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The Rules of Forever
Public school teacher Cara Talarico is determined to pay off her student loans by the time she turns thirty-five and has sworn off everything fun to make it happen—including dating. Attending her high school reunion definitely ranks in the not-fun category. The last thing she expects is to reconnect with Lauren Havemayer, her unrequited crush from ten years ago.
Having just returned from Europe, Lauren barely remembers Cara from their school days but can’t deny the sparks flying between them now. It’s too bad Lauren is abstaining from romance—love has caused her nothing but pain and she doesn’t trust herself or anyone else.
They embark on a cautious friendship with benefits—no feelings allowed. But with their chemistry off the charts no matter how much they try to fight it, feelings are being felt. They both agreed to the rules at the start, but keeping them is more complicated than it seems.
Having just returned from Europe, Lauren barely remembers Cara from their school days but can’t deny the sparks flying between them now. It’s too bad Lauren is abstaining from romance—love has caused her nothing but pain and she doesn’t trust herself or anyone else.
They embark on a cautious friendship with benefits—no feelings allowed. But with their chemistry off the charts no matter how much they try to fight it, feelings are being felt. They both agreed to the rules at the start, but keeping them is more complicated than it seems.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
29 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 31, 2022
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bold Strokes Books) in exchange for a honest review'
**'When telling a story sometimes use your ideas as an educational tool towards the readers..'
3.5stars!
'THE RULES OF FOREVER' is both an intricate and reverberating debut book about love, life, trust, societal norms, friendships, relationship issues, art and the wonderful inescapability of family legacies etc. etc. etc.. The storyline could have been much much more enjoyable if not for every other sentence, one of the leading characters mentions having lots of debts and how poor that she was while constantly criticizing the other leading lady about being rich and having so much money. It was a bit discouraging and even annoyingly tedious at times but then the storytelling eventually got much better maybe from chapter 22 until the ending. Don't get me wrong, they have chemistry and a nice group of supportive friends & families that did urge them on every time.
Perhaps the most challenging to understand or get a feel of and relate to, is Ms.Campbell trying to balance her storytelling, flesh out each character and then explain why each main character had so many issues with trusting each other -- even after establishing this friend with benefits rule and at the same time setting their own boundaries. To both (Cara & Lauren) this should be very simple with no added expectations, right? -- but then feelings and falling in love hits which cause an angry outburst with Lauren voicing her displeasure not to get into any serious relationship because of past unhealed relationship issues of being used.
In the end, their desire to be together did outweigh those old relationships wounds and the strained of avoidance then led to them getting back together. So even though i may have been a little discouraged with a few chapters, i do encourage all interested readers to have a go at this book.
Recommended!
**'When telling a story sometimes use your ideas as an educational tool towards the readers..'
3.5stars!
'THE RULES OF FOREVER' is both an intricate and reverberating debut book about love, life, trust, societal norms, friendships, relationship issues, art and the wonderful inescapability of family legacies etc. etc. etc.. The storyline could have been much much more enjoyable if not for every other sentence, one of the leading characters mentions having lots of debts and how poor that she was while constantly criticizing the other leading lady about being rich and having so much money. It was a bit discouraging and even annoyingly tedious at times but then the storytelling eventually got much better maybe from chapter 22 until the ending. Don't get me wrong, they have chemistry and a nice group of supportive friends & families that did urge them on every time.
Perhaps the most challenging to understand or get a feel of and relate to, is Ms.Campbell trying to balance her storytelling, flesh out each character and then explain why each main character had so many issues with trusting each other -- even after establishing this friend with benefits rule and at the same time setting their own boundaries. To both (Cara & Lauren) this should be very simple with no added expectations, right? -- but then feelings and falling in love hits which cause an angry outburst with Lauren voicing her displeasure not to get into any serious relationship because of past unhealed relationship issues of being used.
In the end, their desire to be together did outweigh those old relationships wounds and the strained of avoidance then led to them getting back together. So even though i may have been a little discouraged with a few chapters, i do encourage all interested readers to have a go at this book.
Recommended!
October 5, 2022
I think this book is a debut and it’s exactly the kind of debut that makes me happy and hopeful. It’s smart and well-written and sure, it’s not flawless but I love that the author has room for growth. The premise is simple: at boarding school, teenage Cara Talarico had a massive crush on Lauren Havemayer. She hasn’t thought much about her in the ten years since they graduated but when she finds herself in Lauren’s car after their high school reunion, the attraction is still there too.
There’s a lot of longing in this book – even though both women acknowledge the mutual attraction rather quickly – and you know how much I love longing. Feelings have a way of getting involved even when it seems ill-advised and this book is a delicious illustration of that.
Nan Campbell created two women reluctant, for very different reasons, to enter into a relationship that goes beyond friends with benefits: Cara wants to be loan-free when she gets to that part of her life; Lauren believes she’s not made for serious relationships after she got burnt by her ex’s betrayal. The conflict is much deeper, however. Lauren’s family is extraordinarily wealthy and while she’s considerate and caring, she’s not always aware of how privileged she is. Cara, on the other hand, received free tuition for boarding school thanks to her mom being an employee there. As she gets to know Lauren as an adult, and not as the girl she crushed on, she realises that their experience of school, as a boarder and as a day student, were wildly contrasting. As are their outlook on life at twenty-eight, with Lauren working her dream job at the Met and Cara as a high school teacher in the Bronx. Not all is black and white however, not all is easily explained either, and the journey to understanding each other or, at least, respecting each other’s values and feelings was fascinating to witness. The author brings nuance to what could have been a basic rich girl/poor girl romance and despite it being a little repetitive, I enjoyed it very much.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
There’s a lot of longing in this book – even though both women acknowledge the mutual attraction rather quickly – and you know how much I love longing. Feelings have a way of getting involved even when it seems ill-advised and this book is a delicious illustration of that.
