The Rules by: Stacey Kade

Synopsis: 1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.

Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.”

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules…

Thoughts: I admit, I have not read any of Stacey’s books before (though they’re on my to be read list) but, I’m almost happy I didn’t. I’m so glad The Rules was the first book I’ve read by her because it was amazing. I all things love sci-fi, fantasy, romantic, and some what supernatural. The Rules does a fantastic job of mixing all of those categories and sucking the reader in right from the beginning.

When we first meet Ariane, she’s withdrawn and in complete survival mode. She knows who she is and where she came from and she’s determined to stay hidden and keep her and “her father” safe. I absolutely loved watching Ariane finally break down the walls she’s so heavily hidden behind and experience the world around her. Despite being an “experiment”, Ariane is a teenage girl with a heart, a brain, and emotions. You try having to block all those out for ten years and see how well you do… I know personally, I’d fail drastically.

My only little gripe, is I wish that we got to find out more about Ariane. Like how exactly she was made and the purpose behind her existing. It was touched on, but I wanted more.

Next, Zane. Oh, I adored this boy. I loved how Zane was the popular, super-tall, good looking guy with a hidden back story. He wasn’t some loner Ariane set her sites on. I also loved how both Ariane and Zane were “hiding” themselves from something. Zane being the popular boy with the chief of police dad slated to be the jock and jerk but underneath he’s really not. And, Ariane who stays away from contact with anyone and blends in, when in reality there’s so much more to why she does it all. Watching Ariane and Zane fall for each other was that sweet and real romance I love watching bloom. It’s not insta-love; it’s unexpected and I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes.

Overall, I really loved Stacey’s character development, how each character at the beginning is somewhat someone completely different by the end. With characters, I love how she had Ariane and Jenna’s dynamic. It wasn’t your typical best friend scenario and I loved it. Also, the concept this book is based on is exciting in a science nerd type of way which is a total thumbs for me. Throw in some thrills, some kissing, and ultimately you get one awesome book. Loved it!