Rules of Survival by Jus Accardo Published by Entangled Publishing on 2 June 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Suspense
Pages: 290
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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If you want to survive, you have to follow the rules…
Mikayla Morgan is wanted for her mother's murder. She's been on the run for almost a year now, avoiding not only the police but the real killer. Tired of running and desperate to clear her name, she breaks one of the most sacred rules: never return to the scene of the crime.
Every bounty hunter on the Eastern Seaboard is after the Morgan girl—but Shaun Denver and his partner snagged her. She's a piece of work, and Shaun can't decide if he wants to kiss her or kill her. When things take a sharp turn south, Shaun does the only thing he can think of to keep her close—he handcuffs them together.
As the danger mounts and the killer closes in, the chemistry between them threatens to explode. Shaun and Kayla will need to break all the rules if they hope to get out of this alive.
*I received a free ARC of Rules of Survival from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Rules of Survival is an action-packed read, where Mikayla needs to follow her mom’s rules, just to survive another day. And she can never know whom to trust.
My Rules of Survival review:
Fast-paced, full of action, some romance and Kayla’s rules, Rules of Survival is a very addictive read. From the very beginning, it was clear to me that Kayla was in big trouble, and when two bounty hunters came upon her, that was quickly confirmed. Only, that wasn’t the end of it, suddenly a car came up to the cabin in the woods, and someone started shooting at Kayla and her two captors.
Kayla’s life went from bad to worse once her captors got a hold of her, Patrick Tanner had a grudge against her deceased mother, and Shaun Denver seemed to be so cocky even his good looks couldn’t make up for it. Kayla’s rules of survival were the only thing she had to hold on to, even the letter her mother had left her at the cabin was lost, now, and Kayla had no idea what she was supposed to do – other than escaping Tanner and Shaun, that is.
I loved how fast-paced Rules of Survival was, even if that made for a hurried romance between Shaun and Kayla. It did make a strange kind of sense that she would fall for him, since she had never really had any friends growing up, moving far too often to stay in touch with anyone anywhere. Being hand-cuffed to Shaun wasn’t her idea of romantic, though, but she couldn’t help but somehow admire his quick thinking – even if that’s what put her in this iffy situation in the first place.
Rules of Survival is well written, in first person past tense, where I saw the world through Kayla’s eyes all along. And underneath her extremely tough exterior, there was a young woman craving normalcy, love and friendship. As the story unfolds, I learned some things about Kayla’s mom, and man, she could never get a mom-of-the year title. She did keep Kayla mostly safe while on the run, but she never showed her much love or compassion, needing to know Kayla would be as self-sufficient as was possible.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action story, with some hot romance on the side, Rules of Survival is just what you need! Both Shaun and Kayla have lived a hard life, and they both feel like there should be something more to the journey than running or being hit around.
Some of my favorite Rules of Survival quotes:
The older one laughed. “Don’t let her appearance fool you. I bet she’s plenty dangerous. Just like her mamma.”
“Watch the hand.” He gave another good shove. “Are you serious? I think we’ve got more important things to worry about than me accidentally copping a feel. Besides, there’s nothing there to cop. You’ve got, like, no ass.”
Without waiting for me to follow, he started forward and nearly ripped my arm from its socket. If we didn’t get these cuffs off soon, one of us was going to lose a limb. And possible other appendages we’d need down the line. And by one of us, I was thinking Shaun…
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Twitter: bmreviewsohmy
I like this author and I am so behind on reading her books..ugh. 🙂
This was my first Jus Accardo book, Stormi, but it definitely won’t be the last! Thanks for stopping by.
Great review Lexie! I really enjoyed this one too. I loved the pace and the action, definitely my kind of read. Fab review!
Yeah, now I know I need to read more from this author, too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Naomi.
Twitter: BerlsS
Sounds fantastic Lexxie – seems like an action packed story. I’m not typically a fan of rushed romance, but I can see how with this story line it could work. I’ll have to check it out. Great review 🙂
It really did work here, Berls, but as I’m not usually a big fan of rush, either, I thought I’d mention that it actually worked in Rules of Survival.
Thanks for stopping by.
Twitter: talksupeblog
Okay, I love romantic suspense so I’ll take your word for it. Adding this on my TBR!
I hope you’ll love it as much as I did, Braine! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Bounty hunters are exciting! Plus, the cover is exquisite (fangirling!!) I’m glad this book is fast-paced, those are my favs. ^^ Looks enjoyable, glad you liked it, Lex, and great review. xx
I agree, bounty hunters are definitely exciting. Thanks for stopping by, Lola 🙂
I like this author, but I didn’t know she ventured into contemporary! I like quick-paced action-packed reads. Plus there’s romance? I’m in. Plus the “no ass” quote sounds like there’s some good sass too! I hope you’re having a great week, Lexxie!
Yup, romance, sass, action – it’s pretty darned good, Robyn 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
A fast-paced action story sounds good to me! I’ve been hearing about this one and I’m so happy you loved it, Lexxie 🙂
It was really good, Silvia 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Great review. I haven’t read anything by Jus as yet but I am in the mood for some fast-pace action with romance. Think I’ll give this one a try.
This was my first book by Jus as well, Shane, and I’m ready for many more 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
NA/YA authors that throw the parents under the bus is a pet peeve of mine, although it doesn’t sound like Kayla’s mom was too bad… Plus, you can never go wrong with the action / romance combo!
FYI I mentioned you in today’s question post. 😀
The mom wasn’t exactly thrown under the bus, because she did things the best way she knew how… I just wanted her to have shown Kayla some more love and tenderness, because I really think every child deserves to know they’re special 🙂
I LOL’ed at your post today – and I’m proud to be one of your perverted peeps 😉
Thanks for stopping by, Carmel! Happy reading.
This sounds intense and really good, Lexxie. Jus Accardo is an author I’ve been meaning to read for a few years! Yes, years! Ugh! I have Ruined to read. But I like the fast-pace and suspenseful sound of this one. Guess I’ll add more Accardo to my tbr. 😉
Hope you’re having a wonderful Thursday, my friend! Are you and #4 doing something special?? 🙂 **BIG HUGS**
Oh, you should definitely add Accardo to your TBR, Brandee 🙂 #4 and I went for a long walk by the river this morning, and it was really nice, because it wasn’t raining, and it wasn’t too hot either.
Are you guys ready for your road-trip? Thanks for stopping by 🙂 *BIG HUGS*
Sounds really interesting. Usually romance type novels seem really predictable but with some suspense added I am willing to try it 🙂
I think the romances I love the most are those that have a little suspense (or something paranormal) added, and also those that manage being at least a little bit different than the ‘norm’.
Thanks for stopping by, Jirrine 🙂