Nan Campbell created two women reluctant, for very different reasons, to enter into a relationship that goes beyond friends with benefits: Cara wants to be loan-free when she gets to that part of her life; Lauren believes she’s not made for serious relationships after she got burnt by her ex’s betrayal. The conflict is much deeper, however. Lauren’s family is extraordinarily wealthy and while she’s considerate and caring, she’s not always aware of how privileged she is. Cara, on the other hand, received free tuition for boarding school thanks to her mom being an employee there. As she gets to know Lauren as an adult, and not as the girl she crushed on, she realises that their experience of school, as a boarder and as a day student, were wildly contrasting. As are their outlook on life at twenty-eight, with Lauren working her dream job at the Met and Cara as a high school teacher in the Bronx. Not all is black and white however, not all is easily explained either, and the journey to understanding each other or, at least, respecting each other’s values and feelings was fascinating to witness. The author brings nuance to what could have been a basic rich girl/poor girl romance and despite it being a little repetitive, I enjoyed it very much.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
October 27, 2022
Nan Campbell.... New author to keep an out for!
Slow burn, little angst, characters with chemistry and spark, and a good storyline.
Looking forward to reading future releases.
4 out 5
Slow burn, little angst, characters with chemistry and spark, and a good storyline.
Looking forward to reading future releases.
4 out 5
August 26, 2022
The Rules of Forever had the three C’s: Communication. Chemistry. Complexity.
The communication between Cara and Lauren was a major highlight for me. From their journey that started with talking to friends with benefits to lovers, the communication was perfection. I also loved all of the art and NYC sprinkled in which added to the story. How this was a debut novel is beyond me as the details and storyline couldn’t have been better.
I wasn’t expecting the rich girl/poor girl trope and loved that inclusion in the story. Highly recommend this one. 🥕🌊
I received an ARC for an honest review!
The communication between Cara and Lauren was a major highlight for me. From their journey that started with talking to friends with benefits to lovers, the communication was perfection. I also loved all of the art and NYC sprinkled in which added to the story. How this was a debut novel is beyond me as the details and storyline couldn’t have been better.
I wasn’t expecting the rich girl/poor girl trope and loved that inclusion in the story. Highly recommend this one. 🥕🌊
I received an ARC for an honest review!
January 22, 2023
This was a beautiful story by Campbell.
I was thoroughly entertained from start to end even when I found myself getting frustrated with both of our main characters a time or two. The pacing of the story was really well done as the characters went through the motions of the navigating their way through their arrangement. Although Lauren and Cara's arrangement started immediately with Lust, their friendship grew stronger and the slow burn to love was so satisfying to see at the end.
A huge thanks to Nan Campbell, as I'm stubbornly set in my ways in my avoidence with BSB books right now, I may not have read this beautiful tale without her giving me a chance and a copy of her book.
I was thoroughly entertained from start to end even when I found myself getting frustrated with both of our main characters a time or two. The pacing of the story was really well done as the characters went through the motions of the navigating their way through their arrangement. Although Lauren and Cara's arrangement started immediately with Lust, their friendship grew stronger and the slow burn to love was so satisfying to see at the end.
A huge thanks to Nan Campbell, as I'm stubbornly set in my ways in my avoidence with BSB books right now, I may not have read this beautiful tale without her giving me a chance and a copy of her book.
October 16, 2022
(4.5 stars)
I love a slow burn romance and Nan Campbell’s debut was right up my street.
Cara is a school teacher whose primary concern is paying off her debts whilst she is still young and Lauren comes from wealth but has had her heart broken too many times. The two women reconnect at their school reunion and despite their instant spark they agree to keep their relationship casual.
I was totally pulled into their individual struggles when it comes to dating and how their insecurities have left them vulnerable. The attraction between them really came off of the page but this book carries a lot of longing whilst they’re apart from one another, which is a different tone of voice to a lot of sapphic romances I have read. I enjoyed the way Campbell interweaved the character’s into one another's world; it felt like the genuine transition from attraction to real emotion. There was a little bit of a slowdown in the pace half way through which for me tied into their relationship evolution making it overall a gorgeous debut.
I love a slow burn romance and Nan Campbell’s debut was right up my street.
Cara is a school teacher whose primary concern is paying off her debts whilst she is still young and Lauren comes from wealth but has had her heart broken too many times. The two women reconnect at their school reunion and despite their instant spark they agree to keep their relationship casual.
I was totally pulled into their individual struggles when it comes to dating and how their insecurities have left them vulnerable. The attraction between them really came off of the page but this book carries a lot of longing whilst they’re apart from one another, which is a different tone of voice to a lot of sapphic romances I have read. I enjoyed the way Campbell interweaved the character’s into one another's world; it felt like the genuine transition from attraction to real emotion. There was a little bit of a slowdown in the pace half way through which for me tied into their relationship evolution making it overall a gorgeous debut.
November 29, 2022
3 stars
It was definitely not bad but I couldn't bring myself to care about their story. So it took me way too long (nearly three days) to get through this book even though there weren't that many pages.
