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The Johnson Family #4
The Rules
Terri Slade learned the hard way to play by her own set of rules. Rule number one, maintain control. Rule number two, never fall in love. Then she met Gavin Johnson and broke both her rules.
Gavin Johnson has lived a charmed life full of adventure. In Terri he thinks he’s found a kindred spirit and even considers settling down. But when the truth about her past is revealed, their perfect relationship falls apart, and Gavin’s left to wonder if he ever really knew her at all.
Gavin Johnson has lived a charmed life full of adventure. In Terri he thinks he’s found a kindred spirit and even considers settling down. But when the truth about her past is revealed, their perfect relationship falls apart, and Gavin’s left to wonder if he ever really knew her at all.
225 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
209 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Delaney Diamond
103 books9,768 followersDelaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
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She enjoys learning about time management and ways to increase productivity and shares her recommendations on her For Authors page at delaneydiamond.com. She also offers self-publishing consultations, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and support authors through the publishing process.
-Website: www.delaneydiamond.com
-Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/delaney...
Newsletter signup: https://geni.us/DDNews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneydiam...
X: https://twitter.com/DelaneyDiamond
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DelaneyDiamond
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 13, 2016
I'm not going to pretend like I've made it through Delaney Diamond's entire collection, because it's pretty massive. But out of the books I've read, "The Rules" is easily my favorite, and honestly, among the best romance novels I've read this year.
Delaney's writing is always clean and crisp and this book is no exception. But I think her writing is a little bit looser throughout "The Rules"-- which in my opinion, gives it a slightly different edge than her previous works (that I'm familiar with anyway).
The best moments for me came when we got intimate glimpses into the small moments of Terri and Gavin's relationship-- their banter and teasing, the moments of vulnerability and anger. The dialogue in this is book is fantastic. I LOVED the way Gavin talked (especially when he was mad) and the way Terri related to him. She was sassy but it wasn't over the top. He was cocky but sensitive when it mattered the most. It was always clear why these two had a thing for each other and there was never a moment when you weren't rooting for them to get over their issues and fall completely into each other.
While there was drama in the book, particularly toward the end, it wasn't excessive, which is always a plus for me.
Loved it.
Delaney's writing is always clean and crisp and this book is no exception. But I think her writing is a little bit looser throughout "The Rules"-- which in my opinion, gives it a slightly different edge than her previous works (that I'm familiar with anyway).
The best moments for me came when we got intimate glimpses into the small moments of Terri and Gavin's relationship-- their banter and teasing, the moments of vulnerability and anger. The dialogue in this is book is fantastic. I LOVED the way Gavin talked (especially when he was mad) and the way Terri related to him. She was sassy but it wasn't over the top. He was cocky but sensitive when it mattered the most. It was always clear why these two had a thing for each other and there was never a moment when you weren't rooting for them to get over their issues and fall completely into each other.
While there was drama in the book, particularly toward the end, it wasn't excessive, which is always a plus for me.
Loved it.
April 28, 2016
If you have read the other books in the Johnson Family then you have met Gavin. You know of his detachment from his family. You know he disappears regularly. Well let me say. I am so excited that I read this one. It was the last one in the series for now, but I have to say that it had it all that I was wanting and didn't know.
Terri was Gavin's match in many ways. She gave what she got and sometimes more. She could hold her own and knew what she wanted. I found this read to be the best one of the Johnson Family. I was holding on to my tablet with tight fingers and baited breathe for the next tap on the screen to get to the next page. I have to say YES! OH My YES.
Terri was Gavin's match in many ways. She gave what she got and sometimes more. She could hold her own and knew what she wanted. I found this read to be the best one of the Johnson Family. I was holding on to my tablet with tight fingers and baited breathe for the next tap on the screen to get to the next page. I have to say YES! OH My YES.
June 5, 2018
Hands down, this is my favorite book in the series (even though I haven’t read the last one yet). Everything about Terri and Gavin was just....right!
October 4, 2015
Another Johnson to fall in love with
I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting on this installment of the Johnson family series as I've been curious to see what bad boy Gavin was about. After reading and being completely captivated by Alannah and Trenton’s story in Just Friends, I wasn’t sure I could really get into Gavin and Terri. I can now say I was not disappointed.
Gavin is a gorgeous, billionaire playboy with a serious death wish. He has not forgiven himself for what he feels was his part in the accident that killed his father. Because of that, he constantly engages in death defying activities and reckless behavior around the world, leaving his family constantly fearing for his safety.
Gavin happens to be home in Seattle recuperating from injuries sustained from one of those activities when he runs into Terri at Alannah & Trenton’s condo. He is immediately attracted to Terri and starts a full press pursuit of her.
