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Teach Me #1
Wildest Dream
The Teach Me series starts off with the story of Raine and Mac, the most unlikely of best friends…
Taken from his parents and bounced from one foster home to the next, former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, Callum “Mac” Mackenzie had a rough childhood. The only time he’s let himself get attached to anyone has been with his military “brothers”. He’s convinced he doesn’t know how to love and certainly doesn’t “do” relationships. He’s spent fourteen years in the Navy and now he gets to live out his other dream: teaching.
Her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, science teacher, Raine Thompson feels as if her time to find “the one” is running out. She knows life is short, especially after dealing with breast cancer two years ago, and wants to experience her own happily ever after. But is it in the cards for her?
Finally acting on the simmering attraction they have long ignored, Raine and Mac decide to have a fling and they discover what it’s like to have someone who knows you inside out also be the one who makes your body come alive.
But it was only temporary…
Taken from his parents and bounced from one foster home to the next, former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, Callum “Mac” Mackenzie had a rough childhood. The only time he’s let himself get attached to anyone has been with his military “brothers”. He’s convinced he doesn’t know how to love and certainly doesn’t “do” relationships. He’s spent fourteen years in the Navy and now he gets to live out his other dream: teaching.
Her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, science teacher, Raine Thompson feels as if her time to find “the one” is running out. She knows life is short, especially after dealing with breast cancer two years ago, and wants to experience her own happily ever after. But is it in the cards for her?
Finally acting on the simmering attraction they have long ignored, Raine and Mac decide to have a fling and they discover what it’s like to have someone who knows you inside out also be the one who makes your body come alive.
But it was only temporary…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2015
56 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Boldt
33 books1,920 followersRC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos or can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, she's your girl.
**PLEASE NOTE**
RC is not regularly active on Goodreads but if you're looking for updated release dates and book information, please check out her website at http://www.rcboldtbooks.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt
If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos or can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, she's your girl.
**PLEASE NOTE**
RC is not regularly active on Goodreads but if you're looking for updated release dates and book information, please check out her website at http://www.rcboldtbooks.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rcboldt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 18, 2018
2.5 stars
So, I was craving some sweetness, crying loud “Give Momma some sugar!” Coz I wanted a cheesy romance free of manwhores, cheating, billionaires, horny virgins and stuff like that.
And I thought I found the one: book series about the bunch of friends who were school teachers, living in a small town, a couple of former Navy SEALs thrown into the group – what can go wrong?; good reviews almost complaining it was too sweet. And I thought bingo! I’ve got it…
So my review is basically about my personal disappointment and the “bitter pills” in a bowl of sugar.
The h/Raine 29/30 – teacher
The H/Mac (Callum) – teacher, former Navy SEAL
Truth to be told I’ve got my sweet read till about 28 % of the book.
Mac came back injured, got a teacher position and met Raine. She was the best friend of his BFF’s sister. Everybody warned him of any kind of relationship with her, because he was anti-commitment and she was looking for a life mate. And the same everyone warned her of him because of the same reasons. They liked each other, but yada-yada-yada they became BFFs.
Raine’s gf set her up for a date with a nice guy Ben and the h dated him for about 4 months till she came unannounced to his house and… anticipation grows… he was with OW. Cliché, but whatsoever… And of course she didn’t have sex with him during these 4 months *eye roll*.
She came back to her home and since her BFF Mac could sense her mood he comforted her and they had the most beautiful scene in the book when they spoke about their scars - I was almost in love with their story at this point, but here came the small stinky devil and shit on Momma’s cake…
Before I describe my first “bitter pill” I want to emphasise that I’m not a prude and don’t insist on MC’s virginity/celibacy etc., but when I read a sweet romance and be led toward an epic love story/the Love of MC’s lives and the H is pictured as sweet caring guy who definitely has strong feeling for the h, I don’t expect to read smth like this:
On their way to grocery shopping they met H’s recent hook-up: some “bimbo” dressed like a Barbie and rude to the h. Can you feel me, guys?? Despite been cursory told about H’s non-commitment issue there was no indication about him being a manwhore. And why for Chrissake was OW described as a skank? Because only very bad dumb girls have ONS? Because the H had a bad taste/a kink for Barbie? Low blow!
So now I knew that the H was not a nice caring guy, he had feelings for the h, but it didn’t stop him to sleep around. And later in the book I read much more hints about his player moves.
I’m not ashamed to sound naïve, but I expected them both to have more patience and not to screw around. The h had a bf whom she didn’t bedded and the H sampled (I assume many) OWs. Can you smell an epic love here?
Later in the book he brought another “bimbo” to their friend’s night at karaoke bar and she wore leopard dress. And if you didn’t know till now I will alight you – almost everyone outside of their BFF-group was not funny/bright/sarcastic/intelligent enough. So after they told another “funny” joke about how the h cut her finger on guy’s zipper once upon the time, and the H’s date didn’t understand the joke everyone shared hidden comments about her lack of humour.
By the way I didn’t get the joke either… Shall I buy a leopard dress now?
Ok, let us move on.
They came together, had sex, denied their feelings, yada-yada-yada. The h told him he loved him, he rejected, drama-lama. Then their friends could persuade them both that there was love indeed – (great to have paranormal psychoanalysts as friends!) – and the H decided to make a great gesture to win her back.
And now comes the highlight of the book!!!
I didn’t see it coming! Never ever! Hold your breath…
He sang her a song at their karaoke bar, I would never in my life guess the title, because this song is unique and I know no one in the whole world who can sing it as Whitney – n.o.b.o.d.y.!!! “I will always love you“. I cried, believe me, guys, I cried. Imagine a male school teacher former Navy SEAL singing “I will always love you”…
Whitney, I love you! And I'm sorry!
So, I was craving some sweetness, crying loud “Give Momma some sugar!” Coz I wanted a cheesy romance free of manwhores, cheating, billionaires, horny virgins and stuff like that.
And I thought I found the one: book series about the bunch of friends who were school teachers, living in a small town, a couple of former Navy SEALs thrown into the group – what can go wrong?; good reviews almost complaining it was too sweet. And I thought bingo! I’ve got it…
So my review is basically about my personal disappointment and the “bitter pills” in a bowl of sugar.
The h/Raine 29/30 – teacher
The H/Mac (Callum) – teacher, former Navy SEAL
Truth to be told I’ve got my sweet read till about 28 % of the book.
Mac came back injured, got a teacher position and met Raine. She was the best friend of his BFF’s sister. Everybody warned him of any kind of relationship with her, because he was anti-commitment and she was looking for a life mate. And the same everyone warned her of him because of the same reasons. They liked each other, but yada-yada-yada they became BFFs.
Raine’s gf set her up for a date with a nice guy Ben and the h dated him for about 4 months till she came unannounced to his house and… anticipation grows… he was with OW. Cliché, but whatsoever… And of course she didn’t have sex with him during these 4 months *eye roll*.
She came back to her home and since her BFF Mac could sense her mood he comforted her and they had the most beautiful scene in the book when they spoke about their scars - I was almost in love with their story at this point, but here came the small stinky devil and shit on Momma’s cake…
Before I describe my first “bitter pill” I want to emphasise that I’m not a prude and don’t insist on MC’s virginity/celibacy etc., but when I read a sweet romance and be led toward an epic love story/the Love of MC’s lives and the H is pictured as sweet caring guy who definitely has strong feeling for the h, I don’t expect to read smth like this:
On their way to grocery shopping they met H’s recent hook-up: some “bimbo” dressed like a Barbie and rude to the h. Can you feel me, guys?? Despite been cursory told about H’s non-commitment issue there was no indication about him being a manwhore. And why for Chrissake was OW described as a skank? Because only very bad dumb girls have ONS? Because the H had a bad taste/a kink for Barbie? Low blow!
So now I knew that the H was not a nice caring guy, he had feelings for the h, but it didn’t stop him to sleep around. And later in the book I read much more hints about his player moves.
I’m not ashamed to sound naïve, but I expected them both to have more patience and not to screw around. The h had a bf whom she didn’t bedded and the H sampled (I assume many) OWs. Can you smell an epic love here?
Later in the book he brought another “bimbo” to their friend’s night at karaoke bar and she wore leopard dress. And if you didn’t know till now I will alight you – almost everyone outside of their BFF-group was not funny/bright/sarcastic/intelligent enough. So after they told another “funny” joke about how the h cut her finger on guy’s zipper once upon the time, and the H’s date didn’t understand the joke everyone shared hidden comments about her lack of humour.
By the way I didn’t get the joke either… Shall I buy a leopard dress now?
Ok, let us move on.
They came together, had sex, denied their feelings, yada-yada-yada. The h told him he loved him, he rejected, drama-lama. Then their friends could persuade them both that there was love indeed – (great to have paranormal psychoanalysts as friends!) – and the H decided to make a great gesture to win her back.
And now comes the highlight of the book!!!
I didn’t see it coming! Never ever! Hold your breath…
He sang her a song at their karaoke bar, I would never in my life guess the title, because this song is unique and I know no one in the whole world who can sing it as Whitney – n.o.b.o.d.y.!!! “I will always love you“. I cried, believe me, guys, I cried. Imagine a male school teacher former Navy SEAL singing “I will always love you”…
Whitney, I love you! And I'm sorry!
January 8, 2016
This proved to be quite a predictable story. Its not altogether bad because it is written very well. There is a lot of banter going on here between two people who deserve to be together.
Mac was always 'catching up in life' always one step behind. He spend life growing up in foster care so it wasn't an easy life he led.
Then we have Raine who is nearing thirty and just cannot find the Mr Right she craves. Shes had plenty of dates but nothing concrete. Nothing worth furthering.
Then Mac and Raine find themselves teaming up and becoming friends. They are teachers and he teaches on one side of the hall and she the other.
There are lots of LOL moments within the pages of this.
I really loved this book as it was a light read. Made a change for me.
* I received this book in exchange for my honest review. The author asked if I would like to read it and I said....yes Please*
May 30, 2016
Oh my gosh, y’all. This book gave good banter.
Seriously, if I had to pick one favorite thing (out of several favorite things) about this book, it would be the banter. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance, and I felt like the nature of that relationship—and its gradual transition from one thing to another—was captured perfectly in the banter. I love that it was never too sugary or over-the-top sweet. It stayed fun, flirty, and true to the friendship that made up the foundation of Mac and Raine’s relationship.
I also loved the friendships and the whole dynamic within their group. It felt really authentic to me; the teasing and the gossiping and even the arguing. Sometimes they came off as a little younger or more immature than they should be for their age (more like early twenties than late twenties), but it was fun and didn’t take away from the heart of the story for me.
And I loved the heart of the story. I loved Mac and Raine together. I felt like the pacing was just right—nothing happened too quickly, and when it did happen, it sort of blew me away. They were sizzling hot, but also adorably sweet and funny. The conflict broke my heart, but played out in a way that I completely respected. I admired Raine’s backbone, and my heart was completely lost to Mac.
In all? This was a completely satisfying read for me.
I love it when a book takes my heart on a ride. I love when an author can capture everything for me, from the butterfly feeling of falling in love, to the ache in my gut when things hit the rocks, to the overflowing of my heart when the ending is nearly perfect. Wildest Dream hit all those sweet spots for me and I’ve got my grabby hands out for more, please! ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
Seriously, if I had to pick one favorite thing (out of several favorite things) about this book, it would be the banter. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance, and I felt like the nature of that relationship—and its gradual transition from one thing to another—was captured perfectly in the banter. I love that it was never too sugary or over-the-top sweet. It stayed fun, flirty, and true to the friendship that made up the foundation of Mac and Raine’s relationship.
I also loved the friendships and the whole dynamic within their group. It felt really authentic to me; the teasing and the gossiping and even the arguing. Sometimes they came off as a little younger or more immature than they should be for their age (more like early twenties than late twenties), but it was fun and didn’t take away from the heart of the story for me.
And I loved the heart of the story. I loved Mac and Raine together. I felt like the pacing was just right—nothing happened too quickly, and when it did happen, it sort of blew me away. They were sizzling hot, but also adorably sweet and funny. The conflict broke my heart, but played out in a way that I completely respected. I admired Raine’s backbone, and my heart was completely lost to Mac.
In all? This was a completely satisfying read for me.
I love it when a book takes my heart on a ride. I love when an author can capture everything for me, from the butterfly feeling of falling in love, to the ache in my gut when things hit the rocks, to the overflowing of my heart when the ending is nearly perfect. Wildest Dream hit all those sweet spots for me and I’ve got my grabby hands out for more, please! ~ Shelly, 4.5 stars
March 22, 2016
Raine and Mac meet when he is employed as a new teacher at the school she works at. Mac quickly fits into the faculty and the social group they have outside of their jobs. He and Raine become good friends and spend a lot of time together.
Raine has been unsuccessfully dipping into the dating world, it has not been very good so far but at least she has some great stories to tell over drinks with her friends. Meanwhile Mac seems to be dating barbie doll airheads, he is not interested in relationships at all, as long as his 'needs' are met he is good being single.
Until everything changes.
The growing attraction between Mac & Raine seems to be coming to a head. Maybe if they just sleep together for one night it will just fizzle out and then they can go back to just being friends? If they do that though will one night be enough? Will this ruin the amazing friendship that they have? I guess the only way to find out is to just do it...
I love how these two got to know each other and were best friends before they considered taking anything further This was a very slow building friends to lovers story which was a nice change.
Raine has been unsuccessfully dipping into the dating world, it has not been very good so far but at least she has some great stories to tell over drinks with her friends. Meanwhile Mac seems to be dating barbie doll airheads, he is not interested in relationships at all, as long as his 'needs' are met he is good being single.
Until everything changes.
The growing attraction between Mac & Raine seems to be coming to a head. Maybe if they just sleep together for one night it will just fizzle out and then they can go back to just being friends? If they do that though will one night be enough? Will this ruin the amazing friendship that they have? I guess the only way to find out is to just do it...
I love how these two got to know each other and were best friends before they considered taking anything further This was a very slow building friends to lovers story which was a nice change.
May 12, 2016
This was sweet funny friends to lovers story. I really enjoyed the large group of supporting characters and their quirky, fun and funny quips throughout the book. It made the story that much more interesting.
My Thoughts
This was such a fun friend to lover romance, with a side of swoon and steam. This book has a whole cast of hilarious side characters and best friends, I laughed just as often as I swooned. Mac and Raine as best friends was so fun to read but when they finally got together, it was super hot and steamy. It was clear that they were meant to be, so watching them figure it out was quite satisfying.
Mac grew up bouncing from one foster home to another, and didn't find his family until he joined the Navy. He saw major loss and devastation overseas and was damaged from his losses as well as the feeling that he was unlovable.
Raine has had one disastrous date after another, and feels like she is never gonna meet the man of her dreams. Pair this with a brush with cancer and a cheating ex and she is feeling quite unlovable herself.
These two become best friends and without realizing it are exactly what the other needs. They both want to move forward, but don't now how without damaging their relationship. Until one night they can't deny it any more and the sparks fly and the clothes melt off. I was a little disappointed with the way that they didn't talk about their feelings for each other and maintained the "it's only temporary" flight pattern, but overall it was a fun read that had me laughing and swooning the entire time. It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did I didn't want to put it down.
A review copy was provided by Rock Star Lit PR for an honest review.
My Thoughts
This was such a fun friend to lover romance, with a side of swoon and steam. This book has a whole cast of hilarious side characters and best friends, I laughed just as often as I swooned. Mac and Raine as best friends was so fun to read but when they finally got together, it was super hot and steamy. It was clear that they were meant to be, so watching them figure it out was quite satisfying.
Mac grew up bouncing from one foster home to another, and didn't find his family until he joined the Navy. He saw major loss and devastation overseas and was damaged from his losses as well as the feeling that he was unlovable.
Raine has had one disastrous date after another, and feels like she is never gonna meet the man of her dreams. Pair this with a brush with cancer and a cheating ex and she is feeling quite unlovable herself.
These two become best friends and without realizing it are exactly what the other needs. They both want to move forward, but don't now how without damaging their relationship. Until one night they can't deny it any more and the sparks fly and the clothes melt off. I was a little disappointed with the way that they didn't talk about their feelings for each other and maintained the "it's only temporary" flight pattern, but overall it was a fun read that had me laughing and swooning the entire time. It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did I didn't want to put it down.
A review copy was provided by Rock Star Lit PR for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
4.0 star review of Wildest Dream (Teach Me, Book 1) by R.C. Boldt
This is the story of Callum (Mac) Mackenzie, a former Navy Seal and Raine Thompson, both teachers at the same middle school. This is a friends’ to lovers story and one that I really enjoyed.
The attraction between the two is almost instantaneous; although both are warned off each other by mutual friends it was interesting to see the dynamic amongst this crazy group of teachers. In fact I would say that all the secondary characters were just as interesting to read about as Mac and Raine.
Mac is determined to stay relationship free, whilst Raine, who has been unlucky in love, numerous times, wants a relationship. Mac comes from the foster child system and has learnt not to love anyone as they either leave or die. Raine has had a traumatic past and is a breast cancer survivor. It made for an interesting read as they began what was supposed to be a one-time fling. Of course this was not meant to be a one-time only fling and the development of Mac and Raine’s relationship from best friends to lovers was well written and entertaining.
I did get a little frustrated at the repetitious reference to being best friends (so cannot go lust after one another), but having said that I laughed, I cried and I cheered in parts of this book. I also wanted to smack some of the “blind dates” Raine went on just because they were jerks and to mee that is the sign of a book that has captured my interest.
These teachers and their friends are a great bunch of characters and I will most certainly be reading the follow up books in this series. Congratulations R.C. Boldt on a great book.
This is the story of Callum (Mac) Mackenzie, a former Navy Seal and Raine Thompson, both teachers at the same middle school. This is a friends’ to lovers story and one that I really enjoyed.
The attraction between the two is almost instantaneous; although both are warned off each other by mutual friends it was interesting to see the dynamic amongst this crazy group of teachers. In fact I would say that all the secondary characters were just as interesting to read about as Mac and Raine.
Mac is determined to stay relationship free, whilst Raine, who has been unlucky in love, numerous times, wants a relationship. Mac comes from the foster child system and has learnt not to love anyone as they either leave or die. Raine has had a traumatic past and is a breast cancer survivor. It made for an interesting read as they began what was supposed to be a one-time fling. Of course this was not meant to be a one-time only fling and the development of Mac and Raine’s relationship from best friends to lovers was well written and entertaining.
I did get a little frustrated at the repetitious reference to being best friends (so cannot go lust after one another), but having said that I laughed, I cried and I cheered in parts of this book. I also wanted to smack some of the “blind dates” Raine went on just because they were jerks and to mee that is the sign of a book that has captured my interest.
These teachers and their friends are a great bunch of characters and I will most certainly be reading the follow up books in this series. Congratulations R.C. Boldt on a great book.
December 13, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I loved this book. Smart, sexy, fun, sweet and lots of temptation, this book made me smile and definitely hit all my good vibe buttons. This is a brand new author for me and I will definitely be checking out this series in the near future. This book sucked me in from page one and I did not put it down until the very end and then I still wanted more and can't wait for this series to progress!
Diving into this amazing and powerful friends to lovers story, this author takes us on a journey that shows us sometimes life gives us exactly what we need when we least expect it from the most unlikely places. In this story we meet Mac and Raine. You will swoon and get all hot and bothered. You will smile. You will get the feels. And you will definitely fall head over heels in love.
This is Mac and Raine's story. Can friends cross the lines into something more to find their forever? Mac and Raine have an instant connection when they meet but they friend zone and ignore those feelings. She is a more girl and he is a right now kind of guy. But when their feelings become too much to ignore and they give in to temptation, can they find something that will last a lifetime?
I highly recommend this book.
Review Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I loved this book. Smart, sexy, fun, sweet and lots of temptation, this book made me smile and definitely hit all my good vibe buttons. This is a brand new author for me and I will definitely be checking out this series in the near future. This book sucked me in from page one and I did not put it down until the very end and then I still wanted more and can't wait for this series to progress!
Diving into this amazing and powerful friends to lovers story, this author takes us on a journey that shows us sometimes life gives us exactly what we need when we least expect it from the most unlikely places. In this story we meet Mac and Raine. You will swoon and get all hot and bothered. You will smile. You will get the feels. And you will definitely fall head over heels in love.
This is Mac and Raine's story. Can friends cross the lines into something more to find their forever? Mac and Raine have an instant connection when they meet but they friend zone and ignore those feelings. She is a more girl and he is a right now kind of guy. But when their feelings become too much to ignore and they give in to temptation, can they find something that will last a lifetime?
I highly recommend this book.
Review Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
November 29, 2015
ARC Review
Wildest Dream: The Teach Me Series by R C Boldt
Wildest Dream is the first book I've read by R C Boldt, and I have to say I was completely captivated with the depth of her characters and unique storyline.
Callum 'Mac' Mackenzie is a former Navy Seal who has faced tragedies in both his youth and his years of service. Mac has always wanted to teach and make a difference in the lives of others. However, on a personal level he never felt he was good enough to actually have a loving relationship with a woman.
Raine Thompson is also a passionate teacher, who loves her job and her amazing group of friends. Yet, she feels as though she'll never find 'the one'. Raine has had a troubled past with bad relationships and worries that maybe she's not meant to find love.
Raine and Mac become close friends and both find themselves fighting the attraction they feel for one another.
Boldt does an outstanding job of creating a storyline and characters that have you wanting to keep reading until the very end. I loved the primary characters as well as the great mix of secondary characters that create a group of true friendship.
This is one of those books that will catch you by surprise and leave you wanting more ! Absolutely loved.
5 Teach Me More Stars !!!
Wildest Dream: The Teach Me Series by R C Boldt
Wildest Dream is the first book I've read by R C Boldt, and I have to say I was completely captivated with the depth of her characters and unique storyline.
Callum 'Mac' Mackenzie is a former Navy Seal who has faced tragedies in both his youth and his years of service. Mac has always wanted to teach and make a difference in the lives of others. However, on a personal level he never felt he was good enough to actually have a loving relationship with a woman.
Raine Thompson is also a passionate teacher, who loves her job and her amazing group of friends. Yet, she feels as though she'll never find 'the one'. Raine has had a troubled past with bad relationships and worries that maybe she's not meant to find love.
Raine and Mac become close friends and both find themselves fighting the attraction they feel for one another.
Boldt does an outstanding job of creating a storyline and characters that have you wanting to keep reading until the very end. I loved the primary characters as well as the great mix of secondary characters that create a group of true friendship.
This is one of those books that will catch you by surprise and leave you wanting more ! Absolutely loved.
5 Teach Me More Stars !!!
March 18, 2016
ARC provided for an honest review.
3.5 Taking a Chance Stars
***Full review to come.***
Cute... A little too sweet. To the point that although I knew about Mac's background, it still didn't seem like there was a real reason he couldn't get his head out of his but and make Raine his.
I loved the other characters, the friends. But I do felt like they didn't have much depth, because I kept mixing up who was whom, mostly among the guys; Foster, Lawson, and Zach.
I'm still going to read the next book, because I really want to know what happens in the third between Tate and Miller.
3.5 Taking a Chance Stars
***Full review to come.***
Cute... A little too sweet. To the point that although I knew about Mac's background, it still didn't seem like there was a real reason he couldn't get his head out of his but and make Raine his.
I loved the other characters, the friends. But I do felt like they didn't have much depth, because I kept mixing up who was whom, mostly among the guys; Foster, Lawson, and Zach.
I'm still going to read the next book, because I really want to know what happens in the third between Tate and Miller.
November 26, 2015
Raine and Mac may be best friends but Mac is still all male, “is it completely see-through? Or is it like that green J. Lo dress?” He looked at her with wide eyes, humor showing in them. “Because, if so, that’s hot.” I love seeing the good natured Mac, "blue eyes met hers, hazy with lust. “Don’t harass me , woman. It was more wishful thinking than anything ,” his voice gruff as he slid on the condom." I liked this book Mac was a sexy man.
December 9, 2015
Cute contemporary romance! This is a classic friends-to-lovers story. I was a bit put off by the characters behavior at times (they acted much more college student than adult to me and I found it a bit trying at times). Otherwise, this was a cute, quick read! My full review will be on the blog! The Book Disciple
March 13, 2016
This is the RC Boldt’s debut novel, and I have to be honest here, folks, I’m struggling and I’m torn. There were a lot of things that I liked about this book – which is making it extremely difficult for me to write a less than stellar review – but there were also some problems that made reading this book a very arduous task for me. Now, let me preface all of this by saying that these are my own personal preferences and some people may not have the same reactions to these issues as I did. So, I’m going to focus more on that in this review than my usual summarization of the story.
The vast majority of this book was told in the third person omniscient point of view. Now I realize, some of you are probably thinking, “what the hell are you yammering on about, Danielle?” Well, really quick for those who don’t know, third person omniscient point of view (TPOPOV) is a method of storytelling in which the narrator (a third person who is not part of the story) is privy to the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Essentially, it’s a retelling of the events of the story, in real time, by a someone who is not only observing them unfold but also has the benefit of knowing what the characters are thinking and feeling without the characters having to express their thoughts or feelings outwardly. The use of pronouns such as “he” or “she” are the telling hallmarks of the TPOPOV. Lots of books are told in third person POV, like Pride and Prejudice for example, and the vast majority of the time I don’t mind it. But in this instance, where there were randomly interspersed, and often awkwardly placed, shifts from the third person to first person point of view, the experience was jarring and disjointed. It was like ‘literary’ stumbling for me because these point of view shifts were often quite abrupt.
For example, during the first intimate scene, instead of reading this scene as a first person portrayal, it was basically told to me in third person voice, and it just didn’t work. It was almost as if the narrator and I were standing out in the hall while the two main characters went at it in the bedroom. The narrator was in the doorway watching events unfold in the bedroom and TELLING me what was going on. I didn’t observe, feel or experience anything – everything that was happening was relayed back to me, kind of like a sportscaster’s play-by-play, and it was done in an almost matter-of-fact manner as well. (Which was another problem in and of itself – lots of matter-of-fact type descriptions and recounting of events going on.) When I spoke to my blogger bosses about this book and how I was feeling, I asked them if they had ever taken their kids to the library for story time. Of course, being book bloggers, they said yes. I said that reading this story for me was like that: I was sitting crisscross-applesauce style on the floor at the librarian’s feet while she read this to me.
The pace of this book was very, very slow, I actually fought against the urge to skim and skip ahead at times, and I think that can also be attributed to the drawn-out nature of a TPOPOV narration. If it had been told in first person, or “real time,” I think it would have moved faster or, at least, it would have felt like it did. Generally speaking, my preferred romantic hero is a much more alpha male than this book’s hero was. Yep, folks, you heard it right: I like ‘em bossy and dominant, determined and dirty. And Mac, while he was a really nice guy, he just did not embody any of the traits of my ideal male romance story lead. He was just so nice. Which leads me to another one of my issues – everything was just so nice. Nothing hot, everything was a nice, safe lukewarm. Even the most angsty portion of the book, the ‘misunderstanding’ that tears them apart, didn’t cause me to have any strong emotions – no wrenching gut, no aching heart, no sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. There just was no feeling like what they were facing was a potential deal-breaker or like it could possibly be something that they might not be able to work through. This was a comfy-slippers, fluffy-robe type of story, not a garters, fishnets and stilettos one. Know what I mean? Nothing wrong with comfy, nothing at all, but for me, my personal taste is a story that has a much edgier tone to it.
There were elements of this story that I really did like, though, and it is by no means all doom and gloom here. I really liked all of the characters a lot. This was a fun and quirky group of friends, there wasn’t a single one of them that I didn’t like. The author planted seeds for future books that I can easily admit do interest me. Will they be enough for me to one-click in the future? I don’t know right now, I’m on the fence. But, if your tastes tend toward a story that is a bit on the sweet side, one with just a little bit of heat, a light and easy, low angst, comfy-cozy, tame story, then this book would absolutely fit the bill, and I’m confident that you’ll love RC Boldt’s Wildest Dream.
~ Danielle Palumbo
The vast majority of this book was told in the third person omniscient point of view. Now I realize, some of you are probably thinking, “what the hell are you yammering on about, Danielle?” Well, really quick for those who don’t know, third person omniscient point of view (TPOPOV) is a method of storytelling in which the narrator (a third person who is not part of the story) is privy to the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Essentially, it’s a retelling of the events of the story, in real time, by a someone who is not only observing them unfold but also has the benefit of knowing what the characters are thinking and feeling without the characters having to express their thoughts or feelings outwardly. The use of pronouns such as “he” or “she” are the telling hallmarks of the TPOPOV. Lots of books are told in third person POV, like Pride and Prejudice for example, and the vast majority of the time I don’t mind it. But in this instance, where there were randomly interspersed, and often awkwardly placed, shifts from the third person to first person point of view, the experience was jarring and disjointed. It was like ‘literary’ stumbling for me because these point of view shifts were often quite abrupt.
For example, during the first intimate scene, instead of reading this scene as a first person portrayal, it was basically told to me in third person voice, and it just didn’t work. It was almost as if the narrator and I were standing out in the hall while the two main characters went at it in the bedroom. The narrator was in the doorway watching events unfold in the bedroom and TELLING me what was going on. I didn’t observe, feel or experience anything – everything that was happening was relayed back to me, kind of like a sportscaster’s play-by-play, and it was done in an almost matter-of-fact manner as well. (Which was another problem in and of itself – lots of matter-of-fact type descriptions and recounting of events going on.) When I spoke to my blogger bosses about this book and how I was feeling, I asked them if they had ever taken their kids to the library for story time. Of course, being book bloggers, they said yes. I said that reading this story for me was like that: I was sitting crisscross-applesauce style on the floor at the librarian’s feet while she read this to me.
The pace of this book was very, very slow, I actually fought against the urge to skim and skip ahead at times, and I think that can also be attributed to the drawn-out nature of a TPOPOV narration. If it had been told in first person, or “real time,” I think it would have moved faster or, at least, it would have felt like it did. Generally speaking, my preferred romantic hero is a much more alpha male than this book’s hero was. Yep, folks, you heard it right: I like ‘em bossy and dominant, determined and dirty. And Mac, while he was a really nice guy, he just did not embody any of the traits of my ideal male romance story lead. He was just so nice. Which leads me to another one of my issues – everything was just so nice. Nothing hot, everything was a nice, safe lukewarm. Even the most angsty portion of the book, the ‘misunderstanding’ that tears them apart, didn’t cause me to have any strong emotions – no wrenching gut, no aching heart, no sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. There just was no feeling like what they were facing was a potential deal-breaker or like it could possibly be something that they might not be able to work through. This was a comfy-slippers, fluffy-robe type of story, not a garters, fishnets and stilettos one. Know what I mean? Nothing wrong with comfy, nothing at all, but for me, my personal taste is a story that has a much edgier tone to it.
There were elements of this story that I really did like, though, and it is by no means all doom and gloom here. I really liked all of the characters a lot. This was a fun and quirky group of friends, there wasn’t a single one of them that I didn’t like. The author planted seeds for future books that I can easily admit do interest me. Will they be enough for me to one-click in the future? I don’t know right now, I’m on the fence. But, if your tastes tend toward a story that is a bit on the sweet side, one with just a little bit of heat, a light and easy, low angst, comfy-cozy, tame story, then this book would absolutely fit the bill, and I’m confident that you’ll love RC Boldt’s Wildest Dream.
~ Danielle Palumbo
September 18, 2016
“No, Laney,” she shook her head at her friend. “But you haven’t even heard me out!” Laney complained. “He’s really nice, Raine.” “Do you remember what happened the last time you set me up with someone you claimed was ‘really nice’?”
Raine is a young woman who works as a school teacher. Although some parents can be difficult, she loves to teach children and to interact with them. She and a few of her coworkers are friends outside the school, and off-work they spend a lot of time together. In the love department Raine isn’t very lucky, she meets the weirdest men. And when she finally thinks she has found a man with the possibility of something real, he turns out to be the biggest frog of them all. New colleague Mac feels ‘right’ the moment she meets him, but Raine firmly places him in the friend-zone.
“When his hand grasped hers, feeling his firm, callused fingers, she swore she felt like their hands just . . . fit. Aaaand she clearly needed to get out more if she was beginning to analyze handshakes.”
Mac is a former Navy man who has left the service and now starts working as a math teacher. The Navy has been his life for a long time, but an incident in Afghanistan has made him re-think his direction in live. Mac isn’t interested in a relationship, but he does spend ‘social time’ with women who know the score; casual and no expectations. The moment he meets Raine during his first day at school he feels a click with her, but he immediately dismisses her a too sweet, too nice.
“They actually seem pretty great to me.” That wide, stunning smile of hers came out and she turned an affectionate gaze toward her friends. “That they are,” she remarked softly. Mac swore he could still feel the warmth of that smile even minutes later.”
Having put each other in the friend-zone, Mac and Raine spend time together as colleagues and as friends. Both are dating other people, but seeing the other one with another person makes them feel off. When both Raine and Mac finally can’t deny their feelings anymore, they agree to spend time together. Given Mac’s fear for relationships they keep it hidden for their mutual friends and agree it won’t affect their friendship. But, since this being a romance novel you can guess it won’t work out as planned. After a lot of secrecy, hurt feelings and some people coming to their senses, Mac and Raine have a shot at something real.
Wildest Dream is RC Boldt’s debut book. After I got used to her writing style I’ve enjoyed this book; I like the characters and their bumpy road to a relationship. Since this is the first book in a series, a lot of people are introduced (and some are related), and sometimes that was a bit much. Also, I wish Mac realized Raine was the woman for him a bit sooner. She didn’t deserve to be treated as a secret; she deserved so much more. I wish I had seen more of them as a real couple, out in the open.
“Is that right?” “Yep. Because, Mac . . .” she trailed off as she leaned closer, tilting her head so her lips were just a breath away from his. “Yeah, Raine?” “You’re definitely the one I want,” she whispered, her lips brushing against his with her words.”
I’ve enjoyed reading Wildest Dream, I give this book 4 stars. I’ll definitely will read the next book in the series.
www.mariekesbooks.com
January 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book my R.C Boldt, it was a great friends to lovers romance story.
The story is about Callum 'Mac' and Raine. Mac is being a teaching job at the same school as Raine. Mac has recently left the navy after suffering an injury and losing his close friends in combat. Mac is introduced to Raine and the minute he see her he see's how beautiful she is. Raine and Mac strike up and friendship and quickly become best friends. Raine goes on dates that have been set up for my her friends, however none of these go well. As their friendship develops so do feelings that neither of them want to admit to. Mac is not looking for love and doesn't want a relationship. They make a pact where their romance is only temporary and it will come to end when they have had enough. Can they both deal with a no strings attached relationship or will their feelings for each other get in the way?
I loved both Raine and Mac in this story, they were great characters. There are also some great supporting characters and I some of these characters will be getting their own story which I look forward to reading. The story is well written and it has a good pace. I was hooked to the story from the beginning. There are some great funny moments in the story. I participially liked some of the group interactions at a bar where group did karaoke. I loved the interaction and chemistry between Raine and Mac and loved seeing the development of there relationship.
This was a great, fun sexy friends to lovers story and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The story is about Callum 'Mac' and Raine. Mac is being a teaching job at the same school as Raine. Mac has recently left the navy after suffering an injury and losing his close friends in combat. Mac is introduced to Raine and the minute he see her he see's how beautiful she is. Raine and Mac strike up and friendship and quickly become best friends. Raine goes on dates that have been set up for my her friends, however none of these go well. As their friendship develops so do feelings that neither of them want to admit to. Mac is not looking for love and doesn't want a relationship. They make a pact where their romance is only temporary and it will come to end when they have had enough. Can they both deal with a no strings attached relationship or will their feelings for each other get in the way?
I loved both Raine and Mac in this story, they were great characters. There are also some great supporting characters and I some of these characters will be getting their own story which I look forward to reading. The story is well written and it has a good pace. I was hooked to the story from the beginning. There are some great funny moments in the story. I participially liked some of the group interactions at a bar where group did karaoke. I loved the interaction and chemistry between Raine and Mac and loved seeing the development of there relationship.
This was a great, fun sexy friends to lovers story and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 25, 2016
Shelly's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
What a fun, sexy, crazy group of characters RC Boldt has in the first of her Teach Me Series. This group seems to all come from a bunch of mismatched families, but they all seem to know what their group needs.
Mac comes from a broken past, being bounced around from one foster home after another he never really learned how to love or do relationships, but after finishing his SEAL duty he becomes a Math teacher like he always wanted to.
Raine’s is hearing her clock ticking and decides it is time to find “the one”, she knows life is short all too well and wants her happily ever after before time runs out.
So when the sexy, hunk of a new math teacher and her stop fighting their attraction and start a fling little do they both realize that they have found what they both have been looking for, but to make it to happily ever after, it might take some help from their friends to make them see it to the end.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series and find out what the rest of the wacky bunch will do. I really enjoyed reading this book, she is a new author to me and I will definitely be looking to read more of this series.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
What a fun, sexy, crazy group of characters RC Boldt has in the first of her Teach Me Series. This group seems to all come from a bunch of mismatched families, but they all seem to know what their group needs.
Mac comes from a broken past, being bounced around from one foster home after another he never really learned how to love or do relationships, but after finishing his SEAL duty he becomes a Math teacher like he always wanted to.
Raine’s is hearing her clock ticking and decides it is time to find “the one”, she knows life is short all too well and wants her happily ever after before time runs out.
So when the sexy, hunk of a new math teacher and her stop fighting their attraction and start a fling little do they both realize that they have found what they both have been looking for, but to make it to happily ever after, it might take some help from their friends to make them see it to the end.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series and find out what the rest of the wacky bunch will do. I really enjoyed reading this book, she is a new author to me and I will definitely be looking to read more of this series.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
Raine is a teacher who has not had good luck dating, but would love to be in a relationship. Callum Mackenzie (Mac) came back from serving in Afghanistan and is now teaching like he has always wanted. Raine and Mac are close friends, and while both would like to be more, they have been warned not to date one another. The sexual tension begins to be overwhelming, but Raine is scared about ruining their close friendship and Mac is concerned that his past has left him unable to be in a serious relationship.
This book was a quick read, mostly because I read it straight through once I started. There is a lot of predictability here, but I enjoyed the characters and the dynamic of their friendship. Raine was easy to care about since she is fun, smart, and kind. Mac is pretty swell too. He's been through a lot, but it is clear that he is a great friend, and sexy to boot! I was most definitely hoping that Raine and Mac would figure things out and give each other the happiness they deserved. Their chemistry is pretty intense, and I really enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story. I will gladly read more by this author in the future. 3.5 stars
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
This book was a quick read, mostly because I read it straight through once I started. There is a lot of predictability here, but I enjoyed the characters and the dynamic of their friendship. Raine was easy to care about since she is fun, smart, and kind. Mac is pretty swell too. He's been through a lot, but it is clear that he is a great friend, and sexy to boot! I was most definitely hoping that Raine and Mac would figure things out and give each other the happiness they deserved. Their chemistry is pretty intense, and I really enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story. I will gladly read more by this author in the future. 3.5 stars
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
February 20, 2016
4.5 stars
This was a fantastic book and even more amazing is the fact that is the first book for this author! I knew this fact going into it but if I hadn't I wouldn't have guessed it. This is a sweet, light romance that has friends Mac and Raine turn into lovers. I don't mind this type of storyline, I really liked the fact that the author really developed the friendship and you could see the attraction build but I enjoyed the friendship the most. The group of characters was great and I loved the dates we got to see and meet along the way, I'm not a huge fan of romances where the main characters are dating or sleeping with (this wasn't seen mentioned in the book but alluded to) other people but it did work in this book and I enjoyed this part of story. We also got an epilogue which I love, for me it is an important part of a book and I always feel like I've missed out if there isn't one. So if you haven't picked up this book and you enjoy sweet romances with some humour I would definitely recommend this book as I found it to be a really great read, and it was a great price to!
This was a fantastic book and even more amazing is the fact that is the first book for this author! I knew this fact going into it but if I hadn't I wouldn't have guessed it. This is a sweet, light romance that has friends Mac and Raine turn into lovers. I don't mind this type of storyline, I really liked the fact that the author really developed the friendship and you could see the attraction build but I enjoyed the friendship the most. The group of characters was great and I loved the dates we got to see and meet along the way, I'm not a huge fan of romances where the main characters are dating or sleeping with (this wasn't seen mentioned in the book but alluded to) other people but it did work in this book and I enjoyed this part of story. We also got an epilogue which I love, for me it is an important part of a book and I always feel like I've missed out if there isn't one. So if you haven't picked up this book and you enjoy sweet romances with some humour I would definitely recommend this book as I found it to be a really great read, and it was a great price to!
April 13, 2025
4 Cupcakes
Well, at first glance of cover, I expected this to be of some beach vacation where two meet and fall in Love.
I was wrong to an extent. I did find out it was somewhat different in the first few chapters.
I liked the almost instant character build of Raine and "Mac". Their very both strong willed. The way they became friends and then lovers.
This seemed so much to the way things happen in real life. The guy comes back to a more wounded girl then he is.
A lot of twists and more questions I would like to know.
Til next time - Sweets Books
(written by Colleen - SBAH)
Well, at first glance of cover, I expected this to be of some beach vacation where two meet and fall in Love.
I was wrong to an extent. I did find out it was somewhat different in the first few chapters.
I liked the almost instant character build of Raine and "Mac". Their very both strong willed. The way they became friends and then lovers.
This seemed so much to the way things happen in real life. The guy comes back to a more wounded girl then he is.
A lot of twists and more questions I would like to know.
Til next time - Sweets Books
(written by Colleen - SBAH)
March 13, 2016
3.5 SMOOCHES!
I read and reviewed this book on behalf of RED CHEEKS READS.
Review: http://redcheeksreads.com/wildest-dre...
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I read and reviewed this book on behalf of RED CHEEKS READS.
Review: http://redcheeksreads.com/wildest-dre...
Red Cheeks Reads blog: www.redcheeksreads.com
Follow Red Cheeks Reads on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redcheeksreads
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January 29, 2016
Title:Wildest Dream
Author: R.C. Boldt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Teach Me #1)
Rating: ★★★★1/2 Stars (rounded to 5* for Goodreads and Amazon)
Review
This story nailed me right off the top. Bringing me straight into something that thousands go through each and every day when they protect and serve our countries (whether that be US, Canada, UK, etc). We’re thrown into the proverbial line of fire so to speak while meeting Callum Mackenzie, or Mac for short as he and his comrades square off against the enemy. The outcome of which damn near broke my heart.
Now with a beginning like that, I can only assume it goes up from there and the author did not disappoint.
Given that this was an author I’d never had the pleasure of reading before this story, I had no idea what I was in for going in, but what I was given was a beautiful surprise and an interesting take on the friends to lovers premise that I most definitely enjoy in my romantic fiction reading.
After making his way back home and integrating back into the world away from his duties as a Seal, picking up on the degree he achieved and becoming a teacher, Mac meets fellow teacher Raine, who after their first meeting, begins the growth of a friendship that was all sorts of awesome to watch. The dynamic between the two often times reminding me of the relationship I have with my own guy best friend and making me laugh just as much as I wanted to cry in the beginning with what Mac had lived and come out the other side of.
Raine’s dating exploits right off the jump, her stories and her personality as a whole were infectious and bonded me to her. I enjoyed her character even more than I did Mac and I swear that man had me spending ninety percent of the book (the other ten percent he was kinda a bonehead lol) swooning. She was refreshing and she was real and she was pretty much everything I enjoy about a heroine in a romance. Sure, she’d been through some stuff that messed with her self-esteem quite a bit, but she was also someone who knew who she was and what she wanted and I was impressed by that.
Now, as with a lot of the friends to lovers’ concepts in fiction, when these two finally do act on the attraction between them, when they finally give in to what they’re feeling for one another, it wasn’t easy. It was messy and complicated at times, but so worth every second of the back and forth because they just worked so perfectly together. I was over the moon when they finally gave in to what they feel and even more so later on when the real truth comes out and is spoken. It was terrific.
I can’t say enough good things about this book, truly. It took me off guard, but gave me everything I could want from a book. I had a great cast of secondary characters, friends on both sides to Raine and Mac, I had moments of downright hilarity and just the right amount of drama and emotional pull to keep me invested. Add that to some great pacing and flow and definitely to the overall character development and it was one heck of a great read.
My thanks to the author for letting me read an ARC of this. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so glad that I could to take part in Mac and Raine’s journey to happiness. I can’t wait to see Lacey find hers next since she intrigued me just as much as Tate did.
December 14, 2015
TRACY'S REVIEW
4 STARS
Wildest Dream is the first book in the Teach Me series. The series stars with Mac and Raine's story.
Mac returned home from war after being injured. With his teaching degree in hand he was hired at a local elementary school. The same elementary school that Raine works at.
With Raine nearing 30 and looking for the love of her life and Mac not trusting anyone in life, it makes their attraction difficult. Can they both agree to act on their attraction and nothing more? Or will one of them end up getting hurt?
I really wanted to love this one! Because how can you not? Hot ex marine who becomes a teacher, sign me up!! Add that to the antics Raine and her friends go into. It had me laughing hysterically at some parts. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is because it was predictable. Great story though!
LEEANN'S REVIEW
4 STARS
So let me start by saying, I want a Mac for myself!! I mean really, after reading this who wouldn’t?
Mac is an ex Navy Seal, turned math teacher. His best friend Raine is also a teacher at the same school. They also run in the same circle of friends.
The attraction is there from the beginning, but they have been warned off each other & not everyone is happy when their attraction becomes apparent.
This story took a little bit to warm up and by that I mean, it got off to a great start & continued on that roll, but the aknowledgment of their attraction comes in very late in the
story. They watch each other go through multiple dates and hookups & it is just torture for them & left me wondering why they took so long to admit they had feelings towards
each other.
All that aside I really enjoyed the story. The characters are highly entertaining, and I don’t just mean the main characters. The support characters are at times hilariously funny &
I found myself laughing so much I almost had tears running down my face!!
I think because Raine & Mac start of as actual friends first, it adds a whole other dimension. This isn’t two people that met & fell into bed. They know each other inside out.
Now they need to decide if it is worthwile taking their relationship to another level despite the constant warnings not to!
The author has developed her characters well & made them likeable & easy to relate to. I absolutely loved Raine & Macs story & recommend if you like the friends to lovers combination that
you one click this book now!!
4 STARS
Wildest Dream is the first book in the Teach Me series. The series stars with Mac and Raine's story.
Mac returned home from war after being injured. With his teaching degree in hand he was hired at a local elementary school. The same elementary school that Raine works at.
With Raine nearing 30 and looking for the love of her life and Mac not trusting anyone in life, it makes their attraction difficult. Can they both agree to act on their attraction and nothing more? Or will one of them end up getting hurt?
I really wanted to love this one! Because how can you not? Hot ex marine who becomes a teacher, sign me up!! Add that to the antics Raine and her friends go into. It had me laughing hysterically at some parts. The only reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is because it was predictable. Great story though!
LEEANN'S REVIEW
4 STARS
So let me start by saying, I want a Mac for myself!! I mean really, after reading this who wouldn’t?
Mac is an ex Navy Seal, turned math teacher. His best friend Raine is also a teacher at the same school. They also run in the same circle of friends.
The attraction is there from the beginning, but they have been warned off each other & not everyone is happy when their attraction becomes apparent.
This story took a little bit to warm up and by that I mean, it got off to a great start & continued on that roll, but the aknowledgment of their attraction comes in very late in the
story. They watch each other go through multiple dates and hookups & it is just torture for them & left me wondering why they took so long to admit they had feelings towards
each other.
All that aside I really enjoyed the story. The characters are highly entertaining, and I don’t just mean the main characters. The support characters are at times hilariously funny &
I found myself laughing so much I almost had tears running down my face!!
I think because Raine & Mac start of as actual friends first, it adds a whole other dimension. This isn’t two people that met & fell into bed. They know each other inside out.
Now they need to decide if it is worthwile taking their relationship to another level despite the constant warnings not to!
The author has developed her characters well & made them likeable & easy to relate to. I absolutely loved Raine & Macs story & recommend if you like the friends to lovers combination that
you one click this book now!!
December 14, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Rock Star Lit PR in exchange for an honest review.
Wildest Dream is the first novel in the Teach Me contemporary romance series from debut author R.C. Boldt. It's a friends-to-lovers story between Callum Mackenzie, a former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, and Raine Thompson, a science teacher in the same school Mac now teaches at. Unlike a lot of other books that follow this familiar trope, R.C. Boldt lets readers experience how Mac and Raine's friendship came about. The attractions been there from the start, but it's not as if the two main characters are pining away for each other. They spent a great deal of time together and with the rest of their circle of friends and they did date other people as well. This was something that I really appreciated because the whole putting your life on hold for someone else is rather sad and pathetic. There's a genuineness to the friendship, even though I must admit that it felt really stretched out after a while and I kept wondering when the heck these two would wake up and just admit to their feelings and get on with crossing the line from friends to lovers.
Aside from the love story itself, we get to meet supporting characters who I suspect will get their own stories told down the line. Laney Kavanaugh and Zach Mayson's romance will be the second book, Hard to Handle, and based on one particular scene in book one, I'm guessing Tate Donnelly will share her story with Miller (whose last--or maybe first--name wasn't mentioned). I may be wrong but it's possible Adam (no last name in the text) has a history of sorts with Foster Kavanaugh, and if I'm right, I'm definitely on board with that one. That just leaves Lawson Briggs and I honestly can't recall if he actually hit it off with anyone in particular in the story. Hey, this is what I do when I read--wonder and take a stab and figuring out who's going to end up with whom. What I'm trying to say here is that after meeting the rest of the cast of characters, I'm already looking forward to seeing where their own stories will lead them. With a familiar story line told rather well (even with a misused word here and there), I'm giving Wildest Dream four stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Rock Star Lit PR in exchange for an honest review.
Wildest Dream is the first novel in the Teach Me contemporary romance series from debut author R.C. Boldt. It's a friends-to-lovers story between Callum Mackenzie, a former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, and Raine Thompson, a science teacher in the same school Mac now teaches at. Unlike a lot of other books that follow this familiar trope, R.C. Boldt lets readers experience how Mac and Raine's friendship came about. The attractions been there from the start, but it's not as if the two main characters are pining away for each other. They spent a great deal of time together and with the rest of their circle of friends and they did date other people as well. This was something that I really appreciated because the whole putting your life on hold for someone else is rather sad and pathetic. There's a genuineness to the friendship, even though I must admit that it felt really stretched out after a while and I kept wondering when the heck these two would wake up and just admit to their feelings and get on with crossing the line from friends to lovers.
Aside from the love story itself, we get to meet supporting characters who I suspect will get their own stories told down the line. Laney Kavanaugh and Zach Mayson's romance will be the second book, Hard to Handle, and based on one particular scene in book one, I'm guessing Tate Donnelly will share her story with Miller (whose last--or maybe first--name wasn't mentioned). I may be wrong but it's possible Adam (no last name in the text) has a history of sorts with Foster Kavanaugh, and if I'm right, I'm definitely on board with that one. That just leaves Lawson Briggs and I honestly can't recall if he actually hit it off with anyone in particular in the story. Hey, this is what I do when I read--wonder and take a stab and figuring out who's going to end up with whom. What I'm trying to say here is that after meeting the rest of the cast of characters, I'm already looking forward to seeing where their own stories will lead them. With a familiar story line told rather well (even with a misused word here and there), I'm giving Wildest Dream four stars. ♥
February 18, 2016
WILDEST DREAM BY: RC BOLDT
This was such a sweet contemporary romance! I love the slow-burn romances, the big buildup makes the reward at the end that much sweeter to me. I love that Raine and Mac became friends first, and really built on that friendship way before anything romantic happened. Best friend romances done right are one of my favorites, and this one was definitely done right! And once the spark was lit, it became an inferno! I love how the author was able to switch gears from sweet to spicy so seamlessly!
Raine was a great leading lady! She was smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor. I found it to be a nice change of pace that she was so down to Earth. Her flaws, both physical and otherwise, made her that much more relatable and endearing to me. Mac was also a great character. He had such a colorful past, even though his past could be gut-wrenching at the best of times, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to know every last detail! Quite honestly, I was kind of in awe of Mac. He overcame so much in life, and turned out to be such an incredible man. His past hardships made it very easy to understand why he was so apprehensive about serious relationships.
As much as I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Mac and Raine, I also really enjoyed the friendships in this book. This group of friends felt so real and genuine to me! I loved their interactions! The playfulness and the support they showed one another gave me the warm and fuzzies as much as any romance! Sometimes the family you choose can be the best, and this rag-tag group was definitely family at heart. It also made me really appreciate each side character and what they brought to the story that much more. I am so excited to see that this a series that will be continuing on with this group of friends! I can't wait to see who the star of the show will be in the next book. And I really NEED to know what the heck was going on between Tate and that tasty morsel MIller at Momma K's dinner! There was definitely a story there, and I'm kind of dying to know what it is! I'm looking forward to carrying on with this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet contemporary romance! I love the slow-burn romances, the big buildup makes the reward at the end that much sweeter to me. I love that Raine and Mac became friends first, and really built on that friendship way before anything romantic happened. Best friend romances done right are one of my favorites, and this one was definitely done right! And once the spark was lit, it became an inferno! I love how the author was able to switch gears from sweet to spicy so seamlessly!
Raine was a great leading lady! She was smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor. I found it to be a nice change of pace that she was so down to Earth. Her flaws, both physical and otherwise, made her that much more relatable and endearing to me. Mac was also a great character. He had such a colorful past, even though his past could be gut-wrenching at the best of times, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to know every last detail! Quite honestly, I was kind of in awe of Mac. He overcame so much in life, and turned out to be such an incredible man. His past hardships made it very easy to understand why he was so apprehensive about serious relationships.
As much as I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Mac and Raine, I also really enjoyed the friendships in this book. This group of friends felt so real and genuine to me! I loved their interactions! The playfulness and the support they showed one another gave me the warm and fuzzies as much as any romance! Sometimes the family you choose can be the best, and this rag-tag group was definitely family at heart. It also made me really appreciate each side character and what they brought to the story that much more. I am so excited to see that this a series that will be continuing on with this group of friends! I can't wait to see who the star of the show will be in the next book. And I really NEED to know what the heck was going on between Tate and that tasty morsel MIller at Momma K's dinner! There was definitely a story there, and I'm kind of dying to know what it is! I'm looking forward to carrying on with this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2016
Title: Wildest Dream
Author: R.C. Boldt
Series: Teach Me #1
Genre: romance
Themes: friends to lovers, fling to thing, office romance, military
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
I describe a lot of the heartwarming books I read as "candyfloss" - that is, they're delicious and yummy but somewhat devoid of substance. This was a little different. Yes, it was unbelievably heartwarming and romantic, including the typical big gestures, passionate monologues and a somewhat predictable storyline, but this had a little more depth to it than I was expecting. It touched on past scars of the military and cancer, having a lingering presence and driving the relationship between Mac and Raine forwards without the book and more light-hearted storyline drowning underneath the weight of them.
I also enjoyed the feisty nature of Raine, how her smile was described by Mac and yet when she needed, she could be absolutely cutting - something which came out during the few dates and confrontations peppered throughout these pages. The comedic value of these moments and one-liners was just gold. Similarly, although there were many characters, Boldt presented them in a way which was easy to keep track of who was whom, as well as creating this wonderful family vibe; for me, this is primarily where the extra depth came from. The strength of the friendships and relationships of this group of people, with the humour and chemistry between them all just cementing this as a fantastic novel, and hopefully a great series, if it continues to build upon this.
Yes, it's predictable, soppy stuff. But it's also something well worth reading if you need a smile, or you need that horrific pinch in your heart when you really feel invested in watching a relationship come together. Now for the main test - would I read the sequel? Absolutely.
Author: R.C. Boldt
Series: Teach Me #1
Genre: romance
Themes: friends to lovers, fling to thing, office romance, military
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
When his hand grasped hers, feeling his firm, callused fingers, she swore she felt like their hands just...fit.
I describe a lot of the heartwarming books I read as "candyfloss" - that is, they're delicious and yummy but somewhat devoid of substance. This was a little different. Yes, it was unbelievably heartwarming and romantic, including the typical big gestures, passionate monologues and a somewhat predictable storyline, but this had a little more depth to it than I was expecting. It touched on past scars of the military and cancer, having a lingering presence and driving the relationship between Mac and Raine forwards without the book and more light-hearted storyline drowning underneath the weight of them.
I also enjoyed the feisty nature of Raine, how her smile was described by Mac and yet when she needed, she could be absolutely cutting - something which came out during the few dates and confrontations peppered throughout these pages. The comedic value of these moments and one-liners was just gold. Similarly, although there were many characters, Boldt presented them in a way which was easy to keep track of who was whom, as well as creating this wonderful family vibe; for me, this is primarily where the extra depth came from. The strength of the friendships and relationships of this group of people, with the humour and chemistry between them all just cementing this as a fantastic novel, and hopefully a great series, if it continues to build upon this.
Something in his chest pinched as he watched her slowly descend the steps and walk toward him. God, the moonlight casting the glow over her in that dress and her hair being tousled in the gentle breeze nearly took his breath away.
Yes, it's predictable, soppy stuff. But it's also something well worth reading if you need a smile, or you need that horrific pinch in your heart when you really feel invested in watching a relationship come together. Now for the main test - would I read the sequel? Absolutely.
December 8, 2015
Wildest Dream by R.C. Boldt is perfect combination of sweet romance and sizzling hot chemistry. This first book kick starts Boldt’s Teach Me series with a bang. Boldt’s style of writing is engaging and keeps up a steady pace that makes this read a page-turner. The plot is filled with intense emotion right from the get go. Mac and Raine may be best friends, but they can’t ignore the sparks between them forever. These two were made for each other.
This is not a light-hearted romance by any means. Immediately Boldt, places the reader in the middle of a war zone with Mac. The loss he experiences, and the scars it left on him defines the man he becomes right before he walks into Raine’s life. Raine is drawn to Mac and yearns for Mac to let her in so she can help heal him. Mac’s past makes it difficult for him to let people in, but he forms a bond and friendship with Raine. My heart ached for everything Mac goes through, and it is easy to understand why he is the way he is based on his backstory. He’s a great guy and it’s easy to see why Raine wants to be more than just his friend.
“Suddenly, she wanted more. More of this closeness, more of this kiss, more of…Mac. ”
Raine has the absolute worst luck in romance. She continuously picks the wrong guy. I have to admire her tenacity and optimism because she keeps putting herself out there. I loved Raine! She’s hilarious, easy to relate to, and genuinely a nice person. She is definitely my favorite character in this book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. Wildest Dream was a fun, entertaining, and emotional read. I was rooting for Mac and Raine right from the start. This is one of those books that completely absorbs you and keeps you reading well into the night. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporary romances with a military veteran as the hero.
**A review copy was provided via Rockstar PR in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a light-hearted romance by any means. Immediately Boldt, places the reader in the middle of a war zone with Mac. The loss he experiences, and the scars it left on him defines the man he becomes right before he walks into Raine’s life. Raine is drawn to Mac and yearns for Mac to let her in so she can help heal him. Mac’s past makes it difficult for him to let people in, but he forms a bond and friendship with Raine. My heart ached for everything Mac goes through, and it is easy to understand why he is the way he is based on his backstory. He’s a great guy and it’s easy to see why Raine wants to be more than just his friend.
“Suddenly, she wanted more. More of this closeness, more of this kiss, more of…Mac. ”
Raine has the absolute worst luck in romance. She continuously picks the wrong guy. I have to admire her tenacity and optimism because she keeps putting herself out there. I loved Raine! She’s hilarious, easy to relate to, and genuinely a nice person. She is definitely my favorite character in this book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. Wildest Dream was a fun, entertaining, and emotional read. I was rooting for Mac and Raine right from the start. This is one of those books that completely absorbs you and keeps you reading well into the night. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys contemporary romances with a military veteran as the hero.
**A review copy was provided via Rockstar PR in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2015
-ARC Review-
I was pleasantly surprised by Wildest Dream. These characters were engaging from the start and there was humor, heartache, and displays of such strong friendship bonds throughout. The reader gets taken on a ride and gets to not only enjoy the main characters and the paths they take, but also enjoy the comraderie and silliness of their friends.
I found the book was unique in many ways. These friends have their karaoke outings and they majority of the are teachers at an elementary school. The author tackles issues of loss and rough childhood with Mac as well as slightly addressing the subject of cancer pertaining to Raine. The two aren't all sad and pity party-ish over what life has dealt them, which I liked. They had the emotional and physical scars but were still good people, great friends and very likeable. You feel for them and what they go through.
The dialogue and interactions between their group of friends, joking and sarcastic comments, are enough to make you grin or even laugh a little out loud. The author manages to mix in fun along with some more serious topics and doesn't let it get draggy.
Raine is a sweet character but not a pushover. I found myself really liking her and Mac. Mac is a total alpha male but not to the obnoxious extent. He's tender with Raine and you can tell he has a big heart.
Some of my favorite parts were when Raine and Mac first sleep together. This made me giggle a little.
Mac: "That was..." he trailed off, trying to find the right words.
Raine: "Subpar? So-so?" she supplied, eyes wide in innocence.
Then, after Raine had left his place and he had been laying in his bed " taking the occassional sniff of the pillow Raine had slept on because her trademark vanilla scent still lingered? Shit. He needed to find his balls. This shit was getting to be embarrassing. "
I very much enjoyed this first book in the Teach Me series and look forward to reading more from the author!
I was pleasantly surprised by Wildest Dream. These characters were engaging from the start and there was humor, heartache, and displays of such strong friendship bonds throughout. The reader gets taken on a ride and gets to not only enjoy the main characters and the paths they take, but also enjoy the comraderie and silliness of their friends.
I found the book was unique in many ways. These friends have their karaoke outings and they majority of the are teachers at an elementary school. The author tackles issues of loss and rough childhood with Mac as well as slightly addressing the subject of cancer pertaining to Raine. The two aren't all sad and pity party-ish over what life has dealt them, which I liked. They had the emotional and physical scars but were still good people, great friends and very likeable. You feel for them and what they go through.
The dialogue and interactions between their group of friends, joking and sarcastic comments, are enough to make you grin or even laugh a little out loud. The author manages to mix in fun along with some more serious topics and doesn't let it get draggy.
Raine is a sweet character but not a pushover. I found myself really liking her and Mac. Mac is a total alpha male but not to the obnoxious extent. He's tender with Raine and you can tell he has a big heart.
Some of my favorite parts were when Raine and Mac first sleep together. This made me giggle a little.
Mac: "That was..." he trailed off, trying to find the right words.
Raine: "Subpar? So-so?" she supplied, eyes wide in innocence.
Then, after Raine had left his place and he had been laying in his bed " taking the occassional sniff of the pillow Raine had slept on because her trademark vanilla scent still lingered? Shit. He needed to find his balls. This shit was getting to be embarrassing. "
I very much enjoyed this first book in the Teach Me series and look forward to reading more from the author!
November 25, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mac is a former Navy SEAL who has had a rough childhood and experienced loss while serving as a Navy SEAL. He gets out after being injured and begins teaching at the school where Raine teaches. He's fun and seems like he has a great sense of humor. The author takes you along and lets you get inside his head at times to watch his struggle with his feelings.
Raine is a science lab teacher who has battled and won the fight against breast cancer. I found her very likeable and sweet, but not a pushover, at the same time. She sometimes has horrific but funny dating experiences and the reader can see why she wonders if she'll ever meet 'the one'.
We get to know the circle of friends who tend to be inappropriate but definitely fun. I liked how they all welcomed Mac to their group. Their interactions were fun to read.
Raine and Mac grow close, becoming best friends and it's fun to watch the two as they fight the chemistry between them. When they finally given in to it, holy crap, it's hot. I felt like I had to fan myself at certain parts.
It was like going on a roller coaster with Raine and Mac throughout the book. It made me get a little teary when she bared herself to him the first time and I loved the way he was so gentle with her. I definitely teared up when he screws up, shall we say.
All in all, it was a fun read with heartfelt moments, some giggle worthy moments and it made me wish I had a Callum of my own and had Raine as one of my girlfriends.
*It does have a HEA.
*As a side note, I always like to read the dedications and other sections of the book. It sounds like the author had experienced dealing with cancer like Raine.
*I contacted the author via Facebook and the second book is going to focus on Laney and Zach. I look forward to reading that one.
Mac is a former Navy SEAL who has had a rough childhood and experienced loss while serving as a Navy SEAL. He gets out after being injured and begins teaching at the school where Raine teaches. He's fun and seems like he has a great sense of humor. The author takes you along and lets you get inside his head at times to watch his struggle with his feelings.
Raine is a science lab teacher who has battled and won the fight against breast cancer. I found her very likeable and sweet, but not a pushover, at the same time. She sometimes has horrific but funny dating experiences and the reader can see why she wonders if she'll ever meet 'the one'.
We get to know the circle of friends who tend to be inappropriate but definitely fun. I liked how they all welcomed Mac to their group. Their interactions were fun to read.
Raine and Mac grow close, becoming best friends and it's fun to watch the two as they fight the chemistry between them. When they finally given in to it, holy crap, it's hot. I felt like I had to fan myself at certain parts.
It was like going on a roller coaster with Raine and Mac throughout the book. It made me get a little teary when she bared herself to him the first time and I loved the way he was so gentle with her. I definitely teared up when he screws up, shall we say.
All in all, it was a fun read with heartfelt moments, some giggle worthy moments and it made me wish I had a Callum of my own and had Raine as one of my girlfriends.
*It does have a HEA.
*As a side note, I always like to read the dedications and other sections of the book. It sounds like the author had experienced dealing with cancer like Raine.
*I contacted the author via Facebook and the second book is going to focus on Laney and Zach. I look forward to reading that one.
December 1, 2015
“Suddenly, she wanted more. More of this closeness, more of this kiss, more of...Mac. Fisting her hands in his shirt, she tugged him closer toward her. She heard him groan when his hardness pressed firmly against her stomach as their bodies met.”
4 sexy, SEAL stars!! I loved Raine and Mac, they are a sexy, sexy book couple!! The story is sweet and hot, a perfect combination!
Mac is a former Navy SEAL, and he’s seen his fair share of loss and tragedy. His passion in life is to teach and to make a difference in people's lives. And with all his worldly travels and charm, the one thing he wants to experience in his life is love. Raine is a teacher and has had her fair share of heartbreak and bad relationships. Convinced she’ll never find the “one” because it’s just not in the cards for her. When Mac and Raine meet they are instantly attracted to each other but they push that to the back burner and decide to be friends. But as much as they try to be friends they can’t deny the feelings they have for each other. Will it ever work for them??
I loved the passion and intensity Raine and Mac had for each other. Their relationship was electric and so sweet!! The story never had any boring moments, and I was entertained with every page! Great story!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
January 3, 2016
Advanced copy given for honest review.
Not even sure what to write for my review but loved the book. Callum "Mac" Mackenzie has never been given the love he wanted so he closed off his heart and has always said he would never do relationships. The only people he has felt he has got close to was his "brothers" well not literally they were his Seal buddies and now that he no longer has them or the Navy he has gone to do his dream job and teach maths.
Raine Thompson, has been to hell and back after dealing with breast cancer she is self concious of her body and she now feels the time is right to fine the one. But she has had her fair share of disaster dates until Ben who is a good hugger but after 4 months of dating Raine decides to surprise him only to find another woman answer his door. Now seeking comfort in her new best friend Mac he tells her she is beautiful.
Skip ahead to New years eve and both Mac and Raine have no one to kiss so he bites the bullet and kisses her but since he has been fighting his feelings for her since the moment he seen her but getting warned off her by his adopted brother Foster he has stayed back and got a great friend in the process. But now Mac wants more but he is afraid that if he admits what he feels for her she wont return the feelings but Raine feels the same but both are to stubborn to admit it to each other, but when Raine's best friend and ex Adam comes back on the scene {FYI he likes men but he doesn't tell anyone}.
I wanted more but can't wait for the rest of this series.
Not even sure what to write for my review but loved the book. Callum "Mac" Mackenzie has never been given the love he wanted so he closed off his heart and has always said he would never do relationships. The only people he has felt he has got close to was his "brothers" well not literally they were his Seal buddies and now that he no longer has them or the Navy he has gone to do his dream job and teach maths.
Raine Thompson, has been to hell and back after dealing with breast cancer she is self concious of her body and she now feels the time is right to fine the one. But she has had her fair share of disaster dates until Ben who is a good hugger but after 4 months of dating Raine decides to surprise him only to find another woman answer his door. Now seeking comfort in her new best friend Mac he tells her she is beautiful.
Skip ahead to New years eve and both Mac and Raine have no one to kiss so he bites the bullet and kisses her but since he has been fighting his feelings for her since the moment he seen her but getting warned off her by his adopted brother Foster he has stayed back and got a great friend in the process. But now Mac wants more but he is afraid that if he admits what he feels for her she wont return the feelings but Raine feels the same but both are to stubborn to admit it to each other, but when Raine's best friend and ex Adam comes back on the scene {FYI he likes men but he doesn't tell anyone}.
I wanted more but can't wait for the rest of this series.
August 4, 2016
If you want to read a friends to lovers read this is the book for you. Its fun and steamy and the author’s writing just pulls you into to see how their story pans out. Raine, I liked her a lot through the book she has that feisty side to her with a side of badass. She is a teacher and she works with her best friend who wouldn’t love that especially if he is hot. Mac, is ex navy who has had a rough childhood as the description says.It hasn’t let that slowed him down in what he wanted to do with his life: teaching. He has only been with Ms. Right now’s not Mrs. Forever. He thinks that he can’t love another that he is not capable of the love he only shares for his circle of people around him. Until he starts tearing across the hall from Raine they quickly hit it off and well you know the rest. Their friendship is playful just as any normal best friends would be. Then it continues to grow more then a friendship it comes to a point that neither of them can ignore it anymore and decided to try. I liked this story both characters were really well written and developed beautifully. This was my first time reading from this author will be on the lookout for more of their work.
ARC provided by RockStarLit PR for honest review
ARC provided by RockStarLit PR for honest review
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