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Paris Rules
Dr. Paige Waterford is struggling with a strained marriage and trying to find her stride after finishing her residency and beginning her career in the ER. When she meets Carly Becker, the fog begins to lift, and she feels a connection like none she’s ever known.
Carly Becker has been searching for the perfect woman all her life, but no one ever seems to be just right. She must be fun and adventurous, love travel and theater, and most importantly, golf. Paige checks all the boxes, except the most important one—she’s married.
Through their mutual passion for golf, a friendship grows, and Paige finds the courage to separate from her husband. Then, on a group trip to Paris, they rewrite the rules. Under Paris Rules, they explore their feelings. But is Paige brave enough to fall in love when they return home?
Carly Becker has been searching for the perfect woman all her life, but no one ever seems to be just right. She must be fun and adventurous, love travel and theater, and most importantly, golf. Paige checks all the boxes, except the most important one—she’s married.
Through their mutual passion for golf, a friendship grows, and Paige finds the courage to separate from her husband. Then, on a group trip to Paris, they rewrite the rules. Under Paris Rules, they explore their feelings. But is Paige brave enough to fall in love when they return home?
- GenresRomance
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Maddox
12 books24 followersJaime Maddox grew up on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the baby in a family of many children, she was part adored and part ignored, forcing her to find creative ways to fill her time. Her childhood was idyllic, spent hiking, rafting, biking, climbing, and otherwise skinning knees and knuckles. Reading and writing became passions. Although she left home for a brief stint in the big cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Newark, NJ, as soon as she acquired the required paperwork—a medical degree and residency certificate—she came running back.
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 12, 2022
Paige Waterford is barely existing in an unfulfilling marriage to a man who would rather spend time at his cabin with his friends. Carly Becker is looking for her perfect match in a woman but has yet to find her until she meets Paige. Paige is a lesbian’s biggest taboo, a married straight woman.
The story begins with a convoluted background on Carly which is given more weight than its worth to the plot. After this first chapter Maddox settles into telling her story and the storytelling is sadly not Maddox at her best. She uses Paige’s niece Jules as a plot ‘get out of jail free card’ a lot. Jules’ actions precipitates a number of the situations where Paige is alone with Carly especially while in Paris. It is just too convenient. The biggest miss fire though is Paige leaving her controlling needy husband for a woman who is somewhat controlling and needy. Carly is just nicer about it.
There are a number of things I did enjoy about the plot and one of them is that golf is used as a catalyst to bring Carly into Paige’s sphere. I enjoy golf and everything associated with the sport. As well I enjoyed the art and Broadway references throughout the story.
The ending left me wondering if this was a true happily ever after when thirty two year old Paige really wants to have children and forty five year old Carly never wanted any, ever. It is a repeat of the same situation in Paige’s marriage. It made me scratch my head and wonder how long the relationship would last with this major hurtle.
I am a fan of Maddox’s earlier novels and on their strength I will keep being a fan. A golfer does not get a hole in one every time they play. I will call a mulligan on this book and look forward to her next novel.
I received a free advance review copy from BSB and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins with a convoluted background on Carly which is given more weight than its worth to the plot. After this first chapter Maddox settles into telling her story and the storytelling is sadly not Maddox at her best. She uses Paige’s niece Jules as a plot ‘get out of jail free card’ a lot. Jules’ actions precipitates a number of the situations where Paige is alone with Carly especially while in Paris. It is just too convenient. The biggest miss fire though is Paige leaving her controlling needy husband for a woman who is somewhat controlling and needy. Carly is just nicer about it.
There are a number of things I did enjoy about the plot and one of them is that golf is used as a catalyst to bring Carly into Paige’s sphere. I enjoy golf and everything associated with the sport. As well I enjoyed the art and Broadway references throughout the story.
The ending left me wondering if this was a true happily ever after when thirty two year old Paige really wants to have children and forty five year old Carly never wanted any, ever. It is a repeat of the same situation in Paige’s marriage. It made me scratch my head and wonder how long the relationship would last with this major hurtle.
I am a fan of Maddox’s earlier novels and on their strength I will keep being a fan. A golfer does not get a hole in one every time they play. I will call a mulligan on this book and look forward to her next novel.
I received a free advance review copy from BSB and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2022
Steady slowburn.
I think the title and cover are misleading. I thought we would see more of Paris but majority of the story takes place in the United States. I also didn't get the feeling that Paris is very special to either of them even though the first chapter tries to cobble together some meaning to it. The first chapter takes us back years before the main storyline and into Carly's past but I couldn't make sense of it. It also showed a version of Carly that is different from her older self. In the main storyline years down the road, Carly is presented as a womaniser after having had two failed long term relationships with her best friends. Her interest in the other main character, Paige, is piqued when they meet at a party but doesn't make a move on her for a couple of reasons, one of which is that Paige is married to her husband.
This is a steady slowburn and once in a while it's nice to have characters who want to take things slow instead of pouncing on each other for sex all the time. I like how Carly and Paige are able to put their attraction for each other aside and form a proper friendship without crossing lines until Paige is available to date. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and love that they are comfortable enough with each other to talk about everything under the sun including Carly's exes and Paige's dying marriage.
This book is definitely a good read for people who enjoy a solid slowburn romance.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think the title and cover are misleading. I thought we would see more of Paris but majority of the story takes place in the United States. I also didn't get the feeling that Paris is very special to either of them even though the first chapter tries to cobble together some meaning to it. The first chapter takes us back years before the main storyline and into Carly's past but I couldn't make sense of it. It also showed a version of Carly that is different from her older self. In the main storyline years down the road, Carly is presented as a womaniser after having had two failed long term relationships with her best friends. Her interest in the other main character, Paige, is piqued when they meet at a party but doesn't make a move on her for a couple of reasons, one of which is that Paige is married to her husband.
This is a steady slowburn and once in a while it's nice to have characters who want to take things slow instead of pouncing on each other for sex all the time. I like how Carly and Paige are able to put their attraction for each other aside and form a proper friendship without crossing lines until Paige is available to date. I enjoyed the dynamics between them and love that they are comfortable enough with each other to talk about everything under the sun including Carly's exes and Paige's dying marriage.
This book is definitely a good read for people who enjoy a solid slowburn romance.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
Unhappily married to a jerk of a husband, Dr. Paige Waterford finds solace on her days off golfing with new friends or going to the theatre with her sister and niece. Carly Becker is a successful realtor with a love for the finer things in life. She enjoys fine dining, travel, golf and beautiful women. She is still searching for the perfect partner to share her life with, someone who shares her passions. Her first meeting with Paige at a golf exhibition sparks her interest and the feeling is mutual. Paige is also attracted to Carly and happy to spend time with her new friend. When Carly discovers Paige is married and probably straight she distances herself causing Paige to reevaluate her feelings.
Not sure how I feel about this book as a whole. I love golf but reading about tournament preparations and organizational meetings got tedious. There are a lot of side characters involved, mostly lesbians so it was a reach for Paige to not understand her own attraction to Carly and why she was feeling all the feels. I was also distracted by too many travel destination details when I was hoping for more one on one time with Carly and Paige.
I spent most of the book waiting for Carly and Paige to get to Paris and away from Carly’s annoying friend and therapist along with all their golfing buddies. Everything before that was window dressing in the golf world of weekend getaways and morning coffee on the beach. I get why Carly backs off when she discovers Paige is married to a man. Her past track record makes her friends extra protective but she is not some lovestruck teenager. She owns her own highly successful business. She’s in her forties. She loves spending time with Paige and the feeling is mutual. As much as I loved the last ten percent of the book, I wished they could have realized how special they could be together at the halfway point in the novel.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Not sure how I feel about this book as a whole. I love golf but reading about tournament preparations and organizational meetings got tedious. There are a lot of side characters involved, mostly lesbians so it was a reach for Paige to not understand her own attraction to Carly and why she was feeling all the feels. I was also distracted by too many travel destination details when I was hoping for more one on one time with Carly and Paige.
I spent most of the book waiting for Carly and Paige to get to Paris and away from Carly’s annoying friend and therapist along with all their golfing buddies. Everything before that was window dressing in the golf world of weekend getaways and morning coffee on the beach. I get why Carly backs off when she discovers Paige is married to a man. Her past track record makes her friends extra protective but she is not some lovestruck teenager. She owns her own highly successful business. She’s in her forties. She loves spending time with Paige and the feeling is mutual. As much as I loved the last ten percent of the book, I wished they could have realized how special they could be together at the halfway point in the novel.
A copy of this book was received with thanks from the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 31, 2021
This is one of those books where I absolutely need those half stars for. I enjoyed it, but it had some flaws that make this a 3.5 star read, but what can you do.
This book starts with a “then” chapter, as I continued in the book this chapter made less and less sense. I knew it wouldn’t be a second chance romance, but with the first chapter one would expect just that. And aside from this vibe, it Justin’s necessary for the rest of the story as we are told multiple times about the why and how of the Paris trip dreams. That’s another point I don’t like much, some things in this book feel very repetitive.
Carly and Paige are nice characters, they show some good character development even though it takes them a long time. Paige in particular. She is married to what seems to be a bit of an emotionally abusive husband and one would think a smart doctor like herself would see it and want out of the marriage. It just drags on for too long. I’m glad the author never crossed the line into actual cheating, even if one of the parties is in an unhealthy relationship. Well, as the author put it as well, it isn’t a physical affair but it sure seems like an emotional one, I find this to be accurate and maybe that’s worse than the physical one? I don’t like cheating storylines, no matter the situation, but this didn’t feel like one for me.
I liked how Carly and Paige start out as friends and just can’t seem to stay away from each other. Their friendship grows very strong over a couple of months and it’s lovely to read about. Not so lovely is all the golf, I really don’t care for that sport, but I can easily ignore that and just imagine them on a walk instead of a golf course. Also, I must agree with Carly, I found Paris pretty underwhelming, to me it isn’t all that’s it cracked up to be.
I think the relationship is believable and cute, but I am missing the ending, it feels a little abrupt. A lot of books have epilogues and while they sometimes feel a bit contrived, I think this book would have benefited from an epilogue. Or some additional chapters. Obviously this book has a happy ending, but there are too many unanswered / unresolved questions and small storylines. I get it, it’s like life, but I need a bit more of a resolution, everything neatly tied with a bow on top, for my romances.
This book starts with a “then” chapter, as I continued in the book this chapter made less and less sense. I knew it wouldn’t be a second chance romance, but with the first chapter one would expect just that. And aside from this vibe, it Justin’s necessary for the rest of the story as we are told multiple times about the why and how of the Paris trip dreams. That’s another point I don’t like much, some things in this book feel very repetitive.
Carly and Paige are nice characters, they show some good character development even though it takes them a long time. Paige in particular. She is married to what seems to be a bit of an emotionally abusive husband and one would think a smart doctor like herself would see it and want out of the marriage. It just drags on for too long. I’m glad the author never crossed the line into actual cheating, even if one of the parties is in an unhealthy relationship. Well, as the author put it as well, it isn’t a physical affair but it sure seems like an emotional one, I find this to be accurate and maybe that’s worse than the physical one? I don’t like cheating storylines, no matter the situation, but this didn’t feel like one for me.
I liked how Carly and Paige start out as friends and just can’t seem to stay away from each other. Their friendship grows very strong over a couple of months and it’s lovely to read about. Not so lovely is all the golf, I really don’t care for that sport, but I can easily ignore that and just imagine them on a walk instead of a golf course. Also, I must agree with Carly, I found Paris pretty underwhelming, to me it isn’t all that’s it cracked up to be.
I think the relationship is believable and cute, but I am missing the ending, it feels a little abrupt. A lot of books have epilogues and while they sometimes feel a bit contrived, I think this book would have benefited from an epilogue. Or some additional chapters. Obviously this book has a happy ending, but there are too many unanswered / unresolved questions and small storylines. I get it, it’s like life, but I need a bit more of a resolution, everything neatly tied with a bow on top, for my romances.
February 26, 2022
3 star for me but probably 4 star for most other readers.
The author writes beautifully but for me, too much description, too repetitive and not enough story. If you want to learn information about golf organizations or take a tour of Paris art museums...you will love this book.
The story is about a married ER Dr realizing she is gay. Very little story about her experience in the hospital, so why make the character a Dr. Also very little story with the husband. He is gone most of the story.
I had a difficult time finishing this book. I skimmed a lot when the story wasn't advancing.
The author writes beautifully but for me, too much description, too repetitive and not enough story. If you want to learn information about golf organizations or take a tour of Paris art museums...you will love this book.
The story is about a married ER Dr realizing she is gay. Very little story about her experience in the hospital, so why make the character a Dr. Also very little story with the husband. He is gone most of the story.
I had a difficult time finishing this book. I skimmed a lot when the story wasn't advancing.
December 28, 2021
I would categorize this as a general (women's) fiction book with a slow burn romance. This book covers so many areas that I usually enjoy the theater, travel in France and forming friendships so I'm surprised I didn't love it more. It starts with a needlessly dramatic beginning with another person that doesn't play into the book. A couple of sentences could convey that Carly has always wanted to go to Paris with someone she loves. Then to start there are lots of women to sort out. They are all friendly and are forming a new golf team for league play. Carly Becker is 45, successful in selling real estate and looking for someone to settle down with and spend the rest of her life. She has a list of all the things she wants.
Dr. Paige Waterford is 32, an ER doctor and is in a failing marriage. Still married, she and Will spend most of their time apart as her husband hangs with his friends at his cabin and she's been making new friends who share her passion for golf. Most of her new friends are also lesbians and she is fascinated with them. Meeting Carly literally takes her breath away with instant attraction. It has her questioning her sexuality. Carly feels the draw as well but isn't interested in someone who is married.
I liked that Paige has a good relationship with her niece but I don't think I needed to know how the niece interacts with Carly in gettin a job or planning a summer trip with friends. I also didn't understand the niece causally choosing to room with a college friend instead of the aunt who she is suppose to be very close to, whose marriage is breaking up and who is paying for the trip. It all seems in elaborate set up to get Carly and Paige to Paris. And the title and lovely cover don't come into play until 80 percent of the way into the book. I'm not going to call it cheating when the two finally get together because divorce is in the works. But I'm not convinced there is a HEA here. One of the reasons for Paige's marriage dissolving is his not wanting children. Carly doesn't want children. Red flag! And Carly is still questioning everything even as the two are getting together for a Paris fling. I think this book could have used some trimming as is felt very, very long. (I can't tell how many pages it actually is on my reading device.) Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Paige Waterford is 32, an ER doctor and is in a failing marriage. Still married, she and Will spend most of their time apart as her husband hangs with his friends at his cabin and she's been making new friends who share her passion for golf. Most of her new friends are also lesbians and she is fascinated with them. Meeting Carly literally takes her breath away with instant attraction. It has her questioning her sexuality. Carly feels the draw as well but isn't interested in someone who is married.
I liked that Paige has a good relationship with her niece but I don't think I needed to know how the niece interacts with Carly in gettin a job or planning a summer trip with friends. I also didn't understand the niece causally choosing to room with a college friend instead of the aunt who she is suppose to be very close to, whose marriage is breaking up and who is paying for the trip. It all seems in elaborate set up to get Carly and Paige to Paris. And the title and lovely cover don't come into play until 80 percent of the way into the book. I'm not going to call it cheating when the two finally get together because divorce is in the works. But I'm not convinced there is a HEA here. One of the reasons for Paige's marriage dissolving is his not wanting children. Carly doesn't want children. Red flag! And Carly is still questioning everything even as the two are getting together for a Paris fling. I think this book could have used some trimming as is felt very, very long. (I can't tell how many pages it actually is on my reading device.) Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
If you’ve studied lit you’ll know what I mean about context and how we bring our own context to the stories we read. For context to this review, I am a pretty keen golfer and play competition golf once a week and absolutely adore the sport. So, when I read the blurb of Paris Rules I knew I needed to read it. What's better than a romance based around the love of golf?!
When Paige and Carly first meet, both characters instantly feel as though they click and the book chronicles their relationship development. I really enjoyed this book, as the character and relationship development was very deep. I felt as though I knew Carly and Paige inside out, as well as how their romance became. I will admit that I thought the side characters were barely developed in contrast.
Going into this read, I didn’t know what to expect other than a romance that seemed to revolve around a mutual love of golf. I didn’t click that I really liked another book by this author, Love Changes Everything, that I read last year. In a similar vein to Love Changes Everything, Paris Rules is a great portrayal of a character's personal journey, as well as a solid development of a romance between women. For me, this was a wonderful read and I'm looking forward to reading Maddox's next book in future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
When Paige and Carly first meet, both characters instantly feel as though they click and the book chronicles their relationship development. I really enjoyed this book, as the character and relationship development was very deep. I felt as though I knew Carly and Paige inside out, as well as how their romance became. I will admit that I thought the side characters were barely developed in contrast.
Going into this read, I didn’t know what to expect other than a romance that seemed to revolve around a mutual love of golf. I didn’t click that I really liked another book by this author, Love Changes Everything, that I read last year. In a similar vein to Love Changes Everything, Paris Rules is a great portrayal of a character's personal journey, as well as a solid development of a romance between women. For me, this was a wonderful read and I'm looking forward to reading Maddox's next book in future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2024
I read this because I was going to Paris. By the time the characters made it to Paris, I was on the flight home
January 13, 2022
Paris Rules by Jaime Maddox is a book about adult women dealing with adult issues. Among these are, “When is a marriage really over?” and a lesbian having a not-so-unrequited crush on a straight woman. The main characters have a lot of emotional baggage to unpack before leaving for Paris.
Paige must take stock of her life as a married (to a man) woman and decide if her marriage is worth fighting for. She must also figure out why all her new friends are lesbians – and it is not just because she likes golf. Carly on the other hand came out decades ago but has given up trying to find “The One” and fills her time (and bed) with women she doesn’t see a future with. When they meet at a golf expo, they quickly form a friendship that makes them question what they want in life.
While I really liked Paige, Carly was not a character I bonded with. She seemed to be always criticizing her friends by saying things like, “they are hard to take.” By the end of the book, I did want the two of them to get together, but I never really warmed to Carly. The book seemed to end abruptly, and I would have liked to have another chapter or two or at least an epilogue.
Paris Rules is a solid four-star read and I would read a sequel from this author.
I received an ARC from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Paige must take stock of her life as a married (to a man) woman and decide if her marriage is worth fighting for. She must also figure out why all her new friends are lesbians – and it is not just because she likes golf. Carly on the other hand came out decades ago but has given up trying to find “The One” and fills her time (and bed) with women she doesn’t see a future with. When they meet at a golf expo, they quickly form a friendship that makes them question what they want in life.
While I really liked Paige, Carly was not a character I bonded with. She seemed to be always criticizing her friends by saying things like, “they are hard to take.” By the end of the book, I did want the two of them to get together, but I never really warmed to Carly. The book seemed to end abruptly, and I would have liked to have another chapter or two or at least an epilogue.
Paris Rules is a solid four-star read and I would read a sequel from this author.
I received an ARC from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 5, 2022
A very slowburn romance...and I do mean very slow. Paige is stuck in a marriage she's not happy in while her career as an ER resident is taking off and Carly is living her life waiting for the perfect woman to come along.
Connecting through golf it soon turns out Paige and Carly connect on a deeper level, yet Carly's fear and Paige's marriage hold them back. We follow them through vacation trips, golf meetings etc and see their connection growing, utlimately leading to Paige taking the reigns of her own life and a magical trip to Paris.
And then: the end.
I really didn't mind the slowburn romance, I felt it was a natural progression and you could see their connection growing. I liked how they mostly kept communication like adults, but the ending was...just that. Boom, the end. I didn't much care for how that was handled. Never the less, a book I would recommend to any slowburn, friends to lovers fans out there.
3,5 stars easily!
*** Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me this book to read and review ***
Connecting through golf it soon turns out Paige and Carly connect on a deeper level, yet Carly's fear and Paige's marriage hold them back. We follow them through vacation trips, golf meetings etc and see their connection growing, utlimately leading to Paige taking the reigns of her own life and a magical trip to Paris.
And then: the end.
I really didn't mind the slowburn romance, I felt it was a natural progression and you could see their connection growing. I liked how they mostly kept communication like adults, but the ending was...just that. Boom, the end. I didn't much care for how that was handled. Never the less, a book I would recommend to any slowburn, friends to lovers fans out there.
3,5 stars easily!
*** Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me this book to read and review ***
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January 8, 2022I was sent an ARC of this book by Netgalley so thanks to the publishers and the author. Unfortunately I DNFed this book as I was utterly lost with all the characters. Between Linda, Carly, Paige, and so many others I don't even remember it was just not possible. It's not bad, but I personally couldn't follow with all the names and relationships between each character.
December 29, 2021
This is a slow burn about a seemingly heterosexual woman in a dead end relationship and a lesbian who’s playing the filed while looking for the perfect woman. It has good premises but I found it slow to read and a bit confusing. I would have imagined the beginning to play a bigger part in the development first of all. I didn’t see the reason for it to drag for so long before the actual trip, there was no spark. And the ending was rushed and so abrupt. That’s not saying the book is bad just not for me.
January 7, 2025
Dr. Paige Waterford is nearing the end of her emergency room residency and is married to a former paramedic, Will. Will had an on-the-job accident, is past his recovery, but he cannot work again. He spends a lot of time at his cabin at the lake without his wife. They maintain separate bedrooms in their Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, residence just outside of Scranton. Although she's not very good at it, Paige loves to golf in her spare time and is headed to a golfing exposition at Mohegan Sun Pocono. This is where she spots, Carly Becker, the owner of a real estate office, who is also attending the golf expo. Their meeting is almost magical in that both are impacted when they first lay eyes on each other.
Carly is searching for a women who loves golf, theater, restaurants, and travel, and someone who can hold a good conversation and that she won't get bored with over time. She understands that she must grow her social circle in order to meet new women and the golf expo is the perfect place for her to start.
About two-thirds of this book takes place in and around the Scranton area including some trips to Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Poconos, Rehoboth Beach and even a trip further south to Myrtle Beach. All of these trips are an opportunity for Carly and Paige to get to know each other better. Because Paige is married, but essentially spends the majority of her free time with lesbians, she is off limits for Carly. However, due to the amount of time that they begin to spend together due to golfing, theater, and other events, Paige and Carly grow closer and really begin to have an emotional affair minus the sex. They are extremely compatible with each other.
The last third of the book takes place in Paris which is a dream trip for both of them brought on by Paige's niece, Jules, for her high school graduation trip. Without going into details about what happens in the Paris portion of the book, under Paris Rules they explore other areas of their relationship following a divorce announcement. Although I really enjoyed this book due to many factors including the characters, their extended getting-to-know you relationship, their travel, and cultural exploration, I wasn't too keen on the ending. It was very realistic, but not the traditional HEA that many people come to expect in these type of books. 4 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Carly is searching for a women who loves golf, theater, restaurants, and travel, and someone who can hold a good conversation and that she won't get bored with over time. She understands that she must grow her social circle in order to meet new women and the golf expo is the perfect place for her to start.
About two-thirds of this book takes place in and around the Scranton area including some trips to Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Poconos, Rehoboth Beach and even a trip further south to Myrtle Beach. All of these trips are an opportunity for Carly and Paige to get to know each other better. Because Paige is married, but essentially spends the majority of her free time with lesbians, she is off limits for Carly. However, due to the amount of time that they begin to spend together due to golfing, theater, and other events, Paige and Carly grow closer and really begin to have an emotional affair minus the sex. They are extremely compatible with each other.
The last third of the book takes place in Paris which is a dream trip for both of them brought on by Paige's niece, Jules, for her high school graduation trip. Without going into details about what happens in the Paris portion of the book, under Paris Rules they explore other areas of their relationship following a divorce announcement. Although I really enjoyed this book due to many factors including the characters, their extended getting-to-know you relationship, their travel, and cultural exploration, I wasn't too keen on the ending. It was very realistic, but not the traditional HEA that many people come to expect in these type of books. 4 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2022
If you enjoy taking your time reading a book then this is the one for you. Carly Becker has her own real estate business and still enjoys her work. One other thing she loves is playing golf. She doesn’t really look for a relationship, she prefers short term dating. But when she meets Paige Waterford she finds herself seeking more time with this woman, who just happens to be married.
Dr. Paige Waterford is finally starting her career as an ER doctor. She’s married but isn’t happy about how her relationship with her husband is failing. She’s ready for a divorce but is still hesitating at actually filing for divorce. Then she meets Carly and her attraction to her is something she’s never felt before. So she tells herself just being friends will be fine. Did I mention, Paige is just as crazy about golf as Carly.
Not a bad read but the pace was too slow for me. I found myself skipping pages in the hopes of finding a bit of action. I’m not talking about sex but I can only spend a limited time reading about the history of the characters. Not too bad if anything new is offered but repeating what has already been written. If you don’t mind slow romances you will really like this book.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Dr. Paige Waterford is finally starting her career as an ER doctor. She’s married but isn’t happy about how her relationship with her husband is failing. She’s ready for a divorce but is still hesitating at actually filing for divorce. Then she meets Carly and her attraction to her is something she’s never felt before. So she tells herself just being friends will be fine. Did I mention, Paige is just as crazy about golf as Carly.
Not a bad read but the pace was too slow for me. I found myself skipping pages in the hopes of finding a bit of action. I’m not talking about sex but I can only spend a limited time reading about the history of the characters. Not too bad if anything new is offered but repeating what has already been written. If you don’t mind slow romances you will really like this book.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
January 8, 2022
This book’s blurb had me interested in the storyline immediately. The setup was great Carly Becker is looking for her perfect woman and it looks like she’s found her in Paige Waterford. The only hiccup she’s married.
I liked how we are introduced to the two MCs, and even though it was attraction at first sight - I’m glad it didn’t stray into lust at first sight. I also liked seeing how the author built up the relationship, gradually with two MCs really getting to know each other, discovering just how much they have in common and enjoying that about each other. The writing was really good in that the conversations felt natural and organic. It was a gentle wave of attraction turning into affection and love which the author did a great job capturing. There is a lot of golf in this book and had me looking up some of the more obscure terms - which was an interesting exercise.
I pretty much figured that this was going to be a slow burn - I think I just miscalculated how long that slow burn was going to be. While the book kept me engaged I was surprised that the storyline hadn’t turned to Paris by the half point. I had expected the angst portion of the book to be post Paris and that’s where the book flummoxed me again, because Paris does happen but it also ends very abruptly. Yes there is an HEA but there are also so many red flags, loose ends and it made me wonder whether there was going to be a second book which continues the relationship.
