Belle Acton’s heartfelt novel, The Summer Rules, reminds readers that happiness can often be found in the most unexpected places. Set in the elite environment of Watford boarding school on Sydney’s North Shore, this coming-of-age story centers around two best friends, Izzy and Em. While Izzy approaches life with a serious demeanor, Em has a light-hearted take on their high school lives. As seniors, the two girls are faced with the thrilling prospect of combined classes with the boys from a nearby brother school, sparking both excitement and tension in their dynamic.
Enter Dominic Hunter, the gorgeous and notorious student who becomes both a crush and a complication. Em is determined to win his heart, embarking on a plan that leads to a whirlwind romance. But while Em finds herself wrapped up in love, Izzy grapples with her own challenges, particularly concerning her mother’s illness, which casts a shadow over her senior year.
When Em travels to Japan for the summer, she enlists Izzy to spend time with Dom, hoping to keep him out of trouble. Izzy quickly discovers that keeping track of the slippery boy is no easy task. As events spiral out of control, she begins to question whether the rules are meant to be followed or broken in the name of love and friendship.
This poignant story of friendship, family, and first love is perfect for fans of popular authors such as Colleen Hoover, Ginger Scott, and Anna Todd. Readers have praised The Summer Rules for its emotionally charged narrative and relatable characters. One reviewer from Romance Writers of Australia stated, "Absorbing story, exploiting the different levels of morality of the characters. It all worked for me. Full marks!" While another exclaimed, "A slam dunk of a teen romance novel...I laughed, I cried, I loved it!" Don’t miss out on this extraordinary debut that captures the essence of growing up in all its pain, fun, and steaminess.
