A bad boy trying to be good and a good girl determined to break ALL his rules There are a few things I regret in my life. Okay, more than a few. Like . . . 1. Waiting for Prince Charming.2. Saving my virginity for our wedding night.3. Then finding out my prince was nothing more than a lying, cheating toad.Actually, I don’t regret the last one.When I take off on my honeymoon-for-one,The last thing … one.
When I take off on my honeymoon-for-one,
The last thing I want is more drama.
Until one drink leads to two, and two leads to four,
And four becomes the wildest night of my life,
When I meet him.
My hot-as-heck Australian is wrong in all the right ways.
He’s also handsome, funny, and charming,
So maybe I won’t add him to my list of regrets.
Until I wake in his bed.
He swears nothing happened,
And now he’s made me an offer I don’t want to refuse.
Spend two weeks with him.
In exchange for attending the wedding of the year,
Pretending to be his girlfriend.
Yeah, I think he’s hiding something, too.
It’s hardly the stuff of fairy tales,
Even if we are sharing a bed.
Because he insists on a no-touch rule!
And I so want to touch—I want to do all the things,
Break all his rules!
Because fake-dating him is better than marrying a toad,
Even if he isn’t my Prince Charming.
Unless it turns out he really is . . .
The relationship may be fake but the feelings are real . . .Rafferty’s Rules features a bad-boy turned good, a good girl determined to be bad, a cast of authentically crazy Aussies, lots of happy endings, ifyouknowwhatImean, along with the really big lovey-dovey important one at the end 😉
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Entertaining tale of the unexpected.
Well edited.
Rafferty is home for his brother’s wedding, and also a friend’s stag party. The stag party leads him to a brothel to try and stop the groom from stupidity. While he’s there, a rather intoxicated Alyssa stumbles in, looking for a little male companionship. The friends had played a prank, but Alyssa was definitely in need of saving. Rafferty takes Alyssa (Lissa) home, lets her sleep it off, and offers his help. She is on her honeymoon trip – a cruise she hates, alone and unmarried. The ship sails, taking with it all her belongings. Rafferty offers shelter and help. Alyssa decides to not only accept his offer, but get him to help take care of a few other things. In return for being his fake girlfriend/date to his brother’s wedding, Rafferty will have no-strings ‘sexy times’ with her. Thus the Rules. Except rules are made to be broken. Will Rafferty be content to watch Alyssa leave at the end of her vacation? Will Alyssa ever reveal that she’s broken the ‘no falling in love’ rule?
Lots of fun. Rafferty is such a gentleman in his care and consideration of Alyssa. Alyssa is fun and feisty as she pursues living her life on her own terms. I do wish there had been a bit more satisfying comeuppance for the slimy groom that hurt Alyssa. All in all, a fun, entertaining read. Enjoy!
I enjoyed this book. The author is either Australian or did her homework on how they talk. Great job!
Donna Alam did it again. Her writing is so much fun to read. I had a lot of laughs while reading. Her style is unique and always a token for entertainment.
Even though I couldn’t say I liked the characters one hundred percent this time around, the story still was enjoyable, funny and worth reading.
From the first chapter, Rafferty’s Rules had me cracking up. This is only my second book by this author and I am absolutely loving her sense of humor.
A practical joke and an attempt at revenge sees our main couple meeting for the first time in a brothel of all places. Several misunderstandings and slapstick moments later, Lissa almost comes a cropper until hunky Aussie Rafferty steps in to save her from herself. I was in hysterics as he endeavoured to keep her and her drunken antics under control. He had his work cut out, and he would probably have had more success wrestling an octopus!
The attraction and chemistry between these two is apparent from the beginning. Lissa may have started her journey as an innocent when it comes to bedroom shenanigans but once she gets the wind in her sails so to speak, there’s no stopping her, or Rafferty for that matter, who is very keen to show her everything she’s been missing. This book scores very high on the steam scale and when they’re not participating in the bedroom olympics, they’re certainly thinking about it, a lot.
I really liked this couple and their banter truly tickled my funny bone throughout. However, I thought the plot itself was a little thin and, for me, Rafferty’s secret when it was finally revealed wasn’t as shocking as I thought it would be. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this story and I particularly loved seeing the Phillips family dynamics at work when they gathered together to celebrate brother Byron’s marriage. Hilarious, sexy, and full of strapping Australian hunks, what more could you want?
I found this book that has a well developed plot.
The chemistry between the characters is real interesting.
