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DreamMakers #2
Love is a Battlefield
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00LXLA82A.
He’s ready to admit she’s all grown up
After two tours of duty, former Army Ranger Jack Hunter is back in the US, working to keep DreamMakers a brilliant success. Now that his best friend’s little sister is home from college, it’s time to retire his hands-off policy and take action. He wants Pepper Wilson in his bed, but seducing the feisty redhead could be dangerous for more than one reason.
She’s ready to push all his buttons
Pepper is tired of being bossed around by everyone in her life, especially arrogant, annoying, overbearing Jack Hunter. While she can’t deny the man is out-of-this-world gorgeous, his alpha routine is getting old. His steely determination proves a match for her own, though, and the attraction simmering between them ignites into fiery passion.
But can their wild sexual exploration turn into more without someone getting burned?
He’s ready to admit she’s all grown up
After two tours of duty, former Army Ranger Jack Hunter is back in the US, working to keep DreamMakers a brilliant success. Now that his best friend’s little sister is home from college, it’s time to retire his hands-off policy and take action. He wants Pepper Wilson in his bed, but seducing the feisty redhead could be dangerous for more than one reason.
She’s ready to push all his buttons
Pepper is tired of being bossed around by everyone in her life, especially arrogant, annoying, overbearing Jack Hunter. While she can’t deny the man is out-of-this-world gorgeous, his alpha routine is getting old. His steely determination proves a match for her own, though, and the attraction simmering between them ignites into fiery passion.
But can their wild sexual exploration turn into more without someone getting burned?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2014
168 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
158 books2,628 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 25, 2016
I didn't love this read a much as the first in series but it was still hot! It is always tricky when a man falls for his best friend's little sister but lucky for Jack, Parker Wilson is all grown up and her own woman. I didn't see the connection with a somewhat serious Jack and fresh out of college Pepper but they had no problem with their horizontal communication! Oh, and again...that Dean is always there to fill that threesome wish!
Overall, the story moved fast. The drama was a minimal and the OMG moment was unexpected but yet kinda underwhelming. I am looking forward to someone getting to Dean and making him a one woman man...I have a feeling his story will be my fave!
Overall, the story moved fast. The drama was a minimal and the OMG moment was unexpected but yet kinda underwhelming. I am looking forward to someone getting to Dean and making him a one woman man...I have a feeling his story will be my fave!
June 29, 2015
3~3.5 Stars
I'm not exactly sure what wasn't working for me, but the emotion seemed some what forced. I guess I just lacked the connection with the main characters, which is crazy because I did like them both. It just felt, meh.
I'm not exactly sure what wasn't working for me, but the emotion seemed some what forced. I guess I just lacked the connection with the main characters, which is crazy because I did like them both. It just felt, meh.
July 18, 2014
The strength of this story is in Pepper and Jack's relationship, which this being romance, is a good thing. The surrounding story arc of Pepper's stalker and Jack's business is overdone and weak. This imbalance left me having mixed emotions about the story.
Pepper has been surrounded by her caring but overbearing family all her life and has a full of friction relationship with her brother's friend, Jack. Jack, on the other hand, has been fighting a strong attraction to his friend's little sister and when Pepper needs a place to stay for a while, he happily begrudgingly lets her stay with him. Having her in his space, a dropped towel, and a reflected desire in Pepper's eyes has Jack finally snapping the chain that has held him back.
Pepper and Jack had a nice repertoire that was fun to read; they played off each other nicely. Jack was a solid character with a good hidden pain back story. Pepper almost shifted into bratty territory sometimes but overall was amusing to read about. This story also slides into the erotica category with some dirty talk and holy guacamole sex scenes. There were two scenes in particular, office spanking session and threesome scene (this one felt kind of cut short but maybe I'm just a greedy pervert), that I would recommend not reading in public and suggest have a cold glass of water nearby. The romance and sex scenes are why you're going to want to read this book.
What I struggled with was, what I felt, the overdone and forced parts of this story. First off, Jack's business called DreamMakers. This business is run by Jack, Parker (Pepper's brother and star of book one in the series), and Dean. They are all former Rangers, this is brought up a lot, and made to explain why all three are such dominant alpha males. Their business, DreamMakers, involves setting up elaborate parties, not security for parties but catering, music, slideshows, and etc. I had a serious "wait a second their business is what?" moment but only because nothing about their past or personalities leads you to believe this. I didn't read book one, so maybe this is explained better and maybe there is suppose to be a funny wink wink to go along with this that I just didn't get. Secondly, I had a problem with the forcedness surrounding the characters in Pepper's life. The character Billy, psycho guy who only wants in Pepper’s pants, could have been cut out completely. He was way over the top, unnecessary, and gave the story a cheesy feel; the authors could have a found a better way to get Pepper and Jack together. Adam, the guy Pepper thinks is stalking her also felt very over the top, along with Charlene, the scorned woman, and Kendra whose character ended up feeling untrue. We get it, all men lust after her and all women are jealous of her.
This is a quick read and the pace is pretty steady and like I said, the main characters of Pepper and Jack have good chemistry. If you're not looking for much story, quick read, and a couple hot and steamy sex scenes, give this one a go.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Pepper has been surrounded by her caring but overbearing family all her life and has a full of friction relationship with her brother's friend, Jack. Jack, on the other hand, has been fighting a strong attraction to his friend's little sister and when Pepper needs a place to stay for a while, he happily begrudgingly lets her stay with him. Having her in his space, a dropped towel, and a reflected desire in Pepper's eyes has Jack finally snapping the chain that has held him back.
Pepper and Jack had a nice repertoire that was fun to read; they played off each other nicely. Jack was a solid character with a good hidden pain back story. Pepper almost shifted into bratty territory sometimes but overall was amusing to read about. This story also slides into the erotica category with some dirty talk and holy guacamole sex scenes. There were two scenes in particular, office spanking session and threesome scene (this one felt kind of cut short but maybe I'm just a greedy pervert), that I would recommend not reading in public and suggest have a cold glass of water nearby. The romance and sex scenes are why you're going to want to read this book.
What I struggled with was, what I felt, the overdone and forced parts of this story. First off, Jack's business called DreamMakers. This business is run by Jack, Parker (Pepper's brother and star of book one in the series), and Dean. They are all former Rangers, this is brought up a lot, and made to explain why all three are such dominant alpha males. Their business, DreamMakers, involves setting up elaborate parties, not security for parties but catering, music, slideshows, and etc. I had a serious "wait a second their business is what?" moment but only because nothing about their past or personalities leads you to believe this. I didn't read book one, so maybe this is explained better and maybe there is suppose to be a funny wink wink to go along with this that I just didn't get. Secondly, I had a problem with the forcedness surrounding the characters in Pepper's life. The character Billy, psycho guy who only wants in Pepper’s pants, could have been cut out completely. He was way over the top, unnecessary, and gave the story a cheesy feel; the authors could have a found a better way to get Pepper and Jack together. Adam, the guy Pepper thinks is stalking her also felt very over the top, along with Charlene, the scorned woman, and Kendra whose character ended up feeling untrue. We get it, all men lust after her and all women are jealous of her.
This is a quick read and the pace is pretty steady and like I said, the main characters of Pepper and Jack have good chemistry. If you're not looking for much story, quick read, and a couple hot and steamy sex scenes, give this one a go.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 20, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/07...
Love is a Battlefield is h-o-t HOT! This second installment to the sexy DreamMakers series is even better than the (admittedly fantastic) first. I absolutely loved Pepper and Jack’s story and I can’t wait to read it again!
Jack is my favorite kind of alpha hero. He’s a take-charge former soldier who knows his way around a woman’s body like you wouldn’t believe, plus he’s got a great sense of humor and a good heart. How could you not love him? Pepper is a bright, energetic young woman with a quick mouth and a caring heart – the kind of woman I’d love to have as a friend if she were real, and the perfect match for Jack. Her loving but overprotective family treats her like she’s still a child, but Pepper is definitely grown up and determined to make her own way in the world. The last thing she needs his her brother’s best friend being an “alpha-hole” while she tries to do so.
Yet despite Jack’s bossiness, Pepper can’t deny her attraction to the hot-as-hell man she knows almost as well as she does herself. Their crackling chemistry makes Love is a Battlefield wildly entertaining. And when these two stop circling each other and hit the sheets (among other places)… Well, my advice is to turn up the A/C, because these two are hot enough to melt a glacier or five. Add in a dash of intrigue thanks to a stalker plotline, a healthy dose of realistic jealousy from an old flame, and a wealth of laughter and fun with Jack and Pepper’s friends and family and you’ve got one well-rounded story. I flat-out loved this fast-paced, engaging book and I hated whenever I had to put it down.
Love is a Battlefield is deliciously wicked good fun from beginning to end. Authors Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy continue to knock it out of the park with the DreamMakers series and I cannot wait to read Dean’s book, Don’t Walk Away.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love is a Battlefield is h-o-t HOT! This second installment to the sexy DreamMakers series is even better than the (admittedly fantastic) first. I absolutely loved Pepper and Jack’s story and I can’t wait to read it again!
Jack is my favorite kind of alpha hero. He’s a take-charge former soldier who knows his way around a woman’s body like you wouldn’t believe, plus he’s got a great sense of humor and a good heart. How could you not love him? Pepper is a bright, energetic young woman with a quick mouth and a caring heart – the kind of woman I’d love to have as a friend if she were real, and the perfect match for Jack. Her loving but overprotective family treats her like she’s still a child, but Pepper is definitely grown up and determined to make her own way in the world. The last thing she needs his her brother’s best friend being an “alpha-hole” while she tries to do so.
Yet despite Jack’s bossiness, Pepper can’t deny her attraction to the hot-as-hell man she knows almost as well as she does herself. Their crackling chemistry makes Love is a Battlefield wildly entertaining. And when these two stop circling each other and hit the sheets (among other places)… Well, my advice is to turn up the A/C, because these two are hot enough to melt a glacier or five. Add in a dash of intrigue thanks to a stalker plotline, a healthy dose of realistic jealousy from an old flame, and a wealth of laughter and fun with Jack and Pepper’s friends and family and you’ve got one well-rounded story. I flat-out loved this fast-paced, engaging book and I hated whenever I had to put it down.
Love is a Battlefield is deliciously wicked good fun from beginning to end. Authors Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy continue to knock it out of the park with the DreamMakers series and I cannot wait to read Dean’s book, Don’t Walk Away.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 15, 2014
This book was so much fun to read, mostly because there was no way to guess what crazy and zany thing that Pepper would get up to. I thought that maybe after Jack and her started to date she would be reigned in a bit, instead Jack seemed to give her a safe place for her crazy to grow.
I was a bit worried that Jack would run at one point when he learned what Pepper was really up to before she turned up all black and blue, instead he bide his time and fulfilled a fantasy for her. The whole set up for this had me laughing as the conversation was very funny and the people involved had to be very comfortable with themselves and their relationship to each other.
I loved at the end that Jack gave Pepper the support she needed, that he didn't believe any of the lies that were being spouted about Pepper.
With what we learned about Drew, I look forward to reading about him, there are going to be all sorts of secrets coming out in it.
I was a bit worried that Jack would run at one point when he learned what Pepper was really up to before she turned up all black and blue, instead he bide his time and fulfilled a fantasy for her. The whole set up for this had me laughing as the conversation was very funny and the people involved had to be very comfortable with themselves and their relationship to each other.
I loved at the end that Jack gave Pepper the support she needed, that he didn't believe any of the lies that were being spouted about Pepper.
With what we learned about Drew, I look forward to reading about him, there are going to be all sorts of secrets coming out in it.
September 21, 2021
Oh boy was this book just as good as the last one, if not better! Definitely 10,0000 times more spicier than the last one. That threesome scene? Wow.
Jack Hunter (no not the one from HOT), is everyone bit as manly as I thought he would be. But he’s way more romantic than I thought, and very determined. From the get go he knows he wants Pepper, who happens to be his best friend Parker’s little sister, yes that Parker). And once he lets Pepper know that he wants to date her, it’s game over for all of us.
Pepper and Jack are quite a couple. They love each other deeply and have sizzling chemistry together, and one thing I love about them is the banter that they share. Never a full moment with those two.
Much like Lynn and Parker’s threesome, Jack and Pepper also have one with Dean, the third partner in DreamMakers. Only this time, Dean and Jack don’t sleep with Pepper before Jack starts dating her, no, Jack asks Dean to sleep with her after they start dating. And if you thought Parker and Lynn’s was spicy, then think again because theirs has nothing on Jack and Peppers.
Anyways, this was a really enjoyable book and I can’t wait to dive into Deans in a couple of days! (Brief intermission because two books I’ve been waiting for are being released tomorrow!)
Jack Hunter (no not the one from HOT), is everyone bit as manly as I thought he would be. But he’s way more romantic than I thought, and very determined. From the get go he knows he wants Pepper, who happens to be his best friend Parker’s little sister, yes that Parker). And once he lets Pepper know that he wants to date her, it’s game over for all of us.
Pepper and Jack are quite a couple. They love each other deeply and have sizzling chemistry together, and one thing I love about them is the banter that they share. Never a full moment with those two.
Much like Lynn and Parker’s threesome, Jack and Pepper also have one with Dean, the third partner in DreamMakers. Only this time, Dean and Jack don’t sleep with Pepper before Jack starts dating her, no, Jack asks Dean to sleep with her after they start dating. And if you thought Parker and Lynn’s was spicy, then think again because theirs has nothing on Jack and Peppers.
Anyways, this was a really enjoyable book and I can’t wait to dive into Deans in a couple of days! (Brief intermission because two books I’ve been waiting for are being released tomorrow!)
March 14, 2020
The McDonalds of romance. Fast. Not particularly good but not bad in a pinch. Jack’s a former army ranger who runs a dating service. Pepper is his best friend’s younger sister. She’s feisty and sexually adventurous. With her he is dour and protective. I liked her. I didn’t mind him. Writing a good hero in contemporary romance is hard. Inevitably writers fall into cliches of “he’s a horn dog alpha hole until he meets her!” And that’s just lazy writing albeit partially satisfying in some scenes.
Now I return to my regularly scheduled regencies.
Now I return to my regularly scheduled regencies.
September 29, 2022
If you want a smutty book, this is it since that's all any of them do.
May 27, 2015
If there is one story plot that I will never get sick of, it is the story plot of two people hating each other and then falling for each other. I can’t help it – it is just what I like. I love that ‘I hate you so much’ passion that turns into the ‘I can’t live without’ passion and that is what you get with Jack and Pepper. Well, not complete hate but more of an annoyance between the two.
Pepper, after traveling across the country with friends, comes home with a bang. And by bang, I mean, a black eye, bruised ribs, and a little roughed up. Jack finds her first and to save her from her brother Parker, he keeps her at his place until she heals. This starts all kinds of lusting for one another and it gets the reader in the right mood for what is to come.
Jack and Pepper are hot together. Nothing can cool them off and they go strong with Parker’s blessing. However, things take a turn (yes, I know I said this about the first book.) For some reason, (and here comes the spoilers) there are a few characters and their plot that I could have done without. First, Billy; didn’t need to be in there. Second, Adam; how in the world did he get drug into all of this? Third, Kendra; I have no idea what sparked such a change. You would think rooming with someone in college would allow you to really know the person but for some reason Kendra just decided to show who she truly was at this moment? I didn’t like that.
So while most of this book was wonderful, the three reasons above kind threw a wrench into my groove.~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
Pepper, after traveling across the country with friends, comes home with a bang. And by bang, I mean, a black eye, bruised ribs, and a little roughed up. Jack finds her first and to save her from her brother Parker, he keeps her at his place until she heals. This starts all kinds of lusting for one another and it gets the reader in the right mood for what is to come.
Jack and Pepper are hot together. Nothing can cool them off and they go strong with Parker’s blessing. However, things take a turn (yes, I know I said this about the first book.) For some reason, (and here comes the spoilers) there are a few characters and their plot that I could have done without. First, Billy; didn’t need to be in there. Second, Adam; how in the world did he get drug into all of this? Third, Kendra; I have no idea what sparked such a change. You would think rooming with someone in college would allow you to really know the person but for some reason Kendra just decided to show who she truly was at this moment? I didn’t like that.
So while most of this book was wonderful, the three reasons above kind threw a wrench into my groove.~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
July 11, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley
Another great book in this series. Jack and Pepper are great. Boy were there a lot of pyscho's running around in this book. I wish there had been an explanation of the nickname he had for her. Still love all the "extra" chapters were we get to hear the secondary characters POV. Seriously do all guys name their package, Big Jack and Godzilla. That was my favorite scene. So the next book is Dean, but I hope there are plans for the rest of the crew.
Another great book in this series. Jack and Pepper are great. Boy were there a lot of pyscho's running around in this book. I wish there had been an explanation of the nickname he had for her. Still love all the "extra" chapters were we get to hear the secondary characters POV. Seriously do all guys name their package, Big Jack and Godzilla. That was my favorite scene. So the next book is Dean, but I hope there are plans for the rest of the crew.
May 24, 2017
I loved this and was also a bit MEH about it.
Will be better if book one is read first.
I loved the actual story but some of the carrying on with the background story was overdone.
Jack is another of our ex army ranger threesome who is running DreamMakers.
Pepper was a bit of a spoilt brat at times but did mature towards the end but she needed to not sound so stupid, sometimes she sounded 13 years old.
I did like the twist with Kendra but wondered why we once again have a ménage with Dean. He really is a man whore and I feel so sorry for whoever ends up with him as he will have now had sex with both of his best friends women. Not something I would like to live with knowing every time they all get together.
I just doesn't ring true that these alpha men would allow another man near their women, maybe that is why it is Dean. Huh, reason sorted.
Will be better if book one is read first.
I loved the actual story but some of the carrying on with the background story was overdone.
Jack is another of our ex army ranger threesome who is running DreamMakers.
Pepper was a bit of a spoilt brat at times but did mature towards the end but she needed to not sound so stupid, sometimes she sounded 13 years old.
I did like the twist with Kendra but wondered why we once again have a ménage with Dean. He really is a man whore and I feel so sorry for whoever ends up with him as he will have now had sex with both of his best friends women. Not something I would like to live with knowing every time they all get together.
I just doesn't ring true that these alpha men would allow another man near their women, maybe that is why it is Dean. Huh, reason sorted.
October 8, 2017
Better than the first
I was a little disappointed with the first book in the series. It seemed a little predictable and I wasn't too keen on reading further in the series. I'm so glad I took the chance to read this second book. Definitely a fun read with just a bit of intrigue to round out the story. I must say, Miss Kennedy has a definite gift when writing intimate scenes. Oh, hell yea!!! Her gift of storytelling is coming unto it's own.
I was a little disappointed with the first book in the series. It seemed a little predictable and I wasn't too keen on reading further in the series. I'm so glad I took the chance to read this second book. Definitely a fun read with just a bit of intrigue to round out the story. I must say, Miss Kennedy has a definite gift when writing intimate scenes. Oh, hell yea!!! Her gift of storytelling is coming unto it's own.
March 17, 2018
Pepper isn't property that her brother has control over. This "best friend's forbidden younger sister" trope is overdone.
Pepper wants to be treated like an adult, but uses phrases like "leapin' lizards". Who talks like that?
Jack should have been firmer with Charlene (whatever her name was). Yes, it's great that Pepper is jealous, but could you not gloat for 5 seconds and reassure her?
Pepper wants to be treated like an adult, but uses phrases like "leapin' lizards". Who talks like that?
Jack should have been firmer with Charlene (whatever her name was). Yes, it's great that Pepper is jealous, but could you not gloat for 5 seconds and reassure her?
May 18, 2020
Hot like the last book, but again with the ridiculous villain
Also, as someone who lives in the Bay Area, I can guarantee that 2 recent college grads would NEVER be able to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in the city unless mommy and daddy were footing the bill
Also, as someone who lives in the Bay Area, I can guarantee that 2 recent college grads would NEVER be able to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in the city unless mommy and daddy were footing the bill
December 26, 2020
Better than the first!
Ugh better than the first, hot as ever, and overall worth the few hours read. Elle Kennedy always rocks me socks off, looking forward to reading more from Vivian as well.
Ugh better than the first, hot as ever, and overall worth the few hours read. Elle Kennedy always rocks me socks off, looking forward to reading more from Vivian as well.
May 4, 2024
Friend's little sister
Gosh I remembered habind a crush on a big brother friend. Mine did not have a HEA so these books jold a special affinity for me. Awesome love story well done ladies just well done!
Gosh I remembered habind a crush on a big brother friend. Mine did not have a HEA so these books jold a special affinity for me. Awesome love story well done ladies just well done!
August 4, 2017
just ok. Pepper and Jack were cute, but the plot (and plot twist) was kind of silly.
September 3, 2017
Slightly more believable and coherent that the last one, but still not a work of genius. The ending was a mess.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
April 2, 2018
Hot, hot, hotter
October 19, 2018
Full of sass, passion and a great storyline to keep you guessing.
September 18, 2019
This wasn't my favorite but I am really looking forward to Dean's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 2, 2021dnf
January 6, 2023
I hate the female MC.
January 18, 2024
4.3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 11, 2024
Love is a Battlefield
Love the snapping attitude of Pepper which kept Jack on his toes.They really made a great couple. A happy story.
Love the snapping attitude of Pepper which kept Jack on his toes.They really made a great couple. A happy story.
July 25, 2024
Not my favorite dream makers book, but not bad.
June 27, 2020
Pepper Wilson comes home to see her brother who runs the DreamMakers business with his best friend Jack, who Pepper and Parker grew up with. Now an adult, Jack can't resist her, but how to make it happen? I already #3 in the series on my Kindle, Arend's books sizzle and I enjoy getting to know these characters.
October 21, 2016
Oh Jack and Pepper!!! I had a little harder time getting into this book. It was great to see all of the supporting characters from the first book in this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews