Rules of Engagement (Platonically Complicated, #3)

by Mika Jolie

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

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