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Following the Rules: Nerd/Jock MM Romance (The Script Club Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 1,583 ratings

The geek, the jock, and a new set of rules…

Topher-

My friend’s brother needs an academic assistant and I need a job. Problem…jocks are my weakness. Seriously. I lose my ability to speak coherently around muscle-bound hotties. Oh yeah, I lose my inhibitions too—not a good look for a guy with a genius IQ. So what am I going to do about Simon?

Simon-

Finishing college isn’t high on my list of priorities, but my future in professional football is looking bleak. I need a plan B or C, and I could use some help navigating life as an undergrad. Topher is perfect. He’s also a little strange…but in a good way. And I like the way I feel when I’m around him—as though anything is possible. Maybe if we follow our hearts, we’ll find what we’re looking for. But that means changing the rules…

Following the Rules is a MM, bisexual awakening romance starring a lovable nerd, a cool jock, and some extracurricular fun.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is just happiness in written form. It's Lane at her very best when it comes to crafting believable bisexual awakening stories and for giving a sense of realness to finding a lifelong love while in college. ... It's sweet, steamy, full of feels and just made me happy.
-Goodreads Review

Jock/Nerd Romance + Friend's Brother + Lane Hayes = Must Read
-Goodreads Review

All the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Simon and Topher were epically hot and sweet in this Jock/Nerd romance!
-Goodreads Reviewer

My God I loved this. Every single word, every single page. I love romances, all kinds of them, but there is just something so special about an easy, breezy, beautiful story about falling in love that works for me every time.
-Goodreads Reviewer

Lane's storytelling is flawless, her characters are honest and real. The supporting cast is always on point, as I'm sure she'll pull from the pool for future stories.
-Goodreads Review

Following the Rules is the perfect mix of jock/nerd, opposites, and college. This Lane Hayes gem is simply riveting. I love it all and can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
-Amy's MM Romance Reviews

I highly recommend this story for the pure happiness and laugher you will experience watching this pair become a couple!!
-Goodreads Review

Lane Hayes just gets, better and better. This first book in her new, series is a romantic and charming read, guaranteed to deliver plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Very witty and funny, it's a total gem. It made me laugh and reminded me that any thing's possible in love.
-Goodreads Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08XWPYRPR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lane Hayes
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 804 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 204 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The Script Club
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,583 ratings

About the author

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Lane Hayes
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Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,583 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance book delightful and easy to read, with one noting it's worth re-reading multiple times. The story features a cute best friend's brother/opposites attract dynamic, with one review describing it as a steamy low angst romance. Customers appreciate the characters, humor, and emotional connection, with one highlighting the funny banter between the main characters.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

30 customers mention "Readability"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful and enjoyable to read, with one customer noting how the story kept them smiling throughout.

"I truly feel like I have won the lottery with the amazing books I have read lately!!..." Read more

"...It's a quick, easy, fun read, a new favorite from Lane Hayes!..." Read more

"...When these two get together to study, sparks fly... I loved this story and the sweet avalanche of emotions these two characters must confront as..." Read more

"...Quick read, even with all the spice felt pretty wholesome. I’ll read from this author again for sure." Read more

25 customers mention "Romance"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a simple and straightforward love story between a nerd and jock, with one customer noting it's a cute best friend's brother/opposites attract tale.

"...They had great chemistry and a wonderful emotional connection. They were sweet and sexy and I just adored them!" Read more

"...together to study, sparks fly... I loved this story and the sweet avalanche of emotions these two characters must confront as they give in to..." Read more

"I have a friend who is like Tropher. So I totally got his vibe. Simon was a dream. This is the first book of Lane Hayes that I have read...." Read more

"...They were absolutely perfect together and I adored this book! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩🤩..." Read more

21 customers mention "Sweetness"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and sexy, with one customer describing it as adorably sweet.

"...Topher, the shy, quirky, adorable genius who has a difficult time controlling his penchant for jocks and Simon, the sweet, straight?,..." Read more

"...Topher is so darling with his lack of filter and word vomit. He had his rules but they didn't stand a chance when it came to Simon...." Read more

"...Just that you know that you get sweet, hot, and all the feels. Go on hit the buy button now." Read more

"...Things take off from there. Sweet, low/no angst, happy ending and a good amount of steam. Can’t wait for. Kate in this new series." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book.

"...They are surrounded by a wonderful group of secondary characters whom I can not wait to get to know better...." Read more

"...doesn't include bi-awakening or friend's brother, but I much enjoyed the character play, as well as the graphic heat...." Read more

"Characters were likeable and fresh updates of classic tropes without erring into tired cliches; a few moments that didn’t quite work..." Read more

"I enjoyed this story. The characters were both likeable and there were a lot of funny moments...." Read more

9 customers mention "Steam level"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content of the book, describing it as smoking hot with a high heat level.

"...Let me start off by saying this book was unexpectedly SMOKING HOT! LOL This first book in her new series ticks all of my boxes!!..." Read more

"...'s brother, but I much enjoyed the character play, as well as the graphic heat...." Read more

"...The heat level here is turned up to high, and is well balanced by the feels...." Read more

"...Just that you know that you get sweet, hot, and all the feels. Go on hit the buy button now." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning the funny banter between the main characters.

"...The characters were both likeable and there were a lot of funny moments...." Read more

"...has a gift for writing books with the perfect balance sweet and sexy, laughter and seriousness, dialogue and internal monologue...." Read more

"He was hilarious, smart and sexy as hell!! Simon didn't have a choice but to fall in love with him. This was such a feel-good story...." Read more

"...As always Lane's storytelling is amazing. There are lots of great banter, chemistry, and laughs throughout the entire book. This story is a must read." Read more

7 customers mention "Angst level"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the low angst level of the book.

"...A low angst read with ALL THE FEELS, Topher and Simon take a bit of an unconventional approach to a friends with benefits relationship, which is..." Read more

"...Sometimes all I want is a feel-good, light on the angst and drama, escape from the real world for a few hours type read and that's exactly what I..." Read more

"...Things take off from there. Sweet, low/no angst, happy ending and a good amount of steam. Can’t wait for. Kate in this new series." Read more

"...It's low angst, moderate heat, and the perfect length for a quick read with plenty of emotion." Read more

5 customers mention "Feel"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the emotional content of the book.

"...A low angst read with ALL THE FEELS, Topher and Simon take a bit of an unconventional approach to a friends with benefits relationship, which is..." Read more

"...Sometimes all I want is a feel-good, light on the angst and drama, escape from the real world for a few hours type read and that's exactly what I..." Read more

"...The heat level here is turned up to high, and is well balanced by the feels...." Read more

"...Just that you know that you get sweet, hot, and all the feels. Go on hit the buy button now." Read more

Love Jocks & Nerds
5 out of 5 stars
Love Jocks & Nerds
LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️ Topher and Simon were exactly what I needed from Lane. She does not disappoint in this Nerd/Jock romance that will light your heart on fire. Little angst, some serious heat, honest to goodness love and attraction between these opposites! I loved their interactions, text messages and fun roll playing games. Lane's storytelling is flawless, her characters are honest and real. The supporting cast is always on point, as I'm sure she'll pull from the pool for future stories. I love her words, she's no doubt a #OneClick author for me. I'm so excited for more on this series, at this point I'd read her grocery list and come back for more again and again!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021
    I truly feel like I have won the lottery with the amazing books I have read lately!! Lane Hayes’ Following The Rules (The Script Club #1/KU) is no exception. Let me start off by saying this book was unexpectedly SMOKING HOT! LOL This first book in her new series ticks all of my boxes!! Topher, the shy, quirky, adorable genius who has a difficult time controlling his penchant for jocks and Simon, the sweet, straight?, professional football player and Topher’s best friend’s brother, these guys had me in stitches, sweating like a h*oker in church and swooning. I loved every single word, and as always, the banter and dialogue are TOP NOTCH! A low angst read with ALL THE FEELS, Topher and Simon take a bit of an unconventional approach to a friends with benefits relationship, which is smoking hot by the way (did I mention that already ) which organically develops in to so much more than either of them expected. The way in which these 2 very different men deal with the shift in their relationship is so enchanting. They are surrounded by a wonderful group of secondary characters whom I can not wait to get to know better. The premise of this series has me wanting more ASAP; a group of genius best friends whose goal is to experience life outside of their bubble while trying not to be too awkward at the same time. LOL.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023
    The title doesn't include bi-awakening or friend's brother, but I much enjoyed the character play, as well as the graphic heat. Interesting characters, with the promise of more to come in the series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021
    Adorable! That pretty much sums up Topher and Simon and their story.
    Following the Rules is such a cute best friend's brother/opposites attract love story. It's a quick, easy, fun read, a new favorite from Lane Hayes!
    Sometimes all I want is a feel-good, light on the angst and drama, escape from the real world for a few hours type read and that's exactly what I got with Following the Rules.
    Topher is so darling with his lack of filter and word vomit. He had his rules but they didn't stand a chance when it came to Simon.
    Although Simon wanted nothing more than to return to the football field, he realized it wasn't the end-all/be-all goal for him. I liked seeing him work through his feelings when it came to football, his future, and Topher.
    I really loved how these 2 played off each other. They had great chemistry and a wonderful emotional connection. They were sweet and sexy and I just adored them!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
    Adorkable Topher is all about the rules. A science nerd grad student who isn’t normally shy when it comes to expressing his opinions, he agrees to tutor his friend’s brother Simon, an easy-going jock (and rule breaker) whose football career is in flux. When these two get together to study, sparks fly... I loved this story and the sweet avalanche of emotions these two characters must confront as they give in to temptation. Both are vulnerable as their hearts become involved, and navigating the minefield of relationship expectations and career choices means that keeping it light and having fun evolves into something serious. The heat level here is turned up to high, and is well balanced by the feels. As an impressive first in the series, Topher and Simon’s story sets a high bar... highly recommended!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022
    Characters were likeable and fresh updates of classic tropes without erring into tired cliches; a few moments that didn’t quite work (some of the interactions with friends at the beginning made it seem like they would matter more later, but kind faded out), and the timing seemed like a few months but then was apparently only about 5 weeks—not exactly a major issue since the story was more character driven, which I prefer. Quick read, even with all the spice felt pretty wholesome. I’ll read from this author again for sure.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
    At first the writing started out across between stilted and lame, for lack of a better term, and I put the book down before even finishing the first chapter. But I decided to try again and I’m glad I did. It turned out well. Wasn’t too keen on the whole secrecy aspect, but other than that I have no complaints. On to Book 2 now.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2021
    First off: You can never go wrong with a Lane Hayes book.
    I've been waiting for this one, and I really enjoyed the book.
    There are so much going on in this book, and we also got to meet previous caracters from another series. I am somewhere near the end of the book on round two, and I am not going to give away anything. Just that you know that you get sweet, hot, and all the feels. Go on hit the buy button now.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
    I have a weakness for need/jock, read this in all one go. (Love out in college series too!) Simon plays pro football but has gotten hurt and does t have a team, he’s waiting for his agent to find him another one but in the meantime he’s going to school and that where Topher comes in to help. Things take off from there. Sweet, low/no angst, happy ending and a good amount of steam. Can’t wait for. Kate in this new series.

Top reviews from other countries

  • K.H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life plans and life rules
    Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2021
    This was a totally fun ridiculously sexy great read! Topher and Simon are an unlikely match but they fit together in many ways and were really fun and enjoyable to read about, with a crazy and lovely journey along the way.

    Topher is in the position of needing a bit more money for his last year of school, with his original internship having fallen through. Presenting his friends with the brilliant idea of some focused tutoring he ends up with an unexpected student, his best friend's brother Simon. Simon is a professional football player, or was until recently when his contract didn't get renewed. Now Simon needs to get a degree and a new focus in life, even as he tries to get back out on the field. Between the money and the personal connection it seems that they will be perfect for a first job, except that Topher has a massive crush on Simon. Allow the awkwardness and hilarity to ensue.

    This was a really fascinating journey because while there were some usual tropes there is also plenty of unexpected turns between these two characters. While Topher is a quintessential geek, that doesn't mean he is the virginal any closeted one. Topher is out with his sexuality and actually extremely comfortable and open when it comes to sex and dirty talk. He is willing to try things out and talk about desires and interests. His problem actually comes from often ending up the secret as he is attracted to jocks who don't want to.come out of the closet. Meanwhile, Simon is a bit more embarrassed about talking about sex, but not about exploring sexuality. While Simon isn't out of anything, he has no problem with liking guys and actually privately identifies as bisexual. More of Simon's problems come from the life path he has chosen. Simon wants to get back to football but not just for the game, also because he finds it tied up with his identity. Simon doesn't feel that he come come out as bi because it isn't what he has ever been, just as he feels that he can't get a degree and find success away from sports because it wasn't who he was. The discovery for him isn't about his sexuality, but about his entire identity, and how it can truly change and grow at any point in life.

    This was such a fun and enjoyable read, with really engaging characters and plenty of promise for more of the series. Definitely one to pick up!
  • Louise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Australia on July 25, 2021
    This is my first book by this author and I loved it. The characters were great, it was easy to read, it had a nice amount of drama and steam and I was fully invested. I am clicking for book 2.
  • Pontiki
    4.0 out of 5 stars the unpredictability of love
    Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2022
    Topher has a thing for jocks, one in particular, who has him tongue tied whenever he sees him. Which was often, since he’s his best friend’s brother.

    Simon is a pro football player who’s been dropped due to having a number of concussions. He’s gone back to school while he waits for a new team. He needs a lot of help, and Topher is the guy to do it.

    Their attraction makes studying near impossible, and they both fill a need in each other while waiting for big things in their lives that they have no control over. Instead, they find each other, and the waiting is over.

    Great start to a series, fun role play between Simon and Topher, great characters in their geek and jock worlds.
  • Ninjacat
    4.0 out of 5 stars such a great story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2024
    This was such a great story. I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters were so damn cute. Plenty of steam and romance, low drama, I had trouble putting this down. This is a new to me author and I will be reading more!
  • Beezie Reads Romance
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet, genuine read
    Reviewed in Australia on July 25, 2021
    I loved these two characters together, how sweet they are with each other, their goofy games. Super well written great read.

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