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 … 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.**
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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.
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?
A great friends to lovers book. it’s got angst, feelings, steamy times. A pleasurable mix of should they or shouldn’t they that won’t end in your hating them like many books do. Bailey and Elijah and great well rounded characters who go through a lot to find out what they truly mean to each other!
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.
Two best friends who doesn’t admit that they love each other. One broken boy/man, lied to by his father so much that he doesn’t dare to start a relationship…
So good and at the same time a sad story.
Both Eli and Sunflower were likeable characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this box
Kissing and Telling from Beck and Hallman, the dream team dynamic duo. This story is adorable and deliciously steamy- a friends to lovers with the virgin trope as well.
Bailey is turning 21 and determined to finally lose her virginity- to her best friend Elijah, whom everyone sees as the popular ladies man, but she sees his heart. They’ve been teetering on the edge of more than friends for a while- she was once unsure and Elijah is worried he’ll make another mistake and lose her. She’s been pining for him, and with her birthday bravado and some booze, these friends cross over into lover territory. Of course, confusion and emotions and all the “will they or won’t they” tensions ensue as Bailey and Elijah both try to make meaning of this night between them.
We have so many things I adore- a likable, sweet, innocent heroine who doesn’t understand her own beauty. A hot, dirty mouthed leading man. And that delicious pining between two characters who share a deep emotional connection and long history. Plus, we have a lot of delicious steamy time between two friends with insane chemistry who just can’t seem to be on the same page at the same time. It is a shorter novel (longer than a novella)- wish we had a bit more of them together, but overall it was a fun read.
TOTAL RATING:
ARC PROVIDED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
The moment i saw that this book was written by JL beck and C.hallman, my fingers were moving on their own to sign up for the release!!!
They both are pretty much my favorite authors and I just love reading there books and have read all of them. Just like all of their books. This one also did not disappoint!!!
Both Elijah and Bailey just took my heart in this book. Both of them were perfect for their roles. Their simplicity and stubbornness had me loving them even more.
The way they both valued their friendship over anything else had me in awe of them. While a part of me wanted Elijah to go all caveman on bailey, I understood from where he was coming from. It was the simplicity of these characters and the amazing story line of the book which makes it so special on its own.
This book is recommended for all the contemporary romance lovers! believe me both these authors will blow your mind with this amazing book!!!
This was a fairly easy read for me. Love the friends to lovers trope. I love that while both had feelings of “more than friends,” it wasn’t such an easy transition to make, nor was it really one that either one was eager to make. I liked watching both struggle with feelings and where to take their relationship after giving into feelings one night.
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.
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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.
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Elijah & Bailey
This was my first book by Jenna Reed (JL Beck & Cassandra Hallman). I really enjoyed it.
Bailey & Elijah are childhood best friends until one moment in high school and Elijah is stuck in the Best Friend Zone! He moves on and tends to not even think of Baileys love life since they see each other occasionally.
Bailey starts thinking she may have made a mistake by placing Elijah in the Friend Zone. He has been her rock ever since she was a little girl and she wants no one else in her life but him.
Two people who have profound love for each other, are stuck in a situation that either one is scare to commit and move forward until 1 night changes it all!
I really enjoyed Elijah and loved his personality. Bailey at times had me a bit frustrated but then I had to remember she is young and inexperience.
I would really love to read Elijah’s brother Asher’s story!
Its not that often I read friends to lover romances, but I always love reading them. Kissing and Telling by Jenna Read (writing duo JL Beck and Cassandra Hallman) fits perfectly into this genre. This book was so much fun to read that the time just passed away.
I had that instant connection with our main characters Bailey and Elijah. Their friendship was a treasured one between the characters and you could feel their concerns about taking a risk and committing to a relationship. Once they admitted to each other and themselves that the risk was worth it, you could see their friendship flourish into a romantic relationship. It was pure joy to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a well written friends to lovers romance.
Bailey has always known that Elijah would be her first. But is that such a good idea? Will she not jeopardize their lifelong friendship?
Elijah has no faith in women after his mother left the family. But he does like women. Above all, he loves Bailey, his childhood friend with whom he shared everything except the bed. When he does share the bed with Bailey, he knows that this will never pass. He is ruined for all other women.
In the beginning I found Elijah arrogant and disrespectful to women (he only sees them as someone to fuck). After sharing the bed with Bailey, his view changes and he tries to be the man Bailey is worth.
I think Bailey is unsure and quickly upset. Elijah has to prove himself several times to her, but I see her doing little to assure Elijah of her love for him. Only at the end do I see a more mature woman who knows it’s worth being loved for
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**** I got this book in exchange for an honest review. ****
The idea that sleeping with your best friend won’t change the friendship is crazy. Six changes everything once you become lovers and that’s what these two did. They went from just being beat friends to being best friends and lovers and boy were they passionate. You could tell that Bailey and Elijah loved each other the whole time.
I loved these characters and I didnt want the book to end . I went through all the emotions they did. It was a rollercoaster of them and it was beautiful. I loved every minute of it.
The ending was suprising to say the east. I want expecting that to happen but I was happy with it.
So will they keep the friendship ? Or will this all end it disaster? Find out by preordering a copy.
Bailey and Elijah have been friends their whole life, always friends, best friends even today all those years later they talk everyday.
That’s what bestfriends do. Always be there.
One time while still young Elijah found the strength to kiss Bailey, and her tears nearly ruined him. Bailey begged him, please don’t ever do anything to break our friendship I couldn’t bear to not have you in my life.
So after all these years having been placed in the friendzone why would Bailey choose the night of her 21st to ruin our friendship by begging Elijah to take her to bed.
This is a beautifully written heartwarming emotional story about overcoming your fears and trusting your bestfriend.
This is the first book I have read from this author and it was a lovely friends-to-lovers story with a small bit of drama.
Bailey and Elijah have been friends most of their lives, living a few doors down from each other. They are complete opposites but have managed to have and keep a strong friendship throughout.
Elijah has always been a bit of a manwhore, never believing in commitment, and never keeps the women for more then a few hours. Bailey is the girl he has always loved but never admitted to it. He never thought he was worthy until she gave him her virginity and changed the boundaries of their friendship blurring the lines.
This book was an easy read, it was sweet and flowed well. I wasn’t wowed but I did enjoy it and would be interested in seeing what these authors write next
Okay, I’m a fan of this writing duo since the Northwood University series and have read their books ever since. I was so excited to learn that they have written a new series under a new pen name and couldn’t wait to check this book out!
Kissing & Telling is the first book in this contemporary, standalone series from the duo. It’s the story of Bailey and Elijah,best friends since they were kids. Bailey has loved Elijah since forever and has saved her virginity to give it to Elijah on the night of her birthday. Elijah loves Bailey but was afraid of commitment due to his not so great past. After that night, when they’ve both crossed the lines of friendship, they’ve found out that they couldn’t go back to being friends again. The question is, are they both prepared to risk losing their friendship if things go awry?
This is easily an enjoyable read, with its fast paced, friends to lovers story. There was enough drama, steamy scenes, and good old HEA for the main characters. I recommend this to those who love fast paced, friends to lovers, surprise baby romance.
What a wonderfully well-written story with fascinating characters that are broken and hurting. A second chance at live story that overcomes the lies and misunderstandings in life. When you think you have uncovered the truth and find out more. This story touches the heart and makes you root for their love and make you feel you know these characters. I absolutely loved the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazing and Enthralling! There are no words I can use that will do this book the justice it deserve. So wonderfully written, sweet, and consistent, this story will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Some scenes are heartbreaking, some are heartwarming, and some are entertaining, hot, and steamy. It is drama-filled, funny, exciting, witty, and very interesting. The characters have great depth, are mature and strong; the chemistry between them is potent and off the charts! Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book!!!! Elijah and Bailey are best friends and have been forever which is why when one night that changes everything happens there’s very few options left and neither know what that option is. Perfect read!
Totally first meeting with this author(s) and very suprising…. and … well I like it a lot !!!!
This story is super sexy but also so sweet !!! Best Friend to lovers is pretty awesome trope to sink deeply in the whole story. It was this kind of books that You read very fast because the story line don’t let You leave the book even just for one second. In the one moment I was opening first chaper and then BAM …. is this “the end’ in front of my eyes ???
Bailey and Eli were really addictive. Their frindship was amazing and their love was even more wonderfull. From the very first paiges I fall in love with them so much!!! I wanted to be Bailey best friend, and well I wanted to be the same for Eli, if I can be honest hihi. He’s alpha perfect for my inner Bailey, and beacuse of that I cant blame this girl that she wanted him only for herself.
If You’re looking for great read, with hot moments BUT without too much drama in the background – THIS book is definetey for You! I’ve enjoyed this story, I’m sure – in the future I will come back to this author(s).