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Rule Number One
When a one-night stand in paradise turns into a cross-country road trip, complete opposites Ivy and Ethan end up on a journey that will change them both forever.
My perfect vacation with my perfect boyfriend ends with me in tears and alone in paradise. To help soothe the heartbreak, I fall into the arms of a local islander for my very first one-night stand. One crazy hook-up, then I’ll never see him again.
At least that’s the plan. Imagine my surprise to find him seated next to me on my return flight home
Awkward.
Despite my mortification and desire to flee the scene, fate has other plans for us. When our flight almost crashes and we get stuck halfway across the country, I have a decision to make…
Climb back into the metal tube of death that almost killed me the first time and get home fast or jump in a car and road trip home with a man I barely know.
With my newfound lease on life urging me to step out of my comfort zone, I break my rule of getting into cars with strangers, and away we go. It’s just supposed to be a ride, a quick trek to our mutual destination, but our journey together turns out to be so much more.
Breaking my rules sends me on an adventure I never imagined in my wildest dreams … a journey that changes both our lives forever.
My perfect vacation with my perfect boyfriend ends with me in tears and alone in paradise. To help soothe the heartbreak, I fall into the arms of a local islander for my very first one-night stand. One crazy hook-up, then I’ll never see him again.
At least that’s the plan. Imagine my surprise to find him seated next to me on my return flight home
Awkward.
Despite my mortification and desire to flee the scene, fate has other plans for us. When our flight almost crashes and we get stuck halfway across the country, I have a decision to make…
Climb back into the metal tube of death that almost killed me the first time and get home fast or jump in a car and road trip home with a man I barely know.
With my newfound lease on life urging me to step out of my comfort zone, I break my rule of getting into cars with strangers, and away we go. It’s just supposed to be a ride, a quick trek to our mutual destination, but our journey together turns out to be so much more.
Breaking my rules sends me on an adventure I never imagined in my wildest dreams … a journey that changes both our lives forever.
252 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2022
248 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hastings
24 books272 followersUSA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.
When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.
Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 30, 2023
I’m so surprised with the amount of 5 star reviews on this book. I found it cheesy, cringey, and predictable, with shallow generic characters. The plot felt very basic and the dialogue between the characters was so descriptive.. like no one actually speaks like that!! Also, one doesn’t need to explain what they mean ALL the time! I don’t like when characters blab too much and have to verbalize EVERYTHING on their minds without leaving anything up for interpretation.. also the sex scenes were very vulgar which I wasn’t expecting
May 14, 2022
this book was so upsetting but also so fun.
I cant believe what happened to Ivy while on her "perfect vacation"
Then comes Evan her complete opposite and he changes her life
These 2 were adorable and their story was soooo enjoyable, loved it
Great book, well written, super exciting to go on their adventure with them and see the outcome. Also while meet a few of their friends and family along the way
So glad that I got the chance to read this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I cant believe what happened to Ivy while on her "perfect vacation"
Then comes Evan her complete opposite and he changes her life
These 2 were adorable and their story was soooo enjoyable, loved it
Great book, well written, super exciting to go on their adventure with them and see the outcome. Also while meet a few of their friends and family along the way
So glad that I got the chance to read this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2024
Ivy finds herself stranded when her boyfriend turns out to be married, so she goes to a bar. The bartender and his friend agree they’ll look after her, so she drinks too much and Ethan ends up putting her to bed.
When she wakes up she’s embarrassed, thinking she and Ethan slept together, so she escapes, then finds out they’re on the same plane home. He helps her through a minor plane malfunction, and she’s too afraid to fly home, so he offers to drive her.
Their drive leads to new adventures for Ivy, who doesn’t want to follow the rules like she’s always done. Ethan
challenges her and her life changes so much that when he invites her to his brother’s wedding, she agrees, and even joins the bride on the bachelorette night.
Her new friends tell her a one night stand with Ethan, and then even a fling, are OK because he never wants more. Meanwhile, he’s telling his friends that Ivy is different and he wants more with her.
Their fling eventually leads them to falling in love, but Ivy needs some time to learn who she is all alone, so they part. When they reunite, both are sure they want to be with each other, no uncertainties or regrets.
