You know that feeling when you bump into an ex and suddenly you’re transported back in time, all awkward and fumbling? Well, imagine that scenario, but instead of a quick “hey, how ya been?” you’re stuck working together. Oh, and did I mention you’re also secretly still in love with them? Yikes. That’s the deliciously messy situation Sarah Adams throws us into with her latest rom-com, The Rule Book.
As a follow-up to her TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet, Adams proves she’s no one-hit wonder. This enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance had me cackling, swooning, and maybe shedding a tear or two (but don’t tell anyone, okay?). Let’s dive into why The Rule Book deserves a spot on your bedside table, shall we?
The Play-by-Play: What’s The Rule Book All About?
Alright, picture this: Nora Mackenzie, a scrappy sports agent trying to make it in a man’s world, lands her first big client. The catch? It’s none other than Derek Pender, NFL tight end extraordinaire and—drum roll, please—her college ex-boyfriend. Talk about awkward water cooler chat, am I right?
Now, Derek’s not exactly thrilled about this blast from the past. Our boy’s got some unresolved feelings and a chip on his shoulder the size of a football field. His game plan? Make Nora’s life a living hell until she quits. But here’s the thing about Nora—she’s got more fight in her than a rookie with something to prove.
What follows is a hilarious tug-of-war of wills, with these two stubborn lovebirds trying to one-up each other at every turn. It’s like watching a tennis match, but instead of balls, they’re lobbing snarky comebacks and lingering glances.
Oh, and did I mention they accidentally get hitched in Vegas? Because of course they do. It’s rom-com gold, folks!
The MVP: Characters That’ll Tackle Your Heart
Nora Mackenzie: The Underdog We Can’t Help But Root For
Let’s talk about our girl Nora for a sec. She’s like that friend who color-codes her planner and always has an emergency stash of snacks in her purse. You know the type—quirky, determined, and secretly a total badass.
Nora’s journey from eager intern to take-no-prisoners agent is a joy to watch. She’s got more grit than a sandpaper factory, facing down sexist colleagues and her own self-doubt with equal parts humor and hustle. And can we talk about her collection of Derek’s jerseys? Talk about dedication to the long game!
Derek Pender: The Jock with a Heart of Gold (and Abs of Steel)
Now, Derek. Oh, Derek. At first glance, he’s your typical hot-shot athlete with a grudge. But as we peel back those layers (and those abs—sorry, I’ll stop), we discover a guy grappling with vulnerabilities and past hurts.
His journey from petty revenge to genuine growth had me cheering from the sidelines. And let’s be real, his dedication to making Nora’s life difficult is kind of adorable in a kindergarten crush sort of way.
The Playbook: Writing That’ll Keep You in the Game
Sarah Adams has a knack for dialogue that zings and zaps like a well-oiled offense. The banter between Nora and Derek is top-notch, folks. I found myself grinning like an idiot at their verbal sparring matches. It’s the kind of writing that makes you want to read passages out loud to whoever’s nearby (apologies to my cat, who’s heard way too many snippets of this book).
But it’s not all quips and comebacks. Adams knows how to bring the feels when it counts. There are moments of vulnerability and tenderness that’ll have you clutching your chest and maybe, just maybe, getting a little misty-eyed.
A Word on Pacing: Keep Your Eye on the Ball
If I had one tiny gripe, it’s that the middle section dragged a smidge. There were a few moments where I wanted to yell, “Just kiss already!” But honestly? The slow burn was worth it for that toe-curling payoff.
The Home Run: Themes That’ll Make You Think
Underneath all the rom-com hijinks, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams tackles some pretty meaty themes:
Second Chances: More Than Just a Hail Mary
Adams explores the idea that sometimes, timing is everything. Nora and Derek weren’t ready for each other in college, but life has a funny way of bringing people back around when they’re finally in the right headspace.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling (With a Well-Aimed Football)
Nora’s struggles in the male-dominated world of sports management hit home. It’s a reminder that for many women, success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence in the face of systemic barriers.
Vulnerability as Strength
Both Nora and Derek have to learn that opening up isn’t a weakness. It’s a lesson we could all stand to remember now and then, huh?
The Final Score: Why You Should Add The Rule Book to Your Lineup
Look, if you’re in the mood for a rom-com that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe pump your fist in the air a few times, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams is your ticket. It’s got all the comfort of a classic trope with enough fresh twists to keep you guessing.
Is it groundbreaking literature that’ll change the face of modern fiction? Nah. But you know what? Sometimes you don’t need War and Peace. Sometimes you need a book that feels like curling up with a cozy blanket and your favorite rom-com. The Rule Book delivers that in spades.
Who Should Pick Up The Rule Book?
- Fans of enemies-to-lovers who like their romance with a side of sass
- Anyone who’s ever had a workplace crush (come on, we’ve all been there)
- Sports enthusiasts who don’t mind a little mushy stuff with their game talk
- Readers looking for strong female characters kicking butt and taking names
- Anyone who believes in second chances (in love and in life)
The Extra Point: How It Stacks Up
If you loved Sarah Adams’ previous book, The Cheat Sheet, you’re in for a treat. The Rule Book has all the charm of its predecessor with an added layer of emotional depth. It’s like The Cheat Sheet grew up, got a job, and learned some life lessons along the way.
For those new to Sarah Adams, think of her style as a fun mash-up of Sophie Kinsella‘s quirkiness and Christina Lauren‘s steamier moments. It’s the kind of book that’ll have you texting your friends, “OMG, you have to read this!”
The Post-Game Analysis: Final Thoughts
In the end, The Rule Book by Sarah Adams is a touchdown of a romance. It’s got heart, humor, and just enough heat to make you fan yourself a little. Sarah Adams has cemented herself as a rom-com author to watch, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
So, grab your coziest blanket, maybe a snack or two (or seven, no judgment here), and settle in for a reading experience that’ll leave you with a grin wider than a football field. The Rule Book might just be the feel-good read you didn’t know you needed.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a sudden urge to watch some football. Or maybe just reread that bathtub scene. You know the one.