Review: The New Rule by AC Netzel

Madly in love, Julia and Ben have taken their casual friends-with-benefits relationship to the next step... a committed relationship. 

Can a snarky girl from The Village and a former commitment-phobe survive real life dating or do old habits die hard?

Recommended for readers 18+ due to sexual references and sex scenes

A little more sweet, a little more smut, a little more snark

4.5 Star Review by Jen Skewes

I just love Ben and Julia. They honestly have to be one of my favorite book couples.  And I think it is because they are two people that you can relate to on so many levels.  Their problems are real everyday issues that we all face.   I fell in love with the in The Casual Rule and even more so in this one.  The New Rule is a continuation of Ben and Julia’s story and it was just as good, if not better than the first one.

Ben and Julia haven’t been together that long but they have already had their fair share of ups ad downs.  The New Rule continues their journey into their new relationship.  Ben is new to all this, not having been in love before and Julia being hurt by her last boyfriend still has somewhat of trust and insecurity issues to deal with.  We get to see them experience the ups and downs of their relationship that is a result of their every day life.   What I loved about this book is there was no unnecessary drama.  What they experience is real and issues that a lot of people go through.  Whether it be the pressure of work, a big overwhelming Italian family (which I can completely relate to), a father who is disappointed in your career choice or an ex that just will not get the hint.  Whatever the issue is these two are going to figure it all out together.  But when the going gets tough will their love be strong enough to get through it?  Or will the pressure become so much that it breaks them?  You will have to read to find out.

I love AC Netzel’s writing.  She has a way of mixing humor with emotions.  This book had me laughing just as much as the last one.  She created these characters that I myself could see hanging out with.  There was still the witty humor that I love from her but this one was more emotional than I expected, both happy and sad.  They went through so much in this book.  Their love and relationship was tested a few times and honestly there was a moment when I wasn’t sure who my heart hurt more for,  Julia or Ben.  I felt their pain but I also felt their love and happiness throughout this book.  I think they both grew so much both as individuals and a couple.  They had their moments of sadness when my heart ached for them but they were still the very cute and sexy Julia and Ben that we fell in love with.  This is a great series and thank you AC Netzel for giving us more of this beautiful couple.