Rules, Schmules!

Fast Break #1

by Becca Seymour

The first Zone Defense series spin-off with a rule-following basketball player and an unimpressed twink who thinks rules are made to be obliterated.

It’s not my milkshake that brings Kieran Kendall to my yard. Okay, maybe it’s a little bit my milkshake. But I also like to think it’s my dazzling personality and my magical… uhm… you get the idea.

Since meeting Kieran, my first, second, and admittedly third impressions of him have changed radically. Not surprising, since he was a prize D during at least two of those encounters. What I should be doing is running from the college basketball star who checks so many of my dream-guy boxes. But do you know how hard it is to find a hot guy who’s as smart as he is talented?

And I’m not just talking about his talent on the basketball court. Heck no.

It’s easy to get distracted by him, because of him, yet as far as he’s concerned, I’m the one who’s a distraction and throwing his carefully constructed plans out of whack.

I should be sorry. I should also be better at guarding my heart.

But Kieran Kendall is under my skin, and getting him to break his rules is far too much fun.

Rules, Schmules! is an 82k stand-alone MM romance featuring characters first introduced in No Take Backs. It contains ridiculous antics by college basketball players, a basketball mascot who likes to twerk, and lots of sweet and sexy times.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, College

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2022

About the author

Becca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.

Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek

Zone Defense

No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down


Fast Break

Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!


True-Blue 
Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us


Outback Boys 

Stumble | Bounce | Wobble


Fangs & Felons

Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone


Stand-Alone Contemporary

Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt


REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews

"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma

"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such

"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine

"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[ivy]

DNF @ 20% - repetitive phrases, additional words that don’t belong in sentences, characters sound like they speak how the writer talks. Can’t read this anymore.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kieran Kendall is addictive. Hell, I always thought coffee was my elixir. How ridiculously wrong I was."

Rules, Schmules! by Becca Seymour is the first book in her Fast Break series set around college basketball, and featuring characters first introduced in No Take Backs. This is Dean and Kieran's story.

Dean is out and proud and totally focused on his college degree. Dedicated to his mum and younger brother Zeke (a high school basketballer) he has (not so happily) transferred to college in Atlanta to stay close to his family. He intends to finish his studies, with no more distractions.

Kieran is captain of the college basketball team and is planning on turning professional. He is out with his family and team, but has no intention of being the first 'out and proud' poster boy of pro basketball. He has rules and he intends to stick to them.

When their paths cross at a college party and sparks fly, it looks as though all the best laid plans and rules mean absolutely nothing.....

You will love Rules, Schmules! if you crave:

❣️First times
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Sports/college romance
❣️Forbidden/hidden relationships
❣️Low angst
❣️Steamy chemistry
❣️HEA

4 cute and steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[therese ˃ᴗ˂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was disappointing considering i was looking forward to it. this was my 3rd book from the author i discovered the couple uere from the author's previous series

see i hate unnecessary drama and angst for plot fillers. they dont have it here. it was actually kinda a bit smooth sailing.

my problem is dean saying he's not forcing kieran to come out then not accepting he' not coming out. what he thinks and what his actions are different. he says he doesnt want to but he's breaking up and he cant tolerate them hiding with their friends. he is such a hypocrite for being chill with it despite not being.

dean is femme gay and an "exclusive top" (while my preference is verse in couples) and while this is very different and refreshing just to break stereotype but does he have to brag about it and pretend he's better than anyone. tbh he sound arrogant and he's not even good at banter or whatever kieran loves about him.

i love kieran's family most of all. i also love kieran's friend more than dean. im sorry but dean's pov is so corny.

lastly that fourth wall thing with the writing.. i didnt like it.

[Kim Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this author before. This is a MM contemporary story set in college in the USA about the basketball world. Main characters are Dean an out and proud gay man who loves his family and has recently moved across country with this Mum and brother for a new start. Kieran is the captain of the college basketball team hoping for pro selection when his graduates, because of this he has many rules. The chemistry with Dean makes Kieran shake his rules and hence the title of the book. I really enjoyed the slow burn of this story. Dean understanding as to why Kieran is in the closet is fantastic. Can’t wait to read more of this series.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

Rules, Schmules! is an opposites attract, low angst, college basketball romance that’s full of an interesting cast of characters.

