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Rules of the Game #4
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Wes Jacobsen plays professional hockey for a living. Lydia Crow is a country music singer. They meet and have an instant attraction—but he’s twenty-three and she’s forty-two. Does age really matter in a relationship?
Lydia and Wes have a whirlwind romance that lasts six months, but she ends it abruptly—leaving Wes hurt and with unanswered questions.
Wes’s MO is to work hard on the ice and play harder off. That is until he meets Lydia, a beautiful woman who grounds him and fulfills him more than any bottle of beer or puck bunny could. It doesn’t take long for Wes’s feelings to develop for her.
Lydia wasn’t expecting to have a connection with a man twenty years younger than she is. And when they meet, both agree that a casual relationship is all it would ever be. Until it isn’t.
With the odds stacked against them, can a second chance be what they need to make it work this time, or will their differences pull them apart?
This book is intended for a mature audience. 18+
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
201 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Emma Tharp
38 books222 followersEmma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
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October 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/16/2019)! 🎁
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November 11, 2019DNF at 45%. I think I figured out what was missing for me in this book. It was the butterflies you get when the couple meets and that slow build up and romance. The MCs had already been together for 6 months before the story began in chapter 1. Eh...it wasn’t terrible writing, the story just didn’t hold my interest.
June 13, 2020
A quick and easy read that touches upon some of my favorite things. It’s a reverse age gap hockey romance that I devoured in about an hour. TBR and Enjoy!
August 28, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Steamy and passionate sports romance, one that keeps you interested.
Best read as a series and in order
Very enjoyable and addictive
💋💋
Steamy and passionate sports romance, one that keeps you interested.
Best read as a series and in order
Very enjoyable and addictive
April 30, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Rules of the Game series and this series are still rolling strong. In fact, this one may be my new favorite of the series. This book is about Wes and Lydia. We have an NHL player who gives his all on the ice and then lets it all go when off the ice. Lydia is a country music star so both characters have really busy schedules. They agree to just a casual hook up, Lydia is anticipating being a one night stand which is fine considering Wes is twenty years younger. However, these two characters have that flare of initial chemistry which turns casual to something more but does the age difference become too much? I really enjoyed reading this book and the characters thoughts and decisions that impacted the events of the story. It made for an entertaining and exciting read. I loved their HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2019
He’s all in, but is she?
Wes is 23, a hockey player in the playoffs and was dumped via Skype by Lydia. They were together for six months and then she ended it a month ago. Wes is a mess. He’s drinking again and sloppy.
He wants her back.
Lydia is 42, she lost her husband ten years ago and since then was dating bad boys. Wes was supposed to be justca hook up and good for her music career. She’s on tour and ended it with Wes because he was getting serious.
Wes talks her into trying again for the summer.
Will Lydia be all in this time around?
Great complex characters with imperfections and weaknesses. But together, they are the best versions of themselves. Plus props on the twenty year age difference where Wes is the younger man.
Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wes is 23, a hockey player in the playoffs and was dumped via Skype by Lydia. They were together for six months and then she ended it a month ago. Wes is a mess. He’s drinking again and sloppy.
He wants her back.
Lydia is 42, she lost her husband ten years ago and since then was dating bad boys. Wes was supposed to be justca hook up and good for her music career. She’s on tour and ended it with Wes because he was getting serious.
Wes talks her into trying again for the summer.
Will Lydia be all in this time around?
Great complex characters with imperfections and weaknesses. But together, they are the best versions of themselves. Plus props on the twenty year age difference where Wes is the younger man.
Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2019
The heart wants what the heart wants, and Wes wants Lydia. They appeared briefly in Goal on the Rebound, and so I'm glad to be able to read their story. I love them together. She's concerned about their age difference (nearly 20 years), but he doesn't care at all about it - he only knows in his heart that she's "the one." His friends/teammates and their wives/girlfriends all like her, and recognize how well they work together. There's someone working to pull them apart, and he is finally dealt with. I especially like her surprise declaration at the end (no hints, you have to read the book to learn what that is!). I'm so happy that they're getting their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2020
All in or nothing at all
It is always an interesting read when you have someone older and younger getting involved with each other. We met Lydia and Wes in the first book and they were the perfect couple. Fast forward six months later and they have broken up and both have been hurt by what happened. What goes on in the book is a story is a reflection on the challenges faced by couples when one partner is older by several years. The older person feels insecure and fears being called the "mum" or "dad" of the younger one and the younger person fears being called immature or a "toy" by people. Even if it is a short story, Emma Tharp dealt with the issue very well (with a dose of hotness +++). A well-written story that will be worth your time.
It is always an interesting read when you have someone older and younger getting involved with each other. We met Lydia and Wes in the first book and they were the perfect couple. Fast forward six months later and they have broken up and both have been hurt by what happened. What goes on in the book is a story is a reflection on the challenges faced by couples when one partner is older by several years. The older person feels insecure and fears being called the "mum" or "dad" of the younger one and the younger person fears being called immature or a "toy" by people. Even if it is a short story, Emma Tharp dealt with the issue very well (with a dose of hotness +++). A well-written story that will be worth your time.
April 12, 2019
Lydia is 42 and Wes is 23. She's a famous country singer and he's a professional hockey player but non of that will matter as you get to see these two struggle with age differences, other people options and Lydia loss of her husband who left her with unresolved guilt.
Emma did such a great job with one of my favorite themes (younger man/older woman). I believed in these characters and was so mad about the haters and self-doubt. Wes is the strong one and wanted what's best for his love. He fought for her and helped her too see, they are the only two in that relationship not ANYONE else.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Emma did such a great job with one of my favorite themes (younger man/older woman). I believed in these characters and was so mad about the haters and self-doubt. Wes is the strong one and wanted what's best for his love. He fought for her and helped her too see, they are the only two in that relationship not ANYONE else.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
April 30, 2019
Lydia and Wes have been together 6 months and Wes thought everything was perfect. Then out of nowhere a Skype call changes everything. Lydia though she had no choice but to break things off with Wes her insecurities about their age difference made her think the end was inevitable. Wes isn't going down without a fight though and he's going to win back the love of his life no matter what. Wes and Lydia's chemistry was palpable and the love they have for one another fantastic. You can't help but root for these two. It was an amazing story to read and I can't wait for what comes next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Wes and Lydia's story! You usually get an older man and younger lady story so this was a refreshing change. She is nineteen years older than him and let's several things get in the way of them being together and happy. You see the struggle with the age difference as well as other factors and people that try to drive a wedge between them. However, there is a lot of passion between these two!! You cannot help but cheer these two on to happiness. It's a wonderful addition to the "Rules of the Game" stories!!! The story is a stand alone read but does have connecting characters. They are all good stories and definitely worth reading.
May 1, 2019
This is an older woman younger man hockey and country music romance and I enjoyed it immensely. Wes who is a pro hockey player has his heart broken when Lydia breaks their relationship off because she’s worried about the age difference and people are telling her that Wes is young enough to be her son. Wes doesn’t give up that easily no other woman has made him feel things like this before and he’s also a better person because of Lydia, but will Lydia give Wes a second chance?, and can she silence the haters?. Fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
September 21, 2019
This is a pretty short book at only 95 pages. I liked the premise, my issue is we didn't seee the characters fall in love. The book starts with them having dated for a while then the heroine broke up with the hero for spurious reason. The characters have great chemistry but it just felt a bit too easy, and the external conflict a bit too contrived.
I would have preferred a longer story that showed the characters falling in love and dealing with the realities of being in the public eye and dealing with an age gap relationship. I can't believe they didn't experience any negative press or fan comments.
I would have preferred a longer story that showed the characters falling in love and dealing with the realities of being in the public eye and dealing with an age gap relationship. I can't believe they didn't experience any negative press or fan comments.
January 7, 2020
I enjoyed this author's writing style, but I found it really hard to connect to the characters. 90% of the lure of reading romance is watching the couple meet, get together, and then have all the angst. In this book, it started as angst. The couple had already been together for 6mths and had broken up. It missed all the 'magic' and the character development.
Although this one was a miss for me, I'm interested enough in this author to check out her other works.
It's a shame, the story itself had so much potential, if only it had started from the beginning, rather than the middle of the story.
Although this one was a miss for me, I'm interested enough in this author to check out her other works.
It's a shame, the story itself had so much potential, if only it had started from the beginning, rather than the middle of the story.
April 15, 2019
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
This is book four in the 'Rules of the Game' series and although each book is a stand alone there are returning characters from the previous three; in particular Derek and Cora. This instalment is focused on Lydia and Wes and how they try to overcome the age difference between them ('Is this your mother?' 😳) and other peoples interference including Kenny, Lydia's manager.
This is just as brilliantly written as the previous books and I am really looking forward to seeing this series expand.
This is book four in the 'Rules of the Game' series and although each book is a stand alone there are returning characters from the previous three; in particular Derek and Cora. This instalment is focused on Lydia and Wes and how they try to overcome the age difference between them ('Is this your mother?' 😳) and other peoples interference including Kenny, Lydia's manager.
This is just as brilliantly written as the previous books and I am really looking forward to seeing this series expand.
April 28, 2019
What a steamy hot older man and the younger woman he wants.......I really enjoyed this read, and once I started reading I couldn't stop til I finished it. I thought this author did a great job with this book , cause it was a great steamy hot read.Has a great storyline and great characters to read about. Plus its steamy hot to boot.So I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.So if you like hot older men and the younger woman they want then enjoy this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2019
This is a fantastic older woman younger man romance. It is quite enjoyable with an amazing storyline that is well thought out, well developed, and very interesting. Lots of ups and downs and back and forth between the characters as they try to deal with a number of issues in their relationship. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. The characters showed major development throughout the story and got their HEA. Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2019
Another great read in this series. Wes is a professional hockey player and Lydia is the older country western singer. Wes doesn't see the age difference but Lydia sees the almost 20 years difference. Wes is falling of her and she pulls back. They meet up again and this time he isn't taking no for an answer. A well written story, strong characters, and off the charts chemistry. This is the fourth book in this series and they just keep getting better and better. A must read series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2019
Wes is 23, a hockey player in the playoffs and was dumped via Skype by Lydia. They were together for six months and then she ended it a month ago. Wes is a mess. He’s drinking again and sloppy.
He wants her back.
Lydia is 42, she lost her husband ten years ago and since then was dating bad boys. Wes was supposed to be justca hook up and good for her music career. She’s on tour and ended it with Wes because he was getting serious.
Wes talks her into trying again for the summer.
Will Lydia be all in this time around?
He wants her back.
Lydia is 42, she lost her husband ten years ago and since then was dating bad boys. Wes was supposed to be justca hook up and good for her music career. She’s on tour and ended it with Wes because he was getting serious.
Wes talks her into trying again for the summer.
Will Lydia be all in this time around?
April 15, 2019
Sometimes it just works despite the naysayers and negativity that comes with this kind of relationship. She had to accept and deal with things going on in her life before she could truly embrace her future with him. He was willing to be with her despite the age difference. Once she accepted that, everything worked out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2019
4.5 stars
This second chance romance was sweet, sad, lovely and heartbreaking at times. It shows a relationship breakdown from both sides and how much trust, respect and communication you need to make a relationship work, especially a second time around one. I enjoyed the honesty of Wes and Lydia's characters and seeing them get their HEA, this has just become my new favourite of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second chance romance was sweet, sad, lovely and heartbreaking at times. It shows a relationship breakdown from both sides and how much trust, respect and communication you need to make a relationship work, especially a second time around one. I enjoyed the honesty of Wes and Lydia's characters and seeing them get their HEA, this has just become my new favourite of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2019
A perfect pair
I’m a huge fan of this series and Emma Tharp has written a a great story. If you’ve read the rest of the series you will know that Wes and Lydia have been together for a while, until she broke things off unexpectedly. Throughout the book these two face many obstacles yet they commit themselves to making it work. The ending is a great surprise and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Read through Kindle Unlimited
I’m a huge fan of this series and Emma Tharp has written a a great story. If you’ve read the rest of the series you will know that Wes and Lydia have been together for a while, until she broke things off unexpectedly. Throughout the book these two face many obstacles yet they commit themselves to making it work. The ending is a great surprise and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Read through Kindle Unlimited
June 25, 2019
An enjoyable and interesting well written short hockey romance. This engaging sweet storyline includes some drama, career obstacles, insecurities, someone trying to pull them apart, and love as they work to have a HEA. The characters are interesting and well developed with a whole lotta chemistry. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2019
Wish there was a little more... (3.5 stars)
I would say this might be a solid 3 stars, but I really liked Wes. He was a dream and I think Lydia needed and wanted a dream guy. I just felt I need more of this story.
There might have been a few too many instances with other characters and I got a little confused, but in the end, I thought Wes and Lydia had a sweet story.
Slight gaslighting happening in this, so if you don’t like that, this is your t/w.
I would say this might be a solid 3 stars, but I really liked Wes. He was a dream and I think Lydia needed and wanted a dream guy. I just felt I need more of this story.
There might have been a few too many instances with other characters and I got a little confused, but in the end, I thought Wes and Lydia had a sweet story.
Slight gaslighting happening in this, so if you don’t like that, this is your t/w.
May 15, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
They are very different people and he is much younger than her. They start a relationship and she only wants it to be causal but she ends it suddenly. What if they meet again? Will they give it another go? See if they will give it another chance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2019
3*
Wes is still coming to terms with Lydia breaking their relationship up over Skype. She’s older than him & busy with her singing career he’s 20 yrs younger and plays professional ice hockey. Can he convince her to take another chance?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Wes is still coming to terms with Lydia breaking their relationship up over Skype. She’s older than him & busy with her singing career he’s 20 yrs younger and plays professional ice hockey. Can he convince her to take another chance?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 14, 2019
Yet another superb book from Emma Tharp. I loved the storyline and the characters. Thw book is wellwritten and fastpaced filled with lots of emotions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2019
I really enjoyed Wes’s book.
Despite the age gap they worked really well together. They had so much chemistry, it was beautiful. Lydia was such a doll, she had such a beautiful soul.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite the age gap they worked really well together. They had so much chemistry, it was beautiful. Lydia was such a doll, she had such a beautiful soul.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2019
Lydia had a lot of insecurity to accept what Wes was trying to give her. I am glad she was able to get rid of someone toxic and be able to work through her trouble and be with Wes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews