Such a great rom-com in the spirit of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” - kind of - if it were a podcast. Two besties have reached influencer status with rules to protect their hearts and keep the dating field level. Until one of them breaks all their rules and falls in love.

Margo and Josephine (Go and Jo) are off to Catalina island for two weeks to plan and host Jo’s wedding, while Go doubles down on the rules, and her feelings on an old high school class clown / nemesis. We all know how this is going to end, but it is such a fun trip watching it all unfold.

The dialog and banter are fantastic. I was reading this on a plane and was so caught up, I was laughing out loud and my face was showing all the emotions. My seat mate actually said, “must be a good book!” It is!

The characters are well-developed and layered giving the reader something to root for. The story also does a nice job of talking through image and reputation - does it matter?

This is a great debut and will fit right in with other rom-com favs from authors like Emily Henry or Sarah Adams.

Okay, wow! Was this really a debut?
Margo's career revolved around being perpetually single, but when her best friend gets married--the best man changes everything.

It's a big pet peeve of mine when authors force their readers to "relate" to a book--When there's no many millennial references or those things that make you say "aha that's me!" I find it annoying. Kristyn Miller found the PERFECT balance. (Loved the two GoT references) The book had just enough pop culture references for the readers to feel connected, hey not be forced to be connected. Does that make sense? Lol.

This is the absolute best beach/vacation read. It gave me ALL the feels--kayaking, zip lining, hiking...yes please. (Excuse me while I google Catalina island vacations)

Also just when I thought the epilogue would end in a basic eye roll moment just like every other romance epilogue EVER...it didn't!!!!!!!! And for that reason, I bumped my 4.5 star rating up to a 5.

I can't wait to read more from this author.

Yet another book I have mixed feelings about. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was even going to finish the book, but I'm glad I pushed through because the last few chapters redeemed the book for me. I had a hard time with this one because I just really did not like Margo at all. She was selfish, immature and seemed a little jaded and I realize that a lot of that came from her insecurities, but it made it really hard to root for her. I really felt like Declan was WAY too good for her, he was just so sweet and a little innocent, I really loved his character. The general plot was ok. I initially wanted to read the book because I thought it would be fun to see how a woman determined to stay single (to the point of having a whole podcast dedicated to the subject) would handle falling in love. Turns out she doesn't handle it well at all, which I guess is to be expected. It was truly no surprise at all when I reached the climax of the story and Margo's betrayal. But honestly, the fallout afterwards was the best part of the book for me. There was a lot of growth for Margo's character and I was equally pleased with the way that she and Declan were eventually able to work through their issues. It felt very authetic.

Since kindergarten Margo has had her best friend Jocelyn to help her take on the world. Now in their twenties, and going by Jo and Go, the girls run a successful podcast: Seven Rules For Breaking Hearts. Their podcast is meant to empower women by giving them tools and advice to date on their own terms, and hold all the cards in relationships. Then Go's world is turned upside down when Jo announces her engagement. As followers begin claiming the girls are hypocrites and fakes, and sponsors begin withdrawing their support from the podcast, Go scrambles to find the balance between supporting Jo on her big day, and saving their flailing business. Enter Declan, the best man at the wedding, and Go's high school bully. Go thinks maybe a summer fling with him could give her content for their next season. But as Go soon learns, nothing ever works out the way you plan.

This book was a delicious pile of tropes. Enemies to lovers. Close proximity. Misunderstandings. Long harbored crushes. Best Man/Maid of Honor.

I felt for Go throughout the book. She was really trying to save her podcast, support her best friend, and find herself. The only thing I did not like was how Go handled the actual wedding day. Jo deserved better than dealing with her best friend mid meltdown.

Declan was a cutie. He was the breath of fresh air and new perspective that Go needed to help her take a step back and reevaluate her life.

This was a quick and fun read. Definitely recommend when you need a pallet cleanser. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC.

Thank you netgalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Margo Anderson and her best friend Jo runs a viral podcast focusing on empowering single women being happy and on seven rules for hooking up without having to worry about it turning into something bigger, like a relationship. However, when Jo surprises everyone by announcing that she is getting married on Catalina Island (all expenses paid by their sponsors), the future of the podcast and the trust of their listeners is on the line.

Margo finds Declan as annoying as she remembers him to be— she also finds him better looking. Margo has absolutely no interest in being in a relationship, she practically avoids commitment like the plague. Declan Walsh, her high old high school nemesis, on the other hand has absolutely no interest in one night stands. But when she’s the maid of honor, and he’s the best man; they have no choice but to spend time together. Struggling to find content for the final season of their podcast, Margo comes up with a plan: breaking the rules and documenting the process— and who better than Declan (someone who she will definitely not fall for) to use for the experiment. The more time they spend together, the more Margo enjoys getting to know him, the more she enjoys breaking the rules. But when your entire life is on the internet, it’s hard to keep a secret.

First of all, this book is definitely one of of the best debut novels I’ve read. It was such a beautiful romcom with classic romance tropes executed perfectly. This book felt like watching a good old 2000s romcom. Every character had some sort of dimension to them and I felt like I was part of their friend group while reading. Every relationship felt so real and they were all very different from each other. On that note I would very much like to read about Autumn and Lucas, because I feel like there was something going on there. It was very easy to get attached to the main characters. The more I read, the more I understood Margo. Behind the walls she’s set up to protect herself was a girl who’s heart been broken so badly because of her parent’s divorce that she promised herself that she wouldn’t give anyone the opportunity to break her heart ever again— by pushing everyone away. Declan helped her break these walls and Margo found that these rules she’d been using to avoid anything resembling a romantic feeling had been doing nothing but sabotaging herself. She learned her lesson the hard way but it was necessary. Declan was such a perfect character that it was impossible not to fall for him. He was the one character that prioritized Margo’s needs in the first place— the one character Margo let in. Margo had a habit of putting everyone else’s needs and satisfaction first, Declan saw through that and helped her do something for herself for a change. As much as she believed she would never fall for Declan, Margo found herself being truly happy next to Declan and she fell hard.

If you love classic romcoms and lots of banter this is your book. I think I can talk about this book forever but the following part will contain spoilers.

Before getting into the major spoilers I want to point out how cute it was when Margo set her mom up with her mom’s crush and how they ended up together too. Declan really helped Margo believe in true love again and that was so precious.
I was really surprised when Shelley, the bartender, turned out to be who leaked Margo’s messages and patreon posts. Honestly, I should’ve seen it coming after the first time Shelley got Margo’s phone but I wanted to love her character after that one chapter and it hurt when she turned out to be te thief. I knew the truth would come out, but it still hurt when Declan left Margo at the wedding night without hearing her out. What was even sadder was that as sad and broken Margo was, she spent the following chapters blaming herself and accepting everything and she was lost in this self-hatred phase and I was so attached to her that I’m pretty sure I spent the Declan leaving Margo scene crying. The scene where Jo confronted Margo about her actions and calling her out on her trust issues also completely wrecked me. That scene felt so real because you could feel how both characters felt. Margo laid everything on Jo on her wedding day, so her reaction was expected but she went a bit too far calling Margo on her trust issues which she immediately realized and apologized for. However, she was right and I think that was the moment Margo truly realized everything. Jo’s speech and everything she went through with Declan made her break her rules and walls and she finally learned to live for herself. She learned to live her life freely and she learned that she deserved happiness and her view on love was restored. I think the last scene was my favorite. Declan showing up with the flowers, them talking and setting boundaries, Declan’s sister helping Margo with her new podcast was all so beautiful. I loved how the epilogue didn’t cut to a random proposal scene because the way it ended was so on character, raw and honest. I stayed up till 2.30 am for this book and you now that empty feeling when you finish a book? That’s exactly what happened. This book was absolutely perfect. I need more of them.

Great look behind-the-scenes of the (always growing) world of internet quasi-celebrity status that influencers, podcasts, and others have been experiencing over the past decade. Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts takes some romance standards (enemies-to-lovers, trapped on vacation, fling vs. real world) and gives them updated twists that makes the story feel new. Plus, gingers need more love! Definitely give 7R4BH a try!

Such a cute enemies-turned-lovers skeptic-turned-believer read! I really enjoyed the details given about the characters and getting to follow their growth! I loved the podcast inserts and how they perfectly related to the story. The little twists towards the later part of the book were good too!

This was a fun read. I thought the pacing was well done. I was a little annoyed with Margo at first but she grew throughout the book which I appreciated. This would be ideal if you are looking for a beach read. There are a lot of pop culture references, so just be aware if that is something you don’t enjoy in books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely a 3.5 star read for me, (really wish I could add half stars lol). This one features Margo, our FMC who runs a podcast with her BFF on how to stay single, which is going off the rails online because Jo (the co host and best friend) is getting married. The internet is doing what it does, feeling jaded and betrayed due to the engagement, and Margo is trying to deal with the blow back coming up with a plan involving the best man and her former high school enemy Declan Walsh. What Margo doesn't know is just how much she may end up feeling for Declan.

Overall the read was fast paced and easy to get through, the main thing that brought it down for me was the fact that sometimes Margo went from being cynical to being a flat out jerk and the miscommunication between the love interests due to Margos ill intentions at the beginning.

3.5 Stars

This book was a super fun read for me. Although I didn't feel enraptured by the story the entire time, It had a decent pace and never felt boring. Margo as a character was super interesting to read about; she was witty, fierce, and bold. As a character, she jumped off of the page and into my heart. And the banter between her and declan was exquisite.

I'm hesitant to go into books that have a large emphasis on social media, because if it isn't realistic it cane ruin the book for me, but Miller absolutely nailed it. I felt like I was just talking casually with my friend, in the best way.

I do wish there was a little more depth in the writing. I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters and their struggles, although I understand that that is not the goal of every book, and may be purposeful here. My only other problem with this bok falls at the end. I feel as though the length of time it took to resolve the conflict dragged on, and was not particularly realistic. Once it was solved, I was a little underwhelmed.

3.5 stars

this was a very easy read, it flowed nicely and was well paced. it wasn't anything groundbreaking for me nor do i think i would reread it but i would recommend if you're looking for a easy beach read/rom com!

thank you to netgalley for the arc

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
By: Kristyn J. Miller
Review Score: 4 Stars

Five Key Feels
-I love Margo and Jo’s friendship.

-The podcast they run sounds hilarious, but I can also see needing to mix it up.

-The evolution of Margo and Declan’s relationship was so fun to watch unfold.

-I enjoyed seeing Margo try and work though her own feelings about relationships, but I would have loved a dual point of view from Jo as well.

-The ending of this book was very sweet.

———

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: 5/16/23

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts was such a fun book. I loved learning about Margo and Jo’s podcast, and how they used their jobs as influencers for Jo’s wedding.

I also loved Margo’s evolution. It was fun to learn why she felt the way she did, and how that evolved both in her friendship with Jo and her relationship with Declan.

This was a fun book was a fun setting, and I liked all the twists and turns of the story.


#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #sevenrulesforbreakinghearts #kristynjmiller #stmartinspress

A quick fun read! A romcom novel that has all the best things: witty flirting, enemies to lovers, and a man described as a modern day Jamie Fraser.

I was in the mood for a cute, fun, light read and boy did this one fit the bill!

Swipe for synopsis 👉🏼

I was feeling all those palm tree vibes with this one. I felt for Margo she had a hard time with change and figuring where she fit in the changes. Was it a bit predictable and convenient at times? Yes, but it was cute and light and exactly what I needed at the time!

Read this book if you like:
•Not so perfect vacations
•Friends to Lovers
•Self Discovery
•changing friendships
•A sweet and light read!

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advance copy!

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts is available May 16, 2023!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute enemies to lovers trope with the added bonus of the MC swearing off true love and relationships. Definitely a cute beach/summer read that is both entertaining and a escape. I knocked off a star because although I liked the podcast angle, I didn't really feel like the two BFF's had a healthy friendship.

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts was a cute and easy read, The characters were relatable, and the plot of the story was engaging and easy to follow. Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced e-copy!

"Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts' has a red headed male lead character! I want to shout it from the rooftops!!!! Declan Walsh is the star of this book, and I wish that I could have read something from his point of view. I'm partial to red haired men because my husband is a red head, and I feel like red haired men are always seen as creepy or weird. Declan was none of those things, and I'm here for it.

Margo and her best friend, Jo, have a podcast called "Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts' where they discuss seven rules to live by, if you don't want to be dating or attached to anyone. The rules are meant to be a guide to living the single life, but all of that changes when Jo announces her engagement. Now, Jo and Margo are faced with how to continue their podcast about being single when one of them isn't single anymore.

Margo goes to a beautiful resort for two weeks to help Jo get ready for her wedding. While they are there, she is forced to spend time with her high school nemesis, Declan Declan is the best man in the wedding while Margo is the maid of honor. As they spend time together, Margo comes up with a plan- she will break all of her dating rules as an experiment for their podcast. She will use Declan for the experiment.

I loved the chemistry between Margo and Declan, and I enjoyed her friendship with Jo. There were parts of the story that I didn't like. I didn't like Margo's heavy focus on podcasting, especially when she should have been focused on Jo's wedding. I wanted her to be a better friend to Jo, and I wanted her to be honest with all of the other characters.

Because of the strength of Declan's character, I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. I think the book could benefit from hearing Declan's point of view so we could see another side of Margo's character. To be honest, I wanted to know what he saw in her because at some points, her strengths were unclear.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book. I definitely recommend it! Add it to your beach bag right now and get ready for a fun romance with some steaminess and some heart!

Thank you to a NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I want to start out by saying I think the writing was good and I did enjoy the theme of the book. The biggest problem I had was with Margo just not being fleshed out. She came off incredibly selfish, and she really never got better to me. Also there were a lot of random unnecessary characters that I can't understand why they were in the story.

This just wasn't for me but I was not bored so I still finished it.

Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts was a delightful rom com that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun read with a swoon worthy love interest!

Go (Margo) and Jo are podcast hosts that talk all about being single and not catching feelings. When Jo decides to get married, Margo is thrown off her game and feeling resentful as the wedding vacation begins. Her high school nemesis, Declan, just happens to be the best man in the wedding. As they get to know one another, she realizes that her original assumptions about him may have been off base.

I thought the podcast angle was fun, but was glad that the book was more focused on Margo developing feelings for a man for the first time in her life. Her personal growth throughout the book was interesting to watch, and I was really rooting for her and Declan after a major misunderstanding threatened to derail them. I adored Declan, a study of opposites with his nerdy side and his take charge side. Their chemistry was on fire and I loved the moments focused on this pair!

This is a well written debut novel that I read in a day. Compulsively readable, entertaining, and will be a perfect beach read with its May release date!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Griffin for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book: Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Margot, the host of a podcast with her friend Jo about living the single life by following seven rules to keep yourself from catching feelings, is at a weird place in her life. Following a whirlwind romance, Jo is getting married. As the podcast winds down, Margot decides to try breaking her rules with the best man, Declan.

First of all, Declan is now the love of my life. He is SO CUTE. I absolutely fell in love with how sweet and genuine he is and the banter between him and Margot was fun.

Margot was a character I really resonated with. She was hurt from seeing failed relationships growing up and her rules were to protect herself until she realized it was just making her unhappy.