The Bad Boy Rule by Maren Moore Book Review: A Steamy Hockey Romance That Breaks All the Rules
- Joao Nsita
- Jun 19
- 8 min read
Introduction
Can a bad boy and a good girl rewrite the rules of love on the ice? The Bad Boy Rule by Maren Moore, a sizzling addition to the Hellcats Hockey series, dives into the fiery clash between a notorious hockey player and a prim figure skater at Orleans University. This enemies-to-lovers romance ignites with tension, spice, and heart, making it a must-read for fans of sports romance. Moore, an Amazon Top 20 bestselling author, delivers a story that’s as thrilling off the rink as on it. Ready to skate into this steamy tale? Discover why it’s unputdownable. For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.
Book Summary
The Bad Boy Rule follows Saint Devereaux, Orleans University’s tattooed hockey enforcer with a reputation for breaking hearts and rules. When a scheduling mix-up forces him to share ice time with Lennon Rousseau, a high-society figure skater and the epitome of a good girl, sparks fly. Lennon, valedictorian and Social Club president, is everything Saint isn’t—polished, pure, and off-limits. Their forced proximity fuels banter and forbidden attraction, complicated by a personal vendetta tied to Lennon’s father. With secret hookups and emotional stakes, this new adult romance blends steamy chemistry, hockey intensity, and opposites-attract magic, setting the stage for an unforgettable love story.
Author’s Style and Craft
Maren Moore’s writing is a power play of heat and heart, delivering a fast-paced narrative that mirrors the rush of a hockey game. Her dual POV structure immerses readers in Saint and Lennon’s conflicting worlds, with dialogue that crackles like ice under blades—witty, sharp, and laden with tension. Moore’s pacing balances steamy encounters with emotional growth, ensuring every chapter hooks. Saint’s bad-boy charm evolves into vulnerability, while Lennon’s poised exterior cracks, revealing depth. The vivid rink scenes, from slap shots to figure skating spins, ground the story in authenticity, making The Bad Boy Rule a standout in sports romance craftsmanship.
Quote: “He’s the reason the Bad Boy Rule exists. Because guys like him will break your heart.” – Lennon
Themes and Deeper Meaning
The Bad Boy Rule explores redemption, identity, and the collision of opposites. Saint’s bad-boy persona masks a quest for vengeance and belonging, while Lennon’s good-girl facade hides her struggle for autonomy. The ice rink symbolizes their battleground, where rules are tested, and hearts are bared. Themes of forgiveness and breaking societal molds resonate, reflecting broader issues of judgment and second chances. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic serves as a metaphor for overcoming prejudice, inviting readers to question stereotypes. Moore’s nuanced exploration elevates the novel beyond romance, offering a heartfelt commentary on love’s power to heal and redefine.
Strengths
Moore scores big with The Bad Boy Rule’s electric chemistry and immersive setting. Saint and Lennon’s banter, like their rink-side showdowns, is a masterclass in tension—think verbal slap shots that hit every mark. The hockey and figure skating scenes pulse with energy, drawing readers into Orleans University’s world. Secondary characters, like Lennon’s Social Club friends, add humor and warmth, enriching the narrative. The steamy, secret hookups are balanced by emotional depth, as seen in Saint’s tender moments with Lennon. These strengths create a page-turner that’s both a heart-pounding romance and a love letter to sports fans.
Areas for Improvement
While The Bad Boy Rule dazzles, it stumbles slightly in its third act. The resolution of Saint’s vendetta against Lennon’s father feels rushed, potentially leaving readers craving more closure. Some secondary characters, like Saint’s teammates, lack depth, which might disappoint those expecting a richer ensemble. These elements could frustrate fans of intricate subplots, though the central romance remains gripping. Slowing the climax’s pacing and developing supporting characters further could enhance the story’s impact. These tweaks would elevate an already compelling novel, ensuring it resonates even more deeply with its audience.
