BOOK REVIEW - ENTICE by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - EAGLE ELITE # 3 - NEW ADULT MAFIA SUSPENSE ROMANCE

By: Rachel Van Dyken
Published By: Rachel Van Dyken
Released : Available Now
Details: Kindle , 325 Pages

RATING: 4.5 CHASE & TEX STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

From #1 New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes the third book in the bestselling Eagle Elite Series...

“As burns this saint, so burns my soul. I enter alive, and I will have to get out dead.”

Chase Winter let the love of his life slip through his fingers and into the hands of his best friend and mafia boss of the Abandanato family. Now that he's been given a second chance to right a wrong--he refuses to let his own selfishness stand in the way. The only problem? He's not fully in possession of his heart, so when Mil De Lange, the girl who's innocence he stole, and heir to the worst of the worst mafia families in the US, asks him for a favor. He actually says yes, not realizing that that one yes has the power to destroy them all.

Mil's been in love with Chase as long as she can remember, but as the years went by, the love turned to hate, and now that he's agreed to help her, she's wondering if she made a fatal error. Because Chase isn't a teenager anymore. He's a hot blooded male, bent on owning every part of her body and soul, and willing to kill anyone in his path who dares stand in the way.
It's time for secrets to finally be revealed...but make no mistake, it's going to take a lot of bloodshed for those truths to be discovered.

You've never read a New Adult Mafia story like this before...loyalties will be tested, lovers reunited, and friendships obliterated. Welcome to the Family. Blood in--No out.

BOOK REVIEW By Michelle:

This series is getting to be quite a little mafia addiction for me. I had trouble putting this book down.

I did love Chase in this book, he became quite the caveman towards Mil quite quickly. There is that Trace and Chase thing that Rachel efficiently swept a little under the carpet so there was this clean slate for him to show the reader his feelings for Mil.

I stole a glance at Chase. It would be easier if he were ugly – unfortunately, he was a god masquerading as a mortal. He was so sexy that I swear it strained my eyes to look in his direction for periods longer than five seconds. Dark hair fell just below his ears, meeting a strong jaw line that was just as muscular as the rest of him.



I liked discovering more about Mil and what made her tick.

Mil has a lot weighing her down and the leadership she must show as a mafia boss for somebody so young is brought across well.

Nixon and Trace have air time in this book which I enjoyed but I did like getting back to Chase and Mil. 

Chase is quite phwoaaarrrrr!!

There was a powerful conversation between Nixon and Trace which made me realize how far some of these characters have come in my eyes. 

"Whoa." Trace stepped back. "So if I asked you to abandon this life, your entire family, and become a ghost, what would you say?"

My heart thundered against my chest as the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. I must have bit my tongue in the shock. Honesty. Damn, I hated that part of my personality. "I wouldn't say anything, Trace. I'd let you go. I'd take care of you from afar, but we'd part ways. I'd grow up to be a really crabby and bitter old mafia boss -- so basically I'd turn into Luca...and I'd dream about you every night. I'd want you every day. But I'd stay. Our love is strong. But family? What's been bred into me? It will always win, regardless of my feelings for you."

Rachel pulls out some action and mafia mayhem which I really enjoyed. She stepped it up and I saw it like a movie action scene playing through my mind.

I’m really believing these characters are now capable of anything, even as young as they are and good looking and sexy.

This group of twenty something guys and gals pull guns on each other nearly as much as they do on the bad guys.

LOL!

Erm...not sure about pulling a gun on your loved one, but hey, this is an escapism of the Rachel Van Dyken variety.

Now the surprise for me is Tex. Firstly I was wondering why his name was Tex when everybody else had a more mafia family name...and then there was Tex.

I did find out.

I could not help reading book # 4’s bonus at the end and WHAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Now if that didn’t get me all giddy up and ready for Elicit.

Good Lawd!

Bring on Elicit!

“Because in the end, every girl wants a hero, 

and I just made Chase hers.”

Michelle

RACHEL VAN DYKEN - ENFORCE - EAGLE ELITE # 1.5 - CHAPTER 1 & SYNOPSIS - BOOK BLITZ

There’s two sides to every story...

And ours? Isn't pretty...

Then again, what's pretty about the mafia? 

Trace Rooks, that’s what. 

But she only wants one of us, and I'll kill him before I let him have her.

The only problem?

We're cousins.

And she may just be our long lost enemy.

Whoever said college was hard, clearly didn't attend Eagle Elite University.

