Playing by the Rules

by Mylissa Demeyere

When sparks fly, it's easy to forget the rules.

For serial dater Mia, life is all about fun, and love is nothing but a game. If she doesn’t put her heart on the line, she doesn’t get hurt.

For overachiever math whiz Josh, life is all about meeting his goals and preparing for Stanford University. He doesn’t have time for fun.

When Mia’s busy social life takes a toll on her academic future, she begs Josh to tutor her before her grades affect her college applications.

Josh agrees to help Mia, on one condition: She promises to play by his rules.

No problem at all...

Until the rule book requires her to ignore her heart.

Opposites attract in this sweet romance that will have you laughing out loud.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn't working, she's writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.
The Songs of You and Me is her debut novel, with a sequel already in the works.


Connect with Mylissa Demeyere online:

http://www.mylissademeyere.com
https://www.facebook.com/MylissaDemey...
https://www.instagram.com/mylissademe...
https://twitter.com/MylissaDemeyere
https://www.pinterest.com/mylissademe...

Reviews

[Taylor Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm not super into reading YA.

But every once in a while a YA book comes along that I love. This book is one of those books.

When I was first asked to read the book, before it was finished, I read it easily in a couple of hours, maybe. (I don't know. I wasn't watching the clock. Secretly, I just don't want you to think I'm a slow reader.) It was very late at night and I had to get up early the next morning. In other words, I was very tired, and thought I'd just read a few pages to get started.

If it's a good book, we all know how that scenario goes.

Instead, I stayed up and read the entire book (minus just the ending). Good thing this was a novella, or I wouldn't have slept a wink. It hooked me and I couldn't put it down.

Thank goodness, I finally received the ARC so I could see how it all ended.

I loved Mia and her sassy confidence. And I loved Josh and his humble, quiet manner. He was definitely a hero to root for. This is a sweet story that made me happy. However, it does have some substance to it, as well. (No spoilers!)

I loved the quick pace of the book. It flowed so well and moved along at just the right speed. (Obviously! Before I knew it, I had read the whole thing. Waiting for the ending was torture!)

I think that's the best compliment a reader can give an author about their book.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mylissa Demeyere always writes heart-warming romances. This new one has cute YA characters, fun dialogue, and a slow-burn relationship that will melt your heart. Mia is a serial dater, but when she needs help with math and has to approach Josh for tutoring help, he insists she follow his rules. No dating other guys so she can devote time to study. Sounds easy, right? But when hearts get involved, the rules suddenly are very much in her way.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

I know not everyone out there is a fan of YA books. But this gal right here is! I enjoy them. This one was a fun one to read. I've been waiting for Mia's story since she appeared in her older brother's book earlier on in this series. But don't worry, you can definitely read this one as a stand alone. It is fun to see some of the previous characters show up throughout this book though.

Mia is so much more than what she seems. She doesn't always let everyone completely in, but she's not afraid to be happy and live her life to the fullest and saying it how it is. She's honest, but kind. She sticks up for her friends and those around her. She has a few decisions to be making but for her, those aren't the easiest decisions to make. One such decision is what to do about her math grade. It isn't horrible but it won't get her into the dream college. So she sets out to get help. With the one person who is completely shocked she would ask him...Josh.

Oh I loved that the author wrote this book with Josh's POV as well. I loved reading his thoughts and reasoning behind so many of his decisions. And him and Mia connected together were just too much fun. They keep each other on their toes. Josh never quite knows what she's going to do next. But one thing she does do is keep all of the rules he sets out for her if she wants him to be her tutor.

I loved watching their friendship develop and how they were able to see past what everyone else saw and thought and truly come to know each other and their struggles and concerns.

This is definitely a sweet friends to falling in love story. There are some hard family dynamics that these two have to deal with but I loved watching them do so. There are some falls in regards to their trying but they fixed their falls and moved on.

Super cute!!! If you have YA fans in your house then this is one I think they would enjoy (or you if you're a YA fan)!

Content: Clean. A few sweet kisses but nothing further. Some talk of a dad abandoning the family, health issues. Overall a clean read. The author did a great job writing about these topics.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Dagmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read!
Mia is a wonderful character. She put a huge smile on my face multiple times!
I love the way she thinks and the way she reacts to the things she faces.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia and Josh are the stars of this darling YA novella. There's some proof in the opposites attract saying with this couple because they each exhibit personality traits that conflict, yet meld together so well. Outgoing, popular, and confident Mia finds herself in a bit of grade trouble with math and seeks Josh's tutoring services to help her out. His underprivileged, hardworking, shy ways cause him to push her away, yet persistent is her middle name.

Navigating teenage life isn't easy, but some unique challenges complicate matters even more and I loved watching these characters tackle their problems. Their easy friendship made it natural for attraction to occur and this story was quick, fun, and sweet.

A few of my favorites:
*strong family ties
*not giving up on dreams
*supporting friends in difficult times
*sweet, realistic romance
*finding courage to do hard things

This one was another great addition to The Rules series and I can't wait for more!

Content: mild romance; mild language; absent father, health issue, money issues

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the rules to her happily-ever-after

Shane's little sister, Mia, from Rules Don't Apply has her turn at romance in this fun YA book. (Not necessary to have read that story first, however)

The story has a good pace & is readily engaging. The characters are likeable & well developed. The addition of Kaycee & her challenges was a very appreciated touch.

If you're looking for an enjoyable YA romance, I heartily recommend this one!

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute YA novella! Mia and Josh are very different in almost every way, but they are both fun characters. Mia is outspoken, outgoing and full of confidence and kind. Josh is hardworking, quiet and smart. Both are going through high school, facing typical, and some not so typical, teenage challenges. Mia finds herself in need of a tutor and Josh is the guy she wants to help her. It was fun so see a friendship bloom from their very rocky start. Opposites attract!

Because this is a novella, I read through it so quickly. It was very sweet and it left me feeling good. Also, the cover is cute! It is an exact representation of a moment in the book. I love that.

Content: kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing by the Rules was so cute! This was actually my first introduction to the author's work, but it certainly won't be my last! I'll be sure to check out her other books. This YA romance sure hit the spot, and I definitely enjoyed every minute of the "falling in love with your tutor" trope.

"But Josh was more like one of my calculus functions. Complicated, hard to solve, no manual that made any sense to me. I sucked at calculus. Apparently, also at Josh."

Mia Davis is a force to be reckoned with, but I loved how she met her match in Josh Morris, the guy who's been crushing on her for years. She's persistent, straightforward, but also caring, and she won't stand by when there's something that can be done (be it standing up for injustice or bringing something to someone that's sick). Josh on the other hand is someone who's had to grow up fast thanks to his dad bailing out on them a few years ago, so he's definitely wary of new people in his life, yet this made it all the sweeter when he started opening up to Mia and letting her in. Their chemistry was off the charts yet always remained clean/sweet, and I loved how they helped the other and brought the best out on each other. Of course, their relationship is not perfect, but there's communication and the drama doesn't drag on for days or weeks on end(!)

Truly, a really sweet YA romance that deals with the themes of parent abandonment, bullying, and chronic illness in a beautiful and respectful way. Perfect for fans of the author, the series (though it definitely stands on its own), or anyone who's just looking for a swoony read mixed with humor. ~ 4.5 stars!

Content:
Language: 1 d*mn, and a couple of thoughts of someone having a stick in their butt.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read for YA. It takes a subject that teen face and put it in a way that they can see it form all sides. There is underdog and the ones who get everything handle to them. Show how some people do not see it as all black or white but there is gray in there. How you can over look someone life and see the good in it and stand up for your self. There is laughter and tear and happiness in it. Enjoy this book.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute YA romance

I loved Mia’s enthusiasm and persistence. I liked how Josh put his families needs above his own. This was a fun book to read.

[Anne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

I enjoyed this sweet, clean, young adult romance. It was funny and poignant in spots and gave me a new perspective about divorce. It's a good fun read.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ya fiction is everything

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia's siblings have all gone to Berkeley. Even her high school teachers have thrown it in her face. Her calculus teacher suggests she have someone tutor her to bring her grade up. Josh is on a scholarship at a prep high school he works hard to get good grades and works hard after school to bring home money to help pay the bills. The last thing Josh wants to do is tutor Mia someone he's had a crush on since day one. I liked Mia's strong character.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was angst, tears, dances, the dreaded calculus class, and applying to colleges in this young adult book that made it fun to read and reminisce. The characters in this book really made the story come to life. I liked Mia, who did not care what people thought when she decided she liked Josh and needed his help to pass calculus.. I enjoyed reading about their relationship and learning more about their families. I would love to see a book about them after they finish college. I also enjoyed how this book reminds us of our own high school days. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Tayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read.

Mia needs tutoring in calculus and asks [read, pressures] Josh to help her. Josh was reluctant to lend a hand since he felt that Mia wouldn't take it seriously and he didn't want to risk drawing closer to her.

Mia and Josh were really nicely grounded I liked the progression of their relationship. I also enjoyed that both Mia and Josh had other things going on besides their blossoming relationship. Josh with his heavy home responsibilities and future plans, and Mia with deciding on her own future out of her family's shadow.

Bonus was that Josh had clear issues with his status at school and with life in general. He at times struggled with Mia's wealth, but rather than becoming bogged down, it was a nice plot point with progress and resolution that added to the relationship.

Very cute.

[Ashley Raye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing by the Rules is such a cute novella. This is the first book I have read from this author, though I have been hearing about her for a couple of years. I regret not reading anything sooner because I really enjoy how easy it is to get lost within the story. The writing style is so easy to read and the characters and storyline were amazing. I felt like I knew these characters from the very beginning of the book. They are so cute together, and I loved the way they both cared so deeply about their family.


I received an ARC of this book, and voluntarily left this review. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Our Book Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the opposites attract chemistry in Mylissa's story. She did a great job with the tension, but most of all I loved how she wrote their opposites to complement each other.
There was beautiful character growth that Mylissa had come naturally as a result of their interactions with each other.
This book was a little heavy on the innuendos too, but they felt like clever banter more than pointed and awkward. Though just a novella, I was impressed with how much depth the story and the people in it were given. There was so much heart. From the backgrounds to the potential Mylissa gave them you really fall in love with these two.

[Anna B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet Y/A book with lovable characters, a quick pace and happy ending.
Mia is the popular girl at school, rich, gorgeous, outspoken, but without the mean girl vibes. She has one problem, her academics need a lot of work if she’s going to make it into college.
Josh is the smart scholarship kid working two jobs and tutoring just to survive. He needs to keep his head down and in the books if he’s going to make it to Stanford. When Mia crashes into his life who knows what will happen?

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like Mia at first. She was self centered and acted like she was doing Josh a favor by having him tutor her in math rather than he was helping her bring her grades up. She even flirts with him during tutoring instead of focusing on school. It wasn't until she realizes what his home situation is like that she becomes a more compassionate understanding person. Josh was a smart hard working teen who has to shoulder a lot in life including dealing with entitled jerks like Matt who couldn't believe Mia wouldn't go out with him. I loved Josh's sister Kaycee who needs her own romance.

[Vev · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t shake off the feeling I have missed a few pages every chapter.. Things happened so instantly… I love easy romance , even poorly written, but I need at least one chest-squeezing moment and a good pace. None of it here, unfortunately.