Edit: apparently Goodreads managed to lose my previous review, so I'm rewriting it.
It was definitely not bad but I couldn't bring myself to care about their story. So it took me way too long (nearly three days) to get through this book even though there weren't that many pages.
Edit: apparently Goodreads managed to lose my previous review, so I'm rewriting it.
November 3, 2022
4 stars.
Enjoyable and lovely romance. Great characters, well written. I look forward to reading the next book from this writer. Recommend.
Enjoyable and lovely romance. Great characters, well written. I look forward to reading the next book from this writer. Recommend.
August 23, 2022
The Rules of Forever gives a lot away in the title really. This book is all about rules, well maybe not, but they play an important role in the story.
This debut falls into two tropes; rich girl - poor girl and friend (with benefits) to forever.
I usually don’t really care for the rich girl - poor girl tropes, I only like it when it’s a given and dealt with once or twice, not being a main theme. In this book it is a main theme.
Cara and Lauren went to the same high school, when they meet again, or really meet for the first time at their ten year reunion, they strike up a friendship. The friendship turns into an arrangement (benefits) that they both seem to want. Their own hang ups and misgivings are clear from the start and repeated over and over. For instance, Cara has real issues with Lauren’s wealth. It’s not something Lauren flaunts or does anything bad with, if anything she doesn’t care for it much, Cara does. Every time the characters had a nice moment this money thing or something else pops up and they get in a fight, or there is lots of tension. You can do this once or twice as an author until I believe the characters need to have a good conversation about it. While the overall dialogue is fine, it keeps circling the same things and I don’t like the repetitive nature of it.
There’s a lot of repetition in this story, in dialogue, in actions, in thoughts, it makes it hard for me to really enjoy this book.
It was pretty decent for a debut and I would try another book from this author, this one just didn’t click for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This debut falls into two tropes; rich girl - poor girl and friend (with benefits) to forever.
I usually don’t really care for the rich girl - poor girl tropes, I only like it when it’s a given and dealt with once or twice, not being a main theme. In this book it is a main theme.
Cara and Lauren went to the same high school, when they meet again, or really meet for the first time at their ten year reunion, they strike up a friendship. The friendship turns into an arrangement (benefits) that they both seem to want. Their own hang ups and misgivings are clear from the start and repeated over and over. For instance, Cara has real issues with Lauren’s wealth. It’s not something Lauren flaunts or does anything bad with, if anything she doesn’t care for it much, Cara does. Every time the characters had a nice moment this money thing or something else pops up and they get in a fight, or there is lots of tension. You can do this once or twice as an author until I believe the characters need to have a good conversation about it. While the overall dialogue is fine, it keeps circling the same things and I don’t like the repetitive nature of it.
There’s a lot of repetition in this story, in dialogue, in actions, in thoughts, it makes it hard for me to really enjoy this book.
It was pretty decent for a debut and I would try another book from this author, this one just didn’t click for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 11, 2023
Running into your high school crush who didn't even know you existed at your 10-year reunion and getting the chance to finally have your shot with her? Yes, please! The rich/poor dynamic is simply a bonus, but it's a bonus I'll gladly take.
So I'm predisposed to like Nan Campbell's The Rules of Forever, but there's still an execution element that needs to be fulfilled. And Campbell mostly delivers for me. Pretty remarkable for what I believe is a debut book.
Cara and Lauren are both super endearing (it helps that their interests are literature and art history, which are two of my favourite things). They enter a friends-with-benefits agreement since neither are in a place where they feel they're ready to settle down. But as is the case with this trope, feelings start to interfere with their agreed-upon plan. But it's complicated. Lauren comes from an old-money-wealthy NYC family and she's unsure if there is someone out there who can love her for her and not her family's wealth. Cara is the only child of a single mother. She's a high school teacher at an underserved school in the Bronx. She's essentially paused all major future plans, including falling in love and settling down, until she can pay off her student loans. But as Lauren and Cara spend more time together, the rules they've committed to become much harder to follow.
NYC makes a fun setting for the novel (hooray for a story that takes place in a real place/big city where people actually live).
My only criticism is that Cara's humour doesn't always work for me. I liked her immediately, but then she would do something that is supposed to be funny but it came across, to me, as awkward or immature. It bothered me less and less as the novel went on, but it was something I noticed. Humour is hard thing to make work in a general sense, so this may not bother other readers.
I will definitely be reading Campbell's next novel.
So I'm predisposed to like Nan Campbell's The Rules of Forever, but there's still an execution element that needs to be fulfilled. And Campbell mostly delivers for me. Pretty remarkable for what I believe is a debut book.
Cara and Lauren are both super endearing (it helps that their interests are literature and art history, which are two of my favourite things). They enter a friends-with-benefits agreement since neither are in a place where they feel they're ready to settle down. But as is the case with this trope, feelings start to interfere with their agreed-upon plan. But it's complicated. Lauren comes from an old-money-wealthy NYC family and she's unsure if there is someone out there who can love her for her and not her family's wealth. Cara is the only child of a single mother. She's a high school teacher at an underserved school in the Bronx. She's essentially paused all major future plans, including falling in love and settling down, until she can pay off her student loans. But as Lauren and Cara spend more time together, the rules they've committed to become much harder to follow.
NYC makes a fun setting for the novel (hooray for a story that takes place in a real place/big city where people actually live).
