The Dixon Rule (Campus Diaries Book #2)

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains on-page depictions of physical abuse and past dating violence.

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The Dixon Rule is the second installment in the steamy and humorous Campus Diaries series by Elle Kennedy, a New York Times bestselling author. It is situated in the familiar world of Off-Campus and Briar U.

Our initial encounter with Diana Dixon was in The Graham Effect, where we learned that she is close friends with Gigi Graham and is also a student at Briar University. This book follows her summer, during which she has a lot going on.

Even though she is practicing for a ballroom dance competition, managing two jobs, and handling an ex-boyfriend who doesn't understand it's over, she finds the time and energy to reject Shane Lindley firmly.

Shane Lindley, a teammate and friend of Ryder, recently relocated to the house next to Diana's. He has been happily dating various members of the cheerleading squad, of which Diana is the captain. Naturally, he is also a charming and attractive hockey player for the Briar's men's hockey team.

Diana opposes him dating the cheerleading squad and living next door to her, so she establishes some rules, known as the Dixon rules, for him: no parties in her apartment, to leave her teammates alone, and, above all, to leave her alone.

Unbeknownst to Diana, Shane is fed up with casual relationships and exhausted from rebounding following his breakup with his long-time girlfriend. He yearns for a meaningful connection. So, when his ex reappears, he fabricates being in a relationship to incite jealousy in her...and who could be more fitting for the role of his pretend girlfriend than his spirited new neighbor?

Even though Diana was hesitant to go against her own rules, entering into a fake relationship seemed like the ideal way to address her ex's problems after he also moved into her tight-knit community. Before long, she couldn't ignore the undeniable chemistry brewing between her and Shane. It was a surprising and passionate development.

Compared to The Graham Effect, this book is undeniably steamier, offering a fun and entertaining read. Diana and Shane's witty and sexy banter is both hilarious and captivating. I found myself secretly cheering for them throughout the entire story.

The characters are well-developed and mostly likable. Nevertheless, Diana's former partner is notably possessive and intimidating. This book will elicit various emotions. While I have not personally experienced domestic violence, I believe that the portrayal of it in this book is not overly exaggerated compared to other works.

It is thrilling to see how Diana and Shane's relationship blossoms as they support each other through challenging times in their lives, creating a romantic bond.

For my next read, I am moving away from romantic comedies and delving into the second book of Alaina Urquhart's exciting series, The Butcher Game.

xoxo