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Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
Love breaks all the rules.
Margo Anderson is sworn off commitment. Alongside her best friend, Jo, she runs a viral podcast featuring rules for hooking up without catching feelings. So when Jo surprises her by deciding to get married and taking up a sponsor’s offer to host an all-expenses-paid wedding trip on Catalina Island, they have the whole internet to answer to.
In a scramble for content to appease their disappointed listeners, Margo cooks up a social experiment: Break all her own dating rules, just to prove that it’s a bad idea. And she’s found the best man for the job in the groom’s best friend and her old high school nemesis, Declan Walsh. He may be easier on the eyes than Margo remembered, but he’s sure to be as smug and annoying as he was before—there is no chance Margo will ever catch feelings for him . . . until she does.
The more time they spend together through cake tastings and wedding party activities, the more Margo can’t ignore their obvious spark, and she may actually be enjoying getting to know Declan. But can she let go of the rules to let him in?
Margo Anderson is sworn off commitment. Alongside her best friend, Jo, she runs a viral podcast featuring rules for hooking up without catching feelings. So when Jo surprises her by deciding to get married and taking up a sponsor’s offer to host an all-expenses-paid wedding trip on Catalina Island, they have the whole internet to answer to.
In a scramble for content to appease their disappointed listeners, Margo cooks up a social experiment: Break all her own dating rules, just to prove that it’s a bad idea. And she’s found the best man for the job in the groom’s best friend and her old high school nemesis, Declan Walsh. He may be easier on the eyes than Margo remembered, but he’s sure to be as smug and annoying as he was before—there is no chance Margo will ever catch feelings for him . . . until she does.
The more time they spend together through cake tastings and wedding party activities, the more Margo can’t ignore their obvious spark, and she may actually be enjoying getting to know Declan. But can she let go of the rules to let him in?
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2023
96 people are currently reading
22999 people want to read
About the author
Kristyn J. Miller
3 books338 followersKRISTYN J. MILLER gravitates toward telling stories with lush settings, upbeat humor, and complicated, flawed heroines. Outside of fiction writing, Kristyn earned her M.A. in history and museum studies at the University of New Hampshire. She spends her free time wandering peat bogs, antiquing, and sampling craft beers. After growing up in Southern California, she moved to rural Maine, where she lives in an old colonial house with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 872 reviews
May 22, 2023
One of my quickest readings that I absolutely enjoyed! Enemies to lovers is my all time favorite troupe! If the characters of the novel are as adorable as in this book, I’m game! I cannot stop reading!
Podcasters universe and grumpy meets sunshine trope vibes also make this romcom more interesting.
Imagine two besties, Margo &Jo are famous podcaster duo, advising their audience the benefits of being single. But Jo changed her mind by throwing away the seven rules they set up by engaging with love of her life!
Now Jo is about to tie the knot as Margo is chosen to be her maid of honor but unfortunately groom’s best man is her high school nemesis Declan!
You may guess this is not going to be uneventful wedding ceremony when best man and maid of honor hate each other’s guts or they barely resist to tear each other’s clothes!
There’s hot chemistry in the air.
Margo may be resented to her best friend after breaking the main rules for staying single, but what if she decides to take enough risk to cross the boundaries and break her own rules!
Overall: interestingly it took a little time for me to connect with Margo. I found her a little irritating at the beginning as I felt unconditional love for extra charming Declan! But writing style is captivating! Definitely a great start, successful debut! Looking forward to read more works of the author!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing me this enjoyable digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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Podcasters universe and grumpy meets sunshine trope vibes also make this romcom more interesting.
Imagine two besties, Margo &Jo are famous podcaster duo, advising their audience the benefits of being single. But Jo changed her mind by throwing away the seven rules they set up by engaging with love of her life!
Now Jo is about to tie the knot as Margo is chosen to be her maid of honor but unfortunately groom’s best man is her high school nemesis Declan!
You may guess this is not going to be uneventful wedding ceremony when best man and maid of honor hate each other’s guts or they barely resist to tear each other’s clothes!
There’s hot chemistry in the air.
Margo may be resented to her best friend after breaking the main rules for staying single, but what if she decides to take enough risk to cross the boundaries and break her own rules!
Overall: interestingly it took a little time for me to connect with Margo. I found her a little irritating at the beginning as I felt unconditional love for extra charming Declan! But writing style is captivating! Definitely a great start, successful debut! Looking forward to read more works of the author!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing me this enjoyable digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
medium blog
February 24, 2024
2.5⭐
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Setting ~ California & Catalina Island
Publication date ~ May 16, 2023
Est page Count ~ 345 (29 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 57 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ debut, influencers, podcast, enemies~ish to lovers, forced proximity, lack of communication, minimal steamage
*possible spoilers ahead*
Margo and bff, Jo, are 'celebrity' influencers with a super popular podcast. Jo breaks their own rules when she got engaged. Now they're off for all expenses paid trip for 2 weeks to Catalina Island for Jo's wedding. Margo isn't thrilled that the best man is Declan who she wasn't a fan of in high school.
I am not a fan of influencer centered books, so it's my fault for agreeing to read this one. It was too much with their follower count this and selfie that, and content this and what else can we promote to get for free that for me to really enjoy it. Margo was so mean, too. Making fun of Declan's job and his skin tone. Let's be hung up on things that happened 10 years ago while we're at it. I'm not a fan of the whole my parents had a failed marriage so I'm anti relationship crap either.
The 3rd act is such a predictable disaster that could have easily been prevented with a little communication, or perhaps without setting out to be a horrible person to begin with. Luckily it was NOT a forgive and forget right away type of situation, so yay for that. Declan is likable and it would have been nice to have his POV.
I did like the island vibes and Margo and Jo's friendship, so there's that. Also, liked the first date that Margo planned that showed a different side to her, which helped me to warm up to her slightly for a few minutes, but it didn't overall redeem herself for me.
Overall, obviously I was not a super big fan, but I didn't hate it as a debut. There's a good amount of 3 and 4 star love for it, so seems like I'm on outlier (is)land.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
A well seasoned narrator that always does a great job, including her male voices.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Setting ~ California & Catalina Island
Publication date ~ May 16, 2023
Est page Count ~ 345 (29 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 57 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ debut, influencers, podcast, enemies~ish to lovers, forced proximity, lack of communication, minimal steamage
*possible spoilers ahead*
Margo and bff, Jo, are 'celebrity' influencers with a super popular podcast. Jo breaks their own rules when she got engaged. Now they're off for all expenses paid trip for 2 weeks to Catalina Island for Jo's wedding. Margo isn't thrilled that the best man is Declan who she wasn't a fan of in high school.
I am not a fan of influencer centered books, so it's my fault for agreeing to read this one. It was too much with their follower count this and selfie that, and content this and what else can we promote to get for free that for me to really enjoy it. Margo was so mean, too. Making fun of Declan's job and his skin tone. Let's be hung up on things that happened 10 years ago while we're at it. I'm not a fan of the whole my parents had a failed marriage so I'm anti relationship crap either.
The 3rd act is such a predictable disaster that could have easily been prevented with a little communication, or perhaps without setting out to be a horrible person to begin with. Luckily it was NOT a forgive and forget right away type of situation, so yay for that. Declan is likable and it would have been nice to have his POV.
I did like the island vibes and Margo and Jo's friendship, so there's that. Also, liked the first date that Margo planned that showed a different side to her, which helped me to warm up to her slightly for a few minutes, but it didn't overall redeem herself for me.
Overall, obviously I was not a super big fan, but I didn't hate it as a debut. There's a good amount of 3 and 4 star love for it, so seems like I'm on outlier (is)land.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
A well seasoned narrator that always does a great job, including her male voices.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
July 23, 2024
writing: basic | plot: could've be better | ending: ok kinda slay
my opinion
After enjoying Given Our History I decided to pick this up despite the questionable ratings. Bloop. I see why this is rocking a 3.49. This was nowhere close in quality to Given Our History. While there were a few strong moments, it was very much "baby learns to walk" both in writing and storytelling. A lot of unnecessary filler.
The concept was cool though. I liked what she was trying to do: explore the complexities of being an 'influencer' and feeling unsatisfied with casual hook-ups without slut-shaming others. I said the ending was a slay because the FMC was truly in the wrong but yet she somehow got ole boy to grand gesture her instead. Hats off to ya because I can't stand FMCs grand gesturing MMCs lol. Don't ask.
Anyways not much to say on this one. It's too long to be considered a fluffy beach read. Pick up Given Our History instead.
__
Check out my YouTube
my opinion
After enjoying Given Our History I decided to pick this up despite the questionable ratings. Bloop. I see why this is rocking a 3.49. This was nowhere close in quality to Given Our History. While there were a few strong moments, it was very much "baby learns to walk" both in writing and storytelling. A lot of unnecessary filler.
The concept was cool though. I liked what she was trying to do: explore the complexities of being an 'influencer' and feeling unsatisfied with casual hook-ups without slut-shaming others. I said the ending was a slay because the FMC was truly in the wrong but yet she somehow got ole boy to grand gesture her instead. Hats off to ya because I can't stand FMCs grand gesturing MMCs lol. Don't ask.
Anyways not much to say on this one. It's too long to be considered a fluffy beach read. Pick up Given Our History instead.
__
Check out my YouTube
May 23, 2023
DNF @ 48%. I just couldn’t get into this one. Our main character, Margo, runs a podcast with her best friend that is centered around seven rules for hooking up without catching feelings. When her best friend announces she is getting married, Margo tries to keep the podcast alive with her plan of ditching the rules altogether. In my opinion, this act did not serve its purpose. Instead of simply living her life and letting what is meant to be happen, Margo obsesses over what she is NOT supposed to be doing. She also spends so much time revisiting things that happened in high school. People change a lot in 10+ years, and the guy you met in high school is probably not the same guy now. No thanks.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2023
✨ UPDATE ✨
It's almost here! Just a few more days until Seven Rules is out in the world. Thank you to everyone who has left early reviews, posted on social media, preordered, etc. All the early support has been so exciting and reassuring. I can't put into words how much I appreciate you all! 💙
If you've already finished reading and are curious about what I'm working on next, the description for my second book is up on Goodreads. It's a little different than Seven Rules: a dual-timeline friends-to-strangers-to-lovers with an academic setting, due to be published summer 2024. Keep an eye out for a cover reveal on my Instagram in a few months!!
Previous Update (January 2023):
Just a quick update to let everyone know that SEVEN RULES FOR BREAKING HEARTS is now available on Netgalley! 💕 And thank you to those who have already requested and/or started reading—seeing it in the top requested romance books made my day!
I'm also finally rating my own book. Pretend you do not see 🙈
Content warnings:
It's almost here! Just a few more days until Seven Rules is out in the world. Thank you to everyone who has left early reviews, posted on social media, preordered, etc. All the early support has been so exciting and reassuring. I can't put into words how much I appreciate you all! 💙
If you've already finished reading and are curious about what I'm working on next, the description for my second book is up on Goodreads. It's a little different than Seven Rules: a dual-timeline friends-to-strangers-to-lovers with an academic setting, due to be published summer 2024. Keep an eye out for a cover reveal on my Instagram in a few months!!
Previous Update (January 2023):
Just a quick update to let everyone know that SEVEN RULES FOR BREAKING HEARTS is now available on Netgalley! 💕 And thank you to those who have already requested and/or started reading—seeing it in the top requested romance books made my day!
I'm also finally rating my own book. Pretend you do not see 🙈
Content warnings:
May 19, 2023
This sweet and angsty vacation romance was the perfect way to kick off the spring season! Be sure to add this one to your beach reads list this year 💞
This book has:
• Opposites attract: Jo is a famous podcaster who talks about how to avoid relationships on her podcast Seven Rules. Declan is the sunshine engineer hero who doesn’t like the spotlight and refuses to be just another one of Jo’s podcast stories
• High school enemies to lovers: Jo views Declan as her high-school nemesis. Declan, on the other hand, has been pining for Jo for over a decade
• Forced proximity: The leads re-connect on a wedding vacation, and I was HERE for it!!
• He falls first and harder: I love an angsty hero who believes their love for the heroine is unrequited! Declan was so sweet and swoon-worthy, and I loved how he challenged Jo’s view on relationships
This book was such a cute romance read! I highly recommend picking this up before your next trip to the beach.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
This book has:
• Opposites attract: Jo is a famous podcaster who talks about how to avoid relationships on her podcast Seven Rules. Declan is the sunshine engineer hero who doesn’t like the spotlight and refuses to be just another one of Jo’s podcast stories
• High school enemies to lovers: Jo views Declan as her high-school nemesis. Declan, on the other hand, has been pining for Jo for over a decade
• Forced proximity: The leads re-connect on a wedding vacation, and I was HERE for it!!
• He falls first and harder: I love an angsty hero who believes their love for the heroine is unrequited! Declan was so sweet and swoon-worthy, and I loved how he challenged Jo’s view on relationships
This book was such a cute romance read! I highly recommend picking this up before your next trip to the beach.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
January 31, 2023
This was just the cutest read and I liked how smoothly quick it was. It was a journey full of fun wit and the spark of love to a happy ending. The characters were fantastic, their opposite beings really gave the enemies to lovers in the story.
May 22, 2023
Seven Rules is a really charming destination romcom featuring two podcast hosts, a destination wedding, and former enemies turned wedding party co-planners. I am a huge fan of the forced proximity/enemies to lovers trope combo and this book has it in droves. Another fun summer romcom to add to the beach bag.
Thank you SMP Romance and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you SMP Romance and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really had a great time with this book! Margo and her best friend, Jo, are the voices behind a podcast promoting hooking up without dealing with emotions. Jo is getting married and Margo is trying to figure out how to proceed so she thinks maybe she could break all of the rules to feature in the next season. Enter Declan. Margo did not plan to fall for Declan, but they were perfect for each other.
I really wanted to see this pair make things work. I liked both Margo and Declan and thought that the chemistry between them was amazing. The fact that they had some history together because they knew each other in high school added an extra layer to the story. Margo didn’t expect to catch any feelings for Declan but they were so good together that it seemed inevitable.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Karissa Vacker did a fantastic job with this story. I liked the range of voices that she used to help bring each of the characters to life. I found her voice to be very pleasant and I had no problems listening for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. I thought that this was a fun read featuring a great cast of characters. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Random House Audio and St. Martin’s Griffin.
I really had a great time with this book! Margo and her best friend, Jo, are the voices behind a podcast promoting hooking up without dealing with emotions. Jo is getting married and Margo is trying to figure out how to proceed so she thinks maybe she could break all of the rules to feature in the next season. Enter Declan. Margo did not plan to fall for Declan, but they were perfect for each other.
I really wanted to see this pair make things work. I liked both Margo and Declan and thought that the chemistry between them was amazing. The fact that they had some history together because they knew each other in high school added an extra layer to the story. Margo didn’t expect to catch any feelings for Declan but they were so good together that it seemed inevitable.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Karissa Vacker did a fantastic job with this story. I liked the range of voices that she used to help bring each of the characters to life. I found her voice to be very pleasant and I had no problems listening for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. I thought that this was a fun read featuring a great cast of characters. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Random House Audio and St. Martin’s Griffin.
