Breaking the Rules

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at the ‘broken-hearted heroine forced to work with her ex’ setup—until about 20 minutes in, when Sophie Daniels’ performance made me *believe* in Waverly’s rage. There’s a scene early on where she’s describing the hero’s truck (a ‘monstrosity on wheels’) and Daniels’ delivery is so dripping with disdain that I actually laughed out loud. That’s the magic of this audiobook: it *sells* the chemistry because the narration sells the *conflict*. The suspense subplot—involving Waverly’s business being targeted—feels organic, not tacked on, and Score weaves it in without letting it overshadow the emotional core. Now, the critiques: the middle act drags slightly with repetitive internal monologues about trust (we *get* it, they’re both stubborn), and there’s a secondary character whose comic relief feels tonally jarring next to the grittier moments. But the payoff? Worth it. The final confrontation isn’t just a grand gesture—it’s a *negotiation*, messy and imperfect, which makes the HEA feel earned. Daniels’ ability to switch between Waverly’s sharp wit and the hero’s rough vulnerability is masterclass-level, especially in the steamier scenes where the tension isn’t just sexual but *combative*. If you love romance with bite, where the banter cuts as deep as the kisses, this is your next listen—but skip if you prefer your second chances sweet and simple.