Terri is dealing with her own issues from a shaky past and the last type of guy she wants to get involved with is a rich, persistent, alpha male like Gavin.
Of course, neither of them can deny their strong chemistry and ultimately end up in what they think will be a casual fling.
I love that although Gavin is strong willed and spoiled, not to mention adamantly against being in a committed relationship, he willingly embraces the love he feels for Terri and treats her like a queen from the start.
Terri at first appears to be difficult and unwilling to be cared for but we soon learn and can understand the reasons behind her trepidation.
This story has everything. A beautiful romance, sexy love scenes, suspense, humor and an emotional roller coaster that you don't mind taking a ride on.
It was also wonderful to have Trenton and Alannah as the supporting players.
Once again I will be not-so-patiently waiting on the next installment in this series. We haven't heard much from Xavier yet but something tells me he might be the most intriguing Johnson of them all.
I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting on this installment of the Johnson family series as I've been curious to see what bad boy Gavin was about. After reading and being completely captivated by Alannah and Trenton’s story in Just Friends, I wasn’t sure I could really get into Gavin and Terri. I can now say I was not disappointed.
Gavin is a gorgeous, billionaire playboy with a serious death wish. He has not forgiven himself for what he feels was his part in the accident that killed his father. Because of that, he constantly engages in death defying activities and reckless behavior around the world, leaving his family constantly fearing for his safety.
Gavin happens to be home in Seattle recuperating from injuries sustained from one of those activities when he runs into Terri at Alannah & Trenton’s condo. He is immediately attracted to Terri and starts a full press pursuit of her.
Terri is dealing with her own issues from a shaky past and the last type of guy she wants to get involved with is a rich, persistent, alpha male like Gavin.
Of course, neither of them can deny their strong chemistry and ultimately end up in what they think will be a casual fling.
I love that although Gavin is strong willed and spoiled, not to mention adamantly against being in a committed relationship, he willingly embraces the love he feels for Terri and treats her like a queen from the start.
Terri at first appears to be difficult and unwilling to be cared for but we soon learn and can understand the reasons behind her trepidation.
This story has everything. A beautiful romance, sexy love scenes, suspense, humor and an emotional roller coaster that you don't mind taking a ride on.
It was also wonderful to have Trenton and Alannah as the supporting players.
Once again I will be not-so-patiently waiting on the next installment in this series. We haven't heard much from Xavier yet but something tells me he might be the most intriguing Johnson of them all.
October 5, 2015
APB Perspective Review : Delany Diamond has always bee one of my favorite I/R authors , her latin men are hot as firecrackers , and all of the other stories she have written are just as good . I can proudly say I have read every book she has written , when she started the Johnson Family series I was not sure what to expect but I was happy she decided to write AA romance. I have read all the books in the series and with each book she goes deeper and deeper into the stories of the characters and she takes you with her ," The Rules " ,does just that. Terri and Gavin have a story that will touch your heart , make you laugh, make you roll your eyes and be happy at the same time. I was up at 3am in the morning with a kleenex , not being able to put the book down because I had to know what happens next. I will say it starts off kind of slow but not enough to make me put the book down and the payoff is worth it because you need that part of the story to appreciate what comes next. Pick up this series and read every book I don't why Delaney chose to write this series , but I will say she has found her niche, these books are some of the best books she has written and I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 18, 2024
Okay, my favourite Johnson has arrived, ohhh what a lover man, who saw what he wanted and he was relentless in his pursuit for Terri Slade. Terri who literally broke all her rules for a man worth all the risk because Gavin came on strong, he left her no room to even doubt him also the little twist/s added to the book are quite juicy and engaging. My favourite couple in the series, yep they've surpassed Lucas and Ivy. And there was such a build up to both these two characters, we caught snippets of both and the author left us intrigued we'll let me speak for myself, I was intrigued.
February 28, 2017
Well I think this is my FAVORITE in the Johnson Series...Gavin had an INSTANT attraction to Terri...and he was DETERMINED to have her NO matter how many times she turned him down...the verbal sparring between them was engaging...fun...and SEXY...Terri was determined NOT to fall for Gavin...she'd been there DONE that...and refused to fall for another rich "bad boy"...Gavin had personal demons he was constantly running from by seeking dangerous THRILLS...and Terri was running from her DARK and shady past...once Terri stopped fighting her attraction to Gavin and gave into him...they were both SURPRISED by the magnitude of their connection...and Terri was slowly letting her guard down...while Gavin wasn't even thinking about running off to another death defying adventure...filled w/SPICY intimate encounters and a bit of mystery and suspense...looking forward to the next book!
October 4, 2015
Perfect!
I don't think two people were ever more perfect for each other than Gavin and Terri. The vulnerability both have, the supreme outward confidence, compliment each other perfectly.
It's amazing how we always judge a person so superficially but I feel Gavin and Terri saw more in each other than the other was comfortable with; they're kindred spirits. Both hide their pain and mask it in UBER confidence but their eyes tell all.
This book was sexy, emotional and heartwarming. They're my second favorite Johnson couple; Trenton and Alannah are still tops!
Add this to your library; you won't be disappointed!
I don't think two people were ever more perfect for each other than Gavin and Terri. The vulnerability both have, the supreme outward confidence, compliment each other perfectly.
It's amazing how we always judge a person so superficially but I feel Gavin and Terri saw more in each other than the other was comfortable with; they're kindred spirits. Both hide their pain and mask it in UBER confidence but their eyes tell all.
This book was sexy, emotional and heartwarming. They're my second favorite Johnson couple; Trenton and Alannah are still tops!
Add this to your library; you won't be disappointed!
October 7, 2015
Gavin and Terri's story has moved to the top of my favorites in this series. They were perfect for each other. They were both trying to escape from demons from their past. This story is very emotional and heartwarming. Leaves you wanting more.
February 2, 2022
Terri Slade and Gavin Johnson
I have a love/hate relationship with the Johnson clan so far or at least their stories. I had been looking forward to Gavin's story because I wondered what it would take for him to put his adventurous/death defying was on the backburner.
When he meets Terri, he decides he has to have her, but got more than he bargained for.
Terri has rules when it comes to any type of relationship with the opposite sex. Her exes, especially the last one, really did a number on her. She has secrets that she keeps to try to keep herself safe, and she also has a lot of blame and guilt that goes along with those secrets.
Gavin and Terri fall in love, but once he finds out the truth about her past he instantly flips. He doesn't give her a chance to explain before it adios.
After everything was said and done, I thought it was crappy that Gavin didn't apologize to Terri for the way he responded, and then how he reacted to news in the present. She forgave him too easily in my opinion.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Johnson clan so far or at least their stories. I had been looking forward to Gavin's story because I wondered what it would take for him to put his adventurous/death defying was on the backburner.
When he meets Terri, he decides he has to have her, but got more than he bargained for.
Terri has rules when it comes to any type of relationship with the opposite sex. Her exes, especially the last one, really did a number on her. She has secrets that she keeps to try to keep herself safe, and she also has a lot of blame and guilt that goes along with those secrets.
Gavin and Terri fall in love, but once he finds out the truth about her past he instantly flips. He doesn't give her a chance to explain before it adios.
After everything was said and done, I thought it was crappy that Gavin didn't apologize to Terri for the way he responded, and then how he reacted to news in the present. She forgave him too easily in my opinion.
December 13, 2018
Rules are made to be broken!
Poor Terri lived with a horrible past that she couldn't even share with her best friend Alannah, how could she ever share this with Gavin? They both found love when they were running from it! Such a beautiful story! Looking forward to Xavier's story!
Poor Terri lived with a horrible past that she couldn't even share with her best friend Alannah, how could she ever share this with Gavin? They both found love when they were running from it! Such a beautiful story! Looking forward to Xavier's story!
January 15, 2020
Really Good!!!
The best book of a really good series. More angst, more heartbreak, more danger, more 🔥🔥🔥, just more..more..more.
But it, read it, and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
The best book of a really good series. More angst, more heartbreak, more danger, more 🔥🔥🔥, just more..more..more.
But it, read it, and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
October 7, 2015
Wow...
Wow, "The Rules"... I literally started reading this book and couldn't put it down until finishing it in its entirety. Delaney Diamond displays her talents as a gifted writer once again. Gavin and Terri's story tugged at my heart from beginning to end. The Chemistry between these characters was amazing and oozed from the pages. Each time a new book from this series is released, it becomes my newest favorite from the series. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the books in the Johnson Family Series, don't sleep on them any longer. You will not be disappointed.
T
Wow, "The Rules"... I literally started reading this book and couldn't put it down until finishing it in its entirety. Delaney Diamond displays her talents as a gifted writer once again. Gavin and Terri's story tugged at my heart from beginning to end. The Chemistry between these characters was amazing and oozed from the pages. Each time a new book from this series is released, it becomes my newest favorite from the series. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the books in the Johnson Family Series, don't sleep on them any longer. You will not be disappointed.
T
October 4, 2015
I loved it!!! Gavin..... Gavin..... Gavin.
October 4, 2015
Loved it
Delaney Diamond has done it again. This was a great read. Love this family. Can hardly wait for whatever the next book will be.
Delaney Diamond has done it again. This was a great read. Love this family. Can hardly wait for whatever the next book will be.
Read
June 18, 2020Another audiobook read.
I ALMOST didn't read this book - Gavin is the playboy who has to stay home because he's injured ... He's a playboy that doesn't really work/do the work until this book ... I actually was going to skip it until I read reviews for it - and this was the first DD book I looked up reviews for - and a bunch of people said it was their favorite.
As for Terri ... oof. She might be one of the most complicated contemporary heroines I've read in a while. (Ever?)
So ... Terri is pretty fabulous. Living in her apartment and the poor dear is afraid of heights and had to jump out of her apartment literally to escape from a fire -
It's cute that Terri is a twin and Gavin is a twin too ...
[argh I really can't remember if it was Gavin or Trenton who went to party in Vegas... wish I did]
He was BEYOND AN ASSHOLE - and yet I also get it? I think the reviews kinda prepped me for it - so yeah I'm super pissed at him for how he acted. But then once I read it and how he found out about Terri I can see why he was so upset and why he acted how he did.
[I can't see how/why he DIDN'T act though once he learned about what happened to her - the abuse and everything - I didn't think it took 4 months?]
AND THEN.
I ALMOST didn't read this book - Gavin is the playboy who has to stay home because he's injured ... He's a playboy that doesn't really work/do the work until this book ... I actually was going to skip it until I read reviews for it - and this was the first DD book I looked up reviews for - and a bunch of people said it was their favorite.
As for Terri ... oof. She might be one of the most complicated contemporary heroines I've read in a while. (Ever?)
So ... Terri is pretty fabulous. Living in her apartment and the poor dear is afraid of heights and had to jump out of her apartment literally to escape from a fire -
It's cute that Terri is a twin and Gavin is a twin too ...
[argh I really can't remember if it was Gavin or Trenton who went to party in Vegas... wish I did]
He was BEYOND AN ASSHOLE - and yet I also get it? I think the reviews kinda prepped me for it - so yeah I'm super pissed at him for how he acted. But then once I read it and how he found out about Terri I can see why he was so upset and why he acted how he did.
[I can't see how/why he DIDN'T act though once he learned about what happened to her - the abuse and everything - I didn't think it took 4 months?]
AND THEN.
March 24, 2021
Smiling
Oh how I enjoy reading this author's works! The beginning of the relationship was tenuous in all facets. I was thinking, another HEA 🤔. I should have known. The separation, chance meeting after four months, the break in, and subsequently relating their continued love makes the book pop. I have read many of the author's books but, this one is at the top of my enjoyment meter. She writes so that I can visualize the scenes while reading. My favorite passage, I made a note in my Kindle, (Mother, I have never disrespected you. And you won't start today). Gavin drinking tea with his mother before leaving again.
Oh how I enjoy reading this author's works! The beginning of the relationship was tenuous in all facets. I was thinking, another HEA 🤔. I should have known. The separation, chance meeting after four months, the break in, and subsequently relating their continued love makes the book pop. I have read many of the author's books but, this one is at the top of my enjoyment meter. She writes so that I can visualize the scenes while reading. My favorite passage, I made a note in my Kindle, (Mother, I have never disrespected you. And you won't start today). Gavin drinking tea with his mother before leaving again.
June 6, 2017
I think what I liked most about this book is that Terri was not falling all over Gavin. For once, he had to put some work into a relationship.
They each had fears and secrets related to their pasts, and neither one was able to share.
There were a couple of interesting twists and a few moments of high tension and suspense. The sense of friendship and family within the Johnson clan seems to get stronger with each book. Gavin and Terri get their HEA, no worries. A very enjoyable read.
They each had fears and secrets related to their pasts, and neither one was able to share.
There were a couple of interesting twists and a few moments of high tension and suspense. The sense of friendship and family within the Johnson clan seems to get stronger with each book. Gavin and Terri get their HEA, no worries. A very enjoyable read.
June 18, 2017
Different is sometimes better
Not my favourite, i like Gavin and Terri. This book is definitely worth the read, it was also more on the realistic side, which made it more intriguing. One thing i didn't like though is that i realised that although people make the Johnson's sound like a "not-your-typical-rich-family", they really are just that. And that made to book a little less enjoyable for me personally
Not my favourite, i like Gavin and Terri. This book is definitely worth the read, it was also more on the realistic side, which made it more intriguing. One thing i didn't like though is that i realised that although people make the Johnson's sound like a "not-your-typical-rich-family", they really are just that. And that made to book a little less enjoyable for me personally
June 16, 2019
I loved this book so much! Gavin and Terri was everything and more. There was no way, Terri could have resist a man like Gavin. He was a smooth talker and got everything he wanted. He was very spoiled, but never stingy. He made sure Terri got everything she needed or even wanted. I’m happy they overcome that bump in the road. Although she should have been honest with him up front. I’m just happy they go their happily ever after! Great job to the author!! She never disappoints.
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed Gavin and Terry's story. It was my 2nd favorite story in the series. They both had tragic events that occurred when they were younger that scarred them as adults. While they both tried putting on acts of bravado for each other, I think they both saw through it. I felt they complimented each other well and I was glad their issues were resolved, and they got their HEA. Most moving part of the book for me was when Gavin had the heart-to-heart talk with his mother regarding his father's death and how/why he felt responsible.
September 14, 2019
Absolutely loved it!
Terri and Gavin were meant to be together. He did not think that he was capable of falling in love and she thought that she had rules in place to not fall in love. Well that all changed. I was devastated when he initially left her, but I knew that they would eventually get it right. Great book with lots of romance and action!
Terri and Gavin were meant to be together. He did not think that he was capable of falling in love and she thought that she had rules in place to not fall in love. Well that all changed. I was devastated when he initially left her, but I knew that they would eventually get it right. Great book with lots of romance and action!
February 24, 2021
Awesome Read!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I knew there was a story brewing around Terri and what a good story it was! I loved the chemistry between Gavin and Terri! I couldn't get passed the way Gavin treated her, but I loved the fact that he came around! I feel that everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend it to everyone!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I knew there was a story brewing around Terri and what a good story it was! I loved the chemistry between Gavin and Terri! I couldn't get passed the way Gavin treated her, but I loved the fact that he came around! I feel that everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend it to everyone!
March 25, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read from Ms. Diamond and I’m pleased to say that I’m now a fan. Her writing style is captivating, her characters lovable from the start. I couldn’t put this book down. It was so damn addicting! Looking forward to reading the rest of the Johnson family series. Definitely recommend! 5/5!
April 24, 2022
Loved this book and this Johnson brother! They were all so different. So far the only brother that I didn’t like was Cyrus. Such a bully!
Glad Gavin was able to work out his “issues” about his father’s death!
Is it just me or did you want her brother’s girlfriend to have been found to be the one that told her location? That way he would’ve gotten rid of her snotty self! Lol.
Glad Gavin was able to work out his “issues” about his father’s death!
Is it just me or did you want her brother’s girlfriend to have been found to be the one that told her location? That way he would’ve gotten rid of her snotty self! Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2018
Hot Hot Hot....They Broke The Rule....
So far, this is my favorite book in the Johnson Family Series. Gavin and Terri attraction jumped off the page from the time they met. Their story was well written. Their love brought them through guilt and shame. Kudos Delaney Diamond!!!
So far, this is my favorite book in the Johnson Family Series. Gavin and Terri attraction jumped off the page from the time they met. Their story was well written. Their love brought them through guilt and shame. Kudos Delaney Diamond!!!
September 18, 2018
Forgiveness
So happy that Gavin forgave Terri. A great love story. This was The Rules(Johnson Family Book 4. So far this has been a sizzling series. Now, on to book 5.
I purchased all 5 books on my kindle.
So happy that Gavin forgave Terri. A great love story. This was The Rules(Johnson Family Book 4. So far this has been a sizzling series. Now, on to book 5.
I purchased all 5 books on my kindle.
September 27, 2018
The prodigal twin has to heal and settle, and the buxom beauty of mystery has to open up. HEA is certified, but the route taken was filled with fun,tears and worthy set backs. A good quick read and my 2nd favourite in the series.
January 16, 2019
Great Read
I enjoyed reading The Rules, Gavin and Terri was able to find way to deal with their issues and discover that they were made for each other. I definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading The Rules, Gavin and Terri was able to find way to deal with their issues and discover that they were made for each other. I definitely recommend this book.
August 13, 2019
Wow
Just like the first 3 books, this love story did not disappoint. Love that Gavin and Terri was able to reconcile. Terri had it rough and deserved to have someone show her real love. Can't wait to see what the next book is about.
Just like the first 3 books, this love story did not disappoint. Love that Gavin and Terri was able to reconcile. Terri had it rough and deserved to have someone show her real love. Can't wait to see what the next book is about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews