What do you think?
Van Doren
Rhodes
Every high school has a bully who has gone unpunished.
Walking the halls of my high school after two decades reminds me why I’ve blocked those years from my memory. The walls hold secrets but perhaps none as potent as the woods behind the school where a life ended too soon.
I wasn’t able to make a difference then. But I’m not a frightened kid anymore. Bullies no longer scare me. It’s time to deliver long overdue consequences to those who have never been held accountable for their actions.
With my pack of wolf dogs and this blindingly bright fake boyfriend at my side, nothing can go wrong.
Walking the halls of my high school after two decades reminds me why I’ve blocked those years from my memory. The walls hold secrets but perhaps none as potent as the woods behind the school where a life ended too soon.
I wasn’t able to make a difference then. But I’m not a frightened kid anymore. Bullies no longer scare me. It’s time to deliver long overdue consequences to those who have never been held accountable for their actions.
With my pack of wolf dogs and this blindingly bright fake boyfriend at my side, nothing can go wrong.
180 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2026
About the author
Crea Reitan
123 books1,255 followersCrea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 28, 2026
4.5🌟 | 3🌶️
Rhodes has been intriguing me since he first appeared, so I was VERY ready for his HEA.
Pairing his dark, dangerous energy with Bennett’s bright, chaotic sunshine was such a good choice. Their chemistry clicked instantly, and I loved how naturally Bennett fit into Rhodes’ world.
Bennett falling for the pack immediately was everything. I adored watching him love these giant, terrifying babies just as much as Rhodes does, and the fact that his sunshine personality comes with plenty of bite made him such a great match for Rhodes. Their banter, sweetness, heat, and darker moments gave this story such a fun balance.
I flew through this and was honestly just happy to spend time with Rhodes, Bennett, and the pups. Having read the original anthology version, I especially enjoyed getting more of their story this time around.
I’m already hoping these two and their ridiculous pack make plenty more appearances because I am absolutely not ready to let them go.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Crea Reitan and Chaotic Creatives for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Rhodes has been intriguing me since he first appeared, so I was VERY ready for his HEA.
Pairing his dark, dangerous energy with Bennett’s bright, chaotic sunshine was such a good choice. Their chemistry clicked instantly, and I loved how naturally Bennett fit into Rhodes’ world.
Bennett falling for the pack immediately was everything. I adored watching him love these giant, terrifying babies just as much as Rhodes does, and the fact that his sunshine personality comes with plenty of bite made him such a great match for Rhodes. Their banter, sweetness, heat, and darker moments gave this story such a fun balance.
I flew through this and was honestly just happy to spend time with Rhodes, Bennett, and the pups. Having read the original anthology version, I especially enjoyed getting more of their story this time around.
I’m already hoping these two and their ridiculous pack make plenty more appearances because I am absolutely not ready to let them go.
~~~~
A huge thank you to Crea Reitan and Chaotic Creatives for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
August 30, 2026
Another great addition to the Van Doren clan. Bennett's sunshine is just what grumpy Rhodes needs in his life, and it was so cute seeing him interacting with his pups. I love every additional family member's stories we get in this universe in both present and future. Love reading about the current and future generations.
September 3, 2026
Rhodes is a sharp, satisfying little novella that digs into the kind of unfinished business most of us would rather leave buried.
The premise alone had me hooked…. Rhodes now an adult has returns to the halls of his old high school, (school reunion) but he’s no longer that scared kid who once watched something terrible happen in the woods behind the building, and who has decided the people responsible have coasted long enough without consequences. (You need to read to find out what it was 🫣)
That quiet, simmering rage is what drives the whole story, and as usual this author handles it with the same unapologetic edge that runs through the rest of the Van Doren books. And I loved it.
Rhodes arrives with his pack of massive wolf dogs animals that feel less like pets and more like living extensions of his will, and don’t forget Bennett (a fake boyfriend who is clearly there to serve as both cover and complication. 😜)
The dogs are pure chaos in the best way….. they give the quieter moments a feral energy that keeps the tension from ever fully settling. The fake boyfriend setup, meanwhile, starts as pure practicality and slowly reveals itself as something warmer and far more interesting than either man planned, (they remind me a little of Loren/Oakley)
The novella moves quickly, balancing the darker undercurrents of past trauma and present day reckoning with the kind of charged chemistry we have come to expect.
There is heat, there is possessiveness, and there is that particular Van Doren brand of loyalty that borders on the unhinged.
Yet the story never loses sight of the story, a man who has carried guilt and helplessness for twenty years finally deciding he is strong enough to do something about it.
Because it sits inside the larger family web, there are familiar faces and the comfortable sense of an established world, but the book still works as a self contained story.
If you already enjoy the Van Dorens, especially the protective, slightly feral energy that surrounds them, this one will have you smiling.
I finished it wanting more time with Rhodes and his strange, devoted little family of dogs and chosen people, which is exactly the feeling a good novella should leave behind.
🦋
4.5 ⭐
The premise alone had me hooked…. Rhodes now an adult has returns to the halls of his old high school, (school reunion) but he’s no longer that scared kid who once watched something terrible happen in the woods behind the building, and who has decided the people responsible have coasted long enough without consequences. (You need to read to find out what it was 🫣)
That quiet, simmering rage is what drives the whole story, and as usual this author handles it with the same unapologetic edge that runs through the rest of the Van Doren books. And I loved it.
Rhodes arrives with his pack of massive wolf dogs animals that feel less like pets and more like living extensions of his will, and don’t forget Bennett (a fake boyfriend who is clearly there to serve as both cover and complication. 😜)
The dogs are pure chaos in the best way….. they give the quieter moments a feral energy that keeps the tension from ever fully settling. The fake boyfriend setup, meanwhile, starts as pure practicality and slowly reveals itself as something warmer and far more interesting than either man planned, (they remind me a little of Loren/Oakley)
The novella moves quickly, balancing the darker undercurrents of past trauma and present day reckoning with the kind of charged chemistry we have come to expect.
There is heat, there is possessiveness, and there is that particular Van Doren brand of loyalty that borders on the unhinged.
Yet the story never loses sight of the story, a man who has carried guilt and helplessness for twenty years finally deciding he is strong enough to do something about it.
Because it sits inside the larger family web, there are familiar faces and the comfortable sense of an established world, but the book still works as a self contained story.
If you already enjoy the Van Dorens, especially the protective, slightly feral energy that surrounds them, this one will have you smiling.
I finished it wanting more time with Rhodes and his strange, devoted little family of dogs and chosen people, which is exactly the feeling a good novella should leave behind.
🦋
4.5 ⭐
August 27, 2026
Rhodes and his puppies have had my interest from the moment they entered the author's universe, and that's definitely been more than once. Each time, I've been more and more intrigued by him, and I know he has his babies, but I've always wanted him to get his own happy ever after. I will say I didn't read this when it was originally in an anthology, so I have no idea what has been added, edited, deleted, etc.
Rhodes, like a lot of the Van Dorens, is in the family business. We even start the story with him having kidnapped a governor and about to unalive him when he gets a call from an old school friend to remind him about the reunion they are having and to ask if he can respond to the RSVP. Rhodes, of course, does, and his plus-ones are his pack and one other. The only issue is that, at that exact moment in time, there isn't an additional person, so he goes to a dating agency for a fake date.
Then we meet Bennett; he's the sunshine to Rhodes' darkness, and omg, the two of them together are *chef's kiss*. I couldn't have done a better match myself. Bennett is the ultimate GOAT; he enjoys spending time with Rhodes, and most of all, he falls for Rhodes' pack straight away, no questions asked.
The story might be on the shorter side, but I loved every minute of it and couldn't put it down. I kinda hope Rhodes, his pack and Bennett get a few more cameos in books cause I adore them all.
Rhodes, like a lot of the Van Dorens, is in the family business. We even start the story with him having kidnapped a governor and about to unalive him when he gets a call from an old school friend to remind him about the reunion they are having and to ask if he can respond to the RSVP. Rhodes, of course, does, and his plus-ones are his pack and one other. The only issue is that, at that exact moment in time, there isn't an additional person, so he goes to a dating agency for a fake date.
Then we meet Bennett; he's the sunshine to Rhodes' darkness, and omg, the two of them together are *chef's kiss*. I couldn't have done a better match myself. Bennett is the ultimate GOAT; he enjoys spending time with Rhodes, and most of all, he falls for Rhodes' pack straight away, no questions asked.
The story might be on the shorter side, but I loved every minute of it and couldn't put it down. I kinda hope Rhodes, his pack and Bennett get a few more cameos in books cause I adore them all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I first read Rhodes story in a Heart2Heart Anthology. I was so happy to revisit his story again, but this time it was longer and few changes. Worth to read again if you already saw it! Rhodes and Bennett and of course their pack of wolves are just the best. For those reading it for the first time. Here is what is going on: When Rhodes needs a date to get him through a weekend at his old private high school for a reunion, he turns to Heart2Heart. That’s where he meets Bennett. Bennett is a total surprise for Rhodes. They just fit together and the fact that Bennett is un-phased by the fact that Rhodes has several very large wolves that he has trained and keeps with him at all time? Even more wow. Bennett adores Rhodes and his wolves and is glad he can be there for Rhodes during a weekend that is clearly hard for him since his high school was not one he liked. And when their weekend is over, well, they’ll have to decide if they are ready to let one another go. If you know the VanDorens, you know what to expect with Rhodes when it’s time to get into a little mischief. And of course, righting some wrongs with some bad people. And while these two may be opposite in some ways, they are plenty a like in others. A great way to expand and give us more of these two! Loved it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The more I read about these van Doren's, the more I want to keep doing that. Istg I will never get tired of this unhinged family.
Oh, and now I want my own pack of wolves, or at least one Lethal Baby Doll 😭. Stawppppp. I love them.
No but fr now, how can I do that? I don't know how legal that is so, idk, but now I want to.
Rhodes' story... I wish it were a full novel. Seriously, it should be illegal for these van Doren's ( any of them ) to only have novellas. I need full books. 800+ pages books about them. I don't even care if all I read about is them being mundane and domestic and boring. I will do it. I will read every single page and say thank you at the end.
Anyway, I went on a tangent, as always. Going back to Rhodes, yeah, going back to Rhodes... I love him. And I love his pack, his babies. Bennett is such a ray of sunshine, and I will FOREVER love him for the way he loves the pack. Istg, as a dog person I felt intense jealousy towards Bennett cuz he is lucky enough to pet and love the pack, and especially for being chosen to be Lethal Baby Girl's man 😭. JEALOUS.
The way he instantly clicked with both Rhodes and the pack was so sweet, and I loved how even tho he is sunshine incarnate he didn't hesitate to get his hands dirty. That makes him the perfect partner for Ro.
Ughhhhhh, I NEED MORE. I LOVE THEM.
Oh, and now I want my own pack of wolves, or at least one Lethal Baby Doll 😭. Stawppppp. I love them.
No but fr now, how can I do that? I don't know how legal that is so, idk, but now I want to.
Rhodes' story... I wish it were a full novel. Seriously, it should be illegal for these van Doren's ( any of them ) to only have novellas. I need full books. 800+ pages books about them. I don't even care if all I read about is them being mundane and domestic and boring. I will do it. I will read every single page and say thank you at the end.
Anyway, I went on a tangent, as always. Going back to Rhodes, yeah, going back to Rhodes... I love him. And I love his pack, his babies. Bennett is such a ray of sunshine, and I will FOREVER love him for the way he loves the pack. Istg, as a dog person I felt intense jealousy towards Bennett cuz he is lucky enough to pet and love the pack, and especially for being chosen to be Lethal Baby Girl's man 😭. JEALOUS.
The way he instantly clicked with both Rhodes and the pack was so sweet, and I loved how even tho he is sunshine incarnate he didn't hesitate to get his hands dirty. That makes him the perfect partner for Ro.
Ughhhhhh, I NEED MORE. I LOVE THEM.
August 27, 2026
Oh boy, Rhodes with his seven wolf dogs, they are sweet but terrifying beauties.
Rhodes knows how to keep his pack happy.
Rhodes needs a plus one for a high school reunion. Through the Heart2heart app, he meets Bennet. Bennet will be his fake boyfriend.
Bennet is a shining bright light. Meeting Rhodes and his impressive pack was a delight, Bennet was head over heels with them, and vice versa, and I think Rhodes too (with Bennet)
Bennet’s life is so different from Rhodes’. The Van Doren’s have private planes, luxury, and big money. Rhodes is so far out of Bennet’s league.
Rhodes would never go back, but here he is. The high school walls have secrets. The woods have secrets. Secrets Rhodes has put behind him, although he never forgot.
Rhodes has a plan, revenge on the bad guys, the bullies.
Bennet is the perfect guy for Rhodes. He isn’t shocked when Rhodes tells him what he did for a living. I’m not going to spoil, but you have to read this story! It’s sooo good.
Gosh, I adored this story, it had everything, sweetness, hot encounters, humor, seriousness, angst, some blood, and a lot of feelings. It’s altogether a well-written, super entertaining story!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Rhodes knows how to keep his pack happy.
Rhodes needs a plus one for a high school reunion. Through the Heart2heart app, he meets Bennet. Bennet will be his fake boyfriend.
Bennet is a shining bright light. Meeting Rhodes and his impressive pack was a delight, Bennet was head over heels with them, and vice versa, and I think Rhodes too (with Bennet)
Bennet’s life is so different from Rhodes’. The Van Doren’s have private planes, luxury, and big money. Rhodes is so far out of Bennet’s league.
Rhodes would never go back, but here he is. The high school walls have secrets. The woods have secrets. Secrets Rhodes has put behind him, although he never forgot.
Rhodes has a plan, revenge on the bad guys, the bullies.
Bennet is the perfect guy for Rhodes. He isn’t shocked when Rhodes tells him what he did for a living. I’m not going to spoil, but you have to read this story! It’s sooo good.
Gosh, I adored this story, it had everything, sweetness, hot encounters, humor, seriousness, angst, some blood, and a lot of feelings. It’s altogether a well-written, super entertaining story!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
August 27, 2026
"It’s almost as if we’re a real couple. The thought makes me smile widely." - Bennett
"Everything about Bennett is just… better than I imagined." - Rhodes
Rhodes goes to his high school reunion with Bennett, whom he just met; this is basically their first date, and they are fake boyfriends. Rhodes has seven wolf dogs that he loves very dearly. They are his well-trained puppies, and they've been showing up in a lot of books with Rhodes in this series. Bennett is sunshine; he wakes up singing and is the perfect person to go with Rhodes. There was a big thing that happened when Rhodes was in high school. He wants to give someone justice by taking away bad people. Surprise, surprise, those people are still bullies; they haven't changed a bit in all those years. I'm glad that Bennett, Rhodes, and the puppies are helping with that. Bennett might be all sunshine but surprisingly does have a lot of power. Rhodes has always been with his puppies, and I'm glad that he has found a person who loves his puppies as much as he does. And Bennett does everything to protect them as well, even though they all just met. I can't believe this series is almost to an end. I DON'T want it to end!!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"Everything about Bennett is just… better than I imagined." - Rhodes
Rhodes goes to his high school reunion with Bennett, whom he just met; this is basically their first date, and they are fake boyfriends. Rhodes has seven wolf dogs that he loves very dearly. They are his well-trained puppies, and they've been showing up in a lot of books with Rhodes in this series. Bennett is sunshine; he wakes up singing and is the perfect person to go with Rhodes. There was a big thing that happened when Rhodes was in high school. He wants to give someone justice by taking away bad people. Surprise, surprise, those people are still bullies; they haven't changed a bit in all those years. I'm glad that Bennett, Rhodes, and the puppies are helping with that. Bennett might be all sunshine but surprisingly does have a lot of power. Rhodes has always been with his puppies, and I'm glad that he has found a person who loves his puppies as much as he does. And Bennett does everything to protect them as well, even though they all just met. I can't believe this series is almost to an end. I DON'T want it to end!!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
Rhodes Van Doren, pauses his hunting (murder) of a corrupt governor to make a date for a reunion. Once he’s made his request he’s back to finishing off the governor. He’s a tad cold blooded and with his trained pack of killer wolf/dogs he nearly invincible. Bennett make a date for the weekend. He doesn’t realize it’s with a Van Doren. When he meets Rhodes and his wolves he has no idea what a life changing experience he’s in for.
I adored Bennett’s sunshine. His ridiculous song lyrics are endearing as was his immediate love of the Pack. Rhodes is out to avenge an old wrong and finds a sympathetic partner in Bennett. It seems that anyone who comes into the Van Doren universe is destined to find his other half. Rhodes thoughts…“I get to look at his bright smile for a while longer and feel the way his sunshine seems to penetrate into my chest. Yeah. I think I’m going to like that”.
This was a shorter story but very complete. Get ready for Van a Doren’s idea of entertainment (bloodletting), sexy times, and precious killer pets.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I adored Bennett’s sunshine. His ridiculous song lyrics are endearing as was his immediate love of the Pack. Rhodes is out to avenge an old wrong and finds a sympathetic partner in Bennett. It seems that anyone who comes into the Van Doren universe is destined to find his other half. Rhodes thoughts…“I get to look at his bright smile for a while longer and feel the way his sunshine seems to penetrate into my chest. Yeah. I think I’m going to like that”.
This was a shorter story but very complete. Get ready for Van a Doren’s idea of entertainment (bloodletting), sexy times, and precious killer pets.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved reading another Van Doren story! Rhodes and his wolf dogs have long intrigued me, and his reunion trip with Bennett was spicy and a little dark. Having first read this in the Heart2Heart anthology, I thought the additional content and changes were interesting and fun. I enjoyed that Rhodes arranged a date who loved his pups as much as he does. His selection of Bennett was absolutely perfect! I could see the squeals of ‘puppies’ every time they interacted even though they aren't the sweet babies he praises them as but are highly trained, respected, and loved wolves. Bennett was a ball of chaotic energy I didn’t know I would be charmed by, but I am hopeful to see him again in future Crea books and have already appreciated when he has shown up. The unaliving subplot was entertaining. Rhodes is someone I like as a character, and I enjoyed his interactions/cameos with his father. He became more relatable? Maybe that’s the right word, when he showed that he did enjoy some of the people he reconnected with at the reunion, but I guess I sort of find him endearing the way he is with Bennett and his pups. I also LOVE the dynamic between the two men.
August 15, 2026
I just love the Van Doren’s and I have been looking forward to Rhodes’ story the most. Ever since the man with the pack came across the pages I have wanted him. I want nothing more than a man with beautiful puppies that are equal cuddly lapdogs as well as helpful un alivers. And their names, I just love their names, absolute perfection in my opinion. And Bennett was the perfect counterpart for Rhodes. He is fun and bubbly, makes up the best songs and loves the dogs just as much as Rhodes does. Bennett is also different, with his personality you would expect a certain physique and demeanor, but he is nothing like that. And when they enter the bedroom, he is all dominance, man what it would be like to be held down by him…
I loved this story and the balance between the relationship and the execution of the story but I wanted it to be so much longer. I could have taken a thousands page novel of Rhodes, Bennett and the pups and I would not have been bored. If it would help to get us more, I will gladly beg for it!
I loved this story and the balance between the relationship and the execution of the story but I wanted it to be so much longer. I could have taken a thousands page novel of Rhodes, Bennett and the pups and I would not have been bored. If it would help to get us more, I will gladly beg for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading
I will preface this by saying I never read the original story written for the Heart2Heart anthology, so I went in completely blind - and I love that I did.
Rhodes is one of the few characters in the Van Doren series (and the wider Creaverse) that I've been curious to read the story of - and I won't lie, it's because of his giant wolf dogs, and also a little bit to do with what we see of him in Voss (praying my memory is serving me correctly as I type this part).
I adored this novella. Partly due to it being a fake dating romance, partly due to Bennett and his sunshine-y personality, and again, those damn wolf dogs and the relationship Rhodes has with them.
There is so much heart packed into this short story, as the reunion has Rhodes and his friends reminiscing about their high school days, and Rhodes finally being able to deal with his bullies. I always love a good story where karma comes to bite bullies in the ass, and this was karma in the form of wolf dogs.
I can't really say much else without giving away the plot, but as always, I loved returning to the Van Doren world and the wider Creaverse - but also partially sad because part of me knows we're almost out of Van Doren's to follow (but let's face it, Crea will keep writing about them so long as we keep requesting them, and I love these morally grey men too much to not ask for more).
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Check CWs before reading
I will preface this by saying I never read the original story written for the Heart2Heart anthology, so I went in completely blind - and I love that I did.
Rhodes is one of the few characters in the Van Doren series (and the wider Creaverse) that I've been curious to read the story of - and I won't lie, it's because of his giant wolf dogs, and also a little bit to do with what we see of him in Voss (praying my memory is serving me correctly as I type this part).
I adored this novella. Partly due to it being a fake dating romance, partly due to Bennett and his sunshine-y personality, and again, those damn wolf dogs and the relationship Rhodes has with them.
There is so much heart packed into this short story, as the reunion has Rhodes and his friends reminiscing about their high school days, and Rhodes finally being able to deal with his bullies. I always love a good story where karma comes to bite bullies in the ass, and this was karma in the form of wolf dogs.
I can't really say much else without giving away the plot, but as always, I loved returning to the Van Doren world and the wider Creaverse - but also partially sad because part of me knows we're almost out of Van Doren's to follow (but let's face it, Crea will keep writing about them so long as we keep requesting them, and I love these morally grey men too much to not ask for more).
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
August 30, 2026
I received an advance copy of Rhodes via Author and Agency. All opinions are my own
Rhodes got an invitation to his high school reunion. He reluctantly says yes, but wants to bring someone with him. He discovers Bennett on a dating platform. Rhodes desired a cheerful person for a date, and Bennett fit the bill. Rhodes, Bennett, and his adorable puppies attend the high school reunion, where a few things occur. I loved this book. Rhode's dogs stole the spotlight. They were incredibly cute. Bennett was so good for Rhodes. They're a perfect match. This book really hooked me. I couldn't stop reading it.
Bennett was fantastic. He had such a bright and happy vibe. I really enjoyed his singing of various songs, even when the lyrics were not correct.
I'd especially recommend this book to Fans of a funny dark romance.
Rhodes got an invitation to his high school reunion. He reluctantly says yes, but wants to bring someone with him. He discovers Bennett on a dating platform. Rhodes desired a cheerful person for a date, and Bennett fit the bill. Rhodes, Bennett, and his adorable puppies attend the high school reunion, where a few things occur. I loved this book. Rhode's dogs stole the spotlight. They were incredibly cute. Bennett was so good for Rhodes. They're a perfect match. This book really hooked me. I couldn't stop reading it.
Bennett was fantastic. He had such a bright and happy vibe. I really enjoyed his singing of various songs, even when the lyrics were not correct.
I'd especially recommend this book to Fans of a funny dark romance.
Review of advance copy
𝚁𝚑𝚘𝚍𝚎𝚜
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4/5 ⭐️
↓↓
We finally get our book on Rhodes!
Since he and his pack of wolves first made an appearance, I have wanted more. I feel like he is a misjudged character. He seems like this unhinged uncaring man. In reality he is a bit unhinged but also a big ol’ softy at times.
I really love how he cared for his wolves.
Bennett was perfect for Rhodes. Literal walking sunshine. He fits in so seamlessly with Rhodes and his pack.
Daddy Jalon is next and it can’t come soon enough.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
-High School Reunion
-Fake Boyfriend
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-High School Bullies
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4/5 ⭐️
↓↓
We finally get our book on Rhodes!
Since he and his pack of wolves first made an appearance, I have wanted more. I feel like he is a misjudged character. He seems like this unhinged uncaring man. In reality he is a bit unhinged but also a big ol’ softy at times.
I really love how he cared for his wolves.
Bennett was perfect for Rhodes. Literal walking sunshine. He fits in so seamlessly with Rhodes and his pack.
Daddy Jalon is next and it can’t come soon enough.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
-High School Reunion
-Fake Boyfriend
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-High School Bullies
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bennett is the perfect partner for Rhodes. I love the way they met and how easy it was for Bennett to be exactly what Rhodes needed. I was also so glad to see the pack. I love those dogs/wolves so much. They are so perfect. I did enjoy the vengeance. Bullies are the worst and unfortunately a lot of them only get worse with time. One of my favorite things about this author is the escape her books are from reality. In her books the bad guys lose, often very bloody. I loved this one so much. Rhodes is such an interesting character.
August 28, 2026
Rhodes was a fun and quick read. He is looking for a fake boyfriend to take to his high school reunion and Bennett signs up for the job. It is definitely a Insta attraction meeting for these two.
These two know what they agreed upon and signed up for. However, both men get way more than they bargained for. These two get closer and get to know each other better and feelings develop.
This book was packed with all the things the author is known for. Spice, action, and of course to cuter moments involving Rhodes pack.
These two know what they agreed upon and signed up for. However, both men get way more than they bargained for. These two get closer and get to know each other better and feelings develop.
This book was packed with all the things the author is known for. Spice, action, and of course to cuter moments involving Rhodes pack.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely enjoyed and loved this book. This was the perfect short MM romance worth the 5🌟’s it does tounch on bullying which is heavy in the world and the terribly outcome that bullying can cause to people that being bullied. The spicy between them was hit as hell and omg the wolves that he had and the names that were given to them were so cute, the book should have been long; I recommend anyone to read this fast spicy mm romance that brings bullying to awareness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rhodes
Van Doren
Crea Reitan
If I have said it once, I’ll say it again, Crea Reitan can do no wrong, plus I just love the CreaVerse
This was good.
Short, spicy, full of action and emotion.
Just a good book
Glad we finally got to know Rhodes and his pack and meet Bennet.
I just love the Van Dorens, they way they support eachother is so unmatched.
Everyone needs the Van Dorens in their life lol
So thankful for this arc
Van Doren
Crea Reitan
If I have said it once, I’ll say it again, Crea Reitan can do no wrong, plus I just love the CreaVerse
This was good.
Short, spicy, full of action and emotion.
Just a good book
Glad we finally got to know Rhodes and his pack and meet Bennet.
I just love the Van Dorens, they way they support eachother is so unmatched.
Everyone needs the Van Dorens in their life lol
So thankful for this arc
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Van Doren love just keeps growing and growing. This family is seriously one of my favorites. I have been intrigued by Rhodes since he first popped up, him and his pack. They didn't disappoint. I loved this story and how Rhodes and Bennett just seem to complement each other so well. Bennett's sunshine and happiness is the perfect counterpart to Rhodes grumpy nature. And the love both men have for those sweet pups?! Perfect. The pups may be my favorite part, who doesn't love dogs?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The way i absolutely love Rhodes and his puppies 🥰 and they sweet little names 😳🥰 uhhhh how do these books just keep getting better like this. Crea I love how your mind works.
And Bennett... sweet Bennett always having a song in his head that he changes the lyrics too. He must have ADHD because I feel like thats just something we do hahaha
Im so sad Jalon is the last book but i also can not wait for it! I feel like ive been waiting for Jason's book since the start haha
And Bennett... sweet Bennett always having a song in his head that he changes the lyrics too. He must have ADHD because I feel like thats just something we do hahaha
Im so sad Jalon is the last book but i also can not wait for it! I feel like ive been waiting for Jason's book since the start haha
August 27, 2026
I've been so curious about Rhodes and his puppies since we first met him a while back. And we finally got to see his HEA.
With sunshine in human form, who isn't afraid to be in charge behind closed doors, these two made me grin like a loon.
With the patented violence that comes with the Van Dorens, this one had me grinning and cackling as the bullies met their match. And also wondering how hard it would actually be to train wolves as pets!
With sunshine in human form, who isn't afraid to be in charge behind closed doors, these two made me grin like a loon.
With the patented violence that comes with the Van Dorens, this one had me grinning and cackling as the bullies met their match. And also wondering how hard it would actually be to train wolves as pets!
August 30, 2026
Rhodes finds Bennett on a dating app to join him for his school reunion. Bennett sees the requirements and can get behind all of them, including “must like dogs.” What Bennett expected was puppies. We all know the Rhodes pack is anything but puppies! Bennett still treats them as such, though, which might be what first leads Rhodes to start having feelings for Bennett. I just love how Bennett fits right in!
August 30, 2026
Rhodes Van Doren is unhinged. But it sin a good way. He has a reunion to attend and he wants to bring someone with him. He has Bennett reply. While at the reunion things dot go as plan when Rhodes sees classmates from the past. Rhodes and Bennett grow closer over the weekend. Rhodes lives that Bennett loves his pack as they were his own. When Rhodes is pushed to the limit how will Bennett respond?
September 4, 2026
Rhodes, not what I expected; he was so much better. No six-pack for him unless you are talking about his babies. And then it is a seven-pack with the best names. The most beautiful creatures in the world, according to Bennett. The man who radiates sunshine and rainbows! I loved these two men together! I am always sad when the stories end because I never want them to end!
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
September 8, 2026
I honestly thought I would like Rhodes book more than I actually did. It was just okay. I did read both the Novella in the heart to heart and then this one and I don’t really know how I feel about the change and end of the story you know. I will say yeah I like Rhodes and I love his puppies so I did enjoy that. Bennett is quite the interesting character. I just felt like there wasn’t really anything that really kept you interested and hooked like usually the books in this series do.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rhodes is related to the Van Doren Series.
This was a fun read. I loved seeing Rhodes and Bennett interact with all the puppies. These two are polar opposites, but they just meshed so well together. They evened the other out, while also feeding off of each other. There was never a dull moment reading this story.
This was a fun read. I loved seeing Rhodes and Bennett interact with all the puppies. These two are polar opposites, but they just meshed so well together. They evened the other out, while also feeding off of each other. There was never a dull moment reading this story.
August 27, 2026
I was exciting to read about Rhodes and his wolf dog babies and this story was perfect for him. Rhodes has to go to his school reunion, but didn't want to go by himself. He found a partner on social media to go with him to pretend to be his boyfriend. Bennett is the opposite of Rhodes he is all sunshine and happiness while Rhodes is stoic and broody. Bennett falls in love with the dogs from the moment he sees them. Bennett truly is truly happy to be there with Rhodes and the dogs and Rhodes opens up about what school was like for him and how much he hated it. Like every other Van Doren book you get some suspense and justice served to some bad people. My heart jumped for joy when they decided to give their relationship a true go. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
September 2, 2026
Rhodes it’s part of the Van Doren family. He is delightfully unhinged and loves his puppies. He found Bennett and can’t let him go. They totally understand each other. Even though Bennett is sweet, I think he’s every bit as unhinged as Rhodes. They compliment each other. Plus, Bennett loves the puppies as much as Rhodes.
September 2, 2026
I absolutely love this story. I’ve been wanting to learn more about Rhodes and Bennett once I met him. This is such a great story. The way that they fit together is so perfect. Getting to know the puppies was so much fun. I love the strong sense of justice in this story. I felt it to my core and I loved every second of it! Crea is one of my all time favorite authors.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this book. I read it in a day and gave it 5 stars. It touches on bullying and the horrific outcomes that can and do occur. Crea Reitan has a way of touching on hard topics while still making it fun and sexy.
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