Finding a book that seamlessly blends humor, romance and heartfelt emotion is always a win. The Rule Book by Sarah Adams checks all those boxes. As the highly anticipated follow-up to The Cheat Sheet, this novel brings readers a second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance packed with all the swoony moments and laugh-out-loud antics Sarah Adams fans adore. If you loved The Cheat Sheet, buckle up—because this one takes the stakes even higher.
Summary of The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
Nora Mackenzie is determined to prove herself as a top sports agent in a male-dominated industry. Her first major client? None other than Derek Pender, her college ex-boyfriend and star NFL tight end. To say their history is complicated would be an understatement. Their breakup left Derek nursing a broken heart, and now he’s out for a little payback.
Derek doesn’t make things easy for Nora, assigning her absurd tasks that would make any sane person quit. But Nora refuses to back down, and her resilience starts to chip away at Derek’s grumpy facade. Just when they seem to find their footing, a wild night in Las Vegas throws their rule book out the window. They wake up married, and what started as a professional relationship turns into a rollercoaster of forced proximity, simmering chemistry, and a surprising opportunity to rewrite their love story.
With their careers on the line, Derek and Nora navigate the chaos of their new arrangement while battling unresolved feelings from their past. Will their unconventional second chance lead to a happily-ever-after, or will it end in heartbreak again?
Review of The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
From the moment I started The Rule Book, I was hooked. Sarah Adams has a gift for creating characters that leap off the page, and Nora and Derek are no exception. Their banter crackles with tension, and their chemistry is undeniable. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic adds a delicious layer of conflict, while the second-chance romance makes their connection feel all the more meaningful.
Nora is a fantastic heroine—ambitious, witty, and full of heart. Her determination to succeed in a male-dominated field is both inspiring and relatable. I couldn’t help but root for her as she faced challenge after challenge, not just from Derek but also from the pressures of her career. Meanwhile, Derek’s grumpy exterior hides a tender heart, and watching him let his guard down around Nora was pure magic.
The plot brims with my favorite romance tropes: second chances, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, and a not-so-fake Vegas marriage. Adams balances these elements perfectly, delivering a story that feels fresh and engaging. The humor is on point, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the romantic tension builds beautifully throughout the book. The open-door spice is just the right amount to add heat while keeping the focus on their emotional connection.
The supporting characters also shine, with delightful cameos from Nathan and Bree, the beloved couple from The Cheat Sheet. Their presence adds an extra layer of charm and ties the two books together seamlessly.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the resolution felt slightly rushed. I wanted a bit more time to savor Derek and Nora’s happy ending. But overall, the story left me with a huge smile and a full heart.
About the Author, Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams is a master of feel-good romance. Known for her witty writing and lovable characters, Adams has quickly become a favorite among rom-com fans. Her books often feature lighthearted humor, heartwarming moments, and just the right amount of emotional depth.
The Cheat Sheet, the first book in this series, captured readers’ hearts with its friends-to-lovers storyline and endearing characters. Adams continues to deliver with The Rule Book, proving her ability to craft swoon-worthy love stories with relatable themes. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, her books are guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Final Thoughts
The Rule Book is a charming, feel-good romance that will keep you entertained from start to finish. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and swoon-worthy moments, it’s a must-read for fans of second-chance love stories and sports romances.
If you enjoy books with grumpy x sunshine dynamics, forced proximity, and characters you can’t help but root for, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of story that makes you laugh, swoon, and believe in love all over again.
Have you read The Rule Book or any other books by Sarah Adams? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s gush over these characters and talk about what makes her stories so special.
