Love is a battlefield for a quirky matchmaker and the cocky football star who hires her to find him a wife.As the owner of Perfect Pairings matchmaking service, Maddie McRae earns her living helping others fall in love. And one thing the sweet Southern belle knows for sure is that the foundation of wedded bliss is built on similarities: opposites might attract, but they don’t stay together. Enter … don’t stay together.
Enter Mason Spark.
Rude, arrogant, and notoriously allergic to monogamy, the hottest quarterback in the NFL is Maddie’s polar opposite. He’s also her new client. Her gorgeous, infuriating new client who’s paying her an outrageous sum of money to find him a wife. With his multi-million dollar contract on the line due to his behavior on and off the field, bad boy Mason is willing to pretend to settle down.
But when he starts to fall for the adorkable matchmaker who can’t stand him, the playboy finds himself in the game of his life to keep something he never thought he’d lose—his heart.
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The year has only begun and I know this book is going down as one of my best reads!!
The book is laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed reading it so much. The storyline was engaging, the characters well-developed with a depth to them. The story might seem like a classic case of opposites attract, but there’s so much more to it.
Maddie: Initially I had thought I won’t really like Maddie very much because a lot of authors portray these kinds of characters as being too good to be true. But Maddie was positive yet realistic. She had suffered in her life and did not let it bring her down. She was smart and sarcastic. She had a backbone and did not take any shit from Mason, which I loved.
“You ever think some people might not like being married?”
“Meh. Those people just married the wrong person. Everyone has a true soul mate somewhere out in the world.”
Mason: Mason was an asshole with a huge heart. He was rude to Maddie but did not take a long time to realize how special she was. Although his ego never lessened, it was a part of his charm.
And I LOVED their banter throughout the book.
“This isn’t a mere muscle car, Pink. This is a 1966 Shelby Cobra Super Snake.”
“So?”
“So do you have any idea how much this is worth?”
“A lot, apparently, because everywhere I go random dudes throw themselves onto the hood and beg me to sell it to them.”
“This doesn’t make any sense! Why are you even asking me this? I’m bossy and mouthy and a pain in your butt and you don’t believe in love and only like girls with big boobs!”
He nods. “We definitely don’t work on paper. And don’t forget you can’t stand my manners.”
“Exactly!”
“Plus, you’re hell on my blood pressure.”
“I’m bad for your blood pressure? Ha! I’ve been flirting with heart failure since the day we met! You’re the most aggravating man on the planet! Do you have any idea how hard it’s going to be for me to find you a wife!”
The side characters were amazing as well. Maddie’s aunt was a hoot!
“I know it’s probably a sin, but faking a case of chronic narcolepsy seems so mild compared to all the other sins I’ve committed in my life, and is honestly so useful in so many situations, that I’m takin’ my chances the good Lord will overlook it.
I mean, look at giraffes. And porcupines. And politicians!
If anyone’s got a sense of humor, it’s God.”
I really liked the fact that there was no unnecessary drama in the book. Although both Maddie and Mason took a while to admit how perfect they are together; they dealt with their issues in a timely and adult manner.
Overall, this book is a MUST-READ!
This book drew me in from page one. Mason is a real grumpy bear and his interactions with Maddie are so hot and feisty. I loved all the secondary characters as they added a little but of deviousness and extra charm.
Who knows football and matchmaking can be funny and sexy at the same time. The newest one by J.T. Geissinger was a nonstop rollercoaster of comedy, tantrums and full of hot sexual foreplay between Mason and Maddie. Not only were they constantly at each others face but loved how J.T. made them better than their own character. We see Mason become someone he never thought happening again, something he has hidden for years and Maddie becoming a woman she never thought was possible. The love they have is instant even though they deny it all the way. These two together were hillarious and then having Maddie’s aunt and Mason’s agent in the mix was just nonstop laughter with them. All in all this was a hoot to read showing J.T. Geissinger’s talent can go everywhere from friendship, romance and having a person see how much better love can be for them.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
My Rating: ****
Type: Standalone
Genre: Romcom
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Mason Spark & Maddie
Source: ARC – Courtesy or Author/publisher
Blurb
https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Engagement-J-T-Geissinger-ebook/dp/B07YSYZMP1
Rules of Engagement is a standalone romcom by J.T. Geissinger. This is the first book I m reading of this author. It’s fun and quick read.
Maddie runs a matchmaking business and is a believer in true love. she really enjoys her job, helping people finding the love of their life. Its just that, she hasn’t found anyone for herself yet. Mason is a famous quarterback and he is looking for a wife to clean up his image. His agent Dick, signs him up at a matchmaking agency “Perfect Pairing” run by Maddie. He comes face to face with Maddie and feels attracted to that petite women.
Mason is reluctant of this idea. Mason is just funny, despite his grumpy, rude ways. The problem is, he doesn’t believe in love. Taking on quarterback Mason Spark as a client was a huge mistake. Especially when he admits to only needing a wife for PR purposes. The fact that Maddie is determined to find him a wife drives him crazy but he’s quick to turn it around and use it as an advantage.
Maddie is interesting, on the outside, she looks prim and proper – like a librarian, as Mason says. She is loving, affectionate and sincere. She is adorable. The banter between these two were hilarious. Maddie and Mason seem to be fighting all the time, but it also shows how strong their chemistry and attraction is. In time, the emotional bond between them also grows strongly. Maddie sees the good man behind the angry façade and Mason is amazed that she sees him, the real him.
His agent Dick and Auntie Waldine play an important role in the book, as well. They make plans behind their backs so that they can see that they are perfect for each other. All characters are very-well portrayed and they each contribute to the story a great deal.
This book has a huge amount of fun, sarcasm, chemistry and slow romance. You should definitely give this one a try.
The first month of this new year ended in a big bang with the release of Rules of Engagement, a delicious SlowBurn RomCom that has a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone! I’ve come to expect great Romance stories from this particular author, and I was not disappointed, the writing is spot on as usual.
I loved this hilarious romance filled with witty back and forth between the main characters, and the secondary characters complete this story; I absolutely loved each and every one of them. But not everything is lighthearted. There’s the emotional backstories that explain what Maddie and Mason went through in childhood, adding an extra dimension to them, and helps explain their actions as adults. Like Monica Geller said, in her attempt to keep people in line, “Rules control the fun” and in Rules of Engagement they were necessary, too.
“You’ve both got a lot of broken pieces. But if you give it a chance, you might find that all your broken pieces fit together perfectly to make a beautiful whole.”
Mason Spark, the starting Quarterback with the Pioneers, made history by signing one of the biggest deals in the history of the NFL. That, and his endorsements, made the twenty-eight year old a very wealthy man, something he never imagined while growing up dirt poor. He’s been warned by his agent, Dick, that he could lose everything due to his strict morals clause in his contract. The player has been put on notice, and Dick thinks he needs help from a matchmaker to find a nice woman to marry.
“You know, for such a smart girl, you can be really clueless.”
Maddie McRae runs her matchmaker service Perfect Pairings, because she believes everyone deserves to fall in love and live happily ever after. The funny thing is that at thirty years old, Maddie has no man in her life. After breaking up with Bobby, who she knew since childhood and dated on and off for ten years, she hasn’t dated anyone else. But she’s not lonely; Maddie has her aunt Waldine, who took her in after her parents died, and works as her receptionist. Waldine keeps Maddie on her toes, she’s a modern day witch, holding séances, and sees people’s auras. Her aunt understands Maddie’s compulsion with rules, knowing it’s due to her grief at losing her parents.
“You held it all in, and made rules on top of rules to guide your life from then on out so you’d feel in control. So you wouldn’t be in danger. So nothin’ as bad could ever happen again.”
Maddie and Mason get along like oil and vinegar. But business is business, and Maddie is dead set sure she can find someone for him. Whether he wants to or not.
“Everyone deserves a happily-ever-after, especially people who don’t believe in them.”
Mason is conflicted over his feelings towards Maddie. Knowing she’s one of the nicest women he’s ever met, he knows he doesn’t deserve anyone like her and tries to keep her at bay. His insults and gruff behavior seem to be a cover-up for what he’s really feeling.
“Pardon me, but I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.”
They might just have more in common than they think, as they soon discover when they spend more time together.
“You think I only like you because you’re the adult version of Hermione?”
“That might be the best compliment anyone’s ever paid me.”
I loved this romance, filled with funny references to Harry Potter, Tom Brady, and so much more!
This one started off a little slow for me. I am not a big George Carlin fan. Mid way through was when I started loving these two characters! Mason and Maddie are destined to be together. Maddie is the pink queen running a matchmaker service and Mason is in need of a wife, but does not believe in love. He is drawn to Maddie, but does not think he is good enough for her! Get ready for their banter!
This book is as “adorkable” as Maddie! The sparks fly almost immediately between her and Mason, just not exactly in a good way. Although inexplicably drawn to one another, both think they are nothing that the other would be interested in. And so they clash… and clash… and clash. But even that is fun to watch. There is so much verbal sparring in this tale that it is oftentimes hard to keep up with. It is absolutely exquisite! I loved every single interaction between these two. And as it turns out, neither of them is what the other expects; but they are most definitely what each of them needs.
This one rom-com that was actually as heavy on the com (comedy) as on the rom (romance). There were an excessive amount of times while reading it that I would literally laugh out loud. (So many, in fact, that my husband even commented on how much I must be enjoying the story.)
The popular culture references are plentiful and spot-on. As a rather geeky nerd myself, I reveled in each instance where these two connected with one another over cultural influences, even though sometimes they wouldn’t admit it.
The peripheral characters — especially Maddie’s Aunt Waldine (not to mention her coven) and Mason’s agent Dick — were amazing creations who not only helped move the action along, but also helped provided a hefty amount of backstory. The antagonists definitely made themselves easy to hate.
But despite various problems and obstacles — both internal and external to their relationship — Maddie & Mason manage to slowly but surely work through all of their various issues and form a union that promises to be a long and happy one.
The epilogue to their story was rather underwealming, but other than that this was a delightful story. This is the first book I have read by J.T. Geissinger, but it certainly will not be the last.
“You can’t change the past, but the future’s up to you. So make it a better one.
Write yourself a new story.”
“But how?”
His voice grows softer. “Be the man you think would deserve her.”
Mason needs to clean up his image. Fast. His negative fame is putting him in a critical position. Either he changes, or his contracts are numbered. This famous NFL player will have to face the biggest challenge of his life: find a wife and settle down.
Maddie is the owner of a matchmaking service. This southern beauty, extremely polite and addicted to pink, will find the most difficult customer of her life. But when it comes to love, nothing is impossible, and she will get Mason a wife no matter what. That is, if she doesn’t strangle him every time they meet.
But Mason is not really looking for love. He wants a sort of mutual contract, where both parties know their roles and are rewarded for it. And Maddie has no idea where she got herself.
A player without a filter, temperamental and a real puzzle. A reserved, passionate and equally strong woman with a sharp tongue. These two will provoke real verbal wars when they meet. Too bad that one finds the other attractive.
And in the search for the ideal match, the guy who wanted a fake wife may end up taking more than he expected at the end of this bargain. Just like the matchmaker, who may have found an ideal match without looking.
With a quick, funny and interesting narrative, the book captures attention. When you join an eccentric aunt and a nosey agent, the chaos is complete.
The first chapter of the book, where the character makes an analogy and comparison with a certain word, was the most different, intelligent and funny thing I have ever come across.
A good book, with interesting characters, a fun story and beautiful writing.
I really enjoyed this wonderful romantic comedy which was so much more than a comedy. It’s also an enemies to lovers and slow burn romance. An awesome package that just made me feel so damn good from start to finish. Every character in this story just shined. Especially Maddie and Mason because their chemistry and bantering were gold. So much fun and heat sizzling beneath the surface. Maddie’s auntie Waldine and Mason’s agent Dick were terrific additions to the story and definitely had their role to play in the story.
Maddie helping Mason with finding the right woman for him turned out to be a game changer for the both of them. The dialogue was witty and the story entertaining. Rule of Engagement was a wonderful and unexpected surprise.
4 Pink Stars
After several heavier read, I really needed something light and fluffy. Rules of Engagement , a sweet opposites attract rom-com, fitted the criteria. I had so much fun reading the story. The banter between Mason and Maddie were hilarious and the couple had great chemistry. The side characters, especially Dick and Aunt Waldine, added so much entertainment to the story with their meddling. I truly enjoyed this quick and funny rom-com and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something sweet, fun, warm and fuzzy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 Stars
J.T. Geissinger is a new to me author that I really enjoyed reading her work. I will definitely be going back and reading more of this authors work. This was a fun fast paced read that pulled me in from the beginning.
Mason is a football star who isn’t the nicest person. He only likes temporary women but it’s time for a wife for him to turn his reputation around. His agent hires a matchmaker, Maddie has her work cut out her for. Mason and Maddie couldn’t be more opposite. She is believes in love and everyone having their someone. The banter between these two is perfect.
I really enjoyed Rules of Engagement and can’t wait to read more from this author. If you are looking for a fun fast paced read grab this book. Must read.
Maddie McRae, a matchmaker, and Mason Spark, a professional footballer, meet after Mason’s reputation takes such a dive it’s decided he needs to ‘clean up his act’ and marry a ‘nice’ woman.
The sparks really flew between these two lead characters from the very beginning of their first meeting. The animosity too! Maddie is such a sassy-mouthed, strong, intelligent character who is very easy to like from the beginning. Mason, you quickly realize, you want to know more about straight away, his character truly intrigued me. He too is strong and intelligent but also with a mysterious past.
