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elfbread's review
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Sometimes, I really enjoy a modern romance novel as a means of escapism an this one delivered for me. The characters and their struggles were relatable and on par with what I would expect two middle-aged professionals in NYC to be experiencing. I am really really happy to see the male lead, Simon, come to the conclusion that he doesn't need to have children to live a fulfilling life. So often in literature we find that a "happy family with lots of babies" is the end goal, and it can be a little alienating for those of us who either cannot or do not want children. Simon's interaction with his sister Maxine regarding children is something I have definitely experienced first hand, and it was really refreshing to see someone stick to their decision and not change their wants to meet their family's.
The writing style was really engaging and I think the author is clearly very talented. The story line was pretty simple, but I think that worked well for the characters and setting. All in all, a 3.5 star read for me. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
Sometimes, I really enjoy a modern romance novel as a means of escapism an this one delivered for me. The characters and their struggles were relatable and on par with what I would expect two middle-aged professionals in NYC to be experiencing. I am really really happy to see the male lead, Simon, come to the conclusion that he doesn't need to have children to live a fulfilling life. So often in literature we find that a "happy family with lots of babies" is the end goal, and it can be a little alienating for those of us who either cannot or do not want children. Simon's interaction with his sister Maxine regarding children is something I have definitely experienced first hand, and it was really refreshing to see someone stick to their decision and not change their wants to meet their family's.
The writing style was really engaging and I think the author is clearly very talented. The story line was pretty simple, but I think that worked well for the characters and setting. All in all, a 3.5 star read for me. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!
elizafaerie's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
amlibera's review
4.0
There's a simplicity and specificity to this small romantic novel that I appreciated - the characters are recognizably flawed and there is genuine conflict to be overcome.
sonja_ahrb's review
5.0
I’ve really been enjoying the Uptown series, so it was a given that I would read House Rules. I think Open House is my favorite, but this is a close second. There was so much heart to Lana and Simon’s story, it made me ache, feel warm, and not one part of me was uninvested. I’m not a fan of the second chance romance trope as much as I used to be because of the angst factor, but I loved seeing Lana and Simon come back together and have to navigate both the ways they’ve changed and how they haven’t and figure out how to make it work without losing themselves completely within each other. Full disclosure, I was going to give House Rules four and a half stars but while analyzing it all, I thought myself into giving it five stars because it deserves every one of those stars. It’s beautiful, real, and complex while giving you all the feels — it’s marvelous and I also have to amend my statement about it being my second favorite since now it is my favorite in the series!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
tessisreading2's review
4.0
This one is four stars purely for Simon; while Lana is unquestionably a sympathetic and well-written character, in change-averse bulldozer Simon I see my people.
caillie's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theravenqueen's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for sending me an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I was a little hesitant going into House Rules by Ruby Lang after finding out it was the third novella in a series, but if there was some tie in, it didn't change the experience.
After reading a few other stories about established couples finding their way back to each other, some feeling more genuine and realistic than others, House Rules was a breath of fresh air. It didn't lean heavily into conflict, both characters had their own lives and their own priorities. They had to figure out how to be together, if that is what they both wanted.
Simon stumbles upon Lana while apartment shopping, feeling as he had seen a ghost, the ghost of his ex-wife, he panics until she's there standing before him in the flesh just as stunned to see him. There's chemistry, even if it's understated, you can feel it. There's also a familiarity with the characters that I have seen others attempt and fail, only telling you stories and not allowing you to feel the impact of those memories between the characters.
New York real estate being what it is, Lana finds a deal of an apartment, but needs a roommate. After trading contact info with Simon she calls him up and they reluctantly rent the place together. With the dual perspective you see each characters life apart and get a real feel for who they are and how they would fit together. Why they want to be together. There's that familiarity and comfort that is hidden under years and layers of pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but for their takes you totally root for the relationship.
It's a novella, but still a fully fleshed out story giving you a glimpse into Simon and Lana's life. Without a doubt I'm going to be checking out the rest of Ruby Lang's titles.
I was a little hesitant going into House Rules by Ruby Lang after finding out it was the third novella in a series, but if there was some tie in, it didn't change the experience.
After reading a few other stories about established couples finding their way back to each other, some feeling more genuine and realistic than others, House Rules was a breath of fresh air. It didn't lean heavily into conflict, both characters had their own lives and their own priorities. They had to figure out how to be together, if that is what they both wanted.
Simon stumbles upon Lana while apartment shopping, feeling as he had seen a ghost, the ghost of his ex-wife, he panics until she's there standing before him in the flesh just as stunned to see him. There's chemistry, even if it's understated, you can feel it. There's also a familiarity with the characters that I have seen others attempt and fail, only telling you stories and not allowing you to feel the impact of those memories between the characters.
New York real estate being what it is, Lana finds a deal of an apartment, but needs a roommate. After trading contact info with Simon she calls him up and they reluctantly rent the place together. With the dual perspective you see each characters life apart and get a real feel for who they are and how they would fit together. Why they want to be together. There's that familiarity and comfort that is hidden under years and layers of pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but for their takes you totally root for the relationship.
It's a novella, but still a fully fleshed out story giving you a glimpse into Simon and Lana's life. Without a doubt I'm going to be checking out the rest of Ruby Lang's titles.
ironskin's review
3.75
I love a second chance romance and this author does it skilfully— it feels like the breakup was valid and the reconciliation is also well developed; no lame misunderstandings or quick fixes
littlemisscass's review
It just.... didn't grip me. I liked the premise but the execution felt a little boring to me. Quite liked the first book in the series but yeah this didn't work for me.
raeanne's review
5.0
I received this book for free from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Happy Galantines Day ya'll! I'm serving up a fun NY romance today: House Rules by Ruby Lang.
This is number 3 in her Uptown series. I gave five stars to the first installment, Playing House. There's an excerpt, my favorite quotes, and of course my review. Find out the deets below!
House Rules is an excellent installment for the Uptown series. It's just like Playing House in the best ways. The history between the couple is sparsely, slowly revealed as it goes, not just dumped in the beginning. The characters are well done, the plot worked through, and it sticks the landing. I totally utterly need more!
I don't know how I missed the second installment Open House, but I'll be going back for it and following this series more closely to keep from missing anymore.
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
This is number 3 in her Uptown series. I gave five stars to the first installment, Playing House. There's an excerpt, my favorite quotes, and of course my review. Find out the deets below!
About House Rules:
Excerpt from House Rules:
IMHO: House Rules
House Rules is an excellent installment for the Uptown series. It's just like Playing House in the best ways. The history between the couple is sparsely, slowly revealed as it goes, not just dumped in the beginning. The characters are well done, the plot worked through, and it sticks the landing. I totally utterly need more!
I don't know how I missed the second installment Open House, but I'll be going back for it and following this series more closely to keep from missing anymore.
- Second chance romance m/w
- Dual POVs
- Gorgeous apartment *swoon*
- MC that does PT and has endometriosis, left to find herself & career.
- Choir conductor who's a clueless cinnamon roll hermit with driven focus and tunnel vision
- Cute!! They are adorable about each other.
- Sweet tender loving care from Simon when Lana needs it.
- Several hot & steamy scenes
- Simon is attracted to Lana's strength and muscles
- I love the differently supportive families, with the sister & niece and cousin.
- KITTY!!
- Straightforward adult romance without games where they talk together and are there for each other while they handle the baggage to move forward.
- It's easy to slip into and devour in a sitting.
Perfect read and series for the day, and anytime for romance fans. It's fun, it's sensitive, modern, tad spicy but mostly sweet.
Favorite Quotes:
She hadn't seen Simon for years, and he was as handsome as ever, the asshole.
New number one rule: She was not going to let him boss her around.
Lana very carefully put the knife she'd been using down so that she didn't accidentally commit the terrible crime of infanticide.
He was mansplaining to a seven-year-old, and she'd called him on it.
The fact that he had no real right to his feelings was perhaps the softest, most killing blow of all.
"You make me brave enough to ask for more, even if it means asking it of myself."
About the Author:
Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon