Customer Reviews

Against the Rules

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I'm writing this for the people that love Linda Howard, and want to buy her books online, but have no idea what the book is about. Although the other reviews for this book aren't that great, I thought it had a really sweet ending: At seventeen, Cathryn Ashe had fought Rule Jackson and lost. And then she had fled to the anonymity of the city. Now Cat was back, sure of herself and her newfound independence, and ready to challenge Rule like never before. And she would win-because now she was his boss and she held all the cards. But Rule had raised the stakes, and if she lost again the penalty would be high. This time Rule would take more than her innocence- he would take her pride, her future, her heart...; Cat inherited a ranch from her father, and Rule was the ranch manager. Cat, after being in the city for years, returns to find that everyone considers it Rule's ranch.

Rule Jackson may be as politically incorrect as they come, but he is a powerful and fascinating hero for this charming romance. Rule is the foreman of the ranch inherited by Cathryn Ashe when she was a teenager. Cathryn fled the ranch years earlier after she and Rule had a passionate encounter. Rule has been obsessed by the memory of their brief romance, and when Cathryn finally returns to the ranch as a young widow, he is determined to have her and won't take no for an answer. Like I said, totally politically incorrect, but Howard raises the emotional intensity to such scorching levels that all romance fans will find this a compelling read.

LH's earlier work, this story reminded me of how romance novels used to be written (without being too annoying, think Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, and etc). I noticed the mixed reviews here so keep in mind not everyones taste in romance novels are the same, just know that THIS book is NOT what LH's recent books are like, theres NO hardcore, killing, murders, robbery, CIA, FBI ,etc... nothing of that sort in this story. Dont be disappointed and write bad reviews expecting that... this book was written in 1983, purely fictional gooey 'romance' book. Know what you're getting into.

This is a short story about an alpha male named Rule who ends up falling for the daughter of his employer. After an romantic encounter with Rule when she, Cat, was 17 yrs old, she runs away to return years later, feeling more secure, centered, mature and confident since she IS the owner of the ranch... so she thinks. What happens after this is very sweet, theres no real twists and turns to this story, not that I was complaining. The ending was very endearing, it'll make you go awwwww.... you know that warm feeling you get when you've finished reading a sweet, sweet romance novel that makes your heart ache with happiness for fictional characters you've just read about, well this is one of those feel-good books. Its only about 250pgs long, pretty straight up , never dragged on IMHO, easily read'able after work before going to bed. Its going to be one of my fav's of all time. Worth every penny you spend on it.

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I noticed someone mentioning a spanking scene in this book and wanted to remark on it. When this takes place, Cat was 15 years old, throws a fit and smacks Rule( 11yrs older than Cat ) who was at the time boss at the ranch (her father had passed away). He had just told her she was too young to date a 18 years old guy. So she smacked him, so he spanked her, only time it ever happened. It did not sound abusive to me when I read it, but thats just my opinion.

I usually love Linda Howard, especially Dream Man and Kill And Tell. However, I thought this book was not developed very well and Rule was too chauvinistic and possessive.

I think that there were some aspects that could have been developed further; such as exploring the trauma that Rule had suffered in Vietnam. It has been my experience that when most men go through a war (particularly hand-to-hand combat) it affects them deeply.

However both protagonists seemed to handle their reactions and emotions in a realistic manner. Rule was strong, hardworking, determined, and a perfect foil for Cathryn who needed the strength that he offered. At the end she developed strength of her own and he discovered that he needed her more than she would have believed.

All in all this is a satisfying book and I do recommend it.

I guess I am in the minority. I liked this book. I have read all LH books. Although this is not one of my favorite, I could identify with the character of Cathryn who was young and not able to handle the emotional aspects of a relationship with an older man and so flees. Later she returns and Rule and she finally get into the open their feelings for each other after some initial wariness and distrust. I recommend this book as a satisfying read.

This is one of the most romantic novels that I have read. My favorite part is the climax at the end of the novel. I must say that this is one of Howard's best work. Her writing is splendid. The climax at the end will have you sighing over and over again with how romantic it is. Rule (the male figure) is absolutely incredible. He is not the typical romance male figure that is often seen in most novels. He is controlling, dominate, and virile, yet at the same time, he is weak and desperately in love with Cathryn.

I recommend this book to all romance readers. Reading Howard's writing is completely different from just knowing what happens in the story. I must say that this is one of the best romances I have read. The climax is heart-breaking, it leaves your heart all tangled up and aching inside.

Ok, so Linda Howards often writes her lead male characters as borderline obnoxious. Perhaps a little too handsome, perhaps a little too cocky. But they usually aren't sleazy. And they are usually at least attractive in some sort of way to the reader. Rule left me cold. So cold, I was reaching for my sweater. Am I supposed to be amused that the 26 year old lowered the pants of a 15 year old and gave HER the "spanking of my life?" Should I find it romantic that he commited statutory rape? (17/28...hello people?!) And where is the chemistry? I mean, I thought Gray from After the Night was taking it a little too far, but at least he and Faith had chemistry. Believable chemistry. All, in all, I guess Linda Howard fans will want to read it for the competionist point of view. But if you haven't read a Howard book, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!!!!

I LOVE Linda Howard, but this has got to be one of her best. I have read it over & over! The part where Rule thinks that Cat is leaving him again & tries to chase her down with his broken leg & begs her not to go is one of the best secens from any romance I've ever read! That this rough & rugged cowboy would break down & beg her not to go is just the best!! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves romances!

I've read it today in VO and I like it. Well, it's not my favorite book of Linda Howard, but the story was not unpleasant and I liked the idea of the heroe named Rule duly affected by the Viet Nam war (not so usual in the Linda Howard's héroes).He's stubborn and vindicative but he loves the heroine for years and never tells her his feelings so she's lost and thinks that he wants her only for lust...
Good book