[Portia’s Review]: The Rulebreaker by Claire Contreras

Maverick Cruz and I started off as pen pals and became besties when we went to the same sports camp at age twelve.
He rooted for me at my soccer games. I cheered for him at his hockey tournaments.

Through heartbreaks, new relationships, and failed friendships, we knew we could always count on each other.

That's why no one is more surprised--or panicked-- than I am when I start to develop different feelings for him. But Instead of telling him the truth, I agree to help him find a girlfriend.

Someone who is not me.

Someone who is so opposite of me that I have to make a list for the charade. The problem is, he wants to practice his dating skills with me. The corny pickup lines, the hand-holding, the door opening, the staring.

Before this, I thought sharing a house with him was an excellent idea. Who wouldn’t want to room with their best friend? Now, the close proximity is killing me. What’s worse is that I can’t stop looking at him like he’s a Greek god, and he can’t stop seeing me as his virginal little sister. Still, I push it aside, until one night, when he’s lying beside me in bed and I’m the one who forgets the rules and crosses the line between friends and something more.

It’s a horrible idea. He’s a player. I’m a virgin. Yet, I can’t seem to stop myself.

New item on my list: DO NOT FALL FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND.

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

To get everyone up to speed, my love for Claire Contreras knows no bounds. I rave about her on every review, so here we are again.

(Side note: this book is technically a standalone, however, the book before it was called The Heartbreaker, and follows the oldest brother of 3, who is mentioned in this book, and many of these characters were first introduced in that book. I feel like its a better reading experience to read The Heartbreaker first! Check out my review HERE.)

The Rulebreaker follows Maverick and Rocky’s story from long time friends to lovers. I read this book in one quick sitting. It was so easy to fall into and love, and definitely got me out of a reading slump!

I love that we start with them as friends already, it skips the whole getting to know each other, awkward dates, MISCOMMUNICATION issue. I hate the miscommunication thing in romance. Mav and Rocky have a pretty great line of communication open as friends, they just stumbled a few steps as their feelings for each other came to light. Which felt normal and honest to me. Their transition to lovers was so sweet and easy. They already loved and knew each other so well. And they knew each others families well too. I can’t even tell you how much I love the family dynamics between everyone.

Again, like with The Heartbreaker, it wasn’t too heavy on the sports aspect (which I’ve said before I tend to get bored with). Another thing I love about these books is that they are all after a career which is important, but they go after their careers and goals together and are so supportive of each other.

All in all, I enjoyed this so much! It warmed my heart and was just so happiness inducing. Exactly what I needed and wanted from this book. I cannot freaking wait to get a book about the 3rd brother!

Portia

Hi, I’m Portia! I’ve been an obsessive reader and pop culture addict my entire life, with a particular passion for horror and thrillers. I love being a part of the book community and can regularly be found working various book events. I’m an admin here at Ideally Inspired Reviews!

When I am not binge reading or obsessing over true crime podcasts and shows, I am a bar manager by night and a mom and wife by day. If I find any time after that, I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and fit as much live music into my life as possible. You can find me on Instagram @Ideally.Portia or TikTok @itsportiabitch.