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Breaking the Rules #1

Kissing & Telling

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Everyone knows the rules of friendship, right?

Rule #1: Don’t kiss your best friend.
Rule #2: Don’t have sex with your best friend.
Rule #3: Don’t pretend like it didn’t happen the next day.

Bailey Renshaw is my best friend.

Kind. Sweet as a peach, and so beautiful it should be a crime.

Since we were kids I’ve wanted her, and one time when we were nothing more than teenagers I kissed her. It was the first mistake I ever made in our friendship. Giving her my heart and hoping she felt the same were my second and third.

That night she broke me, ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped on it. Anyone else would’ve hated her for it, but it only made me value her more, and realize that I would do anything I could to keep her in my life even if it was only as a friend and nothing more.

As a permanent resident of the friend zone, I promised myself that I would never cross that line again no matter how badly I wanted to, and I wanted to, badly.

Every time she smiled at me, licked her pink lips, or flashed her doe eyes my way I came a little closer to breaking the rules again… but I didn’t. I couldn’t do that to us. Until one night when we decided to break the rules together.

One Earth shattering night together and I knew nothing would ever be the same.

Friends, or lovers? I don’t know what we are anymore. The rules no longer apply to us.

Now the only question is, can we fix what we had before it’s too late or is our friendship over for good? And all because of one single kiss?

**Complete standalone with a happily ever after. Don't miss out on all the gooey goodness this book has to offer.**

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2019

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About the author

J.L. Beck

210 books5,991 followers
J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

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5 stars
199 (36%)
4 stars
178 (32%)
3 stars
103 (19%)
2 stars
44 (8%)
1 star
17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,133 reviews910 followers
May 12, 2020
DNF

I do not like this book at all. Bailey is just pathetic. She is way too clingy. The plot and the writing does not help at all.

I can not connect with anything in this book. The chemistry between the characters are also forced. I fell asleep listening to the audiobook. Just bad.

2 stars
January 9, 2020
I truly adored this sweet, sinfully sexy and fun story. This book had me crossing my legs, holding my breath, feeling all the emotions the characters felt. This is a really great read.
Profile Image for Bozena.
733 reviews19 followers
May 18, 2020
This friends to lovers romance is a sweet, swoony and hot as hell love story 🔥.
It's one of those books where you have to hide during you read them sometimes 🤭
Yes, in the quarantine times you are rarely alone 🤷🏻‍♀️
It's a beautiful love story about best friend that are in love with each other for ages and don't want to ruin it just because they want more than their friendship.
I really enjoyed this sweet, sinful steamy and fun story.
I highly recommend this book if friend to love it your jam!
Profile Image for C. Hallman.
Author 118 books2,372 followers
December 23, 2019
This is the first book we have written under the pen name Jenna Reed but it wont be our last. If you like a sweet romance, with a little bit of steam and supence, then this is the book for you!

Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
730 reviews11 followers
January 1, 2020
I struggled with this one. HARD. Which was confusing for me, because I love these authors separately and their style together is also very enjoyable. I nearly DNFd at less than 25%. I stuck it out, because in the end this was a reasonable friends to lovers story, but it is not a favorite.

My issues are plentiful - the characters come off as almost absurd caricatures of all the tropes in play, right from the start. I don't like either of them and my eyes rolled really hard a number of times before the story even got moving. Bailey is the virginal good girl, waiting for her life-long friend Elijah to notice her. He's the Adonis man-whore bedding anything willing. He can't figure out why she doesn't date - when he has purposely secretly blocked her from dating their whole lives - he admits to having threatened boys / men who showed interest in her. All this to 'save her for himself' but somehow he's still shocked she's still a virgin and doesn't date. What? They are both incredibly childish and for BFFs, can't figure out how to communicate to save themselves.

If you can get past the absurdity, there are enjoyable moments, but this is not a favorite of mine.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,074 reviews32 followers
January 3, 2020
The story was good and the characters were likeable, I read it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Judith/books.series.forever  .
337 reviews76 followers
February 1, 2020
description

Spanish:
“Kissing & Telling” de J.L Beck ., Cassandra Hallman escrito bajo el seudónimo de Jenna Reed. Es el primer libro que leo de estas autoras y es un romance independiente con amigos a amantes.

Elijah Westbrook y Bailey Renshaw han sido amigos desde que eran niños. Ambos se desean por demasiado tiempo, pero las reglas de la amistad lo impiden. Pero en el cumple de Bailey, ésta no aguantara más y con los consejos de su mejor amiga, llevara a cabo su objetivo. Perder la virginidad con Elijah Westbrook.

Esta historia me gustó por la dulzura que desprende. En este caso, cuando los personajes son amigos con posibles beneficios, todo se puede complicar y perder esa bonita amistad. Es el riesgo que se debe asumir cuando quieres estar con esta persona. Y es lo que experimentan Bailey y Elijah.

"Esto es nuevo para los dos, pero no significa que me arrepienta de lo que pasó. No eres como todas las otras mujeres con las que me he acostado. Eres mi mejor amiga"

Bailey es una chica dulce introvertida, cansada de ver a su mejor amigo como eso, un amigo. Tiene miedo a perderle, pero cansada de darle vueltas a la cabeza, su amiga le convence de que se enfrente a ello. Con la fiesta de cumpleaños y un poco de alcohol hace posible que se suelte el pelo.

Elijah es un chico con muchos problemas en cuanto a las relaciones y para nada le gustan estas. Bailey es todo para él, y en la fiesta de cumpleaños, Bailey se lanza dando lugar a una noche explosiva de la que será difícil olvidar.

"Ya hemos cruzado la línea, y nos hemos sumergido de cabeza en aguas inexploradas. He probado un poco de ti, Bailey, pero no es suficiente para mí. Quiero más. Necesito mi archivo de ti. Sólo necesito encontrar la manera de conseguirlo sin hacernos daño a ninguno de los dos"

Ambos luchan contra unas sensaciones que podían hacer perder su amistad, pero se arriesgan. Además, Elijah tiene tantos problemas en su mente que no puede centrarse para no perder a Bailey.

Un libro sweet y muy entretenido que mostrará que a veces hay que arriesgarse, porque el no ya lo tienes, e igual lo que es una bonita amistad, se convierte en una vida entera de felicidad.
⚜Rate: ★★★★✩

English:
"Kissing & Telling" by J.L. Beck, Cassandra Hallman was written under the pen name Jenna Reed. It's the first book I read from these authors and is a standalone romance with friends to lovers.

Elijah Westbrook and Bailey Renshaw have been friends since they were kids. They've both wanted each other for far too long, but the rules of friendship prevent that. But on Bailey's birthday, she won't be able to take it any longer, and with her best friend's advice, she'll be able to carry out her objective. Lose her virginity with Elijah Westbrook.

I liked this story for the sweetness it exudes. In this case, when the characters are friends with possible benefits, everything can get complicated and lose that beautiful friendship. That's the risk you have to take when you want to be with this person. And that's what Bailey and Elijah experience.

"This is new for both of us, but it doesn’t mean that I regret what happened. You’re not like all the other women I’ve fucked. You’re my best fríend"

Bailey's a sweet introverted girl, tired of seeing her best friend like that, a friend. She's afraid of losing him, but tired of thinking about it, her friend convinces her to face it. With the birthday party and a little alcohol she makes it posible.

Elijah is a guy with a lot of relationship problems, and he doesn't like relationships at all. Bailey is everything to him, and at the birthday party, Bailey comes out making an explosive night that will be hard to forget.

“We’ve already crossed the line, and dove head first into uncharted Waters. I’ve had a taste of you, Bailey, but it’s not enought for me. I want more. I need my fil lof you. I just need to figure out haw to get it without hurting either of us”

They both struggle with feelings that could make them lose their friendship, but they take risks. Besides, Elijah has so many problems in his mind that he can't focus on not losing Bailey.

A sweet and very entertaining book that will show that sometimes you have to take risks because you already have a life. A beautiful friendship turns into a lifetime of happiness.
⚜Rate: ★★★★✩

Profile Image for Valentina.
1,079 reviews309 followers
September 4, 2021
This was a traditional friends to lovers romance that unfortunately read very formulaic. It contained the usual themes of best friends, sexual elements with some underlying issue or misunderstanding, in this case, the hero's fear of commitment due to his childhood. I like these authors, but this book wasn't for me. I struggled to maintain my interest in the story, which I found unoriginal, reading as a patchwork of traditional friends to lovers themes.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,221 reviews33 followers
December 27, 2019
Kissing and Telling is an incredibly heart-wrenching journey of two friends finding more then they ever expected while allowing their hearts to take a huge leap of faith. Neither could have prepared themselves for what they would discover and explore when they made one incalculable decision. One night changed everything and one choice turned their entire world upside down. Instead of things being left in ruins, they find themselves at a powerful crossroads that will demand all the courage and love their hearts can give.

Bailey knows what she has always wanted. Elijah is the only man she has ever been able to see herself with. He is her best friend, her heart's desire, but the biggest playboy she knows. She knows they don't have a future. A girl can dream though, and they all have a wish to be with the one man who shocks life and love into them. Elijah has wanted his best friend Bailey ever since they were teenagers. He even kissed her once, but it ended with her in tears. He swore then that he would never hurt her again, and he would keep himself far from temptation. When life obliterates his best intentions, he is left with indecision and excitement. The only thing he is sure of is that he longs for so much more, but he will fight to keep his best friend in his life at all costs. Bailiey doesn't know how to handle the intensity of Elijah whenever he turns it on her with no filter or barriers holding him back. She must protect her heart at all costs, right? Why prolong her suffering just for a few minutes of indescribable pleasure.

Watching Elijah and Bailey navigate from friends to lovers was a very awkward and painful process. They had to break down their long held barriers and deal with their fears before they could go after what they have both wanted for so long. The entire process was heart breaking but so very worth it in the end. They finally realized that had to claw and fight for what they wanted no matter the cost. The beauty, hope, and love between them was worth the cost of anything and everything. They just needed to figure that out for themselves.

Jenna Reed is a fabulous writing duo that never cease to amaze and delight me! I am always waiting with baited breath for their next masterpiece, and this one did not disappoint. It was a refreshing and riveting journey of peace and love that left me with the biggest smile and the happiest heart. Do not miss out on this incredible story and these wonderful characters! You will not regret a single second.
Profile Image for Kaela.
103 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2021
There’s so many issues with this book. I would give this negative stars if possible.

There’s literally no plot, no connection, no romance. It’s just constant “he’s my best friend and I shouldn’t want him but my drenched pussy clenches for him,” and “she’s my best friend and I can’t commit because my mom left me even though Bailey has been consistent for years and I love her.”

I wanted to scream. What the actual... how in the world can you “love” someone you’ve spent most of your life with to say you can’t commit but want to fuck her? I’m completely baffled.

Bailey was whiny. Literally no backbone and completely flat. Her being mad would last two seconds and then she’d be on Elijah like nothing happened.

Elijah...tf? Owns a club and is opening a new one. He wears designer suits and sleeps “with anything that has a vagina.” Both characters words. Elijah is this huge manwhore screwing his way around Chicago at 21? Bailey seemingly has a degree in interior design before turning 21.

I seriously DNF this. I forced myself to 48% before I could. NOT. do. it. any. More.

The sex scenes were super forced as well as their “connection.” I can’t find it on me to care at all what happens to these characters. At all.
Profile Image for Brigid Brown.
861 reviews23 followers
September 8, 2020
I really enjoy friends to lovers romance, so I expected to like Kissing & Telling by Jenna Reed. I didn't like it, I LOVED it!!

It's the story of Bailey and Elijah, best friends since kindergarten. That is until Bailey decides to go big on her 21st birthday. Elijah, a big time player, can't believe his luck but is so afraid of ruining their friendship. I absolutely loved these two characters. Elijah is so dirty talking and swoony, it's hard not for him to become a BBF.

This book has the perfect mix of angst, hot and steamy sexy times and witty banter. I highly recommend this book if friends to lovers is your jam!
2,792 reviews40 followers
January 11, 2020
Kissing & Telling (Breaking The Rules #1) by Jenna Reed Kissing & Telling: A Friends To Lovers Romance (Breaking The Rules Novel Book 1) By: J.L. Beck & Cassandra Hallman writing as Jenna Reed
It's Time For Some "Kissing & Telling," But How Will They Come Out On The Other Side...
There's absolutely NO "Kissing & Telling" for these TWO~
And That's a Pact they made Way BACK as Teens ON an ill-Fated Prom Night...
When they crossed a line they weren't really READY for,
Which put them into Friendship-limbo,
Until Her Birthday this Year forces Her to drop Her V-Card,
To Her Friend the MOST ExXxperienced Guy around...
Only that'll mean "Kissing & Telling" Again,
And you know how well that went DOWN the FIRST Time Around!
Well, "Kissing & Telling" is NOT what they ExXxpect THIS Time either,
As "Kissing & Telling" brings feelings forward that've LONG been denied...
Sooo what'll they DO, NOW that they've broken the Taboo of "Kissing & Telling,"
Cuz there's NO going BACK to the FriendZone after "Kissing & Telling!"
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of "Kissing & Telling: A Friends To Lovers Romance (Breaking The Rules Novel Book 1)" by J.L. Beck & Cassandra Hallman writing as Jenna Reed. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,214 reviews45 followers
January 2, 2020
I couldnt help but want these characters - Bailey & Elijah (the main characters) to get together & stay that way. They have been friends for years & they have been dancing around one another by trying to ignore their attraction as well as their feelings for each other. Until one night they give into that attraction and the rest of the book tells the story of the fallout of that night. Both good & bad. The two of them are just great together even though at times i wanted to slap Elijah. Telling him to wake up & see whats in front of him. I understand the reasons behind the way he was though. Im just happy this book ended how i wanted it too even after some shock secrets were uncovered. A damn good read
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,166 reviews177 followers
January 1, 2020
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review.
I Give this Book a 4/5 Star Rating.

HEA(?): Yes!
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: 4/5
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: 3.5/5
No Crucial Spoilers.

The only thing I do wish, was the conversation Bailey heard when she was in high school and why she turned him down. I felt like that could’ve been a crucial thing that would’ve cemented things earlier on in the book, if they discussed why she turned him down.
Other than that this is a very fast paced book and you get to Epilogues and I loved them, even though I do wish that memory was discussed, it was a great book and I will most definitely be rereading this again.

I love this Author Duo!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,594 reviews
January 2, 2020
This is the second book that I have read from this duo and I really enjoyed it. It is a friends to lovers’ romance which is one of my favorite tropes. Bailey and Elijah have been best friends for years and there has always been an attraction but since they are friends, they never wanted to act on it. That all changes on one night. Are they able to go back and be just friends or did their one night open up something much more? You will have to read this book to find out but I don’t think that you will be disappointed once you do. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2020
Kissing & Telling is a friends to lovers romance with all the swoon and all the passion.

This book is the first book that JL Beck and C Hallman have written under the pen name Jenna Reed. It is steamy and suspenseful. Sweet and intense.

Elijah and Bailey had struggles with their relationship but they fought through them in the end. They were scared to push their relationship further than the friends level because of obvious reasons. They NEEDED each other in their lives and they were scared that a relationship would ruin everything.

I always enjoy Josi and Cassy's writing. This story was no different!
Profile Image for Rivka.
926 reviews256 followers
February 17, 2020
I’m sorry but no....


Why? Why? WHY? First can someone explain to me how a 21 guy owns a huge/fancy bar and opening another one???? Where the hell money came from? And how the hell she is a interior designer at 21?!? Did she even went to college?

Now the whole relationship thing was just ugh! There was not enough building up of the characters or their relationship with each other.

And listen girl, if you want to have sex without a condom, please remember when your appointment is. It’s one you. You should be the responsible one.

And last, I get that it’s a romance book but I wish someone did check the grammar before it went live
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,767 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2020
Kissing & Telling is the First book in the Breaking The Rules Series. This is the story of Elijah and Bailey who have been best friends since Kindergarten. Both have more series feeling for the other but since their once kiss they have both back off from anything more but friends. Elijah has went on to have other hook ups but Bailey is always in the back of his mind. Bailey is at the 21 year old mark in life and wants to see about doing something more with Elijah. Will this be the beginning or the end? This was a young couple read that are friends so it was a easy simple sweet read.
Profile Image for Aneesah.
920 reviews
January 11, 2020
I'm really not sure how (or why) I finished this book. It was not the worst thing I've ever read but the writing was very immature. I wanted to love it because it was friends to lovers--one of my FAVORITE romance tropes--but my heart just wasn't in it. Seemed as though the author's heart wasn't either. . .
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,821 reviews68 followers
February 6, 2020
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*KU read

Kissing & Telling is by Jenna Reed (J.L. Beck & Cassandra Hallman) and is more of a contemporary story. Best friends that have been in love with each other forever but decide to ignore it because friendship is more important. But on Bailey's 21st birthday she decides to she is tired of waiting and wants one night with Elijah.

If you are looking for a quick sweet read this is for you. Kiss & Telling is a cute read that highly recommend.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,182 reviews55 followers
November 3, 2020
This book is such a sweet and fun one to read. This is a friends to lovers romance and one of my favorite kinds to read. It has just the right amount of steam and suspense to keep you reading and holding your breath.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Doris.
2,770 reviews110 followers
February 19, 2021
Friends to Lovers

This is a book that gave me steam, sweetness, struggles and an HEA. Bailey and Elijah have been friends since kindergarten and that friendship has grown over the years. The question would be if it is worth taking the chance at something they both want by taking that leap into something more?
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,012 reviews91 followers
March 5, 2021
The couple: Bailey and Elijah

Romance genre: friends to lovers

Plot: Bailey and Elijah are best friends, but Bailey wishes he felt more for her. So on her 21st birthday, she asks him to de-virginize her. He doesn't want to at first, because he doesn't want to ruin their friendship and he is determined that he cannot commit to anyone. The truth is that he feels more for her than just friends too, but doesn't want to be shot down again (more on that later). But he gives in, because it's really what he wants more than anything. The next day, before Elijah wakes up, Bailey flees back to her apartment, embarrassed and worried. This is much of the rest of the book: both of them wanting each other but not wanting to ruin the friendship, causing a push-pull the entire time.

Character development: There was one big plot point that was never resolved - when they were young, Elijah made a move: he kissed her and she pulled away and asked if they could just be friends. He never made another move for fear of rejection. I felt like they never really resolved that. Maybe I've just forgotten (because I left so long in between reading and the review), but I wanted Bailey to explain why (because she had a reason. It was kind of lame, but still). That event really set the structure for their relationship. On the other hand, it's probably good that they didn't become involved that early. They would have been too immature to make things work, and then would not have been able to go back to just friends.

Part of a series: Yes (Breaking the Rules)

Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes
Profile Image for Faith89 .
2,601 reviews43 followers
January 4, 2020
Bailey has been in love with Elijah since they were kids. Now they are grown and it’s time to make her move. Elijah is afraid of commitment. He leaves before they can leave. Bailey is special. She is his best friend. They cross the line and there is no going back. I loved Bailey and Elijah. They both had doubts and insecurities that they had to overcome. Sexy story with a little bit of drama
4,710 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2020
I absolutely loved this friend to lovers story. It is well written and so nicely developed as well as extremely captivating!! I loved Elijah and Bailey so much!! Best friends forever but things start to change and finally things come to a breaking point. I love this story!
1,180 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2020
Started off slow

Unfortunately it stayed that way.
Typical friends to lovers romance, but without much spark. Maybe it was me, but I just never felt any chemistry at all between the H and h. But the bigger issue seems to be, at least for me, that I find myself bored to tears by writers who write page after page of needless narrative, with so little conversation thrown in. I find myself skimming the thoughts, ideas, memories. and feelings, and just looking for the tiny scraps of conversation. I find I lose nothing of substance, but it moves the thing along in ways the writer evidently never considered.
For me, this is a hard ‘no’.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,109 reviews13 followers
June 8, 2021
Oh no. This was terrible. Clingy heroine who desperately wants her best friend to take her virginity. And the hero is 21 who owns a bar and opening another and she’s an interior decorator at the same age…..This book screams immature 🥴
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
January 1, 2020
Two authors have come together to bring an enjoyable friends to lovers romance. Elijah and Bailey have been friends since childhood and we get to see their adorable friendship through the years. It was cute reading about their secret feelings for each other even if I was screaming at them to just tell each other. One decision changes everything and when they begin to explore their feelings for each other the fun starts. Elijah has lots of emotional baggage that he has to deal with before he can become the man Bailey deserves.
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