3.5 stars = I liked it. House Rules is a mellow 2nd chance romance. Simon hasn't seen Lana since she left him behind in New York when their marriage ended seventeen years ago when then run into each other while apartment hunting. Though the chance meeting stirs up feelings, they don't plan on seeing each other again, That changes when Lana finds the perfect apartment, but can't afford it on her own - and Simon is her only hope for being able to swing the lease. Simon is not too keen on the idea - still hurt after all this time - but it really is a great place, and the apartment is set up so they each have a separate space and they work opposite schedules, so won't he won't actually need to interact with Lana and Simon agrees to give it a try.

But if avoiding each other would actually work, there would be no story. I like the fact that many of the things that drew the pair together work to draw them together again, but also the fact that they are different people now so the things they didn't get about themselves the first time around they are able to address to keep from falling apart again. I especially like the lessons Lana has learned about herself and the promise she made to herself too - that if she really wants something she will ask for it, even if it is hard to ask.

My small nit with the story is that - since it is novella length - much of the insight the pair get into how they have related to each other comes from conversations with other people and they don't feed back these insight to each other.

But still I liked the story, I liked the leads and I will definitely look to read the other two stories in this series - which are due to be published together in a collection in a few months.

This is an unpaid review - ARC via NetGalley- release date February 10th

3 stars for a second chance romance between professional chef Lana Kuo and music teacher Simon Mizrahi, both in their early 40s, who find themselves living together as roommates in NY after their divorce 17 years prior.

I was totally into this premise. Finally something with 40+ year old characters. Diverse cast! Roomies with your Ex? Second Chance? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. While the premise sounds intriguing, I found that there could have been a lot more chemistry on the emotional side from the couple. I couldn't get why she fell for him again - I actually got frustrated - when it was clear until 90% in that he hadn't changed - apart from a few more lines around the eyes. The pacing was a bit off for me too and wished at times that more details on the personal side of the characters were explored rather than other options.

This book is the 3rd in the series but can totally be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the previous book in the series, just couldn't quite connect with the characters here.

Content Warning #cw for chronic pain and infertility.

Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of #HouseRules before publication. Everything in this review is based on my own opinion.

House Rules is the 3rd book in Ruby Lang's Uptown series, but each book is a standalone focusing on a new couple..

This is a story about a previously married couple getting an unexpected second chance. Lana and Simon decide to be temporary roommates since they can't afford the NY real estate market. They set strict rules on living together, with no funny business. But as they live together, they're reminded of why they fell in love the first time.

Ruby Lang presents us with a well-written story about rekindled romance without unnecessary angst and drama. It is truly a story about two people revisiting each other and finding their way back.

This is a cute, quick, easy-to-read romance with heart and humor.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, realistic romance based on a mature couple that have to surpass the trials of their fears in order to stay with each other. Very well written and well paced. Simon and Lana are up front about their feelings for each other and learn to slowly piece together their broken relationship once again. Enjoyed it

This was a sweet and quick read, which are honestly my favorite kind of romance. I haven't read a lot of romances featuring older couples (defining that here as 40+) so that was a refreshing change of pace. Also super sweet to see their dynamic as old friends who ultimately fall in love. I love a good slow burn and would recommend this one to other romance readers who enjoy that trope.

I really enjoyed this book. Simon and Lana were sweet. Their age added a different dynamic. The story was good.

A lush and bittersweet second chance romance, Ruby Lang's HOUSE RULES is my favorite entry in this wonderful novella series. It tells the story of the rekindling of a romance between a long-divorced couple when they decide to become roommates to share a gorgeous apartment. Lang does a beautiful job showcasing the ways people can relearn to love somehow because of rather than despite the many changes that may have taken place since they last lived and loved together.

This is the third and final book in Lang’s Uptown series and while second chance is not my trope of choice, I was thoroughly charmed by this book. Probably because it *also* kind of, sort of, includes marriage in trouble. Simon and Lana were married 17 years ago and got a divorce, so yes technically not a marriage in trouble. But for reasons that may only exist in a romance novel the two end up being roommates and begin to examine why their marriage did not work. I love marriage in trouble because I love seeing couples fight for their HEA.

One of the things I love about this books is that these two are adults in their 40s who’ve grown into who they are and know what they want from life. I always find that refreshing and just beautiful to see characters who are able to express that. When Lana says to Simon:

“I told myself after—after we separated I would always ask for what I needed, no matter how hard it was, no matter how long it took to work up to it, no matter how afraid I was of the answer. I’m still trying to do that.” I was just about in tears at how much I could relate to this and how many women I know who struggle with asking for what they need. I LOVED seeing that on page from someone. I also really loved seeing Lana’s connection to food and how emotional that was for her and observations like Lana taking into consideration if she would be the only Asian woman when she moved into a neighborhood. Things like that made the story feel very poignant and relevant at times. There’s a point when Simon finally *sees* the changes that Lana has made and Lang does this via Lana’s food since she’s a chef and it’s beautifully done.

I really liked the complicated and messy characters in this whole series. When I talk about realistic storylines or characters I’m talking about vulnerabilities or complexities in characters and Ruby Lang really shines with that.

Oh and there’s an asshole cat named Muffin so I was obviously going to love this no matter what, I can’t help it, give me an asshole pet and I AM IN.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance between Lana and Simon. It was really refreshing to read about a couple that is in their 40s and really owning who they are individually instead of who they want to be as a couple. Most romance novels are about people starting out in life and this story about two people who have figured it out and want to maintain that work is so good. I love how direct the writing is. Ruby Lang really didn't fluff this up with extra details and side line stories. While that may sound weird in a review, in the book it lets you just enjoy the heart of the story.

Just after reading the description, you get an idea of how its going to end, but I still read it with hopes for an interesting end, not a predictable one. Bleh! I was wrong.

This is a second chance love story. Simon and Lana were married and then divorced. Now, in their mid forties they meet again when they're both looking for somewhere to live. Circumstances lead to them sharing a lovely apartment. Their lives are sufficiently different that they don't need to see much of each other, but they can't stop looking for each other.

There are many things I liked about this story. The characters were so relatable. I loved that they were starting to feel old. Simon was often tired, not from doing anything especially tiring, but just from the day!

Simon was very sweet, if a little self centred. He grew a lot by the end. Lana is thoughtful and independent in a way that felt hard won. I liked that she was physically strong and this was hard won too.

There were a few little observations that I especially liked - like Lana taking the fact that she wouldn't be the only Asian woman in the neighbourhood into consideration when thinking about moving.
I usually like Ruby Lang's books and this was no exception. A lovely read.

3.5 stars
Cute story about second chance romance. Simon Mizrahi and Lana Kai were once married. Then divorced. Time has gone by, and now fate has brought them back together in the sense of an apartment. I found this story cute, but at times, unrealistic, at least to me.

House Rules is the third book in the Uptown series and is the best in an already stellar group. Ruby Lang writes beautiful, sweet and poignant books that feel akin to curling up in the best blanket with a good cup of tea on a cold day.

House Rules follows Simon and Lana who were married twenty years previously, got divorced and run into each other at an apartment viewing. What follows is a lovely slow burn love story of two people who (maybe) never stopped loving each other. Reading as these two characters navigated their new living arrangements and deal with the people they were versus the people they've become was so such a pleasure. I loved the juxtaposition of Lana, who is obviously aware of the ways she's made changes, listened to her needs and advocates for them against Simon who has changed and yet doesn't see that immediately.

The conflict in this book felt low but it was still well drawn and important. I loved that instead of having the couple miraculously work out their problems there was communication involved that we as the reader got to see. It made the story feel more real and intimate.

Overall this book is such a delight and is the kind of cozy romance that I just love.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. As far as romance novel tropes go, this one seemed different from the norm. I suppose you could lump it in with the "second chance" category, but it didn't feel that way. Maybe because the characters were older and more mature.

I think the blurb/ description of the book is not entirely accurate. The actual story was so much better than that. It didn't feel kitschy and stale. It felt authentic.

Simon and Lana still have that insta-chemistry that you come to expect in romance novels, but they are both cautious with their relationship. They both act like adults, they have jobs, family issues, and struggle to change and let another person into their lives. They are both far from perfect, but they realize that, and have to work on themselves.

All that being said, there are some seriously steamy scenes. I think there is really something to be said about having characters that are a bit older, more mature, and comfortable in their own skin. It's sexy as all get out.

Overall, I really liked this book. I would totally recommend it to my romance-reading friends. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, as well.

I adored this book. This is a second chance love story between two people who were married and divorced (not due to cheating, due to life things and not understanding themselves and their relationship, which felt so super real) who become roommates because NYC is expensive and it was just so GOOD. I loved watching Simon and Lana figure out who they each were now and that their feelings weren't just nostalgia, that they were real and true and they were good together like they were now, who they'd become not who they expected they'd be. I adored the very realistic family concerns and the way the figured out how to negotiate their new dreams and build a life together felt so good and so right. I just really, really, enjoyed it and is a perfect addition to the series.

House Rules is the third book in Ruby Lang's Uptown series, and can be read as a standalone for new readers. It follows Simon Mizrahi and Lana Kai, a couple whose marriage fell apart 17 years ago when they discovered they wanted different things. Now, Lana returns to New York City to take a job as a chef, and finds herself struggling to cover the cost of rent on her own. After ruling out other options, she reaches out to Simon. The two move in and soon sparks are flying.

Quiet is the word that comes to mind when I think of this romance–the hero and heroine feel like real people, who hurt each other in the past, and are trying to protect their hearts now. There isn't a big dramatic conflict other than the very real fact that they might still be wrong for each other, that even though they've changed things still might not work. In particular, I really loved how Lang explored Simon's passion for his music and Lana's history with leaving music behind to pursue work that made her truly happy. I also loved the blend of things that felt both new and familiar for a couple that once knew each other so well.

This is the first book I've read by Lang, but with endearing characters, a heartfelt romance, and a story firmly grounded in the real ups-and-downs of a relationship, I can easily see myself reading the other books in this series. There is also a very cute and temperamental cat, which is always a bonus.

I'd recommend this to contemporary romance fans, particularly those looking for older couples (both are in their 40s here) and those who love second chance stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book in the series and it can be read as a stand-alone.

What I enjoyed: older couple were authentic, Jewish rep in a neutral light (meaning, it wasn’t underscored with a political motive), and no excessive drama.

What I didn’t enjoy: maybe the H/H could have talked more to each other, but then what conflict would remain?

I received an E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are all my own.
It had been seventeen years ago that due to different dreams Simon Mizrahi and Lana Kai drifted apart and divorced. But when Lana moves back to Manhattan to take a job as a noodle chief, her apartment search puts her right in her ex-husband’s path. Simon, who is a music teacher. He is also hunting for a new place to live, and when Lana proposes they be platonic roommates, Simon hesitantly agrees, not only due to the under current of attraction Simon still feels around Lana, but also to the different people they both have become.
They both agree to a four months trial period of living together with strict boundaries. But what can you do when living together reignites those passions from the past? What will they find at the end of the trial period: A love that will last this time or just passion and longing for the past?
First of all, I will say I finished this book in less than one day. The author starts the book up will a great meet cute between Simon and Lana. The book is fast paced and the story line is not overly complex or deep. I enjoyed the glimpses into their shared past throughout the book, which helped the reader understand the difficulties Simon and Lana were facing as they fought their mutual attraction for one another. The reader could tell they still cared deeply for one another even after all the years that had gone by. While the reader did not go on the self discovery journey with Lana, the reader was shown the comparison throughout the book by the characters often making references to their shared past. I thought the chemistry between the characters was good, but it lacked communication. I believe Simon really did not grow or change as a person until Lana re entered his life and he risked losing her a second time. Simon had a great belief in people, which drove him not to really consider the reality of that person nor their desires they had for the life they wanted to live. I think the author did a great job of creating characters readers can relate to. While many times, throughout the book, Lana made reference to her change in attitude towards music and she told the other characters about her issues and feeling she had, she never really shared them with Simon, who is the one person she needed to tell. I liked the ending of the book very much. The other characters of the story were not really flushed out as much as I would have liked. Also I would have liked the two main characters to have some decent conversations about what went wrong in their relationship the first time. Overall, I liked this book. It left me wanting to read more by this author. I would recommend this book to those who love second chance romances.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for sending me an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I was a little hesitant going into House Rules by Ruby Lang after finding out it was the third novella in a series, but if there was some tie in, it didn't change the experience.

After reading a few other stories about established couples finding their way back to each other, some feeling more genuine and realistic than others, House Rules was a breath of fresh air. It didn't lean heavily into conflict, both characters had their own lives and their own priorities. They had to figure out how to be together, if that is what they both wanted.

Simon stumbles upon Lana while apartment shopping, feeling as he had seen a ghost, the ghost of his ex-wife, he panics until she's there standing before him in the flesh just as stunned to see him. There's chemistry, even if it's understated, you can feel it. There's also a familiarity with the characters that I have seen others attempt and fail, only telling you stories and not allowing you to feel the impact of those memories between the characters.

New York real estate being what it is, Lana finds a deal of an apartment, but needs a roommate. After trading contact info with Simon she calls him up and they reluctantly rent the place together. With the dual perspective you see each characters life apart and get a real feel for who they are and how they would fit together. Why they want to be together. There's that familiarity and comfort that is hidden under years and layers of pain. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but for their takes you totally root for the relationship.

It's a novella, but still a fully fleshed out story giving you a glimpse into Simon and Lana's life. Without a doubt I'm going to be checking out the rest of Ruby Lang's titles.

I always adore Ruby Lang's diverse romances, and I particularly adore this lovers to enemies to lovers story for its older characters, something I feel like I haven't seen enough of in romance. The music aspect was also a delight. Looking forward to more Ruby Lang stories!