Welcome to hell also known as the Mafia where blood is thicker than life, and to keep yours? Well, keep your friends close, and your enemies?

Even closer...

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CHAPTER 1

Nixons POV

Chapter One


Nixon

I watched as the parade of cars made their way through the black iron gates, as if somehow those gates would protect them if the country went to war. Funny, they had no clue that the war—Lucifer himself, was already parading around inside, safe from the police- the feds- anyone who would be a threat.

Safe from everyone but me.

My eyes flickered to Phoenix on my right, he grinned as a new girl walked up to him and gave him a flirty wave.

I elbowed him hard in the ribs.

His grin turned sour as he glared at the girl and flipped her off.

Remember your place.

I’d said it once, twice, a million times to the guys, and they were still struggling with the idea that they weren’t here to go to school, they weren’t here to make friends. We weren’t at peace. We were in a freaking war zone.

And Phoenix’s family was our only key to redemption.

“That seems to be the last of them.” Chase’s cool gaze surveyed the main road that led into campus. It was easier on security to have one road in and one road out. Too bad life wasn’t that convenient.

If someone didn’t belong—it would take us minutes, scratch that, seconds to eliminate them, their family, all while making it look like a very unfortunate accident.

“Wait,” Tex squinted towards the iron gates, “I think there’s one more car.”

“The hell there is.” I muttered, “I counted the cars, I’ve looked at the lists, we aren’t missing anyone.”

Chase yanked the list out of my hand and started reading through the names of all the freshman enrollees. His grin made me about lose my shit as he lifted his head and handed back the paper.

“I hear Wyoming’s beautiful this time of year.”

“What?” I jerked the list away and started greedily reading through the names.

One stood out.

Trace Rooks, Female, 18, Casper, Wyoming.

“Great.” I dropped the list onto the ground and smirked, “A girl who probably smells like cow shit. What’s her background?”

Nobody answered.

I said it louder, this time grinding my teeth together.

Tex was the first to answer, “We couldn’t really find any.”

“Couldn’t. Really. Find. Any.” I repeated. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Look,” Tex shook his head, “We have Sergio on it, but the girl doesn’t really have a lot of information about her. Parents dead, Grandma dead, Grandpa her only living relative and somehow her social as well as her birth certificate were both lost.”

“Lost.” I licked my lips. I told my head not to go there, told my heart to stay in my damn chest and stop hoping as images flooded my mind. Dark hair, dark eyes, “Nixon, I’ll save you.”

“Dude, you okay?” Chase elbowed me.

“Let’s go welcome her to Eagle Elite.”

Nobody moved.

“I said,” I started marching towards the girls dorms, “Let’s go welcome her.”

“Why do I have a feeling this is a really bad idea?” Tex said under his breath.

“For once, Tex, keep your mouth shut and stay in the background, paste a shit eating grin on your face and let me and Chase deal with this. Do you think you can do that? Hmm?”

“Take a Xanax.” Phoenix grumbled.

I sent a seething glare in his direction.

He mumbled a curse and walked off with Tex to wait by the tree while we continued the next few feet to the girls dorms.

The car was a rental.

The grandpa was ancient.

The girl was…young.

And she had shit as belongings. Her suitcase was covered with stickers, her grandpa handed her a small box, and I could have sworn I saw a tear escape her eye and roll down her smooth cheek.

“Hell no.” I grumbled, “She’ll be destroyed here.”

“Won’t last five minutes.” Chase agreed.

“Tears.” I wiped my face with my hands, “Tell me I’m not seeing tears.”

“Girls don’t cry here.”

“They don’t.” I agreed.

“She isn’t like them.”

“No.”

“We need Mo.”

I laughed at that, “We need a miracle.” With a curse, I quickly dialed the number for orientation and made arrangements for the New Girl to be moved to the United States room. Mo was supposed to be on that same floor. I figured she needed all the help she could get. No way would little Wyoming survive the year with anyone else, not that I was happy about it. I mean in hindsight that was probably my first mistake.

I’d officially invited her into my life—by way of my sister.

“New girls here.” I said loud enough for Tracey to turn around and gape. So squeaky clean and innocent. Like a little lamb, right, Chase?” I tilted my head and offered her a smirk.

The old man reached in his jacket. It was a move I knew well. Another clue. He wasn’t what he said he was. He wasn’t who he said he was. As if noticing my calculating glare, he removed his hand and offered a forced smile, “A welcoming committee? This place sure is nice.”

I had to respect his control. The way he protectively stood in front of Tracey as if he was the only thing standing in the way of my devouring her.

