Cover Image: The Rules of Forever

The Rules of Forever

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Member Reviews

My first Campbell book (I believe this is her debut) and definitely won't be the last. I had a blast.

This was a captivating read that kept me engaged throughout. Campbell's writing was on point and flowed so smoothly and the characters, especially the MCs, are very easy to like despite feeling frustrated with them at times, I was impressed with how well the story was paced; there was enough angst and lots of chemistry.

Looking forward to more books from this author.

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An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I had to DNF this book 35% through. I immediately did not connect with the characters, and what I did see that I liked was too minimal to matter. The constant same issues being brought up, just to have the other character say the exact same thing and so forth made me unable to continue.

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It amazes me that this is a debut book. The story was so well written and the characters were so rich and communicative. I enjoyed their conversations, banter, flirting, pining, discussions, struggles,.. the story really sucked me in.

I will be looking out for more written by this author.

An aRC was provided to me via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

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Nan Campbell.... New author to keep an out for!

Slow burn, little angst, characters with chemistry and spark, and a good storyline.

Looking forward to reading future releases.

4 out 5

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(4.5 stars)
I love a slow burn romance and Nan Campbell’s debut was right up my street.
Cara is a school teacher whose primary concern is paying off her debts whilst she is still young and Lauren comes from wealth but has had her heart broken too many times. The two women reconnect at their school reunion and despite their instant spark they agree to keep their relationship casual.
I was totally pulled into their individual struggles when it comes to dating and how their insecurities have left them vulnerable. The attraction between them really came off of the page but this book carries a lot of longing whilst they’re apart from one another, which is a different tone of voice to a lot of sapphic romances I have read. I enjoyed the way Campbell interweaved the character’s into one another's world; it felt like the genuine transition from attraction to real emotion. There was a little bit of a slowdown in the pace half way through which for me tied into their relationship evolution making it overall a gorgeous debut.

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This book took me longer to read than I realized it would. There were just times when I felt like it dragged and at first the characters didn’t resonate with me at all. As the story went on though I did begin to like them more. I always love a good sapphic romance so I’m glad I picked this up, but there was just something missing. I can’t place what it was because it wasn’t something huge, but it still left a little gap while I reading. Overall, I’d recommend this book if you love queer romances!

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Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a big surprise! I found this really, really fun and I had a great time. This was a fun mix of tropes that I find enjoyable. The fact that this is a debut is exciting and I look forward to reading more by Nan Campbell.

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I think this book is a debut and it’s exactly the kind of debut that makes me happy and hopeful. It’s smart and well-written and sure, it’s not flawless but I love that the author has room for growth. The premise is simple: at boarding school, teenage Cara Talarico had a massive crush on Lauren Havemayer. She hasn’t thought much about her in the ten years since they graduated but when she finds herself in Lauren’s car after their high school reunion, the attraction is still there too.

There’s a lot of longing in this book – even though both women acknowledge the mutual attraction rather quickly – and you know how much I love longing. Feelings have a way of getting involved even when it seems ill-advised and this book is a delicious illustration of that.

Nan Campbell created two women reluctant, for very different reasons, to enter into a relationship that goes beyond friends with benefits: Cara wants to be loan-free when she gets to that part of her life; Lauren believes she’s not made for serious relationships after she got burnt by her ex’s betrayal. The conflict is much deeper, however. Lauren’s family is extraordinarily wealthy and while she’s considerate and caring, she’s not always aware of how privileged she is. Cara, on the other hand, received free tuition for boarding school thanks to her mom being an employee there. As she gets to know Lauren as an adult, and not as the girl she crushed on, she realises that their experience of school, as a boarder and as a day student, were wildly contrasting. As are their outlook on life at twenty-eight, with Lauren working her dream job at the Met and Cara as a high school teacher in the Bronx. Not all is black and white however, not all is easily explained either, and the journey to understanding each other or, at least, respecting each other’s values and feelings was fascinating to witness. The author brings nuance to what could have been a basic rich girl/poor girl romance and despite it being a little repetitive, I enjoyed it very much.

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I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

High school reunions are full of surprises, whether it be your old crush or your old classmate you've never noticed and now can't keep your eyes off. And when your old crush still has an effect on you and now seems interested too, it's a recipe for something else.

The chemistry is strong between these two characters, but will it be enough to overcome old wounds and pre-established rules?

A great book with strong lead characters, filled with romance, tenderness and the adaptation love requires

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Social and economic difference to the max. Cara Talarico, public school teacher in a challenging school district with a hefty student loan debt weighing on her. Cara is determine to clear her debt so she can get on with her life and settle down with in the luxury of romance. Lauren Havemayer, art expert, especially women's art and artists. Her family has provided her with financial opportunities that could get a small country out of debt. Cara and Lauren went to the same high school and as you can imagine, under very different financial situations. Cara, scholarship (because her mother worked there) and went home after school and activities everyday while Lauren fully paid for and she resided on campus.

Having just returned from Europe and dealing with a devastating heartbreak, she is encouraged to attend the 10 year high school reunion where she sees and connects with Cara. As the read unfolds, the issue of money is central and they try and work around it. Cara's mother, Laura's father and brother Preston appear to be nice and supportive as well as their friends. The introduction of the aunts was an interesting and nice touch although that situation felt unfinished. An interesting read that had me thinking about class.

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Public school teacher Cara Talarico is determined to pay off her student loans by the time she turns thirty-five and has sworn off everything fun to make it happen—including dating. Attending her high school reunion definitely ranks in the not-fun category. The last thing she expects is to reconnect with Lauren Havemayer, her unrequited crush from ten years ago.
Love, Life, trust, relationships and art go a long way to make this book what it is. I did feel like this book was too long and got dreary in places with a lot of knowledge that could have been skipped, to make it more enjoyable. The second half of this book was more enjoyable then the first half, and the ending was much better. But saying that i still think alot of readers would enjoyed this book, especially if they enjoy slow burn romances.

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I needed this book. I won’t say I have been in a slump, but it’s been awhile since I really liked and related to the main characters. Nan Campbell’s debut book gives us two complex, well developed women. In a terrific balance of romantic chemistry, angst, and humor. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.

Cara Talarico is a NYC public school teacher with one goal, to pay off her student loans. Only then can she really start living her life, but a return to her old private school for a 10 year reunion has her reconnecting with her old unrequited crush.

Lauren Havermayer was the high school golden girl, and barely knew Cara existed but she sure does now. It’s too bad Lauren gave up on the concept of love a long time ago. When they share love isn’t in either of their short term plans, a simple set of rules has them embarking on a friends with benefits relationship- no feelings allowed. But rules only work when they are followed.

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Nan Campbell

The Rules of Forever

Bold Strokes Books

NetGalley

Arc

This was a very well written novel. I really enjoyed the story. I lived in New York for 10 years and I do miss it. The author did an amazing job sharing the ups and downs  of being a teacher and looking back on decisions we made when we were young.



Cara was a wonderful teacher who had a plan to pay off her student loans and have the life she always wanted. Thanks to a class reunion, she has a second chance with her high school crush .



Lauren is back in New York after living out of the country for some time, and feels a bit out of sorts. She has scars from her ex who hurt her and she has never trusted anyone ever since.



This story is about two people who come together as a short-term hook up and their love for one another will not let them win out in the end. This is a sweet story about love and acceptance.



I would like to thank Bold Strokes Book and NetGalley for the arc. I highly recommend by this book 4 stars.

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It’s been ten years since Lauren Havemayer has even thought about her about ‘Perry Bidwell’ the private all girls school she attended. Now she’s back in the states after spending the time since graduating studying for her career dream. It’s at this time she received an invitation to the ‘Perry Bidwell’ class reunion. It’s been a while but this might reintroduce her to her friends again.
Cara Talarico also attended ‘Perry Bidwell’. She had graduated with the same class as Lauren. She was a day student who was able to attend because her mother was employed by the school. She finished her education but now like many others she was trying to pay off her student loans. She also had a huge crush on Lauren, even though she knew Lauren didn’t know who she was.
Ms Campbell has given us a great entertaining read. Very, very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

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Loved the premise for this story, high school reunion with Cara having a full on crush on Lauren. There's instant chemistry between these two. Both characters are likeable. Really enjoyed this story, definitely worth a read.

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This is the first book I read by this author and I enjoyed it very much.

For starters, I love this trope and I wish it was written more. Second, I love the way this was written. I felt like the conversations between the characters was organic and flowed well. The financial difference between Cara and Lauren felt real and was obviously a big issue which is something that, to me, people really deal with some times. I loved the support from both of their families and friends, it’s always nice to see that.

Cara is a firecracker. I loved her confidence and her ability to speak what’s on her mind at all times. I personally never felt like she compromised her feelings and she put herself first. I also absolutely loved that she is Latina. Being Puerto Rican myself, I don’t see a lot of representation in books and this just elevated the story for me even more.

Lauren is the more reserved character. Much more closed off than Cara which make for a delicious opposites attract factor. Lauren has trust issues which is completely understandable given what she has gone through but sometimes I found myself wanting to shake her and tell her to open her eyes and see what’s in front of her.

I’m a big fan of rating the steam in a book and I give this one a nice 4 chili peppers.

*I received an advanced reader copy for free through Netgalley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

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This book revolves around Cara and Lauren. They both attended the same private high school, but were not part of each other's circle. Cara tried to get Lauren's attention by joining every group that Lauren was in, but to no avail.
Everything changes when they both go to their reunion. Cara still remembers Lauren, but Lauren does not remember her. However upon seeing Cara, Lauren wishes she remembered her. The two feel an instant connection and begin to get together frequently. No strings attached they agree to. Only that is until Cara starts having feelings for Lauren.
When she confesses her feelings and tells her she can no longer do the no strings attached bargain, Lauren is not happy and Cara tells her she cannot keep seeing her.
A back and forth between the women that will keep you intrigued.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this book. I thought the main characters had amazing chemistry from the start. It was lovely to see how open and honest they were with each other. I look forward to another book from this author. Well done, I recommend. 4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

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Cara and Lauren attended the same high school together and while Cara nursed a hidden crush on Lauren, the fact that Cara was a day boarder meant that they rarely occupied the same air space. Now that they’ve gone back to attend their 10 year reunion, Lauren definitely notices grown up Cara. 👀

This was such a fun story to read. Aside from The whole second chance arc, there’s also the rich girl / poor girl storyline and while you think you know where the narrative is heading you’ll be in for an interesting ride that seriously keeps the pages turning. I’ll admit to taking an “extended” lunch break when I was at the 70% mark because I just had to know, ya know? ☺️

I loved the banter - Cara’s goofiness juxtaposed to Lauren’s seriousness was just a delight and in case you were wondering the 🔥scenes between the two were 🥵. The open communication was such a breathe of fresh air, so well done and I loved Cara’s “tiny” obsession with tiles. Every aspect of this story fit so well and it was just pure joy to read.

This is an amazing debut for new author Nan Campbell and I can’t wait to read her next.

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Two complex characters decide to embark on a friends-with-benefits situation. What begins as fun and carefree quickly becomes complicated due to their individual circumstances. Although there was a lot to like in this novel (particularly the communication, the chemistry and the secondary characters), I did find it slightly repetitive at times. However, I really liked the story's resolution as it felt organic. Overall, a good debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from Nan Campbell.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Nan Campbell and Bold Strokes Books for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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