The Rules We Broke

By: Jennifer Peel

Narrated by: Stephanie Rose

The rules broke them...but some loves are meant to last.

Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were never supposed to fall in love. Their families made sure of that—with rules and grudges that split not just them, but their entire hometown. Still, despite the warnings and the fallout they know is coming, Ellie and Brady forge a forbidden friendship—one that blossoms into a once-in-a-lifetime romance.

But just as they are ready to leave for college and start a life of their own, everything unravels. Illness, deception, and long-buried secrets tear them apart, leaving heartbreak in their wake and silence between them.

Now, ten years later, a near tragedy brings Ellie and Brady back together in the town that once drove them apart. Despite their long separation and the hurt that still lingers, the love between them is impossible to ignore. And this time, they’re not alone—unlikely allies are rooting for their reunion. But not everyone is happy to see them back together.

With old wounds reopened and new truths revealed, they’ll have to decide: Can love rewrite the past? Or will the rules that broke them once...break them again?

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel delivers a poignant tale about the beauty of young love and the hope of second chances.

Previously published as House Divided. Revised with a brand–new epilogue.

©2025 Jennifer Peel (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Second chance, forbidden love

Jennifer always does a fantastic job - but this book was extra special. I loved the family drama, the MMC’s perseverance, and the undeniable love between Emmie and Brady. 🩷🩷

Perfection!

This book is an update of House Divided. It was my first exposure to Jennifer Peel and I’ve been an addict ever since. I have consumed her books. She could write the dictionary and I’d read it. She immediately became an auto-buy for me. And for good reason.

I have read every single story. Loved every single story. But it all goes back to this beauty. I will have such tender feelings for these two for as long as I live. The updated story was so sweet and brought me back to where it all began. Perfection!!

The audiobook was incredible! Stephanie Rose did such a phenomenal job!

My new favorite by Jennifer!

Just when I think I’ve found my favorite Jennifer Peel book, she comes up with another story that absolutely captures my heart and becomes my new favorite. That’s the case with The Rules That We Broke. I loved everything about this charming story.

Jennifer excels at second chance romances, and she knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s sweet, tender, and poignant, with characters that you love, and a couple you want to shake some sense into. I was completely invested in Brady and Ellie’s story, and cheering for them to overcome their painful past and interfering family.

I loved how dauntless Brady was in trying to win Ellie back again, and that he had a helper in his cute little niece. She was adorable! And even though I love a story with a good amount of groveling on the man’s part, I appreciated that there wasn’t any game-playing or miscommunication between them. They had their issues to work out, but it was beautifully portrayed.

This was a genuinely wonderful story, and one I can easily recommend.

As far as the narration goes, Stephanie Rose always does a beautiful job of bringing so much emotion and life to the characters. Her skilled narration made for a great listening experience.

Swoonworthy Romance!!

I can't even put into words how much I absolutely loved this book! This was one of my first introductions to Jennifer Peel's books, and once I read this one I wanted to read them all!

This story captivates you and has you hooked from the very first page and on! Stephanie did a fantastic job bringing these beloved characters to life!

I love the journey this story takes you on. From forbidden lovers to enemies, and all because two crazy family rivalries! The story is full of romance, and second chances! It will sometimes make you laugh, cry, scream, swoon, sigh, and just plain smile.

Ella Lou is a fiery, stubborn, sweet and sassy women. Brady is the sexy, swoonworthy guy, that has you swooning and sighing as he tries to win back the girl. Throw in the other characters Aunt Lou, Brady's adorable niece, his misunderstood father, and his cold mother and you're in for one crazy ride!

The way Brady fights for his Ellie is beyond swoonworthy, and their chemistry is pure fireworks! Throw in their kisses knock your socks off kisses and this romance will have you not only swooning, but leave you with the biggest smile!

Check this one out for sure! Grab either the book, audible, or both! You won't be sorry! Also check out her other books, she always hits them out of the park!

ALL THE FEELS!!!!

Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were never meant to fall in love—family grudges and small-town rules made sure of that. But despite it all, their forbidden friendship grew into first love. But just as they were ready to leave for college and begin a future together, illness, deception, and buried secrets tear them apart.

Ten years later, a near tragedy brings Elle back to the town that once drove her away from the only man she has loved, the same man who broke her heart. As old wounds resurface and hidden truths come to light, Ellie and Brady must decide if they are willing to break all the rules again and fight for the future they once dreamed of together.

What you'll love:
second chance at first love
single pov
star-crossed lovers
Southern charm
soooo much emotion!
he falls first...again
Aunt Lu
small town
ALL THE KISSES!!
Brady's house
PERFECT epilogue

OH MY HEART. Jennifer just gets second chance romances. You know, the kind that tear you apart in the best possible way and then slowly stitch you back together with every page. I completely devoured Brady and Ellie’s story in one sitting and couldn’t put the book down until I had that HEA!! The narrator brought so much emotion to the story and her voice was perfect for the book. She made listening such an enjoyable experience!

And can we talk about that prologue? Getting to see their young love story from the beginning made me so emotionally invested in their story! Knowing where they started made their reunion ten years later hit so much harder. There’s pain, healing, and so much longing (especially from Brady at first...) And have I mentioned the chemistry yet? It was off the charts and those kisses had me swooning into next week.

I adored the holiday vibes, the Southern charm, the meddling but endearing side characters (minus Brady’s villain mom), and every little moment that brought Brady and Ellie closer again. This one is full of heart, tension, and second-chance magic like only Jennifer can deliver.

Easily one of my favorites from this author! If you love second chance at first love, emotional reunions, and swoony kisses, then you need this book in your life!