Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
What happens in the field, stays in the field. Or does it?

After the disastrous way her first archaeological dig ended, graduate student Olivia Sanchez abandoned her dreams of working in the field. Now, thanks to a last-minute teaching opportunity in Cyprus, she’ll get another chance to explore ancient history firsthand. This time, failure isn’t an option.

But digging up the past takes on a whole new meaning when she’s forced to team up with her ex, shovel bum Rick Langston.

For years, Rick has proven his archaeological skills all over the Mediterranean. But with no graduate degree—and a habit of attracting trouble—his reputation could use a little rehab. All he has to do is play by the rules while he’s in Cyprus and he’ll secure a coveted recommendation for his next job. Until Olivia resurfaces like a cursed relic from the past.

Given that their last fling nearly caused them both academic ruin, Olivia and Rick can’t afford to repeat their past mistakes. But as they work together under the scorching Mediterranean sun, the heat between them proves impossible to ignore.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2022

83 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read

About the author

Carla Luna

22 books160 followers
Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories.
When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
112 (15%)
4 stars
268 (37%)
3 stars
286 (39%)
2 stars
48 (6%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for Zoë.
782 reviews1,511 followers
July 24, 2025
my fav part was this being 70% archaeology and 15% romance
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,590 reviews174 followers
August 23, 2022
I really liked Luna’s previous series, 'Blackwood Cellars', because I felt myself carried away with the characters and the romance. But this first in a collection just didn’t quite grab me in the same manner and I found I just could not get my teeth into this plot.

It is clear that Luna is writing from the heart with the setting of archaeology and Mediterranean digs. It came of no surprise to learn in the closing author’s note that Luna is qualified in this area and I think it is evident in the level of detail that the writer goes in to with creating the scene. For me, I wonder if this was where I lost interest because it was a world that I don’t really understand and one that I have limited fascination with. In contrast to the other series, the winery business was lavish and luxurious, offering a wealthy escapism from reality.

Yet, there is something to be said with Luna’s description of the Cypriot landscape. Most definitely I felt transported to this summery island and it brought back many lovely memories of my own travels there. With palpable heat, dry and dusty terrain, I think Luna’s description of the stark countryside added to my enjoyment of the story. Furthermore, the fact that there are still plenty of buried treasures to be discovered really blew my mind and what I would probably consider as just dust and rock, could have been pottery shards that are centuries old. This is the life of the archaeologist and what Rick and Olivia are living.

I liked these two characters but I didn’t feel very connected with them. I think the story would have benefitted from a detailed flashback to Rick and Olivia’s first meet and their budding relationship. Instead, we discover what happened through Olivia’s reminiscing and I think I would have preferred to experience it first hand. This would have added more to the plot and I think I would have been further convinced that they are characters that should be together.

What I did enjoy about the story was the sizzling romance between Olivia and Rick. In addition, the supporting characters were quite interesting and I liked how a different side to the professors was gradually revealed. There are some passing references to shipwreck digs and I think this would create a fascinating foundation for a next book in the series; I certainly would be keen to see how this sort of archaeology is carried out!

Although this didn’t strike the same cord with me, I am still hopeful about the next book in the series. For one thing, I wonder where in the world Luna will take her readers for the next archaeological dig. Secondly, now having a better idea of characters, I am wondering how Luna will develop other relationships, as well as being keen to see how Rick and Olivia’s connection is progressing.

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,314 reviews231 followers
August 22, 2022
The first book in the Romancing the Ruins series, Field Rules follows exes Olivia and Rick, who unexpectedly reconnect at an archeological field school in Cyprus. Olivia needs to make a success of her teaching position on the site if she ever wants to finish her degree, and Rick needs a recommendation from their leader to further his career since trouble seems to follow him.

Rick and Olivia haven’t seen each other in years, not since their breakup. However, the old feelings are still there for both characters. Their chemistry is fantastic, and I enjoyed learning more about what happened between them when they first met. Both struggle with feelings of inadequacy, Rick because of his lack of a degree, and Olivia because of family scrutiny and her own insecurities, but as they work together and reconnect, they both seem to change. However, they must decide if they are willing to take a second chance on their relationship. There are some great messages about taking risks and forging your own path in life that Olivia and Rick exemplify. They have a great romance with tons of chemistry, and I so wanted them to give each other another chance despite their reservations. And their first kiss!! Swoon!!!