Dean Whittaker is out and proud, embracing his twink label and doing college how he wants to. He’s outspoken, confident and doesn’t take crap from anyone even though he’s smaller than most guys. Dean is focused on completing his college degree and being there for his mom and younger brother Zeke as much as he can, which means moving across the country to start his junior year of college.

Kieran Kendall is the captain of the Brixham Bears basketball team and has a bunch of rules for succeeding in college and making it to the NBA draft without being outed. He’s a talented basketball player and a born leader, but he’s decided to stay mostly in the closet (only out to his family, friends and teammates) so that he doesn’t make waves when he goes pro. Kieran finds himself trying to hold on to his rules while also trying to figure out how to hold on to his newfound happiness.

Dean and Kieran meet at a party and then get stuck working together for a group project and things start to get interesting from there. I think Dean and Kieran had a really cute connection that neither of them were expecting to go anywhere. Even though they weren’t looking for anything serious, Kieran abandons his rules and Dean puts down his walls to see where things go in earnest. But, I found this book really hard to get into. It took me much longer to get into the story than I expected and still found myself checking to see how much of it I had left frequently. Their chemistry definitely wasn’t in question but I didn’t feel as invested in their story as I hoped.

This book introduced us to a fun cast of characters, so I’m looking forward to seeing where book 2 will take us next!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did I really enjoyed it. Kieran and Dean really tried to deny their feelings but were able to find ways to make everything work. I was glad that Kieran was able to feel safe enough to come out and how they happened to gain some friends in professional sports to help them.

[yaishin]

I'm so done with this book💀. DNF at 83%.

[Garry Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I’ll post my review after our book club discussion.

[⋆ forest ˖]

DNF 28%

too much addressing the reader, millenialisms, typos, and it’s just kinda boring.

• sports (basketball)
• forced proximity
• in the closet x out and proud

[Becca Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I step around the couch. “You mind if I join you?” I’m already angling to sit, the words honestly just courtesy rather than really asking for permission. As my ass hits the cushioned sofa, I turn to look at the guy, only to freeze. 


My breath legit catches, eyes widening. “Dean.” The word escapes far too breathily, and I’m wondering if it’s too late to simply make an excuse, stand, and run away.


He’s even sexier this close.


In the library, we may have sat next to each other, but I’d been focused on the meeting. Even when I spoke to him afterward, my mission had been on clearing the air rather than truly appreciating just how attractive he is. 


His cheekbones could cut glass. They’re all defined and draw even more focus to his pouty mouth. I’ve never thought that about a man before. Usually I wonder if a guy’s mouth is f*ckable, and while I absolutely can imagine the same with Dean, he has lips just begging to be kissed and nipped at.


And I realize I’ve been staring at Dean for an uncomfortable amount of time, literally eye fucking him and taking in his features. Warning bells blast loudly in my head, but that buzz of alcohol grows a little louder, trying to override the blare. 


“You’re here.” I don’t even bother cringing at how inarticulate I am. My words do earn me an eyebrow lift and a slight smile. Which is bad, so bad, as once more my focus is on the slight sheen of his lips. “Are you wearing lip gloss?” I’m impressed I remember the name, and I’m also wondering if it’s flavored.


Even in my buzzed state, I notice the stiffening of his shoulders.

“Why?” There’s clear challenge in that one word. 


“It looks nice… your lips do.”


[brownsoda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get past this .
"I don't think there is ever a chance of mistaking you for Bentley, Tyron. The guys are as different as oil and water. The share the same skin color, but that's where their similarities end" DNF. Could not get past the weird comparison

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes: secret dating, out for you, kinda enemies to lovers
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 4.5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: hate crime on minor character

S*** peeps. I'm developing a mascot / athlete kink. Why does that make me weak!?

I read book two in the series before I read book 1. I think I would have liked book to better if I'd read it in order. Because I really loved Kieran and Dean's story, and the way the supporting characters rallied around their relationship. I think my positive feelings would have made me more invested and Tyron's actions in this book made him a more understandable character, and more likable.

Kieran is a basketball player in college and he is gay. He is mostly in the closet but he's out to his family and teammates. He has rules so that he keeps his sexuality secret and separate from his basketball career. Because he wants to go pro and he thinks he has to be in the closet to go pro.

Dean is an out twink top who has a lot of snark and won't put up with people's s***. He is protective of his younger brother Zeke who also plays basketball. His mom had Dean at 17 and is a single mom working hard to support the family. Dean is doing everything he can to support himself and help. Dean and Kieran meet at a party and get off on the wrong foot. Dean gets angry at Kieran and the other jocks. They have kind of an enemies to lovers relationship but it's mostly enemies on Dean's side. Dean resents him initially, but they have real chemistry and Dean sees that he's a good guy. Kieran's friends make a plan to make Dean the mascot of their basketball team so that Kieran will play at the top of his game, because he played so well when they initially got together and then he fell into a losing streak when they broke up. They think he's a lucky charm.

There's a bunch of things that I like about this book. I like the supporting characters (Kieran's teammates) and how they absolutely rallied around Kieran and Dean protectively, so casually. There were some really funny moments that came out of their interactions. I really liked how the author portrayed Kieran and Dean catching feels for each other. It was just so natural how they made each other smile and feel good, how they would share simple touches and just ground each other. In other books, I find that authors can miss the mark in making the readers see and feel that the characters love each other. In this one, there were dozens of tiny moments where it was so clear.

I liked how strong Dean was and that he could take care of himself when he faced off with other characters. It made me cheer when Kieran's friends were respectful and fearful of Dean, because they knew him well enough to no not to f with him. I loved that the boys interacted with each other's friends in really positive ways and developed relationships with them. It was a sign of a healthy relationship and a sign that they fit together and can last.

The only thing that slightly annoyed me was at the end of the book Kieran made friends with two other gay athletes in different sports. It just seemed a little too convenient and too easy how that happened. And how that led to him coming out himself and committing to entering the draft. A bit cheesy.

Some notable moments:

"And the f****r is quirking his brow. I want to smack him and kiss him and maybe twist his nipples for good measure."

"“We need to make this right. He needs to be at the games.” He’s now talking to himself. There’s a change in tone, one that’s absolutely his plotting tone. In fact, this tone scares me half to death as Tyron’s been known to do some crazy shit. “Maybe we need to make him an official mascot. That means we can actually get him on the bus to come with us to away games. And definitely for March Mayhem.” He stands once again and paces the room. “You think he’ll be okay in a bear costume?”"

"It’s enough space for me to comfortably rest my hand on his thigh. When he holds my hand, I gently bite the insides of my cheeks to stop from beaming."

"I shake. “I dare you to ‘just say’ in front of Dean.” I barely hold back my raucous laughter at the look of horror that spreads across his face. Yeah, my friends have a healthy respect for Dean and his ferocious self. The thought makes me beam."

*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink."

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this first book in a spin off series from Becca Seymour. It's a lot of fun, hot in all the right places and some great characters.
Dean and Kieran's first, second and even third meetings do not go well but perseverance and the need for an A in their English Lit class has them spending more time together. There's no denying the attraction and chemistry that they share but the problem being Kieran may be out to his teammates but no one else, with no plans as he's aiming to enter the draft. Kieran cannot stay away from the firecracker that is Dean, though and one too many meetups has them finally giving in, over and over again.
I love how things develop between these two. There's a slight animosity at first and then hesitation, to protect themselves of what could possibly be and then go wrong, but they are so right for each other! Their spark, once ignited, there's no stopping it even as they are breaking every one of Kieran's rules. Something I really enjoyed about their POV styles is that in some moments, they are talking to the reader, mocking themselves and the situation they find themselves in. I felt for Kieran and the things he struggled with and Dean handles everything so well, with poise and his brilliant personality depending on a positive or negative situation. How it all comes together ties in a little with Becca's previous series, Zone Defense.
Kieran's teammates/closest friends can all see it and they welcome him with open arms. There's wonderful friendships there, showing a great amount of support and trust. Both men's families are so loving and welcoming, I'm especially in love with Grams.
Definitely a recommended read! I really enjoyed all aspects of this story and look forward to the next in the series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Maijie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules, Schmules! is the first book in the Fast Break series written by Becca Seymour. This is set around college basketball featuring Dean and Kieran.

