Moorewood Family Rules

by HelenKay Dimon

Knives Out and Ocean's 8 meets The Nest in this hilariously twisty novel by award-winning author HelenKay Dimon, about a woman who returns home from prison to her dysfunctional con artist family and tries to get them to go legit.


One day a con man met an heiress, wooed her, married her, had two kids...and kept on conning. Jillian Moorewood is the oldest child from that meet-cute-gone-wrong marriage. The stable one. The sensible and dependable one. The one who protects and fixes. The one who went to prison to save their sorry butts. Now, thirty-nine months later, she's out and she's more than a little pissed.

Finally home she finds the scheming clan in full family fleecing mode. They all claim they didn't really agree to Jillian's previous go-legit-or-else ultimatum before she went away. They viewed it as a "suggestion" then ignored it. So, business as usual. But Jillian is done with the lies and fakery. She demands the whole messed-up crew clean up its act, and this time she's not kidding--she has the leverage to make it happen.

Problem is, her life is in shambles, but with the help of a great aunt (crooked but loveable), a bodyguard (who is a nice surprise after three years in prison), and a few allies (all working undercover), Jillian starts to put her life back together. She kicks out a few mooching relatives living under her roof, sets limits on everyone's access to the money, ducks from their various attacks, and sees if that bodyguard is maybe interested in sticking around for a while. For the first time, she's Jillian Moorewood, her own woman, and she's ready to figure out who she is.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult, Humor

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

About the author

HelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.

-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune

-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author

-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author

-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author

Reviews

[Holly B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This is the second book I've read this week that used a "Knives Out" comparison! I was planning to go ahead and watch the movie, but apparently it isn't available in the US.

I was intrigued by the premise and thought this one sounded right up my alley, but it went to the wrong address!

Love, love the adorable cover and did enjoy the MC. That is where it ends though. After a promising beginning, there was no suspense, too much back and forth chit chat and background history going on with the dysfunctional family, and I totally lost interest.

There is a tiny bit of a romantic interest that develops, but it fell flat. I didn't like the "witty" humor either. It was cringey for me. The plot needed to be developed more and the conclusion was just a head scratcher.

If you enjoy a dysfunctional house/family with some light suspense and a certain kind of humor, it may work better for you.

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC. Comes out April 25, 2023

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting, an okay read.

I went into this book expecting a con artist/revenge story. What it really turned out to be was a family drama. This isn't a bad thing, but it helps to know this in advance to avoid disappointment.

Jillian Moorewood comes from a long line of con artists. She has just been released after spending three years in jail covering for her family, and has given them an ultimatum--go straight or else. The family members don't believe her, and honestly think it would be a better idea to just get Jillian out of the way. Thanks to newly hired bodyguard Beck, Jillian is protected while she slowly unveils her demands and her plan.

For me, I think what was lacking was any real action or even real drama. There was both too much going on, and yet not enough. Too many closed door meetings with not enough resolution. It was a lot of talking and talking and occasionally something would happen, but it wasn't consistent enough for me. And for the long, drawn out story, the ending was a bit abrupt.

The banter and relationship between Jillian and Beck and between Jillian and her sister were the best parts. The romance was a bit too much insta-love for my liking, but in the scope of the story it was fine. I enjoyed Jillian's loyalty to the family, yet her own self preservation is always present.

Overall, this was a decent read, but nothing really new or fresh.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is suffering from being categorized improperly via genre, as the basis is great, but not at all what I was expecting going in. Being compared to Knives Out and Ocean’s 11 is a big gamble, plus add in a rom com component and you’ll have readers clamoring to get their hands on this story. However, I found that these exciting comps do Moorewood Family Rules a disservice, as this is really just contemporary fiction with a side of self discovery, because the mystery and romance elements are not the focal point of this book. If you’re looking for a funny, quirky tale with a unique family, this one might be up your alley.

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had me at the cartoony cover and a blip stating it was about a family of grifters. Unfortunately, “grifter” was more like a hot button word thrown around to attract readers while no actual grifting was to ever take place between the pages.

