A Touchdown for Romance Fans
There’s something irresistible about second chance romances, especially when they involve former college sweethearts reuniting years later as successful professionals. Sarah Adams taps into this popular trope with her latest offering, “The Rule Book,” serving up a delightful enemies-to-lovers story that will have readers rooting for the main couple from page one.
As a companion novel to Adams’ breakout hit “The Cheat Sheet,” this book delivers more of the author’s signature blend of humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, fans of the first book will appreciate returning to the world of professional football and sports agents that Adams has created.
The Play-by-Play
Nora Mackenzie has worked tirelessly to become a full-time sports agent, but her big break comes with a major complication – her first major client is none other than NFL star Derek Pender, who also happens to be her college ex-boyfriend. Their breakup years ago was less than amicable, and now Derek is holding a grudge.
Seeing an opportunity for some petty revenge, Derek agrees to let Nora represent him, but with the intention of making her job as difficult as possible. He figures if he can frustrate her enough, she’ll quit and he’ll be rid of her for good. But Derek has underestimated Nora’s determination and competitive spirit.
As the two engage in an escalating battle of wills, old feelings start to resurface. A spontaneous trip to Las Vegas leads to an accidental drunken wedding, forcing Nora and Derek to figure out if they can turn their fake marriage into something real—all while navigating the high-stakes world of professional sports.
Calling the Plays: Character Analysis
Nora Mackenzie: Our Feisty Heroine
Nora practically leaps off the page as a vibrant, driven protagonist. Her quirky personality and penchant for organization make her endearing, while her ambition and work ethic earn the reader’s respect. Adams does an excellent job of showing Nora’s growth throughout the story as she learns to balance her career goals with her personal life.
One of Nora’s most relatable qualities is her struggle with imposter syndrome in a male-dominated field. Her journey to assert herself and demand the respect she deserves will resonate with many readers. And let’s be real, who hasn’t fantasized about telling off a sexist coworker the way Nora does?
Derek Pender: More Than Just a Jock
At first glance, Derek seems like your typical cocky athlete holding a grudge. But as layers of his character are peeled back, we discover a complex man grappling with insecurities and the pressure of maintaining his career. His journey of self-discovery as he considers life after football adds depth to his character.
Derek’s growth from immature ex seeking revenge to supportive partner is satisfying to watch unfold. His vulnerability, especially regarding his dyslexia diagnosis, makes him more relatable and likable.
Supporting Cast: More Than Just Background Players
While Nora and Derek take center stage, Adams populates her story with a colorful cast of supporting characters. From Nora’s enthusiastic mom Pam to Derek’s rowdy teammates, these secondary players add humor and heart to the story. Special mention goes to Nicole, Nora’s tough-as-nails boss who becomes an unlikely ally and friend.
X’s and O’s: Themes and Writing Style
Tackling Tough Topics with a Light Touch
Don’t let the rom-com label fool you – The Rule Book by Sarah Adams digs into some weightier themes alongside the romance. Adams explores workplace sexism, learning disabilities, and the pressure of living up to others’ expectations. These serious topics are woven seamlessly into the story without ever feeling preachy or bogging down the lighter moments.
Humor that Scores Big
One of Adams’ greatest strengths is her ability to infuse humor into every scene. From witty banter between Nora and Derek to hilarious situational comedy (the chicken suit incident, anyone?), the laughs come consistently throughout the book. Nora’s inner monologue is particularly entertaining, giving readers insight into her quirky thought process.
Steamy Scenes that Don’t Go Out of Bounds
Romance fans will appreciate the chemistry between Nora and Derek, which sizzles from their first reunion. Adams strikes a nice balance with the intimate scenes, keeping things steamy without venturing into explicit territory. The emotional connection between the characters is emphasized just as much as the physical attraction.
Reviewing the Replay: Plot Pacing and Structure
For the most part, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams moves along at an engaging clip. The enemies-to-lovers buildup in the first half is particularly well-executed, with Nora and Derek’s verbal sparring matches providing plenty of entertainment.
If there’s one critique to be made, it’s that the Vegas wedding feels a bit contrived as a plot device. However, Adams manages to mostly overcome this through the genuine emotional development that follows.
The latter half of the book loses a little momentum as Nora and Derek work through their issues, but picks up again for a satisfying conclusion. Readers invested in the couple’s journey will likely forgive any pacing lulls.
The Final Score: Is It Worth Reading?
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams is a solid addition to the contemporary romance genre that will appeal to fans of sports romances and second-chance love stories. Sarah Adams continues to prove herself as an author to watch in the rom-com space.
While it may not break new ground in terms of plot, the book’s strength lies in its charming characters and Adams’ warm, witty writing style. It’s the perfect read for when you need a pick-me-up or just want to escape into a world where love conquers all (with a healthy dose of humor along the way).
The Good:
- Lovable, well-developed main characters
- Consistent humor throughout
- Thoughtful exploration of deeper themes
- Satisfying enemies-to-lovers progression
- Strong supporting cast
The Bad:
- Some plot elements feel a bit contrived
- Pacing lags slightly in the latter half
Extra Points: For Fans of the Genre
If you enjoyed The Rule Book by Sarah Adams, you might also like these similar titles:
- “The Cheat Sheet” by Sarah Adams (the companion novel to this book)
- “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
Post-Game Analysis: Author Background
Sarah Adams has quickly made a name for herself in the contemporary romance world. A Nashville native, Adams began writing seriously while her young daughters were napping, finally pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming an author.
Her breakout novel, “The Cheat Sheet,” became a viral TikTok sensation, catapulting Adams into the spotlight. Other popular titles include “When in Rome” and “The Match.” Known for her humor and heart, Adams aims to write stories that leave readers happier than when they started.
Overtime: Final Thoughts
“The Rule Book” proves that Sarah Adams’ success with “The Cheat Sheet” was no fluke. She has a genuine talent for creating relatable characters and injecting humor into everyday situations. While the book follows many familiar romance tropes, Adams’ fresh voice and engaging writing style elevate it above the average offering in the genre.
Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or just looking for a fun, feel-good read, “The Rule Book” is worth adding to your TBR pile. Just be prepared to laugh out loud, swoon a little, and possibly develop a newfound interest in football. And who knows? You might even be inspired to make your own rule book for love—just don’t be surprised if you end up breaking every rule in it.
