Review: The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

Sarah Adams’ The Rule Book is an entertaining, trope-filled romance that explores themes of second chances, marriage of convenience, and the baggage that often comes with childhood trauma. As my first read from this author, I had mixed feelings about the book, though it did leave me intrigued enough to consider checking out more of her work. I rated The Rule Book 3.25 stars, and here’s why.

Tropes Abound: Second-Chance Romance & Marriage of Convenience

Romance novels often thrive on familiar tropes, and The Rule Book does not shy away from them. Two of the most prominent ones here are the second-chance romance and the marriage of convenience. Our main characters, Derek and Nora, are not strangers when they meet again. In fact, they share a complicated past. The second-chance romance element adds layers of emotional tension throughout the novel as the two navigate their unresolved feelings from college. There’s a bittersweetness that comes with reuniting after a relationship didn’t work the first time, and Adams taps into that well, though some aspects could have been developed further.

Then there’s the marriage of convenience trope, which brings plenty of forced proximity, awkward situations, and delightful banter between the leads. This is a trope that has been done many times before, and Adams makes it fun, adding her own spin to the dynamic between Nora and Derek. Their personalities clash and complement one another in a way that makes for engaging reading. That said, while the premise was solid, the execution left me wanting in certain areas, with a few moments feeling forced or too contrived to fully buy into the setup.

Characters and Chemistry: Banter is the Highlight

One thing that Sarah Adams absolutely nails is banter. The witty back-and-forth between Nora and Derek is easily one of the best parts of the novel. Whether they’re flirting, arguing, or playfully teasing each other, their dialogue feels natural and keeps the story moving. It’s clear that Adams enjoys crafting clever, light-hearted exchanges, and it makes for a fun reading experience.

Nora is sharp-tongued and independent, with a relatable sense of humor, while Derek is the classic brooding pro-athlete male lead—attractive, successful, but haunted by his past. Their chemistry is undeniable, even in the midst of their unresolved baggage. The verbal sparring between them elevates the story, adding a fresh energy to otherwise familiar romance territory. Nora’s strong personality shines through, and Derek’s vulnerability adds depth to his character, especially as the novel explores his “daddy issues.”

However, despite enjoying their dynamic, there were some cringey moments that took me out of the story. One of the most notable was Derek’s decision to get a tattoo of the letter “N” for Nora after they broke up in college. Who does that? The reasoning behind it felt melodramatic and a bit unrealistic, even in the context of a romance novel. There were a couple of other moments that teetered on the edge of over-the-top, but the banter and humor managed to keep things from going too far off track.

Trigger Warnings: “Daddy Issues”

One of the more serious themes in The Rule Book is the emotional baggage both Nora and Derek carry due to unresolved issues with their fathers. While this adds depth to their characters and helps explain some of their hang-ups, it also means the novel tackles some heavier topics. Derek’s relationship with his father, in particular, plays a significant role in shaping who he is as a person, and Adams doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain that comes with feeling inadequate or abandoned by a parent.

Nora’s own struggles with her father add another layer of complexity, but while these issues contribute to the emotional stakes of the story, they aren’t always handled with the nuance they deserve. At times, it feels like the “daddy issues” were being used more as a plot device than an opportunity for meaningful character development. That said, it’s clear Adams wanted to inject some real-world issues into the story, and even if it wasn’t perfectly executed, it did make the characters more relatable in their struggles.

Writing Style: Witty, Casual, and Accessible

Sarah Adams has a distinctive voice that stands out, and for the most part, I enjoyed her writing style. The book is peppered with playful vernacular and figures of speech that feel modern and conversational. Adams writes in a way that’s easy to follow and feels light even when the subject matter dips into more serious territory. This makes The Rule Book a breezy read, even during its more emotionally charged moments.

That being said, there were a few instances where some of the humor or quirks in the writing didn’t quite land. Certain lines or descriptions felt like they were trying too hard to be funny or clever, which detracted from the emotional depth of the scene. But overall, the lighthearted tone worked for the most part, and I found myself enjoying the unique voice Adams brings to her characters.

The Cringe Factor

While I liked The Rule Book overall, there were definitely moments that made me cringe. Aside from Derek’s inexplicable “N” tattoo, there were a few other instances where the romance or character decisions felt melodramatic to the point of being unrealistic. Some of the emotional beats felt a little too forced, and the characters occasionally reacted in ways that didn’t seem natural given their personalities.

That said, if you can look past some of these moments, the core of the story remains solid, with plenty of heartwarming and humorous moments to balance out the cringe. Romance novels often walk a fine line between heartfelt and cheesy, and while The Rule Book occasionally tips into the latter, it’s not enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Final Thoughts

As my first Sarah Adams book, The Rule Book left me with a positive impression, despite some of the minor cringey moments that stood out. The banter and chemistry between the main characters were definite highlights, and the marriage of convenience and second-chance romance tropes were well-executed for the most part. The “daddy issues” theme added emotional depth, though it could have been handled with a bit more nuance.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with witty dialogue, a sprinkle of emotional complexity, and a few familiar tropes, The Rule Book is worth picking up. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, and I rated it 3.25 stars, it certainly has its strengths, and I enjoyed the overall experience. Plus, I’m curious to see what other books Sarah Adams has to offer, given how much potential I saw in her writing style.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you enjoy banter-filled, light-hearted romances with a little bit of emotional baggage thrown in for good measure. Just be prepared for a few cringey moments along the way!