Untangled

The Monroe Family #7

by Nicole Dykes

Exes can be friends, right?
They can even live together.
No drama. No fighting. No problem.
As long as there are clear boundaries, no one will get hurt. Right?
Well, what happens when every line is crossed? Every rule is broken?
All hell breaks loose. That’s what.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2017

About the author

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com

Reviews

[Paula White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an Arc by the author for an honest review.

You don't have to read the previous books to read this one. However, I would recommend it as you get to know the characters and you will go in to this book with a desired outcome in mind! Plus you will be invested in the characters, wanting the best for them (and getting the pretzel tummy when all is not well)

This book gave me pretzel tummy (I was invested in these characters, the angst making me want to read mega quick to get to what I hoped would be a HEA), it didn't look like it was going the way I wanted and in my opinion the way it should go lol! However, the ending was great and the characters were right where I wanted them to be - you will need to read it to find out what I am talking about.

I love this family - the banter, the friendships - I want to be a Monroe!

Now that bonus chapter - hmmm bonus....it left me needing the next book, which is a spin off but we are promised lots of Monroes, so I will be happy.

[Nicole Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's live!!!

http://amzn.to/2f5urmE

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Angsty Stars

I was delighted to receive an ARC from the author for this book - Thank you. This review is my honest opinion.

I have read every book in the series and I feel a little as though I have followed Nicole's journey as an author and with each novel she brings something new to the Kindle table. Some books I have liked more than others but each one has made me think and reflect on this group of characters and I have enjoyed every single story she has created.

The last book about Alex and Shriller was angsty and I do struggle as a reader with too much angst but I knew going in that this one that it was a love triangle so I put on my big girl britches and dealt with it....I plunged head first into the pool of emotion that swirled around Cam and Vanessa and the toxic menace of Dani. Let's be frank here. I WANTED Cam to be with Vanessa. For much of the story he is not with her but he is not exclusive with Dani either. I do not like Dani. I did not like her in any previous books and I liked her less by the end of this book. It's interesting that the two books I have struggled a little with have featured two female characters I have disliked / not been keen on. Even when we get Dani's back story I didn't feel for her. But I did feel for Van. I liked her and along with Luke and Hannah I am totally #TeamVan.

Cameron. Hmmm....Cam. In the end I think I felt he won me over but that boy acted like a total toad at times. I get that he was hurting but he was awful to Van. Awful. His redeeming factor was that he was remorseful - almost immediately but he kept screwing things up. He has only loved Van but at times I felt Dani came close to having his heart too although he reassured me at the end.

This is a good read even if I did feel uncomfortable with seeing him be intimate with other people. The previous books characters add to the story and it's good to see them featuring too.
I just want to add that I am itching for Chris' story next. He is an older character and as much as I have enjoyed the college aged guys, I am ready for some older characters. But that is my personal preference and I love that this author writes a series that has such diverse characters and can make it work whether her people are college aged or late twenties.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No but there are scenes of intimacy with other people.

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that you are going to want to read all in one sitting, otherwise you will be wondering about the outcome the whole night.
When Cam and Vanessa started dating it was love at first sight but one girl said Cam had cheated with her and it was the end for Van. Van has had trust issues her whole life and the minute they broke up Cam did every woman he met never repeating except for Dani. Dani will do anything to get Cam but they have a sex without commitment arrangement but Dani wants more. When Cam loses his roommate and Van is looking for one he suggests they room together and that they can be friends and not cross the line but they have some unresolved issues including Dani that pop up in their friendship that seem to be more and more tangled. Get your tissues and spend a afternoon reading this you won't be sorry

[Katy Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy ****!! I really did not want to put this book down!!! Jeez, i got whiplash but my god its incredible!!!!

A complicated love triangle thats leaves you reeling. When you think it will go one way, it swings to the other. I thought i hated Cam for a bit then. I have a major soft spot for Van but i also really like Dani. I sure hope she gets a happy ending!

An absolute amazing read! I adore this series soo much!!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/15/2021)! 🎁

[Krista Pudvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read this story!!!

