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Cara Malone
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The Rules of Love: A Lesbian Romance Novel (The Rulebooks Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Cara Malone (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 379 ratings
Max Saddler has never been in love—but she’s studied it like it’s her thesis.

At 23, she’s starting grad school with a laser focus on academics and zero interest in messy emotions. Love, after all, is unpredictable—and Max prefers rules, structure, and solitude. Her autism makes social situations hard enough. Dating? No, thank you.

Then Ruby Satterwhite crashes into her life like a glitter bomb.

Beautiful, extroverted, and intimidatingly popular, Ruby is everything Max isn’t—and everything she can’t stop thinking about. The two are oil and water from the start… until a group project forces them into proximity, and something unexpected starts to flicker between them. Max knows the theories. She’s read the research. But when it comes to love, the rules are about to change.

Can a girl who lives by logic win the heart of a girl who runs on chaos? Or will Max’s first try at love be her first big heartbreak?
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Rulebooks
  2. Print length
    308 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 29, 2017
  6. File size
    1.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love the two main characters with all my heart... I rooted for them the entire way through. A unique and delightful love story."
- 2017 Rainbow Awards judges panel


"Once I started reading, I quickly became invested in the characters and couldn't put the book down. If you're looking for a quick, sweet, romantic read, this is a perfect choice."
- Amy Herman-Pall, The Lesbian Review


"At the thirty percent mark, I was 100% percent invested and completely unsure how Malone was going to get these two ladies to the happily ever after moment. All I could think was damn, we have major mountains to climb to get to true love. Never fear, our author gets us where we need to be in the most unexpected but adorable way."
- Tiff, The Romantic Reader Blog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B072F173FC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lisbon Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 29, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Rulebooks
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 379 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Cara Malone

Cara Malone

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Hi, I'm Cara.

I write lesbian fiction with drama, depth and plenty of heat, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series, romantic suspense Fox County series, and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Beginning of Everything.

My books are for you if you're a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren't afraid to also be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your love stories.

I also really love to talk to my readers, so don't be shy! You can contact me on Twitter or Facebook @CaraMaloneBooks

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
379 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, with life-like characters and a unique storyline. Moreover, they describe it as a fun and sweet read, with one customer particularly appreciating the setting. Additionally, customers consider it a good series starter.

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Character developmentRomanceReadabilityWriting qualitySweetnessEnjoyment
17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them life-like, with one customer noting how well Max's character is fleshed out.

"...The interaction between the characters was beautiful, despite the rough start they had...." Read more

"...by this story and I’m very impressed with the storyline and the characters. Well done and I highly recommend it." Read more

"Beautifully written story. Love the interactions of the main characters even if things start out a bit rocky, as this was the case with Ruby and Max...." Read more

"...It’s a very fascinating book and the characters were great. I recommend this book for all those who like people with disabilities and love" Read more

16 customers mention "Romance"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a beautiful love story with a unique storyline, and one customer mentions the obstacles in the pursuit of love.

"...and any book by Cara Malone to everyone and anyone who enjoys romance and love stories that include real issues we deal with in life...." Read more

"...Felt very realistic in the struggles, difficulties & obstacles in the pursuit of love." Read more

"...It's hard to find a decent lesbian love story and this is a good one. :)" Read more

"...I quickly became absorbed by this story and I’m very impressed with the storyline and the characters. Well done and I highly recommend it." Read more

13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, particularly noting it as a good series starter.

"...This is the first book in a series and when I'm finished I'm going to buy the next one and dig in...." Read more

"...Ms. Malone's books just keep getting better. Thank you for a really good book!" Read more

"...I highly recommend this series really good read." Read more

"...Overall a good read." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and beautifully told, with one customer noting it held their attention throughout.

"...I was immediately hooked after reading the first paragraph. The interaction between the characters was beautiful, despite the rough start they had...." Read more

"...on the typical girl-meets-girl narrative with characters that were easy to like, appreciate & relate...." Read more

"...Well done and I highly recommend it." Read more

"Beautifully written story. Love the interactions of the main characters even if things start out a bit rocky, as this was the case with Ruby and Max...." Read more

4 customers mention "Sweetness"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one customer particularly appreciating the beautiful setting.

"...Ruby is also running for the job. Ruby is beautiful and outgoing and likeable...." Read more

"I had gone looking for new f/f books, so glad I found this one. I adore the setting, characters and can't wait to see what is next...." Read more

"...Ruby was also very sweet. Very good character development and the supporting characters were also very well done!" Read more

"Not the best book as far as style or plot ... but the sweetest book...." Read more

3 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read.

"This book was such an enjoyable read. What a journey for Max and Ruby...." Read more

"What a delightful story! This was a very sweet story and enjoyed it very much...." Read more

"This was a fun read. First book in a while that I didn’t want to put down until finished...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Tasha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Love Story....
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Cara Malone has done it again, in this beautiful love story with some emotional turmoil for both Max and Ruby. She has written characters who can be easily related to by anyone. She tackles real issues some individuals face daily, that we don’t think about. As I was reading their story, I hadn’t thought much about social anxiety and how that not only affects someone in the broadness of general social interactions. But, that it could affect someone in the romantic setting. Cara allows us as readers to get to know and understand Maxine (Max) on a deeper level due to her Asperger syndrome. We also get a glimpse into the emotional state of Ruby and her recent relationship and how that has affected her. I was unsure of how Cara would get these two ladies together in the end. Will love prevail?
    When reading about the locations in Illinois, you automatically think of Chicago. Cara did a wonderful job describing Granville State University area, the area that it is located in. Granville State University is a five-story brick cube building that was the library. She describes the layout of the floors and how the first three are dedicated to books, and that the top two floors are the library science department. Granville is described as a large town, however the area around the college is a bit quaint. Granville is located between Easton and Chicago. There wasn’t much description of Northwestern where Ruby attended college. She gave us a bit of insight into the things that she did, such as the sorority and spending her time with her ex-girlfriend Megan.
    Max is a grad student at GSU getting two degrees. She has Asperger syndrome and has some difficulty with social situations. She promises her friend Mira that she will run for GLiSS president, so that she can try to be more social. While she was sitting in the meeting waiting for it to start, she noticed a large group and at the center was a beautiful goddess. Max was hesitant to go speak to her. Unbeknownst to Max, Ruby noticed her from across the room. Ruby was a social butterfly, who noticed the soft-butch with the striking blue eyes. She is drawn to Max immediately and can’t understand why. It seems that they will be opponents in the race for GLiSS president and somehow their first interaction is less than ideal. What happens when a social butterfly meets intelligent girl with social anxiety?
    I would say that the overall this book would show us how not to judge a book by its cover. We all have layers that we hide from people. We should show these layers to them so that they can truly get to know us. Sometimes the parts of us that we hide are our best qualities. Max not telling Ruby about her Asperger, was a critical think that could have caused her to lose Ruby.
    I would recommend this book and any book by Cara Malone to everyone and anyone who enjoys romance and love stories that include real issues we deal with in life. I was immediately hooked after reading the first paragraph. The interaction between the characters was beautiful, despite the rough start they had. I thought the pace of the story and love between Max and Ruby was perfect. It was told beautifully and with such sensitivity to Max and Ruby’s emotional state at the time that they met. I am truly looking forward to a continuation of this beautiful young blossoming love story.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jen Bunny Bear
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good beginning for a high potential series
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Most of all, it was a sense of relief that she’d waited twenty-three years to experience. For the first time in her life, Max didn’t need to analyze every expression on Ruby’s face or question the intent of each of her words. She didn’t need her notes on the rules of love or the human experience.”

    “It was ironic that her whole life had revolved around imitating the emotional spectrum of others, and now that she needed her stoicism the most, it was a struggle to find.”
    • ~ • ~ • ~ •

    The storyline was a uniquely different take on the typical girl-meets-girl narrative with characters that were easy to like, appreciate & relate.

    I loved following the journey of Ruby & Max & the beginning of their relationship together!!! Felt very realistic in the struggles, difficulties & obstacles in the pursuit of love.
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  • elib
    5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic love story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love isn't always easy which Max and Ruby find out. Ruby is getting over a breakup with her high school sweetheart and Max has never been with anyone. Max has Asperger's which adds a new depth to a character who is a virgin experiencing first time love. The sex scenes between the two are pretty steamy so if that's not something yo care to read then pass on this. It's very realistic love scenes which are very erotic. This is the first book in a series and when I'm finished I'm going to buy the next one and dig in. It's hard to find a decent lesbian love story and this is a good one. :)
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  • Loek
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It’s over and it really hurts. Ruby struggles with a breakup but after her move to Granville, she wanted to push all of that out of her mind and was eager to jump into her study. Max is an unique complicated and exceptional woman. Communication is her biggest challenge and she knows nothing about love and relationships. Her focus is only on getting dual degrees. When they meet, they found themselves immediately drawn to each other. At first Ruby finds Max’s behaviour hard to understand and very confusing. She couldn’t work out why Max is behaving like this. Difficulties ensued and a relationship is almost impossible. I quickly became absorbed by this story and I’m very impressed with the storyline and the characters. Well done and I highly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • DR
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lust is not a good way to start a relationship but there's a happy ending
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was intrigued to read another story with a character on the autistic spectrum; Asperger's. Max's detail in observing others, and taking notes of what she saw, made me smile. Ruby being emotionally entangled still with Megan was troubling. The texts being seen by Max was an 'oh my goodness'. The one detail I found troubling was the sorority Ruby & Megan belonged. Was it Delta Zeta or Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA). Megan referred to the members of the sorority as Zetas. So, as a 'sister' of the AKA sorority, from an African-American university, where did the author glean the research for her characters sorority?
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  • goofy22
    5.0 out of 5 stars Breath of fresh air
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Beautifully written story. Love the interactions of the main characters even if things start out a bit rocky, as this was the case with Ruby and Max. Did things move too quickly? Nope. Ruby trying to find herself post break-up and Max also struggling to find a place in the world.
    As to Max having Asperger’s, while it’s a part of her and always will be; I feel this is secondary to how she navigates with college, a new relationship, and everything else in between. Don’t want to give anything away so read the book. It’s well worth it.
    Found the book to be a breath of fresh air and I look forward to other books in the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Michael James Wells
    5.0 out of 5 stars One night love
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a great book about people with disabilities. Max is autistic and then graduate school with a double major. Ruby comes to the graduate school and their first meeting is not good dealing with people and being a friend. The plot is about their love that blooms from a one night stand even though they seem to be opposite personalities. It’s a very fascinating book and the characters were great. I recommend this book for all those who like people with disabilities and love
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Noni Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 11, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed it
    Report
  • Charlotte McClellan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 5, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book fits comfortably within the lesbian romance genre. What sets it apart is the character of Max who is has not neuro-typical. The whole book is really well done. But Max really resonated for me and really sets this book apart.
    Report
  • Giovanna Medeiros
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great representation
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 17, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I was starving for autistic representation and I loved to see myself in Max's struggles with socialization and finding love. The world needs more books like that. I can barely wait to read the rest of the the Rulebook Series.
    Report
  • Sophie ❤️
    5.0 out of 5 stars Max is adorable, no wonder Ruby can't resist her....
    Reviewed in Australia on May 29, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was my first Cara Malone book and frankly she has won me over and I have signed up to her "fan club". This book just flows so well that you can't put it down. I know it sounds so cliched but it's true, I can hardly see as I write this I have been reading so long.

    Max is such a great character. If you know anyone with Aspergers then I think you could agree that Malone was spot on with this character. I got swept up with her as she negotiated her first feelings of attraction for Ruby. I'm sure we can all relate to our first " love affair" whether it be the beginning or the end of it, emotions running hot and cold.

    The pros of this romance is that it's well written, sexy, amusing, well paced and just a little different.

    The cons are that I don't have anything, it's just good. No wait, one, I'm going to have to drop another author off my top five and put Cara Malone on it.

    The Rules of Love are simple, grab love by two hands and hang on, it's worth it. Five stars all the way!
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  • Kindle-Kunde
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love with Aspergers
    Reviewed in Germany on October 5, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As an Aspie myself i found this book fascinating, well worth the read.
    Looking forward to reading Part 2 now.
    Report

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