One Secret Rule (Royal Hall, #1) (2024)

It seems that I'm reading a lot more contemporaries lately than I used to. I prefer a little bit of magic or mystery in my books, but I also absolutely love dark academia with secret societies. So, I loved the book Elites set in this world and I was therefore really excited to return to this world, and to get some small cameos of familiar characters, and get an entirely new story with new characters. Luckily I got an arc and could already get started!

This book is an addictive read from start to finish and that's mostly because the book starts with one of the most amazing scenes I've ever read. The chemistry between the hero and the heroine is there from their very first meeting and I loved how we slowly got to know these characters better and their reasons for doing certain things (or in some cases for not doing certain things). It was therefore almost impossible to put down.

I'm also completely in love with the author's writing style. The author writes from the heart which means that it feels like we really get to know these characters, get to share their pain and laughter and happiness. And since it feels like they're almost becoming part of myself I automatically started rooting for them and yelling at the book when the characters were not getting their happily ever after on a silver platter.

This book deals with a few very dark themes, so please read the trigger warnings if you have any triggers, but I love how this book also makes a lot of promises. The books promises that there is always another way, that there is always a solution and it most of all promises that if you meet the right person it doesn't matter what secrets you've kept and how many skeletons are hiding in your closet. They will keep on loving you anyway.

I can't wait for the next book set in this world!

One secret Rule is the first book in the Royal Hall series. This is also a standalone that ends in a HEA. Normally, when Ithink of Rosemary A. John's books, I think of PNR. However, the fact that she's stepping into contemporary, has me so excited. First with Elite and now this book. When I first picked this up, I literally could not put this down. Griffin and Indigo's story was so intense and intriguing that I was sad when it was over. I really hope that there’s gonna be more to this series!

Incredible. Billionaire woman...going to college in England and the bad boy who is part of the most ruthless gang. Fireworks explode between them...will love win in the end...twists and turns...5 stars

Absolutely Brilliant!

This one isn’t my typical fare—but whoa boy am I glad I read it!
Indy and Griffin are absolutely incredibly together, spice and banter—with all the protectiveness you could ask for! I absolutely loved them both!

I particularly enjoy the fact that the relationship doesn’t have that will they/won’t they, they did/they didn’t game. Once they decide what they want—they make it happen. Their toro uncles come
From outside the relationship, and they trust each other and stick with each other through it all. It’s absolutely stellar, and so uncommon in the Romance genre!

Rosemary Johns is quite the talent, and I’m absolutely going to go back and check out the connected series!

Loved it

I was so excited for another story in this world. And Griffin and Indigo's does not disappoint. In true fashion, Rosemary fashion pulls you in and you cannot stop reading. You want to know what happens next. What starts out as a dare and a huge mistake on Indigo's part, turns into something else entirely for both of them.
Will their messed up families tear them apart? Or be the reasons why they are together? I absolutely loved this book

A hot read with lots of twists and betrayal after betrayal! Griffin and Indigo were made for each other and the way their lives twist around each others’ is so dramatic and crazy it’s like a train wreck you just can’t stop watching! They have so much chemistry and the banter is amazing - the steam is smoking hot! Everything gets wrapped up nicely, although I’m greedy and would love to have more. If you like mafia romance, dark romance, forbidden romance - this is the book for you!

One Secret Rule by Rosemary A. Johns is the first in the Royal Hall Series. This is a MF story and this is loosely related to Elite, by the same author. We meet Indigo who is having a bad day. She gets to her school, expecting a scholarship waiting on her, but things don't go as they should. She meets Griffin and a dare turns into more. Lots of deceit, mafia intrigue. Fun read. Griffin and Indigo are great characters. HEA. Hoping for more in this world.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott

Secrets upon secrets; the hidden rule the academy. Griffin is desperate to win the scholarship and escape from the clutches of one who should be lifting him up, not tearing him down...

"... rough sex in the shadows after a cage fight because you’re hurting or high on the pain, aren’t the same thing as kissing softly in the sunshine.” - Griffin

Indigo is desperate, desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a man she feared and loathed. Winning the scholarship would give her freedom; freedom to choose her own destiny... And then she meets Griffin...

"Who cares if they’re Captain of the rowing team with amazing thighs or a millionaire who’s King of Tonguing? They’re not Griffin. The only man who I’ve wanted to kiss all term. The only man whose touch is forbidden. The only man who I can never have." - Indigo

Indigo and Griffin both harbor secrets; secrets that could be their salvation... Or lead to their destruction...

"“Look for the gaps in history — the silences and the invisible people — and that’s where the true story is.”" - Griffin

In order for an author to write dark romance, the author must have that unnameable something; the ability to tear your heart out with her words, and yet suggest a glimmer of hope that all will be clear at the end. Come join Indigo and Griffin as they face not only their greatest obstacles, but their greatest fears...

So, I'm late to the party and couldn't remember why I heard some of the characters names and then realized it was because I read the book Elite! I love seeing characters pop up in other stories! Griffin has been through the ringer. This poor man hasn't had a good childhood. His father, Squirrel, tries his best, but when you are born into a gang, it is hard. I love how protective Griffin is! Not going to lie when Griffin had a flashback to itty bitty Griffin I teared up. Indy had a good childhood, but with her dad passing from cancer and her having to go stay with the queen was putting her in a gilded cage. I loved watching Indy stand up and make things right. I enjoyed this story!

I was stoked for another story in this world. And this book didn’t disappoint. It pulls you in right from the start with a whirlwind of emotions and really makes your heartstrings pull for Indy. You also get that immense attachment (and hurt) from Griffin right from his entry to her life. He also came in like a whirlwind and thankfully was the perfect pea to her pod. I absolutely adored the chemistry between them, and I think Griffin is my favorite MMC in this world. ADORED the ending as well. And everything in between was just *chefs kiss*

This series well stand-alones but tied together is great, I’d highly recommend reading Elite first , it just explains and ties in well with this book, plus I love how you get a little bit more of the elites on here. Love Griffin, so protective and Indigo, the ‘queen ‘ I hate such a cold ?itch ! The ending was priceless was not sure what to expect , but knew something was up as Griffin gave hints , so great ending ! Ant wait for another book !

Indigo and Griffin each have their own family issues, but those families treat them so similarly. I enjoyed the byplay between them, and the outcome was perfect.

An amazingly dark and twisted romance read

Indigo, a ward of , runs into Griffin, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, after a disastrous meeting on her first day at Oxford. As the story progresses a dare is thrown down, her feelings come around, and the final solution could astound. One Secret Rule is an amazingly dark and twisted romance read. I absolutely loved this book and truly enjoy the world it is written in.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

Indigo is a sweet young woman who’s having a bad day. She’s feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and completely out of her element.

Then she meets Griffin, and sparks fly between them. They’re each intrigued by & attracted to each other, and their initial meeting and kiss leaves them both flustered and hopeful that there might be a potential for more. However, as they find out minutes later, it’s not to be. I won’t go into spoilers, but my heart just broke for them.

Indy is a bit of a geek who has either gone unnoticed or been the object of teasing and ridicule. Griffin is the “bad boy” who does NOT go unnoticed, despite his efforts and desire to do so. Indy and Griffin are both kind, sensitive people who are dealing with horrible, tragic, and/or painful home lives & pasts. Despite this, they both have huge hearts and do all they can in order to help and protect others, even at the cost of their own happiness. They are each just trying to find a way to some sort of independence, freedom, and safety in their lives despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. Because of this, they each have some very understandable trust issues and carry painful secrets. Oftentimes, in other stories, I’m frustrated as a reader when the entire basis of a story is based on a lack of basic communication between the main characters, who are written as withholding information simply out of stubbornness. However, in this case, I completely empathized with Indy’s and Griffin’s fears of opening up to each other – or anyone else, for that matter. Their trust issues make complete sense and are fully character-based rather than for the sake of the plot.

I felt for them both; each are in seemingly no-win situations. Griffin’s is especially horrible; I found myself wishing I could jump through the pages somehow to go help him!

One Secret Rule is a fast-paced story, which was good, because I really, really wanted to know what was going to happen! There were a few surprises along the way to their happily-ever-after. I enjoyed the story very much! I’m now off to read Elite by the same author, which involves some of the side characters from One Secret Rule. I’m looking forward to seeing more of their story after it was teased a bit here.

Indigo has a secret when she meets Griffin who has just as many secrets. A dare, a kiss, and a clash changes both of their lives.

Indigo lost her father and was taken to a Island country and taken care of by the Royal Family. She was then sent to Royal Academy under the belief of a scholarship but things weren't as they appeared. She then met Griffin, and got a single kiss and both their worlds were caught on fire. A slip of the tongue from Indigo changes Griffin's life both for the worse and for the better.

Griffin doesn't understand what happened when he both lost the scholarship and his job but the jealousy of another employee cost him his job and the scholarship yet it was blamed on Indigo. He vows revenge and is given a way on a silver platter, but things aren't as they seem. Indigo helps Griffin by getting him a job outside of Royal Hall, but inside it as well as the new Princess House Manager. Things happen and Griffin and Indigo stop fighting what's going on between them but they still don't know all of each other's secrets.

But secrets can be deadly and dangerous, and those secrets come back and haunt Indigo and Griffin from places they never even suspected. Yet, things turn around and finally as those secrets come to light and give these two the happily ever after that they deserve and so much more.

Of course you get to see a little bit of Rabbit, the Red Queen, and even more of our favorite Hatter's psycho come out. Do I recommend? Darn straight, this is Mrs. Johns' first run in a contemporary romance, dark as it is and she's hit it out of the park! I can't wait until my physical book gets here to add to my personal library!

Indigo and Griffin are two beautifully broken souls who find themselves at Royal Hall Academy to escape from their current situations and they meet each other. They are deliciously forbidden and are just absolutely breathtaking to watch in their journey. Can they make it work, even with multiple forces against them?

I love Griffin and Indigo's story from beginning to end. Their interactions build up so well into a spicy crescendo, but there is so much more to this book than spice. Their similarities and differences are actually quite striking. This is beyond a typical romance and I love that all the more. It made me think and reason. I'm still pondering over it two days later and I see that as a win.

The Dichotomy of the different classes within the book (royalty and those who are not) is stark and central to the book in my opinion. The author shows the breakdown,.the severity and the fallout of it so well.

I love that we get to see more into the Royal Hall Academy from 'Elite' and a few characters from that book. This is a complete standalone and you do not need to read 'Elite' to enjoy this, but if you do like this, 'Elite' would be an excellent next book pick!!!

All in all, this is a great book to add to your to-be-read if you like college or academy romances, enemies to lovers, suspense romance, and books that make you think.

The Kiss Dare

Griff and Indy. We meet yet again in Royal Hall. Oxford, school of the Elite. We are immediately introduced to these new characters who I absolutely adored. We are met with some old characters from the previous book and get a great bridge to how they are connected.

What started out as an innocent dare, turned into a steamy fantasy, which then turned into the worst day ever... With Indy trying to right a wrong, Griff is thrusted into a world he has no business being in, but already knows all of the ins and outs.

With secrets, lies and the ultimate scheme, Griff comes from a life fueled with hate, resentment and a sting so powerful, all enemies beware. With Indy's softness and want to do more, they make the best kind of couple. Both wanting the forbidden fruit and not knowing how to get it.

"I was never the hunter here. I love being the prey."

This book had some great steam and a storyline that was wrapped in madness. I enjoyed the storyline but was left wanting more in the end. These two characters were great and I loved their backgrounds.

"We dance in the flames of our own Wonderland."

*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Med Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*Ends in HEA

OMG~ Rosemary Johns takes us back into the world of Royal Hall…remember Alice and her four paramours?! Remember Griffin? Now we will start his story~ Griffin, tough, loyal…hmmm…but to who? Suffers in silence, good at his job(s) and marks, and alone with only a few by his side. Indigo, heir to an emporium worth billions, took care of her dad in his last days, was taken to Queen Gisele’s island as her ward, they are trying to force her to marry Gisele’s cruel older brother, and now she has been accepted on a scholarship to Royal Hall to seek her dream…only, to discover it is not accepted until two interviews are conducted, hers and another~ She meets Griffin first thing and they share an earth shattering kiss to complete her Kiss Dare~ In the end, it costs Griffin almost everything…only to have Indie get him back into good graces. They cannot stay away from each other, he HAS to protect her from all…no matter the cost~ He has plans, big ones that could cost him his life…but, oh, if he succeeds…they will all be free~ More secrets, alliances, betrayals, and revenge all served up Rosemary A. Johns style in her newest drama…One Secret Rule…and it is Griffin’s~ Outstanding job once again~

One Secret Rule by Rosemary A Johns was an enthralling enemies to lovers, mafia romance that’s part of the Royal Hall world that’s full of secrets, intrigue and some delicious spicy heat! This is the story of a simple dare and what happens when mistakes are made that then alters the lives of both parties.

This is the story of indigo and Griffin and I absolutely loved the setup with this one! Their story, their background, their connection and of course the spice!

Indigo is our sweet and caring geek of a FMC that has lived quite the life and as such has trouble trusting others. Until Griffin comes along, with tragedy and secrets of his own, and sparks instantly fly between the two. And while that initial kiss sets them both off, it’s sadly not meant to be as a simple mistake occurs setting them both on a new course and your heart can’t help but feel for these characters and all that they’ve had to endure. Can they overcome all that pain when secrets are finally revealed or will their past and their families destroy everything that they found with each other?

Overall if college mafia, billionaire, enemies-to-lovers forbidden fast-paced romances that are heavy on forced proximity in the workplace are your thing, then this is the one for you!

Absolutely Awesome Book!! A Must Read!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review

It’s been a while since I have read any books by Rosemary and I now remember how amazing of an author she is. This book was absolutely fantastic, she created a world filled with danger, darkness, and characters with an intense chemistry and connection. This enemy to lovers, Mafia, billionaire, forced proximity, workplace romance will have you on the edge of your seat feeling all sorts of emotions and so much more.

This is Indigo and Griffin’s story and it’s freaking perfect. These two are so different and from such different worlds but so perfect together. Both from difficult home lives and tragic or horrible pasts but haven’t let those things dictate who they are or break them. They both have secrets though that could hurt them, but with one dare and a mistake their lives are forever changed. These two do eventually get their HEA but it takes a bit to get thru the hardships and the struggles they both face, but when they do get there it’s simply perfect.

I seriously could not put this book down and am really looking forward to reading more books in this world by Rosemary bit past and new. This is definitely a book I highly recommend!! A must read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "ONE SECRET RULE
What a phenominal job Rosemary did writing this dark twisted romance full of intrigue, suspense, angst, deceit, secrets, lies, revenge, betrayal, steam, danger, it's an addicting page turner you can't put down.
Indigo Whitlock is a sweet innocent geeky girl nobody really notices her father died, she was the taken to Queen Gisele's Island now her ward, she try's to force her to marry her older cruel brother because she's HEIR to an Emporium worth billions.
Indi gets accepted to Royal Hall at Oxford University on a scholarship but its not accepted yet because theirs another interview to be had this where she meets Griffin Masters they have immediate chemistry their first kiss is sizzling hot.
I definitely recommend to this riviting story Griffin & Indi take on quite the journey dealing with secrets, threats, he'll do everything to protect her even its at the cost of his own life, will they get a HEA, will they both get the chance to be free its a must read you don't want miss I thoroughly enjoyed the characters as they pull you into all the drama. AWESOME AWESOME READ LOVED IT 🖤

I've never read a book by Rosemary, but I was looking for a standalone, and after reading the synopsis, I was excited to read it. But the synopsis was a bit misleading; I thought that the story took place in the business world, not a university, so that was a little disappointing.

One Secret Rule takes place at Oxford University, with Indigo Whitlock and Griffen Masters as the main characters. Indigo has always been invisible, but Griffin sees her. They have an instant chemistry that causes problems for the two of them when both are up for the same scholarship. Of course, the story isn't that simple. Throw in a foreign monarchy that wants Indigo’s billions and Griffin’s mafia family using him for his secret, as well as blackmail, deceit, misunderstanding, trust issues, and dirty fantasies, and you have the makings of a great story. I say making because the story was a little jumpy. Not all the pieces of the story were fully developed. I would have loved to see the book either longer or split into two books.

Overall, I enjoyed the book.

This is book 1 In Johns' Royal Hall series. I loved this contemporary romance read and a spinoff from Elite so if you've read that you'll see some repeat characters, if not you won't be lost so no worries. Our main characters are Griffin and Indigo. This is a perfect, dark, steamy, mafia romance that will captivate from the very beginning. The chemistry between these two are off the charts hot and their banter is fantastic! So well written, Johns will break your heart all while providing glimpses of hope and will somehow leave you satisfied but still wanting more. This book was full of secrets, deception and mafia entanglement. I loved this read and the ending!!! so great! I can't wait for more!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩

4.5 stars. Born to be a dark academia girlie and THESE BOOKS ARE IT.

The plot - this is a dark academia, kinda mafia, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family vibes. Smut was a 4/5 on the spice scale, kinky as hell. It’s a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones.
I really enjoyed this one. It was all the vibes I needed, and I genuinely wanted to keep reading on. I don’t have many more words for it!

The MC - Indigo was a bit of a silly FMC. I’m unsure what I was expecting, but at least it was relevant to her age. I enjoyed reading from her perspective and her badassness towards the end was much needed!

The male counterpart - Griffin is our grumpy, dark and broody MMC who falls for the wrong person and don’t we all? However, the man has been through hell and I felt for him the whole time.

Omg this book was addicting to read. Even though each of these books are standalone they include characters from each of the stories.
One secret rule is about indigo who is a ward of a queen after her dad passes away. She heads off to college and finds out she needs to compete for her scholarship. The thing is she doesn't expect to fall for the competition.
Griffen has grown up in a gang family and the last thing he expects to find out is who his mother truly is. Can he make his relationship with indigo work?
I couldn't stop reading this book once I started I love stories about college romances and this one includes some spice which I'm obsessed with reading.
I can't wait to read more books by Rosemary A John's.

I actually really loved this book! I thought Indigo was absolutely precious and courageous, and her love was pure, which is a rarity in so many of these books. Griffin kind of won my heart over right away. He demonstrates that bad boy edge that so many of us love, while also being genuinely compassionate and helping someone in a time of need. The tension between these two is off the charts hot throughout the whole book. I really liked all the twists and turns of the story, as we learned about Griffin's family and Indy's background. However, my absolute FAVORITE part of the book was the end, which I actually didn't see coming at all. This was a story I thoroughly enjoyed! I'm hoping we will get more books in this series!

Indigo is moments away from living her dream and finding freedom from an unwanted arrangement. Griffin is moments away from one of the biggest moves of his life. One kiss ruins and saves everyone.

Trying to balance a secret life with a secret that could ruin lives with the desire to become more, Griffin struggles with his feelings toward Indy and his obligations to family. Indy wants nothing more to pursue her degree and be set free from Queen Gisele’s loving-ish and controlling grasp.

Together the two are a force to be reckoned with as they find themselves pitted against the world in a bud to fly.

First in a new world, there’s enough intrigue mixed with the heat to keep pages turning!

“Woah... woah… what kind of twisted world did I just discovered?! I won’t bother you with rewriting the blurb you can check it out lol but what I’ll definitely praise is the whole relationship. Yeah! Can’t remember the last time a couple was so straight forward to what they wanted, needed and how to make it work. Trust me, that kiss not only changed Indigo and Griffin, it rocked their world and created a fearless couple. Both carried strong luggage that proved that life wasn’t kind with them but everything happens for a reason never made this sense. Guess you never know how a crisis can ended up in finding your perfect partner in crime.”

When Indigo's father dies. Queen Gisele’s island as her ward. Indigo has dreamed of attenting Royal Hall as her mother was a student there. When she meets Griffin on her first day she makes a dreadful mistake that costs him his dream. Griffin has been used and abused his whole life. He survives only to protect those he loves. He has a plan to escape but it could cost him his life and this lives of those he loves which now includes Indigo,
This is a fantastic read the characters have depth and cores of steel. I love this authors work.

Right off the bat, I loved Indy and her motivation to find her own place in the world after losing her father and being raised among royalty but never part of the royalty.

Likewise, Griffin and the struggles he go through with his family is even more heartwrenching and, like Indy, I only want good things from him.

I think my favorite part of this book is that the conflict isn't around their relationship (or within it, I guess, since their relationship is a cause of conflict) and that they remain steady with each other.