It started with a crush.
The best stories always do.
Our story sounds predictable.
Short-lived.
Destined for failure.
Lincoln Beckett is the star wide receiver of Brighton University—
smart, funny, and like many would guess,
heartbreak shines in his dark brown eyes
and is etched across his steel jaw.
He’s popular,
a guaranteed draft pick,
and worst of all:
My brother’s best friend.
It’s a … best friend.
It’s a tale of unrequited love.
I tried not to like him.
I have an entire list of reasons.
Reasons that have become my rules for dating
Rules that he keeps bending.
more
Bending the Rules
Book 1 Of the Rules Duet
Mariah Dietz
Absolutely spectacular! Loved it alot! Very well written. Love the terrific characters. Love the story line!
“How I’m willing to risk my heart being broken even if it’s on borrowed time. Even if we’ll be breaking a dozen rules. Even if he rejects me.”
“Accomplishments and love opening their arms until I forget the fear and panic as I slowly stop fighting, realizing I’ve always preferred the darkness of the ocean.”
Can not wait for the second book in the Duet which is coming very soon. Highly recommend.
Before anything, I believe this book deserves some applause and appreciation because this is the first book that I’ve read in a month and some odd days! At this point, I’ve truly lost count.
So please bear with me as I untangle the thoughts I had during reading this book after an involuntary hiatus.
“I’m not a villain. I just know where this would lead: a long road to a longer recovery.”
I want to start by saying that almost every side character was downright lovable and someone you would love to be friends with. They are genuine and caring and just all-around good people.
Raegan and Lincoln, our main leads, from the start, come across as two headstrong, driven individuals with their own goals and personal hang-ups.
Where Raegan is goal-oriented and very sure of what she wants from her career and life, it is the opposite when it comes to Lincoln. A crush that she has harboured for three years without any reciprocation, Rae decided that it is time to move on and test the waters.
She does go out and test the waters, but alas, when you’ve had a crush that has crossed every line of not being a crush, it’s hard to move on.
Lincoln, oh you mysterious person! You think you know Lincoln, you have him pegged like a certain type of person but then here he comes with a wishy-washy attitude where Raegan is concerned. At one point I was cursing him in my head to let Rae move on (some shipper I am, I tell you.) But once, Rae was in college and the interactions increased between the two, it was clear as day to see what he wanted but why he was not going after it isn’t one hundred per cent clear.
Something is holding him back.
Until there isn’t…
“I need you, Rae. I need all of you.” I’m not sure if I’m more afraid of the past or the future as I stare at him, recognizing the same vulnerability I see in my reflection when thinking of him. “You already have all of me,” I whisper.
With her signature monologue-ish writing style and infrequent use of dialogues, Mariah Dietz brings in all the angst from the first chapter.
The one thing that I’ve come to understand and not only appreciate but love is the use of dialogues. There aren’t a ton of them. You don’t have pages upon pages of dialogues but the ones that you do get have some significance and meaning. Even the most mundane conversations, like Rae’s mother asking how her day was and vice-a-versa, it feels like there is some importance or motive behind those “talks”
As is the usual case with any of Dietz’s novels, the story starts slow laying the foundation stones for the future chapters to build on. But for someone who has been unmotivated, the initial 20% – 30% seemed slower than usual for me and I was *kinda* getting a hard time getting into the story.
It was when Rae’s thought process started to evolve and as you read about the multiple things you notice from her perspective, I was getting invested. I was gauging every character, their moves and their facial expressions. I was so focused on Lincoln, visualizing his facial and body description, and how he reacted to Rae being around him.
The last 20% was when things went topsy-turvy and I was up until 3:ooam to finish the book! (My sleep schedule is wackier than usual)
This is the part with the maximum action and I was gobbling up the words and chapters like someone was going to snatch away my phone.
And then it ended…
ON
A
FREAKING
CLIFFHANGER!
Holy crap that cliffhanger! It was the most unexpected thing for me. The build-up was there, it was leading to that point, Mariah had dropped bread crumbs but my slow ass was still shook AF! In Ross Geller’s voice ‘I’M FINE! TOTALLY FINE!
