4.25/5 stars! This is the second book in the Campus Diaries series by Elle Kennedy. This is a frenemies-to-lovers contemporary romance, with sports romance elements. This book was so fast paced and I loved the chemistry between Diana and Shane. The spicy scenes had all the spicy and the ending wrapped things up, while still leaving things open for book 3.

Elle Kennedy writes character that you will 100% love and this was no different. I do feel like it wasn't my favourite of hers but either way I would probably recommend it!

I really enjoyed The Graham Effect since the story was about kids of the OG Off Campus characters. That’s what I was hoping to get from The Dixon Rule, too. That nostalgic OG Off Campus/Briar U feeling. However, this book wasn’t it at all. It just fell flat.

The story follows Diana Dixon, a cheerleader who also juggles two jobs and a ballroom dance competition. Her summer is super busy, but soon it becomes exhausting when problems with her ex arise, and when her enemy, a hockey boy Shane Lindley, moves into an apartment next door. As much as she hates Shane, he could help Diana get her summer back on track, firstly by pretending to be her boyfriend to get rid of the overbearing attention of her ex, and secondly to help her compete in the ballroom dancing as her partner dropped out last minute. For Shane fake dating agreement is also beneficial, as he wants to win back his ex-girlfriend, who is competing in the same ballroom competition as Diana.
Firstly, this book was way too long for a romance book. Secondly, even though it was supposed to be a fake dating trope, it had so much more drama and other plot points that, in all fairness, did not add anything to the overall story. It just felt that some things were included in this book for the sake of including them. The pacing was all off, too. It just made this book drag so much, and it took me ages to finish, and I usually devour Elle Kennedy books.

I did enjoy, however Diana’s and Shane’s banter and dynamics. It reminded me of the Off-Campus books. Also, I did like the writing; however, as I mentioned above, the pacing was a bit all over the place. Some scenes and plot points were glossed over quite quickly, and some not-so-interesting ones were dragged on for too long. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Diana and Shane's past friendship level. Their friendship was amazing, but I just couldn’t see them as a long-term couple.

I also wished there was more university, school drama and dynamics in this book. I guess there wasn’t much hockey and cheerleading included because this story was mainly set during the summer. It just didn’t feel like a book set in college, even though it was supposed to be.

Overall: Very disappointing story as it was one of my most anticipated books. The story dragged so much, the plot and pacing were all over the place, and it took ages to complete. At times I was even considered DNF’ing, and I only do that on very rare occasions. I think this book could have been much more powerful, interesting and impactful if it had been 200 pages shorter.

I absolutely loved this book, I’ll eat up anything Elle Kennedy writes, such an easy read where you find yourself falling in love with the characters and laughing at their banter, I can’t wait to read the next instalment

As a devoted fan of Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series, I was thrilled to discover her Campus Diaries spin-off, which continues the legacy of the original characters through their children. Initially, I hesitated to dive into The Graham Effect, uncertain if it would capture the same magic. However, upon reading it, I was delighted to find that Kennedy's storytelling prowess remains as compelling as ever.

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Graham Effect, I eagerly picked up The Dixon Rule, which centres on Diana Dixon, Gigi's best friend and the daughter of John Logan from the original series. Diana's summer is a whirlwind of ballroom dance rehearsals, multiple jobs, and the challenge of an ex-boyfriend who can't let go. Enter Shane Lindley, her charming neighbour with a reputation for casual flings. Their fake relationship, born out of necessity, evolves into something deeper, filled with humour, passion, and genuine connection. The chemistry between Diana and Shane is electric, and their banter kept me thoroughly entertained.

It's remarkable how Kennedy seamlessly weaves the legacy of the original Off-Campus characters into these new narratives, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh experience. The Campus Diaries series not only honours the beloved characters of the past but also introduces a new generation that is equally captivating.

For those who, like me, were hesitant to embark on this next chapter, I assure you it's worth the read. The Graham Effect and The Dixon Rule are both delightful additions to Kennedy's universe, blending familiar warmth with new adventures. I highly recommend diving into these novels, you won't be disappointed.

i didn’t love this book in all honesty. Was it a good palette cleanser yes but will I remember anything about it probably not. I’m so sad because the off campus series and the graham effect were amazing in my eyes but this just fell flat.

For such a long book it felt like nothing happened. Obviously there is things that happen which i don’t want to spoil but the romance was just like ??? i don’t get the whole hate to love. I feel both characters were just immature I did end up liking shane about half way through.

This has been a good palette cleanser though.

Absolutely devoured this book. I love Elle Kennedys writing . Its submersible and easy to read,her stories are brilliant . BUT my only issue is that this book needed trigger warnings or at least a page at the beginning of the book telling me it had DV in it and also death of a parent.

Elle Kennedy's writing never misses! I loved the energy between Diana and Shane, and there is some additional depth to this spin-off from the Off Campus books, with Kennedy not shying away from some heavier topics. I'll be eagerly looking out for the next title in this series!

