AGAINST HER RULES by Victoria Barbour is a classic romance that will warm your heart and make you laugh. I give it three stars, and given the Newfoundland weather forecast, I recommend pairing it with a cup of hot cocoa.
In AGAINST HER RULES, Elsie Walsh runs a classy Newfoundland inn that has become a haven for celebrities looking to get away from the paparazzi. Given the number of attractive celebs she's served, she has one rule: Never get involved with guests. During this particular winter, Elsie must deal with her past rule-breaking when she falls madly in love at first sight with Scottish artist Campbell Scott, and then has her past rule-breakee, Asher Collin, show up unexpectedly.
Elsie's family does their best to encourage her in Campbell's direction, but she assures them that no good ever comes from breaking her #1 rule. No matter how hard Elsie tries, though, she can't stay away from Campbell, and when the paparazzi show up on Elsie's lawn, the Heart's Ease Inn family and guests have to come up with a way to save the inn's reputation as a private getaway. The solution may just be the final blow to Elsie's number one rule.
I enjoyed AGAINST HER RULES. It was a quick read with a happy ending. The characters were likeable, especially Great-Aunt Ida, who brought serious comedy to the novel.
The plot was a classical straightforward romance, and while a reader like me may have trouble believing in the existence of love at first sight on a philosophical level, the romance here is actually supported by the couple's time spent together talking and sightseeing, not just by physical attraction. There is plenty of physical attraction, though, and given the pervasive and graphic descriptions, this book is appropriate for adults only.
I would have liked to see a bit more depth and drama to the plot; there was plenty of opportunity with the appearance of Asher, the paparazzi, and then Campbell's family, but this is more personal preference.
Overall, AGAINST HER RULES is a good novel to read when it's raining and cold outside and you are snuggled up under a soft blanket, or in a favorite armchair in front of a warm fire. If you are a fan of classic romances, this is a good book for you.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10136.