Dean is an out and proud gay man who's dedicated to his family and just recently moved with his mother and brother to start a new. Kieran is the captain of the basketball team who planned on going professional once he graduates. He is a man with a set of rules that he live by and it has not let him down. But when he met Dean, he can't help but break them no matter what.

There is no denying the chemistry between Dean and Kieran. I think their connection's rather cute and I did like their banter and interactions. The dual point of view helped in better understanding their thoughts and made their personalities distinct. It was wonderful to see their relationship develop from friendship to something more.

The story also introduced a number of endearing characters and I am grateful to see such supportive people around the main characters - loving them and being there when they need all the help they can get.

Rules, Schmules is a light, funny, low angst story with opposites attract, hidden relationships and some steamy scenes. I do recommend giving this book a try.

This would be 3.5 stars out of 5 stars for me.

I received an ARC of this book from GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to a new series!

Rules, Schmules is a romance with a basketball theme; I don’t think I’ve read many, if any, basketball books before so this one was interesting just for that alone. Add to that it was a good story with great writing.

There’s just the right amount of wit and drama. It’s a coming out, sports romance – and I’ve read several of them – but it didn’t seem like a regurgitation of the same old thing. For one thing, Kieran’s teammates know that he is gay. Kieran’s dilemma about coming out to everyone is that he wants a career in professional basketball and he feels that he won’t be accepted as an out gay athlete. He’s also afraid of what it might mean for Dean to be in the public eye. I thought the characters were interesting and I really loved how supportive Kieran’s family is. His grandmother was especially likeable.

I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters as well and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series. The epilogue, set a few years into the future, was very nice. I love getting to see what characters are up to a little while after they get their HEA.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran and Dean were such an awesome couple. Kieran is the star in the closet basketball player at their college and Dean is an out and proud twink who loves basketball. They meet at a party and Dean thinks Kieran is a gorgeous but arrogant jock. They get to know each other when paired for a project in their literature class. They soon give in to their chemistry but Dean doesn't want to be a dirty secret. Keiran is fearful that coming out will effect his chances of being drafted for the NBA. He has to decide whether to be true to himself and fully embrace being a couple with Dean or to keep hiding in the closet. This was a great read and I really like both of the MC's. Looking forwards to the next book in this series.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean is not your typical twink. He's smart, loves and knows everything about basketball and has a sassy mouth. Kieran is a closeted basketball but is out only to his teammates. There is an instant attraction between these two along with a love/hate relationship. This book is funny, witty, low angst, not your typical jock/twink book and I enjoyed it. Kieran and Dean are great together and I'm looking forward to the next book from this author.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran and Dean are two characters that immediately captured my heart and refused to leave.
Kieran is a superb college basketball player who also happens to be smart, witty and super sweet whilst Dean is a mascara wearing twink with plenty of sass who can stand up for himself just by using his words.

Circumstances bring them together and let’s just say that they do not immediately hit it off, although there is a bit of unacknowledged interest between them. It takes these two loveable characters spending more time together before the chemistry starts to fizz. Of course some self imposed “rules” come into play and it’s not long before they get a little bit bent and a little bit broken!
Kieran and Dean’s relationship is not without some bumps and bruises along the way but not anything that can stop their love for each other or their life together.

Becca Seymour has gifted us with another beautifully written engaging and enjoyable read that had me hooked from the very start. These two compelling characters made my heart happy and tugged at it too, they made me giggle and most importantly they left me smiling.

This is a brilliant start to the Fast Break series and I’m eagerly anticipating which of the interesting side characters is up next!

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules, Schmules! Is book #1 in the Fast Break series and was such a fun book. I absolutely adored Dean and Kieran. There was a great selection of sideline characters that I hope to see more of.