Olivia and Rick share a passion for archeology, and the story includes many interesting elements of an archeological dig. I like that it is detailed and offers explanations of different processes and procedures without overwhelming the story. It, as well as the lush and romantic island of Cyprus, make for a unique and beautiful backdrop to the story. The author’s writing immerses you into the world of a dig site with vivid descriptions of the island, the ancient sites, the attractions, the food, and more.

The secondary characters are also dynamic and interesting, especially Rick’s friends and Olivia’s sister. I’m excited to continue the series, as I think some of these characters will be the focus of future books, and I’m eager to learn more about them. They form this little family on the site, which isn’t surprising considering they live and work in close quarters, and their joking banter and fun antics are entertaining and show how close they are.

Field Rules is a great read for people who enjoy contemporary, second-chance, or academic romance, and it’s a great start to Carla Luna’s new series! Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Natasha Meyer.
35 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2024
It was so so cute. And as an ex-archaeologist, I was actually really surprised at how well written the archaeology was! Took me back to life in the field ❤️ Loved it and miss being a shovel bum!
Profile Image for Ofelia Martinez.
Author 18 books145 followers
August 12, 2022
This is the Latinx representation I want to see!
Whenever I think I've become jaded, that there are no fresh ideas within romance, someone like Luna comes along and surprises me. I mean, a Latina Archeologist?! When have we seen that in popular media or art? Never, that's when.
This lighthearted, second-chance romcom is perfect to wrap up the summer.
Profile Image for Manon.
421 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2025
J’ai commencé cet audio un peu au hasard. J’avais plein d’audio qui n'étaient plus disponibles sur Everand et la couverture de celui-ci m’appelait ainsi que le thème. Et j’ai eu une très agréable surprise.
Je trouve original le fait que cette romance soit autour du thème de l’archéologie, ce n’est pas commun et j’ai beaucoup aimé tout ce qui tournait autour de ce thème.
La romance était également très bien faite. J’ai beaucoup apprécié les deux personnages principaux qui renouent après sept années et qui finissent par aller de l’avant et oublier leur grief passés.
J’ai trouvé le livre très bien écrit avec un bon rythme. Et puis, l’audio était également très bien fait. J’ai beaucoup apprécié la narratrice qui donnait envie de continuer à lire.
Ce livre est vraiment parfait pour l’été et très léger !
Profile Image for Kate.
856 reviews39 followers
July 14, 2022
Field Rules is one of those books I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it. It’s romantic and fun with intelligent and engaging characters. And it came as no surprise to me when reading the author’s note at the end to find out Carla Luna trained as an archeologist! Her story contained enough real life experience to make it feel real but didn’t bog you down with the small stuff. I felt like I could have been there in Cyprus with Rick and Olivia as they toiled in the dirt and navigated their relationship amongst the pressures of life.

One of the things I liked most about Rick and Olivia was how down to earth they both are. And I’m not just talking about how they dig down for the artifacts. I’m talking about how realistic they are about their lives. Olivia is an academic who has planned her entire future. And Rick might be a little less rigid in his plans but he still has a general idea where he wants to go. The drama in this book worked for me because it felt authentic to who the characters are. It wasn’t drama for climax sake but rather these characters felt like real people and their problems felt genuine.

I got to witness Rick and Olivia navigate their relationship as well as getting a glimpse into their shared past. The way the mystery of just what went wrong seven years ago unravelled was fun to read. Getting to know the characters and then getting to see where they have come from before seeing where they will end up was a great journey to follow. I felt like I knew who they were and felt invested in their lives. I also liked the secondary characters. Olivia’s sister, the fellow teaching assistants and everyone else involved in the field school - they all felt like they had their own stuff going on and weren’t just there to help the main characters. But that said, they were also wonderful at supporting their friends when they needed it. I could not have been more excited to see there are more stories coming featuring Sofia and the others.

IF you like contemporary romance set on an archeological dig with well rounded characters, a gorgeous Mediterranean setting and just enough Indiana Jones references - look no further than Field Rules. It’s romantic, realistic and kept me hooked until the last page.
Profile Image for Wesenberg.
7 reviews
July 18, 2022
Congratulations to Carla Luna for another great read! Presenting Field Rules, where the emotional climate is as steamy as a summer’s day on the Greek/Turkish island of Cyprus. Archaeology graduate student Olivia Sanchez has an unexpected opportunity to be a leader of young students at an archaeological field school, and it turns out that an unexpected hottie from her past is also working on the expedition. They dig each other but might need to excavate their relationship which has been smoldering beneath the surface for the past seven years after a traumatic break-up.

Nothing is easy in life and work, and Olivia must navigate a field of needy students and arrogant superiors. Advancement towards her doctorate is at risk, and her future career is uncertain if she cannot show leadership and competence in a trying situation.

The setting is vividly described, with nuances only an author with first-hand knowledge can infuse. The Temple of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, virtually sizzles with seductive power. What might have happened there in the centuries past? What might happen here now? And what about the blue Mediterranean sky, the beach, the prehistoric ruins? All become elements of the perfect environment for the universal quest for love.

For a reader who can only dream of far-flung travels, this novel offers the perfect immersive antidote. And to heighten the pleasure, rules do not necessarily apply here.
Profile Image for Christina Vourcos.
Author 9 books137 followers
August 12, 2022
Read In One Day

I had planned to read it bit earlier than today, but didn’t get to. As soon as I started reading today, I had to keep reading as much as I could and I still finished it in one day. The story made me feel like I went on a trip to the Mediterranean. I really enjoyed the romance. Most of all, I really enjoyed how I could see the excitement of archeology that Carla Luna has really inspired her characters’ excitement. As a Greek Latina, it was wonderful to see a story that slightly blends my two cultures into a book. That inspires me as well as a reader and a writer. I look forward to reading more of Carla Luna’s work.
112 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2022
I’m one of the lucky few to receive an advance reader copy of FIELD RULES by my favorite contemporary author, Carla Luna. She writes the kind of books you put on your wish list and buy in advance. I fell for her Blackwood Cellar Series and devoured those books.

This next novel, Field Rules, is the first in a new series called Romancing the Ruins. In it, Olivia and Rick unexpectedly re-connect at an archeological field school on Cyprus. While sifting through the ruins of ancient civilizations, they also sort out the remains of their failed romance. To their surprise, they not only find a new archeological site, they also discover that the love they thought had died seven years ago, burns brighter than ever.

I particularly love this book for the setting, the island nation of Cyprus. And I have a fascination for archeology about which Luna obviously has extensive knowledge. But Carla Luna’s real strength is the ability to create unforgettable characters you want to spend hours with. This novel will appeal to fans of Susanna Kearsley and any fan of contemporary second chance romance. FIELD RULES is coming in August 2022. Pre-order it now.
Profile Image for julie.
603 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2022
After the disastrous way her first archaeological dig ended graduate student Olivia Sanchez abandoned her dreams of working in the field now thanks to a last minute teaching opportunity in Cyprus she’ll get another chance to explore ancient history firsthand this time failure isn’t a option but digging up the past takes on a whole new meaning when she’s forced to team up with her ex shovel bum Rick Langston for years Rick has proven his archaeological skills all over the Mediterranean but with no graduate degree and a habit of attracting trouble his reputation could use a little rehab all he has to do is play by the rules while he’s in Cyprus and he’ll secure a coveted recommendation for his next job until Olivia resurfaces like a cursed relic from the past
Really enjoyable read couldn’t put it down totally recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Mandina.
2,286 reviews494 followers
August 22, 2022
I fell in love with this author when I read Blue Hawaiian. And this book grabbed me even more as before I discovered my love of dinosaurs and paleontology, I wanted to be an archaeologist, or more specifically an Egyptologist. I loved all the back story on this one. I loved the characters, I loved the actual dig site/field class. The on again off again relationship/friendship between Olivia and Rick was really good! Even if I got frustrated with one point where he didn’t tell her something and then she overreacted to him not telling her, I totally understood both of their points of view.

There were a few parts that definitely had me on the edge of my seat as I read, even the first night when I had to go to bed and couldn’t keep reading and had to leave off at an intense moment! Then there was a moment at the end where I knew exactly what was going to happen, and knew one of our two main characters was going to end up taking the fall. Which they did. But then I love how that got resolved too!

Reading this made me want to not only go visit the location, but also to join in on some kind of dig like I did when I graduated from college and got to be part of a dinosaur dig. Once again this author has hooked me and I can’t wait for more in this series. Can’t wait to see which characters get their own HEAs!!!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,882 reviews135 followers
August 20, 2022
Looking for a contemporary romance with history and sun?
This delightful one is set in Cyprus and is lots of fun!

Olivia Sanchez is off to work at an archaeological dig
Teaching out in the field is, for her, something big.
She's not worked in the field since she was a teen
When not following the rules had consequences that were mean.

On arrival in Cyprus she's shocked to discover
That she'll be working with her ex-lover!
Their antics all those years ago led to problems for these two
The attractions is still there.... what should they do?

A story filled with archaeology, lessons and rules
To flaunt them all they'd just be fools
Especially with someone who is so mean, too,
Watching and threatening them in all they do.

Working together gives the chance for romance
But dare they even take a chance?
With discoveries to make, new friendships, too,
This is a great read, I recommend to you!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Profile Image for Nicola Malloch.
567 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2022
Thank you so much Carla Luna and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of ‘Field rules’ in exchange for an honest review. Transporting me to Cyprus with Mediterranean heat sizzling between Olivia and Rick with a history that can’t quite stay buried on a dig site where all romances are banned in one of the most beautiful settings this book is a winner. I enjoyed the whole team of archaeologists and the dynamic between them; it added another level of depth with the back and forth between them all. I could see myself walking through the dig sites and laughing and joking with Rick and eye rolling at the endless stories of Tj, overall I found this a fun summer read with just the right amount of heat.
Profile Image for Michelle McCraw.
Author 31 books141 followers
August 1, 2022
I loved this lighthearted romantic comedy set in an archaeological field school in Cyprus. It features a second-chance romance between Olivia, a Ph.D. student, and Rick, a "shovel bum" (someone who works at a dig but doesn't have an advanced degree). Since being punished for breaking rules with Rick on her first dig, Olivia has hidden away doing library research. Now she must go outside her comfort zone in the rough conditions of the Cyprus site and learn how to take risks again to reap the rewards of field research...and love with hunky Rick. Don't miss the scene in Aphrodite's temple! Swoon! I can't wait for more books in this series.
Profile Image for Ella.
22 reviews
August 10, 2022
Archeological Romance - Perfect Summer Read

I loved every bit of this novel! This was my first read by Carla Luna and I will absolutely be sticking around for more. For those that enjoy a second-chance, enemies to lovers, academia romance ... this is for you! Just the right amount of spice and overall engaging from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jen (jensdreamylittlereads).
963 reviews120 followers
August 10, 2022
This was such a fun story! I loved Olivia and Rick and their second chance love story. I always enjoy a good second chance romance and I especially love when the characters accidentally fall back into each other’s lives. But throw in a archaeological dig set within a Mediterranean backdrop, and it makes it all the better!

The setting of Cyprus was perfect for this story. Olivia and Rick unexpectedly reunite at an archeological field school after seven years apart. Their chemistry, despite many years apart, was undeniable and I thoroughly enjoyed how honest they were with their emotions as they caught up, despite some frustrating miscommunication towards the end. The vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the ancient sites, excavations, and archeology methods that Carla Luna put into the story was so well-thought out, fascinating and engaging.

Field Rules a blast from start to finish - it's exciting, it's romantic, and it's just plain fun. This was such an entertaining read, perfect for the summer. I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Kayla Frank.
262 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2024
I really enjoy reading fiction/romance where I can learn about a different culture or profession, which I thought would happen in this book with an archaeological dig in the Mediterranean, but it really didn’t. The writing felt very one-dimensional, if that’s a thing? Cliche, cheesy, unrealistic. Bummer.
Profile Image for Nicola Everett.
376 reviews14 followers
May 31, 2023
The perfect romance !! Summer ? Cyprus ? Archaeology and classics ? LOVED
Profile Image for Lani.
128 reviews
June 20, 2024
Less egregious than expected, archaeologically, than expected, though romantically pretty bland.
Profile Image for Heather.
114 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2024
This had the potential to be really good because I love that this is set in academia/archeology. I never got sucked into it though and I felt the whole thing was a little meh. I just didn’t believe that they were real people.
Profile Image for Anna^_^.
106 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2024
книгу варто читати заради чудової атмосфери Кіпру та археологічних розкопок
313 reviews48 followers
May 28, 2025
this pissed me off numerous times.
55 reviews
September 30, 2025
It was alright, but I always love archaeology related books. Carla Luna is a good writer and I wouldn't mind reading more of her things if they come up.
Profile Image for Macee Grisenti.
340 reviews13 followers
July 19, 2022
While I don’t usually like second chance love, this book is more fitting of missed connections and was great.
Seven years after Olivia is kicked out of a dog she finally re enters the field, only to be met by the man she got kicked out with. Although seven years later Rick is more grown up and hotter than ever. Both Rick and Olivia have a lot to rehash, but is the connection still there between them? Did they lose their chance or can they still catch it?
This duel POV book follows Rick and Olivia as they spend six weeks on this dig in Cyprus and are forced to work together.
Spice: 🌶
Steam: 🔥🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗
Profile Image for Jess.
3,554 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2025
This was very sweet. I think I could have done with a bit more falling in love a second time versus just being still in love, but really especially enjoyed the heroine coming out of her shell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.