May 29, 2023
This was such a fun romance read! I think it captured modern dating and social media so well. It’s a great book for summer and wedding season!
The romance in this was written so well. Margo and Declan had great banter. They were so playful and witty together and reading their back and forth dialogue was so entertaining. Their relationship had a bit of an enemies to lovers feel to it which is one of my favorite tropes and it worked really well in this book.
The podcast element was a really interesting touch. It definitely added layers and conflict to the story and I liked how we got to read about Margo and Jo navigating their friendship as well as their working relationship. The multi-media format was great with text messages, tweets, and excerpts from podcast recordings included.
This was a great debut novel and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author in the future!
The romance in this was written so well. Margo and Declan had great banter. They were so playful and witty together and reading their back and forth dialogue was so entertaining. Their relationship had a bit of an enemies to lovers feel to it which is one of my favorite tropes and it worked really well in this book.
The podcast element was a really interesting touch. It definitely added layers and conflict to the story and I liked how we got to read about Margo and Jo navigating their friendship as well as their working relationship. The multi-media format was great with text messages, tweets, and excerpts from podcast recordings included.
This was a great debut novel and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author in the future!
December 13, 2022
I reeeeally really liked this book like finished it in two days during finals week liked it.
The romance was enemies to lovers and honestly I was obsessed with both of the main characters. The concept was super cute and you could really feel the chemistry and tension from the beginning.
I especially loved that the book was able to use and incorporate social media and pop culture without it seeming forced (one of my main pet peeves in books) and I loved the snippets of podcast and text messages!!!
Overall really fun read and super well written, the setting was giving White Lotus vibes to me in the best way. Can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with in the future!!
I received an advanced copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways, so thank you to Goodreads and St. Martins Press!
The romance was enemies to lovers and honestly I was obsessed with both of the main characters. The concept was super cute and you could really feel the chemistry and tension from the beginning.
I especially loved that the book was able to use and incorporate social media and pop culture without it seeming forced (one of my main pet peeves in books) and I loved the snippets of podcast and text messages!!!
Overall really fun read and super well written, the setting was giving White Lotus vibes to me in the best way. Can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with in the future!!
I received an advanced copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways, so thank you to Goodreads and St. Martins Press!
July 21, 2023
Jo en Margo, twee beste vriendinnen, maken samen al jarenlang een succesvolle podcast over casual daten voor vrouwen: Zeven regels voor hartenbrekers. Ze hebben meer dan 200.000 luisteraars per maand, maar nu Jo gaat trouwen en dus lijnrecht ingaat tegen alles waar de podcast over gaat, zijn fans boos, haken sponsoren af en heeft Margo het gevoel dat ze wel iets nieuws móét verzinnen om relevant te blijven.
Op Catalina Island, waar ze met een groep verblijven voor een gesponsorde vakantie voorafgaand aan Jo’s bruiloft, besluit ze als experiment al hun opgestelde regels te breken, om te bewijzen dat je je daar maar beter wél aan kunt houden. Declan, de beste vriend van de bruidegom, is de ideale kandidaat om dit concept mee te testen, want hij is ongetwijfeld nog net zo irritant als op de middelbare school, waardoor ze nóóit gevoelens voor hem zal krijgen. Dit waterdichte plan kan toch niet mislukken?
Vanaf het begin neemt de vlotte schrijfstijl je moeiteloos mee in de avonturen van Margo en Declan, al duurde het even voordat ik hoogte kreeg van Margo. Ze is erg sceptisch over de liefde en heeft een façade opgetrokken, ze is impulsief, wat onhandig en ze kan scherp uit de hoek komen, maar ze heeft haar hart op de goede plaats zitten. Wel vond ik haar erg obsessief bezig met de content en wilde ik haar aansporen om een stap terug te zetten, met een frisse blik naar beslissingen te kijken, in het moment te leven en haar gevoelens te laten zien, want ze heeft echt veel te bieden.
De hechte vriendschap met Jo bleef behoorlijk op de achtergrond, wat ik jammer vond, maar gelukkig was daar Declan om Margo uit haar schulp te trekken. Deze man is nuchter en oprecht, charmant, soms lekker sarcastisch en hij prikt dwars door haar masker heen, waardoor ze de controle die ze zo krampachtig vast probeert te houden steeds meer op moet geven en haar persoonlijkheid kan gaan stralen.
De groei die Margo doormaakt is mooi omschreven en zorgt voor wat diepgang in het verder luchtige verhaal, de chemie is aanwezig, de verschillende activiteiten zorgen voor een vrolijk geheel met wat gênante momenten en drama en hoewel enkele ontwikkelingen vrij snel gaan, is dit vooral een fijn verhaal over liefde, loslaten, verandering, voor jezelf kiezen en nieuwe inzichten, vol grappige situaties, herkenbare gedachten en sterke dialogen. Opposites attract en dit is zeker een aanrader als je op zoek bent naar een originele en zomerse romcom!
3.5⭐️
Op Catalina Island, waar ze met een groep verblijven voor een gesponsorde vakantie voorafgaand aan Jo’s bruiloft, besluit ze als experiment al hun opgestelde regels te breken, om te bewijzen dat je je daar maar beter wél aan kunt houden. Declan, de beste vriend van de bruidegom, is de ideale kandidaat om dit concept mee te testen, want hij is ongetwijfeld nog net zo irritant als op de middelbare school, waardoor ze nóóit gevoelens voor hem zal krijgen. Dit waterdichte plan kan toch niet mislukken?
Vanaf het begin neemt de vlotte schrijfstijl je moeiteloos mee in de avonturen van Margo en Declan, al duurde het even voordat ik hoogte kreeg van Margo. Ze is erg sceptisch over de liefde en heeft een façade opgetrokken, ze is impulsief, wat onhandig en ze kan scherp uit de hoek komen, maar ze heeft haar hart op de goede plaats zitten. Wel vond ik haar erg obsessief bezig met de content en wilde ik haar aansporen om een stap terug te zetten, met een frisse blik naar beslissingen te kijken, in het moment te leven en haar gevoelens te laten zien, want ze heeft echt veel te bieden.
De hechte vriendschap met Jo bleef behoorlijk op de achtergrond, wat ik jammer vond, maar gelukkig was daar Declan om Margo uit haar schulp te trekken. Deze man is nuchter en oprecht, charmant, soms lekker sarcastisch en hij prikt dwars door haar masker heen, waardoor ze de controle die ze zo krampachtig vast probeert te houden steeds meer op moet geven en haar persoonlijkheid kan gaan stralen.
De groei die Margo doormaakt is mooi omschreven en zorgt voor wat diepgang in het verder luchtige verhaal, de chemie is aanwezig, de verschillende activiteiten zorgen voor een vrolijk geheel met wat gênante momenten en drama en hoewel enkele ontwikkelingen vrij snel gaan, is dit vooral een fijn verhaal over liefde, loslaten, verandering, voor jezelf kiezen en nieuwe inzichten, vol grappige situaties, herkenbare gedachten en sterke dialogen. Opposites attract en dit is zeker een aanrader als je op zoek bent naar een originele en zomerse romcom!
3.5⭐️
March 12, 2023
Do you listen to podcasts? Which one is your favorite?
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
by Kristyn J. Miller
Pub Date: 16 May 2023
St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin
Romance
This romantic comedy debut is delightful. The banter is funny and the romance is spicy. It has a sweet friendship at its core, which gives it an air of warmth and comfort. I fell in love with the main characters and the supporting cast. Kristin J. Miller's future publications will be on my radar.
Synopsis:
Margo (Go) and Jo are popular podcasters dealing with social media pressures. Their viral program encourages single women to follow seven dating rules to avoid heartbreak. Jo's sudden decision to get married and all-expenses-paid wedding trip to Catalina Island leaves their whole podcast in a quandary.
