Review: Risky Play, by Rachel Van Dyken

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What else can a virgin do when she’s ditched at the altar? Seattle heiress Mackenzie Dupont is treating herself to a single-girl honeymoon in Mexico and a desire to relinquish her innocence to a gorgeous one-night stand. Fake names. True pleasure. But when she wakes up alone, Mackenzie realizes just how much anger is left in her broken heart.

Suffering a tragic personal loss, pro soccer player Slade Rodriguez has his reasons for vanishing without a goodbye. Right or wrong, he’s blaming the beautiful and infuriating stranger he never wants to see again. They’re both in for a shock when Mackenzie shows up as his new personal assistant. And they both have a lot to learn about each other. Because they share more than they could possibly know, including a common enemy who’s playing his own games. And he’s not afraid to get dirty.

Now there’s only one way Mackenzie and Slade can win: to trust in each other and to stop hiding from the lies they’ve told, the secrets they’ve kept, the mistakes they’ve made, and the attraction that still burns between them.

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit I loved this one!  It was a classic Rachel Van Dyken book.  The perfect amount of angst, humor, chemistry and drama all rolled into one HEA.  Rachel is one of my favorite go to authors, mainly because she seems to nail it every single time. 

Mackenzie is left at the alter on her wedding day - sure she's upset but not in the way you'd expect.  Fast forward several months and in the hopes of self re-discovery she's off on her honeymoon alone.  Here's where Slade Rodriguez comes into the picture and I have to say this meet cute was absolute perfection!

These two connect on a deeper level than either would expect, but to say it's a short lived romance would be putting it mildly.  Here's where the story gets juicy!  Yes, I could give you a play by play but I'm not because this story is one that deserves to be read and experiences first hand!

I loved watching Mackenzie work through her struggles and watching her grow.  From beginning to end it was a beautiful transformation of a character who's been incredibly lost become a strong independent women, who yes would love the support of the man she's in love with, but who finally not only knows what she wants but also has the courage to fight for herself.

Slade is broody, exhausted with the circus that's his life and so angry he honestly cannot stand himself.  But underneath all this is this amazing book boyfriend who's passionate and caring - and let's not forget his looks, basically he's the total package.

They are both lost in their own circumstances but together they make one heck of a couple.  Risky Play is going to be one of those RVD book's you're absolutely going to want to read again and again.  Such a fun escape - thanks Rachel - this is why we all love you so much!!!

Review: Dangerous Exes, by Rachel Van Dyken

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In #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s scorching series, revenge is a justified pleasure…

Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.

Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!

Actually…could it be?

Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Review:

4.5 out of 5 stars

We loved the first book in this series, Dirty Exes, so as soon as the widget for book 2 arrived in our inbox I immediately downloaded it and managed to devour it in one sitting.  I'm more than happy to report this one is equally good if not better!!!

Jessie and Isla couldn't be more different and as much as they want to hate and destroy one another their undeniable chemistry manages to thwart their best laid plans.  Jessie and Isla are both strong characters, yeah they each have a few hang-ups but overall they are easily likeable and you just cannot help but root for them as a couple.  

It's a story full of pranks, lough-out loud moments, a crazy aunt, a good dose of angst with a side of drama.  You won't be able to put it down and when the last page is turned you're going to be grinning from ear to ear.  It's a happily ever after, but the journey from beginning to end is the best part.  

Review: Eulogy by Rachel Van Dyken

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All is lost.

All.
I don't recognize myself in the mirror anymore.
My thoughts are filled with hatred and dripping with rage.
I've lost my soul.
She took it to the depths of Hell with her and haunts me with images of what could have been.
Sixty lives are mine to take.
Sixty lives stand in the way of my vengeance.
Sixty lives plus one more.
Mine.
When the last drop of blood falls — mine will be spilled.
Only one person stands in the way.
She doesn't realize I'll kill her too.
I don't own a heart.
And even if I did — I wouldn't fall prey to its lies again.
I am Chase Abandonato.
Heir to a legacy of betrayal.
And I will kill them all.
Even if it means pointing the gun at myself.
A life for a life.
A soul for a soul.
Now I lay me down to sleep… I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Blood in. No out.

Review  

4 of 5 Stars

If you have been around the blog any length of time, it is no secret I absolutely adore the Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken.  Mafia, Humor, Love, Betrayal and everything in between; it is the perfect mix of everything I love.  While I was heartbroken at the end of Enrage for Chase, I also have to admit I have struggled with my connection to Mil in the last few books, and I felt as though he deserved better.  Needless to say I was pretty excited to get my hands on Eulogy just to see how Rachel was going to spin his story.

I love the big mafia family that is EE.  It goes without saying all the characters hold a special place in my heart and I am going to read every single book that comes out about them because my love for them and this series runs deep.  Simply put, I'm committed.  Eulogy's tone and mood are far darker than any of the other books in this series because Chase is basically out of control.  And while I understand the reasons behind it, I missed the fun and carefree character I fell in love with in the beginning.  I think what surprised me the most was just how unrecognizable Chase was to me and even to the other characters in the story.  Even at the end when he found his redemption he just wasn't the same.  Again, who would be after all that was Enrage, but for me it left me feeling so disconnected to his character.  

Nikolai sends one of his naive, young and beautiful attorneys to the family with an offer she can't refuse.  While I love Luciana and her character, I have to admit that some of this was fairly predictable, which I usually don't mind, but this time it felt to me Luciana fell to fast for Chase and it just didn't feel authentic.  That being said, Chase needed someone who knew nothing of him, who would learn to trust him and would ultimately put him first, be willing to sacrifice for him, since Mil never showed Chase any of those feelings.  True love is selfless, from both individuals and his relationship with Mil was always very one sided.      

As per usual, there are lots of twists and turns and one completely unexpected part of the book.  While Eulogy is probably my least favorite chapter of this series, I am still more than happy I invested the time into reading the book and I am very much looking forwards to the next installment.  My new fear after finishing Eulogy is the more books that are written in this series, the less likely they are to live up to the first 5-6 and I don't ever want to lose my love for them.  My hope for this series are for the stories to continue to go deeper while not loosing the love and familial bonds between the characters which makes this series addictive.  I hope they always keep me interested and that I always love and feel connected to all the characters as I did when we were first introduced to them.  

Review: Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken

Emerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her. Except for one mandate that is easier read than done…

No fraternizing with the players.

Problem one is Miller Quinton: Emerson’s first love, first sex, and the guy who still ignites her daydreams and R-rated fantasies. Thrown back together, Miller and Emerson feel the undeniable pull of passion again, even if the conflict that tore them apart seems insurmountable. Then there’s way-too-sexy Grant Sanchez. He has a serious reputation with the ladies, and when it comes to winning someone he wants, he doesn’t let anyone stand in his way.

Now Emerson is breaking every rule in the manual. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s part of a wicked little game—one that could steal both her dream and her heart.

Review: 4.5 of 5 Stars

I read the first chapter of this book a long time ago in Rachel's Rockin' Readers Group.  If you're not a member, you're totally missing out.  Rachel is one of the most interactive and fun authors and I love her group! I remember when she posted this first chapter thinking, "Dang, that's gonna be a great book." and it really is a fun read!

Emerson is a character that is totally relatable.  She is fun, down to earth and easy to love.  She is not the world's definition of perfect but she embraces what others view as imperfections and owns them.  It is refreshing to see a character that is not a size zero.  Emerson is so much more than everyone believes.  She has struggles that no one knows about and she never complains or whines about it.  

Once Emerson has finally achieved her dream of becoming a professional cheerleader for the Bellevue Bucks, she is convinced nothing can take away her dream.  Enter Grant Sanchez.  Grant is a cocky, NFL player that refuses to take no for an answer. The boy is persistent, I will give him that.  And he is so funny, which was unexpected.

The other problem Emerson has?  Miller Quinton, ex-best friend who left her with a broken heart and no explanation.  When Miller is unexpectedly traded to the Bucks on the same day Emerson makes the cheer squad, things are about to get sticky.  Especially when you're thrown in the middle of a love triangle you did not ask for.

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  I thought the characters were well developed and it makes me excited for book 2.  It was the perfect mix of sweetness, sexiness and humor that only Rachel Van Dyken can deliver.  Oh and if you like football, there is that too. Haha!

Review: Enrage by Rachel Van Dyken

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Part of a world I loathe.

Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.

Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.

I'm. In. Hell.

Also known as the Cosa Nostra.

My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.

Son to a murdered mob boss.

Heir to a throne of murder and lies.

My name is Dante Nicolasi.

And there will be blood.

Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

Blood in, no out.  It is a simple concept.  Family first, always.  But when it comes to the mafia, is anything really easy or black and white?  I don't think so.  Everyone knows that we love the Italian mafia men in Eagle Elite and I knew going into Enrage that it was going to be filled with emotion.  I had it on my kindle for 2 weeks before I had the guts to open it.  I was so scared to read it because I knew that something big would be going down in this book.  You could feel it from page one, so I worked up the nerve, made a big pan of lasagna in honor of my favorite fictional characters and dove the rest of the way into Enrage.

Dante Nicolasi is so angry.  While he didn't ask to be a part of the mafia he also wasn't really ever given the choice not to.  His twin sister Val is now married to Sergio Abandonato, so there's definitely no way to escape the world, thereofore it's imperative Dante find a way to embrace his role in a world he cannot control.  When you can't control your own destiny, you learn to fight and completely turn off your conscience.  Dante is a very intriguing character, I really was not sure how well I was going to connect to him, but I love where Rachel went with him.

El was abused and should be dead.  If it were up to the Russians she would be 6 feet under right now.  But for some reason, Frank Alfero saved her and saw how much she was abused by her former (dead!) husband.  But living with the Italian mob is not much better.  She constantly is waiting for someone to mistreat her.  She is terrified of everything.  Dante and El could not be more opposite of each other.  Good thing opposites attract!

Honestly, it is difficult to write a review for a book that you loved that is spoiler free.  Did this book make me cry? Hell yes. But, it also created a turning point for the characters.  I know this is the 8th book in the series, but I will never get tired of these characters.  I love each and every one of them and feel like I am part of their world when I read their stories.  I know that Rachel really wants to create a way for people to be able to start the series from the next book and you can certainly do that if you want, however, I personally think you will be missing out.  The mafia is complicated and their plots and stories weave a tangled web.  If you don't read all the books, I just don't see how you would be as emotionally connected to the characters and that is why I enjoy reading this particular series.  Honestly, if I don't have a connection with the characters then I almost always don't enjoy it.  

Enrage was an amazing read and you should most definitely one click it now.  But be prepared for twists, turns, new revelations and some anger.  Cause I am still pissed at a character and I finished the book hours ago.  Job well done, Rachel!

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Review: Steal by Rachel Van Dyken

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Steal, the follow-up standalone rockstar romance to the #1 New York Times Bestseller Keep…

It's easy to lose yourself in someone you love.

Easier to lose yourself in someone you hate…

I didn't think it could get any worse than having to babysit a bunch of spoiled musicians on set ― keeping them out of trouble is a cakewalk compared to seeing my ex every day.

Seaside, Oregon isn't big enough for the both of us.

She hates me.

I loathe her.

The plan was simple ― stay the hell away and make sure she gets to set on time.
What I didn't expect was to be faced with our past in front of an audience ― and be forced to face it again.

It's torture.

The way she looks at me.

The way I try to look through her.

Words left unsaid.

The lingering aftermath still as powerful as ever.
I feed the chasm between us, for fear that she'll make me feel again ― and steal the last shred of heart I have left.

We have everything but each other.

It's not enough.

Not when you've lost love.

And replaced it with the only thing left ― hate.

Review 
4 of 5 Stars

The Seaside Pictures series by Rachel Van Dyken is a spinoff of the Seaside series. If you haven't read them from the beginning, I highly recommend you do! I know this is a standalone but honestly, I feel like you miss out on connecting with the secondary characters so much if you start with this book and they all have such wonderful stories why not start with the originals?!?! 

We met Angelica Greene in Tear (Seaside #1) and to say I couldn't stand her would be an understatement. She was rich, famous, entitled and a straight up bitch. I was really unsure I would ever sympathize with her or want to read her story. But, I should never underestimate Rachel Van Dyken! The Angelica in Steal is broken. She is post drug rehab and finally wants to make amends for her mistakes. As a last ditch effort to save her career, Jay gives her a part in his movie filming in Seaside. 

The only manager willing to take on Angelica as a client? Will Sutherland, former lead singer  of Adrenaline and ex-boyfriend/love of her life. Will is extremely bitter of Angelica and can't seem to forgive her for her role in destroying their relationship and completely shredding his heart.  Honestly, he's never been the same post Angelica and as much as he wants to hate everything about her, he can't deny the attraction he still has for her either. How long will they be able to avoid the demons chasing them from their past?

I definitely enjoyed this installment and as always I love how Rachel weaves characters from the other books into her new releases and how important of a role those characters play with each new release.  It's like the best part of a "family reunion."  Without a doubt watching their meddling was probably my most favorite part of Steal. At certain points of the book felt connected to Angelica and Will, but I also had a hard time feeling their passion at times and the pace of this story felt a little rushed.  Regardless, this is still a really fun read and fans of this series definitely don't want to pass on this story.  Take it from me you're definitely going to want to know what makes Angelica tick, how the past has shaped her, what the driving force behind her struggles and cry for attention is, and in the end you will find yourself rooting for this "villain" to get her very own happily ever after!  

Review: Cheater's Regret, by Rachel Van Dyken

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Austin Rogers’s dreams of domestic bliss involved watching Netflix and eating hot dogs with the love of her life. But then he cheated on her. And dumped her—as if the whole thing was her fault. To maintain her pride and restore her sanity, she decides to get revenge. It feels immensely satisfying to plot her ex’s downfall—but so does kissing him.

Thatch Holloway, a plastic surgeon straight out of residency, knows he ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. But not all cheaters are created equal. He got himself into this messed-up situation—true—but he has his reasons for what happened, and he’d do it all again to protect Austin.

He’s not over her. And she’s not over him.

Austin wants closure, but since Thatch refuses to give it to her, she takes matters into her own hands. She needs to write a human-interest piece for her MBA, so she demands the full plastic-surgery experience. Sparks fly as they’re forced to work together. But Thatch isn’t afraid to play dirty in return. And he’s still hiding something—something that has the power to destroy not only Austin but their second chance at finding forever…

Review

4.25 out of 5 stars

When a new RVD book pops up on my  kindle I get a little giddy!  I love her stories and style of writing.  I mean talk about taking a chance on writing a series based on a word that when many of us see we would perhaps just pass on reading because honestly not everyone is up to reading the angst that usually comes in a story where the characters are cheating.  However, RVD has managed to take a word with a serious negative connotation such as cheater and forces us to examine the possibility that maybe there is another side, a different emotion associated with cheating that doesn't necessarily come from a bad place.

If you've read book one in the Curious Liaisons series then you are familiar with the main characters of Cheater's Regret, Austin and Thatch.  However, no worries if you haven't read Cheater because book two can absolutely be read as a standalone.  The story starts with a heartbroken Austin, her unexpected one night stand turned real life romance with plastic surgeon Thatch comes to a screeching halt when she sees him lip-locked with another woman.  What's worse is Thatch not only breaks her heart but makes Austin feel as if it's all her fault while simultaneously pushing her as far away from him is possible.  Are you intrigued yet?  Wait it gets better because what you don't know about Austin yet is she is strong and a woman scorned is a force to be reckoned with.  She may still be head over heels in love with Thatch but she isn't going to let him get away with such careless behavior.  She will get answers, she will find her closure and then she will move on.  But does she really want to move on?  

Thatch's character caught me by surprise.  I won't lie, I didn't totally love him in book one and his introduction in book two doesn't do him any favors.  But, the more I got to know him I realized he was nothing like I first expected.  Apart from a bad decision based on a need to protect someone he cared about he was a surprisingly honest, loyal man who did something stupid because he thought he knew best, he thought he was protecting the girl he loved - clearly men don't really understand how us women think or tend to feel!  He's someone who was dealt a crap hand in life, who lost his innocence and was forced to deal with an adult situation way to early and perhaps has too many secrets he feels responsible to keep and thus doesn't really see a clear picture - doesn't really know the best tools to use and certainly doesn't realize it's okay to put himself first occasionally.

Austin's character perfectly encompasses a scorned woman - out for revenge.  Is this a good idea?  No not really, revenge never really is.  We think it's going to make us feel better but oftentimes it just leaves us feeling worse.  But, it's this path of revenge which open the story telling doors  - it's this path that provides the perfect opportunity for Austin to perhaps see Thatch in a different light and honestly this is the meat of the story.

I totally enjoyed watching these two deal with one another while trying to keep their feelings neutral. I also rather enjoyed watching Thatch's motives come to light and I loved watching Thatch accept which circumstances cannot be changed and embracing those which can.  These two make such a cute couple and by the end of the book I was grinning from ear to ear and swooning over the love between them.  I wouldn't give any hesitation to recommending you buy and read this book!  

Review: The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken

She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . . Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass. Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

Review

4.5 of 5 Stars

It is rare that I ever close a Rachel Van Dyken book and find myself even a little disappointed.  Unfortunately I was very on the fence when I finished The Bachelor Auction, book 1 of this series.  I loved the humor and the characters, but it was a tad too over the top at times even for me.  With all that being said I have to admit I was a little nervous starting book 2, The Playboy Bachelor.  You see RVD is one of my favorite go to authors and I didn't want a book I just sort of enjoyed I wanted it to be one I totally loved.  Guess what?  I am more than thrilled to report The Playboy Bachelor was everything I hoped it would be and all that I love in a Rachel Van Dyken book!  In fact, I can't seem to wipe the smile off my face and it's been hours since I finished reading it!

Bentley Wellington is a cocky, hot, jackass of a millionaire who seems to do nothing other than get wasted and screw his way through life.  Obviously, there is a back story and a reason for his self-destructive ways, but you don't immediately know what they are and I found myself wondering if he would ever be able to redeem himself.  Having finished I'm really not sure why those thoughts ever crossed my mind.  Rachel ALWAYS writes characters I love and Bentley Wellington is no exception.  He will worm his way into your hearts as well, I simply guarantee it!  You'll find he is actually this incredibly sensitive, loyal, decent man who is scared to put his heart on the line because putting it all out there means risking his life spiraling out of control.

Margot McCleery is Bentley's former BFF and her red hair reputation is no joke. The girl has a temper, and I love it.  She is a successful, regency romance author which a huge pile of her very on baggage.  Imagine a reclusive who never leavers her house.  Now imagine a concerned grandmother desperate for anything that will bring the "life" back into her granddaughter's eyes and a grandfather desperate to make amends for poor decisions while raising his grief stricken grandchildren.

Next imagine the fireworks that occur when these two are stuck together in Margot's mansion for 30 days after a discarded friendship and years of silence.  To say Margot and Bentley have a love/hate relationship is an understatement.  I loved the emotions, the POV, the characters and the plot line.  Sure, parts of it were predictable, but they were so good, so swoon worthy you don't mind because your spending your time reading for the enjoyment that comes from being engrossed in a good rom-com.  You can almost always guarantee a HEA with Rachel, but the journey to the end is simply delightful.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend you one-click it for yourself!

Review: The Bachelor Auction, by Rachel Van Dyken

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Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

Review

4 out of 5 stars

I have always loved a good romantic comedy, and I've never read a Rachel Van Dyken book that I regretted.  I dove into the Bachelor Auction while on a beach vacation and it was just the ticket for a fun, quick escape.  Jane, an older sibling to two out of control spoiled sisters, finds herself more like a mom to her sisters than an actual sister.  To say she is burnt out is putting it mildly, yet because she loves them and vowed to keep her family together she will continue doing whatever it takes even if it means always putting herself last.

Brock, a handsome and wealthy business man is the oldest and he also has a hard time saying no, but his hesitation comes from a place of fear.  His brothers and grandfather can tell he is miserable but they know he needs to learn to speak up for himself.  So how do you get two people to choose themselves for once, to fall in love?  Why you manipulate them of course!  

Thus begins our romantic comedy.  It was fun watching Brock deal with his feeling for Jane and his frustrations with not only his surroundings but also his commitments.  While I suspected who was pulling the puppet's strings I loved Jane and Brock's individual interactions with Brock's twin brothers.  They knew just how to lighten up even the worse situations and while the story focuses on Jane and Brock I was left wanting to spend a little more time with the twins.

Let's just say Brock's grandfather could give Grandma Nadine a run for her money!  And when Grandma Nadine finally makes her appearance it was icing on the cake.  So why not 5 stars?  The thing is I've practically read all of RVD's books and it's hard for me not to compare this one to the others.  The writing is good and the story was fun, but for me it felt earily similar to The Bet series and while I enjoyed The Bachelor Auction I liked the books in that series better than this one.

The Bachelor Auction is a fun modern twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale, and I truly believe you will adore this story.  Full of romance and wit this book will be the perfect choice for your next book escape!

Review: Keep by Rachel Van Dyken

http://amzn.to/29Pmj7Y

My name's shouted on rooftops.
It's written on bras, bathroom stalls, hell my name is everywhere. To say my name is to experience an orgasm without ever leaving your house.
My name?
Zane "Saint" Andrews.
I'm sex.
I'm a rock god.
I'm also a virgin.
What they don't know won't kill them right? Give the people what they want. And what they want is the idea of me; the pleasure they gain at listening to my song and knowing without a doubt I'm talking about them and only them.
It worked for a while.
Until a nerdy girl with glasses falls at my feet, literally, and suddenly I don't want to be Saint anymore, what I want? What I really need?
Is to be kept.
By her. 

Review:  4.75 of 5 Stars

I first fell in love with Zane Andrews in Capture, Book 1 of the Seaside Pictures series. He was funny, a little strange and obsessed with marshmallows.  Oh did I mention that he loves to walk around naked, like all the time??  I didn't understand it, but I knew the back story had to be amazing.   His childhood is haunting and leaves him with some major issues that need to be resolved.  I especially love that reading about Zane gave me an appreciation for celebrities and the loneliness they must face everyday.  How can you ever tell who likes you for you and who just wants something from you.  How do you overcome the battle of everyone having a preconceived notion based on tabloid rumors?  How do you find a true friend?  Despite the money and fame, it still must be a hard life at times. 

Fallon, the nerdy girl next door, is adorable.  I love that she doesn't go fawning after Zane and was sold on her character when she gave him a fake number when he asked.  She has guts, despite her stuttering and legally blind vision.  When Zane is searching for a friend and bribes Fallon to hang out I knew that sparks were going to fly!  She was exactly the type of person he needed in his life.  She knew when to push and when to be patient; but more importantly she knew how to earn his trust.

Once Fallon and Zane finally give into their desire and fall in love, BAM, Rachel blew me away.  Totally blindsided.  I never saw the twist coming and it was so, so, epic.  Keep is a beautiful love story with the perfect mixture of angst, humor, sexiness and love.    Rachel Van Dyken totally rocked this book and left me wanting "s'more"! 

Blog Tour and Review: The Matchmaker's Playbook (Wingmen Inc. 1), by Rachel Van Dyken

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Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.

From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule…

The Matchmaker's Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken from Becca the Bibliophile on Vimeo.

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit after finishing The Matchmaker's Playbook I can confidently admit I'm a big fan of this new  Rachel Van Dyken series.  It was a everything I have come to expect and love when I one-click one of her books.  The story was fun, full of clever witty dialogue and I'm just going to go ahead and say it...this time around she takes the "steam" to a whole new level and she did it perfectly!

Ian and his best friend Lex run Wingmen Inc. It's a referral run business which specializes in helping women not only get the guy of their dreams, but help them become confident in their own bodies.  The concept may seem a bit outrageous but Ian's motives for even creating this business come from a good, self-less place and from the moment he's introduced you won't be able to help but falling for this book boyfriend. Needless to say Blake a new client who also happens to be his best friend's new roommate will shake Ian to his core, but the real question is whether or not Ian is willing or even capable of risking everything for a chance at love.

When it comes to love all bets are off and rule breaking is essential!  The chemistry between Ian and Blake is off the charts.  These two have so many sweet moments but their banter will have you literally laughing out loud!  Perfectly paced with just the right amount of "drama" mixed into the story I predict you will enjoy this story as much as I did.  A perfect start to what's sure to be an outrageously funny new series. Go ahead and give The Matchmaker's Playbook a one-click, it's so much fun, you definitely don't want to miss out on this one!

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About Author Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!
You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken  or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com .

Links:

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Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Van-Dyken/e/B0054TW5AA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407369649&sr=8-2-ent