The Rules of Forever by Nan Campbell is a rich girl/poor girl slow-burn romance where the main characters get to know one another during their high school reunion. Cara Talarico and Lauren Havemeyer hung out in different crowds during their school days. Cara had a major crush on Lauren, meanwhile, Lauren barely knew of Cara.
Now at twenty-eight years old, Cara Talarico is a public school teacher and plans to pay off her school loans by the time she is thirty-five. That means there’s no time for her to be in a relationship.
Lauren Havemeyer is returning from Europe but does not have many friends with whom she’s kept in touch while she was away. Lauren’s sworn off being in relationships, she’s been hurt by her girlfriends in the past due to her family’s wealth.
When Cara and Lauren see each other at the reunion, they hit it off and quickly agree that a relationship was not on the table for reasons unknown to each other. Their time together has ups and downs, their main argument usually centers around pay disparity. Despite some differences in opinions, it doesn’t take long before one realizes that one wants something more.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
The link between the artworks and the various poetries was certainly a big plus to this story. While I’m not familiar with many artworks and poetries, I appreciated the way it was interwoven into this story. It definitely added another dimension.
Most of the conversations between Lauren and Cara were pleasant and something to look forward to, from the banters to their more honest discussions.
The main characters’ family and friends helped propel the story to another level, they helped break the tension between Cara and Lauren and helped them to see reason.
Cons And Heads Up
There were times when the dialogue between Cara and Lauren seemed like they were too young for their age, I think it was mostly on Cara’s part. I must add that I’m not sure if this was what the author intended as one of the characters teaches teenagers for a living, if so, please forget what I said. I’m glad this happened only a few times and it was at the beginning of the story.
I did think that their arguments over wealth were a bit repetitive as it was always the same issue without any progress until near the end. They kept circling around it and I wasn’t sure if the problem was going to pose too great of an obstacle for them to overcome. I’m glad I was proven to be wrong.
The Conclusion
While I was not sure if I was going to like this book at the beginning, that notion was quickly dismissed, hit its stride in the middle and took off in the second half.
Yes, there were definitely some frustrating times, but it was by far outweighed by laughter and the chemistry between Lauren and Cara.
This debut novel by Nan Campbell was good and one that should not be missed.
Excerpt from The Rules of Forever by Nan Campbell
“Hello, fellow Beavers.” Cara flashed a smile at the laugh she received. “I had to be convinced to come tonight, and although I’ve just arrived, I’m really glad I’m here.”
Lauren was riveted by Cara and attempted to reconcile the earnest grind she vaguely remembered from ten years ago with this gorgeous drink of water with a head of hair that should be in shampoo commercials. Her smile was wide and welcoming, her brown eyes warm and lively. And the uniform. Lauren didn’t know what it said about her that she was halfway to lusting after a woman who looked ready for Algebra class. It felt a little shameful, but she couldn’t deny it.
Sasha nudged her. “Looks like you haven’t changed,” she whispered. “Still a beaver hound. Close your mouth. It’ll stop the drooling.”
“Shut up, Sash. I’m trying to listen here.” If only Sasha knew how much Lauren had changed from the sexually free teenager she had been. Nevertheless, Lauren tried to compose her features into a less thirsty attitude. Cara Talarico had awakened impulses she had thought long dead and buried by her last relationship. Maybe she should resurrect her high school self. What was it her brother said? Find a nice girl, etcetera, move on. The more she watched Cara Talarico, the better that idea sounded.
“Being here on campus brings back loads of memories,” Cara continued. “I’m looking forward to catching up with all of you, and talking with teachers and staff. You know, I’m a high school teacher now, and I can honestly say the experience we had here is rare. We had so many academic and extracurricular opportunities, patient and willing teachers, and counselors preparing us for the future. Not everyone has that.” Cara paused, then looked like she wanted to wrap it up. “I’m just really grateful. Have a good time, everyone.” She handed the microphone back to Ms. Urwell and stepped off the dais.
“She’s a high school teacher? That’s so sad,” Lauren followed Cara with her eyes until she disappeared in a crowd of former classmates.
Sasha punched her arm. “Don’t be a snob.”
“I’m not! She’s obviously smart, our salutatorian or whatever. She could be doing a million other things rather than teaching brats like we used to be.” Lauren rubbed her arm. Sasha had fallen right back into that habit and Lauren did not appreciate it.
“What about Ms. Franciosi? If it wasn’t for her art class, maybe you wouldn’t be working at the friggin’ Met. I bet Cara’s doing that for her students. You should go over and thank her.”
“Who, Cara? Why should I thank her?” Maybe I should thank her for wearing that uniform. Wowza.
“No, Ms. Franciosi. She’s standing right over there.”
“Okay, I will.” Lauren moved in that direction, having lost all sight of Cara Talarico.
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Bits and Bobs
- ISBN number: 9781636792484
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Nan Campbell Online
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