The only thing that is keeping me sane at the moment is that I know that the second book is only 6 days away! Not too long of a wait… Right?
4 Stars!
I’ve been a huge fan of this author for a long time now but it’s been awhile since I’ve had the pleasure of reading a book from here and I tell you, this one was well worth the wait. Really loved Rae and Lincoln….the push and pull between them was exciting. It was emotional and angst, I couldn’t put it down.
I am so excited to get a new book from Mariah Dietz. This is a little different from her other books and I really enjoyed it. I love some angst and this one delivered. I was glad to have this book during this lockdown,
Regean has likd her brothers best friend for a long time. She is now in college and going to the same school as her brother and his best friend. Theyare the hot football players that every girl wants. Lincoln keeps an eye out for Reagan. She wants to be seen as more than his best friends sister.
I am team Lincoln and really hoping things work out the way I am hoping. I can’t wait for the next book and see what happens.
3.5*
In many ways Bending the Rules is your typical New Adult sports romance, full of the coming-of-age, angsty goodness this genre is known for, with an added layer of intrigue that was unexpected. There was a lot going on in this story, and while entertaining, it sometimes felt like a bit too much- kind of like Raegan’s freshman year at college.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the book, as I’m not much of a fan of love triangles. Having finished it a few days ago I’m still conflicted as to how I feel, but not for the reasons I expected. I did enjoy it yes, even as it frustrated me. It’s definitely a compelling story, with Raegan trying to navigate her first year at college- balancing classes, work, her feelings for her brother’s best friend and teammate, the new teammate who’s showing an interest in her. I liked being in Rae’s head as she dealt with everything that came at her.
I did find some of what went on a little implausible, although I’m not going to say what, as that would potentially be a spoiler.
It’s no secret this is a cliffhanger, and what a cliffhanger it is! That ending definitely left me wanting more, needing more. I was left with a lot of questions, and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting all of them answered in Breaking the Rules. Thankfully we only have 10 days to go for the conclusion.
5 BENDING THE RULES STARS!! What a great start to this new series. Lincoln and Raegan’s story has all the feels and will keep you flipping the pages. I love Mariah Dietz storytelling, she knows how to keep our attention. Looking for a great book….this one is for you.
OMG! I love Lincoln! I love Rae! They have this intense connection that draws you to them. Their banter and back and forth tugs at your heart. The ending made me yell! I need to know! I love these characters. I loved the story so far. I can’t wait to see what happens….
I absolutely LOVED this book! This is not a straight forward brothers best friend book. Oh no. There’s a second potential love interest for the heroine, a possible stalker, and some off the charts t-e-n-s-i-o-n between Raegan and Lincoln. I loved how badass Raegan is-I adore strong women that can go toe to toe with an alpha. And Lincoln-I can’t wait to finish pulling back the layers on him. The only negative about this book-it ends on a gigantic cliff hanger! However, the ending is out in just a few days! One click this-you will NOT regret it!
I have been a fan of this author for a while now and Bending the Rules is beyond one of her best books so far. I loved the push and pull between Lincoln and Raegan. Her ultimate crush. The brother’s best friend. College angst at the peak of it all. I have to say that this book was an epic escape, especially right now with the way the world is. I found that this book made me feel young again, feeling that first HUGE crush that just gave you butterflies and all the gooey feelings. I found Lincoln to be a bit of a mystery. I want to know more about him and what makes him tick! Then you have Derek in the mix and it really throws you for a loop! I have my team that I am rooting for… so you need to snag up this bad boy and decide who’s team you are on before the second book releases!
Great angsty college romance with an OMG cliffhanger!! I loved the push and pull and bantering back and forth with these two and now I am dying to know what the heck happens next!! Awesome read!!
Ahh this story. I devoured this book. I can’t wait for the second book.
Reagan has had a crush on Lincoln for 3 years. Lincoln is her protective older brother Paxton best friend. She is now a freshman at the same college where Lincoln, Paxton attend and play on the football team. It’s not exactly taboo to have a thing for her brother’s friend it just not the best situation. It seems that Lincoln may also have some feelings for Reagan but he’s complicated, and is kind of cryptic about his feelings. He is not a bad guy, he just doesn’t do the girlfriend thing and keeps his feelings masked. I will have to wait for Breaking The Rules to see if Lincoln can redeem himself and be the man I’m sure he can be.
Bending the Rules is a phenomenal book!!! I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. Mariah pulls you in lets you get lost in her words. The connection between the characters is strong and can be felt. The story line is amazing and I can’t wait to read the next book. Definitely a must read and forgetting to adult for a day. I devoured this baby, I need book 2 ASAP.
4.5 stars
This book quickly captivated me because it had all the things I enjoy in a story: drama, angst, mystery and of course romance! I really enjoyed these characters and can’t wait for more of them. I am rooting for Lincoln and Reagan! I still have so many questions and I can’t wait to find out more in the second book. I knew the cliffhanger was coming and boy it was a good one! I can’t wait to dive into book 2!! Great book!
3.5 -4
OMG – that cliffhanger! Darn you Derek
A bit of a slow burn- angsty read.
The push/pull from Lincoln, mysterious cranes, Pax and Poppy, and the dolphins made for an interesting read. I wanted more and would of loved a bit more strength from Rae but definitely a good read and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Enjoyed all these characters
What a great slow burning college romance book. Want some hot football players? Check. Want a forbidden brother’s best friend? Check. Want a heroine that is passionate about her work? Check. Want a little bit of a mystery storyline? Check. This book can check all your favorite new adult romance read boxes. Just be warned…it does end in a cliffhanger BUT book two is due out in April!
Omg, what a fantastic story. I’ve been waiting a while for something new from Mariah Dietz and let me tell you she did not disappoint.
Reagan as crushed on her brothers bestfriend Lincoln for the last 3 years but he has never given her any indication that he may feel the same, but when things start to change between them will he finally open his eyes and his heart before its to late.
This story definitely deserves 5 stars if not more and I’m anxiously awaiting book 2 to see how their story will end.
This story from Mariah Dietz has been worth the wait! The characters are so incredible, some so enticing and heartwarming while others give you reason to mistrust and just love to hate. Raegan, the all American Girl knows what she wants in life and has no qualms of going for it, full steam ahead, even at the price of her heart. Of course she had to fall for her brother’s best friend and well he is off limits.
Now I know this all seems like an average romance but do not be deceived. Mariah has presented us with the first book in this astounding duet and what she does with your heart and anxiety is truly breathtaking. It caused me to remain awake well into the night hoping to get some relief but alas she leaves you with tears in your eyes and your heart in your hands.
If you need me for any more information about Bending the Rules, you will find me curled up in the corner with my kindle waiting for Breaking the Rules to be released so that I may put my life back together and hopefully find some closure for these characters.
Great Story And A Great Cliffhanger
Well Ms. Dietz you certainly captured my attention with your novel: drama, angst, mystery and romance and last but not least an almighty cliff hanger to end all cliffhangers. Your story was great with a romance brewing amidst a group of young adults coming into their own amid a myriad hurdles to overcome. I can hardly wait to read the next part of your story. Good Stuff!
I am new to this author but I will certainly be looking out for more reading material from her.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
It’s not often I message an author as soon as I finish reading a book, but this time I did, because…wow! I wanted to immediately applaud her for writing such amazing characters and such a heartfelt story, but I equally wanted to yell at her for leaving me hanging at the end in such a cruel way (but really, you’ve got applaud that kind of genius too!).
This may be a brother’s best friend, off limits kind of romance, but it’s complicated by so many other factors!
Raegan is someone I immediately liked, she’s so real, down to earth, and sweet.
Then there’s Lincoln who is that guy that every girl gravitates to…gorgeous, charming, athletic, smart, and Raegan definitely isn’t immune to those charms. The push and pull between these two is beyond compare. I wasn’t expecting this level of angst!
The cast of characters in this book are all incredibly interesting and the banter is smart, witty and so enjoyable to read. Then there was an added intriguing twist that had me wondering how this was going to impact the storyline, and it doesn’t finish playing out in this book, which is one more reason I’m eager for book two.
This story is amazing and that totally unexpected ending had me white knuckling my kindle! Gahhhh, I now need Breaking the Rules ASAP!!