“Is there a problem?” He scratched his head, causing his shirt sleeve to fall, revealing a small tattoo. One I’d seen as a child but couldn’t place.

“Do I know you?” I blurted.

He laughed, “Know any farmers out in Wyoming?”

It was his tone that convinced me, the way his shook his head slightly, waiting for my challenge. It was the same look my Uncle gave me when he wanted me to stop pushing.

It was the look that my dad taught me when I was ten and witnessed my first torture.

The girl was still staring at us. Easy target. I’d leave the old man alone, he reminded me too much of mine. And I didn’t need that reminder, not now.

I lifted my arms and stretched lazily.

The girls eyes went wide as she stared at my body.

Chase hit me in the stomach.

I sauntered forward and tilted her chin towards me, closing her mouth in the process. “Much better,” I licked my lips and fought the urge to kiss her. Yeah, I was losing my shit. “We’d hate for our charity case to choke on an insect on her first day.” Her lips trembled as she looked from me to her Grandpa. I released her before she could do anything, and walked past, with Chase in tow.

I needed to talk to the girl at registration anyways. We disappeared behind the building, but I’d be back. I just needed the Grandpa to leave.

Within seconds the rental car was driving away. And the girl as all mine. My heart thudded against my chest, and for a second, I regretted what I was about to do.

But every possible outcome ended with either her death, or her in danger. And for some reason, I didn’t want someone like her at Eagle Elite. She didn’t belong in my world.

She deserved a picket fence.

A husband.

A good college experience without classmates who’d rather see her commit suicide then survive the next four years.

They would destroy her.

And she would make it so damn easy to do so.

The only way—was to beat them to it. To be the first, marking her as our target, our play-thing.

Nobody messed with what was mine.

And in the end, nobody would mess with her. They’d allow me to entertain them with her innocence. I’d dangle her in front of them like a carrot, and at the end of the day, she’d be untouchable.

I sighed as she looked up at the building gaping like someone who’d been home schooled and never seen a sky scraper before.

She was too skinny.

I made a mental note to get her one of my access cards—she didn’t need to know how much they cost—or that every single student at EE would kill to have one. Mo would take care of the rest.

She’d eat with us.

She’d want for nothing.

It was the least I could do after what I was about to make her endure.

Licking my lips I approached her again, this time, damning myself to hell with each step I took. “Are you lost?”

“Nope.” She grinned, damn it made her prettier. “Apparently I live in the United States.” With a shrug she tried and failed to lift her heavy suitcase and nearly toppled over onto her cute ass.

I muffled a laugh, knowing that Chase was doing the exact same thing. Being mean to her would be like kicking a puppy. But the world was ugly. I just hated that I would be her tutor in the ways of reality—her prince of darkness.

Damn, I would have done anything to be the hero.

“I’m Nixon.” I stood directly in front of her, shifting my eyes from her poorly fitting clothes to her ugly shoes.

“Tracey, but everyone calls me Trace.” She held out her hand.

I itched to touch it.

To touch her skin.

Instead, I scowled, shook her hand, then wiped that same hand on my jeans as if she was diseased.

“Rules.”

“What?” She took a step back.

Chase moved past me, “He’s right. As cute as you are, Farm Girl, someone needs to tell you the rules.”

Her gaze narrowed, “Can it be fast?”

Yeah, again, I almost lost my mind. Chase was probably ready to shit his pants. The last person that talked back to him was Phoenix and that ended with a few broken bones and a trip to the dentist.

“You hear that Chase?” I said amused, “She likes it fast.”

“Pity,” Chase took a step closer, nearly touching her with his body, “I’d like to give it to her slow.” His eyes raked her in, as if she was the first girl he’d ever seen in his entire existence. Jealousy surged through me. What he hell? She wasn’t’ his. Not that she was mine, but still. He was standing too close, too close.

“The rules.” He stepped back. My heart beat returned to normal, “No speaking to the Elect, unless you’ve been asked to speak to them.” He circled around her staring a little long at her ass before he continued.

“Who are the--“

“—Nope. You’ve already broken a rule. I’m speaking New Girl.” Chase smirked. “Geez, Nixon, this one’s going to be hard to break in.”

“They always are.” I said without taking my eyes from her, “But I think I’ll enjoy this one.” The first true thing I’d said. I would enjoy it too much. I’d enjoy her too much, because she reminded me of someone I used to know. Someone who offered to save me, when I was already past saving, someone who wiped my tears, and cried as if they were her own.