My only criticism is that Cara's humour doesn't always work for me. I liked her immediately, but then she would do something that is supposed to be funny but it came across, to me, as awkward or immature. It bothered me less and less as the novel went on, but it was something I noticed. Humour is hard thing to make work in a general sense, so this may not bother other readers.
I will definitely be reading Campbell's next novel.
October 7, 2022
Cara Talarico is determined to pay off her sizable student loans before the age of 35. Her single-minded determination doesn't allow for a relationship or any fun at all. After her high school reunion, she finds herself riding back to New York City with her crush, Lauren Havemayer, who is just as intoxicating as Cara remembers. The only thing that has changed it that Lauren notices Cara now and the crush is no longer one sided. What begins as a friends with benefits arrangements gets complicated when feelings get involved.
I enjoyed this debut from Nan Campbell. The chemistry between the two leads is believable and I wanted them to overcome their issues to find their happiness. If I had one issue with the book, it was Cara's fixation on Lauren's wealth. Lauren comes from a wealthy family. She is an Assistant Curator at the Met. Art is her life. While she has money, she isn't pretentious and doesn't think herself better than anyone else. She is down to earth and wants to make her own way. Cara is way too concerned about the financial disparity between the two and I wish she had focused less on it. Lauren's wealth doesn't define her and it took too long for Cara to come to that realization.
Aside from that, this was a book that drew me in. I loved that art was a supporting character in the book. I learned some things that I didn't know previously, and I liked that it was something that brought the two women together as well as showed what a good teacher Cara is. All in all a worthy debut, well worth a read. I look forward to what comes next from Nan Campbell.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this debut from Nan Campbell. The chemistry between the two leads is believable and I wanted them to overcome their issues to find their happiness. If I had one issue with the book, it was Cara's fixation on Lauren's wealth. Lauren comes from a wealthy family. She is an Assistant Curator at the Met. Art is her life. While she has money, she isn't pretentious and doesn't think herself better than anyone else. She is down to earth and wants to make her own way. Cara is way too concerned about the financial disparity between the two and I wish she had focused less on it. Lauren's wealth doesn't define her and it took too long for Cara to come to that realization.
Aside from that, this was a book that drew me in. I loved that art was a supporting character in the book. I learned some things that I didn't know previously, and I liked that it was something that brought the two women together as well as showed what a good teacher Cara is. All in all a worthy debut, well worth a read. I look forward to what comes next from Nan Campbell.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
September 20, 2022
Two complex characters decide to embark on a friends-with-benefits situation. What begins as fun and carefree quickly becomes complicated due to their individual circumstances. Although there was a lot to like in this novel (particularly the communication, the chemistry and the secondary characters), I did find it slightly repetitive at times. However, I really liked the story's resolution as it felt organic. Overall, a good debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from Nan Campbell.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Nan Campbell and Bold Strokes Books for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Nan Campbell and Bold Strokes Books for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2022
Recommend!
I’m a fan of the “friends-with-benefits, oops we caught feelings” trope and really enjoyed the way it was handled in this story. Both characters were interesting and they had good chemistry together. The angst was somewhat unsurprising but was just the right amount and done well. Overall this was really enjoyable and I look forward to reading more by this author. 4.5 stars.
I’m a fan of the “friends-with-benefits, oops we caught feelings” trope and really enjoyed the way it was handled in this story. Both characters were interesting and they had good chemistry together. The angst was somewhat unsurprising but was just the right amount and done well. Overall this was really enjoyable and I look forward to reading more by this author. 4.5 stars.
August 30, 2025
I still love this book
4.5 stars. Ending was a bit dragged out and lackluster, but damn, Campbell sure knows how to write chemistry between characters.
4.5 stars. Ending was a bit dragged out and lackluster, but damn, Campbell sure knows how to write chemistry between characters.
August 24, 2022
Insightful debut novel
Campbell explores in this insightful debut novel in depth the hang-ups of the two female main characters. There is a strong rich / poor girl dynamic right from the start and esp. Cara Talarico, a struggling-with-debt school teacher in the public NYC-system brings this - in her opinion - unequal footing constantly to the forefront. I admit that the constant repetition of Cara’s issues with Lauren’s wealth in the first part of the book started to irk me and there might have been potential for a more economical story development. The second half which I termed in my mind „the silent siege“ after the first attempt of a fling/romance is doomed was in my opinion much better paced and very well worth reading.
I loved how thoroughly Campbell makes art and literature part of the story. And I liked as well how she fleshes out the „gilded cage“ Lauren is living in and its ugly side. It all lends depth and texture to the story. The writing is fluent, at times erudite (beware of the „id“) and I hope the author learns to curb in her tendency for too much information, too much detail and repetition, because this debut shows a lot of potential and was notwithstanding some weaker points a good read.
Thanks to netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC. This is a voluntary review.
Campbell explores in this insightful debut novel in depth the hang-ups of the two female main characters. There is a strong rich / poor girl dynamic right from the start and esp. Cara Talarico, a struggling-with-debt school teacher in the public NYC-system brings this - in her opinion - unequal footing constantly to the forefront. I admit that the constant repetition of Cara’s issues with Lauren’s wealth in the first part of the book started to irk me and there might have been potential for a more economical story development. The second half which I termed in my mind „the silent siege“ after the first attempt of a fling/romance is doomed was in my opinion much better paced and very well worth reading.
