Rachel Van Dyken

Review: Finding Him by Rachel VanDyken

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Ever since I finished Stealing Her, book one, I’ve been wanting Julian’s story. This did not disappoint.

Waking up from a coma, and finding out the world kept on spinning without you, has a way of changing a person. Julian thought his life would have more of an impact but sadly it didn’t. And then to lose his mom in the way he did, he feels left out and alone now.

Keaton was trying to move on from the death of her true love and somehow found herself in the path of Julian. Definitely not what she was expecting from a quiet week in the mountains.

The chemistry between these two was so very hot. It’s like something clicked and, no matter what they did, their hearts wouldn’t let go. They were each other’s missing piece.

I loved seeing the progression Julian made with Bridge and Isobel also. Waking up the way he did had to have hurt but he grew to realize the mistakes he made and hurt he caused. I am so happy with how these books ended. I’m typing with a big smile on my face.

If you like a romance filled with swoony scenes and so many feels, then I highly recommend you pick up this book and the one before it.

~Melpomene

Click the pics to buy. They’re also on KU!

Quick review: Stealing Her by Rachel VanDyken

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Pins and needles. That’s how I was feeling as I was reading. I knew something was going to happen but I just had to hold on and wait for it. This reminded me of that movie “While You Were Sleeping” but yet it’s different.

I adored this book. I never read the blurb so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. Rachel did a fabulous job at keeping me reading and connected. I just couldn’t stop! And then it ended and I’m feeling lost… I mean, how could she leave us like this‽‽ Doesn’t she realize that we want EVERYTHING and we don’t wanna wait for it‽‽ These characters have so much more to show us.

I am truly satisfied with this book and how this series has started. I’ve read practically everything Rachel has written but only her Eagle Elite books have left me feeling this way, until now. My heart is all a flutter of emotions. Give me more!!

~Melpomene

Click the pic to buy! It’s also FREE on KU!

Review: Enrage by Rachel VanDyken

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I love this mafia family. They aren’t perfect, but they’re family. When one of their own starts to go down a path that’s not what the majority wants, it’s up to them to reel them in and point them in the right direction. But sadly, sometimes that isn’t always easy to do.

When we first met Dante, I was very curious about him. I knew they were going to train him, but I didn’t know how much of an participant he would be in the family. Man, oh man, did he make his presence known.

My heart was in my stomach by the end of this book. I had NO IDEA what direction it was going to go. Frankly, I was shocked. Utterly shocked. But after I had a few days to think and ponder it, I realize why this happened. What people project on the outside isn’t always what’s going on on the inside. Lives will forever be changed. Hearts will be broken. The family will never be the same.

Rachel is the master at this mafia gig. Truly. I could read and reread these books and never be bored. You should really start from the beginning and read all the books. You won’t fully understand all the emotions that are packed into this one until you do. They’re filled with such fantastic characters with wild and crazy stories. They’re family and family always sticks together, even during the hard times. Blood in. No out.

~Melpomene

Buy Enrage HERE

Review and Giveaway: The Bachelor Auction by Rachel VanDyken

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bach I always look forward to Rachel’s releases. When life gets to be a little too serious I can count on her to bring out the funny and make me smile. This newest book is no exception.

Blurb
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 . .

When I think of Cinderella, I definitely think of Jane. She gives and gives and never receives. This girl can never catch a break. She works tirelessly just to make ends meet, with zero help. I just kept waiting for her prince to come. At first I was irritated with her, for taking so much from her sisters and not giving it back to them, but then I knew there would be a breaking point. I just had to hold on and be patient.

Brock is a complex guy. He has a pain deep inside that he tries to hide. He’s afraid to say no, so he finds himself in a life that wasn’t of his choosing. And now he finds himself being auctioned off like a piece of art. But what he really wants is to take his Cinderella and live happily ever after.

The tension between Brock and Jane was off the charts. I was one very happy girl. And when you toss in Brock’s brothers, this book had everything I like. It had my emotions all over the place. I was happy, then angry, then I was swooning. So many feels. A great way to start this series. I can’t wait to read the brothers’ books.

~Melpomene

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Review: The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel VanDyken

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01 amatWhat if the villain turns out to be less villainous and more hero?

When Gabi starts to work for Wingman, she is forced to start get closer to her nemesis, Lex. She needs to be trained in the art of seduction and unfortunately that means she needs to be trained from the head villain himself.

Lex has always been the villain in this story, but somehow the more times he spends with Gabi, the more time he realizes that she just may be what he’s been looking for.

I love enemies to lovers. There’s a certain amount of angst involved that keeps the story going. I mean, the guy’s name is Lex. Of course he’s gonna be the enemy of the story! But even the villains can have soft spots for the heroine.

Watching these two interact was making me smile. I enjoyed the texts and banter so much. I loved the way that Lex cared, even though he didn’t want anyone to know. Deep down, he was a good guy who needed a good girl to bring it out of him.

“And the damsel fell in love with the villain. Write that, Disney.”

~Melpomene

Buy The Matchmaker’s Playbook HERE.

Review: Empire by Rachel VanDyken

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01 aemI can barely get my thoughts together after I finished this book. I’m emotionally drained. While I’m thankful this book had the comic relief sprinkled in, it did not help the amount of tears I shed.

“His love story is going to be epic.”

Sergio, sweet Sergio. He has just suffered immensely and I didn’t how much more he could take. Another arranged marriage may very well kill this man. I mean, what was going to be left of him if this went south again? He lost the love of his life and no one was going to compare to her. The last thing he wants to do is get close to another woman and possible fall for her. He loves Andi, and he will always love her. But he will do what he’s told even if that means living a life as half a person.

I loved Val. She was innocent in all things. She has no idea what she’s getting herself into, but she soon finds out that, no matter what, she’ll never compare to Andi. This poor girl has no choice but to hold on for the ride of her life and hold her heart is still in one piece when it’s over.

Without saying spoilers, this book had quite a few surprises. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, Rachel pulled the rug out from under me. The raw emotions pouring through practically every scene had me clutching my stomach. The utter devastation was almost more than I could take. But as Val did, I held on and had lots and lots of tissues nearby.

Melpomene’s Top 15 of 2015

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I decided to stick with a top 15 instead of 25 this year. 25 seemed a bit overachieving, so I toned it down a smidge. And I was going to write this long and beautiful post, but then I realized I just can’t write long and beautifully, so you get short and sweet. Here you go.

1. Before We Were Strangers: A Love Story by Renee Carlino

2. November 9: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

4. Iniquity (The Premonition Series Book 5) by Amy Bartol

5. Breathe (Colorado Mountain Series Book 4) by Kristen Ashley

6. Restless Waters: A Left Drowning Novel (Left Drowning Series Book 2) by Jessica Park

7. The Song of David (The Law of Moses Book 2) by Amy Harmon

8. Kyland by Mia Sheridan

9. The Forgotten Mountain (The Collectors’ Society Book 3) by Heather Lyons

10. The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis

11. Where Sea Meets Sky: A Novel by Karina Halle

12. The Air He Breathes by Brittiany C. Cherry

13. Bad Romeo (The Starcrossed Series Book 1) by Leisa Rayven

14. Burned: Fever Series Book 7 by Karen Marie Moning

15. The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 13) by J.R. Ward

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The Gamble (Colorado Mountain Series Book 1) by Kristen Ashley

Elude (Eagle Elite Book 6) by Rachel VanDyken

Walk Through Fire (Chaos) by Kristen Ashley

Gus by Kim Holden

The Raven (Florentine series Book 1) by Sylvain Reynard

What were some of your favorites??

~Melpomene

Review: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

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01 darkones This is a fast paced read that will keep you at the edge of your seat and your heart racing in your chest.

From the very first chapter, this book grabbed me. This is exactly what I was hoping for! It was pretty much non stop action and intrigue and I was sucked in and never wanted it to end. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t get sucked in with a vampire book? (pun intended)

Genesis was wanted by two men, but she can only be with one. After being raised to believe one thing and finding it it was all false, she has no idea what she’s supposed to do and how she’s supposed to handle this new life that was chosen for her. She must find the strength to stay strong and put her faith in the beings that she has feared all her life.

Ethan struggles with wanting Genesis. But knowing that he’s loved and lost before, and he’s not sure if his heart is strong enough to try this again. He’s not sure if he can live through that again.

The romance aspect, of this book, is definitely what I come to expect from Rachel. Beautiful and sweet, with a nice helping of sexy. Plus the emotional side did tug at my heartstrings a bit too.

Rachel Van Dyken has mastered the paranormal romance. As if there was ever any doubt. I am very much looking forward to the next installment!

~Melpomene

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Review: Capture by Rachel VanDyken

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Designed grunge paper texture, background

Designed grunge paper texture, background

Oh, my happy little heart. This book was quite a sweet read.

Dani blames herself for her parent’s death. After a trauma like that she lost the ability to speak. She functions with texting. She’s lost many friends over this, and people think she’s snotty or just acting. She wishes she could just open her mouth and say the words, but she can’t. It’s not a life she wants, but no matter what she does, she can’t break through this barrier.

Lincoln Green goes through assistants a bit more often than he wishes, so when he hires a non speaking Dani, he hopes this might work in his favor.

Dani is very nervous working the hot actor, but there’s something about him. He’s super funny and very patient with her. Soon she finds herself falling for the guy who is so out of her league, but, at the same time, seems to be just what she needs.

I positively loved this sweet story. My heart broke for Dani and the way she struggled. We each function differently and handle trauma the same way. I am so glad this was shown in a positive light. I wanted to reach in and give her a hug and tell her it’s ok.

I was so happy to see all the Seaside gang there. It was fun. And also there was a nice surprise tucked in there, and that REALLY made me happy. Well done, Rachel!!

~Melpomene

Buy Capture (Seaside Pictures Book 1)

Review: Elude by Rachel Van Dyken

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01 elude How am I supposed to type when tears are pouring down my face?? And it’s not the simple cute tears. No, it’s the big fat ugly crocodile tears. The ones that make your eyes all puffy and your head hurt. That’s what this book did to me. But it wasn’t all sad tears. Oh no, this book had many beautiful moments that made me cry lots of happy tears as well.

This story is a story of love, family, heartache and hope. It’s about coming together, because you’re family. It’s about forgiving yourself for the past and finding a way to have a future.

But mostly, this book is about love. A love that sneaks up on you, when you least expect it.

Sergio was the ghost. He was always called in to handle difficult situations that no one wanted or couldn’t do. He was an outsider. He had no one but himself. That is a horrible way to live and die. But in the mafia, things can change like the snap of a finger. Like one day, all is fine and next thing you know, you’re being told you have to marry a Russian mob’s daughter, in order to protect her. All in a day’s work, right?

Andi is dying. She knows it and accepts it, but now she’s in danger and has to marry in order to live out the rest of her life on her terms. But what she doesn’t plan on is actually falling for the guy. I mean, he’s cruel and insensitive. Why would anyone want to be with him??

I have been a fan of the Eagle Elite books from the very first moment Nixon opened his mean mouth. I knew these were going to be great, but I had no idea how much they would suck me in. The characters are so real and crazy, but they’re family. These people fight like cats and dogs, but the moment you need them, they would fight to the death for you. They will cheer and celebrate with you and make you laugh when you’re about to lose it. And when you finally lose it, they will hold you up when you fall apart.

Elude has more heart than all the other ones combined. I was not prepared for the emotions that ran through this entire story. This book had me feeling everything. One minute I was swooning and fanning my face, the next I was hugging my pillow and crying. I was put through the ringer. But I loved every moment.

~Melpomene

Buy Elude (Eagle Elite Book 6) for only 99 cents!! Grab it before the price goes up!!