Nicole Dykes has yet another excellent book in Untangled! It hooks you from the start, and pulls you in to this love/ hate story. You will love these characters, right up until the moment you want to smack the crap out of all of them. There is heartbreak, and you may never want this one to end. Do yourself a huge favor and read this whole series, because while each one is a stand-alone, you won't want to miss how all these lives and lives intermingle. Ex's may be able to live together, but what happens when everything they knew about each other changes? Can they handle that the friendship they so desperately want to keep, includes someone else possibly moving on?

[Amber Feist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely so drawn into this book, wow! Cam and Vanessa were a couple until a dirty little trust issue came up, even after breaking it off they couldn't stay away from each other, enter Dani ugh... not her fan at all I do love her hard core persona but she had no place where she was trying to be. This Book also has a lot of the Morgan family in it what's not to love right. Cam and Van are both very much in love with each other but nothing seems to permanently bring them back together, they fight they make up. Don't think that's all this books about because it's NOT at all, it's part of it, I laughed I felt emotionally up and down, it pulled in all the right spots and draws you in. Get Untangled and find out what's going on with the Morgan's and do Cam and Vanessa make it or break it.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated from the first sentence and could not stop reading til the end! Nicole Dykes has written an angsty, love story that will stay with you for a long while. Yes! It's that good and more! Let me start by saying I am #TeamVan all the way. Cam says he loves Vanessa but Vanessa has severe trust issues. After the breakup Cam is hurt but does nothing to try to get in other girls pants, namely Dani. Dani creates lots of friction between the ex's.

I loved it and hated the angst that was beautifully written! I did cry, and ask why!! Then I yelled at my kindle, why!! The roller coaster of emotions will get you in the Feels!! Just when I thought it couldn't get better it does!! POW!!! Right in the heart!! I really loved Van and Cam's and Dani's story!

***Was given a copy of the story for an honest review ***

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an Arc by the author for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this novel and getting my first introduction to the Monroe Family. I will definitely be going on to read them from the start. This group of friends/family is one I am tremendously interested in getting to know better. Great characters who keep you in their corners. A lot of fun to read and an easy read too... finished in a day or two because I sincerely didn't want to put it down.

[Amy K Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Nicole has done it again!! Loved this book!!! The Monroe's just keep getting better and better. Must READ!! Book!! And series! 2 👍👍up!! 2 Big toes up!! And a standing slow👏👏 clap!!! I LOVE JAX!!!!

[Dawne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this next installment in the Monroe family Saga. Can 2 ex's push back their feelings and become just friends and roommates? I have to admit, at the beginning of the book I was so frustrated with the two main characters. There was so much immaturity and pettiness that I just wanted to slap them both and scream get it together! As the story progresses and you get to see the insecurities and inner turmoil, and the reasons behind these insecurities, I wanted these two to open up to each other and yell just do it!!! Looking forward to the next book.

[Booklover Mercis Bookish Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Cam and Van😍😍😍 loved it!Loke two tempermental teens lol 5+ stars!Nicole Dykes has done it yet again.An amazing story of love,trials and happy endings!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I've read and it definitely won't be the last. This is the seventh book in this series and I haven't read the others, this book can be read as a stand alone read. This book has amazing characters you just fall in love with as you read. I couldn't put this book down till I'd finished it, I was totally hooked. This is an incredible story, I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Lexee Toste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed finally getting Cam and Vanessa's story! We have gotten pieces of them since Luke's story! Cam is part of Luke's core group and Hannah and Vanessa are best friends. We have seen the two of them circle each other for multiple books and years. This is the seventh book in the series and for the most part it stands on its own but I would highly recommend reading the other books. You will definitely get more enjoyment out of this and know the ins and outs of characters and past events that do come into play. This story is weaved really well. Cam and Vanessa have a rocky road on the way to their happily ever after. They hurt each other multiple while trying to figure things out. Vanessa has a hard past, one that she wants to leave in the past but it affects the way that she interacts with people. She has kept it a secret. The sex is explicit in this story and it absolutely plays a part. Cam sleeps around with multiple, always has (except when with Vanessa) and for most of the story Vanessa and Cam are not in a relationship. We get to see both characters grow, as well as catch up with the rest of the family. I love the Monroe's and can never get enough. I do with that we had gotten to see more of Cam and Vanessa together but I understand why the book is the way it is. Hopefully we will get to see them together with a little bit of focus on them later on in the series, or in a catch up with everyone book. I absolutely loved this one and I can't wait for the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[BookSmackedMel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well where in the fuck do I even start with this one.....