I loved how thoroughly Campbell makes art and literature part of the story. And I liked as well how she fleshes out the „gilded cage“ Lauren is living in and its ugly side. It all lends depth and texture to the story. The writing is fluent, at times erudite (beware of the „id“) and I hope the author learns to curb in her tendency for too much information, too much detail and repetition, because this debut shows a lot of potential and was notwithstanding some weaker points a good read.
Thanks to netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC. This is a voluntary review.
October 27, 2022
Nan Campbell.... New author to keep an out for!
Slow burn, little angst, characters with chemistry and spark, and a good storyline.
Looking forward to reading future releases.
4 out 5
Slow burn, little angst, characters with chemistry and spark, and a good storyline.
Looking forward to reading future releases.
4 out 5
December 2, 2024
(Mar 2023) I reread this book after reading an ARC for the authors sophomore book, The No Kiss Contract (April 2023). I also saw this book is a finalist (and now winner) for a LAMBIA award which made me want read it again. I was happy to revisit these characters and to experience their NYC world and romance.
*********
(Aug 2022) I can’t begin to say how much I enjoyed The Rules of Forever. The story feels so in-depth, with well developed characters who both have their own issues and insecurities. Cara Talarico is a Princeton grad teaching high school English in Harlem. She is putting her personal goals in life on hold until she can rid herself of student debt. At her 10 year class reunion she meets her school crush Lauren Havemayer. The school was a private boarding school and Cara attended as a day student because her mother was an employee. Lauren has little to no memory of Cara but offers her a ride back to NYC. Lauren, has my in another lifetime fantasy dream job, of being a new curator at the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). She’s been living in London finishing her PhD and hasn’t made friends in the city yet.
The book takes extra time to show activities and conversations between the pair. Cara has real issues with Lauren’s money. At times it felt repetitive but some of the rules alluded to in the title are to make Cara more comfortable with the time they spend together. Lauren’s money has been an issue in her past relationships too. I love art so having that be instrumental to the story was a big bonus to me. It was a way for the pair to work together to help Cara’s students. It also was another example of money or class differences between the two. But Lauren’s passion for it was a constant in her character. Cara’s mom and Lauren’s family, especially her aunts enrich the story. I didn’t feel as much of a connection to the school friends for either character.
The book felt longer but I enjoyed every conversation and gestures big and small. I really didn’t want it to end other than wanting them to be together. This is seemingly a debut novel and I can’t wait to see what the author will write next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
*********
(Aug 2022) I can’t begin to say how much I enjoyed The Rules of Forever. The story feels so in-depth, with well developed characters who both have their own issues and insecurities. Cara Talarico is a Princeton grad teaching high school English in Harlem. She is putting her personal goals in life on hold until she can rid herself of student debt. At her 10 year class reunion she meets her school crush Lauren Havemayer. The school was a private boarding school and Cara attended as a day student because her mother was an employee. Lauren has little to no memory of Cara but offers her a ride back to NYC. Lauren, has my in another lifetime fantasy dream job, of being a new curator at the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). She’s been living in London finishing her PhD and hasn’t made friends in the city yet.
The book takes extra time to show activities and conversations between the pair. Cara has real issues with Lauren’s money. At times it felt repetitive but some of the rules alluded to in the title are to make Cara more comfortable with the time they spend together. Lauren’s money has been an issue in her past relationships too. I love art so having that be instrumental to the story was a big bonus to me. It was a way for the pair to work together to help Cara’s students. It also was another example of money or class differences between the two. But Lauren’s passion for it was a constant in her character. Cara’s mom and Lauren’s family, especially her aunts enrich the story. I didn’t feel as much of a connection to the school friends for either character.
The book felt longer but I enjoyed every conversation and gestures big and small. I really didn’t want it to end other than wanting them to be together. This is seemingly a debut novel and I can’t wait to see what the author will write next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The friends with benefits trope can come off a bit contrived at times, but I found this one believable. I bought into The Rules of Forever hook, line and sinker. This is mainly because the characters are so likable. Campbell does a nice job developing both leads. Cara and Lauren are relatable and reliable while remaining interesting and unique. Campbell sketches them with sensitivity, compassion and humor, paying close attention to the kind of details that promote connectivity to the reading audience. Additionally, their chemistry plays out well on the page; it’s authentic and convincing. It comes off as fresh, not forced and contributes greatly to the success of the romance.
Besides well-developed characters, Campbell uses sound literary devices that give readers a romance they can count on but not find overly predictable. She charms readers with her delightful dialogue, entertaining subplots and engaging secondary characters. In addition to that, her use of conflict and sexual tension is masterfully done. Readers quickly become engrossed as well as captivated. The romance flourishes because of it.
Final remarks…
This is another writer whose debut has taken me by surprise; Campbell’s romance shows adeptness and skill. The storytelling flows smoothly across the page and absorbs the reader quickly and completely. This is a solid book. I look forward to reading Campbell’s next tale, which comes out sometime in April of next year.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-constructed
Well- penned dialogue
Well-developed, likable characters
Amusing
Charming
Sweet
Besides well-developed characters, Campbell uses sound literary devices that give readers a romance they can count on but not find overly predictable. She charms readers with her delightful dialogue, entertaining subplots and engaging secondary characters. In addition to that, her use of conflict and sexual tension is masterfully done. Readers quickly become engrossed as well as captivated. The romance flourishes because of it.
Final remarks…
This is another writer whose debut has taken me by surprise; Campbell’s romance shows adeptness and skill. The storytelling flows smoothly across the page and absorbs the reader quickly and completely. This is a solid book. I look forward to reading Campbell’s next tale, which comes out sometime in April of next year.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-constructed
Well- penned dialogue
Well-developed, likable characters
Amusing
Charming
Sweet
March 20, 2024
First crush returns, rich woman and one paying off her debts: all the clichés that make a great book, but this is slightly different and all the better for it. Loved it. Recommended.
December 17, 2023
The insecurities in this story got me muttering so much, people around me may have said something but gladly the story was also arresting so didn't care.
Anyways, we have here two persons with drastically different viewpoints, each insecure for different reasons struggle to merge their worlds together after the honeymoon face of relationship. Realistic but fiction really stretched things.
Anyways, we have here two persons with drastically different viewpoints, each insecure for different reasons struggle to merge their worlds together after the honeymoon face of relationship. Realistic but fiction really stretched things.
December 19, 2022
This story deals with the subject of a rather extreme class difference quite subtly and without much drama. Although sometimes everything has seemed perfect when real life surely would not have been so.
Cara is a girl who studied at a boarding school thanks to her mother working there. In that boarding school there were girls from the upper social class and others from the middle class like her. The book does not deal much with the time in which they studied there, but from what little is mentioned, there was a kind of differentiation between classes, apparently unwanted but caused because those from the upper social class were boarding there day and night and those from the middle class only went during school hours.
Cara was a day student and Lauren, the other protagonist, a boarder. And Cara had a total crush on Lauren then, but her shyness and lack of opportunity meant she didn't act on it then. Besides, Lauren was totally straight and out of her league, right? But now that their 10th graduation anniversary is coming up, they're going to have to see each other again, and Cara might dare to talk to Lauren now.
But at the school reunion the one who notices Cara is Lauren, who to Cara's surprise is not so straight now nor was she then. But despite this circumstance that can unite them in some way, there are still many things that separate them, starting with Cara's pride and her stubbornness in not receiving help from anyone and getting ahead on her own.
So for Lauren and Cara to overcome so many barriers that separate them, the two of them will have to put a lot on their part, honesty, empathy and a lot of respect.
The story contains quite a few cliches, it was to be expected, it also has interesting secondary characters that complement the two protagonists.
So in short it has been an interesting story, somewhat repetitive, but acceptable.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
Cara is a girl who studied at a boarding school thanks to her mother working there. In that boarding school there were girls from the upper social class and others from the middle class like her. The book does not deal much with the time in which they studied there, but from what little is mentioned, there was a kind of differentiation between classes, apparently unwanted but caused because those from the upper social class were boarding there day and night and those from the middle class only went during school hours.
Cara was a day student and Lauren, the other protagonist, a boarder. And Cara had a total crush on Lauren then, but her shyness and lack of opportunity meant she didn't act on it then. Besides, Lauren was totally straight and out of her league, right? But now that their 10th graduation anniversary is coming up, they're going to have to see each other again, and Cara might dare to talk to Lauren now.
But at the school reunion the one who notices Cara is Lauren, who to Cara's surprise is not so straight now nor was she then. But despite this circumstance that can unite them in some way, there are still many things that separate them, starting with Cara's pride and her stubbornness in not receiving help from anyone and getting ahead on her own.
So for Lauren and Cara to overcome so many barriers that separate them, the two of them will have to put a lot on their part, honesty, empathy and a lot of respect.
The story contains quite a few cliches, it was to be expected, it also has interesting secondary characters that complement the two protagonists.
So in short it has been an interesting story, somewhat repetitive, but acceptable.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
May 19, 2024
Loved this book. Little story: I read the books from this author in reverse order, which may sound a bit weird, but here's what happened:
- Won an audio code for the third and to date last book (Like They Do in the Movies) on a giveaway: loved it and said so around here.
- Because I liked the third, and saw that the second (The No Kiss Contract) was contending for a prize in GCLS, I decided to buy it: L O V E D it. I also said so around here.
So you see where I'm going with this: If I loved the third, and then the second... yes: I bought the first. And here we are.
Had not read a rich girl/poor girl book in ages (I've read a number of them) This one is probably one of the starkest when it comes to that trope. It feels very real, the differences in class and status -- and they do have a big influence in the story and the characters, and it feels up-to-date. It's different from others I've read where either the "rich" helps the "poor" through a life changing circumstance, or vice versa. This is not it in this story, at all. They just complement each other.
I could say tons more on this one because the theme is worth a dissertation. But really: Read it.
- Won an audio code for the third and to date last book (Like They Do in the Movies) on a giveaway: loved it and said so around here.
- Because I liked the third, and saw that the second (The No Kiss Contract) was contending for a prize in GCLS, I decided to buy it: L O V E D it. I also said so around here.
So you see where I'm going with this: If I loved the third, and then the second... yes: I bought the first. And here we are.
Had not read a rich girl/poor girl book in ages (I've read a number of them) This one is probably one of the starkest when it comes to that trope. It feels very real, the differences in class and status -- and they do have a big influence in the story and the characters, and it feels up-to-date. It's different from others I've read where either the "rich" helps the "poor" through a life changing circumstance, or vice versa. This is not it in this story, at all. They just complement each other.
I could say tons more on this one because the theme is worth a dissertation. But really: Read it.
