What do you think?
Rate this book
Platonically Complicated #3
Rules of Engagement
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love.
As a single dad, my life revolves around my daughter. No complaints…until my ex-wife forces my hand over custody.
I needed a cover story. In steps Katharine Morello. My best friend’s sister is ready and willing to be my fake fiancée.
Overnight we’re engaged. A temporary arrangement.
No sex.
No strings attached.
No complications.
Easy, right?
Not quite. The last few months, I’ve been doing dirty things to her in my imagination. But that’s all they’ll ever be. Fantasies.
Rule #2: Don’t give in to temptation.
Neither of us is looking for a relationship. Been there. Done that. Even drank the Kool-Aid.
So, you see, I can resist beautiful, sexy Katharine. It doesn’t matter she’s hot as f*ck with an amazing personality to boot. All I have to do is NOT touch her.
I’ve got this.
Spoiler Alert…One night make-believe merges with reality. Sparks fly—and burn.
Now I want her. All of her.
Rule #3: See rule #1—don’t fall in love.
Man. Hindsight’s a bitch.
As a single dad, my life revolves around my daughter. No complaints…until my ex-wife forces my hand over custody.
I needed a cover story. In steps Katharine Morello. My best friend’s sister is ready and willing to be my fake fiancée.
Overnight we’re engaged. A temporary arrangement.
No sex.
No strings attached.
No complications.
Easy, right?
Not quite. The last few months, I’ve been doing dirty things to her in my imagination. But that’s all they’ll ever be. Fantasies.
Rule #2: Don’t give in to temptation.
Neither of us is looking for a relationship. Been there. Done that. Even drank the Kool-Aid.
So, you see, I can resist beautiful, sexy Katharine. It doesn’t matter she’s hot as f*ck with an amazing personality to boot. All I have to do is NOT touch her.
I’ve got this.
Spoiler Alert…One night make-believe merges with reality. Sparks fly—and burn.
Now I want her. All of her.
Rule #3: See rule #1—don’t fall in love.
Man. Hindsight’s a bitch.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2019
417 people are currently reading
964 people want to read
About the author
Mika Jolie
35 books1,275 followersMika 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. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
February 26, 2019
2,5 stars but nothing higher; however, I had to round it up to 3 just because I thought 2 stars wouldn't do justice.
*********************************************
Lucas is out of a divorce.
Kate's fiance cheated on her and she broke the engagement.
They had been friends for nearly 2 decades, never feeling anything more than friendship for each other. This changes suddenly a year ago in a Karaoke bar and they start to see each other in a different light.
*********************************************
Because Lucas had to go through a nasty divorce, he doesn't want to be in another relationship so he never acts on his attraction to his friend. Kate is a positive person. Although she had to go through something awful, she hasn't lost her hopes about love and happiness.
*********************************************
When Lucas's ex-wife wants the full-custody of their daughter and decides to use a few pictures of him with other women, Kate offers to pretend as if they are lovers. She will pretend to be his fiancé so that the judge should think that he is no man-wh*re but in a committed relationship.
*********************************************
The rest of the story continues as you may predict; nothing original there. First he objects to the idea, fearing it would complicate things between them, but then he has to agree to it, seeing there is no other choice or he would lose his daughter.
*********************************************
The book is both sweet and annoying.
Lucas and Kate have a good chemistry. First they kiss for show and then for real. And of course, then they get more intimate during that fake-engagement period.
Their interaction and hot scenes are good, they all made me feel but for more than 200 pages long, Lucas keeps saying in his mind that he cannot be in a relationship where his and her heart will most probably will be broken at some time so this pretense should only continue for a week until the court case is finalized.
Only after page 230 or so - after the fake-engagement ends, he comes to his senses and decides to take the risk of being in another serious relationship. Then, of course, it all ends well.
***
As you see, what is annoying is that nothing happens really. The whole book is a long long story of him thinking in his own mind how hot she is, how amazing a person she is and how much he wants her but then again in his own mind, him reprimanding himself, saying that he shouldn't think like this and he shouldn't want her, blah bla...
His fight with himself goes on and on and on for a really long time.
Wash.Rinse.Repeat!
It is annoying and frustrating!
And most definitely dragging and boring!
***
I also like it when the man pursues the girl but here Kate is the one who makes all the first moves. The book lost me completely when she was the one who wanted sex to be involved in their fake-engagement period. Always her!
It was as if Lucas was the heroine, Kate was the alpha hero of the story up until the end when Lucas finally goes and gets his girl back!
*********************************************
Writing:
The writing is not bad, it made me feel but it was never good enough because of the "dragging" issue.
There are a few editing mistakes that need to be corrected.
The Epilogue is no good. Although there is a bonus epilogue when you sign up for the newsletter, the bonus epilogue is no good, either. Both epilogues felt flat.
Apart from Kate's blog posts, the story is told from Lucas's point of view. It reminded me what a great job Emma Chase did with a man's point of view in TANGLED and this one is not even half good when compared...