Declan, Margo's high school nemesis, is Jo's fiance Peter's best man. Declan is a red-headed NASA engineer. He ignites a flame with Margo at the wedding, and sparks fly. Margo questions the seven rules that she and Jo teach on their podcast. Is she willing to break her own rules in order to win Declan's heart?
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this cozy romance set on beautiful Catalina Island. I appreciate your kindness.
#SevenRulesForBreakingHearts
#Netgalleyapprovals #Netgalleyapproval @advancedreaderscopy #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
by Kristyn J. Miller
Pub Date: 16 May 2023
St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin
Romance
This romantic comedy debut is delightful. The banter is funny and the romance is spicy. It has a sweet friendship at its core, which gives it an air of warmth and comfort. I fell in love with the main characters and the supporting cast. Kristin J. Miller's future publications will be on my radar.
Synopsis:
Margo (Go) and Jo are popular podcasters dealing with social media pressures. Their viral program encourages single women to follow seven dating rules to avoid heartbreak. Jo's sudden decision to get married and all-expenses-paid wedding trip to Catalina Island leaves their whole podcast in a quandary.
Declan, Margo's high school nemesis, is Jo's fiance Peter's best man. Declan is a red-headed NASA engineer. He ignites a flame with Margo at the wedding, and sparks fly. Margo questions the seven rules that she and Jo teach on their podcast. Is she willing to break her own rules in order to win Declan's heart?
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this cozy romance set on beautiful Catalina Island. I appreciate your kindness.
#SevenRulesForBreakingHearts
#Netgalleyapprovals #Netgalleyapproval @advancedreaderscopy #tbrbooks #tbrpile #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra
December 17, 2022
forgettable and just, not for me. i reviewed a copy for Library Journal.
Another very tall man lusts for the one girl from high school who never knew, never got it and she's still oblivious as an adult.
the podcasting stuff, especially the 'hey maybe you should get with him to promote your career" was meh as well.
thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I don't really remember anything else.
Another very tall man lusts for the one girl from high school who never knew, never got it and she's still oblivious as an adult.
the podcasting stuff, especially the 'hey maybe you should get with him to promote your career" was meh as well.
thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I don't really remember anything else.
February 21, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Margot, the host of a podcast with her friend Jo about living the single life by following seven rules to keep yourself from catching feelings, is at a weird place in her life. Following a whirlwind romance, Jo is getting married. As the podcast winds down, Margot decides to try breaking her rules with the best man, Declan.
First of all, Declan is now the love of my life. He is SO CUTE. I absolutely fell in love with how sweet and genuine he is and the banter between him and Margot was fun.
Margot was a character I really resonated with. She was hurt from seeing failed relationships growing up and her rules were to protect herself until she realized it was just making her unhappy.
Thanks to @netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Margot, the host of a podcast with her friend Jo about living the single life by following seven rules to keep yourself from catching feelings, is at a weird place in her life. Following a whirlwind romance, Jo is getting married. As the podcast winds down, Margot decides to try breaking her rules with the best man, Declan.
First of all, Declan is now the love of my life. He is SO CUTE. I absolutely fell in love with how sweet and genuine he is and the banter between him and Margot was fun.
Margot was a character I really resonated with. She was hurt from seeing failed relationships growing up and her rules were to protect herself until she realized it was just making her unhappy.
Thanks to @netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Kristyn Miller for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Seven Rules For Breaking Hearts does some things right. It's a cute, light-hearted rom-com that gives its readers two fairly likable characters and a simple enemies-to-lovers story-line. But it does come with a set of it's own clichés a.k.a ofcourse the guy never really disliked the girl but had spent a good chunk of time pining over her! Most of the romance takes place over the span of 2 weeks, which makes the relationship between the lead couple progress pretty quickly. The book also contains some open-door romance scenes so proceed with caution!
Declan and Margo are decent protagonists to root for, although Margo isn't entirely likable till almost halfway into the story. She seems to spend a good amount of time obsessing over Declan's freckles and the curves of his biceps, and gives the readers a simple glimpse into how influencers and content creators are treated by the general public. We are introduced to a good chunk of side characters and friends of the couple, but aren't really given much time with them or to have them feel useful to the story-line. Most of them seem to be one-dimensional and are just...there.
All in all, it's a good quick read with some humorous moments, but it might leave you wanting a little bit more by the end.
Seven Rules For Breaking Hearts does some things right. It's a cute, light-hearted rom-com that gives its readers two fairly likable characters and a simple enemies-to-lovers story-line. But it does come with a set of it's own clichés a.k.a ofcourse the guy never really disliked the girl but had spent a good chunk of time pining over her! Most of the romance takes place over the span of 2 weeks, which makes the relationship between the lead couple progress pretty quickly. The book also contains some open-door romance scenes so proceed with caution!
Declan and Margo are decent protagonists to root for, although Margo isn't entirely likable till almost halfway into the story. She seems to spend a good amount of time obsessing over Declan's freckles and the curves of his biceps, and gives the readers a simple glimpse into how influencers and content creators are treated by the general public. We are introduced to a good chunk of side characters and friends of the couple, but aren't really given much time with them or to have them feel useful to the story-line. Most of them seem to be one-dimensional and are just...there.
All in all, it's a good quick read with some humorous moments, but it might leave you wanting a little bit more by the end.
February 16, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is a fun, breezy romcom about love, friendship, and being true to yourself. The story follows Margo, who has sworn off commitment and has documented this fact on the viral podcast she hosts with her best friend, Jo. The podcast is all about rules to follow to hook up without catching feelings. However, Margo’s life spirals when Jo announces she is getting married. As the maid of honor, Margo is forced to go to the two week wedding event, where she discovers the best man is her high school nemesis, Declan. Will Margo break all her rules and finally catch feelings?
I really enjoyed this read. The location. The characters. The podcast element. It all made for a fun escape that had me wishing for summer time. Margo was a very well-rounded character with plenty of charm and plenty of flaws. I really enjoyed her and Declan’s romance, as well as her relationship with Jo. I can’t wait to see what Kristyn J. Miller writes next.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is a fun, breezy romcom about love, friendship, and being true to yourself. The story follows Margo, who has sworn off commitment and has documented this fact on the viral podcast she hosts with her best friend, Jo. The podcast is all about rules to follow to hook up without catching feelings. However, Margo’s life spirals when Jo announces she is getting married. As the maid of honor, Margo is forced to go to the two week wedding event, where she discovers the best man is her high school nemesis, Declan. Will Margo break all her rules and finally catch feelings?
I really enjoyed this read. The location. The characters. The podcast element. It all made for a fun escape that had me wishing for summer time. Margo was a very well-rounded character with plenty of charm and plenty of flaws. I really enjoyed her and Declan’s romance, as well as her relationship with Jo. I can’t wait to see what Kristyn J. Miller writes next.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2025
Super cute and light - and a quick read.
This one is an easy summer read as long as you go into with just fun in mind. Go and Jo and their quest to keep from getting feelings and getting into a relationship can feel a bit immature at times - but if you can just roll with it, then this book is easy and light. There were a few parts where I cringed (maybe I'm too far from high school but I just can't imagine being this hung up on who someone was 10+ years ago) because the MC could be shallow and a bit mean at times.
But the romance was sweet and the enemies to lovers vibe was good. Cute, light, easy. Perfect summer read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This one is an easy summer read as long as you go into with just fun in mind. Go and Jo and their quest to keep from getting feelings and getting into a relationship can feel a bit immature at times - but if you can just roll with it, then this book is easy and light. There were a few parts where I cringed (maybe I'm too far from high school but I just can't imagine being this hung up on who someone was 10+ years ago) because the MC could be shallow and a bit mean at times.