Once I started reading this book I found it was near impossible to
put down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who
like strong well developed characters that come alive on the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via Bad Boys Update.
I absolutely adored this book!!! Rafferty is hilarious and so sexy. And Lissa, I want to be her best friend! Both characters are charming and funny and surprising. The whole story is sexy, funny, touching and beautiful from beginning to end. I hated for this book to end but I couldn’t put it down!!!
I love Rafferty’s story!! Donna once again does not disappoint when it comes to funny, laugh out loud, snarky, super hot and sexy characters! Rafferty and Alyssa have their own issues that they are trying so hard to not confront, but when fate keeps her around longer than she planned, their walls start to come down. fabulous story line, fan-freakng-tastic characters, and it only gets better when all the brothers and wives come back home!! It’s just so good, just get it now!!!
What a wonderfully fun and sweet story. I loved Rafferty and Alyssa. Their story was well written and their characters are well developed. There were many twists, surprises and a few mishaps along the way that kept me captivated and had me hankering to find out how it would all end. I think Rafferty’s is my new favorite out of all the Phillips brothers’ stories.
Donna Alam has done it again, and this may be my favorite Phillips boy!! Rafferty and Lissa are well written, have incredible chemistry, and meet in could be my favorite way……ever!! The book is fast paced, and is definitely a page turner from start to finish. I love the sexy family from Down Under and I think you all will too.
I received this ARC from Bad Boy Update, and this is my honest review.
In this standalone rom-com, Rafferty is the latest Phillips brother to fall. Alyssa is on a solo holiday when she is rescued by Rafferty, starting them on an adventure that neither of them wants to end. I loved Lis’ innocence and determination to live her own way, despite the expectations of her family (the tweaking was hilarious!). And Rafferty-just the best bloke ever! Caring, protective, respectful, and yet utterly intrigued by his bite-sized friend. My favourite part was the family coming together, and revisiting characters from this world. Such a great read, and hope to see these characters again for a catch up in a future book.
Lissa & Rafferty are fantabulously delicious!! What starts with a jet lagged Rafferty trying to stop a mate from a bachelor party mistake but turns into saving a very drunk Lissa from herself & a creepy toad ends up as a delightful journey to HEA with a few bumps & bruises & a whole lot of steamy passion and charming adventures. Love, love, loved!! Of course, seeing the Phillips brothers & their families and Mama Sally is part of the fun. Watching Lissa break out of her bubble was phenom. She’s sweet, determined, strong, and adorable. And Rafferty…I’m not sure I have the words. Holy hotness! Donna has delivered another heart stealingly, decadently delicious hero. Floved!! I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Again, Donna never disappoints with any of her books. I like all these men more and more. Rafferty is probably my favorite. I adored this book and wanted more of it. Donna and her men…fantastic combination.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Rafferty, can this American waif worm her way into your heart?
May 24, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Rafferty, the third brother in Donna Alam’s current romance series about a family of strapping Aussie stunners, gets his jollies repeatedly with a sunny American Southern gal recently devastated by her ex-fiance’s behavior and stranded in Sydney. The opening is a hoot; Rafferty and Lissa’s meet cute is meet slapstick and her introduction to Sydney’s street life, including a stray cat, defined her optimistic, trusting character despite the disappointments and problems fate has thrown her way. Lissa the wide-eyed innocent turns $ex kitten and Rafferty becomes the object of her fascination. The steam is omnipresent as these strangers go at it or daydream about their next encounter constantly. If you are looking for steam, you will not be disappointed.
I found the actual plot a bit thin. I preferred In Like Flynn and Down Under, the books focused on his two older brothers which were also super steamy but, for me, had better romantic leads and storylines. (The brothers and their significant others return in this book for a big family event for Alam fans who can’t get enough of Flynn and Byron).
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
One person found this helpful
These Phillips boys! They make me laugh so hard and fall in love even harder. I loved Flynn. I loved Byron. Now I adore Rafferty. (I’m almost afraid to see what happens with our one remaining Phillips brother.) Lissa has led a very sheltered life, and this is her first chance to experience a freedom most of the rest of us take for granted. Everything goes a little sideways when she learns the truth behind the statement: alcohol makes for bad decisions but great stories. Years ago, Rafferty made a stupid decision, thanks in part to alcohol, and he’s been trying to do better since. He’s also been punishing himself for that decision. Will the decision to help Lissa be another bad one he needs to atone for, or will it be his saving grace? This story was funny and steamy and sweet and angsty. I pretty much went through every emotion while reading this. Now that it’s over, my sides hurt and I want to go back and do it again – I loved it that much.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Bad Boy Update.
