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: 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: The Fall Up by Aly Martinez

http://amzn.to/2umXJ6X

I wanted to jump.
He made me fall.

As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.

Until he found me.

Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.

But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.

Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?

Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up. 

Review:  4.5 of 5 Stars

In life, happiness can turn up where you least expect it.  You day may start out terribly but end great because of someone you see, a surprise phone call or a number of things.  The Fall Up proves that theory completely.

Levee Williams is a super star pop princess.  She has money, fame and a great best friend, Henry, also a star.  But what all those things don’t bring?  Happiness!  Levee begins going to a bridge every night and meets a tall, tattooed, smoking hot stranger.  Even though she is in a disguise she is still hesitant to talk much to him.  After meeting several nights in a row, the stranger is worried but a little obsessed with the mystery girl that seems to be contemplating jumping.

Sam, the stranger, offers Levee a reprieve.  He doesn't care that she is a celebrity.  He tells her what she needs to hear, not what she wants to hear.  He sees her for the flawed person she is and still wants her.  When he pushes her to get the treatment she needs. she obliges.  But will their feelings be strong enough to last?  Especially when she finds out all of Sam's past and the heartbreak he has already endured?

The Fall Up had me hooked from page one.  I love Aly Martinez writing style and her ability to weave such story and create characters I love so deeply is fantastic.  I highly recommend that you one click this one and enjoy!  

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Review: Until It Fades, by K.A. Tucker

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Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades? 

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

There is a Miranda Lambert song that says “everybody dies famous in a small town.”  Catherine Wright knows the truth of those words all too well.   When she was 17 she fell in love with her high school art teacher.  As you can imagine things spun totally out of control.  The teacher and adults who should have protected her didn't and instead she was ostracized from everyone except a couple of true friends; Lou, the owner of Diamonds, the truck stop where she waits tables is wonderful.  I also love Keith, her best friend who is also totally in love with Cath - he loves her so much he selflessly encourages Catherine to follow her heart even though the path probably won't lead her back to him.  (Side Note:  I need to see him get a happy ending so please, please write a book for him!)  And Misty, a fellow waitress who has stuck with Cath through everything and who always manages to bring exciting drama to any circumstance!

One evening, 5-6 years post teacher scandal, following a horrible blind date, Catherine comes upon a terrible car crash and does the unthinkable.  She single-handedly pulls the passenger out of a burning car and saves his life.  Little does she know the life she saved is none other than the rich, famous and hot, Brett Madden, NHL player extraordinaire.  Catherine knows once news reporters break this story keeping her anonymity is going to be difficult, but terrified to be in the spotlight again, to be on the receiving end of judgmental eyes she vows to do whatever it takes to keep her identity unknown. I cannot say I blame her for wanting to stay out of the limelight, her first experience left her all alone with absolutely no self-esteem - all undeserved especially considering she was the victim!  Nevertheless, at her core Catherine is a genuinely honest, hard-working woman who wants nothing more than to get through her life standing on her own two feet.  This girl is in no way looking for a hand-out nor does she expect life to be easy or sadly even for her own dreams to come true. So, it's really no surprise she would run from any attention or money saving a star's life would surely bring.

When Brett eventually learns his hero's name and finally gets to show his appreciation in person and these two meet, the sparks are undeniable for them both.  As a reader, I loved Brett's character - talk about the ultimate "book boyfriend"!  He is famous but doesn’t act like it.  He's the guy next door only so much better.  He may have fame and fortune but at the end of the day he just wants someone to share his life with and for that life to be as "normal" as possible.  His heart is HUGE, and I promise you I'm not embellishing how wonderful this man is.  But, will Catherine ever allow her heart to love again?  She uses absolutely every excuse imaginable to push him away.  And I understand the reasons behind it, but I was desperate for her to have the courage to at least let herself try!  At her core is the worry Brett will only be around until his feelings fade.  The question is can she trust herself?  Can she trust Brett?  Is she willing to risk it all for a chance at love and true happiness?

The feels in this book are off the chart!  I opened my kindle one night because I couldn't find anything I wanted to watch on TV and didn't turn my kindle off until 3 am because I couldn't even think about sleeping without seeing how the story ended.  It's been two weeks since I read the ARC and I'm still swooning!  I love a good fairy-tale, perfect happily ever-after and this book gave me all that and more wrapped up in a beautifully well written, heart-melting story.  

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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 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: Whiskey and Wine by H. Dillon Smith

http://amzn.to/29ktaZl

Ellie Ray Vaughn needs a fresh start. Daughter of a washed-up ex-musician and alcoholic mother, ex-girlfriend to an abusive psycho, and unwanted house guest to her aunt and uncle that have had to take her in. College is supposed to be that fresh start. She has her best friend Annie by her side and a determination to pursue anything but music in hopes of not ending up like her mother. But in Nashville it’s hard to run from the music that runs in her veins. She’s determined to leave her past behind her, but a certain blue eyed, tattooed guitar player refuses to let her stifle her talent...or her feelings. 

Dean Thomas is just like any other arrogant musician. Girls are plentiful and fleeting, music is all that matters, and feelings belong only in the lyrics that he writes. He’s not looking to fall in love, only to leave his painful childhood behind and focus on the future. A future that involves music, record deals, and no one to tie him down. But when Dean meets Ellie he doesn’t hesitate to throw away his one night stands and wild nights for the girl he never thought he would find. He just didn’t expect it to be so hard.

Review:  4.5 of 5 Stars

When you grow up in the south it is pretty much guaranteed that you are going grow up with pick-up trucks, country music and country boys.  It was pretty much what my life revolved around from the time I was 14 or 15 until I got married.  And he still rides me around in his truck while I am blaring country music.  So, when I got a copy of Whiskey and Wine and read the synopsis, it intrigued me.

Ellie Ray Vaughn is a strong lead character that is stubborn as can be.  She knows what she wants out of life, or at least she thinks that she does.  Music calls to her and is in her blood but her mothers obsession with it and the horrible childhood she experienced make her skittish to actually chase her dream.  Ellie also has issues with an abusive ex boyfriend that is adding to her stress,  But after an impromptu gig one night the addiction to music and writing is reignited.  

Now Dean Thomas is just downright swoon worthy.  Yeah, at first you want to smack him for being a manwhore but we all know he acts that way because he is scared and because the right girl hasn't knocked him on his butt yet.  I love Dean's backstory and all the things you find out about his past.  I especially love how much he loves his mama.  Plus, he play guitar, sings and ha blue eyes!  

I throughly enjoyed this book from page one.  The build between the characters and the emotional connection that I had with them was perfect.  Some of the plot was a little predictable, but I loved it nonetheless.  It felt like I was reading a great episode of Nashville.  I can't wait to read more from this debut author!

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

Promo: Just Me by L.A. Fiore

 

 

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Synopsis: Lark O'Bannion learned early that life isn't really like a fairy tale. Parents don't always love their children unconditionally. Damsels are usually left to deal with their distress alone and Prince Charming rarely, if ever, comes riding to the rescue. Happily-ever-afters are a lovely concept, but in reality are few and far between. When Sebastian Ross rolls into her life on his Harley, with his dark beauty and inked skin, Lark is willing to admit that maybe she doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Sebastian wants nothing more than to get out from under the control of his parents and their desire to force him into a mold. Changing schools in his senior year isn't an act of rebellion, but his attempt to take control of his life by following his own path. One look into Lark's emerald-green eyes and control is taken out of Bastian's hands. He will discover that the only path he wants to follow is the one that leads to her. Mature YA for Adult situations and language. Author's Note: This is a new edition to the previously released Just Me. New publication date: October 6, 2015.

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L.A. Fiore is the author of several books including: Beautifully Damaged, Beautifully Forgotten and Always and Forever. She's also the social secretary for her two children, a tamer of ill-mannered cats, the companion to one awesome dog and married to her best friend. She likes her wine red, her shrimp chilled and her social gatherings small and intimate.

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