Instead we get basically zero backstory regarding the Moorewood legacy, only that Jillian has returned to the mansion where all these grown-ass people live together like some weird commune (via helicopter, because ridiculous) after a stint in the federal pen when she went down for the entire family’s sins. There’s a bevy of characters – none of which are developed so good luck getting to know much about any of them that’s not directly at surface level (a/k/a Jay = bad uncle and also philander, Emma = good sister who somehow is now a real computer wiz, Astrid and Anika = twin cousins and who even cares since there’s no story). There’s also a zero chemistry, let’s bang the newly hired bodyguard that takes center stage to muddy the waters even more on an already awkward plot.

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars.

This was fine, I wanted it to be better though.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

So you need a bodyguard to protect you from your own family?!! 😳 Right?? That’s pretty messed up! 😬 That’s exactly what happened to Jillian… 🤷‍♀️.. She was about to fight it but… well… he is HOT..🔥🔥🔥… and she has been has been having some.. odd accidents… are they trying to kill her? 😧🤔🤔

After 39 months in prison.. Jillian is back!! Clear the landing pad!! This girl is arriving back from prison in her private helo… 🚁…OH YEAH …she has some unfinished business… with her lovely family… 🤫😉

This book was FUN!!! What did I love?? All of it!! 😍A dysfunctional family full of snarky characters…. A family FULL of con artists…. entertaining storyline… each chapter has a Moorewood Family Rule listed…. So we know what makes them tick..😉… This is one interesting family… 😂

I loved this crazy train family… oh and Beck… call ☎️ me…😂 I may need some protecting… 😂🤷‍♀️

🍸🍸🍸 Do you love a FUN book?? How about some eccentric quirky characters?? Family drama?? This has it ALL!! Thank you @willammorrowbooks for a gifted copy

[Krista crone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this fun and addictive read. The sarcasm, banter, mystery and a little Romcom was a perfect break between the thrillers. As this book was fun, full of family drama, and light (not many heavy subject matters), it was such a quick read and I just could not turn the pages fast enough! Definitely add this book to your TBR!

*****Many thanks for HelenKay Dimon for the #gifted #signed copy!

[Jennifer *Nottoomanybooks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

LOVED THIS BOOK! It was exactly the type of book I didn’t know I needed in my life! It is about a family of conartists, who don’t seem to know when to stop. Jillian gets sent to prison for helping cover up her families assets. When she gets out, her family is surprised to see her, and not all that keen about it. Jillian wants them to go legitimate, which they have no intention of doing. She throws bombshells their way, and comes off as a boss bitch! I really enjoyed the banter, and how the story wrapped up. I would love to see more books about this dysfunctional family. I think they could make a great series! Maybe even as a limited tv show option! LOVED THIS BOOK! It was exactly the type of book I didn’t know I needed in my life! It is about a family of conartists, who don’t seem to know when to stop. Jillian gets sent to prison for helping cover up her families assets. When she gets out, her family is surprised to see her, and not all that keen about it. Jillian wants them to go legitimate, which they have no intention of doing. She throws bombshells their way, and comes off as a boss bitch! I really enjoyed the banter, and how the story wrapped up. I would love to see more books about this dysfunctional family. I think they could make a great series! Maybe even as a limited tv show option!

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute read, not very action-y, but I ended up enjoying it.

At first I was a bit hesitant about the narrator, because she set a certain tone with her narration voice, but eventually I got used to her and I think it makes sense why she was chosen.

The one thing I enjoyed most about this is the bodyguard romance which I wasn't expecting at all, but was glad that it was there. I think it's super cute.

As for the characters, I liked them but didn't connect to anyone, probably because there were so many of them and we didn't get the full backstory.

I'm glad I read / listened to this though, and I would recommend it.

3.5

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

I found Moorewood Family Rules by HelenKay Dimon to be thoroughly addicting and such a fun read! I'm not sure why the Goodreads average is so low, but I feel like I got exactly what I was expecting when I went into this. There is a little bit of romance that was actually a surprise to me, but that was fine, and I loved Jillian and bodyguard Beck. Each chapter starts with one of the Moorewood rules which was a nice touch, and I loved that it was a mix between family drama and the wonderful world of grifting. There were many times that I laughed out loud, and you can't help but find some of the antics from this family to be completely ridiculous in the best kind of way.

There isn't a ton of suspense in this book, so I have a bit of a hard time categorizing it as a mystery or thriller, and if anything, it is a very cozy... SOMETHING. 🤷‍♀️🤣 There is a minor air of mysteriousness to the story, but you definitely have to be in it for the dysfunctional family aspect. I still haven't finished Knives Out but I do think I could kinda see that comparison, except with no one dying. Most of Moorewood Family Rules is told from Jillian's POV but we also have Anika and I found myself wishing the audiobook had more than one narrator. Mia Barron was great, and I loved her voice for Jillian, but I wasn't a huge fan of her voice for Beck, and I tended to get confused during the viewpoint switches with Anika. I think I would read this one over listening next time, but either way, it is fun with great banter and that is just what I wanted.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[leyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun idea with an exciting mystery behind it. The chapters dragged on at some points and little backstory was given in the beginning. There were laugh out loud moments mixed with dysfunctional found family tropes all settled in a crazy backstory.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I read reviews prior to reading this book and saw how it was More dialogue than action and I was completely fine with that. It read like a drama mixed with a cozy mystery. The romance was super cute too.

[scthoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best way to describe the overall story is that if was adapted into a movie for streaming, it would be a Roku Original (iykyk). 🤷🏾‍♀️😂 But the romance itself was definitely Passionflix cringey.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is one word to describe this book, it would be “fun.” Right off the bat, I loved the authorial voice: It flowed easily and drew me right in with the funny remarks and quick immersion into the plot. The idea of the story was intriguing and unusual. It set up a lot of anticipation as to who, how, and what was going down. Because make no mistake, our heroine was going to see that the bad guys (her family) were, indeed, going down.

We meet Jillian, fresh from 39 months in prison, ready to literally and spectacularly descend upon her unsuspecting family who put her there. She debarks from her helicopter on the family mansion’s spacious grounds in the midst of a party where they are laying the groundwork to swindle and con their latest victims. They are not happy. But Jillian is less so. They had promised to go straight in return for Jillian taking the fall for them with the FBI. Now she’s back, she has their number, she holds all of the cards, and she’s had 39 months to contemplate her revenge. And maybe, just maybe, set them on the straight and narrow. Nah. Not happening.

It turns out that her family are not only professional grifters and con artists, but that in an emergency they will not stop at murder. And Jillian’s arrival is definitely an emergency. If some may balk at murdering a family member (that would be against the family rules) they won’t hesitate to send her back to prison. Enter Beck, a very grumpy, sexy, and intimidating bodyguard, hired by one of her loyal allies.

Although the romance is nice and provides a topper to the satisfying ending, the main focus is the battle of wits between Jillian and her family. In the process, we also get the occasional point of view of one of her half-sisters. There are, of course, some twists and turns and surprises. Some of her family are revealed to be truly perfidious, others not so bad. The book did seem to lose a little steam about halfway through as we learn that Jillian is not quite so “together” as she first appeared. Having Jillian gaining insight and having to work on her own issues provided some depth and layers to her character. But it did seem to stall the narrative a bit. I missed the implacable focus of her mission to teach her family the lesson they so richly deserved to learn.

Fortunately, the sensational set-up was matched by a strong conclusion and the book regained most of the momentum it had lost towards the end. All in all, it was light and entertaining and I enjoyed it.

Thank-You to Net Galley and Avon Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....


Merged review:

If there is one word to describe this book, it would be “fun.” Right off the bat, I loved the authorial voice: It flowed easily and drew me right in with the funny remarks and quick immersion into the plot. The idea of the story was intriguing and unusual. It set up a lot of anticipation as to who, how, and what was going down. Because make no mistake, our heroine was going to see that the bad guys (her family) were, indeed, going down.

We meet Jillian, fresh from 39 months in prison, ready to literally and spectacularly descend upon her unsuspecting family who put her there. She debarks from her helicopter on the family mansion’s spacious grounds in the midst of a party where they are laying the groundwork to swindle and con their latest victims. They are not happy. But Jillian is less so. They had promised to go straight in return for Jillian taking the fall for them with the FBI. Now she’s back, she has their number, she holds all of the cards, and she’s had 39 months to contemplate her revenge. And maybe, just maybe, set them on the straight and narrow. Nah. Not happening.

It turns out that her family are not only professional grifters and con artists, but that in an emergency they will not stop at murder. And Jillian’s arrival is definitely an emergency. If some may balk at murdering a family member (that would be against the family rules) they won’t hesitate to send her back to prison. Enter Beck, a very grumpy, sexy, and intimidating bodyguard, hired by one of her loyal allies.