*********************************************
Safety:
He started to feel attracted to Kate a year ago and he had been celibate for 6 months when they started their fake-engagement. There is no information about any partners of Kate after she broke up with her fiancé.
After their fake-engagement and during the short separation after it ended, there is no one else for either of them.
*********************************************
Lucas is out of a divorce.
Kate's fiance cheated on her and she broke the engagement.
They had been friends for nearly 2 decades, never feeling anything more than friendship for each other. This changes suddenly a year ago in a Karaoke bar and they start to see each other in a different light.
*********************************************
Because Lucas had to go through a nasty divorce, he doesn't want to be in another relationship so he never acts on his attraction to his friend. Kate is a positive person. Although she had to go through something awful, she hasn't lost her hopes about love and happiness.
*********************************************
When Lucas's ex-wife wants the full-custody of their daughter and decides to use a few pictures of him with other women, Kate offers to pretend as if they are lovers. She will pretend to be his fiancé so that the judge should think that he is no man-wh*re but in a committed relationship.
*********************************************
The rest of the story continues as you may predict; nothing original there. First he objects to the idea, fearing it would complicate things between them, but then he has to agree to it, seeing there is no other choice or he would lose his daughter.
*********************************************
The book is both sweet and annoying.
Lucas and Kate have a good chemistry. First they kiss for show and then for real. And of course, then they get more intimate during that fake-engagement period.
Their interaction and hot scenes are good, they all made me feel but for more than 200 pages long, Lucas keeps saying in his mind that he cannot be in a relationship where his and her heart will most probably will be broken at some time so this pretense should only continue for a week until the court case is finalized.
Only after page 230 or so - after the fake-engagement ends, he comes to his senses and decides to take the risk of being in another serious relationship. Then, of course, it all ends well.
***
As you see, what is annoying is that nothing happens really. The whole book is a long long story of him thinking in his own mind how hot she is, how amazing a person she is and how much he wants her but then again in his own mind, him reprimanding himself, saying that he shouldn't think like this and he shouldn't want her, blah bla...
His fight with himself goes on and on and on for a really long time.
Wash.Rinse.Repeat!
It is annoying and frustrating!
And most definitely dragging and boring!
***
I also like it when the man pursues the girl but here Kate is the one who makes all the first moves. The book lost me completely when she was the one who wanted sex to be involved in their fake-engagement period. Always her!
It was as if Lucas was the heroine, Kate was the alpha hero of the story up until the end when Lucas finally goes and gets his girl back!
*********************************************
Writing:
The writing is not bad, it made me feel but it was never good enough because of the "dragging" issue.
There are a few editing mistakes that need to be corrected.
The Epilogue is no good. Although there is a bonus epilogue when you sign up for the newsletter, the bonus epilogue is no good, either. Both epilogues felt flat.
Apart from Kate's blog posts, the story is told from Lucas's point of view. It reminded me what a great job Emma Chase did with a man's point of view in TANGLED and this one is not even half good when compared...
*********************************************
Safety:
He started to feel attracted to Kate a year ago and he had been celibate for 6 months when they started their fake-engagement. There is no information about any partners of Kate after she broke up with her fiancé.
After their fake-engagement and during the short separation after it ended, there is no one else for either of them.
January 12, 2019
Wow! This is one of the most poignant, sweetest, and perfect friends to lovers romances I’ve ever read. There is absolutely nothing about this story I didn’t love. Especially Lucas.
After a harsh divorce, Lucas is in danger of losing his full paternity rights to his daughter. When his best friend, Kate, steps in and saves the day, their relationship quickly changes. Written completely in Lucas’ point of view, it didn’t take me long to fall deeply in love with him. He was so heartbroken over his past and so conflicted over not only his present situation but what the future might hold for him. Even though he once played the field, he hasn’t been that man for a long while. His respect for women was evident in his decision making process and in turn I grew to respect him as well.
Without Kate’s view point it’s up to the reader to guess how she’s feeling and where her head and heart are at. Included throughout the story are her blog postings that actually give a good idea of what’s going on with her and although I don’t think I needed that insight, I enjoyed having it. She’s actually a strong heroine and is more than capable of taking things by the reins when needed. She’s also not afraid to say what she wants. That doesn’t mean she isn’t a bit insecure, who isn’t when it comes to love and an uncertain relationship.
This is a relatively fast paced read that never bogged down. I never skimmed and I was completely caught up in the ever changing relationship between Lucas and Kate. The chemistry between them is sizzling and Lucas’ POV was exactly what I would assume a man would think when attracted to a woman, especially a woman who is not only his friend, but his best friend’s sister. The smexy times were off the charts and this author owes me a new Kindle from the melting affect they had on my device.
With a low angst vibe to it, the point of conflict can be seen from the very beginning but how they get through it is entirely unknown. That place in the story is were so much sweet comes in I found myself laughing with a tear in my eye. It couldn’t have been more perfect. And then this author gives us not one but two amazing epilogues and I was left in a puddle of swoony goodness.
