The No-Girlfriend Rule

Hollis Beckwith needs to find her people. As she begins her last year of school, Hollis isn't sure if she even likes her friends - but she wants to try to fit in better with them. Banned from her boyfriend's Secrets & Sorcery games due to the 'no-girlfriend rule', anxious Hollis bites the bullet and joins up to an S&S game full of strangers. As Hollis attends her weekly S&S sessions, the book dips into the fantasy game world of the 'Eight Realms' to describe how her in-game alter-ego, Honoria, finds her way through her quest.

As the in-game characters support each other to solve the mysterious disappearance of the High Alderwoman's son, their real-world counterparts support Hollis to find everything she's been missing: confidence, identity and true friendship.

Hollis is not an immediately loveable character; in fact, it is questionable whether Hollis even likes herself at the beginning of the story. However, with the support of her new friends and the opportunity to explore who she wants to be through the fantasy role-playing game, Hollis begins making positive changes. By the midway point, she is a relatable and admirable character that you will truly root for.  The supporting characters are a diverse mix of personalities with two things in common: their love of the Secrets & Sorcery game, and their desire to continually lift each other up.

The No-Girlfriend Rule is a really enjoyable story which addresses some very relevant teen issues, including mental health, exploring sexuality, and what makes a good friend. It imparts an important message about recognising your own worth and building the life that you deserve.

336 pages / Reviewed by Rachael Cooper-Evans, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+

In The No Girlfriend Rule, Hollis finds herself unable to join her boyfriend Chis and his group's table top game due to their 'No Girlfriends at the table' rule. Eager to continue playing so that she can have something to talk to Chris about, Hollis seeks another group to join and finds a poster advertising an all-girls game of Secrets & Sorcery that is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Within the group she finds supportive friends and an inclusive attitude. It is here that she finds herself drawn to Aini Amin Shaw and the lines between the game that they are acting out and reality start to blur.

I have to confess that I found this book needed a little translation in the beginning. I work with teenagers but there were some abbreviations used in the discord chat that I hadn't come across before. I feel that this could possibly date the book more quickly as apparently "no one says 'uwu' anymore!" However, they all read and understood so now I'm just left feeling somewhat old!

I enjoyed the storytelling with the table top gaming element and loved reading about Hollis finding her new friendship group. Her boyfriend and his mates treat her pretty poorly so I was pleased to see Hollis find true friendship, see the difference in the way she is treated and realise that she is better off without Chris and his mates.  Hollis really grows as a person and becomes happier and more self-confident as the book goes on. Everyone deserves to find a friend that takes the time to listen and truly values their friendship.

Author Christen Randall tackles the subject of mental health in the form of body image, depression, panic attacks and anxiety well. The No Girlfriend Rule normalises mental health issues and demonstrates that feeling included and having a sense of belonging can make all the difference. Once Hollis finds a more supportive group of friends, she really does blossom.

This is a heart-warming, coming of age, LGBTQIA+ friendly book. Perfect for those that are experiencing friendship issues or who love table top gaming.

336 pages / Reviewed by Clair, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+