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I Followed the Rules
Rule 1: Never ask him on a first date. Rule 2: Laugh admiringly at all his jokes. Rule 3: Always leave him wanting more.
. . . wtf?!
Have you heard of The Rules of Engagement? It's a book that promises to teach you to find the man of your dreams in ten easy steps. Unsurprisingly, I don't own a copy. What is it, 1892?
But I'm a journalist, and I've promised to follow it to the letter and write about the results. Nevermind that my friends think I'm insane, I'm stalking men all over town and can't keep my mouth shut at the best of times.
My name is Cat Buchanan. I'm thirty-six years old and live with my daughter in Glasgow. I've been single for six years, but that's about to change. After all, I'm on a deadline.
I Followed the Rules and this is what happened.
. . . wtf?!
Have you heard of The Rules of Engagement? It's a book that promises to teach you to find the man of your dreams in ten easy steps. Unsurprisingly, I don't own a copy. What is it, 1892?
But I'm a journalist, and I've promised to follow it to the letter and write about the results. Nevermind that my friends think I'm insane, I'm stalking men all over town and can't keep my mouth shut at the best of times.
My name is Cat Buchanan. I'm thirty-six years old and live with my daughter in Glasgow. I've been single for six years, but that's about to change. After all, I'm on a deadline.
I Followed the Rules and this is what happened.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2015
126 people are currently reading
1515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 17, 2023
*Dating by Numbers*
Cat is a busy journalist who writes for a magazine under the pseudonym of ‘Glasgow Girl’. She has a wonderful young daughter whose father was the love of her life is getting married to someone else.
One of her colleagues hands her a book ‘The rules of Engagement’ she is cynical about the author’s statement that you can find your dream date in 10 steps her disapproval leads her to trash the book online.
Painfully aware that she needs a good story to please her editor who feels her work needs more punch. So after her critique the author gets in touch with her editor and requests a lunch meeting with Cat. Unbeknownst to her he also uses a pseudonym, then Cat finds herself doing an experiment following the rules, lol
A fun and easy read, just what I needed with interesting results
Cat is a busy journalist who writes for a magazine under the pseudonym of ‘Glasgow Girl’. She has a wonderful young daughter whose father was the love of her life is getting married to someone else.
One of her colleagues hands her a book ‘The rules of Engagement’ she is cynical about the author’s statement that you can find your dream date in 10 steps her disapproval leads her to trash the book online.
Painfully aware that she needs a good story to please her editor who feels her work needs more punch. So after her critique the author gets in touch with her editor and requests a lunch meeting with Cat. Unbeknownst to her he also uses a pseudonym, then Cat finds herself doing an experiment following the rules, lol
A fun and easy read, just what I needed with interesting results
July 10, 2015
Let's be honest, "I Followed the Rules" was one of my most anticipated releases this year. After reading "The List" last year, Joanna's debut novel, I just went mad for her writing and I can't have enough of the stories, so I'd really love to hear sooner rather than later that she's already writing her next book! You know me already, and you know that I can get super - duper excited when I receive books, but when this sexy baby arrived on my doorstep, I was over the moon. Just over the moon.
This book is a little naughty - maybe not as naughty as "The List" was (and let's face the facts, it is impossible for a book to be naughtier and sexier than "The List"!) but still - but I haven't expected nothing different from Joanna. It was also a little different to her debut novel but it doesn't mean that it's bad, right? On the contrary, it only proves that no matter what, Joanna can write a fantastic, entertaining, brilliant novels, and thanks god for that.
There is nothing in the book that I didn't like - everything there was just perfect from me, starting with characters, through the plot, events and ending with writing. Also, Joanna's sense of humour is incredible and just so my cup of tea.
Cat, the main heroine in the book, is as outstanding and unforgettable as Phoebe from "The List" - she just leaves a stamp on your heart and you can't forget her. She's incredible mum, she has a sharp tongue, she loves swearing and she doesn't hide a fact that she loves country music. But she is also single and she doesn't make it a secret that she eventually wants to find a man - but how? Well, maybe her being a columnist in a paper can help, as - due to the fact that she didn't have any other ideas - she decides to prove that the bible for singles "The Rules of Engagement" by Guy Wright is a pile of shit, and that the author himself is a patronising git. So she must start to follow the rules of dating - but isn't rules there to be broken?
Cat is so down - to - earth and she has a heart made of gold probably, as she's not only a great mum, sister and friend, but she's also very patient towards her ex, whom I'd more than once slap hard. And so no wonder that her daughter Grace is so laid - back and cool, and she totally behaves as a girl in her age should behave. Authors like to exaggerate their children's characters, they often either make them too old for their age or too young, but here everything fits in and it just sounds so true, not too forced, not too pushed. The same can be said about relationship between Cat and Grace, which just seems so honest, so genuine and so true.
The relationship between Cat and both her sister and her sister's husband was brilliant, and even though they lived only across the corridor, they got like house on fire - even though, despite Cat and her requests, her sister was constantly and continuously trying to set her up with a man, and did she finally succeed?
I absolutely loved the angle the plot took with Guy and Cat. I relatively quickly guessed who Guy is in fact, but the author also doesn't keep us long in suspense about it. And this is the next thing in the book that was great - the pace. It's quick, it's quirky, it doesn't focus on unnecessary things or descriptions, it's just straight to the point and I adored it!
Following Cat on her quest to prove that the rules aren't working was brilliant. There are some nightmare dates involved, and some arrangements too, and even a crash - course in cooking spaghetti, and this all sound so refreshing and unique. And also, it soon involves not one, but two men - so are the rules working or not? But getting the right man means that Cat must work with the author of her hated book himself, and the scenes that involve them both are hilariously funny, the banter between them gave me some more (laughing) wrinkles.
So altogether, I couldn't put the book down, I didn't want to leave Cat's world for a single second. It was an easy, light read with many laugh out loud moments and fantastic characters.The story is so down - to - earth, especially when Grace is involved. Grace, telling things how they are and often embarrassing her mother asking her about her boyfriends, Grace who wouldn't let her mum for a second of privacy on the loo - I mean, who of those who have children don't know this all?
This book was written in this only - Joanna - can - write - like - this style, full of swearing - but believe me, it makes the book even more funny - or emphasising words in capital letters, and just imagining how it would sound out loud made me giggle even more. Yes, this book is about fun and only thinking about it makes me feel better.
This story totally lived up to my expectations, even though I was maybe a little scared if Joanna would be able to write a better book than "The List", which was truly brilliant - there is always this little fear if one of the authors that you adore so much may not pull it off this time - but no fear guys, no panic! Joanna excelled herself and "I Followed the Rules" is extremely funny, sharp - observed, down - to - earth novel that you absolutely should read - it is a must read this summer, believe me! Joanna has already found her own, very distinctive voice and can deliver brilliant novels, where she's brutally honest, and which are incredible joy to read. I can't recommend it enough, really, just go and read it and thank me later for the recommendation!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
April 14, 2017
I've started reading the book at around 8 pm last night, and yet again, it's 3 am, my eyes are like fucking saucers, but I wasn't able to put it down until I've finished it. I need help. I'm actually grateful now for my inner ear infection that kept me glued to my bed for the weekend, cause there's no way I'm doing anything productive today.
The book is spectacular! I loved it. I loved Cat. I loved the writing and the humor and Grace. Everything.
The book is spectacular! I loved it. I loved Cat. I loved the writing and the humor and Grace. Everything.
February 15, 2017
This novel is everything: romantic, funny , sweet you want to be in a book !
Highly recommended for chic-lit fans ;)
Highly recommended for chic-lit fans ;)
October 29, 2018
Las dos estrellitas son generosas porque, básicamente, el libro es malo.
He descubierto hace poco a Joanna Bolouri y tiene un estilo desenfadado y fresco que, especialmente en La lista, conectó conmigo. Sin embargo, este libro me ha parecido un "quiero y no puedo", no llega ni de lejos al nivel de La lista (no al de Relight my fire, que tampoco es que sea gran cosa).
Una periodista tipo Carrie Bradshaw (pero mucho más real -punto a su favor-) empieza a seguir las reglas de un libro para conseguir maromo y contarlo en su columna. Cuál es el problema? Pues que tú esperas que haya algún interés amoroso que te mueva la lectura y esto ocurre cuando ya has leído la mitad del libro. Todo lo anterior es ver cómo es la vida de la protagonista (cuyo nombre ya he olvidado, imaginad lo que me ha marcado), que es bastante normalita. Una vez que se pone en marcha lo del libro y aparece el interés amoroso parece que el libro quiere arrancar pero no lo logra, no ves casi una relación entre prota y maromo, no tenemos casi momentos entre ambos y te quedas siempre con cara de tonta esperando algo más. No le doy una estrella porque me encanta que la protagonista sea una tía que sientes muy real (sin olvidar que esto es Romancelandia, claro) y porque ha tenido momentos en los que me ha dado la risa floja. Pero vamos, que es un libro que no merece la pena si buscas leer algo con una relación sexy y divertida (por cierto, de sexo apenas hay nada y contado todo muy por encima).
De todos modos seguiré leyendo a Joanna por si vuelvo a encontrar otro libro suyo con el que me eche unas risas. Este os lo podéis ahorrar.
He descubierto hace poco a Joanna Bolouri y tiene un estilo desenfadado y fresco que, especialmente en La lista, conectó conmigo. Sin embargo, este libro me ha parecido un "quiero y no puedo", no llega ni de lejos al nivel de La lista (no al de Relight my fire, que tampoco es que sea gran cosa).
Una periodista tipo Carrie Bradshaw (pero mucho más real -punto a su favor-) empieza a seguir las reglas de un libro para conseguir maromo y contarlo en su columna. Cuál es el problema? Pues que tú esperas que haya algún interés amoroso que te mueva la lectura y esto ocurre cuando ya has leído la mitad del libro. Todo lo anterior es ver cómo es la vida de la protagonista (cuyo nombre ya he olvidado, imaginad lo que me ha marcado), que es bastante normalita. Una vez que se pone en marcha lo del libro y aparece el interés amoroso parece que el libro quiere arrancar pero no lo logra, no ves casi una relación entre prota y maromo, no tenemos casi momentos entre ambos y te quedas siempre con cara de tonta esperando algo más. No le doy una estrella porque me encanta que la protagonista sea una tía que sientes muy real (sin olvidar que esto es Romancelandia, claro) y porque ha tenido momentos en los que me ha dado la risa floja. Pero vamos, que es un libro que no merece la pena si buscas leer algo con una relación sexy y divertida (por cierto, de sexo apenas hay nada y contado todo muy por encima).
De todos modos seguiré leyendo a Joanna por si vuelvo a encontrar otro libro suyo con el que me eche unas risas. Este os lo podéis ahorrar.
June 21, 2015
This book was SO MUCH FUN! I read Joanna's first book when it was released, but it wasn't my cup of tea in the slightest. It would appear that when it comes to books, I'm a bit of a prude. However I was SO excited for I Followed The Rules because I knew it was different to The List and I'm so glad I read I Followed The Rules because it was ACE.
I just loved the book from start to finish. Cat has such a strong, awesome voice; the kind of heroine you remember for ages afterwards because she makes such an impression. The way she looks after her daughter, the fact she loves swearing and country music, and isn't afraid to be honest, just makes you love her all the more. And her daughter is freaking adorable. I also thought the plot was ace - following the rules of a book about dating (a teensy bit similar to the fabulous Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood) and you just know it's going to cause chaos.
This was the kind of book where you forget your real life and just dive eagerly into someone else's. I loved the Glasgow setting (hooray for books set further up north!), I fell hopelessly in love with Dylan; PHWOAR, am I right?!?!?! And I just enjoyed getting to know Cat. I love a spunky main character, more women should be like Cat. It makes for fabulously entertaining reading, I'm telling you.
I just loved the book from start to finish. Cat has such a strong, awesome voice; the kind of heroine you remember for ages afterwards because she makes such an impression. The way she looks after her daughter, the fact she loves swearing and country music, and isn't afraid to be honest, just makes you love her all the more. And her daughter is freaking adorable. I also thought the plot was ace - following the rules of a book about dating (a teensy bit similar to the fabulous Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood) and you just know it's going to cause chaos.
This was the kind of book where you forget your real life and just dive eagerly into someone else's. I loved the Glasgow setting (hooray for books set further up north!), I fell hopelessly in love with Dylan; PHWOAR, am I right?!?!?! And I just enjoyed getting to know Cat. I love a spunky main character, more women should be like Cat. It makes for fabulously entertaining reading, I'm telling you.
May 9, 2018
If the 5 star rating isn't clear enough, then take this - "I loved this book! And I could not keep it down once I started with it!".
Outburst done.
Outburst done.
July 4, 2015
I Followed the Rules is hilarious and very good fun, it follows Cat Buchanan a single mother, with 8 year old daughter Grace, as she tries to get a new boyfriend. Cat is also a columnist, which is going downhill a bit, so a colleague suggests she follows the ultimate dating guide "The Rules of Engagement" and write about her experiences with it.
Just one small problem, Cat disagrees with everything that is written in the rules, mainly as it seems outdated, and flies in the face of feminism, and means she will have to be something she isn't. But is willing to go along with it with a hefty dose of scepticism.
This is a book that follows Cat as she is attempting to follow these rules, and the funny tales they provide her. She has here fair share of nightmare dates, but she does manage to get a date using these rules and it goes from there.
However this isn't the only man she meets during this experiment and its soon clear she has stronger feelings for one of the men than the other.
Cat is a fantastic character, she is down to earth, a fabulous mother to Grace, a good sister and best friend, and isn't even too bitter towards her ex. She is the sort of person you would be honoured to have as your best friend. I loved Cat's daughter Grace, she is a such a contrast to Jason, the ragamuffin tomboy child of Cat's best friend Rose. Rose and Cat's friendship is also great to read, they are a couple of lovely ladies.
I Followed the Rules is entertaining, and with what is revealed about the Rules of Engagement, could equally be used as a dating guide itself. However it is far more than just a dating book. I enjoyed every second of I Followed the Rules, and absolutely love Joanna Bolouri's writing style.
Thanks so much to Quercus and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest review.
Just one small problem, Cat disagrees with everything that is written in the rules, mainly as it seems outdated, and flies in the face of feminism, and means she will have to be something she isn't. But is willing to go along with it with a hefty dose of scepticism.
This is a book that follows Cat as she is attempting to follow these rules, and the funny tales they provide her. She has here fair share of nightmare dates, but she does manage to get a date using these rules and it goes from there.
However this isn't the only man she meets during this experiment and its soon clear she has stronger feelings for one of the men than the other.
Cat is a fantastic character, she is down to earth, a fabulous mother to Grace, a good sister and best friend, and isn't even too bitter towards her ex. She is the sort of person you would be honoured to have as your best friend. I loved Cat's daughter Grace, she is a such a contrast to Jason, the ragamuffin tomboy child of Cat's best friend Rose. Rose and Cat's friendship is also great to read, they are a couple of lovely ladies.
I Followed the Rules is entertaining, and with what is revealed about the Rules of Engagement, could equally be used as a dating guide itself. However it is far more than just a dating book. I enjoyed every second of I Followed the Rules, and absolutely love Joanna Bolouri's writing style.
Thanks so much to Quercus and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest review.
September 10, 2018
J'ai adoré l'humour de Cat ! Ironie dérision second degré. Ses aventures ont fait mouche. J'en veux encore ! :)
http://blogclarabel.canalblog.com/arc...
http://blogclarabel.canalblog.com/arc...
February 21, 2017
Actual rating is 4.5/5
Read a more in depth review on my blog here!
Forget the fact that it took me a month to finish this book, because my laziness had nothing to do with the book. It was me. Not the book, do you hear me? Okay, with that said, let's talk about I Followed the Rules.
Thank you netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange of a honest review!
I'm not a big contemporary reader. I'm more of a fantasy, sci-fi lover, but I decided to read more romantic contemporaries after I fell in love with The Fault in Our Stars. Yes, some may say it's not a contemporary romance. But we are not here to debate about that now, are we?
This gem was one of the most refreshing reads I've had in a long time. It's funny, realistic, and the writing style. Gosh, I loved everything about it! Now I've made up my mind to get everything written by Mrs Bolouri and display them proudly on my book case. But seriously. The writing was fresh and down-to-earth, and also very easily picturable. (I don't know if you can write that... sue me ;) )
I loved Cat. So. Freaking Much. She was so realistic, so fun, and her sense of humour is so on point. Even though she would rather do anything but follow the rules in this stupid book, she does it for her job. And I'm so happy she did because she offered us an amazing adventure. I would rather not enter in the details too much because I would love you to discover this book by yourself.
It has everything: romance, humour, amazing and relatable characters... So drop everything you're doing and read this book now!
Read a more in depth review on my blog here!
Forget the fact that it took me a month to finish this book, because my laziness had nothing to do with the book. It was me. Not the book, do you hear me? Okay, with that said, let's talk about I Followed the Rules.
Thank you netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange of a honest review!
I'm not a big contemporary reader. I'm more of a fantasy, sci-fi lover, but I decided to read more romantic contemporaries after I fell in love with The Fault in Our Stars. Yes, some may say it's not a contemporary romance. But we are not here to debate about that now, are we?
This gem was one of the most refreshing reads I've had in a long time. It's funny, realistic, and the writing style. Gosh, I loved everything about it! Now I've made up my mind to get everything written by Mrs Bolouri and display them proudly on my book case. But seriously. The writing was fresh and down-to-earth, and also very easily picturable. (I don't know if you can write that... sue me ;) )
I loved Cat. So. Freaking Much. She was so realistic, so fun, and her sense of humour is so on point. Even though she would rather do anything but follow the rules in this stupid book, she does it for her job. And I'm so happy she did because she offered us an amazing adventure. I would rather not enter in the details too much because I would love you to discover this book by yourself.
It has everything: romance, humour, amazing and relatable characters... So drop everything you're doing and read this book now!
August 21, 2017
Oh man, this book was utterly hilarious. I gobbled it up super quickly and truly enjoyed it. Cat was funny and feisty, Grace adorable and Dylan amusing. This book went from laugh-out-loud funny to cute and back again within a few easy to digest pages.
A really enjoyable read and a book I'd definitely recommend!
A really enjoyable read and a book I'd definitely recommend!
August 14, 2015
Loved it
January 21, 2022
Ku knihám Joanny Bolouri som sa dostala skrz jej Hriešny zoznam - kniha, ktorá každého človeka pri zmysloch odradí hrozným názvom a ešte horšou obálkou (ktorú sa Čechom ešte podarilo prekonať) a predsa vďaka zvláštnej konštelácii hviezd a zatmenia mysle som sa ku knihe úplnou náhodou dostala a autorka ma svojim štýlom písania dostala.
V Podľa pravidiel síce chýbajú tie vtipné hlášky, ktoré ma nahlas rozosmievali, no všadeprítomný sarkazmus a občasný suchý britský humor mi to vynahradili a aj túto knižku považujem za veľmi vtipnú a vydarenú.
Hlavná postava Cat je autorkou stĺpčeka v prestížnych novinách, kde píše o láske a sexe s veľkou dávkou cynizmu, aby zakryla fakt, že tieto veci nie sú v jej živote prítomné o nič viac než súkromný ostrov a Lamborghini v garáži. Je pre mňa skutočnou záhadou prečo práve medzi tento typ sarkastických žien patria ženské postavy, s ktorými sa vždy najviac stotožňujem. No a v tejto knihe sa Cat podujme na randenie podľa pravidiel zo sexistickej príručky, podľa ktorých z nej má byť dokonalá žena, ktorá prikyvuje a veľkodušne mužovi prenecháva pocit kontroly. Ako správna novinárka sa do toho púšťa s obrovským skeptizmom a veľmi silnou nechuťou k autorovi.
Keďže to nie je americký román, tak sú postavy realistické a obyčajné, majú problémy normálnych ľudí a majú ďaleko od dokonalosti. Podľa pravidiel je tak veľmi príjemný a vtipný román, ktorý je spolu s autorkou v našich končinách absurdne prehliadaný, lebo podľa môjho skromného názoru patrí Joanna Bolouri k tomu najlepšiemu, čo ženský román ponúka. Odporúčam.
A k tomu všetkému som ju prečítala za pár hodín počas čitateľskej krízy, kedy som každú knihu okamžite zavrela.
V Podľa pravidiel síce chýbajú tie vtipné hlášky, ktoré ma nahlas rozosmievali, no všadeprítomný sarkazmus a občasný suchý britský humor mi to vynahradili a aj túto knižku považujem za veľmi vtipnú a vydarenú.
Hlavná postava Cat je autorkou stĺpčeka v prestížnych novinách, kde píše o láske a sexe s veľkou dávkou cynizmu, aby zakryla fakt, že tieto veci nie sú v jej živote prítomné o nič viac než súkromný ostrov a Lamborghini v garáži. Je pre mňa skutočnou záhadou prečo práve medzi tento typ sarkastických žien patria ženské postavy, s ktorými sa vždy najviac stotožňujem. No a v tejto knihe sa Cat podujme na randenie podľa pravidiel zo sexistickej príručky, podľa ktorých z nej má byť dokonalá žena, ktorá prikyvuje a veľkodušne mužovi prenecháva pocit kontroly. Ako správna novinárka sa do toho púšťa s obrovským skeptizmom a veľmi silnou nechuťou k autorovi.
Keďže to nie je americký román, tak sú postavy realistické a obyčajné, majú problémy normálnych ľudí a majú ďaleko od dokonalosti. Podľa pravidiel je tak veľmi príjemný a vtipný román, ktorý je spolu s autorkou v našich končinách absurdne prehliadaný, lebo podľa môjho skromného názoru patrí Joanna Bolouri k tomu najlepšiemu, čo ženský román ponúka. Odporúčam.
A k tomu všetkému som ju prečítala za pár hodín počas čitateľskej krízy, kedy som každú knihu okamžite zavrela.
June 9, 2017
Je suis tombée par hasard sur ce livre à la médiathèque et je dois dire que ce fut une agréable surprise.
Rien de bien fou dans ce roman léger et frais, c'était drôle et sans prise de tête exactement ce qu'il me fallait.
Je me suis doutée rapidement du dénouement mais j'ai quand même eu un petit sourire débile en arrivant à la fin. Le personnage de Cat est vraiment attachant en plus d'être drôle (j'ai beaucoup aimé son répondant, et sa vision de l'amour).
Un bon petit feel good book parfait pour les vacances d'été qui approche, à lire au bord de la piscine ou à l'ombre dans le jardin !
Rien de bien fou dans ce roman léger et frais, c'était drôle et sans prise de tête exactement ce qu'il me fallait.
Je me suis doutée rapidement du dénouement mais j'ai quand même eu un petit sourire débile en arrivant à la fin. Le personnage de Cat est vraiment attachant en plus d'être drôle (j'ai beaucoup aimé son répondant, et sa vision de l'amour).
Un bon petit feel good book parfait pour les vacances d'été qui approche, à lire au bord de la piscine ou à l'ombre dans le jardin !
August 3, 2021
Oh why did I wait so long to read this novel? This was so much fun. It is set in my favourite city of Glasgow and lots of locations I was familiar with were mentioned. On top of that, the main character who is wonderfully bold and speaks her mind shares the same name and spelling as me-meant to be!
I love the idea of trying out a dating experiment in the name of journalism and so I knew that this book was going to pique my interest but I love the level of detail that it went into comparing dating following and not following the rules. Catriona is a great character to spend the book with because she gets herself into some right situations but she owns everything that she does and I love how much she speaks her mind. She works hard to provide for her daughter but she also likes to have a laugh and knows how to make time for herself.
There were some seriously funny moments in this book as well as more poignant moments when things really do become clear that it is a man's world out there and the rules of engagement were not designed with anyone but HIS best interests at heart. I loved how open and honest this book is through main character Catriona. If you like character driven books that are sex positive and also laugh out loud funny then you will definitely enjoy this one!
I love the idea of trying out a dating experiment in the name of journalism and so I knew that this book was going to pique my interest but I love the level of detail that it went into comparing dating following and not following the rules. Catriona is a great character to spend the book with because she gets herself into some right situations but she owns everything that she does and I love how much she speaks her mind. She works hard to provide for her daughter but she also likes to have a laugh and knows how to make time for herself.
There were some seriously funny moments in this book as well as more poignant moments when things really do become clear that it is a man's world out there and the rules of engagement were not designed with anyone but HIS best interests at heart. I loved how open and honest this book is through main character Catriona. If you like character driven books that are sex positive and also laugh out loud funny then you will definitely enjoy this one!
December 20, 2017
I was after a light, fun read and this didn't disappoint! It's sassy and very funny. Sure, it's predictable, but Cat is so relatable and quirky, and I giggled to myself more than once while reading.
January 30, 2020
new fav
lo único que le puedo "criticar" es que hubiera amado un epílogo
lo único que le puedo "criticar" es que hubiera amado un epílogo
May 18, 2018
Funny, light read. Exactly what you expect from a chick-lit.
July 4, 2018
This book is hilarious! It is a very light hearted, easy read.
June 23, 2015
I have seen this book described as a modern day Bridget Jones Diary and, like that book, it is certainly full of humour and wit with a main character you will just love! This is one of the funniest books I have read for ages. There are laugh out loud moments on pretty much every page! Cat Buchanan is such a brilliant character that I just couldn’t put this book down, wanting to read more about her search for love following ‘The Rules of Engagement’ set out in a book by ‘Guy Wright’ – a great pseudonym for a Glaswegian writer. (You need to say it with a Glaswegian accent!)
As I said, Cat is a great character – feisty, with a love of swearing, horror stories and country music. She also has fiercely protective love for her daughter, Grace, who also came across as a young lady with her own mind! Living across the corridor from her sister, who is forever trying to set her up with suitable men, Cat is trying to find love following the break up of her relationship with Grace’s father but never quite seems to find the right man. She decides to follow ‘the rules’ and write about her experiences in her weekly newspaper column.
Joanna Bolouri’s observations of family life are spot on – what mother can’t sympathise with having no privacy to go to the loo when your kids are wee? – and Cat’s conversations with her friends, particularly Kerry and Rose, are brilliantly funny too. Cat has to meet with Guy Wright as part of her research for her column and is surprised and rather shocked to find she actually already knows him rather well! The scenes that follow between them are comedy genius as he tries to convince her that following the rules to the letter will help her snag Tom, the handsome dentist, as her boyfriend. I was so involved with the characters’ lives that I almost googled his dental practice to see what he looked like, when Cat suggested to Kerry that she should!
So does following the rules bring Cat the happy-ever-after she is looking for? Well you couldn’t possibly expect me to ‘kiss and tell’ could you – that would definitely be against the rules of blogging! Be warned if you are reading this on public transport on the way to work, you may very well find yourself getting some funny looks as you snort out loud with laughter! A great, funny and feel-good read – I loved it!
My thanks to the publishers Quercus for providing a review copy via Netgalley.
As I said, Cat is a great character – feisty, with a love of swearing, horror stories and country music. She also has fiercely protective love for her daughter, Grace, who also came across as a young lady with her own mind! Living across the corridor from her sister, who is forever trying to set her up with suitable men, Cat is trying to find love following the break up of her relationship with Grace’s father but never quite seems to find the right man. She decides to follow ‘the rules’ and write about her experiences in her weekly newspaper column.
Joanna Bolouri’s observations of family life are spot on – what mother can’t sympathise with having no privacy to go to the loo when your kids are wee? – and Cat’s conversations with her friends, particularly Kerry and Rose, are brilliantly funny too. Cat has to meet with Guy Wright as part of her research for her column and is surprised and rather shocked to find she actually already knows him rather well! The scenes that follow between them are comedy genius as he tries to convince her that following the rules to the letter will help her snag Tom, the handsome dentist, as her boyfriend. I was so involved with the characters’ lives that I almost googled his dental practice to see what he looked like, when Cat suggested to Kerry that she should!
So does following the rules bring Cat the happy-ever-after she is looking for? Well you couldn’t possibly expect me to ‘kiss and tell’ could you – that would definitely be against the rules of blogging! Be warned if you are reading this on public transport on the way to work, you may very well find yourself getting some funny looks as you snort out loud with laughter! A great, funny and feel-good read – I loved it!
My thanks to the publishers Quercus for providing a review copy via Netgalley.
July 16, 2015
4.5/5
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
Every now and again I need a book like this to help me see the funny side of life again and to escape reality for a bit and that's exactly what this book does.
I Followed the Rules is literally a joy to read. It is fun, humourous and has one of the best female characters in fiction called Catriona or as her friends call her, Cat. Cat is a kick-arse lady who certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to telling it like it is and expressing who she is. She is one of the most memorable characters and can easily recall all the things she loves and does like her swearing, singing and of course country music. She also has one of the best eight year daughters, who had me grinning every single time she said something. I think she is more clued up than the rest of us adults! They are also of course joined by a host of fantastic characters who are very fun and witty- I have decided I need more people like this in my life.
Joanna's writing style is great, she makes it so easy to read and you get sucked into the storyline so quickly. Not once did this make for hard reading. It's lighthearted and you very quickly find yourself in amongst Glasgow and Cat's story.
Although the plot of this book had a similar feel to another book I have read recently, it still managed to be unique in its own way and had a very welcome little twist at the end.
As much as I didn't want this book to end, it's one that I just had to keep on picking up and reading, it is the ultimate feel good book and gave me the escape from the real world that I needed. I am very keen to read Joanna's debut The List now.
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
Every now and again I need a book like this to help me see the funny side of life again and to escape reality for a bit and that's exactly what this book does.
I Followed the Rules is literally a joy to read. It is fun, humourous and has one of the best female characters in fiction called Catriona or as her friends call her, Cat. Cat is a kick-arse lady who certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to telling it like it is and expressing who she is. She is one of the most memorable characters and can easily recall all the things she loves and does like her swearing, singing and of course country music. She also has one of the best eight year daughters, who had me grinning every single time she said something. I think she is more clued up than the rest of us adults! They are also of course joined by a host of fantastic characters who are very fun and witty- I have decided I need more people like this in my life.
Joanna's writing style is great, she makes it so easy to read and you get sucked into the storyline so quickly. Not once did this make for hard reading. It's lighthearted and you very quickly find yourself in amongst Glasgow and Cat's story.
Although the plot of this book had a similar feel to another book I have read recently, it still managed to be unique in its own way and had a very welcome little twist at the end.
As much as I didn't want this book to end, it's one that I just had to keep on picking up and reading, it is the ultimate feel good book and gave me the escape from the real world that I needed. I am very keen to read Joanna's debut The List now.
February 13, 2016
If you liked Sex and the City and the wit of Gilmore Girls, you need to read I Followed The Rules (And Then I Broke Them) by Joanna Bolouri. It's about Catriona (Cat) and her quest to meet the right man. She's been single for six years and she's...well, she's ready to mingle. But her love life isn't the greatest, and she's becoming frustrated. Then she comes across a book called The Rules of Engagement, written by a dude with "rules" on how to date properly. (One rule? Don't Sleep With Him Right Away.) Cat decides to do whatever the book suggests and it seems to work! She meets Tom, a handsome dentist. But she also feels a pull towards Dylan, who doesn't seem interested in anything serious.
This book made me laugh out loud a number of times. From Cat's wit to her moody cat named Heisenberg, I never felt bored. However, if curse words offend you, this might not be the book for you as the f-word is on nearly every other page. I have a bit of a potty mouth, so it was nothing to me, but I know some people want to faint at such a word being used. Cat is also the mother to an eight-year-old daughter named Grace, and I enjoyed reading their moments together because I have a daughter the same age.
The book moves quickly, and you'll be missing Cat when it's all over. Perhaps every time I hear the f-bomb, I'll think of her.
This book made me laugh out loud a number of times. From Cat's wit to her moody cat named Heisenberg, I never felt bored. However, if curse words offend you, this might not be the book for you as the f-word is on nearly every other page. I have a bit of a potty mouth, so it was nothing to me, but I know some people want to faint at such a word being used. Cat is also the mother to an eight-year-old daughter named Grace, and I enjoyed reading their moments together because I have a daughter the same age.
The book moves quickly, and you'll be missing Cat when it's all over. Perhaps every time I hear the f-bomb, I'll think of her.
July 11, 2015
Cat Buchannan is a single mother with a small daughter, Grace and she works as a journalist in Glasgow. She has been single for several years following her break up from her partner, Peter, who is Grace's father. A work colleague tells her about a book called 'The Love Rules' and she agrees to follow it week by week and write about how she gets on in her column.
Cat is very doubtful that it will work and she's not at all keen to turn herself into someone she isn't but she finds herself with two potential boyfriends and wonders whether there is something in it after all. The book gets off to a slow start but it is worth persevering because it does get better.
I did enjoy the story and liked the plot but what spoiled it for me was the amount of bad language in it which I could really have done without. Maybe women in their thirties do talk like that but I would prefer it if the speech wasn't quite so realistic. The book would be improved if it was all omitted in my opinion.
I did like the characters - especially Cat and Grace but as I say the slow start and the swearing stopped this being a five star read for me. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
Cat is very doubtful that it will work and she's not at all keen to turn herself into someone she isn't but she finds herself with two potential boyfriends and wonders whether there is something in it after all. The book gets off to a slow start but it is worth persevering because it does get better.
I did enjoy the story and liked the plot but what spoiled it for me was the amount of bad language in it which I could really have done without. Maybe women in their thirties do talk like that but I would prefer it if the speech wasn't quite so realistic. The book would be improved if it was all omitted in my opinion.
I did like the characters - especially Cat and Grace but as I say the slow start and the swearing stopped this being a five star read for me. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
March 14, 2020
When a magazine writer runs out of interesting ideas for her relationship column, she begins following a set of archaic, sexist dating rules to see what will happen. I was a bit unimpressed with this— although it was still laugh-out-loud funny, it wasn’t nearly as hilarious as Bolouri’s first novel, “The List,” which I still consider the funniest book I’ve ever read. Had I read this before reading Bolouri’s other novel, would I still have this opinion? Maybe. The main character was lovable and relatable, but I found her romantic arc unbelievable— it’s hard for me to go into detail without spoiling the plot, but I felt as though the two characters didn’t spend enough time together (or even interact enough) to warrant their feelings. What I did like about this book, however, was its feminist messaging about dating and being true to yourself.
February 3, 2016
And she’s done it again!
Fast, sharp, and absolutely hilarious. I didn’t think Joanna Bolouri could top her debut novel The List, but I was so wrong. I Followed The Rules pushes boundaries and is brutally honest.
Have you ever read a book and knew the heroine could easily be your best mate? Well I am head over heels in love with Cat and her swearing ways, she so could be my best mate. (Sorry Becki). She’s un-fucking-believable! She is the ultimate heroine.
This book is just amazing!
I can not wait to see what Joanna Bolouri comes out with next. She’s fast becoming an author I have a huge crush on.
5/5
Fast, sharp, and absolutely hilarious. I didn’t think Joanna Bolouri could top her debut novel The List, but I was so wrong. I Followed The Rules pushes boundaries and is brutally honest.
Have you ever read a book and knew the heroine could easily be your best mate? Well I am head over heels in love with Cat and her swearing ways, she so could be my best mate. (Sorry Becki). She’s un-fucking-believable! She is the ultimate heroine.
This book is just amazing!
I can not wait to see what Joanna Bolouri comes out with next. She’s fast becoming an author I have a huge crush on.
5/5
January 11, 2016
I like Joanna Bolouri's writing. She is funny without being too cliché chick-lit author. Don't get me wrong, the book and the story has the same plot as most women literature books (e. g. Bridget Jones's Diary) have: girl meets boy - they do not get along - they fall in love, but Joanna does that in a slightly different way. However, her first book - The List - was more refreshing than this one and I didn't particularly care for the bunch of girlfriends in this book and would have loved to see less of them and of their lives. Said that, I still like the book and look forward to reading other Joanna's work.
July 26, 2015
https://bookevin.wordpress.com/
A romantic comedy is never complete without the leading man and once again, I just had a dream of this hero in I Followed the Rules after I’ve read the book. With a clever wit and undeniably charming personality, readers will definitely swoon for this fictional heartthrob who just oozes sex appeal. As much as I like to fanboy over that hunk, I’d let you read it to find out more about him (and his duck shower cap).
A romantic comedy is never complete without the leading man and once again, I just had a dream of this hero in I Followed the Rules after I’ve read the book. With a clever wit and undeniably charming personality, readers will definitely swoon for this fictional heartthrob who just oozes sex appeal. As much as I like to fanboy over that hunk, I’d let you read it to find out more about him (and his duck shower cap).
June 23, 2015
After reading Joanna's debut I was really looking forward to 'I Followed the Rules'. It did not disappoint. This is such a really fun and easy to read book. I guessed the ending quite early on but this didn't spoil the rest of the story. Very funny and highly recommended.
I received this book from Goodreads.
I received this book from Goodreads.
August 28, 2015
Having read The List and loved it, I was really looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint. I think I preferred this one. The beauty of Joanna's writing is her ability to write characters you can relate to and who you'd be happy to have as a friend. It's an ideal holiday read because once you start it, you want to keep going until you've finished it.
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