Overall an interesting read, it could have been shorter with a much more flushed out ending. 4🌟s
Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
I liked how we are introduced to the two MCs, and even though it was attraction at first sight - I’m glad it didn’t stray into lust at first sight. I also liked seeing how the author built up the relationship, gradually with two MCs really getting to know each other, discovering just how much they have in common and enjoying that about each other. The writing was really good in that the conversations felt natural and organic. It was a gentle wave of attraction turning into affection and love which the author did a great job capturing. There is a lot of golf in this book and had me looking up some of the more obscure terms - which was an interesting exercise.
I pretty much figured that this was going to be a slow burn - I think I just miscalculated how long that slow burn was going to be. While the book kept me engaged I was surprised that the storyline hadn’t turned to Paris by the half point. I had expected the angst portion of the book to be post Paris and that’s where the book flummoxed me again, because Paris does happen but it also ends very abruptly. Yes there is an HEA but there are also so many red flags, loose ends and it made me wonder whether there was going to be a second book which continues the relationship.
Overall an interesting read, it could have been shorter with a much more flushed out ending. 4🌟s
Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2022
While on the whole I enjoyed this book, it really frustrated me for a few reasons. First off, I think the title and the summary are a little misleading. Going into this book, my assumption was that the Paris trip would be maybe in the middle of the book, with the last act dealing with their relationship upon returning home. Instead, the first three-quarters of the book deals with the emerging friendship between Paige and Carly, which I did enjoy immensely. Seeing Paige's journey as she discovers her sexuality was very satisfying and I appreciated the author's handling of it. But the book ends abruptly, with no real indication of if this new relationship will actually work. I mean, there is a considerable age gap between the two women, and one of them really wants children and the other one seems to really not. Isn't that just Paige moving from one relationship to another, with the same underlying issue, a difference of opinion on children?
I was also left confused by the purpose of the "Then" chapter at the beginning. While a very touching story in and of itself, I don't feel it has any real relevance to the remainder of the book. There is no follow-up on the demise of Carly's relationship with Pip, although apparently Pip is still a part of Carly's life.
Speaking of side characters, there are a lot of them in this book. At times I struggled to remember the relationships between all of them. I guess the problem is that most of them were fairly one-dimensional. Our leads seem to have been the only characters that were fully-developed. Some of the others seemed rather cartoonish. For example, Paige's husband seems to be a caricature of the typical uncaring jerk who is unhappy in his marriage. Adding a little more depth and dimension to his character and to their marriage may have added some gravity to Paige's actions. As it is, we only see the marriage from Paige's perspective, and not necessarily how things may really be. By not giving us this added dimension, the author makes it easier for the reader to be OK with Paige starting down the road that begins with emotional cheating and then moves on to more, since she is still technically married throughout this book.
But as I said, overall I enjoyed Paris Rules. It definitely could have been trimmed a bit, and I wish it had an epilogue, but if you're a fan of a very slow burn sapphic romance, this may be something you want to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was also left confused by the purpose of the "Then" chapter at the beginning. While a very touching story in and of itself, I don't feel it has any real relevance to the remainder of the book. There is no follow-up on the demise of Carly's relationship with Pip, although apparently Pip is still a part of Carly's life.
Speaking of side characters, there are a lot of them in this book. At times I struggled to remember the relationships between all of them. I guess the problem is that most of them were fairly one-dimensional. Our leads seem to have been the only characters that were fully-developed. Some of the others seemed rather cartoonish. For example, Paige's husband seems to be a caricature of the typical uncaring jerk who is unhappy in his marriage. Adding a little more depth and dimension to his character and to their marriage may have added some gravity to Paige's actions. As it is, we only see the marriage from Paige's perspective, and not necessarily how things may really be. By not giving us this added dimension, the author makes it easier for the reader to be OK with Paige starting down the road that begins with emotional cheating and then moves on to more, since she is still technically married throughout this book.
But as I said, overall I enjoyed Paris Rules. It definitely could have been trimmed a bit, and I wish it had an epilogue, but if you're a fan of a very slow burn sapphic romance, this may be something you want to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
I have been dreaming consistently about Paris for the past month. Not sure why... I do miss traveling, but Paris would not be my 1st choice right now. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Paris. I even lived there shortly in my 20s. I want to go to Italy on my next European escapade.
Since I've apparently got Paris on my mind these days, I picked up PARIS RULES by Jaime Maddox. Unfortunately, they only make it to Paris at the end of the book.... I might have to pick up another book that's set in Paris to ease my mind 🤣
Synopsis:
Dr. Paige Waterford is unhappy. She is stuck in a strained marriage, the gap between her and her husband just seems to grow deeper and deeper as the years go by. When she meets Carly Beckery, something inside her shifts. She feels herself drawn to her like a magnet. She then starts questioning herself, her marirage and her sexuality.
My thoughts:
It was a cute read, but it did leave me wanting more. I wanted to learn more about Paige and Carly. I liked how their relationship developed, Carly leaving Paige the space she needs to make some important changes in her life. The ending felt a little rushed and I guess I just wanted more Paige and Carly.
Since I've apparently got Paris on my mind these days, I picked up PARIS RULES by Jaime Maddox. Unfortunately, they only make it to Paris at the end of the book.... I might have to pick up another book that's set in Paris to ease my mind 🤣
Synopsis:
Dr. Paige Waterford is unhappy. She is stuck in a strained marriage, the gap between her and her husband just seems to grow deeper and deeper as the years go by. When she meets Carly Beckery, something inside her shifts. She feels herself drawn to her like a magnet. She then starts questioning herself, her marirage and her sexuality.
My thoughts:
It was a cute read, but it did leave me wanting more. I wanted to learn more about Paige and Carly. I liked how their relationship developed, Carly leaving Paige the space she needs to make some important changes in her life. The ending felt a little rushed and I guess I just wanted more Paige and Carly.
January 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc in exchange of my honest review.
Paris Rules follows the story of Paige Waterford and Carly Becker. Paige, who is an ER doctor, is unhappy with her strained relationship with her husband . Carly has been looking for her better half all along but she never felt the spark with anyone until Paige comes around. But one problem is that Paige is married.
I know it is a slowburn but it was so slow that I almost lost interest at one point. The writing was good. Loved their mutual bonding over Golf. The side characters were so many it was very confusing . The ending was very blunt . It could have given more details about what happened next. It was nice to see Paige discover her sexuality. If you are looking for a very slow slowburn then I would recommend it.
Paris Rules follows the story of Paige Waterford and Carly Becker. Paige, who is an ER doctor, is unhappy with her strained relationship with her husband . Carly has been looking for her better half all along but she never felt the spark with anyone until Paige comes around. But one problem is that Paige is married.
I know it is a slowburn but it was so slow that I almost lost interest at one point. The writing was good. Loved their mutual bonding over Golf. The side characters were so many it was very confusing . The ending was very blunt . It could have given more details about what happened next. It was nice to see Paige discover her sexuality. If you are looking for a very slow slowburn then I would recommend it.
January 21, 2022
I liked the blurb for this book, but I’m not sure it quite delivered on my expectations. There’s a lot going on. Golf tournaments, but it’s not a sport story; ER doctor, but it’s not a medical romance; controlling husband that one of the characters is escaping from, but it’s not a thriller; and the title leads you to think it’s going to be set in Paris, but only a small part of it is. The romance works, but it’s very slow and there’s way too many different tropes and themes included in one book. Sadly, I found myself gradually losing interest. I mainly got worked up over the lack of queues to the Eiffel Tower. Nobody just turns up at night and goes straight up to the top without a few hours of waiting! Do they? If anyone has done this, what’s the best day and time?
February 23, 2022
When to make changes in our lives? This book makes us face this question.
I am not sure if it was necessary to begin the book going back to Carly's past. It took me a while to understand which direction the narrative would take.
Paris Rules is a good slow burn romance, but I do have to say that by its title I expected a bit more of Paris in it!
I am not sure if it was necessary to begin the book going back to Carly's past. It took me a while to understand which direction the narrative would take.
Paris Rules is a good slow burn romance, but I do have to say that by its title I expected a bit more of Paris in it!
April 16, 2022
I think this was a cute romance that was ironically in the United States for the most part instead of Paris, France. However, I think the character development could've been explored more in depth and the ending could've been better executed. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read the book.
September 23, 2022
Decent read, although I wish it had an epilogue.
January 21, 2022
Dr. Paige Waterford is struggling with her failing marriage to a man. Carly Becker has been looking for the perfect relationship for as long as she can remember but can never find it. When the two meet through a shared love of golf there is an instant connection unfortunately there are also many things keeping them apart.
Paris Rules is a slow burn that makes readers wait as the characters, especially Paige, work on their own personal issues before they begin anything romantic with each other. Although Maddox has an interesting story and characters, the number of side characters makes the story hard to follow in some areas.
Overall a nice and fast weekend read!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Paris Rules is a slow burn that makes readers wait as the characters, especially Paige, work on their own personal issues before they begin anything romantic with each other. Although Maddox has an interesting story and characters, the number of side characters makes the story hard to follow in some areas.
Overall a nice and fast weekend read!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
January 15, 2022
Excellent.
I loved Paris Rules. I loved the plot and the main characters. I can’t say much without giving the plot away. Great book.
I loved Paris Rules. I loved the plot and the main characters. I can’t say much without giving the plot away. Great book.
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