Not a bad read, but Ethan is a bit too good to be true, and Ivy isn’t written as a strong character. Also, the first few chapters are depicted as harmless, but a bartender over serving and a sister who advises Ivy to do something “wild” with no safety net, all raise alarms, not written with any real thought.
When she wakes up she’s embarrassed, thinking she and Ethan slept together, so she escapes, then finds out they’re on the same plane home. He helps her through a minor plane malfunction, and she’s too afraid to fly home, so he offers to drive her.
Their drive leads to new adventures for Ivy, who doesn’t want to follow the rules like she’s always done. Ethan
challenges her and her life changes so much that when he invites her to his brother’s wedding, she agrees, and even joins the bride on the bachelorette night.
Her new friends tell her a one night stand with Ethan, and then even a fling, are OK because he never wants more. Meanwhile, he’s telling his friends that Ivy is different and he wants more with her.
Their fling eventually leads them to falling in love, but Ivy needs some time to learn who she is all alone, so they part. When they reunite, both are sure they want to be with each other, no uncertainties or regrets.
Not a bad read, but Ethan is a bit too good to be true, and Ivy isn’t written as a strong character. Also, the first few chapters are depicted as harmless, but a bartender over serving and a sister who advises Ivy to do something “wild” with no safety net, all raise alarms, not written with any real thought.
November 3, 2023
3✨
It was fine.
It was well written, all the characters were likeable, and the plot was enjoyable. The problem for me was the execution and my problem with it is a personal preference.
I don’t like when the entire book is the male and female mcs fighting their mutual attraction over a miscommunication/ change of mind.
I much prefer when they have solved all that by the 50/60% mark and the rest is on the adjustment / struggles of a relationship. But in this book they were still friends til literally 95% into this book. Eventually they both realized they wanted to be together but damn, I’m not a slow burn kind of person
It was fine.
It was well written, all the characters were likeable, and the plot was enjoyable. The problem for me was the execution and my problem with it is a personal preference.
I don’t like when the entire book is the male and female mcs fighting their mutual attraction over a miscommunication/ change of mind.
I much prefer when they have solved all that by the 50/60% mark and the rest is on the adjustment / struggles of a relationship. But in this book they were still friends til literally 95% into this book. Eventually they both realized they wanted to be together but damn, I’m not a slow burn kind of person
November 21, 2023
DNF.
I do not understand how anyone is describing the beginning of this as a meet-cute. I was APPALLED at the LI, Ethan’s, inner monologue.
He met this woman who was in crisis. She was awkward and asked him to leave her alone because she felt she’d embarrassed herself. She then gets blackout drunk and begs him to have sex with her. And he’s at war with himself because he wants to but he’s not a creep but it’s really hard not to have his way with her.
WHAT? Literally their only real interaction is her being a sloppy drunken mess, and he keeps calling her adorable. She’s too drunk to get her dress off over her head while trying to seduce him, but he’s getting hard because her body is his primary concern?
Again, he does not know this woman. She is in crisis. She is completely wasted. And he keeps talking about how hard it is not to have sex with her. He doesn’t even get her water or really try to slow her down or talk to her. He just says “it’s not a good idea” a few times and then keeps pretending he’s going to have sex with her until she falls asleep.
And then he’s the romantic lead.
No thanks.
Also, him calling her cute and adorable and starting to catch feels is bizarre. Surely he’s met other wasted women before? Surely he’s been propositioned by someone beautiful? So what else does he know about her? She has done nothing cute. I’m not judging her, I’m just stating a fact.
This was gross, not to mention poorly written with awkward dialog, stereotypical characters (twins, one wild, one a control freak, which is like, every set of twins the media ever portrayed), and nothing special.
The tropical location is called Paradise Isles, which should tell you exactly how creative the author is. At times it almost felt like it was poorly edited AI.
I do not understand how anyone is describing the beginning of this as a meet-cute. I was APPALLED at the LI, Ethan’s, inner monologue.
He met this woman who was in crisis. She was awkward and asked him to leave her alone because she felt she’d embarrassed herself. She then gets blackout drunk and begs him to have sex with her. And he’s at war with himself because he wants to but he’s not a creep but it’s really hard not to have his way with her.
WHAT? Literally their only real interaction is her being a sloppy drunken mess, and he keeps calling her adorable. She’s too drunk to get her dress off over her head while trying to seduce him, but he’s getting hard because her body is his primary concern?
Again, he does not know this woman. She is in crisis. She is completely wasted. And he keeps talking about how hard it is not to have sex with her. He doesn’t even get her water or really try to slow her down or talk to her. He just says “it’s not a good idea” a few times and then keeps pretending he’s going to have sex with her until she falls asleep.
And then he’s the romantic lead.
No thanks.
Also, him calling her cute and adorable and starting to catch feels is bizarre. Surely he’s met other wasted women before? Surely he’s been propositioned by someone beautiful? So what else does he know about her? She has done nothing cute. I’m not judging her, I’m just stating a fact.
This was gross, not to mention poorly written with awkward dialog, stereotypical characters (twins, one wild, one a control freak, which is like, every set of twins the media ever portrayed), and nothing special.
The tropical location is called Paradise Isles, which should tell you exactly how creative the author is. At times it almost felt like it was poorly edited AI.
May 15, 2022
Picked up this book as an ARC copy while on my way to my family’s beach week vacation. Honestly couldn’t tell you a single thing they did those first couple days because I was too busy relaxing (well as relaxed as you can be while on the edge of your seat) with this book in one hand a stiff margarita in the other. I simply could not put it down. I’m sure my family didn’t miss me too much….
I was really enthralled by Ethan and Ivy’s story right from the very beginning. This book has just about everything you could want: funny banter, not-so-subtle drunk propositions, the glorious fake-wedding date trope, a near-death experience, and lots and lots of love (and sex—duh!). The characters had awesome chemistry and the author had you rooting for them right from the start. The only criticism I’d say is that though I loved the dual POV, it was rather redundant. Otherwise a FANTASTIC read that I HIGHLY recommend for all rom-com lovers.
After finishing, I realized this book is a prequel to the Door Peninsula Passion series, which I currently have downloading to my Kindle as we speak. I loved the author’s introduction of some pretty great supporting characters who I can’t wait to learn more about. I’m secretly hoping to see sexy, broody Hayden and crazy sister Iris get together *fingers crossed*.
I was really enthralled by Ethan and Ivy’s story right from the very beginning. This book has just about everything you could want: funny banter, not-so-subtle drunk propositions, the glorious fake-wedding date trope, a near-death experience, and lots and lots of love (and sex—duh!). The characters had awesome chemistry and the author had you rooting for them right from the start. The only criticism I’d say is that though I loved the dual POV, it was rather redundant. Otherwise a FANTASTIC read that I HIGHLY recommend for all rom-com lovers.
After finishing, I realized this book is a prequel to the Door Peninsula Passion series, which I currently have downloading to my Kindle as we speak. I loved the author’s introduction of some pretty great supporting characters who I can’t wait to learn more about. I’m secretly hoping to see sexy, broody Hayden and crazy sister Iris get together *fingers crossed*.
May 17, 2022
So much happens to poor Ivy while in her perfect vacation with her boyfriend. I love how her sister Iris is there for Ivy even if it is via a video chat. Some hilarious moments take place at the bar that first night.
Ethan is Ivy’s polar opposite but these two are so attracted to each other. He looks out for Ivy on an epic road trip - poor Ivy still can’t seem to get a break. I loved the banter, flirty and camaraderie that develops between Ivy and Ethan as they get to know each other meanwhile the chemistry just builds up until they can’t resist any more.
This book has several side characters that are very appealing and are likely future leads in books in this new series. This is a lighthearted story with plenty of laughs, some sizzle and a message about making sure to take time to yourself to make sure you are happy with you before changing to make someone else happy.
I enjoyed this read and would be interested in reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan is Ivy’s polar opposite but these two are so attracted to each other. He looks out for Ivy on an epic road trip - poor Ivy still can’t seem to get a break. I loved the banter, flirty and camaraderie that develops between Ivy and Ethan as they get to know each other meanwhile the chemistry just builds up until they can’t resist any more.
This book has several side characters that are very appealing and are likely future leads in books in this new series. This is a lighthearted story with plenty of laughs, some sizzle and a message about making sure to take time to yourself to make sure you are happy with you before changing to make someone else happy.
I enjoyed this read and would be interested in reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2022
Ivy was dating a divorced man from her work for the past few months, nobody knew they were dating since the company could frown about boss, employee situations, although they worked in different departments. He asked her to accompany him on business trip to Paradise Isle, but when he still didn't want anyone to know about them, it made her uneasy, which went to full-on ballistic when his wife showed up...needless to say she overmedicated with some Margaritas while explaining situation to her sister, Iris, over facetime...Iris got her in better frame of mind to find man for a one-night stand...and that's when Ivy met Ethan...who she kept calling Evan...at the bar...with him not wanting to take advantage of a drunk woman...but it becomes a comedy of errors mixed with the staid Ivy loosening up to discover maybe a wild and free Ethan could be her dream come true...but you will need to read this laugh-out-loud romp to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
May 1, 2022
I got this ARC this morning, and lucky for me it was a rain day because I could NOT put it down! This was such a fun and romantic story filled to the brim with everything I love. A sexy, cocky hero. A funny, adorable heroine. Sizzling chemistry. Great supporting characters. Lots of laughs. A storyline that made me flip the pages so fast my Kindle almost caught on fire… or maybe that was the scorching chemistry between Ivy and Ethan ;) I loved every second of this adventure and the journey, both physical and emotional, that this book took me on. If you need the perfect rom com to lose yourself in, then look no further. You found it.
May 9, 2022
Rule Number One by Katherine Hastings is an absolute must read! This prequel (of sorts) to the Door Peninsula Passions series is fun, sexy, eye-opening, and an all around sweet ready with two characters that were so lovable from the very first page. Ethan and Ivy meet under not so great circumstances but what follows is a friendship and relationship built on learning to love one's self before loving another. These two are puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together and have an instant chemistry that was fun to read page after page. Plus we get to see some of our favorite characters prior to their own stories! I hope that we get more from the gang in Door County!
May 17, 2022
Ivy is one of those people who follow rules in their life, unlike her sister Iris who is wild and does what she wants. So when Ivy's dream vacation goes awry, what does her sister do? She encourages her to have some fun with a one-night stand. What's there is lose? She'll never see the guy again and it will help her get over her latest breakup. And thus begins the laugh out loud moments as Iris ropes first the bartender and then a hottie at the bar into their conversation. The story is full of laughs as Ivy learns to let loose and live and Ethan learns a few things along the way also. This would be a great story to read at the beach.
August 22, 2023
What's With All the....
...military sayings? "I'm golden..." "Going in hot..." "Radio silence..." Along with many others mentioned by the female protagonist, oddly enough. It just didn't seem to fit in. That's like reading a book by my favorite author, Brad Taylor, (Ret. Army, O-5, Delta Force) his male protagonist saying phrases commonly found in cute romance stories. His best friend, Knuckles, would
never let him live it down. Just saying...
That said, I really did like this book and highly recommend it.
...military sayings? "I'm golden..." "Going in hot..." "Radio silence..." Along with many others mentioned by the female protagonist, oddly enough. It just didn't seem to fit in. That's like reading a book by my favorite author, Brad Taylor, (Ret. Army, O-5, Delta Force) his male protagonist saying phrases commonly found in cute romance stories. His best friend, Knuckles, would
never let him live it down. Just saying...
That said, I really did like this book and highly recommend it.
September 1, 2023
Rule #1
What a amazing journey! New experiences, adventures and the way they supported each other is how ever relationship/couple should work! I wish that I could have been in a relationship like that, being supported in what I wanted to do, it certainly was a dream of mine! I was close, so close but it didn’t happen! Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be for me! But reading about it was wonderful, almost as good as the real thing! Fun read, definitely allows you to dream or think about those what if’s.
What a amazing journey! New experiences, adventures and the way they supported each other is how ever relationship/couple should work! I wish that I could have been in a relationship like that, being supported in what I wanted to do, it certainly was a dream of mine! I was close, so close but it didn’t happen! Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be for me! But reading about it was wonderful, almost as good as the real thing! Fun read, definitely allows you to dream or think about those what if’s.
May 18, 2022
I really loved this story about Ivy and Ethan. The way they met, the road trip, how sweet Ethan was to Ivy… everything! And the way how Rule #1 was violated, because their chemistry was undeniable, lol!
Great story with a happy ending.
Rule Number One is part of the Door Peninsula Passions series, but can be read as a standalone story.
I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Great story with a happy ending.
Rule Number One is part of the Door Peninsula Passions series, but can be read as a standalone story.
I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 21, 2022
This is the perfect summer read. A fun book with great characters. Well, the perfect boyfriend isn't so great... The book has an engaging storyline that keeps you entertained to the end. I liked the writing style as Katherine Hastings is a new author to me. I'll be reading more of her books! I really enjoyed this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2022
After one night together, Ivy and Ethan end up on a road trip together. He is on looking for something casual and she is just starting to find out who she is on her own, so can they have a future together?
I like how it is told from both of their points of view, and loved the setting for the main parts of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like how it is told from both of their points of view, and loved the setting for the main parts of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2022
Rule Number One is a funny, romantic, feel-good read. Katherine Hastings ramps up the feels, as we watch a painful, and unexpected, break up lead to an exciting, and unexpected, adventure.
This book made my heart feel happy, as I watched the main characters move closer and closer to where they needed to be-in each others’ hearts.
This book made my heart feel happy, as I watched the main characters move closer and closer to where they needed to be-in each others’ hearts.
October 23, 2023
Super sweet meet-cute
Was the story believable? Mostly.
Were there some editing errors? Sure.
Was this a freaking smutty romcom that I devoured? Yes!
This book was charming and lighthearted. While I found some of the dialogue interaction flat and juvenile, it didn’t deter much from the story. Cute story, fun character growth, good communication (they eventually got there) 🤣
Was the story believable? Mostly.
Were there some editing errors? Sure.
Was this a freaking smutty romcom that I devoured? Yes!
This book was charming and lighthearted. While I found some of the dialogue interaction flat and juvenile, it didn’t deter much from the story. Cute story, fun character growth, good communication (they eventually got there) 🤣
February 2, 2024
Glad it was a freebie & I didn’t waste money on it
Boring, full of meaningless dialogue, moves at a snail's pace. I gave up at 50%.
Sorry, but the few chapters I read were a complete waste of my time. Maybe it gets better but I’m done. Seriously glad I didn’t waste money on this bookbub freebie.
Boring, full of meaningless dialogue, moves at a snail's pace. I gave up at 50%.
Sorry, but the few chapters I read were a complete waste of my time. Maybe it gets better but I’m done. Seriously glad I didn’t waste money on this bookbub freebie.
May 23, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I really enjoyed the story. The first person point of view was perfect. This was a lovely, quick read and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2022
This was a cute, adorable, and fun romantic read. Ivy and Ethan are polar opposites that ended up together as a happenstance.
It's endearing, hilarious, and such a nice story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's endearing, hilarious, and such a nice story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
Lovely story!
First time reading this author's work and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Ideal holiday read, especially around the pool or fireplace.
Perfect excuse to curl up, relax and read.
❤️
First time reading this author's work and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Ideal holiday read, especially around the pool or fireplace.
Perfect excuse to curl up, relax and read.
❤️
February 8, 2024
This was a cute but very stereotypical romance novel. Meet-cute with forced proximity, a "no pressure but we fall for each other anyways" storyline, and happy ever after. It's a good read if you're looking for something light-hearted.
May 30, 2022
Evan & Ivy had an intriguing book. This was a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 30, 2022
was a bit bored out at the last quarter somehow...
March 22, 2023
the storyline was so so cute and i loved the sister
April 12, 2023
What a cute quick read!
May 16, 2023
Cute book… after you get past the grammatical errors and misspelling of names.
August 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I am NOT a romance of any kind reader but got this and really enjoyed it because I like happy endings and this qualifies. Loved the ending....THANKS!!!!
August 19, 2023
Sexy beach vacation goes awry, leading to a one night stand, then they end up on a cross country journey. Fun summer read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews