The Dixon Rule (Campus Diaries #2)
I'm still reeling from "The Dixon Rule" by Elle Kennedy! I stayed up until 2 AM finishing it, and let me tell you it was worth every second of it despite my zombie-like state the next day.
From the first page Diana and Shane were throwing insults at each other like there was no tomorrow, I was hooked. Their chemistry leaps off the pages especially when they’re arguing, and I found myself grinning like an idiot at their banter. The way Diana stands her ground against Shane's player reputation had me high-fiving her through the pages!
Can we talk about how refreshing it is that Diana has her own life? Her passion for ballroom dancing, dedication to her jobs, and loyalty to her friends are actually relatable. And we can’t forget about Shane! What I thought would be your typical hockey jock who is a player and not looking for any relationships turned out to be this complex character who's secretly craving something meaningful. My heart ached for him when glimpses of his vulnerability peeked through!
The fake dating setup is perfect. Every accidental touch, every "just for show" kiss that lingers a little too long - I was squirming with anticipation! I may have squealed out loud on the bus during that first "practice kiss" scene. If you’ve read this you know what I am talking about, if you haven’t then enjoy!
This book is a masterclass in how to write a romance that's both ridiculously fun and emotionally resonant. It's got all the tropes we love (enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, forced proximity during those "practice" sessions), but it never feels formulaic because the characters feel so real you'd swear they could walk right off the page and into your local coffee shop!
Rating: 7/5 Hockey Pucks✨
