Wow, this was one thrill ride of a book! When Lily White said she was writing a romantic suspense, she wasn't kidding. This book was pure suspense from start to finish, and I have to admit, she had my heart racing a time or two there!
There are so many questions you'll have about this book, and just when you think you've got it figured out...you're probably wrong! I actually enjoyed Donovan, I have known many people with that dry humor, and you can't really tell if they're serious or if they're messing with you. Yes, he was kind of a jerk, but he also had a protective, caring side that he didn't show very often. And Mia, that girl just couldn't catch a break. I really enjoyed seeing Donovan push her into standing up for herself, and helping her grow into a stronger, more confident person. They were both broken people, but they were perfect for each other...together, they each helped the other heal.
I loved this book, it was a perfect whodunit. It had a slow burning romance, lots of questions, twists and turns...you won't want to put this down until you've finished it, I promise you!

This book had me engaged from the first paragraph! I have enjoyed every book by this author and this one no different! This is a must read for all!!

I absolutely loved this book!! Lily’s writing was phenomenal as always! It kept me captivated from the first page to the last, and it’s a book I won’t soon forget.

This book was definitely interesting. I loved the beginning and thought the plot was great until the end. I feel like all the action happens in the last 20 minutes then BAM its over. I also don't feel there was a lot of development of the main characters relationship. I liked the plot and it kept me intrigued. There as also a little unexpected twist at the end which kept it interesting. All in all I would recommend this book to another reader.

**Hot, fast paced, steamy, fantasy come to life...so many descriptive words. I was a bit disappointed as some parts seemed rushed, but overall an enjoyable sexy read.

Hi, sweeties! Recently I’ve started working so I have less time than before for posting my reviews in English and Italian, although I will do the best I can to keep my blog updated so you all won’t miss the novelties concerning the literary world.

PREMISE
I was utterly happy when I discovered I was selected to read and review beforehand the newest book of Lily White, “Rules of Engagement”. I must say, this is my first book of hers that I read, I’m totally in love with her writing style and her stories. Believe me, Donovan and Mia’s story will have you on the edge, wondering what will happen in the next page. This is a page-turning novel!

SYNOPSIS (FROM GOODREADS)
Rule No. 1: Do not enter the game unless you intend to finish. Once accepted, there is no escape.

This is a love story, one that comes with rules, expectations, and dark shadows. One where the man who challenges me the most is cloaked in deception. I had no choice but to accept the terms, nowhere to run once the clock started ticking.

Donovan Stone was a man few people dared to cross.
He was dark.
He was dominating.
He was so silent that you had to watch him closely to begin to know what he was thinking.

He was my boss, and the man I should have run from the minute I walked into his corporate office.

Like any bad decision, it took time for me to see the truth about the game I’d entered, for me to understand that it wasn’t the stalker in the shadows I should fear, but the man who pulled the strings.
I had no choice.
At least, that’s the lie I told myself to forgive my foolish actions.
And while running as fast as I could through twisted mazes and deceitful games, I understood that the Rules of Engagement were now my life.

REVIEW
“Rules of Engagement” is what every lover of Romantic Suspense like: dark, mysterious and thrilling. This novel was so good I didn’t want to finish, and the last time I felt like this, was when I reviewed “Buried Alive” by Stacey Marie Brown. But let’s go back to our review, so that you all will understand why I loved this book so much. Mia Jennings is the typical underdog, she’s shy, unsure of her ability to do things, and in particularly, work. When the novel begins, we see Mia that’s being dismissed by Camila, the woman who took her place not because of her qualities or abilities, but for other reasons that will be shown later in the book. I must say, Mia isn’t quite the typical woman you find in this genre of novels, she’s withdrawn from the world and doesn’t allow other people to touch her. This is one of the quirks of her character, and it’s what makes Mia, “Mia”.

I’ve never been a fan of first impressions. I certainly don’t make a good one, not with average looks and a mousy demeanor. Most people see me as weak, quit, demure to a point of forgettable in a world where it’s every man – or woman – for themselves.
Knowing this, I’ve never relied on first impressions to gauge a stranger’s worth or lack thereof.
(Mia Jennings)

She’s so desperate to find work, that she applies for an interview in a not so cool building with a seductive and sexy boss who doesn’t speak, but that communicates through tablets. Donovan Stone is every woman’s dream: but a bunch of millions and a multi-dollar legacy from his father, he rules the Stone Industries with an iron first and witty remarks to everyone that contradicts him.