Although the romance is nice and provides a topper to the satisfying ending, the main focus is the battle of wits between Jillian and her family. In the process, we also get the occasional point of view of one of her half-sisters. There are, of course, some twists and turns and surprises. Some of her family are revealed to be truly perfidious, others not so bad. The book did seem to lose a little steam about halfway through as we learn that Jillian is not quite so “together” as she first appeared. Having Jillian gaining insight and having to work on her own issues provided some depth and layers to her character. But it did seem to stall the narrative a bit. I missed the implacable focus of her mission to teach her family the lesson they so richly deserved to learn.

Fortunately, the sensational set-up was matched by a strong conclusion and the book regained most of the momentum it had lost towards the end. All in all, it was light and entertaining and I enjoyed it.

[Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️

[Brenda P · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I listened to this book and enjoyed it! I liked the family drama. I could see if I read the book it would drag on but. The romance was insta love, which I normally don’t care for but it worked in this story. Overall an interesting and enjoyable audiobook.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was a change from my usual romance reads. Following a family of con artists, Jillian Moorewood is returned from prison and seeking vengeance on her family for placing her there. She is demanding an end to the madness. Legitimize their businesses—Or else.

This family was WILD. And poor Jillian is constantly fixing their mess. I'd classify this as contemporary fiction, but there is a romance sprinkled in. Beck the Bodyguard was definitely a strong, silent type. Often times he was the only one there for Jillian. I adored their blooming relationship.

Filled with fun schemes and evil plotting, it's a quirky story that I had to finish. It was a bit tedious at times to keep track of all the characters, and I would have loved more on-page action, but I don't regret picking this one up!

(heat level: closed door)

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars - This would make a great pallet cleanser book. Jillian is just released from prison (sent there by her family) and returns home determined to get her con artist family to start living the straight life. Easier said than done. Loved the characters (even though two of them had very similar names), the plot was great but the writing could have used a little help. Overall - a fun book to read.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.

Moorewood Family Rules is a story about a dysfunctional family full of con-artists. Jillian is fresh out of prison after covering for her family, and upon her release, they don't seem too happy to see her (especially when she's just done time for them!). Jillian tries to persuade her family to go legitimate, but they're having none of it. I'm not sure what I'd categorise this book as it's not really a thriller and is more of a cosy read in a sense. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and would love to see a spin-off for a few of them! The banter is great between the characters, and I lived how Jillian came into her own through the story!

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a classic-style mystery along the lines of The Maid by Nita Prose, but I didn't connect with any of these characters from the start. The plot somehow seemed to drag a bit, even though the action was high, so I'm not sure why I wasn't hooked right away. I'm sure some readers will love it, but it just wasn't the writing style (POV style)/character type I could get into.

[erraticdemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Ah yes, the delightful tale of a white collar criminal being released from prison and conning her con-man-filled family into never conning again because crimes are bad or something.

So while Jillian, the criminal, is trying to outcon her family in the one (1) week this book takes place she:

- hires and sleeps with her bodyguard
- that she hired because one of her cousins keeps trying to kill her??
- because Jillian controls the money but if she's dead then ... Profit!!!???
- I'm not sure the bodyguard did any actual protection work. What kind of professional sleeps with their client who just got out of prison after 2 days of knowing each other??
- finds another conman lady trying to steal from her Uncle Conman and exposes her!
- never leaves the estate at any time?? I wish a hot bodyguard would show up at my house and date me. And also that I was wealthy with a giant house.
- evicts her conman family from the estate except her sister and the one cousin i guess she sort of likes now
- the end!

Yeah, a lot happens and everyone in this book needs to go to therapy and get a real job. So, if you want an absurd and sort of fun story this one is low stakes and easy to read! But do not follow any of the rules or try to take up a life of illegal trickery for monetary gain it only leads to having to talk to your family too much and being kicked out of their house.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ "Is it possible, despite everything, a tiny part of you cares about what happens to this wrecking ball of a family? That you'll always rush in to save them?"

Is it possible for a con artist story to be any more boring?

The writing style is extremely passive, with more showing than telling. So much so that neither the plot nor characters have life in them. It really grated on me. But at the same time, I love family stories. Especially dysfunctional ones.

Anika was fascinating and Jillian was very likeable, but everyone else... ehh. There were some good surprises along the way and the romance was okay, I suppose.

I totally get the low rating and agree with some of the reviews here because overall, this was a very muted and underwhelming read. Like many have said, it's not a thriller nor chick lit nor romance. I'm not sure how to categorize it but at least I didn't completely hate it or feel too bored, so a neutral 3 stars for me.

I feel like the same story in different hands with a more vibrant writing style would do wonders, but who knows.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this one up at 30% in and only made it that far because I like this author and normally really enjoy her books. It was that reason that kept me going as long as I did. It's hard to articulate why this one didn't work for me. Part of it is that a family of cons turns me off, part of it is that this family seems to hate Jillian, which is odd since she controls the money. Another part is that I hate that Jillian gave up years of her life for her no good family. Then there is having to hire a body guard due to that no good family. It's here that I'm giving in, this one isn't for me.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. It was fine, nothing special. The writing was a bit basic too, not my style.

[starryeyedjen · Rating 3 out of 5]

More family drama than revenge scheme but still entertaining.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fun family drama with revenge and romance and a memorable female main character who gets released from prison and turns the tables on her family of con artists who think they’ve bested her out of the family “heist” money.

HelenKay was new to me author that I am going to have to do a deep dive into their back list. Perfect for fans of Knives out and fantastic on audio too. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual romcom fare out there I highly recommend this one!!

[Shira · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ The premise/synopsis of this book had me clamoring for it but it fell flat for me unfortunately. When I saw the synopsis say it was Knives Out meets Oceans 11 I was expecting a fast paced and action pact book with lots of shenanigans but that wasn’t what was delivered.

Jillian Moorewood is the oldest child of an extended family of con artists. She is the one who protects and fixes. The one who went to prison to save their sorry butts. Now, thirty-
nine months later, she's out and she's more than a little pissed. Finally home she finds the scheming clan in full family fleecing mode. But Jillian is done with the lies and fakery. She demands the whole messed-up crew clean up its act, and this time she's not kidding-she has the leverage to make it happen.

I enjoyed the beginning of this book a lot but my excitement tapered off around 35%. The pacing was a big issue for me. We got to much repetitive background story when we should have been getting more action. I liked the bodyguard romance aspect of this story.. I wish we got more romance or more thriller/mystery action it wasn’t enough of anything. I also didn’t really connect with the family at all they had no depth to them and I was really looking forward to getting to know a crazy, con artist family!

Overall this was an ok read I think other people might enjoy it more than I did! Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moorewood Family Rules as fun and had all DRAMAAAAA. i loved the character development that our MC, Jillian, went through throughout the novel. She came into the story only wanting revenge to those who turned her in to realizing that she wanted to leave this life she was currently living behind and put herself first. The bodyguard romance was an extra fun aspect of this story.

I felt there were times where the story dragged a bit and it felt like unnecessary “fluff” that i could have done without. I also felt like i would have enjoyed this story even more if it was wrote from first person POV from all the family members and Beck. Not all of the Moorewood family was always on the same page and i feel like getting to be inside their heads would have added even more of an appeal.

I loved the different rules as chapter titles as well. It was was definitely a fun, quick read i would recommend to others!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“no to being alone. yes to breaking the cycle.”

what started off as a casual read to break through a reading slump, ended up to be one that had me at a chokehold.

family drama has always been a genre i enjoyed consuming (hello fellow dynasty fans, i’m working on a succession binge next)

it’s amusing to me how deception and trickery were planned and executed. in this case, i was rooting for the main character - Jillian, to put an end to the family schemes and scams.

when the pièce de résistance was dropped, i was shocked to say the least. “serves them right” was my initial thought, closely followed by “what a mastermind”

but then, one question still lingers - who ratted Jillian out and got her in jail? when they revealed this. i was floored. i let out an audible gasp and i stopped on my tracks (i was walking my dog when I got to this part of the story)

there’s a lot more that happens towards the end but at bird’s eye view - this story is about wanting to be in control and eventually realizing that its okay to let go and pursue better things - ones that give you more life.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! I don't really have more to offer than that by way of comment, but I really did enjoy myself with these folks and if the author wanted to go back to this world I'd be interested.