Chase continued with the rules. Making me sicker as her face continued to fall.

Finally she asked, “Is that all?”

“No.” Raw desire pulsed through me as I approached her, needing to touch her, needing to make sure she was real even though I knew I was acting like a complete and utter lunatic. Chase and I would have words later. He knew me better than I knew myself sometimes. I was going too far, pushing myself, pushing him.

My hand caressed her face, then moved down her smooth neck to her shoulder. I wanted to claim her, to possess her, to make her scream—but not with fear, with utter ecstasy. I had no idea who she was, but she made me want. And that was the problem.

For the first time in years. I wanted.

I wasn’t allowed to want.

I had to die to myself.

Because in the grand scheme of things? It wasn’t about me. It was about blood, family, protection. Blood in, blood out.

Her eyes dilated. Furious that she’d reacted so easily, upset with myself for making my own body suffer, I snapped.

“You feel this? Memorize it now, because as of this moment, you can’t touch us. We are untouchable. If you as much as sneeze in our direction, if you as much breathe the same air in my atmosphere. I will make your life hell. This touch, what you feel against your skin, will be the only time you feel another human being as powerful as me near you. So like I said, feel it, remember it, and maybe one day, your brain will do you the supreme favor of forgetting what it felt like to have someone like me touching you. Then, and only then, will you be able to be happy with some mediocre boyfriend and pathetic life.” Away from me. Away from it all. Safe.

A few more tears escaped down her cheek.

And I knew in that moment. It was the beginning of the end.

My end.

My downfall.

My demise.

Elect, Entice, Elicit, BANG BANG:

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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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ - BANG BANG by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - EAGLE ELITE SERIES - NOVELLA - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE

SYNOPSIS:

He was my best friend.
Until he became my enemy.
All within the span of one night.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang.

The rapid fire of gunshots became the soundtrack to my life.

This is the Mafia. Lines are blurred. Choices are never black and white. And the life you thought you knew is... one giant lie.

He was dead.
And I didn't want his life to be in vain, so I tried to make something of myself. I tried and failed.

Now he's back. Alive. And he wants something...

Me.

Nobody ever said the mafia played fair.
Welcome to The Family.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00MIA63WE

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bang-bang-rachel-van-dyken/1120171669?ean=2940046091823

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bang-bang/id908134553?mt=11

About 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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882127.Rachel_Van_Dyken?from_search=true

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

EAGLE ELITE SERIES:

Elite:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00DTUHMPE

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elite-rachel-van-dyken/1115119257?ean=9781455554171

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/elite/id671019065?mt=11

Elect:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00FKAD59I

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elect-rachel-van-dyken/1117005506?ean=9781455554218

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/elect/id718448125?mt=11 

Entice:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00K57A5

Barned and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entice-rachel-van-dyken/1119258434?ean=2940045833684

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/entice/id864146345?mt=11

Elicit: 

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00L89C7EY

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elicit-rachel-van-dyken/1119590065?ean=2940045955775

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/elicit/id881056045?mt=11 

EXCERPT:

I wanted his lips more than I wanted my next breath, but how long before those lips were taken away? How long before my heart would get ripped from my chest a second time? I almost didn’t survive the first — I knew I wouldn’t live through the second.

With a jerk I pulled back and slapped him across the face. “How dare you!”

Ax swore and hit the steering wheel. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have assumed—”

“Assumed, what?” I yelled. “That I wouldn’t be completely pissed off? That I wouldn’t be shattered!” My voice wavered. “Totally wrecked forever because I’ve been mourning the loss of my best friend for five damn years only to find out he’s very much alive and suddenly wanting to play the white knight?” My body started to shake. “I died that day!”

Ax’s face twisted with pain. “Amy, I had to protect you… at all costs I had to protect you.”

“Your protection broke my heart,” I whispered.

He sighed, running his hands through his hair before answering. “Ames, sometimes what’s the best for us — is exactly what hurts the most.”

I refused to look at him. Instead I looked down, down at my bare legs, at the outfit I’d almost paraded about in before a crowd of horrible drunk men in order to make money. I wasn’t the same girl he’d left. I was damaged in the worst way. Because by saving me, Ax had taken away all purpose from my life. When I thought he’d died, my only goal was to live because he hadn’t.

And now? Now the shame of my situation was crippling.

Foster care kid.

Unwanted.

Unloved.

And completely and utterly alone. Abandoned, even by my best friend.

“Five years, Ax. And now you come for me…” I licked my lips. “I’m not vain enough to think it’s because you can’t find anyone to warm your bed at night, and I’m not confident enough to think it’s because you missed me so much you just couldn’t stay away. What do you want?”

“You.”

“Try again.”

He swore and looked away. “It doesn’t have to be like this. Had I known you were in this position—”

“What?” I snorted then bit down on my lip to keep from crying. “You would have driven here faster? You would have rescued me sooner? Pitied me more? Take your pick, Ax. Now tell me the truth. Don’t start off this new-found relationship with a lie.”

He was silent for a while then whispered, “You have something I need.”

“A brain?”

Ax’s smile nearly took my breath away “Besides that.”

I pressed my lips together and looked out the window at my dark and cramped apartment. “I have exactly one stuffed animal from my old life, the one you gave me when I was six. I have a Polaroid picture, a toothbrush, enough clothes to get me through a week and a half of living, a hairbrush, two elastic hair bands — Do you see where I’m going with this?” I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. “I have nothing you need, let alone want. Believe me.“

Ax studied my face, his expression softened as he said, barely above a whisper, “Let me be the one who decides that.”

I looked away.

“Don’t do that, Ames,” he murmured. “Don’t shut me out.”

“Five years, Ax.” I looked straight ahead. “Five years where my tears were the only thing keeping me company at night. I think you lost the right to tell me what to do.”

He swore. The car door opened. I gasped as humid air filtered in. “What are you doing?”

“Getting out of the car.” He shrugged and gestured at the building. “Going into your apartment and packing you up. We’ll stay at a hotel tonight.”

I snorted. “My apartment not good enough for you?”

“No.” He pulled a gun from his jeans, thumbed off the safety, and held it out in front of him. “I just hate getting woken up in the middle of the night with gunshots ringing out, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” I gulped, my eyes still trained on the gun.

“Guns don’t hurt people… people do,” Ax said softly. “Remember that.”

“I do.” I met his gaze. “Because in the end, it wasn’t the gun that broke my heart — it was you.”

BOOK COVER REVEAL & EXCERPT - SHAME by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - RUIN # 3 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

SHAME - SYNOPSIS

Everything done in darkness, will eventually be brought into the light.

I ran, but all it did was keep me one step ahead of my past. I tried to start over; new name, new identity. But you can't change your soul.

A fresh start at college was just what I needed. For a while, it worked. I was the party girl, the one that seemed confident, but it was a lie.

When guys kissed me--I felt only pain.

When they touched me--Nothing but fear.

Deep inside, every girl wants to be the beauty in the story, to find someone that will see you as their world.

But the truth? I was the beast. And as much as I wanted redemption, I wasn't fool enough to think I'd ever get it.

Until he walked into my life.

I wasn't prepared to fall for someone. My scars were too deep, the wounds too raw. But he offered me peace, he offered me security. I should have known it was just another lie--I should have known that falling in love with my professor was a bad idea.

But I was powerless to stop myself from falling.

And he was powerless to catch me.

Because the darkness finally caught up to me, and as fate would have it, a cruel twist almost bled me dry. But I'm stronger than I knew. I'm stronger than you think.

You think you know my story, but you don't....after all everyone has Shame in their lives-- and I'm no longer afraid to show you mine.

ADD TO GOODREADS HERE

RELEASE DAY - 6TH OCTOBER

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EXCERPT

“Just hold still!” I yelled, holding up my phone while Gabe gave me the finger. I grimaced and dropped the camera away from my face. “Nice, thanks for that.”

“I’m a giver.” He smirked.

Saylor, his wife, smacked him on the arm and rolled her eyes.

“Ouch.”

I scrunched up my face when he leaned in and took Saylor’s mouth with his, kissing her senseless in the local Starbucks like they were doing a romance scene in a movie. I coughed.

They didn’t pull apart.

So I took a picture.

I earned another finger, but Gabe still didn’t dislodge from his wife.

“Whoa!” Wes’s voice sounded from behind me. “They been at it long?”

“Are all newlyweds disgusting?” I voiced aloud.

Wes moved around the table with his wife, Kiersten, and gave me a goofy shrug. I wanted to roll my eyes, but Wes was too nice and hot. Let’s not forget the hot part. Both he and Gabe were like walking poster boys for GQ. Both blond, now that Gabe had decided to dye his hair back to his original color. It was like staring at two really bright superstars.

Hating them was like hating the Easter bunny. Try all you want, but you’ll eat every piece of chocolate in the basket, just you wait.

