Author: Kimberly Lauren
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Published on: April 7, 2015 by Montlake Romance (first self-published in 2013)
The most valuable lesson Emerson Moore ever learned was from her parents: Never get too attached to someone else. That’s why this hard-partying college student plays by her own code of bedroom conduct, refusing to stay with the same guy for too long. She gets all the pleasure of having a good time without the messiness of a relationship.. So what if frat house–hopping has earned her a certain reputation around campus? At least no one gets hurt this way—especially her.
When ridiculously gorgeous Jaxon Riley moves in next door, Emerson’s not sure how long her vow against emotional intimacy can last. Jaxon’s tattoo, muscles, and sexy voice make him tempting, but he also seems to really understand her…until his jealous ex-girlfriend and Emerson’s life-changing discovery about her parents get thrown into the mix. After everything she’s been through, can Emerson handle a real relationship? Or will breaking her rules just lead to a broken heart?
One of the things that drew me to Beautiful Broken Rules is the cover art. It looks great in its simplicity, because it’s neither messy nor bland. Another is the heroine, Emerson Moore. She’s as interesting and alluring as her name is unconventional. Em (the way she prefers to be addressed) attends an unnamed California college with her stepsister/roommate, Quinn. Although Em is guarded with her emotions, she’s promiscuous. And it’s not in a slut kind of way; Em’s just comfortable with her sexuality.
The book starts shortly after one of Em’s hookups. Someone put her clothes out of reach. Em decides to go to her car for her spare outfit. She almost stops when she notices three guys outside. Steeling herself, Em keeps walking in her underwear. She knows two of the guys (one’s her best friend Cole) but the other is a newcomer. Em later sees him in her journalism class. He introduces himself as Jaxon Riley, a new arrival at the college. Jaxon gets to know Em after the professor pairs them into groups for an assignment.
The first thing to know about Em is she does not do relationships. Although she sleeps around a lot, she has three rules. One: never sleep with a guy a friend likes. Two: never sleep with a guy who’s taken. Three: never sleep more than thrice with the same guy. Em has these rules because she lost faith in relationships six years ago. That’s when Em’s parents died while presumably cheating on her stepmother Ellie, Quinn’s mother. She was devastated after the experience. Em's unwilling to ever risk feeling that pain again.
Jax doesn’t appear to be the kind of guy who can keep things casual. He steadily chips away at Em’s armor. Jax also insists on calling Emerson by her full name. She doesn’t mind it. Emerson’s shocked when she learns Jax has an identical twin, Jace. They live right next door to her and Cole. The latter’s afraid Jax and Emerson’s fling will ruin things with his friends, though. Emerson assures him that she has no intention of hurting Jax. She was clear with him from the beginning about what she was willing to give. Em is not going to budge if Jax ends up wanting more.
I found Emerson Moore to be a likable character. That’s despite her being a broken girl who's terrified of relationships. It makes Emerson similar to Aspen Evans from Brooke Cumberland’s Pushing the Limits. Emerson is still a faithful friend and dedicated student. She may not say “I love you” even to Quinn or Ellie, but that doesn’t mean Em doesn’t love them. As for Jax, he’s a courteous and thoughtful kind of guy. He also plays football as a wide receiver. Don’t ask me what that means; I prefer baseball. Jax comes from Texas, so he’s one of those Southern gentleman types. Will Jax be the guy to get Emerson to finally accept a relationship? You’ll have to read Beautiful Broken Rules to find out. For me, it’s a sure winner. This is one of the best New Adult romance books I’ve read.
My rating: ★★★★ 1/2
4.5 stars - A fantastic page-turner!
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