Comparative Analysis
The Bad Boy Rule skates alongside Moore’s The Enemy Trap (Amazon), but its hockey focus and bad boy/good girl dynamic offer a spicier edge. Compared to Tessa Bailey’s Hot & Hammered series, like Fix Her Up (Amazon), it shares steamy romance but stands out with its sports-driven narrative. Unlike many new adult romances, Moore’s novel challenges genre norms with its nuanced take on redemption and rivalry, making it a fresh contender in the sports romance arena, perfect for fans craving heat and heart.
Target Audience
This novel is a hat trick for romance readers aged 18–35, especially fans of new adult and sports romance. Women who love enemies-to-lovers, hockey romance, and steamy tropes will be hooked. Book clubs seeking spicy, discussion-worthy reads will enjoy its themes of redemption and identity. Content warnings include explicit romantic scenes, mild language, and references to family conflict, unsuitable for younger readers. Its blend of heat, humor, and heart makes it ideal for those seeking a thrilling escape with emotional depth.
Personal Impact
The Bad Boy Rule hit me like a puck to the heart, leaving me swooning and reflective. Saint’s raw vulnerability and Lennon’s quiet strength stirred memories of my own rule-breaking moments in love. The novel’s humor and heat sparked joy, while its themes of forgiveness lingered, urging me to embrace second chances. This is a story that demands to be read, offering a rink-side seat to a romance that’s as exhilarating as it is unforgettable.
Conclusion
The Bad Boy Rule by Maren Moore is a steamy, heartfelt triumph, blending hockey intensity with enemies-to-lovers magic. Its vibrant characters, sizzling chemistry, and poignant themes make it a must-read for sports romance fans. Despite minor pacing hiccups, it’s a page-turner that scores big.
Grab your copy on Amazon and dive into this icy-hot love story.
Like a game-winning goal, this book will leave you cheering for more. For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.
Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest blogs, updates, and exclusive giveaways! Share the joy—pass along our blogs and website to family and friends so they can join in on the fun. Let’s spread the love together! For more inspiration on personal transformation, check out the Transform Your Life series at That Love Podcast and explore wellness tips at That Blissful Wellness Podcast.
About the Author
Maren Moore, an Amazon Top 20 bestselling sports romance author, crafts novels brimming with heat and happily-ever-afters. Based in southern Louisiana with her husband, two sons, and fur babies, Moore draws inspiration from her love of Dramione fanfic, 90s nostalgia, and horror movie marathons. When not writing, she’s chasing her kids or browsing Pinterest for athletic muses. Her Hellcats Hockey series, including The Bad Boy Rule, showcases her knack for steamy, emotional storytelling. Connect with her at MarenMoore.com, Romance.io, and Fantastic Fiction.
FAQ
What is The Bad Boy Rule about?It’s a new adult hockey romance about a bad-boy player and a good-girl skater clashing over shared ice time and forbidden attraction.
Who is Maren Moore?An Amazon Top 20 bestselling sports romance author from Louisiana, known for steamy, heartfelt stories.
What genre is this book?New adult romance with sports, enemies-to-lovers, and opposites-attract tropes.
Is The Bad Boy Rule spicy?Yes, it features explicit romantic scenes with moderate steam, suitable for adults.
What are the main themes?Redemption, identity, forgiveness, and breaking stereotypes, with a focus on love’s transformative power.
Who should read this book?Fans of steamy sports romance, enemies-to-lovers, and new adult stories, aged 18–35.
Are there content warnings?Explicit scenes, mild language, and family conflict; not suitable for younger readers.
How does it compare to Moore’s other works?Spicier than The Enemy Trap, with a stronger hockey focus and deeper emotional stakes.
Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Is it part of a series?Yes, the first in the Hellcats Hockey series, followed by The Good Girl Exception.
Looking for your next great read? Dive into these captivating book reviews and discover stories that will stay with you long after the last page!
Play Your Part (All In, Book 1) by Kathryn Kincaid – A Captivating Journey of Self-Discovery – A touching romance that explores the pressures of perfection, self-doubt, and the courage to follow your heart. Kathryn Kincaid delivers a heartfelt journey where love and ambition collide in the most unexpected way.
Hockey Heart – A Single Dad Hockey Romance (Skates and Sparks) by Kate Wilder – When a rugged hockey player and devoted single dad meets the one woman who makes him believe in love again, sparks fly both on and off the ice. A swoon-worthy romance packed with sizzling chemistry and heartfelt emotions.
Two Weeks in Tahoe by Erica Everett – A woman looking for a fresh start, a charming local who wasn’t part of the plan, and a stunning mountain backdrop set the stage for a romance that proves two weeks can change everything.
The Pieces We’ve Lost by H.K. Green – A deeply emotional novel that weaves past and present into a poignant tale of love, regret, and healing. As one woman pieces together the story of her past, she uncovers the truth about the love she thought was lost forever.
The Sixty-Forty Rule by Ellie K. Wilde – A clever and steamy romance that challenges the idea of balance in relationships. Can love truly be fifty-fifty, or does one person always give more? This witty and thought-provoking novel will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about love.
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey – A Sizzling Forbidden Romance – Tessa Bailey brings her signature steamy romance to life in this passionate and high-stakes love story. When a woman falls for the one man she absolutely shouldn’t, resisting temptation is impossible—but will giving in cost them everything?
Wild Side by Elsie Silver – A Small-Town Romance That Ignites the Heart – A slow-burn, emotional romance that captures the beauty of small-town life and the thrill of taking a chance on love. With undeniable chemistry, playful banter, and a few unexpected twists, this book will steal your heart.
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone – A Heartwarming Beacon in the Storm of Grief – This deeply moving story explores love, loss, and the power of second chances. When two souls, each carrying their own burdens, find unexpected solace in each other, they discover that even in the darkest times, love has a way of shining through.
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle #3) by Tracy Deonn – A Magical Odyssey Through Power and Destiny – The highly anticipated third book in the Legendborn Cycle delivers an epic journey of magic, legacy, and self-discovery. Tracy Deonn masterfully expands her world of Arthurian legends with gripping action, intricate lore, and an unforgettable heroine.
First Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison – A Cozy Romance That Rings True – A sweet and cozy romance that unfolds over late-night calls and heartfelt confessions. When a radio host connects with an anonymous caller, neither expects the sparks that fly—or the surprises that await them in real life.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A Battle of Wits That Steals Your Heart – A deliciously addictive enemies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter, sizzling tension, and a love story that will have you grinning from start to finish. A must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and office rivals who just can’t resist each other.
📚✨ Dive into these reviews and find your next favorite book!
Happy reading!
Are you ready to add some new titles to your bookshelf? Whether you're on the hunt for the latest bestseller, a rare collectible, or a budget-friendly classic, the internet is full of incredible places to shop for books. Below are the most loved, highly searched, and reader-approved websites where book lovers go to discover, buy, and support the stories they cherish:
Amazon Books – The go-to online bookstore for millions of readers, offering everything from new releases to obscure finds, all with fast delivery and regular deals.
Bookshop.org – Support local indie bookstores with every purchase while enjoying a beautiful selection of curated booklists and new releases.
Barnes & Noble – A trusted name in bookselling, offering thousands of titles in all genres, along with gifts, games, and a great eBook selection.
Books-A-Million – A reader’s paradise featuring books, magazines, collectibles, and more—perfect for fans of fiction, fandoms, and family reads.
ThriftBooks – A budget-friendly book-buying haven with great deals on gently used books and free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
AbeBooks – Ideal for collectors and treasure hunters, this site specializes in rare books, first editions, and academic texts.
IndieBound – Discover and support local independent bookstores across the country with this brilliant platform that connects you to nearby shops.
Waterstones – The UK’s iconic book retailer with a refined selection of fiction, nonfiction, and exclusive signed editions.
Book Depository – Offers free worldwide shipping and a massive international catalog, making it a top choice for global readers.
Alibris – Search millions of titles from independent sellers, including textbooks, out-of-print books, and hard-to-find literary gems.
No matter your budget, reading style, or literary taste, these websites offer the best ways to keep your reading list fresh and exciting. Happy book shopping! 📚💫
Comments