I remember the first time I read a book written by Mika Jolie and I thought to myself damn this woman can write. Since then no book of hers, I have read disappointed.
After reading The Boyfriend, I wanted the supporting characters to get their story. Well, I received what I hoped for in Rules of Engagement. This is Katherine and Lucas’ story and it was all I hoped for and more.
I became completely invested in them and their relationship from the beginning. Here we have Lucas a divorced, single dad who fears commitment based on prior experience and Katherine who, despite being cheated on by her fiancé, believes in finding true love. These two have been friends for twenty years, but it was not until lately they discovered their attraction to each other. Lucas‘s fantasies regarding Kate intensified, but as far as he is concerned it will stay that way as being the sister of his best friend she was off limits. However, when his ex- wife’s shenanigans threatens his custody of their daughter, Katherine offered him a solution, which involved a fake engagement.
The chemistry between these two scorched the pages, which blurred the lines between fake and reality. Their engagement may have been a fake, but their feelings were the real thing.
I had fun spending time with Lucas and Kate. Kate is not afraid to go after what she wants and Lucas is whom she wants. Despite his fear of relationships, he could not fight his attraction to Kate and pretending to be engaged did not help the situation.
Told primarily from Lucas’s POV, I experienced his insecurities regarding his past relationship. These insecurities formed the basis of his conflicted feelings towards Katherine. One of the things I admired about him was his complete devotion to his daughter.
I got insight into Kate’s feelings through her blog posts. The posts were few, but they along with her actions were enough to give clarity as to her true feelings. Her thoughtfulness is admirable. To offer help a friend in such the fashion, opening herself for heartbreak knowing the pain of betrayal she experienced in the past demonstrated her selflessness.
A well-written story, with few conflicts and angst made for an easy and enjoyable read. Jolie did a remarkable job with pacing, character development.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Rules of Engagement was a treat from start to finish and one I recommend to fans of the friends to lovers and fake engagement trope.
Rules are definitely made to be broken
About Mika Jolie
Mika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up. She loves to hear from readers.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
Latest posts by Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading (see all)
- Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - April 14, 2025
- Her Last Cry: Pamela Fagan Hutchins - April 7, 2025
- Hitting It: Kathy Lyons - April 4, 2025
Please follow and like:
I wouldn’t have thought romantic comedy from that smokin cover
I love fake relationship stories. I haven’t read this author yet but this one sounds like it is worth picking up!
Fake relationship that turns into real! Oh, I like the sound of this one! Off to look it up. Wonderful review, Nadene!
This is a new author for me but this sounds really good.
I do like this trope as well! So glad this was such a great read for you Nadene. Have a lovely weekend!
I love when an author does that Nadene, lives up to all your expectations. This author is now on my wish list. Thank You
Oh that’s great to have a book like that!
I think that’s neat how you fell in love with her writing and have been in love ever since. I’ve got a few like that. Now, I want to try her books. This one sounds great with the depth you describe.
I have not tried this author, but high praise! I love when an author delivers time and time again. This sounds like one I would enjoy…adding to my list for when romance is my thing again. LOL