I swear I was just thinking to myself it's been weeks since I've read a book that had me raving/ranting basically going balls to the wall crazy over it. The book gods answered my inner prayer with this book.

Where to even begin to discuss the cluster fuck of shit that is going on in this one. Well just look at that first sentence in the blurb. Exes can be friends, right? <<<<< WRONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good lawd this book made me want to physically jump into it and start literally fucking people up, slapping themselves across the back of the head, bitch slapping them and then kicking them when they are down all the while screaming GET YOUR MOTHERFUCKING SHIT TOGETHER !!!!!!!

This book has some Angst, so many freaking moments that will have you frustrated beyond hell but dayummm I absolutely love those types of books.

And seriously just when you think they finally have it figured out and you are all like "well thank the fucking lord its about damn time" NOPE WRONG AGAIN Nicole Dykes splashes cold water on you and say WAKE UP I'm not done yet.

Whew talk about some DRAMA, some cat fights that turn into all around BRAWLS lol two of the characters come to blows and HOLY SHIT I'm sitting over here stuffing my face full of popcorn yelling "Get that bitch, hit her make her fucking bleed" and I'm saying that out loud to both of the characters like a crazy person.

Yeah so this book it was ummm it was good.

That is all.

[Ann Kelly-Uhryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review.

These are standalone books however, if you want the best experience of getting to know the characters you should start back at the beginning. You'd have a better understanding of this close nit "family".

This story is about Cam and Vanessa who originally dated before this story. They broke up because someone told Vanessa that Cam cheated on her, as the story unfolds we learn that she has trust issues due to her past which she never told Cam about.

This is a love triangle because while broken up Cam begins to sleep with Dani as a no strings, easy hook-up. However, Dani begins to let down her defenses and begins to fall for Cam.

Cam despite the easy hook-ups with Dani does care for her, but his heart belongs to Vanessa. He struggles to show Vanessa that they are meant to be together and when he realizes that she wont back down he decides to give Dani a shot.

Vanessa does everything in her power to try to push Cam away. Living together being a huge mistake because they both still love one another and are jealous as heck of the other's intent to date someone else. But Vanessa struggles with how to keep Cam at bay.

Once Vanessa confides in Cam about her past when she is trying to leave so he can be free to be with Dani things change. Cam realizes that his sleeping around after their break-up was the worst thing to do because of her trust issues. And Vanessa runs away because she knows that she can't trust Cam and she thinks he deserves better.

Overall the plot line was pretty good for this book.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of the series I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to say that I probably would have been better invested in these characters if I had read the previous books but the author does a good job of explaining who everyone is and their relationship to each other. That said, there are a lot of other characters and I did get a little confused at times.

Cam, Van and Dani find themselves in an unintentional love triangle and at times I wanted to shake Van to bring her to her senses. I didn't quite understand why she felt she couldn't be with Cam but it made for a very interesting storyline. Despite previously being in a relationship with Van, Cam's feelings for Dani complicate matters and I really wasn't sure which way that relationship was going to go. I really liked Cam, although he too received a virtual shake from me for the way he treated Van on occasions. There's a fair amount of too'ing and fro'ing between these three, a bit like watching a tennis match, and it keeps you on your toes.

This book has a bit of everything. Great friendships, fabulous sexy scenes, love, angst and a bitch fight! A great read I would definitely recommend. Chris's story is next and I'm interested to see what Ms Dykes can do with an older man!

[S. Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dykes does it again ... I didn't expect anything less. I'm a huge fan of this author and I've loved every book of hers that I've read. I wait impatiently for each one to come out, the Monroe Series just gets better and better with each release, this one is not the exception. I loved it and read it as fast as I could.

This is a standalone, so you can read it even if you haven't started at the first in the series, but I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't read each and every one. There were a few I was skeptical about, after the first one, I didn't believe I could fall so in love with each and every character, but I have with each book and the best part is, you get to catch glimpses of what's happening in the lives of the characters you already love while falling in love with the next one you're reading about. It takes talent to be able to have the reader get to know your character so well, you can't help but love them.

So, Nicole, who is next??? I can't wait! (Just kidding--I read the bonus scene so I know the answer and all I can say is: Move those fingers over the keyboard, Lady! I can't wait)

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untangled is book 7 in the Munroe family
All books can be read as standalones.

This is Vanessa and Cam's story.
From the moment they both met they had an instant connection. Love at first sight if you want to label it. Things were great between the two until a year into their relationship when a jelouse girl lies to Van about sleeping with Cam.
Van's insecurities kick in due to her past and she breaks up with Cam. Cam doesn't know about Van's past so he can't understand why she won't belive him when he tells her nothing happened and he didn't cheat. Things get really messy and there is a whole love triangle beween Cam and Vanessa and Cam and Dani. Van and Dani a disliked for eachother.
Will true love win in the end???
This book contains hot wild sexy scenes, a messy love triangle, bitch fights and love.
What more could you ask for. Great read.
At the end of the book we get a sneak peak of book 8 and i cant wait for that to come out.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa and Cam are complicated. These two have an amazing chemistry and bound, meeting in college and having an instant connection but Vanessa has pushed Cam out of her life. She just wants to be friends. As Cam struggles to fulfill Vanessa’s wishes, he goes back to his old ways of sleeping around. But yet, there are times when they hook-up. Then there is Dani, she loves Cam but tries to play it cool and enjoys their hook-ups. I got frustrated with Vanessa, I could tell she loves Cam but wouldn’t let herself embrace a relationship with him. You knew somewhere in her life she was hurt badly which has her bottle up her emotions to protect herself. Cam loves Vanessa and tries everything he can think of to break through the barriers. As all of their drama unfolds, we get to spend more time with the entire Monroe clan to experience how everyone’s lives keep growing and changing. This is a true rollercoaster of emotions for Vanessa, Cam and Dani. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Amy Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love this series and all the characters in it. This book is a bit different then the others. It still has the Monroe clan in it but they only here to voice their opinions and calm down the drama, if that's possible. Anyway, this book was seriously frustrating at times. Dealing with Cam, Vanessa and Dani along with all the feelings and secrets holding them back from happiness was a train wreck waiting to happen. Cam and Vanessa were in love and happy until her insecurities got the best of her. She is trying to be the bigger person but it's hard since Cam is a manwhore. Vanessa has secrets which she keeps tightly wrapped up. Dani is just Dani... She's got some issues as well. If you don't want to throw your kindle by the time you're done, then you need to reread this book again. I swear, I wanted to so many times. These characters are lovable and fun to read but at the same time, you want to smack their heads together so many times. Very well done to the author, this book was one of my favorites and I so enjoyed reading even if it doesn't sound like I did.

[Gwen Sargeant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated relationship, love, family, friends, marriage, and loads of advice. Nicole Dykes has brought three of the characters, Vanessa, Cameron, and Dani into a very tangled complicated relationship during the lead up to Cassie Monroes wedding to Hunter her college sweetheart. Cameron was originally involved with Vanessa in college with Dani thrown into the mix to stir things around however where there are women, there are emotional upheavals. Nicole Dykes has done a fantastic job of bringing them together to tell their story. My favourite part of the book is the marriage of Hunter and Cassie exchanging their wedding vows. I got very emotional and had tears of happiness for them knowing what the Monroe family has gone through. The whole family is a very loving family and will have you wanting to know more. I absolute adore this wonderful family.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another angst filled. emotion wrenching installment from this series. All the stories have interconnecting characters which is unique but can be disturbing. The group is either blood related or "sexually related" to one another. No matter what the family loves one another. In the beginning I was team Cam/Van. I wobbled a little because Van and her mixed signals were annoying. She claimed she didn't want Cam but didn't want him with anyone else either. They both were a little bit selfish. I didn't like how Cam used Dani. I know he thought she was a party girl and he really liked her but the "family" connection was just too close. It made things to easy for him and awkward for everyone else. Maybe the Monroe crew need to expand their friendship circle. I was never a fan of Dani but I thought she deserved better treatment. You get to see more of who she really is in this story. If you like angst filled stories with a sexy triangle than this is your book. You have anger, sadness, and love throughout the entire story.

[Chantal Baxendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Besides for the cover that is to die for, the story is nothing short of amazing. If you crave a read filled with hotheaded jealousy, bitchy cat-fights, lots of sexiness, shocking revelations and unexpected twists, then this is the book for you. At this stage of the series I know for a fact that the Monroe family is permanently fixed in your heart and soul which makes this so much more than just a story. The story actually touches base with a very sad reality the world is facing today, low self-esteem, no self-worth and the feeling that you are not good enough to deserve true happiness. It's painful to see someone go though the motions and never truly living life, but such a wonderful moment when you see such a person being patched up by love. I can not wait for the next installment of this series. Well done to the author for sharing her crazy family with us, the reader.

[Amanda Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an ARC for an honest review. Alright I both loved and hated this book! Mostly just because I want to beat the crap out of Dani, and Cam a bit too!! I'm sure when Nicole Dykes gets around to writing Dani's story she'll have convinced me to like her, but right now I can't stand her. Untangled is a complicated mess of a Love Triangle, but only because of Dani and Vanessa being ridiculous, then Cam not keeping his snake in his trousers! One of those girls must have never watched the movie "He's Not That Into You". I don't want to give away a whole lot since Nicole will keep you guessing about Cam's choice until near the end of the book. This was my first book by Nicole Dykes and it was a doozie!! Obviously it was a really good book since my emotions got invested into it. You should definitely one click this book!

[CrystalCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known this book was coming for a while and I was apprehensive about diving right in because I love all of the main characters in this book. They are all really great people, in my heart I knew one would get hurt and I didn't want that to happen. I also knew in my heart of hearts who would get hurt. So, with that in mind, I started reading this book thinking "Are you kidding me, Nicole?!!" Then I continued reading and the next thought, "That's effed up, Nicole." As the story progressed, I got to the, "That's totally jacked up and sneaky of Brooke, Nicole." In the end, after crying, I said to myself, "Damn, Nicole made me cry again, but it was totally worth it."
Nicole is a fabulous writer and I will always be willing to trust her to take me where she leads me...Thank you Nicole!

[Aisling Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam and van were an item a few years ago and are now friends but they still happen to "hook-up" and after each time Van states that it's not going to happen again but it doesn't happen.

One morning Cam wakes up in bed with Dani whilst being sexual with Dani he makes a mistake and calls out Van's name although this isn't unusual for Cam as he is know to be a player.

When Cam and Van decide to move into Cams place when their roommates move out can they remain friends or as Cam begins to open up to Van about personal things will they grow closer and when Am finds out that Van is keeping secret will this destroy what they have for good?

This is another fantastic book of the series and I can't wait for the next book!

Reviewed for Amo and Sarah corner gifted for an honest review

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC but will be purchasing once released.

I have been so excited waiting for this and I wasn't let down at all. Not only did I get to catch up with all the Monroe clan, I finally got to see how the Cam/Van/Dani story played out. I laughed a lot, cried a little, got angry then laughed some more (then got angry again and pretty much had an emotional roller coaster) I frigging loved it!!!! I am so glad I stumbled across this Series by Nicole. Can't wait to see where she goes next xoxo

[Jessica Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you speak about a book that leaves you breathless and feeling like your heart has been ripped out of your chest? I was in tears through most of the book do to my strong connection with Van, from our pasts to our presents. I highly reccomend this book for anyone who truly believes love conquers all. while at the same time I warn everyone to have tissues readily available through your read as the emotional rollercoaster will leave you feeling like you are hanging by a limb that is cracked and fractured about to plummet to the bottom of a cliff. Such a truly magical read.