Ground Rules

Lovers #1

by Renée Swann

As best friends, Bec and Rob support each other through choppy times; are each other's confidants and allies. As lovers, they have maintained a steady friends-with-benefits relationship for eleven months, without a hitch. But then Bec's psycho BDSM-wannabe ex returns, and he will stop at nothing to destroy her perfect little world. After several failed attempts of trying to win back her heart, Martin's true colors bleed through. But who is he really after? Bec and Rob's friendship is changing--can they keep their benefitted friendship from morphing into something else, something they both desire? Life is never easy for Bec, but it's about to become considerably worse. And only one person can stop it all. Read on to find out who.

This book was previously published as Friends Lovers Chaos, and it's recommended for readers 18+

428 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2014

About the author

Renée is a full-time writer who lives in Sydney, Australia, with a crazy pooch named Abbey and a boisterous, somersaulting rescue budgie (parakeet) named Kaleb. Her days are spent living in her fictional worlds and consuming way too much caffeine. She has an (unhealthy?) obsession with all things cupcake- and coffee-related plus Kerouac and YA dystopia/fantasy books. Renée can often be found surrounded by books, marathoning crime shows and munching on vegan goodies, on Twitter (@ReneeSwannbooks), Pinterest, or dancing in a rainstorm.

Renée hopes to one day visit Rio and is currently learning Brazilian Portuguese.

Renée Swann is a pen name for Renée Shearer, who also writes young adult fiction as C.J. Hart.

Connect with Renée on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr.

Reviews

[Kristy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author, Renee Swann, for an honest review.
"why do I need a relationship when I can have cheesecake" (Swann,Renee. (2014) pg. 1)
The title of Friends Lovers Chaos definitely fit this book. At first Bec and Rob are good friends. They each have dated others, but have maintained a friendship. Then the line is crossed into lovers. Their friends with benefits relationship has been working for them. Both Bec and Rob are trying to decide where they want to take this. But within all this chaos comes. Bec has an ex that didn't like that she had broken up with him. With the suspense of the ex boyfriend comes also the decision if Bec and Rob should develop the relationship into something serious. From the ending makes me want to know what is going to happen with Bec and Rob. I really hope Renee Swann is working on book 2 in the series, but she is currently working on other projects that I am looking forward too.
Friends Lovers Chaos has romance, sex and suspense throughout the book. There are some sexual scenes that are well written and fit within the book.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Rules is the story of two Best Friends Becky and Rob . What had started out as a Friends with benefits type of Relationship turns into something more. At the Beginning of the story Becky has just broken up with Martin her Physcion Ex. Rob is going through a divorce. Becky's Sister arranged for them to meet at a lunch she gave for them with Her Husband Jeff. Her Sister tells her Jeff is married.
But they flirt with each other and get along great, so when he shows up at her door with Chinese food and tells her he is getting a divorce they decide to have a just Friends with benefits type of relationship. But things quickly get dangerous when Martin begins stalking Becky. Will Rob and Becky's Relationship evolve into something more? Will she ever be totally free of Martin? A fantastic read with plenty of excitement. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this as a ARC and not really a genre I go for however I enjoyed the story line that Renee weaved around Bec and Rob. This is a friends with benefits story that turns into a love story.

As best friends, Bec and Rob support each other through choppy times; are each other’s confidants and allies. As lovers, they have maintained a steady friends-with-benefits relationship for eleven months, without a hitch. But then Bec’s psycho BDSM-wannabe ex returns, and he will stop at nothing to destroy her perfect little world.

After several failed attempts of trying to win back her heart, Martin’s true colors bleed through. But who is he really after?

Bec and Rob’s friendship is changing—can they keep their benefitted friendship from morphing into something else, something they both desire?

Life is never easy for Bec, but it’s about to become considerably worse. And only one person can stop it all. Read on to find out who.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! Becky has just ended her relationship with !artin, her physician ex. Rob is married but going thru a divorce. When Becky's sister, Codielia, sets up a surprise lunch with Becky, Rob and Cordelia's husband, Jeff, Becky and Rob decide to have a friends with benefits type relationship. No feelings, cuddling, or deep conversations. Things get dangerous when Becky's ex, Martin, starts stalking her and comes close to killing her a few times. Will Rob and Becky let their relationship evolve? Can she get away from Martin? You will have to read this exciting thrilling book to find out. I can't wait for the second book!

[Trimaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. I really enjoyed this book a great deal and will definitely be recommending it.
Rob and Becky have a very complicated relationship. It is one that begins as friends with benefits but turns into so much more. Their relationship is wrought with problems such as stalking exes, commitment issues and questionable food choices!
The author did a fabulous job of creating characters that are not only believable but are like best friends. I found myself rooting for this couple and wishing for a "Happily ever after" ending.
I will say it will be very hard to have to wait for the second book in this trilogy. Please Renee.....write fast, we need more Rob, Becky and cheesecake!

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bec and Rob first meet when Rob is still married and Bec has just broken up with her abusive boyfriend. Several months later, Rob puts himself into Bec's life after his divorce is final. Determined to be in her life, he accepts her FWB rules. Many antics ensue, some funny, some scary, some swoonworthy. "weird is a side effect of awesome.". Great characters and story. Could not piut the book down, it drew me in and would not let go until I turned the last page. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked about this book:

- Rob.
- Food (in fact, all the food that is mentioned)
- The tension
- the sparks
- the sister
- Rob
- The lawyers
- The storyline
- The friends
- basically all side characters
- The bookstore! :-O

What I didn't like:
- Waiting for the next book (already)

HURRY, Renee, and write that next damn book (or just give it to me now!!!)