Item: No Rules of Engagement
Author: Brian

A Unique Take on Romance Amidst Conflict

3.5 out of 5 stars

No Rules of Engagement by Tracey Richardson is a novel that delves into the complexities of romance amidst the backdrop of war and coming home. While I’ve been an ardent fan of Richardson’s works, I must admit that this book presented a different challenge for me, which made it a bit harder to fully immerse myself in the story. I can’t tell if it was the characters, the story, or the difficulties/issues they faced. I sat on this review for a bit because of it. I don’t want my specific thoughts to ruin someone else’s enjoyment of this story.

One of the standout features of this novel is its setting – the military. It was a refreshing departure from the usual tropes I often find in the genre. Major Logan Sharp, a dedicated military doctor, and photographer Jillian Knight, on assignment to document the heroic work of medical units in war zones, form an unlikely connection amidst the chaos of Afghanistan. The contrast between Logan’s by-the-rules demeanor and Jillian’s audacious spirit creates an interesting dynamic.

Throughout the narrative, the author masterfully weaves in the challenges faced by both women in their personal and professional lives. Their intense feelings for each other threaten to breach the boundaries they’ve set in place, and this internal conflict adds depth to their characters. A single heart-stopping kiss leads to a heart-wrenching goodbye, adhering to the rules they’ve set for themselves. However, fate has other plans for them, and their paths cross once more over a year later, making it much harder for them to continue abiding by their self-imposed rules.

The story itself is undeniably romantic and endearing, with a good dose of challenges and hurdles thrown in for both women. It’s a tale of love that perseveres despite the odds, and it’s heartwarming to see how Logan and Jillian navigate their way through the complexities of their emotions and the external pressures of their surroundings.

In the end, while No Rules of Engagement didn’t quite capture my heart the way some of Richardson’s other works have, I can see its appeal to those who enjoy military-themed romances and the unique blend of tropes presented in this story. It’s a book that I liked, but it didn’t quite reach the level of love I’ve come to personally expect from this talented author. Nonetheless, it’s a worthwhile read for those seeking a romance novel with a distinctive twist.

Book Description:

With wounded soldiers all around her, Major Logan Sharp doesn’t have time to pamper some photographer from stateside. What spare energy she does have goes to worrying what she’ll do when she ships home from Afghanistan. Home—for Logan, the word means nothing. But photographer Jillian Knight is not what she expects, and certainly not what she needs complicating her last tour.

Leaving her partner and daughter at home, Jillian Knight is on assignment in Kandahar to record the heroic work of medical units in war zones. She knows it’ll be rough, but Logan Sharp’s dedication and competence is reassuring. Jillian finds herself looking forward to her encounters with the intriguing military doctor, understanding that a by-the-rules demeanor is a must for surviving in a land where life is cheap.

Intense feelings threaten to overwhelm their good sense, but they follow the rules. After a single heart-stopping kiss, they do the only thing they must—say goodbye. Keeping in touch is not part of the plan, but when their paths cross unexpectedly more than a year later, abiding by the rules is suddenly much harder than they ever expected.

Contains mature themes.

No Rules of Engagement by Tracey Richardson
Narrator: Joana Garcia
Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
Published by Tantor Audio on July 19th 2022
Genres: LesFic/Sapphic Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Buy from Audible
Also by this author: The Campaign, Delay of Game, Blind Bet, Side Order of Love

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Brian

I’ve loved reading since I was little when my dad would read me Dr. Suess books. Fast-forward a little and I noticed that he was always reading on his lunch breaks at work, and I wondered why.Then, I found a book that took me to another place and time, to another feeling,another sense of “being”.It was the first book that I ever fell in love with, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.