Why did the pretty ones always have to be such jerks?
(Mia Jennings)

Mia gets to land the job on Stone Industries, but she won’t work for the things she studied for, she will work as an Administrative Assistant. She didn’t like this work at the beginning, because she feels disqualified, almost more than she felt when she was a kid and had to face her father’s wrath. As the story develops, we see Donovan trying to break Mia’s shell, while living in the comfort of his shell. The fact that he doesn’t speak or even tries to speak since three year before the beginning of the story, is to trace back to a trauma he has had since that day. Like a ghost, the portrait of a beautiful woman still haunts Donovan’s life. Mia signed for Dark Realities, a site in which you can decide to live one of your forbidden fantasies, have an audience and as it grows, you will receive more money. Mia believes her stalker is Donovan, but will be a major twist when the readers will discover who he really is.

Always a mix of opposites, Donovan was the most frustrating enigma I’d ever known.
(Mia Jennings)

The romance between Donovan and Mia is very intense, gripping, so intriguing and enticing that will always wonder what will happen between them. If Donovan will be able to break Mia’s shell and make her stand up for herself. If Mia will be able to make Donovan speak again, and in particular, to speak about what happened three years ago that traumatized him so badly.

It had taught me that although people may try to hold your back, they may try to hold you back, they may try to belittle you and kick you while you’re down, life sometimes had other plans in store and those people would find themselves licking your boots after fate stepped in to deal with them.
Karma is a beautiful thing.
(Mia Jennings)

The book is mainly written from Mia’s POV, so we get to know her fears, her secrets and her feelings toward everything that’s happening to her. Sometimes in the book we can find the POV of “…HIM”. We don’t discover who that “him” is until the end of the book. And I won’t you spoiler anything, you have to read the whole book to discover who that “him” is.

The characters were well developed, with interesting backstories and lives that made you wonder what lead them to be like this nowadays. It’s quite a realistic novel, with realistic scenarios and characters, both minor and major. The developing of both Donovan and Mia will make your heart melt!

I advise this book to all the lovers of Romantic Suspense and to all that love reading not ordinary love stories. You will love this! Guaranteed! I greet you with one quote from this marvelous book:
“But I wasn’t that woman anymore. I wouldn’t allow myself to be intimidated or scared, no when I’d tasted what it meant to powerful and unafraid.”
(Mia Jennings)

xoxo,
Giada

This was a dark and engaging read. This author is able to weave a story that captivates you and holds your attention throughout the book.

I loved the concept behind this story because in this day and age it is not to far fetched. This could be someone's reality and that is scary to me!

Lily wove together a spectacular story of suspense and romance!

This is my 2nd book by Lily and between the two this is my favorite so far. Lots of twists and turns and an ending I kinda of expected but was still surprised. Lily's writing is one of a kind!

341 pgs4 <b> The Rules </b> Stars
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This book is harddd to rate! So going in I knew it was suspense which I am accepting that means nothing happens till the last few chapters which is fine!

Mia is suddenly fired from her longterm job and is desperate for money. Her dad is a real shit for a person and a father and tells her she sucks . Mia is desperate and while job hunting discovers a website that is very intriguing and very dark net like. She discovers she will be paid $5,000 if she allows a man to stalk her without meeting him. She gives the stranger complete access to her life and this is the story of what comes after her paycheck gets deposited in the bank
I have two spoilers for this book that leave me with a ton of confusion which I will put at the bottom of the review.
What did I love: I loved Mia’s character how she got stronger each day emotionally. I loved Donovan’s quirkiness, innuendos, and comedy portrayed by ASL or tablet. The side characters could fall off a cliffe they were more annoying than anything
I loved the true honest vibes.
I loved the imperfections.
What I didn’t love:
<spoiler> both MC’s needed a darker past for their present reality it didn’t fit them completely. And due to their “dark” pasts they sure did completely ignore their pain realllllyyy fast so the insta didn’t work. I understand the story takes place in the span of 1.5 months but I am not buying that time frame as effective </spoiler>
<spoiler> the end.. ruined this book for me.. it was going to be rated higher!! It was rushed and confusing</spoiler>

I honestly dont know what to say It might be my least favorite book of Lilys. I didnt even care there was no sex . It just didnt pull me in. Oh dont get me started on when he finally spoke or how everything went down Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Dark Reality and its rules. Mia knew them but still she kept going she wanted out. THERE IS NO OUT ..Rule #1 says so duh

Donovan Stone computer genius who hasnt spoken in 3yrs. Yep 3yrs of silence. He also has rules and tardiness is a big one. Apparently hes been through alot of P.A so when Mia came along. He loved how she was so scared and he pushed and pushed till she would stick up for herself. Donovan is such an Asshole but he doesnt care that hes cruel or what people think money allows that.

Mia who hates to be touched is a scared little mouse finds it hard to stay timid with Donovan between him and the game shes had enough of the rules and being told what to do. Finally shes out of her shell and sticks up for herself.


You know there is chemistry between the two and I dont get why Jackson acted like he was such demon and told Mia to stay away from him that she would be his downfall and the companies. I get why Trevor did it. I knew who was behind it. I just thought the whole story was lacking really.


The woman was frightened of the world. She was frightened of life and terrified of failure. I could use those facts to my advantage , but in the end I only wanted her frightened of one thing... Me.

"That man might as well be Fort Knox for the thickness of the walls he has built around him. He has more secrets than the damn CIA, and those secrets are destroying him, Jackson. Don’t you see that?”

Oh my gosh! Hold on to your kindles. This book is non stop intense, an absolute rapid page turner and it is so amazingly good. You will fall in love with Mia. It's painstaking how awful life gets for Mia when she ultimately has to make a decision she knows in her heart and gut is a wrong one. At the same time she is also forced to take a job with an enigmatic, unbearable boss. As her job and restraint continues to spiral out of control, the timid and fearful Mia surprises even herself as she finds a strength she never knew and starts liking the girl she is becoming. Donavon Stone is a mercurial soul who seems unreachable but there is something about Mia that has him questioning everything he thought he knew and believed for the last 3 years. Take this incredible journey of suspense, intrigue, and a unique soul deep connection and love every minute.

~Sometimes these secrets are welcoming nuances, little tidbits of information that confirm your suspicions or correlate to some truth you’ve believed you’ve known for a long time. But sometimes, those secrets are shrouded in shadow,..... ~

Lily plays with your mind while she plays with her words. I found myself on the edge of my seat with this sophisticated and intricately plotted read. She feeds you tidbits of information, just enough to think you know what is going on, then she spoon feeds you just a bit more and you really don’t know if you really do know what is going on. Let me tell you, YOU DON’T KNOW SHIT WHEN IT COMES TO THIS STORY!! All her secrets are shrouded in shadow!

Rules of a game, rules of a relationship - rules outline limitations and restrictions. When those rules are broken the freedoms that can be accessed is liberating and compelling. Mia and Donovan have and encounter many rules; some are rules about personal limitations, others are rules about social restrictions. Will they abide by the rules or defy them?

This is a suspense drama, and may be in no way the normal dark perverse you get from Lily, but the psychological elements within mesmerizes the reader from start to finish and will leave your jaw flapping in the wind!! This is unquestionably a recommended read from this reader!!

4.5* Rule Breaking Stars!!Sometimes these secrets are welcoming nuances, little tidbits of information that confirm your suspicions or correlate to some truth you’ve believed you’ve known for a long time. But sometimes, those secrets are shrouded in shadow,.....

Lily plays with your mind while she plays with her words. I found myself on the edge of my seat with this sophisticated and intricately plotted read. She feeds you tidbits of information, just enough to think you know what is going on, then she spoon feeds you just a bit more and you really don’t know if you really do know what is going on. Let me tell you, YOU DON’T KNOW SHIT WHEN IT COMES TO THIS STORY!! All her secrets are shrouded in shadow!