I strongly encourage you to check this one out if you like the friends to lovers or best friend’s sister trope.
Hero POV
Safe
Triggers
After a harsh divorce, Lucas is in danger of losing his full paternity rights to his daughter. When his best friend, Kate, steps in and saves the day, their relationship quickly changes. Written completely in Lucas’ point of view, it didn’t take me long to fall deeply in love with him. He was so heartbroken over his past and so conflicted over not only his present situation but what the future might hold for him. Even though he once played the field, he hasn’t been that man for a long while. His respect for women was evident in his decision making process and in turn I grew to respect him as well.
Without Kate’s view point it’s up to the reader to guess how she’s feeling and where her head and heart are at. Included throughout the story are her blog postings that actually give a good idea of what’s going on with her and although I don’t think I needed that insight, I enjoyed having it. She’s actually a strong heroine and is more than capable of taking things by the reins when needed. She’s also not afraid to say what she wants. That doesn’t mean she isn’t a bit insecure, who isn’t when it comes to love and an uncertain relationship.
This is a relatively fast paced read that never bogged down. I never skimmed and I was completely caught up in the ever changing relationship between Lucas and Kate. The chemistry between them is sizzling and Lucas’ POV was exactly what I would assume a man would think when attracted to a woman, especially a woman who is not only his friend, but his best friend’s sister. The smexy times were off the charts and this author owes me a new Kindle from the melting affect they had on my device.
With a low angst vibe to it, the point of conflict can be seen from the very beginning but how they get through it is entirely unknown. That place in the story is were so much sweet comes in I found myself laughing with a tear in my eye. It couldn’t have been more perfect. And then this author gives us not one but two amazing epilogues and I was left in a puddle of swoony goodness.
I strongly encourage you to check this one out if you like the friends to lovers or best friend’s sister trope.
Hero POV
Safe
Triggers
January 18, 2019
This could be termed a sort of forbidden romance story but only because it’s more of a ‘bro-code’ forbidden thing.
Lucas is going through a custody dispute with his self-centred ex-wife. His daughter lives with him but his ex is trying to change that and he is having none of it. Her lifestyle does not lend itself to a settle home life for their daughter and he now has to fight for it.
Kate is his best friend’s younger sister and a good friend to him too. When things escalate between Lucas and his ex, Kate steps up to the pitchers plate and throws him a doozy of a lifeline. They will pretend that she is his fiance, all for show of course, it will look good in the eyes of the judge and show even more stability at home for his wee girl.
You know what is going to happen right? Kate has always had a bit of a crush on Lucas and therefore ‘playing’ her part as his fiance is like Christmas & a birthday gift all wrapped up together. There is no acting on her side and she enjoys every touch and kiss.
Truth be told, Lucas is enjoying it too but crossing the line with her completely goes against his friendship with her brother, his best mate. However, things with Kate seem so easy and right, his daughter absolutely adores her and he can truly imagine a future with her. The lines are beginning to blur and at the end of the week, and their arrangement, will they be able to walk away?
‘Friends with benefits rule: It’s all fun and games until feelings show up to the playground.’
This was so easy to read and filled with so much cuteness and equal measures of swoon ☺
Lucas is going through a custody dispute with his self-centred ex-wife. His daughter lives with him but his ex is trying to change that and he is having none of it. Her lifestyle does not lend itself to a settle home life for their daughter and he now has to fight for it.
Kate is his best friend’s younger sister and a good friend to him too. When things escalate between Lucas and his ex, Kate steps up to the pitchers plate and throws him a doozy of a lifeline. They will pretend that she is his fiance, all for show of course, it will look good in the eyes of the judge and show even more stability at home for his wee girl.
You know what is going to happen right? Kate has always had a bit of a crush on Lucas and therefore ‘playing’ her part as his fiance is like Christmas & a birthday gift all wrapped up together. There is no acting on her side and she enjoys every touch and kiss.
Truth be told, Lucas is enjoying it too but crossing the line with her completely goes against his friendship with her brother, his best mate. However, things with Kate seem so easy and right, his daughter absolutely adores her and he can truly imagine a future with her. The lines are beginning to blur and at the end of the week, and their arrangement, will they be able to walk away?
‘Friends with benefits rule: It’s all fun and games until feelings show up to the playground.’
This was so easy to read and filled with so much cuteness and equal measures of swoon ☺
January 13, 2019
Oh man! Can I keep Lucas? I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers read, but then throw in single dad and I'm a goner. I'm not typically a fan of the fake fiancé trope, but Jolie's writing style and character development make this a very realistic take on that trope. Lucas and Kate's relationship has been strictly in the friend zone for years, even though their chemistry and attraction is undeniable. But when his ex-wife threatens his relationship with his daughter, Emma, Kate steps in to help him out. One of the things that I really appreciate about this read is that the hero and heroine are both strong, independent and mature. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey from friends to lovers and beyond. Jolie's writing is delightful and I look forward to more reads from her in the future.
January 31, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my first book by Mika Jolie. This was a quick read. A good single dad and friends to lover story. I loved Kate and Lucas. They were so perfect together. Lucas was going through some issues with his ex regarding their daughter and Kate stepped in to help as a friend. It was nice to see their relationship grow from being friends to being much more. I really enjoyed this story.
January 13, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author and Candi Kane PR***
Some books are just charming, You meet the characters, in this instance Lucas and Kate, and you just like them. I also believed in the friendship and that it was important to each of them.
I thought Kate was interesting, and fun. I loved her willingness to do what it takes to help out a friend, without thinking it through too much, she was just there. And, you know someone is a friend when you show up straight from the gym, without taking the time to shower!
I also really liked Lucas. His ex wife is a nightmare, but she is also hurting and while you are not all that sympathetic to her, I appreciated the time the author gave to give the villain of the story a little bit of a reason for acting as she did.
This was my first title by this author and I am looking forward to reading others. I liked the writing, and the way the characters were portrayed. I found the transition from friends to lovers to be realistic and I liked that both were on the same page. Lucas was a little reluctant to let her help him...but once they were in the situation, they were all in...in more ways than one.
I liked that this one skipped a lot of the awkward (until the end for Lucas' grand gesture, but that was the point) that is so often in the stories about friends who become lovers...both Lucas and Kate knew what they wanted, were mostly willing to admit it, and act on it.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Some books are just charming, You meet the characters, in this instance Lucas and Kate, and you just like them. I also believed in the friendship and that it was important to each of them.
I thought Kate was interesting, and fun. I loved her willingness to do what it takes to help out a friend, without thinking it through too much, she was just there. And, you know someone is a friend when you show up straight from the gym, without taking the time to shower!
I also really liked Lucas. His ex wife is a nightmare, but she is also hurting and while you are not all that sympathetic to her, I appreciated the time the author gave to give the villain of the story a little bit of a reason for acting as she did.
This was my first title by this author and I am looking forward to reading others. I liked the writing, and the way the characters were portrayed. I found the transition from friends to lovers to be realistic and I liked that both were on the same page. Lucas was a little reluctant to let her help him...but once they were in the situation, they were all in...in more ways than one.
I liked that this one skipped a lot of the awkward (until the end for Lucas' grand gesture, but that was the point) that is so often in the stories about friends who become lovers...both Lucas and Kate knew what they wanted, were mostly willing to admit it, and act on it.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
January 25, 2019
Mika Jolie gives readers a highly enjoyable brother's best friend/best friend's little sister romance.
Both main characters were likeable as were many of the secondary characters. I love when there are interconnected characters that I get to either go back and read their books or look forward to their books in the future. I liked that there was a genuine connection between the main characters.
The plot was easy to follow and paced well to hold my attention. Plus everything was wrapped up nicely in the end. It makes for a winning combination when the story is never boring and it ends well. That was certainly the case with this book.
I just found the book to be over all really good. I haven't read many books by this author but I hope to get more like this in the future.
January 24, 2019
Rules of Engagement by Mika Jolie is the story of Lucas and Kate.
Lucas's ex wife is being terrible ex-wife. Lucas who is trying to focus on their daughter has to make a move which turns into involving Kate. Lucas tries to keep the deal he made with Kate but the more that he is around her the more than he is wanting more. But Lucas has been down a similar road and it didn't work out...will this time and his true feelings be different. Enjoy both characters and their story.
Lucas's ex wife is being terrible ex-wife. Lucas who is trying to focus on their daughter has to make a move which turns into involving Kate. Lucas tries to keep the deal he made with Kate but the more that he is around her the more than he is wanting more. But Lucas has been down a similar road and it didn't work out...will this time and his true feelings be different. Enjoy both characters and their story.
January 26, 2019
I think i read this in like 3 hours total? It was quick fun and easy. I definitely don’t see myself remembering it, simply because of how many books I read a year but I did enjoy my time reading it
WHAT I LIKED
-family dynamics
-quick pacing
WHAT I WAS MEH ABOUT
-not that memorable
-a little cliche at times
WHAT I LIKED
-family dynamics
-quick pacing
WHAT I WAS MEH ABOUT
-not that memorable
-a little cliche at times
January 14, 2019
Rules of Engagement
By: Mika Jolie
4 Stars
I’ve gone and done it!!! Popped my Mika Jolie cherry. I really enjoyed reading this one and will definitely check out her other books. This was a well written book that flowed great.
Lucas is every woman's dream man! Successful, easy on the eyes, tattooed and a single dad. Having gone through the divorce that won’t stop, it’s one thing after another. Now it’s turned in to a war of custody over his little girl. While he has the stability of being there for his daughter, his ex-wife now wants to turn the tables and show the world what a womanizer, player, unfit father he is.