August 14, 2022
Cara Talarico is determined to pay off her student loans before she starts her “real” life. When an invitation to her tenth-year school reunion, she decides she doesn’t have the time to go nor the desire. However, her memories of her unrequited crush on Lauren Havemayer and the chance to see her again propel her into action and she decides she needs a break from her job as a high-school teacher. Lauren, on the other hand, is looking forward to seeing her friends from high school. She’s just arrived back in NYC and started her dream job as a curator at the Metropolitan Art Museum. She is still suffering the pain of a relationship that ended terribly. When Cara and Lauren meet at the reunion sparks fly, but neither wants a relationship and all the feelings that entails. Cara sets the rules for a friends-with-benefits-and-no-feelings.
Campbell has written a romance that flows as smoothly as syrup over hot pancakes. While there is angst and the two characters have trouble getting out of their own ways, this is still an easy-to-read romance because the writing is very good and both characters are interesting, strong, intelligent women who, in the end, are both looking for someone who sees them and loves them anyway.
If you like well-written romances with a little angst, strong characters, and some humor, then this book is for you.
Campbell has written a romance that flows as smoothly as syrup over hot pancakes. While there is angst and the two characters have trouble getting out of their own ways, this is still an easy-to-read romance because the writing is very good and both characters are interesting, strong, intelligent women who, in the end, are both looking for someone who sees them and loves them anyway.
If you like well-written romances with a little angst, strong characters, and some humor, then this book is for you.
March 5, 2025
This was a listen for me and it was quite good. The narrator, Lula Larkin, was new to me and her characterizations were pretty great. The story follows Cara and Lauren in their friends with benefits journey. Cara grew up as a lower class kid and Lauren was super rich. Cara won’t date until her student loans are paid off and she wants the whole happily ever after package. Lauren has given up on love since she’d been burned twice before.
Their journey reminded me a bit of Those Who Wait, but there were plenty of differences to keep me entertained when I had time to listen to a book. This was also my first Nan Campbell novel and I was impressed. There’s a decent amount of spice and the pining for each other was great.
Their journey reminded me a bit of Those Who Wait, but there were plenty of differences to keep me entertained when I had time to listen to a book. This was also my first Nan Campbell novel and I was impressed. There’s a decent amount of spice and the pining for each other was great.
September 5, 2025
4/5
I gotta be honest, they put me through a lot of emotions.
I didn't even wanted them together till like 50% of the book,beacuse they kept having so many arguments ,and kept hurting eachother in so many unnecessary ways ,I was rolling my eyes sometimes and just wanted it to be done.
It was a long journey, but they made it work ,somehow.
And like 70% of the book I was sure Lauren didn't deserve Cara ,guess she was busy in those last 30% if she kinda changed my mind
I gotta be honest, they put me through a lot of emotions.
I didn't even wanted them together till like 50% of the book,beacuse they kept having so many arguments ,and kept hurting eachother in so many unnecessary ways ,I was rolling my eyes sometimes and just wanted it to be done.
It was a long journey, but they made it work ,somehow.
And like 70% of the book I was sure Lauren didn't deserve Cara ,guess she was busy in those last 30% if she kinda changed my mind
May 27, 2023
Social and economic difference to the max. Cara Talarico, public school teacher works in a challenging school district. She has a hefty student loan debt weighing on her. Cara is determine to clear her debt so she can get on with her life and settle down in the luxury of romance.
Lauren Havemayer, art expert, especially women's art and artist. Her family has provided her with financial opportunities that could get a small country out of debt. Cara and Lauren went to the same high school and as you can imagine, under very different financial circumstances. Cara, scholarship and went home after school and activities everyday while Lauren fully paid for and resided on campus.
Having just returned from Europe and dealing with a devastating heartbreak, she is encouraged to attend the 10 year reunion where she sees and connects with Cara.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc, via NetGalley
Lauren Havemayer, art expert, especially women's art and artist. Her family has provided her with financial opportunities that could get a small country out of debt. Cara and Lauren went to the same high school and as you can imagine, under very different financial circumstances. Cara, scholarship and went home after school and activities everyday while Lauren fully paid for and resided on campus.
Having just returned from Europe and dealing with a devastating heartbreak, she is encouraged to attend the 10 year reunion where she sees and connects with Cara.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc, via NetGalley
October 24, 2022
Excellent.
I loved The Rules of Forever. A great love story with only a medium level of angst. A great read.
I loved The Rules of Forever. A great love story with only a medium level of angst. A great read.
August 22, 2022
Rating: 3
Format: Digital
CW: Death of parent, homophobia
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Cara Talarico and Lauren Havemayer have sworn off dating and love for their own respective reasons, but running into each other at their 10 year high school reunion has sparks flying. A friends with benefits arrangement seemed simple, but things get complicated once their feelings grow--and their differences become harder to ignore.
--
A pretty cute lesbian romance that I warmed up to over the course of the book. Cara and Lauren are interesting characters and I could understand both of their mindsets throughout the book; like Cara’s conflicting feelings about Lauren’s immense wealth, and Lauren’s reservations about serious relationships. Although I do admit I sympathised with Cara a lot more, especially since we don’t learn the full truth about Lauren’s past until closer to the end of the book (and Lauren is really ridiculously wealthy after all).
They had lots of cute and corny moments full of pick up lines and spent a great deal of time learning more about each other. I was also surprisingly interested in the art aspect; the book had me pausing to look up some of the artists and tile pieces mentioned throughout (Cara’s obsession with tile was endearing to read about). The spice in this book was relatively mild, and more full of fun and silly moments that made it more real than intense which was cute.
