Member Reviews

Elle Kennedy has very quickly become an auto author for me. This new campus series has hooked me just like Avalon Bay! The characters are perfection and Shane and Diana's relationship had me desperately turning the pages. Their humour and quick wit contrasted with the more serious DA content. I've never had a book that has had me so hot and steamy but I've always cried my eyes out for both Diana and Shane. Elle Kennedy, you write such amazing stories.

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James' rating: 5 out of 5 stars of steamy goodness! ✨

I rarely read college romances but Elle Kennedy is an exception. I LOVED her Off Campus series a few years back and I was excited to return to a new book of hers when I saw this on Netgalley.

This was like a theme park of emotions. We have the usual fun rides, take a break and then as we wander, things get real so damn fast. Then we get to those scary rides we just wanna try and finally the haunted house that we think isn't THAT scary but turns out to be terrifying! Now, imagine doing all this in a rollercoaster 😁

I strapped in for the ride and ended up with a well balanced story and unique characters who went for what they wanted. Diana was an extrovert full of energy with a realistic yet a vibrant personality. Shane was laid back with a charming and witty personality.

It was quite interesting to watch their relationship develop and their chemistry was really good. The sexual tension was intense! We had really some good Dom spice action going on and I really liked the physical aspect of their relationship as well. They just clicked! There were a lot of laughs, banters, a few tears drama and it all contributed to a really good story!

The relationship with our MCs family and friends were really sweet. We do get hit by reality so damn fast back to back which was quite angsty. There are some triggers so please proceed cautiously. We end up with a sweet ending that I loved!

Thank you Elle and Little Brown Group UK for this bundle of steamy goodness!

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Elle Kennedy delivers yet another captivating sports romance in "The Dixon Rule," the second book in the Campus Diaries series. The story follows Diana Dixon, who is juggling a demanding summer with rehearsals for a ballroom dance competition, two jobs, and a persistent ex-boyfriend. Adding to her chaos is Shane Lindley, a charming hockey player who moves into her apartment building and disrupts her world.

Kennedy excels in creating relatable and engaging characters. Diana is a strong, sassy protagonist who stands up for herself and establishes firm boundaries with Shane. Despite her initial resistance, the chemistry between Diana and Shane is undeniable. Shane, weary of casual flings and seeking a genuine connection, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Diana. When his ex-girlfriend reappears, Shane convinces Diana to fake a relationship, setting off a chain of events that blurs the lines between pretend and reality.

The dynamic between Diana and Shane is a highlight of the novel. Their witty banter and evolving relationship are both humorous and heartwarming. Kennedy's writing is fluid and engaging, making it easy for readers to become invested in the characters' journey. The romance is well-paced, with a perfect blend of tension and tenderness that keeps readers hooked.

Kennedy also addresses deeper themes such as familial expectations and dealing with past trauma. Diana's struggle to meet her family's expectations and cope with an abusive relationship adds depth to her character and resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges.

Overall, "The Dixon Rule" is a delightful read that combines humor, romance, and emotional depth. Elle Kennedy's skillful storytelling and memorable characters make this book a standout in the sports romance genre.

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It’s safe to say now, that for me, every Elle Kennedys book will be an easy five star read. I just love her style, tropes she uses and whats more important, characters she is writing! She introduces us to the most perfect and lovable male characters, and gives us strong and frierce female characters which know what they want. I absolutely ADORE it!

In The Dixon Rule Elle is breaking every stereotype we can possibly have against cheerleaders and jocks. Diana is allegory of hard work. She is rocking few jobs, training hard as a head of cheerleader squad, trying to get into dance competition and still scoring high grades in her studies - I was impressed! Shane Lindley is a hardwork too, trying his best to stay in shape for his last season as a hockey player for Briar U. Unfortunately, they do not like each other very much, but you cant deny the tension between them. They live next door, so you can already say, that from hating isnt far to loving someone..

I love they story! I wasnt expecting it to be even better than Gigi’s story, but it was! It was funny, spicy, cute and heartbreaking - absolutely fantastic book!

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As usual, this Kennedy book was such a joy to read. Diana is such an awesome MC to follow, the banter between her and Shane was top tier. I am always smiling when I pick up a book from Kennedy.

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This one had me smiling nearly all the way through. The banter was top tier and the particular take on love really struck a chord
with me. It is truly important to find someone who makes you laugh your ass off. Thanks to Elle Kennedy and the team for all their hard work. Cannot wait for the next one, back to the polyamory roots, very excited about that.

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4.5⭐️
Oh this was so good!
Yes it’s long, but it was worth it.

Shane and Diana genuinely don’t like each other and their banter is very funny! But they end up both needing the other to help them fake a relationship, and in doing so grow to realise they actually have more in common than they thought.
There were some incredibly sweet moments between them and watching their relationship develop is lovely.

There were a few bits I didn’t love but they were realistic given their ages (this is a college romance) and I really hope we get to see more of their future in the next book.

I would have appreciated a trigger warning at the start regarding Shane’s Dad as whilst it was hinted at earlier in the book, his illness and sudden passing came as quick a shock.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

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Another winner before I even started as I absolutely love this author! So of course I loved it! Didn’t want it to end!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book.

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Book 2 of the Campus Diaries series is 🌶️🌶️🌶️. Diana is furious when Shane moves in next door to her, he has been slowly making his way through her cheerleading squad and it’s the last thing she wants to deal with this summer. However, when they both end up with their exes around, fake dating seems like a great way to either make them jealous or force them to move on. And we all know fake dating leads to real feelings.

Yes, it was predictable. Yes, it was cheesy. But it was good. And my goodness, that counter scene 🥵 THAT I was not expecting. It was spicy and lovely in all of the right mix. The only reason I didn’t give it 5* was because it didn’t really pull at my soul for any reason. I also think a little more could have maybe been made about the inappropriate behaviour of Diana’s ex and the fact she was living in fear.

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This was a mixed bag for me. Some parts, I loved but some parts I didn't like and almost hated (yes I'm looking at you that one scene). It was fun, the characters were great and I loved the little snippets of Gigi and Ryder from The Graham Effect. Overall, it was an ok read but i'd definitely take some bits out if it were my book!

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This book is too good to put down. A perfect golden retriever Shane Lindley is still a total confidant hockey hunk . A true softie on the inside with a kickass personality. DIANA DIXON I cherish you. What a fantastic FMC! She is hilarious beyond belief and authentically herself. Despite having different personalities, Shane and Diana are essentially the same person. They had A+ banter. The entire time, I was kicking my feet and laughing.

The Meadow Hills complex has a humorous dynamic. I was dying to laugh when I saw the screenshots of the group conversation at the conclusion. I really liked the book, even if it featured darker themes and a little more action than the Graham effect.

The romantic relationship between Diana and Shane was quite realistic and definitely a slow burn on the emotional front. My heart was in a chokehold as I saw how they both became vulnerable and opened up to each other towards the end.

Probably my favourite book of Elle Kennedy 's to date. Queen surpasses even herself. If all you want to do is laugh until your jaw hurts, feel heavy and hot, and maybe even cry, Then pick this one up. It definitely did not let me down.

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3.5⭐️

Fake dating, neighbours, friends with benefits, all written by Elle Kennedy so I should have loved this.

And mostly I had a good time. I enjoyed Diana and Shane’s banter, I thought the development of their relationship was realistic although I thought her animosity towards him at the start was stupid, it made her look dumb af.

But there wasn’t enough drama or conflict for me, Shane and Diana had it quite easy. And it felt sooooooo long?? Did it need to be this long? 🤣 Lots of filler scenes that I skim read. Plus the spice 💀 I wasn’t a fan. The dirty talk didn’t do it for me HAHA. And let’s not even go there about that ONE SCENE. Like whyyyyyyy. I’m sorry but that would be so weird, it felt like it came out of nowhere.