Main Characters Rocked the Storyline!
Loved the main characters, Rafferty and Alyssa. They were funny, salty, and passionate with each other. The one thing HE wasn’t was truthful and for someone (Alyssa) who was cheated on before her wedding, this could be devastating. Does he get it? Or is he so into “fakeness” that he’s missing the genuine?
This storyline was well written. The chapters flowed nicely in that everything progressed evenly and jarring the reader all over the place. Kudos.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I received this advanced copy from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest critique so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.
ONE SMASHING ADVENTURE!!!
Wow! Talk about wild shenanigans. A wild array of surprising mishaps and unexpected events that trigger all of your emotions bursting to life flawlessly. One intriguing tale that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Drama, angst and a little suspense make for one exciting experience. Drawing you in so deep until everything else ceases to exists. Struggling through all the trials and tribulations along with a slew of twists and turns that thursts this baby to life beautifully. The characters are authentic, believable and so realistic with traits and on point personalities that bend and flow. The scenes are so vividly descriptive it paints an amazing backdrop that really brings forth the each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Fantastic job Donna, thanks for sharing this awesome gem with us.
Rafferty Rules by Donna Alam a five-star read that will rule your heart. Dear Flynn and Byron, it breaks my heart, but I have to admit that you aren’t my favourite Aussie boy toy anymore, I’m afraid Raffery won my heart, and other bits. He could eat anything in my bed, and he wouldn’t get kicked out. I’m sorry boys, you will still be special to me, but that blooming Donna’s only gone and done it again, she wrote that Rafferty boy so well that I’m sad its over and am going to need to be eyes deep in his story again real soon, as well I am having a bad month and this boy well he put a smile on my face that just wont go no matter what life throws. For that alone he becomes my fave boy toy. So sorry boys, maybe you can win me back with a Christmas special I don’t know, time will tell. Now get back to talking in my dream again as there is just something about that accent.
I can’t believe Donna has done it again! Another Phillips boy to steal my heart and blow it to smithereens!
“I heard a friend once say that kissing was a gateway drug. I never really understood what she meant until Rafferty.”
Amen to that!!! Donna has nailed this man’s imagery on the page, and that cover just conjures all sorts of naughty thoughts!
Rafferty Phillips is all you could really want in a book boyfriend; he’s the reformed quintessential Bad Boy in a delicious wrapper that overshadows a loyal, remorseful, somewhat-closeted dominant, orgasm-inducing lover that steals this story and turns it’s reader into a quivering puddle of hormones on the floor!
When Rafferty finds himself unwittingly in a brothel trying to salvage a friend’s nuptials before the event, he stumbles upon a revenge bound Alissa Montgomery fresh from her own abandoned commitment, and a bond in the form of a friends-with-hot as hades-benefits pact is quickly formed!
The chemistry between Rafferty and Lissa is just so palpable, and yet initially so undetectable to the pair themselves, it’s so damn perfect! You find yourself rooting (as in cheering, get your mind out of the gutter!) for them from the get go!
Lissa herself is an anomaly almost; the 25 year old virgin runaway bride! But this girl has a backbone and a sexual appetite even she has yet to realise, and she is the perfect answer to Rafferty’s stag wedding status dilemma, but can they both stick to the game plan?
Donna’s knowledge and vivid description of Sydney, it’s colourful lifestyle and people, of the Hunter Valley wine region and it’s dramatic landscape and palate is so spot on, I was taken there with every word! And I’m an Aussie girl so I know this landscape, and she nailed it!
When the pair take the journey to the Hunter for his brother Byron’s wedding, the seamless way Donna introduces us to the Phillips family makes you feel instantly at home. You can see yourself sitting at the dinner table with this diverse truly Australian family, enjoying the literal fruits of their labour and tying in her previous novels of the other Phillips boys; Flynn and Byron, but you need not worry if this is your introduction to the brood, these stories really are standalone.
I can’t remember another wedding story I enjoyed as much as I did this; with it’s obligatory drama that was so well constructed, the descriptive, undeniable love shared by glances between the betrothed couple and the familial frivolity that goes on behind the scenes, just added to everything I loved about this story.
If this is your first introduction to the Phillips boys, and to Donna Alam, then I can guarantee you will enjoy the ride and whet your appetite for a little more from the award winning Riposo family vintage!!
So many more than 5 stars!!