Great humor, absolutely terrific humor, is found throughout the story. Whether it is within the scene and what happens or the fun banter between the characters, sarcastic and often quirky humor included especially in the form of Maddie’s quiet comments to herself. For example here when Maddie is talking to Mason- “… Stop staring at me like I just landed on your lawn in my spacecraft.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the laughter was outright fun and at times rip-roaring, the descriptions on point and the hiccups along the way, especially with the ‘evil’ character, fascinating and make you want to read faster to learn how they’re solved or if they’re solved. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Reviewer: Robyn
This was my first J.T. Geissinger book and it won’t be my last. In a word this slow burn sports romance is entertaining. 100% entertaining. The banter between Mason and Maddie had me laughing out loud. Maddie gave as good as she got and she told it how it was. She definitely spoke my language…sarcasm. She did it in a classy lady-like way. I just loved her. Mason was no slouch either. He was smart as a whip. I liked seeing his journey from self-absorbed super star quarterback who hides behind a mask of anger to a man who believes in himself and is willing to become vulnerable and own up to his responsibilities not only to his team but himself. Besides the banter, the additional point of view from the colorful side characters upped the entertainment value. Loved this book and can’t wait to read more J.T. Geissinger book.
I adored J.T. Geissinger’s “Rules of Engagement,” a laugh-out-loud, slow-burn romance featuring endearing, well-developed characters. I started laughing on page one when Mason, the male lead character, explained his love for the f-word, and didn’t stop laughing until the very end of the book. The banter between Mason and the female lead, Maddie, was consistently hilarious. I particularly loved that Maddie always stood up to Mason and wasn’t intimidated by his celebrity, money, or attitude.
There was also a lot of heart to this book. Maddie and Mason both had to overcome a lot of difficulties in their lives, and as a result, there was much more to either of them than was immediately apparent. Mason came across as a total jerk at first, lashing out at everyone around him as a defense mechanism, but all he truly wanted was to be loved and accepted. Maddie was also hiding feelings of loneliness behind a cheerful Southern belle facade. Even though they didn’t realize it at first, Maddie and Mason were a lot alike, both deeply loving and compassionate, and I think they needed to find each other to heal from their past traumas. Even though their experiences weren’t quite the same, they understood grief in ways that other people probably could not.
In addition to Mason and Maddie, the secondary characters added a lot of fun to the story. Maddie’s Auntie Waldine and Mason’s agent, Dick, were amusing and clever, and I enjoyed their background machinations to try and push Maddie and Mason together. I also liked the brief introduction of Maddie’s client, Stephanie. She seemed like someone who could become a good friend to Maddie, and I wouldn’t mind learning more about her. Maybe Maddie could help Stephanie find love in a future story?
At any rate, even though this was the first book I’ve ever read by J.T. Geissinger, it certainly will not be my last. I look forward to seeing what she publishes next!
*ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
Maddie McRae, a matchmaker, and Mason Spark, a professional footballer, meet after Mason’s reputation takes such a dive it’s decided he needs to ‘clean up his act’ and marry a ‘nice’ woman.
The sparks really flew between these two lead characters from the very beginning of their first meeting. The animosity too! Maddie is such a sassy-mouthed, strong, intelligent character who is very easy to like from the beginning. Mason, you quickly realise, you want to know more about straight away, his character truly intrigued me. He too is strong and intelligent but also with a mysterious past.
Great humour, absolutely terrific humour, is found throughout the story. Whether it is within the scene and what happens or the fun banter between the characters, sarcastic and often quirky humour included especially in the form of Maddie’s quiet comments to herself. For example here when Maddie is talking to Mason- “… Stop staring at me like I just landed on your lawn in my spacecraft.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the laughter was outright fun and at times rip-roaring, the descriptions on point and the hiccups along the way, especially with the ‘evil’ character, fascinating and make you want to read faster to learn how they’re solved or if they’re solved. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
5 FAIRY GODFATHER, PINK, EGOZILLA, SPARKY,1966 SHELBY COBRA SUPER SNAKE, TWUE WUV STARS******
Ms. JT Geissinger has done it again! What an awesome read! This book was perfect! Madison is an honest to good, truly believes in love, matchmaker! Mason is the QB star of his football team and an absolute mess. His agent, Dick, comes up with the idea that Mason needs to marry, to clean up his image, so he hires Maddie’s matchmaking service. When Mason and Maddie meet, the explosion is real and a complete blow for the both of them. Filled with so many laugh out loud moments and emotions so heart felt, make for a wonderful and satisfying read. I laughed so much my belly hurt, Lol. Just an amazing read all around. I can always say this and I mean ALWAYS say this, Ms. Geissinger you are a rare breed. Your depth of story telling is remarkable, for me, it always seems the right time to read your stories, that they fill me with inspiration and a whole new view on life and I thank you for that.
P.S. I really loved the Princess Bride references. It is absolutely one of my all time favorite movies****
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by the author *****
Rules of Engagement is J.T Geissinger’s newest standalone. I didn’t read the synopsis so all I knew about it going in was that it was about a football player and a woman with style. And after reading the book I know that’s totally true, she does have style and grace with a side of smarts and sass.
Mason needs to find a wife. Maddie wants to find him one. What she didn’t know was that he really only needed a wife, not that he really wanted one. He only needed her services to find a wife for his reputation. To save his ass from being fired from the NFL for bad behavior on and off the field. He wasn’t looking for love. He didn’t even believe in it. He believed in one night stands not happily ever afters.
Maddie wasn’t going to give up on him. Everyone deserved to love and to be loved. He just needed to believe it. He also needed to work on his manners. A little date coaching should do the trick is what she thought. What she definitely didn’t think after a few meetings that he turned her on even with all the F-word flying out of his mouth. Nope. Not. At. All. She didn’t think he was charming, smart, and protective to a fault. Not that either. Definitely no chemistry between them either. Since there was none of that, she was determined to find him a wife. One to love. For real. To make him happy. That is what matters, after all. That her client was happy.
I thought this story was hilarious! From the very start I liked Mason. I mean fuck in one of my favorite words ever. And he is right, you can use it in so many ways. But, not only that, he cares so much for people but doesn’t like to show it. His walls are way up and he needs to find a woman to back that wall down. And not with her double D’s. He has his reasons for being angry. Maddie has her reasons for giving him shit. Nobody talks to him like she does. I loved their banter. It was full of sass, humor, wit, and flirt. It was all in good fun. Never truly wanted to hurt the other.
Overall…it’s one of my favorite J.T books! I laughed so fucking hard throughout the book. And it’s more than just the humor. It’s about letting go and finding happiness. And no, I am not saying you need a man or woman to do that. It’s just an added bonus!
Quotes:
A muscle in Mason’s jaw starts to flex. A while after that, he says, “You’re not blinking.”
“Funny, I was just thinking the same about you.”
“Really? I could’ve sworn you were thinking about stabbing me in the neck with that letter opener on your desk.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” I pause for a beat. “I just had the carpet cleaned.”
“Does it get tiring, dragging that huge ego around with you all the time?”
“No,” he says with a straight face. “My biceps can handle it.”
This kiss is a gold medal winner, a heart breaker, a soul stealer, a dream.
***And because I happen to live in Northern California, I thought this was funny!
“Does anybody have any sage? We need to clear out the air in this place.”
“This isn’t California,” I say sternly. “No one is lighting dried herbs on fire in my kitchen. Can’t you see I just mopped the floors?”
JT you have done it again. I loved loved loved this book. It gave me the laughs I needed and it restored my faith in love. It’s just one of those books makes you believe in love again. I did not want to put this book down It’s funny and light hearted fun and easy read. Most of us love that bad boy and Mason definitely fills the role. He is that good-looking stuck-up jock who does not feel he deserves anything good and when they fall its hard. The banter, chemistry was my favorite part and add a crazy aunt to the mix and you have the perfect story. I totally loved this book and highly recommend it. It’s the break from life we could all use. Thanks JT
Rules of Engagement is the perfect reason why I love J.T. Geissinger’s writing. This slow-burn, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, and laugh out loud story reminded me of the Slow Burn series, which was my first series by this author. J.T. Geissinger can write anything from lite-hearted to angsty suspense and I will still read her writing.
I will admit at the start of this book, I thought Mason was just some douche football player with no cares in the world. But once, I got to know him I saw that he hide his feeling and how much he really cares behind his football personality. And Maddie is a strong woman with all of her southern sass but her hopes might be set a little too high sometimes. But by the end, these two fought and balance each other perfectly, no matter who tries to come between them. And let’s not forget about Maddie’s aunt, that woman was the comic relief of the book with her matchmaking and a group of hilarious women. Plus how she got Mason friend/agent involved in the matchmaking.
Wonderful Story!
This is a fantastic enemies to lovers romance. The main characters, Maddie and Mason are well written and lovable. You will eventually fall in love with Mason after you get over the fact that he is a total player and infuriating at times! Maddie and Mason’s interactions and banter is sassy, witty and laugh out loud funny! The chemistry between these two was so thick you could cut it with a knife! I absolutely loved them both and couldn’t wait for them to be together.
Phenomenal writing as always with this amazing author. She knows just how to keep us captivated and highly entertained with her stories.