It was 3.75⭐️ until the uuuge trauma dump at the end. Ummm 🤔 that was sad. And probably unnecessary.

I think I’ll always enjoy EK, but this wasn’t anywhere neeeear as good as Graham effect for me!!!

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Diana Dixon has enough going on but now her ex comes back and that annoys Diana, so why not using the playboy who just moved in beside her?

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Thank you net galley for this book!!
i liked this book i thought it was really cute i love how Shane and Diana supported each other. i will definitely read more of Elle Kennedy !

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I liked this book. I had previously read The Graham Effect, by this author, and I ATE IT UP. I genuinely loved it from start to finish. I genuinely could not put it down.

Picking this one up, with very little background knowledge, was a risk, and I think it paid off. I really enjoyed Diana and Shane's relationship - the banter was beautiful and it made me feel so warm at times. I also enjoyed the development of their relationship - I was ROOTING for them the whole way through. It was also very hard hitting - please check trigger warnings before reading this novel.

I felt like at times, I was comparing it to The Graham Effect, which I adored, and maybe that was why this one just didn't hit as hard as hoped.

That being said, it is a lovely romance read.

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I really enjoyed this latest instalment of the Campus Diaries. The Banter between the main characters was great, as was their chemistry! I look forward to the next book in the series.

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This book follows a cheerleader and a hockey player, who also happen to be neighbours, as they fake date to make their ex’s jealous. The Dixon Rule is an absolute gem, something that really stands out to me is its witty banter between the characters. It's a delightful experience to get to reunite with all our beloved couples from the previous books in this world. The narrative is not only engaging but also delves into some heavier themes like grief and domestic violence, adding layers of complexity to the plot. Reading it was like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears. For me, it's undeniably a perfect 5 star read!

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The Dixon Rule is the second book in the Campus Diaries series. Unfortunately, I didn't know this when I requested the book from Netgalley. I still really enjoyed the book as a standalone and am not sure if I missed anything important.

This book follows the story of Diana Dixon she is super busy working two jobs, rehearsing for a ballroom dance competition and part of the cheerleading team for the local ice hockey team. When Shane Lindley moved in to the apartment next door to her, it sends Diana mad as he is determined to work his way through her entire cheerleading squad or so it seems. The pair have a love hate relationship before the outset. In the usual Elle Kennedy style this book is funny and a great rom com to get your teeth stuck into.

I really liked the characters in the book and their development. Shane comes across as a player but actually he is just trying to survive having his heart broken and look cook about it. I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series to get some background. I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Brown Book Group, UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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First of all Elle Kennedy NEVER MISSES. I fell inlove with Diana and Shane. I read this book when I was sick and it really made me feel better. Shane is so sweet, hot, and has SUBSTANCE. granted Elle knows how to write a mmc who is not 1 dimensional. Loved Diana, felt I could really resonate with her character.

The banter in this book is unmatched, there’s a few running jokes throughout the book which was so fun to see. Also loved seeing the OG Elle Kennedy mmcs in their dad era. Was so glad we got more John Logan (coming from a die hard Logan Stan). Absolutely obsessed with elles universe and her writing. There’s some magic weaved in her words as it just sucks you in.

I do feel it could be read as a stand alone if you wish, however being caught up in the Elle Kennedy universe just adds to the picture.

Highly highly recommend!

Thank you for the e arc

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4 ⭐️

Again, this was soooo cute! Really, Elle Kennedy can’t go wrong with these characters, I just love them so much. Same with Diana and Shane (and the cameo’s from Gigi and Ryder 🥹). I loved the enemies-to-lovers aspect and definitely had a great time with the fake dating trope.

I just love this world so much and I’m so thrilled to see that there’s more coming in this series 🩷 Definite recommendation, but read the first book first (and preferably the Off-Campus series as well. It’s not completely necessary to read that series, but it really adds to the reading experience 🫶🏼

Thank you sooo much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own 🤍

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