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The Bachelors of Arizona #2
The Playboy Bachelor
She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . . Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass. Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 29, 2017
233 people are currently reading
3576 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.5k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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October 19, 2017
The Playboy Bachelor is book two in The Bachelors of Arizona series by Rachel Van Dyken. I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to read Bentley’s story. When you first meet Bentley, you won’t want to like him. I didn’t, anyway. But I soon found it hard NOT to like him, to love him even. I can’t wait to tell you about him.
Bentley Wellington is one of a set of twins. Bentley, his twin Brant, and older brother Brock, whom we met in the first book, lost their parents when they were young. They were raised by their Grandfather, CEO of Wellington, Inc. When they were teenagers, Bentley and Margot were inseparable best friends. Bentley might have been secretly a little bit in love with Margot but she deserved better than him. He was damaged. To dull his pain, he slept his way through any available women. But it was Margot he relied on, Margot he spent all of his free time with. Until something happened and Margot needed him more than any other time. And he didn’t go to her. He couldn’t go to her. He abandoned her.
Margot McCleery was in love with Bentley, her best friend, when she was sixteen years old. Margot was a book nerd. She always had her nose in a book. Bentley was the only one that really saw her and accepted her. Then one day everything changed. Something tragic happened and her world was changed. She needed Bentley and he never came. She never heard a word from him. She was all alone.
Now ten years later, Margot is an accomplished author of historical romance novels. But she rarely leaves her home. She doesn’t even go outside on her own grounds. She doesn’t deserve it. She doesn’t deserve the sun or the wind on her face. So she stays indoors and writes. But then her ex-best friend, Bentley, was bought and paid for at the bachelor auction by her grandmother. And now he is at her door with his suitcase.
“Worst-case scenario, he was going to somehow find a way to weasel himself into her life and then leave her. Because that was what people did-they left.”
Bentley is told that if he stays at Margot’s house for a full month and accomplishes certain items on a list he is given, his grandfather will give him a job as marketing vp in his company. How can he face her after all these years, after what he did to her? This Margot isn’t the one he remembers from ten years ago. This one is angry, cynical. He will never be able to win her trust again. Is the old Margot still in there anywhere?
As Bentley and Margot spend time together, they each finally begin to let down their walls, and little by little, truths are revealed. Not only does Margot have to forgive Bentley, they both need to forgive themselves, in order to move on.
“For the first time since he arrived-she wanted him to argue, she wanted him to push past the barriers she’d thrown between them. Because Bentley had done the impossible. He made a half…feel like a whole.”
I loved this book. These two were in so much pain. Somehow, they filled in the emptiness in each other. They made each other forget the darkness that plagued them. They made each other laugh. But what happens when the month is over?
“She already knew she’d miss him when he left. And he would leave. Just like last time. Only for some reason, she was terrified this would be worse. In high school he’d broken off a piece of her heart. If he left now? He just might take it all.”
“She cared. And for her? That was huge. Because she’d spent the better part of her life trying not to care for anyone or anything. Because it hurt too much when they were gone.”
I really couldn’t stop reading this. These two just burrowed right into my heart. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, The Bachelor Contract, and find out Brant’s story. You can read these as stand alones but take a look at the first book in the series. Then you can meet all of the brothers. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.
Bentley Wellington is one of a set of twins. Bentley, his twin Brant, and older brother Brock, whom we met in the first book, lost their parents when they were young. They were raised by their Grandfather, CEO of Wellington, Inc. When they were teenagers, Bentley and Margot were inseparable best friends. Bentley might have been secretly a little bit in love with Margot but she deserved better than him. He was damaged. To dull his pain, he slept his way through any available women. But it was Margot he relied on, Margot he spent all of his free time with. Until something happened and Margot needed him more than any other time. And he didn’t go to her. He couldn’t go to her. He abandoned her.
Margot McCleery was in love with Bentley, her best friend, when she was sixteen years old. Margot was a book nerd. She always had her nose in a book. Bentley was the only one that really saw her and accepted her. Then one day everything changed. Something tragic happened and her world was changed. She needed Bentley and he never came. She never heard a word from him. She was all alone.
Now ten years later, Margot is an accomplished author of historical romance novels. But she rarely leaves her home. She doesn’t even go outside on her own grounds. She doesn’t deserve it. She doesn’t deserve the sun or the wind on her face. So she stays indoors and writes. But then her ex-best friend, Bentley, was bought and paid for at the bachelor auction by her grandmother. And now he is at her door with his suitcase.
“Worst-case scenario, he was going to somehow find a way to weasel himself into her life and then leave her. Because that was what people did-they left.”
Bentley is told that if he stays at Margot’s house for a full month and accomplishes certain items on a list he is given, his grandfather will give him a job as marketing vp in his company. How can he face her after all these years, after what he did to her? This Margot isn’t the one he remembers from ten years ago. This one is angry, cynical. He will never be able to win her trust again. Is the old Margot still in there anywhere?
As Bentley and Margot spend time together, they each finally begin to let down their walls, and little by little, truths are revealed. Not only does Margot have to forgive Bentley, they both need to forgive themselves, in order to move on.
“For the first time since he arrived-she wanted him to argue, she wanted him to push past the barriers she’d thrown between them. Because Bentley had done the impossible. He made a half…feel like a whole.”
I loved this book. These two were in so much pain. Somehow, they filled in the emptiness in each other. They made each other forget the darkness that plagued them. They made each other laugh. But what happens when the month is over?
“She already knew she’d miss him when he left. And he would leave. Just like last time. Only for some reason, she was terrified this would be worse. In high school he’d broken off a piece of her heart. If he left now? He just might take it all.”
“She cared. And for her? That was huge. Because she’d spent the better part of her life trying not to care for anyone or anything. Because it hurt too much when they were gone.”
I really couldn’t stop reading this. These two just burrowed right into my heart. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series, The Bachelor Contract, and find out Brant’s story. You can read these as stand alones but take a look at the first book in the series. Then you can meet all of the brothers. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.
April 28, 2017
I hate when I read a book that everyone else seems to love and I just scratch my head and try to figure out why? I'm sitting all by myself in the shame corner.
Bentley gets 'bought' by a grandmother at a bachelor charity auction. Then he finds out that Grandma bought him for her granddaughter. Who happened to be his best friend (both secretly had crushes on each other) that he no longer has any contact with. Why? Because she was in a horrible accident that killed both her parents and left her pretty wrecked. *major props to the author for how she handled this*
Bentley shows up at her (Margot) house for the weekend. Then he finds out that it's not for the weekend thanks to their sneaky grandparents..it's for thirty days. He even has a list that has to be accomplished.
Margot just wants him gone..
He left her at the most horrible time in her life and hasn't contacted her since. He is a total sucky best friend. Not that she has been the bestest either.
They both have trust issues..big time.
They both also came across as whiny as heck. I KNOW life had beat them down so don't go trolling me. I can't help I didn't much care for either of them. (Plus Bentley's man whoring at the beginning was WAY over the top.)
I think reading this one wrong is probably all on me. I tend to stay away from the angsty, mushy romancy pornos.
I'm more of a raunchy, make them laugh and just bang all the time kinda girl. #Sorrynotsorry.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
Bentley gets 'bought' by a grandmother at a bachelor charity auction. Then he finds out that Grandma bought him for her granddaughter. Who happened to be his best friend (both secretly had crushes on each other) that he no longer has any contact with. Why? Because she was in a horrible accident that killed both her parents and left her pretty wrecked. *major props to the author for how she handled this*
Bentley shows up at her (Margot) house for the weekend. Then he finds out that it's not for the weekend thanks to their sneaky grandparents..it's for thirty days. He even has a list that has to be accomplished.
Margot just wants him gone..
He left her at the most horrible time in her life and hasn't contacted her since. He is a total sucky best friend. Not that she has been the bestest either.
They both have trust issues..big time.
They both also came across as whiny as heck. I KNOW life had beat them down so don't go trolling me. I can't help I didn't much care for either of them. (Plus Bentley's man whoring at the beginning was WAY over the top.)
I think reading this one wrong is probably all on me. I tend to stay away from the angsty, mushy romancy pornos.
I'm more of a raunchy, make them laugh and just bang all the time kinda girl. #Sorrynotsorry.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
August 29, 2017
Paperback now LIVE!
