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DreamMakers #3
Don't Walk Away
Book 3 of the DreamMakers. A red-hot collaboration from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors VIVIAN AREND and ELLE KENNEDY.
He wants to rock her world—in bed and out of it
For former Army Ranger Dean Colter, sexual escapades and wild flirtations are the norm—but it wasn’t always that way. Years ago, the DreamMakers co-owner was a one-woman kind of guy until he tore Emma Lee’s heart apart. Yet he’s never forgotten her, and when Emma waltzes back into his life, a second chance is suddenly within his reach…and he’ll be damned if he’ll screw up again.
She wants her world to stop spinning apart
Emma’s no longer the naïve girl she used to be. Now a successful designer in the fashion world, she refuses to let Dean’s killer smile and sweet-talking ways distract her from her goals. But being the target of Dean’s full-out seduction isn’t easy to resist, even as the dynasty she’s built teeters toward disaster. This time she might the one who breaks both their hearts when she has to walk away.
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DreamMakers
All Fired Up (Parker & Lynn)
Love Is A Battlefield (Jack & Pepper)
Don't Walk Away (Dean & Emma)
He wants to rock her world—in bed and out of it
For former Army Ranger Dean Colter, sexual escapades and wild flirtations are the norm—but it wasn’t always that way. Years ago, the DreamMakers co-owner was a one-woman kind of guy until he tore Emma Lee’s heart apart. Yet he’s never forgotten her, and when Emma waltzes back into his life, a second chance is suddenly within his reach…and he’ll be damned if he’ll screw up again.
She wants her world to stop spinning apart
Emma’s no longer the naïve girl she used to be. Now a successful designer in the fashion world, she refuses to let Dean’s killer smile and sweet-talking ways distract her from her goals. But being the target of Dean’s full-out seduction isn’t easy to resist, even as the dynasty she’s built teeters toward disaster. This time she might the one who breaks both their hearts when she has to walk away.
--------------
DreamMakers
All Fired Up (Parker & Lynn)
Love Is A Battlefield (Jack & Pepper)
Don't Walk Away (Dean & Emma)
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
115 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
157 books2,626 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 25, 2015
3.5 stars!
A very sexy and intense second chance story about two people who loved each other but because of shitty circumstances are forced apart.
Dean Colter is known as the ladies man. The one who can't commit to someone long term. What his partners didn't know was that Dean was committed before he even entered the army but he betrayed her, and they never saw each other again.
Emma has never forgotten how Dean left her either. So when they finally meet again after all these years, she vowed not to get involved with him again. But Dean is persuasive and determined to win her back and determined to prove Emma how much he has changed. But Emma has changed too. She was no longer the naive girl that Dean once knew. She's confident and has her own business.
I really enjoyed both Emma and Dean and how different they have become from their past persona. It's no secret that I love this trope. What made it more enjoyable watching Dean's single determination of winning Emma back. Plus their chemistry is insane. I love the writing. I am not familiar with Vivian Arend's work, an oversight that I need to rectify soon, but I am familiar with Elle and always, her writing is addicting.
This book was on the short side, which I am perfectly okay with but apart from Emma and Dean's POV, we also get a few secondary characters' POV which threw me off a bit. I assume, since I haven't read the previous books in the series, that this was normal and used to set up future story lines but I didn't care much for it. I don't really need their POV to make me invested in the character or their story because even without it, I would still love to read it based on how much I enjoyed this book. That and I wanted more Dean and Emma. I'm greedy like that.
But overall, multiple POVs notwithstanding, this was a very enjoyable read. I can't wait to read more and I'm pretty sure I have book one on my Kindle already.
ARC provided by the authors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A very sexy and intense second chance story about two people who loved each other but because of shitty circumstances are forced apart.
Dean Colter is known as the ladies man. The one who can't commit to someone long term. What his partners didn't know was that Dean was committed before he even entered the army but he betrayed her, and they never saw each other again.
Emma has never forgotten how Dean left her either. So when they finally meet again after all these years, she vowed not to get involved with him again. But Dean is persuasive and determined to win her back and determined to prove Emma how much he has changed. But Emma has changed too. She was no longer the naive girl that Dean once knew. She's confident and has her own business.
I really enjoyed both Emma and Dean and how different they have become from their past persona. It's no secret that I love this trope. What made it more enjoyable watching Dean's single determination of winning Emma back. Plus their chemistry is insane. I love the writing. I am not familiar with Vivian Arend's work, an oversight that I need to rectify soon, but I am familiar with Elle and always, her writing is addicting.
This book was on the short side, which I am perfectly okay with but apart from Emma and Dean's POV, we also get a few secondary characters' POV which threw me off a bit. I assume, since I haven't read the previous books in the series, that this was normal and used to set up future story lines but I didn't care much for it. I don't really need their POV to make me invested in the character or their story because even without it, I would still love to read it based on how much I enjoyed this book. That and I wanted more Dean and Emma. I'm greedy like that.
But overall, multiple POVs notwithstanding, this was a very enjoyable read. I can't wait to read more and I'm pretty sure I have book one on my Kindle already.
ARC provided by the authors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2015
3 Second Time Makes Up for the First Stars * * *
Finding that special someone and then letting them slip away...the worst... especially when what you did was the reason for the loss... This is the position Dean of the DreamMakers finds himself in...
He is part of this company which is the end all be all for men who haven't a clue how to woo a woman...and he finds himself tired of playing the game. He has been The Man in San Francisco... bedding and enjoying all the women who have crossed his path. Yet lately he has been feeling off... his partners have all met their matches... found their women and he hates to think it... but maybe... he is wishing he had his own too.
He is at a company event dressed in the required Halloween costume... mask and all. He spots a glorious woman...a silver vision and follows her into the haunted house they set up. As he is almost there next to her, the electrical circuits blow dashing the area into darkness. It is announced to stay where they are and the lights will be on shortly. Dean hears some commotion and spilling...makes the decision to pull this woman into the closet with him for her safety. As they wait for the lights, a banter and joking take place...and then actual kissing...They both are feeling it and are caught up in each other. Before it can get further, the lights come on and Emma races out the door covering her face from Dean.
For you see Emma realized who she was kissing after the lights went on...
It was the man who she loved, trusted and thought she was going to have a life with...the man she gave up going to Italy for ...it was Dean. The man who left her without ever telling her why...and changing how she saw men after that. Yes, months later he tried to contact her....but by then the pain and heartache made her colder...and so to be in the same room with him...let alone kiss him...No, just No... not going to happen at all.
Emma has learned how to say no. She has also made something of herself without Dean. She became that designer she wanted to be...and is successful, too. She is strong and independent and knows she just needs to stay away from him.
Dean, on the other hand has no idea who it was he was kissing...and he is compelled to find out. It was different...caused a sensation not the norm...he is driven to find this woman and see what this is...and he does. He tracks the place where she is staying and knocks nervously...the door opens and is stunned...both are in shock...him because the mystery woman is Emma...Emma because he is there at her door.
What happens next is the mental dance between these two...Dean knows to show Emma he is no longer the selfish 19 year old boy, he has to make amends and do it on her terms...he must take it slow and easy... not scaring her away. Emma is confused and feeling like she just needs to go on with her life..without him.
What will happen...will these two work it out...this is the journey presented.
This is the 3rd part of this series and my coming into it not reading the other parts did put me at a little disadvantage but I was able to catch up easily. I wanted these two to work. What was a little confusing were all of the side stories about the other characters as they really didn't enhance the Dean and Emma storyline.
I was curious about the Gillian interest with her security guy, though. I sense this may be the hint for part 4 if it comes.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Finding that special someone and then letting them slip away...the worst... especially when what you did was the reason for the loss... This is the position Dean of the DreamMakers finds himself in...
He is part of this company which is the end all be all for men who haven't a clue how to woo a woman...and he finds himself tired of playing the game. He has been The Man in San Francisco... bedding and enjoying all the women who have crossed his path. Yet lately he has been feeling off... his partners have all met their matches... found their women and he hates to think it... but maybe... he is wishing he had his own too.
He is at a company event dressed in the required Halloween costume... mask and all. He spots a glorious woman...a silver vision and follows her into the haunted house they set up. As he is almost there next to her, the electrical circuits blow dashing the area into darkness. It is announced to stay where they are and the lights will be on shortly. Dean hears some commotion and spilling...makes the decision to pull this woman into the closet with him for her safety. As they wait for the lights, a banter and joking take place...and then actual kissing...They both are feeling it and are caught up in each other. Before it can get further, the lights come on and Emma races out the door covering her face from Dean.
For you see Emma realized who she was kissing after the lights went on...
It was the man who she loved, trusted and thought she was going to have a life with...the man she gave up going to Italy for ...it was Dean. The man who left her without ever telling her why...and changing how she saw men after that. Yes, months later he tried to contact her....but by then the pain and heartache made her colder...and so to be in the same room with him...let alone kiss him...No, just No... not going to happen at all.
Emma has learned how to say no. She has also made something of herself without Dean. She became that designer she wanted to be...and is successful, too. She is strong and independent and knows she just needs to stay away from him.
Dean, on the other hand has no idea who it was he was kissing...and he is compelled to find out. It was different...caused a sensation not the norm...he is driven to find this woman and see what this is...and he does. He tracks the place where she is staying and knocks nervously...the door opens and is stunned...both are in shock...him because the mystery woman is Emma...Emma because he is there at her door.
What happens next is the mental dance between these two...Dean knows to show Emma he is no longer the selfish 19 year old boy, he has to make amends and do it on her terms...he must take it slow and easy... not scaring her away. Emma is confused and feeling like she just needs to go on with her life..without him.
What will happen...will these two work it out...this is the journey presented.
This is the 3rd part of this series and my coming into it not reading the other parts did put me at a little disadvantage but I was able to catch up easily. I wanted these two to work. What was a little confusing were all of the side stories about the other characters as they really didn't enhance the Dean and Emma storyline.
I was curious about the Gillian interest with her security guy, though. I sense this may be the hint for part 4 if it comes.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 27, 2015
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review**
I’m a sucker for second-chance love stories and this was a quick, light, and rather spicy one.
Dean and Emma were high school sweethearts who were about to move in together when Dean suddenly abandoned her without explanation. Fast-forward eleven years and Emma is now a successful NYC clothing designer but she still hasn’t forgiven Dean for breaking her heart. Dean is a former Army Ranger turned San Francisco entrepreneur/manwhore, but he’s never gotten over his first love. When their paths cross at a Halloween party, the chemistry is still there. Although Emma won’t trust Dean with her heart and is only interested in a short-term fling, Dean is determined woo Emma and make her fall in love with him again.
I enjoyed watching Dean earn his way back into Emma’s heart. He’s sexy and confident but also romantic and sensitive. Dean knows he’s a player with some serious moves and he’s not sure the sweet Emma he remembers can handle his dirty talking ways. However, Emma’s not the shy virgin she once was. She’s a woman confident in her sexuality and once she encourages Dean to let his freak flag fly the two create some serious heat in the bedroom.
Don’t Walk away suffers from the same problem as many other novellas: not enough time for fully developed characters. The book is too short to allow for ample exploration of the characters’ past and it was difficult for me to connect with the story in the beginning. There are sub-plots involving other couples. In addition to Dean and Emma, there are chapters that alternate between Colby, Suz, and Gillian’s POVs. It was distracting and confusing. On the whole, however, this was an enjoyable read and a sexy afternoon escape.
Don’t Walk away is the third book in the DreamMakers trilogy. It includes characters from the previous books but may be read as a standalone. There is no cliffhanger.
I’m a sucker for second-chance love stories and this was a quick, light, and rather spicy one.
Dean and Emma were high school sweethearts who were about to move in together when Dean suddenly abandoned her without explanation. Fast-forward eleven years and Emma is now a successful NYC clothing designer but she still hasn’t forgiven Dean for breaking her heart. Dean is a former Army Ranger turned San Francisco entrepreneur/manwhore, but he’s never gotten over his first love. When their paths cross at a Halloween party, the chemistry is still there. Although Emma won’t trust Dean with her heart and is only interested in a short-term fling, Dean is determined woo Emma and make her fall in love with him again.
I enjoyed watching Dean earn his way back into Emma’s heart. He’s sexy and confident but also romantic and sensitive. Dean knows he’s a player with some serious moves and he’s not sure the sweet Emma he remembers can handle his dirty talking ways. However, Emma’s not the shy virgin she once was. She’s a woman confident in her sexuality and once she encourages Dean to let his freak flag fly the two create some serious heat in the bedroom.
Don’t Walk away suffers from the same problem as many other novellas: not enough time for fully developed characters. The book is too short to allow for ample exploration of the characters’ past and it was difficult for me to connect with the story in the beginning. There are sub-plots involving other couples. In addition to Dean and Emma, there are chapters that alternate between Colby, Suz, and Gillian’s POVs. It was distracting and confusing. On the whole, however, this was an enjoyable read and a sexy afternoon escape.
Don’t Walk away is the third book in the DreamMakers trilogy. It includes characters from the previous books but may be read as a standalone. There is no cliffhanger.
April 13, 2015
Second chance at love stories are not typically my thing. I tend to find them too angsty and
end up wanting to smack the H/h because even when they say they are over whatever it was that happened in their pasts, they really aren’t and they constantly allow it to get in the way of forgiving and learning about who they are now, but thank the muses who were whispering in the ears of these wonderful author goddesses that didn’t happen here. Doubts surface, but neither character knowingly sabotages the new relationship that is forming. Instead we get two adults, who admittedly have a couple moments of silliness, who actually put the past in the past and work to move on.
Dean and Emma both pleasantly surprised me. Dean has been the manwhore, as per Suz, of the Bay area but in this book we finally get to learn more about his past and see the sweet side to the man who can charm the panties off any woman. Emma, despite a little phobia she has, was a fun character to read. She’s intelligent, strong and sweet with a few surprises up her sleeve. With this being a second chance romance and it being in the middle between a novella and a novel in length, things move at a fast pace but the main points of their relationship are addressed and the connection between Dean and Emma is apparent and the chemistry is hot! So as far as the HEA couple and their story, they get 4 stars.
The remaining 1 star comes from two other aspects.
.5 is for the writing in general. I’m a huge fan of the authors clean, no muss no fuss style of writing. They give the reader a good story without adding unnecessary fluff to take up space. The other .5 goes directly to Gillian aka Hot Shot. I LOVE her and she is now on my girl crush list. Her first appearance in the story is awesome but the last time we see her in action was just brilliant and I can’t wait to see what is in store next for her.
Overall: Don’t Walk Away is a fun, quick, smexy read that was highly enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the DreamMakers team
~ ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review ~
April 12, 2015
The opening of this one drew me in right away, loved the party atmosphere and how things went crazy. I first felt sorry for Dean and how the girl got away, however when I learned of their past, that went away and I thought Emma could do better. I know people change, but to get past what happened in the past and with learning how Dean lived his life seemed a lot for one person to get over.
I did love how all the others associated with DreamMakers chimed in on things with Dean and Emma. Everyone seemed to have their own opinions, many of which made me laugh.
Even though I was a bit indifferent on the romance of the couple, I was glad to see how this one ended, glad for the HEA.
I did love the couple of side romances that seem to be brewing, they should make for some interesting stories ahead.
I did love how all the others associated with DreamMakers chimed in on things with Dean and Emma. Everyone seemed to have their own opinions, many of which made me laugh.
Even though I was a bit indifferent on the romance of the couple, I was glad to see how this one ended, glad for the HEA.
I did love the couple of side romances that seem to be brewing, they should make for some interesting stories ahead.
June 4, 2017
Well, that was a bit of a disappointing end to this trilogy. It was cute, sexy, but oh so short a piece of fluff. Maybe 150 pages, and quite a bit of that was filler about side characters Suz, Gillian, and Colby. The relationship between Dean and Emma had little substance, but there’s not much plotline that can really be built up in what was basically a novella. I had hoped for more for bad boy Dean; and especially after waiting so long for his book. I had wanted him to go out with a bang, not down without a whimper.
April 19, 2015
ARC received for review
Another great book in this series. Man, Dean sure gave up his wicked ways for the one he walked away from. Thank you Emma for not dragging out forgiving him. Now I can't wait for Suz, Colby, Gillian's stories.
Another great book in this series. Man, Dean sure gave up his wicked ways for the one he walked away from. Thank you Emma for not dragging out forgiving him. Now I can't wait for Suz, Colby, Gillian's stories.
April 17, 2015
4,5 stars!
I love this series and when an early review copy found its way to my inbox I might have done a happy dance because I have been wanting to read Dean's story since I finished reading book 2 (and maybe, if I'm realllly honest, since *that* scene in book 1).
What I absolutely love about this series is the witty humor, the camaraderie between the characters, especially between Dean, Jack and Parker, and the sexy heat of the romance in them all. I loved seeing all the characters from the previous 2 books back and they formed the perfect secondary cast for Dean and Emma's story.
Oh! I liked the secondary romances a lot! Wasn't expecting the first one and it was as yummy a treat as the main romance was. And then..BOOM! Another budding secondary romance and this was just as interesting as the first one and fodder for more DreamMakers books in what I think was originally meant to be a trilogy. You won't hear me complaining. Not at all!
I love this series (have I said that yet?). This installment was just as awesome as the previous two. Dean was sexy and sweet. Emma was kickass! Their history was bittersweet but I knew it was all going to be okay in the end. And I liked that there was no suspense-like plot in this one. The plot that was there fit the story and complemented the romance perfectly.
Memorable Scenes:
- the one on Emma's balcony > Djeez! That was hot!
- the one on the DreamMakers yacht > have I mentioned the sexy scenes in this book are dirty and hot?
Favorite Quotes:
“Word to the wise—never joke about something like that with a guy like me.”
“Why?”
“Because I take kissing very seriously, darling. If making out was an Olympic sport? I’d be a gold medalist.”
Emma raised a brow. “You call that dirty?”
“Are you seriously questioning my dirty-talking skills, Em? Because the moment my mouth goes into filthy mode, there’s no going back.”
“Yeah? Because I’m still not hearing anything dirty…”
Emma dropped to the mattress, panting hard. “You’ve killed me.”
“You speak real good for a dead person,” he teased, his chest moving just as rapidly as he caught his breath.
I love this series and when an early review copy found its way to my inbox I might have done a happy dance because I have been wanting to read Dean's story since I finished reading book 2 (and maybe, if I'm realllly honest, since *that* scene in book 1).
What I absolutely love about this series is the witty humor, the camaraderie between the characters, especially between Dean, Jack and Parker, and the sexy heat of the romance in them all. I loved seeing all the characters from the previous 2 books back and they formed the perfect secondary cast for Dean and Emma's story.
Oh! I liked the secondary romances a lot! Wasn't expecting the first one and it was as yummy a treat as the main romance was. And then..BOOM! Another budding secondary romance and this was just as interesting as the first one and fodder for more DreamMakers books in what I think was originally meant to be a trilogy. You won't hear me complaining. Not at all!
I love this series (have I said that yet?). This installment was just as awesome as the previous two. Dean was sexy and sweet. Emma was kickass! Their history was bittersweet but I knew it was all going to be okay in the end. And I liked that there was no suspense-like plot in this one. The plot that was there fit the story and complemented the romance perfectly.
Memorable Scenes:
- the one on Emma's balcony > Djeez! That was hot!
- the one on the DreamMakers yacht > have I mentioned the sexy scenes in this book are dirty and hot?
Favorite Quotes:
“Word to the wise—never joke about something like that with a guy like me.”
“Why?”
“Because I take kissing very seriously, darling. If making out was an Olympic sport? I’d be a gold medalist.”
Emma raised a brow. “You call that dirty?”
“Are you seriously questioning my dirty-talking skills, Em? Because the moment my mouth goes into filthy mode, there’s no going back.”
“Yeah? Because I’m still not hearing anything dirty…”
Emma dropped to the mattress, panting hard. “You’ve killed me.”
“You speak real good for a dead person,” he teased, his chest moving just as rapidly as he caught his breath.
February 12, 2023
Another second chance book where the heroine is dumped - doesn't see the asshole for over a decade and all is forgiven barely four chapters after they met again - cause you know - he's hot.
This book ticks off most of my most hated tropes:
Female dumped by male who can't forgive him fast enough - check
Body betraying syndrome - check
Manwhore fucking his way through the city while she's basically celibate for over ten years- or so we assume since its mentioned nonstop how many women he's fucked - her nothing is said - check
Way too much emphasis on sex and not enough on interesting things like character - check
Two romance stories going on at the same time just to confuse us - check
An asshole secondary male to make the asshole main male look good - check
I especially hate when we begin the book with the idea this MFC is going kick ass and take names but instead we get a pathetic lust struck idiot who can't jump his bones fast enough even after finding out he was fucking sisters - yes sisters. How classy this guy is. But wait he's hot!!!
I ended up skimming this book because the so-called hero repulsed me so much and the herione was bland as oatmeal. Funny how she isn't mentioned fucking brothers though - or screwing anyone for that matter. Spare yourself this shit or do what I did and make sure you get it from the library so you don't feel like that money would have been better spent on a good cup of coffee.
If you like second chance books where the guy is considered to be a catch and doesn't have to do much to win back the woman he wronged. You may like this one. Me, not so much.
This book ticks off most of my most hated tropes:
Female dumped by male who can't forgive him fast enough - check
Body betraying syndrome - check
Manwhore fucking his way through the city while she's basically celibate for over ten years- or so we assume since its mentioned nonstop how many women he's fucked - her nothing is said - check
Way too much emphasis on sex and not enough on interesting things like character - check
Two romance stories going on at the same time just to confuse us - check
An asshole secondary male to make the asshole main male look good - check
I especially hate when we begin the book with the idea this MFC is going kick ass and take names but instead we get a pathetic lust struck idiot who can't jump his bones fast enough even after finding out he was fucking sisters - yes sisters. How classy this guy is. But wait he's hot!!!
I ended up skimming this book because the so-called hero repulsed me so much and the herione was bland as oatmeal. Funny how she isn't mentioned fucking brothers though - or screwing anyone for that matter. Spare yourself this shit or do what I did and make sure you get it from the library so you don't feel like that money would have been better spent on a good cup of coffee.
If you like second chance books where the guy is considered to be a catch and doesn't have to do much to win back the woman he wronged. You may like this one. Me, not so much.
April 13, 2015
*4.5 stars*
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE second chance/reunion stories and this one was pretty darn awesome!!!
Review to follow...
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy*
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE second chance/reunion stories and this one was pretty darn awesome!!!
Review to follow...
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy*
March 14, 2020
This book had potential. Dean is a slutty man who abandoned his first love. A first love who gave up her budding fashion career for him. Just reading it reminded me of some how stupid you can be when you’re young and in love. Also I was looking forward to some grade A groveling now that she was older and wiser.
Fast forward a decade. They meet again in San Francisco and he tries to win her back. And... she lets him. Very little groveling for him to do. No major conflict.
Plus the book is interspersed with other characters that it’s clear were meant to have their own books but for whatever reason didn’t. So we lost a lot of page space on people we won’t see again and frankly weren’t interesting enough to matter.
Unsatisfying read.
Fast forward a decade. They meet again in San Francisco and he tries to win her back. And... she lets him. Very little groveling for him to do. No major conflict.
Plus the book is interspersed with other characters that it’s clear were meant to have their own books but for whatever reason didn’t. So we lost a lot of page space on people we won’t see again and frankly weren’t interesting enough to matter.
Unsatisfying read.
May 1, 2015
3.5 stars
I admit that even though I’ve been a fan of both of these authors for a long while, I have dragged my butt in starting this series. Why???? The DreamMakers series has such a fun premise. Three ex military dudes find themselves back home after their service and needing to come up with something to do. So they start a dating service. Naturally! LOL I think that’s brilliant and now having read this book I’ll rectify my mistake and go back and read books 1 and 2.
That being said, DON’T WALK AWAY is a sweet second chance romance story. You know I’m a sucker for those. And this is so sweet! Dean Colter is now a manwhore extraordinaire but deep down there’s only been one woman he’s loved since forever. Since the days when he wasn’t a player and waited years to take one girls’ virginity. Since he made a huge mistake and lost the love of his life. He’s never been able to even apologize since. But life has a way of dumping Emma back on his lap. And this time Dean is determined from the get-go to keep her there.
I loved Emma’s character. She’s just tough enough but full of female empowerment. She’s become successful on her own and taken from life what she deserved. Now that she has the man she once loved and broke her heart delivered on a platter, she’s also woman enough to take what he’s offering. There isn’t a lot of fighting attractions and rehashing the past, which sometimes can bug down a story. Just two great characters reconnecting and rekindling their love.
Another thing I loved? The camaraderie between the whole cast of characters. We see glimpses from the previous two couples, as well as two upcoming couples, and the friendship between the whole gang is one of my favorite things. It’s definitely an element I always look for in a good contemporary romance and gives this book an instant feeling of comfort for me.
If you like your heroes big, sexy and alpha and the chemistry steaming up off the pages then look no further than DON’T WALK AWAY! You’ll be hooked like I was!
*ARC provided by author
April 27, 2015
3.5-4 stars
Don't Walk Away is a light, short, and (mostly) fun read!
I requested this title on NetGalley because I saw Elle Kennedy listed as one of its authors. (I've become a big fan of hers since reading The Deal.) I am not familiar with Vivian Arend, and I have not read the two previous "DreamMakers" novels.
Still, I had a positive experience reading this one. As I've admitted in other reviews, I'm not typically a big fan of second chance romances. They tend to be heavy on the angst, and the process of those characters getting back together is usually fraught with heartbreaking obstacles. However, I didn't find either to be the case with Don't Walk Away. In fact, if I'm being honest, the main characters' reunion came about a little too easily...
One thing that bothered me was Dean's reason for leaving the first time around. In my opinion, what little excuse he offers does nothing to make up for the fallout Emma endured post-abandonment. Thus, I don't understand the following statement, and then thoughts, of hers:
Franky, I didn't "understand" why he left--even after the scenario was explained. So by extension, I didn't see the reason as a "good" one either.
Furthermore, Dean is frequently referred to as "the manwhore of the century" or "Manwhore of the Year"; for a couple whose past relationship was sweet, tender, and innocent, this reputation of his seems like a lot for an ex to swallow. Nevertheless, she doesn't seem to take it too seriously (other than what his pattern of hookups might say about his trustworthiness).
While main characters Emma and Dean are at the forefront of the novel, other characters (Suz, Colby, and Gillian) figured prominently as well--probably to provide context for subsequent novels.
Overall, I liked Don't Walk Away and will keep an eye out for other books in the "DreamMakers" series!
*Copy generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Don't Walk Away is a light, short, and (mostly) fun read!
I requested this title on NetGalley because I saw Elle Kennedy listed as one of its authors. (I've become a big fan of hers since reading The Deal.) I am not familiar with Vivian Arend, and I have not read the two previous "DreamMakers" novels.
Still, I had a positive experience reading this one. As I've admitted in other reviews, I'm not typically a big fan of second chance romances. They tend to be heavy on the angst, and the process of those characters getting back together is usually fraught with heartbreaking obstacles. However, I didn't find either to be the case with Don't Walk Away. In fact, if I'm being honest, the main characters' reunion came about a little too easily...
One thing that bothered me was Dean's reason for leaving the first time around. In my opinion, what little excuse he offers does nothing to make up for the fallout Emma endured post-abandonment. Thus, I don't understand the following statement, and then thoughts, of hers:
"Now that I've heard why, I don't blame you for leaving, Dean."
"even knowing he'd had a good reason to leave..."
"Yes, she understood why he'd deserted her."
Franky, I didn't "understand" why he left--even after the scenario was explained. So by extension, I didn't see the reason as a "good" one either.
Furthermore, Dean is frequently referred to as "the manwhore of the century" or "Manwhore of the Year"; for a couple whose past relationship was sweet, tender, and innocent, this reputation of his seems like a lot for an ex to swallow. Nevertheless, she doesn't seem to take it too seriously (other than what his pattern of hookups might say about his trustworthiness).
While main characters Emma and Dean are at the forefront of the novel, other characters (Suz, Colby, and Gillian) figured prominently as well--probably to provide context for subsequent novels.
Overall, I liked Don't Walk Away and will keep an eye out for other books in the "DreamMakers" series!
*Copy generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2015
KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I binge read this series this week in order to review this book. This is one of the smartest things I have ever done. I was told I could read them as stand alones, if I needed to. I’m so glad I didn’t. The three guys that make up this friendship and business are truly amazing. I laughed with them found them smoking hot!!
Don’t Walk Away is book three, and it centers on Dean, the self-proclaimed man-whore. He has a big secret that he has kept from his oldest friends though. He had a first love that he walked away from to join the army where they all met, and now that he has run into her again he wants a chance to apologies. Or does he want more than that?? He is a great character!! His dirty talk alone makes a girl shiver, but he also has an amazing sense of humor. I absolutely loved his interactions with everyone, but Emma brings out something special in him. They truly are one of those couples that you can’t wait to see what they will do next. She brings out his softer side, and he brings out the naughty bad girl side of her.
Emma is a fashion designer with issues in her professional life, so she has come to San Diego for the winter and to get a break from all of it. She has partied hard with Suz, but never expected to run into the one person that broke her heart so long ago. She is a feisty Texas gal!! She makes Dean work for a chance to talk to her, and I love every thing about her, specially her big heart.
I love rekindled love stories. I am truly a sucker for them. I love to watch how they overcome the issues of the past. This one is not full of overly horrible events or a secret baby. It is just a darn good story!!! It did leave me wanting more from the secondary characters though!!! I want the stories of Suz, Colby, Gillian, and Suz’s brothers. I see so much potential for a spin-off series. I highly recommend this whole trilogy, and no I can’t pick a favorite! I loved them all!!!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I binge read this series this week in order to review this book. This is one of the smartest things I have ever done. I was told I could read them as stand alones, if I needed to. I’m so glad I didn’t. The three guys that make up this friendship and business are truly amazing. I laughed with them found them smoking hot!!
Don’t Walk Away is book three, and it centers on Dean, the self-proclaimed man-whore. He has a big secret that he has kept from his oldest friends though. He had a first love that he walked away from to join the army where they all met, and now that he has run into her again he wants a chance to apologies. Or does he want more than that?? He is a great character!! His dirty talk alone makes a girl shiver, but he also has an amazing sense of humor. I absolutely loved his interactions with everyone, but Emma brings out something special in him. They truly are one of those couples that you can’t wait to see what they will do next. She brings out his softer side, and he brings out the naughty bad girl side of her.
Emma is a fashion designer with issues in her professional life, so she has come to San Diego for the winter and to get a break from all of it. She has partied hard with Suz, but never expected to run into the one person that broke her heart so long ago. She is a feisty Texas gal!! She makes Dean work for a chance to talk to her, and I love every thing about her, specially her big heart.
I love rekindled love stories. I am truly a sucker for them. I love to watch how they overcome the issues of the past. This one is not full of overly horrible events or a secret baby. It is just a darn good story!!! It did leave me wanting more from the secondary characters though!!! I want the stories of Suz, Colby, Gillian, and Suz’s brothers. I see so much potential for a spin-off series. I highly recommend this whole trilogy, and no I can’t pick a favorite! I loved them all!!!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
This second chance romance is a sexy, romantic treat, and third in the DreamMakers series. This time it's Dean's turn, only wouldn't you know, the woman he meets in a haunted house in the dark just happens to be his old high school sweetheart. But he left her and his life with her behind, breaking her heart. Finding Emma again after all this time, and finally being able to explain what happened and why he left her is fine - but can he convince her to give him another chance?
I think this is my favourite of the series to date. They've all had a little something fun and sexy about them, but seeing Dean brought to his knees by this petite spitfire was something else. She's totally within her rights to never give him the time of day again but the reality is that despite her broken heart, she's never really lost the love she had for him - and he for her, as it turns out. Dean's got a lot to do to convince Emma that he's changed, that he can make things good for them again. Along the way, it's a sexy fun ride. Their love scenes are hot and steamy (as expected) but Dean also shows a tender and caring side that's been missing in his normal playboy antics. I liked the camaraderie he shares with the other guys and there were some interesting tidbits from other character's points of view to show where the series is headed. Lots of fun scenes, laughter and great sex. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I think this is my favourite of the series to date. They've all had a little something fun and sexy about them, but seeing Dean brought to his knees by this petite spitfire was something else. She's totally within her rights to never give him the time of day again but the reality is that despite her broken heart, she's never really lost the love she had for him - and he for her, as it turns out. Dean's got a lot to do to convince Emma that he's changed, that he can make things good for them again. Along the way, it's a sexy fun ride. Their love scenes are hot and steamy (as expected) but Dean also shows a tender and caring side that's been missing in his normal playboy antics. I liked the camaraderie he shares with the other guys and there were some interesting tidbits from other character's points of view to show where the series is headed. Lots of fun scenes, laughter and great sex. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
April 14, 2015
Sometimes we love the right person at the wrong time and we are given a second chance to love right. Emma and Dean share a past that left them both heartbroken. Emma and Dean find themselves back in each other's lives. The two crash back into one another and this time choose love. The writing is pretty good and the story line moves. There isn't much character development which is a bit disappointing but it didn't ruin the story. Overall, this story get a 4 star rating. It is always nice to have love win out in the end.
August 23, 2016
4.5 stars!
Just when I thought I had a handle on Dean Colter and what was a hallmark for this series, Elle and Vivian totally changed things around! Getting to know Dean over two books through his eyes and the eyes of his friends and their women, it's very easy to see Dean in a certain light. I loved seeing a completely different side to him as well as learning more about him.
I really hope Elle and Vivian continue this series soon, because I'm really looking forward to Suz and Colby's book and Gillian and Chase's too!
Just when I thought I had a handle on Dean Colter and what was a hallmark for this series, Elle and Vivian totally changed things around! Getting to know Dean over two books through his eyes and the eyes of his friends and their women, it's very easy to see Dean in a certain light. I loved seeing a completely different side to him as well as learning more about him.
I really hope Elle and Vivian continue this series soon, because I'm really looking forward to Suz and Colby's book and Gillian and Chase's too!
May 27, 2015
3.75 stars. short but sweet story of love redeemed and trust restored... thank gods for a forgiving soul
March 17, 2018
Because Dean seems so happy being a manwhore in the previous books, this was a little ... hard to believe. I would have liked more foreshadowing that all the women were a) a search for a replacement, or b) trying to erase the memory of Emma.
I also didn't buy his reason for abandoning her, not 100%. How do you forget to call the woman you're a) madly in love with, and b) planning on moving in with? This could have been smoothed out by saying he was afraid of being arrested for beating up his father, so he ran. He can't call from the bus because his phone is dead. When he gets to his destination, he spies a recruitment office and signs up before he can charge his phone. Then he's not allowed contact with anyone during training (30 days, I believe) and before he finally has a chance to call and explain things to Emma someone has already dropped the knowledge bomb.
There you go. Fixed it.
Also, the story is about Dean and Emma; no need to have other points of view interspersed throughout. There is an easy way to set up future books without resorting to this jarring method.
What I did like about this story was that once Dean knew what he wanted, he wasn't running away. I loathe the "I have feelings for you so I'm bailing" trope. Not to mention the subsequent "I'm sorry, forgive me in one paragraph" trope. So I liked that this book didn't fall into those traps.
Eagerly looking forward to Gillian's story.
I also didn't buy his reason for abandoning her, not 100%. How do you forget to call the woman you're a) madly in love with, and b) planning on moving in with? This could have been smoothed out by saying he was afraid of being arrested for beating up his father, so he ran. He can't call from the bus because his phone is dead. When he gets to his destination, he spies a recruitment office and signs up before he can charge his phone. Then he's not allowed contact with anyone during training (30 days, I believe) and before he finally has a chance to call and explain things to Emma someone has already dropped the knowledge bomb.
There you go. Fixed it.
Also, the story is about Dean and Emma; no need to have other points of view interspersed throughout. There is an easy way to set up future books without resorting to this jarring method.
What I did like about this story was that once Dean knew what he wanted, he wasn't running away. I loathe the "I have feelings for you so I'm bailing" trope. Not to mention the subsequent "I'm sorry, forgive me in one paragraph" trope. So I liked that this book didn't fall into those traps.
Eagerly looking forward to Gillian's story.
May 25, 2017
Better than expected but still left one thing hanging.
Dean stops his manwhore ways when his first love Emma, comes back into his life. He deserted Emma and broke her heart hurting her dreadfully when they were younger.
I did find it funny Dean worked his socks off to get Emma to talk to him and see him again.
Emma is no ones easy mark, she is a fully capable woman who can protect herself really well and I loved how she beat Dean up and pointed a gun at his groin when he broke into her room, beautiful.
I found her interesting, marvelled at her career and loved her playing the 'we can have booty call sex but no relationship' card on Dean, the most prolific player ever. Karma.
My only complaint is a fact that I mentioned in both other reviews and that is Emma never finds out that Dean has had ménages with both Lynn and Pepper. I would love to have read that conversation.
The sub plots for other characters was a fun diversion and I really hope this series gets added too in the future but as I have owned these books for ages and this one is two years old I am not holding my breath. A new book is supposed to be coming out but no details are available yet.
Dean stops his manwhore ways when his first love Emma, comes back into his life. He deserted Emma and broke her heart hurting her dreadfully when they were younger.
I did find it funny Dean worked his socks off to get Emma to talk to him and see him again.
Emma is no ones easy mark, she is a fully capable woman who can protect herself really well and I loved how she beat Dean up and pointed a gun at his groin when he broke into her room, beautiful.
I found her interesting, marvelled at her career and loved her playing the 'we can have booty call sex but no relationship' card on Dean, the most prolific player ever. Karma.
My only complaint is a fact that I mentioned in both other reviews and that is Emma never finds out that Dean has had ménages with both Lynn and Pepper. I would love to have read that conversation.
The sub plots for other characters was a fun diversion and I really hope this series gets added too in the future but as I have owned these books for ages and this one is two years old I am not holding my breath. A new book is supposed to be coming out but no details are available yet.
April 28, 2019
Dean Colter has been a playboy ever since he walked away from his high school sweetheart and joined the Army. Now, years, later, Emma Lee is in San Francisco and Dean realizes he wants another chance with her. But Emma's like is in New York - she's only in SF for a couple of months (it was never clear to my exactly why she was there.) She's willing to have a fling, but isn't willing to trust her heart to Dean again. But Dean is determined to use his skills inside the bedroom and out to win her back. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others - Emma wasn't believable and I didn't really warm up to Dean.
November 8, 2024
I liked the beginning on how they met at masked party.
And she got away.
I felt sorry for Dean but I got to read what a manwhore he is and the way he thinks about women I was done.
And there another story going on or not…,,,
I just don’t know
The shallowness is beyond boring.
Everyone is supposed to be these relaxed friends
But they all are a couple 12 year old kids who play grown up.
2 days and only half way in and the thought of having to read the other half is making me cry
So I gave up and skipped to the end
And she got away.
I felt sorry for Dean but I got to read what a manwhore he is and the way he thinks about women I was done.
And there another story going on or not…,,,
I just don’t know
The shallowness is beyond boring.
Everyone is supposed to be these relaxed friends
But they all are a couple 12 year old kids who play grown up.
2 days and only half way in and the thought of having to read the other half is making me cry
So I gave up and skipped to the end
October 20, 2018
Fun and passion mixed with dirty make for a great read.
October 26, 2020
One of the best in the series so far. Looking forward to Gillian or Suz's stories
April 12, 2021
Dean was my favorite and I am sad to say that I was disappointed...
June 25, 2021
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August 9, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
January 29, 2024
4.1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 23, 2015
I admit that even though I've been a fan of both of these authors for a long while, I have dragged my butt in starting this series. Why???? The DreamMakers series has such a fun premise. Three ex military dudes find themselves back home after their service and needing to come up with something to do. So they start a dating service. Naturally! LOL I think that's brilliant and now having read this book I'll rectify my mistake and go back and read books 1 and 2.
That being said, DON'T WALK AWAY is a sweet second chance romance story. You know I'm a sucker for those. And this is so sweet! Dean Colter is now a manwhore extraordinaire but deep down there's only been one woman he's loved since forever. Since the days when he wasn't a player and waited years to take one girls' virginity. Since he made a huge mistake and lost the love of his life. He's never been able to even apologize since. But life has a way of dumping Emma back on his lap. And this time Dean is determined from the get-go to keep her there.
I loved Emma's character. She's just tough enough but full of female empowerment. She's become successful on her own and taken from life what she deserved. Now that she has the man she once loved and broke her heart delivered on a platter, she's also woman enough to take what he's offering. There isn't a lot of fighting attractions and rehashing the past, which sometimes can bug down a story. Just two great characters reconnecting and rekindling their love.
Another thing I loved? The camaraderie between the whole cast of characters. We see glimpses from the previous two couples, as well as two upcoming couples, and the friendship between the whole gang is one of my favorite things. It's definitely an element I always look for in a good contemporary romance and gives this book an instant feeling of comfort for me.
If you like your heroes big, sexy and alpha and the chemistry steaming up off the pages then look no further than DON'T WALK AWAY! You'll be hooked like I was!
*ARC provided by author
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April 17, 2015
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/04...
Don’t Walk Away is the perfect mix of sweetness and spice. Emma and Dean’s story has all the raw passion I’ve come to expect from Elle Kennedy and Vivian Arend, and it’s wrapped up in a truly sweet reunion romance. Add in the incredibly fun supporting cast of characters and it’s easy to see why I devoured this book in one sitting.
They say the bigger they are the harder they fall, and that’s definitely true for “Manwhore of the Year” Dean. The final member of the original DreamMakers trio enjoys sleeping his way through San Francisco and claims he has no desire to change his naughty ways. Seeing Emma again changes all that. She’s his first and only love and though it’s been eleven years, Dean quickly falls head over heels for the woman Emma has become. But it’ll take more than charm and boatloads of sex appeal for Dean to regain Emma’s trust. He broke her heart when they were younger and though Emma can forgive him once she knows his reasons, trusting him with her heart again isn’t so easy. Dean has to put all his DreamMakers skills to use to win her over and it’s an absolute blast to watch. Emma and Dean have such bright chemistry and they’re both so genuinely likeable that it’s impossible not to be swept away by their love story. I do wish we’d gotten to see a bit more of their shared past, but as it stands Emma and Dean’s romance is a satisfying combination of dirty good fun and genuine emotion.
Don’t Walk Away is the final story in the DreamMakers trilogy, but I’ve got my fingers crossed so hard they hurt that there are related books to come. Mses. Arend and Kennedy leave some pretty big teasers for their awesome supporting characters, and I just might cry if Suz and Gillian don’t get books of their own. While I keep my hopes up, I’ll definitely enjoy re-reading all three DreamMakers books. All Fired Up, Love is a Battlefield, and Don’t Walk Away are a blast to read. Hot as hell former Army Rangers heroes who make dreams come true, smart, sassy heroines you’d love to have as friends, red-hot romances… What’s not to love?
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Don’t Walk Away is the perfect mix of sweetness and spice. Emma and Dean’s story has all the raw passion I’ve come to expect from Elle Kennedy and Vivian Arend, and it’s wrapped up in a truly sweet reunion romance. Add in the incredibly fun supporting cast of characters and it’s easy to see why I devoured this book in one sitting.
They say the bigger they are the harder they fall, and that’s definitely true for “Manwhore of the Year” Dean. The final member of the original DreamMakers trio enjoys sleeping his way through San Francisco and claims he has no desire to change his naughty ways. Seeing Emma again changes all that. She’s his first and only love and though it’s been eleven years, Dean quickly falls head over heels for the woman Emma has become. But it’ll take more than charm and boatloads of sex appeal for Dean to regain Emma’s trust. He broke her heart when they were younger and though Emma can forgive him once she knows his reasons, trusting him with her heart again isn’t so easy. Dean has to put all his DreamMakers skills to use to win her over and it’s an absolute blast to watch. Emma and Dean have such bright chemistry and they’re both so genuinely likeable that it’s impossible not to be swept away by their love story. I do wish we’d gotten to see a bit more of their shared past, but as it stands Emma and Dean’s romance is a satisfying combination of dirty good fun and genuine emotion.
Don’t Walk Away is the final story in the DreamMakers trilogy, but I’ve got my fingers crossed so hard they hurt that there are related books to come. Mses. Arend and Kennedy leave some pretty big teasers for their awesome supporting characters, and I just might cry if Suz and Gillian don’t get books of their own. While I keep my hopes up, I’ll definitely enjoy re-reading all three DreamMakers books. All Fired Up, Love is a Battlefield, and Don’t Walk Away are a blast to read. Hot as hell former Army Rangers heroes who make dreams come true, smart, sassy heroines you’d love to have as friends, red-hot romances… What’s not to love?
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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