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A Different Kind of Love #3

Breaking the Rules

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Former Marine Sawyer Villier has always preferred to keep his life simple and commitment-free.
But when he runs into his best friend’s widow during a stopover in LA, Sawyer realizes there’s one commitment he’s failed to keep, the one he made to the man who saved his life in a time he’s fought hard to forget.

But Sawyer’s not the only one having a problem with promises…

Single mother Alma Thomas wishes she could forget the moment when she had to choose between standing by the man she loved or saving herself and their unborn child. After a year spent keeping his secrets safe, all she wants now is to move on.

But when Sawyer reappears in her life determined to honor his promises, will Alma be willing to let go of her own?

Set in Dax and Harlow's world as seen in Everything She Ever Wanted, Breaking the Rules is the third book in A Different Kind of Love series that readers have called "moving," "riveting," and "emotional."

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2018

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Liz Durano

48 books396 followers

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5 stars
93 (43%)
4 stars
72 (33%)
3 stars
34 (16%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,172 reviews69 followers
June 23, 2018
Back in the Taos community,this book brings out all the pain and difficulties experienced by war weary warriors and the trials their families suffer. Breaking the Rules may in some ways be more extreme than most stories, but there are those who have had to live through similar experiences. In line with the other books in this series, I found that once I started reading, I was unable to put this book down. My heart ached for Alma and the choices she had to make to protect the memory of her husband, but Sawyer’s pain is just as real. When the opportunity presents itself, Sawyer realises that he has the answer for his deceased best friend’s widow, that in fact brings not only healing, but a whole new way of life, bringing both of them a new lease of life. The story is emotional and well written and includes interesting facets of living off the grid. Although this novel is part of a series and characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a stand-alone and has a positive and happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
395 reviews23 followers
December 25, 2018
Wonderful story!

I appreciate that you showed the ugly side of how soldiers suffer from PTSD and their spouses. The acceptance of this condition to enable them to seek help to heal, the lie and situation of those around them, second chances and the happiness they so deserve despite this. Alma's courage and huge love for both men and her own child is so admirable and Sawyer's loyalty, friendship and love is typical among soldiers. Honorable and true to their word, which nowadays you seldom see in people. Such a good story of friendship, love and healing. Thank you!
June 23, 2018
It's not always easy to keep those promises we make

I found Liz Durano through the first book in this series, Everything She Ever Wanted. I adore how her characters are so very human, full of doubts, occasionally selfish and prone to make mistakes. I'll be honest in that I didn't remember Sawyer from ESEW, though it is a couple of years since I read the book. However the blurb for this sounded so intriguing that I had to find the time to read it.

Adversity in Afghanistan made Drew and Sawyer best friends. Drew even saved Sawyer's life when they were caught in a IED explosion. Along with his wife, Alma, he saved it again when Sawyer was struggling to come to terms with his injuries and loss of career. Sadly Drew didn't allow Sawyer to help him when he needed it, he was too proud and wanted everyone to keep seeing him as the hero. Sawyer made a promise that should anything ever happen to Drew he would look out for Alma, but he wants to be so much more than a friend, after all he saw her first. Can Alma and Sawyer let go of the past and find happiness together, or will the judgement of others prove too much?

The opening scene of this book was very unexpected, and in some ways made it harder to read the story that followed. It almost made it feel as though Alma was cheating with Sawyer, which normally would be a negative BUT this was also an issue for the Hero and it made me empathise with him even more.

This is a story of learning to accept what we can not change, to forgive the mistakes of others as well as ourselves and to acknowledge that we can only do our best with hand we have been dealt. It dealt with some very difficult issues, including PTSD in veterans, in a very sympathetic manner.

I love how real both the characters AND situations feel in this author's books. Both Alma and Sawyer were relatable, likeable and believable characters. Some of the decisions they made could have been better, but who couldn't say the same of themself? Whilst this wasn't an angst or issue free read, it did have quite a gentle and relaxed feel to it. The story line was engaging, as were the characters, the pace was good and held my attention and the writing flowed smoothly, all adding up to one very good read.

You could feel the attraction and chemistry between them. Whilst, in some ways, their relationship progressed fairly rapidly, they had known and been friends with each other for 6 or 7 years, so this didn't feel to much like a case of insta-love.

There were some really nice little twists and turns along the way. I was really surprised with what and who nearly derailed their relationship. Though again it felt a very believable part of the story. It was lovely to see more of Dax, Harlow and their children though I now need Todd's story before I can walk away from Taos and it's inhabitants.
Profile Image for Elise Larson.
Author 8 books50 followers
June 5, 2020
An emotionally gripping story of grief, guilt, and the healing power of love. FIVE CHEERING STARS!

Are you searching for a book that will grab your emotions and touch your heart? Discover Breaking the Rules--a compelling story of grief, guilt, and the healing power of love. I'm so glad I found it! (WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!)

Guilt and secrets abound in this extraordinary "friends to lovers" romance. Alma's husband Drew, a former Marine, struggles with severe PTSD, but he makes her promise to keep his worsening condition and violence toward her a secret from everyone. When his violence forces her to leave him one month before his suicide, his family blames her for his death. She also blames herself, even though she had to leave for her own safety and that of her unborn baby.

Sawyer Villier, Drew's fellow Marine and best friend, experienced his own PTSD and tries to help Drew. But Sawyer harbors secret feelings for Alma, and Drew ends their friendship when he sees Sawyer hugging Alma. Feeling guilty, Sawyer refuses Alma's call for help as Drew's PTSD escalates into violence. When Drew kills himself a month later, Sawyer is overwhelmed with guilt, believing a romantic relationship with his best friend's widow would be "breaking the rules."

Alma gives birth to a baby boy (Tyler) on the day of Drew's funeral. One year later, she runs into Sawyer at the cemetery and they rekindle their friendship. When he finds her living in a run-down apartment near Los Angeles, he convinces her to move to Taos, New Mexico, where he builds "earthships"--self-sustainable homes off the grid. Eager for a fresh start, she agrees. I loved the author's descriptions of the earthships (yes, they actually exist!), historic Taos, and the breathtaking scenery in that part of New Mexico.

Rules are definitely broken as the friendship between Sawyer and Alma grows into something stronger. Guilt and secrets get in the way, as does interference from Alma's meddling in-laws (Drew's parents), who try to take little Tyler away from her. (He's absolutely adorable, by the way.) Suspense builds until secrets are revealed, leading to more drama before it all culminates in a perfect HEA.

This book includes many friends and family members from the other books in the series, which I haven't read but soon will. You'll find a couple of steamy sex scenes and limited use of the f-word. Kudos to the author for dealing with sensitive issues like PTSD, spousal abuse and suicide. My only complaint: the book needs another round of proofreading to correct typos and punctuation errors. Such errors would normally bring my rating down a notch, but this compelling story deserves nothing less than five stars overall. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
3,346 reviews34 followers
June 21, 2018
💕An out of the ordinary love story haunted by a broken man🌵⛅
June 19, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍4.5 stars
I really appreciate the way that author Liz Durano creates stories that are unique and based around real life issues that are often ignored in the quest for the perfect HEA. In this romance, Durano tackles PTSD's too often tragic effects on a soldier, his family and friends. Heroine Alma's dead vet husband forced promises that test his wife's loyalty and eventually threaten the new life she has started in New Mexico with Tyler, their young child.

Sawyer, a former brother-in-arms who has faced his own PTSD and rehab struggles, is a complex character who's conflicted. He wants to honor his buddy's request to watch over Alma but fears that his attraction to Alma is a betrayal of his dead buddy's trust. He's a bit of a tragic hero himself and a very appealing partner for a heroine trying her best to be strong and positive for her son.

While this romance is not short on steam, I found the couple's fight to get past their guilt and shape a drama-free future the more compelling part of the story. Setting most of the action in an off-the-grid self-sustaining community of "earthships" was also an unusual touch. This really did feel like a move to a brave new world for a new start for Alma and her son. The extra hitch of Tyler's mourning grandparents who can't stand the thought of losing their last connection to their dead son added a touch of tension and its resolution added to the satisfying conclusion. Although some of the New Mexico characters were developed in a previous novel, this story can easily be read as a standalone.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
11 reviews
June 25, 2018
Breaking All the Rules is the third book in the Different Kind of Love series but can easily be read as a stand-alone book.

Liz Durano is the master at addressing sensitive topics with compassion and sensitivity, peeling away the stigma, layer by layer, to reveal the complexities and resilience of the human spirit.

I discovered Liz’s writing through Book 1 in the series, Everything She Ever Wanted, where Sawyer was first introduced. Despite being a supporting character, Sawyer caught my attention and I was hoping that his story would be explored further. His story is so much more than I had hoped for.

Breaking All the Rules addresses the issue of PTSD and its impact on returned servicemen and women and their families. Liz illustrates, without judgement, the difficulties of dealing with trauma and the impact of suicide on families and communities. Her eloquence and compassion is evident throughout this story.

Foremost, this book is about second chances, forgiveness, love and hope. It is beautifully written with imperfectly complex characters, emotional intelligence and a compelling story line. Alma and Sawyer’s story is one you’ll want to read and will stay with you for quite some time.
Profile Image for Cherry.
40 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2018
It was a beautiful story and well written. The story touches topics that are sensitive, that people don't like to talk about or confront. The story from the very first page is heart wrenching. I have always loved that Liz let's us into both the characters head, so that we can see things from both perspective.