Kate has been through a bitter relationship that ended abruptly. She is also a successful business woman and very easy on the eyes. She is also the little sister of Lucas best friend. She falls into the off-limits category.
But when a plan is devised on how to overcome the custody battle, can the off-limits be put on the back burner? Can the friends only be temporarily suspended? Can the week of being engaged to someone you want to remain friends with survive or will you lose a friend that you have known quite some time?
This was a pretty predictable read but I enjoyed it. The steamy scenes were off the chart! I always enjoy a good friend to lover’s book especially when it’s an off-limit younger sister! Toss in the single dad and yeah, not turning that book down.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
By: Mika Jolie
4 Stars
I’ve gone and done it!!! Popped my Mika Jolie cherry. I really enjoyed reading this one and will definitely check out her other books. This was a well written book that flowed great.
Lucas is every woman's dream man! Successful, easy on the eyes, tattooed and a single dad. Having gone through the divorce that won’t stop, it’s one thing after another. Now it’s turned in to a war of custody over his little girl. While he has the stability of being there for his daughter, his ex-wife now wants to turn the tables and show the world what a womanizer, player, unfit father he is.
Kate has been through a bitter relationship that ended abruptly. She is also a successful business woman and very easy on the eyes. She is also the little sister of Lucas best friend. She falls into the off-limits category.
But when a plan is devised on how to overcome the custody battle, can the off-limits be put on the back burner? Can the friends only be temporarily suspended? Can the week of being engaged to someone you want to remain friends with survive or will you lose a friend that you have known quite some time?
This was a pretty predictable read but I enjoyed it. The steamy scenes were off the chart! I always enjoy a good friend to lover’s book especially when it’s an off-limit younger sister! Toss in the single dad and yeah, not turning that book down.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on:
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
February 10, 2019
***Available now***
4 Forbidden CROWNS
If you love forbidden romances, best friends sister romances, single dad romances, then Rules of Engagement is just what you need.
Mika Jolie has created a hero and heroine who heat up the sheets while trying to secure the permanent custodial writes of the father. It is fun and sexy mixed in either he most adorable moments with his daughter.
Light and fun with a healthy does of steam, Rules of Engagement is a wonderful read.
4 Forbidden CROWNS
If you love forbidden romances, best friends sister romances, single dad romances, then Rules of Engagement is just what you need.
Mika Jolie has created a hero and heroine who heat up the sheets while trying to secure the permanent custodial writes of the father. It is fun and sexy mixed in either he most adorable moments with his daughter.
Light and fun with a healthy does of steam, Rules of Engagement is a wonderful read.
January 25, 2019
This book was FIRE.
The chemistry between Lucas and Kate will have you panting with your tongue hanging out for most of the book. I fell hard for them both and hated to see this book end. A scorching hot yet emotional, beautifully written story!
The chemistry between Lucas and Kate will have you panting with your tongue hanging out for most of the book. I fell hard for them both and hated to see this book end. A scorching hot yet emotional, beautifully written story!
February 22, 2019
This is book #3, in the Platonically Complicated series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and to fully understand the series, I recommend reading these in order.
Lucas finds himself attracted to his best friend's sister. He tries to hold out, since she is also his friend, but the thoughts just get more frequent and more dangerous. When a mutual friend to them both suggests they get together, even fake, he has no idea what he is in for.
Kate is wishing she could go back in time. To a place when she had no feelings for her brother's best friend. Lucas intrigues her. He also heats her up when he touches her anywhere.
Such a great series and this is a great addition! The characters banter literally makes me laugh out loud. I loved the friends and families and how close they are. I also loved what a great father the leading man in this story is. Such a joy to read!
Lucas finds himself attracted to his best friend's sister. He tries to hold out, since she is also his friend, but the thoughts just get more frequent and more dangerous. When a mutual friend to them both suggests they get together, even fake, he has no idea what he is in for.
Kate is wishing she could go back in time. To a place when she had no feelings for her brother's best friend. Lucas intrigues her. He also heats her up when he touches her anywhere.
Such a great series and this is a great addition! The characters banter literally makes me laugh out loud. I loved the friends and families and how close they are. I also loved what a great father the leading man in this story is. Such a joy to read!
November 21, 2019
Was ok, since I had read the first 2 books I wanted to know what happens with these two..We get to read about Dean and Cory..
January 25, 2019
4.5 stars read. My first favorite for 2019
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
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
December 31, 2019
read it before listing to the it. I enjoyed the audio much more.
January 25, 2019
Lucas has always known his best friend's sister, Kate, is off-limits to him. It hasn't stopped him from possibly being attracted to her or thinking of her as more than a friend, but he's never made a move on her for obvious reasons. But when his ex steps up her game of trying to take custody of their daughter, Kate takes matters into her own hands, and proposes a fake engagement between the two to help Lucas' case with the court.
Kate and Lucas are friends, too, not just Dean and Lucas, and she may have always had a crush on Lucas, so when he needs help, she knows she's just the friend to help him. Serving as a fake fiancée to Lucas should be easy, right? Wrong, because her heart may not survive in its intact state because Lucas most definitely does not see her as more than a friend and his best friend's sister. She has no idea the feelings Lucas has long held for her. But this fake engagement of theirs is just the trick - their long hidden feelings just might have the chance to flourish now.
I loved Rules of Engagement!! Lucas is downright swoony, and sexy and so damn sweet I almost couldn't stand it. I can't remember the last time a hero managed to be both sweet and sexy AND wasn't a manwhore to boot. Their story is lighthearted enough to not bring the reader down, but it's got enough substance and heart for those who like their romances with depth, and it's pretty sexy, too. Just about the perfect romance - heart, heat and love, all with two of my favorite tropes, brother's best friend and fake relationship.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
Full review posted on my blog ---> Live Through Books Blog.
January 30, 2019
Book Review: 4 Stars
Rules of Engagement features the story of Lucas and Kate, two best friends who have been helping each other for a while. Their friendship has been completely platonic, especially because Kate is the younger sister of Lucas’s best friend, but… a little dirty thought has crossed Lucas’ mind from time to time when it comes to Kate. He’s been good controlling himself with Kate but then she went on best friend full mode and decided to save the day by pretending to be his fiance to help him with the custody of his little girl.
This was a great story to read, sexy, romantic, with great characters and a beautiful HEA. I loved Lucas from the beginning. He’s my kind of book boyfriend. His protectiveness toward Kate was awesome and once they broke all the “rules”, and they weren’t pretending anymore, everything was amazing.
Rules of Engagement is my first read of Mika Jolie. I loved the writing style, the male POV was greatly done and I connected with the story and characters right from the beginning.
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake-relationship, single-dad, and best-friends-sister kinda tropes, I’m sure you’ll love Rules of Engagement. 100% recommended.
Rules of Engagement features the story of Lucas and Kate, two best friends who have been helping each other for a while. Their friendship has been completely platonic, especially because Kate is the younger sister of Lucas’s best friend, but… a little dirty thought has crossed Lucas’ mind from time to time when it comes to Kate. He’s been good controlling himself with Kate but then she went on best friend full mode and decided to save the day by pretending to be his fiance to help him with the custody of his little girl.
This was a great story to read, sexy, romantic, with great characters and a beautiful HEA. I loved Lucas from the beginning. He’s my kind of book boyfriend. His protectiveness toward Kate was awesome and once they broke all the “rules”, and they weren’t pretending anymore, everything was amazing.
Rules of Engagement is my first read of Mika Jolie. I loved the writing style, the male POV was greatly done and I connected with the story and characters right from the beginning.
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, fake-relationship, single-dad, and best-friends-sister kinda tropes, I’m sure you’ll love Rules of Engagement. 100% recommended.
January 18, 2019
OH LORDY ... I’m feeling a bit flustered here. Let me just commend the sexual tension in this book. It was melting the clothes off my body hot.
Lucas has been in lust with Kate for a while now but he didn’t cross that boundary because she is his best friend’s sister and a good friend to him. The other reason is that he is a divorcée and things did not end well with his ex. He hurt her and he doesn’t want to put some else through that pain. Especially Kate. The woman who has also been through a bad break up. He has been put in quite the predicament. His ex wants primary custody of their daughter saying that Lucas has a string of woman and parades them around their child. That’s where Kate comes in. Loving Kate. Friendly Kate. Selfless Kate. Kind Kate and let’s not forget, Sexy Gorgeous Kate. Lucas knows this is a bad idea and things might never be the same between them again but he agrees to her plan. She becomes his “fake” fiancé. The sexual tension between them sky rockets from here so they throw caution to the wind and give into their urges. Just for a little while. Just for the duration of their fake engagement. But they can never be just friends with benefits. They are so much more but they are a bit slow on the uptake there.
Kate was such a sweetheart. You could feel the strong independent woman vibes she gave off. The romance between Lucas and Kate was slow but filled with the hungering lust he felt for her. This book is a must read. I enjoyed it immensely. But it left me with a need of a cold shower (wink wink).
Lucas has been in lust with Kate for a while now but he didn’t cross that boundary because she is his best friend’s sister and a good friend to him. The other reason is that he is a divorcée and things did not end well with his ex. He hurt her and he doesn’t want to put some else through that pain. Especially Kate. The woman who has also been through a bad break up. He has been put in quite the predicament. His ex wants primary custody of their daughter saying that Lucas has a string of woman and parades them around their child. That’s where Kate comes in. Loving Kate. Friendly Kate. Selfless Kate. Kind Kate and let’s not forget, Sexy Gorgeous Kate. Lucas knows this is a bad idea and things might never be the same between them again but he agrees to her plan. She becomes his “fake” fiancé. The sexual tension between them sky rockets from here so they throw caution to the wind and give into their urges. Just for a little while. Just for the duration of their fake engagement. But they can never be just friends with benefits. They are so much more but they are a bit slow on the uptake there.
Kate was such a sweetheart. You could feel the strong independent woman vibes she gave off. The romance between Lucas and Kate was slow but filled with the hungering lust he felt for her. This book is a must read. I enjoyed it immensely. But it left me with a need of a cold shower (wink wink).
January 25, 2019
I'm not sure how I feel about my first book from Mika Jolie. I do love me a single dad romance. And a touch of the forbidden- hello best friends younger sister. But there was just something that I didn't connect to.
I liked friends Kate and Lucas. They were both very set in who they were and what they wanted in life. And secretly crushing on the other. I enjoyed that the story was told almost completely from Lucas' point of view. Getting inside that mans head and heart was a treat. His thoughts about his best friend's sister were purely platonic until they weren't. And when things between his ex heated up, it was sweet and savvy Kate to the rescue.
At times it felt like the conflict between Lucas and Lucille was forced. Their marriage had been over for years. Other times the animosity seemed so real that I didn't know what the next stinging jab would be. But the plan to throw Lucille off her little spite game, while rushed and predictable threw them both for a loop.
The sex (holy geez was there a lot of it), but more importantly, the feelings. Lucas and Kate, realized- almost too late just how deep they were in it. Overall, Rules of Engagement was ok. There was just enough to keep me reading and maybe go back and read the earlier books in the series.
I liked friends Kate and Lucas. They were both very set in who they were and what they wanted in life. And secretly crushing on the other. I enjoyed that the story was told almost completely from Lucas' point of view. Getting inside that mans head and heart was a treat. His thoughts about his best friend's sister were purely platonic until they weren't. And when things between his ex heated up, it was sweet and savvy Kate to the rescue.
At times it felt like the conflict between Lucas and Lucille was forced. Their marriage had been over for years. Other times the animosity seemed so real that I didn't know what the next stinging jab would be. But the plan to throw Lucille off her little spite game, while rushed and predictable threw them both for a loop.
The sex (holy geez was there a lot of it), but more importantly, the feelings. Lucas and Kate, realized- almost too late just how deep they were in it. Overall, Rules of Engagement was ok. There was just enough to keep me reading and maybe go back and read the earlier books in the series.
January 11, 2019
I have been looking forward to Kate and Lucas' story ever since I read The Boy Friend. The chemistry between them just jumps off the page. I also enjoyed reading about Lucas and his daughter- their relationship is so sweet.
I read the entire story in one sitting- I couldn't read fast enough. I really appreciated the chapter with Kate's blog post about female masturbation. As someone interested in Gender Studies, I find it frustrating that talking about female sexuality is still often considered "taboo". We shouldn't be so afraid to talk about female sexuality, and I am incredibly happy that Mika Jolie included this topic in her book.
Mika Jolie is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. I highly recommend this book: it's sexy, funny, and all around a delightful read. I look forward to reading more of Jolie's novels in the future.
I read the entire story in one sitting- I couldn't read fast enough. I really appreciated the chapter with Kate's blog post about female masturbation. As someone interested in Gender Studies, I find it frustrating that talking about female sexuality is still often considered "taboo". We shouldn't be so afraid to talk about female sexuality, and I am incredibly happy that Mika Jolie included this topic in her book.
Mika Jolie is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. I highly recommend this book: it's sexy, funny, and all around a delightful read. I look forward to reading more of Jolie's novels in the future.
January 26, 2019
4.5 stars
Ha! I loved this book.
It's writen only in the hero point of view and i honestly very rare have read a romance only in a male point of view.From the first chapter you just fall in love with him because,as a single dad,he will do anyhing and everything to protect his daughter and that means even to have a fake engagement with his best friend's sister.She is all in and soon enough this relationship will become more that a fake one as you keep turning the pages and see the chemistry between them and all those sexy scenes that will keep you blushing.
We don't get her pov but we do get in her mind a bit through her blog post and honestly which woman won't have some insecurities when it comes to love and heart means.
Great writing,great characters and overall a very good book,read it and you won't regret it.
Ha! I loved this book.
It's writen only in the hero point of view and i honestly very rare have read a romance only in a male point of view.From the first chapter you just fall in love with him because,as a single dad,he will do anyhing and everything to protect his daughter and that means even to have a fake engagement with his best friend's sister.She is all in and soon enough this relationship will become more that a fake one as you keep turning the pages and see the chemistry between them and all those sexy scenes that will keep you blushing.
We don't get her pov but we do get in her mind a bit through her blog post and honestly which woman won't have some insecurities when it comes to love and heart means.
Great writing,great characters and overall a very good book,read it and you won't regret it.
February 5, 2019
Single Dad – Check
Best Friend’s Little Sister – Check
Fake Engagement – Check
All the things that make a recipe for a great story. And Mika is so on point with this book, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Lucas and Kate. They were fun, adorable and super hot together. What’s more taboo that secretly falling and then sleeping with your best friend’s little sister? Lucas as been burned by love and so has Kate. And that makes for some super steamy scenes and revelations on Lucas’ part when he figures out that the relationship with Kate is so much more than pretending.
Loved the single dad aspect of the book too. Nothing is hotter than a daddy who will do anything for his child. Sign…
Love this series (with each book being a standalone). If you haven’t picked up a book from Mika Jolie, you will really must. I adore her and her stories.
Best Friend’s Little Sister – Check
Fake Engagement – Check
All the things that make a recipe for a great story. And Mika is so on point with this book, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Lucas and Kate. They were fun, adorable and super hot together. What’s more taboo that secretly falling and then sleeping with your best friend’s little sister? Lucas as been burned by love and so has Kate. And that makes for some super steamy scenes and revelations on Lucas’ part when he figures out that the relationship with Kate is so much more than pretending.
Loved the single dad aspect of the book too. Nothing is hotter than a daddy who will do anything for his child. Sign…
Love this series (with each book being a standalone). If you haven’t picked up a book from Mika Jolie, you will really must. I adore her and her stories.
January 16, 2019
Rules of Engagement is a promise of a temporary nature. I promise you will only want to shake them some of the time. They promise nothing will change. I promise you will have fun.
Whether you are a fan of the Platonically Complicated series or a newbie, this fake fiancee with your best friend's little sister will have you entertained. I strongly suggest getting to know the characters through the first two books but it isn't 100% necessary. I'm just needy and had to binge read them for my own piece of mind.
By the way, this isn't the end. No a temporary engagement isn't going to stop us. Neither will the wedding. Now you're wondering...whose wedding? Guess you need to read it! Fingers crossed Cam's story happens soon, I need answers.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Whether you are a fan of the Platonically Complicated series or a newbie, this fake fiancee with your best friend's little sister will have you entertained. I strongly suggest getting to know the characters through the first two books but it isn't 100% necessary. I'm just needy and had to binge read them for my own piece of mind.
By the way, this isn't the end. No a temporary engagement isn't going to stop us. Neither will the wedding. Now you're wondering...whose wedding? Guess you need to read it! Fingers crossed Cam's story happens soon, I need answers.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
January 26, 2019
Wow! Lucas is so hot! He is the total package: sweet, romantic, funny, a single dad, and did I mention, Hot?! Where can I find a Lucas? Kate is the perfect female best friend who would do anything for her best friend, including pretend to be his fiance. Their plan seemed simple, temporary friends with benefits, and pretend to be engaged so Lucas can keep custody of his daughter. But aren't rules made to be broken? What happens when feelings start to get in the way? Will they realize they belong together, or will one of them get their heart broken? Another amazing book from Mika Jolie!
March 7, 2019
Uncomplicated
Mika grabs you by the feels and drags you on a rollercoaster of a story.
This story makes you ask the question “are we conditioned to never ask for what we want, for fear of upsetting someone else?”
Lucas believes he is protecting Kate from any emotional harm and Kate thinks she can’t express how she really feels.
This book has so many hilarious incidents sprinkled through the hardships of divorce and parenting. There are enlightening blogs, friends with opinions and friends with benefits.
So good I’ve downloaded another book from this series.
Mika grabs you by the feels and drags you on a rollercoaster of a story.
This story makes you ask the question “are we conditioned to never ask for what we want, for fear of upsetting someone else?”
Lucas believes he is protecting Kate from any emotional harm and Kate thinks she can’t express how she really feels.
This book has so many hilarious incidents sprinkled through the hardships of divorce and parenting. There are enlightening blogs, friends with opinions and friends with benefits.
So good I’ve downloaded another book from this series.
January 27, 2020
Did not finish. Could not hold my interest.
October 31, 2020
I loved this book! I felt the emotions of the characters in this story. I loved all 3 books in this trilogy and look forward to reading more books by this author.
November 23, 2019
Recommend
I enjoyed reading this one. I like the characters. I would have liked to see a little more of Dean and Cori but I enjoyed the story.
I enjoyed reading this one. I like the characters. I would have liked to see a little more of Dean and Cori but I enjoyed the story.
January 28, 2019
I loved this story so much!
I love how that Kate and Lucas and the others are so close that Kate would pretend to be Lucas's fianceé to help him keep custody of his daughter Emma. Even with them not pretending long they take their friendship to the next level. They fell in love but they didn't know that it happened a year ago at the karaoke bar a year ago. It was so sweet that they were willing to sacrifice them wanting more but they were afraid their friendship wouldn't be the same after they crossed the line.
I love how that Kate and Lucas and the others are so close that Kate would pretend to be Lucas's fianceé to help him keep custody of his daughter Emma. Even with them not pretending long they take their friendship to the next level. They fell in love but they didn't know that it happened a year ago at the karaoke bar a year ago. It was so sweet that they were willing to sacrifice them wanting more but they were afraid their friendship wouldn't be the same after they crossed the line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews