‘The Off Limits Rule’ presents a sweet and engaging romantic comedy that ticks many of the genre’s boxes: chemistry, humor, and heartwarming moments. This story, revolving around the forbidden romance between Lucy and Cooper, has all the trappings of a classic rom-com but struggles with a few predictable elements and some underdeveloped plot points.
When Lucy finds herself at rock bottom and moves in with her older brother, Drew. Her situation seems precarious but manageable until she meets Cooper, Drew’s best friend. The sparks between Lucy and Cooper are undeniable, but Drew, being the overprotective older brother, has strong reservations about Lucy dating his best friend. This sets up a classic "forbidden romance" scenario, complete with all the tension and drama one might expect.
Lucy is a protagonist who is easy to root for. She’s relatable and likable, dealing with the challenges of moving back in with her brother while managing the responsibilities of a single mother. Her character is imbued with charm and humor, and her interactions with Cooper are often endearing. The author does a good job of making Lucy’s struggle feel genuine, and her evolution throughout the story is both believable and satisfying.
Cooper, on the other hand, is painted as the quintessential perfect guy: flirtatious, adventurous, and impossibly good-looking. His charm and generosity are meant to offset his playboy reputation to make him more human. However, he feels too good to be true - even in fiction. While these characteristics make him an appealing romantic lead, it also makes him less relatable to us mortals. His character development lacks the depth needed to fully justify his transition from a carefree playboy to a devoted partner. The character of Levi, Lucy’s young son, adds a layer of warmth to the story. His presence brings out a softer side of both Lucy and Cooper, and his interactions with Cooper are particularly heartwarming. Levi’s character is a bright spot in the narrative and adds a touch of realism to Lucy’s life as a single mother.
One of the book’s strengths is its humor. Adams excels at infusing the narrative with witty dialogue and creating humorous situations. The banter between Lucy and Cooper is one of the highlights of the book. I often had a smile on my face while reading this book. But at the same time, the humour in the book also took away from the seriousness of the central conflict of the story. Drew’s disapproval of Lucy and Cooper’s relationship felt a bit inflated. The “brother issue” that the plot hinges on is never fully explored or justified. At times, it seems like the obstacles to their romance are more about miscommunication and overthinking rather than substantial issues. This makes the conflict feel less impactful and the resolution a bit too easy.
Also, the book’s predictability is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the familiar tropes and predictable storyline make it a comforting read for fans of the genre. On the other hand, it lacks the originality - whether in the plot itself or the characters or the narrative - making it a bit too cliched. It does not offer any surprises or fresh takes.
‘The Off Limits Rule’ by Sarah Adams is a cozy and charming romantic comedy that did have me smiling at times. However, it isn’t a book I would go out of my way to recommend to someone.
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Check out some of my other Book Reviews:
- After the Evil (Jake Roberts #1) by Cary Allen Stone
- After the Goode (A Jake Roberts #3) by Cary Allen Stone
- After the Snow Falls by Cary Jane Clark
- After You (Me Before You #2) by Jojo Moyes
- Aftermath of Secrets (Carter Island #2) by Cate Beauman
- Against All Odds by Danielle Steel
- Aisle Be Damned by Rishi Piparaiya
- Ajaya: Roll of the Dice (Epic of the Kaurava Clan #1) by Anand Neelakantan
- All a Heart Needs (Callaways #5) by Barbara Freethy
- All for Love by Ann Swann
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