Rule: A Marked Men Novel is by contemporary romance and young adult author Jay Crownover. Crowner introduces three different bad boys in each book and gives the reader insight to these desirable men. Rule: A Marked Men Novel is the first book the Marked Men Series and follows the charming, and ultimate tattooed Mohawk wearing rebel without a cause, Rule Archer.
Rule is unapologetic, a womanizer, crude and a talented tattoo artists who speaks his mind. He is known as the “evil twin” as he is the complete opposite of his picture perfect twin Remy. Their parents don’t approve of Rule’s fast lifestyle, tattoos, piercings, and outrageous hair. Rule often feels like the black sheep of his family and with the tragic death of Remy he feels even more like an outsider. Despite being night and day Remy and Rule had an unbreakable bond and were always there for each other.
With Remy’s unexpected tragic car accident Rule feels responsible for his brother’s death. Rule had called Remy to pick him up because he had too much to drink and couldn’t drive. There was a freak downpour and Remy lost control that made him lose his life. Their mother blames Rule for Remy’s death and even told him that he should have been the one who died. Rule fights the demons of losing his brother and has a lingering empty hole eating at him.
Shaw Landon has always had a crush on Rule from the moment she met him. Remy introduced Shaw to Rule and from that moment everyone thought that she was Remy’s girlfriend. In reality Shaw was hiding and keeping Remy’s secret and they were never romantically together. Shaw is a rich straight ‘A’ pre-med student and isn’t scared of Rule’s obscene lifestyle and antics. Even though Shaw knows that she isn’t setting herself for heartbreak if she would ever be with Rule. Shaw and Rule are always disagreeing and bickering. Rule sees Shaw as a high-maintenance and stuck up princess who is always judging him and his brothers ‘girl.’
Everything changes on Shaw’s 20th birthday after too many cocktails she drunkenly throws herself on Rule. Rule gives into his attraction he finds out that wants something more from Shaw. Rule has never had a serious relationship and with secrets and insecurities their relationship is constantly being tested.
Overall Rule: A Marked Men Novel is an easy read with well-developed characters and an emotional and dramatic plot. It is a perfectly twisted story of how opposites attract and find a happy ending. Crownover sheds light to realistic bad boys that will make you want to continue reading her Marked Men Series.