Alma and Swayer are unique characters, they both have had their ups and downs in life. I like that there are moments when we can really connect to the characters, they are by no means perfect. They are so human, they have their doubts and insecurities but most of all what I love about Liz's characters and stories are that they give hope despite moments when I feel like ugly crying for the characters. The story is not overwhelmingly romantic, it's more about finding yourself and learning to live and love again. And I loved the cameos of Dax and Harlow, their twins and Addy, Jordan and their daughter.

Though it may have a rough start and has so many rough moments, the story gives people hope that they can get through things, yes it may take time but they can go through it all and a happy beginning just might be in store for them on the other side.
Profile Image for Chell  Reads.
64 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2018
Romance books are usually expected to make us feel warm and fuzzy. And this book will get you there, well actually this book might make you addicted to Liz Durano's work. Sawyer's connection to the other characters in this book is so real and truthful of how a man would act in these situations. I love Sawyer a bit, but if you have read, Everything She Wanted, you will understand that I love Dax...

Liz Durano not only had great character building, but also sets the scenery in such a way that makes you feel like you could step outside and see the landscape of New Mexico and the earth ships even if you live in the tropics.

A reality that you don't typically find in a HEA novel. Liz Durano covers such a tough topic that is so violent in reality, but shifts the focus to love and acceptance. I can't tell you more, it would give up the book. I will tell you this--I read this book in one sitting after months of feeling disconnected from reading romance. The hope and love in this story helped me return to enjoying reading romance because the writing is elegant and strong.
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews13 followers
June 18, 2018
Finally Sawyers story!
Where do I start... I seriously cannot put into words how I feel so here goes...

It’s the story of a forbidden type of love. Feelings for your best friends wife but never actually acting on them, until Sawyer breaks the rules with a kiss.

Alma is a widow after her husband suffered too much from PTSD.
She needs a new beginning and Sawyer suggests a move to Taos that really opens her eyes.

But when the real story comes out, can Sawyer handle the past he was supposed to protect?

It’s the story filled with love, deep issues, heartache, regret and second chances and I loved every minute!
We get to catch up with Dax, Harlow and Todd.

Fantastic read that I couldn’t wait for!!!



** ARC provided by Author **
Profile Image for Tracey Cramer-Kelly.
Author 31 books344 followers
May 30, 2020
I love military characters, and I loved Sawyer and Alma (and my heart broke for Drew). Liz has a real knack for writing characters that are so human; they have doubts, are occasionally selfish and they screw up (and then make up). There was a lot of backstory for both characters (I would have read an entire book of Sawyer’s life before this book!), both affected by PTSD (I topic I also write about). I was totally engrossed in the emotional struggle, the grief, and the guilt (so much guilt!)… and of course, the building romance. I was, however, surprised by the poor editing: a large number of missing words, misspelled words, repeated thoughts. It’s such a good story, why not take a little extra time to clean up the editing?
Profile Image for Lisa Hill.
530 reviews13 followers
June 20, 2018
The third story in this series belongs to Sawyer, the brooding former Marine who built the self-sufficient earthship homes in the desert near Taos.

He’s helping his best friends widow start a new life with her child. Both of them are wracked with guilt following the death of Drew, Alma’s husband and Sawyers best friend. Add to that their attraction to one another, and the guilt and angst are ratcheted up even more.

This book addresses themes of PTSD, mental health treatment in the aftermath of war and pulls no punches. Underneath all of that is a sweet love story with a beautiful HEA. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Kat J.
158 reviews19 followers
June 22, 2018
I was waiting for this book for a while now. I kept getting teasers from the author and was on the edge of my seat waiting for it. I had already had met Sawyer when I was reading about Harlow and Dax, and was intrigued by him. It is great that a character from a book I love gets his own book.

Of coz I love the book. It was heartwrenching to read about the stories of PTSD. The strength of will and courage that the people go thru for PTSD; both the person suffering and the family members around them, is humbling.

I really really wished the book would have been longer so I didn't have to give up Sawyer and Alma so fast, but I know I will come back again to it soon.
1,280 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2018
Sawyer is a friend to drew who is suffering from PTSD. Drew has been having a lot of flash backs. Alma is pregnant and with Drew having flashbacks she doesn't feel safe. Drew does something idiotic Sawyer comes back to see her n to meet Alma and Drew's baby. When he sees her the feelings for her comes back. He helps her n baby move into a safe place to live. Their relationship grows more and it keeps getting better. Drew parents sue for custody of her son. Than all the details of Drew's flashbacks n everything that happened. I loved the book
I am voluntarily reviewing this arc of this book
Profile Image for Amy.
1,080 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2018
I really enjoyed "Breaking the Rules" by Liz Durano. I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - but I would have gladly paid full price for this book. I've read pretty much everything that this amazing author has written and I love her writing style. A good chunk of her books are emotional reads, with heavy topics - and she does a great job bringing them to the surface in a natural way. Her characters are very real and the story lines cover the good and the bad and leave you wanting more. I can't wait to see what the next book in the series brings us.
These books are a great addition to any book lover's collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
1,094 reviews16 followers
May 25, 2020
Phenomenal

If I could rate this book 100 stars I would. I absolutely loved this book. Everyone should read it. It may be about fiction characters but wow it definitely shows real life dilemma that families have to go through that have loved ones dealing with PTSD. What a horrible illness. I loved the characters and the emotions that these people had to go through to find a hea. What a strong woman to live through what she had to just to honor her husband before and after. This book is a must read.
19 reviews
July 14, 2018
Another beautifully written story by Liz Durano

Another heartfelt read by Liz Durano. She's taken sensitive subjects that could be difficult to write about and turned them into a beautifully written story. Sawyer and Alma's love story has been a long time in the making. The question is, though, can they get past the obstacles, such as feelings of betrayal and guilt (just to name a few) to find their HEA? Loved the book, Liz!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
3,028 reviews23 followers
July 16, 2018
Marine Wife for Life

This is the third book in this series. It can be read on its own, but it would be nice if you knew prior events/people - especially from the first book.

Sawyer and Alma go from friends to lovers. Alma is the widow of Sawyer’s best friend. This is the number one reason they are so hesitant to move there relationship from friends.
It was a sweet story! I love single mom with kids books.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
374 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2018
This book can be read as a standalone but however, it is part of an ongoing series by the author Liz Durano. This is the 3rd book. You can pick up books 1 and 2 and start the series. They are both really great reads.
It does have some sensitive subject matter in relating to PTSD. I teally enjoyed reading this book. I loved Sawyer hard. A beautiful story told on what happens after death, war and falling in love.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,363 reviews21 followers
November 5, 2018
Drew

Excellent read.

As sad as it is, the author did an excellent job telling the readers about PTSD and the ways it affects spouses, keeping secrets from others because they think it makes them appear weak and the VA who try so hard to help but unfortunately there are so many hoops they and the soldier need to jump through. I would love to see a fast track.

Enjoy the book. Me. Durango knows how to tell a story.
Profile Image for Dramirez1987.
150 reviews
January 21, 2019
This book was really great, I appreciated the honest approach she took with PTSD.


I loved the characters and seeing how the rest of the Taos friends are getting along. I’m super interested in Todd and his story I hope he gets his own book if he doesn’t have one already.

There were a few detail issues I noticed with the book that kinda affected the story for me at a few points but that’s just because I’m an odd duck. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Evelyn.
323 reviews
June 17, 2018
I have received ARC of this story today and read it all in one day. It was too good to put down. I was a bit skeptical to read Sawyer' story but I am glad I did because it was not what I thought it would be. All through the story I was waiting for the other shoe to drop... Thanks Liz for the enlightening story of Marines, VA and PTSD as well as the snippets of DJ, Ani-Pea and the whole gang!
Profile Image for BP34.
5,975 reviews38 followers
June 26, 2018
If you've never read a Liz Durango book, you don't know what you're missing. This is the third book in the series and is a great read. Emotional and heartwarming. Well written with complex characters and an engaging story. You'll find this book hard to put down once you are pulled into the story of Sawyer and Alma. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Karen Galloway.
931 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2018
A Brilliant Read

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is another really good book from Liz Durano, “Breaking the Rules” has a great, well written, entertaining story and it kept me glued from start to finish. I loved the chemistry between the engaging characters and also the way they interacted with each other. This is an enjoyable must have romantic Book and I enjoyed reading it
Profile Image for Andi.
1,083 reviews
June 19, 2018
Such an amazing book! I absolutely loved Sawyer & Alma. What a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book had it all. Romance, heartbreak, dealing with the side effects of PTSD & finding a way to cope, survive & come out stronger on the other side.
Profile Image for Charity Chimni.
Author 2 books9 followers
June 19, 2018
Wow! What an emotional ride. This story was full of heart and passion surrounding the pain of dealing with PTSD. The characters were great and the topics were handled appropriately. Sawyer and Alma were a perfect match. Loved their story!
Profile Image for Ashley .
1,098 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2018
This was a very realistic story. I liked that the characters had a complex life and that there were things that kept them apart, but it didn't feel unreal. I was happy to see how they were able to overcome everything.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Marcela.
57 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2019
Esta novela fue una ventana a algo que no tenía ni idea que podía pasar, había escuchado sobre los efectos secundarios sobre los hombre y mujeres que van a la guerra, pero jamás pensé que fueran tan extremos.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,617 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2020
Great

I loved this story. I enjoyed this book. The characters are wonderful in this book. This story has twists and turns and ups and downs, it will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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