Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Hello friends! I just finished The Rules of Falling for You by Mollie Rushmore, which I listened to on audiobook thanks to Netgalley. The narrators, Kyle Tait and Emma Faye, really brought this story to life. This book is light, funny, and leans into that gentle, “clean” romance vibe, which is perfect for readers who love their love stories with a side of faith and plenty of wholesome moments.

We meet Zoe, a hopeless romantic and podcaster, as she’s waiting through yet another dud date (her date basically disappears to the restroom for an eternity- yikes!). Zoe’s got everything you want in a quirky lead: she adores all things Regency, she collects houseplants, and she treasures handwritten notes. Just when her date goes from bad to rescue-worthy (enter the choking hazard), in steps Harrison, her best friend’s brother, who just so happens to save the day. Zoe doesn’t realize Harrison has just returned to town or that he’ll be working on the podcast with her and her bestie Eden, his sister.

A few days and yet another failed date later, Zoe’s convinced no good men are left, but decides to cover the town’s “Regency Retreat Marriage Mart” for her podcast. Harrison, hoping to score a career boost by helping with the retreat (his boss is a huge fan and sponsor), tags along. The chemistry is undeniable between Zoe and Harrison, and it’s clear to listeners that Harrison is quietly, desperately hoping to move from podcast producer to the romantic lead in Zoe’s life. Meanwhile, support characters like Harrison’s co-worker, Jake, and even Zoe’s poorly matched date Ben, add a sprinkling of comic relief and potential side romances for Zoe and Eden.

The setup is cute and the tone is easygoing, but I’ll be honest my friends: this one left me wanting a bit more. While I appreciated the lighthearted, Christian-centered approach, and totally respect a clean romance every now and then, I found myself wishing for deeper character layers or a bit more complexity in the storytelling. Sometimes, the plot felt a little slow, and the choices Zoe makes especially when it comes to her communication and dates didn’t pull me in to the story. There are sweet moments, especially as the podcast and retreat drama unfolds, but I wished for more substance and spark between all these well-intentioned meet-cutes.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, clean romance with a Christian message, a breezy pace, and a bit of podcaster drama, The Rules of Falling for You could absolutely be your next cozy listen. It’s gentle, it’s sweet, and sometimes, that’s just what your looking for.

As always, a special thanks to NetGalley for the advance audiobook! Until next time, happy reading!