Fantastic book
This has to be one of my favourites from Lily I was on the edge of my seat while reading I could not put this book down.
Just when I thought, this story was going one way Boom! It went another, twists and turns were good. This is not Dark Book from Lily but don’t let that stop you reading if you are a fan of Lily you are going love this one.
I do not want to go into details of the story I think you should experience it for yourself.
It starts with a game, one that has rules ...

Rule No. 1: Do not enter the game unless you intend to finish. Once accepted, there is no escape.
It is a love story but with twists and turns, it comes with rules and Mia has no choice but to accept the terms.
I loved the characters, I loved the writing, and I loved the story... Such a fantastic read...

This is the first book I have read by this author and Thanks to NetGallery for introducting a hidden gem. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started reading and I thought it would be like most other novels out there along the same plot but I was totally so off in judging and so wrong . A very well written story with multiple layers that totally kept me hooked.

Rules are made to be broken, and no one breaks the rules better than Lily White. Rules of Engagement is a fast paced romantic thriller. While edgy with darker tones, it is tame for a Lily White book. Still amazing, still unapologetically Lily with fantastic twists and surprises, I think this is the perfect novel for those who want to read this author but are too afraid of her work.

Author Lily White brings us the intriguing characters of Mia Jennings and Donovan Stone, in this cat and mouse story. I love the sass in Mia’s inner dialogue. She is smart, feisty, beautiful and desperate, with secrets of her own. Donovan is dominant, cocky, and arrogant with secrets hidden in his past. Their push / pull is intense. The sarcastic banter between them is dry and witty. I actually laughed out loud when Donovan comments on her fitness or lack thereof in one of the early scenes between them. The supporting characters add to the overall mysterious, suspenseful feel of the book.

I love the writing of author Lily White. Rules of Engagement is another hit. If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed, even though this isn’t as dark as many of her other books. If you’re new to Lily White, this is the book to start with. She keeps you guessing till the end, taking you out of your comfort zone, making dark fantasies hot and leaving you wanting more. Definitely recommend.

Rules Of Engagement is a book that you just don’t want to put down.
You need to read this !

I got pulled into the mystery, suspense and thrill of a ride by Author Lily White.

Her writing as always is what I love.

She gets soo dark and deep into her characters minds and it pours out to the pages that I felt I could not turn fast enough.

Loved the twists and turns of the main characters Mia and Donovan.

Their personalities came to life and boy did I love , hate and go on the ride with them thru this story.

Awesome book of love that will leave you wondering if you could follow the rules?

Go One Click & find out!

Lily White is quickly becoming one of my automatic go-to authors for stories that aren't all sunshine and rainbow unicorns. This particular story is a bit different from her previous books, but no need to worry because she's still managed to create yet another unique story. Without giving too much away, let's just say that you should always think twice before responding to ads about employment, especially if the job is all about playing a game. This book kept my interest from start to finish, with plenty of twists and me trying to figure out who was on which side of the coin: good or bad?

This was a test of the book and to make sure NG was working via delivering the book to Kindles. This book is one I'll read in the future.

I think I'm loving this romantic suspense side to Lily just as much as I love her dark. Rules of Engagement is full of twists and turns and just as you think you know all the rules...the game changes. This is a bit of a different book than we are used to from Lily in the fact that it isn't dark, it flirts with dark, but this book is all suspense. I think what I liked most about this book, aside from it being a romantic suspense, was watching these characters grow. You can sense that there is so much more to both of them than they reveal and Lily does not disappoint. I wanted to dislike Donovan but I cpouldn't. His games with Mia, while frustrating, had me chuckling more times than they should have. And Mia. The little wallflower. That girl has more of a spine than she lets on. She just needs pushed in the right direction. And Donovan sure can push her buttons.

This book is a must read for lovers of romantic suspense, and I really hope to see more of this genre from Lily. She knocks it out of the park

Wow! I really enjoyed this book! It had some incredible undertones of darkness to it and the promise of evil lurking around the corner at every turn.

Mia is insecure and uncertain in everything she does in life. Her past history made her that way. When she loses her job and finds herself days away from eviction, she plunges into a game that she knows very little about except that it will benefit her financially. Donovan is the cold hard mute man who is her boss and pushes her constantly in his overbearing and rude manner. What begins as a relationship of fear and domination soon gentles into something with the promise of more.

This book moves in layers as Mia begins to grow out of the protective shell she’s hidden herself in all these years. As Donovan reaches out to her she allows herself the freedom to express her thoughts and disgruntlement. I loved watching her blossom into a woman unafraid to speak her mind even as a dangerous threat hangs over her.

I was disappointed that the ending was so rushed and felt that it would have added to the book to have it fleshed out more. The romance is progressive but the steam level is low. I would’ve preferred a bit more in that department as well. This is my first book from this author and I’m curious if this is her norm. Either way, I will definitely be checking out more from her.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and the author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Welcome to Rules of Engagement from Lily White. Once you start reading this book you will understand just how fitting the title is. This is a romantic suspense novel and might contain some things that are disturbing to some individuals. It is however not a dark book.

This is a love story. One that comes with rules, expectations, and dark shadows. A story where the man who challenges me the most is cloaked in deception. I had not choice but to accept the terms, and there is nowhere to run once the clock starts ticking.

Donovan Stone was a man few people dared to cross. He was dark, dominating and silent. So silent 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 had entered,for me to understand that it wasn't the stalker in the shadows I should fear, bu the man who pulled the strings. I had no choice. At least that is 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.

I devoured this book. I actually did not want to put it down when I absolutely had to. I fell for these characters hard. My heart went out to Mia so many times. She is a young girl in the city who is suddenly let go from her job. She didn't see this coming and was struggling to make ends meat before she was let go. She absolutely has no one to help her. Her parents will just tell her to come home and that is the last thing that Mia is willing to do. Desperate to find a job and to keep a roof over her head and the power on she applies for many jobs and at the same times sees and add for Dark Realities who are looking for game players. Desperate but not desperate enough yet to try this avenue out she waits to see if anyone will interview and hire her. However when it becomes clear that she doesn't have any prospect for a job and the bills are not going to pay themselves she enters the website and signs up. Rule One: Do not enter the game unless you intend to finished. Once accepted, there is no escape. Choosing the only option she is willing to even consider her bank account is filled with money and she is able to have breathing room. Just Mia's luck though a job offer comes through to her from her interview with Donovan Stone. He didn't even consider her and was not impressed the day of her interview so the email catcher her off guard that he is willing to give her two weeks to see if she will work out as his assistant. This is the beginning a tale that will have you guessing every second of the book and it will keep you one the edge of your seat. However with that said inside all the things going on is a beautiful love story. One that stole my heart. This is the tale of Donovan and Mia. A man who is the head of a computer software company and does not utter a word and the girl who has such low self esteem and for good reason. Two broken souls that are in desperate need of companionship and love. I loved watching these two pull each other out of their shells and even though Donovan doesn't talk I promise you that you don't need him too. You can literally feel at times his emotions pouring from the pages. You do not want to miss this book.

Lily White never fails to write a book that I don't like. With Rules of Engagement she has stepped out of the box you usually expect her books to be in and gives us a tale that is both heart breaking and so beautiful. It is a love story for the ages. One that you will feel in your very soul and never forget. However don't let that fool you. You will be one the edge of your seat second guessing everything you think you know until the very end.

4.5 Stars!

Mia Jennings is trying to support herself in the big city but losing her last job has created a financial crisis. Feeling desperate, she enrolls in an interactive cyber game with viewers on the dark web. Adding to her dilemma, Mia accepts a position at a company with a seriously enigmatic boss.

Donovan Stone is the owner of Stone Industries a large, multinational software company. With his prickly personality and certain needs, Donovan is resistant to hire a new assistant but there is something about Mia that keeps him intrigued and isn’t about to make it easy on her.

As Mia learns to adapt to Donovan’s quirks, their employer-employee relationship takes shape with Mia learning much more than she anticipated and wishing she could terminate her participation in the game. With Donovan taking pleasure in Mia’s discomfort, he continues to push her until the tension becomes unbearable between them.

Tension mounts as Mia realizes the impact of her vulnerability as her predator makes his constant presence known. Despite not being able to hide, Mia raises the stakes compounding the risk. As she tries to end the game, more surprises are waiting for Mia.

Donovan was a standout character for me based on how he dealt with his past. While he can be abrasively honest, I was instantly intrigued and charmed by him. As for Mia, her desperation and need to please was successfully conveyed and led to her poor decision. However, I liked her overall determination and the fact she didn’t concede to Donovan’s challenges making them a good match.

From the beginning, a certain pace is set that allows for the suspense to mount. Combined with a tense dilemma and distinctive characters, the plot unfolds and lures the reader into a world where rules are meant to be broken. For those who enjoy romantic suspense with a unique plot, Rules of Engagement will keep you entertained to the very end.

4.5 STARS

Rules of Engagement is a great Thriller Suspense that will keep you entertain and turning the pages till the very end.

This story is about Mia and Donovan.
She's jobless, desperate and about to step into a dangerous game after so many fail attempts to get a normal job.
Donovan Stone is a mysterious individual with a dark sould and one to many secrets. A dominating man no one dare to cross, who lives his life whatever way he feels like it.

Without giving anything away, I just have to say that this is a fantastic read. Brilliantly well developed, perfectly paced and with a great plot and sub-plots. Compelling, interesting and unforgettable characters that make the story even more captivating and hard to put down.

I absolutely loved and enjoyed this unique story, which I highly recommend, especially if you're a fan of this amazing author (Lily White).

Mia is trying to support herself so she doesn’t have to go back home to her parents. When she finds add for Dark Realities, she decides to play the game. Is it more than she bargained for? This is a fast-paced read that hooked me from beginning to end. I found the story entertaining and intriguing. I liked the characters and their chemistry. I loved it!

I really wish I could give this story more than five stars as it's deserving of so much more. Lily White, wow, what have you done with my mind?

Never say you wouldn't do something, because when desperate times call, you just might. I was immediately intrigued from the get go, Mia losing her job and in urgent need of something else. She's one paycheck away from losing everything and there's no way she's going back home which is what her parents want. Her job search doesn't offer much, except one. And who knew what she was really getting into!

This was such a thrilling roller coaster for me and I was constantly trying to figure out the mystery. Donovan Stone, her new boss, was an indeed psycho!

I loved the suspense with the bit of romance. It's like nothing that I've ever read before and it was actually refreshing to challenge my mind from some of the other stories I've read lately. I stayed up late just to finish this phenomenal story. Great job Lily White, you've truly gotten into my head with this one.

Lily White knocks it out of the park again! What a great story! I love that it is so different and original. This story had so many facets to it, it’s great. Between the game and digging into Mia and Donovan’s pasts to understand them better, I could not put this story down!

Mia. Such a great character. You could relate to Mia. You felt for her and you wanted to understand her. Desperate after being fired from her job, Mia signs up for a reality, fantasy game. Everything that happens from there on will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I loved Donovan! He is so enigmatic, and I loved how he encouraged Mia to be empowered. He had such a positive effect on her and wanted so much to see her grow and I loved that! His encouragement, and the manner in which he went about it, leaves you with much anticipation because he has so much pain and trepidation from his past too; and watching his and Mia’s transformation, and the way they helped each other move on, was exciting, hopeful, and beautiful.

But we still have the issue of the game and Mia’s stalker. Who is it? Who can be trusted? Will this get in the way of the blossoming relationship between Donovan and Mia? Oh, it’s so exciting!

The “Him” chapters really kept the story going. So precise and intriguing that you couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!

Lily White has a way about her writing that draws you in and doesn’t let you go until you’ve read the last word. Another exciting and enticing story by her! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Mia just received the dreaded pink slip from her job. She is desperate for money, so she gets busy applying for every job possible. When an advertisement pops up for a unique way to get paid, she brushes it off, but it doesn’t leave her mind. Without very much interest from any of the places she applies to, she goes on an interview in a not so hot part of town. The run down building is hiding the dark and broody man inside of it. AKA her new boss, Donovan Stone. That’s when the games begin.

I can’t say too much else without being spoiler-y, so I’m going to stop now. Advise you to read the blurb, and wait for you to go on the thrill ride that is Rules of Engagement on your own.

The only thing I can say is that the author does a good job dropping clues, and making you as the reader think you’re hip to the answers even when you are not. I will say that this is described as a romance, and I didn’t really get that vibe. Yeah there was some sexual tension in there, but we are mostly told it is there. I’d consider this more of a suspense with a dash of romance added in.

All in all this is a good suspenseful read. If you’re into suspense with a dash of romance, then I would DEFINITELY check out this book.

Storyline: 5
Angst: 3
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 1
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

When Mia loses her job she finds herself sucked into a dark reality game willing to do almost anything for money. Her new boss is a mystery and darkly intimidating. Her co-worker Jackson comes across as both accommodating and resentful. Thrown into a hostile new workplace with rules she doesn’t quite understand, Mia tries to navigate this sadistic game while trying to grasp that this was not only a game but her life.

“That’s why I was barely able to stand seeing her smiling at another man, to see her speaking with him so freely while in my vicinity. She should have known her shadow was present, she should have somehow been aware that her true predator lurked. But still, she smiled at him and talked, flirted and even allowed him to touch her.

I couldn’t allow it, so I’d found a way to remind her that I was there, that despite her safety she felt, she was never truly safe.”

4.5 Stars of Whoa! I did not want to put this book down and was "engaged" from rule number one! My mind was running all over the place with this story. Mia is a timid woman that has just lost her job and on the verge of losing her apartment/independence. When you are in a desperate situation, sometimes you are willing to do unexpected things. What a crazy, sadistic game she found herself caught up in. Many times I would catch my breath just like when you watch a horror movie and yell at Mia "don't do that!!!!" Of course, the dummy doesn't listen to me. I loved how you never quite knew who to trust and the budding attraction between her and Donovan. Everything seemed "off" about her newfound employment and the creepy incidences that kept happening to her. I felt like I was being thrown off balance just like Mia. And just like that...I was sucked into Mia's world from the first rule until rule number ten.

I’m never disappointed when I read anything by Lily White. I love how her mind works and thinks of these crazy situations. Definitely makes me think twice about who is watching me or working with me.

Tbh, any word written by Lily is my Auto Fave word. This book I was eager to read , cause it's #LilyLite and I wanted to know how does a toned down, unicorn & Butterflies Lily feels like. The talent is a genius at the end of the day and I was engrossed in the story which has two parallel tracks running. It spans twenty days in the office where Donovan is the Boss and Mia is the Admin assist

Twenty-one days. That’s all it took for me to conform to a life of being stalked. Twenty-one days and I had slipped into a habit of running when nobody was actually chasing me.In twenty -one days , I’d changed in ways that stripped me of the self-imposed cage, and freed me to become a force of nature. 

Mia Jennings has been fired from Her job, down to her last pennies she falls prey to a Dark Realities website, opening herself to be part of a sexual fantasy. Albeit a dangerous one . Also in the picture is her new employer -Donovan stone, who is a voluntary mute. He's completely closed off, arrogant, and a stricter for time & routine, which needless to say is not Mia' strong characteristics

"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?” 

I loved the interaction between Mia & Donovan , his dry sense of humour, his struggles . I liked the brokenness that bound them together 

We all cut ourselves off in one way or another, for short periods of time, or for extended periods. Each person is different, and whereas some are able to open their eyes to see light and learn to live again, others, like Donovan and me, become lost. But like two wanderers in the dark, we’d bumped into each other, we’d held hands and found the way out of our grief, our restrictions, our rules that made no sense to any person but us. 

The story is very unique, very engaging , somewhere I felt it lacked the punch to make it a LilyStamp book. Knowhatimean ? I have certain questions and i have certain feelings 
But hey ! It's Lily, so I'm her die hard stalker and will follow every word she writes. 
4"21 Days" stars

Lily White is known for her dark books, written so well they question your sanity. With Rules of Engagement, we see that not only can Lily White write dark, she can also master the Thriller/Suspense book too!!!

Mia has just gotten the dreadful termination notice at her job of 5 years. Kicked to the curb like an unwanted puppy. Having exhausted her ways to come up with the rent that is due, she contacts her parents one last time to see if they will help. Their suggestion, move back home. No Way is she ever going back to the place that left her damaged.

Seeing an ad:
Get paid to play. Starting bonus of up to five thousand dollars. Only serious applicants need apply.

Desperate times lead to desperate risks. Mia needs the money. Mia applies for the job.

Dark Realities

Its happening… Rule after Rule. Make sure you play by them.

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

What in the world has Mia gotten herself into besides enough money transferred immediately into her bank account to pay the bills!!!

Read this book word for word. Take in all that’s happening. That is my only suggestion. This book pulls you in and leaves you turning the pages till you are at the end. Fantastic Book!!!

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