“So, classes?” Kiersten leaned forward. “I heard you got stuck with that hot new psych prof.”

Wes growled low in his throat.

“Down boy.” I braced my hands on the table and laughed. “Besides he’s not that hot.”

“A girl passed out.” Kiersten’s eyebrows shot up. “Like in class.”

“Dehydration?” I shrugged, taking a sip of coffee.

“Or…” She leaned forward. “…the rumors are true.”

“Rumors…” Gabe backed away from Saylor, his lips swollen. “…are always based on truth.”

“So you really did do a naked dance in your underwear last week after getting drunk downtown at Pike Place Market?” I tilted my head and waited while Gabe rolled his eyes and popped his knuckles. “Exactly.”

He opened his mouth.

I took a picture.

With a grimace, he snatched my phone away from me. “Never thought I’d have to tell you to lay off the pictures, Miss Paparazzi.”

I slumped in my seat. “It’s for an assignment with that hot professor.”

“Aha!” Kiersten jabbed her finger at me. “I knew it.”

I pinned her with a look. “Sarcasm, friend, sarcasm.”

“Boys get girls pregnant,” Gabe offered, while Wes choked on the coffee he’d just stolen out of my hand.

Serves him right!

“Don’t date them.”

“You’re going to be a great dad.” I smiled sweetly. “What? You’re just going to lock your girls in their rooms and go—” I mimicked his voice. “—uh, you see boy parts are bad, they make girls have lots of babies, like rabbits, and you know how rabbits make dad nervous and—”

“Hilarious,” Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “And please don’t talk about kids yet…”

Saylor laughed quietly next to him then squeezed his arm.

My heart dropped.

A very long time ago, I’d wanted to be that for Gabe, then Taylor happened and well… I shuddered, blocking out the painful memories, the things I’d done, the things he’d done, the things we’d done.

“You okay?” Wes asked, his voice soft. He was way too perceptive for my taste. If I’d wanted to share, he’d be the guy I’d talk to, but I was a vault. Sharing meant admitting my guilt, and admitting meant I’d probably go insane just like he had.

“Yeah…” I straightened in my seat. “…I just don’t want to fail my class, and I need to write down nonverbal cues and take at least one picture. And pretty sure I need to ace this first assignment on account that I was late to my prof’s class, and I got in trouble.”

“He spank you?” Gabe’s eyes mocked across his coffee.

“Yes, Gabe,” I said calmly. “Because that’s how they punish bad students here at UW — with a yardstick and a smile.”

“I wish.” He whistled. “What I wouldn’t give to have Saylor—”

I plugged my ears.

He threw his head back and laughed while Saylor turned bright red and put her hand over his mouth to shush him.

“So…” Wes ignored Gabe as was his usual and leaned across the table. “…why don’t you take pictures of people here in the coffee shop? I mean, ask permission, but most people here are super interesting, right? Studying? Stressed out? Tired?” He pointed to a guy in the corner. “He looks like he’s running on five cups of coffee and one hour of sleep. Go ask, take the picture, make some notes, project done.”

“You make it sound so easy,” I grumbled.

He grinned. “I’m Wes Michels.”

I hung my head lower and grimaced.

“Phone.” He held out his hand and stood.

Within minutes, not only had he snapped two pictures for me but had taken notes on two pre-med students who had stayed up all night cramming for what they’d assumed would be a pop quiz, only to find out that they’d been in the wrong class on the wrong day.

“And that’s why I'm not pre-med.” Gabe shuddered.

“Really?” Kiersten asked. “I thought it was because big words scared you?”

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. What now?” He nodded. “Keep talking, Kiersten, or keep walking.”

“Spell it.” She smirked.

“So this professor…” Gabe changed the subject. “If he tries anything, use the Mace or the rape whistle.”

“Right.” I nodded. “I’ll be sure to do that. In class. With a hundred other students. When he looks at me cross-eyed.”

“Good,” he huffed.

“I was kidding.”

Saylor patted Gabe’s shoulder. “Gotta let the baby birds out of the nest someday, Gabe.”

About 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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Links:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

BOOK REVIEW - THE BET by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - THE BET # 1 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - HACHETTE

By: Rachel Van Dyken

Published By : Hachette

Released : Available Now

Details : Paperback from library, 272 Pages

RATING: 3.75 STARS

Blurb : Goodreads

"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . .


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I am a fan of Rachel’s Eagle Elite series. I totally dig it. The Bet was a lower rating for me, but it won’t stop me reading the rest of this series.

I did have a little trouble with connecting with the characters in this first installment.

Grandma Nadine is a hoot and I hope to be like her when I am wearing my grannie panties.

She is a fun meddler.


“And you!” Grandma poked Travis in the chest. “I was counting on you!”

“Counting on me?”

“Yes, you fool! I gave you every opportunity, and you were doing so well the other night!” Grandma plopped onto the bed next to him. “Do you know how difficult it is to fake a stroke when you’re in your prime? If I have to lie down one more time...”


Jake was an up and down character, I was having trouble getting

my flow with him. I expect to like him a whole lot more in The Wager.

I was scratching my head a bit with half this book and then I started connecting with Travis more.

I think I felt like the characters could have been deeper for me, but in saying that I still enjoyed this read.

It is a very light read with what Kacey gets up to. I really only started to grab hold of Travi’s character in the latter part of the book.

Rachel was definitely aiming for a light and fun read and I think she brought it for the most part, for me personally.

This book has sold a lot of copies and the ratings on Goodreads, alone, are almost split up into the thirty percent for each, five, four and three star ratings.

I found myself getting a bit from each of the reviews in the four and three star ratings.

I think this is a book that some will embrace totally and others like me will find it entertaining but seeking a bit more from the main characters.

I will read anything from Rachel that time permits me to. I know she has written a lot of works and is a fun spirited person, that showed in, The Bet. A good start to this series.

Michelle

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - ELICIT by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - EAGLE ELITE # 4 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

SYNOPSIS:

Cursed, numb, rejected, scorned, wicked, sinister, dark, twisted...my name is Tex Campisi and this is my legacy. I killed my father in cold blood and lost my soul right along with him.

I crave war more than peace, and I'm about to take my place in history as the youngest Capo dei Capi in the Cosa Nostra...that is until someone stops me, saves me from myself.

But the only person able to do that...is my best friends sister, Mo Abandanato, and she just ripped my heart out and asked me to hold it in my hands while she put bullets through it.

Im cursed so I did it.

I'm numb so I held it.

I'm wicked so I liked it.

I used the pain Mo caused as a catalyst to turn into my biggest nightmare--the five families greatest enemy. It's my turn to take a stand, knowing full well I'm going to lose my mind to the madness that is the American Mafia. I've always been told Blood is thicker than life. I wish I would have listened. Because regardless of who you love? You will betray. You will kill.

Blood Always Wins.

The only way out is death...yours.

Welcome to the Dark Side of the Family.

Purchase From:

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TRAILER:

Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/100747625

 YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/92fEZZyZbgU

YouTube Embed:

About 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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882127.Rachel_Van_Dyken?from_search=true

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

EXCERPT:

"Eight minutes where I'd rather time didn't exist." I whispered watching pain roll across his face in a wave. "Kiss me again."

With a soft exhale, he brushed his lips across mine, little feathery strokes that tempted me with promises of something more. He used his tongue to trace the outline of my lips before sliding inside, past my teeth, tasting every inch of me, giving me every inch he could of himself. Living in the moment, both of us knowing that it would soon be over.

"Seven." I whispered against his mouth.

"Go to school," he urged for a second time. "Make mistakes, Mo. Get in trouble, let Nixon find you sneaking wine into your backpack. Get sent to the Dean's office, make mistakes," he said again then licked his lips. "Let someone pick up the pieces of your broken heart, let someone fix what I destroyed."

"What if I want to drop out and hermit myself in my room?" I refused to look at him.

"That's not living, Mo." Tex cupped my face. "I have five minutes left with you, do you want me to use it to kiss you or lecture you on why I'm right?"

I grinned as a tear slid down my cheek. "Both."

His smile matched mine. "I forget how much you like being scolded."

"Only if the one scolding has a firm hand."

"Every last inch of me is firm and you know it." Tex tugged me into his lap. "School will distract you, it will give you a better future then guns and war, it will take your focus from tragedy to the future. Please, for me, Mo, please try to do normal."

"Normal." I shook my head. "Not sure I know what that word is."

"Normal," Tex repeated. "Making love to someone under a tree not because you have to say goodbye, but because it's the best way you can think to say hello."

My lower lip quivered.

"Normal." His voice was hoarse. "Marrying the love of your life not because her brother shoots you at point blank range--but because not marrying her would be a fate worse than death."

He was silent then added, "Three minutes."

I clenched his shirt with my hands and fought the urge to sob against his chest.