Amazon * iBooks * Nook
Excerpt and Giveaway HERE.
The Playboy Bachelor is Rachel Van Dyken's second release in her contemporary series, The Bachelor's of Arizona. It follows Bentley Wellington as he meets up with an old friend, who just happens to hate his guts now. To Margot McCleery, Bentley was the guy that left her when she needed him most, but now that he's back in her life secrets start to surface and they're both faced with the possibility that they wasted many years apart that they could have been together.
I'm pretty sure it's impossible for me to have a favorite RVD book since I love so many of them but this is definitely one of my favorites. I loved Margot and Bentley and how they came together to work out their problems. Theirs was definitely not an easy relationship but that's what made it so great to read about. Even through the tough times they always found their way back to each other and it was definitely swoon worthy.
This book brought out all of my emotions making this one crazy roller coaster ride of book. We got to see the happy times between these characters, the sad, the funny, and of course the sweet romantic ones. I adore how RVD can bring her characters alive for me and make me feel every emotion they do. It's one of the reasons I'll read anything she writes and call her one of my favorite authors.
This book is a must read and a huge recommended read from me. If you're a fan of second chance love stories I urge you to pick this one up. It can be read as a standalone with no problem, but I definitely recommend the first book since it's just as good. And I'm already dying to read the next book so I hope I can get my hands on that soon.
Amazon * iBooks * Nook
Excerpt and Giveaway HERE.
The Playboy Bachelor is Rachel Van Dyken's second release in her contemporary series, The Bachelor's of Arizona. It follows Bentley Wellington as he meets up with an old friend, who just happens to hate his guts now. To Margot McCleery, Bentley was the guy that left her when she needed him most, but now that he's back in her life secrets start to surface and they're both faced with the possibility that they wasted many years apart that they could have been together.
I'm pretty sure it's impossible for me to have a favorite RVD book since I love so many of them but this is definitely one of my favorites. I loved Margot and Bentley and how they came together to work out their problems. Theirs was definitely not an easy relationship but that's what made it so great to read about. Even through the tough times they always found their way back to each other and it was definitely swoon worthy.
This book brought out all of my emotions making this one crazy roller coaster ride of book. We got to see the happy times between these characters, the sad, the funny, and of course the sweet romantic ones. I adore how RVD can bring her characters alive for me and make me feel every emotion they do. It's one of the reasons I'll read anything she writes and call her one of my favorite authors.
This book is a must read and a huge recommended read from me. If you're a fan of second chance love stories I urge you to pick this one up. It can be read as a standalone with no problem, but I definitely recommend the first book since it's just as good. And I'm already dying to read the next book so I hope I can get my hands on that soon.
April 25, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
After reading Hate F*@k at the end of the week (in front of a bunch of little leaguers’ parents even because I am the epitome of class), I definitely had a . . . . taste for something and . . . .
However, I try to only let myself fall completely down the porny rabbit hole a couple of times a year and decided I would read one of my million library books instead. When I got word that the kid would be playing at O Dark Thirty (and in B.F.E. to boot) on Sunday morning I gave myself a reprieve from freezing my ass off for the third day in a row and decided to celebrate my newly acquired alone time by watching a movie. And what should just so happen to be on at 6:00 a.m. on the holy day? Magic Mike XXL! I was like “we’ve got a lot of starving faithful – that looks tasty – that looks plenty – this is hungry work – TAKE ME TO CHURCH!!!”
Turns out this one wasn’t quite as freakalicious as Hate F*@k, but since I was still riding quite a high from . . . . .
It ended up still being pretty satisfactory.
The story here is of Bentley and Margot. Back in high school the two were besties for the resties. She pined for him, he . . . well, he kinda banged the whole cheerleading squad. Then something [superbad – not sure how much of this would be a spoiler so we’ll just leave it as is] happened – leading to another superbad and you know how these books go – the two never bothered to talk anything out and all the feelings remained hurt and yada yada. Fastforward to the present where we’ve just wrapped up The Bachelor Auction that left Bentley sold to an old granny. Turns out the granny was actually working as a double-agent with the end goal of getting Bentley and Margot back together again. Things being convoluted as they are in the land of romance, there’s also a sidestory about a job promotion should Bentley complete his task which of course will eventually lead to more confusion and hurt feelings and additional yada yada. Buuuuuuuuuuuut, there is smexytimes stuff around the halfway point and that’s really all we’re here for anyway, amiright or amiright?????
#sploosh
If you’re interested in an angsty romance (and one with pretty legit angst, not just bullshit that makes you eyeroll), this might be a winner. I have confessed my girl crush on Rachel Van Dyken a time or twelve before, so it should be pretty obvious by now that I’ll read pretty much anything she writes – even if they don’t always work for me. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this one more than the first in the series because I usually start screaming “JUST FUCKING TALK ALREADY” at my Kindle when there’s too much drama llama. The only minor complaints I have are as follows:
She was a hot redhead because OF COURSE SHE FUCKING WAS . . . .
Enough with the hot redheads. They are as hard to come by as a Unicorn Frappucino.
The other gripe? In The Bachelor Auction Bentley was described as . . . .
“He was about an inch shorter than Brock, but had the same perfect auburn hair.”
In this book we’re told that . . . .
“Shots of caramel mixed in with the nearly black tresses.”
Uhhhhhhhh??????
But once again, didn’t really matter to me because Magic Mike XXL viewing and any description that makes me think of Matt Boner . . . errrr Bomer . . . . is a good description . . . .
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
After reading Hate F*@k at the end of the week (in front of a bunch of little leaguers’ parents even because I am the epitome of class), I definitely had a . . . . taste for something and . . . .
However, I try to only let myself fall completely down the porny rabbit hole a couple of times a year and decided I would read one of my million library books instead. When I got word that the kid would be playing at O Dark Thirty (and in B.F.E. to boot) on Sunday morning I gave myself a reprieve from freezing my ass off for the third day in a row and decided to celebrate my newly acquired alone time by watching a movie. And what should just so happen to be on at 6:00 a.m. on the holy day? Magic Mike XXL! I was like “we’ve got a lot of starving faithful – that looks tasty – that looks plenty – this is hungry work – TAKE ME TO CHURCH!!!”
Turns out this one wasn’t quite as freakalicious as Hate F*@k, but since I was still riding quite a high from . . . . .
It ended up still being pretty satisfactory.
The story here is of Bentley and Margot. Back in high school the two were besties for the resties. She pined for him, he . . . well, he kinda banged the whole cheerleading squad. Then something [superbad – not sure how much of this would be a spoiler so we’ll just leave it as is] happened – leading to another superbad and you know how these books go – the two never bothered to talk anything out and all the feelings remained hurt and yada yada. Fastforward to the present where we’ve just wrapped up The Bachelor Auction that left Bentley sold to an old granny. Turns out the granny was actually working as a double-agent with the end goal of getting Bentley and Margot back together again. Things being convoluted as they are in the land of romance, there’s also a sidestory about a job promotion should Bentley complete his task which of course will eventually lead to more confusion and hurt feelings and additional yada yada. Buuuuuuuuuuuut, there is smexytimes stuff around the halfway point and that’s really all we’re here for anyway, amiright or amiright?????
#sploosh
If you’re interested in an angsty romance (and one with pretty legit angst, not just bullshit that makes you eyeroll), this might be a winner. I have confessed my girl crush on Rachel Van Dyken a time or twelve before, so it should be pretty obvious by now that I’ll read pretty much anything she writes – even if they don’t always work for me. I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this one more than the first in the series because I usually start screaming “JUST FUCKING TALK ALREADY” at my Kindle when there’s too much drama llama. The only minor complaints I have are as follows:
She was a hot redhead because OF COURSE SHE FUCKING WAS . . . .
Enough with the hot redheads. They are as hard to come by as a Unicorn Frappucino.
The other gripe? In The Bachelor Auction Bentley was described as . . . .
“He was about an inch shorter than Brock, but had the same perfect auburn hair.”
In this book we’re told that . . . .
“Shots of caramel mixed in with the nearly black tresses.”
Uhhhhhhhh??????
But once again, didn’t really matter to me because Magic Mike XXL viewing and any description that makes me think of Matt Boner . . . errrr Bomer . . . . is a good description . . . .
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
March 6, 2021
Sweet, touching and fun from beginning to end. It has all the feels that kept me flipping pages while smiling and swooning.
I just can’t get enough of Rachel Van Dyken and her seemingly unredeemable heroes. The Playboy Bachelor wasn’t the over the top hilarious read I was expecting but rather a sweet, addicting and emotional romance where longing and regret collide.
Historical Romance Writer Margo McCleery wanted nothing more than to continue with her secluded life away from everyone. Tired of seeing her wasting away alone, her goodhearted yet meddling grandmother buys her man. He’s not just any man, he’s hot. He’s rich. He’s a man-whore jackass. He’s Margot’s ex-best friend and high school crush who abandoned her when she needed him the most.
Bentley Wellington wants to be VP of Marketing in his family’s business. But there’s a catch, only his grandfather can give him the job and the conditions to get it may be well beyond his reach. He must coax the one woman who can’t stand to see him into to the land of the living with flowers and compliments, in other words with romance something he know nothing of. As he slowly starts to get his best friend back, he also realizes that “just friends” will never be enough. Can he convince her to trust him again?
I was drawn in right from the start and could feel Margot’s heartache, pain and loss after her accident. I could also sense that there was so much more behind Bentley’s damaging behavior. The trust that once existed now has to be regained. Friendship and love had been felt and it now has to be rebuilt.
Rachel Van Dyken has a wonderful ability to take you on a fun and enjoyable ride in which not only does the hero prove he can be prince charming, but also where the heroine is able to find herself. A ride full of the feels with sweet and honest moments, some deliciously sexy and romantic.
I just loved, LOVED, the meddling grandparents and can’t wait to see what grandpa Wellington has in store for Brant! I have a feeling we’re going to get more of those feels in that one.
The Playboy Bachelor is book #2 in the The Bachelors of Arizona series by author Rachel Van Dyken. This is a standalone full length contemporary romance novel, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2p601aB
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
I just can’t get enough of Rachel Van Dyken and her seemingly unredeemable heroes. The Playboy Bachelor wasn’t the over the top hilarious read I was expecting but rather a sweet, addicting and emotional romance where longing and regret collide.
Historical Romance Writer Margo McCleery wanted nothing more than to continue with her secluded life away from everyone. Tired of seeing her wasting away alone, her goodhearted yet meddling grandmother buys her man. He’s not just any man, he’s hot. He’s rich. He’s a man-whore jackass. He’s Margot’s ex-best friend and high school crush who abandoned her when she needed him the most.
Bentley Wellington wants to be VP of Marketing in his family’s business. But there’s a catch, only his grandfather can give him the job and the conditions to get it may be well beyond his reach. He must coax the one woman who can’t stand to see him into to the land of the living with flowers and compliments, in other words with romance something he know nothing of. As he slowly starts to get his best friend back, he also realizes that “just friends” will never be enough. Can he convince her to trust him again?
"Besides, I bet you always wanted me as a roommate… think of all the benefits. I can wash your back in the shower, scratch any… itches you may have—”
I was drawn in right from the start and could feel Margot’s heartache, pain and loss after her accident. I could also sense that there was so much more behind Bentley’s damaging behavior. The trust that once existed now has to be regained. Friendship and love had been felt and it now has to be rebuilt.
“Bentley wished he was that guy, the one that was deserving of the look she was giving him right that minute—be he wasn’t the hero, he’d never been the hero.
He proved that when he left her.”
Rachel Van Dyken has a wonderful ability to take you on a fun and enjoyable ride in which not only does the hero prove he can be prince charming, but also where the heroine is able to find herself. A ride full of the feels with sweet and honest moments, some deliciously sexy and romantic.
I just loved, LOVED, the meddling grandparents and can’t wait to see what grandpa Wellington has in store for Brant! I have a feeling we’re going to get more of those feels in that one.
The Playboy Bachelor is book #2 in the The Bachelors of Arizona series by author Rachel Van Dyken. This is a standalone full length contemporary romance novel, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2p601aB
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
December 30, 2017
review to come
February 15, 2018
Review to come!
April 14, 2017
3 stars
This book left me craving for more. I've read a few books by this author and somehow always end up feeling like something was lacking....and i think i've finally found it. The conversation scenes (especially angsty ones) are 'breezed over'. There is so much potential to be gut wrenching but it somehow seems light, with no punch. This book annoyed me with the amount of push and pull, i mean, come on..have that conversation already! I liked it till about the 50% when it just started dragging all because they refused to communicate! If you love the girl enough CHASE her... not 'give up' and use your manwhore status as an excuse. There were so many moments i loved Brantley and was sure he was going to fight for Margot but he disappointed me every.damn.time! Urghhhhh!
This book left me craving for more. I've read a few books by this author and somehow always end up feeling like something was lacking....and i think i've finally found it. The conversation scenes (especially angsty ones) are 'breezed over'. There is so much potential to be gut wrenching but it somehow seems light, with no punch. This book annoyed me with the amount of push and pull, i mean, come on..have that conversation already! I liked it till about the 50% when it just started dragging all because they refused to communicate! If you love the girl enough CHASE her... not 'give up' and use your manwhore status as an excuse. There were so many moments i loved Brantley and was sure he was going to fight for Margot but he disappointed me every.damn.time! Urghhhhh!
April 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
This book was a perfect surprise! It was definitely not what I expected, but I love it when an author can surprise her readers! When Bentley Wellington was first introduced in the Bachelor Auction, the first book in the Bachelors of Arizona series, he was the hilarious and nosy brother, the devil-may-care playboy. And, of course, he is all that, but also so much more! And you can’t help but love him!
Bentley Wellington and Margot McCleery are the scions of prominent and wealthy families. They were best friends in high school, until a terrible accident changed everything. Margot lost her parents and was severely injured. And Bentley just walked out of her life, abandoning her when she most needed him. She thought she would never see him again, but that was without counting on the obstinacy of their matchmaking grandparents.
To please his grandfather, Bentley has accepted to allow women to bid on him in a bachelor auction set up to fund cancer research. Margot’s grandmother has won the auction, and her reluctant granddaughter will have the privilege of living with Bentley for a whole month!
Margot is lonely and hides herself from the world, she is a prisoner in her own house. She is a popular romance writer and her fictional characters are her life companions. She is broken by her feelings of guilt, her emotional and physical scars. I really felt for her. Even though Bentley has been coerced into reconnecting with her, he intends to make the best of it. Margot is abrasive, though, constantly challenging him and holding no punches. I enjoyed their interactions, their witty banter, the dynamics between them was so much fun! As it happens, Bentley has a big heart, but he manages to hide it and keeps his emotions at bay. He is totally flawed, obviously, but he cares deeply for Margot. I loved how these characters grew as the story unfolded, they truly are each other’s game changer.
The Playboy Bachelor is a story of second chance, of growing beyond your past and allowing yourself to be loved. Bentley and Margot’s story was a little piece of reader’s heaven, heartwarming, uplifting and touching, but it’s no fairy tale. Rachel Van Dyken’s storytelling is brutally honest at times, but always with the right balance between emotions, angst and humor. This book is the second installment in the Bachelors of Arizona series, but both books are complete standalones. The next book will feature Brant, Bentley’s twin brother.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.
This book was a perfect surprise! It was definitely not what I expected, but I love it when an author can surprise her readers! When Bentley Wellington was first introduced in the Bachelor Auction, the first book in the Bachelors of Arizona series, he was the hilarious and nosy brother, the devil-may-care playboy. And, of course, he is all that, but also so much more! And you can’t help but love him!
Bentley Wellington and Margot McCleery are the scions of prominent and wealthy families. They were best friends in high school, until a terrible accident changed everything. Margot lost her parents and was severely injured. And Bentley just walked out of her life, abandoning her when she most needed him. She thought she would never see him again, but that was without counting on the obstinacy of their matchmaking grandparents.
To please his grandfather, Bentley has accepted to allow women to bid on him in a bachelor auction set up to fund cancer research. Margot’s grandmother has won the auction, and her reluctant granddaughter will have the privilege of living with Bentley for a whole month!
Margot is lonely and hides herself from the world, she is a prisoner in her own house. She is a popular romance writer and her fictional characters are her life companions. She is broken by her feelings of guilt, her emotional and physical scars. I really felt for her. Even though Bentley has been coerced into reconnecting with her, he intends to make the best of it. Margot is abrasive, though, constantly challenging him and holding no punches. I enjoyed their interactions, their witty banter, the dynamics between them was so much fun! As it happens, Bentley has a big heart, but he manages to hide it and keeps his emotions at bay. He is totally flawed, obviously, but he cares deeply for Margot. I loved how these characters grew as the story unfolded, they truly are each other’s game changer.
The Playboy Bachelor is a story of second chance, of growing beyond your past and allowing yourself to be loved. Bentley and Margot’s story was a little piece of reader’s heaven, heartwarming, uplifting and touching, but it’s no fairy tale. Rachel Van Dyken’s storytelling is brutally honest at times, but always with the right balance between emotions, angst and humor. This book is the second installment in the Bachelors of Arizona series, but both books are complete standalones. The next book will feature Brant, Bentley’s twin brother.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley.
July 30, 2017
High Angst Alert - They had been best friends forever, but it took only one split second and a freak accident to shatter the bonds they had and neither would/could reach out to the other to share their pain. Years have passed, and a charity bachelor auction will force them back together, under one roof for one weekend. Two hearts, deep secrets and a love that was never acknowledged.
Margot was devastated by what she lost that day in the crash that changed her life forever. The one person she wished to see never came, he left her alone in that sterile hospital room and now the last person she ever wanted to darken her doorstep was hers, for a limited time. What level of Hell has she been dropped into? Why would her grandmother bid on one of the hottest man-whores around, the man who crushed Margot’s soul as easily as the crash had crushed her body?
Bentley only allowed himself to be bid on for his brother’s sake. Just goes to prove that no good deed goes unpunished. Years before he lost his best friend, who just disappeared off the face of the earth just when he needed her most. Now he was supposed to be “hers” for a weekend…until he discovered “the catch” his meddling grandfather dangled in his face…a month? A month of Margot? Off-limits Margot? Margot the Ice queen? What happened to the warm girl he could always count on?
Well, Rachel Van Dyken certainly changed up the romance for this Wellington man! A little darker, a little grittier, and a lot more secrets and pain to overcome. Sure, there is that signature Van Dyken humor sprinkled in, but whoa, can you say, “Lack of Communication?” “Wasted time?” Why not add a little, “I’m not reaching out, first….” to this tale of friends to strangers to lovers?
Ms. Van Dyken has created two characters that are so flawed, so deeply hurt and damaged, it is painful to read at times, but and yes, there is a but…I wanted to thrash them both for failing the true friend test when times got tough. That is the sign of an author who breathes life into their characters! But, the senior cupids playing with lives in the background? Priceless!
I received this copy from Forever in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Bachelors of Arizona - Book 2
Publisher: Forever (April 11, 2017)
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 264 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Margot was devastated by what she lost that day in the crash that changed her life forever. The one person she wished to see never came, he left her alone in that sterile hospital room and now the last person she ever wanted to darken her doorstep was hers, for a limited time. What level of Hell has she been dropped into? Why would her grandmother bid on one of the hottest man-whores around, the man who crushed Margot’s soul as easily as the crash had crushed her body?
Bentley only allowed himself to be bid on for his brother’s sake. Just goes to prove that no good deed goes unpunished. Years before he lost his best friend, who just disappeared off the face of the earth just when he needed her most. Now he was supposed to be “hers” for a weekend…until he discovered “the catch” his meddling grandfather dangled in his face…a month? A month of Margot? Off-limits Margot? Margot the Ice queen? What happened to the warm girl he could always count on?
Well, Rachel Van Dyken certainly changed up the romance for this Wellington man! A little darker, a little grittier, and a lot more secrets and pain to overcome. Sure, there is that signature Van Dyken humor sprinkled in, but whoa, can you say, “Lack of Communication?” “Wasted time?” Why not add a little, “I’m not reaching out, first….” to this tale of friends to strangers to lovers?
Ms. Van Dyken has created two characters that are so flawed, so deeply hurt and damaged, it is painful to read at times, but and yes, there is a but…I wanted to thrash them both for failing the true friend test when times got tough. That is the sign of an author who breathes life into their characters! But, the senior cupids playing with lives in the background? Priceless!
I received this copy from Forever in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Bachelors of Arizona - Book 2
Publisher: Forever (April 11, 2017)
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 264 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 11, 2017
2.5 I'm torn but gonna round up stars.
Before I get into the book I need to ask one question....Can an author please write a book where the manwhore Hero acknowledges hes not happy or has past regrets and does something about it himself?? Can we have a book where he takes the initiative to right the wrong instead of being forced to do so??
With that being said...I'm really torn on this book. I wanted to like Brantley and I wanted him to redeem himself for his current lifestyle (total MANWHORE!) and his past mistakes when it came to Margot but I can only give him a 60/40 split. He had to fight to get Margot to even speak to him so I give him credit there and he states that he's always loved her, never felt good enough for her, and had anxiety over losing her YET he never chased her until he was forced to. Plus he used the old manwhore excuse we all know and love..."I buried my feeling in alcohol and women so I could cope...blah blah blah."AND he was very proud of his manwhore ways. He saw no problem in sleeping with a different woman every night or married women. Throughout the book he never loss any of that pride either...and his past was brought up A LOT!
He had an excuse for everything and I found them to be lacking. He was her best friend in high school BUT never pursued anything physical with her even though he wanted to. He distracted the mean girls from her by having sex with them...seriously! When Margot was in her accident and needed him...he tried to kill himself because HE couldn't handle that she almost died. He left her and never bothered to look her up or check on her - again..she was his BEST FRIEND!! - in 10 years. It took him being forced and a job opportunity/chance to prove himself to his grandfather for him to go to Margot...hell, the morning he was suppose to go meet her he was having sex with OW - warning that OW scene is the first thing you read in chapter 1.
The only thing that saved him for me is that I do feel that he genuinely care for Margot. Yes, he treated her and abandoned her but I do believe he cared.
Margot...well, Margot was a hurt lost little girl who after the tragic that changed her life lost everything. She did what most of us would do...she closed herself off. Did she allow her fear to control her yes BUT considering the situation I don't find it unreasonable that she would feel or act that way. I liked Margot and while she did let her fear rule her I still felt like she was somewhat of a strong character.
I liked that she didn't back down from Bentley. When he was an ass to her she was an ass to him right back. She didn't just roll over and say "Its ok that you abandoned me". She made him fully aware of how much he hurt her.
However, their physical relationship to me felt off. I didn't buy that the mega manwhore that Bentley was written as - seriously ya'll...mega mega manwhore! - was so hurt over the fact that she treated him like what he was - a manwhore you only used women. She told him it was only sex, he agreed, and then got mad when she made it only sex. The "oh, but its different with her" excuse just pissed me off. I also didn't like how once they were physical it was hard for Margot to be strong - yes, she became "weak" when he looked at her or touched her in "that way".
I also didn't like how Margot apologized more than Brantley and she forgave him way to easy for my liking. When the real reason behind Brantley being with Margot was revealed I think she spent a total of 2 or 3 hours mad and then just went on. There should have been a major confrontation and he should have begged for her forgiveness but nope...she was just "over it" and went on.
Ultimately, they did get their HEA but it took Brantley leaving and then being practically forced to go after her (again) for them to get there. Margot apologized some more and Brantley was arrogant.
The stars are for the fact that I liked Margot and Brantley. I wanted to LOVE them but they just didn't make. RVD's writing was good with little to no errors and like I said above to was able to feel/believe that Brantley did love Margot - I just wish he would have shown it more in his actions and not let her go so easily.
Before I get into the book I need to ask one question....Can an author please write a book where the manwhore Hero acknowledges hes not happy or has past regrets and does something about it himself?? Can we have a book where he takes the initiative to right the wrong instead of being forced to do so??
With that being said...I'm really torn on this book. I wanted to like Brantley and I wanted him to redeem himself for his current lifestyle (total MANWHORE!) and his past mistakes when it came to Margot but I can only give him a 60/40 split. He had to fight to get Margot to even speak to him so I give him credit there and he states that he's always loved her, never felt good enough for her, and had anxiety over losing her YET he never chased her until he was forced to. Plus he used the old manwhore excuse we all know and love..."I buried my feeling in alcohol and women so I could cope...blah blah blah."AND he was very proud of his manwhore ways. He saw no problem in sleeping with a different woman every night or married women. Throughout the book he never loss any of that pride either...and his past was brought up A LOT!
He had an excuse for everything and I found them to be lacking. He was her best friend in high school BUT never pursued anything physical with her even though he wanted to. He distracted the mean girls from her by having sex with them...seriously! When Margot was in her accident and needed him...he tried to kill himself because HE couldn't handle that she almost died. He left her and never bothered to look her up or check on her - again..she was his BEST FRIEND!! - in 10 years. It took him being forced and a job opportunity/chance to prove himself to his grandfather for him to go to Margot...hell, the morning he was suppose to go meet her he was having sex with OW - warning that OW scene is the first thing you read in chapter 1.
The only thing that saved him for me is that I do feel that he genuinely care for Margot. Yes, he treated her and abandoned her but I do believe he cared.
Margot...well, Margot was a hurt lost little girl who after the tragic that changed her life lost everything. She did what most of us would do...she closed herself off. Did she allow her fear to control her yes BUT considering the situation I don't find it unreasonable that she would feel or act that way. I liked Margot and while she did let her fear rule her I still felt like she was somewhat of a strong character.
I liked that she didn't back down from Bentley. When he was an ass to her she was an ass to him right back. She didn't just roll over and say "Its ok that you abandoned me". She made him fully aware of how much he hurt her.
However, their physical relationship to me felt off. I didn't buy that the mega manwhore that Bentley was written as - seriously ya'll...mega mega manwhore! - was so hurt over the fact that she treated him like what he was - a manwhore you only used women. She told him it was only sex, he agreed, and then got mad when she made it only sex. The "oh, but its different with her" excuse just pissed me off. I also didn't like how once they were physical it was hard for Margot to be strong - yes, she became "weak" when he looked at her or touched her in "that way".
I also didn't like how Margot apologized more than Brantley and she forgave him way to easy for my liking. When the real reason behind Brantley being with Margot was revealed I think she spent a total of 2 or 3 hours mad and then just went on. There should have been a major confrontation and he should have begged for her forgiveness but nope...she was just "over it" and went on.
Ultimately, they did get their HEA but it took Brantley leaving and then being practically forced to go after her (again) for them to get there. Margot apologized some more and Brantley was arrogant.
The stars are for the fact that I liked Margot and Brantley. I wanted to LOVE them but they just didn't make. RVD's writing was good with little to no errors and like I said above to was able to feel/believe that Brantley did love Margot - I just wish he would have shown it more in his actions and not let her go so easily.
April 27, 2017
Loved it! I love Rachel's books. Oh, and I love Rachel too. ;)
May 1, 2017
This is Brantley and Margot's story in The Bachelors of Arizona series. This one sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down. I had a different expectation of how this was gonna be. I loved both of the characters. They both had been through very traumatic experiences in their lives. They both had lost their parents and were super close with their grandparents who stepped in after their parents had passed.
I really loved how the grandparents plotted to make their grandkids happy. Margot had locked herself inside of her mansion after the traumatic accident where she lost both parents. She pushed everyone out of her life and never left her house. Brantley had loved Margot even back when they were in high school. But did something incredibly stupid and lost her. Now he has a lot to prove to make her love him after she has lost all faith in him.
I don't wanna give to many details because that would totally spoil this book. And I think this was a great read for anyone looking for a cute and sexy read.
The author did a wonderful job in leading into the next book also. I can't wait to read Brock's story. I'm definitely adding her to my fav authors list.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
I really loved how the grandparents plotted to make their grandkids happy. Margot had locked herself inside of her mansion after the traumatic accident where she lost both parents. She pushed everyone out of her life and never left her house. Brantley had loved Margot even back when they were in high school. But did something incredibly stupid and lost her. Now he has a lot to prove to make her love him after she has lost all faith in him.
I don't wanna give to many details because that would totally spoil this book. And I think this was a great read for anyone looking for a cute and sexy read.
The author did a wonderful job in leading into the next book also. I can't wait to read Brock's story. I'm definitely adding her to my fav authors list.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
Sooooooo....I hate to say this, but I quite torn on this book. And I really think it's just bad timing on my part because I am finding myself completely bored lately with anything I read. Yes- it's a fucking tragedy for this book nerd and I hate it. Get me out this hellish place where I can't find myself getting totally enamored by any books!!!
Oh right, back to the back. As I said, I am torn on this one. I love the first book in this series. So I was excited to see what would happen to the next brother, Bentley in The Playboy Bachelor.
Margot and Bentley used to best friends. Then a horrible event happens, followed immediately by another horrific event, which leaves these two to abandon their friendship and never talk again. Fast forward to now, where Bentley is auctioned off at Bachelor Charity and is bought by Margot's grandmother. Unbeknownst to either of them, Grandma Nadine has a few things up her sleeve.
Margot has been a recluse and shut-in since the life changing event. But she has still been able to move forward in ways with her life. She has become a best-selling author with her romance books and seems to be fine with life as is. Until she learns that Bentley will be coming to her home for an entire weekend.
But once the weekend fun starts, Bentley finds out it's for more and accidentally drops that new tidbit on Margot. After that - it's these two getting along one minute and the next minute ready to tear the other one in half. This is where I found myself going, "can you just fuck and get it over with already." And they do, finally, but damn it took too long (for this reader) for them to get there. They both came across as annoying with their issues (yes, I know they both went through some huge shit), but after that many years, you'd think they'd have grown up a bit and be able to talk about there issues like adults and move on.
Overall, it was just ok for me. And I hate to say that because I love RVD and I will read anything she writes. Again, it mosts likely bad timing and all that horse shit, so if the book sounds interesting to you, I say go for it. Because more than likely, you'll love it.
Sooooooo....I hate to say this, but I quite torn on this book. And I really think it's just bad timing on my part because I am finding myself completely bored lately with anything I read. Yes- it's a fucking tragedy for this book nerd and I hate it. Get me out this hellish place where I can't find myself getting totally enamored by any books!!!
Oh right, back to the back. As I said, I am torn on this one. I love the first book in this series. So I was excited to see what would happen to the next brother, Bentley in The Playboy Bachelor.
Margot and Bentley used to best friends. Then a horrible event happens, followed immediately by another horrific event, which leaves these two to abandon their friendship and never talk again. Fast forward to now, where Bentley is auctioned off at Bachelor Charity and is bought by Margot's grandmother. Unbeknownst to either of them, Grandma Nadine has a few things up her sleeve.
Margot has been a recluse and shut-in since the life changing event. But she has still been able to move forward in ways with her life. She has become a best-selling author with her romance books and seems to be fine with life as is. Until she learns that Bentley will be coming to her home for an entire weekend.
But once the weekend fun starts, Bentley finds out it's for more and accidentally drops that new tidbit on Margot. After that - it's these two getting along one minute and the next minute ready to tear the other one in half. This is where I found myself going, "can you just fuck and get it over with already." And they do, finally, but damn it took too long (for this reader) for them to get there. They both came across as annoying with their issues (yes, I know they both went through some huge shit), but after that many years, you'd think they'd have grown up a bit and be able to talk about there issues like adults and move on.
Overall, it was just ok for me. And I hate to say that because I love RVD and I will read anything she writes. Again, it mosts likely bad timing and all that horse shit, so if the book sounds interesting to you, I say go for it. Because more than likely, you'll love it.
April 18, 2017
I had so much fun reading this. Incredibly entertaining and sexy! I was smiling like a crazy person the majority the time. Loved this so much!
Bentley and Margot's story was so awesome and I was so excited while reading it. It started off with a bang and I was all in. I loved the storyline, the development, and the emotion (so much emotion!). I loved their verbal sparring and enjoyed their building heat. Let’s not forget the funny… because it had just the right amount of humor. Bentley and Margot were great characters, both so locked into past pain, scarred from past events and working through issues. I loved learning all their ins and outs and just enjoyed their drama even though some of it was rather heartbreaking. Honestly though, the entertainment factor was super high and I just had a fun time reading it. It was filled with so many sweet, sexy moments as well. I enjoyed it all.
I loved the added mix of Bentley’s brothers and their meddling grandfather (he’s rather priceless). There were just so many moments and things that made me smile. I am super excited for Brant’s story next and loved the insight learned about him. These boys with their problems but so full of heart. Is it twisted that I love watching them break down and be built back up? It makes for seriously awesome stories.
The writing was great. It was a fast paced read and I couldn't put it down. It had great details and an excellent pace and I enjoyed the build, the drama, the sexy, the fun... all of it. If you want fun - seriously high in the entertainment value department - with a good mix of sexy and emotion, then this is it! Everything about this put a smile on my face. Excellent read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Bentley and Margot's story was so awesome and I was so excited while reading it. It started off with a bang and I was all in. I loved the storyline, the development, and the emotion (so much emotion!). I loved their verbal sparring and enjoyed their building heat. Let’s not forget the funny… because it had just the right amount of humor. Bentley and Margot were great characters, both so locked into past pain, scarred from past events and working through issues. I loved learning all their ins and outs and just enjoyed their drama even though some of it was rather heartbreaking. Honestly though, the entertainment factor was super high and I just had a fun time reading it. It was filled with so many sweet, sexy moments as well. I enjoyed it all.
I loved the added mix of Bentley’s brothers and their meddling grandfather (he’s rather priceless). There were just so many moments and things that made me smile. I am super excited for Brant’s story next and loved the insight learned about him. These boys with their problems but so full of heart. Is it twisted that I love watching them break down and be built back up? It makes for seriously awesome stories.
The writing was great. It was a fast paced read and I couldn't put it down. It had great details and an excellent pace and I enjoyed the build, the drama, the sexy, the fun... all of it. If you want fun - seriously high in the entertainment value department - with a good mix of sexy and emotion, then this is it! Everything about this put a smile on my face. Excellent read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
April 14, 2017
Great read
This is a great second chance read. It's well written with a different type of synopsis and a twist in the end....
This is a great second chance read. It's well written with a different type of synopsis and a twist in the end....
April 12, 2017
**The Playboy Bachelor generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "Do you need a little romance in your life?" Stars
This was a lovely second chance romance story from Rachel Van Dyken. It's second in a series of what I'm assuming are stand-alone's since I did not read book one and managed just fine with the The Playboy Bachelor. There was humor and heartbreak, passion and angst throughout the beauty and the beast-esque tale of Bentley and Margot.
Both from prominent and wealthy families Bentley and Margot were best friends throughout high school. Even with all their fortune inevitably misfortune found a way to drive a wedge between the two and now years later they're thrust back into each other's lives thanks to some hilariously menacing grandparents. The set up of the plot I found humorous and fun. The two of these characters together are explosive in both good ways and bad. They work in extremes bringing out not only the best in each other but the absolute worst as well. The way in which their story unravels proved to be entertaining, romantic, and satisfying. Finding out what happened all those years ago and working those demons proved to be captivating. Obviously, this one isn't all hearts and flowers these two put each other through the proverbial ringer and sometimes with much pleasure. The push/pull of their attraction and history makes them very intriguing though.
Van Dyken eloquently penned this story in the third person point of view. She made some bold choices for her characters and did so with compassion, grace, and a brutally honest sensitivity that I found charming and intriguing. There were a few times when both characters went too far with their words and even their actions, you would think, but how they made up for that was great to read. My qualm with the story is that I was a bit disappointed at the ultimate conflict resolution and then the ending because it felt rather abrupt and I'd wished it hadn't.
If you like your second chance romances peppered with angst, witty banter, and a slow burning flame to the romance (plus Van Dyken's mischievous grandparents of course!) The Playboy Bachelor will leave you wanting more Arizona Bachelor goodness to come.
October 4, 2017
Audiobook Review: 5 Stars
If you could sum up The Playboy Bachelor in three words, what would they be?
Beauty and The Beast—OK, those are four words, but this book is a very awesome romantic comedy of the Beauty and The Beast.
What did you like best about this story?
I loved how Margot and Bentley got back together… Well, not back since they were never a couple, this isn’t a “second chance” romance novel, but how they finally had their chance to have a romantic relationship. They were best friends when they were teens, and despite both of them had feelings for each other, nothing more than a good friendship happened between them, and then the worst happened. This tragic event set them apart for so many years, until two crazy grandparents and a cool old lady put their work of matchmakers on track and get them back together again.
Which character – as performed by Annie Green and Douglas Berger– was your favorite?
I loved both narrations. Annie and Douglas did great Margot and Bentley. I loooved the book the first time I read it, but the inflexions and emotions they put to these characters made them even more interesting and the story more awesome.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Of course, especially to readers who love romantic comedy. It’s the best!
Any additional comments?
The Playboy Bachelor is amazing. It’s romantic, sexy, funny and crazy and has the most witty characters ever, as the main as the secondary characters. The best thing is that I can read Brent’s book and I’m sure I’ll love him as much as I loved his brothers Brock and Bentley.
---
Book Review: 5+ Stars
The Playboy Bachelor was one hilarious, sexy and emotional read, and of course, just like the first book of the series, The Bachelor Auction , it also has a fairy tale element, now it’s time for Beauty and The Beast.
Bentley and Margot were best friends when they were teens, but the most tragic event set them apart for what they thought was going to be forever, but ten years later he ended at her door because her grandma bought him in a charity auction, so he’d spend an entire weekend with Margot, but thanks to the crazy and awesome old people in this series, Bentley’s grandfather, his girlfriend Nadine and Margot’s grandmother, they ended up spending an entire month that changed their lives forever.
I loved Brock when I read the first book and I knew I’d love the twins just as much but I was wrong. So. Wrong. Bentley is just amazing. Bentley stole my heart. He’s funny and cocky and awesome, but he was also so broken, my heart was aching for him so much. And of course, his match was just as amazing. Margot’s body scars matched Bentley’s soul scars. They were both so scared and insecure and it was infuriating but that made them more real and for that I loved them so much. Perfect fictional characters are overrated, right? These two flawed characters won my heart from the first chapter of this book, knowing how they felt and how little they could expressed had my heart aching for them, and despite I yelled all the time, saying: Oh for fucks sake, just tell her/him now! I knew they would find the right time to do so and they totally did. Thank God this book was written in dual POV because otherwise I would have hated either of the main characters, but since I could read each and every one of their thoughts, I could love them both so much even when I was mad at them.
Now, please, Rachel, write Brent’s book fast because I know he’ll be my fav of the three Wellington Brothers.
June 17, 2025
Margot and Bentley fumbling their way through love with a meddling grandma to stir the pot. This was fun and the writing was executed well.
April 15, 2017
The BFF to more is one of my favorite tropes, same with the hate to love and this is sort of a mash up of the two. I had read the first book in this series and the twins were one of my favorite parts, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on their stories.
I liked Margot and Brantley. They have have quite a history. There's a lot of backstory and a lot of hurt and it was in the background of every scene. I did enjoy the way they pushed each other's buttons, but wished there would have been some sweeter, more genuine moments.
The majority of the story is miscommunication and lies and that took away from my enjoyment. There would be conflict and resolution and just when it seemed things were fixed, there would be another huge fight. However, the last couple of chapters and epilogue were great.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and I'm definitely looking forward to Brant's book.
**Huge thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Margot and Brantley. They have have quite a history. There's a lot of backstory and a lot of hurt and it was in the background of every scene. I did enjoy the way they pushed each other's buttons, but wished there would have been some sweeter, more genuine moments.
The majority of the story is miscommunication and lies and that took away from my enjoyment. There would be conflict and resolution and just when it seemed things were fixed, there would be another huge fight. However, the last couple of chapters and epilogue were great.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and I'm definitely looking forward to Brant's book.
**Huge thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
April 23, 2017
4 stars
The Playboy Bachelor was a fun, heartfelt and entertaining read.
I found the storyline well written, the characters were strong, stubborn, funny and watching them reconnect had me turning the pages late into the night.
Margot and Bentley used to be best friends, they also had strong feelings for each other but never acted on them. But after a horrible accident, both Margot and Bentley find life taking them in different directions and both losing touch with each other.
They've both dealt with the loss differently, after being apart for over 10 years I enjoyed seeing them reconnect.
The walls they both had erected start coming down slowly and with time, communication they were able to finally open their hearts to each other.
Overall, The Playboy Bachelor was a good read that will bring out all the feels. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I was frustrated with some of the actions both Bentley & Margot made, and then I swooned again with their HEA.
The Playboy Bachelor is the second book from The Bachelors of Arizona series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both.
Looking forward to Brant's book next ;)
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://alexa.design/2oZWOGv
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ortxq8
B&N: http://bit.ly/2nUX4oe
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oYZKmM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2oZ3qF4
*A big thank you to the publisher for the advance copy via NetGalley.*
The Playboy Bachelor was a fun, heartfelt and entertaining read.
I found the storyline well written, the characters were strong, stubborn, funny and watching them reconnect had me turning the pages late into the night.
Margot and Bentley used to be best friends, they also had strong feelings for each other but never acted on them. But after a horrible accident, both Margot and Bentley find life taking them in different directions and both losing touch with each other.
They've both dealt with the loss differently, after being apart for over 10 years I enjoyed seeing them reconnect.
The walls they both had erected start coming down slowly and with time, communication they were able to finally open their hearts to each other.
Overall, The Playboy Bachelor was a good read that will bring out all the feels. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I was frustrated with some of the actions both Bentley & Margot made, and then I swooned again with their HEA.
The Playboy Bachelor is the second book from The Bachelors of Arizona series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both.
Looking forward to Brant's book next ;)
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://alexa.design/2oZWOGv
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ortxq8
B&N: http://bit.ly/2nUX4oe
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oYZKmM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2oZ3qF4
*A big thank you to the publisher for the advance copy via NetGalley.*
August 23, 2017
This was my third book by Van Dyken, and I was so sure she had gotten better when I read The Cheater... Unfortunately, this was but an improved version of The Bet (with an alternative pairing). Honestly, I'd give it a 2.5.
Margot was involved in an accident, which killed her parents and made her lose one of her legs. Since then, she has become a recluse and lost her best friend. Bentley didn't leave unscarred from the tragedy. Seeing how he couldn't stand the thought of losing Margot, he pulled away and they haven't met ever since. Until the day her grandmother buys a date with him on a charity auction and forces the two to spend a whole weekend together.
Even though I could still see Van Dyken's improvement throughout the years, especially in the dialogues, the book was a long cliche, filled with forced angsting.
I never fully got Bentley's motivation for staying away from Margot, so it was impossible to connect to him. And while I got Margot, her fights with Bentley were so forced, I could never relate to any of the characters.
I'd probably have enjoyed a little more—but just a little— had I not read The Bet. The story was just so similar... I was glad Bentley's brother stayed out of the way here at least. I'd have died of boredom. But really, what's up with Van Dyken and people having long-time crushes with whom they've made a mess so big they don't meet for a decade and then they can't stand each other, even though both feel obviously attracted to one another? Is her every book the same plot?
I didn't read the first in this series and I'm not sure I plan to read the third. It wasn't bad, I liked when Bentley and Margot talked, for example. There were nice jokes. But that was the only positive in the book, while the rest was just more of the same.
I think fans of romance will enjoy this if you've never read anything from the author. This story has some steamy scenes but it's not the focus, nor were they distasteful. It's really a romance, and not New Adult. But, yes, I was disappointed because I know she can do better.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
September 27, 2020
** 4.5 stars **
April 26, 2017
The Playboy Bachelor (The Bachelors of Arizona #2) by Rachel Van Dyken
4 stars!!!
Awwww Rachel Van Dyken certainly delivered with The Playboy Bachelor. This was a book that held me rapt from the very beginning and gave me one of my favourite heroine’s in Margot. This was a second chance romance of sorts, one of my faves and was chock full of love, angst, swoony moments and a hero that never knew what he wanted until it was gone.
Both Margot and Bentley are from influential and wealthy families and as children were inseparable. Bentley and Margot were best friends, where one went the other wouldn’t be far behind and even though these two were complete opposites, together they just clicked. These two had never crossed the “friend zone” and our book worm Margot was just a witness to the menagerie of women that graced Bentley’s arm. Neither of these two wanted to ruin what they had so they treasured what they did until life ripped them apart. Now their paths are to cross once again thanks to their meddling grandparents and though the past is a distant memory, emotional wounds run deep and are unforgettable.
There is a fine line between love and hate and while Margot most certainly hated Bentley, underneath that anger and ire was the love that she had always had for him. Their past was thwart with tragedy and misunderstanding and the biggest hurdle for these two would always be to listen to the other before making blanket judgements.
The banter between these two was hilarious at times and while some honest and horrible truths escaped their mouths in anger the intense chemistry that these two had was never far behind. These two bounced off each other in the best and worst ways and often their battle of barbs became a battle of the past but Rachel Van Dyken never kept that undercurrent of chemistry that sizzled between them far from the reader.
I loved Bentley, even though he was the most eligible bachelor and had different arm candy most nights this was all a front for the one that got away. No-one had measured up to his best friend and no-one ever would. He cursed his grandfather’s interference but when push came to shove the feelings that were always there only got stronger as soon as he was in Margot’s presence once again. Underneath that bravado was a man that suffered immensely, a man that had taken the world upon his shoulders and yet never knew his place within it.
Margot was a recluse, an author and a woman who had suffered more hurt than she knew what to do with. Underneath her unapproachable façade was a woman that was desperate to live again, to see daylight, to be a normal person but who was too afraid to take it. Margot was stronger than she gave herself credit for and if anyone deserved a happy ever after it was her.
I loved the way that these two come together, how they work through their past and embrace their present. It wasn’t pretty, it was raw, honest and real with some brutal truths and tear inducing battles. But life isn’t always a bunch of roses, mistakes are made, but the heart wants who the heart wants and these two hearts were always destined to beat as one. Loved this one, painful at times, poignant, hilarious, swoon worthy and emotional. Fantastic read.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!!
“Are you there, God? It’s me, Margot.”
Awwww Rachel Van Dyken certainly delivered with The Playboy Bachelor. This was a book that held me rapt from the very beginning and gave me one of my favourite heroine’s in Margot. This was a second chance romance of sorts, one of my faves and was chock full of love, angst, swoony moments and a hero that never knew what he wanted until it was gone.
Both Margot and Bentley are from influential and wealthy families and as children were inseparable. Bentley and Margot were best friends, where one went the other wouldn’t be far behind and even though these two were complete opposites, together they just clicked. These two had never crossed the “friend zone” and our book worm Margot was just a witness to the menagerie of women that graced Bentley’s arm. Neither of these two wanted to ruin what they had so they treasured what they did until life ripped them apart. Now their paths are to cross once again thanks to their meddling grandparents and though the past is a distant memory, emotional wounds run deep and are unforgettable.
“Just because one holds battle scars doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful…Survival always is.”
There is a fine line between love and hate and while Margot most certainly hated Bentley, underneath that anger and ire was the love that she had always had for him. Their past was thwart with tragedy and misunderstanding and the biggest hurdle for these two would always be to listen to the other before making blanket judgements.
“I’ll always be the guy you fucked in order to stop being sad. And you’ll always be the girl I wanted too much to have.”
The banter between these two was hilarious at times and while some honest and horrible truths escaped their mouths in anger the intense chemistry that these two had was never far behind. These two bounced off each other in the best and worst ways and often their battle of barbs became a battle of the past but Rachel Van Dyken never kept that undercurrent of chemistry that sizzled between them far from the reader.
“…we tend to push away those we love the most for fear that the other shoe is going to one day drop, and they’ll see us for what we really are. Weak. Scared. Insecure.”
I loved Bentley, even though he was the most eligible bachelor and had different arm candy most nights this was all a front for the one that got away. No-one had measured up to his best friend and no-one ever would. He cursed his grandfather’s interference but when push came to shove the feelings that were always there only got stronger as soon as he was in Margot’s presence once again. Underneath that bravado was a man that suffered immensely, a man that had taken the world upon his shoulders and yet never knew his place within it.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that you think so little of me…when I think the world of you.”
Margot was a recluse, an author and a woman who had suffered more hurt than she knew what to do with. Underneath her unapproachable façade was a woman that was desperate to live again, to see daylight, to be a normal person but who was too afraid to take it. Margot was stronger than she gave herself credit for and if anyone deserved a happy ever after it was her.
“Because Bentley had done the impossible. He made a half...feel like a whole.”
I loved the way that these two come together, how they work through their past and embrace their present. It wasn’t pretty, it was raw, honest and real with some brutal truths and tear inducing battles. But life isn’t always a bunch of roses, mistakes are made, but the heart wants who the heart wants and these two hearts were always destined to beat as one. Loved this one, painful at times, poignant, hilarious, swoon worthy and emotional. Fantastic read.
“If he died. Would the world even notice?”
www.theromancecover.com
January 26, 2021
It was over the top...the author was trying to do much. It also felt messy with the flashback internal thoughts from both povs. The reason behind the hero screwing everything that moved because he loved the heroine was just tacky and there wasn't enough character development to really root for him.
...It had never been part of his plan to fall for his best friend, and then, just when he had gained the nerve to tell her—he almost lost her. And the thought that he could lose her—forever—had caused such crippling anxiety that it had taken his entire family to pull him out of it. And once he was finally able to function… …he still couldn’t face her. The thought of her in that hospital room was enough to set off the panic again. So he ignored her calls. And when he couldn’t take it anymore—there was Jennifer, and then Miranda, and Ashley. He’d found his cure. Women and alcohol.
the above quote was around 13% and then the below quote is around 18% when he spoke to his grandfather about said best friend who he had supposedly fell for and left because he couldn't bare actually losing her I mean c'mon!!
...“Eager to be with Margot, are you?” “Right.” He drew out the word. “I can’t wait to get off the phone so I can go fuck the red queen upstairs. You read the papers. Do I look desperate? Hell would need to freeze over before I touched someone that…” The first word that came to mind was broken, but was that it? Was she broken? Or was she just a cold, hard unforgiving woman who wanted to make the whole world feel whatever pain she was suffering? “Frigid.”
...It had never been part of his plan to fall for his best friend, and then, just when he had gained the nerve to tell her—he almost lost her. And the thought that he could lose her—forever—had caused such crippling anxiety that it had taken his entire family to pull him out of it. And once he was finally able to function… …he still couldn’t face her. The thought of her in that hospital room was enough to set off the panic again. So he ignored her calls. And when he couldn’t take it anymore—there was Jennifer, and then Miranda, and Ashley. He’d found his cure. Women and alcohol.
the above quote was around 13% and then the below quote is around 18% when he spoke to his grandfather about said best friend who he had supposedly fell for and left because he couldn't bare actually losing her I mean c'mon!!
...“Eager to be with Margot, are you?” “Right.” He drew out the word. “I can’t wait to get off the phone so I can go fuck the red queen upstairs. You read the papers. Do I look desperate? Hell would need to freeze over before I touched someone that…” The first word that came to mind was broken, but was that it? Was she broken? Or was she just a cold, hard unforgiving woman who wanted to make the whole world feel whatever pain she was suffering? “Frigid.”
August 24, 2017
Emotional, sad and sweet story about two people who lost their way. Forced to spend time together by meddling family members, they spend more time taking shots at each other. But slowly they begin to find what they once lost.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
April 20, 2017
*3.5 stars*
July 15, 2017
I've really loved this author since I got hooked on her Eagle Elite series a few years ago. I was more than excited to give this book a shot once I saw that it was by her.
This book is the second in a series that I've not read any of before. That's usually a no-no for me but I'm doing it more and more often lately. I kind of wish that I hadn't. This book IS a stand-alone but I think that my reading experience would have been enriched greatly if I had read the first book. I think that's just because while I didn't feel like I was missing anything, I also felt like I didn't know the characters as well as I could have. I mean, who wouldn't want a little more Bentley, right?
Bentley was a fascinating character. It's not often that you read a romance novel with an intense anxiety angle and it's SUPER not often that the character with anxiety is male. I think that the author was really able to show how anxiety can be crippling and have a massive impact on someone's life. It was interesting to watch Bentley interact and cope with the issue that caused his anxiety to begin with. I really couldn't get enough of this man. And our leading lady, Margot was this reclusive firecracker that was equally as captivating. These two together were positively explosive. Bentley brought out the worst in our little stubborn Margot.
The story read very quickly. I don't know if it was because the characters were so completely intriguing or if it was just an all-around great book ... probably a bit of both. You just get hooked from the very first page and it doesn't let up until the very last period. Such a great romance novel. One that I'd read again. And the list ... the list was adorably hilarious. I would read the book again just to experience that list again.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
November 6, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (will be live on blog 11/16)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2znc7kd
The Playboy Bachelor was pretty dang fun, yall. It's so easy to fall into Van Dyken's writing and just enjoy some steamy silly fun. And, lordy these two were something.
The Gist: A terrible car accident years earlier turned best friends into, well, enemies when he abandoned her afterwards. Dick move, buddy. Dick move. And now, lordy. Now the two are being forced to spend an entire month together because of manipulative match making grandparents that gave em no choice. Yall.
Okay, so, I liked Margot and Bentley but, yall, they were MEAN! But evenly matched mean? lol Yeah, they had the whole enemies to lovers thing down to a science. It was...impressive. But somehow even with all their swipes and digs I didn't hate either of them. I kind of liked watching them duke it out and overcome all the hurt and damage from the past that stood between them.
They, surprisingly, had some really sweet moments, too! Some very steamy ones and an incredible amount of healing. It was quite the transformation.
I did have a couple issues, though.
1) I know, I know. Not the books fault at all but my brain refused to see Margot and every time changed it to Maggot. Yall. It was killing me. lol
2) Pre-heroine the hero was pretty scummy and knowingly slept with married women and that took a bit for me to get past.
3) And then the heroine and I had a moment because she actually contemplates why anyone would rescue a puppy on the side of the road. It's not their responsibility, afterall. Um. Yeah. Karma points were lost. She did get past it but bugged me about her.
All in all, though. The Playboy Bachelor was a fiery fun read. If you enjoy enemies to lovers romances this one it top notch. Van Dyken nails it.
April 15, 2017
Stopped reading at 30%. Skimmed rest to find out what happens in the end.
They were the best of friends in high school. They secretly loved each other back then but never did anything about it. Then a major turning point in both their lives happens and sob, sob, sob, drama and angst ensue. 10yrs later, we're now in the present where he's a billionaire manwhore (as in MEGA manwhore!). She's a ultra-rich reclusive romance novelist with a prosthetic leg (she never goes out of her mansion and holes up in her room in the dark). But they now both have a second chance at romance because of a bachelor auction.
I didn't buy into the story. In fact, I rolled my eyes more than I turned the pages.
This book could've been cute. It could've been great and positive. Instead, I find myself annoyed and frustrated with the story. Both MC's circled and circled around their issues and each other. They don't start to communicate with each other until midway through the book. And bah, the chapters that showed what they were thinking/feeling --- I kept thinking to myself, "Hello! Get a grip! Grow some balls. Have some pride in yourself. Other people have it worse off than you."
Instead of being endeared to the MC's plight/lives, I just grew annoyed. Sorry, just not feeling this story or the MC's. I found it hard to have any sympathy for the MC's given the way they conducted themselves/led their lives. Deleting this from my Kindle.
They were the best of friends in high school. They secretly loved each other back then but never did anything about it. Then a major turning point in both their lives happens and sob, sob, sob, drama and angst ensue. 10yrs later, we're now in the present where he's a billionaire manwhore (as in MEGA manwhore!). She's a ultra-rich reclusive romance novelist with a prosthetic leg (she never goes out of her mansion and holes up in her room in the dark). But they now both have a second chance at romance because of a bachelor auction.
I didn't buy into the story. In fact, I rolled my eyes more than I turned the pages.
This book could've been cute. It could've been great and positive. Instead, I find myself annoyed and frustrated with the story. Both MC's circled and circled around their issues and each other. They don't start to communicate with each other until midway through the book. And bah, the chapters that showed what they were thinking/feeling --- I kept thinking to myself, "Hello! Get a grip! Grow some balls. Have some pride in yourself. Other people have it worse off than you."
Instead of being endeared to the MC's plight/lives, I just grew annoyed. Sorry, just not feeling this story or the MC's. I found it hard to have any sympathy for the MC's given the way they conducted themselves/led their lives. Deleting this from my Kindle.
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