I completely loved this book! I loved Diana and her attitude towards life and the banter she had with Shane from the beginning. They made me laugh constantly and I was so obsessed with this. The banter, chemistry, tension….. everything is top tier.

This was one of my favourite reads of 2024 and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

This series is so fun and I can not get enough of it.

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy is an enjoyable and emotionally gripping romance that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. I am always a sucker for neighbors that are enemies to lovers, and since also has an added element of fake dating, it’s like it was written specifically for me! I do think that overall it was a bit longer than any contemporary romance needs to be, and thus one of the 3rd act conflicts should’ve been dropped. But overall this was such an entertaining.

Diana and Shane had fantastic banter & chemistry (the bickering included). And once they got over their initial stumbling blocks, their relationship developed really naturally & in a believable way.

I loved this! Diana and Shane are perfect for each other and I loved watching them fall in love and deal with everything life threw at them together. Shane was so sweet with Diana and I felt this had the perfect amount of spice for me and that the plot was really good. The found family in this series is so wholesome and I can't wait for the rest of the series to see more of them. Excited for the next one!

My first Elle Kennedy book and I really enjoyed it. Kennedy is the queen of romance over on BookTok but I have never picked up one of her books.
This book is a spin-off of her other series but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.

Enemies to lovers, fake dating and a whole lot of misunderstanding thrown in to make this the perfect recipe for a hot hockey romance.

Such a great read that always had you guessing throughout. I've read several books from this author and I will continue to buy her books. I highly recommend this book. Its so addicive.

Such an amazing book!! I love Elle Kennedy so much and I always enjoy her writing!
I love the continuation of the original characters that we all fell in love with - but making it their kids! Feels like we’re part of their little world.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC!

Wow Elle Kennedy you have outdone yourself! This book has rocketed to top of my favourites by this author. I absolutely ADORED it. The tension between our two main characters Diana and Shane was sizzling. The banter between them was excellent, I was in stitches so many times. Not only are they my new favourite couple in the OC/BU/CD universe but also as separate characters. Diana was funny, independent, strong and ambitious and Shane was such a golden retriever, he 100% fell first. I loved Shane’s devotion to his sport and his family. His relationship with his little sister was so cute.

The author did an absolutely fantastic job of handling the more dark and serious topics featured. The inner turmoil that Diana goes through after Percy hits her was so realistic. That inner dialogue of “I’m so weak because I let this happen to me” and then “but wait, I wouldn’t think that about someone else if this happened to them” really got to me because that’s exactly how I felt and still feel after the SA I went through. Elle Kennedy also did a great job of representing how absolutely abysmal the justice system is regarding DV survivors. I’d love to know how Percy walked back into that building at the end when there was supposed to be top notch security at the gates.

What I loved most of all about this book though is how Diana and Shane supported each other through really awful circumstances and events. That’s what really made their relationship so strong to me. Their love for each other was very much shown and not just told and I appreciated that. Also I sobbed at some points which is a rarity so the book gets extra points for that.

I literally cannot wait for the next book to be released. I loved Will’s character in these last two so I’m excited to see his story. Also I need more of Blake because she is hilarious and I really hope we get her book one day! This was released on 14th May so I’m a little late getting to it but WOW it was worth the wait!

Great read! This book has everything! Hilarious banter between Diana and Shane as their relationship develops from enemies to lovers. Super steamy, emotional with some heavy themes of domestic violence and death of a family member, The Dixon Rule is a must-read!

Utterly bingeworthy!! Despite it's length for a contemporary romance, I devoured this in a day and couldn't get enough.

It's been great to observe Kennedy's writing continue to evolve and modernise from her Off-campus series. While I did like those books, I can't help but feel this series is far more superior and some of her best work.

Diana and Shane's chemistry was off the charts. I LOVED the angst. Their two different personalities came together in the best way. The romance and spice is well balanced with engaging plot and emotional depth. This book touches on some heavier subjects which are listed on the trigger warnings. The found family of this series is so wholesome, not just the scenes with the OG's but the new generation friend group as well.

I absolutely loved this book. It was full of fun banter between the core group and their families that made me laugh out loud!

You'll like this if you enjoy:

- Fake dating
- Enemies to lovers
- Friends with benefits
- Sports romance (hockey)

Elle Kennedy has done it again with The Dixon Rule! This book is a thrilling mix of romance, intrigue, and a dash of humour that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I gave it 4 stars because while it wasn’t perfect, it was absolutely a delight to read.

Brilliant story, simply perfection. Elle Kennedy is an author that you know, no matter what the book is about, it’s going to be gooooood!

I didn't think it was possible for a book to knock The Graham Effect off of my top spot of favourite Elle Kennedy books but The Dixon Rule managed it!

Wow! I loved this book so much I don't even know where to start! Shane and Diana's relationship had me hooked from the get go. I love enemies to lovers as a trope but cross it with fake dating as well and I am sold immediately! The banter in this book is next level and I ate it up! I was so in love with this book that I managed to finish the whole thing in under 24 hours!
It is safe to say that I am extremely excited for the next book in this series and I know I'm going to love it just as much as the first two books!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an eArc of this book!