One thing that impacted my reading experience however was the way interactions between the two seemed very similar in the first half of the book; they would get together, have fun hanging out until someone eventually said something that offended the other, and then it would be tense for a hot minute before they started making up and making out. At first I was really glad to see them communicating to each other about how they were feeling, but then it started becoming exhausting seeing them go through the same motions over and over knowing that they hadn’t really resolved anything. To the point where I was glad for the inevitable climatic blow up because it meant we’d finally go somewhere this time.
Overall, despite the lowkey exhaustion I had reading Cara and Lauren have essentially the same conflicts over and over, I warmed up to them near the end and was super happy seeing them make up for real.
Format: Digital
CW: Death of parent, homophobia
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Cara Talarico and Lauren Havemayer have sworn off dating and love for their own respective reasons, but running into each other at their 10 year high school reunion has sparks flying. A friends with benefits arrangement seemed simple, but things get complicated once their feelings grow--and their differences become harder to ignore.
--
A pretty cute lesbian romance that I warmed up to over the course of the book. Cara and Lauren are interesting characters and I could understand both of their mindsets throughout the book; like Cara’s conflicting feelings about Lauren’s immense wealth, and Lauren’s reservations about serious relationships. Although I do admit I sympathised with Cara a lot more, especially since we don’t learn the full truth about Lauren’s past until closer to the end of the book (and Lauren is really ridiculously wealthy after all).
They had lots of cute and corny moments full of pick up lines and spent a great deal of time learning more about each other. I was also surprisingly interested in the art aspect; the book had me pausing to look up some of the artists and tile pieces mentioned throughout (Cara’s obsession with tile was endearing to read about). The spice in this book was relatively mild, and more full of fun and silly moments that made it more real than intense which was cute.
One thing that impacted my reading experience however was the way interactions between the two seemed very similar in the first half of the book; they would get together, have fun hanging out until someone eventually said something that offended the other, and then it would be tense for a hot minute before they started making up and making out. At first I was really glad to see them communicating to each other about how they were feeling, but then it started becoming exhausting seeing them go through the same motions over and over knowing that they hadn’t really resolved anything. To the point where I was glad for the inevitable climatic blow up because it meant we’d finally go somewhere this time.
Overall, despite the lowkey exhaustion I had reading Cara and Lauren have essentially the same conflicts over and over, I warmed up to them near the end and was super happy seeing them make up for real.
September 19, 2022
This is the first book I read by this author and I enjoyed it very much.
For starters, I love this trope and I wish it was written more. Second, I love the way this was written. I felt like the conversations between the characters was organic and flowed well. The financial difference between Cara and Lauren felt real and was obviously a big issue which is something that, to me, people really deal with some times. I loved the support from both of their families and friends, it’s always nice to see that.
Cara is a firecracker. I loved her confidence and her ability to speak what’s on her mind at all times. I personally never felt like she compromised her feelings and she put herself first. I also absolutely loved that she is Latina. Being Puerto Rican myself, I don’t see a lot of representation in books and this just elevated the story for me even more.
Lauren is the more reserved character. Much more closed off than Cara which make for a delicious opposites attract factor. Lauren has trust issues which is completely understandable given what she has gone through but sometimes I found myself wanting to shake her and tell her to open her eyes and see what’s in front of her.
I’m a big fan of rating the steam in a book and I give this one a nice 4 chili peppers.
*I received an advanced reader copy for free through Netgalley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
For starters, I love this trope and I wish it was written more. Second, I love the way this was written. I felt like the conversations between the characters was organic and flowed well. The financial difference between Cara and Lauren felt real and was obviously a big issue which is something that, to me, people really deal with some times. I loved the support from both of their families and friends, it’s always nice to see that.
Cara is a firecracker. I loved her confidence and her ability to speak what’s on her mind at all times. I personally never felt like she compromised her feelings and she put herself first. I also absolutely loved that she is Latina. Being Puerto Rican myself, I don’t see a lot of representation in books and this just elevated the story for me even more.
Lauren is the more reserved character. Much more closed off than Cara which make for a delicious opposites attract factor. Lauren has trust issues which is completely understandable given what she has gone through but sometimes I found myself wanting to shake her and tell her to open her eyes and see what’s in front of her.
I’m a big fan of rating the steam in a book and I give this one a nice 4 chili peppers.
*I received an advanced reader copy for free through Netgalley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
October 29, 2022
I really loved this story. What was particularly great about it was that it was a universal love story. Yes, it was set in an LGBTQ frame, but the idea of love, mis-matched people, and rediscovery was one that could have applied to a gay or straight couple. Love is love, right? It was not about "Oh my god, we are gay and we have to hide it and we have to fight the world to save our love!" That story has been told countless times. This was a fun and sweet story about two people rediscovering each other and the fumbling they go through in trying to potentially make a relationship work. The fact that they were gay, was not the driving central focus, they just were. Their friends and family loved them and never questioned their identity, which would have distracted from the main focus.
As I was reading it, I kept thinking of the Sarah McLachlan album title "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy." You both have the same goal toward love and happiness (even when you try and fight it), but man do you trip over yourself trying to get there. Highly recommend and will make you feel good and hopeful about finding "your person."
As I was reading it, I kept thinking of the Sarah McLachlan album title "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy." You both have the same goal toward love and happiness (even when you try and fight it), but man do you trip over yourself trying to get there. Highly recommend and will make you feel good and hopeful about finding "your person."
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