But the romance was sweet and the enemies to lovers vibe was good. Cute, light, easy. Perfect summer read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 28, 2023
*full review to come*
I stayed up until 3am because I had to finish this book and make sure Margo & Declan got their happy ending. It’s so good!
Edited to add:
**I received a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review**
Margo “Go” Anderson and her best friend, Jocelyn “Jo” Hernandez, are the hosts of a popular podcast, Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts. The rules include things like not spending the night with your hookup, not waiting around for them to text back, and of course the big one: don’t catch feelings.
Yet when Jo falls in love and gets engaged what does that mean for the future of their podcast? That’s the question they try to answer during their two-week, all expenses paid, 2-in-1 vacation & wedding to Catalina Island. A question Margo thinks she has the answer to when she’s forced to spend time with Declan Walsh, a former classmate she strongly dislikes.
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts by Kristyn J. Miller is an instant classic romcom. I was a little skeptical about the podcaster/influencer aspect (there are a few interactions Margo has with bartenders that left a bad taste in my mouth. My day job is bartending so I might be a little biased on that one) but Miller does a great job creating multi-faceted characters, avoiding falling into the trap of stereotypical superficial influencers.
I swear I was put through almost every emotion with this book. It was funny, it was frustrating (in a good way), it was heartwarming, and there were even moments that made me sad (Margo’s reasons for singledom were so relatable it hurt).
Miller’s debut was such a fun read that I found myself screaming (metaphorically), laughing out loud, throwing my kindle, and staying up until 3am just to finish and make sure Margo got her happy ending.
For fans of Emily Henry & How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is a must-read.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romantic Adorableness: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ½
Spice: 🌶🌶
I stayed up until 3am because I had to finish this book and make sure Margo & Declan got their happy ending. It’s so good!
Edited to add:
**I received a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review**
Margo “Go” Anderson and her best friend, Jocelyn “Jo” Hernandez, are the hosts of a popular podcast, Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts. The rules include things like not spending the night with your hookup, not waiting around for them to text back, and of course the big one: don’t catch feelings.
Yet when Jo falls in love and gets engaged what does that mean for the future of their podcast? That’s the question they try to answer during their two-week, all expenses paid, 2-in-1 vacation & wedding to Catalina Island. A question Margo thinks she has the answer to when she’s forced to spend time with Declan Walsh, a former classmate she strongly dislikes.
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts by Kristyn J. Miller is an instant classic romcom. I was a little skeptical about the podcaster/influencer aspect (there are a few interactions Margo has with bartenders that left a bad taste in my mouth. My day job is bartending so I might be a little biased on that one) but Miller does a great job creating multi-faceted characters, avoiding falling into the trap of stereotypical superficial influencers.
I swear I was put through almost every emotion with this book. It was funny, it was frustrating (in a good way), it was heartwarming, and there were even moments that made me sad (Margo’s reasons for singledom were so relatable it hurt).
Miller’s debut was such a fun read that I found myself screaming (metaphorically), laughing out loud, throwing my kindle, and staying up until 3am just to finish and make sure Margo got her happy ending.
For fans of Emily Henry & How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is a must-read.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romantic Adorableness: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ½
Spice: 🌶🌶
June 27, 2023
Overall, this was a really cute romance that was fun and quirky. The pace of this story was great, and I definitely enjoyed the writing style which made this a quick read for me. Enemies to lovers is always one of my favorite tropes which definitely delivered here in bringing in the tension as well as seeing the chemistry develop between Margo and Declan.
There were just a couple things here that took me out of the story a bit. The first was the friendship between Go and Jo. There was something in this friendship that just didn't quite fit for me. They both seemed to have very immature moments, but it really seemed like neither could be honest with the other. Their friendship just seems inauthentic, and it left a sour note on a couple of occasions,
One other part that didn't quite gel for me was how Go reacted when Declan told her he did not want to have sex with her. I just felt that how she reacted would be something that would be crucified if it was a male character doing it, and it felt like we were supposed to give her a pass for behaving that way. I do feel like she realizes eventually that what he did was not wrong, but she never really acknowledges that her reaction and how she spoke to him WAS wrong. Maybe I read to much into this, because I definitely did enjoy so much of this story, but this just left me feeling a tiny bit unsettled.
So many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
There were just a couple things here that took me out of the story a bit. The first was the friendship between Go and Jo. There was something in this friendship that just didn't quite fit for me. They both seemed to have very immature moments, but it really seemed like neither could be honest with the other. Their friendship just seems inauthentic, and it left a sour note on a couple of occasions,
One other part that didn't quite gel for me was how Go reacted when Declan told her he did not want to have sex with her. I just felt that how she reacted would be something that would be crucified if it was a male character doing it, and it felt like we were supposed to give her a pass for behaving that way. I do feel like she realizes eventually that what he did was not wrong, but she never really acknowledges that her reaction and how she spoke to him WAS wrong. Maybe I read to much into this, because I definitely did enjoy so much of this story, but this just left me feeling a tiny bit unsettled.
So many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
August 8, 2023
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Kristyn J. Miller
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Love breaks all the rules.
Margo Anderson is sworn off commitment. Alongside her best friend, Jo, she runs a viral podcast featuring rules for hooking up without catching feelings. So when Jo surprises her by deciding to get married and taking up a sponsor’s offer to host an all-expenses-paid wedding trip on Catalina Island, they have the whole internet to answer to.
In a scramble for content to appease their disappointed listeners, Margo cooks up a social experiment: Break all her own dating rules, just to prove that it’s a bad idea. And she’s found the best man for the job in the groom’s best friend and her old high school nemesis, Declan Walsh. He may be easier on the eyes than Margo remembered, but he’s sure to be as smug and annoying as he was before—there is no chance Margo will ever catch feelings for him . . . until she does.
The more time they spend together through cake tastings and wedding party activities, the more Margo can’t ignore their obvious spark, and she may actually be enjoying getting to know Declan. But can she let go of the rules to let him in?
My Thoughts: Margo and Jo are podcasters that created and live by the seven rules, however, when Jo puts these by the waste side and engages with the love of her life, what will this mean to Margo? The seven rules are for sleeping with someone without developing any type of feelings. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers (my favorite), forced proximity, and grumpy v. sunshine. Then Margo has to be in Jo’s wedding party with a man she cannot stand! Margo, as part of the wedding part, has to plan it with Declan, which means a lot of time will be spent together.
I had a tough time with this one to begin with. I picked up and put down several times as I just could not get into the book. Our MC Margo, was really hard to connect with to begin with, however, I was immediately drawn to Declan. Margo was obsessed with these rules and could not live life as it comes, and she was also too focused on what happened in high school. I mean high school is high school, teens are dump and do stupid, insensitive things. Declan was highly swoon-worthy and just pined at my heart. Margo and Declan had fantastic banter and mad chemistry. The author’s writing style was steamy, swoony, and humorous. I loved the author’s multimedia approach on this book.
For a debut novel, this was good. I would recommend other readers give a shot. I read reviews that the audiobook’s narrator did a really good job with voice variation and the narrator made the book more enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Kristyn J. Miller
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Love breaks all the rules.
Margo Anderson is sworn off commitment. Alongside her best friend, Jo, she runs a viral podcast featuring rules for hooking up without catching feelings. So when Jo surprises her by deciding to get married and taking up a sponsor’s offer to host an all-expenses-paid wedding trip on Catalina Island, they have the whole internet to answer to.
In a scramble for content to appease their disappointed listeners, Margo cooks up a social experiment: Break all her own dating rules, just to prove that it’s a bad idea. And she’s found the best man for the job in the groom’s best friend and her old high school nemesis, Declan Walsh. He may be easier on the eyes than Margo remembered, but he’s sure to be as smug and annoying as he was before—there is no chance Margo will ever catch feelings for him . . . until she does.
The more time they spend together through cake tastings and wedding party activities, the more Margo can’t ignore their obvious spark, and she may actually be enjoying getting to know Declan. But can she let go of the rules to let him in?
My Thoughts: Margo and Jo are podcasters that created and live by the seven rules, however, when Jo puts these by the waste side and engages with the love of her life, what will this mean to Margo? The seven rules are for sleeping with someone without developing any type of feelings. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers (my favorite), forced proximity, and grumpy v. sunshine. Then Margo has to be in Jo’s wedding party with a man she cannot stand! Margo, as part of the wedding part, has to plan it with Declan, which means a lot of time will be spent together.
I had a tough time with this one to begin with. I picked up and put down several times as I just could not get into the book. Our MC Margo, was really hard to connect with to begin with, however, I was immediately drawn to Declan. Margo was obsessed with these rules and could not live life as it comes, and she was also too focused on what happened in high school. I mean high school is high school, teens are dump and do stupid, insensitive things. Declan was highly swoon-worthy and just pined at my heart. Margo and Declan had fantastic banter and mad chemistry. The author’s writing style was steamy, swoony, and humorous. I loved the author’s multimedia approach on this book.
For a debut novel, this was good. I would recommend other readers give a shot. I read reviews that the audiobook’s narrator did a really good job with voice variation and the narrator made the book more enjoyable.
August 14, 2023
TLDR - Once you get past the petty high school stuff it's a cute romance that flips the gender roles from what's typical. Cute.
Declan and Margo meet again about 10 years after they attended high school together because they are both standing up in the same wedding.
The wedding is for her best friend Jo who is also the co-host of their very successful podcast Seven Rules (for hooking up without catching feelings)
Declan humiliated Margo more than once in high school, and my girl holds a grudge.
It took a lot of pages for Margo to stop viewing Declan through the lens of high school and it was kind of hard to trudge through to finally get to the meat of this romance novel.
I liked that as Margo starts having feelings for Declan she immediately had a crisis of conscience and immediately calls off the cringey podcast content that was going to use Declan as an unwitting subject.
Declan apologizing so they could move past the high school stuff was a relief. And a steamy dressing room scene did not disappoint.
But the would be podcast content looms over them the way secrets in novels always do and it all comes to a head the day of the wedding
Cue the third act break up. Miller truly had me wondering if our couple would end up with their happily ever after, after all.
I liked that the break up went on for a while and the wrongdoing wasn't just glazed over for a quick fix. I also liked that the grand gesture was performed by the fmc for a change.
Declan and Margo meet again about 10 years after they attended high school together because they are both standing up in the same wedding.
The wedding is for her best friend Jo who is also the co-host of their very successful podcast Seven Rules (for hooking up without catching feelings)
Declan humiliated Margo more than once in high school, and my girl holds a grudge.
It took a lot of pages for Margo to stop viewing Declan through the lens of high school and it was kind of hard to trudge through to finally get to the meat of this romance novel.
I liked that as Margo starts having feelings for Declan she immediately had a crisis of conscience and immediately calls off the cringey podcast content that was going to use Declan as an unwitting subject.
Declan apologizing so they could move past the high school stuff was a relief. And a steamy dressing room scene did not disappoint.
But the would be podcast content looms over them the way secrets in novels always do and it all comes to a head the day of the wedding
Cue the third act break up. Miller truly had me wondering if our couple would end up with their happily ever after, after all.
I liked that the break up went on for a while and the wrongdoing wasn't just glazed over for a quick fix. I also liked that the grand gesture was performed by the fmc for a change.
April 30, 2023
This book was such a delight to read! The banter between the two main characters was fun and fresh, and the romance did not feel rushed or forced!
Definitely will want to read whatever this author comes out with next!
Synopsis:
Margot is the host of a podcast about how to enjoy living the single life without catching feelings (rule number 7) by following seven simple rules.
The book starts off with letting the reader know that Margot’s cohost, and best friend, Jo has just recently gotten engaged. They both now have to figure out what to do with their show since sponsors and listeners are disappointed in learning that Jo has gone against all of the advice the two of them have been sharing for the past six seasons.
When trying to figure out a way to appease their listeners, Margot decides to break all of their dating rules in the lead up to Jo’s wedding to prove that their rules are worth following. The person she decides to use as her guinea pig? The best man of the wedding and her high school nemesis Declan Walsh. Because there is no way she would ever catch feelings for him, right?
I received an advanced copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways, so a big thank you to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press!
Definitely will want to read whatever this author comes out with next!
Synopsis:
Margot is the host of a podcast about how to enjoy living the single life without catching feelings (rule number 7) by following seven simple rules.
The book starts off with letting the reader know that Margot’s cohost, and best friend, Jo has just recently gotten engaged. They both now have to figure out what to do with their show since sponsors and listeners are disappointed in learning that Jo has gone against all of the advice the two of them have been sharing for the past six seasons.
When trying to figure out a way to appease their listeners, Margot decides to break all of their dating rules in the lead up to Jo’s wedding to prove that their rules are worth following. The person she decides to use as her guinea pig? The best man of the wedding and her high school nemesis Declan Walsh. Because there is no way she would ever catch feelings for him, right?
I received an advanced copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways, so a big thank you to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press!
March 2, 2023
If you're looking for a perfect beach read, look no further than Seven Rules! The characters were fun and relatable, the tropes were tried and true favorites, and the tension was fantastic. Margo's worries and growth were almost tangible in the way they were written. Waiting for that other shoe to drop I swear you could feel her anxiety. I loved the banter and easy jokes between Margo & Declan- their chemistry was so fun to read about and I found myself cheesing along with it.
December 28, 2022
WARNING: Spoilers!
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy through Goodreads Giveaways!!! :) In return, I am required to give my honest feedback.
I want to begin by premising that I was unsure if I would like this book, however, a few chapters in and I was hooked. I love how it is a book that is so up-to-date with its jokes and references, for example: mention of Bumble, Doja Cat, Timothee Chalamet, etc. I feel like it is the type of book that can have you so frustrated with the protagonist, but clenching your knuckles wanting to read more.
Personally, I love Margo and Declan together. Such a cute dynamic! Their story reaffirmed to me that love happens in different ways.
I also love Margo and Jocelyn's relationship, mainly because it worked around some very real topics such as codependency, while also emulating true friendship.
I highly encourage reading this book, it is funny, endearing, steamy, and relatable. The author is very talented. Can't wait to read more of the author's content! I read it in a day- couldn't put it down!
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy through Goodreads Giveaways!!! :) In return, I am required to give my honest feedback.
I want to begin by premising that I was unsure if I would like this book, however, a few chapters in and I was hooked. I love how it is a book that is so up-to-date with its jokes and references, for example: mention of Bumble, Doja Cat, Timothee Chalamet, etc. I feel like it is the type of book that can have you so frustrated with the protagonist, but clenching your knuckles wanting to read more.
Personally, I love Margo and Declan together. Such a cute dynamic! Their story reaffirmed to me that love happens in different ways.
I also love Margo and Jocelyn's relationship, mainly because it worked around some very real topics such as codependency, while also emulating true friendship.
I highly encourage reading this book, it is funny, endearing, steamy, and relatable. The author is very talented. Can't wait to read more of the author's content! I read it in a day- couldn't put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up!!
Margo Anderson is:
— A prominent podcaster with a strong dislike of relationships.
— A little miffed that her co-podcaster and best friend Jo is messing with their brand by getting married.
— The maid of honor in Jo’s wedding opposite best man Declan Walsh, her prankster high school nemesis.
— Really surprised that Declan suddenly looks like the guy from Outlander.
When Margo comes up with an idea to break her rules as content for her podcast, she and Declan clash just enough to make him the target of her plans.
Opinions:
What a fun, beachy/island, childhood enemies to lovers romance! When I started, Margo’s impatience with Jo for finding love was a little annoying (just be happy for your friend!!) but as the story goes on, you understand more that she’s afraid to lose her best friend and her livelihood in one stroke.
Outside of the main romance, this book illustrates the joys and pitfalls of living the influencer life.
Why a 3.5/5? Enjoyed the story, but Declan didn’t have a significant character arc in the story. Which like, there are plenty of fairly well adjusted people in this world, so he doesn’t have to have a huge problem he overcomes. I just wish we learned more about him or maybe saw scenes from his perspective.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun & sexy beach read! It will be released next week, so add it to your TBR now. 📚
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Margo Anderson is:
— A prominent podcaster with a strong dislike of relationships.
— A little miffed that her co-podcaster and best friend Jo is messing with their brand by getting married.
— The maid of honor in Jo’s wedding opposite best man Declan Walsh, her prankster high school nemesis.
— Really surprised that Declan suddenly looks like the guy from Outlander.
When Margo comes up with an idea to break her rules as content for her podcast, she and Declan clash just enough to make him the target of her plans.
Opinions:
What a fun, beachy/island, childhood enemies to lovers romance! When I started, Margo’s impatience with Jo for finding love was a little annoying (just be happy for your friend!!) but as the story goes on, you understand more that she’s afraid to lose her best friend and her livelihood in one stroke.
Outside of the main romance, this book illustrates the joys and pitfalls of living the influencer life.
Why a 3.5/5? Enjoyed the story, but Declan didn’t have a significant character arc in the story. Which like, there are plenty of fairly well adjusted people in this world, so he doesn’t have to have a huge problem he overcomes. I just wish we learned more about him or maybe saw scenes from his perspective.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun & sexy beach read! It will be released next week, so add it to your TBR now. 📚
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2023
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
This was not my favorite romance, unfortunately. I am finding I am getting more and more picky with romance lately. I want to start with what I did like: the podcast. I don't see this element brought into romance often, and I like podcasts in books, so this initially piqued my interest - especially with the topic and seeing how this would work for Go and Jo's friendship. However, I found Margo to be immature and I didn't see as much growth from her character as I would've liked. Instead of having her friends and family support her throughout the book, everything popped up in the end, was quickly fixed, and it just wrapped up too quickly for my liking. I also wasn't that into the romance. I liked Declan but I thought Margo needed to work on herself before I could believe this would be a happy, functioning relationship by the time the HEA happened.
This was not my favorite romance, unfortunately. I am finding I am getting more and more picky with romance lately. I want to start with what I did like: the podcast. I don't see this element brought into romance often, and I like podcasts in books, so this initially piqued my interest - especially with the topic and seeing how this would work for Go and Jo's friendship. However, I found Margo to be immature and I didn't see as much growth from her character as I would've liked. Instead of having her friends and family support her throughout the book, everything popped up in the end, was quickly fixed, and it just wrapped up too quickly for my liking. I also wasn't that into the romance. I liked Declan but I thought Margo needed to work on herself before I could believe this would be a happy, functioning relationship by the time the HEA happened.
February 19, 2023
Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is the name of a viral podcast hosted by Margo Anderson and Jocelyn Hernandez, known as Jo and Go on the internet. Margo and Jo have been friends since kindergarten, and they've always done everything together. This includes their podcast about how to navigate being single without catching feelings and getting your heart broken. What's the only way from keeping your heart from getting broken? Well, break the hearts yourself, of course! Margo and Jo are coming up on their seventh season of the podcast when Jo announces that she is engaged. They admit that the seventh season will be the last season of Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts. The book highlights the vacation before the wedding and the wedding events (and aftermath) as Margo tries to find her new normal while coming up with new content for their seventh season. Facing backlash from fans calling them fake for Jo not listening to her own rules, Margo and Jo are trying to come up with something new for the seventh season. Margo decides that she will break their rules too, intentionally this time, to show that there's a good reason for these rules.
This book was very nice to read. It flowed well and was a relatively easy read. I liked Kristyn J. Miller's writing style, and I really think she's someone to look out for in future books. This is her debut novel, and I think it is a really great first book. This romcom was a quick read for someone who has a lot of time on their hands like me. I finished it in around a day once I really started reading it. I read the first chapter and then took a break because life got in the way. Miller's ability to depict a scene is great. I normally like a more even ratio between dialogue to monologue, but I really enjoyed Margo's internal thoughts. Margo Anderson is such an interesting character. For the protagonist, I like to see that she has flaws. However, I think she's still sort of immature for how she presents herself. She shies away from important conversations and rejects everyone else before they can reject her. But she also has an attachment issue with Jo, and she feels abandoned that her best friend is getting married. I like that Margo realizes she should be happy for Jo, but I don't think she feels that bad for not being happy for her.
Declan, on the other hand, is absolutely swoon worthy. He's funny, handsome, caring, and he knows his way around the bedroom. More importantly, he is up front and able to tell someone what he wants. I like that he can be assertive in a nice way and knows when he is not being treated right. The chemistry between Declan and Margo is instant and palpable. They are a great match, and everyone knows it. Even Margo knows it, and she doesn't want a relationship. However, I think for Margo obsessing over how mean Declan was to her in high school, she's awfully quick to forgive and get over the torment. Additionally, the miscommunication of the pranks Declan pulled on her was frustrating to say the least, though it didn't have much of an effect on the outcome. This book was cute and funny and had me laughing for a lot of it. However, I also think it was real in the way it depicts insecurities and real feelings.
SLIGHT SPOILER BELOW.
I go back and forth on whether I like a third act break-up. As this story progressed, I became increasingly aware that I would have hated a third act break-up. Declan and Margo were so perfect for each other, and I loved reading their interactions. Their relationship had barely started getting to the good stuff. However, as much as I didn't want this third act break-up, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was written well, plausible, and actually made me so sad. Normally during a late stage break up scene, I roll my eyes and wonder if it was really necessary when there's only a few more chapters of the book. But with this one, I was invested, and I was frustrated, and I felt like it really added to the story. Overall, I liked the plot and how it played out. This book took a unique topic and made it interesting and memorable. Especially for a debut, this is a great book. I recommend this book highly to someone who likes a good romcom. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in return for an honest review. To Kristyn J. Miller, I'm very excited to see what romance book is next.
This book was very nice to read. It flowed well and was a relatively easy read. I liked Kristyn J. Miller's writing style, and I really think she's someone to look out for in future books. This is her debut novel, and I think it is a really great first book. This romcom was a quick read for someone who has a lot of time on their hands like me. I finished it in around a day once I really started reading it. I read the first chapter and then took a break because life got in the way. Miller's ability to depict a scene is great. I normally like a more even ratio between dialogue to monologue, but I really enjoyed Margo's internal thoughts. Margo Anderson is such an interesting character. For the protagonist, I like to see that she has flaws. However, I think she's still sort of immature for how she presents herself. She shies away from important conversations and rejects everyone else before they can reject her. But she also has an attachment issue with Jo, and she feels abandoned that her best friend is getting married. I like that Margo realizes she should be happy for Jo, but I don't think she feels that bad for not being happy for her.
Declan, on the other hand, is absolutely swoon worthy. He's funny, handsome, caring, and he knows his way around the bedroom. More importantly, he is up front and able to tell someone what he wants. I like that he can be assertive in a nice way and knows when he is not being treated right. The chemistry between Declan and Margo is instant and palpable. They are a great match, and everyone knows it. Even Margo knows it, and she doesn't want a relationship. However, I think for Margo obsessing over how mean Declan was to her in high school, she's awfully quick to forgive and get over the torment. Additionally, the miscommunication of the pranks Declan pulled on her was frustrating to say the least, though it didn't have much of an effect on the outcome. This book was cute and funny and had me laughing for a lot of it. However, I also think it was real in the way it depicts insecurities and real feelings.
SLIGHT SPOILER BELOW.
I go back and forth on whether I like a third act break-up. As this story progressed, I became increasingly aware that I would have hated a third act break-up. Declan and Margo were so perfect for each other, and I loved reading their interactions. Their relationship had barely started getting to the good stuff. However, as much as I didn't want this third act break-up, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was written well, plausible, and actually made me so sad. Normally during a late stage break up scene, I roll my eyes and wonder if it was really necessary when there's only a few more chapters of the book. But with this one, I was invested, and I was frustrated, and I felt like it really added to the story. Overall, I liked the plot and how it played out. This book took a unique topic and made it interesting and memorable. Especially for a debut, this is a great book. I recommend this book highly to someone who likes a good romcom. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in return for an honest review. To Kristyn J. Miller, I'm very excited to see what romance book is next.
August 27, 2024
DNF 63%
Non riesco più a reggere l'immaturità della protagonista. BASTA!
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Aloha! E Bentornati o benvenuti in un nuovo episodio di "Le ciance di Vale"!
☆ DNF 63%
Sono delusa e mi stupisco di me stessa per di aver raggiunto quota +60%.. e pensare che l'idea di base di presentarci una protagonista influencer/podcaster non era affatto male. Da come ci è stata presentata l'intera faccenda sembrava che l'autrice volesse mostrarci il dietro le quinte di questo mondo: l'ossessione per il giudizio altrui e tutto ciò che ne deriva, la continua ed estenuante ricerca di nuove idee per non perdere followers, la mancanza di privacy e la svendita dei propri canali/nome per promuovere prodotti. Non fraintendetemi la Miller fa un accenno a tutti questi temi ma la protagonista è troppo infantile per rendergli giustizia. Peccato perché sarebbe stato il punto di forza del romanzo.
Sì, come avete intuito il problema principale di questo romanzo è proprio la protagonista ed è la sola voce narrante. Non riesco più a tollerare una persona di quasi trent'anni che si comporta come un'adolescente, atteggiamento che cozza molto con la ragazza che ha dovuto svolgere due lavori per aiutare la madre dopo il divorzio ritardando così l'iscrizione all'università. Posso capire il cinismo e la repulsione verso l'amore dopo il naufragio del matrimonio dei genitori (ci sta, per la miseria!), ma una ragazza che appena uscita dal liceo si rimbocca le maniche e mette in pausa la vita e i suoi sogni non può non essere matura e con un po' più di carattere. Ma quello che non mi è andato giù del suo personaggio non è stata la sua totale incapacità di comunicare con la sua migliore amica decennale quanto piuttosto il comportamento ingiustificato che ha riservato a Declan. Più volte ha sminuito il suo lavoro, lui stesso e non accetto come scusa uno scherzo (neppure mirato a lei ma alla sua tuba) avvenuto dieci anni prima. Questo atteggiamento passivo-aggressivo e significa solo una cosa: RED FLAG. Al solo ripensarci mi viene un nervoso.. il povero Declan si merita decisamente di meglio!!
Chi vuole passare questo libro per un enemies to lovers non sa quel che dice, questo è un "io l'ho intesa così e per me sei uno stronzo e ti ce ne vorrà di tempo per farmi cambiare idea" to lovers.
P.S. Devo ancora capire perché l'autrice abbia deciso di chiamare la protagonista Margo senza "t".
Non riesco più a reggere l'immaturità della protagonista. BASTA!
●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●
Aloha! E Bentornati o benvenuti in un nuovo episodio di "Le ciance di Vale"!
☆ DNF 63%
Sono delusa e mi stupisco di me stessa per di aver raggiunto quota +60%.. e pensare che l'idea di base di presentarci una protagonista influencer/podcaster non era affatto male. Da come ci è stata presentata l'intera faccenda sembrava che l'autrice volesse mostrarci il dietro le quinte di questo mondo: l'ossessione per il giudizio altrui e tutto ciò che ne deriva, la continua ed estenuante ricerca di nuove idee per non perdere followers, la mancanza di privacy e la svendita dei propri canali/nome per promuovere prodotti. Non fraintendetemi la Miller fa un accenno a tutti questi temi ma la protagonista è troppo infantile per rendergli giustizia. Peccato perché sarebbe stato il punto di forza del romanzo.
Sì, come avete intuito il problema principale di questo romanzo è proprio la protagonista ed è la sola voce narrante. Non riesco più a tollerare una persona di quasi trent'anni che si comporta come un'adolescente, atteggiamento che cozza molto con la ragazza che ha dovuto svolgere due lavori per aiutare la madre dopo il divorzio ritardando così l'iscrizione all'università. Posso capire il cinismo e la repulsione verso l'amore dopo il naufragio del matrimonio dei genitori (ci sta, per la miseria!), ma una ragazza che appena uscita dal liceo si rimbocca le maniche e mette in pausa la vita e i suoi sogni non può non essere matura e con un po' più di carattere. Ma quello che non mi è andato giù del suo personaggio non è stata la sua totale incapacità di comunicare con la sua migliore amica decennale quanto piuttosto il comportamento ingiustificato che ha riservato a Declan. Più volte ha sminuito il suo lavoro, lui stesso e non accetto come scusa uno scherzo (neppure mirato a lei ma alla sua tuba) avvenuto dieci anni prima. Questo atteggiamento passivo-aggressivo e significa solo una cosa: RED FLAG. Al solo ripensarci mi viene un nervoso.. il povero Declan si merita decisamente di meglio!!
Chi vuole passare questo libro per un enemies to lovers non sa quel che dice, questo è un "io l'ho intesa così e per me sei uno stronzo e ti ce ne vorrà di tempo per farmi cambiare idea" to lovers.
P.S. Devo ancora capire perché l'autrice abbia deciso di chiamare la protagonista Margo senza "t".
May 19, 2023
What a fabulous debut novel by Kristyn J. Miller! This book was so cute!!! Loaded with angst and lots of banter that hooked me from the start. I just couldn’t put it down!
I absolutely loved Margo and Declan!!! What a perfect match - they are so relatable! I did enjoy the social media aspect of the story and how it can take control of our lives. It was great seeing Margo’s personal growth of letting go of the “rules” and changing up her presence on her platforms. Declan…wow! I loved everything about him except I feel like he did overreact a bit, especially with the miscommunication back in high school. I would think he would have learned his lesson.
It did bother me a bit how Jo kept her relationship such a secret from Margo. Margo only met Peter again in Catalina right before the wedding? I can see why she was jealous/ frustrated.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙨:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Beach Setting
Wedding Theme
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Kristyn J. Miller for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I absolutely loved Margo and Declan!!! What a perfect match - they are so relatable! I did enjoy the social media aspect of the story and how it can take control of our lives. It was great seeing Margo’s personal growth of letting go of the “rules” and changing up her presence on her platforms. Declan…wow! I loved everything about him except I feel like he did overreact a bit, especially with the miscommunication back in high school. I would think he would have learned his lesson.
It did bother me a bit how Jo kept her relationship such a secret from Margo. Margo only met Peter again in Catalina right before the wedding? I can see why she was jealous/ frustrated.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙨:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Opposites Attract
Beach Setting
Wedding Theme
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Kristyn J. Miller for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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