Rules of a game, rules of a relationship - rules outline limitations and restrictions. When those rules are broken the freedoms that can be accessed is liberating and compelling. Mia and Donovan have and encounter many rules; some are rules about personal limitations, others are rules about social restrictions. Will they abide by the rules or defy them?

This is a suspense drama, and may be in no way the normal dark perverse you get from Lily, but the psychological elements within mesmerizes the reader from start to finish and will leave your jaw flapping in the wind!! This is unquestionably a recommended read from this reader!!

4.5* Rule Breaking Stars!!

Mia Jennings' life has been anything but easy. Desperate for money, Mia makes a rash decision that leaves her in the path of a stalker and face to face with her new brooding boss. Donovan Stone is dark, shrouded in secrecy and his presence is flat out dominating. He has rules, expectations and he demands that they are followed and met. As her feelings for Donovan shift, Mia soon finds herself caught in a game she can't run from with her fear escalating by the second. With every new clue, with every new message, will Mia be able to escape the claws of her shadow stalker or will the man pulling the strings finally capture her?


Rules of Engagement was an intriguing read!

If I'm being honest, this book started off rocky for me. I wasn't able to get into the story until past 25% but after that, everything was relatively smooth sailing. In the end, I enjoyed the story in general, the writing and the characters but I felt like the storyline/plot were a bit odd and that it was hard to get into.


I started off this book not sure if I'd end up DNFing it...

Like I said, the first 25% of this book didn't click with me mostly because of the storyline and plot. I felt like the story just came out of nowhere and I couldn't understand the idea behind that. I felt like there was a chunk of development or description missing almost as if I was just dumped into the book with out any easing in. Then there were moments that were oddly paced or repetitive. I was also put off by how long it took me to really become invested in the story. Based on my interest in the synopsis of Rules of Engagement, I was expecting to love this book instantly but was shocked to see how slow the beginning was. In terms of storyline execution I've seen better but thankfully after 25%, things seemed to even out.


There were quite a few things that really stuck out to me which was great!

On a positive note, there were elements of this book that did really hit the mark for me. For starters, the idea behind this book as a whole was very interesting and extremely unique. I don't believe I've ever read anything like it and don't recall ever hearing about something remotely similar. That uniqueness is always a plus when I'm reading a book so it definitely gave Rules of Engagement some extra brownie points. Also, I really liked Lily White's writing. It flowed quite nicely and was easy to read after getting through the first little chunk of the book. I had never read anything by Lily White before this book but I can tell that her writing is very intriguing and thought-provoking. I am tempted to read more from her for those reasons. Next, I really quite liked the characters. They, like the idea behind this story, were very unique and surprisingly easy to love despite their issues. They were broken people who found healing power in each other. They were realistic and pretty darn easy to relate to in certain ways. Despite there not being an intimate relationship in this book, the romance was still present in the form of angst and sexual tension which were plenty good. I don't want to say too much regarding this book because it'll spoil it and I really do strongly belive that you should go into this book knowing as little as possible to enjoy the full effect of the mysterious element in the story. And that is actually another little something I enjoyed in this book, the mystery and sort of suspense. It made the book entertaining to read so I appreciated that! I will say that the last 30% of the book really picked up and was my absolute favorite part of the entire novel so I'm happy that I stuck it out until the end!


Rules of Engagement was a quick, thought-provoking read with an intriguing storyline.

I'm glad I gave Rules of Engagement a chance. Though I was skeptical about going into this book knowing there wasn't an intimate romance, I'm happy that I decided to go for it. It did take me around 25% of the book before finally fully getting into it but after that it was great. I also found the storyline and plot to be a bit odd but I did really enjoy the authors writing, the characters, their interesting relationship and the element of mystery. After much deliberation, I am giving Rules of Engagement 4 stars and would recommend it to fans of romantic mystery type books.


"Does a person ever know the name of the shadow that follows them?"


*ARC kindly provided by the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

WOW this book was definitely not what I was expecting!!!

I was a little hesitant when I started reading the book. In my mind I assumed that Mia was going to fall in love with the man that was going to be her stalker. It just didn't sit well with me if that's how the entire book was going to go. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when the author added real depth to the characters and to the story.

Donovan's story just broke my heart, even if he was a complete ass to Mia. His emotional turmoil was obvious but it was impressive how he adapted to still be able to function in society despite his limitations.

The who did it, was a surprise. I had theories of who the stalker was and how the game worked, but how it was written was a surprise especially the depth of the stalker.

*ARC from NetGalley for Honest Review*
I Give this book a 2 1/2 Star Rating:

This was a OK book, but it Definitely could’ve been better.
There was suspense so that earns a star, but it was lackluster, bland and boring, the stalker was laughable.
Heat Level: 1 star, ridiculous ‘make out’ more like ‘mock out’ sessions that served no point, and the ONLY -Yes 1- sex scene was just.. just... SAD! Pathetic Really. He’s a 2 Stroke Bloke and by they way it’s written Mia is extremely satisfied by it... for those who don’t understand it literally means 2 thrust and that’s it.
I’ve been waiting for a while to get a book from this author, and I’m very very disappointed with this one. Not exactly a good first impression.

I would advice skip the romance and smexy scenes and commit to just suspense/mysteries.

Lily's stories literally just freak me out!!! I totally loved the suspense of this one. Grabbed me from the synopsis and Lily keep me enthralled till the epilogue.

When I read Lily's non dark mind twist stories Im always looking for the double meaning to EVERYTHING!!!! I read between the lines, look for clues, read slower. Then when I think I have it figured out, Im left questioning myself!!!

This story of Mia, Rachel, Donovan, Jackson and Trevor is one you need to really read, and enjoy tge ride. DO NOT RUSH !!! Im telling you, you may miss something.

Completely love these characters too. Donovan just because of his smart ass wise crack humour, Mia because of her growth. Rachel was a great friend Jackson a stand up guy. Trevor seemed kinda cute to me.

Lily you had me guessing till the end and even then I wasn't sure you were done screwing with me. Loved it.

You think you know, but you have no idea!
I thought I knew who it was right along with Mia, then boom it isn't who you thought it was.

Mia who has worked her butt off gets fired from her current job. As she sulks she sees this online add. It isn't just any add! She does something she thought she would never do. She agrees to play a game, just not any game. A game where you don't know what's going to happen.
The same day she signs up for the game she snags a job, with a major douche bag. Well later on he isn't such a douche.

Lily kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to cook dinner, didn't want to sleep. I wanted to know who was playing the game with Mia. Then I was flabbergasted, when it was revealed who the person was. Like OMG!!!
Great read!!

This was my first book by Lily White. I admit that I'm sometimes hesitant to try authors I'm not familiar with, but I was really drawn to the cover, and the description was completely intriguing. I couldn't resist, so I requested an ARC from Net Galley. As I started reading, my first reaction was that this book was going to be way more darkly erotic than I was used to, even though I tend to prefer my suspense pretty dark. I almost didn't keep reading, but I'm so glad I did. Turns out it was nowhere near erotica, but it was seriously sexy and twistedly dark. I though for sure I had it figured out a few times, and I definitely had the bad guy narrowed down to two choices. Even though I was pretty sure till the end that I knew which of the two it was, I ended up being wrong and loving that the story was so unpredictable. I would have liked more of a dramatic face to face confrontation at the end, but regardless, I absolutely loved this!

Playing the game was a life changer.
The story of Mia is a moving, suspenseful psychological thriller. You have to closely pay attention as you gain clues to the game Mia is playing.
Was it fulfilling a fantasy or facing her reality?
A t-w-i-s-t-e-d, suspenseful, thought provoking and moving story!
It affirms "desperate times call for desperate measures."
"But desperation has a heavy price. It’s a toxic poison that makes you do things you would never normally do."
Mia's circumstances affirm that "desperate times call for desperate measures."
This story was phenomenal. The writing was riveting, as my attention was held captive from beginning to end!
The characters were well developed but for me, hard to like, and that's one of the things I liked about the story. The author has done it again with this thought provoking "not dark" read. It makes us question what we would do if we were in similar circumstances, and question who are the real villains.
Whether it's a tragic love story or just a sick fantasy game, you decide.
I didn't give it 5 stars because after the suspense and the build up, the ending felt rushed.
4.5 stars!