[Chris McKinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining MM sports romance!
Kiernan and Dean are off to a rocky start after their first couple of encounters. But once they're forced to team up for a class assignment all bets are off for the most part. Kieran is out (gay) with his teammates, family, and close friends. But keeps his sexuality secret from the public because of his basketball career. Dean is very out in the open gay. The pull between them is strong. I feel for Kieran keeping himself secret from the public because he can't be open in a relationship. He has rules while he is playing and keeps a no relationship status. His team is amazing how they suppprt him and protect him. As for Dean, I can feel his frustration of wanting more with Kieran but not going anywhere due to Kierans "rules." Can Dean get Kiernan to forget about his rules? You'll have to read this book to find out. You'll love thier journey as they figure things out. You'll laugh out loud. Your heart will ache. But most of all you’ll love every minute of their story. This is a fun and entertaining MM sports romance you won't want to miss. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules, Schmules is the first book in the Fast Break series by Becca Seymour. This was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. This book is about Dean and Kieran. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well written.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unicorns do exist! Dean is not your typical twink! He likes jocks and doesn’t fit into the typical stereotype! Kieran is a closeted basketball player that has rules to keep him safely in the closet! When they meet and get to know each other both Dean and Kieran know that rules are meant to be broken! Low angst, well written, steamy, opposite attracts, MM sports romance! I absolutely adored their romance! I love it when the two main characters have chemistry, and these two have it in spades! I love the basketball team and hope we get to see more of them! Hopefully there are a few more closeted members! I received this book from GRR and these are my honest opinions!

[Pamela Daake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! I love that this twink like character can hold his own with people bigger than him! This really got me in the feels when they are at the resort and I got the reference to characters in a different series. Awesome moment!

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read many MM sports romances with basketball as the sport. Pretty sure it’s only been Becca Seymour books and I really enjoy reading about something different! I loved both of the MCs in this book. Kieran and Dean seemed to be the exact opposites of what you would expect them to be and I loved it.

Dean was an awesome, fierce and confident character who didn’t let anybody walk all over him. He always made sure to stand up for himself and even Kieran a time or two. Loved his snark and that he was a small twink who tops!

Kieran was also a great character. I loved how sensitive he was and how much his teammates were a part of his family. They were so supportive of him and it was great that he had that even if he couldn’t be out to the world at first. Except for a minor hiccup the team loved Dean too and I felt that was so important that they had that support. Kieran’s grandparents were also the cutest couple. Loved them!

There were a couple things that threw me off the story a bit. There was some 4th wall breaking happening where the characters would talk to the reader and I wasn’t a big fan of that but it only seemed to happen when something important was said or thought about that the author wanted to reiterate. Also there was a lot of time skipping that confused me a little bit. We skipped weeks at a time but it wasn’t always super clear.

However, I still loved the story. These two had such a cute HEA and I was so happy for them. I love the book titles in this series and can absolutely see why Tyron’s book is called Facts, Smacts 😂. I’m excited to read his story!

This series is a spin-off of the Zone Defence series. It can definitely be read without reading that series but I would recommend as it was great but you also get to meet these MCs in the first book of the series. It was really neat to find that out and see a bit of that scene in this book (wished we had seen more of it from their POV though). Only book 1 from that series would need to be read.

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really into the premise of this book and I wish that I would have enjlyed it more than I did but sadly I just really struggled getting into this book. I did absolutely love how it handled one of the main character’s coming out, that was super refreshing to read about.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca Seymour is one of those authors that I always want to check out but haven't had the time in my TBR to reach until just now. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have several books of hers on my kindle and I'm fighting the urge to dive headfirst into them (and her entire backlist) after reading this one.

Rules Schmules is the hilarious and heartwarming love story of Kiernan and Dean. Kiernan is a mostly closeted college basketball star - I say mostly because his friends and family know but he has no intentions of letting the world at large know. He wants to go into the League (think NBA but without the Copyright fee) after he finishes university and he knows that the world of sports can be pretty homophobic. Dean, on the other hand, is an out and proud gay man, a self-identified twink, and so full of confidence and backbone that even the big basketball stars in this book cower at his glare.

In other words, perfect opposites.

Perfect opposites that get off to a terrible start when one of Kiernan's friends spill a drink on Dean at a party. Dean bares his teeth - verbally - and Kiernan is completely and utterly enamored. But he has his rules that he lives by - rules that dictate everything for him in order to get him into the League - and Dean is in direct violation of basically every single one. So of course, because this is book world, they get assigned a group project and have to get to know one another. Which leads fairly quickly to hooking up.

This book spans the course of a year, chronicling the highs and lows of their relationship - from friendship to more - and its wonderful. There are quite a few time jumps in it, but it doesn't feel like there's anything important being glossed over or like anything is being particularly rushed. Instead, it gives the book a certain flash of realism, because the timeline makes so much sense to the decisions being made.

Not only are Dean and Kiernan amazing characters with amazing chemistry, Seymour introduces a host of hilarious side characters. The one that stands out the most is Tyron, Kiernan's roommate and best friend who is fiercely protective and probably a little annoying to his friends. I personally found him absolutely amazing in every way and hope that we get to see him more in this series, even if he doesn't get a book of his own... but honestly, fingers crossed that he gets a book of his own. The rest of Kiernan's roommates play a good part in the story, but none of them are quite as memorable as Ty, though Sammy comes close with his dangerous alcohol concoctions. Combined though, they give a cute found family and unconditional love and friendship vibe to the story that makes me absolutely weak.

Rules, Schmules is a dual POV 1st person narrative story with good heat and moderately low angst. It had me laughing out loud at multiple times and has me itching to read more of Becca Seymour's work. So all in all, a strong book that I would highly recommend.

Also side note: distinct character voices can be really hard in first person, but Becca Seymour really mastered it here. I could definitely tell the POV switches, even if I didn't see the name at the beginning of each chapter.

** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **

[Crystal Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was adorable. So completely adorable. This was fun and flirty and sweet. Dean and Kieran are completely lovable together even if their start was sort of rocky. I enjoyed the storyline and the writing and look forward to more Becca Seymour in the future.

The star of this book was definitely Dean. He was a ball a sassy fun. He's this petite, mascara wearing, take no shit twink who makes his worth known. I loved his attitude and also loved how he wasn't shy in any way and spoke his mind whenever he needed to. He has a close relationship with his mother and younger brother that was sweet and added just enough love from the family side characters. He has transferred to a different school so he can help support his family and help his mother who is a nurse and works third shift. He is there for them always. He doesn't take himself too seriously but won't be pushed around by anyone, especially jocks. One night at a party Dean is just minding his own fabulous business but has an unpleasant run in with a hoard of big, loud basketball players and tells them how it is in the most forward way possible, "Wait your turn or I'll cut your hands off", basically. HAHA like I said, sass! And this is where and when he meets the ridiculously tall and ridiculously handsome and ridiculously not rude at all jock, Kieran.

Kieran was oh so sweet. He is a big softie and a big bottom. This is definitely not the norm in MM romance so it took me a few to get used. Kieran is out with his friends and family but not to the school and he wants to keep it that way. I understand this in MM romance as well but it does make me sad to see. I wish all gay couple's could love out loud as it makes it more enjoyable to read and be a part of their relationship. His reasoning for keeping his sexuality quiet is career driven and for the most part does not stop him from being happy. He really is so easy going and someone you just want to be friends with. He thinks he's liked by everyone until he meets Dean and he realizes that's not always true. All he wants to do is win this guy over now and his cuddly sweet self is pretty hard to resist. He also wants to get horizontal with Dean which does pose a problem when he finds himself wanting to talk to Dean and be around Dean even if it seems like the worst idea he's ever had.

For the most part I enjoyed Dean and Kieran's relationship. The beginning was very promising in the heat department but definitely fizzled out more than I was expecting. their first encounter was hawt and some following but then the middle and most of the end were quieter and softer moments. There were WAY too many fade to black's for my liking which surprised me. I was glad to see their dynamic didn't change and they stayed true to who they were as characters. I really enjoyed their HFN though as they do make a believable couple.

I thought the side characters were good and added depth to the story. The one guy I wasn't a huge fan of was was Tyron but he did eventually redeem himself. I loved both the hero's families and how they were incorporated into the story. However, I don't know if I am entirely sold on continuing the series. I think it will depend on who the MC's are. I do like the play on words for the titles, very creative.

My fair rating: 3.75 rounded to 4

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

old post reposted


I really suck at making and sticking to my reading plans for the day... Instead of reading what I had intended or what I had already on my Kindle, I downloaded two new series to binge-read. Here's Becca Seymour's "Rules, Schmules!" (part of her Fast Break series).
["The first Zone Defense series spin-off with a rule-following basketball player and an unimpressed twink who thinks rules are made to be obliterated.

It’s not my milkshake that brings Kieran Kendall to my yard. Okay, maybe it’s a little bit my milkshake. But I also like to think it’s my dazzling personality and my magical… uhm… you get the idea.

Since meeting Kieran, my first, second, and admittedly third impressions of him have changed radically. Not surprising, since he was a prize D during at least two of those encounters. What I should be doing is running from the college basketball star who checks so many of my dream-guy boxes. But do you know how hard it is to find a hot guy who’s as smart as he is talented?

And I’m not just talking about his talent on the basketball court. Heck no.

It’s easy to get distracted by him, because of him, yet as far as he’s concerned, I’m the one who’s a distraction and throwing his carefully constructed plans out of whack.

I should be sorry. I should also be better at guarding my heart.

But Kieran Kendall is under my skin, and getting him to break his rules is far too much fun."]
The sexual tension was fucking real. As was the internal struggles. They both wanted it but couldn't have it (for different reasons). And then, when they finally caved, there was a whole new series of rules to stick to. More time together, more rules. More relationship territory, more rules. More in love...time to break the rules. Also, I think meet-uglys are more entertaining and fun than meet-cutes (or like two or three meet-uglies...).

It was a little back and forth-y for me with their reservations and insecurities, but I can't really judge a person on those (even a fictional one). And the book overall could have been shorter, but then we wouldn't have gotten nearly as much fluff and friendship and character growth and cavity-inducing fluff (yeah, I said fluff twice; unless you met these two, you don't know).

I will be adding the rest of Becca's books to my list soon (I just can't do too much closeted characters in one sitting or I get too sad and too angry at the world).

#rulesschmules #factsmacts #fastbreak #fastbreakseries #beccaseymour #books #queerbooks #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 Stars
Summary: Semi-closeted college basketball player Kieran and transfer student Dean get off to a rocky start when they bump into each other at a party. Even though Dean is not Kieran’s usual type, and it’s against all of the rules he’s set in place to make sure he not only graduates but gets to go pro, Kieran can’t help being drawn to the fiery Dean. Dean’s life is busy too—but after he’s paired with Kieran for a school project he can’t help but notice Kieran’s not as bad a guy as he first thought, and pushing his buttons is a lot of fun. So who’s distracting who?

“Kieran Kendall is a cinnamon roll wrapped up in lickable abs. He’s also worryingly distracting.”

“Is Dean the man I could imagine falling for and bickering about leaving dirty socks on the floor with? When my pulse picks up speed, I have my answer.”

Review: This book is a lot of fun. I just love Dean’s brand of snark. I also love that he doesn’t use it all the time—I like that he’s self-aware and observant enough to know when it’s wisest to either keep quiet or play something straight. Dean is much smaller in stature than basketball star Kieran, and that initially makes Kieran think that Dean needs rescuing, but he doesn’t. He’s more than capable of standing up for himself, and I love that that just makes him more attractive to Kieran.

I like how Kieran and Dean’s relationship develops—it’s slow, even has a few false starts, but it lets them get to know each other besides their attraction. It’s a small thing, but I really like that despite their attraction to each other, they’re able to get work done together on their project. And they are supportive of each other’s dreams and goals. I also really like the supporting cast. Kieran has a just lovely relationship with his teammates and roommates. And it is beyond endearing how much they accept Dean into their fold. Dean’s mom and brother are great as are Kieran’s parents and especially his grandparents!

It’s not a deep read, but it sure is a fun read. I definitely want to read the rest of the series.