novella is for you. A quick read that puts you right back with the Brighton gang. Lincoln and Rae have moved on to the next phase in their life, along with the rest of their friends, but things just seem off. Can they overcome their obstacles and find their own happily ever after? Or will they always be on the sidelines watching their friends find theirs?