"Normal." Tex's voice was barely audible. "Going from country to country, traveling all over the world, not because you have a hit on you, but because you want to see the girl you love smile in every country God ever created."

I knew the time was ticking by, it seemed the less time we had the faster it went, I guess that's life.

I was looking at two more minutes, maybe less, with my lover, my friend, and all I could do was clench his shirt in my hands and twist, somehow willing him to stay on the ground rather than get up and walk towards certain death.

"Normal." Tex moved to his feet, helping me up. "Giving the woman you love two hours of your time, because you can't imagine spending your minutes, those precious seconds, any other way."

Tex kissed my mouth hard, nearly bruising my lips before stepping back and kissing my nose.

"Time's up," he said gruffly.

"We're no longer friends." I said it as a statement, not even a question.

"For two hours I was your lover, your friend, your everything." Tex looked away. "For the rest of eternity--I'm now your enemy."

BOOK COVER REVEAL - ELICIT by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - EAGLE ELITE # 4

Cursed, numb, rejected, scorned, wicked, sinister, dark, twisted...my name is Tex Campisi and this is my legacy. I killed my father in cold blood and lost my soul right along with him.
I crave war more than peace, and I'm about to take my place in history as the youngest Capo dei Capi in the Cosa Nostra...that is until someone stops me, saves me from myself.

But the only person able to do that...is my best friends sister, Mo Abandanato, and she just ripped my heart out and asked me to hold it in my hands while she put bullets through it.

Im cursed so I did it.
I'm numb so I held it.
I'm wicked so I liked it.
I used the pain Mo caused as a catalyst to turn into my biggest nightmare--the five families greatest enemy. It's my turn to take a stand, knowing full well I'm going to lose my mind to the madness that is the American Mafia. I've always been told Blood is thicker than life. I wish I would have listened. Because regardless of who you love? You will betray. You will kill.
Blood Always Wins.
The only way out is death...yours.

Welcome to the Dark Side of the Family

AUGUST 11, 2014

About 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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

PURCHASE FROM:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

iTunes

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - THE DARE by RACHEL VAN DYKEN - BET SERIES # 3 - NEW ADULT ROMANTIC COMEDY

From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken, comes the third and final book in the New York Time's Bestselling Bet Series...

Boring Beth Lynn has always lived up to her nickname... until she wakes up in a hotel bed next to a sexy as sin state senator she re-connected with at a wedding the previous night.

The biggest problem? She can't seem to remember anything about the night before except for crying into a box of cookies, and she's pretty sure Grandma Nadine slipped something in her drink. And what should have been a one night stand turns into a six day adventure when Grandma whisks them off to Hawaii to save them from the ensuing media firestorm.

Jace isn't looking for commitment -- he believes he made that clear when he left the wedding with Beth. Then again, he can't remember much of anything other than the way her skin felt beneath his hands. Now he's stuck with her at some lame couple's retreat and trying his hardest to fight the attraction only a woman like Beth could invoke.

He doesn't think it can get any worse.

But one spider attack... A donkey ride from hell... And an unfortunate episode with Viagra tea -- and there's one thing Jace knows for sure: He should never have agreed to Grandma Nadine's suggestion in the first place.

Because if this isn't paradise, and it isn't a vacation -- that only leaves one option.

Survival.

But to make it through alive... they might lose their hearts in the process.

(Romantic Comedy, Friends to lovers, Vacation Romance, New Adult Romance, Funny Stand Alone, Bargain Books, Humorous Romance)


"THE DARE somehow manages to be equal parts funny, sweet, and brimming with edge-of-your-seat tension, both romantic and situational. And I wouldn't mind a Grandma Nadine of my own. Maybe."
--NYT Bestselling Author Jasinda Wilder

"The Dare is a laugh out loud read that I could not put down. Brilliant. Just brilliant."
--NYT Bestselling Author Cathryn Fox

"This book deserves more stars than I can give. Rachel is a diabolical mastermind with these books. No joke...Also have I mentioned this is the funniest book known to book literature? No? Well it is."

--Sammies Book Blog

PURCHASE FROM:

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EXCERPT:

“I’m not saying I didn’t get a little help.” Grandma shrugged. “What woman doesn’t want to look twenty years younger? These old things still have some perk left.” She pointed to herself and winked.


“I’m sorry, but what does this have to do with our national security?” The FBI agent took off his glasses and groaned.


“Oh, it doesn’t. I was just bored with all the silly questions about kidnapping and death. So depressing! You wouldn’t happen to have any wine, now would you?”

About

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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir
Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken